#or they’d make a big deal out of it or pry

[commoncorps3]

i don’t know why my coworkers decide that it’s ok to just touch me randomly. one of them that did it today touched me and she knows I’m autistic but i guess shame on me for assuming other people can take a hint and figure out that I don’t like being touched. ive literally ranted to her before about how much I hate it when people bump into me so why did she feel like touching me as I’m literally walking in the building at 8 fucking am was a good idea (yes I know she was trying to be personable and nice bc she was asking if I was ok I think but please do not fucking touch me)

[cherie-doll]

𓆩♡𓆪 Headcanon : When They Come Back

✧˚ Ghost, Keegan, Soap, König, Phillip Graves

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥Fluff for you suckers -hope you enjoy the word vomit ;(

Working under constant danger put a strain on them, at moments when it seemed like the world was nothing but shambles and havoc they’d close their eyes and remember what brought them warmth. There was a certain feeling they yearned for and were only satisfied when you were near.

There is something special in knowing someone is waiting for you.

Ghost

This man comes back completely drained; physically, mentally, emotionally…

At first, he was hesitant concerning your worry about him

“If you won’t let me take care of you, who will?”

Might be a little distant at first, it takes time for his mind to come back

No going out, at all

You say comforting phrases to him

“You’re not at war anymore, you can come home”

He’s been through a lot, a warm meal and hugs are all he needs for days afterward :(

It takes some time for him to recharge

When he feels better he lets you know much he appreciates everything you do for him

Takes time to admire you; he silently takes in your facial features

Affectionate gazes that flicker between your eyes and lips

He knows you aren’t obliged to it yet you make an effort for him and that makes him feel like he’s earned a much better reward than money or glory could give him

Keegan

Saying this man missed you is an understatement

It’s like you placed a spell on him the moment he met you

If it were up to him, he wouldn’t want to be a moment away from you

He’ll miss you in silence, won’t send letters or texts or anything knowing it’ll make his heart ache more

But when he walks through the door he falls to kissing you

Bites your lip just for the taste of you on his tongue

His lips leave yours for breaks in between intense kisses to whisper “I love you”

He feels empty without the intimacy and closeness of you

He doesn’t care what you do or don’t say, doesn’t expect anything big either, he just wants to see you with your arms open for him

Soap

No matter how bad it was this time, he always comes back with a smile on his face when you open the door

Even behind that loving smile, you catch the subtle dimness in his eyes

Peppers you with kisses all over your face

Extremely clingy

Needs to be reminded that the world can be kind and gentle

Needs you to dote excessively over him

You give him a shoulder massage as he washes up in the bathtub

Convinces you to join him

Afterward, you crawl into bed with him, cradling his head on your lap

Both of you turn into couch potatoes for a couple of days watching cozy films

König

Keeping up a stoic demeanor can be tiring, so he easily drops the poker face as soon as he buries his face into your neck

No matter how much prying you do, you won’t get him to open up about what disturbs him

He’d rather keep those horrors locked away from you, you’re his most cherished possession

A lot of quiet moments where he’s just content to be with you again

Little is said between you as tender and passionate kisses are exchanged

Don’t think he’ll leave your side for the next few days, you’re attached at the hip

As you trace the scars on his back to his shoulders, you feel his body tremble beneath your fingertips

Your touch is addictive to him; soothing him into a tranquil sleep

Phillip Graves

He’s had to deal with a lot of crap so he’s relieved to finally come back to some peace, and most importantly; you

At first, he didn’t want to overwhelm you with issues that aren’t yours, but as your relationship progressed he started opening up more

Oftentimes, he’s in an irritable mood when he comes back

You listen to him rant if that’s what he needs

Other times it gives him too much of a headache to even think about

He adores you for understanding him without words being spoken

With so many enemies he has, he feels undeserving of you, someone who’s like a warm ray of sunshine in his austere life

When he falls silent you know that’s your cue

A sort of haze entrances him as you trail soft, torturous kisses along his jaw

Your scent obscures his mind as he gets drunk on your affection

He can’t even remember what he was mad about

[elexaria]

living with ghoap was nice. two big burly fellas to keep you company, to reach the top shelves in the kitchen for you, to absolutely plough you into the mattress when you couldnt itch your own scratch for once. they were good lads.

but there were countless times where they’d be away for work, so you knew you couldnt be fully dependent on them. they knew that too, so they weren’t exactly going to object to you having fun without them. so long as you were happy and safe, they were content.

but fuck, the men out there are absolutely horrible to deal with. sleazy, there’s just… no ability to have any kind of banter with these things that think only with their cocks.

until you meet kilgöre alexander.

he’s gigantic, his shoulders probably share the same width as mount everest’s base. easily, kilgöre is the tallest man you’ve ever been with. he dwarfs simon in size, which is very telling in itself.

it’s hard to pry away at who kilgöre is as a person. he’s austrian, likes keeping himself to himself. absolutely refuses to tell you what he does for a living, because it’s on a need to know basis. “sounds like something a terrorist would say.” you jokingly coo one night at dinner, smirking as he rolls his foggy blue eyes at your comment. “har har, very funny.” he mockingly says, the corners of his lips twitching ever so slightly.

he’s one of the best things that’s happened to you in a while. he doesn’t know about the particular living arrangement you share with simon and johnny— like he says, it’s on a need to know basis. plus, you haven’t boned either of them since you met this fella. ghoap know what’s up, but they’re not bothered by it. they’re just glad to see you doing well for yourself. “ye have a glow about ye, love.” johnny coos in your ear one day, smirking as he watches you fluster and flounder around the kitchen, trying to make excuses. “it’s the vitamins i’m taking” this and “i’ve quit dairy” that. he knows the truth, simon know its too.

but there’s one thing that makes the attachment to this man absolutely unbearable.

he disappears from time to time.

some days it’s only a couple of days, maybe a couple of weeks at a push. absolutely no contact.

he swears it’s to do with his line of work, that one day he’ll be able to tell you everything. but for now, he asks just for one thing.

“just… wait for me.”

it’s been almost a month with no contact from kilgöre, and it feels like every morning with no text, no nothing, you have a growing pit inside of you that can’t stop gnawing at you, eating you up whole. what the fuck? what could he possibly do for a career that makes it so he goes days without checking his phone? it makes you feel sick to your stomach. what if he’s in a gang or something?

besides, how the fuck can you keep on waiting for someone who you don’t even know is even alive? for all you know, this behemoth of a man has been hog tied and dumped at the bottom of a lake with cinder blocks strapped to his feet. how are you supposed to wait for someone who shows no signs of leaving or coming back?

“that light in yer eyes has dulled.” johnny remarks one evening, a sad smile on his lips. your eyebrows knit together, feigning confusion. “huh? oh, yeah. uh… it’s the gluten intolerance i reckon.” you murmur to yourself, flashing a weak smile to consolidate his inquisitive gaze. “i’m fine, though.”

simon huffs as he leers next to you, skilfully flaying pieces of fish with a pensive look. both you and johnny glance at him, which only makes him grunt in response. you furrow your eyebrows at him, urging him to elaborate on what the pressing issue is.

“we reckon shit’s hit the fan with that new bloke of yours.” simon bluntly replies as he wipes off the chopping board with a damp cloth, hands gently scooping up guts, scales and delicate fish bones to dispose of. you scoff, eyes never leaving the cuts of fish meat that rest on a plate, waiting to be delicately battered and fried up.

“whatev—“

“and i know you, you’ll try and refute the truth that i know what’s going on. that we know what’s going on. so, none of this nonsense, alright? what’s up?”

johnny and simon silently watch you, their simultaneous waiting for any reaction from you making your skin crawl. at first, you scowl and huff. shifting your weight from foot to foot as you become defensive. simon cuts you off again, “none of that bollocks. tell the truth.”

you give in. on bated breath, you explain the whole situation. how kilgöre is the kind of man you had never expected to fall for, how he had managed to steal your attention even while being so elusive and secretive. how you desperately want him to come back to you, like he said he would.

johnny frowns, and simon nods in your direction, wiping his blood stained hands with the damp cloth. “fishy hands.” he murmurs, wiggling his fingers to prove he can’t comfort you with a hug. johnny nods, swiftly making his way around the kitchen island to come give you a warm hug. it’s a solid hug, one you’d never object to having. johnny’s large hands rub circles to your back, his bearded chin resting against your shoulder as he sways gently.

simon stands behind johnny, holding eye contact with you as he continued to carefully clean his hands. he raises his eyebrows in thought, before glancing down at his fingernails as he begins to meticulously clean underneath them to rid his skin of all things fish.

“this… kilgöre bloke. i reckon if he’s the one, he’s worth waitin’ for. but don’t think for a second he should get away with leavin’ you this long without so much as a text, yeah? rip ‘im a new one when he comes back.” he advises, glancing back up at you with a slight smirk when he hears you chuckle, your laugh strained with emotion.

he steps closer, carefully tilting your chin up so you can meet his gaze better. he gently wipes a stray tear from your cheek. “if he’s the man you think he is, he’ll explain everything if you ask him to. and if he does? great. if he doesn’t?” you wince at the idea, frowning.

he sighs, pressing a gentle kiss to your brow.

“then he’s a bloody eejit, as our johnny boy would say.”

[moonstruckme]

Hiya Mae!! How are you?? It’s been a little bit but I was hoping I could request a poly!marauders fic (+plus Lily if you’re comfortable with doing that if not it’s fine). This week is the 6th anniversary of my brothers passing and this year is a bit harder as I’m turning 18. Having such a milestone coming up and him not being here is sorta making me sick. I was wondering if maybe you could base the fic off of that? Or something to do with grief and them helping reader out. I’ve found great comfort in the abundance of love you portray with their relationship and I could do with a lil of it.

If not it’s totally fine don’t feel obligated. Hope you have a good week!!

Hi sweetheart, sorry I couldn't get this to you during the week you requested it. I was also dealing with a bit of grief at the time and it felt too raw to try for a while. I hope you're doing well and that you really enjoy being 18, even if those feelings are complicated by your loss <33

cw: mentions of death, grief

poly!marauders x fem!reader ♡ 622 words

The sky is turning from deep blue to black outside when Sirus notices you’ve slipped into a melancholy. 

The only hint of it is in your tone. You’ve been quipping about the film you’re all watching like you always do, bouncing off his and James’ comments and Remus’ amused grunts, but there’s a falsity to the cheer in your voice. This is something you and James have in common; when Sirius or Remus are upset it permeates the area around them like a thick fog, but the two of you have a way of keeping it contained within yourselves, putting on counterfeit smiles. Sirius often wonders if it doesn’t hurt you more. 

He leans away from where he’s been resting his head on Remus’ pectoral, snaking an arm around your shoulders. 

“Penny for your thoughts, pretty girl?” he asks quietly. 

You shrug. Swallow. “Just thinking about them,” you murmur in reply. 

Sirius suspects this isn’t the full story, but he, too, knows the necessity of papering over certain pains. He doesn’t pry. 

Before the war—before Regulus—Sirius used to think that grief was the pain that came from the love you had for the lost person being ripped away from you. But even months after his brother’s death, all the love is still there. It’s amplified, if anything, every ounce of it demanding attention now that he can no longer take it for granted even a little bit. 

What went was the ritual of it all. The peculiar brand of happiness he’d felt around Reg, never easy but still there, buried beneath layers of troubled history and shared broodiness. The inside jokes they’d barely realized they had, things no one who wasn’t raised in their house would see the humor in. The surety that if they fought, they’d get a chance to make up. Sirius will never have those things with his brother again. In memories, maybe, but now they’ll always be tinged with the love so big it hurts. 

He wishes desperately he could keep you from hurting like that. 

He shuffles closer, awkwardly wrapping his other arm around you until he’s nearly covering your body with his. It’s like he thinks he can shield you, like he can protect you from grief after he’d failed to protect you from loss. 

“I’m sorry,” Sirius says. 

You shake your head, turning so it’s jammed in the juncture of his neck and shoulder. Your face feels hot. “I don’t know what to do,” you choke out. 

Sirius squeezes you tighter. He gets it, but he doesn’t. He knows how it feels to grieve, but not how to grieve your person in your way. It’s an ache he can only approximate. 

“Sweetheart.” James’ voice sounds pained, and he gets up from Remus’ other side, rounding the couch to climb onto the armrest beside you. He rubs your back with one hand, the other coming to rest on Sirius shoulder, a comfort in case he needs it. “I don’t think there’s anything you can do, my love.” 

Sirius feels a hot tear slip down his neck into his shirt, and James winces as your shoulders hitch under his touch. Remus makes a soft pitying sound. 

“You’re alright.” He latches onto the last unclaimed part of you, rough hand soothing up your calf. “You’re okay.” 

“Sorry,” you manage, and Sirius squishes you punishingly in his arms, pressing a staunch kiss to the side of your head. 

“Don’t be silly,” he tells you. James makes a half-choked sound of agreement. “No sorries, okay?” 

You nod, the bump of your nose moving against Sirius’ neck. He gives you another kiss to show his approval. 

“You’re alright, darling,” Remus says again. “Take all the time you need. We’ve got you.” 

[yournowheregirl]

Eddie used to be a pretty fearless person.

He ran red lights almost on the daily, provoked his bullies while his bruises from the last run-in were still healing and agreed to shady drug deals in the dead of night.

Having a kid changed all that.

As soon as Hayley was born, Eddie found himself riddled with anxiety every waking moment of the day. Scared to drop her, scared she’d get sick, scared she’d break something, scared that someone’d take her from the playground if he looked away for just one second. Even Wayne had to pry Hayley out of his arms when he had to go back to work and assure him that everything would be fine.

Lucky for Eddie, none of those fears ever came true. Until today.

They’d just gone through Hayley’s night time routine - reading a chapter of that Narnia book Jeff had gotten her, singing her good night song together, kissing her forehead and sharing I love you's - and Eddie’s about to close her bedroom door when Hayley’s squeaky voice suddenly speaks up.

“Dad?”

“Yeah, sweet pea?”

“I wanna join the soccer team.”

And just like that, with six little words, one of Eddie’s personal horrors suddenly becomes a reality.

His daughter is a jock.

“Uh, let’s… let’s talk about that in the morning, okay? Sleep tight!” Eddie says quickly and closes the door behind him.

As soon as he knows Hayley’s fast asleep, he dials one of the two numbers he knows by heart.

“Hello?"

“What have you done to my daughter?” Eddie seethes.

“Well, hi to you too, Eddie.” Chrissy says on the other side of the line. “What’s up?”

“Hayley wants to join the soccer team and it’s all your fault, Chris!” Eddie is pacing up and down his living room now, trying to calm himself down without reaching for his cigarettes - he quit when Hayley was born and this is not going to be the reason that’ll end his seven year streak.

“And how is that my fault, exactly?”

“You- you have poisoned her mind with your jock ways! Hayley isn’t a jock! She likes dragons and castles and fantasy worlds, as is her right as my daughter. I mean, her middle name is Arwen for fuck’s sake, being a nerd is in her goddamn DNA!”

“Okay, Eddie, breathe.” Chrissy says calmly. “Hayley’s always been a curious kid, it’s in her nature. She always wants to try new things and then move on to the next big thing. Remember how she wanted to become a drummer after she saw Gareth play? And then she abandoned the drum kit after two weeks?”

“Right.”

“Maybe this is just another phase, maybe she overheard some classmates and wanted to join in on the fun.” Chrissy says. “Just take her to try outs and see what happens, there’s always a chance she doesn’t like it.”

Eddie lets himself fall onto the couch. He pinches the bridge of his nose and sighs in defeat. “Fuck, you’re right.”

“I’m always right, Eddie, how have you not learned this yet?” Chrissy giggles.

Which is how Eddie finds himself waking up at the crack of dawn that next Saturday. Well, he was supposed to sleep in for another thirty minutes or so but Hayley was so excited about try-outs that her high pitched screams and jumping on his bed woke him up regardless.

Hayley’s excitement carries on during breakfast and she barely keeps still as Eddie braids her hair. She’s even dead serious about the color of her hair ties, saying that they have to match the colors of the soccer team (aptly named the Purple Cobras, so obviously the hair ties have to be purple as well).

And any other morning, Eddie is trailing behind his daughter, making sure she hurries up so they’ll get to school on time, but not today. Now, she’s already got her coat on and bouncing from one foot to another in the hallway and calling him out instead.

“Dad, come on!” Hayley whines. “We’re gonna be late.”

“I’m coming, I’m coming.” Eddie huffs as he puts on his trusty leather jacket - if he’s gonna freeze his balls off by being outside all morning, at least he’s gonna do it in style. He can’t help but laugh at Hayley, who’s now jumping up and down from excitement. “Geez, you better save some energy for the try-outs.”

“Can we go now?” Hayley sighs and scrunches her nose in annoyance and yeah, she really is his kid.

“One ride in the Munson Mobile, coming right up!”

Hayley doesn’t shut up about the intricacies of soccer the entire drive to the local soccer club, apparently Chrissy (the traitor) had helped her read up on the rules and now obviously Eddie had to know all about them as well.

Half of what Hayley’s saying flies over his head, partly because he’s never really cared for sports but mostly because he can feel his anxiety growing with every passing second.

What if Hayley gets injured? What if some tackles her and she breaks her leg? Or worse?

What if she is an amazing player and she needs all these fancy soccer supplies and training clinics and Eddie’s forced to get another job to just to keep them afloat?

What if she’s weak at sports, just like Eddie was while growing up, and all the other kids will make fun of her and laugh behind her back?

What if-

“Dad, look, we’re here!”

The van barely comes to a screeching halt and Hayley’s already halfway out the door when Eddie grabs her by the collar and pulls her back into her seat. This obviously annoys Hayley, judging by the furious look on her face. If Eddie was a weaker man, he would’ve cowered in fear, but he invented that look so he barely feels a thing.

“Sweet pea, listen to your dear old dad for a minute, alright?” Eddie says softly. “I know you really wanna be on the soccer team but it’s still okay if you don’t make the team, you know that right? I won’t love you any less if you don’t make it or you don’t like it, just try your best, okay?”

Hayley’s face turns serious, as if the words are slowly sinking in. “Okay.”

“Pinky promise?” Eddie asks, holding out his pinky finger. Within a split second, Hayley’s tiny finger links around him and she sends him a toothy smile.

“Pinky promise.”

“C’mon, let’s kick these kids’ butts!”

Hayley giggles. “You’re supposed to kick the ball, dad.”

“Oh, right, silly me.” Eddie grins and follows his daughter outside.

But right as his anxiety has died down, it comes flooding right back as soon as Eddie lays eyes on the soccer field. There are so many kids. So many balls being kicked at full speed, with no time to duck. So many sneering soccer moms who look at him like he’s the devil incarnate. So many dangers just waiting around the corner and Eddie just want to turn on his heel and run. Hayley’s inevitable temper tantrum be damned, at least she’ll be in one piece and-

“Hayley Arwen Munson?”

Both Eddie and Hayley whip their heads around at the same time, only to be greeted by one of the coaches and shit- Eddie’s suddenly very interested in soccer.

With a chiseled jaw, soft hazel eyes and broad shoulders, the coach looks like he belongs in a Calvin Klein ad rather than a little league soccer field. He’s wearing a wind breaker, white knee socks and bright purple shorts (that cling deliciously tight around his thighs), which shouldn’t work on him but it does and Eddie just can’t look away.

Hayley (thankfully) doesn’t seem to notice his inner turmoil and instead happily waves at Hot Coach. “Over here!”

The coach writes something on the clipboard and walks towards them, crouching down in front of Hayley. “Hi Hayley, I’m coach Steve, nice to meet you. You here to try out for the soccer team?”

“Yes!” Hayley replies brightly.

“Well good, you can say hi to coach Robin and the other girls and I’ll be there in a sec, okay?”

“Okay.” Hayley nods and turns to Eddie. “Bye dad!”

“Hold up, hold up, hold up.” Eddie says quickly, once again grabbing the back of her t-shirt to keep her from running off. He kneels down in front of her, trying to look her in the eye. “Be careful, okay, baby? And if you don’t like it you can just yell and I come and get you, no questions asked. And if your laces get loose, you can yell too, literally if anything goes wrong you can-”

“Dad…” Hayley interrupts him and puts her tiny hand onto his shoulder. “It’s gonna be okay.”

Eddie laughs and ducks his head. God, this is like kindergarten all over again, when Hayley just skipped to Miss Coleman without a care in the world and Eddie was sobbing into Wayne’s shoulder as he watched her go.

“I know it will be, sweet pea.” Eddie says softly, pressing a kiss to Hayley’s forehead. She takes that as her cue to go, skipping across the field towards the gaggle of girls that surround another one of the coaches.

Eddie feels his heart burst as he sees Hayley smiling as she greets the other girls, she seems to fit right in. He sighs deeply and stands up, trying to keep his eyes on Hayley, when a voice suddenly speaks up.

“Arwen.”

“Jesus Christ!” Eddie yelps because shit, he totally forgot that Coach Steve was still there as well. “Yeah, she’s named Arwen. What about it?"

Eddie wants to eat his foot as soon as he utters the words. He’s always been defensive when it comes to Hayley, being a single dad who doesn’t look like your standard suburban dad next door will do that to you. But to do it in front of a cute guy like that? It makes him want to kick himself. Repeatedly.

But much to his surprise, Steve doesn’t seem to mind all that much. In fact, there’s an amused smile playing on his lips. “That’s from Lord of the Rings, right?”

“Uh, yeah.” Eddie replies dumbly. He feels his walls lowering down - holy shit, this Steve guy is hot and he knows Lord of the Rings? If they weren’t around a bunch of kids right now, Eddie would’ve dropped to his knees already.

“Cute.” Steve chuckles and are Eddie’s eyes deceiving him or is Steve actually checking him out? Before he gets a chance to wrap his head around all that, Steve gestures back to the field. “Well, I gotta jet. Soccer waits for no one. See you around, Mr. Munson.”

“Ew, no. Mr. Munson is my dad.” Eddie winces, remembering all the times his neighbor growing up came by to help Wayne out and refuses to call him by his first name. “I’m Eddie.”

“Well then,” Steve smirks as he walks backwards. “see you around, Eddie.”

As Eddie tries to look like a normal human being instead of a total creep - which proves to be terribly difficult when Steve turns around and puts his ass on fully display in those damn shorts - he slowly begins to realize one thing.

Maybe Hayley’s decision to join the soccer team is the best idea she had in a long time.

[itsnathateasy]

Armin Week | Day 8 | SFW Prompts | Blind / Deaf Armin OR Birthday

word count: 1,9k warnings: a couple lingerie remarks author’s note: firstly, i couldn’t decide on armin planning your birthday or you planning his, so i did both! secondly, idk what it is with me and dj!connie?? i swear he sucks at it but baby boi loves mixing the tunes yk? i couldn’t deny him anything if i wanted to!

@armin-week-2024

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

Armin plans your birthday…

To someone like Armin, birthdays are a big deal, his birthday is a big deal, your birthday is a big deal, his friends’ birthdays are a big deal. He’s the type of person who has his calendars and planners marked with all of his favourite people’s birthdays and he also marks when he should start preparing for them. You were so used to this habit of his, he always got so excited and took care of even minor details. He put so much effort into it all, it was so cute to watch him do all of these things and you often helped him too; running an errand concerning the gift or texting the birthday person to hang out so that you could distract them while Armin and the rest of the group decorated the house and baked the cake.

Even though you knew how Armin was, you never expected anything extravagant for your birthday. You knew he was probably up to something, but didn’t want to pry; his plans never failed, you had no reason to worry. He’d give you an amazing birthday. However, you did want to take care of some preparations on your own, so you decide to let him know”. You know it’s my birthday in two weeks, right?” “Oh! So close already! I didn’t realise”. This was weird of him to say but you decided to brush it off. He was probably just playing dumb to make the surprise even better. “I know, right? I just wanted to ask you to not take care of the cake or candles. I’ve something particular in mind, I’d like to organise it myself. Is that okay? I know you love baking cakes with Jean and Sasha”. “Yeah yeah, that’s totally fine! No need to worry!” he said as he gave you a big smile and awkwardly gave you a thumbs with both of his fists.

Now, that’s fishy.

The days went by, not a sign of your upcoming surprise. Armin had gotten so good at this, you couldn’t find any clues in your shared apartment. Where were all the decorations and baking ingredients? You even checked his spotify and he’d make no new playlists.

You couldn’t help but feel a bit disheartened. Was he not in the mood to plan your birthday? Was your birthday not important anymore? Were YOU not important anymore? Was he tired of you? Did he want to break up and hadn’t found it in him to break the news right before your special day? As those thoughts kept circling in your mind, you realised you couldn’t help it. If Armin wanted to break up with you, he’d have to own it and face you. But you weren’t going to simply let your most special day of the year go by. You’d plan your own birthday and Armin could piss off.

The next two days were hectic for you. You still had three days to go but there were simply too many things to take care of and your life was already busy as it was. On those days, you barely saw Armin, which totally broke your heart. He really should talk to you about it. Even if you were to break up, you deserved to know, right?

You unlocked the door to your apartment, hands full of bags with all that you needed for your party; snacks, decorations, disposable straws and table cloths, ribbons and cards to write to your friends for their presents. Your phone was buzzing all day with texts of your friends that accepted your invitation and said they’d be there. Armin could never plan this as good as you could. As you managed to squeeze through your front door, you realised the apartment was completely dark, a sign that Armin hadn’t been home at all, or at least the kitchen lights would be on. Armin wasn’t home much these days either. Where was he even? What kept him this busy after work? “Ugh, honestly, fuck him. It’s my birthday after all!” you said aloud. While still setting the bags on the kitchen table and turning on the lights with your shoulder, the apartment lit up and you heard honks and popping noises, balloons flew around and all of your friends revealed themselves from behind your furniture, exclaiming “HAPPY BIRTHDAY Y/N” at the top of their lungs.

“What is going on you guys? It’s still three days until my birthday!”

They all rushed to hug and kiss you, handing you your presents. You were quickly holding a stack of about ten boxes and a few bags were awkwardly hanging from your hands. They all looked so happy though, Eren quickly turned the music on, Mikasa took a birthday cake - the birthday cake YOU’D ordered yourself! - out of your fridge and started planting those fancy silver candles you’d been desperate to find in it. Armin walked towards you and helped you by freeing your hands and putting all those gifts back on the floor.

“You didn’t seriously thought I’d forgotten your birthday, did you?”

“Armin, I thought you were breaking up with me, I was so depressed. Why are we celebrating my birthday this early?”

“Because you were all over my ass y/n, searching for your present and wanting to get this and that on your own. If I took any longer, it wouldn’t have been a surprise” he explained with a half smile.

“Armin Arlert, you’re the brightest man alive”. You let him pull you closer into his arms, relaxing in his embrace. “Happy birthday love” he said, planting a kiss on your forehead and handing you your present.

Needless to say the party was a massive blast, everyone had so much fun! (Even though Connie wanted to make himself the dj). It was the best birthday and it being a bit early wasn’t even a problem anymore. This only meant Armin had probably something even greater planned for the two of you for the actual date.

-after the party was over, in the midst of picking up rubbish off of the floor-

“Wait, did you really think I was breaking up with you y/n!?”

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

You plan Armin’s birthday…

“No Eren, YOU need to be the one to hang out with him! Besides, you’re hanging out together so often, he won’t even suspect! No, I can’t ask Historia to hang out with him out of the blue! Eren! I don’t even care! Figure it out! He’s your best friend!” you said and hang up on Eren. The trouble this boy was giving you. You and Mikasa were practically working yourselves overtime in order to plan Armin a surprise birthday party and Eren kept not doing his part of the preparations. Maybe you should just drop the subject, as he was being extremely unreliable. Whatever you two had him prepare these past two weeks, he’d do it wrong, you were starting to think it was deliberate.

“I’m sure he means nothing by it but you know Eren. He’s like this” Mikasa admitted with a sigh. “I’ll do my best to help you. Too bad Armin can’t help organise his own birthday, right? He’s so good at making things work”. She readjusted the bags in her hands, balancing them all, trying not to have anything fall on the ground.

“I don’t know what I’d do without you Mikasa. Sorry for dragging you to the shops with me on your day off!”

“No worries at all. Armin is worth all of this and more. I’m glad we’re planning this together!” she said and smiled at you brightly. “Let’s just leave all of our stuff at the venue. That way he won’t know what we’re planning. Do you think he suspects anything?”

“I’d be damned if hasn’t figured it all out already!” You felt your phone buzzing in your front pocket. “Oh wait. That’s him! Be quiet!”

“Hey there Armeen! What’s up?”

“Please don’t perpetuate this joke y/n!” he said laughing. “I was just curious, where’ve you been? I thought we were hanging out tonight?”

Shit. Shit shit shit. With this and that about Armin’s birthday, you’d totally forgotten you’d lied about hanging out with him. “I ugh… I’m out with Mikasa. Shopping. Uh… I found some reeeally nice lingerie you might like so wait for me? I’m sorry I’m late!”

“Okay, sure! Want me to bake up those chocolate croissants you bought the other day?”

“You’re seriously the best, Armin! Let me know if you want me to pick up anything on the way home!”

“Will do! See you later love!”

“Y/n we haven’t bought any lingerie. What are you going to tell him now? He’ll suspect stuff if you start babbling excuses”.

“We’re so doomed Mikasa… Let’s go back to the grocery store and buy one of those candy thong thingies? Then I can say I meant it as a prank or something…

-a few days later, at the venue-

“We’ll be there soon y/n. I lured him out by saying you were running late and had told Mikasa, who then told me. I think he bought it! I’ll pretend to be driving by your office building and then I’ll head straight to the venue.” Eren explained.

“Thank you, Eren, you’ve done great! Make sure to signal Mikasa when you’re about to arrive!”

“Don’t worry, we’ve got this! Gotta go, later!” he said and hang up abruptly.

“Where do I put this y/n?” Sasha asked and showed you one of the presents.

“Along with the rest of the gifts Sasha, on the big pile YOU built, remember? Why are you panicking?” you gave her a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder.

“It’s too much y/n! How can YOU not panic???” Sasha had literally been running around like crazy for the past thirty minutes or so.

“I would, but you guys have helped me out so much! Oh wait, this is a text from Mikasa”. You turned your phone screen towards Sasha.

“They’re a few minutes away” Sasha read aloud. “Everyone, positions!”

The commotion grew and grew until you were all at your assigned places. Historia, disguised as a security guard, by the front door, Connie on the dj platform (he insisted!) and the rest of you waiting in the main area, hands filled with confetti and balloons ready to be thrown up in the air.

“And as I was saying, this club is the real deal Armin, you have to see the dance floor”

“What are we even doing here Eren? I’m sure y/n will be worried sick if she doesn’t find me at home. We were supposed to spend my birthday together, just the two of us. Why did you have to drag me all the way here and-”

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARMIN!” Everyone shouted in unison. Connie started playing his music, everyone was hugging Armin and wishing him the happiest of birthdays, Historia let some more of Armin’s friends inside the venue and (finally) dropped her disguise to join into the hugging. Armin was all flushed and smiled so so bright, he couldn’t believe they’d all gathered up to organise him a massive birthday party!

“Honestly guys, thank you so much! This is huge! How many people have you invited?”

“The real mastermind behind all this is y/n! She planned the whole thing!” Eren said as he shooed Armin towards you.

Cupping your face in his hands he said “Guess the wine and charcuterie will’ve to wait, right?” and then kissed you on the lips.

“Happy Birthday… Armeen! I love you so much”, you chuckled into the kiss.

“I love you too y/n”

-later, while dancing-

“And, y/n, did you really buy that lingerie you were talking about the other day?”

Your face dropped at this reminder. How can you even admit that it’s a candy thong!?

“Well, about that…”

[avvail]

You are the love child of 2 very known heroes and you get kidnapped by the villain, it's been 2 weeks already and your parents still didn't even try to save you.

With a clunk, the boot of the car was lifted open. The civilian’s eyes scrunched shut at the assault of the sunlight, and a muffled grunt was soaked by the gag in their mouth.

They felt a hand grip their arm, and they were hurled out of the cramped space. Their feet hit the ground, and even with their hands tied behind their back, they still attempted to pry themselves out of the villain’s grasp.

Fingers tugged the gag out of their mouth, and the civilian sucked in a sharp breath.

“Let go of me,” they snarled, feet digging into the ground as they tried to fight the villain’s relentless strength. They were dragging them towards a large house, a different location as to where they’d been stored for the past two weeks.

The villain offered them a sharp glance. “Keep quiet, kid. It’s not like anyone is going to hear you.”

The civilian bared their teeth. “My parents will find me,” they snarled. “You know they will. You should just give up while you still can.”

Although the civilian hadn’t yet followed their parents in their career path as a hero, they weren’t afraid of the situation they found themselves in. They were confident their parents would do anything to get them back.

“Keep telling yourself that,” the villain sighed. They seemed more dejected than before. Maybe it was because their parents were close; that must have been why they were switching locations.

The civilian put up a grand struggle on the way into the house, enough that they were sure the villain was starting to get a little miffed. They shoved them down onto a sofa in the open living room, giving them a good view of the scenery outside and the big kitchen to their left.

They thrashed and kicked as they bound their ankle to a chain, connected to the table. They jerked violently, but it didn’t budge.

The villain took a seat in front of them, and put the gag back in their mouth. The civilian was sweaty and clammy, but they had enough strength to muster a dark glare. The villain sighed heavily, their eyes tired.

“I just need you to listen right now, kid,” they murmured. “So listen. I don’t really care if you don’t believe me. Your parents aren’t coming.”

The civilian made a muffled grunting sound, making their defiance known. The villain sighed heavily.

“I don’t think you understand me,” they began again. Their gaze was softer this time, voice pleasantly low. “Your parents aren’t coming because they don’t want to.”

The civilian frowned.

“It’s been two weeks, kid. Two weeks, and they haven’t even bothered to come find you.”

For a moment, the civilian felt their heart sink, but they tried to remind themselves that this was villain, their parents’ nemesis. They would do anything to mess with their head. They mustered up a glare, but this time, it was considerably weaker.

The villain was looking at them in pity. Pity that made their heart squeeze painfully. That couldn’t be right.

“It’s not like they don’t know,” they hummed. “I’ve told them. But they haven’t done anything about it. They’ve left you, kid. For a couple that seem to love each other so much, I don’t think they give two shits about you.”

The civilian frantically shook their head. Their parents loved them. They wanted them to grow up to be a successful hero just like they were, to pass on the mantle and watch them thrive. There was no way they would...willingly leave them in the villain’s clutches.

“I know I’m being blunt, but I honestly don’t care,” they shrugged. The civilian could feel their breathing start to thin. “I’m not trying to hide it from you. Here.”

They stood up, switching a prominent news channel on. It was live, footage of their parents dealing with low grade villain and a fire at a bank. The civilian watched them fight, watched them banter, and they had the biggest urge to go home. But the villain’s voice ripped that away from them.

“You’re in a different country, you know,” they drawled, making them sniffle on the verge of tears. They didn’t look at them. “I thought it would draw them away from the city at least, to give some sort of sign they were actively following your trail. But no such a luck. Now I’m stuck with their hard headed brat.”

The villain shrugged lazily, turning to the kitchen. The civilian silently watched them go, before their eyes glued themselves to the television. Their parents were talking to the off-screen reporter, answering their questions with beaming smiles.

When they looked at each other, it was clear they were enamored.

“This is our job,” he heard one of his parents say, arms looped around the others waist. “It’s our number one priority. We wouldn’t give up this city for the world.”

Not even for me, the civilian thought. There was no trace of concern, of fakeness, of urgency to look for their missing child. Nothing. The civilian forced themselves to look away from the television. They couldn’t bear to watch.

The villain returned half an hour later. The civilian had silent tears streaming down their cheeks, eyes flickering towards them when they placed some soup on the table. Fingers jerked the gag out of their mouth.

“This is a trick,” they whispered quietly. There mouth was dry, and the glass of water looked really tempting. “To...To get me to turn against my parents, and—”

“Don’t be silly,” the villain interrupted. “Eat.”

The civilian did, once their hands were untied. The soup was tasty and it was nice to get some water down their throat. They eyed the chain wearily, having not bothered to wipe the dampness from their cheeks.

“Why don’t you just let me go?”

The villain hummed, staring at the TV screen. It was showing videos of their parents. Their seemed to be a crease in their brow, the hatred in their eyes clear.

“Because then you’d run away, kid,” they finally answered, switching the TV off,” and you don’t deserve that.”

[accidentally-in-fictional-love]

Chocolate Whiskey and a Borrowed Bed - Leo Fiske/Jack Delroy

Warnings: Era-influenced homophobia, publicly closeted Leo, entirely closeted Jack, mutual pining, Leo really gets around, blowjobs, handjobs, anal sex, hopes for the future ;w;

Wordcount: 10074

Summary: It's been one year exactly since Night Owls was brought back from the dead, so Leo throws the crew and their friends a big party at his unlisted address so they can all celebrate properly away from prying eyes after the near disaster last year almost was, and maybe, a little party is all Jack needs to finally get some things off his chest.

Notes: I wrote this for my wonderful talented amazing friend @glamgoths for her birthday, love youuuu 🥰💗💗💗 she's a Jack/Leo truther to the point where it made me a Jack/Leo truther, Leo became so cool in my eyes that I not only have fun writing him in readers but it also overwrote my selfship jealousy in order to ship him with Jack, so I surprised her with this hehe

Halloween, 1978.

No one could explain what had happened last year no matter how they looked at it, their carefully planned show to get great ratings just in time for the start of Sweeps Week nearly ruined by a series of bad luck. Even he couldn’t figure it out, not with undeniable certainty, but it’d led to Christou getting some kind of food poisoning after his unknowingly staged communication with someone in their audience, then some carefully planned messages from some poor woman's son, and finally ending with him throwing up all over Haig after having to deal with his usual bullshit. 

It was funny if not shocking, but it had done the ratings good, something from his pre-show meal turning the contents in his stomach black, squid ink he'd said, which sounded disgusting when Leo had heard it, but damn if it hadn't worked in their favour.

Haig had kept his check in the end, and he'd flashed it in June's face when he'd been able to recreate the same kind of hypnosis as her, hell, it’d even gotten him a little backstage, but he’d never admit it. She'd stormed out when Jack tried to replay the footage of Lilly’s possession to then prove that she hadn’t faked anything, that'd been the last straw even with Lilly wanting to show Haig once and for all that he was wrong, and the show had ended with Cleo singing to a disappointed audience. But the ratings, the fight for that last scene that never came, they'd impressed Cavendish’s new vice president of marketing just like they’d wanted, and it'd brought the show back to life.

It was a year later, Halloween again, and this time Jack was determined to have Haig eat his words. He'd searched high and low for even better guests, found another illusionist like Haig had been but better, and the moment she’d walked out on stage it was clear that there was an air to her that Christou hadn’t held. She'd claimed to levitate as well as commune with the dead and read futures, and he'd almost paid - his presence was practically required after last year, to Jack's chagrin - but decidedly hadn't when she refused to tell him how it was done. The audience had been split, one half telling him to pay her while the other wanted to know how she did it when he did the same and he was perfectly fine with explaining it, and she'd ended up being consoled by Jack when she became overwhelmed on camera.

Leo didn't like that part of the show, just another June to replace Madeleine, and he'd downed a bit too much whiskey as the show continued on after the break. She didn't stay no matter how much Jack pleaded for her to, her bit was done in her eyes and Haig wouldn't let up even when the cameras were off, so Leo had to be the one to help her gather her stuff and make sure she reached her ride. He did it as calmly as possible even though the memory of Jack's arms around her made him light up a smoke while they waited by the busy street, despite her request that no one smoke around her; it was petty, but she'd live, a little smoke wouldn't kill her when it was very clear she'd only come on the show because she wanted to be near Jack, not because she believed in his mindset about the occult despite her career choice.

The show was wrapping up now, it felt like it'd lasted several hours this time instead of just one, and Leo had Jack's favourite ready for him with a spin, picked especially for tonight; it was a glass of Ballotin's new brand of chocolate whiskey, to keep in the spirit of Halloween and candy while also being perfect for a man surely stressed beyond belief because he needed to top last year, and as soon as the cameras cut and he handed over the glass, Jack downed it all before he even had a chance to open his mouth to congratulate him on how it’d went. It took him a moment to register the chocolate amidst the usual burn of the whiskey, his eyes going wide in surprise as Leo just smirked.

‘Thought you could use a taste of the party before we get there,’ he told him before blowing a light lungful of smoke towards the ceiling, Jack swirling the last drops around before taking a sniff.

‘So is this considered a trick, or a treat?’ he asked him, already starting to calm again now that it was over, and Leo liked the sight of that as he led him backstage to gather his own things as the crew cleaned up for the night. 

‘Depends on how much of a surprise it was,’ he figured as they reached the snack table, or what was left of it, it'd been picked clean between the crew and Jack sneaking the chocolatey treats to the Madame all night before her departure. Jack thought about it before considering it a treat apparently as he poured himself another glass, drank it back, and then left it to be cleaned up later. ‘You doing alright after Haig drove away your girlfriend again this year?’

‘You know I'm not seeing anyone, and I'm more concerned with how it all turned out, how were the phones this year?’

‘Ringing off the hook once she started floating and no one could find the strings, not even Haig,’ Leo told him, the two making their way out of their set room and into the hallway leading to the elevators. ‘Rang so much we had to borrow some phones, lots of questions about how we did it and if she'll be back with more, since she isn't performing live for a while.’

Jack did a little leap for joy as the elevator doors opened, his eyes wild with excitement over the news, he always got so youthful despite nearing his 50s the moment he learned that a show had done well; he was getting better with accepting he would never beat Carson, he'd been against the therapy at first, but seeing how much his fans and co-workers still cared for him had encouraged him to despite the stigma, and while he was still getting over Madeleine, at least he was okay with putting on a good show without also putting his entire self-worth on the line.

That was good, Leo liked to see him happy and wanting to be ready to knock ‘em dead again, he could worry about the numbers and the sponsors enough for the both of them from now on.

‘How late you gunna stay out tonight?’ he asked when they reached the ground floor, Jack thinking about it and pulling on his thick coat over top of his suit while they headed for the door leading to the staff parking lot.

‘Not long, trying to get better sleep, Bianca says that it'll help me focus better if I cut down on the late nights, try sleeping when the sun is down instead of working til it rises,’ he told him as they reached their cars, Leo holding his cigarette between cold fingers as he rested on the roof of his car.

‘Another woman in your life?’ he teased, but there was a bitterness in there, his eyes hidden by the dark as well as his sunglasses as Jack leaned against his own car.

‘Far from it, she's my therapist and she's married, for one,’ he chuckled almost nervously, Leo raising an eyebrow.

‘Hey, I won't tell her husband if you don't,’ he joked just to see if Jack liked her, the other man running what was definitely a nervous hand through his hair at that one.

‘For two, she isn't married to a man,’ he continued in a quieter voice than before, silence falling between them as Leo caught on instantly; they didn't talk about this sort of thing even though more of them were appearing in public. He was one of them, not that he'd ever tell, but she must trust Jack in order to tell him that, and the thought of why she'd trust him made him nearly crush his cigarette before he snuffed it out on the back of his hand really quick before tossing it away.

‘Ah, well, that'll put a stop to things,’ he agreed, Jack laughing again a little more easily now that he knew Leo wouldn't judge this random woman he knew. There was a flash of something in his eye, even from afar and in the dim lights he could see it from there, and he gave the car a tap to get Jack's attention when he started to unlock his door. ‘Hey, why don't I give you a ride to my place, save a bit on gas?’

‘You gunna drive me home later? I already told you I can't stay long this time,’ he reminded him, but he was already walking over, and Leo waved away his concern for his sleep schedule.

‘You know I've got plenty of room, just steal a bed when you've had enough, at least stay up to bob for some apples and watch a movie with us, I spent a lotta time setting all this shit up,’ Leo insisted, and Jack laughed even easier as he reached for the handle.

‘You mean you got your assistant to set it up?’

‘Fuck no, she only knows about the penthouse, not the house.’ They piled into his car and he turned on the heat as soon as the engine turned over for Jack's sake, and he had to admit it was a nice sight to have him sitting there in the passenger seat as he fiddled with its position and got warmed up. He didn't smoke anymore, he'd quit for good after last year, and Leo made sure not to light up on the way to the house; naturally there was a group of them gathered around his front door when they arrived, he'd banned it inside to avoid Jack giving in to any cravings and forcing him to restart again, and made a mental note to tell them to go out back next time. He shooed them aside as they approached even though Jack didn't need him to, everyone was already inside since those who knew about the place knew where the spare key was hidden, and they'd started everything while the show was finishing up.

He found out who'd gotten there first and went to thank them as Jack went through the motions of another successful show to those who didn't see him as often, the two separating as the party took them elsewhere for a while; he'd made sure to leave a note for the ones who arrived early, since it'd be a choice on their end seeing as they all knew that filming didn't finish til 1AM, and the living room and kitchen were filled with adult versions of the classic activities the kids around the city were surely also doing. There was a cheap tub filled with water and apples as promised, but there were also a bunch of hidden items in boxes the guests could touch and then guess at what was inside. There was a pin the skull on the skeleton taped to the wall as well as the tail on the werewolf for those who were feeling a little more childish on this fun night, and of course, the kitchen was filled with snacks and candy galore. 

He'd secretly spent a fortune on tonight because he knew this was Jack's favourite holiday, and because he needed to keep riding the high of good company and even better alcohol - he was still working on that - so he needed to make this as tempting as possible. On the outside he looked uninterested with it all, he was the adult here amidst this group of children, but on the inside he was glad everyone was enjoying themselves, small smiles escaping him when someone got too excited about placing the tail or skull correctly, by grabbing an apple on the first try. It took a while but Jack joined them after he met with what was probably every single person in the house - and even the ones outside - to continue marketing himself to them, making more connections, now that he was back, as he put it.

Leo let him mingle until he was done, and he had more Ballotin ready for him when he found him in the kitchen while he was going over the supplies for the remainder of the party. ‘No thanks, I've been trying to cut back, believe it or not.’

‘Jack Delroy, I can believe you when you say you've given up smoking, but drinking? What's gunna keep you running these late nights?’ Leo joked as he accepted the glass from himself instead, but this time Jack didn't laugh, in fact, the mood seemed to have dropped a bit. ‘You're serious?’

‘Yeah, Bianca helped me see I was relying too much on it after- after Minnie, so I've been cutting back, what you gave me earlier was the first drink I've had all week,’ he confessed in the emptiness of the kitchen while everyone else partied in the other rooms, and Leo felt a somberness he hadn't felt since he'd heard about Madeleine's diagnosis fall over him. Jack talked a lot about things, he had big dreams and never stopped at them no matter what tried to keep him down, it was the thing that drew Leo to him in the first place when he was looking for a producer to help get him into TV, and it was what made him fall in love, along with a long list of other things.

Yeah, he'd admit it sometimes, he'd fallen in love with Jack instead of just telling himself it was a crush that grown men shouldn't have on other men, but Jack was easy to love, always had been, even when Minnie had gotten there first and stolen his heart so completely that she never left, even after death.

He set the glass down on the counter and walked over to Jack where he was still picking through the assorted snacks for the specific ones he wanted, a small pile of chocolate-covered pretzels in his hand as Leo rounded the island and clapped a hand on his friend's shoulder. Jack stiffened, he'd probably meant to keep this one a secret since the smoking was shared by so many in the studio, and Leo squeezed to let him know that he'd respect that journey the same way he had the moment Jack had swore he'd quit for good when he'd been offered a smoke come November 1st last year.

Jack smiled and held Leo's hand over his shoulder, this was getting dangerous, but there was no one there to judge as Leo refused to pull away, just like he always did when Jack needed him to stand by his side. ‘You're a good friend, Leo, you've been there for me since the start, if you hadn't been with me when I lost her, I… I don't know what I would've done,’ Jack told him quietly, his energetic voice so soft the way it always was when he talked about Madeleine and almost quitting the business, and he knew he shouldn't, but he couldn't help but pull Jack into a tight hug. 

‘You're a good man, Jack, always been better than the rest of us, how could I let you crash and burn out there when there's still so much fire in you?’ he asked into his arm, because he couldn't face him, and he heard Jack let out a breath as he nuzzled into his neck in appreciation. He didn't get the shivers, his heart didn't skip a beat, his face didn't redden, but Leo felt like he could maybe admit he was in love twice in one night as Jack took all he could from the hug and finally pulled away. He looked a bit better, he must've been having a hard time restraining from everything when this time of the year was so hard to top, and instead of the whiskey, Leo grabbed two glasses and filled them with ice water instead.

This one Jack did accept, and they toasted over chocolate pretzels and candy corn while someone pinned something perfectly according to the yells from the next room. Jack drank it with a hiss through his teeth at the freeze instead of the burn, and he placed the glass on the counter and took his pretzels with a small shrug towards the stairs in the distance. ‘Gunna turn in for the night, you still got my room made up?’ he asked as he walked backwards towards it, and Leo tipped his glass towards him, of course he did, he always would. Jack nodded and helped himself to one of his pretzels before disappearing into the crowd, Leo watching him go before heading back out there himself, a smile plastered to his face as he greeted the night owls and other business casual friends, the late hours ticking away until they needed to either leave or crash on his couches. 

He made sure to clean up before retiring for the night as well, he'd hate himself come morning if he didn't no matter how much he wanted to put it on the ones currently taking up his couches, armchair, and even floor as well as the remaining rooms upstairs, and it was well into the AMs by the time everything in the kitchen at least was tidied so as to not disturb those already resting. He was dead tired as he scaled the stairs so he could finally get to his room, a symphony of snores coming from the spares lining the halls as they always did when he threw parties like this; it was the reason he bought the place, he'd always known people, even when he was young, thanks to his parents and who they in turn knew, so continuing that tradition and getting a place where he could gather everyone together and create this kind of environment for them in this unlisted home had always been second nature to him, always been who he knew he would be when he grew older.

He reached his room and turned the handle, everyone knowing to stay away because he did not lend this one to anyone if he was going to stay the night no matter who they were, and he was in the middle of taking off his sunglasses and rubbing his eyes when he noticed that the bed wasn't empty.

His eyes adjusted to the dark as he stared at the form under his blankets, someone had come in and snagged it while he was downstairs, and an annoyance like no other overtook him as he stormed over to kick them out, this room was off limits. He stopped when he saw it was Jack, his suit jacket ditched and the buttons on his shirt undone as he snored soundly away under the covers. The hair peeking over his undershirt made Leo stare even though he'd seen it before during emergency costume changes, or when Jack and Madeleine used to take over his pool. Now it felt like this was against some rule that'd never been spoken, this was intimate, a side of him he shouldn't be seeing, and he sighed before rubbing his eyes again and giving his friend a small shake.

‘C’mon, I wanna get some rest, go find your room,’ he told him softly, like he didn't want to wake him despite what he was both saying and doing, but when Jack understandably continued to sleep he steeled himself and pushed a little harder. ‘Jack, let's go, let me sleep.’

‘This is where I wanna be,’ Jack mumbled as he got even comfier, and Leo retracted his hand instantly as if he'd been burned.

‘This is my room, thought you asked about your usual?’ His voice just kept lowering even though he was actively fighting to speak loudly so as to keep Jack from falling back asleep, the latter glancing up at him through one barely opened eye before reaching for his hand and pulling it back to not his arm, but to his chest.

‘Let me stay…’ he whispered before his face softened again, he was just conscious enough to ask as he now actively tried not to fight off sleep so he wouldn’t have to leave, and Leo considered it before he frowned; he knew this couldn't be what he wanted, it was dangerous to be what he was and he couldn't have Jack following after him after working so hard to gain Cavendish's favour and sponsor and bringing Night Owls back from the dead.

‘Jack, stop this, get outta my bed,’ he demanded, his usual firmness back in place to protect himself, and this woke Jack up as he sat up with surprisingly clarity and stared him down.

‘I'm where I want to be,’ he repeated, and Leo's eyes trailed over his chest before he grabbed onto him, tried to pull him up.

‘You're too old to be playing games like this, you're a grown man for Christ's sake,’ he insisted as he tugged, Jack fighting him until he lost his balance; he fell forward, a knee shooting out to stop himself from crashing into the other man, and there was a moment where they stared at each other in the dark. He swallowed, this was too intimate, this was dangerous, if anyone heard and came to see what was wrong the both of them might lose everything even though nothing was even happening, he couldn’t do this to him, he’d nearly lost it all before.

He tried to shove him away, just let him have the bed, he’d find another room or join someone on the goddamn floor if he had to, but Jack was holding him so firmly, just like he did when he’d come to him about Madeleine’s sickness, and her passing. He was refusing to let go, and there was a sadness in his eyes underneath the desperation and fight to stay, there was something he was hiding from him just like he had about going sober. He tried to pull away again but Jack tightened his grip and used all his strength to attempt to bring Leo to his chest, and when that didn’t work he threw himself into his arms.

‘Jack, you don’t know what you’re doing,’ he warned, but his voice wasn't as harsh as before, and he felt Jack shake his head against his shoulder before turning to press his face into his neck. ‘Jack-’ He grabbed on but he couldn’t yank him off, he hadn’t drank much and that had been hours ago but he must be drunk, he knew the dangers too, there was no way this could happen no matter how the world was progressing, not for them.

‘Please, I’ll get you something to drink, you don’t even have to do anything with me, just let me pretend that it’s normal to feel this way, just for one night,’ Jack whispered into his skin, his unkempt hair disturbing Leo’s curls, and he froze and stopped trying to pull him away when he felt Jack tremble.

‘How long?’ he could only ask, and Jack didn’t pull away.

‘Since the Grove, being around the other men reminded me of what I’d forgotten.’

‘Fuck, no- how long have you wanted this from me?’ He paused when Jack didn’t answer. ‘Or am I just- the one you thought you could ask?’

It took him a while but he did answer, and Leo saw himself standing in the UBC lobby while Jack tried to make it past the receptionist all those years ago. All his big dreams to get into television instead of radio had made him turn on the charm with her, but when she couldn’t do anything because his low priority appointment had been canceled in favour of a high priority call and lunch date, he’d become desperate. Leo had watched as Jack had looked almost ready to give in and try again later, that fire in his eyes still there along with his frustration because he’d come so far, he had the experience and charisma, he just needed a chance.

Leo had been the one to give it to him, not because he’d fallen in love, because it’d taken a while for that to happen, but because he wanted to see what he could do.

‘Even before Minnie, I’ve… always wanted it from you,’ Jack confessed in the quiet of Leo’s bedroom like they were a couple of confused and experimenting teenagers again, just two kids who felt things that the world would never understand, come 30 years too late. Leo was definitely confused, he’d seen the way Jack loved Madeleine, that had been real, there were no lies or performances for the cameras between them, but for him to say this, to look like he truly meant it, maybe he knew less about the world than he thought. ‘Sorry, forget it, it’s the whiskey talking, I’m not actually a-’

‘You’re sober, you’ve been sober,’ Leo reminded him harshly, not wanting him to back out when it was reminding him too much of every single man he’d ever been with who told him the same the moment it was over, along with many utterings of it throughout whenever they asked him to fuck them. It hurt too much to see it come from Jack, the one man he actually wanted to be with, not just sleep with, and he let himself slip for just a moment as he pried his hands off of his arms so he could hold them instead. ‘You say it came back to you at the Grove? Have you been with anyone since you moved up here?’

‘No one, just Minnie,’ he replied like saying it was easing that weight, and Leo let his head fall forward until he was almost leaning on Jack’s shoulder; this was hard, if he let Jack know that he felt the same it would change everything, he could have what he wanted and be there for him in more ways than just as his producer. He could know how it felt to go home with him like tonight all the time, he could hold him in his bed without having to push him away or worry about those on the other side of his door, he could be the one Jack whispered and smiled at the same way he watched him do to Madeleine for years.

If he told him, he might just be the one Jack loved.

‘I just saw someone, the other week I think it was, right after the show,’ Leo told him, he hadn’t told anyone before, there was no one to tell. ‘We’ve been on and off for a few years, nothing actually serious, just casual fucking whenever we need it, cause I- shit, I never forgot, Jack.’

Jack swallowed as he looked at him in a new light, and it was like a weight had lifted off his own shoulders, but now a new weight was replacing it, because if Jack was like the others, if he did this with him now and then pretended like it’d never happened the next day, Leo would drink himself into a fucking oblivion.

‘So you’ve actually…?’ He couldn’t even say it, so Leo matched him by only nodding. ‘Yeah, me too, that thing they say about the rituals and the- the orgies, christ- it’s all- it’s all true, and once I was in, and they invited me to them, I couldn’t forget again.’ He looked almost ashamed, he might actually be like those other men, and Leo let go of his hands to grab him by the shoulders, he wouldn’t lose him to that shame over who he was now that he was saying it.

‘Jack, hey, listen to me,’ he urged as Jack actually looked away even though he’d been so ready for this, he’d planned on it by coming in here and getting into his bed, begging him to stay, he couldn’t back down now. ‘There’s nothing wrong with you, you hear me? Even if you had to find out again because of that, there’s nothing wrong with either of us, but it’s up to you whether you want to go forward with who you are, or to hide it again.’ Jack refused to look at him as he spoke, but he could see the gears turning, he was thinking, deciding on what his future would be now that they both knew about each other, and Leo was ready to give him all the time Jack needed to think when he suddenly leaned forward and kissed him.

His eyes went wide while Jack’s scrunched shut, this was so different from the way he held Madeleine, and he decided to give him time with this until Jack slowly pulled away; the gears were still turning, and Leo watched as he licked his lips, looked at his producer’s, and leaned in again. This time it was softer, more testing than just going for it, and he pretended like this hadn’t been what he’d been wanting for years as he eased his grip on Jack’s shoulders and let him figure it all out, he wouldn’t rush him.

It felt like he’d forgotten how to kiss, it’d been over a year since Madeleine had died already but he’d figured that he’d been at least hooking up once the guilt of having feelings for others had lessened, but with the way he was kissing him so carefully, like he was afraid to want more let alone touch him, he had to wonder if Jack had just been alone this whole time. It made him want to be patient even more despite his brain telling him to kiss him back already, and it wasn't until Jack rested his hand against Leo’s jaw and tried to deepen it that he allowed himself to. It came easier for Jack after that, like he was remembering it all, like he was getting comfortable in what he wanted, and Leo finally felt what Madeleine did when Jack let out a small sigh against his mouth and started to shift forward.

This was bad, this was exactly what he wanted and Leo didn’t know if he could stop as Jack got more into it, his unbuttoned shirt slipping off his shoulders before he was moving onto Leo’s. Jack was too big to slot himself onto Leo’s lap like the smaller men who wanted him to hold them down and treat them like girls, even like the men who’d never bottomed in their lives but wanted him to show them how, but damn if he wouldn’t try as he gave in and kissed him back with everything he had. He took off his own shirt thanks to Jack’s helpful hands, his own then sliding over Jack’s warm thighs to cup his ass.

He felt different than the others because he was Jack, this was a body he’d been beside every single day since he’d brought him upstairs to get his canceled appointment followed through, one so familiar to him in every way but still feeling so different under his palms and fingers. He knew each curve hidden under those pressed slacks, knew the exact angle his back naturally curved to when he hunched forward, knew how sharp his jawline was as he talked, but it was fresh and new to him as he reacquainted himself with each one. His thighs were full yet they held a slimness that allowed him to partially crawl onto his lap without any trouble. His ass was firm but also gave way in just the way he liked when he kneaded at it. His spine could just slightly be felt when his hand slipped under his undershirt for more, and his jaw worked in an almost devilish way as his clever tongue danced over Leo’s own.

It was all new, but in a way he’d always known all of this, and he groaned when Jack broke the kiss to mouth at his neck.

He shoved him back down onto the pillows, he didn’t know what Jack had done at the Grove and he wouldn’t ask, but for now he would show him how it felt to be loved by a man, not just fucked. It seemed to be exactly what Jack wanted, if he wasn't lying then he’d wanted this for maybe just as long as Leo had, and he returned the favour by leaving a trail of marks where they wouldn’t be seen by the cameras. Jack let out a noise that went straight to Leo’s dick as his hands tangled in his hair, wrapped in his curls and tugged in a way that drove him crazy, was he like this with the others, with Madeleine? 

He didn’t want to think about them now, not even her because he was with her husband, just like how he could never look her in the eye after every single night he got off imagining that the man underneath him was hers.

He lifted Jack’s undershirt over his head and moved down even further, it was clear that he either did really want this or he really hadn’t been with anyone since she got sick because Jack was so hard it looked like he could barely stand it. It made his mouth water at the sight, and he licked his lips before mouthing at his pants, his hands working on his belt. He didn’t give head that often, he preferred to receive it, because that way he could help himself to a cold glass full of dark liquid and guide their heads while he shut his eyes and pretended, but tonight he wanted to if it was going to be for him.

‘Leo…’ Jack moaned as he watched, and he wished he hadn’t taken off his sunglasses so soon because now Jack would know exactly where his eyes were while he did this. He tugged his pants down his hips a little, he was getting too old for this kind of foreplay this late at night with no sleep, but he was sure as hell going to try for as long as his back allowed if it meant getting to look up and see Jack looking back at him with that expression. He looked ready to burst, maybe it was the former and not the latter, and he hoped that it was true as he mouthed him through his briefs and started to palm him.

He waited until Jack was practically begging for it before pulling him out, and he mentally recited what had to be the first prayer he’d said since he was a child in Sunday school as he ran his palm dryly over the shaft just to feel his heat. He felt Jack pulse against his palm, a twitch following as Jack lifted his hips to try and fuck his loose fist, and Leo spit into his palm before stroking Jack more eagerly. His head fell back against the pillows, his legs already tensing as he was forced to look away, and Leo licked his lips again before taking the tip into his mouth and swirling his tongue over the leaking head.

Jack was already panting, a new but familiar desperation was overwhelming him more than he could handle after a year of abstinence, and Leo had to take his mouth away to hush him before continuing; if anyone woke up from their drunken stupors long enough to hear Jack’s voice coming from his room then it was all over, and he eased up just enough for Jack to catch his breath. He waited until he was quieter before taking the rest of him into his mouth as much as he could manage, and he savoured the taste of him and his lust like he would die the moment he forgot it.

Jack covered his mouth before grabbing Leo’s discarded shirt and biting down on it to muffle the noises when he couldn’t keep his hand in place, and Leo glanced up to see his friend bucking his hips and screwing his eyes shut tight as his teeth showed over the fabric. He moaned around him, Jack shaking his head at the feeling because that was too much, he couldn’t handle that, and Leo cocked an eyebrow at him before doing it again. Jack let go of the shirt and needed to cover his mouth again while his other hand found Leo’s hair, tried to get him to stop because it was going to make him come, and he just gripped his hips and bobbed his head a little faster in response.

He was lightly thrusting against his mattress so his moans came easier, he was never this vocal but it was driving Jack wild, and he was ready to be whatever he wanted him to be as the hand in his hair gave him a warning tug. He took him deeper, it was making him choke, he was definitely getting too old for this, but between Jack pulling his hair with both hands to get him off before the pleasure took him over and the growing sounds of his need he knew he’d risk that sore throat to finish this. He had to shut his own eyes when the sight of Jack fucking up into his mouth so he could come nearly pushed him over the edge, and he swallowed down every last drop as he felt his come shoot down his throat between punishing thrusts of the soft head hitting him where no man had been allowed before tonight.

He didn’t pull off until Jack was done, he’d needed that so badly that he’d gone limp the moment he was done, and Leo caught his breath and cleared his throat as he pushed himself back onto his knees; he never swallowed, he didn’t like the taste, but with Jack, like everything else, it was different, and he crawled up until he was practically straddling him. ‘Did anyone ever do that with you at the Grove?’ he rasped, Jack just shaking his head as he covered his eyes with his arm.

‘Always… made me take it… I… I liked it,’ he heaved, and Leo’s dick twitched so hard in his pants that he needed to get them off before he broke the old zipper. He didn’t take himself out, there was no way Jack would want to go again even if he was able to after coming that hard, and he gave himself a few tugs out of sight to ease the pressure before noticing that Jack was watching him again. He breathed a little heavier as he stroked himself again, Jack’s eyes trailing down until there was no denying what he was looking at, Leo doing it again, then again, until he couldn’t take it.

He rested on his heels as he jerked himself off, Jack eagerly watching like he wanted more before he sat up, slid his legs further under Leo’s body so he could get closer. He didn’t ask for permission again, just went for it as he palmed his friend and felt the way his hand moved under his pants, and Leo groaned again at his curious fingers then slipping in beside his own. Jack silently pushed aside his hand to stroke him instead, and his hand was smooth from years of easy labour even though he worked so hard. He braced himself on Jack’s shoulders and moved his hips, properly fucked his hand when Jack pulled him out so he could see him too, the two of them moving with each other in a way that Leo had never done with any of the others.

Jack loved gently, even though there was desire behind it he made love, Leo knew that just from the way he was being held. He pushed aside thoughts of him touching Madeleine just as gently, thoughts he’d kept coming back to when Jack had been a little too affectionate while they were in public, but no matter what they kept returning until Jack noticed his distress. He kissed his neck again, did it the way he liked to, and there were no desperate bites, no marks left behind by men who wanted to get off and go back out there like this wasn't who they were.

Jack kissed him like he loved him, and if Leo were an emotional guy that might’ve wrung something out of him, but it didn’t entirely as he just let his nails dig into his back and leave behind proof that this was happening. ‘I want you to fuck me, as soon as I felt that man inside me I knew I wanted to feel you too,’ Jack whispered to him, not in a way to turn him on more, but to left out this secret that he’d been holding onto for years.

‘You gotta stop touching me in order for that to happen,’ Leo reminded him, but neither made the move to disconnect as his pleasure built higher and higher. Right when he was about to come he grabbed Jack by the wrist and got him to stop, if he just had tonight then he wanted to fuck him too, he wouldn’t accept that Jack wouldn’t pretend like this was more than just longful sex once the sun rose, and he went to his nightstand to pull out his lube and condoms.

‘No, we all had to wear them at the Grove, I want to feel you,’ Jack insisted as he placed his hand over the condom, and Leo shook his head.

‘I’ve been with too many men, and it’s been a while since I was tested with how busy this month was, I won’t put you at risk.’ It wasn't a lie, but he also didn’t want to know how Jack felt around him like that, how warm and tight he’d be when he finally pushed inside.

‘Then stop seeing them,’ Jack blurted out seriously, his hand closing around the condom and wrenching it from Leo’s grip, ‘just stop, you won’t need them anymore if you have- if we-’

‘I won’t tie you down as some random fuck whenever either of us needs it,’ Leo frowned, and Jack shook his head again, his shoulders hunching as he thought about how to word this.

‘You don’t understand, I don’t just want a random fuck, Leo.’ Now Jack was frowning, but Leo wouldn’t believe it, he couldn’t after wanting this for so long, and Jack broke him out of it by kissing him again. He didn’t pull away until Leo was kissing him back, and he brushed his curls aside as he rested his forehead against him, their faces mere inches apart. ‘You know me, you know how much I care for the ones I love, I don’t want you to just be a random fuck,’ he continued in a whisper, they were so close again, and Leo felt his hands grip Jack even harder. ‘I’ve wanted you ever since you helped me get in, long before I saw Minnie.’

‘You chose her,’ Leo finally said, he’d been holding it in for so long, and Jack nodded this time.

‘I loved her more than I have any other woman, but I’ve always loved you, too, I just couldn’t have you, not out there,’ Jack confessed to him, and for once Leo let himself get sentimental as he hugged Jack tightly.

‘You won’t be able to have me out there even after this, they don’t understand people like us,’ he said softly, Jack nodding again, ‘I can live with it with those men, I don’t love any of them, but you-’

Jack froze as Leo realized what he’d said, he’d admitted it, he hadn’t wanted to but it’d just come out, but Jack didn’t look like he was going to back out now that he knew exactly what was going on here. ‘As long as we’re here, they’ll never find us,’ he murmured so softly it was almost below a whisper, said only for him, ‘we don’t need the penthouse or my place, we can just come here.’

‘They’ll find it eventually if we keep being seen together, we can only explain away so much to those vultures out there,’ Leo said bitterly, but Jack was soft, he was so soft as he was the one to hush him, this was how he loved.

‘I’ve always pushed the boundaries on Night Owls, it might skyrocket the ratings if they learned that Mr. Midnight was a homosexual, or whatever I am,’ he didn’t exactly joke, but Leo still coughed out a laugh all the same.

‘A widowed TV host and his homosexual producer revealing themselves to be getting together behind the scenes, the media will have a fucking frenzy with that one,’ he agreed, and Jack kissed him again before tossing the condom out of reach even though there were more in the nightstand.

‘Exactly, so why don’t you fuck me for tonight, and we’ll figure this out tomorrow, just like we always do?’ Jack suggested as he broke away to lean back against the headboard; Leo didn’t need to be convinced any more after that, and together they finished stripping each other like this was their first time and they couldn’t wait to get to the main event. Jack was already getting hard as they ditched their clothes and started kissing again, and Leo was about to touch him before thinking of something. He quickly got up and locked his door, no one would be able to come in no matter what they heard now, and it wasn't perfect but it would have to do as he rejoined Jack on the bed.

‘How do you want me to do this, old man?’ Leo teased now that Jack had finally passed the final threshold before he reached 50s as of this year, and he thought about it before getting on his hands and knees. ‘That’s a young man’s position, you think your knees can handle it?’

‘You think you can make me come again before your back acts up?’ Jack teased right back since they were only a few months apart, and he smirked and rubbed himself against his ass to get him to shut up; this felt right, this was how they’d always talked even though Jack was pushing back against his dick for just a little more until he could fuck him. If he’d just bit the bullet and asked back then, threw out some subtle hints that maybe he was interested, could they have had this all this time? Could he have been the one Jack came home to after every show instead of her? He didn’t know with how long it took either of them to say something, but he was glad he could have it now as he lubed himself up and started to stretch Jack out. ‘Don’t waste time, they never did, we can go slow the next time we’re here, I want to spend the whole night with you.’

Leo didn’t like the thought of who knew how many men treating Jack like that, but they could unpack all of that later, for now he really needed to get off now that it was coming back to him again. He teased Jack for just a moment before pushing in, and it was too tight but he didn’t seem to mind it, Leo would have to teach him about actual gay foreplay at this rate, but Jack was right, they could do it when they could spend the whole night together. It took him another moment to set a pace, Jack felt even better than he expected and he couldn’t get enough of the slow drag until the head was catching on his rim and making him keen, and he repeated the action a few times before getting to it.

He was used to the position, to the feeling and sounds of men under him like this, but he wanted to forget it all and learn it all again as he ran his hands over Jack’s back and started to thrust. Already it sounded like it was too much for him, like he was about to come if he kept this up, and he alternated between going fast and hard enough to nearly make him shout and slowing down until it almost felt like torture. He rolled his hips as he slowed, made Jack feel every inch of him as he did, and he could see his arms shaking in the dim light, he couldn’t hold himself up for long at this rate. He splayed his hand over his lower back and pushed as he traveled down to the base of his skull, and he guided Jack to rest on the pillows before trailing his hand over his jaw and to his mouth.

‘Suck.’

Jack obeyed, he must’ve been used to this command because he gave a wanton clench as he ran his tongue over Leo’s fingers, and he shuddered at the feeling before fucking him hard again. Jack moaned around his fingers as they both got what they wanted, two men who couldn’t even hold hands out there finding solace in fucking in silence, in the safety of his home that was currently compromised by the people he’d so willingly invited in. They couldn’t take this from him, when Jack had married Madeleine he’d thought that he’d have to let him go for good, but fate had allowed him just this one happiness that hadn’t been bought, hadn’t been given to him on a silver platter.

It was real, it was his, and he removed his fingers from Jack’s mouth so he could grip him by the hip and the shoulder as his orgasm started to build.

Sweat was dripping off the both of them from the exertion, the bed creaking with each thrust, Jack’s sounds muffled by the pillows as he hung on for dear life, Leo so expertly quiet after a lifetime of hiding that this was easy for him until Jack turned his head to the side. He looked back at him, eyes half lidded, mouth slightly agape with a smile, and in that expression Leo saw not lust but love, he really did love him, and he reached around to quickly jerk Jack off until he was coming just so he didn’t have to look at that expression any longer. He practically cried into the pillow at the feeling of Leo still going until the sensation was too much and he came too, and he’d never had sex without a condom before, but fuck if he didn’t like the feeling of coming inside the man he was resting his forehead against.

He didn’t pull out at first, he physically couldn’t, but eventually he had to, they needed to get cleaned up and one of them needed to find a different place to sleep before the others awoke and saw them leaving together. He was already thinking about the dawn but Jack was still a Night Owl, and when Leo pulled out and moved to get up Jack was quick to pull him right back down. They bounced on the mattress and it gave a concernedly loud creak that had them both freeze, but there were no bangs on the wall to shut up, no signs that anyone had heard them at all.

Leo lay with his back to his friend, or whatever he was now, before he couldn’t take it anymore and turned to face him, and he wasn't surprised to see how wet Jack’s cheeks were. Here it came, now that it was over he’d realize that he’d said a lot of things he didn’t mean like all the others still in hiding, he wasn't ready for a relationship in general, let alone one with a man, the end was coming before the sun rose. But Jack never said he regretted it, he was crying but it wasn't in sorrow this time, and Leo just laid there as Jack reached up to trace the shapes of his face, learned them more intimately than anyone else ever had before.

‘I nearly asked you to dinner that day, when we were in the elevator,’ he said vaguely, but Leo still knew he meant the day they’d met. ‘I was so scared being up here, thought for sure I was going to fail and that I’d have to go back to Chicago to beg for my job back, but you… you’d been the first to see me, you believed in me, how- how’s a guy not supposed to fall in love with that?’

Leo swallowed, he’d know those words anywhere no matter how they were changed, and he swore he wasn't sentimental, but he thought he might be as Jack looked up at him with a vulnerability he hadn’t seen since the funeral. ‘It’s a good thing you didn’t, I would've made you buy,’ he joked, but Jack was serious, and he didn’t say anything as the other man leaned in to kiss him again. He didn’t know what an afterglow was like, he was used to the others getting up and leaving while he had a smoke and got back to work, that was what worked best for him now that he’d gotten it out of his system and could go another week pretending that he was into all the pretty girls who tried to woo him to get onto the show, just for a little bit.

He turned them all down, he couldn’t fake an orgasm to save his life and any one of those girls could out him on that when he didn’t let them on the show after such a poor performance, but now-

Now he wouldn’t have to, they would never ask Jack himself after crying on live TV over his wife, and now Jack could come to him whenever one of the guests got a little too friendly, he didn’t have to watch him entertain them anymore. He chuckled to himself when they parted before rolling over to grab a smoke from the other nightstand, losing himself in the thought all the way up to flicking the ignitor, and he stopped with the cigarette in his mouth before remembering that Jack had quit. He quickly apologized but Jack just took it from him, lit it up, and enjoyed one single puff before handing it over.

‘I’m more concerned with the drinking, little late to cure more lung cancer if I’ve got it,’ he figured as Leo took his own puff, although that thought of that made him falter and hold it a bit too long.

‘Should we get that checked when I make sure I’m clean this weekend?’ he suggested, but Jack shook his head.

‘Already did, it skipped me, but if you want to…’ He trailed off, Leo exhaling again before putting it out, he could live with that much. ‘I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you to it too, to see you like that, I wouldn’t be able to come back to the studio knowing you weren’t there, it was hard enough going home to an empty house back then,’ he admitted, and Leo swore to himself that he’d quit too, cold turkey, if it meant he wouldn’t put the man beside him through that again.

‘We can do that, then,’ he decided, their first decision as a whatever they were, and Jack slightly smiled at him as another tear fell. ‘Christ, never thought I’d get clean because of anyone, let alone because I wanna do it for you,’ he muttered like he truly couldn’t believe it, but deep down he knew that he would’ve done it sooner had Jack asked, would’ve done it the moment Madeleine got diagnosed if he’d said those words to him. He knew it, and he could’ve sworn that Jack knew it too as he found his hand and held it. 

Jack was always a cuddler, he liked to be near those he loved and it made him inseparable from Madeleine until the end, and while Leo exactly wasn't the physical affection type, he never could keep his hands off Jack, and he let him curl up against him with a sigh that didn’t sound as forced as he’d wanted.

‘Y'know we can’t tell Gus about us, right?’ he said to the ceiling when Jack started to fall asleep again, and he came back to life at the sound of Leo’s voice. ‘He’s a God fearing man, he’s bound to have a sermon or two ready if either of us let it slip.’

‘Gus is fine, he seemed surprisingly interested when I casually pitched to him the possibility of having Bianca and her wife come on to talk about their lives, they’ve been talking about telling their family,’ Jack yawned, Leo raising an eyebrow at him again.

‘Pretty personal confession to a patient,’ he frowned, and Jack shook his head as the sleep started to take him again.

‘I told her about myself, which prompted her to tell me, it’s because of her that I wanted to do this tonight,’ he confessed, he was too tired to save this for when he was fully conscious, and Leo rubbed at his eyes again at the mental image of Jack coming out to some random woman only to come to the conclusion that he needed to finally confess after what was probably a very long session about the both of them, not just him.

‘Should’ve told me after how long we’ve known each other, but… I guess I get it,’ he figured, Jack nodding just slightly over his chest, he was almost gone. ‘So we get these lesbians on air, talk about therapy or something, and then you and I announce to the whole world that we’re now, what? Fucking, dating, living together?’ Jack mumbled out a confirmation, he had no idea what was going on on the other side of his eyelids. ‘It sounds nice, honestly, to imagine a world where we could do that and now lose the show, and the crew.’ No response, just light snoring. ‘It’s nearly the 80s now, dawn of a new decade coming up in just a couple years, maybe times will change before the next century, maybe one day you can talk to everyone about your own life, and I’ll be out there with you.’

He was talking too much only because he knew Jack couldn’t hear him, he was sentimental.

‘I think I want that for us, if we’re really doing this, fuck, 49 years of hiding and sleeping around with whoever I could find out there, I dunno how you did it for so long,’ he continued quietly, or maybe he was thinking it, sleep was starting to take him too now that he finally knew how warm an afterglow could be. Jack had pulled himself over his arm, and Leo fought to bend it until he could hold him back, the latter now even more on his chest to allow it. He looked down at him in the dark, he’d wanted this sight for so long that he still couldn’t believe he could have it, and he was definitely sentimental as he leaned over just enough to press a kiss to the top of Jack’s head.

He felt him grin against his bare chest before draping a leg over him, he must’ve smothered Madeleine all the time in their bed back in the day, and he shut his eyes and willed her from his mind for good. He apologized to her as she left, but Jack wasn't the only one who hadn’t let her go in all this time, and he prayed that she could finally rest as he ran his fingers through the short strands at the back of Jack’s neck, he’d take care of him for her, for the both of them, from now on.

[from-the-coffee-shop-in-edoras]

It’s Wídfara Wednesday! With Guthláf included, of course, because it's always a good day for some Guthláf.

Catch up on parts one and two if needed. Part 3 finds Wíd in the aftermath of his first romantic encounter with Guthláf and wondering what to make of it. This part picks up a few…hours, let’s say, after the end of part 2. Still in Wíd’s room. T for Teen.

Wídfara was doing his best not to stare. 

He had admired Guthláf’s face and form from the moment they met, but to see him this way – all of him, luxuriously stretched out and casually bare – was so much more than anything Wídfara had imagined. He found it terrifying and thrilling in equal measure, the fulfillment of a desire he had long known and understood about himself but feared to expose to anyone else. Now that he had, though, he wanted just to bask in it for a while, to take this unprecedented chance to openly savor the sight of things he found affecting. The rounded curves of biceps and shoulders. The sprinkling of blonde hair over strong thighs. The deep grooves of muscles just inside the hips. After what they’d done together, taking an appreciative look now hardly seemed like a big deal. But his own sense of propriety forced Wídfara to tear his eyes away, and he rolled over to look up at the ceiling instead.

“If you’re tired, I can head back to my room.” Guthláf ran a hand lightly over his own face and pulled himself up to sit. “Don’t let me overstay my welcome.”

“Oh. Well, I wouldn’t mind if we just…” Wídfara hesitated. He had no idea what the custom was in this situation. He’d be content for Guthláf to stay with him and let the unforeseen thrill of the night last as long as possible, but perhaps that’s not how things were done. “Whatever you think is best.”

“To be honest with you, Wíd, I don’t really know.” He looked down with an apologetic smile. “I don’t have much experience here, so I’m not sure what’s usually expected.”

This admission surprised Wídfara, coming from someone who otherwise seemed so self assured and confident. “You haven’t done this much with other men? Or at all?” He didn’t mean to pry, but his own lack of experience left him more than curious to know how others like him had gotten on, especially someone who had been living in a bigger city.

“Either. Both.” Guthláf laughed. “It only took one try for me to know for sure this wasn’t something I ever wanted from a woman.” He paused, reliving a past moment in his mind, and then laughed again. “It was an awkward mess. And as for men, well…there have been a few that I suspected might share my inclination and some that were of interest to me. And there have even been a few that I would feel safe being honest with. But all three traits in the same man is a true rarity. So this”— he gestured vaguely at himself and then at Wídfara—“is not something I’m really accustomed to, though I imagine that my behavior tonight might imply otherwise.”

“I understand.”

Guthláf raised an eyebrow. “What about you then? Similar story?”

Since he had raised the subject, Wídfara felt it only fair to be equally candid, and he nodded. “I gave women more than one try. Not because I enjoyed anything about it, but because part of me hoped that I could learn to like it over time. Things being how they are, that just seemed as though it would be easier.” He looked away momentarily. “But this is who I am. It’s what feels right to me. And for most of my life, no one else I knew even acknowledged that it was possible for a man to feel this way.”

“I know how that goes.” Guthláf gave his arm a gentle squeeze and then looked off in thought for a few moments. “Well, if neither of us is certain what we’re supposed to do, we’ll just have to make our own way. Would it be alright with you if I stayed?”

Wídfara turned and lifted the edge of his blanket with a smile, making space for Guthláf to fit himself in against the warmth of Wídfara’s chest, stomach and thighs. The nervous flutter of happiness this caused kept him awake for a while, long enough to hear Guthláf’s breathing become long and slow as he drifted to sleep. But even when Wídfara’s heart calmed and rest began to feel possible, he fought against it, unwilling to relinquish his feeling of contentment to the end of the day. And when his eyes finally grew irresistibly heavy and he gave in to his creeping exhaustion, his last waking thought was excited anticipation to see Guthláf again in the morning.

Wídfara slept harder and longer than he had in years, being roused only by the chimes of the morning bells, and he woke with his memories of the night before still vivid in his mind. But when he rolled over and opened his eyes, he was startled to find himself now alone. Some time while he slept, Guthláf had slipped out, leaving behind so little trace of his presence that Wídfara might have convinced himself the whole thing had been a dream if not for the mead bottle on the floor and a distinctive sweet scent lingering in the blankets that he would forevermore associate with Guthláf’s bare skin.

He pulled himself up on an elbow, his sleep-fogged mind trying to make sense of the empty space beside him. In another circumstance, he would take such an abrupt, unexplained departure as a sign of either desperately needed escape or cold dismissal. But he simply couldn’t imagine either to be true of Guthláf. He had little experience in these matters, but he had understood well enough the generous words of praise and sounds of pleasure. There had been only kindness and sincerity in Guthláf’s behavior, and it had been his suggestion to stay. Wídfara trusted in nothing more than his own intuition, and it told him that Guthláf wouldn’t hurt him for no reason. But then what else could explain such a change, one that he must have known would leave Wídfara surprised and confused? 

He dropped back to his pillow and threw an arm over his eyes. Perhaps it was fear, a loss of nerve that came on in the quiet of the night. The fear of exposure. The fear that a new entanglement, with its many unknowns and uncertainties, could ruin a lifetime of the prudence and caution that had always offered protection. Wídfara certainly understood that fear, which dwelt deep within him and probably always would. But he felt something else now, too. Something that, for the first time in his life, outweighed the fear and pushed it from his own mind. 

Amid the night’s heady mix of attraction and discovery, Wídfara had sensed a spark of real possibility – not just plain desire, but also admiration and acceptance and true understanding. And that spark was strong enough and precious enough to him that he would dare to follow it no matter the danger, to chase after that brilliant light and see where it led. To learn whether it could eventually kindle a roaring fire or would fizzle out on its own. 

He was certain that Guthláf had felt that same spark, a deep, instinctual sense that this could be something different. But he wouldn’t blame Guthláf if a moment of reflection had left him unwilling to risk the happy and successful life he had laboriously built just to pursue whatever prospect might exist in that bright, intense burst of feeling. That was much to ask of someone, and Wídfara had only compassion for the difficulty of making such a choice.

Still, disappointment settled on him with an uncomfortable heaviness, and worry soon joined it. He might have to accept the lost potential of what had felt to him like a special connection, and that was regret enough. But he would regret it still more if awkwardness between them now cost him even the friendship that had already taken hold – a friendship he valued and wanted to keep. 

If fear had really driven Guthláf from the room in the dark of night, perhaps he wouldn’t want to talk about any of it now — or even acknowledge it — in the light of day. Wídfara saw no advantage to forcing a conversation if doing so would make Guthláf uneasy. But if talking about it would make things worse, would not talking about it solve anything? Wídfara had no idea and no way to seek advice. Without a better thought, he decided simply to take his lead from Guthláf – to wait and see how he approached, how he acted, what he said, what he didn’t say — and then try to adjust his own intentions and reactions accordingly. It might not get him everything he wanted, but it would be far better than nothing.

He tossed aside the blankets with a sigh and pulled himself to his feet. Wallowing in his own disappointed hopes wouldn’t help anything, and he was eager to escape the room and the sight of the rumpled bedding that only seemed to mock those hopes. He readied himself as quickly as he could and rushed out the door to find a task to better occupy his mind. 

It was another warm, sunny morning, and the stable was coming to life as Wídfara arrived – riders dipping in and out of the tack room in search of a lost piece of equipment, farriers sorting nails and shoes, bales of hay being tossed down from the loft above. He took a surreptitious glance down the aisle where Syndrigan, Guthláf’s horse, was kept, but he saw only stablehands and took care not to break his step as he continued on toward his own horse’s stall. Before he made it, however, he was intercepted by a smiling Elfhelm, who threw a friendly arm around his shoulders and steered him gently away from his intended destination and toward the back of the barn instead.

“Now that you’re here and getting settled, it’s time for you to choose a novice. We have a bunch of them here today, and you can pick whichever one suits you best.”

“A novice, Marshal? I’m not sure what you mean.”

“Did you not have novices in the Wold?” He shook his head in answer to his own question. “No, I expect you didn’t. If population loss was a problem out there, they probably had to discontinue the practice some time ago.”

He turned them around a corner, where a group of boys in their early teenage years sat. They jumped to their feet at the sight of Elfhelm and lined up neatly in front of him.

“These young men hope to enter as rider candidates next year. If we pair them with a current rider now, they earn a small wage by helping to care for your equipment, run errands, or look after any particular needs of your horse beyond what the stablehands manage. And they get a chance to see the inner workings of the éored, observe training and learn more about what they can expect if they should qualify themselves someday.” He walked Wídfara slowly down the line of boys. “There are several new riders in the city’s other éoreds, but they aren’t here yet this morning and so you can have the first selection.”

“I’m to choose?” Wídfara stared blankly at the young faces in front of him. He had never laid eyes on any of them before that very moment, and he had no idea how he was supposed to distinguish between them other than to select one at random.

“It’s entirely up to you,” said Elfhelm. “Many of the finest families in Edoras are represented here, with generations of service to Rohan. I know you aren’t familiar with these boys like the other riders will be, but they’re all good young men and you really can’t make a bad choice.”

Wídfara looked again down the line of hopefuls, all facing straight ahead and standing as tall as possible. He could see that many of them were, indeed, from very fine families, sporting polished gold clasps on their belts and wearing handsome leather boots that probably cost more than every piece of clothing he’d ever owned. They weren’t boys that needed a wage, and Wídfara guessed they didn’t really need any extra help to be selected as rider candidates either. He hadn’t known many families with wealth in his life, but in his experience, money made opportunities happen all on its own.  

His eyes finally came to rest on the last boy in line, and only here did Wídfara see a novice he could relate to — a shirt with patches and visible wear, hands that were clean but already calloused from real labor, no finery or decoration or any element to his appearance that didn’t serve a necessary function. And yet, this young man stood just as tall as the others around him, determined to show his equal worth and proud, no doubt, for having earned his place there. Wídfara smiled at him and beckoned him over.

“Congratulations, Freogan,” said Elfhelm, putting one hand on the boy’s shoulder and the other on Wídfara’s. “And congratulations to you, Wídfara. You won’t find a harder worker in the whole city, and I’m sure he’ll do well by you.”

Elfhelm left them to prepare for the morning’s drills and exercises, and Wídfara and Freogan walked together to ready his horse. Wídfara chanced one more glance toward Syndrigan’s stall as they passed, and this time he could see the familiar blonde head towering over a cluster of young stablehands, all at rapt attention as Guthláf demonstrated a trick for maintaining balance during a full gallop. They clearly already understood what Wídfara had learned for himself the day before – that Guthláf was one of the best horsemen they were ever likely to see – and they stared up at him as he spoke like they were watching Eorl himself astride one of the mearas. Guthláf’s gaze never wavered from the boys in front of him, and Wídfara pulled his own away before anyone could follow it.

He turned instead to Freogan. His novice was a quiet boy of fourteen, slight but strong, who seemed determined to show his gratitude through diligent effort. He proved both a fast learner and a good hand with Cypren, and his company helped provide Wídfara a welcome distraction, something else to concentrate on rather than allowing his eyes and thoughts to keep straying back in Guthláf’s direction. They made quick work of the morning’s preparations, and he used the extra time to allow Freogan a few shots at the archer’s targets waiting in the training ring, always happy to try to convert another Rohirrim from the spear to the bow.

Training stretched well into the afternoon, broken up only by a short break at midday. Wídfara was ever conscious of Guthláf’s presence, aware of where he stood or sat or rode, but he followed his own plan, keeping his distance and trying not to look too often in Guthláf’s direction. As he waited and hoped for a reassuring word or look or gesture to make their own way to him, he threw himself fully into every exercise, grateful for another focus and eager to expend some nervous energy. He did extra runs through the training course, gave advice when it was requested, and tried to put all his attention on his fellow archers, which at least had the happy side effect of helping them get to know one another better after the prior day’s brief introductions. Arengan, the chief bowman of the éored, even invited Wídfara out for a pint with the group, and he left Cypren in Freogan’s capable hands after training in order to accompany them to the tavern up the hill from the barracks.

They took up a position at a table in the back, eight of them in all, and Wídfara soon found himself having a good time in spite of everything. The easy teasing and good natured bluster reminded him of his friends from back home, and it was comforting to feel like part of a unit again. His enjoyment only wavered when, an hour after arriving, Guthláf came in and took a seat at the bar, chatting casually with the woman who poured drinks. Wídfara felt the uncomfortable pang of disappointment in his chest again, further heightened from a long day with no word or sign to set his heart at ease. But he couldn’t allow one night’s impulsive encounter to totally derail his efforts to get settled in Edoras and so he stayed with Arengan and the group despite his discomfort. He even stayed when he had finished his ale and knew that he couldn’t spare the money for another. Instead, he held the table while the other men went up to seek their own new pints.

He counted his coins again as he waited, and when he heard the chair across from him scrape on the floor, he looked up expecting to see one of his group returned. But instead it was Guthláf himself, holding a full mug, who slid into the open seat and smiled softly at him. 

“You’re a hard man to get a private moment with today.”

“Am I?” Wídfara felt a nervous little flip in his stomach. “I didn’t mean to be.” That wasn’t entirely true, as he had purposefully distracted himself with constant activity. But if the effect had been to discourage Guthláf from approaching him, that certainly wasn’t what he intended.

“Indeed. I kept a careful watch, and there’s hardly been a minute when you didn’t have at least one other person around you.” He looked over his shoulder and to both sides. Although no one else sat close enough to hear him, he lowered his voice nonetheless. “I’ve been waiting for a moment to try to explain myself, if you’ll allow it.”

Wídfara’s eyes shifted to the bar, where Arengan and his companions were still gathered a safe distance away. He kept his gaze there as he spoke. “We don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to. You don’t owe me any explanation.”

“I’d like to offer one all the same. And an apology. In the rush of everything that happened last night, I somehow stupidly forgot the fact that I would need to look after my dog. It was already near dawn when I realized it, but you were still sleeping and I didn’t want to disturb you without need. I thought I could slip out and back in before you woke, but I was wrong. While walking Slaga, I got trapped in a conversation with Harding, who is always absurdly talkative early in the morning, and by the time I shook him off and got to your room again, you were already up and gone.”

Wídfara’s eyes cut back quickly to Guthláf. “You came back?”

“I did, but I must have just missed you. And then I spent the whole day doing that over and over again, always seemingly unable to catch your eye at the right moment or get to you before Elfhelm or Arengan or someone else appeared at your side. But all I wanted to do was tell you that I’m sorry. I wouldn’t have wanted to suddenly wake up alone, with no word of explanation, and it was never my intention that you would.”

“So then you weren’t…having regrets about everything?”

“I wasn’t. Last night meant something to me, and I’d hate to think I ruined it by making you believe the opposite.” 

Wídfara felt his disappointment sliding away as Guthláf spoke, the weight of it sloughing off him like a mailcoat that had been unfastened and dropped to the floor, and he smiled. “Nothing is ruined. It was just a misunderstanding. And for my part, we can pretend this morning never happened. We can go back to things as they were last night.”

“I’ll be glad to try, but that will be hard for me because, in fact, I like you even better now than I did last night.”

“Better?” Wídfara laughed. “How could that even be possible when this is the first we’ve talked since then?”

“I saw this morning that Freogan is your novice.”

“That’s right.”

“And Elfhelm tells me the choice was yours and not his.”

“That’s also right, though I’m not sure I see the significance of it here.”

“I’ve known Freogan’s family for years. They’re good people who have far less than they deserve, and the extra money he’ll earn as a novice will do wonders for them. I suspect you could see that, and I think that’s exactly why you chose him. Is that not so?”

Wídfara’s cheeks colored a little in surprise, and he wondered how Guthláf had guessed so much. “Horse breeding families like mine have really struggled ever since the army started supplying its own horses. I know what it’s like to worry about meeting even basic needs, and I guess I saw a little of myself in him.”

“You’re a good person, Wíd. A kind person. I thought so already, but now I know it for sure.” He glanced back over his shoulder again, where Arengan and the other archers were gathering up freshly poured drinks and preparing to head back to their seats. “Stay here and have a good time. These men will be great friends to you. But if you’re not too tired when you get back to the barracks, I’d like it if you would find me there so we can spend a little time together.” He slid his own untouched ale across the table, allowing his fingers to brush lightly against Wídfara’s hand as he passed him the drink, and then stood.

“Guthláf! Come to join the Arrow Club, have you?” Arengan dropped mugs onto the table and gave Guthláf a slap on the back before gesturing at Widfara. “You were right about this one. He’s as good a drinking companion as he is an archer.”

“As a mere swordsman, I wouldn’t presume to intrude on your night out,” said Guthláf with a smile. “But take good care of your newest addition.” He glanced back briefly at Wídfara and then nodded to the group. “I’ll see you all later.” And then he was off, cutting through the tavern and out the front door.

Wídfara stayed at the table for another hour, joining with his new friends in talk and laughter until the first of them left to get home to a waiting family. Then he took the opportunity to slip out as well, walking with an undeniable haste in his steps as he headed back to the barracks and to Guthláf. 

He waited until the hallway was empty and then knocked lightly at Guthláf’s door. A voice called him in, where he was greeted most immediately by the curious attentions of Slaga, the tiny cause of all of that day’s confusion and worry. He hopped up now to paw excitedly at Wídfara’s shins, but a short whistle drew him back to his little cushion near the foot of the bed, where Guthláf himself sat, boots off and comfortable and smiling.

“I’m glad you came.” 

Just the sound of his voice sent a surge of pink warmth creeping over Wídfara’s face. “I was glad to be invited. For…whatever this is that we’re doing.”

Guthláf shifted to make room for Wídfara to sit beside him. “I’m not sure what we’re doing, and we’ll have to be very careful about doing it,” he said, laying a hand atop one of Wídfara’s. “But I think it might be something really great. Should we find out?”

Notes: Harding, the talkative early morning riser, is canon. Arengan and Freogan are not.

Next week, we time jump a number of months to Wíd and Guthláf in a really happy, loving place. Until Guthláf is given an opportunity to fulfill his dream at last, and Wíd…does not take it well. Click here to Part 4!

Dividers as always by the lovely @quillofspirit

@emmanuellececchi @konartiste @sotwk @hobbitwrangler @dreambigdreamz (This list is based on prior expressions of interest but feel free to let me know if you want off! (Or on!))

[jqmalikhsgib]

stars

seven

hiding a baby bump isn’t as easy as it seems, especially when you’re in the spotlight! yn has done everything to hide her belly away from the world. she wore baggy clothes, big sweaters, heavy jackets, literally anything.

it was pretty obvious she’s hiding something. most people are just speculating she got bigger, others are saying she got surgery, and very few have guessed she’s pregnant. aaron had told her time and time he’s okay with her telling the world.

yn just wasn’t ready to share this precious moment with the world. this is her first pregnancy and she deserves to keep somethings to herself! it’s only fair she gets a little bit of privacy away from the constant prying eyes that has been following her for years.

she loves what she does. loves making music, touring, traveling around the world, going to big events, she loves it all! but she deserves to have a private life just as much as the rest of the world.

unfortunately, not most people think she deserves that! it’s why she’s in complete tears when she sees someone had invaded her privacy when she was out grocery shopping this morning. if someone looked close enough they’d see a very small bump forming.

“do you think rihanna’s pregnant?”

“looks like a bump to me, kate! but it could just be my eyes deceiving me.”

“i can assure you, that is a baby bump! i know one when i see it. ive been pregnant too many times to count. rihanna definitely is pregnant, tim!”

“you heard it here first, folks! looks like our beloved rnb—pop star is expecting one of her own! the question is, who’s the baby’s father?”

“i thought she’d been dating an fbi agent, tim?”

“sources told me she’s exploring her options. apparently things aren’t too serious with mister fbi agent. rihanna just doesn’t see herself being with someone who doesn’t understand her lifestyle. i heard she’s been seeing rapper drake and a few other artists out there. this could be anyone from rapper drake’s baby to actor leonardo dicaprio to mystery man. the options are endless!”

“well, let’s just hope she knows who baby daddy is. we’ll be back with more hollywood scandals!”

yn immediately called her manager. she wanted to get to the bottom of who did this to her. after she got off the phone she called aaron next. she knew he was most likely busy with paperwork, knowing he would have called her immediately if he had a case somewhere.

when aaron answered his guard went up quickly when he heard his wife whimpering. “darling, what’s wrong? is jack okay? is the baby okay?! tell me?”

“aaron, they—they—”

“breath, darling. take a deep breath for me. that’s right, slowly. now, tell me what’s wrong?”

yn explained the situation and aaron is livid. he hated that her privacy was invaded like that. he hated it even more they’re painting his wife to be screwing everyone with a pulse. it’s sickening!

aaron let’s her know he’s coming home immediately! he doesn’t care about work at this moment. she’s more important to him than anything. yn waits patiently for her husband to arrive home.

in the meantime she cuddles up to her boy while watching cartoons. she’s trying to get her mind off of everything. when aaron arrives yn runs to his and hugs him tightly.

“it’s gonna be okay, sweetheart. we’ll sue! they have no business airing out your story before you’re ready!”

yn just wants her boys to. nothing else mattered in that moment.

“mamma, you okay?”

yn turns and gives her boy a small smile. “yeah, baby. your baby brother or sister just making mamma emotional. come on, i want cuddles from my boys!”

aaron smiles as the small family cuddle on the couch. yn will just deal with everything else tomorrow!

[lady-lostmind]

So kiss me like you did.

For: @cheshiredogao3 (cheshiredog on ao3)

Relationships: Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson

Rating: E

Wordcount: 3745

Warnings: No Archive Warnings

Tags: Modern AU, Rockstar!Eddie, NSFW, Established Relationship, Secret Relationship, Stuck in a supply closet, Semi-public sex, Dom/Sub undertones

Summary: Eddie asks Steve to come with him to a party for the label but ignores him the whole time resulting in a fight and getting locked in a supply closet.

Also on ao3

This fic is a part of the @steddieholidayexchange Thank you @oh-stars for betaing this for me! You're the absolute best.

Eddie laughs, downing the last of his drink as Chrissy nudges him in the direction of the next big important label person he’s supposed to charm and impress. It’s been nonstop since they walked in the fucking door of this snobby party, and she keeps handing him water instead of cocktails, trying to keep him on his best behaviour. Probably thinks he’ll screw this whole thing up. Which, fine, that’s fair. He doesn’t have the best track record at these things. But he knows this is important. Promised to behave. The least she can do is give him a decent fucking drink. 

He smiles widely at the little brunette in front of him. Shakes her hand when Chrissy introduces her as ‘Charlotte.’ 

“Hello! I’m Eddie.” He makes sure his dimple pops and he doesn’t let go of her hand until she pulls back first. Doesn’t even make a face when she lets her fingers trail over his for just a moment too long in their retreat. 

“Yes, I know who you are, Mr. Munson.” 

Eddie scrunches his face up and shakes his head. “Oh, no– Blech. Don’t call me that. Eddie is fine. Please.” 

Charlotte lets out a far too generous giggle at that, her hand popping up to land on his chest and give him a little shove. Chrissy catches his eye and gives him an approving smile and nod before she makes her retreat, no doubt scouring the crowd for who she wants him to schmooze next. He knows this is all just part of the deal. That he has to play his part. Be the attractive front man, let people think they have a shot with him. But it’s exhausting, always having to have on this mask. To feel like a product being sold.

He turns his attention back on Charlotte, ready to let himself drip with as much charm as he can muster when there’s a sharp tap on his shoulder. Eddie turns and his stomach drops as he sees Steve’s very clearly aggravated face staring back at him. Shit. He left him alone. Again. 

Steve leans forward, keeping his voice low. “I’m leaving, Eds.”

Eddie groans as he watches Steve turn toward the exit and quickly mumbles an apology to Charlotte before hurrying after him to grab his arm. “Wait, wait. I’m sorry.” He gives a quick glance around the room. Knows they shouldn’t do this here where everyone can see them. But– he doesn’t want Steve to go. Doesn’t want to be in another fight about this. Feels like an idiot for not realizing he was gone for so long with Chrissy. He promised he’d do better about this. That they’d work out some kind of balance. But here they are again, with Steve upset and Eddie stuck between the man he loves and his career. 

Steve glares at him, but doesn’t pull away. Eddie tugs him out of the room and down a hall, away from prying eyes, anywhere they can talk about this without worrying about people overhearing them and rumors spreading wild.

Steve sighs, following him reluctantly. “Where are we going?”

Eddie turns another corner. “Uh– just somewhere we can talk. Somewh– aha!” 

Eddie whips the door open to a little supply closet and pulls Steve in, flicking on the light and shutting the door behind them. Steve stares at him with a scowl and crosses his arms over his chest. “You’re serious? A fucking closet? Little on the nose, don’t you think?” 

Eddie rolls his eyes and sighs. “Come on, Stevie. I’m sorry, okay. I shouldn’t have left you alone. Chrissy–”

Steve scoffs. “Yeah I know. Chrissy needed you to talk to people. Chrissy needed you to make a good impression. Chrissy needed you to look unattached. This is why I didn’t want to come! And then I had to sit in the corner and watch that woman practically throw herself at you.” 

Eddie groans, letting his head hit the door behind him. “Why do you let that bother you so much, baby? You know I’m not interested. It’s just part of the whole–” He flails his hands around, gesturing to the frankly ridiculous outfit Chrissy put him in tonight. “ –rockstar bullshit.” 

Steve rolls his eyes. “Oh, I know. But that doesn’t mean I have to like it. And it doesn’t mean I want to watch it happen. I could have just stayed home, Eds.”

Eddie’s face drops. “This is a big night for me I just–” He reaches out to grab Steve’s hand. “I wanted you here.” 

Steve nods and sighs. Sounds defeated when he answers, “I know. I just can’t sit in the corner like something you’re embarrassed of anymore. I’m proud of you. You deserve to enjoy tonight, okay. I just want to go home.”

Eddie feels awful. Hates that Steve feels like he’s anything but thrilled to be with him. He reaches up and rubs Steve’s cheek with his thumb. Leaning in to give him a soft kiss before whispering, “I could never be embarrassed of you, sweetheart.” 

But he shuffles to the side, leaving room for Steve to pass. Doesn’t want to force him to stay if he doesn’t want to be here anymore. Understands that he fucked up. That he should have been more attentive. That he should have come up with some reason for Steve to be at his side all night. He watches as Steve reaches for the door knob and–

THUNK–

Steve’s eyes flash over to Eddie’s, filled with panic, turning the knob quickly and pushing against the door.

THUNK–THUNK

Steve lets go and gestures angrily at the door. “Great. It’s locked.” 

Eddie reaches around him, grabbing the knob and jiggling it. “Let me try.”

THUNK–

Steve rolls his eyes. “I told you.” 

Eddie sighs. “It’s fine. I’ll just call Chrissy.” 

Eddie pulls his phone out and clicks on the screen– No Service. “Well, shit.” Eddie holds his phone out for Steve to see.

Steve groans and pulls his phone out, finding the same thing.

Eddie shrugs. ”Chrissy will notice I’m missing eventually. She’ll come looking for us.”

Steve rolls his eyes, leaning back against the shelves that line the walls. “Great.”

Eddie huffs out a laugh. “Yeah, you said that already. I mean, you wanted my attention, right?” Eddie leans in close, trailing his fingers down Steve’s chest, looking at him with heavy lidded eyes. “Well, I’m all yours now, baby.”

Steve scoffs, swatting Eddie’s hand away. “Are you serious?”

Eddie crowds up against Steve, letting his voice dip low, leaning in close to Steve’s ear. “Come on. Let me make it up to you. We could be stuck in here for a while.” 

Steve is trying to keep up the annoyed front, but Eddie knows him. Feels the way his breath hitches a little when Eddie’s breath tickles his ear, the way he subconsciously presses himself against him, leaning into his touch. Eddie teases his finger along the waistband of Steve’s pants and looks longingly into his eyes. “Please, Stevie. Let me make you feel good.”

Steve rolls his eyes, but his voice is all breathy, catching a little in his throat when Eddie nips at his ear lobe with his teeth. “Fuck, Eds.” 

Eddie trails kisses along Steve’s jaw, working his way to his lips, pushing his tongue in deep, the corner of his mouth pulling up in a smirk when he feels Steve melt against him, the little moan that escapes his lips as Eddie pulls him in tight by his hips. 

“Is that a yes, sweetheart?” Eddie grinds their hips together, watches as Steve’s brow scrunches together and he nods, leaning back in to pull Eddie back to his mouth, to continue their kiss. 

Eddie dives back in, pressing Steve firmly against the shelves, reaching down to undo his belt. Wants to get his hands on him as soon as possible. To take advantage of every second they have together. To show him that he knows exactly which of them is actually the lucky one in this relationship. That it doesn’t matter that Eddie is the one on magazine covers and playing sold out venues. At the end of the day he knows what a privilege it is to fall into this man’s arms. That he’s lucky Steve ever even looked his way. He hates that Steve doesn’t see it that way. That he ever made him feel like he isn’t Eddie’s entire fucking world. That Steve doesn’t realize Eddie would rather be here, stuck in this shitty supply closet with him than back in that stuffy party full of names that are supposed to impress him.

He might not be the best at telling Steve just how much he means to him, but fuck if he doesn’t know how to show him. How to make him squirm beneath his fingers, how to make his body sing. The most beautiful music Eddie has ever heard only pours from Steve’s mouth when Eddie plays his body like a fucking fiddle. 

Eddie gets Steve’s pants open and pushes his hand inside, cupping his hardening dick through his briefs and grinning against his mouth, swallowing down the whimper Steve lets out like it’s his last breath of fresh air. And honestly, Eddie would be fine if that was really the case. Because what better way to go than this? 

Steve bucks his hips forward as Eddie adds a little more pressure and drags his hand up, leaning back to watch Steve’s face scrunch in pleasure, a cocky smirk spreading across his face. “Does that feel good, big boy?” 

Steve nods, his desperate eyes flicking up to lock onto Eddie’s. Eddie hums in approval and reaches up with his free hand to cup Steve’s cheek, running his thumb along his jaw and staring into his eyes as he slips his hand into his underwear and wraps his fingers around his shaft, stroking up and down. Steve lets out a low moan and his eyes slip closed. Eddie tightens his grip on his jaw, shaking him a little to get him to open his eyes again. 

“Keep those pretty eyes on me, sweetheart.” 

Steve lets out a soft whimper and nods his head, heavy eyes staying focused on Eddie as his mouth pops open and Eddie drags his thumb along his pouty bottom lip. Loves watching Steve come apart like this. The way he just lets his brain turn off, following along to whatever Eddie tells him. 

Eddie leans in, pressing a harsh kiss to Steve’s lips, licking into his mouth as he quickens the pace of his hand and grinds his hips against Steve, making sure he’s able to feel how hard he is through their pants. “Are you going to let me fuck you in this dirty closet, Stevie?” 

Steve lets out a loud moan and Eddie covers his mouth with his hand, chuckling meanly against his cheek. 

“Shhh– Someone is going to hear you, baby.” Eddie pulls back enough to look in his eyes again and shakes the hand gripping his face roughly. “Or is that what you want, hm? You want every stuck up asshole in this place to hear me fucking you in here? Want them to know you’re mine, hm?”  

Steve lets out another moan, still muffled by Eddie’s hand and nods his head, bucking his hips forward, trying to get Eddie to give him more. Eddie just grins, keeping his pace the same, but pressing harder into Steve’s hip, pinning him to the shelves and making it impossible for him to move them again. 

Eddie lets his voice dip low, but keeps it teasing. “Are you in a hurry? Have somewhere to be?” 

Eddie moves his hand from Steve’s mouth, slipping it into his hair and tugging back, angling his head so he has to look up to meet Eddie’s eye. “You want to cum now or wait until I’m inside you?” 

Steve’s eyes roll back and he whimpers, hips feebly trying to buck again. Eddie tugs on his hair again to get him to focus. “Words baby. Need your words.”

A cocky little smirk pulls at the corner of Steve’s mouth and he huffs out a breathy little laugh as he says, “Both.” 

A wide, menacing grin stretches across Eddie’s face and he shakes his head a little in disbelief. “Oh, we’re going to be greedy tonight, are we?” Eddie slows his hand so that he’s just barely stroking still, ignoring the disappointed little huff Steve lets out. “What if I just don’t let you cum at all after that?” 

Steve shakes his head, eyes going all puppy dog and bottom lip jutting out in protest as he whines, “You said you were going to make it up to me. Make me feel good.” 

Eddie smiles and nods, leaning in to pepper kisses along Steve’s jaw. “That was before you got all bratty on me. You know only good boys get to cum, Stevie.” 

Steve whines again, his hands gripping Eddie’s hips tightly, tugging him forward like he can will Eddie into moving his hand again. “Please? I was good. I came to your stupid party.” 

And as much as Eddie likes to tease him, to drag things out, to reduce Steve into a puddle of need before he finally gives him a release, he’s right. He’s always so good, too good. He’s the best. He deserves so much more than what Eddie gives him. So, of course he’ll give him this. There was never any question that he would, really. 

Eddie tightens his grip on Steve’s dick again, and leans back to let a trail of spit drip down between them to land on the tip, watches as it slides over his fingers and rings as he starts stroking again, faster now, with more purpose. Twisting his hand in just the way he knows Steve likes, that always gets him there fast. Steve groans and Eddie leans back in, tugging Steve forward by his hair so he can kiss him again. Wants to feel the moans he lets out rumble through his mouth. Wants to taste him as he– 

Steve gasps, his hands flying up to tangle in Eddie’s hair as he lets out a long moan and spills over Eddie’s hand, his entire body shuddering against Eddie as he rides out the waves. Eddie smiles proudly, releasing the tight hold he has on Steve’s hair to run his fingers through it soothingly and hums against his mouth.

“There’s my good boy.”

Steve leans forward, pressing their foreheads together as he catches his breath, grinning and letting out a soft whine as Eddie lets go of his dick and reaches over to wipe his hand on a towel on the shelf behind Steve’s head. 

“Did I make it up to you yet? Am I forgiven?”

Steve rolls his eyes and shakes his head. “I don’t know, I think I was pretty clear about what I wanted.”

Eddie’s eyes darken and he feels his dick twitch in his pants, almost entirely forgotten with the show going on in front of him. “You sure you’re ready for more already, baby?” Eddie keeps his voice teasing, but he’s already unbuckling his belt and slipping his pants and boxers down to pool around his ankles. 

Steve nods and turns around, grabbing on to one of the shelves and arching his back. Eddie shifts back and admires the view of Steve in his disheveled outfit, dress pants loose from hanging open in the front, shirt rucked up on his lower back, a sliver of that beautiful skin peeking out from underneath. Eddie reaches out to tug on Steve’s pants with a mean chuckle. “Not going to get very far with these in the way, sweetheart.” 

Steve huffs in annoyance and Eddie bites the inside of his lip, trying not to react to that the way he wants to. By shoving Steve hard against the shelves and making him cry maybe. But they can’t do that here. He knows his boy. Being that mean will make him loud. And they can’t afford that right now. He’s probably going to have a hard time keeping him quiet enough as it is. So he just watches, lazily stroking himself as Steve pushes his pants down and puts that gorgeous ass on display, settling back into the position he was in before. Lets him stay there, waiting, obviously growing impatient as he shifts his weight a little from foot to foot until he finally looks over his shoulder at Eddie with a raised brow. 

Eddie flashes him an innocent grin. “What’s wrong, baby?” 

Steve rolls his eyes and wiggles his ass a little, making Eddie chuckle, and effectively breaking his resolve to make Steve squirm for as long as possible. He moves forward, trailing his fingers over Steve’s skin, circling his cheeks before squeezing one hard and getting a satisfying yelp out of Steve before moving his fingers to press against his hole. Knows this, too, will annoy him. That when he’s this worked up he just wants him to jump right in. But Eddie loves fingering Steve. Loves feeling him open up slowly until he’s begging for more. He can’t draw this out like he’d like to. Like he would if they were at home and he had Steve sprawled out on the bed. They don’t have time for that here. But he thinks they can play a little longer before his presence is missed too much. Before Chrissy comes knocking on every door in this hallway looking for her lost cash cow. And he’s going to enjoy this until she does.

He leans forward and lets a trail of spit drip down Steve’s crack. He grabs a cheek and pries them open, making room for it to run down and coat Steve’s hole and slip down the side of his finger. Eddie swirls it around a little before pressing in, mouth quirking up at the side when Steve lets out a sigh of relief. Like this is exactly what he needed. Like his body couldn’t relax until it had some part of Eddie inside it. He doesn’t waste any time before slipping a second finger in, leaning down to press a kiss to Steve’s neck when he lets out a little whine. Starts moving them, pressing deep, rubbing over his prostate until he’s panting every breath and writhing against the shelves, pushing roughly back onto Eddie’s fingers. 

Eddie pulls himself free, ignoring the whine of protest he gets in response, and grabs his aching dick, stepping forward and lining himself up. He wraps a hand around Steve’s mouth as he pushes in, cutting off the groan that escapes from Steve as he sinks in. 

“Gotta be quiet, sweetheart.” He says it sweetly, even as he pulls his hips back and slams them forward, pushing Steve further into the shelves and makes another moan get caught against his hand. He can’t help it. Steve feels so good. Hot and tight around him and making such pretty noises for him. Always so good. Always the best. Even when Eddie doesn’t deserve it. Even when he’s been an absolute ass. 

“Fuck, baby.” 

He’s not going to last long. Not after so much teasing and playing with Steve. He sets a quick pace. They should probably get their clothes back on as soon as possible, anyway. They have to be pushing their luck at this point. Eddie reaches around with his free hand, grabbing Steve’s semi-hard dick, not quite recovered for his last orgasm, grins at the little hiss he gets in response. Knows he’s probably still a little oversensitive. Though it hasn’t stopped him from absolutely dripping with precum. Eddie lets out a groan as he feels it coat his hand, rubbing it up and down Steve’s length. Hoping the combination of this and pounding into his prostate will be enough to–

Steve’s muffled moans grow louder, a jumble of ‘oh fuck’ mixing in with them as he spills over Eddie’s hand again, clenching hard around him and reaching up to grab roughly at Eddie’s hair as he comes down, body going lax against the shelves. Eddie groans as he pounds into Steve, hips slamming against his perfect ass as he chases his own release, following him over the edge quickly and filling Steve up. His brain goes absolutely feral at the thought of him walking around this awful party with Eddie’s cum slowly leaking out of him and ruining his underwear. He hopes Steve doesn’t leave as soon as they get out of this closet. That he can convince him to stay, even just a little longer. That he won’t leave him alone again. 

Eddie takes a few deep breaths, holding Steve close and peppering kisses along his back and shoulders before easing himself back, and out, grabbing the discarded towel from earlier to wipe himself and Steve up again and letting out a little sigh as he pulls his pants back up and watches Steve do the same, his movements heavy and sloppy like he’s not completely in charge of his body yet. 

Eddie tugs him forward by his belt loops and swats his hand away, doing up his pants for him, and tucking his now very wrinkled shirt into the waistband for him. Grins at the way Steve’s cheeks flush red, like this is embarrassing him. Not, you know, getting fucked in a dirty supply closet. That was fine. But his boyfriend helping him dress is just too much to handle.

Eddie reaches up and drags his thumb along Steve’s chin and leans in to press a soft kiss to his lips. “You still mad at me?”

Steve rolls his eyes and rests his arms on Eddie’s shoulders, hands finding their way to play with the curls at the base of his neck. “I guess you’re forgiven.” He says it with an attitude but his face breaks out in a little grin and his eyes are doing the thing Eddie loves. When he looks at him like he’s the most precious thing in the world. Even though Eddie knows that isn’t true. It couldn’t be. Because he’s holding the most precious thing in the world. He leans in for another kiss. Draws this one out a little more before sighing again. “Welp. Now that the fun is over…”

He glances at the door, kicking his foot against it uselessly. “Where the fuck is Chrissy?”

[fruit-salad-ship]

@ that mafia au: don't u fucking dare hurt the girls. They're too damn precious. You better save them somehow in the end. 😭😭😭😭

Oh precious one, this is the AU they both die in :’)

Peach gets taken out by a jilted lover, tells her cousins to get plum out of the building they’ve been lured too, she’ll handle this, but fails. they have to dig her out of the building that collapsed on her, plum cries so loudly the whole town can hear. Days it takes them to pry her away. She does not eat, she does not sleep, and she never sings again. She is left in a home that she built with her lover, and sits alone in the confides, surrounded by loss. No one can console her not even grey. She loses all desire to continue.

Plum eventually goes on a revenge driven rampage to kill the woman who took everything from her. She spends days in the house with only one of peach’s revolvers, they’re part of a set, two of a kind, and one was never recovered. She knows who has the other, there’s no one else who would keep it. With peach’s wedding ring on a chain round her neck, and hers still on her hand, she finally makes a direct move forward.

Plum uses that revolver to find the woman with the other half, the missing gun, taken as a souvenir, proof she felled a monster of a woman, plums wife, the only person she’s ever felt true unbridled, immeasurable love from.

In killing the woman who robbed her of her life, she too is shot down, and upon lying on the floor, gets to drift away from reality to a place peach is sat and waiting for her in. The line between life and death, a waiting room. She gets to see her wife once more, not the vision she last had, a cold lifeless body void of anything recognisable, but peach, as she was prior, healthy and well, warm to touch, just as sturdy as she remembered.

THERE IS HOWEVER AN ALTERNATIVE

Because I too couldn’t stand the tragedy of that ending. Every time I try to write it I end up just crying haha!

Peach goes to face the angry ex and the building comes down, plum thinks her dead and is the first one after fighting to get free, sprinting to start digging through the rubble, hurting her hands and not even thinking to stop. And there under a table, unconscious but alive is peach. She’s been shot, but she’s breathing.

The big woman wakes up in a hospital with plum asleep by her side, right there next to her in bed. Her hands in a cast, her arms feel like she’s torn every muscle in them, but she didn’t expect to wake up. Peach lets plum sleep, she’s got a bag there, clearly she’s been here a while based on what’s around the space. Eventually her wife wakes up and sees her just there, looking at her gently. There’s a lot of tears, both of them crack, the singer was so worried, and the mob boss thought she’d met her end. Both just cry, laugh, a euphoria of the reunion. Plum of course hugs her too tight, forgets she’s broken, the recoil and apology that follows something peach just laughs at.

Peach’s family are relieved, they love her to death (mostly), and with her mother standing down after such a display, once healed peach takes up control with plum by her side, criminals in control, both powerful women.

Plum is this overly doting woman who takes up the leg work of the family jobs, she’s the power behind the power, she becomes fury to make sure her wife, dear precious peach has time to recover without the huge stress of her work.

They live a wonderful life full of travel and love, mornings making pancakes, nights sat by the fire, jobs where they’re making deals, killing rivals and sharing the burdens handed to them. It is hard work, but they’d change nothing, they can do this together. Plum carries on with her singing career, the pub is sold, and peach moves her business to the city so that plum can chase her dream and find her fame.

It is a given, she’s got talent, and within a matter of time she sees her name in lights adorning a huge venue, her wife, forever supportive and beside her just smiling. She had no doubt plum would get here, she commands a room, she is a stone cold killer and knows it. Oozing confidence, there was no surprise when the woman got to start recording songs of her own. They truly are perfect for each other, highs and lows, nothing stops them. Despite peach being crime family royalty it is plum, a humble woman from a normal family that is held above everyone, she deserves a crown, a throne, the entire world, and peach would face an army to give it to her if plum asked.

Trust me when I say I don’t know which one to do, both perhaps, one tragic, one happy. Let everyone decide on their favourite outcome.

Heartbreak though hard to stomach makes a story that tugs at the heart, and that’s why I’m leaning towards the tragic ending, but I hate it. This the the AU where they fall madly in love, perfect pair, completely devoted despite the odds going against them. They don’t care. They get it all, the house together, the quiet beautiful wedding, the drama of family, the love of friends, trips to distant towns to enjoy hotels and sight seeing. Peach has her cousins beside her as her best friends, they’re thick as thieves, and there’s even space for the emotional repair, plum never found her people until now, and peach though herself unlovable thanks to her mom. It is all fixed with them finding each other. SO many sweet moments, painfully beautiful little memories made between two women who just couldn’t find their place in the world, when no one really liked who they were, and wanted them to change to fit the mould, they refused and did things their way, and it worked for them.

I think about mafia way WAY too much.

[adrianasunderworld]

Trying to figure out how the TWST boys would react to their potential crushes hugging them without warning.

Ariel to Floyd? He'd probably be delighted and spin her around. Good luck trying to pry her from his cold dead hands.

Tiana to Azul? Bruh he's turning redder than Riddle on one of his bad days, and why are his glasses fogging up?

Mulan to Silver? He'd be surprised at first, but he’d reciprocate without a fuss. Lilia however (spying from afar) is restraining himself from yelling “NOW KISS!!!”

Belle to Leona? Cue the Prince complaining about it, only for his tail to wrap around her waist insisting that he wasn't technically refusing it when she begins to pull away.

Jasmine to Jamil? He's definitely flustered on the inside, but manages to what he feels is calmly returning the hug, only to sputter indignantly from embarrassment when Kalim joins in for the “group hug.”

Merida to Rook? He’d hug her back no problem, though then they’d have fun trying to flip each other over their backs.

Snow White to Vil? He is hilariously stiff (like when Neige unexpectedly pulls him onstage for their groups to sing together) in body and expression, and all he can manage is to awkwardly pat her head in response as she snuggles against him.

This is so cute anon 🥺💕🥺💕

Out of all of them, I feel like Ariel and Floyd are the most affectionate, platonically or not. They don't seem like the type to make too much of a fuss. So Ariel is always hugging Floyd, but that doesn't mean he enjoys it any less. He always gives her a giant squeeze in return.

For Tiana and Azul, maybe Azul let her add a recipes of hers to the menu. Like she makes her signature beignets and they're offered as a special limited menu item at the lounge. They're a smash hit. Azul shows Tiana the reviews and how well they sell, she's so proud and excited that she hugs Azul. Like you said, he's red, his glasses fog up. It's only for a few seconds, but in those seconds, Azul.EXE stopped working. "Yes well, I look forward to doing more business with you moving forward."

Mulan and Silver are hanging out, maybe Silver gets her something. Nothing big, just a little trinket like a charm he saw at Sams shop and though Mulan would like it. So he got for her, because that's what friends do, right? She gives him a thank you hug, and Silver hugs back and it's all nice and sweet. Meanwhile Lilia is in the trees with binoculars. "That's my boy...now kiss!"

Belle had taken to browsing the books Leona had in his room. He had some very nice editions, and there was one novel in particular that she really liked to flip through when she hung out, but was afraid to ask about borrowing it. It was a beautiful copy, likely very pricey, and she didn't want to risk returning it damaged. Leona isn't oblivious, he knows how Belle loves that book. So one day he told her to keep it. Belle tried to refuse, but he told her to have it, he insisted, so she took the book and hugged as a thank you. "It's not that big a deal." He said, all the while wrapping his tail around her, giving her a pat on the back his way of returning it.

Jamil was teaching Jasmine how to cook. She wanted to learn and there was a particular treat from the Scalding Sands she wanted to learn. Jamil made it all the time, so she asked him to show her. He of course said yes, and Kalim tagged along to hang out in the kitchen. After the food cooled off, Jasmine was excited when she tried and it tasted good. She hugged Jamil in her excitement. He returned the gesture, enjoying the moment. Only for Kalim to jump in, "Group hug!"

Rook was surprised when the red head ran up and wrapped her arms around him. Merida was never much of a hugger in the time he'd known her. He tried to turn around to return the hug, only to get thrown down. It wasn't a hug, it was a wresting move.

Sweet Snow is hugger. She'll hug for anything. It doesn't matter the reason. But the first time she hugged Vil, he was taken aback by how sudden and easily she did it, completely unbothered. He kind of awkwardly pats her on the back, she'll take it. If you've ever seen that picture of the kid at a Disney park hugging the evil queen. That's them.

[hurtmyfavsthanks]

June of Doom day 29

“it’s really not that big of a deal” (bruises/acceptance/secret)

Content warning: Implied abuse

“It was an accident.”

Those were the first words out of Sidekick’s mouth as they teleported into the villain-run infirmary, directly into Medic’s personal office. It wasn’t the first time it had happened, nor was it the first time Sidekick had appeared pale faced and nursing a new set of injuries.

Medic sighed, pushing their paperwork aside and pulling a chair out. “Well. Come on over and tell me about this ‘accident’ then.” 

As Sidekick carefully made their way over, Medic made mental note of the limp they were doing a poor job of masking. Sidekick sat down gingerly, winching. Their voice was tight when they next spoke. “It’s really not that big of a deal. Superhero was–I just messed up, that’s all. Just–Please. We have training tomorrow and I can’t miss it.”

The explanation certainly didn’t satisfy Medic, but experience had taught them that trying to pry anything more from Sidekick was pointless. They kept their frustration out of their expression, instead keeping their expression neutrally bored as they inspected their patient.

Bruises littered Sidekick’s body, deep and rapidly turning a nasty shade of purple. Their ankle had a hairline fracture, explaining the limp. From the swelling, Medic could tell their arm had recently been dislocated. They were the same types of injuries Sidekick always came in. The same injuries Medic’s normal patients came in with after a rough fight with Superhero. 

“How hasn’t anyone realized what you’re doing? Last I checked, you don’t have healing powers yourself, and you clearly aren’t going to your own medics,” As they spoke, Medic allowed their power to hum to life, covering their hands with a warm glow that they gently pressed into each wound. Sidekick held still through the procedure, clearly used to the numb tingling Medic’s healing caused. They only flinched when Medic touched the large, hand-shaped bruise blossoming wrapped around their throat. 

When Sidekick spoke, Medic could feel their voice trembling. “W-well, um. They don’t notice I guess? Superhero never said anything, and I always come to you before anyone else, so…” they gave a jerky half shrug.

Medic hummed in acknowledgement, doing their best to make quick work of Sidekick’s injuries. They didn’t remember how they’d come to help a sidekick, let alone Superhero’s sidekick. And yet they were, carefully tending to the bruised neck of a kid with nowhere else to go. Some would see it as contrary to what Medic stood for, working in an office that helped the scum of the city, but Medic disagreed. They’d begun working with villains to help those who truly needed them, and Sidekick was no different.

 It wasn’t long before all of their bruises had faded away into nothing. When Medic was satisfied with their work, they sighed, stepping away. “You’re done. Try not to break anything again for a few days and you’ll be fine.” 

Sidekick perked up. They gave an experimental roll of their neck, before carefully standing. “Thank you so much. You don’t know how much you’ve helped me here.”

Medic could imagine. “If you want to thank me, you’ll start using the door like a normal person instead of teleporting in here.”

“But if someone saw me–”

Medic gave a dismissive wave. “They already know. With how often you pop in, I had to tell them if I didn’t want to start treating heart attacks.” When Sidekick’s face paled, Medic continued. “They aren’t going to rat you out to anyone. They wouldn’t cross me, and even if they tried, a hero’s not going to believe them.”

“I–”, Sidekick took a shuddering breath. “Okay, that’s fine just–please, don’t tell anyone else. If Superhero found out–”

Medic turned their eyes away from Sidekick “I know kid. I promise, they won’t find out.”

After a long moment, Sidekick nodded. “Thank you,” 

Medic returned their focus to their papers, stubbornly refusing to look up until they heard Sidekick leave. It was only then that they allowed themselves to frown. 

Sidekick would never tell Medic what was happening, and Medic didn’t need them to. It was telling enough that a longstanding hero couldn’t manage to train an apprentice without leaving them beaten and bruised. It was telling enough that Sidekick felt the need to come to a villain for help instead of the army of medics the Agency had. 

There was little Medic could do. They couldn’t go to the police with the information, not unless they wanted to end up in a jail cell. They certainly couldn’t go and confront Superhero themselves if they wanted to keep living. They had no hope of convincing Sidekick to leave or even tell some higher-up what was happening. And even if they could convince Sidekick to tell, Medic wasn’t sure if telling someone at the Agency would even be worthwhile. If Medic was going to do something, it wouldn’t be alone.

Medic considered their options for a long moment. Eventually, they reached for their phone, scrolling through their contacts. It only took them a moment to find who they were looking for.

They didn’t bother with pleasantries when Villain picked up their phone.

 “Are you available? I need a favor.” 

[shmothman]

pacing alone in my room talking to myself (posting my entire story for my mushishi SI on tumblr dot com)

They are… more or less a cryptozoologist, although they’d never call themself that. They’re a biologist, it’s just that not everyone believes the species they study are real. It doesn’t help that most of the literature on them is at least a hundred years old, and now is relegated to the sphere of rural folklore and folk medicine—and the occasional eyewitness accounts of strange phenomena, not unlike cryptid and ghost sightings. The paraphyletic group known as mushi are just undescribed fungi and protists, they insist, and are repeatedly laughed at by every institution they pitch their research to. (They’ll show them, they think.) Angry and running out of options, they take a field trip on their own to a rural mountain in Japan. They’ve always been described to appear in areas less touched by humans. (They can’t see the mushi all around them, but they’ve accidentally stumbled upon a large branch of the light vein.)

They aren’t expecting to more or less trip and fall into it.

As if in a trance, they walk toward it, step into it—until a voice calls out for them to stop, a hand pulls them back. He has white hair and an eye of pure darkness.

And when they wake up, he’s still there, telling them to wake up, coaxing them out of strange dreams.

(Mushi can totally make time travel happen. Shhhh it’s magic.)

Now, missing most of their memory (at least about who they are, they remember things about the world in the 21st century as a whole) they have to adjust to life in Meiji-era Japan, and as interested as Ginko is to figure out how this happened (he’s a nerd. he’s a big fucking nerd be honest with yourselves), he’s a little less stoked that he’s stuck with a brash, confusing, time traveling idiot until the two of them can figure out how to get them back to their own time, or until they can figure out a way and a place to stay as he moves on. (I think you can see where this is going.)

There’s a bit of Gender Stuff that goes on with my SI, and they end up deciding to “pretend” to be a boy bc they don’t want to be seen as a woman, and also it makes it easier to believe that they’re his “apprentice” (which ends up being their go-to excuse), but Ginko’s take on all that is “well, none of my business.” And he doesn’t really care, anyway. Doesn’t stop him from falling in love, at least. You’ll pry my demisexual headcanons out of my cold head hands, as per usual.

Despite pretending to be his apprentice, they can’t… actually see mushi. They didn’t gain that ability by falling into the light vein. They do come to be able to feel them, in a vague sort of way, though they’re always asking Ginko to draw them for them. Luckily, dealing with unseen things is basically what a microbiologist does (though they can’t even see mushi under a microscope, damn) so they can fake it well enough when they need to. And Ginko can’t help but feel quite a bit proud when they start being able to identify mushi by description, and sometimes even by feel.

They travel together for months, become close friends, and against their better judgment, they both get attached. Fall in love. But they can’t… they’ll both have to leave sooner or later… My SI falls first. They know it can’t be, and they know he can’t see them that way, but that doesn’t stop the feelings, the hopes, the imagining. And then he goes through the same thing. He’s much better at repressing his feelings than they are, though 🤣 And he’s much quicker to figure out that they like him. I mean, it’s pretty goddamn obvious. To literally everyone. (Well, anyone who doesn’t think my SI is much younger than him—I HC him as 34ish and I do have. A baby face—and also a boy. Although… even then. If You Know, You Know. There were gay people back then too.)

So cue the Sef-mandated months of mutual pining while they gallivant around japan solving mushi mysteries together and generally getting into Will-They-Won’t-They scenarios until even I, the real life version, am sick of the slow burn.

Until they come to a village where my SI just… fits in. Even in the couple days they’re in town, it’s clear that the villagers would accept them, help them make a life there. My SI is having a great time, though they have no actual intention of staying; it’s just nice to make some friends. Attend a little village party or something.

And they wake up and Ginko’s gone.

No note, no nothing. He just left.

They’re hurt beyond words, but at this point they know him. In his own way, he’s trying to give them the one thing he can’t have or provide: a normal life—or, as normal a life as they could have now. But of course he didn’t ask them what they wanted. (He knew what they’d say—after all, he knows them, too.)

Angry and hurt, they run after him, but they choose the wrong way at a fork in the road, and they lose all hope of finding him again.

And they know they should cut their losses: he left for a reason. But they’re stubborn and mad and quite frankly, he’s the one thing they have in this goddamn world and they’ll be damned if they’re gonna lose him without doing everything in their power to make him see reason.

So they find their way to the town where Adashino lives. Sooner or later, Ginko will show up there.

It’s still many months before he does.

Months for them to rehearse what they’re going to say to him, months to grieve and try and try and try to get over him. (They end up spilling the whole thing to Adashino too, bc the two of them end up being buddies, and even Adashino is like. C’mon Ginko.) And they think they’ve got it all figured out. They’re going to yell at him. They have every right to!!

And then he finally shows up at Adashino’s doorstep, and they look at each other, and my SI just starts to cry.

Let it be known that Ginko is also angsting the entire time they’re apart, some real sad boy hours. This cover is playing in the bg the entire time, basically. But this is how his life has to be. They have a chance to be happy, so he has to make sure they take it. And now he’s staring them in the face again, and he hates that the only thing he can feel is relief. Thank goodness, you’re back. Thank goodness, he doesn’t have to wake up and get disappointed that they aren’t there. Thank goodness, he can pretend it’s a nuisance when they sidle up to him in the cold even though it’s all he wants them to do. But they’re crying. And he knows he hurt them. He just… he assumed they’d chase after him, then lose heart when they couldn’t find him and return to that village to go live their life.

He should’ve known better. He knows them.

They… talk. And then they kiss. And then they fuck.

And they leave together.

There’s trust that needs to be healed, and feelings they both have to work through, but… they can do it together. And continue to get each other out of mushi-related scrapes constantly. And keep each other warm as they hike through the snow in winter.

There’s no way back to their time, but even if there was, they wouldn’t take it.

Anyway this is my ginko selfship playlist PEACE

[kindheart525]

“Where in the world were you last night?”

Naturally, Heavenly Glow’s family had a lot of questions for her after she didn’t show up to dinner. It wasn’t like her at all to be late to an event, let alone not show up at all. However, Celestia and Novo were much more bemused than upset about it. It was honestly refreshing to see their normally-strict daughter loosen the reins and goof off a little. 

They couldn’t help but notice she’d been more relaxed in general lately, it was almost unbelievable. But it was a welcome change.

“I was simply showing Sahar around, helping her get familiar with the kingdom. Is it not my duty as her partner to introduce her to both of my nations of heritage?”

Heavenly tried to brush it off in a cool, stoic tone, though she felt warm inside as she remembered their night.

“Judging by the smiles you two came back with, it seems like you had a lot of fun for an ordinary educational trip.”

Novo quipped in a teasing tone, nudging her wife who had a mischievous smile of her own. They meant it innocently, having noticed all the bonding between their daughter and Sahar up to now. But Heavenly was already feeling a bit defensive, so she thought they were implying something else as her face grew hot.

“No! Heavens, no! Whatever you are thinking, we did nothing of the sort!”

Her mothers quickly realized where her mind had jumped. Celestia struggled to stifle her laughter but Novo made herself calm down, approaching the situation with more seriousness.

“Ahem, that is none of our business, nor were we trying to pry into that part of your life.”

“We’ve just never seen you so happy!”

Celestia blurted out what was on both her and Novo’s minds.

Heavenly simply shrugged as if this wasn’t news at all.

“I don’t know what you are talking about, I am perfectly happy so long as the God Mother shines her light on us.”

She couldn’t be defensive and stoic for long; a small smile appeared on her face as she recalled the fun they’d had together.

“Although I must admit, Sahar brings a feeling I have never quite felt before. It is not unlike basking in Gaia’s light, yet…it’s different. Spending time with her last night, watching her enjoy herself, enjoying myself by her side. We didn’t do much last night, we merely saw the sights and swam with the fish. But regardless of what we do, being in her company makes me feel as if I was put on this earth for no other purpose.”

The hippogriff mare almost couldn’t believe what was coming out of her mouth, it was such a grand declaration and she was never one to make such claims about anything not strictly related to her faith. Yet she meant every word.

“Oh my gosh…”

Celestia’s eyes filled with tears, her smile so wide she looked as if she was watching her daughter’s coronation.

“Heavenly, you’re in love!”

“We’re proud of you, dear.”

Novo wrapped a loving wing around both of them. 

“You know, when you were little you were so serious about all this. Even at the wedding you treated it like just another job. And it is in a way, marriage is always work. But it feels so nice, doesn’t it?”

“Oh, we love seeing you so happy!”

Heavenly rolled her eyes lightheartedly and wiped Celestia’s tears away with her wing, but she realized they were both right. She’d always taken her duty to her country and her goddess so seriously but it wasn’t until recently that she learned what it meant to have a duty to her partner. When Novo told her they were going to get along and work as a team, this was what she meant. Not only for the good of their kingdoms but for the good of each other.

And by Gaia, it did feel nice to have somepony by her side. Somepony she could learn from and grow with. Maybe this was what her God Mother wanted for her all along. Maybe this was the mare she was meant to be.

All these feelings and more Heavenly Glow couldn’t express out loud, she couldn’t possibly find the words. Plus her parents would surely make a big deal out of it and embarrass her. She still had her pride.

“That’s what you say. Yes…I suppose I am growing fond of Sahar.”

~~~~~~~~~~

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Background by LibbytheKautz