#the previous games are pretty old I wonder if they are going to make a thing so you can understand the story

[itsohh]

BLACK OPS 6?

[brenwritesss]

Talent part 2

Paige Bueckers x reader

Summary: You and Paige talk more after the live, resulting in the two of you getting to know each other.

paigebueckers sent you a message.

"You said you had a thing for blonde hoopers?"

You smile at the message, expecting her to have said something like this. You weren’t blind; you did see all of the notifications of people tagging her in your comments, and you in hers. You saw what she said about you and your ex-girlfriend. And she was exactly your type so you were going to have fun with this. 

“Yeah I said that.”

Within seconds, you saw Paige typing and you wondered what she was going to say. However, you felt a bit of unease as you recalled memories from your previous relationship. You were a flirt, everyone on social media knew when they saw your interviews and even your songs were flirtatious. But you didn’t just want to flirt with Paige. You didn’t want to get hurt again or get your hopes up.

“Come to one of my games. I’ll make it worth watching.”

Your heart beat sped up, a blush creeping up on your cheeks. “I’ll think about it.”

“Are you gonna be in CT anytime soon?”

“Yeah, for a tour in a couple of months.”

“Where at?”

“Hartford.”

“Not that far from Storrs, sounds good to me.”

“What?” You were confused at what she was saying.

“I’ll come see you when you’re in Hartford and you’ll come to one of my games.” 

“And I don’t get a say in this?”

“What, like you’re gonna say no?”

You let out a small laugh, clutching your phone in your hands and practically kicking your feet in bed like a little kid. Texting her back you said, “No, I’ll say yes.”

“That’s what I thought.”

God, she was so hot.

You had decided to go scroll on TikTok, not wanting to give Paige the satisfaction of noticing how fast you were replying to her. Immediately upon opening the app, the clip of you and Paige on KK’s live flirting with each other was sure enough, going viral. You decided to take this opportunity to stalk Paige’s account to further see what you were getting yourself into. In the span of ten minutes, you found yourself towards the bottom of her page, looking at all of her old cringey TikTok’s that she filmed back when she was in highschool. 

Trying to scroll to the next video, your finger slipped, causing you to tap on the like button. “Oh shit,” you said to yourself as you quickly unlike it and mentally slap yourself in the face. Now Paige would know that you were stalking her Tiktoks. 

It wasn’t long before you received another DM from a specific blonde hooper:

“So instead of texting me back, you go stalk my TikToks?”

Shit. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Baby you’re not slick.”

Internally freaking out, you took a second to realize the current situation that you were in. I’m Y/n fucking L/n, there’s no way I’m getting this flustered by a college basketball player. You needed to fire back with some heat and fast before Paige found out she could have you wrapped around her finger. Texting back, you said, “baby you're not special.”

“Whatever you say, beautiful.”

Deciding to have some fun with her, you type, “you think I’m pretty?”

“Y/n, the whole world thinks you’re gorgeous.”

“I didn’t ask about the world, I asked about you.”

“You’re the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen fr. I’m not even playing.”

A blush crept onto your cheeks while you smiled at your phone. You didn’t know how to respond to that, the only thing you could think of was, “thank you Paige.”

Her response was instant. “I can show you how pretty I think you are.”

“That could be taken so many ways.”

You could practically feel her smirking on her side of the phone. “I’ll take it wherever you want.”

“Interesting offer, Bueckers.”

“KK wanted me to tell you she’s a huge fan💀”

“Haha tell her I said I’m a huge fan of her. And that she’s invited to my show in Hartford.”

“Where’s my invite?”

“You listen to my music?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Then I guess you can come.”

“You guess?”

“I can tell security to not let you in if you’d like.”

“Okay, no I’m perfectly happy with my invite.” Before you could respond, she began typing again, “what’s your favorite flower?”

You were taken back by the random question. “Uh Lilies of the Valley. Why?”

“Just wondering. I’ve got practice but I’d like to talk more later if that’s chill with you?”

“Yeah, that’s cool.”

“Okay, I’ll talk to you later.”

You liked her message and put down your phone. You had to be careful because if this continued, you’d find yourself whipped and simping for Paige Bueckers. You let yourself fall asleep, thinking about your recent conversation with Paige. Don’t get hurt, was all that was replaying in your head. As long as you kept your guard up, not getting hurt should be easy.

Hours later, you woke up to the sound of your doorbell. You slowly got out of bed in nothing but an old t-shirt and shorts and made your way through your house to the front door. Checking your peephole, there was nobody standing there which you found quite odd.

Deciding to open the door, you couldn’t see anyone walking away from your door. Just as you were about to close it, your eyes drifted towards the ground and a bouquet of flowers caught your eye. Picking up the bouquet, you examined it. A small bouquet of Lilies of the Valley. You smiled and looked for a card inside the bouquet. Sure enough, you found one:

Let me show you how beautiful you are

-Paige

Her texts began to replay in your head. Yeah, you were definitely fucked.

[your-nanas-house]

Just a... thong

◇ Pairing: Dad's Best Friend!Cillian Murphy X Bff's daughter!Reader

◇ Warnings: mention of masturbation, age gap (all off age, Cill is in his 40s, Y/n 20s), pervert Cilly, laundry, dad's best friend, cramps

◇ Summary: Cillian decides to take care of the laundry and finds his best friend's daughter's thong.

◇ Note: Sorry for the mistakes and the English. Another piece of the "AU/series" of Dad's Friend. Thank you @drcranessweetestdoe to encourage me to write smt. It's bit shitty but I hope it will "satiate" you a little. 🤭

It had been several weeks since Y/n, his best friend's daughter, had come to stay with Cillian for the summer holidays.

He had rearranged a bit of the usual routine that the man had made his, now that he was in his 40s and considered himself too old for several things.

However, he had adapted quite well, thanks to the collaboration of the young woman who also did not want to cause any disturbance to him and therefore followed his schedule a bit.

They had established little silent rules, such as the times of breakfast and meals in general, who cooked and when. They had also decided without talking about it that they would do the dirty laundry individually even though she was the one in charge of running the washing machine and making sure of the little details like which clothes could go together and which couldn't.

Usually Y/n took care of the sorting too, before Cillian could do anything, so it was the first time for the man to take care of that task.

The young woman was busy on a call with her family and the Irishman didn't have much to do, so when he passed by the room where the washing machine had finished he approached it, deciding to do it himself to take away a task from her seeing how well he was taking care of all the things he had asked her to do in exchange to make her stay under his roof.

His baby blue eyes scanned the object, taking in the different buttons before making sure it was actually done.

When he was sure of it he opened it, rushing to get the basket to put all the wet clothes in there and then go and hang them outside since the weather permitted.

They were mostly his things and a few things from Y/n, just clothes he had seen on her the previous days, some sports tops and... a lacy piece.

A lacy... A lacy piece of clothing, Cillian repeated to himself before his eyes snapped quickly back to the undergarments he was holding in his hand. His breath catching in his throat as his mouth dried, his heart started to beat faster, drumming against his chest at the realization.

A thong.. it's just a thong, Cillian, get yourself together, he thought, scolding himself, as his eyes snapped towards the door and back to the fabric when he was sure that he was still alone.

Her underwear was soft under his fingertips, smooth and silky except the lacy part that decorated it in an innocent but provocative way.

There was little fabric... he really wondered why she worn something like that since it covered barely her cunt, exposing probably fully her round ass cheeks.

"Fuck" the older man murmured under his breath, his breath becoming heavier as his mind wandered, imagine his best friend's daughter wearing something like that... just that, her body completely bare, her breasts on full display as the thong hugged her hips, teasing him with its little see not see game.

His body reacted pretty quickly and he was hard.. again.

It had been happening quite frequently since she entered his life in a daily basis. He really felt like a pathetic teenager by the way his body acted at the mere display of a bit of her skin.

Cillian bite his lip, taking a deep breath as he stroked the fabric in his hand for a couple of seconds, groaning softly at the feeling while his other hand moved slowly to his boner which was quite noticeable because of the sweatpants he had choose to wear that morning. His thick fingers slowly brushed his clothed hard lenght, before palming it... his bottom lip caged by his white teeth as his mind started to play different scenarios.

"Fuck" he cursed lowly, moving his hand again to pull out his cock irrationally, following the wind of his carnal desire with no shame, too blinded by lust.

"Is everything okay? Is it your back again?.. I heard you curse" Y/n's sweet voice interrupted him, making his blood run cold and move quickly up.. stretching his muscles in the wrong way.

He really was too old for this kind of things, he thought dramatically while cursing softly.

A shock of pain hit him, making him lean against the washing machine in an attempt to regain himself.

Karma.. just Karma, Cillian repeated in his head while inhaling deeply, now feeling pretty much self-conscious about his actions. Luckily she didn't look like she had noticed the perverse actions he was about to comply.

Her look was one of worry and not disgust, even when she moved quickly closer to make sure he was alright and help him sit on the sofa to relax a moment while she continued the task, not noticing the piece of clothing that was missing since he didn't have the opportunity or the time to throw it back in the basket before she took it to another room, warning him that she was coming back to check on him and his back.

[thebrightsilverlining]

P5X and the Importance of Community

There’s something interesting about how P5X is handling confidants. Obviously, I’ll have to wait until it gets officially localized, but there seems to be a running trend in regards to community.

See, X is different from P3,4, and 5 in that the protagonist did not move before the start of the game. There’s no adjusting to some new environment and meeting a bunch of people there. Wonder has lived here all his life. So making friends isn’t about becoming a part of a new place. Instead, it’s a signifier of Wonder’s change in attitude.

Wonder’s whole deal is that he was just kinda coasting through life. As the lyrics of Ambitions and Visions points out: “Act like I don’t care. Why even bother? That’s what I though then. Just another bluffer.” He was a go with the flow guy who couldn’t be bothered to put in the effort whose bitterness and lack of ambition was the reason why things weren’t going the way he wanted in life. A fact that he didn’t really want to admit.

But that changes when he becomes a Phantom Thief and he begins to actually put effort in and start caring. The whole idea of the Phantom Idols is that Wonder’s connection to the Sea of Souls allows him to see the potential in people. To see who they could be. Meaning he’s learning to shed his previous ambivalence and see people for who they really are and who they could become.

This becomes even more impactful, because he’s not in some new place with new people. He’s in his home, with most of the people having already been living there alongside him. So it’s not a matter of the world changing. It’s his perception of it that changes. It’s him realizing that the people he’d written off are actually pretty amazing.

So one of the confidants is his next door neighbor and his mom’s friend. Someone who was always around but he never bothered to really get to know. It’s his mom’s friend and they’re both old, what could possibly be interesting about that? They probably talk about whatever it is middle aged women talk about. Boring.

Except she’s not. Once he starts paying attention he finds out that she used to be a fashion designer. And she was good at it!? Not to mention those photos of her when she was younger. Who knew that Mrs. Tomiyama was COOL?!

And hey, did you know that she also has a nephew? Yeah, he’s only like a year older than you and he wants to be an actor someday. Gonna star on tv in Featherman and make so many people smile. If you’re getting to know Mrs. Tomiyama you should probably get to know him too. Who knows? You might even become friends.

And hey, what about that girl that’s always helping her father with running the local bar? You must’ve passed her by a million times by now and you’ve never spoken a word have you? Did you know that she wants to be a nurse when she grows up? Or that she’s planning to simply stay home instead so she can take care of her father with his back problem?

Or what about Yaoling Li? Did you even know that a college student from China had moved into the neighborhood? Right next to the Fujikawa residence! You know, where Yukimi lives? She’s your age, why did you never even try to become friends? But maybe it’s time to remedy that, especially if you’re both gonna befriend Yaoling, who is still struggling with the signage at the local market.

It’s all about the community. That community that’s always been there, that you just never bothered to pay attention to. The people so unique and varied, with dreams and aspirations and lives so complex you can barely imagine. That you could get to know, so long as you were willing to put in the effort to do so. And maybe, if you did, you might just find your life is better for it.

It’s a concept I find incredibly interesting, and one I really hope is done well in P5X. Because, if so, it might just be my favorite handling of confidants/social links yet.

[mynameismckenziemae]

All of Me

Part 18

(previous part here, next part here)

Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin x You/OFC

Summary: your new nurse starts, making your life easier. Time away from Jake has you making some questionable decisions.

Warnings: 18+ MDNI! Smut, oral (m receiving), exhibitionism/almost getting caught, femdom, etc.

•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>

There’s no other way to describe what you and Jake do for the next several hours than making love. On your bed, in the shower, and once more as the sun rises when he wakes to leave before Drew does.

“I’ll see you at lunch?” He whispers as he looks for his jeans. You want nothing more than to sink your teeth into his butt cheek when he turns but you instead bite your lip, knowing you don’t have time to start anything.

“Reese?” He looks back when you don’t answer and grins at the heated look in your eyes.

“Hmm?” Your eyes finally leave his tush, and your face heats at being caught ogling, “Oh, yeah, lunch sounds good.”

He chuckles as he puts on his jersey from the game before leaning down for a kiss. “Love you, sweetheart.”

“Love you too,” you smile as he pulls back.

You cover your face with a pillow before squealing a teenage girl as the front door closes.

•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>

Even though you manage to get to work early, Shae’s already there.

“Ready for your first day?” You ask when you see her.

“I am,” she answers, the bruising under her eye gone, “I looked over your preferences while I waited. It all looks familiar so I shouldn’t have any problem getting caught up to speed.”

“I didn’t figure you would,” you smile as you set yourself stuff down, “let me give you a quick tour and we’ll get the day started.”

•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>

By mid-morning, Shae’s already exceeded every expectation you had; anticipating and preparing what’s needed for exams, filling out your forms, and pending the orders so all you need to sign. Sophie was a wonderful nurse, but Shae takes things to a whole new level.

“I don’t know how I’ve survived this long without you,” you tell her truthfully as you break for lunch, 15 minutes earlier than normal, “seriously, you’re doing a great job.”

“Thank you,” she flushes as she looks down at her shoes, a little bashful.

“You’re welcome,” you reply, “I usually have lunch in here with Jake, my boyfriend, and Rooster, an old friend of mine. They’re both naval aviators.”

“Rooster?” She asks, looking up quizzically.

“Ah, sorry, that’s his callsign,” you laugh, “his real name is Bradley; you can call him either. You’re more than welcome to join us.”

A look of unease passes over her face but she quickly recovers. “Thanks for the offer, but I’ve gotta let my dog out. I haven’t found anyone to walk him yet; I’m pretty sure he’d be fine all day but I’m staying at an Airbnb until my apartment is vacates in a few weeks so I don’t want to risk any accidents.”

“Understandable,” you smile, “the offer stands if and when you want to.”

“Thank you,” she replies with a smile of her own.

•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>

“Where’s she going?” Bradley asks, stopping by the door to your office to watch Shae leave.

“To let her dog out,” you reply, smiling at Jake as he pushes Roo through the door, “I told her she could have lunch with us but she’s staying at an Airbnb right now until her apartment is ready and doesn’t want to risk him having an accident.”

Bradley nods as he takes a seat, “You guys going to Penny and Mav’s for the 4th?” He continues when you both nod, “You could ask Shae if she wants to come.”

“I’ll ask,” you answer, “I’m not sure she’ll say yes, but I’ll ask.”

•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>

“You don’t have to answer right now,” you say gently as Shae clams up when you ask her at the end of the day, “and there’s no pressure, either. You can say no.”

The way she visibly relaxes when given a choice makes your heart hurt.

“I’ll think about it,” she says, “if that’s okay?”

“Of course. There’s no rush; Penny will be plenty of food and drinks either way,” you smile at her as you pick up your bag and keys. “Have a good night, I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Thanks,” she smiles, “you too.”

•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>

The next few weeks pass quickly and June turns to July.

Shae hasn’t had lunch with you yet, but she’s slowly opening up.

Due to the upcoming holiday, it’s a short week; which you’re especially grateful for since you and Jake haven’t had much time alone together since Drew’s been home from camp between your busy schedule and Jake’s frequent overnight training. Your bed has never felt more empty but you’re not sure if you should ask Jake to move in yet.

“See ya after lunch,” you tell Shae as she picks up her keys to head out, “tell Hank I said hi.”

The way she lights up when she talks about her dog, Hank, makes you smile.

“I will,” she laughs, “be back in a bit.”

She still hasn’t given you an answer for the 4th of July party, but you weren’t going to push.

•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>

“Hey,” you say, looking down at your phone when you hear her come back, “the last patient of the day canceled, so we’ll be done early this afternoon. How was Hank?”

“Acting a little weird, but good,” she replies, her brow furrowing, “he’s usually asleep when I get home, but he was up and pacing by the door. I thought he had to go potty really bad but he didn’t go without some coaxing. Who knows, probably just heard a squirrel or something.”

“Probably,” you agree, but it doesn’t sit right with you. By the look on her face, it doesn’t sit right with her either.

•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>

You text Jake before your last patient but he doesn’t answer when you’re done. Instead, there’s one from Roo when you check after saying goodbye to Shae.

Rooster: Hey, saw your name come across Jake’s phone. He’s in the air.

Reese: Thanks, I was just letting him know I finished up early.

Rooster: He’ll be down soon. I’m in the ready room with the recruits if you wanna see your man in action.

Reese: You know I do. 🏃‍♀️

Rooster: 🙄

•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>

“Still on for the Hard Deck tonight?” Bradley asks after he nods you over by him by the wall. Several recruits are watching with rapt attention.

“Mhmm,” you answer, looking for Jake out the window, “Tina picked up Drew from the sitter already, so we’ll probably head back to my place after Jake’s done and then we can pick you up on the way.”

“Sounds good, I’ll be ready,” he replies, pointing when they come into view, “that’s him, he’s after Mav.”

They’re razzing each other over the coms and you have to bite your lip at Jake’s quips. Hearing him so cocky and sure of himself was getting you hot.

It’s not long before you hear the tone lock. “Gave me a good run,” Jake laughs, “but I gotcha, old man.”

“You did,” Mav’s laughing too. “Bring ‘er in. You’re all dismissed. Have a good weekend.”

The recruits woop before shuffling out, leaving you and Bradley to watch as Jake brings the down the multi-million dollar jet with ease before bringing it into its designated hangar.

You nearly whimper as he walks across the hot tarmac to toward you, flushed and a little sweaty in his flight suit.

You want him. Now.

“You’re drooling,” Bradley teases as he wipes the corner of your mouth, breaking your trance.

“Fuck off,” you smirk, not taking your eyes off Jake until he’s out of sight, making his way up the stairs to you, “I’ve seen the way you look at Shae; all longingly, like a love-sick puppy.”

“Whatever,” he laughs, but you don’t miss the way his ears turn red.

Jake walks in and his face lights up when he sees you. He looks even better up close, smelling like fresh air, clean sweat and jet fuel.

“Hey,” you say, refusing to cringe at how breathy you sound, “you looked good out there.”

“Thanks,” he murmurs, looking you up and down, “you look good in here.”

Bradley gags. “On that note, I’m leaving. Don’t fuck in here, okay? The door doesn’t lock.”

“We won’t,” you reply, eyes not leaving Jake’s, “See you in a bit.”

“Walk me to my office?” You ask as your fingers walk up his chest to toy with the zipper by his neck, “I forgot my keys.”

“Sure,” he nods, “lead the way.”

•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>

You can almost feel him watching your ass as you walk across the base ahead of him to your office.

The clinic is quiet and dark; seems everyone’s gone for the long weekend.

Perfect.

Jake apparently has the same idea as you. He crowds you against your office door when you turn around after locking it.

He leans in like he’s about to kiss you but diverts at the last minute, instead pushing your hair aside to kiss along your neck, “This is a terrible idea.”

“It is,” you agree breathlessly, finding the zipper by his neck and pulling it down slowly. It feels loud, too loud in the stillness outside your office, “at least I won’t be the one caught with my pants down.”

“Wha-oh,” he catches on when you turn him before pushing him against the wall by the door as you pull his flight suit down with you as you kneel. “Wait,” he says, gathering your hair into a makeshift ponytail as you mouth him through the fabric of his underwear, moaning at the taste of his precum, “I haven’t showered.”

“I don’t care. I’ve missed you,” you reply, yanking down his boxer briefs. He’s already so hard and precum beads at the tip, making your mouth water. You both moan when you lick it off, “and you always taste good.”

He whines as he watches you sloppily lick his cock up and down, wetting it thoroughly with your saliva before pulling him into your mouth. His hands slide into your hair as you bring him to the back of your throat and tighten as you swallow.

As much as you want to tease him and drag this out, there’s always a chance someone’s around even though it looked deserted. Your hand slides up the inside of his trembling thigh to cup his sac; the other coming to jerk him in tandem while bobbing your head.

He sighs, eyes closing as his head drops back and hits the wall with a thud, “it’s been too long, I’m already close.”

“What do you mean too long?” you pull off to ask while your hand keeps stroking stroking, “you haven’t jerked off?”

“No ma’am,” he replies, eyes still shut tightly as he shakes his head, “you didn’t say I could.”

“I didn’t say you couldn’t either,” you tease, trying to keep your voice even as you rub your thighs together. “But I’m proud of you.”

“Th-thank you, ma’am,” he pants.

“So good,” you purr, “saving all your cum for me.”

He nods, gasping when you grip him firmer and stroke faster.

“Give it to me then,” you murmur before sucking him into your mouth again.

“Fuckkkk,” he tenses, but the door handle beside him jiggles, making you both freeze.

Jake’s eyes fly open in panic, meeting your wide ones.

“Hello?” A gruff voice comes through the closed door, “anybody in there? I’m here to clean.”

You slowly shake your head as you swallow the saliva pooling in your mouth before you start to drool.

Jake’s hands grip your hair tighter and his hips jerk at the feeling.

“Not sure if I have a key to this one or not,” the janitor says to himself before you hear the clink of his keychain.

The cleaning staff doesn’t have a key; only you and your boss do. But Jake doesn’t know that.

Jake’s eyes widen further as he tries to pull you off, but you just suck him further into your mouth, not stopping until he bumps the back of your throat. His balls draw up to his body as you ignore the tears prickling at your eyes. Then you swallow again.

He bites back his groan while his fingers pull your hair almost to the point of pain. His cock twitches and you swallow pulse after pulse of his warm cum greedily, whining softly as your neglected pussy pulses with need.

“Hmm. Guess not,” the man behind the door says, whistling as he walks away.

Jake’s chest heaves as he slumps against the wall to recover, “C’mere,” he pulls you to him to brush his lips over yours, “that was the hottest, most terrifying experience of my life.”

“I think so too,” you murmur, “and I knew he didn’t have a key.”

Jake chuckles, as his hand slides over your hip to find the drawstring to your pants, “God, you’re something else, Reese. I love you.”

“I love you too,” you smile, but it turns into a frown as you reluctantly stop his fingers, “as much as I want you to, Bradley is expecting us soon.”

He sighs, nodding after a moment before releasing you to zip up his flight suit, “I’ll make it up to you tonight.”

“You better,” you smile, pressing a kiss to his lips before quietly opening the door. Jake follows after you make sure the coast is clear.

•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>

“Best two outta three?” Bradley asks an hour later as he pulls the darts from the board.

“Nope,” you smirk, holding out your hand, “Pay up, Roo.”

Jake laughs as he begrudgingly pulls a 20 from his wallet, knowing you’re going to buy the next round with it.

Your phone buzzes in your back pocket and your stomach sinks when you see that Shae’s the one calling.

“It’s Shae, I’ll be right back,” you say, turning to step outside where it’s quiet.

•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>

“Hey Shae,” you answer, “what’s up?

“Hi Dr. Kerner,” she replies, sounding like she’s about to cry, “I’m so sorry to bother you.”

“Please, call me Reese,” you remind her gently, “you’re not bothering me at all. Is everything okay?”

“No,” her voice breaks, “it’s not. He-Chad…my ex, he found me.”

•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>

A/N: sorry about the cliffhanger! Don’t hate me! The first chapter of Shae’s story will be posted next.

What did y’all think?

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[romanarose]

Happy St. Patick's Day, Darl'n

DBF!Joel Miller x fem!reader

Join my taglist : Masterlist

Previous part here: Presidents Day

Summary: Joel and you navigate dating. Oh and you get drunk.

Warnings: Drinking, getting DRUNK drunk. Feelings (ew) big old age gap (2X age), mild jealous but communicating, crybaby reader. Daddy dom Joel. Joel has insecuritues but he loves reader. Reader tryna smash.

Immersivity: Reader is fem reader is 21+, dresses very feminine. Drinks and celebrates chritian holidays, not neccecarily is christian but like family and culturaly. Major age gap. Big girthy age gap. Joel can pick up reader and is taller than her. Mentions of hair with bows.

A/n: this header screams "graphic design is my passion" LMFAOOOOOO

1.1k words

“WOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!” You shout loudly on the street, green beer in your hand. Joel was patiently trying to get you to come home. You and him had taken a tad bit of a risk, coming out in public together but you had decided as long as you keep things chaste, you could always tell anyone who spots you both that you had ran into each other and stuck around. Problem was, now that you were drunk, your hands were wandering and Joel couldn’t lie his way out of the way you were pinching his ass.

“C’mon, hon, let’s get you home.” He tries to judge you, but the way your eyes light up makes him think you have other plans.

“Lets go to Tommy’s party!!!!”

This made Joel laugh out loud. “It’s 3 pm and you’re drunk. You’re going to be hung out by the evening already.”

“So I keep drinking and then I’ll never get hung over!” You were wearing a cute green dress and green ribbons in your hair, making you look as adorable as ever and as much as he would love to take you to Tommy and make him watch him finger you on his lap, pretty little dress spread… you needed water and bedtime. 

Joel was matching you in color only, and even that was a stretch. While you wore sea green with little flowers on your dress, Joel wore his dark green flannel. He thought you were such a mismatched couple, some of his insecurity seeped through. Seeing a girl as beautiful as you out with an old man like him… Sometimes he wondered if you were better with someone younger. Still, Joel had a good time with you. He liked watching you smile and dance, lighting up the world around you and lighting up his day.

You begin to wave down the bartender, but Joel places his hands firmly on your shoulders. “Now baby, you listen to your daddy.” He whispers in your ear so only you could hear. Your body language instantly relaxes, slipping into sub space with only a few words. “I’m going to take your home, and you are going to nap, understand?”

“Yes daddy.” You’d had fun for close to 5 hours now. It was time for his girl to get some rest.

Joel paid the hefty tab of overpriced themed drinks without a boink, left a nice tip, and then ushered you out the door.

*

Back in the comfort of your apartment, Joel was making you drink water in the kitchen as you giggled looking at your phone with a squinty eye.

“What’re yuh laughing about, sweet girl?”

“Nothing, baby, just Tommy.”

Joel stopped. Turned around. “You’re texting Tommy?”

It wasn’t that you were talking to his brother. Tommy had fucked you… but Joel was the first to admit he was a jealous man and Tommy… well, Tommy never had issues getting girls, and was a few years younger. 

“Yeah!” You show him a picture Tommy sent at his party. “See his shirt? Isn’t it funny?” Tommy wore the same shirt he’d worn since the 90’s on saint patrick's day, his Green Day shirt. Tommy lived for when people said he isn’t wearing green and he can point to the Green on his shirt. Dumbass. The shirt was falling apart, showing his skin in the rips. Maybe Joel should let him know that he was actually dating you now, and you weren’t fair game.

“It’s… so funny, baby.” When he looked up, he saw your little lip quivering and your eyes filling with water. “No, baby, don’t-” but it was too late, you were sobbing. Since dating you, actually dating you, he’d realized how true it was when your dad said you were an emotional girl. You cried… a lot. But that was okay, Joel didn’t mind helping you pick the pieces up again. He’d guard your heart for you.

“I’m s–s-s-o-r-r-yyyyyy!!”

“Oh, darl’n, c’mere” Joel pulls you into his strong safe arms. “Why’re yuh cry’n? I ain’t mad.”

“I was texting Tommy!”

You let you cry for a moment, then picked you up and sat you on his counter. Firm but gentle, he took your face in his hands. “Look at me now, pretty girl.” He waited until your sad eyes met his. “You don’t gotta apologize for that.”

“It’s just friendly, I promise!”

“It’s alri-”

“He’s your brother and I care about you so I care about your family!”

Joel squeezed your cheeks until you stopped talking, his eyes intense on yours. “I don’t care that you’re texting Tommy. I watched him fuck you, and he’s known you as long as I have. I trust you, and if you want to have sex with him again, I know you’ll just talk to me.” Letting go, Joel kissed your lips, tasting the frilly alcohol. “You’re mine.” He thumbed a stray tear away.

You look up at him, still a little stressed. “I’ve been accused of cheating. A lot. I never ever have! Ever!”

“I believe you.”

“It’s just… other guys… if I didn’t want to have sex or spent too much time with my friends or family or was laughing at my phone and… I dunno… I might be a little defensive…”

Joel did not like that one bit. “Darl’n, I’m sorry that happened.” He took your face in his large hands. “I ain’t ever gonna make you feel bad for not wanting to have sex, and I love that you have great friends and family. I happen to like your family a lot too.” He winks, a nod to how you met. “And I’m glad Tommy makes you laugh, because I like watching you laugh. ‘M sorry for acting grumpy.”

Finally you smiled again, reaching your arms up. “I like that you’re grumpy. My grumpy old man.”

Joel swatted your ass and called you a brat.

*

“JOOOOOOEEEELLL!!!” You whine in bed, kissing him and grinding yourself against his hip. Although he gave you sweet kisses, he kept pulling your hands away your you tried to undo his belt. “Come oooooooon!!!”

“Nuh-uh” He said firmly. “You were about to pass out while I brushed your teeth. Go to bed, I’ll fuck you when you’re not drunk off you ass.” Although judging how much you dran

You begin sobbing again. He didn’t even know if you knew why this time.

“Oohhhhh no.” Joel chastises, but pulls you onto him so he could hold you. “None of that. Hush now…. Hush…” Joel rubs your back in your soft warm PJ’s. 3 seconds later, you’re snoring on top of him.

“Happy St. Patrick's Day, Darl’n”

COMMUNICATION IS IMPORTANT!!!

I'm watching love is blind and... jesus Christ XD

up next is technically easter but im kinda starkly aware we've established reader celebrated christian holidays and im like what if i spice it up? what if their friend invited them to purim? bc I love Purim and i wanna see Joel in a costume LMFAOOOO

love you guys!!!!

@fandxmslxt69 @runa-falls @k-ra @ahookedheroespureheart @mikaelak @littlenosoul @stevenandmarcslove @pikapuff-316 @del-ightfulling @faretheeoscar @harriedandharassed @my-secret-shame-but-fanfiction @campingwiththecharmings @ramblers-lets-get-ramblin @milly-louise @casa-boiardi @joeldjarin @mrs-oharaxx @pedge-page @readingiskeepingmegoing @survivingandenduring

[sylvia-plaths-fig-pie]

The Games We Play ♡ Luke Alvez

Pairing: luke alvez x fem!reader

Cw: no use y/n, mentions of Canon typical violence, probably strays far from cannon but the vibes are there, luke being a himbo, reader being intelligent (as you should) .

Trope: friends/coworkers to lovers

Word count: idk maybe 1k?

Summary: after a long case you school Spencer Reid on the plane back playing chess and you try to convince luke to play. It's only when luke is driving you home that he reveals that he's never played before...

♡♡♡♡♡

"And that's checkmate." You moving your queens knight into the closing position. Spencer look at you confused for what must have been the 5th time on the flight back from the last case.

"How?!" He questioned, slightly outraged by his loosing streak.

You bit back a simile as you looked at him, "would now be a good time to mention I was a 'chess prodigy' growing up...?"

"So was I but-"

"Spencer, I was British chess champion was I was 16 years old and competed in the world championships several times before flying to the US and joining the fbi..." you confessed, smiling at your childhood achievements. Spencer was an intelligent wonder kid, but he wasn't a chess grand master and he didn't have several chess titles, not like you.

"I think that's your signal to quick while your behind," luke commented from beside you, biting back a laugh as he looked at Spencer sulking. "I'm sure you could beat her at noughts and crosses?"

You rolled your eyes at his comment. He probably wasn't wrong, but still you liked the idea of winning, especially after the lengthy case that you just closed.

It was a collection of several murders of young girls and their dogs, with alot of mutilation, far too much for your average serial killer. You managed to close it, but not after weeks of sleepless nights and too many casualties for your liking.

"I'll have to pass on that game," you say before Spencer can try to convince you to play noughts and crosses. "But alvez, your the last one left that I haven't played," you say turning to look at the brunet who's eyes were already fixed on your own, "what do you say? I'll go easy on you I promise."

"Hell no!" He laughed, but you could tell there was somthing else that he wasn't saying. You were a profiler so you were generally pretty good at reading people, but with luke it was almost like you could read his mind and vise versa. You didn't just know eachother, you understood one another. Most days that was a comfort in this line of work, but sometimes it was terrifying.

It scared you that someone could know you so completely without having to tell them. It scared you that you saw luke as more than just a colleague and friend, it scared you that while he understood you he probably didn't feel the same. It was torture.

But you had to be professional. Which is why you didn't press why he didn't want to play and chalked it down to him wanting to keep his pride. However it didn't stop you from drifting asleep with your head on his shoulder when Spencer tried to analyse your previous chess game. Platonic friends can fall asleep on eachothers shoulders, right?

♡♡♡

As the plane landed you began to stir as luke gently nudged you.

"Wake up princess," he whispered in your ear.

"Shut up, I'm up," you mumbled as you got up, feigning annoyance at the nickname. It was pointless in front of a group of profilers, who could probably all could tell that you had a bit of a thing for luke and actually enjoyed the nickname, but your pride wouldn't allow you to admit to any if it.

"Let me drive you home." He says as you're walking of the plane. "Your tired, its probably not a good idea if you drive right now."

Usually you would argue, make some excuse, but you took the buss to work and we'll the buss after 10pm for a woman wasn't exactly a safe place, even if you took down serial killers for a living. So you agreed to a totally platonic friend driving another friend home after a long day.

"Why don't you want to play chess with me?" You asked once luke began driving down the farmiliar roads to your apartment. You weren't going to ask, really you weren't, but curiosity got the best of you.

"I didn't want to get my ass handed to me like everyone else," he laughed, but once again there was somthing else, somthing hidden. He didn't look at you, his eyes fixed on the road ahead.

"Luke?" You questioned, "you know you can tell me, right?"

He was quiet for a moment, changing the gears of the car, the radio loosing signal briefly.

"Promise you won't laugh?" He asked quietly, he seemed vulnerable, almost sacred.

You nodded, "not unless it's an embassading childhood story."

He laughed then, the tension in the air easing.

"Okay," he nodded, pulling up outside your apartment complex, pausing before he spoke. "I don't know how..."

He didn't look at you, his eyes were fixed on the road even though he had just parked.

You placed your hand on his knee.

It broke your heart that he felt embarrassed saying it. It didn't even occur to you that he wouldn't know. You'd just assumed he knew because he was intelligent. But that doesn't matter if no one has taught you how to play.

He looked at you then, vulnerable. He thought you would think he was stupid, as if he wasn't one of the smartest people you had ever met. As if he wasn't so talented and kind and not to mention beautiful inside and out.

"I can teach you." You mumber quietly, "you would be good at it, all you need to know are the basics. Not that you need to learn, I just think it would be fun to play with you." You similed before over thinking your last few words. "Chess" You amended, "playing chess with you."

He laughed at your fumble. You just grew redder. Now it was your turn to be embarrassed.

Luke placed his hand over yours, finally turning to face you with his beautiful smile. You grew redder again, this time not because of embarrassment.

"You would do that?" He asked, smiling more widely.

"Of course! I love chess and showing the beauty of it to someone that I love honestly is the dream. Platonically of course, not that you would think any differently I love you platonically. Not that you would think otherwise, obviously. I love you platonically. Not beacuse your unattractive. Your very attractive don't worry, not that you would, I mean look at you. Sorry I didn't mean like that I just ment... in a coworkers way you know? Sorry I'l stop now thanks for driving me home." Your hands covered your face, too embarrassed to look at luke.

He began to laugh. You wanted to die. Why on earth did you just say all of that? Honestly sometimes you felt as though your mouth ran 1000% faster than your brain when you were tired out from a long case.

"For someone so intellectual you can be so stupid princess," his hand left yours and tilted your chin to face him,as your hands fell from your face.

"What do you-?"

You began to question, but you couldn't finnish. Not that you wanted to anyways. Likes head diped forward and cut you off with a kiss. Slow, almost as though he was testing to make sure that this is what you really wanted. He didn't want to push you.

The kiss ended far to quickly. You wanted more, you needed more.

"I ment that in a 'non platonic' way, I mean it in a 'I find you very attractive' way, just incase you needed clarification." He laughed bashgully as he lingered only inches away from your face.

This time it was you who made the move, grabbing his face and pulling him into you. you flushed your lips against his as he reciprocated just as strongly. It felt right. It felt like this moment was overdue. you were falling deeper into his grasp. His arms snaked around your waist, pulling you as close as he could in the car as you saw stars behind your eyelids.

"Do you want to come inside?" You asked finnally pulling away, he quirked an eyebrow at you. "To play chess?" You defended, although it didn't take a profiler to work out what you really ment.

"I'll come inside, but I can't promise that I'll play chess."

"Oh?"

Oh?

"What can I say... I much prefer princesses to queen's and King's, besides I'm far too impatient right now for chess. I've been waiting for this moment for far too long."

[cosmosnout]

KH OC Week 2024

Day 1 : Introductions!

Returning to my roots as a big KH nerd with this year’s @khoc-week ! I’ve joined in on some of the previous years and thought it would be nice to refresh some of my oc stuff and bring in some new content too!

Introducing🎉

The gang🎉 (and keyblades!)

Shiro!

My cringe fail child who continues to haunt my every thought, Shiro!! My very first OC ever, who has seen a lot of changes trough the years, but is never the less very dear to me. (Also old art jump scare AGGHH)

Shiro is basically my player character from KHUX who, instead of peacefully reincarnating into their next life, gets themselves thrown into the future with no memories of their past. Their story otherwise follows the plot of the games quite closely, as Shiro tries to reclaim their lost memories while also attempting to stop Xehanort with Sora and friends.

Personalitywise Shiro is quite snarky at times but does genuinely mean well. They especially care strongly for their friends and are ready to turn the world upside down for those they care about.

They also have quite a lot of emotional baggage from losing friends and having had to fight against the darkness for so long. Not knowing who you are is also a pretty troubling thing to go trough. But they manage it pretty well (no they don’t)

————————————————————————

Moving onto some new faces!!

Aiko and Viktor

Aiko and Viktor are two siblings who get thrown into an unexpected adventure to save the world, while simultaneously trying to discover their own paths in life.

Their adventure takes place during the 10 year gap between BBS and KH1, when the world is left without keyblade wielders to keep it safe. Someone has to step up to fill the place right? (Cue shenanigans and a bunch of teenagers trying to figure what the hell is happening with their lifes)

Merin and Tähti

Merin and Tähti are embodiments of their previous host’s/person’s light and darkness being extracted from their heart. (Similar to how Vanitas was created) The separation did however not go completely successfully and ended with the original person completely disappearing. This leaves the two to wonder the worlds by themselves as they try to understand their new existence.

The two later on in their story come across Aiko and Viktor and join forces to fight the darkness and a newly founded Organization XIII (Shiro makes a cameo yaay)

———————————————————————-

English is not my first language so please excuse any grammar mistakes you might find haha. (Also I am lazy)

Also aagghh I was very excited to join this year but, due to work and being otherwise busy atm I’m gonna a bit late with posting a lot of these entries haha.

[mikhailwrites]

MWIII Campaign thoughts&opinion

⚠️SPOILERS AHEAD (OBVIOUSLY)⚠️

Alright, here we go. Modern Warfare III. Disclaimer: I've been part-timing as videogame journalist (not in EN, obviously) for the past 10 years so this might read a bit like a review which this is not.

It's been a year since we watched the 141 sit in the bar in Chicago and look at the photo of one Vladimir Makarov. And the day of reckoning is finally here, at least for those of us with eaely access to the campaign.

The game opens, surprisingly, from the Konni perspective. As one of Konni soldiers, you infiltrate the prison to free your boss. First look at Makarov is menacing and leaves an impression.

Speaking of Makarov, however, I can't but feel like the writers had dropped the ball. It's obvious they were trying to go for the unhinged psychopath vibe but honestly, so many Makarov's lines borders on ridiculous, oftentimes crossing the line entirely. At times, I felt like I'm watching an old 007 villain and I don't mean it in the good way.

Most glaring example was in the Flashpoint mission. As Price and Soap capture Makarov after bombing the stadium in Verdansk, the terrorist then taunts and mocks them, revealing to know their names and threatening them with a revenge. The dialogue is, frankly, on a bad side and Makarov in that scene sounded to me more like a spoiled, rich teenager than much feared leader of a private army with ambition to start another World War.

It also contrasted wildly with the continuation of the scene where we see Soap almost lose it, tackling Makarov and pressing a gun to his head while Price tries to dissuade him from killing the criminal on the spot. That bit was well executed and I really liked it.

What I also liked was the Passenger mission and the very unique perspective we got as players, feeling the helplessness of the victim as it's forced to play role of a terrorist, solely based on their ethnicity. The "You're not a terrorist, but you look like one," line felt very powerful, especially in the context of current affairs.

The whole campaign felt very rushed and, in my opinion, the total commitment to the "race against the clock" hurt the narration a lot. There is not a moment of respite and every piece of the puzzle is delivered in a manner so hurried, I sometimes had trouble following it.

Especially in the Danger Close mission as we, similarly to MWII, operate Shadow Company gunship to provide air support, and out of nowhere, we get a shout that there's a helo nearby and Makarov's in it.

We then proceed to shoot the helicopter down and Makarov is seemingly KIA. Well, he's obviously not but the whole scene is delivered in such a luckluster manner that I was wondering if I perhaps missed some cutscene or debrief (I didn't) and was asking myself if the developers are even serious.

The overall pacing is off, especially compared to MWII and this leads to the lack of impact and emotional response.

Which brings us to the more sensitive part of this post. Being a Ghost/Soap shipper, I was happy to see the two interact and to pick up the rapport established in the previous game. Like many others, I, too, would appreciate more time with them, but I would appreciate more missions and longer campaign rather than cut other characters' screen time.

When they are on the screen, banter is usually quick to follow. Soap and Ghost interact easily with each other, hinting at a natural progress of their relationship. The Milena interrogation is especially great in this regard.

And then there's that ending. Honestly, I knew someone would die. I think it was pretty much given. Still, I had my bets on Ghost, thinking that Soap was way too fresh and had his whole career ahead of him to be sacrificed. Well, I was wrong.

In the confines of the story, it makes sense it's him. There is major foreshadowing happening in the Verdansk mission and when Soap ends up going with Price at the end, well, it was clear. Soap almost killed Makarov years prior, Price stopped him, and now Makarov comes and kills Soap right in front of Price. The choices and consequences. It makes sense.

But.

But it serves no purpose. It's literally the last mission, so what could've served as the major catalyst for the big finale - rest of 141 coming for Makarov for some good old revenge - just ends up rather sour. Especially since Johnny, during his last struggle, as he saves Price's life, doesn't even manage to kill Makarov, only injuring him, albeit badly.

It gets worse when you realise that during both games, Soap didn't get any justice at all. In MWII, he seemingly kills Graves, taking a revenge for the betrayal and the Alone mission. Only for Graves to casually reappear later, stating he wasn't in the tank that the game clearly stated he was in.

And now he loses his life without taking Makarov with him. It's... beyond sad for the character to get treated this badly by the narration.

The team's response to his death is a bit mild as well. It starts well, with Ghost scrambling to him as soon as he spots him, feeling for vitals even though it has to be clear to him that he's gone, that felt gutwrenching. But after that? It's... lacking some stronger emotional response. They say their farewells to Johnny, a single sentence each (and, my god, did they truly think the "he was the best of us" clichè would work on any level whatsoever?), scattering his ashes, and that, too, as great as the animation was, just... felt a bit hollow and artificial.

There are ways to kill a beloved character to make it feel truly heartbreaking and meaningful. The scriptwriters here should've taken notes from Destiny 2's Forsaken DLC for example. They could've used Soap's death in a myriad of ways, including making player to choose between, say, saving Soap and letting Makarov escape. Or between saving Soap and defusing the bomb. Or just about dozen other narrative choices that would make Soap's death more meaningful and would have much bigger impact on the player.

As it is, I cannot help but say my own farewell words: Johnny died, but what for?

[jayswritings13]

Total Drama: Alejandro's All Star reunion

Request: "hi! i know you wrote this like forever ago but i was wondering if you could do a pt two? where Alejandro and reader see eachother again during all stars?"

💗Masterlist | WIP Page

In all honesty, you should have seen this coming at some point or another.

Running into any of the old castmates was very easy now that you've been connected with a majority of them.

And that included Alejandro.

Sure, you saw him at the finale, but this felt different.

For the first few days, you were able to avoid him pretty well.

After what happened last time, you didn't want any chance at getting close or vulnerable.

It's All-Stars, after all, so who knows what it will cost you this time when Alejandro decides to plot against you.

Unfortunately, he was just as persistent to talk to you.

"(Y/N)."

Fuck, here we go.

"As you are aware from the last time we saw each other, I wasn't totally honest."

"That's a fucking understatement." You snorted, earning a glare from him.

"Anyway," He said, "I'm sure by now you have watched the season and figured out why I did what I did. I-"

"Oh for fuck's sake, kicked me out." You said, crossing your arms, "You can fucking say it! You kicked me out!"

"Yes, well-"

"You kicked me out because you couldn't handle some god damn teasing from the others." You said, "It was a stupid fucking reason." You sighed, "But, I guess that comes with the territory of it being a game, doesn't it?"

"It was for protection."

"Ha, like you needed any. Everyone loved you. You had a working plan." You said, "It worked for Bridgette and LeShawna. It would've worke-"

"Except that my focus would slip and it risked everything." Alejandro paused, "So, I had to eliminate the risk."

Eliminate the risk

Eliminate the risk

Oh....oh.

Everything you remembered and watched about the season suddenly made much more sense.

You never actually considered the option that whatever was happening between him and you was in anyway real, especially a threat to Alejandro's standing.

After that, you tried your hardest to continue to keep your distance and guard up, waiting for a repeat.

Though, to your surprise, you found that Alejandro was just as hell bent on keeping you close.

Something about wanting to make amends for what happened last time.

For once, he seemed......sincere---which was a bit unsettling for a look on him.

Once the teams merged, you weren't surprised to find that he wanted to form an alliance.

Yeah, sure, that's what we'll call it.

"I guess I get it now," You grinned towards the confessional camera, "Besides, its not like I'm on my top game right now," You paused, "so, yeah, I get it." You then suddenly remembered that you were still in the confessional, "I mean not like I would give him the satisfaction of knowing that. His ego is already so big." You said.

The both of you knew what it really was: picking up where world tour left off

Though, it made it just as ironic that you made it further than him.

Especially since part of it was your fault, voting him out in a pact with Gwen, Courtney, and Scott.

You're sure that he understands.

Even if it meant that you went through the rest of the competition with the same lonely-guilty feeling that he had.

"Was it satisfying? Yes." You said, barely glancing at the camera in the confessional. "Do I regret it?" You paused, "Eh.....?" You shrugged your shoulders, "Do I miss him? Yeah, I do." You sighed, knowing full and well that Alejandro was gonna tease the shit out of you for this confessional, much like you had with his previous ones in World Tour. "But, it had to be done."

[utilitycaster]

On the heels of your critique of C3's pacing and the sludginess of it all—something I have been contemplating lately is how the perceived need (certainly ICly and seemingly OOCly) for BH to move at a breakneck speed from event to event has had an effect on inter-party discussions and bonding that I find really pretty tragic. I can't help but wonder, would we be dealing with the indecision and rehashed circular debates we're seeing now if the party had been able to take the downtime they needed to really get to know themselves and each other, and to better define what's important to them? I often see people expressing frustration about how badly certain characters "need to TALK to each other!!!" but to date, I just don't know if the pace of the campaign has created many opportunities for that. And that's the thing I miss the most about the previous campaigns, just having more breathing room to let the characters and their relationships develop organically. I dunno. Increasingly I feel like these are interconnected issues.

I think I've talked about this before so I don't want to get too in the weeds but: yes. I think at this point Matt is like...making space deliberately for them to talk in-game, but at this point the party has spent so long not really talking and we're so late in the game that no one really takes him up on it or when they do it's the old Gods Debate again.

I really think the problem is once again what I've been saying for like, well over a year now. I don't think the cast was given as much direction as they were for campaign 2, nor was the campaign deliberately tailored to this party, so it has always been ill-fitting. Even some of the pre-planned elements have fallen flat (I have innumerable reservations about the Laudna book, but I do want to read it if only because I still could tell you basically nothing about her and Imogen's time together pre-campaign - it's one incident in Gelvaan, helping Zhudanna one time in Jrusar which wasn't even pre-planned but rather their "session zero", and apparently they saw someone with boob tassels one time). Things like Ashton and Imogen's relationships with the gods feel tacked on after Taliesin and Laura realized that having some sort of pre-existing opinion on the gods was in fact deeply relevant to this campaign; I do genuinely want an answer from both of them of whether "I had prayed to the gods and they never answered" existed in their backstories more than 5 minutes before it came up in game because I'd bet good money it was "no, I threw that in on the fly." So you have characters that are a little more broadly sketched, which would normally be fine (I mean, I don't think most of Vox Machina in the original birthday party one-shot had a terribly deep backstory to start), except for the fact that they never had to take watch, they had a patron giving them jobs and a generous stipend from the start of episode 2 until his demise in episode 38, and both Imogen and Laudna; and FCG and Ashton already had apartments in the city so no one needed to bunk up with anyone they didn't already know. The party did not need to take watches; they did not need to decide on a direction; and they didn't have to learn to resolve conflicts and make choices as a collective group. And yes, the pace has been pretty breakneck throughout, so there wasn't space early on for the cast to feel out their characters and what motivated them and how they'd act. I think the first time I saw a large number of people in the fandom going "MAKE A FUCKING DECISION ALREADY I DON'T CARE WHICH ONE" was with the party doing a similar endless handwringing about Dusk in episode 29, and I don't think they've really gotten better. Like, I do think episode 29 is already on the late side anyway, even for a long-running campaign with a lot of wiggle-room; for a long-running campaign with some very specific plot beats planned, this really needed to be done in character creation.

So now that there is more room to debrief and talk, because in-character they're still on a deadline and the world's been ending all campaign, and because that groundwork wasn't laid, they don't talk about anything except the task at hand. Like...I think a defense I've seen of this campaign is that it's about a group of people who really aren't suited for what has been laid before them, but the problem is that's kind of every D&D campaign that starts from a low level and this is a particularly weak example thereof. Vox Machina didn't show up ready to kill dragons nor Vecna, and the Mighty Nein are still Wildemount's best kept secret; both of them grew into their current hypercompetence. Bells Hells don't really belong to their story, nor does it to them, so yeah, hard to talk within that framework.

[m4tthewmurd0ck]

THE MORNING SKY

── Coriolanus Snow x Fem!Reader

CHAPTER ── 3 [ MAKING AN ENEMY (I’LL KEEP YOU SAFE) ]

PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER | TABLE OF CONTENTS

from here on out, I mention / feature other tributes. click [HERE] for a reminder of who plays who!

this is the longest chapter yet, but it felt odd and too short when i split it up into 2. if you guys would prefer shorter chapters instead of ones this length, let me know!

YOU WERE TERRIFIED FOR ARCHER. From the day you met when you were both just 6-years-old, it didn’t take long for you to declare yourselves best friends. Naturally, Archer developed quite the protective nature when it came to you. And that was exactly why you were so afraid for him.

A few years ago when you were just 15, a boy had shoved you because you said you were glad he wasn’t your soulmate. Unfortunately for him, Archer had witnessed the ordeal. The next day the boy was sporting a black eye and a limp as he cautiously approached you and apologized profusely. He never bothered you again after that.

Another time, just the year prior, you witnessed how quick he was to turn to turn to anger. Never towards you, but to anyone who showed you or him the slightest bit of disrespect. And if did happen to be you that it was directed towards, let’s just say the bullies in district 12 learned to leave you alone pretty quickly.

One thing that had been made abundantly clear was that for the games, there could only be one winner.

Archer was always quick to come to your defense, to put your life before his. You knew talking to him about it would be pointless, and all you could do was hope that he’d put that aside and for once, also worry about his own safety.

To say you were nervous would be the understatement of a lifetime. Even from watching last years games, it was obvious that first impressions amongst tributes were everything.

Make a good first impression, and you’d have most of your fellow tributes wanting to form a temporary alliance with you. Make a bad one and you were more likely to turn them all against you. But on the other hand, your impression couldn’t be too good. Do that, and you’d be labeled a threat. And the biggest threats were often taken care of first.

This was the debate you and Archer were having as you walked to the training facility. It was on the opposite side of the massive property, and a note tapped to everyone’s room doors that morning let them know that mentors would be meeting them there.

“Do you think they’ll have all kinds of weapons for us to practice with?” You wondered out loud.

Archer nodded. “I’m sure. I can’t imagine what other kinds of training we could do. Besides hand-to-hand fighting and weapons, I mean.”

“I know we both want to go for a bow and arrow, but I think we should also familiarize ourselves with everything just in case.”

Turning to look at you, Archer asked what you meant by that.

“Like last years games. I didn’t see any bows or arrows. We should learn to use whatever we can get our hands on.”

That happy feeling returned, and when you looked up, you saw Coriolanus already looking at you, a hint of a smile on his face.

As Archer and Sejanus greeted each other, Coriolanus quickly gave you a kiss on the cheek. “Did you sleep alright?”

You sighed and gave a sort of half shrug. “With how comfortable the bed was, that should’ve been the best sleep of my life. But I was so nervous about today. I did manage to get at least a few hours, though not in a row.”

The 2 of you were joined by Archer and Sejanus, temporarily halting your conversation.

“You two already have other tributes wanting form an alliance,” Sejanus informs you as you head towards the building.

This surprises you both.

“What?”

“Who??”

“Aemond and Cassian. District two. We’re told they liked the show you put on at the reaping,” Sejanus directs this last part towards you. “I’m guessing they mean what you did to Juniper.”

You remembered something you heard at the reaping. “You’re from two, right? Do you know them?” You were immediately wary of anyone who’d want to work closely with you simply because they watched you smear blood all over someone’s face and clothes.

“I—” Sejanus paused, as if considering his next words carefully. “They’re not good people. But you know that district two is known for weapons manufacturing. They’re extremely skilled, probably the best of anyone our age in the whole district. As far as strength and weapons go, you could do a lot worse than them.”

That wasn’t very reassuring, you thought to yourself. You wondered if it was some sort of trick on their part.

Once in the building, the 4 of you were instructed to wait around with everyone else until all tributes and mentors arrived. You were told it was alright to look around, but to not touch anything until specifically instructed to do so.

There was a room dedicated entirely to targets, bows, and arrows. You knew you’d have to refrain yourself from heading straight there.

Another room had walls lined with knives, axes, and spears. The back wall had wooden targets. The 3rd room you looked at had swords on shelves, and mats all along the floors. The 4th room had a more cushioned floor. There were ropes leading up to poles that hung from one end of the room to the other, with rings to hold onto along the poles.

After looking at the rest of the rooms, each one dedicated to a specific way to train, the tributes and mentors were called back to where you’d first walked in.

There was a long speech about how there was to be no actual fighting. For the swords, you could only spar with your fellow district tribute. The bow and arrows, knives, axes, and spears were obviously only allowed to be used on targets. You were allowed to practice alongside other districts, even train together and give pointers, but that was it.

Then it was explained that scores would be kept throughout the 2 weeks. Fighting with other tributes, even verbal arguments, would result in a loss of points. As would mishandling any of the weapons. It’s as mentioned more than once that you did not want to be the tribute with the lowest score.

“Finally, the last two days are for you to show off what you’ve learned to a select panel of judges. This will be one tribute at a time, everyone else will wait outside until it is their turn. You can show whatever skills you wish, and you can avoid any as well. But keep in mind I mentioned that you’re being scored, so I highly suggest utilizing every room. Training ends at exactly five o’clock each evening. After that, mentors will escort tributes back to the living quarters.”

Before anyone had any time to ask questions, you were met with a surprise when Dr. Gaul entered the room. She gave a sort of sinister smile as she looked back and forth between all of the tributes and mentors.

Her gaze lingered on you and Archer, and Coriolanus had to stop himself from saying something. There wasn’t a doubt in his mind, there was already at least a small target on your backs. Still fresh in her mind was the stunt that Sejanus pulled sneaking into the arena, and how he and Coriolanus barely escaped.

“I wanted to personally escort you all to the new arena. We’ll go there, and you will have exactly two hours to look around and familiarize yourselves with it. It is a lot bigger than last years. And just so there are no… stunts,” she didn’t even bother trying to hide her glance at Coriolanus, “you will not bring anything into the arena and this will be your only opportunity to see it before the games. After today and until the games start, the arena will be locked and heavily guarded. I do not recommend trying to get in after hours.”

Everyone was then escorted by Dr. Gaul and what seemed like too many heavily armed guards. Led to matters black SUV’s, you all were told to quickly get in, 2 districts per vehicle. There was a brief moment of panic when mentors were told to get in to the vehicles at the front, but when no one was looking, Coriolanus took your hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. He whispered that it would be alright, Archer would be with you and he’d meet you there.

You and Archer headed or the closest vehicle, thankful you were the first pair inside.

“Are these seats taken?”

Almost immediately, you’re set on edge. You only hope that the 2 boys don’t notice you and Archer exchange a nervous glance, but unbeknownst to you, they do.

“Uh — no, go ahead,” Archer answers for the both of you.

“I’m Aemond,” the one with the eye patch says. “That’s Cassian, we’re district two.”

You attempt to seem braver than you feel as you introduce yourself. “ — and that’s Archer. We’re district twelve.”

Not wanting to make any immediate enemies, Archer puts on a smile and holds his hand out to Aemond. Though he doubts you will want an alliance with them, he knows that it would be stupid to piss them off before training has even started.

The district 2 tributes share a brief glance before Aemond smiles and shakes Archer’s hand. You can’t help but feel uneasy at his smile, as you know it probably isn’t genuine. Sejanus’ words play over and over in your mind. They’re not good people.

“You put on quite a show at your reaping,” this time it’s Cassian who speaks to you. “What did that girl do to you anyway?”

“I—” there is clear hesitation in your life.

That smirk returns to both of their faces. Aemond leans slightly forward. “We won’t tell. Must’ve been something serious.”

Not seeing a point in lying, you tell the truth. “The reaping was rigged. That girl got her father, our mayor, to call my name. She thought… she thought that I wanted her boyfriend. I just got mad when she tripped me as I was walking to the stage.”

Aemond does a slow clap, “made for quite the entertainment. I bet you’ve got sponsors lined up already, just from that.”

“I wouldn’t know,” you shrug. “They haven’t said anything about ponsors yet.”

Cassian speaks up again. “I would’ve killed her.” He says it so nonchalantly that you and Archer freeze for a moment. But you quickly recover, both of you doing a sort of nervous laugh.

Figuring this was your only opportunity to do so, and since both boys seemed to be in relatively good moods, you ask the question that’s been on your mind ever since you learned the names of the other tributes.

“We’re told each district must submit one boy and one girl to compete in the games. How are you both allowed to represent district two?”

“I volunteered,” Cassian shrugs. “It’ll be fun.”

You feel chills down your spine.

“I volunteered as well,” Aemond spoke next. “My sisters name was drawn.”

“They allowed you to take her place?”

He laughs, although there is no humor in his tone. “It’s all about views for them, especially after last years games. They’d never risk the backlash o and deny a brother the opportunity to go in place of his sister. Plus like Cassian said, it’ll be fun.”

Now your mind is almost surely made up. You don’t want Aemond or Cassian as allies. Aemond volunteering in place of his sister was sweet, but based on Cassian’s initial response it seems like he would’ve done so even if her name hadn’t been drawn. The fact that they wanted to compete in the games and considered killing to be fun? You guessed they’d betray you and kill you and Archer at the first opportunity anyway.

Suddenly, the car comes to a stop and the doors are immediately opened. Archer and Aemond exit first, but before Archer has a chance to turn around to help you out of the car, Aemond beats him to it. Not having another choice, you take his hand and step down.

“Thank you,” you speak softly.

“After you,” he steps aside and gestures for you and Archer to go first.

Anxiety and dread are thankfully overpowered by warmth as you get to the massive entrance to the arena and see Coriolanus and Sejanus waiting for you. Aemond and Cassian don’t get another chance to speak, as their own mentors call them over.

But you once again feel a chill when Aemond turns around and gives you that evil looking smile. “I think we’ll be good friends.”

Before the entrance stands a massive metal detector, along with the armed guards from before, all lined up.

Dr. Gaul makes her appearance and reiterates how important it is that you all follow her 3 rules: 1. Absolutely nothing allowed in the arena today, 2. Be back outside of the arena exactly 2 hours after entering, and 3. No sneaking back in after leaving.

Just as everyone lines up to go through the metal detector, you, Archer, Coriolanus, and Sejanus agree that you and Coriolanus will go off separately from the other 2 boys. That way more ground will be covered when exploring the arena. And after going back and training for a couple of hours, the 4 of you will head straight back to yours and Archer’s room to begin strategizing.

One by one, mentors, and then tributes, walk through the metal detector. Anything that set it off, small watches included, were removed and kept in a box held by one of the guards.

“Now, I give you all my latest creation come to life.” Dr. Gaul motions towards the giant doors. 2 of the guards walk ahead and open them, and everyone is finally given permission to enter.

The arena looks ginormous. But what amazed you the most was that there appeared to be seasons in each section. Part of the arena had heavy snow, part was clearly intended to be fall with the leaves on the ground pretty shades of red and orange, and spring and summer sat at opposite ends.

————this is what i’m picture. major the last of us vibes. abandoned buildings, everything overgrown with vines and trees, etc., and i’m thinking an arena the size of the 3rd quarter quell———

ignore the lockers in the bottom left. just liked the pics to show you an idea of what i mean.

You couldn’t help but gasp. You were meant to survive in this? To possibly win?

“Two hours! Your time starts now.” Dr. Gaul tapped a button on her watch and walked out, leaving the tributes and mentors with the guards.

Coriolanus was secretly grateful at all of the rocks and bumps along the roads and paths. He looked around at the mentors reluctantly helping their tributes, and realized this was a rare opportunity to hold your hand in public. Not allowing himself to overthink, he grabs your hand and begins leading you towards one of the buildings. As much as he wants to spend the entire 2 hours simply being with you, you are still tribute and mentor.

“I thought there’d be weapons,” you look around.

“They’ll probably wait until the games start to bring those in,” Coriolanus tries to contain the feeling he gets from holding your hand.

As you walk around and explore the arena more, doing your best to avoid other tributes and mentors, you begin to strategize.

“If you can get to a bow and arrow, a rooftop might serve you well. Unless tributes are looking up, they wouldn’t see you until it was too late. But they’ll most likely scatter and go running as soon as the first arrow hits, so you’ll be pressed for time.”

“What if I’m not able to get to a bow and arrow? Or—”

After checking to make sure no one else is around, Coriolanus pulls you towards a row of abandoned buildings. He turns around and looks at you. “We’ll figure something out, I promise. Turns out district two weren’t the only ones who liked what you did at the reaping. You have some sponsorship money already.”

You force yourself to nod and seem confident, even if you don’t feel it. After a few more minutes of strategizing and Coriolanus pointing out specific buildings or areas that might be good for hiding, or barricading yourself inside if it came down to it, he begins to feel anxious.

“Are you alright?” You glance at him.

“Yeah, I’m— I’m fine.”

You stop, this time being the one to lead him to one of the few buildings you’d yet to explore. “I know you’re supposed to be the one to help me and comfort me, but we’re soulmates you know. If something is bothering you, you can tell me.”

Coriolanus sighs, not wanting to scare you. “I just don’t want to let you down. I swear to you, I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe and help you win. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

You give him a sad smile and step closer, putting a hand on either side of his face. “I know you will. You don’t have to prove yourself to me. I trust you’ll do everything you can.” You lower your hands and are relieved when Coriolanus reaches out, already missing the physical contact.

Despite wanting to once again stay there and just be with each other, you know that time is of the essence, so it’s only a minute later that you’re back out wandering around.

“ — the fuck where you’re going,” a voice sneers from around a corner.

Coriolanus begins to pull you back towards the direction you’d just come from, but you instantly recognize the voice. You walk around and are horrified to see Cassian looming over Anna, with Aemond leaning against the wall as if he doesn’t have a care in the world.

“What are you doing?” You step in front of Anna.

“She was in my way. I’m just letting her know to stay out of it in the future,” Cassian smirks. You can’t help but think about how you’d like to slap that smirk right off of his face.

“She’s a child,” you shake your head in disgust and turn around, intending to ask Anna if she’s alright.

A harsh grip on your shoulder forces you to turn around. You’re met with a now furious looking Cassian. “Hey watch who you’re tal—”

This time it’s Coriolanus who intervenes. He shoves Cassian back, causing him to stumble and nearly fall. “Don’t fucking touch her.” Somehow, his voice being eerily calm makes the situation more frightening.

“And what are you gonna do about it?” This time Aemond speaks up. “We saw what happened last year. You couldn’t keep your songbird safe. How are you gonna protect my new friend here?”

Before you can even open you mouth to protest him calling you a friend, another voice interrupts you all.

“Is there a problem here?” You all turn to see Roman approaching. He immediately goes to Anna, who has remained glued to your side. When he bends down, she whispers into his ear, pointing at Aemond and Cassian before you. When he stands up again, he immediately walks over to the district 2 boys. Although they’re tall, Roman is taller.

They glance at each other and shrug, turning around and walking out of the room. When no one but you is watching, Aemond turns around and winks.

“Thank you for helping her,” Roman speaks to you, motioning to Anna who is now stood beside him. “I was wary of if I did not like those boys from the beginning, but now I am sure. Have they given you trouble also?”

You’re hesitant, but decide Roman seems nice enough. “A little. They say they want an alliance during the games but haven’t even given me an opportunity to answer. My answer is no, but I don’t think they know that yet.”

Roman nods. “I would have done more, but I fear the punishment for starting a fight before the games.”

Coriolanus, who as remained silent, slowly reaches for your hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. You turn to him and smile, “I’m okay, promise.” Roman watches this interaction but says nothing.

“We’ll be on our way,” he and Anna begin to head towards the door, “but thank you again.”

Thankfully, the rest of your time in the arena goes by quickly and uneventful. Before you know it, the guards are calling out a 5-minute warning.

As you and Coriolanus rejoin Archer and Sejanus and the 4 of you begin your walk back to the entrance, Coriolanus’ mind is now racing.

If you hadn’t done so before, after today you’ve surely made an enemy of the district 2 boys. His fight to help you win and stay alive just got that much harder.

SERIES TAGLIST ── (if you’ve requested to be added to the taglist and don’t see your user, it means I haven’t been able to tag you. once you say you want to be tagged, I make 2 attempts. after that I don’t tag anymore. everyone not able to be tagged so far is either 1. a completely blank account with no profile pic and nothing on their page, 2. there’s a profile pic but still a completely blank account, 3. there is a profile pic but only 1 thing is re-blogged.)

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[startrekfangirl2233-writes]

Summer 2020 - The Hard Deck

Chapter 8 Part 2 of You Are My Soulmate

Bradley 'Rooster' Bradshaw x Reader

Description: Bradley Bradshaw is in love. He's so in love with his beautiful soul his heart aches when he's around her. So when she lobs an offer - to be hers, to make her his - his way, he takes her up on it. Now that he’s been given permission to chase what he’s been longing for, he’s chasing her with everything he’s got.

Disclaimers: Misogynistic speech. Mentioned Homosexual Relationships. Angst. Flagrant disregard for protocols or Authority. Angst. Anguish.

This content presented in this story is for audiences age 18 and over only. MINORS DNI. I will not be accepting tag-list requests from Blank or Ageless Blogs for this story.

Warnings: Female!Reader

Word Count: 2620

A/N: Hiya lovelies! Here we finally, finally, are! This is the smut chapter for Rooster and Tinkerbell! It's been a long time coming (both for Roo and Tink, and for how long it took me to write this). I hope you all adore this chapter as much as I adore all of you!

AO3: Cross-posted Here!

Wattpad: Cross-posted Here!

My Masterlist

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Rooster

“Who said I was saying goodnight, Roo?” 

She’s going to be the death of him. Only thirty-five years old and his gravestone is officially going to say “Here lies Bradley ‘Rooster’ Bradshaw, a sad, horny, sappy fuck for his soulmate”. It’s a little wordy, sure, but as far as epitaphs go this one is probably right on the money. Tinkerbell just had to say something like that, didn’t she? She has no idea how hard he finds it to keep his hands off of her. He’s wanted to touch her ever since the first night he met her. He can still remember the feeling of her skin, how her soft curves had looked in that sundress, how she felt against the palms of his hands. She’s seared her way into his memory, visceral and unreal. How is it possible he can touch her whenever he wants to now?

Standing in the half-light of the lone street light shining down over The Hard Deck’s parking lot, Bradley’s struck with the realization he wants to do a lot more than just touch his soulmate. But he can't, he won't. He’s been forcing himself to be respectful. He promised her after all, promised they would go at her speed. But it’s been torture. There are only so many kisses and far from chaste makeout sessions a man should have to endure with his soulmate before he explodes.

Now that he’s been given permission to chase what he’s been longing for, he’s chasing her with everything he’s got. He’s not one of the best aviators in the US Navy by luck, and he can drive just as well as he can fly. But the name of the game isn’t beating her. The name of the game is showing his pretty soul how much he wants her. So he stays right behind her cherry convertible as music blares softly from the radio. He catches the lyrics in snippets and snatches of sound, humming tunelessly to the beat. She leads him to her house, a cute, homey, little beachside house like the one he once dreamed he would raise a family in. Right now, there’s only one woman he would ever think about starting a family with. She’s standing right in front of him, with the prettiest sparkling eyes and wearing a sundress to rival the dress she was wearing the summer night he met her for the first time.

“Aren't you a sight for sore eyes, beautiful.”

He's completely in love, head-over-heels for his sweet soul. Now, he's going to take the chance to show her how much, starting with a kiss. She smells like orange blossoms, the delicate scent tracing over the curve of her jaw and dripping down her smooth curves. It’s no wonder he can’t resist tracing his nose over the same sweet jaw. Her breathy moans and tender gasps send fire through him. When he finally kisses his beautiful soul, a press of lips against her clavicle, he drinks her in like the air he needs to breathe. His kisses travel over her skin, featherlight as he follows the thud of her pulse up her jaw, traveling until he captures her parted lips with his own. They’re sweet, tasting like lime and sugar and summer all rolled into one. She feels like velvet on the pads of his fingers, skin hot as he traces his hands up her thighs, squeezing the firm flesh tenderly just to hear her moan. The little sundress rucks up with each sweeping brush, until he’s clasped his fingers around the junction of her thigh.

“Fuck.” The word leaves him in a groan against her perfect pout, because he was expecting to feel a scrap of lace around her waist, not bare, silken skin.

“You’re not wearing panties tonight, darling?”

“Nah.” Her voice sounds just as wrecked as his is, just from tender touches and even sweeter kisses. “Wanted you tonight.”

“So you were walking around all night, wearing this pretty little dress, knowing one spin on the dance floor would be enough to show everyone there your pretty little pussy? My pretty little pussy?”

Bradley’s sure he’s going to lose his mind. As if his sweet soul hasn’t been killing him all night already, with her sweet smile and infectious laugh. If he’d known what she was - more likely what she wasn’t wearing under her pretty dress, he would have dragged her out of the bar hours ago.

“Your pretty little pussy?” Her laugh is ethereal in the moonlight, her eyes fever-bright as he kisses her again, just because he can.

“Mmmhmm.” He growls his response against the long line of her throat, if only to feel her shiver at the vibration of his voice, the brush of his mustache over her skin.

“You gonna let me take you upstairs, pretty girl?” Her eyes are blown so wide, he could count the stars in them. The moan slipping off her tongue as she shivers in his arms has to be the definition of the sexiest sound on earth. It's also an answer he'd love to explore, so he muscles the door open, gentle with his pretty soul crushed between the door and his bulk.

She squeaks, honest to god squeaks when he lifts her up, his hands sinking into the plush skin of her thighs, velvety soft as they cling to his torso. If she’s going to be this pliable, this sweet, Bradley’s going to sweep her off her feet whenever he can. 

But sweeping Tinkerbell off her feet again will have to wait for another day. Right now, all Bradley wants is to see what other sounds he can make spill out of her perfect lips. Kissing her makes her sigh and curl her fingers through his hair, each soft exhale making his dick twitch, trapped beneath layers of cotton and denim as it is.

“God, Roo.” She’s moaning his name and Bradley’s so turned on he can't think straight. So while he very much would like to ravish his soul on her bed for the first time, he's not sure he can wait any longer. He sets Tink down on the sofa in her living room, tugging her until her ass is off the edge.

She smells so good, like the ripest orange as he rucks the dress up over her waist, big hands caressing the pillowy soft skin of her stomach, sweeping the undersides of her breasts.

“Roo, please!” Hearing his soulmate beg, he's not embarrassed to report, makes him groan, low in his chest.

“Fuck, sweetheart. ‘M right here. But you gotta tell me where you want me, pretty girl. Until you can find the words, I'm gonna stare at your pretty pussy and kiss your soft skin.”

She gasps at his words, eyes widening as her hands scrabble to tug the rest of her dress off. When she's standing in front of him, just in her heels, bare with shafts of moonlight glistening on her skin, Bradley has to groan again. He thanks the universe vacantly as she tugs his hands up until they're resting over her breasts, her nipples peakdd against his palm. She fits his hands like she was made for him - well, she was.

“Roo!” 

He grins as he tucks his head against her sternum, nuzzling the swell of her perfect tits as he tugs her closer. The kisses he trails over her skin now are wet and hot. By the time he's kneeling on the floor at her feet, her chest heaves, nipples peaked.

“You gotta tell me where you want me, sweetheart. Or it's only kisses you're going to get tonight.”

Her little growl of frustration shouldn't be just as sexy as it is cute. But she shivers under the sweep of his hands over his thighs anyway before croaking, “Want your mouth on me, Roo.”

It's a start. He presses a kiss against her hip, before looking back up with the closest grin to one of Hangman's shit-eating smirks as he can muster.

“What else, pretty girl?”

“No, Roo! No!”

Her words must be failing her, and isn't it a gorgeous sight? Pretty, poised, sharp-tongued Tinkerbell robbed of her tongue just because she wants him so desperately.

“You have’ta tell me what you want, beautiful. Every word. As detailed as you can.”

He can almost see the rage in her as she cups his cheek, as he kisses the pads of her fingers absentmindedly.

“I want you, Roo. I want you to put your mouth on me, eat me out like a man starved. I want you to make me cum because of your fingers and your mouth. Then I want you to fuck me so hard I see stars and can't walk straight.”

He's impressed she was able to string so many words together when he can already see the sheen of her arousal staining the insides of her thighs.

“Good girl.” He murmurs, before kissing the smooth skin below her navel. She squeaks again at the endearment before going pliant under his palms as he manhandles her onto the sofa again. This time, her thighs part eagerly, and he kisses each long muscle before sinking into her like a man starved.

She comes alive under his hands, his soulmate, her muscles arching like a live wire with every lave of his tongue. Her fingers clutch at his hair, tugging, and Bradley finds he likes the pleasure-pain when it's his soulmate doing the pulling. She's so wet he can feel her dripping onto his tongue and by the time he presses one finger into her, she's already sobbing his name.

He's so hard, he's not sure he'll make it to the second part of her request, but he's going to try. His pretty soul takes in two of his fingers, and when he slides up to kiss her, hand still pressing into her wet cunt, she mewls his name so hard the kiss is harsh. When he pulls away, her lips are swollen from the force and her tits bounce with each thrust. His pretty soulmate's hips meet his palm with a slap and she looks strung out already.

While he's there, he sucks one perfect nipple into his mouth, flicking the bud with his tongue. Her walls clench tight around his fingers and if he were in her, he probably would have cum already. Right now, what he needs is for her to. She's so close, all it would take is a little more.

“You gonna cum for me, sweetheart?” 

He growls the words against her nipple, mustache brushing over the wet peak with each word, and she cums with a moan that will reverberate through his dreams. Her arousal coats his fingers when he pulls out of her, and she moans in embarrassment when he licks it away.

When he stands, stretching out his sore legs, he decides this is his favorite view of his soulmate. Eyes blown wide, hair in disarray, chest heaving, pretty wet pussy on full display. If he had his dad's polaroid, he'd snap a pic to save for long deployments. He's sure it would be a paltry substitute for the real deal, but at least he'd have a part of her with him.

“You like what you see, Roo?”

“If you only knew, Tink.”

“Then why aren't you naked?” She's like a siren-call on stormy seas when she pulls him closer by his belt loops hands gentle as she pushes off the Hawaiian shirt he's wearing. She's less gentle as she rips the tank top underneath off, but he can't think when she kisses his chest while her hands cup his dick through the jeans.

“Off, Roo. Take these clothes off!”

Bossy Tinkerbell is a turn on of his, too. God forbid he ever has to be ordered around by his perfect soul on base because he'd probably be hard in milliseconds at the confidence in her voice. He tells her as much and is treated to the most perfect laugh, this one mixed with a breathy moan when he pinches her nipples. When he's as bare as his soul he kisses her, taking the opportunity to knead her ass cheeks and hear her breath hitch.

“Mmm, fuck me, Roo.” 

Tink's begging when he pulls away, and when he tries to push her back onto the sofa, she pushes him down instead, straddling his waist. It's his turn to fight for breath as his soulmate sinks down, slowly, lips parting in an ‘o’ of pleasure as she takes him, inch by inch. She's tight and perfect, walls spasming around him as he fills her.

“Take it slow, beautiful.” He groans at the first fast piston of her hips.

“We've got all night to make each other feel good.”

“I make you feel good?” She gasps, tits jiggling as she bounces on his dick. There's a little insecurity in her voice, insecurity he definitely doesn't want to hear from his perfect soul.

“You feel so good for me, Tink. Perfect. Like you were made for me.”

She moans, light and throaty, the sound barely audible over the pace of their joining. Bradley’s so in love, his head is spinning. Every iota of his focus, his brain, his eyes, everything about him is focused on his pretty soulmate, with her dark eyes and perfect mouth, sharp little cries leaving kiss-bitten lips.

“Please, Roo!” Her voice echoes through her empty beach-side house, hands clutching at his shoulders as her rhythm falters.ters.

“You ready to cum for me, baby girl?”

Bradley can’t believe he’s here - that he gets to be here. He’s been pushing back the stirrings of his own orgasm all night, but her breathy moans now, coupled with how tight and wet his soul is, is too much. It crashes over him like a tsunami, headier than any orgasm he’s ever had before. It’s obvious she can feel it too, because his soul laughs, her voice filled with just as much cheeky humor as arousal.

“Mmm, you ready to come for me, Roo?”

Bradley’s only a man, too lovesick for his soul. He tugs her into a kiss, both of their skin streaked with sweat and aching for each other. The new angle gives him the leverage to thrust up, and he continues the steady pace Tink can’t keep up. It’s not long before she’s moaning, walls fluttering around his length as he bounces her. She begs for him, and he gives in, pressing into her harder and faster until she spasms around him. He barely notices his own release, he’s so enraptured by the sight of his soul. She has her head thrown back, the long line of her throat exposed to his view. Her perfect tits are in his face, gooseflesh covering every inch of her soft flesh, and he tugs one perfect globe into his mouth in an open mouthed kiss.

When he pulls away, he ends up with an armful of his soul. They’re still connected, and he feels like he couldn’t be closer to his perfect soulmate.

“God, I love you so much, beautiful.” He murmurs the words into her hair, sweat-damp yet still smelling like the orange blossoms he adores.

“I love you too, Roo.” She’s yawning, yet wearing the most gorgeous smile on her face. “Now take me to bed, my lovely soul.”

“Gotta clean you up, pretty girl.”

She moans and whines, but acquiesces anyways, pliable and sweet as he maneuvers her into the shower, cleaning their mixed releases off her skin. Yeah, he muses as he curls up next to her in the sheets of her big bed an hour later, this is exactly where he wants to be.

I DO NOT CONSENT TO HAVE MY WORK POSTED, TRANSLATED, OR PUBLISHED ON ANY SITES OTHER THAN ON TUMBLR, WATTPAD, OR AO3 BY ME. IF YOU SEE MY WORKS ANYWHERE OTHER THAN ON TUMBLR, WATTPAD, OR AO3, THEN THEY HAVE BEEN POSTED WITHOUT MY PERMISSION AND I WILL BE WORKING TO TAKE THEM DOWN.

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[runawrites-blog]

Until The Break Of Dawn Ch. 6 (Josh Washington x Reader)

Summary: You and Mike venture into the mines to try and find Josh, meeting Sam on the way. But your way back out is harder than your way into the mines. (Female Reader) Warnings: Talk of Mental Health. Mild Violence (Mike slapping Josh like in the game). Mentions of the Twins' Death. Wendigos. Specific warnings will be posted in the notes of each chapter. No Y/N, Petnames (Honey) Author's Note: You can find the previous chapter here. Crossposted on AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/49644949/chapters/125305396#workskin

“I have to go look for Josh.”

“That is the worst idea I’ve ever heard.” Emily shook her head at you as you paced the surveillance room in the basement. “And I’ve dated Mike so the expectations are pretty high on that front.”

Ashley looked up in uncertainty. “If that old man is right, Josh is probably already dead. You shouldn’t risk your life and go down there.”

“Maybe it’s not the worst idea.” Mike mused and looked up at you. “You could go find Josh and I could come to look for both Jess and Matt.”

“See?”

Emily eyed you for a few seconds. “It’s still a terrible idea.”

“I’m his girlfriend, Emily. We’ve been friends since we were children and we promised to always be there for each other. I can’t leave him.” You argued but when she still looked unconvinced you sighed miserably, deciding to tell her the truth. “Listen, I promised him that I would keep him safe and I left to check on you. I left him in that barn all alone and now one of these Wendigos took him down to the mines. I have to look for him.”

“Besides, he is probably the one that has the key to the cable car.” Sam argued, crossing her arms and looking at Emily. “If anything you should be happy that she and Mike are going to get it, so we can finally get off this mountain.”

After a few seconds of silence, Emily nodded. “We will wait here for you. Just be careful. I’ve seen horrible things in these mines and-- and you’re my friends. I want you to be safe.”

“Yes, please be careful.” Ashley pleaded, looking at you in fear. “What do we do if you two don’t come back with the key?”

“According to Emily, someone will come for us at dawn.”

---

The old Sanatorium was terrifying but thankfully you had Mike by your side, so you weren’t alone. After he had acquired a gun and you had found a torch, the two of you had started making your way toward the mines. You had assumed you would only encounter the Wendigos in the mines but the screeches sounding from the basement floors proved you wrong.

“Did you hear that, Mike?”

“Hard to overhear it.”

“I thought they were only in the mines.” You whispered in fear, clutching the torch to your hand. “I thought this route would be safer.”

Mike nodded along to your words but kept going nonetheless. “Same here but the tunnel was safer than walking around outside, at the very least. If you’re too scared, you can go back to the safe room.”

“I am scared. Fuck, I’m downright terrified, but I have to save Josh.” You explained, feeling a little bit more encouraged as you remembered why you were going to the mines. “I can’t leave him down there.”

“You’re a wonderful girlfriend, you know that?” Mike commented as he began descending, lowering himself to the basement through a hole in the ground. “After everything that happened tonight, that he did to us and you, you still risk your life to save him.”

“I am in no way defending his actions. If anything they really hurt me, too. But he planned a prank and nothing more. Granted it was a fucked up prank but he never meant for anyone to get hurt. The fact that there are Wendigos around isn’t his fault and he doesn’t deserve to be taken by them.” You argued softly, sitting down at the edge of the hole to lower yourself down after Mike, giving him a small smile when he reached up to help you down. “Thanks, Mike.”

Mike drew back after helping you down and nodded in the direction of the steel door behind him. “Before we go in there, just know that your father would be proud of you.”

“Thank you, Mike. You’re an amazing boyfriend for going back down there to rescue Jess.” You smiled softly and gripped your torch tightly. “Let’s go.”

“Here goes nothing.”

To your surprise, you weren’t attacked upon entering the next room. Though Wendigos kept screeching at you and trying to get to you, they weren’t able to reach you because they were locked up in iron-barred cells -- presumably by the man with the flamethrower. You and Mike ventured through the room, keeping close to each other and as far away from the Wendigos as possible.

But your luck ran out mere seconds later because not all Wendigos were locked up. One of them burst through the door you had just come through, screeching at you and immediately taking up chase. The two of you booked it down the hall and ended up at a large metal door.

“What do we do now, Mike?”

“Help me get the door open.”

You did as he had told you, slamming yourself against the door but not being able to get it open. All the door did was budge a millimeter at a time but never opened up completely. Things went from bad to worse when the Wendigo caught up with you and jumped at the two of you. You screamed and pushed at the door while Mike shot at the Wendigo, sending it flying backward. But the old man had made it clear that bullets couldn’t kill them and he was proven right when the creature got back up from the ground to once more lurched at the two of you.

That’s when you spotted what looked like a barrel of oil between you two and the Wendigo. And you remembered that the man had said fire could harm them, so you quickly grabbed Mike’s shoulder to get his attention. But Mike had already thought of that idea himself and shot at a nearby barrel. The whole thing blew up, dozing the room and the Wendigo in flames. It screeched at being burned and you two just so managed to get the door open before the flames reached out, tumbling out into the snow. You pushed yourself up to look at Mike who was already getting back to his feet and offering you a helping hand. As you took it and got back to your feet, you couldn’t help but laugh a little at how wrong you had been about thinking there were no Wendigos in the Sanatorium. Mike gave you a questioning look at your laughter.

“I guess the Sanatorium wasn’t exactly a safe way to go.”

“You’re right about that.” Mike mumbled in amusement before he froze. “Fuck, one of them isn’t dead and it’s coming right at you.”

You looked back at the doors and saw a Wendigo that was now dozed in flames coming for the two of you. Without thinking, you grabbed Mike’s arm and pulled him after you, yelling at him to run. And Mike didn’t have to be told twice.

---

You were incredibly thankful that Sam had followed you and Mike. Because when you two stumbled through a door into the mines, a Wendigo in hot pursuit, you hadn’t expected to get out of that situation alive and mostly unharmed. But Sam had been there to hit the creature with a metal pipe, sending its head flying across the floor. As you got up to your feet, Mike was already asking why Sam had followed and where everyone else was.

“We realized that the old man kept Wendigos locked up at the Sanatorium and wanted to warn you. But according to the burning Sanatorium, you’ve already found out.” Sam explained before looking around. “Ashley, Chris, and Emily went back to the cabin when we came to a wall that was hard to climb. Luckily, I have rock climbing experience.”

“Thanks.” Mike said before looking at the mines that lay behind Sam. “We should get going. We have quite some space to cover.”

“Exactly.”

Together with Sam and Mike, you proceeded through muddy water and claustrophobic tunnels. The screeching of the Wendigos was deafening in the caves, echoing through them and making you cling to the metal pipe you had picked up, ready to fight against an ambush at every turn. You kept going for a while before Mike suddenly stopped, nearly causing you and Sam to run into him.

“I hear something.”

Both you and Sam listened and against all the other noises in the mines, you heard someone talking. It sounded like Josh but Sam had warned you during your exploration of the mines that Wendigos could mimic voices, so you were careful when you peered through the wooden planks to your left. But you felt the tight feeling of worry and fear in your chest lighten when you saw that it was indeed Josh.

Mike quickly busted the door open and all of you hurried over. Josh looked horrible, bruised, and terrified, mumbling to himself and begging someone to leave him alone. You approached him and moved closer in careful steps, not wanting to startle him.

“Josh, it’s me. Sam, Mike, and I came to get you home. We’ll get you out of here, I promise.”

“No!” He sobbed out, backing away from you with terrified eyes. “You’re not real. No one came to get me. I’m alone -- all alone. You are not real!”

“He’s in it too deep.” Sam warned. “He doesn’t believe it’s us. What do we do?”

Before you could make a suggestion Mike took the initiative, slapping Josh across the face. You were about to go off at Mike for hitting Josh but then you saw that your boyfriend actually snapped out of his daze and focused on the three of you. He blinked a few times, his eyes finding yours and then he moved in to embrace you, holding you tightly as he began to cry.

“You are real.” He whispered through tears. “You came for me! After-- after everything I’ve done you came for me. I am so sorry.”

“I would never leave you behind.” You reassured Josh, holding him tightly. “We will get you out of here. I promise.”

Sam interrupted you two when another screech echoed through the caves. “Josh, do you have the key to the cable car?”

“Yes, I do.” He whispered and pulled away from your embrace to hand it to Sam before grabbing onto your biceps and holding on tightly. “Don’t leave me, Honey.”

“Never.”

“Josh, Hannah was down here.” Sam whispered in horror, staring at Josh with fearful eyes. “For weeks or months or--”

“Sam.”

You interrupted her, not wanting her to tell Josh about the gruesome way Hannah must have died or about how she might have become a Wendigo, too. He was not in the right state of mind to hear this news and what mattered more was getting everyone to safety.

“We will get you out of here.” Mike promised firmly before looking around. “I’m just wondering what the best way to go is.”

Sam looked up at the slope Josh had been standing next to. “This is the direct way out but no offense, I doubt we could all get up there. I go mountain climbing on a regular basis and I’ve forced your girlfriend to come along a few times, Josh, but I don’t know if you and Mike can get up there.”

“You should go up there and get to the lodge.” Mike suggested. “We’ll keep going and find another way. Get them to the cable car and we’ll meet you there.”

“We’ll try to find Matt and Jess along our way.”

And so you went on with Josh and Mike while Sam started to climb the slope. Mike was leading the way and you walked after him, Josh clinging to your arm in fear. You understood his fear because the mines were truly a terrifying place. As you went on, Mike kept calling out to Jess and Matt but no one answered. Josh kept close to you, trying to quietly reassure himself that he’d be fine.

“Josh, I will get you home.” You promised him once more, bringing a hand to where his was placed on your arm. “I’ll make sure to stay by your side.”

“I’m sorry.” He whispered, leaning closer to you. “I’m so fucking sorry, Honey. I am such-- I can’t even begin to describe how terrible I feel for what I put all of you through and for what I put you through.”

“Just please-- Just don’t do anything like that again, please.”

“You haven’t forgiven me, have you?”

“It’s hard. Of course, I don’t blame you for this whole Wendigo situation but you knew what happened to my father, you knew more than anyone else how horrible it was for me and you still thought it would be a good idea to prank me by making me think you disappeared.” You explained, still keeping your hand on his. “But I still love you and-- and I want you to be safe.”

“I love you.” Josh mumbled, looking back at you. “What can I do to make you forgive me?”

“Just give me time.”

Josh looked at you for a few more seconds before nodding and lowering his gaze. Mike stopped in front of you and when you looked up you once more saw the water you had waited through earlier. You went in after Mike and held out a hand to Josh, watching as he hesitantly got in, as well. He kept his hand firmly in yours as he kept walking after you and Mike.

Suddenly, Mike screamed and was pulled under the water. And before you could look for him a Wendigo popped up, making you freeze in shock. It raised its hand to grab at you but Josh quickly pulled you backward and behind himself, protecting you despite his own fear.

“Get back! You’re not real!”

You looked on in horror as the Wendigo reached for Josh and when you saw the butterfly on its upper right arm you knew it was Hannah. Sam had mentioned to you and Josh that she had been down here for months. Now your fear that she had turned into a Wendigo had been confirmed. Josh seemed to realize that this creature was his sister, as well.

“Hannah?”

The Wendigo screeched and grabbed him by the throat, starting to drag him away. You saw Mike slowly moving to hide behind a rock but you didn’t have the time to ask for his help, so you grabbed Josh’s hand tightly, holding onto him.

“Let go of him!”

The screech the creature emitted was deafening and it almost made you let go but you kept holding on. She then tried to get you away from Josh, lashing out and slashing her sharp claws across your left arm, making you let go in pain. Blood started seeping out from underneath your jacket and sweater, running down your arms and you were horrified by how much damage these creatures’ claws could do. But you tried your best to work through your pain because Josh was in danger.

You still had the metal pipe from earlier and you did the only thing you could think of and hit the Wendigo with it. Guilt washed over you because you knew this creature was Hannah, your friend, the poor woman who had been trapped down here and turned into this creature. But you had to save Josh. You knew how much the twins had loved their brother, so you reasoned that saving him was what they would have wanted.

She let Josh go and you pulled him back, quickly retreating through the water and making sure he was behind you. When you reached the other end of the pond the Wendigo had recovered from the shock of being hit and was once more approaching you. Josh climbed out of the water and grabbed you from underneath your arms, pulling you out and away from the creature. The two of you ran before you could even see if the Wendigo was following you.

You felt terrible for leaving without Mike but when you realized that the creature was indeed following you rather than staying and looking for him, you felt a little less guilty. Mike had managed to hide while you had been attacked and while you didn’t blame him, you also knew he’d understand that you were also too terrified to go back and get him. Besides, you were luring the Wendigo away, giving Mike ample opportunity to get out some other way. You knew for a fact that the ladder you had used to get out before was close by and you were certain he’d find it.

Josh had your hand tightly in his, pulling you along as he ran through the tunnel and when you came to a fork in the caves you told him to go left, toward the metal door you had come through with Mike earlier.

Once there, Josh pushed you through the door and slammed it shut behind the two of you. The Wendigo scratched at the door and Josh grabbed you by the arms, turning his body so it was between you and the door. The scratching stopped eventually and you heard her retreat back into the mines. Josh breathed a sigh of relief as he pulled you into his arms, holding you tightly and bursting into tears.

“That was Hannah.”

You embraced him, holding his head to your shoulder where he quickly buried his face. “I am so sorry, Josh. That is a terrible fate.”

“I just left her there.”

“There was nothing you could have done.” You whispered in earnest. “She is no longer human and you would have only endangered yourself had you attempted to get her out with us.”

“I abandoned them.”

“You didn’t abandon them. Josh, they aren’t angry at you. Your sisters loved you so endlessly.” You promised, holding him tightly. “The last thing either of them would have wanted would have been for you to end up hurt. They aren’t angry at you.”

“You sound like our old guidance counselor.”

You sighed at his words, squeezing him tighter. “It’s what my old therapist told me when I told him about how guilty I felt for never finding my father. He told me my father loved me so much and that he wouldn’t have wanted me to feel bad. He said my father was not angry at me. And I know that the same goes for your sisters. Josh, they loved you so much. They aren’t angry at you.”

“Are you sure?”

“They would be beyond happy that you escaped.”

Josh was quiet for a few seconds before he released a deep breath. “Is there-- Is there nothing we can do?”

“Maybe once we’re back to safety we can find someone to go into the mines and look for her.” You mused, rubbing Josh’s back soothingly. “Maybe there is a way to help her or-- or get her back to her old self or something. But for now, we have to get down this mountain and get help because we can’t do that alone.”

Josh drew back from your embrace, still looking terrified and devastated. But when his eyes flicked to the blood still running down your arm he seemed to snap out of it, quickly taking it into his hands to examine it. “Fuck, Honey, that looks painful.”

“It is.” You mumbled, biting your lip as he moved your arm and pain started coursing through you once more. “It just-- It’s bleeding a lot.”

Josh thought for a few seconds before reaching out to unwrap his scarf from your neck. You watched as he started to wrap it around your arm, pulling it tight to stop the bleeding, and hissed in pain, the pressure sending jolts of pain through your body. But you knew that it had to be done.

“Almost done.” Josh promised under his breath, tying the scarf into a tight knot. “Sorry. I’m so sorry for causing you pain.”

“No, you-- you had to. Thank you, Josh.”

“Not just the arm.” He mumbled, averting his eyes for a second before forcing himself to look at you. “I can’t believe that after everything I did tonight, you-- you still came looking for me. It feels so-- so unreal.”

You shook your head and reached out to touch his cheek, trying to assure him that you two had really escaped the mines. “It is real, Josh. I would never leave you behind, Sweetheart.”

“You-- You called me ‘sweetheart’ again. Are you-- Does that mean you’ve forgiven me?” Josh asked and looked up at you in uncertainty. “You really don’t have to.”

“I did.” You nodded and took his hand into both of yours. “You saved me. You got in the way of a literal Wendigo to protect me. And when she had you in her grasp, I just-- I thought I’d lose you and I realized that I can’t live without you. I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

With that, Josh pulled away from your grasp and placed both of his hands on your cheeks before leaning in to kiss you. He was slow at first, giving you the opportunity to pull away before he could place his lips on yours but you wanted nothing more than to feel him again, so you closed the space between you two. Josh breathed a sigh of relief and you wrapped your arms around his middle, deepening the kiss for a small moment before pulling back.

“We need to keep going, Josh.”

“I know.” He said and extended a hand toward yours which you gladly took, making him look back at you in worry. “Your hands are freezing. You look really cold.”

“We are drenched in cold water in these temperatures. I am so cold.”

“I’m sorry that I don’t have a way to warm you up.” Josh said mournfully as he looked down his body. “I left my vest at the lodge.”

“It’s fine. It’s not your fault. At least I had your scarf up until now. It really helped with the cold and to keep me calm when I was in the mines before.” You explained, grabbing his hand once more to pull him down the mountain after you. “It smells like you.”

“You were down there before?”

“I fell down there while looking for you after I thought you’d disappeared.”

“I am so sorry.” Josh whispered, tears brimming in his eyes. “You were down there because of my prank. I am so fucking sorry, Honey.”

“Josh, you risked your life for me. I’ve forgiven you. Just don’t ever do something like that again, please.”

“Never.”

[maple-the-awesome]

We'll Meet Again...I Know When || Chapter 33

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x GN Reader

Words: 3,712

Overview: Given your old-fashioned personality and obsession with all things 1940s to 1980s, it’s no wonder that most people refer to you as an ‘old soul’ who would’ve rather lived back then than in the modern era. Little do they know, you already did, but with your previous life as Hollie Stark cut short, you’ve been left with some…unfinished business, to say the least. Top of your list? Finally getting to marry your thought-to-be-lost fiancé.

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CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE: SILENT TREATMENT

"You could at least try to be civil, you know."

Rolling his eyes is the only attention Bucky spares Sam, not that it helps his own case any. His lack of response and attempt at still pushing past the other man actually has the opposite effect, only adding fuel to the latter's annoyance which has been building ever since Madripoor.

Sam forces Bucky to stop against his outreached hand, "Are you really that upset over the whole Hollie thing to be acting like this?"

It's no surprise that he eventually found out about your 'little' argument back in Madripoor; it was pretty damn easy to put the pieces together after your sudden disinterest in confronting Nagel and Bucky's beyond sour mood. Clearly, he said something to piss you off during Sharon's party - likely even hurt you judging on the redness of your eyes Sam spotted this morning.

Bucky's shameless avoidance of you has already been picking at his nerves, although he can no longer stand turning a blind-eye to it. It's unwarranted, out of character, and above all childish - at least that's what he feels like saying right now, but he realizes anger won't solve anything, especially if coming from his mouth.

Maybe if Steve were here, expressing disappointment would cut deep enough to reach common sense, however Sam isn't Steve. He lacks any meaningful, nostalgic history to fall back on with Bucky or you, therefore any accusations on his part are more than likely to just be met with defensive responses. Instead, he needs to try the friendly approach.

Inhaling away his exasperation, he looks to Bucky with genuine concern, "...Alright,look: I don't understand what it's like to be in your guys' situation and I'm not going to pretend that I do, but obviously this game of giving the silent treatment is hurting both of you - you're hurting them...You can see that, right?"

Bucky dodges Sam's stare, hating the reminder his words serve as. Of course he knows your previous argument hurt you! He isn't stupid! ...Okay, maybe just a bit, but it's not like he meant to make you feel shitty back there! He just didn't want you in harm's way - not over something like the super soldier serum and not while in Madripoor.

Yes, there were better ways he could've asked you to stay behind. He fumbled the bag, and he wishes he could apologize for it - to clear things up so that you can, at the very least, be spared from taking any blame regarding this entire hole he's now dug under you both - however what's he exactly supposed to say? Is there even a nice way to cushion what he's truly thinking inside? What good would an apology be if it's promptly followed by telling the receiver he still doesn't want to be around them anymore?

"I know it's going to sound cliché and probably like some bullshit your counselor has already tried throwing at you, but I think if you could just sit down and talk to each other about how your feeling - be honest and get everything off your chest - it might -"

"- This doesn't involve you," Despite Sam's careful efforts, his interference only adds fuel to Bucky's internal fire exactly as he had tried to avoid. The super soldier easily shoves past his hand and stubbornly ascends the stairs, "The Dora Milaje want Zemo. I managed to buy us some time, but they're not going to wait forever."

"You're changing the subject -"

"- To something that matters. The fate of the world is at hand, Sam. Don't you think you should be more concerned with that than with me?" Bucky responds condescendingly, not allowing for any more objections before they're inside the safe house.

Not much has apparently happened in their absences. It didn't take Zemo long to get comfortable, having treated himself to a nice shower in the time that it took for Bucky and Sam to make their entrance. While the former goes to plop down on the couch alone, the latter joins you in the kitchen where, having been left unsupervised, you've taken the liberty of raiding each cupboard in search of the most expensive alcohol present.

"Wanna glass? Mendis Coconut Brandy~ Made from the nectar of a borassus flower then matured for ten years in wood casks," You make a show out of pouring yourself a generous amount, however your 'tempting' offer goes denied by Sam who takes a seat at the bar counter with a lack of amusement written all over his face.

"We need to figure out another plan of action. Not just sit here lounging around while getting drunk."

"This is how I get my neurons firing," You assert before shamelessly taking a long swig of your loot.

Aware of how difficult it would be to take alcohol away from a Stark, Sam elects to ignore your behavior in favor of getting on with business anyway, "Nagel was our best lead before someone killed him."

"Must we litigate what may or may not have happened?"

"It's not up for debate. You straight shot the man!"

"Might want to come up with that plan faster," You interrupt. With your brandy glass balanced in one hand and your phone in the other, you scroll through the latest relevant newsfeed, "Our little superhuman buddies just bombed a GRC supply depot."

"What?" Sam whips his attention back to you immediately, then asks more solemnly, "...What's the damage?"

"Three dead. Eleven injured; doesn't list conditions, but judging on these pictures, I wouldn't be too optimistic...They made some demands, plus a promise for more attacks if they aren't met."

"She's getting worse," Zemo points out rather nonchalantly while sauntering over, "Now I, for one, am still willing to see our efforts through. Are you?"

"She's just a kid..." Sam sighs with a shake of his head, yet this information falls short of presenting a proper argument.

"You're looking for something in her that isn't there and you're allowing it cloud your judgment. Karli Morgenthau is a supremacist," Zemo's quick to chastise, "You see, the very concept of a super soldier will always lead to trouble. It's that warped aspiration towards one's goals that led to the Nazis, to Ultron, to the Avengers -"

"- Hey, you're talking about our friends."

"The Avengers, not the Nazis."

You roll your eyes after Bucky's needless correction. At least he's finally found the balls to leave his social isolation long enough to partake in the discussion at hand, however he still does so while maintaining his physical distance, collapsed on the couch with a deadpan expression that lacks any meaningful engagement.

"Yeah, Karli might be radicalized, but that doesn't mean there can't be a peaceful way to stop her," Sam counters, although Zemo once again lets these words roll off his shoulders, remaining stubborn to his own stance.

"The desire to become a superhuman cannot be separated from supremacist ideals. Anyone with that serum is inherently on that path. She will stop at nothing and, worse yet, she'll continue to escalate until you eventually kill her...Assuming, of course, that she doesn't kill you first, God forbid."

"Yourview of things is too black and white," This rebuttal is made to sound as if you're pointing out the blatantly obvious which is enforced by your lack of eye contact as you swirl your alcohol in a jaded fashion, "It's like I said on the flight to Madripoor: corruption is always a risk where power makes someone feel that they're invincible to typical consequences which is why you have to be careful who you grant that power to. Steve was chosen to become the original super soldier. Those abilities - They didn't change his heart. He wanted to protect innocent people from a war spiraling out of control and he did just that while staying true to his nature."

"In other words, the serum never corrupted Steve," Bucky concludes proudly, almost amused to see how Zemo's unknowingly poked the hornet's nest through his accusations.

Fortunately for him, you're being civil right now, all things considered. Bucky hasn't forgotten your true temper and the passion you hold towards your work. One wrong step on Zemo's part - one ill-worded insult regarding Project Rebirth or the achievements it set out to make - and there's no doubt in his mind that you'll have your hands on that Sokovian bastard faster than Sam can stop you. Is it bad that he wants to see that happen? At least watching Zemo get his well-earned broken nose might make him feel a little better after such a bitter past few days.

"Touché," Zemo admits, before selecting a cookie from the bowl in front of him and looking back to you with his next opposition, "But there has never quite been another Steve Rogers, has there?"

"Not with that attitude, there won't be," You scoff, finishing your brandy then giving him a pointed glare, "What I'm trying to get at is: to assume corruption will always be the case with superhumans will only ever shoot down the possibility of there being a variation. Karli might not listen to reason, or maybe she will - we can't be sure until we try - but treating her like a lost cause from the gates will only promise her to become the very enemy you're concerned with."

"Perhaps you have a point, however what happens if she already is a lost cause, hmm? Are you willing to take that chance in the time that it takes for you to confirm her intentions - even at the possible risk of your own life and those of the innocent?"

You cross your arms with your weight leaning to one side, "For one, I'm not saying that we just rush in to make friendship bracelets with them. We can attempt a conversation while still being cautious. Second, aren't you the guy who got a bunch of innocent people killed just so that he could get back at the Avengers? Are you really going to stand here acting like you live on some moral high ground?"

"Maybe we should just give him to the Wakandans now," Bucky suggests, suddenly acting exhausted with his spectator role in all of this. This leads you to redirect your glare his way, addressing him directly for the first time since Sharon's party.

"Excellent idea. Why don't you escort him there and stay awhile? Wakanda is where you were happiest, after all."

Bucky doesn't risk eye contact for long, swiftly looking away to avoid the sting felt by your response and that mocked smile you wear which drips sarcasm. This would be an amazing opportunity for him to be less of a jerk and deny your accusation. All he has to say is that he didn't actually like Wakanda that much, he doesn't even have to add that he didn't like it because it kept you two apart...yet he keeps his mouth shut instead of saying a single word. 

Sam, tired of all this clashing, promptly rounds the conversation back to more pressing matters, "Alright, let's just assume we have a consensus here and agree to talking with Karli. It sounds like Donya Madani was a pillar of the community here, right? ...You know, when I was a kid, my TT passed away -"

"- Your TT?"

"...Yeah, my TT."

"You're 'TT'?"

"His aunt," You sigh at the back-and-forth.

"Thank you! When I was a kid, my aunt passed away and the entire community got together for this ceremony to celebrate her life - I swear, it lasted like a full week. Maybe they're doing something similar for Donya."

"We can use it as an opportunity to get more information on the Flag Smashers. Maybe even get an audience with Karli herself," You finish his trail of thought, "She likely wouldn't want to make a scene in front of anyone connected to her, so it might be our best shot at a civil conversation without her trying to bash in our skulls."

"Exactly!" Sam smiles, looking back to Bucky who shrugs in response.

"...It's worth a shot."

"Your TT would be proud of you," Zemo, having used your distraction to sort through the cupboards, turns to Sam and tosses a wrapped candy his way before dumping the rest of the container on the counter in front of you, "Turkish Delights. Irresistible." 

Perhaps you've simply become biased after spending so many years in Europe, but you really must say, you admire the grand beauty behind European architecture even when worn down after many years of resident traffic. The buildings here in Latvia are no different in their ability to catch your eye, being much more deserving of your attention than the flashy neon lights that lined Madripoor.

Sadly, it seems your appreciation isn't universal. While you remain silent in your observations, Zemo is quick to voice his annoyance the moment your quartet steps foot in the courtyard of the refugee enclave, "Shame what's become of this place. When I was young, my family would come here for fabulous dinner parties. Although I knew nothing of politics back then, I recall it being beautiful. Now it is this..."

"I'm gonna take a look upstairs. See what you can find out down here - and keep an eye on him," Sam excuses himself almost immediately, not waiting for a reply before he's gone from sight. It's possible that he just wants a break from dealing with Zemo's nonsense, although he could also be trying to escape the tension between Bucky and you, too.

The first thing Sam did this morning was try questioning you on what happened at Sharon's party to which you simply replied that he should be asking Bucky instead. You weren't - and still aren't - in the mood to recap anyone else on your argument. You received basically zero sleep last night thinking about it, Bucky's words constantly playing on repeat in your mind:

"I think you should stay here while we go talk to Nagel ourselves."

"It wasn't a suggestion."

"...You're a liability if you go..."

Who does he think he is?! He's been making it perfectly clear since your confession that he wants absolutely nothing to do with you, but now he wants to play nanny - to act like he's oh-so concerned about your wellbeing? Pick a side, damnit! He either cares for you or he doesn't!

Just thinking about it gets you all riled up again, especially since you have yet to receive any kind of apology even after Sam confronted him, too - You know Sam must have because why else would he have waited outside for Bucky after reaching the safe house? Your theory could further be supported by their sulking that followed. Sam finally said something to Bucky himself, however even that had no success in making him grow the fuck up.

It seems your plan of giving Bucky space to process his feelings isn't working. Despite trying to keep your head low, you still manage to cause him grief while he insists on treating you like an asshole by playing this stupid back-and-forth game of 'do I, don't I'...Well, he's an adult, isn't he? You suppose he can make his own decisions on how to behave, but that doesn't mean you have to keep putting up with it yourself. Two can play at this game and you're done taking the nice route.

"I'll stay out of your way," Zemo promises, holding his hands up and taking a few steps away from you both. Whether he senses the tension as well or is simply being smart, you don't care.

You only bother to spare Bucky a glance - which is more of a less-than-amused glare that he mirrors - then turn your focus to the courtyard. There's lots of people going about their days here, none who show any of you much attention. If anything, it seems like they're trying to ignore your group between cautious glimpses; behavior that Bucky apparently fails to read as he walks right up to an older trio doing laundry. He attempts to awkwardly ask about Donya, yet as anyone could've predicted, they wordlessly turn their backs to him before gathering their belongings and walking off.

"Maybe if you actually smiled, you'd look more approachable," You make a point of noting smugly, all too satisfied to earn a frustrated grumble.

"Let's see you try then since you're such a people-person."

"I'm not a people-person. I just know how to work people," You hit back before eyeing the rest of the courtyard. There's more adults busying themselves with different projects, but chances are they're aware of the dangers outsiders might bring to their beliefs here, so it'll be harder to pry information out of them. Kids, however, have much smaller filters, and it just so happens that there's a young pair sitting alone at a fold-up table nearby. Perfect.

"Hey. May I see what you guys are drawing?" You ask kindly, inviting yourself to slowly take an open seat at the table with them. The little boy hesitates and looks to his sister who is equally wary of your presence, but he ultimately pushes his drawing towards you anyway. You gasp, gently turning it to get a good look, "Oh, this is beautiful! ...You drew this? ...You did? No way!"

The boy nods, his sheepish smile turning into a quiet giggle after your mocked disbelief.

"This is incredibly well detailed! It's a dog, right? ...Wow...You're waaay better at drawing than I am. I couldn't draw a dog to save my life. Whenever I try to, my nephew says it ends up looking more like a cow instead."

"Now that's someone who knows what they're doing," Zemo whispers to Bucky as they observe your efforts from afar. He isn't wrong. It doesn't take you many more compliments before the siblings are eagerly showing off each of their art pieces, even taking you up on your request for them to show you how to draw yourself.

To anyone else, it may seem like you're simply playing the long game, but Bucky can tell when your smile is genuine and when it isn't. Right now, it's definitely genuine. Just listen to the way you laugh at the siblings' jokes, and watch how your eyes sparkle in delight when triggered by their childish excitement. He imagines that this is what you were like when Tony was little...and what you would've been like had you had any children of your own. Maybe it isn't too late for you in that regard, yet that's quite the bittersweet pill to swallow.

Bucky finds himself inching closer to the table, his steps awkward and slow as if his feet are stuck in a giant glue trap. His presence immediately makes the siblings fall silent as they keep a fearful eye on him, however you're quick to reassure them with a careless shrug of your shoulders, "Oh, don't worry. That's just my friend, Bucky. I know he looks real scary, but he's harmless...Do you see his cool arm?"

"No?"

"Well, he'll have to come over here and show it to you then," You wave him over, smirking at his reluctance.

"I don't -!"

Not accepting that answer, you stand and take his wrist in hand before leading him the extra few steps over to the table. There, you pull him down to kneel between you and the curious children who watch in awe after you slide his glove off to reveal the bright shine underneath.

"- Isn't that awesome? I mean, how many people do you know who have a metal arm like this, huh?"

Bucky keeps as steady as humanly possible, practically suffocating himself out of concern that one wrong move on his part will send these children off screaming. Pressing his lips together nervously, he watches like a hawk as they gather closer and brush their little fingers against the cold metal of his forearm with bouts of excited giggles. You, meanwhile, keep his hand in yours while eventually locking eyes, your smirk remaining as if to say 'this isn't so bad, now is it?'.

"Hisarm makes him really strong. He can lift a whole lot of cool stuff with it...Just like our friend Karli. Do you know her, too?" The siblings nod, too distracted by Bucky's arm to face you, "That's actually why we're here. We came to town for Miss. Donya's funeral, but we've gotten a little lost...Maybe you two could help us? Do you know where it's going to be?"

They consider your question while glancing between both Bucky and you timidly. After a second, the sister finally motions for you to lean in which you do, allowing her to whisper in your ear.

"...Thankyou. We really appreciate it - and thanks for your drawing lessons, too. Maybe now I can finally draw my nephew a proper dog," The siblings match your smile before happily returning to their doodles.

"For your occupation, you are pretty good with kids," Zemo compliments and it's only then that you realize he had technically been left unattended for a few minutes there. Thank goodness he didn't take the opportunity to slip away, having instead spent that brief time passing out candies to children playing around the courtyard. That must be why he stuffed his pockets with those Turkish delights earlier. It seems you had similar plans of befriending them in exchange for information.

"What can I say? I got a soft spot for 'em," You shrug casually while keeping a close eye on him as he gifts the two siblings with the remainder of his candy stash since they missed out earlier.

"So did she tell you where the funeral is?" Bucky asks rather impatiently in your opinion.

"Yeah, because I actually smiled to look friendly," You chide, barely looking over your shoulder to face him, "She gave me an address, but we still have some time before it starts, so might as well go back to the safe house and wait. I, personally, could use some lunch in the meantime."

"Might I recommend: there is a wonderful restaurant down the street that makes exquisite cold borscht and sorrel soup," Zemo pipes in, following you as you slip right past Bucky. Neither of you spare him any more attention than his pouting deserves, which may be petty, but as far as you're concerned, he can feel the burn of being ignored for once himself.

"Sounds great. Now let's find Sam and be on our way. Our work here won't finish itself."

NEXT CHAPTER ->

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[cantsomeoneelsedoit]

Ch 59: Tetsuzanko

Little Shen negotiating his demands with his teacher is just so wholesome and pure. Here's this kid who is wearing rags and robbing adults for money all while telling his sister that he's the strongest in the world, and he enters a tournament and gets beat, thus proving he's not the strongest, but it doesn't affect his self-confidence at all.

He's still so confident that he proposes conditions for allowing someone to teach him, and it's not that he's being egotistical or delusional, because he admits he got beat at the tournament.

His leverage in this negotiation is offering the opportunity to train the boy who will become the world's strongest. That's how sure he is that he'll achieve his dream!

Shen: "Do it for the exposure! It'll look great in your portfolio!"

It's still not clear what kind of person Shen's teacher is at this point. We know he's interested in strong students and that he's smiling at Shen, but he seems eager to push Shen to his limits.

FENG?! That Feng?! It all makes sense now!

Feng is waiting on his student to surpass him and needs him to get as strong as possible so that he can have a fitting opponent someday. You know, like a certain other "Best in the World" from another series:

Each of them promises to wait as long as it takes for their student to reach their level, too! Feng has an even more Mihawk-ish quote later in the story, one that almost matches word for word.

But unlike my beloved Mihawk, Feng specifically promised not to age, which is a bit of an odd thing to say unless it's related to his negation ability.

Back to the battle, Shen immediately uses Untruth as he and Feng charge at each other with the sun shining over both of them as in the panels from the previous chapter.

Oho.

Feng is surprised, but Untruth doesn't seem to throw him off his game too badly. Narration boxes explain how Shen's ability isn't foolproof. He has to keep in mind everything he knows about his opponent's skills, tendencies, mood, and the chances of his ability backfiring--all in real time during a fight. He basically has to think for two people during a battle.

That last panel is so pretty!

Shen realizes that this guy is going to be more trouble than he'd thought! He begins to put the puzzle together:

Andy and Fuuko hadn't had a chance to tell Shen about Life Is Strange and its anti-aging abilities because the battle started almost as soon as they arrived.

Feng's style name is written on his outfit. It has the Under symbol and then 八极 "baji" in simplified Mandarin.

Baji is short for Bajiquan, a Chinese martial arts style. Feng has his own variant style of baji, but we haven't yet learned its name. When Feng uses the Zhen Jiao step-in, Shen recognizes it as one of the fundamental moves of baji and it adds to his suspicions that this mystery opponent has the same fighting style as his old master.

It's a quick, explosive, close-quarters kind of combat that's honestly terrifying:

After escaping with the step-in, Feng soars high above and shields himself with one of the jiangshi. Shen remarks that using a "human" shield to block attacks is something his old master would do--we're slowly learning more and more that Feng might not have been a very caring teacher...

Feng, wearing a hooded robe the entire time and concealing his identity from almost everyone in the series: "Heh, I suppose it's no wonder you don't know who I am!" Yeah, no shit. That's how disguises work!

Shen proves once again that he has no sentimental reservations about punching the zombified corpse of his former rival, but Feng spins away from the punch and lines up for his next wicked sick move.

Bajiquan's most famous move is the tetsuzanko 鉄山靠, "iron mountain lean," a kind of shoulder check/throw/battering ram. Feng's version is called hakkaizanko 捌廻山靠 "eight cycle mountain strike/lean."

It's a well-known baji move with Feng's own spin on it. He hits Shen so hard that he has a flashback!

"Aren't schools supposed to be free of dummies" is hilarious, but in just a few pages, Shen says that he can't go to school because he's a dummy. Poor kid! He doesn't even think he belongs in school! He has a lot of confidence in his strength, but not in his smarts. It's especially sad because we know that Shen's actually not dumb at all! T.T

Was Feng really joking though? He's so hard to read!

The siblings go outside to train under the full moon. Mei learns the tetsuzanko and appears to master it in a short time-- but the sfx covers up her joyful moment in the last panel, and it continues across each panel of the flashback as Feng's true nature is revealed.

"Rather than having three disciples, what if I just have one extremely traumatized disciple?"

Feng was never interested in training Shen for Shen's sake. He wasn't trying to get all the glory for himself, either. I mean, he could've won that tournament hands-down if he wanted to, but he didn't even try (and we see here that he could easily beat the current champion). All that Feng wanted was to train someone who could get strong enough to give him a good fight, and he was willing to hurt that person as much as he could in order to make them into a meaner, stronger version of themselves.

The story cuts back to the present and we FINALLY see Feng's face! Noooooo, he's handsome! How can I hate him now?!?!

I don't think we've ever seen Shen look like this before. He has the same wild look in his eyes as he did when Feng first recruited him! Now Feng is hoping to use that wild side of Shen to create his ideal opponent. Is Shen just taking the bait?

Masterpost