#prompt: acts of service

[doughnutshi]

[Day 9/12: Acts of service] 18+

Prologue: Its been decades since Mizu got her revenge. Lots has happened since then. Somehow she’s found herself living out what she thought was impossible. A loving husband with two kids.

But now they’re stuck in a cave. Wet. Cold. Separated from their children. Due to an intense storm overflowing the river separating the kids from their parents. It’s quiet aside from the rain. Mizu took her bun out of her hair letting her wet hair drape down her shoulder. Taigen looked at her. A rare sight of her femininity mixed with the masculinity of her clothes. Like a deity has ascended from the sky. Which gives him the idea to…

I got bonked so I have to censor everything sorry haha enjoy the anime clouds fully uncensored in the discord @taimizuweek

[creativepromptsforwriting]

Love Languages

Acts of Service

Doing something for the partner that they will enjoy or makes their life easier.

cooking for them

running errands for them

giving them a massage

planning something fun to do together

doing household chores

cleaning and caring for their car

making appointments for them

giving them a night off by caring for the kids

packing them lunch boxes

making them breakfast

cleaning the house unprompted

drawing them a bath

bringing them their favourite snacks

arranging a self-care day for them

being there for them for important and unimportant events

asking about them and listening to what they have to tell

More: Love Language - Showing, not telling love | Love Language - Showing you care

[keyotosprompts]

i'd give you everything ‧₊˚✩彡

acts of service prompts

⇴ person a is lying in bed but has to get up and get their computer for work. while hearing person a complain, person b gets up and grabs the computer for person a (midrant).

⇴ "let me pay you back." "no." "no? why?" "because i love you."

⇴ person a is slumped asf and their head is in an uncomfortable position on their pillow. person b gently lifts person a's head up and places it comfortably on person b's shoulder/bicep.

⇴ person b is not very vocal about how they love, so they tend to show person a that they love them with actions. person b always covers the corner of the table, walks on the side of the sidewalk, and puts a hand over person a's head when there's rain (and no umbrella).

⇴ "shit, i forgot to grab an umbrella. i didn't know it was raining" (sad face). "it's okay" (grabs jacket and puts it over a or puts a hand over a's head while running through the rain together)

⇴ grocery shopping but person b is putting everything in the bags in specific categories based on different factors so person a doesn't have stress about where anything is placed (just me?)

⇴ person b finishes up a project for person a because person a is on the verge of collapse ("when did i finish this??" and person b is just like "last night")

⇴ person a knowing that person b doesn't take care of themselves, so person a comes over to person b's house and brings them a care box. it's filled with all their favorite snacks/drinks (bonus points if person b didn't tell them what their favorites were, person a just knew).

⇴ "if you need anything, don't even hesitate to ask."

⇴ "are you kidding? you thought you needed to ask?" (percabeth anyone??)

⇴ person a & b are sitting around together, until b notices that a is shivering. they get up and sprint towards their shared room, grabbing a blanket and wrapping a in it.

⇴ ^^ "get in here too" with a cheeky cute smile that b cannot help but swoon over. it's like their heart is about to rupture out of their chest after looking at a's smile. they feel a grin break across their face as they snuggle up to a.

⇴ person a always drives around person b, even if it's inconvenient for their schedule. to person a, they'd rather take the long road and get to do something for b.

[eloquent-edits]

🗡️ You give so much to others

It’s time someone gave back to you 🗡️ acts of service and fluff prompts

Character A hates washing the dishes and Character B hates cooking, so they do those things for each other

“You don’t have to do anything to pay me back. Your happiness is more than enough.”

A is going through a major depressive episode and B comes by to help clean their room and give them company

B sets up candles, a warm bath, and dim lighting for A to relax in after a stressful work event

B carpools with A a lot. They notice the gas tank is running low and plant a $20 bill in the console for A to find later (B vehemently denies ever putting it there, but A absolutely knows)

A is sick and B goes out of their way to grab medicine and extra tissues to drop off at A’s doorstep

After A ends up in the hospital, B makes sure A’s place stays clean, their pets are fed and taken care of, and that A will have nothing to worry about when they are well again

B automatically sets aside a larger portion for A’s meals because they know that A will be hungrier than they expect

A is sensitive to light and B buys blackout curtains for their room so they can sleep better

“I’ll handle this! You go have fun, I’ll be there in a second.”

B will always pick A up after they travel internationally for work so A can sleep and recover from jet lag

B covers the corner of sharp tables for A (listen it’s just THE SWEETEST thing I’ve seen done for someone ack)

A is busy putting on makeup, so B gently detangles and does their hair (and it’s not as simple as just putting their hair into a ponytail, I’m talking weaves and braids and intricate designs that show B paid attention to this)

“Let me take care of it.”

A complains about their back or neck pain so B gives them a massage (mainly to stop their complaining LOL)

B will occasionally take A’s bath towel while A showers and run it through the dryer so it’s nice and warm when A gets out

A is anxious about finances (they just got a new job) and B helps them work through it and understand all the confusing things

A’s new apartment is not on the first floor and the elevator is out of order, so B moves the big furniture for A up all those flights of stairs

Chronic pain makes it difficult for A to leave the house sometimes, but B makes sure they never run out of medication by picking up A’s prescriptions

“You really didn’t have to do that for me.” “Well, I wanted to. Now you don’t have to do it!”

[sunlit-mess]

What’s your coziest headcannon regarding RadioApple?

uhm they spoil each other a lot.

[francisforever2014]

can the basement they run AI out of collapse already

[scealaiscoite]

*ೃ༄ acts of service prompts ˚◞♡ ⃗

[ 🍳 ] - cooking breakfast for them early in the morning

[ 👕 ] - laying out fresh clothes for them while they’re in the shower

[ 💍 ] - helping them tie/put on a piece of jewelry

[ 🥘 ] - having dinner ready for them when they arrive home

[ 🥪 ] - preparing lunch for them to take to work/school

[ ☕️ ] - memorising how they take their tea/coffee and making it for them without being asked

[ 🥃 ] - fixing them a drink after a long day

[ 🎟️ ] - taking the reins when planning date night, and letting them enjoy the experience

[ 🏠 ] - doing the chores they hate doing

[ 🚗 ] - picking them up from an event/place

[ 📞 ] - checking in on them during a stressful day

[ 🍪 ] - baking a batch of their favourite sweet treat

[ 🤒 ] - minding them when they’re sick

[ 💐 ] - buying them flowers, just because

[ 💞 ] - giving them a random compliment

[augment-techs]

@estel-eruantien

Admittedly, this was not as intended, but the "mutual" part wouldn't fill out right.

[edith-moonshadow]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Stranger Things (TV 2016) Rating: Explicit Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Billy Hargrove/Steve Harrington Characters: Steve Harrington, Billy Hargrove, Nancy Wheeler, Original Characters Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Alpha Billy Hargrove, Omega Steve Harrington, Top Billy Hargrove, Bottom Steve Harrington, Service Submissive Steve Harrington, Escort Service, Submissive Steve Harrington, Praise Kink, Steve Harrington Has a Praise Kink, Billy Hargrove Calls Steve Harrington Pet Names, Dirty Talk, Possessive Behavior, Possessive Billy Hargrove, Scent Marking, Self-Lubrication, Manipulation, Dubious Consent, Lingerie, Feminization, Manhandling, Anal Fingering, Exhibitionism, Ambiguous/Open Ending, Dominance, Dom/sub Undertones, Anal Sex, Knotting, Come Inflation, Marking, Biting, POV Steve Harrington

Summary:

Steve left Hawkins where he always struggled with his status as an Omega. In New York, he makes a new life for himself when he joins an agency that partners him with older lonely Alphas for a price. Escorting one of his regulars to a business meeting changes everything.

Written for the 2024 Harringrove Love Fest 💖💖💖

For the 13th February prompt: Can't Buy Me Love

Peter held out his hand and Steve placed his hand demurely in it and walked with him into the restaurant. Peter had a business dinner that evening so Steve had opted for a nice navy suit, he knew in this industry it paid to look good so he always put a little money aside so that he had a few good outfits for work. He found a few good suits, some nice trousers or jeans with a good sweater or shirt and he was all set.

Peter wanted to make a good impression, he seemed calm and collected on the outside but he had been requesting Steve from the agency for the past two years and he knew the signs when he was nervous. He had been preoccupied the entire time they were together, had gotten Steve to triple-check their reservation at the restaurant and he could feel the slight clamminess to his hand. Steve squeezed his hand gently, Peter turned to him.

“You look very distinguished tonight.”

Peter smiled at him.

“Nobody’s going to be looking at me when I have such a beautiful Omega by my side.”

Steve smiled and averted his eyes, like a good little Omega. It had taken Steve a long time to learn how to act right. In Hawkins, he had never encountered another male Omega to his knowledge although it was more than likely that there were other people in his same position. When Steve had presented at fourteen his dad refused to accept it and in the end, had him placed on suppressants and scent blockers. All this achieved was Steve feeling shame and heated arguments among his parents.

He had managed to ignore his conflicting feelings around his status until he entered high school and everything changed. He fell in love, lost his best friend and gained a rival all in the same year. Everything had been fine when he was with Nancy but soon her dissatisfaction with their relationship became too hard to ignore, he felt inferior for the first time in his life. He didn’t know how to fix it, he had no one else who he could talk to, and his status was a closely guarded secret that only his parents and doctor knew.

When she finally left him for a Beta, he knew it didn’t have anything to do with the fact that he was an Omega but he couldn’t help a small niggling feeling that there was something innate within him that she found wanting. This caused him to become more subdued while he waited until the end of high school. Old friends and new rivals made things difficult but he mostly just felt numb.

When he was finally finished with school the arguments between his parents became more explosive, their relationship more strained and he decided it would be best if he just left. He had decided on New York as it seemed like a good place to get lost and he had been right.

He’d only been there a few months when he met Maire, she was an Omega who worked for an agency. An agency that paired Alphas who were visiting for a short while with Omegas who needed money. It was a simple arrangement, at Maire’s agency they needed submissive obedient Omegas who were good at organisation and catering to an Alpha’s whims. Nothing sexual just small acts of kindness and company.

Steve had been sceptical at first but Maire promised him it was easy money and nothing untoward. She told him that it was all older widowed Alphas, they just wanted you to organise their trip, pour them a drink and treat them like the only person in the room.

“Trust me honey you would make so much money.”

Steve had laughed.

“Me?”

“Yes you're pretty, well-spoken, and dress well. If you can act all obedient and sweet you'd never have to do anything else.”

Steve had felt uneasy at first as he wasn't used to acting like an Omega. He had spent so much time pretending to be a Beta that it came more naturally to him. Even in Hawkins at the height of Hargrove’s strange one-sided rivalry, Steve had never acted submissive even as his instincts screamed at him. It took so much energy to act indifferent but he’d done it no matter how tired he was by the end of the day.

He tried to explain his situation to Maire but she was determined and in the end with her help, he perfected making himself seem obedient and sweet. Learned some basic cues so he could interpret what an Alpha wanted from him. He became frustrated easily in the beginning.

“Just listen to your instincts. Take everything easy and when in doubt just look down and make yourself small. Trust me they'll fill in the gaps.”

It took a little time but he eventually joined her agency and got booked right away. He’d been terrified but the Alpha was a widower called Maurice and he had put Steve at ease. When he was handed an envelope of money at the end of the night he couldn't believe it. Soon he had a small group of dedicated regulars, mostly lonely businessmen who wanted company and someone to care for them while they had to conduct business.

Ultimately he found himself enjoying the work, something was fulfilling about getting to take care of someone even for a short time. The most surprising thing for him was how warm he felt when they praised him. All it took was a soft brush of their fingers through his hair, a fleeting kiss and a whispered ‘good Omega’ and Steve melted inside. He came to crave it, going above and beyond with hope building until they finally gave him some. It felt like a piece of him had been missing for so long and now he'd finally found it and he never wanted to live without it again.

“I'm sorry that tonight is going to be all business but I need to make a good impression.”

“You always do. Don't worry about me, I'm here for you.”

Peter took a deep breath and turned to him with a smile. He leaned in and gave him a soft kiss on the cheek.

“What would I do without you?”

Steve smiled back the praise making a warmth build in his chest. Peter scanned the hotel restaurant and spotted someone sitting over in the corner and led Steve in that direction. As they got closer to the table he could feel a weird sensation like he was being watched. He looked towards the table but the person sitting there was shrouded in shadow. Only the faint glow at the end of their cigarette showed someone was there. Peter gave his hand another squeeze when they reached the table and finally, there was enough light to illuminate the intense stare of Billy Hargrove.

Steve felt frozen to the spot, it felt like time had stood still but everything was different. Billy looked almost the same with a few small differences. His hair was cut short but still retained a wave, like it couldn’t be fully tamed, his earring seemed to be gone and in place of his unbuttoned shirt was a well-pressed suit. However, Steve realised that he wasn’t wearing a tie and his first few buttons were undone.

Peter awkwardly held his hand out but Billy didn’t even glance in his direction but he did give his hand a perfunctory shake.

“This is my companion Steve Harrington.”

Steve wanted the ground to swallow him whole. The last time he’d been face to face with Billy had been back in Hawkins fighting against all his instincts as Billy invaded his personal space with a smirk on his face and meanness on his tongue. Steve was a Beta then but now he was obviously an Omega.

Billy held his hand out to Steve and he leaned over slightly to place his hand in his. The heat of Billy’s skin was a slight shock but when he tried to move his hand to shake it Billy surprised him by taking his hand in a firm grip. He held eye contact with him as he brought Steve’s hand up to his lips placing a soft lingering kiss on the back. Billy’s lips were soft on his skin and Steve felt his face heat as he averted his eyes. He pulled his hand back as soon as Billy moved his lips and sat down followed by Peter who gave him another reassuring squeeze.

Throughout dinner conversation outside of business was kept light but Billy’s stare remained heavy. Steve couldn’t help squirming in his seat wishing the night was over already. He jumped when Peter placed his hand on his knee. He glanced at him and Peter gave him a soft smile and Steve felt his face heat as he smiled back. Peter was probably disappointed in him tonight, he was usually a much better companion than this. A nervous twist started in his stomach so he excused himself from the table and headed to the restrooms.

He was glad to find them empty so he ducked into a cubicle, closing the door and leaning against the wall. He took a deep breath and tried to calm himself. He checked his watch and he'd been there for two hours. Hopefully, Peter would finalise his pitch while Steve was away and they could leave soon. A knock at the cubicle door made him jump.

“Let me in, Princess.”

Steve sighed. He hoped if he stayed quiet Billy would just leave.

“I know you’re in there. Wouldn’t want me to go back and tell Peter you were being a bad Omega would you?”

Steve groaned then pulled the door open a crack only for Billy to force his way in closing the door behind him.

“Are you always going to be an asshole Hargrove?”

Billy smirked.

“It’s working out pretty good for me so far.”

“What do you want?”

“Just wanted a few minutes of your time.”

“Well, I don’t have any time for you, sorry.”

He pushed away from the wall trying to move past Billy who surprised him by pushing back. He crowded him back against the wall using his bulk to pin him to the wall. Steve gasped as Billy leaned close, his lips close to his ear.

“Anyone’s for a price huh Princess?”

He pressed him further into the wall as Steve felt shame burn through him at Billy's insinuations. For some people, Omegas who worked for agencies like BARE were treated with contempt. It was seen by some as unsavoury like they were manipulating the poor Alphas by playing up to their Omegan nature for money.

“It's not like that.”

He shivered as he felt Billy's hot breath on his throat.

“No?”

Billy pressed himself even closer, his body was so solid and radiating so much heat that Steve started to sweat. One of Billy's hands wrapped around his hip, the other stroked over his neck.

“You're so pretty, Princess...I’m sure you're even prettier when you're on your knees, all obedient huh Sweetheart? Are you a good little Omega?”

Billy pressed down slightly on his bonding gland as he hissed in his ear and the combination of Billy's scent, heat and hissed faux praise with his fingers on his gland collided in his brain and became a pleasurable fog. He whined.

“I bet you'd be so good for me...wouldn't you Baby?”

Billy replaced his fingers with his tongue, licking over his gland as Steve squirmed under him.

“Steve?”

Peter’s tentative voice felt like ice-cold water being poured over his head. He pushed back at Billy who refused to move for a moment he pushed him back against the wall then to Steve’s chagrin he rubbed his face against his neck. Scent marking him. Steve’s eyes rolled back in his head for a moment as pleasure thrummed under his skin. Then reality came rushing back and he shoved Billy hard catching him off guard and slipping out from under him.

“Still an asshole.”

He walked briskly towards the bar. The bartender came over with a welcoming smile.

“Hi, can I get a wet napkin, a wedge of lemon and two glasses of scotch please?”

The bartender nodded and then walked away to fill his order. Steve tapped his foot to dispel the nervous energy he could feel coursing through him. The bartender returned with everything he asked for.

“Thank you, can you charge it, Mr Peter Williams's room, it's 203.”

Steve scrubbed at his neck with the wet napkin everywhere he could still feel Billy's touch. Then he ran the lemon wedge over his skin until it felt cold and a little sticky. The bartender handed him a dry napkin, and Steve smiled.

“Thanks.”

It was a short fix but he hoped it would cover Billy's scent a little. He lifted the two drinks and walked back to the table where the two Alphas were deep in conversation. When they realised he was there they both stopped and stood until Steve was seated once more. He placed a drink in front of each with a smile. Peter took his hand under the table giving it a gentle squeeze.

“Thank you, Steve, thoughtful as always.”

Steve smiled at him.

“Such an obedient little Omega you have Peter.”

Steve looked up sharply as Billy smirked at him, his eyes intense. Peter smiled at Steve.

“He's wonderful.”

Steve looked down demurely and the conversation between them resumed. The next hour was a mixture of business talk and Billy's eyes boring into him from across the table as Steve attempted to ignore him.

Steve accompanied Peter back to his hotel room. Peter went to his room to slip on his pyjamas while Steve poured him a nightcap. Peter pulled Steve onto his lap stroking over his hair as he sipped his drink.

“Thank you so much for tonight Steve. You were wonderful, I know Hargrove can be a little intimidating but I need his company on this deal.”

“I'm sure you made a great impression tonight.”

Peter wrapped his arms around Steve’s middle giving him a gentle squeeze.

“I feel so lucky that I met you. New York would never be the same without you. I'd be completely lost.”

Steve felt a warmth infused in Peter’s gentle touches and soft praise. He stayed with him until Peter had finished his drink, then he gave Steve a soft kiss on the cheek and handed him an envelope with his money for the night.

When he arrived home he had several missed messages from Margaret at the agency. Six which seemed a bit excessive but they were all about a client who wanted to book Steve for tomorrow but she knew he was still booked for Peter until tomorrow night. He sighed tonight had exhausted him, he'd just phone her tomorrow morning and remind her.

Margaret was very persistent on the phone the following morning and Steve was confused. It was a new client who had requested him specifically but Steve was still booked with Peter who would have paid for today.

“Don’t worry about Peter. I can send a replacement.”

“No, he had a stressful night last night and he’s one of my regulars. The new client doesn’t know me, just tell them I’m unavailable and send someone else.”

“Steve, this is a lot of money, think long and hard before you make a decision.”

There was a slight edge to her voice that Steve didn’t like. Margaret was a petite bubbly Beta who owned BARE; she had a reputation amongst the other Omegas as a motherly figure. They all believed she cared about them but Steve had grown up with John Harrington and he knew someone who was all business when he met them. They had had some clashes over the years but because he was such a good earner she generally relented. Steve had no intention of relenting now, reputation was everything in this business. He thought she knew that better than anyone else.

“Peter has me for today, if this other client wants me they’ll have to wait.”

“Steve…”

“I’m sorry Margaret I’m going to be late for breakfast with Peter.”

He heard her sigh on the other end of the phone. When she spoke it was with a forced jovial tone.

“Ok, Steve I hope you know what you’re doing.”

Steve wished her a good day and hung up the phone. He wasn’t meeting with Peter until lunchtime but he didn’t see the point in drawing that conversation out.

His lunch with Peter was quiet and sweet as usual. Peter let him pick the place they went and Steve took him to their usual place. They ate a light lunch and had coffee and Peter told him all about the deal and how it was going.

“Hargrove phoned me about an hour before you arrived.”

Steve felt a weird flutter in his stomach at the mention of Billy’s name. He shifted slightly in his seat before he forced a smile on his face.

“Good news I hope.”

“He asked some follow-up questions so that’s a good sign. He asked me about you too so you made a good impression.”

“About me?”

“Yeah, he complimented how obedient you were, and asked how we met.”

Steve felt his heart in his throat. He knew from last night that Billy knew he worked for an agency but why was he asking more questions? Peter chuckled.

“Don’t worry I only told him very basic information but you never know it could lead to good business for you.”

Peter nudged him gently.

“I saw the way he was looking at you, if I was a few decades younger it could have ended in a bloodbath. You’re a beautiful young Omega. Maybe you should try being a companion to someone your age.”

“I prefer Alphas like you, you’re respectful and understand my boundaries.”

Peter squeezed his knee.

“Younger Alphas can be a little reckless. I know I was at that age but once you find the right Omega, your Omega everything just clicks into place and you can’t even think about anyone else.”

Steve placed his hand on top of Peters, stroking softly. Peter had lost his Omega five years ago and when they’d first started their arrangement he would grow morose and distant. It had taken many visits before he spoke of them and Steve knew his heart was still healing. It may never heal properly but at least now he could look back without growing sad.

“One day it’ll be your turn and I know you’ll make some Alpha the happiest in the whole world.”

“I'm in no rush.”

Peter laughed.

“It’ll happen faster than you think.”

After lunch, he had walked Peter back to his hotel where he’d handed him another envelope and given him a quick kiss on the cheek. He had a plane to catch shortly after so Steve headed home. He had a long shower and decided that he’d maybe take a few days off. He hadn’t had a day off in months and he felt he needed a little time to recharge. He let his mind wander to the hotel restaurant, how hot and heavy Billy had felt on him, his tongue on his neck and his growl in his ear. A shaky moan escaped him as he felt his hole flutter around nothing.

Moving to New York hadn’t left much time for dating as he was working so hard. He hoped to be out of this business before he was thirty and able to live more or less independently on the profits he’d made. He needed to go and find a reputable person to help him make some wise stock decisions and he was sure he could at least triple his money.

Unfortunately working all the time didn’t leave him any time for anything else. For the longest time, he’d had to make do with his imagination and fingers but maybe if he went out he could find someone. Even if only for a night. He slowly stroked his fingers down over his skin warm from the shower and soft from his lotion. He danced them over his hips and caressed his inner thighs.

‘I’m sure you're even prettier when you're on your knees’

He licked over his lips as he felt the pleasure building under his skin, everywhere he touched coming alive as though someone was here with him. Their fingers were thicker than his, they felt like a hot brand against his skin and they treated his body like it was theirs.

‘I bet you'd be so good for me...wouldn't you Baby?’

He writhed on his bed, a whine on his lips as he felt slick run down his thigh and onto the tips of his fingers. He could feel hot breath on his trembling throat, a growl against his skin as those fingers tightened on his hips until it hurt.

His phone ringing shattered the moment and he groaned at its shrill noise. He glared at it as he tried to calm his heartbeat. He let the machine get it, not surprised when he heard Margaret's overly cheery voice. Seemed he wasn't getting tomorrow off after all.

The following day found him dressed in his best casual outfit, a soft Burgundy sweater and trousers with loafers. This way he was comfortable but he looked smart if they wanted to go out. Meeting a new client was always a little daunting as it was a new person for him to figure out and accommodate but he’d been doing this for long enough. Alphas weren't all that different. They just wanted someone to take care of them, to look at them with compassion and maybe a little awe. They wanted to know that Omegas could still be charmed by them, and would defer to them. Just having an obedient Omega nearby seemed to soothe something within them.

Margaret had been a little vague about this client which was unusual but apparently, they were paying a lot of money and had requested an afternoon. Her vagueness was so strange because usually, he got a full rundown on the client so he could better cater to their wants and needs. However, the selling point for this client was how much they were willing to spend. A life-changing amount of money. So he went to the hotel, got the elevator up to the fourth floor and headed to room 409. He knocked briskly on the door and gave himself a quick once over. The door swung open and the smile fell off his face as Billy Hargrove greeted him.

“Hello, Princess.”

“No.”

Steve started to turn to walk away when he felt Billy wrap his arms around his waist and pull him into the room. He kicked the door closed then walked him through the suite into the bedroom closing that door and pressing him back against it.

“Billy...this isn't…”

“How this usually goes? Oh, I know Sweetheart but things are going to be a little different this time.”

Billy moved back and walked over to the wardrobe pulling out a garment bag he turned back towards him.

“I got you a little surprise. Something for you to wear for me.”

“What's wrong with what I'm wearing now?”

Billy's face screwed up in that way that Steve was all too familiar with and he felt himself tense.

“I like things a little more traditional.”

“Traditional?”

“Yeah I got you a lovely traditional dress and I want you to put it on for me.”

Steve hadn't seen a traditional dress in decades and had never even dreamed of ever wearing one. He reflexively shook his head, the older Alphas had never had a problem with what he wore.

Billy threw the bag onto the bed and reached Steve in a few strides. He pressed him back up against the door, pressing his nose against his throat, his fingers wrapping around his hips. Steve let out a shaky breath as Billy settled fully on top of him. His fingers dug into his hips making his breath catch as he felt his hot breath on his throat as Billy leaned in close to him.

“I'm paying a lot of money for this experience Princess, you came so highly recommended it would be a shame if your rating dropped because you became difficult…”

Steve swallowed thickly. Your reputation within this business was everything, especially amongst his preferred clientele. Older experienced Alphas preferred meek obedient Omegas who could almost read their minds. Obedience was highly sought after and they never wanted anything else from you, their praise was glowing and sincere. They were also very generous.

Steve had heard some horror stories involving younger Alphas who hadn't learned how to control their aggressive tendencies yet. He looked up at Billy with wide eyes, he bit down softly on his bottom lip. Billy became transfixed on this mouth so he pulled his lip free licking over it gently with his tongue.

“Billy please be reasonable, I can change outfits if you'd like. I have a variety if you want a nice casual night in or even if we need to go to a fancy dinner…”

Billy's mouth hardened into a straight line.

“Is that what you do with them?”

He squeezed his hips hard causing Steve to whimper, how long had it been since he'd let anyone touch him properly? Off the clock and with a hint of hurt? He let out a shaky breath.

“Do you dress up in your little sweater and trousers for casual nights, a fancy little suit when they want to parade you about town as if you belonged to them…”

He pulled away to walk over and grab the clothing, brought it back and pushed it against Steve's chest. He reflexively placed his hand on top of it. It was cool to the touch, soft cotton. He looked down at it, soft pastel pink like something he imagined his mom probably wore when she was a young single Omega in the 60s. He hadn't seen anyone wear anything like this except in films from twenty or thirty years ago. He looked back at Billy, caught in the intensity in his eyes. He walked past him in a daze towards the hotel bathroom, closing and locking the door behind him. He hung the clothing on the back of the door and walked over to the sink. He turned on the cold water and leaned forward cupping his hands to capture it then splashing it on his heated skin.

Could he do this? Whatever this was. He should have asked Margaret more questions. Hawkins felt like it was so long ago but maybe to Billy it wasn't. Maybe he just wanted to humiliate him one last time before he went on with his hugely successful life, secure in the knowledge that he'd won. The only thing keeping him here was the money because that amount meant he didn't have to do this anymore. He could finally go and find someone who'd want to praise him just because they wanted to. There'd be nothing between them, no contracts, no rules, just whatever they wanted to be. He could finally build something real with someone.

There was a small nagging voice in the back of his mind that whispered harshly about a second reason. About how much he craved someone's touch. He wanted someone who knew what they wanted and wasn’t afraid to go after it. He stroked his cold damp hand over his hip, pressing down slightly on where Billy's fingers had been digging into him. His breath caught as he felt the little echo of pressure, just the right side of pain. How strong his fingers were. The fire in his eyes.

He had to take a shuddering breath, this was such a bad idea. He walked over to the clothes and pulled the short pastel pink Omega dress off the hanger. It had a boat neck and a flared skirt and he knew it would skim the middle of his thighs if he was lucky. He noticed on the hanger there was a small bag still attached. He pulled it open, his face flushing hotly at the contents inside. A pale pink garter belt, light peach silk stockings and a pair of panties that matched the fabric of the dress.

With shaking fingers he started to pull off his sweater, folding it carefully and placing it by the sink. Next, he pulled off his trousers, socks and underwear, placing them by his sweater. He stood for a moment wondering if he should put on the dress first or the underwear. He finally decided he'd try the panties first, if he couldn't wear them he couldn't wear any of them. He stepped into them and pulled them up his legs, up past his thighs and into place. Everything felt quite restrictive, the fabric was soft against his skin. He looked down, his face heating further as he saw just how form-fitting they were. He turned towards the mirror so that he could see the back, blushing so hard he thought he was going to pass out at how much they hugged his ass.

He walked over to collect the garter belt, he hadn't seen one of these in ages since another Omega he met in his early days of being in New York had worn one on a date. He remembered running his fingers over the suspenders and that the back was fastened like a bra. He struggled to do it up until he fastened it at the front and then with great difficulty twisted it around until it was the right way. He bit his lip at how it felt across his hips, tight-fitting like someone was squeezing him slightly. He ran his fingers down over the suspenders then sat down on the edge of the bath to pull on the stockings. Once they were in place he stood back up relishing in the strain he could feel in the suspenders as they held the stockings in place. He stroked over his bare thigh a soft moan escaping his lips.

He quickly pulled the dress over his head, fastening the zip at the back. He'd been right; it only came to the mid-thigh when he moved he could see the tops of his stockings. The soft peach was a little warmer than his pale skin accentuating the beauty marks that could be seen through the sheer fabric.

He took several deep breaths and then walked back into the main suite. Billy was sitting by his desk looking at some papers. His eyes somehow burned even hotter as he took Steve in and he beckoned him closer while licking over his teeth.

“You look beautiful, Princess. I want you to always wear a traditional dress around me.”

Steve couldn't help the little flutter he felt in his stomach at the way Billy's eyes couldn't stop roaming over him, how his praise sat heavy and sweet upon his skin like honey.

“You expect me to walk around New York dressed like this?”

Billy's eyes locked with his own, the fire was so hot he could feel the heat upon his skin.

“No Sweetheart, only here. Only I can see you like this.”

He walked over to Billy who spread his thighs and Steve sat down. He was used to sitting on his client's lap. Many Alphas liked it because you were close to them. Usually, they stroked his hair and discreetly scented him while they worked. Now and then they would lean over and whisper a little praise in his ear. It felt different this time as he felt so exposed, he could feel the cool air in the suite on his thighs. Billy's thighs felt so hot and solid beneath his flimsy underwear.

Billy wrapped an arm around his waist and pulled him more securely against him. The little flared skirt bunched up around his waist causing him to squirm as he tried to fix it he only stopped when Billy placed his hot hand on his thigh.

“B...B-Billy...this isn't going to work…”

He shivered when he felt his breath on his throat, Billy's lips brushing against his skin.

“You're doing so good Sweetheart...I'm so proud of you for trying it out for me…”

Steve whimpered as the praise washed over him and he felt Billy's fingers tighten on his stomach.

“What do you need me to do?”

Billy groaned before his tongue darted out and licked a long stripe up Steve’s neck before his teeth closed around his ear. He bit down on it hard before he soothed it with his tongue and Steve squirmed at the little jolt of pain. One of Billy's hands slid from his middle down onto his thigh, his fingers hot like a brand as they dug into his sensitive flesh. Steve writhed back against him until he accidentally brushed himself back over Billy's hard cock. He gasped and Billy seized the opportunity to capture his lips in a desperate kiss.

Steve felt so overwhelmed this was not how he was expecting this afternoon to go. He knew he should pull back and remind Billy of their contract but he couldn't think straight. He felt Billy's fingers in the back of his hair, twisting the strands around his fingers before he pulled his head back. Steve whined as Billy kissed his way back down his throat.

“Such a good Omega, so good for me…”

Billy's hands ran back over his body before they wrapped back around his hips pulling him off Billy's lap and laying him face down on the desk. Steve tried to catch his breath when he felt Billy push the skirt up, his hand hot through the panties. Billy's fingers slipping under the edge of them made Steve shiver.

“Billy…”

Billy growled before Steve felt some pressure and then the sound of tearing as the panties fell away from him. The cool air on his heated skin made him squirm as he realised that he was wet. He heard Billy take a shuddering breath before he felt his fingers dig painfully into his thighs pulling them apart and making Steve whimper when he felt how exposed he was. Billy's fingers danced over his skin before he felt one pressing against his wet hole. Steve bit his lip, he hadn't been this desperate in so long and no one had ever touched him like this. Billy seemed to know exactly what he wanted and Steve couldn't help getting caught up in the sensations.

Billy pushed his finger inside and Steve whined at how good it felt as his body fluttered around it. His finger was so warm and thick, it filled him in a way that made his breath catch and his thighs shake.

“It doesn't take much for you to get wet does it, Princess?”

Steve wanted to slap the smug right out of his voice but the little hint of awe he could feel in there was making his head spin.

“So tight...did all those pathetic Alphas just set you on their lap and tell you what a good little Omega you were…”

“Y-yeah they understood how to read a contract…”

Billy leaned forward his woollen trousers brushing against the backs of Steve's thighs as he chuckled in his ear.

“Oh I'm quite adept at reading contracts, I just wanted to negotiate the terms of yours as I never agreed to them…”

A little shock shot through him.

“The a-agency…”

Billy slowly pressed in another finger making Steve pant as his body struggled to take both fingers at once.

“I showed them the amount I was willing to pay and they waived the contract. So we're in negotiations right now Princess...so far I think they're going very well…”

“I...I don't believe you.”

Billy pushed a little harder

“You don't believe me, well I can get Margaret on the phone right now.”

Steve felt cold when he heard dialling then a sweet voice, the young receptionist that he saw every six months when he called into the office. A young blonde Beta called Lisa, Steve could see her warm smile in his mind.

“Hello BARE, this is Lisa speaking. How may I help you?”

“Hello, this is Mr Hargrove, can I talk to Margaret?”

“One moment Mr Hargrove, I'll see if she's available at the moment.”

“Billy, hang up right now.”

Billy pressed in further and Steve's entire body seized up as he brushed against something that made his head fog with pleasure. Billy licked over his throat, smiling against his skin.

“Is that it? Princess right there…”

Steve writhed as he pressed against it.

“Don't get disobedient on me now sweetheart, you wouldn’t want me to tell Margaret you were being a bad Omega would you?”

Lisa’s sweet voice echoed from the speaker.

“Putting you through now Mr Hargrove.”

Margaret’s voice came from the speaker, she sounded different to how she usually did to Steve, less severe and more friendly.

“Billy, I hope everything is well.”

“Yes Margaret I have Steve here and I just wanted you to relay to him the contract negotiations.”

Billy pressed in and Steve bit down hard on his lip to stifle his moan.

“Steve? I'm sorry we didn't get to discuss this beforehand but Mr Hargrove is paying a lot of money for your time and knowing your circumstances I thought you would be grateful…”

Steve felt so frustrated as he realised that the agency that he had been with for the past several years that was supposed to take a percentage of his fee so that his interests were looked after had just sold him out. He was so angry, just because Billy came along with an amount of money they couldn't refuse. Billy seemed to realise that he wasn’t paying attention anymore so he pressed up against the spot inside making Steve whine.

Margaret’s voice faltered for a moment, humiliation burned through him but it didn’t dampen his pleasure. Billy leaned over and hung up the phone before he leaned back in to kiss across his throat as he continued to drive him mad with his fingers. Steve writhed under him as he felt his body clamp down hard on his fingers, his thighs shaking as Billy cooed softly in his ear before he sunk his teeth into his throat and Steve gave fully into his pleasure.

“Good boy.”

He shivered at Billy’s words as he slowly pulled his fingers free and stroked them over his skin, spreading his slick over his trembling thighs. He tried to calm himself down, he knew as soon as he was free he going to demand his money and quit the agency.

All thought left his mind when he felt Billy's fingers pulling him open, the cool air letting him feel how wet and loose Billy had made him. Billy pressed his fingers back inside and Steve whined at the stretch. He heard Billy fumbling with his clothing and then groaning as he heard the slick sound of flesh on flesh behind him before Billy’s hard cock was pressed up against him. He shivered as Billy replaced his fingers with his cock and started a slow maddening rhythm. He felt like he couldn't breathe as he was filled before choking on air when Billy’s cock pressed up against his prostate. He could feel Billy’s fingers digging into his hips so hard they ached as he snapped his hips forward.

“You're such a good little Omega...my perfect good little Omega...so tight for me...so good Princess...all mine...so good…”

Steve squirmed at the pleasure that was making his mind go blank when he felt Billy’s knot forming and he subconsciously spread his legs wider. When he started to push it inside Steve felt pleasure molten in his lower stomach as Billy leaned down to suck on the sensitive skin of his throat.

“That's it...such a good Omega...you're taking it all so well…”

He cried out as his body fluttered desperately around him as it tried to take the knot. He felt Billy’s hands pressing his hips down causing his back to arch as it finally slid inside locking them together. Steve’s body clamped down hard as pleasure coursed through him and he came with colours flashing behind his eyes.

Billy placed a lingering kiss on the back of his neck before he wrapped his hands around his hips and pulled Steve up onto his chest. He turned him around and then walked them over to Billy's office chair. He sat down and pulled Steve back onto his lap so that he was straddling him then captured his lips in a ravenous kiss. His mind faded away as Billy placed stinging kisses across his throat and whispered heated praise into his skin. He shivered feeling Billy throbbing inside him as his stomach became swollen. There was a part of him who wanted this afternoon to last. To relish this time when he got to fully embrace his status. He’d spent so much time fighting against it and learning a pale imitation that it felt so good to just let pleasure cloud his mind.

There was a secret thrill in knowing that he could drive an Alpha to these lengths. That someone like Billy was so desperate to have him that he'd orchestrated this whole thing and probably paid Margaret an extortionate amount of money. He thought about the sweet older Alphas with Peter’s words echoing in his mind.

‘...once you find the right Omega, your Omega everything just clicks into place and you can’t even think about anyone else.’

He tried to shake it from his mind. He knew it was just the old romantic in him desperate for someone who wanted him. Just him.

Billy’s arms wrapped tightly around him pulling him more securely onto his chest. Steve shivered at the feeling of Billy’s stubble rubbing against the side of his throat as he scent-marked him.

“Mine…”

He surprised himself with how much he wanted that to be true. He placed his hand on top of Billy’s hand. He was surprised when he intertwined their fingers. He leaned fully back. His mind felt sluggish but he knew he was done with the agency. It was time he figured out what he wanted. A small voice told him there wasn't anything to figure out. He squeezed Billy’s hand and received a soft kiss in return.

[serenofroses]

Ania x Darth Jadus: [13/?] sw:tor Nevrakis legacy.

[sweet7simple]

rodimus obtains a beautiful rare crystal from a dangerous cave as a present for drift, and gets himself all banged up in the process. ratchet is torn between scolding roddy's recklessness and appreciating his devotion to their mate.

This is a fun one because Rodimus would absolutely do something like this.

It starts with an away mission to a planet which has organic life, but no one responds to the Lost Light's polite comm pings. There are signs of advanced technology, not a single satellite in the sky or sign of a spacecraft or energy readings that confirm any high output of electrical energy on the planet's surface. Whatever is down there probably isn't going to have an issue with them meandering around and having a look-see, right?

So Rodimus is on the away team with Brainstorm, Perceptor, Swerve and Velocity plus some others (Cyclonus, Whirl, and Tailgate are somewhere around here. Rodimus is sure they're safe. He's pretty sure they're safe. They better be safe). Rodimus has a comm line to Megatron, Minimus, and Drift on the bridge and he's feeding them video data so they can see what he's seeing.

Well, Brainstorm gets to this cave they want to explore, but the methane readings are off the charts.

"Let me put it this way," he says as he holds an analyzer in one servo and gestures with the other, "if you so much as snap your digits down there, this whole mountain region will stop existing and us probably with it."

And then he follows it up with, "So everyone be careful and stay with your buddy!" right before he tries to march jovially into the mouth of the cave.

Perceptor snags him back and holds him by one of his wings. "What he means is, this is a dangerous endeavor, moreso because of the probably of causing a chemical reaction that can destabilize this mountain region as well as trap us underground if we are not already destroyed by the heat and shock wave of the air blast. However, Brainstorm and I would like permission to take that risk upon ourselves. Our detectors are picking up readings of a highly conductive metal within this cave, which may be highly resourceful to us."

Rodimus gives Brainstorm a look.

Brainstorm points down into the cave. "There's copper down there. Copper is good for us. We want more copper. The medibay will be very happy with you if we bring back copper. Ratchet might even reward you if you let us bring back copper." He manages to pulse the lights of his optics in a suggestive manner.

Rodimus is suddenly very much onboard with this. "Yeah, sure, I'll go down into the cave. The rest of you can wait here."

Perceptor and Brainstorm and Swerve and Velocity all stare at him.

"Um," Velocity begins politely, and then stops.

Brainstorm takes Rodimus by the pauldrons. "How do I put this the nice way.... Out of everyone here, you're the one most likely to make the mountain go boom. I say that with Swerve standing right next to you."

"Hey! I'm the most qualified to go into that cave!" Swerve shakes his servo at the jet.

"Yeah, which is why Rodimus is the one most likely to make the whole place crash down for once," Brainstorm says.

"I'm also the one most likely to survive if the whole place crashes down," Rodimus points out. "The heat and air blast won't destroy me because of my outlier ability and I can just recharge if I get stuck and wait for all of you to dig me out."

"Uh, Roddy, sweetie, if a whole mountain drops down on top of you, it's going to take a really long time for us to dig you out," Brainstorm explains.

"He does have a point, however," Perceptor says, pinching his chin thoughtfully with his other arm folded over his chest plate.

This goes back and forth for awhile. Perceptor is actually on Rodimus's side that he should go down into the cave by himself, see if the readings they are getting are actually for copper, and bring back some samples. If it turns out to be copper, and a sizeable amount of it, they can send Rodimus back down for bigger samples.

Brainstorm is saying, "I can't believe I'm the one trying to do the smart thing, but Rodimus will absolutely walk in there, snap his fingers to see if the mountain really collapses on top of himself, and then be surprised when we turn out to be right."

"I will not do that," Rodimus promises. He had thought about it, but he's not that stupid. If scientists are telling him that the mountain will go boom, he's going to trust them. This time. Only because the last planet they were on, they told him to not walk so close to the edge of a cliff because the slope of it suggested it wasn't stable and he'd gone, blah blah blah, how can you know just from the slope? And then Cyclonus, Brainstorm, and Whirl had had to airlift him out of the river at the bottom of the cliff and no one, I repeat, no one will let him live it down.

He's not going to be the captain who blew up an entire mountain on top of that. He refuses. He's going to be careful. As careful as he can be. He is, at least, not going to snap his fingers to see if it ignites the methane and blows the whole place up.

Swerve is on Rodimus's side because, "Just in case you die down there, can you state now in front of these witnesses that I'll be co-captain in your place? Please? And, you know, don't die down there. But, if you do - "

Velocity isn't necessarily against him going, but she is against him going alone. "Just in case of injuries, I think I should go with you," she reasons.

"But what if we're injured if the mountain blows?" Swerve asks. "We're standing right here."

Rodimus plants his servos on his faulds. "Well, go stand somewhere else!"

So the rest of the team gets out of blast range (which is very far away) and they send out a broadcast telling the other teams to also get out of blast range and they warn the Lost Light above the planet's atmosphere about what's about to happen (they already know since they're tied into Rodimus's video feed and Rodimus has already turned off their comm feed so that they can stop harassing him about how this is a stupid idea and he's about to get himself killed and he better not do it, Rodimus, we're serious -).

Once everyone's a safe distance away, Rodimus goes down into the cave with Velocity and some data packets from Perceptor about what copper rock even looks like. They're actually quite colorful, he likes them.

Velocity is tip-toeing along like the very movement of her joints might set off the methane, so Rodimus makes a show of being very unbothered by everything. He's joking with Velocity, making her laugh, getting her to unwind a little bit as they go further down into the network of caves.

They're limited in where they can go since most of the caves are too small for them to fit through, but the major systems are very accommodating.

"Drones," Velocity groans, almost slapping her own forehelm before she pauses and puts her servo back down. "We could have sent drones down in our place. We were so busy arguing with you that we forgot we didn't have to send anyone down here. And they would be able to fit through the smaller tunnels and chambers too."

Rodimus had actually thought of drones, but he wants to be able to take a hunk of this copper rock to Ratchet himself, dug out by his own servos, and have his mate berate him for his stupidity right before he gets rewarded for his gift.

"Well, if there's a lot of copper, we can just send the drones down next time instead of coming back ourselves," he offers.

They eventually find some colorful rocks in a side of a cave. Rodimus digs his digits in and scoops it out. The cave wall is softer than he expected.

Velocity is also very carefully digging out only as much copper rock as she can carry. Rodimus's optic catches on the glint of something next to her.

"Hey, what's that?"

She turns her helm to look at what he's pointing at. "Oh, it appears to be some kind of... gem, I guess. I'm sorry, my geology is poor. I'm sure it would be very pretty if it was polished, though."

As it is, it's some kind of milky green where it just breaches the wall, dull and without much shine to it.

Rodimus opens his comm to Drift (and Drift alone) to show him his video feed. "Hey, sweetspark, what am I looking at?"

Drift gasps through the comm line. Rodimus's interest is instantly perked. "That's emerald! I have only ever seen emeralds on Earth. They're beautiful once they've been tumbled and polished, and their energies are so pure. They can channel emotions such as love and improve the health of your spark." And then he gasps again. "Roddy, turn to your right. There is something... Yes, a little more. There. Primus, that's a rare form of chrysoberyl. It also resonates with the spark and promotes feelings of love. And it's so rare. On earth, they called it alexandrite and it was still in short supply." His voice is ringing with longing.

Rodimus is determined now. "Anything for you, sweetspark."

"No, Roddy, you're there for the copper."

"And I've got the copper. No worries. Like I was telling Velocity, we'll just send some drones down for more once we get back to the surface."

"Then the drones can pick up the crystals, it's okay."

But it isn't. Rodimus is going to be the best mate ever. He's going to give Ratchet his copper rocks and he's going to give Drift his crystals because they deserve it and because it will mean more from him than some drone that can't even recognize how gorgeous and awesome his mates are.

Velocity has stopped mining the copper rock and is watching him closely. "Be careful, Rodimus. Be very careful. If you scrape your digits across those crystals..."

"Don't worry, I got this." He pauses. "But, just in case, you should start up without me. I'll meet you up there." He turns off his comm feed where Drift has started yelling at him, echoed by other voices on the bridge.

"I'll stay," Velocity says, scared but brave. Brave because she's scared and still will not leave him.

He respects her. "Okay. Just give me a klik and we can head back up."

For him, it doesn't take long to dig around some crystals and put them directly in his subspace (he's going to have to hose it down, he realizes with a grimace. There's dirt and sediment everywhere now). With Velocity watching with the widest optics, posed as if ready to start running, it make the process feel eons longer.

But he gets the crystals and nothing combusts and they have the copper rocks. They leave the cave and the air quality is almost instantly different without the methane cloud setting off their sensors.

It's all very anticlimactic for Rodimus, but everyone else is acting like he just barely managed to escape the certain grasp of death.

The moment he and Velocity are out of blast range, Perceptor and Brainstorm send down some drones to get more samples and Rodimus and Velocity take one of the shuttles up to the ship.

The mecha waiting for Rodimus are Not Happy. Megatron has that look on his face that says, "I've eaten Cybertronians before out of desperation, but I'm willing to bite you in half out of sheer frustration." Minimus tells him how many rules he broke by the order they were broken in.

Drift has that closed off look on his face that says he's more upset than he is angry and he doesn't want to show it. Ratchet just looks thunderous as he yanks Rodimus in that direction and another, checking him over even though the only thing wrong is that his servos are dirty. Velocity doesn't point out that she already checked Rodimus over because this is just a Ratchet thing, not a medic thing. Ratchet needs to know for sure that Rodimus is safe.

It's not the easiest checkup he's had since he's holding copper rocks in the curve of one arm and refuses to let them go for anything. Not until Ratchet is done with him and he is able to, with a sunny grin, hand over the copper.

Ratchet looks incredibly sour as he takes the dirty rocks in his servos. "I can't even do anything with these, you fool! Swerve has to draw the wire from these! And you left Swerve on the planet. Now my servos are just dirty."

That was not how it was explained to Rodimus and now he's kind of angry that, at no point, did Swerve mention this.

"Yeah, but this is your copper," he stresses. "You can do whatever you want with it."

Ratchet is clearly tired of his slag. "Sure, Rodimus." He ex-vents. "Thank you for risking your life for some rocks a drone could have brought me without endangering the life of my mate."

"You're welcome!" Rodimus says, choosing to ignore everything that came after the thank you. If he thinks about it too hard, it might ruin his mood.

At least it makes Ratchet huff with humor. Ratchet wraps one of his dirty servos around the back of Rodimus's helm and pulls him down into a kiss. "You're an idiot, but at least you're my idiot."

Drift steps up to them and puts a servo gently against Rodimus's chest shield. "You didn't just risk your life down there to impress Ratty," he says knowingly. "I'm upset with you, but I am so, so thankful as well. Never risk your life like that again. You are worth so much more than copper and crystals. But, thank you."

Rodimus opens up his subspace, grimaces as he feels how dirty everything is, and pulls out the clumps of crystals. "If it makes my mates happy, I'd do a lot more than just walk through a cave and pick up some rocks." He gets another grateful kiss.

Rodimus's spoiler shakes from how high he's holding it. He's beaming with joy as Ratchet grimaces down at his filthy gift, a calculative look in his optics as he's already thinking about what to do with the copper that will get drawn from it, and as Drift gives his own crystals a much softer, much happier look.

Their happiness means so much to him.

[eloquent-edits]

🗡️ “That time of the month again?”

because we all know that periods suck and characters are not immune to the horrors 🗡️ prompt list of comforting actions

Character A is bedridden from the cramps and Character B becomes their living heating pad (cuddles with arms wrapped around the waist >>>>)

B buys A their favorite chocolates a couple days before their period starts and keeps beverages with electrolytes on hand

A takes a day off to rest, bingewatch some episodes of a good show, and care for themselves (maybe do some yoga, and by yoga I mean curl up in the fetal position for a couple hours)

B thinks that making a nice bath for A will help and prepares everything for when A gets home (A laughs and explains why that’s not a great idea)

Searching for Shark Week’s episodes online to deal with shark week in person, but getting distracted by cute animal shows

B can’t be there for A in person so they send A $30 to cover extra snacks and/or medicine

Instead of getting emotional over posts online, A digs out an old book series and gets emotional over that (they are reliving their childhood, they swear it’s cathartic THEY SWEAR)

A can’t sleep with the back pain so B gives them a light back massage with several check-ins to make sure the noises are in relief and not pain

B keeps the lights dim and and TV volume low as A battles a headache

All meals are made with ahead of time and cravings humored (“You can’t just eat straight salt.” “I know that, which is why I’m putting all of it on this.”)

A asks for B to get more pads/tampons at the store, B calls and sends many pictures as they try to figure out what will work best for A

B quietly scrubs out any bloodstains from A’s clothes as they do laundry (and they’re really efficient at it, why are they so good at getting blood out of clothing—)

A snuggling up with their pet who knows the exact spot to be in for maximum comfy (B thinks it’s adorable and takes a picture to show A later)

“I’m sorry if I’m not really conversational right now…” “Dude you’re on your period and barely slept last night, you’re good. We don’t have to talk, we can just chill.”

B brings home a machine for homemade ice-cream and all the ingredients needed for A’s favorite flavor (they spend the evening making it and declare a “dessert before dinner” day for when periods strike)

[atlaswritespoetry]

The words I love you sound foreign from your mouth

But your actions speak them so clearly

I don't need to hear them to know

But when you speak them it is so much sweeter

Because I know you fear I don't know when you can't show it

I love you and I see that you love me too

[deathbind]

I think in Act One Serot has had his bond with Refhremmit pinged by the tadpole situation, and they're trying to reach out. Serot's memories start coming back, though they're difficult to parse. The problem is probably that the memories from multiple lifetimes are trying to resurface / getting all jumbled together. I think this results in once or twice a memory coming back in full and slamming him so hard that he accidentally tadpole connects with whoever's nearby and drags them into it. Presumably this can be resisted by passing a wisdom check.

Encountering the sussur blooms in the Underdark really knocks him on his ass. He suddenly gets slammed back into his lifetime as Neheb. He needs the rest of the journey through the Underdark to sit with everything, but by the end, his lifetime as Serot has also come back into clarity. His bond with Refhremmit gets tuned up, too. Now they can communicate clearly. Well, the distance probably poses a problem, but [hand waves]

Act Two I think is very difficult for him. It's not just contending with his memories resurfacing or learning Meresankh wasn't destroyed almost 2,000 years ago or that the shadow-cursed lands were tailor made to piss him off. I think, because the Negative Energy Plane went into creating the Shadowfell and he draws on / is especially attuned to that plane, he is thus doubly susceptible to the shadow-curse. Selune's Blessing + the Moonlantern do work for him, but he is looking physically ill the longer they stay there. His HP actually drops over time and can't be healed until the curse is lifted. He begins to look dead / undead over time as well. I think we're looking at constant migraines and increasing lethargy as well. Again, this heals up when the curse is lifted and they have time away from the shadow-cursed lands on the way to Baldur's Gate, but it's not a fun time while they're there.

On the plus side, he found a lead on an agent of Meresankh: Mystic Carrion. Balthazar was probably in communication with him, idk. I think . . . Carrion has some important relic of Meresankh's. Serot can consume it, which strengthens his bond to them. He can destroy it, which dampens their bond (and consequently his bond with Refhremmit; the two began to twine together after Neheb's death). Or he can simply take it, which will allow him to research how to dissolve the bond.

[bothsidesofaquestion]

📱: Sender calls Receiver to check up on them. She isn't sure why she hadn't been picked to go out on the mission; her skills are sharp and incredibly useful both as a nurse practitioner with a degree she earned herself, and with the ability to heal someone even on the brink of death. But maybe the worst of it is not knowing if the team, and particularly Kurt, are managing themselves. If they're hurt or... She doesn't want to think about the rest of that. Her call goes straight to voicemail. "Hi. Uhm. Is me, Beth. Normally nevah would try an' boddah you wen ya stay so busy but it's been t'ree days an' no word if you're alright. Jus' wan check in. See if ya okay. Uhm. I guess eiddah call me back or I'll see you wen you come back."

random acts of service prompts | accepting

[::text::] beth this is kurt [::text::] thanks for calling i couldnt check my voicemail before [::text::] things were complicated [::text::] im not even in new york atm

**messages sent from an unknown number**

His phone didn't work anymore, he was able to hear the last message after a final attempt to make it work. He wa able to borrow a temporary device but he couldn't rescue the sim card.

They're not precisely hiding but they have picked an unknown location to rest and regroup, to figure out what would be the next move and, after that much needed break Kurt was finally able to send Beth a message...

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