#shes looks part mantis sometimes

[ultrapeptoposting]

This isn't ffxiv related but a friend brought up Tyria steakhouse. So here we are.

[obbystars]

Hello! I was amaze by your sabastian x reader fic especially "it's you!" in the flash back part where sebastian where still alive and talking with reader abt going on an aquarium date soooo I want to request the part where they actually having a date at the aquarium they were talking about? That would would be so cute if you ask me!thank u! c:

(You know what they say. All toasters toast toast!)

(AQUARIUM DATE AQUARIUM DATE AQUARIUM DATE AQUARIUM- sorry. ANYWAY TOTALLYYYY I have been thinking about it lately tbh and I guess this request is kinda a push and my brain is like “OKAY LETS GO IT!” I’m glad you’re liking the fics I’ve been making! I hope you all know I giggle like a maniac whenever you guys say you like them, makes me so happy :)))

Notes: Sebastian Solace x GN!Reader / AQUARIUM DATEEEEE i’ll stop / takes place before the events of Pressure / FLUFFFFFFF / Connected to both It’s You! and Drown in the Deep, can be read as a standalone / Reader and Sebastian are both still in college / Angst because I couldn’t resist / Fairly short, sorry :(

“You are so lucky my sister let us borrow her car,”

You lightly batted his arm with a laugh, “You say that like it’s a bad thing,”

“Because she’ll kill me if this thing even gets a small scratch!”

“Mmhmm, and who was the one who offered to drive us there?”

Sebastian gives you a quick glance, but you still noticed the look he gave, “She wouldn’t even be mad at you if you were driving. She adores you for some reason,”

Your eyes widened, “…wait, really?”

“Yeah, last time we spoke, she would not stop asking me about you and when you two can meet up to talk more,”

Well, you made one hell of a first impression. You’re glad she does at least like you and is looking forward to meeting with you again. You feel kind of flattered and relieved.

“So,” you turn to him, “Why can’t I drive?”

“Because I don’t trust you behind the wheel,”

You stifled a laugh as you turned your attention towards the window. You decided to change the subject.

“You know, I’d love to meet your family again. Classes are a pain though. Maybe when we head back, I could stay for dinner? I don’t have that much work piled up on me right now,”

Though faint, you can see him smiling, “I know my sister will be overjoyed to see you. I think my mom likes you too, she never gave me a clear answer on it though,”

Your face drops slightly. Now the pressure’s on. You didn’t exactly talk to his mom last time you were there besides the introduction part of it. As for his brother, you didn’t get a chance to talk to him which made you assume he was shy. You do remember spotting him and his sister eavesdropping on you and Sebastian. He also caught them and wasn’t very happy about it.

When you two finally arrived and were allowed to go in, Sebastian practically had to hold you so you wouldn’t run off due to being so excited. Sometimes he’d keep you in place, other times he’d let you drag him. When looking at the brochure, you were especially excited about the fish that often liked the dark. He still doesn’t see why, but you’re having fun and he’s been enjoying the time here.

“Oh! Sebastian, look!” You exclaimed, “A mantis shrimp!”

The mantis shrimp was just hiding in its little cave.

“It’s a freaky looking thing,” he laughed.

“It is. I heard that they’re capable of tuning the sensitivity of their vision to adapt to their environment. Isn’t that so cool?”

“What I would give to have something like that…”

“I know!” You smiled, “I kinda wish they had anglerfish though. I heard they’re just generally hard to manage, so you never see them in aquariums,”

Sebastian stands up straight and looks at you, “Aren’t those the fish with the light on their head?”

“Yeah. Only the females have it, and it’s used to attract both prey and a mate. They’ve got a freaky way to reproduce, if you want to hear,”

You see him think about it for a minute.

“I’ll bite. How do they reproduce?”

It’s safe to say Sebastian will never ask a question like that again if the sentence prior was “They’ve got a freaky way to reproduce.” What he heard was not what he expected at all. It was parasitic and the image in his head definitely wasn’t pretty.

You continued to tell him fun little facts of a few of the fish you saw. He mostly only responded with a hum or an “oh yeah” but you still continued. He never stopped you as it looked like you were having a lot of fun.

When you got to the long tunnel with the fish swimming around, you both decided to rest there for a bit. It’s been a few hours anyway, plus it’ll be nice to just watch the fish swim by. There were turtles, stingrays, and many others some you could name while others were unfamiliar. There was even a few sea urchin sitting in one of the corners.

You were about to say something until you turned to Sebastian and took a good look at his expression. You smiled and said nothing as you leaned your back against the glass, following where his gaze was. You wonder if this is what he saw in his dream on the night you two discussed on coming here. Drifting in the water as the fish swam around you, you wonder if he felt cold. He said he didn’t feel like he was drowning, so maybe he actually felt warm.

But when you asked if it was a nightmare, he alluded to it. You wonder what he saw… Or maybe he didn’t see anything. Maybe that’s why it was a nightmare, or at least close to it. The dark abyss is a terrifying place as not a lot is known due to the water pressure and the lack of light. Fear of the unknown, so to say.

Your smile faded slightly. You turn to him and lightly give him a shoulder bump.

“Hey, you having fun?”

He continued to stare up at the fish for a moment before turning to you, “If I wasn’t, you’d know. Why? Are you not having fun?” He teased.

“No, I was just making sure,” you laughed.

“To be honest, it gets a bit interesting when you start to nerd out about some of the fish here,” he then smiles, “But I didn’t think you were THAT much of a nerd,”

“Aha-! Yeah, I may or may have not been watching a lot of videos about fish…”

“You were that excited about this, huh? Were you also trying to impress me?”

“No! Not at all!” You paused, “M-Maybe a little..”

Sebastian laughed when you admitted it, then stands up, “We should keep moving. Aren’t the sharks just up ahead?”

“Oh yeah,” you take out the brochure, “It looks like we’re almost done too. We haven’t had lunch yet either. You hungry?”

“A little. Didn’t we pass the food court already?”

“We did… How about we go back and grab something then?”

“As long as you’re paying,”

“Ugh! Fine,”

Sebastian grabbed your hand and pulled you up to your feet. He didn’t let go as you two walked down the hall. You perked up and decided to throw another factoid at him.

“Hey, did you know you can really just redirect a shark by just setting your hand on their nose and gently pushing them the other way?”

He looks at you, not exactly believing you, “It can’t be THAT easy,”

“I’m serious! It is that easy! Maybe it’ll be harder when it’s a great white shark though,”

“Obviously, those things are massive,”

You continued to talk about sharks with him until you two made it back to the food court. Sebastian ended up paying for your food as long as you paid for his.

Sebastian stares out into the dark abyss beyond the glass. It was usually empty, but sometimes the many-eyed shark was there. And sometimes she’d notice him. He wondered if she recognized him as the one who freed her. He wondered why she stayed when freedom was right there for her. Revenge, perhaps? That he can understand. What he was doing was for the same reason.

Just then, he sees a familiar green glow of the shark passing by. She was close enough to notice him, and for a second, she did look at him. She never really stayed around, nor has he ever heard her speak in his head. He remembers how you spoke of sharks all those years ago. He wondered if you’d think she was a beautiful shark despite what they’ve done to her.

Unexpectedly, she lingers around for a while. He doesn’t pay her any mind as she swims back and forth, occasionally looking at him. He continues to just stare out the window, looking at nothing in particular.

How would you react to him? Would you even recognize him? Remember his voice? Ten years is a long time, after all. Though, he doubts there is even the smallest chance you two could meet, let alone in this facility. He hoped not.

It’s quiet.

He never thought he’d hate silence. It was almost never quiet when you were with him. You always had something to tell him, no matter how small it may have been, and he’d always listen. Even when you don’t think he’s listening, he was. No matter how long you went on and on about something, he was always listening.

Even if he were to be freed from this place, what then? What home does he have to return to?

[bellalaufeyson69]

Peter Quill x Reader

Enemies to lovers (sort of)

Breakfast

(Spoiler if reading this next sentence! Takes place after GOTG and before GOTG3. Gamora is with the Ravagers and is no longer with Peter in any way. Also meaning that as confirmed by James Gunn, we the reader can understand what Groot says because we’ve been with him so long 🥹)

Description: Quill and Yn hardly ever get along and it’s gotten on everyone’s nerves. Nebula comes up with a solution to the problem by making them spend time together in hopes of working out the differences.

Wc ♡ 3.5k

Masterlist ♡

————

Rays of sunlight burst through the wide front windows of the Milano as the team sat around the table waiting for Groot to finish the breakfast. We all took a straw from a hat daily to see who had the duty, though when any one of us pulled the straw and saw it said groot, we’d discretely pretended it said someone else’s name. It wasn’t that we didn’t trust him to be a good cook, it was just that he can get a little… distracted.

“What day is it today?” The tree pondered, looking over to Mantis awaiting an answer all the while completely unaware that a twig from his arm has now caught fire from the stove.

I was quick to catch this and jumped from my spot to put it out, though as I ran to help him I came crashing into a tall, decently sweaty Peter. “Common Quill!” I hissed before turning back to Groot only to be halted by his annoying voice.

“Oh like that was my fault,” he complained throwing his hands in the air and looking to the team for reassurance yet getting none as they tended to zone Peter and I’s arguments out.

“Maybe if you payed any attention to anything you ever do!” I snapped turning back to face him feeling a rise of irritation come over me causing me to completely forget why I’d even got up in the first place. “Also, you’re disgusting. We have showers for a reason, you literally soaked my arm in your nasty sweat,” I made a disturbed expression whilst wiping the warm wet liquid onto my pants.

He scoffed with an eye roll while taking a glance at the ceiling. “Im sorry if I get a little sweaty when I work out, it’s natural, and I was going to take a shower, not that it’s any of your business; after we ate breakfast.”

“How convenient, so we can all join together and eat while inhaling your B.O.”

“Oh would you two please just shut up! I’m sick of all the incessant bickering you make me want to rip my ears off,” Nebula intruded from beside Groot. She and Rocket had been busy helping Groot put out the small flame that Peter and I had long forgotten about. “You’ve been irritating because Gamora’s gone, and you’ve been a living-breathing brat ever since you failed the last mission,” she called out our behavior almost in a motherly way. She’s been weirdly diplomatic when dealing with us instead of just telling us to go yell at each other somewhere else.

With a huff I went back to my seat and sank in the chair feeling a tinge of embarrassment overwhelm me at the memory of that last mission. I had never failed before, and this time put everyone at danger because I couldn’t control my emotions and attacked a guard too soon. I got a lecture about it from pretty much everyone except Mantis and Groot. That experience definitely hurt my pride quite a lot, so sometimes I might have a little extra sass to try and build it back up. “At least mines a real reason to be acting like a jerk,” Peter mumbled while sitting down in the seat farthest from me.

I snickered to myself at his comment. Sometimes he can be a real idiot. “You realize you called yourself a jerk too right? Nice one Einstein.” I clapped back not willing to let him win this argument, or really any in the future. Peter Quill just always has to be the leader, the cool guy, always right. Not when it comes to me.

“That’s it!” Nebula shouted in pure aggravation. She stomped over to the both of us and grabbed one of our arms with a decent strength considering she’s part bot. “You two are on breakfast duty, and if I hear you argue once while doing it then you’re both gonna be stuck cleaning the engine for two months,” she snapped, shoving us both toward the fridge. We often all had chores to do but we made it fun by having a spin wheel to see who has to do what. Cleaning the engine was always the worst one, but what made it easier was knowing you only had to do it once and then you could spin the wheel next chore week.

“Who said you were in charge? I think you’re forgetting this is MY ship,” Peter defended while crossing his arms.

“Yeah,” I added confidently. Who the heck is Nebula to tell us what to do.

“Nah I agree with that. You two are the most annoying a-holes I’ve ever had to share a space with. Mantis and Drax don’t even argue as much as you do,” Rocket chimed in matter of factly.

“It is true! I would much rather sit and listen to Mantis’s pathetic stories than hear you two fight anymore,” Drax said as he stood tall and serious.

Mantis glanced over to him with a bubbly smile. “Awhh thank you!”

“You are welcome idiot,” Drax replied with a pleasant smile. In his mind he was being respectful, and Mantis didn’t know any better.

Nebula turned her head back to us with an expression as of saying ‘that’s what I thought’. “So it’s settled. You two are gonna work this stupid stuff out, and if we hear so much as a bad tone, then you get stuck with Engine duty,”

We’d both surfaced a similar response between grumbles and eye rolls, yet had no choice but to accept our fate. Majority rules is how this ship functions, which was a feature I loved when it was in regard to someone else. Soon the rest of the group piled out, rocket on his way out mumbled on about how we’d better be quick. I gave a short glance to Peter which was a mistake as he’d so very annoyingly been standing there sifting through songs his Walkman and earbuds. Of course he’d tune me out, I wouldn’t be surprised if he just stood here the whole time too.

I started gathering some of ingredients and pans we’d need, already feeling angry at the fact that he hadn’t even attempted to move to help me. This was a clear indicator that my assumption of his laziness was likely going to be right. I semi aggressively dropped down the container of bacon onto the counter letting my current mood take the control of my motion. I grabbed the unused pan and placed it down and began putting strips of bacon on it. “You’re doing that wrong,” Peter softly mentioned. He seemed tired, I wasn’t sure if it was tired of the arguing or just in general but the tone definitely helped ease my anger a little bit.

With a huff I turned to look over at him and was surprised to find him standing so close, hovering just inches from my frame looking down at the pan, then making eye contact with me. His expression was blank, and calm which confused me. “I’m putting the strips out, how else am I supposed to do it?” I felt my brow still furrowed down in the looming frustration I felt before. We always fight, and one of us always takes it too far, those are times that make it hard to ever not be annoyed at the man’s presence.

He took an earbud out and let it hang by the cord before stepping closer until his body was pressed against my side. I stayed long enough to feel his warmth until I realize the normal thing to do would be to step out of his way, so that I did. Part of me wished he’d do it again, that he’d give me an excuse to accept his embrace. If I hate him so much why did that little ounce of intimacy feel so nice? A confusing mix of emotions. “You don’t put them all at once only do half so they cook more evenly,” he explained whilst taking off some of the already placed bacon. “Also put them folded like this so that- F*CK! AGH!” He’d instantly jumped back from the grizzling pan holding his hand in pain. “Stupid grease, ow!” He complained to the pan as if it were alive which made me laugh quite a lot. The whole scene was funny really.

I hadn’t noticed that through my laughing he’d been looking at me smiling ever so slightly, until I caught him, in which he looked back at the pan. “Are you alright there captain?” I amusingly teased his super strong title, while instinctively placing a caring hand on his shoulder with a soft rub. The moment I placed it I felt the mortified realization of my actions and ripped my hand back off. Too embarrassed to comment on it I’d redirected my focus to making eggs in the other pan hoping he wouldn’t mention it.

I cooked in silence for a little while until I felt as if I was being watched. Hesitantly I turned my gaze to Peter and surely enough was met with him staring right back at me. He looked to be deep in thought until I caught him when his lips curled into an arrogant grin. “Oh no no no, are you kidding me? You’re tellin’ me you can’t even cook eggs either? What can you do?” He provoked in amusement making me roll my eyes.

I waved my hands in the air in defeat. “Fine! You do it yourself then.” I stepped aside from the counter and began to walk away until I felt a warm hand take a light grip on my forearm and pull me backward. I stumbled back to my position in front of the pan where Peter was beside me holding my arm.

“Relax,” he soothed while slowly inching closer, it almost seemed like he was hoping his movements were slow enough for me not to notice. “You’re not gonna get any better with that attitude,” he continued, his hands slowly brushing my hips while I was too distracted listening to what he was saying. He moved cautiously almost trying to catch me in the distraction. “So much attitude all the time,”

I scoffed at his comment. “Attitude? I don’t have attitude, you’re the one who’s always moping around making little comments at everything.” his fingers now wrapped around my waist as he stood behind me, his breath tickling my shoulder.

“Let me show you,” he furthered, completely ignoring what I’d said and going on with his own point.

I’d attempted at pushing his hands off me. “No, I don’t need your help Peter,”

He stood there his grip strong as he looked down at me with a little ‘huh’. After the death glare I’d given he kindly explained the cause of the sound. “You called me Peter,” he pointed out with a grin.

I felt taken off guard at that comment and honestly a little flustered. I always made it a point to call him by his last name, I felt that first names were for people I respected. Why did that slip so easily? “I was just distracted…” I trailed avoiding his gaze and looking back to the pan. “Are we gonna cook the eggs or not?” I redirected the conversation away from the tension as I didn’t know how to react. My heart fluttered at his proximity but my mind reminds me of our dynamic. We’ve never got along let alone been close in this way.

He took my cue to move on and eagerly grabbed the spatula, handed it to me then paused and hesitantly slipped his hand on the back of my own. His other hand rested on my waist still as he guided the cooking. “It’s all about the wrist” he spoke softly.

I let out a breathe as I stood stiffly. I wasn’t sure what to do with this but I didn’t hate it. In fact it was quite the opposite. “This isn’t going to help you get over Gamora,” I bluntly stated without really thinking about it. I didn’t intend on being rude and my tone pushed that. Truth is that must’ve been an insecurity festered up. He’s a flirt and I can’t be his distraction.

He was silent for a moment but his position didn’t budge. “Why are you always so quick to push me away?” He quietly asked sincerely. He seemed hurt which was the last thing I expected from him. Was I reading our dynamic wrong? I couldn’t have been I mean we fight constantly.

“I don’t-“

“Don’t.” He interrupted. “Be real with me, just this one time,” he took the spatula from my hand and placed it on the table before grabbing the hand back again and bringing it to my waist to hold there. “What can I do to fix you and me?”

I didn’t know how to respond to that whatsoever because I didn’t know what that meant. You and me. As in no more arguing? As in becoming friends? As in something more? It doesn’t help that Peter is known for his flirting. “I-“ I sighed. “What do you mean?” I felt myself submitting to his touch as my body relaxed against his.

“Last weekend, we’re sitting on the couch. My arm was up around the top of it and if I moved it down just a little bit it would’ve literally been around your shoulder. Everything’s fine we’re all watching a movie, and I make a bad joke about your favorite character because I think it’s cute when you’re mad and you storm off cursing at me.” I couldn’t see the point he was pushing for but found myself blushing at the compliment. “Can’t you tell I do those things to get close to you? We don’t talk what so ever and the most I get from you is if I pull it out of you by making a dumb comment,” he explained his head now stooped closer to my shoulder, resting slightly against the side of my face and neck. “I know I can be childish, or a jerk but I don’t know what else to do when all I want to do is talk to you,”

“Oh really?” I perked up a little bit ready to make my point taking a step away from Peter. “What about the time we were here drinking and you made a comment about how I was ‘acting different to impress people’? How romantic,” I poked feeling his logic start to crumble.

He let out a huff. “You’re not remembering that the way I am and yeah I shouldn’t have said that but you spent the entire night all over that xandarian guy,” he expressed stepping forward to grab my hand and pull me back in. “You know how much I wanted to punch that dude straight in the jaw every time he touched you? Why should he get to kiss you?” He seemed to be getting offended just remembering the night, and honestly a little heated.

“Peter,” I softly tried to intercept.

“No, I’ve been here this entire time. For years it’s been me here with you, we go on missions, we’ve explored new planets, had ups and downs, and I have to sit there and watch some guy kiss you? Some guy who just came along that same day, put no effort into his relationship with you and got you,” he rambled on with pain in his eyes. I hadn’t seen him show that much emotion over someone since gamora. “It’s not fair,”

I felt horrible for not seeing this sooner. I couldn’t help but rethink everything but at the same time he definitely went about this in the wrong way to get my attention. He got it alright but it was never good. To me he was just constantly nitpicking me and all the things I liked and it drove me crazy. I guess that’s the fault in miscommunication. A lot of the stuff was pretty dumb to get genuinely mad at, often he’d just tease my favorite movies or comment on my fighting skills. Nonetheless in this moment I felt truly sad for him. “I didn’t know…” he was focused very intently on every word I said and I could just tell the anticipation anxiety was eating him up. In reality this was a confession of his feelings. “If I would’ve known…” I trialed off not wanting to press further as I’ve never been very good at expressing my feelings.

“If you would’ve known then what?” He softly nudged me to continue. He took our interlocked hands and held it on his chest.

“I don’t know, things would’ve been different. I didn’t know that’s how you felt I just thought you hated me honestly,” I admitted awkwardly.

He exhaled with a frown. “I could never hate you, and that mission…“ he got softer watching my expression because he knew this topic was sore for me. “It didn’t matter to me that we failed, all I could think about was how I could’ve lost you,” he admitted keeping eye contact as he spoke. “I can’t lose anyone else, and I just miss what we used to be like.”

This confused me as what he’s referencing is our friendship back when he was with Gamora. Is he trying to say he wants to be friends or is he being romantic? He’s so hard to read sometimes, but his actions are telling me romance. Clearly he could see the confusion etched on my face because he clarified all my questions without ever having to hear them. “You know, how close we were. Cracking jokes, playing pranks on the rest of them,” he explained. “I want that. But… something a little different…” he seemed a little more awkward now like he didn’t know how to word what he felt.

“How different?” I asked feeling my heart pick up just a little bit. Perhaps MAYBE the reason I got so mad at everything Peter did was because MAYBE I valued his opinion, because MAYBE I was sort of always secretly into him.

He perked up at the question surprised I hadn’t shot it down right then and there. “Well,” he started while taking my hand and giving me a dramatic twirl. The guy is smooth. “Maybe a little romance, I’m thinking Jim and Pam,” he referenced my favorite Earth show as I’ve forced him to watch it after our trip there.

A mischievous smile found my lips at that. “Ohhhh, so someone was lying about not liking the show?” I teased in a ‘I told you so’ kinda way.

He chuckled at my call out. “I told ya Y/N, I just love to mess with you.”

“Hmm, fine but you have to watch rom coms with me,” I laid out my terms matter of factly.

His eyes widened. “Fine? Fine what? Fine to the romance?” He double checked as I hadn’t made myself all that clear.

“I GUESS,” I dramatically excepted in a fake disinterested tone.

“Well then Mrs. Y/N” he pulled me into him yet again wrapping his arms around my torso, though this time I let my hands rest on his chest. “I’m gonna romance the shit outta you,” he grinned that same cocky little grin that used to make me wanna smack him.

I rolled my eyes at his over confidence but was thrown off at him leaning in closer to me. I couldn’t find anything sassy or witty to remark because now all my focus was on the fact that Peter Quill’s lips were so close to mine. The lips of always secretly wanted to kiss. I let out a breath feeling the tension before he’d made the move to fully go in. He kissed me softly, and slowly. His hand cupped my cheek and when he pulled away he gave a real genuine smile.

“You’ve gotta be shittin’ me” rocket yelled out from the doorway next to a very shocked Nebula.

“I give them a week tops,” she jokingly murmured but I could tell she was genuinely happy for us.

Rocket groaned from his place clearly fed up with the fact that he’d suffered through our bickering just for us to end up into each other. “If I’d known all you two jackasses needed to do was bang it out- WHY ARE THE EGGS BLACK?” He ran over to the stove to turn off the switch as if that would save the already far gone breakfast. “that’s TWO breakfasts down the drain, that’s it! I’m done! We’re getting fast food from knowhere,” he flailed his hands in the air and walked out of the room in defeat making the rest of us chuckle.

“I’m glad you two figured it out finally,” Nebula gave a small smile. “Really thought you were blind,” she dryly joked.

Peter and I looked at each other in confusion for a moment before smiling and accepting the fact that apparently we’d been obvious about our unknown feelings. With that she left the room to follow Rocket to the controls of the ship to fly us all to knowhere. This left Peter and I alone once more, he stared down at me in amusement. “I knew you were into me.”

I fought the urge to roll my eyes for the millionth time, slipped my fingers into his and dragged him out to the main area of the ship preparing for the rest of the teams reactions.

—————

My first Peter Quill fan fic! Sorta rushed so I apologize for any errors! Let me know if I should make more!

[thealtoduck]

Reunion

Cal Kestis x Male Mirialan ex-Jedi!Reader

Warnings: You flirt with stormtroopers…

Part 1: Being a mirialan jedi youngling and getting your kyber crystal…

Y/l/c = Your lightsaber color

Summary: After the fall of the Jedi Order you fled to Raxus Secundus for your survival, 5 years later Cal Kestis and the crew of the Stinger Mantis land on Raxus Secundus with their ship in need of repairs…

——

You walked in to the cantina looking around at the different patrons, you walked and sat down at the bar. The bartender soon showed up in front of you and asked ”What can i get you?”. You thought for a second and decided ”A phattro, please”.

”Coming right up” he said and soon placed a glass filled with a purple beverage in front of you. You took a sip and a familiar refreshing taste hit you. Two off-duty stormtroopers were sitting a few chairs away from you, their helmets placed next to their drinks.

They were looking towards you. You gave them a small smile and raised your glass to them in a little ”cheers”. They smiled back at you and grabbed their drinks and helmets coming over to you, sitting down on each of your sides.

”Hey beautiful, what’s your name?” said the one to your left. ”I’m Y/n, what’s yours?” you said in a alluring tone. ”They call me Red” he introduced himself with a smirk. You turned to the trooper to your right and asked ”And you?”. ”Spikes” he answered cooly.

”How may i be of assitance for the troops?” you asked taking another sip of your drink. ”Well, we’ve had a lot to attend to lately and it can get very stressfull” Red explained. ”Extremely stressfull” Spikes added. ”And we thought a pretty thing like yourself might help us… relieve some of that stress” Red said putting a hand at your waist.

You smiled a flirty smile. ”Oh really, how about we-” you started but was cut off by a sudden feeling brought on by the force, a warning? No. A familiarity, a memory, a very distant one. You stood up and looked around seeing no one. ”Are you alright?” Spikes asked.

”Uh yeah… Sorry i have to go” you said, leaving credits and a tip for the bartender. Red scoffed annoyed and said a snide ”Tease”. You ignored him and walked out on to the streets of Tamwith Bay. The connection you had felt was now lost.

You closed your eyes and tried to focus, reaching out through the force, trying to find the connection again but there was nothing. You were left alone and confused.

As you wandered home you thought to yourself about what or who it might’ve been, a Jedi? Just another force user lost in the galaxy?. Memories of the jedi and your training started flooding your brain as you entered your small apartment.

You had been made a padawan only 4 months before the collapse of the Jedi Order and the Republic. In most cases you would’ve most likely been to young to become a padawan but the Clone Wars had taken a big strain on the order and because of the deaths of many masters and padwans in battle there were a lot of gaps to fill.

You had been assigned to Jocasta Nu, the chief librarian of the Jedi archives. You didn’t earn a lot of battlefield experience from this but your master had shown you some of the secrets of the Jedi temple.

Once the destruction of the Jedi hit in full force you and your master escaped the temple through a secret passage hidden within the temple. Once on the streets of Coruscant she ordered you to get on a shuttle while she had drawn away a group of Clone Troopers.

That had been the last you ever saw of her as the shuttle had left. Sometimes you wondered if she had survived that night and had managed to escape the purge as well but even then they might’ve caught up with her sooner or later.

You lifted a loose floor panel of the ground revealing a box containing your now dusty jedi robes, a hard drive containing Jedi texts and your twin lightsabers. You brought your lightsabers out afraid to turn them on incase someone could here the noise and report it to the empire.

You shouldn’t even bring them out of their hiding spot, you never knew who was watching. But something told you that you would be needing them in a couple of hours. You went to bed that night with your lightsabers hidden under your bed in case of a intruder or sudden attacker.

You were kept allert by the force the next day, you hid your lightsabers beneath a cloak as you ventured out in to town. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary so you just tried to go about your business as usual but as evening came, things would change.

You were once again making your way home but saw people running away from the town square, you decided to check it out. Once you got there you were met with a life changing sight. It was jedi, or at least someone carrying a lightsaber who knew how to fight like a Jedi.

He was fighting what you assumed was an imperial inquisitor, you had heard rumours about them but never seen one in person. They were Jedi hunters, sent out to find the survivors of the purge.

You then felt the connection from the day before reignite, you had met this Jedi before… but who was it? Suddenly the Inquisitor used a force push to knock the Jedi in to a stack of crates, knocking him over.

As the Jedi layed among the crates you caught a glimpse of his face, he looked like… Cal Kestis, a friend of yours from the order. The Inquisitor walked menacingly towards Cal, spinnig his double bladed lightsaber.

Without thinking you forced jump up in the air and landing between Cal and the Inquisitor. You faced the Inquisitor and ignited your lightsabers making two y/l/c blades emerge from them.

”Two Jedi, this just got a lot more interesting” the Inquisitor said, his smirk being covered by the helmet. It had been a long time since you fought or even practised with your lightsabers so you begged the force would guide you.

The Inquisitor slashed at you but you dodged, you flipped over his head cutting at him but he blocked. The two of you started attacking back and forward while Cal tried to absorb what just happened. A hodded Jedi had just come out of nowhere and saved his life.

He watched as the Jedi fought, lightsabers skills clearly rusty but skilled. Cal then got of his feet and jumped, attacking the Inquisitor from behind. The Inquisitor managed to block but started to struggle keeping up with the three blades slashing at him.

While the Inquisitor was blocking an attack from both one of yours and Cal’s saber. You managed to get a cut in down the middle of the doublebladed saber, destroying it. You and Cal then force pushed the Inquisitor at the same time sending him flying in to a stone wall which knocked him out.

Cal then let out a sigh of relief at the Inquisitor’s defeat. He then turned to you and said ”You’re a Jedi”. ”Not quite” you said lowering your hood making Cal’s eyes widen as regcognition hit. ”Y/n?” he questioned.

”Hi Cal, it’s been a while” you greeted. Without warning Cal ran up to you and threw his arms around you. You were caught of guard at first but then wrapped your arms around him as well, it didn’t hit you until now how much you had missed him.

You heard troopers approaching and broke the hug. ”Come on, this way” you said and started sprinting down an alley way. Cal followed close behind. You led him back to your apartment, you gave one last look outside before closing the door, making sure you weren’t followed.

Once behind closed doors you find your arms locked around each other in another tight embrace. ”How did you survive? You were on Coruscant that would’ve been the most heavily guarded planet?” Cal questioned in amazement.

”Let’s sit down” you said, you made some tea for the two of you and poured it up in two cups. You both sat down around a small table and you started telling him how Master Nu had saved your life and that it had let you escape Coruscant.

”How about you?” you asked and Cal explained that his master had sacrificed himself for him. He then told you of the events that led him and his crew to land on Raxus Secundus a couple days ago for ship repairs.

”Y/n, you should come with us, we’re trying to rebuild some of what’s left of the Jedi Order, you could help us” Cal suggested. You thought about it for a second before answering ”Cal, I’m not sure how much i will be able to help you, i only just became a padawan before the fall of the Jedi”.

”To us that’s enough, we need to rebuild with what little we have left” Cal insisted. ”I don’t know Cal, i just need some time to think” you told him. ”Alright, you have until tommorow, me and my crew are leaving once our repairs are done” Cal said.

You opened the floor panel and brought out the hard drive out of the box. ”What’s that?” Cal asked. ”It’s a hard drive, it contains a few Jedi texts from the library. It’s not a lot but it’s something, i think you should have it” you said handing it to him.

”Thank you” Cal accepted gratefully. Cal then contacted his crew and let them know about the events of the day. They decided it was best for Cal to stay the night with you as security had tightened because of the reveal of two Jedis in the city and that he should try sneak his way to the ship at the crack of dawn.

”Where should i sleep?” Cal asked, looking around your small apartment, there weren’t many options besides the bed and the floor. ”You can have the bed” you offered. ”And let you sleep on the floor, we can share your bed, wouldn’t be the first time” Cal suggested.

”Alright” you nodded and the two of climbed in to bed together, laying on your sides to face each other. ”This reminds me of when we would sneak out of out temple rooms to have sleep overs together” Cal said making a smile spread over your face.

”I remember that and that one time Master Skywalker caught you on the way to my room but he promised not to tell anyone” you reminded Cal who let out a chuckle. ”Then after you left the temple with Master Tapal, i remember how much i missed you and how lonely i felt” you admited.

”I missed you too Y/n, especially after purge. It was terrifying having no way to know if you had survived or not” Cal said as you gazed in to each others eyes. He continued ”But now we’re both here again and i never want to leave you behind”.

Cal then leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to your lips, from which you didn’t pull back. While attachment was against the Jedi teachings their was no order around anymore to supervise you. You were free.

As you both pulled away from each others lips you brought a hand up to cup his cheek stroking it lightly. ”I’ll come with you, i don’t want to lose you again either” you confessed. You both then fell asleep, hands clasped together ready for the challenges tommorow would bring.

[oolongteaboba]

# ◞ ˚ ─ RED LACE (OR LACK THEREOF)

info. rocket raccoon/f!reader smut. est. 3.2k words.

you and rocket share the same bunk, so you've been wearing nothing but a shirt to get his attention. and who knows? he might like you back.

a/n. hi hello first actual post on here! quick comment for the fingering part, just pretend rocket stole peter's nail clippers LMAO, i forgot to clarify that while writing whoops. also, you can alternatively read the fic here on ao3.

In the past year you’ve spent with the guardians and living on the Milano, you began to appreciate each of them unconditionally; you were family, and they were yours.  Peter, a Terran like you, was a great conversationist, and you bonded over things you missed from Earth.  Gamora’s intimidating sometimes, but she acts like the sister you never had and has your best interests in mind.  You haven’t known Mantis for long, but she’s kind and gentle; plus, she’s starting to warm up to you.  Drax is some fun company, although most of your jokes fly over his head.  Groot clings onto you like a puppy, and the sprout insists on sitting between you and Rocket during dinnertime.  And well, Rocket is… Rocket.

Aboard the Milano, you shared a small bunk with Rocket and Groot.  Tonight, Groot was in Gamora’s bunk since she had Groot-bedtime-story-duty tonight, so you and Rocket had the already cramped bunk to yourselves.  Sharing a room with the two of them wasn’t entirely terrible, but you do have to deal with Rocket’s tech stuff being scattered all over the floor.

His bed wasn’t too far from yours, with the space between you only about two feet.  He’s working on a new set of blasters; you’re laying in bed on your back with your right leg over the left.  After being engrossed with his equipment for who knows how long, Rocket looks up from his machinery to glance at you.

“Christ, does it hurt to put on some pants for once?”  Rocket interjects, and you turn your head toward him.

“We share a room together.  You’ve seen me change before, and that never fazed you.  Besides, Groot isn’t even here.  It’s just us.”  He only replies with a huff and an eye roll.  “Besides, why do you care so much?”

Rocket scoffs, crossing his arms and furrowing his brows.  “I’m not the one walking around in a loose shirt and fuckin’ red lacy underwear.”

You avert your eyes from his as your cheeks grow hot, and you pull the hem of your shirt down mid-thigh to preserve your already damaged dignity.

“It’s all that was clean,” you mutter below your breath, just loud enough for him to hear, although from the look on his face, he doesn’t believe you.  “Plus, it’s hot in here, Rocket.  The air conditioning isn’t working correctly, we’re in space, and you haven’t fixed it yet,” you reply, uncrossing your legs.  He inhales sharply, returning to his blaster.

“I told you already, I don’t have the right parts yet,” he snaps at you.  “Go fix it yourself if you’re gonna be a bitch about it.”

“So the oh-so-great Rocket Raccoon can build bombs from scrap material but can’t fix the AC unit?”

“I ain’t a raccoon,” he snarls, and it takes every fiber in your body to resist the urge not to continue teasing him.  “And I told you this shit already: we don’t have the needed parts.”

“Y’know, maybe I’ll start walking around with pants on if the air conditioning is fixed.”

Rocket exhales and lets out a small pfft that almost sounds like a quiet laugh.  “You’re bein’ whinier than Quill right now, know that?”

“You’re so sweet to me, Rocket.  Have I mentioned you’re the kindest person on this ship?” You smile, albeit sarcastically, and the corners of his mouth instinctively curl up in response.  You catch his brief smile for a fleeting moment and make eye contact, but he promptly looks away in embarrassment.

(You might tease him about it later, though.  He’s smiling because of you.)

“Go to sleep, doll.”  Rocket absentmindedly shoves the machinery onto his makeshift nightstand with a slight grin still etched on his features.  His disposition has improved in the past year; he smiles a lot more, though he tries to hide it, and the guardians have noticed.  Not that he’d ever admit it, of course.

“What about you?  Aren’t you going to sleep?”  His eyes look into yours, albeit briefly, and they’re warm, brown, and pretty, and you internally berate yourself for not noticing them sooner.

“Nah.  You Terrans need more sleep than I do.  And you look terrible, by the way.”  You fail at attempting to stifle a giggle at his sudden change in demeanor, which Rocket barely notices.  

“Aw, thank you, Rocket.  Love you too.”  Your eyelids flutter, and you pull a blanket over your body.  “You might not be Terran, but you should sleep too, y’know.  You’re always reprimanding Groot for staying up late, you hypocrite.”

Rocket’s features soften; he shoots you a toothy grin, although there’s a thought nagging at you, telling you there’s more than just sarcasm in his eyes.  “Yeah, yeah.  G’night, doll.”

You shoot Rocket a smile that’s brighter than the damn sun before shutting your eyes.  Unfortunately, you’re asleep before you can say ‘good night’ back.

-

Three nights later, tonight is Drax’s turn for Groot-bedtime-story-duty.

The temperature in the Milano isn’t as nearly inhabitable as last time, all because of you and Quill’s endless pleas for the AC to be fixed.  Thankfully, Peter hates absurdly hot weather just as much as you do.  Either that or hatred of heat is a Terran thing.  Somehow, the broken air conditioning didn’t affect the other non-Terran guardians on the ship as much.

Al Green’s Let’s Stay Together plays faintly in the background; you’re lounging on your bunk, back against the mattress, as you read one of Quill’s childhood comic books when the door opens, and Rocket enters your shared bunk.

As soon as he walks in, Rocket scoffs and rolls his eyes.  “For the love of god, I fixed the AC as you asked.  Put some goddamn pants on.”

“Hello to you too, Rocket,” you give him a smile before continuing reading, too focused on Quill’s comic book to notice Rocket’s blatant gawking at your exposed legs.  Your leg props up on the other, leaving almost nothing to the imagination.  “And I said maybe I’ll wear pants.”

He jumps in bed, setting Quill’s helmet at the foot of his bunk.  After a job that included killing Abilisks, Peter reluctantly handed it over to Rocket for some significantly postponed repairs and upgrades.

“You’re lucky, know that?  You’re the only person on this ship besides Groot whose shit I tolerate.”

“I love you too, Rocket.  Although, I’m pretty sure you’d shoot Quill if he started walking around the Milano with no pants on,” you answer, eyes still glued to the comic book.

“The only difference is that Quill isn’t the one walking around in his underwear.”

“Rocket, I honestly can’t see why it’s a big deal.  It’s been days since you won’t shut up about it,” you reply, setting Quill’s comic on top of your nightstand.

Rocket looks at you before sighing defeatedly, with some feeling that you can’t put your finger on captured in his eye.  You swallow your spit, and Rocket returns to his bold, unapologetic self.

“Fine.  Fuckin’ hell, we get it, it’s your bunk, and you can do whatever the hell you want-”

He pauses.  Rocket’s eyes trail down from your face to your body, taking in every inch of your revealed skin.

However, it’s too late for you to realize what exactly Rocket’s ogling at.

“Are you… not wearing anything under that shirt?”

You blink, promptly closing your legs (undoubtedly knowing it won’t do or change anything).  The already small space between your bunk and Rocket’s seems even smaller.  Your heartbeat picks up in your chest; Rocket is still rendered speechless.  You’ll never hear the end of it, you swear.  His gaze meets yours, but you don’t answer.  What feels like an eternity passes before Rocket speaks up, breaking the silence.

“You dirty fuckin’ girl,” he swears, his tone both degrading and impressed.  Rocket steps down from his bunk and closer to yours, his eyes drinking you in.  From the look on his face, he looks as if he’s about to devour you whole.

“Rocket.”

Hesitantly, Rocket steps back, giving you space.  “Shit, sweetheart.  I’m sorry.  Tell me to leave, and I will.”  He’s reluctant, although the tent in his pants slowly grows, and he isn’t hiding it well.  “We can forget about this.”

“Wait,” you immediately protest before rationale can stop you, grabbing his wrist before he can pull away and leave.  “You can stay.”

From the look on his face, it doesn’t take him much convincing.  He knows what you’re thinking of (and knows what you want).  Rocket tenses; a few moments pass before he speaks up, unsure of what to do next.

“Can I touch you?”

You groan in response, both desperately and unashamedly.  Both your voice and body are tempting, practically inviting Rocket in.  He’s thought of you like this: both in daydreams and dreams, but he never would’ve imagined the moment (or you) to be more perfect.  “Please, Rocket.  I need you so damn badly.”

(Rocket’s definitely gonna bring this up later.  However, anything but him is entirely off your mind.)

He gladly complies, and his hands go underneath your shirt to meet your chest before massaging your breasts.  The sensation of his paws is foreign but welcome, one hand playing with your nipple as his tongue swirls around the other, gently nipping at your flesh.  He continues sucking, maintaining eye contact while your face burns from the intimacy.

The sound of Rocket’s mouth leaving your tits makes an explicit and wet pop sound, and drool pools in the corner of his mouth.

“Fuck, doll, I’ve been thinkin’ of doing this forever.  Couldn’t stop thinking about you since I got a look at that pair of that red, lacy underwear of yours and could barely keep my fuckin’ hands off.”

Rocket continues his ministrations on your chest, with one hand traveling down to your thigh, close to your puffy clit.  You elicit a formerly suppressed moan from your lips, much to Rocket’s inflated ego.  His pace is slow and teasing as if he’s waiting for you to break and beg for him to quicken his pace.

“Shit, you’re so pretty like this, all for me,” Rocket whispers in an intonation you can barely hear, almost impressed by how receptive and eager you are for his touch.  The ache between your thighs gradually amplifies from his praises, and you weaken at his attention.  Your breath quickens as his fingers trail up your thigh and languidly circles around your needy clit.  All words are stripped from your tongue, leaving you unable to speak.  Rocket’s fur almost tickles your skin as he marks love bites on you, hard enough to bruise.

“Fuh- fuck, Rocket, you feel so damn good,” you pant, air seemingly wrung out of your lungs.  “I need-”

You’re cut off by Rocket giving your cunt a firm spank, drawing out an embarrassingly vocal moan.  “Need what, dollface?”  He grins with a look of pride planted on his face as he gives your breasts and cunt much-needed attention, albeit slowly.

“I need you inside me,” you mewl, your cheeks feeling hot from the humiliation.  You know Rocket knows what you want; he’s eager to give it but wants to hear you beg for it first.

Somehow, his grin grows even more.  His slow circling on your clit stops, and you audibly groan, wordlessly begging for him to continue.  “I’ve barely touched ya, and you already want my cock inside?”

“Fuck you, Rocket,” you huff, heat building inside your lower abdomen and goosebumps growing on your skin.  “Please, I need you.”

He slips a paw inside your dripping cunt, and it takes a few seconds to get used to the new feeling.  “Gotta be patient, sweetheart.  You’re so pretty when you’re like that, know that?”

You nod, relishing the feeling of his fingers finding your G-spot, then slowly curling upwards.  Though his hands lack girth, he makes up for it with agility.

“Was this 'no panties' stunt all for me, dollface?”

“Yes. All for you, Rocket,” you answer absentmindedly, too focused on how good his fingers feel inside you.  Rocket’s fingers develop a languid rhythm, scissoring and stretching your walls to fit his cock.  You bite your lip to keep back a whimper but fail.  With every movement from Rocket, you feel yourself melting into the blankets and mattress, reduced to putty in Rocket’s hands.

“Keep going,” you mutter, surprised at your current capability to form words.  Rocket’s fingers gently press against your G-spot, eliciting a moan.  “G-go faster, Rocket.”

Instead of speeding up as you hoped, he completely stops, leaving you to writhe underneath him.  You tense up, missing the blissful sensation of his paws working inside you.  “What happened to you saying ‘please,’ huh?  You can do better than that, dollface.”

You tighten around his fingers, and you can practically feel the grin on his face as he waits for your pleas.  “God, fuck, Rocket, you know damn well what you’re doing to me,” you groan, heavy breaths interrupting almost every word.

“Try again, sweetheart,” he retorts, savoring the desperation all over your face.  Eager to feel more of him, you steadily move your hips, fucking yourself onto his fingers in response to his refusal.  “Beg me for it, and I’ll fuck you, just like you wanted.”

“Please, Rocket?  I need you to fuck me, please; I want your cock inside me so goddamn badly- please just fuck me already-”

Rocket, convinced by your pleas, complies and interrupts you by undoing his clothing and unzipping his pants while you whimper at the sudden removal of his now-soaked fingers.

He lines his hips up with yours, the look on his face ravenous; he finally pushes into you slowly.  You’re left to grip tightly on his shoulders, watching as his cock disappears into you.  He’s smaller than an average male human but relatively girthy, and you feel his tip brush against your G-spot.  You whimper from his entrance, feeling full as he completely bottoms you out, massaging your inner walls.

Rocket’s breath hitches as he slowly starts to work you open, his hands spreading your thighs apart for better access.  He groans, setting a languid pace as he ruts into your warm and inviting cunt.  You raise your hips a little higher in response, aching to feel more of him.  His current tempo is sloppier than before, now being guided by his pleasure instead of yours alone.  The wet sound of Rocket’s hips rolling into yours is pornographic and explicit; you can hear him fucking in and out of your cunt.  You’re sure that your wetness has gotten all over Rocket’s fur by now, but at the moment, he doesn’t mind.

One of his hands leaves your thigh to offer attention to your swollen clit, gently circling around it, while the other hand grips you harshly.  Rocket becomes noticeably more vocal as his pace quickens, albeit opting for low grunts and moans.  The pleasure builds up in your lower stomach, and your lower lip trembles as you grip the bunk’s bedsheets.

“Shit, Rocket, you feel so good,” you mewl, stumbling over your words while he erratically thrusts into you.  Rocket’s greedy for every moan that leaves your lips, hoping to wring every one of them out your mouth.  He grunts, pace unfaltering as your walls flutter around his cock, tightening around him like you don’t want him to let go.

“You’re doin’ so well for me, sweetheart,” Rocket huffs, his almost soft voice contradicting his frenzied rhythm.  You whimper and whine with each thrust, enjoying how Rocket fills you up with his cock, and how the curve hits your G-spot.  “Such a good fuckin’ girl for me.”

Tension builds in your stomach, and your toes curl from the sheer pleasure.  Despite Rocket’s unrelenting tempo, the feel of his hands and the look on his face is strangely soft and tender.  His fingers circle around your clit more quickly, and you feel heat spread under your skin.

“Rocket, I’m getting close,” you murmur, the burning coil within your abdomen intensifying with each second he pumps inside you.  With a moan, you let out a shaky breath as he rocks his hips into yours, feeling dangerously close to your climax.  From watching him loudly groan and how he haphazardly ruts into you, he’s also close to orgasm.

“Fuck, doll, you’re so beautiful like this,” Rocket praises, inhaling sharply as his cock twitches inside you.  “C’mon, sweetheart.  Cum on my cock.”

Without a second thought, you nod, succumbing to pleasure as Rocket pounds himself into you, his hand rubbing at your clit.  Tiny beads of sweat pool on your forehead as you begin to finish, and Rocket rolls a thumb over your nipple, almost encouraging you to cum.  Your walls spasm around his cock, begging him to do the same.  The feeling of him inside you, combined with the constant attention your clit receives, is overstimulating, and you’re barely able to hold back from coming.

“Inside me, Rocket,” you beg, trembling from sensitivity and euphoria.  “Please, cum inside me.”

Rocket only grins, a smug look forming on his face.  The white coil only amplifies, reducing you to a wordless, desperate mess underneath him until it finally snaps, and you come undone on his cock.  Eyes rolling back from the increased pleasure, you see stars in your blurred vision; you spasm around him, and with a few last strokes, Rocket cums inside you, emptying himself inside you.  His pace slows as you convulse around him, attempting to milk every drop of his cum, and your heartbeat slows from its high.

His last strokes are sloppy and frantic; Rocket huffs as he finally drains every bit of himself inside you.  Your muscles tense from aftershocks, and you hear Rocket silently swear.  With an embarrassingly wet squelch sound, Rocket pulls out his cock, leaving some of his cum to drip from your cunt, and onto your thighs.  Trying to regain your strength, you momentarily remain silent, basking in the afterglow, and he does the same.

Your breathing is labored, still coming down from your high.  “Sorry I got your fur wet,” you beam, your knees still weak from copulation, and Rocket lets out a low laugh.  You shift your body over to the far side of the bunk, offering Rocket space to sit next to you.  Without a word, he complies, his back laid against your front, and he sighs in contentment.

“I’ll shower in the mornin,’ doll,” he replies, fixing his messy hair, attempting to freshen up.  Rocket’s head rests on your neck; hesitantly, you put your arm around him, but he doesn’t mind it, although it takes him a second to adjust to the newfound affection.  You contentedly sigh, languidly running your fingers through his soft fur, and Rocket practically melts at the touch of your fingers.

“Y'know, I really like you, Rocket,” you quietly whisper, although just loud enough for him to hear.  Rocket doesn’t respond for a few seconds, leaving you in empty silence and a tiny bit of nervousness. 'Love' is a strong word; the word 'like' is weaker. However, right now, both don't fit right coming out of your mouth. It's too late to retract saying 'I really like you,' but before you can conjure a second thought, Rocket gathers his voice.

“Yeah.  I like you a whole lot too." Your face softens, and you wrap your arms around him, surprisingly being met with no protest from Rocket.  You softly kiss his forehead and doze off into slumber, Rocket huddled in your arms. Tomorrow morning, you’re certain Star-Lord would barge into your bunk to wake you up for the next contract, but for now, you’re happy to lay in bed and worry about it later.

[undiscovered-horizon]

Ah, wonderful choice, Little Wanderer! Browse the stories, take your time. If there is something else you would like to read, just come back to me. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, make a request to the librarian.

>>Grishaverse-inspired playlist&lt;<

1. Kaz Brekker

➳ "Old dog, new tricks" -> Looking for someone to give you a quote on a stolen painting, you run into an old friend who's less than happy with your way of life.

➳ "The clockmaker, the crow and the mantis" -> Kaz becomes part of an assassin's conspiracy to uncover who paid to have him killed.

➳ "Return to sender" -> When an old admirer continues to bother you with his letters, Kaz makes it his priority to put the fiasco to a stop.

➳ "Apple tree" -> Kaz sometimes hums a melody no one can recognize. The one who sang it to him has bewitched him as much as the tune.

➳ "Agnus Dei" -> You're a Grisha hiding from the Black General. When you reveal your power to save the Crows, Kaz must make a decision: your life or theirs? ➳ "O Rubor Sanguinis" -> Facing the Black General, you must choose whether to do the smart thing or the one you truly crave. Kaz shows affection, just not with words.

➳ "Amendmends" -> Two of your thugs get into a fight at the Crow's club, so you go apologize in person to ensure there won't be any retaliation. Kaz seems suspiciously happy at having the infamous Golden Panther indebted to him. ➳ "Amendments II: The Panther and the Duckling" -> The day comes when you can repay Kaz Brekker with the help of the mysterious "Duckling". Kaz claims you're infuriating but there might be more to his confusing feelings than he realises.

➳ "Espionage" -> You and Kaz pretend to be engaged so you can get him into a banquet and from there - to a safe.

➳ "Four Crow Investigation" -> After Nina notices Kaz's heartbeat quicken when you're around, she recruits three friends to investigate your relationship. ➳ "Four Crow Investigation II: Lovebirds' Outfox" -> Aware of your friends' nosiness, you and Kaz ensure they have hardly believable gossip to share.

➳ "Could you ever fall in love with me?" / "I can’t even fall asleep." -> angst blurb

➳ "Embroidery" -> When his glove gets torn, you're more than happy to sew it back together and add a little detail of your own.

2. Nikolai Lantsov

➳ "Little Sun" -> Return to the sanctuary means a reunion with his beloved Солныщко. Kisses and slaps are exchanged.

➳ "Sparring" -> You face him in an army sparring match. Despite his noble title, Nikolai can't stop himself from sharing suggestive remarks.

➳ "Man of Faith" -> Nikolai's interest in the Sun Summoner makes you jealous but being the sweetheart he is, he's quick to reassure you about his devotion.

➳ "Femme fatale" -> When you reveal how you won the suspiciously heavy bag of coins, Nikolai is overwhelmed with anger at the thought of you being intimate with another man.

➳ "The King and the Swallow" -> Unexpected reunion with his childhood friend and the sworn protector of the royal family takes a dramatic turn when Nikolai inquires about her uncharacteristic, cold demeanour. Confessions are shared - the good ones and the bad ones alike.

➳ "Cinderella" -> Nikolai is a party person, you're not. But he's also a fool in love, so when you quietly disappear, he wastes no time finding you.

➳ "In Emerald Hearts, Emerald Minds" -> When Vasily asks you to forget his half-brother and marry him instead, you escape the Little Palace along Alina. Nikolai realizes something strange is going on when Kaz mentions seeing a similar emerald ring on the woman that came with the Sun Summoner. With how much you and Nikolai have been running in circles to find each other, the reunion aboard Volkvolny feels almost fated.

➳ "Sea shanties" -> Alina witnesses Sturmhond's love for his boatswain. Hurting yourself while fixing the net leads to singing sea shanties and Sturmhond almost kissing the love of his life.

➳ "Who am I to complain?" -> When your parents come to visit, Nikolai finally understands why you've never been keen to talk about them. Being the King and your husband, he isn't afraid to defy them.

[alevicke]

NOT-SO-AMAZING HEADCANONS

Life is made out of good and bad things. I love reading amazing positive stuff but, I always wonder about the bad part of them? So I'll write some headcanons I have that might add a bit of realism if you like it! But are not the best part in life

No order in particular for the characters btw and sorry for any mistakes! English isn't my native language and I have no one to proof read this!

Characters: Ashe, Dva, Junker Queen, Junkrat, Cassidy

Also I never did it but I think I can accept requests 💖

ASHE

Despite being so beautiful she does have some skin problems.

She is pretty pale but tries to take care as best as possible of her skin

Your shared bathroom is filled of creams, all kinds, really. Everywhere. EVERYWHERE.

Make Up? Oh hell, yeap, too.

Please, never say anything if she has a pimple, it happens often and she hides them as best as possible with make up

Deep down she's really insecure about her acne problems so please, PLEASE, love her 💖

I hope you don't use black clothes

You have more white hair in your clothes than Brigitte has cat's hair

Her hair is pretty healthy despite being bleached but it's thick af and gets always in your clothes.

DVA

Living with her is... Kinda frustrating sometimes

She is a mess

There are dirty clothes everywhere not to mention she just dislikes vacuuming the place

You love her but sometimes you'd choke her with the chips' bag she just ate messing the JUST CLEANED CARPET

She has 0 idea about cooking. Please don't trust her

Due to her awful eating habits you start to notice some issues on her

She has hiperthyroidism which explains why she stays so slim despite eating so much unhealthy stuff

But she is about to have diabetes

Sorry, you have to properly feed the Gremlin

No food after midnight!!!!

JUNKER QUEEN

Remember when I said Ashe has acne?

Odessa has a HUGE problem of acne

Although she actually doesn't give af

Look, she doesn't give a shit about skin routines, is always dirty and lives in a place full of radiation. What did you expect?

Speaking of being dirty. She doesn't know what taking a bath is

Grab her by the neck and take her to the bath while she screams and complains like an angry dog with rabies

No, she won't shave. Don't try it

Maybe in special occasions she will do all these things for you, of course! She loves you with her whole heart

But in general she is a mess

Hey, at least she brushes her teeth always! There is nothing she dislikes more than meat or mantis' legs between her molars

JUNKRAT

While he is the one with the mantis' legs between his molars, he won't make a fuss if you remind him to brush his teeth and will do it

He even has a golden tooth so he likes it shiny. But he is always distracted and forgets about... Basic needs in general yeah

Sometimes, he is like a puppy. Both in good and bad ways

Yeap, he's super adorable, a dork, always smiling for you and is the happiest person in the world when he's by your side

But he also has a huge lack of education, is distracted by a single fly and is not careful enough

You know how a puppy needs to be trained to pee in the appropriate place? Oops, yeah, you gotta teach that to Jamison

If he is in a hurry he won't even get into home to go to the bathroom, he'll pee in the garden

(He actually peed once on top of your flowers and that was an insta kill. RIP your beautiful flowers)

At least after that he stopped doing it! (Or does it when you aren't looking)

Sometimes he gets distracted and won't listen when you're speaking to him, sorry

Please, put some hydrating cream in his back. That poor back suffers so much from the sun

Take care of your puppy please

CASSIDY

Overall, things with Cassidy are pretty ok??

He's well behaved and while he isn't the cleanest person in the world he listens to you and will do his chores

(sometimes better than others)

But he struggles a lot with pain

Earlier in his years ridding motorcycles he suffered a huge accident that broke a lot of his bones

They healed and while he does have some scars from it, is pretty okaish

But his leg will hurt like thousands of knives into his skin every now and then when the old healed wound decides to get annoying and destroy his day

You know when old people say their bones hurt so it's going to rain?

You know weather more than anyone just seeing if McCree is walking leaning to the side with every step

"Ooh man, looks like it will rain, I won't be able to hang the clothes to dry today" you say

First few times Cassidy didn't understand your joke

But once he does he does chuckle a bit

He loves when you massage his hurting leg a bit, it helps him to calm and sooth the pain ✨

[thebottomfromhell]

Headcanons

Traditional Courting [more or less], Demon Male Reader, but genitals are not specified (this one has no sexual content). This are Gyutaro and the Hantengu Clones.

Gyokko, Nakime, Akaza, Douma and Kokushibou are here.

Warnings: Cannibalism, Mentioned dead animals, Human death, Mentioned death of unborn fetuses, Mentioned kidnapping, Threats to reader.

Gyutaro:

When you first ask permission to court him, he thinks it's a joke, and a funny one. He laughs hard and every time you try to explain he keeps laughing.

Then you ask permission to him and he realizes you are not joking. You managed to get Daki to help you to see him, but she thought you would get rejected.... technically for a second time. She stormed out with a tantrum, not wanting to share her brother with you, as he gave you not only the permission, but ordered you to court Gyutaro. To be honest you don't know what of yourself caused such an impression to him, but it's not like you want to back off, or even have the choice right now. [Muzan actually just wants you to get a strong bond with Gyutaro for him to be able to use you to "convince" him to absorb Daki :( ]

You start inmediately, more often than not he complains "just because you are a handsome, big and resourceful man doesn't mean you get to treat me like a girl, ne." You still don't stop to offer him to walk together, or bring him gifts.

It doesn't take you long to discover what gifts he actually likes, he prefers dead animals or dead people over anything else. He likes to keep the first, specially if they are pests, to be honest the worst thing you gave him was a snake and a mantis, both reminded you of him and he loved them. "If I am a mantis I might as well eat you sooner or later" he jokes, wincking, actually starting to like the attention. He eats all the humans you give him once you discover his taste, he likes ugly and deformed body parts, but the sweetest thing for him are organs, specially healthy and full stomachs, he likes the acid flavor in his mouth and how abundant it is.

You refrain to touch him as much as you can, not because you are disgusted but because he doesn't like touch. But that is a lie, Gyutaro is actually touch-starved, but you let him start any contact between you two. You are as respectful as you can, that at times makes him taunt you "Such a good husband you are, but here you are courting the ugliest of all the Red Light District instead of some pretty girl. Ne?"

To convince Gyutaro he is not ugly is both impossible and unnecesary, while he feels a bit shameful at times, he would not change his appereance for nothing. He doesn't know why, but it makes him proud. You let him have this self-denigrating humor he has, even though you don't find it funny, which is good because it might actually hurt him if you did. You also praise him a lot, not on his appereance since that makes him upset, he neither thinks you are lying out of pity or as a joke, he would feel it as condescending.

He likes when you tell him he is a good brother, that he is a good fighter, that he is powerful and scary. He also likes the promises of aid and company. At the end, once you prove you are honest and willing to make some few compromises for him, you're in his heart. He has very few things he cares about, much less people, so once the barriers are down, he is nothing but good with you as long you don't hurt him.

Daki, on her side, is a menace, thanks to her the courting is lasting forever, as Gyutaro doesn't dare to fully accept you without her approval even when you finally managed to get him to like you back. [Be glad, that is honestly what is saving you all from Muzan]. There isn't even a thing as marriage between demons! But still, when she is not looking, Gyutaro sometimes calls you "husband" as a playful nickname, since it's mostly a game where you need to make sure Daki doesn't hear him. She would make the biggest tantrum ever. [And Muzan would know he can get what he wants from you 💀, better stay courting and flirting forever]

It takes an infinity of time before Daki warms up to you, but even then, she doesn't want to share Gyutaro. It has always been them together and she hates the change. She will get used to your presence, but will still compete for Gyutaro's attention and time no matter what you do, and if he has to choose, she will always come first. "Don't be mad, but she is my little sister, ne. She is everything to me, ne."

Sekido:

{It was complicated to convince the clones to remain separated, the lack of the surprise element it's just something that scares Hantengu. You don't even know how you manages to find and face him again and convince him to order the division of the clones, but you did. He, on the other hand, did not care. At all. That you wanted Hantengu (or at least part of him). He actuaĺy wondered if something is wrong with you and if it's bad enough that he should kill you. But again, doesn't really care, just let you do as you pleased as long as the clones started to take advantage of the numbers and look for the damn Blue Spider Lily.}

Sekido constantly rejects you, and each time he is more aggresive. It just starts with a "You think I'm taking a woman's role for a guy like you? Do you want to anger me or what?" It gets to the point that if he is not in love with the gift you gave him or not manage to get the food the exact way he likes it, he will destroy whatever you give him, or worse, give it to Karaku and Urogi if he gets the chance, and they neither end up destroying or loosing the gift. And food, what food? There is no food leftz there was never food to begin with, but of course they didn't eat it..... (they are the dogs.)

The only thing you have seen him eat are brains of intelectual and near the middle age men, but only when it's still pink and full of blood, for some reason judges in particular seems to make it like the food more, but you never figured the change in taste a job could give. Also, he likes coins, for some reason. Old coins, foreign coins, high prize, low prize, new coins, big ones, small ones, ugly ones, pretty ones, hold, copper, anything, he keeps them all, counts and clean the collection.

Also, when you become insistent on the gifts and proposals he gets even more annoyed and angry with you, leading him to attack you both physically and verbaly. "You think you are doing something? You are an annoyance and a burden! Go to pester somebody else, damn okama!" So it's better to give him space and breaks from you after every interaction. [Okama is how drag queens or very femenine gay men are called in japan, but the word is a slur for queer people, please never use it.]

To actually get him to warn up to you you must befriend Hantengu and the rest of the clones first, which takes a lot of time and effort since now they are all separated and doing their own thing and the main body resents you for making him order the separation of the clones. In the end, Aizetsu takes pity of you and helps to with the others (he is also the one that told you about the coins, he's very helpful). "I see you are keeping the others out of trouble. Don't get it over your head, but I can appreciate that." He starts liking you back the moment he realizes he doesn't have to worry as much for the others with you helping around. He can actually relax for a while and be less angry all the time.

After a while he ends kidnapping a priest for both of you to have a ceremony, one he organized without letting you do anything. He enslaved Urogi, Karaku and Aizetsu for them to help him make everything the way he wanted and actually surprise you with "If this is what it takes for you to make my life easier, then fine. You will be my husband." You both eat the priest at the end of the ceremony.

Mind that while it was hard for him to catch feelings, loosing them will not be even ⅓ of the trouble the courting was. One big mistake, like not listening to him or forgetting something important will not be tolerated, if this behavior remains he will throw you to the sun. You spent more than 5 years courting him, so don't mess it up.

Karaku:

{It was complicated to convince the clones to remain separated, the lack of the surprise element it's just something that scares Hantengu. You don't even know how you manages to find and face him again and convince him to order the division of the clones, but you did. He, on the other hand, did not care. At all. That you wanted Hantengu (or at least part of him). He actuaĺy wondered if something is wrong with you and if it's bad enough that he should kill you. But again, doesn't really care, just let you do as you pleased as long as the clones started to take advantage of the numbers and look for the damn Blue Spider Lily.}

Karaku. Is. Greedy. Very greedy. The second you ask to court him he laughs happily "Sure, show me how enamored with me you are, lover-boy~". He takes every gift (even though there are times he looses them, which frustrates him at times but recieving a new gift or something to eat for you always makes him feel better, specially if you don't get mad at him) and every piece of flesh you get him.

Karaku, even though he doesn't use most of them, likes lavish and expensive stuff. Bath salts, jewelry, robes, essential oils, and other luxury items, he also thinks stolen goods are better than buyed ones, he laughed and joked about it when you asked. "If you are capable of stealing their stuff maybe you'll have a chance stealing my heart. C'mon, show me you are a bad boy and I'll show you I can be a good wife~" He also eats anything you give him, but he has a giant preference to fetuses and unborn children for some reason, not pregnant women, fetuses and unborn children. Obviously that is really hard to get, but you did manage twice or thrice.

Another thing is that he not only flirts back at you at every chance he gets, but also from time to time he likes to get you food and gifts. He is actually very romantic in that aspect, giving you flowers, reciting poems and philosophical quotes (he tells you he made them, since you don't remember human literature you can only believe him [he did not]), spending quality time together and so. And at time together, it's not just quality, it's also quantity, he spends most of his time with you. "Flower, what flower? The only thing I need is you, handsome~" He uses you as an excuse to procrastinate, which most of the time gets you in trouble with Sekido, who resents you for it...... it's a work in progress.

Still consider, while he does this, it doesn't mean he has fallen for you already, or even likes you the same way you like him. He is just chasing a good time, so if you want this to work instead to look for genuine feelings you should just entertain him. He barely knows your name until much later (that is why he ALWAYS calls you petnames, and the fact he likes them). When time passes and you are alredy fully integrated in his life, to the point you are even part of the life of Hantengu and the rest of the clones, is that he realizes "Holy shi- I think I actually like you."

Actually, the courting doesn't last that long, less than 4½ months, specially when you reject having sexual intimacy before marriage. It's fine, if he gets bored he can only throw you to the sun or the demon slayers later, he doesn't need to think much about it, but while you are courting him mostly traditionally, he wants a relationship upgrade, and he wants it soon. So it's surprise when he makes a- "Hey babe, I made a surprise party, a surprise wedding! You can thank me on our honeymoon~" but you should have expected something like this when he dissapeared for more than a week. You still have to win Sekido over by the time you both marry :(

On the good side, he does eventually catch feelings, and the wedding was nice :)

Urogi:

{It was complicated to convince the clones to remain separated, the lack of the surprise element it's just something that scares Hantengu. You don't even know how you manages to find and face him again and convince him to order the division of the clones, but you did. He, on the other hand, did not care. At all. That you wanted Hantengu (or at least part of him). He actuaĺy wondered if something is wrong with you and if it's bad enough that he should kill you. But again, doesn't really care, just let you do as you pleased as long as the clones started to take advantage of the numbers and look for the damn Blue Spider Lily.}

Even with his wings, Urogi falls, and falls hard, fast and deep. The moment you asked to court him, you won his interest. The second you give him food and gifts, you won his stomach. And the moment you started saying pretty promises to his ear, you found the stomach you won he had his heart. He easily becomes very needy and spoiled.

Urogi's favorite meal, you learn rather fast, are the eyes, tongue and fats from young people, specially in their face, and he likes to take the nose too. "Those parts are so cute I can't help but wanting to grab them!" On the other hand, the gifts he likes are dead animals, mostly the ones that are part of the bird of prey's diet, and anything shiny. Jewelry, coins, metal decoration items, blades, trinckets, even trash and leftover, as long as it's reflective, he wants it. "Gimme, gimme, gimme, gimme! I want it! You said you would be my suitor, that means you must suit me! So do so and gimme that golden tooth you found in your dinner!" He also accepts very giddy soft items, like pillows, comfortable clothing, strings, feathers that are not his, animal skin, and so. The thing is that he will destroy everything you give him.... to build. Nests.

Usually tearing down with his talons, fangs and soundwaves he tears apart averything you give him, and if he is not eating it, it's going to the several nests he started to build all over Japan, big enough to have two people (his idea was to have enough space for him to stretch with half-way eaten corpse besides him.) "Just the idea makes my heart sing of joy! It's like being rich and having several houses! One in the mountains, one in the beach, one by a river, one near a city, and more!" He has let you into one of his nests, for your surprise they are very comfortable, retain the warmth and it's a padded surface. He also has offered sleeping together, but wanting to finish the courting, you tell him you want to wait until marriage, he taunts you for that. "Well, aren't you a responsible and suitor? I hope you actually become more dutiful of what I want once we marry."

Urogi also loves petnames, you find out soon enough, both recieving them and getting them. He likes when you call him bird related nicknames like "birdie", "songbird", "feathers" and so, but the one that specially gets him giddy is "baby bird". "Yes sir, I'm your baby bird! Call me that again!"

You are the one that, when the time is ready and you have been given all the family's blessing, you ask for his hand after the year or so of courting. He lets you prepare the ceremony, his only condition is that he wants everything shiny. Or at least as much as possible. It would be almost impossible for him to fall out of love once you reached this part, you would need to break his heart into pieces and even then there is a bigger chance that Karaku and Sekido would do something about it than Urogi himself. Again, he is very needy, so you must take care of him.

Aizetsu:

{It was complicated to convince the clones to remain separated, the lack of the surprise element it's just something that scares Hantengu. You don't even know how you manages to find and face him again and convince him to order the division of the clones, but you did. He, on the other hand, did not care. At all. That you wanted Hantengu (or at least part of him). He actuaĺy wondered if something is wrong with you and if it's bad enough that he should kill you. But again, doesn't really care, just let you do as you pleased as long as the clones started to take advantage of the numbers and look for the damn Blue Spider Lily.}

Aizetsu doesn't really know how to react when you ask permission to court him, at first it's embarrasing that he is taking the traditional female role before a man like you, but he barely protests. When you start courting him, he realizes he actually likes to take that pasive role. He doesn't really has to do anything, and the attention is a nice one, a kind and peaceful one. The gifts and foods leave him touched, specially since you make the effort to know and get what he likes.

His taste in food is weird, he likes old people, specially men, aged enough to be bald and wrinckled, he likes the heart and the skin. "It's soft and very easy to tear, I also like the feeling of the veins exploding in my mouth...." he defends himself weakly, but he himself can't explain why human so similar to Hantengu are his appetite. He likes comfortable, warm and soft things, pillows, clothing, sheets and plushies, things he can hug, warm up, hide and cuddle with when he is feeling specially down. "Thank you for getting this robe for me, I know we don't need to cover up for winter, but it's very soft and nice. I like it." He takes care and uses all of the gifts, and if one can't be maintened or fixed if he encountered a slayer while having it around, he never throws them away. He even keep the ones he didn't really like that much. Also, unlike the other clones, he likes living things, animals and plants, alive.

You started to get him small wild animals that you release at the end of typur encounters (you don't need to spend that much time hiding them from Sekido, Karaku and Buddha forbid Urogi to find them.) You usually keep literally catching butterflies for him, he loves all of them. "It's so sad how short their life is, specially in this beautiful form. I really like them, but they deserve to at least be free in this violent world. Still, thank you for the time and the effort."

Courting is rather simple with him, as long as you treat him gently and kindly, he suits himself just fine. From time to time he is the one to take initiative and start contact. You know you did a good job the first time you had him crying in your arms, because no matter how sorrowful Aizetsu expresses he is, he doesn't cry before others. If he fears to appear weak or being berated for it, it doesn't matter, but the fact is that he trusts you.

He specially likes your baritone voice whispering against his ear as you help jim to calm down, sweet promises from your mouth. Company, stability, love, comfort, warmth and tenderness. "Most men, both demons and humans, I have met are loud and aggressive, one way or another.... you are very soft with me. I like it." He is used to be the push-over between the clones, so having you this way leaves him content.

It takes a bit over two years for the courting to end and finally marry, you already having all the blessings you need by that time. You asked if he wanted the ceremony around the year and al half of courting, but Aizetsu was afraid this interested and sweet suitor you were would become a complacent and distant husband. "I can't hurt you or kill you if you decide you already did your part, I can't even let Sekido, Karaku and Urogi do it for me. You ruined me."

He needs to be taken care of, Aizetsu is sensible and even after the wedding you must change the least possible your behavior to not scare him with the idea you will neglect him once you already get what you wanted. As you plan the ceremony you comfort him and show him you are still listening to him, you make sure all his needs are and will be met. He has become rather dependent on you and your promises, and to break them would be breaking Aizetsu's heart irreparably.

You have a peaceful wedding, with an old and slow-speaking priest that because of his age didn't even realize the situation he was in. While Aizetsu felt a bit of pity, he also felt hungry, besides you worked hard to get his taste. He is grateful and loving towards you, his now husband.

BONUS: Gifts and meals for the children!

Daki likes to eat skin, the prettiest, smoothest, cleanest, healthier and palest skin, specially from young women, hopefully ones that smell near their period. She is also very picky, one wrinckle or mole is enough to ruin all the plate for her. She also likes eyes, the left eye is always her favorite, for some reason. For the gifts, she likes expensive and beautiful clothes, make up, essentials oils and jewelry, anything else she will be throwed away.

Zohakuten is very picky as well, he eats humans he deems as bullys, but these must also have certain strengh level, be male, adults, height more than 5'5¼ and smell sweaty. Thank heavens the clones don't fuse that much, because it's so bad he NEVER eats anything else. Giving him gifts is easier, he actually likes wooden toys a lot, more drums, figures, swords, if it's made of wood he likes it. He also loves small animals, let it be miece, kitties, puppies, some snakes and lizards. He likes them alive, give him something dead and you are next.

[ramblebramblefun]

"You're as bad as the old hag," Kacchan groans, which really just means 'thank you.'

Izuku just hums at him, focused on wrapping the bandage tightly, but not too tightly, around the slash in Kacchan's forearm. That praying mantis guy had been nasty. Maybe Izuku should stop poking around in alleyways.

Maybe then Kacchan wouldn't get hurt so much.

"Oi." Kacchan snaps. "I can hear you thinkin'."

Is Izuku talking out loud again? He presses his lips together, but his mouth is already closed.

Kacchan is just pretending to read his mind again.

"I ain't pretendin' shit."

Oh, Izuku said that part out loud. He can taste the alley on his tongue.

He slams his mouth shut and busies himself with checking Kacchan over for any other injuries. Kacchan flails his good arm at him irritably.

"Don't fuckin' ignore me."

"Yeah, nerd!" A bright voice chirps behind them. "Don't ignore him!"

Toga, currently wearing Kacchan and a smile, leans over into the real Kacchan's space. Izuku doesn't know why she's still here. She's got her blood already.

Kacchan's blood.

Ugh.

Izuku wishes that she'd just take his blood instead, but apparently he's too 'wimpy-looking' and she's worried that people will try to attack her just like him, the real Izuku.

Izuku doesn't know what she's worried about. She has knives. Everywhere. Honestly, Izuku is scared to ask where she's hiding them all.

When Kacchan had asked, Toga told him not to "pry into a lady's business."

To which Kacchan had sneered, "What lady?"

The two of them got on frighteningly well, all things considered. Sometimes Izuku wonders why he's even here.

Toga-Kacchan chooses this moment to drag Izuku into the hug that real Kacchan is failing to struggle against. The praying mantis guy must have taken more out of him than Izuku thought. Stupid. Why can't he just admit these things? Izuku can't plan properly if Kacchan keeps hiding important variables from him.

Toga-Kacchan coos. It sounds weird in Kacchan's voice. Izuku can kind of feel it where his face is smushed into the shoulders of both Kacchans.

"He's so silly," Toga-Kacchan sighs. Real Kacchan grunts at her, still failing to attempt to extricate himself.

Well, if Kacchan's not moving then Izuku isn't going to either. He slumps into Toga-Kacchan's hold. She tightens her grip.

"Mine," she whispers happily. "All mine."

Real Kacchan hisses something suspiciously similar, like, mine, you mean, and Toga-Kacchan giggles.

Izuku doesn't have the energy to think about what that means right now. The Kacchans are warm, the danger is gone, real Kacchan's been patched up... Surely it will be okay if Izuku just. Rests. For a little while.

Just a little while.

[drops-of-moonlights]

The second and final batch of Warioware characters, and also the final batch overall! 68 FUCKING CHARACTERS IN 18 DAYS. INCREDIBLE. Anyways, let's get to them! (Pyoro and the Fronks were not redesigned because they're already perfect creatures)

Young Cricket and Cicada, the martial artists! They're both still under Master Mantis' tutelage even now that they're in college, and Mantis is very unsure on which will succeed him. Design-wise I kept them more or less the same - only bulked them up a bit and inverted Cicada's color scheme from magenta/orange to orange/magenta.

Master Mantis himself also didn't get too many changes, only modifying his side buns because they confused me. He's paired with Leo here because I didn't want anyone to have a picture to themselves lol - he's still a bit of a jerk but he gets along better with Kat and Ana, enough to be part of their team now. Like the other 2 he's in elementary school now.

Gamer Mom 5-Volt! (real name Farah) For her I made her look just a bit more mom-like and removed the apron. I also changed her colors because she had the same pallete as her son. Then we have 13-Amp! (real name Amparo) she's now in her latter years of highschool but she still find time to hang out with 9-Volt and 18-Volt. Really the only change I made to her is that she's a baby butch now lol.

Witch Ashley and her assistant friend Red! Since Ashley's now older I just went and made her a casual goth kinda person lol. She also made an actual friend in Penny! Neither of them know how it happened but they hang out now (they sometimes invite 13-Amp along too). Red didn't change much other than being given a shirt and not being as chibi.

And finally, Penny and Lulu! Penny's making great strides in her goal of becoming an idol, and has at least self-published her first single. I based her new look on Magilumiere Co. Ltd.'s transformation look, which fitted Penny extremely well. As for Lulu, she pops by from time to time from Luxenville still to hang out with the rest and she's slowly but surely becoming Wario's successor/assistant despite the two of them denying it lol. That's also why I gave her Wario's original color scheme of yellow and magenta. I also gave her freckles!

[goosewriting]

Wherever you go, I go - part 2

summary: reader’s adventures on the Mantis continue.

relationship: Cal Kestis x GN reader

warnings: mentions of kidnapping, pure fluff at the end 

word count: 2.8k 

A/N: this one’s a bit shorter ;;w;; i’m planning on doing a third chapter, where we will finally learn what reader did that got a bounty on their head 

Navigation: Part 1 | Part 2 (you're here) | Part 3

(english is not my first language. constructive criticism and grammar corrections are very appreciated!)

— — —

After admitting your mutual feelings, watching Cal leave the Mantis to go around risking his life was even harder. You knew about the importance of the mission, but still, it tugged at your heart a little stronger every time.

You had managed to convince the redhead to let you tag along on Zeffo, around the abandoned village at least. When he went into the ice caves and beyond, he told you to stay on the ship.

So that’s where you spend most of your time, mainly helping out as the “medic”. That’s your assigned role by Cere, so to speak. But you also help out by assisting her in intercepting and decoding Imperial messages. She taught you how to do it and you caught on quickly. You also help Greez with ship repairs and maintenance here and there. Really you’re an all-rounder, and while the Mantis could get a little too crowded sometimes with four people on board, they seem happy to have you around. Or at least you like to think so.

Right now, you’re headed to Kashyyyk to look for someone named Tarfful. After jumping out of hyperspace, you’re met with a giant Imperial ship lurking over the planet. They seem to be preoccupied with something else though, as the Mantis sneaks right past it. Still you can’t help holding your breath until you’re out of range from it. As you get closer to the jungle-covered surface, you almost crash into an Imperial fighter in pursuit of a guerilla fighter. Greez scolds Cal for not checking the scanners, but he gets up, already heading for the door. He claims to have a plan: hijacking the Imperial walkers wading through the water towards the edge of the jungle, where you assume there’s a battle front. 

Before you can even process what he’s about to do, Cal presses the button to open the main hatch, and the door opens with a hiss.

“Hey, do me a favour,” Cere says to him before he exits. “Stay alive down there?”

“I’ll add it to the plan,” Cal retorts with a grin and walks out onto the ramp.

“If you're gonna jump, you better do it now, kid.,” Greez calls from the cockpit.

“Hold on,” you say, approaching the open door, shielding your body from the strong winds with your arms. “You’re not seriously gonna just jump?!” 

Cal shrugs his shoulders in response, shooting you a smirk and a wink before letting himself fall backwards from the ramp.

“Cal!” you call after him, but Cere pulls you back and closes the door before you get any ideas of following after him. 

“Oh no you don’t,” she scolds you. “You stay on the ship.”

“I swear one of these days he’s gonna give me a heart attack,” you mutter as you go back to the cockpit, trying to spot him from the windows. But the ship is too high up, and there’s a veil of fog covering the water below, so you can’t really make out too much.

When you finally land, you exit the Mantis first and make your way to Cal with an accusing finger pointing at him. He raises his hands in defeat. You low-key want to smack him across the face, but you forgive him easily; it’s hard to stay mad at him when he’s that cute.

The rest of the crew joins you and Cal introduces everyone to Saw Gerrera. He and his fighters want to attack the refinery to free it from the Empire, where Wookiees are being held as slaves and prisoners. They quickly go over the plan and Saw leaves with his troops, telling Cal to join them when he’s ready.

You stay behind with Cere and Greez on the Mantis to intercept transmissions and offer support from here. Standing at the base of the ramp, Cal holds your hands, giving them one last squeeze.

“Be safe,” you plead, and you wish you didn’t sound so worried because you know he can feel it, but you can’t help it.

“I promise,” he responds with a smile, leaning in to place a quick kiss on your cheek, and then he takes off towards the refinery. 

After a couple of steps Cal turns back around one last time and you wave to him. You can hear BD’s beeps, probably saying his goodbyes. Even after they’re gone from view, you stand there a little longer, already missing the redhead. You huff and shake your head. I have to be brave for him, you tell yourself. So you go back to the ship to help Cere with the transmissions.

It isn't until about 20 minutes later that you try to contact Cal the first time to ask how it’s going, but there’s no response. In fact, you can’t get through at all. It’s like someone cut off the connection. You keep trying to get through, to no avail.

Immediately you fear the worst, so you tell Cere. 

“You think there’s an Inquisitor here?” you ask, fearful.

“Cal has fought them before, he’s strong,” Cere says, as she turns to Greez. He shifts in his seat.

“I mean, there’s a chance they caught up to him,” the captain starts, averting his eyes from both of you. “Cal did mention bounty hunters on Zeffo. Maybe…” He trails off for a moment. “Oh no.”

“They, who?” you question. 

– – –

You’re pacing back and forth on the Mantis, trying to get the worry and stress out of your system. You almost threw one of the tools lying nearby at the Latero when he confessed that he had a big debt from his gambling days that he hadn’t paid off yet. Because of it, bounty hunters were after Cal, apparently.

Sitting down on the cot, you exhale deeply. You had to remove yourself from the cockpit as Greez set course to Ordo Eris, the stronghold of the Haxion Brood. You didn’t want to say or do something you’d regret later. The only thing you could do now was pray to any deity you could think of that Greez was right and you weren’t just ditching Cal on Kashyyyk. And also hope that if he had actually gotten kidnapped, that he was still in one piece. From the few things Greez told you about their leader, Sorc Tormo, he didn’t sound like a pleasant fellow. Then again, Cal has BD with him. They’re a great team, and Cal has only gotten stronger in such a short period of time. Surely, they’re fine. 

You repeat that last thought in your mind like a mantra, until Cere finally announces you’re about to arrive. You quickly make your way to the cockpit and catch the Mantis jumping out of hyperspace, now flying towards a construction seemingly built into an asteroid. It actually looks kind of cool, and you’d take some more time appreciating the architecture if it wasn’t for Cal being in danger.

Greez flies the ship without hesitation towards a tower.

“Hold on to something!” he warns not long before the ship breaks through one of the big panels and into the building. 

Cere is already at the door, calling out to Cal. When he finally steps through the hatch into the Mantis in one piece, you’re so relieved you could pass out right then and there. But a new wave of worry comes crashing down on you as you the state he’s in; he clearly took a beating, and who knows how long he’s been like this. 

Greez makes quick work of getting the ship out of there. Meanwhile Cal tells everyone the bad news. It doesn’t escape you how he’s leaning onto the back of Cere’s seat for support. You also don’t miss the fact the only thing on his mind is the mission, and not his well-being, apparently. You lightly shake your head as you approach him.

“The Empire knows about the Holocron,” Cal informs everyone, then he turns to Cere with a slight grimace. “And I had a nice chat with the Second Sister, Trilla.”

You’re trying to have Cal lean onto you for support so you can take him to the back to patch him up, but you stop moving at his words. There’s an uncharacteristic venom laced in his voice. 

“What did she tell you?” Cere asks, calculating. 

“She told me you betrayed her to the Empire,” he spits. “Is it true?” 

Cere hesitates for a moment, and you can feel your heart sink to your stomach.

“She was my apprentice before the purge,” she finally states, and it’s obvious she’s deflecting the question. 

“You should have told me!” Cal retorts, and you can feel him shaking. 

“We’re getting an encrypted message from Kashyyyk,” Greez interrupts the two.

Cal and Cere share one last sour look before Cal moves towards the holotable. The message is from Mari Kosan, one of Gerrera’s fighters. They found Tarfful and he wants to meet Cal. But the Empire overran their position at the refinery. Some of the fighters stayed back while Gerrera went off-world. 

Back to Kashyyyk it is, then. Greez sets the course, and the ship’s engines roar as it enters hyperspace. 

You quickly lead Cal away before he can say anything else to Cere. When you tell him that you couldn’t reach his commlink, he tells you that Trilla rerouted all communications. He tried contacting you as well, but couldn't.

When you get to the cot, you sit him down and get the first aid box. You take off his poncho and his vest to take a closer look at his injuries. He’s a bit scratched up but luckily he looked worse than it actually was. 

After giving him a stim, cleaning up his wounds and discarding the used gauze, you take one last look at Cal before nodding and finally allowing yourself to properly breathe again. He visibly feels much better now.

“There, all done,” you say, cupping his cheek. 

“Thanks, cupcake,” Cal responds, and you feel the heat violently erupt on your face.

“Where’d that come from?” you manage to ask, failing to hold back a flustered chuckle.

“To be honest, I have no idea,” he responds with a sheepish smile, a blush spreading on his cheeks as well. “If you don’t like it–”

“No no, I do,” you’re quick to interrupt him. “I could get used to it.” 

After a moment, you turn around to put away the first aid box on the shelves on the opposite side.

“Oh, I remembered a new trick on Kashyyyk, by the way,” Cal says, and you can hear the grin in his voice.

“Really?” you ask, turning around and leaning back on the wall. “I hope it’s better than the wall running.”

Cal extends his arms towards you, and you feel an invisible force pushing you off the wall and bringing you forward until you come to a halt standing between Cal’s legs, his hands gently holding onto your waist to help you keep your balance. He looks up at you with a stupid grin and raises his brows, as if to tell you “not bad, right?”.

“I guess it is better,” you laugh, placing your hands on his shoulders. “I wonder what other tricks you have up your sleeve…”

Suddenly his gaze shifts from mischievous to a little more serious, and his eyes momentarily flicker to your lips and back up. Involuntarily, your breath hitches, and you start leaning in, your hands travelling up his neck to hold his face. The butterflies in your stomach are out of control, and you swallow in an attempt to calm down and not mess this up, and–

Both you and Cal freeze as you hear your name being called from the cockpit. 

You pull away, removing your hands from him rather stiffly. The look of disappointment on his face has your chest tightening in pain for a second.

“I better go,” you say sheepishly. “Make sure to get some rest, okay?”

“Right,” Cal sighs, waiting just for a moment longer in case you don’t go just yet, but you turn around and make your way to the front of the ship, hiding your face with your hands in embarrassment once you have your back to him. He leans down onto the cot with a quiet groan, placing his arm over his forehead. 

The call came from Cere; she needs your help with some intercepted transmissions, so that’s what you work on for some time. Once you’re done, you start tinkering with Cal’s commlink, changing some parts and improving the wiring, so it wouldn’t be as easy to jam or reroute communications in the future.

It takes you a while to make those improvements, and once you’re finally done, you stand up with a yawn, stretching your arms over your head. It’s time for you to hit the bed as well. 

As you get up from the round table, you notice that Greez isn’t in his captain’s seat. You were so focused on your work that you must have missed him walking by. Shrugging it off, you make your way to the back, looking forward to cuddling with Cal, as you’ve had to share a bed ever since you came onboard the Mantis. You hope it wouldn’t be weird after what happened earlier, though.

Just as you’re passing the threshold to the back of the ship, Greez walks past you. Cal is sitting on the cot and not sleeping, as he should be. You push him back down onto the bed, telling him to scoot over so you can fit as well.

“What did Greez want?” you ask as you get comfortable. “Is everything okay?”

“Yeah. He apologised, actually” Cal answers, lying down behind you and pulling you into his chest. “For the whole Haxion Brood thing.” He pauses for a moment, and you look over your shoulder. “He also said I should cut Cere some slack for the whole… Trilla situation.”

You lie back down, taking his hand in yours.

“I’m actually not sure what I’ll do once I find the Holocron,” Cal admits, nuzzling his face into the crook of your neck.

“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there,” you offer, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. “For now, let’s focus on the mission at hand. A lot can happen until then.” 

Cal doesn’t answer, but he hugs you a little tighter. It doesn’t take long for the both of you to doze off into some much needed sleep.

When you wake up, it’s because of Cere shaking your shoulder not so gently, telling you to get up. You respond with a groan, hiding your face in the pillow. 

“Get up, we’re about to arrive,” Cere says with a warning tone that leaves no place for discussion. So you have no choice but get up. 

Again on Kashyyyk, Cal gets ready to go meet this Tarfful guy. Or rather, Wookiee. After plans are made and equipment is checked, it’s time for him to go. 

“Here, your new and improved commlink,” you announce to Cal, holding out the device. 

Cal thanks you with a smile, taking it from your hands and pocketing it away. BD beeps, telling him it’s time to go. But he stands there looking at you for a second longer. 

“Be careful, okay?” you plead in a quiet voice.

“I promise,” he assures you with his usual smile, but his eyes are searching yours for something else, and that’s all it takes for you to momentarily block out the rest of the world and do what you’ve been wanting to since probably the first day you ever laid eyes on the redhead. 

“Wait, come here,” you say and your hands reach up to hold his poncho. “You have something on your face.” 

You pull him down until his nose brushes against yours.

“Me,” you whisper, and capture his lips with yours. Cal makes an adorable sound of surprise, but is quick to kiss you back. By the way his hand snakes around your torso and comes to a sudden halt at the small of your back, you can tell it’s taking him a lot of effort to hold back right now. For some reason, that makes you feel even bolder, so before pulling back, you give his bottom lip a nibble. 

Cal lets out a “phew” with a cocky smirk, running his hand through his hair, and it’s illegal how handsome he looks right now. 

“Looks like I’m not the only one with tricks up my sleeves, huh?” he says and you laugh, now slightly embarrassed as you realise everyone on the landing platform just saw you. 

“Off you go,” you tell Cal, giving him a playful push on his chest, and he leans in to quickly steal one last kiss, then takes off with a wink.

— — —

A/N 2: i couldn’t find any info on how the bounty hunter kidnapping scene ties into the story (to me it felt kinda random when playing), so it seems a lot of the surrounding parts were scrapped and all that was left was greez’ dialogue about gambling. but i wanted to use the scene, so i hope it made sense lol // screenshot is mine

~~~~~

🐥 taglist: [more info in my pinned post!] @dybynyght, @galaxtic-writings

[shyficwriter]

This isn't really a fully formed idea but imagine being part of the Guardians of the Galaxy and having like lightning powers.

And like, when you get angry or frustrated an electrical charge builds up. Sometimes it's just static arcing through your hair. Other times you accidentally discharge the electricity into a metal table or something. Or you'll purposely reach out an grab onto a metal pole to make sure you don't discharge the lighting into whatever person is pissing you off (Rocket)

One day you discharge the lightning into a pole when you're pissed at Rocket and it looks like a transformer exploded. Rocket cockily asks "Was that meant to be intimidating?" and you answer, "No, that was to prevent me from electrocuting you when I kick your furry raccoon ass." *cue Rocket lunging for your throat and the others needing to break up the fight*

Also I imagine the following exchanges would happen: "Damn it! They've fried [electrical device] again!" --- "Sorry!" Or, "If you don't stop arcing my ship-!" --- "It was an accident!"

Because problem is you can't always control it, and once the charge builds up either you discharge it intentionally somewhere where you won't fry the electrical (or fry any of your friends) or it will just happen on it's own the next time you touch something- anything. Like static electricity shocks- but worse because it could either be a tiny tingle (if you're mildly frustrated or annoyed) or you could electrocute whoever comes in your path (if you're royally pissed).

Mantis has actually been forbidden from trying to use her powers on you after one time she attempted to see if you were angry and got blasted across the room when the electricity discharged (She was fine though, but you still felt real bad)

Obviously those who have metal implants are less than thrilled if they accidentally brush into you and you have a charge built up. (Nebula could have killed you the first time it happens, and Rocket legitimately tries when it happens to him- also his tail was singed for a week)

Eventually someone gets you a rubber mat to stand on to mitigate this, especially when the charge becomes too great. It's the only thing that allows you to discharge the electricity without electrocuting your surroundings. (Your rubber soled boots apparently weren't enough and you often get sentenced to go stand on your mat until you "cool down" when you're frustrated.)

It's not all bad though. Sometimes you get to see Drax's more playful side because the tiny shocks barely faze him- in fact they kinda tickle he claims. So sometimes you'll even sneak up behind him and give him a little shock just to make him laugh and every once in awhile he'll even chase after you if he's in the mood to be playful. Doesn't happen often, but it's still fun when it does- though he always catches you and gives you a playful noogie in retaliation.

It's also a real asset to the team. Lighting powers are super helpful with taking down big bad guys. You may have also even been convinced at least once to jump-start Peter's ship too lol

[rottmnt-residuum]

Idk why, but Donnie looks more like he’s holding off, almost protecting, Leo and Mikey from the blonde bitch (I forgot the name sorry :c)

Like, yeah he’s resisting, futile in the end, she essentially lobotomized him in arc ONE. But I really hope this is not the end of “Donnie” in your comic. Like, even if just in spirit, he helps his brothers in other ways.

Also, GOD, you are very brave, you’re capable of pulling a trigger against characters and that takes guts. “Sometimes, you have to kill your baby” well, this time it was just lobotomy and one, no-two, wait. Uh. Fuck does mantis and his fucked up cat count? Idk.

Anyway, because you’re capable of pulling the trigger on characters, you scare me really bad. Teach me your ways please.

( •̀ᄇ• ́)ﻭ✧

Also, how you made Draxum death just, I just. Praise you while crying, goat man didn’t deserve to be just a “oh shit, I shot the wrong animal, anyhow, wanna go for lunch?” Like

Wow that was CASUAL FOR THOSE TWO FUCKERS. I never wanted to break someone neck slowly so much. Besides the blonde bitch.

Oh! And where is Cassandra and Junior? Are they not in your comic or you took Junior out of the picture by using the discarded finale of the movie?

Sorry for this looooong ass ask. Didn’t sleep :p

you're meant to feel like that lmao, don't worry you're just picking up my vibes. Yeah, donnies a big part of the plot, always has been. He's just kinda on the back burner in the second arc.

Oh, repo is fine- well, as fine as someone in his situation can be, but the cat.... uh. Anyway. I don't really see what I'm doing as brave? I just kinda... don't get emotional about my own stuff? (unless i find it funny i mean) Death is just a story telling tool to me, so im not sure how i could teach you my ways lmao

Casey and Cass are... technically in the comic? I've never heard of a discarded final of the movie, but if it is what i think it is... maybe in the first iteration of the comic? I'm making that possibility its own comic on my side blog.

Anyway, I'll make a bonus comic for where they are in Residuum... they are very busy lmao

[celestialmantdonna]

@guardian-rocket continued from here

It was good to be back. Leaving the Guardians had been difficult, much harder than leaving Ego, but Mantis knew that scary choices were sometimes necessary. She needed to experience true independence. To live life on her own terms. To become stronger in order to protect those she cared about. But they said one always returned to the place where they were happy, and truer words had never been spoken. Two years and a few months later, she returned to Knowhere, enjoying the consequent reunion and celebration.

Mantis and Rocket had been discussing how Adam had learned to control his abilities, and while Mantis was grateful that Adam saved her only sibling left alive, she couldn't help but remember the way Rocket convulsed beneath her palm after he was injured by the Sovereign. The way his blood slipped between her fingers. The way she sobbed, frantic, scared–

She made the vow without thinking, and while Rocket's answer came as no surprise to her, the Guardians had learned only a fraction of his past. Learning about his origins had helped them understand him a little better, but when Rocket seemingly expressed guilt, Mantis froze. She assumed part of it was losing the Guardians in the Snap, yet she couldn't help but think there was more. She looked at him quietly as he explained why she shouldn't promise him that.

"But I do. I know I left the team, but you are our Captain, and even if you weren't, you would still be my friend." Her head tilted to the side. Her friends meant more to her than all the stars in the sky. "I will keep you safe, and not only physically. Your emotions are safe with me." She blinked, hands resting on her knees. She no longer wrung them constantly in front of her. "Besides, you've seen my Abilisks, right? If, if I could not keep you safe for any reason, they'd do so for me."

[eflen-n-reegee]

Flip Mantis Headcanons (Guardians of the Galaxy Trilogy)

Heads up: these movies contain death, illness, animal cruelty, arguable body horror, violence, fighting among friends, swearing, and trauma.

As a Caregiver

She often feels that other people ignore her, so she takes her caregiving role very seriously. She never wants YOU to feel ignored.

Although there were a lot of horrible things about Ego’s planet, there was also a lot of beauty. When you’re drawing together, Mantis will doodle images of some of the things she liked, and tell you about the good parts of the planet.

Thanks to her powers, you never need to worry about explaining your big feelings. She can always tell how you feel and help you work through it.

Do you have insomnia? Not anymore, you don’t! Mantis helps you sleep whenever you’re struggling.

She won’t raise her voice for no reason, but she also won’t tolerate you yelling at her. If you start shouting, she’ll start shouting - and it sometimes goes back and forth for a while.

As a Regressor

She really wants to be liked, and tries to do what she thinks others want her to do. It’s hard for her to do what SHE actually wants.

She loves pretty things and has a whole collection of random items she finds beautiful.

She gets incredibly excited over the strangest things, jumping and shouting and squealing with delight.

She loves animals, and constantly tries to pet any creature she encounters. Even the really big, really weird-looking, really aggressive ones.

She definitely uses her powers to manipulate others into giving her things she wants.

[the-writer-in-the-winter-forest]

Gone Native

Summary: One year after the events of Jedi Survivor, Cal and Merrin take a vacation to Kashyyk. They make love, take in the sights, make love, explore the forests, make love....you get the Idea.

Cal is still getting used to being more than a survivor. So, he chooses to look into an unknown part of his past—a past he won't be able to face without Merrin.

Work Count: 5,116

Warnings: Explicit Sexual Content (MINORS BE GONE!)

A/N: I've been thinking about Cal and Merrin for the past few weeks. So, what's the obvious course of action? Smut fiction, of course! Enjoy!

Cal had been surrounded by machinery and the smell of fumes for too long. It was not until leaving Bracca that he remembered how much he adored the purest forms of nature.

°•○°°••°○°○°•°○°○°°○••○°•○°○••°○°○°°••○

KASHYYK

The fresh air, the openness, the peace. Bracca had been a suffocating experience that made him believe he didn't deserve more. It made him think that cold, metal coffin of a planet would one day be his tomb.  But at this moment, this moment of peace as he stretches out his arms to the brisk morning air as the dawn slips into view, he’s grateful for his freedom. With his hands on his hips, he looks at the green mass stretching for miles. The beauty is remarkable.

The view from the bungalow, a gift from Tarfful himself, symbolized Kashyyk's liberation from the Empire. It had been waiting for the perfect moment to be appreciated, which finally arrived when Cal and Merrin, with a few days' break in mind, departed Koboh on the Mantis. They had built their home on Koboh while still helping where they could with the hidden path to safeguard those still hunted by the Empire. But now, it was nice to be away from it all.

Leaning in the arched doorway, Cal's eyes fell upon a sleeping Merrin. The covers had been pushed down to the edge of the bed. Shockingly, Merrin moved around a bit in her sleep. Right now, she’s curled up on her side, her arms resting above her head. She looks peaceful, serene even. He wouldn't wake her just yet. Instead, he  rummages through his bag to retrieve a small relic from the past.  He settles himself on the bed's edge, reaching out and from within. Cal stifles a chuckle when the holocron plays old recordings during his days as a Padawan. His voice sounds so nazely; he can’t believe how much. The freckles on his face were so bright in particular light he looked almost red. 

“Master Yoda's lessons are really confusing. Sometimes, I wonder if he even knows what he’s talking about.”

He remembers this recording. He had been officially old enough to begin saber drills with Master Yoda. Another recording starts to play. His past self is excited because he has heard that a few Masters will soon be looking for apprentices. The war is nearing its third year's end, and there are rumors that it will quickly end.

Cal had been anxious to fight. He can only see it now as childish, naive, and eager to take his place in the war. War is no place for a child, soldier or not, Jedi or not.

Cal is pulled from his thoughts when a set of toes nudges his lower back. The Jedi's dismal reminiscing is pushed to the back of his mind for the moment. He smiles when he can feel her eyes on him, but she plays innocent, pretending to be still asleep. Without a pause, Cal lunges toward Merrin. Their laughter fills the room as they wrestle with one another.

“Good morning.” Cal greets after finally pinning Merrin down with a kiss. “You slept in.”

She yawns, stretching her arms above her head. “And it was wonderful. Particularly my dreams about you.”

Intrigue flashes across Cal's face.” Oh, really?” He crawls up beside her, resting on his side. Merrin's smirk feeds his intrigue even more. Her nightgown hangs loosely on her petite body, and every curve is beautifully outlined. 

“I’m pleased to know that my fantasies are not too distant from reality.” 

The Jedi leans in closer. “Me too.” He replies with a kiss that Merrin breaks with her laughter, beyond happy to be in his embrace. “How shall we spend our time today?”

They had hiked most of yesterday and gone on a small wildlife expedition looking for exotic seeds they would plant when they returned to Kohbo. Greeze and Kata would appreciate it.

Their days on Kashyyk weren't difficult to fill.

“I’m sure we’ll think of something,” Cal says, hovering above Merrin, an eyebrow cocked. “But right now, I want to hear more about this dream of yours.”

Cal listens intently to every intimate detail of Merrin's dream for the next few minutes. He rests his head on her torso, eyes closed, while she repeatedly strokes his hair. Every juicy detail of the story continuously whets Cal's appetite. 

She describes the various ways he touched her, both soft and rough. The words he growled to feed her pleasure and the wonton sounds made while her pleasure grew.  Cal had to admit he was both impressed with and jealous of Merrin's dream version of him. While she talks, his fingers move further down her leg, then back up and under her nightgown. Merrin nods, anxious for him to enter.

Her fantasy about him must have been something since he finds her already wet for him when his fingers slip between her folds. The look on her face tells him everything. 

“Was it something like this?” He questions his action, hoping it’s meeting her expectations. He’s determined to outdo the fantasy.

The sting of Merrin's nails pierces his arm more, then tells Cal he’s on the right track. His finger moves deeper and faster, causing Merrin's whimpers to fill the room. Her free hand braces against the ornately carved headboard above her head.

“Yes, yes.” She pants breathlessly. Her gaze doesn't leave Cals; she wants him to see how well he treats her. She wants him to see her engulfed in pure bliss; she can feel her release inching closer by the second. Every whimper and moan from Merrin grows Cal's desire for her.

His body is screaming for her, and it's clear to see. He’s begging for a release like hers, and Merrin is more than happy to give him that release. She leads his lips back to her, distracting him while her hand slinks down his body. A shocked gasp escapes Cal's breath when he feels his lover's grasp around his cock. 

“This was part of my fantasy as well.”

Cal's beautiful eyes flood with astonishment. “I..nhh…I think I love your fantasies.” His voice is shaky and wanton.

The mixed desire of their breathing brings them closer and closer to their shared release. Cal claws at the sheets beneath him, the same as Merrin. At this moment, this fantasy is perfection. His skin is rough in some areas, due mainly to his work on Bracca—a mixture of climbing high platforms and an embarrassing number of power tool-related incidents. His arms, though, are strong and have always made Merrin feel safe.

When she first saw them, the scars on his upper body caught her off guard. They didn't frighten her; instead, they filled her with sorrow since most of them had been acquired when Cal was only a child. He had told her the stories behind many of them.

She had always found the markings on his face to be beautiful. She thought they made him look rugged and handsome even when they first met. Merrin blushes at the memory and how those thoughts and feelings have strengthened.

Cal's fingers move faster inside Merrin, savoring her tightness around them. “You’re so wet for me,” he praises her, moving his fingers faster and faster.

Merrin's voice turns slow and sultry as she whispers to Cal. “You’re doing so well, My Jedi.” She murmurs. Their gentle rhythms change pace; they’re both ready for the release. Parting her legs further apart, Merrin allows Cal deeper inside. They cling to one another.

“Merrin..” Cal whimpers, his brow furrows, his body tensing as his climax peaks. Merrin writhes against him, her head falling back against the pillows, her toes curled to a point. Cal doesn't slow until every ounce of pleasure drips out of Merrin.

It isn't long after that the pair collapses together, panting. Cal’s heavy breath is warm against Merrin's chest. Her fingers run lazily through his hair. “Better than the fantasy?” Cal asks weakly. Merrin only nods, still wholly blissed out.

With the calming motions of Merrin's hands and Cal's breathing, it isn't long until the calm pulls the pair into a soothing slumber.

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It’s the smell of freshly made food that awakens Merrin. It’s late afternoon, and the sun's positioning tells her so. Cal is still fast asleep, nuzzled comfortably against Merrin's back. He’s so beautiful. Sadly, the rumbling in her stomach wins out, and she forces herself to remove herself from her lover's embrace slowly.

The Wookies prepared and left the food—a custom amongst their people regarding guests. The food was, of course, delicious, another new experience while traveling the galaxy. It isn't long until Cal crawls out of bed to join her, where they talk and eat happily.

Reluctantly, Cal removes himself from atop Merrin and retreats to the back veranda to wash up and cool himself down.

Filled with bliss, Merrin collapses onto the bed with a heavy sigh. Her mind replays the events of their lovemaking. The feeling of Cal's skin, the curves and pull of his body, his labored breathing—oh, spirits help her.

Merrin doesn't hide her ogling gaze that follows Cal around the room. His wet body, silhouetted by the sun, is beautiful. He’s let his hair grow out more these past few months. The color (at least to Merrin) is incredible. She had seen countless people during her travels, both with and without the Mantis crew. For so long, Merrin had seen nothing but the wonders of her world. It had been overwhelming to experience so much at once. Amongst the countless she had seen, so rare was it to see someone with Cal’s hair color amongst them. It’s another uniqueness of his.

“On Bracca, it felt like the days dragged on forever. It was so tiring. The longer the hours, the more it felt like the planet was trying to swallow me up. But here…the days drag, and it’s incredible.”

“It’s the scenery.” Merrin muses, nuzzling against Cal's shoulder.

“It’s that, but there’s something else about it. We aren't running from anything. We're hiding, but at the same time, we’re not.”

“I think I understand your meaning. It’s nice to have this time now where things feel… slowed. It is nice.” Cal nods. They sit in peace for another few moments. Cal stares towards the sky, his gaze telling Merrin a familiar story. A gaze that makes her bring back up a familiar discussion. “Have you given more thought to what we’ve discussed?” Cal doesn't answer right away. Had he not heard her speak, or would he just not have responded to the question? Both seem very unlikely, so Merrin waits for his answer.

When he finally does, his gaze and voice are flooded with uncertainty. “I don’t know, Merr.” His eyes don’t even meet hers. They stay trained in the sky, where she is sure he’d like to be, to avoid this topic of conversation. “I’ve been thinking about it and not wanting to think about it.”

Her voice is faint yet sympathetic. “Why?” Guilt pools in her heart. Again, Cal doesn't answer right away. He can’t even see the annoyed side eye she is giving him; it’s childish how she has the urge to pinch him. The truth is they have a shared anxiety about the topic in question. Cal's eyes stay on the horizon, arms resting on his knees, lost in his thoughts. A kiss on his shoulder from Merrin brings him back to reality. 

“I don’t mean to push the subject.” Her voice is faint and apologetic. She holds him close, hoping he can feel her sincerity.

Cal smiles brightly, taking her hand and squeezing it tightly. “I’ll keep thinking about it.” 

This brings a smile to the Nightsister's face. She comfortably rests her head on her Jedi's shoulder, his touch easing her. Like the young couple, many of Kashyyks's natural wildlife began to rise with the morning sun. Birds sang on the warm breeze. The peace and tranquility is mesmerizing. 

Merrin hops to her feet excitedly, pulling at Cal to rise to his feet. “How about a game?” She leans elegantly against the veranda railing, her nightgown blowing in the breeze.

“What?” Cal chuckles with a hint of confusion. 

“Come on, Jedi.” She goats him, wagging her finger in a come-hither motion. Before Cal can reach her, she vanishes instantly from the veranda and reapers below the forest floor.

Cal once again doesn't hesitate. Calming his mind, reaching out and within, the next thing Cal knows, he’s running barefoot through the jungle with Merrin. The moss of the forest floor cushions each step, the morning breeze, the adrenaline, it’s perfect. 

Merrin runs ahead of him, only using her magicks to teleport herself when Cal occasionally catches up to her. “No fair.” He laughs, picking up speed. Merrin's laughter catches on the wind, echoing around them. She is more than determined to keep her lead. This is a game, and she won't be caught so early on. Playing hard to get, Merrin makes her way off the trails, using her magic to take her into the trees above.

Cal halts in his tracks. The green embers from Merrin's spell scatter like sparks forming flames. His heart races along with his mind as he tries to devise a way to pick up her trail again. 

Merrin kept her eyes on Cal when she transported herself into the canopy. She stayed out of sight, watching as he searched for her. Seeing her Jedi pursuer in the sunlight made her heart skip a beat. The light peaking through the canopy enveloped Cal in a radiant glow. 

“Gotcha!”

Merrin is snapped out of her daydreaming. Those mesmerizing green eyes of his are staring her down. He propels himself towards her, believing he’s won the game. Merrin grants him no satisfaction. 

Merrin smiles smugly before fading into a cloud of green mist. This time, she reappears a few feet ahead of Cal. She laughs over her shoulder before taking off again, jumping from branch to branch across the canopy. The game isn't over.

Refilled with vigor, Cal resumes his chase. The leaves crunch under their feet as they bound over fallen trees and doge between towering trunks of the ancient forest. The two are lost in the thrill of the moment. The wind whipped through their hair, the ground beneath their bare feet—Merrin doges into the dense underbrush with Cal close behind her. Just when she thinks she’s lost him, he fanks around her, scooping her up into his arms, claiming victory. 

“You are insane, Cal Kestis.”

The universe has granted them this peace despite all they’ve been through and suffered. This new future where they could run wild hadn't seemed possible to either Cal or Merrin. But they deserve it and each other.

They were close to the Jikazza Lagoon. There, they could wash the mud off and rest for a bit. They’re still struggling to catch their breath. Cal had discovered it during his first visit to Kashyyk. He had been waiting to bring Merrin for a special occasion. There seemed to be no better one than this. The water is crystal clear, near a small fall of water. Moss and sweet-smelling plants grow around the border where smoothed rocks line the lagoon.

Merrin shakes her head in amusement, watching Cal swing from the jungle rafters, whooping and hollering like a jungle man as he propels himself into the lagoon. Merrin grants some friendly applause for his Olympic-style diving skills.

“Well done,” she compliments him before joining him in the water. It felt amazing on such a hot day, and the shade provided by the canopy helped, too.

The gentle lapping of the waves moves them closer together. In the gentle tranquility, they float in each other's arms. Merrin's sheer nightgown hugs her body; the thin straps hang loosely around her shoulders. Cal feels his heart racing, his cheeks growing red; thank goodness for the coolness of the water. She’s beautiful like this, ethereal. It isn't long until their clothes rest on the lagoon's bank.

The couple's lips meet in a passionate kiss. Merrin's fingers rake through the Jedi's wet red hair, pulling it lightly. Cal pulls Merrin to him, gently resting her against the bank, using his hands to cushion her against the rocks.

The stone digs into his palm, but he’s too enthralled by Merrin to pay it any mind. His lips settle comfortably against her neck. A sharp hiss of pain passes through Cal's clenched teeth when he feels Merrins bite his neck. Still, he doesn't waver. Guilt floods through her body. She kisses the red flesh tenderly until Cal turns her jaw so her lips can come to his. Each kiss becomes more frantic than the last. Their hands paw at each other's bodies, wanting to feel every inch of one another.

Merrin's body shivers against Cal when she feels him enter her. She grips his back tightly; her head falls back as he begins to move against her. He’s exhausted from their chase, but he needs this. He needs to feel her more than anything. “Don't stop,” Merrin begs him with a resounding whimper in her voice. She brings her forehead to his. “Please…please.” Her thighs rise to meet his waist so she may better meet his rhythm.

“I’m not stopping, Merr. I need you.” Cal trembles as he says this, his palm digging further into the rocks. Her desperate pleas, followed by the growing tightness of her folds around his cock tell Cal how close she is. Even with the chill of the water, Cal's body radiates with a vibrant warmth fueled by passion and desire. His free hand steadies himself against the bank. His fingers tear and tremble in the mud. His breath is heavy and rapid the faster he moves against Merrin. She’s so warm and wet, making him lose his composure.

He falls against Merrin, spilling into her. Wave after wave of pleasure engulfs them. Unfortunately, the pain in Cal's palm wins out and forces him to pull away from Merrin, causing her to slip from Cal's grasp and fall into the water. Scrambling, Cal yanks Merrin out of the water. “I’m so sorry.” He frantically apologizes while parting Merrin's hair out of her eyes. She gives a few hard coughs before breaking into a comforting fit of laughter. Cal soon joins in before laying with Merrin on the bank for a long rest.

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They had returned to their Bungalow later that evening after a long day spent at the lagoon and after spending over an hour searching for their clothes in the water. However, both secretly liked the idea of running through the trees naked. 

Cal had fashioned a makeshift bed from an assortment of blankets and pillows on the floor near the fireplace. Merrin's head rested on Cal's outstretched arm; she fit perfectly against him. The warmth of the fire warmed their wet skin. The nightlife of the planet filled the night; it was beautifully lively. 

“Another beautiful day.” Merrin hums, turning her head to look up at Cal when he nuzzles into her neck. His breath is warm and comforting, like the fire.

“Followed by a beautiful night.” Cal's hand moves down Merrin's thigh; his thumb traces over a familiar scar. He remembers Merrin's story about how she had received it—a childhood incident when she and Ilyana wandered into dangerous marshes. She had spoken so fondly of Ilyana. Cal was grateful Merrin had her in her life and thankful they had one another.

She turns on her side to face away from the fire and faces Cal, chest to chest. Now, it's her turn to trace his scars. Like here, she knows the story behind each one. He pulls her mind from the memories with a deep and passionate kiss. Merrin looks back over her shoulder at the fire, reminiscing.

“On Dothamir, my sisters and I would tell stories around a warm fire. We’d dance and sing around the flames.” Her voice is sad, remembering her sisters and what she’s lost.

“There weren't many campfires at the Jedi Temple. But we were told stories as younglings.” 

Merrin nuzzles into him. “Tell me one.”

Cal is taken aback. Completely unexpecting this request of hers, how could he refuse her?

“Alright.” He thinks for a moment. Suddenly recalling a few of his favorites, he settled on one that stuck out. “A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, when the universe was new and young, there was no color wherever you went. There was no vibrance among all planets, people, and animals. The universe appeared cold and grey. The only remnants of color were in the sky. The stars, moons, and sky are as bright as they are now. One day, on a nameless world, a young child wandered away from home to explore the planet's wild. They wondered why the sky held such wonder and why everything below had no hues. Perhaps the wilds of the planet held answers.”

Merrin nuzzled closer to Cal. Her imagination drew images in the firer while he continued his story.

“Suddenly, the clouds in the sky turned grey, thunder and lightning filled the sky, and a fierce rain pelted the ground. Terrified, the child found shelter in a cold cavern. The rain lasted days and days, turning the soil into mud; soon, the cavern would be filled with water. The child dug into the soil to create a ravine to gather the water. They dug deeper and deeper, much more profound than any tool or person had before. They dug into the soil for hours and hours until the most incredible discovery was made.” He paused for dramatic effect. “It was faint, yet unmistakable.” He pauses again, drawing Merrin in. “There, gleaming in between the child's fingernails, between the soil, was the fainted hint of color.”

Merrin's eyes widened in amazement.

“The child was speechless and, without a second thought, began to dig deeper into the ground, finding more and more wonder the further they went. They continued to dig for hours, and the rain continued until a guizer from below erupted, spilling over and outside the cavern. The child followed the streams of color back to their village, where they watched every surface become covered in a new shade until the entire planet was painted. And it wasn't long until the rest of the galaxy would be painted from the veins within their planets.”

Merrin giggles when Cal's story comes to an end. Her fingers intertwine with hers close to her heart. “Hmmm, I like that one.”

Cal nods, kissing her shoulder. “Yeah, me too. I kinda like the idea that the look of a planet came from within the planet itself.” Merrin finds his wonderment amusing. She thanks him for the beautiful story and promises to tell him one of her own soon. He loves the sound of that.

Merrin beams warmly at the kiss Cal leaves on her forehead. Slowly, he shifts above her, settling between her legs, his need for her on display. “Eager, are we not?”

Cal smirks slyly. “I was thinking about the Lagoon.” Cal breaths, trailing his lips down her body, his eagerness growing when he feels Merrin shiver with pleasure from his touch. “You looked so beautiful.” His breath against her skin pulled heat and desire into her core. “I never wanted to take my eyes off of you.” He moans into her neck, savoring her rigid against his back, savoring the feeling of her wetness as he moves inside of her. So lovely and warm.

With one swift motion, Merrin turns Cal onto his back. His eyes flash with a mixture of lust and admiration. He allows himself to be taken by her passion.

“My beautiful Jedi.” Her hands glide down his face; she can feel the light sweat on his skin.

As Merrin moves atop him, Cal grips her hips tightly, his fingers digging into her skin as he loses himself in the heat of the moment. With each thrust of her body, he feels a surge of desire coursing through him, his passion for her growing stronger with each passing moment.

“More…” Cal moans in barely a whisper, his fingers gripping the sheets beneath him. “Give it to me.” Merrin complies, moving her body faster and harder. The pairs' hooded eyes meet one another, their faces flushed with want and need. “Fuck me harder.” He begs, moving his hands to her breasts; the flesh is soft and cool to the touch. Merrin gasps breathlessly when she feels his thumbs move against her nipples.

“Yess…yess…ahh.”

As Merrin braces herself against his chest, he looks up in awe, his breath coming in short gasps as they move together in perfect harmony. Lost in the intensity of their shared pleasure, they are united by an unbreakable bond that burns bright amidst the darkness of the universe.

With each passing moment, their connection grows stronger, their love for one another deepening with each breath they take. As they reach new heights of ecstasy together, they know that nothing in the galaxy can ever come between them - that they are meant to be together, now and forever.

As Cal moans Merrin's name breathlessly, feeling himself on the brink of climax, she looks down at him, tenderness in her eyes. With a fierce passion burning bright within her, she moves faster and harder, determined to bring him over the edge. Their fingers intertwine with one another. “Cal..” Merrin whimpers, her head arched back. “I’m close.

Cal’s desire turns red hot when he hears this. Her folds constricting around his pulsing cock tell him. “Yes…cum Merrin, please.”

As he reaches the peak of his pleasure, she leans down to kiss him deeply, her love for him shining brightly amidst the heat of their shared passion. With each passing moment, they feel a deeper connection to one another, knowing that nothing in the galaxy can ever come between them. They thrust vigorously against one another, wanting nothing more than to release the passion building up inside them.

Finally, their shared cries of ecstasy fill the room, no doubt altering nearby wildlife and locals within a twenty-foot radius. Merrin collapses on top of Cal, sated and gasping for breath. They remain silently intertwined until their breathing steadies. Both move a stray piece of hair from out of the other's line of sight. Their eyes grow heavy, but they remain fixed on each other, wanting them to be the last thing they see before falling asleep.

“I love you, Merrin.” Cal sighs tiredly before closing his eyes.

Merrin smiles faintly, brushing her finger against his cheek before her eyes close. “And I you.” The words echo deep within them both. 

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Cal wakes the following day with a heavy soreness all over his body. He rubs his eyes groggily, wondering how early it must be. He turns on his side to see Merrin absent from their bed. He sits up, looking around the room sleepily until he spots Merrin on the veranda, feeding a trio of Tachs on the railing. She looks angelic in the morning mist, as pretty as a Veda Pearl. If he ever comes across one, he’ll give it to her.

“Good morning,” Merrin greets him once she notices him awake.

The Order is gone.

It’s time to leave it behind.

Cal's words to Merrin the night he confessed his love for her now guide his path. A path that allows him to live without the dogma of The Order. 

Life is precious. And so is happiness.

That warning from Bode still manages to tear through him. Yet, despite his betrayal, he tried to pull Cal from isolation. They were telling him to be more than a Jedi. Cere, Greeze, and they had all given him similar speeches. They all wished for him to have a brighter future—one where he isn’t only a fighter or a survivor of a fallen order. 

For a short while, this newfound freedom had been terrifying. When The Order had been all that Cal had known for so much of his life, what would guide him now? Merrin, his friends…his family will.

But now, he feels a new sense of responsibility regarding his past. He has questions he wants answered, such as where he comes from. He’s ignored the subject for years, perhaps out of fear that he disguised as an obligation to his Jedi teachings.

But now, there lies the freedom to consider more.

“I’ve been thinking,” Cal says, moving his eyeline to Merrins, his arm still around her shoulders.

Merrin’s face fills with intrigue. “Oh?”

He laughs. “Not about that. But we’ll come back to it.” Merrin's demeanor shifts once she notices Cal's more serious tone. He pauses, collecting his thoughts, staring out to the forest world before him, leaning on the railing on the veranda wistfully. “I’m still getting used to letting myself have what I want.” He pauses again, looking like he hadn't correctly phrased a signal word for what he had just said. “I mean…living an everyday life. Living by my wants and desires….not by the Orders. Being more than a Jedi.”

Merrin gently squeezes his hand, telling him she understands what he’s trying to say. “You have as much right as anyone to know where you come from. Jedi or not.” She encourages him, tucking his fiery red hair behind his ear. 

Filled with gratitude, Cal leaves a kiss on Merrin's hand. “Guess I needed to hear it out loud.” Merrin can no longer hold back her tears. She leaps into Cal's arms, holding him close to her, burying her face into his neck to muffle her crying. “Why are you crying?” He asks, wiping the tears from her deep brown eyes.

Merrin shakes her head, trying to collect herself. “They’re happy tears.” She finally manages to say.

“Oh, Merrin.” Cal chuckles sympathetically, kissing her through her tears. He can taste them on her lips. “You're so incredible.” He peppers her face with small, quick kisses until the tears dry, and she’s laughing her wonderful laugh again. She’s overjoyed to see this new spark in her eyes, and she can see it in his eyes, too.  This weight Cal had been carrying regarding his past feels lighter now from embracing it and letting Merrin be a part of it.

“When should we go?”

“Soon,” Cal says, pulling Merrin into his arms and resting his head atop hers while they watch the sunrise. “Right now, I just want to enjoy another long day.”

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