#they also had to the lighthouse and a room of one’s own in another case

[octaviasdread]

(don’t repost)

Original Artwork for Virginia Woolf’s Books

[gghostwriter]

Hiya! :D

Since askbox is open, may I please order some slight hurt-comfort based off of "From Eden" by Hozier? Harnessing the pure longing this song emanates to me fr.

Something like non-BAU!reader getting hurt by an unsub during a case (non-lethal but it does require a stitch or two) and spencer gets abnormally worried about this one person among the group of victims (maybe serial bank robberies) and when the team notices it and ask him about it he reveals to them that they're actually his roommate?

something romantic-leaning; I just like the idea of him standing outside the hospital room door [OMG LIKE THE SONG] because the doctors told him to wait before he could go inside sitting there like 🥺 "My roommate :(" and getting embarassed when the team calls reader his partner; "You're so worried it's almost like you're dating." sort of feel

Sorry if this is long btw! I tend to go all out on ideas! Pronouns are up to you though, feel free to change anything to your liking as well! :]

Thanks for reading! :D

Spencer Reid x Fem!Reader Trope: Roommates; Comfort, Fluff, Angst w.c: 1.2k A/N: There's so much interpretation for 'From Eden by Hozier' and I had a challenging time trying to capture which meaning I wanted to encapsulate. This is also by far the longest request I've written and honestly this took a life of its own but I still hope you like it! Main masterlist

Eden. // Spencer Reid

The monotone droll in the bank was white noise in your life that you learned to slowly hate. Day in, day out it was the same thing—customers withdrawing, depositing, and claiming loans. You liked numbers, that was how you ended up as a manager, but the cookie cutter business smile you had to keep on your face was a con you wish to part from. 

You sighed. Your roommate turned secret crush, Dr. Spencer Reid, had warned you about the serial robberies that had happened within the state of Virginia and Washington. He advised you to be vigilant and if possible, to keep your phone within your reach and you easily agreed having heard some of the macabre cases he’d been involved in.

You just didn’t think it would happen today.

“Get down on the ground!” A man’s voice echoed throughout the lobby, followed by a series of gunshots.

Spencer’s voice played in your head as if he was a lighthouse guiding you out from the panic. Hide. Don’t panic. Press the hidden alarm and dial my number.

You thanked your past self for programming his contact on speed dial. Volume down and no words uttered, you hid the phone inside your blouse hoping to not get caught.

“You there!” One of the masked men caught sight of you. “Outside. Now!”

You nodded, averting your eyes to show submission. Another tactic from Spencer.

Wishing the call picked up the trio of robbers voices, you stayed facing down on the lobby surround by the rest of the hostages.

Spencer, please. Please, get my message.

Just a few miles away, tension was high in the BAU conference room. The round table littered with folders and cooling coffee mugs. The team was running on a mixture of caffeine and sheer will to solve the serial bank robber case, tagged as priority by Strauss, that had been terrorizing states for a span of months. 

Spencer raked his already unruly hair. So far, the profile was incomplete. They knew there were three in the team but with varying heights and builds in various crime scenes, even that was shaky. What they were sure of was the sick game of Russian roulette they would play with their hostages, always with one bullet in a revolver and who ever is unlucky, dies with a hole between their brows and the remaining hostages are pistol whipped to unconsciousness. 

He knew he should stay objective. He knew that but how could he, when who he considers as his secret flower was at risk every second the unsubs were at large? It was his mission to keep you safe and the chances of you being caught in the line of fire heightened each second.

Vibration from his pocket brought him out of his musings. 

It was you. Right there and then, Spencer knew it was anything but good. You never called during work hours and with the last conversation between you having been about safety, it had settled in his stomach that the worst reality had come to fruition.

He picked up without saying a word, straining his ears to hear any distinguishable background noise. That was when he heard it—the authoritative, cocky voice yelling at you to come outside. His heart dropped. 

No. No. No. Anything but this.

“Sir, we just got a call,” Penelope rushed into the conference room. “There’s a live hostage taking at—”

“—Commerce Bank. 125 Independence Boulevard,” Reid interjected.

The profilers shared a look.

“That’s right,” Penelope muttered.

Morgan raised an eyebrow at him as he hurriedly stood up and collected his belongings. “Wait Reid—” causing him to stop in his tracks and turn to face back at the team. “—How’d you know?”

“Because Y/N works there,” he promptly exits the room, hightailing it to the elevator.

Emily looked at JJ. “Who’s that?”

She shrugged, lost too on who you were.

———

The team had split into two vehicles. Hotch, Rossi, and Reid in one while Morgan Emily, and JJ in the other.

Rossi glanced at Hotch, communicating the tension Reid was releasing from the passenger seat. In turn, Hotch sneaks a peek via the rear view mirror and profiles Reid’s ticks—hands clasped tight together, right leg shaking up and down, eyes shifting from left to right, and deep breaths through the nose and mouth. 

“Reid,” he called out.

Blown wide doe eyes meet his. “Hm?”

“We need you to stay focused. If you can’t do that, I’ll pull you out of this case.”

“I—I can do it!” His voice cracking.

“Are you sure, kid?” Rossi clarified.

He nodded. “Yeah. Yeah, it’s just she’s my—” roommate but that singular title wasn’t fitting to describe who you were to him. No classification was good enough, really. “—I can focus,” he declared. 

There was a series of looks exchanged between the two senior agents. They didn’t need to be seasoned profilers to understand that their youngest is one slip away from panic.

Hotch sighed. “Alright, Reid, but you follow my orders. Got it?”

“Yes.” 

———

Einstein’s theory of special relativity was what came to mind as he paced outside your hospital room. The physicist implied that time moves relative to the observer. An object moving very fast experiences time more slowly than in rest and that was exactly what he felt as he paces back and forth outside your room, desperately waiting for any update—the good or the bad. Everyone seemed to be moving at a leisure pace while he, Dr. Spencer Reid, hangs on the precipice of elation and despair. 

The team had sent him away, to you specifically, when it was obvious that his otherwise objective mind was of no help in finishing up the case. Was it dreadful of him that he felt relief course through his veins when it wasn’t you that got the short end of the stick during the unsubs’ Russian Roulette? Yes, possibly but he was only human. A being filled with conundrums and good vs evil. 

The impact of today was eye opening. He could no longer deny to himself that you were more than just a roommate or an acquaintance or a friend. Oh, how hard he tried so hard to push away any thought that seemed any less innocent or chivalrous, but the idea of seeing those beautiful eyes broken and in pain made him want to face the truth. The truth being how deliriously in love Spencer Reid was with you. 

His phone rang, disturbing his mind-altering revelation thoughts.

“Hey kid,” It was Morgan. “How is she?”

Reid licked his lips, eyes trained on the still closed door. “I—I haven’t seen her. The doctors are still inside and I’m still here—outside.” 

“I know this isn’t the time but should we know who she is?” A pause. “Girlfriend?”

“No. No, she’s my roommate,” his sigh coated in despair, murky and sad enough for Morgan to notice.

“You sounded so worried. It’s almost like you’re in love with her or something.”

“I am—” your door opened. “I have to go, Morgan,” he hung up before another word could be uttered.

“Are you Dr. Spencer Reid?” The female doctor asked.

He nodded.

She smiled. “She’ll see you now.”

Comments and reblogs are greatly appreciated!

[baphometsss]

Solas and sexual trauma

(TW for sexual abuse)

I did a post forever ago where I questioned what Solas might have meant by 'it has been a long time' in the romance dialogue in DAI. I won't get into the entire post but basically I was wondering if he meant 'it has been a long time since I had a body' as much as or instead of 'it has been a long time since I was intimate with someone'

Given what we know about Mythal's influence on Solas, and the fact that he was her advisor, and that there are plenty of parallels with Leliana and Justinia, it's safe to assume that he also served as her spy. He has been directing his people to spy and steal and lie etc since before DAI. He's able to avoid Leliana's people for a decade, because he has so much more experience than her and knows how she works.

I'm reminded of Flemythal instructing Morrigan to sleep with men for power and influence, while doing it herself (exposing her very young daughter to sexual situations, which is abuse). I think this is a strong indicator of why Mythal married Elgar'nan and later the Alamarri chieftain. She isn't above using her body to gain influence, and I daresay she instructed Solas to do the same when necessary, like she instructed Morrigan to do years later. 'Use kindness where possible and cunning where necessary...' As we know from the romance with Solas, he is quite a private person. As flirtatious as he is with a romanced Inquisitor, this isn't a side that he readily shows off. Even Varric is surprised by his erotica collection in the Lighthouse, and he's known Solas for some time by that point. My point is, despite his cunning, Solas is not in Illario's league when it comes to seducing the enemy, but I don't doubt it was required of him when he served Mythal.

(Sidenote--She groomed Morrigan to sleep with the Warden in DAO so that when she eventually took that child--Kieran's--body she would have access to the old God soul inside him, thus regaining her immortality. I'm kind of pissed off that this plot line was basically sidelined because it would've been super interesting and would've offered more depth to both her character and the dynamics she had with Solas and other ancient elves.)

In any case, I think this is why it's important to me that Solas and Lavellan don't sleep together in DAI. That his 'I would not lay with you under false pretences' literally means that he would not have tainted their relationship with that same kind of abuse when he cared for them so much, when they are so removed from everything he did to himself and others at Mythal's bidding. It would've been too triggering for him and he wouldn't have forgiven himself. That's why the sex scene was going to happen after Crestwood, where he planned to come clean and tell them the truth, because only by being truthful about his identity and plans would it be crystal clear that he was not sleeping with them for influence or power. This is not a decision that he would've made for no reason. How many times did Solas seduce people at Mythal's behest? How did it hurt him? How did it feed into his own feelings of shame, humiliation and self-hate? How badly must he have wanted to keep his first true love safe from all that?

For context, this kind of behaviour is called rape by proxy and involves one person coercing another to sexually abuse someone else. It quite often happens to children, but it can happen to adults under duress and who are being manipulated, like Solas and Mythal and Flemethyal and Morrigan, the latter of whom is canonically groomed and exploited from childhood. You might think this is extreme, but we have plenty of evidence through Morrigan's experience that Mythal was absolutely not above perpetrating sexual abuse. We also know that she had slaves, which is inherently abusive, but that's already been discussed. The point is, Mythal's abuse is canon. There's no room for debate there.

Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but there's a lot of things about Solas that make me think his experience with Mythal was something of a blueprint for Morrigan's abuse. As for why... well, there's a lot of reasons, but you need to have a bit of understanding of the psychology of abuse survivors to understand.

There's this thing that happens when you survive this kind of abuse that affects you in terms of identity and relationships. Whether we like it or not, our relationships are heavily characterised by how we see ourselves. If we look at it through the attachment theory lens it becomes even more complicated. Solas himself says that he didn't have many friends that weren't spirits, and he says in Veilguard that it took him a very long time to gain the support of other members of the rebellion. He is such a lonely person, so it doesn't surprise me at all that he's so attached to his friends in the Inquisition, nor that he elevates their importance so highly, if the music room in the Lighthouse is anything to go by. It's unsurprising because these relationships are characterised by his authenticity as the person he wants to be, which is something he had distanced himself from considerably in order to carry out the work he was tasked with.

It's so important to his character that he has this experience. First he realises that there is more to life than being a tool for your Goddess as he did when he began the rebellion, then with the Inquisition he discovers that people can love him for who he is and not because of what he can do for them. It's also important because essentially, if you're raised in an environment where you are taught, either directly or indirectly, that you exist for someone else's use--to receive their abuse, whether that's sexual, emotional or physical--you never learn how to be a person that exists outside of that role. This is pretty much exactly what Mythal does to Solas and others. The end result is that when you eventually escape -- either by finding independence as an adult or simply leaving the abusive environment, like Solas did when he rebelled -- suddenly you have no idea how to function in the adult world, because you simply have not been primed for it. You've never had any kind of autonomy because even your body isn't your own. You don't trust yourself, because you've been taught to distrust your own judgement to better rationalise the abuse. You don't trust others because you're used to being betrayed and hurt, so you avoid relationships or engage in them in an emotionally detached way. Sex becomes transactional because you believe it's the only thing you have to offer (like Morrigan and Zevran), or you develop an aversion to it altogether because it's too triggering (Fenris). You're more likely to end up in abusive relationships because you simply don't know any other way to relate other than as a victim. Strong people, people with power, make you feel protected, even when those strong people turn out to be abusive too.

So while Solas was never really a child, he was very much like one when he first took a body--we only have to look at Cole and the way Solas guides him to see this vulnerability in action. It's in this state that he was sent into war and formed his first bonds with other people as an elf and not as a spirit. To be completely fair to Mythal, I think that she and Solas and the rest of the Evanuris were trauma bonded by this experience, as many soldiers are by war and political terror. Their survival was being threatened, even if it was kind of their own fault in the first place. The key feature here that Solas and other newly manifested spirits do share with children is vulnerability. Mythal wasn't called the all-mother just because she was married to Elgar'nan. She was guiding them into personhood and shaping them into weapons and tools she could use, as she did later with Morrigan. We are repeatedly told that the way the Evanuris are remembered is very inaccurate and doesn't fully explore how evil they truly were. Mythal is no exception to this just because Solas says she was the best of them; that bar is on the floor.

The other thing you need to bear in mind is that Mythal is portrayed as being considerably more powerful than Solas when she was alive. She was able to go toe-to-toe with Elgar'nan, whom Solas is shown to be defeated by multiple times in his memories, which is why she was able to force him to share power. Mythal defeated Andruil after three days of fighting when she became a monster in 'armour made of the void', which left her no choice. This power exists in her largely because she was willing to do things for power that Solas was not (like binding a dragon to her will), so she always had that over him. If she did not love him in her own twisted way, I don't doubt that she would've killed him long before he became such a headache for her, as Elgar'nan would've no doubt told her to do. So there is a very clear power imbalance here and it characterises their entire relationship.

When you look at the romance or friendship through this lens, it makes Solas's inability to commit to the life he wanted make so much more sense. The Inquisition was the first time in his life that his relationships weren't abusive and twisted. Where he didn't have to assume a mantle like Fen'harel that didn't fit him. He was able to exist outside of these abusive dynamics for the very first time. For survivors of abuse, that's like trying to learn an entirely new language, an entirely new way of relating, and it's extremely difficult not to fall into those abusive dynamics and roles in some way. People literally spend years in therapy trying to learn how to do this. Falling in love with the Inquisitor and/or having healthy relationships for the first time was a learning curve too steep even for him, even with the best will in the world.

I'm also really struck by Trick Weekes' characterisation of Solas as someone who doesn't think he deserves happiness. Whether or not this is factually true is not what I'm interested in; I'm interested in this statement because it is more or less classic abuse survivor behaviour. While there are definitely exceptions, many survivors cannot separate the humiliation and shame they feel from their core identity, and thus sabotage many of their relationships because they don't think they deserve it. That is exactly what is going on with Solas running away from the Inquisitor, even as he leaves clues for them to follow, because he does want to be saved deep down. Of course he does.

Finally I'm gonna leave this quote from Trauma and Recovery by Judith Herman here. It's a good book that I'd highly recommend for anyone interested in learning about abuse and the psychology of trauma. It's not a perfect book because it was written in 1992 but it is still a ground-breaking work on the subject. It's also highly triggering so watch out for that.

Many abused children cling to the hope that growing up will bring escape and freedom. But the personality formed in the environment of coercive control is not well adapted to adult life. The survivor is left with fundamental problems in basic trust, autonomy, and initiative. She approaches the task of early adulthood――establishing independence and intimacy――burdened by major impairments in self-care, in cognition and in memory, in identity, and in the capacity to form stable relationships. She is still a prisoner of her childhood; attempting to create a new life, she reencounters the trauma.

[bg3daydream]

Cuddle pile (Davrin x Rook x Lucanis)

I wrote this for the last day of Veilguard Appreciation Week, organized by @veilguard-appreciation-week The prompts for inspirarion this day were: The Lighthouse, Valour, "We could continue this in the morning?""

Summary: After getting drunk together, Rook, Davrin and Lucanis fall asleep together.

Masterlist of my fics / AO3

A couple of bottles of alcohol littered the table in front of the couch, along with an empty plate that had once been filled with cheese and fruit that Lucanis had prepared for them.

Rook, Davrin, and Lucanis were sitting down on the couch in the dining room, passing a bottle of liquor back and forth even though they knew they were pretty drunk already, telling stories of jobs gone wrong.

Rook was half-lying against Davrin’s side, whose arm was casually thrown over the back of the couch and her shoulders, while her legs rested over Lucanis’, who patted her knee gently, smirking as she tried and failed to recall a better anecdote than the last one the assassin had told them.

“Maybe we could continue this in the morning?” She slurred. “It’s getting late.”

“Ha! Good try!” Davrin’s arm tightened around her shoulders as if to prevent her from leaving. “You just say that because you’re losing, your jobs haven't gone as bad as ours.” Lucanis hummed and nodded his agreement.

Rook gave them both an incredulous look, arching an eyebrow. “Really? I won. Haven’t you listened to me at all?”

“I have. I won.” Davrin gave her a lopsided grin and Lucanis scoffed.

“No, no, I won!” The assassin sounded outraged and very drunk.

“Wait until you listen to my next story…”

Slurring, Davrin began telling them yet another of his misadventures as a monster hunter.

*

Rook woke up slowly and confused…she was pretty sure she was not on the big couch the Lighthouse had provided in what was supposed to be her room, alongside a big aquarium with a bunch of nosy fish.

No, wherever she was lying now was way warmer than a couch, and it was also more firm but at the same time more comfy…also, it seemed to breathe? The blanket on top of her was also warmer and heavier than she remembered, and again, was it breathing?

Rook forced her eyes to open and found that her blanket was actually Lucanis and they were lying on the dining room couch.

He was on top of her, in a quite chaste way despite being lying pretty much between her legs. He was snuggled to her, his head pillowed on her belly, his arms wrapped around her, holding to her shirt. She didn’t know how an assassin could look so cute and soft as Lucanis did. Her own arm was around him too, holding him protectively to her, her fingers buried in his hair. 

Rook didn’t know what was more surprising, that Lucanis was asleep on her, or that he was actually deeply asleep for once, with Spite behaving.

That wasn’t all, though.

Rook wasn’t quite lying on the couch, not really. She found that she was lying on top of Davrin, head resting comfortably on his chest. She’d always imagined that those pecs of him would be nice pillows, and now she had proof, they were. No wonder she’d felt she was lying on something warm and comfy. Davrin’s arm was a warm, heavy weight over her, holding her securely to his chest, with her head tucked behind his chin.

This was…nice, very nice.

Rook let out a content sigh. Why hadn’t they slept like that before? Why hadn’t they been sleeping like that forever?

Carefully, Rook let her fingers run through Lucanis’ hair. She didn’t dare to even breathe too deeply, in case the movement woke him, she didn’t want to spoil the rare moment of an asleep Lucanis, and much less if he was snuggled to her while he slept.

“And then he claims he doesn’t sleep…” Davrin’s voice was deep and rough, he too had just woken up.

“Shh,” Rook shushed him quietly. “Let him sleep. He needs it.”

Davrin just hummed, nuzzling her hair and tightening his hold on her, wrapping his other arm around her too now. Rook sighed again, a content smile spreading across her face. They should definitely do this more often…

Davrin moved from her hair to nuzzle her neck instead, his hot breath on her sensitive skin making her shiver, and she almost gasped…she was waiting, hoping, for him to kiss her neck, but he didn’t, just nuzzling it again. This time, she gasped, her hand tightening on Lucanis’ hair, who stirred but snuggled even closer to her.

“You’re trying to make me move and wake him,” Rook accused him and Davrin chuckled against her neck, the feeling sending another shiver through her.

“He better wake up before Assan gets in here and sees him,” Davrin said. “He’ll get jealous and peck his ass.”

Rook couldn’t help her snort. Still trying not to bother Lucanis’ sleep, she twisted so she could look at Davrin’s face. He gave her a smirk, his eyes warm and soft…he was always so beautiful that it was unreal, how could he look so pretty right after waking up? Looking at him, Rook almost forgot what she was going to say. Davrin arched an amused eyebrow at her as if he’d realized it, and so Rook decided to retaliate.

“Oh? Maybe you’re the one jealous that he’s lying on top of me like that…” She teased but regretted it as soon as it left her lips.

Maybe she was going too far? The last thing she wanted was to upset any of them, she’d never want to hurt them. She knew she’d been doing some flirting with both men, but she couldn’t help herself. They both were handsome, gentle, and so caring…they made her heart beat in a way that felt as if it were almost dancing, while butterflies danced foolishly in her belly.

It wasn’t a good idea, she knew it, she’d tried to stop it, but she couldn’t.

Davrin didn’t seem hurt or upset, though. He arched an eyebrow again, his cocky smirk growing.

“Jealous?” He smirked. “I got no reason for that. He’s no competition.” His tone was carefree, joking, and Rook relaxed again.

“Confident, aren’t we,” Rook snorted, though Davrin had plenty of reasons to be so. “Well…I think you win the award for best, comfiest pillow in the world, no doubt. But I must say, Lucanis is a pretty good blanket…” She teased.

Davrin nodded. “Yeah, he’s not bad. He should stop being an assassin and become a full-time blanket, I’d like him more then.” 

Rook chuckled at the nonsense of it all, a silly yet elated smile spread across her face, and she hoped for more mornings like this, just snuggles and silly, careless conversations and jokes.

Davrin buried his face in Rook’s neck again, nuzzling at it, his lips almost kissing it, and she shuddered, something close to a small moan leaving her lips. She felt him smile against her neck.

“See? No reason to be jealous…” His warm breath caressed her skin as he breathed out his words and Rook swallowed hard, she couldn’t stop her legs from tightening around Lucanis’ sides.

Lucanis mumbled something, stirring. He nuzzled at her belly, not totally awake yet, making Rook feel a very much not innocent tingle. The moment he woke up and realized where he was, he stopped, going still. He looked up at Rook and his eyes widened, the confusion in them giving way to almost panic, which grew when he noticed Davrin there too.

“Rook…what…I…” He mumbled, lifting from on top of her, and Rook could almost see the million thoughts and questions going behind his eyes. “I…uh…sorry…”

“Sorry?” Davrin said before Rook could say anything. “Please, she’s loving this.”

“I am, indeed…don’t leave…” Rook almost pouted, reaching out for Lucanis again. He seemed almost bashful, though, and Rook felt a bit guilty. She didn’t mean to make him uncomfortable. “Sorry, it’s okay if you want to leave.”

Davrin snorted. “He doesn’t.” He reached and tugged at Lucanis unceremoniously, making him fall on top of Rook again. “It’s fine, crow, don’t go running away now.”

Lucanis mumbled something, but it seemed Davrin was right, and so, after a brief moment, Lucanis wrapped his arms around Rook again, his head pillowed on her stomach. With a quiet sigh, his tired eyes closed once more when Rook caressed his hair, and her heart seemed to squeeze a bit at it. A professional, lethal assassin had no business being so cute.

“Ey Lucanis, best sleep you ever had, right?” Davrin taunted him and Lucanis muttered a curse at him, but didn’t bother to open his eyes.

Trying to stop her smile, Rook turned to shoot a playful glare at Davrin, who gave her an unapologetic, cheeky grin.

“Well, speaking for myself, I haven’t slept this good in a long, long while,” Rook said and she felt Davrin nodding.

“I could tell,” he joked. “But…yeah, it wasn’t bad.”

Lucanis was silent for a few seconds. “I hadn’t slept this well before,” he admitted, his voice quiet and shy, and Rook’s heart squeezed again. She ran her hand through his hair and felt Lucanis sigh and relax more into her.

Rook’s eyes closed again, enjoying the warmth of both men holding her and the feeling of Davrin’s fingers drawing patterns over her shoulder after he tugged at her sleeve to expose the skin. 

Rook felt Lucanis nuzzling at her belly and when he opened her eyes, she saw his flashing purple as he grimaced the way he did when he fought Spite.

“What’s Spite saying?” She asked.

“Nothing, sorry, Rook,” Lucanis said, grimacing once more.

“Let him speak, he deserves it as a treat for letting us sleep all this time,” she joked.

Lucanis tried to shake his head no but instead he nodded, gritting his teeth as if the demon were winning the battle.

“Rook. Smells. Nice.” Lucanis’ voice had Spite’s edge and his eyes were flashing purple again.

Davrin’s chest vibrated as he laughed. “For once, the demon and I agree,” he said as he buried his face in the crook of her shoulder, almost as if to breathe her in, making Rook squirm and giggle as he tickled her.

Lucanis shook his head, grimacing, and Spite relented. He gave Rook an apologetic, bashful smile. “Sorry, Rook.”

“Nothing to be sorry about.” Rook smiled at him, reaching to brush her fingers over his cheek. Lucanis’ eyes closed at it and he leaned into her touch.

The three startled, hastily pulling away from each other and almost in defensive poses, instinctually, when something banged insistently against the door, pushing it open. It was only Assan, though, who squawked loudly and rushed inside.

The griffon looked at them on the couch and trotted towards them, squawking again and giving them a reproachful look, somehow.

“See, I told you he was going to be mad,” Davrin said. “Sorry, boy.”

He reached out to pet him and so did Rook, stroking him behind his ears, and even Lucanis reached to pat the griffon’s head softly. He accepted the offer of attention and pets.

“I’ll cook breakfast,” Lucanis said, getting up and heading to the open kitchen area.

“Thanks, Lucanis…we should do this again,” Rook said to both men, trying to sound casual and joking, despite how much she actually hoped they could fall asleep like that again

“Yeah.” Davrin nodded. “But I get to be the one between your legs next time.”

Davrin gave her a cocky grin and Rook snorted, swatting his arm playfully. She ventured a look at Lucanis and saw that, despite his flush, half a smile tugged at his lips, as he busied himself making breakfast.

With a demanding squawk, Assan jumped onto the couch, pushing at them until he got situated between Davrin and Rook, which was, according to the griffon, his rightful place.

*

Despite Rook’s hopes and wishes, nothing like that night in which Davrin, she, and Lucanis had fallen asleep together, happened any time soon.

However, there was a night, after a particularly demanding mission at Minrathous, both emotionally and physically,  when Rook found herself in Davrin’s room, along with Lucanis, as they drank together, first silent, then talking about what had happened.

Davrin was sitting down on his armchair in front of the fireplace. Rook was sitting down on the armrest, her legs on Davrin’s lap, her arm around his shoulders, and she let her fingers draw soft patterns over the exposed skin of his shoulder.

Lucanis had been leaning against the wall next to the fireplace but, after Rook pouted at him with grabby hands, he’d indulged her, going to sit instead on the fluffy carpet next to the sofa, leaning his head on her leg so she stroke his hair, mumbling a curse at Davrin when he teased him for it.

She wasn’t sure when or how they moved from there to Davrin’s bed, and she wouldn’t dare to say a word about it, in case it ruined the moment. They were tired, drained even, they were a bit drunk, and this sleeping arrangement felt to Rook like the best idea they could have ever had, if Assan’s disapproving look was ignored.

It’d been Davrin, she thought, who had flopped down onto the bed first, dragging a giggling Rook with him, and they both had reached for a reluctant Lucanis before he tried to leave. The assassin hadn’t needed much convincing to let himself be dragged into the cuddle pile for the night.

Lucanis was snuggled to Rook, his arms around her, holding to her with his head tucked under her chin, pressed as close to her as he could. Davrin was behind her, his warm, strong chest against her back, his face buried on her shoulder, and his arm wrapped around her, hand resting on Lucanis’ side, holding them all together.

At a flash of purple, Rook opened her eyes, slightly worried, but it was just Spite, or his wings rather, popping out to envelope them three as Lucanis fell asleep. Rook closed her eyes but half-awoken briefly not much later when the bed dipped as Assan jumped onto it, curling up at their feet.

Her last thought before she fell asleep again was that there was certainly no better way to sleep.

*

Thanks for reading, if you liked this, please let me know in a comment, and as always, reblogs are more than welcome.

Excuse my English, it’s not my first language.

[voidwritesstuff]

Savior of lost hope AU.

->chapter 5. End.

Cw: mentions of stabbing, needles,violence and guns.

Summary: after hearing the warning of his shadow form, Lucas realizes he has little time to save his best friend and those he loves.

--Hey Rose! Im getting groceries-- Said Jerico, grabbing her Wallet.

--Kay! Be carefull kid-- said rosemary, checking to see if the solution she was working on was actually being processed by the machine.-- the serum should be done when you come back

She doesnt see jeri enter the room where the rest were,unconcious-- are you sure that Will work?

-- 99.99% sure!-- she replied.

The 00.01% that it didnt work wasnt much per se but it didnt calm jeri. When Rose turns to take a break, she sees Jerico wearing Lucas' lucky flannel. Its deep green and it smells like him.-- look I know this looks weird- I miss him okay? Its been like three days now

Rosemary smiles and shakes her head-- I dont care, im sure he would want you to have it. You look good

--Thanks-- she says meekly, shoving her hands on the pocket of the flannel, that hung Open, showing off a yellow tube top-- im gonna go now

--Go, then-- Rose leaned back and closed her eyes.

--Will do! Bye rose!-- she walks out of the cabin,leaving the scientist alone.

The chill in the air bites at her skin, leaves fall on the ground Gently with the breeze. She underestimated just how cold it was. She holds on to the flannel and sighs.

"How long Will they take to get back?" She thinks,her feet dragging across the beaten path towards the actual town. "I hope hes okay"

Once at the supermaket, she goes through the list Rose gave her. She puts the things in the shopping Cart, humming along to a l

Mindless tune. Distracted and in her own little world, its nice.

As she continues her little sidequest, her hands dig into the pocket to pull out the list again, and she notices that theres another piece of paper on one of the pockets.

Its crumpled, and it looks like a scrap piece of paper but she unfolds it just in case. Theres a short letter written there, and she recognizes the handwriting, its Lucas'.

Jerico hesitates for a moment,should she read it?was this intruding?

Curiosity picked at the back of her mind. So,with a sigh she goes somewhere quiet in the supermaket before Reading it.

"The doc always said its good to Keep a Journal of sorts,write down whats bothering you to help you Express it or 'get it out'.

Well, this is my attempt.

I met a girl the other day, she was- just so pretty, she was also very funny and sweet.

She had these big green eyes (my favorite color) and such a bright smile.

It slipped past me to ask her for a number or an email, damn my brain.

I,of course, was so awkward. Like Jesus fucking christ,Lucas cole. When was the last time I spoke to a woman?

Thank GOD she found it endearing, I dont know what I wouldve done if she looked at me weird.

But I dont think shes into me, I mean I have my looks yes but c'mon, would she really go out with me?

Christ, that sounds so cheesy. What am I, a highschooler?

Fuck this note. Im throwing it away".

Jeri giggled,her cheeks dusted pink. She folds the note carefully and puts it back in the pocket. -- dont worry Lucas, im so into you-- she murmurs before resuming what she was doing.

After dropping off the groceries, she goes by the lighthouse to check in on zoe, Allens adoptive sister. She knocks on the door as the Sky starts to cloud, the greyish light makes the world seem a little dull.

--Oh, jer. Hi-- Said Zoe,opening the door of Allen's house.

--Hey Z, how are you?

--Im uh...okay-- she replied-- just a lil paranoid.

-- did something happen?

Zoe looks around, a little afraid-- I think im seeing men in suits around- like the ones Allen saw. I think they are looking for him.

--Oh crap-- she murmurs-- wanna come over to the cabin im babysitting?

--Allen told me about the cabin yeah. He actually knows the owner I think. Lucas is it?

Jeri smiles-- yeup. Lucas

Zoe nodds-- ill - ill go get some stuff

She waits for a few minutes until her friend is done. The shore Ebbs and flows, seagulls fly past the lighthouse and out of view in the greying Sky, the wind picks up a little.

Jerico cant help but get her eyes lost on the sea, coming and going from the shore, its peacefull. Honestly,things have been a little boring, shes been doing university assigments while she waits with rosemary, on some days she sits by Lucas and just draws him, maybe its a little creepy but she meant well.

--There,all set-- Says zoe, gripping her fluffy dark blue jacket.

--Is that Allens?--Jeri asked as both walked-- I mean you have pretty similar styles but I think it looks like it fits Allen more

The other woman shrugs--We share it. But It smells like him-- both walk back to the cabin in quiet, comfortable chatter.

Meanwhile, rosemary finishes with the solution. She puts the four vials on a stand, away from the sun, she sips from her coffee and looks at the radio equipment. -- How Much of this shit do you have, cole?-- she asks to herself.

Then she hears steps, but she pays them no mind-- hey kid! Did you bring zoe along?

Crash! Comes down the wooden door, before rosemary can do anything theres at least four guys with guns come over. She barely has any time to throw one of the spare hand held radios out a nearby Window,she hoping to god it doesnt break.

--Doctor Rosemary James-- Say one of the men, tall and muscly, Brown hair and eyes hid behind thick framed sunglasses.

--Seargeant Mark White. -- she growls out, rsching for the main radio, and trying her best turn it off by flipping the on/off button without being noticed. Thankfully, she isnt noticed.

-- Thought we Killed you

--Yeah well, I got better-- she raises her hands.

--It was that hippie wasnt it? He saved your ass and helped Max escape from where we had him

--Guilty-- she replied with a smirk-- youre going to kill me now?

Mark chuckled-- im going to do something worse, im going to wait until your little troop wakes up and take 'em to a lab. You mightve found a way to explore people's subconcious.

--Using my research without credit? Typical of you mayer cunts-- she bit back.

--If it aint broke...-- Mark snarked-- now stay very still -- he takes her cup of coffee and drinks it-- hm,not bad

Rosemary wished that coffee had cyanide in it. She sits back with her hands up and growls a sigh, now they were in big fucking trouble.

--You know...-- she grinned-- for working on a pharmaceutical company you sure dont like needless

The seargeant tenses-- Rosemary...-- he warns.

--What is it? The pain or the sight of the needle in your arm?-- she leaned with malice.

--Stop that right now!-- he yelled,body stiff and hands Clammy.

--fucking idiot-- she whispers-- ill kill you with a needle one of these days.

Jerico and zoe come across some suspicious looking vehicles. -- Military vehicles -- jeri says.

--Howd you know?

-- Well..I always loved military stuff. After my date with Lucas I took an even bigger interest in it. But what the hell are they doing here? -- she asks-- I think its better if we go behind the cabin. I dont trust it

--A-Alright--zoe replied,following her friend alone as both sneak around the cabin, squatting down past any and all Windows.

They come across the radio on the floor, jeri sighs and slowly picks it up, walking back to the forest and out of sight with Z.

-- Do you see anything?-- jerico asked at Zoe, who had binoculars, originally she was supposed to use them for bird watching, not looking for goverment agents.

--Uh..yeah-- zoe replied,not too enthusiastically-- I see four guys, one of them is talking to a woman with glasses

--Rosemary -- the other woman whispered-- oh god of course,thats why the radio was where it was...

Jer turns on the radio, fiddling with the turning until she finds the frequency they were using to communicate with the Group in desmonds head.

--Radioman! Radioman do you read?!-- Came the voice from Lucas' radio, he sighs in relief.

--Ten-four Sunflower. Whats your stat?!-- he asked.

--Safe, outside the cabin. Four men are in though, they have rosemary

"Oh shit oh crap oh shit" he thinks-- Sunflower is this frequency compromised?

--Negative. Z tells me the main radio equipment is Turned off.

--Oh thank god-- Lucas exclaimed,before becoming extremely serious-- jerico, you need to hear me. Stay out of the cabin and out of sight. Do not engage.

--But Rose-- she protested.

--Rose- Angel has this covered im sure, you two need to stay safe,Mayer does not fuck around with things like this. We barely survived retriving Max from where he was locked up. Do not engage, you heard me?--She hesistates, she doesnt reply-- Sierra-Foxtrot, you hear me?

She sighs-- ten-four. Over and out

The line cuts and Lucas has to trie his best not to blow his lid off. --Goddamn motherfuckers! They have rosemary! Those mayer cunts! -- he kicks the round table at the centre of the room.

--Woah easy!-- says Allen, holding back Lucas-- we gotta concentrate on this okay? We get desmond out of here and we can help the others

The ex soldier breathes in deep, trying to calm himself before he breaks something. -- yer right, lets get this damn thing over with

The four of them walk back to the Office, bracing for the worst. That ink demon Agent Rainbow wont like this at all, too bad.

Once at the Office, Lucas steps infront of the Group and calls out-- Desmond! Where are ya buddy?

Wings flap heavily, desmond comes from behind one of the bookshelves-- oh Lucas,hello everyone. Did you make yourselves at home?-- he lands on the floor silently, he clasps his arms behind his back.

--Something like that-- the ex soldier replied-- we uh...found something, virge?

Virginia nodds and approaches desmond,showing Him the magenta key. They see a long magenta chain come from his right wrist up to the ceiling where it gets lost in the mild darkness.

--I think we can set you free with this! -- she squealed.

They see their therapist hesistate, but Tonia nuzzles his hand where the chain comes from and purrs.

--Will it hurt?-- is all he asks while approaching her.

--Ill try for it not to-- she replied as he offered his hand. The shackle starts at his wrist, it looks heavy-- alright...here it goes-- she slides the key into the keyhole and turns.

The shackle opens with a soft click and falls to the ground,shattering like glass-- I dont feel any dif-- desmond says before the eyes in his mask go wide, he stumbles and barely catches himself.

"Virginia Ruhl, 25. My patient...but- she died didnt she?" Memories come flowing to him,his sessions with her, her diagnosis.

--You were supposed to be dead-- he starts, grabbing her hands-- but how- why?

Virginia smiles-- I got rushed into the hospital and survived by the skin of my teeth. Im better now,see?-- she lowers her turtleneck where a big scar spanned across her neck.-- did it hurt?

Desmond shakes his head and takes a Seat on his desk, his wings fold and rest on the surface of the desk.-- Do you want to Keep going?-- asked Allen, key in hand.

--Alright-- says the other Man, seeing the Next shackle on the same arm the previous was on. But this New one, a deep blue, grips his bicep.

Allen Is carefull through the whole process, humming softly to try and calm his friend. The shackle falls and melts like wax under the sun.

Desmond braces himself for the memories that come flooding like a feral tide. "Allen shore- 33. He was comatose-- burnt"

--The Fire-- he says-- are you okay?

Allen shrugs with a smile-- Im fine doc, just some scars. I made a full recovery-- he shakes off his jacket and shows his scarred arm.-- kinda knargly but kinda cool.

The therapist chuckles-- Hmm, I agree.

Max feels unconfortable as it was his turn, he walks awkwardly towards the Man and takes his wrist-- uh hi doc

-- Hello Max-- he sounds very warm and happy to see him.

The shackle is an angry red, warm to the touch. Hes not very gentle but efficent, he unlocks the shackle that burns off and hits the desk but it doesnt hurt anybody.

Once again,the memories come "Max nygaard. 40s. He dissapeared- didnt he?"

--You didnt come to our last appointment-- desmond recalls.

Max sighs,scratching the back of his neck-- mayer locked me up, the hippie- Lucas broke me out with rosemary

--No scar to show for it?-- des Joked which defuses the tension a little.

--sadly, no-- he admits with a chuckle.

Then,comes Lucas who looks very on edge and anxious, desmond looks at him-- dont worry doc -- he lies-- just anxious thats all

The other Man doesnt Belive him but makes no complaints as the last shackle,a forest green, is unlocked. Its gone in a flash of light.

"Lucas Cole, 55. Ex soldier"

--What has you so nervous, Lucas?--Asked desmond.

--We gotta get you out of here, Rosemary is in danger and--He looks away.

--You can tell me anything,lucas-- Des reminded him Gently.

The ex soldier sighs audibly-- Jerico might be in danger... please try and make an effort doc. I couldndt forgive myself if anything happened to her...or Rose

Desmond looks confused-- did I miss something?

Lucas goes beet red --I took her out on a date- I have a crush on her

--Thats wonderfull. Lucas-- says the other Man.-- ill try my best for you two

--Well..I think its time for your key,doc--Says Allen-- where can it be?

They hear a crash as tonia knocks down the record player and a white key comes falling from it. The cat carries it to her owner and drops it on his lap.

--Can you do it?-- Asks Lucas.

--I-I think so

Desmond grips the key tight, around his neck is a Pristine white shackle, and with shaky hands he unlocks it. The shackle seems to break by bits, each peice falling like a feather Being shed by a bird,when the "feathers" lake contact with anything they burn and turn black,to then become dust that blows away without any breeze.

And so,the memories flod in, he remembers who he is,how he got here,the struggles and battles he had, the grief of what happened to tonia, how his wife had left him.

For a moment it overwhelms him, tears fall down his masked face. The eyes on the mask turn grey.

Virginia goes to hug desmond, but notices theres a clasp on the mask. She Gently unclasps it and sets it on the desk.

His face is just as they all remember, but stained with rainbow colored oil. Virginia hugs him as his tears wash away the stains which seem to fade out of existence.

Allen comes Next and hugs him tight, cooing and trying to calm him down. He also watches as tonia takes the white key from her owner,she opens a cabinet on the desk and she pulls it back with her snout.

--Here,doc-- said Lucas, as he grabs his iconic round glasses and hands it over.

The embrace gets broken as with a shaky sigh, desmond graba them and puts it on.

--Looking good!-- Complimented Virginia with a smile,patting her back.

Lucas nodds in agreement-- not to be insensible,doc. But do you remember how you got here? Is there anyway to get out?

--Well...-- Des starts,trying to regain his composture-- I was battling with my shadow, then-- I thought I won but my Real body was so weak I had enough strength to Keep me alive, not even fully awake. I guess at some point he-- he got a hold on me and I was so weak I couldnt fight back

Its obvious its a struggle for him to talk, his voice breaks, he stumbles over his words and his body shakes. Virginia tries to sooth him by stroking his back and encouraging him to talk.

--As to how to get out...--A gravelly voice comes from behind desmond. The great library behind the desk goes pitch black, two red eyes appear in the darkness-- theres no way out...I doubt Desmond has any strength to battle me...too bad.

Allen grips his fists and for the first time everyone sees just how angry he could get. He grabs the mask and chucks it at one of the eyes-- You GODDAMN asshole! Leave that Man alone! Hes the greatest Man ive met! Hes kind and good hearted! You have nothing on him!

The mask hits one of the eyes and the voice growls a painfull screech. Then out of the darkness two goopy hands Grab the side of a materializing face of agent rainbow. The hands hold him back as he tries to attack Allen.

--What the hell-- said agent rainbow-- How did you- youre his shadow ,dimwit! You shouldnt help him!  kill him!

Allen sees for a sliver of a moment as his shadow form simply smiles at his counterpart. Virginia seems to catch on and she steps in-- Yeah! Allen is right! Desmond has always tried his best to help us all! He didnt fail! Hes tried to help everyone! Its about time somebody helps him.

Another set of hands come from the other side of the face, purple and glimmering like broken glass, lines span across the clawy fingers and arms. Forcing Open one of Agent Rainbow's eyes.

Then,comes Max,who steps infront of his two companions and his therapist-- If theres something I know from the doc here is that he was able to help even with the toughest of cases! You May think of yourself all high n mighty! But youre not! Youre just another goverment Spook!

Fiery hands Open the other eye, they hear the rumbling of an engine. Max feels very proud of himself.

And then,theres Lucas.

With rage in his eyes, losing his calm and collected cover, he stands by Max with anger in his eyes, grief is in his heart as he remembers all the things hes lost, his best friend, himself. And then comes the happiness, New Friends, a New home and someone to love.

--desmond Will never be alone,hes one of us-- he makes a pause-- I  think its time you see what shadow you cast!-- he yells.

His own shadow grows and grows to be at eye level with Agent Rainbow. And from the centre of the head theres a Giant light that burns right into the red eyes, desmond's shadow form screams in agony,shattering the Windows.

In a flash of bright white light their enemy is gone, now Turned into feathers that are blown away with the wind.

Desmond hisses as his own wings burn off, he was back to normal.

And where Agent Rainbow was, the bookshelves turn into a Giant door with warm sunlight coming from it.

Tonia purrs as she returns to a normal sized cat. She jumps on desmonds lap and he pets her--Ill miss you,old friend.

But noticing how nervous Lucas was, he sets the cat down and they all walk to the door, led by tonia,of course.

--They do say cats were protectors-- Virginia Recalled with a smile. The cat seems to agree as it nodds and purrs.

They let desmond go into the door first, and then,they follow suit.

Meanwhile....

Jerico gasps as Mark slaps rosemary across the face, she hears him yell something about what the serum was for.

--Shit! The serum!.-- she gasps,trying to turn on the radio-- Radioman! This is sunflower. Whats your situation.--Theres a brief silence, and then garbled words--Lucas! I cant hear you!

--Savior acquired. I repeat Delta Whiskey acquired-- require- eVac--

--oh shit oh shit--She murmurs.-- we gotta wake em up

Zoe looks at the binoculars-- one of the guys is coming this way...

Jeri looks up and sees it-- he has no helmet...if I can hit him with a rock we can take him out.-- her eyes look around for any big rock. It takes her a few seconds to find one-- alright then... please please PLEASE I hope Lucas aim rubbed off on me.

She takes a deep shaky breath and chucks it at the suit before zoe can say anything. The rock flies like a missile and hits the soldier square in the forehead. He falls with a quiet thud that was probably drowned by marks screaming at rosemary.

--jesus!--zoe exclaims-- a heads up???

--Sorry...-- she says meekly-- lets see what he has-- she offers-- we cant leave rosemary there

--But Lucas said-- she starts.

--I know. Hes not gonna like it-- her eyes turn to see rosemary grabbing the serum and being forced to wake up the others. Mark screams something about how rosemary Turned off the main radio-- shit- I think they heard Lucas' evac request-- she turns to her friend-- you can stay but im going

Zoe looks at her friend and shakes her head, mustering all the courage she had-- Allens in there! If Allen went to save those in SS thanatos then I can help him!

--Atta girl--jerico says, And both sneak to the unconcious soldier. She grabs his combat Knife, its heavy and sharp.

--What about the gun?-- zoe asked.

-- you know how to Fire em?

--No clue,you?

She shakes his head-- throw it away, just in case he wakes up.

Z looks at the purple bruise in the guys forehead-- right between the eyes, I dont think hes waking up for a while-- still, she carefully grabs the gun and throws it away

Both sneak near the cabin, anotjer of the guys comes out,probably to check on his buddy. Once hes lut of the cabin, he looks around.

As quiet as she can be, jeri slashes across the back of his knee,making Him fall. Zoe muffled him with her big jacket And holds it until hes passed out.-- sorry!--both mumble.

Then, into the cabin they go. They go down the Hall to where Rose's lab was, the livingroom.

--Looks like the commander dude is outside?--jeri whispers in zoes ear.

--Maybe he doesnt like needles?

--Hurry up rosemary!--Mark yelled, looking at the radio.

--if the needle breaks they die!--Rosemary shouted.

Jerico takes a deep breath, slowly sneaking behind Mark, shes about to stab his back when the Man hears a thud from the room rosemary and the rest of the guys where.

Rosemary first injected the serum to Lucas,who "happened" to be the one closes to her. Then once she had given the serum to almost all of them, she says.

--Hey, can you illuminate here? Youre blocking the light-- she asked

The soldier noticed he was blocking the light, so he pulls out his flashlight and once Rose is done,she stabs the guy with the empty needle,right in the neck. The guy holds his neck and falls back.

The thud makes mark turn and see jerico. He grabs her with ease,disarms her and pulls her to the room with rosemary, she raises her hands with fear in her eyes. Hes about to strike when--

--if ya touch one hair on 'er purdy hair-- Lucas yells, gun in hand. Mark notices its the service weapon of the soldier that rosemary took out. He steps infront of Jerico, hes still a little woozy but his aim was impecable.

Mark steps back as the other Man stares at him with solid,unfiltered rage. -- well played-- he grumbles.

Lucas noticed zoe standing there,frozen-- Kiddo, cuff this fucker

Zoe steps to Mark and grabs his cuffs, doing her best as Rose steps in and unarms the seargeant. Only once Rose knocks Mark out does the ex soldier Lower the gun.

--Did it work?-- Rose asked before hearing desmond grumble and Allen and Max helping Him stand up-- ill go check on him-- she makes eye contact with her radioman friend. She looks serious as if she was urging him to do something.

Lucas only nodds as rosemary runs past him to help desmond. He leaves the gun on a table nearby and before jerico can say anything, he grabs her by the neck of his- her flannel and kisses her with all the strength his body allowed.

She kisses back,tugging at his tanktop and smiling. His arms go around her waist and hers around his neck.

--i told you nothing would hurt you while I was around. Awake or otherwise

Jeri smiles and presses her forehead against his, closing her eyes-- that you did. Welcome back-- he hugs her tight, stroking the shaven back of her neck.

--'m here honey. 'M here-- he whispers as she melts against him. His breath is shaky-- desmonds here too

They turn to the room and see their Friends smiling, then they cheer and Holler at them.

--Thats it hippie!--Max yelled,smugly.

--Thats It!the ship has reached shore!--Allen yelled clapping.

--Love wins! Long live the happy couple-- Virginia hollers.

Rosemary meets the ex soldiers eyes and chuckles-- guess youre right, cole. You never miss a shot

Jerico hid her face on Lucas' chest while he chuckles-- leave the young thing alone, lets make sure the docs alright

For the Next few hours they dispose of the soldiers (meaning they tie them up and throw them on the back of their vehicles for the police to find). Mark would wake up with one note on his chest"try anything and youll see what a war veteran can do. I never miss a shot".

Rosemary and Allen tend to Desmond,Max has left to see maddie and Virginia is talking with zoe,calming her down and telling her what happened.

Lucas takes jerico to the makeshift balcony on his roof. He holds her to his chest in silence, she hugs him like her life depends on it-- stay the night tonight -- he says.

--sounds good-- she agrees.

--I didnt forget about our date-- he reminds her with a smile-- im gonna getcha all the plushies ya want -- he pulls back a little and strokes her cheek.

--I look forward to it-- she admitted. Then she goes quiet and after a bit she adds-- you know theyll come for us,especially since they know Rose made an antidote

Lucas squeezed her-- I know. But were a team now, and we'll take mayer down. No harm Will come to you as Long as im around

She nodds and both enjoy the falling leaves and the breeze. Finally calm settles within them all, and that night they sit and have dinner under the stars.

Zoe and maddie make bracelets with Allen, desmond plays the guitar as Lucas accompanies him with his drums. Max simply looks at his daughter with joy and pride.

Rose has jerico laying her head on her lap-- you did great today -- the scientist said.

--Thanks. I hated it

Both laugh and rosemary adds-- you make Lucas happy, and he makes you happy. You both Will go a long way

-- I hope so. Im afraid of mayer though

Rosemary shrugs-- I think their pride is wounded. I dont think theyll make a move so fast. 'Sides we'll worry about it later -- he sees Lucas waves at her and she adds-- Lucas wants you on the vocals

Jerico nodds and stands up, walking towards Lucas and desmond, grabbing the mic the ex soldier had set up. The music starts and the others look at the source of it.

And so, she starts singing-- Don't look to me, I ain't right

And I don't know enough, but how much do I want to know?

It's perfectly clear, I'm where I should be, yeah

Off the wall and back to reality, dare I say

Oh, my thoughts are burning

And I like how warm the fire can be

Oh, oh is my body turning?

And my legs seem to move without me

Oh, here comes the savior

Who can break these thoughts away from me?

Oh, no more bad behavior

Screw my head on right for a moderate fee

[dsandrvk]

Monday, April 21 - Kilkee to Dingle

We lucked into a bright, sunny day for a longer drive down to the next peninsula. It was only about 50 degrees, with a strong wind, but it was nice driving along. After another superb breakfast, we headed east to take the ferry across the Shannon Estuary, which saves going back all the way east to Limerick. The ferry goes once an hour at this time of year, so we timed it to catch the 10 AM ferry, and were close to the front of the line. The ferry put down the landing ramp quite a way out from the concrete ramp, and it's good there weren't any waves, as it didn't have much clearance. A short 20 minute ride and we were now in County Kerry, having left County Clare behind.

We had hoped to catch a view of the Tarbert Lighthouse, but the access was through a power plant, so that didn't work. There are major power plants on either side of the Shannon here, but nothing seems to be coming out of the stacks because they have installed lots of windmills.

We did manage stops at two castles along the way - the first was Carrigafoyle Castle and had the best setting so far, as it had been on its own little island, protected from the Shannon by another island, but with a commanding view out to sea. The location also meant that the O'Connor chief who built it could have men board all ships going to and from Limerick and request a "toll" of a percentage of goods. Because of its strategic importance, when it was severely damaged in a siege during the second Desmond Rebellion ((against Queen Elizabeth I), most of the other castles around surrendered, worried they would suffer the same fate.

We stopped at another castle in the beach town of Ballybunion - here nature had been the main culprit, as the castle was built on a promontory with beaches on either side, and time and tide has left only the inland wall intact. Despite the cold temperatures, families were enjoying the beach and even swimming on this Easter Monday, which is a bank holiday here, and makes a three-day weekend for most.

We also stopped at a small friary that dated back to the 15th century, and a very impressive cathedral in Ardfert that dated back to the 13th century. As is often the case, the friary grounds are now almost completely covered with graves, some as recent as last month. Here they were doing some structural stabilizing, and had covered some of the gravestones nearby on plywood boxes to prevent damage from falling masonry.

At the cathedral, which has become a major Irish Heritage site, they actually excavated all of the old graves within the cathedral itself, and reburied them in the adjacent graveyards. This was a multi-year process and they had a small folder documenting the process along with a plan of where all the former graves had been located. This cathedral was quite impressive, as it had a beautiful carved sandstone entrance (one of the pictures), as well as later Gothic details and windows. The south transept was later turned into a Protestant Church and now houses the OPW exhibits and staff.

We talked at length with the local guide here, who also described how rural this part of Ireland had been until the 1980's and :90's. She was considerably younger than us, but described living with her large family in a couple of rented rooms before moving to their own place, a move facilitated by donkey cart. There was no electricity in those days (probably the 1970's) and nobody she knew growing up had a car. Quite a lot of change in a relatively short time. No wonder the roads are not designed for modern cars going 80-100 kph! She also said that all the old churchyards, friaries, etc. are overcrowded with graves because the adjacent farmers are loathe to sell or donate even a small portion of their land for additional space.

Our next brief stop was for a photo of an older style windmill, in Blennerville. Although they supposedly have a gift shop and cafe, they did not appear to be open, and so we just did a quick photo and moved on, heading now for the Dingle Peninsula.

There are two main ways to get to Dingle from the north side of the peninsula - the main road, an "N" road that carries most traffic, and all buses, trucks and larger vehicles. The other road is an "R" road and goes over Connor Pass, a stretch of road with a kilometer and a half long stretch of one-lane with cliff wall on one side, and a short rock wall on the other over a precipitous drop, with little pull-outs from time to time. This road has a two-tone weight limit and buses and trucks aren't allowed. We first stopped at a little waterfall before this section - a popular spot for scenic viewing - and proceeded up the narrow section, only meeting two vehicles at one slightly wider point, so we had a lot of worry for nothing. The views from the parking lot at the pass were outstanding - back to Loop Head and also south all the way to Skellig Michael off the Ring of Kerry. It was also extremely windy and cold, so we didn't linger long. Dingle town was just below us, and this section of road, although steep, has two narrow lanes.

It was warmer in Dingle, which is full of shops, restaurants and tourists. Our lodging for the next three nights is above Murphy's Pub, but the rooms are modern, and somehow we lucked into the best room in the place with windows overlooking the harbor. We took a little stroll along the colorful streets, which seem to feature lots of woolens and ice cream, as well as a lot of pubs. One of the best known is Dick Mack's, which also has a small brewery. There's another that's both a pub and a hardware store. As one blog put it, you can come in for a wrench, and come out hammered.

After our walk, we dropped off our packs and headed back to Dick Mack's for a pint, and although it was crowded, we eventually got a seat in the old portion of the bar (like a lot of pubs these days, they have expansion rooms to the back as well as a large beer garden area). We chatted to a part-time local named Liam and learned why he prefers Guinness to Dick Mack's own stout - he claims the latter doesn't have as much of a foamy head, and as such "doesn't look quite right.". We might try a pint of that next time, but Guinness is the overwhelming choice here.

Despite the beautiful blue skies, the horizon showed a different story late in the day, and tomorrow is supposed to be rainy and windy until early afternoon, so we plan to treat ourselves to sleeping in a bit, and then doing some shorter walks near town. We'll save the narrow roads of Slea Head for tomorrow, when the weather should be dry and maybe even sunny again.

[mikecardenunofficial]

now that i've had time to sit with the ending of Veilguard I've got some thoughts

under a cut for obvious endgame spoilers

I loved this game so much. I love that the lore that we learn in the earlier games is handled with "wait that weird Southern dude? Huh his shit's kinda outdated isnt it?". It's a good way to show how different Northern and Southern Thedas are from one another.

Not a Super Big Fan of the woobification of Solas and the bastardization of Mythal I've been seeing though. Both have their flaws but Mythal is painted as being abusive, outright in some cases. It's one of the things I think the game handled well, along with Solas' whole motivation being wrapped up in grief and the idea that he never really processed or moved on from his grief.

I saw the betrayal around Elger'nan coming, sadly. Same with Varric being dead. It's only believable if you don't pay attention to the smallest details. That's not to say it wasn't impactful as fuck! It was! I cried for like an hour after that final scene with Varric.

My Rook really wanted to punch Solas and I got the good/mythal ending so like. that didn't happen. but maybe next run!

It has its flaws, no doubt. But what they did well stands out so beautifully. I love Dragon Age so much and 2 is still my favorite story wise (it's a perfectly told tragedy in all ways) it's a close runner up. Reluctant Hero tropes are always some of my favorites.

I will say I didn't LOVE Taash. They're a well written story for an immigrant and nonbinary story but I'm also in my 30s and Taash is very much meant to be in their late teens early twenties and brash as hell with it. It's a very clear story and a well written one (that scene with her mom for dinner at the Lighthouse was so reminiscent of convos I've had with my own parents I had to yeet myself out of the room to play it out) but it got on my nerves at one point.

Lucanis doesn't have the most scenes or fleshed out lines in the romance options but honestly?? Being told he'd kill a god for me??? was so romantic?! and yeah ALL the romances feel lacking compared to Inquisition imo. but his is one of devotion and acceptance. truly beautiful.

all in all, it's one of my favorite games of the year, for sure. I'm gonna replay the fuck out of it once I get done with class for the semester

[serensama]

Weekend challenge weekend (cont’d)

For my lovely @thedissonantverses because I love her and she deserves the world.

It had taken the better part of an hour for Rook and Neve to psych up their friend. Plus half a bottle of honey wine to calm her nerves when she became frantic. It was already quite late in the evening when Bellara had knocked on Davrin’s door - not that anyone could tell by the Lighthouse’s perpetual daylight facade.

He came to the door shirtless, causing her to squeak and flush, turning her gaze away for a moment before succumbing to her desires and taking in how beautiful he truly was before coughing into her hand, embarrassed at herself.

“Hey Bellara, what can I do you for?”

Her eyes searched his as she recalled Rook and Neve’s encouragement, that she could do it, that she was a strong, fierce, wildly intelligent woman who could go after what she wanted. Even if what she wanted was a tall, handsome, marvellously kind warrior with a gryphon for a son. She could do it.

“Bell? Are you okay?” Davrin moved from his spot leaning against the doorframe to hold her by the shoulders, concern etched on his face. Oh, goodness, just look at him.

“… Bellara?”

She could not do it.

She muttered something about shirts, gryphons and needing more honey before spinning on her heels and walking back to her room. Well, that would have been the case if her sleeve hadn’t been caught by the railing of the stairs leading back to the courtyard. Instead she marched on the spot growing more and more confused as to why her room was not getting any closer.

Bellara heard a throaty chuckle behind her before one hand running down her right arm in a comforting caress to help steady her, another untangling the threads of her blouse from the wooden rail.

“What’s up Bell, you seem a little agitated.”

“I do not!” she replied. Agitated.

Davrin stifled a laugh and pressed his lips together to stop a smile from forming. “Sure. You’re not. But you don’t normally make social visits so late in the day. You okay?”

The mage crossed her arms and fidgeted with the loose threads in her sleeve, twirling them around her fingers as her quick mind worked to come up with an answer. Unfortunately for her, honeyed wine just made her quick mind think of all the things she never admitted to anyone. How the smell of a campfire reminded her of him, how the flapping of a bird’s wing around her made her think that Assan was close by and she’d instinctively look for him, or how she would feel when she wrote her story… instead of imagining some faceless hero or Rook, she could see herself and Davrin in their places.

Bellara sighed and laced her fingers behind her back. That would never be her, she wasn’t courageous enough to be the hero, certainly not enough to confess her own feelings to someone else who had never shown interest-

“If ever in doubt, you are friends and he loves you and will never purposely hurt you, Bell.”

“Thanks, Neve.”

“And also… he’s really fucking hot-”

“Not helpful, Rook!”

“Am I wrong, Neve?”

“Well. No. But still- no more wine for you, Rook!”

“Trust me Bell. He’s noticed that you are also, really fucking hot!”

She was! He was! They were going to be hot together and- oh goodness, what a thought. Them. Together. Doing- being together and- oh thank goodness she didn’t have an ancient elven god in her head listening in and judging her. She did that enough all on her own.

Davrin hunched down slightly to catch her eye again and smiled when she looked up at him. “Ah, there she is! Had me worried for a sec. Do you need me to walk you to your room? Don’t want you falling off the edge.”

Bellara shook her head and balled her fists. She was going to do it and even if he rejected her, she’d be back with the Veil Jumpers and he on his grand adventure- she’d be able to lick her wounds in the safety of Arlathan Forrest, get lost in ancient artifacts and elven history. Somewhere she’d definitely not be reminded of the Grey Warden at all, even if she spent days with his uncle and feathered nieces and nephews. Not at all.

“N-no thank you. I’m just fine. I did come to talk to you about something,” she said, steeling her resolve. Summoning the courage from the wine and her two best friends, Bellara took his hands into hers and held them, hoping to any benevolent gods that may be listening that her palms weren’t as sweaty as they felt.

“O-Kay,” he blinked, but did not pull away.

Breathe. Find your words. He will listen.

“Right. Yes. So… I like your Uncle Eldrin.”

“… Excuse me?

“Oh no. That’s. Okay yeah, upon second thought not the best way to start that. Not to say I don’t not like Uncle Eldrin. He’s wonderful. And so kind and knowledgeable-”

“Bellara, you’re not cleaning anything up.”

“Right. Oh goodness I’m bad at this!” she growled at herself. She shook her head to clear the thousands of unnecessary thoughts that clouded what she had wanted to say. “I like your Uncle. I like the gryphons. And Antoine and Evka. Assan. Your figures and your passion to find purpose and fulfil your dreams.”

“Thanks Bellara, I like you too.”

“See that’s the thing. I like you more than that. Like, a lot more. I like you as much as my mother’s hearth cakes. Or my father’s stories he told me as a child. Or the sounds of the Lighthouse as we all sat around the dining table or library just being together and laughing. I like that all so much but I like you more so I think I’m… that I’m…” she faded off, her bluster losing steam the closer she got to admitting the depth of her feelings to the object of her affection.

“That you’re?” Davrin gently asked, stoking the truth from her. She unconsciously squeezed his hands before inhaling deeply.

“That I’m… in love with you,” she whispered so softly he almost missed it.

Bellara watched as Davrin slowly exhaled and pursed his lips in thought, probably to find a kind way to let her down as softly as he could. She didn’t need it, she just wanted to run away and ask the Nadas Dirthalen if there was a way to turn back time to before she was born and just not exist anymore. She moved to release his hands but saw his hands turn in hers, his calloused fingers entwining with hers. Strong. Sure. Safe.

Bellara stood staring at their joined hands for a full minute before she took in a surprised gasp. “D-Davrin! You’re holding my hand!”

He chucked and nodded, bringing up their hands level to his mouth, pressing chaste kisses on the backs of hers. His deep brown eyes firmly fixed on hers.

“So… so you don’t mind? You’re okay with my feelings? You don’t have to feel the same way, though it would be very nice if you did. Did you want to talk about it? Did you want to go out? Did you want me to leave you alone to think about this more?”

Davrin placed another kiss on her hands and smirked at the pretty red the apples of her cheeks turned. “I would just like to bask in the moment, with you, if that’s alright? It is not everyday a hunter gets such wonderful quarry.”

Bellara giggled and stepped closer to him. “I’ve never been called a hunter before, even with the whole magical bow thing.”

“Oh no, my dear sweet Bellara-”

-he called her his-

“I am still very much the hunter here,” he grinned, closing the space between them, forcing her to tilt her head back to look into his eyes.

“But… I just… it was me who confessed- me who came up to you-”

Davrin pressed a soft kiss on the centre of her vallaslin, quieting every thought she had in her mind. He was always good at helping her find quiet and peace. Though this was new. Not unwelcomed by any means. But new.

She liked new.

“All the best hunters know there are some prey you chase, and others you need to let come to you. Those that do, are the most precious of all.”

Bellara could feel her heart thrash behind her ribs as he moved to kiss her, she had dreamed of that moment for so long, to know the feel of his lips against hers-

-Oh too much! Too soon! She was going to combust!-

She yelped and jumped back, red as a beetroot but still clinging onto his hands, Davrin chuckling at how adorable she was. He could wait, he had waited for so long already for her to catch up to him, now the real thrill of the chase could begin.

“How about I put a shirt on and I’ll make us some tea?” He offered, releasing her hands much to her disappointment.

“Oh I love tea! But you don’t have to wear a shirt. Oh damn it- that’s not what I meant.”

“Noted. Yes to Tea. No to the shirt.”

Bellara was about to correct him but as he turned around to head back into his quarters, his broad muscled back disappearing into his room, she thought better of saying anything at all.

Writing Challenge Weekend

Thank you @thedissonantverses for always being such a dang peach! This was just what I needed to detox from my last piece and get me ready for the next!!!

I chose the following prompt for a quick write about the darling Bellara Lutara ❤️

"But with all my education I can't seem to command it."

A picture of Lil Bell for effect, thanks @turnbaseddave

(I wrote this on my phone and I did not review anything, no edits, we die like men)

———

A loud crash caught Rook off guard, with only a couple of them left at the Lighthouse, she hadn’t expected for there to be such a commotion without Taash running around after Assan, or Emmrich chasing after Manfred who had learned how to summon actual fire. Lucanis had gone ahead of her to get his apartment ready for them to move into and Neve had been called back to Minrathous by the Threads for an urgent matter. The regular sounds of life around the Lighthouse had diminished into silence almost overnight. Rook ran out to the courtyard to investigate the noise, reminding herself that the gods were gone and that they weren’t under attack. She hoped.

A wave of relief washed over her when she saw it had been Bellara clamouring about, only to be replaced by a sense of dread when she realised it was Bellara clamouring about. She was by no means shy or meek, especially around their team, but she was never one to throw her belongings out of her door and into the yard in a fit of anger- the caretaker diligently retrieving any items that fell off the ledge.

Rook dodged a tome about astral projection or projecting atoms or something- the title flashed by her eyes too quickly- and dashed into Bellara’s room, hoping to escape a concussion from her unintentional aerial assault. The girl had wicked aim even when she wasn’t aiming. Rook called out to her but she was too far gone, screaming and crying in such rapid broken Elvhen and Common, it was hard for her to keep up with what she was saying.

“BELLARA!” Rook screamed, startling the her into stopping. “Bell! What is… who… are you okay?!”

Bellara stood in the centre of her room, panting heavily and her shoulders hunched forward. She sniffed and wiped the tears that marred her face on the back of her glove, succumbing to more as the silence dragged on.

“Bellara, take your time. Tell me what’s wrong, you know I’m here to help you.”

The veil jumper made a sound at the back of her throat and nodded sadly, doing her best to smile reassuringly to her friend, the thin watery offering looking more like a wince than anything close to being ‘okay’, let alone ‘happy’.

“I’m.. I’m fine, Rook. Thanks.”

Rook sighed softly and sat on Bellara’s green chaise until her friend was ready to talk. She looked around her normally well organised room and found it littered with loose papers, random tools and pieces of half finished artifacts she had been working on. Whatever was happening to her, it was serious. Bellara never let two active projects too close to each other in case their parts were accidentally interchanged, she would never allow such a breach in her own protocols unless she was going through something earth shattering.

“Is… is it about Cyrian?”

Bellara shook her head and sniffed again, trying to stabilise her hiccups. “No, it’s fine Rook. You have so much on your plate as it is, the last thing you need to do is-“

“-The last thing I need to do, is be a bad friend after all we’ve been through. Talk to me Bell. Big. Small. Normal. Weird. I’m here for it all,” she grinned, hoping to brighten up her spirits.

“It’s… you see the thing is… and then I… the real issue here is… oooooh, I can’t even get my thoughts right to tell you!” she groaned, crumpling her shirt collar in frustration. “Okay. It’s fine. Breathe, Bellara. Breathe.”

Rook smiled at her kindly and continued to wait. She knew that Bellara would be able to tell her what bothered her if given enough time and patience.

Bellara paced the room for a few minutes, her body slowly releasing the tension held in her muscles as she allowed herself the grace to find her words. She pushed away her journal and other notes from her desk and perched herself on it, her leg bouncing upon her stool unconsciously.

“I’ve thought about it. Over and over. Did my due diligence and wrote down what I observed. I tried to pick it apart and put it back together, a hundred, no- a thousand ways! I even asked the Nadas Dirthalen and it wasn’t able to help. It’s just another problem that I can’t work out!” she cried, her eyes welling up with tears as her nose started to redden. If she weren’t in such distress, Rook would have squealed at how adorable her friend was. "I’ve disciplined myself. Put limitations on what I could and could not do to see if I could change it, then I stopped that to see if it made any difference- but nothing Rook! No changes! No understanding! I’ve done everything I could viably do, but it still won’t listen to me!”

“What? The Nadas Dirthalen?” Rook asked, confused as she thought she had the archive spirit figured out for the most part, even if it was a sassy little shit half the time.

Bellara frowned and waved her hand. “No, not that. This is much worse. I even asked Emmrich and Neve what to do but they said it was up to me to work it out, but I can’t Rook! That’s the problem! I’m tearing my hair out trying to figure it out so I can handle this on my own, but I can’t! I’ve read everything I could get my hands on, spoken to experts and in my desperation, I prayed for anyone to grant me the knowledge I needed. But with all my education I can't seem to command it."

Rook stared at her friend, completely lost.

“Uh… sure. But um- handle what? Command what, exactly?”

Bellara’s eyes widened and her mouth dropped as she realised that she hadn’t actually explained it properly. She cleared her throat and felt her face flush from her embarrassment, she had been talking a mile a minute again.

“Right. Right. I uh… my heart.”

Rook blinked and paused for a minute, to ensure she heard correctly. Her- heart? Did Bellara have a crush on someone?!

“Ooh! Don’t look at me like that!” Bellara whined, reddening further, playing with the hem of her skirt to avoid looking at Rook. “I just… I can’t help it. I didn’t mean to feel this way-”

“We rarely do, Bell.”

“And I don’t want to cause trouble or make things difficult-”

“Bell, you never do that-”

“I just know that he plans to go travelling and do some really amazing things, but I can’t go just yet, Strife would kill me, and it would be selfish for me to say anything to him and burden him with my feelings and force him to stay if he feels the same - that will mean his dreams will be on hold, Rook, that’s not fair!- but if he doesn’t feel similarly and nothing is going to come about anyways then is there any point in me discussing this with him and-”

“Wa-hey! Slow down there Bellara! Remember. Breathe.”

“Right. Breathe. Gotcha. I can do that. That I can command. Breathing. That’s what I’m doing. Breathing. Cool.”

Rook shook her head in disbelief at the flustered elf, always everyone’s biggest cheerleader when it came to their love lives but oh so anxious when it came to her own. “Bell. Do you… do you like, Davrin?”

She wrung her hands together, jingling the cuff on her wrist. “No! No, of course not! Don’t be ridiculous, it would be preposterous for me to like him. He’s so calm, assured, confident, kind and wonderful. He’s always able to talk me down and listen to me, even when others have long stopped listening to me. Even if he doesn’t always understand what I’m talking about or agree or get as excited as me- he’s always there and listening and being more amazing than I deserve. So no? No. I don’t like him. Wait. No. I do like him. Just not like like him.”

A large grin spread across Rook’s face as she looked upon her friend, understanding dawning on her even as the other elf fidgeted nervously under her gaze.

“Yeah, totally. You don’t like him. Or even like like him. Bellara, you’re in love with him.”

Bellara let out a yelp before hiding her face within her hands, feet stamping on the stool with frustration at herself. She peered out from between her fingers, clear cognac eyes saying everything she needed to say to Rook, without uttering a word.

“Bell, you are wonderful and you need to tell him and give him the benefit of the doubt. He’s your friend first- remember? He will never think your feelings are a burden, even if he doesn’t feel the same way.”

Bellara nodded, knowing that she was probably right. The math was always in Rook’s favour when it came to understanding their little rag tag team. She had been right about her and Cyrian, after all.

“I’m right here for you Bell, always. And Neve will be back by dinner and between us three, we will have you ready to confess to our resident warden in no time! But I need to know… when did you start feeling this way?”

A soft giggle escaped Bellara’s lips as she bounced on the spot, her quill rolling off the table from the abrupt movement. “Okay- so you know how we’ve been going to Arlathan a lot since the gryphons found their home with Uncle Eldrin? Well, we got to talking and…”

Rook watched on as her friend excitedly spoke, the kind elf flushing and biting her lip whenever her giddiness overflowed. She chuckled, shaking her head at her sweet cluelessness. Her heart never had to be commanded, it just wanted to be listened to, and it would be able to speak freely, always knowing the right words.

Just like Bellara. Luckily for her, Davrin was an excellent listener.

[huenjin]

just wanna be loved.

pairing: hyunjin x reader | bff2l!au, pornstar!au, lawyer!au

word count: 4.512 words.

tw: pornstar!hyunjin, mentions of alcohol, nsfw content — dick piercing!hyunjin, dom!hyunjin, porn shooting [mutual masturbation, blow job], making out, office sex, blow job, hand job, mouth fucking, deep throating, a lil ball play, just a lil, facial, fingering, clitoral stimulation. establishment of fwb relationship !! reader is super heartless !! and hyunjin must be protected at all costs !!!

music rec: can you hold me | nf

note: pt ii. of the pornstar!hyunjin series. read pt i. here. it's finally here and it has a plot. thank you for convincing me to make this into a series, i'm grateful and i hope you enjoy this as much as i did writing. unedited, like every other work of mine.

hyunjin swears to god that he has been at the very brim of snapping at the next person he sees.

see, hyunjin is a very patient person, usually. very very patient. but with how you are ignoring his calls blatantly, his head spirals out of control. it is the pent up frustration of being forgotten even temporarily by you that gets him on the verge to snap.

and not even his hands moving frantically up and down his dick before the woman in front of him as she touches herself to the sight of a naked man masturbating — lights hitting off the piercings to make the angles sharper as the camera pans out from his hands wrapped around his cock to the scene before them — is enough to get this anger to fuel down.

how dare you ignore him after everything that went down? after him saying he doesn't want to lose his friendship, after him saying you're the one person in his life that he cherishes the most?

his hand moves quicker and the woman crawls forward. her hand is still covering her core as her fingers plunge deep into her, the squelching sounds so loud to hyunjin's ears. she sticks her tongue out only to lick small stripes at the head of his cock, her tongue circling around his piercings.

hwang hyunjin is usually a calm person but the very thought of this woman not being you, is more than enough to anger him today.

the black hair he now dons is slick with sweat and sticks to his forehead. you should have noticed that. he storied it on instagram, for fuck's sake, just to get your attention and what does he get in return? nothing. usually, you would tease him over his poor scalp, or tell him that he looked good. this time, however, he gets dirty silence and he knows he is to be blamed.

hyunjin rubs his cock from the base as the woman wraps her lips around the head, tongue lapping every single drop of precum from that oozes out from him. not that porn ever subjected him to fantasise about the woman before him, his mind automatically shifts to you.

and god, were you beautiful that night under him. it's your breasts that come into his head first, the way your hands trailed over them and played with them before him. the way you begged for him. the way you were his even if it were just a night.

and that's enough to bring him close. you are enough to break down hyunjin completely and leave him defenseless. he ruts into his hand and the woman moves further down, taking hyunjin more as he gasps.

hyunjin signals at the director and he calls for a cut. the woman takes him out from his mouth and he comes undone in his hand. he spills all over his hand messily, spilling it on to his stomach and his thigh. the staff members rush into the scene — to help hyunjin clean himself up and to his co-star with a good amount of fake cum lube that she fills her mouth with for the next take.

maybe hyunjin did ruin a friendship. he should bear the consequences rightfully.

but not until he hears it from you. hyunjin needs to hear it directly from you.

that is what leads hyunjin to your law office — kim and chang — right after his shoot. the sun has set and he knows you would be done with work for the day hopefully, unless you took up even more pro bono cases to keep yourself busy. at least this is what hyunjin keeps saying in his head to justify you ignoring him.

he has been here before and he knows exactly where your office is. hyunjin used to brag once upon a time about being a very level headed person, about how he wants what he wants. that's what made him take this whole pornstar path as he studies law at the same time. he wants to work here in seoul's biggest law firm, with you. the path to that, however, is a tough one (and an expensive one) and he knows. but if there is one thing hyunjin knows, it is that time is a bitch.

and time is such a huge bitch that hwang hyunjin walks in to your office exactly when seo changbin, your boyfriend, breaks up with you.

(not that he wasn't expecting it. just that he hoped it were already done and that it was you dumping seo's shitty arse.)

"we can't do this anymore, y/n. you and i," he sighs, "we're not compatible. you're broken and—"

"hate to break in between," hyunjin clutches the wooden door of your office room tightly, anger seething through him as soon as he heard the word you and broken in the same sentence. "but, don't pin your inefficiency on the girl, man."

"excuse me?" seo changbin looks like he got slapped on his face. hyunjin's eyes flickers momentarily towards you — your delicate figure holding the wooden edges of your table in disbelief, and he knows you — you who would normally do a good job defending as a lawyer, would do a pathetic job right now defending your honour because you loved seo changbin once upon a time and your heart could never set you upto that again.

"i said what i said, dude," hyunjin walks in to the office completely. he leaves the door open, wider than before almost as if he is signaling changbin to walk out, that this is not his place for him to walk and do what he wants, that you are your own individual and you deserved so much better — someone who would love you for the most perfect being you are in his eyes (albeit that being not him as much as he wishes it could be).

changbin drifts his gaze from the man to you and asks, "were you dating someone else while you were with me?"

"hyunjin is not someone else, binnie," you bite your lower lip. "and no, i was not. this breakup involves just the two of us. we don't need a third person involved to ruin what we had. the two of us were enough to burn it down into ashes."

"i'll see you tomorrow then," changbin shuffles the balance on his feet, looking uncomfortably at you and shooting hyunjin a look filled with disgust. "are you looking at some pro bono cases and staying overtime? i told you—"

"you don't have a tag anymore to tell me anything, changbin. so drop it. i'll do what i have to do." your voice is ice cold and even hyunjin, a third person in this whole scene, feels the shudder run down his spine.

changbin drops his shoulders in defeat and merely mumbles, "let's get along well, y/n. we are colleagues after all," before leaving your office. you take a step back, chest steadily rising and falling and you lean against your office table, your grip on it strong.

and if there is one thing that can make him forget everything — his emotions, his well being, his sanity — it is you. the very sight of you hurting with all the built up emotions from what just happened makes hyunjin forget the anger of being forgotten.

all he wants to do at this point is be there for you.

he looks at your quivering figure, head down and he knows your eyes are probably brimming with the tears you are trying to hold back. your knuckles are pale at how hard you are holding the table and hyunjin hates how another man just hurt you right before him.

hyunjin carefully takes a step forward, mumbling, "do you want a hug?"

you nod, your head down and your gaze on your feet firm on the tiled floors of your office. you can hear the soft foot steps of your best friend getting louder with every millisecond before his arms wrap around your figure and he is pulling you into his warm chest, humming the tune you are so familiar with from him. his embrace is warm, and his big, strong arms seemed very protective when wrapped around your frail body. the world around you melts away as you squeezed him back, not wanting the moment to end.

and you sob. soft coughed up sobs that you tried so hard to hold it in but it was all useless. the minute hyunjin's arms wrapped around you, you let lose and unhinged. it was always like that.

because hyunjin was like an anchor to you. he was the anchor to steady your capsized boat in the storms. he didn't necessarily have to also be the lighthouse but for you, hyunjin being the anchor was more than enough right now.

"i'm not going to apologise for ignoring you, hwang," you mumble into his chest as hyunjin pats your head gently. you pull away after a second more and lean back against the table. you look down for a short while before turning back and grabbing the green bottle of soju, half empty, and chugging it down your esophagus.

hyunjin's eyes widen and he's about to stop you when you're all done and have slammed the bottle down on the table, cheeks heating up in the effect of what hyunjin would seem is the trick of the light.

hyunjin has seen you twice in the span of two weeks and both the times you were drunk, not to the level of passing out and waking up with a hangover — the two of you were not kids anymore for that — but still intoxicated enough to magnify every intense emotion you felt within you.

and if it were lust and validation the last time, this time it was the angst of putting up with a man trashy enough to now have the tag of your ex.

"can you get me—"

"use me."

"what?"

hyunjin bites his lower lip before tugging away at the dead skin in nervousness. he runs a hand through his black hair, on which your eyes unhelpfully linger for a second more than usual. he takes a step forward and repeats with strong affirmation, "use me, y/n. you're good at it. you're good at using people. that's what makes you an insanely good lawyer. you know who to keep close, who to get attached to and what to get from them. so i insist, use me as anything as you want. i'll be your best friend, your punch bag, your comfort, your drinking buddy, your anything. just—" he gulps, before locking his gaze with yours, eyes almost shining as if they held stars behind his irises. "just use me."

there is a small part in you that is deeply offended by the words that come from his mouth; by the words he so carelessly managed to throw around without bothering to think about how it would affect him. but the magnified, intense emotion to want to stop thinking, have the oxygen supply to your brain cut off for just a while to rid you of all the thoughts is higher.

"i—"

"do you not want to? of course i do understand—"

"shut up," you groan and the next thing your body prompts you to do is grab his wrist, pull him closer, turn around and pin him against your office desk as you kiss him, lips crashing against his and moving as if he was exactly what you needed after a rough day.

hyunjin doesn't exactly remember when and where things started going down the hill. you were his best friend. you are his best friend and yet best friends don't kiss. best friends don't fuck and for sure, best friends don't tell the other to use them only for them to knock the living lights out of them with a kiss that slips consciousness out of him.

hell be damned, he wasn't even sure if he was dreaming right now, but there was a raw emotion in the way you kissed him and in the way you leaned upwards slightly to curl your fingers in his hair and tug at it as you angled the kiss, lips moving against his in a separate emotion altogether.

best friends definitely do not do this.

you part your lips and feel hyunjin washing over like a wave of warmth, curling your toes, unfurling all your senses as the taste of him nearly silenced all thoughts. exactly as you wanted him and if his taste was what blocked everything, you needed more.

your whole body tingled, the feel of his frame leaning on yours further as his arms wrapped around yours feels nearly forbidden. you pull back, breath uneasy and gaze wavering at your best friend and you know he's what he is — insatiable as fuck. hyunjin pulls you in, claiming your mouth again, hungry and intense, until your knees almost give in. by the time you are aware of your own fingers, they had already slipped under his shirt, his skin smooth and radiating heat.

you pull back, chest rising frantically and you grip his white shirt tightly, yout hand soaking in the warmth of his body as you let go of his shirt and your fingers play with the edges of his pants.

"fuck my mouth," you say quickly, before kneeling down, unbuttoning his pants, looking upwards for a sign of approval and hyunjin's breath hitches. what ever would the porn he stars in account to when you are a whole fucking porn on legs?

"are you sure? i mean, i could give you an or—"

"later. stop overthinking everything," you sigh. "we'll do that later together. now can i or should i stop?"

hyunjin's hand moves down messily to unzip his pants and your lips curve upwards as you look at the man being reckless. he pulls his pants down in a rush along with his boxers only for his half erect cock to hit his stomach slightly before presenting itself to you.

when hyunjin fantasised about having your mouth wrapped around his cock earlier that day, he definitely didn't expect it this soon. but here you were, before him on your knees, taking his hardened dick in your hands as you spit on his shaft and move your hands over it slightly. it is probably the emotions and the feelings he holds for you that get him to harden and grow further in your grip and your eyes widen before you look away.

your thumb rubs against the frenum piercings — three consecutively to make a small ladder arrangement and you gasp. this must feel insane when he fucks your mouth — just as good as it did when he fucked you hard weeks back.

you look back up at him, hand moving around his shaft a little more rigidly and you tell him, "the black hair suits you better. fuck, you look like sex with that so, keep it," and you take his head into your mouth before hyunjin could say anything. he stutters, hand gripping the table tightly as you hollow your mouth and take him, tongue rolling against the metal balls on the underside of his cock.

"f-fuck," hyunjin gasps, head rolling back as you take more of him into your mouth, sucking on it lewdly. "your mouth feels so good, y/n, oh my—" and he moans so loud that you find yourself dampening your panties with your own arousal. hyunjin has pretty, pretty moans. it's deep, guttaral and makes you want to emit more of those from his pretty lips.

you take him out of your mouth, kissing the head, sucking at it with just your lips. you kiss him down his shaft, tongue lapping against the frenum piercings a little longer than you should and hyunjin knows by now for sure — you love his piercings.

"wow, you're getting harder," you gasp as you lick the precum from the head of his shaft before licking up from the base of his cock to the very top. you suck a little more of just his head, so delectable and angry, and hyunjin groans, hand finally leaving the table to hold your hair strongly.

"don't tease, y/n," and his voice is so strong that you can't help yourself but take him finally into your mouth, hollowing as much as you can as you slowly take him completely in your mouth and hyunjin releases a series of swear words laced with your name in the middle.

it's the sight of you in your formal shirt and pencil skirt, so prim and proper and yet you are taking him in your mouth, emitting such lewd sounds that it's pornographic. it's the way he feels you taking him in as deep as you can to get used to his length and girth. it's the way he see you slip your fingers secretly into your panties to rub your clit. it's the way you occasionally look at him from below, with tears in your eyes as you take him as deep as you can, choking on his cock.

if he were to pinpoint one, hyunjin could never. he would hold every single reason responsible for him to grip harder on your head and to thrust into your mouth just as you asked from him.

"you wanted this, right?" he groans, harshly, voice octaves deeper. "wanted my big fucking cock down your throat just to make you dumb and make you forget about everything. you wanted me to fuck your mouth so hard and to shoot my cum down your throat."

hyunjin's cock is heavy and warm on your tongue. he thrusts into your mouth and your right hand shovestwo fingers deep into your sopping core at the exact same time, trying to match his pace. the tears stream down from your face and all you can think is how good you feel being fucked like this, to have hyunjin's cock in your mouth. your jaw begins to ache from the constant task of fitting his fat girth into your mouth, but the feeling of him sliding against your tastebuds — the metal balls dragging against your wet tongue — and battering the back of your throat makes your eyes roll into the back of your head. hyunjin's grip on your hair is stronger to position your face and yet you release another moan, the vibrations rolling against his cock as his hips snaps forward to push his cock deeper.

the gags that leave your mouth is loud, the wet drippings leaking along with the sputtering afters of precum from the side of your mouth and staining your white shirt. your panties are soiled with how hard and fast you plunge your fingers in to bring you close.

"oh god," hyunjin's grip loosens on your hair for a bit before he continues thrusting into your mouth lightly. "god, i could fuck your mouth all night long and then fuck your cunt even harder." he grabs a fist full of your hair to hold you down before he goes back to thrusting harder into your mouth.

"eyes on me, baby. i'm going to shove my dick down your throat, okay?" he says. you quickly nod, your thumb rubbing your clit harshly and then he shoves you down his length and holds you still. you can feel his dick at the very back of your mouth as you choke on it, tears spilling messily down your face and ruining your makeup. hyunjin counts slowly, "five. four. three. two," and he slowly lets go, "one."

you gasp, breathing in as much air as you can as he takes his dick out, "that's my good girl. so good for me. now let me fuck your mouth again, oh good lord."

he holds your jaw with his other hand, pressing slightly in an attempt not to hurt you more as he holds your hair with the other. hyunjin angles your face up to look at him. your eyes are watery, makeup ruined and may the fury of the hells be with him, but he would sin and fornicate a twenty times more if this is the sight before him. you've ruined hyunjin for every other girl now and you don't even realise it.

hyunjin's hips begin to stutter soon, losing their tempo has he chased his orgasm. how ironic that he asked you to use him and yet here you were letting him use you in turn. his grip on your hair tightens as he feels it tightening in him. the room is filled with nothing but the sound of his balls slapping against your chin, muffled moans coming from your stuffed mouth and rapid panting from him.

hyunjin's breathing hitches and you remove your fingers from your cunt. it is sticky and coated with your arousal as you reach out to use the same hand to hold his balls. hyunjin gasps, holding your head a little stronger as you play with it when he fucks your mouth.

"fucking killing me," he grunts. "you're fucking killing me, y/n." you press your tongue flat as hyunjin finally drags his cock out. you gasp heavily, mouth sore and aching and vision blurry. however, all you can think is of rolling your numb tongue against his metal piercings and you do the very same, tugging at it occasionally.

“fuck, y/n!” he grunts out, trying to hold out a loud moan. his hips still surges forward to hit the bridge of your nose. you wrap your hands around his cock, feeling him become even more rigid in your grip. your rub his length as quick as you can till his dick quivers and hyunjin repeats under his breath, "i'm going to come, i'm going to come, i'm goi— fuck!"

hyunjin comes undone on your face. white spurts leaving his cock and coating your cheeks and your chin only to drop down onto your blouse and stain it further and it is a sight to behold. seeing you covered in his cum, almost like he was marking you, is enough to make him go hard again. your eyes are wide as he spurts his release on your face and the side of your neck and it's all so messy and hot that it has you leaving your mouth open unknowingly.

his brown eyes take in the sight of your swollen pink lips, cheeks tinged red and covered in tears and spit, and now his cum. hyunjin feels his cock twitch slightly as a pang of arousal shoots through his body again. but he has to ignore that. you are worn out and he needs to attend to your needs now that he knows you just gave him one mind blowing orgasm and in return hasn't had any.

hyunjin is about to lift you up when you hold his wrist, tongue jutting out to lick all the cum by the side of your lips, taking in as much as you can with your tongue and hyunjin gulps at the sight, his adam's apple bobbing oh so visibly.

"i have a proposition," you say. your voice almost sounds like something grating against the sand paper and hyunjin can't help but feel proud (as worried as he is). he listens to you as he squats down to maintain eye contact with you.

"oh?" he raises his eyebrows at you and you nod. hyunjin is trying his best to focus on you and your words and not how his come is on your face, marking you up to him as his.

"let's be friends with benefits."

and that was enough for him to focus back on your words. his feet is firm on the floor as he asks, "what?"

"it's a win-win situation, clearly. i need you for many reasons." you lift your hand up to count. "a) you're my best friend and i value this friendship a lot." hyunjin scoffs and you choose to ignore it as you continue, lifting another finger up, "b) you're the only one who has made me come and i need orgasms and validation. you give me both. we'll be exclusive and the minute you want to date someone, we break this off."

hyunjin feels his chest heavy. why are you making this so much harder? why are you jeopardizing everything? he doesn't know if this arrangement would be for the better or for the worse but after giving him the best orgasm he has had in a while and with all the oxytocin streaming in his blood veins, he knows his decision could account for all his miseries turning from unrequited love to rejection.

"and?"

"c) i haven't been able to explore much sexually, changbin being my first and everything and i want you to teach me as much as you know with your experience," you lift the third finger before closing them all and looking at him with nothing but hope.

"come again?"

"that's the plan," you laugh at your own joke to calm the uneasy tension in the room. "but it's true. that was the first time a guy has fucked my mouth or deep throated me and i fucking loved it."

hyunjin gulps visibly, his dick hardening and you look down at it. "you know you can say yes," you mumble as you desperately shift your gaze back at your best friend. "please? you could teach me how to come on my own."

"what's in it for me, y/n? every single point you said benefits you more than it does for me." hyunjin sits down, bringing his knees closer to him as he wraps his arms around it.

"you told me to use you. isn't that the whole point of using someone? i'll be benefited more than you will ever be. you can't go back on your words now."

hyunjin thinks the word heartless and yet again you were not. the proposition was seemingly harmless, but it sounded all like a big hazard signal to him because he has feelings for you that you are so clearly not aware of.

the thing with being so whipped for a person, to be so wrapped around their finger that all one can think of is them? you do anything for them, anything to make them happy. that's how stupid love makes one. that's how crazy love has made hyunjin, because as much as he is at a disadvantage, he can't help.

"alright. let's be friends with benefits."

and hyunjin knows that it is his heart that will break in the end. but at the very least, it will only be his.

[cobaincreates]

the fuck is a touron?

warnings: language, smut (wrap it you’re smart), 18+

count: 7k+

hehehehehe ;)

part two!

gif cred

— — —

“i was one hundred percent trying to teach him a lesson, but he’s too stupid to realize that you’re not supposed to lend one of my t-shirts to a random girl. god, he’s so dumb.” liza shook her head in frustration, her thumb absentmindedly scrolling along her phone screen.

“didn’t you guys used to be friends?” you asked, picturing the girl in mind. you could’ve sworn you’d seen liza with her at some point.

liza made a noise and bit her lip. “maybe he’s just trying to get back at me for something. i can’t think of anything i did though.”

“maybe they’re just messing with you. you know, because you did sleep with both of them.” liza made another dismissing noise. you took a sip from a glass she had given you from her kitchen. it was just beyond the doors behind you from where you sat on her massive deck.

you had taken it upon yourself to visit your friend before the last few weeks of summer ended. you’d see her back at school anyways, but she had asked you several times to make the trip out to see her. you’d been enjoying the ocean breeze and the hospitality of liza and her dad. it had only been a few days since you arrived; you hardly thought about leaving.

so far you had been biking around with liza through small sections of her neighborhood. she pointed out a few of her favorite spots, mostly trying to pass the days with you here, but also to make you feel welcome. she had taken you shopping off the island today, which resulted in a thousand more steps recorded on your phone and a new bathing suit to wear. you had also found a little lighthouse souvenir figure that you planned to put somewhere in your room once you got back home. you had dinner at a restaurant that liza said was one of her favorites, then you took the ferry back at sunset and now here you were, sharing a whole box of wine.

you snuggled further into your sweatshirt and pulled a pillow onto your lap. you stared out at the ocean in liza’s backyard and imagined how insane it was that she lived right on the beach. a small fire sat in front of you, warming your legs. liza put her phone down and took a large sip of her wine.

“anyone cute here? think i’d be into some east coast beach boy.” you mentioned, squinting your eyes playfully as you looked over at her.

she shrugged with her head on the back of the couch. “i mean there’s a few i went to school with, but you don’t want to mess with them.”

“how come?”

“they’re practically heartless. they’d totally leave you in the dirt.” she said. “well, sand.”

you snorted. “are you speaking from experience? because if so, i’m more than willing to get into a fight in your honor.”

“shut up.” she laughed. “you don’t want anyone from here, trust me.”

“no, trust me when i tell you that i do. i haven’t gotten laid in months and i’m crawling out of my skin.” you admitted as much as you didn’t want to. it had been a simple thought before getting on the plane to visit and you didn’t think you’d bring it up, but you couldn’t stop thinking about it. even while shopping you were mostly on the prowl. they should’ve had a store to buy a one-night stand. you were on vacation, you deserved to indulge.

“i have so much pent-up frustration. i need someone to sex me right now.” you continued, drinking the rest of the wine just to add to your tipsy rambling.

“jesus.” liza stared at you.

“i don’t want to tell you this but i was literally fantasizing about your dad earlier.”

“ew!”

“i’m sorry!” you laughed. “i mean, he’s single so it’s fair game.”

“absolutely not!” she looked at you like you were crazy, and you couldn’t stop laughing as she got up to get more wine, taking your glass too.

back home, there wasn’t anybody you wanted to sleep with. you didn’t really make any friends in high school that you kept into college and it was hard when most of your friends lived in different states. sure, there were apps for hookups and for you to meet new people around you, but you had a thing about technology tracking that made your skin crawl.

liza came back less disgusted with you, handing you your glass. you sipped on it and stared at the fire, not feeling tired in the slightest from how much you walked. beside you, liza picked up her phone again and scrolled, tapped.

“i don’t know why i’m doing this, but there is someone i might be able to set you up with.” she said minutes later.

you perked up with optimism and shifted on the couch. “mhm, give me more.”

“his name’s topper.” she said, her phone illuminating her face with a white light.

“you’re kidding.” you deadpanned, your eyebrows furrowing. you figured she was joking, slipping in a harmless pun.

“i’m not.” she bit her lips together, glancing at you to gauge your reaction.

“what kind of name is that?”

“could not tell you, but he’s super chill and i’m pretty sure he’s newly single.” she said, tapping a few times on her phone’s screen. “he was dating someone from his college for months, but i think they broke up since he doesn’t post pictures with her anymore.”

“i just want to fuck him. what does he look like?”

liza tapped a few more times before shining her phone at you. you squinted from the brightness before your eyes adjusted, took in the photo she was showing you. he was in front of a sunset and you could faintly pick out the dirty blonde locks. liza picked a different one that gave you a better view of him.

you let out a delighted hum, smiling slightly. “he looks like an asshole, but fun.”

“i have his number,” she said, turning the phone back to herself. you leaned your side into the couch, readjusting to keep the warmth. the fire cracked as one of the logs shifted.

“text him.” you prompted liza and scooted closer to her to watch her type on her phone. she found his contact and moved her thumbs along the screen.

hey so weird question but would u be interested in hooking up w/ my friend?

the friend in question is not me i swear

“smooth,” you said as she sent the texts.

“i can’t believe i’m helping you with this.” she locked her phone and dropped it into her lap. you shrugged and sipped from the glass, staring into the fire.

you slipped into a regular conversation with liza while she waited for a text. you weren’t giddy for a reply or asking her to check every ten seconds. it didn’t really matter that much to you if you didn’t hookup with anyone or not, you just thought you’d put it out there.

liza had you cracking up, bent over the couch and nearly falling to the floor when her father came outside onto the porch. you settled as you looked up at him, listening to him ask you both if you were doing okay and needed anything. liza was quick to shut his offer down when you gave her a look, jokingly wiggling your eyebrows at her. her dad noticed, looking between you two as you belted out laughing again, this time landing on the wooden deck. liza tried to keep her laughter in, telling her dad that you were fine and that you both were just a little drunk. he nodded and left you two alone.

“god, you suck.” she said once he was out of earshot.

you were now crying from laughter as you sat up. you wiped your eyes and climbed up onto the sofa, taking your glass from the floor. “i’m glad you invited me,” you giggled as you pulled the pillow back onto your lap. you both continued to shake with the aftershock of amusement.

“he texted me.” liza said suddenly as her phone was back in her hands.

“and?” you asked, leaning your side against the cushions. you propped your elbow on top of them and held your head against your hand.

“all he said was ‘pic’.”

“send him one.”

“okay.” she said and turned toward you, opening her camera on her phone.

“should i pose? how does my hair look?” you asked, brushing the back of it just in case it had gotten messy from falling to the floor.

“do something before i send a blurry one.” liza commanded.

you put your hand back against the side of your face and smiled lightly. liza took the photo without the flash, the fire bright enough. she set her phone down again and hit send as you watched her thumb. you watched her screen for a second then looked away, tilting the glass against your lips.

“he said ‘give her my number’.”

“fuck yes.” you said. you reached behind you for your phone, feeling around for a couple seconds before finding it. “okay, what is it?”

liza read his number aloud as you typed it in. you opened your camera and took a selfie, holding the wine glass to your lips and crossing your eyes. you typed, hiii, and hit send.

after having not touched your phone in the past few hours, you moved out of the conversation with him and replied back to a few of your friends. it wasn’t long before he texted back. you opened the message to find a photo sent back to you, tapping on it with an intrigued smile. he took his own selfie, balancing a beer bottle on his head with his own fire lighting up his face in an orange glow. you saw someone’s back behind him, your eyes trailing down to the drawstrings against his chest at the bottom of the photo.

impressive, you sent.

what’s your name?

y/n! what kind of name is topper?

rich people

thought so, you joked. are you sporting salmon shorts and sperry’s with that sweatshirt?

liza was in her own world as you texted topper. you glanced at her, finding her glass propped on her chest so she could slowly sip it. she was texting like a speed racer.

you looked back down at topper’s new message and laughed.

gray sweats and sandals

socks?

no

thank god

you watched the bubbles pop up almost immediately. they disappeared with no message then came back.

liza said u wanted to hook up?

you weren’t sure what to say back. your thumbs floated above your screen for several seconds before you decided just to be honest with him. what’s the worst that could happen?

long story short i’m needy & haven’t been laid in a while

you down?

sure when’s good for you?

“i’m going to get some ice cream.” liza said as she moved off the couch, throwing her phone down on the cushions. “you want any?”

“sure.” you said before typing.

think we’re going to the beach tomorrow so how about sometime in the afternoon? i’ll text you

sounds good, looking forward to it

“oh my god.” you said loudly, dropping your phone.

“what?” liza called from the open door. you could hear her clinking around the kitchen.

“he just sent an eggplant emoji.”

suddenly the clinking of dishes was drowned out as she laughed louder than before. you covered your face and laughed too.

—

the next morning you woke up already feeling too warm. you winced as you felt the heat radiating through your body and you peeled your eyes open. you were still on the couch outside and the sun was happily beating down on the deck. you moaned and pulled a pillow over your head. you remembered that you had finished the boxed wine with liza last night along with ice cream and decided to just sleep outside. with the alcohol and walking, your legs were not prepared to function that late at night.

you lay there for a few minutes until liza’s foot appeared and knocked right into your nose. you flinched and held it as it throbbed, sitting up to throw the pillow at her.

she jerked awake and grimaced at you and the sun. “what?”

“you just kicked me.” you said nasally. you sniffed and checked your nose as it continued to pulse. liza yawned, stretching and sitting up to look around like she forgot where she was.

“today’s going to be a good beach day if it’s this fucking hot.” she grumbled. her hair was wild atop her head, sticking out in every direction. she looked over at you as she yawned again. “breakfast and then beach?”

you nodded, your hand back in your lap as the throbbing subsided. you picked up your dirty dishes and phone and followed liza inside to eat. her dad was already cooking when you two came inside and your mouth watered at the sight of food on the counter. he provided a whole display of drinks, fruit, bread, and eggs that had you contemplating about never leaving.

liza told her dad of your plans for the day while you ate. you kept quiet as you cleared your plate, normally taking at least an hour to fully wake up in the morning. liza seemed almost too chipper in the mornings from what you witnessed. once you finished up and put your plate in the sink at liza’s dad’s request, you went to her room to fish out your new bathing suit. you changed in the bathroom and brushed your teeth along with the rest of your morning routine. you pulled on a t-shirt and shorts over your suit and tied your hair up just as liza knocked to see if you were done.

thirty minutes later, you were on your way to the beach. you held liza’s tote bag in your lap, full of snacks, waters, a speaker to connect to her phone, and towels. you were anticipating the beach, wanting to just run into the water and swim all day.

which is what you did for the next few hours. you munched on some pretzels, drank a ton of water that you had to pee several times, listened to music, and laid out in the sun. you soaked up more sunscreen than you could imagine, reapplying at least ten times. the water felt good whenever you swam to the sandbar with liza and back to the shore.

liza was on her stomach now, her hair still damp. she closed her eyes against the sun while you sat beside her and people-watched.

“when are you going to text topper?” she mumbled against her arm.

you watched an elderly couple read their respective books while sitting beside each other in folding chairs. they sat under a green umbrella, the one reading a james patterson novel with their toes poking out of the sand and the other reading a paperback of some sort with the cover twisted back and wearing a large sun hat.

“i guess i could text him now.” you said, hearing her question.

“i’ll probably head out whenever he gets here. let you two be alone.” she drawled.

you shoved at her shoulder and reached for your phone. you found topper’s conversation and typed quickly to tell him which beach you were at.

you want me to head over there?

you weren’t expecting him to text right away, but you replied back just as quickly.

yes

you put your phone back down under your shirt and lay on your stomach so you could keep an eye out for him. you looked at where the parking lot was, a large area of gravel and tall grass. people were pouring in and out of the beach, little kids in thick foam flip flops kicking up sand while older adults with mass amounts of luggage followed after them.

liza sat up, looking in the same direction and drinking from her water bottle. you flipped over onto your back and closed your eyes, listening to the crunch of sand, the distant chatter, the hush of waves.

“that’s him.” liza said beside you. you couldn’t tell how long it had been. you leaned up onto your elbows and looked behind you, seeing topper walking down the small crest in a white t-shirt and bathing suit bottoms.

“do i look okay?” you asked her as she watched him under her sunglasses. her head turned to you and you didn’t need her glasses off her face to know the look she was giving you.

“i don’t think you should be worrying about that if you’re just going to end up taking your clothes off in front of him.”

“just say yes and move on.” you said, exasperated.

liza laughed to herself and lifted her hand to wave topper over. you watched as he put his phone back into his pocket, lowering his gaze to his sandals as he walked along the sand. you pushed yourself to stand with liza, trying your best to not fix your appearance.

“hey,” liza said easily as topper came closer.

“hey, how’s it going?”

“good. this is y/n, as you already know.” liza gestured to you.

“hi,” you said and gave an awkward wave. it was only awkward with liza there, but you knew she’d be leaving shortly.

“hey.” he said and slipped his hands into his pockets.

it made you smile when you saw his eyes traveling over you for a split second. liza saw it too. you let your own eyes wander as liza said something; you weren’t paying attention to listen. 

“well, i’m going to head out.” liza said as she bent to roll up her towel. you crossed your arms loosely as you watched her. she picked up her bag and turned to you. “let me know if you need me to pick you up.”

you gave her a nod and watched her take a few steps. she turned slightly to point at topper. “be nice to her.” she warned, making you laugh like she was a parent trying to threaten a boy.

once she was out of sight, you sat down on half of the towel so topper could have the other side. he followed you, propping his legs in front of him as you stretched yours out.

“so, are you just here for the weekend?” topper asked after a few moments. you were trying not to let it become awkward, but he had beaten you to it.

“until next saturday.” you said, glancing at him as you leaned back on your hands. you could feel a shell under your palm, so you moved it to a different spot. “liza wanted me to visit before we go back to school.”

topper nodded, his elbows atop his knees. he glanced at a beach ball rolling by, a little kid chasing after it. “are you guys close?”

“you could say that. you went to high school together?”

“yeah, we kind of had the same friends so we hung out at the same places.”

you hummed as you looked toward the shore. you saw a couple kites over the water, their tails whipping in the wind. “it’s nice here.”

“yeah, kitty hawk is nice. i like to paddle board over at kill devil hills.” you turned your eyes to him, finding him already looking at you.

you smiled lightly and squinted at him. “i’ve never been paddle boarding.”

“really? it’s fun. what about surfing?”

“i tried, but i split my lip. i’m sure if i tried again i’d get the hang of it.”

topper nodded with an identical smile, looking at you a little longer. ten seconds later, your heart lurched as topper reached back and took his shirt off. you glanced away with a slight blush, an inkling of a thought about public sex creeping into your mind. topper then stood and reached a hand to you.

“come on, come in the water with me.” he promoted. you felt your heart settle as you took his hand and he pulled you up.

you spent the next fifteen minutes in the water. you glided your hands along the surface as the waves rolled and topper talked animatedly with you. you were enjoying this part as much as you didn’t want to admit, seeing as that all you were looking for was a hookup. but he was so talkative and curious and hardly ever broke the eye contact. you played with the sand under your feet while he dunked himself under the surface then wiped a hand over his face.

when you got out and dried yourself off with liza’s towel, you wiped your face and looked over the soft fibers at topper. you held the towel out to him, dripping onto the sand. you were partially dry for now and itching under your skin. you looked away as he dried himself off but found yourself looking back as he bent over to wipe down his legs. when he stood tall again, you couldn’t help the way your eyes lingered over his glistening stomach, admiring.

“can we get out of here?” you asked.

topper nodded and handed you the towel. he took it back from you after pulling his shirt on so you could do the same. your bottoms were still wet so you left your shorts off for the time being and grabbed the rest of your things. topper fiddled with his keys, brushing the sand off them as he led you to the car lot. the gravel poked at your bare feet, some pebbles sharp enough to make you wince, but you endured it the whole way to a jeep that topper brought you to. it unlocked with a beep and before you climbed in, you put the towel over the seat and brushed your feet off, not wanting to track sand, dirt, or rocks into his shiny vehicle. it felt too high up for you, like you were sitting on the roof rather than inside it, but you closed the door gently.

—

“oh...wow.”

it kind of looked like a forty-year-old woman threw up. and it was all over the house. every room seemed overly decorated, a bunch of different script fonts with those cheesy sayings plastered everywhere. the house had high ceilings and the paint was pristine. it was very bright due to all of the windows and you wondered if there were any dark spots at all inside the house.

even topper’s room had a hint of a forty-year-old woman in it when you walked in.

“i think your mom went overboard at pottery barn.” you joked. “your dad couldn’t monitor her credit card uses?”

topper closed the door behind you as you wandered in, hands clasped gently in front of you. he tossed his keys onto a dark dresser beside the entryway and paused there at your remark.

“i don’t know my dad.” he said.

you turned then from staring at the light blue walls adorned with framed potted plant prints. “oh.” you said, your stomach aching like you’d been kicked. you knew it wasn’t exactly the nicest thing to say, no matter how you said it. normally you could get away with saying things like that, but you had to remind yourself that you didn’t know topper.

“my dad has a habit of canceling a lot of my mom’s outstanding online purchases so i just thought— i’m sorry.” you shifted on your feet, moving your hands to your sides.

topper only shrugged as you went back to scoping out the room. you tapped your thighs awkwardly as a discarded pair of socks seemed pretty interesting to you. when you looked back at topper, you relaxed since he didn’t come off as uncomfortable. you decided to just forget it and push it out of your head as you crossed your arms and reached for the hem of your shirt.

you left it somewhere on the floor before taking a few timid steps to topper. he stayed where he was against the dresser, watching you closely as you came to him. you leaned in close, bringing your hand to the back of his neck while his hands fell easily to your hips. glancing over his features quickly and landing on his mouth, you smiled softly and asked, “is this okay?”

the tension left your body as topper nodded, staring at your own mouth, before you finally gave him a kiss. another had him opening his mouth wider, and another was a little deeper. you smiled against him.

“what?” he asked, his fingertips poking at your sides, his face close.

“i can taste your toothpaste.”

topper’s cheeks tinged a light pink and he pulled you closer against his body, licking into the next kiss and surprising you. you moaned delightedly and brushed your fingers into his damp hair.

you let your hands wander down his neck, shoulders, and chest. he felt firm in all of those places and his shirt soft. you enjoyed the touch of his hands on your face, exploring a new territory, and holding you close. every cell in your body was cheering with delight, like you’d just chugged a liter of water after a sweltering day. a slight buzz started under your fingertips as a familiar tingling grew in your bathing suit bottoms. every touch had you anticipating the end result.

topper’s skin was warm and taut as you slipped a hand under his shirt and played with the waistband of his bottoms. his tongue was fighting with yours while you were fighting with yourself about whether or not to take his shirt or bottoms off first. you couldn’t decide if you wanted to get it over with or to build up to finally having him inside of you. a moan slipped out at the thought. your finger hooked between his lower stomach and his bottoms when he pulled away abruptly at your noise and reached behind him to tug the shirt off.

as it fell to the floor, his hands returned to your hips to tug you flush against him. you could slightly feel him through his bottoms, the want to stick your hand inside now greater than ever. but he had a tight grip on your hips that showed no signs of letting up.

your breath was heavy with his as he turned the both of you so you were the one pressed against the dresser now. his hips brushed into yours slowly as the edge of the dresser dug into your lower back and you let your head fall as another moan came out.

“shit.” you whispered to yourself, your eyes closing at how good it felt. something so subtle that had your knees growing weak.

topper dragged a hand up to your jaw and pulled your lips back to his as he rolled his hips, this time a little firmer. to only add to the pleasure you were feeling, his hand slipped down to your chest where he groped you gently. he massaged a few strokes as you licked at his lip, begging for entrance. he granted it while he fingers flexed over your breast. you gladly let them wander to your back where he pulled at the strings, the damp silky fabric peeling off like those fake tattoo papers you put on when you were younger.

you pushed your now bare chest against topper’s, wrapping your arms around his shoulders and rubbing the heel of your foot into his calf. he turned you around, his hands rubbing down to your ass as he moved to the bed. you crawled backwards at the same pace he crawled over you, faces still close that you could feel his breath growing heavy.

“stop teasing.” you said through clenched teeth as topper nipped at your neck and rolled his hips into yours.

“where’s the fun in that?” he smiled to himself as he skimmed his nose along your neck.

you wanted to kick him, but instead you settled for pulling him back against your lips while letting your hand rest on his shorts again. his hips seemed to sink lower to you at the feeling and you hadn’t even touched him yet.

your ears perked up at a small noise from somewhere while topper went unfazed and slipped his tongue back into your mouth. you ignored the small disruption and focused on him and your hand, now creeping your fingers along his abdomen. just as you barely got a knuckle deep into his bottoms a sliding door opened and banged. topper must’ve been so lost in where your hand was going that he still didn’t move away from you.

“did you hear that?” you pulled away.

“what?” he breathed.

a chorus of shouts and hollers came through the closed bedroom door. topper stilled and closed his eyes. “fuck,” he said before he pushed himself up and crawled away from you.

your eyebrows furrowed as you watched him get a footing and leave the room. you stared at the open door, partially annoyed at the interruption and the fact that you were left; naked.

groaning, you got up and pulled on your shirt again so you could follow topper. you went down the hall and found him in what you assumed to be the living room, a large tv on one wall and a white couch placed in front of it. the sliding door you heard led out onto a large deck, where you saw a group of guys all standing. topper’s bare back was facing you as he was in the middle of talking to someone, his shoulders tense.

the moment you stepped on the threshold, your bare feet against the cool metal, all eyes were on you. the guy topper had been talking to looked over his shoulder, instant curiosity on already stimulated features. he had topper’s hand in his, his opposite on his shoulder like he was giving him a pep talk.

“who’s this?” he asked, a sick smile appearing like you’d drop down onto your knees in front of him.

you grimaced very noticeably and spoke for yourself. “someone who’s trying to get laid. who the hell are you?”

a few low whistles rang out and you sent glares to the guys behind the one you were originally looking at. topper looked at you over his shoulder and gave you an apologetic look. you were glad he didn’t ask you to leave or wait for him, because you would’ve gladly left. you were starting to feel the irritation bubble and soon you would be leaving.

“got yourself a nice touron, huh, top?” the friend said, his arm looping around topper’s shoulders as he jostled him. his eyes were blown wide and not just from surprise. you grimaced deeper. they all looked like entitled, pretentious asshats and you were starting not to want anything to do with them. liza was totally right.

“rafe, come on, just leave. i’ll text you later.” topper was saying while you seethed at the door.

“don’t be pussy-whipped, topper. just drop the bitch and come try my new stash.”

“excuse me?” you pushed yourself off the doorway and stepped onto the warm deck. topper stopped you, turning out of rafe’s arm to plant his hands on your shoulders.

“woah, woah,” topper said as you sent daggers at his friend. he just laughed cockily at you and rubbed his chin. “can i text you later?”

your eyes snapped to topper’s pensive face in front of you. “are you kidding?” his hands dropped like you singed him. “don’t even bother.”

topper opened his mouth to call after you as you turned and walked away into the house. you shook your head to yourself and muttered as if anyone was listening. you should’ve known better or you should’ve expected less than for someone to put your needs before their own, much less a total stranger.

you wanted to slam a door behind you in annoyance as you went back to topper’s room to get your shoes. you also wanted to yell in frustration when you remembered your phone was still in his truck; you had wanted zero distractions. his keys were atop his dresser and you debated for a second whether or not to take them— you’d just be getting your things and liza’s towel.

just as you snatched your shoes and bathing suit top from the floor, topper slid into the room behind you and blocked the door. “please don’t leave,” he said quickly.

“unlock your car so i can get my stuff.”

“come on, please stay. i want you to stay.” he took a step closer to you, his pleading expression prominent.

“i don’t want to be here with your shitty friends pretending that we might get along when one of them just called me a bitch for no reason.” you countered and took a step to get by him, only to be caught around the waist. he turned you gently, his expression still the same.

“they’re leaving right now, i swear.”

“i don’t believe you.”

“i swear!” he pleaded. “you can go look yourself or you can take my word for it and we can pick up where we left off.”

you held your steely glare, trying not to show that you were reconsidering. you just really wanted to get laid and the situation only added to that frustration.

instead of smacking him with a sandal, you dropped everything in a heap and attached yourself to him again. his fingers worked quickly to pull your shirt back off, running along your sides and planting themselves on your hips. you nipped at his lip, silently begging him to move faster. he seemed to have the right idea as he turned you and pushed you back to the bed. you landed softly, your legs dangling off the edge, as you watched topper stand tall in front of you. his chest grew bigger as he took a breath and bent down to push his bottoms off. you pulled your lip between your teeth, not hiding the way your eyes flickered down to catch a glimpse. your ears grew hot and your skin pricked at topper’s semi-erection, the tip of him glistening. you wondered what he tasted like.

your gaze broke as topper moved to the side of the bed, rifling through his nightstand. you took that opportunity to take your bottoms off, flicking them somewhere in the room with your foot. you flipped over onto your stomach, grinning to yourself at the full view of topper’s butt. taking a nail between your teeth, you bit it anxiously and watched as he found a condom. you couldn’t help but giggle as he looked over the packaging, reading the date. your feet kicked in the air playfully.

when topper went back to the foot of the bed, you looked over your shoulder as he rubbed himself before rolling the condom on. he combed a hand through his hair, pushing it off his forehead.

“good to go?” you smiled.

he breathed in and nodded. “you want it like this?” he gestured to the way you were on your stomach.

you hummed, nodding your head, and moved a little further down the bed so your hips were at the very edge. topper’s hands fell to your thighs and he spread your knees apart, his skin ghosting against yours as he stepped closer. you took a shaky breath in as the anticipation rose higher— god, you couldn’t wait. deep down, you hoped that it didn’t suck. he had worked you up so much that you were sure you’d feel silly if it wasn’t satisfying.

you tried not to show just how desperate you were as the tip of him teased your folds. you licked your lips, biting down on the bottom one and lay flat on the mattress. his hand gripped your hip now while the other guided himself to your entrance. a high-pitched moan bubbled from your chest and slipped past your lips as topper slowly moved himself inside of you. you let out a lower, satisfied moan when he was fully inside, flush against you. your feet knocked into his back as you adjusted to the size of him. topper tried to control his panting behind you, staring down at your ass and himself fully sheathed by you.

“jesus christ,” he said more so to himself, marveling at the way you fit around him. he imagined it would’ve been so much better without a condom, but this was just as good.

just as you were about to ask him to move, he pulled out of you inch by inch. it felt uncomfortable at the empty feeling, but he came back a little quicker with a low noise of his own.

topper kept a steady rhythm, his hold tight on the skin over your hips and his breath blowing across your back each time he thrusted into you. you reveled in his noises, enjoying the low grunts and the occasional moans to mix with yours and the sounds your bodies were making. his skin started to smack against yours, building as your hands tightened over the comforter. there wasn’t much conversation or dirty talk, which you didn’t mind at the moment since you weren’t looking to lengthen this experience out. you just wanted him to give you what you needed. so far, he was doing a pretty good job.

the bed dipped beside your shoulder as topper’s hips still moved. his body moved closer to yours, the heat from his chest seeping into the skin on your back and giving you a pleasant wave of goosebumps. you opened your eyes to find his fist planted beside you, just as his other hand gripped your shoulder. you pushed yourself up to your elbows, stretching your head backwards. topper followed your movements and bent over you, planting a wet kiss to your lips. he continued to move in you, the hand on your shoulder moving to your neck, his fingertips settling on the sides. you breathed heavily into his mouth at the new sensation as a slew of curses rang out in your mind.

topper licked into your mouth, teasing you and playing with your tongue as his fingertips pressed a little more into your skin. you moaned lowly and broke apart from him. he stayed close, reaching down to your ear and nipping at your earlobe. your mouth opened, eyes screwing shut again as you became aware that you were close to your end. maybe if he just squeezed a little more around your neck, you’d go over the edge.

“topper, i’m going to come.” you breathed, feeling your head knock into his shoulder as he still moved. just then his hips snapped forward, hitting you a little deeper, a little harder. his lips moved off your ear, his breath hitting it now. you tightened yourself around him, not knowing that it brought him even closer while you came over him. you held on to the blanket, knuckles turning white while the same thing happened behind your eyelids. your face screwed up in ecstasy as topper pumped into you deliciously, his movements eventually faltering and stopping as he found his own climax. he groaned loudly into your ear, his breath hot, his grip not too tight, and his come feeling warm even through the condom. if only you’d actually felt it.

topper let go of your neck and you lay flat again, finding your breath with a heaving chest. topper watched the side of your face through hooded eyelids as he stayed hovering over you for a moment. the heels of your feet rested against his back; your thighs no longer tight against his thighs as you relaxed now.

your eye lazily opened as the air in the room met your back, topper moving away from you. you could see him out of the corner of your eye as he carefully touched your side and pulled himself out of you. you made a small noise, almost one of disappointment that he didn’t stay there longer. he disappeared from your sight and your legs promptly closed, your feet still in the air even though you ached from staying like that for a while.

when topper came back, condom gone and thrown away and holding a washcloth, he tapped your lower back. you pushed yourself up slowly, wincing at tired joints and muscles, and thanked him before finding your way to the bathroom. you cleaned yourself up inside, peeing quickly and washing your hands. topper was stepping into his shorts when you came back.

“the fuck is a touron?” you asked as you reached for your bathing suit bottoms almost under his dresser.

topper laughed behind you. “it’s a tourist.”

you made a face and pulled your bathing suit top over your head, tying it in the back. “east coast people are weird.”

topper smiled to himself, glancing at you as you pulled your t-shirt on. he was dressed and ready to go when you were, grabbing his keys and letting you lead the way.

once he pulled into liza’s ridiculously long driveway, you thanked him and jumped out, not wanting to make it awkward. liza was in her kitchen when you walked in, hair a little messy but dry.

she looked up at you from cutting some fruit. a curious smile came onto her lips. her eyebrows rose. “how was it?”

you lifted yourself into one of the chairs at the island counter and reached over for a small piece. “i don’t like his friends so i can see why you warned me but i’m letting it go.” you said, popping the fruit into your mouth.

liza blinked at you, not totally understanding but becoming uncomfortable with how chilled you were compared to the other days you’d been her guest. “wow,” she said. “you really had a whole ass iceberg of frustration, huh?”

“i told you.” you shrugged and laughed once you stared at each other for a moment.

you ate dinner that night with liza and her dad, hearing a few stories and sharing your own over wine and lobster. just after you helped clean up the dishes and the kitchen, you felt your phone vibrate in your sweatshirt pocket. pulling it out, you read texts from a number you hadn’t saved.

i enjoyed today

let me know if you’re ever visiting again😉

⭐️taglist of beauties & babes!⭐️

@tovvaa​ @fttayla @dontjinx-it @moniamaybank @drewstarkeygf @cheshirecat107​ @jjmaybankzz​ @obxcunt​ @honeyyhemmings @dvakat @macey730

[orleans-jester]

“Wouldn’t be that embarassing. Whoever sees us would just assume that we had some crazy good sex,” Thomas said, a proud little smirk on his face. “Which we do, of course.”

“Now that’s an idea,” He chuckled, though apart from maybe Pokemon and Sailor Moon, he didn’t know much about anime. He could start. “Or I’ll just trim my hair a bit and look like one of the thousands of guys in a boy band. They all had the spiked up hair.”

“If you see any on the way, let me know,” Thomas agreed willingly enough. Camping under the northern lights sounded a lot more romantic, anyhow. Fuck the law and all that, he might be able to get a sympathetic Irish cop who would understand the enchantment of such a thing. Trespassing didn’t always mean a bad thing. “Even just sleeping bags, I’ll keep you warm, love.”

“All of it,” He grinned. “Whether we sleep on the cold hard ground or in the softest bed, I’m only happy if it’s with you.” And he meant that, even though he was grinning, glad of his own little joke. He thankfully hadn’t had to spend many nights on the ground, he wasn’t Bastien who was used to dirty floors and newspaper blankets. But he could tough it out, he was sure of that. The wolf knew the ground more intimately than himself. “Never any shrinkage around you.”

“It’s the idea of there always being a light to bring you back home, no matter how far out into the dark you might adventure at times,” He said, giving his own perspective about lighthouses. “If you’re lost, you will be found and that sort of thing. I also remember hearing about lighthouse keepers. The kind that were dropped off on a small island somewhere for months at a time, having only each other for company. Could be the kind of thing that makes a person go mad but - I kind of fancy that life sometimes. You and me - a small island, staying cozy, really getting to know one another, each and every habit, and love growing from that.” He spoke like he was in a reverie as his eyes watched the road. “Yeah. I wouldn’t mind that for a while. But I wouldn’t give up our lives right now for all the lighthouses in the world.”

He started to laugh again, finding it charming that it was that memory that Flotsam associated with his ass. The time that he had gotten on a bike and Jetsam had jumped on, nearly making him lose his balance. Those had been some good days. He though of Jetsam ever once in a while, missed him even. “Cause they are real - we live many, many lives through those stories.”

He nodded as Flotsam told him about the hotel room. “Good to have options - and a kettle for my morning tea,” He smiled. Coffee was never his speed. Did he carry around a small tin of his own, with loose tealeaves for steeping just in case? Course he did - that might be appreciated here more since they were closer to England. The weather here in Ireland, the Emerald Isle because it fuckin’ rained all the time, was perfect for a good cuppa.

“Ahh, great, I’ll be able to put this fine ass in the same chair as the stars,” He chuckled to himself. He let the car fall into silence as Flotsam fell asleep. That was fine with him. His warmth was enough to make Thomas not feel lonely during the long drive, occasionally putting his hand on Flotsam’s leg or rubbing it calmingly as they went.

He would let Flotsam sleep until they got in close to the northernmost edge of Europe. He rolled the window down a touch and that familiar Ocean air was breezing through. Some people might hate it, but Thomas liked the salty smell. He thought of the Oceans as whole other worlds - full of strange creatures and endless depths. Depths so far below that no matter how much equipment people wore, the pressure would kill them before they got anywhere close to reaching the bottom. Terrifying, yes, but intriguing.

He could have stopped by the inn, had a rest, but he was feeling proper awake right now. It was starting to get late but he wanted to see the place at night before they turned around. The amount of stars out there tonight. He turned off the car, and then he lightly shook Flotsam. “Wake up, love, you’re going to want to see this.”

Flotsam noticed the Scout-doo Thomas was sporting and taming back into shape as they first drove away.

"It'll settle long before we get there, love. Don't worry. Always does. Wouldn't letcha embarrass yerself." He said as he reached over and gave comb through of his own fingers over and around his ear as he often did once settled in the car unable to quit touching the man.

"Although you know we have anime styles on lock if we really wanted for any costumed event." He teased. "We could both be mad styling."

He'd nod his head about the hotels. "Good idea."

Then he had a second thought. "Or camping store?"

He had no idea if people were allowed to hang around Malin Head over night considering how watched over Skellig was, but it was an idea. He'd look that up too momentarily not that he was always a rule follower, but he liked to know what he was getting himself into before he began.

"Exactly. You get me." Thomas seemed to understand right what Flotsam was trying to explain so all was right with the world. But, then he really started laughing.

"You, me, camping, or a good hotel bed? In more other words famous words of Jimi Hendrix. Are You Experienced? Fuck yeah I am and I know what happens in both situations. Aint gonna be no shrinkage here."

Then Flotsam contemplated lighthouses being romantic.

"Hmm. Never really thought about it. I heard Willem say that before, calls it his candle on the water, and I mostly just figured he was high and liked the ocean like me since he's a seafaring type guy. I do see artists always trying to paint them like it's some kind of symbolism. I've always gotten the ships and the anchors. People get those as tatts endlessly. I think what bothered me about lighthouses was it was the sign of trying to get back to land or reality while I was always trying to make it to the ocean or like get out of my head when it felt so far out of reach and reality sucked. I'm a poetic guy like that. Even Kuzco has a thing about lighthouses I noticed. Not entirely sure the story there except for his estate is also ocean side. I figure it correlates somehow. Willem's about it. Kuzco's about it. Even Sparky lived in one. She said it and I never went there out of spite of her family outside of riding some duck boats. It was on the river Mississip, not the ocean. Now you said it. That's it. I have to investigate this. We have to go up the lighthouse and see what all the fuss is about."

Flotsam loved Thomas was getting to do all the things he wasn't allowed if wanted to. That was golden. He wanted to be that for Thomas. Flotsam read somewhere most toy sales were from adults buying toys for themselves not children and that made him smile somewhere in his heart. People were allowing themselves to play more and not be so serious. When Harry Potter was mentioned Thomas said the most perfect thing. "That's it. You nailed it. That's exactly it. That's one of the many reasons I love your fine ass. Excuse me while I picture it on a bicycle again with Jetsam on the back because that booty fine. You're willing to do that with me. Everyone got boring and uptight. When we read a story, the words become a movie in my head. I see our movie everywhere. It becomes real."

Bilbo and Frodo indeed.

"I'm ready for our next adventure now."

If Flotsam was a video game his happiness meter would be rising to full.

"Okay, so I just booked us a hotel room in Donegal County not too far away to keep our options open. Also, luckily unlike Skellig this place does have actual toilets and coffee within human range since it's a peninsula not a remote tiny island. So, we're open to wing it and go with the flow do this however to our heart's content. Even a pub. Apparently the one all the Star Wars' actors hung out in since it was so close."

Flotsam leaned against the edge of his seat as the drive went on. Poor Thomas. Flotsam was going to get a snooze in before they got there and he wasn't.

[blouisparadise]

Upon request, here is a rec list of bottom Louis fics with everyone’s favorite trope - sharing a bed! We hope you enjoy this list. Happy reading!

1) Just Like Live Wires | Explicit | 5427 words

Harry climbs into Louis' bed when he's cold. Louis pines.

2) Been Gone Way Too Long | Explicit | 8836 words

“This can’t be happening,” Louis says, banging his hand against the window. “This seriously can’t be happening right now.”

Things like this only happen in the movies. Things like this don’t happen in real life. There’s no way that he’s seriously been snowed in. There’s no way that the heating is broken. There’s no way that it’s going to take upwards of twenty-four hours and probably a lot longer for the storm to break and someone to come and rescue them.

“Just sit down, Louis,” Harry sighs from somewhere behind him. He sounds miserable, like he’s already feeling the cold.

Louis whirls around and points a finger at him. “Did you plan this?” he demands a little hysterically. He regrets the question as soon as it’s out of his mouth, but he thinks he’s got a valid point. It’s not like this storm just came out of nowhere - it has to have been on the news for a couple of days, at least. Plenty of time for Harry to have canceled this excursion.

3) I'm Trying Not To Make A Sound | Explicit | 10452 words

Louis thinks he could die right there. He can’t feel anything but the tingling sensation all over his skin. He’s throwing away all his past thoughts on trying to be straight and denying his reactions towards other men, he just wants more of this numbing feeling. Everything else is a long lost memory, can’t think of anything else besides, wow, this feels incredible.

4) Enjoy The Ride | Not Rated | 11103 words

The one where Louis, an omega more than tired of being treated as lesser than alphas, is forced on a road trip by his beta besties only to meet Harry who might just be the alpha he never knew he wanted.

5) Cuffed | Not Rated | 15254 words

What would you do if you were handcuffed to your enemy for 48 hours?

6) Up For It | Explicit | 18223 words

The one where Liam is Mr Organised, Zayn is too perceptive for his own good, Niall is a compulsive matchmaker, and Harry and Louis might just have the surprise to shock them all.

7) Holiday Greetings (And Gay Happy Meetings) | Not Rated | 18417 words | Sequel

Note: This fic has no smut, but it has omega Louis. The sequel has smut.

The one where Niall's dead car and and a foot of snow conspire to force Louis into spending time with an alpha he hates.... or does he?

8) The Aurora Zone | Explicit | 19633 words

The one where Harry is busy crossing off his bucket list while Louis is busy falling for the guy he's supposed to hate.

9) I Wanna Be More Than Friends | Not Rated | 20721 words

The one where Harry’s an alpha with no sense of smell, Louis’ an omega who isn’t allowed to scent his best friend, and that’s all they’ll ever be. Obviously.

10) Etched In Salt (Is A Cathedral Of The World) | Explicit | 24417 words

Note: This fic has BH mentions. It is also locked and can only be read by AO3 users.

Louis asks for very few things in life, and they are: to solve cases, to keep bad people from doing their bad things, to get good coffee, to go home to a spacious apartment with nobody else in it, and to manage his stupid telempathy powers with minimal interference. And now he's stuck in a tiny cabin in a snowstorm in the middle of god-awful-nowhere with Harry Styles. Because of course he is.

11) Like A Siren In The Night | Explicit | 25868 words

“There is an infestation in my home,” Louis hisses, righting himself quickly and pushing his way past Harry, heading directly for the kitchen. He’s rather haphazardly dressed himself, a coat thrown on over a loose flannel shirt and black pants, slippers on his feet.

Harry resists the urge to sigh, closing the door and trailing behind him slowly. “What kind of infestation?”

For all he knows, Louis is going to claim that there’s a ghost infestation. Harry has no idea what the end game is here – all he knows is that Louis has found at least three complaints a week to bring up since he’s been living on Harry’s property, and he’s been living here for six months.

It’s way too many fucking complaints, is what Harry is saying. Especially when most of them are ridiculous to start with.

12) Always Come Back To You | Explicit | 28682 words

“I’ll do it,” Harry offers brightly. No one even blinks. “I’ll do it?”

Louis sighs irritably. “Shut up,” he orders, tossing a pillow in the general direction of Harry’s face. This is a terrible time for jokes, especially Harry’s lame, old people ones.

Not that it was an old people joke. Just that most of the time Harry’s jokes consist of knock-knocks or terrible puns. The type of jokes old people like, Louis’ pretty sure. His nan always finds them hilarious when Harry tells her one.

Harry bats the pillow out of the air without even blinking. “Be reasonable, Lou,” he says in his most reasonable voice.

Louis is perfectly reasonable, thank you very much, and he’s also frustrated and upset and tired and he really wants to punch something. Maybe he should have held on to that pillow a little longer.

“You’re not gonna fucking do it,” he snaps. “That’s the last thing I need.”

13) We’re Not Who We Used To Be | Explicit | 30611 words

“Harry…” Louis’ voice catches in his throat, thick with tears threatening to fall out, so he coughs to clear it before trying again. “Harry is Liam’s best man?” “You didn’t know?” Harry is standing at the entrance of the garage, mouth slightly open and face pulled together. He sets his bag on the ground and puts his hands on his hips. When he does that, he looks just like the Harry that Louis remembers (and loves, he thinks with an aching heart). “I’m sure I mentioned it,” Liam says, but Louis can tell he’s lying by the way he chews on his lower lip and twists his fingers together. “You’re all a bunch of dick heads, I’m getting in the car.” Louis isn’t sure if he’s being unreasonable. He has no idea what the protocol is when your ex-boyfriend shows up after three years and nobody bothered to give you a heads up. He’s pretty sure he’s allowed to be upset about it, even if it’s only for a bit.

14) Blind From This Sweet, Sweet Craving | Explicit | 31170 words

"So, I guess we'll go?" Louis asks later, when Harry has calmed down and eaten his weight in Chinese food. He plays with this chopsticks, spearing another piece of chicken and pops it in his mouth. "I mean, I wouldn't mind. We could make it an adventure."

Harry observes him, watches him seated across from him on their old living room carpet, with a container of food on his lap. He's fidgeting, avoiding meeting Harry's gaze–he probably knows that Harry's mad at him for ruining the one chance they had to get out of this situation. And he's not wrong, Harry is definitely very mad. Harry wants to strangle him and castrate him and smack him upside the head.

But he's also Harry's best friend, and despite everything, despite all the fuck-ups and the plot twists and everything just not playing out the way it should, he'd still rather be stuck in this situation with Louis than any of the other boys. He's got Harry's back, and in a weird, abstract way, he knows they'll be able to get out of this situation, together.

Harry sighs. "We're going," he says resignedly, his shoulders slumping.

Oh well. There are definitely worse ways to spend the weekend than pretending to be engaged to his best friend.

15) Welcome Back From The Friend Zone | Mature | 32584 words

The one where an idea to create a fake wedding with the sole intent to receive gifts from billionaires took a turn no one, but also everyone, saw coming.

16) Let Me Feel Your Heartbeat | Explicit | 34572 words

Harry is 98% sure Louis hates him. So he feels like his bewilderment is justified when the omega offers to help him through his rut.

17) Close To Nowhere | Explicit | 34589 words

Louis and Harry are psychics who kind of hate each other. They go to Tennessee to investigate a haunting.

18) Playing To Win | Explicit | 36732 words

Big Brother UK alumni Louis Tomlinson and Harry Styles are selected for the UK vs Australia All Stars series with a massive one million dollar prize in the offing. They’re both fit and smart and would make a great alliance... if only they can stop their feelings from getting in the way.

19) If I Stay | Mature | 37226 words

Harry and Louis agree to a temporary arrangement that Harry can't seem to walk away from no matter how many times he tries.

20) The Space Between | Explicit | 39917 words

Harry Styles is the alpha rockstar who can’t sleep and doesn’t know why.

Louis Tomlinson is the omega PhD student who helps him figure it out.

21) Strangers In Love | Explicit | 42207 words

Louis wakes up to find himself in a marriage with the last man he thought he'd ever end up with.

22) Tangled Up In You | Explicit | 45152 words

Harry blinks once. And blinks again. And says, his voice dangerous: “Niall, did you get me a mail-order bride?”

Because what the actual fuck. It kind of looks like Niall’s just purchased a person. For Harry.

Niall blinks back at him for a few moments, before throwing his head back and howling with laughter. Harry throws a pillow at him. Hard. “No, what the fuck, Harry.”

“A prostitute then?” Harry also doesn't want a prostitute.

“Of course not!”

“A stripper?”

“No!”

Damn, he’s running out of ideas. He settles for launching another pillow at Niall’s head. Niall bats it away easily, still laughing. “Stop!”

“What did you get me, then?!” Niall must hear the tinge of hysteria in his voice, because he’s pulling himself together, trying to stop himself from laughing.

There’s still a big grin on his face, though, when he says, “I got you a professional cuddler.”

A professional…what. “What?”

23) No Going Back | Explicit | 56102 words

Sales reps Harry and Louis are bored with their jobs and their lives. After meeting at a conference in Cardiff they hook up, have a few too many drinks, and jokingly apply to become remote lighthouse keepers. Six months, just the two of them, looking after the southernmost lighthouse off the bottom of Australia. It’s not like their applications will be accepted. Right?

This is the story of how one choice - a left instead of a right, a go instead of a stop, a yes instead of a no - can change the future forever and that sometimes, taking that leap of faith, is worth the risk.

24) Waiting For The Tides To Meet | Explicit | 59873 words

Soulmate AU. Everyone is born with heterochromia — one eye is their own eye colour, while the other is the colour of their soulmate's. It's only when they meet their soulmate for the first time that their own eyes match properly. After a hazy night at a frat party, Louis wakes up to blue eyes and the shocking realization that he had met his soulmate, without any sober recollection. Seven years pass where Louis comes to terms with the fact that he'll never know who his soulmate is. Then one fated summer, a beautiful green-eyed photographer arrives at Louis' workplace, with promises of endless laughter and a familiar feeling in Louis' heart.

25) Swallow The Knife | Explicit | 76158 words

“You came,” Louis says, still breathless, clinging to Harry, uncaring that his sweat is getting all over Harry’s presumably clean dad shirt, or that he’s making Harry hold up all of his weight.

“Of course I came,” Harry says. He shifts, one arm curled underneath Louis’ arse, the other spreading wide in the middle of Louis’ back. “If I ignored you every time you pissed me off we would have stopped being friends a long time ago.”

Louis already knows that, of course. It doesn’t do anything to stop the pleased squirm in his belly every time Harry proves it, though. They fight like nobody’s business, both of them too stubborn to pull their punches when they’re arguing, and it used to get them in trouble, but they always make up.

Adrenaline makes Louis loose-lipped, and they both know it. He tightens his arms around Harry’s neck, buries his face in his hair. “I missed you,” he confesses, quiet. “Doesn’t feel the same up there by myself.”

26) Waiting On You | Explicit | 76584 words

“Vampires,” Louis says with disgust, glaring over at the vampire who is noisily slurping from the woman’s neck nearby.

Zayn gives the neat fang marks on Louis’ neck a meaningful look.

“Can’t live with them, can’t live without them,” Louis finishes, ignoring Zayn when he rolls his eyes.

Louis takes a long sip of his milkshake, presses his fingers against the marks on his neck, and definitely doesn’t think about the vampire who left them there.

27) Perfect Storm | Explicit | 80230 words

What do you do when your best friend asks you and your (now) ex to be the best men at his destination wedding? You can either tell him the truth, tell him you’re not together anymore, and deal with the consequences, or you can pretend you’re still together and roll with it, just pray you don’t spiral. Fake it ‘til you make it. You know, for the sake of the wedding.

Harry and Louis choose the latter.

28) Nothing Worsens, Nothing Grows | Mature | 102528 words

Another roadtrip AU featuring Harry as the misunderstood hipster, Louis as the bitter psych major, Liam as the one with the secret boyfriend, and Niall as the one who just wants everyone to be happy.

Check out our other fic rec lists by category here and by title here.

[fandomdaydreamer]

The Lighthouse and The Ocean

Pt 11

Dilemma

Pairing: Pedro Pascal/OFC

Warnings: some mildly dubious consent, r-word, (but nobody is getting r*, chill)

Summary: What was the plan with these pictures? Pedro will have to make an unpleasant deal if he wants them back.

Notes: Also find this fic on Ao3 -here- or the series' Masterlist -here-

Author's note: The original draft turned out to be 12k long and I had to divide it into two parts. So, the next chapter shouldn't take as long to update!

PS: To all the men in show biz who have dealt with #metoo. Trigger warnings apply accordingly. Let's hate the character, not the author.

Length: 6.2k

~

Dilemma

His nostrils flared at the sight. There were several pictures exposing their unofficial liaison behind the curtains, both figuratively and literally. They showed Pedro caressing Nini's body and roaming his hands up her skirt and under her top while she was tugging at his clothes and clinging onto him with such insatiable greed. They held tightly on to one another while practically eating each others faces and the both of them were clearly enjoying it. It looked heated and raunchy, leaving nothing to the imagination and even suggesting more than there had truly been. The angle at which the pictures had been taken made it look like they were caught in the act. The lovers thought they had hidden away, yes, but from sight? Apparently, not so much.

Pedro's throat started to close up and he couldn't look at the woman in fear he would start yelling uncontrollably at her if he did. He wanted the tear the pictures up, throw them away and burn them to ashes. His fingers gripped the edges tightly enough to wrinkle the material.

His gaze snapped up at her when she spoke. "Oh, this is just a copy, by the way," Sharon mentioned with a spark of malice in her nasal voice. She stood in front of him in this dark and enclosed room, arms crossed and defensive. "The only other file in existence is safe with me, of course."

Pedro stared at her in a mixture of disbelief and anger and couldn't believe he was led here to be tricked into... what was it exactly? He could imagine a few reasons why she was doing this and blackmail was the most likely one of them. He wasn't stupid. "What is this?" He held back the threatening tone in his voice to the best of his abilities.

He knew he shouldn't have come down here but Pedro had heard a cry for help and had found a helpless Sharon trying to lift a heavy roll of fabric twice her size into this basement. The room was big enough to store plenty of spare materials, broken props, screens and apparently, secrets as well. He realised her struggle had just been a ruse to get him to be alone with her.

Pedro smiled ironically, thinking the designer chose the wrong profession. She would have made a great actress. Sharon had looked so desperate, about to collapse under its weight and though Pedro liked to stay as far away from this woman as possible, he couldn't just let her deal with it on her own, not when the set was about to close up for the day and everyone was meeting up to travel back to their hotels.

You didn't follow untrustworthy people into dark basements. Rule number one in literally every horror movie.

Sharon was testing his patience while she simply smiled at him like she was feeding on his anger. His mind raced a million miles per hour, imagining the scandal she would trigger. It really was a worst-case scenario and he could picture it ever so clearly, even against his better judgement. It didn't make any sense. "Answer me," Pedro glowered.

"Well, what does it look like, sugar?" The arrogance in her voice was remarkable as she asked him a question in return and traced a finger along his jawline to the tip of his chin. He evaded her touch and looked away. Sharon was the kind of imperturbable person who was usually easy to ignore but she had come on too strong a few times too often. Normally, he was able to deal with her and forget it after he had brushed off her advances with a polite decline. A simple 'no' should have been enough to remind her of the fact that he still wasn't interested. The first couple of times, it had still been amusing. After a while, he had gotten easily irritable in her presence.

"Funny, you and me in a dark and private room again. Anything could happen, really." Sharon mentioned when he had already turned his back on her.

"Sure." He replied tightly. Pedro had only wanted to help her push the fabric up against the wall and take his leave again but Sharon called him back to reveal what was inside her envelope then. She had shown him these pictures, right out of the blue.

She smiled at him. "Cute, aren't they?" She said like she kicked puppies for a living.

He pushed them back at her, pointing out the flaw in her plan. "You can't publish them, it's not legal." "Yeah, that's what we assume right now." Sharon didn't agree. She carried such a confident air about herself it would have been comical if Pedro hadn't found himself in such a gravely ill situation. Her smile would have been sweet if it would have only reached her eyes.

She couldn't leak them. There was no way. "I don't think you understand. There will be consequences if you publish pictures that reveal confidential information about the movie or violate the actors' privacy." He spoke calmly like he was explaining something to a mildly problematic toddler. "Do I have to remind you of the non-disclosure contract you signed so you could work here?" Either she carried a plan or she was just plain stupid. Never mind he knew the latter was also true, he wished for this simpler explanation.

Sharon studied the pictures in an absent-minded way like she had to recalculate their value. "Oh, we'll see. One could always find a way and accidents happen, like, all the time you know? You and I are the only people who know I have these, actually." she intervened and giggled at his expression. "For now." She sealed the envelope back together. "But I kinda wonder what Van Fleet would have to say about these. I guess she'd really want those pictures back, why don't you?"

"Try to do the smart thing for once and stay away from her." He warned Sharon and scoffed. "And I'm not playing your stupid game." He was ready to leave her here and climb the first stair when Sharon's next words stopped him in his tracks.

"You know, Leonie dealt with the one or other scandal and I would watch what I was doing if I was her." She spoke somewhere behind him and he took one careful exhale. Rage bubbled up inside him as he whisked around and took brisk steps towards her. "Careful." He warned her, pointing a finger at her.

She backed up against the nearest pillar with a sly smile on her lips, giddy almost at the proximity. "People will definitely look past your flaws quickly but to her, this would be some sort of a final strike that could really harm her career, if not... end it." She bit her lip excitedly at the thought of causing Nini harm. It made him sick. "Unfair, if you think about it. Nothing a popular man does could harm his career in an equal manner. The blame will be all hers."

He thought entirely too long about her hypothetical equasion. Sharon was right about this, of course. One tiny leak and they would all be in big trouble but Nini would be struck the hardest. She would be devastated. Could he risk ignoring Sharon if there was even the slightest possibility of these pictures leaking? He took a step back, letting out an aggravated sigh.

Sharon beamed at this newly found sign of weakness behind his eyes and walked around him until she playfully leaned her chin against his shoulder and cooed as she pitied them for the situation she caused. "Hm, tricky." The redhead batted her long, fake eyelashes at him.

He didn't want her that close. She had tried to flirt with him for weeks, first only hint her interest in him and then bluntly offered sex but she just couldn't take a hint. She even mentioned running a fan blog dedicated to him and though she didn't always act the part, she was obsessed with him. She was the lunatic kind of fan and she was only tolerated because Pedro didn't want to be the reason why people who were great at their job got fired, even if they were completely crazy. He had made a quick change of mind. Bothering him was one thing, threatening Nini another.

He walked away from her, circled the room and ran his hand across his face. "Okay, what do you want? Is it money? I'll pay you. Just don't harm her."

"Oh, honey-" she began. "Pedro, I would never harm anyone. I'm on your side. Though, I don't know what she did to lure you in and wrap you around her finger. I hate to be the one to tell you that she'll get bored of you one day but someone has to." She pouted when he glared at her. "You'll only get your heart broken."

He shook his head. "You don't know one single thing about her."

"I know you need a loyal woman. A real woman." He glanced the other way in annoyance before he could muster the patience to look at her again, her sharp perfume stinging in his nose as he took a deep breath to try and control his temper. "Like you, I suppose. Not if we were the last people on earth."

She took offence in his words, face twisting into an ugly sneer. "I guess I never had a chance 'cause you fuck women almost twenty years younger than you now, huh?" she insulted him by bringing up Nini's and his age difference.

He stared icily at her, mentally counting to ten. "Your pictures, Sharon..." he reminded her to focus, pushing away the thought in the back of his mind that she had a point. It felt very much like something that should be a serious issue but he had simply elected to look past it and don't care about age.

"I was about to give them to you. For free."

Nothing she'd offer would be free. His contempt for her actions was evident on his face. "What's the catch? Shouldn't you tie me up in your evil lair and explain your plan to me in detail?"

"Ouch." She squinted her eyes at him, leaning back. "It's really simple. I'll give them to you and the original file for... a night?"

He couldn't believe her right now. "Fuck you." Pedro brushed past her and knocked into her shoulder, not seriously considering this more than dubious way out.

"A kiss then." She called after him.

He chuckled bitterly. "Not even that." It was a game of poker, really. She had a good set in her hands, admittedly and he had to start bluffing. "I certainly won't consent to anything and you won't publish these either because you know Nini and I will sue you if you do. So, keep your fucking pictures. Your hands are tied and I'm not interested, never have been, never will."

"Great, alright. Suit yourself." Sharon cut him off on his way out and climbed the stairs towards the door herself. She looked back down at him when she reached the top. "Too bad you chose the hard way to do things." She commented before she shut the door.

Pedro heard a klick and a shuffle behind it. "What the fuck?" He cursed and rushed towards the door but when he turned the knob, he realised she had locked him up.

"Sharon, open the damn door!" He bellowed and slammed the palm of his hand onto the heavy metal. He turned to check the dimly lit room and cursed when he noticed it didn't have any windows.

"Hello? Is somebody out there?" He tried to call for help but nobody answered. "Fuck!" He kicked against the door and stalked the room like a mad man. He ran his hand through his hair, cursing the fact that his phone couldn't get a signal in here. He looked around for something that could possibly get him out... like a crowbar. There was nothing helpful in a room full of useless props and garbage.

'The hard way', he mentally repeated. What was Sharon going to do, what would she do to Nini and how the hell was he going to stop her when he was trapped in here?

~~~

Pedro's body slacked against the metal and he rested the back of his head against it. "Hello?" He complained weakly, for the millionth time. Why wasn't anybody working in this part of this damn location?

"Is somebody in there?" A tiny voice outside questioned and Pedro's eyes snapped open. He recognised the voice that belonged to Jim's assistant. "Laura, is that you?" He shuffled onto his feet. "Mr Pascal?" She asked in surprise and he would have told her again that calling him by his first name was just fine if he wasn't in such a hurry. "Open the door, please!" He yelled, relieved. He heard her try to turn the knob but she failed as well. "There is no key, I am sorry. But for standard lock, I have a hairpin!" She replied with a heavy German accent.

"Fantastic, thanks." Pedro let out a breath of laughter. "Where did you learn how to pick locks?" "Girl scouts." "You deserve a raise, scout girl."

"Don't worry about it." She replied while the lock was being picked. She twisted her hairpins inside the keyhole, the metallic noise snapping and scratching at the lock.

Pedro tried to see anything she was doing but the corridor outside was too dark. "Listen, I need you to call security and find Leonie. It's Sharon, that designer. She's gone mad." Pedro spoke through the keyhole.

"Oh, I know her. She is not very nice." The lock snapped and the door opened. "No, she isn't." Pedro rushed out to find the tall girl with thick glasses. He was already hurrying down the corridor towards the stairs but turned back mid-run. "Do you know where Leonie is?" "Miss Van Fleet is in her makeup trailer!"

"Danke sehr, Laura. I owe you one!" He shouted as he ran outside the building into the darkness and across the dry earth towards the makeup trailers that surrounded each other like the circus was in town. He cursed on his way, hoping he was still on time to prevent a disaster.

Pedro heard Nini's voice arguing with Sharon before he had even reached her trailer.

He ripped the door open and finally noticed he was out of breath from the run. He was sweating and trying to regain his composure. "You! Don't touch her!" He pointed at Sharon, who had an iron grip wrapped around Nini's wrist. His command was rough and left no chance for denying his request.

"Pedro?" Nini asked when she saw him, eyes wide in surprise.

All eyes were on him when he stomped up to the three women, one of them in particular who needed some serious support.

"I thought I asked you to stay away from her." He reminded Sharon with a dignified amount of patience in his voice as he put his body between her and Nini. His hand found hers subconsciously and manoeuvred her behind him.

"You leave me no choice!" Sharon protested, looking at him in such a pathetic way as if Nini had just hit her across the face, like he couldn't tell real tears apart from those of a crocodile. Nini scoffed as she stepped next to him again. "Choice?"

"It's hard, you know. Working your ass off for movie productions and serving you people who've got it all sorted out for them with your endless opportunities, like, especially those born with a golden spoon in their mouths!" She spat out her words, targeting them at Nini especially.

Nini's jaw dropped and the other woman standing somewhere behind them sighed. "Silver spoon," she corrected her in annoyance but Sharon ignored her. "Like, they throw away the sets you build with so much love and devotion and then they tear it off again and you spoiled Hollywood brats are always so mean and unappreciative."

Mean? It would have never occurred to Pedro to connect this description to the gentle girl next to him. Maybe she used crude language sometimes, she was certainly stubborn and right now, furious... but never mean. She would never even insult anyone.

"Oh, you're really taking the piss right now." Nini snarked, her use of British slang taking over when she got really angry.

Pedro took back his former statement.

She gave her a smile full of irony, dropped it and stuck up two fingers into the air afterwards, looking less a Hollywood brat and more like the kind of woman ready to throw hands with someone outside a bar or cut a bitch.

Sharon simply sneered at her.

"Have you seen these?" The woman in a dark business suit addressed Pedro and waved the pictures at him in an accusing manner. She was a rather impressively authoritative presence and even though he didn't know why it was her business or who she was to Nini, he nodded. He sensed she was on their side. She clicked her tongue but then eyed Sharon like one look could throw her stone dead. "Like publishing these wouldn't end in you losing a law case. And bitch, quit the crying. Save it for the day you'll have to compensate them."

Nini closed her eyes. "Thank you, Olivia."

"Who said anything about publishing?" Sharon threw her hand to her chest and acted shocked. She was touching Pedro's arm again as if he would protect her.

"There's no way you'd be able to anyway so why did you take them?" Pedro asked, mustering the very last of his patience when he pried her hand off his shoulder.

Sharon was too calm for his liking. She shrugged her shoulders. "I thought they must be good for something, right? I have nothing to lose, whereas for you it's..." She looked at Nini. "Uh, let's call it a real disaster."

He uncrossed his arms to block Sharon's way before she could approach Nini any further. "You're only doing this because I rejected you." He said lowly.

"Is that it?" Nini ducked under his arm and stood up to Sharon, the shorter woman suddenly twice as intimidating. "You can't take a no for an answer and now you're trying to destroy what you can't have by selling these to some kind of magazine." Sharon took a step back and opened her mouth to interrupt but Nini didn't let her. "Why can't you accept he doesn't want anything from you?"

"Again, I'm not selling them. I'm gonna keep them while you guys know they're in unsafe hands." She contradicted herself and lounged into the chair on the opposite side of the room, propping her feet onto the table.

Pedro clenched his fists. "Where are the copies?"

"Oh, you're looking for this?" She pulled a USB stick out of her cleavage, acted like she had found an easter egg and pushed it back down. So that's where they were. "I'm sure you'll get them back once we figured something out that's to all of our advantages."

"So you're blackmailing us," Nini spoke up, voice hollow. Pedro wanted to pull her aside, reassure her that they would be fine.

"Blackmail? No, call it a business arrangement." Sharon said, ignoring the way Nini glared at her like she wanted to break her spine over her knee like an uncooked noodle.

Olivia spoke up next. "I think we still don't understand what you want them to do."

"What do you want? Money? My firstborn? Get stuffed." Nini dismissed her, not willing to play a part while Sharon was having her villain moment. Pedro almost smiled at her, rememering how he had mentioned a different kind villain trope to Sharon. They had a way of thinking the same things sometimes.

"I don't want your money. There are things more valuable." She glanced over to Olivia and the pictures. "Like influence." She suggested and got very excited out of sudden. She jumped up and clapped into her hands. "I made it, baby, I was discovered!" Sharon flounced around until she stood in front of the mirror to admire herself, pull her top lower and inspect her waistline. "The Hanley gallery wants to show my work to the world, I'm going to be the next big thing in the American art scene!" She squealed out a sound of happiness and self-content and turned around, her vain smile freezing at the sight of their unamused faces. "Listen, I don't want to harm myself, Pedro or... your already damaged reputation but I see this as a fantastic opportunity to gain publicity."

She grazed Nini with her air, speaking near her ear. "I know you have, like, a lot of friends... rich and influential friends, puppet." she widened her eyes dramatically while Nini's narrowed. "I'm happy about this outcome 'cause my career as a set designer was going, like, nowhere. So, I'm getting fired and leave with a big bang. My designs aren't appreciated anyway and I 'am' an artist. With your help, I could rise in the world of fame like the morning star and sell my art for thousands of dollars once you tell all your little friends about my genius and show your pretty face at the vernissage."

Nini was laughing without an ounce of amusement in her voice. "That's what you want? A career starter? Do you have any fucking idea how simple it would have been to just ask me like a normal person would? But no, you've got to threaten us first." She blushed in anger. "So yeah, I'll promote your stupid art if that's all you want. Don't think for one second that I wouldn't do anything to protect him! I'll stop at nothing." She yelled out the last part while pointing at Pedro.

Pedro was stressed out too but affection grew inside his chest at the way his little songbird had transformed into a lioness to try and keep him safe and think about him first. They thought alike in that department. He was doing the same thing.

She had gotten up to Sharon rather fast, almost standing on her toes. "Listen, I'm gonna-" Pedro could imagine her just punching Sharon in the face and yank the memory device out from between her tits. As much as he wanted to see that, he had to try and keep her out of a fight. He couldn't risk her getting hurt. He put his hand on her back and just like that, she stopped. Tongue-tied, she lowered her finger. "Please. Calm down." Pedro tried to soothe her temper but she already had. It was the effect he had on her.

"I knew you won't do shit because there's one more thing I want, more than that and I'm always getting what I want," Sharon whispered harshly.

Her eyes drew to the side towards Pedro and he tensed up. He was starting to grow tired of her. "And you know exactly what it is." She purred, backing Nini off.

He was about to reply when the door opened again. This time, revealing two security men and Jim. "You're fired." The director gestured at her, first hand, without been given any context.

"Please, could you give us a moment?" Pedro stopped them with one raised hand before he could utter another word. The tall man with storm white hair scorned each of them with a strict glance but took his leave again after realising they had everything under control. Only Olivia decided to join them outside and leave the three of them. "I have to make a few calls." She sighed and slapped the photographs onto Sharon's chest.

Pedro squeezed Nini's shoulder. "Babe," he tried to persuade her it would be better if she didn't have to watch this. This was between Sharon and him. "I'm not leaving you with her." She replied, stubbornly and he saw there was no use in arguing with her as well.

"Sharon, just... don't do this. Please." He tried to persuade her one last time.

"Then there's no deal. Van Fleet will keep up her end of the deal to get the pictures back... after a successful exhibition. Until then, the pictures stay with me... unless?" "Pedro, what is she talking about?" Nini asked, pulling him closer. He still didn't answer. "What's your deal with him?" "Why don't you tell her?" Sharon replied, still expectantly looking at him.

"A kiss for an immediate exchange." Pedro finally explained and raised his voice again. "As an alternative to fucking whoring myself out."

He spied at Nini and saw her flushed cheeks pale in comparison to the white blouse she wore when she looked up at him. The anger inside her had come to a halt and her fury froze in the eye of the storm. The devastation in her eyes felt akin to cold waves of a big ocean crashing against a cliff.

She gaped at Sharon and cried out in disbelief. "You dirty bitch."

Sharon offered the pictures to Pedro and he frowned at them, exhaled slowly and gave her this empty look full of disgust and loathing. "You're a horrible person."

"I'm an opportunist."

Pedro put danger into his voice. "You can't make me." "Then I'm going to keep the stick but I can see that doesn't sit right with you or your little girlfriend either, right?" He said nothing. "Oh, oh... darling. I told you, you can have it. I just want you to kiss me like I'm her." She flicked her head in Nini's direction.

"You could never match her, ever come close to what she is or what she means to me." "I bet you can make me believe it." She gritted her teeth. "And you'll make her watch too." The evilness in her was a bottomless pit and he was nothing but sad at the reality that people like her existed, people without an ounce of decency or civility. He pitied her.

"What's your fucking problem?" Nini's voice had gone weak. "You!" Sharon all but screamed at her and made her jump at the sudden attack as she finally snapped. "You're my problem! What's your secret, huh? Why does everyone like you so much?"

"For starters, I don't blackmail people or try to rape them!"

Pedro was quick to interrupt them before they could start cutting each others throats. "Enough!" They stopped arguing and silence spread between them. "And if I did it, you would give them back, all of the original data and leave us alone?"

Nini pleaded next to him, tugging him slightly away from her. "Pedro, no. You don't have to do this. It's sexual harassment." Sharon rolled her eyes. "Such a harsh word. It's like a trade, nothing more. What's the big deal? You kiss people all the time as an actor."

Pedro scoffed. "That's different." Sharon took her time while she walked towards the door. "You can make the audience believe it's real. If this is all I would ever get, I would take it but I see, there's no reason why I should stay."

He saw her reach for the handle. "Wait." He heard himself say and she stopped, interested in what he would do next.

"Angel." Nini tried to remind him that he didn't have to consent. She palmed his face tenderly and he held her softly in return. Tears welled up in her eyes. "She can't do this to you, it's cruel and wrong and you know it. Let her keep them." She whispered to him.

"You're not the only one who would do anything to protect the other." He argued, giving her a gentle look, tugging at her chin as he had done earlier. "We can't risk it. I don't want her to have that kind of power over us. It's just a kiss. It's easy. I'm okay, I got this." It sounded like it was no big deal but the sense of betrayal gnawed at his consciousness and would leave an ugly stain on her trust in him, he feared.

Nini's eyes were simply fixed onto him and emptiness poured into her gaze when she realised it wasn't for her to decide the outcome of this.

"I know," she needed time to process the situation. She leaned against his chest as he tipped his head down to rest it against her forehead. He shut his eyes.

He knew she wanted to lash out and protect him but he had already made up his mind. He tried to convey the message into their silent exchange and eventually, she gave him a weak nod, eyes fixed onto the floor when he let her go unwillingly. Guilt trapping him as soon as he had turned his back on her.

He looked at Sharon in disgust. She won. "Deal," Pedro replied, defeated and ready to get it over with as soon as possible.

She seemed surprised. Pedro ignored her smugness as she looked at him expectantly and pushed her hair behind her ear, licking her lips. "See, I knew you'd come around." She told him in sickeningly sweet triumph. He hated her for this exercise of power that subjected him and forced him to do this in front of his girl.

She let him come to her. Pedro had no desire to kiss anyone else. He wished Nini wouldn't be here to watch, wished he had gotten it over with back in that basement, wished had any idea what would happen if he refused. He knew what to do and nevertheless, it took him some time to prepare mentally. He sighed once when he stood in front of her, taking in her pug face and the excited sparkle in her eyes.

He flexed his jaw, leaned in and saw Sharon's eyes close as their faces approached each other. It felt cold, mechanical. Though he pressed his lips onto hers, he didn't touch her anywhere else. A few seconds and then it was over. He hated every single one of them.

"Pathetic. You didn't even try." Sharon mused, disappointed. "No, that won't do. I know you can do better."

He turned his head to see Nini standing there, murder written on her face before she raised a full bottle of wine, first to him and then to her lips. Pedro wondered where she had produced it from and if she would share it later. She swallowed when she returned Sharon's stare. "What, you wanna kiss me too? I'll fucking do it, you twat."

Pedro laughed, actually laughed at her words but the other woman tried to get his attention back and he remembered his task with a sense of dread.

He cleared his throat and clenched his fists, Nini was right. It had to be done. This was an acting job. He had kissed multiple people before for the cameras, people he didn't necessarily have any feelings for but none of which had been nearly as unpleasant as Sharon.

Though Sharon wasn't considered unattractive by social standards, she was a person of horrible character and thus as ugly and revolting to him as you could possibly become.

He needed to dissociate. Maybe if he did treat this as an acting job, it wouldn't be that bad and the woman would be satisfied after he had treated her like a scene partner. He skipped his memory for a character who wouldn't have a problem performing an act to get what they wanted. Maybe Maxwell Lord... too flamboyant. He thought again. He eventually settled for Javier Peña instead. He stopped being Pedro then, regarding it as easier for him to channel the character and forget everything else.

He grabbed her waist before kissing her again, surprising her with the eagerness he had faked many times before.

He moved his mouth against hers and didn't pull back when she parted her lips and gave him access to slip in a little tongue. He pressed in harder, giving Sharon a kiss she would never forget, all or nothing. His hands came up to frame her face so he could deepen their connection and turn it into something bruising and demanding. A simple pause for breath became the end of it.

Sharon tipped forward, losing a little of her balance. She seemed like she was in a daze, brain emptied from her vile intentions after experiencing the simplicity of carnal desires. She had been kissed into hazy mindlessness but it had been all but a taste, a fake glimpse.

"Happy?" Pedro asked and stepped away, wiping his mouth as he turned to face Nini. She looked sad, for him, he guessed and he felt ashamed, dirty and taken advantage of. What little aggravated last sliver of control he had had, he had poured into that passionate kiss a man like Javier only reserved for someone who would take the edge off at the end of the day.

He silently reached out for her wine bottle and felt it connect with his palm while he stared ahead.

Sharon dared to walk up to Nini and push the stick into her hand. Pedro didn't have to witness it to feel the tension.

"The invitation to my vernissage still stands, doll," she mentioned. "Yeah, go fuck yourself," Nini answered with a laugh.

He took a deep swig while the woman made her exit and was immediately flanked by security.

"Vieze kutwijf." Nini mumbled and Pedro hummed in agreement, even though he didn't know what the words meant. They were accurate.

They climbed down the trailer and she groaned out in fury as they watched them walk away and disappear. "Are you okay? What can I- what do you need, do you need space? I can-" She touched Pedro's arm but drew back, unsure if he was open for physical contact at all.

"No, mi amor, not from you. Not ever." Because he understood why she was hesitant, he drew her in for a hug himself and she sighed in relief.

"Let's destroy it." He buried his face into her hair and breathed her in until he felt comforted. She nodded and smiled bitterly but she also fought a grin and rolled her eyes at Olivia when she came back to join them. The woman crossed her arms at their familiarity. "Shut up," Nini mumbled at her.

Her smooth voice rang through the dark. "I didn't say anything." "I can feel the judgement."

Olivia sighed in disapproval but mustered a crooked smile. "You're not going to her art thing, right?" She asked Nini while Pedro was still holding her close with one arm. "I think I'd rather deep throat a cactus," she replied and Pedro choked out a laugh between a swig of wine.

"Vernissage..." Olivia muttered, unimpressed. "That attitude will give her only vanity sale gallery deals in the future."

"Pedro, this is Olivia Hunter, my agent. Olivia, Pedro." She introduced them, Olivia being the one who extended her hand to him first. The white of her eyes lit up in contrast to everything else that was dark about her. She had a strong facial bone structure and heavy braids piled up on her head.

Pedro shook her hand. "Nice meeting you, Olivia." She hummed sceptically in return and he put extra effort into his inviting smile, trying to win her over like he would if he was meeting Nini's relatives. He couldn't hold up the façade for long. "You don't happen to carry a lighter?" He asked, seriously once again.

"Give me that," Nini demanded the lighter Olivia silently held out to them. She jumped back into the trailer and emerged with the photos. She was giving them to him. "Would you do me the honour?" After she had ignited the cheap plastic lighter, Pedro tipped the corner into the flame, letting the fire lick its way up the paper until the edges curled and lit up. They watched them waste away until he had to drop them into the dust. Pedro observed the last of their kiss light up in fire and frowned at the feeling of regret in his heart for not keeping them for himself. What was wrong with him?

The memory stick was tossed onto the hard desert earth next and found its end under the heel of Nini's boot. She grunted angrily and stomped until it cracked, was crushed into bits and ruined forever. "I think it's dead." He tried to gently persuade her to stop and Nini huffed out with one last aggressive stomp. She flicked her head back gracefully afterwards and blew a strand of hair out of her face. The three of them broke out into snorts of laughter. "Proost." Nini took another swig and offered the bottle to Olivia.

Olivia tutted and went to leave. "You better go ahead and get some sleep, Nini." She instructed her.

"Yes, mum." "I didn't hear that." She was given a smile that revealed a secret fondness for Nini's rebellious nature. Pedro on the other hand earned one last strict glance. "Now you take good care of her or I'll make sure you'll live to regret it." She didn't have to remind Pedro. "Of course, ma'am." He replied before she turned around and left them at the trailer.

Nini gently rubbed his back and Pedro let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding. "Don't worry," Nini said. "That means she likes you."

~

Part 12

Translation notes:

(ger): danke sehr - (eng): thank you very much

(dut): vieze kutwijf - (eng): dirty cunt(woman)

(dut): proost - (eng): cheers

[funky-boat-zone]

can this be a “pilot episode” if it’s a fic—

(the first fic for my salty’s lighthouse au is finally done! enjoy (or don’t). also it’s not going on ao3 because there’s no tag for this show and i don’t wanna clog the tugs tag.)

It was 6:30 in the morning, with the sun just starting to cast its light over Snugboat Harbor. All twelve tugs (plus Grampus) waited in front of Captain Star’s window for their orders. No one knew what they were waiting for besides the fact that Star had specifically asked the Zero Fleet to wait at her window instead of his.

Ten Cents yawned. “Why’d Captain bring the Zeroes here instead of just waiting for Zero to come to work?”

“What, do you have a problem with us staying at your dock?” Zorran snapped, Zug glancing apologetically at Ten Cents on his behalf.

Ten Cents sputtered in irritation. “No, of course not! Sheesh, are you sure you’re not the one with a prob—“

“Have some respect! If she called all of us over, it must be something serious!” Top Hat protested.

“D’ya think somebody sunk?” ZB tactlessly wondered aloud to Zak, earning him a few horrified looks from his fellow tugs.

“Well if the Coast Guard’s not here, it probably wasn’t someone that important.” Zak replied, only to spot Zorran glaring at him. “… What?”

“Shh, here she comes!” Hercules ordered, which promptly stopped the boats’ chatter.. for the time being, anyway.

Sure enough, a blue and white-striped megaphone popped out of the window. “Star Fleet, Zeroes, Boomer’s owner wants to know if Snugboat Harbor has the right kind of jobs for him and he’s coming to assist you all with work today! Whether or not he decides to stay, I expect you all to be on your best behavior!” With that, she returned to her office, closing the window on the way and leaving the tugs to talk amongst themselves until Boomer inevitably arrived.

Ten Cents groaned. “Oh no, what’d we do?”

“What do ya mean?” Zip asked.

“He’s jinxed! Cursed! No reasonable captain would make their tugs work with Boomer unless it was some kind of punishment!” Big Stack cried.

Ten Cents’ sighed. “I remember when he wanted to ‘help us out’ with a liner.”

“How’d that go?” Sunshine asked, although she quickly realized her mistake when she saw how Ten Cents’ face fell. “… Too soon?”

“Lighten up everyone, it’s not like he means to bring bad luck.” Warrior chided.

“And it’s not like Sunshine means to run bow-first into other tugs because she can’t take two seconds to look where she’s going, what’s your point?” Zorran argued, ignoring Sunshine’s cry of “Hey!” from across the jetty.

“Can’t we at least try to be nice to him?” Sunshine suggested. “Who knows? Maybe his luck will turn if we stop acting like everything he does is bad luck, just saying.”

The dead silence from both fleets indicated that they weren’t feeling inclined to take her suggestion.

—

Roughly an hour later, ZB spotted a tug in an orange worker’s cap and matching livery entering the harbor. What stood out to him the most was the tape and bandages covering the vessel, no doubt covering the cracks, dents, and holes from his countless accidents. “Must be Boomer.” He thought aloud to himself, pulling his barges out of the way so he could pass by. From how far away the other tug was, there was almost no way Boomer would actually hit the barges, but better safe than sorry, right?

Almost as soon as the tug in the orange cap was out of sight, ZB heard Zero cry “Watch the dock, watch the dock— I said *watch the dock!*”, which was in turn followed by a loud thunk and Zero lamenting the damage to his newly-repaired dock.

“Yep, has to be Boomer.” ZB corrected himself.

—

Much to the dismay of everyone, including the captains, Boomer’s first job for the day involved helping Warrior and Big Stack transport explosives. Both fleets were ordered to give them plenty of room, which they gladly did, excessively so: Not just because it was captain’s orders, but because no one wanted to be hit with flying shrapnel in case this job went wrong.

“C’mon, I’m pretty sure we don’t need to give them that much room.” Hercules sighed, noticing how both fleets were stationed almost a liner’s length apart from each other. Despite his reassurance, no one made a move to get closer.

“Well, I may end up in a museum someday, but that day will not be today and my exhibit will not be one on shipwrecks!” Top Hat argued, earning a few eye-rolls from the rest of his fleet.

“Really, you guys need to stop assuming the worst of him! He’s not even the one towing the explosives, there’s no possible way he could—!“ Hercules was interrupted by an explosion, followed quickly by Big Stack proclaiming “I’m okay!” in the distance. He looked to his horrified fleet. “O-Okay, that was just a fluke! Besides, it doesn’t sound like all the barges exploded—!” As if on cue, there was another explosion.. And another. And another. Warrior, Big Stack, and Boomer met up with their fleet and were thankfully all still afloat and intact, albeit covered in soot and understandably shaken.

“… Did you manage to save any of the barges?” Top Hat squeaked out, looking at the smoke rapidly rising in the distance.

“Some of them! Well, I don’t know how much good they’ll be, since they’re.. kinda-sorta—well, very much on fire now.” Boomer stammered. “But we tried!” Almost immediately after Boomer stopped speaking, there was a bright orange light in the distance, with all the tugs recognizing it as a fire.

Sunshine winced as her fleet scattered and passed her to find the Fire Chief. Ten Cents sighed.

At the very least, the blaze was only the second worst fire he’d ever seen in port.

—

“Who needs the Star Fleet? Zero’s been looking for another tug anyway.” Zorran noted as Boomer and the rest of the Zero Fleet prepared to pull down a group of old buildings. “Now, all you have to do is secure your line to these buildings, sound your whistle to make sure everyone gets clear, and pull them down.” There’s no possible way Boomer could mess this up, it’s so easy that even Zip and Zug can do it!

Boomer did as he was instructed, sounding his whistle as soon as he got his line on the building’s superstructure. The rest of the Zero Fleet stayed back, shut their eyes, and waited for the sound of the building to come down.

… And waited. And waited.

“I’m not hearing any…” Zug stammered to try and find the right word before settling for just poorly imitating the sound of a building falling down. “Y’know, any of that.”

“Zorran?” Boomer called. “It’s— Uh, the building’s not coming down!”

“… What?” Zorran asked incredulously.

“I think I made myself pretty clear, I’ve been—“ Boomer stopped to catch his breath, “I’ve been at it for at least a few minutes and it hasn’t budged.”

Zorran steamed over to where Boomer was struggling, wondering how he could fail such a simple task. “Move over and let me see that!”

ZB cringed as soon as he saw his boss head toward Boomer. “D’ya think the building’s gonna collapse if he—“

Zak quickly wrapped his line around ZB’s towbitts, making sure he stayed put. “Nah, let Zorran figure that out for himself.” He said. ZB stayed out, failing to notice the smirk on Zak’s face.

Zorran approached the building, having pushed Boomer out of the way. “I don’t see any reason why it hasn’t fallen yet—OH NO!” Shrapnel and dust flew everywhere as the building finally collapsed as the Zeroes had hoped.. right on top of Zorran, who sunk to the bottom with a terrified yelp.

Once the dust cleared, the rest of the Zero Fleet hesitantly steamed over to check if Zorran was okay. Thankfully, he wasn’t fully sunk, since the water near the abandoned buildings was too shallow to let that happen. In fact, he seemed relatively fine for a tug who’d just had a small building collapse on top of him.

“You—“ ZB coughed, “You okay?” he asked nervously, turning carefully to avoid hitting the debris in the water and coughing from the still-lingering dust.

Zorran just shook his wheelhouse resignedly, his eyes unfocused. “At this rate, those kids will go blind if they keep talking to that lighthouse.” He muttered.

The Zeroes exchanged a nervous glance with each other.

“I’ll get him to Lucky’s.” Zak sighed.

—

Zorran returned from Lucky’s good as new, although he looked just as irritated as usual. With the Zero Fleet done with their jobs for the day, he planned to meet up with them near a set of old docks, hoping the Star Fleet wouldn’t come by. “So, who do you think is going to be the oh-so-lucky fleet who gets stuck with Boomer?”

“Probably the Star Fleet, I’m calling it now.” Zak said. “They’ll take anything! I mean, look at Grampus! What’s Captain Star gonna do with a submarine, make him check the docks for barnacles?”

“Hey, he could check boats for barnacles too!”

“Not my point, Zug.”

“Sorry.”

—

Unbeknownst to the Zeroes, the Star Fleet were having a near-identical argument at their own dock.

“I don’t wanna say I don’t want him around—“ Sunshine began.

“I do.” Top Hat said snootily, causing the rest of the Stars at the dock to glare at him.

Sunshine ignored Top Hat and went on. “—But Captain just got Grampus, and I didn’t hear her talking about buying another tug.”

“Ah, so Zero wants him, then.” Big Stack sighed. “Never thought I’d say this, but I feel bad for the Zero fleet.”

—

Both the Stars and the Zeroes apparently had the same idea, because Warrior, Big Stack, and Zorran all found themselves gathered in front of the Star Dock in hopes that they’d get Captain Star to change her mind.

“What’s the problem, Star Fleet.. and Zorran?”

“Well, it’s not that we don’t like Boomer..” Warrior began, only for his brother to cut him off.

“We just hate working with him! I keep telling you, every time someone works with him, they end up crashing, sinking, or getting set on fire! Unless you put something into place to keep this from happening, he can work alone!”

Zorran cut in. “Or at least get someone more expendable to—“

“Zorran!” Both brothers snapped, prompting the Zero Fleet’s leader to shut up.

Captain Star sighed. “I guess now’s a good time to tell you that Boomer likely won’t be working with either of your fleets. Zero and I have thought it over and talked it out, and he doesn’t need a new harbor tug and the Star Fleet has plenty of tugs as is.”

“… Oh.” Big Stack and Warrior responded awkwardly. As much as they didn’t like working with Boomer, it wasn’t as if they wanted to drive him out of the harbor.

“Yes!” Zorran cheered quietly, though not quietly enough to keep Warrior from hearing him and shooting him a disapproving glance.

Captain Star ignored the tugs’ reactions and continued. “Star Fleet, I’d like you to say goodbye to him once you’re all done with work. Snugboat Harbor wasn’t the right fit for him, but let’s wish him luck.”

“Aye aye!” The Star Fleeters agreed before leaving to help the rest of their fleet finish work for the day. Zorran just turned around, headed for his own dock, and prepared to go to sleep.

—

The sun was just beginning to fall as the Stars and the Zeroes gathered to say goodbye to Boomer. The Zeroes arrived twenty minutes late, because Zorran refused to leave his dock and it took the rest of his fleet to drag him to the meeting spot.

“Goodbye Boomer! We wish you the best of luck!” Sunshine cheered.

The Zero Fleet looked to Zorran, only to realize he was falling asleep where he was floating. Hoping Boomer wouldn’t notice, ZB bumped his leader, jolting him awake.

“Uh— what she said!” Zorran shouted as his fleet sighed disappointedly behind him.

Thankfully, Boomer took no notice. “Thanks guys! I’ll be sure to write or visit or something once I find my new job!” He shouted before sailing off toward the horizon.. But not before accidentally sinking a buoy on his way out.

“Should we tell—“ Otis wondered aloud before Hercules cut him off.

“Nah, Captain doesn’t have to know.” Hercules said, wanting to just enjoy the moment.

But once Boomer passed under Snugboat Harbor’s bridge, a small piece of infrastructure came loose and crashed down onto his bow. While it wasn’t enough to collapse the bridge, it was certainly enough for Boomer to notice as he yelped in pain.

The Star Fleet froze in horror, wondering if they should go and help before Boomer’s voice broke the silence. “I’m okay!”

Realizing the rest of his fleet was staring at him with an expression that could best be described as “We told you so”, Hercules sighed and turned around to head to his dock. “I know, I know, I’ll go tell Captain.”

[magebastard]

(ok thank you so much @possumsunshine for making this big fat wayhaven detective questionnaire i had FUN doing it)

QUICK READ OF YOUR DETECTIVE

Name: lane m. wheatley

Pronouns: she/they

Sexuality: bisexual

Love interest: mason

Best friend: unit bravo all of them

Main skill: people

Secondary skill: science

Main personality trait: genuine

Secondary personality trait: easygoing

Why did they join the Wayhaven PD?: wants to protect people

Relationship with Rebecca: bad so bad laughably bad

Relationship with Bobby: ex

Verda or Tina?: verda

Murphy bite?: neck

Murphy’s fate?: captured

Rescue LI or Rescue Sanja?: mason she panicked

GENERAL

Name: lane marshall wheatley

Nickname: detective (affectionate)

Birthday: december 8th

Age: 27

Pronouns: she/they

Sexuality: bisexual

Hair color: honey blonde

Eye color: dark brown

Height: 5’1

Piercings: a few holes in her ears and her septum but she very rarely wears the septum ring

Tattoos: a rat on her left thigh, a stick and poke that says dunkin donuts on the inside of her left ankle

Clothing Style: smart. blazers and slacks. very shiny loafers. big bulky wristwatch. christopher moltisanti from the sopranos.

Apartment Style: dark. but fully furnished by bulk trash day

STATS

Personality:

Charming | Intimidating

Impulsive | Cautious

Sarcastic | Genuine

Friendly | Stoic

Easygoing | Stubborn

Traits:

Heart | Mind

Optimist | Pessimist

Team Player | Independent

Skills:

Main Skill: people

Second Skill: science/technology

By the Book | Bend the Rules

KEY DECISIONS

Reason for joining the Wayhaven PD: wants to protect people

Murphy bite: Wrist | Neck | None

Murphy’s Fate: Captured | Escaped

Rescued: Love Interest | Sanja

ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP

Love Interest: mason

Why them?: ok time to be A Bit Much™️ but she immediately identifies herself in mason. like felix and nate are open and kind which she tries to embody, and adam respects her so long as she does her job which she understands and appreciates. she doesn’t understand or relate to any of them in a romantic sense. with mason she sees that ‘oh, he likes to hook up and flirt. he’s kind of grumpy but that’s fine i also pretty much exclusively only hook up and flirt. so that could happen.’

Bold, shy, or mixed?: bold

What were their first impressions of each other?: for lane, mason immediately pissed her off. she was very stressed out by the case and rebecca’s sudden appearance and adam’s attitude, so her patience was so thin and she just didn’t care about much beyond solving the mystery of the murder. she thought he might have seen her in a weak spot and pointedly ribbed her because of it so she was like “i literally just need to learn to ignore this man.”

for mason, it was a weird mixed bag, because he could pick up on lane’s reluctance to work with a team—especially rebecca’s team. with that impression in mind, he sees her cast all of her personal feelings aside for the sake of solving the case and protecting the town, and he relates to that instinct. other than that, he was generally annoyed that they had to work with her

What do they find attractive about each other, mentally or physically?: everything for sure but specifically their favorite features -

for lane: mason’s freckles and his long nose and hands. mentally, it’s his honesty and sense of humor

for mason: lane’s eyes, cheeks when she smiles, legs. mentally, it’s her open mindedness and protective nature

What do they do to spend time together?: they go on walks, lane tries to find mason’s favorite music, they watch movies, they go on long drives, they sit at the lighthouse, they watch sunsets together, they stare at the moon

What is their favorite memory together?: they make a lot! the first time they quietly sit together on the roof of the warehouse becomes especially important to them both over time

What are their love languages?: touch, quality time, lane is half in/half out on words of affirmation

How do they handle being apart from one another?: ok deep romance mason feels the brunt of hypersensitivity with also the ache of loss so he mostly sulks and sticks to his room. lane kind of walks around on autopilot. not really realizing it, but definitely experiencing heavy brain fog and going home and berating herself for being needy but also crying

Do they argue? How do they handle arguments and disagreements? How do they make up?: they don’t really argue! mason doesn’t really think not to speak his mind and lane is very communicative and easygoing. they bicker when one of them ends up in avoidable danger, but it usually ends with a quiet “i need you to stay safe.” something w that sentiment

What does their future look like?: traveling and a lake house. staying with unit bravo through thick and thin. lane turns when she’s 29, and they stay in wayhaven until she turns about 45 and eyebrows start to raise.

Anything else you’d like to share: they do get married. it’s a very small and very private ceremony that doesn’t really matter much to either of them but conceptually being husband and wife feels very funny and novel and also just makes sense

BEST FRIEND RELATIONSHIP

Best friend: i cannot choose but for this instance i will go with nate

Why them?: they talk a lot about literature and food and music and lane bids on antique furniture for nate because he doesn’t know how to use ebay. it’s a very precious friendship for them both

What were their first impressions of each other?: lane is weary of nate because he’s so charming that she worries that maybe he’s TOO confident. it passes when he gives that exasperated vibe off over felix being overtly outgoing in like a “oh he’s the parent” kind of way. he also has this comforting presence and she worries that he assumes she needs to be comforted. nate is weary of lane because while he’d never assume that someone is incapable at first glance, lane looks like a stiff wind would blow her over and that she hasn’t slept in a year. also his first genuine sight and impression of her is this tiny person taking a coffee pot apart piece by piece and grumbling very angrily to herself.

What do they do to spend time together?: nate purchases period piece luxury furniture and sometimes it is not in the best condition so lane and nate restore old furniture together. they debate about shakespeare and different genres of music. sometimes they play together. they swap recipes and while nate doesn’t gossip much, he always listens to station drama over tea/coffee.

Anything else you’d like to share: nate is the first person lane talks to about becoming a vampire. she knows he has his own reservations and she needs to hear them. also lane, nate and felix paint each other’s nails every few weeks. adam has an open invitation that he cashes in maybe twice a year.

OTHER RELATIONSHIPS (Feel free to go in depth!)

Relationship with Rebecca: bad! they are strangers to each other and also very sad reflections of one another. rebecca makes lane feel so small without even trying

Relationship with Rook: rook was as beloved in wayhaven as lane is now, if not more so. she hears about him in stories that every adult in town seem to know. he’s her hero and she’s always a bit devastated that she never got to know him. lane had a crisis of identity in her sophomore year of college and suddenly the stories she’d always heard felt like a calling to try to be good like rook. this ends up being why she declared her major in forensic science and started working towards becoming a detective like he was

Relationship with Bobby: it’s pretty much fine. neither of them were great when they were together and lane feels a bit bad now because she definitely used him. he did the same, for a few reasons. they’re okay now, but lane kind of feels kind of weird about the 8 months they dated.

Relationship with Verda: they are science best friends. they drink wine on the porch on summer nights, and lane babysits the kids when sol and eric need a night off

Relationship with Tina: very close. your best coworker friend who you start spending time with outside of work and then you realize that you are almost spending all of your time together with them actually. lane’s spent the last two years worth of holidays with the ponames

Relationship with the Mayor: not great! she’s very ‘by the book’ but always takes the chance to snark him. used to egg his house as a teen

Relationship with Capt. Sung: she sees him as a weird general manager at work and can be fine with small and idle chatting when they run into each other at town functions

Relationship with Haley: haley and lane hooked up a lot when lane and bobby broke up. they were band kids in high school together and it’s a very important friendship for lane

Relationship with Elidor: she is so comforted by this fae man. they talk science, they chat about personal dreams, huge hugs.

Relationship with Tapeesa/Vieno: lane has a friendly relationship with vieno! they call her buddy and she internally is like “i am! i am your buddy!”

Relationship with Unit Alpha: dunks on maaka for making fun of nate and adam. they’re pretty blunt and open and she likes that energy a lot

Relationship with the Maa-alused: a lot of guilt over them losing their home. lane gets the vibe that falk was flirting but she didn’t want to assume but also she was into it. devastated by the fact that she could have saved sanja if she hadn’t let her feelings cloud her sense of logic.

Do they have any other important relationships, past or present? (Relatives, friends, etc.?):

this is. a lot. (CW death and vehicular trauma) there was a boy who lane grew up with, who lived in the house across the street from her childhood home. by far, her best friend. they started dating freshman year of high school, and ended up in the same university, still together. lane was a comm major until her sophomore year and the two of them started a band in high school that became the band that lane was in for years.

in their sophomore yr of college, he proposed and lane said yes, of course, they had NO plan or any idea outside of the band of what they wanted to do for the rest of their lives. that same year, they ended up in a car crash and he did not make it. this is what triggered lane to kind of lose a lot of her sense of identity. she found comfort in stories about rook and decided that—with no direction, who would be better to emulate than her hero? her partner’s name was david, they were soulmates and ya she still misses him

other than that, the two other guys that were in the band who she has not seen since the funeral. i have this idea in my head of writing the scene where they visit and meet unti bravo which would be entirely for me and my own little rat brain

PERSONAL BIO

Describe their personality: very laid back and open/honest. easygoing

Strengths: very detail oriented, can spot the faintest whiff of a pattern and connect dots with sparse evidence. emotionally driven to the point that she pushes herself beyond her limits to do a job well. very technologically savvy

Weaknesses: emotionally driven lmao cannot separate herself from a case once she’s started, feels personally responsible for everyone she could not save. bottles up her anger until she has no choice but to deal w it via crying.

Where in the world is their Wayhaven?: somewhere on the east coast. near a wawa

What is their personal history?: lane is a town stray. she had her house with nannies and agency babysitters who weren’t invested in her emotional growth and well-being, so her defacto family is uh all of wayhaven. neighbors, mailmen, friends parents, shop owners. she connects as much as she can with everyone in town. she drifts a lot between them, and after the accident she realizes that she would do anything to protect these people

If they weren’t a detective, what would their dream job be?: if rook were never a detective, lane would have probably leaned less on stories of his heroism. she probably would have stuck closer to her friends and tried to commit to making music her full time job

Anything else you’d like to share: she picked up smoking very young and it’s genuinely surprising to people that she has never questioned why she does it or that she’s never had any intention of quitting ever

RANDOM FACTS

Zodiac sign: sagittarius

Hobbies: furniture restoration, making music, walking, cooking/baking

Likes: a funky little bass line, marlboro menthols, giving piggy back rides, painting walls, being a lab tech and assistant for verda, sitting on the kitchen counter in the middle of the night

Dislikes: arguing, loud noises, when it gets too hot outside, when it gets too cold outside, when she catches someone in a lie and they continue to deny it

Drink of choice: black coffee w a little cinnamon mixed in the grounds

Starbucks order: 6 shot latte w soy

Favorite food: grilled eggplant

Favorite color: this color is called black bean it’s this

Favorite music: not to be annoying but truly all of it there is something she can enjoy in every genre but early 2000’s rnb and hard core punk probably

Favorite genre (and favorite movie/book/etc): she loves a rom com but also thrillers. her favorite movies are muppets treasure island and ratatouille

Favorite season: spring!

Anything else you’d like to share: her car’s name is Hank

[pixelgrotto]

Saltmarsh stories

One more Dungeons & Dragons campaign comes to completion! For over a year and a half, I’ve been running Ghosts of Saltmarsh for my girlfriend and her best friend, and the pair of them finally finished last Saturday after 23 sessions and nearly 100 hours of playtime. We started playing in person December 2019 and had to move online in March due to COVID, and eventually my gf’s best friend moved out of town and then out of the country. But in spite of global transitions and pandemics, we still surmounted the odds and finished without missing a single month.

Since Ghosts of Saltmarsh was my gf’s introduction to D&D (minus a few games she played as a child), it took up quite a bit of space in my crusty Dungeon Master mental cave of planning. Luckily, I found it to be a very enjoyable campaign to run, mostly because as an anthology of classic adventures, it lacks the overly convoluted storyline that plagues a lot of other D&D fifth edition campaigns I’ve either played through or DMed, like Tomb of Annihilation, Out of the Abyss and Waterdeep: Dragon Heist. 

Ghosts of Saltmarsh contains eight adventures united by their seaside themes. Three of them are updated versions of the classic U1-U3 Saltmarsh modules, which were among the first British D&D products produced from 1981 to ‘83. These three tales revolve around the players befriending local villagers and helping a lizardfolk tribe fight off invading sauhaugin, and they’re good, mostly as an example of early D&D material that required players to treat so-called “monstrous races” with diplomacy rather than violence. The other adventures are from old issues of Dungeon magazine, and run the gamut from a decent lighthouse dungeon crawl (Isle of the Abbey, from Dungeon #34) to a nifty survival horror-style ship romp (Salvage Operation, from Dungeon #123). Additionally, Ghosts of Saltmarsh contains rules for ship battles, which are good enough considering that D&D isn’t a naval combat simulator, and the book also devotes its first chapter to describing a great new version of the town of Saltmarsh to serve as a central hub. 

I think Ghosts of Saltmarsh’s anthology format is my preferred style of D&D hardcover book at this point. Just give me a main town that I can detail and populate with my own NPCs, a bunch of adventures taking place around the vicinity that I can hack as necessary for my players, and I’m good. This format is also reflective of D&D’s early roots, where campaigns weren’t 250-page books with save-the-world plots, but short modules focused on building clout in a certain region and establishing a base. I think it’s also a very newbie-friendly format, since beginning players can really become invested in one central location and the people residing in it.

Since I was only running this game for two people, I had plenty of time to help the girls grow attached to Saltmarsh and its denizens. These consisted of several faces from my other games, including the very first D&D character I played as - a ranger who settled down in Saltmarsh as the head of the city guard and served as mentor for the next generation of adventurers. Other NPCs evolved depending on what I thought might make my gf and her friend laugh. For instance, Oceanus the sea elf, a Saltmarsh mascot since the '80s, started out as a surfer bro but eventually morphed into a douchebag/dingbat a la Schmidt from New Girl, which I started watching with my gf sometime over the course of 2020. And Captain Xendros, the tiefling owner of the local magic item store, was only supposed to be a minor shopkeeper until her sassy banter stole everyone’s heart, winning her a place as a major character by the end of the game.

I also gave the girls their very own house to decorate and return to in between missions, which was another fun ode to the older D&D roots that Ghosts of Saltmarsh embraces, but also a chance to insert Animal Crossing-style interior decoration into our campaign. My girlfriend clocked a staggering 300+ hours into Animal Crossing: New Horizons at the start of the pandemic, and seeing her and her friend derive great pleasure from using Roll20′s wonky drawing tools to sketch out every room of the house (and create a shrine in the bathroom with random bits of gold on the floor, no less) was stellar. 

Aside from a house, the gals also received two animal companions - a pseudodragon and a shadow mastiff. The pseudodragon appears as a familiar that can be found after Ghosts of Saltmarsh’s first adventure, The Sinister Secret of Saltmarsh, but the shadow mastiff was an inclusion of my own because my girlfriend really wanted a dog for the longest time, and I figured I would give her one in-game before we got one in real life. (Yup, we now have one in real life.) Generally, I’m a huge fan of injecting a little Pokémon into my games with animal buddies, but in this case the pets also served as valuable fighting companions that helped balance Ghosts of Saltmarsh’s combat encounters, which are meant for four people.

On the topic of inclusions, I stuck a bit closer to the content in Ghosts of Saltmarsh than I usually do when running a campaign based on an official D&D hardcover, probably because the book in question was just more usable this time around. The final split was maybe 60% book material and 40% my own stuff. The end of the campaign was nearly all me, since I couldn’t quite formulate a way to include the final two adventures in the book, Tammeraut's Fate and The Styes. So instead, I gutted them for concepts and created an overarching story that tied Saltmarsh’s threats to H.P. Lovecraft’s Esoteric Order of Dagon. There’s a ton of Lovecraft influence in The Styes, after all, and Dagon was included as a demon lord in third and fourth edition D&D, not to mention Pathfinder. I drew inspiration from all of those versions, along with the stats included in Sandy Peterson’s Cthulhu Mythos book for fifth edition. 

Ultimately, it all made for an entertaining story that scaled mightily. At level 2, Thea the tiefling rogue (played by my gf) and Zora the half-elf bard (played by her best friend) were utterly outclassed by smugglers in a haunted house and had to use a door as a shield to escape. At level 12, the pair defeated a demon lord and closed a portal to the Abyss. (To be fair, both accomplishments are pretty epic. The door escape was one of the most creative D&D moments I’ve ever seen, and we’re still talking about it today.)

While I wish we could’ve rolled physical dice together for a little longer, I’m glad Roll20 was available to keep our game going through a period of global strife. In the midst of it all, there was always D&D to fall back on. And hopefully, there will be more to come. I’ve got Candlekeep Mysteries on my shelf, another anthology of D&D short adventures...and it’s just waiting for me to formulate a plot to tie ‘em all together!