#the indexer's temperament

[catilinas]

learning so much about the history of tables of contents rn :-)

[goatsandgangsters]

Lord Horsegirl moments

ft bonus content:

[istherewifiinhell]

do u even remember how we started following each other (the first time) i just saw ur one of my earliest remainingly-visible notes on ny art from TWENTY-TWENTY and im like damn 1. its been that long 2. what did we possibly have in common then kjsf was it just IDs.

literally not a clue. but the date range is about right. if i remember correctly there was a route 'hey that post was turf shit' dm b4 any real convo. 2020 i think? so mutuals? or just one way following? for that long. really have no idea. a real zero fandom overlap at the time. just IDs. and i liked your art.

now im sure you didnt send this to give me a research project but i have a blog so i dont have have a brain so. tracking ur ghost on my posts. earliest confirmed interaction i found. oct 5th 2020. INDEED. image description bitching. there are earlier posts with the suspicious (x) notes but have only (x-1) users in the likes. maybeee there was one other blog who was a regular and deleted/got deleted but... not likely more than that.

oct 8. about shower chairs.

nov 11. loona is group, not a person

nov 13. reading the intercept is hard

dec 11. stars align sweep

suspected interactions: dogs and halloween fireworks (maybe on ur blog or maybe at a different fireworks heavy date?? oct 31, naturally), unrainbows your sprinkles (dec 1)

earliest rbing art: nov 17, dec 3, dec 18, dec 24, dec 27

[inprogresspokemon]

#960.5 - Wiglett are eel-like Pokémon that live in beaches and seas, where they remain perpetually buried within the earth, leaving only their head and part of their body exposed. Though they greatly resemble Diglett and were at one point believed to be the Paldean form of Diglett, Wiglett are classified as a separate species and differ in habitat and diet. These Pokémon boast an exceptional sense of smell and can pick up scents from over 60 feet away. When they are young, they will use this powerful sense to hide from incoming foes; as they age into Wugtrio, they will use it to seek out prey that they can attack and drag into their den. Maturing Wiglett will begin to darken in color, prompting them to seek out others to live with as one. Though fully evolved Wugtrio have deceptively vicious temperaments, the three individuals get along well and work together as a team.

Named: Wiglett - Wigduo - Wugtrio

- - - - - - - - - -

Follow for more In-Progress Pokemon evolutions!

FAQ | Social Media | Pokemon Index | Commission Information

[bl00dlight]

A Song of Shadow & Flame

CANON Dark! Aemond Targaryen x OC niece Targaryen. | SERIES

All NSFW warnings apply in future chapters.

Word Count ~ 3.5k+

Index

i ● ii ● iii ● iv ● v ● vi ● vii ● viii ●ix ● x ● xi ● xii ● xiii ● xiv ● xv

vii ~ 'Lord of the Tides'

129 AC

VISENYA - DRAGONSTONE

The sky above was grey, as it always was upon Dragonstone. The air thick and cloying, the inescapable stench of salt, smoke and brimstone filled the lungs of all who dared cross upon its stormy threshold. It was always warm here, clammy - even when it rained.

I oft found solace, riding high over the plains of ashen volcanic rock. The sulphuric steam stinging my skin as I let my dragon take me high upon Dragonmount. There I let myself venture upon its edges, discarding my boots and feeling the jagged stone beneath my feet. I enjoy feeling how it cuts and presses into my skin, sometimes I leave bloodied and limping. Though it feels good, feels righteous to have my blood dried upon its rocks, ritualistic. Just as I claimed Silverwing, I shall claim this island as my own one day.

I watch as Silverwing scurries into the large cavern etched into the side of the mountain. She oft goes there, for that is why Vermithor can be found lazing. It is a strange sight, seeing two beasts which strike such fear into the hearts of men, so affectionate with each other. I too have found comfort in their embrace, often falling asleep aside the two beasts as a child, usually as they coiled. My father, Daemon would be the one to find me, to scoop me in his arms and return me to Dragonstone.

Vermithor had taken a liking to me, he was an aloof beast - distant. Yet it was my bond with Silverwing which softened his gaze upon me, allowing me to sit by them both under the torch light, reading. Silverwing had always been the most gentle of the elder dragons, tentative to my thoughts and whims. I needn't say many commands, for she already knows my desires. Many found it odd I had claimed her over Vermithor, thinking his temperament was more aligned with my own. In some ways, I wish I had. There was something terribly revealing about claiming such a docile dragon. Something vulnerable, as though it revealed my own heart to others without any need for confession.

This was my home, not King's Landing - city of piss and rotting teeth. Dragonstone was a place of magic; I can feel it simmering in the air and ground. Sense it when I place my palm on the rocks. That low humming of the hearth of Valyria, of the Targaryen's. Many find it to be a grim place, akin with Harrenhal - though mystified with blood magic instead of a curse.

But it is that which drives me to it, my heart doesn't fear it's darkness nor its danger. For I know within it, for those truly of the blood of the dragon - its darkness is merely there so that our fire may burn brightly. A cocoon of warmth. It is not like the emptied and sullen corpse of Harrenhal, no, Dragonstone is full - it is alive. So, it came as no shock to my mother that I had forfeited my claim to the throne, opting to rule Dragonstone instead and allow my brother, Jacaerys to be her heir.

The realm deserves a King of a kind and just nature; that is not me. My temper burns too hot, and I have no desire to be pulled as a puppet on a string. I have no taste for politics, nor can bear the burden of pleasing the faith. In that regard, I am much like my father, and he was not meant for the throne either.

Daemon, of course was outraged by this notion and doubled down, claiming my willingness to give up the throne proved I was fair enough to sit upon it. But I know that is not true, for if it were - my mother would have refused me. At first, of course she protested but came to see that my heart lies here, not in court. And I shall continue our line, where our House belongs and I shall raise my brothers Viserys, Aegon iii and any child I might have here - amidst the ash and warmth.

My mother has been generous in her patience of me, and my father overjoyed with the notion that I have not wed yet. They are letting me decide who is worthy, and I still have made no choice. Marriage is to be political yes, but I cannot bare marrying and laying with a man I feel little for. I wish to have what my mother and father have, but there is an unlikely chance it seems.

The most promising match's hail from House Stark and Blackwood. Though neither of which please me greatly. In truth, I had wished to marry as mother did, to a Targaryen, to have an ancestral wedding too. Though it seems the God's did not write such a thing within my fate. So, in turn, I wait. I wait to see just where this path of what has felt like endless girlhood shall end. I am but eight and ten, still no marriage or children to speak - some have suggested that I shall take after my great Aunt Saera Targaryen. In truth such a life sounds rather pleasing; fucking lovers then taking off to Lys, pretending to be a maiden to exploit patrons of pleasure houses. Only difference being I would not have to pretend at first.

As I made my way across the stones, I noted the sky dimming slowly, twas time I return home. Even for a Targaryen, nights on Dragonmount can be treacherous. It was no surprise to me that upon my return, more news of dramatics at King's Landing filled my ears. Luke's legitimacy was being called into question as heir to Driftmark by Vaemond Velaryon, on account of Lord Corlys' sudden illness. Of course, we were to be dragged to the capital for his trial. Despite the matter being settled already, it seemed those sniveling Hightower’s were to reconsider claims that had already been declared by King Viserys, though it was no surprise either to hear how my grandsire had deteriorated in years passing. A part of me longed to visit from time to time, though I knew why mother had to leave. Why it was impossible to stay amongst those dens of vipers.

I sat in Lucerys room, my hand entwined with his as he sat upon his bed. The both of us watching as Jace paced back and forth, ranting and muttering.

"Tis an outrage... how can Grandsire let this stand!" Jace paused and turned to us, his face curdled.

"I... do not know." I say softly, contemplating his words.

Jace's face hardens, he scoffs and turns to where Lucerys and I both sit. His finger pointed directly at me," We should not have spent such time away from King's Landing. Mother ought to have trusted us to face them!"

"She has been rather busy brother, rearing us. Tis not her job to entertain the Hightower’s wicked lies and let us spend our lives defending ourselves against them." I can only shake my head at my younger brother's fierce words. For I know he is brave and true, at times Jace can be too stern for his own good.

Jace purses his lips and turns to look upon the view of the bay. I can tell he has no argument against me, so I smile softly and turn my attention to my other brother, who nestles himself upon my shoulder.

"They aren’t lies though... are they?  Even the Velaryon’s think it so. " The silence is broken as Luke's soft voice fills his chamber. His head rising from my shoulder as Jace turns once more.

“Ser Vaemond does not speak for the Sea Snake, brother…” I said, gently brushing his dark hair from his eye.

“But he speaks the opinion many seem to share.” Luke mutters lowly.

 I turn my head to Jace, and both our gazes interlock as we struggle to confirm what our younger brother already knows. The silence continues, and then, Jace steps forward, his tone proud and measured.

"It matters not what they say. The only relevant truth is the fact we are Targaryen's and that Grandsire, and the Sea Snake supports yours and all our claims." Jace beckons, giving Luke a small smile. We both exchange another look before I watch as Jace turns, making his way towards the window once more.

In the corner of my eye, I can see how Luke’s face curdles with discomfort, I turn my head and give him a gentle nod, “You worry too much. All will be well in time.”

“There is much to worry about. I… I do not feel I am right to rule Driftmark, mayhap they are right to challenge me. I know nothing of commanding a fleet.” His dark eyes lower themselves to the ground, Lucerys frowns softly and I can’t help but pull his chin up so that he might look into my eyes once more.

“What do any of us know of our future duties, brother? What does Jace know about protecting the realm, or I about ruling Dragonstone? That is for us to uncover in time. Fuck the treacherous webs our enemies spin, they have their own wants… desires that tempt them. We need not listen, for once we sit upon our thrones their voices shall be too quiet to even hear.” As I let go of his chin, I found the excitement in my tone again. Lucerys face shifts to chuckle quietly and I do the same, he nods giving me a soft glare before rising to his feet to speak with Jace.

I take a moment to gaze upon my two brothers, to see them now growing into men… when it felt like only a moment ago they were mere boys before me. To see how their temperaments became more distinct by the day, gave me a sense of relief for our futures. They were good and brave, it seemed such were rare traits in times such as these. Their dark hair gleamed bronze in the sunlight for a moment, and I was filled with a warmth, a love that I couldn’t quite explain. Though yes, they were my mother’s sons – at times it felt like they were just as much my baby’s as they were hers. How I had held each one upon their birth and ran my fingers across their fat cheeks when they were babes. How, now as they grew into men it was the hard bone of their jaws my fingers would feel beneath them. Such sentiments made my stomach coil with a grief for our youth, for the innocence I felt was being chipped away at by the day. Yet now, seeing them before me, they still appear as the small boys I once held so close, and I knew it would not be very long until I had to let them go.  

●

The trip to King’s Landing was but a short one on dragonback and the Princess Visenya indeed watched her earthly surroundings go from smoky wonders of Dragonstone to the dust filled haze of the capital. She practically felt her stomach reel from the mere thought of the familiar stench, and after leaving Silverwing in the Dragonpits it came as a surprise to all her family that upon their arrival to the Red Keep, none from their own House were there to greet them. Only Lord Caswell appeared before Princess Rhaenyra, approaching her with an understanding gaze. Of course, Alicent and her peculiar spawn would not show the decency of kin, for they weren’t. Not truly. Perhaps by blood, but it seemed that made matters worse given the context of the Blacks return. Still, Visenya thought, it had been six years since last they saw the rest of their family. Six years since the night on Driftmark which led to an even greater rift… six years since he had lost his-

“Sister!” Jacaerys snapped his finger before her face, snickering at the dazed Princess.

Visenya looked up from her entranced gaze, realising she had been staring at the ground below, she looked around to see the bustling of carriages and servants around her. The Princess shifted to her two half-brothers, Jace and Luke standing before her. The glimmer of Rhaenyra and Daemon’s silver hair disappearing into the darkness as they made their way into the keep.

“Mother and Daemon are to have an audience with Alicent, and it seems none of the Hightower’s have made time in their day to greet us. We are on our own.” Jace scoffed, folding his arms as he cocked his head.

Visenya raised her brow, nodding as she began to walk, “Tis a blessing really. I do not wish to ruin such a beautiful day with the look of their sullen faces.” Her head turned as Jace and Luke followed alongside her.

“They did all seem rather grey didn’t they?” Jace jested, chuckling to himself.

The three young Targaryen’s continued forth, making their way up the stairs from the middle bailey and into the halls of the Keep. Visenya spoke once more.

“I’d imagine all the years of conspiring and prayer has meant for little time in the sun. They likely appear as corpses now.” The Princess hollowed her cheeks as she gave a wink to Luke, winning a small giggle from him.

Once they had reached Maegor’s Holdfast, the siblings had branched off, returning to settle in to their childhood chambers. As Visenya reached hers a wave of bitter nostalgia washed over her, she let her fingers glide upon the stone walls observing how it had been kept so similar yet… different to how she had left it. Naturally, she had taken her belongings with her but the furniture and the deep crimson bedding. Yes, it had been left just as it was. Her eyes scanned the room, taking in the freshly lit candles, the small dish of water and soap which sat in a silver tray upon her vanity, a small rag draping over the chair. Visenya smiled, knowing the servants had remembered such preferences of hers. Near her bed, sat the small trunk of the few belongings she’d brought from Dragonstone. Upon the mattress itself, lay the scarlet gown and matching slippers.

She sat upon her bed, taking in the smell of damp and mildew. The air around her was quite cold, though a fire crackled. It was likely her chambers had not been used since her departure, from the smell of it – it seemed to not have been cleaned very often either. She settled in, and soon found herself sitting at her old vanity. Admiring how she had grown, how the last time she gazed into this mirror she was but a girl.

The princess had indeed grown vigorously as the years passed. Much like her parents it seemed she had inherited both the mind and body of a dragonrider. Imposing, her body had become – not only to others but to herself. Her form Junoesque, unyielding in its femininity as her hips and breasts were among the first thing to develop suddenly. It seemed almost overnight she had no longer fit into the clothing she once freely adorned, her body changing, aching even. The first time she had gotten her moonblood felt like a life sentence for Visenya, as no more did she feel the same kind of unawareness of her body. The princess had felt like she was now very much a prisoner to her newly found womanhood, she seldom understood why such changes were needed. Why every moon her belly would swell, growing heavy and coil with pain, how she would have to crawl to her mother’s quarters and lay by her side simply to reassure such things were normal. Though, as the years had gone by, she adjusted to such feeling, relished that the pain she felt at times was proof of her fortitude. That no man could endure such sufferance so frequently.

Visenya marveled at her sun-kissed skin, the way her silver hair gleamed now that it had grown even longer than her mothers. She kept it loose, unbound; for she relished in letting her body grow as it pleased, there was no use in taming herself; her hair included. Indeed, did the Princess enjoy herself – for no matter how beautiful a man thought her to be, it was herself which she wished to appease the most. The Princess was strict regarding her standards, unwavering that she would be dressed in the finest gowns, and smell of the richest scents the realm had to offer. Whether it was silk from Dorne or perfumed oil from Lys – she simply refused to lead a life without such beauty within it. Some may think it shallow or indulgent, but Visenya knew it was merely her lust for life which drove her towards such luxuries. She wished to experience everything, wished for a life of sensuality and passion. There was no grey cloud in her sky that was without a silver lining, for she would not accept much less than satisfaction. After all, there was so much suffering in the realm, so much ugliness and brutality. She owed it to every poor soul who died so terribly, to live life as it ought to be lived. Indulging and embracing pleasure and beauty in every way, for so few had the opportunity to.

Such mentality, did however, lead her at times to indulge in the filtrations of men and despite Visenya’s bravado, she was gentle at heart - oft stringing men along rather than shatter their dreams of winning her favor. Such is exactly what her father had told her worried him before their arrival to King’s Landing. He spoke of how difficult it was stopping his inclinations to assault the few men he might find leering at her at Dragonstone. King’s Landing, however, was a different beast and Prince Daemon had no doubt he would be combatting an endless sea of men who might have more lecherous ideas. He had spoken sternly about keeping to herself, not drawing attention to herself beyond what would already be given. That if any man were to approach her, she would deny him.

The Princess of course, found her father’s worry amusing, the few times she had entertained men had only ever ended up with innocent mischief being made, and at times drunken affections… which were oft less innocent in nature.  But she was no fool as to lose her virtue before marriage, for she knew how such a thing impacted her mother and she had promised herself that her virtue was a pleasure in itself. That there is beauty in saving herself for the truest, purest of loves, as there is beauty in indulging in fleshly pleasure. Visenya was positive no man would attempt to accost her in such a manner, for if they did they would face the wrath of her mother and of course the looming threat of her rumoured father, Prince Daemon.

As she prepared herself to leave, she peeled the thick, black riding leathers from her frame, cringing at the particular scent of sweat and dragon that ruminated from them.  Visenya then doused the rag in the bowl of water, using the soap to scrub at any and all places which eluded to such a scent. Soon, she had changed her undergarments, and drew the scarlet shaded gown over her frame; it’s sleeves long and elaborate, intwining string which laced across her structured shoulders. Visenya then pulled a small vile of perfumed oil, from her trunk, dabbing it upon her skin and threading it through her hair. The contents of which filled the room with the smell of heady jasmine and musk, a recent gift from a nobleman in Lys.

As she left her chamber, she was accosted by Jace and Luke. Who swiftly grabbed her wrist pulling her along the corridors as they babbled about going back to the middle bailey to re visit where they trained as children.

 Once they reached those fateful steps, they let go and waved for her to join them in a busy yard below..

“Come. You can watch.” Jace beckoned, Luke stopping upon the steps to look up towards her.

Visenya shook her head, leaning against stone banister upon the mezzanine which overlooked the commotion below. The Princess cocked her head to the side, “I’ve just changed… I have little intention of getting myself filthy once more.”

“Of course…” Jacaerys shook his head, rolling his eyes as he let out an amused scoff, “Suit yourself then.”

With that, the two boys trotted down the steps, and Visenya looked upon the bustling yard below.  She watched with a hearty smile as her brothers made their way towards the wooden weaponry stand, Jace playfully swinging one of the swords at Lucerys. However, she noted the few people who glared at her brothers and the whispering that occurred in their presence. A slight anger rose in her belly, do these fat old Lord’s and Lady’s have little else to do but gossip?

She waited until a pair had noticed Visenya’s scowling from above, and smiled smugly when swiftly they turned their heads and went about their business. A small gathering had distracted the Princess, as it seemed there to be an on going sparring session in the far corner of the yard. The whipping of long silver hair catching her attention, and she noticed how her brothers had soon caught wind of the action, joining the crowd below.

The silver haired figure was lithe with lean thew and a tall frame all tightly contained in black leathers. He swiftly jostled the sword in his hand with a fine precision, but her eyes caught a familiar sight, that it was Ser Criston whom the figure dueled against. A cunt, though he may be, but a talented fighter indeed.

Criston swung his Morningstar, shattering the figure’s shield. He’s done for. Visenya thought. However, she raised her brow in intrigue as the figure discarded his shield with fierce aggression and then began striking. Perhaps not. She thought again, impressed by his fortitude. One after the other, a flash of steel and light locks before he ducked and turned – it was then when she felt her heart practically fall into her chest. The figures face sharp and aquiline, his skin pale… too pale. That familiar grey.

It was the black eye patch which was tightly fastened over his right eye which gave it away.

Aemond.

He continued on, fighting harshly and fiercely against Cole before finally, winning the duel. Visenya looked at her brothers below, hearing Aemond’s voice mutter something to them both as he had finally acknowledged the two young Princes’. Though something had told her, Aemond was well aware of their presence. Jace looked up at Visenya pleadingly, and it came as no surprise then when she looked back, she noticed Aemond’s gaze follow her brothers upwards.

For what could have only had been a second, they clocked each other. The Princess felt her eyes widen, shock, fear, anger, intrguie, digust; any and all emotion flooding through her in those fateful seconds. He noticed her, he took her in. He knew it was her. She tussled her hair back and looked away, pretending as though she hadn't recognized him.

Aemond narrowed his eye upon the Princess, scanning her briefly. He had only gazed upon her for a second, he tilted his head as if he was contemplating something before his attention was drawn to the incoming drawing of the heavy gates.

Visenya steadied her breath and watched as the gates opened with a heavy moan. If only to make matters worse, the arriving party was another headache in itself... Vaemond Velaryon.

○viii○

[fuckyeahdindjarin]

IX ║ Warmblood

Jack Daniels x f!reader

{ Part 8: Silver Pony | Series Masterlist | Main Masterlist }

Rating: E

Summary: The hardest goodbye you'll ever say.

Warnings: Mentions of food and cooking, angst, feelings, flirting, sexual innuendoes, semi-pubic sex, oral sex (F receiving), risky unprotected sex (wrap it up, kids!), dirty talk, language, no use of Y/N

Word count: 7.6k

Notes: Here we are, at the end of the longest packtrip ever, and we did it with only one (1) little meltdown last night 😜 More notes at the end, but I just want to say - this has been a once-in-a-lifetime story for me. If a fic can be a soulmate, Palomino is mine.

Thank you for coming on this journey with me, I love every single one of you ❤️ Last thing, I never do this, but I must insist that you play this song when you get there. You'll know when 🥹

Warmblood: An athletic, agile horse that is noted for its trainability and usually calm temperament, is commonly used in equestrian competition, and typically possesses Thoroughbred, Arabian, and draft horse bloodlines.

Your awakening is gentle, soft and blurry around the edges, as if you’re looking through the lens of a Polaroid camera, tinted in sepia. The morning hour creeps across the ceiling of Jack’s bedroom in equal parts light and shadow, the curtains having been left undrawn last night. A crack in the window lets in the faintest breeze, but mutes all the sounds you’ve grown used to seeking out first thing in the morning, when your eyelids are too heavy to lift.

The hum of flying things, feathered or otherwise, charting their flight paths in your head by the buzz of their wings. The brush of the wind like a hand combing through grass and meadow. Even the sun speaks in the morning, raw energy strumming between constantly shifting air particles.

This stillness comes off as almost - unnatural. Even when straddling the divide between sleep and wake, you feel yourself making tiny adjustments to the physicality of being indoors again. Regret stains the corners of your consciousness, knowing it won’t take you long to recalibrate. Your body will return to what it knows, shedding your once-upon-a-time existence in the mountains like a coat discarded at the turn of the season. 

When the mattress dips behind you, sensation floods your veins like a shock to the system, flushing out the pins and needles in your limbs that you haven’t even noticed. Jack is warm and solid behind you, where he belongs. One leg nudged between yours, his sun-kissed arm across your waist, the only thing keeping you from tumbling off the edge. His breath whistles sweetly over the shell of your ear, and you smile. You don’t have to look over your shoulder to know that his mouth is parted in slumber.

The next time you come to, it’s the rude buzz of metal on wood that jolts you out of sleep. You squeak when Jack follows, almost inadvertently shoving you off the bed as he startles awake. But thankfully, his instincts are fully intact, and he catches you squarely in the stomach, biceps flexing as he pulls you back into his chest with an easy strength.

‘Sorry, darlin’,’ he rasps groggily, burying his face in your neck in an apology. You uncoil in a languid stretch, opening up your throat to the rough scratch of his moustache, wanting to feel the burn.

‘Phone, cowboy,’ you gripe when the vibration doesn’t stop.

With a heave-ho, Jack reaches over you to grab it, before falling back onto the mattress so heavily that the bedframe shakes. Rubbing his thumb and index finger over his eyes, he grouses into the receiver, ‘What?’

Teak’s voice on the other line is clear as day even though he’s not on speaker. ‘Where are you, man?’

You burrow into Jack’s side, and the wide span of his palm on your hip holds you to him possessively. ‘Where do you think I am?’

‘Listen. Poppy made sausage gravy and buttermilk pancakes. Y’all know what that means.’

You venture a peek at Jack, whose lips are pursed thoughtfully. You prompt, ‘What does it mean?’

He smiles down at you. ‘She really likes you, darlin’.’

Teak interrupts with a scoff. ‘Like her? She’s basically adopting you, sunshine!’

Your lips wobble - if you soften any further, you might melt into the mattress.  ‘Oh, Poppy.’

‘Look, I’ve been stallin’ them, but they’re fixin’ to break down her door. You lovebirds best get here quick!’

Tossing away his phone without a goodbye, Jack drops a kiss to your forehead. ‘Listen, we don’t have to go anywhere, you stay here and I’ll make you - cereal in bed?’ He pauses with a wince. ‘Actually, I’m outta milk. And cereal.’

You chuckle, reaching up to run your fingers through his endearingly askew bed hair. ‘It’s ok, cowboy, we should go. I need to pack anyway.’

Your tummy takes the inopportune moment to rumble audibly, and he pins you with a knowing look. ‘And you want that sausage gravy, don’t you?’

‘Shut up,’ you laugh, pushing him off the bed.

When you step out of Jack’s bedroom in last night’s clothes after a quick refresh in his neat ensuite, he’s already outside, warming up the Silver Pony.

The house is even cosier in the morning. Facing east, daylight fills every corner of every room, bringing out the patterns in the wooden panels. Your gaze lingers where you can’t. You want to study the cracked spines of the paperbacks on his bookshelf one by one, you want to press your nose into the shirts hanging in his closet, you want to peer around the door to a second room that is temptingly ajar - 

‘Darlin’?’

You look up, and Christ on a cracker - it’s downright unfair that even after a week of spending every waking minute together, this damn cowboy can still make your heart skip a beat just by standing.

Jack is on the doorstep, in what you assume is his ‘off-duty’ uniform. Instead of a plaid shirt, he’s wearing a simple white tshirt with a round neck that is decidedly not sweat- nor dirt-friendly, tucked loosely into the waistband of dark jeans that look a bit more polished, and if you would believe it, even tighter than the pair he wears in the saddle. While it’s business as usual with the Stetson and work boots, something unfamiliar hangs from the neckline of his top.

Plucking the gold-rimmed aviators from his tshirt, you slide them onto your face, winking at him through the tinted lens. ‘Nice shades. Gotta say, I didn’t peg you for such a snazzy dresser off the trail.’

He grins, all tidy teeth with a deliberately libertine edge, clearly enjoying the attention. Scooping you into his broad frame, he drawls, ‘Gotta look good for the ladies in town, y’know. They’re famished ‘cause you been hoardin’ me all week, darlin’.’

With an exaggerated huff, you elbow past him. ‘I don’t know how you manage to zip your ego into those tightass pants, cowboy!’

‘With lots of practice,’ he retorts, smacking you firmly on the backside.

‘Do you need your sunnies?’ you ask as you climb onto the Silver Pony behind him, pushing the aviators a bit higher on your nose where they’ve slid down.

He shrugs. ‘Keep ‘em. Gives you a reason to come back.’

You smile into his broad shoulders, palms sliding to interlock over his soft belly. The bike revs, startling a flock of birds into flight from a nearby tree, and you realise those six little words are the first to breach the subject of what comes after - which will come to be in a matter of hours, with your flight in the early afternoon, a prospect suddenly so frighteningly real. 

But in the same breath, it becomes blindingly clear that you don’t even need to hear the words.

Because you know there is a space for you in his bed, tucked into his body, curled around you. A spot for you under his arm resting on the back of his couch in the living room, in front of a woodfire when it snows outside. A seat for you at the back of his motorcycle, where you are now, breezing effortlessly downhill towards the ranch, the white fences and red roofs winking at you between the gaps in the trees that line the winding country roads.

When you dream in the months to come, you will always smell pine, white cotton, and well-worn leather as the Silver Pony carries you home.

It’s a shorter drive than you remember. Jack’s watch reads just past half eight when you pull into the parking lot. He kills the engine as you dismount, passing him your star-spangled helmet to be returned to its place in the little cabinet for next time. You’ve turned on your heel towards the ranch when a hand on your wrist grounds you to the spot.

Hands that have made you feel safe, protected, wanted in turn over the past week.

There’s no fanfare, no declarations, as you watch Jack lace his fingers with yours, filling the gaps and the tips curling into the valleys between your knuckles. Palm to weathered palm, calloused from ropework and heavy lifting, you look up to meet his eyes. 

He peers at you, almost shyly, an incomprehensible notion after all that he’s done to you, and what you’ve done to him, across the expanse of the Wyoming wilderness. But there’s a chastity to this simple action, and you find your throat tight when he asks, ‘Is this ok, darlin’?’

Your heart swells, as if it’s going to grow claws and tear itself right out of your chest cavity. Bringing up your tangled hands, you brush a kiss across his knuckles, and his whole countenance lifts with the upward curl of his mouth. 

‘Yes, cowboy.’

The Statesman is putting on a show for your last morning. The sun is out, climbing high into the cloudless sky, with Jack’s aviators bearing the brunt of the harsh glare. It’s déjà vu when you retrace the path you took on the day of your arrival, the same crunch of gravel under your boots, the familiar scent of hay and horse on the breeze. 

The bird’s eye view of the ranch has your breath stuttering just like that first time you cast your gaze on the green pastures and the red roofs. And beyond, like a perfectly painted stage set piece, the Bighorns loom tall and majestic. You’ve seen the mountains in all their incarnations over the past week - they change colour as the sun and clouds move during the day, and sometimes, you swear they morph in shape too. 

It strikes you suddenly that just yesterday, you were but three specks moving across the vast landscape, the realisation almost bowling you over. 

Before all this, it wouldn’t have taken much to convince yourself that you don’t deserve it. That it was the horses doing all the legwork and Jack the navigating, that you haven’t really done anything but sit in the saddle. But something’s shifted, it’s been a baptism by long summer days and the great outdoors - and damn it all, you’re proud of yourself. 

You came on this trip alone, with nothing but a broken relationship behind you, a suitcase full of anxieties and riding gear covered in years of dust and neglect. You said yes, perhaps recklessly, when offered the chance to spend a week alone in the mountains with a complete stranger and the glamour of sleeping bags and portable showers, when it would’ve been easier (and certainly more comfortable) to turn it down. 

Somehow, you’ve come out the other end, long gallops over untouched grassland and starry campfire nights piecing you back together, only to fall so damn hard for this cowboy that you’re sure to break again when you get on that plane this afternoon -

An unexpected tug on your arm has you tumbling clumsily. ‘Jack!’

He arches an eyebrow and remarks, ‘Ain’t heard those cogs in your pretty head grind that loud since the first coupl'a days, darlin’.’

You shrug and, not wanting to sour the mood, deflect his attention with a lighthearted fib. ‘Just realised that I didn’t even come close to falling off once the entire week.’

When he chuckles, the thought comes to you that you’ll miss the way he laughs with his whole body. 

‘You did real good for your first rodeo,’ he pauses, then flashes you a lascivious smirk. ‘You ain’t bad at ridin’ bareback either.’

A rebuke of his crude quip is on the tip of your tongue, but then your nose picks up on the scent of bitter coffee and maple syrup, which is quickly followed by the sighting of the al fresco table set up not far from the grill last night, the singe of smoke and whiskey still hanging in the air.

From a distance, you can see Poppy and Champ engaged in what looks like a heated debate, both gesticulating wildly with fork and knife. On the opposite side of the table, an unbothered Teak mows down his breakfast as if he’s heard it all before, and Ginger is feeding Jameson pancakes under the table.

It’s the younger cowboy who spots you two first. He freezes, brows disappearing under the brim of his Stetson when his eyes flit downwards to your interlocked hands. A huge grin would’ve split his handsome face in two if his mouth wasn’t stuffed full of half-chewed pancakes. The beans are well and truly spilled when Jameson comes bounding over, barking his demands for morning cuddles.

Champ looks up, his argument with Poppy promptly dropped. ‘Aha! There she is! Howdy young lady, we were just wonderin’ where you -’ 

He halts mid-sentence, his head whipping towards his right where the guest lodges are situated beyond the stables, decidedly not the direction you’re coming from. The penny drops as he takes in your hand in Jack’s, eyes wide, and all the occupants of the table seem to inhale a collective breath that stops you in your tracks.

But not Jack. He ignores the gawking with a practised air of been there, done that, and ushers you into the empty seat next to Teak without skipping a beat. Planting a sweet peck on your cheek, he settles to your left and unfolds his starched napkin with a flourished flick of his wrist, which he tucks into the neckline of his tshirt.

‘Mornin’,’ he addresses the silent table in an exaggerated southern drawl. ‘If y’all would be so kind to shut your mouths, you’re embarrassin’ me in front of my lady. Now, pass the coffee if you please, Teak.’

Fittingly, it’s Champ who breaks the silence with a rip-roaring howl of laughter, palms hitting the table so hard you’re convinced everything on it jumps a foot from the surface, the ruckus sending Jameson scampering for cover. ‘Well, well, well! Butter my butt and call it a biscuit!’

Poppy leaps to her feet, halfway to the kitchen before shouting over her shoulder. ‘We’re celebrating! This calls for strawberry milkshake!’

Teak elbows you in the side. ‘Just so y’know, Poppy ain’t the type to make strawberry milkshake for just anybody.’ He salutes you with a crooked grin. ‘Welcome to the family, sweetheart.’ 

It’s a brand of chaos that is distinctly Statesman. Ginger and Champ are fighting each other to load up your plate with far too much food over your protests, Teak pours coffee into your glass and orange juice in the mug, and Jameson is probing your knees under the table for scraps. You meet Jack’s eyes, and he grins back at you with a wink over the rim of his cup.

There’s no reason why you should be this hungry after the barbeque last night, but you don’t stop until you’ve polished off the sausage gravy and biscuits, the welcome richness settling in the pit of your stomach and making you second guess if you have any room left for pancakes.

‘Young lady, I hope this means you forgive me for the strings I pulled to set you two up,’ pipes up Champ around a mouthful of bacon, washed down by black coffee.

‘You’ll hear no complaints from me, sir,’ you reassure him.

He raises a fist in a pantomime of indignation. ‘You wouldn’t believe the grief Jack and Ginger put me through for playin’ matchmaker! I demand a retraction from y’all!’

Ginger raises both hands in surrender. ‘Fine, I take it all back, even if it means you’ll be downright insufferable about it! But I’ll happily live with that!'

Jack slings an arm around your shoulder. ‘It kills me to say it, but you have damn good taste, boss.’

‘Well, y’all know what they say - ain’t a pot too crooked that a lid won’t fit!’ needles Teak.

‘Hey!’ You reach across to slap him on the arm as Jack chuckles behind you. ‘I don’t see you with a lid, you loud-mouthed kettle!’

Teak sasses back, ‘Fine, fine, how ‘bout - there ain’t a man that can’t be thrown, or a cowboy that can’t be rode -’

Right on cue, Poppy’s distant shout interrupts, ‘Tequila!’

Jumping onto his feet, the cowboy winks at you. ‘Hold that thought, sunshine - right away, ma’am!’

Unperturbed by the double entendres, Champ brings the conversation right back around. ‘Well, I do declare, this nosy old man gets it right -’

‘For once!’ heckles Ginger.

‘Joke’s on you, m’dear. I only need to be right once!’

There are oohs and ahhs when Poppy and Teak reappear with the decadent milkshakes in retro fountain glasses, topped with whipped cream and strawberry slices, distributed around the table.

‘So, what are we drinking to?’ asks Poppy.

You turn to Jack, holding up your milkshake. ‘To crooked pots.’

There are cheers and laughs up and down the table, and Jack clinks your glass with a grin as he adds, ‘And cowboys that can be rode.’

You think about the cassette tapes that you used to watch when you were young. How at the end of a film, the black tape is all rolled up in the right window, and you were always the one to press the rewind button on the VCR. You still remember the whirr of the film as it went backwards, round and round, right back to the beginning.

When the coffee has gone cold and the morning chores come calling, the breakfast table empties, and you hear the click of that button when Jack offers you his upturned palm to walk you back to your cabin.

The tape rewinds as you pack. The outfit you agonised over that first day or your introductory ride with the cowboy has been laundered, and you slowly fold up each piece - the jodhpurs, the plaid shirt, the socks - and put them into your open suitcase.

The tape rewinds as you close the door to the cabin, and Jack carries your luggage across the yard in one hand, yours nestled snugly in his other.

The tape rewinds as you walk by the stables - you nip in quickly to say goodbye to Whiskey and Bourbon - past the main lodge, and the grazing field next to the parking lot.

Putting your suitcase down, Jack whistles with his fingers, the sound carrying in the wind. You see a familiar golden head pop up from across the field, and your nose prickles with the threat of tears as you watch Scotch canter towards you, ears forward and tail swishing with an attitude you can spot from a mile away. Climbing onto the first rung of the fence, you throw your arms around his neck and bury your face into his snowy mane as he snoops around your pockets, always looking for treats.

You pull an apple out of your travel bag, neatly cut in two. Scotch nickers, his velvety nuzzle tickles as he carefully plucks each half from your palm.

Combing through his forelock, you coo at him, ‘I’m gonna miss you, boy. You behave with your rider next week, you hear me?’

The key is already in the ignition of your rental pickup when Champ puts your suitcase and tote bag on the backseat floor, while Teak and Jack load the Silver Pony onto the back. 

Your arm almost falls out of its socket when Poppy passes you the promised takeaway lunch, packed into a chiller bag. 

‘You’re flying Delta right?’ she asks. ‘I’ll call them up with instructions on how to heat up the food. It’ll be good as fresh off the barbeque.’

‘Thank you so, so much Poppy,’ you say as she pulls you into a warm hug. ‘I hope you know you’ve ruined food for me. Nothing will ever come close to being good enough.’

She winks. ‘You’re welcome, honey. Come back soon, ok? There’s more where it came from!’

Ginger is next, and emotion clutches at your chest as you squeeze her slender frame in a tight embrace. ‘Just so you know, I was furious that you wouldn’t give me a refund when I called you up all those months ago.’

‘What can I say? I’m a tough cookie,’ she giggles, and hangs onto you for just a moment longer. ‘I’m so glad you didn’t cancel on us.’

Champ surprises you, forgoing your outstretched hand and giving you a hug for the first time. His tweed suit is softer than expected under your cheek, and smells like pipeweed and leather. 

‘It’s been an absolute pleasure, young lady. I’m sure we’ll see you again very soon,’ he winks. ‘And I’ll be in touch about the social media.’

Three steps away, Teak is waiting with his arms crossed, and he pushes off the truck to bundle you into his embrace, the hug as big and as bear-like as him, which makes you chuckle.

‘Anything parting Southern wisdom for me?’ you quip.

‘I’m all out, sweetheart,’ he says, giving you a pat on the back. ‘’Cept, y’know, that cowboy’s been grinnin’ like a possum eatin’ a sweet ‘tater all week, and it’s damn annoyin’.’

Jack rolls his eyes, one palm on your back as he herds you towards the truck. ‘C’mon, darlin’, we should make a move.’

Saving himself for last, Jameson trots up to you with a bark, tail wagging. The grass is warm and tickles your bare knees when you crouch down to give him one last hug, giggling at the wet kiss he leaves on your cheek. 

The leather of the passenger seat is soft as you sink down into it, while Jack closes the door behind you and crosses to the driver’s side. Inhaling deeply as the engine starts with a rusty rumble, you look up when he gives your hand a grounding squeeze.

‘Ready, darlin’?’

You nod, though not entirely convincingly. ‘Let’s go, cowboy.’

The Statesman gets smaller and smaller behind you as the truck eases down the driveway, and the four figures waving in the rearview mirror blur into tiny shadows through the mist of your tears. The metal frame of the vehicle squeaks with the movement as it rolls over bumps on the long dirt track, at the end of which, Jack takes a right with a one-handed turn of the steering wheel onto the main road, and the ranch slips out of sight.

The midday sun streams through the windshield, hot on your skin. You’re glad you changed out of the jeans from last night into a lightweight dress, a slightly frivolous last-minute addition to your luggage that’s paid off. 

Staring out of the open window at the rolling landscape, it takes you right back to exactly eight days ago when you were driving down the dusty road - except this time, the Bighorn Mountains are behind you, and next to you is a cowboy instead of an empty seat. 

Unabashedly, you watch him drive. His right hand is woven in yours, disengaging only to shift gears every now and then. Under the brim of his hat, his eyes are on the road, occasionally darting sideways to find himself on the receiving end of your attention.

It’s certainly an adjustment to see him in the driver’s seat after a week in the saddle - Whiskey’s, then the Silver Pony’s. But it doesn’t matter, there’s no mistaking the competence behind his every movement, be it to ease his horse to a slower gait with the lightest closing of his fingers on the leather reins, or to redirect the truck with an effortless palm on the steering wheel -

‘Take a picture, it’ll last longer,’ he drawls, a crooked smile tugging at his lips.

‘Not long enough,’ you grumble, shuffling in close.

He half-turns, moustache brushing your temple as he murmurs, ‘Have I told you that you look beautiful in that dress?’

You press a secret smile into his shoulder. ‘You sure you don’t prefer me in jodhpurs?’

Untangling his fingers to slide blunt nails under the hem of your dress and up the inside of your leg, he replies diplomatically, ‘I can see pros and cons to both.’

Your breath hitches with a warning, but the instinctive parting of your thighs gives you away. ‘Cowboy -’

You startle at what sounds like a sudden crack of thunder, but it turns out to be an enormous interstate truck charging down the opposite lane. In a panic, your knees snap shut, trapping Jack’s wandering hand between the soft cushion of your legs. To your chagrin, he makes a point of waving to the driver as he passes by.

‘Jack, he definitely saw your hand up my dress!’ you chide.

He flashes you a knowing smirk, and you shudder when he digs into the meat of your thigh with a firm squeeze. ‘Somethin’ tells me you enjoyed that, darlin’.’

Your mouth opens, ready to object, but a familiar heat warms the back of your neck the same time your throat goes dry. It’s the same thrill from last night, in the cellar, not knowing if you’ll get caught bent over a whiskey cask, jeans pulled down just enough so that this cowboy could bury his cock deep inside you. 

Despite yourself, you shift in your seat, and Jack’s knuckles scrape the fast dampening seat of your panties. Choking on a strangled noise, he turns his wrist so that he can rub the outline of your folds through the thin fabric, his knuckles going white on the steering wheel. ‘Fuck. I feel that, darlin’.’

Another car comes down the opposite lane, a smaller sedan this time, and you’re bold enough to spread your thighs, letting him slip under your panties.

The car swerves sharply as hisses at the wetness he finds, fingertip gliding slickly between the lips of your pussy, smearing the mess all over as your hips rock into the contact. 

Through gritted teeth, Jack groans, ‘Darlin’, you’re soaked for me.’

‘Pull over. Now.’

He does - parking haphazardly behind a tree, barely a couple of yards off the main road before killing the ignition. 

You mount him immediately, throwing your right leg over his lap as if pulling yourself into the saddle, the pain an afterthought when your knee jams into the control panel on the door in your haste. Jack grunts as your hips slot flush against his, his usual composure nowhere to be found as he’s caught between undoing his seatbelt, pushing your dress up and scrabbling down the sides of the driver’s seat for the adjustment lever.

The sudden recline of the seatback pulls a squeak from you while knocking Jack’s hat clean off, and you follow to claim his lips in a messy kiss as he palms the swell of your ass.

‘Jesus Christ,’ he bites out, rocking up against your pussy, head thrown back. ‘You’re so fuckin’ sexy.’

He doesn't question you when you climb over him, taking the chance to scrape open-mouthed kisses down your neck instead - and when you sit back down on your haunches, his pupils blow wide at the sight of you wearing his hat and a flirtatious grin.

‘How about now, cowboy?’ you tease.

He swallows, Adam’s apple bobbing hard as his eyes darken. ‘You’ll look even better sittin’ on my face, darlin’.’

Your jaw goes slack. ‘Jack -’

‘I want to taste you one more time. Need to. Please.’

Something breaks loose inside you, unhinges, and you crawl over the length of his lean body to steal a bruising kiss that has him hot in pursuit when you pull back. The hem of the dress brushes his face when your knees make landing on the backseat, on either side of the headrest he’s lying on. Reaching for the grab handle above, you pull yourself upright, bracing the roof of the truck while you hover over his beautiful nose.

Calloused fingers bunch up your dress to the waist, and Jack hums at the display of your drenched panties, before hooking one thumb around the seams and pulling it unceremoniously to one side.

‘Look at that pussy,’ he groans brokenly. ‘Always fuckin’ soakin’ for me. Just beggin’ for me to taste it, hmm?’

‘Jaaaack,’ you whine on an exhale. Looking down at how he’s so wantonly eyeing you, your back arches with a confidence you didn’t know you have. Thighs splaying wider, you know he hears the slick parting of your folds when he stutters a pained moan.

‘C’mere and let me eat that pretty pussy, darlin’.’

From the moment his lips close around your clit in a sloppy suckle, you know this is a different beast from that first time he took you apart with his mouth, deep in the mountains, under the secret cloak of night. The afternoon sun casts shadows where his brow is creased in studious concentration, his keen gaze flitting from where he delicately holds you open with his fingertips, to your cleavage, to your face, and all the way down again. Every twitch of muscle, every whimper caught in the web of his determination to relish all of you.

In no mood to tease, each measured lick and curl of his tongue hits its mark, your physical reflexes compounded by this show of devastating competence. He draws desperate sounds that you don't even register as your own, your needy cunt leaking all over his face and chin.

‘Cowboy,’ you mewl, reaching down to coil your fingers into his hair, the strands beaded with sweat and sticking to his forehead as he doubles down. Your squirming only makes him tighten his grip on your hips to hold you still, the bite of his fingers bordering on painful. ‘I’m so close -’

The insides of your thighs are cool and slippery, a sensation you’re well used to now, his spit and your slick completely soaking through your panties. His three-day stubble rubs your sensitive skin raw, and the top of his Stetson bumps against the ceiling as you angle your hips to catch his puckered lips where you need him most, chasing friction.

‘Jack,’ you whimper when you feel the first spark of orgasm deep inside you, the spiral instant and relentless. ‘Jack, Jack, oh fuck, - I’m there, that’s it - I’m cumming, don’tstopdon’tstopdon’t -’

Somewhere on the fringes of your scattered mind, you’re aware that the windows are down, not that you can do anything about it now - you thrash and wail and sob his name, all the while he laps at the mouth of your throbbing cunt. The sounds are obscene as he slurps and wrings every last drop of you until you’re pushing him away, nerves firing blindly from overstimulation, choking hoarsely when you catch your breath.

Watching you in a drunken daze, Jack finally draws back with a lewd pop, wiping his thoroughly soaked chin on your knee, which narrowly misses his nose as a violent, full-body shudder ripples through you.

‘Relax, darlin’,’ he cooes. All your joints have capitulated, so Jack has to bodily rearrange you, dislodging your shaky knees from his shoulders down to his sides to pull you in for a kiss. You moan at the sticky release his moustache smears all over your face, the taste of yourself thick and heavy on his tongue.

His brown eyes snap open when you sneak between your bodies to palm his erection through his jeans, voice strained. ‘Darlin’, we ain’t got the time -’

Deftly undoing his belt, that damned flask-shaped buckle that looks as ridiculous as the first time you laid eyes on it, you assure him, ‘Don’t worry, it won’t take long.’

He arches an eyebrow, taking in your face shadowed by his cowboy hat, but stays put otherwise, almost docile as he lets you take the reins. ‘Is that so? And you’re so confident, how?’

Shoving down his boxers and jeans, his cock springs free, hard and ready. With a brazen grin, you sit up and line yourself up to the swollen tip, declaring, ‘Because I want you to cum inside me, cowboy.’

You’re not sure if it’s you sinking down on him, or him snapping his hips upwards. All you know is that by the time your head catches up, he’s driven to the hilt inside you.

‘What are you - fuck you’re so tight -’ he wheezes against your lips, giving you no pause as he ruts into you recklessly, the crude slap of skin on skin filling every space the truck. ‘Whatcha mean by cummin’ inside you?’

‘I don’t know how I can be more clear, cowboy,’ you sass, when a particularly deep thrust almost jolts you off his lap.

‘But you’re not on birth control, darlin’ -’ he tries to reason.

‘I’ll take the morning after pill as soon as I land,’ you promise, holding his unfocused gaze. ‘Do you trust me?’

The wind is knocked out of you when his strong arms pull you flush to his front, his answer immediate and irrevocable. ‘With everythin’.’

There’s too much going on. The coarse scratch of denim on the inside of your thighs, his nails scraping down your ass, the desperate whimpers he leaves in the secret place behind your ear. The air grows humid and thick as Jack feels himself slipping, your pussy gripping him so tightly that his eyes threaten to roll back into his skull.

He gasps in a breathless warning. ‘Darlin' -’

‘It’s ok, cowboy,’ you croon, fingers carding through his dark hair. ‘I want to feel you deep inside me. All of you.’

His bones rattle with a vicious shudder at your words. Snarling, he bucks into you at a pace so unrelenting that you cry out with each snap of his hips. 

‘Gonna stuff you so fuckin’ full,’ he vows in between slippery kisses. ‘Been wantin’ to since the first time. Gonna fill your pussy with my cum, darlin’, you’ll be drippin’ with me for days -’

‘Yes yes yes do it cowboy, please -’ you beg, voice cracking.

‘Look at me,’ he orders, nostrils flaring as you knock foreheads. ‘Look at me while I fuck you full, darlin’.’

Choking on a whine, you feel him swell inside you until he teeters right on the brink. The raw need in his eyes robs you of your breath, and you grow faint on empty lungs as you sway with him -

And then his neck strains, his hips jerk, and you feel his abdomen cave in on itself when he lets go with your name on his lips, and his on yours. A primal roar fills your ears as he pumps you full of him, spilling into you again and again until all you feel is his cum hot and deep inside you, flooding your cunt, his whole body spasming as he pants raggedly for air.

A carnal musk hangs ripe and sweltering in the confines of the truck. Floating on a lazy stupor, you draw soothing circles on his quickly rising and falling chest through the aftershocks, his tshirt clammy with sweat, heart pounding under your palm.

Jack reaches up to push off his hat so that he can see all of you before pulling you in for a lingering kiss. When he softens, his spend dribbling slow and hot out of you, two thick fingers nudge between your thighs, and your back arches when he tenderly pushes it back inside.

His plea is a hoarse mumble into the side of your neck. ‘Keep me in you, darlin’. Take me with you.’

You nod, and smile, ‘Always.’

The airport is tiny, and Jack seems to know everyone you cross paths with. From the security guard at the carpark (previously a groom at the Statesman) to the staffer at the car rental counter (Champ’s nephew), he’s busy tipping his hat and dispatching howdy’s left, right and centre.

‘Small town, huh?’ you quip.

He hums, ‘Welcome to cowboy country.’

And he definitely knows the brunette checking you in at the airline counter, all the while glowering at you over the top of your driving licence.

‘Ain’t seen you 'round town much lately, Jack,’ she says, affixing you with a none too subtle glare.

‘Y’know how it is in the summer, always busy,’ he replies a touch too politely. As soon as he drops your suitcase onto the baggage belt, he wraps one even less subtle arm around your waist and pulls you pointedly into his side.

You bite your lip as the woman’s eyes narrow and she aggressively punches your details into the computer system, surprised that the keyboard doesn’t break. Once your suitcase is on its merry way, Jack wastes no time spiriting you away from the counter without so much of a fare-thee-well.

You burst into laughter, elbowing him in the ribs. ‘Brrrrrr. That was cold!’

Jack pinches the bridge of his nose, admitting, ‘To be fair to her, she didn’t catch me at my finest moment.’

‘Do I want to know?’

‘Let’s just say there ain’t enough of this ol’ cowboy to go ‘round for the ladies in town,’ he winks.

‘Well, I hope they know there’s about to be even less of you going forward,’ you sniff primly.

Preening at the possessiveness in your tone, Jack ribs, ‘A tragedy, some might say.’

You huff, but can’t help a smile. ‘Well, aren’t I lucky to have roped you in, cowboy.’

‘And she can’t even lasso!’ he teases, leaning down to steal a kiss.

Feeling eyes on you, you duck your head, protesting, ‘Jack, people are looking.’

‘Let ‘em,’ he counters, prompting a gasp from you when he brazenly squeezes your ass through your dress. ‘I’m stakin’ my claim, darlin’.’

‘You already did in the truck, cowboy,’ you remind him, instinctively rubbing your thighs together, feeling the weight of his cum wet in your panties.

He hums, as if he knows, the sound deep and satisfied. His lips linger at the crown of your head, and he holds you close with his whole body, wrapping himself around your soul.

All too soon, the old-fashioned Solari board you’re sitting under whirrs into action. The retro split-flap display spins and flips with a mechanical staccato to spell out ‘final boarding call’ next to your flight number, one of five scheduled for that afternoon. 

Stubbornly, you turn your face into Jack’s shoulder, inhaling him. He smells like horses and dappled sun filtered through leaves in a tree - you wish you could distil it into a bottle and take it with you.

You’re in denial, that much you know. You’ve warded off the thought of leaving too well, compartmentalised it and pushed it down somewhere it wouldn't be able to resurface.

But that’s the irony - even if you can keep it buried, it doesn’t change the fact that your suitcase is in the belly of the plane parked on the runway, that you’re about to leave Wyoming behind and put thousands of miles between you and this cowboy, who has gone uncharacteristically quiet as the minutes tick down.

Eventually, he murmurs slowly into your hair, as if the words are physically weighing him down. ‘C’mon, darlin.’

Your feet are heavy, dragging, and Jack has to practically strong-arm you out of the airport terminal and onto the tarmac. He holds you as you loiter at the back of the queue, until the crowd disperses, and the stewardess at the top of the boarding stairs gives you both a knowing but firm look.

That’s when the tears spill over the seams of your lashes where they’ve been teetering, held back by sheer willpower and clenched teeth. Ugly sobs bubble out of your throat, and Jack pulls you into him, his own voice thick as he rocks you soothingly. ‘It’s ok, darlin’. I’ll see you before you know it.’

‘But when?’ you wail, almost petulantly.

He answers with no hesitation, and it’s obvious to you that he isn’t just thinking on his feet, that he’s been making plans, but kept it close to his chest. 

‘We have back-to-back pack trips the next three weeks, so I can’t get away. But next month, after the Kingsman’s rescheduled bookin’, I’ll take a whole week off.’

‘That’s an entire month away,’ you grumble into the soaked front of his tshirt.

‘I know, but you’ll need time to plan all the things we’re gonna see,’ he jokes, recalling your fireside conversation. ‘You’re gonna take this country mouse to all the museums and art galleries and all kinds of big city adventures, ain’t that right?’

You give him a watery smile. ‘I stand by the sex and Thai takeaway in bed plan.’

‘Even better,’ he answers, and you hold onto the way the crease of his smile lines bring out the soul in his eyes. ‘I’ll call you, darlin’, ok?’

Somehow, you muster the good humour to tease, ‘The cool kids FaceTime nowadays, and I hear your phone doesn’t have a working camera.’

He laughs, and you can’t quite tell if it’s tears clinging to his lashes, or if it’s a trick of the light. He thumbs away the wet streaks from your cheeks, nose brushing yours in a solemn promise. ‘I’ll get a new one.’

‘Just for me?’

And then he’s kissing you, plush lips slanting across yours, dragging slow like honey. When he pulls back, he breathes, ‘Anythin’ for you, darlin’.’

Jack has to physically unclench his fingers to let you step back. When your hand slides out of his, it takes him everything not to pull you back, or run after you up the stairs. He grasps the railing so hard his knuckles go bone-white as you turn back to him one last time at the aircraft door.

You blow him a kiss, your smile brave but wobbly. ‘Goodbye, cowboy.’

He swallows hard, wanting to be strong for you, but still, his voice wavers. ‘I’ll see you, darlin’. So soon.’

You nod, your tears catching the afternoon light as the stewardess ushers you into the cabin.

Then it hits him. 

You’re not going to be in his arms when he wakes up tomorrow. You’re not going to be there when he reaches around for you - your face, your neck, your voice.

You’re not going to be there.

Jack watches your tear-streaked face appear at one of the windows, and he tries to smile at you, wishing he’d insisted on one last kiss. The heat from the jet engines and the sun is bouncing off the tarmac, but he’s cold, so cold, that his fingers have gone stiff. Nothing feels real, as if he’s been wrapped in cling film and dunked underwater, and he almost doesn’t hear the voice to his left.

The air traffic controller says apologetically, ‘’Mfraid we gotta clear the runway, sir.’

He fumbles over his words. ‘’Course. Sorry.’

Pressing his index and middle fingers to his lips, he waves the kiss at you, which you catch with your palm against the glass. Determined not to miss one single second, he slowly walks backwards with the controller beside him as he waves the batons.

He says sympathetically, ‘It’s always hard, but it gets easier.’ 

Jack glances at him with a questioning look.

He chuckles good-naturedly. ‘You ain’t the first lovelorn cowboy I seen on this runway sayin’ ‘bye to his city girl.’

His lips quirk despite himself, eyes still on you even as the plane slowly taxis away. He says, ‘I sure hope you’re right, man.’

With one last wave, the plane pivots, and you disappear around the bend.

Empty. He feels empty.

The sadness is helium in his chest, inflating between the gaps of his ribs, and he feels himself drift even with each footfall of his heavy boots on the concrete, while a dull ache ricochets in the hollow spaces of his skull.

Grappling for an anchor, Jack forces himself to focus, one thing at a time. Key in the ignition, twist, the whirr of the engine. Switching on the radio, it cackles between the frequencies as he straps his Stetson to the backseat, then swings one leg over the saddle and puts on his helmet.

The static starts taking on shape, lyrics and guitar riffs cutting through the white noise and catching his attention just as he wraps his fingers around the rubber grip of the handlebars.

I want to ride off on a palomino

Feel the fire in my breath and the breeze in my hair as I go

Why the hell am I even looking back for?

For I know, where you go my love goes

For I know, where you go my love goes

He misses the ghost of your arms around his waist, the slope of your nose tucked into his nape. He misses you. He wants to see your face the minute you get off that plane on the other side of the country. He wants to hear your voice before he goes to bed tonight. He wants to tell you mornin’ first thing tomorrow when he gets up. 

As the 737 roars overhead, the shadow passing over him, he wonders if you can spot him from the clouds. 

He’d better crack on and get to the shop in town before it closes.

Steering smoothly out of the parking lot, Jack takes a left, the Silver Pony kicking up dust with a purr as she cruises down the country roads -

The same country roads that brought you to him.

Fin

More notes: I've been writing fanfiction on and off for the past 17 years. Corny as it sounds, it feels like everything I've ever written has been leading up to this fic. I put my heart and soul into Palomino, and it's repaid me tenfold. It gave me the chance to write about my love for horses, to fall in love not only with cowboy Jack, but with Darlin', Teak, the entire cast and the horses, this whole universe that I built in my head. And it gave me all of you - the most wonderful, supportive friends and readers I've had the pleasure of writing for.

I hope I will have the chance to revisit the Palomino universe one day. But for now, I'm ridiculously proud for finishing this series and for giving it the ending it deserves. I don't think I will ever write a fic that I love so deeply again. Palomino was it for me, and I'm forever grateful that I got to share this incredible journey with all of you.

There are some special people I need to thank, please forgive me if I leave anyone out, I appreciate each and everyone of you ❤️

LJ @prolix-yuy: The wonderful friend and writer who made me fall in love with cowboy Jack in first place with her epic Westworld Whiskey series, which is also coming to an end next week. I've said this many times and I'll never stop saying it - there would've been no Palomino if not for LJ. Thank you for being my inspiration bestie, you are the literal best.

Ash @mandoblowmybackout: My OG bestie and fellow cat mum, one of the first people I screeched about cowboy Jack to, I treasure our friendship so much, thank you for your support.

Maddie @imaswellkid: Maddie, thank you for being in my corner throughout Palomino and for holding my hand when I need it (which is often). Talking to you about Palomino in person - well, talking about anything and everything to you in person - was one of the most surreal moments of last year, and I'm hoping it won't be long before I see you again.

Sil @psychedelic-ink: Sil, light of my life, thank you for always being there for me, for listening and talking me down from the ledge many times. I'm so lucky to have you, and to have you love cowboy Jack as much as I do. Talking to you is always the highlight of my day!

Peaches @ohsomightypeaches: Screaming at you/being screamed at by you about anything cowboy Jack is always so much fun, and not just Jack, but also Teak, Champ, etc.. Your love for this series is beyond infectious, thank you for your support and for always making me smile!

Skye @iamskyereads: Skye my love, I believe I was admiring you from afar when you popped up in my notifs with a reblog of the first chapter, and I remember how excited I was! So grateful that Palomino brought you into my life.

Heidi @wildemaven: Thank you for gifting Palomino with not one beautiful video edit, but also a gorgeous moodboard! You are an angel!

Jules @julesonrecord: My fellow cowboy aficionado, your enthusiasm for s'mores and Jack always makes me smile. Thank you for your support, truly.

Jo @mvtthewmurdvck: Thank you for listening to me rant and rave and holding my hand during my meltdown. I'm so grateful for you!

Snowsuit anon: It's always a joy to hear from you, and I will hold you forever responsible for sparking the snowsuit craze (affectionate) 💙 Thank you for your support my lovely!

A special shoutout to my lovely readers who have followed Palomino from the very beginning. Thank you for sticking with me, I really feel like we went on this trip together, all of us: @lola-lola-lola, @harriedandharassed, @witchisenpai, @miss-mandalorian, @fireproofmarta, @dreamymyrrh, @inkededucatednnerdy, @toomanystoriessolittletime, @freakrenaissance, @axshadows, @damnyoupedro, @thosewickedlovelies, @peridotsparadox, @radiowallet, @sherala007, @shirks-all-responsibilities

And needless to say, thank you for every single one of you (I wish I could tag everyone but we'll be here all day!), every comment, reblog, ask, tag for Palomino. You have been an absolutely joy to write for, your love and encouragement kept me going, I really don't know how I've been so lucky, y'all have my heart forever ❤️

Last but not least, thank you @saradika for these adorable dividers!

[sweetlysimss]

► NOT SO BERRY x BERRY PASTEL RAINBOWCY - AN UPDATED VERSION

as some of you might know, I've written updated versions of the not so berry challenge and the berry pastel rainbowcy before. however, I keep wanting to switch between the two challenges or abandoning my one save for the other. so, on a random Monday evening I figured, why not combine the two for the ultimate updated challenge experience? my lovely fellow simmers over at @berrygameplay convinced me to write stuff down and... the NSB x BPR updated rules was born!

credit goes to @lilsimsie and @alwaysimming for the original nsb rules and @berrysweetboutique for the original berry pastel rainbowcy rules!

►WHAT ABOUT THE RULES

as with my two other updated challenges, i've written the rules in a google doc (that you cannot edit! stop asking for permission to edit the file!). if you want to save the rules for yourself, go to file > create a copy and you're able to save the rules wherever you want and edit them. this will not change the original document.

there are disclaimers, a list of packs you need for this challenge (most packs are optional) and an index to move through generations quickly. each gen has their own introductory story (you don't have to adhere to these stories!), required traits - aspirations - careers, the generational rule (bpr), reward traits to buy, and the list of objectives catered to that generation. feel free to edit these objectives to your hearts desire! this challenge is supposed to be fun :)

► NSBxBPR

if you want to play this challenge, please tag your posts with #nsbxbpr so I can follow and share them!

so. let's get to it:

► SEND ME TO THE RULES

For easy access and to show an example of the rules, here are the first generation’s rules all written out. If you want to look at the other generations, click on the “send me to the rules” link!

generation one: white

coming from a long line of privileged sims, you’re ready to break away from your family and pursue your own dreams. you’ve only really felt close to your grandparent and never told anyone you were the sole heir to their old, rundown farmhouse. starting off with nothing, you pick up the hobby you were never allowed to put into practice: painting. you find it difficult to let other sims in and may come across as rude sometimes. you just need that one special sim to make you feel like it’s all worth it. slowly but surely, your own family starts to grow, but not without its ups and downs…

traits: creative, mean, [open slot]

aspiration: painter extraordinaire OR chief of mischief

career: none (sell paintings, produce, and harvestables)

spouses career: [open slot]

rules

GENERATIONAL RULE: paint a portrait of your heir REWARD TRAITS TO BUY: mentor, speed reader, super green thumb

move into a lot with the ‘simple living’ lot challenge (size is up to you)

max painting skill

max gardening skill

max mischief skill

max logic skill

have multiple different love interests, but do not settle before having a child

date with a purple, pink, AND/OR red sim

have only 1 child with purple, pink, or red sim and 1 alien child

become enemies with the spouse you decide not to go long-term with

optional: make at least 2 enemies

marry a purple, pink OR red sim

sell at least 5 masterpieces

have at least 2 different animals on your farm

choose from the following: horse, goat, lamb, cow, llama, bunny, chicken, cat, dog, rodent

if you choose a horse, max the horse skills: temperament, jumping, agility, endurance

become good friends with all of your children and animals

adult or elder: max the knitting and/or cross-stitch skill

adult or elder: become good friends with at least 1 grandchild

[yerion]

hit the line.

before the race, you encounter your rival—jeon jungkook. instead of seeing him on the tracks, jungkook invites you to his waiting room to ensure that no eyes are watching but his. pairing : racer!jungkook x racer!f-reader. genres : mild fluff, mainly suggestive themes. content : jungkook is slightly toxic because he’s obsessed with you and has a tendency to grab onto your neck a little too harshly. word count : 2,4k.

this lobby is a pigsty. just an abundance of egotistical racers, mostly made of men, chortling and snickering about the petty little numbers etched into their records.

nothing is ever different here, except the numbers beside your name.

it’s the only salvageable aspect in this industry, considering that’s the only statistic that matters here.

however, there happens to be a wild card in today’s race. all empty heads did turn at the news of him earlier, and of course, the room still remains heated. simply unnoticeable if a glance is all someone would offer. 

to be precise, it’s because of him—the variable.

when he walked in the room full of unbending tension, your façade inevitably dulled at the sight of jeon jungkook—your one and only rival on the tracks.

you’ve heard of him, but this is your first time seeing him up close.

inquisitive, you drastically swing your head to the side, hoping to catch a glimpse of his infamous side profile.

your eyes are half-shut in lack of interest as you scrutinise the average guy in his jet black race suit, sitting maybe ten metres ahead of you.

the only thing recognisable is that he looks as bored as you.

a solid 6/10.

as if he heard, jungkook lifts himself up from the couch he was sitting on; he didn’t seem comfortable because of how low the couch is for his height anyway.

besides, considering the bored guise he has displayed on his excessively praised features, his decision to leave the lobby isn’t so surprising.

you continue to stare at him when he walks past you, and at the last second, he returns a knowing gaze before ultimately exiting the room without causing much commotion like before.

whatever that meant.

staring up at the clock mounted on a wall ahead, you bat your eyes upon checking that there’s plenty of time before your race. consequently, in your place of being a veteran racer, you’re beyond capable of dedicating a fraction of your time to unnecessary things like tailing his steps. 

you’re just curious.

a decisive breath slipping past your lips, you stand, determined to go through the same door. you turn a slight corner, retreating from your chair to push through the exit, palms flat against the door.

“i must be bothering you a lot.” you suddenly hear as soon as you let go of the door to shut.

viciously snapping your head towards the unfamiliar voice, you don’t even try to hide the obvious shock written all over your face when you catch jungkook smirking at your entrance. “say that again?” you raise a brow at his absurd assumption.

he’s not entirely wrong.

“i don’t see you denying.” his smirk still intact, he crosses his arms to test your temperament.

“you’re full of yourself.” you snarl as you lean forward to his face in hopes of erasing the triumphant smirk off of his face. to think the jeon jungkook is a conceited bastard outside of his car is an ego boost you didn’t think you’d need.

jungkook inches further, stopping when his forehead meets yours. “such a hypocrite you are.” he peers down at your shorter height before whispering, “i know you.”

“who doesn’t?” you bark out a scoff before trying to shove him away with both hands. jungkook doesn’t budge at that, so all you do is grit your teeth behind your own scowl.

“you’re right,” jungkook mutters under his breath. “after all, we’re surrounded by all these racers who think they have a chance against you.” grinning lopsidedly, he reaches out to play with a strand of your hair, twirling a lock on his index finger until your hair tightens around his digit.

you wince inwardly at the sudden tug of your hair. “isn’t it too late for flattery?” 

by slightly angling his head to the side, jungkook eyes the empty yet vast corridor. on each side of you, there’s two routes—to the left is the exit, and to the right are the waiting rooms. “if we stay here, someone will see us.”

“so?”

“you know, we look extremely suspicious right now.”

you watch your hair smoothly slide out of jungkook’s fingers. “two people can’t talk to each other?” 

“who says i’m talking?”

footsteps—you can undoubtedly hear someone—perhaps two, walking towards the door behind your shoulder. the weight of each step becomes heavier and louder with every second passing.

you didn’t want the world to fall into jungkook’s hands, but once again, today is another day that orbits around his control.

“just come to my room.” jungkook coaxes in a sweet whisper. “i’ll tell you what i think about right before pressing down on the accelerator.” he chuckles mockingly, “come on, it’ll lessen the thought of me in your head.”

“me?” you almost choke on air. “thinking about you?”

“you give yourself away too easily.” jungkook backs away with the truth in his mouth. “i saw you staring and now you’ve been caught following.”

“shut up.” you retort in embarrassment. “save the words and lead the way.” you roll your eyes, casually smacking his shoulder as you trudge past him—an insufficient blow for his arrogance, but it’ll have to do for now.

because you won’t lie, you’d like to figure out what lives in his head.

the journey to his room isn’t far. is it a coincidence that his room happened to be the first one down in the line? when jungkook stops at a door, you hover behind him, hoping to maintain a reasonable distance between the two of you. 

“so what is it that you want to know?” jungkook asks without giving you a minute to adjust in his territory. 

you scour his room absentmindedly whilst approaching jungkook who’s resting against the table supporting all of his equipment—an extra helmet, gloves and some clothes to change into afterward; all made by calvin klein. “weren’t you the one who offered a conversation about your mindset before a race?” you huff in annoyance, “unless you were joking like a piece of shit.”

“no way.” jungkook cracks a grin at your audacious demeanour.

“then?”

jungkook gestures to you to come closer, and at first, you’re adamant. you dislike how you’re agreeing with all his suggestions so far, but you choose to forfeit when you realise that jungkook has no intention to move and do anything for himself.

“what?” you observe jungkook’s maximised mien now that you’re helplessly close. there’s a tenuous freckle under his lower lip, and on top of a vein, an even darker freckle on the side of his neck has taken its place on his tanned complexion. there’s also a scar on his cheek—so fine and delicate; luckily the scar doesn’t seem like it carries trauma.

with all those considered, a 7/10.

“this is exactly what i’m talking about.” jungkook catches you red-handed again. it’s no secret you were scanning him directly in front of his face anyway.

“shut up.” 

“will you?”

“you’re telling me to shut—” the strength in your voice vanishes completely at the sensation of an arm suddenly snaking around your waist. 

privacy is what he was after.

once an arm of jungkook’s has clinged onto your paralysed body drenched in utmost surprise, he deliberately tightens his grip around one side of your torso to keep you alert. “if you want me to stop talking, do it yourself.” he implies suggestively. 

“just because you know me, that doesn’t give you the right to randomly touch me like this—” you cut yourself off, knowing your words mean nothing but pure entertainment to him. his unserious smile alone says a million words. “are you even listening?”

“it’s you i think about.” jungkook abruptly confesses as a means of dismissing your complaints.

baffled, you blink profusely at his insane answer. “are you joking?” you spit out, flustered by the amount of confusion and irritation jungkook gave like nothing.

“do i look like i’m joking?” he interjects as if offended. 

“how is it not?” you aggressively interrogate the meaning behind his words. “unless you happen to be a fan of mine.”

wordlessly, he circles both his arms around your waist to trap you in between his thighs. “what’s your thought on dating fans?” he tilts his head and grins cryptically with you in his proximity. “or how about someone who drives better than you?”

“choosing winners already?” you hiss at his stretched confidence before planting your palms against his shoulders to fend him from sticking to you further. “get off of me.” hands now grasping jungkook’s zipper above his adam’s apple, your eyebrows collapse into an intense furrow.

jungkook rocks his head back, chuckling breathily at your rough initiation before returning the undivided attention back to your weary eyes. “how about a bet?” unbothered by your grapple, he lightly taps his finger against your back a few times, knowing what kind of effect it has on you.

jungkook’s fingertips are like electricity; a part of you jolts as a shiver runs through your back, all the way to your nape. however, your ears perk up at the inception of a gamble. “what now?” a frown persists to mask your intrigue against him. “i swear, if it’s something stupid—”

a shallow laughter releases from his own depths. “now i have your attention?”

eventually, your grip loosens, and before you know it, your arms are back to your sides. “you surely do talk a lot.”

“that can be helped.” like someone who knows exactly what the next card is in the deck, jungkook is quick to yank your entire body towards a certain direction with the help of his arms; not even is there time for a breath to pass your oesophagus. he almost trips you over onto his thigh with the fuel of force, clearly unconcerned of your landing. you’re triggered to instinctively grasp onto his shoulders, desperate to avert any sort of injury prior to your race. “should i demonstrate how?” he asks once his eyes are locked with yours, catching the remaining panic in your orbs before they can diminish.

shit.

your whole body burns—from the centre and outward, the wildfire spreads at a speed different from a blooming flower. not only are you compelling every ounce of anxiety to subside, but you’re overwhelmed by embarrassment too—you’re helplessly tangled under one guy’s touch; a guy whomst you’ve never met before. any knowledge you have of him is what everyone knows too.

yet here you are, slowly enjoying every bit of temptation he’s feeding you.

screw it.

“go on,” is all you say.

that puts jungkook at a pause: his eyes widen in a way that appears unbelievably innocent—at least in this strange second, he’s not as arrogant and egocentric. instead he just looks like a lost kid who got permission to kiss a girl for the first time.

8/10.

containing your chuckle, you proceed to sling your arm around his neck in ease. “not so confident now—” you tease, “—huh, jungkook?”

“well,” jungkook smirks knowingly. “no need for confidence if you’re going to make things easier.” one arm latched around your waist, jungkook lets his other hand creep up towards your nape—and again, you feel it—your body tensing and squirming internally in resistance as if you’re being electrified. 

sucking in a breath at the feeling of each of jungkook’s fingers wrapping around your neck, you purse your lips to exaggerate a frown purely made of frustration. “just kiss me already.” you suggest boldly. “we can’t be doing this at the start line, can we?”

“i would.”

“what the—”

“go on a date with me after this.” 

before you can utter a single word, the tightness surrounding your neck intensifies, restricting you momentarily from any movement. all the oxygen in the air melts away, and silence jails the two of you—every second starts playing in slow motion, and you feel as though you can dissect each second if you were given the job to do so. 

“how should you respond?”

all you do is nod, and immediately, the concept of distance detonates. jungkook pushes down on your neck, letting your head dip further towards him. you don’t dare to breathe or make yourself known to him right now, instead you take him into your heated embrace, feeling as if that’s the only thing you’re authorised to do—or are you?

just like that, jungkook’s gaze sinks, focusing on your lips for seconds before inching forward to press his lips against yours. unlike the rest of his body, his lips are gentle. it resembles a fragment of the past; you envision the jungkook who froze at your reciprocation. at that, you begin to notice the fuzziness taking place in your chest as you familiarise yourself with him and his antics.

however your thoughts are cut short when jungkook tilts his head to deepen the kiss. as his lips part, yours does too. his hand still remains secured around the base of your neck, left with no necessity to escalate. his weakened grip grants you a single opportunity to break away from his lips, but your arms stay, eager to contain all of his heat for yourself.

“do you do that often?” you murmur, side-eyeing the hand holding you captive.

“thanks to you.” jungkook replies, his voice now profoundly tender.

“can i get a different answer for once?”

“i mean it.” this time, jungkook cups your cheek with the hand that kept you down. “i race because i wanted to meet you.”

race.

shit.

your race.

his race.

the race.

“jungkook?” you call out his name for the first time. “our race?” upon glancing at the clock behind him, you try to rock jungkook’s shoulders by flailing your arms. “hello? i need to make a living?”

“if that’s your only concern, i can manage.”

you dart your eyes back to jungkook. “i get that you’re obsessed with me, but can you let me win the race first?” you sigh dramatically, “you didn’t even tell me about the bet.”

“i didn’t expect you to—” 

“shut up.”

“how about your questionable habit while kissing?”

“if it wasn’t for you, i wouldn’t be gripping onto the steering wheel that fucking hard.”

[irisbleufic]

Part 6 of my Devil's Minion series, Caldera (the one that starts with the story called "Not the Good Guys"). The final chapter of "Gold and Tempera on Panel" has now been posted. Chapter index:

No-Slaughter Rule (2024-08-12)

Due Diligence (2024-08-13)

Unholy Intercession (2024-08-14)

Medusa Mosaic (2024-08-14)

Weird Uncles (2024-08-14)

Cautionary Tale (2024-08-15)

Something Precious (NEW, 2024-08-15)

TEASER:

RJ: Your outing this evening was ill advised, Mr. Molloy.

DM: I don’t give two shits what you think about my love life.

RJ: There’s more to it than that, isn’t there?

DM: Don’t know what you mean, pal.

RJ: When did you last see the sun?

DM: Fuck the sun.

RJ: I thought as much.

DM: What do you want?  We’re having a nice night here.

RJ: I would rather not hear the particulars, Daniel.

DM: Cuddling and snuggling with dead things.  Mmm.

RJ: Charming.  Pardon me while I gouge my eyes out.

[redd956]

Beekeeping Myths & Facts

I'm just tired of seeing the myths being spread about beekeeping. I'll probs include some bonus facts for wasps and hornets too.

1. Myth: Bee smoke calms the bees.

This simply isn't how it works. The bee smoke causes bees to think there is a fire near the hive. Bees go to fill up on as much as honey as they can, and prepare to leave for a new home. They become too busy to mess with you doing this and resume normal life when the smoking stops.

2. Fact: It helps a hive to remove some honey.

Without the removal of some comb or honey, the bees will simply run out of room, especially for their larva. When a hive runs out of storage space, bees will abandon it and risk the dangers of swarming somewhere else. Taking some comb out stops this process.

3. Myth: Taking honey upsets the bees.

This is not true whatsoever. The interesting thing about beekeeping is that if a swarm doesn't like a beekeeper they'll simply leave. This doesn't mean bees won't sting or get defensive. It's important to know bees have a variety of temperaments.

4. Fact: Bees die after stinging.

Yes, it's true. Most bees perish after a hard sting. Their stingers are barbed. When they sting you the stinger stays put. In the meantime, the bee loses some of their innards and dies.

5. Myth: There's male and female bees.

This is a yes and a no. Bees do not have a human concept of gender. In fact, the gender roles we project onto bees aren't fully perfect either by our own standards too. Bees have three genders; queen, worker, and drone. It's all a little complex. Workers can't lay or produce eggs however the same larva that becomes a worker or drone can alzo become a queen.

6. Fact: Bees, wasps, and hornets know where your face is.

I know this one sounds weird. When bees, wasps, and hornets get defensive or are aggressive, they go for your face and neck. They will try to hit you where it hurts, that includes the eyelids. That's why we cover our faces just enough to see a little when attacked by killer bees.

7. Myth: Africanized Bees are like normal bees.

If you didn't know this, you do now. Africanized Bees is the formal name for our buddy ol' pal killer bees. They look pretty normal though. Why the name? Killer Bees were made in a Brazilian lab by crossbreeding honey bees from Europe and Africa. This was supposed to create bees with better honey yields. Instead, we created bees with a sadistic liking for deadly attacking.

8. Fact: Bees are what's known as a superorganism.

Superorganisms are what you get when a whole gathering of organisms acts as one or in the faith and safety of a whole organism. Think like the cells in your body. Except instead of cells, they're bees. Bees aren't the only superorganism. There's termites, wasps, hornets, and also ants.

Bonus Facts

The two second most powerful stings are dedicated to a wasp and a hornet.

There's the powerful and paralyzing Tarantula Hawk sting, and the sudden and strong Giant Asian Hornet sting. Number one of the Schmidt pain index scale for worst stings goes to an Ant though, the bullet Ant.

Wasps and hornets can also produce honey and pollinate. They don't pollinate as well as bees though, and their honey is never as sweet.

The gene tied to allergic reactions for bees, is also loosely tied to the allergies for hornets and wasps, too. If someone who is allergic to bees have children, their kids can be allergic to wasps but not bees and vice versa. Someone can also inheret all three too. I've never been stung by a hornet, so I guess I'm safe 2/3 so far

[catilinas]

What I find far more interesting are indexes for classic novels, which appear to be aimed at scholars. An example is Clarissa, by Samuel Richardson, which The Indexer reviewed (starting on page 213). What I find so appealing about these indexes is that they recognize that these books can contain so much more than just their literary value. I have read about one example (I wish I can remember the title and author), written in the realist tradition, which historians were using to learn about that time period. And so the indexes produced focused on customs, beliefs, objects, and other historical details that were not readily available elsewhere. Non-fiction for scholarship already relies so heavily on indexes, so why not fiction as well? 

The last reason I will mention for indexing fiction, which is where I am most interested, is to make long series accessible. In science fiction and fantasy, there is The Expanse series by James S.A. Corey, for example, or the multiple series being written by Brandon Sanderson. Mystery and historical fiction have their own long series, such as the Horatio Hornblower novels. My argument here is that in such long series, it can be difficult to remember in which books characters appear, and in which books certain events happen. The level of world building is often so rich as well that indexes could be written about these fictional cultures and geographies. In a way, I see the online fan-created wikis as an index substitute, as these wikis provide a way to learn more about the different characters and places, including where they appear in the books. I just think that an index would be more precise and publishable.

[blossoming-mind-palace]

I wanna read it

Okie dokie. This one is sfw with 752 words.

Chung Mei is obsessed with cats and everyone around her knows this. She was a “crazy single cat lady” when she passed, so it’s only natural that her love for the fuzzy little critters carried on to her next one. The only problem is that they get most of her attention, meanwhile Chung Myung feels neglected.

“Are you going to sit in the corner and glare at us all day?” The young-looking lady asks him, and he clicks his tongue as a response. His arms are crossed and he keeps bouncing his leg while he sits in his corner. It’s clear that he's agitated about something, but it’s taking Chung Mei too long to figure it out.

She decides to not comment on it. He may not want to talk about it, amd she doesn't make his attitude worse by pressing further. She ignores him and picks up one of her feline friends. Its coat is black and white, he's chubby, and loves eating. Due to his appetite, Chung Mei named him Cow. Most people tell her that it's a ridiculous name for a cat, but she doesn't care.

The pudgy woman holds Cow up to her chest as if he's a baby and cradles him in her arms. His purring reminds her of an engine when she scratches at his chin, and he has a pleased look on his little kitty face. “Who's the handsomest little man in the world? You are! Yes, you are, you chubby little Cow!” She whispers to him in her baby voice. Just being in the same room as her beloved pets makes her mood improve exponentially, so she's elated when she gets to spend her free time with them.

Chung Myung scoffs and, thinking that all of her attention was on the cat, rolls his eyes at the scene. That fat fuzzy bastard is spoiled rotten! he thinks while watching Cow get all of the affection that Chung Myung deserves. Little did he know, she witnessed him roll his eyes and is starting to get concerned.

“Is there something wrong, hun?” “Nothing's wrong!” He replies hastily. She follows his gaze and notices what he's glaring at. A slight grin appears on her face when she asks,”Chung Myung, are you actually jealous of my cat?” “No, I just think you give him too much attention!” “Well then, where should my attention go?” She asks while struggling to hide her growing grin.

He turns his face away from her and his leg bounces faster than before. She sighs and puts poor Cow down; she'll have to spend time with him later. Chung Mei makes her way over to him, looks down at him and requests,”Will you look at me?” He stays silent and doesn’t look at her. She realizes what she'll have to do.

“Look at me? Pretty please?” Chung Mei asks in a sickeningly sweet accent. She catches his eyes flickering towards her for a second, but his gaze leaves as quickly as it arrived. His leg has stopped moving and his shoulders are relaxed. Chung Mei decides that she’s tired of being ignored, so she lays it on thick.

She grabs his chin between her thumb, index and middle finger and gently turns his face towards her. His cheeks are warm and there's an adorable pout decorating his face. His eyes widened slightly at her sudden boldness, because she normally has a meek temperament. This is another new trait of her’s that he has discovered ever since they started dating. Chung Mei as a friend and Chung Mei as a lover are like two different people. One is docile and mousy, and the other is bold and needy.

Her index and middle finger start gently scratching under his chin, and it feels unexpectedly good to Chung Myung. She uses her other hand to push one side of his face onto her bosom, and the look on his face can only be described as ‘absolute pure bliss’. Chung Mei starts petting his hair with that same hand, and he looks like he's about to fall asleep.

“This is what you wanted, right?” She asks, and hears a faint “Mhm” come from him. After a few more seconds of comfortable silence, Chung Myung wraps his arms around her waist and pulls her a little closer. She decides to get comfortable by sitting on his lap before her petting turns into a scalp massage, and he tenses up when her plush thighs land on his lap.

[blurbsinsinning]

𝖔𝖓𝖊; 𝖙𝖊𝖆𝖘𝖎𝖓𝖌

kinktober, day one - steve harrington x fem!reader

smut under the cut, minors dni!

You’ve been waiting for years to get Steve’s hands on you.

Okay, not years. But it sure as hell is starting to feel like years because Steve is taking so long. He’s not giving into your impatient groans, he just keeps kissing your fingers like a loser. 

You sigh dramatically one more time as if that’ll convince him anymore than the other hundred times you’ve sighed did. “Don’t rush an artist at work,” He says, in between kisses to your index finger, “Perfection can’t be rushed, darling.” 

“Can ‘perfection’ hurry up a little bit?” You’re practically whining, and you’d feel bad if Steve didn’t deserve it. “C’mon, Steve, please?”

But he still doesn’t give in, now kissing your palm all over. It tickles and you almost pull your hand away, but he holds you there firmly. 

You give up. There’s nothing you can do to stop him so there’s no point in trying any harder. A little voice in your head convinces you to lay down and enjoy it. So you do. You relax into his touch, eyes slowly falling shut. He hums against your skin, clearly pleased. 

You let him win, and that alone almost makes you want to insist that he should go faster all over again. But Steve’s bed is so comfy and he’s moved onto your wrist now… you can let him be smug as long as he keeps this up. 

“There we go,” His voice is low and quiet and relaxes you more, sinking further into his fluffy pillows. “The less you complain, the quicker I’ll go. Deal?” He proposes. You can definitely do that. That’s basically what you wanted all along, so who’s the real winner?

His grin when you nod tells you it’s still him. You’ll just have to get him back. “Mm, Steve,” you mutter, “my elbow.” 

His eyebrows furrow, and he adjusts your arm. “Was it hurting?”

You shake your head. “Mm-mm. Kiss it more, please?” You ask, quietly, almost nervously.

He brings his lips back down without another word. “‘Does that feel good?” Momentarily, he pauses, just long enough to get your answer.

“That’s nice,” your eyes fall shut again, letting Steve resume his ministrations as he makes his way up your arm and to your shoulder. “If you don’t hurry up, I might fall asleep.” You warn him, and it’s not an empty threat.

“I’m willing to take that risk.” Finally, he’s kissing your neck. You really could fall asleep like this, you think, but you’re much too excited for what comes next to really drift off. “See what being patient gets you?” He teases you again. Your hands come up to rest in his hair, gently pushing him back down to your neck, where his lips belong. He doesn’t bother protesting. 

When he finally makes his way up your neck, along your jaw, and to your lips, you’re hungry for him. You kiss him hard, you bite his lips, you press your faces together. The kiss is desperate, like it’ll be your last, like it’s your first all over again. He’s made you wait so long that you’ve forgotten his lips. It washes over you again, the way your lips slot together perfectly, the hand on the back of your neck, supporting you as you chase him for more. 

He pulls back, “If you tell me to be patient one more time…” You warn, the threat falling flat as he straddles your hips, then leans back down to continue kissing you at a better angle this time. You wrap your leg around his hip, pulling him impossibly closer just to feel his weight on top of you. 

It’s not enough. “Off.” You demand. To Steve’s credit, he listens. You don’t have the time or temperament for games right now. He shuffles next to you on the bed, evidently waiting for you to continue calling the shots, so you do. You drag your fingers along the hem of his t-shirt, the action quickly followed by you tugging off the cloth in one swift motion. 

“Can I eat you out?” He asks, voice husky as he pulls you back in for another kiss.

“Yeah,” you breathe out, eagerly tugging off your sweatpants and underwear in one go, wasting no time.

Steve, however, has reverted back to his terrible, teasing ways. “Calm down,” he laughs. “We’ve got all night.” 

“I don’t,” you whine, “hurry up!” You plant your feet on the bed, knees bent and legs spread pointedly. “Please?” You throw in, just for good measure.

Although he’s unashamedly enjoying the view, he seems to take delight in mercilessly torturing you, dragging his fingertips along your inner thighs and ghosting his mouth over where you need it most.

The first touch of his tongue against your cunt is heavenly. You can’t hold back after that, neither can he. He can play tough all he wants, but when it comes to pussy - more specifically your pussy - Steve Harrington can’t take it slow. 

That’s a fact you’re extremely grateful for as you ride his face like it’s the last thing you’ll ever do. You’d die happy if it was. You squeeze his head between your thighs as you finally reach your climax, riding out the aftershocks on his nose, sighing happily as he laps up your wetness like it’s the sweetest nectar.  You definitely won this time.

[inprogresspokemon]

#1007.? - Appearing to be the “Winged King” referred to in an old expedition journal, Koraidon are believed to be the ancient ancestors of the modern Cyclizar. Not much is know about these powerful and ferocious Pokemon, but it can be theorized how they may have evolved over time into the contemporary relative that lives alongside humans today. Koraidon possess immense strength and impressive plumage, features that would have aided them in the more dangerous and wild world of their ancient era. As seen in Protosaur, it is likely that over time, Koraidon lost their bold coloration and excessive feathering, becoming smaller and more docile as they entered into a partnership with humans. Cyclizar as we know them have a mild temperament and enjoy the mutualistic relationship they share with people. Perhaps this is an example of self-domestication? More research is necessary to draw concrete conclusions about this possible evolutionary tree...

Named: Koraidon - - Ayernole - - Cyclizar

#1008.? - Will be added at a later date.

- - - - - - - - - -

Follow for more In-Progress (Paradox) Pokemon evolutions!

FAQ | Social Media | Pokemon Index | Commission Information

[arcaneorphic]

Forelsket - Lucifer x F! Mc (Reader)

Pairing: Lucifer x F! Mc (Reader)

Tags: Fluff, 

Summary: It’s nearly one in the morning, and Lucifer hears someone in the kitchen. Assuming that it is his younger brother Lucifer makes his way to the kitchen to give the sixth born a scolding. However, it is Mc that he catches and he can’t bring himself to reprimand the human in one of the rare moments they have to themselves. OR Lucifer and Mc flirt shamelessly with each other now that they are alone

Forelsket (Norwegian): the euphoric feeling at the beginning of love.

“What are you doing out of your room at this hour,” Lucifer stood at the threshold of the kitchen with crossed arms.

            Mc grimaced once she heard his voice and closed the refrigerator door. She turned to face the demon with her eyes downcast, “I know I’m not supposed to be out this late, but I was hungry. I came out here for nothing though, I can’t eat anything in there.”

            “Was your dinner not sufficient?” Lucifer’s usual authoritative tone was laced with concern.

            Mc winced at the bluntness of his question, “It’s not that… I mean it’s kind of like that, but you didn’t have to say it like that. The part I could eat was amazing and I thought it would be enough to hold me over until tomorrow…” she shrugged, finally making eye contact with the avatar of pride.

            Lucifer recalled the meal, Asmodeus was charged with preparing dinner that night, and as he gave more thought to the contents of said meal that was when he realized the issue. His gaze softened as he looked into Mc’s eyes, he should have noticed that most of the things in the meal were things that her human palate could not handle; but he had been so focused on returning to his paperwork after dinner that he didn’t check in with her. It was easy for the demons to forget that their favorite human was just that–a delicate human. Surely if Lucifer had mentioned Mc’s delicateness to her, he would be met with a look of defiance and an equally as defiant attitude.

            However, at the moment he was met with a crestfallen Mc, and he hated seeing his human in such a state. Lucifer uncrossed his arms and relaxed his shoulders, adopting a gentler temperament, one reserved for the human in front of him, and began to walk closer to her. Once he reached her, he placed a hand on her cheek, reveling in the way she leaned into his touch, “I wish you would have told me earlier, rather than going to bed unsatisfied. I’ll remind my brothers in the morning to be more mindful of what they prepare in the future. For now, let’s get you something to eat.”

            “It’s not their fault,” Mc began to defend his brothers. “I don’t want you making them feel bad. Sometimes they forget that I can’t have the same things you guys can.”

            “If not their fault, then whose is it?” Lucifer challenged lightheartedly.

            Mc thought for a moment before the familiar glint of mischief flashed in her eyes, “Diavolo. It’s his fault.”

            Lucifer raised his eyebrows and attempted to hide his amused smile, “Oh? Is that right?”

            “He should have given all of you a lesson on human nutrition before I got here,” she lifted her head from where it rested in Lucifer’s palm and turned away from him with a huff.

            “Ah, I see,” Lucifer place his thumb and index finger on her chin and gently turned her head to face him again. Once she was facing him, he placed a kiss on her forehead, “I shall tell him of this travesty tomorrow. For now, I can hear your stomach growl so go take a seat and I’ll get you something.”

            Wordlessly Mc walked to the kitchen island and hoisted herself up. Usually, Lucifer would chastise her for the action, but they both knew he wasn’t going to do that right now. If he were honest with himself, he would tell her that the only reason he ever gave her reprimands was so that his brothers didn’t complain about his obvious favoritism towards the human; but his pride would never allow him to divulge that information to her.

            He could feel her eyes watching him as he walked to one of the cabinets at the other end of the kitchen. Lucifer placed his left palm on the cabinet door, undoing a spell he had placed, and the door opened. He hid the item he pulled out of the cabinet from Mc’s gaze, wanting to see the look on her face for himself. Once the cabinet was securely closed again, spell and all, he turned to face the human with the item behind his back.

            “Let me see. What did you get? Why are you hiding it? Also, why did you put a lock on that door,” Mc’s constant stream of questions made him smile.

            She eyed him suspiciously as he drew closer. Lucifer stopped just out of reach, “Eyes closed and hands out.”

            Mc snorted and rolled her eyes playfully but did as he asked. Once Lucifer was sure that she was not peaking he placed the item in her waiting hands, “Now you can open your eyes.”

            She did so, and when she saw the item in her hands she gasped, “No way! I haven’t had this in so long!”

            He chuckled at her child-like excitement, “I overheard you mention these to Beel, so on my last visit to the human realm I got them for you.”

            Mc jumped down from the counter and wrapped her arms around Lucifer, after a moment of stunned shock he returned the embrace. “Who knew you were such a softy,” Mc teased as she looked up at the demon.

            “You and only you know,” he placed another kiss on her forehead. “Can you imagine if my brothers saw me like this with you? Absolute chaos.”

            Mc giggled, “I can see it now. Thank you, by the way, for thinking about me while you were on your trip. I know you were busy.”

            “I think of you always,” he smirked knowing how his words made her heart race. “However, if you truly want to thank me then you will tell me right away when something is wrong.”

            “I promise next time I’ll tell you,” Mc smiled. “Now I’m going to take this to my room before Beel sniffs it out and takes it from me.”

            “Or you could take it to mine,” Lucifer countered, “Beelzebub won’t step foot in my room even if he did manage to ‘sniff out’ your treat.”

            “Nice try, mister,” Mc gave his chest a pat before stepping away from him. “We both know what’ll happen if one of your brothers catches me entering or leaving your room at this hour. Thank you again, I’ll see you in the morning.” She shot him a flirtatious smile, “Good night, Lucifer.”

            “Good night, Mc,” Lucifer watched as she made her way out of the kitchen. He made a mental note to himself to remind Mc why tempting a demon was such a dangerous game, especially a demon as prideful as himself.

Masterlist

[arminsumi]

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🐚 ꒱ BEYOND THE SEA

Armin x fem!reader

Chapter index / Chapter Ⅲ: Midnight

Overview; one midnight, Armin met with you in secret, and he told Eren all about it later. Contents; 1940s au, fluff, romance, drama

Warnings; angst, tragedy

TAGLIST; @sad-darksoul @crazychaoticizzy @ringsofsaturnnnn

DM in my askbox to be added to taglists! 💕

Armin idled up and down the bridge leading to the barracks, waiting for you. He looked uncanny to Erwin in the dim street lamp lighting; they shared the same sort of blazing blue eyes.

If it weren't for their differently sized bodies, you would have thought it was Erwin waiting there on the bridge for you.

When Armin saw you come into view some street lamps away, all his brooding thoughts fled from his head.

"Lieutenant!" You greeted him. It irked him to hear you calling him that, he wanted so desperately to tell you to call him by his name. But that was just too indecent of an ask.

"Your name... could you tell me it again?" Armin asked.

"Why Lieutenant, I can't believe you!" You chided, "You've already forgotten my name?"

Armin wasn't sure if you were joking or not, even though you had a heavily emphasized playful tone. "I haven't, I promise. It's just that my accent gets in the way of pronouncing it correctly... I was trying to practice just now, but – " He stopped and went pink in the face after realizing what he had just said.

"Oh, well, that's all right..." You responded, and you guided him through the pronunciation of your name.

"Y - yyy/n?" His accent really did 'get in the way', it was weighting certain parts of your name.

He was thoroughly embarrassed, but when you laughed, he loosened up and laughed with you. Armin struggled for a few minutes to get it right. After the laughter wafted away, you and him looked at each other.

"What is it?" You asked. He seemed entranced by something about you.

Armin had to reanimate himself. "W-would you care for a stroll?" he asked.

The way he asked his question made you blush, and you could never understand why. Maybe it was simply the fact that a Lieutenant was asking a humble nurse to spend time with him.

Throughout that whole walk, you remember admiring how well-mannered Armin was. He had a gentle temperament, though his diffidence peaked through at times.

The two of you leisurely strolled up to the lighthouse. The roaring sea bashed around beneath the cliff.

"I wanted to apologize, if my asking you to meet me here tonight was too bold..." Armin said after a bout of silence.

His cute blue eyes refused to look at you. His cheeks felt seared with heat.

"I don't think it was bold... in fact, I'm so glad you asked, because I would never have had the confidence or courage to ask you myself." You replied.

He lifted his face and gave you a little smile. His informality created a forbidden intimacy between the two of you, it brought a shiver of excitement across your bodies.

Armin spoke guiltily, "I also wanted to apologize for causing you trouble with your father back then... I didn't mean to create discord between you and him."

"Why, you're full of apologies, Lieutenant." You teased. His shoulders twinged in embarrassment.

"I'm sorry – oh..." he muttered and the both of you chuckled.

A small silence passed. The hour pushed towards two in the morning, but Armin hardly cared. He was absolutely enraptured by you. By the way you spoke, by the way you moved gracefully, like a swan, to the edge of the cliff with him; observing the night sky's face as it twinkled down at the ocean.

"I-I also wanted to thank you," Armin punctured the serene silence with his stuttering voice, "for nursing my wounds back then."

"Oh... why thank you, but any nurse could have done that!" You laughed self-deprecatingly.

Armin laid his eyes on you, both admiringly and analytically. He felt great admiration for your modesty, but at the same time he wished that you wouldn't downplay your abilities.

"I wouldn't have wanted anyone else tending to me." He said. You felt heat rising to your face.

He added, "Hearing you sing down the corridors of the hospital calmed me every morning."

"I'm glad to hear that..." You replied shyly.

You wanted to move closer to him, your whole body desired it. But it felt like there was a barrier preventing you from making any indecent movement towards a Lieutenant.

But Armin didn't let the barrier dissuade him from moving closer. Though he took such bold steps towards where you stood, he still did so with such properness and modesty.

You could feel his warmth. Armin's bottom lip quivered longingly when he looked at you. And when you looked at him? He felt dizzy with excitement.

The air between you and him felt like it was buzzing. The tension demanded to be broken with a kiss.

But it never happened, because the image of your father flashed across Armin's mind, and a searing sense of fear and guilt struck his chest. He refrained and withdrew from your air.

"I shouldn't keep you out so late, especially in this cold air..." Armin muttered apologetically.

"Oh... oh, you're right." You snapped out of the dream-state he put you in. "I-I should get back before my father finds that I'm not home."

"Can I walk you home?" He asked eagerly.

You happily accepted. Armin noticeably tried to recede into his soldierly formality. The ocean became lost in the distance as you drew closer to the apartments lining the factory. In the evening, it was deathly silent here, but the factories continued pumping out black smoke.

Before he left you at the doorstep of your apartment block, Armin asked very eagerly, much like boy anticipating Christmas; "I will see you at the Farewell party, right?"

His brows were pinched together. His shoulders were tense. "Of course, Lieutenant." You told him. "But it's best not to tell too many people that I'll be there... if my father finds out, I think I might be killed." You laughed. That was something many people did back in the day; they laughed off the severity of grave choices.

Though Armin felt guilty, he couldn't deny his overwhelming anticipation of seeing you dressed in a fine dress, dancing cheek to cheek with him. He daydreamed of that the whole walk back to the barracks. It set his whole spirit ablaze.

"She is just as I remember her..." Armin mumbled happily, more so to himself than to Eren on the bottom cot.

"You mean still as forbidden as she always was to you?"

"Eren!"

Armin and Eren laid awake discussing the entire evening together, in the comforts of their cots. Jean and Connie were fast asleep as usual.

"So, let me get this right, you spent two hours fraternizing with her, and then walked her home for another two hours?" Eren smirked.

"It's not fraternizing!" Armin hissed.

A long silence passed.

"Sooo... what were you two doing for those two extra hours?" Eren teased.

"Nothing!" Armin' smile could be heard in his voice. He rolled over in his squeaky cot. "Goodnight!"

"My my, you're not only fraternizing with her, but smooching her, too? Isn't that a little too soon? Are you going to be wed before the Farewell party?" Eren teased.

"Hey now, remember who is on the top bunk." Armin threatened.

They burst into giggles. Right then, it felt like they were just carefree boys, not soldiers due to be sent out to war.

"My apologies, Lieutenant. Please don't crush me in my sleep." Eren teased. He mimicked the way Nurse Y/n said 'lieutenant', and it made Armin smile even more.