#so i cherish times when we stay in the same server and hang out in the orbit before going back

[mushroomskykid]

Photo with a friend in Orbit. Seems they like the idea of searching light wings XD

[ray-ray-writings]

Calm During the Storm-Technoblade

This is a platonic!Ranboo x Technoblade, and Philza imagine in the dreamsmp. Fair warning, I don’t think I’ve ever written something that wasn’t an x reader so I hope I do okay. 

TW: Ranboo has a panic attack

Unexpected weather strikes leaving Ranboo stranded out in the open. Techno sees him and goes to him and attempts to calm him down. 

Check out my masterlist here!

Third Person POV

If there was one thing that Philza Minecraft was good at, it was adopting kids and giving them a good home and a place to stay. Above everything, Philza has always looked out for children. Which is why it came to no one’s surprise that when the newest minor on the server felt he had nowhere to go, that Philza offered him a safe place to land. Ranboo accepted immediately, claiming that he never believed in sides but this was a side he could get behind. 

Phil had suggested that Ranboo build a separate house from the one Techno lived in, which Ranboo agreed with. So that was the plan for the day. Gather the materials to build his house and then build the house. Seemed simple enough. There was one issue though. The weather took an unexpected turn while Philza and Techno were out. 

One would think that in the tundra biome, there is no rain. There would only be snow or hail, something Ranboo could freely walk in… Nope. Somehow, someway, there was a downpour happening. It had happened so suddenly that Ranboo wasn’t prepared. He had been outside, about 40 blocks from his hole in the mountain, cutting down trees for wood when the sky released it’s downpour upon the unsuspecting boy. 

Due to the surprising nature of the rain, Ranboo had no protection. No helmet, umbrella, cape, nothing to block the liquid from splashing on him. Ranboo’s skin burned at the drops of water that landed on him. He knew that no one was home. Philza and Techno had gone adventuring for the day so he couldn’t call out to them for help. The half-enderman had no choice but to huddle close to the tree, wrapping his arms around it. 

Ranboo’s breathing began to pick up in pace as he realized that he was trapped. He was unable to teleport anywhere. His home had no roof and he couldn’t build one fast enough to where he would be unarmed in the process. The idea of maybe teleporting to his panic room to calm down and wait out the storm crossed the young boy’s mind, but quickly disappeared as he realized he was 100s of blocks away from it. Too far for Ranboo’s teleporting abilities. Purple magic began swarming the panicked young boy as black dots clouded his vision. Ranboo’s arms tightened around the tree as he began to silently cry.

Technoblade grumbled as he entered his home. The rain had spoiled his adventure with his father and caused him to get all wet, something he did not enjoy. As he began to put away many of the things he had taken on the trip, something outside the window caught his eye. A cloud of purple swarmed around a spruce tree, something that had definitely not been there when he left. Scratching his head, Techno narrowed his eyes to try and make out what was happening. A small gasp escaped his throat as he realized that Ranboo was in the middle of the cloud. “Oh no” Techno murmured to himself before grabbing a random helmet and cloak before rushing out the front door toward the purple magic and the half-enderman trapped inside it. 

Ranboo had no idea what was happening. He could barely hear frantic footsteps approach him as his panic attack fully overwhelmed his body. Ranboo could barely register that something had been placed on his head and then something else had been wrapped around his body. “Come on buddy. I’ve got you,” A deep monotone voice murmured in his ear. For a brief moment, he thought maybe it was one of the voices in his head attempting to trick him, but the sound was too external for Ranboo to believe that for long. 

The two made their way across the open field back to Techno’s house. Techno supported most of the weight of Ranboo as he almost fully leaned himself on the pig-man. The rain was soaking Techno’s skin, but that wasn’t his number one worry at the moment. Techno’s front door had remained open from when Techno left in a rush, making it very easy for Techno to get Ranboo inside. 

Techno helped Ranboo sit down on one of the lavish couches, not caring if it got wet. Ranboo’s breathing was still very erratic and Techno began to panic a little himself. He had never been good at comforting people and calming them down. Normally he was actually a catalyst, causing people to get more and more aggravated. Always poking a metaphoric stick at the bear. He had no idea how to calm someone down. “There, there” He tried, awkwardly patting the boy on the shoulder. Ranboo showed no signs of acknowledging the fact Techno was there and had said something. 

Techno glanced around quickly and was relieved to find his father had caught up and had entered the back door. “Hold tight Ranboo,” Techno muttered to the boy before rushing toward his father. “Woah, slow down bud… What’s with the rush?” Philza asked, confused as to why his son was running at him. “Ranboo’s here. He’s having a panic attack, I don’t know what to do,” Techno admitted, a little bit choked up. Philza’s face immediately turned into determination, “Where is he?” Techno wasted no time, moving out of the way and leading his father back to the panicking boy. 

Philza had no hesitations going to the young boy that was hyperventilating on the couch and kneeled in front of him. “Hey Ranboo,” Phil greeted softly, “Can I touch you?” Ranboo’s eyes flitted around, barely able to make out the outline of a body. The voice was warm and familiar. Ranboo trusted this voice. A nod let Phil know it was okay to rest his hand on the boy’s shoulder. “We need to get you to calm down. Can you take a deep breath for me? Like this?” Philza took a slow deep breath, trying to get Ranboo to mimic him. Ranboo did in fact take a deep breath, not as deep as Phil’s but it was progress. “And out like this,” Philza slowly released the air from his lungs causing Ranboo to do the same. 

Techno watched as the two just took slow and deep breaths together. The purple magic slowly faded from around Ranboo’s body as the half-enderman calmed down. “Good, that’s really good,” Philza complimented as the shakiness left Ranboo’s breath. The black spots faded from Ranboo’s vision allowing him to see that he was no longer outside but rather in Techno’s own home. His heart hammered a little at the sight of the pink-haired man over Philza’s shoulder, but it calmed after Ranboo realized that Techno didn’t look upset. No the half pig looked rather worried for the half enderman. 

“Sorry… Sorry for that.” Ranboo breathed out, not really sure who he was apologizing too. “No. No kiddo, there’s nothing to be sorry for. You’ve done nothing wrong,” Phil comforted with a warm hand on the boy’s shoulder. Ranboo looked at the couch and noticed that the color was darker where he was sitting compared to the couch cushion next to him. “I got the couch wet,” Ranboo whimpered, looking over at Techno to gauge the man’s reaction. Techno simply shrugged, “It will dry… Are you okay?” Ranboo was a little taken back. The Blood God himself was asking how he was doing? Ranboo cleared his throat, “Oh. Um. I’m alright… Thank you. For saving me out there.” Techno only shrugged once more. “I couldn’t leave you like that.” 

Phil stood from his kneel, removing his hand from the boy’s shoulder. “I’m going to go get you some dry clothes okay?” Ranboo nodded at the older man’s words. Philza gave Ranboo a warm smile before leaving the living room. 

It was silent between the two halflings for a moment. As Ranboo took in his surroundings, he noticed there was something on his head and around his shoulders. Things that were definitely not there this morning. A shy hand came to his head and he pulled off the helmet. It was an Enchanted Turtle Shell helmet. Ranboo’s eyes flitted from the helmet to his shoulders where he found a red cape draped across him. He quickly stood from the couch and offered both things back to Techno. “Thank you so much for letting me borrow these. Here, you can have them back.” 

Techno made no move to take them. “Nah, it’s alright. You can have them. I don’t need them. I have this new cape that I made. And I made that helmet for…. For someone that betrayed me… So they can be yours now.” Deciding not to question it any further, Ranboo brought the items close to his chest. “Thank you. That’s very nice of you. I’ll cherish them forever,” Ranboo babbled as he placed the items back on his person. 

A slight glow made its way onto Techno’s face. “It’s whatever,” The pink haired man shrugged once more, trying to make it seem like he didn’t care. It wasn’t very effective. Ranboo smiled shyly as the cape settled on his shoulders once more, “I feel so powerful. Like I could do anything,” The half enderman admitted. Techno’s face broke into a grin as he chuckled, “Yeah, cool capes tend to have that effect on you. You always have had the ability to do anything, but now you believe it and that is magical.” 

There conversation ended once Philza came back into the room with a stack of clothes. “Here you go Ranboo, the bathroom’s just down the hall, first door on the right. Go get dried off and changed and then we can hang out until the rain stops.” Ranboo gave the man a dutiful nod before bouncing down the hallway and into the bathroom. 

Philza and Techno let out a sigh of relief when the door closed. “I really like that kid,” Philza admitted to his son, causing Techno to nod in agreement. “Yeah, he’s alright… Say Dadza, would you be willing to teach me how to calm someone down like you did… Ya know… Just in case.” A bright grin appeared on Philza’s face as he wrapped a loving arm around Techno’s shoulder. “Of course I will, son. Of course I will.” 

There you go! I really hope I did bat anon’s vision justice and you enjoyed it! If you did enjoy it, please be sure to leave a like!

[cheri-translates]

[CN] ASMR Transcripts (Kiro)

🍒 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for ASMRs which have not been released in English servers! 🍒

This post contains transcripts of the following:

> night warmth - 黑夜温度

> dawn - 晨光

> visiting his workplace on the beach - 海岛探班

night warmth - 黑夜温度

[ MC and Helios are being chased by a police car. Heavy panting. ]

Here. Hurry.

Don’t make a sound.

We’re safe for now.

…have you hugged me enough.

You’re right. This place is very dark and cramped.

You’re afraid?

…I said it before. Stay away from me.

[ Sound of ruffling and Helios tapping on his phone ]

We have to stay here until we can be certain of our safety.

My phone still has battery. There’s enough for it to be used as a light source.

Hm? What’s wrong?

It’s just a bruise. It wouldn’t affect anything.

I don’t need this…

Wait.

[ Sound of bandages ]

Don’t touch…

…it doesn’t hurt.

You don’t have to be so careful.

I wouldn’t become paralysed from this level of injury.

Why are you looking at me like that?

…I already said that it doesn’t hurt. I don’t want to repeat myself again.

You shouldn’t need to understand these things, much less interfere in them.

You…

What’s wrong with your hand?

Don’t move.

Only now do you know what pain is?

Open your hand. Put it here.

…come nearer.

What are you hiding from? I haven’t even started.

Put your hand properly. Don’t tremble.

…does it hurt?

I got it. I’ll be gentler.

Since you’re so afraid of pain, you should remember this clearly. Don’t be a busybody, especially when it comes to me.

There is a reason for that.

Tell me… you know quite a lot.

However, being bold isn’t necessarily a good thing.

[ Sound of running ]

There’s movement.

[ Sound of running ]

…they’ve gone far away.

What’s wrong? Why are you so warm?

Shh…

Don’t make a sound.

…looks like you have a fever.

The wound may have an infection.

Hang in there. I’ll bring you out soon.

Shh, don’t make a sound.

What did think I was going to do…

Fever and chills.

Come closer to me.

Even closer.

Treat this as thanks for “saving” me again.

I wouldn’t care about you the next time.

I hope there wouldn’t be a next time.

What are you laughing at?

Like a disobedient child stuck in a small black house?

You still have the mood to joke around?

Looks like you’re still clear-headed

Very strong… nothing.

If you’re tired, you can lean on me and sleep for a while.

Hm? You don’t dare to sleep?

Aren’t you very bold?

They likely think we have already escaped.

So once it’s dark, we can leave.

This time, after we part, I hope I’ll never meet you again.

At least, not in such an embarrassment situation.

You’ve fallen asleep so quickly.

For now, have a good sleep.

dawn - 晨光

[ Kiro waking up. Cute grunts ]

Hm? Are you awake?

What time is it?

[ Kiro unlocks his phone to check the time ]

It’s still early.

[ Kiro taps on his phone, then locks it ]

Savin says he’ll pick me up at 9am.

I can still sleep for another two hours.

Hm? Didn’t you know that Savin moved house recently?

Coming here requires him to take the most congested route in all of Loveland City.

Besides, it’s the early morning peak period now.

Last night, I saw that he was still singing karaoke at 1am on Moments.

He won’t make it at 9am.

[ Rustling ]

And I haven't been busy lately.

I’ll be investing in two days.

[Note] He actually says “进组” (“jin zu”), but I don’t know what it means even after searching it up. The closest thing I could find is the phrase “带资进组” (“dai zi jin zu”), which refers to how actors bring in start-up capital to invest in the crew before filming officially begins.

I’ve already pushed away jobs that should be pushed away.

These two days will just be spent recording some things in the shack.

[ Rustling and Kiro sighs ]

If I were to head over at noon, I’ll be done in the afternoon.

Hm? Do you want to look for me later?

We can go for a meal together.

[ Random grunt. Kiro sighs again, followed by a long period of silence ]

Oh right!

The program you mentioned the other time.

How’s it going? Smoothly?

I was going to ask you about it on the plane yesterday.

But once we met, I forgot about it.

Savin mentioned that you even asked for his help to find a celebrity who’s good at variety shows.

Have you found one?

In your proposal this time, is there nothing I can help with?

[ Rustling ]

‘No’?

How could there be nothing?

Hmph. Don’t underestimate me.

Even though I have more experience on stage,

When it comes to staging lights and acoustics,

I’ve done my research too.

I wouldn’t be much worse than experienced staff.

Also, if I can’t be a guest on your program,

I could be a member of the staff.

And my rates are very cheap.

If you’re the one hiring me, I’ll give you a large discount.

Hm? Why are you suddenly looking at me like that?

I’m not thinking of anything bad.

I’m just thinking…

I don’t seem to be very busy in the later half of the year.

If you aren’t busy either, we can spend more time together.

If you’re very busy, I can accompany you to work.

It’s so rare for us to have time. I have to cherish it.

Having more things to look at, having more songs to write, and seeing you more frequently.

Don’t worry, I really have time.

[ Rustling ]

I’m not the lead in this show.

So I can finalise it in around a month.

Mm! Even though I’m not the lead, I really like this role.

And it’s the first time I’m acting as someone’s brother.

I don’t know if I can act it well.

What’s wrong?

Did it leave you in shock that I’m not the lead?

Do you also think I should only accept lead roles?

Actually, Savin and I have discussed this matter.

He’s the same as always, leaving the decision to me.

So I think…

They’re all fine. I’ll just look at the script.

And the director this time round specially explained his reason for not casting me as the lead.

It made me feel a little embarrassed.

He’s an incredibly experienced director,

But still had to consider these trivial things for me.

[ Kiro sighs ]

Maybe my schedule was too packed with work before.

So it caused people to misunderstand.

Which is why I want to tidy it up from now onwards.

And not stretch myself too thin,

And to give myself more time to digest the work on hand.

[ Kiro sighs. Long silence again where you can hear Kiro’s breathing. ]

Hm? Are you getting up now?

I’m not that tired either.

But I keep thinking it’s a loss to get up when the alarm hasn’t sounded yet.

You said you didn’t want to get up and yet can’t sleep.

What should we do then, Miss Chips?

[ Rustling ]

I’m not referring to playing games, or watching the television, or using the phone.

[ Rustling. It sounds like he’s FEELING HER UP. ]

Looks like my intelligent and adorable Miss Chips has finally guessed it.

Which is why you’re using the blanket to cover your head.

Hmm, you can’t do that.

Weren’t you the one who said that on account of how I’ve been working hard during this period, you’d reward me with food and drinks?

If you say things you don’t mean,

I’ll be very upset.

I’ll count to three.

If you don’t take more initiative, I’ll do it myself.

Although I never bully you, being a little mischievous occasionally should be okay, right?

Three.

[ Rustling ]

Are you sure you don’t want it?

[ Kiro laughs ]

Two.

[ Kiro sighs ]

Looks like Miss Chips really isn’t afraid.

One.

I’ll be gentle.

[ Rustling ]

I promise.

[ A lot of rustling. Kiro breathes heavily. ]

visiting his workplace on the beach - 海岛探班

[ sound of waves on the shore + footsteps ]

Miss Chips, you’re here…

Don’t worry, it’s just that today’s shoot started too early.

I’m not very tired.

…of course I’m not lying to you.

[sighs] Come, sit over here.

How is it? Isn’t it very comfortable here?

Mm, I like staying by the seaside too…

Just being under the sun and feeling the sea breeze makes me feel so happy.

[laughs] But… with Miss Chips visiting me at work, I’m even happier.

[ zipping sounds ]

Hm? This is a “visiting at work” gift for me?

Wow, it’s a coconut from here.

As expected of my Miss Chips, who knows me best in the entire world.

You actually knew that I happened to be thirsty right now.

…mm, I see the opening.

…mm, very fresh and sweet.

Come, you can try it too… mm?

Why do you need to insert another straw?

Don’t move. I’ll just hold the coconut and feed you… open your mouth.

How is it? Does it taste delicious?

Ahh I’m sorry, it spilt onto your clothes…

[ tissue wiping sounds ]

…all right, it’s just that the collar is still a little wet.

Want to loosen your collar slightly?

Maybe it’d dry a little faster.

…don’t look at me with that expression. I really didn’t do it on purpose.

[ tissue patting sounds ]

[laughs] But there’s some coconut juice at the corner of your mouth which hasn’t been wiped clean…

[ tissue wiping sounds ]

[kiss] All right, it’s clean now…

…but I realised something earlier.

And that is… coconut juice is really very sweet. It’s savoury, especially…

[kiss] Eh, why is your face suddenly so red?

I know, I know, it’s the sunlight’s fault for being so strong on the seaside…

Miss Chips’ reddish cheeks were under the sun, and it’s definitely not because she’s shy.

No, it has nothing to do with you…

I accidentally bumped into something this morning during the filming.

Mm. I’ve already applied medicine. It doesn’t hurt at all, don’t worry.

Also, the moment I see you, I immediately come back to life.

…as long as Miss Chips is by my side, it’s already the greatest show of support.

However, the most effective way of visiting me at work is actually…

Come a little closer and I’ll tell you.

[ ruffling sounds ]

[kiss] To me, this is the most effective way of visiting me at work.

[ many more kisses ]

On a contented afternoon, quietly sitting by the seaside,

Having Miss Chips beside me,

Along with her hugs and kisses…

[sighs] This kind of visits at work are what I’ve always longed for… very perfect.

[sighs] Promise me that in every film I shoot in the future,

You’ll try your best to visit the set once, okay?

Because I hope you can always participate in my life.

[laughs] …all right, I’ll take it that you’ve agreed.

Don’t worry… this place is very hidden, and no one will come…

[bayleafbeeen]

List 5 things that make you happy, then put this in the askbox for the last 10 people who reblogged something from you. Spread the positivity!

Oh hey cool thank you! I actually got a few of these so if I can think of more things, I might answer another one later too. I probably won’t do them all, but thanks to everyone who sent them. Also, these aren’t in any order other than when I thought of them. (Oh god, I got very very wordy here, sorry. I tend to either not say anything at all or ramble and there is no in between.)

My dog, Tinkerbell. (We just call her Tink.) She’s a tiny Chihuahuaand she is the derpiest thing I have ever seen. She really old and she has like no teeth, so her tongue always hangs out. She just :p constantly. I love her so much even though we only inherited her from my great aunt 2 years ago or something like that? When we got her she was so scared of literally everything, but she’s gotten much more relaxed, especially around me. She sleeps with me and I’m the one who gives her love and attention the most. I just love her so much.

YouTubers. Honestly YouTube has helped me so much? I can’t even put it into words properly. (Though when can I ever word well) For one, it gives me something to do and something to watch when I need. Whenever I’m sad or angry about something I can just sit and watch someone miles away playing some game and having fun and saying dumb things that always make me laugh, no matter the mood I’m in. Whenever I am sick and don’t feel well, they always make me feel so much better. I don’t want to know where or how I’d be right now if I hadn’t started watching it. Just thinking about all the work they go through just to make content for people like me and how sweet all of them are is so amazing to me. Plus without them, I wouldn’t have found the next point and wouldn’t even be here where I am on Tumblr. I love them.

The BPS Discord Server. And all the friends I’ve made there. I’m so glad I joined and stayed. Everyone is so nice and supportive of everyone and it’s really great. Seeing everyone talking and interacting with each other is so nice and actually joining in myself? It’s so amazing to be part of this community, it really is. Plus, I think it’s gotten me out of my shell quite a bit? I haven’t used Discord since being in the server I got Discord for. It was for some online game and after being there for a while I was talking and out of my shell for a while till the Server shut down. So it’s really nice to have that again, because it’s so important for me. Love you guys~!

Content Creators. Specifically ones on here and the discord, I really love seeing what others make. I’ve always really loved others art and it’s so cool to see everyone posting original and even fan stuff. I had two close artist friends in middle school and I loved seeing what they made so much. In fact, I still have a bunch of drawings that one of them would give me that I would carry around at school and sometimes show people them. I still cherish them to this day. I’ve never been much of an artist myself aside from when I was pretty little and did stuff for school. The most artsy thing I used to do is coloring in coloring books, which is much easier. So it still just amazes me how people can think about something and just bring it into existence. Like they take this completely black page and make it into something so cool? Same goes for writings and stories, they are so amazing and great to read. I’ve gotten out of the habit of reading like actual books so having things to read still is so great, and for free? People make all these amazing things for absolutely nothing in return and still have the gall to like apologize for it not being good or fast enough? It’s so crazy. I could talk forever about how cool it is, so I’ll stop now and spare you. I seriously love everyone’s creations.

Writing. Even just things like this are just so therapeutic for me? I never really liked writing in Language Arts and such in school because apparently I have trouble putting my thoughts into words and onto paper. But typing is so much better for some reason? Most of the time I ramble on to try and get my point across better, but I love it so much. Especially writing stories. Over the years I’ve started so many little original stories that will probably never see the light of day, but I enjoy it. I started writing in the 5th grade when I decided I was going to write a novel, loosely based on my life back then. (Plus one of my friends helped quite a bit with the story part.) Looking back it was just some dumb daydream love story because I used to have the biggest crush in elementary and middle school. But I’m so glad I started writing it because I wouldn’t be writing today without it. I had so many different little parts written of it and I still have most of them. I was looking back at them a while ago and they are so bad and cringey, but they made me happy back then and they still kind of do, even if they are all pretty horrible. Alright, I’ve ranted too long now but I just love writing things, even if I’m not good at it.

[spale-vosver]

A Year In Review: 2018 Edition

I don’t normally make my own posts here, nor are they ever personal (I say as though I make posts at all), but since the year is very close to being over—in fact, as I’m writing this it’s 11:02 PM on December 31st—I wanted to look back at where I’ve been and where I still have to go; review the year, basically.

2018 was one hell of a bumpy year for me, though bumpy isn’t inherently bad. I met some amazing friends (you’ll all be mentioned later on) and at the same time lost and almost lost some amazing ones, whether it was to them moving away or my own mistakes. I got involved in so many new things I’d never done before: I got fully involved in theatre, I got kind of maybe in shape, I started caring about my health, I met so many new people both irl and online, I asked my (now ex but still best friend) girlfriend out for the first time it was honestly so new to me and coming out of my shell was an experience I needed.

As the year progressed and school wrapped up, though, I started to wane a bit. Anyone who knows me knows that summer wasn’t great mental health, especially since I was cooped up inside all day doing absolutely nothing but watching YouTube and playing way too much Crusader Kings, and everyone I interacted with felt the effects. I wasn’t nearly as accountable for my own health as I should have been, and I ended up hurting the same amazing people I’d met that year. Truth be told, I’ve still not fully recovered from those mistakes, and though I know no one holds it against me, they’re still some of my biggest regrets. Even now I’m still making them, but each time I make one, it’s less severe than the last time, and each time progressively less and less bad, so I’m improving, though not as fast as I want to, and unfortunately that speed won’t be achieved until I finally start CBT.

Speaking of that, this year wasn’t totally awful on the mental health front, though, considering I both went to a gender therapist to speak about advancements in my transition and was properly diagnosed with anxiety and depression and probably autism, and I can finally start treatment for them. When I do, my own efforts won’t be in vain, and I’ll hopefully have a leg up on whatever treatment I start. I just hope it comes soon, though, because seasonal depression can actually kiss my ass and no, Pennsylvania, 11 days is NOT a suitable amount of time for a break.

Anyways, now on to the real gushy stuff where I @ my friends and acquaintances and tell them how much I lurvvvv them. So, starting off with who I met first:

@thefunrepository/Camille/pash: When you let me join your discord server, I met some of the best people and best friends I’ve ever had, and for that, I’m eternally grateful. Even though you’ve now left that server, when you were there, you tolerated so much of my incessant rambling and @ing and my overall teenage boy-i-ness, but you never made me feel excluded, and I loved every second of it. Thank you so much for even tolerating me, because when I joined and was even just talking to you, that was what I needed most. (P.S.: here’s a New Years resolution for you: FINISH A WIP thanks bye I love you)

@xinnic: my fellow Irish Catholic fam, you’ve been nothing but supportive of me and my work from day one, and I can’t count how many nights over the pretty-shitty summer I spent cooling down by rambling to you about my gay trash kids and my gay trash WIP. Likewise, I’ve never gotten tired of your ramblings about your gay trash kids and your gay trash WIP, and your rambles have singlehandedly made me weak for Roísín in 1000 different ways. You’ve always been there when I needed to talk or reference something, and when you bring your meme game, it’s top tier. I remember almost crying when you started the binder squad, and though it’s no longer around, I still appreciate it. Thank you so much for caring and just being you.

@lilquill: man, oh man do we have a weird relationship. I honestly kind of thought you were annoying at first and no that’s not unique to you but I also warmed up to you really quickly. Your energy levels are unmatched and no matter how tired I am, your ability to somehow shout over text fixes that. You’ve spearheaded so many weird and memorable moments for the hell server, including the readings that led us to our voice reveals, to the ACOTRASH find and replace kerfuffle, and so many other things. Besides that, you’ve been a great friend, always pushing me to do better and be better and calling me out when necessary; I may not show it the best, but I appreciate all of it, and I probably wouldn’t be who I am right now without you. You’re also one of the bravest and most outspoken people I know, with the whole whiteblr deal only proving how willing you are to speak out against bullshit and bigotry. Thank you so much for your undying support of me and of everyone else, and I only hope to be as badass as you someday.

@gingerly-writing: ok please don’t be upset that yours is slightly shorter than everyone else’s but I wasn’t around you as much SO. You’re an insanely talented writer and memeing at you as well as sharing my writing has been so fun. I annoy you so much but you still manage to tolerate me and honestly that’s insanely commendable. I want to see you succeed in all of your projects this year and the next and the next and so on, as well as continue giving amazing advice; when you told me I was really good at characterisation, it was the first time I’d ever gotten proper writing advice, and I’ll cherish it always. Thank you for being a pal and dealing with mine (and someone else’s who we’ll mention later) shenanigans.

@olympusrox123: Sian, you fucking Aussie meme, I love you so much and you won’t get this until later because you’re on a goddamn plane but oh well. You’re insanely funny and smart, and you’ve made me laugh so many times I can’t keep count. When you took part in the name change shenanigans on discord, that was when I knew you were A Top Tier Meme and someone I could send only my freshest. Apart from that, you’re so sweet and have always been interested in what I have to say; plus, I love screaming at you about whatever and whenever and that time we read the Sherlock fic? Godly. Anyways, I just want to say that I heckin love you and that I hope you stay just as you are. Thank you for being you.

@ardentlythieving: oh man oh man oh man my ultimate meme buddy. My compadre. Second member of the three Memesketeers. The shit we’ve gotten up to together is amazing and I’ve loved every second of it. From the day we met we’ve been basically inseparable members, despite your penchant for backstabbing and betraying my meme plans due to your chaotic neutral nature, and every memey thing we’ve done together and every in joke we’ve made has been one of the most memorable meme moments of my life. You’ve always been there when I wanted or needed to just let loose my chaotic energy, and the fact that you just sort of adopted me into both your meme house and your internet family in general has made me so happy. I’ve loved playing SWTOR with you and talking about Thrawn with you and sending you the worst shit I can find, and I wouldn’t trade a second of it. Thank you for being your memey-ass self, and if I don’t get even better memes this year I’m flying to your hell-sheep-rock-land to fight you.

@thornheartcat: we’re waaaaay too fucking similar for our own good. To our taste in video games and anime (max weebage) to our experiences with ASD, I’ve found so many ways to relate to you, which has made talking to you so fun. And that’s another thing: you’re older than me by a lot, but you’ve never treated me any differently, which has meant so much to me. You’ve always put me on equal ground with you and the rest of your friends, and have tolerated my fuckery since day 1, even if you do have some questionable choices in media you enjoy. The long and short of it is, you’re hella rad and hella nerdy, and I love nerding out with you. Thank you for seeing past my age and treating me just like anyone else.

@catcatamelia: chaotic Aussie lesbian says what??? Amelia you’re fucking great and so talented and so creative, and you’re so much fun to be around. I love playing shitty and good video games with you, as well as just talking and memeing back and forth and watching you draw; you’re so amazingly multitalented and interesting that I never get bored around you. I wish that we could hang out via the interwebs more, but bullshit scheduling is bullshit scheduling and whatcha gonna do. You’ve also always been there to comfort me because, like so many of my amazing friends, we share so many issues and commonalities that you always know just what to say. Thank you for never being afraid to open up and just be your wild self. Please never change.

@sea-reader: I left you for last because I have the most to say to you. Our relationship has been up and down in the almost one year we’ve known each other, and it’s mostly due to me. Since we started talking on discord, I’ve always loved listening to you talk about whatever; you always bring your own energy and passion to it, and even if it’s about stuff I don’t know a whole ton about, I’m never bored listening to you talk about it. You’re funny, and smart, and talented, and I’m so glad to have met you in the first place. You were a major factor in helping me out of my shell; there wasn’t a day that went by in the first half of this year where I didn’t mention you in some capacity to someone I knew because you’d said something hilarious or really smart or had brought some new idea I’d never thought of to the table or just done something. Was it the most healthy thing in the world? No, and looking back on it we started getting unhealthy even before The Thing That I’m Not Going To Mention In Public, but we’re continuing to grow and improve even to this day, and for that I’m forever thankful. You could have easily shut me out after that incident, but you didn’t; you gave me a second chance that I’ve rarely ever gotten, and I’m so, so glad. I know we likely won’t ever be as close as we once were, nor will we be able to talk like we once did, but that’s okay, because it doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be us, and it has to be healthy, and that’s enough for me. I love you more than I can say, just like everyone else, and I can only hope 2019 brings the best for the both of us. Thank you for being a friend, Lori, because our relationship, the good and the bad, was part of what I needed and got from all of the people I interacted with and met this year. Happy New Year, you dork.

If I missed anyone, please forgive me; it’s now 7 minutes to 2019, and I’m rushing. Tl;dr; Happy New Years, everyone. Be a little better, because you can be, even if you don’t think so.

-Geoff.

[romanticoldme]

This is my bughead Secret Santa for @birdlovesafish. I’m sorry it’s so late - Happy New Year!!

It’s my first ever long(ish) fic so please forgive any errors of spelling, grammar, repetition, wordiness etc. I really hope you enjoy it though – it was fun to write!!

Set at the end of S2E09 Chapter 22 ‘Silent Night Deadly Night’ (except Betty doesn’t burn all her Black Hood memorabilia)

NB I didn’t start out to write a sexy times fic but the words just kept coming (so to speak…)

Late in the afternoon on Christmas Day Betty opens her present from Jughead and feels like her heart nearly stops. When it resumes its normal rhythm it’s beating slightly faster. ‘Surely’, she thinks ‘if he loves me this much it can’t be over’. Pushing the thought to the back of her mind Betty picks up her phone to text Jughead a thank you message but then realises that it just doesn’t feel right to say it via text. ‘I’ll talk to him tomorrow’ she decides then noticing the time gets up to pull on a few more layers.

Betty heads downstairs to grab her coat. Hal and Alice are sitting quietly in the living room talking about how disappointed they are that Polly didn’t come home for Christmas. “Mom, Dad I’m off to do my shift at Pop’s soup kitchen” she calls as she walks out the door. “Call us if you need a ride home” replies Hal, but she’s already gone.

The car park at Pop’s has been taken over by two big marquees each lined with long tables and chairs, and a few strategically placed gas heaters. The tables are decorated simply with holly, and candles in glass jars. Everything is gearing up for the dinner sitting at the soup kitchen, which started with breakfast this morning and has been running most of the day. Kevin and Josie were singing carols earlier and now the church choir has taken their place.

“Hey Pop, where would you like me to start”? Betty asks as she dons her apron.

“Hi Betty, thanks so much for coming down tonight, you’re always such a help here” replied Pop warmly. “I think if you can start getting the plates and cutlery ready, the servers will be out with the hot dishes soon and then we can start feeding these people here.”

Everything is stacked in big boxes behind one of the serving tables so Betty’s first job is to make stacks of plates on the table next to the food warmers, ready for the servers (of which she is one). Even though everyone calls it ‘Pop’s soup kitchen’ today the menu consists of roast meat and vegetables and Christmas pudding. The smell coming from the kitchen is mouth-watering. Betty turns around to comment to Midge (who is helping with the cutlery) about the delicious aromas and comes face to face with Jughead holding a huge tray covered in foil. “Oh!” she exclaims “Umm hi” and glances down to the plates in her hand. “Hey Betty” says Jug quietly eyes meeting hers for the briefest moment. “I didn’t realise you would be here too, I hope you don’t mind. I came to help Pop” he explains. “Oh no of course not Jug, it’s great you’re here too”.  “Is there room for this tray in there?” asks Jughead as he nods towards the food warmer. “Yes, yes of course, here let me get out of your way, I’m so sorry” Betty says awkwardly, moving aside. “Betts, it’s fine” smiles Jughead in an effort to relieve some of the tension, both of them aware there is so much going unsaid between them.  

Before they know it there is an army of people carrying more trays of food all trying to get to the serving area and Betty and Jughead are pushed aside for the moment while everything is set up. “Betty” says Jughead softly touching her arm “after this is all over, can we talk, just for a minute?” “Sure, Jug” replies Betty ducking her head and with a half-smile on her face.

The next 2 hours for Betty pass in a whirlwind of dishing up copious amounts of food, smiling and laughing, giving best wishes to those she meets, and occasionally glancing up to see Jughead as he runs back and forth from the kitchen, refreshing drinks and delivering bread to all the tables.

As the last of the dishes are cleared away to the kitchen by the clean-up team, Betty lets out a large sigh and wipes her brow. “As much as I love this I’m glad our part is done” says Midge as she dons her jacket smiling at Betty. “I agree, Midge” replies Betty returning her smile “see you back at school next week” she says as she waves goodbye.

Betty turns to reach for her coat only to find two hands holding it out for her ready to put her arms in. “Oh Juggie, thank  you” Betty says warmly, slipping her arms in. She turns towards Jughead as she buttons her coat and then tucks her hands under her arms. Now that she’s not busy and the heaters are off her hands have quickly become cold. “Don’t you have your gloves Betts?” asks Jughead frowning, then hands her his leather motorcycle gloves “here, take these, they might be a little large but they’ll help”. “Thank you” Betty replies softly, smiling. “Do you need a ride home now” asks Jughead hopefully, but Betty shakes her head and says “No, I’d rather walk – walk with me?” raising her eyebrow to him. Jughead smiles back at Betty and they turn and fall into step beside each other, Jughead kicking lumps of snow as he walks.

They walk in silence for a few minutes then “Betty-“ “Jughead-“ they both say simultaneously then look at each other and laugh softly. “You go first” says Jug smiling. Betty takes a deep breath before beginning “Thank you for my present Juggie” she says softly “it’s perfect, you know me so well, and I’ll cherish it. Did you read it first?” “Betty” he admonishes gently “of course I did, and I can see why you love her writing so much, I’m glad you like it”. “I love it, Jug…” she replies leaving the rest of her reply hanging. “Speaking of gifts” says Jughead wryly “I think perhaps you went a little overboard with mine! A vintage Underwood Betts? I’m not sure I’m worthy of that”. “Juggie! Of course you are, you know you are” Betty states giving him her ‘look’ and squeezing his arm. Jughead stops walking, “Betty…” “Yes Jug” she replies turning to face him, they stand there in silence until Betty says “What?” she repeats it in an echo of the moment before their very first kiss, knowing he will understand the significance, and with one eyebrow raised gives him an encouraging smile. “I’m so sorry Betty, for everything. For not talking to you enough once I started at Southside, for not telling you what was happening with the Serpents, for not confiding in you when things were going bad and mostly for pushing you away. I’m not sure I know who I am anymore and I don’t know how to fix everything that’s gone wrong, not just with us but with my dad too”. “Jug, you’re not the only one who has been struggling with all this. I didn’t confide in you either, I let the physical distance between us become emotional distance. I’ve made bad decisions too – Serpent dance anyone? And I pushed you away first. So please, don’t blame yourself for everything that’s gone wrong with us”.

Jughead stepped forward placing one hand on her shoulder and holding the other near her face “Betty, I don’t want to be without you anymore” stated Jughead his voice breaking on the last word “Is there - will you - can you forgive me?” “Juggie” whispered Betty grabbing the hand near her face and placing it on her mouth and kissing it. “There’s nothing to forgive – or only if you forgive me too, and promise me that we’ll keep talking to each other” her eyes welling with unshed tears.

Suddenly both of Jughead’s hands are on Betty’s  face and he’s kissing her like he’s a drowning man and she is his oxygen. The tears that were welling have run down Betty’s face and they can taste them in the kiss and then Jughead is kissing them away from her cheeks and her eyes, before returning to her mouth and parting her lips so his tongue can delve inside. This kiss almost feels like a first kiss and yet it’s so much more because they’re putting all of their feelings of loss and love into it at the same time, it’s like coming home.

They stop for breath their eyes closed, their lips barely apart, breathing each other’s air. “Juggie” Betty whispers her lips ghosting over his “Stay with me” it’s barely a question and Jughead simply replies “Yes”.

They walk back to Betty’s with their arms wrapped around each other, it’s slow and it’s freezing cold but they don’t care or notice. The only light on at the house is the one outside the front door so they both enter and make their way quietly up the stairs.

Once inside Betty’s room with the door shut (and locked) there’s a moment of awkwardness which they both laugh off – this isn’t the first time they’ve shared a bed after all – but something feels different tonight. “I’ll change in the bathroom” Betty offers and grabs fresh pjs from the drawer on the way in. While Betty changes, Jughead strips down to boxers and his S t-shirt and climbs into her bed. When she comes back out he has the covers in his hand and is holding them open for her, Betty can’t help the smile that crosses her face as she runs and dives under the covers, snuggling up to Jughead’s side while he tucks the blankets behind her.

They lay that way for a while, Betty curled up against him, Jughead’s arm under her and the other stroking down her arm and side. They start talking quietly and tell each other things that they both think they should have earlier. “Penny Peabody helped get my dad out of jail”, “Polly left town to go stay on the farm”, “My dad’s in deep with bad business and he won’t let me help”, “I don’t think Mr Svenson was the Black Hood”, “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about joining the Serpents”, “I’m sorry about the dance”…

“Betty”

“Yes Jug”

“I love you”

“I love you too Juggie”

Betty pushes herself up onto her elbow and looks into Jughead’s eyes.  “I love you” she says again leaning in to kiss him. Jughead puts his hand in her hair and pulls her into him kissing her back, his lips devouring hers. Their tongues run along each other’s lips then invade their mouths and suddenly the intent behind theirs kisses changes and they can’t get enough of each other. Their kissing becomes frenzied, like they’re running out of time and Betty’s breath hitches in her throat. Jughead pulls back slightly and asks “Are you ok?” “I’m ok Jug, I just – I’m not sure where this is going and I –“, “Do you want to stop” interrupts Jughead “Because we can”. “No, no I don’t, I don’t want to stop Jug, I just need it to be slower I think”. “We can do slow baby, slow is good” he reassures her.

When he calls her ‘baby’ Betty melts back into his arms and they resume kissing, deeply and passionately. Jughead’s hand moves down to her waist then up under her t-shirt, skimming her side and coming to rest next to her breast, his thumb reaching around to stroke the lower edge. Betty’s breath stutters and she pushes forward into his hand. Jughead groans into her mouth as his hand fully encloses her breast squeezing gently. He runs his fingertips over her nipple with a featherlight touch which sends shivers running through Betty’s whole body igniting the fire deep in her belly. “Oh” she breathes in to his mouth as he continues his attention to her nipple. Slowly he pushes her shirt up under her arms and moves his kisses from her mouth to her cheek, they trail down her neck until he reaches her collarbone which he nibbles lightly with his teeth before kissing it and then lowering his mouth even further to her breast. He kisses across the top of one, planting one kiss in between, then on to the other. Betty lifts her body again and breathes “please” and then his mouth is on her nipple, he sucks it gently then runs his tongue over it, while his hand still works over her other breast. He takes turns with them, suck, lick, blow and Betty responds with a shiver her whole body writhing under him.

“Off, please” she gasps grabbing his shirt and pulling, Jughead lifts enough for her to pull it over his head and then he’s sliding his hands up her arms to remove hers too. As good as his mouth felt on her breasts, the feeling of his skin, the slightly rough hairs on his chest rubbing over her sensitised nipples, is intoxicating. Betty wraps her arms behind his neck and pulls him back down to her mouth, drinking him in.

With Jughead lying almost over her Betty can feel his leg between hers and she instinctively raises her hips slightly pushing the sensitised flesh between her legs up against his thigh. Jughead feels her heat and pushes himself back against her at which point Betty becomes aware of his erection against her thigh. They continue their subtle hip movements as they kiss, all the while the pressure building inside them both.

Feeling bolder than ever Betty reaches her hand down and lightly rubs over the front of Jughead’s boxers. He breathes in sharply and then groans into her mouth. Emboldened by his response she strokes again lightly wrapping her hand around his impressive length. “Oh God Betty” he moans “that feels amazing”. Pleased that she seems to be doing it right Betty continues to move her hand in long strokes still on the outside of his shorts.

Kissing Betty lightly on her lips Jughead looks down as he slides his hand from her breast down over her hip bone to the thin fabric of her pj shorts. He rests his hand at the junction of her thighs then slowly moves his whole hand down between her legs, exerting firm yet gentle pressure. Betty’s hand stops it ministrations on his erection as new sensations take over her senses. “Oh” she breathes as Jughead’s hand passes back and forth over her.  Without realising it Betty’s thighs relax and her legs slowly fall open allowing his hand to access more of her throbbing flesh. The next time Jughead brings his hand back up he continues to the waistband of her shorts and after seeking permission with a raised eyebrow and getting a nod and a soft kiss in reply he dips below the edge of her shorts to slide his fingers through the incredibly soft, moist flesh below. The intimacy of the contact and the sheer force of sensations new to them both is enough to take their collective breath away. He continues to stroke ever so slowly, increasing the pressure as he nears both the sensitive bud at the top of her sex as well as the silky entrance below. Betty’s breathing has become uneven as she gives off small whimpers and moans at the sensations he’s inducing. Feeling incredibly courageous (and lucky) Jughead finally dips his middle finger into her moist interior and gasps at how hot she is inside. Betty groans “Oh God yes” into his mouth as he kisses her. He holds his hand in place and strokes his finger in and out of her noticing her gasps when he touches the rough patch of skin on her upper wall. Jughead pushes his tongue into Betty’s mouth at the same time he pushes his finger into her in a slow and steady rhythm that drives her crazy with need.

Betty realises that she has stopped stroking Jughead and feeling slightly guilty she reaches into the front of his boxers to run her fingers up his bare length. He’s so hard and yet the skin is soft like velvet. She wraps her fingers around him and at feeling of her hand running up and over his sensitised head Jughead gasps “Jesus Christ” into Betty’s mouth. Now it’s her turn to stroke him until he can’t think anymore. They both whisper “Oh baby” and “That feels so good” into each other’s ears as they learn the secrets of each other’s bodies. Betty feels the moisture at Jughead’s tip and uses it to make her hand slide more easily along his length. Jughead feels Betty’s walls quivering around his finger and slips a second one inside, using his thumb to stimulate her clit, feeling her get even wetter under his hand. Betty moans underneath him “Juggie, I think I’m close, really close.” “It’s ok baby you can let go” murmurs Jughead as he strokes deeper inside her and moves his thumb even faster over the bundle of nerves. Within moments he feels her clench around him, body shaking as she cries softly into his ear. “Are you ok baby?” he whispers kissing her hair, her ear, her cheek and finally her lips. “Never better” Betty jokes with a shaky smile and tears in her eyes. Betty nods towards the bedside table “In the top drawer, there are condoms, if you want…?” “Oh baby I want” replies Jughead reaching over to grab a foil packet and rip it open with his teeth. He places the condom over his tip and Betty helps to roll it down his shaft, squeezing him firmly as she goes. Even though Betty feels quite wet after her orgasm Jughead is concerned about her first time so he reaches for the lube that’s sitting in the drawer and while he’s rubbing some onto her says “Baby please tell me to stop if it’s too much, I don’t want to hurt you”, “Juggie, you won’t hurt me, you couldn’t. I love you and I want this too much to stop you now”.  Positioning himself above her Jughead slips his fingers inside to stroke and relax her before withdrawing them and replacing them with his tip. He gently pushes forwards feeling little resistance but it’s definitely a tight fit. Betty breathes deeply and tries to relax as much as she can, tilting her hips to get the best angle for his entry. It feels like a mild burning/stinging until he’s fully immersed in her then the base of his shaft, which is the widest part, really puts pressure on her and she gasps “Wait”. “Are you sure you’re ok Betts” Jughead asks worriedly. “I’m fine, I’m perfect, just don’t go too deep yet”. Jughead nods, closes his eyes and pulls back before thrusting in gently again, this time Betty rock her hips to meet him and after a couple more tentative movements they start to establish a gentle rhythm. Nothing has ever felt like this before for either of them and they are in no rush to finish quickly. Betty has never felt so full before like every part of her inside is being touched at the same time. Jughead has never felt the heat of being inside someone before and he feels like he’s going to self-combust. Together their pace begins to quicken and though Betty feels amazing she’s knows she not going to come again, so she focusses on gripping him tightly and drawing him in with every thrust. Jughead can feel the pressure building and though he doesn’t want to lose control he can’t help feeling like he just wants to push as far inside Betty as he can go. He can feel her drawing him in with her hips and her muscles and he feels himself easing into her slightly deeper with each thrust. He looks down to where they are joined and it is the sight of him buried inside her that tips him over the edge as he comes in a rush of sensation shuddering and shaking above her as he cries her name.

They lay together kissing and smiling and whispering to each other with him still inside her. He doesn’t want to leave her body and she won’t let him anyway, hooking her legs around his to hold him. Eventually Jughead starts to soften and slips out, he passes her a tissue, disposes of the condom and then quickly takes his place back by her side. They wrap their arms around each other, legs tangled, feeling utterly smug.

“Welcome home Juggie” murmurs Betty as they drift off to sleep.

Wherever you are is home Betts” replies Jughead resting his mouth against her temple.

“I know” she whispers back smiling.

fin

[emmaswanchoosesyou]

CSBB: Part of the Narrative (4/17)

Emma Swan just wants to write the follow-up to her bestselling debut novel, that’s all. But when she gets off to a rough start with her new editor, Killian Jones, she knows it’s not going according to plan. Then, an unexpected figure from Emma’s past reappears and life begins to mirror the crime thriller she’s penning. Suspicion and secrets abound–but love might too. A writer/editor AU with a thriller twist.

Rated E. Story warnings: sexual content, kidnapping, some gore, violence, and minor character death–not to mention salty language! On Ao3 here.

Chapter warnings: more plotting and lying, and mentions of unpleasant time spent in foster care.

Happy birthday to me! Today I’m going to make like a hobbit and post this chapter (though I’ll let you decide how much of a gift that is, haha.) Just know that your comments and likes and kudos and reblogs have been cherished and squealed over. Thank you to @captainswanbigbang for all you’ve done to make this possible, and all the support you’ve given. Sophie @shady-swan-jones made the delightful banner and another photoset that I adore. Kayla @bleebug did some incredible art for the first chapter, which you can check out here. And all the love and thanks to Kris @sambethe for beta-ing this and making it a ton better.

[Ch. 1] [2] [3]

Chapter 4

Emma turns in some first drafts, and Killian sees another connection between them. His realization of how much her book means to her sparks a realization of his own.

Killian

Killian pressed his hand to his temple, willing the headache to stay away. He hadn’t seen Emma since his meeting with her at Granny’s a couple weeks before. They’d exchanged emails back and forth, terse on her end and exceedingly polite (he might be compensating for something, his brain whispered) on his.

But today was the day he’d asked for her prospectus and an outline. It was due at the end of the day, which was rapidly approaching. He glanced up at the clock, wincing when he saw that it was nearly three in the afternoon.

Then he heard a knock on his office door. “Come in.”

“Hey,” Emma said, poking her head around the door. You could have knocked him over with a feather, he was so surprised to see her.

She looked lovely as always in her simple plaid dress, leggings, and leather jacket. She was even wearing glasses, and he felt some of his frustration draining away at the sight of her. “Er, hello, Swan.”

“I brought you a present.” There was something cautious in her voice, softer than he was expecting given their previous interactions.

“Oh, whatever could it be? Flowers? Chocolates?” He grinned at her, hoping to play his eagerness off as light-hearted flirtation and teasing.

She rolled her eyes, but he saw the ghost of a smile at the corner of her mouth as she walked toward his desk. “No, Jones. A draft.”

“A draft?”

“Of the first chapter. I have the outline and abstract-y thing you wanted too.”

He glanced up at her sharply. “Well, that’s exciting. I was only expecting the latter two.”

“I got extra inspired,” she said, shrugging.

“Then I’m excited to read it, after I look over the outline and, er, ‘abstract-y thing’ as you say.”

Emma sat down, her hands falling to her lap. “I--listen, I figured you might want to take a look at a sample of an earlier draft of my writing, and we could see how to work with it together from there.”

Keep your face neutral, mate, he told himself, inwardly dancing for joy at the tentative olive branch she was offering. Outwardly, he said, “That’ll be excellent, lo-Emma.”

Her face broke into a full grin. “Lo-Emma, huh?”

“Just doing my best to abide by our new no-moniker rules, but old habits are hard to break.”

“No, it’s cool. I think it’s how I’ll introduce myself from now on.” She was smirking, so he took her gentle mockery as a good thing.

Shaking his head, Killian feigned a dramatic sigh. “I see how it’s to be.”

She looked like she was about to say more, but then she started. “Oh! Before I forget--” She placed a small thumb drive on the edge of his desk. “Here’s the drive that has everything on it.”

He leaned forward and cocked an eyebrow at her. “Wouldn’t an email have been simpler?”

“Simpler, maybe. Certainly less secure.”

“Ah, you fear hacking?” He was intrigued. She didn’t seem like the paranoid type.

“Well, my website was hacked once a few months ago.” She shrugged. “And my work in bail bonds taught me that the less you keep online, the better.”

He picked up the thumb drive and inserted it into his laptop. “Hang on, I didn’t realize you actually worked in bail bonds. I thought you tailed had one for a while.”

“And here I’d have thought you’d have done your homework better,” she said, raising an eyebrow at him. “No, I worked in bail bonds for a few years. It helped me pay the bills and get a feel for the world of law enforcement, since that’s what I wanted to write about.”

“And you did a magnificent job. Your knowledge of the criminal underworld and the people involved with bringing them to justice certainly came through in the text,” he hurried to reassure her.

A wry look he couldn’t quite decipher crossed her face. “Uh, yeah. Thanks. I learned a lot over the years.”

“Your first book was excellent, Swan. It’s plain to see that a lot of research and knowledge went into it.”

That finally drew a genuine smile from her. “I’m glad you think so. Fruit of my labor and all that jazz.”

“Ah, yes.” He shook his head and carded his fingers through his hair. “Which explains why my initial approach went over like lead in water.”

She inclined her head in acknowledgment. “Yeah. But you’re right, there’s room for improvement.”

“Nonetheless, I apologize for my rudeness and the way I expressed myself. It was...ill-advised.”

Emma snorted but gave him a small smile. “No shit. But thanks for the apology. Besides, I could have handled the situation--and the criticism--better.”

He waved that aside. “You behaved as most people would when their child was attacked. And your book, as you put it, being the fruit of your labor…”

That same indefinable look from earlier came back to her face, but she pressed on. “Fair enough. So, should we, I dunno, let bygones be bygones?”

“Sounds excellent,” he said, clearing his throat. “Oh, one last thing--in light of said disagreements, I was hoping that we could be a bit more collaborative in our approach. If, perhaps, I was able to find a good, secure server for us to work on, would you be fine with putting the any future work there?”

She hesitated. “Um, if you can? But I want to okay it first, if that’s all right.”

“Certainly. I still have some military and and journalistic contacts who need higher degrees of security, so I’m sure they’ll have something to recommend.”

She bit her lip, mulling this over. “That should work.”

Killian told himself not to let his gaze drop to said lips. “Excellent. Would you like me to get in touch if I find something?”

“Sure. You can call or email.”

He relaxed back into his chair, some of the tension draining from him. “Wonderful. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.”

&&&

Killian worked at home the next day, having received permission to do so occasionally. After all, today was about doing his first read-through of Emma’s draft, and he wanted to be comfortable while doing so.

After she’d left his office the previous day, he had let Cleo, August, and Regina know that she’d met the deadline. He’d met with a variety of reactions, from Regina’s “Very well, keep on,” to August’s enthusiastic response and desire to be kept in the loop entirely, to Cleo’s subdued but measuring acceptance and comment that she was glad they’d found a way to work together. He’d been tasked with looking over some promising manuscripts, so had spent the rest of the afternoon doing just that.

And now his reward--getting to sit in his comfortable but spartan apartment, drinking coffee and rum while he edited from his favorite chair.

The blasted thing had finally arrived from the UK, one of the few items of furniture he refused to part with in the move. Honestly, it was a monstrosity, an old reclining wingback chair, but it had been Liam’s. For all its resistance to classification, it was comfortable. He’d spent many an hour in the ridiculous thing. On his own in a sullen, drunken fog. Sitting next to Milah in the daintier chair she’d selected, or his favorite of all--when she’d slipped onto his lap and they’d snuggled in the chair.

(The usual dull ache was still present when he thought of Milah, but its sharpness was starting to fade. Killian wondered what that meant.)

Pouring himself a small glass of rum and carrying that and his coffee with him over to the chair, he situated himself with a blanket and pulled up Emma’s summary and outline.

An hour later, he was immersed in her outline, writing notes and comments for parts he wanted to talk about and hear more about. He couldn’t wait.

As he continued to read, he came to a realization--only someone who had lived through the foster care system could write about it so knowledgeably and so passionately. This wasn’t just a plotline for Emma. This was more--this was her life.

Killian bit his lip, regretting some of his previous comments and assumptions about her and wondering how he should proceed. He wanted--no, needed--to make sure she knew he would support her. And that he understood, perhaps better than she knew.

He debated calling or texting her, but finally settled on an email, giving her space so that she didn’t feel obligated to acknowledge or respond to him.

He hesitated, unsure of how to begin.

Swan--

Right now, I just want to take the moment to tell you how thrilled, how in awe I am of your talent and skill with words.

I have comments, queries, and edits, but before I go over that, I needed to let you know how excited I am for this novel. (Oh, and as an aside, a friend showed me a server that I think will do nicely for us. I’ll be in my office tomorrow if you want to check it out, but you can always call if you’d like to make sure I’m there.)

Not only does your book promise to be well-written, but you’re handling this sensitive topic amazingly well.

Confession: I was in the system myself (albeit in the UK), along with my brother. My mum passed away when Liam and I were quite young, and my dad ran out on us a couple years after that. I was all of nine years old, and Liam was just fifteen.

We muddled along for the next few years. Some of the homes were pleasant enough, while others were...well, hell. Liam joined the military at eighteen to try to take care of us, and I was able to leave the system at sixteen. I can’t imagine the struggles that would come with being in for even longer.

Having shared all this personal information--and my apologies if this makes things awkward--I am beyond relieved to see how you plan on handling the topic of foster care and foster children.

If you ever want to have a chat about this, you know where to find me. My personal number is 555-687-9305, in case you ever need another perspective or to share stories (excuse my presumption if I’m wrong).

Killian hesitated, trying to decide on the best way to end the missive, as he was already toeing the line between professional and personal.

Best, Killian

P.S. I particularly like the depth of characterization for the main character and the sense of doom and offness that’s present even in the first chapter.

There. That should do it.

He clicked send and hoped Emma wouldn’t be too put off by his email.

&&&

Killian awoke feeling vaguely nervous and apprehensive about work. He hadn’t checked his email yet, but he hadn’t received a reply from Emma the previous day. He knew it was too soon and that she might need time to see his message, let alone respond. But still, it made him anxious.

To keep himself distracted, he’d responded to a text from Robin Locksley, taking him up on an invitation to meet him at a little pub that Robin swore was just like those at home. Hearing familiar accents had been a relief, a balm for his somewhat weary soul. And Robin seemed like a good sort, for a detective. He was a widower, his wife had been good friends with Milah in the early years of their careers. They’d grown apart, but the tenuous connection had provided some good bonding between him and Robin. They’d drunk just enough to do their country proud but not so much that either would be hungover today.

After greeting Ariel cheerfully (well, with as much as he could muster--no match for her levels, to be sure) and nodding politely to Cleo when he passed her in the hall, he slipped into his chair and took a deep breath as he turned on his computer. He opened his email, and…

Nothing.

Nary a short “okay” from Emma, not even a single, pointed word. Dammit.

He rubbed his hand over his face, not having realized how much he’d hoped she would recognize him as a kindred spirit, a fellow lost boy to her lost girl. He was so distracted by his thoughts, he nearly jumped out of his skin when he heard a short knock on his door before. He looked over to find Emma poking her head into his office.

“Hey. Am I interrupting anything?” She frowned, her forehead wrinkling making her look uncertain and a little wary, and nothing short of perfect.

He nearly tripped, stumbling to his feet to greet her. “No! Not at all. Come in, come in.”

A small smile tugged at her lips. She handed him a coffee cup and lifted her own in acknowledgment. “Thank you. For the feedback and the email. And for telling me about the rest.”

“Oh, er, right…” he fought the urge to scratch behind his ear. What was it about this woman that made him feel like a teenager all over again?

She seemed to pick up on his awkwardness. “So yeah. Thank you.”

“I--it was really no trouble, Swan. I meant what I said la--”

“I’m here to ask you on a date.”

“--st ni--pardon?!”

Emma looked at him, the crease in her brow deepening at his lack of comprehension. He clearly had thrown her off with his stuttering response. She took a breath. “I’m asking you out?”

“Oh!” he said, scratching a finger at the lid of his coffee cup. “Er, as long as it’s not a question...er, yes.”

She smiled then, one of her brilliant, full smiles, and he felt as though he’d been blinded by the sun. “Awesome.”

He smiled back, unable to stop himself. “I have just one condition--let me plan the date.”

“Hey, I was going to show you the town,” she pouted.

He laughed and took a step toward her. “No offense, love, but while you are the one I’d turn to for a well-crafted paragraph, I think planning romantic outings might be more my area of expertise.”

She narrowed her eyes at him, but the corner of her mouth still twitched. “You still can’t call me ‘love’.”

“Fine, Emma,” he sighed dramatically, trying to fight off another grin.

She stepped closer, narrowing the distance between them. “Lo-Emma, though,” she said, tapping a finger against her mouth, “that’s cool.”

“Good to know.”

She took a step back. “Cool.”

“So...shall I let you know when I’ve made plans for our date?”

Emma nodded at him happily, smiling serenely as she bid him farewell for now.

&&&

By the time he was able to organize something that worked for both his and Emma’s schedules, it was nearly a week later. Killian hoped the evening would suit her. He just wanted a good way for them to get to know each other better.

And they had been. Getting to know each other, that is.

While they hadn’t had a chance to see each other again, the days had been filled with texts and emails between them. Most were light, casual things, but a few...well, Killian was reminded of his near-celibacy since Milah’s death (other than a brief, alcohol-fueled spell where he had gone home from the bar with a different woman every night, which had ended abruptly when one had stolen a vintage compass that had been a gift from Liam).

Now, as he buttoned his vest in preparation for their date, he felt his gut churning. It was mostly excitement, to be sure. Being around Emma--it was to know life, excitement, both things he’d forgotten about in his grief and anger.

But he couldn’t pretend that part of what was bothering him wasn’t guilt. It had been almost two years since Milah’s passing, and he knew it was time to move on. Milah would want this; he knew that on an intellectual level. He and Emma had something that he wanted to explore.

But was he betraying Milah’s memory? Was he ready?

And then there was the other part of this that left him uneasy...his obligations to August. Now, more than ever, he regretted agreeing to August’s schemes and subterfuge. It made him feel dirty, and however she’d feel about Emma, Milah would hate this.

So would Emma. Actually, hate probably wasn’t strong enough--she’d loathe it, and she’d be right to never speak to him again if she found out.

He had to find a way to end this foul partnership and distance himself from August, even if it would cost him his job and whatever was growing between him and Emma. Even if he had to return to his apartment in London, with the intimidating blokes watching it…

But he would do it, because it was the right thing, and it was time for him to make better choices.

&&&

“I’m done,” Killian said without preamble.

“What? What are you talking about?” replied the voice at the other end of the line.

“I’m done keeping tabs on Emma, done spying on her for you. From now on, you’ll get the same updates as Cleo and Regina.”

There was a long silence, and then August spoke. “Are you sure you know what you’re doing, Jones? My...partner...won’t be happy to hear about this.”

“I’m sure.”

“I hope you haven’t forgotten that you owe us. For getting you out of the mess you were in, and for getting you settled in here. We can make things very unpleasant for you.”

He gritted his teeth. “I’m sure you can, but I’m also confident that I’m the best choice for editor. I’ll continue doing my job,and I’ll repay my debt. Just not like that.”

August snorted. “Emma’s gotten to you, hasn’t she? Graham liked her too. If he’d lived, the two of them probably would have made a go of it. For all I know, they were going at it--”

“Enough. Emma’s past is her own, and her present is hers to decide. Do what you’d like with me, but leave her out of it.���

“You can’t afford the price to be paid, Jones. And you’re too much of a coward to try to pay it anyway. It’s part of what made you such a good choice.”

Killian hung up, the vein in his forehead throbbing. “We’ll see,” he said. “We shall see.”

He smiled grimly at his reflection in the mirror. It was time to meet Emma for their date, and he had to get himself in line. She didn’t need to know about his turmoil, about this mess of a situation. She couldn’t know.

[allthegency]

This Moment is Enough

A/N: *Awkwardly dusts off screen. So, um...Hi. I know this is a bit of a sudden post from me, but I did promise I would make this fic on the, now disbanded, emergenji discord server. I’m sorry I took so long to make this, but I hope I make up for it with this fic. I am going to write both a reception fic, full of speeches, dancing, and more fluff, and maybe an NSFW wedding night fic. For now, here is my own version of a Gency Wedding.

There was something about marriage that Genji could never understand in his youth. It didn’t make sense to a playboy, to choose to settle down with one woman when there were so many beautiful women in the world. His young mind likened it to settling with only having one flavor of ice cream for the rest of your life. That sounded like more of a punishment that a reward. At least it had when he first made the analogy in his head.

It wasn’t until he found that he’d always comparing other flavors of ice cream to his favorite that marriage began making a little bit of sense to him. It wasn’t until after a shop was sold out of his favorite flavor and how upset he had been, that he realized how some people could choose to marry one woman and stay loyal to her. He didn’t think he had it in him for that kind of commitment, and he doubted he ever would. It didn’t bother him, he told himself. And he almost believed it. Until he met her.

Genji’s perfect woman came to him in his darkest time. Her angelic form brought light to the darkness that was his thoughts. However bitter or resentful he may have been, just spending time with her would chase away the darkness, even just momentarily. But there were still scars that no medicine could heal. Some things still healed better with time. His journey across the world and the meeting with his master gave him a way to find his peace without her, but when they were once again reunited, Genji knew that he needed her in his life. Now here he stood. In front of a mirror, checking himself over to make sure that his suit lacked any imperfection. It was an important day after all.

A sound of a clearing throat interrupted his thoughts. Turning to the sound, he came to face a man who was officially dead to the world. His former commander, Jack Morrison, was once a man who many saw as the pinnacle of human values and physique. Now, he was a man tired of the world and its burdens, whose anger and strong sense of justice both inspired and scared some his friends from the past. And yet, there was something about him today, a peaceful straightening of posture, a whisper of pride in a swelling chest, and most importantly, a joyful glint in his eyes.

“It’s almost time,” the former commander said curtly. He turned and began making his way back to where he came from, before he paused briefly. Looking over his shoulder at the cyborg, the aging man gave a few parting words of wisdom. “Savor every moment.” He left as silently as he had come.

Genji nodded at the advice. He would make sure to cherish every moment to come after today. He placed one of his metal hands over his shirt, where flesh and machine had been expertly woven together beneath. Parts of his true skin and flesh still remained, now integrated with machines and nanotech. His heart, still as strong and alive as when he was born, beat with a nervous excitement. Today had the chance to be the best day of his life.

The low hum of conversation in the atrium of the facility was buzzing with excitement. The ceremony was not only a significant moment in two people’s lives, but it also served as a huge boost in morale for the members of the illegally reformed Overwatch. They had been making great strides in preventing the machinations of Talon from coming to fruition and in keeping casualties on both sides of the Second Omnic Crisis down, but their fight with them seemed to be stretching on with no end in sight. This wedding was needed for both tradition and the team’s sake.

Genji made his way to the altar, where he stood and waited for the moment everybody was waiting for. The wedding party took their places. His brother, Hanzo, stood silently beside him. Though their relationship had been strained at best at the recall of Overwatch, Genji would have chosen no other for the position of best man. Across from him, in the position of the Maid of Honor, was Mei-Ling Zhou. With both of them being scientists, almost the entirety of the recalled Overwatch was not surprised at the choice.

Genji’s musings on the wedding party was cut short when a sudden swell of music began. At the other end of the room, automatic doors slid open with a hiss. There stood commander Jack Morrison in a black and white suit. It was trimmed and worn with the same military efficiency that he used with every aspect of his life. His scarred face seemed to be the only flaw, but even it seemed to fall in line on his person. But the commander was not the one every person was in awe of.

Angela Zeigler, on the battlefield, was easily identifiable in her emergency response suit. Her wings brought not only a measure of safety and security, but also a measure of hope. Her wedding gown was not much different. To say that she was radiant would have been an understatement, for she seemed to shine brighter than the sun filtering in from the windows to her left. Her upper arms where covered in silken sleeves that ended just shy of her shoulders and connected with the rest of her dress. Her torso was covered modestly in white fabric that then flowed down her body to just barely skim the ground below. A pair of white and silver heels raised her height to about the same as if she were in here combat suit. Pale gold trimming spread out from between her shoulders and merged with her sleeves, only to spread beyond them and hang from two small elastic wristbands. She looked every bit like the angel Genji saw in her every minute of everyday.

           “Brother, close your mouth and smile,” a soft, deep voice whispered. Shooting an annoyed glare at Hanzo, he nonetheless obliged and a bright, loving smile bloomed on his face. The small scar along his cheek morphed to accommodate the expression. As his beautiful bride moved closer to him, he couldn’t help as his smile grew and threatened spread beyond his face. His brown eyes met with her cool blues. A nervous excitement shone from within her gaze behind barely held tears of joy. The young warrior felt his own moistening with unbridled joy. The closer the two got to one another, the harder they had to fight the tears from leaving their eyes. The slow cadence Jack and Angela were taking wasn’t helping things either.

           When the pair reached the altar, an Omnic in a suit stepped forward. His nine glowing lights seemed to shine brighter than normal. “Welcome, one and all, to the wedding between two of our finest, Genji Shimada and Angela Zeigler. Who gives this woman to be married?” the smooth, synthetic voice asked.

“I, her commander, do,” came the deep, firm reply. Genji reverently offered his hand to the glowing woman before him. A soft, hardly-heard sigh of relief escaped both him and Angela as contact was made between the two. As corny as it may sound, it honestly felt like coming home to them. They walked up before Tekhartha Zenyatta, and turned to face each other, clasping both their hands together and holding tight.

“Friends, dearly beloved, we are gathered hear today to witness the marriage of these two in matrimony. A bond and commitment neither make lightly, and one that they will be bound to in this life and the next. If anyone bears any reason why these two should not be married, speak now or forever hold your peace.” When not even a cough or sniffle sounded for three seconds, Zenyatta’s circuits thrummed pleasantly in joy and he continued.

“To love is to trust one another implicitly, sharing all that life has offered and will offer with the other. It is to fulfill one another’s emotional needs, and to better yourselves for the other. It is always. Always protecting, always trusting, always hoping, always persevering. It is never. Never selfish, never unkind, never proud, and never failing. Genji, Angela, you are committing to a new way of life. One of respect, trust, and, above all, love. Now then, I believe the groom and the bride have written their own vows,” the wise android concluded. Angela nodded and drew a deep breath before beginning to recite one of her most important speeches.

“Genji, I love you. I promise, that will never change. I have seen so much of you, and all I find, I fall in love with. Should there be a part of you I have yet to see, I promise, I will fall in love with that too. I have worked all my life to save lives, never being able to live with myself should I choose to not do something to save a life in need. I never thought I would need a life besides my own, and yet here we are. No longer ‘doctor’ and ‘patient’, but soon to be ‘wife’ and ‘husband’. I’ve never been so excited to see what the next day will bring. I am glad to share the rest of my next days with you.” Angela could no longer contain her tears as they slowly glided down her cheeks. Combined with her wide smile, Genji never thought she could look more beautiful. Resisting the urge to kiss her then and there, in favor of it being all the sweeter when the opportune moment came, he simply squeezed her hand and cleared his throat as he too was barely containing his tears. He cleared his throat and began his own recital of his own vows.

“Angela, my dearest, I love you. You make me want to be the best I can be. I never thought of myself as a hero before I met you. I’ve seen the worst this world had to offer, but you show me that this world is still good. And I can live with that. You first showed me the good in men, and the good in me. I vowed, one day, to be worthy of your love, and even after that, to never stop loving you. You bring light wherever you go, and I am honored that you will let me be in your light for the rest of my life. I’ll love today, tomorrow, and all the days to come. I want to share in all your days, if you’ll have me.” Angela’s soft ‘yes’ was what unleashed Genji’s own tears.

With not a single dry eye in the room, Zenyatta’s soft voice proceeded with the ceremony. “And now, we come to the vows and giving of the rings.” Zenyatta paused and then turned to his pupil first. “Genji, do you take Angela Zeigler to be your wife? Do you promise to honor and love her, to cherish and protect her, both now and forevermore?”

Genji knew the answer to this question a long time ago, and he doubted he’d ever forget. “I do,” came the reply with finality.

“Angela, do you take Genji Shimada to be your husband? Do you promise to honor and love him, to cherish and protect him, both now and forevermore?”

Angela also knew the answer a long time ago. “I do,” she said through joyous tears.

“Do you have the rings?” inquired the omnic monk.

Hanzo and Mei each gave Genji and Angela a simple golden band. Turning to one another, they looked to the monk for their cues. “Genji, repeat after me. I, Genji Shimada,”

“I, Genji Shimada,”

“…with this ring…”

“…with this ring…”

“…do so take you as my wife.”

“…do so take you as my wife.”

“To have and to hold...”

“To have and to hold...”

“…in sickness and in health…”

“…in sickness and in health…”

“…for richer or poorer…”

“…for richer or poorer…”

“…in joy and sorrow…”

“…in joy and sorrow…”

“…and I promise my love to you…”

“…and I promise my love to you…”

“…all the days of my life…”

“…all the days of my life…”

“…and forevermore.”

“…and forevermore,” echoed the warrior as he gingerly slid the cool, gold ring onto his bride’s finger. The tears, having abated, gave one last drop before ceasing their cascade.

The wise android turned to the happy bride and began the process anew.

“Angela, repeat after me. I, Angela Zeigler,”

“I, Angela Zeigler,”

“…with this ring…”

“…with this ring…”

“…do so take you as my husband.”

“…do so take you as my husband.”

“To have and to hold...”

“To have and to hold...”

“…in sickness and in health…”

“…in sickness and in health…”

“…for richer or poorer…”

“…for richer or poorer…”

“…in joy and sorrow…”

“…in joy and sorrow…”

“…and I promise my love to you…”

“…and I promise my love to you…”

“…all the days of my life…”

“…all the days of my life…”

“…and forevermore.”

“…and forevermore,” she finished, nearly trembling with joy and love as she too slid Genji’s ring onto his left ring finger, which was thankfully still flesh and bone. Clasping both hands together once more, they waited for the greatest moment of the whole ceremony.

One could almost hear the non-synthetic joy in Zenyatta as he clearly said, “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

There a only a handful of moments in this life that can accurately be described as love incarnate. Holding one’s child for the first time, crying softly whilst bidding farewell to parents and leaving the nest, both are moments where love is expressed. It is there in those moments, good and bad, that one comes to believe in something bigger than anything they can find in this universe. Love is immeasurable, intangible, and beyond physical, but it is there in all those moments. But perhaps it is most evident in the first kiss a man and woman share as husband and wife. This was proven in the next few seconds.

Zenyatta had barely gotten the last word out before Genji and Angela swiftly embraced one another, fusing their lips together and breathing sighs of relief and Finally. After all they had lived through, it had all led to this one glorious moment. Both of them thanked whatever power above that gave them each other to share this life with. Their kiss was salty from their tears, but sweet from sheer amount of love they poured into it. With their eyes closed, all that existed to them was the person wrapped in their arms and the distant sound of thunderous applause, joyous laughter, and earnest applause. Neither could accurately tell you how long their kiss lasted, but they both will swear to this day that never wanted it to end. When it did, it was only for a moment before they rejoined their lips in this ultimate expression of that immaterial thing called love.

When they both finally separated and faced the crowd, the couple was met with smiling faces young and old. Those that reserved their smiles for the happiest of times had grins threatening to split their faces. Those that were almost always joyous could power the world for centuries with the ecstatic energy they now radiated. To say that morale was at an all-time high would be the understatement of the century.

“I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Genji Shimada,” announced Zenyatta. The applause, if had died down at all surged in volume once again. It held for nearly two minutes before it subsided. “We shall head immediately to our reception in the courtyard. Thank you for attending.” The crowd began filing out the doors and onward to the celebration of the successful wedding of two people in love. Their new life was only just beginning, and would be filled with more love than they ever thought they’d have. But right now, in this moment, as the two stayed behind, sharing another deep, soul-filling kiss, they both knew. They knew that if this would be their last moment, it would have been more than enough.

[my-greatseo-love]

sauvignon blanc wine

It doesn't generally appear as though what you do matters.

However, it does, in manners you probably won't understand.

A story of two effects

Garrett and Monica are both piece players throughout my life.

I'm a piece player in theirs. (Or then again perhaps not. You don't generally realize the gradually expanding influence of your effect.)

Keep in mind my wine and I'm yours eternity

Throughout the previous thirteen years I've been a piece of a gathering that gets together week after week for supper. We meet on Wednesdays, same time, same spot. Yet, a year prior the time had come to locate another spot. little ripples wine

Subsequent to scanning for an eatery that would meet everybody's criteria, we chose a detect that the vast majority of the gathering cherishes. I've been in eh, it's alright mode and have not really covertly proceeded to investigate different alternatives.

No more!

For whatever length of time that Garrett's there, I'm staying with where we are.

When I appeared a week ago everybody had requested and had drinks close by. Before I'd even plunked down, our server came over and solicited, "Do you need a glass of the Patz and Hall Chardonnay? That is the thing that you had a week ago."

At the point when Garrett came back with my wine, prepared to take my sustenance request, he additionally recalled that I'd requested a side of veggies rather than fries.

I was flabbergasted.

There are typically eight or ten of us, we've just been going there a couple of months, and he's not forever our server. I didn't know his name (I do now!), however he recollected what I'd needed to eat and drink.

Garrett had a genuinely positive contact with only a couple of little activities. I left feeling extraordinary.

Also, the progressively outstretching influence?

I've lost enthusiasm for finding an elective eatery, which means our gathering will probably be eating there for a considerable length of time.

And afterward there's the far edge of the range.

Prior that day I'd worked out with my coach, something different I do on Wednesdays.

Regularly we're the main two individuals at this little close to home preparing office, yet once in a while the proprietor appears. As she did that morning.

Without a welcome or any affirmation that there was a customer in the room, Monica indicated a little heap of ropes and growled, "Who left these here?" Without hanging tight for an answer, she walked into her office emitting a vibe of I'm twisted so tight I could detonate.

A couple of minutes after the fact she strolled retreat from her office, muttering softly, the entryway hammering behind her as she left the structure.

She was there for under ten minutes. What's more, that is all it took to make me feel like I'd been dunked in a pool of negative vitality.

Much the same as Garrett, she had a contact with only a couple of little activities. Be that as it may, for her situation it was as negative as Garrett's was certain.

Your effect originates from little day by day decisions and activities.

It's as simple to have a positive effect for what it's worth to have a negative one. The distinction? Settling on cognizant decisions. What's more, these practices will bolster you in having the sort of effect you need to have.

Be purposeful. Take a couple of minutes before you begin your day, stroll into a gathering, or start a discussion to solicit yourself what kind from effect you need to have.

How would you like to appear? What outlook would you like to convey with you? What sort of vitality would you like to bring into the room?

And afterward...

Focus on your decisions so they bolster your expectation. We as a whole make many them consistently, for the most part unknowingly.

Carrying your full focus to a gathering is a decision and has an effect.

Browsing email on your cell phone or murmuring to the individual sitting beside you in that gathering are likewise decisions that have sway. Cabernet Sauvignon

Garrett's decision to disclose to me he recollected my wine had an effect. So did Monica's decision to gripe before a customer.

As you travel as the day progressed, intermittently check in with yourself to settle on sure your decisions are in arrangement with your aims.

Also, perhaps the most ideal approaches to keep up familiarity with your decisions is to...

Keep yourself grounded. The more focused on you are, the harder it is to see your decisions... furthermore, the more prominent your danger of coincidentally having a negative effect.

Yoga, work out, petition, hanging out in nature, contemplation, bubble showers, associating with companions, quality time with your children, or lying on the grass seeing mists (truly getting grounded!) are generally approaches to bring down your pressure and keep yourself focused.

You are more dominant than you envision. Utilize that power deliberately.

In some cases when I think about what gigantic outcomes originate from seemingly insignificant details, I am enticed to think there are no easily overlooked details ~ Bruce Barton

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[romanticoldme]

This is my bughead Secret Santa for @birdlovesafish. I’m sorry it’s so late - Happy New Year!! 

It’s my first ever long(ish) fic so please forgive any errors of spelling, grammar, repetition, wordiness etc. I really hope you enjoy it though – it was fun to write!!

Set at the end of S2E09 Chapter 22 ‘Silent Night Deadly Night’ (except Betty doesn’t burn all her Black Hood memorabilia)

NB I didn’t start out to write a sexy times fic but the words just kept coming (so to speak…)

Late in the afternoon on Christmas Day Betty opens her present from Jughead and feels like her heart nearly stops. When it resumes its normal rhythm it’s beating slightly faster. ‘Surely’, she thinks ‘if he loves me this much it can’t be over’. Pushing the thought to the back of her mind Betty picks up her phone to text Jughead a thank you message but then realises that it just doesn’t feel right to say it via text. ‘I’ll talk to him tomorrow’ she decides then noticing the time gets up to pull on a few more layers.

Betty heads downstairs to grab her coat. Hal and Alice are sitting quietly in the living room talking about how disappointed they are that Polly didn’t come home for Christmas. “Mom, Dad I’m off to do my shift at Pop’s soup kitchen” she calls as she walks out the door. “Call us if you need a ride home” replies Hal, but she’s already gone.

The car park at Pop’s has been taken over by two big marquees each lined with long tables and chairs, and a few strategically placed gas heaters. The tables are decorated simply with holly, and candles in glass jars. Everything is gearing up for the dinner sitting at the soup kitchen, which started with breakfast this morning and has been running most of the day. Kevin and Josie were singing carols earlier and now the church choir has taken their place.

“Hey Pop, where would you like me to start”? Betty asks as she dons her apron.

“Hi Betty, thanks so much for coming down tonight, you’re always such a help here” replied Pop warmly. “I think if you can start getting the plates and cutlery ready, the servers will be out with the hot dishes soon and then we can start feeding these people here.”

Everything is stacked in big boxes behind one of the serving tables so Betty’s first job is to make stacks of plates on the table next to the food warmers, ready for the servers (of which she is one). Even though everyone calls it ‘Pop’s soup kitchen’ today the menu consists of roast meat and vegetables and Christmas pudding. The smell coming from the kitchen is mouth-watering. Betty turns around to comment to Midge (who is helping with the cutlery) about the delicious aromas and comes face to face with Jughead holding a huge tray covered in foil. “Oh!” she exclaims “Umm hi” and glances down to the plates in her hand. “Hey Betty” says Jug quietly eyes meeting hers for the briefest moment. “I didn’t realise you would be here too, I hope you don’t mind. I came to help Pop” he explains. “Oh no of course not Jug, it’s great you’re here too”.  “Is there room for this tray in there?” asks Jughead as he nods towards the food warmer. “Yes, yes of course, here let me get out of your way, I’m so sorry” Betty says awkwardly, moving aside. “Betts, it’s fine” smiles Jughead in an effort to relieve some of the tension, both of them aware there is so much going unsaid between them.  

Before they know it there is an army of people carrying more trays of food all trying to get to the serving area and Betty and Jughead are pushed aside for the moment while everything is set up. “Betty” says Jughead softly touching her arm “after this is all over, can we talk, just for a minute?” “Sure, Jug” replies Betty ducking her head and with a half-smile on her face.

The next 2 hours for Betty pass in a whirlwind of dishing up copious amounts of food, smiling and laughing, giving best wishes to those she meets, and occasionally glancing up to see Jughead as he runs back and forth from the kitchen, refreshing drinks and delivering bread to all the tables.

As the last of the dishes are cleared away to the kitchen by the clean-up team, Betty lets out a large sigh and wipes her brow. “As much as I love this I’m glad our part is done” says Midge as she dons her jacket smiling at Betty. “I agree, Midge” replies Betty returning her smile “see you back at school next week” she says as she waves goodbye.

Betty turns to reach for her coat only to find two hands holding it out for her ready to put her arms in. “Oh Juggie, thank  you” Betty says warmly, slipping her arms in. She turns towards Jughead as she buttons her coat and then tucks her hands under her arms. Now that she’s not busy and the heaters are off her hands have quickly become cold. “Don’t you have your gloves Betts?” asks Jughead frowning, then hands her his leather motorcycle gloves “here, take these, they might be a little large but they’ll help”. “Thank you” Betty replies softly, smiling. “Do you need a ride home now” asks Jughead hopefully, but Betty shakes her head and says “No, I’d rather walk – walk with me?” raising her eyebrow to him. Jughead smiles back at Betty and they turn and fall into step beside each other, Jughead kicking lumps of snow as he walks.

They walk in silence for a few minutes then “Betty-“ “Jughead-“ they both say simultaneously then look at each other and laugh softly. “You go first” says Jug smiling. Betty takes a deep breath before beginning “Thank you for my present Juggie” she says softly “it’s perfect, you know me so well, and I’ll cherish it. Did you read it first?” “Betty” he admonishes gently “of course I did, and I can see why you love her writing so much, I’m glad you like it”. “I love it, Jug…” she replies leaving the rest of her reply hanging. “Speaking of gifts” says Jughead wryly “I think perhaps you went a little overboard with mine! A vintage Underwood Betts? I’m not sure I’m worthy of that”. “Juggie! Of course you are, you know you are” Betty states giving him her ‘look’ and squeezing his arm. Jughead stops walking, “Betty…” “Yes Jug” she replies turning to face him, they stand there in silence until Betty says “What?” she repeats it in an echo of the moment before their very first kiss, knowing he will understand the significance, and with one eyebrow raised gives him an encouraging smile. “I’m so sorry Betty, for everything. For not talking to you enough once I started at Southside, for not telling you what was happening with the Serpents, for not confiding in you when things were going bad and mostly for pushing you away. I’m not sure I know who I am anymore and I don’t know how to fix everything that’s gone wrong, not just with us but with my dad too”. “Jug, you’re not the only one who has been struggling with all this. I didn’t confide in you either, I let the physical distance between us become emotional distance. I’ve made bad decisions too – Serpent dance anyone? And I pushed you away first. So please, don’t blame yourself for everything that’s gone wrong with us”.

Jughead stepped forward placing one hand on her shoulder and holding the other near her face “Betty, I don’t want to be without you anymore” stated Jughead his voice breaking on the last word “Is there - will you - can you forgive me?” “Juggie” whispered Betty grabbing the hand near her face and placing it on her mouth and kissing it. “There’s nothing to forgive – or only if you forgive me too, and promise me that we’ll keep talking to each other” her eyes welling with unshed tears.

Suddenly both of Jughead’s hands are on Betty’s  face and he’s kissing her like he’s a drowning man and she is his oxygen. The tears that were welling have run down Betty’s face and they can taste them in the kiss and then Jughead is kissing them away from her cheeks and her eyes, before returning to her mouth and parting her lips so his tongue can delve inside. This kiss almost feels like a first kiss and yet it’s so much more because they’re putting all of their feelings of loss and love into it at the same time, it’s like coming home.

They stop for breath their eyes closed, their lips barely apart, breathing each other’s air. “Juggie” Betty whispers her lips ghosting over his “Stay with me” it’s barely a question and Jughead simply replies “Yes”.

They walk back to Betty’s with their arms wrapped around each other, it’s slow and it’s freezing cold but they don’t care or notice. The only light on at the house is the one outside the front door so they both enter and make their way quietly up the stairs.

Once inside Betty’s room with the door shut (and locked) there’s a moment of awkwardness which they both laugh off – this isn’t the first time they’ve shared a bed after all – but something feels different tonight. “I’ll change in the bathroom” Betty offers and grabs fresh pjs from the drawer on the way in. While Betty changes, Jughead strips down to boxers and his S t-shirt and climbs into her bed. When she comes back out he has the covers in his hand and is holding them open for her, Betty can’t help the smile that crosses her face as she runs and dives under the covers, snuggling up to Jughead’s side while he tucks the blankets behind her.

They lay that way for a while, Betty curled up against him, Jughead’s arm under her and the other stroking down her arm and side. They start talking quietly and tell each other things that they both think they should have earlier. “Penny Peabody helped get my dad out of jail”, “Polly left town to go stay on the farm”, “My dad’s in deep with bad business and he won’t let me help”, “I don’t think Mr Svenson was the Black Hood”, “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about joining the Serpents”, “I’m sorry about the dance”…

“Betty”

“Yes Jug”

“I love you”

“I love you too Juggie”

Betty pushes herself up onto her elbow and looks into Jughead’s eyes.  “I love you” she says again leaning in to kiss him. Jughead puts his hand in her hair and pulls her into him kissing her back, his lips devouring hers. Their tongues run along each other’s lips then invade their mouths and suddenly the intent behind theirs kisses changes and they can’t get enough of each other. Their kissing becomes frenzied, like they’re running out of time and Betty’s breath hitches in her throat. Jughead pulls back slightly and asks “Are you ok?” “I’m ok Jug, I just – I’m not sure where this is going and I –“, “Do you want to stop” interrupts Jughead “Because we can”. “No, no I don’t, I don’t want to stop Jug, I just need it to be slower I think”. “We can do slow baby, slow is good” he reassures her.

When he calls her ‘baby’ Betty melts back into his arms and they resume kissing, deeply and passionately. Jughead’s hand moves down to her waist then up under her t-shirt, skimming her side and coming to rest next to her breast, his thumb reaching around to stroke the lower edge. Betty’s breath stutters and she pushes forward into his hand. Jughead groans into her mouth as his hand fully encloses her breast squeezing gently. He runs his fingertips over her nipple with a featherlight touch which sends shivers running through Betty’s whole body igniting the fire deep in her belly. “Oh” she breathes in to his mouth as he continues his attention to her nipple. Slowly he pushes her shirt up under her arms and moves his kisses from her mouth to her cheek, they trail down her neck until he reaches her collarbone which he nibbles lightly with his teeth before kissing it and then lowering his mouth even further to her breast. His kisses across the top of one, planting one kiss in between then on to the other. Betty lifts her body again and breathes “please” and then his mouth is on her nipple, he sucks it gently then runs his tongue over it, while his hand still works over her other breast. He takes turns with them, suck, lick, blow and Betty responds with a shiver her whole body writhing under him.

“Off, please” she gasps grabbing his shirt and pulling, Jughead lifts enough for her to pull it over his head and then he’s sliding his hands up her arms to remove hers too. As good as his mouth felt on her breasts, the feeling of his skin, the slightly rough hairs on his chest rubbing over her sensitised nipples, is intoxicating. Betty wraps her arms behind his neck and pulls him back down to her mouth, drinking him in.

With Jughead lying almost over her Betty can feel his leg between hers and she instinctively raises her hips slightly pushing the sensitised flesh between her legs up against his thigh. Jughead feels her heat and pushes himself back against her at which point Betty becomes aware of his erection against her thigh. They continue their subtle hip movements as they kiss, all the while the pressure building inside them both.

Feeling bolder than ever Betty reaches her hand down and lightly rubs over the front of Jughead’s boxers. He breathes in sharply and then groans into her mouth. Emboldened by his response she strokes again lightly wrapping her hand around his impressive length. “Oh God Betty” he moans against her mouth “that feels amazing”. Pleased that she seems to be doing it right Betty continues to move her hand in long strokes still on the outside of his shorts.

Kissing Betty lightly on her lips Jughead looks down as he slides his hand from her breast down over her hip bone to the thin fabric of her pj shorts. He rests his hand at the junction of her thighs then slowly moves his whole hand down between her legs, exerting firm yet gentle pressure. Betty’s hand stops it ministrations on his erection as new sensations take over her senses. “Oh” she breathes as Jughead’s hand passes back and forth over her.  Without realising it Betty’s thighs relax and her legs slowly fall open allowing his hand to access more of her throbbing flesh. The next time Jughead brings his hand back up he continues to the waistband of her shorts and after seeking permission with a raised eyebrow and getting a nod and a soft kiss in reply he dips below the edge of her shorts to slide his fingers through the incredibly soft, moist flesh below. The intimacy of the contact and the sheer force of sensations new to them both is enough to take their collective breath away. He continues to stroke ever so slowly, increasing the pressure as he nears both the sensitive bud at the top of her sex as well as the silky entrance below. Betty’s breathing has become uneven as she gives off small whimpers and moans at the sensations he’s inducing. Feeling incredibly courageous (and lucky) Jughead finally dips his middle finger into her moist interior and gasps at how hot she is inside. Betty groans “Oh God yes” into his mouth as he kisses her. He holds his hand in place and strokes his finger in and out of her noticing her gasps when he touches the rough patch of skin on her upper wall. Jughead pushes his tongue into Betty’s mouth at the same time he pushes his finger into her in a slow and steady rhythm that drives her crazy with need.

Betty realises that she has stopped stroking Jughead and feeling slightly guilty she reaches into the front of his boxers to run her fingers up his bare length. He’s so hard and yet the skin is soft like velvet. She wraps her fingers around him and at feeling of her hand running up and over his sensitised head Jughead gasps “Jesus Christ” into Betty’s mouth. Now it’s her turn to stroke him until he can’t think anymore. They both whisper “Oh baby” and “That feels so good” into each other’s ears as they learn the secrets of each other’s bodies. Betty feels the moisture at Jughead’s tip and uses it to make her hand slide more easily along his length. Jughead feels Betty’s walls quivering around his finger and slips a second one inside, using his thumb to stimulate her clit, feeling her get even wetter under his hand. Betty moans underneath him “Juggie, I think I’m close, really close.” “It’s ok baby you can let go” murmurs Jughead as he strokes deeper inside her and moves his thumb even faster over the bundle of nerves. Within moments he feels her clench around him, body shaking as she cries softly into his ear. “Are you ok baby” he whispers kissing her hair, her ear, her cheek and finally her lips. “Never better.” Betty jokes with a shaky smile and tears in her eyes. Betty nods towards the bedside table “In the top drawer, there are condoms, if you want…?” “Oh baby I want” replies Jughead reaching over to grab a foil packet and rip it open with his teeth. He places the condom over his tip and Betty helps to roll it down his shaft, squeezing him firmly as she goes. Even though Betty feels quite wet after her orgasm Jughead is concerned about her first time so he reaches for the lube that’s sitting in the drawer and while he’s rubbing some onto her says “Baby please tell me to stop if it’s too much, I don’t want to hurt you”, “Juggie, you won’t hurt me, you couldn’t. I love you and I want this too much to stop you now”.  Positioning himself above her Jughead slips his fingers inside to stroke and relax her before withdrawing them and replacing them with his tip. He gently pushes forwards feeling little resistance but it’s definitely a tight fit. Betty breathes deeply and tries to relax as much as she can, tilting her hips to get the best angle for his entry. It feels like a mild burning/stinging until he’s fully immersed in her then the base of his shaft, which is the widest part, really puts pressure on her and she gasps “Wait”. “Are you sure you’re ok Betts” Jughead asks worriedly. “I’m fine, I’m perfect, just don’t go too deep yet”. Jughead nods, closes his eyes and pulls back before thrusting in gently again, this time Betty rock her hips to meet him and after a couple more tentative movements they start to establish a gentle rhythm. Nothing has ever felt like this before for either of them and they are in no rush to finish quickly. Betty has never felt so full before like every part of her inside is being touched at the same time. Jughead has never felt the heat of being inside someone before and he feels like he’s going to self-combust. Together their pace begins to quicken and though Betty feels amazing she’s knows she not going to come again, so she focusses on gripping him tightly and drawing him in with every thrust. Jughead can feel the pressure building and though he doesn’t want to lose control he can’t help feeling like he just wants to push as far inside Betty as he can go. He can feel her drawing him in with her hips and her muscles and he feels himself easing into her slightly deeper with each thrust. He looks down to where they are joined and it is the sight of him buried inside her that tips him over the edge as he comes in a rush of sensation shuddering and shaking above her as he cries her name.

They lay together kissing and smiling and whispering to each other with him still inside her. He doesn’t want to leave her body and she won’t let him anyway, hooking her legs around his to hold him. Eventually Jughead starts to soften and slips out, he passes her a tissue, disposes of the condom and then quickly takes his place back by her side. They wrap their arms around each other, legs tangled, feeling utterly smug.

“Welcome home Juggie” murmurs Betty as they drift off to sleep.

Wherever you are is home Betts” replies Jughead resting his mouth against her temple.

“I know” she whispers back smiling.

fin

   ��