#still waiting for the sun here in the UK

[cryptid-stimming]

🌱 🌷 Spring Stimboard 🌈🌂

x x x / x x x / x x x

[Image description: a 9 gif stimboard; from left to right.

First line: A gif of a view of a grassy garden and fence through a window, rain leaves droplets on the glass and makes the outside blurry. A close-up gif of a tree branch with blossom flowers and leaves shaking in the breeze, a small bee flying and landing on the flowers. And a close-up time-lapse of bluebell flowers growing.

Second line: A gif of a robin on an iron railing tilting it's head, in it's beak it has material to build a nest and there are plants in the background. An underwater gif panning around as tadpoles swim. And a close-up gif jumpcutting as someone picks daffodils.

Third line: A timelapse gif of purple crocuses growing and blooming in a garden. A gif of baby lambs playing, jumping and chasing one another in a grassy field. And a gif from the pov of someone walking through the rain, the camera aimed at the pavement slabs wet from the rain and dotted with blossom petals.

End of image description.]

[reiincarnatiion]

shadows of destiny | azriel x reader | part three

summary: azriel jealous and yearning for Y/N

🧚‍♀️

a/n: sorry guys for the long assss wait, ive been on exchange in the uk so i have been busy living life hehe, still here and loving it!! hope you guys like this one, love you all cuties <33 also this isnt proof read so sorry for any mistakes! let me know what you think, i love all of your sweet messages !! eeeeeee

read : [part one] [part two]

-----🩷🧚‍♀️💗------

You woke up the next morning with a throbbing headache and a parched mouth, confused as to how you had made it to your bed from last night. The morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting a hazy glow over your room.

Groaning loudly, you cursed as you shifted your weight around, consequently turning your head to come face to face with Lucien's chiseled features, peacefully sleeping next to you. It took you a second to realize he was shirtless as well.

You screamed, "WHAT THE FUCK?!"

His mechanical eye swirled open, followed by his other. "Tell me we didn't."

"DID what," Lucien murmured, a small smirk gracing his features as he stared up at the ceiling. Amusement danced in his eyes as he stretched languidly against the sheets. His morning rasp tingled inside you and nicked at you annoyingly. This could not have happened. The headache of whatever liquids and maybe even other substances you had consumed yesterday hit you hard, and you fell back to face the ceiling as well, nausea threatening to overwhelm you.

"You little slut, you know what I meant," you groaned, rolling onto your front in a feeble attempt to quell the oncoming headache and urge to vomit.

You felt Lucien shift next to you as well, attempting to detangle himself from the crisp black sheets of your bed. "We must have done it."

"NO Lucien."

"YES."

"NO, I CAN'T-"

"…why not," Lucien breathed out. His demeanor had changed since you last saw him sober; something had happened last night, and you could not remember, but he was acting differently.

"All I am saying is that last night made me realize things about you, Y/N…" he continued, rising from the sheets. You raised your eyes in horror, ready to scream because you did not want to get flashed by fiery dick-

-a pair of orange breeches came into view.

"Oh."

"Upset that we didn't actually sleep together, Y/N?"

An unknown feeling of red-hotness spread throughout your face, turning your cheeks pink. "I hate you, Lucien," you hummed.

"What did you realize, Lucien?"

"That I pretend to not care the way Azriel and Elain make heart eyes at each other, but on the inside, it's like a knife twisting inside me," he deadpanned, and you couldn't help but let out a laugh.

"What???" he groaned, falling down next to you. "Nothing, Luc, I just feel sorry for us, that's all.

~

Azriel sat at the dining table, swirling the black coffee mindlessly. It was 2 pm, and his shadows had begun reporting how the others had finally begun stirring awake after their long night. They had gotten back at 5 am, the sun slowly beginning to peek through the trees and buildings of Velaris, and he had watched from afar as Lucien carried Y/N to her room.

He had not come out afterwards. His shadows had been in an unfamiliar frenzy, yelling to slip through and see what was happening in that bedroom, to investigate how good he gave it to her because Azriel just knew. He knew he could give it to her better.

He clenched his fists at the picture his shadows had painted for him of the events which probably had unfolded in her room. What was it with his sexual urges with Y/N all of a sudden? She was just his friend. She had always just been his friend. Maybe he had had a little crush on her before. Maybe when she would walk into a room and his palms would sweat, he would chastise himself for wearing too many layers. Or how when she used to make his heart beat irregularly, he would tell Rhys about anxiety. It was easier to let them think he had a disorder rather than admit feelings. Because maybe, just maybe he had had slight feelings towards her for centuries. But there was Elain now.

He liked Elain.

"Good Morning Azriel!" a sweet voice chirped, as Elain entered the dining room, a sweet tea held in her perfectly manicured hands. Even after a night out, she looked perfect. Her hair looked freshly blow-dried, and her lips tinted pink, looking fresh and kissable. He smiled gently, and her eyes brightened as she took a seat next to him, murmuring things about last night and how odd it was to see Lucien with Y/N.

"I just don't think he should have danced like that with her, what do you think?" she whispered, her eyes shining.

"I know it was disrespectful to you," Azriel nodded back, looking into her glassy doe eyes. Out of the corner of his eyes, he felt a sudden burst of movement from his shadows, but the warning wasn't quick enough as two figures walked into the room.

God, she looked horrible.

Elain let out a comical gasp, and the corner of his mouth lifted as Y/N walked into the room, her hair messy and disturbed, like someone had pulled on it, ran their hands through it. Her presence snatched on his gaze, it pulled it towards him, and Azriel found himself unable to look away.

Her eyes lazily dragged over Azriel, raking up his body, and never before had he felt so hot. But he did not break eye contact with her either, he maintained it, willing and daring her to break it first.

Their eyes met in a silent battle of wills, a tension simmering beneath the surface as they sized each other up. It was a fleeting moment, but it spoke volumes, leaving Azriel reeling in its wake.

"Lucien, can we talk?" Elain broke the silence.

Everyone blinked and looked at the innocent girl sitting down. Azriel watched as she looked into Lucien’s eyes, with her innocent look, and he mentally chuckled. She was doing damage control, and it was working because his shadows were reporting the increase in Lucien’s heartbeat.

“Of course,” Lucien whispered and pushed past Y/N, whisking Elain away out of the room.

Charged silence followed. Azriel went back to nursing his coffee which had gone cold now. He felt Y/N scoff and mutter something under her breath which sounded a whole lot like "bitch," as she moved around the place, into the connecting kitchen, trying to will the House to make her a cup of its strongest coffee. They didn’t say a word to each other, but Azriel could feel the tension in the air. He didn’t know where it had formed from, what abyss it had risen from, he just knew there was something that needed to be addressed between them before his head and his heart exploded.

“What was that from last night?” he let out a breath finally, his shadows jittering around the place. He looked up from his swirling black coffee to see Y/N cease her movements in the corner of the kitchen. Her short night dress, barely covering her ass, had ridden up as she had been bent over the kitchen bench. Azriel felt himself stiffen, so he looked away quickly, adjusting himself.

“What do you mean,” she replied, turning around with a neutral expression on her face, guarding her emotions. She carefully padded her way to the table, setting the coffee down and placing herself directly in front of him. Her scent wafted over him, and his jaw ticked, but he didnt show any emotion. His dark eyes bore into hers, his shadows fought to sift over her, wanting to know her thoughts, her feelings, her emotions. Alas, she showed nothing.

“You and Lucien…” he drawled out, pretending to ask nonchalantly.

“We just danced to Azriel, I was really drunk,” she whispered softly, placing her hands together on her lap.

“You emerged from the same room,” he replied calmly.

As she cocked her head to the side, her hair falling onto her face, time seemed to slow down. Her long eyelashes were stunning, and her deep eyes looked at Azriel with something so unsaid, that the raw intensity sent shivers down his spine.

Azriel knew at that moment that he could no longer leave these unanswered feelings of his left hanging. He wasn't a dumb male; if his body was responding to Y/N like this for so long, there was clearly a reason. And it was not a dumb crush.

He had forced himself to believe for so long, that Elain should belong to him. Three brothers for three sisters, that is what he would tell himself.

Yet something had shifted between them two, a subtle undercurrent that left Azriel reeling. It was something deeper, something undeniable. And as he met Y/N's gaze, he knew that he could no longer ignore the pull that drew him to her, the pull of something real, something worth fighting for.

--

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[bridenore]

Author rec : wolfpants

Wolfpants is one of my favorite authors. Here are a few recs, listed in alphabetical order.

August by @wolfpants [3k]

Summer, 1998. Harry Potter arrives at the Manor to return Draco's wand. The problem is, he keeps coming back.

Aurora by @wolfpants [5k]

Eighth Year at a half-built Hogwarts, and Harry is not following Draco Malfoy anymore. At least, that's what he's telling himself.

Everybody Hates a Tourist by @wolfpants [51k]

On a stag do in sunny Brighton with the Gryffindor lads, the last person Harry expects to run into is Draco Malfoy. After a glimpse of Malfoy’s Muggle life in Britain’s gay capital, Harry’s curiosity gets the better of him and he finds himself returning to the seaside again and again, drawn to the city, drawn to this new version of Malfoy that Harry barely recognises from school. Meanwhile, Draco’s just trying to live his big and best queer life: working for the weekend, chasing hot men, getting lost in Brighton’s nightlife, and making friends with the neighbourhood cats. Why does his former school rival and crush have to show up and spoil everything?

Look For Me In The Sun by @wolfpants [8k]

Harry and Draco are on the run in America after a mysterious string of werewolf-like attacks in the Muggle community causes the Ministry to  impose new and harsh anti-werewolf legislation. Giant trees, crashing waves, seedy motel rooms, and the long and winding coastal road awaits them, but will they ever be able to go back home?

Summer Place by @wolfpants [14k]

Draco has the perfect life: a perfect house on a perfect street with his perfect husband. It’s all he’s ever wanted. So why does something still feel wrong? 

Thickets by @wolfpants [17k]

When Draco returns to the UK after two decades of building his career as an internationally-renowned artist to look after his ailing, estranged father, he crosses paths with his former flame, Harry Potter, in the most unexpected way.

Under Giant Mountains by @wolfpants [33k]

Harry doesn’t know where he’s going. Everyone else has  their life paths figured out; he doesn’t even know where his map is.  Who’d have thought Draco Malfoy bathing in a Norwegian forest would be  the guidepost Harry needed? In which Harry’s trip to Norway to  visit dragon-wrangler Ron introduces him to hikes from hell, mysterious   natural magic, foraging, magical bathing, a new and bizarre friendship, and the frustrating, heady allure of his former nemesis turned sexy   globetrotting field researcher.

Waiting for the Moon to Rise by @wolfpants [8k]

When Harry and Draco move into Grimmauld Place straight out of Hogwarts, the last person they expect to find taking up residence is Bill ‘divorced, dishevelled, and dangerous’ Weasley. But what if their new, furry little problem is the help they need to finally bring them closer? Stranger things have happened, Draco supposes.

I hope you enjoy these stories as much as I did!

[brf-rumortrackinganon]

Could you elaborate a bit on what the "half in-half out" deal that the Sussexes wanted (and were denied) actually involved? It comes up pretty frequently and I'm personally pretty unsure about what they actually were asking to receive and why the royals shot it down leading to total megxit.

Half-in: They wanted to be part-time official working royals to represent The Queen and the BRF but no longer cooperate with the royal rota for coverage of their activities and control how the public interacted/engaged with them.

Half-out: When they weren’t on official duty for The Queen/BRF, they wanted to make their own money through commercial deals for content, products, speaking gigs, and paid appearances, and all interactions with the press would be invite-only (aka no invite, no press access).

Why The Queen refused: It would have made the BRF pay-for-play, when their greatest asset is being “accessible” to all kinds of people from all walks of life. A pay-for-play system benefits only the wealthy and those who can afford it, drastically reducing the kind of reach, impact, and recognition the BRF has.

Why it led to Megxit: The Queen said “either you’re in or you’re out, full stop.” Meaning that if Harry and Meghan wanted to be official working royals and represent her/the BRF, they could not make their own money, control media/press access to their events, and limit the public commentary (aka censorship). But if they chose to make their own money, control access, and restrict the public, then they could not be official working members of the royal family. The Sussexes didn’t like that so they said “fine, we quit” and moved to California instead.

Here is Harry and Meghan’s first official statement about leaving the BRF and yes - it was first released on Instagram (vs the usual palace authorities):

This statement came after some leaks and scoops from Dan Wooten in The Sun. You can easily see what they envisioned for half in/half out:

Modernize the "spare" role in the royal family

No longer be senior members of the family, but continue representing the monarchy as needed

Being financially independent

Live part of the year in North America pursuing their own interests while living the rest of the year in the UK doing royal work

Raise Archie with appreciation for tradition

Launch their own charity

Collaborate with The Queen, Charles, William, and staff.

Still remain your beloved Duke and Duchess of Sussex

(My interpretation: They wanted to travel on the BRF's dime; attend signature BRF events; raise Archie as a fully-blooded Prince of the Realms; monetize their titles and social media; fund their personal charity work on the back of The Queen's, Charles's, and William's own works and efforts; and spend the glamorous British social season in the UK being royal, spend the shoulder seasons in Canada representing The Queen, and spend the brutal Canadian winter attending the glamorous Hollywood awards season and traveling the Caribbean Commonwealth nations. YMMV.)

When this statement was published, two things happened:

Everyone went to the Sussex Royal website to read their plan and immediately began laughing/rolling their eyes about how tone-deaf and ridiculous some of their demands were.

The BRF reacted with the royal equivalent of "wait a fucking minute."

Neither reaction was what the Sussexes expected. They expected total praise and support from the press and they expected the BRF to totally roll over and beg them to stay (and we know that because of the stories that Sussex-friendly press were writing). So immediately the Sussexes began clapping back - both at the public and at the BRF. For example, see this cflapback to claims that they blindsided the BRF with their "resignation" as senior royals by none other than Omid Scobie.

Also while they were clapping back via the press and social media associates, the content on their Sussex Royal website began getting changed and updated in real-time based on the critical commentary from the press (and likely alo the initial reactions from the BRF) in an attempt to show that the Sussexes still remained fully in control of their "Spring 2020 transition", like so:

As a result, the original manifesto angry-posted on January 8, 2020, is no longer easily available - most of the blogs that I’d consult for the original manifesto are no longer available (like Cat's original blog, which Sussex Squad forced down in 2021) and the ones that remain, their archives are enormous that it's like searching for a needle in a haystack. You can still find it, but it will require a LOT of patience because this was like a powder keg exploding - everyone came crawling out of the woodwork with commentary and criticism.

[agirlandherquill]

the third day of writemas

day 3 has arrived! and with it, a sense of anticipation, a tickle of warmth, and a wave of relief - another year is almost upon us, and who knows what it will bring?

the rules, for those of you that are new or simply need a refresher: choose a prompt from the list, write something and share your creation with the rest of writeblr, and share the game with others, because as we all know writing is a gift and it deserves to be shared! and of course, tag me in your responses because i cannot wait to see them!

p.s - the game is open to all, as discussed in the invitation post - which, if you'd like to be added to the tag list, is still being monitored for newcomers and late additions - all are welcome to the game!

now for the part you're all here to see - the prompts!

Prompt List:

Dialogue Prompts:

"Help me."

"You're smiling... Don't stop."

"Tell me everything."

Setting Prompts:

A dungeon

A cabin

A carriage

Narration Prompts:

She had never felt so alone in all her life.

His knuckles were bruised and bloody.

They met each other's eyes, and nodded.

Feeling Prompts:

Burning

The tickle of grass in a meadow

The warmth of the sun on skin

(because i'm insanely overeager, this post like its predecessor will be going live at 00:01 UK Time, apologies to those of you that receive it early but hey, early presents are still pretty good presents :) )

eagerly awaiting your creations, and as always, happy holidays!

~ A Girl And Her Quill

the invitations have been received so here you all are, i bestow upon you the gift of writemas! p.s if you want to be added to the tag list, interact with this post <3

@365runesofthesystem @glasshouses-and-stones @tildeathiwillwrite @sunakore @nothoughtsjustmhaandotherthings

@willtheweaver @theverumproject @phoenixradiant @thatuselesshuman @melpomenelamusa

@loverboyxbutch @i-hate-happy-endings @corinneglass @whatwewrotepodcast @aalinaaaaaa

@aseriesofsmallthings @kelseyjade @lauravanarendonkbaugh @i-do-anything-but-write @nuclearr-wessels

@95angeltears @sunflowerrosy @thebadphilosopher @ellowynthenotking @xarrixii

@the-ellia-west @myniceisniceblogbloglog @kitty-is-writing @girl-with-bones @crimsonlyinglilly

@fantasy-things-and-such @shiningstars-world @purplehandshumanfeelings @mxxnlightwriting @aquadestinyswriting

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@calliecwrites @happypup-kitcat24 @woodnymphdancinginmoonshine @storycraftcafe

@rhikasa @buffythevampirelover @moltenwrites @vesanal @foyle-writes-things

@thesorcerersapprentice @diabolical-blue @elsie-writes @pepsiwriteswords @sharkblizzardblogs

[jaegeraether]

Sunsets and footballers (Part 46)

Lucy Bronze x Reader (41) & Alexia Putellas x Character (10)

Masterlist (other parts here)

((**Happy 2024!!**))

“And you just left?”

Ridley shrugged. There were sat at a café Ridley was introducing her to, waiting to order.

“It sounds like a good night…”

“It was.”

“And she forgave you?”

“She said she did.”

“And you shared dessert!” YFN’s eyes were basically hearts. “That’s adorable.”

“She can’t eat too unhealthily during season.”

“Don’t go making excuses now, Riddles, she wanted to share.”

Ridley sighed, the heat of the Spanish sun shining down onto her face. Her sunglasses could only do so much. She’d dressed for the pool they were going to be bathing around at Lucy’s place, black shorts and a loose, see-through white button up shirt with a black bikini underneath. She always took advantage of her days off by spending them in the sun or doing activities. She was much more excited to spend it with her Blue though. She looked over at her little smiling face, her dimples on show. She was also dressed for the pool and wearing quite a similar outfit, though with one of Lucy’s button ups, from the looks of it. She wasn’t quite as tanned as she’d been when they’d last seen each other in Australia, though. The UK would do that to you. She seemed much happier though. Happiness suited her. Lucy suited her.

“What’re you thinking?”

“Spain suits you.”

Her face flashed a happy surprise as her smile widened, and she pretended it didn’t. “You think?”

“Yes.”

“Lucy loves it here…” She said, looking around them at the people who were so much more placid and in less of a rush than the UK. “Reminds me of Australia.”

“Do you think she’ll stay at Barca?”

���She wants to, but her knee…she doesn’t know how much longer she can keep going.”

“You know, anyone in her position would have quit years ago already. Her work ethic is impressive.”

“I know. I find it hard to believe she wanted me of all people…I’m really proud of her.”

“Don’t discount your worth, Blue. She’s very, very lucky to have you. I guarantee you bring her a lot of love and security that she’s never had before.”

Ridley had always been honest, though she knew where it was necessary. She also was incredibly good at understanding people. Even though YFN knew this, it still didn’t stop her partially freezing at Ridley’s words. She understood them to their core, and that’s only after meeting Lucy once.

The waiter came over, then. He was cute, polite, his hair was a wavy light brown mess and he gave them both the most genuine smile as he pushed the glasses up the bridge his nose. He was exactly Ridley’s type. She leant back in her chair to get a better look at him, not worried that she was obvious about it. She could feel YFN’s eyes roll and the man’s naivety slowly being replaced by his testosterone as he realised she liked him. He blushed lightly and gave a little, nervous laugh that made her want him even more.

“Good morning, my name is Christian, what can I get for you today?” He asked, his voice so Spanish that she knew he didn’t speak English. She assumed he was new to the café as Ridley hadn’t seen him before.

“Torrijas and pan con tomate, both to share. A café cortado for me, and an apple juice for my friend, please.” Ridley replied in perfect Spanish, ordering for the two before they’d even looked at the menus. YFN didn’t mind, she was used to it, and Ridley knew exactly what she wanted anyways.

She handed the menus over with a smile she knew would catch him off guard. She could hear a little nervous breath as he took them, able to compose himself enough to nod at both before he left. She watched as he went. She was going to rock his fucking world.

“Ridley…” YFN chastised. She was the only person in the world who’d not be encouraging at something like that. She kept Ridley’s morals intact, which is one of the reasons she loved her so much. Also, hearing her actual name from her lips meant she was in trouble.

“He’s cute.” She murmured, still looking.

“Poor form.”

“I’m not in a relationship.”

“And what about the conversation we were just having?”

“Alexia and I aren’t dating.”

“But you want to be.”

“Wanting and doing are two entirely different concepts. Maybe I just want to fuck her and my brain is pretending it’s in love with her.”

“You know that’s not true. Yes, you obviously want to have sex with her. But you’ve had the opportunity, and you haven’t really… that night doesn’t count. You know she makes you feel differently. I hear the way you talk about her.”

That interested Ridley. She thought she’d done a good job of being nonchalant when speaking about the hazel-eyed footballer.

“I don’t owe her anything.”

“You keep telling yourself that, Riddles.”

Ridley hated when YFN was disappointed with her, which was a rarity. Did she owe her something, she wondered? For the feelings Alexia made her feel? For the feelings Ridley made Alexia feel? For the tension? For the unsaid acknowledgement from them both at dinner the other night that they could be something more?

Argh, emotions, her thoughts muttered. This is why she avoided them because they were always so fucking complicated. She wasn’t bad at them necessarily, she just avidly avoided them, so it was funny that the person closest to her in the world, the one sitting on the other side of the table, was the complete opposite.

“Any plans for tonight?” She asked, changing the subject.

“Lucy is organising a meet up for the Barca team to introduce me,” she said, her disappointment gone and her smile back. So she’d be with Alexia tonight. As if reading her thoughts, “I’m not sure who’s going. Lucy’s handling all of it.”

“Mmn. And this dress you need is for which event?”

“Uh…GQ Awards?”

“In London? How did you manage that?” She was surprised, and a little suspicious.

“My boss knows people.”

“Mmnhmn.” Again, the suspicion, but she didn’t push. “Date?”

“Solo.”

“To help Jordan and Leah, right?”

YFN had mentioned it was to support her ‘friends’ but hadn’t mentioned who. Though, she didn’t seem surprised that Ridley had made a correct assumption.

“Cheeky, but yes.”

“Okay, solo, representing your business, celebrity awards…obviously we need something sexy. It’s the Man of the Year awards so everybody will be dressing more masculine, even the women. Expect suits everywhere. So I’m thinking we go opposite and make you look so sexy that the men will want you on their arms.”

“I don’t want to go too crazy..”

“It’s okay, baby, I know exactly what you need.” Their drinks and food arrived then; the server just as nervous as previously. Ridley shot him another grin that had him tripping over his feet as he left. “And you said Jordan wants an outfit too?”

“Only if we find something nice. She’s been busy with training and doesn’t want to ask Leah.” She slid her phone over the table for Ridley. “This is what Leah is wearing.”

“Fuck me, she’s stunning. We can find something to match that. Jordan has a gorgeous figure. If Leah is in a dress, is Jordan happy with a suit?”

“I think she’d prefer a suit to be honest…”

“Perfect, I already have something in mind.”

“I also have her sizing-” The look Ridley shot her was almost offended. She was good at sizing. “Never mind, now what are these?”

“Apple juice for the drink. These are torrijas which are essentially a sweet cinnamon sugar French toast, but the Spanish way. They tend to get offended at that description, though. I know you like your sweet things. And this is pan con tomate which is a very popular dish in Spain where you have bread, usually ciabatta, which you brush with olive oil and toast before rubbing garlic cloves over the bread and then spreading the tomato on top. If I were to liken it to anything, it would be closest to bruschetta, just with tomato puree and it’s simpler.” She gestured to the tables around them, most of which had the same. “It’s very popular in Catalonia.”

“I feel like falling in love with Spain is inevitable at this point.”

Ridley allowed herself a chuckle. “Well, you’ll always have a home with me.” She let herself pause to see YFN’s smile. “If you’re used to naked people, that is.”

YFN groaned.

“What? You’ve seen me naked.” Ridley teased.

“You know, I think the noise would be the deal-breaker.”

She shrugged. “I soundproof. And then there’s the gags-”

Ridley was stopped by a small torrija launched in her general direction which she caught with ease and bit into as if it were meant for her.

They finished up their brunch and of course Ridley collected the server’s number before they left, much to YFN’s disapproval. Ridley made sure YFN had all of the attention and care she needed when they chose a dress. By the end of it, even she admitted it was stunning. It was a simple, charcoal grey satin dress which curved down around her body, hugging all of the right places. It was a spaghetti strap and low back to accentuate one of her best features, her back, and those dimples at the bottom. The design was so elegant and simplistic that even YFN loved it. They played around with hairstyles, Ridley eventually convincing her that a minimal boho side-braid would be the best with the dress the show off her collarbone on one side. They picked out jewellery, a simple silver necklace and a few rings along with an exquisite silver flower ear cuff. YFN had said she’d never felt so beautiful in her life. Ridley was proud of that. She loved putting confidence into others, especially YFN.

During her fittings and talks to the staff, Ridley had been doing some shopping of her own, amongst which was a suit for Jordan to wear. It was expensive, but money had never been a factor for Ridley as she purchased everything they’d chosen that day, including YFN’s items before she’d even had a chance. Ridley had YFN tell Jordan that she had a full outfit picked out for her as she drove them to lunch by the beach. A dip in the water was tempting, but they were already both hanging out for the pool at home. A lazy day, just with each other’s company.

“Do you mind if we pick up Chiquito on the way to yours?” Ridley had asked.

“He won’t fight with Narla?”

“He doesn’t fight with anyone unless it’s for my attention.”

“Okay, then.”

Chiquito was Ridley’s cat. He was a young, grey Turkish Angora that she’d rescued during her recent contract in Dubai. Due to the weather, he was a lot less furry than others of the same breed and being Ridley’s pet, he was quite used to all things outdoors including swimming. Unusual for a cat. They say pets are like their owners, and in that aspect he was, along with being the cuddliest cat on the planet according to Ridley. YFN had not met him yet, though.

They stopped by Ridley’s house, which she’d only seen in photos. It was massive. To own a house in Spain, you needed to be well off, let alone to own a house of that size. It was typical Spanish architecture, and from the state of it and the Spanish gardens, it was obvious she had people to take care of it. Inside, it was still original with a modern twist. The attention to detail was incredible, she knew Ridley must have had a lot of input into the intricacies of the place. Everything was so neat and tidy and…Ridley. Chiquito greeted them at the door, excited to meet someone new. He let YFN pick him up and cuddle him while Ridley showed her around the house. The outdoor area and pool were stunning. YFN’s jaw dropped. She knew Ridley was rich, but she had no idea how rich. She was scared to look in the garage.

“Why don’t we just swim here?” She laughed as she stared.

Ridley shrugged. “We can. Isn’t Lucy picking you up from your apartment, though?”

Your apartment, she’d said. A Ridley way of saying she approved of their relationship which was more important to her than she realised. “I can just give her this address.”

“Okay, it’s settled. We’ll stay here then.”

Two people rounded the corner then and YFN jumped.

“It’s okay,” Ridley laughed. “It’s just my housekeeper and caretaker. Blue, this is Maria and Mateo.”

She waved while Ridley introduced them to her in Spanish. They were a cute, older couple who looked happy to see someone other than one of Ridley’s casuals. Ridley asked them something in Spanish and they nodded, getting to work.

“They live in the guest house,” she said. “They look after the place 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. I’m practically just their guest who’s home on occasion.”

“They seem lovely. What did you ask them?”

“I just told them to expect more company and asked if we could have some snacks out by the pool.”

Ridley was similar to Lucy, always hungry, because she was always working out. She showed her around the entire place, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, gym, kitchen, living areas and she even had a music room. Ridley loved her music. She’d always played when they were younger.

“Do you remember any of the guitar I taught you?” She asked.

“Some I think?”

Ridley grinned and picked up an acoustic guitar, handing it to her, before taking her favourite since high school, a cream coloured Sterling Cutlass. Ridley took a few more things including an amp out by the pool with them and set them up. YFN texted Lucy the address before they settled in for a swim and a play. Watching Chiquito get in the water and swim was one of the strangest things she’d ever seen, and it was hilarious to see him all soaked as he got out. They sun-baked for a while in their bikini’s and had a few jam sessions, the music coming back to YFN. Ridley could tell how much she’d missed it and the calm that came with it that she enjoyed. Snacks, guitars, swimming, Chiquito. It was perfect. They’d lost track of time, the sun getting lower in the sky. YFN was sprawled out on her sunbed in her bikini and open button up, eyes closed and listening to Ridley as she jammed to a song. Ridley was proud of her musical intelligence, following flows and creating her own melodies. She was sitting partially cross-legged on her sunbed, also in her bikini and button up, Bose headphones on and head moving to the sounds she was improvising. They had Spotify playing popular songs that she was improvising solos to, eyes closed and in her happy place. Chiquito was by her foot, now fluffy again with the sun drying his fur, curled up with his paw draped over her foot. He was a touchy cat.

She was in the middle of a solo to The Chain by Fleetwood Mac, one of her favourite songs, when a grape hit her head. She was undisturbed and reached for it, popping it into her mouth before another one hit her and she got the hint, her eyes opening to a sight she hadn’t expected.

Lucy was there. With Ona Batlle. And Keira Walsh. And Alexia.

Alexia would have been lying if she said she wasn’t turned on by the sight of Ridley jamming away in her bikini. YFN threw a grape at her, impacting her temple but she didn’t flinch, she stayed in her zone, even popping the grape into her mouth as her fingers expertly navigated her instrument. She opened her eyes at the second grape, though, her eyes immediately finding Alexia with a grin before they roamed over the others she was with. She popped the second grape in her mouth and tilted her head, pulling her headphones down around her neck.

“What in the world of football lesbians do we have here?”

Another grape hit her head. This one was thrown by Lucy, though, from her spot on the bottom of YFN’s sunbed.

“Are you secret royalty?” Lucy asked.

“No, just materialistic, I guess.”

Lucy chuckled at that and Alexia could tell they were already good friends. “I brought a few people, I hope you don’t mind. I drove them all to practise this morning.”

YFN was standing, introducing herself to Keira and Ona. Keira was happy to meet her, hugs and all. Ona was a little quieter than usual, Alexia realised. It had been last minute that they’d diverted and she hadn’t realised YFN would be here, she supposed.

“The more, the merrier.”

“The pool looks tempting. I would ask for a swim, but the sun is setting and we don’t have bikini’s.”

“I wouldn’t be opposed to a little skinny dipping, Bronze,” she replied with a wink.

“Riddlessss…” Came the warning from YFN. “Play nice.”

Ridley put her hands up in a gesture of submission. “Party wrecker.”

YFN rolled her eyes. “Ona, Keira, this is Ridley, Ridley, this is half of the Barca team,” she said with a laugh. It was a happy sound that made Lucy turn around just to look at her. She stepped forward and put a hand on her girlfriend’s shoulder where she sat. “And you already know Lucy and Alexia.”

Ridley gave a wave. “Hola. And this is Chiquito. Welcome to our home.” She gestured around her as she picked up the little grey cat. “Have you come to take my friend away?”

Ridley stood then, most of her body on show. Alexia couldn’t physically help but stare at her. So many scars she hadn’t noticed before. And…tattoos? Ridley wandered over closer to the group, not bothering to close the button up like YFN had. With a body like that, she didn’t blame her.

“Sure have. I hear you helped YFN find a dress for Friday?”

“Not ‘helped’.” YFN said. “She did everything. And accessories. And hair. And Jordan’s outfit also. I can’t wait for you to see it!” She gushed leaning further onto Lucy. Alexia knew she didn’t mean to be so touchy in front of Ona, it was just how they were together. Thinking that, she remembered Ridley’s fingertips on her hand at the restaurant the other night, her lips on her cheek as she said goodbye, her fingertips rubbing her clit into her orgasm and through it-

“La Reina?”

That pulled her from her daze, her eyes immediately locking with Ridley’s.

“Si?”

“Are you okay with it?”

“With what…?”

Ridley’s smile and eyebrow raise made her feel like she knew she was the reason she was so distracted. That stunning face. Alexia was…nervous. It was an unusual feeling.

“I asked Ridley if she wanted to come tonight and she only will if you’re okay with it.” Lucy responded. She was standing now, one arm around YFN’s hip.

Alexia cleared her throat quietly and responded quickly trying to not be so obvious about wanting exactly that. “Si…yes I’m okay with it.”

Alexia tore her gaze off of Ridley, finding anything else. Her eyes fell on YFN who was biting her lip and Alexia wondered what she was thinking before she spoke. “We can meet you at the bar if you want?”

Ah, she must have been thinking about an awkward car ride sitting between Ona and Keira.

“Your clothes…” Lucy reminded her.

“I have plenty of clothes here. Many different sizes. We’ll find something cute for her to wear.” Ridley was confident.

Alexia wondered exactly why she had so many clothes, and her brain immediately thought of women she had over. Was it for them?

“It is…a boy?” Ona asked in broken English, stepping closer to Ridley and looking at Chiquito.

“Si.” She took a small step forward for Ona to pat. Ona was very much an animal lover. Keira stepped forward also when she realised how cuddly he was.

“How old is he?” She asked.

“Just turned one.”

“You adopted him?”

“She rescued him while she was in Dubai,” YFN answered for her.

Ridley rescued him? The thought of her seeing the little cat and wanting to take him home to Spain moved something in her. Her heart softened. He was very much obsessed with his mum, from the way he looked at her. Alexia felt a sadness in her stomach for her Pomeranian, Nala, who she’d recently lost. She pushed that emotion aside and gave way to the next which surprisingly was a deep jealousy, watching both Ona and Keira so close to Ridley, brushing up against her as they patted Chiquito in her arms. Keira stepped back first, being more of a dog than a cat person and even while Ona was still patting him, he looked over at Alexia and extended a paw in a stretch, slowly blinking. She thought she was going crazy, thinking he was gesturing to her when Ridley caught her attention.

“I think he wants to meet you.”

Alexia hesitated, not allowing herself to look up at Ridley just yet, for fear of daydreaming or doing something stupid again. She stepped towards the cat who was leaning into Ona’s hands, though looking at the Barca captain as she came so close she was almost touching Ridley. She stroked her fingertips through his soft, longish grey hair, noticing there wasn’t much of him. He was still a baby. And he was adorable.

“He’s intelligent, no?” She asked in Spanish.

“Si, very much so,” Ridley replied in perfect Spanish.

Ona’s head shot up. “You speak Spanish?”

“Of course, I live and work here.”

“Most people don’t bother to learn.”

She shrugged. “You learnt English, no? It’s rude to move to a country and not try to learn the language.”

“Wow, your Spanish is so good!” She complimented, listening to it roll off of her tongue. Ridley smirked at her and that jealously hit Alexia hard again. Very, very hard. So hard she felt sick and took a step back. She looked over at Lucy who’s eyes widened as she noticed.

“Okay, should we stop patting Ridley’s cat and go?” It was a deliberate sexual innuendo, obvious enough to earn her a slap on the arm by YFN. They grinned at each other.

“I’ll see you there. Text me the address.”

“Actually, we’re going to Javier’s bar…” Alexia said.

“Javier?” Ridley seemed confused and the look in her eye was almost as if she would back out. Alexia wasn’t surprised, she would have a lot of people flirting with her there. She couldn’t imagine she’d get through the night without spending some time up in one of the private rooms with someone.

“Is that okay?” YFN asked, a hand going onto her friend’s arm.

“Si,” she replied, pulled from her thoughts, her eyes finding Alexia’s. “Yes, we’ll see you there.”

Alexia was sitting on a bar stool, her leg bouncing as they waited. All of the Barca girls were there and having a good time. It was the middle of the week, so they weren’t drinking, just having dinner and chatting away. A hand touched her knee gently and she turned to Lucy who was giving her a look. A look that said ‘calm down, everything is okay.’

“They’ll be here soon.”

They’d arrived earlier, and Alexia knew that. Just as she said that, they walked through the door. She knew that because of the regulars greeting Ridley, and Lucy’s head snapping to watch YFN like she sensed she was there. Lucy stood automatically and Alexia couldn’t help but chuckle. They were just as bad as each other. While Ridley was tied up with some of the staff and regulars, Lucy introduced YFN around the table. Alexia forced herself to talk to Mapi and Ingrid across from her, distracting herself. She’d only lost sight of Ridley for a few minutes when the hair on her neck tingled and she smelled her perfume as she came up behind her.

“Is this seat taken?” She asked in Spanish.

Alexia shook her head as Ridley took a seat to her left, but not before introducing herself to Mapi and Ingrid over their table who gave Alexia a look. It was common knowledge around the team by now of Alexia’s ‘crush’. The ‘one who made her so grumpy’ Oshoala had said.

“Alexia!” Came another voice from behind her. She turned in her seat and grinned at Javier who had his arms outstretched as he came in for a hug and a kiss on either cheek. “Ridley was telling me about how your friends are dating…small world, yes?” He laughed.

“Apparently so,” she grumbled.

He laughed again at that. Javier was not stupid. He knew people. Not of people. But…people. What made them tick. It’s what made him so good at his job. “Servers will be around soon, I’m heading off for an early night, I just wanted to say hello first.”

“Sexy date?” Ridley asked.

“Oh baby, you know it. I’m going to blow his socks off.”

They shared a hand clap and a cheeky look between them. Javier said his goodbyes and left, but not before slipping something to Ridley that she caught out of the corner of her eye. Her stomach sank. Was it a room key, so she could fuck someone?

Lucy and YFN returned to their seats on the right side of Alexia, Lucy grabbing the bottom of YFN’s chair and dragging it right up against hers. Cute. Although Ridley wasn’t as close, she was very aware that she was right next to her, no matter where she looked.

“Alexia?” A small voice came from behind her.

She turned in her chair to see a young girl in a Barca jersey holding up a little teddy. Alexia took it out of politeness.

“Hola. Would you like me to sign this?” She asked in Spanish with a smile.

“No, that’s a present for you. Could I get a photo?”

Alexia smiled and nodded. She knelt down next to the girl and held the teddy up, one arm going around her as her mother took a photo of both of them.

“Thank you for my teddy, it’s very cute.”

“Her name is Nala.” Alexia hesitated, not able to find words. “Because you lost Nala.”

The melancholy must have been written on her face because her mother stepped forwards putting her hands on her daughter’s shoulders. “I’m so sorry, Alexia. She heard you lost Nala and wanted to give you something…I hope it’s okay?”

“Y..yes.” She replied, her voice cracking. “Yes of course, sorry, you caught me off guard. Thank you for this.” The last part was directed to the girl who smiled.

She watched them as they walked off and she returned to her barstool, holding the teddy to her with one arm. Nala. Fingertips touched her hand. She looked at Ridley who had lost all cheekiness, her eyes sincere.

“Are you okay?” The question was soft and just between the pair.

Alexia nodded. “Si, thank you.”

“She’s cute,” she murmured, looking at the teddy.

Her fingertips left her then and the skin where they were became cold.

The rest of the night was full of good talks, and a few awkward moments. Ona had been unable to stop her eyes wandering to Lucy, and it was obvious to everyone at the table besides her. YFN made her way around to talk to different people, Ridley mingling also. Ona had been flirting with Ridley and Alexia wondered if it was intentional, or just to distract herself from Lucy. From what she’d seen, Ridley had been polite about it, but that hadn’t stopped the jealousy. They all moved around, not really keeping their seats as they spoke to each other. Alexia kept her little teddy close so it wouldn’t be covered in drinks or food.

“Ridley!”

Ridley turned, so did Alexia who was a few people down from her. He was a handsome guy who’d had a few to drink, and he spoke to Ridley like he knew her.

“Hola.”

“It’s me!” He said in Spanish with a slur.

She tilted her head.

“Max?”

“Oh! Max. Hola.” She seemed uninterested and as if he’d interrupted them, which he had. Still, her reaction caught Alexia off guard because she was usually nice to everyone.

He frowned. “I thought you’d be more excited to see me.”

“I’m with friends, Max. Is everything okay?”

“I just wanted to know if you’re free.”

“Clearly not.”

Another frown. “I’m beginning to think you don’t like me…”

“I’ve told you multiple times in the past that I don’t.”

“Come on baby.” He grabbed her jaw. “I wanna see what that mouth can do.”

Alexia took a step forwards but stopped as YFN grabbed her arm. “She’s got this.” She murmured.

Ridley slapped his hand away. “My mouth can do a lot of things…” She teased.

“Like what baby?”

“Like hurt your feelings. Now fuck off.”

He didn’t take it well and his jaw flexed as Ridley turned her back on him. A woman came over and grabbed his arm, dragging him away before returning and grabbing Ridley, spinning her around.

Ridley groaned. “What in the one mutual friend do you want?”

“That’s my boyfriend.”

“I’m sorry. Do you need a therapist? I have a great one I can recommend.”

A few of the Barca girls chuckled under their breath, enjoying the show.

“Fuck you. He’s a great guy! He was just being nice!”

“You see a lot of potential in a guy who obviously sleeps on a mattress on the floor.”

Alexia coughed to cover a laugh and from the side of Ridley’s mouth smirking, she knew she heard it.

“You’re just a fucking-”

“Uh uh.” Ridley cut off. “Before you try to hurt my feelings, take into account that I don’t have any, and that you probably do. Now go back to your boyfriend and maybe give him some attention so he’ll stop trying to pick up women in the bar like he does every other night.”

“He does not.”

She shrugged. “Just warning you. Have fun.”

“He’s…he just like sex. He’s the reason I’m happy.”

“Good for you. I’m the reason a lot of people drink heavily. Now fuck off before I call security.”

She raised her hand, gesturing to the security guard watching them. The woman looked over and thought about it until she gave up and walked away. Ridley nodded to the security guard who nodded back and kept an eye on them.

Ridley turned back around to the applause of the Barca girls and Alexia would be lying if she said she wasn’t incredibly turned on. Apparently Ona was also as she leant in and shared a chuckle with her about the ordeal. Alexia turned away but couldn’t find a distraction anywhere. Across from her, Mapi and Ingrid were kissing, and to her right, YFN and Lucy were getting closer, talking lowly with their eyes loving each other. She couldn’t be mad, but she was. So mad. Behind the madness she could feel loneliness and sadness. She looked at the time. 9pm. They had training tomorrow.

“I’m going to head off,” she murmured thinking no one would hear. They did.

“Already?” Lucy asked before looking at the time, her eyes widening and turning to YFN. “We need to get you to bed.”

YFN had an early flight.

“We’ll come too,” Mapi nodded.

“I want to stay,” Ona said, but it was directed more at Ridley. Her eyes flicked to Lucy and back though.

Alexia didn’t even want to hear the response, thinking about the room key in her pocket. She stood and said her goodbyes, holding her teddy close as she walked out with Lucy, YFN, Mapi, Ingrid, and a few others.

“Who needs a lift?” Lucy asked.

Alexia, Mapi and Ingrid put their hand up for that. Oshoala offered to take Patri and Keira home while Caroline and Marta were going together.

On the way to the car, they were approached by two young men wanting autographs. Alexia had seen them before, and knew they didn’t care about them, they just used their autographs to make money. The Barca girls brushed them off but they were insistent. One of them was going for Lucy and pushed YFN out of the way. She stumbled and fell to her knees.

Lucy saw red and shoved him away, helping YFN back onto her feet, putting her behind her protectively. “Get the fuck away from her.”

He put his hands up and backed away, Lucy waiting until far enough away to look at YFN’s scraped hands. She put her in the passenger side and closed the door, holding the rear door open for the others. Ingrid jumped in and Mapi was shoving the other insistent guy away before he got to the Norwegian. Alexia was last, and obviously his prime target.

“Alexia!” He held out something for her to sign. She ducked her head kept walking to the car. “What, so you’ll only sign it if I’m a girl? Typical lesbian.”

What he said was disgusting, but it wasn’t something she hadn’t heard before. She kept walking to the car as he backed away, though he seemed to change his mind and before she got to the car, he snatched the teddy from her arms and ran away.

“No!” She yelled after him. Nala. He jumped into the car his friend was in, both laughing as they started the engine. Alexia knew better than to pursue in case she was hurt and just stood there, her arm still outstretched a little from when she’d tried to stop him. She couldn’t help the tears that fell from her eyes. A hand touched her arm and she turned. Ridley. One look at her face and Ridley’s jaw flexed, her expression changing to something Alexia hadn’t seen before. Ridley ran to their car as they started it up and grabbed the door handle. It was locked. They stuck their finger up at her and started to drive off. She ran with them and that’s when she smashed the front window in with her fist. It took a few tries and Alexia gasped when she watched it, knowing how much it must have hurt. The guys yelled and hit the brakes as she leant through the window and grabbed the teddy. She left them there, and wandered back over to Alexia, her anger disappearing as she did so. The car sped off behind her. Alexia looked wide eyed at Ridley as she handed the teddy back to her as if it was nothing.

“Some things can’t be replaced.” She murmured, not meeting her eyes.

Alexia’s lips trembled and she wiped the tears from her eyes, taking it and holding it close to her. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Now, can you drive my car to hospital please? I broke my hand.”

[pommedepersephone]

Report to the Quartermaster on MI6 employee social media accounts

Rin Rigg is online

R: Hey Q, you asked me to keep an eye on everyone’s social media accounts, so here is this week’s batch! M has an officially sanctioned Facebook account which is purposely bland and mostly composed of pictures of his grizzled old sausage dog, Pickles.

Q: That is… adorable? No, wait. Please forget I ever called Mallory adorable.

R: Moneypenny loves Pinterest, because of course she does. Her boards are VERY aesthetic and filled with shoes, bags, and surprisingly a good number of DIY furniture refurbishment projects. Also, she has a wonderful collection of fashion exhibits.

Q: I didn't even realize there were that many fashion museums in the world, let alone the UK.

R: Tanner has somehow been dealt the short straw of keeping up a presence on The Platform Formerly Known As Twitter and does a good job of sharing relevant public service announcements and the like.

Q: Always was a reliable, affable sort of chap, so it is rather his fault he is stuck trying to make us all look respectable... He has a lot of sunrise shots?

R: Oh yeah, that is his thing. The only extra info he asks for in his mission briefings is the best place to see the sunrise.

Q: So wholesome. Makes me want to say drink.

R: 004 is on Tik-Tok. She appears to love dance videos. Also follows a number of history accounts. And she does, um, cosplay... Very, um, sexy cosplay...

Q: She sews these? Do you think we can convince her to work in Textiles after she retires?

R:...

R: You really are quite gay.

Q: Quite.

R: Alright, last one. Remember I asked if we should track retired staff accounts? 007 maintains a surprisingly robust Flickr, an account that goes back over a decade. It is am impressive travelog! A Shinto shrine glowing in the late afternoon sun. A spread of colorful spices at a market. Rolling lavender fields and blooming cacti and bits of mosaic work.

Q: ...

Q: Not surprising. You remember that human peacock's wardrobe. He always had a skilled eye for color and composition.

R: Oh the last few months are a lot of really artful shots of this lovely blond woman.

Q: ...

Q: ...

Q is offline.

R: Q? Q are you still there..?

[gatzbright]

[october] one year of togetherness.

@/dreamsecretclub: dteam Christmas won’t be happening unfortunately, thought I’d say before that way Christmas can still be great :) totally out of our control unfortunately, can’t wait for the future still :)) 2022 incoming ♥️♥️

Dream: I'm gonna expose George's feelings on his behalf ... He was just saying, he was like, 'I think I'm depressed', and we were like 'What do you mean?' and he was like, 'I don't know. I don't do anything, and no one's here, and I just wanna come to the US'. And Sapnap was like, 'Well, what if I came to the UK?' and George was like, 'You should'. And then Sapnap went and filed for his passport the next day.

Dream: Because George hasn't got his visa yet, Sapnap's going to the UK. Sapnap: Fine. I'll go. [Dream Team laughs] Dream: So, unfortunately, Sapnap's getting the first George hug. [George Laughs] Sapnap: I'm getting the first George hug.

Dream: I feel like if George isn't here by, like—I wanna be like, 'Well, next month'. I feel like if George isn't here by September, my like, mental health will take a dive. Massively. And that sounds like, fucked, but it's one-hundred percent true.

Dream: You will see the fact that George, um—George's reaction to seeing me ... We said when he got his visa he could FaceTime me, so, stuck to the plan. Not saying anymore because you have to wait for the meetup video.

Dream: You sure you don't want to wait to see me in person? George: I'm ready. I've got my camera set up—I'm all ready to go! Dream: I guess I just, I wasn't expecting this. I'm gonna go look in a mirror and make sure I don't look like trash. I'll be right back! George: [laughs] Okay ... Oh my god.

George: After years of waiting, I was finally going to America.

Sapnap: Dream? Dream: Yeah? Sapnap: Clay? Dream: Oh god. Sapnap: I brought him. He's here. You excited? Dream: I am ... very nervous. Sapnap: Nervous but excited. Dream: I'm nervous, but I'm excited! I'm doing excited hops. Sapnap: It's a big day—an exciting day! ... Take your time. This is big stuff. He's going to be living here forever.

@/GeorgeNotFound: Just met Dream!! :)

“This doesn’t even feel real,” George says in the video — a sentiment he reiterates to Variety when asked about how he felt in the moment. “The sun was directly behind him, and it was blinding me, and he had an aura about him.” 

George: It's so bright, I can't even see you. You're like a—you're like a god with the sun behind you!

George: I guess I gotta go get my bags in, and time to live in the Dream House. Dream: The Dream Team House!

@/GeorgeNotFound: why didnt you post the one where you actually kissed me?

dream @/dreamwastaken: just felt better leaving things up for larger interpretation

George: Look it's Dream, and Sapnap. It's all of us!

Dream: [softly to George] Rise and shine. We're home.

Hypnotised, Delta Goodrem | Dream's secret George photos in smile hoodie, Deleted @/dreamwastaken Tweet | Dream Priv Tweet,@/dreamsecretclub | The Collector, John Fowles | Dream Team Minecraft Skins | Dream Discord Podcast, Dream Merch Server | Our first selfie :], @/GeorgeNotFound Tweet | Sapnap Tiktok with George, @/Sapnapvids | Fortnite w/Dream and George, SapnapAlt VOD | Waiting for Godot, Samuel Beckett [Used Many Times] |  You Laugh You Lose With George, Sapnap VOD | Dream Discord Podcast, Dream Merch Server | The Trial, Franz Kafka | George Visa Tweet, @/GeorgeNotFound | Dream Twitter Space, @/dreamwastaken | October Passed Me By, girl in red | George Visa Selfie, @/GeorgeNotFound | I Met Dream In Real Life, GeorgeNotFound [Used Many Times] | There It Goes, Maisie Peters | Dandelion Wine, Gregory Alan Isakov | Electric Touch (feat. Fall Out Boy) (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault), Taylor Swift | Coastline, Hollow Coves | George Tweet, @/GeorgeNotFound | Dream and George Interview, Rachel Seo, Variety | Dream Deleted Tweet Photos, @/Dream | George Tweet Reply,@/GeorgeNotFound | Dreamland, Glass Animals | Photograph of Dream and George during the Foodbeast's Panel at Twitchcon San Diego, @/itsjusttai_ | Dream Team Christmas – Baking Cookies, Sapnap VOD | fallingforyou, The 1975 | Dream Team Christmas – Gingerbread Houses, GeorgeNotFound VOD | Dream Tweet Reply, @/dreamwastaken | It's Not Living (If It's Not With You), The 1975 | just got back from hospital..., GeorgeNotFound VOD | Home, Gabrielle Aplin | Dream and George on set: Everest – Dream & Yung Gravy BEHIND THE SCENES, Dream Music | Dream Snapchat Video, @/Dream | Frankenstein, Mary Shelley

[wonderland-productions-blog]

Drinking Games: An Orc Erotica Pt. 4

NSFW Warning; Sexual Themes & Content

Word Count: ~ 3,000 (~5-10 min read)

Fem Human X Male Orc

Size Difference | Slight Praise Kink & Dom/Sub | Possessive

AO3 Link Here:

My fingers circle the rim of my glass, and I feel heat radiating from my cheeks. In fact, I can see how red they are at the bottom of my view, perky and puffy as I grin. 

It feels like it hasn’t been more than a half hour, though the empty glasses lined next to my elbow on the table say otherwise. I’d gotten caught up chatting with the group after they let me know Bur-uke would be staying a bit later on the worksite. 

I’d recognized a few of them, and made an effort not to speak to the drunken fool from last time. He wasn’t any better now, slumped over and barely enough energy to babble occasionally. His friends though, they got better at keeping after him.

“There’s nothin’ in thish!” He proclaims after a sip of his new drink. 

“Yes there is, you’ve got a whiskey right there. You’ve had so much you can’t taste anything,” he pays him on the back and slides the drink back his way.

I raise my brows to one of the more sober men beside me, but he shakes his head and inches closer. “It’s tea, he’ll be alright.” He whispers. He’s gotten a bit funnier a few drinks in, and I suppose his dirt and oil stained work clothes were more charming than rugged at this point. 

I let out a quiet chuckle, and he pats my thigh with a smile. He doesn’t move his hand though, even as he carries on conversation with the others. I shrug, raising my drink to my lips. 

Light floods the room, and my eyes wince from both this and the alcohol. I shake my head, opening my eyes after hearing what sounded like a symphony of creaking floorboards. 

Everything gets quiet, then silent in a matter of seconds. The large, tan, sun weathered hand removes itself. I feel a bit of relief, but as I trail up to see his face it’s clear the man feels the opposite. I look to where his are are locked to find Bur-uke. 

“Oh!” I exclaim. He cuts me off. 

“Now, I could explain everything. Or I could get upset with you. But what I usually finds makes a point best…” he utters in a low, gravelly voice. “Is making a scene,” He says louder with a chuckle. 

“Wh-what?” I barely manage to get out before he sweeps me up into his arms. I am flung over his shoulder and pinned in place with him only needing one arm. He heads toward the room, carrying me through the packed dining hall with me in tow. 

A couple huffs and grunts emerge as I struggle to break free to no avail. “You better put me down you… you brutish orc!” 

“Oh, you wanna see a brutish orc?” Bur-uke asks. The door is unlocked, opened, and shut before the crowd’s eyes are finally torn from me. 

“You had no right to embarrass me like that!” I huff as he sets me down.

“And you have no right to talk right now. Its my turn to speak.” He states.

“What do you think you were doing, behaving like that for everyone to see? Especially in that tiny outfit.” Bur-uke growls.

“I was just having a little fun. I got bored waiting for you in this heat, thus my ‘tiny’ outfit. I wanted to grab a quick drink and your friends recognized me is all.”

“Having a little fun by giggling and batting your lashes while you sip away at your third drink they’ve bought you? Just chatting it up as you rub your thighs together and bite your lip and… grab at your collar and,” he swallows, looking me up and down. I’d mirrored the latter actions as he mentioned them without realizing. 

Admittedly, I did feel a little tipsy, but he still had no business dragging me off like that. I smirk, deciding not to back down. As he pauses, I use the time to respond. “I’m sorry, were you under the impression we were exclusive?” I chuckle. “We didn’t exactly lay down any ground rules, so how was I to know any better?” I smile and feign ignorance. 

“Do you want rules?” He sternly asks.

Goosebumps. Still, I smile. 

“What was it that you said to me not long ago? ‘If you want me all to yourself that’s all you have to say,’” I remind him.

He scoffs. “You’re being ridiculous. You know what I mean. That outfit is barely made from anything.”

“The heat is unbearable! Its a summer dress.” I roll my eyes.

“I mean, are you even wearing underwear?” He asks. A hand grazes my thigh, lifting my dress up for a moment before I bat it away. 

“Down then?” He mumbles. 

“Wha-?” I question, now feeling his hands around my hips. In a swift motion, he gets my panties half down my thighs before I stop them. “Would you quit?” I scoff as I tug my underwear back up. 

He sighs and furrows his brows.

“I asked what kind you were wearing,” he utters, pinning my hands behind my back. My breath hitches. “If you were letting anyone else see I feel like I should too,” He pushes me against the bed, and I feel my dress fly up. 

“The only reason anyone saw is because you lifted me!” I argue. One hand locks around my wrists, his other pinning me by the neck to the sheets. 

“I knew it,” he scoffs. A swallow forces down my throat. Tension on my neck lifts and something runs between my thighs. I feel my panties pry away from my body. 

“Tiny. Barely any coverage.” He lets go, snapping them back. 

“Or easy access,” I mutter.

“Hm?” he questions as he takes a seat beside me. 

I cover my mouth, feeling my face get hotter. He lifts my legs and pulls me towards him. He keeps me snugly over his lap, with his hands still clasped around the back of my thighs. He runs his hands down and up again, and I can’t help but shiver. 

“What am I gonna do with you?” He asks, inching his way up my thighs. He’s gone from tossing over his shoulder like a sack to teasing me in minutes. 

One hand palms a cheek, spreading me as the other traces a finger down my damp panties. “Now, I can’t explain it,” he begins. A small circular motion picks up as he speaks, “but seeing you like that in front of those men…” My fingers hook into the sheets, feeling him massaging me with both his fingers and his deep, gravely voice. 

“It drove me crazy. I couldn’t help wanting to rip you away from them. To show you that you don’t need anyone else.” Bur-uke utters. 

“I never would have expected an orc to be the jealous type,” I roll my eyes and chuckle. He plants a firm smack across my ass after I speak. 

“I’m starting to think you want it rough,” his finger glides right past my underwear, sliding just barely inside me. 

I let out a breath.

“Nothing to say?” 

Buruke inches his way in further, teasing a finger in and out of me as my mouth hangs agape, yet silent. 

He works from the first joint of his finger and slowly pushes his way to the second.  He keeps this depth for a moment, in and out slightly deeper each time. His hand has become embarrassingly slick I realize as he pulls himself out. A finger circles my clit as he shoves another all the way in. I gasp, but can allow nothing more to fall from my mouth. He runs his finger up and down at that perfect depth, at that perfect pace.

A knock on the door pulls our attention away. In an instant I am sat on the bed with Buruke next to me. 

“Hey there, just checking in on you, Miss,” a nervous attendant explains, muffled behind the door.

“We’re alright,” Buruke tries to placate him, carrying on. 

Bur-uke braces a hand on my collar, pushing me down on the bed as he eases himself into me. My eyes go from wide and alert to hazy and glazed in an instant. Neither of us are able to pry ourselves from this moment, and the silence becomes deafening as we inch even closer together.

The orc pushes himself in and out, gaining speed with each stroke. A pillow is stuffed behind the headboard the first knock against the wall. His hands find their way to my hips, and my lower back is lifted off the bed. He pulls me onto him, and he secures one of my legs high behind his back. Pulling me back and fourth as well as rocking his own hips, I can feel him fully lose himself to the moment.

They knock once more, but I cant seem to pull my legs from his waist and he hasn’t bothered with any motions but thrusts.  Bur-uke’s eyes are squinted, and he lets out a rumbly sigh. 

“I’ll need to get a key if I can’t verify your safety, Ma’am,” they say a bit louder. 

A partial stress, partial pleasure, “Huh,” slips out from my lips. Bur-uke tips my chin up and my furrowed brows loosen in an instant. He cups my face gently, running down until his thumb brushes my bottom lip. 

“Now, you have a few options. He’s going to want to check in on you, and he’s only gonna take your word for it. Be a smart girl for me. You can either let him know you’re doing alright, but I’ll have to uncover your mouth and I’m not sure you really want that,” he offers, “or you let him get the room key because you’re too quiet and I can’t imagine the sight he’ll get…” Bur-uke teases. He slides out, taking a step back from the bed.

“Is he trying to embarrass me?” I ask myself, feeling my face get hotter than I thought possible. I swallow and try to let out a breath, though that isn’t what it comes out as. I bite my lip before speaking. 

“So it seems like you’ve only got a minute then, huh?” I say, turning and bending over the bed. I barely have time to think before I feel him spread me open. With little issue finding his way inside, he hammers himself in over and over. His hands are hooked around my hips, pulling me even closer. Even as my knees start to slide from the bed he isn’t phased, letting his hands catch my thighs instead of hips. 

The sheets have weaved their way though all my tight, curled fingers. I’m sure I’m going to slip soon, yet I still can’t pull any energy from my rapid breathing to get my elbows back straight under me. I bite my lip, trying to enjoy myself before the fall or another interruption. 

In a second I’m pulled up and bucked against Bur-uke’s hips, managing to catch my forearms below my chest. Before I know it I’ve fallen right back into the rhythm of his thrusts. He’s even deeper than before, and I can practically feel him throbbing in me with every stroke.

I could care less that my back is folded and sore, knowing my relief was about to be far greater. He somehow quickens, yanking me onto him with a pace so fast it matched his panting. My knees are tingling and I’m sure his fingertips are bound to leave bruises on my hips after this. I try to keep my legs from shaking for just a few more moments, letting him use me uninterrupted as we get close. 

He keeps me close, holding himself against me as his pace slows slightly. I hear a sigh fall from his mouth and a low, grumbling “mmm,”. My heart skips a beat, and I can’t name why for a moment. I feel his breath hit my neck, and feel him flick his hips fast and hard. He burrows his way into me until hitting an end, and even then I feel him contemplate pushing past that wall. His member prods and throbs against my cervix for an endless moment, finally pulling out and replacing himself on my lower back. 

In an instant the warmth removed from my body is returned in splatters down my back, almost making me wish it hadn’t left. I wait for him to retrieve a cleanup cloth, my back still folded and my heart still racing. My moment of clarity and relaxation doesn’t even last  as long as my shakey legs when I hear the door knob jingle. I’m up in a second, pulling my tunic over most of my body, eager to hide my lack of underwear. 

The second my hand is on the knob, it is obviously unlocked and turning. I keep the door only open to the width of my body, seeing the same attendant behind it. “He-hello, just checking in!” He musters, clearly hating this portion of his job.

“We’re perfectly fine! Just a friend trying to prove a point after getting carried away at the bar.” I chuckle. 

He reluctantly shrugs, heading back to return the keys.

I let out a shiver as the door shuts and I feel something run down my back.

Buruke’s hair falls over his face, though he made no effort to look at me as he stared down at his thighs. He pats the bed beside him, luring me over. 

“I didn’t expect to get so carried away,” He sighs, running a hand through his hair. 

“You just bring out something in me,” he mumbles. 

“I hope you’re not too mad at me,” I chuckle, sure I’ve eased tensions enough.

“Of course not. But…” He pauses, biting his lip.

“But?” I smile. I have no idea what he is about to say, whether he’s intending to set rules, or confront me, or worse; break this off. 

“But you’ve got me thinking and I want to be exclusive.” He firmly tells me. 

“Like… You want me not to do this with other people? Or you want me not to talk to other-” 

“I-I don’t know if I want anything serious but I can’t stand the thought of you beneath another man,” 

“What about on top of another?” I laugh, obviously joking.

He sighs, looking away. His brows furrow and for a moment he almost looks disappointed.  

“I don’t think I can handle any more than you,” I tell him with a shrug.

“I’m serious! Eh…” His eyes widen. “Who am I kidding? You haven’t even told me your name, theres no way you’re trying to get attached,” he lets out an empty, flat chuckle. 

“I’m saying I’m fine with it! As-as long as you’re willing to keep the same promise?” I try to be nonchalant, but for some reason I can’t bring myself to blink, despite my wide eyes. 

“I told you at the start of all this that I don’t do this often,”

“So what if I find a nice guy? I’m not saying I’ll do anything but,”

“So I’m not a nice guy?” He throws a hand to his chest, raising his voice slightly. 

“Well, I mean I definitely don’t have plans of stopping these arrangements anytime soon. So what if someone, say, catches my fancy in a while. I let you know with due time?”

“I hope you wouldn’t get close enough to another man for that to happen soon,”

“You act as if we’re rushing to get married,”

His cheeks brighten, though it’s hard to see him blush under his beard. “Not the first time I’ve been told that,”

“You said you don’t do this often!”

“And not in a long time but…”

“You pester me about my name but now that I think about it you haven’t even told me your age. How do I know you’re not some old pervert. Orcs don’t always show their age.”

“I’m fourt-”

“FOURTY?”

He opens his mouth.

“THERE’S MORE?”

“I’m fourty two. If thats a deal breaker then maybe you should have noticed the white in my beard.”

“Honesty I had another guess as to what it was from.” He stares at me. 

“Don’t worry about it,” I shrug it off. “I’m thirty six,” 

“You seem to be awfully terrified of fourty for you to only be a few years away.” 

“You don’t seem terrified enough of commitment for someone who’s been married before,” 

“I never said that,” he swallows. 

“You don’t need to. Give me your hand,” 

“What are you…?” He reluctantly agrees.

I take his left hand, and trace down his ring finger.

“You’ve literally got a pale stripe from where your silver band sat while you worked in the sun all day.” 

“How long have you noticed that?” He asks. 

I shrug and smile.

[dragonnarrative-writes]

GhostGaz Week - over consumption // sun burn

CW: Brits trying Mexican cuisine without knowing what it is (not fraught), accidental alcohol consumption, sun burn,

@ghostgazweek

Simon had to admit, this whole private beach situation was a lot more enjoyable than he’d expected. When Alejandro and Rudy had suggested a quick flight from Monterrey to Puerto Vallarta before heading back across the pond, he’d been… skeptical. A beach is a beach, sand is sand, and the UK has both. Why fly the opposite direction of from home to sweat in the sand surrounded by civilians? He’d already spent three weeks in joint training sweating in the sand with people he generally liked, and now he just wants to rest.

Well, hell, he’s resting now. He’s reclined on some kind of couch bed on the roof of the villa, hiding from the sun under an awning and letting the heat leach every bit of tension from his body. From here, he can barely hear Soap whooping down by the water. Price is somewhere in town, chasing a Canadian skirt he met at a bar yesterday. And Kyle is… somewhere.

As though summoned, the man appears at the top of the stairs with two of the largest, most vibrantly yellow beverages Simon’s ever seen and a plastic bag hanging from his arm.

“The fuck is tha’?” Simon asks around a yawn. He only sort of sits up to squint as Kyle offers him one of the fishbowls. He sips without waiting for an answer. Citrus and something else, ice cold and refreshing.

“Mechanica something,” Kyle answers, taking a gulp of his own and placing the plastic bag on the table. “Lady at the market was selling jugs of it. Another lady was selling some fermented drink, said they’re good together. These,” he gestures to the bag, which Simon realizes is full to bursting with something fried and delicious smelling, “are molotes, and I got three of every kind they had.”

“Soap’s down at the beach,” Simon reports.

“He’ll come have some or he’ll have to find his own,” Kyle says, taking another gulp of mechanica something. He grabs a pocket of fried dough and chomps into it with a groan. “This one’s cheese. The locals recommended the... see-sos? I don’t know what that is. But there’s chicken, pork, shrimp and mushroom ones, too.”

Simon swipes one, inspects it for a moment, and takes a bite. Spice bursts across his tongue, tasty and just the littlest bit painful. It’s perfect.

Six molotes and a quarter gallon of drink later, Simon realizes that he probably should have slowed down. His belly is pleasantly overfull, but his head is swimming. Kyle, somehow still eating, is swaying in his seat, just a bit. Or maybe that’s Simon.

“’Ey,” he calls, “C’mere.”

Kyle grins, finishes the last swig of his drink, and comes over to flop next to Simon on the couch bed. He drops a kiss on the point of Simon’s shoulder. “Fuck. That was good.”

The burst of pleasure that’s always there when Kyle is casually affectionate feels especially nice this afternoon. Simon kisses his temple with a hum, then meets Kyle's lips when he turns into the contact.

Kyle's lips are warm and the slightest bit greasy from the fried dough. He tastes like citrus, mostly. He doesn't resist as Simon tows him down to the cushions, lets himself be drawn on top to settle in to make out like teenagers.

Except then Simon has to break away and turn his head for a jaw-cracking yawn. He flicks the sleeve of Kyle’s shirt at his snicker. Something about the sun keeps knocking him out, which the team finds endlessly amusing. Simon himself would find it mildly annoying, but he keeps waking up from the best nap of his life every six hours. He snuggles down into his little shaded spot and lets sleep take him again.

He’s a bit stiff, fuzzy headed, and cotton mouthed when he wakes up next. Kyle’s face down next to him, shirtless and snoring. Simon admires the slope of his back in the light of the setting sun for a moment before looking for what woke him up. Price and Soap have apparently joined them, and are pouring shots.

“G’mornin’, bella durmiente,” Soap says with a grin.

Simon grunts something and sits up. Or… he tries, but his head starts spinning so he flops back into the pillows.

“I put a bottle of water by your head,” Price says, arching a judgmental eyebrow. “Not sure what possessed you two to drink that much mezcal at once.”

“Tha’ the fermen’ed thing Kyle brough’?” Simon fishes the ice cold bottle from in the pillows and makes himself sit up to swallow half of it down.

“The pulque? That’s not what you two drank. You drank a quarter bottle of straight mezcal.”

“Wha’s tha’?”

“Tequila.”

“Oh.” That explains a lot. Simon pushes himself up to one elbow, blinks until his eyes refocus. He places a hand on Kyle’s back and has a moment to wonder at how hot his skin is before the man twitches, yelps, arches away, and yelps again.

“Fuck, ow, fuck!”

Soap snickers for the next half hour while Simon smooths frosty aloe vera over Kyle’s neck, shoulders and back. The sunburn isn’t anywhere as bad as if any of the rest of them had laid in the sun for three hours, but Kyle whines like a baby the whole time. He also shares his coconut water with Simon, though, so that’s alright.

[asher-writes]

Here's a story that doesn't feel real.

So last year, in October, my partner's cat - Moon -, who I loved more than anything, passed away. And since she died, I felt like someone had opened up my chest and tore a piece of me out.

Then a month or so ago, I opened the door and I saw a cat that looked so much like her. She was a stray, and hungry, and tired. She instinctively ran away from me but I stood very still, then sat down and held out some Dreamies.

I keep Dreamies in my pocket to feed the strays and occasionally, ferals too, at the risk of scratches and bites. But it gave me some purpose after Moon died.

I didn't think she would come, but she did, just a few steps, then she would run away, then closer. I waited, talking to her in that baby talk sort of voice. And eventually she came and took some Dreamies.

So I went back inside, and I grabbed the cat food and put some down for her. She waited at the door for me, even put her paws on the door frame to see what on earth I was doing.

The next day she came back. And the next. And the next. It started to get cold so we put Moon's old litter tray out for some shelter for her, and she slept there every night. We tried to bring her in, but the landlord was against having a stray cat in the house.

We called her Sun.

Whilst I was away, we got a call from a lady who volunteers with cat shelters, and a place had been found for Sun. I didn't get to say goodbye to her, but I was happy she was safe, warm, and fed. I still bawled my eyes out. It felt like losing Moon all over again.

She's now in a cat rescue, and they have a TikTok, and they post videos with her in them. They've renamed her, but that's okay. I was just a pit stop for the lovely life she'll get. But I watch the TikToks over and over again because I miss her so much.

I still expect her to be there when I open the front door. I still expect her to come running when I open the gate. She was such a lovely girl.

Anyway, if you live near Glossop, UK, check out Glossop cat rescue, they do amazing work and have an Amazon wish list full of things.

[gamergirlbonestaskforce141riot]

Chapter 12 Nemo dat quot non habet (No one gives what they do not have) - Cartagena Part 6

Taglist: @glitterypirateduck @letsreadallday @jamesrifftapes @mmyrrhh @sofasoap @sinyaaa

Previous / Masterlist / Next

Hopefully I'm back on track

The point that Ghost chose to stop the van was secluded, among the trees. Out of view from the road. It was still early enough that the lazy sunrays were barely kissing the treetops, and the temperature was still gentle. He silently was thankful for that. He wasn’t looking forward to lying prone on a rooftop for who knew how long under the Southern Spanish sun.

For a moment, the four of them stared right ahead, in silence. Gabi’s nerves were almost tangible, fidgeting in her seat behind him. All her good humour and bubbly disposition seemingly had disappeared the moment Ghost turned off the engine. He couldn’t blame her. As far as he knew, she had never worked out of the safety of a room where to watch over their communications and the satellites. She wasn’t a soldier, she herself had said she only underwent the compulsory training with the CIA. She wasn’t an agent, just a tech.

His eyes moved to the rear mirror to check on Johnny. Soap was staring down at his hands now, with his brows furrowed, lost in thought. He wondered what was going on in that busy mind of his, but given that they were to move together towards the house, he guessed he’d know soon enough.

‘‘Gear up’’ Ghost rumbled, almost casually, and opened the van door to get off the vehicle, without waiting for the others to move. He knew they would, and as he closed his door, he heard the passenger’s one opening when Riot got off as well, only to get in the back of the van to put the uniform on in private.

‘‘I brought comms’’ Gabi murmured, unnecessarily low, rummaging in her purse until she found four cases of what to the untrained eye would seem like simple airpods. ‘‘Brought them with me from the UK, Laswell gave them to me’’

‘‘Pure dead brilliant’’ Soap approved, his voice muffled while he took his sweater off. Ghost scoffed, securing the buckles of his harness.

‘‘I thought you’d have trashed that sodding t-shirt’’

‘‘Why? It’s perfectly fine?’’ The Scot chuckled, twirling a bit dramatically, while Ghost scowled at him. That blue t-shirt from hell.

‘‘It still has blood on it, MacTavish. Your blood’’

‘‘But it gave me luck!’’

‘‘You were shot’’

‘‘But I dinnae die, did I?’’ Soap laughed quietly, busy checking the straps of his vest. ‘‘Gave me luck even. The Ghost waited for me’’

‘‘I should have left you there’’Ghost rolled his eyes, checking his gun before placing it in its holster on his chest. Riot got off the back of the van, clad in the GEOS uniform and adjusting one of the straps of the body armor somberly.

‘‘A bit too small, Gabi’’

‘‘Ooooh, you look amazing’’ The redhead clapped excitedly, but stopped herself when her three companions gave her an incredulous glare. ‘‘Sorry, sorry… here, the comms’’

‘‘Focus, Cruz’’ Ghost grunted, checking for the umpteenth time that every strap was secured, and that every magazine and knife was in place. He could see Soap doing the same even while trying to sneak a kiss from his girlfriend, and he shook his head, turning to look at Riot.

He found her staring at the Spanish flag patch on the left shoulder pad along with the GEO crest. Silently, her fingers traced the colours.

‘‘Nostalgic?’’ Johnny chuckled, nudging her side with his elbow while he kept his arms around Gabi and swayed with her, ignoring her protests about the vest’s hard edges hurting her.

‘‘Nostalgic’’ Christine scoffed, and the mask slipped. The fabric one was firmly in place, the dull, hard shine in her blue-grey eyes present again. But the mask she wore to act non-chalant, immutable, slipped. There was bitterness, mockery, in her voice. ‘‘I was born and raised in this country, and treated as a foreigner for the way I look. Then I moved to the UK and was treated as a foreigner for the way I speak. Why the fuck would I feel nostalgic’’

‘‘Mam ‘n’ Da offered tae’dopt ye’’ Soap released Gabi from his grip, and in turn, wrapped his arms around his friend, making her sway with him. Christine only reacted with a sigh, and tilted her head to one side to rest it on his shoulder.

‘‘Your parents have enough with four kids to add a stray mutt to the flock’’

‘‘Oi, dinnae talk about yerself like that’’ Johnny grumbled, shaking her a bit, and chuckled when she kicked his shin lightly. ‘‘Ye give less problems than meh ‘n’ Freya’’

She rolled her eyes, shaking him off and securing the shoulder pad in place, accepting his offer to tighten the straps.

‘‘How long until you reach the house?’’ Her blue eyes turned to Ghost, and he shrugged.

‘‘Depends on the terrain. If it’s all scrubland, not much. If we have to detour, a bit more’’

‘‘I’ll go slow then’’ Riot sighed again, with the same dread feeling that had been in her mind since she woke up. ‘‘I’ll park when you two say you’re in position’’

‘‘Good!’’ Soap rub his hands once he put his gloves on, and wrapped his arms around Gabi again. ‘‘Be careful, hen, and do as my sis says, hmm?’’

‘‘Promise!’’ The redhead giggled while kissing him, and Johnny groaned before releasing her.

‘‘No, no, that’s fo’ later’’ He turned around and raised his fist towards Riot, smirking. ‘‘Love ye, chridhe (heart)’’

Christine raised her own fist to touch his, softly.

‘‘Gu sìorraidh is gu bràth (Forever and always)’’ She tried, struggling a bit with the words after thinking for a few seconds.

‘‘Hey, now you almost said it right’’ Soap chuckled, patting her shoulder playfully, and then lifted Gabi up in his arms to bring her around the van and into the passenger seat. ‘‘C’mon, hen, just one more kiss’’

Riotc sighed, shaking her head and smiling beneath her mask, and was about to turn around to face Ghost when she felt a big, gloved hand on the back of her neck. For a second her whole body froze, and in the next breath she was ready to lash out when the hand left her.

‘‘Sorry, doll’’ Simon’s voice was as gruff, impersonal as usual, but there was something else, something she could not quite catch while she tried to calm her heartbeat down. ‘‘Wasn’t my intention to scare you. Should have thought better’’

What the fuck was he thinking. Not even two hours ago she had stiffened up when he caged her against the sink in the bathroom. Stupid. Reckless. What the fuck was he…

Christine suddenly turned towards him and grabbed the straps of his harness, pressing her forehead against the cold metal of the gun on his chest holster.

‘‘It’s ok’’ Her voice was but a weak murmur, and almost by instinct, his arms closed around her. And her shoulders dropped. ‘‘It’s me, I’m…’’

‘‘If you say I’m the problem, I’ll shake you’’ He warned, and she had to laugh, relaxing further. Then she looked up at him, the corner of her eyes narrowed again with one of her smiles. He could picture it in his head.

‘‘I liked that’’ Christine saw Simon blink slowly, unsure about what she meant, and she looked down again, still smiling. ‘‘Your hand. It’s soothing. I’m sorry I reacted that way’’

‘‘I’ll warn you next time’’ He grunted, with a low, rumbling chuckle that reverberated in his chest, and she seemed to melt right into it. ‘‘We have to move, lovie’’

Christine sighed and nodded, stepping back when he let his arms fall down. She really wasn’t looking forward to whatever it was she had to find in that house, unasisted.

‘‘Be careful out there, Simon’’ Riot looked up at him, and her closed fist softly bumped against his when he raised it too.

‘‘Same goes for you’’ Ghost opened the driver’s door for her, waiting until she was in the seat and adjusting it for her height before closing. ‘‘Christine, I meant it. The second you feel something isn’t right, you get out of there’’

‘‘Roger’’She sighed, waiting for Gabi to get in, listening to the passionate smooching going on right outside the passenger’s door. ‘‘Take care of that sodding idiot, will you. I’d miss him.’’

‘‘Will do’’ Ghost chuckled, and hit the van’s door once. ‘‘Oi, you two, get done with it. You can get dehydrated together later’’

Soap mumbled something under his breath that he didn’t quite get, but complied in opening the passengers door and dropping the giggling and flustered Gabi.

‘‘Lousy friend you are’’

‘‘Very professional of you, right before a surveillance job’’

‘‘Stop arguing’’ Gabi laughed, putting her seatbelt on, still smiling while both men moved towards the line of trees, still bickering. ‘‘It’s just in and out!’’

‘‘Wishful thinking’’ Riot shook her head, and turned the engine on, waiting until both Ghost and Soap had disappeared from her line of sight before returning the van to the road.

[darth-aces]

Summer Fling

Bella Ramsey X Reader

This ones a long one and from a writers block. Hope you enjoy though!

During the summer, you would waste away in the sun. Having no purpose or drive to pursue anything. On warmer days you would spend it at the lake near the cabin you and your family visited every summer. You spend your days reading and listening to music accompanied by some tanning and swimming. 

On most days, it would just be you and your family, but you often sneaked off to do your own thing whenever you could. Today your family decided to visit the city nearby while you hung out at the lake. It wasn’t too warm that morning, but the water still cooled your skin down tremendously. It relaxed you while you thought about things. You’ve actually gotten more accustomed to swimming by yourself lost in thought. Your thoughts were mainly about friends, crushes, and the lack of a love life. 

This wasn’t because you couldn’t date anyone or no one wanted you. You were just confused lately. You thought you had a thing for this guy a year above you, but then you started thinking about a girl in your class and she took much more of your thoughts than you would have been comfortable with at the time. 

Eventually, you didn’t even care for the guy, and she only interested you more every time you thought of her. Your crush created a dilemma because you hadn’t felt this way before and she was already in a relationship . . . with the guy you had been crushing on. 

Nevertheless, your crush was halted when summer came. You sat at the edge of the lake on top of a flat large rock, already changed and waiting for your hair to dry. Despite being lost in thought, your ears perk up when you hear a noise from a distance. You are struck by cautiousness and look toward the noise as it gets closer. 

“Skipper! Hold on, I know you see the lake but slow down!” They say. Their voice didn’t sound threatening, but you keep your eyes focused in their direction. 

A second goes by and a dog runs out from the trees. You were surprised when the dog ran directly to you and stopped at your feet panting while it looked up at you. Assuming they were a nice dog you decided to slowly and gently move your arm towards them to see if they wanted a pet. They gladly accepted and seconds later someone emerges from the same trees the dog came from. When they approached you and the dog, you observe them while quickly mentally noting a few features; tied-up hair, a leash, and a camera were the first things you took note of. They were rather short, but so were you so they were just about the same height.

“Hi, sorry that’s my dog. Hope Skipper hasn’t bothered you.” They say apologetically. 

“No problem, I hope you don’t mind me petting them, though. They’re just too sweet to ignore.” You say smiling wider when Skipper’s eyes close succumbing to the relaxing scratches you give them on the head. Finally getting up, you lock eyes with the stranger. 

“My names Y/N by the way.” Holding up your hand for a shake.

“Bella, nice meeting you.” They say bringing their hand up to accept your greeting. 

“So are you from the UK?” You ask. 

A confused expression appears on their face suddenly, “Yeah, England. How’d you know?” 

You’re lips transformed into a grimace as you point at your mouth. When you do this you hope you aren’t being condescending and they catch that you’re only trying to be cheeky. 

An amused chuckle emerged from them and relief washed over you. “Right, yes the accent might have given that away.” 

You let out a small laugh trying to fill in any awkwardness that still lingered between you. 

“I’m actually not from here either, just visiting a cabin with my family.” 

“It’s beautiful out here, isn’t it. There aren’t a lot of places like this back in London so I’m just trying to enjoy it before I get back. Again, I really hope we aren’t bothering you, it’s just so nice out.” 

“No problem at all, it’s actually nice seeing someone out here my age for once. Everyone seems to be much older or younger around here. Also, you’re right, it is really beautiful out here I couldn’t hoard it all to myself.” Throughout you’re conversation you begin to notice that their eyes were shifting away from you. You turn in the direction that they were looking and observe Skipper who was licking up the lake's water. “Seems like Skipper enjoy’s it too.” 

Bella chuckles again and you can’t help but turn to look back at them enchanted by their voice. Boldly you tell them, ���You know, I wouldn’t mind it if you and skipper wanted to come around again.” Bella quickly locks eye contact with you again before saying “Yeah, that sounds really nice actually. Do you think you’d be here tomorrow, same time?” 

“Yeah, I’ll be here.” 

Saying goodbye to Bella and Skipper, you decided to exchange numbers with them before they left. 

The next morning you two met up at the lake again. Skipper made sure to exhaust the both of you with her favorite tennis ball as you two talked. You couldn’t really remember what you two talked about because you kept getting distracted. While you talked your eyes couldn’t help but wander. You eventually mentally scolded yourself as you were watching Bella’s arm repeatedly throw the ball around, which excited you but also left you confused. 

To combat your thoughts you told them that you were going into the lake for a little swim. They enthusiastically offered to join you. Before you could even think things through they, already prepared with swim shorts on, started running into the water with skipper. You on the other hand began dressing down to your swimsuit with a blush growing on your cheeks. Undressing in front of anybody is embarrassing, but undressing in front of someone you are beginning to have feelings for added to the confusion you were feeling. 

You even began folding your clothes neatly sitting them nicely on top of your backpack just so you could calm yourself after your awkward strip tease. The entire time your eyes were on the ground afraid to see Bella’s face and hoping they were solely focused on Skipper. Although, admittedly there was an ounce of you that wanted Bella to watch you. This part of you wanted them to acknowledge you at that moment. You also wonder what they thought of you then, if they thought of you at all. Your thoughts were interrupted. 

“Y/N? You coming in?” 

“Yeah.” 

You simply say before getting up and walking into the water to join them. When you get in you do a little dive in their direction to get your hair wet in the process. The water was refreshing as it cooled your cheeks down from all the blushing. When you emerge from the water you push your hair back and notice that Bella had been watching you. Now it was their turn to feel embarrassed. To ease the tension you say, “Hey Bella.” They turn and you splash water at them jokingly. 

“Hey!” They exclaimed splashing you back. This resulted in a small water fight, with Skipper in the middle trying to join in on the fun.

Eventually, you two got out of the water and dried yourselves while hanging out on the smooth boulder you sat on before meeting them yesterday.

“Today was great by the way. I was hoping we could do this again soon?” Bella asked.

“Yeah, that’d be great.” 

A week passed, and you two were texting each other nonstop. Your feelings for them grew every day that went by, and you decided that you needed to figure things out with Bella before the summer ended. You spent hours the night before thinking of what to say when you’ll say it, and the infinite possibilities that could happen. You then spent the entire morning preparing the picnic and thinking things through, but by the time you reached the lake with your basket in hand, you still had no clue how to tell Bella. 

Your thoughts were interrupted when Skipper runs up to you panting with a ball in their mouth. 

“Hi, Skipper!”

Without hesitation, you bend down to pet her as you scanned the lake for Bella. Turns out they made it much earlier than you had. They sat on the rock looking over their shoulder to see you.

“Good morning.” You say making your way over to Bella. 

“Hey, I brought you an orange.” They say lifting a small clementine from their lap. 

You take the orange and sat next to them, accidentally touching their knee with yours before scooting away a bit. You begin unraveling the clementine as they start to talk. 

“My trips almost over, by the way, I’ll be gone in about two weeks from now.” You nod, feeling something in your chest drop at this news. 

“Back across the ocean.” You say trying to fill the conversation and disguise this new sadness unabashedly. 

“Yeah. Across the ocean, much bigger than this lake.” 

You both chuckle again, trying so desperately to avoid revealing how perplexed you felt that your time together is limited. Luckily the orange was peeled and you begin separating pieces for you and Bella. Passing over one piece, they thank you and place it in their mouth-you did the same. 

“Oranges are the best during the summer.” They say. Agreeing with them you nod and tear off another piece for them. Handing it over to them, you’re entranced by their appearance, only heightening whatever feelings you have. 

This small talk and awkward silence between you kept going for the remainder of the day. It was excruciating, but knowing they were leaving soon made you want to stay. Eventually, you two left and agreed to hang out soon again. 

That night before falling asleep you convince yourself to be a little adventurous that night and tried to text them. You wanted to apologize for being so weird earlier that day and hopefully, it’d lead you to tell them about your feelings.

“Hey, I just wanted to clear things up with you about today. I’m sorry if I came off rude or standoffish, just felt weird about you leaving soon. We could talk more about it tomorrow if that’s alright with you?”

“Yeah, that’d be good with me. Also, I kinda noticed something was up, but I was more worried that I had accidentally upset you or something. Thanks for clearing it up, I’d hate it if we stopped talking.” 

“Would you miss me?” 

“If we didn’t talk I’d miss you tremendously. Who else is supposed to keep Skipper and I company at the lake.” 

“Just using me for company are you?” 

“No. If anything I’d beg you to come by if I had to. It wouldn’t be worth visiting without you.” 

At this point, you were blushing and smiling harder than you had ever before. The idea of them wanting you, let alone begging for you, stirred up all the emotions you’d harbored all day. Your adrenaline and brewing confidence encourages you to finally say something a little more direct than you were usually comfortable with. 

“Don’t worry, the begging won’t be necessary, I’m all yours.” 

“Good. I like the sound of that. Even if it were to just be for the summer, I’d love to spend it with you.” 

“What, like a summer fling?” 

“I guess so if that’s what you’d like.” 

“We could do that.” 

“We’ll talk more about it tomorrow.” 

With that, you anxiously waited for the sun to rise. Hardly getting any sleep you slowly get ready to meet up with Bella at the lake. 

“Hey.” You greet them.

“Hi.” They say back.

Standing there not sure how to start the conversation a brewing awkwardness builds between you again. Finally they say, “So about last night, I don’t know how serious you were about all that.” 

“Yeah, I don’t know. I just wanted to be honest with you is all.” 

“Yeah. A summer fling wasn’t something I expected between us.”

“I’m sorry if this is uncomfortable, we really don’t have to. We could leave it as a dumb joke from last night. It really doesn’t have to be anything serious.” 

“No.” They gently grab your wrist and with a soft expression, they look into your eyes before continuing to say, “Serious is good. I think I want it to be more than some dumb joke.” 

You were now speechless that they actually felt the same. 

They lean in quickly kissing you. Wanting this for so long you return the passion. Eventually pulling away when you realize what was happening. 

“Wait. I don’t know, it’d get confusing, don’t you think?” You ask.

“Y/N I like you and if you want this then that’s great, but if you don’t want to be with me because you’re afraid about what things will be like when summer ends then I wouldn’t object to your rejection, I just need you to know that I’d hate to lose you. If things don’t work out then they just won’t, but I’d want to at least give things a try.” They say. 

“Okay.” You say a smile involuntarily growing on your lips.  

“Are you sure?” 

“Only if you are.” 

Smiling they kiss you again. Satisfied and reassured that this was something you also wanted. 

Two weeks go by with Bella. Hanging out with them every day. One night you invite them to your family's cabin for a sleepover-concealing to your family you two were a thing. The time went by incredibly fast and you both knew it was coming to an end. 

Sitting on the same rock you two met on, you and Bella were sandwiched together, your back to their chest while they held you from behind. This was how you two usually spent your afternoons, but since it’s your last day together you can’t help but feel sad. 

They nuzzle their face into your neck leaving small pecks of kisses which you gladly moved your neck for easier access. With one last long kiss on your cheek, they stop and ask, “So do you think this was just some summer fling?” 

“I don’t want it to be.” 

“Yeah me neither. We’ll see how things go.” 

[specialagentlokitty]

Giles x teen!reader - a demigods fate

Part 10:

Buffy tilted her head back, taking a deep breath.

“We.. we need to give them a proper burial…”

Giles snapped his head up, shaking it.

“No… no that’s.. that’s not what they wanted…”

The trio looked at him confused, and he looked down at you.

“There’s a uh.. there’s a lake… we.. we must take them there…”

“Will it help them…?” Willow whispered.

“I’m afraid not… but it’s… it’s what they wanted…”

Giles picked you uk and immediately the hounds stood, ready to follow you anywhere.

“I.. I.. need their jacket from my office… and.. and some things we can use to clean the uh.. the blood..”

Giles carried you to his car, and he carefully laid you in the back seat, waiting for the others to come through and they brought what he needed.

He set everything in the backseat and he reached with trembling hands for his keys in his pockets, tears burning his eyes.

“I.. I can’t drive…”

The hellhounds barked, looking into the shadows.

“The hounds can shadow travel, they’ll know where to go.” Chiron said.

Giles handed everything back to the three students, and he picked you up once more, following the hounds into the shadows.

It was dark and cold for a second, and then it became clear, warm sun shining through the trees, just in front of them a small sandy shore.

They all walked over to it, and Giles looked around.

“It’s.. it’s just like they said…”

“This place was the centre of death for many years, when the underworld moved it sprang back to life more clear than ever. Everything untainted, Poseidon left this one lake to his brother as a thank you for something Hades did, it still links to the underworld.”

Chiron laid himself down, unfolding a blanket and he put it on the sand, then Giles laid you on the blanket.

“I.. I don’t understand doesn’t water belong to Poseidon?” Xander asked.

Chiron nodded his head.

“It does, except this lake is now the purified version of the river Styx, so it still belongs to (Y/N)s father, whom has agreed to hold their body here forever as per their wish.”

Giles said nothing, and he began to clean the blood from your head very carefully.

“What does that mean…?” Buffy whispered.

Chiron looked at her.

“It means their will become part of the lakebed, the ground will take their body and keep it safe for eternity, where no more harm will come to pass to them.”

Giles moved to cleaning your arms, your hands.

He then took your jacket and carefully put it on your, zipping it up so he wouldn’t have to see the gaping wound in your stomach.

Taking the coin from his pocket and he flipped it, catching the sword, he placed your hands around the hilt, placing them on your chest, blade pointed down.

He sighed, brushing some hair from your face, and he looked towards the water.

“So.. they’ll be here forever..?” Willow sniffled.

Chiron nodded his head.

“Yes.”

Willow looked around the lake, and the crystal clear water.

“It’s a nice place…”

Giles picked you up, holding you in his arms and he turned to the lake, taking a deep and shaky breath as he walked over to it.

He didn’t want to walked into it, but it was something you made him promise, you wanted to be buried here, so he walked into the water.

He kept going until it was up to his chest, and he was barely supporting you, the water gently holding your lifeless form.

He moved one of his arms, still holding your head.

He was expecting you to wake up, things like that happened all the time, and he was scared that if he let you go you would drown.

His tears hit the water, and he hugged you ever so gently.

“I.. I am so sorry…”

Through the clear water he could see the ground move, the moss coming towards you and it carefully encircled you.

Giles let you go, and you were taken under the water, down to the lakebed where the moss called you its friend.

It took shape, keeping your face in a peaceful like state as it covered you, your face the only thing that could be made out.

“May Hades looked over them, keep them safe.” Chiron said.

“To hell with him!” Giles yelled.

He turned around, making his way back towards the shore.

The ground trembled, unamused with his outburst.

“To hell with all the gods! If they actually dealt with their own issues non of this would have happened! Innocent children wouldn’t have died in their name! (Y/N) would still be alive!”

The ground trembled, the thunder roared ahead.

Giles dried his hands on the blanket, wrapping it around himself while the hounds walked along the edge of the lake, whining.

“Unfortunately we have no control over these matters.”

Chiron reached into his pocket, pulling out the letter you gave him and handed it to Giles who took it.

“They asked me to give this to you, I’m sorry we couldn’t have changed things. The hounds will carry on followings you all, with no master their won’t return to the underworld.”

Chiton turned around and he began to leave.

“Why did it have to be them..?” Giles asked.

Chiron said nothing as he vanished from sight, and for the rest of the day they all sat there just staring into the calm water.

“We must get you all home…”

“Giles…” Buffy whispered.

“Now. Let’s go.”

They didn’t argue with him, the hounds took them back to the school, and Giles sent them all away as he made his way back inside.

He walked back to the library, everything looked as it was, back to normal, even the library.

He ran up the steps to find them sword gone, and he ran back down, rushing into his office to make sure that everything else was still there.

A sigh of relief left him when he was it was all there, including the sword that was originally missing, neatly presented on some of his shelves.

Walking to his desk, he sat down, opening the letter he was given so he could begin to read it.

‘Giles,

When you receive this letter it’ll be too late, we both know that. We knew what would happen when the day came, that I wouldn’t survive. The hellhounds will stay with you unless you send them away back to the underworld, but they’ll come if you call.

Please don’t tell the others that you knew, they would never forgive you and I don’t want to break you all apart, you need each other, that’s important. You had each other before I came, you’ll have each other after I leave.

I wasn’t completely honest with you, and for that I am really sorry. When I first came to Sunnydale I knew I wasn’t going to leave, I already knew I was fated to pass here, which is why I tried to keep you all away. I never wanted to hurt anybody, and I never imaged how important you would all become to me.

I never knew what it was like to have a real family, one that loved me aside from my mother. I never had friends, and I didn’t have a father who was very interested in me or what I did, or even cared about me the way you cared.

I will forever be grateful for that, I’ll never forget the lessons you taught me, even the boring ass ones (put a dollar in the jar for me). If I could choose who I wanted my father to be, I would choose you Giles, I wish I could’ve had you as a father instead, but this was my fate, foretold, set in stone.

I love you, I love all of you, and I wish you all nothing but the best.’

Hand shaking, Giles set the letter down, running a hand down his face to wipe the tears so they wouldn’t smudge the ink and ruin your messy handwriting.

Reaching for his glasses neatly placed on the desk, he picked them up, and he stood up, taking the letter he folded it back up, placing it under the your sword.

Waking to the bookshelves, he placed a dollar in the jar with your name on, letting out a tear laugh.

“Still swearing.. even after death… I expect nothing less…” he whispered.

You were chalked down as a missing person due to the strange happenings of Sunnydale, people forgot about you.

All aside from the four who knew you the most, their hellhounds serving as a painful reminder of you.

All your books and scrolls were passed down to Giles, added to his own personal library, and they still carried the daggers you made them despite the fact the monsters were gone.

As the months slipped by it become apparent how quiet everything was before you, it was a horrible silence nobody could bare but they had to walk through.

Once a week they would take a trip to that lake and talk to you about what they had been doing, updating you on their lives.

The three other teenagers were slowly recovering, but Giles was still taking it rather hard, he loved you like his own flesh and blood.

Everytime he looked at your reports, your sword, Rig and Oris, it was like you were still there, but the decorations sat there as a dusty reminder for him.

Eventually because of students he had all of it moved by Hermes to his home, set up in that little corner that you would always come running from.

Sometimes he would sit and stare at the shadows, hoping you would come tumbling through them.

Tonight was no different, he was sat in the library, staring into the darkest corner.

“Staring won’t bring the dead back, believe me, many people have tried.” A voice spoke.

Giles reached for his dagger.

“It’s useless, won’t even touch me.”

“Who are you?” Giles asked.

The two hounds stood up, standing next to Giles as they snarled and growled.

“I’m betrayed by my own hellhounds, I suppose that says a lot doesn’t it?”

“Hades…”

The man stepped out from where he was hiding and Giles stood up.

“How dare you step foot in here…” Giles said lowly.

“How dare I? You’re the brave soul who’s been cursing out us gods as if you have a death wish, I’m surprised my brother hasn’t zapped you down yet.”

“What do you want?” Giles snapped.

The hellhounds at his feet circled him in a protective manner.

“I came to speak to you my child.”

“(Y/N) was not your child.”

“Yes there were! They were my flesh and blood!”

Giles slammed his hand on the table, knocking his cup of tea over, shattering the cup.

“No they were not! Yes, you may have helped bring them into this world, but it was you that took them out of it. That is all you did, you were no father to them!”

Giles took his glasses off, setting them down.

“Where were you when they lost their mother?! Their best friend?! When they had monsters hunting them down all over the place?! Where we you when they were sent here to die?! Did you even try to find a way to save them?! Because I did! I tried everything to find a way to save them!”

Hades stood there.

“I cleaned them up after every bloody fight! I cooked them food when I found out all they were eating was takeout! I took them to see the penguins because they had never been!”

Giles took a few deep breaths.

“Where were you when they were plagued by nightmares and couldn’t sleep? Were you sat there all night holding their hand? No. Were you there when they got their very first A grade? No. You handed them the sword that they used to pierce a hole right through their own stomach to save the world.”

Clenching his jaw, Giles clenched his fists to calm himself down, drawing small droplets of blood.

He knew he couldn’t survive a fight with a god, but it didn’t mean he didn’t want to try.

“You were not their father, a father doesn’t send his own child to die, a father doesn’t sit there and watch his own child die. I am (Y/N)s father, I will always be their father.”

Hades hummed a little, walking a few steps closer.

Giles’ heart raced in his chest, maybe screaming at a god wasn’t the best way to go about things, and it was a sure way to get himself killed.

“You’re right, maybe I’m not so much of a great father, but that’s how it has to be.”

Hades clasped his hands behind his back.

“I know you loved my child, in fact, I’m glad you do. I’m glad they found somebody to love them as their own flesh and blood, to help them grow, truly be happy.” Hades said.

Giles furrowed his brows.

“You’re right, I did give them the very sword that killed them, but I didn’t do it to push (Y/N) into using it on themselves, i did it because it was the only way.”

“To save the world because you wouldn’t?” Giles scoffed.

Hades chuckled, shaking his head.

“No, to save them.”

Hades walked over, standing on the other end of the table, and he set a book down on the table.

“The sword absorbs the essence of whatever it kills, that’s what the metal does, how it’s forged. But this one is slightly different. Whatever goes in, can come out.”

“What?”

“I instructed (Y/N) not to use the sword on the monsters, use it once, and only once. And they did. Their soul is the only thing inside of it. The prophecy was that their soul was supposed to go to Tartarus, and I didn’t want that, so I found a way around it.”

Giles looked at the god.

“You.. you’ve known this whole time…”

“I had to be sure that to would take care of them, that you truest did have a fathers love for (Y/N), and you do. Consider this a gift, a thank you for what you’ve done, from the god, to you.”

Hades pushed the book over and Giles picked it up.

“The.. the lake…”

“Preserves the body of all those buried, which means as far as death goes, (Y/N) is untouched by it, will be exactly the same.”

Hades turned around, making his way back towards the shadows.

“The monsters will come back if you bring (Y/N) back, and if you do bring them back I expect you to take on the role as their father Mr Giles.”

With that, Hades left and Giles stared at the book before grabbing his glasses so he could go through it.

The dead never stayed dead in Sunnydale, and he wasn’t going to let that happen to you.

So, Giles took care in gathering everything he needed, which took a lot longer than he had hoped, it wasn’t easy stuff to find.

But once he had it all, he sat in front of the sword in his office, the only thing that couldn’t have been moved, and he began to do exactly as the book told him.

There was a small flash around the sword, and he prayed it had worked.

The book explained that after the ritual, he wouldn’t be able to return to the lake until after you left, otherwise it would claim him in your place.

If you wanted to return you would, if not he would have to live with the fact he would never know if it worked or not.

So, he waited, his head always snapped to the door when it opened.

A few days went past, and he sighed heavily, looking at the book.

“Maybe I did something wrong…” he mumbled.

He had been reading through it for days, trying to figure out if something went wrong, maybe the god had lied to him, he had no idea.

Running a hand down his face, and closed the book, heading to his office.

The hounds followed him, and they sat watching him as always, their ears flicking a little as they both turned to the door.

“I’ll be with you in one moment!” He called.

The hounds ran out of the room, and he frowned, following them out.

As he looked around the corner, the sight alone was enough to make him take a few steps back.

You were sat on the floor, laughing and hugging your beloved hellhounds tightly.

You pushed the hounds off, and you smiled up at him.

“You look older than normal.”

Giles slowly walked over, kneeling in front of you, reaching out he touched your shoulder.

He was convinced you were maybe a ghost, messing with him, but when his hand came into contact with your shoulder he knew it had worked.

Taking your shoulder he pulled you in for a hug, and you groaned in pain.

“I.. I’m so sorry…”

He quickly let go.

You smiled warmly, shaking your head, hand on your side.

“It’s okay, I.. I guess being put in a permanent state means wounds don’t heal all that good..”

Sitting on your knees, you leant forward, gently hugging him, and he hugged you back, gentle this time as not to hurt you again.

“I.. I’m so sorry…” he whispered.

You shook your head.

“No… im sorry Giles I.. I I’m just so sorry…” you sobbed.

He gently shushed you, running a hand up and down your back.

After a few minutes you pulled away, sniffling a little.

“You buried me in my jacket…”

“I thought you would want it no matter where you went.” He smiled.

Giles wiped your tears with the sleeve of his blazer.

“The monsters…”

Giles smiled, taking your hand.

“We will face them together. You came to Sunnydale alone, but you’re not alone anymore (Y/N), we’re here for you, I am here for you, by your side. It’s your fate to be here.”

You hugged him again.

Giles hugged you back.

“I’m glad you’re back…” he whispered.

“Me too…”

You two enjoyed the peace.

“However you do owe me a dollar.”

You laughed, pulling away as you winced in pain, then you grinned at him a little.

“I suppose I should tell the others.”

“What will you tell them?” You asked.

Giles stood up, helping you to your feet and he sat you down in a chair, kissing the top of your head and he took a step away.

“I’ll tell them that my rather reckless, impulsive, and now apparently unofficially adopted demigod teenager has returned.”

Giles sat on the table, looking down at you.

“I’m your teenager now huh?”

“Well I seem to just keep adopting troubled teenagers, what’s one more to that list Hm?”

“I’m more trouble?”

He chuckled, nodding his head.

“Yes, you are, but I still love you even if you are the most troublesome of the bunch.”

You beamed proudly at him and yawned loudly, rested your head on the table.

He got off it, folding his scarf he placed it under your head, then he covered you with his blazer.

“Get some rest, I’ll be right here.”

He smiled as you nodded half asleep already.

He had his work cut out for him, but for now everything felt right, everything felt as it were supposed to be.

You were back where you were supposed to be, and when you were fully healed and well rested, you were going to be in a world of trouble for the stunt you pulled. But for now, Giles was just happy to have his family back.

Walking back to his office, he looked at the scrap of paper that had fallen out of the book that hades gave him.

The finely part of your prophecy.

‘The underworld child will die once, and will rise again, entrusted to a new home where they will stay.’

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL - 2023 Begins!

Jan 20232 Wk 1

Being a highly subjective assessment of one tiny corner of the interwebs. Organized by which ones (in each category) I’m enjoying most.

Ongoing Series - Thai

Never Let Me Go (Tues YT) 4 of 12 - I keep saying this, but I can’t get over how delighted I am to have Perth back on my screen, and under the GMMTV umbrella. He is a stellar actor. I like that the first kiss of this show wasn’t btw the leads. Felt more realistic to high school. Big drama next week!

My School President (Fri YT) 5 of 10 - I missed these two so much last week. But also there was A MUSICAL INCIDENT and it caused a bit of a rant from yours truly. 

Between Us (Sun iQIYI) 9 of 12 - no ep this week, resumes tomorrow WATCH ALONG HERE.

609 Bedtime Story (Fri WeTV) 7 of 11 - Game remains my spirit animal (pushy fucker), and the plot of the main couple is interesting even if I don’t like the cheating component. 

Cutie Pie 2 You (special) 1 of 4 - Oh it’s a full on special. Very very pretty and, is possible, more sappy and full of manufactured angst. Nuea protecting Hia’s interests was sweet. Lots of making out. So... more of the same, basically. What year are we in now, anyway?

I Will Knock You (Fri Gaga) 8 of 12 - (note from my Thai language spy rgr ep 5: the writing on the stone tablets was their names + 2 family members) And now we are suddenly firmly in BL territory and baby Dom is just a baby Seme. No bisexual identity crisis needed... just diving into cheese fest. 

Remember Me (Sun Gaga) 13 of 14 - I would have kept JaFirst apart for longer, quite frankly. I mean otherwise why bother split them up in the first place? Please just end this show already. 

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

The New Employee (Korea Weds Viki) 3 of 8 - I love them so much, and they are so cute, and this is not open to discussion. Viva la age gap! 

The Director Who Buys Me Dinner (Korea Weds iQIYI) 7-8 of 10 - There is a lot implied about the leads history together, but it was still nice to get backstory plus GAT KISSES. I love it when they flip the dynamic and give the uke agency. I’m really enjoying this show now, I’m even invested in the love triangle.

HIStory 5: Love in the Future (Taiwan Weds Viki) 2 of 10 - Side couple ascension: Daddy Long Legs trope, it’s been a while since I have seen this in ANY romance drama. I’m not really into the main couple, at least not yet (and I totally missed that they hadn’t met each other in person yet), but I really love the side dishes. It’s like H4 all over again only with less dub con.

Candy Color Paradox AKA Ameiro Paradox (Japan Fri Gaga) 4 of 8 - nothing this week. 

It’s Airing But I’m Not Watching It

Love Bill (Vietnam Sat YT) - Bah Vinh is back but I’m too distracted. Also there’s a lot of fund raising stuff going on with them. I can wait.

The Star Always Follow You (Vietnam YT) - same Team RL peeps we have seen before (Sunshine, Stupid)

Moonlight Chicken GMMTV’s Midnight series (Weds YT) 1 of 8 eventually - first segment has begun bit it’s not the EarthMix messy gays. Sorry all, I’m so not interested in messy hets, so I’m waiting until they grace my screen.

Questions!!! 

Should I watch The Warp Effect? Tublr seems excited about it and BL bits look good? Will they end happy? Thoughts anyone? 

Till the World Ends (Thai YT) finished at 10 eps, the heat looked good but I don’t know about the ending with that kind of title, so did anyone risk it and want to tell me what they thought? I haven’t seen much chatter on my feed so I am not optimistic. 

In Case You Missed It

2022′s The Usual Night (Twitter account) from Japan is a 10-ep fake documentary series starring the members of Jpop group the Fantastics. It flew under everyone’s radars but apparently has a BL subplot featuring Yagi Yusei (My Beautiful Man) and Seguchi Leiya. This officially means they beat OnlyOneOf to the punch as the first inter-group BL pairing. Keito Kimura (Onoe from Candy Color Paradox) is also a member of Fantastics and in the show. Source reddit. No word on official international release. Japan is like that. 

OnlyOneOf’s Nine dropped the last (?) in their BL Kpop series, 'beyOnd' (be #6) 

I posted all my 2022 wraps, top picks, industry stats, etc.. 

Next Week Looks Like This:

Jan 19: Individual Circumstances 8 eps - A reunion romance between a movie director who was once promising and a writer who disappeared due to past wounds. Stars JunQ (main rapper of 2nd gen group MYNAME) and Han Jung Wan (Mr International Korea winner).

2023 forthcoming BL master post is in the works... wait for it... I had to finish all the 2022 wrap ups first. Also waiting for the last of the studio announcements.

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENTS

Never Let Me Go

Ah the love triangle. 

The Director Who Buys Me Dinner caught himself a live one. 

(last week)

Current Kpop earworm? You gotta check out VIXX (sub unit) new single. Gonna Be Alright = 2 BL stars in one croon. (Hyuk Color Rush 2 & Leo Happy ending Romance). *props chin on hand and bats eyes winsomely at Ken* So?

[transmickey]

tag game wednesday: holiday edition ☃️🎄🎁! thank you @jrooc @mybrainismelted @deedala @spacerockwriting @mickeysgaymom @dynamic-power for the tags <3

🔠favourite nickname you’ve ever been given: my dad called me + my brothers 'nugget' growing up and just never really stopped

🗺️ where are you located? england

🥶⛱️ what season is it where you are now? winter ❄️

🥳 favourite tradition this time of year: visting the christmas markets (which i did today!) + going to see a street full of xmas lights when i'm back in my hometown (which i will do next week :D)

🥧 favourite holiday food: i don't think i can pick!!!!! um!!! all of xmas dinner man i fucking love xmas dinner

☕️ mulled wine, eggnog or hot apple cider? i don't drink any more but mmm mulled wiiine

🍗 turkey, ham or nut roast (Or tofurkey?)? turkey

🏔️🏖️ would you rather spend the december holidays in: a cabin in the woods surrounded by snow, or a house on the beach with sun and sand? definitely a cabin in the woods 🌲 i think we all know by now that i am Not a summer person

❄️ are you pro-snow or anti-snow? pro-snow!! i am still waiting for it to properly snow here this year :-(

⛄️ have you ever built a snowman? yes yes yes many

⛷️ skiing or Snowboarding? i've never been skiing and i was terrible the one time i went snowboarding so i'm gonna go with a tentative neither

🎍 do you decorate for the holidays? not much because i tend to spend most of the holiday season at my parents'. i do have a tiny little tree this year though its cute

🎬 favourite holiday movie? idk if its watched outside of the uk but the 'nativity' series! or maybe 'elf' i think thats the only holiday movie ive watched every year without fail

📖 favourite holiday fanfic? I CAN'T REMEMBER WHAT ITS CALLED i will come back and edit this if i can find it ☹️ edit : it's new year, same love by obsidianquill <3 and special mention for @sam-loves-seb's 12 days of gallavich which i am thoroughly enjoying so far

🎥 if you were to star in a Hallmark movie, who would be your love interest? im gonna be extremely predictable and say cam

aaaaand tagging some lovely people if you'd like to join in (if not, here's a gift: 🎁) @skylerwinchester @krystallouwho @stocious @heymrspatel @gallawitchxx @tanktopgallavich @juliakayyy @ian-galagher @deathclassic @heymacy @palepinkgoat @lupeloto @rereadanon