#top tropical vacation spots

[owlespresso]

dogged pursuit. dr veritas ratio. pt 1 of ? summary: you've been appointed as the bodyguard of one doctor veritas ratio after a failed attempt on his life. he's easy to get along with, so long as you learn when to plug your ears and focus on his washboard abs. tags. suggestive content, reader insert is a bit of a freak

—

The planet of Orchestron-IIV is a classic vacationing spot. Though it’s covered by floodplains and forests, the real attractions are its coasts and its tropical islands—a region lovingly named Sene Verde. White sand beaches stare out into the glistening waters, where the capital city sits beneath the waves. You’re sure the underwater city is a sight to see. 

Pity that your client’s itinerary doesn’t include a visit to it. Instead, you’re stranded in an IPC-sponsored villa, a three-story home with three bedrooms and a pool which is ridiculously large for being right next to the ocean. Veritas, Intelligensia Guild prodigy, notorious bastard, and smoking hot piece of ass, prefers it much to the beach. He lounges next to it or inside of it, stretched underneath umbrellas or beneath the cool chlorinated waters. 

You don’t really get all the complaints going around about him. He’s pretty easy to work under, as long as you follow his every command. Which, as a bodyguard, is not very many. He’s pretty capable of handling himself. He made that much painfully clear from the moment you first met. You recall, fondly, the fit he pitched after he learned you’d be shadowing him through this entire trip. 

You don’t remember the specifics of what he said. Just a lot of belly-aching. You were too busy staring at his arms to really care—and that slutty little cut out on the side of his outfit. And really, what business does a scholar have wearing something so revealing? Surely, his students must be beside themselves at how distracting it is. He’d nearly wrung your neck when you posed the question, only half in jest.

Throughout the past two weeks, you’ve come to understand him better, you think. He comes from a planet where nudity isn’t that big of a deal. He wants people to know more things, and thinks it should be free for people to gain said knowledge. In the long hours you spend together, idling between his various meetings, he tries to teach you. At first, it begins with complex theorems and equations you never had any hope of solving. Then, surprisingly, he adjusted his ravings to be gentler on your poor, uneducated brain.

As big the stick up his ass is, he sticks to his principles. He always makes time to talk to you, to explain the vast mysteries of the universe in terms that you mostly understand. 

“I don’t really get the wind,” you say, dropping unceremoniously onto the beach chair beside him, stretched beneath the shade of another wide umbrella. You rest your cheek on your forearm, look him up and down through half-lidded eyes. He’s wearing satin robes today. They’re milk white, with golden embroidery, little patterns stretched across the sash tied around his waist. They reach only his mid-thigh and drape over only half of his torso. The rippling muscle of his chest and taut abdomen are bare for you to admire, his nipple pebbled atop the bountiful curve of his pec. 

He looks like you’ve just spat in his coffee, eyeing you exasperatedly over the tops of his sunglasses. “You don’t get the wind?”

“Like… where it comes from,” you drawl, absentmindedly dragging a finger over the course material of the chair. “I didn’t go to any fancy school growin’ up, so…”

This is your favorite game. 

He purses his lips and narrows his eyes, as if contemplating if engaging with you is worth it or not. In the end, he falls prey to his own, most fervent desires: the urge to dispense knowledge and the cloying need to make his intellect known.

“Well, the basic principles would have been taught in a rather elementary course,” Veritas says, matter-of-fact, in a way that means he isn’t intentionally looking to demean you. “Wind forms due to differences in pressure within a given planet’s atmosphere. The amount of it—or whether it happens at all varies from planet to planet.” he begins—and you linger in the sound of voice rather than the words themselves. You already know the basics of what you’ve asked. You just like to hear him talk. 

Because once he gets to talking, he can hardly ever stop.

Sometimes, he isn’t good at it. He’s abrasive. He agitates the IPC’s clients. You can see it in the taut pull of their shoulders, the way their lips twitch to fight their oncoming frowns. He’s too direct. He doesn’t mouth off, per say, but there’s something in his demeanor that lets them know he thinks they’re not as intelligent. It’s all tight handshakes and tight smiles in the end, but when he’s at last alone with you, shrugged off the heavy mantle of mandatory pleasantries, he fumes.

Midday has lapsed into early evening. Blue burgeons and encroaches on all the sun had once touched. The shadows grow long and the temperatures at last begin to dip, though remain balmy as you tread up the sandbar. A series of wooden staircases zigzag up the slope, leading up to your villa’s street. You trail after him as he talks—rants, really.

“They reached that conclusion based on a survey done by a prospective Genius Society member—one who doesn’t even specialize in the field!” he says with an exasperated sigh, kicking up grains of soft white sand. “He likely hasn’t even set foot upon Orchestron-IIV. How are we supposed to trust the word of a man who hasn’t even directly interacted with its native population?”

“Good point. I guess you can’t,” you agree, nodding factually. The stairs creak underfoot as you reach them, beginning the small climb up the bar. You don’t really remember the fine points of the argument—some prospective IPC investment in an underdeveloped, neighboring planet, one plagued by mysterious weather phenomena and potentially combative native populations. 

“They should have consulted Aventurine before dragging me all the way out here for consultation. He would have known better than to trust such a half-baked proposition, and with such little data to back it up!” he repeated, as if in disbelief, before looking at you sharply. “Do not tell him I said that. This conversation stays between us, and us alone.”

“I like it when we keep secrets together,” you sigh dreamily, skipping up the last few steps with a flourish. The sunbleached wood creaks beneath your leather boots. He tosses you an eyeroll over his shoulder.

“I’m serious,” he fixes you with a fiercely scrutinizing look. “If he is to receive any of my praise, it will come from me, and me alone. And when I deign to give it.” 

The relationship your charge has with one Aventurine should, in all respects, be of little to no interest to you. Yet, you are still human. You fall prey to petty curiosity as easily as any other. The good doctor would no doubt pitch another fit were you to pry now, so you simply guess it’s a power thing between the two of them. You don’t know Aventurine well enough to think otherwise.

“You seem awfully close to that guy,” you remark instead, testing the waters. 

“We’re business partners. Nothing more, nothing less. When the IPC is in need of my expertise, it is he who they reach out through and he who I collaborate with most often,” Ratio informs you, crisp and unfeeling, like he didn’t just say something incredibly odd and potentially possessive about the individual in question.

“Mm,” you hum in assent, pretending all of that is normal. “Well, keep on your toes around him.” You reach the top of your ascent, tailing him onto the quiet streets. Most of the avenue’s occupants are likely still on the beach or further in town, enjoying the resort city’s nightlife. 

Veritas looks at you, then, something sharp in his eyes. “And why would you say that?”

You tilt your head to the side as you regard him, coming into step beside him. He slows down his strides, eyes suddenly flinty, countenance withdrawn into something deliberating, defensive.

“He’s high up in the IPC, isn’t he? I wouldn’t trust any of those Stonehearts further than I can throw ‘em,” you say with a small shrug. 

“And yet, here you are on their behest.” Veritas says.

“Awh, you caught me,” you give him a roguish smile, lifting your hands in a gesture of surrender. “But answer me this: does anyone really trust their employer? I’m not gonna bite the hand that  feeds, but I’m not gonna love on it, either.”

“I see,” he says with a small sigh, and that strange steeliness vanishes. The taut line of his shoulders loosens and his eyes shut for a long moment.

“It helps that I like you, too. You’re real easy to work with,”

He gives you an incredibly skeptical look. “Am I?”

“Yeah. Why so surprised?” you give him a toothy grin. Even he knows how insufferable of a reputation he has. “You get fussy sometimes, but it’s not a big deal. And I like hearing you talk, so it’s not a big deal.”

“I am not ‘fussy’. I have standards befitting someone of my intellect and station,” he says, looking down his nose at you. He pauses beneath one of the street lamps as it flickers on, yellow light glimmering on all the gold bobbles attached to his ridiculous outfit. He opens his mouth to speak again, to give you another tongue-lashing, but he must realize by now that you like those, so he shakes his head and sighs instead, like you’re the difficult one. “Forget about it. I have better things to do than dawdle around with you.”

He’s still pissy from that meeting, earlier, you observe passively. Your gaze lingers on his back as he speed walks away from you, broad muscle rolling beneath taut, pale skin. Your mouth waters. You follow him.

[thechy-fychannel]

I have finally decided to shamelessly (I feel nothing but shame at any attention at all) promote my hilson fics on here 💕

Organized from shortest to longest:

it's gone to the dogs in my mind (1.5k)(T+)

"He gets more visitors in his subconscious as he's coming off the vicodin than he did when he was on it. Every night, a different visitor in between the excruciating hours of consciousness." A glimpse into a series of dreams that House has as he's detoxing after he first gets to Mayfield.

let me be the wallpaper that papers up your room (2.9k)(E)

“I'll meet you at your place at 8.” He knew when he said it that he wasn't just coming over for dinner. Takes place at the end of Season 8, Episode 2 after Wilson punches House in the face.

and I long for this mirrored perspective (3.3k) (GA)

"Because something about him beckons to you, drawing you in. Morons are boring, you're repelled by morons. You're the opposite of repelled by the warm shades of brown and a cold type of ache coming from this handsome stranger." House spots Wilson for the first time at a conference in New Orleans and stalks him like the creep he is.

caught you hiding in the smoke (3.3k)(E)

“Look at me, House.” His pretty blue eyes opened and looked up at her with the kind of intensity that she could only describe as devotion. Like she was something holy. “Good. Look at you, barely holding on. If only he could see you like this…”

House is distracted while making out with Cuddy. The reason why isn't at all surprising, but Cuddy's reaction to it is.

dot line dot (4.2k)(E)

Wilson apologized for not being there. House told him not to be, he's with his wife. That's where he's supposed to be. And yet Wilson wanted him. And House was going to make him prove that. He was going to force him to wreck his own marriage rather than have the decency to do it for him. The bastard. House uses his oral fixation to his advantage when he refuses to initiate an affair with Wilson after he marries Bonnie. Wilson wants to have his cake and eat it too and House is a petty bitch about it.

on my way to believing (6k)(E)

“I like what this says about you, Wilson.” Wilson knows what this says about him— that the only piece of furniture that he could pick out himself was something House alone would use. He knows it says that the only thing inside him that matters is the man sitting on that bench.

get in line for the masquerade (7.1k)(M)

5 times people find out about House and Wilson's secret relationship and the 1 time they decide to stop keeping it a secret.

my tongue has now become a platform for your lies (12k)(E)

5 times Wilson cheats with House, + the 1 time they get caught.

love is the coal (19.5k)(E)

"House, I can't just up and leave-” “Yes, you can. I already talked to Cuddy about it.” “You already—” Wilson blanched, “House, I told you not to say anything to her about what's going on. Great, this is just great. Now my boss knows that I'm-” “That you're going through a hard time right now. That you're stressed and overworked and burnt out. She was the one who suggested we go on a vacation. It really wasn't even a suggestion, she practically demanded that I whisk you away to tropical paradise somewhere and fuck you until your legs stop working.” Wilson is struggling, House would do anything in the world to help him, and Cuddy is a wonderful boss. House and Wilson take a much needed vacation and spend the entire thing on top of each other.

puppies, tiramisu, and other things james wilson loves (20.9k)(E)

He looked over at Wilson, about to lament to him about the lack of creativity at this animal shelter when he was met with a big toothy grin. “What?” Wilson shook his head, but his smile grew to the point of being painful. “Nothing. I just- I didn't expect you to be a small dog kind of guy.” “I'm—” House looked back at the dog and then at Wilson. “I'm not. I was just giving it some attention.” “I think you're giving it a home, House.” A fic about them adopting a dog that House ends up falling in love with. And then he does something stupid and they have kinky sex about it.

[emsdevs]

can i request a reader x jamie drysdale where jamie tries to plan out a huge proposal bc he wants it to be really special if that makes sense?

a/n: so so so sorry for the wait nonnie! hopefully you still like it tho :)

Jamie was stressed, to say the least. The ring he had hidden in his sock drawer was a weight on his shoulders. He knew it shouldn’t bother him this badly, but he needed this proposal to go perfectly. You deserved nothing but the best.

Jamie managed to talk you into a tropical vacation during the All-Star break, finding a nice villa in Bora Bora. You weren’t going to argue, happy to get away from the Philadelphia cold for a week or so. 

You two arrived at your vacation spot and wasted no time getting into the water. Jamie took a moment and swiftly hid the ring in the bedside drawer on his side of the bed. After a few days of relaxing together, it was time for Jamie’s plan to come together. 

“C’mon, I have a surprise for you,” Jamie held out his hand, silently asking for yours.

“Okay,” you drag out the word a little. You trust him, of course, but you have no idea what surprise he might have in store for you.

He led you to the beach outside your villa before telling you to cover your eyes. You listened, holding your left hand in front of your eyes, allowing Jamie to continue to guide you with your right. 

“Okay, here we are,” Jamie slowly removed your hand from your eyes, revealing a beautiful dinner set-up. There was a table in the middle of the beach, just out of reach of the tide, with two chairs side by side facing the ocean. Laid out on it was your favorite meal, and the parts that weren’t reserved for your dinner were completely covered in flowers. To top it all off, there was an arch over the table, also covered in flowers, and you could see the sun just beginning to set over the water.

“Jamie,” you trail off, nearly speechless. “This is beautiful. How did you do this? When did you do this?”

“Don’t worry about it. I just wanted to make this trip a little extra special for you. Consider it a thank you for putting up with me and my hockey stuff every season.”

“You don’t need to thank me for that, Baby.”

Jamie pays you no mind, pulling your chair out and getting dinner started. He was gearing up for the big moment. Everything had led him to now. He had pulled out all the stops for this proposal, making sure you packed your favorite dress (which you’re wearing right now, also his doing). He even went as far as making sure your nails were done, knowing you would hate all the pictures you were bound to take of the ring on your hand otherwise. 

After you both finish your food, Jamie stalls for a moment, waiting for the sun to be at the perfect spot. When he deems it the perfect timing, he stands up, starting his speech, “It honestly feels like we haven’t been together for an extremely long amount of time, and whether that’s true or not, I know how I feel. And I know that I can’t spend another day without you as my wife,” he gets down on one knee, and this is when you realize what’s happening. “You’ve been there with me through so much, my trade, my injuries. I truly have no idea what I’d do without you, and I sincerely hope you know just how much I love you. Either way, I’m prepared to prove it every day for the rest of my life.” He takes a deep breath. “Can I be your husband, so I can spend the rest of my life loving you the way you’re meant to be loved?”

You’re basically sobbing at this point, but you waste no time nodding your head. “Oh my god. Yes, Jamie. Yes!” You’re giggling through your tears at this point. You bend down to where Jamie is, not wasting your time looking at the ring. You just need Jamie. You bring him in for a kiss, letting it display every emotion you're feeling. It’s messy between the tears on both of your faces and the smiles neither of you are able to keep at bay. You don’t know how long the two of you stay kneeling in the sand, but both of you are happy. You’re never letting each go, not that either of you had planned it before you were engaged.

[cinnbar-bun]

Vacation

Pairing: Jinbei x AMAB!GN!Reader

Rating: NSFW

Word Count: ~1.5k

Summary: After finally getting a vacation, you and Jinbei decide to ditch the others and return to your hotel room to "enjoy" the wonderful room.

Notes: AMAB!GN!Reader, anal, "rougher" dom!Jinbei. Jinbei is in his Egghead outfit cuz we love a dad bod on the beach here!!!!

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“Why don’t we take this back to our room? I would like to enjoy our vacation just us two, if that’s alright?” Jinbei glanced at you, placing a gentle arm around your shoulder. His cheeks were a dusty pink, a sign that he was being truthful about his feelings. 

You recognized right away where this was going. Jinbei, always a gentleman, never wanted to make you uncomfortable or put you on the spot. But this was a rare vacation opportunity for you and the other Straw Hats. Even if it was short, there would perhaps not be another chance to take a break for a while. Why waste it hesitating?

You nodded at him as you brought out your keycard from your swim trunks. “That’s very fine with me.” 

You winked, knowing damn well the minute you got into that room, you perhaps would not be leaving anytime soon. Jinbei chuckled and pulled you close, escorting you back to the room. The others were too busy drinking by the pool and swimming to care, giving you two the perfect chance to start your vacation right. 

The resort was cooler inside than on the outside, making you shiver slightly. 

“Too cold?” Jinbei asked. “A bit.” 

“Don’t worry, I think you’ll be forgetting the cold in a bit,” Jinbei gave a toothy smirk and you found your face heating up alongside your body. He always had a way of distracting you. You fumbled with your key as you two approached the door, letting Jinbei walk in first as he closed the blinds of the large window overlooking the resort below. “There, that should give us some privacy.” 

Jinbei sat on the edge of the bed and jovially laughed, looking at you with excitement. “Well? Are you coming?” 

You forgot you were staring and strode to the large fishman, matching his enthusiasm. “I’m really sad I have to take off the shirt. You look great in it.” 

“I’m glad you think so,” he replies as he strokes your hair. Your fingers reach out to unbutton his tropical shirt, knowing the rules to this little “game” you two play by now. 

“Can’t you keep it on,” you whine playfully, while Jinbei shakes his head. 

“You know we can’t. I don’t want it ruined by all the fun we’ll be having,” Jinbei says as he cranes his neck to you after you throw his shirt to the ground. “You might want to hurry up, though. We don’t want to miss our dinner reservations, do we now?” 

“No, sir,” you shake your head as you slowly pull down his shorts, letting his large cock spring free. 

It’s massive, almost intimidating, except for the fact it had given you so much pleasure previously. You know what to do and you know what Jinbei expects, even if he hasn’t said a word yet. 

You lick a careful stripe on the underside of his member and kiss the head, noticing the tip leak some fluid. Another little kitten lick at the top earns you a hard yank on your head from Jinbei. 

“You keep playing around like that, and I might just end this,” he sternly responds. Your body is already too invested and yearning for him. Jinbei doesn’t mess around with you when it comes to this sort of thing. You know if he’s unsatisfied with your behavior that he’ll leave you begging and hanging dry for the rest of the vacation, if he so felt like it. He had done it before, and he didn’t look like he would relent now. 

So you do the one thing you know you should do. 

You kiss his weeping cock and take it down your throat with practiced motions, using your hands to massage his balls and the rest of his large member. Jinbei seems pleased with your actions, humming in content as he rubs his hands on your head in small circles. 

You do your best to breathe with every action- Jinbei isn’t small by any means- and work a good rhythm with your mouth and hands. 

“Good… good, like that,” Jinbei comments, before he roughly shoves himself down your throat. Your nose is met with his hairs as you have to hold back from gagging. The tears in your eyes are plentiful, and Jinbei, despite his hardened persona now, wipes it off with a quick flick of his finger. He releases your mouth from him as you try to catch your breath. 

“Why’d you stop? That’s now how you’re supposed to do it,” he chuckles, and you immediately go back to pleasuring him. 

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

You’re thankful Jinbei does his best to prepare you for him, but even with all that preparation, the swell and size of him still manages to take your breath away. You’re gripping the sheets tightly as Jinbei continues to fill your ass with him. 

“Guess we have to work on making you take me better, hm, (Y/n)?” Jinbei taunts while you weakly struggle to remain on your hands and knees for him. He’s already stretching you out widely and pressing deliciously into you, making you delirious. But you have to contain yourself. You’re not allowed to cum unless he says so, not allowed to finish unless he decides to be merciful upon you for once. 

Jinbei, ever the observant man, gently thrusts into you once, reminding you just how amazing he can make you feel. You let out a garbled moan while Jinbei laughs. 

“Don’t tell me you’re close,” he says, but with the mocking tilt in his voice, you know he’s aware of your current feelings. He thrusts once more, this time putting his whole body into it and making you grip the sheets tighter. “We’re not even close to being finished, dear.” 

You weakly apologize for your excitement as Jinbei holds your hips and moves in and out of you. He doesn’t think of you right now, only focused on using you to give him the pleasure he desire. Your soft body meeting his every thrust and swallowing him whole makes Jinbei let out a throaty groan. 

“Take it,” he orders as he moves faster. Jinbei grunts and grips you harder, digging his fingers into your body while you do your best to meet his heavy thrusts. You cry out his name over and over, nails clenching the sheets as you wailed into the pillows. Jinbei grabbed your head to remove you from the pillows. “I want to hear you. Don’t cover your voice.” 

“Jinbei!” you yell his name loudly as you feel your body tightening and ready to burst. Jinbei can feel your climax approaching and hurries his pace. 

“Hold it in!” Jinbei shouts. You want to beg and plead, but you’re a jumble of whines and moans while you helplessly take Jinbei. There’s nothing you can do but try and not come right this second while he pleasures you. 

Thankfully, Jinbei decides to spare you some mercy and removes his hand from your head. He continues to pound into you and huffs. 

“Go on, be louder. T-take it and show me how much you enjoy this!” Jinbei gives you a final order as his hand wraps around your member. You feel the coil in you about to snap and you do your best to meet with Jinbei. With a loud cry of his name, you release onto the sheets and Jinbei’s hand while he keeps moving. The overstimulation makes your eyes water again and your body give out, but not before Jinbei leans over to pick you and hold you. 

“Almost there…” Jinbei warns you, not being able to handle how your body flutters around his cock. 

One. Two. Three. 

With tight hold on you and a guttural moan, you feel Jinbei release inside you, the warm fluid filling you and dripping down your thighs. You shakily try to catch your breath as Jinbei remains holding you. 

“J-Jinbei,” you groan, panting heavily at the exhausting round. 

“You okay?” He asks, losing the aggressive demeanor he had immediately. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?” 

You shake your head and Jinbei sighs happily. He lays you down gently on the bed, removing himself from you as he goes to get a few towels to clean you up. 

“I’m relieved, then,” Jinbei comments. With careful movements, he wipes your body and the mess of sheets on the hotel bed. You whine at the contact before Jinbei presses a kiss to your forehead. “Easy, now. Rest up, I’ll wake you in a couple hours so we can get ready for dinner.” 

You nod tiredly, not really hearing what Jinbei is saying as he gives you another kiss and strokes your head soothingly. 

“Love you…” you mumble. 

“I love you, too,” Jinbei replies, covering you both with a blanket. You lean into him and yawn while your eyes flutter shut. 

Jinbei chuckles at your behavior. 

Perhaps you two should consider more vacations in the future.

[blackcherryvelvet0909]

Feathered Good (Crowley x GN!Reader)

Content Warning: Alcohol (no intoxication), implied depression, implied unhealthy coping mechanisms, mild angst

Note: Reader is an adult NRC staff member

A pleased hum vibrated along your lips and rumbled through your throat as a soft breeze kissed your skin. It smelt of sand and sea, beneath that the delectable scent of various dishes cooking in the restaurant kitchen. You took another sip of your drink, the taste of [favorite fruit] wonderfully flooding your taste buds once again. You savored the flavor as your gaze lingered on the view before you, out towards the vast body of saltwater beyond. It was an excellent idea, coming out here; you’d have to thank Divus for the recommendation later. This was exactly what you needed. 

You were tucked into a nice little corner as well. Your table was situated on the lower deck of the restaurant - you thought it too nice an evening to remain inside. The spot wasn’t too far from the kitchens, either, so your food and drink didn’t take long to reach you. There was only one thing missing: company. When you first planned to eat out here, you thought Divus and Trein would come with you. However, as usual, their duties as professors got them into a bit of trouble, and a little injury. Thank goodness it wasn’t too bad of a fall; even so, the men had been in no mood to walk two to three flights of stairs, whether short or long. 

So, here you were, split between happiness for the alone time and disappointed in the lack of friendly conversation. Your eyes made another once over of your surroundings, watching the other patrons chat and laugh amongst themselves. Just as you were about to focus back on the waning sunset, your gaze settled on a familiar figure on the floor above. You could scarcely make out his frame, but you knew that mask from anywhere. What was Crowley doing here? Well, that was a dumb question. When was the headmage not making the most of the trip - either on or off the clock, to you and your coworkers’ misfortune. 

You couldn’t try and scold him, since it was technically both your off times. There was no reason to go and talk to him. Still…you found yourself rising from your seat. You placed a few madol on the table for your waiter; as you passed by the person at the register, you mentioned you were moving up to the top floor. That way they wouldn’t try and chase you, thinking you were trying to skip paying your bill. When the cashier gave you a nod and a smile, you headed up the long flight of stairs. It was a bit of a struggle to not spill your drink in your ascension, but you managed. Within minutes you reached the top - the view was even better from this height. 

Crowley faced away from you, the rim of his glass pressed to his lips as he took a sip of the liquid within. You couldn’t tell if it was alcoholic or not - did he even drink? Guess it was time to find out. “I’m surprised to see you here,” were the words you greeted him with. He turned to you as you rested your glass on the wooden edge of the balcony, wide enough for patrons to settle small plates of food or beverages. 

The headmage greeted you with a smile as he straightened his posture. “I make a point to visit this restaurant whenever I get the chance to travel here.” Crowley leaned against the railing, arm rested atop it, clawed hands almost folded in front of him. He looked more casual than usual - relaxed, even. If he were not a man who constantly plucked at your nerves, you’d think him rather dashing, especially since, this evening, he was not clad in that gaudy tropical shirt and khakis. Aside from his cloak, top hat, and cane, he was dressed in his usual ensemble. “Is this your first time here?” he asked. 

“The restaurant or this beach in general?” 

He shrugged his shoulders. “Either.” 

“Yes, to both,” you answered. Your body relaxed as you rested your arms against the wooden railing, glass placed next to you. “This is my first vacation in forever, I think. Usually, when I’m not working, I just hang out at home.” You chuckled, “I wouldn’t exactly call this a vacation, anyway; it’s basically a work trip.” 

“True,” Crowley agreed, “but I have done my best to work some ample time for you and the other staff to enjoy yourselves as well.” You seriously questioned that, with the way the man would sometimes outright abandon you and the students in favor of some other unknown activity. He picked up his small glass with his fingertips, swirling the brown liquid within as his eyes cast back out at the waves beyond. “This is truly a charming place, despite the hustle and bustle of the tourists.” Crowley lifted the glass to take another sip of his beverage. Feeling a bit mischievous, you decided to ask him another question. 

“Is that why Royal Sword and Noble Bell also chose this place to hold their field trips?” You held back a laugh as the headmage nearly choked on the drink. Patiently, you waited for him to regain himself before he answered. 

“Well…I suppose that is the reason.” You could almost picture the sweat that surely beaded under his shirt collar. “As I said, this is a wondrous place! What better destination for students to learn and play?” 

“It is, indeed, a place to do both - for all ages.” A little smirk played on your lips as you pried more. “It’s just strange we arrived right as the other schools did.” You lifted your drink to your lips as you added, “Coincidence, perhaps?” 

The headmage now avoided your gaze - a clear sign he was nervous. “Ah…yes!” Crowley let out a nervous laugh. “Quite so! Us three headmasters must be in sync with one another. As they say, great minds think alike!” 

Or a certain one didn’t want to look bad in front of his peers, you thought to yourself. For now, you decided to keep that thought to yourself. After all, there was no proof to that…yet. Divus said he would keep you posted.

“While it does allow our students to mingle with ones from other schools, it is a little chaotic.” You sighed as you placed your drink back down on the space next to you, the taste of [drink of choice] fresh upon your tongue. “I’m surprised there haven't been that many fights. Aside from Spade’s confrontation with those Royal Sword boys, there hasn’t been much of an incident. It’s either we finally have peace in the valley,” another sigh left your lips, “or all will come crashing down in the final days of the trip.” 

“Come now,” Crowley chuckled. “Do you have such little faith in our flock?” You sent him a look - without words, he seemed to get the point. He nodded his head, “Yes, our students are a rowdy bunch, to be sure. But perhaps this change of scenery will calm those rebellious natures enough for them to put away their fists.” 

“Hopefully,” you wished, with all of your being. You really didn’t get paid enough for the hassle sometimes. 

A silence fell between you two for a few moments, nothing but the sound of distant chatter and ocean waves filling your ears. Crowley was the one to break that hush. “[Y/n]?” You perked up at the sound of your name - your first name. It was odd for him not to address you formerly, even when off duty. With your attention back on him, he continued. “What do you think makes a good person?” 

“I didn’t know you partook in philosophy,” you said, perplexed by the question. Where did this come from?

“I read up on the subject from time to time,” Crowley mentioned. “Will you humor me?” 

Well, you didn’t see why you couldn’t. You did yearn for conversation earlier - now you had it. For a few seconds, you thought his question over, tossed and turned it in your mind. What made a good person? “I guess it depends on the person,” you finally replied. “No one will answer the same; it all weighs on someone’s life experience, I think.” 

“That was not what I asked.” Crowley’s expression was different, you realized. He looked sincere - more serious than you’d ever seen him. Even when a certain group of students overblotted in the past year, he hadn’t appeared this way. “I am asking you what makes a good person. In your eyes, what makes a good person?” 

You rarely ever experienced this man look directly into your eyes. It was almost like he wanted to peer into your very soul to find the answer. The tone of his voice had shifted as well, you noticed. Has Crowley ever been so earnest? You couldn’t answer that. You said you would humor him, so humor him you would. After a bit more contemplation, you explained to him what, to you, made a good person. 

The man listened intently, hung on your every word. He gave a slight nod of his head from time to time, truly taking in your beliefs. You secretly wished he’d take his work as seriously as this opinion of yours. Once you said your piece, he nodded once more, and then another long moment of silence washed over you both. That yellow gaze, obscured behind Crowley’s dark mask, was cast down to the ground. The rest of his expression, along with his body language, was almost…solemn, you thought. Did he find your answer disappointing? 

Before you could ask, he raised his head and smiled at you. Though it looked a little strained, he sounded genuine. “Thank you, [Y/n]. I will keep your words in mind for the future.” You watched as he picked up his glass once more, clasped a little tightly in his palm as he held it up to his lips. He then tilted his head back and drank the entirety of his beverage in a few short gulps. 

Your eyes must have widened at the display, for he let out a small laugh. “What’s that look for?” 

“What was that?” you asked, pointing at his now empty glass. 

“My drink?” Crowley shook the glass and the remaining ice clinked around within. “Scotch.” 

“You chugged it that quickly?!” The audacity of this man. “Will you even be able to walk back to the hotel?” It wasn’t too far away, the restaurant was located just outside the resort, but…

Crowley let out another laugh, much louder than the last. “Aww, you worry for me? I’m flattered!” Who wouldn’t worry? “But I assure you I’m quite alright. It takes a lot more than that to get me tipsy.” 

That was a pretty sizable amount of liquor though. Even Trein, someone who himself partook in scotch from time to time, would get a little blitzed after such a chug. How…how much did it take to get Crowley drunk? How much had he drunk in the past to build that high of a tolerance? Your expression must have revealed your inner thoughts, for Crowley let out another chuckle. 

“It has been my friend on many a late night,” he explained. Crowley eyed the glass in his hand almost as though it were an old friend. He appeared…almost sad, for the way he smiled. “This evening is one of few where it is not required.” 

Your heart sank. Not required? Sure, you knew Crowley was probably the type to drink a good bit, like Divus, but…that sounded rather ominous. Crowley appeared no different than the depressed protagonist in a movie. What exactly did he have to be depressed about? You thought back to the odd question he asked you minutes before. ‘What makes a good person?’ 

You thought about all the times Crowley praised himself. How kind he claimed to be with every little thing he did. Always out of arrogance, narcissism, maybe. Now, in light of the question he gave you, how he reacted and mulled over your answer. It now seemed those praises were affirmations to himself…assurances he was doing good. The confidence he showed when he made such claims always fueled the frustration within you. When put in this light though, it sounded like…like a man desperate to be a good person, when he didn’t know how to be. 

“Dire-” 

Your elbow hit something as you adjusted your position: Your glass. You gasped as it fell over the railing; you were just in time to watch it fall down to the sand three flights of stairs away. Thankfully it didn’t hit anyone on the way. A few guests and servers looked up in confusion - you suddenly felt embarrassed. You nearly jumped out of your skin when Crowley belted out in laughter. “It happens to the best of us!” he reassured. “I can’t count how many times I’ve made such a blunder.” 

With a wave of his hand, he called a waiter over. “Would you get my companion here another -” he glanced over at you “ - what were you having?” 

“[Drink of choice],” you mumbled, still flustered beyond belief. 

“[Drink of choice]!” Crowley repeated to the waiter. He handed them his empty glass as he added, “And another glass of scotch for me, if you wouldn’t mind.” Crowley slipped the waiter a several madol as a tip - or as a way to get your drinks quicker. Either way, the waiter uttered a ‘yes, sir’ before they headed down to the bar. As they went out of sight, Crowley turned back to you. “Where is that smile from before? You’re not the first to knock over a glass, you know.” 

“I know…” You shied away as you rubbed your arm. “I just hate someone has to pick it up.” 

“I’m sure that isn’t the worst thing they’ve ever done.” Crowley sat himself in a cushioned chair at the corner of the floor. You followed suit and took the one across from him. “If it broke, I will pay for that as well.” 

You raised an eyebrow. “Wouldn’t I have to pay for it?” 

“Usually,” he rested his chin against the back of his hand, “if I were not treating you.” 

Dire Crowley, the stingy headmage of Night Raven College, treating you? You couldn’t hold back the small laugh that escaped your throat. “I didn’t know you had a sense of humor,” you quipped. 

He scoffed, taken aback by your statement. “Whatever do you mean? I have a great sense of humor! And that was not a joke: I intend to pay for the drinks you may have in my presence.” 

Who clocked him over the head? “You’re serious?” you questioned with a skeptical raise of your brow. “Not going to take this out of my paycheck or something?”

“You think me that cruel?” He seemed to flinch by the look that crossed your face. “No no, I’m not going to take it out of your check - or any thereafter.” Another smile twitched at his lips. “Consider this my thanks for your company - and for answering my question.”

You wanted to ask more - more than him treating you. Yet something told you to hold back for now. Apparently this man was more cryptic, held more mysteries than you ever thought him to. There likely wouldn’t be anything to garner from his question - tonight, at least. Might as well take your good luck and accept the offer, before he changed his mind. You put your skepticism aside and smiled. “Thank you - I really appreciate it.”

Those masked eyes seemed to brighten a little at your gratitude. His posture straightened a bit more, his characteristic confidence back in full force. “Of course! I cherish the opportunity to reward one of my fellow peers for their hard work. After all,” his smile wavered into what looked like a smirk, “I am ever so kind~” 

Another reassurance…to you, or to himself? You seriously would question that from now on. 

If only you knew just how much Dire Crowley valued your opinion.

[izznts]

Bahamas Double Meal

The soft breeze that hits the white cotton curtains, flowing in the room shining some daylight. Sol gets hit with the bright sun, squinting his eyes and yawning. Leaning up, his muscular biceps and soft toned pecs in his plaid boxers stretching. Next to him his boyfriend Izzy, laying with his cheetah print top and pant set, sleeping softly. Sol smiled laying on top of him, giving his neck some kisses making Izzy squirm underneath him waking up.

"Sol, Jesus you couldn't wake me up properly?" Izzy asked annoyed, rubbing his eyes to show his dark chocolate color. Sol smirked, giving Izzy a soft kiss getting up.

"And where would the fun in that be? Now get up, we got to enjoy the rest of our vacation!" Sol cheered, running to the bathroom with clothes in hand. Izzy rolled his eyes getting up himself and looking through his suitcase. The both of them were on an anniversary trip to the Bahamas for a week. The first day they enjoyed the spa and massages that was provided, the cuisines that were made to their delight, and some shopping in stores they have never thought of enjoying.

Today was the day of the beach, Sol coming out of the bathroom with his white tropical swim shorts, with a matching top that was left open too show off his toned body. Izzy staring too long, Sol pec bounced to have Izzy's eyes hungrily dart to them, making him roll his eyes blushing at being teased.

"Don't worry, there's enough of me to go around~" Sol purred, Izzy turning around and changing in front of him. Izzy's smaller frame putting on his tight rose shorts with a white-lace kimono, topping it off with a black and rose ascot, tying it around his neck. Sol hugged Izzy from behind, kissing his neck softly, getting a small giggle from him.

"Alright, let's go to the beach!" Sol cheered, grabbing Izzy's hand and their packed belongings for this day, running off out of the room to walk to the beach.

Seeing the huge crowd tanning on beach chairs, playing volleyball in different areas, children playing with sand, swimming in the oceans, and many of those with pets throwing toys for them to chase. Both of them looked for a spot to sit, seeing an empty area with a beach umbrella placed near the front of the ocean. Izzy walked too it (more like speed-walked) to claim the spot. Sol following behind dragging the cooler. Laying their towels on the chairs, Sol opened up a water bottle drinking it quickly.

"Sol, can you close the umbrella, I just want to tan for a few minutes." Izzy asked him, Sol nodded, getting up and closing the umbrella, getting a thank you in return. Sol took off his shirt and placed it on the chair.

"Hey, I'm going to go for a quick swim." Sol reminded, Izzy giving a thumbs up and placing himself to lay on his stomach, taking his kimono off too get the heat on his back. Sol runs off in the sand to the shallow waters, the small waves touching above his ankles, making him shiver with delight of the cold water. He was about to walk closer to swim till he heard Izzy turning around.

"Jesus watch the hell you are going you prick!" Izzy yelled holding his head wincing at a couple surfers who ran with their surfboards in hand, cockily laughing and jokingly saying sorry. Sol got out of the ocean and sprinted too him, passing by the surfers earlier.

"Izzy let me see, is it bad?" Sol asked trying to get him to move his hands out of the way. Izzy slowly moving his hands down to see a small scratch and redness on his head.

"Is it bad?" Izzy asked, Sol shook his head, getting a cold water bottle and having him hold it on his head. Izzy wincing from the coldness. Sol looked at the ocean and gritted his teeth, getting up.

"Keep on tanning, I will be right back." Sol stated, Izzy nodding his head and laying down with the water on his head, putting his sunglasses on to cover his eyes from the sun. Sol sprinted to the ocean diving in swimming further towards the deep end of the water. Hearing laughter, he saw the surfers from earlier together waiting for the next wave. They both were far from shore, and even far from anyone else, making this a lot easier than he thought. Sol gave them a death glare, swimming underwater towards them. He swam closer, pushing both of the surfers into each other falling off their surfboards. Grabbing the first surfer that fell, unhinging his jaw and swallowing their head. The first surfer thrashing as he was being swallowed, the second surfer keeping his head above water looking for his friend. Ducking his head underneath just to see his friend having half of his body in Sol's mouth. The surfer swimming trying to tug his friend out. Sol grabbed the other surfer dudes hands and kept it locked onto the first ones hips, taking a big gulp, swallowing both hips and the hands, keeping the second surfer in place. The surfer duo thrashed as Sol kept swallowing, finishing up the first surfer dude and getting up too the second one's head. His toned abs now expanding immensely in the cool water, a face imprint was seen above his bellybutton making the surfer friend scream underwater as his friends fate is sealed. Sol grabbing the head and forcing him into his mouth, his belly slowly squirming with his first meal. Sol swallowing up to the friends butt, he swam up to the top of the water, the friends thrashing legs being slurped down burping loudly. Sol swam too shore, his belly squirming violently each stroke.

"Man, you guys are heavy." Sol commented, patting his belly as he makes it to the shallow end. Getting out of the ocean, people were staring and whispering amongst each other, Sol smiling widely as he winks at the bystanders near him. He walks too Izzy, lifting his belly up and letting go, his belly hitting Izzy's legs, making him scream lightly. Before he could get yelled out he stares at his boyfriends belly.

"Sol what did you do?" Izzy asked curiously concerned. Sol smirked rubbing his belly, joking around by tapping his chin.

"I might have gotten a double meal of surfer dudes from earlier.~" He teased, wiggling his eyebrows. Izzy rolled his eyes, staring at the engorged belly, giving it a small rub, Sol purred from the touch.

"Next time, give me a heads up that you are going to hunt." Izzy stated, Sol nodded sitting down in the sand in front of Izzy, letting him rub his belly as it thrashes around. Both of them enjoying the rest of the day at the beach.

[izvmimi]

cw: minors dni. exhibitionism kinda. reader has breasts.

"they're gonna see-ee!" your voice hitches, going up an octave from your hushed tone, as your husband keenly lifts you up, folding you like a lawn chair, and slips himself inside you.

frankly you should have expected this strong of a reaction from the moment you emerged from your vacation cottage in that particular swimsuit, but what you didn't expect was for him to be this bold, pretzeling you and pulling your bikini bottom to the side to stuff you full.

he thrusts upwards with a soft grunt, one that jostles your breasts in your bikini top and nearly knocks the sunglasses perched atop your head; it might as well be a warning for what's about to come.

"this is a private section," he reminds you, kissing your neck. "who's gonna see?" he coos.

he's not wrong. the beach is empty as far as the eye can perceive, and the gently sloping waves hitting the shore and the tropical birds chirping overhead to herald the early morning are all you can hear. the sun tinges your skin warm as you stare out towards the water, but you're not yet as hot as you'll be in the next few moments, guaranteed.

"p-passerbys? i.., i don't know!" you stammer as he laughs, something musical that tickles the back of your neck, and he just as quickly kisses the spot making you moan.

"come on, let's give nature a show."

[ladybugsimblr]

simshaderoom If you were wondering where #Bailey Kay was hiding out, it looks like she is in Sulani, her fave vacation spot. The whole family was out and about today. Even our favorite unicorn #Rebi finally made a public appearance! That tantrum looked serious tho and BK wasn't very friendly with fans. Everyone's faces giving we are not feeling the island vibes. Trouble in paradise?

d-lo Some of these fans don't respect time with the fam. You can't always get a hug or a pic. Y'all gotta chill. Not even addressing the paps. But it looks like my dude Jason got busy with at least one of them! 👊🏽

simsagainstBK I don't think that's an appropriate outfit to wear around your children. She's so worried about "slaying" instead of being a good role model. Shame.

kingb It's summer on a tropical island... What is she supposed to wear? Get a life.

anon I heard little Rebi's tantrum was crazy and BK just acted like nothing was happening. Yikes. At least we know she really exists.

perfect_family Everyone looks miserable. My husband and kids are never so unhappy. This is why you should be available and tend to your family 24-7.

queenbk Actually you're the one that's miserable. But you're right about one thing. You, your husband and your kids could NEVER. Good day!

bflyhive WOW! You would be over it too if you had camera flashes going off in your face every second. Leave the Queen and the babies ALONE.

anon I also heard the twins were running wild without supervision. No parental control in that household.

c.spiracy I read that celebrity children grow at a faster rate than normal children. They'll probably all be teens by the end of the week.

rubberbandshan I leave to study for a few hours and come back to this???? I miss seeing the Queen too but damn. Can they have a little bit of privacy and quality family time? And on top of that here the dummies go looking at pics taken at the worst moments and swear they know everything going on. Y'all are so annoying. I hope she's somewhere hugging on her hubby and kids and ignoring all haters. Sidenote: Jason, inquiring minds want to know if you're single. Sorry not sorry.

[jaysficarchive]

3 19,26 for the outfit prompt for Ran and Hanea

³⁾ a patterned bikini top + ¹⁹⁾ loose boxer shorts + ²⁶⁾ cheap plastic flip flops

It gets a little saucy towards the end 👀 so minors look away (respectfully). Characters are obviously adults

When Ran sent a ticket to Turks and Caicos to her mailbox, she knew the jig was up. Immediately, she packed a few bags with clothes, makeup, and shoes. Knowing the club owner, not a word was to be said to her friends. Part of her worried about it but another found it exciting. Being jetted away to a tropical island by a rich man? Yes please. She packed all of her favorite summer clothes, including swimsuits.

Now, the sun beamed down on her, hearing the waves crash onto the sandy shore. Lounging on a chair with a fruity drink in hand, all her worries and stress melted away. Best decision ever. When was the last time she went on vacation again?

"How are you feeling, lovely?" Ran rested his chin on her shoulder. He knew he made the right choice to buy two one way tickets to an island. He picked a particularly private spot on the beach so they wouldn't be bothered by random people trying to flirt with either one of them.

The woman looked back at him with joy in her eyes as she leaned on him. "Great. I was actually nervous about leaving."

He raised an eyebrow. There was nothing to be nervous about. As long as you weren't one of his enemies or some random John who caused trouble in his club, he was safe to be around. Especially with a lovely lady like her. Hanae worked hard, both in and out of work. Sometimes it felt like she was still trying to prove her worth to an imaginary person.

Not him, though.

"Really? Your old classmates always talked about how fearless you were."

Hanae tucked her hair behind her ear. "Yeah, in the past." She wished she could relive those days. Nothing could shake her or her determination. That fearless girl was gone, or so she thought. Maybe her old self was making a comeback from this trip.

Ran found himself admiring her body, gently tracing his fingers along her curves. Her skin was always so soft and warm and she smelled so good. How any man could let a woman like her slip from his grasp baffled him. His eyes trailed from the long scar across her body to her patterned bikini top.

As their secret relationship progressed, his thoughts about her became less innocent. But he never made a move to initiate any intercourse out of respect for her. Didn't stop him from fantasizing about it.

Hanae yelped, feeling one of his hands rub the small of her back.

"Sorry about that," he chuckled. "Still not used to that, huh?"

"N-no, it's just..."

"Hm?"

"I've always grown up being told that you can only touch a woman like that when you're married." Despite not being fully Catholic, she found herself internalizing some beliefs. Some she let go after her past relationship fell apart.

Ran hummed and pulled his hand away before using it to grab and caress her butt. It caught her off guard and gave him an opportunity to kiss her. He didn't go any further in case she wanted to pull off. Instead she kissed back. It didn't take long for their kiss to become messy and heated. Once done with her lips, he moved down to her neck and collarbone.

"We...we shouldn't," Hanae protested in between kisses. "We're in public."

With a slight huff, Ran pulled her onto his lap, the fabric of his loose boxer shorts against her skin. "This is a private area. No one will see or hear us. Think about yourself for once, woman."

Preventing any further arguments, he laid her on his chair and went back to kissing down her body. Hanae moaned softly, arching her back with pleasure.

"I've wanted you for so long," Ran breathed in her ear. "Ever since I saw you that day in Roppongi, I knew I needed to have you."

"And you do. I'm all yours!"

[ymtravelseasons]

Discover Paradise in the Maldives

[Start Your Journey Here]

Imagine waking up in a luxurious overwater villa, the sound of gentle waves lulling you into a state of tranquility. Welcome to the Maldives, a tropical paradise renowned for its crystal-clear waters, powdery white beaches, and vibrant marine life. If you’re seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, the Maldives is your perfect destination.

Why Visit the Maldives?

1. Pristine Beaches: The Maldives boasts some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. The soft, white sand and turquoise waters create a picture-perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.

2. Underwater Adventures: The Maldives is a haven for marine enthusiasts. Whether it’s snorkeling, scuba diving, or exploring coral reefs, the underwater world here is teeming with vibrant marine life, including manta rays, sea turtles, and colorful fish.

3. Luxury Accommodations: Experience unparalleled luxury in overwater villas with private pools and direct access to the ocean. Many resorts also offer world-class dining and spa services.

4. Romantic Getaway: The Maldives is a top choice for couples, offering intimate experiences like private beach dinners, sunset cruises, and spa treatments for two.

Top Experiences in the Maldives

1. Snorkeling and Diving: Explore the vibrant coral reefs and discover an underwater paradise. Some must-visit spots include Banana Reef and Fish Head.

2. Dolphin Watching: Hop on a boat and witness pods of playful dolphins dancing in the waves during sunset.

3. Water Sports: Try your hand at paddleboarding, windsurfing, or jet skiing. The calm lagoons make it easy for beginners to enjoy these activities.

4. Island Hopping: With over 1,000 islands, the Maldives offers plenty of opportunities to explore uninhabited islands and local fishing villages.

5. Luxury Spa Treatments: Indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments with stunning ocean views. Many spas use natural ingredients sourced locally.

6. Dining Underwater: Experience dining like never before in one of the Maldives’ underwater restaurants. Enjoy gourmet meals surrounded by marine life.

7. Private Beach Picnics: Arrange a secluded picnic on a deserted island for a truly unique and romantic experience.

Why January is the Perfect Time to Visit

January marks the peak of the dry season, also known as the "northeast monsoon." During this time, the Maldives experiences clear skies, calm seas, and ideal temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C. The dry weather ensures that outdoor activities, such as snorkeling, diving, and island hopping, are at their best. Additionally, the Maldives’ marine life is particularly active, making it a great time for diving enthusiasts to spot manta rays and whale sharks.

[Start Your Journey Here]

How to Get There

The Maldives is accessible via Velana International Airport in Malé, which is well-connected to major cities around the world. Once you arrive, you can take a speedboat or seaplane to your resort, depending on its location.

Tips for Visiting the Maldives

- Plan Ahead: Book your flights and accommodations early, as January is a popular time for tourists. - Pack Light: Bring comfortable beachwear, sunscreen, and snorkeling gear (if you prefer your own). Respect Local Customs: While resorts are relaxed, local islands have more conservative customs. Dress modestly when visiting. - Stay Hydrated: The tropical climate can be dehydrating, so drink plenty of water.

Your Dream Getaway Awaits

The Maldives is more than just a destination; it’s an experience that will leave you with lifelong memories. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or romance, this tropical paradise has it all.

Don’t wait to start planning your dream vacation! Book your flights and accommodations now to secure the best deals. [Start Your Journey Here]

[selmasemlan]

Trouble in Paradise

Summary: Our favourite family goes on a family vacation together.

Pairing: Marcel Gerard x Luna Salvatore (OFC)

Author note: Found family is the best

Warning: none

Word count: 4043

Series Masterlist

Trouble in Paradise

The Bahamas greeted the Salvatore brothers and the troublesome trio with warm sunlight, crystal-clear waters, and an endless expanse of blue sky. The salty breeze carried the sound of waves lapping gently against the shore, and the tropical paradise stretched before them like a dream.

Stiles was the first to break the silence, throwing his arms up dramatically. “This is amazing! Look at this! We’re in literal paradise!” His voice was practically vibrating with excitement.

Isaac, standing next to him with his duffel bag slung over his shoulder, nodded enthusiastically. “Right? The Bahamas! This is the stuff they put on postcards! And we’re actually here.”

Damon, ever the cool older brother, smirked and leaned in to nudge Stefan with his elbow. “So, little brother, how long until you start brooding about something? Five minutes? Ten?”

Stefan rolled his eyes, brushing Damon off with a light chuckle. “Not today, Damon. Even I can enjoy this.”

Luna stood a little apart from them, her phone out as she captured the breathtaking view. The sunlight danced on the water, and the way the sky melted into the horizon was too perfect not to photograph. She turned the camera toward her brothers and smiled as she snapped a candid shot of them all.

“You better not post that anywhere,” Damon warned, narrowing his eyes at her.

“Don’t worry, it’s for the scrapbook,” Luna teased, holding up her phone as if to take another picture.

“Scrapbook?” Stiles turned to her with mock horror. “Luna, we’re in the Bahamas, not a retirement home.”

Luna just laughed, shaking her head. “Trust me, you’ll thank me later.”

Without warning, Stiles and Isaac grabbed their bags and sprinted toward the beach, whooping in unison. “Let’s go, baby!” they shouted, their voices echoing across the sand.

Damon watched them go, shaking his head in disbelief. “Are we sure those two aren’t part golden retriever?”

“Pretty sure,” Stefan replied with a grin, slinging his own bag over his shoulder. “But they do have a point. Let’s go.”

As Luna followed her brothers toward the shoreline, she couldn’t help but smile. For the first time in a while, it felt like they could all breathe.

The beach was alive with laughter, the sound of waves rolling in, and the occasional thud of a volleyball hitting the sand. But at the center of the chaos, Damon sat up with an annoyed groan, sand cascading off him in chunks. “Okay, who buried me in the sand while I was napping?” His voice cut through the lively sounds of the beach, sharp and accusing.

Stiles, a few feet away, leaned back on his elbows with sunglasses perched crookedly on his nose. He raised his hands in mock innocence, though the twitching grin on his face gave him away instantly. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Damon’s glare intensified as he pointed to the sandcastle sitting atop his legs. Complete with a moat, tiny turrets, and a makeshift flag made from a cocktail umbrella, it was a work of art—an annoying one. “Oh really? Care to explain this masterpiece then?”

“It wasn’t me!” Stiles protested, though his voice cracked as he barely held back laughter.

Isaac, sprawled out on a nearby lounge chair with a book resting on his chest, didn’t even glance up. “You literally said, ‘Wouldn’t it be hilarious if we turned Damon into a sandcastle?’ about five minutes ago.”

“Traitor!” Stiles shot at Isaac, who smirked lazily before turning a page.

Luna giggled from her spot under a wide, colorful beach umbrella, her camera in hand as she snapped a picture of Damon’s half-sandy form. “To be fair, Damon, it is a pretty impressive castle. The detail work on the turrets is top-notch.”

Damon groaned, standing and brushing sand off his legs with exaggerated annoyance. “You’re all lucky I’m on vacation. If we were back home, this beach would be the site of a supernatural smackdown.”

“Relax, Damon,” Stefan called out as he tossed a frisbee toward Isaac, who caught it mid-air with a nonchalant flick of his wrist. “We’re here to enjoy ourselves. Maybe even have some fun?”

“Define ‘fun,’” Damon muttered, though a small smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.

Despite his grumbling, Damon was soon roped into their impromptu volleyball game, where the rules seemed more about creative use of supernatural abilities than any actual sportsmanship. Stefan used his vampire speed to dive for impossible saves, Isaac’s wolf strength sent the ball flying so far they nearly lost it in the ocean, and Stiles...well, Stiles spent most of the game tripping over his own feet and dramatically accusing everyone else of foul play.

Luna stayed under the umbrella, snapping candid shots of the chaos. Stiles mid-faceplant into the sand, Isaac’s victory pose after spiking the ball, Damon mock-wrestling Stefan for control of the net—it was all gold for her collection. She loved these moments when they were just a family, the weight of the supernatural world lifted off their shoulders, even if only temporarily.

Eventually, the game devolved into a free-for-all water fight. By the time everyone flopped onto their towels, dripping wet and exhausted, the sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange.

Luna stood by the shoreline, holding her phone out for a selfie. The sunlight glinted off the waves behind her as she angled the shot to capture her beach-ready look—a turquoise bikini with a sheer wrap tied at her waist.

As she admired the photo, Damon appeared out of nowhere, towel slung over his shoulder and a devilish grin on his face. “You better not send that to Marcel,” he teased, crossing his arms and raising an eyebrow.

Luna rolled her eyes, though her cheeks flushed a little. “It’s for me, Damon. Not everything is about Marcel.”

“Sure, sure,” he drawled, turning back toward the others. “Just remember, I’ve got vampire speed, so I’ll know if you’re lying.”

Luna laughed, shaking her head as she slipped her phone back into her bag. “You’re ridiculous.”

“And you love it,” Damon called over his shoulder, earning a chorus of groans and laughter from the group. The sun dipped lower, and for that moment, everything felt blissfully simple.

The streets of Nassau bustled with energy as the group meandered through its colorful heart. Pastel-painted buildings lined the cobblestone paths, their shutters wide open to reveal an array of vibrant market stalls. The scent of roasted plantains and fresh conch wafted through the air, mingling with the sound of laughter and island music. It was a perfect afternoon.

Luna paused at a small stall adorned with strings of handmade jewelry, her attention caught by a delicate bracelet crafted from smooth sea glass in shades of turquoise and green. She traced a finger over the polished fragments, her expression soft with quiet admiration.

Stefan, ever perceptive, stepped closer. “You like it?” he asked, leaning down to examine the piece alongside her.

“It’s beautiful,” Luna admitted, her voice tinged with hesitation. “But I don’t need it. I don’t want you to keep buying me things.”

Stefan gave her a look of mock seriousness. “Luna, it’s a rule of vacations: you have to get souvenirs. How else will you remember the great time we’re having?”

Luna chuckled softly. “I have plenty of photos for that.”

“Photos are great,” Stefan agreed, already pulling out his wallet. “But a bracelet you can wear? That’s better.”

Before she could protest further, Stefan handed the vendor some cash, taking the bracelet and gently sliding it onto Luna’s wrist. “There,” he said, smiling down at her. “Now every time you look at it, you’ll remember this moment.”

Luna stared at the bracelet for a long second, the cool glass pieces resting lightly against her skin. Then she looked up at Stefan, her expression melting into one of pure affection. “You’re too good to me, you know that?”

“Not possible,” Stefan said simply, his voice steady. “You deserve good things, Luna. All of them.”

Her heart swelled at his words. Impulsively, she leaned in and wrapped her arms around him in a hug. Stefan returned the embrace without hesitation, resting his chin lightly on her head.

“Thank you,” she murmured. “For everything.”

“Always,” Stefan replied, his voice low and certain.

Meanwhile, a few feet away, Damon was engaged in an intense battle of wills at a food stall. He waved a bag of candied nuts in front of the vendor, gesturing wildly as if trying to prove a point.

“Fifteen dollars for this tiny bag?!” Damon exclaimed, his voice loud enough to turn heads. “You’re robbing me in broad daylight!”

The vendor, unimpressed, shrugged. “That’s the price. Take it or leave it.”

“Just pay the man, Damon!” Stiles called out, throwing his arms up in frustration. “It’s not like you don’t have the money.”

“It’s the principle,” Damon shot back, his tone indignant. “He’s overcharging me because I’m a tourist.”

“Or because you’re being annoying,” Isaac muttered as he wandered over to Luna and Stefan, earning a stifled laugh from her.

By the time the group regrouped, Damon was triumphantly munching on the candied nuts, a self-satisfied smirk plastered on his face. “See?” he said, holding up the bag like a trophy. “Victory. Got it for twelve.”

Stiles stared at him, dumbfounded. “You wasted ten minutes for a three-dollar discount?”

“It’s not about the money,” Damon replied, popping another nut into his mouth. “It’s about winning.”

Isaac shook his head in disbelief. “You’re insufferable.”

Luna, still admiring her new bracelet, couldn’t help but laugh softly. “At least he’s consistent.”

Stefan chuckled beside her, sliding his arm lightly around her shoulders as they began to walk again. The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the market, and for a moment, everything felt wonderfully, perfectly normal.

The seafood restaurant was a charming mix of rustic island vibes and modern flair, its open walls allowing the warm breeze to mingle with the scent of saltwater and freshly grilled seafood. A live steel drum band played in the corner, setting the tone for a lively evening as the group gathered around a table piled high with colorful dishes.

The centerpiece was an enormous lobster placed ceremoniously in front of Damon, its claws comically oversized.

“Okay, who ordered the giant lobster?” Stiles asked, gesturing incredulously at the crustacean.

“That would be me,” Damon said with a smug grin, raising his glass of rum punch in a mock toast. “Go big or go home.”

Isaac leaned back in his chair, eyeing the lobster warily. “You realize that thing’s staring at you, right?”

“It’s a battle of wills,” Damon declared, picking up a cracker and snapping one of the claws with dramatic flair. “And I’m winning.”

“Pretty sure it’s already lost,” Luna pointed out, her voice laced with amusement as she carefully speared a piece of her conch salad.

Stefan smirked, sipping his water. “You’re so dramatic.”

“Says the guy who broods for a living,” Damon shot back, pointing his fork at his brother before digging into the lobster meat.

Luna shook her head, laughter bubbling up. “I can’t take you guys anywhere.”

“Hey, we’re behaving,” Stiles interjected, flashing an overly innocent smile as he leaned forward to grab a piece of grilled pineapple from the platter in the center of the table.

“Behaving?” Isaac snorted. “You spilled a drink on the waiter five minutes ago.”

“That was an accident!” Stiles defended, though the grin tugging at his lips suggested otherwise.

Halfway through the meal, the chaos level ticked up a notch. Stiles, gesturing animatedly while telling a story about his latest misadventure, accidentally knocked his elbow into a plate of shrimp. The plate teetered precariously before flipping off the table, sending shrimp flying straight into Stefan’s lap.

“Seriously?” Stefan sighed, glaring down at the seafood now decorating his pants. He picked up a rogue shrimp with two fingers, holding it like evidence in a crime scene.

“It was an accident!” Stiles said quickly, though he couldn’t stop the laughter that overtook him.

“Better your lap than my face,” Damon quipped, smirking as he cracked open another lobster claw.

“Keep talking, and this shrimp is going in your face,” Stefan muttered, brushing off his pants and flicking the shrimp back onto the plate with a little too much force.

Luna covered her mouth, trying to stifle her laughter. “Poor Stefan,” she said, her voice shaking with amusement. “You’re the only one who ever tries to keep things civilized.”

“Doesn’t help when I’m surrounded by children,” Stefan replied, giving Stiles a pointed look.

“Hey, I resemble that remark,” Stiles said, grinning unapologetically.

Damon raised his glass again, his smirk widening. “Here’s to family dinners,” he said. “And to Stefan, who makes a great shrimp platter.”

Stefan groaned, Isaac snickered, and Luna couldn’t help but dissolve into laughter. As the band played on and the warm island air wrapped around them, the group fell into a familiar rhythm of banter and laughter, their bond stronger than any seafood disaster.

Back at their cozy rental villa, the family sprawled out in the living room, surrounded by plush cushions and the sound of gentle island music filtering through the open windows. Stefan sat cross-legged on the floor, sorting through seashells he and Luna had collected earlier, while Damon leaned back in an armchair with a glass of bourbon, smirking at something Isaac had said. Stiles, as usual, was the loudest, recounting the dinner disaster with over-the-top gestures, earning snickers from the others.

Amid the laughter, Luna’s phone buzzed on the coffee table. She picked it up, her face lighting up when she saw the name on the screen.

“Hey,” she greeted softly, walking toward the balcony.

“Who’s that?” Damon asked, raising a brow. “Marcel?”

The room erupted into playful teasing before Luna could even confirm.

“Ooooh, Marcel!” Stiles drawled, clasping his hands over his heart in mock romance.

Isaac grinned. “Quick, Damon, get the interrogation lamp. We need to make sure this guy’s good enough for her.”

“Oh, he’s definitely not,” Damon said with a smirk. “I’ve already decided.”

Luna rolled her eyes, her cheeks flushing as she headed for the sliding glass doors. “You’re all children,” she muttered, pulling the door closed behind her.

On the balcony, the world was calm. The ocean stretched out in the moonlight, and the breeze carried the scent of saltwater and tropical flowers. Leaning against the railing, Luna pressed the phone to her ear, her voice softening.

“Hey, how’s paradise?” Marcel’s warm tone immediately put her at ease.

“Chaotic,” Luna admitted with a laugh. “Damon and Stiles nearly caused an international incident at dinner.”

“That sounds about right,” Marcel chuckled. “You surviving okay?”

“Barely,” she teased, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Her voice softened further. “I miss you.”

“I miss you, too,” Marcel said, his voice carrying a sincerity that made her smile. “But I’m glad you’re getting time with your brothers. You deserve a break.”

“Don’t worry,” she teased back. “I’m not letting Damon drag you into any crazy sibling tests when we get back.”

Marcel laughed, the sound deep and comforting. “Good to know. Stay out of trouble, okay?”

“No promises,” Luna replied with a grin. “I’ll call you tomorrow. Love you.”

“Love you, too,” he said before the call ended.

Luna lingered on the balcony, the phone still in her hand, as the warm breeze ruffled her hair. A contented smile played on her lips, the chaotic evening fading into a peaceful calm.

Inside, the teasing hadn’t stopped.

“She’s smiling,” Stiles whispered loudly, peeking through the glass door. “That’s definitely a lovestruck smile.”

“You’re embarrassing yourself,” Stefan deadpanned, though his lips twitched in amusement.

Damon smirked, leaning closer to the door. “Think she’s planning their wedding yet?”

“Marcel better hope he’s ready to deal with us,” Isaac added, crossing his arms.

Luna finally slid the door open and poked her head inside. “You guys are so mature, you know that?”

“Oh, totally,” Stiles said, flopping dramatically onto the couch. “We’re just emotionally invested in your love life.”

“And your potential fiancé’s survival,” Damon added.

Luna groaned, stepping back inside. “You’re all impossible.”

“Hey,” Stefan said, tossing her the bracelet she’d admired earlier. “At least we’re funny.”

She caught the bracelet, shaking her head fondly. “Debatable.”

“Not debatable,” Isaac said, grabbing a pillow and chucking it at Stiles.

The teasing faded into more laughter, the kind that echoed through the villa and out into the night, mingling with the sound of the waves. Luna looked around at her brothers, her heart full as she tucked the bracelet into her pocket.

They were chaotic, yes. But they were hers.

The next morning, the group stood on the dock, squinting at the sleek rental boat bobbing gently in the water. It looked promising—a vessel of freedom and fun—but as soon as Damon took the wheel, that promise quickly descended into chaos.

“Damon, I think you’re supposed to go left!” Stefan yelled, bracing himself against the side of the boat as the engine roared.

“I am going left!” Damon shot back, his tone defensive as the boat veered dangerously close to a buoy.

“You’re going diagonally left into disaster!” Stiles screamed, clutching the railing with white knuckles.

Isaac, sitting calmly in the back, leaned over to Luna. “So… how worried should we be on a scale of one to we’re-about-to-die?”

Luna laughed, the wind whipping her hair around her face. “With Damon at the helm? Always keep it at an eight. But don’t worry, he’s like a cat—he always lands on his feet.”

“That doesn’t apply to driving boats!” Stiles howled.

“Relax,” Damon called over his shoulder, adjusting his sunglasses like he had everything under control. “This baby’s got plenty of power. I know exactly what I’m doing.”

As if to prove him wrong, the boat suddenly jerked to the side, tossing Stefan forward into Stiles, who let out a very unflattering yelp.

“Stop manhandling the throttle!” Stefan snapped, untangling himself from Stiles.

“Stop micromanaging my driving!” Damon retorted, yanking the wheel dramatically.

Eventually, by some miracle—and perhaps sheer stubbornness—they managed to anchor the boat near a secluded cove. The water here was crystal clear, with shades of turquoise so vibrant it looked surreal.

“See?” Damon said smugly, stepping back from the wheel. “I told you I’d get us here alive.”

“Barely,” Stiles muttered, flopping onto a seat with exaggerated relief.

The group soon got over the chaotic ride as they unpacked their snorkeling gear. They spent the afternoon diving into the cool water, marveling at the colorful fish darting around coral reefs. Stiles was the first to yell out when he spotted a sea turtle, practically vibrating with excitement as it glided gracefully past.

“I want to take it home!” he declared, splashing after it.

“That’s illegal,” Isaac said flatly, adjusting his snorkel.

Luna floated nearby, laughing as she took photos of the underwater world with a waterproof camera. Stefan, ever the responsible one, swam alongside her, keeping an eye out for anything unusual.

When it came time to take turns with the fancy diving mask—an unnecessarily high-tech contraption Damon had insisted on renting—chaos resumed.

“It’s my turn!” Stiles argued, clutching the mask like his life depended on it.

“You’ve had it for twenty minutes!” Isaac countered, trying to wrestle it away.

“I’m studying the fish!” Stiles shouted.

“You’re scaring the fish!” Isaac snapped, yanking the mask free.

Luna surfaced from the water, her face glowing with laughter. “You two are ridiculous. Just share it!”

“Sharing’s for people who don’t value science!” Stiles retorted, making a grab for the mask.

Damon, lounging on the boat with a drink in hand, smirked at the scene. “Let them fight it out. Builds character.”

“You’re supposed to be the adult here!” Stefan said, hauling himself onto the boat, his hair dripping.

“Wrong. I’m on vacation,” Damon replied, raising his glass.

Eventually, peace was restored when Luna diplomatically mediated, using her big-sister energy to convince Stiles and Isaac to split the remaining time with the mask. The rest of the afternoon was filled with more swimming, lounging, and good-natured ribbing as the group soaked up the sun.

By the time they returned to the dock, everyone was exhausted but exhilarated, their earlier mishaps turning into stories they’d laugh about for years.

As they disembarked, Stiles dramatically kissed the dock. “Solid ground, I’ve missed you!”

“You’re such a drama queen,” Damon said, rolling his eyes.

“And you’re a terrible captain,” Stiles shot back.

Luna chuckled, snapping one last photo of the group with the boat in the background. “Admit it,” she said, her eyes twinkling. “That was fun.”

Isaac slung an arm around her shoulder. “Yeah, but next time, I’m driving.”

“Over my dead body,” Damon said, leading the way up the dock as the sun dipped lower in the sky.

The sun had long since dipped below the horizon, leaving the sky awash in hues of deep indigo and scattered stars. The group had gathered on the beach around a roaring bonfire, its flickering flames casting golden light over their faces. The crackle of the fire mixed with the soothing sound of the waves, creating a peaceful rhythm.

Luna sat cross-legged on a blanket, a bag of marshmallows in her lap. “Who wants to try not to burn their marshmallow this time?” she asked, holding one up with a teasing smile.

“I’m a professional now,” Stiles announced, jabbing his marshmallow-laden stick into the fire with confidence.

“Yeah, professional at turning them into charcoal,” Isaac quipped, his smirk widening as Stiles’s marshmallow immediately caught fire.

“Controlled chaos,” Stiles said, blowing out the flames and inspecting the blackened marshmallow. “It’s an art form.”

“More like a disaster,” Damon snorted, expertly toasting his own marshmallow to a perfect golden brown. He smirked at Stiles, holding it up like a trophy. “This is how it’s done.”

Stefan chuckled, passing a chocolate bar to Luna, who was assembling s’mores with quiet focus. “You should open a s’mores stand, Luna. These are perfect.”

“I do have a gift,” she said with a mock-serious nod, handing him a completed s’more. “But don’t tell Damon—it’ll bruise his ego.”

Damon raised an eyebrow, his mouth full of his own s’more. “What ego? I’m the most humble person here.”

“Sure you are,” Stefan said, shaking his head.

Luna leaned back on her hands, her gaze drifting to the ocean. “This feels… perfect,” she said softly. “Just us. No drama, no chaos—well, less chaos.”

Isaac raised his stick triumphantly. “And no vampires trying to kill us!”

“Present company excluded,” Damon added dryly, pointing at himself and Stefan.

“Obviously,” Stiles said with a grin. “You guys are the good vampires.”

“For now,” Damon said, smirking.

The conversation turned to reminiscing about their adventures—Stiles exaggerating every detail, Isaac rolling his eyes, Stefan offering corrections, and Damon embellishing his own heroics. Luna mostly listened, her laughter ringing out as the stories got more ridiculous.

By the time the fire began to die down, they were all sitting in a loose circle, marshmallows forgotten. Stiles leaned back, staring at the sky. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen this many stars,” he said, his voice softer than usual.

“It’s nice, isn’t it?” Luna said, her gaze following his.

“Yeah,” Isaac agreed, pulling his knees to his chest. “Makes you realize how small everything else is.”

Damon, surprisingly quiet, took a long sip from his flask before setting it down. “It’s been a while since we’ve done something like this,” he admitted, his voice unusually sincere.

Stefan nodded, glancing at each of them. “We needed this.”

Luna leaned into Stefan’s side, her smile gentle. “I don’t say it enough, but I’m really lucky to have you guys.”

“Even me?” Damon asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Even you,” she teased.

“Aw, group hug!” Stiles declared, launching himself at Luna and Stefan. Isaac groaned but joined in, and before long, even Damon allowed himself to be dragged into the pile.

They dissolved into laughter, arms slung around one another as the fire flickered its last. For that moment, there were no threats, no supernatural madness—just siblings, bonded by love, laughter, and the memories of an unforgettable vacation.

[jonnysinsectcatalogue]

Mexican Fritillary - Euptoieta hegesia

I'm absolutely overjoyed to share these beautiful Butterfly pictures! Not only is the insect in question a real stunner, but these images also represent the first close-ups of the ornate and elegant Fritillary Butterflies (Tribe Argynnini) on this blog. In general and from my own experience, Fritillaries are incredibly quick to flee if they sense danger approaching! They only ever seem to land when they investigate flowers, but otherwise keep their distance. In fact, the genus "Euptoieta" name originates from a Greek word meaning 'easily scared'. Prior to this, I've only been able to share one image of my own photography from High Park, and even then it was taken from far away and merely included as a comparison photo to Fritillary pictures shared with me by a dear friend on her yearlong Asia trip (who was available to get much closer than I did). With these pictures from a very dear friend enjoying a Mexico vacation (for which I'm very thankful for), the beauty and detail of these royal and gilded Butterflies can be observed gloriously. The sole exception here being the legs which are concealed by the wings. Just keep in mind that as a Brush-Footed Butterfly (family Nymphalidae)* it only has 4 legs in use for walking and landing.

As this Butterfly's common name suggests, its range includes Mexico where it can be seen year-round due to the favorably warm weather. It can also apparently be found in the states of Texas and Arizona (and occasionally Florida) in the latter half of the year and has made its way to other tropical areas such as Cuba. When you see a Fritillary Butterfly flying around, no matter where you find it you'll recognize every future Fritillary as soon as you see one. These gorgeous Butterflies are easily recognized by their marvelous wings, the tops of which are laced with orange scales and accented with dark striped patterns and spots; the undersides tend to have large white or silvery spots. The Mexican Fritillary is a slight exception to this rule as the underside of its wings (not seen here) have a mostly mottled appearance similar to autumn leaves with a small section of vibrant orange featuring white patches on the forewing. Moreover, this Butterfly has a bare, pure orange area on the distal section of its hindwings (where the wings meet the body). Keep an eye out for this bare section of bright orange scales: it is key for identifying this specie if you spot a Fritillary in the south-US/Mexico area. The similar looking Variegated Fritillary (E. claudia) has a completed marking pattern across its hindwings and tends to be a more golden orange rather than the saturated orange of E. hegesia. The two species are much easier to tell apart in adulthood than when enjoying leaves as Caterpillars!

*Note: In the classification hierarchy of taxonomy, remember that Family is ordered before Tribe (which itself comes before Genus). As such, all Fritillaries are Brush-Footed. Their wings are among the most magnificent of all Brush-Footed Butterflies, wouldn't you say? Although...the Monarch is still the most iconic of all.

Pictures were taken on February 11, 2024 in Mexico with a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

[hotcat37]

*🥁🥁🥁🥁 EVENING DOUBLE DELIVERY 4 MY BELOVED BELGIEN KAARYLEET/BABY BOO MOOT, CAT!! X)) *🥁🥁🥁🥁

🚚_____.______._____.—>🎁🎁

(Frank the Flamingo got his own lil moodboard After seeing that mii! vers is all grown up now N has his own lil apartment N Bojere! Ice skating date cuz there’s a ton of fics 4 that but not enough moodboards + the Story that comes with it is a prequel 2 the Pokémon Café date! moodboard <33) imagine it tho,it’s coming up 2 Christmas N Jere’s spending it with his Jokerman N the rest of the Jokermen N with our bbg being a somewhat professional hockey player on the side,why wouldn’t Bojan take him 2 the best Christmas fair in all of Ljubljana which also just so happens 2 have one of biggest ice rinks in the city! With Jere N Bojan being well..Jere N Bojan they ofc do all Thinge U see couples do in hallmark Christmas movies,holding hands N skating around the sides of the rink,making heart shapes with the bottoms of their skates on the ice,holding one another like their in the titanic,even making it onto the middle of the rink without Bojan falling on his ass (N ever so coincidentally ends up tripping into the perfect position 4 his angel 2 kiss him on the lips which he definitely,totally didn’t plan so that would happen anyway ;3).Heading over 2 one of the many hot chocolate stands scattered throughout the fair,they spotted a golden retriever puppy N a husky puppy playing in the snow together which each of them immediately went 2 pet,the couple’s fans weren’t joking when they kept comparing Bojan 2 a puppy N Jere 2 a husky after all.Both of them were sitting opposite eachother in one of the festively decorated booths sipping hot chocolate N occasionally taking a bite out of the others cookie (as U can probably guess Jere infact made many flirty jokes using the whipped cream that topped the two’s drinks,turning our darling Bojci into a giggling,blushing mess tho he did manage 2 get his own back when he licked the icing off a sugar cookie VERY suggestively,making his Finn’s cheeks slightly rosey N not just from the frosty air that comes with a month like December ☺️).Bojci knew they couldn’t end the night without visiting the reindeer stables that were near the ice rink from earlier that day,a tradition his family had done since they first took him N his sister as children but with him being much,much older now this time he’d be taking his beloved boyfriend 2 see the creatures.Feeding them carrots N petting the animals all while never taking his eyes off the way Jere smiled N giggled like a kid when one of the reindeers licked his hand instead of the carrot,wondering how he’d gotten so lucky 2 not only create a unbreakable bond with the guy with a funny bowlcut who conquered Europe just by being himself but knowing that the same guy is the one he gets 2 call his,not just now but forever N he’ll finally be able 2 keep that promise soon,it might take a few months 2 get the perfect ring tho..

THESE ARE TOO FREAKING CUTE the Frank moodboard is so tropical core I just love the pink vacation Jere vibes <33 I love Frank the flamingo so much i need to see him again rn!!! And the prequel to the Bojere date :"D honestly I really like cheesy ice skating dates, there are loads of opportunities for angst and smut when it comes to Bojere but I also just love the more silly and sweet side of the pairing. I'm in love with their love <33💞🦭 Thank you so much for blessing my inbox with these!!

[kobalttheelemental]

Map of Elementia- Biomes of Arcania

🎆 Crystal Crags- Probably one of the most beautiful biome of Arcania. The crystal crags is biome covered in gigantic magical crystals and vibrant flora species, a perfect place for mining rare minerals and ore.

The giant crystals make perfect home for magic elementals.

🎆 Enchanted Forest- A magical forest of amazing and rare flora species and friendly mythical fauna, magic elementals come here to gather ingredients to brew different kinds of potions.

🎆 Stardust Plains- A biome of vast sea of grass and tall trees dotted the plains and megafauna peacefully grazing. It may look normal but at nighttime the plains began to glow along with bioluminescent plants, animals, and even watering holes!

🎆 Dream Garden- They say if you enter this biome it will make you feel relaxed and feeling a bit drowsy. Elementals with insomnia come here to sleep peacefully and feeling refreshed.

Sometimes faunas from the Dreamscape Realm will randomly appear.

🎆 Mt. Dreamweaver- A tall mountain peak located in the Dream Garden Biome, on top of its peak is a tranquil oasis and a portal that teleports you to the Dreamscape Realm. To get there you must rest on top of the dream cloud and sleep, once your in the Dreamscape Realm you will meet the Dream Guide a friendly fellow that safety guides you on the quest for rare materials, once you have what your looking for you'll wake up and see the items you brought next to you.

🎆 Healing Springs- a tranquil biome of hot springs dotted the lands, the springs have healing properties that can heal injured Elementals.

🎆 Crystal Dunes- many travelers who visit the crystal dunes biome will see spirits dancing in the distance or maybe it's just a mirage tricking your eyes. Elementals say there is cave full of treasure hidden somewhere in the vast sea of white sand.

🎆 Manaroot Jungle- just like the enchanted forest biome, the manaroot jungle is home to exotic and rare flora and fauna species. Magic Elementals come here for a relaxing vacation or explore the jungle.

🎆 Mysterious Bog- Very weird things happen in this creepy bog.. Many report seeing strange creatures lurking in the distance, paranormal activities, and unidentified flying objects in the sky. A very popular spot for paranormal investigators to document strange sightings.

No one wants to live there except for gypsies who find this place home.

🎆 Moonlit Reef- a magical coral reef with bioluminescent tropical fish and vibrant coral species, a perfect spot to scuba dive and makes you feel like your floating in space.

[thewillofdeez]

Worth the Risk: A Smoker/OC Romance - Chapter 2: Changing Currents

Summary: Kuzan forces Smoker into a much-needed, but not wanted, vacation. While there, Smoker runs into a pirate who's been eluding his capture for years. They decide to put their differences aside, just for a little, and as it turns out, two people don't have to be enemies just because they're a pirate and a Marine. They might even fall in love.

Chapter 2 word count: 5668

**There is smut at the end of this chapter! It's the only one with smut. Minors DNI.**

The place Kuzan had recommended as a prime spot for Smoker’s vacation was called Pufferfish Island, a medium-sized island about three days’ journey from Marineford. Twenty years before, Pufferfish Island had been a bustling, tropical vacation spot known for its incredible food, white sand beaches, and vibrant culture and nightlife. It had been popular with pirates, Marines, and civilians alike. But changing currents on the ever-capricious Grand Line had caused it to become more difficult to reach over time, and so it was now something of a relic visited only by skilled sailors aware of its existence. The island and its main port, Minami Town, were still populated mostly by the island’s native residents, and only the occasional visitor. Kuzan ensured Smoker that there was enough there to keep him entertained, but it wasn’t what it once was back in the day, and as a guy who didn’t like being overwhelmed with people, it would be perfect.

As Smoker’s boat approached the marina, he took in the surrounding buildings; they had once been painted vibrant shades of reds, blues, yellows, and greens with beautiful murals lining the streets, but the colors were now faded and the paint chipped. Smoker guided the craft into the marina and spoke with the attendant, paying him to keep an eye on the boat while he was out. He’d planned to return to the boat to sleep each night - Kuzan could force him to take a vacation, but he couldn’t force him to spring for a hotel when he had a perfectly adequate cot on board.

With that, Smoker made his way into the town in search of…something. Maybe food, he’d heard it was supposed to be amazing here, and it was getting close to dinner time. Or a drink, that might be nice too. The rum produced on the island was supposedly something of a hidden gem of the Grand Line.

Smoker wandered through the streets as the sun descended across the horizon, streetlights flickering on as he passed. The town was much what Kuzan had told him it would be. The island was decently resourceful, so while the lack of visitors had hampered the economy significantly over the decades compared to its heyday, it didn’t severely damage the population’s ability to survive on their own. It was clearly less well-kept than it had once been, but it was also lively, and the people seemed well-fed and healthy enough. Stores and market stalls lined the streets, and people spoke animatedly with their friends and neighbors as they moved about their daily lives, paying the tall, white-haired Marine little mind.

The smell of cooking meat caught Smoker’s attention, and he ducked into a bar with a faded sign out front in search of the source of the smell. The inside of the bar was bustling with people. Plates piled high with meat and local vegetables he didn’t recognize were on every table, and drinks of various colors garnished with tropical fruits were in every hand. It was almost too crowded and too loud for him, but he noticed a single empty seat at the bar, and decided he’d deal with the noise while he got some food in him.

Smoker took the seat and ordered a drink from the bartender (“Whatever you recommend as long as it’s strong. And keep ‘em coming.”). The bartender passed him a food menu, then made him something dark orange in color and topped with a slice of fruit impaled on a toothpick. Taking a sip, the drink was sweet but not overly so, and he could tell he’d been given a double shot of rum.

“Fancy seeing you here, Captain Smoker,” a female voice said, causing his head to turn in search of the familiar voice. Sitting to his right, her elbow on the bar and her head resting on her open palm was Ruby. She smiled at the familiar man, her amusement apparent at his shock. Smoker straightened himself out quickly. He hadn’t even noticed her there.

“Ruby,” he said in acknowledgement, facing forward and returning to his drink. He said nothing more. Ruby narrowed her eyes in confusion.

“That’s it? You’re just gonna sit there and drink, you’re not gonna try to arrest me?”

“Nope,” he said, sipping the fruity concoction and doing his best to ignore the pirate next to him. The pirate he’d been after for three years. The one with a bounty of almost 600 million. The notorious and very well-connected Ruby ‘The Ally’ Read.

Ruby couldn’t let it go. She couldn't say she knew the guy well, but this wasn’t like him. “Smoker. Smokey. Come on. This is what we do! We run into each other, we fight a little, I narrowly escape, you shake your fist at me and say something like ‘I’ll get you next time, Ruby!’” She punctuated the statement with what Smoker felt was a horrible impersonation of him, fist-shaking and all.

“I have never once done that, I’m not a comic book villain,” he responded with a scoff.

“You get the idea,” she said with a smile. “So what’s the deal? Am I getting off scot-free today? And if so, why?”

Smoker sighed. “If I tell you, will you leave me alone?”

Ruby considered this. “Maybe.”

Smoker rolled his eyes. “Good enough. If you must know…I’m on vacation.”

“Huh,” Ruby replied, “I didn’t think Marines got vacation time.”

“Oh we do,” he said, “I just don’t like taking it.”

“So what brought you out here then? Nervous breakdown?”

“No, but you’d think it by the way Aokiji practically pushed me out the door,” Smoker replied with a scoff. “Apparently working all the time is ‘unhealthy’ or some shit. I’m outright banned from arresting pirates while I’m here, too, so consider yourself lucky.” Smoker didn’t bother to hide his annoyance at the situation. She was right there, practically begging him for a fight.

Ruby giggled. “Ahh, I get it. A forced vacation. Well, you’ve picked a good spot. This place isn’t as hopping as it used to be, but it’s nice. Good food, good beaches, good people…you’ll enjoy your stay.”

“And what about you?” Smoker asked. “What brings you here?”

“Well I’m only telling you this because I like you,” Ruby said with a grin. “I actually live here when I’m not out at sea. The island isn’t often under threat, but it’s also sort of unofficially under my protection. I handle things when trouble occasionally rears its ugly head, and I use money from my various legal and not-so-legal business dealings to help the community. I take care of the people here, and they take care of me. It’s sort of my whole thing.”

With perfect timing, the bartender came by and plopped a basket overflowing with chips and a variety of dips in front of her. “For my favorite customer,” he said with a smile.

“Aww, thanks, Carlos!” she said, popping a chip in her mouth. She pushed the basket closer to Smoker in invitation. He raised an eyebrow at her.

“I promise, it’s not poisoned,” she said with a laugh. “It’s delicious, try the green stuff.”

Hesitantly, Smoker grabbed a chip and dipped it in the green sauce, then brought it to his mouth. It was, indeed, delicious.

Ruby smiled. “Told you. So what’s your plan while you’re here? I could show you around. There’s this–”

“Why are you talking to me like we’re friends?” Smoker cut her off. “I may be functionally neutered for two weeks, but don’t forget, you’re still my enemy, and I will still bring you down one day.”

“You might,” Ruby said, taking a sip from her own fruity rum concoction, unbothered by the turn in the conversation. “I don’t think you will though.”

“Oh really?” Smoker said. “You sound awfully confident about that.”

“I mean, you might,” she replied. “You certainly could. But that's the thing, isn’t it? We’ve been doing this for what, three years or so? We run into each other every so often, we fight, I get away, you act pissed about it.” Smoker looked at his drink, knowing where this was going, regretting pushing the subject, and more importantly knowing that she was right. “But let’s be real, Smoker - you’re bigger than me, you’re stronger than me, you have a powerful Devil Fruit and I have none. Which isn’t to say I’m not a good fighter, we both know I am, but if you really wanted to bring me in, you would have done it by now.” Smoker lifted his eyes from his drink to meet hers. “I think you enjoy our interactions as much as I do. I think you like fighting me. And if you arrest me, that ends.”

Smoker said nothing for a moment, looking her up and down. She looked annoyingly satisfied with herself.

“You’re…not wrong,” he finally acknowledged. “A lot of the pirates I bring in are lower level guys, ones who think they’re more powerful than they actually are because they have a wanted poster and some treasure under their belts, but the truth is their overconfidence makes them sloppy. They’re not great fighters, and some end up being fucking cowards when the reality of the situation hits them. But you’re a challenge, and I like a challenge. You don’t do things the way other pirates do. You’ve never once come at me with anything less than your all. You’re small but you’re skilled. You’ve got a lot of fight in you, and sometimes a good fight with a well-matched opponent is all I really want.”

Ruby smiled. “Aww, I like you too, Smoker.”

Smoker huffed out a laugh and downed the last of his drink. The bartender placed another in front of him shortly after. “It’s not gonna last forever, Ruby. I don’t mind the slap on the wrist I get from the higher ups when you get away from me, but one day it’ll have to end, so don’t get too comfortable. I’m still a Marine before anything else.”

“And I’m still a pirate,” she replied. “Always will be. But - and hear me out before you say anything - what if, while you’re in town and I’m in town, we just…weren’t?”

Smoker’s brow furrowed. “I’m not following.”

“You’re on vacation and under orders to not arrest any pirates. I’m just hanging out at home until I feel like heading back out to sea, not doing anything particularly pirate-y. And we’ve established that we have a mutual respect and, dare I say, like for each other. I’m saying we don’t have to be a pirate and a Marine right now. We could just be….two, relatively normal people. Who enjoy sharing chips and talking over drinks. What do you say?”

Smoker smiled and sipped his drink as he considered her proposition. It certainly went against his better judgment, and maybe it was the rum in his system on a mostly empty stomach, but it didn’t sound like a bad idea. “All right, I’m in. I could use the distraction.” Smoker raised his glass towards her. “To being relatively normal people for a change.”

Ruby laughed and clinked her glass to his. “To being relatively normal.”

As the night passed, Smoker and Ruby shared more drinks and ate dinner together, talking and laughing the whole time. Smoker was kind of amazed at how easy she was to talk to. He was careful not to reveal too much about his life as a Marine, but she didn’t seem to be too concerned about talking to him about her dealings as a pirate, especially when it came to the work she did to help the local community. He wondered if he should be worried about her level of confidence. He meant what he’d said earlier - he would bring her in one day. Just not today. Not any time soon.

The topic turned to Smoker’s vacation plans, and he brought out the checklist Kuzan had given him, sliding it along the bar towards her. “Think you can help me out with any of these?”

Ruby picked up the paper and read through the list, letting out a chuckle.

“Any one in particular?” she said with a raised eyebrow.

Smoker immediately remembered a certain item on the list and blushed. “I didn’t mean–”

Ruby laughed. “I know, I’m kidding! But yeah, I can help. There’s a library in town we can hit tomorrow if you want. I also know a few good fishing spots. Can you cook?”

“I absolutely cannot,” he replied. “Can you?”

Ruby shrugged. “It’s a hobby as much as a necessity. I’ll help you figure it out. And there’s a bunch of old roads around the island that would be great for a ride. You’ll knock this list out in no time. And hey, you haven’t even been here a full day and you’ve already done two things on it!”

“Two?” Smoker said.

Ruby reached over the bar to grab a pencil and made an X next to two items on Smoker’s list:

Talk to a pretty lady.

And

If you see a pirate, don’t arrest them.

Smoker chuckled. “That sure is two, huh?” He met her eyes. She certainly was a pretty lady. But also a pirate, he had to remind himself.

“Last call!” Carlos’s voice rang out.

“Holy shit, it’s almost 2AM,” Ruby said. “I hadn’t even noticed how much time had passed. I’m sorry, you’re probably pretty beat from the journey here. I should let you go for the night.”

Smoker waved her concern away. “Not at all. I’m feeling pretty good, actually. I’m down to keep going if you are.”

Ruby smiled. “Hey Carlos,” she said to the bartender. “Could you hand me that half bottle of rum over there? And add it to my tab and close us out, please.” Carlos smiled and handed her the bottle of the local brand the two had been drinking all night, then gave them their checks. They were the last ones out of the bar, poor Carlos had to practically kick them out.

Now outside in the still, mostly empty streets, Smoker pulled out a cigar. “So,” he asked, “Where to?”

“Follow me,” Ruby said and led him along a winding street and down some old wooden stairs shaded by wide-leafed tropical trees to a boardwalk. Beyond that was the beach. All but a few lights were off and the stores and bars were shuttered for the night. The moon and stars shone brightly, reflecting on the surface of the ocean, and rippled by the gentle waves. Ruby led them to a bench overlooking the beach and sat down, taking a swig of the rum and passing it back to Smoker. And the conversation continued like it hadn’t even stopped.

“So what made you want to join the Navy?” Ruby asked at some point later in the evening.

Smoker shrugged. “It wasn’t really a matter of ‘want.’ The men in my family have been Marines for generations. Some of the women, too. My dad was, my older brother was…I knew since I was a kid that I’d be enlisting as soon as I turned sixteen. Which isn’t to say I don’t love what I do,” he added quickly, “I’m proud to be a Marine, and I’m satisfied with my career. But I also don’t pretend I had much of a choice in the matter.”

Ruby nodded. “Family pressure. I get it. Are your dad and brother still in?”

“Nah,” Smoker replied. “Dad died about a decade ago, and don’t say you’re sorry because he was a dick.” Ruby chuckled in response. “He never liked me and I never liked him. My brother got injured a few years into his career and was discharged. He was a Master Chief Petty Officer, same rank my mentee Tashigi is now. He’s always sort of resented me for surpassing him. But he’s got two kids who think I’m the coolest uncle in the world, so I’ll take that as a win. So what about you?” he asked, turning the conversation tables. “What made you want to become a pirate?”

Ruby smiled. “I just sort of fell into it, to be honest. Like a lot of pirates, I didn’t have a great home life. My parents were horribly controlling people. They made it clear from when I was a kid that my life wasn’t my own, and I only existed to be the person they wanted me to be, which was a wife and mother and absolutely nothing else. I have three younger siblings that I put more effort into raising than our parents did. I ran when I was fourteen because I knew if I didn’t I’d be stuck there forever. Found a crew that was willing to take me in, and have been a pirate ever since.”

“You don’t have a crew nowadays,” Smoker said. “You haven’t as long as we’ve been fighting, anyway. What happened to the ones who took you in?”

“Eh,” she replied, “They were shitty pirates. The kind of guys you were talking about earlier - all bravado but very little skill. Most of them didn’t treat me much better than my family, but at least I was free so I dealt with it. They’re no longer an active crew, some are dead and some are in jail, as far as I know. But they taught me the basics and provided the bare minimum, and that was all I needed to get started. After a few years with them I decided I didn’t want to commit to one crew, so I traveled around, made myself useful where I could, picked up all kinds of allies along the way, and that’s how I got where I am now.”

“You’re an interesting pirate,” Smoker said with a smile. “Not many people do it that way. Most pirates worth their salt are all about loyalty to one captain ‘til the end.”

Ruby shrugged. “Commitment issues, I guess. But I know it’s unusual. I only know a few other pirates who are successful without a crew. And on top of that, I deal in favors and allies more than fighting and power.”

“Most people would be dead if they tried to play the field like that,” said Smoker. “And I know you’ve got some powerful people at your back.”

“I do. I’m very close with two of the Four Emperors and their crews, on reasonable terms with the other two.”

“Any aspirations to be one yourself?”

“Nah. I sort of like working in the background and making the pieces move where I want them to,” she said with a smirk. “I don’t want my own crew, I don’t want the responsibility. As long as I’m able to do what I want, a title doesn’t matter to me.”

“And what do you want to do?” Smoker looked at her. She had an answer she was tempted to give, but she held back.

“I want to help people.”

Smoker laughed. “I’ve heard a lot of reasons why people turn to piracy, but this is the first time I’ve ever heard ‘helping people.’” 

“You think pirates don’t help people?” she said, somewhat offended. “I get that most people are afraid of us, and a lot of times they’re not wrong to be. But some of us do a lot more than just steal and kill. I’m living proof of that.”

“I’m sorry,” Smoker said. “You’re right. You do help this community, and the people here obviously love you for it. Any other philanthropic pirates I should know about?”

“Well you know about the Emperors and how they protect islands. Big Mom and Kaido ask for offerings in return from their islands, but Shanks and Whitebeard do it with no expectation of anything except occasionally resources and a safe place to port. Oh, there’s also Mihawk.”

“Dracule Mihawk?” Smoker said, an eyebrow raised in disbelief. “A philanthropist? The guy’s a dick.”

Ruby let out a bark of laughter. “Honestly, he’s not that bad once he learns he can trust you. I wouldn’t say we’re close friends, but we get along well enough. He’s got dozens of properties around the world that he anonymously rents out to low income families for practically nothing. They’re not slums either, they’re pretty nice. He operates them at a loss because he grew up dirt poor and knows what it’s like to not have stable housing. He has the power and the funds to help, so he does. Not much different than what I do here.”

Smoker was sort of shocked. He’d never really considered before that pirates could use their wealth and power for good, especially not someone with a reputation like Mihawk’s. “Huh,” he said.

Ruby chuckled. “Right? I wouldn’t have expected it either. Of course, I do expect you not to report any of this back to headquarters. Mihawk would be fine, but his tenants potentially wouldn’t.”

“Of course. I’m not a Marine right now, right?” Smoker responded with a smile. “Just a normal person.”

As the sky began to brighten ever so slightly with the break of a new day, they grew quiet, watching the waves crash on the shore before them. The bottle of rum was long empty, and all that was left was the two of them and the light breeze off the ocean.

“We talked all night,” Smoker said. He could have kept going, he could have kept talking to her. There was so much more he felt an almost insatiable urge to know. He didn’t want to focus on how strange that made him feel.

Ruby smiled at him. “I had fun.” A beat of silence. “Where are you staying while you’re here?” she asked.

“On my boat, at the marina east of town,” he replied quietly.

“My place is on the way,” she said, rising to her feet. “Just a few blocks inland from there. Walk with me?” Without a word, he stood up and stretched broadly. He followed her back onto the boardwalk and through town, not a word passing between them, but the silence was comfortable. Smoker was both exhausted and strangely energized. He felt like he couldn’t get enough of his unlikely companion. He almost dreaded parting from her, but looked forward to seeing her the next day. Or, later that same day, as the case might have been. His brain was a little foggy. He was tired, with a fading buzz from the rum, and perhaps something else as well.

Ruby guided him through the winding streets, the sun becoming brighter as they walked. She stopped in front of a pink stucco building with terracotta tiles along the roof and a steep stairway lined with flowers leading to the front door. “This is me,” she said.

Smoker looked up at the building, then back to her. “I’ll see you later today?” he said.

Ruby nodded. “I’d like that.”

Smoker turned and began walking towards the marina, he only made it a few steps when she called out to him. “Smoker?” Her voice, usually so strong and confident, was almost timid. “Would you….do you want to stay? With me?” He turned back to her and met her eyes. He knew she wasn’t offering him a spot on the couch. He wanted to say yes so, so badly; every cell in his body was crying out for him to respond in the positive.

Smoker smiled softly, sticking his hands in his pockets to prevent them from reaching out to her. “Want to and should are two very different things,” he said.

Ruby nodded, letting out a soft laugh. “I figured. But I had to ask. Goodnight."

"Goodnight," he replied. He watched her as she ascended the stairs. Opening the door, she looked back at him one last time and smiled, then closed the door behind her. "Fuck," she exhaled, leaning against the door.

Ruby closed her eyes and focused on her Observation Haki. She saw Smoker's shoulders slump.

"Fuck," he said. She couldn't help but giggle. In her mind she saw him start to walk away. He then stopped, walked back towards her front stairs, then turned and walked away again. She watched in her mind with both amusement and desperation as he paced back and forth. Please, please stay, she thought. She could tell he wanted this as badly as she did, but everything he knew, everything he was, was telling him not to. Eventually, she opened the door, and the sound caught his attention.

Smoker looked up at her, her frame silhouetted from within the house.

Fuck it, he thought. Smoker held her gaze as he ascended the stairs until he was in her doorway, standing in front of her. He placed a hand on her face, then leaned down and kissed her. It was heavy, passionate, and was soon followed by a tongue asking for entrance to her mouth, which she readily allowed. Smoker wrapped his arms around her waist and he pulled them both inside, the door closing behind them.

In the privacy of her house, Smoker allowed his hands to explore her body, running them up along her waist, her breasts, her neck, and back down again, and landing on her hips. He pulled her close to him and she could feel how badly he wanted her.

Smoker's kisses moved south, engulfing her neck. When his teeth hit that perfect junction between her neck and shoulders, she let out a moan. Smoker pulled away and smiled at her, his hands unable to remove themselves from her skin. Ruby used the opportunity to guide him into the bedroom, sitting herself on the edge of the bed. Smoker took a moment to remove his shirt, then placed a knee on the bed leaning over Ruby for a kiss and pushing her onto her back. She pushed herself up towards the top of the bed and he followed, his mouth hardly leaving hers for a second. When her head rested comfortably on the soft pillows, he leaned his whole body into her, the hardness in his pants hitting her just right.

Ruby removed her top as Smoker stripped the skirt from her hips, leaving her in a bra and panties. He kissed down her body, burying his face in her beasts and allowing his tongue to follow her curves up to the edge of the lacy fabric, which he pulled aside, taking one nipple in his mouth and biting gently. Ruby reached behind her to remove the fabric from his way completely. As his tongue paid attention to one breast, one large hand reached up to squeeze the other, then ran back down her waist to the edge of her panties, teasing their removal. He worked her body so well already, and his tongue was so skilled, she couldn’t wait to see what else he could do.

Smoker raised himself from her chest and brought her back into a passionate kiss, pulling his body up over hers. She looped her legs around his waist, holding him close and arching up into him, desperate for friction where she needed it most. She allowed her fingers to run over the firm, defined muscles of his chest, tracing the scar on his right shoulder then running her fingers down his abdomen to the hem of his pants. Smoker rose to his knees and let his head roll back as she ran her hand over the bulge in his pants and began unbuckling his belt. He rose from the bed and kicked his shoes and pants off, resuming his position over her. Ruby tugged at the hem of his boxer briefs, but one of his hands grabbed her by the wrist and pulled it away.

“Nuh-uh,” he said quietly, a devilish grin on his face. “You first.” How could she say no to that?

Smoker looped his fingers around the hem of her panties and pulled them down, allowing her to kick them off at her ankles. She laid before him completely naked, and he took a moment to take in every inch of her body. Smoker had been with a few women, but he’d never felt something like this. He’d never felt both the physical passion he was accustomed to, as well as a connection to a partner on another level like he felt with Ruby. It was strange and a little scary. But now wasn’t the time to think about that.

Ruby spread her legs as Smoker ran one hand down her body, her breath hitching as he came ever closer to where she wanted him most. His hand settled on her lower belly, and his thumb ghosted softly over her clitoris. He then brought his fingers down to her core, savoring how wet she was for him.

“Smoker,” she called for him breathily. There was nothing else to say, he knew what she needed. Her head fell back against the pillow as one thick finger entered her, curling up to hit her at just the right spot. Smoker leaned back down over her, running his tongue along the column of her neck and latching on as he interested another finger into her core, and his thumb came back to rest on her clit. Now fully at his mercy, Smoker picked up the pace, curving his fingers as they moved in and out of her, listening for every moan, every hitch of her breath, that told him he was in the right spot. He kissed her neck, her jaw, her lips, and she wrapped her arms around his neck. Ruby could feel her end approaching, her body tensing. “Smoker, I’m close, please keep going.” Smoker kissed her deeply, then pulled away as she crested the edge and went over, calling his name. Her head thrown back, her body tensing and relaxing from the movement in her core, his name on her lips - he couldn’t help but think it was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. I’ve got it bad, he found himself thinking as her eyes opened and she smiled at him, lifting her head to meet him in a soft kiss. Really bad.

Smoker removed his fingers from her core, and kissed her deeply. She pushed him back until he rested on his knees, and he felt her hands sneaking back down his abdomen again, reaching for his cock. She was desperate to touch him, to feel his heaviness in her hands and in her body. As her hands explored, she kissed his chest, his neck, his jaw. Smoker savored the feeling as she palmed him over the soft fabric, then pulled down the offending barrier, taking him completely in her hand and stroking him up and down. His head rolled back and he let out a soft “Fuck, Ruby…” He could hear her giggle softly. He liked her laugh a lot.

“Condom?” he asked. She rolled over and pulled a box from the bedside table as he removed the last of his clothing. Smoker grabbed one and unwrapped it, pulling it on, then positioning himself over her. “Ready?”

Ruby nodded, her smile wide. “Absolutely.”

Ruby moaned as Smoker entered her, feeling her walls stretch in the most amazing way she’d ever felt. Their eyes met as he bottomed out, his hips meeting hers. Smoker rested his forehead on hers as he began to thrust into her with a slow and steady pace, savoring the feeling of her body wrapped around him, under him, everywhere. They kissed languidly as he rocked his body into her, every moan he could pull from her sending shivers down his spine.

Smoker’s pace began to quicken, his brain begging him to go slow but his body needing more, faster, harder. He rested his head on the curve of her shoulder, leaving marks along her neck as he felt her fingernails dig into his back. A hand moved down to her clit as he fucked into her, wanting so desperately to bring her over the edge again. In time he could feel her body tensing, her moans growing louder, her nails digging deeper. She was so close, and he wanted to go over the edge with her.

“Hang on, Ruby, just a little longer. I’m so fucking close,” he begged, his voice lower than usual.

“Smoker, please…” she begged. Smoker’s pace quickened, his body connecting with hers roughly with every thrust. He felt her body tense again and, knowing she was just about there, he allowed himself to let go. “Smoker!” she cried out for him, holding him tightly as her second orgasm wracked her body. Smoker let out a grunt and followed seconds later, allowing her contracting walls to see him through his own end.

Panting, sweaty, exhausted, he brought a hand to her face and kissed her hard, just like he had at her front door. She smiled up at him, her eyes slightly glazed from pleasure and exhaustion. He couldn’t stop himself from smiling back.

Smoker rolled off of her and removed the condom, disposing of it. After taking a few minutes to clean themselves up, Ruby crawled back into bed, bringing the covers over her body.

“Stay?” she asked.

Smoked huffed out a laugh. “I’m not going anywhere.” The morning sun was shining brightly through the windows now, and he pulled the curtains closed so they could sleep undisturbed.

“I mean while you’re in town,” she clarified. “Stay here. With me. I promise my bed is much more comfortable than whatever you have on your boat.”

Smoker crawled into bed next to her, wrapping an arm around her and allowing her to rest her head on his chest. He kissed the top of her head softly and ran his fingers through her hair. “I’m not going anywhere,” he said again. “I’ll get my stuff from the boat when we wake up.”

She looked up at him and smiled. With one more soft kiss, they both closed their eyes and drifted off to sleep, locked in each other’s embrace.

Previous - Chapter 1: Confessions, Part 1

Next - Chapter 3: Decisions