#so this one also sort of hand a pun prompt

[five-rivers]

Dreams of Time 1

[For the phic phight! Based on prompts by @ventisettestars and @bubblegumbeech]

Danny would say he knew Clockwork fairly well.  Both in the sense that he knew Clockwork better than he knew other ghosts, and in that he knew Clockwork better than other ghosts knew Clockwork.  He knew from speaking to Poindexter, Skulker, Ember, Johnny, and Kitty (both during fights and during rare truces) that Clockwork was considered borderline mythical.  Both in the sense that a lot of people didn’t think he was real, and the sense that he was regarded as a deity.  Which was a weird thing to find out about someone you knew, but Danny didn’t have any room to comment.  He was half dead.  

All this to say, Danny had never seen Clockwork sleep before.  Or act sleepy.  Or even tired, except in an ‘I'm tired of your crap’ kind of way.  So, the addition of a massive, curtained bed to three main room of Long Now, his lair, seemed distinctly out of character.  

Out of theme, too, unless he was aiming for some kind of extended bedtime-based pun.  Which was… possible.  Not likely, Clockwork preferred irony as a comedic device, but possible. 

Although, he also liked pranks.  

Danny had no idea what kind of prank this could be, though.  

He lingered in the doorway, looking over the room, trying to spot any other clue as to what was going on.  Some other object, maybe.  A time viewer left on a particular scene.  A clock showing a notable time.  Clockwork himself, floating silently in a corner.

Nothing.  Nothing that stood out, anyway. 

Danny slid his backpack (stuffed with social studies homework - Clockwork never gave Danny answers, but he'd give hints) off his shoulder and put it quietly on the floor.  Cautiously, he approached the bed.  He remembered the time Clockwork had slammed him repeatedly into a bell, and while it hadn’t hurt that much, and Danny had arguably deserved it, Danny didn’t want a repeat.

Just like before, nothing seemed out of place, other than the bed itself.  Danny reached it, and lifted a hand to touch the curtain.  It was multi-layered, with the top layer a lavender gauze and the deepest one a dark, heavy, purple.  Brass stars were sewn into all the layers and they jingled against one another as Danny drew the curtains back.  

The bed was occupied.  Danny thought he might have known this, or at least predicted this.  Clockwork lay there, beneath the blankets, perfectly still, not moving, not breathing.  He wasn’t wearing his usual cloak and robes, but something more like a bathrobe or nightgown.  His long white hair was braided over his shoulder, looping over the comforter.  

But the most striking change to Clockwork’s appearance was the black and glittering ooze dripping from his eyes.  It looked like there were stars trapped in it.  

That… didn’t look good.  

Danny bit his lower lip, then shook Clockwork’s shoulder.  “Clockwork?” he said.  “Clockwork?  Can you hear me?  Wake up.”

Yeah.  Maybe not the most polite thing to do to a guy when you just showed up to his house uninvited, but Danny was worried.  This was massively out of character for Clockwork.  If Clockwork had just decided to take a weird nap in the entryway, fine.  Danny could apologize.  But if this was a sickness, or an attack of some kind, Danny couldn’t just leave.  He had to check.  

Clockwork didn’t stir.  

Danny didn’t know enough about how ghosts slept to know if that was normal.  

He stared down at Clockwork, stymied.  ‘Sleep like the dead’ was a common phrase, as was ‘I’ll sleep when I’m dead,’ but he’d never seen any ghost asleep.  Unless he counted Nocturn that one time.  

Speaking of Nocturn…  The black stuff under Clockwork’s eyes was familiar.  It looked like the substance of Nocturn’s body, made liquid.  Sort of liquid.  It looked distinctly gooey.  

Could this be–?  No, before, Nocturn had used bulky helmets.  But that had been when they were trying to keep the whole city under their control.  Maybe the rules were different when they were only putting one person to sleep.  

Actually, they hadn’t even needed the helmets to put people to sleep.  They’d used sand for that.  The helmets had been to collect dream energy and maybe to control the dreams and keep people asleep.  

Okay.  So, this might be a Nocturn thing.  Which meant Danny should…  Do what?  He should do something.  With his friends, he had overshadowed them to jump into his dreams, but, historically, him overshadowing another ghost, or another ghost overshadowing him, hadn’t exactly worked well.  In fact, one particular incident was downright apocalyptic.  

But what else could he do?  

He shook Clockwork again, fruitlessly.  

Maybe he should go back home and get some backup.  But then he’d have to leave Clockwork, and Nocturn might be around somewhere.  Could he bring Clockwork with him?  No, that wouldn’t be safe for Clockwork, with the trip through the Fentonworks lab and all.

Well, if the overshadowing looked like it was going poorly, Danny would just… disengage.  It wasn’t like he wanted to fuse with Clockwork or take over his body, he just wanted to wake him up.  

He ran his hand through his hair and rubbed the back of his neck.  This… was probably a bad idea.  Almost certainly.  But he wasn’t sure if there was a good way to deal with this.  

(Danny might have been freaking out about someone - even Nocturn - being able to beat Clockwork.  Just a little.  Internally.  As one did.)

Still, he stood there, looking down at Clockwork, hoping that a good idea would come to him.  

It didn’t.  

He took a deep breath.  “It’ll be fine,” he said to himself.  “How it was meant to be or whatever.”

Overshadowing was a deceptively simple power.  Go intangible and slip into something.  But there was more.  When Danny phased through something he could overshadow, he could feel something like a spiderweb.  Something delicate, connecting it to itself.  Something Danny could tangle himself in.  Or, when he was sliding into a dream or video game, something he could travel down, spiderwebs turning into highways with a shift of perspective.  

But in a ghost, the lines were less spiderweb and more chain net or root bulb. Dense, thick, and focused on a single point.  When Danny forced an overshadowing ghost out of a human, he had to push that knot out.  When he fought Poindexter, he’d lost that fight.  When he’d jumped into Nocturn’s dreams…  Well, Danny was glad he’d been trying to go after his dreams, because he’d been practically sucked in.  

Jumping into Clockwork was the same way.  He was just so strong, his will so solid, that the shift in perspective was automatic.  He was swept away, inwards, and emerged tumbling into Clockwork’s dreams.

He took a minute to orient himself.  Dreams were… strange.  And personal.  They didn’t really exist far away from the dreamer, the landscape forming and dissolving around them in a sort of bubble.  But even in that bubble, the rules of cause and effect, permanence, and persistence were suggestions.  

After the first time with Nocturn, Danny had asked Tucker how he’d perceived his dream, and it turned out that he’d thought there was only one Star, instead of the legions that Danny had seen.  It was just that Star was everywhere.  

Danny was apprehensive about what kinds of dream logic would prevail in the dreams of a person who could see time.  

But this looked…  Normal.  It looked just like Long Now’s entryway, actually, minus the bed.  

Good.  Normal was good.  

Okay, Danny’s next steps were clear.  Find Clockwork, figure out how to shock him or otherwise wake him up, and then work out what had happened in the real world.  Easy.  

Except for the part about shocking someone who could see the future.  That wasn’t going to be easy. 

Why didn’t he ever think these things through?  

He shook his head.  First, find Clockwork.  Then deal with the other stuff.  Who knew?  Maybe telling him he was in a dream would be enough.  

“Clockwork?” he called.  His voice echoed, but he got no other response.  He flew deeper into Long Now, calling out periodically.  Clockwork didn’t answer.  Long Now continued to look normal.  

Except–  Was it getting darker?  And were those stars moving in the dark?

That was all the warning he got before the shadows swirled around him and contracted, forming a sort of starry bubble.  Sleepwalkers, cloth-covered ghosts with stitched-shut eyes, rose from the black like swimmers from a pool and swarmed him.  

Danny fought, but the sleepwalkers were numerous and they were on their home turf.  Much like during his very first encounter with them, they pinned him and dragged him into place so their master could have a better look at him.  

Nocturn emerged from the darkness, and it clung to them, merging smoothly with their long robes.  They glared down at Danny with deep disfavor.  

“You,” they said.  “What are you doing here?”

“I’m here to stop whatever you’re doing to Clockwork!” snapped Danny, angry at Nocturn for doing this, and furious at himself for not being able to get away.  

“What I am doing to Clockwork?” said Nocturn, rising up, their body elongating and looming over Danny.  They had to curve so as to avoid the low, rounded ceiling.  “What I am doing to Clockwork?  Better to ask what everyone else is doing to him.  Uncountable petitioners, begging for this favor or that, kings seeking to use him as a tool, those cursed Observants.”  Their lips curled.  “You.”

“Me?” repeated Danny.  “What did I do?”

“Paradox on paradox,” hissed Nocturn, circling Danny.  Danny craned his neck trying to keep track of them.  “Do you think your little jaunts through time are without damage?  Without consequence?”

Well.  No.  Danny knew his trips through time made work for Clockwork.  That was one of the reasons he started visiting.  But that didn't explain–

“Why do you care?  You attacked him and put him to sleep!”

Nocturn laughed.  “You seek to take me to task, but you know nothing.  Less than nothing.  Eons, I have been by Clockwork's side, and the oldest of your histories is younger than our relationship.”

Danny… blinked.  “Relationship?” he asked.  “Like- like a romantic–?”

“Of course a romantic relationship!”  Nocturn paced through the little bubble of starry darkness, back and forth.  “We have been lovers since before your kind had writing.”

“Okay, I kind of got that from the history thing, but–”

“I have had enough of this world harming him.  I have had enough of watching him work himself to his gears, trying to satisfy cruel masters.  I will have him rest in peace.  You will not disturb him!”

“And did you ask him before you did–”  Danny tugged at the sleepwalkers holding him in an attempt to gesture. “--All this?”

Nocturn scoffed.  “Do you ask your right hand whether it is acceptable to hold it with your left?”

“Oh my gosh,” said Danny.  “This is a domestic violence thing.  Are you even dating, or–”

“Our love transcends such distinctions.”

“You’re a stalker.  I can’t believe this, no wonder Clockwork never mentioned you–”

Danny’s words died on his tongue as Nocturn gave him a particularly poisonous look.  Okay.  Yeah.  Sometimes snarking at the person who currently held you captive wasn’t a good idea.  

“Why would he mention me to you, when our relationship far exceeds anything you could even dream of?” they asked.  It was only barely a question.  But then their expression slid towards contemplation.  “But he does care for you.  Somewhat.  He dreams of you.”

“And I dream of infinite tacos,” said Danny.  “What’s your point?”

“No, you don’t.”

“Huh?  I think I know what I dream about.”

“I am the Master of Dreams and Nightmares.  I know what you have dreamed of, and it is not tacos, infinite or otherwise.”  Nocturn leaned close, looming.  “You dream of stars.  Of tragedies that never happened.  Of your own death.  Of being loved in ways you never will be in waking life.”

“Uh, I think I know what I dream about,” said Danny.  “Also, excuse you, I am loved in real life.  Even Clockwork likes me.”

Oh, heck, that’s where they started.  That’s what Danny was trying to distract Nocturn from.  

“Yes,” said Nocturn, tapping a clawed finger against painted lips.  “You might be useful.  But not with that tongue on you.”  They snapped their fingers and the sleepwalkers moved, pulling at Danny’s lips and teeth.  “Oh, stop struggling, child.  I’m not going to cut off your tongue or whatever you’ve convinced yourself of.  I’m not a monster.”

Danny snapped at one sleepwalker’s fingers.  “Could’ve fooled me!  Augh!”  The sleepwalkers got their fingers firmly into Danny’s mouth and pulled his jaw open.  Their fingers tasted sandy.  

Nocturn held their hand out, and one of the idle sleepwalkers, standing behind them, pulled towards it, like it was being sucked into a black hole.  Its body warped, turning green, then inky, starry black as it swirled into a dripping orb a few inches across.  Dark liquid dripped onto Nocturn’s palm and disappeared, absorbed into their skin.  

Danny did not like the look of that.  Should he try a wail?  He hadn’t before, because this was Clockwork’s dream, and he didn’t know what would happen to him if Danny did something so damaging in his dream.  

“This servant of mine,” said Nocturn, “will make sure you do not say anything against the rules.”

What rules?

Nocturn leaned close, bringing the sleepwalker orb with them.  Danny felt something cold drip on his lips, and then press against his back teeth.  The orb was far too big to swallow and he gagged, trying to throw off the sleepwalkers one more time.  

But ‘too big to swallow’ was a problem for rigid humans.  It wasn’t an obstacle for ghosts whose bodies could vaporize or stretch like putty.  Not when that stretching was reflexive.  Danny’s throat expanded as Nocturn pushed.  But Nocturn didn’t push it all the way down to Danny’s stomach.  Instead, the sticky, gooey ball lodged somewhere in Danny’s esophagus and compressed when the organ seized around it, but didn’t move.  

Danny gagged and heaved, but the thing didn’t move.  All that came up were a few splatters of black that were lost in the black that surrounded Danny, Nocturn, and the sleepwalkers.  

But the sleepwalkers were fading away, disappearing, and soon only Danny and Nocturn stood there.  Or, rather, in the case of Danny, knelt there.  Without the sleepwalkers holding him up, he’d collapsed as he coughed.  

Nocturn grabbed the back of his collar and pulled him up as the darkness around them dissolved and Danny saw… Clockwork’s workshop?

And Clockwork.  

Danny tried to call out, but black liquid bubbled out over his tongue and past his lips, staining the front of his suit.  

… That was gross.  

But it also gave Danny time to realize that Clockwork was talking to… him?  To Danny’s doppelganger which was–  

Not that weird, actually.  He’d been in Sam’s dream and Tucker’s dream, and Nocturn had just said Clockwork was dreaming of Danny.  It was still a little unsettling to see.  

“I would tell you the rules,” whispered Nocturn, “but they are the rules of a dream.  You will figure them out…  Or not.”  They pushed Danny forward, and Danny experienced a brief moment of vertigo before finding himself sitting on the stool the dream double had been on, listening to Clockwork as he explained the function of a particular type of gear.  

Okay.  Danny didn’t know what game Nocturn was playing, but now that he was in front of Clockwork, he could just tell him that he was in a dream.  He opened his mouth and even more black ooze spilled out.  The action was completely silent.  

Okay.  That wouldn’t work.  Could Danny speak at all, now that Nocturn had forced an entire sleepwalker down his throat.  

“Clockwork,” he said.  

“Yes, Daniel?” asked Clockwork, looking up.  

Danny pointed over his shoulder.  “Nocturn.”

Clockwork’s gaze followed Danny’s finger, and then his entire face lit up.  “Ah, my love.”

“My love,” said Nocturn, significantly more possessively.  He leaned down as Clockwork reached up, and they kissed.  

Deeply.  

Ew.  Just.  Ew.  That was– That was going on way too long.  Way, way too long.  

(And some of Nocturn’s claims must be true, because if they weren’t, Danny was sure this would count as shocking.  It was certainly shocking to him.)

“I believe we are scandalizing your child, my dear,” said Nocturn. 

“Our child,” corrected Clockwork, absently.  “I am sure he will become used to it.  In time.”

“In your dreams,” said Danny, horrified, and not really processing the rest of the conversation, such as it was.  

Clockwork patted Danny on the head, ruffling his hair, then planted a kiss on Danny’s forehead, which was about ten times as intimate as Clockwork had ever been with Danny, and Danny felt his thoughts grind to a halt.  

What– What?

No, no, this was a distraction, he had to get Clockwork out of this dream.  

“Is there something the matter, dear?  I thought that you were working.”

“The problem was easily solved,” said Nocturn, carefully placing an arm around Clockwork’s shoulders.  “I thought that I would come watch you teach, if it is not an imposition, love.”

“Of course not.  And I am sure Daniel will not mind.”  He looked at Danny expectantly.  

Danny tried to form many words around a mouthful of inky ectoplasm (it had to be ectoplasm, right?) but the only one that managed to come out was, “No.”

Clockwork smiled.  “Very good.”  

Nocturn smiled, too.  Much more sinisterly.  

Danny swallowed.  This… was going to be a lot harder to deal with than he thought.

He really should have brought that backup. 

[just-my-latest-hyperfixation]

Whatever it is you’ve been doing

Written for the @steddiebingo

Prompts: Secret Date on the Kissing Booth bonus card and Date on the regular one

Rated: T

Tags: Omegaverse; Alpha!Steve; Omega!Eddie; Secret relationship, Courting rituals, Fluff

Notes: Set in the same verse as Whatever you want it to be.

Dustin Henderson is confused, and Eddie can tell that he's going to make it everybody's problem. 

He glowers at Eddie from under his hat as Steve herds his friends and him into the living room of Harrington Manor, frowns as they unpack their dice and gives snippy replies as Steve takes everyone's pizza order. He calms down a little after that, as they get started with their campaign, but by the time Steve returns with the food, his mood sours again. 

“Extra cheese and no pineapple for Wheeler,” Steve says, handing over Mike's order, then plops down on the couch, right next to where Eddie is sitting cross-legged on the carpet. “And these are for you.” 

Eddie blinks at the box that's shoved in his direction. Steve wiggles it, smile bright and eager. 

“Pizza knots with pepperoni,” he singsongs. Like he thinks it's charming. Like offering a guy greasy fast food in a soggy cardboard box and making bad sex puns is high-level seduction. 

The problem is it's working. 

“Keep your knots to yourself, Harrington,” he drawls, just for the heck of it, because the last thing that dork needs is to think he’s some sort of modern-day Don Juan. “I didn't order anything.” 

Steve rolls his eyes but doesn't stop smiling. 

“I know,” he says, opening the box and grinning at the audible rumble of Eddie’s stomach. “But I also know they're your favorite. C'mon, they're on me. We can even share if-” 

“What the hell is going on with you two?” Dustin blurts, slamming his hands down on the sofa table and sending their figurines scattering. 

Steve measures him with an unimpressed look and takes a bite out of his first pizza knot. 

“What d’you mean?” 

Dustin groans. Tugs on his basecap. Throws his hands out in a dramatic, all-encompassing gesture. Next to him, Lucas dodges to the side, narrowly avoiding an elbow to the face.

“What do I- … This! All of this! Why are we holding Hellfire at your house? Why are you buying Eddie food? Why are you two suddenly joined at the hip when you were barely even acknowledging each other’s existence two weeks ago?”

Eddie trades a glance with Steve before he turns back to Dustin with blank stare. It’s hard, because the kid’s left eyebrow is twitching funnily and he needs to muster up all of his willpower to not burst out laughing.

“Okay? I don’t get it, Henderson.”

“Yeah,” Steve agrees around half a mouthful of cheese. “You’ve been nagging me about what a great guy Eddie is for literal months, and now that we’re finally getting along, that’s also a problem?”

“I wanted you to be friends!” Dustin whines. “Not- … Not whatever it is you’ve been doing! Hell, the other day at the gas station, you bought him a pen!” 

“Because he always steals mine and I thought he might like it,” Steve shrugs. “It was shaped like a dragon and had those little sparkly stones for eyes.”

Eddie smiles at him. “It’s a very metal pen, thank you.”

“See?” Dustin blurts. “That’s exactly what I mean! Hell, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you two were courting!”

Next to him, Mike rolls his eyes. “Oh, please, they can’t be courting. Eddie’s a beta.”

Dustin gives him an scathing look. “He dated your sister and she’s an alpha.”

“That was before she presented,” Mike retaliates. “They broke up after that.”

“Hey, shitheads,” Steve says, pointing his pizza knot at them. “I didn’t break up with Nancy because she presented as an alpha. And you don’t gossip about other people’s love life. Least of all while they’re in the same room.”

Dustin looks like he’s about to argue, but Steve draws himself up to his full height and crosses his arms. The warning rumble that bubbles from his throat is so low it’s barely even there, but it still has the desired effect. The kids deflate and avert their eyes. Which is just as well, because if they kept looking, they’d probably see how Eddie has gone suspiciously red in the face and has started squirming in his spot. 

“Jeez, okay,” Dustin mumbles. “Sorry, I guess.” 

“It’s okay,” Steve says. “Now go back to your nerd game, I’d like you to go home at some point.” 

*

Mrs. Henderson swings by on her way back from work to pick up the brood, so Steve takes the empty glasses and pizza cartons to the kitchen while Eddie clears away the mess in the living room. He’s just assembled his notes on the campaign into something that halfway resembles a neat stack when a pair of arms wraps around his waist and pulls him back into a soft, warm body. Steve noses at the scent gland on his neck, even though there’s not much to smell now that Eddie is back on his repressants. Eddie still sighs and tilts his head to give him better access.

“Those little gremlins are too curious for their own good,” Steve mutters. Since his mouth is all but welded to Eddie’s neck, his voice comes out slightly muffled. It sends a pleasant shiver down Eddie’s spine and makes a familiar warmth stir in his belly.

“Tell me about it,” Eddie says, hands finding Steve’s and entangling their fingers. In the kitchen, some cheesy love song is blaring from the radio. Steve starts swaying the both of them to the melody and Eddie lets him. “You might wanna try and keep the sexy, macho, alpha act to a minimum though, if you don’t want me to pop a boner in front of our little sheepies. That, and the courting gifts.” 

“I’ve been so subtle about it,” Steve grouses, spinning him around and out before wrapping him back into his arms. “Goddamn pizza knots and pens. You deserve much better gifts. You deserve to be taken on proper dates.” 

“Hey now!” Eddie hits his chest. “Don’t insult the pen. I meant what I said, I like it a lot.”

Steve pouts, but his scent goes earthier and more intense, as always when he’s pleased. 

“Maybe we should just tell them,” Eddie mumbles into Steve's chest as they keep moving to the music. “They're two steps away from figuring it out, anyhow.” 

Steve gently pushes him away, so that he can measure him with a quizzical look. The pine needle note in his scent has gone sharper. More protective. Eddie realizes he's getting better and better at telling his emotions from these subtle shifts, even with his senses dulled by the meds.

“Would you be okay with that? You said you didn't want anyone to know.” 

Eddie shrugs. “They're a bunch of loud-mouthed little goblins, but they're good kids at heart. I feel like they'd handle it okay. And I'll probably need to come out about it at some point, if we want to continue this.” 

Steve frowns, unconvinced, folding him up in his arms and pressing a soft, lingering kiss to his forehead. 

“When you're ready. When you're absolutely sure you wanna do this. Not a day earlier, okay?” 

A part of Eddie thinks he'll never be ready, but he knows that it's the scared and cowardly part that also thought he'd never open up to Steve. Another, more stubborn and possessive part of him wants to climb out on the roof and proclaim their courtship for all of this goddamn town to hear. Tell everyone that Steve is his just as much as he is Steve’s. 

What he does, in the end, is melt into Steve's embrace and kiss the junction of his neck and shoulder, grinning at the sharp intake of breath and distinct spike of arousal in his scent. 

“Okay,” he agrees. He'll be ready one day, and they'll figure out their way when the time comes. “But for now … take me upstairs?” 

More Steddie Bingo

[blueaprondelight]

this is an nsfw blurb post! minors, please dni, i am not your source for smut !!

also, this is fem!reader based. (also also, this sat in my drafts before i finished it)

˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧˚.🎀༘⋆

welcome to expanded mae bae thoughts on a post i’d put out like early november i think ?? something about kissing carmy’s neck while he’s supposed to be on a business call.. so here’s that:

i can just imagine it being some call he hates and had put off for as long as he could before it smacked him in the face (as i picture him doing with most things that are not day to day). either some meeting call or whatever it was- he detested it.

plus, it took away from him being with you!? double whammy.

but, you had surprised him at work, and you looked so sweet and cute so he just *had* to let you come into his office and onto his lap, the phone long away from his ear as someone on the other line dragged on and on

“you okay?” you ask, wanting nothing more than to kiss away that little pout he subconsciously got during these sorts of things. “better now.” he murmurs, having to raise the phone again to respond.

okay, so technically, you were to blame for the situation. but he looked so cute and it’d been so long since the man properly gave you attention (his fault as he’d always admit, that man would be whipped you cannot convince me otherwise)

so, you kiss his jaw! at first, its slow, sweet. maybe he has to muffle the groan that comes out, his hand subconciously cupping your ass or your thigh, whatever is closest really he’s grabbing onto it

but in your defense, he never told you to stop!! if anything, it prompted him to keep going, so you do. his pulse point is your favorite spot to kiss and suck on, though you know better than to leave a hickey there since he’d never stop getting teased for it

and naturally, you kiss his collarbone, as he has to talk on the phone. he manages - somehow - to keep his voice steady as he finishes up his big boy business, with a calm, “i am so sorry, mark. i actually have something else coming” (really, no pun intended) “up right now, can i call you back?”

and technically, he was the one that had told you he’d “deal with you later” before you left. and that later did come (that one may have been suggestive) in your shared apartment after he got off of work.

it was bound to happen anyway - the poor man was stressed and what better stress relief than getting to lap desperately at your cunt? hear your whines and fingers in his curls, begging silently for more, and him being the one to indulge?

he would 100% bury his face in the crook of your neck, even while he has sweat damping his curls and sticking them to his forehead, as he thrusts slowly into you. he can’t help but be a tease, after all, and he considered it payback for the “visit” earlier

also sidenote: i cant imagine carm being much of like a degrading guy during sex but i can imagine him being the rambling type?? or the like dirty talk without realizing type? can someone pls agree with me on that so i know my delusions are shared

but on that note, it happens now! he would bite your earlobe while whispering just the filthiest things in your ear and probably not even realizing

also, whenever you let that man come inside of you he is so pathetically happy and you can tell by his thrusts like i need him

anyway thats it k thanks bye

[dronarryfest]

Dronarry Fest 2025 | Week Two Roundup

Week two done! Remember to give our wonderful creators love with your kudos and comments ❤️ We'll be back on Monday!

PODFIC

🚲 Bike Dream by @dodgerkedavra | E | @cailynwrites

Draco’s going to learn to ride a bike if it’s the last thing he does.

I’ve been listening to this on my commute to and from work and it’s been delightful! Love your narration and how you voice all the characters. Just beautiful! - @erin-orolin

I’m only on chapter two but your voice is clear and wonderful, and the life and love you have brought to this story are audible. Can’t wait to listen to the rest! ❤️🎉 - @chiquita-3

--

FIC

🎇 the lonesome crowded west | E | @garagepaperback

A western romance featuring: a magical rodeo, sunsets in Utah, a dragon named Pill-bug, stolen beer and paper plate dinners, pining, Ron Weasley as a barebacking cowboy, a constantly shoe-less Draco Malfoy, and a too-much, two-palms-full sort of love.

this was a little sun kissed masterpiece. how did you even do this? the tension of harry’s want—felt it in every beat. deserts, heat, dragons bucking, FIREWORKS— big gay monuments of desire just making it all so enormous. and an incredible crescendo followed by such a balm of peace and calm. i loved this so much! - @twnkwlf-writes

ohh I loved this, absolute perfection! The tension between them 🫠 and your writing is always so vivid. So good! - @erin-orolin

-

🍻 One More Round | E | @erin-orolin

Draco last saw Potter three years ago, when he disappeared off to New York with Draco’s crushed heart in hand. Potter’s back—but things in London are different now. Draco and Ron quit the Aurors, opened a pub together, and basically became each other’s new best friend. Draco’s determined to keep his head this time. No falling for Potter’s friendliness, or his tactile nature, and definitely no flirting. Absolutely no sex… honestly.

Love this so much! ❤️ It was just the perfect thing to re-read when my jetlag woke me up at three am lol They're so soft and sweet with each other and you know Ron's and Draco's friendship in this is just one of my absolute favourite things! - @willowingscribe

Aaahhhh 😩 I’ll never get over your fics. Doesn’t matter the pairing, the tropes, the content, I’m always addicted and left amazed. This was so cozy and hot and everyone’s characterizations were stunning. - SweetheartAurora

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🖋️ Reach Out And Touch Faith | M | @the_prettiest_w0lf_star

Where did this book come from? Did my mother send this to me? She said before returning to Hogwarts that I should start writing a journal and that it might help me. I don't know how this works exactly and I'm pretty sure I like to do this, but if I don't get it out soon, I'll scream. So here goes nothing.

Aah I loved this!! Such an original way to show the relationship between these three! And it was so fun too, I loved their banter, the intermissions with the letters, AND THAT ENDING WAS PERFECT OMG I was laughing and squealing what a delight, thank you for sharing !! - @galaxostars

oi! this was an absolutely delightful story! I am a sucker for the banter, for the romance of it all, the way that they're very them throughout it - shewritesmaybe

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🧖‍♂️ Uncovering the myth | E | @galaxostars

Draco has heard the rumours: Ron is packing one down there. He's obsessed with finding out the truth, Harry never hears the end of it. But will Draco succeed in his investigations? And how?

Oh my god. That… was horny. Horniest fic award and also horny jail for you 😂😂 this was full of hot shenanigans, delicious pining, juicy drama, and an oral fixation kink I hope Draco never kicks. Sheesh! Also shout out to both Harry and Draco sitting on Ron’s thighs. After this fest, I’m going to need that as a Dronarry staple because it’s so good! Amazing writing and storytelling, you’ve absolutely nailed your prompt (pun intended) - @schmem14

This is kind of the best thing I’ve read all year… AND ITS STILL MARCH!! The way you write them is so *chefs kiss* so so in love with all three of them in your writing! May have ignited something in me related to Draco’s fixation… can’t get it out of my mind! Love it so much - princewolfgang

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go to the dronarry fest 2025 collection

[june-rambles]

For the fic ask game: SwanQueen for 59 and/or 84

ty for the ask. from this prompt list!! (anyone feel free to send any 💖 i am begging i love these)

i might have gotten a little carried away on this one (1048 words).. this is also posted on ao3

read under cut!!

“I had almost forgotten how boring these stakeouts were.” Regina grumbled, glaring at the pond as if it would make everything go faster.

Emma chuckled. “To be fair, it’s a lot better when one is getting paid for it.” She looked over at her companion. The mayor rolled her eyes, still watching the water closely. Patience was definitely not one of her strong suits.

A strong gust of wind hit them from behind. On top of tonight being cold, it was also windy. Perfect weather for this, she thought bitterly. Emma was starting to have her doubts about whoever they were supposed to be watching for actually showing up.

Someone had been reportedly attempting to snatch the swans out of the pond, but all of the swans had been accounted for and besides from a few literal ruffled feathers there was no solid evidence of it. David had already made enough swan related puns about it, and Emma was looking forward to this being over with.

“Won’t our presence scare off whoever we’re looking for?” Regina wondered.

“I’m willing to bet whoever keeps trying to grab swans from the pond and failing isn’t exactly the brightest sort.” She muttered. She tried to tear her eyes away from Regina, but she was way more interesting to look at than the water.

“You’d know about swans and not being the brightest sort.” Regina teased. She looked over at Emma, a soft smile on her face.

She scoffed. “Your insults don’t have the edge they used to.”

Emma deeply enjoyed their playful banter these days. It was fun for both of them, and even though they were friends nowadays they still had a silent understanding between them. That trading playful insults was easier than acknowledging how much had changed. Easier than recognizing how much they meant to each other.

“Jailbird.” Regina mumbled under her breath, looking back to the pond. Emma huffed, but before she could retort another strong gust of wind blew through the park. She noticed the mayor shiver slightly, pulling her blazer tighter around herself.

She didn’t hesitate to pull off her jacket, the same way she had done for Aurora in the Enchanted Forest so long ago. Regina noticed the movement and watched her closely. When she handed it over, the raven-haired woman stared at her incredulously.

“Are you serious?” She frowned.

Emma had thankfully decided against a tank-top and instead worn a thick sweatshirt under her jacket. She doubted that Regina’s typical day attire, no matter how expensive it was, didn’t provide great warmth against the early winter winds.

Emma raised an eyebrow. “Does it seem like I’m joking?”

“Always trying to save everyone, Miss Swan.” The mayor sighed and took the jacket from her. She slowly pulled it on, seeming unsure about the entire exchange.

“If you get cold..” Regina trailed off when she was given an unimpressed look.

Emma hesitantly raised her hand to Regina’s face, tucking the hair that had been knocked loose by the wind back behind her ear. Emma let her hand linger on her cheek.

“I don’t feel very cold tonight.” She whispered softly. Regina went speechless, watching Emma with an investigative expression. Emma drew her hand back and stared back at the pond, ignoring the fast racing of her heart in her chest.

The truth was, Emma was deeply and utterly in love with the other mother of her son. She had been for a long time. Yet, she had never had the courage to tell her, and it felt way too late to tell her now.

It was why she had never gone farther with Killian past that first date. He was sweet, and he seemed to really like her, but it wasn’t fair to him to attempt the relationship when her heart was already captured by another attractive, snarky, dark haired person.

She felt Regina shuffle closer, their thighs pressed together now. Emma ignored the urge to look over, because she knew if she turned her head now she wouldn’t be able to look away.

Maybe she should’ve just asked David to do the stakeout with her. But.. Regina had offered if she needed any help, she only needed to ask. And Emma wouldn’t turn down an offer to spend time with the mayor.

Regina sighed softly, then leaned over and settled her head on Emma’s shoulder. She froze. Regina was resting her head on her shoulder. Emma smiled to herself, watching the dark-haired woman from the corner of her eye.

Around half an hour later, Emma checked her watch. They had been sitting here for almost two hours, and she knew Regina had to get up early tomorrow. “We should probably head out.” she thought out loud, “I don’t think they’re coming tonight.”

Regina didn’t respond. Emma started to wonder if she just hadn’t heard her before she realized the mayor was asleep.

She hesitated for a moment before gently shaking her awake. “We should go home.” She told her once Regina glared at her with sleepy grumpiness. Regina sighed and nodded.

“Sorry for falling asleep on you.” Regina mumbled.

Emma smiled. “It’s okay. It was cute.” She hadn’t even realized what she said until Regina blinked at her. Fuck, she hadn’t meant to say that outloud. Maybe she was tired too.

“Are you flirting with me? Giving me your jacket, what you said about not feeling cold tonight, calling me cute..” Regina blurted.

Was she? Objectively, she supposed it would look like that, but she really hadn’t been meaning to. She genuinely hadn’t wanted Regina to get cold.. and she hadn’t meant to say that..

Her heart raced and she felt way too warm for a night like this. “Uh.. I, well..” She spluttered.

Regina shook her head, holding up a hand to stop her. “Nevermind, don’t answer that. This is a conversation we should have when we’re not exhausted.”

What the hell did Regina mean by that? Emma stared at her. “Right. Yeah.”

Before Emma could say anything else, the mayor suddenly stood, smiling at her. “Goodnight, Emma. We’ll talk soon”

“Yeah.. night.” She mumbled, still processing what she had said. Regina walked off to the parking lot, and she was long gone by the time she realized she still had her jacket.

[callireads]

Review 3: Men At Arms

I briefly strayed into the world of memoir, but now I'm back to comedic fantasy and the Ankh-Morpork City Watch. Specifically, the second book in the City Watch collection, Men At Arms.

This one isn't one of the ones I've reread until the copy fell apart, but I did remember a fair bit about it. Hard to forget the bit where Cuddy realizes that there is a logic to the way trolls name numbers, or where Everything That Comes After Calculus almost got solved in the Pork Futures Warehouse, or the moment the entire Assassins Guild realized, simultaneously, that Detritus could be a very important person indeed - one of the relatively few times Discworld has actually made me cry. This is the one where Vimes falls off the wagon and attempts to embed his badge into his hand, resulting in the reveal that he had, apparently for some time, been dedicating half his pay to being the closest thing Watch widows and orphans got to a pension - that one didn't make me cry, but I felt like it. There's a running bit about how someone who could shove a sword into a stone sounds like a better kingship candidate than someone who just pulls said sword out again, and how Carrot ends up doing both* in an almost blink-and-you-miss-it moment, about the same time we get Vimes' memorable reflection on the subject of how evil people gloat. And, of course, this book contains stuff like the Flamethrower Incident and perhaps the best pun, or play on words, in the entire series: that is, that one made by Death about how Bjorn Hammerhock believes in reincarnation and will therefore eventually be bjorn again.

Yes, bjorn again. Of all the jokes I could have remembered, it was that one. What can I say, Death has an odd sort of charm sometimes.**

More seriously, I didn't remember that this was the (very subtle) beginning of the...sub-plot? theme? something literary, anyway, about what the Vimes will later dub "the Party People" and "the people who shape opinions into knives", which creeps through the Watch series as a whole. I'm from the United States and, worse yet, specifically from an area about as red as Dorothy's slippers, so a few scenes cut a little sharper now than I imagine they did when I was nineteen and politically illiterate:

"You know," Vimes shook his head, "you know, that's what's so damn annoying, isn't it? The way they can be so incapable of rational thought and so bloody shrewd at the same time." (Pratchett 106)

And I probably never related to Vimes on a personal level so much as during this exchange, which was about the scene on page 106 and the rather unintelligent, bigoted, rich, powerful individual who prompted the observation:

"I was watching you," she said. "You were being very rude, Sam." "I was trying not to be." "Lord Eorle is a very old friend." "Is he?" "Well, I've known him a long time. I can't stand the man, actually. But you were making him look foolish." "He was making himself look foolish. I was merely helping." (Pratchett 109)

My mother's less mild-mannered about it than Sybil when I do that kind of thing around her friends/distant relatives/etc., but...sometimes, you just have to help those who won't stop helping themselves, and sometimes it's even harder than usual to bring oneself to not lend that helping hand, because of just how unlikable a specific case is, y'know? But above it all, there's the grim reality, which occupies far too much of my thoughts these days:

"There were people who'd steal money from people. Fair enough. That was just theft. But there were people who, with one easy word, would steal the humanity from people. That was something else." (Pratchett 116-117)

It's a surprisingly important, thought-provoking book, once you read it with at least some level of awareness of the world around you.

*He also established his ability to stick a sword through and remove a sword from Dr. Cruces at the same time; it seemed to be the main purpose of the exercise from his point of view, but was of less narrative importance than the stone bit, as nobody had included "running through the head of the Assassin's Guild" in the kingship candidate requirements list.

**Death of the Disc, that is, not actual death. In real life, little-d death just makes me angry, but Death of the Disc is someone I might not even mind being escorted to the afterlife by, as long as I got one of his usually-unintentionally-amusing one-liners on my way out.

[peterparkouryo]

rebound iv, the teaser | ✧.*

prompt; You had been in a relationship with Peter for months until he broke up with you. It was tough at first, but over time you began to move on and eventually found someone new. However, Peter couldn't handle seeing you with someone else and it was clear he was still harbouring feelings for you.

warnings in this teaser: maybe angst nd small argument?

a/n: this teaser is nothing special, it just prepares you for the absolute shit show you will be getting :D

✧.*

You were starting to believe someone was out to get you. Maybe fate wasn't actually falling in your hands and you just had this habit of attracting bad things whenever something good came your way.

This time around, it was not your fault for the bad things happening to you, it was Peter's.

You thought you two had this silent agreement that after you found your closure, you'd never have to talk to each other again, which was going well for the past few months, avoiding each other like the plague or just simply pretending either or did not exist.

For some reason though, the boy couldn't take the hint and it was bringing back old nightmares you didn't want to relive.

Peter had this habit of sticking to you like a bug (no pun intended) and you were worried it had something to do with the still lingering feelings he clearly still had for you, which is something you did not know until you started seeing Miles.

When you said you hadn't thought about Peter in a very long time, you meant it as three days sober without the boy trying to ruin your life. You really had no idea why it was a problem for Peter to be happy for you when you were more than supportive for his now ex relationship with MJ.

Michelle wasn't too keen on telling. you the details of why they broke up after two months of dating, but you had this feeling it had something to do with you, which is so selfish, but Peter being Peter can't help but make the obvious, well, obvious.

Every conversation you have with him ends in an argument, a petty one at most.

So, when he approached your locker, you were prepared for the worst.

"Are you still coming to the decathlon meeting?" Is the first thing he asks you, and it's not like you're expecting an 'hi, how are you?', most of your conversations nowadays are usually straight to the point.

"Why?"

"Because, you never go anymore? Like, what type of question is that..." Peter mumbles the last bit, but you hear it, and you take a deep breath in to not say anything back.

"We'll see, I might hang out with Miles after school." You shrug as you close your locker and you see Peter roll his eyes from the corner of your eye.

"If you're gonna keep ditching, what's the point in being on the team?" Peter questions almost hypocritically.

"You're one to talk." You argue.

"That's different. I have a reason to, you? Not so much." He shrugs and you let out a scoff and turn to walk away, not wanting to be predictable and provoke an oncoming argument.

And as also predicted, Peter follows you like a lost puppy.

"Do you always have to hang out with him after school?" He quizzes, and you stop in your tracks, to give him a questionable look.

"Well yeah, that's what boyfriend and girlfriends do Peter. Once upon a time, we use to do that exact thing." You narrow your eyes at the boy as he looks anywhere but at you.

Again, you're not the smartest person alive, but it was painfully obvious Peter for some reason still harboured feelings for you and you were all sorts of confused as it was him who broke up with you in the first place.

You just wanted him to leave you alone, you've been through so much because of him, but yet, he can't take the hint no matter what you do.

"I know, and I still feel bad about breaking up with you." Peter sighs and you shake your head quickly.

"No, please Peter, stop while you're at it." You warn, watching the boys face visibly deflate at your rejection.

Peter was not stupid (most of the time), so you knew that he knows just how good he was at being a manipulator. His favourite technique was obviously guilt-tripping and being the best at putting the blame on others because he's "been through so much". You learned that the hard way, and now you were glad you could point out the red flags whenever he tried to do exactly that.

"What? I'm not doing anything." He shrugs innocently and you roll your eyes at his faux innocence.

Before you could voice your comeback, the bell rings and you let an all too familiar feeling settle in your stomach.

You decide to keep the silence in between you both, turning around to walk to your class and dare you even try to look back at Peter.

You both knew this was not the end of it, if anything, only the beginning of something worst.

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lol

[buggyboba]

Surrender Your Mind

part one [ x ] part three [x] AO3 [ x ]

Part two | Fasten Her Tether Unto Me

A/N | Hello! Thank you everyone for your positive feedback on part one! I am a newish fan fiction writer, and I have zero clue what I am doing, but we are faking it until we make it! I will set up a masterlist (no pun intended) and a tag list. As of right now, I will try to update this story every Wednesday. In this chapter/part, I went for a different tone, so I hope you all still enjoy it. As always, Thank you, and if you have any prompts or questions please feel free to send them in, I would love to fulfill some prompts and drabble.

Also look at me pulling from book media…~ Buggy.

TW |  A bit of choking, but not in a sexy way, but maybe…lots of pet names, Pet, Puppy, Kitten, descriptions of violence. Missy is still a dick.

Word count | 6315

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The steady hum became a constant companion; the machine felt alive; even when you couldn’t hear the hum, you felt the low vibration. It felt like it was watching you; it could see your every movement, and you could have sworn it locked you out of certain places as you carefully explored them. The woman, The Mistress, as you still had yet to actually call her that in conversation, had so graciously, as she put it, allowed you to stay there to be safe. She had kidnapped you, and every time you had tried to leave over the past week, she was always there, stopping you, or her machine wouldn’t open the door. You had gotten decent at picking out her footsteps and would make yourself scarce. She hadn’t actively tried to interact with you, save for stopping you from leaving, and the one time you accidentally ran into her when you were exploring, that was a few days ago.

Tonight, however, You had thought it was clear. You hadn’t heard her in a while, so you had dared to slip into a room whose door had been locked prior. You couldn’t pass up the opportunity; maybe it was a way out; it wasn’t like the woman had actively threatened your life, but you weren’t a fan of being captive, especially with a stranger who refused to explain anything to you, one who you felt so strange around, your mind still foggy when you looked at her when you caught glimpses of her as she worked on something. The room you entered smelled of a fireplace, it looked like it could be a study, but you weren’t sure. The warmth of the fire in the brick fireplace warmed the area, it was a small comfort given that the rest of the ship was so bloody cold. There were books lining the shelves, there were mounted creature heads above the fireplace, and from what you could see, there seemed to be artifacts, weapons, and specific books in glass cases; this felt more like a hunter’s lounge than a study. There was a faint smell of cigars, but it was so faint that you figured no one had been smoking them recently. 

As you walked into the room a little more, you looked at the chair facing the fireplace. On the side table, there was a small tumbler of amber liquid, a plate of half-eaten cucumber slices, some sort of orange-colored jam, and clotted cream. Oh, no, you had to leave. You turned and walked straight into her chest. She caught your arms so you wouldn’t fall back. She looked down at you with a smile that couldn’t quite make up its mind if it wanted to be a smile. 

“So I have finally caught my little mouse.” Her voice was barely above a whisper, causing you to shiver. “Have you enjoyed poking around my private room?” She asked in a tone that was dangerous, almost daring you to answer. Her hands tightened a bit on your arms before she let you go, walking towards the chair. “I’ve had a long day,” she started.

You wondered what she did all day; you hadn’t seen her or heard her. You watched her unceremoniously flop into the large, high-backed armchair in front of the fireplace. You stood there silently, you could slip out of the room quietly. You could return to the guest room she had given you and stay hidden as long as you could. 

“Go on, ask about it.” Her voice sounded from the chair as she grabbed the little tumbler, holding it between three delicate fingers and pulling it up to her lips. Her lipstick made a smudge on the glass as she took the liquid into her mouth, setting the cup back down. Her fingertips grazed the glass as she pulled her hand back and swallowed the sip she had taken before she turned her face slightly, watching you out of the corner of her eye. “Don’t be rude, and just stand there silently.” Her lips twitched into a half-smirk. 

You awkwardly forced yourself to walk closer; you gave the chair a wide distance as you stepped around the right side of it. “Why was your day long?” you asked, watching her carefully. 

She was silent as she picked up a slice of cucumber, putting a small dollop of the jam on it, and then another small dollop of the clotted cream. She popped the whole thing in her mouth, chewing, before letting her tongue dart to the corner of her lips, where some cream had escaped. You looked away and down, waiting for her to answer, your arms wrapped around yourself a bit, before you forced your gaze back onto her. 

“Do you want some?” she asked, motioning to the treat she had been eating. You shook your head. “Have you eaten since you got here? Well, you must have; your body doesn’t seem to be deteriorating.” She said as she eyed you over. “Eat,” she said more firmly. You shifted again and moved to carefully take one of the cucumber slices, putting it in your mouth. You had been able to sneak to the kitchen and had been eating, but you weren’t going to make her mad by not taking what she offered.

“So, why was your day long?” You tried to ask again, taking another cucumber slice, this time adding a little bit of the jam, and you were surprised it was apricot jam. The surprised look you gave seemed to have prompted her.

“It’s from The Scoundrel’s Club, a very prestigious member’s club. Well, that was until they so rudely threw me out since I was no longer a man. Silly of them, really. I held a chair there for countless years. Shame what I had to do to them for their disrespect,” she muttered a bit. 

“The Scoundrel’s Club?” you asked carefully. She nodded, but didn’t elaborate on it. You also had questions about her other statement, but really, you didn't have any reason to ask about it. You sighed and looked for a seat; there was only the stool to the armchair, so you sat on that in front of her. “Alright then, what did you do to them?” You asked, and your gut told you that was the wrong question because there was this sort of delighted, almost off-putting grin that took her lips. You immediately regretted your decision to ask. 

There was a moment of silence as she seemed to be getting the details of her story in order. Taking another sip of the liquid in the tumbler, you could only guess it was some sort of sipping whiskey, which you weren’t expecting, but then again, you knew nothing about this woman. 

“Well, you see, as one of the longest-standing members of the club, it was very rude of them to cast me out, so I ruined one’s life, then collapsed the bridge he was on; one had a nasty accident with a train; you should have seen the splatter.” She smirked softly, imitating a sort of splatter sound, flexing her hand to imitate a 'splatter’. You grimaced, not wanting to think about what she had said. “Little bitty bits of Bobo Braithwaite all over the English countryside, ironic because it was his railroad.” The woman giggled a bit. You shivered, trying not to vividly imagine it. You didn’t know whoever that man was, but you almost felt bad.

"Oh, don’t feel bad; these were all terrible people, so in a way, my revenge was for the better.” She made a face and then shook her head, continuing speaking before you could voice your opinion on it. “Then I —” She started to continue and looked back at you with a frown. “Are you not enjoying my story? You look pale, pet.” She let her face drop in expression as she watched you.

“I mean, is this why you had a long day?” You asked calmly, trying not to look at her, making it a point to look at your hands that sat in your lap as you listened to her. This woman spoke of murder like it was a normal Tuesday, as if it were a jaunty walk around the park. You were stressed and nervous, and yet the only thing she really had done to you was kidnap you and make vague threats.

“Oh, no, but it was a valuable lesson about being rude... and what I would do to people I know versus a stranger like you if you continue to be rude and keep avoiding me...in my own tardis...rather rude indeed.” She said, gauging your reaction. 

“Tardis?” you asked. 

"Oh, for...” she sounded annoyed. “Yes, the machine we are in... Tardis, Time and Relative Dimension in Space, you have figured out now that I am not of Earth, yes?” She raised an eyebrow, and you nodded. "I know you silly little apes are stupid, but I have to assume you are at least a little clever...or you would be dreadfully boring." 

You made a face at her insult. 

“You have two heartbeats and are like, so cold when you touch me, and all of this...” You motioned around yourself. “It is too insane to be worldly.” You sighed. “So, yes, I figured you weren’t human.” You said you were trying to sound calm, and you looked at her again. You weren't entirely set on aliens as the story, but everything was too weird to be just your run-of-the-mill normal human activities. 

“You are correct; I am superior to you, little primitive apes….I am a Time Lady.” She said like that meant anything to you. You nodded a bit, waiting to see if she would explain, but given her piss-poor explanations so far, you didn’t expect it. “I am the most dangerous being in the universe.” She nodded and grinned a bit at you, You weren’t sure you liked that either. “And unfortunately for you, I still haven’t figured out why they targeted you to get to me.” She said her expression changed as her cold eyes bore into yours like she was searching for something—anything that would give her a clue as to who you were, why the assassin blew up your flat, and why she didn’t want to immediately kill you. Logically, she should kill you and take away whatever leverage these assassins thought they had on her. However, her curiosity about why they thought you were leveraged over her got the better of her. She decided if she didn't figure it out soon, she would just throw you into the time vortex or something and be done with you, but for now, the situation was intriguing enough to keep her attention. Well, keep the little spots between her plans interesting enough anyway. 

“Delightful.” You muttered a bit and shifted on the stool. “So what is a Time Lady?” you tried; maybe if you asked specific questions, you might be able to get some sort of semblance of what is happening. “And why does that make you superior?” It was your turn to raise an eyebrow. 

The woman scoffed and shook her head. “I don't have the time to explain the complexity of being the elite of Gallifreyan society, especially to you.” She waved you off. 

"Okay, that sounds fake.” you shrugged. “Time Lady, ridiculous title, ‘elite of Galli...Gallif’..” 

“Gallifreyan….” She repeated it calmly, like you were a child. “If you are going to try to be insulting, at least know the words you are saying.” She drawled.

You crossed your arms across your chest and sighed as you rolled your eyes. “Elites of Gallifreyan society... It sounds like you are trying to convince me that you are supposed to be important. You said your tone was trying to be teasing, but you weren’t sure how she would take it. “But it also holds the same gravity as a celebrity thinking they are important just because they are Hollywood elite.” You muttered. “Pretentious,” you sighed, but you felt the air shift before you saw her move. 

You yelped as you were dragged off the footstool forward by your shirt collar. Her face was close to yours as she moved her fingers around your throat. “Did you not learn anything from my tale of being rude? Do I have to show you or teach you a lesson? You have been nothing but an annoying little mouse plaguing my tardis. I saved your life, and you are being an annoying little brat, speaking out of turn, with much more confidence than someone like you should have.” She said her fingers flexed around your throat as she spoke, your back against the footstool as she held you down with surprising strength. 

You choked out, your hands going to her arm, one by her wrist and the other up on her forearm, trying to pry her fingers off your throat. There was a predatory glint in her blue eyes as she kept you pinned, ensuring you made eye contact with her as you struggled to breathe. Your cheeks turned red from how she held your throat; just enough air was able to get to your lungs to keep you conscious, though your body struggled and your lungs started to hurt. “I'm not going to let you go until you...” She seemed to pause in thought. “Say something nice.” She said it in a light tone, like she wasn't choking you. 

Something nice? What sort of something nice did she want? Your mind was getting foggy; you were getting dizzy from the struggle of trying to intake air and panicking, and now she wanted you to say something nice.

“Come on, then, say something nice.” She said it more impatiently. 

“You're scary and pretty.” You stammer out quickly, your fingers prying harder. 

“Is that the best you've got—scary and pretty? That's not very nice, and you know what, pet, address me properly.” She said, pushing your back further over the footstool, your spine digging into the wood of it, sending pain through you. Your eyes darted around, looking for anything. Landing on the fire, you grimaced, and your jaw clenched a bit as you gritted your teeth. “You are like fire!” You started to panic. “Mistress, you are like fire—burning, intense, chaotic, but beautiful—a force to be reckoned with.”You tried to sound poetic; perhaps if you weren’t at the hands of a dangerous psychopath, you could string your words together better and maybe sound like you knew how to flatter someone. However, the word ‘Mistress’ still felt weird on your tongue. 

Her hand pushed you hard before it was off your throat, leaving you a panting mess clinging to the footstool beneath you. Your hand held your throat, rubbing it as you took some heavy breaths in. "Better, I suppose; I'll expect something better next time,” she muttered, watching you as she crossed one leg over the other as she leaned back in the chair. “Now don't be rude again.” She warned. “Or I will end your pathetic little existence; really, you humans have such a short lifespan, and it would be a shame to cut yours shorter because you don't know your place.” She sighed and shook her head. 

The only thing you could do was look at her with a mix of emotions before nodding. “You can make it up to me; you will join me for tea tomorrow, and we will talk more then. Go on off, you pop.” She waved you off. You scrambled to your feet and quickly raced to get out of the room. 

Your hurried footfall caused the dark metal hallway to echo as you navigated it back to the room you were staying in. You closed the door behind you, slid down it, and let your hand rest on your throat, rubbing it still. Your mind was racing; there was so much happening, and you still didn't have any answers. After what felt like forever, you pulled yourself up and dragged yourself to the bed; it wasn't nearly as comfortable as your own bed, but being as you no longer had a bed and were trapped here with The Mistress, it would have to do. You lay down, burying yourself under the covers; your lower back stung, and you knew a bruise was forming. You curled into yourself, trying to relax, but your body was on high alert, listening for the sounds of her footsteps. 

Eventually, your body ebbed into sleep, and you dreamt of many things—things you couldn't quite remember when you woke up—but your body was warm and flush, so it couldn't have been nothing, and she-- the thought of her brought you an even more confusing feeling. You had tea with her today, an invitation you were not allowed to break. You sat up from the bed and were startled when there was a neat pile of clean clothing sitting on the dresser with a note. She had been here. When you were sleeping? How did your body not wake you up? 

You carefully got off the bed and went to check out the note and clothing. The note was in perfect script, black ink spelled out, ‘Get cleaned up and dressed; meet me in the study for tea. -M.’ 

Your fingers trailed over the soft material, it was black and looked formfitted—not exactly your style, but it was clean, and you weren’t about to pass up the opportunity to get cleaned up properly with a fresh set of clothing. You grabbed the clothing and slipped out of the bedroom. You knew the way to the restroom, you had found it the first night you were there. The bathroom was large and marble, and the shower portion of it had one of those waterfall-style showers. You moved to turn the water on, pushing it to hot but not scalding. You moved to take your clothing off by the sink, finding a bag of toiletries had been set out for you. You assumed she had done it last night. You grabbed it and looked through it, pulling the items you needed out and giving them a quick sniff. They were fancy and smelled so good, You were quickly excited for this shower. Slipping in, you let the warm water wash over you. 

The warmth was a quick comfort as your body relaxed, You stood there for a few moments, silent and reflecting, This had been an absolutely bonkers experience. If you weren’t so sure you were actively alive, you would have assumed you died when the flat exploded, and this was whatever happened after you died. Aliens, Assassins, Time Lords, and Tardises—this was all so much to take in. You felt numb, how were you going to get out of this? You were a prisoner on an alien ship, one that felt like it only tolerated you, much like its owner. 

You worked the shampoo into your hair, as you thought, the smell was nice and assaulted your senses in the best sort of way. The Mistress did know how to pick scents, it seemed, because you were in love with the smell of the soaps she had given you to bathe with. It could be worse; everything so far—what happened last night hadn’t been so bad. Scary and very much uncalled for, but from her stories, that had been nothing.

You just wished you could help figure out what these Assassins wanted with you, you had no idea why they had targeted you, honestly, you weren’t someone important—well, not in the grand scheme of the universe after all. 

You got to thinking as you washed up, maybe the assassins were from the future; was it really a stretch? Maybe they had come back to the past; of course, you were sure the woman had already thought of this; you wished she would share just a little more with you, anything more to help you understand the situation rather than leaving you floundering and drowning in a situation where you were out of your element. Today at tea, you were going to demand answers—not rudely, but you were going to get the answers you wanted. 

You finished getting cleaned up, dried off, and got dressed quickly. Your stomach gave a low rumble, and as you made your way back to that study you had found last night, your heart started to pound in your throat as you made your way there. The memories of her hand around your throat flashed in your mind—how terrified you had been at that moment. 

The study door was open, and you took a breath while walking in. “Usually we would take tea in the sphere; it has a delightful garden, but you are safest in the Tardis.” She said as you entered, your eyes scanned the room quickly, and fell on her. She sat up on this little raised part by some bookshelves. A small tea set was set out on the small table in front of her, along with a few different fruits and cakes. It was a proper tea setup. You moved to sit in the armchair that was angled towards hers. 

“I see.” You said lightly. 

“I am glad the clothing fits; I couldn’t have you traipsing about in those old, gross clothes, now could I?” She said as she poured herself a cup of tea, then poured you one. “Sugar? Cream?” She asked. You watched her, her body language was sort of rigid, but she was trying to present herself as friendly. You shifted in the armchair. You nodded and told her the amount you liked before she gave you the cup. You held the saucer in your hand and then took the cup off of it, putting it down. You held the warm glass in your hands, staring down into the liquid. 

“It’s not poison,” She spoke with a little grin that made you wonder if she was telling the truth. “I wouldn’t poison you, don’t be boring, I wouldn't ruin tea like that, not for you... Not after I’ve gone through great lengths to keep you safe….you are welcome.” She said expectantly. 

Was she expecting you to say thank you for her kidnapping you? Was she kidding? You brought the cup to your lips, taking a small sip of the tea. It was a nice blend of lavender and black tea. You could feel those icy blue eyes that were so enchanting watching your every move, like she was studying you and analyzing everything about you. 

“So have you found out anything about the…uh…assassins?” You asked after a moment of silence. 

"Yes, that was my long day yesterday,” she said, taking a sip of her own tea. “They are time assassins, much like weeping angels...oh right, I suppose you wouldn’t know what those are...hm, simple terms for you, I think,” she said, stirring her tea with a little silver spoon that she brought up to her mouth and let the tip of it press against her lips in thought. You watched her calmly, and you noticed she was wearing black today; it was still in the same style as her plum outfit, and her hair was still up, but some pieces had fallen to rest against her temple, but she didn’t seem to pay attention to it. 

“You don’t have to use simple terms, I do understand some things, I’m not stupid.” You protested after she took a few more minutes to think. 

“Oh, alright then, weeping angels are a sort of quantum-locked species, the lonely assassins they call them, they can take the form of many things, statues are their main appearance; and they can only move about if no sentient life forms are watching them. Essentially, what they do is touch you and put you into the past—a mercy they call it—letting their victims live a full life; they can consume the remaining time and energy that way, and of course, when they are in a pinch, they will just snap your neck like a wee little twig,” she mused, taking another sip of her tea and licking the corner of her lip before she continued. “Now, Time Assassins have taken that theory but are much more murderous; their bullets act as a weeping angel’s powers do, sending their victim back in time. The theory is that they shoot them somewhere vital, send the body back in time, and the past now has a John or Jane Doe to deal with, and the present has a missing person,” she explained. “Surely they don’t think that will work on me; I’ll just regenerate,” she shrugged.

“Regenerate? ” You asked, shaking your head a bit. 

“Yes, the perks of being me. You see, if I get wounded mortally, my body has a sort of defense where it will heal itself through regeneration. Of course, I won’t look like this anymore. Shame, because this one has been delightful so far. Of course it took some time to get used to, my first go as a woman,” she mused. 

“So.” You paused, taking a minute to gather your thoughts and put some things together. “You can just change your gender?” 

“Yes and no, I don’t quite get a choice in it; all a bit of luck of the draw sometimes... most times... doesn’t matter; we Time Lords and Ladies are eons above your human notions of gender and roles.” She waved it off and looked at you with a cat-like grin. 

“Okay, so… If their methods wouldn’t work on you, why use that method? And why come after you in the first place, and me?” You asked, leaning back in the chair a bit. You didn’t want to seem so tense, but you were. You watched as she took a look around the room in thought before her eyes returned to yours. 

“Well, it could work, but I’m not getting into that with you; you don’t need to know all the nasty little details.” She nodded. “What I am more interested in is why they think you are important enough to go after to lure me out.” She spoke, her fingers trailing over the lip of the teacup in thought. 

“Well, maybe in the future...” you trailed off, not really wanting to continue the thought.

“Oh, you think you are somehow important to me in the future.” She gave a wicked little smirk. “Now now pet, I am highly doubtful; you are cute, but...” she trailed off as well. She didn’t do relationships unless you had something to offer her, she paused. Perhaps you were another Lucy, a means to an end, a loyal pet. She clicked her tongue against her teeth as she thought about it, leaving you in silence. 

"No, that might make sense... Perhaps they misunderstood our relationship.” She spoke after a long while. You blinked and shifted again. “I don’t think they are trying to lure me; well, this me or their intel was wrong.” She mused, leaning back as she thought of all the scenarios and which one would be the most accurate. “Either way, they came to this time for a reason: to go after you. They had made an earlier attempt at me, but it didn’t work out for them, so they changed tactics. You were supposed to be in your apartment when it blew up, which they thought would bring me out in a rage.” She grinned as she put things together. “funny… I wonder what you did to catch my attention if this theory of mine is correct.” She looked at you more closely. 

Her eyes glided over your features, you weren’t the most offensive thing to the eyes, you were attractive, she had seen your thoughts, she knew you were intelligent, at least for a human, you also had an attitude, she almost liked that about you. You could be useful, she just had to get you loyal, she could just hypnotize you again, but that could be broken, shaken, true genuine loyalty was something else that couldn’t be broken as easily, she knew that well, the Doctor and his little human pets were a testament to that. 

You shrugged, you had no idea, you had thought she was beautiful when you saw her at the tea shop, and you still thought she was, but now there was a danger to her, she wasn’t just a stranger at the tea shop anymore, she was the alien that kidnapped you, the Mistress, or at least that was what she insisted you called her, but you really didn’t want to do that. 

“You are still so scared of me; your heart hasn’t stopped racing since you walked in.” She smirked, leaning forward just a bit. You shook your head, but it was a lie; she did make you nervous. "Oh, puppy, is it because I got a little rough last night?” She said it in a flirty tone that took you by surprise; she made it sound like it was an intimate encounter, not a violent one, but from what you could gather about her, maybe they were one and the same. 

“Don’t call me that.” You shook your head. “I am nervous because you are a stranger, a murderous one, a violent one, who kidnapped me.” You said your voice was strong at the beginning but wavered at the end. 

“Would you prefer Kitten?” She said she watched you, not denying the rest. “And I kidnapped you because they would have killed you... At least that is the running theory. To get to me, you should be thanking me.” She mused, leaning back again and watching you. 

“I would prefer my name,” you said exasperatedly, saying your name.

Missy paused and sighed. "Oh, alright, since we are going to be in this together for a bit longer than I anticipated, I suppose I could occasionally use your name, don’t get used to it…I won’t remember it.” A lie, she would remember it, but she would continue to use little pet names for you since they seemed to irritate you. “I suppose, as a sign of good faith, you can call me Missy,” she said after a moment. 

“Missy,” you repeated. “Okay, I can do that one.” You nodded. 

“You will still call me Mistress, but I suppose you can call me Missy occasionally.” She calmly spoke, putting her teacup down. “I think I will look up everything I need to know about you,” she mused, watching you for your reaction.

“Or you could ask me like a normal person.” You sighed, shaking your head.

“No….absolutely not….boring small talk… dreadful.” She shook her head. 

"Well, then tell me more about you.” You sighed, carefully reaching for one of the tea cakes. 

“Oh…sure–” She started, and you laughed, causing her to frown. “Why is that funny?” 

“You’ll talk about you, but you don’t want to talk about me, calling it boring small talk.” You said taking a bite of the cake. 

"Yes, well, because it is. You are a boring little human. I am The Mistress, a renegade Time Lady who has conquered planets.” She chuckled, making a grand gesture with her hand. “The greatest archenemy of the Doctor, and all around much more interesting.” She gave a smaller grin. 

“Oh…The Doctor?” You asked, “Do all um-- Gallifreyan’s have silly titles?” You asked with a small grin of your own. 

“Oh hush, The Mistress is a powerful title.” She raised an eyebrow. “So was my former moniker, The Master, bit cheeky, bit sexy, it strikes fear, is straight to the point, of who is in control and owns you.” She waved you off. You shook your head a bit but dropped it. You weren't interested in trying to tease her and have her get mad, thinking you were being rude about it. Your mind drifted back to last night, and you cleared your throat, pushing the thoughts away again. You were certainly going to say something later about the whole Mistress/Master motif. 

“Who is the Doctor?” You questioned, and the energy shifted, and you felt you had made a mistake again. 

“You won’t have to worry about him.” She said calmly, though her body language told you otherwise, you weren’t going to push it; you didn’t want her to be mad. 

“Okay, so what is our plan about the time assassins?” You asked while trying to get back on track. 

“Oh, yes, well, I figured I would dangle you as bait, don’t worry, pet, they won’t get close enough to kill you... But we are going to make them make another big mistake, which hopefully will give me time to catch one. We bring him to an undisclosed location and get our answers through a series of slow, painful tortures, though I do suppose torture doesn’t really work...but it will make me feel better.” She said her tone was light, like she was talking about the weather. “I’ll probably just get into their mind, poke around, take the information I want, and then kill them, and they will join my cyberdears,” she shrugged. "Oh, that’s a good one, you’ll love it,” she nodded. 

You blinked “Cyberdears?” you asked, looking at her in confusion.

"Oh, I can’t spoil the surprise, pet, but it is going to go viral,” she nodded.

She confused you; sometimes she was so posh, and then other times she was silly with her words, like when you watched a person from an older generation try the slang of this generation. However, once that thought subsided, there was an undertone you hadn’t caught before, but her smirk told you there was certainly something much darker to these cyberdears, as she called them. 

“Are those skeletons in the tanks?” You asked, but you were still uncomfortable with the idea of there being ninety-one of them, just right outside her tardis. 

“Shh, spoilers pet,” she giggled like it was her own inside joke. You grimaced but nodded, finishing your cup of tea and the tea cake you had grabbed. “So it’s settled, you’ll play the delightful worm on a hook, and we will catch us a time assassin,” she grinned widely. “I bet you’ll squirm perfectly.” She nodded.

You frowned, you didn’t like this idea. “Was that a compliment? An insult?” you asked. 

“Yes.” She nodded and took a large bite of tea cake herself. 

“There has to be a safer way, you’ve gone through all this trouble of making sure I don’t leave your ship, and now the plan is to dangle me out in public, waiting for the Assassin to make their move? What if they, I dunno, are good snipers?” You sighed.

“Well, you see, we go somewhere where we have the advantage.” She watched you, giving you a look that told you she found you annoyingly amusing. “No multiple high ledges, and plus, I’ll be watching you, don’t you trust me?” She teased you, and you blinked at her. What did you say to that? If you said no, she might get angry. You didn’t trust her; trust was earned, and all she had done was kidnap you. Well, that wasn’t fair to say; she did technically keep you safe from harm, but that didn’t excuse the whole kidnapping thing. 

You opened your mouth a few times, trying to find the words. This amused her because she called you a trout and took another big bite of her tea cake. “Well, my dear, do you trust me?” she pressed, feeling your apprehension and deciding to play with it a bit. 

“N…w….” You stammered. 

“Oh dear, was that an attempt at a no?" She grinned, putting the plate down and turning to face you full-on. 

“No, I mean yes, I don’t trust you; I don’t know you. It’s been eggshells since you kidnapped.” Missy, cut you off.

“Saved.” Missy nodded, correcting you.

“No matter what you call it, you won’t let me go.” You firmly spoke. 

She shook her head, like what you were saying was nonsense. “So you would rather walk out there, out of my little safe haven, and then get killed? All because I am so scary?” She watched your movements closely. You sighed and shook your head. That wasn’t what you wanted, you wanted freedom, but you wanted not to be killed by some assassins who were coming after you because of her. 

“Maybe just a little freedom; I haven’t been outside of this.” You motioned around, talking about the ship. “In a week now, we barely know each other, and I don’t know, maybe I’m just having a hard time with everything right now!” You sighed and shook your head, looking away from her. You grimaced again. You didn’t want to be too emotional, but you hadn’t really had time to relax enough to work through things. 

"Jeeze, you humans are touchy... emotional...” she muttered, crossing her arms and looking at you. There was a long silence. “You are going to be fine….you are as safe as you can be here. If I personally wanted you dead, you wouldn’t have survived this long; I would have released you into the tardis’s underlevels and hunted you for sport.” She said calmly, “Now, we are going to finish tea; you are going to go slink off, you will join me for dinner at seven p.m. sharp, and then we will discuss this plan further, no more gross emotions from you. Do you understand?” She said like there was no room to argue. 

You nodded and looked back down at your hands. You could get through today, and once again you had more questions than answers, but it was fine, you had accepted that this woman wouldn’t give you a straight answer.

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[star-going-supernova]

Glamrock Circus Baby is a thing and she operates in the ice cream parlor at Bonnie Bowl. If you wanna do the GlamMike headcanon, with Elizabeth still possessing Baby, just A LOT calmer now, then that would be an epic, and also very worrying, rivalry.

Prompt from Hydrangea_Cherry9 on ao3! This is pre Security Breach, if SB even happens in this AU. 

Sibling Rivalries Never Die

Glamrock Bella Bunny, the rebranded and redesigned Circus Baby, wasn’t a terrible host for Elizabeth Afton. At least she wasn’t stuck in a mechanical clown anymore, though she hadn’t quite decided if the red and pastel pink bunny—because heaven forbid the pizzaplex have a human-ish animatronic—was actually better. 

(It did soothe something in her tormented, tattered soul that this animatronic didn’t have any mechanism for snatching innocent kids. She had maybe been in a better mood since she didn’t have to live with being stuck in her murderer’s body.) 

The best part of her new twisted existence was the company. And she didn’t mean Bonnie, who Bella saw and interacted with most often. No, there was nothing like a bit of schadenfreude to lift one’s spirit (pun intended). 

She threw a handful of plastic spoons at Glamrock Freddy, the current host for her older brother. It was a slow day, and there was no one at the counter to catch her misbehaving.

“Seriously?” he said, more annoyed than any child would ever hear the great Freddy Fazbear be. “Real mature, Li—Bella.” 

“Get lost, Freddy. Or can you not read?” She pointed over at the hand drawn sign that Monty had been happy to make for her. A great big red X slashed over a sloppy crayon depiction of Freddy’s face, with BANNED written above it.

“Oh, for the love of—I’m here to see Bonnie. Not you. It’s not my fault you’re stuck in the bowling alley.” 

“I prefer ‘defending my territory,’” Elizabeth said with a haughty sniff. “And if free roaming makes you so high and mighty, then you can go wander around elsewhere and wait for your boyfriend to join you.”

Michael sputtered. “We aren’t—Bonnie’s not my boyfriend!” 

“Mhm, sure.” She roughly scooped a generous ball of strawberry and unceremoniously lobbed it at his chest. “Oops. Guess you’ve gotta go get cleaned up.” 

“You’re such a brat,” he snapped, snatching up a handful of napkins to try and mop up the mess of pink ice cream splatter. “You can’t still be mad about last week.” 

Bella wasn’t an animatronic particularly suited to hissing and gnashing her teeth, but Elizabeth was nothing if not furious and determined. “If it wouldn’t get me decommissioned, I’d jump over the counter right now and rip your arms off, you pathetic excuse for a—”

“What’d he do?” a child’s voice interrupted. 

Circuits sparking in surprise, they both jumped. Michael stumbled to the side, revealing a boy who had been standing behind him. It was hard for an animatronic to be shocked into shutdown, but seeing the absolute spitting image of their dead younger brother staring back at them with a mischievous sort of fascination did the job. 

Michael choked out a yelp before his eyes went dark, and Freddy unceremoniously toppled over to the tiled floor. Elizabeth—and she would gloat about this later—lasted a moment longer, her mouth flapping with her speechlessness before her core overheated and forced a reboot. 

In the final moment before her vision cut out, she would have sworn she saw a copy of her brother beside and a bit above the boy, as if floating. And that second Evan, the see-through one, looked as surprised as Elizabeth felt. 

[astranite]

Notes- Christmas TAG secret santa fic.

Because of this post and @janetm74 and @edutainer2022 here are my additional notes for my 2023 thunderfam secret santa fic.

It contains brainstorming that became part of the og fic and notes as a continuation for the car ride. It was actually these that I came up with first and intended to write but got side tracked with explorations of getting ready, especially given the prompt i was given was “Every day is a school day” with Jeff and Lucy. Also deadlines!

Mind that this is pretty much as is from my notes in its entirety, complete with spelling errors, partial sentences and utter lack of cohesion as I jumped between ideas.

Link for the fic proper on ao3.

---

“Every day is a school day” Jeff and Lucy. And everyone.

Car drive to spent christmas with Grandma and Grant at Gran Rocha. The preparing and road tripping shenanigans.

getting all five kids plus themselves and luggage into the car on time as chaotic as a school day. Jeffs line?

S15, J13, V12, G 6?7, A3

Wake-up call. Alarm going off Lucy tired and grumpy where Virgil gets it from. I’ll get the kids up and you can head straight to the coffee. Jeff fooling around like mock drill sergeant. Scott’s grumpy teenness and chucking a pillow at him with surprisingly good aim for supposedly asleep. Scott getting up. Bed hair mess that Jeff runs a gentle hand through pulling him into a hug. Virgil and John. John and Bagel the cat curled up together. Both hissing at him in unison. Virgil needed to be hugged and woken up more slowly. 

Down in the kitchen. Jeff kissing Lucy and trying to steal her coffee. No you cannot steal my coffee Jefferson Tracy, you have your own.  Lucy’s massive science pun mug. Hair in her face looking like little Virgil. 

HURRICANE LUCY. Time skip to about to go?

packing- John wanting to fit telescope. Or “But I did leave my telescope behind” but bag full of books. 

Last min shoving presents in. Neighbour to feed the cat.

Scott nabbed the car keys first on massive ** many different  keychain so neither Lucy nor Jeff could lose them. Swinging them around his finger, “can I drive” Parental chorus of “No!” Doesn't have license yet but is learning to pilot. argument of Grandma lets me drive on the ranch. Thats the beat up old ute and theres nothing much out there to hit any way.

And they were done. Bags were in the car, kids were in the car, last final bathroom stops had been had.  Lucy patted down her pockets. Keys! She didn’t have them, so Jeff must except that he didn’t. Surely the couldn’t have lost them with the neon pink rocket ship key chain attached to prevent this. Until they both spied Scott leaning against the drivers side door and swinging them around his finger.  

“So, can I drive?” Scott asked as if he didn’t already know the answer to that question. 

“No,” came the parental chorus. 

Then the other kids repeating them, picking up on it slightly behind. 

Scott grinning and tossed the keys in the air one last time then caught them. He passed them to Lucy’s waiting hand prompted by a stern eyebrow. 

7 seater beat up car. Drive- Kansas to Texas. approx 9 hours to 8 1/2. Lucy english thinking its ages. at least america had good highways. and from her mothers tales at least kangaroo spotter was a redundant position. 

Panic at dress clothes for Christmas day

someone packed no underpants. Gordon only packed underwear and swimmers. Trying to sort laundry at last minute. Jeff’s haphazard packing of his own clothes with getting everyone else in military order. Lucy remarking jokingly, “Mightve gotten to mars adn forgot your space suit. 

Jeff the nerd, calling Grandma to tell on our way, “Houston we have take off”. Kids dramatic countdown. A “finally”. FOnd eye rolls. 

John and Virgil at back seats. Johns already long limbs folded up.

Scott getting the dubious privelige of the middle row. but centre seat between Alan and Gords car seats and on big brother duty. 

Lucy hoping but not expecting to get some rest on the trip. Up all night getting ready. has mystery novel to read. but trying to wrangle kids. Putting Jeff’s cowboy hat over her face to keep the sun off as she sleeps.

Stops for toilet breaks. Lunch fast food. “Do not let gordon have soda.” Johns burger order. Virgil picking pickles out to give to john. The chips stealing. Trying to eat and drive. sending older ones in to fish younger out of the play area. losing Scott to it too, send in John planning it like a mission.

Jeff adn Lucy discussion over what coffee is supposed to do. ADHD Jeff. starting with Scott asking for coffee, cheekily. No, we dont need you any more hyper. Jeff’s confident, “Coffee doesnt do that” Even same with Aa. spirited debate. JSSo that means I can have some? eff still saying no coffee for Scott.

Lucy driving at some point. 

If Lucy had to hear one more rendition of baby shark she was the one who was going to get out and walk.

music and Lucy and Virgil comparing synesthesia.

John reading massive heavy text book, splayed out across knees. not getting car sick, serve well for astronaut. for fun, reminded he didnt need to study. 

Scott bored and restless. tinies asleep. no phone signal. twisting around, being told off for seat belt, trying to see what Johns doing. seat swap and he and John are in the back doing maths and physics, heads bent together. virgil eyes closed but awake or leaning around car seats to look out the windows, bobbing head to music through headphones. 

when John adn Scott get stuck, calling questions out to Lucy. Jeff snoring in front seat, head on lucy;s jumper, went from wide awake to clonked out even after the coffees.

Virgil using breath on fogged up windows to draw. Scott and John used it for math.

Gordon are we there yet. Alan copying him. 

naming animals and animal sounds. then naming sea creatures. then sounds of sea creatures. some known, some gordon happily making them up.

car sickness. Scott getting car sick, in spite of crazy spins and flips but then hes in control. another reshuffle, Jeff wedged into the middle seat, Lucy laughing and looking in rear view mirror at tall, broad shouldered husband folded awkwardly into the back. John and Virgil back-back. Scott getting shotgun, window open and nauseous. Vomit bags in glove box because learnt from past fiascos and puke in hat story. Scott grumps would be fine if I was driving 

some point tinies and Jeff all asleep.  John and Virgil happy together. Lucy getting to check in and chat to scott. 

on destination. everyone there, big family.  Lee? Kayo adn Kyrano and Kayo mother. Jeff brothers? packed into the big ranch house. noise and merriment. hot dry texas air. smell of good food cooking. some slight odour of burnt. 

explain lucy parents farm????

“The eagle has landed” finding rooms, unpack car. eldest three in together. youngest. 

John overwhelmed after trip, not wanting to talk to anyone. near tears at thought of going into party. going to stable to spent time with horses. 

Virgil running up to Grant and talking his ear off, to much delight of both parties. Grant, still broad shouldered and strong from farm work, charcoal black hair now salt and pepper grey. 

Achievements getting caught up with. Jeff telling grandma about scotts, Scott proud but a bit uncharacteristically shy, leaning into a side hug. 

the comments of how big the kids were all getting, and theyd better not be having more. Lucy laughing and very nope five is plenty enough. 

somewhat tired cranky, sticky dusty kids. Gordon spilling something sticky on him in the last hour, waiting to get there to wash him off. Recovering excitement at bath. 

grandma’s welcome cookies. 

——- other fic. Graduation. car crash. Injuries—the bruises. Scott burst into tears with brothers because he wants mum

[thedragonchilde]

A ship meme I held back from when I was posting the others, because it's probably too hot for Tumblr xD So more Royal Flush shenanigans, sex prompts edition

A. VANILLA

1. Heavy kissing/heavy makeout: Oh, you'd think they were making up for lost time the way they make out

2. Dry humping/clothed sex: Bruh, you're lucky if they get totally naked half the time

3. First time: "I want this. I want you." "Yeah okay, you've got me~" [that is to say I've got a scene in mind]

4. Oral sex: Very popular choice, in both directions

5. Sex: Wow, how specific. That's only what the whole meme is about. (I know what's being implied, but I don't think it deserves an answer.)

6. Doggy style: Not necessarily their favorite, but there's something primal about it

7. Rimming: Domon was skeptical about the idea until it was done to him. Now he's a big fan.

8. With toys: As I've said, that's one of the fun things about sleeping with a trans guy, being able to choose the dick you want

9. Multiple partners: Let's put a pin in that

10. Trying a new position: Sure, why not

11. Penetrative anal sex: See "with toys"

12. Phone/video sex: Oh, they try this when they're long distance. "Try" is the operative word here. (Sexting, however, gets somewhat better mileage.)

13. Masturbation: A staple when they're long-distance, and invaluable to watch when they're learning what works on each other

14. Face-sitting: Not exactly their preferred oral configuration, as much fun as it might be to pun on it also being called "queening"

15. Mutual masturbation: Okay, is this separate-but-together, or jerking each other off? Because the former I covered in 13, and the latter is how their quickies generally go

16. Prompter’s choice

B. ROMANTIC

1. Extensive talking during foreplay and sex: Domon wasn't really much of a talker in the bedroom until he realized just how well Chibodee responds to praise

2. Body worship: Dammit, Domon is hot and he deserves to know it

3. Surprise visit at job/school/etc: Oh, you know Domon got tackled the first time he showed up to a boxing match (or, well, the first time with good intentions)

4. Romantic lighting/set up by one partner: There is really something dazzling about Domon in the sunrise

5. Overly romantic gesture that turns other partner on way too much: Chibodee pulls some strings and sneaks off to show up at Domon's door for his birthday. Domon shows his appreciation.

6. With lovey-dovey music playing: Your mileage may vary on how lovey-dovey the music itself is, but the sentiment behind Chibodee making a mix tape could turn into something

7. Taking a trip the other has always wanted to: Just one trip? Bruh, they're traveling while they can

8. Massage: This could play into the body worship, you know, paying special attention to those muscles

9. First “I love you”: Chibodee has picked up enough Japanese that he is stunned when Domon rasps "Aishiteru" against his skin

10. Tantric sex: Honestly I could see Domon being curious about this, not that they really need another layer of intensity to their sex life

11. Slow, patient foreplay/sex: Between Domon being less experienced, and Chibodee being weird about vulnerability, this is the order of the day when they're first starting out especially. (As they start exploring more, "patient" can become "painstaking" as they see how long they can make it last.)

12. Heavy eye contact: I mean, I think eye contact is sort of weird and intense for Domon in general, but then their sex life is weird and intense, so who's to say.

13. Spooning position: This is less common for the sex and more for the post-coital cuddle

14. Hands focus/holding hands: Now this is a good chunk of how they communicate, those fists open to calloused knuckles and nimble fingers

15. Prompter’s choice

C. GOOFY

1. Being dared to have sex by someone else: "Yeah, you wish we'd give you a show"

2. Laughing: Whether it's Chibodee's absurd innuendos or Domon being hilariously blunt, sometimes dirty talk gets silly

3. With food: Honestly, they way they go at it, they need to refuel between rounds

4. In costume: They had such nice fancy suits for George's wedding. Don't ask how torn up they got.

5. Comical roleplay: This is just how roleplay would go at first in general

6. Fumbling, tickly, giggly sex: Probably a reunion or other celebration, so they're already giddy and eager, and maybe then something little sets them off, a clumsy move or a stupid song on the radio

7. Attempting to go down on them under the kitchen table: I feel like this would end with a flipped table and a head injury

8. Giving a failed striptease/lap dance: Chibodee would start to do this as a joke… and it fails even as a joke because Domon's just so confused by it being out of character

9. Watching porn together and making fun of the actors/scenes: It didn't start out together; it started with Domon watching for research purposes, and got Chibodee's attention with "now that can't be right–!"

10. Distracting the other with sex: I mean, this is kind of what Chibodee tried to do their first time, keep Domon distracted enough to not question how one-sided it was. That was of course met with a resounding “oh no you don't”

11. Obscene or ridiculous dirty talk in public: Okay so there was maybe an incident where Domon had a volume control problem

12. Discovering a partner writes smutty fanfiction and reads it together/to each other: With all due respect, what?

13. Sexting gone wrong: The sexting itself was fine, Domon just didn't hide it fast enough

14. Birthday surprise!: See B5. Overly romantic gesture that turns the other on way too much

15. Prompter’s choice

D. HARDCORE

1. Rough sex: Yes.

2. Comeplay: Not their thing deliberately

3. Serious/intense roleplay: Assuming they got into it, it would have to be more about storylines/situations than characters; Domon would struggle to get into character

4. Pegging/strapons: This is supposed to be hardcore? That's just a Tuesday night

5. Sloppy, dirty sex: And that's just any night after they've been separated for a while

6. Jackhammering: Just watch for someone to be walking funny the next day

7. Breathplay: Hmm, no

8. Double penetration: Could certainly play into their overstimulation games

9. Spanking (heavy): As luscious as Domon's ass is, I'm not sure that's really in the rotation. Grabbing, biting, digging nails in, sure, but spanking not so much.

10. Fisting: Nah

11. Object penetration: They've got enough toys at their disposal that they don't need to resort to things that aren't designed to go up there

12. Cock/vagina worship: We love both natal dicks and t-dicks here

13. Squirting: Ooh, this term is just a little too gendered to comfortably talk about. But ejaculation might bring a different level of gender euphoria

14. Face-fucking: Nah, at least not on purpose; smothering isn't sexy

15. Prompter’s choice

E. KINKY

1. Painplay: Things like sensation play and overstimulation and edging can creep into this territory, you know, playing with the pleasure/pain dichotomy, but not so much deliberate pain for its own sake

2. Fetish fulfillment: One of these days Domon will work up the nerve to bring up doing it outside

3. Exhibitionism: This would only ever be an accident, and it only happened once, okay?

4. Sensory deprivation: That headband has been used as a blindfold more than once. Otherwise they're more the type to indulge in the opposite end of sensory play

5. Extreme bondage: Eh. Some bondage is definitely in the cards, but … define “extreme”

6. Dom/sub dynamic: There's a certain equality implied in rivalry that means they don't fall into power-imbalance dynamics for too long. Which isn't to say they don't dabble, only that they're not rigid about it. (That's more Argo and Nastasha’s territory.)

7. Play party: Domon gets weird about regular parties, you think he'd be down with a sex party?

8. Knifeplay: If Domon could ever be talked into roleplay, it might come with shades of this, you know, misuse of swords to create a 'dangerous' setting

9. Humiliation: Hard limit for Chibodee tbh. I'm gonna say he's prepared to safeword if competitive 'trash talk' ever accidentally runs into this

10. Orgasm denial: Not always patient enough for that, but that's part of their "tests of endurance" for sure

11. Gags: I don't actually think that would quiet them down much!

12. Begging: Stubborn as they both are, the aforementioned "tests of endurance" can eventually wind up here - but only properly negotiated, because this is very vulnerable territory

13. Aftercare: Forehead touch/leaning on each other while they come down from the high y/y? After that, they communicate better once they've eaten something (why yes there is a snack and water stash in the bedside table)

14. Safeword use: Their system just seemed intuitive; martial arts already have a 'stop/surrender' concept built in, so it made sense to translate that to sex

15. Prompter’s choice of kink

F. SITUATIONAL

1. In an elevator/otherwise enclosed space: Okay so @amplexadversary suggested a scenario where they do it in the cockpit

2. At workplace/school: There are times when they just can't wait to get home after a match, so Chibodee's dressing room does just fine

3. Knowing someone else can hear: They're so close, damnit, they can't stop now!

4. At a movie theater: Sex? No. Hickies? Absolutely.

5. In a restaurant: Wh– How??

6. Against a wall: Sometimes you only have a few minutes and a bed is too far away

7. In a car: A classic rite of passage they didn't get to experience as teenagers

8. On public transport: Making out in the back of a cab is the most I can picture here, and even that might be at odds with the whole "being public figures" thing

9. In a shower: I'm sorry, this is post-spar canoodling in an empty locker room

10. Outdoors: Domon absolutely has thought about doing it underneath a waterfall in the Guyana Highlands - shut up, it's romantic

11. In front of/by a mirror: Hm. Could this be folded into body worship, I wonder.

12. On a specific holiday: I wanted to suggest something about Christmas' romantic reputation in Japan, but something something making their own fireworks on the Fourth of July

13. At a partner’s parents’ house: Oh lord, only if they were staying with Dr Kasshu for a while for whatever reason, and it would be a comedy of errors trying to hold out until he's gone

14. In a bathtub: Not sure I see this. Chibodee isn't really a bath kind of guy, and I don't think Japanese-style baths would really allow for sex?

15. Prompter’s choice of location

[starryseaprincess]

12 with Laios?

Domestic Life with Laios!

List of prompts

It’s been a long time since I’ve done an actual drabble lol! also i fear he may be out of character since i've never written for Laios and it's been a few months since I watched the anime haha

As always if u don’t like selfship this post might not be for u haha! Also, this ship is with Laios Touden from Delicious in Dungeon/Dungeon Meshi so if you are a non-sharing shipper, skip this!

˖⁺‧₊˚ ˚₊‧⁺˖✮˖⁺‧₊˚ ˚₊‧⁺˖

“Ren, could you hand me that?” Laios’ voice reached Renata’s ears as she stared at their monstrosity (no pun intended) of a meal that they were preparing. They had gotten separated from the rest of their party about half a day ago, at least it felt like it, and they had gotten hungry after walking around for a few hours, so Laios suggested that the two of them cook something up before continuing on. Renata was anxious to get back to the party as she was worried about them, but she had to admit her stomach was growling, so eventually she caved. 

Renata liked Laios, she really did, but… No matter how long she travelled with him she still got grossed out by eating monsters most of the time, especially the meatier ones. The ones that were like little plants- like that walking mushroom she remembered eating before. Renata hated eating monsters considering she was half-one herself, though her fellow travelers didn’t know that “I wish we still had that bread Senshi made before.” She sighed out loud, checking in her bag to see if they had any ingredients that weren’t monsters, though Laios looked to be enjoying himself, and she had to admit he was cute when he got so excited.

Carrying over the ingredients she had leftover and cut up- some plants that resembled carrots and potatoes, and saw that he was cooking what looked to be some sort of bird type monster. It gave her pause, seeing something with wings just like her. She shook the thought from her head and deposited the chopped ingredients beside him. “I wish the others were here. Senshi always has a way to make this food look… better than it’s looking right now.” She admitted softly, to which Laios nodded in agreement before tossing the food in the pan he was using to cook the birdlike creature.

Renata had to admit it wasn’t one of the scariest dishes they’d eaten, and there was something nice about cooking together with him. It felt like something she hadn’t experienced in a long time, not since her own party had fallen apart- due to her, if you asked her. The crackling of the fire they had made filled in the silence between the two before Laios proudly proclaimed that it was finished and took it off the fire. Renata made sure to check the meat was cooked thoroughly before allowing him to portion the food for the two of them. 

“Sorry you got stuck with me and not Senshi or something, haha.” She laughed out as she started picking at the food they’d made. She knew Laios and him were close since they both seemed to enjoy the… novelty of cooking and eating monsters.

“Huh?” Laios looked confusedly at her, tilting his head. He wasn’t the best with social cues or situations, but Renata never seemed to judge him on it. She was always patient and kind to him, so he was confused why he wouldn’t want to be with her. “What do you mean, Ren? Why wouldn’t I want to be stuck with you?”

“Well, you know, I’m super picky with what monsters we eat. Even more than anyone else.” Normally she didn’t like eating birdlike animals because of how close to home it was for her, but she wasn’t going to turn up her nose when it was the only monster they’d found and she hadn’t eaten since the night before.

“I like being around you. Cooking together was fun, even if it wasn’t as innovative as it can be when we’re with the others. And besides, you have the same interest in monsters as I do, even if you don’t like to eat them much! You know so much about them, I’d think you were as crazy about them as I am!” 

It drew a smile to her face and she nodded. “Yeah, I’ve read about monsters ever since I was little. They always fascinated me… We had a dungeon near my village, one time, monsters would come out and people panicked. They were tiny monsters. I think they were babies who just got separated from their parents. I felt bad for them and tried to lead them back. People thought I was some sort of monster tamer, haha.” She finished eating her food while she told him her story, and he was staring at her. Renata was an enigma to him- she seemed to be able to get closer to monsters than others without them hurting her. 

If only she had been there when they were fighting that dragon. Would Falin not have gotten eaten?

“Anyway.” Renata’s voice drew Laios out of his thoughts. “We should probably take a rest before trying to find the others. I can take first watch so you can get some sleep.” She insisted when he tried to protest, and eventually she won their little argument and he decided to rest his eyes for a few minutes to appease her even if he knew he wouldn’t fall asleep. After a few minutes, Laios felt her putting a blanket- she must have kept it in her bag- over him to keep him warm.

“Pleasant dreams, Laios.”

[aita-blorbos]

AITA for ditching my boyfriend?

i(17f) just got back from a camping trip with my (at the time) boyfriend. let's call him J.

well, me and J got back from this camping trip and when i went into my room to get ready to go to sleep and all but in a series of events that involved my waterbed exploding and my entire room being drenched i met this guy, and we can call him E.

well, hypothetically speaking, lets say that E kind of has....unique hands. like, blades. scissors. for hands. which is also why my waterbed exploded. but anyway, i had to sleep and my brothers room and i couldn't help but wonder why the hell this guy with scissors for hands was in my room and even in my house in general.

but, over the days, when i was hanging out with friends and stuff, i couldn't help but start to kind of like E. he's nice, even if he doesn't say a lot. the scissors just don't help his case that much.

well, J got E to help us break into his dads house- but E got locked in and eventually sort of arrested, but he couldn't be put on trial. i asked him why he would've done such a thing, and he said it was because i asked him to- and it finally clicked in my head that maybe E would be a better boyfriend then J, so when J showed up, i yelled at him for getting E in trouble. and i guess E didn't know why i went outside to meet J or something, because a couple of curtains and a wall or two got totally shredded.

but i defended him at family dinner- and everything went somewhat fine from there, until our christmas party night. i went outside after helping my mom a little with the christmas tree- and E was out here making this absolutely MARVELOUS sculpture. i was astounded, but then he accidentally cut my hand, and somehow J was also there and started saying that E had skewered me, when it was really just a small cut. and that prompted E to cut and run- no pun intended.

i wanted to look for him, but i didn't hear anything from him- until he suddenly showed back up. i gave him a hug, and it seemed to last an eternity. despite those scissors, he was probably one if not THE most gentle things ever. but then, my brother K almost got hit by a van and E attempted to push him out of the way and save him but ended up accidentally cutting his face for obvious reasons- one thing lead to another, and the entire neighborhood gathered together in a mob to hunt E down.

a cop convinced them that he had been shot or something, and i went into the woods to go after him. i went all the way up the stairs in that freaky huge castle and there E was. we had a heartfelt moment for just a second before J showed up and started kicking E to the curb. but, in a fleeting moment of NOT gentleness, E ended up jabbing J straight in the stomach and sent him straight out of the window.

i knew i didn't have much time left with E, so i kissed him, and he bid me goodbye before i ran back down the stairs and took a model of the exact scissors- i had to convince everyone that E was dead. so, when they showed up, i held them up and said that E and J had killed eachother.

after that night, i never went back. i don't even know if E is alive anymore for real- but i don't want to go check because i want E to remember me the way i was. even though i was like 17 when this happened and i had about 50 years after that to check up even just once. at least it snows now. thanks, E!!

[shwoo]

For day 12 of @flooftober, my random number generator spat out Triffany as the character for Floofty to interact with. And one of the prompts is dirt. So that works well for Triffany! It was harder to figure out why Floofty would also be there, though.

(Prompt list)

Title: Fixing the distance between the eyes Summary: Triffany invites Floofty to an archaeological dig. (Also on AO3)

Triffany was only five years into her explanation of the ten-year abandonment of Grumpium when something whitish appeared beneath Floofty's shovel. They cleared their throat. "Professor Lottablog…" If that was what they hoped it was, they needed to let the expert uncover it.

"Oh!" said Triffany. "Let me get that for ya." She bent over Floofty's part of the square pit they'd dug.

"Forgive me," said Floofty, "but I am still bursting with curiosity as to the purpose of this excavation." It was just the ancient foundations of a house on a farm someplace, and while Triffany found things like this endlessly fascinating, she knew that Floofty did not. She'd already found and removed something from this pit, and she wouldn't tell Floofty what it was.

Triffany brushed a little more dirt off the thing Floofty had found before she answered. "Oh, that. I just don't wanna bias ya. Could you hang on for just a femur minutes?" She chuckled.

Floofty laughed, wishing they could slip macabre puns into conversation as well as Triffany could. "Very well then."

Soon, Triffany had uncovered enough that Floofty could see that their first guess had been right. It was a Grumpus skull. The flatness of the upper jaw and the heavily reduced molars were unmistakeable.

"A skeleton…" they breathed.

"Well, yes," said Triffany. "And that's weird enough in an average farmhouse. Folks aren't usually left where they drop dead. But, um… Well… looks like it has a body, too, and…"

Floofty clasped and unclasped their hands behind their back, trying to contain their impatience as Triffany continued her work.

Once the skeleton's abdomen was completely uncovered, Triffany mumbled "Right there in this one, too… Uh, Floofty, tell me what you make of this."

Floofty inspected the skeleton's ribcage. There was something in there, and it wasn't dirt. It was… some sort of slime? They leaned in close and sniffed it. It had a rich, earthy sort of scent, distinct from the dirt all around them, but it also smelled… appetising. "Snakmatter?"

"See, that's what I thought," said Triffany. "But you know way more about it than I do."

"I will need to study it in more detail to be sure, but…" said Floofty. "We may need to inform the mayor."

They didn't know what he could do, but it was more than the two of them could do alone.

[melodyofthevoid]

"I'm just saying, murder is an option." -Dialogue Prompt Ask Meme. Lorna.

As it stood, the situation was this:

The sword of Bloody Bones was in Fuyu

Last Lorna knew, the Baron still had possession (pun notwithstanding) of the sword

The new Tenmo of Fuyu was being inaugurated today, which meant that the House of Eternity would be in attendance.

The sword of Bloody Bones would be next to the fey appointed leader of the island.

All in all, not a great picture.

Also the Baron may or may not want her dead, but that was merely speculation on Lorna's part. Speculation born out of the seemingly ever increasing number of entities that wanted to kill her but again. Speculation.

The party gathered around Shisou, still on edge from the lingering effects of the sword, already hatching a plot. For his part, Kaja made himself busy in the kitchen, the wafting smell of scones adding a domestic air to the discussion of how exactly to deal with a cursed sword.

Lorna paced, running through scenarios to sort this out. Frankly the last thing she wanted right now was a direct confrontation after Bonnie Lyn's shades had nearly killed her.

No rest for the wicked though.

"Well, the problem is the sword right? So we get rid of the sword, and the problem's solved."

That seemed like a reasonable enough proposal from Naasir. Although it did raise more questions given that well. Every part of this process was open to the general public. People flooded the streets to see the competitors off as they hiked up the mountain, this ceremony would be no different.

"True," Lorna responded, "But- I mean this a public event- I don't want to endanger any civilians."

"I'm just saying," Shisou piped in, "Murder is an option."

"Exactly."

Ruse gave Shisou a nod, and Lorna felt a vein in her forehead pulse.

"The Baron got you fired Lorna, don't you want a little revenge?"

Yes? No? Lorna squirmed. She'd be lying if she didn't want to be a little vindictive but at the same time the prospect of fighting the Baron elicited a not insignificant amount of fear in her.

But frankly what didn't.

Ruse wanted her to stand up for herself, sure, but she also wan't entirely stupid.

"Personally, I just want to get rid of that sword. I'm... tired of having to think about it. Or deal with it."

"Boo, boring."

"Shisou's what matters here, and the sooner it's gone, the better."

"Aye, agreed."

Having Atlas on her side bolstered Lorna, a vote of confidence. She could go with this.

"I mean- ideally the sword could be destroyed," Lorna tried to remember what the cleric at the temple weeks ago had told her, "That would release the spirit and get rid of the problem altogether. All we'd have to do is get our hands on it."

Which was easier said than done. Maybe some negotiations if they got Fio involved might-

"So what you're saying is this could be a heist?"

Atlas started to grin, that same crooked smile that evoked a dread that Lorna could not begin to name. And yet one she'd grown a fondness for as well. Part of her imagined this is what having a sibling was like.

Although if anyone had the equal parts insanity and ingenuity to pull it off, it would be Atlas.

"I- I guess?"

"Well what're we waiting for? Let's get rid of that fucking sword!"

"Wait! We still have to-"

And off they went. Well. Thinking on the fly seemed to be the only way the Fey Winds operated.

Fio did owe them for saving her, and getting her the position at all (by virtue of still being alive), so she'd probably listen. They'd give her a heads up. Hope she worked with them. See what happened next.

Hopefully from here it'd all go smoothly, no murder required.

They just had to get that sword.

[ladylilithprime]

When The Time Is Right

Series: Fluffy Faerie Tales

Fandom: Supernatural

Pairing: Sastimmy/Jamstiel (Jimmy Novak/Sam Winchester/Castiel)

Rating: Teen and Up

Tags/Warnings: Half-Fae Sam Winchester, Jimmy and Castiel Are Twins, Selkie Jack Kline, Sam Winchester Is Jack Kline's Adopted Father, Brief Allusions to Canon-Typical Violence, Frank Discussions Of Sex (But No Actual Sex), Dean Winchester Being Bad At Feelings, Autistic Cas and Jimmy, Miscommunication, Threeway Relationships Require Threeway Consent, Discussions of Souls and Magic

Summary: Sam got hurt protecting Cas and Jimmy from alicorns. Alicorns are drawn to virgins. Dean blames Cas and Jimmy for Sam getting hurt. Therefore, Cas believes that to protect Sam from getting hurt because of them again, he and Jimmy need to no longer be virgins. Things do not go as planned.

For: @fluffyfebruary challenge!

Prompt: Day 27: Protect

Read on AO3

VIRGINITY WAS A social construct, or at least that had been the opinion of several of Cas and Jimmy's human classmates in college. They were frequently very quickly informed otherwise by their more magically-natured classmates, because while there really wasn't any sort of moral attachment to virginity or lack thereof, there was very much a magical aspect to the act of sexual congress and several different species who were specifically hardwired to be able to tell who among a gathering had or had not engaged in it for one reason or another, or had not engaged in certain types of sex. Dragons, for example, though according to Kevin that was because of the instinct to protect hatchlings and those too young for mating flights. Faeries, too, not that Sam had ever given any indication that he was aware of it until the subject could no longer be avoided. Because unicorns could also tell whether or not someone was a virgin, and so could their more carnivorous cousins.

And alicorns particularly liked the taste of virgins, whether they were tender little children or divinely created adult identical twins touched by fae magic.

"We've had sex, though," Jimmy couldn't help pointing out, a little shocky still as he sat next to Sam's hospital bed. "You should know since you were there for it...."

"Did we do it wrong?" Cas fretted, the fingers of his right hand tightly gripping Jimmy's left while his left hand gripped Sam's right.

"Absolutely not," Sam told them firmly. "The only way a person even can do it wrong is without consent or proper care for your partner and plenty of preparation and checking in. The problem," he added with a sigh, "is that an alicorn's definition of virginity is penetrative. It's a bit of a focal point for them, case in point and pun intended."

He gestured towards his thoroughly packed and heavily bandaged left side below his rib cage where only hours before there had been a rather massive two foot long golden spiral horn thoroughly impaling him. With the good painkillers working their way through his system, Sam was even more blunt-spokenly honest than usual, and apparently inclined to joke now that it was obvious he would survive the incident. Jimmy and, to a greater extent thanks to having been the one almost impaled before Sam had physically intervened himself, Cas were less capable of seeing the humor in their lover being injured and hospitalized after very nearly dying in a fight to protect them.

"They could tell that we've never had penetrative sex," Cas stated even more flatly than his normal deadpan.

"Which is perfectly fine and entirely up to individual choice," Sam said firmly. "How do I put this.... you know how sometimes certain foods together makes the taste and texture too much of a sensory overload? Alicorns are kind of like that, only for them the taste and texture focus is the magical soul energy of their human victims. Penetrative sex mixes the metaphysical 'flavors' a lot more obviously than any other kind of sex, so for an alicorn's purposes that's what 'counts'."

"What about someone who got pregnant via artificial insemination methods?" Jimmy asked, his mind flashing in worry to Amelia. He hadn't given her a moment's thought until now, what with the risk of imminent death and Sam's potentially fatal injury, but now he felt the very real concern starting to rise up.

"Pregnancy is a kind of gray area already," Sam admitted with a grimace. "Usually the pregnant person got that way through sexual intercourse, and then there's the overlap of the bearer's soul energies with the very, very slowly coalescing soul energies of the baby. The soul doesn't even fully settle into the infant's body until around the time the umbilical cord stump drops off. So even if the bearer got pregnant through scientific methods instead of sexual, their taste to an alicorn would still seem, er, muddy." He paused, then added more gently. "Amelia, Donna, and Matt live on the mainland. The alicorns didn't even get onto the bridges."

"You're sure?" Jimmy bit his lower lip, hating the insecurity that could make him doubt Sam's word even though he knew his boyfriend couldn't lie, but needing the reassurance anyway.

"Meg gave me a full report of what Balt reported to her to keep my mind off her patching me back together," Sam obligingly reassured him. "And while Donna's a sheriff, she was not among the people listed as injured and there were mercifully no fatalities. I'm as sure as I can be while sitting in this bed without a phone to call them."

Calling them had to wait until the brothers could get Sam safely discharged from the hospital - against medical advice, technically, but then both Meg and Dr Argall had bargained with Sam for a full week of bed rest with absolutely no strenuous activity in exchange for being allowed to convalesce at home - and back to the magically expanded apartment above Lighthouse CommodiTeas. And then Dean had arrived. That so-called "conversation" had resulted in Cas going nonverbal for four hours and nearly had Sam violating his bargain with Meg and their doctor to get up and physically eject Dean from the apartment over the cafe while Jimmy did his best to distract Jack (and himself) in the kitchen from the yelling.

Cas was able to talk again by the time Jack had been put to bed, but he was still reduced to a scant handful of words at a time. Jimmy's practice with translating was put to the test as they worked out the plan for covering the cafe while Sam was both stuck in bed and in need of someone to stay home with him. One thing they all agreed was that it was important to have at least one able-bodied adult in the apartment with Sam both day and night to help him and be available to help Jack. This meant that their work schedules got rearranged a bit and Jimmy left briefly to drive over to his and Cas's apartment and collect their overnight bags. The question had been briefly raised about also digging out their sleeping bags, but Sam had assured them it wasn't necessary.

"I'm pretty much going to be living on this couch for the week," he told them. "If you don't mind sharing, you can both take my bed for the duration."

If Cas had any trouble falling asleep in Sam's bed with his scent surrounding them and their lover absent from the sheets, lying injured out on the couch, he didn't tell Jimmy about it. Likewise, Jimmy never mentioned how long he lay awake with his face buried in the pillow that smelled of sage and clover, and sandalwood and cinnamon just like Sam's favorite soap and shampoo, his ears straining for the slightest hint of distress from the living room. It left him feeling tired and cotton-headed the next morning as he made coffee on autopilot and then kicked himself and brought Sam tea with honey and milk. Cas left the apartment for the cafe's kitchen without bothering to stop for breakfast, which was a clear sign that he was still very bothered by something, but until he was ready to talk about it there wasn't much Jimmy could do to help his twin except be there for Sam while Cas was working and then take his own turn tomorrow.

Cas came upstairs after the lunch rush with two extra blueberry cream cheese danishes for Sam and Jimmy, and a determined expression. "We need to have penetrative sex."

"What?" Jimmy almost choked on the sandwich he was eating, and felt briefly grateful beyond words that Sam had already finished the broth-heavy chicken and rice soup Jimmy had made and so couldn't do the same. He was still gaping wide-eyed at Cas, whose expression looked no less determined for the rush of pink suffusing his face.

"We need to have penetrative sex," he repeated, glancing over at Jimmy briefly before looking back to Sam. "The fact that we haven't made us vulnerable and put us at greater risk to the alicorns than if we had simply been out in public, which in turn put you at risk. I know better than to suggest that you not come to our defense, any more than Jimmy or I would agree to leave you vulnerable and undefended, and while we will certainly be much quicker to evacuate a danger zone in the future, the risk posed by our technical virginity is still there. It's a risk we can mitigate by having penetrative sex."

"No," Sam said - croaked, really - and shook his head.

"Not now, obviously," Cas said, holding up his hands. "Meg was very clear about what she meant by 'strenuous activity'."

"Cas," Jimmy started, trailing off when he realized that he didn't even know where to begin with this one. Clearly his twin had been thinking hard about this ever since the accusations Dean had flung at them before Cas had shut down and Jimmy had fled to the kitchen to distract Jack, maybe even since that conversation in the hospital, but that didn't stop it from coming out of left field for him!

"And it has to be with you, Sam," Cas went on, a hint of desperation entering his voice. "Even if Jimmy and I were comfortable engaging in sexual activity exclusively with each other, our souls are identical. Whatever transference of energy happens during sex wouldn't make a difference if it's just us."

"Emotions also play a large part in it," Sam reminded him, sounding rather strained. "And please believe me when I say that if you or Jimmy ever truly want to explore penetrative sex in either direction, I would absolutely be honored to participate... but not if the only reason you're asking is because you think of your virginity, technical as it is in this specific area, as a thing to get rid of because it might put me at risk."

"But... you got hurt protecting us," Cas argued, sounding so painfully small that Jimmy nearly whimpered. "For me. The alicorn was aiming for me, and you put yourself in its path and got hurt because of that."

"And I would do it again if the circumstances arose," Sam said firmly. "Even if we had been acting like Dean at a Bacchanalia festival before that night, I saw the two of you in danger and pinned down in that alley and I did my best to keep you safe. That I got injured right at that specific moment was unfortunate, but it could have happened at any point that night if one of the alicorns caught me off guard while fighting."

Now Jimmy couldn't stop the whimper from bursting free, clapping his hands over his mouth to muffle it. That was the least reassuring thing he had ever heard. That Sam could have been injured before, run through and still fighting somewhere alone without him and Cas there to call for help when the alicorns were dead and his strength gave out--

Sam's expression softened. "I didn't collapse in that alley because I ran out of strength, Jimmy," he said, breaking through the babbling words that Jimmy hadn't even realized he had been saying. "I collapsed from the relief of knowing that you and Cas were unharmed, that I had succeeded in protecting you."

"So you won't have penetrative sex with us... because you think we don't really want it?" Cas asked uncertainly.

"And because I don't want any time we have sex of any kind to be out of fear or obligation," Sam said dryly. "And I'm a lot more sensitive to the emotional resonances involved than an alicorn is to the technicalities."

"Oh," Cas winced, looking down at the carpet. "Sorry..."

"Hey," Sam murmured, holding out a hand. "Come here, both of you?"

Slowly, Cas and Jimmy approached. Cas tried to hang back a bit, but Jimmy nudged him forward to sit closest to Sam's upper body while Jimmy sat behind Cas and pulled him into his arms tight against his chest. Cas wrapped his hands around Jimmy's wrists, and Sam put his own hands over theirs.

"Listen to me closely, okay?" Sam said. "I love you. I love you, Cas, and I love you, Jimmy. And any time we do anything sexual, or even just quietly intimate like this... it's pure bliss, because I can feel how much you both love me, too. If one day either of you decide you really want to explore penetration in sex, that's fine. And if you don't and it never happens, that is equally fine. No pressure, ever. Okay?"

"Okay," the twins chorused. Jimmy felt Cas let go of his wrists with one hand and twist to catch one of Sam's. He lifted it to his lips and pressed a soft kiss to Sam's knuckles. "I don't like seeing you hurt," Cas murmured, "but I'm glad you're protecting us."

"It's my honor," Sam murmured back, and Jimmy knew their lover didn't mean just against the alicorns any more than Cas had.