#thank you addie for encouraging me to make more of these!

[lostloveletters]

Web-weaving: Holly Dean

Pathetic Affirmations - Claire Thompson | DEPRESSION [VERB] - Andrea Gibson | The Lobster (2015) | Agnès Varda | Love Streams (1984) | Katrien de Blauwer | Golden Hour - Kacey Musgraves | Jim Forever - John Firth, 1956 | Thermanator: Thermal Residue-Based Post Factum Attacks On Keyboard Password Entry

[canirove]

Friends, lovers… and an orange | Chapter 12

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Masterlist

“Are you going to eat all that?” Mason chuckled.

“Yep” Adele said as she sat at the table.

“I still can’t believe you woke up early to go for a run after going out last night. What time was it when we came back?”

“Around 3 a.m.”

“And when did you leave?”

“At 7.”

“Addie, did you sleep?” Mason laughed.

“The moment my head touched the pillow I was out” she shrugged. Which was the biggest lie ever.

She had probably managed to sleep for maybe an hour and a half, and the moment there was light coming through the window, she had gotten up and ready to do the one thing that she knew always allowed her to not think about anything: running. So she put on her shoes, chose her favourite playlist, and left the hotel. 

“Lucky you” he sighed. 

“Didn’t you manage to sleep?”

“I did, but it wasn't pleasant. I kept waking up and… urgh” he groaned, checking his phone.

“What is it?” Adele asked, giving her croissant a big bite.

“My agency. I have a meeting in half an hour with them and they are already bothering me about it.”

“Is that the reason why you didn’t sleep well?”

“Yeah. We are organizing everything for the launch of the perfume's campaign, and it is driving me crazy.”

“Oh, the perfume… The one that started it all.”

“The same one” Mason smiled. Though it was his sad smile, the one Adele knew meant that something was going on. 

“Mase, are you ok?” she asked, reaching for his hand.

“I am, yes. Just tired” he said, his thumb caressing her knuckles, the butterflies on her stomach waking up.

“Are you sure? You know you can tell me anything.”

“I know. Thank you, Addie” he smiled. But again, it wasn’t his usual smile. “Anyway, I better go get ready. It’s a zoom meeting and I want to look a bit more presentable.”

“I like the way you look” she said, speaking before thinking.

“Even if my hair is a mess?” Mason laughed.

“Messy hair is the best hair” she shrugged, not daring to look him in the eyes. “Will I see you later?”

“Of course. I want to take you to El Retiro, maybe go on one of those small boats they have?”

“The walk part sounds perfect. The one about the boats… I don’t know if I trust you” Adele teased him.

“I would never let anything happen to you. Ever” Mason said, the way he was looking at her, giving her the impression that there was something else behind those words. “And I better get going. See you later, Miss Turlington” he smiled, lifting her hand and kissing it. They hadn't stopped holding hands since the moment Adele had reached for his.

“See you later, Mr. Mount" she replied.

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

“Are you going to tell me what is going on?”

“Uh?”

“Mase, you've been acting super weird the whole day. Did something happen during the meeting?” Adele asked him after their walk. 

“No.”

“Then why do look you so…” she said, gesturing with her hands.

“So?”

“Miserable. You look the same you did before your birthday.”

“It’s nothing.”

“There definitely is something. C´mon, talk to me” Adele said, following him as he walked towards his room.

“It’s nothing” he repeated.

“Mase… Mason” she said, grabbing his arm and making him stop. “Talk to me.”

“It’s… Fine” he sighed. “Come inside.”

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

“I’m ready when you are ready” Adele said, grabbing Mason’s hand and giving it an encouraging squeeze. They had been sitting on his bed in silence for what felt like an eternity, which was only making her feel more and more nervous. What could have happened in that meeting for him to go back to this mood?

“Remember that I told you that the meeting was for the launch of the perfume?”

“Yes.”

“Well, we are going to be throwing a party in Tuscany because that's where we got the inspiration from and where we shot the campaign.”

"I remember your trip there. It was when I was in Paris with my mum.”

“That's the one, yes. This party… this party is gonna be huge, Addie. Big names in fashion will be attending, and also actors, musicians, influencers… Even some football players.”

“That is amazing, isn’t it?”

“It is, yes. But…”

“But?” Adele said, squeezing his hand once again.

“My agency has asked for something. Something related to us.”

“I already told them I will be at the party. What else do they want?”

“Something you aren't going to like, Addie.”

“What do they want, Mason?” she asked.

“They… they want us to walk the red carpet together.”

“No” Adele said, letting go of his hand and standing up. “No, no, no. We agreed I would not walk any red carpet or do anything that involves me having to actually pose in front of a camera.”

“But Addie…”

“I said no. You know how much I hate it.”

“I do. But they are insisting.”

“You mean they are threatening you again. I can’t believe it” she said as she started to pace around the room. “This has to stop, Mason. You can’t keep working with such horrible people.”

“I don’t have another choice.”

“Yes, you do! Sue them and leave them! My dad knows really good lawyers, they could help you.”

“It isn’t that easy” he said, nervously playing with his hands.

“Why not? Whatever those clauses are, I’m sure they will find a way to, I don’t know, annul them? There is this guy I met once in Barcelona who works with football teams and…”

“Adele, no” Mason cut her, also standing up. “Lawyers can’t fix this. And if they can, it will be too late. My career will already be ruined.”

“Because of some clauses on your contract?”

“Because… because… urgh” he said, running a hand through his hair.

“Mase, hey” Adele whispered, caressing his cheek. “You can tell me whatever it is.”

“I can’t. Not this.”

“Why not? Mase, look at me” she said, cupping his face and forcing him to look at her. “Why not?"

“Because if I tell you what they have against me, what they are using to make me do all these things I don’t want to… You won’t be able to look at me the same way. And I can’t lose you, Adele. I can’t” he cried, resting his forehead on hers.

“You won’t lose me, Mason. Whatever it is… I’m not going anywhere. But you have to tell me. You have to let me help you. Because this, keeping this secret, is hurting us both.”

“I know” he sobbed.

“Then tell me. What do they have that is so bad that it could end your career?”

“Addie…”

“Mason, please” she begged him, feeling a tear down her cheek. “Please, tell me what it is. Trust me.”

“Ok…” he sighed. “It’s… They… They have a sex tape.”

[silentglassbreak]

Fragmented

Noah Sebastian x OFC

Alright, back to our regularly scheduled programming. Thank you all for being patient with me. We need to develop this plot, so let's all buckle up.

Warnings: Nothing wild here. Testosterone being tossed around.

+It goes without saying. This is a work of fiction. My words are mine. Plagiarism is a crime.

Taglist: @flowery-mess @lma1986 @myownthoughts12 @poisongirl616 @missduffsblog @reidsblessing @malerieee @jilliemiw86 @thisbicc @xx-like-a-villian-xx @diabolicdiatonics

Part 9 - First Time

One Month Later

Normal is a relative term, isn’t it? By definition, it means conforming to a standard. Therefore, my life was getting into a sense of normalcy, as I was forcing it to.

I couldn’t handle the heartbreak anymore. It was too painful to allow myself to continue to sulk. Every time she left, anytime we said goodbye, my soul folded in on itself more and more. Is it going to stop hurting just because I want it to? No. Can I allow myself to move on? I think so.

One hundred and eighteen days since she ended things. My world fell apart, but I only have to wait so long before I start trying to put it back together. I’m encouraged to move forward. I’m told to let myself heal. And I think maybe it’s time.

Thirty-six days since Mileena and I recovered from the stomach flu, and our safe bubble was burst. We haven’t kissed, fucked, or had any above mildly flirtatious contact since.

We’re still close, and we still talk every day - sometimes for hours, but I’ve put up a silent barrier between us. Continuing to allow the physical affection was only making it harder for both of us. And I’ve learned, through months of dealing with this, that she has little to no control.

She’s still seeing Justin, which stings in ways I can’t even begin to explain, but I’ve swallowed it. Leena seems to have taken to him, which makes me happy. Although I never expected to feel that way, I do. Seeing her smile, and seeing her joy has brought a sense of calm to my soul, even if I’m not the person lighting that fire inside her.

Maybe I’m moving on.

Today, I was awake early, driving to the guys’ place, anxious and excited all at once.

Today was album completion day. After hours on hours of sitting with Jolly in the studio, rewriting lyrics, re-recording vocals, and reworking the instrumentals, it was finally ready.

Today, at 9AM, the album was due to Sumerian. We were going to send it at 8AM, the email already drafted and all of the files attached. It was a big moment, and we were ecstatic. The amount of work that had gone into this album made Death of Peace of Mind look like child’s play. We were all so ready to be moving to the next stage - preparing for release.

I pulled into the driveway, and noticed the amount of vehicles. I, clearly, wasn’t the only one there.

Just inside the front door, I kicked my boots off and made my way toward the living room, already hearing many conversations ongoing. Just inside the foyer, I could see Nick and Laura, enthralled in whatever conversation they were having. Jolly was sitting on the couch, eyes glued to the screen of his laptop, surely checking the email again to make sure all of the attachments were sound, and nothing had been forgotten.

In the back corner of the room, Folio stood by the fireplace, mid-conversation with Leena, who was holding Addison on her hip.

“Well, hello family!”

Everyone’s eyes flashed to me, smiles breaking out on everyone’s faces.

“There he is!” Nick walked over and clapped my shoulder. “Cant believe you’re the last one here!”

I shook my head. “Traffic was rough this morning.”

I gave him and Laura welcoming hugs, and made my way over to Leena and Addison.

“There’s my girls.” I gave Mileena a one-armed hug, and took Addie from her, squeezing her tight.

“Are you excited?” Leena was beaming at me, something like pride on her face.

“Excited and anxious. I’ll be glad once it’s out of our hands.”

Folio snorted next to me. “Yeah, so you can’t fuck with it anymore.”

Rolling my eyes, I shook my head. “It’s not fucking with it. It’s perfecting.”

He reached over, slipping Addie from my arms. “Well, go check on Jolly. He hasn’t spoken in twenty minutes.”

I padded over to the couch and flopped down. “All good here?”

He nodded, reopening the email. “I think so. Everything’s working. Cover art and back art is there. Lyric docs are attached. I think we’re all set. Bryan is going to forward in the pictures for the social media announcements. And Matt’s working on the details for the release party already.”

I nodded. “We don’t know how long?”

Jolly shrugged. “Three months, maybe? Slaughter is releasing their album next month, but then Alec told me it’s pretty clear until November. We’re likely shooting for a fall release.”

“Oh sweet. We can start touring in spring, maybe?”

Jolly smiled and leaned back. “I fucking hope so man. We’ve been getting a lot of heat for not hitting Australia on the last tour. Or Asia.”

“Maybe we start there?”

I could feel eyes burning into the side of my head, Mileena standing close enough to hear our conversation, but I ignored them.

“Festival season is in the spring and summer, so maybe we start with that? And work our way out?”

I huffed, and let my eyes drift over to Leena, who had a sad expression on her face that she wasn’t hiding well. “We’ll let Matt and Lana work it out.”

“Two minutes, guys.” Nick called from across the coffee table.

Folio came and plopped next to me. Nick sat next to Jolly, Laura perched on one of his knees. Leena sat, Addie in her lap, on the arm of the couch.

Jolly’s finger hovered over the ‘Send’ button, and we all held our breath.

“As always, I would like to just say, you guys are the best. We have worked our asses off for this, and if we receive even half of the success as Death of Peace of Mind, we’re lucky. We’re lucky to do what we love, and do it well.” I spoke to the entire room. To my brothers.

“Let’s fucking do this!” Folio announced, and the clock struck 8:30, Jolly clicking the mouse.

A second of silence fell over us, until the confirmation that it was sent popped on the screen.

We all broke out in celebratory hollers and clapping.

“Fuck yeah! We fucking did it!” Nick exclaimed, patting Jolly’s shoulder.

“You guys are awesome, you know that?” Laura smiled at us all.

“We need to celebrate!” Folio stood up suddenly, all of our eyes snapping up to him. “Let’s call Matt, Bryan, Lana, and Davis, and let’s go fucking celebrate!”

“Uh, dude…it’s not even 9AM…” I was smirking at him.

“It doesn’t have to be a party.” He stopped, thinking for a moment. “Let’s go ride fucking roller coasters!”

Nick, Jolly, and myself all stood up, affirming our excitement at once.

“That’s fucking awesome! Let’s do it!” Nick was still holding onto Laura. “You’ll come?”

She smiled wide. “Blocked my whole day for you, babe. I’m down.”

Nick glanced at Leena. “You too?”

She seemed to hesitate, her eyes looking over to me. “I, uh, might need to pass.” She chewed her lip. “Addie and I had plans today.”

“So…cancel them?” Jolly interjected.

“We were supposed to meet with Justin.”

I scoffed. “So bring him?” Her eyes widened in surprise at me. Valid, given I was mildly surprised at myself as well. “Unless, of course, he’s too scared…”

-

The drive to Knott's Berry Farm was quicker than I expected. Folio and I rode in my truck with Addison, Nick and Laura were in her car, Bryan and Matt were picking up Davis and Lana, and Mileena would be meeting us in about an hour after she picked up Justin. As we turned right off of La Palma onto Beach Boulevard, the traffic came to a dead stop. The turn-in to Knott's toward the parking lot was packed.

"Is something going on today?"

I shrugged. "No idea. We got here early, so I didn't think it would be too packed for a Thursday." I glanced at the dash. "It's only noon."

He rolled his window down, leaning his body out of the window, and waving at a security guard who was directing traffic.

"Hey," The guard walked over to my car. "is there a reason it's so busy?"

The guard stood with his hands on his belt, and glanced down to the line of cars.

"The concert today. It doesn't start until 6, but folks want to get in early."

Folio raised an eyebrow, dropping back into the vehicle. "Concert?" He pulled his phone out and opened his browser. After a moment of searching, he smiled. "Oh dope, dude! There's three bands playing today!"

I was pulling toward the parking lot now, waiting for my turn to pay at the stall. "Which ones?"

"Skillet, Daughtry, and Lifehouse."

I nodded in surprise. "That's fucking cool, man. We picked a good day to come."

Once we had all parked, I was pushing the stroller with Addison squealing excitedly. We all talked about which rides we were hitting first.

"Dude, we can't just start with the biggest ones. We've got to warm up." Nick was trying to reason with Folio, who looked as though he was crawling right out of his skin.

"Bro, I am riding the Xcelerator first, and you can't fucking stop me."

I chuckled. "I'm so in on that, man."

Laura reached for the stroller, taking it from me easily. "That's fine. You and Folio go get your adrenaline rush. Addie and I will be waiting for Leena in Camp Snoopy."

I bent down to kiss Addie's nose as she munched on her cotton candy, making an absolute mess. "You be good for Auntie, baby girl."

She blew a bubble in response.

Folio and I practically sprinted to the line for the roller coaster, only being a few dozen people back. He immediately hopped up onto the railing, smiling wide.

"So excited. I haven't been here since I was a kid."

I nodded. "Leena and I came like...three months after we met? She likes to act like she loves roller coasters, but in reality, she only rides the mellow ones."

He giggled. "She always talks such a big game, dude."

"Fucking honestly. She's as human as the rest of us, contrary to popular belief."

He nodded, jumping down to move with the line. "You going to be good with her bringing Justin?"

I perused this a moment. "I think so. I've had some time to adjust."

He looked at me suspiciously. "Have you been adjusting? You and Leena seem to be pretty...I don't know...weird?"

Leaning against the rail, I crossed my arms and looked at him. "Weird like how?"

"Well, let's see," Folio turned to face his body toward me. "you break up, when clearly neither of you wanted to do that. You both get majorly depressed for a while. Then you have an outburst at the 4th party, where you both disappear for half an hour." He raised his eyebrow suspiciously. "Then you flirt all the time, and both get sick at the same time, hiding out for three days together, where neither of you will talk about what happened." I chewed on my bottom lip. "Now you guys just stare longingly at each other from across rooms, and act like everything's okay." We moved forward with the line.

"Oh, and not to mention that she has a boyfriend."

Thanks for that, Folio.

"Doesn't seem very adjusted."

I scoffed. "Well, I didn't realize I came today to get attacked, but alright."

He chuckled at me, smacking my shoulder. "I'm just asking. I'm not sure any of us really get why you two aren't just...together...."

I shrugged, then. "That was her decision."

He cocked his head. "But why?"

I sighed hard, arms still crossed. "She can't handle it, dude. The," I waved my hand around us. "Bad Omens, rock and roll, touring thing."

Folio looked interested. "No?"

Shaking my head, I noticed we were getting closer to the front. "Nope. And that's my life."

"Can't her and Addison come on tour?"

"Man, I wish. I've even tried to convince her too, but having a toddler on a tour bus wouldn't work, and even I know that."

He looked disappointed. "Fuck, man."

"Yeah, I know." Huffing out a weak laugh, I rubbed the back of my neck. "I even offered to quit. Just write and produce so I wouldn't have to tour."

"You couldn't do that, dude. You love this shit."

I nodded, and looked directly at him. "I know, but I love them more."

Folio and I were walking over to Camp Snoopy, where everyone had convened after riding their respective rides. I caught a glimpse of Mileena sat at a picnic table, surrounded by everyone, feeding Addison in the stroller. Before I even reached the group, I noticed it.

Everyone was speaking, laughing together. Justin was stood talking to Davis, talking about something with his hands, and Davis was definitely into the story. The entire group was engaged in some form of conversation, looking excited and lighthearted. Everyone, except Mileena.

She was handing Addison her snacks, back turned to the group, and a look of frustration on her face.

We approached them, everyone turning their attention to us.

"How was it?" Nick chirped up from behind Laura.

"Fucking rush. So much fun." Folio responded, coming to sit next to Leena, and grabbing the snacks from her. Leena smiled at him as he started talking to Addie, handing her the puffs from the bag. If anyone bonded with the baby the most, to everyone's surprise, it was Folio.

I stepped over to stand in front of Leena, staring down at her. I lowered my eyes so I was looking directly at her. I gave her the look; the one that she knew asked if she was alright. She just pursed her lips, and nodded curtly.

I glanced back over to where Justin was still talking to Davis, Jolly now having joined the conversation.

I smiled down at Leena. "Want to come with me to grab a soda?"

Her eyes drifted over to Justin, who was paying her no mind, and stood up.

"You okay with her for a minute?" Folio just nodded to her in response.

She followed behind me as I made my way toward the Calico Ghost Town, and the snack shops they had nearby. We joined the long line, and I turned to look at her.

"What's going on?"

She sighed. "Nothing, just wanted to be here a lot sooner."

"Everything okay with you two?"

She looked at me, her eyes hesitant, but I could see that she wanted to tell me.

I held my hands up. "Safe space, here."

Leaning her head back, she groaned. "He's irritating me."

"How so?"

"He's pissed that I wanted to come here. We had plans to get lunch, and take Addie to the park. I explained that today was a big deal, but he told me he didn't see why I had to come."

I raised an eyebrow. "Ah, okay. Makes sense."

"No, it doesn't. He knows that I'm close with all of the guys, not just you. But he still gets so fucking weird about it." Her voice was full of annoyance, which amused me.

"I mean..." I calculated my words. "Can you blame the guy?"

Her head snapped toward me. "What?"

Laughing, I took a step away from her. "Leena, I am your ex. We spend an awful lot of time together."

She narrowed her eyes at me. "We have a kid together, Noah."

I nodded. "I get that. I'm just saying, he probably has pretty good reason to be skeptical."

She huffed, and pinched the bridge of her nose. "I know. I just," Taking a slow breath, she calmed herself. "if him and I are going to make it work, he's going to have to understand. You guys are my family."

I let my arms reach for her, pulling her into a comfortable hug. "I know. And if he really likes you, he'll figure it out."

The day passed comfortably, the warm sun baking us while we waited in lines, played games, and ate funnel cakes. Mileena passed on the bigger coasters, as I had expected. Laura and I rode the Jaguar six times in a row, nearly toppling over from lightheadedness after the last ride.

Justin and I didn't speak much, only in passing comments and niceties. It was easier that way.

By 5PM, we started to see the signs go up for the concert, so we decided to head over to the stage area, tucked behind the Ghost Rider, in an attempt to get decent seats. We found a table big enough for everyone - with the exception of Matt and Lana, who insisted they be at the front - and got comfortable.

Addison had been sleeping for about an hour, and I had pulled her from the stroller, cradling her to my chest against my sweatshirt, so I could try and shield her ears some from the music. I stood at the end of the table, swaying her back and forth, Mileena sitting next to where I stood, chatting idly with Laura about the day.

I felt a bump to my elbow, and looked to my right, seeing Justin standing next to me, large beer in his hand.

I nodded toward him. "What's up, man?"

My hand was rubbing circles on Addison's back, my knees bouncing gently.

"Could I borrow you for a minute?"

Looking at him curiously, I tried to gauge his intentions. I had kept a good enough distance from Leena for the day, in an attempt to not stir any drama.

"Uh, one sec." I turned, motioning with my chin for Folio to come over. "Can you take her for a minute?"

He just peeled her off of me, repositioning her on his chest. This caught Mileena's attention, who had a concerned look on her face as I began following Justin to where he stood a few feet away. I flashed her a small smile for reassurance.

The opening riffs to Skillet's first song caught my attention for a split second before I turned my attention back to Justin.

"What's going on?"

He took a long pull from his beer, and I noted that it wasn't the first he had that night. "I just wanted to chat with you. Hadn't had much chance to talk today." He snorted then. "Or...ever, really."

I laughed, putting my hands in my sweater pocket. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

"Congrats on finishing the album, man."

I nodded. "Thank you, I appreciate that."

We both looked over to the stage, taking a second to listen to the song. Comatose. A good one.

"So, can I ask you something? Man to man?"

I turned back to look at him, shrugging. "Go for it."

"Are you fucking Mileena?"

This caught me wildly off guard, making me lean back on my heels, eyes blown wide.

"Excuse me?"

"Cause you two seem a little more comfortable than typical exes."

My mouth was hanging open, my brain scrambled. "Dude..."

"If you are, I guess it's whatever. We never made anything exclusive." His words didn't match his tone at all, which told me if I didn't give the right answer, he would probably put a fist straight into my mouth.

As tempting as that was...

"No, man, we're not sleeping together." I waved a hand in between us, shaking my head. "We're not like that."

"Anymore." He added on.

"Well," I glanced back at Leena, who was watching the concert from her seat. "clearly. We do have a kid together."

He smiled at me then, his eyes darkening. The look made my stomach turn.

"She's great in bed, isn't she?"

My blood turned to ice, and my spine involuntarily straightened. I may be moving on, but I'm still a human being. I can only tolerate so much, and he was testing my fucking limit.

Before I could respond, he decided to continue. "I can't imagine how you ever let go of that, brother. She's fucking wild."

I ground my teeth together, jaw clicking in the process. My hands were balled into fists at my side.

"Let's not." Was all I could get out.

He scoffed. "Oh come on, it's not like we haven't both been there."

The eyes staring back at me were malicious. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. A hot, angry fire lit in my chest, screaming at me to rip this jackass' tongue straight out of his mouth, but I didn't. Instead, I returned his smile with my own, venomous and rage-induced.

"I mean, I guess you have a point." He raised his eyebrows, clearly not expecting my response. "There is a small difference, though."

He took another chug from his cup, wiping his mouth. "What's that?"

I licked my lips, glancing around to ensure no one was around.

"You get to fuck her, right?" He just nodded in response. "She begged me to fuck her."

I watched his smile fall, his eyes squinting and chest puffing out. "Oh yeah?"

I let my shoulders roll back easily. "Yeah. So," I leaned in, making sure he could hear me clearly. "that girl over there, regardless of if she's riding your cock, or any other douchebag's, belongs to me."

I could see his jaw tighten. I turned my body to walk away, leaving him with one last comment.

"And I'll just warn you now," I looked him up and down. "you're just temporary. May want to wrap your head around that."

With that, I walked away. It wasn't my proudest moment, I'll admit, but I didn't care. I held my head high as I walked back to the table, and took my daughter from Folio, bobbing to the music while she slept soundly in my arms.

Mileena and Justin had disappeared shortly after our talk, which didn't surprise me. I didn't see them through the rest of Skillet's set, and Lifehouse was due to come out after the intermission. I had handed Addie to Laura, taking a few minutes to run to the restrooms and grab a pretzel. I waited in line at the snack stand, scrolling through the photos I had taken on my phone that day, when I felt a hard slap come across my left shoulder.

I looked over, seeing a tearful Leena, face red with anger. "What the fuck did you say to him?!"

My eyes panned around, seeing all of the eyes staring at us.

"C'mon." I grabbed her arm, pulling her away from the line, but as soon as we were alone, she squirmed out of my grip.

"Seriously, Noah! What did you say?! He fucking left!"

I rolled my eyes at that. "I didn't say anything he didn't need to hear."

She deadpanned at me. "Which was what?"

Sighing, I adjusted my hat, turning it backwards on my head. "The guy's a dick, Leena. He wanted to talk about how you are in bed with me."

Her eyebrows shot up. "What?"

"I just made it clear that wasn't a good idea."

She narrowed her eyes. "He told me you said we were still sleeping together."

I shook my head. "Nope. I actually told him that we weren't."

"Noah, what did you say?"

After several attempts of trying to give her the cliffnotes version, she finally snapped and demanded to know what I said, verbatim.

Once I told her, I thought the big vein in her neck was going to explode all over both of us.

"What the fuck, Noah?!"

I kept my voice even. "I love how you're only mad at me, when he wanted to antagonize me, while also being halfway drunk." I threw my hands up. "On a day that's about my band, to begin with." I smirked, annoyed, and put my hands in my pockets. "Guy's got some fucking balls, I'll give him that."

Leena shook her head. "I am mad at him. But I'm more mad at you."

My face held an amused, bewildered look. "Make it make sense?"

She rolled her eyes. "Noah, you were the one who reasoned that he had a right to be uncomfortable."

"Oh, well let me be clear - I hereby retract that statement. Guy's a douche." I nodded at her to emphasize each word.

She groaned, and rubbed a hand over her face.

"The fuck am I going to do?"

I snorted. "That's on you, dude." She glared at me. "But my two cents? Break it off. He's an ass." And with that, I walked away from her, leaving her to stare after me with an exasperated look on her face.

Lifehouse finished, but my mood was dead. I had no interest in staying for Daughtry. I was so beyond annoyed by this entire situation, that I elected to leave early.

I offered to take Addison, but Mileena assured that she would take her until my regular day. Rather than argue, I just said my goodbyes to everyone, and headed for the entrance of the park.

My irritation grew the further out I got, and was at a full blown rage by the time I reached my truck, my fist landing on the door.

How could she? This muscled-up dirtbag comes in, pisses her off, and then has the audacity to try and talk shop with me, about her, and she's mad at me? Where is the fucking math on that? What did I fucking miss?

I had been so God damn tolerant. So patient. I had taken the mixed fucking signals, the back and forth emotions, the wanting me one second, and treating me like the outlier the next. I had taken it all on the chin. I'd sat there and watched her be in a new relationship, ignoring how painful that is. Moving on before my very eyes.

And all for...what? For going on tour? For leaving her alone? For admitting that I'm a human fucking being and pictured another woman naked? That for a split fucking second, I considered sleeping with her? For which I then beat myself up and felt guilty as fuck afterwards?!

I was done. Done being patient. Done being the bigger person. I got the fucked end of the stick this entire time, and now she's mad at me?

I sped down the highway, no regard for the limit, zooming toward my house so I could be alone. She ruined this day, and I was fucking over it.

It only took me twenty-five minutes before I was pulled up to my gate, noticing a sedan parked on the street outside of it with it's headlights on. This caught my attention, as it was a vehicle I didn't recognize.

I swiped in, and saw the sedan following me through the gate. This had me on guard, my eyes watching my rearview mirror as the car stopped behind my truck. I was too keyed up, willing to fuck up anyone who tried me at this moment.

Jumping out of my struck, I slammed the door behind me and walked toward the vehicle. The driver's door opened, and a small man, slightly hunched over, stepped out. He wore a lanyard around his neck with some form of ID, and held a manila envelope in his hands.

"This is private property." Was all I said before he walked up to me, a kind smile on his face.

"Noah Davis?"

I scrunched my nose. "Who's asking?"

He looked down at his papers and back up to me. "My name is Leonard James. Are you Noah Davis?"

I crossed my arms. "Sebastian."

He adjusted his glasses. "Oh, I apologize sir. I see that here. Noah Sebastian Davis?"

I rolled my eyes. "My government name, sure. Who are you?"

He handed me the envelope, still smiling at me.

"You've been served."

[saintsir4n]

A DARK TWISTED FANTASY

NATURAL ORDER

PAIRINGS: (adrienne is mentioned, however it’s mainly klaus being a possessive partner)

WARNINGS: possessive klaus, mentions of violence and alcohol use… it’s the 1910s come on.

Saturday, March 18th, 1918

Huffing loudly, Klaus drew in more attention, however, his eyes remained burning into the heads of the tourists that whistled loudly as Adrienne's hips swayed to the melodic beat Emerson was playing, along with Easton's assistance.

Trumpets and trombones blew throughout the room, enchanting more guests to rise to form their seats and dance with whoever they could find.

Mira and Kali giggled as their heels tapped against the ground, Melinda twirled and mimicked the teen queens movements, before the other two joined in, drawing in more attention as they dazzled the crowds.

"Calm down Nik," Rebekah's voice snapped him out of his murderous thoughts, but her teasing smirk caused him to raise a brow, "I doubt Addy would care if you wanted to join in."

The vampires around the table - apart from Kol - stifled a laugh, meanwhile, the witches didn't bother to contain their giggling, which irritated the hybrid further.

"Yes, Nik" Valerie mocked before he could respond, "Perhaps she would even let you borrow a dress."

His glare hardened as the pressure of his glass cracked under his tighten grip.

"You have the legs for it," Clementine stated, calmly, earning a few laughs, despite being completely serious.

"Thank you, Clementine," Klaus spoke through gritted teeth.

"But his tail would show Clem," Valerie innocently quipped, making Kol cackle as Marcel turned away to hide his growing smile and Elijah hide his face in the crook of his sister's neck.

"You know Valerie," he spat her name with venom, "your head would sit perfectly on a spike."

His threat made the majority cringe, however, Valerie was never one to back down from a battle.

She mockingly nodded, leaning on his palm as she replied, "And your fur would be amazing a coat,"

The laughter only encouraged Klaus to leap across the table, but before he could Elijah tugged his brother back, "Enough!"

a/n:

Teasers for the new chapter coming on Wattpad on Friday. Trust me you guys will need tissues because it’s gonna be an emotional rollercoaster.

[thecandywrites]

Monster March 2023 Day 9- Centuar

If The Shoe Fits- Part 2

Lets get complicated.

Thanks to @borealwrites for their Monster March 2023 promptlist.

Part 2

Friendly Neighbors. 

The next day, Lucas could hear his boys coming down the road and only laugh as he could guess what they were about to announce. 

“Dad!” Both boys said when they burst into the house. 

“Yeah?” He asked. 

“The girls were in school!” They both said. 

“And their brother?” Lucas laughed. 

“Oh, yeah, he was there too.” Nick waived off dismissively because just about every girl in their class and their grade had a crush on Avery. 

“And?” Lucas asked. 

“And we were invited to their house to play and like, every guy tried to date them but they refused all the offers as they simply wanted to settle into their new house. And guess what house they have? The big one! The mansion! They must be super rich to afford to build it.” Nick announced. 

“Well first off, any money that they do or don’t have is none of our business. Second off. Good for them to have enough of it to build the house to begin with. Third off, if you’re really interested in them, don’t be among those who flood those girls with romantic interest. If anything, just try to be just friendly. You’ll get a lot farther with just being those girls’ friends.” Lucas encouraged. 

“But I want Adelide to be my girlfriend!” Aiden whined. 

“Try being her friend first. Ok?” Lucas urged them before his cell phone chimed. 

‘Hi Lucas, this is Maddison Allbright, I invited your boys over to play on the playground equipment. They’re more than welcome to come anytime- as long as you’re ok with them coming over too. And when you would have a free night, I would love to have your family over for dinner or something.’ Maddison texted as Lucas smiled giddily as he stirred dinner on the stove. 

‘They just told me about the invitation. That sounds great, just say when and where and we’ll be there Addie.’ Lucas texted back. 

‘How about this Sunday night? At 6. I think you know the address.’ She texted. 

‘I do. We’ll be there. Can’t wait.’ Lucas smiled excitedly as his tail whooshed behind him happily. 

‘Us either, do you have any dietary restrictions?’ Maddison texted thoughtfully. 

‘Nope, we’ll eat just about anything. Is there anything you can bring?’ He asked. 

‘How about dessert? We don’t have any dietary restrictions either so whatever you’d like.’ Maddison offered. 

‘Apple pie it is.’ Lucas offered. 

‘Perfect.’ Maddison responded. 

Everyday after that though, his boys seemed to come home with new “news” about Maddison’s kids. How all of them were in gymnastics and martial arts. How their dad died right as the house was getting demolished. But they decided to rebuild the house anyway. And how all of their friends and family came together to help, especially with Maddison learning she was pregnant at about the same time. And how she nearly lost the baby to grief, but she, by a miracle, managed to keep it, since it was another baby boy. Who Maddison was going to name after their late father- Adrian. And how she was only 4 months away from delivering him. But that it was their father’s life insurance policy that helped build such a big and nice house in the first place and that they would own it outright. Maddison’s parents were moving into one of the other nearby houses that was also getting fixed up. But that they actually didn’t “come from money”. Which Lucas could have told them that. He recalled Maddison’s father being in construction. But he wondered if perhaps Maddison married into a little bit of it anyway. But otherwise, they were middle class just like everyone else. Which made the boys and Lucas feel less intimidated by the place and that it had a gate and a fence to keep their many pets in the yard. 

Lucas must have made a dozen apple pies, trying to make the perfect apple pie just for the dinner. The crust had to be perfectly flaky, the apples needed to be perfectly sliced and seasoned. And it had to be pretty, because Maddison and her family deserved to eat not just a great pie, but a great tasting one too. 

He had to keep his boys from actually running over there. Because it wasn’t a long walk. Only a few minutes as he carefully had the pie in a carry case. The boys practically trotted in place, trying to get there faster, always sneaking peeks at the house in question through the other trees around the area. 

But then they got to the gate and as much as Lucas felt like he knew what this place was and should be, somehow with the new fence and gate- it was somehow brand new before he pressed the call button on the keypad. 

“Come on in guys.” Came Maddison’s answer, because there was a camera set up at the keypad before the gates opened themselves to let them in and then close once they were fully inside. 

Now that this driveway was properly paved, he noticed that there were shrubs on either side of the driveway, making it, if anything idealistic and even more beautiful and now that they were in the fence, it was as if this place was put here right out of a better homes and gardens magazine. He was impressed when the doors were big and wide enough to let him in when Maddison opened the door. He was blown away with how accommodating the house was. It simply showed she kept every kind of person’s in mind when she built it. 

“Well come on in. Make yourselves at home.” Maddison invited before the other kids came downstairs, the girls with their hair all pretty from going to their temple of choice and one look at his boys and he felt resigned because those boys were about already chest deep into this puppy love they had both fallen into all week. 

And to his delight, her dining table had a special remote that would raise itself along with all the chairs to adjust to the height of the table so that they could all be around the table comfortably especially since the chairs themselves had special attachments to allow for quadrupeds too, which he and his boys really liked and appreciated. 

And sure enough, they had chicken enchiladas and Addie seemed to eat her body weight in mango salsa. It was some of the best chicken enchiladas he and his boys had ever had though. 

And to his utter delight, she had special, homemade marshmallows to go on the pie! He didn’t know such a thing could be done. But she had made like a vanilla, apple, cinnamon and caramel flavored marshmallows that melted over the pie when it was toasted in the oven to reheat it and with a scoop of vanilla ice cream - it had elevated his humble pie into something extraordinary and his boys hoovered the extra marshmallows as if they had never seen or heard of sweets before in their lives. But apparently the whole family had worked together to make them so Maddison and her family were happy they were so well liked. Especially when Alexandria had a gift for cooking. And not just regular cooking, like chef- cooking school kind of cooking. 

“So what kind of horses were you thinking of getting?” Lucas asked. 

“Oh, well, these guys still need lessons too. Have any suggestions?” Maddison asked. 

“Not Blathingtons.” Lucas and his boys all said in unison. 

“Oh? Why not?” Alex asked. 

“Overpriced for what is in all honesty- subpar lessons. They’re competitors. They like to use the fact that they’ve kept champions in their overpriced stables. But of course all the attention and all the money goes into the competitors and the horses they use for lessons just don’t really get the same care or attention. They’ve ruined more horses by pushing them too hard too fast than anything.” Lucas explained. 

“You could always learn to ride on us!” Aiden offered as Maddison’s jaw dropped as Lucas nearly choked on the pie. 

“Isn’t that…demeaning though?” Maddison asked carefully. 

“Nope! We give the other bipeds rides all the time.” Nick offered. 

“Are you sure?” Maddison asked Lucas. 

“Well, because horses have their own “language” so to speak, just beginning lessons on how to put on a saddle and how to sit in one and get used to using the various nonverbal cues is a good groundwork to start with.” Lucas offered. 

“Well then how much would you charge for such lessons?” Maddison asked. 

“They’d be free.” Nick offered. 

“Nick, I know you mean well, but if you’re good at something and providing a service, you should get paid for your time and effort and ability. Just like I could hire you to shovel the snow in my driveway or cut the grass. It’s still work and you should still get paid and compensated for it. I absolutely insist.” She gently countered. 

“Well the besides Blathingtons, the usual rate is a hundred a month for a weekly lessons.” Lucas offered. 

“Now that sounds more than fair.” Maddison nodded her agreement. 

But on Monday, Maddison got the text from her kids that they would riding Nick and Avery home so that they didn’t need to be picked up but were hoping to have snacks when they would get home which Maddison was happy to make and was happy to see Alex and Avery on Nick while Aiden had Adel on him, bareback of course. 

And then once they got to the porch, her kids used the porch’s handrail of the baluster as a step ladder to get down before they all came into the house to gather around the table and do their homework while eating from the trays of snacks while Maddison made dinner for her family and potentially three more guests as she slyly got a picture of the kids all around the table and sent i to Lucas and informed him that his kids were at least doing their homework and not to worry about them, just in case he was expecting for them to be home any time soon. 

‘Just let me know when they’ve outstayed their welcome and I’ll come and get them.’ Lucas offered. 

‘They’re always welcome. I’m just happy the kids are getting along. I think the kids are bonding pretty well over losing a parent and learning to live with the loss of them. I’ve spent a fortune in therapy since my husband’s death and your boys are doing more in just talking about it than their therapist has been. They’ve to a degree “normalized” it and I can tell my kids really appreciate the fact that they’re not alone in that respect. And while I am really sorry for Amber’s loss and the devastation that’s done to you and your family. This is exactly what my kids have needed since they’ve lost their dad. You’ve done a wonderful job raising such good and thoughtful and emotionally mature and sensitive boys. Especially at this age. I know it’s been hard on you and your family. But hopefully my kids will learn from yours how to deal and cope with it better than they have.’ Maddison texted as she wiped away her silent, but grateful tears. 

Lucas’ vision blurred as he looked at his phone and without any hesitation. He turned off his stove, ignored the now clean laundry in the dryer and began to take his favorite “short cut” from his house to hers before he was met with her privacy fence. 

‘Well, any help we can offer, we’ll happily give. Do you mind if I come over and we could talk?’ He texted. 

‘Of course, I’ll open the gate again.’ She texted. 

‘Actually, I just took the shortcut, I just need this back fence door opened.’ He offered before she told him how to open it, since he was tall enough to reach over and down to get the special release to open it and once he did he was met with the same dogs who recognized him and let him through to Maddison who was quickly walking out to greet him. 

“Hey neighbor.” She tried to greet as cheerfully as she could. 

“Come on, get up on that raised garden bed, we’ll take a walk.” Lucas offered. 

“Oh, ok.” Maddison offered before she shot a quick text to her kids to let her know that her and Lucas were going to take a walk and talk parent to parent. While Lucas did the same, but emphasized the importance of being good and proper gentlemen as well as good guests in Addie’s house before he squatted down to help Maddison get on his own back easier before she wriggled to get comfortable as she had to press her pregnant belly right into his back so her legs could get into the natural narrowing behind the horse lung part of his body behind his forelegs before Adrian really started to kick at Lucas’ back. 

“Good grief, is he always like that?” Lucas asked once he stood to his full height and began to walk back to the fence get out of the yard and into the orchard to look it over. 

“Not always.” Maddison answered. 

“You should have eaten or do I need to get you back to the house to get that salsa for you?” Lucas asked. 

“No, I’m already full. It’s not the salsa…” Maddison shook her head no as she used her hold around the belt he wore that kept his shirt around his upper humanoid half. 

“Just feel like doing his gymnastics?” Lucas asked before Adrian kicked even more at his back the more he spoke. 

“Something like that.” Maddison said with a measured breath. 

“Feels like he’s bruising your ribs with those kicks.” Lucas noted. 

“He’s trying.” Maddison admitted. 

“You’ve must have had one hell of a rough time this past year.” Lucas murmured. 

“You have no idea. One minute everything is wonderful. The next moment, the floor dropped and then back to back, catastrophe after castastrophe happened.” Maddison divulged as her tears returned before Adrian seemed to stop kicking so much. 

“What happened?” Lucas asked. 

“Adrian was in an accident at work. It was a malfunction of the silicon crystal grower he was updating. That thing was known to be wonky but it grew some of the best crystals, so they put up with the wonkyness to get the crystals to use the sicon wafers that the crystals would be machined into- into computer chips. It was a catastrophic failure that killed him and everyone else on the shop floor instantly. The damn thing practically went nuclear without the toxic fall out. So I literally kissed him goodbye that morning and by lunch I get a call from his boss telling me that there had been a horrible accident. There wasn’t much left of him except for charred remains. So of course, I had no choice but to cremate what was left of him. Which he didn’t want, we wanted to buried together. But because of the nature of the accident, I couldn’t do that. I just couldn’t bury him like that.” Maddison began to weep using the flannel of his shirt and his back to cry into. 

“And then just last month, my husband’s great uncle died. And because of everything that went down with Adrian. And with Adrian being his favorite great nephew and executer of his estate, that meant that I had to be the executer of Uncle George’s estate, because Uncle George was so sympathetic that I lost Adrian and I even had moved Uncle George in to live with us at our old house as his health declined rapidly. And being the executer of that estate is so much more work than I thought it would be. And between all of that and work, and moving in, I’m just plain overwhelmed. And my kids are overwhelmed with grief too. And I thought moving into this place would help us get a fresh new start and all it’s done is give us fresh new problems.” Maddison confided. 

“I don’t know what I was thinking, buying a farm. I don’t know anything about it. I remember picking the fruit as a kid, but I don’t know about how to care for any of it. I just try to hire the best “experts” I can and I just feel like I just keep getting fleeced with each new one. Because they all of their own things that they all swear by while also dogging everyone else and everything else in the market and I’m so confused, I don’t know what way is up.” Maddison admitted as she turned her head to reach out to touch the still growing and ripening apple. 

“Well, then it’s a good thing that you have a neighbor who does know this stuff and can help. Don’t you dare try to pay me for my help either. We were always friends Addie, let’s keep it that way. I’ll help you manage this farm and do what’s best for you and it. I manage my own pretty good and I have a fruit stand and a ‘u-pick’ when it’s the right seasons for it. There’s ways to use it and manage and have it work for you too and help add some cushioning to any tight budget.” He offered. 

“Thank you Lucas, please don’t think I was…’ Maddison tried to say. 

“Hey, stop, don’t apologize. I sincerely doubt you’re the kind of person who offers a sob story to get what they want for free. You’re the opposite of it actually.” He offered. 

“Thanks, I try to be. I feel like I owe your boys for giving mine a ride home from school, like gas money, or something.” Maddison admitted. 

“Nope, don’t you dare. My boys are happy to get new friends. And we all are happy to help however we can. When we lost Amber, our whole neighborhood and our friends and family came together to help us and I got crash courses on how to do laundry and dishes. And the boys have learned how to do those things too in addition to cooking and general chores and housework. Yours will too. If anything, by coming out here, they’ll get a healthy respect to what it means to be self sufficient, and how to take pride in what you do and how to grow your own food and while we do use a rancher to get our meat, like beef and pork and things, learning how to live off the land and how to care for it properly are lessons that just aren’t really getting taught in school anymore but are now, with the economy being what it is, are becoming more and more important to learn. I know I felt like I was a wreck and it took me a good long while to learn how to pick up the pieces and be everything to my boys that they needed me to be. And you’ll learn the same things for your kids too. And especially with that little one on the way. Your hands are already so full. So if you’ll just let me, let me help you with this stuff at least ok?” Lucas brokered before he felt that baby in her belly start kicking up again before he reached back and put his hand on it and gave the little one a gentle push. 

“Hey, knock it off, your mom’s been through enough, she doesn’t need you beating her from the inside out on top of it.” He directed towards her belly before the baby practically pushed it’s head and shoulder into his hand. 

“If anything I think he likes the sound of your voice.” Maddison offered. 

“Well then should I shut up so you get a break?” Lucas asked. 

“No, if anything, while it excites him, it soothes me. It’s nice to talk to another adult who’s in the same boat you know?” She offered. 

“I know exactly what you mean.” Grinned as he was happy to simply turn and keep one hand on her belly to keep Adrian calm while using the other to look over the trees while Maddison leaned back a bit to give him room. 

“So how do they look? The trees?” She asked as she found her composure. 

“They’re looking really good. The stink bugs have gotten to a few of them. But that’s not unusual considering. Next year, we’ll get proper repellants and treatments to keep the apples in good condition. And the peaches are gonna do really good this year. And obviously, your blueberries did great. The plums will be small but still good. The apricots I think might be a bit sour, but if you dry them, they’ll sweeten up no problem.” He honestly appraised. 

“And everything else?” She asked before he turned back around and for once was happy that Adrian wasn’t kicking the snot out of his mom as he did so. 

“Everything else is looking really good. Granted you used Miracle Grow for your soil so of course, everything you planted will do really well this year. Next year we’ll have to rotate some things cause while miracle grow is great for a season, it can get bled out pretty quick. I’ll get a compost pile set up for you and next year we can tackle making your own dirt for your container plants especially. And of course keeping chickens, their manure is hot, meaning it’s really high in nitrogen, you put that in with your compost heap with charcoal from wood burning, and the carbon in the charcoal and nitrogen combine really well and it’ll grow the best tomatoes ever. And then of course, the blueberries need acidic soil, so the secret there is….” He began as he walked around the orchard and then her vineyard and then into her fence to look at her garden better and simply smiled to feel Maddison lean on his back with her arms wrapped around his waist and simply smile contentedly to hear him talk on and on as it seemed little Adrian seemed to settle down and settle in too.

Then all this talking about food, got Lucas’ stomach to start to growl. 

“Sorry, I should get the kids and head on home.” Lucas said as he then walked her back to her house. 

“Nonsense. I made dinner for all of us. It should be done cooking by now, come on in and let’s have another family meal together. I have a feeling we’ll be having a lot more of those from here on out.” Maddison insisted. 

“But I’m gonna have you lay down so I can get off of you.” Maddison invited. 

“Yup.” He readily agreed before he did just that in her yard before she slipped off only to lay on her back in the grass and begin to laugh, because she couldn’t her legs to close again. 

“Are you ok?” He asked as he moved over, still on his knees to look at her. 

“I can’t close my legs! This is how I got into this.” Maddison cackled as she put her hands to her belly as she was crying she was laughing so hard. 

“Oh.” Lucas chuckled as his cheeks flushed and he had to fight to keep his cock up in his sheath and not immediately lower. 

“Here.” He offered before he gently grabbed her knees to help them close 

“Better?” He asked. 

“Yes, thanks, now to get up.” She said as she rolled over and managed to get up on all fours only to start to laugh again. 

“Shit, I can’t get up either. This was how I got Adel.” She couldn’t stop from laughing just as the kids seemed to notice and come out just as she reached out for Lucas’ hand to help her at least sit up on her lower legs as Lucas couldn’t help but chuckle with her as he rubbed at the back of his neck as he couldn’t help but stare rather hungrily at her ass and how much he’d like to mount her if it wouldn’t practically split her in half or hurt her baby if he tried. 

“Shit, it’s been a while since I rode anything as big as you. Forgot what it felt like for a hot minute.” She admitted once she was able to finally get up to her knees just as the kids came over. 

“Are you ok?” Avery asked his mom worriedly. 

“Oh yeah, I’m fine. I just haven’t ridden in a while. I’m fine. Help me up and we can finish making dinner.” Maddison urged them before her kids helped her to her feet before Lucas finally found his own and came into the house to at least help make something of a salad and some sauteed veggies for dinner. 

And at least at dinner, Lucas could still reach over under the table to keep his hand on Maddison’s belly to keep Adrian from kicking her so badly she couldn’t eat or keep her food down. 

[lgwifey]

Hello lovely 💕 Could I get harry potter match?

So I'm female, bisexual, 172 cm/5'8, honey/dirty blond hair with white highlights on the front. My eyes are my fav part of my body, they're light blue that sometimes fall into grey but they have dark blue rims and I think it's beautiful.

Infp and ravenclaw. At first I'm rather quiet, I tend to keep my thoughts to myself, but I'm when I'm comfortable with someone I joke and laugh a lot (especially when dark humor or dirty jokes are involved). Like, with strangers I'm kind and respectful, and with my friends... the best description is wild. I'm also sensitive to nature's beauty, there's nothing more breathtaking than night sky and sunsets. When I want to be alone with my thoughts (what happens often) I love wandering through the forests.

Oh and I love wearing black and I also love piercings (ears and nose). Some would say my personality doesn't match my style in any way but it really does.

Big animal lover, especially horses and cats. I have three horseys, a cat, a doggo and two rats but my heart's biggest desire is a dragon (that's why how to train your dragon and game of thrones are my fav series). I also love fantasy books, I spend a lot of time reading but also writing, I even own an account here on Tumblr and write my fanfics. When it comes to sports then I'm an equestrian since about 11 years and few months ago I started learning sword fighting.

I'm studying to be an archeologist but deep down in my heart I feel like I'm going to end up as a tattoo artist or show my middle finger to the world and start a new life somewhere far from people on a ranch with a lot of horses and other animals.

Thank you so much, love. 🥰❤️

Hiyyya, I am so so so sorry it’s took me so long to get around to this like I took a break from match ups but now im feeling spontaneous so yay ig :)

Also I apologise for this probably being awful writing, I haven’t done anything in a hot second xx

Im definitely getting like Charlie Weasley vibes, at least in your personality. Like I can total see youse as a cute couple who are basically the same person in different bodies if you know what I mean.

So you become friends whilst in your sixth or seventh year, but he’s been admiring(?) you since like second year, Tonks 100% calling him a stalker every chance possible and him defending himself with his life.

By chance you end up bumping into him again after Hogwarts since you work with his older brother in Egypt (smart architecture stuff). He’s visiting Bill with the rest of the Weasley’s and Molly’s pestering him to go and say hi to you because you’re ‘such a beautiful young lady’ or something along those lines and eventually, with the twins literally dragging him over, he manages to stutter out a hi.

Somehow you manage to start dating (I haven’t thought everything out but feel free to fill in the blanks if you want) and you move over to Romania to help work with the dragons, you’re in a different department to him since you’re working on the architecture side of something, but he appears every break possible and is always there before you leave unless he’s at home cooking dinner for you.

It defiantly took him by shock when you got comfortable enough to start muttering dark or dirty jokes under your breath whenever you thought of something and it took you by surprise when he responded to it casually with something worse. If Molly could hear she would probably have a heart attack.

98% sure Charlie would let you practise tattooing him, but you had to make sure they where covered up whenever his family visited so, once again, Molly wouldn’t have a heart attack.

On the topic, he would be the worst person around when you need someone to convince you out of getting a pericing or tattoo, like there is no way he would have any voice of reason moment being like “maybe you shouldn’t get that done with the healing time clashing with something else” he would just be encouraging it and considering joining you.

Random addition which idk how to extend on : sitting out watching the sunset with a bunch of baby dragons <3

[emmychee]

Always on your side - Aether/own characters indulgent fic

Autistic!Reader + Captain Frank (PLATONIC)

2,352 words

Warning: mentions of ableism and self-harm

(This is personal since I wrote it during some sad moments)

**

The world hasn’t been kind back to you, no matter how you try, as an autistic. It’s not always sunshine and rainbows than what you believed from the mouths of the “grown-ups”. What would it be that if there are too much jaded sides everywhere for someone like yourself? Masking couldn’t even help no matter how much you do it, for it hurts more than it helps. The neurotypicals, or allistics you call them, yet there are even other autistics who are not as different. There are those who are supportive, those who may not understand and may only give you cold comfort, and those who are condescending at best, plain malevolent at worst.

As much as you show genuine sympathy to the first two, the third is what shuts you down. What makes you want to snap. What makes you silently broken.

They would think you’re faking it. They would think you’re just aiming for unwarranted attention. They would think you’re not autistic at all. “You don’t look autistic”, “Stop flapping your hands. It annoys me”, “You look stupid acting like that”, “Autistics don’t make eye contact”, “Autistics aren’t capable to love”, “Why aren’t you acting normal?”. Those are few of the words you tend to hear, and even when not directed at you it still hurts. Why shouldn’t it when your heart is full?

Yeah. The world hasn’t been kind. And to be a human being, an autistic human being in fact, to be part of the basics of society, you must play the game.

However, it could have been a lot worse if it wasn’t for those four, in their own world, which you escape to. In fact, they share their world with you, making it yours as well.

Those four who are your best friends. They may have it together more than you, but they know. They know the bumps you get in the society you’re stuck in. Sam always ensures you have enough space when restless and allows to give his shoulder to cry on. Mal shares her baked goods with you while countering any words Addie would blurt out as her own way to encourage your sense of justice.

They have their heart on sleeves just like you do. But if anything, if they are not available, you know he is always close by. Captain Frank, or just Frank for his preference. Sure, he is naïve and not the bravest to match Addie’s everlasting gung-ho attitude, but you cannot deny the fact that the tall beanpole has a heart of gold just like the others. You know his wisdom if not full in his head is always full inside his chest.

As a great cook, he’d always prepare your favourite meals even without asking. Nothing beats a good meal, be it a pasta marinara or a slice of lemon cake, he makes it out of the love he always keeps.

He loves making you laugh, especially when you listen to his grumbles about parrots, which is funny on why he cannot stand them, be it their backtalk or their beaks nipping his ears. At least he makes you laugh despite his pet peeves. He likes to make you smile, for it makes him happy too.

“If anything bothers you, Y/N, always come and let us know, alright?”

“I will. Thanks, Frank.”

Yeah. He’s your favourite softy.

*

Today. Today has been awful. Crappy in fact.

Another slur has cut deep into your good spirits now soured to dread and resent. Someone made gossip about your autism. Words you know but do not wish to hear again, “faking it”, and their so-called ire whenever you flap your hands or make little hums, your stimming is what you call it, what makes you feel grounded. It doesn’t harm you or even bother you, so why does it seem to bother them? You would have masked to be just like them, but what’s the point when you are already caught red-handed?

“Why can’t you just be normal?” Those words again. Normal is a word you cannot comprehend, despite it being something that the neurotypicals, even some autistics embrace.

You want to fight back, you know where you stand in your beliefs, but today you couldn’t. You let them go on with their words.

“Don’t be so stupid if you want to act normal or even capable. Don’t be so childish.”

You have left that place before it could get any uglier. But the vicious thoughts creep into you. What could you do? Bash your head against the bathroom door, or slap with your hands to get them out. You scratch your arms with your own fingernails, luckily you don’t draw blood, but it’s what you do to “ease” this hate.

Easing the hate with harm. You know you would be better than this, but what else can you do?

You return to your escape. You leave this world of yours behind. You want comfort. That is the next and better cause of action.

The first person to greet you is of course Mal, presenting her pecan cakes, her favourite things to make, on a plate. “Hello, Y/N!” She greets you with a sweet smile. “How are you today?”

What can you respond? Just a fake smile and a nod.

But Mal quickly notices this before you could walk further. She notices the dark pink lines across your arms. “What’s the matter? Have you self-harmed again?”

Hot tears start to escape from your eyes. You don’t lie so you reply with a nod. Mal could only shake her head and put the plate of pecan cakes on the table. Taking your hand, she gently leads you further into the room. You sit yourself down on a comfy chair as Mal gives you a glass of water to drink.

Soon, Sam and Addie come inside after their visit at the subterranean music club known as The Root. They greet you only to stop and notice your shaken form.

“Ey, Y/N! What’s with the sad face?” asks Addie.

You are going to say something to her, but you jump from another opening of the door.

“I’m back!” That cheery voice.

Behind you is him. Taking off his hat, Frank comes inside with his trademark big grin while waving a hand. Upon noticing you, that grin fades and his hand lowers.

“Y/N?” He approaches, staggering slightly over his pegleg and places a hand on your back. “Is everything alright?”

You stumble on your words, which doesn’t make any sense to you. You reach for your glass and take a sip of water.

“Lemme guess,” Addie narrows her eyes, “it’s those bozos again, huh?”

Upon hearing that question, you say nothing but stand up from your seat, hugging your chest and pace to one side of the room. You cannot dare to look back at your friends, not in this state you’re in. “They think I’m not normal.” You mutter, your voice thick with your repressed tears. “They called me stupid. They even called me childish.”

Your friends fall silent.

“Again?” asks Sam, sounding aghast. “Why would they say such things?”

“Some people, especially neurotypicals I call them, are like that. Not all mind you, but a number big for me to count. They think that I’m not a developed human being, not orderly, not grounded, not capable of the big world. I bet they believe I cannot thrive in places that I could if I tried hard enough.”

“Geeze!” grouses Addie. “You’d think they’d be better. What is with those people who think just being different is like scary to them?” She punches her hand. “I wish I could go over there and give them a what for!”

“That wouldn’t fare well, if I were you, Addie.” warns Mal.

“What? It’s just a suggestion.”

“Not a brilliant suggestion.”

You want to laugh at their countering banter, but you couldn’t. “As much I embrace being autistic, I must be honest, sometimes having it sucks! It’s like I cannot be myself because of the struggles I cope with, be it those who have the guts to be a bully, or it’s on me hurting myself. I don’t self-harm a lot, it’s just today that has been too much for me. I hate it. I really hate it!”

You feel your chest tighten as your voice rises in pitch. “Maybe I should stop doing things like flapping my hands, or hum tunes to myself, or have comfort items cause they’re all childish!”

You cannot take it anymore and throw your hand against the wall with as much force possible. The impact only made you wince in pain. You can hear your friends gasp horror, and your shaken body leans for the wall with one arm pressed against your head. You sob. Loud sniffles from your nose as tears plop to the floor beside your feet. You turn back at them and see their faces winced with concern.

“Maybe they’re right. Maybe I should be normal.”

There is a silence after you’ve muttered those words, as you wipe your face. Maybe it’s better that way for them not to say anything. It’s hard for them as it is hard for you.

Then he speaks. “Come over ‘ere, Y/N.” Frank’s gentle whisper trails towards your ear.

You approach him, seeing his hand reach out. Your hand touches his, and he gently lowers onto one knee with some struggle from his pegleg. He grumbles, and you try to hold back a little laugh as he finally gets settled to your level, staring back at you with his brown eyes soft with kindness.

“You don’t need to be “normal” for their sake. That won’t work at all. It’ll make you lose who you really are. What do they think counts as “normal” anyway? What they’re saying is just their loss, and not a human thing to say such cruel words. They’re just mean!”

You try to stifle another laugh by how he says “mean” in such a childlike tone. He runs a soothing hand over your arm, the rashes sting but they are mild.

“Listen to me, Y/N, if you wanna stim go and stim to your own content. We like it, I like it because you’re happy and relaxed when you do your little stimming. It’s what makes you, you. You build yourself up no matter what the struggles are. When you told us you’re autistic, we didn’t pity you even if surprised at first. We built our understanding for you, so we have your back when the bumps get the best of you. You’re our special friend, and don’t even think you’re not loved, cause you are. Do you know who loves you?”

“You.”

“Yep, all of us. And do you know who loves us?”

“Me?”

“Of course, silly!” His chuckle melts your chest slightly. “That’s why we’re your friends when there’s no one else around. So, don’t believe that you’re not capable of anything or that you’re on your own. You’re the most capable person we know, and it’s okay to feel this way when something bothers you. We’re proud of you and we won’t have you any other way.”

Frank gives you one of his best grins and spreads out his arms.

You choke, wracked with sobs. You sink to your knees and land into his chest, snuggling your face into his clothes. Your tears land into his two-tone orange cardigan, but he doesn’t mind if you leave stains. He tightens his arms around you, letting you release your crying without a word, and rubbing comforting circles across your back. You fight back the nagging thoughts saying that you don’t deserve this, because you know you do deserve it. His hugs are always gentle for such a tall friend like him.

After a while Frank loosens his grip to gaze back at you. He kisses your forehead softly and brushes away your fringe damp from your tears. “We’re always on your side, sweetie, remember that alright?”

“Okay.”

“He’s right.” Sam walks and places his right hand over your shoulder. Despite it being metallic his touch is gentle. “Don’t get them harsh your mellow or sour your sweetness.”

“Yeah, Y/N!” agrees Addie. “Those jerks who think otherwise can just bog off!”

Mal laughs. “I would choose better words, but Addie’s right. They’re not worth your needs. We’ve got your back.”

Those words are comforting. You wipe away the tears, finally giving them and yourself a smile on your face. Each one comes over to give you a little stroke on the head, one of your favourite gestures from them. Their presence here is what you needed after all.

A few minutes go by, and Sam suggests that he, Mal, and Addie head into the kitchen, possibly to prepare you a meal in Frank’s stead, as he keeps you company. You both retreat to the sofa, and Frank allows you to sit on his lap. He helps you take off your shoes as you lift your legs on top of the sofa. You settle down, making yourself comfortable beside Frank as he holds you close.

Listening to the other’s chatter now diminished, you feel completely relaxed at last after such a long day since the incident. You know things like that may happen again, especially when today sucked but it has ended in a better note.

“Hey, Frank?”

“Yeah, Y/N?”

Your smile widens a little bit, as you press your cheek into Frank’s chest with one arm around his waist and the other on his shoulder. “You do make the warmest hugs.”

Frank chuckles, tightening his arms around you. You love that sound, it makes you want to laugh with him, but you’re already tired from the heavy sobs, and you just release a content hum with your eyes fluttering to close. He nuzzles his head against yours while cradling you in the safety of his arms.

Today had been awful but at least you've returned to solace with friends.

[nethercomfies]

🌼Museum Dates with Albedo🌼

Character: Albedo

Content: Fluff!!!, gn!reader, pre-relationship, you’re both still a bit awkward, some pining

Note: Thanks to Thena, Addy, and Bunny for encouraging this brainrot and giving me even more ideas, I’ve now written a full 1877 words of this <3 This was also a fun way to bring in some Dragonspine lore because it’s one of my favorite pieces of Genshin lore

This turned into a bit of a strange mix of headcanons and fic but... I think (?) I like it

It’s Kaeya who sets you up for this. One day, Albedo off-handedly mentions how he plans on going to the museum’s new exhibition about Sal Vyndagnyr, to which Kaeya, who is fully aware of your mutual crush on each other, notes how he heard you express an interest in going there as well. “Maybe you should go there together,” he casually suggests, poor Albedo instantly feeling the heat rise to his face. It takes a bit of convincing, but eventually, Albedo brings up the courage to ask you if you’d like to accompany him.

“Is that a date?” You ask in an attempt to cover up your own nervosity, praying to the gods that it doesn’t show. While you’re praying for him to agree, you desperately try not to set your hopes too high but end up being positively surprised.

Albedo is a little caught off guard by the question — Technically, it is, but would it make things too awkward to just say that? What if you end up rejecting him? Eventually, he settles for a sheepish “If you want it to be, sure,” fully expecting you to laugh and say no.

You swallow down the lump in your throat, nodding and giving him the tiniest smile. “Sure. It’s a date then.”

Albedo almost can’t believe his own ears.

What follows is a week of you being incredibly nervous, growing more and more excited the closer you get to your date.

Once the day has finally arrived, you spend hours trying to decide on a fitting outfit, cursing yourself out because You never spend that much time thinking about what to wear, so why now? Well, you don’t want to overdo it, but you most definitely want to make a good impression on Albedo, so, clearly, this needs to be perfect.

Once you finally decide on something, you rush to the museum, arriving right on time to find Albedo already waiting for you. He’s sitting on a nearby bench, nervously glancing around in search of you. It puts you a little at ease, seeing that he appears to be just as nervous as you are; and it melts your heart when you catch his attention and his face almost immediately lights up.

He gets up to greet you, not sure if he should go for a hug or not, wringing his hands a little helplessly. Eventually, he settles for just giving you a small wave with a soft “You’re here!” He sounds almost surprised that you really decided to come.

You decide to try and ease his (and your) mind a little by offering him a warm smile. “Yeah! I’ve been looking forward to this all week,” you reply with honesty, and you almost think you can see a faint blush appear on Albedo’s cheeks. Nevertheless, he seems a little more relaxed afterward.

It’s an interesting exhibition, beautifully arranged with old paintings, statues, texts, and various other things found around the old ruins of the place now known as Dragonspine. There are small information boards spread out across the whole museum, meant to teach its visitors more about the ancient civilization that used to live on the icy mountain, but you don’t seem to need any of them as long as Albedo is around. No matter which of the exhibits catches your eye, Albedo seems to have some knowledge to share about it.

You stand in front of a glass cabinet, containing a set of free small golden boxes laid out on a sheet of dark blue satin. They’re quite beautiful, covered in ornaments with different paints. Albedo is right next to you, examining the objects in front of him with his typical focused stare.

“These were found in various places all over Dragonspine,” he eventually begins to explain in a lowered voice, not wanting to disturb the other visitors. “They all have a pattern on their bottom side and apparently, the archeologists finding them were able to open a hidden room in the ruins by completing that pattern. If I remember correctly, they belonged to a priest, a scribe, and the princess of Sal Vyndagnyr, back when-” He suddenly interrupts himself, shooting you a nervous glance as his cheeks turn red. “Sorry, this probably is kind of boring, isn’t it? Please forgive my rambling,” he then says, averting his eyes.

You look over at him, smiling. “No, please… It’s really interesting to me. I’d love to hear more about it, if that’s alright with you,” you assure him, watching in delight as Albedo’s face lights up at your words, eager to share his knowledge.

So, he tells you about the boxes, the people they were linked to, and what is known about these peoples’ accounts of Sal Vyndagnyr’s mysterious demise. He tells you about a fresco that was found in a different hidden room inside the ruins, about an outsider who supposedly tried to help the fallen nation, and about various theories historians have nowadays regarding what happened back then.

All the while you listen closely, only nodding occasionally to signal that you’re still listening. There’s a smile on Albedo’s face, his eyes lit up with excitement over the chance to share this knowledge with someone. It’s quite endearing, seeing him like this, and you secretly hope for more chances to see him that excited.

There really aren’t a lot of people in the museum, but you try to stick close to Albedo — Partially so you can listen to his almost whispered accounts about whichever piece of the exhibition you’re currently looking at, and partially because you just enjoy being close to him.

Albedo doesn’t seem to mind it at all and so over time, you grow a little braver, until eventually, you’re so close that your fingertips brush each other as you lean a little closer to admire the painting in front of you.

Both of you are caught off guard, you abruptly halting in your movement and Albedo trailing off, completely forgetting what he had been telling you about just now. It’s almost like time freezes for a moment, and for that split second of contact, it’s just the two of you and nobody else in the room.

Part of you wants to retract your hand and apologize, but the longer you look at Albedo, the more it seems like he’s… Not really bothered by it. So, you keep your hand where it is, unsure of how to proceed, until Albedo eventually turns his hand just slightly, extending it to you in a silent invitation to hold it.

You take him up on the offer, slipping your hand into his and oh, it’s like they were made to hold each other, perfectly slotting in place. His hands are warm and soft and have a nice, steady grip on yours that makes you wonder why on earth you didn’t do this sooner. It feels natural, like the two of you were always meant to walk hand in hand like this.

These thoughts take up your brain, but you wouldn’t dare to say them out loud, worried that they’d be too cheesy or that Albedo may not feel the same way and would think you’re weird. If only you saw the soft look on his face as he follows you through the museum, you’d know exactly how he feels for you.

The closer you get to the end of the exhibition, the more you’re both stalling, not wanting to say goodbye just yet. You look at paintings just a little longer, and Albedo puts just a little more detail into his tales, but it’s no use — Eventually, you end up at the exit, watching as other visitors walk past you to leave.

“So… Do you have any more anecdotes to tell me?” You ask, hopeful.

Albedo frowns. “I’m afraid not… I’ve told you most of what I know already.” He sighs, causing you to sigh as well in response. You stand in silence for a bit, both of you quietly looking for ways to spend a little more time together.

Eventually, Albedo’s face lights up. “Hey… If you’d like… Maybe I could treat you to some food? There’s a restaurant that opened nearby recently and I’ve been meaning to check it out.” It’s not quite the truth — The restaurant is indeed new, but he went to eat there with Klee already the same day it was opened, so technically he did already check it out… The excuse is good enough tho, a perfect reason to be around you just a bit longer.

You’re more than happy to agree, so you let Albedo lead you to the restaurant, finding a nice, secluded spot for the two of you to sit.

The food is good, but getting to chat with Albedo is even better. You feel like you should be exhausted, having been on your feet all day, around people, with a constant input of new information… But really, you just feel calm and comfortable as you look across the table to find Albedo softly smiling at you, reaching his hand over to you to let you hold it again if you’d like to.

You do, and somehow the feeling is even more intense now that you’re sitting here, looking into his eyes and talking about whatever comes to mind as you feel his thumb brush the back of your hand. Is it possible to be addicted to holding someone’s hand? Because if that’s the case, you might have a problem.

Eventually, the time to say goodbye arrives — Far later than either of you would have expected, the sun having already set a long time ago. Albedo decided to walk you home — Only because it’s dangerous for you to walk through the dark alone, of course — holding your hand the whole time.

When you reach your home, you stop, just standing in the middle of the sidewalk for a while. You’re not quite sure how to say goodbye now, and Albedo isn’t either, judging by the way he suddenly seems to feel shy again. Eventually, you decide to be brave, wrapping your arms around his neck to pull him into a quick hug.

“Thank you, today was lovely… I enjoyed it a lot,” you say, leaving a small, faint kiss on his cheek as you let go of him again. If it wasn’t so dark already, you’d see the red crawling on Albedo’s face as he feels his cheek tingle with the lingering memory of your lips on his skin.

“I did as well,” he says after a bit, offering you a soft smile. “We should do this again sometime if you’d like.”

You gently squeeze his hand one last time. “I’d like that a lot,” you admit and for a few moments, the two of you just look at each other, spellbound.

After you do eventually manage to say goodbye, you enter your apartment, your heart beating heavy as you try to process the whole day. It almost feels like a dream now, far too good to be true, but the entry ticket you still have in your pocket says otherwise. With a small, excited giggle you let yourself sink against the door, burying your face in your hands. You already can’t wait to see Albedo again.

Taglist: @yaeism @thelost-in-time @kaeyasstarlight @reinaphoria @xxsweetdreamzxx @xiaoslxt @xialatvs @the-mourning-stars @evisnotok @orchidishh @zorosbozo

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[armageddon-generation]

Tie-ins that would've made The Power of the Doctor a better finale for 13's whole era:

Karvanista & The Battle of Ranskoor Av Kolos

Swap the space train in the opening for Karvanista, Bel & Vinder's makeshift family, transporting the cargo on behalf of the Coalition of Galaxies from The Battle of Ranskoor Av Kolos. Karvanista recognises when the Cybermasters regenerate.

Bel: Being boarded by Cybermen once was more than enough, thank you very much.

When 13 sends Dan to stop the ship crashing he gets to spar with Karvanista again

Dan: Hello, Muttley my son. It's been a while

Karvanista: Just what I need. Leave, you'll only make everything worse-

Dan: Rubbish, I just need to wave my space wand and-

[the ship accelerates]

Karvanista: Space wand'? Bloody useless! In my day she didn't need that rubbish.

Dan: Eh?

He is still bitter- he doesn't want to be saved by 13 and when she fails to stop the Cybermasters he rips into her.

13: You're working for the Coalition of Galaxies now? Why?

Karvanista: Because two-thirds of the universe got destroyed and then suddenly reappeared after weeks of chaos. They need all the help they can get, and you certainly weren't offering, were you?

Karvanista has a heart-to-heart with Dan after his near-death experience, encouraging him to leave 13 before she leaves him, or before he has some unresolvable trauma. A moment of closure for their relationship.

Afterwards, Yaz asks why Karvanista was so angry. 13 finally opens up to her about her history, some character progression at the end of her era.

13: We used to travel together. When I was Ruth. Remember her?

Yaz: Of course.

13: We were... sort of time spies together. For Division.

Yaz: The people who sent the Weeping Angels after you?

13: And the Judoon after Ruth. But my memory of that time was taken and I don't want it back. I want to focus on now. On our moment. On you. And Dan-

Dan, from the doors:: You don't have to come back for me.

13, closing her eyes. Taking a steadying breath: Oh. OK.

13 REPLACES DAN'S HOUSE because leaving him homeless feels careless and callous.

13: I get it. Life's important. Home's important. Speaking of...

[She produces Dan's miniaturised house on a little metal disc]

13: Just press the button and this should take care of itself. That, or you'll be transported to the moon. Worth a shot though, eh?

Dan: You just had that in your pocket ready to go?

13: I knew you'd ask to go back eventually, Dan. When you did... I didn't want to be holding you hostage.

Replace the being of pure energy with the young Ux from The Battle of Ranskoor Av Kolos, who went on to travel the universe. The Master uses him to construct his cyber-planet like Tim Shaw did. By saving them again 13 comes full circle from her first series.

Once they've discovered the Ux hooked up to the cyber-planet, 13 calls Karvanista & co. Karavanista comes alone. When he crashes he reports in to Mark Addy’s character from Ranskoor, who appears via video screen. He promised the Ux he would keep them safe

Karvanista recognises the TARDIS exterior, and that it's been perverted- it brings back bad memories.

The Master & Nikola Tesla

Ra-Ra-Rasputin is a great moment, but I’d swap the Master taking over the Winter Palace for him taking over Wardencliff, the power station from Nikola Tesla’s Night of Terror, in the weeks before it shut down. The Master took advantage of Tesla’s desperation with an offer to fund him. Then he hypnotises Tesla into helping him build the cages that will force 13 to regenerate.

The Master kills Miss Skeritt

Getting 13’s favourite historical figure to build the thing that kills her is a huge personal blow. The Master rubs in 13’s face that by ‘abandoning’ Tesla and allowing history to happen as it should, she let this happen.

(This would require the missing paintings plotpoint to be cut- instead Ace could be investigating a sudden acceleration in Earth's technology, which she traces back to a now hyper-successful Nikola Tesla in the 1920s)

The Master-Doctor

The traitor Dalek is the last surviving mutant from Revolution of the Daleks, justifying why it wants the ‘original’ Daleks dead

Instead of trapping 13 in a Dalek casing, use one of Chibnall’s best gimmicks- a Dalek mutant that puppeteers her

When the Master becomes the Doctor, insert a scene of him causing a jailbreak, blowing a hole in the side of the Judoon prison 13 was held in in Revolution of the Daleks. An Angel abducts a Judoon through the flickering lights, the P'Ting eats one of the guard's guns.

Master: This is payback for locking me up. [to the escaping prisoners] when you're out there spreading chaos through the uuniverse, tell them the Doctor sent you!

Then, the twin planets he visits are the ones from Can You Hear Me?- Yaz watches helplessly as the Master summons the two evil gods from their universe and encourages them 'play' with the planets. They agree, and then the war begins.

The Master brings the hypnotised Tesla along as a 'companion' to restrain Yaz

Fugitive Doctor Resolution

Karvanista is the one to threaten & shoot the Master. He also comes face-to-face with the Fugitive, his Doctor.

As 13 leaves the mindscape with the Guardians of the Edge, the Fugitive apears and says she's glad she could help save 13 from the same fate that befell her

After 13 has been saved, Karvanista and the Fugitive hologram have a heart-to-heart like 5 & 7 do with Ace & Tegan, giving him closure & resolving his bitterness.

THASMIN KISS immediately after Yaz saves 13, when her guard is down in her post-regeneration haze, overcome with joy. This makes the ending more tragic, but 13 doesn't look cruel like she would for initiating that intimacy when she knows she's dying, opening a door she knows she can't go through

When they meet Graham again, instead of saying 'She's still not explaining anything, then?' he notes how much more open 13 is and is happy for Yaz.

After being freed from the Master's hypnotism, Tesla joins them in the TARDIS and helps 13 rebuild Karvanista's ship.

Thasmin & Demons of the Punjab

THASMIN HUG GODDAMN IT. 13 removes the hologram implant from Yaz, but then gifts it back to her as she leaves- the same projector she had in Survivors of the Flux. She says "This is us, forever. Our moment in time.", calling back to the watch from Demons of the Punjab

It'd also be nice to call back to 13’s speech on her family from The Woman Who Fell to Earth:

Yaz: I'm not sure I can do this without you. You helped me.. helped me learn who I am-

13: And now you know. You don't need me, Yaz. I needed you in the end. Look at everything you did today, on your own. You saved me. Just- carry me with you, if you can. Just do that. What I would've thought and said and done. Make that a part of you. That way... I might be going now, but I'll never be gone from you, eh?

Yaz, huffing through tears: What would the Doctor do?

13: What would you do?

When Dan arrives he is with Diane

The Thijarian Assassins from Demons of the Punjab are seen in the background throughout the episode, like the Ood in the buildup to The End of Time, and they exchange a look of understanding with her as she regenerates

[akanook]

behind the bar

diluc x f!reader (smut)

warnings: cockwarming, (semi?) public sex, impreg/breeding kink, overstimulation, exhibition, diluc being horny, dirty talk, daddy kink/calling someone daddy

smut below cut

you being seated on diluc’s lap behind the bar was a common sight. you were smitten with each other, in those early stages of a relationship where the couple were clingy and touchy. what the public didn’t know was that diluc was currently buried all the way in your cunt, his tip poking your abdomen. you leaned back against his chest, your hand on top of his, encouraging him to keep rubbing your clit as you let out tiny whimpers. “you’re such a slut, y/n. taking me like this when people are still in the bar. so naughty.” diluc’s whisper tickled your ear, making your legs squirm slightly. “now now, baby. sit still, people may be drunk but they’re not all dumb.” the redhead scolds, his other hand stopping your thighs. you let out a breath, hips starting to stutter against his hand. “ah, diluc, m’gonna-“ the way you squeezed and trembled around his cock was delicious, but you couldn’t cum yet. “no you’re not.” he deadpans, larger hand moving away from your clit. you whine, head falling back against his shoulder and nuzzling his neck, trying to shuffle in his lap so you don’t lose your high. “please, please, please, daddy! i’ve been good.” you gasp against his neck. “not until the bars empty.” diluc says sternly, grabbing your hands so you couldn’t stimulate yourself.

“goodnight, diluc!” a large group of adventurers smiled, waving at the two of you. “goodnight.” your boyfriend smiles, watching them leave. once the bar door closed, diluc grabbed your hips, pulling you up. you whimper, trying to seat yourself back down on his cock. “get up, i have to get the rest out the bar.” diluc says gruffly, standing with you and putting you down on shaky knees. you watch him tuck himself in and walk off to shoo the rest of the drunks out, feeling empty. once the last stumbled out, diluc flips the sign to closed and closes the door. “c’mere.” he mumbles, rounding the bar and grabbing your hips. your lips met his, kissing him desperately as he lifts you and places you on the bar. you flip up your skirt for him, and his hands grasps your thighs, admiring your lack of panties. “want me to fuck you properly, baby?” he purrs, kissing you again and unbuckling his belt. you nod, mewling into his mouth. your legs find his hips and pull him closer. “oh, i’m gonna ruin you, kitten.” diluc smiles, his tip finding your hole again. “please.” you wiggle your hips, trying to get at least his tip in.

his tip prodded your rim, slowly starting to push in. you take in a small breath at the feeling, rolling you hips slightly. suddenly, diluc snapped his hips forward, burying himself deep into you. you cry out, clutching his shoulders and whimpering. “feel good, baby?” he teases, starting to thrust into you at a moderate pace. your moans were sweet to him, he wanted more. your back arches into him, and you feel your orgasm coming back. “c-can i cum now, daddy?” you whine loudly, hands slipping under his coat to hold his back. “fine, but i’m not done with you yet.” he nods, fingers finding your clit to edge you on. your legs feel weak, and you keen as your orgasm wracks through your body. “thank you, thank you, thank you-“ you repeat, moaning his name and moving your hands to take off his coat. you roll your hips into him as you come down from your high. “all good, baby?” diluc smiles, kissing up your neck.

your slick smothered his cock nicely, and he hums at the sight. “want a taste?” he smirks, gathering your cum on his fingers and offering them to your mouth. you take his slender fingers into your mouth, suckling your own cum off his digits. “there you go, baby. nice?” he teases, smiling as you nod. pulling his fingers out of your mouth, he quickly dipped his tongue in instead. you whimper, overstimulation setting in as your hips squirm, clenching an unclenching around him, making it harder to pull out. tasting you was amazing to him, his hands gripping your hips to keep you still. pulling away, diluc smiled at how dazed you looked, drawing out all the moans he loved so much. “fuck, baby. you’re making it difficult.” he groans, feeling you flutter around him. you moan loudly, drool slowly forming at the corner of your mouth as your eyes roll back with pleasure. “think you can cum again, baby?” diluc purrs, watching you arch and squirm, your thighs tremble around his waist. your moans slowly get louder as you do as he asks, more cum spilling out your cunt and onto his cock.

the feeling had him cumming as well, filling you with his load. despite having already cum, he kept fucking you. pushing his seed deeper as well as pulling more slick from you. “oh, daddy- too much.” you wail, trying to pull away. diluc tuts, pulling you back to him. “we’re not done yet, baby.” he says, leaning forward to bite hickeys onto your neck. “too much- it’s too much, please- oh!” you cry, tears starting to gather and spill down your cheeks. diluc hums. “you can take it, darling. i want to fill you up as much as i can.” diluc suckles on the bite marks left on your neck. “oh, daddy- feels good!” you moan loudly, shuddering with another orgasm. this time, your cum squirts onto him and he groans at the sight. “fuck, baby. that was hot.” diluc smiles, kissing you as his hand slips under your shirt to stimulate your breasts. “lets make you do it again.”

—

your cunt was sopping wet and filled with multiple loads of diluc’s cum pushed into you. every time some dribbled out, he’d push it back in. the bar top below you had a puddle of your own cum pooling under you, and he would scoop some up to feed it to you. “da-addy, please. t-too mu-uch.” you keen, your body exhausted yet still writhing. diluc laid you back on the bar, still fucking you as you gasp and moan. “such a good girl.” he praises, groaning as he once again spills a load of his cum into you. you whine at the feeling, and genuinely start to feel bloated as to how much was stored in your womb. you try to close your legs, but his hands pull your thighs apart for him. “you’re taking this so well. oh, baby. i can’t wait to see you swollen with our children.” diluc moans. his comment goes straight to your clit. “please, too much..!” you gasp, squirting again harshly. “i know baby, you’re doing so well.” he hums, leaning down to leave more hickeys on your breasts. “you’re such a good girl.” diluc says against your nipple. he groans loudly, cumming for the last time before pulling out of you. watching the glob of cum spill out your hole made him feel satisfied as he fingered it back into you. “gotta keep it all in, darling.” he smiles, finding a clean wine cord to press into your hole to keep it all in.

[canirove]

Friends, lovers… and an orange | Chapter 24

Author’s note: Just two more chapters after this one before we say goodbye to Mason and Adele... 😔

Previous chapter | Last chapter

Masterlist

“Where are my two favourite supermodels?”

“Oh, stop it Edward” Elizabeth laughed, hugging him. “You say that to everyone.”

“I do not.”

“You do” Toni chuckled, also hugging him.

“Ok, fine. I do, it's part of my job. But when I say it to you, I actually mean it. I am your daughter's godfather for a reason, am I not?” 

“You are, yes” Elizabeth smiled.

“Where is she, by the way?” Edward asked.

“Here” she said from behind her mother and Toni.

“Nah… My Adele was a shy teenager glued to a camera, and you are a gorgeous woman!” 

“She's always been gorgeous” Mason said.

“You all are gonna make me blush” Adele said, already feeling her cheeks get warm.

“Ok, ok. I'll stop” Edward laughed. “Come give me a hug. I've missed you, kid.”

“I've missed you too” Adele said, hugging him back.

“And oh, Mason. Come here, my boy” he said, opening one of his arms to hug him and Adele at the same time. “Can't believe my two babies are now two adults who have fallen in love. Who could have thought?”

“Everyone” Mason chuckled. “Thank you for coming, Edward. It means a lot.”

“Anything for my two favourite supermodels and their families” he smiled. “Should we begin? Are you ready, Mason?”

“Yes” he nodded.

“Then we better leave you alone. I love you” Toni said, kissing Mason's cheek.

“Love you too, mum” he replied.

“You can do this” Elizabeth told him, squeezing his shoulder before leaving the room.

“You've got this, Mase” Adele said with an encouraging smile. 

“Wait, are you leaving too?”

“I… Yes?”

“Stay with me, Addie.”

“What?”

“Can she?” Mason asked Edward.

“Of course. If she wants to, she can stay.”

“Then please stay with me, Addie. If you are by my side I know I can do this.”

“Ok” she said, taking his hand on hers and sitting down with him.

“So” Edward said, also sitting down and getting everything ready. “Where should we begin? Real or fake interview?”

“Fake” Mason said. “It'll help me relax.”

“Perfect” Edward smiled. 

A real and a fake interview. That had been Adele's big plan.

Mason needed to tell his truth, to tell the world what was going on, expose his agency. And even though just an Instagram post could have been enough, it would never have the same weight and repercussion as giving an interview to one of the most important magazines in the world and having the support of one of the most important people in the fashion industry: Edward, Adele's godfather and British Vogue editor-in-chief.

But his agency couldn't know about it. They had to believe he was going to give the usual interview that comes with a big cover, one where he talked about his career and his relationship with Adele. So she had come up with the idea of giving a fake interview that would be the one his agency would get to see, and a real one that would be the one getting published and printed and that everyone around the world would get to read.

When she first had told Mason and their families about it, they had had their doubts, but Edward had been on board since the moment Toni and Elizabeth had told him about it. He, like basically everyone in the business, knew that Mason's agency didn't have the best reputation and that no one had been brave enough to fully go against them. Until now. 

Because besides the interview, and all thanks to Rianne’s help, they had the testimony of many other models who had worked or worked with Mason's agency and who had been mistreated by them. According to Adele's dad, those testimonies would also be very useful in case they tried to sue them. 

“Before we start…” Edward said. “Any news from your agency?”

“Erin has been calling me daily since the holidays ended, but I've managed to avoid meeting with them and talk about a new contract” Mason said with a cheeky smile. 

First the excuse of the snow had worked, the bad weather being on their side. For the new year they had left New York and moved to a resort close to the mountains, and the snow had made it impossible to leave for at least a week. Jourdan was supposed to meet them there too, and she had not been able to fly due to all the storms and bad conditions. 

After that, Mason used the excuse of Adele being sick and not being able to travel. And once they were able to fly back to London, he had actually gotten sick, so he hadn't been able to meet either or even celebrate his birthday. 

Now it was the end of January, and the magazine was ready to be printed. Only his interview was missing, and he had convinced them to focus on that and leave the talks for later. 

“Good. You must try to keep it going for at least a couple of weeks. I'm planning on releasing the cover after Valentine's Day so you guys can enjoy the day before the chaos starts, though your agency will believe it won't be out until late February so people get more excited about who could be on the cover. You better than anyone know how much they love the social media game.”

“Yeah” Mason sighed.

“Thank you very much for everything you are doing, Edward” Adele said.

“Anything for you” he smiled. “Now, let's get into business. Since I have you both here, why don't we start talking about your relationship? We can add some happy bits to our real interview too.”

“Sure” Mason said while looking at Adele, their hands still clasped together. “What do you want to know?”

“I think we should start from the beginning. When and how did you fall in love?” 

“I think it all started in Italy” Mason said as he squeezed Adele's hand, something she would then find herself doing throughout both interviews. Sometimes it was an encouraging squeeze, one to let him know that he could do it, to give him strength. Others, it was a squeeze meant to hurt him a little, to scold him for telling Edward something he shouldn't, like details that were too personal. 

But overall, she did it to let him know that he could count on her, through good and bad times, and that she would always be by his side. Always. 

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

“This issue is gonna be iconic” Adele said as she flicked through the pages of the magazine in her hands. Edward had sent her and Mason a copy, asking them to check everything and tell him if there was anything that needed to be changed before giving it the final green light. “Like, I can see it becoming a collector's edition.”

“You think so?” Mason asked her.

“Definitely. Every single bit of content is perfect, from all the ads to the articles, to of course the cover and the main editorial.”

“Yeah… I've heard they got an amazing photographer to shoot it” he smirked.

“And they say the model is one of the best of his generation. Some even call him a supermodel” she replied with a matching smile.

“Supermodel?” Mason laughed. “C'mon, Addie.”

“The internet words, not mine” she shrugged. “But even if they said you suck, you would still be a supermodel to me.”

“Bullshit” he laughed again. “You would be the first to tell me to stop making a fool of myself and to find another job. Just look at the way you criticise some of my outfits. You would be my first hater.”

“Meh meh meh” she said, hitting him with the magazine.

“This is gonna work out, isn't it, Addie?”

“Uh?”

“Your plan. Is it gonna work out?” Mason said, the smile he had had while he and Adele had been teasing each other completely gone. 

“It is” she said, moving on the sofa where they were sitting to properly look at him. “Do you think someone as important as Edward would involve himself in something like this, basically putting his career at risk, if he believed it wasn't gonna work out?”

“I guess…”

“Mason… Mase” Adele said, caressing his cheek. “It will work out. You will finally be free.”

“But what if… What if they find a way to sue me or… I don't know, Addie. They still have the video. And the photos.”

“If they release them as some kind of revenge, you know my dad already has everything ready to sue their asses. And knowing your fans, they will definitely do anything in their power so nothing gets shared and it ends up buried in the darkest corner of the internet.”

“I wish I could be as optimistic as you are” he sighed. “The closer we get to the release date, the more insecure and worried I get.”

“Oh, I know. I've had to deal with all your fidgeting in bed” she chuckled. “If I didn't love you the way I do, I would have already kicked you out again and sent you here to sleep on the sofa.”

“Lucky me” he smiled. Though it was one of those sad smiles Adele hated, the ones he used to give her before telling her everything that was going on with his agency. 

“Mase, I…”

“It's ok. I'll be ok” he said, giving her a peck and leaving the sofa. 

As she watched him leave the room, she could only think of one thing. Well, actually two. His sad smile, and that she needed to do something to make him stop worrying until the interview was out. But what? What could keep his mind busy until then?

“Urgh” Adele grunted, reaching for the magazine once again and opening it on a random page, looking for some inspiration, a sign. And then… “Yes!”

“Addie, did you say anything?” Mason asked from the kitchen.

“Nothing, just talking to myself!” she replied, her eyes focused on the photo in front of her. It was a reprint from an old editorial inspired by Romeo and Juliet shot by Annie Leibovitz, one of Adele's favourites growing up. And it had reminded her of an old conversation she and Mason had had during fashion month.

"On one of the nights I think we should dress as a prince and princess and have an over the top dinner. What do you think?"

"That would be amazing! Can I wear a crown too?"

"Whatever the lady wishes."

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

“I can't believe you managed to pull this off, Addie” Mason chuckled.

“You're welcome” she said, kissing his cheek. “Shall we?”

“After you, my lady” he said, gesturing towards the building in front of them. 

They had gone back to the château, the one outside Paris where they had had their picnic, and the one where they should have spent a couple of weeks once fashion month was over, enjoying each other's company and ignoring everything that was going on in the outside world. That was what Adele had planned, to turn that place into their own bubble, one where there were no paparazzis, a horrible agency blackmailing them, or a Vogue issue about to be published and hopefully shake the fashion world. It was just going to be them enjoying each other, and nothing was going to stop them. Not even Mason's agency calling him to ask him to meet and sign his new contract. 

“It's Valentine's Day, Erin” he had told them over the phone. “Can't I spend some days alone enjoying the company of my girlfriend before I have to start with all the promo for the cover?”

“Yes, of course” she had said, finally giving up. “Just remember to post something on Instagram. You need the engagement, and it will be a perfect preview for the cover and the interview. You guys made me wish I was in love just by reading you” she had chuckled. 

“I will, don't worry” Mason had replied, rolling his eyes so dramatically that Adele had feared they would get stuck at the back of his head. 

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

“Addie, if I end up hitting something and breaking a toe…”

“You won't.”

“You've said it yourself, I'm a really bad patient. And if I break a toe, you'll basically have to do everything for me because I won't be able to walk.”

“My patience is what is being tested right now” she sighed. “Can you please move a bit faster?”

“I'm sorry, Addie. But I don't like being blindfolded. At least not while walking.”

“Urgh” she groaned. 

It was the day after Valentine's Day, and in just a couple more, Edward would release the cover and the interview. But before that, there was something Adele needed to do so Mason could properly be free.

“Ok, this is it.”

“Can I take this off now?”

“Yes, you can, Mason.”

“Thank God” he sighed. “Addie, what… What are we doing in this room?”

“Well, according to the history of the château, the lord who first lived here built this room for his favourite lover.”

“What?”

“She apparently was treated by all the servants as royalty, almost like a queen.”

“And you've brought me here because…”

“Because I think a room dedicated to a lover, is perfect for what we are about to do.”

“Which is?” Mason asked, still looking visibly confused.

“Celebrate Valentine's Day, but not like we did yesterday with all the romantic stuff. Today, is time to get naughty” she smirked. “Today, I'm gonna make you forget about something that has been bothering that pretty head of yours for way too long.”

“Addie, what…”

“Today…” she said, picking up her camera from one of the bedside tables. “We are going to film our own sex tape.”

“We what?” Mason said, his eyes going wide.

“That video that bitch took of you without your consent has been hurting you for too long, so it's time we erase that memory by creating a new one. One you truly like and enjoy. One you want.”

“Adele, are you serious about this? Like… what if we get hacked?”

“We won't. We are filming it with my camera on a memory card just for it.”

“But what if we lose it? Or if someone steals your camera? Or…”

“Mason… Mase” Adele said, putting a finger on his lips so he would stop talking. “I have it all under control.”

“But…”

“Do you trust me?”

“With my life, Addie.”

“Then start getting undressed while I make myself a bit more comfortable. Unless you don't want to do it.”

“Of course I want to do it, Adele. I may or may have not been thinking about filming something with you or taking some spicy photos since you told me about what you used to do with your ex” he smirked.

“Then c'mon. Let's not waste our time” she said before walking into the room's en suite.

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

“Addie? Addie, what is taking you so long?” 

“One sec, I'm almost done!”

“One sec, she says. One sec…” Mason murmured. “Addie, you… Bloody hell, Adele” he gasped when she saw her walking out.

“Liking what you see?” she asked him, slowly turning around so he could see every detail. 

Before flying to France she and Jourdan had gone shopping together, and they had found probably the sexiest and most beautiful set of lingerie Adele had ever seen, one that she knew would make Mason go completely crazy.

“I bloody love it, Addie” he said, his eyes scanning every inch of her body. 

“I can tell” she chuckled, looking down at his boxers. “Go sit down at the end of the bed.”

“Uh?”

“Stop checking me out and do as I've said, Mason.”

“I can't. You just… Bloody hell, Addie.”

“You already said that” she giggled. “Sit down” she said again, trying to sound serious despite feeling her whole body on fire, from her cheeks to the tip of her toes.

“Yes, ma'am” Mason said, finally doing as she had asked him. “Now what?”

“Now you wait while I set the camera and make sure it is focused.”

“Wait, you are using a tripod?”

“Yeah.”

“I thought we were going to film each other.”

“I am going to film you. I don't trust you with my camera.”

“Afraid I may break it?” he laughed.

“I actually fear you may drop it in my head while I'm between your legs.”

“Ok” he laughed again.

“Besides, this video is gonna be about you, Mase. About your pleasure and what you like. I want to be able to watch it again and get to see the way your body reacts to me and everything I can do to you. To hear the way you moan my name, your face when you make it to the end. This is about you.”

“What if what I like is to do something to you?” he asked, licking his lips and trying really hard not to smile.

“I'll still be in charge of the camera.”

“You may drop it too. You know I am that good.”

“We'll see” Adele said, finishing to set the camera. “Ready?”

“I've been ready since I first saw you wearing that, Addie.”

“Good” she said, walking towards him and kneeling in front of him. “Happy Valentine's Day to you, Mase.”

“Happy Valentine's Day to me” he smirked, his eyes glued on Adele. 

[posttexasstressdisorder]

More bills, new direction...

Howdy folks, I had been hoping my craigslist and eBay sales would have picked up, but both have been close to zero these past three weeks.  The dreaded first of the month is coming in six days, and I have an additional must-make payment that only comes once a year (my web hosting plan, an additional $175), and it’s coming due Nov. 1. 

With that added in, I’m now about $600 shy of having my half of the rent for November. 

If any of you is able to do so, and would like to help, I would be most appreciative. Please message me privately for my PayPal addy. 

There is, however, good news on the horizon, finally.

I’m making a serious push toward getting a baking business set up that would allow me to bake here at home, and either deliver or have people pick up.  The city passed a “kitchen micro-enterprise” ordinance a couple of years back that will make it legal, finally.  There are hoops to jump through, of course, but it would be a way for me to bring in the additional money over my Social Security that might let me survive without having to beg when times are lean.

And, my little baking student (who will be 12 on Dec 1), is going to be my apprentice/helper.  Her mom has given her blessing, and actually encouraged me to make this leap, and it will be a leap, but it is something that will not only help me, but help her, as well.  Besides the baking, she will also just see what all it takes to make it work.  And best of all, kiddo is stoked.

We kicked around the idea of what to call it, and I gave it some additional thought, and came up with something that represents both of us equally, in the name.  She loved it, so I made up a few logos and she loved ‘em.   So, if the stars align, and I don’t have any more huge financial expenditures, we will soon be known around these parts as:

Did a couple different round labels we can use to seal bags/boxes with:

We’ll be trying all this out for potential future customers (ie: moms and dads) at the “Fall Festival” at the kiddo’s school.  She just started 6th grade, so it’s “junior high” or “middle school”.  We’re gonna dazzle ‘em with my Blueberry-Banana Bread, the Fresh Raspberry Muffins, and my tried-and-true Gingersnaps.  Gonna see how they respond to it. 

Packaging for it already settled:  cardboard cake boxes with window for the jumbo Raspberry Muffins, and some cool little eco-friendly bags that look classy, not expensive, but creative enough to show that “we mean business” here.  At any rate, if I’ve been kinda quiet lately, this has been my main focus.

I know that it would work, sans financial debacles.  The Festival is on Nov. 3rd, so I will be concentrating on it when rent is due.  Y’all understand that every penny the comes out of kindness goes directly to rent and bills.  Period.  There is no “frivolous spending”.  I am just doing my best to survive.  I’m going to “pin” this one, so if anyone has any friends who feel generous to a good cause, point them to my page, posttexasstressdisorder.tumblr.com

Thanks, y’all!

ptsd

[writing-on-the-wahl]

Office Hours Part 2

Part 1 here

Thanks @shieldmaiden-of-gondor and @im-a-wonderling for making sure my fluff makes sense 😊

————————————

“Utterly hopeless. You are completely and utterly hopeless.”

Villain punctuated each word by banging his head on the table. When he finished his lament, he rested his head on the wood, dark hair falling haphazardly across his forehead.

Hero, sitting opposite him at the table in the private study room, also wanted to bang her head against the wood.

It was late. They’d been at this for hours. She wanted to scream in frustration.

Instead, she threw her pencil at Villain’s head.

His hand flew up, plucking the pencil from the air, and sending it back at her in one swift motion.

It nailed her in the shoulder, and she frowned at Villain as she rubbed the spot. He hadn’t even bothered to look up.

“You’re supposed to be helping me.”

He groaned. “Some things just can’t be helped.”

The metal pen on the table flew into the air with surprising speed, smacking into Villain’s shoulder before clattering to the floor.

He looked up then, raking his hair back off his forehead.

“You know, if you spent as much time studying as you did practicing your metallokinesis, you might actually pass this test.”

“I’m trying.” she snapped, eager to escape the dark-eyed scrutiny.

She frowned. Again. Trying to smother her embarrassment that Villain, of all people, knew how horribly inept she was.

It wasn’t that she wasn’t trying. It was just that Supervillain had been launching increasingly elaborate attacks each night. Then every time she studied, the concepts and numbers blurred together in her mind and she inevitably found herself waking up hours later with her face stuck to the pages of her textbook.

Villain was still looking at her, waiting for a response.

She swiped a hand across her bleary eyes and pink cheeks, wincing as her fingers brushed the large scrape on her left cheek.

A lucky blow from one of Supervillain’s droids had sent her careening into a brick wall last night, roughing up her face and arm in the process.

“What happened?”

It wasn’t the first time she’d caught him looking at her injuries through narrowed eyes.

Her stomach fluttered, despite the fact that the concern in his voice was obviously manufactured to get her to let her guard down.

“Where do you think, genius?” Squashing the wretched butterflies dancing around her insides, she shot him a glare and stood to retrieve her pencil and pen.

She had to go around the table to get her pen, and as she crouched to retrieve it, Villain chuckled.

“You could just use your powers, you know.”

Her face heated and she jolted back up, pen flying into her hand with a bit too much force. Her heart pounded in her chest, intensifying the color in her cheeks.

As she turned to return to her seat, a cool hand closed loosely around her wrist.

Villain gently tugged her towards where he sat, grip loose enough she could have pulled away if she wanted to.

She didn’t want to.

Considering the fact his boss wanted her dead, that was probably a bad thing.

Villain didn’t seem to notice her internal dilemma as he brought her closer.

When she was standing right in front of him, he let go, long slender fingers moving from her wrist to the angry red scrapes that marked her arm from wrist to shoulder. His touch was light, barely a flutter against her skin.

“I’ve been wondering all night what happened.”

His voice was quiet. Soft.

Hero raised her eyebrows. Then why hadn’t he asked earlier?

She shrugged. “Just a droid, you know. Like always.”

Her breath caught as his fingers wrapped around her upper arm, slowly turning it to get a better view of an angry red line that was deeper than the others.

“This isn’t from a droid.”

He was right. A droid would have ripped her arm off.

“Well, the droid may have had help from a brick wall.”

He winced in sympathy before looking up at her face, eyebrows scrunched together in concern as his fingers reached up towards her cheek.

He suddenly whirled to face the wall, hand falling away and his eyes narrowing as though he could see straight through it. Which, in a way, she guessed he could.

“Supervillain is coming. You should sit down.”

“He’s coming? Here? You told—”

Villain shook his head as he shooed her back to her seat. “I can sense him coming. He probably just has a question for me.”

Hero finally heeded Villain’s words and scrambled back around the table. Halfway there, she froze, pen slipping from her grasp.

Oh no.

Her heart leapt into her throat. “He’ll know it’s me! I have to go...” She reached to gather all the textbooks and papers spread across the table, but Villain appeared between her and the table.

“Calm down, Hero. He’s never seen your face without the mask.”

“It’s not about my face, Villain!” She gestured to the raw skin on her arm and cheek that had been too sensitive to bandage. “He saw me get thrown against the wall.”

Villain stiffened at her words, at the implication that these particular injuries labeled her as Hero just as effectively as her supersuit.

She tried to push past him.

“Wait. There’s no time.”

He grabbed the hem of his black hoodie and yanked it off in one swift motion.

Before she could comprehend his action, he was pulling the soft material down over her head.

“Arms in.”

She numbly obeyed, goosebumps springing up at his closeness, despite the warmth of the fleece.

“We can’t put the hood up, it would be too suspicious.” His words were muttered under his breath, and she wasn’t sure if she was meant to respond. She froze as his hands came around her, pulling the elastic from her hair.

He quickly ran his fingers through the blonde strands, pulling them forward to frame her face. She shivered as his knuckles brushed against her skin, and he pulled back.

“Sorry! I didn’t mean to—”

She hadn’t even realized it had been her injured cheek.

“It’s fine!” She said quickly, pulling at the strands herself. “Is this good?”

His lips were a tight line as he shook his head. “It’s still too obvious...”

His eyes shuttered closed for a moment, then flew open. “He’s almost here!”

Hero started, eyes leaping around the small room. There was nowhere to go, nowhere to hide.

Supervillain was known as the ‘friendly professor’ for a reason. He could chat the ear off an elephant. There was no way she could keep her head turned away the entire time he—

Villain was suddenly standing right there, and there was something wild in his eyes.

“I have an idea. You’re not going to like it.”

His head was tilted down towards hers, inches away.

His eyes were green.

She’d thought them black but...

Strong hands were suddenly at her waist, spinning her around and lifting her up onto the edge of the table, her back to the door.

She gasped, eyes going wide.

Villain raised an eyebrow in question.

She knew what he was asking; would be lying if she said she hadn’t imagined what it would feel like to...

Her eyes darted to his lips, which had quirked up into a smirk at the expression on her face as if to say, ‘I guess that answers that question.’

The doorknob jangled, and his hand slid around her back, pulling her against him as his lips crashed into hers.

Her hands slid up his chest and around his neck as he leaned forward, the fingers splayed across her back sending warm shivers across her skin.

Her leg wrapped around him and she heard his breath hitch as his warm lips moved against hers.

His other hand slid under her hair, coming to rest softly against her injured cheek, hiding it from view as the door swung open.

Hero’s arms fell away at the low chuckle behind her, but Villain simply pulled her more tightly against him. He pressed a final, slow kiss to her lips before straightening, slightly breathless.

His hands stayed though, subtly pushing her towards him as he smiled nonchalantly over her shoulder at the open door.

“Good evening, Professor.”

“Mr. Hammond.”

The voice sent fear snaking down Hero’s spine, and she buried her face in Villain’s green T-shirt, her trembling fingers grasping the fabric.

“I assume you are clocked in and getting paid for the work you do in office hours.”

“Yes, sir.”

Hero braced herself for a tirade from Supervillain, but instead she could hear the smile in his voice as he responded.

“Good.”

A long pause.

“Is there something I can help you with, sir?”

His voice was calm but Hero could feel the tension running through him.

“I had a question about our latest project, but seeing as you are... otherwise occupied... it can wait until morning.”

Her face, still buried in the dark green fabric, burned at the implication, but she felt Villain release a tiny sigh of relief.

“I’ll be at your office at 8am.”

“Good, good. I’ll just leave you to it then…”

Hero breathed a silent sigh of relief as she heard Supervillain’s hand grasp the doorknob. But she didn’t hear it close.

“Say, you look familiar, young lady…” Panic surged through her veins as his non-question hung in the air, and Hero’s hands clutched Villain’s shirt so tightly her knuckles turned white.

Villain chuckled softly. “She’s in your class, so you’ll have to forgive her for being embarrassed about the way you found out about our... relationship.”

How did he sound so calm??

Also—Relationship???

Villain’s fingers slid back to her cheek, encouraging her to lift her head while covering her injury.

“It’s alright, love,” Her heart skipped at the endearment, and she had to remind herself it was an act. “He doesn’t bite.”

No, but he would gladly murder her if he knew who she was.

She slowly lifted her head, turning her good cheek towards Supervillain and his knowing grin.

“And what’s your name, lucky one?”

“Addie.” Her voice came out a strangled whisper, but Supervillain seemed to find it funny rather than suspicious.

“Well, Miss Addie, I guess if you do poorly on this midterm, I’ll know who to blame.”

And with a small wink at Villain, he slipped out, closing the door firmly behind him.

[xoxoemynn]

I've got two urls for you: @rainbowbonnet and @montygreen

omg two GEMS!

@rainbowbonnet was one of the first people I followed in this fandom, in all honesty probably drawn in by that amazing URL. But do you know how like there may be a house in your neighborhood with a really nice garden out front, and you know it's there because it's just a part of your neighborhood, but still every time you walk past it you have to stop and stare at it a bit because it just makes you smile and feel good? And you're just like "ahhhh, yes, this beautiful place is part of my world and I feel so much better knowing it's always there"? That's basically how I think of Addi. The loveliest of constants, so kind and warm and thoughtful, always brings a smile on my face whenever I see her on my dash.

@montygreen!!! Is just.......one of the most talented humans in existence?? Her gifs are absolute works of art, and her writing is just phenomenal, truly some of my favorite stories I've read in this fandom. And not only that, she's BRILLIANT. Like actually so so smart, she goes off talking about all her bio work and my jaw is on the floor. But even more importantly, she's SO kind and welcoming and encouraging. She instantly makes you feel like you are part of her family and boosts everybody up, and it's so genuinely and lovely. (Also, she is a lady of exquisite taste and loves Crazy Ex Girlfriend, so she automatically gets another dozen gold stars or so.)

Thank you, anon! Hope you're having a lovely evening! 💕

send me a tumblr user's url and I'll tell you what I think of them

[chanluster]

hello all 😃

I was gonna post this at midnight on the first day of 2022, but real life is a bitch and in truth i forget things really easily now.

still, as 2021 has ended, i feel as if i had to come out of my hibernation and say a few things about this blog, and its impact.

first of all, i saw my fics hitting new milestones, and i couldn’t even believe that despite me being barely here i receive so much love and appreciation from you people. it means so much, and truly so much, that every single one of you take the time to read my mostly horny ramblings and leave a like, comment, reblog or ask 🥺 to know i am appreciated while i am not here has been one of my greatest achievements.

second, but most importantly, i wanted to mention a few people who have definitely impacted my 2021, and the fics they brought with them.

@mocimori — CHIAAAAA, LOMLLLLL TREASURE OF MY HEART 😭😭😭❤️❤️😭❤️😭😭❤️ you are another ive wronged with my terrible replies but now i see why you complained about uni 😭 that shit SUCKS but ever since you sent in those Paris asks you have managed to make me a complete SIMP of you and every artwork you’ve made of SKZ and genshin makes me wanna like retweet reblog bookmark comment subscribe EVERYTHING !!! you’re so insanely talented and to top it off you are literally one of the nicest people I’ve ever met????? pls pls forgive me for never replying and pls let’s write that anti hero! skz fic we are not doing it justice w all those theories we had 💀💀 i love you so so much and i hope you’re doing amazing ☹️❤️

@bruh-changbin — oh my fucking god . SKY. My Bitch. My Love. the few crackers i will love and appreciate in my life 🥶 no but seriously you are one of tumblrs few treasures I’ve experienced and this is a big one cause tumblr fucking SUCKS 😭😭 you’ve become such an important person to me and despite u sending me terrible #girlboss memes ur every tiktok, random traumatic moments of your life and twilight memes send me off the edge 😭 thank you for being a funny sexy mf and i promise ill watch twilight soon I PROMISE 💀❤️❤️ ps. pls reply to my tiktoks i want attention 🙄🙄

to lysol — @soobmint @honeyju @hyuckworld (+ all ur other personalities on tumblr 😻) — you fucking three holy shit i hate you all so much because now im obsessed with three stupid americans from across the world who i have never met but would give my kidneys for 😐😐😐 but seriously you three are the reason i haven’t given up on writing ☹️ you guys encouraging me, our constant borderline racially motivated bullying (call me currymuncher one more time alice addy 😐) and just being unforgivably yourselves have become such a comfort to me, and I genuinely wouldn’t know what I would do without you all. Thank you for being in my life. I actually mean it this time 🙄❤️❤️ (no but really i love you so much y’all are the reason for my attachment issues)

special mentions to @healinghyunjin @scxrlettwxtches @aliceu !! i know i never reply and am so so so dead on here but i promise y’all be living in my head rent free !! all of your fics are the reason i have faith in stayblr cause imma be honest with yall stayblr has a draught in good fics💀

now i know i don’t have an abundance of friends or mutuals on here, but the people ive mentioned here, and my readers and supporters are the reason ive given myself a small belief that I can do something with writing. university is being a pain, i am tired, but you all give me strength to hopefully become active again.

i apologise if all of this sounds a bit random and all over the place, but that’s because it’s midnight and i feel like im about to pass out — a mf needs her sleep 💀 anyway, i hope you all have an amazing 2022, and please stay safe ❤️

[glitteryhellhole]

alright lets do this

here we go

Title: The Tent Fandom: Z nation Pairing: 10K x female reader Word count: approx 3k Rating: 18 Description: fluffy smut with awkward cinnamon roll 10K

A gas station. A real life, untouched gas station. Apart from the bloody handprints smeared on the concrete walls.

It didn't take long to sweep and secure the area, then fill up the truck and the reserve cannisters. Afterwards Warren gestured with her gun to the convenience store. “Look for anything useful.”

The place had been untouched since day one. Mummified hot dogs still sitting on a rack. The register hanging open- perhaps in the beginning some people had looted cash, but it didn't take long to realise money didn't mean anything anymore.

You shoved bottles of water and packets of candy into your rucksack before following Addy's gaze to the toiletries shelf. Pads and tampons, little travel-sized bodywashes, an actual toothbrush.

“It's a whole new kind of mercy,” she whistled.

You picked up the first aid kit and the two crushed boxes of painkillers, turning to ask Doc if they'd be any good- and found him and Murphy kneeling on the counter, pulling away the plastic panel which guarded the cigarettes.

Priorities, huh.

Loaded up, you looked around you. Warren was on watch so 10K had let his guard down for once and was poking at the faded magazines. You saw his pink lips move as he mouthed the titles to himself. Something familiar caught his eye, probably the one with guns all over, and he reached up- and the whole top shelf came tumbling down. Suddenly 10K was surrounded by glossy double-page spreads of unnaturally bronzed and perky breasts and butts.

He froze like an animal in a trap.

“Found what you're looking for?” Doc's voice was loud and his arms were cradling an impressive quantity of alcohol. “There's a lot of generic lesbians, over forties, asian fetish, but for a beginner I'd recommend-”

The rest of his sentence was drowned out by a crash as 10K backed rapidly out of the shop, cheeks ablaze, taking down a stand of air fresheners and sending sunglasses skittering across the floor in every direction.

The rest of you laughed, for the first time in a while. Back in the truck and passing round bags of only-slightly-stale chips, you all agreed that the gas station was your best find in quite some time.

Except perhaps for the tent.

A little way back, a stranded family had been incredibly grateful for a tow out of the ditch, and had gifted you their spare tent. No ordinary camping gear, this thing was foil-lined and had a built in waterproof, cushioned underlayer. On an especially hot night you'd probably want it to yourself but the rest of the time it comfortably housed two people, keeping in the heat. You'd been taking turns each night, with priority to the injured, meaning that every morning there was at least one person who was fully rested and recharged. Ideal when every day was a battle for survival.

Of course, there was one other advantage to the tent. Privacy. Human needs didn't really get talked about in this un-human world, and whatever got overheard in the night would also go unspoken.

It was nearing dusk and you were pulling over to make camp. “Who's turn in the tent?” Murphy called out as he threw himself down on the ground. “Dibs.”

Warren, who was unloading a heavy bag, gave him a kick in the side. “Get up and help. I don't think 10K's had a turn yet.”

“Neither's she.” He nodded at you.

“Settled then.”

Murphy sniggered.

Since there was plenty of water, there was a rare chance to wash up a bit. Ladies first while the men stood watch with their backs turned, and then vice versa. Nowhere near to having a hot shower in privacy, but it was something. You noticed that 10K didn't bother putting his shirt back on afterwards as he squatted by the fire cleaning his weapons, a cigarette dangling from his mouth.

How could somebody so skinny be so strong? Must be the result of life outdoors.

He raised an eyebrow and you realised you were staring. Oops.

“Here.” Somebody passed you a can of cheap beer that had come from the store along with the snacks and cigarettes. It was almost like being at a camp-out. The beer was gross but it gave you a nice warm feeling in your chest, and the idea of lying down somewhere soft started to seem quite appealing, so you said your goodnights and retreated into the tent.

You weren't sure how long it was until you were joined, perhaps you'd started to drift off- the sound of the zip jolted you back to your senses as 10K flopped unceremoniously into the tent, stretching out next to you. “Beer makes shoelaces hard.” He complained.

You giggled and sat up to help. “When was the last time you slept without shoes on?”

“Probably before my voice broke.” He scratched his head while watching you remove his boots and then said, “I'm not good at talking, especially to girls, but you don't scare me.”

“Thanks for the compliment, I think?” You laid back down, closing your eyes and pulling your blanket over you. There was silence for a minute but it was oddly comfortable, the security of a warm person breathing next to you.

“What was your first word?” You asked into the silence. “I bet it was gun.”

“Actually it was primrose.”

“Huh?”

“My momma's favourite flower.” He rolled over onto his stomach, closing the gap between you, and rested his cheek on his folded arms. “I was six. Doctor said I wasn't learning but I was paying attention to everything. She used to take me to the library in town to look at all sorts of books, that where we learned to sign.”

You couldn't help but ask. “When did she...?”

“When I was nine. Pops wanted me to try and be a normal kid but once she'd gone he didn't want anything to do with the rest of the world and stopped sending me to school.”

“I'm sorry.”

“It's ok.” He wriggled a little to get more comfortable. “Can you talk for a bit now?”

So you talked about your own parents, and your hometown, and it surely wasn't very interesting but 10K watched you intently as he sobered up, studying your face, and you hoped you weren't blushing. After a while you came to a natural conclusion in your story and realised that his fingers were twitching, as though he were nervous.

What's up?” you asked softly.

He blinked slowly. “Ain't always easy to tell when you're supposed to say stuff and when you're not.”

Unsure what to expect, you gave him an encouraging nod.

“Can I... touch your hair?”

Your heart started to beat a little fast and you nodded again. 10K's fingers reached out timidly to feel you hair, twisting strands and brushing them away from your face.

You hadn't felt human touch in so long, and you couldn't help but rest your head on his arm as he stroked. The pair of you seemed to breathe in unison. It was almost peaceful.

Almost. Apart from the little sparks of electricity that seemed to fizzle into life where your skin touched his.

Could he feel it too? It didn't seem so. There he was growing more and more serene, while you were   warming up in a way that had nothing to do with the insulated tent.

“Um...” You fidgeted awkwardly, trying to choose the right words. “10K? You know why they were giggling right?”

“Uh-huh.” His eyes were closed. “People do stuff in the tent. Its pretty obviously I've never... y'know.”

“Does it bother you?”

“A bit, but its not like I can go meet a girl and ask her Pops if I can take her to the barn dance.”

You couldn't help but laugh a little. “I mean the teasing.”

“Oh.” He blushed slightly as he opened his eyes to look at you. “I get why, you're near my age and you're pretty. Any guy would be lucky to date you.”

Oh indeed. Maybe he did feel it then.

“You could...” You bit your lip and steeled yourself. “You could pretend that you were.”

He sat bolt upright, making you jump, and a wide grin spread across his face. “I could ask you on a picnic, at my favourite place in the woods.” His words were tumbling out fast from nervous excitement. “Make nice bread, Mom's special recipe with the dried fruit. And we could talk like we did earlier and I could pick you flowers and then I could kiss you.”

His lips were clumsy as they first met yours, but eager, and didn't take long to find a groove. You sighed and leaned in, one hand reaching up into his hair, and-

A single gunshot cracked through the air.

In an instant 10K was lurching for the tent entrance where his gun was propped. You reached for your shoes, panic rising in your chest.

“False alarm.” Doc's voice came from outside. “Nothing to worry about. Hey, you okay in there kid? Need me to give ya a quick pep talk on anything?”

“I'm good.” He zipped the flap back up then turned back to you. “Actually do you think maybe I should? I don't really know what to do.”

You couldn't help but laugh again. He was way too innocent for someone so good-looking.

You put and hand on his chest, feeling his heartbeat.  “Just do what feels natural.”

“Okay.” He gave you another wide grin, showing those adorably crooked teeth, and then practically launched himself at you, so you landed on your back and he was on top of you, lips moulding to the shape of yours. You gasped for air and 10K made an apologetic sound without pausing the kiss, propping himself up on one elbow so that you could breathe.

His hand rested on your stomach, fingers still for a moment before balling up your shirt and gently navigating the exposed skin. Tentative. Like soothing a spooked animal.

You reached your hand up to touch his shoulders, feeling hard muscle under surprisingly soft skin. Tracing his collarbones and around the back of his neck. He shivered and broke the kiss, and you saw his tongue dart out to wet his lips.

“Maybe I could take your shirt off too.” He mumbled. In answer you sat up and held your arms above your head. 10K pulled your shirt over your head- sending the little lamp tied to the tent roof swinging- then looked confused as his thumb hooked into the shoulder strap of your sports bra. You kind of wished you'd been wearing something nicer for this occasion, but you'd dressed for practicality before hitting the road.

“Here. Let me.” You wriggled out of the bra, trying not to elbow him in the process.

“Wowee.” 10K let out a whistle. “You look even better without clothes on. Why would anyone want to look at random pictures?”

It seemed like he could have sat there and stared forever, but you didn't have forever, and so you pulled him in to kiss again. He trailed his lips across your face and on to your neck, one arm supporting you from behind and the other hand landing on your chest, squeezing experimentally.

“Not so hard,” you gasped.

“Sorry. They're squishier than I expected.” He let out a humming noise into the crook of your neck as his fingers found a hard nipple and brushed back and forth.

You dipped your head down too, lightly touching your teeth to his throat. A low growl escaped and he pushed you back down, pressing his body close to yours, and you could feel his eager hardness against your hip.

10K tried the same move, nipping at the skin under your ear. His breathing was very shallow and rapid as he licked and sucked experimentally, moving down over your breasts.

“You taste good. But not in a zombie way.”

Your hands rested on his hips, fingers splaying out to softly squeeze his ass and then dipping below the loose waistband.

“Oh, wait.” He rolled off you to shed a pile of concealed knives and the little sharp discs that he used in the sling shot.

“What else are you hiding down there?” You smirked. For a moment he turned beetroot red and covered his crotch with his hands, but then met your smile with one of his own.

“Just means I like you and I like this.” He shrugged. “Do you-”

“Mmhmm.” You reached out to ease his trouser buttons undone, fumbling slightly, but you weren't nervous. It just felt right with him. “I like you. And I like this.”

He groaned softly as the restriction on his hardness eased and grabbed you for another kiss, this time hungry and slightly sloppy. 10K's fingers found the fastening of your own jeans and made quick work, tugging them down to your knees. Then he paused for a moment, putting a finger to your lips.

There was no noise from outside.

“We're good.” With a bit of awkward shuffling, you both shed your trousers and then looked at each other.

“We probably shouldn't go all the way,” you said almost reluctantly. “No protection and all that. But there's still stuff-”

“Anything.” 10K blurted out without a second's pause. “Everything. I'll do whatever you want. But not what you don't want.” His tongue darted out to wet his lips again as he stared at you earnestly.

You felt a shiver travel down your spine. Nobody had ever looked at you quite like that before. Not just lust but something deeper, as though he was seeing through your skin and right inside you.

“Come here,” he whispered huskily, grabbing your waist and pulling you onto his lap. You sighed into the kiss and slowly moved your hips, letting your centre rub against his as you straddled him, tangling fingers in his messy hair.

10K moaned something that sounded like “shucks” and you couldn't help but snort. What would it take to make him swear? You dug your nails in a little, catching his lip between your teeth.

“Want to touch you.” He moaned, gripping your hips. “Want you to touch me.”

You trailed your hand from his cheek all the way down to cup the pronounced bulge in his boxers and his eyes rolled back in his skull, but then he visibly shook himself and swatted your hand away. “Ladies first.” The hand slid a little clumsily down into your knickers.

You closed your eyes and rested your forehead against 10K's, feeling how hot his skin was. His curious fingertips traced your labia and in between.

“It's wet.” He sounded surpised, and brought a thumb to his mouth to taste.

“That's a good thing.” You felt a little self-conscious as you explained, watching him suck his thumb. “It means I'm, you know, turned on.”

“Show me how to make it feel good,” he murmured, lifting you off his lap and laying you back down before tugging your knickers all the way down and spreading your legs.

You took his hand in yours and guided him, showing him your clit. His marksman fingertips quickly picked it up and he kissed you again as he touched you. “Am I doing it right?”

“Yeah you're- oh, yeah thats good.” Your voice was high-pitched and breathy. 10K made a satisfied “hmph” and nuzzled into your neck. He smelled of safety. Less dirt and blood than usual, traces of soap, whatever he was using for hair gel, engine oil. Sweat but not in the just-been-running-and-fighting way, in the musky hormonal way.

The feeling swelling inside you was something you hadn't experienced, hadn't even thought about, in a long time. But here and now it was growing, consuming, and you couldn't imagine anything other than his touch, his hot breath on your cheek.

“Hey.” 10K's voice was husky again. “You need something else?”

You became aware that your hips were twitching. “A bit faster maybe?”

A moan escaped your lips as he obliged, and 10K grinned. “That's hot.” Then he cocked his head to one side, raising his eyebrows. “I assume girls can- y'know-”

“It looks a bit different but yes.” You were gasping now as you spoke, chest rising and falling.

“Do it for me.” He murmured, watching you as though hypnotised and biting his lip. His words and his gaze loosened the coiled spring that was weighing down your abdomen and the endorphins came rushing as you climaxed.

“Shh.” He pressed his mouth to yours and swallowed your moan, pressing his fingers harder as you moved beneath him until it became almost too much. “Do you want them to hear us?”

You shook your head, trying to control your breathing.

“Maybe you do.” He raised an eyebrow again as his fingers finally slowed to a halt. “I kinda do. So they all know what I just did to you.”

“Do you want your turn or not?”

That shut him up. He glanced down and you followed his gaze. He was still very much erect, and there was now a distinct wet patch where he'd leaked a little in excitement.

You pushed 10K onto his back and settled yourself next to him. “Let me know if something's not ok,” you told him. “I won't do anything you don't want.”

He nodded and closed his eyes. He flinched a little as you pulled his boxers down but then his face relaxed and his lips parted as you touched him.

“Have you done this to yourself?” You asked. “So you know what you like.”

He nodded, looking somewhat bashful. “A few times. But this is different. Better.”

It was your turn to grin as your fingers circled his erection and found a rhythm. 10K's head tilted back and the smallest of high-pitched noises escaped his open mouth. You lowered your lips to his exposed neck and sucked gently at the skin. There was a red mark when you pulled away.

“Mmmph.” He rasped through gritted teeth. “Again.”

“It'll leave a bruise.”

“Don't care.”

You began to create a trail of little hickeys down his throat and across his collarbones as you continued to stroke, and his tiny whimpers grew more frequent. You knew it wouldn't be long.

10K was holding onto you tightly, nails digging in, droplets of sweat visible on his forehead. “I think I'm gonna- ahh....” He seemed to lose the ability to speak as you attacked his neck again, eyes rolling back. A few moments later, his hips bucked and you could feel hot sticky warmth coat your fingers.

“Fuuuuuuuuuuck.”

So he did swear after all.

You kissed him again, and then looked down. “Um, got anything to clean up with?”

Still breathing heavily, 10K sat up and reached for his trousers, pulling a bandana out of one of the many pockets. “It's my least favourite. I'll burn it.”

Like the gentleman he'd been raised to be, he wiped your hand off first before tending to himself, then tossed the soiled cloth out of the way and pulled you close. You rested your head on his chest. You'd heard the term 'afterglow' but never really thought that it was a thing; it apparently was. The chemicals your brain was releasing and the protective hold of his arms made you want to laugh, and cry, and drift off to sleep, and run a mile, all at once.

Just for a moment, there was no apocalypse. There was only you and him and the little lamp above your heads.

It was 10K who broke the spell. “I need to pee.” he said apologetically. “Like, real bad.”

You laughed at the face he was pulling and threw his trousers at him. 10K slithered with some difficulty into them, kicking the side of the tent, and then stumbled outside.

You realised how cold it was now and reached for your own clothes. As footsteps indicated 10K's return, you could have sworn you heard the sound of a high-five.

“What was that?” You demanded as he re-entered the tent.

“Never mind.” He grabbed the blanket and laid it over you.”I  want to do that again. But we should probably get some sleep.”

“The whole point of the tent is to get proper rest right?” You scooted closer as he laid down, offering the blanket, but he refused, tucking it round you and then wrapping his arms round too so you were tightly cocooned against his side.

“Yeah. Sure.”

>>>>>Thanks for reading! This is the first fanfic i’ve done in literally years. Open to feedback and even perhaps requests :) PS i am v english so I apologise to any Americans insulted by my attempts at your words