#please please please dont pull a Nathan on me

[decadentwerewolfstrawberry]

Not me just now realizing the possibility that Adam and Loena might retire after the olympics in 2026

[sturniolo04]

Can you please do and YN/Sturniolo and Nathan Doe and it like very cute fluffy please. Also i love your postes

A/n:  ofc! I made it into a series of moments! I absolutely love these requests I have coming in, you guys are amazing!! I made it into a series of moments! I hope you love it! And remember to leave requests in my inbox! If you don’t like the pre added name in my works you can simply put in your own or don’t read it, it up to you :)-Charli

dividers: @issysh3ll

"so we are going to target to get the school supplies you need"

your boyfriend nate asks you as you are sitting in the passengers seat in his car.

"yeah although i think first we need to go to Starbucks"

you slyly state giving him puppy dog eyes hoping he will say yes to your request.

"oh my gosh"

nate groans out as you let out a series of giggles.

"its four minutes away"

you defned still giggling at your boyfriend.

"this is what you do you get me in the car and then start adding locations"

nate chuckles joking around with you. you quietly mumble again that it was four minutes away.

"alright fine"

nate chuckles giving in as you squeal in excitement.

"hey princess what are you doing'

nate greets coming into your room since you invited him to sleepover for the weekend.

"hey i tried to make a tiktok a few seconds ago but i dont like the way i look"

you pout out as nate comes over to hug you. You genuinely were upset thinking you looked good today but the camera lense said otherwise.

"shut up what are you talking about you always look good"

nate chuckles resting his hands underneath you chin to bring yo in for a kiss.

"i dont know i just feel ike I'm super bloated today"

you trails off as nate immediately pulls away from the hug to look at you and see what you where even talking about.

"baby what are you talking about you look really cute today"

nate chuckles out after not seeing what you were seeing taking your hands in his.

"i feel like you are lying to me"

you pout out folding your arms over your chest as nate sighs and sits down on a random stool you had in your room.

"like look baby look at you"

nate exclaims cutely pulling your over to him removing you hands from your waist and slightly turning you around so he could she how perfect your ass was in the jeans you were wearing.

"and you got cake too look at that"

nate smirks as you smile softly at your boyfriend as he began to leave loving kisses on your shoulder.

"no seriously we are not doing this"

nate groans out as chris begins to hand cuff nate to his chair that he was sitting on for a prank content for their channel. you were simply giggling at the whole situation.

"okay this isnt funny anymore who has the key"

nate ask as matt states that he has the key and placed them in his mouth which he willing took in his mouth that not being the best idea

"guys the key is literally in my pants right now I dropped it."

nate chuckles out as you stood next to him watching them still film nate laughing at the prank.

"i got it then let me get it"

you giggle out begining to reach into your boyfriends pajama pants to grab the key.

"whoa whoa whoa"

chris exclaims, quickly moving the camera away from the pair.

"i dont want to go"

you whine out to your boyfriend. You and nate had been laying around all day at his house procrastinating getting house chores done and going grocery shopping for things you needed to restock and he was now finally making you get up to do it against your wishes.

"come on it will be fun we can go get chickfila after"

nate bribes your playfully tugging on your arm to get you to move to go get dressed.

"no nate i want to stay in your bed"

you whine out standing firm in the spot you were standing in.

"okay what about starbucks"

nate continues to bribe you still not budging. nate lets out a quick sigh.

"okay seriously we can do this the hard way or the easy way which one"

nate asks you knowing you were still going to remain stubborn was going to have to act on the hard way rather than the easy way most likely.

"im not moving nate"

you huffs out folding your arms over your chest.

"okay hard way it is up we go"

nate exclaims leaning down to grip your waist throw you over his shoulder.

"no nate put me down"

you squeal as he carries you to the bathroom.

Tagslist🗂️

@mintsturniolo @spicymuffins03 @dirtylittleheart333

@stayingstromboli @wh0resstuff @ksturnz @chaoswithus @emely9274 @ivysturnss @sturniolo-szn2 @lezleeferguson-120 @courta13 @chrepsi @lyingonchris

@tezzzzzzzz @babytomatoes21 @zenithsturniolo

[recklesssturniolo]

Can you post the Nate story tonight?

Dinner - N.D

Dom!Nate, reader & him are dating, public sex (ig??? I dont know bathroom in public)

NSFW below, leave if you’re a minor

Nate, a couple of his and the triplets friends and I were all out for dinner. It was a decently fancy restaurant so I had chose a nice red dress, Nate dressed in a black dress top and black dress pants. Nate in all black would never not get to me, something about it just sent me every time.

As we get seated and everyone starts looking over the menus, Nick starts asking everyone what they’re thinking of ordering, but I feel Nate place his hand on my thigh. I snap my head to look at him, giving him a warning look, all I get back in return is a smirk.

“Y/N what’re you thinking you’re gonna have?” Nick asks me.

“Oh I’m pretty sure I’m - I’m uh gonna get the Alfredo” I reply, hoping desperately no one thought my stutter was a big deal. Nate had apparently decided it’d be a good idea to move his hand not other further up my thigh, but further inwards as I was speaking.

Everyone makes casual conversation, Nate and I both joining in. I freeze when I feel Nate’s hand move further, putting two fingers directly on my clothed pussy.

“Wet already?” He whispered in my ear.

“Nathan come on this isn’t fair” I whisper back, him once again smirking in response.

“Oh yeah I think Y/N’s been there right?” Chris speaks up.

Hearing my name snaps me out of my thoughts of the want I had for Nate. For his fingers to be inside me, to hear him groaning as he pounds into me.

“I’ve been multiple times! It’s a beautiful place you just - uh you like - “ Cutting myself off mid sentence as Nate starts moving his fingers in circles over my clit.

“Are you alright?” Chris asks.

“Yeah sorry, just not feeling super great but nothing to worry about” I smile back before turning to Nate and glaring at him.

The conversation continues as our food is brought out, however, Nate trailing his fingers lower and slipping one into my pussy caused me to gasp.

Everyone turned to look at me, Nate continued pushing his finger in and out of me, going as far as to add a second. How the fuck was I supposed to speak when he had me like this?

“Shit uh sorry I just think I need to use the bathroom, I’ll be back” I mumble, a blush rising to my cheeks.

Getting to the bathroom and locking the door, my pussy throbbing as I looked at myself in the mirror, the lack of sensation only causing me to grow frustrated.

“Open the door” I hear, knowing by the voice it was Nate.

I open it, my arms crossed and a glare present on my face. I don’t get a chance to speak before Nate lifts me up and places me on the bathroom counter.

“You liked that eh? My fingers inside you even though there were people around?” He smirks.

“Couldn’t help it, it felt so good” I mumble, grabbing his waist to pull him closer to me, smashing our lips together.

“Needy slut” He mumbles through the kiss.

“Nate we have to be fast” I groan out. Knowing it was true, also just not wanting to wait any longer for him.

“Turn around, bend over and face the mirror” He demands, “You’re gonna watch me fuck you”

I was taken by surprise but did as he said, pulling my dress up over my hips as I did. He slaps my ass, causing me to yelp before swiping my folds with his fingers.

“Fucking soaked. Such a little whore” He says, unbutton his pants and letting the drop to the floor.

“Please” I whimper.

“Please what baby? Use your words” He replies.

“Fuck me, please I need you” I say.

Smacking my ass before lining himself up with my entrance, his hand makes its way around my throat.

“Keep looking in the mirror, look away and I squeeze tighter and stop? Got it?” He instructs.

“Yes - I - yes I won’t look away” I whine out, moving my ass backwards, trying to get him inside of me.

“Such a whore, fucking trying anything for my dick to be inside you” He smirks.

We make eye contact through the mirror before he pushes himself into me. A moan escaping my lips, watching his jaw drop slightly as I watched in the mirror.

“Mph fuck Nate, feels so good” I moan.

“Such a pretty slut, you take me so well” He responds, his hand still around my throat.

Picking up his pace, without thinking I drop my head down as a whimper falls from my mouth. Instantly I feel his grip tighten around my neck, “Fucking look in the mirror”

I mumble a sorry before bringing my head back up, watching how his muscles flex as he slams into me and the groans escaping from his mouth.

“Look at yourself, you see how much of a slut you are? Letting me fuck you like this in a public bathroom?” He groans, and slapping my ass.

“My god- yes fuck I see” I whine, feeling a knot in my stomach form as he repeatedly hits my g-spot.

“Are you gonna come on my dick, fuck I can feel you clenching already” He groans, now removing his hand from my throat and placing it on my hip to slam into me harder.

“Yes I’m - fuck Nate I’m going to - I’m coming don’t stop please” I moan, not taking into consideration how loud I was being. Nate lifting my chin up, silently reminding me to look into the mirror.

“Such a good girl, you see how pretty you look coming for me?” He smirks.

I nod but as he continues his fast pace I can’t help but whimper, “Too sensitive Nate I can’t take it”

“Yes you can, just a bit longer and I’ll fill you with my come. You can take it” He groans back.

Whimpers fall from my lips, my legs shaking as he doesn’t slow him pace down by any means, but soon feel his dick twitch inside of me and watch as his eyes clench shut and he throws his head back.

“Fuck you’re tight, coming in you feels so good” He groans out, his voice now raspy.

He pulls out, turns me around and kisses me before saying, “I knew I was fucking you the second you got into the car wearing that dress”

“Oh but I’m the needy one?” I smirk back.

“You do realize I just had you begging and a whimpering mess right? I’d watch what you’re saying” He returns.

I roll my eyes, and start cleaning myself up, Nate fixing his outfit as I pulled my dress my down.

“What are we supposed to tell them?” I ask, now worried about his friends catching onto us.

“Just say you threw up or something” He shrugs.

We walk back to the table and immediately Chris narrows his eyes at us, “You freaky fucks”

TAGLIST: @sturnphilia @thatonekid536 @cupidsword @loveesiren @daddyslilchickenfingers @christinarowie332 @ilovemattsturn @mattenthusiast @its-jennarose @lxvlysworld @lovingsturniolo @iwantmattsobad @secret-sturniolo @mattsd0ll

[random-fandom-chaos]

Guys what the fuck after episode thirty in tweaking out should I be scared for what happens in TMA guys

And here’s some notes

Reactions for TMA

Episode 29 - Cheating Death

⁃ Mortality???? Fymmm??? Like wouldn’t that me immorality—

⁃ Yes I love folktales. Yes I agree with u Nathaniel

⁃ Nathan what type of stuff u talking abt I love folklore but I am so confused 

⁃ Damn bros stupid bro why u drunk 

⁃ It’s a war bro

⁃ WHEN DID BRO GET SHOT

⁃ YES GO GET A DOCTOR 

⁃ What r u gonna do bro??? Bro hwat 

⁃ WHERE IS BRO RUNNING

⁃ I mean he’s alive good cellar

⁃ Also I am not afraid of death

⁃ Sometimes

⁃ IS DEATH LIKE..GRIM REAPER?

⁃ HOW DOES DEATH MOVE?

⁃ Bitch u dyinggg 

⁃ DO NOT CHALLENGE DEATH TO A DAMN GAME. STOP GAMBLING

⁃ “Let’s go gambling!” Ahh but with your damned life

⁃ How do u play pharaoh—

⁃ Bro do u win r u winning what the fuck

⁃ “R u winning son?” Ahh (I have too many memes)

⁃ Bitch u good why is death so damn good at playing bro

⁃ oh yeah bitch is dying bye bye soldier 

⁃ HWAT does king card mean

⁃ OH? HES DYING THEN

⁃ he’s dead bro <3

⁃ YEAH HES DEADDDDDD

⁃ Oh wait the soldier one tf

⁃ Why is death happy bro

⁃ Bro beat death damn 

⁃ what laugh. What laugh. What’s

⁃ BLOOD??? MUSCLE ON BONE

⁃ WHAT WHAT WHAT WHAT BRI NO AHAHHSSHHSHAJAJAJHAHSHS GRRR WE WERE HAVING FUN

⁃ His muscle is now fucking wet bread

⁃ BONEE?? BYE BYE BODY IG

⁃ HELL U MEAN NO? HO? DEATH U SAID EXACTLY THAT TF

⁃ Bro what. What. Blood. What. What. HUH

⁃ IM SO CONFUSED

⁃ Bro who would choose chess

⁃ Like Paris from City Spies?? That you?,

⁃ The man was happy good he won 

⁃ FYM U CANT DIE

⁃ LIKE IMMORTAL U CANT EVEN EAT OR SMTH HWAT 

⁃ Dude im so confused whattttttttttt 

⁃ Statement ends yay 

⁃ U CHECKED THE BLOOD JON

⁃ FORTY FOUR FUCKING YEARS 

⁃ Yeah Gertrude is dead u can’t ask her 

⁃ SOMEONE SELF HARMED AND CUT OFF A DAMN FINGER IN A STATMENT. WHAGAHAGATATAT

⁃ Bone coin bone coin bone coin

⁃ Ah yes Jonathan simms the man you are

Episode 30 - Killing Floor

MEAT PROCESSING PLANT SCARES ME BCZ I FEEL LIKE THEres gonna be some form of mutilation of humans or smth

NO I DONT WANNA LIKE CRY ON THE DAMN ANIMALS BEING MURDERED

Bro I’m staring at the phone bcz of the damn livestock being dead 

WHAT DO U MEAN LIKE FUCKING ABUSE THE DAMN THING

WHAT THE FUCK

WHAT DO YOU MEAN PEOPLE MEAT 

okay not food

ALSO YEAH ANIMALS HAVE THE SAME REACTION AS HUMANS DO

U sure u don’t murder buddy 

I DONT LIKE THE WORD MOVING MEAT

oh you can’t work on the killing floor forever after you do that what

What percent did murder?

ONE HUNDRED?!?!?WHAT WHATWVAWNWJSJHAHWHWWHWATWHAT

PERSONS HEAD AND U WONDER WHERE THE BOLT GUN— buddy r u okay

You’ve been talking abt flesh and murder for like almost five minutes  

Bolt gun stunning 

Pulling the trigger bro u murdered them too 

WHAT STARTED. 

Yeah ask to move positions please bro 

BUTCHERING CARCASSES. THATS WORSE.

what do you mean you can’t stop slaughter by closing the door what do you mean

pull the trigger (I regret deeply eating while hearing this)

WHY IS IT QUIET WHAT IS IT WITH QUIET

Why was it clean what huh what huh what 

yeah no LEAVE. GO HOME.

Corridor??? Bro take ur damn chance or smth find ur way home I beg

Bro fr accepted it real ig 

hanging carcasses 

GUYS ARE THERE GOING TO BE HUMAN CARCASSES HANGING 

Staircase no don’t no don’t don’t don’t go up the staircase

DAMNIT U FUCKER NO MEAT RAILS NO 

blood in drain what what why I just zoned out 

WHAT SHIFTED

WHAT

MEATMEATMEATMEATMEAT UR GETTING MURDERED BRO 

FYM u couldn’t 

What are you smelling

BLOOD FUCK

COMFORT? COMFORT? COMFORT??? Bro don’t follow the smell bro don’t follow the pungent smell bro dontttt

I don’t like NO YOU SHOULDNT HAVE OPENED IT

NO BRO NO IT WAS GIANT ROOM THINGY IDK WHAT BUTCHERED CARCASSES NO

BODIES BODIES BODIES BODIES WHAT 

HUMAN HUMAN HUMAN HUMAN HUMA—?

ragdoll 

How are there only six minutes left I’m scared a LOT can happen in six minutes

WHAT OTHER SOUND

BOLT GUN FUCK NO BRO NO DONT FOLLOW THE DAMN GUN

OKAY GOOD OTHER WAY

bro r u gonna get shot with it 

WHAT IS IT WHAT STUNNING GUN

OH TOM HI

WHAT WHY R H SHOOTING URSELF WITH THE DAMN BOLT GUN

WHERE R U GUNNING IT BRO WHAT BRO WHY R U 

BRO WHY DID U FIRE IT WHAT

u fucker please make him leave please bro make him live 

YEAHH WORKERS AND SUN WE DID IT WAHOOOO

ah yes apathy 

STATMENT ENDED YAY

“More meat…interesting.” JONATHAN THE MAN YOU ARE 

IM TIRED OF THID GRANDPA (ref) 

WHAT IS IT WITH MEAT BRO AUGHSHDHDHSHSH

yes Tim and and Martin pop off kings have good luck 

Yes immigration authorities stfu u suck ass

Damn no one fr didn’t wanna look for Tom Haan 

BLOOD SMELL

[unlimitedhorsepower]

having some of the worst times of my life ever and im scared things could get worse... how? well you see. they might create more tnb some day even after all of this.

after massacring my boy ryan like that live on screen... smack cam... removing any of ryans narrative worth or meaning just to have him show up and be cringe which i did enjoy but for real guys. my friends. if they had just had everyone do something random and lackluster it wouldve been fine but ryan showed up to drive the plot and continue his character arc from the rising (and then he didnt, as a joke).

karinas lack of real character arc (AGAIN!) so that she can uhhhh talk about crushes... instead of, for example, have her be an equal hero on-screen to the guys who have already been king of heroes and she works arguably harder than anyone else (she is a hero, an idol, and a student). shes so interesting, theres so much to her! but most of her appearances just serve to further some guys character arc (like the whole blue golden episode is mostly about ryan!.. or kotetsu even! cmon)

the character arc that antonio got that wholly ignored that hes friends with nathan and which makes me actually lose my mind when i think that those two have frequently been shown together but they didnt have a single convo together so that nathan and keith can be confined to a cage where theyre only interacting with each other instead of having any real plot relevance despite them both being really interesting!..

and the fact that antonio/agnes made its way into the show bc the director likes him and you know... agnes was her stand-in, and another reason to not let nathan talk with antonio ever because yknow?.. it just tastes like ash in my mouth to feel like the director felt some type of way about nathans and antonios prior relationship...

the buddy hero system was utilized so poorly! it threw so many characters under the bus like ryan seriously got way too much time in blue golden and their prior relationships with each other were ignored so much like man... i just love them all interacting. i dont love whatever the hell was going on with, for example, nobody noticing that thomas is gone. my heroes wouldve noticed immediately btw. instead of subaru and thomas being in a cage where they only interacted with each other, the buddy hero pair curse of 2nd cour that almost everyone suffered from

lets not even get into that even if they say that yuri is actually fine haha! they cant remove that scene where kotetsu and barnaby stared at him and went like “hmm thats rough buddy... anyway”. what the hell... kotetsu is one of the characters i think of the least and it was just so grossly OOC and just plain disgusting... the entire abuse apologism arc with yuri and lara overall as well

what about that fucking scene with jungle where they implied shady shit was going on when subarus communicator didnt go off and he was recruited as a double for thomas anyways and uhhh (checks notes) literally nothing came out of those plot threads btw. jungle CEO was introduced for no reason

and they cant remove what they did to ouroboros (the way they made it all-powerful illuminati-esque organization instead of plain old corruption etc), and the whole NEXT disease ooohhh-thing, and the literal internment camps and the various deeply bigoted implications thereof plus lackluster new character designs (oops! almost all white, pale-haired and blue/green-eyed).

how could they bounce back from this and do i even want to see them try to ignore OR try to grapple with any of the above. oooh when i get my hands on the people who were in the writers room...............

cant they just please retcon that my favourite character fucking exploded to ten thousand small pieces. excited for scraps of my fav characters like usual but then?.. its also like spitting in my face after all the shit they pulled. put me out of my misery

[avsonice]

Idk if you take requests for writing But if you do could you write a fic with Nate where the reader is in a depressive episode and leads to a panic attack & after Nate doesn’t let them out of arms reach 

I absolutely do take requests. sorry if you are going through something honey, you need anything please reach out im always free to talk or listen ❤️

nate knew about your struggles with your mental health, you always worried it would make him hate you or want to leave you but in fact it did the opposite. nate thought you were strong (because you are) and he loved you so much for trying your best.

his schedule made things hard and on one of the longer roadtrips of the year you slipped into an episode. not leaving your bed much, or at all, and just answering a few text here and there when nate texted. he was busy and they didnt come often but you did your best to respond. nate knew there was something wrong, his sixth sense really. he knew getting home was the most important thing for him after his games. and that was exactly what he did despite some plans the guys made for after they landed.

though he expected you to be in bed when he got home he didnt expect you to be sobbing and shaking, in the middle of one of the worst panic attacks he'd ever seen you have. dropping his stuff by the door nate crawled into bed next to you holding you upright leaning you against his shoulder encouraging you to breath.

nate rocked you back and forth muttering more about taking a deep breath and continuing to tell you here was there and it was all okay. it took a while, but nate calmed you down and just held you while your breathing slowly evened out. he gently rubbed you back trying to set some sort of pattern for youto focus on.

"need a shower" you choked out. "i'll go get it warmed up and we can take one together" he suggested pressing his warm soft lips to your temple. “why dont you come with me honey?” nate pulled you out of bed and kept his warm hand on the small of your back as he led you toward the dark bathroom. he knew the lights would be assaulting so instead he lit the candle sitting on the back of the toilet before turning on the shower. 

having nates naked warm body pressed to yours was calming, his lips pushed down on your shoulder a few times making sure he never pulled away enough to stop touching you. something he knew for a fact you needed. after the shower nate wrapped you in the softest fluffiest towel in his apartment and took you back to the bedroom. 

the next few days were slow, and comfortable. nate did everything he could to keep you close, keep and hand on you and make sure you were okay. the longer he was around the more you felt like yourself, his soft smile slowly grew seeing you feeling more yourself and after a few days you felt almost normal. 

“nathan i love you more than anything you know that?” 

“sweetheart, you are everything to me” 

[fanf1ctionwrit1n]

I didn’t do it

Warning: Swearing

Paring: Gibbs x reader, nephew!Peter Parker x reader

A/n: Thank you @sade-shark for the idea, and letting me write it!

“Stupid Avengers.” Gibbs muttered, paying close attention to the news. The Avengers had solved yet another problem, but sadly taking a few lives in the process. He was standing up by the screen in the office, which for once, you both arrived early to. Normally Jethro got up an hour before you, but today, you both went.

“Baby, give them a chance.” You stated.

“No, they're taking jobs. We already have police, we don’t need them.” You got up from your desk, and stood next to him.

“They do jobs we,” you gestured between you two, “Can’t do ourselves. We investigate murders of Marines and Navy, they go and fight aliens and whatnot.”

“We have a dead Marine out in New York at Midtown High School, grab your gear.” Gibbs stated, grabbing his badge and gun.

“Midtown?” You asked, grabbing your gear.

“Yeah, why?” Gibbs questioned.

“No reason.” You stated.

Arriving at the scene, you were presented with the dead Marine.

“Lance Corporal Nathan Daniels. Currently stationed at Quantico, lives alone.” McGee stated.

“Any suspects?” Gibbs asked.

“One.” Ziva stated.

“Y/n, go talk to them, get anything you can from them.” Gibbs stated. You nodded before heading over to Tony who was currently talking with the suspect.

“I told you, I don’t remember anything!” The suspect said. The voice seemed familiar but you couldn’t quite place it.

“Then why are you raising your voice?” Tony questioned. That was when you saw who he was talking to, “Peter?”

“Aunt y/n!”

“Aunt y/n… huh.” Tony said

“Yeah, uh, surprise?”

“Does Gibbs know?”

“No, and please dont tell him. He’ll take me off the case, he'll say I'm too close. That my opinions are gonna get in the way.”

“Okay, but one question first.”

“Yeah?”

“Aren’t you an only child?”

“Um, no. I only say that because well, siblings are a little bit of a sensitive topic for me. Peter’s parents, my sister and brother-in-law, died. Peter went to live with May because I wasn’t at a place in my life to raise a kid. I had just joined ncis, and having a kid just wasn’t something I could handle. May offered to raise him since neither of us wanted to give him up. I was only 23 then, now I’m 42.”

“So are you saying that now you could raise a child?”

“I’m saying that I’m in a stable relationship, and if I had to make the decision now, it wouldn't be a problem.”

“You’re in a relationship?”

“Maybe you should be asking Peter the questions instead of me?”

“It has to be him, he had the victim’s blood on his hands, and he was the only one seen with the victim before his death.” Gibbs stated.

“He’s a teenager, you'd really think he'd kill somebody? I mean who says it's him?” You asked, looking for some form of hope.

“Evidence says it’s him.” Tim chimed in.

“It’s not him.” You said bluntly.

“How do you know? Everything points to him.” Gibbs stated.

“He’s an Avenger, why would he ever kill anyone when all he wants to do is save people?!” You shouted.

“That means nothing! You saw on the news this morning how many lives were lost when they tried to ‘save’ people!” Gibbs yelled back.

“Jethro, he’s my fucking nephew, he’d never even kill a fucking spider!” You yelled, before grabbing your bag and heading for the elevator.

You glanced at the oven clock, 9:30, and still no Jethro. Was the case just running late? Was he working late? Was he working late to avoid you? The sound of the door opening pulled you from your thoughts.

“Babe?” Jethro called out, closing the door behind him. You rushed over to pull him into a hug, “I’m sorry for yelling earlier.” You said.

“You’re fine. It’s understandable, but why didn’t you tell me he was your nephew?” He questioned, his hand rubbing up and down your back. You pulled out the hug before continuing, “You pull me off the case. You’d say I’m too close to work the case without my opinions getting in the way.”

Jethro walked over to the couch and sat down, patting the spot next to him, inviting you to join him. Taking his invitation, you sat down next to him, cuddling up close.

“Is he being charged?” You asked, terrified for the answer.

“No, he was innocent. You were right. He was actually trying to save the Lance Corporal, and he was able to help us catch the killer. You’d be proud.”

“I am. Each and every day.” You stopped, debating on if you should ask or not, “Are you mad at me?”

“What?”

“Are you mad at me?”

“No I heard you, just- why would I be mad?”

“Cause of our argument earlier.”

“I’m not mad. I’m actually proud. Y’know, you’re one of the very few people who’ve argued with me when I didn’t agree with their idea.”

“It won’t happen again.”

“No, babe, I don’t care if you yell at me because y’know what?” You looked up at him, “at the end of the day, I still love you, you still love me, and I get to sleep next to you, knowing everything I need is right here.”

You sat up to kiss him, only to be interrupted by your phone ringing. You groaned before answering, “What do you want Tony?”

“Gibbs? Seriously?”

“Yes. Now goodbye.” You hung up, getting a slight chuckle from Jethro.

“Now, how about we get some sleep?” You suggested.

“I like the idea of that.”

Marvel: @arethosepotatoes

Ncis: @simpforcrimeshows @nerdyfangirl67

Gibbs: @hotch-meeeeeuppppp

All: @sade-shark

[happys-crazy-queen22]

Slip Up

Gif credit by me.

Requested by anon. I hope you enjoy it. Thanks for the request.

"Nate, can you please clean up your shit". You yell from the bathroom, his clothes were slung everywhere but the clothes basket where they're supposed to be. "I dont understand why you cant go three inches to the left and put them in the basket". You grumble.

"What's going on"? Nate yawned as he leaned on the door frame.

"Clothes! They go here not on the floor or on the sink. Here". You pick up the basket and shove it to him.

"Alright. Calm down. It's just clothes". Nate scoffed as he leaned down to pick them up.

"Nick, I've had". The look on Nates face made you clamp your hand over your mouth. Whoops.

"What did you just fucking call me"? Nate growled, dropping his clothes back on the floor.

"I'm sorry. It just slipped. Nick and I use to argue all the time. I guess it just brought back memories. I'm so sorry, Nathan".

"You just called me your ex's name that happens to be my brother. Maybe it was a bad idea for us to get together". Nate huffed and left the room.

How could you let yourself slip? You and Nick only went out for a short period and you mean short, you broke up and thought it was just better as friends. But you and Nate were different, you've been together for two and a half years. You loved Nate more than anything. He was the one you wanted to spend the rest of your life with. But this slip up could cost you everything.

"Nate"? You whispered as you came into the bedroom. Nate was sitting on the edge of the bed, playing with his hat.

"Yeah"? Nate cleared his throat.

"I'm really sorry. It'll never happen again. I promise. Can you forgive me"? You wiped away a tear as you got on your knees in front of him. Your hands rested on his knees.

"I know you didnt mean it. Slip ups happen. I just, I wish that I would've gotten the chance to meet you before my brother did. Cause I dont want to second to him". Nate wiped his nose.

"Second? Nate, you are my first everything. There are no seconds or thirds. Just you, no one else matters. Cause if that was the case I would be fiftieth on Nick's list and what hundredth on yours"? You laugh jokingly.

"Nah, you're my first. I'm sorry too. I shouldn't make a big deal out of it. I know you're with me and you and Nick are just friends. But I feel like maybe you still love him if he's still in your memory".

"Babe, the only memory that was brought up was him and I arguing. That says a lot about our short lived romance. What you and I have is real. I love you and I would do anything to make you see that".

"I love you too, what happened when you two argued"?

"I left and he cleaned. I guess he figured it would make me better".

"We're going to be different. After every fight, argument or disagreement. No one leaves mad, we solve it and make up. Alright? I dont want to stay mad at each other".

"Sounds good to me. Now since we had our argument and we solved it now how do we make up"? You crossed your arms over Nates knees and laid your chin down, looking up at him.

"I got an idea". He grabbed your face and smashed his lips to yours.

"I like this kind of making up". You mumbled against his lips as you stood up. You straddled his lap and wrapped your arms around his neck, never breaking the kiss.

Nates hands settled on your hips, guiding then as you grinded on his lap.

You pushed Nate back onto the bed and raked your fingernails down his clothed chest. "This needs to go". You pushed up his shirt, over his arms and threw it somewhere in the room. You kissed down his chest and playfully bit his nipple with a giggle.

Nate slapped your clothed ass, making you squeal and continue down his chest, leaving butterfly kissed to his warm skin.

Getting up from his lap you stood between his legs and un buckled his belt, unzipped his pants and snaked your hand down his underwear.

"Someone else is loving this making up too". You moan, pulling him from his underwear.

"Fuck". Nate grunted, as your mouth engulfed his tip, your tongue swirling around the very tip.

Your head bobbed up and down as you took him down your throat inch by inch. Your hand working his shaft.

"So fucking sexy". Nate bit his lip as he looked down at you. He loved when you sucked him off, you on your knees made him weak in his.

"Mmmmm, Nathan. You taste so good". You pant as you release his cock from your mouth. Taking your tongue you flicked your way up and down his length.

"Get your ass up here". Nate ordered, he couldnt take it anymore and need to get inside you.

"Yes, sir". You climb up his body and kiss Nate sloppy. Your tongues dancing as Nate squeezed your ass. He flipped you over on your back, now it was his turn. He was going to make sure you knew his name. You'd be screaming all night.

[sourbat]

Hammertooth 43!

pool

Why I can’t have these two act normal in a darn pool?

With permission from Abigail, Magnus was allotted a brief visit during the holiday, and granted permission to enter some of the more obscure rooms in Mordhaus, albeit with Toki and at least two other klokateers to accompany him. With winter quickly approaching, it was only natural Toki would want to show off the many privileges affronted to a member of Dethklok, and took him past the sauna, to the neighboring indoor pool with its heated flooring, tanning corner and blood-red jacuzzi.

Unfortunately, Abigail failed to bring this up with the rest of Dethklok, and once Nathan mentioned the desire to take a swim, the band quickly followed suit. It was supposed to be a day of fun filled pool shenanigans, but then Nathan swung open the doubled doors, and the band was welcomed to the less than pleasing sight of Magnus and Toki at the edge of the pool, locked in a suggestive embrace. Murderface coughed loudly as the band made their entrance, alerting the two of their presence. Skwisgaar averted staring at the two as they sank deeper into the temperature controlled water before effectively parting. From there, a silent agreement was arranged between the two groups, with each keeping to their respective sides for as long as possible, and engaging in as little intermingling as possible.

The terms of agreement proved far more difficult than imagined. 

Nathan wanted to do laps, but Toki achieved the impossible and had Magnus floating besides him, dipping into the warm waters to swim after a playful splash or jettison of water spewed from his clenched palms. Their pattern, though limited to one side of the pool, was so random and distracting, and the acoustics made every laugh, squeal and giggle more grating on the mind. A few splashes from Magnus hitting Nathan’s cheek was all it took for him to recline further into the deeper side of the pool, sink and angrily mull over the entire situation.

Pickles drank. He had planned to drink anyways, but figured he’d at least get a few minutes of exercise in, maybe challenge Nate and the guys to some water freeze tag, but was sure he saw someone’s hands in the other guy’s swim trunks, and wasn’t willing to take the risk. He huddled under a UV lamp, letting Klokateers fan and turn him around every few minutes to slow the unavoidable burn, only glancing in the direction of the pool whenever he heard Toki cry. His empathy was rewarded with the unsightly image of Magnus snatching Toki in the shallow water, legs kicking up and creating a massive wet scene. A second yielded Toki being pulled into the water, only to come up again with Magnus in his arms. By the third, Pickles figured he could get by if Toki actually did drown because watching Toki part Magnus’ sopping hair from his face, only to have a short jet of water spat at him, was the goddamn dumbest shit ever.

Skwisgaar and Murderface took to the jacuzzi, which was farthest from the two, and made the occasional glance rare, though both did pick up on the occasional gross remark about who looked best “soaked.” 

Then the two grew bored of swimming.

“Come on, Magnus!” Toki complained, yanking Magnus from the water.

“Finally, I shought they’d never leave,” Murderface muttered under a hushed voice.

“Goods, now we cans swims without seeinks them all overs each others.”

The two eyed the deep end, spotted Nathan at the very bottom of the lapping water, and left the jacuzzi to meet with him. After wiping the red dye off their legs, the two headed to their side of the pool and signaled for Nathan to resurface. As he did, Toki led Magnus closer to where Pickles was situated. The three eyed the ensuing scene, thankful that Pickles was either too drunk or asleep to give a damn about the two, but still curious to see what Toki had in store for the older man. Magnus had never been one to easily slip into a public pool, and now Toki had him under the world’s fanciest and largest tanning bed.

“Come on, gets a load of this,” Toki said, skipping ahead of Magnus to snatch up a klokateer with towels, another holding a tray of fancy looking bottles. 

“Careful,” Magnus called after him. “I don’t want you slipping.” 

“Will be fines!”

Magnus caught up and took him by the hand. “Toke, slow down.”

Skwisgaar’s jaw slacked. “Dids he just–”

Murderface slammed a calm against his head. “Toke?” 

Nathan said nothing. It was less the unoriginal nickname that bothered him, and more the way Magnus had said it. The guy sounded so… concerned.

Their shared distress and the ensuing drop in volume meant the three couldn’t pick up on whatever was shared next, but eventually the two found a spot a few chairs away from a roasting Pickles. Murderface made sure to remind the others that Toki and Magnus’ hands remained locked the duration of the walk, to which both Nathan and Skwisgaar grunted a reply.

“Here, relax over heres!” Toki proclaimed, leading them to a few chairs situated under the fluorescent UV lighting. He gestured to some standing klokateers

Toki placed a towel on the seat and, with an exaggerated gesture, offered it to Magnus. “Fors you,” he said, face brightening with red that all three could detect from the edge of the pool.

“Why, thank you,” Magnus said, chuckling as he sat himself down.

“No problems.” Toki hovered over him, made a single glance at the klokateer who carried the tray of bottles, and called him over. Toki surveyed the containers of oils and lotions, picked the one that smelled the sweetest, then ordered that the lights underneath him and Magnus be brought down a “levels or twos.” 

Toki knelt over Magnus. “Turns around,” he said, resting a hand on the man’s chest.

“Mhmm.”

Nathan’s eyes slowly went agape as Magnus rested on his stomach, back exposed to the hot glow above. And then to his, Skwisgaar and Murderface’s horror, Toki carefully situated himself down on that very same seat Magnus occupied.

“No fucking way,” Nathan muttered. 

There was no way Toki was going to oil Magnus Hammersmith’s back.

But Toki continued to adjust himself on the lounge chair, hoisting one of his slender legs over Magnus and crawling up the man’s contours before settling on top of his upper thighs. Magnus emitted a soft groan, one only Toki could register, but the shudder of his legs was visible to their distant onlookers.

“Thinks they ams still watchins,” Toki muttered as he pressed his palms into the curve of Magnus’ lower back.

Another groan, this one detectable by the band. Even Pickles stirred in his seat.

“So?” Magnus grunted through an exhale. “They’re fucking adults.”

“No swearins.”

“Sorry.” Magnus sighed another complaint as Toki’s thumbs pressed into his spin. “Just ignore them… or, y’know, look ‘em straight in the eyes when they do.”

“Okays.” Satisfied, Toki picked up the bottle. “Lets me know if ams being roughs.”

Magnus opened his eyes, turned his head as far as he could, and just barely caught the three musicians ogling them. He snickered. “What was the safety word again? Cinnamon?” 

That woke Pickles up from his sleep.   

The words sent a haunting shiver down the backs of each member. Murderface made another cough, louder this time, but Toki had already uncorked the bottle and was pouring a healthy glob of scented essential oils into his cupped palm. Nathan brought a hand to cover his mouth when Toki leaned forward, back arching and rear coming to a rise as he applied a healthy coating all over Magnus’ back. Toki rolled his thumbs into Magnus’ back, warming the oil with his hands the constant heat supplied above, and it wasn’t long before all three heard what was undeniably the sound of Magnus moaning. Skwisgaar snapped a finger, calling forward a klokateer holding his guitar. He kept his eyes steady on the strings, refusing to rise and witness the affectionate scene unfolding before him. 

“You ams very tight. Need to relax mores,” Toki said, bringing his hands up Magnus’ back.

 “I can think of a few ideas.” 

A finger pressed into a knot, and Magnus gasped a sharp sigh.

Pickles turned on his side, wincing through tight, burned skin, and caught Toki providing Magnus one of the most sensual massages an idiot like Toki could manage. He lowered his glasses, mouth parting wide at Magnus’ toes curling inwards right as Toki pushed his weight into a particularly stiff muscle. Then came the dreaded, needy whine, and Toki stopped to whisper something low that Pickles could not hear, but definitely witnessed with less than subtle body language that Toki just happened to accidentally show off as he reclined. 

The three caught Pickles’ mortified expression and turned to one another. 

Murderface glanced at the exit. “Maybe we should…”

“Leave?” Nathan stated, eyes glued to Toki working Magnus’ tight shoulder. Another audible hiss from Magnus sent a troubling sensation down his stomach.  “Yeah, let’s get out of here.”

Still strumming his guitar, Skwisgaar nervously looked over to the other side of the pool at Pickles. The poor guy glanced back at the three, pointed helplessly at the two who were in the processing of turning the massage into a whole new game, and stuck out his bottom lip in a defeated pout.

“Whats about Pickle?”

“What about Picklesh?” Murderface parroted, then snapped a finger for some servants to cover him in his robes. “I’m getting outghta here before they shtart fucking.”

“You donts think?”

“I mean, how many times have we done it in front of each other?” Nathan muttered, and the question was more than enough to determine that they had at best, a minute or two before Toki finally made…whatever moves Toki had in his arsenal. The three bolted, leaving their personals behind for some servant to pick up after them. First was Murderface, then Skwisgaar second, and finally Nathan, who, despite being so affected, made one final eye roll before vanishing into Mordhaus’ halls.

“Uhh,” Pickles uttered, voice on the incline as Magnus turned and pulled Toki into a slippery hold.

“Well, would you look at that,” Magnus declared, a smile stretching into an alert grin as Toki’s oily hands slid down his chest. “We’ve scared them off.”

“Oh, we cans go plays in the water likes we dids before.” Toki pointed to the now-empty pool.

“I mean, I got you where I want you right now,” Magnus said, wrapping his arms tighter around Toki. He kissed Toki’s jaw. “And it’s pretty warm here…”

“Ams very warm.”

There came a giggle, a hand reaching for the oil, and the sounds of Toki squirming and pleading to be set free, only for Magnus to pull him back into his long, clingy grip. Magnus turned over Toki, popped open the bottle, and as Toki yelped for help, Pickles stumbled off his chair, tripping over his steps as he winced and swore his way out of the pool area.

[curiousconch]

Sobering Truth

Chapter 10 of Ricochet (An Open Heart AU)

Catch up here: Series Masterlist

Chapter Synopsis: After the fallout of Rafael and Heather, what could this mean to Bryce and the recovering doctor? 

Pairing: Rafael Aveiro x MC (Dr. Heather Song) | Bryce Lahela x MC (Dr. Heather Song)

Words: 2.1k+ | Genre: Crime, Suspense/Thriller, Romance

Rating/Warnings: Mature (16+) / hints of past violent experience and sex

Author's Notes: Almost is Never Enough by Ariana Grande and Nathan Skyes was the perfect song for this chapter, the lyrics are very fitting. Also, watch out for a cameo from a PM character 😊

Thank you so much for taking time to read this series. Please let me know if you want me to include/remove you in the tags list. Also, disclaimer: Majority of the characters are owned by Pixelberry, except the main character Heather Song and an OC Jordan Anderson.

Bryce found himself hunched alone in a bar stool downtown Boston. He swirled the brown liquid in his glass, brows furrowed in remembering the scene in the hospital room. 

His face contorted with the pain piercing through his chest, the possibility of losing Heather once again sinking like a sword. He racked his mind for an option, but it seems all is lost in that battle.

He thought back to their last outing together, and he was so certain that something was there. So why did she choose to stay with someone else instead of being with him?

His lips formed a thin line, his hand rubbing over his face in frustration. The emotions within turbulent and unnerving. Was he just too much of a fool when he thought he had a shot with her? 

This is exactly why Bryce Lahela didn't want to commit. It was far more easier for him to seek momentary connections rather than build permanent ones. He didn't want to relive the rejections-filled past from his adolescence, at the time of his parents' criminal convictions. 

Yet here he was again, suffering the same consequences of wanting something permanent in his life. Something that could bring him happiness. Something better than him being alone in the middle of a crowd of drunken patrons. 

He should've stayed in his own lane of hook-ups and one night stands instead of chasing for this relationship. 

So the first thing he did when he realized that that door is closing, was to go back to his old stomping grounds. 

But why can't he will himself to look around? 

As if on queue, an olive-skinned woman slid herself beside him, her sudden presence invading his thoughts. With a half-smirk and green catty eyes, the coils of dark hair loosely wrapping her head. The mere sight of her was mesmerizing. 

"I know you," she said, almost in a purr. 

Bryce looked back at her, and a long-forgotten heat warmed him up. And it wasn't because of the alcohol in his system.

"I guess my reputation is my charm," he replied, leaning forward. He loosened his tie whilst sipping from his glass. 

"Oh I know all about your reputation," her voice made him shiver, her fingers ever slowly trailing a path towards his arm. "You're the one with magic hands," she whispered, her brows dancing as she spoke. 

This commanding woman was pushing his buttons in all the right places, her sparkly black cocktail dress that clung on her body tightly wasn't making him feel suddenly parched. 

Her hand continued to venture up his arm, and eventually the side of his neck. As it followed the line of his jaw, Bryce couldn't help but lean closer. 

Nothing was stopping him at the moment. 

Miles away from being sober, his lips blew a short burst of air into the woman's bare neck, after which he got the chance to breathe in a whiff of her perfume. 

The jasmine scent was all too familiar. It conjured the image of the woman who Bryce fled away from tonight. 

Heather. 

Snapping out of the trance, he took a step back. Gone was the sexual tension that floated in the air mere seconds ago. Bryce only shook his head to the woman and paid his tab, before almost sprinting out into the cold rain that continued to flood the concrete pavement. 

He let the drops of water wash all over him until he was soaked. With it, the inevitable tears began to fall, which he didn't hold back. He also didn't mind how it easily reduced the numbing effect of the bottle of Jack Daniels that he just consumed. 

Like a thief in the night, the woman of his dreams snatched what was left of Bryce's vulnerable heart. He knew, deep down, that it would take a long time before he can get it back. 

*** 

"Breaking news. Declan Nash and Jordan Anderson pleads guilty as co-conspirators of the kidnapping of Senator Ed Farrugia and Edenbrook doctor Heather Song."

"This is following an intensive investigation by the joint special task force created as the public clamored to protect Massachusetts famed senator. 

"We are joined today by one of the victims, Senator Ed Farrugia, after he gave his testimony today at the Boston courthouse."

The video flicked from a female news anchor to the steps of the city's courthouse, where the politician was joined by Chief DA Tanaka. Heather's hazel eyes however wasn't on the prominent people in the screen, but instead drawn to the tall figure standing beside the older man, his intimidating stature made more pronounced by the sharp gray suit that contoured just enough to please.

Bryce. 

Saying his name, even in her mind, made her involuntarily shudder with regret, aware that between them was an undeniable attraction that she just couldn't shake off. Ever since her kidnapping, she couldn't stop herself from thinking about what could've been. Was it just too late for them? Will it only remain a connection that can never be explored? Will it ever be something more? She knew, deep down, if she could change the world overnight, she wanted to try. If there was anything she could learn from her almost dying, it was the sobering truth that life was too short to be restrained by inaction.

But she hadn't been able to speak to him for a while now. He didn't answer his phone nor returned any of her texts or messages. She hoped to get the chance when she was scheduled for her recorded testimony. To her dismay, another ADA visited her and took her witness account. 

She thought he was just busy with the case, but she sensed that he was avoiding her altogether. Her free time provided her so many hours to rack her brain for the reason why. To this day, that question was left unanswered. 

Danny raised his gaze to Heather, as he felt her pulse beat faster than normal. He turned to the TV monitor in the hospital room, stifling a chuckle as he found the reason behind her palpitations.

"Let's try to do this again," Danny said, making Heather's attention swivel to him. 

"Why? Something wrong?" she asked, obviously confused. 

This time, Danny snickered, grabbing the remote from her and switched the channel. The gesture was enough to make her fluster as it dawned on her what the nurse was insinuating. 

"I can't put your last BPM on your chart, Heather. We dont want Dr. Ramsey to not sign off on your discharge papers today. Two weeks of him pestering us is enough torture to last a lifetime," he scoffed jokingly, referencing how the senior attending relentlessly chased the hospital staff to put her case on priority. 

She curtly nodded, her mentor's crass actions embarrassing her further. 

"Thanks, Danny." she sheepishly smiled, hoping the two words were enough to express her appreciation of how the hospital helped her get back on her feet during the roughest period of her life yet. 

Danny returned her gesture, before getting back to taking her pulse. Satisfied, he recorded it to the clipboard in his hand, as her friends thundered into the room. 

Sienna, Elijah, Jackie and Aurora all stepped inside, each carrying an assortment of food items. They moved their Sunday brunch to that day in celebration of Heather's discharge. The welcome noise warmed her heart, their usual banter flowing like music to her ears. 

The thundering of her deep-seated emotions momentarily toned down, as she enjoyed the company of the small family she found in Edenbrook. 

Outside, the weather was warm with no clouds threatening to dampen the surroundings. 

It was going to be a good day. 

*** 

As the last of the questions were addressed and the cameras were turned away, Bryce sighed in relief. 

With the news crews dispersed, Chief Tanaka left to head back to the DA's office, leaving him as second chair to wrap up all the remaining paperwork. He strutted into the courthouse, the ADA facade well in effect. 

It was an understatement to say that the past few weeks were hectic. 

Interviewing Declan Nash and Jordan Anderson was like being pulled into opposite poles. Their personalities were so polarizingly different that Bryce suspected that there was a more to the case than what appears. 

So he advised the special task force to dig into that angle. The FBI's investigation is still ongoing, and he is betting against it finishing soon. 

Today was a day of accomplishments, and Bryce's mood was better than it was ever since that night. Or so he thought. 

As his mind shifted back into the present, he caught the unwelcome sight of Agent Rafael Aveiro conversing with someone in the hallways. He managed to hear a glimpse of the conversation as they got into earshot. 

"You're background would be invaluable to us, Agent Rafael," the strange man in the tweed-colored jacket said. 

"This is such a timely offer that I couldn't refuse. I'll let you know as soon as I wrap up my last case." Bryce heard Raf say. 

"Of course. But please don't keep us in the Interpol on our toes, Agent." 

"Of course, Agent Nazario." 

Taken aback, he stopped, trying to understand what had just transpired. Why was Rafael taking a job with the interpol? 

Once Bryce saw that the special investigator was alone, he approached him, words blazing. 

"Interpol? Seriously, Raf, this soon?" 

Raf turned to face him, surprised at Bryce's sudden interjection. 

"I don't see the need to explain myself to you, ADA Lahela." He politely said as he begun to walk away. 

"But you just got back together! Why leave for an overseas job this soon when she needs you the most?" Bryce's voice rose, echoing into the nearly full hallway. He honestly didn't mind, weeks worth of bottled up frustration threatening to surface. 

A more puzzled expression filled Rafael's face, the line of interrogation making him turn around and stare back at the prosecutor. 

Rafael recognized the look on Bryce's face. It was a mirror of his own haunted reflection. Of a lost love, never to return. The confusion gave way to understanding. 

It made him soften his stance, and place a brotherly hand on the lawyer's shoulder. 

"Look, I don't know why you think that, but Heather and I..." he paused, taking a deep breath as he tried to bury the painful memory of their goodbye into the back of his mind. "We broke up. The same night that she was admitted to Edenbrook after her kidnapping, we talked and agreed to go our separate ways." 

Bryce couldn't believe what he was hearing, his knees weakening with the revelation. Amber eyes widened in shock and feeling like an idiot at the same time. 

He smiled despite himself, the nightmares of his imaginary rejection transformed into a wonderful dream. The door that he thought was closed is now unlocking, and he was determined to blow it wide open. 

With a hasty thank you and goodbye to Raf, he turned the soles of his leather shoes and raced to the door of the courthouse. 

Bryce didn't dare waste another minute to look back. 

Tags: @ramsey-lahela @eleanorbloom @openheartfanfics @choicesficwriterscreations

[nolanjames]

VOLUME II

Here we go, round 2 of NHL fics that I very highly recommend for you to check out, and if you’ve read them before, why not re-read them again? Discover an old favourite or fall in love with a new one.

Below the cut you’ll find my five recommendations + my hot take/summary + a line, or two, that hits.

When Fate Stepped In by @jasondickinsons​​​​ | Tyson Barrie

Oh my god. This is a series and there’s been two parts so far (part two can be found here), I was going to wait until it was complete before I recommended it, but I cannot wait before any longer to recommend it, that’s how sure I am this fic will go in a wondrous way. It’s such a beautiful series about shared dreaming and soulmates. I don’t read many soulmates au anymore, but this made me question my preferences. No matter what I say, it will not do this series justice. Your character is thinking of uprooting their life to Toronto and it so happens that she’s dreaming of a certain player of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Luckily, best friend Amy may have some answers about why this stranger feels like home and why he settles an itch that you can’t quite reach.

“What part of ‘soulmates’ don’t you understand? You’re going to see him again. There’s no question about that.” And then she disappeared into the bathroom once more.

Wildfire by @slimskjei-dy​​​ | Brock Boeser

I know none of us know these athletes really, but this feels oddly very in character for Brock (I may or may not be going through a Brock phase. He’s just so sweet and lovely - an actual ray of sunshine, what’s not to love about him?). This particular fic is about a reoccurring summer tradition of playing house with Brock may lead to more after an ill timed comment from the NHL’s answer to Draco Malfoy (yes, I, most definitely, mean Petey).

“You keep coming back though,” Brock chuckles, pulling you closer and flopping back onto his bed. “I always do.”

Striped Heart by @burkymakar​​​​ | Nathan MacKinnon

(bonus: part 2)

Imagine being the first female NHL since 1999. Imagine having to prove to everyone you’re perfect for the job and that your calls are valid - pressure! Also, imagine with trying to deal with all that testosterone - stress! Also also, imagine one certain player catching your attention more than he should, and now he’s keeping you company during quarantine (via the wonders of modern technology) - oops? And this player is proving himself to be redeemable after a certain situation (don’t want to spoil what was done, so go read it to find out). Wow okay, how do you not fall in love with him? Guess you have to. (How he’s written most definitely helps, too.)

Nate: I dont think I ever said but it’s really amazing what you’ve done in the NHL Nate: you’re pretty impressive You pressed your knuckles to your cheeks, as if that would quell the flames burning there.

Valerie by @seggyseguin​​​ | Nolan Patrick

4 part series: part one, two, three and four.

Exasperated - that is how I felt reading this. You know the feeling when someone is being so utterly dense (or in this case, two people) and they are not pulling themselves together? Yes, that. With every part of this series, part of me was going, get it together!! Get together! The other part of me was relishing in the disaster that is your character and Nolan’s relationship. (+bonus Travis being called a “walnut”). I am torn between two bits to quote.

“Please don’t make me wait” You should have known, he left without much persuasion and you can only imagine he spent that minute out in the hall deliberating whether or not to actually leave but now he’s here and almost pleading with you with his warm hands around your face again.

Couply Things by @broadstbroskis​​​​ | Nathan MacKinnon

Wedding guest date, one bed, friends to lovers.. do I need to say more to convince you? I felt so warm and fuzzy reading it. It’s so well written. Sit back and enjoy the interaction between your character and the other players while acting very much like a couple with Nate despite not being in a relationship.

It’s a picture of a couple, or at least they look like a couple, laughing together and smiling at each other adoringly. The lights are catching them just right, bathing the two of them in a golden hue, and they each look like they’d rather be nowhere else than wrapped in each others’ arms.

[happys-crazy-queen22]

The Same Dad

Gif by me

The family was waiting for Nick and Nate to come home after Nates fight. You stayed behind with the baby but you saw the fight and Nate took a few shots to his face. Nate hasn't done a fight since after the baby was born.

"How do you think Dalton will take seeing Nathan like that"? Your mother asked the question you were asking yourself. Dalton was two and very attached to Nate. So this might not go well.

The horn honked and you bolted out the door. Dalton was asleep so you got to see Nate before he did to see how much damage was done.

Your hand clamped over your mouth when Nate stepped out of the van. Half of his face was purple. Stitches where his eyebrow use to be.

"Oh my god, what happened to you"? You felt yourself get emotional as you walked forward towards Nate. He nodded and engulfed you into a hug. You felt hot tears fall down your cheeks.

"I can't believe this happened". You whispered. It felt like someone purposely did this to him. What was in those wraps that they were wearing? You thought. You havent seen Nate this bad in a really long time. It still shocks you every time.

"I'm okay. Don't worry". Nate kissed your forehead and wrapped his arm around your shoulder as you both went into the house.

"Oh Nathan". Your mother gasped.

"I'm fine. It doesnt hurt. Everythings fine". Nate shrugged. He hated attention like this. He didnt mind it when you two were dating, it always got him laid. But since he has a child, everyone worried about him and his family.

"I'm gonna go check on Dalton". You walked away quickly and wiped away a tear.

Nate sat down on the couch with a sigh. He got comfy in his hoodie. His hood over his head so no one saw his face right away.

Dalton was just waking up when you came into his room. His sweet little smile greeted you. He was a mixture of Nate and you. His soft icy blue eyes sparkled as you picked him up.

"Hey baby boy". You kissed his warm cheeks.

"Dada". Dalton giggled. Here we go.

"He's in the livingroom. Waiting for you sleepy head". You kissed him once more.

Dalton wiggled out of your grasp and wobbled his way down the hall. You followed behind him. When you got into the kitchen you saw Nate hiding his face. Dalton was searching for him.

"Dada". Dalton stood by Nates knee, his little hands patting Nated leg.

"Hey buddy". Nate didn't move. He hid his face. You knew it was breaking Nates heart to not get close to his son.

"Me up". Dalton started climbing up on the couch and stood next to Nate. He pulled at Nate's hood and pulled it back.

Dalton at first looked at Nate oddly. But then the scrunched up face started and then his tears. A sob came from Dalton as he got down and ran to you.

You gulped down your tears and picked him up. He was in your arms crying as he looked at Nate.

Nate sat there looking at the wall, chewing on his bottom lip, a tear came down the side of his face.

"Can you take him to his room, please"? You ask Nick, handing him Dalton.

"Come on little guy. Let's go play with your toys". Nick comfort Dalton as you went to comfort Nate.

"Baby". You sat down beside him and held his hand. He didnt look at you. "It's going to be okay".

"I know, I just. I dont like seeing him cry because of me. I shouldn't have done this fight. I should've stayed retired. I gotta family to look after. This isnt the father he needs". Nate sniffled.

"Nathan Douglas Diaz, you always told me you were going to fight and I was okay with that. Nothing has changed. You got a little beat up. Everyone will get over it. Dalton will too. He's just little. He doesnt understand why daddy looks a like a raisin". You giggle when Nate chuckled. "We're going to be okay, I promise. It'll take time but he'll be fine". You moved his hood back and kiss his temple, the. His cheek and then his lips. "I love you".

Nate turned his head looking at you. "I love you too".

"Mommy. Dada"! Dalton screamed as he ran down the hallway, Nick chased him with a stuffed dinosaur.

Dalton ran and jumped up into Nates lap giggling. He turned and stood up in Nates lap.

"Hurt"? Dalton asked pointing his chubby finger at Nate's face.

"Yeah. But daddy's okay". Nate kissed his sons head.

"Dino did that"?

Nate and you laughed. "Yeah, uncle Nick made the dinosaur do it". Nate told Dalton.

"Bad uncle". Dalton growled and got down from Nates lap. He grabbed his toy hammer off the coffee table and went after Nick. Who was squealing and slow running for Dalton to catch up to him.

Nate busted out laughing.

"See everything's fine. Just give it time". You laid your head on Nates shoulder. Both of you watch Dalton attack Nick, protecting his daddy.

[izzy-b-hands]

Kloktober, Oct. 11th: Dancing or Fighting

I chose Fighting for this day, but it’s nothing too serious or horribly angsty, just a touch of it!

Instead, we have a post-Doomstar fic, where the lads are figuring out what powers they have Because Prophecy (and ngl, I remember the barest details/lore from Doomstar and the prophecy in general because I haven’t gotten around to doing much rewatching of the boys lately, so please forgive anything I’ve misremembered. If nothing else, consider it my own AU version of post-Doomstar life for them.) 

TW for mentions of drug and alcohol use. 

Synopsis: Things are settling. Toki and Abigail have healed. Despite Charles claiming that he’ll spend time away from them as the leader of the Church of the Black Klok, his room is still right where it’s always been and he stays there at least four days out of the week. Hanging with the lads, and helping Abigail stay sane. 

And, watching the boys learn what the prophecy being enacted means for them in terms of powers. Which naturally, means Front Yard Fight Club, and a show for Abigail and Charles.

My love to all who read/like/reblog!

“What...are they doing?” 

Charles sipped at his coffee. “Fight club.” 

“...Why?” 

“Ah,” Charles sighed, and pulled a flask from his jacket to pour into his coffee. “We don’t really want to know.” 

“This seems incredibly dangerous, given their new powers,” Abigail said, grabbing the flask before he could put it away and taking a swig. “They might kill each other.” 

“Nah,” Charles muttered. “No, there are people who want them dead. But as far as I know of the prophecy, they can’t take each other out like this.” 

Abigail nodded. “I could have donuts delivered, so we can eat while we watch the show?” 

“Use the company card,” Charles remarked as he took a long sip from his mug, and stared at the chaos in the yard below. 

---

“You douchebag, no fire!” Pickles shouted. “You burned my hair, and I don’t got that much left!” 

“Maybes you cans regrows you hairs now,” Skwisgaar said. “Dids you try?” 

Pickles, still patting out the fire Murderface had set to his dreads, cocked his head. “Huh. No, I hadn’t. Lemme try.” 

He stood, eyes rolled back nearly into his head as he looked up at his hair. 

After a minute, one singular red strand popped out. 

“Ah for fuck’s sake,” Pickles groaned. “That’s so much work! What’s the point of havin’ a magical prophecy and powers and shit if it’s this much work? It’s gonna take me a year to do this!” 

“Good things you ams starting nows then,” Skwisgaar shrugged, floating casually across the yard to pull a bit of burned hair off his dread. 

“You coulds walk, you know,” Toki scoffed. “I knows you still cans!” 

“And yous could floats, I knows you cans!” Skwisgaar protested. 

“Guys, guys!” Nathan shouted. “Look at what I can do!” 

He let out a harshest death metal yell he could, and Murderface was tossed across the yard by the force of it, screeching the entire way. 

“I’m a banshee now! This is fuckin’ awesome!” 

“Fuck you!” Murderface shouted as he ran back to them. “Give a guy schome fucking warning, you dick!” 

“Nah, it’s more fun this way,” Nathan chuckled. “Besides, you’re fine, ya big baby.” 

“You don’t know that!” Murderface shouted. 

“...You’re walking, talking, and literally fine. That’s how I know.” 

Murderface flipped them off and stomped past them to one of the picnic tables, sitting down on it hard. 

Too hard. 

There was an incredible amount of power in all of them now, and it meant a need to be careful around the now very fragile furniture (they were on couch 55 in the living room due to that.) 

This was a reminder of it, as Murderface broke the bench with the force of himself, and dropped to the ground. 

“Schtupid fucking table!” His fist to the top of the table broke it in half, and a kick from his foot sent the table’s remnants into the distance. 

“That wasn’t necessary,” Pickles sighed to the rest of them. 

“Overkills,” Skwisgaar agreed. “What ams his problems anyway? This ams supposed to bes fun!” 

“Let him be,” Nathan said. “He can come back over when he wants to stop being a total dick.” 

“I can hear you!” Murderface shouted as he stomped away into the nearby woods.

“I know!” Nathan shouted back.

“Well then don’t schay mean shit about me!” 

“Don’t do shit that makes me say mean shit about you, and I won’t!” 

“You can go fuck yourschelf!” 

“You can go fuck yourself too!” 

“I will then!” 

“Good!” 

“...the super powereds hearings...” Skwisgaar sighed. “I thoughts woulds be useful. This...ams a mockery of it.” 

“What, you don’t love bein’ able to hear Murderface bitch from a million miles away?” Pickles scoffed. “Jesus. Wonder if I can still get migraines, like this. Cause I think I feel one comin’ on, the more Murderface flaps his lips.” 

“No, we can’ts stops yet,” Toki whined. “I wants to show yous what I learns how to do!” 

“Okay,” Pickles agreed. “You show us, then we go inside and see what LSD is like on weird super powers, okay?” 

“Okay!” Toki chirped, and picked up a dandelion from the lawn. He barely looked at it, and it wilted, blackened, and turned to dust in his hand. “Sees? Neat, right?” 

Pickles and Skwisgaar ignored Nathan and Murderface’s now wordless angry shouts, and shared a look. 

“Cans you does that to like...anything?” 

Toki shrugged. “Dunno! Only tried on dandelions so far.” 

“Like...you look at it, and it dies?” Pickles asked. 

“Long as I’m also touchings it,” Toki replied. 

“Cool, very cool, but maybe be careful with that, ‘kay Toki?” Pickles said carefully. “Don’t wanna accidentally kill anything you don’t wanna, you know?” 

“I bes careful!” Toki smiled, and wrapped an arm around both of them in a tight hug. 

They both let out sighs as Toki let them go, and ran over to Nathan, another dandelion in his hand. 

“This isn’t a fuckin’ joke, is it?” Pickles asked, rubbing the back of his neck. “I mean it’s fun, bein’ able to light shit on fire, ice things out, float, whatever. But...we could really hurt somebody with this shit, couldn’t we?” 

Skwisgaar nodded gravely. “I worries about Toki and Murderface. I don’ts thinks they gets it.” 

“They’ll learn though,” Pickles said. “I mean, they gotta.” 

A tree in the forest suddenly went up in flames, only to be put out by a blast of ice from an increasingly pissed off Nathan, who was trying to track Murderface from the edge of the forest. 

“Bets we can still gets drunk,” Skwisgaar said. “What says yous and I haves that LSD and some booze, and hopes they dont’s burn down the forest?” 

Pickles sighed. “That sounds good. What about Toki?” 

“Stops calling Nathans names, or I kills you!” Toki’s shriek echoed across the property. 

“Looks, I am absolvings us of this right nows,” Skwisgaar said. “Charles and Abigail ams watching from the window. Lets them deals with it if they gets out of hand.” 

It wasn’t exactly right, probably, but at least the LSD and booze would settle the rocks of worry in their stomachs. 

---

“This could get out of hand,” Abigail said, in between bites of donut. “We should go say something.” 

“They have to be responsible for this on their own,” Charles said. “Harsh as it seems. For them, at least.” 

“And you’re sure they can’t kill each other?” 

Charles stared out the window, Murderface’s path in the forest marked by the burnt, then frozen by Nathan, trees. 

“Certain as I can be.” 

“Is that certain enough?” Abigail asked, wincing as another tree went up. 

“I don’t know,” Charles admitted, and pulled out his flask again. 

They were going to need it. 

[honeyopinion]

20/20 Albums of the Year

Circles by Mac Miller  |  Hip-Hop, Soul, Funk Released: January 17, 2020

Best Album For... Pouring One Out for Mac

I wrote a few different drafts of this album summary, and none of them felt like they really fit the impossibly large bill of accurately describing the posthumous importance or brilliance of this album. If you are a fan of hip-hop or soul music of any kind, try to give this piece of work a chance. I for one, used to judge Mac based on his early frat rap days in the late 2000s. But a decade later he came to leave the world with one of the most surprising and frankly impressive artistic evolutions that I’ve been able to witness in real time. RIP Mac. 

Spotify      Apple Music      YouTube      Pandora 

Start With: “Circles” or “Everybody”

Marigold by Pinegrove  |  Alternative Country and Folk Rock Released: January 17, 2020

Best Album For… Passing Through a Small Town on a Cloudy Winter Day 

Pinegrove was one of the last great concerts I got to experience before the pandemic. And it was my favorite performance of theirs from the last 6 years of seeing them play live. Is this my favorite album of theirs? Honestly, it’s not. But I still find it extremely enjoyable, and the memory of seeing these songs performed live, along with some of their classics, was enough for me to include it on this list. This is an album that marks Pinegrove’s exit from their pop punk roots. It’s still sentimental, but much more country and folk rock focused vs. anything trying to be associated with emo or punk. 

Spotify      Apple Music      YouTube      Pandora   Start With: “The Alarmist” or “No Drugs”

Watch This Liquid Pour Itself by Okay Kaya  |  Synth Pop, Art Rock, Folk Released: January 24, 2020

Best Album For… Crywanking at 3am, Bathed in The Dull Light of Your Overheating Laptop

What if Feist and Father John Misty had a secret love child? They might sound something like Okay Kaya. Self proclaimed “Singer ~ Crywanker,” Okay Kaya brings serious BDE to weirdo art pop that she seems like she could be a plant  from the mind of Nathan Fielder. Kaya delivers with such deadpan precision as she rolls out line after line of sarcastic joy, staring blankly at our dystopian reality. “Here I am, the whole world is my daddy,” “Netflix and yeast infection,” “Sex with me is mediocre,” “I just want us to do well like Jon Bon Jovi’s Rosê,” and, “My parasite and I are blushing / In the zero interaction ramen bar,” are just a few examples of some of her memorable and biting lyrics. The entire album is both a critique and nihilistic fondness for the absurdity of our lonely technological society, not quite sure how to deal with taboos like repressed female sexuality, depression, and codependency. 

Spotify      Apple Music      YouTube      Pandora  

Start With: “Baby Little Tween” or “Asexual Wellbeing”

UNLOCKED by Denzel Curry and Kenny Beats  |  Hip-Hop Released: February 7, 2020

Best Album For... Nodding Your Damn Head To, Feeling Cooler Than You Actually Are

I had to double check that this was an album. Clocking in under 20 minutes, this collection of songs feels more like an EP, especially with the track titles that purposefully look like file names and placeholders. But for a short album, Denzel wastes no time, furiously zigging and zagging effortlessly over Kenny Beats’ 90s New York-indebted production (ad libs and all). Kenny pulls out samples of an array of pop culture references made by Denzel (like quotes from movies and weapon sound effects like a lightsaber) — as he rotates his flow between admirable impressions of DMX, Nas, and Joey Bada$$.

Spotify      Apple Music      YouTube      Pandora  

Start With: “So.Incredible.pkg” or “DIET_”

Cardboard City by Zack Villere  |  Pop, Electronic, R&B Released: February 14, 2020

Best Album For… Pal-ing Around With Your Friends From High School, Maybe Quoting Superbad At The Same Time

The first time I watched a music video from Zack Villere, I noticed the top comment said: “how did frank ocean get trapped in mark zuckerberg.” And while that definitely gets at the heart of how Zack Villere presents himself, he is not a phenomenal singer like Frank Ocean is, nor does he come off as an asshole like Mark Zuckerberg does. I would say that he is just a slightly awkward nerdy white guy who loves hip-hop production and R&B melodies. So the better question is really, “how did drake get trapped in michael cera?” This premise should not work at all, but somehow it does. This is only Villere’s second album, but he shows some serious production and songwriting chops, plus a commitment to his delivery that comes across as genuine, charming, and unique. 

Spotify      Apple Music      YouTube      Pandora  

Start With: “Grateful” or “Superhero Strength”

The Slow Rush by Tame Impala  |  Psych Rock, Synth Pop, Disco Released: February 14, 2020

Best Album For... Throwing a Silent Disco For One 

Tame Impala continues on their now 10 year streak of psych rock dominance. Along the way we’ve seen Kevin Parker master and stretch the boundaries of psychedelic production. This has resulted in his music coming as close to sounding like the best aspects of The Beatles, while also expanding into hip hop drums, R&B hooks, plus more and more electronic elements. This is an album that I was not super impressed with when it initially came out, but as we entered the pandemic and were tasked with finding small joys in staying at home all the time, I found myself going back to this album and appreciating the themes of solitude and self reflection that Parker has drawn from throughout his career.

Spotify      Apple Music      YouTube      Pandora  

Start With: “Posthumous Forgiveness” or “One More Hour”

1988 by Knxwledge  |  Hip-Hop Released: March 27, 2020

Best Album For... Pumping Your Brakes and Driving Slow, Uh *Homie* Although this album is named after a year in the 80s, the sound here is a perfect portal back to 90s golden era hip-hop, with all the gospel, soul samples, and the kind of deep bass you want to feel in your chest. This is the rare, largely instrumental hip-hop album that I find myself going back to, other than works from the legendary J Dilla and MF Doom. Knxwledge is good friends and a frequent collaborator with Anderson .Paak (in the form of NxWorries). Here we get Anderson to grace us with his presence on the track “itkanbe[sonice]”, and of course it sounds just like an authentic vintage soul sample. When I hear this collection of songs it makes me wish I still had a car, so I could inevitably damage my speakers listening to this.

Spotify      Apple Music      YouTube      Pandora  

Start With: “dont be afraid” or “thats allwekando.”

Future Nostalgia by Dua Lipa  |  Pop, R&B, Funk, Disco Released: March 27, 2020 Best Album For... Alarming Your Pet With Your Enthusiastic Lip Syncing

This album is a pure sugar rush. Like Bruno Mars with the help of Mark Ronson, or Calvin Harris a few years ago, Dua has harnessed a nostalgia (it’s even in the title, wink) for disco, funk and R&B, and is instantly a sexy, catchy, not-so-guilty pleasure. It’s sad that the majority of these songs are all bonafide club hits that didn’t have a proper home this year … except for my living room. And hopefully yours.

Spotify      Apple Music      YouTube      Pandora 

Start With: “Pretty Please” or “Future Nostalgia”

Hold Space For Me by Orion Sun  |  Alternative R&B and Hip-Hop Released: March 27, 2020

Best Album For... Wishing Frank Ocean Was Your Dad

“Alternative R&B” is a contentious term, but what else would you call one of a few R&B singers cool enough to make it onto (NYC indie darlings) Mom+Pop Records?? On one hand, she brings the vulnerable and introverted lyrics of an indie singer songwriter like Tracey Chapman, crossed with the raw presence and sweet melodic delivery of a true R&B star like Aaliyah. I’d even go far enough to refer to her as the musical stepchild of Frank Ocean and SZA.

Spotify      Apple Music      YouTube      Pandora

Start With: “Ne Me Quitte Pass (Don’t Leave Me)” or “Lightning”

You and Your Friends by Peach Pit  |  Indie Rock and Dream Pop Released: April 3, 2020

Best Album For... Going Back To Your College Town To Crash A Party

Peach Pit seem like they would be cool dudes to hang out with. You have no problem picturing them as the band playing a house show in an indie movie about college kids. And that’s because there’s a familiarity to the scenes that their songs portray, of stumbling through your 20s, either being too dumb or having too much fun to notice. It’s funny to refer to this as “Indie” rock since this is Peach Pit’s major label debut with Columbia Records. But It has all the trappings of Indie; sticky melodies, gentle reverb, an “I’m not trying that hard” vibe, and lyrics that are oddly specific enough to be interesting, but still vague enough to be relatable.

Spotify      Apple Music      YouTube      Pandora  

Start With: “Feelin’ Low (Fuckboy Blues)” or “Shampoo Bottles”

Heaven To a Tortured Mind by Yves Tumor  |  Psych Rock, Indie Pop, Post-Punk, Alternative R&B, Experimental Electronic Released: April 3, 2020

Best Album For... Tearing Up The Fucking Dance Floor With Your Hot Robot Girlfriend

If Tyler the Creator, Alex G, King Krule, and Blood Orange all got into the studio together and dropped a shit ton of acid on Halloween, their recording session might sound something like Heaven To a Tortured Mind… And even then, you still might have trouble putting your finger on exactly what you’re hearing. “Dream Palette” is a good reference track for Tumor’s most wild and mesmerizing qualities. The biggest styles of the past half century of music have been loaded into this gleefully effective genre blender, with blades of dissonance slicing everything up, creating a surrealist sonic smoothie.

Spotify      Apple Music      YouTube      Pandora  

Start With: “Super Stars” or “Dream Palette”

The New Abnormal by The Strokes  |  Indie Rock, Dirtbag Disco, Synth Pop Released: April 10, 2020

Best Album For... Mixing Yourself Another Drink This Saturday Night

Back from the dead, The Strokes return with their first album in 7 years to turn some heads and settle back into some old habits. The charming messy haired garage rock of the early 2000s still pops up here and there, but this is really a record where the group is mature enough to show you that they actually are trying, and are unafraid to take joyous swings for the fences. Julian Casablancas pushes his scratchy alley cat yelp of a voice into something more vulnerable, sunny, and sweet, like he asked for a piña colada (you know, with one of those little umbrellas) instead of a double shot of scotch before hopping up on stage… Or maybe he did both. But these days, everyone is looking for some sort of break from our groundhog day lives any way that we can. Sometimes that sounds like selling out, or depending on how you look at it, stepping up. This album is the result of a group of old friends who got together to make music they simply want to make for themselves. Now far removed from the 2000s New York scene where their younger selves were acting too cool and disaffected to care about having fun.

Spotify      Apple Music      YouTube      Pandora  

Start With: “Eternal Summer” or “The Adults Are Talking”

The Loves of Your Life by Hamilton Leithauser  |  Indie Rock and Alternative Country Released: April 10, 2020

Best Album For... Drinking Down At The Docks, Watching The Sun Set

While I am a fan of The Walkmen, I have no idea what their frontman Hamilton Leithauser looks like or how he dresses. But hearing these songs off of his latest solo, I imagine the following: a member of Mumford and Sons if they were edgy and cooler, giving off a “cowboy rocker meets depression-era dock worker” aesthetic. That’s exactly how his music comes off to me. It’s a convincing blend of blues rock, Americana, and old timey country music. All expertly narrated by dusty country guitars and standup bass, tarnished horns and flutes, and what I imagine to be a restored saloon piano. The Loves of Your Life originally started as a collection of short stories, each about characters based on both people he knew and strangers. Leithauser then wrote the music separately, and finally came to mix and match their parts together in a surprisingly convincing fashion to create the album.

Spotify      Apple Music      YouTube      Pandora  

Start With: “Wack Jack” or “Cross-Sound Ferry (Walk-On Ticket)”

What Kinda Music by Tom Misch and Yussef Dayes  |  Neo-Soul, Electronic, Hip-Hop

Released: April 24, 2020

Best Album For... Cooking For Someone You’re In Love With

Exactly what kind of music do Tom Misch and Yussef Dayes make? It’s orchestral, it’s jazz-infused, it’s hip-hop beats joined with gentle soul. It’s a little sexy, it’s a little mysterious, and you’re going to want to listen to it a whole lot. That’s it. That’s what kind of music it is! Send tweet. 

Spotify      Apple Music      YouTube      Pandora  

Start With: “What Kinda Music” or “Storm Before The Calm”

Petals For Armor by Hayley Williams  |  Electronic Pop and Art Rock Released: May 8, 2020

Best Album For... Browsing Depop for Your Next 80s Normcore ‘Fit

Hayley, Hayley, Hayley. You are too good for this wretched world!! After exploring more adventurous sounds and genre hopping over the last few Paramore records, Hayley decided to go out on her own. This really frees herself from the expectations that come along with being the face and heart of a wildly popular band for the last 15+ years. Thom Yorke fans rejoice, because Hayley Williams has a clear admiration for Radiohead’s haunting indie electronic vibe, while emoting some pain and darkness atop her love for 80s pop and art rock (think Genesis, Devo, The Talking Heads). This is a promising new avenue for Hayley to explore herself and process her pain and desire completely on her own. I see this new project of hers only blooming further from here.

Spotify      Apple Music      YouTube      Pandora 

Start With: “Simmer” or “Sudden Desire” 

Set My Heart On Fire Immediately by Perfume Genius  |  Indie Pop and Art Rock Released: May 15, 2020

Best Album For... Daydreaming That You Were Somewhere Else

For his 5th studio album, Perfume Genius enlists production wizard and guitar god Blake Mills, along with Grammy Award-winning arranger and multi-instrumentalist Rob Moose to create a beautiful swirling mosaic of 80s pastel pop that also packs serious classic rock grandeur. Bass guitar dances between satin smooth lines on one song to churning distorted currents on the next. Sparkling string arrangements and organs bleed together to expose a fading sunset that you’ll want to try and hold in your hands to keep it in sight. Perfume Genius is unafraid to challenge traditional masculinity, packing a 21st century queer machismo into both the quiet moments and jubilant explosions.

Spotify      Apple Music      YouTube      Pandora 

Start With: “Without You” or “Describe”

græ by Moses Sumney  |  Indie Pop, Art Rock, Neo-Soul, Psychic Folk Released: May 15, 2020

Best Album For... Astral Projection 101 

I mean this in the best way possible, but I think that Moses Sumney is a witch. Or maybe a wizard? There’s no other reasonable explanation for the level of creativity and wonder that he summons. This album feels like a private concert by a waterfall (similar to one on the cover), with ethereal pleas, and heavy ideas—like meditating on what lies beyond the constraints of the physical self and reconsidering how well we can actually trust memory and the mind. Sumney layers his voice to create the effect of a ghostly choir, accented by a stark intimidating falsetto that reverberates through the ruins of an abandoned temple where Sumney is the only one in attendance.

Spotify      Apple Music      YouTube      Pandora  

Start With: “Cut Me” or “Polly”

WILL THIS MAKE ME GOOD by Nick Hakim  |  Psychedelic Neo-Soul Released: May 15, 2020

Best Album For... Playing Pool in a Hazy Dive Bar

Nick Hakim is a silky smooth smokey crooner who paints with warbly piano loops, dreamy reverb-heavy guitar, boom bap beats—not to mention a falsetto that would make Smokey Robinson jealous. Clearly a fan of Motown and 60s jazz, Hakim could be considered a peer of Thunder Cat and Anderson .Paak’s to a degree. I remember seeing him perform at Music Hall of Williamsburg a few years ago. The performance ended with him falling down on stage (presumably from being under the influence of multiple substances). But while the song continued he popped back up and belted an impressive high note like it was nothing, drink in hand. And it’s that kind of messy beauty that also makes this album so engrossing. Like watching the eye of the storm get closer and closer, but unable to look away from the sheer magnetism that nature can wield.

Spotify      Apple Music      YouTube      Pandora  Start With: “All THESE CHANGES” or “ALL THESE INSTRUMENTS”

RTJ4 by Run The Jewels  |  Hip-Hop Released: June 3, 2020

Best Album For... Making Your Next Protest Sign

Run The Jewels’ fourth outing might be the most unapologetically angry rap album in the “fuck this” year of 2020. And it reminded me that I should absolutely still be furious about everything that happened during this groundbreaking yet terrifyingly familiar year: country wide protests over the continued murder of innocent black people at the hands of the police, government drone strikes and detaining kids in cages, the state of our environment worsening—and that’s not even addressing the pandemic or election. Killer Mike and El-P are here to scream from the rooftops that our current system of cutthroat capitalism and white supremacy is killing the planet and its inhabitants, and I’m glad that they’re using their platform to continue to sound the alarm.

Spotify      Apple Music      YouTube      Pandora  

Start With: “out of sight” or “ooh la la”

Your Hero Is Not Dead by Westerman  |  New Wave Revival and Indie Pop Released: June 5, 2020 Best Album For... Wanting Your Old School MTV

The cover of Westerman’s first proper album is mostly black and white, except for the title, which is scrawled out in lettering which spans the Crayola color spectrum. It’s an album that on the surface is cold and buttoned up, but when these choruses open up, the maximalist 80s power pop bursts like the bulbs of a neon sign. There’s a level of even-keeled cool and confidence in small moments on display here that makes this relatively new artist seem well beyond his years. Having seen him play at Rough Trade a few years ago (opening up for the stellar Puma Blue), the songwriting growth on display on this record is impressive. I’m only sad that there wasn’t an opportunity to have seen him play these new songs live.

Spotify      Apple Music      YouTube      Pandora 

Start With: “Easy Money” or “Confirmation (SSBD)” 

Punisher by Phoebe Bridgers  |  Indie Rock and Alternative Country Released: June 18, 2020

Best Album For... Burning Incense and Breaking Out a Ouija Board to Talk to The Ghost of Your Former Self

This is without a doubt, a career defining release for Phoebe. Taking everything she’s learned from writing, performing, and touring with the likes of Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker (in boygenius), and Conor Oberst (in Better Oblivion Community Center), Bridgers levels up to become the truly prolific singer-songwriter she’s been telling us she would always be. Bridgers has explained her personal definition of “a punisher” as a well meaning person who’s, “just talking to you and they don’t realize that your eyes are glazed over and you’re trying to escape.” Vital to understanding this album and its central message is that Phoebe finds herself caught between the contradiction of falling victim to this phenomenon while also doing it herself, especially if she ever met her musical idol, Elliott Smith. Punisher serves as a warning to her audience that if you focus too much on trying to find yourself through other people (via escaping through fandom, drugs, toxic relationships), you’ll always feel lost and dissatisfied, without the proper self awareness to ever quite know why. 

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Start With: “Garden Song” or “ICU”

Women In Music Pt. III by HAIM  |  Rock, Pop, Folk, R&B Released: June 26, 2020

Best Album For... Preparing For A Better 2021, lol 

With this album, HAIM skyrocketed to the #1 position of family bands that start with an “H.” Sorry, Hanson! But seriously, HAIM has outdone themselves on this one. If there was one album from this list that I would dub my personal AOTY, this would be it. You might wince at any tracklist longer than 10-12 songs these days (I know I usually do), but almost every song proves itself worthy, pulling at a different thread of my heart until there’s nothing left. Sunshine State Beach Pop? Check. Blues Tinged Dad Rock? Yup! Dive Bar Country? Mmhmm! No, wait, what’s that you say, Glitched-Out R&B? Yes, yes, and yes. You can have it all, sister! ‘Cause when you’re Haim, you’re family! ;) And these three “women in music” continue to prove that they are just about the best Assorted Pop Rocks(™) act in the world right now.

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Start With: “I’ve Been Down” or “Don’t Wanna”

Lianne La Havas by Lianne La Havas  |  Neo-Soul and Indie Pop Released: July 17, 2020

Best Album For... Sipping Coffee and Journaling on a Weekend Morning

This album exudes a warm vulnerability, like a comforting hug we all needed this year. On her third album, Lianne La Havas makes the risky decision to self title it, a move that artists make when they believe that it is the piece of work that they most want most directly associated with their name. It’s one thing to name your first album after yourself if you can’t think of anything else at the time, but to make a self titled album in the middle of your career, it means that you are sure about having captured who you really are and who you want people to remember you as. “If I love myself, I know I can't be no one else,” La Havas admits on the standout track, “Paper Thin.” She knows that she will meet her destiny and reach self actualization, but only through self love. And finally, I cannot overstate how breathtaking La Havas’s voice comes across on this album. The strength and control on display in her vocal tone and vibrato is quite a spectacle. 

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Start With: “Paper Thin” or “Sour Flower”

Limbo by Aminé  |  Hip-Hop and R&B Released: August 7, 2020

Best Album For... Trying and Get Over Kanye With

On Limbo, Aminé establishes himself as one of the torchbearers of soul-sampling, lyrics-driven hip-hop that still cares about storytelling, skits, and presenting vocals clearly. Kanye West, Drake, and J. Cole all paved the way for someone from the next generation like Aminé to keep the dream alive and avoid succumbing to the “feel good, don’t think” form of passive listening that mumble rap has made the standard for mainstream hip-hop.

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Start With: “Pressure In My Palms” or “My Reality”

Shore by Fleet Foxes  |  Folk and Indie Rock Released: September 22, 2020

Best Album For... Running Along The Beach With Your Arms Stretched Out

It was really kind of Robin Pecknold and co. to have released an album this triumphant, calming, and awe-inspiring during the year of our Lorde 2020. On behalf of myself and anyone else who suffers from Seasonal Affective Disorder, the SAD people of the world really needed this, man. And to anyone who is quick to judge these beard-o’s of being boring, you’re simply not using your ears properly. Yeah, you know those two things on either side of your head? Get the gunk out of them! That way you’ll hear the choir of angels with acoustic guitars who are here to guide us through quarantine and beyond. 

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Start With: “Can I Believe You” or “A Long Way Past The Past” 

Listen to all of these albums together in our playlist.

[rovvboat]

The Carnival’s In Town - Cable/Nathan Summers x Reader

Prompts: ‘‘You make me feel alive’’ // ‘’Don’t sell yourself short.’’ // ‘’You were always gold to me.’’

word count: 3.2k (i dont know how,,,,,,,,, :’’))

A/N: Probably not what you think it is :P Requested by the amazing @marvel-forever-17 !! Hope you enjoy it as much as i enjoyed writing it! <3 <3 <3 <3

Warnings: a teeny tiny bit of angst :’’’) but a whooooooole lot of fluff aslkjlksjfklsdf

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

‘’Can we PLEASE go?’’

You tugged Nathan’s hand towards the poster – flapping carelessly in the dry, hot summer breeze, kept in place only by one poorly hammered nail on its’ top edge. The poster’s clipart of a shiny Ferris wheel in the background had caught your eye; glinting under the bright sunlight as the poster pulsated against the wind.

You thought some fresh air out of the mansion would do you both some good – and you were right. The light breeze, the sunlight warm against the surface of your skin – all the right ingredients for a nice walk –  as you trod along the garden with your boyfriend next to you – barefoot on the soft grass – toes wide and exploring, as you gently wade through the blades; just to get a feel of the Earth beneath you. 

Nathan hadn’t rejected your offer of taking off your shoes – which was a huge surprise on its’ own, and here you were – hand in hand, feet free and roaming, now looking at the carnival poster.

‘’What? Aren’t you too old for this?’’ He asks incredulously, taking a look at the poster then back at you.

‘’No one’s too old for the carnival, Nate!’’ You argue, eyes wide and hopeful. You bring up his hand, big and relenting, to your chin, clasping it between your two hands. ‘’Pleeeease? It’s been so long! I promise I’ll win something for you!’’

You give him your biggest puppy-dog eyes, as Nathan watches your pleas – like a parent would a child – head tilted, face set into a soft, thin-lipped ‘’do we really have to?’’, followed by a few moments of deliberation. When he finally closes his eyes, he lets out a deep breath of surrender –

and there it was.

You let out a victorious squeal, and launch yourself at him into a hug, and Nathan only chuckles at your child-like enthusiasm – his eyes smile and crinkle up in the way they do when you know he’s truly happy and most comfortable; his usual taut and rough demeanor nowhere to be seen.

‘’I better get the biggest prize in there, Puddin’. Else, you got a pretty big price to pay.’’ He raises his brow at you, lips pulled into a smirk – which you end up mirroring back to him.

You salaciously walk two fingers from his stomach and up to his chest, getting your face in real close as you do. You lower your voice into a seductive whisper, ending the last syllable inches away from his ear – ‘’Well, experience tells me that I’m well-equipped for that.’’

Nathan feels his heart rate rise tenfold with every move of your fingers, and when you finally opened your mouth, the words seemed to burst an electric socket in his stomach – the heat moving up to his cheeks.

But Nathan wasn’t one to be teased.

Not without repercussions.

He tilts his head close to yours, a smug arrogance flashing in his eyes as he brings up a hand to your face, placed right under your chin, his thumb slowly running over the edges of your lips – his touch just light enough to make it seem like a million sparks on the most sensitive parts. ‘’Oh yeah, Doll?’’ His voice gravelly against your ears, a strong feeling lifts with desire in your chest; as his other hand has somehow found its place on your waist. ‘’You really wanna test that out again?’’

Your smile widens, eyes narrowing as you push him and his advances away; A hearty laugh escaping you, as he grabs you from behind, lifting you up into the air. ‘’Oh, you think you could get away that easy?’’ His fingers skillfully make contact with the one place of your weakness, and within seconds you’re wheezing and squirming as Nathan tickles you into oblivion – no signs of stopping anytime soon.

‘’Oh God, Nate! Stop– No!’’ You try grabbing for his hands, but he maneuvers over them like a pro.

‘’Should’ve paid more attention when you were sparring with me, huh baby?’’ He razzes around you, his fingers dancing across your most touchy spots, mapped out in his head and hands like his childhood home.

‘’OKAY! OKAY! I GIVE! YOU WIN!’’ You heave and laugh, and when he doesn’t let go, you bring out your secret weapon.

Digging your heels into the ground, you lift yourself off and crash against Nathan, who’s caught off-guard and loses his footing – and you both go down, falling onto the soft, still dewy grass with a graceful thud.

As you come to nice position over Nathan, straddling over his waist – pinning him down by his wrists – you let your face hover over his.

‘’Truce?’’ Nathan offers, his lips twisting into a yielding smile.

‘’Oh, not that easy, big guy.’’ You lower yourself closer to him, noses brushing for a second, before your lips meet in succession; gentle puckering and pushing of soft skin – somehow cool even under the increasingly sweltering heat – that was meant for kisses like these.

You pull away as you feel yourself getting breathless, catching a breath before breaking the silence with a smirk and a statement.

‘’Now we’re even.’’

 **

You roll over in your nice cozy bed, the soft wool wrapped snug around you, as Nathan’s arm holds you close by your stomach – his chest sidled up, warm and secure, against your back; the slight rise and fall now coming more into focus, as your eyes blink open.

You look straight into the digital clock on your bedside table, and a surge of excitement jumpstarts your muscles. You flip over again to wake Nathan up in the wee hours of the morning, ever so determined to beat the crowds and the heat that was always inevitable at carnivals.

‘’Nate.’’ You nudge him gently and whisper, so as to not startle him awake. ‘’Babe, wake up. It’s time to go.’’

He takes a deep breath as one eye opens, the other still squished against the pillow. He sleepily groans as he stretches out his arms in front of him – twisting a little to the side – before squeezing you back into his arms, pulling you back onto the bed as his eyes go back to being shut.

‘’Nathan, wake up already!’’ You whine as you wriggle out of his grip. You grab your pillow and throw it at him -- and he lets out another groan.

 ‘’C’mon we gotta go!’’ You brush past him from the shower as he lazily brushes his teeth at the sink. He spits out the foamed toothpaste – ‘’Babe, it’s still 6am. I’m sure we have plenty of time to get there and go on all the rides.’’ – He grabs a mouthful of water before gargling and spitting out the residue, and as you watch him through the doorway – dressed in his boxers still, the tired still not completely gone from his eyes – the biggest sense of gratitude washes over you.

Who on God’s green Earth would wake up at 6 in the fucking A.M. to get ready to go to a carnival at the will of their partner?

Nathan fuckin’ Summers, that’s who.

You stride over to him as he looks over, drying his mouth against one of his face towels – eyes expectantly waiting for you speak.

You tiptoe against the cool tiles of the bathroom, placing a smacking kiss on the side of his cheek, your hand pushing him into the kiss from his other cheek – the stubble would normally deter you from that particular action, but today felt like a good exception.

Nathan has his brows raised, ‘’And that was for?’’

‘’Take a guess, sherlock.’’

‘’I thought you said you wouldn’t kiss my cheek until I shaved – and I quote – ’that God-forsaken cactus face of yours’.’’ He enquires.

‘’Today’s an exception, and there’s more where that came from.’’ You wink as you get back to the wardrobe to get changed.

Nathan watches you sift through the wardrobe, and when you find your underwear and bra, you toss the towel onto the bed, leaving his hungry eyes on your body for the taking – as you quickly put one foot after another, sliding your soft cotton panties up the length of your legs.

You could practically feel Nathan’s gaze bearing over you – and you turn your head to him, signaling to him with a few deliberate clicks of your fingers.

‘’Better get to showering, old man. We’re burning daylight!’’

Nathan scoffs, nudging the door close with his leg – though not completely closed as the door comes to a slight squeaking stop as the latch bolt hits the frame. A nifty little convenience trick – who needs bathroom locks whilst showering if you both always make room for ways to join each other?

You smile at the little force of habit that’s become ingrained to muscle memory – when Nathan’s exaggerated voice echoes from the bathroom.

‘’See, now I’ve got to take a cold shower because of you.’’

You pull on your jeans and put on your T-shirt, before walking by the bathroom door, and push the door to let you a small opening –

‘’Thank you for your sacrifice!’’

Nathan huffs a laugh against the spraying showerhead, and within a few minutes, he’s out and dressed and waiting by the door. It was a wonder how he could do that – wake up 5 minutes before leaving and still be ready before anyone else – ‘’It’s called being prepared, darlin’. I could teach you a thing or two about that.’’ He’d quote whenever you’d ask how the fuck he got ready so quickly.

As you walk down the steps of the mansion – quietly so as to not disturb the others – you hear a familiar voice from the top of the steps – ‘’Where are you little love birds off to? Finally eloping form this place I see. Well don’t worry, I’ll keep my mouth shut–‘’ Wade jumps off the banister and onto the first floor with a thud, and a cracking sound of his knees– ‘’if you tell me where you’re going. Fuck that always hurts’’ He ends his spiel as he goes to smooth out his legs.

‘’We’re headed for the carnival!’’

‘’WHAT?! It’s still fucking dark out! What are you gonna ride there? Mr. FullMetal Dick in the middle of the fairgrounds?’’

You laugh at Wade’s reaction – ‘’Relax you whiny pop tart, we’re just heading there first to get a good feel of the place. We’ll meet you there!’’

‘’What’s all this noise about? It’s too early in the morning.’’ A disgruntled NTW walks out of her room, second from the top of the stairs. ‘’What are you guys doing up so early?’’

‘’Sorry for waking you Ellie! We were just headed for the carnival and – ‘’

You stop when you hear an annoyed grunt coming from your side. ‘’Look kids, Me and Y/N are gonna head out first. I’ve only got room for 2 on my ride – so if you really wanna join us, you’re gonna have to get a ride from our ridesharing friend, Dopinder.’’

As he finishes his matter-of-fact speech, he lifts you off your feet– ‘’Nate, what are you–‘’ and carries you over his shoulder.

‘’If you will excuse me, I’ve got my lady to please.’’

Your body goes limp against him, as he walks out the door and over to the garage, where he has his bike parked. ‘’Adios amigos! See you at the carnival!’’ you wave as NTW waves back and closes the front door.

  Your arms tighten around Nathan's thick, strong waist – your body sidling up against the leather jacket on his back, as he revvs the engine of his bike. His head turns to side, and he speaks up.

"Ready, doll?"

"You know it, Summers."

He revvs the engines once more, and in an instant, the both of you are blasting down the road and onto the freeway – the wind furiously whipping past you as the bike belts against the tarmac. Nathan zips between the few cars on the road, as your breath hitches with exhilaration – ‘’Hold on tight, darlin’.’’ His powerful voice cautions you, as he speeds up again, faster than you’ve ever gone – and something makes you want to let go and feel the winds above you.

You lift your body a little off the seat – arms held high over your head, as you howl out in joy. You watch the land extend far out into the horizon, the sun rising high and fast – the sky turning from the morning’s crisp golden sunrise to a blue as blue can get – the clouds white and puffy and running across the shifting blue canvas, as you and Nathan hurtle towards the bright new day.

  You were never afraid – ever – when you had Nathan around. He’d always had your back, and you’ve had his. Fighting monsters, ghouls, demons, robots – the whole shebang. You remember, clear as day, when you confronted your feelings for him.

You wished it was a planned thing – but being an X-Men meant plans change faster than the weather – and the very morning that you brought Nathan out to ‘’talk’’ was interrupted by a particularly intense attack by 3 sentinels and Master Mold.

You remember the way you stood between a beaten down NTW, facing off the Master Mold alone – You lifted yourself off the ground and up into the air – using your super strength to leap bounds onto the robot – making strong contact with the Mold, enough to cause it to stumble backwards and give NTW a chance to get to safety. But you almost had the winds knocked out of you when a sentinel crashed into you with all of it monstrous force; your head and body lamenting at the shock of contact, absorbing all of the damage – your brain much too pumped with adrenaline to feel the pain, as the colossal impact of the sentinel flung your body across the length of the large backyard of the mansion.

You touch down onto the approaching ground, hard and fast – your back scraping against the ground as the heavy friction slows down you down -- after what seemed like miles of tasting dirt -- to a halt.

The clouds of dust from the small baseball field has you in a coughing fit, as you force your body to rise from the ground. A disembodied voice calls out from the blur of the powdered Earth, panicked and terrified and booming with worry; a voice you knew well enough to call home.

‘’Y/N? Fuck.’’ You see the glint of his one T.O. eye advancing towards you – but that’s the thing with feeling safe and found and cared for;

The pain that was previously subdued by the adrenaline of fight of flight, wavers in and out, and before you know it – the agony of your bones that had their screams silenced are now fifty times louder, and that’s when you yell out in pain.

You fall onto your knees – but Nathan’s quick enough that he catches you, preventing anymore damage. You control your breathing – labored and struggling – trying to breathe through the pain. Nathan holds your body up with his, your back resting on his chest.

‘’Kid, hey, can you hear me?’’ He holds your face up with his hand, ‘’Speak to me, Y/N. C’mon.’’ His voice was desperate, but you were in too much pain to talk.

Instead, you hum a little sound of assurance. ‘’Mmmhmm…’’

‘’Okay. Okay. You’ll be okay, I promise. I need you to focus on your breathing okay?’’

You felt the sting of your wounds against the cold morning air – buzzing furiously in your nerve impulses, as every repressed pain response  came flooding into every corner of your thoughts.

But you remember one thing – and you somehow manage to speak it as you were slowly blacking out.

‘’Cable?’’

‘’Yes? Kid, I’m here, I’m here, please don’t go sleeping on me now.’’ He was fully focused getting the worst of your injuries in check – but stops when you put a hand on his arm.

‘’I was going… to say… that I really like… love you.’’

Nathan’s throat gets tight, caught completely off-guard by your confession in the midst of his panic, where his mind was previously running completely wild, now came to a complete standstill – and only regains momentum when he feels your heart rate slow down through his T.O. eye; but you – you weren’t afraid of anything – not when Nathan was around.

 You’re brought back to the present by Nathan’s enquiring, ‘’You okay, kid?’’

You realise you were holding onto to him tighter than a corset, and you ease up your arms into a snug hug. Nathan had slowed down considerably – mainly due to the increasing traffic – but you could now see the shape of the Ferris wheel ahead, sounding out a pleased ‘’AHA!’’  

Nathan takes the rest of the ride slow and steady – which gives you a chance to recount how your confession panned out.

*** 

You woke up, of course, in the mansion’s emergency room, on one of their best beds – which was news to you because they only saved the best beds for the worst injuries – and by the soft, fluffy feel of the bed AND a neck pillow? You probably already died and gone to heaven.

You let yourself get a feel of your body; eyes still closed.

It felt like a millennia since you’ve used it. You wriggle your toes and your fingers, before stretching out on the bed.

The sudden movements on the bed stirs Nathan awake from your bed side, and he sits up straight, his hand reaching for yours.

When you open your eyes, it’s all fuzzy and dark, only the fluorescent lights from the hallway outside (and the beeping monitor screens) illuminating the room. You suddenly feel a hand in yours, and when you look up, there was Nathan – looking at you with relief.

‘’Glad you’re finally awake, kid.’’ His eyes were soft, grateful even.

‘’Mmmm yeah. I don’t really remember what happened. Care to fill me in? I mean, it must’ve been a big one if I’m back in here again after all these years.’’

‘’Don’t sell yourself short, kid.’’ He exhales, almost as if he had to stop himself from elaborating.

He leans in close to you, pulling you in by the waist – you sensed a tension, a fatigue in his demeanor, as he breathes out a heavy sigh; holding you tight, his face smothered into your neck.

You hug him back, the sweet gesture more than welcome, especially coming from Nathan.

He pulls back a little, with you still in his arms, and explains. ‘’Well, before you faded away, I was gonna say… that I really like– love you too.’’

And everything clicks for you. The crash, the shooting pain, the glint of his eye in the dust cloud.

The I really love you.

***

You feel the blood rush into your cheeks, as Nathan pulls the bike into a stop in front of the carnival. You shake it off, before swinging your leg up and off the bike.

‘’Ready to get your ass kicked, Summers? I’m gonna be gold at these games.’’

‘’You were always gold to me, darlin’.’’ He tugs you close to him, pressing a loving kiss onto your temple.

***

His soft lips depart from your temple, ‘’I was so afraid that I was going to lose you.’’ His forehead lingers over yours, his slow steady breath exhaling as a means of respite.

‘’What can I say, Summers? You make me feel alive.’’ You jest in a whisper, pulling him into a soft, binding kiss.

***

You step back from Nathan’s lips when you hear an obnoxious honking noise.

‘’HEY! This is a FAMILY-ORIENTED EVENT! NO KISSING ALLOWED!’’ Wade bellows from Dopinder’s taxi, leaning in front of the wheel as he presses on the wheel.

You flash a knowing smile at Nathan, who offers up a hand to you.

You take it, interlocking with his fingers and swinging your arms as you stride into the carnival entrance – ready for yet another new day, a new adventure, with Nathan; one of the many that you will keep remembered for a rainy day.  

[crazyrandomfucker]

Adrien Augreste: Nightmares

Adrien wasn't okay. He definetly wasn't. A week ago, he was with his Lady, happily getting ready to battle and defeat Hawk Moth once and for all as Kitty Noire and Lordubg battled against Monarch. None of them came unharmed from that battle, even if the damages weren't physical. After defeating them, they discovered their identities along with the identities of Le Paon and Mayura. Noone could have predicted how harmful was to discover that Gabriel Agreste and Jeanne Agreste had been plotting against their own family and their protegees. Of course their loyal minions resulted to be no other than their so loyal secretaries: Nathalie and Nathan.

They hadn't revealed to the public the identieties of the vilains, but everyone knew about the defeat of those who had been tormenting them for so long. Master Fu was shocked when he heard the identities of the villains and appologised several times to the teenagers. His siblings, Mister and Miss Fu, had been giving some sort of psychology treatment to the young heroes. The rest of the miraculous squad wasn't informed about the identities of the villains, but upon seeing how affected their heroes were, they didn't dare to ask them.

It was so painful. Adrien had been so close to die at the hands of the monsters his father and aunt created. Even worse he had almost lost everything important to him: his friends, his sister and, the worst of it, his love. He felt furious, betrayed, hurt, ... But he still had Marinette, who supported him without doubting, even if she just was almost as hurt as Adrien. But the worst were the nights, when he managed to fall asleep, the memories of all those previous battles came back to him, haunting him with the possibilities of things that could have go wrong and even picturing his father or his aunt killing him, instead of the akumas, as they laughed evily and took his miraculous away.

As far as he knew, his sister and the bugs were also dealing with their own traumas and the nightmares. Mari suffered insomnia, Marin developed a PTSD and Adrienne recluded herself on her bedroom, only allowing Marin to enter. It was frankly devastating for all of them to even face any of their enemies, mainly because they had to see them on a daily basis, but also because they clearly were devastated by their defeat. Gabriel was the shadow of the man he once was, recluding himself, barely getting any food or sleep and over obsesing with every single details of his surroundings. On the other hand, Jeanne showed some sort of depression mixed with sudden outbursts. The young heroes were almost scared to see them just in case the villains would somehow recognise them outside the mask.

The only bright side Adrien and Adrienne could possibly ever see about the situation was that they were no longer expected to do any sort of modeling and could do as they pleased, given the parnoic state of their father and the misterious disappearence of Nathalie, but in the end, they only felt more depressed because of the fact that they had also lost the little to unexistent love and care from their father. Of course, Mar and Mari were constantly with them, even if they didn't interact, just being there to let them know that they still had someone who cared about them, who would support them no matter what and that will always love them unconditionally. It wasn't really strange to see Lordbug entering Adrienne's bedroom or seeing Chat Noir running over the roof tops and stopping over the bakery of the Dupain-Cheng.

Strangely, each time Chat visited Marinette, someone of the miraculous squad was also there or at Marin's secluded space on the rooftop. He slowly began to understand that it wasn't because they had revealed their identities (they had meant to do it after defeating Hawk Moth and Monarch, but they weren't precisely mentally sane after that battle), but because they enjoyed how the children of the best bakers in Paris treated them, as if they simply were another civilian and not superheroes nor gods, like most of civilians used to do. Of course, he suspected that they knew the designers from outside the mask, but Chloe and Cleón certainly weren't exactly known to be civil with the designers and yet, they surprisingly appeared more often that not and generally behaved.

That day, he had had a particulary horrible nightmare were his father and aunt forced akumas into him to akumatize him and then made him cold-bloodly murder everyone in Paris, each murder bloodier and crueller than the last. he had slaughtered his firends, cataclismed Adrienne and Marin and torn Marinette into little pieces. He was honestly trembling and his eyes couldn't stop the torrent of tears flooding his face when he awoke and Plagg surprised him by hugging him and purring to sooth the pain, but he couldn't calm down and, despite Adrienne was recluded, he entered in her bedroom to check if it had only been a nightmare. When he opened the door, he saw his sister, also holding the handle of the door and with watery eyes and a stream of tears flowing down her face.

Without ponouncing a single word, both twins understood perfectly how the other felt and why the other was there. They hugged themselves closely, comforting the other and crying in a strange mix of fear and relief. Once they pulled apart from the heartfelt hug, they look one to another, nodded and called upon their transformations, turning into their superheroes selves and leaving the now colder than ever house. the jumped from roftop to rooftop, not saying a word, being only focused on getting to their destination. But when they arrived, they didn't expect to only see Marinette's lights on and much less to see all of their miraculous friends and Marin in her bedroom, no matter how big and spacious was the place (seriously, she and Marin had small apartment to live by themselves and they were still somehow surprised by Adrien's and Adriennes bedrooms!).

"Oh, um... Hello?" said Chat awkwardly. "Are we interrumping something?"

"Chat! You're not inte..." began Marinette. "Kitty! You're here too! Are you feeling better? Can I bring you anything or do anything for you?"

"Kitty?!" erupted all the heroes as they noticed her in the shadows, hiding behind her brother. They made a move to get to her, but Marin and Chat stopped them.

"Hey, give her some space" said Marin in a warning tone.

"She's not feeling in the best mood for this and honestly neither am I" declared Chat.

Marinette approached Chat and caressed his cheek. "Another nightmare minou?" said the girl worried.

"A bad one. She also had one, probably similar to mine" said in a low voice Chat.

"Poor minou" said Marinette as she hugged him tight to comfort him. "I'm sorry that you have to go through all of this. Is there aything we can do to help?"

"Yeah dude, we're kinda worried about you cats and the bugs. You haven't been yourselves... lately" said Carapace.

"Specially about you and Kitty. Seriouesly, we want to help you two. That's why we're in here today in fact" said Rena Rouge.

"Thanks a lot" said Kitty tearing down. "I'm sorry I'm like this..."

"There's nothing wrong ma minette" siad Marin comforting her. "It's not your fault and it's totally justified to be like this after... that discovery".

"Still, thank you. I don't know Kitty, but seeing all of you is kind of a relief right now" said Chat.

"Don't tell me it was that kind of nightmares" said Marinette very worried. "Oh, I'm so sorry Chaton. We're here and we're fine, you haven't hurt anyone".

"What does that mean?" said Queen Bee.

"It's because of my nightmares... One kind of the worst I tend to have is about getting akumatised and killing... everyone" explained Chat visibly in pain.

Carapace and El Zorro looked eachother and put their arms around Chat's shoulders. "Bro, dont worry, you're certainly not getting rid of us so easily" said el Zorro.

"Yeah dude, we're all here for you dude. We were even discussing about revealing ourselves, so you two can have more civilians to talk and get it all out from your chests" said Carapace.

"What?!" exclaimed Kitty in a bit of panic.

"Don't worry girl, we're just going to reveal ourselves, we're not going to force you two to reveal and the same goes for the bugs" said Salihafa.

"I still think it's not the best idea" said Marin.

"Oh shut up breadface" said Drone King. "We don't have to worry about villains now, let them do it to help the alley cats".

"Okay, now we're having it" said Marin angry. "First of all f**kface, they're not alley cats and they saved your ass more times than you can count, so show some respect. Second-".

"Stop it!" yelled Kitty. "I'm done with you two fighting always!"

"Fine..." said Marin resigning.

"Know your place commoner. We're the heroes here" said Drone King pridefully.

"He's also one you stupid dumbass!" exploded Kitty as she detransformed into Adrienne and everyone gasped.

"Well, I guess that now the cat's out of the bag" said Chat and detransformed.

"NO WAY!!" exclaimed the turtles and the foxes at unison.

"My bro has been a superhero all the time!" said Carapcae.

"No wonder I've liked this girl so much" said Salihafa hugging a confused Adrienne.

"You know they won't get it unless you detransform right?" pointed Rena.

"Yeah babe, spare the girl all the confussion already" agreed Zorro.

"Oh, right" said Salihafa as the turtles detransformed and revealed Nino and Nina.

"Wait a minute" says Chloe. "I get this is all important. The turtles are the Lahiffe and that means these sly foxes are the Césaire, yes. But has anybody thought that if Adrikins and Adri are the cats, that means the bakers here present are Lordbug and Ladybug?!" exclaimed Queen Bee.

Everybody remained silent for a couple of minutes, everybody looking at Marinette or at Marin until Drone King snapped out of it. "No f**king way. YOU are Lordbug! NO WAY!"

"Well, yes way young drone" said Tekke coming out of Marin T-shirt. "Hi, I'm Tekke, the kwami of Lordbug. It's a pleasure to meet all of you".

"Boy, you've got  looooooot of explaining to do" said Zorro smiling.

"Well, sorry for keeping you in the dark bud" said Marin. "You know how it is".

"My best friend is Ladybug, her boyfriend is Chat Noir and their siblings are Lordbug and Kitty Noire. I'm the worst reporter in all existance" lamented Alya.

"To be honest kitten, if it wasn't for the magic protecting your identities, you would have guessed a long time ago" said Plagg coming out of Adrien's shirt. "The name's Plagg, god of destruction and a cheese gourmet".

"It's adorable!" exclaimed nina upon seeing Plagg.

"Sheesh, calm down little Molly" said Plague. "He's not the prettiest of the two".

"Is this turning into a kwami-holder meeting?" said Weiss as she pulled her head out of Nina's jacket.

"It seems so" said Marinette. "honestly, this is pretty chaotic and definetly not how I expected to be either the night or the reveal".

"I'd recommend you to lower your voice and detransform before someone comes" says Tikki flying from behind a pillow. Everybody turned back to their civilians selves and sat down in silence, until Trixx made a fart noise.

"Trixx!" complained Alya.

"What? It was getting uncomfortable AND boring" replied the mischievous kwami.

"Little Foxy's right, it was getting bored and I don't have any cheese" said Plagg.

"Okay, how about we do a presentation round" suggested Marinette. "So everybody will know everybody's name".

"Excellent idea Ladybug" said Wayzz. "I suggest to begin with the red ladybbugs and the black cats".

"He always suggests that" says Plague nonchalantly.

"I will start" said Tekke glaring Plague. "I'm Tekke, Kwami of creation and my current holder is Marin Dupain-Cheng. Hello again".

"And I am Tikki" said the red kwami. "Would you like to continue Stinky Socks?"

"I already presented myself Sugarcube, it's her turn" said lazily Plagg.

"Very well then. The name's Plague, beautiful godess of destruction and that blonde mess of feelings is my holder" said Plague.

"Plague" warned Tekke.

"Come on Jawbreaker, I've behaved myself this time" complained Plague.

"I believe it's quite disrespectful to call your holder a 'blonde mess of feelings'. And don't call me Jawbreaker, I'm not calling you Death Breath" replied Tekke.

"Okay geez. Her name is Adrienne and she's in a tough spot right now, please be gentle with her" said Plague.

"Yeah whatevs. I'm Trixx, kwami of illusions and this beautyful reporter here is my awesome holder" said the foxy Kwami.

"And I'm Traxx, same story except that my holder is Alen" said Traxx as she jumped from Alen's head.

"Hello dear holders of miraculous. My name is Pollen and I'm one of the Bee Kwamis" said Pollen respectfully.

"As my sitser said, I'm the other Bee Kwami, Pellet. I apologise for my holder behaviour, we're still wroking on it" declared the kwami.

"I guess it's my turn then. Hello, I'm Weiss, Kwami of Protection and the Turtle" said the little turtle goddess.

"And I'm Wayzz, her brother".

"Is there any doubt?" said Marin. "Something to say or to ask before we go back into the loop of awkward silence?"

"I have something to say and something to ask" declared Chloe, surprising everybody. "First I'm going to say something. Marinette, we have never been in good terms and we have hated each other for quite a long time. But you still trusted in me and gave me the miraculous of the bee even after I got akumatized again. Two times actually. You still had faith in me despite how I am and how I've ever treated you. Thank you for that and I'm sorry for everything I've done to you"

"Thank you Chloe" said Marinete surprised after she recovered from the initial confusion. "That's very sweet of you... I'm glad that having the miraculous has helped you".

"Don't expect me to apologise breadhead, I still hate you. But I'll also thank you for trusting me with the miraculous" said a petty Cléon.

"You're welcome. I was hoping you would gain some sense in that blockhead of yours" said Marn.

"Stop it you two" warned Adrienne. "I'm not in the mood and Chloe still has a question to ask".

"Thank you Adri. Now, spill. Who were the villains that affected you for so much" said Chloe seriously. "Your attitude has been ridiculous since and I'm not the only one who wants to help, but we need some intel to help you whatever is going on with you four".

"Chloe, we appreciate the intention, but-" began Mari.

"Hawk Moth was father" interrumped Adrien. "Mayura was Nathalie, my aunt was Monarch and her secretary Nathan was Le Paón".

"Say what?!" blurted the others.

"It's true. They don't know our identites thought" said Marin.

"I'm going to shove my shield up into the butt of that old man" said Nina getting angrier.

"I'll shove my flute at full force against Jeanne's face then. She was so hypocrite!" said Alya.

"No, no. We're going to skin them alive" said Alen.

"Dude, dudette, I'm adopting you two and there's nothing you can do to change my mind" said Nino.

"I can't believe it was them" said the Bourgeoise having an existential crisis.

"We know Chloe, we were also so shocked Cléon. Nino, you can't adopt them, my parents claimed that a long time ago and they don't know about the miraculous. Alya, Alen and Nina, as much as I'd love to do all that, those are still crimes and we are superheroes" said Marinette, bringing peace to the room.

"I love when you do that" said Adrien.

"Shush minou" said Marinette blushing slightly.

the teenagers kept talking and discussing for the night, slowly accomodating themselves as they got sleepy. Adrienne sat on Marn's lap and he hugged her, falling asleep like that as she purred and he buzzed. Alya and Nino slowly rested their heads on the other's and fell asleep. Nina fell asleep on Alen's belly. Chloe and Cléon fell asleep on their chairsand Marinette covered them with some blankets. Adrien thought, just put his head on Marinette's lap and she began to pet him, runing her finger between the golden locks and driving Adrien crazy of pleasure. He began to purr and she smiled, not noticing that both of them were also sloly falling asleep, but this times, no nightmare would dare to come in the room of superheroes.