#those kids that were floating face down in the river are NOT getting back UP

[walleeli]

Gotta go crazy in the tags about demon slayer season 4 first ep OBVIOUSLY there will be spoilers

[kirislovelygf]

our spot (kiri sully x fem! reader)

contents: first kiss, friends-to-lovers, for the girlypops, confession, gay girlies

2.7k words

part two here

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y/n is an explorer. she loves wandering the forest every day to collect things and watch the animals. she was never afraid of getting lost, even when she was a kid. now being fourteen, she knows most of the forest like the back of her hand.

and she always was up for an adventure to another area. today, she was jumping across the floating branches to go home to her tent hidden into the hallelujah mountains.

she had just finished a morning of collecting things for her best friend, and crush, kiri. she loves finding tiny knick-knacks that most people would just ignore.

but y/n payed attention. and she payed attention to the ones kiri would like. as she made it to camp and walked through the hidden village, a group of kids saw her and excitedly ran to greet her.

y/n crouched down to give them hugs. these specific kids, except for one, looked up to the teenager. whatever she did, they followed. whatever she said, they repeated, which often got her in trouble.

she’s like the big sister they never had. the one who already had a big sister was tuktirey. but she still loved y/n regardless.

“hello, my lovely little monkeys.” y/n smiled.

she had been calling them that since she recovered a book about earth animals and she saw how similar the kids were to the earth animal, the monkey.

“what’d you get for us?” one of them asked.

“yeah, what’d you bring?” another said, tugging at her arm.

y/n laughs and begins to dig through her bag.

“okay, here. a crystal for you…” she placed the pink crystal in a girl’s hand.

“..uhh this is.. i think the claw of an ikran.” she said while gently putting it in a boy’s hand.

he held it up and stared in awe.

“and for tuk, sweet little tuk, a found a new flower that grew in the mountains. here.” she placed it in tuk’s small hand.

the kids looked up at y/n. “thank you!!”

“this is so cool!”

“thanks so much!”

the teen smiled at their happy faces. “you’re welcome. now, go home. go.” she urged.

they ran together into the village but y/n pulled tuk aside before she could leave.

“hey, tuk.”

“yes?”

“uh, where’s your sister?” she asked.

“you mean your giirrrlfrienddd.” the girl teased.

y/n laughs while feeling herself blush.

“shh! i didn’t ask her yet, that’s our little secret, okay?” she laughs.

tuk giggled before turning to point at her family’s tent.

“she’s in there. all by herself.” she said.

“okay. thanks, little one.” y/n pats her head and gets up to visit the tent.

as she approached it, tuk yelled out, “and no kissing!”

y/n’s eyes widened and she ran as soon as she heard those words, hoping no one knew tuk was talking to her.

y/n finds her way to kiri’s family tent and calls out her name to make her presence known.

she pulls the flap away so she could walk in. kiri looks up with a smile. she picks herself up as y/n walks over to the girl. they hug like they haven’t seen each other in years.

they hung out yesterday.

they pull away and hold each others hands.

“i found some more things. let me show you.” y/n says.

kiri gasps softly and they sit down in the corner where she previously was.

y/n placed her bag in her lap and started digging through it.

“find any new places today?” kiri asks.

“not today. but i found these and picked them up because... i thought you’d like them.” she puts her three tiny discoveries in kiri’s palm.

kiri looks at them with admiration.

“this is a geode i found near a river. this is the shell of a crab i also found in the river..” she explained.

kiri then picked up a scale that was familiar to her.

“where did you find this?” she asks.

“i was up in the mountains. where the ikran live, and i found a scale that wasn’t like anything i’ve ever seen.” she says as kiri holds up the scale to the sunlight.

it was an iridescent color, every color of the rainbow blending together beautifully on kiri’s face. making her even more gorgeous than she already is to y/n.

“it’s so pretty.” kiri sighs softly.

y/n wasn’t even pretending to look at the scale.

she watched kiri’s curious expression “yeah, it is.” she muttered.

kiri looks down at y/n. she knew she wasn’t talking about the scale. knowing this, she looks down and gently puts the scale down on the floor.

“uh- they’re all very nice, y/n, thank you so much.” she says.

y/n feels her heart leap seeing how much kiri liked her gifts. kiri’s ears then perked up as she came up with an idea.

“hey, do you want to go somewhere tonight?” she asks.

y/n’s eyes widen a bit. “go where?”

“i don’t know. you’re the explorer.” she shrugs.

“huh.. well, i’ve been looking for a new place to swim. how about we look for it together?” she shrugs.

kiri smiled brightly at the suggestion. “yeah, let’s do it.”

“okay! wait, what about your father?” she says.

kiri frowned remembering how strict her dad was. he’d never let her out in the forest at night.

let alone just her and her crush.

“..i could ask my brothers to cover for me.” she shrugs.

“will they do it?” y/n asks.

“yeah. lo’ak does a bunch of stupid stuff and i’ll tell him if he won’t cover for me, i’ll tell my dad about them.” she says.

y/n laughs out. “you’re evil.”

she shrugs a shoulder. “he’ll be fine.”

the girl smiled at kiri before standing up.

“i’ll see you tonight. meet me by the fishing pond at midnight”

｡･:*:˚✰

kiri wanders through the dark forest, only having the glowing plants to guide her way.

she makes it to the pond where y/n asked to meet.

she doesn’t see her at first but then spots her, hidden behind a plant. she was sitting on her knees, crouching over the pond with her hands in the water.

she was giggling while her fingers danced around the tiny glowing fish.

kiri admired her state for a moment before y/n heard her footsteps.

she looks up and smiled at kiri. “hey! come on, let’s go find somewhere to swim.”

kiri follows y/n as she swung from branch to branch and jumped from boulder to boulder.

y/n was used to doing parkour everyday but kiri was more of a stay-at-home type teenager. she’s used to being agile through the forest but only when it’s necessary.

y/n does this for fun.

the only thing that kept kiri going was y/n’s nicknames.

“keep up, pretty girl!”

“getting tired, cutie?”

y/n stopped at a giant oak tree and was about to climb it. she turned to see if kiri was behind her.

“wait.. ugh- we have to climb that?”

“no. but it’s more fun if we do.” y/n smiled.

she started to climb the tree as kiri groaned.

“she’s lucky i like her so much.” she mumbled as she put her foot on a vine.

they slowly made their way up the tree until they reached a branch large and strong enough for them to walk on.

y/n tip-toe’d on the wooden branch and spotted a glowing body of water in the distance. kiri caught up to y/n on the branch and looked at whatever the girl was pointing at.

“oouu, pretty.” she sighed out.

“i bet it’s prettier up close. come on.” y/n turns and her face ends up just a few inches away from kiri’s.

the girls look at each other for longer then they meant before y/n looks down.

kiri awkwardly looked back at the trunk and made her way down with y/n close behind,

the girls ended up walking to, what they think is, a lake.

“so what did lo’ak say when you asked him to cover for you?” y/n asked her as they started to walk away from the tree they just climbed.

“he was very angry. but he and neteyam ended up agreeing anyway.” kiri laughed.

y/n laughs with her. “lo’ak is such a hothead.” kiri sighs. “just like my dad.”

“what do you think he will say if he finds out?” she asked her.

“he won’t, i swear. he’ll probably be on a date with my mom and will come home after i come back in the middle of the night.” she said.

“hm..”

“what about what your dad might say?” kiri asks.

y/n laughs. “my dad’s asleep right now. and once he sleeps, he wont wake up until the sun tells him to.”

the girls laugh together before looking up.

y/n sees the glow of the lake hidden behind bushes and starts to jog. kiri keeps up and jogs behind her.

the girls eventually find a lake, or more of a pool, about as big as her family tent. it was connected to a giant boulder, where the water must have came from.

the water ran down a series of rocks, acting like a waterfall. along the edges of the lake were glowing plants that provided light other than the bioluminescent plants underwater.

“wow.. kiri, we found it!” y/n exclaimed.

she starts to search her bag while y/n takes several steps back.

“i have a map we can mark this on.. uhh.” she pulled out a folded paper from her bag before she heard y/n’s running steps.

she looks at her as she zoomed past her, jumping into the lake and splashing water all over kiri.

she turned her body as to not get water on the map.

she laughs as she looks back at y/n, now floating while wiping her face.

“come on, you’re not gonna to make me swim all by myself, are you?” y/n smiled, the reflection of the water making her dark blue skin glow.

kiri’s heart pounded and she started to stutter out an answer but figured it was easier to just put her stuff down somewhere.

she puts her map into her bag and puts it behind the trunk of a tree so it wouldn’t get wet.

she then slipped into the cool water and swam toward y/n.

they were able to stand and their heads and part of their chest was above the surface.

“wasn’t all that running worth it?” y/n says. she takes both of kiri’s hands and lets her float toward her.

kiri’s heart pounded even faster. “sure. yeah, of course it was.” she sighed out.

the girls hands go to the back of kiri’s neck, where her fingers interlocked.

kiri was nervous enough as it is. where in the world can she put her hands?

her waist? oh god no.

her neck? gateway to a kiss. and she was way too nervous to kiss.

her arms seemed like a safe option. kiri’s hands went to rest on her arms and the girls floated peacefully while hanging onto each other.

these two have been friends for almost their entire lives. and they’ve been helplessly in love with each other since they met.

but they’re idiots for not figuring it out yet.

but the reason kiri invited y/n here tonight was to finally confess after her siblings have been pestering her about it for years.

“y/n..”

“hm?”

“you’re not.. uhm.. you aren’t dating anyone at the moment, are you?” kiri asked.

“what? no. i- if i were with someone, you’d be the first to know.” y/n laughs.

“oh, okay. that’s good.”

“i guess. but my dad has been talking about finding someone.”

kiri’s heart drops. “really?”

“yeah. but all the guys in the clan.. eh.” she shrugs.

kiri laughs.

“well, you don’t have to be with a boy.” kiri says, thinking she was being so smooth.

but y/n quickly picked up on what she was trying to do when she asked about dating.

“you’re right. the girls in our clan are nice too.” y/n said, smiling softly.

they admire each other for a moment.

“what about you? is there anyone who has there eye on you? or anyone you have your eye on?” she asks.

there was so much going through kiri’s mind as hers and y/n’s faces grew close.

“yeah, actually. there is.” kiri said.

y/n’s heart skips a beat. “and you haven’t told me? wow, some best friend.” she joked.

kiri tried to give an excuse while y/n laughs.

“y/n!”

“i’m kidding! you’re the best. okay, tell me.” she sighed.

kiri sighs out, trying to gain some confidence to the say the right thing.

“well uhm.. i like a girl. she’s very nice and..”

“mhm?”

“and she’s uhm.. i’ve known her for very long.”

y/n was honestly growing bored with how long kiri was taking to say it was her.

she figured it out when she mentioned that she was interested in a girl.

“kiri?”

“uh, yes?”

y/n floats closer.

“i think i know who you’re trying to say.” she says softly.

her eyes widen. “oh.”

y/n’s heart is pounding. she wanted kiri to say her name so bad.

“but i need you to say it. because i can’t know for sure until you say it.” she said softly.

the girls became lost in each others eyes. kiri was barely able to get the words out. or any words out for that matter.

she was starting to panic, about to jump out of the water, but reminded herself of how much fun she had with her tonight. her best friend, the girl she’s known, and loved, for seven years.

and who knows her better than anyone.

“it’s you, y/n.”

as she said her name, the world around them dissolved. all of kiri’s nerves melted away in an instance.

y/n smiles. a part of her was relieved that kiri said her name and didn’t unexpectedly mention another girl.

“i like you, y/n. very much.”

“i like you too, kiri. very much.” she said, laughing a bit.

kiri sighs in relief. “that’s good. i was afraid i was going to embarrass myself.”

y/n laughs as her head falls on kiri’s shoulder. kiri’s arms wrap themselves around y/n. she interlocked her hands and pulled her close.

her head picks up and she stares up at kiri.

her hands find her way to kiri’s face and she holds it. she gently pulls her face towards hers before they finally kiss.

they finally kiss after years of the agonizing wait.

kiri’s heart was jumping out of her chest and y/n was just so happy to finally do what she’s dreamed of doing for years.

she could barely stay afloat with how weak she felt in the knees.

they smiled into another kiss before the sound of a twig snapping caused them to rapidly pull away from each other, out of fear that it was someone they knew.

and it was. not someone, but some people. jake and neytiri had just found the pool and caught their daughter making out with someone in the dead of night.

kiri sighed out. “dad-”

“get your stuff and let’s go.” he ordered in a low tone.

kiri looks to her mother. there wasn’t convincing either of them.

kiri glanced at y/n before swimming to the edge of the pool and climbing out. jake didn’t wait for her.

neytiri watched as she climbed up and grabbed her bag from the tree.

y/n climbs out too and sits on a rock while watching kiri and all away with her dad.

neytiri looks at y/n. she didn’t want, and was not about, to leave the girl alone in the forest in the dark.

she goes over to jake to talk to him. if anyone can convince him of something, it’s her. they began to argue over whether they would bring y/n home or not.

jake was more than happy to leave her for any animal that was looking for a snack.

“she’s still a child, we cannot leave her here.”

“i could honestly care less. i’m tired and stressed out. she can find her own way back” jake argued.

“jake.” neytiri glared at her husband

he looks down at her and then at y/n. he rolls his eyes.

“fine. but she’s riding with you.” he muttered.

neytiri walks away from her husband and he ordered kiri to climb onto his ikran.

“let’s go, I’m taking you home.” she said, softly but sternly.

y/n looks up and hesitantly picks herself up off the rock while gently wringing the water from her hair.

“okay..”

“let’s go.” she ordered,

she started walking to her ikran and y/n quickly followed.

they fly the girls back home in dead silence. kiri was especially silent, afraid to even breathe a certain way as to not upset her father even more.

as they flew over the forest canopy and the mountains, kiri couldn’t stop thinking about the kiss. she replayed the moment over and over again on her head.

she was so happy, she almost didn’t care that she’d most likely be grounded for a year for sneaking out. and then having her brothers lie to her dad about it.

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[lauronk]

I wish you would write a fic where...

Joel and Anna get together after Sarah goes to college. Ellie is their kid and Sarah is the cool aunt figure.

hi! thank you so much for the prompt! ngl, i struggled with it a little because i do not know how to write Romantic Joel, he exists only as Dad in my head lol but i gave it a good shot, i hope you enjoy!

the best day with you today

length: ~1.2k words tags: canon divergence; modern au; everyone's alive; joel/anna; joel & ellie & anna & sarah; family feels; pregnancy; family bonding; dunking each other in the river; no beta we die like david

Joel had never really planned on having another kid. Hell, he’d barely even planned on having the first - definitely not as young as he’d been - but Rae had gotten pregnant and they’d gotten married and then barely a year after Sarah’s birth, she’d decided she wasn’t cut out for motherhood, and she bailed. Sarah had no memories of her, but other than a few growing pains here and there, she’d never seemed to be worse off without her.

Joel had raised her and watched her graduate and sent her off to college (all the way to San Marcos, which really isn’t that far, Dad, I’ll come visit plenty) and then realized he had no damn idea what to do with his life now. No soccer practice to cart her to, no sleepovers to host, no extracurriculars to plan around.

Now it was just him and his empty house and enough woodcarvings to fill the time that Tommy finally confiscated his knives and said he could have them back if he left the house once a week for two months.

So, after digging around on the internet a little, he’d gone to the library down the street, picked up their calendar, and signed up for the monthly book club and the Spanish conversation group. Both of which, it turned out, were attended by a woman named Anna who had a habit of shooting him amused looks when one of the other book club members made an asinine remark.

True to his word, Tommy returned the knives to him after two months, but they started collecting dust almost immediately because Joel spent all his free time with Anna. A coffee date turned into a dinner date and within two weeks they were seeing each other near daily.

Sarah had been astonished - and more than a little skeptical - when Joel sat her down and told her that he and Anna were planning to get married, with her blessing of course, barely ten months after meeting. Joel could see it all over her face that she didn’t think it would last, that he was having some kind of midlife crisis - not helped by the fact that Anna was nearly ten years younger than him - and that they wouldn’t last the year.

But she could see how important this was to him, so she gave her blessing anyway. No matter her own reservations, she wanted her dad to be happy. And she liked Anna a lot, thought her a good match for Joel, even if everything was moving unsettlingly fast.

They’d done a small ceremony in the backyard, just Sarah, Tommy, and Anna’s best friend Marlene in attendance. And for another two years that had been their family; neither of them had planned on having kids.

But then Anna started throwing up, missed her period, and those two lines on the test turned pink. And suddenly, they were having a baby.

Ellie made her arrival a week before Sarah’s twenty-first birthday, and Joel’s eldest spent what should have been a night out partying pacing laps around their living room cradling her sister, while Joel and Anna snagged a few precious hours of sleep. He’d been worried that getting a baby sister when she herself was full grown would be a problem for Sarah, but it had been the opposite. Ellie was Sarah’s favorite person ever, a feeling that went both ways as Ellie got older.

Wild, Joel thought, watching Ellie and Sarah float in their tubes ahead of him and Anna, how his girls could be so far apart in years and yet be so close and so similar. Maybe not wild, just…lucky.

The two of them are shooting mischievous grins over their shoulders now, and Joel shares a wry look with Anna. Her nose and cheeks are tinted red with the sun, tips of her fingers tracing lightly through the water as they float down the San Marcos River.

“Here,” Joel says, carefully tossing her the small tube of sunscreen. He points to his own nose and cheeks. “Think you need a bit of a touch up, you’re gettin’ a little crispy.”

Anna gives him a wry smile, rubbing a fresh coat over her face. “Not all of us were made to roast in the Texas sun, sweetheart.”

Joel shrugs. “Can’t help it that I tan and you don’t, darlin’. Y’know –”

Something pushes hard on the bottom of his tube, and Joel goes ass over head into the river, the cold temperature jolting him into opening his mouth and damn near inhaling enough water to fill his lungs. When his head breaks the surface a chorus of laughter greets him - six feet away Ellie is clambering back into her tube while Sarah tries to hold it steady. Next to him Anna is howling, her own hand barely maintaining a grip on his tube while the other clutches her stomach. He doesn’t bother climbing back into it; instead he propels himself forward through the water until he’s caught up to the girls.

Ellie shrieks and tries to paddle away, but she’s too slow, and Joel has her flipped into the water in a matter of seconds. He waits until she surfaces, gulps in a bit of air, and then promptly dunks her again.

She comes back up sputtering, a hand frantically trying to wipe her face clean. “Rude!” is all she manages, scooping a hand through the water to splash him. It hits him in the chest - he can still hear Sarah and Anna laughing - and he propels himself forward to hook an arm around her waist and hoist her up over his shoulder. It takes more effort to keep them afloat - his back is gonna hate him for this later, fifty-seven is really a bit too old to be lifting teenagers, even ones as scrawny as Ellie - but he paddles them unevenly back over towards Anna.

“Caught you something, huh?” His wife calls, shielding her face when Ellie aims a splash of water her way too.

“Sarah neglected to mention the river was full of gremlins,” he says back, giving her a grin before sucking in a breath and plunging himself - and his squirming daughter - under the water once more. Only once they’ve surfaced again does he release her, the two of them treading water.

“Anyone ever tell you you’re an ass?” Ellie says playfully, splashing him again.

“Anyone ever tell you you’re a little shit?” He retorts, splashing her right back.

“Anyone ever tell either of you that you're exactly the same?” Anna cuts in from behind them, one hand still holding Joel’s tube.

“No,” they reply simultaneously, and she lets out another bark of laughter, echoed by Sarah on the other side of them.

“I’m never bringing y’all floating again,” she says teasingly, her head tipping back dramatically.

“Oh please,” Ellie doggy paddles forward, hoisting herself back into her tube next to her sister. “You’d be so bored doing this without us. You love us.”

Sarah scrunches up her nose, pretending to think for a moment before she leans over - nearly upsetting her own tube - and smacking a kiss onto her younger sister’s cheek. “Yeah, guess I do.”

thanks for reading!

[obsidiancreates]

Alone Together

(CoS and Icebound spoilers)

When Skrimm died, he didn't end up sucked to hell.

He would've been relieved, but he was dead. So he wasn't much of anything.

Whatever claim was on his soul was blocked, somehow, and he simply Died. And it took this time, unlike when he was eaten alive by that monster on the river. Just a corpse, and then a skeleton, and then nothing more.

Until he blinked awake.

Awake in an unfamiliar place, next to a newborn Tiefling baby, floating.

Skrimm looks around.

He's alone.

"Oh, what the fuck is this?"

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

He watches Shepherd drink, face in his hands as he sits on the bar counter. He sighs. "Ya' know, I miss that almost as much as I miss my friends. At least if I could drink, I could blackout and forget I'm alone for a while."

Shepherd didn't respond, of course. He never does, unless it's a dream, and even then Skrimm is always a little unsure how to converse with the guy. Maybe if he'd popped in when Shepherd was already grown up that'd be different, but he's been stuck with the guy since he was a baby. He'd seen some shit he... wishes he hadn't. If he thought watching Barnabos's memories all those years ago was a lot to handle...

But he's not Shepherd's friend, nor some guardian spirit. He's tried, oh boy, has he tried. He knows other ghosts can usually go something, even just little things, but not him.

It wouldn't be so bad if he wasn't alone.

Not for the first time since waking up, Skrimm scowls and mutters "Fuck you, Jack."

Because that's the only thing he can think of. The only reason he might be stuck in this nothingness. Why he's connected to this random Teifling, he doesn't know, but it has to be some twisted game, like The Hound.

Shepherd, still unaware, just sips his mug again. Skrimm groans. "Come onnnn, you've barely touched the stuff! You're torturing me here! If you're gonna sit in a dark corner of a bar, you might as well get absolutely tanked while you're at it! Otherwise I'm just watching you brood!"

Nothing.

Skrimm groans again and flops onto his back, splayed dramatically atop the bar with no-one to witness his theatrical displeasure. He hears the doors swing open, and looks up to see-

Just a couple of humans. Great. Out-of-towners for sure, with their fancy outfits. The human man's tophat has Skrimm absentmindedly pulling on his own hat, a little self-conscious despite the invisibility.

And then the man's eyes fall on Shepherd. They narrow, and he says to his companion, louder than he probably thinks he's being, for her to be cautious, as someone "might not be who he thought they were."

The hat comes off as he approaches, awkwardly sidling up to the seat next to Shepherd and looking more out of place than Taishen in the snowbanks.

"Ah, whoa, whoa, hey." Skrimm gets back up, walking over to look down at the human man. "Fuck off buddy, you can't just say what really sounded like anti-Teifling shit and wander right up to us."

Unaware as the rest of the world, the man simply clears his throat and asks Shepherd how he's doing, and Shepherd just... answers and asks the same.

"What?!" Skrimm looks between them. "Are you kidding me! Shepherd, buddy, this guy is not our kind of person!"

The human man tries to order a brandy, instantly enraging the barkeep.

"See?! He's going to get us cut off, oh gods, for the love of all that is holy to yourself and everyone I've ever known, please get away from him!"

Shepherd just listens with a faint smirk as the human fumbles with his words, asking if he knows anyone named "Shepherd". With a small laugh and a smirk, Shepherd confirms it, because it's him.

"You obviously knew that already," Skrimm growls at the human. "What's your game here, huh? Playing innocent about something? Trying to get us to lower our guards, huh?!"

"Professor Clayton Azran, pleasure to meet you!"

"Ah, you're the professor then, I've been waitin' for you."

"Wait, what? Since when?" Skrimm stares open-mouthed at Shepherd. "What the hell are you doing when I'm not paying attention?! You took a job from this guy?!"

Skrimm sits, fuming, for the rest of the conversation. Especially when this "Clayton" just pulls out a sack of coin and puts it on the bar without even trying to hide it.

"Oh gods, he's gonna get you killed," Skrimm mumbles. "I don't trust this guy as far as Barnabos could throw me. At least Victoria there knows to look around the fucking bar!"

He gets more amusement than is right out of seeing Clayton so easily lied to by the bartender about the price, and even more seeing Vitoria have to point it out before Clayton realizes what's happening.

"I mean no offense ma'am, ya got some pretty eyes-"

"Oh, she'll kill you for that-"

"Thank you."

"Oh. ... Gods, I miss Queenie."

"Just name a number and I'll pay it, I'm confused!" Clayton ends up saying.

"Shepherd, this guy is literally the easiest mark I've ever seen. Please just rob him blind and let's get home, how's that sound?"

It sounds like nothing to Shepherd, who probably wouldn't dream of robbing someone that way even if Skrimm literally showed up in said dream to make it happen.

Sure enough, Shepherd says it's not about the money, and Skrimm groans and flops onto his back again as Shepherd follows up with "I mean it when I say I'm goin' to protect you, especially the young woman."

"Pretty sure she can handle herself," Skrimm says, watching Victoria keep an eye on the people around them. "This asshole's going to be way more trouble, I can feel it. Who doesn't tell their fucking hired weapon about how big their group is gonna be? See, she's lecturing the guy now, she can look after herself. I'd never be able to get a single copper out of her. Gods, this bartender is intrusive."

"I do have several questions for you, Professor."

"And I have several questions for you!"

"You'll find he's, full of questions."

"He's like a worse version of Manny," Skrimm deadpans, now laying on his stomach and glaring at Clayton (and the bartender, whenever he speaks. Whatever that guy's deal is, he needs to chill the fuck out.)

When Shepherd says he's not expecting too much trouble, Skrimm barks out a laugh. He knows trouble, knows it far better than he wants to, and he can smell it coming, quickly, and in large quantities.

And then his head snaps back to Shepherd as Clayton begins touching Shepherd's horns.

Shepherd says it's okay, but Skrimm has his ghostly Brutal Blade passing through Clayton's neck over and over, spitting curses as it does nothing. Tonight when Shepherd falls asleep, Skrimm is going to be going on a rant.

For some reason Shepherd actually leaves the bar with these two instead of yanking the gold and booking it. Skrimm imagines this is what it feels like to be a disappointed parent.

They. Spend. Days. With these people. As each one passes, Skrimm decides he hates Clayton more and more, and decides Victoria must have some ulterior motive for willingly being the man's assistant.

And now they're picking up another person. From a creepy, horrific, definitely-haunted woods.

"We're turning back now, right?" Skrimm ways, sitting on Shepherd's head and looking down. "The horrifying distant lantern lights are the last straw here, right?!"

They aren't. Skrimm thinks he'd be having a heart attack if he was still alive.

"If you trust this man, Professor, I trust you-"

"Why?! Why would you ever trust him?! If anything that makes this mystery guy less trustworthy! I swear to the nine hells, the next thing we know he's going to be saying this guy is a some kind of-"

"-they might be what you would call a cult."

"... Okay, cultist was not my guess, I'll be honest. What the fuck, Shepherd. Why are we still here?! ... Oh, and the bird people above hate outsiders and ground dwellers, great! This is so fucked up, at least my whole fucking ordeal was unwilling. You just walked right in, all by your own choosing! I thought you were smarter than this. I really did."

Clayton asks Victoria if knowing her a month or two is enough to be on a first-name basis, and Skrimm remembers how after knowing his friends for, really only one actual night and then just passing meetings afterward, he'd been planning ways to break all of them out of prison together.

Then again, this is Clayton. So Skrimm would probably say No if he was the one being asked right now.

"Miss Isaacs, I'm with you, I don't judge-"

"I do. This whole thing sucks. Where the fuck is the cultist guide, we gotta get this over with. ... Oh. Oh, gods, no."

When Clayton said Cultist, he really meant Cultist. Everything about this man puts Skrimm on edge, from the strange lantern to the grimy robe to the smile.

And as Sarnax's self-introduction goes on, he goes from On Edge to over it. If he was alive, this would be about the time he'd try to Glimpse this strange new... companion. But he's not alive, and his magic hasn't worked for Shepherd's entire life, and it doesn't start working now.

"Oh gods, he's getting closer, back up back up back up! Where the fuck did you survival instinct go?! BACK UP! Don't shake his ha- you shook his hand. That's it, we're fucked."

"Sarnax, can we trust you?"

"Finally, you're using your fucking brain! No we cannot! This guy is way too obsessed with fire and dragons, okay?! I knew a guy who literally got fire magic directly from a fucking dragon, and he was nowhere near this weird about it, okay? Big fucking difference, and-and Taishen had a lot more reason to be weird about fire."

And then they follow him into the dark and dangerous forest. And they set up camp. And Shepherd fall asleep.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Hey, hey!" Skrimm barrels right into the dream, storming through whatever it was before, the whole environment turning into the deck of a ship sunk so long ago that only the dead remember it now. He storms right up to Shepherd, climbs up, and scowls in his face. "What the fuck are you getting yourself into?!"

"Get offa me!" Shepherd tries to yank Skrimm off, but Skrimm's been working with dreams for decades now. He keeps a tight hold, unmoving. "What in the nine hells!"

"Yeah, that's exactly where you're sending us! This professor is either a moron, a secret evil mastermind, or both, that 'guide' you just met is a fucking pyromaniac, and the only person with any gods-damned sense in this whole group is the person who's job is to just be an assistant! This 'archeological dig' is about to be your fucking gravesite if you don't book it right now!"

"What in the hell-"

"Don't even try to fucking argue with me on this, look around us when you wake up! We're in the middle of fucking nowhere, you didn't tell Doc all the details because you didn't know all the details, and we are surrounded by weirdos!"

"I'm not turnin' my back on them! I was hired to protect 'em, and I will!"

"I love money as much as anyone, but this can't be worth it! You gotta feel like you're walking into danger, I do and I'm not even doing the walking!"

"I'm not leavin' 'em vulnerable and alone."

"But you will be safe and home!"

"I don't even know who you are!"

"I'm your fucking common sense, apparently! Do you know how bad things have to be for me to be the common sense?!"

It goes on, around and around, and Skrimm just can't get through to him. The whole night spent on that ill-fated ship, arguing as storms rage silently around them, and as Shepherd starts to wake up-

Oh, that sound. Wood crashing against ice. Cracking, breaking, ending.

He'll never forget that sound.

Shepherd wakes up, gasping a little. Skrimm sits next to him, staring at the dirt.

That sound once spelled out the death of dozens.

Skrimm hopes against hope that it's not an omen.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's two days into the dig that Shepherd is sat beside Sarnax, watching the woods, the two together merely because Victoria and Clayton as busy sketching the ruins.

Sarnax has already done his obligatory preaching at Shepherd, and it's been silent since.

An awkward silence.

Something snaps a twig in the woods, and Shepherd's hand goes right to his hip. A moment later, a fat mouse scurries out of the trees and into a hole in the ground.

Shepherd relaxes, just a bit, as Sarnax eyes him.

"Do you fear something is coming, Shepherd?"

"No, no. Just a little... on edge."

"Yes, you are. You have been on edge since yesterday."

"... Been havin' unusual dreams, is all. ... Standin' on a big ship while it's stormin', and some little fuckin'... I can't remember what it is, but it's screamin' at me that I'm gonna die, and it don't mean the ship. And right before I wake up, it crashes."

Sarnax raises his lantern, peering closely at Shepherd. "... I, too, have dreamt of a ship in a storm. I am visited by a large figure, something I know to be... the opposite, of my god's purifying flame. It has tried, throughout my life, to turn me away from Gherix, and my order."

"Really?"

"It speaks in a bellowing voice, unlike any I have known. It tells me that I am being mislead, and am denied what I need to have freedom, and choice."

"And... what do you make of these dreams?"

"I believe they are sent to mislead me. They are from a being that wishes to deter me from Gherix's path, and cannot be trusted. When I dream of this ship, I awaken feeling stronger than ever in my faith."

"... And you think mine might be the same. Misleadin'."

"I do."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Skrimm stares up at Sarnax.

He tries to find something. Anything. Any hint that Sarnax might be-

That Barnabos is-

It's absurd. It's impossible! Skrimm is here because his soul is fucked up, right? ... But maybe, maybe it wasn't Jack. What if he's here because of his death from The Spirit? Barnabos was eaten too, so-

But Sarnax is so... not Barnabos.

... Then again, Shepherd is not Skrimm.

But if Barnabos were here, why wouldn't Skrimm be able to see him? They're both ghosts, right? Presumably for the same reason? So he can't be here.

... But a ship in a storm, a large bellowing figure, ranting about freedom and choice...

It's too coincidental to be a coincidence, right?

"Y'know, the professor seems to know a bit about omens." Shepherd looks back at the ruins. "Maybe we outta ask him his opinion on these dreams."

"I do not need his opinion on my dreams. I am sure of what they mean."

"Right. I meant mostly mine, and maybe you just mention yours bein' similar."

"You began having these dreams of the ship only last night, did you not?"

"I did."

"After your first time coming to know of Gherix's burning light."

"... I suppose I can't say you're wrong about that, but I'm not jumpin' to any conclusions just yet, Sarnax."

It a few hours until Clayton and Victoria finally come back for dinner around the campfire, and Shepherd comes right out with the questions.

"-ends up sinkin'. Now I don't usally go puttin' too much weight onto dreams, professor, but this feels different, and you've had a few cases on this journey of knowin' things just before they happen. I want your input on this."

Clayton's jaw is tight as he stares into his meal. "... I... won't like to you, Shepherd, this is... deeply concerning." He looks up, as though searching the stars for answers. "I have also had dreams about a ship in a storm, much like you've described, and a large figure giving me warnings."

Sarnax leans forward slightly, the focus of his lantern's light all on Clayton. "Does it bellow, professor?"

"No, no, quite the opposite. It speaks in flat tones, and though I cannot tell you what this figure looks like I can tell you that it is something old, and wise. I've been warned against many courses of action, and... even reprimanded for others. It speaks to me as shortly as possible, in an accent I've... never been able to place. I'd always assumed it was some... manifestation of my inner turmoils, or perhaps my magic leaking into my sleeping mind."

Shepherd leans forward, resting on arm on his knee. "And now?"

"... Now, hearing that you have had similar dreams... I wonder if something else might be at play." Clayton looks into his meal again. "... I'll see if I brought any books with me about prophetic dreams. It's... all I can offer at the moment. But if you both would like me to continue looking into it after this expedition, I'd invite you to accompany me back to the university. We could study this much more effectively there."

"I do not know if I would be willing... or welcomed, so far from the Edelwood. I would need to consult with my order."

"An I don' know about goin' that far from home without knowin' how long I'd be gone just for some dreams, Professor."

"Of course, of course. Take your time to consider it. In the meanwhile, if we could continue comparing our experiences throughout this expedition, perhaps even noting them down! Victoria, if you wouldn't mind- in fact, have you any dream experience to add to this?"

She shakes her head, already noting down the stories at Clayton's request. "I've never had any dreams like yours."

"Even more mysterious." Clayton picks at his meal instead of eats it, lost in thought for the rest of the waking night.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Skrimm gapes.

"No. No no no, no. That's not possible." Skrimm climbs up Clayton and tries to rap his knuckles against the man's forehead, but of course his hand just goes right through. "Jornir! Are you stuck in this bastard's head?!"

No answer. Just like there was no answers from Barnabos all day.

"There's no way you have Jornir following you around," Skrimm says, trying to grab Clayton by the cheekbones. "You're the least trustworthy person I've ever met, including myself! ... Alright, I'm maybe stretching it there, but you're not trying to be untrustworthy and that makes it like, ten times worse. And Jornir was the most reliable person I ever knew, even when it was really, really irritating for him to be!"

Skrimm climbs up to stand on the top of Clayton's hat and scans around them. "If you've got Jornir haunting you, he's got even less input than I do."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Mr. Jornir?" Barnabos waves his hand in front of Clayton's face. He walks around him in a circle, puts his hands to his mouth, and shouts as loudly as he can, "MR. JORNIR, CALL OUT IF YOU'RE WITH US, OR SEND A SIGN FROM YOUR GODS!"

Nothing. No signs from Jornir, nor The Triad. Barnabos puts hsi hands down and waits.

Still... nothing. The world is deaf to him, blind to him, dead to him.

"Aye, I knew it was too good to be true. Still just us, then." He turns back to Sarnax. "I wonder if Mr. Fireblossom 'ould be able to get through to you. Suppose I'll try somethin' new tonight. Maybe try to make it li' that Kolbold bonfire this time."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jornir sits cross-legged beside Clayton and heaves out a great, heavy sigh.

"There is no hope, then." He looks once more at Shepherd and Sarnax, and sees only them.

No-one familiar.

"If you are here," he says, raising his eye to the starry sky. "May the gods guide us all. I know... we will need it."

[vulpinefrost]

It still wasn't easy. Even after all these years, after learning to control his Vision, after crossing those waters he had once been sinking into as a kid. Here, now, late as it was and having stepped away from all others to come to this water front, he still found himself growing uncertain at the prospect of entering something that got so deep. Even after having come here, to this spot, a few nights over now to work through this bit by bit.

Yet here he was again, overclothes set aside folded neatly and watched over by his Familiar, wading step by careful step into Fontaine's waters. Feeling how cold they were in the moonlight, but not finding himself shivering. Much too used to cold now thanks to his years dealing with freezing temperatures, it was rather... calming. If not for that little nagging voice reminding him just how deep this lake was.

He was aware of the odd capabilities that the Archon of this land provided it's people, of how anyone could swim freely within the depths with greater ease. Of how one could last below the surface for longer than normally possible with whatever lung capacity they had. So while he wasn't keen on delving too deep any time soon... this seemed the best time to work himself back into swimming. Vaguely able to recall just how much he enjoyed doing so when he was just a Kit.

Step by step, in past his ankles, his knees, his hips, his waist, his chest... a pause. This was about the depths he was used to. Comfortable with. The depths he'd tread when cleaning himself during travels in lakes, rivers, and some larger ponds. But the last few occasional nights he's been here, done this, he's gone further. As he does now, after a moment of deep and slow breaths to calm his nerves.

A couple steps. Shoulders wet, the ends of his hair dampening and rising to float on the surface, his ears flicking back atop his head. A couple more. Neck engulfed with the chill of the lake, his breath catching feeling the water lap at his chin. It was the farthest he'd gotten the last two times he'd been here. Unable to bring himself to attempt to submerge as memories of that dark, freezing, suffocating void flashed to his mind. Just as it is doing now.

Slow breaths faltering into faster, uneven inhales and exhales. Vision blurring as he looks at the water, so very close to his face and almost reaching for his head. Then the ice begins to form, mist puffing from his mouth as the surface goes still and stiff. Creaking, cracking, he's losing control.

It's only after catching the glint of the moon off a piece of ice that forms over some rising water that he snaps to the present again. The brief instant of discomfort distracting his mind and senses, making him realize what was happening. Merely needing a glance down to the now dimming pale blue glow of his Vision to focus his mind.

Letting his eyes close, doing his best to ease and control his breathing again, and reaching a hand up to grasp around the gemstone connected to his choker. Then shifting his grasp up to the Teal gemstone that he had embedded above it. Breathing in again, slow, long, deep, as the ice around him breaks and the waters are freed once again. Then an exhale, equally as slow, though now releasing an ever so light layer of frost instead.

A second paced breath, and he steps forward letting himself be taken by the lake. Holding his breath, finding it far from painful, but with his eyes closed there was still nothing more than eerie darkness. Which, paired with what he felt surrounding him now, he was still uncomfortable. He wanted to open his eyes to dispel that discomfort, to try and take in what the world beneath the surface looked like, but he found that he just couldn't bring himself to. Not yet.

So he simply remained, whether it was for merely another five seconds, or for a more daunting ten as his discomfort just kept growing, he wasn't sure. But once it felt too much to bear, he was taking steps backward to get his head out of the waters as he retreated onto the shore. Opening his maw to let his breath free and gulp down fresh air as his eyes finally opened.

For now, he took solace in what little advancement he made toward such goal. Turning to return to dryer land and plop down on the rock next to his clothes and Crys. Turning a little, and easing back to lay down gazing up to the stars above. Simply just letting himself soak in what he had done, and letting the waters soak into his skin.

He would swim again... eventually...

[sharlalincoln]

Lessons From Dad

Today we set out to enjoy a beach day while on vacation at the river. The forecast called for rain at Atlantic Beach until 12 or 1, then cloudy for the afternoon. Determined to get just *ONE* day at the beach before heading back to work, I said "let's just do it. If the rain doesn't stop, we can just go to the aquarium". Halfway there, the rain was coming down fast and hard. Passing through Newport, I thought to myself "do we just need to turn around and go home? This isn't looking good." You know that saying "a rainy day at the beach is better than a sunny day at work"? Nope, I totally disagree. I'd much rather work in the sunshine than be at the beach in the rain. But at that moment, I flashed back to my teenage years, sitting in the back seat of the station wagon as our family traveled to Emerald Isle for one of our typical day trips during the summer. We only lived 90 minutes from the beach, so this was a regular occurrence and one I always looked forward to. Sometimes it would start to sprinkle and even pour on the drive there. I and whichever siblings were along for the ride would start our bellyachin'..."let's just go home! It's raining! It's gonna be nasty at the beach" etc. But Dad, the eternal optimist would retort "Now listen, this is just a little summer shower. It's probably sunny at the beach!" In all those years of daytrips to the beach, I don't remember a single time that we got rained out. So today, I heard his words and felt his optimism and it paid off. We waited out the rain under a picnic shelter at Fort Macon State Park, and it quickly dissipated, making way for an absolutely perfect day. There was a soothing sea breeze, cloud cover to tame the sun's scorching heat, and the water was amazingly calm with gently rolling waves, but big enough to catch with a boogie board or just bob over/through. While lazing in my chair, I watched a man showing his youngsters how to "catch a wave" with his body (bodysurfing). I immediately flashed back to that day in July 1987, one month before I was leaving home to begin my freshman year at NC State University. On that day, my family was at Emerald Isle on one of our typical daytrips, hanging out near the Bogue Inlet Pier as Mom always liked, to make it easier to find her as we came out of the water. Dad LOVED to bodysurf. He also had incredible lung capacity, so much so, that whenever he had to have lung xrays, it took 2 pictures to image both his lungs! And he LOVED to do the "dead man's float", meaning after he caught a wave, he would coast face-down, arms outstretched in front of him, until his body literally washed up on the shore. Us kids couldn't believe he could hold his breath that long. On this particular day, Dad caught a doozy of a wave. One with such power that he was not able to get his arms out in front of him and basically dumped him on his face. He did the dead man's float all the way to shore, but he didn't move when he "landed". My younger brother Brandon recognized something was badly wrong and pulled him out of the water. The details are foggy, but I remember Dad lying on his back (maybe Brandon rolled him over?) and Mom standing over him saying "honey, are you ok?" to which he responded "Doll, (short for Dolly, his pet name for her) I think I broke my neck." He could not move from his neck down, but had lung function. Miraculously, his incredible lung capacity had saved his life as he held his breath and prayed "Lord, I hope I'm ready, because I think this is it". He had suffered a C3-C7 spinal cord "bruising" which he mostly recovered from over the next 3-4 months, leaving him with a slight limp. As I watched the man today catch a wave or 2, I found myself unable to look in his direction any longer, as the memory of that fateful day in 1987 had overwhelmed me. I still love the beach, and even played in the water today, diving into the waves, jumping over them, and just floating in the calm between each swell, but the impact of watching Dad push through his recovery will always be a reminder of his amazing determination and optimism.

[cooji]

0207 //

hello, it’s me again. i used to form my words into small little poems and sometimes songs, but these days, my thoughts are mostly in complete sentences. i guess teaching grammar and sentence types to nine year olds for four years will do that to you. truthfully, i had an energy drink before bed, so while my eyes are tired, the rest of me physically does not feel so. tonight im laying in bed next to the love of my life; i used to write about him frequently when we were many years younger. i was navigating life and, at the time, debating between marriage with someone I hadn’t seen for two years, dating someone who’s life goal was to be a faithful father, and continuously running back to the heart that felt the most like home. it’s clear which i ended up choosing, but i would be lying if i said i never thought about what could’ve been. could i have been married? could i have moved out sooner? how long would it last if i decided i was done? what if i did go to mexico for a weekend after knowing someone for only twenty-five minutes? could i have stopped all the wonderful and lovely things im experiencing right now and deprived myself of it if i did stand firm and keep my foot down? or would something better have knocked on my door?

while i wade through the waters of what if relationships, i never stay to entertain anything below the surface. i know how i want my life to be and what it can be, regardless of the outcome. i went back to school and for the first time, ive found myself a career path worth entertaining. for the first time, i have a plan that feels achievable. except for when those goals feel out of reach and i find myself in the lazy river of dreams, everything i wanted to be when i was nineteen. and although the river is lazy, there’s always a jostle from something unknown that gets under my skin until my face twists with disgust, and disappointment fills me because i didn’t do anything; i just kept floating. floating until i realized turning around is no longer an option. ive moved forward too much in this economy that i have no choice. i have to maintain myself.

i realized today that twenty-nine is on the horizon. i never thought i wouldn’t make it (i consider myself lucky in this way because most of my loved ones around me felt differently for themselves). although, i know i could be better off and i didn’t get married at twenty-five or have kids at twenty-seven (seventeen year old me was truly wild for brainwashing myself into this up until i was twenty-four), and im endlessly overwhelmed and stressed and occasionally feel like a failure, i find peace within myself knowing that im happy with my life regardless of any battles that hinder me for brief moment. im happy. and i simply wouldn’t want it to be any other way.

thank you for listening to the ramble. ive got to go to sleep, maybe fight off a scorpion later with my cat, Milo (me-low) as primary hunter and Maisie as my comforter once i win the battle, full of fear. i also gave three homework assignments to do by midnight and like six boxes to unpack by 8am on monday. the morning is going to be awful, but i can tackle it. i know i can.

[lovelyney]

──────DATING THEM !! LIYUE GUYS───────

CHARACTERS: childe, chongyun, xiao, xingqiu, zhongli

SCENT: headcanons

WARNINGS: suggestive themes on xiao’s, but that’s it.

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯2022 !! #©LOVELYNEY

꒱₊˚ 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐄 !! 𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐀

𖠵𝟎𝟏: He’d totally be your malewife if he didn’t work in the Fatui.

𖠵𝟎𝟐: He’s playful and spirited when talking/teasing you, but if he senses something’s wrong, he’ll drop it immediately and ask what’s wrong.

𖠵𝟎𝟑: Dating a member of the Fatui, let alone a harbinger, immediately puts a target on your back because of how treacherous their work is, so you two keep your relationship primarily to yourselves.

𖠵𝟎𝟒: Includes you in many of the letters he sends to his family, never failing to mention how much you take his breath away and how keen he is for when they meet you.

Childe’s continuous mention of you almost immediately led Teucer to recognize it was you when you first met him.

he calls you “big sis/bro” and Childe MELTS because he’s so happy Teucer recognizes you as a part of the family.

𖠵𝟎𝟓: He can be a pain in the ass sometimes, but he’s YOUR pain in the ass, LMFAO.

𖠵𝟎𝟔: Calls you “little fox” and “baby.”

❝Hey, (NAME)��I was thinking and wanted to ask if you'd like to visit Snezhnaya the next time I go? I really want you to meet my family because I'm 100% sure they'll love you just as much as I do. Yeah? I'm glad to hear it! We ought to get you some warmer clothes first the blizzards in Snezhnaya can get kind of extreme. Rest assured, I'll keep you warm, lisichka! I wouldn't dare let my little fox freeze under my watch.❞

𖠵𝟎𝟕: It can be hard finding time to go on dates and such when you’re both so occupied with work; you try and make amends, though.

𖠵𝟎𝟖: Is extremely dedicated to marrying and starting a family with you ‹3

he can’t wait until he can settle down and have kids with you. domestic bliss is one of his biggest dreams.

𖠵𝟎𝟗: Cooks some delicious ass meals. You two cook together when you can, and it’s one of his favorite domestic moments you two share.

𖠵𝟏𝟎: Knowing how to take care of his siblings means he’s (mostly) ready to take care of you when you’re sick. 

𖠵𝟏𝟏: He goes into harbinger mode as soon as he hears that someone has hurt you. NOBODY lays a hand on you to hurt you and gets away scot-free.

if it’s because they’re trying to get information on him out of you, then he’ll make sure the pain is excruciating. he already felt bad that there was a target on your back from dating him and had vowed he’d protect you from those people.

𖠵𝟏𝟐: He is, in fact, your sugar daddy if he sees you looking at something for longer than a second, he’ll get it for you the next day.

and he insists on spoiling you; even if you were to protest against it !! he simply will not budge.

𖠵𝟏𝟑: Cherishes and protects any gifts that you might give him.

𖠵𝟏𝟒: If it meant coming home to you, he’d work every day and hour of his life.

𖠵𝟏𝟓: Glares at anyone who looks at you for too long. What’re you doing ogling his s/o ?? Fuck outta here, LMAO.

𖠵𝟏𝟔: He loves whenever you call him Ajax because it means you don’t see him as a harbinger.

꒱₊˚ 𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐘𝐔𝐍 !! 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐙𝐄𝐍 𝐀𝐑𝐁𝐎𝐑

𖠵𝟎𝟎: GRR, I LOVE CHONGYUN SO MUCH, MAN ‹//33

𖠵𝟎𝟏: You visited Dragonspine one day and happened to see him floating in the river and were like, “???” His eyes were closed, and he wasn’t moving, so you assumed he was dead. 

when you called out to him to confirm your theory, he instantly jolted up and locked eyes with you. blood rushed to his face so fast that it felt warm in the freezing water.

𖠵𝟎𝟐: It took some time for Xingqiu to fully convince him to confess, but he eventually worked up the courage to do it.

𖠵𝟎𝟑: He’s new to the concept of relationships and is too embarrassed to ask you directly, so he goes to Xingqiu for guidance, which isn’t much better considering he usually teases him.

𖠵𝟎𝟒: There’s always a box of his favorite popsicles stored in your freezer in case of emergencies.

𖠵𝟎𝟓: As part of his energy-balancing, you and him practice breathing and meditation.

he finds himself at peace whenever you’re around just in general, so you just being there helps him a lot.

𖠵𝟎𝟔: He likes to call you “(my) love,” “(my) dear,” and “yin!”

❝You look like you’re about to freeze to death, love! A-Are you sure you don’t want me to take you back home? You-You don’t have to come with me, you know. . . W-Well, if you’re so persistent, at least t-take my jacket and gloves! I-It’s not much, but at least it’s something. . . Um, um, I know when I-I kiss you, you seem to warm up. . . Do-Do you want a kiss, maybe?!?❞

𖠵𝟎𝟕: Since he has to keep his body temperature significantly low, you two can’t cuddle as much as you’d like ‹/3 Heart been broken so many times.

he���s always on the lookout for solutions and/or alternatives because he feels bad ):

𖠵𝟎𝟖: When you get into a disagreement, you always devise a peaceful solution to avoid him getting worked up and passing out.

that said, it’s not like you guys consistently fight, so it’s not a major and concerning issue.

𖠵𝟎𝟗: In the modern world, Xingqiu writes fanfic about you two ‹/3 Sorry, I don’t make the rules here.

however, given in this world, he’ll ask Chongyun about his experiences with you and jot them down so he can portray relationships accurately in his stories. 

𖠵𝟏𝟎: Doesn’t get a break from Xiangling’s and Xingqiu’s constant teasing regarding your relationship.

𖠵𝟏𝟏: Loves affection !! He becomes so soft whenever you show him an ounce of love :( He especially loves when you pepper his face with slow kisses; it distracts and calms him down. 

𖠵𝟏𝟐: Clinging to him in the summer because he’s naturally cold, and hugging him is like hugging a bag of ice ‹//3 He hates that he has to push you off sometimes because he gets too warm.

𖠵𝟏𝟑: You went to Shenhe and asked her if she could teach you how to expel spirits; she was delighted to after hearing that you wanted to help her nephew ‹3 (Supportive auntie Shenhe!!)

when you told Chongyun about it, he nearly started crying because he was so touched.

𖠵𝟏𝟒: The two don’t see each other very often, but when they do, Shenhe likes to bring you up in conversation to see how you’re doing. She thinks you two are adorable together and likes to lightly tease Chongyun about it. 

𖠵𝟏𝟓: E̸X̸O̸R̸C̸I̸S̸M̸ D̸A̸T̸E̸S̸

𖠵𝟏𝟔: His lips are cold from all the popsicles he eats, so whenever he kisses you, you’ll shudder a lil,’ and it makes him all giddy because he thinks it’s so cute ‹3 (I love Chongyun I’m going to throw up.)

𖠵𝟏𝟕: You like to experiment with popsicle flavors you make for him !! Of course, avoiding any type of spicy.

𖠵𝟏𝟖: Protective over you !! Especially when you two are out adventuring together. He’d hate to see you hurt ):

꒱₊˚ 𝐗𝐈𝐀𝐎 !! 𝐕𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐘𝐀𝐊𝐒𝐇𝐀

𖠵𝟎𝟏: He mentioned to Zhongli that he didn’t believe in “mortal rituals like falling in love” when the archon asked him if he considered settling down with someone in the near future. Yeah, that didn’t go as planned. 

𖠵𝟎𝟐: When he first fell in love with you, he distanced himself out of fear, both of scaring you away and getting too attached.

𖠵𝟎𝟑: One of his biggest fears is accidentally hurting you, whether that be emotionally or physically. He considers mortals incredibly fragile, so he tries to treat you gently so as not to shatter you.

𖠵𝟎𝟒: Is always on high alert when it comes to your well-being, reasoning it’s “his duty to protect and defend all of Liyue,” which translates to, “I’m worried you’re going to get yourself hurt if I don’t have my eyes on you for even a second.”

𖠵𝟎𝟓: Gave you a necklace infused with adeptal energy, so if you need him at any given time, all you have to do is squeeze the heart-shaped pendant in your hands, and it’d notify him. (The flowers inside are violet grass and qingxins that he picked himself!)

𖠵𝟎𝟔: This man is incredibly touch-starved; please give him all your undivided love and attention. He desperately needs it ‹//3

𖠵𝟎𝟕: Didn’t see the purpose of giving you nicknames, but Zhongli said that if he didn’t give you one, you might think he doesn’t love you (peepaw’s got your back ‹3), and that directly grabbed his attention. So, he started calling you “qingxin” because you remind him of the flower’s petals, both fragile and pretty. Additionally, he likes to call you “love” and “(little) dove.”

❝Urgh, why must you be so stubborn, qingxin? You know I’ll ALWAYS come at your call. What do you mean it’s just a scratch?! You’re still injured, are you not?! It’s my duty as an adeptus a-and your boyfriend to protect you. . . Shit, you know I’d do anything for you, so take advantage of that, will you? L-Let me protect you. . .❞

𖠵𝟎𝟖: The first time you fell asleep against his chest, his initial thought was, “i’m so fucked,” because it was then he realized he’d bring the world to its feet for you. 

𖠵𝟎𝟗: He would go through all those years of pain and torment 1000 times over if it meant reuniting with you.

𖠵𝟏𝟎: He’d go to great lengths to protect your smile; he isn’t one for experiencing joy, but when he sees your smile, he remembers that there are things in this world worth saving.

because of this, he HATES seeing you cry or upset. he feels like he’s failed his job at being your boyfriend.

𖠵𝟏𝟏: Argues that he doesn’t like touch or affection, but when you draw away from a kiss, he leans in closer and pulls you closer against him, his breath still hovering over your lips.

it actually took him a while to grow accustomed to gentle touches because all he did was conquer demons. but with how patient and gentle you were, progress flew by. 

𖠵𝟏𝟐: Sometimes when you have to leave for commissions in the early mornings, he’ll circle his arms around you and pull you back against him, whining that he doesn’t want you to go.

𖠵𝟏𝟑: Super protective over you !! if he sees someone getting too close to you, he’ll go over there and wrap his arms around you from behind—his golden eyes piercing into the latter's skull as he nestles his nose against your neck. 

𖠵𝟏𝟒: Acts disgusted when you compliment him, but the redness on his cheeks gives away how he truly feels.

𖠵𝟏𝟓: You like to trace his adeptal markings with your fingertips, and he melts right there and then—hiding his face in your chest or neck as he lets out breathy sighs.

don’t get me started when you kiss them. he has to physically restrain himself from moaning (sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t), LMFAO. the feeling of your soft lips against his skin is his weak spot.

𖠵𝟏𝟔: When he kisses you, it’s long and desperate because he doesn't know if he'll see you again when he leaves to rid the demons of Liyue.

𖠵𝟏𝟕: Zhongli often brings up marriage and kids to one of you (he thinks you two are perfect for each other from how contrasting your personalities are); grandpa wants his grandkids ‹///3 come on you guys, give them to him, LMAO. I kid, I kid. 

𖠵𝟏𝟖: Whenever you’re off to sleep, he’ll sit perched on your balcony or by your side, guarding you while you’re dreaming—only hoping that his presence is enough to wield off any nightmares. 

𖠵𝟏𝟗: He’s always warm because of his karmic debt, so he’s a walking heated blanket. Perfect for the colder days, but horrible for the warmer ones, LMAO.

in the summer, he’ll always pout because you sometimes have to push him off you because he can get too warm for you to handle; he likes to cradle you in his arms while you slumber ‹/3

𖠵𝟐𝟎: He knows his fallen friends would’ve ADORED you, and that thought brings him both comfort and pain; he wishes they could’ve met you at least once to see just how much of a lovable being you truly are. 

𖠵𝟐𝟏: Sometimes leaves bruises (squeezing your thighs & hips, other things). . . and marks (bite marks, hickeys) from how hard he loves you.

𖠵𝟐𝟐: He loves you so much that it sometimes drives him crazy. It’s hard for him to remain civil and under control when it comes to you—especially when you purposely press his buttons.

𖠵𝟐𝟑: Shivers and/or blushes whenever you call him Alatus. hearing you call him by his adeptal name is a turn-on for him; There, I said it.

you normally call him that when you’re upset with him or trying to grab his attention. but sometimes you just call him that just because.

𖠵𝟐𝟒: Adores it whenever you kiss the diamond on his forehead or his hands/fingers ‹/3

꒱₊˚ 𝐗𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐐𝐈𝐔 !! 𝐉𝐔𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐋𝐄 𝐆𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐓

𖠵𝟎𝟏: Listen, he can be one hell of a gentleman, but he can also be a lil’ shit sometimes. Which is basically Xingqiu’s personality wrapped up. 

𖠵𝟎𝟐: Didn’t initially know much about relationships and how to pursue them—only reading about them in his novels.

𖠵𝟎𝟑: Rather than jumping to conclusions, he asked you outright if what he felt for you was love. Spoiler alert: it was.

𖠵𝟎𝟒: His love for you is a neverending flame—always burning bright. It is never a secret that he loves and adores you, so you are never left feeling unloved. 

𖠵𝟎𝟓: He’s incredibly gentle with you, treating you as if you’re a precious family heirloom that’s destined to break at any minute.

𖠵𝟎𝟔: Rambles about you to his dad and brother quite often. (He isn’t quite ready for you to meet them. Only because he knows he wouldn’t hear the end of their teasing—most likely ending in both of you feeling embarrassed.)

𖠵𝟎𝟕: Gently coaxes you to sit between his legs, sugarcoating his words so that he can read you some of his favorite stories while you rest peacefully against him. It doesn’t matter if you were to fall asleep; just your body pressed against him is all he needs (:

𖠵𝟎𝟖: When you two started dating, he started to call you “(my) love,” “(my) dear,” and “(my) flower.”

❝Good morning, my lovely flower. Sit up, would you? I’ve made you breakfast, perfectly assembled by yours truly. Hm? What’re you looking at me like that for? Pardon? No! Of course, I didn’t add anything nauseating! Goodness, do you not have any faith in me, my dear? Can’t I do something nice for my partner?❞

𖠵𝟎𝟗: Dedicates a lot of his stories and poems to you! ♥️

𖠵𝟏𝟎: Very observant of you, always knowing when something’s wrong or when you take a particular interest in something—he’s trained himself to take notice of smaller and simpler things when it comes to you, just in case there’s a bigger picture.

𖠵𝟏𝟏: You have to save Chongyun from his pranks more often than you’d like. Poor boy never gets a break from your boyfriend’s antics ‹///3 #Savechongyun2023

𖠵𝟏𝟐: (↑) It’s not like you’re entirely safe from them, though. Your lover can be quite the teaser sometimes. 

𖠵𝟏𝟑: Sneaks out late at night to see or take you somewhere. He loves the adrenaline and the smile on your face as you recognize it’s him gently knocking on your window.

𖠵𝟏𝟒: His kisses are very delicate and gentle—usually placing them on your fingertips and forehead.

𖠵𝟏𝟓: He has already looked at rings for you, despite being a few years away from proposing. He can’t help but daydream about the day.

𖠵𝟏𝟔: He 100% believes fate brought you two together and that no matter what parallel universe you guys might be, he’ll always find his way to you ‹3

𖠵𝟏𝟕: Rest assured, if someone is bothering you, he’ll be more than happy to take care of the situation for you. Civilly at first, but if they’re stubborn and persistent, he doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty if it’s for your sake (:

𖠵𝟏𝟖: For someone who’s delicate and tone is usual of silk, he has a razor sharp tongue when it comes to harsh words against you. He doesn’t mind the words directed at him, but if it’s you, then they’re going to leave humiliated.

your lover is quite the mischievous one, which also means he might play a free pranks on him for extra good measure, hehe

𖠵𝟏𝟗: One of his oh-so-favorite things to do is slow dance with you ‹3 He loves simple and sweet moments like that.

𖠵𝟐𝟎: A deep and hopeless romantic—the trait developing from the romance books he’s read.

꒱₊˚ 𝐙𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐋𝐈 !! 𝐕𝐀𝐆𝐎 𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐎

𖠵𝟎𝟏: Ah, Zhongli. . . Also quite the gentleman ‹3

𖠵𝟎𝟐: He knows how to treat you properly and makes it his job always to do so; you’re always his top priority. 

𖠵𝟎𝟑: He's protective over you, but in a gentle manner—constantly telling you to take care of and not overwork yourself. 

𖠵𝟎𝟒: One of the things that lured him to you was even when he told you his identity, you still saw him as Zhongli rather than Morax. 

𖠵𝟎𝟓: Once word got out to Hu Tao and Childe; Archons, they would NOT shut up about it, always nagging and asking him questions. 

𖠵𝟎𝟔: Despite his almost boundless knowledge of a variety of different things, he asks you to teach him many things involving mortal life and relationships.

𖠵𝟎𝟕: Has a cor lapis engagement ring that’s infused with his archon powers stored safely somewhere. he used some of his geo-energy to ensure it’d be pretty indestructible. 

it also leaves elemental tracings whenever you go, so if he were to worry about you, he’d use elemental sight to find you. 

𖠵𝟎𝟖: He’s an old soul, so I see him calling you “(my) dear” and “(my) love.”

❝Ah, welcome back, my love. How were your adventures today? Tiring, I presume, based on how sluggish you look. . . Would you like me to draw you a bath and prepare some tea? It looks like you could use some spoiling.❞ 

𖠵𝟎𝟗: Gives you amazing massages when you’re feeling stressed or tense.

𖠵𝟏𝟎: Buys you expensive ass gifts somehow, given his lack of understanding of using and spending mora. 

𖠵𝟏𝟏: His hands are big and warm !! I like to think he finds comparing your hand sizes amusing. The way his entire hand can wrap around yours brings a smile to his lips.

𖠵𝟏𝟐: Gives the best and sometimes the worst bedtime stories as he rambles on and on without even noticing. The silver lining is that his voice helps you drift off to sleep.

𖠵𝟏𝟑: Isn’t one to argue with you, preferring to solve things peacefully. In all honesty, as much as it’s nice, it can sometimes be annoying because he always answers you so calmly and stares at you lovingly whenever you’re trying to make a point against him. In simpler terms, it’s hard to be mad at him. 

𖠵𝟏𝟒: He’s threatening when he’s mad because he doesn’t show it in his expression but rather in his voice.

that said, it’s (normally) not you who he gets mad at; it’s the people who dare think they can raise their voice or lay a hand on you. 

𖠵𝟏𝟓: The feeling of being loved (relationship-wise) was, to some extent, foreign to him for a while since his first love had passed. Because of that, it took him a while to fully adapt to that kind of relationship, but the more time passed, the more comfortable he got. 

𖠵𝟏𝟔: You’ve become Xiao’s other parent, often looking after him if he’s injured and giving him advice on mortal life. And since Zhongli trusts you so much, he sometimes actually listens to you. talk about miracles. 

𖠵𝟏𝟕: He comes home with a different bouquet every time he goes out, and you’re like, “??? where the fuck are you getting these?” 

𖠵𝟏𝟖: Not many people try to mess with you, given your Zhongli’s lover and a close friend of Hu Tao—both of whom work at a funeral parlor. And if someone does ?? Well, then they just gained a new customer !!

[bivwifeybunny]

Just around the corner, darlin'

Pairing: Southern!Sapnap x reader

Warning(s): mentions of sex, nothing else just fluff :)

A/N: I found this fic that I wrote 3 months ago just sitting within my other docs. And it was southern!sapnap so i just had to put it out. It was just in time for Southern Saturday after all. southern!sapnap has my whole entire heart fr <333 anyways, hope you enjoy :D

It’d been getting lonely without him. And hot as hell. Even at 10pm, it had barely calmed down, now only at an uncomfortably warm level.

I missed him pulling up in his big ol’ pickup truck, just to drive us out to the river again. I missed his sweet southern charm, his even sweeter nicknames.

What I wouldn’t give for him to pull up to our apartment and whisk me away. Greet me with a “Hey darlin’” or a “Hey there sweetheart.”. I’d follow him to the ends of the Earth if it meant I got to see his sweeter than honey smile and hear his endless slew of cheesy nicknames said in a way that I can only describe that was just so Sapnap.

I miss the days we would spend all day down at the river. Drinking, laughing, messing around. Just… being. Being together. Those days would almost always end in tangled limbs and soft giggles, exploring each other's bodies as if it were the first time. Before that dissolved into soft gazes and warm cuddles. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I gazed over at the calendar, a grin overtaking my features. Only a week left till summer break. Till I see him again. My attention was stolen once more by my phone as it rang out, my smile only growing.

“Hey darlin’.”

“Hey yourself, baby.”

“Miss me?”

“Like crazy.” I breathed out, running a hand through my hair, even if I could hear him, it still twisted my heart that I couldn’t see him just yet.

“Aw, ’missed you too, sweetheart. But I think I know somethin’ that’ll help us both.”

“Really? What is it?” I started suspiciously. I would take whatever he offered, but nothing would beat him being here with me. I narrowed my eyes at the window as a loud honk rang out from outside, or was it coming from Sapnap's end? Wait what?

“Why don’t you take a look outside sugar?”

“..Sapnap, did you really?” I made my way to the window.

“I sure did, now ‘urry up and get out here, I don’t think I could wait any longer tuh see you, baby.”

I didn’t bother hanging up, stuffing my phone into my hoodie pocket and running outside. My bare feet hit the warm concrete as I ran towards him. We wore matching grins as I ran into his arms and hugged him like my life depended on it.

He picked me up and held me just as tight, hands going to hold my thighs and lips pressing anywhere they would reach.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were comin’ home early?” I pulled my face back to look at his. I cupped his face and pressed kisses all over his face.

That damn laugh. It was more accurately described as a giddy little giggle, like a kid who was damn near bursting at the seams to tell you a secret.

“‘Was a surprise. Wanted to see your reaction.” He beamed up at me.

“Well, were you happy with what you saw?”

“More than happy, sugar.” He looked up at me with an adorable smile.

So adorable that I couldn’t stop myself from leaning in and pressing a soft kiss to his lips. It had gone too long since I’d been able to do that so I was definitely going to make up for it for the rest of the summer.

Unfortunately I was forced to pull away when the lack of air became too strong, but that only made me feel even more like I was floating on cloud nine. I leaned my forehead against his, gazing at his goofy grin, identical to my own. I traced along his browline, all the way down to the apples of his cheeks.

“I missed you.”

“Me too darlin’. Don’t worry though, m’all yours fur the rest of the summer.”

“I can’t wait.”

[kiwi-backup]

Sellsword | Viktor x Reader | SFW Pt. 1

Premise: You and Viktor grew up together and became each other’s rock. You lost touch after being forced to leave and find your brother who went missing. After years of getting by as a skilled sellsword, you arrive in Piltover for a new job, and to catch up with the man you always vowed to protect. 

Warnings: This part is SFW, but the next part will be NSFW. Just fluff and reminiscing in this one. Mentions of physical disability & light teasing about it (from kids), fair warning. 

(This is long, buckle up lol)

Viktor had never known another friend like you. Comrades had always been a rare thing for him, especially as a child. 

He thought about you often, even as the years went on without another sight of you. Each day that passed, Viktor kept you in his memory—in those longing thoughts for what used to be.

Viktor pondered one specific day in particular. You were floating in the river, carefree as usual with your face to the warm summer sky. Viktor stood there hesitantly on the bank, leaning into his cane, dressed in his own tattered swim trunks.

He couldn’t help but take in how easily you relaxed and found wonder in the small things, despite coming from the undercity like he did. Viktor seemed to bear the weight of that reality much more than you did, as you never let it deter you for even a moment. 

“Are you coming in this time, Vik?” You had called from in the water, glancing his way. 

Viktor swallowed hard and adjusted the cane beneath him, as if that were an answer in and of itself. He gave you a weak smile that vanished faster than it appeared. 

“Come on, Viktor, it’s hot out today. It’ll help you cool off,” You returned, rolling back into a crouched position in the water. You waded there despite it being more shallow, eyes on Viktor sympathetically. 

“I don’t know...” Viktor said quietly, casting his eyes down. 

Viktor wanted to swim with you like he always wanted to, but his leg made it an intimidating feat. He was afraid of the short distance he would need to move in order to climb in. He didn’t trust his legs to get him there without embarrassment. 

“You shouldn’t have to watch me have all the fun. I can help if you’d like.”

Viktor felt a slight wave of guilt at that. He didn’t want to need help. He wished he could run in with you and not have to worry about his body giving out on him. It made things much harder for him. 

Viktor took a deep breath and slowly made his way closer to the edge, leaning against the cane all the while. He toed the edge and looked down at the water as it ran by and glistened beneath the sun. 

He wanted nothing more than to feel the cool sensation against his skin, and to be there with you. His one friend willing to stick by his side through it all. Viktor was always afraid of letting you down, no matter how often you stayed anyway. 

“Looks like the cripple is attempting to swim today.”

Viktor noticed how quickly your head turned at the voice of a young boy stood across the river on an elevated rock face, on the border that lead to topside. Several other kids stood around him and snickered, all eyeing Viktor maliciously. 

“Not when he slips and falls first!” Another sneered in his direction. 

Viktor’s heart shattered immediately, and the shame washed over him. His eyes fell to his feet and he cursed that setback of his. 

“Shut up!” You had shouted at them, standing at your full height in the river. 

Viktor lifted his head at the sound of your voice, and he wanted to tell you not to defend him. To not get yourself on their bad sides too. 

But you were different from the other kids. Born with a natural skill when it came to defending yourself and others, they didn’t mess with you. The damage your fist could make was known among the children of Piltover. 

You reached for the river rocks below and chucked them in their direction, narrowly missing as a warning. 

“Shut your mouths or I’ll bury you!” You screamed at them, teeth grit all the while. 

The kids scattered at once with their squeals, afraid of what you were capable of. Truthfully, you were just as much of an outcast as Viktor, since most of them feared you and your fiercely protective nature when it came to the boy. 

Viktor swallowed hard while he watched them run as fast as they could, and the last rock clunked against the ground. He heard as the water was disturbed, and he noticed you were half a step away from him, hand extended. 

“Don’t listen to them, Viktor. They’re a bunch of snot-nosed brats,” you growled, visibly trying to shake the anger. “I’ll help you in, just trust me okay?” 

Extra weary from their taunts, Viktor found it hard to do just that. His wide eyes met yours, and in that moment, he felt as those fears were quelled just enough for him to put a hand in your palm. 

You arranged yourself accordingly to help Viktor find a more comfortable position, dropping his cane. Carefully, you guided him into the water, completely unfazed by the assistance. 

It never bothered you, in fact. It was a quality about you that Viktor was eternally grateful for. 

Viktor sucked a breath in at the water’s cool sensation until his skin had the chance to get used to it. Even so, Viktor took those steps into the river with your help, moving into the deeper area so he could float more comfortably. 

When Viktor was submerged enough to float and wade in the water, relieving the weight from his legs, a wide smile spread across his face. He shared that giddy look with you. 

“See? It’s not so bad, is it?” 

Viktor shook his head with a small bubble of a laugh, slowly moving away from you as his confidence grew, releasing your hand to his dismay. 

Your laugh in return warmed his heart immensely, and Viktor made sure to commit that sound to memory. 

“You’re a natural, Viktor!” You giggled, watching as the boy lifted himself to float in the water. 

Viktor was overjoyed by the small victory, so much so that he even closed his eyes to soak up the sun’s warmth. He didn’t usually bother with swimming, thus he missed out on many fun summer days doing exactly that. 

The two of you splashed around for a time, pushing against the small current all the while. You were sent further down the river little by little by its natural push, and neither of you paid much attention to it. 

However, the current seemed to grow stronger after a while, and it wasn’t until Viktor slipped on a rock and was swept away that you realized just how far out you were. 

Viktor panicked all the while he tried to reach for something to grab, only to come up short. His heart pounded and the fear got the better of him. 

“Viktor!” You shouted at him, quick to swim through the rapidly moving current. 

You were always a strong swimmer, but you were afraid of the speed he gained from losing his resistance. He thrashed in the water, calling out to you with raw fear in his tone. 

The drop-off was nearing and Viktor knew it. His heart clenched and he closed his eyes the moment he felt the edge. He hoped it would be painless, at the very least. 

But your hand clamped around his wrist and suspended Viktor in the air, moments away from falling into the river below. It was scarily high, and both of you froze. 

Viktor watched as you tried to hold both of you above the small waterfall, fighting against the current at the same time. With your feet wedged in between the rocks below, you just managed it despite all odds. 

Even with your strength, there was no way you could pull him up again. Viktor was too afraid to try and climb, so it was ultimately up to you. 

Slipping little by little, you knew there was no choice. 

“Viktor, we have to jump. But only when I say. Make sure you hold your breath!” The genuine concern reflected in your eyes, along with that sure conviction. “I’ll find you again, don’t worry.” 

Viktor’s heart pounded all the while, but he had no other option. He nodded, trying to push back the fear. 

Your determined eyes were the last thing Viktor saw before you yelled ‘now!’ and kicked yourself off the ledge, consequently throwing him farther away, hopefully sparing him from any rocks below. 

Viktor resurfaced with a gasping breath in much deeper water than the stream. He coughed up the water he couldn’t help from taking in, thrashing around for dear life.  

“Y/n!” Viktor screamed in between gasps, and he tried to catch a glimpse of you.

Viktor was afraid you hadn’t thrown yourself far enough, and were unconscious in the water somewhere. Helpless within the depths. That thought nearly killed him. 

But the hand around his arm forced him to stop his flailing. Viktor was pulled into you while you panted, sure to keep him close. You paddled over to the bank and helped Viktor climb up.

“I’m so sorry, Viktor,” you murmured to him, and pulled yourself out of the water, completely drenched. You sat on the edge and met Viktor’s eye. “I should’ve been more careful. I shouldn’t have pushed you into doing it.” 

After Viktor regained his bearings from his place in the grass, he only felt the rush of adrenaline he so rarely knew. Since you were both safe when it was all said and done, all he could do was laugh. 

Viktor easily recalled the startled look on your face at his own strange reaction. The amusement bubbled up inside of him until you had no choice but to laugh in return. 

The two of you laughed as if the most hilarious thing had happened, like you weren’t in the most dangerous situation either of you had ever encountered. 

Eventually, Viktor laid back in his spot, to which you followed suit and found a place next to him. The hot sun beat down and worked to dry you off. 

“Don’t be sorry, it was fun,” Viktor giggled, staring up at what little amount of blue sky was let in through the outskirts of the city. The rare sight of normalcy that wasn’t found further inside the undercity. 

“That’s a way to put it,” You returned with a humoured lift in your voice. 

Viktor never forgot the way you brought so much light and joy into his life, where he often found an absence of it. It was always an easy thing for you, and Viktor held that quality about you close to his heart. 

But that solid, trustworthy friendship was taken from him before he could truly understand why you were the most important person in his life. Viktor’s heart broke the day you confided in him about your brother’s disappearance. 

It was known he was involved with some gritty people—people you tried to stay away from despite being a zaunite. But Viktor never thought you would be dragged into it too. 

You left to find him. To make your mark in the undercity before you were even a proper teenager. Even if you had to take down each criminal just to do it, you were going to find your brother and bring him home. 

You promised Viktor you would return for him, and he committed that promise to his memory and heart. But by the time he was recruited for the academy in topside, there had been no sight of you. You were like a ghost lost in the belly of the city, too far from his grasp. 

He felt the ache of his loss every day since then, and the longing he felt to be with you again never ceased.

But as you stand below in the city square, Viktor can’t believe his eyes. There you are, after all those years, alive and in the flesh. From inside the lab, he can’t help but ogle, wide eyed and heart racing. 

If he could run, he would. But Viktor only leans into his crutch and tries to get a grip of himself. 

You’ve arrived in Piltover, with business unbeknownst to him as you shake hands with Heimerdinger and a few higher-up enforcers. He needs to know what has changed, and where you’ve been, for what little he understands about the situation from his place is agonizing. 

After some time of waiting, Viktor’s world is turned upside down the moment the lab door opens, and a wave of familiarity fills the space. He turns to see who it is, only to freeze in his place. 

A chill runs up his spine at the sight of you, followed by a rush of warmth in his face. He has waited years for this moment and Viktor can’t fathom it. 

“Y/n...” Viktor murmurs just above a whisper, eyes growing large with each emotion that circulates inside him. It’s almost too much to handle, and he doesn’t know how to digest it all. 

Jayce smiles at Viktor’s immediate recognition, and he gestures to you, just as overcome with all the feelings you two once shared. 

“Y/n was telling me she knew you growing up, and I thought it was time you two caught up,” Jayce says, lingering by the door. He points toward the hall. “I’ll leave you to it then.” 

Viktor doesn’t have the capacity to hear Jayce’s words or say anything in return, for he’s so engrossed in the sight of you that nothing else matters. 

While the traces of your child-like appearance remain in small fragments, you’re grown up, just like he is. Your face is more carefully contoured and primed with age, your body is that of a woman—one seasoned by rigorous activity and strength. 

You’re beautiful, and Viktor’s mind short-circuits at the realization. 

“Viktor,” you return softly, offering him a gentle smile as you approach him, arms already extended to embrace him. 

Viktor jolts at the sudden impact of your body against his, arms wrapping around his midsection, but he quickly eases into it, fighting back the tears that gather in his waterline. He secures his arms around your shoulders and allows himself to lean into the embrace. 

The warmth of you is agonizingly sweet against his chest, and Viktor can hardly recall the last time anyone has hugged him or shown him any sort of affection. His world had been colder without you, and the rewards of having you near are immediate. 

“You’re taller now,” you chuckle into his chest with one last squeeze before you pull back and gaze up at him. “I guess we both are.” 

Viktor manages a lopsided grin despite the strong pull of emotions within his chest, and he sucks in a rigid breath. “A decade changes many things.” 

Verbalizing how long is has been since Viktor last laid eyes on you seems to hurt even more, and he can’t help but notice how the swell of sadness comes through your features. 

“I suppose I have a lot of explaining to do,” you say, mournful of all the lost time. 

Viktor leans against one of the tables and invites you to do the same, in which you remain close to his side. “Before you get into the rest of it, what are you doing here in Piltover?” 

He gazes down at you, taking in each and every fleeting emotion that runs across your face. It has been so long since he’s had the chance to look at you, and Viktor refuses to let that opportunity slip through his fingers. 

“I signed on as an instructor at the academy. I’ll be mostly training the enforcer scouts.”

Viktor’s heart pulls at what that means, and he swallows hard. He can feel as his body sings with hope. “So you will be staying in the city then? You’ll be here?” 

Viktor nearly melts at the sight of your genuine smile, and the sensation of your hand in his palm. He has to double-take, for even the slightest signs of affection shake him down to his core. 

“Yes, that’s right. I’ll be here in topside for the foreseeable future,” you hum, clearly just as relieved by the news. 

Viktor can hardly take it. The sight of you and the face he so dearly missed, finally returned to him at last. The dearest friend he ever had, back in his life. He does his best to hold back the tears that threaten to spill. 

“You have no idea how long I’ve waited to hear that,” Viktor croaks, barely able to form the words. 

“I’ll be here for you now like I used to be before,” you manage, pressed against his shoulder to offer him what comfort you can. “But hopefully with better critical thinking skills.”

Viktor chuckles at the sentiment and discreetly wipes at his eyes. “What happened, y/n? Why were you gone for so long?” 

“When my brother vanished, I caught wind of who had taken him. I had to jump through hoops, exhausting every lead I had until I got him back from the gang he got caught up in,” you begin, preparing for the long-winded explanation you know Viktor deserves. “He was with me for a few months before he was claimed by Shimmer. It turns out, he was dealing it. When he found himself in a tough spot and unable to pay his debts, he returned to it, and it killed him.” 

Viktor’s face softens and his hand gently squeezes your own. “I’m terribly sorry that happened, y/n.” 

With a deep breath, you continue. “Of course, the moment he wasn’t alive to pay the debt anymore, the gang expected me to. So, I did what I do best, and I became a sellsword. If a terrible man needed to be taken out and I was promised a payment, I did it. I’ve taken more lives than I can count, but at least it helped clean the streets of some of the worst criminals in the undercity. With cash in my pocket, I paid the gang little by little until I struck a deal under the table with an enforcer. If I took out as many of the grunts as I could, allowing the boss to be arrested, I would be untouchable by the law. I would be let off, and I wouldn’t have to pay the debt back. So, I did exactly that.” 

Many thoughts and emotions ebb and flow through Viktor all the while he listens, struck by how extreme it all sounds. He never knew what became of you, and to hear it, Viktor doesn’t know exactly how to feel. 

“You became a mercenary?” Viktor presses, as if he didn’t believe it the first time. 

You nod, visibly afraid of what Viktor thinks of you. “Yes. I’m not entirely proud of it, but I did what I had to. There was nothing left for me to do when my life was on the line. I only ever wanted to save my brother and make the undercity a better place, even if it meant killing those who deserved it. I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry this happened, Viktor.” 

Viktor’s chest clenches the moment he hears the regret in your voice, shattered by the weight of it all. Instinctively, he puts an arm around you and keeps you close, paranoid that you might be swept away from him again. “Don’t be sorry, y/n. I understand why you did it. What matters is that you’re out of it now and life can be different for you. For us.” 

“You were always the sweet one out of us, Viktor,” you say, much to his surprise. Leaning into his contact, you continue. “I missed you every day I was gone. After my brother died, I wanted nothing more than to come back home and see you again, to make sure you were alright. But I couldn’t risk pulling you down with me, not when things were so dark. I couldn’t do that to you.” 

“I know, y/n. Please don’t beat yourself up over it. You’re here now and that’s what matters,” Viktor returns kindly, heart more at ease with the explanation. 

While it wasn’t the life he hoped you would have, Viktor can’t be angry with you, or resentful of your past work. He knows all too well the dangers of the undercity, and what it takes to survive. 

You stand up fully and embrace Viktor once again, keeping him tight in your arms. Viktor is less surprised this time, and he gladly holds you since he wasn’t able to for all those years. 

“I won’t leave you again, Viktor. You hear me? No matter what happens, I’ll always be here to protect you. To make sure you’re safe and content.” 

A small chuckle comes from Viktor at the muffled reply, and his hand caresses your back absently. Those heavy yet explosive feelings inside him come alive at your declaration. 

“Having you near again has done exactly that. But I’m afraid not much danger occurs in the lab.” 

Pulling back just enough to gaze up at Viktor, you cock a brow. “Does anything ever blow up? Or catch fire?” 

Viktor makes a conflicted sound. “Ehh, occasionally, I suppose.” 

“Perfect. Then I’ll be here to make sure you don’t blow the place up. How’s that?” You muse, dropping your arms from the embrace, much to Viktor’s dismay. 

He longs for the warmth of you once more, yet Viktor watches how you turn on your heel and gaze around the lab, arms folding behind your back. “So how did my dear Viktor end up in a place like this?” 

Viktor’s heart races at your interest, but his usual bashfulness returns with his shrug. “It’s kind of a long story.” 

You give him a smile from over your shoulder with your enticing response. “I have more than enough time. I want to know everything, and don’t spare the details.” 

A hopeful sensation simmers within Viktor’s whole body, and he swallows back his reservations. It doesn’t take him long to realize his adoration for you has swelled tenfold, and those feelings are even deeper than he initially thought. 

Viktor is overjoyed to have you back, yet he can’t help but feel like he’s in over his head.

He is completely and utterly in love with you. 

[twinkleimagines]

*Lets go camping*

For yours and Drew’s 2 year anniversary, he takes you on a week vacation of nothing but Camping in a national forest with a huge waterfall. It was hard for you to enjoy it at first because of the heat and bugs and just outside in general, but Drew knew how to quickly change your mind on the trip, especially when the sun was setting .

* this is extra extra long with EXTRA smut. Fair warning. 18 AND OLDER.

“ ughhhh” *smack*-

“ ughhhh” *smack*-

Drew chuckled as he watched you sit in your foldable chair by the fire he had going, smacking your arm as another mosquito landed on you. “ God I hate this shit” you mumbled under your breath as you went swinging at another bug on your thigh.

“ c’mon baby it’s only our first day , give it some time it’ll warm up to ya” he stated as he snapped a twig over his leg, placing the two pieces in his fire wood pile.

“ yeah well you could’ve picked like an RV or something “ you stated halfway joking. He shook his head walking over towards you.

“ that completely defeats the purpose of camping princess “ he replied before leaning down pecking your lips.

“ mmm you’re lucky you’re so hot” you moaned out looking at his shirtless body glistening in the sunlight.

“ cmon put your tennis shoes on baby, I want to show you something but it’s gonna be a walk” he stated as he filled his book bag up with water bottles.

“ you’re just trying to kill me arent you” you scoffed as you slid your tennis shoes on before zipping the tent back up. You were semi familiar with North Carolina from being with Drew for two years but Drew always surprised you with different locations he had managed to scope out throughout his teenage and early college years. You were a good 2 miles deep in the woods where Drew decided was a good spot for camping . You didn’t like it because you were so far away from his truck and the road itself, but he swore he had camped there before and knew the area like the back of his hand.

“ we’ll if we’re on the news in two weeks for a bear attack, I hope you know I WILL haunt you in the afterlife” you said walking over to him as he patiently waited for you, propped up against a tree.

“ oh baby I got stuff for cases like that, but I’ve never seen a bear before out here and I’ve been out here more than I can count “ he stated , plopping one of his baseball caps on your head.

“ hm my own personal Tarzan” you joked running your hand down his toned chest. “ so sexy”

***

“ you hear that?” Drew beamed excitedly while standing on a huge fallen tree. You sighed heavily , leaning over placing your hands on your knees trying to catch your breath.

“ yeah I can hear my own lungs collapsing” you exclaimed leaning up against the tree he was standing on. He chuckled at how dramatic you were before shaking his head.

“ no princess the water” he stated turning his head to the right of him.

“ ooohhh finally” you beamed climbing up the tree , walking down towards where Drew stood.

“ c’mon princess you’ll love it” he exclaimed grabbing your hand, helping you down the tree. Within a few more minutes the water was extremely loud, and you were for sure it was going to be a waterfall that you would be coming up to.

“ there it is” Drew beamed excitedly, reaching his arm out. You gasped at the sight. It was Huge and the view itself was definitely worth the walk it took to get there.

“ come on “ Drew said tugging on your hand pulling you towards the water. You both stood on the edge, standing on big flat rocks that lined the edge of the river . “ let’s swim” Drew said before kicking his shoes off.

“ my bathing suit is at the tent” you said frowning.

“ no one will be anywhere near here just wear your underwear.” He said as he pulled his black shorts down, his tight gray briefs outlining his figure.

“ the thing is” you started as you pulled your Jean shorts down, wiggling your bottom out, your pink cheekers prominently making your bottom really stand out. You smirked as you watched Drew’s face as you pulled your padded tank top over your head, completely flashing Drew as you had no bra on. “ I don’t have a bra “

“ whewww” Drew replied, his eyes staring at your perky nipples. You grinned seductively as you walked backwards into the water.

“ you coming Daddy?” You purred out, running your hands over the water as you continued to walk backwards. Drew went to respond when all of a sudden he heard a squeal come from your lips as you completely sank under water.

“ oh my god it drops off!” You screamed after you popped back out of water swimming your way back to where you could reach. Drew’s face was red from laughing so hard before he walked into the water towards you.

“ come here beautiful “ he said pulling you towards him by your waist. Your breasts were pressed tightly up against his chest as you wrapped your legs around his waste , your arms going around his shoulders.

“ I know I complained a lot today, but it’s really beautiful out here and I’m really enjoying our time together” you stated, the splashes from the waterfall spraying you and Drew slightly.

“ mm me to too baby” he beamed. You giggled as you felt him starting to grow up under you, pressing against your core.

“ oh Drew” you chuckled out, “ we’ve never had sex in the water before” you whispered to him before leaning down for a kiss. Drew’s large hands squeezed your bottom as you nibbled on his bottom lip, feeling his cock jump against you.

“ you so fuckinf sexy y/n” he groaned, lifting your hips up against his shaft, making you moan out to the friction. “ you just don’t know what you do to me.”

“ yeah? Wanna show me baby?” you moaned out rubbing your nose against his. Drew quickly pulled your panties to the side, pulling himself out of his boxers before sliding himself into you at a quick pace. You gasped out loudly, your mouth opening wide as Drew stretched you out. Despite being in the water, Drews huge member had you moaning loudly as you were grinding your hips up and down his cock, his hands gripping your ass to help hold you up.

“ your pussy feels so good on me princess” Drew groaned out, his breath shaky as you both moved at a fast pace. You threw your head back moaning loudly , tugging on the back of his hair as his plump lips landed on your neck, his hands gripping so tight against your hips as he aggressively moved them up and down his body, surely to leave bruises by morning. You looked down, watching his huge biceps flex with each movement, his shoulders tensing each time he lifted you.

“ oh fuck baby” he groaned out, his hips bucking foward as he pulled you down , going deep in you.

“ you’re gonna make me cum Drew” you cried out, squeezing tightly against his body as you felt the tingling feeling in the bottom of of your stomach , needing to release on Drew.

“ cum on daddy’s dick princess” Drew huffed out, his jaw opened wide breathing heavily as he watched you unfold over him.

“ oh god!” You screamed out as you felt your clit pulsing, your walls clenching around Drew. Just the sight itself sent him over. You bit your bottom lip as you heard him moan a low ‘ fuck’ in your ear as he road out his climax.

Once Drew’s movements stopped, his arms slid up to around your back , holding you tightly against him while he placed sloppy kids along your collar bone and neck, eventually making their way to your lips.

“That was nice” you beamed, grinning as he still held you up.

“ it was “ he said pecking your lips before lowering you back down, your feet landing on the mossy rocks below .

“ I’m kind of hungry now “ you chuckled, floating on your back.

“ okay we’ll swim for a few and then go back okay? “ Drew said while fixing himself back into his briefs.

“ mhm” you said closing your eyes, moving your hands gently in the water as you floated around theswimming hole on your back .

“ do you bring all of your girlfriends here?” You joked. You jumped as you felt water splash on your face . “ Drew! “ you yelled out as you lifted your head out of the water looking at him.

“ I’ve only had like 2 before you and I never brought them here “ he stated before rolling his eyes. He hated when you would say stuff like that even though he knew you meant it as a joke.

“ I wouldn’t have cared if you did baby” you said swimming over to him.

“ that so ?” He questioned smirking at you. You grinned before jumping out of the water, leaping onto him causing you both to fall over and land under water.

For the next hour it had become a full blown wrestle match between you and Drew. Most of the time it was you getting tossed in the water but you did manage to get him a few times.

You both got dressed quietly , just enjoying the peaceful sight of nature.

“ you ready princess?” Drew asked as you slipped on your shoe, standing up and brushing your bottom off.

“ yup!” You stated, walking over towards him.

*******

“ that’s so nasty” you replied as you watched Drew eat a burnt marshmallow.

“ it’s so good” he muffled out, sucking some of the marshmallow off his thumb. You raised an eyebrow at him before placing your golden brown marshmallow in your mouth, a string of it falling down your chin.

“ let me get it” Drew suggested before taking his finger, wiping the string of sticky mess off your chin. You bit your bottom lip as you watched him stick his finger in his mouth licking it off, the same way he did back at home when he would lick your juices off his finger after fingering you.

“ stop” you said shaking your head looking over at the fire.

“ what’s the matter baby?” Drew said , his deep voice making you shiver. Drew smirked as he watched you close your eyes . He knew exactly what you were thinking about, and his actions were intentional too.

“ that make you think of something?” He said softly , leaning towards you, The lake water smell lingering off of him. You grinned biting your lip, feeling those oh-so familiar tingles in the pit of your stomach. You looked over at him slightly, your eyes glistening Under your lashes from the fire. You both stared intensely at each other for a second before you looked back at the fire, Drew’s cocky smirk still plastered over his face.

“ if you wanted me to take you into the tent and fuck you , all you had to do was ask” he said, causing you to choke on the marshmallow you had just swallowed, your eyes widen with shock. He laughed slightly at your reaction before standing up, his prominent bulge in line with your eyes.

“ c’mon princess” he spoke, reaching his hand out for yours. Your teeth found their way to your bottom lip once again as you let him pull you up from your chair , excitement rushing through you.

It was dark in the tent, orange lights shining through from the fire. “ take em off princess” he demandedt , tugging on your biker shorts . You laid your bottom on his pillow as you lifted your hips, sliding down your shorts and panties in front of him teasingly, watching him stare profoundly at your now heated core. You squeezed your thighs together, feeling the friction before Drew’s large hands spread them back open.

“ relax” he said softly, before leaning down, placing warm soft kisses on your inner thigh. You sighed heavily, closing your eyes as you felt his lips continue to trail down your thigh until they were placed on your clit, sucking slightly .

The only noises resonating through the tent was the sound of crickets, the fire popping, and your moans as you felt Drew’s tongue running up and down your slit, his thumb rubbing circles against you.

“ you taste so good princess” he spoke out against you, his hot breath blowing against you. You bucked your hips up, needing more. Drew smirked before inserting his middle and ring finger, curving them inwards as he pressed them in and out of you at a fast pace.

“Drew” you moaned out, leaning your head back against the pillows in pure bliss .

“ what princess” he responded looking up at you, his fingers still moving at the same pace. “ tell me what you want”

You propped yourself up on your elbows, looking down at him with your legs wide open.

“ I want you to fuck me Drew” you replied, breathing heavily. Drew immediately hovered himself over you, his lips pressing against yours at a fast and rough pace, his tongue moving against yours. You moaned out against his lips as you felt one of his hands massage around your nipple, cupping them in his large hands. Shortly after he lifted his hips up some to push down his basketball shorts before pumping himself a few times , pressing the tip against your clit. You gasped at the feeling, grinding your hips up needing more.

Drew didn’t hesitate to satisfy you by pushing himself in you, letting out a deep groan as he felt your tight walls around him. He quickly lifted your thigh over his arms, pushing your knees close to your head as he quickened his pace, the sound of slapping skin echoing through the woods.

“ oh fuck Drew” you cried out in pure bliss. Drew pounded in you fast and hard, exactly how you liked it, you watched as his hair moved back and forth against his forehead as he looked down, watching his self move in and out of you.

“ so tight baby” he groaned out. You reached up placing both your hands on the back of his neck, bringing him down to kiss you, His long thick cock stretching you to unfathomable measures.

“ oh god yes baby” you moaned out, feeling yourself getting close. You reached down placing your hands on his lower back , digging your nails in causing him to hiss. “ don’t stop baby I’m close” you said, almost yelling out. Drew leaned up, propping your legs together , placing your feet over his shoulders.

“ fuck princess” he groaned out as he started rocking his hips back and forth at the same previous fast pace again, causing you to throb around him.

“ I’m cumming Drew baby “ you yelled out, leaning your head back. Just the sight of you with your head laid back against his pillows and your back arched, your hands holding your bouncing tits made him come undone, hitting his climax as well. Drew thrusts became rough and irregular before they slowed down eventually coming to a stop.

“ holy fuck” he said out of breath before laying down next to you. You laughed slightly as you felt your clit pulsing from your climax before rolling over laying your head against his chest .

“ you always fuck me so good” you said looking up at him as he brushed his sweaty hair back.

“ oh yeah? “ he responded before kissing your forehead. It didn’t take long before the both of you fell asleep to the sound of the night.

****

It was the last night before you and Drew were going to pack up and go back home . Your whole week had been filled with nothing but laughter, adventures and a lot of sex.

It was late at night, a light rain shower falling over you both. drew was rolled over fast asleep from your hiking trip you had today, while you held the flashlight over one of your books reading it when you heard rustling against the leaves beside your tent. You sat for a second , looking up from your book waiting to hear something. After a few seconds of silence except for rain drops dropping from the tree leaves, you went back to reading your book. It wasn’t long afterwards until you heard it again, this time it was closer and sounded like it was walking towards you. You froze, clicking your flash light off, your heart beginning to race. You started tapping on Drew’s back as you continued to hear moving , fear running through you.

“ hmm?” Drew groaned out but you quickly leaned over him shushing him, placing your hand over his mouth. Drew leaned over trying to look at you but it was pitch black since the rain shower had put your fire out.

“ something out here” you whispered softly. Drew sat up, feeling your body trembling against him. He sat and listened for a second, waiting to hear something.

“ it was probably a raccoon or something” he reassured, only seconds later to be proven wrong as you both heard a growling noise. Your small figure couldn’t scoot any closer to Him than youalready were but your fear made you want to crawl in Drew and hide.

“ fuck” Drew mumbled under his breath , realizing his accusations were wrong. Drew grabbed the flash light from you turning it back on before he reached into his book bag, grabbing the gun his father gave to him for the trip. You knew he had brought it, it was for absolute emergencies- but it really freaked you out that he felt the need to use it at this point.

“ Drew don’t” you pleaded as he leaned up , reaching for the zipper to the door.

“ princess I need to see what it is” he replied looking back at you. You shook your head frantically tugging on his arm.

“ what if it’s a bear?” You replied.

“ we’ll I’d at least want to be prepared and not be stuck in the tent” he stated. You really didn’t want him to go out there but you knew Drew was stubborn to an extent and would probably go anyways.

“ Drew, it’s not safe okay. We’ll just stay awake until whatever it is goes away “ he sat for a second, contemplating. “ please I’m begging you Drew” he sighed before scooting back , wrapping you up in the blanket.

“ fine princess” he said . “ go back to sleep I’ll stay up” . You laid down next to him, while he rubbed his hand over your thigh , quickly putting you to sleep.

***

You woke up to the sound of bird chirping, and the sun shining through the side of the tent . You stretched slightly before leaning over , to see Drew asleep with the flashlight still turned on. You grinned before leaning down and giving him a kiss on the lips.

“Drew wake up” you said pushing slightly on his shoulders .

“ hmm?” He groggily replied , looking over at you.

“ we’ve gotta start loading stuff up in the car “ you relied. It didn’t take him long to get up , helping you grab a few things before getting up out of the tent.

“ oh wow” you exclaimed, noticing the massive bear tracks along side your tent and the fire place. Drew stared at the paw prints for a second before looking at you grinning.

“ Drew you realize you were going to be battling a full from bear if you would’ve went out there last night?” You replied in shock.

“ and you saved me from being that stupid so thank you” he said kissing your lips before going back to the tent, rolling up the sleeping bags.

It was quiet for the next hour as you and him both packed stuff up and walked back for a good mile to his truck, loading things up.

“ so” he said as you strapped yourself in.

“ so “ you responded looking up at him.

“ besides the bear fear last night, did you enjoy your trip” you grinned at him nodding.

“ I really really enjoyed it baby” you said leaning over to kiss him. “ and I enjoyed the sex” you laughed out.

“ oh yeah?” He responded raising an eyebrow. You grinned before sitting back in your chair.

“ want to have one last hoorah before we leave the woods?” He said, leaning towards you.

“ oh Drew” you responded before unbuckling yourself, leaning towards him.

********

As usual, feedback greatly appreciated ❤️

[sleepysnk]

alright y'all i finally got some headcanons after showering. I HOPE YOU GUYS LIKE THESE. i kinda liked the idea, so lmk if you guys would like a part 2! :)

Pool Day Headcanons

Characters: Eren, Jean, Reiner, and Colt

Warnings: slight suggestive?

Eren Jaeger:

- ok so you already know it was Eren's idea to go swimming at the waterpark. there was a giant heatwave coming, so he figured it'd be a perfect date for the two of you.

- LET ME JUST SAY.. EREN IS A COMPLETE ASSHOLE AT THE WATERPARK.

- not in a bad way ofc, but he'd be a dick to the kids, or he'd do some petty stuff 😭. he'd run when a lifeguard would yell at him, or push a little kid to get to the water slide. you'd just stand there embarrassed while a parent cusses him out.

- Eren would force you to go into the water, even if you protested that you didn't want to. he'd drag you off the chair and force you in.

- "babe! come on! it's a waterpark, don't just sit there all day,"

- Eren would splash water in your face or force you on the tube slides with him, he'd purposely make it go fast so you'll fly off at the end.

- he would probably push you off the diving board because you took too long, he's just impatient like that.

- Eren would get tan as fuck. he'd be so golden after you both leave, you never have to worry about sunscreen with him.

- not gonna lie, Eren would love seeing you in your swimsuit. he'd kind of be more protective of you, especially if other guys stared at you. he'd probably put his arm around you.

- he'd put you on his back to go to the deep end, and probably scare you acting like he was going to throw you off.

- lifeguards would yell at him for almost making you drown.

- probably got kicked out once because of it too.

- his hair would be so messy, since we're talking about manbun Eren, he'd have to re-tie his bun a few times. sometimes you'd pull on it, and he'd have to re-do it.

- Eren would probably get a hard-on seeing the water droplets going down your body, and he'd press it against you while be in the water leaving you with a huge blush.

- this would be a really fun date, definitely a 10/10.

Jean Kirstein:

- this would probably be Jean's idea to go to a waterpark. he's really fun in that way, and plus he gets to see you in a swimsuit, so it would be perfect ;).

- Jean would absolutely LOVE the water slides, he'd be the type to wait in long ass lines just to ride it, even if you complained.

- "be patient babe! it's gonna be so worth it in the end,"

- like Eren, Jean would kind of be an ass to people at the waterpark. he'd steal a tube a little kid was going for, and run away laughing his ass off while the kid cried. he'd be a dick like that i'm sorry 😭. the parent would probably roll their eyes at you both as you word a "sorry" to them.

- Jean would probably sneak food into the waterpark, even if it isn't allowed, he still somehow finds a way for snacks to be snuck in. HE'S SNEAKY LIKE THAT.

- his dumbass would get water up his nose every 30 seconds and have a huge coughing fit.

- accidentally swallowed pool water 😀.

- he'd be the type to slowly inch you into the water, and hold your waist 🥰.

- Jean would take you on his back around the deep end making sure you're safe and secure, so he doesn't drop you, sometimes he'll hold you in the front with your legs around his waist.

- Jean would get tan, you wouldn't have to worry about him getting burned. plus his tan would be hot as fuck.

- knowing this guy, seeing you in your swimsuit made his jaw drop to the floor. he loved the way your body glowed in it, and it made a huge blush go across his face. he couldn't keep his eyes off of you 🥺.

- SO PROTECTIVE. if a guy even looked in your direction, Jean would instantly put his arm around you or even kiss you in front of the dude staring at you. he didn't want any guy thinking they had a chance with you, it's honestly super adorable.

- you'd come back to your spot during the break and feel his print when you sat down on his lap 😳😳. boy was it a surprise for you.

- his hair would be all messy and water would be going down his face, ngl it's really hot to you 😏.

- pls doing this with Jean would be so worth it and fun.

Reiner Braun

- not gonna lie, this was probably a date you two both came up with while trying to figure out your weekend plans. it was going to be a real hot one, so you figured why not? a waterpark sounded fun.

- Reiner would probably not be a huge fan of water slides, but you forced him to go on one and he wanted to do them all.

- "baby we're going on that one next, i don't care about the line,"

- he wouldn't be an ass to anyone at the waterpark, but he would definitely roll his eyes at the annoying teenagers that won't shut up. you both were waiting in a line and they kept complaining, and Reiner literally wanted to backhand them.

- Reiner in swim trunks 🥵 oh boy.. my imagination is running wild. it is definitely the sight to see.

- he uses his charm to get free snacks 😭😭, girls cannot resist this man and his body.

- Reiner would probably tan with you for a bit, he'd for sure wait by your side holding your hand or waiting on his phone for you to finish. my man has patience when it comes to you.

- he'd probably jump in with you and laugh as people would be annoyed with you two splashing them with water.

- Reiner would probably try to do some weird trick in the water and bump his head on the bottom of the pool floor. he'd come back rubbing his head and shaking his head.

- like a dumbass, he'd get water up his damn nose and cough for like 30 seconds.

- Reiner would slightly tan but also burn? if that makes sense.

- he is 100x more protective of you at waterparks, many guys would stare at you and my man would put his hand straight onto your ass or your waist.

- he loves your swimsuit, he thinks you look absolutely stunning and just breath taking.

- Reiner would lowkey hold you in the pool with your legs around his waist leaving small neck kisses. this man has had a boner all day, he probably would take you home after and see your fresh tan lines 😳.

- THIS WOULD BE SO FUN. please take this man to a waterpark gn.

Colt Grice:

- this was definitely a date idea that you had since Colt doesn't really think about waterparks that much lmao. plus with the heatwave coming, you figured why not?

- COLT IS LIKE A LITTLE KID WHEN IT COMES TO THESE THINGS.

- he got forced to take Falco.

- Colt would do absolutely everything the place has to offer, whether it be going down the water slides or going onto the diving board. HE WANTS TO DO ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING. let this man have fun, ok?

- he's definitely respectful and wouldn't do anything that would get him kicked out, this soft baby is just too sweet for that.

- Colt would probably enjoy the lazy river with you, he loves the relaxation, and just being by your side would make him feel so calm and soft. he would hold your hand as you floated down on it, IT WOULD BE SO SO CUTE. you can't change my mind.

- he'd splash water in your face and get pool water in his mouth, he'd be coughing so much.

- ok this is something i thought of just now, but he would so buy goggles to go underwater and kiss you. he loves to see your smiling face under the water, IT JUST MAKES HIS HEART SWELL AND FEEL SO SOFT 🥺.

- he'd take you on his back and to the deep end while you place your head on his shoulder, he'd probably joke around and act like he's gonna drop you. it'd be kinda funny.

- "you want me to drop you? okay!"

- Colt would be so protective of you, knowing many prying eyes would be on you, it made him a little insecure:((, but he did his best to show those people you were his. you also assured him that nobody else would ever replace him, you probably kissed him a few times in front of those guys.

- Colt would burn jfc you needed so much sunscreen.

- he'd absolutely love your swimsuit, he thinks you look like something from heaven 🥺. he would call you every name in the book, he's just a sweetheart like that.

- he'd peck your lips a few times and say sweet words to you <3333.

- PLS THESE ARE SO CUTE IM SOBBING.

[magnoliacharmed]

note: i posted this on here a few days ago. i put it on private on here and ao3 bc i wanted to edit and add some things to it. i feel a lot happier with it now, so i’m reposting it! original post follows below:

ok ok this’ll be last (new) lalo fic! it’s called “Diamond Girl”. everything after this will just be updates to this specific story. lalo meets a woman who ends up being just as smart and crazy as him. here’s the summary:

Albuquerque has a sudden influx of cocaine in town that just happen to  coincide with the arrival of Cyn Arceneaux of Louisiana. She tries her  best to stay lowkey around the city while beginning to get involved with  Lalo Salamanca. The two fall in lust with each other quickly, but  roadblocks seem to keep them from developing anything deeper. Will they  go their separate ways to coexist peacefully with each other or end up  killing one another in the throes of passion?

the first two chapters are up on archive of our own! the first chapter is below the cut. i appreciate the reactions ive received to my 1st two fics!

Ch. 1 - Every Time I Come Around Your City...

Albuquerque was a dry town. Not dry in the way towns across America were, with no alcohol to be seen for miles. In fact it was quite the opposite. Alcohol was aplenty here along with drugs of all kinds. No, Albuquerque was quite literally dry. The sun baked the whole city. The wind felt harsh and painful when it blew by. An egg could cook on the sidewalk in a minute flat. The sand hit skin like little burning pellets of lead. No water for miles. No reprieve. No willows to hide under, no rivers to relax by.

Cyn Arcenaux stood under the awning of a small mom and pop diner. Her eyes squinted under her Versace sunglasses, peering through the dark tint to stare across the street at the charming bakery. "Mama's Home" was written in cutesy script above the building, the brightly colored pink and yellow text showing the signs of bleaching. A bird perched on the edge of it and squawked loudly. It turned in that twitchy way birds did to face Cyn. The two adversaries entered a staring contest. Large brown wings puffed out and fluttered with another squawk. Cyn readjusted herself to move from one foot to another, arms still firmly crossed across her chest.

A twinkly ding-ding-ding made her snap from the bird to the entrance of the bakery. An elderly woman shuffled out holding a tiny paper bag of treats. The woman behind her held open the door, chatting happily away about the sweets. Her thin, lanky frame always reminded Cyn of the fairies in stories her mother told her. Fairies with glitter in their wings that always granted the wishes of sad little kids. They always appeared in pools of soft glowing light, surrounded by pastel colors and offering far away adventures to those neglected children. Cyn's mother drifted away when she told the stories to her. She got lost in her own dreams and fell asleep before the child herself could.

The old woman had just entered her car when the woman finally looked across the street. Even at that distance with the sun blinding the both of them, Cyn could tell that the woman's eyes were getting shiny. Her own eyes began to get misty. Thank god she was wearing the shades. Skinny caramel brown legs took long strides across the street. The woman rushed over to Cyn, not even bothering to look for oncoming traffic. Tears were now streaming down her soft cheeks. The wind blew by again to make the bottom of her maxi skirt float around her ankles like a cartoon princess. Maybe she really was from a fairytale.

"Cynthia, you're back!" The woman's already high pitched voice rose up another squeak. The smell of flour and powdered sugar almost overwhelmed Cyn as she was pushed into a hug. The plastic pads on the bridge of her glasses pressed into the skin of her nose. The woman grabbed Cyn's shoulders and pushed her back for a better view.

"Jesus, how're you not dying of heat stroke out here, huh? Here, pull your hair back." The woman fished in her skirt pocket for a scrunchie.

"Stop fussin' over me, Pam. I'm fine. I been standing here in the shade the whole time. Plus the cashier in this restaurant gave me a bottle of water. I woulda got in the car if I was too hot."

Pam crossed her own arms over her chest with a huff while Cyn jutted a thumb over to her car. The pale gold Mercedes Benz S-430 stuck out in the tiny shopping district street they were on. Pam shook her head disapprovingly at the car, then at her sister. A brown designer bag hung on the crook of her elbow, contrasting nicely with the thin sleeveless black knit dress she wore. An expensive looking, gaudily patterned white scarf was tied in her slightly straightened hair. Pam couldn't understand how she dealt with getting it blown out by hair dryers every week or so, brushed and rearranged into a voluptuous shoulder length side part. She always thought her sister dressed like a lounge singer. On anyone else it would look tacky, but on her older sister it looked luxurious.

"You pushin' that now? What happened to the Lexus?"

"Got hot."

"And this won't? You seen anyone else with a Benz around here?"

"I didn't come over here for a lecture, Pam."

Pamela held her hands up in defeat. The thin leather of her watch strap dug into her wrist. She'd been meaning to get a new one. The leather was beginning to crack and the minute hand was always behind. "Then what're you here for?"

Cyn pushed her glasses up to rest on the thin fabric of her Hermes scarf. "I'm here because… I've been trying to call you. I just got here and my phone not working yet. So I figured I should just come by."

Pam huffed again. "I told you a few weeks ago there ain't no PrimeCo out here! You never listen to me."

Cyn's hands reached up to massage her temples. Pamela's eyes flickered over to her sister's left wrist. Their father's old school gold Rolex reflected off of the sunlight. "I forgot, I'm sorry. What do yall use out here?"

"I been using Sprint. But that's because I'm a law abiding citizen--

"Don't start."

"--Who doesn't have to worry about getting my phone lines tapped! No DEA agent is listening in on me to see how many chocolate chip cookies sold over the last month. So you just take that into consideration."

"Alright, thank you! Thank you for this conversation. Very helpful. I came over to see if you were okay and you're okay. I'm gonna go now."

Cyn's strappy high heeled sandals clicked off the sidewalk and to the driver's seat door of the Benz. People on the sidewalk began to stare over to the two of them as the thumping bass of a southern rap song began to play. Pam crouched down to Cynthia while the window of the Benz smoothly rolled down. Wisps of the tightly knit curls hanging in her face swirled from the air conditioning of the car.

"I heard that there's some guy selling phones for cheap. They're private. No way to track them and you get 500 minutes free."

"Sounds like shady biz, sis. How'd you come across that scandalous information?" Cyn playfully squinted at her younger sister.

"I was eavesdropping at the liquor store. Where I was buying wine for a dinner party! Like a grown up."

"Uh-huh, whatever you say. Where's the phone man at?"

"CC Mobile." Pamela gave Cyn a few directions to the store, pointing and arguing with her over which landmarks to lookout for. "Look Cynthia, promise me you won't act an ass up here. Not for me, but for you. Be careful."

The two sisters shared a look. "I promise."

Cyn backed up from the parking space, speeding away.

---

Jimmy rose up from behind the counter to stare out of the window. He'd heard the music at least a minute before the car arrived. The gold Benz sped into a parking spot at the front of the store, an obnoxiously loud rap song booming through the car.

"Man, can that guy even hear himself think?" He said to himself. To his surprise, a thin high heel made contact with the hot concrete. Out stepped a woman on the shorter side, a mass of jet black hair surrounding her thin face. She crouched down into the side mirror to pull out a tube of lipstick, reapplying it without a care in the world. Satisfied, the woman clicked her way to the entrance. Jimmy rushed from the counter to hold open the door for her.

"Thank you kindly." Cyn smiled at him. He looked kind of silly in his bright yellow vest with the store's logo printed on it. His combover flopped in his face as he walked back to the counter. Cyn approached him as he fidgeted around to fix a few things on the countertop. She held her purse in both hands, arms in a V position with the bag dangling by her knees.

"Welcome to CC Mobile, ma'am. Can I help you with anything?" Jimmy watched the woman as her eyes moved around the store. She took her time to look at the brightly colored pictures on the wall and the many models of cell phones on display. A glance down at her wrist made Jimmy's brain whir with possibilities. The Rolex was in spectacular condition. It looked ridiculous on her tiny wrist, an obvious man's model. Maybe she was a drug dealer's girlfriend playing in his jewelry? It would track. She was dressed nicely, dripping in gold, and driving a nice car. It's like she was asking to be targeted.

"I sure hope you can, hon." Cyn's voice was honey sweet. The southern raspiness made Jimmy clear his throat. His mind wandered to thoughts of her sitting on a porch sipping on iced tea, eyes closed in a state of unmatched relaxation. What was this country girl doing in ABQ?

"I just moved up here from Louisiana. My sister told me a couple of times that I'd have to switch cell services once I got here, but silly ol' me, in the midst of my move it slipped my mind. I was wondering if you had any phones that were on the more… private side?"

Jimmy's eyes widened as he nodded quickly. Definitely a drug dealer's girlfriend. The comb over flopped again causing Cyn to raise her hand up to her lips to keep herself from laughing. He turned around to the stack of boxes by the employee door and handed one out to Cyn. She took into her hands and flipped it around, long french manicured nails tapping away at the plastic display window on the front.

"This is the most private phone we've got. 500 minutes free, easy to use, and once you're done with it you can just throw it away! No contacts either." Jimmy's hands waved in front of him. His salesman's farce was in full gear. "You actually stopped by at the perfect time." Jimmy leaned into her, hand blocking his mouth for privacy from no one in particular. "This stack here? It's our last stock. After this, it'll be almost impossible to get one of these babies." There were boxes of the phones piled up in the trunk of his Esteem, but the woman in front of him didn't need to know that. By later that night, the rest of the phones would be in the hands of every methhead, prostitute, and thief in the city. Jimmy's hands got fidgety at the cash he'd have in his hands.

"Hmm, you sure do seem like you make a good offer, uh…"

"Ah, Jimmy McGill, at your service."

"Jimmy." Cyn's eyes rolled around slowly in her head. She looked up at the ceiling in thought, lips pursing then kissing out. Tugging at the sleeve of her form fitting dress, she gave Jimmy a thousand watt smile. She could smell a weasel from a mile away and Jimmy smelled loud. From the lopsided smile on his face, Cyn could tell that he didn't think much of her. Not that he thought less of her as a person. Just not as a threat. The smile stayed plastered on her face. "Okay, I'll take one. Do you take cash?"

"Absolutely."

Cyn placed her purse on the counter to fish around for her wallet. She pulled it out slowly and extracted three crisp hundred dollar bills. With a quick crease of them she pressed the money into Jimmy's palm.

"Oh, they're only $100."

"Keep the change." Cyn winked as she closed the purse and moved it on to her shoulder. "Thanks, Jimmy! I really needed this." She walked out of the store, her perfume still permeating the area. Jimmy stared at her in a complete daze at the interaction. Her hand appeared out of her window, long nails waving to him while she exited the lot. In the pit of Jimmy's stomach he had a feeling he'd be seeing her again.

[the-dream-team]

Chlorine

A fluffy little one-shot for @efkgirldetective's summer of jily week two prompt: swimming with friends // Today we're younger than we're ever gonna be <3

“What in Merlin’s name is that smell?” gagged Sirius, bringing his towel up to cover his nose.

Mary swotted him with a bright green foam noodle. “That’s just the chlorine, you knob. It’s a chemical Muggles use to keep the water clean.”

“The water’s not clean?” squeaked Peter, his beady eyes widening.

“Take a look around Pettigrew,” laughed Mary, gesturing wildly. “There are about a trillion little kids running around with saggy trunks and juice-stained mouths, it’s not exactly the Prefect’s bathroom here.”

The group of teenagers took a moment to survey their surroundings. Sirius was right, the thick summer air reeked of chlorine wafting from unnaturally electric blue swimming pools, packed with screaming children, brightly colored floaties, and haggard parents. Behind the main pool, reaching up to the sky, stood two impressive slides, winding and bending in every direction before opening up into a smaller basin. Once every minute, the slide discarded a new, squealing child into the water with an eruptive splash.

Lily eyed the Muggle kids with some trepidation. “Are we too old to be here?” she asked, eyes shifting as she clutched her copy of Herbology for Potioneers a little closer to her chest. “It feels like everyone else is about a decade younger than us.”

“Don’t worry too much about that, Evans,” said James, a bright smile aimed in her direction. “Today we’re younger than we’re ever going to be, anyway!” He nudged her affectionately, resulting in a rosy hue that spread across her cheeks as their bare shoulders made contact.

“Alright,” announced Remus after barely dodging a rogue beach ball, “let’s find a place to put our towels before these buggers realize we’re easy targets.”

They managed to snag a row of plastic lounge chairs beside the wave pool to dump their belongings on before Sirius set his sights on the towering waterslides across the park.

“You said these slides were crazy fast, right MacDonald?” Sirius asked, a dangerous gleam in his eye.

“They’re the fastest in Britain,” grinned Mary, tossing her sunnies aside. “And you get some serious air on your way out, it’s the closest thing Muggles have to flying, I’d argue.”

Lily tensed and quickly diverted her attention to her book, though her eyes remained still as she stared at the pages. Almost no one noticed her sudden discomfort.

“That’s bloody brilliant,” grinned Sirius. “Last one to the top has to buy us a round of those mushie drinks.”

“They’re called slushies, Padfoot.”

“Call them whatever you want, Moony, but I want a blue one.” Sirius discarded his t-shirt onto a chair and kicked off his sandals in preperation. “Prongs, do you think we could convince the lifeguards to let us go down the slides together?”

But James wasn’t paying attention to Sirius. “Nah, go ahead without me,” he said, eyes trained on Lily as she continued intently staring at her book. “I think I’m gonna start out a little slower with the lazy river. Evans, care to keep me company?”

Lily’s eyes snapped up to see Sirius’ dropped jaw, Mary’s raised eyebrows, and James’ steady smile.

“Oh,” she said, her voice finding a higher octave than usual, “sure, I could join you.”

“Fine,” grumbled Sirius, pulling the others along with him, “but I’m coming to find you at that dopey river after our first round on the slides. I won’t let you be boring all day, Prongs.”

James shrugged, barely paying the others any mind as he extended a hand to Lily. She watched their friends saunter off before accepting his help to stand up.

“Hold on there, Evans,” said James, plucking her book from her hands and tossing it back onto their pile of towels, “I can’t have you doing homework; today is all about having fun!”

“Then why aren’t you going with the others to the slides?”

He paused, considering her question with a smile. “Because you’re way more fun than a couple of waterslides.”

Before she had a chance to respond, James pulled her away from the chairs and towards the center of the park, their bare feet slapping against sizzling cement as they navigated around young children and indifferent lifeguards.

The lazy river lived directly across from the concession stand, perfectly situated for parents who wanted to keep an eye on their floating kids while they enjoyed a cool beer and a basket of hot chips. The river wound itself around an impressive structure resembling a fairytale castle, complete with canons that sprayed water onto passerbys and waterfalls that poured over plastered mountainsides and into its surrounding moat.

At the water’s edge sat a pile of tubes, growing hot under the unrelenting midday sun. James released Lily’s hand to secure them two floats, missing her subtle disappointed huff at the loss of his grip when he turned his back on her. But by the time he handed over her tube, she’d managed to rearrange her face into a neutral smile.

“After you, Evans,” he said with a little bow, extending an arm towards the gently rolling river.

She rolled her eyes at the exaggerated chivalry, but stepped forward nonetheless, carefully placing her tube in the water and lowering herself into the center. The water, cool and refreshing, lapped against her backside and kissed her heels as she hung her legs over the tempered rubber.

James took a different approach, choosing to throw his own tube unceremoniously into the water before giving himself a running start to cannonball onto it. Lily screeched as he nearly jumped directly on top of her.

“You prat!” she laughed, splashing water on his face, covering his glasses in little droplets.

“You know you love me,” he teased, a glint in his eye.

The pink glow that spread across her cheeks could have passed as a light sunburn, but the way James’ eyes flashed suggested he’d picked up on the truth. His dimples appeared despite the attempt to keep his grin at bay.

“So, Potter,” she started, choosing to change the subject, “what drew you to the lazy river, other than the obvious similarities you share?”

James drove an imaginary dagger into his chest. “You wound me, Evans! But if you must know, I thought it’d be the perfect place to chat with you.”

If the river’s current hadn’t continued pulling them along, Lily might have thought time had stood still. “To chat?”

“Yeah,” he responded as though it were obvious, “the playground would be too noisy with all the kids running around, it seems like we would’ve spent more time underwater than above it at the wave pool, and the hot tubs are simply not weather appropriate.”

“With me?”

It was finally James’ turn to look surprised. “Of course! I’ve spent my whole summer mucking about with the boys, but I’ve hardly seen you since Peter’s party and I missed talking with you.”

Lily tried passing off her pleased burst of laughter as a scoff. “I always forget how forthright you are.”

“I’m an open book,” he replied, sticking her with a pointed stare she couldn’t see as she averted her own gaze, attempting to hide her growing blush he had already clocked.

“I wish I could be more like that,” she spoke to the distance, to the cloudless expanse of sky, hoping it would relay the message to the boy whose intertube continued bouncing rhythmically against her own as they traveled in endless circles.

“As a kid,” she continued, “I loved playgrounds. Gravity melted away when I sailed off swings and soared through slides, when my magic took over before I even knew what I was. But the uncontrollable flying always scared my parents, so when my family visited parks, I’d be kept on the sidelines, hidden away to avoid causing a scene. I guess I got pretty good at hiding.”

“Do you want help practicing?”

Lily jerked her attention back to James and his easy eyes, his ruffled hair. “What?”

“Do you want help practicing being an open book?” he repeated simply. “I happen to be an expert and I’d be happy to lend my talents.”

His cheeky grin earned him a light splashing and an only-slightly-exasperated huff. “You know what, fine. Teach me your ways, Potter.”

“Alright,” he said, eyes brightening as he adjusted his position on his tube to face her more fully, “we’ll start with easy questions and then get gradually harder from there. The only rule is that you have to answer honestly.”

Lily sunk slightly into the hole of her intertube, but nodded, resting her chin on her folded arms, fingers mindlessly dipping in and out of the passing water below.

“First off, who is your best friend?”

“That’s your easy question?” Lily guffawed.

“What?” asked James, watching her curiously. “I already know the basics. Your favourite colour is forest green, you like chocolate biscuits best, and your sister is a piece of work. Now, who is your best friend?”

“Mary, I guess?” said Lily, brows furrowed slightly. “We immediately clicked since we first met, what with us both being Muggleborn, and after Sev was out of the picture…”

“I’m familiar with this part,” James grimaced, his focus shifting to his fingernails. “So, next question. If you had to be sorted into a different house, which one would you choose?”

“Hufflepuff,” she responded without blinking. “Closest to the kitchens, obviously. Next question.”

“Respectable,” he chuckled. “How about… do you prefer Butterbeer or Firewhiskey?”

She paused, catching his eye for longer than she’d planned. “You probably already know the answer.”

The corner of his mouth twitched upwards with a jolt of hope. “Butterbeer spiked with Firewhiskey?”

“Butterbeer spiked with Firewhiskey.”

James leaned forward slightly, his arm extending absentmindedly to reach for the cloth handles on Lily’s tube to pull her closer. “Like the ones we made at Peter’s birthday party last month?”

Their hands mingled together in the water between their tubes, pruned fingers brushing against each other as the current pushed them together. “Exactly like the ones from Peter’s birthday.”

He was near enough to count every sunkissed freckle spattered across her nose. She could practically fall into his growing dimples.

“Oi, Prongs!” came the disappointing voice of Sirius Black from the concession stand’s picnic tables. “You can’t hide from us all day, mate!”

“Maybe not,” James called back, a lopsided smirk sliding across his face, “but I can try!”

Before Sirius had a chance to respond, James sunk through the center of his intertube and disappeared under the water’s surface. Lily peered into the river, wondering if he could have possibly brought his Invisibility Cloak with him to the park, but her thoughts were quickly interrupted when a hand grabbed her ankle under the water. It tugged lightly, willing her out of her tube and into the depths of the lazy river.

Once fully submerged in the water, Lily squinted her eyes open to see her new surroundings, blue like the sky with ripples of sunlight refracting through the flowing stream, circular shadows overhead from the tubes they left on the surface, roaming away like drifting clouds searching for different horizons. A hand found her arm and spun her around, bringing her face to face with James, his glasses attempting an escape into the river’s flow, tiny air bubbles escaping through his nose and growing smile.

He pulled her across the width of the river, through a shower of bubbles from the underside of a waterfall, and into still water again before finally leading them both to the surface. They broke back into the world with gasping breaths and laughter, finding themselves in a dark, quiet alcove behind one of the castle’s waterfall features. The lazy river continued on as they stood together in their hidden cave, separated only by a wall of tumbling water. Despite no longer being pulled by the river’s current, the two found themselves drifting closer and closer to one another.

“Do you have any more questions?” asked Lily, her whisper echoing around and joining in with the soft roar of the waterfall.

James tried to control the beating of his heart, which must have been reverberating all around their little retreat based on how loudly he heard it pounding in his ears.

He cleared his throat. “Did you want me to kiss you that night at Peter’s party?”

She inhaled sharply. “Yes. Next question.”

“Do you want me to kiss you now?”

“Yes.”

She barely got the word out before James’ lips found hers, crashing down like a wave against the shore, pulling them into a riptide of racing hearts, fluttering eyelashes, and sighing breaths. They kissed and kissed and kissed until their heads spun, either drunk off the thrill of new beginnings or thoughts of Firewhiskey-spiked Butterbeer. Or possibly it was the intoxicating combination of magic mixed with chlorine.

[its-deputy-caleb]

hellllooooo amigo

so I was wondering if you could write a lil fic about Micah mentioning his birthday is soon but not expecting anyone to care about it but then the reader surprises him with a present and Micah’s like :O

I’ve had this idea stuck in my head for the past week lmao but if it ain’t your thing or if you’ve done something similar before then don’t worry about it my g :)

howdyy amigo <33 so i had all these good ideas and then i was writing and the creative block hit HARD so i high key hate this and its a mess but i hope i pulled through in the end and i kinda went a little off topic but oops enjoy anyway :0

-----------------------------------

You never really gave a thought to Micah’s birthday. Not because you didn’t want to celebrate it but simply because he never mentioned it to you. It wasn’t really a tradition to celebrate a gang members birthday although the group would never pass up a chance for drinking. Mostly those celebrations were reserved for big scores.

For some of the special members of the gang however, there were celebrations. On Dutch’s the whole gang would practically feast and party for the entire week and for Miss Grimshaw Javier would perform while Sean gave a right old toast. Dutch even insisted on a party for Molly and you laughed at Karen and Mary Beth who whined the entire night about “Miss fancy pants needing her own royal party”.

Of course even for the other members you’d notice when it was their birthday. You’d seen when close friends of Arthur leave gifts beside your own at his tent and for Jack’s birthday John and Abigail tolerated each other enough to spoil the boy with gifts surrounded by family.

That’s why you thought it was rather odd when Micah, your sweetheart never told you about his birthday. You thought he may have damn well forgot it when you overheard him one night with Bill.

He was mumbling into a bottle of whiskey, half on his way to passing out when he mentioned he was getting too old with another birthday coming up in a few days. Of course the bastard wouldn’t tell you, for all his boasting he’d never been one for parties or celebrating.

So with that in mind you spent the rest of the night formulating a plan to at least celebrate his birthday between the two of you.

-

You’d learnt from Bill the next morning, who wasn’t nearly half as drunk (or hungover) as Micah that his birthday was in exactly three days.

So that left you with three days to formulate just how you’d surprise the man you’d come to love so dearly for his birthday.

Coming up with a celebration was relatively easy— he wasn’t one for crowds, he enjoyed your company and only yours alone and he loved a good whiskey so naturally you’d take him away from the gang’s camp and head down to the Dakota river for the night.

It was finding a good gift that had you tearing your hair out. It was hard trying to find something that would be personal enough for Micah to appreciate when the man in question held few personal belongings, and naturally a new revolver was completely out of the question.

-

You decided to give up on your mission to find him a gift after nearly chewing Swanson’s ear off for singing while you were trying to think and rethink your gift.

So with a new formed headache you headed into valentine to purchase a nice and rather expensive whiskey for tomorrow night.

On your way out of the general store you noticed a beautiful Dutch Warmblood horse trot into the stable behind his owner. The horse had a large white spot over his leg and it couldn’t’ help but remind you of Baylock.

Bingo.

Smiling to yourself you put the whiskey in your saddle bag and walked into the stables to buy Micah his birthday gift, one you’re sure he’s going to love more over any new jacket or gunbelt.

-

Micah’s day went about relatively normally for the most part, waking up together with a kiss and a coffee but you couldn’t help be slightly more affectionate than usual.

You’d spent most of the day together, Micah talking with you while you did chores and you talking with him while he (reluctantly) sat on guard duty. All the normal things about the day went on and you kept your secret until the sun was just about to dip over the mountain.

Micah was leaning against a tree, sharpening his knife when you came up to him and wrapped your arms around his neck. You played with the ends of his hair, taking in the sight of him as he holstered the knife and wrapped his arms around you.

“I’ve got something for you.”

You leant forward and placed a soft kiss to his cheek, smiling against his skin at the curious sound he made.

“Hmm? You sure that something isn’t right here in front of me sweetheart?”

You giggle softly as Micah tries to pull you in closer for a proper kiss, deciding to indulge in his wishes for once. It was his birthday after all.

Pulling away from the surprisingly tender kiss, you give him a gentle smile as you untangle yourself from his arms.

“Common, let me show you.”

You take Micah by the hand, almost dragging him to the other side of camp by the horses which drew the attention from a few of the gang members but you didn’t have a care in the world as anticipation grew.

Leading him over to Baylock who is newly saddled, you watched as Micah stared blankly at it before tentatively bringing a hand up to feel over the soft premium leather.

The saddle was all black to match Baylock’s coat with white inlay in the seat and silver on the horn. All of it was the finest quality at your request and even the bedroll was a finer cotton than most.

Micah couldn’t help the smile that broke out onto his face and he turned to you looking like a kid on Christmas.

“You get this for little old me?”

Your own smile matched his as you wrapped your arms back around his neck once more.

“Well I thought since you’d never ever want another revolver and there isn’t much more you love than those guns and Baylock that you’d want a new saddle for him.”

Micah brought you in for a tight hug after that, managing to lift you slightly as you clung to him for dear life. He looked up at you from your new position.

“Sweetheart there ain’t nothing I love more than I do you—“

He sets you back on the ground, leaning in for a kiss but letting your noses bump and your foreheads touch.

“—worth more to me than any ol’ revolver, I love you.”

You close the gap between the two of you, melting into each other as you feel just how much Micah is in love with you.

“I love you too Mikey, and happy birthday— do you like it?”

The look you give him is one of hope and he can’t help but nod and wrap his arms tighter around your waist.

“Course I like it, but yer didn’t need to pay for this. Looks real fancy.”

Micah looked over the saddle once more, his eyes beaming as he saw how well it complemented Baylock’s coat. He was impressed, of course by the gift but because you had cared enough to get it for him and it only confirmed the feelings he had for you.

“Who says I paid for it?”

You saw Micah smirk at your comment and give a low evil laugh.

“That’s my sweetheart I know and love.”

Of course this time you had paid for the saddle, one of the few items you were willing to pay for but that didn’t mean the two of you didn’t steal practically everything else.

You pull away from Micah and hoist yourself up onto Baylock’s saddle, holding your hand out to a very confused looking Micah.

“Common you, I’ve got a nice bottle of whiskey and two glasses waiting for us.”

-

Down by the river you and Micah were perched up on a large rock that was floating in some shallow water by the river bank. You’d hidden the glasses and whiskey in a tree and the two of you were now laughing together as you drank through it slowly.

Your head was resting under his chin while his arm that wasn’t holding his glass was draped over your shoulder. The moonlight reflecting off the water was more than enough for the two of you to see as he topped up your glass for you.

“Gosh so how old are you now?”

Your words were light and charismatic, the two of you giggling about all sorts of things that night. Micah looked up in contemplation, humming as if he was trying to remember.

“Ehh must be close to forty now— thirty nine I think.”

You whistled, only to cut yourself off with a small laugh as you raised the glass to your mouth.

“You are getting old Mr.Bell, the next thing you know I’ll be able to outshoot you.”

“Sweetheart you can already outshoot me…”

Despite the lighthearted tone of the conversation, you noticed how Micah got uncharacteristically quiet.

“Micah? Are you alright?”

You sit up to face Micah, noticing the flush on his cheeks which wasn’t the fault of the whiskey and the way his attention was on sloshing the liquid in the glass.

“I am gettin’ old sweetheart, at least in terms o’ outlaws—“

“Micah what are you saying?”

You stare at him confused, completely unprepared for what he says next.

“— ‘m saying that i love you and yer the only one I’d ever wanna grow old with.”

Your eyes widen, in fear? in hope? You weren’t quite sure, maybe it was shock at the fact Micah Bell had said he wants to spend the rest of his life with you.

“B-but I thought you didn’t want redemption!? I thought you never wanted to leave the gang, this life!”

Micah shakes his head, putting down your glasses and taking his hands in yours as he squeezes them to reassure himself more than anything.

“I didn’t— I don’t. Oh hell I don’t know what I want but I would throw it all away for you, if its what you wanted.”

He seems to regain some of his confidence after a deep breath and he waves his hands in front of you as he tries to formulate what he wants to say.

“Ya’know have a house and all that…”

You smile gently, your heart melting at the thought that Micah would give up everything for you. You lean forward, taking his hands and threading your fingers before kissing him.

The kiss depends as you momentarily forget where you are and you both start to let your hands wander lower over each other until Micah knocks the glass of whiskey over.

Pulling back from where you’d almost crawled on top of him, you smile sheepishly and sit back down on the rock. This time you sit between Micah’s legs so his arms can rest in your lap and his head can rest on your shoulder.

“Well a house and all that can wait since I’m perfectly happy growing old with you robbing and thieving our way across the plains.”

Your head rests against his own as you feel him litter soft kisses over your shoulder and neck.

“Sounds like something I could get used to.”

Micah whispers his words against your skin and the two of you enjoy the peace and each other’s company. Your hand gives his own a reassuring squeeze, letting your eyes close as you relax and listen to the sound of the river flowing.

“As long as I have you and get to celebrate a hundred more birthdays with you, I’ll be the happiest person in the world.”

Micah squeezes your hand back, sitting up so you could get comfortable against his chest as he rests his chin on top of your head.

“Not sure ‘bout a hundred but you have me for as long as this world lets me darlin’”

You hum sleepily, getting closer and closer to sleep as you listen to his gravelly voice.

“Promise?”

“I Promise”

[goliath-de-senfina-sango]

I’m on mobile, so ya know, but for @five-rivers @floralflowerpower and I just checked, lemme amend to @uwuplasmiusuwu

This is Fathering a Phantom

It was a bright summer day in Amity Park, Danny Fenton was in the grove - no one wanted to say “Amity Park Park” - doing a handstand while braced against a tree. “See? I told you I could do it.”

“You’re not using your powers to float into that position, are you?”

“Sam, I am offended that you would imply that I, of all people, would cheat at things with levitation.” Danny laughed, flopping down onto his belly in the grass. “Appalled, really, how dare you?”

Laughing, Tucker ripped up a handful of grass from his side and sprinkled it down into Danny’s bird’s nest of hair. “No of course, you are the most noble in character there is. As we have seen, you are a superhero through and through. Complete with bedsheet cape.”

Danny groaned while the three of them laughed and shook his head. “Alright, listen.”

“You, wearing black and white alone, looked at me and asked if I was willing to wear bright primary colors, Danny.” Sam patted his shoulder blade and Danny rolled his eyes. “A ghost asked a goth to wear bright colors. You shall never live that down.”

“There are pastel goths,” Danny countered with a pout. “I checked, there are goths who wear bright colors. It’s a mindset, not a fashion statement.” Tucker draped yet more grass on Danny, who turned to stare at his best friend and deadpanned, “Dude that’s kinda gay.”

Tucker snorted and laughed himself back into the tree they were sitting in front of. “H-how exactly is that gay?”

“Grass, in flower language, represents homosexual love,” Sam supplied.

Tucker covered his heart with a hand and gasped loudly. “Oh goodness me, I, a bisexual nerd, cannot be gay good sir and madam, that is simply unacceptable. Truly, this is the end of my world.”

“I will write you a gorgeous eulogy seasoned with memes,” Danny said, patting Tucker’s thigh as the latter flopped over, putting on his best ‘dying’ act. Then a chill completely at odds with the summer sun shining down on them went up his spine and out of his mouth as a cloud of icy mist. “Shit.” Danny braced for impact, a dome of green light erecting itself over the teens just in time for five missiles to strike it and explode.

When the smoke cleared and Danny transformed in a flash of light – pale skin tan, snow white hair, glowing green eyes, black and white jumpsuit, all the staples of half dead teendom – Danny locked on to his attacker. A large, mechanized man with flaming green mohawk was grinning down at him like a predator baring teeth to prey. “You’ll have to survive to his funeral first, whelp, and I assure you that’s not happening. I’ve gotten a few upgrades since last we fought, and The Hunt is on.”

While Skulker popped out a new cannon, Danny turned to check on his friends, both of whom were pulling out their own Fenton ecto-pistols. When he turned back there was an explosion of golden light and the screeching of tearing metal, and Skulker was missing half of his mech before Danny could even quip at him. Danny dropped his shield, turning to stare at the source of light with everyone else, and found his jaw had dropped very literally to the ground.

Something that could be a bear mixed with a goat, an electric eel, and at least three kinds of birds was aiming a bow at Skulker, an arrow made of golden light already knocked and shining brighter with every second. Each feather was a different color, oscillating in intensity, but overall, it was both hard to look at and impossible to look away from. “Hi there,” the ghost said with a voice that could have been a thousand people speaking in tandem. “You are going to leave in the next five seconds, or I am going to traumatize these children by showing them just how one Ends a ghost. Four. Three.”

Danny had never seen Skulker fly away so fast, especially with only one turbine to boost himself. He couldn’t even blame him, not with the burning fountain of energy beating their kaleidoscopic wings in front of him, aiming at Skulker until buildings were in the way. Danny charged up an ectoblast of his own even as the arrow dissipated. “Well, ever since all this ghost stuff I didn’t believe in guardian angels. Get lost in the Zone?” Much to Danny’s pleasant surprise, the angelic ghost laughed.

“Gods, your aura is screaming ‘fight me,’ did you know that?” The ghost turned to Danny and all the animal features melted into each other until Danny was looking at what could almost pass for a regular human being. Blond hair, brown eyes, some weird old-timey robes, and a single pair of feathery wings that reflected the light catching them like crystal glass. In the next moment, Danny was being dragged into a tight embrace, cut off from the world by arms and feathers alike, and he blinked several times, tense as a bowstring.

“I’m gonna need you to back up before I zap you,” Danny said with his hands up and a buzz traveling from his chest toward his fingertips. The ghost backed up, hands held up where everyone could see them, and wings half folded around him like a cloak.

“Apologies, my response to seeing kids almost getting hurt is to hug them. I should’ve asked first.”

“That’s very true,” Sam said with narrowed eyes. “Who are you, exactly?”

“Yeah, we don’t get many new ghosts around here who know how to speak English,” Tucker said. “Or any who help us.”

The strangely human looking ghost took a deep breath, eyes glowing from brown to golden-orange and clasped their hands together in front of their face. “Well, that explains a few things I’ve observed of you in the past two minutes. Right, so, first thing’s first; hi, I’m Tobias Lumano, you kids can call me Toby. He/him and all that.”

Danny shook the hand extended to him, ignoring the fact that a hand was held out to all three of them. “Danny, Phantom currently.”

“Tucker Foley.”

“Sam Manson. What exactly did you observe of us?” Sam still held her pistol, ready for a fight. Toby chuckled and shook his head.

“Well, Danny here is screaming ‘fight me,’ with his body language and if all you’ve ever met are hostile adult ghosts then that makes sense. You’ve got that Still Warm feel to you, like you’re only recently dead. Which makes the rumors about you impossible, of course, cause I’m pretty sure none of you are even close to being adult humans unless people look a lot younger per quarter of their life in this Realm.” Toby settled with his wings crossed over his chest, relaxed but not quite limp, and Danny cocked his head to the side.

“How do you even see with those glowing in your face all the time?”

“What about Danny screams ‘fight me,’ exactly? He’s totally chill right now.” Tucker gestured at all of Danny, bobbing idly up and down on some kind of current that he had yet to identify.

“Oh, my dear summer child, ghosts communicate in ways that non-psychic humans cannot perceive fully. You see this?” Toby brushed a feather against Danny’s glow and the teen made a face, drifting away from the odd sensation. The glow stretched with his movement before Toby backed off. “That’s your aura, little man, and it’s currently positioned in a way that’s sort of giving the finger to everyone around you. How long have you been liminal if you don’t know about your aura?”

“How long have I been what now?”

“I think he’s talking about you being half ghost,” Tucker said, whipping out his PDA and tapping away at the screen. “We’ve never actually heard a term for it before other than Sidney Poindexter calling Danny a halfa. No offense to Poindexter but that’s a really dumb name.”

Toby laughed, covering his face with a hand, and shaking his head. “Right, ok, you’ve got a lot to learn, but I think I can help with that.”

“We should probably take this discussion somewhere a bit more private than the open park,” Sam hissed. “This is supposed to be a secret, remember Danny?”

Danny rolled his eyes and turned his head around 360 degrees. “There’s no one here right now, Sam.”

“Well, if you’re keeping this a secret then yeah, you should probably find somewhere secure to talk about this at.” Toby rolled his eyes and became translucent, spreading his wings and circling around the three of them. “Here, you take this feather and just break it when you feel ready to talk with me. I’ve got some things to figure out around here.” One such feather fell into Sam’s hand, taking on the hue of several leaves in a gradient, and Toby winked at Danny before vanishing entirely from view.