hiivernal

[lire-casander]

#24 letting out their anger in front of them

letting out their anger in front of them original prompt list here

Tough days are bound to happen in his line of work. Carlos knows that. TK knows that. Everyone and their brother know that.

Knowing something doesn't mean Carlos is ready for those days when they roll together in a row.

His hands are shaking from exhaustion when he makes his third attempt at slotting the key into the lock of their loft. To any outsider, it may look like he's drunkenly trying to open his door. It couldn't be farther from the truth.

The truth is that he's so ready to give up he's about to kick the door open.

Just when he's seriously thinking about stomping all over the wood, the lock clicks open and the door slides to the side, revealing an equally tired-looking TK.

"Long shift?" his fiancé asks, mostly rhetorically, as he steps aside to allow Carlos to enter their home.

"The longest," Carlos replies. He drops his bag on the floor and has barely taken three steps into the living room when TK speaks again.

"Want to talk about it?"

And, somehow, that's the last straw for Carlos. That's all it takes — a sliver of kindness after a horrible day — for him to snap.

He turns around and faces TK, his hands still shaking, though this time it's due to anger. "Do I want to talk about it?" he questions through gritted teeth. "Do I want to talk about the three casualties at a car crash that could be alive if a drunk driver hadn't taken her car? Do I want to talk about the woman who can't report her abusive husband because she'd have nowhere to go? Or do I want to talk about the little girl murdered by her father simply because he was mad at his ex-wife?" Within each question, Carlos’ voice rises higher, until it's almost an anguished shriek that hangs over their heads like a threat.

Through it all, TK remains silent, enduring Carlos’ words as he cries them, as the pain he feels bubbles up inside of his chest until it bursts and he finds himself collapsing on the floor, knees hitting the ground while tears finally fall down his cheeks. TK rushes to his side, gathering him up in his arms and murmuring soft reassuring words into his ear as he rocks them both.

Later, much later, Carlos will think about how lucky he is to have TK by his side — someone who understands the frustration that builds up whenever there's something he can't fix in the world, someone who knows that his anger isn't directed at anyone but himself. But right now, while he's being held as though he's the most precious thing in the world, Carlos simply lets his pain flow out of his system.

Maybe tomorrow will be a better day.

[corroded-hellfire]

Prompt Day 24: Behind the Scenes

Word Count: 997

Rating: G

Pairing: None (this is pre-Reader x Eddie)

CW: None

Summary: Part of my As You Wish series! When Eddie has no one to watch his sons, he brings them to Corroded Coffin rehearsal

@corrodedcoffinfest

[As You Wish masterlist]

“I’m sorry, man.”

Eddie shoots his friends an apologetic look as they wait inside Gareth’s open garage. He knows the guys love his sons almost as much as he does, but Eddie’s never had to bring them to band practice before. 

A maelstrom of emotions churned through Eddie when he’d punched Gareth’s number into the phone and asked if he could bring the boys with him this afternoon. Anger at Brittany for flaking once again when the plan was for her to hang with the kids at home. Embarrassment that he has to make yet another excuse for her. Desperation that he couldn’t find a backup plan. Luckily, they were good kids who could be kept occupied with books and crayons.

Six-year-old Ryan slips out of the car while his father unbuckles his little brother from his booster seat. 

“Hi!” Ryan waves a hand in a wide arc over his head.

“Hey, Ry.” Jeff grins. “What’re you up to today, little man?”

“Watched Bear in the Big Blue House while Daddy chased Luke around.” Ryan walks forward into the garage, completely oblivious to the smirks and smiles on the men’s faces.

“Why was Luke running around so much?” Gareth asks.

The boy with the honey brown hair strolls past the awaiting instruments and plops down on the tattered couch in the corner. Ryan bounces on it a few times, the springs squeaking, and wrinkles his nose in distaste at the skunk-like smell that’s now woven into the fabric.

“Luke got mad and jumped out of the bath when Daddy said he can’t have a pet raccoon.”

The guys snicker, Jeff trying to hide it behind a cough. Frank rubs his nose to cover a smile.

“Yeah, that was my morning.” Eddie lets out a defeated sigh. Luke stands by his side, beaming up at the men with his gap-toothed smile. 

“Hello!” Luke bends at the waist, giving an approximation of a bow. “Daddy said I gotta color nice and quiet so that’s what I’m gonna do.”

With that, the four-year-old climbs up on the couch next to his brother.

Eddie gives his friends a pleading look before crouching down in front of his boys.

“Ryan, here’s your book. Luke, your coloring books. And some crayons. You guys just sit here and chill while we rehearse, okay?” 

Both boys bob their heads up and down, which satisfies Eddie. He presses a kiss to the top of each of their heads before grabbing his guitar out of the car trunk.

“Here we go,” Eddie says as he strolls back into the open garage.

 

The band practices for a good fifteen minutes before the first interruption of the afternoon. Just as they finish up the chorus in their cover of Peace Sells, Luke stands in front of Eddie, waving his hands back and forth erratically. 

Eddie’s guitar licks end with an anticlimactic sour note before being silenced.

“What’s up?” Eddie asks, raising his eyebrows at his son.

“I gotta go potty,” Luke says. 

“Okay,” Eddie says, nodding his head. “You know where the bathroom is in Uncle Gareth’s house.”

“But…” Luke’s eyes travel around the edges of the garage, skimming over the various tools and holiday decorations piled up before looking back at his dad’s face, his blue eyes widening, “I need help.”

“No problem,” Eddie says, keeping his voice as calm as he can. He’s mildly irked, but not at Luke, so he doesn’t want the boy to think he’s upset with him. He’s four, he can’t help when he has to use the bathroom. 

“Alright, you, back on the couch—hey, what’s going on?” 

Eddie steps back into the garage, but it’s not the same laidback scene it was when he left. Gareth and Frank are both kneeling in front of an amp, bickering as they fight for space to look at something between them. 

Jeff is with Ryan on the couch, the little boy’s shoulders slumped. 

“What happened?” Eddie asks, hand instantly going to rub Ryan’s back.

Tear tracks are visible on Ryan’s face, but Eddie can’t find any trace of new tears building up in his eyes, so he takes that as a good sign. 

“I-I got up ‘cause some of Luke’s crayons started rolling away and I tripped.” Ryan points over to where Gareth and Frank are shoving cables at one another. “I pulled wires out of that thing on accident. I didn’t mean to, I’m sorry!”

“Hey, come on,” Jeff says softly. “It’s okay. Nothing’s broken, the wires just need to be put back in. It’s not your fault Thing One and Thing Two don’t know which wire goes where.”

A small smile cracks through on Ryan’s face.

“Are you okay?” Eddie asks.

“Yeah,” Ryan affirms with a sniffle and a nod.

Jeff and Eddie push the other two out of the way and swiftly fix the wires. 

A glance at his watch tells Eddie that they’ve got time to practice a few more songs at least. He looks back over at his boys as he slings his guitar strap over his head, frowning when he sees them griping at each other. 

“Boys,” Eddie snaps. Both turn to him with wide eyes. Guilt weighs on Eddie’s shoulders as he realizes his tone was too harsh. “What song do you think we should practice next?”

“The albino one,” Luke says, making Eddie chuckle.

“That’s Smells Like Teen Spirit, bud. And that’s grunge, not metal.”

Luke groans, looking back down at his coloring book spread open in his lap before his head shoots up to stare at Eddie with eager eyes.

“Daddy!”

“What? Got another song?”

“No,” Luke says, waving a dismissive hand with a maroon crayon perched between his thumb and forefinger. “But I’m hungry. Can I have Dino nuggies?”

Eddie drops his head forward and rests his hands on his hips. He can hear his bandmates laughing as he sighs exasperatedly. Taking another deep breath, Eddie lifts his head up. 

“I need a babysitter.”

[ickadori]

++ 𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐎/𝐔𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐘𝐀

[summary] endo & umemiya try to teach you a bit of self defense. keyword try.

[an] they’re both separate. i wanted umemiya’s to be for choji so bad but it didn’t fit himmmm !! i wrote it for him first but it wasn’t meshing v.v unedited. endo’s is handsy n suggestive!

𝐔𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐘𝐀: fem reader.

Umemiya likes that you’re confident in his fighting prowess - he’s confident in his fighting prowess, but he can’t be with you 24/7, and he thinks you should at least be able to wiggle out of a hold and give yourself a fighting chance.

But you don’t seem to think the same.

“Stop kidding around, pumpkin, this is serious stuff.” He gently pushes you out of his hold as you devolve into a fit of giggles, and he tries to keep his own amusement at bay, because this is serious, but your smile has always been contagious, and he finds himself joining in on your laughter before he can curb it.

“‘M sorry, Ume, but it tickles when you grab me like that.” You gesture to your waist, and he heaves a sigh as he grabs hold of your wrist and tugs you back to him.

“It won’t tickle when someone’s trying to hurt you.” You try to adopt a more serious expression, brows furrowed and lips pursed as you give him a nod. “Now, let’s go through it again. You’re walking down the street,” he spins you around so you’re facing away from him, and he lets go of your wrist so you can begin strutting away from him.

Your skirt swishes as you walk, and he huffs out a laugh when you add an extra sway to your hips. “Completely oblivious, in your own little world.” He continues as begins to stalk behind you, hands flexing and jaw tensing as a wave of anger suddenly washes over him at the thought of this actually happening to you — he’s done his due diligence to publicly claim you as his, and he knows his name being connected to yours is deterrent enough for most, but there’s a few who’d still try their luck. “And they come up behind you and..”

His arms lock around your waist and yank you back into his chest, his chin nestled between the space of your neck and shoulder as he speaks. “What’s next?”

You flounder, hands weakly pushing at his forearms, and he tsks. “That’s not gonna do anything - scratch me. Dig your nails in. Claw your way out.”

“But, I’ll hurt you…” You sound dejected, and he smacks a kiss onto your cheek, not able to help but smile into your skin.

“You’re so cute~” You giggle at the compliment. “But you won’t. Now do it.” You hesitate for another second before he feels the sharp points of your nails begin to sink into his skin. “There you go - harder. Drag them down.” You follow his instructions, and his cheek twitches at the burning sensation.

“Umemiya,” you call, worried, and he tightens his grip on you, prompting you to keep at it. You make a noise of discontent but continue nonetheless, and when he’s certain you’ve caused enough pain to make a regular man falter, he loosens his grip.

“Good, good, now what? Quick, baby, what’s nex—” Your elbow slams into his side just as your foot comes stomping down onto his, the heeled shoes you wear doing more damage than he had expected. You break out of his hold as he sucks in a pained breath, and you let out a shriek of excitement as you bounce in your spot, hands raised victoriously over your head.

“I did it! I won! I beat you!” Umemiya shares your smile, hand idly rubbing at his side, and he taps the front of his sneaker on the ground before cocking his head to the side.

“As cute as this little dance is, try to leave that part out and actually run once you get away, ‘kay?” You nod with a hum, gaze falling to his arms, and he moves to clasp his hands behind his back, hiding them from your view.

“‘Kay.” You parrot back, your own hands clasping together in front of you as you rock back on your heels in front of him. He copies the action, eyebrows raising and lids lowering as he watches you, his own gaze filled with humor. “Now that we’re done…can I finally have my kiss?”

“Take it.”

You shake your head.

“No, I want you to give it to me.” Your tongue darts out to wet your lips, the shiny gloss that had been so carefully applied earlier long gone because you had thought it cute to play and tug with his hair knowing that was a surefire way to make his stomach churn. “Now.”

“You’re bossy.” He chuckles, but steps up to you nonetheless, toes of his shoes meeting yours. “I like that. I get tired of telling everyone what to do, ya know..”

“You do?” You purr and he hums, tongue suddenly feeling incredibly heavy in his mouth. “So stop talking and kiss me then.”

He does as you say.

—

𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐎: fem reader. suggestive.

“That’s a real cute skirt, sweetheart.”

“Thanks, my boyfriend picked it out!” You beam as you run your hands over the fabric, and Endo lets a sharp canine sink into the fat of his bottom lip before speaking again.

“Oh, yeah? He pick out your panties, too? Can I get a peek?” He pushes off the wall he’s posted up against, and you give him a wary look as you shuffle back a bit. “That a no…or do you not have any on? Now I really gotta see.”

His hand reaches out to grab the hem of your skirt and flip it up, and you quickly bat his hand away as you throw him a glare, getting a smirk in return.

“Don’t touch me, you gross pervert.” You turn your nose up at him and begin to walk off, Endo hot on your heels. “I’m going straight to the cops.”

“Let me walk you - make sure you get there safe and sound.” His arm slides around your shoulder like second nature, and you’re hauled into his side as he guides you toward a secluded part of town.

“I can get there myself, thank you very much.” You struggle in his hold, hands pushing at his side as you voice your complaints, and Endo clicks his tongue as he looks down at you. “Hey, let go of me!”

“Relax, doll, ‘m just showing you the way to the pigs. This is a shortcut, trust me…I’ve been there plenty of times.”

“Liar. The police station is the other way. Get off!” You send your elbow back into his stomach and he blinks, completely unimpressed as he comes to a stop once you both reach the entrance of an alleyway. “Oh, did that hurt real bad?”

“No, ditz, what the hell kind of hit was that?” You pout as you slink away from him, head hanging and arms moving to cross underneath your breasts. He can’t help but admire the way they push up in your cami as a result.

“It was the hardest I could do.”

Hopeless.

“L-Let’s try again! I’ll do better this time, promise.” You hold out your pinky, face screwed up in determination, and Endo gives a lazy, amused grin before holding up his own and letting you hook them together.

“Alright, but I pick the scenario this time.” You eagerly nod, and he doesn’t give you a chance to do anything but blink before he’s circling around you, hooking one arm around your throat and the other around your waist. You gasp and tense immediately, and his grin widens as he drags you back into the alley.

“Endo, what—”

“Endo? Never heard of him. Names Ronnie. He your boyfriend?” Your front is pushed up against the side of a brick building, and Endo keeps you pinned with his hips, his hands moving to grope and squeeze at your chest. “Forget about that loser, baby. I’ll be your boyfriend for tonight.”

Your hands brace against the wall as you push back, and he grunts into your ear when your ass nestles up against his front. He rocks his hips forward and pulls a sharp gasp from you, then a squeal comes next when he roughly tugs on the neckline of your top.

“W-We can’t! Someone’ll see..” You pant out, ass pushing back into him, and Endo nuzzles his nose against the back of your neck.

“You’re right…we should take this back to my place then, yeah?”

“Y-yeah.”

He heaves a sigh as he steps away from you, and you quickly spin around as you wave your hands back and forth. “Wait, wait! That wasn’t fair! I wasn’t expecting you to do all that!”

He shakes his head, black locks swaying as he does, and slips his hands into his pockets. “Can’t believe my girl fucked around on me with a dude named Ronnie.”

“Shut up!” You swat at him and he easily dodges it, walking backwards as he exits back onto the main street. “You played me.” A pout forms on your face as you follow him out of the alley, only to begin heading in the opposite direction.

“Headed off to see Ronnie, mm?” You throw a glare over your shoulder followed with a middle finger.

“I’m headed to the police station, actually. For real this time.”

[thalialunacy]

[Written for the @calaisreno May Prompt Prom. We are in the homestretch, people. It's like… plot (?) from here on in.]

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) (19) (20) (21) (22) (23) (24) (25) (26) 27: jealousy (28) (29) (30) (31)

In his memory, John's mum had had a thousand words for rain. In reality, it was probably more like… twelve, but he never bothered sorting them. Or learning more about them.

He squints up at the overcast sky while Sherlock locks the front door behind them. 'My mum would call this "cloudybright." The kind that makes you want sunglasses despite not being able to see even a sliver of the sun.'

Sherlock raises his arm for a cab. 'That's actually just because--'

'Nope,' John interrupts swiftly, shaking his head. 'Don't want to know.'

Sherlock stares at him.

'Sentiment,' he says with a shrug. Then he climbs into the cab.

---

He's been standing behind Sherlock, who is crouched down examining part of a body, when someone approaches on his left. 'Brolly?' a feminine voice says.

John glances at the umbrella, then at the admittedly curvy and bright uniformed offerer, then at the sky, which has indeed started emitting moisture. 'Huh, I hadn't noticed.'

She shrugs. 'To be fair, it's not actually raining.'

'No, sure, it's more like aggressively misting.'

She laughs, her nose wrinkling. 'That sounds unpleasant.'

'Yes, well, I have been told it ruins a person's hair,' he says with a grin, thinking of Sherlock whinging about the subject several weeks prior.

Then Sherlock stands abruptly. 'We're done here,' he says, not looking at John before stepping away.

John nods briefly at the umbrella-bearer. 'Thanks anyway.'

'Sure,' she says with a high-wattage smile. 

John catches up with Sherlock quickly. 'Cab?' 

'I'd rather walk,' Sherlock says shortly.

They walk for several blocks, Sherlock's temper darkening along with the skies. As the aggressive mist turns into actual sprinkles, John's heart twists a little as he clocks what's going on.

He girds his loins and dives in. 'We agreed that I'd never be able to have any secrets while being involved with the cleverest man in all of Britain, didn't we?'

Sherlock doesn't answer for a moment, and John tries not to let it frustrate him. When the detective does speak, his voice is quiet, with anger but also with what John can only identify as shame. 'We did.'

'Then what is it?'

'You barely noticed her interest.'

'I would think that'd be good?'

'If it weren't because it's so common of an occurrence that you're practically inured to it.'

'Am I?'

'She wrinkled her nose at you.'

'Huh. And?'

'And I've heard that's supposed to be appealing.'

John considers this. 'It's certainly cute when Rosie does it.'

'Don't be obtuse.''

'Sherlock.' John hooks three fingers into one of the Belstaff's pockets, thus arresting Sherlock's movement.

The sprinkling has become soft rain, tepid drops on John's forehead, but he ignores it. They're in the middle of a deserted footpath, so John steps closer and folds his left hand around Sherlock's right palm. He's honestly not sure what to say, and while he's considering his options, Sherlock speaks first.

'I do not enjoy this feeling, John.'

'I know.'

'I never have.'

'I know.'

'It's illogical and unreasonable, which is very annoying.'

John's lips twitch. 'Yeah, I know.'

'I expected it to lessen once I knew what it was, but it didn't. I expected it to lessen once you and I were--' He pauses. 'Once I was assured of your feelings for me.'

'And are you?'

'Am I assured?'

'Yes.'

A ghost of a smile tips one side of Sherlock's mouth up. 'Frequently and soundly, thus far.'

John huffs out a laugh, trying not to let himself feel relieved just yet. 'You can't be too cross with me if you're making rude jokes.'

'I'm not cross with you at all.'

John raises an eyebrow.

Sherlock sighs. 'Must I say it out loud?'

And John understands his reticence, very much so, but they've been intentional about eschewing the Keep Calm & Stuff Down All Emotions bit, despite it being exhausting and really sodding embarrassing. 'Either right now or in therapy next week, yeah. But I'd prefer right now.'

Sherlock scowls, but there's not much heat behind it. 'I take back what I said about not being cross with you.'

John tips up and presses their lips together briefly. 'No you don't.'

Sherlock's free hand touches John's jaw for a moment. 'No, I don't.' He makes a disgusted sound. 'I know it's not to do with you, really.'

'Maybe that's why all the advice is to look inward, instead of trying to find a problem within the relationship.'

'"Look inward"? Have you been dipping into the self-help books?'

John shrugs. 'Maybe. Maybe I want to fix this so you don't feel like hell every time a woman smiles at me.'

'Annoyed?'

'A little.'

'I see.'

'Annoyed mostly that you don't even notice when people smile at you.' 

'That's because I'm not interested.'

'Neither,' John says firmly, gripping Sherlock's hand and looking him hard in the eye, 'am I.'

'I know that. But--' Sherlock makes a frustrated noise and tugs on his wet hair. 'Sentiment.'

The rain has started coming down in earnest. John doesn't care. 'Alright, then,' he says brusquely. 'Worst case scenario, please.'

Sherlock stares at him. A drop of rainwater wanders off the tip of his nose. 'Are you quite serious?'

'Yep,' John answers, popping his P on purpose. 'Worst case scenario, go.'

'That you'll do something idiotic, like find a woman you think better suits, and leave.'

John nods, feeling the rain sneak under his collar. 'And to be fair, I have done.'

'Yes,' Sherlock grinds between his teeth. 'I am aware.'

'So your instinct to fight or flee is rooted in reality.'

'Are you trying to make this worse?'

'No, because I'm not a dick.'

'You're certainly acting like one.'

'So are you! Can't you ever just bloody listen for once?'

'If you were saying something worthwhile.'

'Oh, we've reached that point in the row, have we?'

Sherlock's mobile rings.

He retrieves it and answers it on speakerphone without looking away from John. His lashes are spiked together with raindrops. 'What.' It's definitely not a question. 

Lestrade skips the pleasantries as well. 'We've got a live one.'

Sherlock's head snaps up quickly enough to shake some droplets into John's face. 'Beg pardon?'

'Your suspect just showed up half-dead,' the DI explains. 'And I think you'd agree that he's not clever enough to be faking a broken jaw.'

'It's unlikely. We'll be there as soon as we can.'

Sherlock hangs up and strides away, somehow making puddle-splashing look good.

'We are not done with this conversation,' John calls as he starts after him.

'Yes, we are,' Sherlock says carelessly over his shoulder.

John is glad for the rain cooling his face, which he's sure is red with anger. He sucks in several deep breaths, unclenches his fists, and goes to catch up with his detective.

[ <3 ]

[lostbetweenvampiresandmusic]

Hello, I saw your prompts list and just couldn’t refuse. Can you do one for Marko with 24, 18, and 12. Just a little hurt comfort.

24. "They have my mate. If I don't save (him/her/them) now, I don't know what will happen to them."

18. "You're bleeding..."

12. "How could I have known they were vampire hunters?"

Thank you so much for requesting! I hope you like this 💜

Triggerwarning for non-consensual drug use to knock someone out.

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

The music in the bar played loudly, the sounds of Kansas filling the room. The place wasn't too crowded. Some of the tables were occupied by groups of friends. A couple of barstools were being used by resident drunks. In the very back corner of the pub, Marko and I shared a table. We did this every once in a while, doing what we would normally do with the boys, but then with just the two of us. Somehow, it made the usual seem special.

"I'm going to get us some more drinks," I stood up, smiling as he handed me some money. I felt his eyes on me the whole time I stood in front of the bar, chatting with the barkeep. She handed me two new beer bottles, accepting the pay. I was about to walk off when a guy bumped into me.

"What the hell?"

"Ah shit, sorry," the guy looked slightly ashamed, "I didn't see you. Are you alright?"

I nodded. "Yeah. Better make use of your eyes next time, though."

I walked back to our table, placing a bottle in front of Marko. "What did that guy want?"

"Probably a prescription. Said he 'didn't see me' as he walked into me."

"Asshole."

"That's what I thought, " I smiled, taking a knocked back a large part of my drink. I frowned. It tasted weird. Different than usual. I looked at Marko, handing him my bottle. "Is it me, or is something off with this?"

He took the bottle, smelling it. "Don't drink any more of it." He had a worried expression on his face. "I think that guy tried to drug you."

I sighed, anger flashing in my eyes. He must have done that while I was distracted talking to him. I felt my head become clouded and heavy. "Let's just go. I don't feel too well."

Once outside, Marko led me into the alleyway. "Maybe if you throw it up, it won't affect you as much?" I groaned, none too pleased with the idea. I leaned forward, but something compelled me to look up. There was a group of four people standing behind Marko. I recognised one as the bartender from before. One of them was the guy who had tried to drug me. I recognised two others who were of the pub.

"Marko?" I still looked behind him. He turned, moving to stand in front of me. I tried to focus, tried to understand what was going on in front of me, and what was happening, but I couldn't. My head was clouded, and my limbs were heavy. The ground came nearer and nearer, and with a pained sigh, I completely blacked out.

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

Marko had been doing his best, fighting the four humans off. He had killed one of them, easily ripping their throat out - but then the stakes had come into play. The bartender kept them under her coat, and now, all three living humans had a very lethal weapon. Still, he tried. He injured the man who had drugged his mate, he tried to break the leg of the barkeeper - but then a stake was pushed into his leg, nailing him to the ground. Marko screamed, in pain, anger, frustration - incapable of freeing himself when one of the humans nailed his hands to the ground as well. The stakes, although not put through a lethal point in his body, hurt like hell. He couldn't free himself, and he was forced to see how the humans took his unconscious mate with them. The guy who had tried to drug them had driven a car in front of the alley, and his mate was practically thrown in the trunk. He groaned.

"Don't you fucking hurt them!"

"We won't do anything to them that you wouldn't do to us!" One of the man grinned before getting in, and racing off.

Marko yelled in frustration, thankful that he could at least call out for his brothers. In only a few short minutes, they were there, and he was freed and already healing up.

"What happened?" David demanded.

"I have no time!" Marko was already halfway out of the alley. "They have my mate. If I don't save them now, I don't know what will happen to them."

"Shit." David nodded. "Go. We'll clean up here. Paul, stay with Marko."

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

"Come on, wake up, love."

I groaned, weakly opening my eyes. Bright lights caused me to close them immediately again. "Wh-What..?" I was sitting on an old, wooden chair, my arms tied behind my back.

"Ssh, it's alright. You're safe. Sorry, we had to be so dramatic with getting you here."

I frowned. I recognised that voice. I opened my eyes, shocked to see Amy, the barkeep. "What have you done to Marko?" I asked, my voice quivering.

"We fucking staked him to the ground. By morning, he's going to be crispy!" A guy in the back - one of the regulars at the bar - laughed loudly.

"No!" Tears welled up in my eyes. "You can't do that!"

"We have to," Amy said kindly. "He's a vampire. He endangers everyone in this town."

"Why did you bring me here?" I asked, slowly but surely realising that my head didn't feel clouded anymore. It just hurt a lot.

"We need to keep you safe. You not only hung out with him, but three other vampires as well."

"You don't understand what they are or why they do what they do." I spat out.

"And you do?" Amy asked, her voice sharp. "Do you really think they are honest about who they kill? They killed my son. They killed their daughters. All young things like you. They are demons that are being unleashed to this world. We need to protect our world from it."

"You're insane."

I gasped as something sharp hit me in the face. The side of my head was stinging, and I couldn't help but whimper. This, in combination with my headache, was quite hard to bear.

I don't know if I fell asleep or lost consciousness again, but when I woke up, it was to a fire burning in the middle of the room. Two figures were standing around it, throwing another figure into the flames. I blinked several times, and then he was in front of me, alive and well.

"Marko?"

"Are you alright, babe? What did they do to you? Are you hurt?"

I shook my head slightly. "I- I don't know... can you cut me loose?"

"C'mere," Marko held me close, breathing in my scent. He froze. "You're bleeding..."

"I am?"

"They hit you in the head?" Paul asked, causing me to jump.

"When- when did you get here?"

"Was here the whole time, hon. Do you need anything to clean the wound?" He asked Marlo the last thing. Marko shook his head, and Paul left after making sure no traces of them - both human and vampire presence - were left behind.

"They said they staked you," I said, looking at him. I noticed a hole in his pants, scars on his hands. The sight of it alone was enough to make me want to cry. "I thought you were dead." I held him tightly.

"Thank god I'm not." He looked at me. "Will you be alright if we fly home?"

I nodded. I thought I would be, and even if not, I really wanted to get home. Away from here. Carefully, he picked me up, carrying me outside. Once there, he quietly flew up, flying through the fresh night sky towards the cave.

Once we were safely inside, I made a beeline for our bedroom. I was tired, had been scared - and I just felt that the comfort of our room was what I needed. I changed into some pyjamas, slightly surprised that Marko wasn't with me in the room. I crawled into bed, his pillow between my arms as the door opened. Marko came in, carrying a cup of tea and a plate with my favourite cookies. In his pocket, I could see my favourite book.

"Can I check your head again? I need to know if it stopped bleeding."

I nodded, showing him the wound on my head from where I was hit. He pressed a soft, tender kiss on my forehead. "You're safe now."

"I don't think I want to go to a pub ever again," I said softly, gifting Marko a small, appreciative smile as he handed me my tea. It was my favourite, calming me down the second the smell hit my nose.

"Agreed. Bloody barkeeps."

"Amy seemed so nice, though. Always chatting and being funny."

"That was her job."

"I just feel like I should have known, known that something was off."

"If I didn't notice that something was off, with my vampire senses, then you definitely don't have to feel bad about not noticing anything wrong."

"But-"

"No. Repeat after me: How could I have known they were vampire hunters?"

I gave him a weak smile as I repeated the sentence.

"And now as if you believe it?"

"How could I have known they were vampire hunters."

He grinned, laying down next to me.

"Are your injuries healed?" I asked him. He nodded.

"Shall we try this date again tomorrow?"

"How about we just stay in for a bit?" I asked. "Just us? And tea, take out and books?"

Marko nodded. "We'll do that."

With those words, he opened up our book, beginning to read. I lay in his arms, slowly dozing of as he read to me. His voice brought me more comfort than I could ever put in words.

[brighter-by-the-daly]

Millie Bright x Reader

Part Two: Playing Pretend

Posted 24/04/23, Edited 29/06/23

Prompt: Part 2 to playing pretend gotta have Rachel telling off Millie - anon

Pacing Rachel’s front room, kitchen and garden with Dexi following you everywhere, you couldn’t believe what you’d just done had zero reaction from your supposed girlfriend. “Am I dumb? She didn’t say anything, just stood there like a fucking fish opening and closing her mouth! I’ve let her keep me in the closet for 6 fucking years! Everyone must think I’m a bloody idiot!” Unable to form a sentence without using expletives showed just how angry you were as you hated swearing without proper reasoning, this felt appropriate though. Maybe it hadn’t hit you yet but the pure rage you felt for allowing yourself to be silenced for six years overpowered the tears. The real you would never have accepted this from a relationship so why was Millie any different, why did you put up with that for so long?

You paused in the kitchen just long enough for Rach to flick the kettle on and plop Dexi into your arms, she hadn’t been able to get a word in since your arrival but knew having something fluffy to stroke calms everyone down. Grabbing the teas and placing them onto the garden table she gestured for you to sit with her, which you did for a few seconds before your restlessness got the better of you and your legs took you around the garden again. The eye roll earsplittingly loud as she went to rummage through her kitchen drawer and threw you a vape. She knew you were trying to quit but had left one here for emergencies and this certainly was one. “Drink your tea” she said with force to make you stop pacing, placing Dexi on the floor to pick up your cup without sitting down. Tutting at your actions your best friend stood up and directed you to the chair “Sit. Stroke. Sip.” were her instructions as you found Dexi in your lap once again “and then we’ll pretend this goal is her head” as she pulled her nephew’s tiny goal out of the shed and took it to the back of the garden. She always knew what to do and no one else gives better advice than Rach.

Downing your tea so you could get your feet on the ball you took shots one after the other, it was a good way to release anger. “Am I gonna get a go?” she asked as she soft tackled the ball off you which made you smile for the first time today. “Assuming she doesn’t apologise, I’m gonna lose you Daly” you muttered thinking about how she was Millie’s friend way before yours and will obviously stick by her number one. “Oh she will, trust me” as the force she hit the ball with made the goal fall over. Standing there looking defeated your mind started to wander, you wouldn’t just lose your girlfriend you’d also lose your best friend too. “Yeah but what if-“ you started but was swiftly interrupted “no ‘what if’, she will. I’ve been telling her from the start it’s not fair on you, I’m on your side” passing the ball back to you. The anger had left your body slightly knowing you at least had one person in your corner as you swapped from shooting to keepie uppies. You didn’t know that she’d been telling Millie this was wrong from the beginning which somehow hurt even more knowing she ignored her best friend’s advice too. You’d been gone for hours and she still hadn’t reached out.

The next morning while you were still asleep Rachel went round to Millie’s house. The last thing Millie expected was her best friend at the front door at 7am with a face like thunder. “Do we have a date today that I’ve forgotten?” Millie asked rubbing sleep out of her eyes. “What the actual fuck?” Millie’s eyes turned to shock as she didn’t imagine this first thing in the morning. “You don’t think I know exactly what you’ve done and you’re here acting like it’s just another day, are you fucking serious?” Millie looked down at her feet as she visibly gulped, she hates being told off but is the first to give anyone else an earful. The silence was deafening as Rachel saw the same face you did yesterday, mouth opening and closing, she knew how you felt when she didn’t say anything. “Do you really have nothing to say?” the face of disgust from Rachel wondered who the hell the person was in front of her. Walking straight past Millie to the kitchen she done exactly the same thing that she did for you, flicking the kettle on and brought teas to the sofa. “Talk.” she said with the thump of the full cup hitting the table, not giving her the same luxury of comfort in her presence as she did you.

Wrapping both hands around the cup Millie began to talk “it’s just, the longer it went on the harder it became to tell people. I just thought it’d be easier this way” she said quietly. “Did you not think for a second how that would affect (y/n) Mill?” Rachel was determined to fight your corner and knew she would eventually win her over. “Well, she seemed okay with it. I didn’t know it affected her that much” Millie shrugged which rubbed Rachel the wrong way. The body language giving off a ‘don’t care’ attitude. “Really? I’ve been telling you for years, imagine the shoe was on the other foot. How would you feel if someone kept you a secret for 6 years?” sinking into the corner of the sofa and crossing her legs. “Yeah but-�� “no buts Mills, she told you she wants to marry you and you said nothing. How would you feel?” defiant in her stance she wasn’t going to leave until Millie came round. “Pretty shitty I guess” she said looking into her cup. “It’s not just telling everyone she’s my girlfriend though, I’ve never actually come out to anyone apart from you. Nobody knows I like girls too” she said which made Rach a little softer in her approach. “If she knew that she would have helped you with it, she would have supported you with that. Not pretending you’re in a relationship with a man to hide the fact you’re bi babe, that’s not okay.” Millie looked pensive as the first tears she’d shed over this situation started to flow, Rach’s hand reached for the tissues and placed a soothing hand on her shoulder. “So are you gonna fight for her or let her go?”

Part Three

[paladin--strait]

Can you please write a timo meier fic with prompts, 16, 21, and 27. Reader is wearing a Jacob Trouba jersey, and Timo gets chirped by Trouba on the ice, which ends up in a bad fight with Timo throwing cheapshots, and both end up bloody, and a 10 minute misconduct in front of not only reader, but also his parents, who are there by surprise?

leftovers

timo meier x trouba!reader

timo is never one for fighting, but when he does, he really gets into it. so when readers ex fling jacob decided to chirp him about reader, timo goes ballistic on him.

-

it was not to my knowledge or timo's that his family would be there tonight and if i had known, i would've worn his jersey. but, to their surprise, i was wearing a whole other man's jersey. i had to explain my odd situation of friendship to them, which they nervously understood eventually. i ended up sitting rinkside instead of in the vip booth with them, like they offered for me to do.

i waved to timo when he came out on the ice for warmups and skated over to me. i told him about his parents being there and his eyebrows furrowed, looking up into the booth to see them waving at him. "did you see them? or did they text you?" he asked me, practically yelling so i could hear him.

i nod, smiling nervously. "i saw them. i also had to explain my jersey to them, but it's all okay." he smiles and gives me a thumbs up, having to skate off to warmup.

i walk down to the other side of the rink to the rangers side, waving to my ex fling and now friend. he waves back and continues to warm up. jacob was never one for small talk, but would always wave to me before all his games that i attended. when i was unable to attend, he would always wave at the camera, knowing i was watching from home.

i smile and wave back, walking back down to my seat to wait for the game to begin. it began a few minutes later, the game starting off strong for both teams. it's of course awkward being one of the only fans wearing a rangers jersey at the prudential center, but nevertheless i cheer for both teams.

the rangers and devils rivalry has been around for a long time, seemingly growing stronger since it's beginning in the early 1990s. but tonight seems different. the tension in the air is heavy, practically weighing down all the fans and even the players.

i can tell there's something going on with timo and jacob, both of them practically battling each other over nothing for the entirety of the first and second periods. it all came crashing down 7 minutes and 24 seconds into the third period.

i see jacob say something to timo, and his head whips back to look at him. the anger is evident on timo's face. it's only a split second before timo drops his gloves and his stick, practically jumping on jacob and almost pounding his face in. the referees immediately try to pull timo off of jacob, but they're unable due to the fact that they're both gripping onto the others jersey.

jacob was prepared for timo's attack, dodging the punches and cheap shots that are coming at him. he throws hits back and the two are all over the ice, sliding around. jacob throws timo to the ground and timo pulls him down with him, jacob now on top of timo, throwing punches to his face.

i try to walk around the fans crowding the boards, excitedly watching them fight. i make it behind the devils bench and signal to luke for them to let me in. the staff nervous and confused, let me into the box and i stand in front of the hallway, waiting for them to finally be done fighting.

this fight between timo and jacob has been a long time coming. the two never liked each other from past experiences on the ice and off the ice. jacob now especially doesn't like timo because of him dating me. jacob has always been protective of me, thinking that nobody could be good for me like he was.

the referees eventually pull them apart, sending them off into their separate hallways to go into the locker rooms for the rest of the game. timo walks right past me, looking down at his skates. i'm positive he didn't see me.

"timo?" i say, watching him walk away from me and the rink behind me. he stops, quickly turning around.

"y/n? what are you doing back here?" he walks back to me, looking at me with a confused expression on his face.

"luke told the staff to let me in. timo, what did he say this time?" i cross my arms, looking up at his bloodied and battered face. "i'm going to see him in a few minutes. he's gonna tell me anyway so go ahead and tell me."

"he just...he said something about you wearing his jersey instead of mine and that it shows how much you don't really love me. also, he said something about how he's better in bed than i am and that he couldn't wait for you to come crawling back to him." timo says, the anger on his face now evident while he sets his stick on the wall for the staff to get later.

"oh my god." i roll my eyes, dropping my arms in frustration. "timo, please tell me you didn't listen him."

"i didn't then and i still don't." he finally makes eye contact with me, putting his gloves on the rack to dry. "it was bound to happen. and what the fuck was he talking about? you crawling back to him?"

i nod, "fuck... he's gonna hear it from me, trust. he won't say a damn word to any of you after this." i say, reaching forward and placing my hands on his chest, smoothing down his jersey and looking at all the blood stains.

"i hate to be a pussy about it, but it's you. his chirps are mostly about you. and you didn't answer me. what the fuck was he talking about?" his eyes slit as he speaks, looking down at my hands.

"oh, timo. you're not being a pussy, i promise. he's just trying to rile you up. i promise you, i love you and everything you do. you're all i need and more. you take care of me more than i ever could imagine a man would take care of me." my smile fades, slowly moving my hands down to grab his, intertwining our fingers. "jacob and i used to be a thing. we never put a label on it, but we were like a fuck buddy type situation?"

"are you serious? you never thought to tell me about this?" he asks, brows furrowed with confusion and frustration at my confession. "babe, i wouldn't have been upset if you had told me, but now i find out from him. how do you think that makes me feel?"

"i'm sorry, timo." i look down at our intertwined fingers. "i should've told you. i was in the wrong. i wanted to tell you, but i was worried you would think that i'm like a puck bunny or something..."

"y/n, i'm not mad at you. i'm just upset that you never told me. now, you have dinner to make, i love you and i'll see you at home." he says to me, sadness laced in his words. i instantly feel bad as he walks off into the locker room, thanking the staff who held the door open for him.

as i watch him walk away, i try to think of what to say to jacob. i can't let him continue to act like this towards timo and the guys. i wont accept it.

timo is the light of my life. always making me smile so brightly and making me laugh until i cry from his stupid dad jokes and the memes he sends me. timo is all i could ask for and more. jacob needs to realize that timo is more than what i could ever ask for.

i think of these things while i walk to my car, keys jingling in my hand when i lift them to unlock the car. i get in, shutting the door and leaning my head back on the seat. i'll call jacob tomorrow and see if we can meet up and talk before he goes back to his apartment.

-

i pull into the driveway, opening the garage door and pulling inside. i push the button on the little device that's attached my keyring to close it. i type in the code to the house while i lock the car and walk inside, smelling the food that's been cooking in the crock pot while we've been gone.

i shut the door behind me and walk into the kitchen, putting my keys in the bowl by the door. i run up to our bedroom and change quickly into something more comfortable but still comfortable. once i make it back to the kitchen, i start on the sides to go with dinner.

i cook in pure silence, the sound of opening the food packages and the cooking food being the only thing making noise along with my occasional throat clearing from my nervousness.

as i'm stirring the food in the crock pot, i hear the front door opening and footsteps walking in.

"y/n!" timo's dad says, smiling and opening his arms to hug me. "long time no see!" he jokes.

"definitely!" i smile and hug him back, hugging his mom next. i see timo walk in behind them, shutting the door and locking it. "hey babe." i walk over to him and give him a tight hug, kissing his cheek.

"hey, my love. how's dinner going?" he kisses the top of my head, looking down at me.

"good, it's almost done!" i smile, walking back into the kitchen to turn everything off. "will you help me put all of it on the table, please?"

"of course." time says, grabbing some of the pots and pans and putting them on the table. i can tell jacob's words really got to him. he's way quieter than usual. i frown, i hate when it's quiet with timo around, it's always so awkward.

we all sit around the table, talking about the game while we sit at the table. i pray they don't bring up the fight, nervously looking around at them speaking to each other.

"so timo, what did that trouba guy say that had you so riled up?" he dad says, picking at the food in his plate to figure out his next bite. my eyes widen slightly when timo looks over at me.

"babe, do you wanna tell them or should i?" he says, sighing. "they'll find out anyway."

"uhm...jacob and i used to be a thing, not like boyfriend and girlfriend, but more of like a friends with benefits type thing? we were friends before all of that though." i say, my eyes still wide from timo calling me out. "we stopped as soon as i met timo and really started getting to know him. i told jacob that i thought timo was the one for me and that i couldn't continue on with what we had."

his parents go silent at my explanation before his mother speaks, "and why did you wear his jersey today?"

i didn't expect that question, but the truth is the truth. "i always wear his jersey when he plays, i've been doing it for years now. i always ask timo to make sure it's okay for me to wear before do it." i say, hoping they'll believe me.

it's dead silent for the rest of the dinner until they say their goodbyes and walk out the door. i begin to clean up the kitchen whip timo walks them out. i'm putting dishes in the dishwasher when i hear him speak out. "i'm sorry for putting you on the spot like that. i shouldn't have done that to you, especially with my parents with us."

"its fine, you needed an explanation. i texted jacob earlier when i first got home to plan some time for us to get together and talk about what happened." i say, putting the silverware in the basket of the dishwasher. "i really hope that you believe me when i say that we've stopped doing all of that. i'm not going to tolerate what he said to you and i don't think i'll be friends with him after this."

i turn around to see timo looking a little shocked, "i mean, if you want to continue being friends with him, i'm not going to stop you because it's your decision and not mine."

"no, i want to. he's been chirping you and the guys for too long and it needs to stop. i understand that trash talk is a big part of hockey, but he takes it way too far. it has absolutely gotten out of hand and it needs to be put to an end." i say, shutting the door to the dishwasher and walking up to him.

"oh...well, thank you. i really do appreciate your explanation and your apology, i hope you know that i'm not mad or upset with you, i just wanted to know why you wouldn't tell me." he takes a few steps towards me, closing the distance and putting his hands on my waist.

i smile up at him softly, "i'm sorry never told you." i say and he leans down to press a kiss to my lips.

"like i already said, i'm not mad at you, so don't be sorry. i love you more than words could imagine and i'd hate to see you crawling back to a douche like jacob trouba." he says, looking down at me.

"thank you. and i'm perfectly happy with you. you're the light of my life and i could never be happier. thank you for being so perfect." i say, running my fingers down his bicep.

he smiles and chuckles, "we can finish the cleaning up later, i think im ready to eat my dessert now." he takes my hand, running up the stairs with me while we both laugh loudly. our night ends happily and the food stays out all night, leaving the leftovers for us to clean up in the morning.

[youwouldntlietopapa]

24- with Primo. Please and thank you.

First, I was hoping for some Primo prompts. I feel like I don't get a lot of chances to write him and I'd like more.

Second, HOW DARE???? I HAVE A HEADACHE NOW FROM CRYING??? WHY??? WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS TO ME YOU MONSTER??????

Third, I'm not even sorry.

No real warnings on this one except for maybe emotional pain over yet another old man I love. Please refer any complaints to the account above. It's all on them.

Also available on AO3

ahem @the-cardinale just... if you're interested.

_____________________________________________________________

It had always been something when it came to Primo over the years. A few false starts. A few missed opportunities. Always the wrong time, the wrong place. The Ministry, duties, family, Papa, all of it. The stars simply hadn’t aligned. Not like you’d wanted. Not like you’d prayed. And, Satan help you, you had prayed. Each morning and night, before the great altar and alone in your room. Everything you did for the Abbey you offered up as a prayer.

But, instead, you had watched him, year after year. Rising in power, basking in his unholy glory, becoming the man you knew he was meant to be. His radiant beauty and his noble bearing only shining brighter each day. Even as you watched his silken hair of spun gold shift to silver and his taught, perfect skin begin to loosen and droop. Like the finest wine, grown nearly priceless with the passage of time.

If only time had been so kind to us both, you thought, looking into the mirror with a heavy sigh. Pulling your hair back tightly, winding it into a practiced bun at your crown. Trying valiently to put such thoughts out of your mind. The same thoughts you’d been trying to set aside for years… decades.

Fool. It’s too late now. Best to just let him go.

You shake your head and sigh, duty calls and you haven’t risen so high in the ranks to loose your footing now. Just forget it and get on with your day.

You manage it, reasonably well, as you do most every day. Assigning duties to the new Sisters, overseeing others, paperwork, emails, prep for lectures and seminars, making calls about bookings, sceduling meetings. The list is endless. Endless enough to keep you occupied with other things. The way you like it. The way that keeps you sane. Head down, nose to the grindstone.

Right up until you look up and find yourself standing in front of the greenhouse.

You could have sworn you only came out to get a little fresh air, to enjoy the warm early days of fall before the winter chill takes hold. Lost in your own thoughts, a million miles away. While your treacherous feet have betrayed you once more and carried you here, quite against your will. They know the path too well, walked too many times, years ago and all the time in between. Slowly spacing out the visists when it hurt too much to be there. Finding excuses and other places and busy work and anything else that didn’t remind you of the smell of fresh turned earth and the humid heat and sun warmed skin…

“Been a while, Sorella.” His voice catches you off guard. Still low and soft as a summer breeze. The gravel just beneathe is more pronounced than it used to be, but it’s the most beautiful sound in the world as far as you’re concerned.

One hard swallow is hardly enough to clear the decades of desire and regret caught in your throat and threatening to choke you. But it’s all you have before you turn to face him. “… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to… to interrupt… I should go.”

But his hand grabs your arm and roots you to the spot. You don’t want to look, too afraid of what you’ll see. Anger, hatred… Lucifer preserve me, indifference. Still his hand holds you firmly.

“Please… look at me.”

And how could you say no? How could you ever say no? Even if it hurts. Especially when it hurts. You turn back and his eyes lock on to yours while the world around you crumbles to dust and the once solid ground falls away while you drop into the pit desperately trying to cling on to him just for a moment. Just for one precious, perfect moment where he might actually be yours. The man that he was, that he is, that he will be. Not the nothing it’s been for so long, too long, so painfully, foolishly, hopelessly long.

“I miss you, mia rosa.” His fingers loosen, sliding down your arm to catch your hand. The sensible part of you is desperate to pull away. You know this pain too well. How it will cut the heart out of you again. Again and again. Like every time before. “Please… please… don’t go. For me.”

“Papa, I…”

“No.” He says firmly. Not angry, just final. “No. Not here. Not from you. Non quando ho aspettato così a lungo che tu tornassi di nuovo qui, amore. Non sono quell'uomo, non per te, non posso esserlo. Preferirei morire.”

There’s a desperation in his eyes you don’t know that you’ve ever seen before and his hand holds on to yours like you might drift away.

“You know my name. You know who I am.”

“Primo... please.”

He’s already closer, so close you have to look up at him. So close you can feel his warmth and smell the lingering scents of the garden clinging to his clothes. His warm, gentle hand cups your cheek and he stares at you until you’re sure he can see right into your soul.

“How long are you going to hide from me? If you won’t stay… tell me how long is my punishment? I need to know. Please. So I can, at least, see an end. Tell me and I will wait, without complaint. But don’t just leave me here. I beg you.”

“Primo…” Decades. Decades upon decades. Still he steals the breath from your lungs and the sense from your head. Just being close is enough to drive you to madness. Every wall you’ve built around yourself to keep yourself safe feels as solid and secure as damp tissue. “The punishment isn’t yours. You know that. You know that. How many times have I told you? I know. I understand. It’s all right. I don’t begrudge you one ounce. But it hurts and it will keep on hurting. It’s no one’s fault… but, Satanas… It hurts until I can’t breathe.”

“Amore…”

“Please… it… it’s never forever, Primo. And I can’t do for now. It’s too late for that. Much too late.” It feels like a betrayal. Like an attack he doesn’t deserve. Just to say it out loud. That the tiny spark of hope that refuses to go out isn’t really enough to sustain you after so long.

For half a second you think he might let go, half a second that drags out into eternity where you are terrified he will let go. It’s one thing to say the words, to insist that it’s what’s best. But your stomach lurches dangerously and your throat tightens painfully at the terror that you might be right. That it really is just… done. And when his fingers slip free of yours, it’s all you can do not to scream until you shatter.

Instead it joins the other, cupping your cheeks tenderly. The warmth of his palms seeping deep into your skin and setting that tiny, dying ember back alight. “Not for now, angelo mio.” He says quietly, gently. His work callused thumb brushes a tear from your cheek. “No more for now. I am done with stolen days. With lost time. No more.”

His lips brush against yours, so softly it’s more like a memory.

“No more puppet pretending to be king. No more smiling court jester.” His brow furrows and his eyes glisten with tears barely contained. “Ho dato loro una vita, amore mio. Non ho mai avuto intenzione di dargli anche il tuo. E sono fauci spalancate e insaziabili. Ma non più. Ho finito. Hanno tutto ciò che otterranno da me. Non permetterò loro di avere anche questo.”

Primo’s forehead presses against yours and you can feel him fighting to control his breathing. Shaking from the effort of holding together. “It can’t be too late. Please. Tell me it’s not too late.”

“Look at me, Primo… really look at me. I’m not a girl anymore. Whoever she was was worn down with time and this is all that’s left. You… you deserve better. More. That girl got old, my love. And there are too many pretty young things here who would make you happy. Give you a son.”

“I am looking at you. You think I am so blind?” He says with a hint of a smile, tracing your bottom lip with his thumb. “It’s not them I want. And I raised three sons already. I don’t need another. What would I do with a baby, amore? I have my children here.” Primo waves to the garden. “They are enough.”

“It’s you I don’t have and you I want. Always you. Only you.”

“Hell’s teeth, you are stubborn as ever.” You huff.

Primo finally smiles, chuckling softly. His arms wrapping you in his warm embrace. “Si, I am. More maybe. You know how old men get.”

Your hand reaches up and cups his cheek as he did yours. Noting all the subtle changes and all the things that are still the same. Drifting along his jaw and around behind his sun baked neck. Letting your fingers run through his hair. Thinner now, more silver than gold, and still like the finest silk. His eyes slide closed and the hum of pleasure that rumbles in his chest still echoes through your soul.

His lips are on yours again. Tentative at first, waiting for you to pull away, and claiming your mouth deeply, desperately, passionately when you don’t. His strong hand cradling the back of your head, holding you steady. You’re vaguely aware of moving and the sound of the greenhouse door. But none of it matters. Nothing else matters outside of his embrace, the taste of his lips, and the familiar press of his body. When you drop into his old chair, the years fall away and you’re curled in his lap once more. Hands buried in his hair. His own hand deftly loosening yours from the bun, letting it spill down your back. Combing his fingers through with a soft moan.

“Amore mio…” He breathes against your lips. His grip on your hair holding you close. “Forgive me. Forgive me, please. Ask of me anything. I will burn the greenhouse. I will tear up the garden. I will give you the world if you ask. Only forgive me.”

“Anything?”

“Si.”

One hand slips from his hair. Tracing the lines of his face, all the victories and defeats, all the loves and heartache, the joys and sorrow mapped out over the face that’s been in every one of your dreams from the first time you laid eyes on him. Staring back into his mismatched eyes that have seen even the darkest coners of your mind and never once flinched away.

“All I want is all I’ve ever wanted.” Your hand finds his and you lace your fingers together. “You.”

A rosy blush blooms across his cheeks and he smiles a little sheepishly, dropping his head. “Sono tuo, dolcezza. Come lo sono sempre stato. Completamente, interamente, irrimediabilmente tuo.”

“I forgive you. I have always forgiven you.” You lift his chin and smile gently.

“Now kiss me, you fool.”

_____________________________________________________________

Sorella = Sister

mia rosa = my rose

Non quando ho aspettato così a lungo che tu tornassi di nuovo qui, amore. Non sono quell'uomo, non per te, non posso esserlo. Preferirei morire. = Not when I've waited so long for you to come back here again, amore. I'm not that man, not for you, I can't be. I'd rather die.

Ho dato loro una vita, amore mio. Non ho mai avuto intenzione di dargli anche il tuo. E sono fauci spalancate e insaziabili. Ma non più. Ho finito. Hanno tutto ciò che otterranno da me. Non permetterò loro di avere anche questo. = I gave them a lifetime, my love. I never intended to give them yours too. And they are gaping and insatiable maw. But not anymore. I finished. They have all they will get from me. I won't let them have this too.

Sono tuo, dolcezza. Come lo sono sempre stato. Completamente, interamente, irrimediabilmente tuo. = I'm yours, sweetness. As I always have been. Completely, entirely, hopelessly yours.

[starsandauras]

Entry 24: Bar

FFXIV 30 Day Writing Challenge Prompt 24: Bar OKAY Y'ALL. I PROMISED BAD DAD YESTERDAY. HERE HE IS. Yes this is the annual Hereward fic, meaning the usual warnings apply: Alcohol Abuse, Parental Death Referenced, Parental Abandonment, Neglect, all that shitty shitty stuff! So please, take care of yourself. If I've missed something please let me know!

Hereward stumbled into the tavern and dropped down on a chair at the bar, blond hair mussed and face covered by his hand, perched on his elbow. After a moment the bartender came over with a shot glass of whiskey, placing it in front of the man. “We were hearin’ about your wife, Hereward,” he said quietly, and Hereward groaned deep in his chest. “Your drinks on all of us tonight.”

He looked up, blue eyes blurry with grief, looking for a long moment at the glass. “Thank ye,” he muttered eventually, picking it up and knocking back the contents. He welcomed the burn down his throat, the way it settled in his belly.

“How are yer children doin’?” asked one of the regulars in a nearby seat as the bartender brought another shot over, as well as a bottle.

Hereward shrugged and grasped the neck of the bottle. “Wrecks, th’ lot ay them,” he grumbled. Llewellyn was neck deep in books, trying to figure out what he could have done, Brigid wouldn’t stop crying, William was angry, Arthur had just shut down, and Connor couldn’t understand. “Needed t’get ‘way.” He drank half of it in one go.

“It’s hard, losing someone like that,” said another bar patron, nodding in sympathy, before taking a pull of her tankard. “We’ll be here for you.” Hereward grunted in reply.

He was back at the bar a moon later, but no one had the heart to hie him away, a man so recently widowed deserved the occasional vice. Even if he drank to blackout more times than he didn’t. Even if he spent coin that everyone was fairly sure he couldn’t spare.

It took several moons before his next appearance, near on half a year. He’d ordered a bottle of whiskey, no glass, and sat at the bar silently drinking. Eventually they got something out of him, how his little girl was starting to look more and more like her mother by the day. How it hurt to look at her. Looks were exchanged over his head, silent head shakes following equally silent conversations.

The next moon he was there again. And then the next fortnight. And then the next sennight. The bartender started to put limits on him. Then it became nightly, for several long moons. The regulars started to avoid him, either silently judging him or just not wanting to be in such close contact to so much condensed grief and anger.

Finally the bartender put his foot down. “Hereward, I dinnae where you’re going to get your next drink, but you’re nay going to get it here anymore. Go home. Be with your children. They’re needin’ their father.”

And Hereward had looked up at him, blue eyes blurry with grief and drink, tried to stare him down for a long minute. The bartender had stared back, and in the end it was Hereward who blinked. He skulked out of the tavern, and for the following year he didn’t set foot inside again.

Only, he didn’t seem to set foot inside anywhere in the small village, either. The village gossips would report on how the elder three of his children seemed to be running the tiny farm more often than not, and that the younger two would sometimes make sad eyes at the neighbors for food. But there was only so much to go around and most didn’t have much to spare.

It seemed like Hereward would blow in and out of town like the storms off the Rhotano, and his time at home was less and less. Until finally… they never saw him again.

[emo-musicvideo-imagines]

I’ve just checked your rules and the request post you made with all the quotes so I was wondering if you could write a party poison x reader with the prompts- ‘How long have you been covering this’ and ‘If I survive can I go home’. I was thinking the fic could go like, they find the hurt reader and take them to the diner but they’re stubborn and want to go home and they have an injury that they discover later on and then hopefully the reader stays with them. Or not, you can take it in whichever direction you want, I just thought that’d be a suitable story for it :)

genre: fluff to angst and back to fluff

Pairing: Party Poison x unspecified! reader,

Pov: Party Poison

Title: Define Home

Killjoy Name Used: Sky Hawk (feel free to replace if you want) 

Note: I took the prompts, slightly different story then you asked for.

It happened super quickly. Someone, just outside of the diner, took out nine or ten draculoids on their own. I reached for my gun, but the last draculoid had fallen before I even stepped outside. I wanted to speak, asked who taught them to shoot, but my voice betrayed me. Though the look on my face must have given it away.

“I’m Sky Hawk, from a small group of Killjoys next to the wall,” they pointed in the direction of Battery city, “the Animalistic Killjoys.”

“Party Poison, I’m the leader of the Fabulous Killjoys” I reached to shake their hand, “how’d you end up out here?”

“Was on a part run, my brother’s bike broke and needed a gasket,” they leaned against their own bike, “ran into these guys and got chased all the way out here, which zone is this?”

“Thirteen.”

“Holy shit,” they let out a dry laugh, “oh man, Snakeskin is gonna kill me.”

“Listen, Killjoys are meant to help each other,” I shifted on my feet, “why not stay a while, your bike looks pretty roughed up, my brother could fix it for you.”

“I can’t ask you to do that,” they took a shaky breath in.

“I insist, come in,” I motioned them to come inside, surprised when they did.

A little over a week later and it had already felt like Sky Hawk was one of us. And though I would never say it out loud, I found them attractive. They were tough, resilient, and actually listened to me. The boys got along with them great too, Kobra was happy to have something to work on, Jet was glad they were able to contain their stupid, that they only let out when Ghoul was around.

“Hey! I know you’re in there! I see your bike!” I loud booming voice was followed by pounding on the door.

“That would be my brother, took him long enough to come looking,” they rolled their eyes, “You could also peak in through the window dipshit!”

He threw open the door and grabbed Sky Hawk by the wrist.

“We have been looking for you for 24 hours! You scared us shitless!” My face twisted at his statement.

“Only 24 hours?” I growled lowly, not letting him walk out the door with what I would consider a new member of our team at this point.

“That’s all they’ve been gone,” Hawk’s brother raised an eyebrow.

“They’ve been here for the past week and a half,” My anger grew every second that the man in front of me struggled to find an excuse.

“He’s never paid much attention to me, it’s fine,” Hawk defended him.

“No, the fuck it isn’t,” Jet stood quickly, his height easily freaking the brother out.

“Fine, then what do I tell Snakeskin?” Hawk’s brother raised his voice.

“Tell her I’m not an animalistic anymore, I’m part of the fabulous,” they snapped, “now let me go.”

He left, stomping his feet and slamming the door. I sighed, almost missing the way Sky Hawk clutched their side and limped back to where they were sitting.

“How long have you been covering this?” I wasn’t even aware that I was the one speaking until Hawk froze and everyone else looked at me funny.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” they murmured.

“Lift your shirt then,” they knew they were stuck, lifting their shirt just enough to show a bullet wound, it had scabbed over, but looked severely infected. It was dead silent for a few moments.

“Kobra, Ghoul, leave the room, Jet, I trust you to fix this,” I attempted to keep my face stoic, trying to ignore the drop in my stomach.

Jet nodded as I followed the other two men out of the room.

“It kills you doesn’t it,” my brother whispered, catching ghoul’s attention anyway.

“What do you mean?” I grit my teeth.

“Seeing someone you care for so deeply be hurt so badly and they didn’t tell you,” he elaborated, “you’ve never been good at keeping yourself from falling hard.”

A little while later, Jet came and got me from my room.

“They want to talk to you,” was all he said before walking out. I slowly made my way to the room we had set up for them.

“Hey,” their eyes were red, “’m sorry I didn’t tell ya.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I wanted to go home, but,” they let out a sharp breath, “clearly they didn’t care, and then you guys did and-”

“Hey, it’s-” I reached for them, backing out last second, “you’re okay, just, tell me next time you’re hurt.”

I didn’t realise how close I was to them until they reached for my hand.

“Please stay with me,” they weren’t looking at me, but I nodded anyway, sitting next to them on their bed. They leaned into me carefully and squeezed their eyes shut. Not taking long before falling asleep.

[hummingbird-of-light]

No. 11 “All the lights going dark and my hope's destroyed.” (captivity)

(Continuation to Prompt 6)

~

He had waited for someone to come and help them for far too long, but apparently no one knew where their captors' hiding place was. And slowly but surely McCoy was losing all of his hope.

His eyes fell onto Chapel who was lying on the old mattress next to his. Her face was pale and there were dark rings beneath her eyes. She had really needed the sleep.

McCoy moved his hand across and gently ran it through his friend's hair. He needed to feel her close, needed to know that she was actually there.

Sometimes he wished for her to be his imagination. If she wasn't real, then at least he'd know that she wasn't in this with him; that she was safe and sound. But then again, he was glad that he wasn't alone in this hell. It was good to have someone at his side to keep his spirits up.

McCoy let out a heavy sigh. What was taking Jim and the others so long? Why couldn't they find the two of them? Why didn't they come and save them?

The sound of footsteps echoing through the hallway made the doctor's heart skip a beat and he quickly sat up.

Who was there? Was it one of their kidnappers who wanted to check on the progress they were making? Or was it maybe - just maybe - the help they had been waiting for for so long?

McCoy's eyes were fixed on the door and when it opened, his heart sank. Of course. Of course it was that bastard of a boss.

"Good evening, doctor. How are you?"

He tried his best not to spit out a spiteful comment when he heard his captor’s playful voice. The man grinned down at him.

"Oh, I'm fine. Everything's just perfect."

He couldn't keep the sarcastic tone from his voice and his counterpart chuckled while he knelt down in front of McCoy.

"Good, good. And..."

The man's eyes fell onto the sleeping nurse and he smirked.

"How's the pretty Miss Chapel?"

Their captor reached out one hand to touch Chapel, but McCoy reacted instantly, grabbing his wrist tightly.

"Don't touch her!"

The doctor's glare said more than a thousand words and slowly his counterpart retracted his hand.

"Of course, doctor. As you wish."

McCoy let go of the man's wrist, but his eyes stayed fixed on him. He would watch every movement.

"You see, I only came by to tell you about the deadline."

The doctor felt his chest tightening at the words and his pulse started to race. He should have known it. He should have known that it would come to this sooner or later. So he tried to keep a steady face.

"Deadline?"

The boss got to his feet and walked over to McCoy and Chapel’s working place they had set up. He eyed everything.

"Me and my team, we have a plan to follow. And for that plan to work, we need that virus. So... I want it finished by tomorrow evening."

McCoy's eyes widened and he stumbled to his feet.

"What the- I'm a doctor not a magician! What you want is impossible!"

He didn't manage to keep his voice quiet, yet for some reason Chapel didn't wake up. A strange feeling filled the pit of the doctor's stomach. And it only worsened when he heard his captor's next statement.

"Is it? Well, too bad. Then I guess your friend won't wake up again."

For a moment, McCoy stopped breathing and his eyes rested on Chapel. He shook his head in disbelief.

From the corner of his eye, he saw his counterpart holding up a small flask.

"Poison. She only has 24 hours left. And she only gets the antidote when you finish your job."

The food! They must have poisoned her ration!

McCoy could feel his hands clench to fists and he gritted his teeth in anger.

“You bastard!”

Everything they had done to him. All the torture they had put him through. All the bruises they had inflicted on his body. It was nothing against the psychological pain they were causing him by hurting his friend.

“Tick tock, your time is running, doctor. You better continue your work right away.”

With a malicious smile on his face, their captor left the room, leaving behind a scared and hopeless McCoy.

He needed to work faster. Or else everything was lost.

[espithewarlock]

Just read "I'll let you give it to me" and ohhhh my God that was so good? And so hot? Your brain >>>>>

Actually speechless

Hello! Thank you for the ask and double thank you for the compliment!! I actually have a lot to say on the matter, so forgive me for using your ask to do it.

So I'm going to be perfectly honest and admit that I'll Let You Give It To Me, despite being a PWP, was a struggle to finish. I started writing it almost immediately after posting Croissants in Abu Dhabi and was finally able to pick it back up and finish it this weekend.

Part of the reason I set it down was because I got distracted writing other things (Baker!Pierre & 1016 Week prompts were happening around that time) and the other part is due to the comments I was getting on I’ve Got a Feeling That I’m Not Complete Anymore.

They were, to put it bluntly, mean.

There was about 24 hours that I spent crying on & off about them and I couldn't write a word of anything for 2 weeks. (That's not an exaggeration.)

The problem was, the comments weren't wrong. The commenters were mad about actions the characters were taking and, unfortunately, directing that anger at me, the author. (I haven't deleted any of those comments by the way, so they can be read on AO3.)

The characters that I wrote into that fic...they're far from perfect. Pierre is more than a little selfish and inconsiderate, Charles is definitely an enabler and has his own selfish moments, and Max is completely hypocritical about what he wants.

I wanted to write about a messy relationship and...well...I did.

That's why I haven't deleted the comments. They're correct on multiple fronts. I just wish those commenters had the presence of mind to consider the impact their harsh words would have on me. (Recognizing that this is a selfish request on my part but, well, it is my writing.)

They're supposed to be mad at the characters, they're supposed to want better for them, and they're supposed to see how those characters try and improve themselves, even if it isn't perfect.

I don't know about anyone else, but I think perfection in relationships is a) impossible and b) boring.

I'd also be remiss if I didn't thank the wonderful, amazing, @duquesademiel for being incredible. She dedicated an entire day to reading my fic and, essentially, live reacting to it in my DMs. (Plus, she left the most amazing comment on the final chapter that makes me 🥰)

That completely reignited my love for this universe and helped convince me to finish what I had started with this PWP.

So, yeah, this was just a smutty little one-shot for most people. For me, this is an accomplishment. I was able to set aside the negative comments and write something that brings me joy.

Hearing that it brought other people joy too is, as Max would put it, simply lovely. So thank you for taking time out of your day not just to read it, but to come here and tell me you enjoyed it. Positive comments and feedback like yours help motivate me to keep writing, and to keep improving my writing. 💚

[twwpress]

Weekly Press Briefing #35: February 19th - February 25th

Welcome back to the Weekly Press Briefing, where we bring you highlights from The West Wing fandom each week, including new fics, ongoing challenges, and more! This briefing covers all things posted from February 19 - February 25, 2023! Did we miss something? Let us know; you can find our contact info at the bottom of this briefing!

Challenges/Prompts:

The following is a roundup of open challenges/prompts. Do you have a challenge or event you’d like us to promote? Be sure to get in touch with us! Contact info is at the bottom of this briefing.

@thefinestmuffin and @JessBakesCakes hosted a casual Josh/Donna Rom Com Fest that revealed fics on February 14. Submissions are still open and fics can be read here. 

Photos/Videos:

Here’s what was posted from February 19 - February 25.

Amy Landecker posted a video of her and Brad walking their dogs in the rain.

Bradley Whitford posted a photo of a note he received on a flight referencing his role on The Handmaid’s Tale.

Bradley Whitford posted pictures and video from the set of Law and Order: Special Victims Unit to promote his appearance on the show’s episode that aired on February 23. 1 | 2

Bradley Whitford posted a video of Amy Landecker’s appearance on Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.

Bradley Whitford posted a photo of Amy Landecker and their pets.

Josh Malina posted a photo of himself at rehearsals for Leopoldstat on Broadway.

Josh Malina posted a photo of himself in front of the sign for Leopoldstat.

Marlee Matlin posted photos of her appearance on Law and Order: Special Victims Unit and thoughts on the passing of Richard Belzer.

Marlee Matlin posted a photo of herself getting more tattoos.

Rob Lowe posted a photo of himself and his dog.

Donna Moss Daily: February 19 | February 20 | February 21 | February 22 | February 23 | February 24 | February 25

Daily Josh Lyman: February 19 | February 20 | February 21 | February 22 | February 23 | February 24 | February 25

No Context BWhit:  February 19 | February 20 | February 21 | February 22 | February 23 | February 24 | February 25

@janelmilfoney: February 20 | February 21 |February 24 (1) | February 24 (2) 

@schiff0rd: February 19

@JanneyUpdates: February 23 (1) | February 23 (2)

Edits/Artwork:

#JOSHDONNA: hey Stephen (hey donna, Josh’s version) by somethingbuffy [VIDEO EDIT]

This Week in Canon:

Welcome to This Week in Canon, where we revisit moments in The West Wing that occurred on these dates during the show’s run.

Season 1, Episode 16: 20 Hours in L.A. aired on February 23, 2000.

Season 2, Episode 15: Ellie aired on February 21, 2001.

Season 4, Episode 16: The California 47th aired on February 19, 2003.

Season 5, Episode 15: Full Disclosure aired on February 25, 2004.

Season 6, Episode 16: Drought Conditions aired on February 23, 2005.

Editors’ Choice: 

This week we’re rounding up some fics to celebrate the air date of Drought Conditions!

Distraught Conditions by HarmonyLover | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete | A continuation of the closet scene in episode 6.16, "Drought Conditions." What if Donna and Josh had been able to talk out their anger right then and there?

When You Need a Friend by nalaa | Rated T | C. J. Cregg/Toby Ziegler | Complete | After David's death, Toby goes to New York to be with his family. He told his friends that he didn't want them there. Would CJ really leave him to go through all that alone (as it was shown in the episode)?

 Take Five by coffeeplease [archived by westwingfanfictioncentral_archivist] | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete | Post-ep for Drought Conditions, scenes we didn't see.

 Keeping It Together by HarmonyLover  | Rated T | Josh Lyman & Sam Seaborn | Complete | Sam gets an unexpected call from Josh.

(Or, after his fight with Toby, Josh calls Sam.)

 If it Takes All the Future, We'll Live Through the Past by GinnyK | Not Rated | Josh Lyman, Donna Moss, C. J. Cregg, Toby Ziegler, Jed Bartlet | Complete | Long forgotten post ep for Drought Conditions I found on my hard drive.

From the White House to the campaign fundraiser, Donna tries to help Josh and Toby work through things after their fight in Toby's office. During the process she tries to deal with some of her own things too.

 Fics:

Presenting your weekly roundup of fics posted in the tag for The West Wing on Archive of Our Own. If you are so inclined, please be sure to leave the authors some love in the form of kudos or comments. Be mindful of posted warnings/tags for each story.

Josh/Donna

I Wish I Was by Shinyrosa | Rated M | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | In Progress

The Wedding Date by Chinesepapercut | Rated M | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

we finally got it all right by mikaylawrites | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | In Progress

an everlasting love by sam_writes_fics | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | In Progress

if devotion is a river then i’m floating away by flowersinapril | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | In Progress

and i'll love you more than anybody can by JessBakesCakes | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | In Progress

Rapid Fire by spooky_spacegirl | Not Rated | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

don’t talk (put your head on my shoulder) by flowersinapril | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | In Progress

don’t by lunedecroissant | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

Inevitability by spooky_spacegirl | Not Rated | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

this year’s love by hanyolo | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | In Progress

and i would give all this (and the good place too) by hanyolo | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | In Progress

The Chain On Your Neck by TemperanceCain for JessBakesCakes | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

CJ/Danny

The Goal For Which We Long by onekisstotakewithme for daylight_angel, miabicicletta, Luppiters | Rated T | Danny Concannon/C. J. Cregg | Complete

still you never took your hand from mine by Luppiters for mia bicicletta, onekisstotakewithme, theoofoof, French_Fries_59 | Rated T | Danny Concannon/C. J. Cregg | Complete

 Other Pairings/Gen Fic

Wait For Me by imperfectirises | Rated M | Abbey Bartlet/Jed Bartlet | In Progress

it started off with a kiss... now it ended up like this by imawkwardlysoc | Rated G | Sam Seaborn/Original Female Character | In Progress

The Race by Goochie0014 | Rated T | No Pairings Listed | Complete

 Multiple Pairings

The Best of Wives and Best of Women by DeborahSampson1776 | Rated T | Ainsley Hayes/Sam Seaborn, Danny Concannon/C. J. Cregg, Abbey Bartlet/Jed Bartlet, Zoey Bartlet/Charlie Young, Josh Lyman/Donna Moss, Cliff Calley/Donna Moss, Andrea Wyatt/Toby Ziegler, Amy Gardner/Josh Lyman | In Progress

Building Love, Building A Future by mlea7675 (Judging Amy crossover) | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss, Helen Santos/Matt Santos | Complete

Not Quite the Parent Trap by eowyn_of_rohan | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss, Ainsley Hayes/Sam Seaborn | In Progress

THE WEEKLY PRESS BRIEFING TEAM CAN BE REACHED VIA THE FOLLOWING METHODS:

Twitter: @TWWPress

Email: weeklypressbriefing@gmail.com

Feel free to let us know if we missed something, if you have an event you’d like us to promote, or if you have an item that you’d like included in the next briefing!

xx, What’s next?

[pansexualbitch12]

Here is a prompt list sfw style

1. resting your head gently on their shoulder

2. them running their fingers through your hair

3. constant physical touch to feel safe

4. being an expert in teasing the other

5. seeking eye contact

6. understanding each other without words

7. recognizing the sound of their steps

8. moulding perfectly into each other's arms

9. knowing their answer before they say anything

10. kisses on the cheek when they leave the room

11. arguing about minor disagreements

12. having a fight with just looks

13. being annoyed by the tiniest things

14. being unable to be mad for a long time

15. feeling more at ease when the other is by their side

16. always talking about their s/o in front of others

17. watching their oblivious s/o lovingly so they can try to fulfil their wishes

18. holding hands when sitting next to each other

19. brushing through the other's hair while talking

20. trying to make them laugh

21. absurd terms of endearment

22. developing own terms for everything

23. cancelling their schedule just to spend time with them

24. sharing tasks

25. letting out their anger in front of them

26. feeding each other their food

27. making a mental list of everything that happened over the day that they want to share with them

28. kissing to make them stop talking

29. gifts as an apology

30. doing something silly to cheer them up

31. accepting & living with their quirks

32. always pointing out certain annoying behaviour

33. adopting some of their manners

34. knowing where they're most ticklish

35. asking them for advice/help

36. 'your problem is my problem'

37. feeling bad when the other is having a hard time

38. kissing them goodbye in the morning

39. craving their company after a stressful day

40. snuggling up to them at night

Here some nsfw prompts:

1. "Let me see those eyes."

2. "Open your mouth for me."

3. "Please kiss me."

4. "Use your words."

5. "Tell me what you want."

6. "You look so good beneath me."

7. "You can take it."

8. "I can take it.»

9. "You take me so well."

10. "Spread your legs wider."

11. "Louder. Let me hear you."

12. "Keep your eyes on me."

13. "Touch yourself."

14. "Do you want my fingers?"

15. "I can't get enough of you."

16. "You taste so good."

17. "Hands behind your back."

18. "Swallow.»

19. "You are doing so well."

20. "Breathe through your nose."

21. "Don't hold back."

22. "Show me how much you need me."

23. "Say my name."

24. "You can do better than that."

25. "Does that feel good?"

26. "I want you to ruin me."

27. "Do you think you deserve this?"

28. "I want to have my way with you."

29. "Touch me there. Right there."

30. "I will never get enough of you."

[tialinffxiv]

FFXIV Write 2023 prompt #24: Sparring (free choice)

He warned him…

Asked to be careful and remember who he was dealing with…

And yet, Kult still treated this as entertainment, ever pushing further with how far he could go with teasing the “Alpha”- to throw him off balance, disturb his focus. For fun.

A risky game when you deal with fire.

Even more dangerous when they both were already tired with the now few hours long sparring and annoyed to their limits- it was but a matter of time for something stupid and actually harmful to slip out his lips, while he wiped blood from them- one of the hits already found it’s target but it was not enough of an alarm to step back.

Kai couldn’t recall what was the line that broke the deal, focused way more on the dreadful effect it had: how the air seemed to get thicker, warmer. He swallowed slowly, realizing the source of the pressure being Kult’s opponent. It seemed to get darker- or was it just his vision getting blurry in a hit of panic, while he was watching from the side as this training took the very wrong turn.

Dark blue flames flashed on the man’s arm. His eyes were glowing with fury. It wasn’t a growl anymore- but a thunder echoing in the air around them.

Kai froze in place as the first hit missed Kult just barely; flames following the impact licked on his shoulder.

In a flash came another punch- before he could regain his balance, Kult was thrown on the ground by its force.

Next one would–

There was no time to think- not that he could with Adam’s yell filling his mind. At least they were perfectly in sync in what he was yelling about.

“STOP!!”

Azure flames flashed together with the blow of the hit- but it didn’t reach the target. Not the one he was aiming for.

Black wings cut through the air, spreading rapidly at the moment of impact and disappeared just as fast- or was it just Bluey’s eyes tricking him as the blinding rage took over? He blinked and gazed straight into a pair of amber eyes piercing him with furious glare. His arm locked in a steel grasp that blocked his hit.

How could that be…

“Enough…” Kai gasped and swayed on his feet in front of the stunned man. The orange hue of his eyes slowly turned back to gray, as he collapsed onto Bluey, who managed to snap out of the shock and catch him, accompanied by Kult jumping back up on his feet.

“What… what the hells just happened…”

“As if I know…” Bluey frowned, trying to process what he just saw and shake off the remains of anger surging through his veins but a moment ago. “Doesn’t matter- let’s take him home first. And… call Rhanmai if you can find him. I need him to check something...”

[kim-seung-mo]

hi! i love your writing so much! could i request when their s/o who doesn't really vent or complain much finally breaks down? how would skz comfort them? 🥺

𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝔽𝕚𝕟𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕪 𝔹𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕜 𝔻𝕠𝕨𝕟

or…stray kids reacting to when their s/o who doesn't complain finally breaks down

♩ g/n!reader, hurt and comfort, mostly angst and a little fluff at the end, a lot of crying

♩♩ word count: 2.3k (yeah it's a bit longer than normal hcs)

♩♩♩ A/N: I basically wrote a whole fic on this for chan so I'm just gonna leave a link to that for him

prompt list here (or you can request ur own)

(don't ask me why some (felix) of these are wayyy longer than others...I just got really carried away lol)

Chan

this chan one-shot I wrote pretty much is exactly this prompt but even more pain (?) so if you want a "break-up then getting back together" with a lot of crying, go ahead and read it! If not, here's a shortened version:

He wasn't someone who would take advantage of your patience, or test it.

But stress could sometimes turn his head.

He hasn't slept well for many days consecutively.

From what his members told you, he didn't seem to be eating properly either.

Today you were a little worried and brought along food you made to the studio, but was scolded by him in front of Changbin and Jisung.

You couldn't stand his reaction, but in order not to let him lose face in front of members, you held back your anger and left his studio in disappointment.

He would immediately notice his fault and properly admit his fault to you.

When he saw you crying, he was about to fall to his knees and slap himself in front of you.

"Don't cry, baby, I know I was wrong, it's all my fault… It's my fault, I shouldn't have spoken to you as I did …… Everything you did was for my own good, how could I not cherish you? I'm just… the worst boyfriend ever ……"

You weren't going to be continuously angry at him either, after all, who could stay angry at Chan?

It's just that for the next many days he'd be extra cautious.

Constantly promising you that he'll never throw his temper on you ever again.

Minho

If Chan never tests your boundaries… All I can say is that Minho tries your boundaries 24/7.

At least, it felt like it.

Sometimes you even felt like he might not love you very much.

(You were very wrong, he just might be the most loving person in the world. It's just unfortunate that he's a tsundere who doesn't want to, and doesn't know how to express it)

You knew he liked to tease others, not out of true malice, it was just a way for him to show closeness.

But sometimes, you still thought sometimes, unconsciously, that there was more to his words.

He sensed something off when you didn't answer him with a smile as usual.

He wanted to apologize immediately, after all, hurting you was the last thing he wanted to do.

But before he could say anything, he heard your sob.

In that moment, it was as if all rationality had left his head.

He rushed up and stopped in front of you, wanting to reach out and hug you, but hesitated.

He didn't know if you wanted his hug right now.

"I'm sorry …… I, I didn't mean it like that ……"

You heard an unprecedented level of apology in his tone.

Only after making sure you didn't reject his physical contact did he gently bring you into his arms.

"Y/N…you know the one thing I can't stand to see is you crying ……"

Changbin

Perhaps because you never really expressed that "you needed him ", he had always thought that you were a rather independent person.

You were independent, but that didn't mean you didn't need him when you were vulnerable.

When you came home today, you didn't know why, but it was as if all the stress and emotions of the past few months had come flooding back.

He was always very assertive in what he did, but at that moment he suddenly didn't know what to do.

He felt a pain in his chest, and wanted to try to do something to make you feel less sad.

He opened and shut his mouth a few times, but he couldn't get a single word out.

He had never seen you like this before, your vulnerable side, needing help.

"Y/N…you still have me, I'm right by your side ……"

In the end, that's all he came out with.

But really, just knowing that he was still there for you was enough.

As long as he could show that he cared about you and wanted to help you, it was enough.

Hyunjin

A fight with Hyunjin was essentially a one-sided complaint from him.

No, calling it a "fight" would be incorrect. After all, he was almost always the only one talking.

You had a good temper and you basically didn't argue with anyone as long as they didn't hit your no-go areas.

With Hyunjin, most of the time he would just ramble on and on, and you thought he was kind of cute when he rambled on like that.

But for some reason, you just didn't like hearing him talk like that this time.

For the first time, you got angry with him, raised your voice, and made a face he hadn't seen before.

He froze for a moment, and a feeling of frustration that came out of nowhere came over him.

He hurriedly turned away, not wanting you to see his damp eyes.

He knew it was his own fault, and that it was you who should be more in need of reassurance right now.

But he couldn't stop his disobeying tears either.

For the first time, he saw you angry, at him.

He was afraid.

You took a few deep breaths and largely eased up.

"Jinnie…? I was… I don't know what just happened to me ……"

The nearly 180cm tall man was holding his own shoulders, sniffling like a frightened little animal.

"I'm sorry ……"

You heard him whisper, so faintly that you almost didn't catch it.

"Jinnie?" "I'm sorry… I'm sorry, Y/N ……"

He turned to you and hugged you, grabbing the fabric on your back and speaking in a weepy voice.

"I'll never do it again… Don't make that face, don't get mad at me, I, I don't want to …… I don't want to see you like this, I'm scared ……"

"Don't be afraid… There's no need to be afraid. I would never do anything to hurt you or really be angry with you. And you know that, right? I love you too much ……"

Not sure how long these words were repeated later before he finally was at ease.

Jisung

You always listened to his troubles, his trivialities, his heart.

But every time it was your turn, he seemed to be busy and always had other "more important things" to do.

In your mind, things about him were the most important things.

But perhaps to him, your worries and heartfelt words weren't very important.

"I sometimes… I don't think you actually care about me much at all."

"……. What?"

When he heard you say that, he felt his heart pause.

How could you think that? What on earth did he do to make you think that way?

He thought you knew that he wouldn't be able to live at all without you.

"If you really did care about me, Jisung, why weren't you ever interested in what was going on with my life? Why do you never come to care about me when I look sad and upset?"

It was the first time he heard you say such words, the first time he heard you express your "need for care".

"It's not that… It's not like that. ….. Y/N……"

He frowned and rushed to your side to hold your face in his hands.

"I care about you, I just …… I was just so stupid, I thought you didn't say anything because you wanted to be on your own- I, I was really stupid. It's really stupid now that I think about it …… I'm sorry, I'm sorry …… I'm so awful, I ……"

If you thought Hyunjin had cried a lot, you must have never seen Jisung cry.

He canceled all his work plans that night and stayed by your side to keep you company.

You two cried like that for hours.

Felix

You didn't want to show your sad side in front of Felix.

He was your little sunshine, always smiling and making your every day better.

You thought you should give him all the good things too, not your tears or bitterness.

But what you didn't realize was that he actually took everything in stride.

Every time you held back, every time you silently sighed, it was like a small dagger stuck in his heart.

In his eyes, your behavior was as if you "did not trust him ".

After he had such thoughts, he began to distance himself from you.

And you weren't stupid, you realized within a few days that something was wrong with him.

You felt as if your little sun was starting to dim.

This only made you even more upset and confused.

You finally couldn't stand it and called out to him when he turned away immediately after seeing you.

"Did I do something wrong?"

His back trembled a little.

"Is it because I've done something wrong that you've been distancing yourself from me?"

"I distanced myself from you?" He turned back to you, his eyes filled with sadness.

"Felix?"

"Am I the one distancing myself from you, or are you the one distancing yourself from me? Y/N, you never complain to me, you don't speak your heart to me, you never rely on me! What do you want me to do if you don't show your heart to me?Y/N…I don't want to let go …… But I feel like I'm the only one in love."

You too finally couldn't help yourself. Your clenched fist trembling.

"I don't complain, I don't speak from my heart, I don't vent negative energy to you because I'm afraid it will affect you! I'm afraid you might get upset because of me …… You are already tired from your work, you don't need more burden ……"

"How can you say your business is burdensome?"

He seemed to get a little angry, walking quickly up to you to stare you in the eye.

You had calmed down somewhat when you saw his expression, but your mouth still started moving on its own.

"I want you to see only the good side of me Felix …… I do this because… Because I know deep down that I'm not worthy of-"

He didn't wait for you to finish your sentence as he immediately cupped your face and pressed his lips into yours, making you swallow back the last bit of that sentence.

Kisses with Felix were always sweet.

But this time it was bitter.

"I forbid you to say that, forever."

"You're going to rely on me and say everything to me. You will let me bear with you all the things between the two of us. I will not allow you to hold back by yourself. And you will definitely not be allowed to say ridiculous things like you don't deserve me."

"Y/N, I don't know how many times I have to say "I love you" before you believe me, but if you need 100 times, I'll say it 1000 times. If you need 1,000 times, I'll say it 10,000 times!"

He really was the sunshine that lit up your life, your little sun.

Seungmin

You were really not a person who liked to complain and thought that everything was something that could be tolerated.

Seungmin, like you, was also someone who basically didn't talk about their troubles and liked to digest them by themselves.

But lately, you really felt like the whole world was your enemy, and Seungmin was the only one on your side.

When he opened the door at night and saw you crying alone on the couch, he was absolutely frozen.

He stood still as if his brain had stopped working.

You thought he would laugh at you and take a picture of your crying face and send it to the rest of the members.

But he came and sat down next to you and hugged you silently.

He knew you were under a lot of pressure lately, from all aspects of your life.

Only when you were at home, when you were with him did you find yourself a last safe haven.

How could he possibly laugh at you at such a time?

Where you couldn't see, his eyes were reddened as well.

"It's funny, isn't it, the way I look now ……"

"Not at all."

He tightened his arm around you, trying hard to make you feel his warmth.

"Seungmin…I just feel so tired ……"

"I know, I know …… You can rest now that I'm here."

Jeongin

He was easily driven by emotions and couldn't stand seeing anyone cry.

But especially when he saw you crying, his tears literally slid down in a flash.

He knew that you like to endure stress by yourself, and he watched in silence.

It is just that he is young, and sometimes doesn't really know what to do in the face of such things.

He wanted to help you, but felt that maybe letting you alone was the right choice.

Only when you broke down like now, did he have the confidence to come to your side.

He gently stroked your back and sobbed himself, but insisted on smoothing your breath.

He rested his forehead on your back, didn't speak, simply stayed by your side.

He wouldn't initiate conversation, but if you did, he would respond to your words competently.

After you were "back to normal ", he asked you cautiously about "what I should do next time if this happens again?"

You were amused by his cute and sincere question and reached out to pet his fluffy head.

Then patiently answered each of his questions.

You asked him, too, what he wanted you to do when he was feeling upset.

He was happy that with this conversation, he got to know you a little better and felt closer to you.