#wanted to check if it was actually right before talking out of my ass based on half remembered sermons but

[asmogorna]

Okay so there’s this ww artist on ig called like tooth lilys or something and he’s always causing drama in the ww fandom and he mouthed off about your art and now heaps of insta ww fans are like talking about you :| free publicity?

ahhhh so thats whats happening .. lmao thats crazy

i checked out their story, and i sure doooo love how they leave some things out when talking about both situations that they mentioned to make me look worse ..

ok so

warning, yap session incoming

the "will wood in a (miku) binder" thing happened back in fall 2023 when i was still semi new to the fandom and didnt know a lot of things. so tho i to this day i dont think it was that big of a deal, i wouldnt do it today

it was an artwork made for shits and giggles, the context of which i have explained here before. i never meant to imply that will wood is trans and i certainly dont "headcanon" him as that. my curse is that even when joking around i tend to try and make my art look good, so i get why people thought it was unironic. and i know that it sounds like a lame ass excuse, but it legit didnt cross my mind that people would think i drew will wood as a trans guy or smth. legit my only thought process was "funny haha internet thing" + "my favorite thing" = "good idea"

now the usage of his real name is something i am genuinely sorry for, but it was an accident and a genuine mistake on my part. i remember seeing someone mention it casually in some comment section, and assuming that it was ok, since i didnt know he was in any way against it. (i also thought that it was the same name that he used in "the real will wood" in that one section cus it sounded a bit similar).

when i was informed about the fact that he doesnt want it spread around i deleted the post right away and apologized, so bringing it up like something i did on purpose and out of malicious intent is a tad bit .. misfitting, if you can use that word

now the hot topic of the day: my waywood art

i have said this before and i will say this again, how i feel about rpf is solely based off how the people involved feel about it

to clarify: i never drew anything inappropriate or even suggestive with them, the "worst" thing is 2 simple sketches of them smoochin. or. this.

idk if this is what they were referring to when talking about me drawing will wood and gerard way "making out" (specifically. because i think "making out" implies to be more sexual stuff than small kisses). and if so, then it once again feels like blowing things out of proportion

and now the point i want you to get: will wood wouldnt give a flying fuck

like i said earlier, i never drew anything inappropriate, because that would actually cross will's existent and real boundaries. you know, the ones that he stated

im not making some conspiracy theories about him being gay, like some people seem to imply in their inbox messages to me

im not sending a whole ass smut fanfiction to litwtc gmail or something, i dont bother him in instagram dms asking if he wants to fuck gerard way, im not shipping him with people who he actually knows personally and has to look in the eyes of from time to time

im not doing anything that he would actually care about

him and chris have joked about him being attracted to gerard before, and though im not saying that you can joke about everything theyve ever joked about, i feel like in our case its clear that will clearly doesnt care about the implications ? (i generally believe that ww fans would get their panties twisted about less things if more of them listened to what these 2 talk about so calmly on litwtc but i digress)

if he saw that some random teenager on tumblr is drawing him and gerard way (gasp of horror) holding hands, he'd laugh at it max and then move on with his day

people are treating the whole situation like i posted pictures of him from when he was a kid or leaked patreon content or drew him fully naked or anything else that, you know, would actually affect him in one way or another

what im doing is innocent fun which isnt even likely to reach either of them. will wood very rarely checks tumblr and, once again, i genuinely dont believe he would care. and gerard way aint got no internet + he doesnt care x 2

it is weird but rn this is what brings me the most joy, even if its silly to say. both will wood and gerard way mean a lot to me and putting them in situations together makes me happy. i am but a child full of fun whimsy

i wont be posting any more explicitly romantic art to avoid more drama, and i also wont be responding to all the anon messages i received because there are like .. too many of them. an overwhelming amount i'd say. sorry about that

i really didnt mean to cause such a fuss, and i understand why some people might be uncomfortable with what i do

i fully understand why you would dislike my waywood hyperfixation shenanigans, and i dont have a problem w you over that, but treating me like pure evil because of a thing so insignificant is just.. overdoing it

once again, i will be toning it down, but it really isnt the end of the world if i dare to draw will wood and gerard way being a tad bit gay (which is, i apparently need to mention, not me actually saying that will wood the alternative musician is a homosexual gay who is in a genuine for real actual real gay homosexual relationship with gerard fucking way the lead singer of my chemical romance. i think speculating on other people's sexuality and gender identity is boooo tomato tomato tomato)

sorry for the rant and sorry to all who were disappointed by my lack of remorse. come back in a couple years when i turn 18 and stop having fun and artistic freedom

thank you for your attention and i hope i at least cleared some things up to those who werent w me throughout every event where i get involved in fandom drama

bye bye

[gibbearish]

anyways we dont talk enough abt the fact the primary reason most christians support israel despite the uhh History between those two faiths is bc they believe jewish ppl returning fully to israel +specifically jerusalem is the thing that starts the rapture and seven horns and whatnot. like they specifically want them back so the end of days can start they don't actually give a shit abt israel or jewish people (or palestinians but that parts already obvious) or how many people die getting to that point because well if they get back then we're all gonna die anyways and be with jesus forever so its fine:)!!

[cleolinda]

Phone scam gothic

So my mom sits down and starts telling me about two weird-ass phone calls she had today—she was returning a missed call, and the woman who answered just… sobbed for a minute. I’m sitting here asking, like, a whole minute? Nothing else, just sobbing? Who did you THINK you were calling back?

“United Healthcare, they have my Medicare plan. They’ve been calling me for weeks without leaving any voicemail.”

(Are you sure it was United Healthcare? “It was the same number that’s on my card, I checked, and that’s who the caller ID said it was.”)

Are you sure it was a whole minute? Did YOU say anything?

“Yes, like sixty seconds while I kept going ‘Hello? Hello?’ It sounded like she was having a nervous breakdown, I kept waiting to see if she’d tell me what was even wrong. Finally I just hung up.”

And then my mom turned right around and called back again, because she was gonna get to the bottom of this.

This time she got a different woman, perfectly calm, who wanted to set up “your in-home direct patient care home health visit.”

At this point (at this point?) I’m staring, because no one here currently has anyone coming to the house to help with any kind of medical care. My mom might honestly be the healthiest member of the household, but even I don’t use any home services, herniated discs and all. “Did they have you… confused with someone else?”

“No, she repeated my full name and phone number back to me.”

This lady then started ARGUING with my mother. Why don’t you want us to come to your house to manage your direct patient care? Don’t you need home health care to be managed? Why don’t you need home health care? Why would you not want home health care? “I JUST KIND OF HAVE HIGH CHOLESTEROL?” But don’t you want us to manage your home health care? “WHY DO YOU NEED TO COME TO MY HOUSE TO MANAGE HEALTH CARE I DON’T USE?”

My mom finally hung up on this lady as well, without giving her any real information.

The more we talked about it, the more things we started to notice:

I was incredibly creeped out by the unsolicited use of the word “manage,” for some reason. Very sinister “write me into your will” vibes for some reason—I don’t know what these people want, but they’re gonna get you to sign something over.

My mom got especially stuck on “WHY DO YOU NEED TO COME TO MY HOUSE?!”

My mom has used home health services before… years ago, before she was on Medicare. But this company wouldn’t know about that. However, if you’re on Medicare, you’re over 65. Having not ever dealt with my mother before, someone calling a Medicare user might be playing the odds that a person over 65 is 1) in frail health and 2) old enough to get easily confused.

Fair play to my mom, she’s the one who thought of number spoofing. I’m so busy not answering the phone ever and arranging all my medical communications to happen through passworded portals that I didn’t think of it.

Hey, are you guys, like… holding someone hostage…?

So at this point, I google “United Healthcare scam.”

The “health insurance counselor”

This fraudster will offer help navigating the health insurance marketplace for a fee, capitalizing on people’s confusion about the state-based health exchanges created through the Affordable Care Act.

What to know

This sort of assistance is indeed available and is legitimate, but the people who offer it – also known as “navigators” – aren’t allowed to charge for their services. Also, remember that people with Medicare coverage don’t need to use the state health exchanges. The exchanges are for people under the age of 65, who are looking to enroll in an individual health plan.

Change “navigate” to “manage,” and I think this is it, although the lady on the phone never mentioned any fees. Either my mom didn’t let her get that far, or this is the point of actually getting into someone’s house: persuading them face-to-face to pay something, and potentially refusing to leave until the scammer has worn their target down.

Medicare does not make unsolicited phone calls.

Okay, so it was a scam no matter what it was about. As far as I’m concerned, my mom should contact Actual United Healthcare about it, and I’m here to spread the good word of Never Believing Anyone on the Phone 2k24. I don’t know what to tell you about the lady having the nervous breakdown though.

[lovemebutleavemewild]

Johnny brings you to base for inspection by his superior officer.

When Johnny brings you to meet his friends on base, you're a little nervous, sure, but it's nothing you can't handle.

Of course, military men are brash, but they're nothing on your Johnny, and when they make their jokes, you're more than able to give back as good as you get.

But then Johnny tells you it's time to meet Ghost.

"My lieutenant, hen. My boss."

And you think that's why he sounds nervous, that he wants to impress the man, so you go with him to his office, knock and are told to come inside.

Find it very sexy when Johnny stands to attention in front of the man, actually.

Ghost is ... something else and you don't want to ruin anything for Johnny by ogling, but ... you've always had a thing for masks and dominating men, so seeing your own man submit to another is doing things to you.

"This her?" the man asks, jerking his head at you.

"Yes sir," Johnny says, not moving, even as his superior stands and comes around the desk to lean against it. He clicks his fingers at you.

"Here. Now." You blink and look at Johnny, not sure how to respond to being talked to like a dog, but he doesn't say anything.

Suddenly the man on the desks stands to his full height and strides towards you, grabbing your chin and forcing you to look up at him.

"Don't look at him. I gave you an instruction,"  he almost snarls. "Do y'know why you're here?"

You shake your head jerkily, suddenly sure that "to meet Johnny's friends" is not the right answer.

"Well, Johnny here kep' on about his new pretty bird and I decided I had to check things out, make sure you were good for him. Told him to bring you right in for inspection."

"In-inspection?" you squeak. Ghost leans down so he's looking at you directly through the slits in his mask.

"Said you wouldn't mind. Said you were his dirty girl. Tha' right'?"

And the thing is, Johnny has called you that before and nothing gets you going more. It's no different now. So you just nod dumbly, seeing the edges of his mask lift when he smiles.

He leans back against the desk, leaving you alone in the middle of the room.

"So strip."

And you do, pulling your jumper over your head and slipping out of your shoes, tights, skirt. You're wearing a matching bra and panties, had some vision of what you and Johnny would do when you got home.

Ghost circles you slowly.

"Hmm, nice lil' set," he says, pushing his finger under the strap of your underwear and letting it go so it snaps back against your leg.

"But not very good at following instructions," he rumbles. "Told you to strip, darlin'. Why'd you stop?"

You shiver and, with shaky hands, undo the clasp of your bra, letting it fall to the side. Finally, you push your underwear down, stepping out of them.

Ghost watches you, eyes unfathomable. Then he speaks again.

"Bend over the desk."

When you do, he leans over you, letting his hand run down your side and over your ass.

He tuts.

"No marks, Johnny? Not even one little bite?"

His hand flashes up suddenly and comes down hard on your ass, making you gasp. He leans over you, front pressed to your back so he can reach your ear with his mouth.

"We better fix that."

[sofiawritesstuff]

Apologise

pairing: oscar piastri x norris!reader

based on the most recent race day events

warnings: a little bit suggestive towards the end but nothing major, lando being an ass but he makes up for it

(I love Lando and Oscar both, this isn’t to make Lando look like a bad person)

You knew it would somehow end up being tough at one point, although you didn’t realise how bad it was going to be.

Your brother and your boyfriend. The two most important men in your life, other than your father of course.

As teammates you would think it would be easier, but not when it was their own team that had created tension in the air.

Waiting in Oscar’s drivers room, your legs bounced with the thought wondering how on Earth you were going to support both of them.

The door flew open and Oscar stood with a proud smile, holding his P1 trophy in hand.

“I’m so proud of you baby” you smiled, opening your arms for him, you felt him sigh and he hugged you tightly, him nuzzling his head into your neck “Thank you” he mumbled against you.

“Is everything okay?” you asks pulling away from him “I’m happy, I really am but I think Lando is mad at me”

“Baby, Lando isn’t mad with you, he might be mad but he is mad with the team. Never you. It was team orders and he had to follow them. He’s probably just annoyed that he didn’t get another win, but he will come back and get another. Just like you will. Let’s go out for dinner tonight. We can celebrate!”

“I don’t know, it feels a little disrespectful to Lando”

“Oscar”

“Alright, sounds good. I’m going to get a shower before we leave. Maybe go check on Lando, he will want a little comfort right now”

“I’ll go see him now, call me when you’re ready” you kiss him gently before leaving, making your way along the hall to your brothers room.

Lando could get mad, yes. Just like anyone. But you knew today he was really mad. With the look on his face after the race. You knew you weren’t walking in to your cheerful brother.

You knocked the door before entering, you seen him throwing all of his stuff into his bag “Shouldn’t you be celebrating with your boyfriend?” he asks bitterly without glancing at you

“Lan-“

“No Y/N. I don’t want to hear it. Go away. Celebrate with the race winner”

You scoff causing him to look at you “Don’t you dare do that to me Lando, you know it was the team’s fault today. Not Oscars”

“Yeah take his side! I’ve been embarrassed enough today i don’t need a pity speech from my little sister. He probably waiting for you right now to go out and celebrate. Don’t worry I won’t tell him you were here!” he begins shouting

“Stop shouting at me! It was actually Oscar that told me to come talk to you. He feels guilty enough for what happened today he doesn’t need your bad attitude getting in the way either! If you’re going to blame anyone blame your stupid team and not my boyfriend”

“So you’re choosing your boyfriend over your brother? Okay”

“Stop twisting things! Have you actually lost your mind? Oscar did nothing wrong. He was hesitant on even going out tonight because he felt guilty towards you! Oscar looks up to you Lando, he’s done so much for you in races before. I’m done with this conversation. Come talk to me when you decide to be an adult and when you want to apologise to my boyfriend” you tell him, slamming the door behind you.

It was rare for you and Lando to have an argument, what made it even worse is you felt like you had to pick a side. Lando or Oscar. You knew what your brother was saying what out of anger, he would never actually mean disrespect towards his younger teammate.

But you couldn’t help but let the tears fall. It was a short lived argument, but also one of the worst you had ever had.

“Baby?” Oscar asks confused, popping his head out of the bathroom “What happened? Is everything okay?” he rushes over to comfort you, putting on him clothes while he does

“I’m okay, just a silly fight with Lando” you smile, wiping away your tears, he stops you holding both your hands with one hand and moving the other to your cheek, wiping the fresh tears “Let’s go back to hotel and go out for a nice meal”

“I’m not bothered about that right now, I’m bothered about you. It must have been a bad fight if you’re crying”

“This is your night Osc, let’s ignore everything else” you nod trying to stop the topic of conversation “Alright, I understand that you don’t want to talk about it right now but I hope we can when you’re ready, if it’s tonight or tomorrow. I hate seeing you cry”

“I’m sorry, I’m ruining your special moment”

“Hey, come on. You’re not ruining anything. Here’s a better idea. We will go back to the hotel, order room service and have a movie night with a bottle of champagne. Sounds like a perfect way to end this night of an eventful day”

“If that’s what you want”

“All I want is to spend time with my beautiful girlfriend. Come on” he stands up, taking your hand.

Leaving the paddock felt weird, usually you would have both McLaren drivers either side but tonight you only had one. But you had to remind yourself that this was Oscar’s night and nothing was going to ruin it for both of you.

He swayed your hands back and forth walking towards the hotel, he stopped for the few fans waiting close by for him, signing the notebooks and hats held out to him.

You smiled to yourself as everyone congratulated him, trying to ignore the sympathetic smiles a group of girls gave you as you waited.

As you got comfortable in your room and turned on a movie you heard a knock at the door, Oscar quickly got up to answer it

“I’ll get it, it will probably be room service” he kisses you, leaving the bed “Oh hi mate” you head Oscar stutter.

You knew the stutter, the same stutter that came from Oscar when Lando first found out that his teammate was dating his sister.

“Can I come in?” you hear Lando’s voice asks before the door closes. Oscar sits next to you on the bed while Lando stands at the end of it, playing with his fingers.

“I owe you an apology, both of you”

“Osc I’m sorry that I was rude to you earlier, I was so frustrated with the team and I took my anger out on someone which was wrong of me. I am disappointed with myself but I’m also really happy for you and I’m proud of you. It’s great points for the team and you”

“Thanks Lando, I appreciate the apology. I think we need to have a meeting with the team to discuss a better strategy so nothing like this happens again in the future”

Lando nods agreeing with him, before turning his eye contact to you “And to you, I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you, you were defending both of us and I took it the wrong way and I knew it. Thank you for being an amazing sister, I wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for you”

“You’re so lucky that you’re my favourite” you smirk, getting up to hug him “I love you” Lando whispers “I love you too, even if you are Dad’s favourite”

“Thats false, you are definitely your Dad’s favourite” Oscar jokes “See! you are Dad’s favourite” Lando agrees “You’re his favourite! Remember when I was 13 and I got grounded for a week because you threw and egg at me and it hit Dad’s car? I got grounded for that because he didn’t think that you would ever do that”

“Or the time when we had your birthday dinner and you were feeding the cake to the dog and you blamed it on Lando later on in the day when the dog was pooping everywhere”

“Alright, I don’t need the two of you ganging up on me! Thank you for coming to apologise Lan”

“Yeah and all is forgiven” Oscar nods “Good to hear, are you guys staying in tonight?” Lando asks pointing at the TV

“Yep, a good night full of room service and sex!”

“Ew! That’s disgusting! Why am I related to you!” Lando rushes out the room

Laying in bed a few minutes later, you hear a second knock at the door. You pull away from Oscar’s kiss, storming to the door

“Lando I didn’t realise you wanted to send Oscar naked so bad-“ you stop once you realise it was not in fact your brother standing on the other side of the door, it was room service and a poor innocent old man now knew that your boyfriend was naked on the other side of the door

“Sorry” you apologise, pulling in the tray and closing the door.

You hear a loud laugh from the bed and you rush over jumping on him “It’s funny”

“Oh it is! You’re never living that down baby” he smirks, flipping himself on top of you.

[obaex]

the blind date - rafe cameron

summary: your friends set you and rafe up on a blind date, but it doesn't go quite as you'd expected.

words: 1.7k

a/n: based on this request ♡♡ the way this has me giggling and kicking my feet in the air - ahhhh!

“Alright lemme make sure I have this straight: unlimited access to your jet skis for the rest of the summer, your season tickets to the first two Panthers home games, and two cases of whatever beer I want?” Rafe confirmed, looking over to the driver’s seat at his friend Dylan who huffed in reply and rubbed a hand over his face.

“Yes, dude, that’s what we agreed on. Christ, it’s a blind date, not a death sentence. I swear to God if Maddie didn’t put me up to this, I would’ve left your ass to wallow at home alone.”

“I’m doing you a favor” Rafe replied, “It’s the least you could do.”

“I’m telling you she’s hot, you know you might actually be into her, did you even consider that?”

Rafe looked at him completely perplexed. “What makes you think I’m even looking for a girl? I do just fine as it is, thank you very much, plus you and I have very different tastes.” A pause. “Can I please see her insta?”

“We’ve been over this. No. Maddie said it would defeat the purpose of the ‘blind’ part of a blind date.”

“So fucking stupid” Rafe said as he shook his head and looked out the passenger side window.

You had gotten to the restaurant early; your best friend Maddie wanted to make sure every little thing was perfect and she was practically bubbling over with excited energy at the prospect of your blind date.

“This is going to be amazing, I just know it!!!” she said enthusiastically. “He is so your type, I will be at your wedding, babes, I swear it! Ahhh!” She had pulled you into the bathroom and was fluffing up your hair, touching up your lip gloss and tugging at your dress.

“So happy you went with this one, like yes you will thank me later, you look so damn hot.”

For all her flustered energy, you appreciated her hype and as you looked in the mirror you kinda had to agree with her. She had helped with your hair and makeup and the result was truly stunning; you had just the right amount of makeup on to make your natural beauty pop. Your dress was a little more revealing than you were used to, but it did make you feel confident and who knows, the way she talked about this guy, maybe it would all work out?

“Okay, okay, enough fussing, I’m already nervous enough. Can we please get a drink? I need a drink” you said, moving to walk out of the bathroom as she checked her own appearance in the mirror one last time before following you.

“Yes, good idea, you go loosen up, I’m going to make sure they got us that table by the window.”

You sidled up to the bar and leaned your arms on it, happy to have a moment’s reprieve from Maddie’s frenetic energy as you looked around in an attempt to distract yourself. The restaurant was really cute, coastal and modern and there was a sizable crowd between the bar and dining area. The steady thump of tropical house music played softly in the background which calmed your nerves and lifted your mood.

Within moments the bartender spotted you and made his way over. He was just about to greet you when he glanced over your shoulder. “Rafe! What’s up!” he said enthusiastically. “So sorry m’am, just one moment” he apologized as he clapped hands with the tall stranger that had walked up beside you. “What can I get you, bro?”

Rafe was smiling at the bartender and glanced at you briefly when he realized you’d been snubbed. It was a quick glance but he did a double take before he could control himself. You were… simply perfect. Your face held an expression of amusement and surprise with a clear smile that rested on perfectly glossed lips. You had an effortless air about you like you woke up every morning looking that good and then immediately every part of him wanted to know what you’d really look like in the morning… in his bed… at Tanneyhill… the sun reaching through the blinds…

What the fuck is the matter with me? he thought suddenly. And then, Fuck. Was I staring?

The bartender was looking at him expectantly with an eyebrow raised. He asked me something. Drink. A drink. What do I want to drink?

“Yeah man, I’ll have a bourbon, neat, and uh, whatever she wants” he replied, nodding his head towards you.

You smirked at him before glancing at the bartender, “Spicy margarita please, and since he’s paying, I’ll take it with Patrón.”

“Oof” Rafe said, grabbing his chest with his hand like you’d delivered a physical blow to him, “Way to take advantage.”

You laughed and tucked a strand of your hair behind your ear. “Yeah, well, I don’t believe in coincidences, and it just so happens I need some liquid courage. If a handsome stranger is offering, I’m taking top shelf.”

Rafe pursed his lips and nodded, trying to tamp down the feeling in his heart that you'd called him handsome. He glanced back towards the door to see if he could see Dylan and couldn’t find him. Good he thought, allowing himself to feel guilty for half a second until he refocused on the sight of you in front of him.

He cleared his throat. “So, uh, liquid courage?” he asked.

“I’m meeting a date here actually” you said, shaking your head, your blushed cheeks turning slightly rosier. “It’s a whole thing…” you trailed off, waving your hand dismissively.

Rafe couldn’t reason with himself why he felt so angry that you were here for someone else. Thankfully the drinks arrived which gave him a moment to process as he watched you take a deep sip of your drink.

‘What asshole doesn’t pick a girl up and take her on the date himself?’ he thought. Well, he thought he thought before he realized he’d said it out loud as you nearly choked on your drink in laughter.

You shook your head again, smiling and laughing “It’s not like that, it’s –”

“—Nah, I’m sorry, it’s not my business, I shouldn’t have said that” he interrupted, mortified that he'd let that slip.

“You’re fine” you reassured him. “It was sweet. It’s nice to know there are still decent men out there willing to keep things chivalrous.”

I would’ve picked you up he thought. On time. Walked to your front door. Flowers in hand.

His head was spinning. What the fuck is going on with me. He looked down at his drink and then drank it in one swig. When he set the glass down, he caught your look of amusement as he coughed.

“You good?” you asked, giggling.

He grimaced, “I will be” he said, holding up his empty to signal the bartender for another.

“Is my company that bad?” you joked.

His eyes darted to yours, “Quite the opposite, sweetheart” he said in a low voice that you felt from your beating heart to your fingertips to your belly and shaky knees. Shit you thought as you registered the effect this man had on you.

You blushed and met his warm gaze, realizing for the first time how deeply blue his eyes were, like sapphires. The two of you stood there, an arms-length away and it was like time stood still. You could feel your pulse in your throat, feel your body tingling like it was physically reacting to his proximity. Was he stepping closer to you or were you imagining it? His eyes left yours for only an instant to look at your lips and in that moment he had you hook line and sinker.

Suddenly, your phone buzzed on the bar in front of you and you jumped. He took an imperceptible step back, clearing his throat.

“S-sorry” you mumbled, quickly swiping open a text from Maddie: ‘Where r u?!!!!”

Shit.

“I-I’ve got to…” you waved your phone by way of excuse and nodded your head towards the tables, literally unable to string a sentence together at this point.

“Yeah, no problem” Rafe said, as casually as he could muster as you moved to leave. “Try to have a good time. And, hey” he said, capturing your attention one more time “Tell this guy he better give you a ride next time, okay? None of this high school ‘I’ll meet you there’ shit, okay?”

You laughed at your little inside joke and met his gaze one more time before turning and disappearing into the crowd.

Rafe’s next drink arrived and he slammed it back instantly before settling the tab, leaving a hefty cash tip and making his way towards the dining room.

Dylan fucking owes me he thought through gritted teeth, grimacing all the way through the crowded room, replaying your smile, the way you'd looked at him through thick eyelashes, even the way you’d smelled: like vanilla and coconut.

He was clenching and unclenching his fists as he searched the crowd, willing this godawful date to be over before it had even started. Finally he caught a glimpse of Maddie’s bright hair and Dylan’s frame at a table by the window; he moved to shift around several people when his eyes met yours, seated next to Maddie, across from an empty seat.

“Oh my god” you said, covering your mouth with your hand, stifling a fit of laughter and joy when you caught his eye.

He began to laugh too, the tension in his body immediately dissipating as he rubbed a hand over his face in an attempt to wipe away the goofy grin he felt there as he took his seat.

“What is going on, do you two know each other, what am I missing?” Maddie demanded.

“Nothing, it’s nothing, Mads” you said, giggling as your eyes danced and twinkled at Rafe.

She narrowed her eyes as they darted between the two of you. “Okaayyyyy, well YN, this is Rafe!”

“So, so nice to meet you” you said, your voice dripping with sarcasm, though you were thrilled to actually know his name.

“The pleasure is truly mine, sweetheart” he played back, a knowing smile resting on his lips that had you bursting at the seams as you two ogled each other.

Maddie and Dylan looked at you both like you were crazy as you just stared and giggled at one another before they gave up and settled back into their own conversation and you and Rafe picked up your menus.

“Tomorrow at 7:00” Rafe said just quietly enough for you to hear him as he pretended to eye the menu.

“What?” you whispered in reply.

“Be ready tomorrow at 7:00. I’m taking you out. And I’ll be picking you up this time” he said as he shot you a smirk over his menu.

taglist: @ietss, @gillybear17, @palmwinemami, @moremaybank, @one-sweet-gubler, @m-indkiller, @diary-of-jj, @crlsummer

[notafunkiller]

Bucky's here

Summary (Prompt): “Are you sure a kiss is all you want?”

Pairing: thunderbolts!Bucky Barnes x female reader

Warnings: teasing, pet names, no mention of y/n

Word Count: <1K

Bucky Barnes masterlist

A/N: This story is based on @marvelouslizzie's prompt

Please, do not repost or translate without my permission!

You’re not sure what’s worse: the way John talks about Bucky to you or how close his face is to yours.

“I didn’t ask for your opinion, did I, Walker?”

“You’re with The Winter Soldier.”

You roll your eyes at his tone. You wonder what in your attitude made him think he has the right to speak like this. “Is that supposed to be an insult? At least he didn’t choose to get the super soldier serum out of weak-” You stop talking when he slaps the wall, right next to your head, keeping his hand there, probably trying to intimidate you. You flinch because of the sudden movement, but you don’t let him use this to his advantage. “You are so weak!”

“I was Captain America, you can’t say I am weak.”

“You were, yes. Past tense.” You snort, amused by his confidence, and look at his hand. “Drop it before my Winter Soldier boyfriend comes and breaks it for you.”

“He can’t do that since we got the same powers.”

You let out a laugh that echoes through the whole room. Does he really believe that?

“Is that what you tell yourself? That’s... interesting.”

“Very interesting, and I think we should test that.”

Bucky’s here! You look at the door, satisfied to see him coming toward you while taking off his gloves. What surprises you is the fact that John doesn’t move an inch as he just stares at Bucky. How delusional is this guy? Bucky was right, there’s no hope left for him.

“You can’t do anything to me, Barnes!”

“If you mean my parole, you don’t need to worry about it.” There is something about Bucky’s cynical smile that makes you feel very happy. It actually turns you on. You like his grumpiness, his sassiness, and his style.

“He thinks he’s on your level,” you remark. “Can you just,” you don’t have to finish the sentence as you wave around because you know that would be clear for him, and before John can even anticipate what is happening, he’s a few inches away from you with his hand behind his back, trying to fight Bucky’s hold. “Thank you, baby!”

“Want me to break his fingers?”

You pretend to think for a few seconds. It’d be fun, but also a waste of time, and all you want is to fuck the shit out of Bucky the moment you get home. Or maybe in the car. Or maybe in the bathroom. “Let’s go, I don’t want to be in the same room with him anymore.”

Bucky lets go quickly as he notices the neediness in your voice, but not before whispering something that you can’t quite catch, but John freezes and that is enough for you.

You smile and takes Bucky’s metal hand to you drag him out.

“You okay?” He asks concerned.

“I am perfect. You’re my hero.”

He stays completely still for a second, and you can’t help but gasp when you feel his lips on your jaw. He moves so fast.

“Your hero?”

You smile. “You’re always my hero, baby.”

“And doesn’t your hero deserve a reward?”

You look at him surprised, bringing your hand to his cheek. You wanted to touch his face all day. “Whatever you want. I can give you anything.”

He makes sure to check if there is anyone around before he grabs your ass. “A kiss.”

So innocent...

You smirk and happily get on your tip-toes to make him lean in a little less. He’s not patient at all, and the moment you press your lips on his, he immediately licks your bottom lip in order for you to get the idea and open your mouth.

As soon as he deepens the kiss, you forget where you are. It’s crazy how kissing can be so addicting and overwhelming every time. God, this man knows how to use his tongue! And his hands...

“There we go, sergeant,” you say, trying to catch your breath after breaking the kiss suddenly just to test his reaction.

He opens his eyes confused and squeezes your ass.

“Hmmm. Are you sure a kiss is all you want?”

“I’m gonna make you beg tonight, mark my words, doll!” It’s a warning you’ve been waiting for. You grab his chin, satisfied, and kiss his cheeks before dragging him to the car.

You wonder if you’re even gonna make it home.

[roosterforme]

Want You Bad | Rooster x Reader

Summary: When Bradley realizes his girlfriend isn’t as innocent as he thought, at first he’s surprised, then he’s on board.

Warnings: Smut, fluff, swearing

Length: 1600 words

Based on this hot request right here!

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Female Reader

Check out my masterlist!

Bradley loved how sweet you were. Your smile and your voice were things he already associated with comfort and love. You always wanted to hold hands, and you blushed when he kissed your cheek. You were the kind of girlfriend he could take to a work function or to the Hard Deck with his friends, and a few months into your relationship, he really had no complaints.  After your fifth date, you had softly asked him, "Bradley, do you want to sleep over tonight?" You had looked up at him with your wide, doe eyes, awaiting his response. Then you and he were intimate in the sweetest, most loving way he had ever experienced. 

And it had been like that every single time you were together. Making love was tender in a way Bradley never knew before.  "Let's get dinner at that little Italian place tonight, yeah? And then we can go back to my house?" Bradley asked you. His fingers were laced through yours and your head was resting on his shoulder.  "That sounds good, Bradley," you agreed, and his heart soared.  Over pasta and wine, you and he chatted about everything. You always made him smile so much. He was falling in love with you, his sweet girl. But by dessert, you seemed to be getting a little nervous about something.  "What's wrong, babe?" Bradley asked, getting a little concerned as you downed a full glass of wine.  "Nothing," you insisted, setting your wine glass down gently with a pout. "Well, actually, that's not true. I guess we can talk about it when we get back to your place." "Okay," Bradley said cautiously. The ride in the Bronco was quiet, and out of the corner of his eye, Bradley watched you playing with the hem of your dress as he drove. Once he parked in front of his house, he ran a hand through his hair. He was now expecting the worst. "If you're going to break up with me, can you at least tell me why?" he asked, sighing. He wasn't sure where things had gone wrong. He thought things were going very right for once. You squeaked as you turned toward him and unbuckled your seatbelt. "I'm not breaking up with you, Bradley!" you insisted. "I just don't know how to tell you this!" He turned to face you, reaching across the front seat to rub his hand along your cheek. The way the moonlight was illuminating your face, Bradley was sure he'd never seen anything as sweet and endearing as you in that moment. "Just tell me. I promise I won't be upset," he insisted. You swallowed hard, closing your eyes and pressing your soft cheek against his palm. "Okay," you whispered. Bradley watched your tongue dart out to wet your lips. "I really like how things have been going between us, so don't get me wrong, okay?" "Okay," Bradley agreed, bracing himself for whatever was bothering you. "But.... Oh, Bradley! I really want you to fuck me hard tonight. I want you to go absolutely crazy! Smack my ass until it's red," you moaned, and Bradley couldn't think. "I don't want to be able to walk or sit for a week! I want you to fuck me so good, I forget my own name, and the only word I can say is Daddy." Bradley was completely frozen in shocked surprise. You were his sweet girl, the one he was falling for. And you wanted him to fuck you so hard, you wouldn't be able to walk? Bradley's dick was standing at full attention, and he was having a hard time catching his breath. His hand slipped from your cheek and you started to look panicked. "Unless you don't want to do that, of course! I just want to be good for you, Bradley! I'd never want to make you uncomfor-" Bradley grabbed you hard around the back of your neck and slammed his lips to yours. You moaned loudly into his mouth as he pulled you onto his lap in the driver's seat so you were straddling him. "Sweet girl, you want me to rail you? Practically break your back?" he asked, grabbing both of your thighs and grinding up against you. "Yes!" you gasped, head tipped back and hands gripping his shoulders. "Please, Bradley!" He groaned at the way your words washed over him. "I'll take care of you." He sucked on your neck so hard, he was sure you would be all marked up tomorrow, and he pulled your dress up to your waist, finding nothing but your bare ass.  "No underwear, babe?" he rasped, kneading his fingers into you. "Nooo," you groaned. "Just for you." Bradley grunted, grabbing you hard and lifting you out of the Bronco with him. He carried you to his front door, one hand grabbing your bare ass under your dress while you kissed his neck. "Gonna fuck you good, sweet girl," he whispered against your ear as he carried you into the house. Your moans were so loud, and he'd barely touched you yet. Bradley's cock was so hard, he was getting dizzy. He let one of his fingers slip into your wet pussy while he held you against him and your head tipped back as you whined. "God damn, I thought you were a good girl," he said, fucking you with his finger before pulling it out of you and setting you down. "I am," you insisted, guiding his wet finger to your lips and sucking on it. "Usually. Like 99 percent of the time." Bradley was backing you up to his kitchen counter while undoing the front of his pants. "I'm going to love all of you, but that one percent is going to make me smile every time," he whispered, spinning you around and bending you over the kitchen counter and thrusting into you without warning.  Bradley pummeled you, bottoming out right off the bat several times in a row. You were already soaking wet when he palmed your ass before drawing his hand back and slapping you. You cried out one word. "More." There was no way he was going to last long with you this needy and filthy, wrapped around his dick. But he spanked you while he slammed into you, watching you grip the edge of the counter as you panted.  "Does that feel good?" he managed to ask as he pounded into you like a jackhammer. Your cries were punctuated with each of his thrusts, and you were getting louder and louder.  "So good," you managed to gasp out. Bradley withdrew from you, pulled your dress over your head and bent you over lower until your cheek was resting on the counter.  "You're a good girl," he whispered rubbing his hands along the red splotches already blooming on your ass cheeks. "But Daddy needs to spank you."  Your moaning was indecent as his palm met your ass over and over again. Jesus, he wasn't even inside you at the moment, and he thought he might come. This was more fun for him than could have ever imagined. When he lined himself up with your pussy and slammed inside you again, you were gasping for air, and your legs were shaking.  He fucked into you so hard for such a long time, you would probably have bruises from his pelvic bones. Then he wrapped his hand around the front of your neck and pulled you into a standing position, your back arching as he ground up into you.  You were panting and almost on the verge of tears as he caressed your neck with his long fingers while his other hand grabbed your hip. Bradley jerked up with fast, sharp strokes, and he knew you wouldn't have been able to stand on your own.  When his fingers drifted to your clit, you were crying out instantly and squeezing his cock. "Who am I, sweet girl?" You whimpered and cried through your orgasm. "Daddy." "And who fucks you hard, just the way you want it?" "Daddy," you groaned a little louder, still clenching around his cock. "That's right," Bradley told you, grabbing you by your hair and bending you forward until your cheek was once again resting on the counter. He slammed into you hard again, his flesh slapping yours while he grabbed your hips.  Now you were chanting Daddy while he rode out his own furious orgasm, cumming in your pussy and then on your ass. He looked down at the mess he had turned you into; splotchy, bright red ass cheeks covered in semen, and a trail of cum dripping out of your pussy.  "Beautiful," he whispered as he caught his breath and listened to you whimpering. He wrapped his hands around your waist and helped you stand up.  When you turned to face him, your makeup was smeared and there were tears in your eyes. The fucked out expression on your face as you bit your lip had him feeling possessive as he pulled you tight against him. You had to cling to him for support, but now you were smiling at him like he hung the moon. "Sweet girl, did you enjoy that?" he asked, gently kissing your trembling lips. "Yes," you whispered, wrapping your arms around his neck. "So much." Your head came to rest on his shoulder, and he breathed in your scent. You really were the sweetest girl Bradley had ever met. Sweet with a very naughty streak, and he loved it. "Come on, let Daddy get you cleaned up."

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

I hope nonny likes spanking.... THANKS FOR READING!

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[howwnowbrowncoww]

Been working on this for a few months now but I finally got it done! I've seen a few Yakuza/Like a Dragon x Animal Crossing crossovers and really wanted to do one too, and I'm super happy with how it turned out:) Seeing all of the Dondoko Island comparisons to AC right before I finished this was HILARIOUS though😂 Gonna put some loose notes under a read more if you want behind the scenes stuff. Let me know who your favorite design is if you want:)

Adding what animal everyone is (just in case it's hard to tell and because I want to talk about why I made some of them certain animals)

Ichiban: Lion (he has a very loud personality and very loud hair)

Adachi: Bear (I will restrain myself from making any bear jokes but he does look like he'd give great bear hugs)

Nanba: Koala (okay, weird reason, but my sister used to have this webkinz koala named Snoozer (he was the mayor of our imaginary town but that's not important) and he was obvs always sleepy, and Nanba is the KING of convenient naps in battle)

Saeko: Deer (i really just thought she'd love to paint her hooves)

Joon-gi: Wolf (typical lone-wolf-type with white hair who is dragged into the found family). He also gets the bar bg because he never got his own karaoke song and he deserves to have fun:)

Zhao: Tiger (i specifically remember him having a tiger in his restaurant that kicked my ass, and I also wanted to base him off of one of his martial arts moves. Since Snake and Mantis aren't AC types, and Crane was already being used, I thought Tiger was fitting. Also his shirt was a pain to make!! I couldn't replicate the actual pattern, so I went with ginkgo leaves for something that was still gold and sort of ornate)

Eri: Crane (inspired by her move (called 'Flying Crane' or something like that; i'm too lazy to boot up the game and check lol) Plus I think birds would really enjoy the crackers her company sells:)

[catherinnn]

Just Saying

summary: You're dating a total loser, it makes Eddie sick cause he's better than him, just saying. based on the song 'Just saying' by 5sos. warnings: cheating, really stupid boyfriend, a little angst but with happy ending, cursing, a lot of flirting. words: 1.6k masterlist

"He's a total loser" Steve commented about your boyfriend after you told them your latest problem with him: he was two hours late to your date this weekend, and when the check came, he made you pay for everything.

"I can't believe him" Nancy starts, "you deserve so much better than him"

"I'm not even gonna comment on this, you know my position on the topic" Robin states furiously, not at you obviously, but at your boyfriend. Her position was that you should--as she stated it-- dump his lame ass, as she has told you a million times.

"I agree with Nance," Eddie says, "you do deserve so much better, can't believe your settling for someone like him"

"I'm not settling, it's just he- he was different before, but now he's..." you start to defend your relationship but Robin interrupts you.

"A complete idiot"

"That's one way to put it" Steve agrees with her. "Anyway, who wants another drink?"

All of you agreed on another round of drinks, so Eddie goes to help Steve bring them to the table.

"What about Eddie?" Nancy asks you as they leave to order on the bar.

"What about him?" you asks her.

"Please, you can't tell me that you've never noticed the big crush he has on you" she insists.

The truth is, Eddie was a newly addition to the group. When he started hanging out with the three of you, you were already dating your boyfriend, Luke. Eddie and you completely hit it off from the start, he was actually flirting with you that night, but after he realized you had a boyfriend, he just stayed as a flirty friend. It was a complete point to his favor that all your friends hate your boyfriend, but they liked him.

Just saying.

"It doesn't matter if he does, I'm already taken" you say with a bit of disappointment showing on your tone and your face.

"Not for much longer I hope" Robin mumbles loud enough for you to listen.

"I don't know, it was just one mistake, I can't break up with him just for that"

""Just that? " he totally lies to you too! He told you he lives alone at that really big house that he somehow can afford, but everytime I drive by his mom is home!" Robin fights againg, she has told that before, and it is weird that he never lets you to stay over at his house, since he supposedly lives alone.

"Eddie has his own place, just saying" Nancy comments with a smirk.

You were about to answer but the boys come back with the drinks. Eddie hands you yours and you ask him how much you owe him.

"It's on me sweetheart" he says as if it's obvious. "I'd never make you pay, just saying"

You are taken back by his response, Robin and Nancy are biting their lips to hide their smiles and Steve smirks at the comment. Eddie smirks too but hides it quick as he drinks from his glass.

"Thanks" you softly answer, not really sure what to say now. Why did that make you nervous?

Moments like these keep happening, your boyfriend being a dick, but not a big enough dick to dump him. Until he is.

You were on your way to Steve's house, he had called you because he wanted to talk to you about something important. So you were pretty anxious right now.

When you arrive, you see Eddie's van and Nancy's car at the driveway too. This was getting weirder.

Steve opens the door and lets you in. They're all here, Robin as well.

"What's going on?" you ask getting freaked out.

"We need to tell you something, but we need you to believe us and know that we're here for you, always" Steve tells you, not calming you nerves at all.

"What the fuck is going on? You're freaking me out, Steve!" you hurry him up.

"We saw Luke with another girl" Robin lets it out quickly, she was very anxious too. They all look at her annoyed, they wanted to tell you more carefully.

"What?" you ask her.

"Look, Robin and I were coming home from work and we saw him at an ice cream place, waiting in line with this other girl and- well... he was kissing her" Steve explains.

"Kissing?" you whisper as you're imagining the whole scene.

"On the lips" Robin adds to your comment.

"Yeah, I think she got that" Steve tells her.

"Um... I don't know, I-" You start freaking out again, a hundred thoughts going on at the same time in your head.

"It's fine, I know it's a lot to process, just take your tim-" Steve tries to calm you down but you interrupt him.

"Why are you all here? If it was just you two" you point to Steve and Robin. "then why are they here too?"

"Um, well we were kind of freaking out too after seeing that and we didn't know what to do so... we called them to help us... figure out what to do" Steve explains again, a little nervous at your reaction.

"So you're here to watch the show? Stupid girl finds out her boyfriend's cheating" you accuse them. In all realness, it was really embarasing that Eddie had to see you hearing the news, but you don't really know why it only bothers you that he is here.

"What?! No!"

"No, of course not!"

They start defending themselves.

"I don't know guys, just- I need some air" you get out of the house. Your friends start looking at each other trying to figure out what to do now.

"I'll go talk to her" Eddie offers and he follows you outside.

You're sitting on the side-walk, watching the road, lost in your thoughts.

"Hey" Eddie comes up to you and sits down at your side. "Do you wanna talk?"

"I can't believe it" you tell him. "I mean, there were signs that he was an asshole, but I didn't think he'd be this much of an asshole... He told me he loved me"

"You don't need him, love. It really makes me sick wathcing him treat you like this when you deserve so much more than him" he starts. "I mean, he should be thankful that you're even giving him a chance, you're too good for someone like him"

"Eds, you don't need to say all this... cliche shit to make me feel better"

"That's not what this is-" he starts but you interrupt him.

"I know I was an idiot, and that you all told me I should have left him, but I don't need your simpathy or your pitty"

"Alright, you want me to tell you what I really think?" he interrupts you now and you nod at his question. "I've always thought you should leave him, he has always made me sick. Sick that he treats you like that, like you're not settling for him! You don't need him!"

"What else do you think?" you could tell he was still not saying something. He hesitates but finally says it.

"That I'm better than him, I'll treat you so much better. And that I'll be waiting for when you change your mind"

"I am going to leave him" you say. "I'm not doubting that"

"Then, I would help you get over him... just saying" he flirts and it makes you smile.

"Will you wait a few more hours? so I can dump him, and then maybe I could come over to your place... just saying"

"I've been waiting since I met you, what's a few more hours?" he says with a smile, leaning really close to you, lips almost touching. And if he didn't move away after, you might have just kissed him now. But left it for later tonight.

Breaking up with Luke, you didn't even tell him that your friends saw him with another girl, you just told him that you didn’t feel the same anymore. He even had the nerve to ask you if there was someone else. You simply said "yes, but you have someone else as well, so we're even" and got out of there.

You went straight to Eddie’s apparment.

After you left Steve's house, Eddie went back inside with the biggest smile on his face. He told your friends that you were on your way to dump Luke and that you were going to come over after... to Eddie's place. Nancy and Robin celebrated, not only were you leaving your dickhead boyfriend, but also meeting Eddie after, just like they were hoping. Steve actually congratulated Eddie as if he had just gotten married.

When he heard a knock on his door, his heart skipped a beat. He had been tidying his apartment up, picking up the dirty clothes left on the floor, doing the dishes, and everything.

He opened the door and there you were.

"Hey" you say a little nervous.

"Come in" he steps aside from the door and you follow him inside.

"I left him" you start with that.

"Are you ok?" he asks.

"I am, i knew this would happen, guess I was just waiting to see if he cared a little bit to stop it"

"I want you know that I do mean what i said earlier, nut I don't want you to feel presured or anything. I've been waiting for you since I met you, I don't mind waiting more until you're comfortable"

"You said you'd help me get over him" you remind him and he nods, "I'm single now, just saying"

He smiles at your flirting. Grabs your hand and pulls you closer to him.

"Hope that not for much longer" he says having you inches away from his face, watching your lips. After that he closes the gap, finally kissing you.

[mgparker]

recruitment gone… right?

platonic!steven grant/marc spector x teenage!reader

summary: who in their right mind sends a teenager to recruit a dangerous vigilante all on their own? oh sam and fucking bucky.

warnings: teenage avenger reader, inaccuracies, clueless steven being an overall mess and a huge cap fan, violence, swearing, gen z shit? perhaps idk, 2k word count

request: ‘can you do a father figure Marc Spector/Steven Grant x A teenage avenger who was sent to recruit him? I imagine the reader being a typical Gen Z kid with a sarcastic sense of humor, but meaning well.’

notes: loosely based off this request i got MONTHS ago. i’m so sorry it’s taken forever this has literally been in my drafts for a year. not a whole lot of father figure-ing going on but i think it’s a funny little neutral recruitment blurb/one-shot. enjoy. also not sure if this is gen-z enough but i was not going to make this obnoxiously “relatable”

“It shouldn’t be too hard.”

“Sam, I want you to think about what you just said. Then think about who you’re talking to. And then… consider the possibility that your plan might actually work if you send Barnes.”

A distant voice shouted through the speaker of your phone. “No can do, kid. Recruitment is below my paygrade now!”

You rolled your eyes, shuffling down a busy sidewalk in the midst of London. “Oh, I’m sorry. I forgot I’m talking to the big champs now.”

You heard Sam chuckle in amusement, and you could imagine him shaking his head at your words. “You know what you gotta do. The sooner you get it done, the sooner you can get back to base. Kick some ass with the big champs.”

“Yeah, yeah,” it was time to get serious. “Got it, Wilson. I’ll check in later.”

Instead, it was Bucky who answered. “You’ve got this, squirt!” 

Rolling your eyes, you didn’t even give Sam a chance to get a word in before you were ending the call, stuffing your phone into your pocket and narrowing in on the bus stop ahead. 

This is stupid, you thought as you waited a safe distance away. You couldn’t risk your target spotting you before you could properly assess them. Who in their right mind sends a teenager—a freaking teenager—to recruit one of England’s most dangerous vigilantes?

You’re not scared—you were far more than capable to defend yourself, even against the famed Moon Knight—but it feels out of your way, something you’ve never been asked to do. But of course, as an Avenger, this was your duty.

You couldn’t help but think of this whole thing as a personal attack. With Bucky Barnes and Sam Wilson assuming the mantle of interim leaders of the Avengers (or rather what remains of them), this whole mission seemed like their version of a practical joke. 

Those two loved you with all their heart, you didn’t doubt it, but they take the role of “fun uncles” a bit too seriously. 

But anyway, this recruitment... This isn’t fun. Not in the slightest.

This is like being a salesperson. 

Shudder. 

Finally, you catch sight of your target—Steven Grant, an extremely sleepy, stumbling gift-shoppist who had appeared at the bus stop surprisingly early for once.

He seems gentle enough, guard mostly down, clutching his bag with a paranoid grip but that was the only thing tense about him. He’s technically older than you, not ridiculously so, but a bit younger than Sam.

You watch as his lips start forming some words; it’s subtle, nothing anyone would really notice unless they were analyzing him piece by piece like you currently were.

Ah. You realized with a pleased smile. Steven Grant and Marc Spector are working together. 

You’re snapped out of your thoughts by the sound of the bus arriving, squeaking loudly as it stopped in the street. 

Showtime. 

There was a click in your brain, or that’s what it felt like at least, and a quick scanning of your surroundings made it easy to instantly blend in. 

Steven Grant was having a decent morning. He actually woke up in time, ate a decent breakfast, and rushed out of the house with ten minutes to spare. 

Even Marc had been pleasant this morning, making unusual small talk as Steven went about his business, getting ready for work. 

And everything was well. Up until now—as he stood in the bus, trying to keep himself from falling asleep on the passengers around him, despite the extra shot of espresso he’d slipped into his drink this morning. 

Steven. 

He jolted awake, pulling his head away from a man’s shoulder with a small ‘sorry!’

But before he could doze off once more, something odd came over him. A strange tingling feeling, as if he was being watched. 

It snapped the drowsiness right out of his system, eyeing everyone suspiciously. 

You feel it too, don’t you? Something isn’t right. 

“What—” He mumbled quietly, searching for the source but coming up emptyhanded.

There was nothing peculiar or odd about his fellow commuters. 

So, he continued about his day, feeling that unsettling eye on him at all times but unaware as to its source. 

It was only when his shift was over, that he was walking home, that he decided this charade had gone on for far too long. 

Despite Marc’s pleas to let him front, Steven stopped in his dead tracks, away from any curious eyes. 

“Oi, who’s there?”

Great job, Steven. If that isn’t the most cliché thing to say before the main character gets killed in a horror movie. Marc sighed. 

“Shut up,” hissed Steven quietly. “You know I don’t watch horror movies—”

Steven blinked and suddenly you’re there, standing in front of him as if you’d been there the entire time. 

“AH!” 

The scream echoed down the alley, high-pitched and nearly startling you into a similar yelp. 

But you were quite used to your presence spooking others, it’s a part of your abilities that you’d never been able to control. 

Chest heaving and cheeks tinted with embarrassment, Steven gave you a suspicious glare. 

“Oh, it’s—it’s just a kid,” he tried to brush off his embarrassing reaction. 

You scoffed, a bruise to your ego. “Not just a kid.”

“Well, I know what I’m seeing,” Steven argued. “And you look like a child—“

“Firstly,” you’re staring at Mr. Knight’s suit, taken aback by the change in his appearance that you’d apparently triggered by startling him so bad. “I’m seventeen. Second, I thought you had a whole—“

You aimlessly motioned around your head in a sort of halo way, confusing the ever fuck out of Steven who just stood there blankly.

“A whole w-what?” He gaped, desperate to know what you— a complete stranger — had to say about his kickass suit.

“You know, a whole cape thing goin’ on.”

Ha! Colonel Sanders.

Steven wished there was a way to punch Marc.

“Now, you’re just talking about my lesser counterpart,” Steven shrugged, trying to hide the fact that he had just been offended to the core.

“Ouch, hard feelings?”

Steven pulled his lips to the side. “You could say that— wait. How do you know about—?”

“Let’s cut to the chase,” you interrupted. “I was sent here on behalf of an organization that is really interested in having you join our ranks. Normally, they’d send someone else but you’re stuck with me so—“

“What organization? What ranks? You’re hiring?” I guess we’re both interrupting each other now. You fought the urge to roll your eyes. Even if the task was annoying, you wouldn’t be returning to base with a new recruit if you hit him with a bunch of attitude.

Patience was not your strongest virtue. “Not exactly. As soon as you put that blade down, maybe we can talk some more.”

Steven looked down with a jolt, as if he hadn’t realized he’d been white-knuckling the weapon since you appeared.

Slowly, he started to store the blade before Marc cut in hastily. Hello? Are you seriously letting a kid tell you what to do? A kid who appeared out of thin air?

Steven caught Marc’s glare in the reflection of a small puddle, the road damp from London’s regular showers. He looked much more menacing than Steven, even with his half-assed suit. 

He hadn’t said it yet, but Steven knew Marc was aching to take over. And it was probably the smartest option- Steven wasn’t the best at confrontation. 

“Don’t hurt a minor please,” he pleaded quietly. Marc narrowed his eyes at the notion. But he nodded his head dismissively.

With a sigh, Steven allowed Marc to front.

All the while, you minded your own business as well as you could, staring at the sky suspiciously. You wouldn’t be surprised if Sam had sent Redwing to spy on you. Not because he didn’t trust you of course, but because him and Bucky loved to get a laugh in whenever they could. 

“Alright, let’s cut the bullshit. Who sent you? Harrow?” 

You nearly gave yourself whiplash from how fast your head snapped forward. 

The suit was different, cape billowing behind him, and eyes even whiter than before. They seemed to glow-- no, they were glowing-- and glare into the depths of your soul. You were almost intimidated.

“Who the hell is Harrow? Absolutely not. Since you asked so nicely, I was sent on behalf of Captain America.”

Captain America? He gripped the crescent blade tighter. 

He considered your words carefully, staring at you with the utmost suspicion. Lip curling up, head already starting to shake in disapproval, annoyance consuming him altogether— 

“That’s bullshit.”

“That’s- that’s amazing!”

You couldn’t help the smirk on your face. “It is pretty cool,” you shrugged thirty minutes later, chewing through a particularly large bite of your warm bagel. You were sat in the corner of a small, dingy bakery. What it lacked in aesthetics, the bakery definitely made up for in flavor.

“Do you think you could maybe, like I dunno, introduce us?” Steven asked with an excitement that barely kept him still in his seat.

You’re surprised he hasn’t gathered the attention of everyone else in the bakery, but for once, you’re not the one worried about being on the opposite end of a judgmental eye.

Being an Avenger in these post-Blip days isn’t as easy as it was before… stack that on top of being a ‘child’ and it’s the perfect recipe for disaster.

‘They’re too young!’

‘They can barely contain their abilities!’

‘The Avengers already ruined our lives before! Why should we trust a child?!’

Even if you denied it a million times, there was always a small part of you that craved their approval. Their vote of trust…Maybe this mission would help with that, once they learned that it was you who got the infamous bad-guy-turned-good Moon Knight to join the world’s mightiest superheroes…

Well, maybe it wasn’t exactly you who got Steven to willingly agree. But there was absolutely no way in hell you were ever telling Sam that it was his pull that got the deal sealed.

“Sure,” you smiled back at Steven who just about died at your response. The coffee in his mug jostled out and splashed onto the table. “Big Captain America fan?”

“As of late,” Steven grinned. “So, when do we leave? Is—” He gasped suddenly and lowered his voice to a whisper. “Is Captain America coming to pick me up?”

Jesus Christ. Marc groaned. This was a fucking mistake. 

Steven ignored him and looked at you expectantly.

You glanced up from your phone where you’d been rapidly typing something up. You did a double-take as you processed his question.

“Absolutely,” you deadpanned. “He’ll send a car for you. Probably meet you at the airport with his private jet.”

Steven’s eyes grew wider with every word. Marc was scowling in the reflection of the window behind you.

“Bollocks...” he breathed, staring down at his lap in disbelief. 

You narrowed your eyes at him.

“I don’t even know what to say. I mean, who—who would’ve thought they would send a seventeen-year-old to recruit little ole me—”

You saw something click in his brain. He looked up with glazed over irritation. “...you’re... you’re not being serious.”

“Of course, I’m not being serious, Grant. I got here alone and I’m more than capable of getting us back to base. You can save the fangirling for when we finally touch down alright? He’ll meet us there.”

Steven pursed his lips at you. 

Rolling your eyes, you finished your text and locked your phone with a click. “I’m being serious this time.”

Excitement poured into his gaze again. You’re not sure how Marc feels about it, only that after explaining yourself in very, very specific detail, he was open to the discussion. But it must be a mutual decision at this point. You doubt Steven would’ve gotten this far if his counterpart was fighting against it.

“Marc is on board?”

“Absolutely.”

Don’t lie. I’m regretting this more and more each second.

Steven continued. “Should I... should I pack my bags?”

“Yeah, that’d be a good idea,” you agreed nonchalantly.

“... now?”

You tapped your phone and glanced at the time. “If you want to make our flight in less than an hour, I’d say so.”

“Bollocks!” Steven exclaimed, nearly knocking the table over on his mad dash out the door. 

You snickered as he slammed into a lady on his way out. 

—————> the big champs + bucky

you: i’m expecting a promotion when i get back. and for you two to get off my ass already 

redwing’s bitch: I told you it wasn’t going to be too hard. Proud of you, kid

you: 😐

you: thanks i guess... expect a meet and greet when we get there. he’s probably going to be up your ass. steven’s your biggest fan. marc not so much.

you: and don’t worry bucky, they didn’t mention you at all <3

bucky bitchy barnes: fuck off. I have a fanbase. It’s on tweet.

you: wtf is tweet

bucky bitchy barnes: Don’t fuck with me you know what tweet is. 

you: my brother in christ... you mean to say twitter :,)

bucky bitchy barnes: I hate, no DETEST, your generation. 

ha ha

— elle <3

[glutengoblin]

From Eden (Sebastian Sallow X Reader)

A/N: Listen, listen, listen. I know I need to put out Guilty As Sin part 3 still and I am so sorry for that. Unfortunately, both writer's block and a busy af month have played a hand in my inability to publish part 3 yet. HOWEVER, I hope you'll enjoy this small piece I speed wrote in the past couple of hours because I had an idea and wanted to roll with it. While it's not my best work, I hope it's better than nothing. This one is based on one of my favorite songs atm, "From Eden" by Hozier. I highly suggest listening to the song while you read this one:

I hope you enjoy!

(PS Sorry to Leander I just needed a shitty boyfriend)

(She/her pronouns, house neutral)

Word Count: 3.1k

Warnings: Some Mature Language

Disclaimer: I am not Hozier and therefore do not own the rights to "From Eden"

If someone had asked Sebastian what his favorite part of going to Hogwarts was when he was younger, he probably would have naively said the large library. Since 5th year, however, that notion had changed. His favorite part of going to Hogwarts was the ability to learn spells. After all, spells gave him power, and power had so many useful applications.

For instance, knocking Leander and his pathetic, overly chivalrous ass onto the floor during a heated round in crossed wands. Leander wasn't quite sure what made the rounds so heated between him and Sebastian. Sebastian’s occasional glance to see if she was still watching seemed to go unnoticed by his opponent. But the onslaught continued until Lucan had to declare Sebastian the winner, lest someone (Leander) actually become injured.

Sebastian was nice enough to offer Leander a hand, pulling him off the dusty floor of the clock tower with a swift tug. Leander stumbled to his feet. Once he caught himself, he brushed off his robes just as a familiar face closed in on the two men.

Y/N approached, her face looking concerned as she ran a hand over the tear in the shoulder of Leander’s robes. He simply shrugged her off, looking to Sebastian, as if to say that he had better things to do to the Y/N, who took a step back, concern still covering her face. “Say, Sebastian…”

Sebastian raised an eyebrow at this action, partly because he and Leander hardly ever talked when not absolutely required, and partly because he could not imagine just brushing off the Y/N L/N like that. If he had done that, he was sure Y/N would have hexed him half into oblivion. “Yes, Leander?”

“Why don’t we duel again sometime? Maybe outside of crossed wands, perhaps when we can finish the match properly?” His eyes dashed around, as if double-checking that no one else was overhearing the conversation. No one else, except for Y/N of course, who stood there and just rolled her eyes, partly peeved at being brushed off and partly peeved at the audacity Leander had in picking a fight when he had just been so horribly beaten.

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea, Leander.” Sebastian looked down at his hand, studying the single cut he had sustained after multiple rounds of crossed wands. “You wouldn’t want to end up horribly wounded when I would finally be allowed to show you all those very fun spells I’ve been learning during my time in the restricted section. That would certainly embarrass you in front of your girlfriend. Maybe you should listen to her more often. I’m sure she could tell you why dueling me with no restrictions is such a bad idea.” Sebastian’s smile was positively serpentine when he looked up again to meet Leander’s red face.

The Gryffindor sputtered for a moment, before simply turning away and marching off in a huff. Y/N took a moment to glare at Sebastian, before racing after her now retreating boyfriend. Sebastian watched as Y/N followed after Leander, trying to reach for his hand in a desperate attempt to make him wait for her. How Y/N, beautiful, devious, stubborn Y/N had become tangled up in a relationship with that asshole, Sebastian didn’t know. His eyes followed her form until she disappeared into a sea of robes, no doubt trying to find Leander to talk him down from doing anything drastic that would land him in detention in an instance.

Sebastian sighed, turning to walk back towards the Great Hall for dinner. By the time he made it to the courtyard, he had spotted Ominis weaving his way amongst students, evidently making his way towards dinner as well. Sebastian sped up to a jog, looping his arm through Ominis’s once he approached. “Hello Ominis,” he greeted, matching his best friend’s pace.

“Hello Sebastian. You seem… rather cheerful for it being a Monday. Do I even want to know what could improve your mood so much from this morning?” Sebastian’s chuckle reverberated on the stone walls as they made their way into the great hall and sat at their usual spot towards the end of the Slytherin table.

“Oh, every day is a good day when I get to knock Leander fucking Prewett on his ass in front of the entirety of cross wands… and he has the audacity to ask for an even more unsanctioned rematch.” Ominis’s face molded into a worried frown, as he chewed on a piece of potato.

“Please tell me you said no.”

“Oh don’t worry, I did. But not without telling him that I think he embarrassed himself in front of his girlfriend enough.” Ominis shuttered at the last sentence, shaking his head in disappointment.

“Sebastian, how many times have I told you that you should leave Y/N out of your and Leander’s petty feud? She’s done nothing wrong to you, regardless of how you view it.” Ominis knew his pleas were likely falling on deaf ears, but he felt it only right to make them anyway.

“Oh please,” Sebastian scoffed, stabbing his fork into his chicken a little too hard. “I could care less about her.”

“You cried for three days straight when she told you she was dating Leander.”

The glare Sebastian shot him was deadly enough to get him sent straight to Azkaban there and then.

“Well,” Sebastian let out a huff, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “I don’t care about her now.”

Sebastian knew that was a lie and he was pretty sure that Ominis did too. Truth be told, Sebastian was just as obsessed with Y/N as the day he had first met her in DADA, perhaps even more. He told himself that was simply how these kinds of things worked - what he couldn’t have he would simply long for more… Especially if Leander Prewett got to have him, but he didn’t. His growing obsession with her was nothing he should be embarassed about in theory. But still, he didn’t need to go shouting his affection for her from the rooftops.

Sebastian drowned out the chiding that Ominis proceeded to give him by searching for her across the sea of tables. When his eyes finally landed on her, he found her sitting at the Gryffindor table, looking positively desolate. The vacant stare she seemed to wear a lot at dinner these days was present and she seemed to hardly take note of the boisterous conversation Leander was having with Eric Northcott over wizard chest. It seemed like the once ever-present light had drained from her eyes, leaving such a hollow shell that Sebastian had only seen once before: right after she defeated Ranrok. He shook of the thought of that night with a shutter, chiding his mind to return to the present instance.

Eventually, she seemed to settle on the fact that she couldn’t eat anymore and bid her farewells to the people she sat by. Leander seemed to hardly acknowledge the kiss she pressed to his cheek before she departed the great hall with quick steps, head held low.

What had started as curiosity slowly turned to concern as Sebastian watched her leave. He straightened a bit in his seat, patting Ominis on the back as he stood up. “Perhaps you’re right Ominis. Maybe talking to Y/N would be the right solution to this-” Ominis’s mouth hung agape, instantly trailing off his rant.

“That’s not what I was saying at all Sebastian! Were you even listening? I said that you should apolo-”

But Sebastian disappeared too quickly to hear out the rest of what his friend had to say. When Sebastian had his mind set on something, there was no doubt he would do it- and finding Y/N right now was no exception.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

Except, it was an hour later when he strolled through the door to the undercroft, utterly surprised to find her here of all places. He had searched every one of her normal haunts: the music classroom, the astronomy tower, and every corner of the library. She was nowhere to be found until he walked sulking the undercroft, honestly defeated from having failed at his task so miserably.

Thus, he was startled when he saw her form curled up on the old couch he and Ominis had shoved in a corner at the start of 6th year. He had hardly seen her down there since she had started dating Leander, but his eyes didn’t deceive him.

The sight was almost tragic. Here was the hero of Hogwarts, the 5th year that had managed to save the entire wizarding world despite having only been introduced to magic at 14… and she was crying, rocking back and forth like a child who woke up from a nightmare.

Sebastian approached with caution, quietly sitting down on the opposite side of the couch. He waited for her eyes to appear before offering her a soft smile, in his best effort to lure her out from the ball that she had rolled herself into.

“Hey you.” He said, with a softness that he only reserved for her. “I’m sorry about early. Leander is a prick, but I shouldn’t have dragged you into it.”

The glare that she offered him made his heart flutter. Somehow it had assured him that the Y/N, the feisty one he admired so much, was still in there. A mirror of their past interactions that he missed more than he cared to admit. His smile grew a bit more at the realization before he continued.

“Truly, I am sorry Y/N.” He moved a bit closer.

Sebastian was never the best at controlling his mouth. Y/N had learned this when he first called her ignorant. Still, she was surprised at the lack of tact he had when, “But I think you should break up with Leander,” slipped from his mouth.

She wiped away the last of her tears, finally meeting his gaze with a full born glaze that he swore could shoot daggers through his heart. “Who cares what you think Sebastian, it’s my fucking relationship. I didn’t ask for your opinion,” she spit with vitriol, the anger overtaking frame her causing her to shake slightly. How dare he have the audacity to now, after she had waited for him for a fucking year to return her feelings, speak about the relationship she had built for herself.

Clearly, Sebastian had no self preservation instincts as he moved even closer to the ancient magic wielder, grasping her hand in his. Even he wasn’t so sure what had overcome him in the moment, but he thought it was about time he said what he had been thinking the past three months out loud. “You’ve looked so lonesome since you started dating him Y/N. You’re no longer yourself. You no longer have time for me, or for Ominis. So I’m sorry that I snapped at Leander today, but I’m not sorry for stating the truth. He’s bad for you Y/N. You should break up with him.”

Y/N pulled back instantly, recoiling her hand as if burnt. “And who the fuck should I date then Sebastian? You?” She laughed at his audacity, waiting for his next retort. When it didn’t immediately come, and he only answered her with a longing stare, she let out a chocked laugh. “You can’t be serious.”

Sebastian waited a few more moments before responding, “Yes. I am. Fuck it. Date me instead. I know I’m far from innocent, I know I’m an asshole. I know I’m brash. But fuck it. I’d treat you better than he would any day. Break up with Leander. Date me instead.” The pleading look in his eyes was enough to tell Y/N that he wasn’t kidding. She stilled, eyes passing over his freckled face multiple times as if she couldn’t believe the sight.

Her voice was barely above a whisper when she replied. “Sebastian… You know we would never work. We nearly tore each other apart in 5th year… D-Do you remember all our arguments?” She cursed the crack in her voice, worried it would give away the fact that she was also trying to convince herself, not just him, that them dating would be a horrible idea. She had repeated the same reasoning to herself every night when she tried to get over him. Why did that reasoning seem so horrible now?

Sebastian waited another beat, before standing up. “I know Y/N. But just think about it.” He brushed off his pant leg, and began making his way towards the door of the undercroft. “If you decide that it.. that us is something you’d like to try, meet me by the spot we used to picnic at in front of the Black lake on Friday afternoon, okay?”

Sebastian couldn’t bear to glance back and see her expression as he escaped up the undercroft stairs.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

By Thursday, Sebastian was cursing himself for choosing a day so far away to hear her decision. He hadn’t told Ominis what he had done, but even without sight his friend could sense the stress radiating off of him.

Sebastian was never much of one to pay attention for the entirety of class, but the past couple of days he seemed to be even more far off than usual. Though he had watched her before, sneaking glances at her during class between joting down notes, Sebastian found himself practically staring at her throughout all of their classes together. When they weren’t in some shared area, his thoughts were utterly consumed by her- thoughts of how he would treat her correctly, give her all his attention, how he would touch her if only given the chance.

Sebastian’s heart nearly dropped in his stomach that night when she sat down in her usual spot next to Leander, clearly still trying to play the good, faithful girlfriend. Yes, she had done the same the past 2 nights, but Sebastian had been holding onto hope that she would surprise him and cut off their relationship that day. Unfortunately it seemed like the situation was spent and he would have to live with the fact that she had chosen Leander bloody Prewett over him.

Still, Sebastian chose to torture himself as he continued to study her. She seemed to keep up the act of being a good girlfriend for a good 20 minutes, continually and patiently trying to get Leander’s attention. Eventually, when she whispered something in Leander’s ear and he brushed her off for the fifth time, she shot to her feet.

Sebastian froze, hearing the boom in her voice from across the hall. Even Ominis perked up to listen as the scene unfolded.

“I’m done with this bullshit Leander.” She threw her napkin down on the table, a murderous look filling her gaze. “I’m done with you and this bullshit relationship. This entire time you’ve made me feel like shit. For fuck’s sake, you can’t even get your mind off of losing summoner’s court once for long enough to ask me about how my fucking day was.” Leander tried to cut her off, grabbing her hand in an effort to get her to sit down and be quiet once again. She quickly shook him off. “It was awful, thanks for asking. Because I have a boyfriend who couldn’t give a rat’s ass about me! Well guess what, I’m thinking tomorrow will be better because I won’t have such a shitty boyfriend anymore. We’re DONE!”

She stormed out of the hall, the doors flying open in her path by way of her non-verbal magic radiating off her in waves.

The whole hall, including the professors, was silent for a moment, shock clear on everyone’s faces.

Eventually, Headmaster Black cleared his throat, booming voice filling the hall as walked up to the podium. “Well, everyone can go back to dinner now. No need to waste time on silly, childish relationship fallouts.”

With that, the chatter suddenly resumed, and most students went back to pretending everything was normal. Leander was still as red as a beet, clearly furious. Sebastian stared at him for a moment before bursting out in laughter so strong, he would have fallen off the bench if it wasn’t for Ominis grabbing the shoulder of his robes and gripping tightly. 

Ominis’s frown was back with a strength, as he stared at Sebastian. “Do I even want to know what’s so funny?”

“Oh nothing… Nothing all at.” Sebastian stopped laughing for long enough to shoot him a grin. “I’m just glad the Y/N we know and love is back.”

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

The next day, Sebastian stood staring out at Black lake, rocking back and forth on his heels and toes. Although he certainly had more hope this afternoon that Y/N might return his feelings than any of the previous ones, he still felt unsure. Perhaps she had decided to break up with Leander only to remain single for a time to recover. As the afternoon wore on and the picnic he had laid out began to go untouched, Sebastian’s concern only grew. The racing clouds overhead only added to the air of anxiety that had grown around him, causing his mental state to spiral out.

It wasn’t until he heard the crunching of footsteps on the dry grass and spun around to see her that his disposition finally changed, a large grin making its way onto his face. 

“You came.” He stated, his voice hardly above a whisper, his excitement stealing it away.

“I did.” She returned his smile with a wholesome one of her own, approaching and grasping his hand from his side, giving it a tight squeeze. “Thank you, Sebastian.” Confusion passed over his features, as he squeezed her hand back.

“Whatever for?” He muttered.

“For waking me up to the fact that I was in a relationship that certainly wasn’t what I needed. And for alerting me to the fact that I could have another one that would be much better… although you certainly could have asked me more chivalrously than you did. Typically calling the object of your affection’s boyfriend weak isn’t the best way to gain any favors.”

Sebastian let out a laugh, unable to wait any longer as he pulled her towards her, wrapping his arms securely around her frame. “Well, you know what I’ve always said- chivalry is for the weak.” 

With that, Sebastian did what he had been waiting to do for quite some time. He kissed her.

[discobiscotto]

“Signor Marcovaldo is my father, call me Alberto, Alby…or Maestro 😏”

If we’re talking predictability in design, adult Alberto was NOT easy. I had literally nothing to work from. No (living?) family to compare to, no hints at what kindof quirks he may develop. I had nothing!

All I had was that (assumed) deep-seated desire to be accepted, useful/helpful, and not left behind…..that, and yanno, that Charisma In Excess (as a KID no less, dude calm that shxt down or you’re grounded lol)

Alot of pawing around in the dark and just going with what felt right to me.

I took some cues here and there. Some pretty forward and commonly accepted (“You, the big strong one.” etc), others subtle and unassuming but I ran like the wind with it?

Anyway, here we go. What’s the deal with this walking bowl of spaghetti anyhow?

This will be a two parter. His seamonster form requires a separate post.

Alberto as I said is a bit of a wild card. He doesn’t have as much of an obvious blueprint compared to Luca or Giulia.

His physical appearance for his human form was based solely on environmental influence.

Physically I imagined him to be a bit rough around the edges. Kindof gaunt but not so much that he looks sick or weak. He’s pretty much just one big muscle. Not an ounce of fat on him. Nothing but sinew. Very toned and muscular but certainly not huge. He’s just solid and FIT.

He’s a guy from the docks. He’s a fisherman. He’s salty and peppered in scars. Heavy calloused hands. He picked up smoking at a young age. He spends endless hours in the sun, thus he’s still very freckly as an adult. His impulsive ass got a tooth busted out in a fist-fight. Five o clock shadow and untidy sandy facial hair. I imagined his hair growing more “out and up” than down. Tight coils suggest he’d likely have a ‘fro or pomp, so I combined the two, keeping that old Alberto “top heavy” hairdo lol.

Profoundly Italian, so he’s pretty furry everywhere. Being a hard worker for years, excessive sun exposure, substance use, he looks alittle “older” than he actually is. (Pushing 34 ish).

I made him very tall, 6’4” ish. I admit, I love a good “Tall Man x Small Man” dynamic, so that’s definitely a shameless “luberto-centric” choice lol But I also considered a funny “goldfish” concept where just like a goldfish only gets bigger when his bowl is bigger…perhaps nature was trying to make him “compete” and measure up or even end up bigger than Massimo. 😆

If there’s one thing I learned from “Ciao Alberto” it’s that Alberto has a deep desire to be useful and accepted. He tries through the entire film to impress Massimo and in turn hope Massimo accepts him and sees Alberto can be just as good at his knife-wielding barrel heaving badassery as he is.

Alberto ultimately ending up as a fisherman by trade was an easy choice. Not only do I write what I know (being a Mainer in the coast with a deep affinity with fishermen and shipbuilders) but it is the ultimate way to show his love for Massimo. To help carry on the legacy.

Alberto has mastered some unlikely skills as well. Not as unlikely as you’d expect though considering his desire to impress Massimo.

So consider this:

-Alright, Massimo is great at cooking. Alberto sucks EPICALLY at first but over time, his motivation to measure up to his hero and dad-figure makes him an amazing cook? Check.

-Massimo likes to sing. Alberto picks it up and finds he’s an Unreasonably Excellent Singer and prodigious musician who plays by ear? DOUBLE CHECK.

(Note: The lore and reasons behind this and Alberto’s mandolin will be a blogpost on its own eventually)

-Alberto being a competent and prolific/productive fisherman resulting in the family biz growing and delivering outside of Portorosso? Definitely a proud moment for Massimo.

So to me it all checks out, and drives home Alberto’s strong gumption and the next generation being better than the generation before. As a parent, I subscribe to this goal. I want my boys to be the “Big Strong Ones.”

There’s also the bit that Alberto is a bit of a lush and a party animal. Charismatic, has a bit of a Casanova complex. Charm pouring out of his ears. Why? Well, dang, I really don’t know. I guess bringing it back to that “Charisma In Excess” statement at the beginning of this, it just felt right somehow. I had it so that he really wasn’t all that conventionally attractive but had a level of animal magnetism that’s hard to resist.

There’s lore behind that too…but will be reserved for his “Fish Form” post.

I dunno, it’s probably cus he’s Italian. It could be that simple. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[thatredheadwriter]

New Suit

frankie morales x reader [3.3k]

Frankie needs a confidence boost after trying on clothes {I’ve certainly been there). You’re more than happy to help.

-

This is an NSFW oneshot for female reader with Frankie Morales of Triple Frontier. This work contains smut and mature language and should not be read by those under 18. As a writer, I will attempt to make accurate warnings for each of my fics, however, I cannot guarantee that I will identify each and every sensitive topic. My works regularly contain swearing, allusions to/mentions of sex, and canon-level violence.

Content Includes (but is not limited to):

pet names (baby, pup, etc)

body insecurity (Frankie, not reader)

f!dom

m!sub

teasing

lots of dirty talk

oral (m receiving)

Frankie pulls a brat card

hair pulling

hickeys/marking

stoplight system/scene check-in

thigh riding

saying nice things about your partner during sex (I guess this counts as praise?)

unprotected PIV sex (don’t be silly, wrap your willy)

riding (receiver on top) position

allusions to the elusive A-spot

aftercare (that goes both ways!)

Please read at your own discretion and remember to consume your fanfiction responsibly.

-

“I look like an idiot!” Frankie calls from the bathroom, amongst a string of curses and odd noises you hope to god aren’t the destruction of anything too expensive.

“I know that’s not true. Do you want my help?” you start to rise from your spot on the bed but a quick, grumpy ‘no’ glues you to your spot.

Frankie Morales loves his friends. He’d do anything for them. Apparently, that includes wearing a suit, which is the one thing he’s been dreading like hell since Will asked him to be in the wedding party.

As curious as you are to see your diamond in the rough a little polished up, you haven’t enjoyed the anxiety the fitting process has caused him. It was Emily’s idea to use an online service, she knew there was no chance in hell to get all the guys in a tailor shop at one time.

“You can’t laugh, okay?” Frankie says from somewhere just his side of the door.

“Baby, I promise I won’t laugh.”

Frankie emerges from the bathroom looking like a kicked puppy, head hung low. It doesn’t match the sight before you.

A white button-down stretched across his chest serves as the perfect base for the dark blue suit that covers the rest of him. The crisp lines and structure of the jacket highlight all your favorite things about his physicality–the height, his broad shoulders, the little belly he despises that you absolutely love.

The pants are even better. While you can tell the waistband is a little snug, his thighs are skimmed just right in a way that makes you drool. You just know that if he turned a little you’d be treated to the sight of his ass draped in the same gorgeous fabric.

“How bad is it?”

Frankie’s question shocks you from your daze and you look at him like he’s grown a third head.

“Ex-fucking-scuse me, but I really don’t know what you’re talking about,” you unfold yourself from the bed as your partner starts to protest. “You look fine. Better than fine, actually. Baby you look fine.

“I’m not…don’t say that just to make me feel better.”

Frankie doesn’t want your words? Fine. You’ll just show him how you feel.

He hasn’t met your eyes since he stepped out of the bathroom with that damned suit on. And he doesn’t. Until you take his jacket lapels in your fists and use the grip to pull his body against yours.

“Look at me, baby,” you purr, looking up at him through your eyelashes. He meets your gaze with a mix of confusion and self-loathing. “You look absolutely stunning in that suit. And if it wasn’t a rental, I’d tell you to leave it on for what I’m about to do next.”

You steer him back towards the bed, your favorite man instantly turned to putty in your hands.

“What are you going to do?”

A wicked smirk curls across your face as you sink to your knees in front of him. “I’m going to remind you just how fucking gorgeous you are.” You don’t miss the way his nostrils flare when your rub your nose along the line of his thigh, dangerously close to the growing bulge just a few inches away. “Is that okay with you?”

“Fuck, yes,” Frankie grunts above you, hands balled in fists at his side.

“The blue really suits you, Frankie. Pardon the pun.” Your fingers trace absent patterns from the sides of his thigh to the edge of his waistband where his tummy presses against the fabric. “Such a shame to take it off, but if you really hate this suit there’s no point in buying it.”

“Nope.” There’s a tension to his voice, and his knuckles have gone white at his side. The amount of power, the amount of restraint before you, it has you dripping into your jeans.

“Strip then,” you order, sitting back on your heels.

It’s an excellent view as he slides the jacket down his arms, tugging a little harder as it gets caught on his biceps. His deft fingers make quick work of the pants. He unbuttons and zips them and in one quick motion you nearly miss they’re in a crumpled pile in the corner of the room.

You’re torn on where to look. On one hand, Frankie’s impressive cock is just inches away from your face, barely contained by the charcoal gray boxer briefs that are sporting the tiniest spot of precum. But above you is the embodiment of delayed gratification. You watch as pearl colored buttons are undone one at a time by fingers so large yet so nimble. Each one reveals more and more of his broad chest. Until finally it falls open to the trail of hair that disappears into the waistband of his boxers.

He tugs on the sleeves a couple times each before tossing it in a ball to join the jacket and trousers. His thumbs just hook into the waistband of his underwear when you stop him, hands over his.

“Allow me, baby,” you grin, saccharine sweet and deadly.

Slowly, like you’re taking apart a bomb, you slip an index finger into each side of his waistband before hooking your fingers and tugging ever so gently. The hiss of breath above you is telling of Frankie’s patience, and you look up at him with your most innocent pout.

“Don’t want to damage the merchandise.”

Once his impressive cock springs free, you tug them the rest of the way down and pull gently until Frankie’s stepped out of them. They unceremoniously join the growing pile of clothes.

“Such a handsome cock,” you say to no one in particular. Your hand slips around the base of him and he lets out half a sigh.

You can feel his eyes on you as you lean in slow and kiss the tip. You kiss him again, and again. But that first lick, oh it gets him every time. Just a small thing right under the tip, but it has his head dropped back and his ears turning bright red.

There’s no hurry in the way you enjoy Frankie’s cock. Whenever he takes control, which is more often than you do, you don’t get to take your time with him like this. To really relish every little catch of breath and muffled curse coming from above you. Slowly you begin to work him into your mouth—taking part of him, and then more.

When you bottom out at the base of his cock, nose pressed to his pelvis, a strangled moan leaves his throat. Almost involuntarily his fingers begin to card through your hair, scratching at your scalp in the way that sends tingles down your spine. You pull off almost immediately, an obscene amount of saliva dripping down your chin and off his cock.

“Ah, ah,” your hands slip up over his wrists and tug them away from your head and pin them gently to the bed by his thighs. “Did I say you could touch?”

“You’re killing me, pup,” Franke grits his teeth above you.

Your voice and gaze are sharp, “Hands off or I stop. Tell me who runs this show, flyboy?” While you wait for his response, your hand returns to his throbbing cock where you stroke him almost absentmindedly, if it weren’t for the way you were absolutely torturing him. Meanwhile, your eyes stayed fixed on his, a teacher waiting on the answer of her pupil.

“You. Fuck, you’re in charge,” he snarls behind gritted teeth.

That earns him a smile. He’s being so good after all.

In bed, Frankie usually takes and gives what he wants, and you’re happy to let him. But in times like these, both of you know who needs to take the reigns.

“Sit back on the bed for me, Francisco.” Your hand slows to a stop and you stand from the floor. “I want to show you something.

He does as you ask without hesitation and watches enraptured as you strip off your saliva spotted t-shirt and shimmy out of your jeans. His cock stands proudly at attention, glistening in the early afternoon light as he takes in your lace clad form.

It’s not a fancy set, a cotton bralette and matching thong. However it just so happens to be his favorite. You had a feeling suit fitting would at least warrant a little treat.

But Frankie doesn’t get to enjoy it all yet.

“Do you want to see me cum?”

You’re facing the wall, and from the mirror in the corner you see the way his cock twitches at the thought. A low groan rumbles from his chest as he fights the urge to relieve himself in the slightest and instead answers with a breathy, “Yes.”

“Francisco, do you deserve to see me come?”

“I don’t know, you tell me.”

His words hit you like cold water, and you turn with fire in your eyes.

Slowly and deliberately you come to stand before him before straddling one of his thighs and lowering yourself down. Your eyes stay locked with his the entire time.

In a quick move--that you learned from him--your hand jets up his back to grab a fistful of luscious curls. Using the leverage you yank his head back, exposing the column of his neck and earning yourself a needy whine from the large man beneath you.

“No, you fucking don’t,” you whisper in his ear. And then you’re devouring him, holding him in place by the thinnest tether. Your lips and teeth move down the prominent muscles and tendons of his neck, memorizing every groan and whimper along the way until you’re nipping at his collarbone and you feel precum start to drip on your thigh.

When you finally pull away, the both of you are panting, and need wells deep within his eyes.

“Color?” you breathe, dropping the persona for just a moment and releasing your hold on his hair to sweep a stray curl away from his brow.

“Green.”

You give him a soft smile and a deeper kiss than you intended before pushing him away, hands flat on his chest. From there they travel, caressing down his arms until you find his wrists. From thumb to middle finger, your hand doesn’t even come close to reaching.

Frankie watches silently as you guide his wrists behind him, a stifled moan when your tits press against him. You settle them behind his ass.

“Leave them there or I’ll get the cuffs.”

You kiss him again, and allow yourself to get lost in the usual rhythm of Frankie. Your hands find purchase on his shoulders as you begin to move your body against his, moving your clothed cunt against his thigh.

“Do you want to know how this is going to work, baby?” you croon lowly, just for the two of you to hear.

He nods silently, brow knit with the effort it’s taking him to keep his hands where they are without restraints.

“I’m going to hump your gorgeous fucking thigh here,” you giggle when he blushes ever so slightly, “And say all sorts of lovely things about you.”

“Yeah?”

The word is dripping in lust.

“Yes, baby. I’m gonna cum all over your thigh. And if you’re a good boy for me, I’m going to ride that pretty cock of yours until you fill me up, just like you like.”

“Shit.”

Despite the way you’re rocking your hips against him, you have to focus on your purpose with this exercise.

One of your hands slips its way back up into the base of Frankie’s thick hair. You run your fingers through his curls.

“I love these curls, you know. They drive me wild. You drive me wild, the way you’re always wearing that damn hat.”

His eyes are transfixed on the place where your core is rubbing against him, mouth parted as his breath comes in heavy pants.

“You’ve got this gray coming in, just here,” your other hand snakes up Frankie’s torso, cradling his tense jaw in your palm. “It makes you even sexier, you know. Eventually you’ll be my silver fox.”

Underneath you, Frankie harrumphs and looks away, but you’re quick to redirect his attention when you grab his chin.

“Uh-uh, baby, let me see those pretty eyes. I need you to hear me,” you tap the side of his face with your fingers, and grin wildly at the way he bares his teeth.

“God, this perfect fucking thigh. I could do this for ages. Get to watch you lose your mind while I use you like a toy.”

The hand around his back makes its way around to rest on the small swell of his belly. “This little belly you hate so much, I go feral for it. Love seeing you get soft for me. No one knows how deep you fuck me into the mattress at night.”

A familiar sensation is building at the base of your spine, and you bite back a moan that threatens to escape.

“Your friends are so lucky to have you. You’re brave, loyal, kind.” You nearly lose your rythm at the look of absolute anguish on Frankie’s face, but then your clit catches fabric and muscle just right, making your hips stutter as you cry out.

“You’re so strong and powerful and so fucking gentle,” you ramble, racing towards your high. “Fuck, Frankie. You can touch me. Hands on my hips, baby. I need to feel you.”

Frankie doesn’t need to be told twice. You can see the instant relief when his hands land on your heated skin, his forehead coming to press against yours.

“You-you’re a good man, Frankie. I mean that. You deserve so, so much,” you pant. When your eyes find his face again you notice a single tear has escaped down the side of his cheek.

“And I’m gonna cum for you.”

His hands help guide you through it, helping you stay balanced even as your toes curl and your fingernails dig into the meat of his shoulders. And when you’re finished, he waits for you to call the next move as you catch your breath.

“Good fucking boy,” you praise, reaching for his hand. Entwining your fingers, you bring his wrist to your mouth so you can kiss and bite at the pulse point there. “The best, my Francisco.”

WIth one last nip, you stand on shaky legs and push Frankie back onto the mattress. He knows what’s coming—and so does his cock. Poor thing is practically purple, dripping precum left and right.

He repositions himself up the bed, sitting up on his elbows to watch as you strip off your soaked thong and bralette. His tongue traces his lip and you know he’s just dying to get his mouth on your chest.

“You ready for me?” you ask as you swing your leg over him, settling over his delightfully plush belly. He doesn’t answer at first, too enamored by the swell of your breasts right in his line of sight. “You can touch ‘em once you’re inside me, sweetheart.” You chuckle at his distraction.

“Fuck, I’m ready.”

You lift yourself up and hover for a moment as you line his aching shaft up with your cunt. There’s plenty of slick leftover from your orgasm, but it’s still a tight fit as you sink on top of him. Twin moans fill the room as you’re slowly filled to the hilt.

“Shit, pup, you’re so tight,” his face is pinched in concentration as he tries not to rut into you right away.

“Shhhh, shhhh,” you rub a hand down his chest, chuckling only a little when he settles one hand on your tit and the other on your hip. “You’re doin’ so good for me, baby. That’s my boy.”

A few deep breaths in and out and you finally begin to roll your hips. Grinding at first until you find your rythm, then you start to really ride him, pushing yourself up and down on his aching shaft.

You’ll have bruises tomorrow the way Frankie’s gripping you, but you always do. Not that you’d ever mind. He sits up a little so he can suck a nipple into his mouth. Frankie’s always thorough, he takes his time lavishing each side with tongue and teeth. By the time he’s had his fill of your tits, both of you are so close to that carnal precipice you can nearly taste it.

You feel everything start to tighten with the promise of your orgasm and suddenly it’s a lot harder to keep a steady pace. Planting your hands firmly on Frankie’s chest, you lean down just the slightest bit and growl, “Why don’t you help me a little here, big boy?”

That’s all it takes. You’re still in control, but Frankie is eager to please and he knows exactly what you—and he—want. Finally allowed to chase his pleasure, and actively contribute to yours, you’re ready when he plants his heels on the bed and begins thrusting up into you so hard you’re bouncing from the force of it alone.

He’s practically incoherent beneath you. Declarations of love and strings of endearment are cut off by primal sounds as he determinedly fucks you to your high. At this angle, the friction of his skin against your clit is just enough to push you over that edge, and when he hits a spot you’ve never felt before you think you’re going to explode with pleasure.

“Fuck, Frankie, don’t stop! Right there!” Your eyes are screwed tight and you’re not hardly recovered from your second orgasm when he finds the spot again. And again and again. Until you collapse sobbing onto Frankie’s chest in one of the most intense orgasms of your life as he ruts up into you two, three more times before he cums deep and hot inside of you.

“Shit, pup, are you alright?” He’s careful as he sits up, unsure of what just happened other than that you’ve gone completely boneless on top of him.

You’re trying to move but it’s like your nervous system is still rebooting.

“I’m fine, just need a sec,” you try to laugh but it comes out more of a breathy chuckle. It’s not too long before you can sit up again. When you do, Frankie’s eyes are studying you with deep concern.

“You good?”

“I’m good, Frankie. I think you just learned a new trick.”

The two of you soon realize that the bed is wet. Your eyes meet Frankie’s and the two of you dissolve into a fit of giggles.

“Go start the shower,” you kiss him deeply, “I’ll change the sheets.”

He holds you long enough to press a chaste kiss to your forehead. As chaste as a kiss can be when his half-hard cock is still inside you.

You part from him with a groan and begin your task--not without sneaking a peak at his wide, tight ass--as Frankie struts off to the bathroom.

-

You hold him from behind, cheek pressed between his shoulder blades as the water cascades down the front of him.

“How was it?” you murmur into the cool skin of his back.

“Mi tesoro, it was everything. Thank you.”

“I didn’t go too far?”

Frankie breaks free of your hold and turns to face you, one hand falling to rub a familiar pattern on your hip, the other cradling your jaw.

“Never, pup. I loved every minute of it. And you.” He seals his words with a kiss that has your hands slipping up to hook around his neck, afraid he’ll pull away before you’re properly drunk on him.

You’re breathless when he breaks away, tugging at your lower lip between his teeth as you part. A wicked smirk pulls at his lips.

“And I’m keeping the suit.”

[onyourowndaisymae]

Hello! If possible, could I request the Obey Me brothers + dateables and their reactions to an MC with dyscalculia? If not, it's totally fine!! I hope you've an awesome week <3 !!

obey me brothers + an mc with dyscalculia (pt. 1)

in order to get shit out in even a remotely timely manner, i've decided to now and in the future start splitting asks into two individual posts based on character group (brothers vs dateables/side characters). it was between that and shortening the posts and since i'd rather bite my own fingers off than put out content i'm not proud of, this is my solution! so let's call this part 1 to this ask. also sorry it takes me obscenely long to post i am a mess

content warnings: none

"Dyscalculia is a learning disorder that affects a person's ability to do math. Much like dyslexia disrupts areas of the brain related to reading, dyscalculia affects brain areas that handle math- and number-related skills and understanding." - Cleveland Clinic

Lucifer

lucifer is such a dad about this, like i cannot express this enough.

he knows you have dyscalculia before you even arrive in the devildom. he sees it on your paperwork before they pull you from the human realm, so he's already preparing the best strategies to assist you. he will, however, wait until you say something about it to make that information known.

he will make you bring your math homework to his office every night so he can check it. that is not optional. he doesn't care how much you hate it, because at the end of the day you need to pass. tough love, in a sense.

but, on that same note-- he's not actually mean about correcting your work. it's very odd. you'd expect big, bad, "i'll string mammon up from the ceiling on any given day" ass lucifer would be a brutal teacher, but he's really not. he knows that you brain simply does not work the same way as others, so he's extra particular about his explanations. he doesn't ever call you out in a way that makes you feel stupid. this proud demon never wants to make you embarrassed over something you can't control.

ideally, you'll come around on doing homework in his office every night. he thinks this is the perfect choice for both of you. his office is quiet and warm, with the soothing sounds of a crackling fire comforting you as you work. he can make sure any distractions (aka, his brothers) are completely out of sight until you're finished for the night. he'll also be right there in case you need any help-- he'll drop whatever he's doing and help until you're sure you've got the problem down.

lucifer is protective of this time together. it's the one time where he's certain he can do more for you than the rest of his brothers, and he's determined to prove you won't ever need to turn to them for help.

if you get overwhelmed with your homework, he's easy on you for the rest of the night. lucifer knows when to call it quits-- he'll slide your homework away across the desk and set a reassuring hand on your back. he doesn't speak as you get all your frustrations out, whether they be tears or anger. it's easy to forget that lucifer is actually an older brother. but in moments like these, full of quiet comfort as he carefully works you down from the ledge, you think maybe he's not so intimidating after all.

Mammon

oh, you're not good with math? join the club, bestie.

mammon takes an embarrassing amount of time to realize that you've got dyscalculia. like, a near impossible amount of time. you're not hiding this information from him. he's seen lucifer help you with your math homework, heard you talk about special accommodations for tests, hell, you've even said it aloud! this man would lose a spelling bee to a box of bricks.

you eventually ask him if he knows what dyscalculia is. he tries to play it off like he knows, but of course, he's not a great actor. you let him flounder for a little bit before choosing mercy and explaining the concept to him. it takes him a bit to understand that it's an actual learning disorder and you're not just making shit up to explain why you suck at math.

mammon prefers when you do homework together. in his head, he justifies this by saying he'll be close by when if you need his help. in reality, he'd probably do more harm than good to your grade. he spends most nights trying to coax you into working on homework in his room. at the very least, he'll be able to spend some alone time with you

reality is often disappointing. you do actually spend most nights doing your math homework together... at the kitchen table, while lucifer sits between you two and makes sure you get your work done in a timely manner. no talking, mammon, or he'll hang you from the stairwell by your ankles.

don't ask him for help. just... don't. you'll honestly do worse than if you had just tried yourself.

if you get overwhelmed trying to do your work with dyscalculia, mammon is right there by your side. you won't be doing anymore work tonight, that's for sure. he'll pull you into his arms, red-faced and sheepish, as he soothes your frustrations with gentle, murmured affirmations. you are so much more than this math shit, alright? don't forget it.

Leviathan

levithan simply won't pick up on something as subtle as your difficulty with numbers. even if he notices it, he'd never say anything. what if he's wrong? what if you feel bad about it? what if he offers to help you with that math homework you're struggling with three feet in front of him and you hate him for it? oh god, maybe he should mind his own business. what if he's making all these assumptions about you-- assumptions that you'd hate him for? he can't handle if you-- oh, what? you want to talk about it with him? haha, no worries. totally chill. levi's nothing if not totally chill.

you have to tell levi about your dyscalculia if you ever want him to know, or at least tell one of his more loose-lipped brothers. he's willing to talk about it if you are. but no matter how close you are, he would never bring it up first.

he's got passable grades. he'd probably do better if he applied himself, but honestly, he's far too interested in throwing himself into another anime or video game to dedicate much brain space to school. if you want to do homework with him, he'll probably opt to play a game on some handheld next to you to keep you company. he's extra considerate to keep his headphones on and stay quiet for you. he's just honored you want to spend time with him like this.

you want levi to help you with homework? are you sure? you don't want one of his smarter brothers, like satan or belphie or-- you're sure you want him? he's not convinced he's stellar at tutoring or anything, but he'll try. he brings out his own (rushed) homework and explains his thought process to you... funnily enough, helping you points out the flaws in how own work, which he can now fix before turning it in. helping you has quiet literally raised his grades in the long run.

if you get overwhelmed, levi is quick to panic. please don't cry. his best solution is to distract you. wanna watch him beat this level? wanna start an anime together to take your mind off of it? you guys end up wasting the rest of the night recreating the HoL and demon brothers in the devildom equivalent of the sims. so much for raising your grades together... lucifer is not happy hearing how easily both of you got distracted (but lets it slide when he realizes it was math homework you skipped).

Satan

satan is an observant fellow. he probably knows within your first month at RAD that you've got an issue with numbers. he might not know the exact diagnosis, but he can tell you're not nearly as confident with math as you are in other subjects. he notices you're more dodgy about anything to do with numbers. he had not intention to bother you about it, of course, but he'll watch with a bit of curiosity as you encounter these sort of situations-- he doesn't understand you, after all, and he wants to know why.

by the time you guys are on friendly terms, he'll offer to help you with any homework you might struggle with. satan gives no indication that he knows you're not the most confident in math. while he hates lucifer, satan still knows the value of pride and dignity in these situations. he waits until you approach him one night for help-- bashful, a little ashamed, all interesting emotions for him to witness up close-- and carefully guides you through the work. that's when he sees it. you have an odd way of interacting with numbers. there he notices little mess ups when counting, longer pauses mid-equation, how quiet you are as he helps you out... interesting. guess he'll have to keep assisting you for now.

when you do eventually tell him, he... i mean he basically flat out tells you he knew from the moment he watched you solve a math problem. hopefully that explanation doesn't upset you. it's just facts. one time you had to pay for something at a festival stall in cash... watching you try to calculate the combination of coins and bills you should hand over was painful.

he doesn't really mind accommodating your dyscalculia. you, at least, aren't just a dumbass with no explanation (like mammon, he's talking about mammon). satan will usually ask if you want his help before stepping in, out of courtesy, but usually prefers to handle number-related tasks himself. it just goes faster.

if you get overwhelmed with your homework, you'll see satan get really confused. he didn't think it was something that could upset you in that way. he'd sooner expect you to get pissed off and storm out, y'know? that he can relate to. he'll follow your lead on this one. what would make you feel better? if you want to power through, he'll do his best to explain everything as simply as possible. if not, he'll do something with you to take your mind off of everything.

Asmodeus

it's easy to write asmodeus off as some sort of surface-level ditz, but that's truly a disservice to the bubbly demon. he's still one of the most powerful demons in the whole realm, after all. but he's always been good at picking up those small details-- your dyscalculia is something that stumps him for awhile, but eventually, he figures out something is up.

the main problem is shopping. he'll often drag you along with him to majolish, either as a pack mule to carry his things or as a lovely little doll to try on every outfit combo his pretty little head can put together. the real issue came about as he tried to get your help calculating a running total for the items in his arms. see, asmo is quite good with numbers (new headcanon alert? honestly i'm into it i now declare asmo's a secret lil math whiz). so as he's adding up the prices, he'll shout numbers at you from another changing room and ask you for help. what's $74.36 + 189.20? quickly! oh, too late, he's got it. will you remember $263.56? now say that back to him?

when you inevitably stumble through every single number-related task, even just counting certain things in the bag, asmodeus realizes that maybe you're just not that good with numbers. not in the way that mammon is, that's just general stupidity (so mean!), but in a way unlike you are with anything else. eventually he'll stop handing off number-related tasks to you and take a couple extra seconds to do it anyways.

asmo would help you with homework, but that requires doing his own homework, you see. and considering the fact that his nails are wet AND the devildom culture reading sounds boring as hell... he doesn't have any plans to do it. in fact, he'll calculate just what assignments he can skip while still passing. if he's not going to do his homework, he'll at least keep you company while you do yours! expect quite humming as he scrolls through social media next to you.

on the rare occasion that he does in fact do his work, asmo is more than willing to help you with your math homework! he does, however, have a system. first of all, you guys are studying in his room with the door closed. not to hide anything from the others-- unless you'd like to take advantage of the closed door?-- but to keep his brothers from interrupting you. then the two of you will spread out on his floor or his bed and get to work. if you help him with devildom history, he'll gladly help you with math!

if you get overwhelmed by your math homework, asmodeus is quick to ditch school work for the rest of the evening. honestly he didn't want to do it either! he's almost excited to be there by your side and comforting you-- in part because it's him you're asking for comfort and not his brothers, and in part because he gets the chance to charm you with one of his greatest strengths: hospitality! expect an evening of pampering with no expectation of reciprocation. he enjoys running you a bath (won't even joke about joining you... this time), doing your skincare, painting your nails... it's your call. he just can't wait to take your mind off of the stress and remind you just how wonderful you are.

Beelzebub

beelzebub doesn't even come close to finding out about your dyscalculia until you tell him. he thinks watching people work is a little rude, and he's usually too busy snacking, or thinking about snacking, or planning his next food order, or-- you get the picture. and even if he did notice you struggling, he'd kindly turn the other cheek to give you privacy. he might mention something to belphie later, considering how smart his twin is and all, but it's always out of a place of genuine concern and care for you. beel is trusts you to respect your own limits and, if you want him to know about your struggles, to approach him when you're ready.

beel is the type to have a structured homework routine. he just gets too distracted when left to his own devices! his stomach can lead him to the wildest of places. beel goes to the same spot in his room every night with a mountain of snacks and gets to work. belphie is usually somewhere in the room to "supervise", mainly acting to keep his twin on task when his brain goes into overdrive. no beel, you didn't miss fangol practice. it was cancelled tonight because of the weather. is lucifer making dinner toni-- i don't know who's on dinner duty. no, don't go check. beel.

if you're joining him to actually do your work, belphie is thankful. you essentially take over his job of "beel wrangler" and allow him to sleep peacefully nearby. if you're there to be a distraction, it's only a matter of time until you're either wrangled yourself (much to belphie's irritation) or shooed out of the room until beel finishes his work.

tutoring from beel is really collaborative. you tackle each question together, one at a time, until the assignment is complete. he wants to hear how your brain processes the question-- learning difficulty and all-- then he'll share his thoughts. somewhere in there the two of you will usually find the right answer. if not, belphie's always willing to try to help the two of you.

if you get overwhelmed with your math homework, beel is quick to comfort you. what can he do to help? he's got some snacks if that would take your mind off of things. actually, these are new ones from the convenience store across town. in a couple of minutes, you're playing a devildom version (and surprisingly tamer, considering this is supposed to be hell and all) version of beanboozled. beel never guesses a flavor incorrectly. eventually you and belphie are just feeding a blindfolded beel jellybeans and watching him guess each and every flavor correctly. at least you're not struggling with your work anymore!

Belphegor

belphie, after sitting in his assigned seat next to you for exactly one (1) math class, asks if you've always struggle with numbers. blunt but to the point, i guess? he doesn't mean to be offensive or anything, but he's not going to sugarcoat it, either. he noticed you were struggling keeping up with the notes. you're welcome to borrow his if you need to.

(i feel the need to note here that belphie's notetaking is ass. he's on the verge of passing out each class period, so all of his work is slanted heavily and mostly undecipherable. it's a shame, really, because he's got good handwriting when he's awake).

he's found most often in his room or the attic curled up among the blankets. because they assume he's asleep, wherever belphie is tends to be a good study spot. sometimes he'll beckon you to join him on the bed as he tries to distract you encourages you to pace yourself. other times he's fast asleep with the lights on, leaving you to your studies on the floor or at a nearby desk/table.

if you specifically request his tutoring, he'll make time for you. sure, he'll probably be half asleep and will appear in your room to help at an odd hour between naps, but he'll be sure to come. the problem is that his "tutoring" is mostly him just telling you the answers. if you're cool with this, great! if not, he's a bit less helpful. it's best to just use him as one would the answers section at the back of the textbook to check if you found the right result and, if not, as a resource to work backwards and find your mistake.

if you get overwhelmed with your math work while doing homework in belphegor's room, he immediately suggests a break to help calm you back down. unfortunately, this is the avatar of sloth we're discussing-- any break he suggests will most definitely turn into a distraction that stops any and all progress for the rest of the night. honestly? sometimes that's what you need. sometimes you know you're going to stress beyond the point of improvement, and those nights need to be stopped before you crash. his first suggestion will always be to curl up together to take a nap. if you're interested, you should be aware that the "nap" will not end until the next morning. if you decide to be responsible and veto that plan, then you will probably both curl up to watch a movie-- your pick-- and spend the rest of the night far, far away from any math homework that'll stress you out further.

[cloveroctobers]

SILENCE — ANGEL REYES x OC x CANE TEJADA | Part ii.

A/N: I can’t believe I’m actually doing a part two since I never do those because they don’t ever preform as well as the first but after that (terrible) finale I couldn’t resist. Thanks for the support on the first one, hopefully this will bring some sense of more life for Angel. if this is my last piece for him then why not also go out with a little something? He’s the last man standing apparently so here’s a send off on my part.

WARNINGS: language, hints of coping mechanisms? Or Mental illness Therapy is mentioned, I’ve also been binge-watching 9-1-1 from the beginning, I’m currently on season 4 I think! which is why Eddie’s character is mentioned but he doesn’t make a appearance so please skip over this if you’re feeling some type of way about that and are looking for a eddie based fic. I will be writing something for him soon btw. There’s also a little surprise towards the end for certain lovers who might read this.

*GIF and photos DO NOT BELONG TO ME!

Read part one here. + using this prompt and number 21. Timing

*ੈ ╭──╯ . . . *ੈ ╭──╯ . . . *ੈ ╭──╯ . . . *

Solay’s half asleep, the soft horns sounding from the NBA game Cane’s got his hands on was actually comforting and it often reminded her of nights when her and her sister would fall asleep on the couch together while their father watched the game. It was late, once watching the clock going from midnight to 2 am, she was once wired, greasing cane’s hair and brushing his waves before securing the doo-rag around his head.

It was a typical night, their version of normal until harsh knocks sounded at the door, breaking Solay out of her slumber. Her eyes felt heavy but she was alert and so was Cane as he paused the game, picking up on the knocks that appeared at the door some more. He tossed the controller onto the coffee table, moving slowly as he reaches underneath the cushion of the couch Solay was lounging on.

His low-lidded eyes briefly met her’s as he brings a single finger up to his lips after taking the safety off. Cane’s on his feet now while Solay shortly follows after, reaching over to turn off the side lamp and ready to head to the back of the home to check on her son, Xavier.

Cane wasn’t sure who it could be, he knew it couldn’t be any of his people considering the situation back home but he figured it could be Tariq’s bitch ass, you just never know with him. He’s against the door now, peeking around but all he could see was a shadow of someone.

Yanking the door back to fly against the wall, he’s quick with his grip as he aims the gun right at Angel Reyes who hold’s out a arm while he cradles his son.

“Fuck you want?” Cane asks.

Angel looks down but it’s not like Cane cares, although it seems he lowers the gun just a bit, for the baby’s sake.

“I need to talk to soso.”

“Nig—, you know what time it is? Knocking on the damn door like you the feds or some shit? What makes you think it’s okay to show up here unannounced at this time of the night?” Cane’s tone is clipped.

Angel shifts Maverick in his arms as he says, “that’s a conversation I need to have with Solay, not you.”

“Last time I checked, she ain’t with your ass no more and I’m the man of this house so you want to run that by me again?”

A house Angel was damn sure Cane didn’t put a penny down to help with the mortgage.

The darkness underneath Angel’s eyes was deafening but the twitch of his brows was evident that he had no intentions of backing down. He still felt a way about Cane showing up to his house and Angel thought he could do the same. If this was his house but Angel couldn’t see himself in the big apple.

It was only right in his eyes.

Before he can send a rebuttal at the shorter brown skinned man, Solay appears from behind Cane, who lets out a sigh before sucking his teeth.

“Enrique Iglesias is here,” Cane informs Solay who pulls her robe tighter around her body.

She hasn’t seen Angel since the funeral for Felipe. Understandably so, he needed time to grieve but she figured he was doing it alone due to the decline of Ezekiel’s relationship with the man and that couldn’t be healthy. And it wasn’t like Solay saw Angel much before that either, he showed up to the second therapy session but it was clear that his mind was somewhere else. Which wasn’t unusual when it came to his precious club but Solay didn’t pry since it seemed like Angel was always on the go or lost in his thoughts. It’s not like she didn’t care but he was the one who encouraged her there to these sessions but her gut also told her that it would always be only a matter of time.

Until he moved on to something else.

Timing was never something Angel managed well. If shit came at him, he was usually thrown for a loop depending on what it was and never had guidelines for plans or anything like that. He was more take things as they were tossed at him type of person but ever since EZ got into that president’s chair and Angel got the chance to raise Maverick, he was also changing.

“Angel…” solay started as she took in his appearance, she could tell that something was wrong, “what’s going on?”

Angel swallowed the lump in his throat and if Cane wasn’t in the room right now, he probably would have collapsed into Solay’s arms. She could see that, she could sense that. It was in his eyes, that he was hurting and sure way back when that might have gave Solay the tiniest bit of satisfaction but that’s not where they were now.

She was annoyed he stopped showing up to the sessions but brushed it off after awhile, saying that she “knew it,” up until Felipe was gunned down in Angel’s childhood home. There was always something going on with Angel and although they were trying to work on their relationship, Solay knew she couldn’t be selfish.

She didn’t have the heart to be.

Solay waved Angel in, despite the incredulous look Cane shot her way. She’s locking the door behind him and rests her hand on Angel’s lower back, which surprisingly makes him flinch as she does.

A brow raises at that but Solay says, “come into the living room.”

“Yeah okay…where’s Xavy?”

“Sleeping like yo ass should be.” Cane mutters, while Solay sends him a sharp look.

He places the lock back on the gun and puts it into the waist band of his basketball shorts, clasping his hands in front of him as he eyes Solay being so gentle with a dude that didn’t deserve it. Cane was heavy on that, “fuck the fact that he’s your baby’s father, after everything he put you through? Why are you still concerned when you knew he was gonna pull that shit? He doesn’t care about you like I do and I’m not even sure he gives that much of a fuck about Xavier.”

This was said after Angel stopped showing up to the sessions and Solay didn’t want to hear it. It didn’t feel like cane’s place—although she vented to him and he did the shit-talking to mainly make her feel better—and it also wasn’t angel’s place to feel a way about her seeing someone else.

Solay inhales as she sits on the coffee table, crossing one leg over the other as she takes in her ex-husband. He’s barely blinking as he stares off in space and Solay isn’t sure what to do about this.

“Talk to me,” she says bringing Angel’s dark eyes to meet her doe ones, “what happened?”

Angel places his lips against a sleeping Maverick’s temple that he cradles and then blows out a breath, “where do I start? Luisa’s gone, just buried my pops, now EZ’s dead—which I—I played a part in, I’m out the club and now I need you and Xavier to come with me to Arizona.”

Cane is laughing it up now while Solay is almost at a lost for words. She wasn’t surprised about Luisa but it would probably explain why Angel was checked out and why he moved in with Felipe. They haven’t really talked like they used to be able to do so hearing all of this—about what was going on in Angel’s world was a lot to process.

It always was.

“What do you mean…EZ’s dead?” Solay croaked out, shifting as she held out a hand to silence the man behind them.

Angel rubs at his exhausted face now, “The club found out…now it’s over. I buried him myself out on the road and I wish I never encouraged him to be in this shit you know? Maybe he’d still be here being a smart ass. My brother’s gone and I don’t got nothing left. This dried blood on my hands…it’s not worth it no more. Which is why I need you and Xavy to come with me before the feds come because I know they will. It’s only a matter of time.”

Solay searched Angel’s eyes and they held sincerity. It was all finally coming full circle now, what she’s been telling him for years…that the club’s brotherhood wouldn’t end well. Not when there was so much dirt, blood, lack of values, and deceit behind it. She had no issue speaking her peace on the club way back when (she also felt a way when she learned that EZ was getting involved fresh out of being locked up but angel didn’t want to hear that shit either) and sure she got along with some of the men there but it’s not like she was ever clueless to what it was. Solay was tired of constantly looking over her shoulder when it came to Angel’s club and that feeling never went away, even when she gave birth to their son and even when they were officially divorced. Everything was crumbling down around Angel and he was trying to get out for good.

“You want me to just pick everything up and follow you to Arizona?”

Angel dips his head, “yeah, it’ll be different this time. And I’m not saying let’s go off and get remarried or nothing like that but we could be something real. A family again.”

“Yeah a real fucked up one,” Cane comments, making Angel realize that he was in fact still in the room with them, “so let’s get this straight? Your daddy’s gone, that bitch you cheated with up and left your ass—which probably means she’s six feet under too—yeah I know exactly what she’s really into and it’s clear you’re too dumb to figure that out still, and now for a club to kill one of their own…it’s evident that your brother was some sort of snitch who got what was comin’ to him. But the ultimate disrespect is you coming back up in here with your tail in between your legs, thinking you can just take back what you lost long ago.”

“Listen man, you watch your damn mouth when it comes to my blood.” Angel points a warning finger at the man who chuckles; not the least bit threatened, “this is much bigger than your fucken ego. I’m looking out for Solay and our son, this don’t got shit to do with you. Never has. You can leave and go back to your own crooked shit in New York and leave Solay and my son out of it.”

Now isn’t that the coffee calling the kettle black?

Cane furrowed his brows, “Now you wanna win the father of the year award? You ain’t never been shit as far as I can tell and you’re never gonna be shit. Solay’s not going nowhere with you, she’s good on that.”

Solay got to her feet now as Angel glared at Cane who was all smirks, knowing he could get underneath the vulnerable older man’s skin so easily, “I’m going to need the both of you stop speaking for me.”

Both men kept their heated stares on each other but Cane couldn’t take Angel seriously with a child in his arms. The silence was weighing down the living room as Solay began to pace the floor. She didn’t know all of the details and didn’t think she would with Cane in the room. There was truth in his words when it came to the club—this Solay knew, although she was always on the outside when it came to anything revolving around the Mayans.

“Cane…I need a minute.”

“Aight, let’s go.” Cane was ready to lead the way back to the bedroom with a nod of his head in the direction of the room but a shake of Solay’s head had him confused.

Solay met Cane’s hooded eyes, “with Angel, alone.”

“I know you’re not considering leaving with this clown, So.”

Angel shrugged his shoulders, “It shouldn’t matter to you no way, the only reason you still stuck around is to get some product right? Now that that’s gone—you don’t need me or Solay. So maybe you should start saying your goodbyes now.”

Which provoked cane to whip out the gun again, until Solay reached for his wrist, making cane glance at her, ready to shove her hand off but he moved his stare back to Angel who had a sly smirk on the corner of his own lips.

“You act like you’re the only one I can do business with.” Cane tightened his stare, “Heroin ain’t really my lane but I thought why not since I’m here? You fucked that up like you constantly do and there you go again assuming shit about my relationship with Solay and you don’t know the first thing about it.”

Angel lifted his shoulders, “I know you ain’t no better than me and you don’t really care about Solay as much as you claim you do. It’s all a game but the difference is I’m always gonna be around, you on the other hand are disposable and I’mma always have my son’s best interest at heart. Solay’s the bonus.”

Cane rolled his eyes, “Let me find you a gold sticker for your forehead—

“ENOUGH!” Solay screams at the both of them, carefully peaking over at the sleeping baby afterwards,“this back and forth is getting on my nerves. Let me think in peace for a little bit, just go Cane.”

She orders.

Cane kisses his teeth and walked off, knowing that it was best before he might actually let some bullets fly.

Solay massaged the space in between her thin brows as her mind began spinning. She thought about all the bad the club brought to her front door and she was just leveling up without it.

So it seemed.

Now here Angel, a man she used to be in love with, a troubled man she wanted to spend forever with once upon a time, the man she shared a child with, was here telling her he was out. Out of the club, something she wanted for years for him because she knew that club wasn’t his purpose. He didn’t see it then but he saw it now. Solay’s faced a lot when it came to the club, with Angel’s disappearing for days at a time making her believe one of those days he wouldn’t come home to her, quality time being cancelled so he could be more dedicated to that club instead, cleaning up his wounds due to all sorts of danger he was involved in, he fucked those bartending bitches behind her back while some of those men smiled in her face knowing his dirt, to having a false sense of protection that led to being tied up, beat on so bad and left alone in a burning building years ago—which she just finished paying off a hospital bill for.

All of those instances let Solay know that The Mayans weren’t some saints by any means but Solay knew Angel loved that brotherhood once upon a time. He was slowly changing and morphing into something else—maybe something better—over these last couple of years but Solay figured that’s what happens when on-going lost comes your way. Gives you a bit of a wake up call and proud wasnt the word she would ever use (everyone that he lost still mattered to her as well) but it was about damn time.

It’s just unfournate how it all played out and there was so much to weigh out here. Solay knew she and Xavier would probably be harassed despite Angel being officially out of the Mayans. The war doesn’t just end and given what state Angel was in—numb yet determined, sitting in her living room clenching onto Maverick, Solay knew this war would just brew many more.

She would be affiliated no matter what and so would their son and so would Mavy—if not more thanks to who his mother is or was. This would always be Angel’s doing and she wasn’t blaming him, that wouldn’t get her anywhere she realized but it was a fact. She was with Angel right when the club was just an idea, a one night stand which later turned serious not long after he got patched in, back when he and Coco just moved into the Azure apartment complexes. The Mayans ripped through Angel, that much she could tell and many in her position would jump at the chance to shout at him, “I told your ass!”

Except Solay closed her eyes and took a deep inhale, rolling the tension out of her shoulders before she met Angel’s stare.

“Tell me all of it but take it easy when it comes to…Ezekiel.” She tells Angel, feeling a twing in her own chest at the thought of the brother she couldn’t save.

Angel held his ex-wife’s stare and inhaled a shaky breath, “…alright.”

Life in the desert was not something Solay thought she would ever be part of. She immediately thought of dry skin 24/7 when she had combo skin. Yes there were deserts back home but at least there was a downtown area that wasn’t far from her home. This transition was certainly just that. She’s in the kitchen in a daze, the southwest home is quiet in her mind as she’s drying the last dish. Her eyes are set on the two square windows by the dining table off to the side of the strangely shaped kitchen, back pressed into the kitchen sink.

It’s a early Monday afternoon, September just hit the calendar and she’s lost track of time. A hand catches her off guard as they tug on the belt hoops of her Jean skirt, making her gaze turn down to her seven year old who’s peering up at her with her mirrored doe-shaped eyes and his father’s nose.

“We’re back from the pool, mommy!” Xavier signs as Solay smiles sweetly at him, hand going around his shoulders to squeeze him to her hips.

She didn’t even pick up on him entering the sliding doors by the dining room, her mind elsewhere.

Labor Day came around much quicker than expected and they had their little celebration that Sunday but Xavier seemed to love the water and couldn’t get enough. Which means Angel was on duty for taking him and Maverick to the pool out back while Solay did a few minor things for work online and cleaned up the lunch angel ordered.

Solay signs, “Did you have fun?”

“Always!” Xavier laughs with a nod of his head.

“Good, let’s get you cleaned up.”

The boy groans as Solay gives him a stern look while he spins on his damp heels before stomping out the kitchen and headed towards his room.

Solay lightly laughs with a shake of her head.

“Xavy pouting about clean up time again?”

“Yeah the usual,” solay shrugs as the man makes his way over to her while she reaches to brush a wet strand of a two year old Maverick’s hair back, “everything go alright out there?”

Angel bends to put Maverick on his feet, the little man taking off on his chubby feet to find his big brother, “yeah, why wouldn’t it be? It’s hot as shit out there though. Isn’t autumn supposed to be here by now?”

“We just touched September,” Solay states kind of ignoring the question he asked back, “and you’re the one who picked Arizona, not me.”

Angel lifts his chin, “you could have talked me out of it though.”

“You don’t listen to nobody but your own big ass head.”

Angel shrugged as he leaned his elbows back on the dark wooded island that was rolled and locked in place on a angle in the kitchen, “seriously though, I’ve seen you in here looking like you’re off in space and shit. You sure you’re alright?”

Ever since Solay made the decision to be here with Angel, Maverick, and Xavier, Angel always made it his task to question how she was holding up. Like it was devastating or like she had regrets being here but that’s not truly how she felt. She wasn’t sure how she felt, Solay couldn’t really explain it. She just knows she feels something unsettling often. After Angel told her the truth back in her old stucco home in Santo Padre, she knew getting the hell out of dodge was also the best option.

They weren’t together but they found a new therapist and communicated much better. Angel worked two jobs, first considering a semi-truck driving job but declined once he knew how much hours he would have to put in and how long he would be away from his family. He was persistent on turning over a new leaf. Of course he still had scraps of his own money and Luisa’s blood money but he promised Solay that he wouldn’t use that money when it came to renting their home. He could do whatever he wanted with it but not when it came to their new home or Xavier. So he worked as a custodian at a middle school full-time and a delivery driver on Friday and most Saturday nights.

Solay signed over the building to her second in command at her shop to continue running her business in Santo Padre and if she wished to turn it into her own, she could. Solay was expecting and waiting for the day that would happen. Her main focus was running her e-commerce shop for her beauty line which continued to be successful and having her products distributed in over seven spas in the major cities of Arizona. She was still doing well and adapted to the new setting although her family was very vocal on this big leap.

Her dad still wasn’t vibing with Angel like that after all these years and knew from the jump that he continued to get his daughter into some mess. It really wasn’t like that but a father always knows and he had no problem booking flights with his ex wife, Solay’s mother to vacation in this hot ass desert right at their house. Her big sister on the other hand? She made it routine to talk to Solay and her nephew, Xavier almost every day.

In a way having Solay’s family around a few times out of the year kinda made him forget missing his own. Almost. Even when he was got in disagreements with Solay’s opinionated father. He could laugh about it once he dropped them off at the airport and brush off the touch of overbearingness because that’s just how Solay’s family was.

He was still down to go to the end of the earth with her as he eyed her in a new light now. Part of him expected Solay to just kick him out that night and keep him away from Xavier. Instead he gave her the littlest bit of time to decide, on his terms and even though everything seemed to be moving rapidly to him, he understood that Solay didn’t operate like that. Things could be drippy when this type of news was delivered and felt overwhelming. She had to sit with all the information Angel gave her, then analyze it all and take Xavier into account before moving forward.

Maybe this was just what they needed, a change of scenery, away from the Mayans and what that town brought into their lives. It wasn’t perfect by any means but life was much more slow-paced now. Initially this is what Solay wanted, a soft girl era but there was always this haunting feeling that shifted from her chest down to her gut.

“Do I?” She asked, snapping out of it.

Angel started tossing a plum up into the air, “don’t know if you notice but you just did it again. Felt like twelve hours later that you answered me.”

“I’m fine.”

“Do you mean it though?”

“What?”

“You’d tell me if something is wrong right? If you don’t want to do this anymore—

“Shush. It’s not ideal but it works for now.”

Angel dipped his head at this. He was very much aware that Solay could run off into the night if she truly wanted to but she was also invested in beating the odds. She wanted a stable home for their son. It made sense to Angel and knew it didn’t to anybody else and sure it was rocky at first with Xavier having trouble adjusting to the new environment—which kicked mama bear Solay in play, who had no issue telling administrators to be more accommodating to those with special needs (there was a serious lack of specific hearing impaired schools in small towns like this and santo padre but at least back home there was one educator that was also an interpreter) —Angel had to hide the chairs let’s just say that and Angel also had no issue telling the kid that picked on Xavy that he’d “fuck him up,” which the kid repeated but his own parents didn’t believe that surprisingly.

Probably because the wife and her husband had their eyes on angel. Solay was completely convinced that they were swingers but Angel laughed it off until his ass got squeezed by one of them at a third meeting.

“Alright then…wanna talk about that date with the firefighter?”

Solay scowled, “it wasn’t a date.”

“You went to a cooking class together this time around and a escape room before that, which he had a advantage to considering his job by the way. I’d say it’s a date, why are you being so weird about it?” Angel’s tossing the fruit up in the air but frowning over at the woman.

Solay scratches at her scalp above her scarf in irritation before moving to leave the kitchen and entered the living room that’s right next to it, “i’m not being weird about it. I just don’t think I need to talk to you about it.”

“Why not? I’m not feelin’ no type of way about it if that’s what you’re thinking. are we not besties now?” Angel followed after Solay who flicked the reruns of a talk-show off.

Solay scoffed as she looked over at angel in disbelief, “we’re roomies at best.”

“Exactly, besties.”

“Whatever helps you sleep at night.”

“I think it would help Edgar sleep better at night if you just admit yall are going on dates.” Angel teased as he leaned towards Solay who gave him the hand on her way by.

“That’s not even his name!”

Angel called out to her, “I know it starts with an E though. I gotta be close.”

“Eddie.” Solay told him, “Short for Edmundo and that’s all I’m gonna say about him to you.”

“Edmundo? Awl shit, you got a type!”

“Shut the hell—I’m gonna tend to the kids.”

“Yeah uh huh, you can get away from this conversation now but I’ll just ease drop some more when you’re gossiping about ‘im when you’re on the phone with big sis.” Angel commented as Solay rolled her eyes and made her exit.

If you asked solay she would say Angel’s the one being weird about this. It’s been two years since they left and Angel was keen on seeing solay get back out there and find her perfect match or whatever. He seemed to be more for it than Solay herself. She wasn’t really searching when Eddie came along in a bar (with a few others) she was having dinner solo in and she definitely brought it up to their therapist, who said it was Angel’s way of trying to make up for the unhappiness he brought her.

Still that was more weird than them living in a house together raising their sons in Solay’s eyes. A more normal reaction would be Angel grilling the casual dates Solay went on but now he was ready to hear how it was going and when he would meet them. Solay’s only been on two dates with Eddie and he was a complete gentleman, had a excellent job, a bit dorky and nervous? which gave Solay the indication that he did like her a little bit when he stumbled over his words asking her out for the first time but knew how to keep a conversation going, it was easy flowing. Almost too easy and Solay wasn’t used to easy.

At all.

She’s helping an annoyed Xavier with a Luke-temp bath, putting her thoughts on mute after hearing Angel tend to Maverick in Xavier’s room, coming up with all sorts of sound effects as if they were pilots (she thinks) since Maverick seemed to enjoy airplanes.

“Mom,” Xavier gets Solay’s attention again, sticking his finger into her nostril.

She flinched back making the boy laugh in her expense while she shook her head at him with a disapproving smile. He’s pointing behind her at the counter and Solay turns as she sits on the closed lid, reaching for her vibrating phone, which shows its her old employee calling her.

“Hey Idil, I know you’re not working on the holiday?” Solay greets after putting the call on speaker.

There’s loud shuffling on the line, which makes solay furrow her brows a bit as she turns back to the phone, “Idil?”

“Sup, so. You miss me?”

Solay pauses as she picks up on the familiar voice, “…Cane…what’re you doing?”

“Business. That’s all I’m good for right?”

Things didn’t end the best with Cane as to be expected when Solay told him what she planned on doing. Which included putting the house on the market, packing up half of her things, having some of it shipped out, leaving a small portion to sell with the house, discussing the way her business would be ran in Idil’s hands abruptly, and most importantly leaving Cane behind. She learned all about him showing up to Angel’s house with his little brother Dru, threatening him to stay away from Solay and to see how they can get in on Ez’s supply of heroin to move a percentage of the product in New York. Cane heard about the new president from word of mouth on the streets but he was the first to actually take the trip and do something about it.

Solay came into sight and he got a little distracted but when cane learned her background, he was close enough to get that connect but he also found fun in getting on Angel’s nerves. Which left Solay to question if any of it was real, she was tired of men taking for her weak when she opened up her heart to them which is why she was a little emotionally cut off—so she thought but she was always passionate or sensitive—depends who you ask.

“What do you want?”

Cane huffed, “how you know I ain’t just supporting a black owned business? What if I want to keep my skin looking like a Hershey’s kiss?”

“I don’t have time for this.”

“Yeah but you had enough time to fuck off with Antonio banderas and kick me to the curb though.”

“You sound pressed.”

“Nah, I handle shit.”

“And what do you mean by that?” Solay’s eyes were in slits now, “you know what? Don’t answer that. I don’t want anything else to do with your bullshit.”

“Why not? We had a good time together don’t you think?”

“I’d Rather not reminisce about the past.”

“See, I find that hard to believe. You in that clay box ass house with a nobody raising his kids, one of those kids that’s a product of him not being loyal to you. Not loving you. Like you ain’t shit to him, he treated you like you were temporary. Which is something I would have never done to you but you’re too blinded by him for whatever reason. Sounds like you ran right back to the past because you’re scared of something real.”

Solay cackles as Cane voices his thoughts to her, like he just read her. “Scared, maybe? Real? That’s unlikely with you. You didn’t step into what we had as a forever type of thing, it was all lies on your part too. All the red flags were right in front of my face and I don’t know how you don’t get that you’re no better, Cane. I know one things for sure, I wasn’t ever afraid to lose you, so stay the fuck off my line.”

With that she ended the call and only imagined he was probably screwing somebody in the shop now if he wasn’t running product through it. Idil couldn’t be that fooled or backstabbing right? She knew how cane operated and it’s been silent for two years now, not hearing from him and her accepting that most of it was probably not genuine was just Cane trying to get ahead.

Solay was over these men trying to get the best of her when she felt like didn’t deserve this. She was knocked off her path moving to Arizona but perhaps this was part of her healing. At least that’s one way she tried to look at it, putting boundaries up and vowing that she didn’t see being in a romantic relationship again with Angel Reyes. What she saw was: she needed to move on from all the hurt, find happiness behind the success and continue being a good mom to Xavier.

Solay was done with the drama.

“Soso, everything good?” Angel called from behind the door.

Solay had her eyes trained on Xavier, her hand resting on his coarse damp hair. She calls back out to Angel, “yup, all good. Hey, what do you think about taking the RV out for a ride a little later? Go sight seeing.”

“Fucken finally!” Angel cheered from behind the door while a small smile appeared on her lips, “I’m driving though.”

That’s right, Angel made the purchase of a RV for the hell of it last summer while Solay looked at it as a possible exit plan. Did Angel know that? No but she planned on telling him at some point. Did she need to jump ship just yet now that it’s been brought to her attention that cane was still keeping tabs on her? Maybe so but for now she just wanted to enjoy this holiday.

She’s on autopilot as she’s getting Xavier dressed into some lounge clothes that would be suitable for their outing later. After finishing twirling his coils, she sends him off to run to where Maverick and Angel are horsing around—easily joining in on their fun. Solay stands in the doorway, arms lightly folded as she watches them bond with each other, like a family should.

This time it felt like it was time to stop catering to everyone else’s needs always first yet that could be dangerous if you didn’t have balance but Solay was ready for something more. No one was going to get in the way of that, she vowed. She deserved to have genuine joy that didn’t end with her crying herself to sleep at night. That didn’t mean to find that in someone else because you’ll be dependent on that person always and that’s not something she wanted to do anymore, be dependent on anyone else for love, this she learned in therapy but that didn’t mean she couldn’t enjoy the company of a certain firefighter if she got out of her own way.

She should text Eddie back.

A lot can happen in two years and her attitude shifted being in the same space as Angel again. It wasn’t necessarily intentional in the beginning it’s just that it was always something with him. Now it didn’t feel like she was simply tolerating him anymore, no it wasn’t all sparkles and sunshine either in this present time but the bad moods stopped being constant. Solay’s mind was always on the move and being someplace else away from her main family, gave her the chance to really sit with her emotions and that brought up a lot some days.

She had to learn that her life wasn’t some play in a dream land or that she was out in the audience watching, like this was euphoria or anything along those lines.

This was actually her life and as she watched a tatted shirtless Angel settle into his newfound life with his boys, warm smiles and head thrown back while he silently laughed as he interacted with both boys in harmony, Solay let a smile of her own split onto her face.

It’s after 3PM when the family of four make their way out into the Arizonan heat that’s good at sending people to do a quick face plant. Solay’s checked the weather every hour before they deemed that now was a good time to go out, the temperature only went down four degrees which absolutely didn’t feel like much as she held Maverick’s little hand and Angel led the way while Xavier ran from his side and up ahead.

Forgetting something in the house, she tells Angel as he’s standing at the dining table inside the cool RV while the boys sit side by side.

“C’mon so!” Angel groaned, “We’re just going on a thirty minute drive and coming straight back, you tryin’ to take the whole house?”

Solay raises a finger in the air as she’s going down the steps, “better to be prepared than not to be if we get stranded.”

“Don’t put that kinda energy out there, cariño.”

“I’m just saying.”

“You’re starting to sound like your mother.”

“Run that by me again?”

“Nothing. Go head.” Angel fanned his ring covered hand at the arched brow Solay sent his way.

He then snickered down at the boys who watched their interaction as he spoke and signed, “Joking,” to Xavier and Maverick.

The heat blew across her skin as she peered down at her phone, house keys swinging on her finger until she stopped in her tracks, looking up and over at the two young figures standing before her.

“You must be Tariq and…”

“Oh, I’m Brayden!” The blond boy on his right beamed with a hand pressed to his chest in greeting, making the taller of the two cut his eyes at him.

Brayden shrugged innocently at the look Tariq sent him while Solay let out a sigh and placed her phone into the back pocket of her Jean skirt.

“You don’t seem surprised to see us.” Tariq noted while Solay held out her hands.

“Not really, when you get older it’s always something. So…what’s the plan here boys?” Solay moved her hand to press against her forehead, blocking out the scorching sunrays.

The two share a look with each other while Solay awaited for them to spit it out. They were here for a reason and Solay was open to hearing them out since they came all this way after all but it’s not like she wanted to be wrapped up in their bullshit either.

They just met and she really owed them nothing.

“Do you know a Don? Don Carter.” Tariq starts and he picks up on the expression on Solay’s face.

She doesn’t say anything but Tariq picked up the expression on her face much faster than Brayden could register it.

“He’s this detective who’s wife got killed years ago and he was never able to solve the case. We have proof that shows Cane pulled the trigger that killed her and we need your help to get him out the way or else our asses are done for.” Brayden added.

Solay answered, “Detective Don Carter is my cousin.”

“I knew it.” Tariq smiled as if this solved his problem, “if we hand him the truth and you lure Cane back here, we can either take him out or Don can do whatever he needs to: throw his ass in jail or take him out himself. Whoever gets to him first besides you.”

Brayden brushed off his shoulders before the teens gave each other dap, “Yeah, team work baby!”

Solay shushed them, making the smiles wipe right off their faces, “what makes you think I want to be involved with Cane again? I’ve moved on, whatever else he’s got going on doesn’t have a thing to do with me if you haven’t noticed.”

“That’s not true though,” Tariq frowned, “you know he’s obsessed with you more than he’s on my shit and that’s saying a lot. He’s gonna disrupt whatever you got going on until he wins.”

‘What exactly does he think he’s going to win?’ Solay thought to herself as she tilts her head to the side at the teen’s words, Tariq would know that side of Cane since that’s not the side she got to see but he did fool her before.

“So the plan is: you want me to trap him for your sake? Which again, doesn’t have anything to do with me.”

“Yours too. He did you dirty, right? Aren’t you sick of him because I sure am.” Brayden asks, making Solay cross her arms.

“That’s my cousin’s business not mine.” Solay almost sasses, “I’m on a clean slate this time, I’m just trying to be a mother and be a legal business owner, no more dealing with men that have bad shit attached to them. take that shit to Don and leave me out of it. I heard he moved out to New york.”

“Well…” Brayden sucks air between his teeth with a wince.

Tariq states, “we can’t go back to the city just yet.”

“Why not?”

“Cane’s stupid ass, the rest of the tejada’s, and Effie set me up that’s why!” Tariq was heated, rightfully so.

“I tried to take him out but I guess that wasn’t enough to be fatal,” Brayden is apologetic but Tariq just dips his head in thanks, a silent understanding passing between the two boys.

“Wait…you shot Cane? He just called—nope.” Solay begins walking by the boys, done with the conversation while shuffling her keys as she heads back to the house, kicking up dirt while she went.

The boys were pleading as they followed after the older woman but she was not trying to hear anymore.

“Hey!” Angel called out to the trio, making both Tariq and Brayden whip around to face the mustache wearing man who stood on the steps of the RV, shotgun aimed right in their direction.

“Shit, shit! Don’t shoot us man, we really come in peace!”

“Shut up, Brayden.”

“Angel,” Solay calls from the path of the doorway and gives him a shake of her head to tell him not to pull that trigger.

Solay takes her eyes off Angel and says to the boys, “wait here, preferably away from my ex-husband’s eyesight.”

“No problem! You got it!” Brayden disappears, hiding behind the southwest exterior while Tariq holds Angel’s stare who turns them into slits, “what’re you doing, riq? Didn’t you say he’s in a motorcycle club? those motherfuckers get rowdy.”

“Nah, he was. Then he disappeared. He might be our answer too.”

The door slams shut behind them, making the teens turn back to Solay who’s locking up the home while carrying what appears to be a trinket box. She meets their stare as she steps down onto the dirt and nods her head, “follow me.”

“Not if you’re gonna have that guy kill us!”

“Nobody’s dying,” Solay says over her shoulder as she leads the way back to Angel, “my kids are inside the RV.”

Brayden let’s out a whistle of relief as Solay steps up to Angel, reaching up to lower the gun down, her eyes saying something which gets him to put the safety on lock.

“This is Tariq and Brayden,” Solay let’s Angel know as they make their way into the RV, making the man let out a groan of annoyance.

“Our kids are here and it’s a holiday, why are you two pulling up now?”

Tariq presses his elbows into his knees after taking a seat on the couch parallel to where the two kids sit, “To get rid of your remaining problem: Cane Tejada.”

“Oh…the fucken bed bug.” Angel rubs at his face in irritation while Brayden snorts at the insult.

Solay cut her eyes at him, motioning to their kids, leaving the man to hold his hands up in surrender and then sticks his tongue out at Maverick who looks his way. Solay places the headphones onto the toddler’s ears and gently rubs Xavier’s shoulders, although he’s too involved in his tablet to care about the new guests.

Tariq and Brayden give the same rundown they just gave Solay and Angel listens carefully. He rubs at his face in thought over this, on one instance this could go in their favor but on the other hand it could also go very wrong. It became knowledge to Angel that Cane was still keeping tabs on them and that didn’t sit right with him. This means they never knew what he would do or when he would do it, he was always unpredictable like that and the last thing Angel wanted was Cane messing up what he and Solay came so far to have together.

This was the first time Angel got to really start over and he knew from the beginning that Cane was not the one for Solay. Standing here now just proves that.

“We know a guy that can probably help you guys more than we can,” Angel says after a moment, his eyes meeting Solay’s as she nods her head also thinking the same thing.

Solay doesn’t say more as Angel moves to the driver seat, leaving her to tap and motion for Xavier to slide over before she reaches over to hold Maverick in the safety of her arms.

Brayden’s more antsy than Tariq is, who seems to have this calm but cautious demeanor analyzing everything around them just in case they needed to flee from the RV. His guard was secretly up but he did his research, he found out what Cane’s plan was coming out to California but wouldn’t realize how this would backfire on him.

Tariq didn’t care to know the full details on Cane’s fraudulent relationship with the braided woman but he could see the appeal in Solay. With the way she moved on her own, with Angel and interacted with the kids, there was power in her soothing aura. Tariq could tell that she was over it though and that she’s also been through some shit but if she wanted to fully dead the situation, she would even if that meant she didn’t have to get her hands dirty herself.

The drive from the desert into the Mountain View and ramps was not what Tariq was really used to on a daily but the ride was long enough. Angel’s soon pulling up on the side of the road before shutting the engine off.

“We’re here,” Angel says through the rear view mirror before unbuckling his seatbelt.

Solay looks in his direction before turning to the two boys, “before you ask, there’s a pay phone up ahead and you’re going to take this number and let him know that Majesty and Sunny sent you.”

Tariq takes the slip of paper from Solay who rocks Maverick on her lap, “How do we know you’re not setting us up?”

“You don’t.” Angel calls out while Solay blinks.

She shrugs, “that’s not the life we live anymore but if it’s to get the bad off our backs…hopefully this will be worth it.”

“Are you sure this guy will help us?”

“His ass is always into something despite the fact that he should be dead with the rest but I know he’s been itching to get into it. To get his hands on something again…he’s a dumbass just like you two.” Angel fills the two in while they share a look, unsure but knew they didn’t have much else to lose.

They didn’t have many on their side right now.

Solay chipped in as she rests her chin on top of Mavy’s dark hair, “And just like you used to be.”

“That’s before I became a dad.”

Solay hummed in disbelief.

“Alright before i became a better one!”

Tariq got to his feet now while the pair smiled at each other from across the vehicle, “aight thanks for looking out.”

“Sure…but promise me this will be the last time we see you.”

Brayden glanced at Tariq who stood by the stairs, “as long as this guy comes through.”

Solay tunes that response out.

“Uh wait, how do we know it’s him?” Brayden asks as Tariq heads towards the door but also pauses on the last step.

“…he goes by Guero.” Angel says as Tariq repeats the name with a nod of his head before pushing the door open.

Once both boys are off the RV and shut the door closed, Angel starts the engine again and pulls off leaving the boys behind to their own disarray.

Solay turns with one arm to pull Xavier to rest against her chest, her attention turning to the blur of trees lingering in the now partly cloudy sky, lost in the silence that she welcomes again while Angel briefly glances at the sight of her in the rear view, just wondering what’s going on inside of that head of her’s.

He hoped it was tranquility just like he was searching for within himself.

ੈ ╭──╯ . . . *ੈ ╭──╯ . . . *ੈ ╭──╯ . . . *

Continue along with my September anthology prompts here.