#slight terminator vibes too

[writing-for-life]

Morpheus—Tom Fleming

[the-common-cowgirl]

Greater of Two Evils -Part 3

Summary: When you’re unable to share your brother’s happiness, you end up in the hospital. All hope is lost when the greater of the two evils in your life comes to your “rescue.”

Rating: Explicit

Pairings: Aemond Targaryen/Reader

Warnings: DD;DNE, Modern AU, Non-Con/Dub-Con (heavier on non-con), Physical Violence to Reader (choking, manhandling), Mentions of injuries to reader, Feelings of hopelessness, Elitism, Forced Pregnancy, Forced Proximity, Breeding/Pregnancy Kink, Non-Consensual Arranged/Fabricated Relationship, Dom vibes, Rough/Painful sex, Unprotected sex

Word Count: 5K

A/N: Quick reminder that this is a dark fic! Reading dark fics in a modern setting can feel more real so please, read the warnings carefully before reading further!

Masterlist

A week passed with no so little as a text from Aemond. With your current condition, you weren’t sure if the silence on his end was a good thing or not. Sure, you looked up other options. A way out. A way to terminate the pregnancy… but then Aemond’s words loomed over you like a dark cloud. Coming back to you all at once, the second you even thought about escaping him.

“-your entire family and most of all, your brother is ruined. I have my finger on the trigger right now.”

What could you do? What should you do? Aemond hadn’t contacted you in over a week. Maybe he just wanted to scare you and leave? Forget about you. Oh Gods, you hoped he had forgotten about you.

Your brother nearly pranced into the kitchen, opening the fridge to grab a drink. From your  vantage point on the couch, he looked happy, giddy. You tried to hide further behind your laptop, pretending to be busy with the schoolwork you should be doing and not stressing over anything. 

Don’t give him a reason to be suspicious of you.

“Hey! Wanna hear some great news?” He interrupted your act at homework.

You sighed and shut your laptop on your lap, looking up to your brother with thinly veiled disdain. “Sure.”

If he noticed your discontent, he did not speak on it. “That trade deal, last week, remember? I was trying to get through parliament? It passed!” He smiled widely toward you, as if that was a reason you should be ecstatic too.

Your lips formed a crooked smile, trying to hide the fact that you did not care nor did you see the reason you should. “Huh, that’s great.” Then you remembered, a week expired memory of Aemond telling you that he blocked the trade deal flashed in your memory and your blood ran cold. 

Why did it pass? What did he want now? Was I wishfully thinking this was over?

Your brother’s smile faltered, “Shouldn’t you be excited? That’s a win for us.”

He snapped you out of your spiraling dread. “Us?” You looked up to your brother, slight anger rising in your heart though you were too afraid to show it.

He nodded, moving closer to you, towering over you on the couch. “Look at what I’m doing for this family. Be grateful for my sacrifices. Do you know how many nights I stayed up past midnight trying to speak to my connections in parliament to get the trade deal to pass? Do you know what this means for us? For me?”

He speaks of sacrifices as if he was the sacrificial lamb I am.

You narrowed your eyes up at him, feeling emboldened by the anger bubbling up inside you. Your brother had no clue what it was like to sacrifice…anything. So he lost sleep? So what. You lost your sense of self, your dignity, your freedom. And again, all he lost was sleep.

“Honestly, I don’t care what a trade deal means for you. I don’t care how it’ll boost your standing in the company.” Your brother looked shocked at your words, you continued to glare up at him. “Because you don’t give a shit about me. I lost all respect for you when I realized you had none for me.”

Your brother stuttered, looking shocked. “I’ve given you everything. I love you.”

You scoffed, shaking your head. “You have a fucked up way of showing it-”

Before you could realize what had happened, your brother grabbed your wrist and painfully jerked you up to your feet, although, you were not prepared to stand and lost your footing once he let you go, falling to the group, hitting your head on the glass coffee table and shattering it underneath you. Your laptop that was on your lap fell amidst the shuffle and your weight landed on the top of it. 

Once you realized what happened, you felt blood trickling down your head, wrist, forearm. Your brother paid no attention, leaning over you, so close to your face as he spat angrily, “You are nothing without me.” He grabbed the already bruising wrist and jerked your body closer, scraping along the glass. “No one in this family is anything without me. Never forget that.” His voice was low, possessive, demonic. He shoved your wrist away and walked from the scene he had caused. 

You were left in the living room, trying to make sense of what happened and what you should do. You looked at the wrist he had grabbed, now turning purple and swollen. You felt the blood falling from your head to the white, fur rug that was underneath the shattered coffee table’s frame. You went through the motions numbly, standing up, grabbing your phone, laptop, walking into your bedroom and grabbing your wallet, stuffing those three belongings in your school bag and walked out the door. 

You knew you needed to seek medical attention, feeling the faint sting of your wrist breaking the absolute numbness you felt, and alongside that stinging, you began to feel dizzy. You called an Uber, thankful the driver didn’t ask questions or speak as you stared ahead after directing him to Sunspear Foundation Hospital. You only answered the questions they needed to know, the nurses, remaining quiet when three nurses came in and asked you if you were in a domestic abuse situation, asking if you knew you were pregnant from the mandatory pregnancy test you had to take upon arrival. When the social worker came in, she asked if you were safe at home.

Were you? No. Did you tell them the truth? No.

A nurse knocked on the door, the sting in your wrist still painful as you were denied all pain killers due to your condition, instead, you moved to sit up, using the non-swollen wrist. “Come in,” you said meekly.

She stepped in, just barely, trepidation in her proximity. “Uh miss? I have a visitor here for you-”

You furrowed your brows at her, wondering who would even know you’re here-

Aemond appeared from behind the nurse and moved to thank her before shutting the door to your room and looking down at your bandaged self lying in a hospital gown. His remaining eye was hard to read, he was hard to read. He set you on edge and given what had just happened, you knew the monitor connected to your finger sensed your pulse quicken. 

He glanced up to the rising numbers and decided then, to sit down next to you. Eye raking over your bandages without even a hint to what he was thinking, feeling. Being near him set you on edge. And the question you didn’t need answering popped in your mind.

How did he know I was here.

In theory, you knew. You knew he was well connected. You knew he had eyes on you. You knew that he always knew what you were up to. But here? Even at a hospital you couldn’t escape his eye.

“Who did this to you?” His voice was even, cold, deep. It terrified you.

“Um-” You began, for some reason wanting to protect your brother. It was unfortunately second-nature for you at this point.

“Don’t fucking ‘um’ me. Was it that wastrel you consider a sibling?” His voice was no longer even, it had an edge to it. It reminded you of the movies, when the man who loved the woman saw her hurt and was ready to kill for her given the word. It would have been romantic….if it wasn’t Aemond. 

“Yeah,” you croaked, moving your uninjured hand to your bandaged wrist to play with the bindings. “He- He didn’t mean-”

“I don’t fucking care if he meant to or not, you’re not allowed there again.” 

You looked at him, truly looked at him for the first time in a week. He was still in his suit. It looked like he had just come out of a parliament session. His hair was pulled into a low ponytail behind his head, only a few strands had been pulled out. His tie looked like it had been previously tight, now loose. He looked like he was slightly disheveled, not a usual look for him.

Did he drive all the way from King’s Landing once he found out I was in the hospital? Did he care about me? Was he worried?

You shook those ideas from your head as quickly as they came. Aemond was not a man to care about anything.

He’s worse than your brother. He’s another shark. You’re just another small fish in his pond.

“Do you hear me?” His voice cut through your thoughts, you hadn’t realized he had been talking. Blame it on blood loss or sleep deprivation at this point. Blame your attention span and your wild thoughts on both please. Blame both on anything but a sound mind. “You’re staying at my flat in Dorne until the wedding.”

You furrowed your brows, “No I’m not. I’m going home.” Blame your boldness on both too. Your heart sank as you realized what you had said, now growing anxious at the reparations you would pay for speaking back.

His eye remained neutral. “I’m not letting you go back there. Not after what he did to you.”

Why do you even care?

“Besides, It’ll give me more time to see you-” He tried to reach his hand up to grasp your uninjured one but there was another knock at the door. You told whomever it was to come in and Aemond’s embrace left your hand thankful as the doctor stepped into the room. She explained you had a sprained wrist, along with other minor cuts that would heal hopefully without scars thankfully to her using medical glue instead of stitches.

Finally, she smiled at the two of you as if you were a happy couple, giddy with joy at the prospect of a child. Maybe Aemond was…. But she told you that she went ahead and scheduled your follow up with a midwife in three days from now. “I know it’s a bit early for you to see them, but given the events of today, I’d like you to get started on your appointments with the prenatal care providers to ensure that both you and baby,” she pointed to your flat stomach underneath the hospital gown, it made you want to hurl, “are alright.”

She stood and shook your uninjured hand, then Aemond’s as he thanked her happily. She informed you both that the discharge nurse would be around quickly and you could leave then get some “much needed rest.” Dread pooled in your stomach as you realized you wouldn’t be able to rest where you were going, into the jowls of the beast.

The discharge nurse was quick, Aemond was quicker to help you out of your hospital gown (thankfully not bare to him as you kept your underwear and bra on), and he diligently, like an obedient and sweet partner, led you through the hospital, out into the warm night to where his black sports car sat parked. Even like a gentleman, he opened the door for you to sit. His engine roared to life, you glanced into the backseat, remembering the position he had you in a week ago on that leather fabric. 

On top, pretending I was in charge, much like right now. Though, I’m never in charge right? It’s only the facade.

His flat was fifteen or so minutes from the hospital, maybe five from your brother's. It was big and spacious, much like your brother’s expensive flat. But where your brother had the flat furnished bright and modern, Aemond had his furnished dark, old academia style. It screamed “Old Money” and you nearly laughed at how drastically different Aemond and your brother were while also sharing a single central attribute; they were both terrible people.

“You are sleeping in here tonight,” Aemond walked through a doorway to a bedroom, assuming you would follow… and you did. You looked around the dark bedroom, a King sized bed in the middle topped with dark coverings. There was a bathroom and walk-in closet off of it. It was a master suite. It was Aemond’s room. He deposited your school bag beside the bed. “I see you didn’t bring anything but a broken laptop and your wallet. You’ll need clothes.”

You fidgeted with your clothes you had on now. They were comfortable, you could sleep in them but Aemond walked into the closet, turning on the light and stifled through his clothes. You knew he wasn’t going to give you space. He’d force you to sleep in the same bed with him in his own clothes. He owned you. He knew you were too scared to say one simple word: ‘no.’ 

He walked out of the closet with a large T-shirt. It had a band’s name on it. “Here,” he offered and you took it. 

That was it… a t-shirt.

“In the morning, we can order you more clothes for here but for now, you can sleep in this.”

“Clothes for here.” He’s serious about me staying.

A chill ran up your spine, uneasiness rose in your throat.

Just for tonight, you told yourself. He can’t hold me captive. 

You looked over at Aemond who disappeared into the bathroom. From your vantage point, you could see him stripping his fine clothes in the wall length mirror and folding his clothes and setting them atop the hamper. You thanked the Gods he kept his dark boxers on.

Or can he? Fuck. What will he do if I don’t stay?

The word stay echoed in your mind, remembering the time in your childhood where you were teaching your Northern Riverlands Waterdog to stay. He was one, you were nine. He’s dead now… he stayed, obediently; as you commanded… in the Riverlands until his death. Was that your fate with Aemond? Pliant? Agreeable? Quiet? Like an obedient hound?

As Aemond emerged back into the bedroom, towering over you, you gulped your fear down and the truth of it all came bubbling up.

If I don’t change, if I dont stick up for myself… that answer is yes. 

“Are you going to change?” Aemond asked, breaking you from your haze. You looked up to him, briefly wondering if he heard your thoughts until you remembered the t-shirt you were grasping for dear life in your uninjured hand. 

“Uh…yeah.” You stepped past him, making your way to the bathroom. You shut the door behind you, breathing a sigh of relief that Aemond allowed you to have privacy to change. You pulled your shirt off as quickly as you could with a sprained wrist, wincing slightly as the soft fabric of your shirt drug along some of the wounds that were bandaged. Your shorts came off easier. You kept your underwear and bra on and managed to get into his shirt. The shirt was large, you swam in it, however, it barely reached past your bottom and anxiety crept up your neck as you realized  how much skin you were going to bare to his prying eye. 

Slowly unlocking the door and stepping out of the bathroom, Aemond was already sitting in the bed, his legs hidden underneath the dark covers as his back rested against the headboard. He looked over to you, eye raking up and down your body as you stared ahead to the place next to him where he intended you to sleep. Your words to yourself came flooding back into your mind.

If I don’t change, nothing will.

“I don’t feel comfortable sleeping in your bed tonight.” You mustered up all the courage you could possess, forcing yourself to make eye contact with him. He only scoffed and threw the coverings over his legs off. Standing up and striding toward you like a predator and you, prey. You felt the urge to cower given the happenings of today but you fought the urge. Before you knew what was happening though, Aemond grabbed around your waist, hoisting you over his shoulder. You kicked against his stomach to no avail, tried hitting his back until you remembered your wrist was sprained and sharp jolts of pain shot up your arm. You croaked in pain, trying to grab your wrist instinctively but before you could grasp it, Aemond threw you into the soft plushness of the bed: where he intended you to sleep. 

He moved to hover over you but you kicked up at him angrily. He dodged your foot, grabbing it mid-kick and gripped your ankle tightly, mirroring your brother several hours ago, yet not as harsh. He glared down at you, and you up at him. Emboldened by your fear, fueled by courage you were forcing. You wanted to spit in his face; you had half a mind to do it. Aemond glanced down, an idea flashing across his features and before you could act to defend yourself he reached down and ripped your lacy bikini bottom underwear from your core, exposing you now that the shirt was bunched up around your waist. He let go of your leg and stepped two paces backward, eye still drawn on you as he held your torn underwear in one hand. “Consider that your punishment for thinking, even for a second, I’d let you out of my sight.” Making you sleep without underwear as a punishment; what did that mean for you?

You scoffed and pulled the dark comforter over your lower half to cover yourself and Aemond started walking around the bed toward his side. “Seems like an easy thing to do considering you’re lacking half,” you mumble as you turn on your side, back to Aemond and pull the covers all the way to your neck.

“What did you say?”

Your blood runs cold, you hadn’t realized he had heard your snark but he did…and his tone was dangerous.

You feel the bed dip a split second before you feel his hand roughly grab your shoulder to pull you onto your back and face him. All your courage and anger wiped from you as you stare up, wide-eyed at his expression; one akin to hatred. 

“What. Did. You. Just. Say.” He grits out between clenched teeth. You think momentarily that he might slap or punch you as a hand behind his head slowly raises but that notion in your head dissipates as the hand closes around your neck; constricting oxygen and blood flow. You reach up to remove his hand with your injured and uninjured hands, clawing at him but he does not move. Your head starts becoming light. 

“I was going to be a gentleman tonight, give you the rest you so deserve… but it seems you’re in need of a lesson.”

You can barely register the words as your vision starts to become blurry. Just as you’re certain you’re about to pass out, Aemond releases your throat. You cough, sputtering up and drooling as your eyes glaze over in tears. You run a hand along your throat and the skin is painful to the touch. You’re unaware of Aemond as you try to recover your body from the blood and oxygen loss to your brain. You feel dizzy still, the feeling is not ebbing. Absent-mindedly, you try to sit up in search of a deeper breath and Aemond takes advantage of your upright position to rip his shirt off you, unclasping your bra and throwing it behind him, into the void of the room. 

You feel his hands on your breasts and realize he’s still kneeling on the bed in front of you, slotted between your legs covered by the comforter still. You move to push his hands away from you but he grabs your wrists in one hand and pushes you against the bed. 

“Be a good girl and take your punishment willingly. I might even give you some rest tonight if you’re good.” His fiery breath is on the shell of your ear and your eyes are screwed shut in pain as his grip on your sprained wrist sends jolts of torture through your body. You squeal hoarsely at it and he takes notice, releasing your wrists. “Keep your wrists above your head and that won’t happen again.” You nod without hesitation, thankful for the pain to begin to fade. 

Aemond’s hand engulfs your right breast. You feel him kneading it in his large palm, then flicking his tongue against your nipple until it stiffens to a peak. His tongue is nice, soft and warm. Maybe if you thought about that, softness, you’d enjoy it - what’s to come. He moves to the other breast, repeating the action until both of your breasts appear to his liking. He sits back, marveling at your bare chest. “Open your eyes.”

You can’t do it, can’t obey. Your eyes remain screwed shut.

You hear him scoff, most likely rolling his eye as you feel him move just beneath the covers to the apex of your thighs and slapping you harshly on your bare center. You whimper and give in, opening your eyes. He’s clad only in his boxers, just as he was before he choked you but for some reason, seeing Aemond towering over you in only his boxers makes fear gnaw on your nerves. You look up from the tent in his boxers to his face. His remaining pupil is black now; he looks like a demon, here to steal your soul.

“I am going to fuck you,” he says simply, slipping out of his boxers and discharding them beside the bed. “You’re going to thank me for servicing you so well, understood?” You look down to the ruddy tip, leaking of precum, straining hard against his own skin; like a caged beast.

“Understood?” His tone was one of a teacher or a parent after scolding a child. You looked up to him and nodded; unsure if you didn’t want it at all or wanted him to shove that glorious cock into you. 

No, no you definitely don’t want that. 

“You’ll also thank me for giving you my lineage.” He moved the comforter from your lower half, exposing your entire body to him. “Not every woman gets to carry a Targaryen in their womb. You should be honored.” He slotted himself between your legs, bending them at the knee and spitting down to your core. This would have been a hot, passionate coupling if he hadn’t been Aemond and if he hadn’t just said what he did. 

You pushed the back of your head deeper into the pillows, wanting to escape this hellscape as you slowly came to your senses. Everything came back to that fucking thing.

He ran the rigid edges of his cock along your pussy, up to your clit. It sent sparks along your belly but died before they could ignite anywhere else. Your fire was burnt out, any semblance of arousal died the second he reminded you that he put his semen inside of you and that it unfortunately took root. 

His aching cock caught along your entrance and he pushed against your rejecting walls. You knew he was well endowed, the biggest you’d ever taken, but gods, you hadn’t realized just how large his cock was until you didn’t want it. Maybe the fact your walls tried to push him out made him seem larger than he was but you nearly screamed when the head of him pressed harshly against the wall of your cervix. 

“Fuck,” he muttered, pulling out slightly, only to push into your refusing cunt again. You whimpered against his second push. His body fell to encompass your own, burying his head into the skin of your neck, breathing his flames against your artery. 

“You should really give in to me. It’ll make it a lot easier for you-”

“Why,” you bit out against his ear without much breath, “you’re going to fuck me anyways. Why do you care?”

Aemond raised, just enough for you to see his smirk and eye over your pained expression. “You’re absolutely right.”

His hips snapped harshly against you, stealing the breath from your lungs. You felt cramping begin in your abdomen from how harshly he had begun to take you. “Gentle-” you pleaded as you screwed your eyes shut and pushed his chest with your uninjured hand. “Please.”

You heard him huff above you, “Why? Like you said, I’m going to fuck you anyway. Why should I be gentle for you when this,” He accentuated that word with a thrust that made your whole body freeze in pain. Your muscles when taut and he half-moaned. “This is what I want. How I need it. How I like it.”

You pushed harder against the smooth, solid planes of his chest, “I- I’m carrying your child-” It was the first time you said it out loud, first time you admitted to yourself the truth you couldn’t bear. Now, more than ever, felt like a great time to make it an excuse. “Please- be gentle with me.” 

Your voice was so small, cracked with emotion as tears began to form in your scrunched waterline… but it got the message across.

Aemond stopped completely, still nestled inside of you. He felt your walls ease as he ran a hand up the curves of your body, stopping with his hand cradled along your ribcage. Your eyes softened until you felt the urge to look up at him through your tears. His expression was soft, contemplating over your nude figure.

He leaned down, taking your breast in his mouth, groping at the base near your sternum gently. You felt another hand more to your clit, gentle pressure moving along the pearl. 

His sudden change surprised you but nothing caught you off guard more when his head moved up from your breast to your face and kissed your parted lips hungrily. Tongue slipping past your lips. It was awkward, you didn’t kiss him back, still shocked at his sudden change. 

He pulled from your mouth, rutting gently now into your walls that had begun accepting him with his ministrations. “I’m sorry,” he kissed your neck, “you’re my delicate river. I do need to be careful with you.”

You furrowed your brows, looking sideways at him. Scared to speak but also so confused, “I’m not yours, Aemond.”

He smiled and kissed you again, hand moving down to your stomach. “You’re carrying a part of me inside of you. I’m with you, always. How are you not mine?”

You turned your head away, trying to escape the gnawing pleasure that was now betraying your body. Aemond moved his head to your hair; silver locks intertwining with the falsely dark locks of your own dyed head. “You’re so perfect. You always have been, haven't you?”

He angled his hips to brush against your spot, you felt your body betraying you, allowing him into your most intimate part now with grace and fever. Your walls relaxed completely, growing wetter and wetter. You felt your heartbeat quicken, perspiration began to pool on your forehead. 

“C’mon sweet girl,” he tweaked with your nipple, “give in to me.”

“You’re a monster,” you breathed quickly between the pants you were trying to conceal.

“Y’know you love it. Even if I am.”

“You are.”

He hummed to himself, rising up and hitching one of your legs over his shoulder, reaching deeper than before. Still playing with your clit as his thrusts became quicker but still gentle. “Then what does that make you then, huh?” He smirked from above you, “Because gods- the way your cunt is starting to clench around me, I know you’re liking my cock, loving it. You love this extension of me, you wanton whore.” His words were brash, harsh…but he spoke in reverence. “Gods-” he moaned, “and I’ll teach you to not just love this extension of me, but all of me.”

You felt your peak nearing but not being able to reach the summit as his bed-room talk was absolutely insane. “I’ll never love you.” 

Your breasts bounced along with his thrusts, he smiled down at them in reverie before his lone eye met yours. “Keep telling yourself that, my beautiful river. See who wins.”

He pinched your clit harshly and thrusted up into you with a gentle fever that had you tumbling over the edge. You saw stars as your back arched off of the bed. Body and mind betraying you as you gave in to him. Your cunt clamping down on his member and your blissed out expression, along with a half-scream you weren’t aware you made had him toppling over the edge, hips faltering in their pistoning as he shot his load against your already seeded womb.

Panting, he laid gently atop you, caging you in with his sweaty body as he came down from his high. His hand came up to caress your hair. He began planting sweet, chaste kisses on the side of your face. No, no they would have been sweet if they weren’t from Aemond but your mind dissociated as his softening cock still laid within you, his lips on your face, his hand in your hair…his child in your womb. 

You kept thinking about what he called you, during the act.

“My beautiful river.”

At least he saw you for what you were. Your roots, your homeland, your personality.

A river flows, leaves where and who it once was, changes course, cuts through the land unapologetically. 

You took a deep breath, staring into the abyss of Aemond’s dark room.

Be a river.

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[vanfleeter]

Black Smoke: Chapter 8 - Green With Envy

Characters: Jake Kiszka x Fem!reader Warnings: 18+ as always. Fluff. Mentions of pregnancy. Angst. Insecurities. Anger. Jealousy. Arguments. Crying. Hurt feelings. Apologies. Flirting. Smut. Sexual acts. Penetrative sex. Oral sex (f receiving). Fingering. Nude photography.

Black Smoke Masterlist

The wind was chilly in the early morning, nearing four weeks after arriving home from Michigan. You adjusted the cap on your head after closing the trunk door of Jake’s jeep. Your stomach growls and you pout and whine. Jake peers around the corner of the jeep with his eyebrows creased together. “What are you whining about?”

“I’m hungry..” Shaking his head, he walks away and goes to the driver door. “Can we please stop and get some food on the way to the airport?” You ask when you climb into the jeep and close the door.

“We can eat when we get to the airport.” He says as he starts the engine. “We’re already running behind schedule.” You huff, making him chuckle and he puts the vehicle in reverse and drives off to the airport.

Making it to the airport and getting through security, Jake leads you through the crowded terminal and to your gate before dropping his backpack and yours to the floor. You hold out your hand, pouting your lip and he sighs rolling his eyes. “You literally ate this morning, how are you hungry again?” He says as he hands you his credit card. You simply shrug your shoulders and take the card from his hand. “Bring me back a coffee!” He calls as you’re walking away.

The second you step into the nearest cafe, you can smell the food cooking and it makes your stomach churn, but the food on the menu board looks really good. Ordering yourself a couple breakfast sandwiches and extra one for Jake just in case, you also order his coffee before making your way back through the terminal and to the spot where you had left him at the gate.

“Geez,” Jake chuckles when he spots the food in your hand and the two coffees.

“I hope it tastes better than smells,” You say as you pull out one of the sandwiches and hand it to him.

He cautiously sniffs it and shrugs his shoulders before pulling apart the wrapper and taking a bite. The action alone makes your stomach church again and you grimace at your own sandwich. Luckily it does taste better than it smells.

An hour passed and you were finally boarding the plane to head off to New York before boarding an international flight to London. By the early morning, the flight landed in London. Jake quickly dropped your stuff off the airport before taking a rental car to the studio.

“Mr. Kiszka!” The studio manager exclaims as he greets Jake with an open armed hug. He smiles widely at you. “And you must be the future Mrs. Kiszka,” He says, pulling you into a hug as well. “It is such a pleasure to be working with you, Mr. Kiszka. I’ve seen your work and it is absolutely amazing. I definitely believe you are the right fit to take on this job.”

“Thank you,” Jake says with a slight chuckle. You’ve learned since being with him that he sometimes gets a little flustered when complimented. It was something you found endearing.

“Well, let’s head on back and meet your model for these next few days,” The manager says as he begins to lead you through the studio and towards the back dressing rooms. Knocking on a door, a woman’s voice calls, allowing you to enter and he pushes the door to reveal the most gorgeous woman sitting on a chair in front of a large mirror while the makeup artist is dabbing on a little powder.

“Angelica, I would love to introduce you to Jake Kiszka. He’s going to be our photographer for the next few days for this shoot.”

Angelica smiles and excuses herself from the artist and stands up from the chair. If you were already insecure over just seeing her face, you’re definitely even more insecure when you see just how perfect her body is too. Perfectly sculpted body and toned abs. Surely Jake would find her attractive and that sends a nervous vibe through your body.

“Jake!” She smiles and immediately pulls him in for a hug. “I am so happy to be working with you! Oh I’ve seen your work and I have to say that it is phenomenal. When they told me you'd be the photographer for this shoot, I was so excited. Still am!”

Instinctively your eyebrows crease when you see his cheeks flush red and he stammers over his next sentence that falls from his mouth, “Th-Thank you Angelica. I’ve been looking through your portfolio to gain some idea of what seems to work best for you and I have to extend the same compliment. You’re very beautiful and you’re definitely right for this shoot.”

“Well thank you, Jake.” She giggles. Angelica’s attention turns to you and you can just tell the smile is fake as soon as she looks at you. “Hi! Oh my gosh, I’m being so rude. You must be Jake’s assistant.”

“Oh uh, no–”

“She’s my fiancée,” Jake interjects. “Angelica, meet (Y/N).”

“Oh! Fiancée! How exciting! Congratulations!”

“Well, we’ll let you finish getting ready while Jake gets his gear set up.”

“Of course! I’ll see you there!” Angelica gives Jake a wink before going back over to the chair and sitting down to finish getting her makeup down. Jake reaches for your hand and tugs you from the room.

He had been putting his camera together and changing the settings to ones he would need for the indoor portion of the shoot. “Okay, I am ready!” Angelica announces as she walks into the room. She dressed in a very revealing top and a pair of tight skinny jeans. You notice Jake glance up and fumble with the camera in his hands, nearly dropping. He clears his throat and awkwardly rubs the back of his neck. You thought your scoff was quiet but Jake heard because he’s turning to look at you.

“What?”

You shrug your shoulders and shake your head. “Nothing..” You say as you lean back in the chair that was provided for you.

“Jakey, how do I look?” Angelica calls as he fluffs her hair.

Jakey?

Who the fuck does she think is that she can him that?

“Jakey?” You mutter.

Jake shoots you a look. A warning look. He’s warning you? She’s the one trying to flirt with him and you get the warning look? If you weren’t starting to boil from jealousy already, you definitely are now.

“You look great,” Jake responds with his eyes still focused on you. You roll your eyes and cross your arms over your chest. “Do you mind getting seated on the couch? Make yourself comfortable.”

“Anything for you, Jakey.”

You resist the urge to roll your eyes when Jake’s eyes look back at you to make sure you weren’t doing anything wrong. You give him an innocent smile and he scoffs with a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

The whole shoot had you on edge. She would constantly call him ‘Jakey’, occasionally calling him ‘Sir’ and giggling when his cheeks flushed red. When he’d go up to fix her hair in the way he wanted it to look, she’d take that as an opportunity to fidget with the pendants on his necklace and compliment him on how cool they are after he explains which one is.

Is he purposely doing this to get under your skin? To test how far he can let this go before you explode?

He did catch you a few times rolling your eyes and sending you the same warning look. “Would you stop it?” He says coming up to you after calling for a break.

“Stop what?”

“Stop rolling your eyes–”

“Well–”

“And stop scoffing–”

“But–”

“None of her flirting means anything.”

“Tell that to your red cheeks, Jake.”

“You’re embarrassing me, stop it.”

Woah. Pause. Did he.. You’re embarrassing him? “Wow..” You breathe as you slide out of the chair. “This has gone from a photoshoot to flat out flirting. She’s always calling you ‘Jakey’, gross. And ‘Sir’? I’m sorry but there’s one person who can call you that, and that person is me.”

“(Y/N), it means nothing to me.”

“Well tell that to your dick,” You whisper-yell to him. “You think it isn’t noticeable? Gosh, Jake, you fucking fumbled your camera when she came out dressed in that outfit.”

Jake takes a deep breath, closing his eyes, and exhaling. “Go back to the hotel.”

“What?”

“I said, go back to the hotel. You’ve been so rude all morning and I’m tired of it.”

“I’m being rude?” You shake your head and grab your coat and purse. “Have you seen the way she talks down to me? It’s so condescending and you haven’t even noticed. But whatever, I guess I’m the one being rude.”

“Just go and take a nap. You’ve been up for so long and it’s making you crabby.” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out the key for the rental car. “Here, take the car.”

“What about you?”

“I’ll get a taxi or something after we wrap up.” He gives you a kiss on the forehead and a light tap on your ass. “We’ll talk after I get back and after you’ve slept.”

Getting back to the hotel and up to the room, you toss your things onto the couch before going into the bedroom where you proceed to change into something more comfier. Standing in front of the mirror, you slowly lift up your shirt to look at your midsection. How can you compete with her? She has the perfect body and she’s fucking beautiful. Why wouldn’t he be attracted to her?

Of course he’s attracted to her, he got fucking hard just looking at her. He hasn’t felt that way towards you since the two of you got back to Nashville. He hasn’t even touched you since either. When was the last time you two were ever intimate? Was it really in his old bedroom at his parents’ house?

You didn’t realize you were crying until you looked up in the mirror. Your eyes grow red and your chin wobbles. Pulling your shirt back down, you turn away from the mirror and walk over to your suitcase to retrieve your earbuds. Music might be a good distraction and get your mind off of today.

It was nearly midnight in London by the time Jake finally came back to the hotel. And suddenly you are sent down the road of jealousy and anger when you see him as he walks into the bedroom. You give him a short glance before going back to scroll through social media on your phone.

“I figured your nap would have made you feel a little better.” He says as he sits on the edge of the bed and takes off his shoes.

“I’m not tired, if that’s what you mean..” You say, not taking your eyes away from your phone. “Did she flirt with you any more after I left?”

“(Y/N)..” Jake sighs.

“Well did she?”

His shoulders drop and he turns to face you. “Yes..” Your only response was a simple nod of your head. “It means nothing.. How many times do I have to tell you that?”

“Until your dick stops hardening for her.”

“Would you knock it off?!” He finally shouts as he stands to his feet.

“I’m sorry, Jake! But it hurts, you know.” You toss your phone down on the bed and stare at him. “You seem so attracted to her.”

“But I’m not!”

“Yes you are, Jake.” You sigh. “And it’s fine, I get it. I don’t look like her. She’s fucking beautiful and her body..”

“Baby,” Jake kneels onto the bed and crawls over to you, his face just centimeters from your face. “You are beautiful.”

“But I don’t have her body, Jake.”

“So?” He rested back on his knees with his hands laying on his thighs. “Why does it matter if you have her body or not? I love your body.” Your bottom lip quivers and you lower your chin. “Hey look at me.” He says as he reaches towards you and lifts your chin back up. “Why would you think such a thing?”

“Because..” Your voice is shaky. “The way you looked at her today.. You haven’t looked at me like that since we got back from Michigan.”

“Just because you don’t see me looking at you, doesn’t mean that I’m not ever looking at you.”

“We’ve not been intimate either..”

“I have no excuse, really..” He sighs. “But that doesn’t mean I’m not still attracted to you. So what if you don’t have a supermodel’s body. I still love you.” He reaches for your arms and pulls you onto his lap. “You’re still so beautiful to me.” He gives you kisses before leaving a trail of them down your neck.

“Jake..”

“Shh..”

“Jake, stop..” You push away from him, crawling off his lap and moving away from him. “I don’t want pity sex..”

“Pity sex?” He questions. “Is that what you think it was going to be?”

“Yes, because you feel sorry and I don’t want to feel like you have to have sex me because I said that. I want you to have sex with me because you want to and because I’m sexy.”

“But I do want to.”

“No, you don’t..”

“Baby, yes I do!” He crawls over to the edge of the bed and holds your face in his hands. “I always want to have sex with you!”

Tears escape down your cheeks and you push him away again. “Then why haven’t you for the last month, Jake?! But the second Angelica steps out in that top revealing her boobs and her jeans were so tight, you were totally into that! She turned you on, dammit! I haven’t done that to you in weeks!” More tears fell down your cheeks. “How can we get married when I don’t make you feel like that anymore?”

“(Y/N), I’m sorry that I ever made you feel this way..” He tries to reach for you again but you take a step back. “(Y/N)..”

“Just go find Angelica.. At least you won’t pity her..” You quickly go into the bathroom and close the door behind you and twist the lock.

Geez, why do you have to be so emotional? You’ve never cried this much. Leaning against the sink, you slowly rock back and forth as you breathe in deeply and exhaling at a slow pace. And your anger? Jealousy? You’ve never been jealous because you’ve never had a reason to be jealous.

A gentle knock sounds on the door before Jake speaks. “(Y/N).. I’m sorry.. I-I don’t know what I’m supposed to do, but I want to make you feel better. I want to fix this. Please open the door.” He went quiet for a minute or two before speaking again. “I want to make love to you, and not out of pity. I want to make love to you because I do love you. I really do. I want to kiss you in all the right places, I want to touch you until you’re squirming beneath me. Please let me prove to you that I love you.”

Wiping your hands across your face, you go over to the door and unlock it before pulling it open. He stands there with the most sorrowful look that you’d ever seen on his face. He doesn’t move as you wrap your arms around his torso and rest your head against his chest. Slowly he moves his arms around you and holds you close.

“I’m sorry..” You whimper. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me..”

“It’s okay..” Jake says as he rubs his hand up and down your back.

“Jake?”

“Hm?”

You lift your head to look at him. “I love you.”

He smiles and raises his hand to your face to brush your hair behind your ear. “I love you too.” He moves slightly closer, his lips just barely brushing against yours. “Can I kiss you?” He asks.

“Yes..”

He smiles before he presses his lips to yours. Wrapping your arms around his neck, you press your body closer to his as the kissing begins to heat up. His hands find their way back to your waist and he rests them on your hips before he’s pressing your body up against his. Bending slightly, he picks you up off the floor and sets you on his waist and carries you back to the bed where he lays you down.

He pulls away from you long enough to remove his shirt before kissing you again. You can feel him growing hard beneath the fabric of his jeans and he grinds himself against your core. With your permission, he slowly addresses you and kisses every inch of your body as he goes.

-

As much as he desires to bring you pleasure, he longs to make love to you even more. He settles himself between your legs and kisses you before pushing himself inside of you. You gasp from the sting, fully aware of how long the two of you have not been like this. He moves slowly, allowing you ample time to adjust to him again.

“Jake..”

“(Y/N)..”

“I think I might be pregnant..”

He slows his pace before coming to a stop and he props himself up just enough to really look at you. “What makes you think that?”

“Just a feeling..” You say. “I’ve never been this emotional before.. And the airport? The food made me so queasy. And then suddenly I'm a raging, jealous bitch only to burst into tears and feel so bad.. I’m supposed to get my period in a couple days but.. If I’m late..”

“Then let’s hope you are.”

“If I am, are you for sure okay with that?”

“Of course I am,” He leans to kiss you before gently thrusting his hips forward.

He starts to move again, still gentle but passionate. Soon he’s bringing the both of you to your climaxes. The warm feeling takes over your body as you feel the two of you melding together. He’s resting his head on your shoulder, him breathing heavily as you softly run your fingers through his hair. When the two of you relax, he carefully pulls out of you and goes off to the bathroom to retrieve a wet washcloth to clean you both off.

He can’t help but to kiss way down your leg when he finishes and tosses the cloth off the side, no doubt that he’ll probably be using it again here shortly. Making it to your inner thigh on your right leg, he sets it back down on the bed before starting on your left leg. He licks his tongue through your folds, earning a light gasp from you. He looks up to find you looking down at him with your teeth sunk into your bottom lip. He smiles and places a kiss to your still sensitive clit before he kisses his way up your body. Coming up your abdomen and to the valley your breasts, he pauses and pulls away slightly.

He puts on his thinking and rubs his chin with his index finger and thumb. “Hmmm..” He hums. “Which one do I want?” He shrugs shoulders and leans back down to envelope your right nipple in his mouth while he palms your left one in his hand and gently massages it.

He leaves your left breast and slides his hand down your body, first squeezing your hip and then dipping his hand between your legs. Though he probably could have done this first, he missed being intimate with you just as much as you had, so he couldn't help but dive straight into the fucking. Or love making, actually.

And he’ll do it again too. To hell with the foreplay. He loves being shoved so deep inside of you and nudging all the right places just so he can hear those little sounds you make when he does.

He pauses the circular motion of his fingers on your clit and releases your right breast from his mouth. Pulling away completely, he climbs off the bed and goes over to his things on the other side of the room and retrieves his personal camera.

“For my eyes only,” He says as he turns it on.

Instantly popping up, the last photo he took with his camera was one of you that he snapped without you noticing. You were fully naked and walking in the direction away from the camera. Your arms were raised as you were stretching and lifting your hair just slightly. He zoomed in on your ass, biting his bottom lip as he stared at the red hand print visible from when he smacked your ass as he pounded himself into you. That was the night before the two of you took off for Paris. After coming home late that night, he still felt a little twinge of remorse for missing the dinner date and he knew presenting you with the trip to Paris was not going to fully make up for it. So he fucked you, there was no love making it. He did everything to pleasure you, even when you begged him to be rough on you.

You missed him so much then as much as he missed you. He remembers having you on your hands and knees and he was railing himself into you, not worried about the pain you might be in the next day. He was fully prepared to have to carry you around if he needed to. The smack of his palm against your ass has the blood rushing to his cock.

But he’s being pulled from that memory when he hears you calling his name and the warmth of your hand enveloping his cock. “Are you looking at her photos?”

“If by her, you mean you? Then yes.” He turns the camera to face you showing the naked photo of you. He winks at you and kisses your forehead. “That night was amazing.” He pulls away from you, the warmth of your hand leaving his cock as he sinks down to the mattress and spreads his legs. “Pop a squat.” When you have yourself straddling his waist, he looks into the mirror and adjusts your legs around his body until he has them just the way he wants them. “Perfect.”

He lays your head on his shoulder and moves your hair to the right spot. When he is satisfied with how the two of you look in the mirror, he brings his camera up, blocking both of your faces with it, and snapping a few photos.

“We look so good together,” He says as he looks through the photos. He lowers the camera and looks at you. “You are stunning and I couldn’t be luckier.”

“You mean that?”

“Of course I do,” He pecks your lips and sets his camera off to the side as he deepens the kiss. “And if you are pregnant? I would definitely be the luckiest man in the world.” He topples you both over and reaches above you to flick off the lamp.

______________________________________________________________

If you are not already on my general tag list and would like to be added, please let me know!! ♡ (apologies if your user is not highlighted, tumblr doesn't like to highlight all of them for some reason)

@watchingover-hypegirl @losfacedevil @ignite-my-fire @ohgodthefeeling-gvf @writingcold @jaketlove @mackalah @lexii-nv-c @em-gvf01 @katiegvf @joshkiszkaenthusiast @takenbythemadness @jakekiszkasmommy @objectsinspvce @gvfmarge @heckingfrick @bluemeadows77 @laneygvf @sacredmachine @gvfpal @killerqueengvf @jaketlover @jordinlkiszka @alwaysonthemend @hellowgoodbye @anythingforjtk @hi-hi-hello11 @anthemofgvf @gretasfallingsky @songbirds-sweet @wildbluesorbit @klarxtr @stardustsecret @sunandthemoontwinflames @everyglowinthetwilightknows @devilat-thedoor @sparrowofthedawnsworld @josh-iamyour-mama @dannys-dream @peaceloveunitygvf @dayumclarizzel @thetroublegetssoloud71 @jakebrainrot @gretavanfleetmichelle @hollyco @its-interesting-van-kleep @tinydancer40 @edgingthedarkness @i-love-gvf @thewritingbeforesunrise @katuschka @sammysstolenbirks @asendingtothestarsasone @fleetingjake @emojakekiszka @literal-dead-leaf @klarxtr

[no-where-new-hero]

✣ Blake Wrapped: 5 Star Reads 📖

The first half of this post can be found HERE, and these were my 5-star reads for the second half of the year (in rough order). Tagging @batrachised, who was interested in recommendations!

Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh I posted a lot about this when I read it because in my opinion it’s one of the best SFF novels I’ve come across in a while. It reminded me of DWJ’s Hexwood, which is already high praise, but it’s a fabulous character study with incredible dynamics. It’s another new book with truly horrible marketing, imo—the whole “queer sci-fi” angle gives the impression of a Gideon the Ninth rip-off, but there’s much more political and social commentary with fabulous world-building. Highly, highly recommend this one.

He Who Drowned the World by Shelley Parker-Chan I loved the first book in this duology, but this one was exquisite to new heights. Even though it was never that overt, it did a lot of great meta-commentary work on the chosen one trope vs the doomed by the narrative trope, especially their intersection with gender expectations. The prose was simply gorgeous, occasionally philosophical, always sure-handed. I recommend the whole duology, though mostly so that you can get to this one.

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson I picked this up in my library’s for sale room, and it was the best choice I made this year. I can’t believe I had been missing out on Jackson for so long. It’s a ghost story and a Gothic novel and a girl book and feels a bit like the shadow side of an LM Montgomery story. The language and characters are rich and strange and is so thoroughly a Blake Book of all time. I want to be able to write something like this someday.

Yellowface by R. F. Kuang The reports of its readability are true—I went through this in three hours. I get why people complain about certain elements in this, but it also lives up to the hype, in my opinion. I might be the target audience as an aspiring author (who got throughly traumatized by the portrayal of terminally online author culture lmao) but I do think those dynamics and circumstances are its strength, more so than the social commentaries on Asian American tokenization, etc.

How Long ’Til Black Future Month? by N. K. Jemisin I don’t often read short fiction, but I was in the mood for some good SFF shorts to learn from, so picked this up. Jemisin is a master of form—her ability to depict a world in such a brief span, to make such deep characters with such clever scenarios is unmatched. Certainly, there are some better examples than others, but the best makes me wish there were a whole novel set in that world.

Hangsaman by Shirley Jackson This one is a slight cheat because it’s not Jackson’s best, but it’s also a Blake Book of all time, so how could I not give it five stars? I wish I had discovered it in college, if just to be able to be insufferable and call myself “irl Natalie Waite” everywhere. It’s such a Tumblr book too—the veiled queerness, the Plath vibes, the dark academia setting, the unhinged vibes. The prose is gorgeous and unsettling and is such a good portrayal of a character.

[brandwhorestarscream]

Lockprowl ask

I had suggested IDW lockprowl, because I saw an interesting fanart about them

It has been a looong time since I read IDW and I'll be completely honest: I had no recollection of IDW Lockdown and had to look him up to refresh my memory on his design. Do I remember his personality at all? No. Is he still a husky voiced bounty hunter in my heart? Yes

I'm gonna recycle an old concept here, and say that Prowl is actually the one that gets sparked first. Maybe they're actually a couple and this is a schmoopy alternate timeline where all is well and they're happily living together, married and content. Maybe it's like canon and they have a very on again, off again relationship.

Regardless. Prowl is the one who's sparked, and there's immediately worry of the baby growing too big for him to safely birth. This wasn't planned at all, and situations where the carrier's frame is too small can quickly turn lethal. Prowl in a slight panic immediately jumps to termination, but Lockdown suggests an alternative: a transplant. There's no way the bitty's size could be too big for him, and, well. He's not averse to the idea of being a parent with Prowl.

They caught the carrying cycle early so the transfer would be swift and painless. The earlier a baby spark is moved, the better, generally. Prowl consents to the operation, and they get scheduled right away. Thankfully, it all goes extremely well: the newspark anchors to Lockdown with barely a flicker, and his carrying protocols online to begin preparing to begin designing and constructing their sparkling's body.

Prowl is... not quite anxious, about being a sire. Worried, maybe? Weary? Bracing for impact? No, he's more like... apprehensive. Yes, that's the word he'd use to describe himself. He's apprehensive about parenthood. After all, having a baby is practically a full time job. They need a lot of care, around the clock. They're so fragile and so easily impressionable: one seemingly tiny, inconsequential mistake could follow them for the rest of their lives and shape what kind of person they could become. They need constant love and attention smd supervision, and they're both so busy. Perhaps it's pessimistic but he's approaching this with shrewd realism: as it stands now neither of them are ready to properly care for a sparkling. They're making a baby, an entire person. Someone that will someday be a fully fledged adult with a functioning psyche that they are responsible for sculpting. If they mess this up they could make the worst serial killer the world has ever seen, so they need to get their act together and be perfect parents.

He becomes... idk. Is there a word for like a groomzilla but for expectant parents? Because he's like that. Super anal about everything, down to the tiniest detail. Everything they buy from blankets to cradles to pacifiers goes through rigorous investigation, he reads instruction manuals and manufacturing info cover to cover, and he is extremely strict while choosing everything. He's already making a road map they'll need to follow to put their kid on a path to proper adulthood: they'll need to make sure they build the little one's confidence with children's groups early on, and make sure they are always readily available for the first several years or else the baby could develop attachment issues. They'll need the kid to be learning their glyphs by X age, and to be able to count by the time they're Y. He's narrowed down a list of acceptable schools for every age range, as well as researched the possibility of homeschooling just in case the public and private education institutions don't live up to his high standards. He spends a 20 hour period doing nothing but reading every recent study on sparkling psychology he can find, and he's already reserved a private room at the best hospital Cybertron has roughly around the due date.

Lockdown is honestly shellshocked. He gives me the vibes of an old fashioned, small town or perhaps country mom: as long as his kid is well fed and isn't bleeding and has a smile on their face, he knows he's doing alright. He'd definitely have a more hands off approach to parenting, letting their baby explore and make choices for himself. Isn't that enough to build confidence? Prowl rebukes him saying they're going to responsible for a living person, and they owe it to their sparkling to give them the best possible life. They're making the decision to bring them into this world, a decision that the baby has no say in, so they should at the very least give them the best possible chance to succeed and live an easy life.

To keep him busy, Lockdown let's Prowl take the reins on the majority of the prep. If he wants a fancy stroller without a certain strain of plastic in it, that's fine. If he wants to flip through hover cradle FAQs til his optics cross to find the most perfect one, so be it. It keeps him busy, and Lockdown honestly doesn't care about make or models or even color schemes. He's not too fussed about what they get, so long as baby is happy and healthy.

When the big day comes, Prowl thought he was prepared. He had everything squared away, had prepared extra energon and an overnight bag for the hospital and had transport on standby. He'd gone over his checklist every day since they enter the last few decacycles leading up to the due date.

But then Lockdown starts having contractions and he fucking blue screens. He's been running his systems so high strung and stressed that when the actual trigger happens, his processor crashes. Like actually crashes. Lockdown just grunts and presses a servo into his belly, gritting his denta and saying, "Yeah, it's time for the hospital, darlin'." and Proel gives him that standard deer in headlights look, optics flashing brighter than they ever had and something audibly pops in his helm. His lights go out and he drops like a sack of flour, smoking a tiny bit, and Lockdoen sighs. Rolls his optics, picks Prowl up under his arm, and heads to the hospital on his own.

Prowl comes to about half a megacycle later, once they've already been checked in lmfao. He's such a mess, he'd be drenched in sweat if he was human, and Lockdown nor Ratchet have ever seen him this flustered. Ratchet is delivering because Prowl insisted: there's no one better to do the job, and he'll trust no one but the autobot's CMO. Primus knows Ratchet is the only person Prowl would trust to save his life in a dire situation, he's the only one that Prowl trusts to safely deliver their sparkling.

He's pacing all over the delivery room, going over his checklist and feverishly looking through their hospital bag, so grateful that Lockdown grabbed it. He apologizes profusely for fainting like that, but his partner isn't fussed about it. At this point the contractions aren't painful, just a bit uncomfortable, and Lockdown switches between laying in the berth watching TV and doing laps around the room with his mate for several hours. It's his first sparkling, after all: it's going to take a long time before the sparkling is in the right position and his body is actually ready to deliver. It's a rather long labor, thankfully uncomplicated, but they're at the hospital for about 15 hours before they actually get to a point where they can start pushing.

Prowl, thankfully, doesn't pass out again, but has no idea what to do with himself while the medical team is setting up the stirrups and taking measurements and telling Lockdown to get ready to push. He's not sure if he should stand with his partner and hold his servo or if he should stand behind the doctors and watch firsthand as his sparkling is born. In the end, he does both, standing parallel to the berth with his left servo holding Lockdown's, the other peering over the privacy screen and watching the very moment their sparkling is born. Lockdown handles his labor like a champion, pushing out an exceptionally chunky sparkling in less than 15 minutes.

Their son is a big, round little marshmallow, black and white with a set of little green horns and huge blue optics. He's healthy and strong, latching onto his carrier's fuel lines without issue. Prowl is mesmerized by him, he's so proud in that moment, and Lockdown is on cloud nine cradling their newborn. He's so cute. So round and warm and snuggly, he never wants to put him down. Prowl's plans have all gone out the window--yes, he even had strict plans for post-emergence bonding--but he's lowkey short circuiting. He looks so tiny being held in his carrier's arms, and there's not a coherent thought in his head while he watches his son, mystified. The first time he holds him, he nearly crashes again. It's a good thing he's sitting down 🤭 the baby happily snuggles against him, content and starting to blindly suckle at his chassis in soft, wet kisses searching for more fuel. Prowl hasn't cried a day in his life but he gets damn close in that moment, and immediately turns to Lockdown to utter a heartfelt, whispered, "Thank you, for giving us this miracle."

[scattered-irises]

Night and Day Duology

I’m closing out my birthday crime spree with semi-cursed content! Have a goofy ass Wattpad cover while my friend works on the actual cover! There’s two stories in here that are also available on AO3.

Rating: Teen

Word Count: 3125

Characters: Christopher, Kaito, Tron, Dr. Faker

Relationships: Christopher Arclight/Kaito Tenjo ;)

Warnings: Kaito has a terminal illness, there’s some grave robbing, a bit of past gore, mentions of human dissection and a slight necrophilia vibe floating around.

Oh yeah I made my Christopher AI sing the Necrophile’s Bride (remake version)

Part 1: Mercy Found in Sleep

Night had fallen over Heartland’s cemetery, a place seldom visited by a city that prided itself on being an endless carnival. The claw mark of a moon fitfully shone through the darkened clouds. On silent steps, Christopher crept through the grass, mindful of the graves at his feet. He breathed in the cold night air, the faint smell of incense wafting about. 

 Surely, a week hadn’t been too long for the body. 

 As he neared the mausoleum, his heart quickened its pace. They had tried everything in their power to keep him alive. Truly. Every medicine. Every transfusion and transplant. Yet the disease had continued to eat away at Kaito, the result of his father’s haphazard experiment. 

  Photon transformation, the breeze seemed to whisper.

 Christopher gritted his teeth. True, they had all been turned into unwilling weapons at the hands of their fathers, but at least their father hadn’t cursed them with death in the process. 

 “Hurry,” urged Kaito’s voice. “Before they find out.”

 Kaito’s ghostly presence followed Christopher through the graves. He could feel Kaito’s breath on his cheek and imagine his cold gray eyes drinking in the desolate site. 

 No. He couldn’t allow Kaito’s story to end here. 

 He waded through the various offerings and presents surrounding the mausoleum, a constant reminder of Kaito’s position as a hero of Heartland. Countless girls had wept at his loss, leaving their handkerchiefs scattered across the grass. The gifts that had truly mattered had been stored away days ago. These remaining gifts—the flowers, handkerchiefs and handwritten notes—would most likely be left to rot. 

  “I never knew them. Why should their presents be accepted?” remarked Kaito haughtily. 

 A sliver of satisfaction filled Christopher’s chest. This was the pride he had taught Kaito. 

 He looked up at the mausoleum, with its stone walls and cold, unmoving shadow. The windows were opaque, featuring squares of blue and white. In Kaito’s final months, he and Dr. Faker had designed the mausoleum together. 

 Christopher pressed his hand against the biometric reader. The reader replied with a white light. A pause. The world held its breath. Then, the mausoleum’s doors silently opened. 

  “They’ll know it was you,” warned Kaito. 

 A lump formed in Christopher’s throat. 

 That was fine. 

 Surely, this was what Kaito would have wanted.

 He slid inside, the air significantly colder. Dim blue lights slowly filled the stone walls. He blinked, adjusting his eyes to the dark. In the silent mausoleum, he could hear nothing but the sound of his beating heart. 

 Had someone already beaten him to the chase?

 While alive, Kaito had his fair share of obsessive fans. 

  “I told you about Jin, didn’t I?” murmured Kaito. 

 Christopher recalled the memory with a shiver. 

 No, no of course not. He had fashioned the biometric reader himself. Only Kaito’s family, his father, him, Yuma, Ryoga and Mizael had access. 

 The marble lid of the casket shone underneath the dim light. Taking a deep breath, Christopher pushed the lid. For the first few moments, it refused to budge. He gritted his teeth and pushed harder, his shoes sliding against the stone floor. Cursing under his breath, he changed his position. 

  “Hurry, ” urged Kaito. “Before everything rots away.”

 Approaching from the side, he pushed the lid again. Sweat began to bead his brow. He had grown soft in the lab, too busy worrying about Kaito’s decaying health to focus on his own upkeep. Briefly pulling away, Christopher took a deep breath. Then he resumed pushing. 

  “That’s it.”

  Krsh. A bit of the marble had slid away. Hope sparked in Christopher’s chest, renewing his efforts. The marble lid inched away, bit by bit. When he could see a hint of Kaito’s arm, a wave of relief washed over him.

  “There. Just a little bit more before I can see you again.”  

 Beneath the blue light, the skin seemed almost gray. 

  “Then we can resume our experiments.”

 Christopher let out a grunt, pushing the marble slab with all of his might. With a final thud, the marble lid collapsed onto the stone floor. 

 Triumphant, Christopher peered down at the tomb. Arms crossed over his chest. A wilted bouquet of flowers in his hands. A burial shroud of white. Despite the mortician’s efforts, the bones in Kaito’s face continued to jut out. In his last days, he had been unable to eat, his stomach and esophagus entirely burned through by photon illness’ ravages. 

 “Oh, Kaito…,” he breathed. 

 For a moment, he could almost see Kaito’s lids flutter. He would open his eyes and reach his cold hands out towards Christopher. In the mausoleum, they would hold each other’s hands until he had sufficiently warmed Kaito’s. Then, they would disappear.

 The smell of the decaying flowers jolted Christopher back to reality. 

 Quickly, he tossed the bouquet away.

 He ran his finger down Kaito’s cheek, the skin no longer supple. Instead, it felt like alabaster, cold and unyielding. Leaning into the tomb, Christopher picked Kaito up. His head lolled onto Christopher’s shoulder. Over the smell of the rotting lilies and cold stone, Christopher could smell a hint of decay. In response, he wrinkled his nose. 

 “How could they allow you to rot away when you had saved all of their miserable lives?” he lamented, looking down at Kaito’s face. 

  “Once I served my purpose, they abandoned me,” replied Kaito. “That is the destiny of all things.”

 Christopher looked down at Kaito’s lips, unmoving in the dim light. 

 “The heart of ungrateful dogs knows no kindness,” muttered Christopher. 

 For a moment, he was taken back to the day of the funeral. It had been a cloudy day, the skies threatening to deliver rain. The streets were dark with people, all in various states of mourning. 

 “He will be young forever,” said Dr. Faker through his tears.

 Kaito’s body laid in its casket as his father lied through his eulogy. Christopher could only sit, clenching his fists. 

 No, they would leave him to rot. No matter how sturdy a tomb was, the rats and insects would always find their way to the body. Otherwise time would work its ravages, taking away skin and drying up blood until nothing but a skeleton remained. 

 Lied to in life and then lied to after death. The injustice of Kaito’s situation lit a flame in Christopher’s chest. 

 “Never again,” he promised, brushing his lips against Kaito’s. 

  “I’ll take you up on that promise,” whispered Kaito. 

 For a moment, he thought he had sensed warmth. 

PART 2: CRUELTY FOUND IN AWAKENING

 “Here. It’s my mother’s special tea,” offered Christopher. 

 Kaito frowned at the flowery concoction. He wrinkled his nose in a manner that Christopher had always adored.

 “I’m not thirsty,” he replied. 

 “Please. For your health,” urged Christopher. 

 Kaito’s frown deepened. He looked at Christopher with eyes rimmed by dark circles. 

 “There’s no point,” he muttered. 

 His voice wavered at the end, sending a pang up Christopher’s chest. He set the teacup down and hesitantly held up a hand. Kaito crossed his arms and sighed. Placing his hand on Kaito’s forehead, Christopher’s brows furrowed in worry. 

 “You seem to get colder by the day…,” he murmured. 

 “Everything’s shutting down. You know that,” growled Kaito. 

  As if he was a machine. An automaton.  Kaito’s words cut like glass. 

 Partially, it had been Christopher’s fault. He had pushed Kaito past his limits countless times before, repeatedly saying that he wasn’t allowed to shut down. 

 “Don’t talk about yourself like that,” chided Christopher. 

 His fingers fluttered to Kaito’s chin, angling Kaito’s head towards the light. His skin was almost translucent, the blood vessels in his skin shining a deep blue. After a few moments, Kaito pulled away. 

 “Just leave me alone,” grumbled Kaito. 

 “Kaito…”

 Kaito turned his back to Christopher, wrapping the sheets closer to his body. 

 “I wanted to ask you something…,” began Christopher. “I know it isn’t a good time, but…”

 “I’m tired. Let me rest,” interrupted Kaito. 

 In the silence of his room, Christopher could only stare at the small head that peeked out from beneath gray sheets. His heart fluttered. Yet he forced himself to leave. 

 The cold halls of the lab combined with his echoing footsteps increased his loneliness. 

 “Did he drink the tea?” asked Tron.

 “No,” replied Christopher, turning to his father. 

 “Pity.” 

 Beneath his mask, it was difficult to tell what his father was thinking. Christopher pulled out a chair and sat down. 

 “Where’s Dr. Faker?” he asked. 

 Tron shrugged. 

 “Probably outside. It gets stuffy in here.”

 “He grows colder by the day. We have to keep him comfortable.”

 “Comfortable, hmm?” mused Tron. 

 His eyes trailed down to Christopher’s pocket as if he saw past the white fabric. His single eye rested on the pocket for a few moments, his expression unchanging. 

 “Well, I suppose you haven’t lost your brotherly instincts,” said Tron after a pause. 

 “It’s…”

  More than that. 

 Tron’s expression continued to remain still. 

 “Yes?”

 “Nevermind.”

 Christopher stepped outside to the balcony. The city stretched below him. Not a single cloud was in the sky. Distantly, he could hear cars and children's laughter. Once, he and Kaito had been a part of that joy. 

 On Kaito's birthday, Christopher had arranged for Heartland's carnival to be reserved only for him. Although it was something that was out of character for the both of them, they had found the occasion enjoyable. Even if their definition of enjoyable meant strolling through the gardens and steering clear of the rollercoasters.  

 It had always been the simple things. 

 “How is he?” asked Dr. Faker, turning back towards Christopher. 

 Christopher shook his head. 

 “He refused to drink my mother’s tea.”

 Dr. Faker’s brows furrowed. He turned away from Christopher, his eyes growing distant. 

 “Well that’s not good,” he remarked. “He hasn’t had anything since yesterday.” 

 Christopher waited for Dr. Faker to continue, yet the old scientist remained silent. Over the years, Christopher had gotten used to the man’s trances. During those times, Dr. Faker seemed to stare at nothing. Yet, according to his father, his friend had always been like that. 

 “He’s thinking,” explained his father once. “He does that a lot whenever something’s bothering him. If you snap him out of it, he gets upset.” 

 Now that Christopher thinks of it, he does that too. He doesn’t know what Dr. Faker thinks about, but he thinks about the past. All the cruelties he committed. All of the moments where he could have given an apology to Kaito. Perhaps even a moment where he could have confessed his feelings. 

 “You know,” begins Dr. Faker, startling Chris. “His mother couldn’t drink or eat in her last few days either. I tried everything.”

 His eyes remained glassy, staring off into a past that Christopher could never access. 

 Who was Kaito and Haruto’s mother? There were no pictures of her in Heartland Tower. Kaito remained incredibly tight-lipped about the woman. Christopher never felt comfortable broaching the subject with Dr. Faker. Even his father was reluctant to speak about the woman. 

 All Christopher knew was that she had been the first to test Photon transformation and died because of it. 

 “When I opened her up, everything was shriveled and bleached. Burned through, as if something siphoned out all her blood and nerves,” continued Dr. Faker.

 Christopher stared at Kaito's father, a shiver crawling up his spine. Much to his surprise, Dr. Faker met his eyes. His expression was nonchalant. 

 “Oh, don’t worry. She gave me her express permission before she died. We were a lot more preoccupied with regulations and ethics back then,” he added. 

 For a moment, Christopher could see a younger Dr. Faker bent over his wife’s body. A scalpel shone in his gloved hand. 

 “D…did you love her?” asks Christopher.

 The old man splutters. He crossed his arms and huffed.

 “Of course!”

 “Then how could you bring yourself to…”

 All emotions seemed to drain from Dr. Faker’s face. His eyes seemed to fill with an unfathomable depth. His lips straightened into a solemn line. Christopher's heart fell upon seeing Dr. Faker's expression.

 “Once someone dies, their soul leaves for another plane. There’s nothing left but a collection of bones and flesh. To me, her body was just a valuable research specimen,” he said coldly. 

 What did Dr. Faker know that drove him to such madness? At times, he was a gruff and crotchety old man, similar to Kaito. Other times, he seemed to speak madness, his eyes filled with knowledge that no man should have known. 

 Christopher couldn’t imagine cutting up the fresh body of someone he had loved days ago as if it was just another piece of meat. 

 “Didn’t you mourn her?” asked Christopher.

 A part of him doesn’t want to know the answer. He could still see Dr. Faker bent over his wife’s opened body, gloves unstained by blood. What was he thinking as his wife’s face looked up at him, her shriveled innards bared for him to see? Did the absence of blood further reduce her to a thing and not a human being?

 “I like to say I did,” began Dr. Faker, a gentleness filling his eyes. 

 Christopher’s shoulders slightly lowered as the maddened light faded from Dr. Faker’s expression. 

 “But it feels like it hasn’t stopped,” he finished. 

 “Do you have any regrets?” asked Christopher after a few moments. 

 Dr. Faker let out a rueful chuckle. For a moment, Christopher could hear a hint of Kaito’s voice. He turned away from Christopher and looked out at his city. 

 “I thought I told you not to ask stupid questions in my lab,” he said gruffly.

  Yes. 

 Christopher gazed at Dr. Faker’s bent posture. If it was possible, he looked even older than before. 

 Perhaps Dr. Faker  had  cut his beloved open with tears in his eyes and a trembling hand. His duty to science had overcome his duty to love, the desire to know surpassing his vow to respect her body and her life. As he cut into his beloved’s cold skin, did he think about the warmth that used to envelop it? Did he think of her voice as he opened up her throat and saw the withered larynx beneath? What about when he found her heart, all withered and dry like a dead white rosebud? 

 And...what had their marriage been like? Were they inseparable? Were they one to have disagreements that were made up with stolen kisses and awkward conversations? Was it a marriage of silence and convenience, where only a “good morning” and a “goodnight” were necessary? 

 Or...was it a bond of 'absolute trust,' like how Yuma had described his and Kaito's relationship? 

 Christopher will never know. 

 It was as if Mrs. Tenjo had never existed. Like a ghost. Although there were brief acknowledgments that she had existed, she faded away when directly pursued. Her memory had withered away alongside her organs.

 “Thank you,” said Christopher. 

 Dr. Faker grunted. 

 Christopher made his way back into the lab and down the hall into Kaito’s room. Tron was nowhere to be found. By Kaito’s bedside, the cup of tea remained half full. A glimmer of hope filled Christopher’s chest. 

 “Are you feeling any better?” asked Christopher gently. 

 “No,” muttered Kaito, refusing to turn his gaze from the window. 

 “I wanted to ask you this…,” began Christopher as he reached into his pocket. 

 He lowered himself onto one knee and pulled out a velvet-lined box. He carefully opened it, revealing a ring with a single diamond in the middle. 

 “Would you be willing to marry me?” he asked.

 All the blood seemed to drain from Kaito’s face as he turned towards Christopher. He looked down at the ring for a moment and then back up at his former mentor.

 “No,” he replied flatly. “Why would you want to marry a dead man?”

  Dead.  As if he was already in his casket and awaiting his burial. Christopher wet his lips.

 “I…There wasn’t any time that seemed right…I realized that there never was,” he stammered.

 “Maybe it was because I was never interested in you like that,” replied Kaito in a hoarse voice. “Did you ever think of that?”

 He reached for the teacup, which Christopher gave him. A pit formed in Christopher’s stomach. 

 “Well, no…It was just…you were always so good at hiding your emotions that I…”

 “No. Only you feel like this,” said Kaito before sipping his tea. 

 He winced as he swallowed. A pang filled Christopher's chest. 

 “Then…”

 “Take that ring back wherever you found it,” muttered Kaito. “I’m not interested and I never was.” 

 “Surely there must have been  something …”

 Kaito looked at Christopher with cold eyes. 

 “We’re friends,” he said with a finality. 

 “But all the time we spent together…e-even now when I…”

 Christopher looked at the teacup and swallowed a lump in his throat. Immediately, Kaito set the teacup down.

 “You wanted me to live just so I could marry you?” asked Kaito incredulously. 

  Just.  As if marriage was a trivial matter. Christopher's grip around the jewelry box tightened. 

 “No!” protested Christopher. “I thought we could find a cure so that we could spend more time together and then…”

 “Then marry me,” finished Kaito. 

 Christopher shook his head in protest. The pit in his stomach deepened. 

  Yes. Exactly. 

 It would have been a wonderful wedding, filled with flowers and all of their friends. The union would have permanently buried all of their families’ sordid pasts, allowing them to start anew with this perfect marriage. Kaito would forgive him for his cruelties. And he…he would be able to repent. Finally. 

 “Quit reading those romance novels. Those kinds of things only happen in fiction,” said Kaito. “And take that tea with you.” 

 With shaking hands, Christopher took the teacup. He stared at Kaito’s turned back for a few moments. Then he walked away, his face burning with shame. 

 In the middle of the hallway, he paused as a vision of the imaginary Mrs. Tenjo and Dr. Faker filled his mind. On the cold operating table, she was silent. Kaito’s body soon replaced hers. 

 He found himself staring down at the unmoving body, his gloved hands hanging by his sides. Kaito’s white skin looked up at him as if it was a canvas begging to be cut open. A promise of rebirth. A story rewritten. 

 Withered organs made whole again. Porous bones healed and whitened. Fresh blood flowing through untouched flesh. A new story filled with life and its many joys. 

 One where he could take Kaito’s hand and proudly slide a ring onto it. One where he and Kaito could be together without any misunderstandings. 

 Christopher turned back towards Kaito's room. From the shadows, he looked at Kaito’s unmoving body. If he unfocused his vision, he could pretend that Kaito was dead. 

[m39]

Doom WADs’ Roulette (2008): Thunderpeak

You know what? I am canceling my Eternal Dud Vier review. I tried to give it a chance but after only one map full of fighting monsters in darkness, annoying tiny enemies, irritating new sound effects (including Super Slappy from Espi’s other WADs), and of course, weird, cryptic stuff (although not as much as the original ED) among other things, I’ve decided that I’m not going to force myself to play a sequel to something that I didn’t like. I want to have fun and experience unknown WADs, not torture myself.

sigh

Now with that out of the way...

G5: Thunderpeak

Main author(s): Björn Ostmann (Vader)

Release date: June 16th, 2008 (in ZPack)/ August 13th, 2008 (standalone release)

Version(s) played: ???

Required port compatibility: ZDoom

Levels: 2 (originally E1M8 and E1M9)

Here is something interesting – a standalone version of two maps from the community project made by the winner of the Mapper of the Year award in the 2008 Cacowards.

But let’s take a step back for now... what am I talking about? Here is what happened...

On June 16th, 2008, a community project known as ZPack was released (a sort of Community Chest focusing on the ZDoom source port). One of its contributors was Björn Ostmann (one of the main team members behind KDiZD), who made four maps (plus one with Tormentor). Two of these maps (Thunderpeak Powerplant and Termination) ended up as a highlight of that project (at least that’s my guess), so Vader decided to release these maps (with slight tweaks) almost two months later as a singular WAD, simply titled Thunderpeak.

Now with that out of the way, let’s see what people like about these maps.

I like how this WAD looks. It somehow gives me the Simplicity vibes except, you know, not that simple. I really like the bridge in the second map that leads to the boss area (not to mention the buildup to the fight as well). But the first level tends to have some banger-looking locations as well.

I like the music too. The use of Grand Design from Hellcore is always considered a pro for me. This track is a blast. But the two other tracks from Termination (Caverns and Death Wind (which is a remix)) are rather okay.

I wouldn’t call this WAD complicated. There might be some annoying things like the piss-poor vent sections (secret ones or not) and some worthless ZDoom features (I still wonder why some of the sound effects related to these are unbalanced), but it wasn’t that hard to figure out what to do where. Powerplant focuses on restoring the power back in the second half of the titular building, and Termination is basically a boss map with his lackeys between you and him.

These two maps aren’t really hard. They tend to have bullshit moments here and there but overall, I didn’t have much trouble with enemies.

Since this is ZDoom made map, we will of course encounter new enemies. Aside from two Imp variants that I already met in the past (Catharsi and Howlers), there is Cybruiser, a Hell Noble that functions as a weaker Cyberdemon. Get used to him people; he will become a guest enemy in many WADs in the future. There is also a boss of the second map – Terminator; multiple attacks that hit like a truck, and he has a health of a truck; he might be the only enemy that is legitimately hard in this WAD.

I’ve seen only one bug at the end of the first map. I think it looks like some kind of ZDoom script that either wasn’t entirely removed from the ZPack version, or just didn’t work at all.

Despite its problems, Thunderpeak is a rather enjoyable WAD. I can see why many people saw these maps (along with the other two from Vader) as a highlight of ZPack. Worth checking out.

Next WAD on the list is...

-_- Oh great. Another Espi WAD...

Boy! I can’t wait to hear annoying, new sound effects for my weapons again...

...

Shit...

[lacontroller1991]

Mr. and Mrs. Flag (Rick Flag x Fem!Reader)

Requested by @myownworldsstuff​ : Rick Flag and Reader where they are married with Mr. and Mrs. Smith vibes

@h-hxgirl​ @artemis-cr0ck​

Author's Note: I think the title is very fitting 😁

Warnings: Mention of child loss, mentions of abortion, language 

The smell of homemade spaghetti entered Rick’s nostrils as he walked through the threshold into his shared home with you, his wife. Hearing the door open, you quickly wiped your palms on your apron before rushing to greet him.

“Hey baby, how was work?” You asked as he set down a briefcase before pulling you into his embrace, placing a gentle kiss on your lips.

“Work’s work, I had clients all the way up my ass today, bitching about how their stocks are plummeting,” he replied as you hummed, giving him a smile before pulling away. You knew he wasn’t a stock marketer. You knew he worked with some of the world’s most dangerous criminals. In any case, you were there to gather any intel you managed to scrape up for the CIA. What you didn’t expect was to slowly love him along the way. The CIA had warned you not to do what you did, saying that he was just a mission, but to you he became more than that. He became your best friend. He became your lover.

“Well, dinner is ready. Your favorite,” you whispered against his ear as you tugged against his blazer.

“You know me so well.”

You two ate in silence aside from the occasional slurp of noodles and guzzle of wine.

“So, how was your day?” He asked as you twirled the stem of your wine glass between your thumb and index finger, desperately wanting to tell him about how your day really was. As far as he knew, or so you thought, you were a kindergarten teacher at the local school.

“It was alright, I had 5 kids not wanting to take a nap, and 3 of them being rowdy as always. Even though I teach kids, I still don’t want one,” you mentioned as he let out a small chuckle before silence cascaded over the room. Your eyes locked with his as he cleared his throat.

“Listen, sweetheart, I got something to tell you.”

“No, I do too,” you replied, hands fidgeting underneath the table. Normally, this wouldn’t be such a big deal, but this was Rick you were telling. Someone you actually care for. You both paused for a moment, urging the other to speak; however, that was put on hold as you saw something glisten in the moonlight out of the corner of your eye before noticing that it was quiet. Too quiet, you thought to yourself before a rain of bullets ripped through the window. Falling to the floor, you glanced over to Rick who too, looked over to you.

“I’m a secret agent.”

“I do special ops,” you both said at the same time, his news not new to you, but yours was to him.

“For how long?” He asked loudly, army crawling to a secret stash of guns as you copied his movements, reaching for your own.

“15 years,” you stated, loading some guns and grabbing a couple of knives as he cocked some guns.

“Shit. You’ve been lying to me this whole time?”

“Rick, you have been too, this is not the time and place for this conversation. There’s a secret door in the kitchen that will lead to the sewer, we can make it out of here,” you mentioned as he glared at you with mistrust in his eyes before giving in and nodding. Crawling your way to the secret door, you quickly stood up and shot your gun in the general vicinity of the advancing adversaries before you went down the stairs into the small basement with Rick following you. Turning to open the lid, you were stopped as a body was pressed against you and a gun to your temple. Staring into his hazel eyes, you noticed slight flecks of green and brown that you had come to love.

“How can I trust you?” He seethed as you didn’t try to fight back.

“Rick, if I was here to kill you, I would’ve. I’m an agent, yes, but I wasn’t assigned to kill you. Please, let’s just get to safety before we go into this,” you begged as he nodded, opening the lid to the sewer before jumping in, trying to not gag at the stench. Turning on the flashlight, you and Rick made your way through the tunnels before you found the exit you designated for something like this. Climbing up the ladder, you looked behind you to make sure he was following you, and when you saw he was, you opened the hatch and climbed out into the crisp autumn night. Climbing out after you, he looked at you, feelings confused as to what to do with you.

“You got a safe house?” He asked as you nodded, starting to walk the way of the house before he grabbed your arm and shook his head.

“It might be safer if we went to Belle Reve.”

“Show me the way.”

----------

Stepping out of the shower, you wringed out your hair with a towel as you made your way into the small room with an office attached to it.

“So this is where you sleep on the nights you can’t come home,” you quipped as he shot you a glare, cleaning the water off of his guns.

“Home,” he scoffed, clicking the barrel back into place, “what a joke.” Sighing, you took a seat next to him, flinching as he moved away from you.

“That’s what it is for me,” you tried to reason as he glared at you again, trying to remain stoic and not heartbroken that the love of his life is secretly an undercover agent.

“What am I to you?” His voice hoarse from the yelling and then the silent treatment. Placing a small hand on his shoulder, you were surprised when he didn’t move to remove it.

“My husband.”

“No, what am I to you? A target? A mission? Decoy?”

“Mission,” you muttered meekly as he ran a hand over his face before you continued, “4 years ago, the CIA debriefed me on you. West Point Grad. Special Ops officer. Leader of Task Force X. The latter being what they were concerned with. They wanted me to gather whatever I could on your team and report back to them. And for the first year, I did. I went through all of your records on your computers and then some, but what they didn’t count on was that…,” you hesitated for a moment, twirling your thumbs as he waited for you to continue, “...what I didn’t count on was that I would fall in love with you. Yes, you were my mission, but what I feel for you is real. Hell, those assholes who were shooting at us were probably after me,” you finished as you took a breath, feeling his calculating eyes scope you out, trying to tell if what you were saying was real or not.

“Why would they be shooting at you,” came out his gruff question as you turned your head to focus on him.

“Probably found out the information I supplied was falsified. The first year of information was all correct, but once I realized that I did, in fact, love you and was not clouded by hormones, I stopped providing correct information.”

“Why would you be clouded by hormones?”

“I was pregnant,” you whispered, moving to clutch your stomach where the baby died inside of you.

“What?” Rick asked, scooting closer to you, not sure if he heard you correctly.

“I was pregnant with your kid. The CIA found out and terminated the pregnancy,” admitting the horrors of what the agency did to you brought up memories of the procedure. Your eyes filled with tears as you remembered the intense pain that accompanied the loss of your child.

“Shit, baby,” Rick whispered, finally letting his guard down and believing you as he watched the way your eyes glossed over. I know that look all too well, he thought before pulling you into his arms and running his hand through your hair as you broke down. Tears poured down your face as he gently shushed you, slightly rocking his body with yours.

“I’m sorry, Rick. I really am. I really do love you, you have to believe me,” you begged through sobs as he paused for a second, realizing that he didn’t care about your past and your initial mission and that all he cared about in that moment was his wife in his arms.

“It’s alright baby, I understand. We’ll make this work,” he whispered against the top of your head, rubbing circles into your back. After a while, he had moved you and him up against the bed so that you were lying against his chest as his arms wrapped themselves around you.

“Rick,” you called out from his chest. Moving to look down at you, he brushed a strand of wet hair from your face.

“Yeah baby?”

“I love you.”

“I love you too,” kissing the top of your head, he rubbed your back again as he listened to your breathing become quiet and unnoticeable. Noting that you had fallen asleep, he took the opportunity to shut his eyes and let his mind carry him into a dull slumber.

Author’s Note: AHHH Hope you enjoy!!!

[ballorawan740]

SCP Scenarios: Yandere!SCP x Evil!Reader

Requested by: @Charlie_Sharlotte

Main Masterlist | SCP Scenarios Masterlist | My Works Masterlist | Rules | Request | Socials | My Original Post

So a little bit of context here:

Yes, I've done a Yandere!SCP x Reader before, but this one has a slight twist to it as requested by the user

The reader is just an ordinary human, just like my other post (you can get quick access HERE)

The only difference being how the Yandere!SCPs would react and the reader is evil

I'll be basing this off my other post, if you see something that's rather similar, that's why

SCP 073 (Cain)

When you first met Cain, neither of you had thought of much at first and just greeted each other as usual

Then, of course, you both became really good friends

Some would even say you both were inseparable as wherever they see with of you, the other would be close by

Not long after, you both just started dating which just happened

His yandere traits would gradually come through, but since it wasn't much different to his usual self, none of you would've noticed the change

Apart from you, of course, cus this man wouldn't let you be in harm's way and if you were, he would have to be with you the whole entire time

When Cain discovers that you work for another GOI, he was shocked and tried to -forcefully- make you stay loyal to the foundation which didn't work well

You stayed loyal to the Serpent's Hand and Cain warned the other members of the foundation

Not only did you find out about the news, but you were also very much aware of Cain's yandere tendencies in which you warned your team about this

The news that you were working with the Serpent's Hand got to the O5 council to which they kept a close eye on you

However, some would even call them bluff as you had made your way through the rankings in less than a year, displaying your intelligence and 'loyalty towards the foundation

As well as this, you were able to deceive most of the staff at the foundation, so you would be the last person anyone would suspect if there were an issue between the Foundation and the Serpent's Hand

Due to the love-hate relationship between both parties, the O5 Council had announced you as the 'bridge' between both the Foundation and the Serpent's Hand if either party were in need of help, within the reason of course

As for you and Cain, you tried to distance yourself but Cain's yandere tendencies forbid from that happening

And so you stayed, thinking that you could use him as a scapegoat

SCP 076 (Abel)

Abel gets slightly physical when he's a yandere

Like hella physical to the point he'd tie you up in his box and go on full rage mode if anyone tries to help save you or even question about your whereabouts

However, since you were one of the hostile type SCPs used by the Serpent's Hand, you knew that you could use Abel's yandere traits to your advantage

Since you weren't a yandere yourself, you would more often than not, find yourself trapped in his box

But since you had the ability to summon just about anything out of thin air, just like Abel, you were able to record and complete your tasks without being disturbed

Even though Abel knew that you were a hostile SCP, he was somehow oblivious to your abilities and your secret mission in the Foundation

The O5 council were concerned and intrigued that you were willing to be trapped inside his box and when asked, you kept silent

Abel would do anything to keep you by his side which was annoying if you had something to do, but you were a master manipulator so you were able to bribe him

As for the foundation staff, you could play off as not so hostile for now type SCP unless you were provoked, so most of the time, they'd just leave you in your containment room

During one of the containment breaches, Abel discovered that you were working for another GOI and attempted to question you about this but to no avail

As for the O5 council, they were able to get some information bout you from Abel, but it didn't help very much other than the fact you worked for a GOI

Neither the O5 council nor Abel knew which group you worked for and the council debated on whether to terminate you or not

They have come up with a conclusion to not terminate you for now as you were able to stop Abel from breaching the foundation

However, they had to keep a close eye on you both due to your activities with another GOI and may manipulate Abel into assisting you

SCP 999 (Tickle Monster)

This adorable little yandere orange blob here is the reason why most people in the foundation would suspect you as an enemy to the foundation

As in, either trying to destroy the world, working for another GOI or both, type of way

When 999's yandere traits kick in, he'd definitely be slightly possessive when he'd jealous but no more than that

999 would most definitely be oblivious to your evil traits until he sees it for himself, just like Abel

I feel that the foundation staff also wouldn't suspect a thing since you have that pure, innocent vibe

Since you give off those vibes, you tend to get away with thingy hella easily, sometimes it would go right under the noses of the O5 council, even though you're doing it right in front of them

I have high doubts that anyone would've caught you in the act of betraying the foundation or kidnapping the SCPs

And even if they did and was absolutely certain it was you, most of the others would call them delusional

There was that one time where 999 caught you with another SCP and got hella jealous but you were able to persuade him to stop ignoring you

The second time he caught you was when you were in the middle of releasing some Keter and Euclid class SCPs but wasn't able to stop you or warn the others in time

When the doctors found out, it was too late and you were with the Choas Insurgency

SCP 682 (Hard to Destroy Reptile)

This little sh- right here would literally threaten to kill everyone you've ever cared about right in front of you and he would do it again and again

Luckily, you were cunning and deceitful, some would even say that you come across as suave in what you're doing

And in this case, you would play along with 682 like a game and this giant MF wouldn't even know (cuz he do be thicc)

The foundation is well aware of 682 being such a yandere and it's not like they could do anything other than observe

However, what's even scarier is you being able to multitask in various fields, making you a perfect doctor/agent they have

You were also planning on releasing the SCPs just for your own gain and would even go as far as deceiving the other GOIs just for some helping hand and gathering some intel

Not only that, you have used 682 as your scapegoat many times since he was known for causing various breaches

During that time, you were able to free most SCPs with a little help and those agents would soon be declared missing or dead under mysterious circumstances

Nobody would ever suspect you since you put on such an innocent facade and portrayed yourself as just someone who did as they're told

SCP 049 (Plague Doctor)

As a yandere, 049 would most definitely be similar to 035 and tie you up as a punishment

Sometimes, he would even go as far as using his 'subordinates' to monitor you while you were being left alone in a room while he's doing something

Normally, 049 would avoid punishing you and would explain to you what you did wrong with a harsher tone as if to intimidate you

However, as time went by, you've learnt a lot from the doctor and was able to adapt to various situations just like him

Being an ordinary human being, you'd constantly have to avoid touching his hands with yours or if you ever remembered, you'd wear gloves in case 049 would hold yours out of nowhere

If there were any breaches, the first thing he'd do is to look for you and make sure that you're by his side constantly

Little did he know, you were the corporate behind the breach as you wanted to seek revenge on the foundation for taking your family away and killing them all

And of course, you've learnt from the best from those around you, especially 049

In your head, you planned to use 049 to your advantage like always, but instead of using him as a scapegoat, you were planning on getting him to go against the foundation's will and join you

However, a part of you also wanted to use him as a scapegoat since all he does is dote around you and be possessive af

SCP 035 (Possessive Mask)

This yandere right here is not only possessive but manipulative af  and if you didn't know any better, you would've been wrapped around his fingers

But you did know better, so like many other 'evil people, you used this at your advantage since you know that 035 is all over you

You were amazing at seducing both men and women, but mainly guys, hand to hand combat, hacking, weapon knowledge and even cross-dressing, but you'd much rather not do that and hide in the dark (you introverted shy mf)

From time to time, you were able to make 035 leave you as you had "behaved well and should be rewarded" as 035 puts it

During that time, you'd hack into the Foundation's most secretive files and grab all the information you needed in order to achieve whatever goals you intended to finish

Not even 035 or the Foundation knows about this and if they ever catch on about the hacking incident, they wouldn't even take a second thought that it was you (since you have such a pretty face and nobody would suspect a thing, you're welcome for the compliment)

Since you were reliable, independent and trustworthy in the Foundation's eyes and you were able to adapt to 035's persona and adopt it into your work, you'd occasionally be sent to the other GOIs as an undercover spy

Little did everyone know, you used every bit of tool and would even use your position as an undercover to blackmail and even spill out the secrets of your mission just to get to where you want anyone to be

The Foundation would never have guessed your goals and would consider this incident as a slip-up and allow you to continue if you were able to keep everything under control

Not only that but they were soon informed that wherever you go, an individual or a whole team of people from the GOIs, including the Foundation's, would go missing or dead

Nobody knows why and they wouldn't even dare to question your authority since you were so high up

SCP 096 (Shy Guy)

You were just one of the cleaners at the Foundation which so happened to bond well with 096 despite him being a yandere

096 as a yandere wasn't as bad as the others as he'll only go into depression or possessive mode, but even then, he was still handleable (IT'S CUZ HE HAS THAT MFING FACE THAT NO MOTHER COULD LOVE)

Anyways, I doubt that 096 would have enough intelligence to gather that you're evil for quite some time, but that doesn't mean that he's completely stupid

Moreso oblivious since he wouldn't believe anyone who says that you're working for another organisation and that you're just using him

When he went back to his cell, you came to check up on him and heard him crying, so you asked what happened

He told you all the 'lies' about you working for Chaos Insurgency and you quickly dismissed that with ease, knowing that 096 will only listen to you

You had informed your captain/team leader about the Foundation catching on and they made sure that you're still 'clean' and sent a couple of others to aid you

Once everyone got a hold of your plan, 096 quickly came out and snatched you, but not before killing all the agents

Basically, he's your personal bodyguard and servant who just happens to be depressed and slightly possessive

SCP 105 (Iris)

Oh dear oh dear oh dear

Iris is beyond possessive

She'll basically tie you up for days if she wanted to and you would have to try and outwit her since she has military training

Outwitting her would be hard since she's rather intelligent too

So what you did was to listen to her for quite some time in order to buy some time for your crew to sneak in and grab whatever they need before they flee

You made sure to be extra kind and sweet to our Iris here since she somehow managed to regain access to her camera

Your team was quickly notified so they proceeded with caution

Just because you managed to fool Iris doesn't mean you could fool the Foundation

As the Foundation proceed to warn Iris, you attempted to reassure her that it's not what it looks like, but she's not stupid at all

Depending on the situation, she might tie you up for days if not weeks and let you consume the tiniest amount of food and water

However, if you somehow managed to free yourself, defend yourself if she fighting you or outwit her, you would run back to your base to never be seen again

SCP 106 (Old Man)

An old yandere like 106 would make ordinary people think he's just old, crippled and possessive as well as perhaps a sugar daddy (Sorry, not)

Anyhow, aside from him being such a yandere, he wouldn't exactly notice you being evil and all unless it's explicitly shown in front of him and even then, he wouldn't believe it

The researchers, however, did manage to catch onto your evil side as you were midway through releasing various SCPs, including 682, 939 (FREE MY PET PLS), 049 and a couple of other well known Keter and Euclid class SCPs

They tried to arrest you and take you into full custody and interrogate you with the help of 105 and you found out soon that they both had a deal

The deal was that the researchers would get as much information out of you before disposing you to 106

You took advantage of this deal and managed to send a message to your team about it just to make sure that you're protected and someone would be sent to help you

Once you've done your mission in freeing certain SCPs, you were tasked to shut down or destroy the Foundation but failed

And not only that but your team were also caught in assisting you and breaking free the SCPs and were then killed on site

Since you were caught, your team leader sent down another dispatch to kill you and retrieve all the necessary information they needed

But since you didn't tell the Foundation everything you knew, they made an agreement with you by telling them everything you knew in exchange for your safety and you obliged

You also went to 106 and made him have a deal with both you and the researchers, but knowing the old man, you're more likely going to be killed by that SCP than by your team

Dr Simon Glass

This mf softie of a yandere right here would definitely know you're up to something

I mean, he's a psychologist, so of course, he'll get inside of your head before you would even blink twice

He wouldn't call you out just yet since he doesn't know the full extent of you working under someone or if you're working for yourself and using others to your own advantage

As for you, you knew that Simon wouldn't just let you go if he ever found out on what you're plotting and nor would he help bail you out just because you asked so nicely

So to avoid this problem, you asked your fellow subordinates from Dr Wondertainment to help cover for you

The MTFs caught on that there was newly discovered SCPs on their site and were quickly ordered to exterminated, neutralise or capture them for the safety of them and the others and to conduct further research

Little did they know, it was your little stunt to just get closer to Dr Glass and to use him in your plans

After many months of studying each and every SCPs and conducting a plan for your team, the researchers finally discovered that it was you behind all the mess with the help of Simon Glass

Realising that it is too dangerous for you to be working along in the Foundation, you fled,, leaving Simon Glass all alone and wanting to keep you in his room forever

Simon demanded a search party to find you but was denied

Since you've been caught already, you sent somebody else to do the work for you

And that assistant just so happens to look just like you (totally not your evil twin or anything)

Dr Jack Bright

Jack Bright had you locked up in a chamber below the Foundation when he had discovered you being the culprit behind the recent breaches and other related incidents

You were just as vicious and deadly as most of the best agents the Foundation ever has and staying in the Foundation had just turned you insane and just as sadistic

You enjoyed causing so much chaos, leaving all the innocent, cheery memories behind and new friends and family you've made along the way was long gone

Bright wasn't stupid, he may be goofy and somewhat chaotic at times, he'd been in the Foundation for longer than anyone (he'd also be earning more than the amount of money in your bank account)

He's definitely one of the most intelligent doctors and most definitely has access to most files and holds more secrets than any seniors in the Foundation

There's no doubt that he would find out about you and lock you up in no time

Knowing you, he's very much certain that you'll wreak havoc on the Foundation within a matter of hours for no apparent reason

The other staff would deem you as an SCP but Bright dismisses that and nobody has ever heard of you since

He tortured you for hours and its no wonder why you'd become so visibly and mentally insane

Dr Alto Clef

Clef was able to somehow find a way to unlock your secrets about you working with another GOI named Church of the Broken God

And despite having to work together with a handful of times, both GOIs remain enemies, so Alto would have to keep a close eye on you

On occasions, he would blackmail you, chain you up and inflict pain on you just to get some intel off from you

However, little did he know, you've learnt from the best liars and was able to conceal the truth from him

Clef may be good at finding information on a person and threaten others, but you were able to adapt as quick as the speed of light and was manipulative just like him

Unlike the others, Clef would most definitely snitch on you, but that's no surprise since you've done just that to him with the Church of the Broken God

Moreover, Clef didn't know that you were married to someone working for the very same GOI and was shocked once he found out

The Foundation found it difficult to track you and your spouse since you're both highly trained along with the data you've gathered on the foundation staff and SCPs

Dr Benjamin Kondraki

Benjamin Kodraki, another softer yandere, would have never known that you worked with the Deer College if it wasn't for his butterflies

He would give you the benefit of the doubt at first, but when you kept doing his questions and threats, he would give in and tell the O5 council

They would dismiss Kondraki at first, but once they've discovered a chain of unusual events happening at the Foundation, they knew it was much more than just a coincidence and took action

Kondraki aided them in finding you, but to no avail, except for one of your long term friends (you have friends?! what a shocker)

He had chained up your friend and they exposed your hideout spot which just so happened to be right underneath the Foundation

When he had found you, he forcefully dragged you up to his room and tied you up as you saw your friend's lifeless body beside you

You hated him because of his yandere tendencies and tried to break free

Luckily for you, the professors at the College managed to set you free, fleeing with you before Kondraki and the other members of the Foundation could do anything

Later on, Kondraki soon realised that you were in the Deer College just to gain additional knowledge and to retrieve some samples of the SCPs in the Foundation to conduct your own research and art collection

Not only that, you were exceptionally good at history and social science and Invocations and Summoning which was why you picked both subjects to study further with your creativity in the art department as your hobby

[dameronology]

welcome to the jungle {frankie morales}

summary: after taking a job with the delta guys, you cross paths with frankie morales. even though you’re at each other’s throats at first, it proves to be the start of something beautiful.  (for @what-the--curtains​ - i hope you enjoy!!) - 7k words

warnings: swearing, mentions of ptsd

this is kinda ambiguous in terms of the timeline of the film but i sort of hint to the first half being before the events of t.f and the second half being after -- with that said, you can take it as you would like :D

- jazz

Your brother had dog sat for a few days.

In exchange, you were flying out to Colombia in the middle of your work week. 

You believed in favours, but these two did not feel like they were equal. 

Still, you were a person of your word - and getting to fly to South America was exciting. The job itself was exciting, if not a little...eyebrow raising. His friend, an ex-Delta soldier, needed somebody to ID a body. That part didn’t bother you - you were a forensic archaeologist after all and it was quite literally your job description. The suspicious bit was the circumstances under which you were doing it; Santiago Garcia hadn’t been entirely clear on the phone, but he’d said something about witnesses and getting the government off of our backs. You’d met Santiago a few times and you knew what kind of work he did - military stuff. It didn’t take a genius to figure out that it was probably an under-the-radar kind of affair. But, you’d never been one to back down from a challenge. 

So, here you were on a warm Colombian Tuesday afternoon, suitcase trailing behind you as you trekked towards a dusty old air base. The sun was high in the sky, beating down on your back in a way that had initially been comforting, but was now just plain annoying. You didn’t know how long you were going to be here, but packing three jackets now felt like a stupid idea. The one one you’d worn on the plane over had been long discarded and tied around your waist, which only added to the struggle of dragging your case up the steep, sandy hill. In the distance, you could see an ATC tower glinting under the sun - the streams of light bounced right back off of it, causing you to shield your eyes with your forearm. The taxi you’d gotten from the international airport - not like this sandy little place - had only taken you so far. At least, of all things, the boots you’d opted to wear were built for this kind of thing. 

A few hundred meters up the road, you finally saw another sign of human life. A 4x4 was parked outside the abandoned terminal entrance, three men leaning against the side of it. You spotted Santiago standing a few metres away on his phone, thumbs tapping away. He didn’t look any different to the last time you saw him; dark and curly hair, a semi-friendly smile and stubble littering his chin. You hadn’t seen him since your brother’s birthday party a few months ago. 

‘Hey!’ The former soldier offered you a grin when he saw you, holding his arms open. ‘Long time, no see!’

‘Hey, Santi!’ You replied, giving him a pat on the back as he pulled you into a hug. ‘And yeah, it’s been a while. Then again, when was the last time you were in the country for more than five minutes?’

‘I’m in high demand.’ He shot back. 

Pulling back from the embrace, Santi pointed to his colleagues. There was Will and Benny, two blonde boys, both in military gear. It didn’t take much to figure out that they were brothers; same smirk, same stance, same eyes. Even if Santi hadn’t pointed it out, you would have figured as much. You were naturally deductive - came with the job. After the brothers, there was Frankie. He had dark eyes and hair, the latter of which was covered by his hat. Unlike the other three, he was wearing more casual clothes, just with a tac vest over the top. You kind of got the vibe that he didn’t want to be there - that was...comforting. 

‘What’s all this?’ Frankie asked, gesturing to the heavy metal suitcase behind you. 

‘Just...stuff. Tools.’ You replied. ‘Things I need to do my job, I guess.’

‘How heavy is it?’ 

‘Light enough that I was able to get them onto a commercial flight?’ You offered. 

‘The plane is already at max weight.’ He replied, brown eyes flickering up to meet yours. 

‘God, give ‘em a break, Fish!’ Santi slapped him on the shoulder. ‘It’ll be fine.’

‘Remember last time you said it would be fine-’

‘- hey.’ He cut him off with a harsh look. ‘We don’t talk about that.’

‘So I can bring them?’ You raised your eyebrows. ‘Because I can’t do whatever it is you need to do unless I have them.’

‘Yeah, it’ll be fine.’ Santiago gave you a comforting smile. ‘Let’s head to the jet and we’ll talk about the job.’ 

Swinging your duffle bag back over your shoulder, you picked up your suitcase and began to follow the guys further up the hill. There wasn’t anybody else around -- just sand, sun and rusting old jets. There was one in particular that they seemed to be headed towards. It was only mildly less eroded than the damaged ones around you, but the engines were running and the cargo doors were open. Santiago took your bag from your hands as you approached it, tossing it in with the other luggage. 

‘Do not throw that one, Garcia!’ You demanded, flinching slightly as he took your suitcase. 

‘Wouldn’t dream of it.’ He shot back. 

‘Sure thing.’ You rolled your eyes at him. ‘You brought a medkit right?’

‘No. Why?’

‘There’s one in my duffle bag.’ You replied. ‘Side pocket. Can you grab it?’

‘We don’t need one, we’ll be fine-’

‘- Santiago Garcia, do you want me to report back to my brother that you took his baby sibling on a jungle-wide expedition without the correct medical supplies?’ You challenged. 

Santi swallowed, mind briefly flashing back to the time he’d almost been decked by said brother for letting you walk home alone. ‘Fine.’

Your triumphant smile only lasted a split second; as soon as your eyes fell on the plane, you realised you still had to get on it. Fuck. 

The engines seemed to be working fine, but it was just...old. And eroding. And making a funny sound. You were by no means an engineer, but even just binging a few episodes of Air Crash Investigations made you feel qualified enough to know that this was not where it was at in terms of air safety. You could have taken it up with Frankie, but he didn’t seem entirely approachable. 

You did trust Santi, however - though sometimes that seemed a little against your better judgement. Every crazy story that your brother had relayed back to you from their time in the military involved him making questionable decisions. Hopefully, opting to fly this hunk of metal wouldn’t be one of them. Here’s to hoping it was aerodynamic. 

‘Are you getting in or…’ Frankie peered down at you from the stairs, eyebrows raised. 

‘Yeah, sorry.’ You blinked in surprise. ‘This thing is safe, right?’

‘What’s it to you?’

‘What is it to me?’ You snorted. ‘Just, y’know, that I’m about to fly a few hundred thousand feet in the air and if it falls out of the sky I’ll die.’

‘I know what I’m doing.’ Frankie shut the door behind you as you climbed aboard, twisting the handle shut. ‘I’ve been flying for years.’

‘I’m not saying it’s you.’ You brushed past him, shoulders bumping as you did. ‘Captain fucking Sully couldn’t fly this thing.’

‘The guy from Monster’s Inc?’ 

‘No, the guy who landed the plane on the Hudson? They made a movie about it, with Tom Hanks-’

‘- you should sit down now.’ Frankie turned away from you. ‘We’re about to take off.’

Your mouth fell open in slight disbelief. What an asshole. 

Santi called your name, signalling for you to sit with him in the cockpit. The seats on the plane hardly looked comfortable, and your brain was mentally working out if it was safer to sit over the wing in a crash, or by the tail. You’d definitely seen it in a documentary once, but you couldn’t remember exactly what they said. Perhaps the best option was to just be less dramatic. 

Taking a seat between Frankie and Santi, you pulled your seatbelt on and shuffled awkwardly. This was fine. Absolutely fine. Frankie was a trained pilot (and a dickhead, but that didn’t take away from his flying skills) and you were going to be fine. Fiiiiine. Maybe if you said it once more, you’d believe yourself. You were going to be fine. Yeah, there we go. 

A few deep breaths and you were certain. Or, at least you’d convinced yourself to be certain. 

‘So.’ Your eyes momentarily flicked over to where Frankie was adjusting some controls. ‘What exactly am I doing here?’

‘A few months ago, the boys and I were involved in the shoot-out.’ Santi began. ‘Pretty standard for the type of operation we were on.’

‘Right. Standard office work.’ You muttered. ‘Do go on.’

‘We thought everyone who had witnessed it had been recorded.’ He continued. ‘And everyone who we spoke to verified that it was a justified shootout. No dirty work, no ulterior motive. All valid, from a legal perspective.’

You thinned your eyes. ‘I don’t think I like where this is going.’

‘We ID’d all the bodies at the time.’ He said. ‘Including a Ricky Martinez. Except now, a guy claiming to also be Ricky Martinez has come forward, claiming that his version of events is a little different. Like, different enough to incriminate us.’

‘He’s lying, right? You guys were the good ones?’ You urged. Santiago’s silence was anything but comforting. ‘Right?’

‘Morals are all a matter of perspective.’ He replied. ‘Our labs ID’d Martinez’ body twice but we need a third party opinion before we can completely dispel the guy pretending to be him.’

‘Guess that’s where I come in?’ You asked, leaning further back into the seat as the jet began to move. 

‘Exactamente.’ Santi nodded. 

That didn’t sound too bad. Between excavating the grave, running tests and returning the body, it would take a few days tops. You could manage that. 

The jet began to pick up speed, making its ascent towards the runway. Frankie did look like he knew what he was doing -- heck, the man looked bored, even.  He barely even had to look at the dash controls as it moved forward, hands moving freely and easily to manoeuvre the plane down the runway. 

‘What are you staring at?’ Frankie glanced over at you. 

‘N-nothing.’ You replied.  ‘Shouldn’t you be focusing on the road-’

‘- that’s a runway.’ He cut you off. 

‘Whatever.’

You were thrown backwards in your chair from the momentum of the take off. The plane angled upwards as it went up in the air, tilting sideways as it balanced out. You felt your stomach drop as the ground disappeared from beneath you, the push of the engines pulling you up higher into the sky. There was a clunk, signalling that the landing gear had retracted. 

Well, the plane had fulfilled its first purpose: taking off. That was a good sign. 

‘So,’ Benny peered over at you. ‘What’s your callsign gonna be?’

‘My name, presumably.’ You quirked a brow at him. 

‘We have Ironhead, Catfish and Pope.’ He continued. ‘But Will and I were talking, and we thought Barbie was gonna fit well.’ 

‘Oh, really?’ You sniffed. ‘And why might that be?’

‘Because you’re young, and pretty hot-’

‘- so your call sign is Benny, right?’ You cut him off. ‘Short for Benjamin? That’s really clever. Did you come up with it yourself?’

‘Maybe Eye Candy will be beter-’

Benny was cut off when you reached across, leaning over Santi to smack him in the chest with your balled up fist. All four of them jumped in surprise at your action - clearly, you weren’t somebody to be fucked with. You hadn’t worked your ass for years to get your degree to get discredited like that. 

‘Make a comment like that again and I’ll drop kick your ass out of this plane.’ You jabbed your finger towards him. 

Benny thinned his eyes at you. ‘Frankie wouldn’t let you do that. Right, Cat?’

‘You heard ‘em.’ Frankie’s eyes didn’t move from the clouds ahead. 

--

To give credit where credit was due, Frankie was good at landing planes. 

Specifically, he was good at landing planes in places where planes should not have been landed. Not that he’d had much of a choice when the engines gave in half way through the journey, a couple hundred miles over the thick Colombian jungle. 

In short, you’d been right the entire time. The damn thing wasn’t safe. Of course, you weren’t going to say I told you so right then, since it felt like a little bit of a sensitive subject. 

Now, the five of you were standing next to a pile of what-used-to-be-a-plane, defeat plastered over every one of your individual faces. You were lucky to all have made it out okay - just about. Santiago had taken a hit to the head, Benny had bitten his tongue pretty hard when you’d collided with the ground (fitting) and Frankie had split his head open. You and Will were the only ones who hadn’t sustained any injuries. He had proven to be much more tolerable than his brother. 

‘Okay, we just gotta…’ you looked around, eyes taking in the debris around you. ‘We just gotta stay calm-’

‘- stay calm?’ Frankie cut you off. ‘You’re the reason the fucking thing went down! If you hadn’t taken all that extra weight-’

‘- do you ever shut up, Morales?’ You snapped. ‘And I’m no genius but I don’t think the engines catching fire was anything to do with me bringing an extra bag onto the plane!’

‘I’m the pilot.’ He reminded you. ‘I know what I’m talking about.’

‘Maybe it was the weight of your ego that made it go down.’ You chided. 

‘Hey - Patrick, Spongebob!’ Will finally yelled. Both your heads snapped in his direction, eyes wide. ‘Can you keep it in your pants for two minutes so we can work out how to make it through the night?’

‘Right, sorry.’ You nodded. 

You glanced around the crash site, brain calculating for a minute as you took in what little was left. The plan had landed on its belly and skidded for a few hundred metres; consequently, most of the luggage had come out on the way. That left you with the one remaining bag, the medkit you’d scared Santi into bringing and the strewn camping kit that had been ditched in the back of the fuselage. 

Pulling your phone out your pocket, you sighed when you realised that you had no signal. What had you expected? Four bars in the middle of the jungle? Probably not realistic. You did, however, have a compass app. That was something. You thought for a moment, glancing between the app and the sun’s position in the sky. It was splintering through the trees, washing heat over you like a bucket of cold water. There was a small stream a few metres away, which was a source of water at least. 

‘It’s just gone four, maybe five in the afternoon.’ You announced. ‘So we have about three hours till the sun starts to set. The water in the stream runs that way so if we follow it, we’ll find the source. People are more likely to set up civilization around a source of water.’ 

All four of them looked at you like kids who had lost their parents in Walmart.  Were they really ex-military? 

‘So, what?’ Benny frowned. ‘We...set up a new civilisation?’

‘Oh my days.’ You muttered under your breath. ‘I am spoon-feeding this to you! It means that there will be a town with people.’ 

‘That’s smart.’ Santi nodded. 

‘But before we do that, we gotta sort this out. Will, d’you know how to check for concussion?’ You asked, to which he nodded. ‘Okay, you check Santi and I’ll clean up Frankie’s head. Then we gotta gather those camping supplies and head east. Best case scenario, we find a town before sundown. Worst case scenario, we camp out for the night.’

‘Who put you in charge?’ Frankie asked.

‘Me.’ You replied. 

Taking the medkit from Santi’s hands, you quietly thanked him and led Frankie over to some rocks. He didn’t seem all that pleased when you forced him to sit on one - and he was even less pleased when you pulled his hat off. It revealed a tangle of dark curls, some of which you had to push back to get to the mark on his head. Some may have debated the importance of mentioning such a detail, but you couldn’t help but notice how soft his hair was. 

You knelt down in front of him, pulling the supplies out of the little medical kit. There weren't many, but there was enough to give him something temporary till you got to a proper hospital. If you got a proper hospital. 

‘It’s not too deep.’ You observed, running your thumb over the creases of his forehead. ‘Just a couple stitches at worst.’

‘Don’t you normally stitch up bodies?’ Frankie asked. His brown eyes were glued to the floor, following the outlines of the boot-prints that you’d left. 

‘Yeah, it’s the same kinda principle though.’ You laughed slightly. ‘Despite your attitude, I’m not gonna give you Y-incision stitches.’

‘Thanks.’

‘At least not in a place people can see them.’

Frankie snorted, but it translated to a hiss of pain as you dabbed an alcohol wipe at his forehead. Despite everything, you had a slight admiration for him. He’d managed to land the plane safely as the situation allowed and despite a few minor injuries, things could have been much worse. You didn’t quite feel like vocalising that to him when you were still stranded in the middle of the jungle, but if you ever got out? You might get Santi to pass the message on. 

‘D’ you think it’ll scar?’ Frankie quietly asked. 

‘Maybe.’ You admitted. ‘Just take a deep breath.’

‘Where did you even learn to do this stuff?’ He asked, letting out another small grunt of discomfort. ‘The stitches and the compass shit.’

You shrugged. ‘I’ve been around the block a few times. You kinda learn to be prepared.’

‘Really? As a morgue worker?’

‘Not a morgue worker.’ You grumbled. ‘Then again, I am stabbing a needle through your skin so I suppose I’ll allow the discrepancy.’ 

‘What is it you do then?’

‘I’m a forensic archaeologist.’ You explained. ‘So it’s my job to retrospectively work out how people died, whether it be because their body was found a long time after they died or because they had to be exhumed from their original resting place.’

Gently pulling the needle back from Frankie’s forehead, you cut the thread and dabbed it again with an alcohol wipe. You brushed his hair back down and placed his hat back on his head, offering him a smile. For the first time since you’d met him, he returned the gesture. 

You dusted off your knees and took a place on the rock beside Frankie, examining your handy work. Considering you’d been in a plane crash not quite an hour ago, it wasn’t too bad. At least if it did scar, it was in a place his hair covered up. And in your defense, scarring wasn’t usually something you had to worry about with your other...patients. They usually went back in the ground not long after you dealt with them. 

‘You’ll wanna sit down for a minute.’ You replied. ‘D’you feel dizzy at all? Sick?’

‘I was just in a plane crash.’

‘Me too, funnily enough.’ You rolled your eyes at him. ‘I s’pose it’s the most interesting job I’ve worked in a while.’

‘Same here.’ Frankie said. ‘I normally work for a flight school, so this is...something else.’

‘It’ll make me grateful when I get back to the office.’ You agreed. ‘Because it has four walls, air conditioner and co-workers who don’t give me ridiculous nicknames.’

‘Right.’ He snorted. ‘Benny can be...Benny. He doesn’t mean to be an asshole.’ 

‘Benny wasn’t the asshole.’ You quipped, nudging him with your elbow.

At least Frankie had proven now that he could talk to you without being insufferable. You couldn’t work out if you’d warmed to him or if he’d warmed to you, but doing somebody’s stitches was unarguably one hell of an icebreaker. He was just a little closed off; quiet and reserved, you figured. You didn’t know what him and the Delta guys had been through, but Santi had mentioned a few things in passing that pointed to a heavy past. That was something you could relate to - your job was no walk in the park either 

‘It’s not...personal.’ Frankie glanced off into the distance. 

Will had managed to salvage the remaining bag from the jet, meaning that Santiago could use it as a seat. Benny was sitting with them, talking amongst themselves. You would have to move soon, in order to find a suitable place to camp before sundown, but taking a minute to recover from the last hour was also important. You’d barely stopped to sit down since the plane had gone down, and now you had, the shock had hit you. Your suspicions about safety had actually been correct. Not that it mattered now, but at least you had a plan to get everyone back to civilization as soon as possible. 

‘So you being an ice cold bitch isn’t to do with me? That’s a relief.’ You joked. Frankie smiled in response; his first genuine one since you’d met. 

‘The witness that you were going to ID was from the last job we all worked together.’ He explained ‘It went bad. Really bad.’

‘From what Santi said, it sure did sound like it.’ You replied. 

‘I hadn’t seen anything as bad as we did then since I was stationed out in the war zones.’ He continued. ‘So being back here, and being with the guys, has just put me on edge. I’m sorry if I was an asshole.’

‘You don’t have to say sorry.’ You shook your head. ‘I mean...actually, yeah, you were an asshole but I get it.’

‘You do?’

‘Forensic archeology is no walk in the park either.’ You replied. ‘It’s my job to work out how people have died. Most of my work is on crime scenes or in war zones so I’ve seen some...dark stuff.’

‘It sticks with you.’ Frankie quietly murmured. 

‘Yeah, it does.’ You said. ‘I know you might not think it on the surface, because it’s the usual sort of job that leaves stuff weighing on your shoulders-’

‘- doesn’t matter.’ He cut you off. ‘Trauma is trauma. Regardless of how you got it or where it came from, it’s valid.’

You gave him a small smile. Maybe he wasn’t so bad. 

---

Later that night -- and after a few hours of walking -- you and the guys had settled down into a makeshift campsite. It was just at the edge of a clearing, not too far from what looked to be a small town glinting in the distance. You did offer to keep going, but between the injuries the group had sustained, it was easier to stop for the night. You had enough of a combined skillset to find some fruit growing to snack on and to start a fire.

Santiago, Will and Benny had long passed out. It wasn’t until after they had done so that you realised there was absolutely no room left in the tent. It was only built for two people, let alone five. Where that left you in terms of sleeping arrangements, you didn’t know, but the chances of even getting to rest felt low. Your brain was on full overdrive, tired eyes darting constantly around the distance. How safe was this place? You’d managed to convince yourself that the plane was secure, and that had gone down like...well, like the fucking plane. 

You were sitting on a log, drawing pictures in the dirt with a stick. It was just something to keep your brain occupied as you fought off the tiredness. The jet-lag from your flight to Colombia had hit in full force and you wanted nothing more than to crawl into your bed -- the bed that wasn’t there. 

‘So, are you keeping a look-out?’ 

You jumped at the sound of Frankie’s voice, twisting around to face him. ‘Something like that.’

‘I can take over if you want.’ He offered. ‘You should get some rest. You’ve saved our asses like three times today.’

‘Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t fit into that tent.’ You replied. ‘I can hear them snoring from here.’

‘Is it worse than the alternative of me keeping you company?’ He softly smiled, taking a seat beside you. ‘I’ll promise not to be an asshole anymore.’

‘We spoke about this.’ You reminded him. ‘I get it. It’s okay.’

‘I still feel bad.’ He sighed. ‘Especially after you stitched me up and led us through the jungle. We woulda eaten something poisonous and died if you hadn’t stopped Benny going near those mushrooms.’

You chuckled. ‘Don’t feel bad, okay? You’ve had bad experiences before and it’s natural to be anxious.’

‘I shouldn’t have taken it out on you-’

‘- Frankie!’ You cut him off with a groan. ‘I’m about to be an asshole if you don’t stop saying sorry.’

‘So we’re good?’ 

‘We’re good.’ You smiled. ‘Thanks for keeping me company.’

‘Santiago, in no uncertain terms, made it clear that he would come for our kneecaps if we left you alone in the dark.’ Frankie admitted. ‘I think he likes you.’

You chuckled, shaking your head. ‘I think you have the wrong idea. Santi is only so protective of me because he’s one of my brother’s best friends, and I guess by extension, that kind of makes him my brother too. They go right back to high school, and then they did the academy together.’

‘That’s a long time.’ Frankie nodded. ‘So you and Santi, that’s...nothing, right?’

‘Absolutely not.’ You snorted derivatively. ‘And if it was, my brother would probably end him.’

‘So,’ He took a stick from the floor, joining in with random doodles you were carving into the ground. ‘Be honest: if these stitches scar, d’you think I’ll look rugged and handsome?’

You peered over at him, eyes creasing as your smile grew wider. ‘Sure. Why not?’

‘Ouch.’ He dramatically grabbed his heart, shaking his head. ‘The correct answer was no Frankie, you already look rugged and handsome.’

‘Okay, it would make you look more rugged and handsome.’ You rolled your eyes. ‘Better?’

‘Better.’ He grinned triumphantly. ‘When was the last time you stitched up a living, breathing human?’

‘College, I think.’ You replied. ‘My roommate got into a fight and didn’t have insurance, so I did some makeshift stitches with a cheap sewing kit we found at a 24/7 corner shop.’

‘We’ve all done it.’ He laughed. ‘I’m glad the stitches you gave me were actual, professional ones...right?’

‘Obviously!’ You exclaimed. ‘You’ll probably want to get them redone when we get back to...y’know, civilisation.’

‘Naturally.’ He nodded. ‘I appreciate you stitching me up. The others would not have been able to do that if it had been just us.’

You shrugged. ‘It’s nothing, really.’

‘What if - and feel free to blatantly reject me for my earlier actions - I took you out for a drink when we got back? Y’know, if we ever get back to civilisation.’

‘Yeah, okay.’ You smiled. 

Normally, Frankie wouldn’t have been that bold -- and you would have absolutely rejected someone who had made such a terrible first impression. But, said impression had changed. He’d been an asshole but you could see why; you could reason with it, even. God knew that you also had a tendency to become withdrawn and irritable when you were retracting back to the darker corners of your mind. Bad days on the job were hard to shake. They stuck with you for a long time. 

The conversation continued, though you couldn’t recall exactly what it was about. Nothing and everything. Growing up and going to college - or for Frankie, the military. You compared stories of Santiago; Frankie’s were better, but yours were pretty good. He told you about how he’d got his piloting license back, and you in return offered a tale of the time that your brother had gotten a DUI. 

Between the warmth of Frankie beside you and the crackling fire in front of you, it became harder and harder to fight off your exhaustion. You would have been tired enough if you were from this timezone, but your body clock was hours out of whack. With your eyelids getting heavier and the dark sky above you, it wasn’t long before you’d flopped into the pilot’s side with defeat. 

‘’M sorry.’ You murmured. 

‘It’s fine, you don’t have to apologise.’ Frankie replied. He moved his arm around your shoulders to support your weight from falling off the log - also to give a sign that he was more than okay with it. 

You rested your chin on his shoulder, peering up at him. Now that his cold facade had slipped away, you could admire him a little bit more. Warm chocolate eyes, a strong jawline, and a face that just felt kind, even despite initial impressions. The warm glow of the fire illuminated his face with a soft hue, making the lighter tones of his eyes a little more visible. 

You were both still lingering from the adrenaline of the plane crash, hearts pounding in your chests and brains wrestling with the idea that you’d both made it out with minor injuries. Was that what had made you bold? The sudden reminder of your mortality? Because you never would have kissed him if it had been a normal night.

He met you halfway, lips gently capturing yours in a soft kiss. They were a little chapped from the humidity of the jungle air, but intoxicating and enchanting all the same. He tasted very, very faintly of tobacco and a little bit of mint -- had the bastard had chewing gum this whole time? Not that it was relevant. Not that anything else in the world was relevant. Not when Frankie Morales was kissing you.

Neither of you said anything after; he simply pulled you into his chest, resting his head on top of yours. Between the mental exhaustion and emotional ping-pong game that you were partaking in, you wanted to sleep. 

And sleep, you did; tangled together on the dirt of the jungle floor, not a worry in the world. 

---

Time passed. 

It passed quickly and slowly all at once. 

Once you’d found a little town and got on a coach to Medellin, you did what you came to do: identified the body, cleared their names and closed the case. Your duties at your actual job called you back home and less than a day later, you were on a plane home. 

After that, everything was a blur. You tried to keep in contact with everyone, but life was demanding as ever. Thanks to a promotion at work, you were being kept busy 24/7. Santiago finally retired from active duty and moved back to your hometown, near to his parents and to the guys. Even with the group chat he’d made - affectionately titled Plane Pals - it was hard to constantly keep up with everyone. 

You and Frankie had texted for a while, but it sort of faded out. Whenever you were able to make it back home to see him and everyone else, he was busy. You’d both tried to make plans a few times but they’d never come to fruition. You still texted each other happy birthday every year, but that was it. Like that night in the jungle, he quickly became a thing of the past. A distant memory that sometimes felt like a dream. 

It made a good dinner table story, especially for first dates. You told it on many actually, actually -- only one ever went well. So well, in fact, that you’d ended up in a four-year-relationship. A marine biologist called Simon; not boring, but not necessarily exciting either. He was nice...enough. Nice enough that you didn’t find a reason to leave. 

Looking back, you probably had a million reasons to leave. He was an asshole, for one. The last time he’d treated you right had been your first anniversary - and for some reason, you’d stuck around to celebrate your second and third and fourth. Everyone around you was settling down, and you felt that pressure too. 

Even Santiago fucking Garcia, the biggest flirt and bachelor you knew, was getting married. You’d RSVP’d a plus one - Simon, obviously - but the week before you were due to fly home for the wedding, things had finally reached a bitter end. You weren’t sad about him; more sad that you’d wasted four years of your life on the Walmart equivalent to Ned Flanders. 

On the brightside, your brother’s respective relationship had also gone through a shitty demise, meaning you could move your seats at the reception next to one another. Like Santiago, he had also retired from the military and was living his best life - even though it had taken six months for him to start speaking to his friend again. He hadn’t taken well to the idea of Santiago taking you on a job that left you in the middle of the jungle. 

‘People are gonna ask where Simon is, aren’t they?’ You muttered. 

‘Cheer up.’ Your brother nudged you. ‘I know what’ll help - let’s make a bet.’

‘What?’ You groaned. 

You were standing outside the church, waiting to be called inside. You’d waved at Benny and Will as they came in. The latter had kids of his own now, but Benny was focusing on his boxing career. He hadn’t called you Barbie again though, so that was something. 

‘I bet you twenty bucks that Santiago is divorced by the end of the year.’ Your brother grinned. 

‘No! That’s horrible.’ You slapped his arm. 

‘Whatever. That’s $20 you’re missing out on.’

‘I hate that we’re related.’

‘Me too.’

‘Shut up!’

‘You said it first!’

The two of you were cut off by someone clearing their throats.

You almost did a double take when you saw Frankie Morales stood in front of you. He didn’t look that different to his six-year-old Whatsapp profile picture; he wasn’t wearing his hat, instead wearing his hair pushed back, and rather than his old tac vest, he had a suit and tie on. You had a sort of vision of him in your head from that night, but it didn’t do him justice. He was even better in person. 

‘Catfish!’ Your brother jeered. ‘Ain’t you a sight for sore eyes!’ 

‘Says you!’ Frankie gave him a slap on the back. His eyes then fell to you, and his demeanour changed a little. ‘Hey.’

‘Frankie fucking Morales.’ You murmured. ‘How’re you?’

‘Thriving.’ He replied. ‘You?’

‘Also thriving.’ You smiled. 

‘I was sorry to hear about the divorce, man.’ Your brother, as clueless as ever, didn’t sense the sudden onset of tension. 

‘Divorce?’ You blinked in surprise. ‘Is that really something you should bring up-’

‘- you brought up your break up at dinner last week-’

‘- only because you brought up yours first-’

‘- guys!’ Frankie cut you off. ‘It’s fine, really. I appreciate you looking out for me but it was a while ago now. Besides, I’ve got Leya. She takes up all my time.’

‘Leya?’ your eyebrows shot up. ‘Is that your girl-’

You were interrupted by a bell ringing, signalling that it was time for the guests to enter the church. Did the universe hate you? What kind of fucking dreadful timing was that? 

‘I’ll see you guys at the reception, right?’ Frankie asked. 

‘Sure thing, dude.’ Your brother waved him off.

The pilot turned on his heel, giving you a smile as he headed for the church. He was the best man after all, and his presence probably was needed. 

‘You asshole!’ You have his shoulder another whack. ‘I was talking to him!’

‘Jesus, calm down! And why do you hit so hard?’ He huffed. ‘What’s so important?’

‘Who’s Leya?’

‘I dunno! Do I look like Gossip Girl?’

‘Yeah.’

‘You’re mean.’ He grabbed you by the arm, dragging you towards the church entrance. ‘And mum made me promise to make sure you wouldn’t play Doodle Jump during the vows.’

‘That was one time!’ You snapped. 

Thankfully, the actual ceremony passed quicker than you thought. Santiago’s new wife was beautiful -- you hadn’t met Yovanna before, but both her and Santi had greeted you with a bright smile as you entered the reception. It was in a large hotel room, decorated with strings of fairy lights and a large dance floor. A lot of thought had clearly got into it. 

It made you a little sad to think about. How many weddings had you been to in the last five years? How many times had people looked at you and your former boyfriend and said you’ll be next. You weren’t even sad about him. If anything, you were mad that you’d let yourself think about marrying him. You could do better. You were going to do better.

‘Is that girl over there eying me up?’ Your brother’s voice pulled you back to reality. ‘I swear she’s been giving me heart eyes since they brought dessert out.’

‘Which one?’

‘The one in the cute dress! Brown hair, dark eyes-’

‘- that’s Santi’s cousin.’ You rolled your eyes. 

‘And?’

‘Santi’s cousin who is a lesbian?’ You tried to suppress a laugh. ‘Who has been with her wife for 11 years and has three children?’

He groaned. ‘Why must you find such joy in my pain?’

‘It’s what siblings are for.’ You grinned. ‘I’m gonna get a drink. D’you want anything?’

He only let out another groan in response - you took that as a no, simply giving him a pat on the head as you stood up. 

You’d tried to ask around with a few mutual friends if they knew who Leya was -- either they hadn’t seen Frankie in a while, or they pushed to know why you were asking. You couldn’t exactly play that one as suave. Nobody took a casual interest in the personal life of somebody they barely knew -- even though you did know Frankie. Quite well, actually. He’d practically recounted his entire life story to you that night. Told you things that not even Santi knew. 

‘What can I get for you?’ The bartender asked. 

‘Uhhh…’ you glanced up at the menu. ‘Is it an open bar?’

‘If I had enough money for every time someone asked me that tonight, I’d be able to pay for all the drinks.’  She shot back. ‘So, no.’

‘Jeez.’ You muttered. ‘How much for a double rum?’

‘Fifteen bucks.’

‘Fifteen?!’ You spluttered. ‘How much is tap water?’

‘Y’know, I still owe you a drink.’

Like earlier, Frankie had suddenly appeared unannounced. You couldn’t help but grin when you saw him leaning against the bar beside you, a goofy smile plastered across his face and his undone tie wrapped around his left hand. Your eyes flickered up to his forehead, examining it for a minute. 

‘So the stitches didn’t scar?’ You asked. 

He pulled back his hair, shaking his head. ‘Nope.’ 

‘You lucky duck.’ You quipped. ‘So. About that drink?’

‘This shit is insanely overpriced.’ Frankie said. ‘I can steal us a bottle of wine if you’re willing to hide and drink it?

You glanced over at your brother, who was now crying to one of Santiago’s great aunts, piling cake into his mouth. 

‘Yeah. I’m down for that.’ 

--

Five minutes later, you and Frankie were out in the gardens of the hotel. It had been raining all day, but there was an undercover patio not too far from the main reception; the walls were made out of white wood, with red roses trailing up the side. The fairly lights tangled beside them illuminated the place in a gentle glow, blue evening sky providing a beautiful contrast. Even though the showers had stopped, you could still smell the rain in the fresh evening air. 

‘Wine?’ Frankie led you to a seat by the edge of the patio. ‘I stole it from the head table so it's the expensive shit.’

He tore the cork off, handing you the bottle. Neither of you had brought glasses, but you didn’t mind drinking from the same bottle. You’d kissed already - what was the point in formalities? 

‘I hate it to break it to you.’ You paused to wipe your mouth, recovering from the bitter taste. ‘But that’s champagne.’

‘Still alcohol, right?’ He took it from your hands, taking a swig. ‘And it’s free!’

‘You’re right.’ You chuckled. ‘So...I believe we have four years worth of catching up to do.’

‘D’you wanna go first?’ Frankie offered. ‘I heard you got a promotion.’

‘I did, yeah.’ You grinned. ‘It’s a thousand times more work but I get more control over what jobs I take, so that’s good.’

‘Anyone special in your life?’ He asked. 

‘Cut the shit, Frankie.’ You groaned. ‘I know that Santi updates you on every second of my life as it happens.’

‘You got me there. He mentioned a...Steven?’

‘A Simon.’ You corrected. ‘But Dickhead or Asshole works just as well.’

‘Damn, I’m sorry.’ Frankie gave your leg a light squeeze. ‘What happened?’

‘He didn’t deserve me and I stayed with him too long.’ You shrugged. ‘I didn’t think I had a reason to leave.’ 

‘Not having a reason to leave isn’t a reason to stay.’ He murmured. 

You didn’t know whether to bring up the D-Word. D-i-v-o-r-c-e. He hadn’t seemed that phase when your sibling had so eloquently and gently brought it up earlier, but you knew Frankie was good at putting on a front. It was why you’d clashed when you first met. 

‘Am I allowed to ask?’ You quietly said. 

‘It’s nothing bad.’ He shrugged. ‘I mean it is bad, terrible actually, but it was two years ago now. We only got married because she got pregnant and then left the minute our daughter was born.’

‘Leya.’ You didn’t mean to say the name out loud, but it made sense now. ‘Leya is your daughter.’

‘Yeah.’ Frankie warmly smiled. ‘I hate what happened but I’d do it all over again ten times if it meant having her in my life.’

He spent the next few minutes telling you about her. She was named Leya after a certain space princess, though Frankie had changed the spelling to make it less obvious (to which you had argued it was still quite obvious, but a cool name nonetheless). She was currently three years old, often got confused between Spanish and English words, and enjoyed Power Rangers. All in all, she sounded like a great kid. Above all, it was obvious how much she meant to Frankie. His whole face lit up when he spoke about her. Her mum was entirely out the picture, meaning he was doing the whole thing by himself. 

‘She sounds amazing.’ You beamed, peering down at the picture on his phone. ‘She looks so much like you.’

‘Thank God.’ Frankie murmured. ‘I dunno if it being a dad has made me more introspective, but I think about that night a lot.’

‘Me too.’ You replied. ‘Not the thing about being a dad. The other part.’

He laughed. ‘I got that.’

‘What do you think about?’

‘You, mostly.’ He admitted. ‘The fact I was an asshole. The fact you basically saved us all. The fact I never got to take you out for that drink.’

You took a swig of champagne, poking his arm. ‘We’re doing it now!’

‘I know.’ He grinned. ‘I just...I know it was only one night but we might not have been around to tell the story if you hadn't been there.’

‘You were the one who landed the plane safely.’

‘Which wouldn’t have mattered if you didn’t do all the stuff after.’ He reminded you. ‘The thing I think about most, though, is that kiss.’

You froze slightly, head slowly turning to look at him. He was peering down at you now, brown eyes intently gazing at you, not unlike they had the first time you’d been in this position. Now, you weren’t both beyond exhausted, or stuck in the middle of the jungle. You were safe and sound, right here with one another. 

‘It was a pretty good kiss.’ You edged slightly closer towards him. 

‘A very good kiss.’

‘Maybe we should do it-’

Frankie cut you off, meeting your demand before you could even finish it. He was just as you remembered; chapped-but-soft lips with a hint of mint. No tobacco this time. He gently placed a hand on the back of your neck, pulling you further up towards him. It was like you were both reliving the memory of that night in a dream - something you’d done many times. Your memory of it had faded over time but this? This was vivid and giddy and entirely consuming all at once. 

‘You know,’ Frankie pulled back for a moment, keeping his hand on the back of your neck and forehead pressed to yours. ‘I asked Santi about you a few years ago, pretty much the minute I realised I was ready to move on from...her.’ 

‘You did?’ You murmured. 

‘That’s when he said you’d been seeing Simon for a few weeks.’ He admitted. ‘I was gutted. Kept wishing I’d got there first.’

‘I wish you had got to me first.’ You lightly chuckled. ‘It would have saved me a lot of pain.’

‘If I were to ask out now, what would you say?’

‘Fuck yes, obviously.’

‘Good.’ He pressed a brief peck to your lips. ‘I admire the enthusiasm.’

That night - well, actually it had probably been the night in Colombia, depending on who you asked - marked the start of a fresh start for you both. What had initially started out as an attempt to seek solace in one another during a difficult time had led you to something more: something whole, something fulfilling. 

If someone had told you the first time you’d met Frankie Morales that the unfriendly pilot was going to become the best thing that ever happened to you, you probably would have slapped them. Or laughed, or cried, or all three. That night you met, you thought the emotions you were feeling were from the plane crash -- adrenaline and warmth and panic. 

As it would turn out, it was simply the feeling of knowing -- knowing that Frankie Morales was it.

[kaorei-endgame]

There's this Daryl Surat Greater Action Movie postulate (which i only half remember so blame me not him) that goes "female led action movies <something something> falter because <something something> studios won't let directors do the Hard R." Which I bring up in the context of this video game because I remember this weird controversy about the secret ending as it pertains to not only mental health but like.... girl on girl violence? Like it went around the bigger bloggosphere and if I'm playing devil's advocate shoot me but how much literal violence we will swallow (like just.... absolutely.... 6-8 hours of teens beating the shit out of each other) as long as nobody directly verbalizes it? Like haha what's with that moralist shit dude go scream at a cop and let video games be even 1% gross sometimes. It takes me 30 seconds to refocus my eyes after this boss intro:

Usually when they say a WayForward game don't end good, they're talking about that part in the Bloodrayne platformer where you had to make 6 pixel perfect kick jumps off set of floating blood mosquitos while fire's chasing you, am I right??🤣

Well, think about it this way. If most beat 'em ups feel kinda slight and most Way Forward games way too long, River City Girls is exquisitely paced for a Way Forward beat-em-up, especially as a direct-ish sequel to the original, where you could beat the last boss to the end of the game.

I don't know if is this is just all in my head, but as someone who appreciates pink things, bubblegum poppin, oversized jackets, short skirts, and band-aids everywhere, emotionally I gotta approach a Bubblegum Pop video game aesthetic like I'm about to be served the next Lollipop Chainsaw...... specifically with what it's gonna do with my emotions it's rarely some "lived in" shit, if you know what I mean? And the line between "do I feel like I'm playing art about high schoolers, or art about playing chicken with the line of how fuckable you can make a child before someone will call you on it?" is like.... oddly thin? In video games specifically it's like the Macualy Culkin The Good Son of thin ice (but I'll save that for 2021's 2020 Game of the Year Write Ups: Aegis Rim (which will not contradict what I said up there about gross video games so chill🥰much love in 2021).

The risky aesthetic dive is bolstered by a genius soundtrack. Is it synthpop? vaporwave? I am 100% sure a synth or a wave is involved but possibly not both. Album of the Year, and not only because I have found continuous respite this year via "smoking a lot of weed and listening to Smackdown on repeat until I feel like I'm falling into an infinite tunnel in the carpet." While you got an overall great smorgasbord of tracks to beat ass to, sometimes she'll hit you with this insane Stevie Nix-style croon like The Hunt, which is playing off diegetic speakers in the area and fades as you transition out.... I have no idea how to explain what kind of fuckin' vibe that puts you in for a beat 'em up.

Kyouko and Misaki fill in the rest. Part sukeban, part valley, part scene girl, a mismash style of high ponys, varsity jackets, stocks with cute kicks, painted nails on scuffed hands, and pink backpacks (weaponized). They lean femme, yet they slip the beat em up noose of the sexy-cool girl (eg. Blaze) because they're neither sexy nor cool? They're thuggish brutes with a bit of a mean streak. That's the whole point. It don't matter if you're a buff terminator man or a glitzy gyarus, in River City, you gotta be willing to chuck a trashcan.

You know what I'm saying. Kyouko and Misaki are a pair of mutually enabling, oversensitive knuckleheads on a moronic quest that the (maligned?) secret ending reveals was premised on nothing. This may also be described as..... puberty. I don't wanna like... make that argument, but this would not be the same game if it wasn't a pair of brutish morons making trouble for a whole city of equally brutish morons.

They don't make fun beat em ups anymore (not since 2013) but they also don't make games where a soft butch and a hard femme pick on each other for six or seven hours straight. There's that fundamental comedy beat where the smartest person in the dumb-dumb group corrects everyone else, only for their correction to also be wrong? I think this is a game for anyone who has ever sat across from their friend and been like "I am so much smarter than this bitch." One time I thought that sitting across from a person I lived with who also smoked, so we--on my initiative--stole a 5 gal paint drum filled with sand from campus for our personal indoor ashtray and threw our butts into it for a year. I 100% knew I was smarter than that guy.

And yet!! They were still.... my bitch. The girls take selfies together, compliment each other's technicks, go gaga over food, scream about schoolyard drama, and kvech on the various creeps. Part of what makes beat em ups so fun to play is they're something to occupy your basic motor functions while you chill with your besties. This is the fundamental truth of all multiplayer games--vectors for dorks to dish about their day--here it's on the screen. Kyouko and Misaki know they are both the smartest, raddest, coolest, hottest, strongest girl on the block. Occasionally moments of cutscene outre reveal how the cool clique just fucking reviles these girls. But they don't even seem to know they're not part of the cool kids. Or they don't care. They have each other.

[cpd5021]

Welcome Home

Welcome back to another one shot Wednesday! This prompt was sent in by @castleporthq and was one I was super excited to write. It is set in season 8.

“Confession of feelings/love”

Jay stood under the arrival sign at the airport. Today was finally the day he was getting his partner back. Hailey had called him yesterday, as soon as she had found out that her stint in New York was finally up. He had asked for her flight information, stating he would pick her up but she had brushed him off and told him she would just grab a cab. Of course he wasn’t about to let that be the case so he pushed and eventually she conceded, sending him her gate and afternoon arrival time via text. Hailey, and Vanessa and Adam, if he was being honest, had teased him about wanting to be the one to pick her up. Hailey had joked about how he must have missed her pretty bad to want to be the one battling airport traffic and Jay had blown it off, rambling something about unnecessary cab fare. In reality though, he had missed her. A lot. Jay had felt a shift in their relationship after he woke up after being shot and he knew, or rather hoped, she had wanted to tell him something in his hospital room when she had come to pick him up. Of course, Jay and his phone had ruined the moment and despite his attempt to get her to talk, she had blown it off. Jay hadn’t brought up that moment since it happened, neither had Hailey, but the look in her eyes that day was something that kept him awake at night. Over the weeks that followed his incident, they had fallen back into an easy rhythm as partners, but there was something else coursing between them that he just couldn’t put his finger on. On multiple occasions he had caught Vanessa staring at him, a seemingly knowing look in her eyes. It usually happened when she busted him talking to Hailey on the phone or sending her a text. She had even smirked at him the day she noticed Hailey’s stack of mail on his desk, awaiting her return. He had half a mind to ask her what she knew, because he felt totally lost in the situation and she seemed to have it all figured out. He knew her and Hailey were close and there were day’s he was tempted to ask her if Hailey talked about him at all, but that felt a little to juvenile for his liking so he refrained. Jay glanced at his watch, noting the time and that Hailey’s plane should be landing right about now. He paced back and forth along the wall of windows, trying to catch a glimpse of her aircraft. He forced himself to take a deep breath, suddenly realizing that his nerves were on edge. Noting the sweat that had gathered on his palms as he anticipated her arrival, Jay rubbed his hands against his thighs. He took another breath, surprised by his current state and then turned when he heard his name being called over the crowds. 

“Jay!” Hailey repeated again, a huge grin plastered on her face as she lugged a large black suitcase behind her. He immediately reciprocated her smile and jogged over to greet her. They weren’t the touchy-feely type of friends, in fact, Jay could count on one hand the number of times he had actually touched her. But something about her smile and the fact that after three extremely long weeks she was standing in front of him caused Jay to throw caution to the wind and reach his arms out for a hug. Without hesitation, and to his happy surprise, Hailey threw her arms around his neck, pulling him into a tight embrace. His arms wrapped around her waist and before he could stop himself, he lifted her off the ground, holding her as close as possible. The night she had told him she was leaving, all Jay could picture was Erin leaving him for New York and never getting that closure. He knew it was a completely different situation with Hailey and that she had no real need to tell him she was leaving, but she had. And with a promise she would be back. He had replayed her words again and again, her promise getting him through the long lonely nights after his shifts were they would have normally met for drinks or watched some crappy television together to relax. He wanted to feel her against him, her weight in his arms, to somehow prove to himself that she was really here in front of him. He held her a few seconds longer and then set her down, she stepped back, hands lingering against his forearms and he smiled at the slight blush spreading across her cheeks. He could feel his own face flush and cleared his throat, hoping to break the suddenly thick air. 

“Um..welcome back!” He said, giving her a cheesy grin. “here, let me take that.” Jay reached behind her, grabbing the handle of her suitcase and turning to lead them out of the airport. 

“It’s so good to be back.” Hailey smiled, falling in step beside him. They wound their way through the terminal, finally reaching the glass doors leading back out into the cool Chicago afternoon. Jay tugged her luggage all the way to his truck, easily picking it up and tossing it in the bed. They climbed into the vehicle and Jay quickly started it up and began to merge his way into the airport traffic. Once they got back on the expressway, Jay set his cruise control and glanced over to Hailey. She sat, staring out his window as the city came into view, with a huge smile on her face. 

“Nothing like New York huh?” He said, eyes scanning the skyline ahead of them. 

“No way, Chicago is way better. The vibe, the food, the people...” Hailey trailed off, her eyes darting over to him before she dipped her head down sheepishly. She recovered quickly and her gaze returned to the city before them.

“Yeah, Trudy really missed you.” Jay teased, earning himself a chuckle from her. 

“Yeah, I’m sure she’s been eagerly awaiting my return.” Hailey retorted with an eye roll.

“Oh for sure! I heard she even had a countdown set on her phone.” Jay continued, enjoying their banter and immediately feeling at ease. She was back and he was loving every minute of it. 

“Are we talking about Trudy here or you?” Hailey’s reply threw him off guard and he found himself stumbling over what to say next. He risked a glance over to her and saw that the slight blush was back on her cheeks, eyes looking anywhere but him. 

“I mean, it did kind of suck without you here. Adam just isn’t the same as you are. Definitely lacks that chipper morning attitude.” Jay teased, trying to break the awkwardness in the air. 

“Oh I know all about Adam in the morning’s” Hailey replied, instantly pursing her lips and shutting her eyes at the double way her words could be interpreted. “I just meant...like at work..he’s a grump...” She stammered, sounding like she wanted to be talking about anything else right now. 

“I know what you meant.” Jay let her off the hook with a smile, pushing down the slight sting her words made him feel. He, of course, had known about their relationship, but for some reason the mention of it now left a bitter taste in his mouth. They fell into a somewhat awkward silence as Jay approached their exit, pointing them back towards the city. He watched out of the corner of his eye as Hailey busied herself with her phone, typing out a short message and smiling with whatever she received in return. His heart skipped a beat then, realizing that maybe she had met someone in New York and that’s who she was texting. He loved to see her smile but suddenly the thought of someone else causing it made his grip on the steering wheel tighten. “Vanessa know you’re back yet?” Jay asked, hoping his prod for other information wasn’t too obvious. 

“Yeah, I text her when I landed. I’m honestly surprised she hasn’t started blowing my phone up yet. I’m pretty sure she was trying to set up a surprise welcome back party but I think I talked her out of it.” Hailey glanced over towards him, looking for confirmation that she had in fact talked the younger officer out of a surprise party. Jay gripped the wheel again, feigning focus on the road ahead of them and blatantly avoiding her stare. “Jay....” She said his name slowly, shifting in her seat to face him directly. 

“Define...party?” Jay risked a look her way and was immediately met with a scowl. Vanessa had in fact attempted to plan a big welcome back party for Hailey’s return but Jay had managed to convince her just grabbing some beers at Molly’s would be more Hailey’s style. “Just Molly’s and just some drinks.” Jay explained when she continued to glare at the side of his face. Hailey let out a huff and flopped back into her seat. 

“I love her, I do...but she’s a bit much sometimes.” Hailey sighed, not really annoyed with Vanessa, just tired after her travels. 

“You should have seen the balloon banner I talked her out of.” Jay teased, causing Hailey to smile. 

“Balloons?” She asked, squinting her eyes at him in mock disbelief. 

“Massive. And shiny. I also think I talked her out of the glitter bombs too.” He sent her a smug smile and laughed when he saw her eyes bug out at the thought. 

“My hero.” Hailey smiled, sending his heart racing. 

“Yeah yeah.” Jay shrugged, trying to play it off. “She’s at work for a few more hours so at least you’ll have a little reprieve.” 

“Thank god.” Hailey chuckled, rubbing her eyes and looking tired. “All I want to do is take a hot shower.” She leaned her head back against the seat and closed her eyes. The sound of her stomach growling filled the truck then, causing them both to laugh. “And eat apparently.” She chuckled.

“I did promise you some Bartoli’s.” Jay smiled, remembering their phone conversation.  

“You did.” Hailey replied, looking suddenly more awake. “Do you care if we just have it delivered? I really do need to shower.” 

“Works for me.” Jay agreed, finally nearing her house. Once he pulled in, Jay hoped out and grabbed her luggage while Hailey went to unlock the door. He hauled it up to her front steps and then lingered in the doorway feeling suddenly awkward. Hailey raised her eyebrows at him questioningly, taking in his sudden nervous appearance. “I can just go pick it up. So you can shower..” Jay trailed off, shoving his hands into his pockets. 

“You don’t have to leave just so I can shower.” She laughed at him, kicking her shoes off and heading into the kitchen. “Just order it and then grab a beer, there should be some in the fridge unless Vanessa finished them off.” Jay nodded and pulled out a stool from under her island, grabbing his phone and bringing up the number. He didn’t need a menu, they always got the same thing. Hailey smiled, looking satisfied that he was finally relaxing and turned to head upstairs. Jay’s eyes followed after her until she disappeared from view. He let out a breath and then dialed the number. Once that task was done, he stood and made his way over to her refrigerator, pulling it open and pulling out the promised beer. Jay returned to his perch by her island, cracking open the bottle and scrolling through his phone while he awaited her return. A solid twenty minutes passed before he heard pad back into the kitchen. Jay looked up from his phone and instantly had to swallow hard. He had seen her in non-work clothes plenty of times before, he was sure he had even seen her in her most ragged sweats at some point or another. But something about her breezing into the kitchen, wet hair draping over her shoulders, a loose white t-shirt hanging dangerously low off her shoulder and a pair of tight black leggings did something to him. He shifted uncomfortably on his stool and hoped she wouldn’t notice. Hailey ventured over to grab her own beer before joining him at the counter. She took a sip as her eyes met him, a quizzical look within them as she took in his face.  

“Everything okay?” She asked, sounding genuinely concerned. 

“Fine.” He pursed his lips, shaking his head and hoping to play it off. Before Hailey could push further, because he knew she would, her doorbell rang. She jumped up to answer it, returning a few minutes later with a pizza box in hand. She grabbed some napkins out of a drawer and then nodded towards the couch. 

“I only have a little while to be home before I get dragged back out again. I want to enjoy it while I can.” She gave him a smirk and headed to sit down. He followed her, settling onto the opposite side of the couch and they fell into a comfortable silence while they enjoyed their meal. After they had each finished off a few slices, Jay stood and brought them each another beer. 

“Maybe if we pregame a little, it won’t be so hard to get you back out to Molly’s” He teased, handing her the bottle.

“On the contrary, the more tipsy you get me the more comfortable I’ll be.” Hailey countered with a smile. 

“If I wanted you tipsy, I’d have grabbed the tequila.” Jay finished his retort with a wink. The slight blush that spread across her cheeks didn’t go unnoticed by Jay, but he told himself it was just the alcohol kicking in. 

“Oh tequila is definitely happening tonight.” Hailey challenged, seemingly recovered from whatever made her blush. Jay sipped on his beer, taking in her appearance and feeling a smile reach his mouth. He tried to cover it with his bottle but she saw right through him, the blush on her cheeks deepening with whatever she saw in his eyes. Jay knew he should probably look away but he couldn’t bring himself to do it. “What?” She finally broke the silence, speaking timidly as he continued to stare. 

“I’m just glad you’re home.” Jay smiled wholeheartedly then, his heart fluttering in his chest as he continued to stare at her. He took in her ocean blue eyes, the slight sprinkling of freckles across her cheeks and nose, they way her hair curled softly against her neck as it dried. He glanced at her hand grasping the brown bottle, the way her fingers delicately caressed it’s neck even though he knew first hand how strong her hands actually were. His eyes traveled from her hand back up to meet her eyes and when she smiled at him, looking mildly embarrassed under his blatant inspection, something inside him clicked. Suddenly, the shift that had happened that day in the hospital room, the unnameable tension that had been simmering even before that, and the simmering of feelings he just couldn’t put his finger on....suddenly they all made sense. It was love. He, Jay Halstead, was in love with his partner. He swallowed hard at the realization, blinking a few times and shaking his head slightly to clear his thoughts, the whole time his eyes never left hers. He watched as she studied him now, as she saw the realization hit him like a ton of bricks. There was a new look in her eyes. An unspoken hope. And it made his heart threaten to beat out of him chest. Jay wasn’t sure how long they sat there, silently staring at each other, neither ready to be the first one to speak. Somehow though, despite the fact that neither one of them had said a word, Jay knew that they were thinking the same thing. He was sure the look in her eyes matched his and it was one he had seen in her eyes before, all those months ago in the hospital. Hailey’s phone, laying on the coffee table beside them, let out a shrill ring and caused both of them to jump. Hailey blushed again, giving him a sheepish grin as she leaned forward to grab it. 

“Hey V, what’s up?” Hailey’s voice was thick and he detected a slight tremble in her words. She swallowed hard, blinking a few times and breaking their eye contact. “Yea I’m home. I’m pretty tired, not sure I should go out tonight.” Hailey rolled her eyes and he could hear Vanessa protesting loudly that she was almost there and that Hailey didn’t have a choice in the matter. Hailey sent him a sheepish grin, knowing she wasn’t going to win this fight. With a sigh, she conceded and hung up the phone. “Vanessa is demanding I come with her to Molly’s, imagine that.” Hailey chuckled slightly, the room still thick with tension. 

“Hey, I had noting to do with it.” Jay held his hands up in mock surrender. “Where is she at?” He wondered if he should try to broach the subject now or if it would be better to wait. Before Hailey could answer, they heard the younger woman rushing through the front door. 

“Ahhh, welcome back!” Vanessa jogged happily into the living room, not even giving Hailey the chance to stand up before she plowed her into the couch in a hug. Hailey let out an ‘oof’ with the sudden weight of Vanessa on top of her and Jay couldn’t help but laugh. It was almost as if Vanessa hadn’t realized Jay was even there because she quickly stood up and gave him a grin. “She’s back!” She announced and Jay laughed again. 

“I know.” He replied, feigning her level of excitement. “I was just leaving, I’ll let you two catch up.” He stood, nodding towards Vanessa before giving Hailey a knowing smile. 

“I’m dragging her to Molly’s, she needs a night out.” Vanessa announced proudly. Jay smiled, knowing that was the last thing Hailey wanted right now but the younger woman’s enthusiasm was cute. 

“I’d join but I’m meeting the guys at O’Malley’s for the hockey game.” He sent Vanessa a wink, having successfully executed their earlier plan to surprise Hailey. He had known that Hailey would catch on before Vanessa actually had the chance to surprise her, but she was so excited that Jay couldn’t burst her bubble. Hailey played along, giving Jay a small wave from the couch before he turned to leave. Jay made his way out to his truck, settling inside and letting out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. Originally, he had been excited to take Hailey out to Molly’s, to let her see everyone and catch up. But now, he felt selfish as he wanted nothing more than to have her to himself for the rest of the evening so they could talk. Something had just happened between them, whether words were exchanged or not. With a sigh, Jay started up his truck and pointed towards Molly’s where he knew the rest of the unit would be waiting.

*******  

Almost an hour had passed since Jay left Hailey’s house. He had driven slowly over to Molly’s, taking the long way to give himself some extra time to clear his mind. Now, he sat at the bar, flanked by Kevin and Will on either side. Kevin was chatting away with Adam over something Jay had long since lost focus on. Will, who had just joined them, ordered himself a beer and then turned towards Jay, giving him a funny look.

“Something’s...different.” Will stated, taking his beer and bringing it to his lips.

“Not sure what you mean.” Jay shrugged, taking his own sip. He was trying to pace himself, having already had two beers at Hailey’s.

“Mhmm, something’s definitely off.” Will leaned in closer as if he was examining Jay. Jay gave him another shrug and tried to play it cool. Will looked as if he was about to say something else, but was interrupted by Adam and Kevin hollering loudly as Vanessa and Hailey entered the bar. Jays heart raced at the sight of her, his eyes instantly meeting hers across the room. He took in her appearance as they approached. Her long blonde hair still drapes over her shoulders, though it had completely dried now. She had changed into a pair of jeans and had added a denim button up over the white shirt he had seen her in earlier. As the two women got closer, he could tell she had even applied a little makeup, not that she needed it. Jay fought hard to keep the massive grin threatening to spread across his face at bay, but still gave her a warm smile as she finally reached him. 

“Hockey game huh?” She asked, playing along still for Vanessa’s sake. 

“Busted.” Jay smiled at her, taking a swig from his beer as he stood up. Jay shifted and threw what he hoped would appear to be a friendly arm over her shoulders, giving her a gentle shake before he let her go. “Welcome back Upton.” The smile she gave him sent his heart racing again but thankfully Adam piped up that they had grabbed a table for everyone. Kim and Platt made their way over to join them and even Voight made an appearance. Jay watched as Hailey’s good mood and big smile faltered slightly when their sergeant approached but as Voight pulled her into a sideways embrace she seemed to relax. 

“Good to have you back Hailey.” Voight gave her a nod and Jay knew the look the two shared told Hailey that she was in for a conversation with Voight before she could come back to work. Voight turned his attention to the rest of the group and Hailey turned to give Jay a halfhearted smirk. Jay knew she was replaying the argument she and Voight had had before she left, although it was more of a one sided screaming match and he hated how it had affected her. He fully agreed that Hailey had needed someone to intervene and that she was headed down a dangerous path. Jay had tried to help her but hadn’t realized just how far she had gone. He was thankful that Voight had given her the opportunity to right herself but he still felt a pang of heartbreak knowing how Voight’s actions had triggered memories from her childhood. Luckily, that was behind them now and Hailey was back with them, back with Jay, and he couldn’t be happier. The conversation flowed easily between the group, Hailey being asked a million different questions and happily answering all of them. Voight and Platt had left them shortly after they had arrived and now just the unit remained. Jay and Hailey, both wrapped up in separate conversations, kept managing to catch each others gaze and each time Jay had to force a huge grin off his face. He wanted nothing more than to take her home and have a proper discussion with her, to confirm that she was on the same page as him and did in fact feel the same way. But something in the way she was looking at him was all the confirmation he needed for now. Hailey kept up the conversation, doing her best to answer everyone's inquiries about life in New York while fighting back yawn after yawn. Eventually, she gave up. Letting out a huge yawn and stretching on her seat. 

“Alright guys, I think I’m calling it a night. I’m exhausted and these beers are going to catch up quick.” They all groaned, Vanessa protesting the loudest. Hailey shrugged and made to stand up but Adam quickly halted her actions. 

“Wait, we at least have to do one shot.” Before she could stop him, he jogged over to the bar and she sat back down with a sigh of defeat. 

“Well, you did say tequila was definitely happening tonight.” Jay teased, giving her a wink. 

“Yeah yeah...” Hailey laughed. “I’m totally going to have to call an Uber though. No way she’s leaving any time soon.” Hailey nodded over towards Vanessa who was challenging Kevin to a game of pool. Adam returned with a tray of shot glasses in hand. He passed them around to everyone and they all toasted ‘to Hailey’ before they tossed it back one by one. Jay grimaced as the burn from the liquor traveled down his throat, feeling thankful he had paced himself and would still be able to drive. From the corner of his eye, he saw Hailey pulling out her phone, presumably to call for a ride. Without thinking, he laid his hand over hers to stop her. The second their hands met a heat shot through him and he found himself swallowing hard once again. Hailey gave him a questioning look and Jay leaned in closer. 

“I’ll be your Uber. I haven’t drank that much.” He smiled when she easily agreed and then they both stood and said goodbye to the group. He followed her outside, the two falling into an easy pace on the way to his truck. By the time they rounded the corner of the building, Jay wasn’t sure if the tequila was kicking in or if he was really just that impatient, but he reached out to stop her just before they reached the truck. She instantly turned to face him, another questioning look in her eyes. 

“Hailey...I gotta say something before we go anywhere...” He stammered, his throat suddenly tight with nerves. 

“Jay..you don’t have too say anything..” She smiled up at him and he saw the hopeful look return to her eyes. 

“No I do, I need to tell you....” He trailed off, a million words racing through his head as he struggled to find the right ones. He took a step closer to her, hoping that maybe it would help him focus. If anything, it did the opposite. He knew what he wanted to say, he just wasn’t sure how to say it.

“Jay...” Hailey all but whispered, her eyes holding his. He took another step closer, heart racing impossibly faster. He proceeded slowly, searching her face for any hint that she wanted him to stop, that he was reading this all wrong. But he couldn’t find anything there to stop him. He took another step, effectively closing the gap between them. The look in her eyes was sending him over the edge and he was sure he was about to explode. 

“Hailey..I..” His words failed him once again but a different kind of confidence rose within him and he slowly raised his hand, bringing it gently against her cheek. She pressed into it, her warmth instantly spreading up his arm. He stared into her eyes and she was silently telling him this was okay. Without any further hesitation, Jay dipped his head down and pressed his lips into her soft ones. He had always thought the stories of people seeing fireworks when they kissed was a load of crap, but the second her lips met his he could have sworn sparks exploded within him. It was slow at first, timid as they each began to move against the other. He felt her hands rest on his chest before the slowly snaked up behind his neck. She applied a gentle pressure there, pulling him closer to her and he carefully deepened the kiss. He kept one hand on her cheek and let his other find her waist. Time stopped as they continued to kiss but eventually they both needed to come up for air. Hailey smiled up at him, biting her lower lip and sending a different kind of heat racing through him. He grinned down at her and he was sure he looked like a complete idiot right now but he didn’t care. 

“I love you Jay.” Her words were quiet but sure and he knew she had felt this way for a while now. He had too, when he thought about it. But he had been so against the idea of love after his previous failed relationships that he didn’t realize that’s what he had been feeling towards her all along. It was different with her, it always had been. And he knew this would be different too. That it would be good and all the things he had been missing before. 

“I love you too.” He told her before closing the gap and drawing her into another kiss. 

[dramaqueeenamby]

Feast

A/N: Yeah. Idk how to stick with the word requirements for blurbs so here is a whole damn oneshot with Big Nasty and a black reader. Also, ya’ll know I love Amara and she’s my go-to FC, but feel free to ignore and imagine yaselves’! :p

Words: 3.4K

Warnings: Slight, like very slight, and shitty smut

Tagging the fellow Flo’s Hoes/Lil Nasties who I know share love for our manzzzz and expressed interest in this hot mess!

TAGS: @chaneajoyyy @forbeautyandlife @heyauntieeee @crushed-pink-petals @mimigemrose @thepinkjinx @honeychicana @sdcyumyum @babygirlofwakanda

FEAST

“Bitch, hurry up. I can only hold my stomach in for so long. Not all of us have abs like you.”

Your best friend and current photographer sucked her teeth. “What abs? I haven’t done a real workout in months.”

You rolled your eyes, breaking from your position to place your hands on your hips and look over at her, squinting from the intensity of the sun. “What are we about to do then?”

Maya mirrored your stance. “You know damn well we’re only going to make it about a block before we call it quits.”

You laughed. It was true. While Maya had a bit more stamina than you, neither of you were feeling like being healthy. Plus, between decorating your new condo that you’d purchased with your best friend since elementary school or getting in a negative calorie burning workout….playing interior designer sounded a lot more appealing.

“Well let;s at least get these pictures done. We look too bomb to not snap a pic or two.”

“Or 100.”

You fake sniffled. “You know me so well.”

Sharing a laugh, Maya instructed you on how to pose, snapping more than two photos before you switched positions.

“Ugh. Give me your height, please.” At 5’10 with a slim thick figure, your best friend could have easily been a model if you two hadn’t went into the clothing business, opening your own boutique.

Maya snorted. “Give me your booty.”

“It’s a trade,” you agreed as Maya gave you poses that made her look even that more angelic and bomb than she already was. “Work, bitch.” The two of you fell out laughing as she gave a little twerk before covering her face.

“Can’t take us anywhere.”

You wiped at your eyes. “Nowhere.” She came to stand beside as you two perused through the photos you’ve taken eventually settling on one for each of you to post on social media.

“Franchise is going to love that one,” Maya murmured as you guys started to walk back toward your condominium, the decision to bypass the workout an unspoken agreement made among you.

You threw your head back and groaned. “You and that damn nickname.”

“I wouldn’t have given it to him if you would bless that man with some Rosetta Stone.”

“Now see, what we not gon’ do is talk about my baby.”

“That’s the biggest ass baby I’ve ever seen.” As her eyes fell onto you, she caught the sly and suggestive smile planted on your face. “Stop that!”

“You tell no lies,” you wiggled your brows as she grimaced.

“I think I’m going to be sick.” She pretended to gag as you pulled out your phone to check the post. Sure enough, he’d been one of the first to like it.

Smiling, you swiped to see he’d left two separate comments.  

😍😍😍

Mine 🤪🙌🏻❤️

You quickly double tapped both to heart them before giving a quick reply.

☺️😘❤️

Your boyfriend, Florian, was the definition of unexpected. You’d met by chance, both of you being on the same connecting flight that been delayed, forcing passengers to spend the night in the terminal. Your phone was dying, you foolishly leaving your charger in your suitcase as you hadn’t expected your battery to die before you reached your stop, Honduras.

Looking around the terminal, you noticed that there was only one available seat that was near a charging station. And it just so happened to be next to the tall, large, and handsome man who you could have sworn you’d caught staring at you several times. Never really into white guys, even you couldn’t deny the man was sexy as hell.

You’d overheard him talking on the phone and noticed he had a European accent to his deep voice, amping the appeal you were already having problems ignoring.

As your battery sunk into single digits, you decided to approach the handsome stranger, asking if it was alright for you to take the seat next to him.

“Of course.” Was his kind reply, his smile causing your stomach to do all kind of somersaults and walkovers.

While you’d initially planned to pretend to be busy on your phone, it seemed as though being in his proximity or being the first to make the move was the only thing he needed to start up a conversation.

An exchange of names and casual conversation quickly turned into you learning almost everything to know about each other. He was an actor who’d just been cast in a film he couldn’t tell because of contractual reasons and was going on a short vacation with close friends before traveling to the states to start filming.

You told him how you were heading to Honduras to celebrate your best friend’s 25th birthday. His favorite color was green. Yours was pink. He was the baby of his siblings. You were an only child. He was single….you were single.

You could definitely detect the flirtatious tone he allowed to seep in his naturally confident demeanor and surprised yourself with how you matched his vibe. Then again, how couldn’t you? The man was gorgeous and his body was delicious.

And that was just from what you could see through his sweats.

Contact information was exchanged as you two eventually separated, and what started as a long distance friendship easily transformed into something a lot more serious. He was away filming for three months, 90 days that comprised of constant phone and video communication, virtual interaction constituting the forming of your relationship.

Though you hadn’t officially discussed the status of you “-ship” as you’d gleefully ran into his open arms as you met him at the airport, making physical contact with him for the first time since you met…..you just kinda knew.

Then, of course, the fact that you two went through almost half a box of condoms the same night and you learning the real reason they called him Big Nasty probably helped as well.

So now, months later, there was no question about where you two stood. Florian was your man, and you, his lady.

Pulling down to refresh the comments, your smile dropped as you saw Maya’s reply on the thread between you and your boyfriend.

🤨 She been both fine AND mine long before you, Franchise.

Looking at her with the ‘really, bitch’ face, she busted out laughing.

“You know I had to.”

You maintained your annoyed expression before joining her in her cackling. “I hate you.”

“Lies,” she sang. “That’s like saying you hate Baby Arnold.”

“Maya!”

She was right though. Though you’d always been hesitant about falling too deeply given your less than stellar track record with men, there was something different about Florian. Being with him made you feel like a teenager all over again. Hell, you were 25 and getting all giddy over a damn Instagram comment.

You didn’t want to say that you loved him. Not yet. Not out loud, at least. But….you definitely more than just liked him.

As you two made it back to your condominium, you decided to start unpacking the boxes that created a fire hazard in your kitchen. You’d had just about enough takeout and while neither of you could cook to save your lives, it couldn’t help to start learning.

After all, you wanted to try to learn how to make at least one of your man’s favorite dishes. All you needed was a recipe, ingredients, prayers, and a fire extinguisher.

“Would you get off your phone and help me put some of these dishes away?” You yelled at your friend as she waved you off, continuing her IG live as she ate the last bit of her Chinese takeout.

“You’re doing great, sweetie!” She snorted as you turned around to flip her off.

“Hey, Siri. Play my music on Shuffle,” Maya called out to the HomePod. You rolled your eyes and prepared to tell the music player to turn it off when you realized it was “Bust Down Barbiana.”

“Ayee!” You shouted, running over to turn the music all the way up as Maya jumped up as well. Going over by her, the two of you started to dance and sing along.

“Thank you next, Ariana!” You both yelled as you two twerked on each other, all desires to stay on task thrown out the window. You continued to dance, noticing as the viewers of the Live continued to go up and up as you remembered Maya had a good amount of followers.

For a second, you contemplated moving out of the frame but as soon as the next song came on, Tia Tamera by Doja Cat, you knew it was a wrap.

“Hair grow long like Chia. Money go long like Nia!” You sang loudly, moving to climb up on the half wall, dancing on there, dropping into a squat and moving your ass. “I am the big idea! My twins big like Tia!”

“Aye! Aye!” Maya continued to hype you as she grabbed her phone to better film you. “Get it, Thickems!”

Continuing to act a fool, you didn’t notice Maya roll her eyes until she shouted.

“Go away, Franchise!”

Hearing that, you looked at her. “Flo’s watching?” As she murmured a ‘you know he is,’ you grin widened as you blew a kiss. “Hi, baby!”

“Can ya’ll not be all romantic on my live!” Maya groaned. You ignored her and continued to dance, purposely moving your ass even more. Flo loved your booty, his big hands always going to grab or smack it every chance he got.

Especially during sex. His favorite position was any that allowed him to bend you over. The counter, the bed, a workout machine, anything really.

“He said get your ass down before you fall, Bee!” Maya warned, though you were unsure if she was just saying that or if Flo really was concerned.

“If I fall and hurt myself, will you come home?” You asked, half joking, half serious. Promo for the film Florian had been filming, Creed II, was at full force, your poor boyfriend having to partake in interview after interview and premiere after premiere. A part of you felt bad for him, but you missed your man more.

It’d been almost two months since you’d seen him in person, and he wasn’t set to come visit you for another month. Your shower head and vibrator could only do so much. You needed the real and much bigger thing.

But sexual desires aside, you really just missed being held by your boyfriend, joking around with him, forcing him to watch your “chick flicks” or the occasional trip to the club.

“Ooooh.” You finally jumped down and walked over to Maya. “Call him.”

Maya turned up her nose. “Hell no. This is a rated G live. Ain’t no freak shit taking place on my watch. I’m a Christian.”

“Bitch you a whole lie and 3/4ths.” You smacked your lips as you looked over her shoulder to see comments coming in left and right but focusing in only on his.

😂😂😂😂😂

“Call me, baby!”

“It’s maybe.”

“Maya, I am about to punch you in your throat.”

“Come on then, bitch. I ain’t never been scared.”

“You are so ignorant.” You wiped at your eyes and elbowed her, walking away to get your phone out the kitchen.

“That ass though!”

Shaking your head, you looked at your reflection in the FaceTime before calling him. Ring, ring, ring, With each ring, your smile dimmed. Why was he not answering? Eventually, the “unavailable” screen came up and you frowned.

“He didn’t answer.” You told Maya as she walked over, having ended her call.

Maya shrugged. “Probably went to go beat his-“

“Maya!”

——

As you finished applying your night serums, your mind was still focused on the day’s earlier events.

You’d tried calling Florian a few more times after that with each call being ignored. You texted him. No reply. Hell, you’d even resorted to more stalkerish tendencies by checking his IG activity to see if he was liking photos or whatnot. Nothing. He’d just gone ghost.

You tried to ignore it. You really did. The last thing you wanted to think about was him cheating, messing around on you. He was probably working, but as you thought about where he was and the time zone, what work could he be doing at 3 something in the morning?

Something just wasn’t right.

Of course, Maya called you stupid.

“Terminator knows I’ll kick his Russian ass if he breaks your heart.”

“He’s Romanian, Maya.”

“I don’t care if he’s Lettucian. He still gon catch this fade if he wanna be on some Tristian Hoempson shit and cheat on you.”

You chuckled. Your best friend was crazy, but you loved her.

Just like you love Flo-

“Oh hell no.”

Frowning, you walked to the bedroom door. “What’s up?”

“Ain’t this about a bitch.”

Sighing, you walked over to slide on your slippers and headed out your room. “Heifer, you better be dying.”

“Oh, someone is about to die.”

You rolled your eyes and walked over to the top of the steps. “What-“

Mouth ajar, eyes wide as saucers, you completely blocked out Maya’s smirking, charcoal mask covered as she crossed her arms over chest, and murmured a small “gotcha.”

No, your eyes were focused on the giant standing at the bottom of your steps, bag on one shoulder, suitcase on the floor next to him, his magnetic smile on his handsome face.

“Surprise.”

As though his voice was your ‘on’ switch, you broke from your trance. “Baby!” Descending down the steps with surprising speed, you threw your body into his, legs wrapping around his waist.

“Now what if you had fallen? Hmm? Who was going to pay that hospital bill?” Maya wondered aloud as you flipped her off while crashing your lips onto Florian, his hands going to palm your ass as he held you against him.

“Hey, hey, hey! All possible baby making activities need to take place in the bedroom as per section G, paragraph 2, lines 8 through 11 of the contract.”

“What are you doing here?” You asked after having to break away for air, completely ignoring your best friend. “I thought you couldn’t get away for another month.”

“I’m done in a month, but everyone needs a break, yeah?” His finger traced your lips as you went to drop your legs so that you could stand up, only for him to tighten his grip. “You missed me, hmm?”

“You know what I’m going to miss? The silence!” Maya groaned. “Where are my Beats because if you think I’m going to listen to “fuck me daddy” and “don’t stop” all night-“

Florian chuckled as you wrapped your arms around his neck, dropping your head on his chest. “It’s nice to see you too, Maya.”

“Don’t lie to her,” you mumbled into him as he turned to look at you, pecking your forehead, forcing a giggle as you clutched him tighter.

Maya gagged. “I’m leaving. Don’t beat it up too much. Tomorrow is the Lord’s day.”

“Hate you, mean it.” You groaned as she walked up the steps, finally leaving you two alone.

Hitting him on his shoulder, he looked over at you with a scowl. “Wh-“

“You had me worried sick about you.” You finally remembered the stress he’d unknowingly forced you to endure as the result of his surprise.

“I’m sorry.” You noticed the guilt in his eyes and voice and felt a bit bad about making him feel bad. “I wanted to surprise you.”

“I don’t like surprises,” you pouted as he finally let you down so that he could slide the bag off his shoulder, hands going to your hips. “I like being able to talk to my man.”

“Maybe I don’t wanna talk,” he hummed, head dropping down as he lightly nipped at your neck. “Maybe I want to touch…to taste.”

You released a mixture of a moan and groan, legs involuntary clenching together.

“You should be tired.” You tried to be considerate. As much as you wanted him, you thought about how he’d most likely been in the midst of traveling while engaging with you on Instagram. He’d been in airports and on planes for the most of the day. “At least, take a shower. Settle down.” Your fingers crawled up his chest. “Just for a bit.”

He sighed with irritation as you giggled. Standing up on your toes, you kissed his nose. “Go on. The sooner you get done, the sooner we can get started.”

——

Pouring the crystal light into the glass, you closed up the container and placed it back in the fridge. As soon as you turned around, you were ambushed with a passionate kiss, Florian grabbing you by the back on your legs and hoisting you up against his shirtless frame.

Hands holding onto his broad shoulders, you nipped on his bottom lip.

“I guess I don’t need to ask if you missed me, huh?” You teased as he sat you down on the counter so that you could grab your drink.

He chuckled and looked down, hands moving up and down your bare thighs. “I always miss you, Bee.”

Grinning bashfully, young nails lightly raked across his back as he netted his head into your neck. “Needy.”

“Very,” he absentmindedly replied, hands moving higher up your legs and under the big shirt you were sporting.

“Flo,” you whined, taking a sip of your drink as his fingers toyed with the waistband of your panties. “At least let me fix you something to eat.”

“I don’t want that.” He groaned, lifting and relocating you to the island. “And you can’t cook.”

“You know what,” You gasped and slapped his arm. “I-“ Your eyes fluttered as pushed him hands up your body, kneading your breast with one hand while using the other to carefully push you down on your back. “Not here.”

“Why not,” he murmured, kissing the inside of your thighs as he started to tug on your underwear. “Kitchen made for eating, hmm.”

You whimpered as his finger stroked your folds, a low groan leaving his mouth. You were already so wet for him. “You said you missed daddy, ehh?”

Nodding rapidly, you threw your head back and just as you felt his cool breath on your pussy, it fell out in breathy voice.

“Mmmm, I love you.”

Both of you froze. Your eyes stretched as you started to wonder just how you were going to get away from him, put as much distance between you two as possible.

Unfortunately, with the position he had you in, it was almost physically impossible for you to dash so you forced yourself to attempt to do damage control.

“I-uh-what I meant is-you know-uh-,” you stammered, finally gaining the courage to him to see that he was smiling at you. Like, genuinely fucking smiling. You wanted to smack him.

“Don’t look at me like that,” you snapped, turning your head when you felt his hand come to cup your cheek, forcing you to meet his eyes.

“You love me?” He questioned casually, like it wasn’t something you’d been trying to keep a secret for weeks, still unsure if it was, in fact, love or just lust. Maybe that’s what it was. Lust. Yeah. It’d been too long and you were speaking from your pussy. Not the heart.

That was your story and you were-

“I love you too.”

Silence.

The silence that fell over you two was so thick that you could literally hear the sound of your gulp.

“W-wh-at you just say?”

He couldn’t have said what you thought he said. No. Your-your ears were playing tricks on you.

His gaze darkened as he gazed his lips over yours. “You heard me, frumos.” Beautiful. “You want me to say again?” He questioned, giving you no time to process let alone reply as he brought his head back down your body. “Or show.”

You moaned and released a shaky breath. “Baby-“

“Shhh,” he tugged your thighs over his shoulders, pulling you right into him. “Daddy needs to eat.”

And as your man finally indulged on the dessert he’d been waiting for all day and your mewling fueled his hunger, you realized that while your punani certainly loved the man feasting on you like you were his last supper…..so did your heart.

Huh.

“Ugh. I’m starv-ARE YOU SERIOUS RIGHT NOW!” A Beat. “YA’LL ARE GOING TO JAIL, PERIODT!”

[tabletsaddict-blog]

Rog strix fusion 700 review

ASUS has been terminating on all chambers with its fringe contributions and today we have the most recent expansion to their gaming sound lineup, the ROG Strix Fusion group of gaming headsets. In this survey we'll be investigating the spic and span ROG STRIX Fusion 700. A double mode gaming headset offering both wired and remote capacities that ASUS trusts is sufficient adaptability for some very good quality gamers to think about it. Not just that, the ROG STRIX Fusion 700 brings AURA light matching up by means of the AURA portable application and one, not two, yet different Fusion 700s can be controlled at a solitary time which ASUS expects to be an extra for eSports groups hoping to dress it up further during competitions and LANs. Situating at the highest point of the pack however, there's a lot more that this headset brings to the table to pick up its position. We should discover more as we plunge further about the new lead headset from ASUS, the ROG STRIX Fusion 700.

Highlights and Specifications

Bluetooth 4.2 for visiting with partners by means of VoIP or call, or in any event, tuning in to music while gaming on PC, PS4, or portable

Greetings fi-grade ESS ES9018 DAC and SABRE9601K amp convey practical, unrivaled gaming sound

Finely tuned ASUS Essence drivers and selective hermetically sealed chamber innovation for a vivid sound encounter

Selective attachment and-play virtual 7.1 encompass sound created with Bongiovi Acoustics

RGB light synchronization across headsets by means of Bluetooth, utilizing a committed versatile application

Headset contact plate lets you get calls, modify volume and playback capacities, and control RGB light synchronization.

Specs and features

Shockingly against ROG STRIX convention, the ROG STRIX FUSION 700 is bundled in a medium-sized box with an overwhelmingly dark. A style shot of the item is imprinted on the front alongside the model namme and some advertising slugs. A Playstation4 similarity identification is additionally here alongside the Bluetooth and Hi-Res Audio sound symbols. At the back we get a few insights regarding the highlights of the ROG STRIX Fusion 700.

The included link is 2-meter long and is a lot of length for some applications. It isn't so adaptable however its sleeved nature gives it a specific vibe of toughness and quality. The gold-plated connectors balance the link to give it a total premium feel. There are no inline connectors as you'll discover why later.

Side profile shows us the reflexive plates of the ROG STRIX Fusion 700's earcups. They're generally level and don't have a lot of continuing for them stylishly yet the shiny, smoke silver surface is a consideration magnet also fingerprints too. As signified by the name sticker, which you can evacuate and you should, the left earcup highlights the control touchplate where you can control your matched gadget when utilizing the ROG STRIX FUSION 700.

User Experience

We should talk comfort first. The headband is concerningly delicate yet given the general load of the headband, the pressure against the ears help shoulder the vast majority of the weight and the pad on the headband carries out its responsibility well because of that. Talking about earcups, the cowhide earcups are what we prevalently use on testing this item. As much as we can imagine work texture and its increasingly breathable nature, sound quality is best seen in the fixed, leatherette cups. The earcup pads are perfect, the leatherette being more firm than the work texture ones. Fixing is very acceptable despite the fact that there is some slight spillage yet nothing truly upsetting to anybody adjacent to you except if you're in an extremely tranquil room or are near one another. The headband alteration is fair and the flex modifies very well to bigger head sizes.

Controls are instinctive in spite of the fact that the touch highlight may require some becoming accustomed to. There is no quiet catch so you'll need to stop in the event that you need a speedy bit of quietness. Noting considers quiets any foundation sound when your telephone is combined to the headset, not much however its a decent component to have particularly in case you're utilizing the headset in-game and you get a call. What's more, truly, you can utilize Bluetooth mode while associated with a PC or comfort. Likewise, being able to switch among 7.1 and sound system with a catch press is a helpful component and having them on-ear is an incredible touch as you wont need to mishandle on your rope to discover your inline dongle.

Moving over to sound quality, how about we talk about game execution first. The ROG STRIX Fusion 700 is a gaming headset above all else and its rendering of game sound including gunfire, strides and surrounding impacts are nitty gritty. Since the headset has a little solid stage, everything feels close and in case you're utilized to it, helps recognizing positional sound yet real separation is marginally changed. All things considered, everything is clear and even on max gain, the Fusion 700 doesn't get mutilated.

Going into further insights concerning the sound quality, the ROG STRIX Fusion 700 has a spread vibe to it. While the sound is warm and clear in the low and midrange the highs will in general spill and gets tinny. This is extremely predominant in metallic sound like accident and cymbals, richochets ingame likewise get an additional ping to their note along these lines. The rendering is clear however there isn't a lot of detail to the sound and it needs partition. Be that as it may, this is criticizing as of now. For what it's worth, the ROG STRIX Fusion 700 conveys dynamic and great sound however those searching for an audiophile grade experience will need to look somewhere else.

Given the value, it's not astounding somebody may hope for something else. Yet, ASUS has made a special effort to make an exceptionally, practical headset that consolidates extraordinary innovation for both sound execution and convenience. Add to that its lighting capacity and you have some additional creds. In case you're a road design shaking nerd/gamer patterns, this is the kind of embellishment you'd rock to give you that additional loot however that sleek look gives a false representation of an incredible gaming headset, sufficiently adaptable to go with you both on versatile to PC/support gaming.

No official SRP has been declared for the ROG STRIX Fusion 700 however appraises peg it around $200 making it a top notch offering. It doesn't have a lot of rivalry in its value go bearing a similar list of capabilities and most would be conflicted between this and the wired-just ROG STRIX Fusion 500 on the off chance that they're into a large portion of the highlights of the headset. It will be an intense choice and you truly need to like, and I mean, REALLY LIKE, the ROG STRIX Fusion 700 to legitimize its value premium. For gaming, it's primary contenders are for the most part from SteelSeries and Logitech top of the line offering while for streetwear, Sony's XB950N1 which is a piece on a similar value run.

Verdict

At last, you'd should be in a quite certain specialty to fit the component offering of the ROG STRIX Fusion 700 yet on the off chance that there is one explanation that you'll need to purchase this headset, its for the sheer effortlessness of having the option to plunk down and play on either PC or support and afterward stay strong with your headset still on and make a call. All without taking any kind of action. This consistent experience is the greatest draw of the ROG STRIX Fusion 700 with a lot of sugar on top it as RGB lighting, application synchronizing, contact controls. Also the staggering form quality and consideration regarding subtleties.

[starwarshyperdrive]

I’m concerned about the Star Wars canon

I’ve always been a huge Star Wars fan but didn't follow the old EU (extended universe) because it was too convoluted and well.. a bunch of gobbledygook (granted there were some good bits in it, who doesn’t love the Thrawn trilogy even though he is pretty much a different character now), so I actually welcomed the new canon. Start over with a clean slate and make sure everything is connected, makes sense and feels Star Warsy. So far the story group has done a decent job, even though there were some questionable bits and pieces. As hardcore Star Wars fan and apologist I can force myself to get behind a lot of things and I was cool with the Bendu somehow, but the Clone Wars Mortis arc, as well as space whales and the world between worlds really rubbed me the wrong way. A lot of people are celebrating Dave Filoni as savior of the true Star Wars spirit and he is certainly an inspired artist and nice guy but I once again have to wonder whether or not some of the comic bookish stuff REALLY fits the Star Wars universe. Yeah I know ‘it’s a huge universe bla bla’ but do we really have to accept everything?

Someone recently described hardcore fans (such as myself) as a ‘cult’ and Star Wars Celebration to a religious ceremony and if I’m being honest and self-reflective I can’t really argue against it, but that’s also why you always need to check yourself and not just ‘swallow’ everything without questioning it. Keep a critical eye. Things like time travel and other super hero stuff ( I haven’t seen any of the recent Marvel or DC movies) have no place in Star Wars. Of course Star Wars is for everyone, but does that then also mean we need a Star Wars romcom, a Star Wars coming of age movie ..or ..?  I don’t know..porn? Leave that to fan fiction. 

Star Wars was always more about mythology, some sort of buddhist Excalibur and I am seriously concerned that at some point the ‘people in charge’ will forget that and it will become a shallow bubble gum entertainment focus on ‘what is selling at the moment’. A good example are - again - all the super hero movies picking up on trends. I don’t want a Thor Ragnarok Star Wars movie with a Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack. Don’t make everything the same. Keep Star Wars unique. Keep ‘that Star Wars tone’.

‘XY doesn’t UNDERSTAND Star Wars’ is an overused and abused phrase and in so many ways pointless as there are many facets to Star Wars especially now that we have generations of fans who grew up with the prequels, the Clone Wars, Rebels or even Resistance - I should point out that I actually liked Resistance because it’s not tempering with the mythology - but the lore has been laid out in the original trilogy and everything needs to acknowledge that. We cannot have some Terminator-franchise kind of disaster a la ‘Ezra traveled back in time and actually was there with Yoda on Dagobah’ or what not. 

By now it’s common knowledge that - despite what they say - there has been no overall plan for the sequel trilogy, which is quite concerning and feeding into my concerns that it’s all downhill from here (after The Rise of Skywalker and the Mandalorian or course). I know a lot of people who vehemently defended The Last Jedi when it came out, mostly as a reaction to all the stupid hate it got for the wrong reasons and I am one of them myself, but most of them are admitting now that there is something off about the movie. It is written into a corner and not picking up on the clues given in The Force Awakens. It has some amazing scenes and I will keep defending it, but there are some scenes that just don’t feel right and leave a bad aftertaste. I frequently rewatch all the movies and besides Attack of the Clones it’s the only one where I think ‘Now I have to endure THAT bit again’. I go to a lot of Q&A and it’s interesting to see how people who have worked on the movie feel the same. Even if you 100% loved it and it’s your favorite movie ever, let’s be honest - the humor is completely out of place. Fart jokes in The Phantom Menace > Your Mom jokes. And it’s just too long. Of course we all want MORE Star Wars, but where does it end. Would you go and see a 6h movie? If you are a good filmmaker you should be able to say what you want to say in the same about of time as the other movies. But that’s just my personal 2 cents. It just felt like someone who was hellbent on doing his own thing for the sake of doing his own thing and not for the sake of the story. Don’t get me wrong. It was a great idea to (spoiler alert) kill off Snoke that casually, so the movie has redeeming qualities that save it for me. Then again, as a Star Wars fan I WANT to like it. I still watched it 13 times or so. I was in the room for the trailer reveal at SWCO. I want to take ownership and be part of the hardcore fan community, but they shouldn't bank too much on it. I still want a good movie. I’m not gonna be meek and mild about something contradicting the core mythology. Ryan Johnson is allegedly still doing his trilogy and then there is the Benioff and Weiss trilogy. They didn’t exactly do a great job wrapping up Game of Thrones and left fans in awe about how the show ended and have not really proven that they can handle a franchise well either. Will all off them have free rein and just go to town on a Star Wars story as they please? Am I the only one who finds this a bit odd?!

I trust JJ Abrams to do the right thing and I hope my trust is not misplaced. I think the allegations of The Force Awakens being a A New Hope reboot are misplaced as there are also a lot of similarities to The Phantom Menace, so.. if you’re a fan you know what comes next.. ‘it rhymes, it’s like poetry’. So it makes sense. So I think ‘he gets it’..

My main concern in the new canon overall. I made an effort to get all the publications of the new canon, but the books and comics already started to get weird again. Star Wars always had a slight alien but yet familiar vibe and some stories feature people smoking cigars, drinking coffee in the morning and doing other stuff never depicted in Star Wars before. How long until someone gets a Star Wars burger at Star Wars McDonalds or orders Star Wars pizza while watching Star Wars HoloNetflix. I’m sorry. That’s ridiculous. It’s not automatically Star Wars just because you use Star Wars terminology like death sticks or Nerf steaks. Watch the movies and make an effort.

 And now the novelizations of the movies are apparently not considered ‘hard canon’ anymore because the authors didn’t know the direction the next movies are going, so the clues and hints may be completely useless. So why do I force myself through some really not very good books then (others are great, no generalization here)? That’s quite alarming. Wasn’t the entire reason they got a story group to avoid that? What’s with all the loose ends?  That's also why I think they will shy away from using canon characters in the movies (for the most part). Its easier to have a self contained canon universe where you can introduce Purge Troopers in a comic and then have them in a video game. I once read an interview with one of the Star Wars authors who invented a character and then got told ‘give him that name / make him this person’ instead of having this particular character in mind from the start. This is how you lose consistency. I’m well aware that over hundreds and thousands of years that’s EXACTLY how ancient history was written, which is why there are flood legends all over the world and why Jesus and Mithras are pretty much the same person, but they DID NOT HAVE A STORY GROUP and ancient mythology hasn’t been written over a course of a few years.

At the same time it’s interesting how there seem to be purists who are very determined to bring that original Star Wars vibe back. Like Jon Favreau with The Mandalorian. And like I said earlier about Resistance. Its so much easier to do that if you stay away from the mythology. It’s really tricky and so much could go wrong. The stuff introduced in Rogue One like Guardians of the Whills and the temple of Kyber is a perfect example how it’s done. Some of the stuff in the Clone Wars and Rebels is the complete opposite, so I’m really curious to see how Dave Filonis involvement in The Mandalorian pans out. He is really great with stuff like Mandalorians, Clones and I even came to accept Ashoka after reading the book and seeing her all grown up as Fulcrum, but I’m very skeptical when it comes to his ‘mystical side of the force’ interpretations.

In conclusion I know that I sound like a preacher and George Lucas repeatedly stated it’s ‘just for 10 year old kids’ but tell that to all the dead Bothans.

Please just don’t ruin Star Wars.

[sentimentalscientia]

An experiment of nature

The four of them now in that small locked room. Basic information already recorded as they viewed the little wolf in the other space. Still with her nose buried in that book. Despite the lacy lingerie contrasting against pale skin, she looked oddly innocent. Occasionally turning the page as if she weren't sending out 'need to get laid' vibes. Three suitable candidates. All something her more primitive instincts would agree as sensible breeding partners. All three friends that were trusted. But that seemed to be where their similarities ended. Perhaps they would all fall down the rabbit hole and go damn near mad from the hormones filling the other side of the glass. But as of now there were three distinct impressions. V was curious. Eyeing the she wolf's revealed body with a grin. Rhage's expression was a little softer, but there was already a certain eagerness. His muscles seemed to tense and twitch. He was holding himself back but even the feint traces the barrier allowed was pushing him towards a more feral state. But Phury, now he was the curious one. Before this, the wolf had never met him. He'd heard things from his alpha, but this hadn't quite been what he had envisioned. He had a regal air. A proper gentleman to contrast with the crudeness and ferality of the other candidates. But it was blatantly obvious he was no weakling. Power emanated from the form. Yet his expression was incredibly gentle as he gazed through that glass. He had agreed to this experiment. Agreed to notes and even filming of what would happen. But unlike the other two he wasn't displaying a need yet. Composed as he took off and folded his jacket and shirt. Setting them up on the desk. Mel said he had agreed so he could watch over her. Now the wolf could see this wasn't just some goody two shoes fantasy talk.

“Okay so you two share time and Rhage gets to be alone. We will divide in, lets say 8 hour shifts. So, who wants first dibs?” His gaze shifted around the small room. Letting the participants decide among themselves.

“I think it would be best if we went first.” Phury was the one to break the silence. “This is uncharted territory and it would be best we start gentle with our little wolf. By now we all realize our brother Rhage is going to have the most extreme reaction. If V and I are also affected, we would take out a good deal of aggression on each other first. If we are more immune than we could go slower and make sure she is ready to handle it.” No one seemed to oppose his argument. So it was decided, the demon and vampire would be first.

With a nod Saint turned back to the desk area. With the flip of a switch the intercom button lit up. “Okay sweetie we're ready on this end. Book up and pill down.” They watched as she moved towards the glass. Setting her book in one of the hidden nooks in the wall. From another retrieving a bottle of pills and a bottle of water. A few pills dumped in her hand and taken. Returning the water back to it's hiding place. She offered a smile to the room. One they all returned.

“She's taking the stronger dose but its best we pause and let her take a few more tomorrow. Her fertility is hyped as hell right now and it's probably best we don't risk a pregnancy.” He didn't need to elaborate on why that was. At worst someone high up on the food chain might decide little vampire/wolf hybrids running around were not a good idea and seek to terminate. As Mel would rather die than let another pup be taken from her...well no one would be happy with that result. At best the pup would be an indifferent subject to the so called higher powers. But none would be allowed to take their place as father. Either way such a situation would be far too cruel for any involved. Best to just nip any potential problems in the bud. While he had been speaking the she wolf had made her way back to the mattress. Sitting there with an awkward smile and waiting. With no hesitation V stripped the rest of the way. Tossing away the rest of his clothes. Rhage quickly following his lead.

“Um dude...you got like 8 hours before your turn.” The wolf wasn't shy by a long shot. He could handle some dangly bits being around for a while. He just worried that the other wolf might have misheard or misunderstood the plan.

“I'll be getting naked anyway. I don't like wearing clothes when I don't have to.” The dire shrugged and took one of the empty seats.

“Oh...fair enough.” He signaled the other two to go in. They went through two sets of doors. One always closed to keep as much of the hormones out as possible. V baring all with proper looking Phury still in form fitting pants. Once in the room, their composure seemed to stutter. At first slight bumping as they walked. Getting progressively worse until they were violently shoving each other. This wasn't even close to the bare knuckle brawl that must happen when one of their own was giving those signals. But it was obvious, despite her being from an entierly different species, they were reacting to the female in heat. They were impatient. A few heated words and a growl or two. Though both settled when they got within reach. They were aggressive towards each other, their competition. But they were not so far gone as to do anything to her.

As their scents hit, the she wolf began trembling slightly. A soft whine on her lips at the painful heat suddenly pooling in her belly. Both were alluring. Her more baser side found both excellent potential breeding partners. Curiously watching as they roughhoused every step of the way to her. This wasn't the type of heat that demanded she fight until forced into submission. With that type of thing she would have let them fight it out to show their strength before turning on her and taking what they wanted. True even in this type of heat, her mind was completely flooded with need and desire. Desperate to be mounted. But beneath that fog was still the somewhat shy wolf pup. Retaining enough of herself to shyly avert her gaze. Moving towards the one that had already been bedded. Pulling him towards the mattress, but letting him be the one to lay her down on it. His weight on top was soothing, but there was an almost painful whine as she squirmed beneath him. Relaying her discomfort at not being taken care of. The demon enjoyed playing on the slow side. Teasing and building up until it was almost maddening. But she was already in that state. Nature already making her frustrated and even a little pained. He kissed her gently. Slipping his hand between them. A lengthy foreplay was out of the question, but he had to at least make sure she was ready to take him. He pushed the fabric of her panties aside and traced her folds. Surprised to find just how wet she was. Barely a touch and she was drenched. Testing the waters he pushed in. The first digit slipping in with ease. Then another. And another. She moaned against his lips while her hips pushed up. Riding his fingers with obvious desperation. As the kiss broke she hide against his shoulder. Begging muffled against his skin. Pleas for his cock, for him to properly take her. His fingers withdrew, prompting  few whimpers. “It's okay darling. Let me take care of you.” He made quick work of his pants. Adjusting just enough to free himself before plunging inside. Groaning at the welcoming heat wrapped so tightly around him. The wolf gasping when he finally sunk in. He wanted to be cautious. Start slow and build up. But his companion just wouldn't allow it. Her legs wrapped around him. Heels digging in to force him deeper. Softly begging for more. Harder. Faster. He  couldn't resist those adorable pleas. Happily obliging every request. Quickly rutting into her lithe frame. The soft sounds of her moans, that heat that was almost to the point of burning. It was getting to him faster than it should. It only took a minute before she reached her first peak. Those walls suddenly clenching around his cock sent the demon over the edge. A flicker of surprise in his eyes as he spilled inside her. Very fortunate he didn't suffer from those pesky refractory periods. Finishing that early would have been an embarrassment otherwise. Instead he got the joy of working them both through their orgasms. Getting to watch her face twist in pleasure as he pushed past the resisting walls. Guiding her quickly to a second one. Knowing what was in store from her from his Brothers, Phury was careful in his touches. His hips worked as fast and rough as she demanded, but he made certain to offer plenty of kisses and soft words. Stroking her hair, holding her hand. Anything she needed for a connection.

Their session broached the thirty minute mark without either realizing how much time had passed. Never a need for more than minor position adjustments. He wanted her to be able to see his smile. Wanted to watch her face and make sure she was getting exactly what was needed. At one point he shifted up.  Pulling her hips at an angle he knew to be enjoyable. The moan on her lips letting him know he had guessed perfectly. “You're doing so well. Spread your legs a little more darling.”

Meanwhile V had leaned against a wall. Eyes watching the pair. Occasionally stroking himself to the sights and sounds. If they were going to offer real time porn, he'd jerk to it while he waited. But he'd been stuck watching far too long for his taste. And he was tired of playing with himself. Moving over to the end of the mattress, he settled on his knees. Completely ignoring his brother, his gaze went to the wolf. Customary smirk on his lips. “Mind if I use that pretty mouth?” If she had said no, or even just ignored him, the vampire would have been content to let it be. Move away and patiently wait his turn. In fact that's what he expected to happen. Some shy little refusal. He was just bored and needed to shoot his shot. This time both male's shared a flicker of surprise as she tilted her head back and parted her lips for him. He slid into her mouth with a groan. Carefully sinking into her throat. Catching the look on the demon's face. “What? Not my fault you were hogging the pussy.” The demon muttered something beneath his breath. Something that sounded distinctly like “Crude bastard.”

Together they used her. Phury stroking her thighs gently with every thrust. Fingertips brushing along and teasing her clit. Trying to make up for the antics of his Brother. V was happily sinking into her mouth. A palm on the mattress to keep him up at a proper angle. The other exploring his part of her body. Tearing off her bra and tossing the useless fabric away before teasing the now exposed nipples. A grin on his lips at the moans vibrating against his cock. She was still blushing, but her body obviously enjoying every moment. The only thing stopping a few more comments thrown at the vampire's crassness was the reactions of the one between them. Even with the muzzle of the vampire's cock, both could hear her sounds. Gripping the sheet as her knuckles went white. Her walls trembling before violently clamping down on the demon. She was almost painfully tight around him and once more the demon couldn't resist. Spilling his seed as her body milked him for every drop. V didn't see a reason to hold back, cumming a few moments later. What she couldn't swallow leaking past her lips. The vampire pulling out and watching as more escaped. She looked a little dazed and V couldn't help but wipe the mix of cum and saliva off her cheek. An affectionate gesture even he wanted to give. “Okay that was pretty damn fun, but come on bro I want a proper turn already. Judging by your face she has to feel fucking amazing.”

Phury threw a glare at the other. Technically he was right. They were supposed to be sharing. But that didn't mean he was happy about it. Mostly he just wanted to keep spoiling the little wolf. Let her enjoy gentle for a while longer before being turned over to bruises and blood. There was a different part though. A sliver of instinct occasionally pushing at his mind. Yelling that he needed to stay exactly where he was. Keep pumping his seed into her until she took. Taking care of her heat by giving her another pup. It was a little interesting to note that sudden need. Still he could ignore it enough to pull out with a sigh of disappointment. Moving away so V was the reachable one. After a few moments Mel sat up. Wiping what was left off her cheeks. For a few blissful seconds she had been okay. The fog in her mind lifting a little. Until her body noted the seed hadn't been enough. With her pills no amount would, but that wasn't something the primitive side could understand. It just meant she needed more. That fog quickly descending again. Creating a need that was quickly delving into painful. She turned towards the vampire still kneeling beside her. That smirk still on his lips. It seemed he was about to say something, but he never got a chance. In the blink of an eye she had dragged him to the mattress and straddled him. Quickly guiding him to her slit and sinking down. Prompting a loud curse from the vampire. He'd never been with a wolf, especially not one in heat. Little miss perfect felt better than he ever expected. And when she started riding him like her life depended on it, he lost it. Gripping her hips and pulling her down roughly as his seed flooded her. In an unexpected moment he lost his right to tease any of his Brothers about cumming early. And he considered the loss worth it.

“Fuck you're tight.” He hissed through clenched teeth. Ripping her panties off when the friction of the fabric began to annoy him. Tossing them aside and returning his hands to their rightful place on her hips. His own pushing up as he continued to drag her down to meet every thrust. Her hips continued to move beautifully. Only pausing when she came. Judging from earlier she loved being worked through an orgasm and he was happy to help. Taking over whenever she stopped. Helping when she moved again. Slowly he tested the waters. A palm ghosting up her side before cupping her breast. Fingers moving to play with her nipple. Watching her face for any signs of discomfort as he pinched and tugged. Seeing only pleasure crossing her features. Moving up to gingerly wrap around her throat. Remembering the video she'd sent. He kept careful watch. Giving a light squeeze first. Surprised at the way she tightened around him. “Looks like Miss Perfect wasn't just being a tease.” Another squeeze, more insistent this time. Same response. More pressure added until he was just shy of strangling. Holding for several long moments. Every time she seemed to get hotter. Her walls squeezing him in the best way. The hand at her hip started taking over more of the work. Using her body. Her warmth. Pleasure coiled in his stomach and he let himself seek it. Squeezing longer at each interval. Bordering on being risky but never crossing the line. For a human it was dangerous. But she could take it, and it was definitely doing something for her. If there had been a single sign that he needed to stop he would have. But it looked like she loved being used. Enjoying herself even more than him. Phury could play the gentle lover. He'd have fun with his new toy. This time his fingers pressed hard enough to leave bruises. Holding her throat in that grip as long as he dared. The she wolf's head spinning as the lack of oxygen started to get to her. Hips moving faster as the warmth in her belly expanded. Drawn higher the more that hand pressed against her. A strangled cry escaping as she came.

The sudden pressure on his cock was unfathomable. A flare of heat and the wolf wrapping so tightly it was like his dick was in a somehow amazingly pleasurable vice. “Jesus!” The word escaped without thought as he filled her again. With the exception of religious studies, he had never said that name before. Especially not during sex. But it was like for a moment his mind had been robbed of everything but that one word. Probably something for the notes. He tucked the information away in his mind before returning attention back to the little she wolf. His hand moving to tangle in her hair and drag her down for a kiss. He wasn't as concerned about playing nice as Phury, but she seemed to have a need for at least a little affection and it was the least he could do. His hips were working a little slower now. Smacking her ass a few times. Enjoying the moans and whimpers against his lips. Breaking the kiss, he moved to nip and suck at her neck. Sinking his teeth in and enjoying the blood washing over his tongue. A hidden smirk as she came again. He had fun playing rough. Biting and smacking. Yanking at her hair and squeezing her throat at random. Getting rougher the more she accepted. Flipping them over so that he could pin her down and rut into that tight heat. Dragging them both over the edge several times. Once he pulled out to finish on her stomach. Curious to paint her skin. But she made the most distressed whine, begging him to cum inside her.

“Damn girl. You need my cum that bad?” He couldn't help but laugh. The wolf blushing badly but nodding just the same. “Say it. Tell me how much you need it?”

Her skin tinted red, but the fog destroyed much of her shame. “Please V. I need it. I need your cum. It doesn't feel as good when you don't finish inside me.”

“How about my cock? What does Miss P think about this big dick plowing into her?” He pulled her hip up to angle his thrusts in deeper. The wolf's back arching.

“I..I love it! I love your cock! Don't ever stop!” She shouted. The vampire turning to grin at his Brother.

“Hear that? She's begging me not to stop.” The demon simply rolled his eyes. Crossing his arms as he glared at the other male. Though he didn't bother moving closer. Far more patient, he let hours tick by. Simply making sure the other didn't hurt her with position changes and roughness. Maybe four hours in he brought her some water. Making the vampire move and sitting her up to drink. When she finished the bottle he took his turn. Putting her on her stomach and making sure she was comfortable. Taking off what was left of his clothing and sliding in. Kissing her shoulders with gentle thrusts getting progressively harder.  Smirking at the vampire at the way she moaned his name. Mouthing the words “And I didn't even have to ask.” Mel was to be taken care of, not embarrassed. But he couldn't resist stealthily mocking of the other male. Things went on like this for hours. The pair alternating between who watched and who got to have her.

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On the other side of the glass the wolf was making his notes. The dire sitting there, occasionally glancing through the window. Though his gaze was always quick to drop. Watching his kanubit being touched, even by his brothers, wasn't something he found amusing.

“Yeah jealousy is a bitch. I brought a dvd player along, in case there were stretches of just sleeping or something and I got bored.” He didn't wait for a response. Moving to fetch the device and set it up for the other. “Just maybe put it on the table back there? I'd really rather it not be touching your dong. That means your dick.” He was quick to clarify in case the other wasn't familiar with the slang. The dire simply nodding.

“I don't know why there needs to be so many words for it.” He said more to himself.

“Because us males are very simple creatures and like to have as many options as possible when talking about our junk. Even personal nicknames. I used to call mine spike as a joke. We should call yours fang. You know, because you're more wolf than person. Trust me it sounded better in my head.”

Despite not entirely getting it, the dire smiled. The pair spent the shift with Saint doing his observations and notes and Rhage watching an assortment of shows and movies. Occasionally the pair having some random conversation. Saint inquiring into the past and physiology of the dire, Rhage answering with a few questions about the other pack. Curious about how pups were born human but would have their first shift after several years. One show featured a pregnant woman and that prompted a discussion about how it worked in the Lycan species. The dire frowning when told exactly how dangerous the birth was. That without someone to help manage the pain the female had a 50% chance of dying. That frown worsening when he found out that they had taken that gamble with Mel's first labor.

“In my defense we weren't actually aware of this back then. Mel's dad, I guess he figured with so many around it was unlikely for her to every be without a helper. So he kind of went easy on how bad it was. Basically labor is really painful and drugs won't work so someone needs to be there to siphon the pain or else you have to deal with all the agony and its horrible. But omitting that it can also be lethal. We've never rolled those dice again though. So don't worry she'll always be taken care of. Okay it would probably be a good idea to get some food in her before you go in. I'm thinking you might react more than they did and 16 hours without food is probably just not a good idea.” Technically he had been told she wouldn't need to eat in that time frame. Under ordinary circumstances the body dug into its reserves for nutrients. But this wasn't ordinary. She was still nursing so there might be a chance it could mess with her milk flow, or worse interfere with her increased healing. Neither was a good option and he just wouldn't risk it. He put the container and a bottle of water on the tray and carefully entered the space between the two doors. Opening the second one and sliding it across the floor to the mattress. “She needs to eat dudes!” With that he closed the door and got back into the observation room.

V was distracted taking his last turn. Kneeling with the wolf's back pressed against his chest. A hand on her throat as helped her bounce on his cock. So Phury moved to bring the tray over to the bed. Opening it up to find an assortment of small fruits, nuts, and jerky. A mix to most efficiently give her nutrients and energy. He offered a strawberry. The constant movement making it difficult but after a few tries he managed to feed her. Doing the same for a grape and a piece of jerky. Attempting with another strawberry  but an increase in speed had her end up biting her tongue instead. At the slight yip the demon sighed.

“Could you calm down for a minute? I don't want her choking.”

“If she didn't choke on my dick she won't choke on a few strawberries. Besides there's still plenty of time for her to eat and I think she'd much rather we finish this first.”

“You are a barbarian.”

“You're just jealous because she likes this barbarian dick better. She's cum twice while you've been doing this whole spiel.”

“If I recall correctly, she chose me first. You only got jumped because I moved away. Come here baby you need to eat.” He pulled the hand from around her throat and pulled her off the vampire.

“What the fuck dude? We were almost done.”

The demon ignored the other male. Bringing the wolf to him. There was distress on her face and a few escaping whimpers. Settling her on his lap, he pushed himself inside. “Better babe?” When she offered a nod he smiled. “Lets stay like this so you can eat then.” He kissed her nose. Offering food and water with little difficulty. Making sure she ate every bite before tending her other needs. The vampire huffing when Saint announced their first turn was done. Ruffling her hair so she'd know it wasn't her that had his ire before stalking back to the observation room. Phury gently pecking her lips before following. Rest was not required, but it didn't mean a wolf wouldn't use it. With the males gone she lay down on the now stained sheet. Resting her head on her arms as seed slowly trickled down her thighs.

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The pair moved into the room. First thing Saint noticed was how the other wolf's body tensed. His muscles tightening as if in preparation of a fight. The scent of the she wolf still clung to both. It was getting to Saint, despite his precautions. Prompting a sudden want to go in that room himself. Goodness only knew how hard it must have hit the dire. His chest was already heaving and at that moment Saint was very glad it was decided his turn wouldn't be shared with anyone. He might have killed them. The other two moved to give space. Saint didn't have to tell the dire to get ready. The giant wolf already marching into the small chamber between doors. Impatiently bouncing on his feet before the second door was opened. Aside from the window, there was also a screen on the desk. Divided into sections and broadcasting what each camera captured. One caught the way the dire's nostrils flared as the full scent hit him. Saint wasn't sure if it was just the camera catching it, or if the growl in the other's throat was simply loud enough to reach them in here.

There was no foreplay. No greetings or sweet words. The saccharine scent of the she wolf  crashed over him. Tainted with the scent of the other males. He growled as he rushed to the bed. Dropping to his knees and forcing her hips up. Claws digging in as he slammed into her. Starting rough and getting worse. His thrusts violent as if trying to break her. The dire falling into his most base instincts. A female wolf. Young, but strong, and oh so desperate to breed. Her skin was torn beneath his claws. Blood dripping as he dragged her back into every thrust. Far worse than anything V had done. Skin slapping skin echoed loudly around the space. Along with the tell tale sounds of bones groaning beneath pressure. The first two had merely been having fun. He was trying to fulfill nature. Of course he had watched her swallow those pills along with everyone else. Knew she would not be taking from any of them. But that logical part was tucked away. Buried beneath the snarling wolf desperate to breed the female beneath him. Thrusting hard to push out the other male's seed. Get his own deep enough it would get to her waiting womb first. Bruises were forming from his grip and where their hips connected. Blood still trickling down as those claws bit further into her skin. His actions were vicious and very violent. He was hurting her, but every cry from the she wolf's lips was one of pleasure. Had she cried or displayed pain he could have fought the animal side. Could have pulled away and tried to calm down before touching her again. But her body was made for this. Finding bliss in the way he savagely took her. A loud snap sounded in the room.

In the other room the three males watched. One frantically scribbling notes while the others stared. There's a grin on the vampire's face. A look of horror on the demon's. The little wolf was bleeding and bruising very quickly under the other wolf. His eyes widening a few minutes later.

“We have to stop this! I just heard a bone snap!” There was panic laced in his voice. He loved and trusted his Brother. Knew he cared deeply for Mel. But no one seemed to have thought this through. Rhage's kind were animal over human. They mated in a savage manner. Often almost indistinguishable from out and out rape. Despite the clumsiness often shown, Rhage was a powerful creature. She would have no chance to stop him. And worse, he might not be able to stop himself. She was not his species, but she was very close. For the first time in his life he was around a she wolf sending out all the signs of being fertile and desperately ready to be bred. His first chance to sire pups and continue his line. Those kind of instincts would be damn near impossible to overcome. The demon stood from his chair so violently it fell back. Quickly rushing to the first door. A hand on his arm giving him pause. It was Saint. The male wolf offering a smile.

“Dude it was a minor hip fracture.” By the demon's face, those words obviously brought no comfort. Instead sending a fresh wave of panic through him. The wolf held up a hand to stop the protest already on the other's lips. “Totally normal. It's why their healing factor spikes at this time. They are supposed to be getting fucked up. I know it seems counter productive. But technically she's supposed to be getting knocked up. That level of rough is kind of displaying his strength and marking him as a good sire. It makes sense and considering nature has shit like bugs stabbing through the abdomen to put their seed in the female, this is kind of mild in comparison. Seriously if you need any further proof listen to what's happening besides the damage.” He put a finger to his lips. In the silence they could hear her bones fissure and other signs of the rough joining. But also the distinct lack of pained cries. Her body was being ravaged and yet the she wolf was a moaning mess. Crying out only when she came. There's hesitation on the other's face. Though amid the new evidence he relented. Albeit a little reluctantly. He joined the two back at the window. Making sure they didn't need to interfere. To challenge him would probably yield horrific results. Best not to chance it. After a few minutes moving over to the dvd player to watch something. Wanting to give the wolves some little piece of privacy. There's a few exclamations from his companions and that drew the demon back to the window. Fresh worry in his eyes. Finding the dire had dragged her up to be properly on all fours. He was over her, his palms flat on the mattress beside hers. Still ramming into her but this time his anchor was the way he latched onto her shoulder. Blood dripping from the wound. Occasionally shifting to dig his teeth in further. Still the she wolf didn't seem to be in pain or fright so he simply went back to his movie.

“Never really thought of him having sex. But this is actually kind of fun to watch.” The vampire broke the silence.

“I know right? I mean there's some jealousy on my end but this is strangely fascinating.” Saint scribbled something else down on his notes.

“There is something seriously wrong with you two.” The demon shook his head in disbelief.

“What? It's like watching National Geographic.” V shrugged  his defense. The wolf chuckling softly.

They kept going for the better part of two hours. The dire flooding her womb almost as often as she clenched around his cock. One final thrust buried him to the hilt. Draining into her one last time. Keeping their hips locked together for a few minutes so his seed had no where to go but further into her. Only when he was completely drained did he release her shoulder and pull out. Gently guiding her to lie down. There's a frown on his lips when he saw how much of his seed spilled from her, but he would replace it soon enough. The first thing he did was lick the blood from her shoulder. Cleaning the wound with gentle care. Doing the same to the marks along her hips. With that done he moved to lay beside her, pulling the other wolf to him. Holding her close and gently nuzzling her hair. She looked so small against him. A tiny little thing tucked into his embrace to hide from the world. It was hard to imagine how brutal he had just been with her.

There was about fifteen minutes of tenderness. The larger wolf tending to her injuries and holding her to offer comfort. Saint wasn't sure exactly what triggered it, but something set the wolf off again. If he had to guess, probably some hormone flare to remind exactly what the two were doing. Whatever the reason, the cuddling randomly ceased. The large wolf rolling her over and mounting her once again. Just as rough as before. Blood flowing from newly created injuries. It always seemed like he feared her getting away. Hurting her to keep her in his grip. It went on like this for hours. Sporadic moments of grooming and tenderness between long stretches of brutal sex.

On the other side of the glass the other three males played a game of cards. Saint still looked up to monitor the sessions. Taking notes if anything new developed. But it was near repetitive enough could spare time for the game. The trio talked. Or more accurately the vampire and wolf did while the demon occasionally contributed while giving them disgusted looks.

“By the look  of it you got to experience the vice didn't you?” The wolf couldn't help but smirk at the others. V's brow raised in question. Prompting a laugh from the wolf. “It's what I call it when Mel gets those uber strong orgasms. She tightens so much its like a vice is gonna rip your dick off.”

“Oh shit you actually have a name for it?” It was the vampires turn to laugh.

“Yup. It's a rare treat. Requires really rough sex. Choking is especially helpful for it.”

“That explains it. I haven't cum so fast since....well I've never lost it that quickly before. Miss P's pussy is top notch.”

“I know right? I mean she could work a dick like magic under ordinary circumstances. Put her in heat and she's basically stealing your soul through it.”

“You know your talking about our friend right? Not some random piece of meat?” Phury finally spoke up. Tossing his cards on the table. His gaze shifting towards the wolf. “And you. I expected it from him but I thought I could expect better from you.”

The wolf sported a perplexed expression. “Why?”

“Whoa guys check it out.” V was off the table and looking through the window.

“In case you forgot I don't like oogling her in a compromising position like you two.” Phury answered. Though whatever other words had been on his tongue faltered as the vampire shushed him. The other two went to the window. “That's...a lot of blood.” The she wolf had multiple bites along her shoulders still bleeding. Multiple small slashes where his claws had dug into her. It had stained the sheet they were on. But the she wolf looked even worse. It looked like she had gotten into, and lost, a particularly bad fight. Saint was silent. Carefully looking. After a few moments his stance relaxed.

“It's cool. A few more open wounds than I had anticipated but her body's taking care of it. We just gotta give her some water and iron pills. Fortunately I prefer my science experiments well prepared so I have a full med kit and several types of vitamins I thought might be needed. Now we just need to get them to her.” The wolf looked at the others pointedly. Unable to hide his smile when the pair started a game of rock paper scissors. V muttering a curse as he lost. “Guys, I'm just fucking with you. She can make it until your next round. Don't go trouncing into the mauling radius of the sex brained giant wolf.” With that they simply returned to their card game. Asking and answering random questions. Sometimes about the experiment. Sometimes about curiosities Saint had with the brotherhood. For safety reasons only the former information ended up on any of the notes. Time passed quickly for them.

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“Okay I think it's transition time again.” The vampire said as he stood up and stretched.

“Well someone's eager.” The wolf teased. He got along surprisingly well with the vampire. Though he did get the distinct impression the demon was judging him for this whole thing. Not that he minded. He could be an asshole and it was always nice to have others looking out for his family. He turned to look through the glass. The pair were in the cuddling stage. It seemed safe. “Don't forget the iron pills.” He handed the bottle and some water to the vampire.

“I wouldn't go in yet if I were you. Wait until he's finished.”

“Dude he's finished. His time's up and he's already cum and cuddled her. Lets get this shit going already.” With that he marched into the room. “Yo Rhage give someone else a turn already!” It happened in a flash. The usually clumsy wolf moving with lightening precision. Up from the bed and rushing the vampire. With a snarl his fist crashing into the other's jaw.

“Oh fuck!” Saint shouted as the vampire crumbled in a heap. For a moment the fog in her brain dissipated. Drawn back to normalcy by the exclamation and watching her friend crumple. Worry over her friend pushing out the baser needs. She was up on her feet and running towards him. Met halfway by the larger wolf. Snatching her up. A forceful no on his lips as he dragged her back to the mattress. When there was enough distance Saint carefully crept in. “He's fine! Just knocked out!” Giving the she wolf some relief before dragging the other back into the observation room. Not wanting to risk that wrath himself. He set V up on a cot that had been brought. Lifting his eyelid, lightly tapping his face. “Dude he is knocked the fuck out.”

“I told the dumbass to wait until he was finished.” He opened a bottle of water and took a few gulps.

“Well in fairness it's really hard to tell when that is. Though I suppose the raging boner and starting to move her back into position were probably big clues. I don't think I'm every going to be able to forget that image. Giant wolf with a raging hard on rushing up and KO-ing a dude. That's like nightmare fuel.”

“How are you going to be able to forget any of this? All three of us will probably be engraved in your mind.”

“In my defense I am an idiot and was very curious. So many species have heats and they effect everyone differently. I wanted to see what wolf heat did to you all. Somehow forgot it meant seeing your dongs flopping in the breeze when they aren't inside her.”

“As long as I don't see drawings of our dongs all over your room the next time I visit it's fine. This is your show and not really my business beyond making sure she's okay.”

“Wait I'm not allowed to draw stuff?” He sported a disappointment look for a few moments. “Nah I'm just fucking with you. I can't draw.” He couldn't help but burst out laughing at the demon's face. “No seriously this is just research. Its all gonna stay in a little box tucked away unless I'm going through it. No pictures of your genitalia shall regal our walls. Now I think he's finally done. Or at least its the early cuddling so he might have a bit of his mind.” He turned on the intercom. “Rhage can you please come in here.” There was obvious reluctance, but the dire left the bed. Sparing a glance backwards but containing himself to get into the observation room. Phury slipping into the warehouse space to give her the iron pills and a bit more food. When the doors were closed and the hormones surprised, it was like a fog lifting from the dire's mind. He found the vampire still unconscious on the cot. His jaw swelling as bruising started to form.

“I did that?” He asked curiously, his eyes never leaving his brother. The memory was already vague. Recalling going up to him. Anger and frustration over the other coming in to take over. The rage had washed over him and the next thing he knew his little kanubit was beneath him again. He could tell the guy was okay though. He'd come to in a little bit with some common injuries. Not really worse for wear.

“Um yeah.”

“Good.”

The wolf discretely moved his chair away from the dire. This was a very....interesting family.

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It took about an hour before V opened his eyes. The first thing he did was utter a few choice curses as he rubbed the sore spot of his jaw. His gaze reached the dire. Silent for several long seconds before throwing his hands up. “Okay. Okay. Lesson learned. No jumping in when you're trying to get your dick wet. Now if you'll excuse me I'm gonna go get mine wet. With our friend that doesn't really want to see me hurt.”

“Dude just go.” The wolf shook his head, already pushing the dvd player towards the dire as a distraction. V gave the other a wide berth as he went into the room. He wasn't scared of the dire. But getting a sledge hammer to the face was not his idea of a fun time either.

Phury was already enjoying a more private session. Spooning the wolf. Lazy thrusts as he kissed along her shoulder. Getting progressively harder when she needed it. Holding her tightly as he worked her towards another orgasm. He'd become really adept at ignoring V at this point. Keeping his attention focused on the one in his arms. Keeping that grip even when he finished. Enjoying the moments of calm as their breathing evened. After Rhage's turn, he was a little reluctant to turn her over to V. A hand moving to gently rub along her hips. Feeling the bones that had just finished knitting themselves together. When the vampire approached, a growl escaped without conscious thought. “Give her a moment's rest. You'll get your rocks off soon enough.” He snapped irritably. There was a roll of the eyes but the vampire kept his distance. There was no point forcing the issue. He would be getting another turn soon enough and though her heat called to him, it wasn't as bad as from one of their own. Besides, mister high and mighty primale was right about one thing, the she wolf could use some rest. Her wounds were still healing and there was a trace of exhaustion occasionally flashing across her face.  She could probably go the distance as well as any of them, but her body would be wreaked by the end. He went to grab the food  box and settle beside the mattress. Holding the food up to show his reasoning. “Relax. I want to take care of my friend too.” He brushed her hair back from her face. “Hey Miss P. Time for another meal. I'm sure you'd rather have a whole deer or something but I don't think we can get Rhage to go far enough to hunt.” He joked, giving her a smile. Offering her different things from the container until she'd eaten every bit. Helping her tilt her head so she could drink water easier. Phury gave an approving look which simply prompted a snort. “Not a total asshole  Casanova.” He took the empty containers away and tucked them against the wall. Giving the wolf a few minutes rest before simply scooping her up off the mattress. If Phury wanted to be a mattress hog he could have it. The vampire having fun exploring different standing positions. Her legs wrapped around his waist was fun. Getting to bite her neck and shoulders while ramming into her simply phenomenal. But it couldn't compare to one he'd randomly remembered and decided to try out. She faced away from him, her legs settled in the crook of his elbows. His hands on her shoulders to pull her down into every thrust. Like this he could move her however he wanted. Get so deep his dick practically hit her womb. Even without seeing her face, he knew he was doing a bang up job. She was moaning like crazy. Clamping down on his cock almost every minute. Leaking so badly the floor beneath her was officially a slipping hazard. Keeping in that position until his turn was up. Handing her over to the demon with a self satisfied smirk.

The clock ticked by. Not particularly fast, but not exactly slow either. Ticked away minutes spent observing whatever pairing was currently happening, jotting down whatever seemed interesting in the notes. Often finding distraction with whatever companions happened to be in the room. Plenty of conversations and sometimes indulging in another card game. All three settled into distinct patterns. Phury was what someone thought of when they imagined a proper gentleman. Oh he'd be a little rough if that's what she wanted. But his focus was on all of her needs. Far more careful in his touches and almost overly affectionate. Gentle touches to her cheeks and hair. Soft kisses and murmured praise.  He was the one to first make sure she had enough food and water before any fun happened. He favored missionary or spooning positions. Wanting to see her face or at least be able to hold her. V seemed to be using this time as his own means of experimentation. Finding out how dark the she wolf liked it. His turns filled with all sorts of rough play. At least a few of the bruises and bites decorating her skin coming from him. He didn't always wait for Phury to finish. A few more times using her mouth if he thought the other was taking too long. Using whatever position sounded fun at the moment. Still, he had his own caring side. For him sex was the main thing. It always happened first. But afterwards he would offer food and water. Sometimes cuddling, though it was a bit apparent she preferred clinging to Phury. Now Rhage. That guy was in a league all his own. His sessions were horrifying in their brutality. He used no other position but the she wolf on her front. Sometimes on all fours. Other times pushing her face to the mattress while forcing her ass up in the air. He never technically struck her. But his fangs and claws constantly tore skin as he pinned her. Her bones snapping from force he refused to let up on. Saint watched a little more on those times. Just to make sure her body never reached it's limit. His sex was far more brutal than V's worst. Yet his gentle moments seemed to dwarf that of Phury's too. He would clean every wound like their kind did. Licking off the blood and gently lapping at the injury to ease pain. Every break he insisted she eat a few bites or at least have some water. Gently rubbing her back and sides as what had just been inflicted fixed itself. Keeping her close as if scared something might leap out and attack them. They always had to catch him in the middle of the rest cycles if they wanted to switch out. Near the end his body was gearing up to breed her again. Too early and he wouldn't have had time to clean her up. They'd made that mistake once. The results far more entertaining than he had imagined.

“Come on man it looks like we walked into a fucking murder scene.” That was V, ever the observer.

With a laugh Saint simply leaned into the intercom. “Pretty sure that hasn't stopped you before.”

“Well yeah, but intentionally fucking at one is very different to walking into one. It's like taking a drink of what you think is coke and it turns out to be soy sauce.”

“You are welcome to abstain. I'm certain  I could take care of her needs alone.” The demon wasn't trying to hard to conceal his smirk.

“Fuck that noise. A little blood does not stop the train to pound town.”

“...Classy.”

“Classier than you you damn fop.” The fight got physical. But not with blows like the one that had rendered V unconscious. Instead it delved into a slap fest. The pair open handedly smacking each other wherever they could reach. Throwing out insults ranging from perceived intellect to sexual incompetency and inadequate size. Their humorous “fight” only stopped by the impatient she wolf simply jumping both of them. This time riding V while insisting on pleasing Phury with her mouth.

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They had just as much difference in the observation room as the warehouse. V was a blast. They discussed and joked about everything, even the current situation. The vampire remarking how the she wolf had been worth the wait. Phury was a judger. He was generally pleasant and would happily answer certain questions. But there was an obvious look in his eye that he thought what the wolf was doing was wrong. It made sense from his perspective. This could be a little embarrassing for Mel and it was a rather vulnerable time. So Saint wouldn't hold it against him. He was just looking out for her and he wasn't actually treating the wolf bad. Rhage, if anything, just seemed awkward. He didn't seem to mind talking or learning random card games to play. But when he was in the room his gaze always seemed to be down. At the cards, but also at the floor. Hands often curled in his lap. Very rarely he would look through the window. A frown on his lips when he saw the injuries Mel had from him. It faded when explained it was an expected thing and no one thought less of him. He was losing control like the vampires would with their females. Just like those females her body had been meant to take this damage and he was a good caretaker afterwards. That was an easy worry to sooth. It was a little harder when that frown came from seeing his Brothers on top of her.

They went through these patterns several times. The pair going in together, competing for her attention and sharing her as best they could. The dire getting his alone time that everyone regarded as the best decision they had made in this whole thing. The mattress and sheet were soaked in blood and cum. There was simply no salvaging it at this point. And there would definitely be some clean up required on the floor. But the wolf was happy. He had several videotapes and a stack of interesting notes. Her hormones began winding down and it became safe for the dire to be in the room with others besides her. Saint had gotten all three in the observation room. Thanking them for their help. Hoping they had fun and that if they wanted copies of the information he would be more than happy to provide it. Though as he spoke his gaze flickered to the still recording screen. Sentence cut off as he realized his alpha was on the mattress sobbing.

The past few days had been a bit of a blur. Snippets of memory she could dredge up if she really focused. But for now most seemed to be hidden behind that haze of lust and instinct. Her heat was finally receding. All those hormones messing with her body and brain mercifully fading. The first thing she noticed was exactly how much her whole body ached. There was mild soreness between her thighs, but the real pain was at her hips and shoulders. All those broken bones and bits of torn flesh finally being allowed to process. The second realization was the lingering scents still clinging to her skin. Cum and sweat from several males tainted her body. Their seed still dripping down her thighs. That fire licking at her veins had numbed her to everything but need and pleasure. With it gone she couldn't escape every other sensation. More memories pushed their way in. The things she had done. Had allowed to be done to her. The wolf gagged. As those scents somehow got worse she leaned over and began to retch. There wasn't much in her stomach at that point. Some water and bits of fruit came up and splattered to the floor. Joined by the tears that began to trickle down her face. She could feel those hands on her. They were all friends. Those she cared and trusted. Any one of them was actually a perfect sire for young. But that hadn't made this any less wrong. Even if there was more than one potential partner, wolves paired up to mate. They might use multiple people to get them through breeding seasons, but only one per season. Wolves did not do this. She was not supposed to do this. Memories of the previous days coupled with angry faces and bitter words. All those that had called her a whore. Tainted. Something ruined and disgusting. Now there was no argument against it. Shaking so violently as she began to wretch again.

The males in the room quickly followed the wolf's stare. Sporting similar bewildered looks as they watched her fall apart. All quickly rushing into the room. Rhage reached her first. Arms quickly wrapping around her to pull the wolf to his larger frame. For a moment she offered some resistance before quickly falling against him. Hiding her face at his chest. There's a slight chill as those tears trailed down his skin. He held her tight to try and stop that shaking. Rocking her slightly as he had seen her father do to the pups.

“This ah...this usually doesn't happen.” For once the vampire didn't have some cocky or snide comment. Visibly uncomfortable both by his friend's distress and by some ignored revelations. Technically, of all here, he was the odd man out. This was the first time she had ever touched him sexually. During she had been very enthusiastic.  But that had been with a mind clouded with a desperation to breed. He crossed his arms, trying to weigh the evidence. Worried if he was the only reason she was having this freak out. He could be an asshole, but he never wanted to be the type that took advantage of their friends.

The demon seemed just as distressed, but he moved closer. A hand going to rub along her back in soothing gestures. “No, no pretty one. No need for tears. We can take care of this. Your friends will help. Are you in pain? Do you need some more food? A blanket? How about a fancy fur coat?” He offered whatever was at the top of his head. Desperately reaching for whatever might provide some comfort. Somehow the last one seemed to work. Though not exactly in the expected way.

Shaking and crying into her friends arms, she could barely hear the others attempting to offer comfort. Their words lost to the cacophony of painful memories her mind insisted on displaying. Catching random words. Then something stuck out. A fancy fur coat. It wasn't really something she was the type to wear. It sounded like such a strange offer. And it dragged a very different memory to the surface. A tiny pup with a broken arm. Healing but still painful. Her father's voice offering a thousand different rewards. A song bird, a new book. Some trip to the beach. Anything to help distract her from the pain. For a moment those aches eased. Tears beginning to slow. It wasn't over. Not by a long shot. She could feel that pressure still lurking behind her eyes. But she managed to move back and give a weak smile. “I..I don't wear fur.” Her gaze was on the demon. And suddenly she laughed. A soft sound at first. Quickly growing louder until she was holding her sides. They had all used her body during a heat. Sometime she had been told was ruinous. And yet all were still here afterwards. Trying to stop her tears. Saint moved to give her some water. Let her rinse out her mouth and get a drink to sooth the slightly burning throat. Her gaze shifting towards all the males. Worried looks still on their faces. Landing on V, who seemed in a very serious internal debate. When he noticed her look, she made sure to give him as best a smile as could be mustered. “I need you all to know, I did consent to this. I was curious too. I'm not exactly normal for my kind so I didn't think there would be this sort of repercussion. At least not something this strong. You guys didn't hurt me. You were awesome. But right now I would really like to go home please. This is hitting me hard and I need to be where I feel safest.” Phury and Rhage quickly helped her stand. The demon pulling off his coat and draping it around her. What the wolf had brought was beyond saving at this point. By the way she pulled the flaps tighter, it was obviously very appreciated covering. She tiptoed for Rhage first. Pecking the wolf's lips. Letting him cup her cheek and pull her in for one more. When his hand dropped she turned around and offered that same kiss to Phury. Though he chose to return it with a kiss to her forehead and gently stroking her hair. She'd had enough sexual moments these past few days. At this point she could probably use a few platonic ones. As he looked at those slightly teary eyes, his mind already began thinking up ways to alleviate this stress. She was still very young. Perhaps far too young to have undergone something like this. It wasn't his idea, but he had chosen to participate.  He'd watched how intense the past several days had been. The little wolf had been through something of an ordeal. Wishful thinking made him think maybe he could have prevented it. But he knew he couldn't run her life any more than he could the chosen. All he could do was help tend the aftereffects. Perhaps he'd enlist the help of his Shellan. Between the two  he was certain they could come up with some proper spoiling. After several long moments he finally let her go. The little wolf finally moving over to V. Gaze glued to the floor and a blush painting her skin. Leaning up to peck his cheek. Though she held no ill will towards him, after what had been going on she couldn't quite meet his eye. For a moment he just looked at her. The earlier words had come as a big relief. He hadn't done anything she wasn't cool with. Her reaction  was on all of them. Simply a reaction that hadn't been thought of. Without the worry, or those tears, his usual cocky self emerged.

“Really? After all the dirty we did I get a cheek kiss?” The dire and demon turned towards him. Rhage sported a murderous glare. Phury's face easily read “Are you fucking kidding me?”.They had just barely gotten her tears to stall and here he was risking another break down. Those glares softening when the she wolf simply began to laugh again. Moving up and this time pecking his lips. Offering a smile.

“I love you guys but...I really need to go see my mate right now. I'll see you all later.” She moved to over to Saint. Leaning against him as they walked into the observation room. Quickly gathering the supplies. He helped Mel into her seat before tossing the box of research material in the back. The she wolf waving at the trio of males as they left. The three brothers watching as the car disappeared.

“I say V was the main reason she cried.” Phury waved at the disappearing car.

“Agreed.” Rhage nodded quickly.

“Bros what the fuck?”