#we found some sea glass on the beach

[molliemoo3]

Look!!!!!!!! It's the seaside, I have the wave sounds for real for a week

[amirasainz]

Ok, hear me out. Carlos, who looks after drunk reader. She is like hyperactive and he is trying to look after her.

Thank you💜💜💜

Enjoy reading and send some requests

-xoxo, Babygirl 💋

Hyperactive night's

The club was alive with music, lights, and the sound of clinking glasses, but Carlos Sainz was on high alert. His girlfriend, Yn, was very, very drunk. He glanced over at her, perched on a barstool, swirling the remains of her cocktail and giggling at nothing in particular. They were out clubbing with friends, most of whom were still dancing and having a great time. Carlos, however, had taken on the role of the responsible one tonight, his only drink being a steady supply of sparkling water.

Yn wasn’t just tipsy—she was gone. Her hyperactivity had kicked in about half an hour ago, and Carlos had been chasing her around the dance floor ever since. She had now turned her attention to him, her eyes wide and full of excitement, like a kid in a candy store.

“Carlitoooos!” she screeched over the music, her hands flapping in front of her as if she’d just discovered that she could, in fact, move them.

Carlos, used to this by now, leaned in with a half-smile. “Yes, amor?”

“I wanna—I wanna dance more!” she announced, wobbling off the barstool and stumbling straight into Carlos’ chest. “Let’s dance, papi! Wooo!” She flailed her arms in an uncoordinated attempt at a twirl.

Carlos caught her before she could faceplant. “I think you’ve danced enough for tonight, no? How about we head home, and I’ll make you some water?” He spoke gently, knowing that trying to argue with Drunk Y/N was like trying to reason with a hurricane.

“Water?!” She looked at him as if he’d suggested she drink paint. “Nooo, I want another margarita! Pleeease, Carlitos. Pleeease. I need it! We’re celebrating!”

Carlos chuckled and shook his head, trying to steer her toward the exit. “You’re definitely not having another margarita, amor. Let’s go.”

But Yn was slippery, like a drunk eel, and before he could grab her, she darted back into the crowd. “Catch me if you caaaan!” she giggled, weaving through people like she was running a race. Carlos sighed. Why did she have so much energy when she was drunk?

He waded through the sea of people, dodging sweaty dancers and a guy who had clearly been trying to flirt with anything that moved. Finally, he found her standing near the DJ booth, trying to bribe the DJ with the half-eaten nachos she’d somehow acquired.

“Please play ‘Despacito,’ I’ll give you this!” she said, holding up a sad-looking nacho with one soggy corner. The DJ looked both confused and mildly entertained.

Carlos swooped in just in time, wrapping an arm around her waist. “Sorry, man. She’s had too much.” He flashed the DJ an apologetic smile.

Yn was having none of it. “Nooo, Carlos! I was this close to getting ‘Despacito!’ Why are you ruining my vibe?”

“I’m saving your vibe,” Carlos said, steering her back toward the exit once more. “Come on, let’s go. Fresh air, remember? You like fresh air.”

Yn looked up at him, her eyes wide with sudden excitement. “Fresh air! The ocean! Carlos, let’s go to the ocean!”

Carlos blinked. “Wait, what?”

But it was too late. She was already bolting for the door, her heels clicking wildly on the floor.

“Yn, no!” Carlos shouted, following her out of the club. His legs may have been trained for F1 racing, but right now, it felt like he was competing in an Olympic sprint. Yn was shockingly fast for someone who could barely walk in a straight line.

They burst out into the cool night air, Yn laughing hysterically as she ran down the street toward the beach, which, unfortunately, was only a few blocks away.

“Yn, stop running!” Carlos called after her, trying to catch up. He could feel his heart pounding—both from the physical exertion and sheer panic. She was drunk and running toward the ocean. This was the stuff of nightmares.

Yn, on the other hand, was having the time of her life. She kicked off her shoes and started running barefoot down the sand, her arms outstretched like she was about to take flight.

“I’M A MERMAID, CARLOS!” she screamed, spinning in circles as she headed for the waves.

Carlos finally caught up to her and tried to grab her arm, but she dodged him, giggling like a madwoman. “No! Let me live my dream!”

“Your dream is to drown?!” Carlos panted, still trying to corral her as she charged toward the ocean like it was some kind of mystical destination.

“I’m gonna swim!” she announced proudly, stepping into the water. The cold shock of it made her shriek with glee. “It’s so cold—I LOVE IT!”

Carlos practically dived after her, grabbing her around the waist before she could go any deeper. “Nope. No swimming. Out of the water, mermaid. You’re coming back to shore.”

Yn kicked and flailed in his arms, laughing so hard she could barely breathe. “Carlos! You’re ruining my ocean adventure!”

“Your ocean adventure is over. You’re freezing, and you’re going to catch a cold,” he said, dragging her back to dry land.

She sagged in his arms, finally giving up, but still grinning from ear to ear. “I was having so much fun.”

“I know you were, loca,” Carlos said, setting her down on the sand. He ran a hand through his hair, taking a deep breath. “But I can’t let you drown. You’re not actually a mermaid.”

She blinked up at him, her expression suddenly serious. “You don’t know that.”

Carlos laughed despite himself. “Yes, I do.”

Yn looked up at the stars, then back at him, her eyes softening. “You’re the best, Carlitos. I love you so much.”

Carlos smiled, sitting down next to her, wrapping his arm around her shoulders to keep her warm. “I love you too, but you’re never drinking this much again.”

She giggled and leaned her head on his shoulder. “Deal. But only if you promise to always save me when I try to swim after too many margaritas.”

“Always,” he chuckled, pressing a kiss to her temple. “But next time, you’re staying on the beach.”

Yn smiled, snuggling into him as she closed her eyes. “Okay, but can we go back to the club tomorrow? I still need to hear ‘Despacito.’”

Carlos groaned, looking up at the sky. He was never letting her near a DJ booth again.

[blossombriefs]

Chateau | NSFW Vegeta OneShot [18+]

AN: I honestly couldn’t help myself. I had to write about my favourite DB boi. I’ve been planning one for a little while so I hope you all enjoy it! Summary: The gang all go on vacation together after the events of the Buu saga, however, there is more on Vegeta's mind than meets the eye. Title namesake: 'Chateau' by Blackbear Content: Sexual and mature content. Vegeta and Bulma are not together and Trunks doesn’t exist. The reader is related to Chi-Chi. Praise kink. Oral sex. Teasing. Mentions of a breeding kink. Vegeta is a cocky mf, I kinda made him a lil down bad during the confession. Word count: 2.7K

After taking on Majin Buu, the gang all decided it was time to take a huge vacation together before trying to find some normality. Mr Satan had booked and paid for everyone to go to a beachfront villa. Your sister Chi-Chi had invited you along with her family; her husband Goku and their two kids. You packed your suitcase with everything you'd need; bikinis, sunscreen, water bottles, towels. You were ready to spend time with your friends and loved ones.

On arrival, everyone seemed over the moon to be there, all apart from one. Sulking behind the group carrying his bags was Vegeta. You couldn’t help but notice the tension that was radiating from the proud prince. Determined to lift his spirits, you hung behind the group and approached him with a warm smile.

“Hey Vegeta,” you greeted him. Out of genuine concern and with a tilt of your head, you continued “What’s the matter?”

“Oh great, Kakarot’s insufferable bride’s equally as insufferable sister.” He said with an eye roll. When he glanced at you, you clocked his expression softening slightly. He grumbled, “It’s nothing that concerns you, woman,”

Refusing to be thrown off by his brash tone, you persisted. “Come on, Vegeta, we’re all here to relax and have fun.”

He hesitated for a moment, seemingly caught off guard by your display of persistence. After a heavy sigh, he muttered, “Fine. I suppose you’re right. But I don’t see the point in all this frivolity.”

You placed a gentle hand on his arm, feeling the tension in his muscles ease ever so slightly at the touch. “Sometimes we all just need a break from the chaos, the training, the battles. Let’s just make the most of this time together.”

Vegeta glanced down at your hand on his arm, accidentally letting his expression softed further. He didn't pull away, instead, he found himself oddly comforted by your touch.

"Fine," he muttered, this time with a little less hostility. "But don't expect me to participate in any ridiculous beach games or play happy families with Kakarot's kids."

You chuckled, a sound that caught Vegeta and even yourself a little off guard. "Fair enough. Just promise me you'll try to enjoy yourself, even if it's just a little bit."

Vegeta's response was a grunt, but there was a flicker of acceptance in his eye. With that, you two joined up with everyone in the villa. It was a gorgeous place to call home for a few weeks. The wooden walls and wall-height glass windows overlooked the sea and the beach. Chi-Chi ran through the room plans. Goku and her, of course, took the biggest bedroom in the villa. Gohan and Videl were downstairs in another large bedroom. Goten had his own room near his parents which was the smallest. You were in your own room in the back corner of the uppermost floor next door to Vegeta's room. You leaned down to pick up your bags to start heading upstairs however were met with a shoulder nudging you out of the way. You looked over to see Vegeta leading the way. "Let me get these."

Days passed by in a blur of sunshine, laughter and relaxation. You spent time relaxing with your sister and niece-in-law on the beach while Goku, Gohan and Goten played in the roaring, crisp waves. Gradually, you even saw Vegeta come around to the idea of a vacation. He maintained his aloof demeanour, often preferring solitary walks on the beach or continuing to train behind everyone's backs in the villa's gym. However, there were a few moments when you caught him watching everyone with a hint of longing in his eyes. On this particular occasion, you heard the sliding door click open from the villa. You turned around to see him sporting just a dark blue pair of swimming shorts and a pair of black flip-flops. You hoped your sunglasses hid your eyes as you found yourself drawn to his perfectly chiselled body, toned legs and muscular arms. Sweat dripped down him in the blistering sun as it was clear he had finished another gym session. You let out a flustered sigh as he stretched, looking out in Goku's direction as he made his way down the beach.

"Y/N!" you heard a screech from beside you. You turned your head as your eyes met Chi-Chi's. She held a glare but quickly started to laugh hysterically.

"W-what!?" you responded, shuffling back awkwardly on your towel.

"Do you think I'm stupid?" she answered, "Older sister's intuition tells me that you're eyeing up Vegeta!"

"I am not!" you argued back. Chi-Chi only persisted in making a mockery of you. You rolled your eyes as you tried to play off your sister's teasing, but deep down, you couldn't deny the truth behind her words. There was something about Vegeta that drew you in, something beyond his tough exterior and gruff demeanour. You wanted to break that hard exterior.

As the days passed you found yourself spending more and more time with Vegeta. You started accompanying him to the gym or on his beachside walks. You both were simply enjoying each other's company in the villa. Despite his initial reluctance, he seemed to appreciate having someone to confide in, someone he could talk to about the heavy weight of his past and the struggles that he had faced.

On the sixth night of the vacation, the two of you found yourselves sitting side by side on the beach once again, watching as the sun dipped below the horizon in a blaze of fiery tones that reflected off the clear waters below. The gentle sound of the waves filled the air, a soothing backdrop to the tension that crackled between you.

You sat flushed to one another, you accepted in your head that you didn't think Vegeta would want to be any closer. His eyes fixated forward as you broke the silence, "It's beautiful isn't it."

Vegeta tore his gaze away from the horizon, turning to look at you with an intensity that sent a shiver down your spine. "Yes, you could say that... but I don't think it's the most beautiful thing on this beach."

You tilted your head, blinking a little in surprise. You felt your heart skip a beat, "Vegeta..."

He reached out his hand to brush against yours in a tentative gesture. "You know I'm not good with emotions, woman. I've been trying to deny it, push anything I feel aside," he confessed, his voice rough with emotions. "But I feel like I have to be honest with you. I don't find you annoying. I-"

Your breath caught in the back of your throat at his confession, your mind reeling with a whirlwind of emotions. You hadn't dared entertain the idea that Vegeta could ever feel the same way that you did. His vulnerability lit a fire in your chest, he lay his heart bare before you. Without hesitation, you leaned in closer as your lips met his. A spark ignited between the pair of you. He didn't deny your kiss, gripping your wrist as his lips matched yours. When you eventually pulled back, you were breathless and craved more. In the moment all you could see was Vegeta and all Vegeta could see was you. Nothing else mattered except the two of you embracing under the starlit sky. The world was slowly drawn into focus, and the sounds of the ocean crashing against the shore filled the air. You gazed deeply into Vegeta's eyes, seeing his vulnerability there took your breath away.

"I didn't expect this," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Me neither," you confessed as a smile tugged the corners of your lips. You let your fingers trace his knuckles as you looked up and into his dark eyes, "I want you Vegeta."

He nodded as he leaned in, again claiming your lips as his. His hand sat comfortably on the side of your neck, his fingers tracing your jaw as he slipped his tongue gently into your mouth. You moaned softly, again matching his movements as your tongue swirled against his. Your hands raced through his dark hair, tugging it with your fingers as his moans matched yours. As he pulled away again, you fluttered your lashes with an innocent smile, "My room or yours?"

Without hesitation, Vegeta gripped your hand tightly as he marched back into the villa past everyone in the living room who were gathered to watch TV over dinner. Chi-Chi shot you a glance with a wink accompanying it and you could hear Goku question it as you reached the top of the stairs. "What was that about Chi-Chi?"

Vegeta shoved the door to his room open with his free hand, instantly closing it over once you were inside as he forced you against it. His warm breath greets your neck followed by his lips. Your moans were gentle, your hands gripped to his shoulders. He tugged gently at your skin with his fangs, revelling in the sounds coming from your lips. He grunted, "You do things to me, woman."

"Not as much as you do to me..." you whisper, pressing a playful kiss against his cheek. "My prince..."

Hearing that only got him more riled up. You could feel his hard cock push against your thigh through his shorts. He needed you now. Jumping up in his arms, he kept you held up by your thighs as you both continued making out. Vegeta directed you to the bed, throwing you down harshly as he pulled his tank top over his wide shoulders, dropping it on the floor. "Maybe if you're a good girl, your prince will reward you."

"Don't play coy. I've seen you eyeing me like a piece of meat this entire vacation. You've been begging for me to fuck you." You shook your head with a gentle bite of your lip, drawing a chuckle from the Saiyan's lips. You could only look up hungrily at his body, a smirk plastering his face as he undid the string of his shorts, "I'd be lying if I wasn't doing the same. Why do you think I was hiding out in that gym? Seeing you in that swimwear set me off more than I'm willing to admit."

As his shorts fell, you caught a glimpse of his massive cock as it sprung against his stomach. It was long, girthy and solid hard, craving your touch. He outstretched his finger and beckoned you towards him, "I want you to take me in your mouth."

You were quick to oblige, slowly crawling to the edge of the bed as you gripped his hard length in your hand. Your fingers could barely make it around his shaft. You looked up at him, your touch clearly making him fold as you gently began to suck on his tip. His moan was loud this time, his hand gripping your hair tightly as you stroked him at the same time. His eyes immediately shut, his mouth hanging open as he let more moans escape his lips, "Fuck, ah! Good girl. Such a good girl!"

You allowed your mouth to travel further down his shaft, your wrist twisting as you kept your grip on him. He couldn’t help but mumble and moan as he was like putty in your hands. You slipped off the bed and onto your knees, continuing to look on as you pleasured Vegeta. Your tongue pressured on the base of his cock, and your little kitten licks around his tip making him louder, you did everything right for him. You could feel his dick twitch, he was ready to cum in your mouth, but with one swift motion, he pulled you back to your feet. “Fuck… your turn.”

You were caught by surprise as Vegeta lowered you back down onto the bed on your back, gripping your tiny shorts as he slid them down your thighs. His eyes focused on what was waiting for him. “You’re soaking… I’ve barely even touched you, woman.”

He grasped your shoulders, turning you with your back to his chest as his hand slid down your torso, tugging at your panties hard to drive a moan out of your lips as the fabric rubbed off everything sensitive. He smiled, clearly loving to toy with you. Eventually, your panties were off and on the floor along with the rest of your clothes. He couldn’t help but let his fingers explore further down towards your heat. He circled your clit with his thumb, purring at the sound of your moans escaping your mouth. The louder you were, the harder he’d go, he knew he was pleasing you and he loved every second of it. You stuttered, your brain turning to mush, “V-Vegeta… fuck… so good…”

“I love how loud you are, Y/N, fuck!”

“K-keep going!”

He allowed his fingers to drift down more, keeping his thumb on your clit as he slid two of his fingers inside you. Keeping himself at a steady rhythm, he penetrated you deeper and deeper as he had one set goal in his mind. He wanted you to cum.

It wouldn't take him long to achieve it. You let out a high moan as you found yourself releasing onto Vegeta’s hand. He smirked in a cocky manner as he ground himself to a halt. You looked at him, your eyes watering as you panted heavily. “Fuck… I've never…”

“Shh…” he hushed you, sliding his wet fingers into your mouth. Your eyes widened in surprise as you gently suckled on them. “Taste how good you are, c'mon. That's a good girl…”

The back and forth was hot, intense, and absolutely nothing short of mind-blowing. You both clearly had one goal in mind now. Vegeta pinned you to the mattress, removing your shirt before positioning himself with your ankles on his shoulders. Slowly but surely he slid inside you, the size of his huge, hard cock stretching against you as he slowly thrust in. You gazed up at him, his eyes drifting back into yours as he grunted loudly in pure bliss. You whimpered with each thrust, Vegeta refusing to hold back as he picked up the pace, each movement pushing him deeper inside you.

“You want me to cum inside you? Is that what you want?” his voice was higher, it was clear he was close. His hands squeezed your thighs tightly as he moved in closer. You wrapped your legs tightly around his waist and basked in his loud callouts. Suddenly, he grabbed your face, his mouth just mere centimetres from yours as he repeated himself. “C’mon, tell me you want me to cum inside you.”

“Please Vegeta,” you begged, the roughness of his movements introducing you to a high you’d never felt before. “Please cum inside me.”

He smirked, letting a gasped laugh out as he buried his head into your chest. He was so close but so were you. You directed your nails to his shoulder blades, clawing in desperation as Vegeta left marks along your collarbone. The prince was whiny, you couldn’t help but love listening to him.

“I-I’m” you called out, his head snapped up as he gazed into your eyes. His hips snapped into you as fast as his body would allow him. You screamed out in pure pleasure, feeling a pure rush of adrenaline run through your body as Vegeta wasn’t far behind.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck!” He yelled, pushing himself in as deep as he possibly could, letting himself go inside you as he slowly ground to a halt. He collapsed beside you, breathing heavily with his arms folded over his chest. You snuggled your head into his shoulder, looking up as you couldn’t help but grin.

“We can’t let this be once only…” you whispered.

Vegeta nodded in agreement, his head sinking back into the pillow as he slid his arm around your warm, sweaty body.

“I’d take you as my mate… if you’d let me have you… I mean, I can’t see you saying no…”

[enemiestolovershoe]

hii!! Do you think you write a kook!reader(but basically a pogue) x jj , where reader and jj are secretly dating but reader wants to meet the rest of the pogues, jj’s not ready so they have a slight argument about that during midsummers and that scene when jj runs away and calls the pogues to go to the bonfire place (don’t remeber what’s its called), he ‘forgets’ to call the reader aswell, making her end up feeling sad and after that finally they talk about their relationship and reader meets the pogues… sorry if this is random.. i just thought about it

Crossed Tides

JJ Maybank x fem!reader

Summary: JJ and Kook!Reader argue when she wants to meet his friends.

Words: 1,5k

Warnings: not proofread, rushed

A/N: I know this is rushed but I just can‘t bring myself to write properly about JJ. I‘m fucking grieving about a fictional character. So if this sucks I‘m so fucking sorry :(

The Midsummers gala was in full swing. Guests glided across the lawn in a sea of pristine whites and blues, sipping drinks and laughing beneath strings of fairy lights. But you stood on the edge of it all, nervously twisting the hem of your dress between your fingers, watching the crowd for one familiar face: JJ.

He’d been distant tonight, showing up late and barely saying two words to you. You’d been secretly dating for months, always meeting at the docks or hidden stretches of beach, anywhere away from the sharp gaze of both the Kooks and the Pogues. But tonight, that distance felt different, like there was something he wasn’t telling you.

You spotted him at the bar, leaning back with his arms crossed, his gaze scanning the crowd as he downed a drink. Taking a deep breath, you walked over, determined to get some answers.

“JJ,” you said, softly but firmly as you placed a hand on his arm. He flinched slightly, then turned to look at you, his usual mischievous smile nowhere to be found.

“Oh, hey.” His voice was clipped, and he looked over your shoulder, as if already searching for a way out.

“Can we talk?” you asked, your voice quiet but unwavering. “Really talk?”

He sighed, setting his glass down and rubbing the back of his neck. “About what?”

“About us,” you replied. “I want to meet your friends, JJ. I want to be part of that part of your life. We’ve been sneaking around for months now, and I feel like… I don’t know, like I’m just some secret you’re embarrassed about.”

JJ’s face fell, but his jaw tightened defensively. “It’s not about being embarrassed.”

“Then what’s it about?” You kept your gaze steady, even though your heart was pounding. “I’m tired of pretending I’m okay with just these hidden moments. I want to meet the people who matter to you. I want to know them, and I want them to know me.”

JJ’s eyes darkened, his frustration evident as he ran a hand through his hair. “It’s just… complicated, alright?”

“How is it complicated, JJ?” you asked, your voice softening. “I know you. I know that you’re not just some Pogue or some label. I don’t care about any of that Kook-Pogue division. I’m here because I care about you.”

He looked down, his fingers fiddling with his bracelet. “They wouldn’t understand.”

“Why not? Because I’m a Kook?” you pressed, hurt creeping into your tone. “JJ, you know that’s just a label to me. I’m not… I’m not one of them. I’m not my family.”

JJ’s gaze softened as he looked at you, his defenses cracking for just a moment. But then, just as quickly, he pulled back again, a hard edge in his voice. “It’s not about you. It’s about them. They’re my family. They’re the only real family I’ve got, and I don’t want anything messing that up.”

Your chest tightened at his words, a mixture of sadness and frustration bubbling up. “So I’d just… mess things up? That’s what you’re saying?”

He opened his mouth to respond but closed it again, clearly struggling to put his feelings into words. Before he could say anything else, someone brushed past you, nearly spilling a drink on your dress, breaking the tension.

JJ took a step back, running a hand through his hair again. “I… I just need some air, alright?”

Before you could respond, he turned and walked off, disappearing into the crowd.

Hours passed, and the night grew quieter. The gala began to wind down, and you found yourself waiting on the steps, watching each group of guests leave, hoping JJ might come back. You checked your phone repeatedly, but there was no word from him.

You tried not to let it hurt. He was probably with his friends now, probably didn’t even think to call you. But deep down, you knew you couldn’t just keep ignoring this. Something had to change.

Meanwhile, JJ had wandered off, his feet taking him almost automatically to the Boneyard. The familiar glow of the bonfire greeted him, and he felt his shoulders relax a little as he spotted John B., Pope, and Kiara laughing together. Here, with them, he didn’t have to think about labels or boundaries; he was just himself, just JJ.

“Yo, JJ!” John B. called, waving him over. “What are you doing here, man? I thought you were busy with all those rich people tonight.”

JJ forced a grin as he joined them. “Yeah, needed a break from all that. Figured you guys were a little more my style.

Pope raised an eyebrow. “Oh, really? That why you’ve been disappearing on us every other night?”

JJ chuckled, trying to play it off. “You know me, man, always got something going on.”

Kiara gave him a knowing look. “Or someone?”

JJ’s grin faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered, shrugging it off. “Maybe, maybe not.”

But as the night wore on and the fire began to die down, his mind kept drifting back to you. To the hurt in your eyes when he’d brushed you off, the way you’d tried so hard to be understanding. Guilt twisted in his chest, and he knew he couldn’t keep hiding this forever.

He pulled out his phone, thumb hovering over your name in his contacts, but something held him back. What if they didn’t get it? What if his worlds just couldn’t mix?

He ended up putting his phone away without calling you.

The next morning, you decided you couldn’t wait any longer. You went down to the docks, hoping you’d catch him there. The salty air was cool against your skin as you waited, watching the horizon until you finally saw him approach.

JJ looked surprised to see you, hesitating before stepping closer, his hands shoved into his pockets.

“Hey,” he said, his voice low and uncertain.

“Hey,” you replied, studying his face. You could see the shadows under his eyes, the way he looked like he hadn’t slept much. “We need to talk.”

He nodded, glancing down. “I know.”

You took a deep breath. “JJ, I can’t keep doing this. I can’t keep being just this… secret. I want more than stolen moments. I want to be part of your life, all of it.”

He swallowed, looking away. “I get it. And… you’re right. You deserve more than that.”

“Then why won’t you let me in?” you asked, voice soft but steady. “What are you so afraid of?”

JJ hesitated, then looked up, his eyes finally meeting yours. “I’m afraid of losing them. They’re everything to me. I don’t want to do anything to mess that up. And… I don’t want to lose you, either.”

You softened, reaching out to take his hand. “JJ, you won’t lose them. And you won’t lose me. You don’t have to choose.”

He held your gaze, his thumb brushing over your knuckles as he seemed to weigh his options. After a long moment, he sighed, a small, resigned smile tugging at his lips.

“Alright,” he said finally. “Let’s go meet the Pogues.”

Later that day, you and JJ headed down to the Cut, where John B., Pope, and Kiara were lounging on the HMS Pogue. As JJ led you over, you couldn’t help but feel a rush of nerves, but his hand was warm in yours, steadying you.

John B. noticed you first, his eyebrows shooting up as he looked between you and JJ. “Whoa, JJ, you brought a guest?”

JJ cleared his throat, squeezing your hand. “Uh… everyone, this is (Y/N).”

Kiara raised an eyebrow, smirking. “So, this is the girl you’ve been sneaking off with.”

You blushed, but her smile was genuine, and she waved you over. “Come on, there’s plenty of room.”

Pope grinned, offering you a seat beside him, and John B. patted the edge of the boat. “Welcome to the crew,” he said, shooting you a wink.

You couldn’t help but smile, feeling the weight on your heart finally lift as you took your place among the Pogues, hand in hand with JJ. And for the first time, you felt like you truly belonged by his side.

[dynasty889]

(I have an updated, finished version of this drabble: https://www.tumblr.com/dynasty889/771873983315542016/love-in-paradise-warriorpenelope-au-updated

Working on a thingy. The Time Dive but it’s warrior!Penelope. Do I like it? Mayhaps. Anyway:

Ares’ eyes glared down into the abyss as he stood upon the edge of the hour glass. He had never anticipated to be bothered with Penelope again, but her son had the same ability of convincing people that she did. So, here he was.

Ares put his helmet on. All around him, Penelope’s memories jumped out at him. “Old friend, it’s been ten years since I last saw you,” he said softly. Even so, he remembered it vividly. Those feelings of anger, frustration, and disappointment as he watched Penelope make that mistake.

“Remember me! I am the infamous Penelope!” She stood at the entrance of Polyphemus’ cave. He had just warned her not to, but she did it anyway. He was furious.

He sighed. Ares leaned forward, lifting his arms up, and fell into Penelope’s memories. “Let’s see where you’ve been!”

Penelope held a bag in her hands. “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer!” Aeolus sang. Too cheerful for it to be a good thing. Ares knew something had gone horribly wrong.

Next up: Poseidon. “Ruthlessness is mercy upon ourselves!” he shouted. Waves lunged at Penelope’s fleet. Bodies and debris littered the ocean. Ares paused momentarily to watch Penelope unleash the wind bag to escape the sea god.

“One wrong move and you’re done for! Anything I—!”

“—Song of past romance. I see the—“

“—We won’t take more suffering from you!”

“Drown in your sorrow and fears!”

The next several memories whipped by him. A witch who transformed her crew into pigs, a prophet in the underworld, the killing of sirens, and a run-in with a six-headed sea monster.

“Captain?” Ares barely recognized that voice. But he knew it was one of Penelope’s comrades. Thunder roared above the crew as Zeus’ hands lingered over Penelope and forced her to look at her crew. Ares had not been so angry in a long time. To see his father’s hands on the girl he had mentored sparked a fire inside him, one full of rage.

“I have to see him…” Penelope mumbled. Tears streamed down her face. Her face and clothes were torn and bloody. A black eye and a stab wound. The anger Ares had felt dissipated as he realized what happened.

“But we’ll die.”

“I know.”

Lightning struck the boat, and it exploded into hundreds of small fragments of wood. Again, bodies and blood covered the ocean. He couldn’t find Penelope among the wreckage.

“Penelope…” he started. Ares was almost shocked by how concerned he sounded, for her of all people. “Where did you go?” One more of Penelope’s memories gravitated towards him. Perhaps this one would tell him what had happened to her…

Penelope swam until the darkness of the night made things too hard to see. Until her legs gave out. She had managed to drag herself to the shore of an island, where she passed out. The next day, Penelope awoke to the sounds of gulls crying and the waves breaking on the shore. The light of the sun was nearly blinding. Every muscle in her body ached.

A stifled, low chuckle echoed in her ears. Blinking, she looked up and saw a man sitting beside her. “Morning, sleepyhead. You’ve been resting for quite a while, haven’t you?” he teased. His voice was deep, but despite that and his gruff appearance, it carried a humorous air. It was one Penelope did not like at all.

The man laughed again. Penelope’ confusion was adorably amusing to him and he decided he would savor it as long as he could. “You know, I swore that you were dead when I found you on the beach this morning,” he mused. “Did you know you talk in your sleep? Tell me, though, who’s Odysseus?”

Odysseus. That name, like sweet honey, lingered in her ears. It was like medicine to soothe her aching head. Though she was still groggy and dazed, her senses were slowly coming to her. “He’s my husband…” she murmured. It was at that same moment she realized how close the man was to her and that his hand was gently resting on her thigh.

He blinked, like he was confused. Penelope, equally confused, stared back. They exchanged stares in awkward silence before the man spoke again. He pulled Penelope up to her feet and dragged her behind him. “Anyways, I’ve got all you could want here, all you could need here. Just you and me, my dear, my love in paradise.” His hands trailed down her body and he brought her close to him, like an embrace. “Soon, you will join me in bed and we’ll spend our time.”

[corruptedcaps]

A Day at the Bitch

“Ugh, can’t we get one day of peace from your bully? He always seems to be where we are!” Morgan said as she adjusted her glasses, frowning as she scanned the beach. Her usually animated face was drawn with frustration as the afternoon sun beat down on the sand.

Dexter, slightly taller than her and sporting a matching nerdy vibe with his worn-out geek T-shirt, squinted into the distance. “I don’t think he’s clocked us yet, so let’s just pitch up somewhere far from him so he doesn’t notice. It’s a big beach.” He mumbled, tugging Morgan toward the far end of the shore.

Morgan’s gaze lingered on the distant figure of her boyfriend’s relentless tormentor, Travis, who was tossing a football with his friends. “I swear, he has a radar for you.” She grumbled.

Dexter smiled weakly, trying to lighten the mood. “Maybe I’m just magnetic. People can’t help but notice me.”

Morgan rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at the corner of her lips.

They found a quiet spot and set up a big striped umbrella, both grateful for the shade. With their pale skin, the sun wasn’t exactly their friend. Morgan settled into her beach chair, nose buried in a book, while Dexter immediately pulled out his Nintendo Switch.

After a few minutes of play, Dexter sighed in frustration. “Ugh, I left my charger in the car. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

Morgan glanced up, squinting. “Don’t take too long.”

“I won’t.” Dexter smiled before heading off, leaving Morgan alone under the umbrella, completely absorbed in her book.

The wind suddenly picked up, and Morgan barely had time to react before the umbrella lifted off the sand, tumbling end over end toward the sea. She leaped from her chair, sprinting after it, but it quickly flew out of reach, landing in the water and drifting further out.

“Damn it!” She muttered, cursing herself for not securing it better. Out of breath, she stood on the shoreline, watching helplessly.

A voice behind her made her freeze. “With skin like yours, you’ll be a lobster in no time.”

She turned sharply to see Travis standing there, smirking.

“Buzz off, Travis.” Morgan snapped, turning on her heel and heading back toward her towel, her heart pounding from the chase and his sudden appearance.

He followed, unbothered by her hostility. “Hey, I’ve got some sunscreen if you want it.” He called after her, waving a bottle casually.

Morgan stopped in her tracks, biting her lip. As much as she hated him, she knew her pale skin was no match for the blazing sun, and with the umbrella gone, she’d be cooked in no time. She hesitated, glancing at him over her shoulder. “Fine! But make it quick.” She growled.

Travis squeezed some sunscreen into his hand, the cold lotion making a squelching noise as Morgan rolled her eyes and turned her back to him. "This is ridiculous." She muttered under her breath but resigned herself to the situation.

He spread the cream over his hands and gently began to rub it into her shoulders. The cool sensation was immediate relief from the heat, and despite her reluctance, Morgan couldn’t deny how good it felt. Travis’ hands were surprisingly gentle, massaging the sunscreen in with soft strokes.

“Y’know, you’ve got really nice skin, and a great body.” He said smoothly.

Morgan bristled at first, wanting to snap something sarcastic, but the compliment caught her off guard. She felt her usual disgust for him soften, if only slightly. Compliments from Travis were rare, and she couldn't remember the last time someone, including Dexter, had said something like that to her.

Her mind wandered, conflicted. She hated Travis, didn’t she? And yet, as his hands moved methodically down her back, she found herself enjoying the sensation far more than she wanted to admit. Guilt bubbled up in her, but her body betrayed her with a deep sigh of relief as he continued.

Travis’s hands moved to her sides, his fingers spreading the sunscreen in slow, deliberate strokes. Morgan’s waist began to subtly contract, growing slimmer with each pass, but she was too distracted by the tingling, almost electric sensation that pulsed through her body from the cream. It felt intoxicating, sending waves of pleasure through her muscles, and she leaned into it, sighing softly without even realizing.

“You know, you could be really popular, if you tried.” Travis said smoothly, his voice low as he massaged more sunscreen into her skin.

Morgan blinked, still half-lost in the blissful sensation. “Oh yeah? I’m sure I’d fit right in with the ‘in’ crowd.” She said jokingly.

Travis smirked, his hands continuing their work. “No I’m serious. Since Amber left there has been an opening for someone new. A little makeup here, some tighter clothes there, and you could own this place.”

Minutes ago, she would’ve been horrified at the suggestion, ready to spit back a retort about never being that shallow. But now, as the cream worked its magic and Travis’s hands moved with expert precision, she found herself surprisingly intrigued.

He rubbed the sunscreen into her shoulders and down her arms. Every inch of her that he touched became soft and tan. He ran his fingers onto her hands coating them in the sunscreen, the white cream running to the very tips of her fingers where they met her chipped and cracked nails. As the sunscreen covered them, her nails grew strong, long and sharp.

Morgan never noticed a thing, instead she found herself thinking of Amber. She had been Travis’ girlfriend, the queen bee of school and someone Morgan has been on the receiving end on more that one occasion. It was true that since she had left there had been a kind of power vacuum at school, all her friends fighting amongst each other for the throne.

Morgan closed her eyes, letting herself drift, and imagined what it would be like to be admired, powerful, and in control. To be like Amber. The idea made her pussy wet in a way she wasn’t expecting.

Morgan was completely lost in the fantasy, her mind drifting as Travis's words and hands worked together to pull her deeper into a haze of pleasure and temptation. She barely registered when his hands moved lower, spreading the sunscreen across her hips and down to her butt.

Only an hour ago she would have jumped or swatted him away, but now she didn't object, too entranced by the tingling warmth spreading through her skin. Instead she let a little moan escape her lips, approving of his venture. As his hands kneaded her, her butt grew plumper and rounder with each stroke.

The sensation only fueled her daydream, making her feel more powerful, more desirable than ever before. Travis’s voice broke through her dreamy haze. “Turn around.”

Morgan did as she was told without thinking, slowly facing him. Now, standing inches apart, she looked up into his eyes and, for the first time, noticed just how handsome he was. His sharp jawline, the way the sun reflected off his well-defined muscles, her previous disgust toward him seemed to erode even more, replaced by something she couldn’t quite explain.

Travis grinned, clearly aware of the shift in her demeanor. He squeezed more sunscreen into his hands and gently began rubbing it into her stomach. As his fingers worked their way across her skin, her stomach started to tighten, becoming toned and firm, as if sculpted.

She could have handled rubbing the sunscreen into the front of her body herself but she was getting a naughty thrill at having Travis do it for her. It made her feel dominant, something she had never felt.

“Of course if you were going to become popular, you couldn’t keep a name like Morgan. You would need a name that's hotter, meaner.” He murmured, his hands continuing their slow, deliberate movements.

Morgan blinked, her mind still foggy. A part of her was trying to rebel, telling her that she liked the name Morgan because it wasn't a bitchy girl name but she couldn't help but slowly nodding in agreement with Travis.

“Yes… a name that’s… luxurious.” She said in her daze.

“How about... Madison?” He suggested, his eyes locking onto hers. She looked into them, almost hypnotic. The name hung in the air, and echoed around her head. Yes Madison felt right, as if she were born to have it. She liked it. No! She loved it!

“Madison…?” She said with a purr.

In her mind, Morgan strutted through the crowded halls of her school, every eye glued to her as she moved with effortless grace. Behind her, a clique of girls, Amber's old friends in fact, followed in her wake. Each of them slutty and mean, but none could compare to her. She was radiant, flawless, the kind of girl everyone admired, envied, and feared. She wasn’t Morgan, she was Madison, The Queen Bee.

Heads turned as she passed by, students whispered in awe, and boys tripped over themselves just to get a second glance. The girls behind her kept their heads down, content to bask in her glow, but knowing they would never outshine her nor dare to do so.

Morgan’s smirk widened as she imagined her dominance over the social world. It felt so natural, so deserved. She could have anything, anyone, at the snap of her fingers.

Back in reality, she opened her eyes, the fantasy still vivid in her mind. "Madison is perfect." She purred, her voice dripping with bratty confidence. It would be the only name she’d answer to now.

Travis grinned back, satisfied. "Yes she is." He replied, his eyes dark with amusement. His hands finished their slow, deliberate movements over her skin and he took a step back to admire his work. Madison let out a soft, satisfied sigh and glanced up at him through half-lidded eyes.

But something didn’t feel quite right to her, she didn’t feel quite finished. She didn’t feel quite like the Madison she imagined but she knew what it was.

That’s when panic started to set in. She wasn’t some bitch called Madison, she was Morgan. She was a good and kind girl. Deep within her, her nerdy subconscious stirred, trying to claw its way back to the surface. She felt a wave of confusion crash over her, the weight of reality pushing through the fantasy.

“No... this is wrong. What are you doing to me?” She said taking a step away from Travis, her voice shaking as the fog in her mind began to clear.

“Relax Madison, just a little more sunscreen and you’ll feel better.” Travis said with a dark grin.

Morgan stumbled back, her breath quickening as she looked down at herself. Her hands, once short-nailed and unpolished, now sported long, manicured nails. Her stomach was toned and flat, her skin sun-kissed and flawless. She ran her fingers over her newly tanned arms, feeling the undeniable change.

She looked amazing, like the girl she’d always secretly wanted to be, but something felt horribly wrong. This wasn’t her. This wasn’t who she was.

“Why are you doing this to me?” She said suddenly finding confidence in her voice.

Travis stepped closer, his grin widening as he watched her realization dawn. "Isn’t it obvious? I’m making you into the new alpha bitch, the new queen bee. You are smart, much smarter than Amber was. I’m just making you unstoppable. Giving you the killer edge." He admitted casually.

Morgan’s heart raced as his words sunk in. The perfect body, the power, the admiration. It could all be hers. But did she want it?

“But if you really want me to stop, just say the word, and it’ll all go away and you can go back to Dexter.” Travis continued, his eyes locking onto hers. She felt a sudden revulsion at the sound of Dexter’s name.

Morgan gazed down at her perfectly manicured nails, feeling the smoothness of her toned body, the strength in her muscles, the beauty radiating from her skin. The temptation had fully sunk in, and the part of her that once resisted was now silent, overwhelmed by the intoxicating sensation of power and beauty.

Travis watched her closely, a knowing smile on his lips. “So, what do you say?” He asked, stepping closer,

With a sultry smile, Madison took a step towards him, took Travis’s hands and guided them upward, placing them firmly on her tits. “You missed a spot.” She whispered, her voice low and teasing, eyes gleaming with lust.

Travis didn’t hesitate, his grin widening as he allowed his hands to settle where she had placed them. She moaned as her boobs started to grow larger in his hands, her nipples standing on end.

"Of course, a popular girl like me would need a strong and popular boyfriend by her side." She said, her voice silky and horny.

Travis chuckled, though there was a hint of challenge in his eyes. "What about Dexter?" He asked, his tone playful, but he already knew the answer.

Madison scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Dexter? Please. He's a weak, tiny dick loser. He doesn’t 'fit' with me anymore." Her words dripped with disdain, and the thought of being with Dexter seemed absurd to her now.

"Then who would be the right fit for you, Madison?" His voice was smooth, but there was a sharpness in his gaze, as if testing her.

Madison bit her lip flirtatiously and leaned closer, her eyes locking onto his. She slipped her hand into his shorts and grabbed his cock without hesitation. "Mmmm I think this would fit me perfectly." She whispered, her smile seductive and certain.

Satisfied at her new boob size, she sank to her knees and pulled down Travis’ shorts. His cock spring out eagerly and she licked her lips.

“Let’s see how you fit in here.” She said flashing him a cheeky smile and wrapping her pink lips around his cock. She had only given oral once and that was a pity blowjob she gave Dexter on his birthday. She had hated it. Travis on the other hand was different. The taste, the size, the smell. It was all cum inducing.

As her head bobbed in and out Travis put his strong hands on his head, guiding her softly. As he did the excess sunscreen on his hands started to drip off onto her hair. Each drop turned her hair platinum blonde, sleek and perfect.

The sunscreen seeped into her roots and made her head throb pleasurably. Sexy makeup appeared on her face and Travis felt her lips plump up around his cock making them both moan in unison.

She felt her corruption nearly complete. She was nearly rid of the weak loser she had been when she walked onto the beach. She just needed him to do one more thing that they would both enjoy…

—

It had taken Dexter longer that he expected because when he got to the car he had found one of its tires slashed. Not much of a mechanic, Dexter barely managed to change the tire with the spare. He didn’t know how but he suspected it had been Travis.

Exhausted he walked back onto the beach to find his umbrella and his girlfriend missing. Her book was still there but she was gone. He looked around the beach but couldn’t find her. He didn’t dare go over to Travis and ask.

Not because he was scared of him though. Of course he was but finding Morgan was more important that his fear for his bully. No he didn’t want to go over because Travis was currently ’entertaining’ a blonde bombshell Dexter had never seen.

She bounced up and down on his cock as if no one was watching. But as she caught eyes with Dexter from afar her gyrations seemed more intense and her moans much louder. Dexter knew it was just his imagination but it was almost like she wanted him to see. At that moment he wished he had the umbrella to hide his pitiful erection behind.

[zegrasdrysdale]

[ beach bliss ] l. fantilli

day 1 of kinktober (exhibitionism w/ luca fantilli)

➾ pairing : Luca Fantilli x fem!reader

➾ summary : Luca brings his girlfriend down to the beach for a surprise midnight date, and it ends with looking for their clothes in the sand

➾ warning(s) : smut ! exhibitionism, beach sex, teasing, p in v penetrative sex, nicknames during sex, unprotected sex (wrap it before you tap it)

➾ author’s note : day one, fic one. v excited for fics that i (we) have planned for this month and kinktober. gonna write some things that push my comfort zone a lil bit so im genuinely excited

kinktober schedule

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The bed shifts behind her after the bathroom door quietly clicks shut. A hand comes down on her waist over the covers and Luca presses soft kisses to her jaw. "Are you awake?" he mumbles next to her ear. She hums in response to his question because she is awake despite trying to sleep for the last half an hour. "Come with me for a second."

"Luca," she groans as her boyfriend gets out of bed. "It's midnight. There's nowhere to go."

A soft light comes on beside her and she groans as she rolls to face her boyfriend. “Just come with me,” he tries again. He’s offering her his hand. “I promise you’ll love it. Oh, and put on something a little less pajama-y.”

“Can I have a hint of where we’re going so I know what to put on?” she questions as Luca turns to leave the room.

“A sundress would work perfectly,” Luca tells her. “Meet me on the back deck when you’re ready.” She raises her eyebrows at him in confusion as he leaves the room and clicks the door shut behind him.

She has never been more confused in her life than she is right now. Luca isn’t the secretive type except for when he has a surprise for her. That’s one of the many things she has learned in their three years together.

The idea of Luca proposing to her pops into her mind but she quickly shoves it away because they both agreed to wait until they graduate before getting engaged. Plus, she hopes that he wouldn’t tell her to put on a sundress for a proposal. She wants to be a little more dressed up when he gets down on one knee and asks her to spend the rest of their lives together.

He’s wearing a white button up and tan khaki shorts so she uses his outfit to determine that it’s very casual wherever they’re going. She finds one of her dressier sundresses in her suitcase just in case and slips it on after stripping out of her pajamas. She grabs a pair of sandals to pair with the short pink and white floral off the shoulder dress she put on.

After tying her hair up in a loose ponytail and leaving a couple strands loose, she tiptoes her way downstairs to the back deck. She’s very careful not to wake the rest of the house as she walks down the stairs.

When she turns the corner into the kitchen, she sees the back deck through the sliding glass door. She pulls it open and doesn’t see Luca.

What she sees instead is a path of rose pedals leading down the steps. She blinks and follows the red pedals down the stairs. She follows the path, lined on either side by little candles to light the way down to the beach.

Luca stands at the end of the path with a blanket, a big picnic basket, and a smile on his face.

“What’s all this?” she questions when she approaches her boyfriend.

“I figured that we wouldn’t have a lot of time to ourselves on this trip since it’s technically a family trip so I decided to plan a little midnight date so we can spend some time together,” Luca tells her. He leans down and captures her lips in a quick kiss. “Adam and I found a sea cave down the beach on one of our previous trips so if you would please follow me.”

With a grin, she takes her sandals off and grabs the blanket from Luca. She hooks her free arm with his and walks alongside him to their little date spot.

The sea cave faces the moonlit waves as they crash on the beach. It’s a very secluded and private area, which she loves because they are completely alone on their date. No one can see anything, not that anyone would be out to see them anyway since it’s midnight.

Luca helps her lay out the blanket before they both take a seat. He lights a couple of stick candles and puts them in the sand around the two of them.

Inside the picnic basket are two pasta dishes in to-go containers that Luca definitely ordered and had delivered to the house at some point. There is also a bottle of champagne and some cake for dessert. Strawberries, blueberries, and other fruits are in a little container for them to snack on throughout their date.

“You went all out,” she giggles as Luca pulls all the food out and sets it between them. “Even went as far as ordering pasta dishes for us.”

He grins, proud of his work. “Had to make sure we had some good Italian food on this date,” he tells her. “You got rigatoni bolognese while I got fettuccine alfredo. I kinda went out on a limb because I know you like red sauce instead of creamy sauce.”

“It sounds amazing,” she replies. “Thank you.”

Without any other words exchanged between them, the pair dig into their pasta dishes. She lets out a borderline pornographic moan when she tastes her meal.

A smile forms on Luca’s face as he swallows his first bite. “That good?” he questions. “Like I’ve only ever heard you make that sound when we’re in bed.”

“I don’t know if I wanna eat it or make love to it,” she says as she takes another bite. “Take it to Vegas and marry it. It’s so good, Luca.”

Her boyfriend laughs and takes another bite.

They make small talk while they eat their meals. He asks how she likes Italy since it’s only her second time in the country and first time on Capri. She only went to Rome on her last trip, and she loves the tropical aspect of the country.

She hopes it’s not her last time in Italy, but something tells her that it won’t be.

She truly loves the Italy and would love to spend more time here, especially since Luca has family here that he only gets to see a handful of times a year. She’d love to get to know his extended family.

The food is to die for, the views are stunning, and the language is beautiful. She’s been learning basic Italian for a few months in preparation for the trip and she loves being able to speak in Italian instead of English to anyone she makes conversation with. She’s still learning so much while she’s in Italy because with every conversation she has, she learns a little more Italian. In the next few years, she could see herself being fluent if she keeps practicing and learning.

Dessert gets devoured when they’re done their meals. Her stomach is full so she lays down and looks at the candlelit cave around them. It’s a smaller cave so the candles do a very nice job and illuminating the area. Luca joins her as soon as he’s finished packing their used utensils and plates in the basket. She curls up against his side.

“Do we have to head back soon?” she questions. “It has to be close to one in the morning. Maybe even closer to two.” She left her phone back at the house so she has no idea what time it is.

He shakes his head and looks down at her. “We can head back whenever you want,” he tells her. “Or we can stay out here all night. Whatever you want to do. You know I’d be fine with whatever you choose. I just brought the food.”

With a laugh, she turns her head up to look at Luca. “You let me know when you want to go back,” she replies. “I’m not going hijack the date you planned.”

"I think I can think of a thing or two for us to do before we head back," Luca admits. He runs his thumb over her lips while his other hand comes down and rests on her thigh right under the hem of her skirt. "It's the middle of the night. No one is out and about. If you're okay with it, of course-"

"We're still in public, Luca," she interrupts. "What if there is someone out and about? What if they walk by and they see us?"

Luca leans in and presses a soft kiss to her jaw. "Then they can see how good I fuck my girl," he mumbles into her skin. "How pretty she looks when she comes on my dick. Listen to those sounds that pass her lips as I fuck her."

Her entire body shivers with his words. She bites down on her bottom lip and presses her thighs together at the same time Luca’s hand comes down on her leg right above her knee. "God, Luca," she groans. "You can't just say that."

"I just did," he replies as he trails kisses from her jaw to her neck and collarbone. "And I'll say it again and again and again-"

"Oh my God," she sighs as she throws herself on top of Luca. "Please shut up already." She pins her boyfriend to the blanket and claims his lips in a heated kiss.

His hands fly to her waist to steady her. She slowly begins to roll her hips against his, causing him to hum into the kiss that follows. Luca's hands slide up her back until his fingers hook into the spaghetti straps of her dress. She shrugs the straps off just as Luca pulls them down. Her fingers begin working on the buttons on his shirt.

She pulls her arms out of the straps as she gets Luca's shirt undone. Her hands run down his bare chest and stomach. He sits up with her on his waist to pull the shirt off his body. At the same time, she pulls the dress over her head like a t-shirt. She has to resist every urge to cover her naked chest. She can feel the ocean breeze on her body.

Luca must sense her urge because he flips them over and hovers over her. She pushes his hair out of his face before she pulls him down to kiss him. He grins into the kiss that follows and makes himself comfortable between her legs.

Her hands slide from his hair down his back until they get to the waistband of his khaki’s. She hums against his lips as she gets his pants unbuttoned. He rolls the bulge that has grown in his pants against her ruined panties. She groans and slips a hand into his pants and boxers to wrap her hand around his dick.

The kiss deepens very slightly as Luca licks into her mouth. An involuntary moan passes her lips and he swallows the sound that echoes through the small cave.

She pushes his pants and boxers down so they pool around his knees. Luca kicks them away immediately before settling back between her legs.

“Are you okay?” Luca questions before he does anything else. “Do you want to keep going?”

With a grin, she nods. “I was nervous at first but yeah,” she tells him. “Fuck me, Fantilli. Fuck me so hard that anyone that walks by hears just how well you do.”

Luca’s eyes darken with lust and she lets her knees fall to the side. He hooks one of her legs around his elbow so he can move as deep into her as he can. It’s all about angles and they both know it at this point in their relationship.

He runs the tip of his dick through her soaked folds. She bites her bottom lip to keep quiet-ish. Luca pulls her lip out and shakes his head. “I wanna hear you, pretty girl,” he tells her. “Let me hear those pretty sounds when I fuck you.”

She nods and stares up at her boyfriend. Luca has a grin on his face. There’s a red tint to his cheeks from how hot it is in the cave right now. Despite it being nighttime, it’s still pretty warm.

Luca pushes her panties to the side and lines up with her entrance at the same time she reaches up and tries to tuck his locks behind his ear but it’s too short to stay in place. She giggles and runs her fingers through his hair. “You need to keep growing your hair out so it stays tucked behind your ear,” she teases.

“I wouldn’t dare to cut it,” he replies. “I know how much you like putting your fingers in my hair and pulling it.”

Before she can respond, he pushes into her. The familiar stretch is welcomed but she lets out a gasp at the feeling anyway. “Oh my- Luca,” she sighs. “Fuck.”

He leans down and presses kisses to her jaw. “That’s the plan,” he mumbles.

There are two seconds of hesitation to let her adjust. She rolls her hips when she’s ready, and he matches her movements. One of his hands rests on her waist to help her keep steady as she moves.

Even though she knows they’re alone because they’re in a cave on a beach in the middle of the night, she still glances toward the entrance of the cave every so often to make sure they’re still alone. Luca doesn’t notice since she does it over his shoulder.

The slight chance of getting caught is still exhilarating though. Not that she’d ever admit that to Luca because this is an every once in a while kind of thing. The locker room at Yost might be the next time they do this in a public setting because she kind of likes it. Again — not something she’d outright admit to Luca.

Luca nips at the skin right under her jaw and she cries out. It pulls her out of her thoughts immediately because it’s her favorite spot for Luca to kiss. Her jaw drops and her fingers curl in his locks.

His thrusts speed up and he moves deep inside her. “Oh my God,” she cries out. “Luca. Fuck.”

He lets out a breathy laugh and claims her lips in a quick, hot kiss. Luca rests his forehead on hers when he pulls back to breath. Her hands slide down to his jaw and she cups his face.

She feels herself begin to clench around him as she tries to hold off her orgasm until he’s ready to come. “Come on, pretty girl,” he pants. “Wanna hear you. Wanna feel you.”

Her entire body shakes as she reaches her pending orgasm without much warning. Luca holds her as she comes harder than she ever has before. She cries out his name and it echoes throughout the small cave. Her back arches off the blanket and her vision whitens as she climaxes. Her entire body goes limp and numb for a few seconds.

She has no idea if it’s because they’re having sex on the beach where anyone can walk by and she’s turned on by that or what but it’s the best orgasm she’s ever had. She is absolutely not against doing this again.

Luca pulls out and comes on her thighs. She doesn’t feel when he pulls out but is already coming to when he reaches into the basket beside them. He uses some of the napkins he bought to clean her up before he grabs his shirt and covers her with it. He lies down beside her as they both come down from their climaxes.

Her mind is completely scattered. She has no idea if she wants to just lay here until the sun rises or if she wants to go back to the house for round two.

“You okay?” Luca asks her. “Lost you there for a little bit. I just want to make sure you’re okay.”

With a nod, she looks over at Luca. “I’m perfect,” she tells him. “That was … I don’t even know but holy shit.”

He laughs and rolls onto his side. “Now we have our own little spot if we ever want to come back and do this again before we go back home,” he says. “Or we can stick to the plain old boring bed.”

“No!” she gasps way too quickly. “I mean, I’d be okay if we came back here before we left.”

“You liked it, didn’t you?” Luca teases. Her cheeks heat up at his accusation. “Oh my God. You liked possibly getting caught.”

She presses her lips into a line. “Okay, maybe a little bit,” she admits. “Maybe just next time, can we at least make sure there’s a door that we can lock? Or maybe a place where we wouldn’t get arrested if we get caught?”

Luca nods and presses a kiss to her forehead. “You got it.”

༺──────────────༻

MAIN MASTERLIST

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[crappymixtape]

sweet like summer

REQUEST → @palmtreesx3, SUMMER BLURB PARTY ❝ 💿 bff's to lovers maybe a little spicy – summer steve. summer steve! ( song x blurb with steve harrington x reader – this one is a lil fluffy, a lil flirty, a lil hot, roadtripping the west coast with stevie and stopping at a bar to dance after spending all day at the beach – recommended to listen to your song while reading! )

S W E E T L I K E S U M M E R SONG PICK -> 🎶 sunset girl, carpool tunnel

Your hair was still windswept, salt turned wavy and kissed by the sun and your sandals scratched in the sand under your feet on the dance floor. The west coast was unlike anything you’d ever seen, definitely nothing like Hawkins, and you wished you could bottle it up and bring it home with you.

It was all sunshine and surfer boys, shells and sea glass, gulls crying out over the crash of the waves and warm sand under your skin. California was your last stop, though Steve had teased about taking a detour through New Mexico on the way back, and you were trying to drink up every last little drop. You never wanted to leave.

You’d found the little hole in the wall taco joint on Trip Advisor and damn if the reviews weren’t right. It was some of the best food you’d ever had and Tuesdays had live music. There wasn’t a free table in the whole place and the dance floor was crowded, filled with people swaying along with the twangy riffs and reverbs coming from the surf rock band on stage.

Three margaritas deep, you could’ve sworn you were floating with the way your best friend held you close to his chest, Steve, Steve, Steve. One hand pressed wide and warm to your lower back and the other tangled up with yours. He hadn’t stopped grinning the second you got up from your table, but when the music slowed a bit it softened. Shifted smaller, unsure, a mixture of what if we mess this up and I've never wanted you more. He’d never looked at you like that before, but you found yourself lost in it as the lyrics wove through the space between you.

❝ WHAT D'YOU GOT GOING ON TONIGHT? I CAN TELL BY YOUR CURLY HAIR, WE'LL BE FADED OUT OF SIGHT.

Steve slowed, feet bumping into yours and a breathy laugh fell from your lips.

“Steve–”

He chuckled too, “Sorry.”

But then his eyes met yours, warm honey, burnt caramel, like swimming in a pool of liquid amber and it was like you couldn’t breathe. Your pulse fluttering against your neck and heart skipping in your chest.

Steve’s lips pulled up at the corner, shy, his fingers shifting over the thin fabric of your dress at your waist. He swallowed, Adam’s apple bobbing in his throat, tongue chasing over his lower lip. “I really want to kiss you,” he murmured and your skin buzzed where his fingers pressed to you. Singing under his touch, more, more, more.

❝ CAN'T PUSH IT, IF I DARE. OH, MY GIRL, MY GIRL.

The band didn’t exist anymore and everyone else faded away, blurring and swept away by the feeling of Steve. You heard gulls and the soft wash of waves on the sand, saw the way Steve smiled at you as he pulled you into the surf with him.

“Wanna kiss you too,” you whispered back and it was like you’d redefined time. Seconds more like minutes or hours, stretching out as Steve leaned closer and closer.

The soft sweep of his lashes over the apples of his cheeks, the strong line of his jaw and the moles chasing down his neck, the perfectly messy brown locks of hair falling over his forehead and lips so soft, pressed to yours.

Tentative, slow, langid, curious, wanting.

❝ A GEM, SO PERFECT YOU SEE. A DREAM, SO RARE.

It was a little shy at first, but as soon as you’d tasted each other you knew you were done for, would never have enough, would always be left wanting more, more, more.

“More Steve,” you said into him and he swallowed your words, pulled soft, sweet sounds from you and nestled them deep between his ribs to bloom like wildflowers, a bright, warm thing he would cherish forever.

His fingers squeezed at your waist, pressing into the plush of your hip and pulling you into him so close you could smell the faded scent of his coconut sunscreen, cedar and leather from his aftershave this morning and the sweet, heady musk of sweat – beading along the hollow of his collarbone, the swell of your chest, the press of your bodies in the heat.

He nosed at your neck and you gave him more access, head tilting back lazy, drugged, drowning in Steve as he dragged kisses across your skin and the sounds that had started out soft and sweet shifted needy. A low whine that blew his pupils wide and when you carded your hands through his hair, tugged on the ends and made him see stars, he squeezed at your hand.

❝ I'D GO THE EXTRA MILE TO SEE HER AT MY DOOR ONCE MORE – SUNSET GIRL.

“Take me back to the room,” you whispered, lips brushing against the shell of his ear and it melted any reservations he had left.

“Mmhm,” was all he could manage.

His fingers tangled up with yours as he led you out of the restaurant, both of you laughing low under your breaths at how ridiculous you felt, at how desperate it was. He’d turn to catch you in a kiss at the crosswalks and you’d tug at his bottom lip, drive him crazy, pushing yourselves to the point you were practically running back to the hotel.

And when you finally fell in through the door at your room, fingers scrambling to tug your dress up over your head, throwing his shirt off to the floor, Steve made you fall apart again and again until long after the ocean swallowed the sun.

crappymixtape™ • steve harrington masterlist // stranger things masterlist ♥️ reblogs and comments keep me going, friends! ily! ♥️

[tangibletechnomancy]

Doing It Wrong On Purpose: Episode 1 - The Un-Ship

Today's experiment: What happens if I prompt for something, and then negative prompt all the main keywords, plus various synonyms and related words?

The answer: Some gloriously weird stuff.

For example, let's look at a negative cat:

Positive prompt: A cat on a windowsill during a storm

Negative prompt: Cat, feline, felidae, kitty, kitten, animal, pet, windowsill, window, glass, pane, house, storm, rain, water, lightning, thunder, clouds, torrent, downpour, snow, blizzard, wind, windy

Interesting! Let's get a little more fantasy with it and try for an anti-deer:

Positive prompt: A deer in a peaceful flowery meadow, crystals, midnight, fantasy, colorful

Negative prompt: Deer, cervidae, animal, elk, moose, stag, doe, fawn, reindeer, antelope, cervid, antlers, flowers, night, dark, trees, foliage, bloom, stars, night, tranquil, fantastic, vibrant, cool, magic, blue, moon, sky, crystal, stone, statue, topiary, floral, blossom

Between these two experiments, including a few dozen other generations that remain unposted, one thing I can say for sure is that for living subjects, it's a great way to get the kind of anatomical wonk that older models are (in)famous for - and it makes sense why, the model is trying to make something that looks like a certain subject...but once it starts to look too much like it, well, shit, we told it NOT to do that! Break something up! Given that I love that kind of wonk, I think I've found a useful tool for myself.

One more living subject, and let's get even more abstract with our direction here:

Positive prompt: mind horse

Negative prompt: horse, equine, colt, filly, mare, stallion, bronco, pony, mind, brain, thought, essence, psyche, intelligence, consciousness, imagination, dream, soul, visualization, intellect, wit, cognizance

Now let's try something that isn't alive. One thing I love AI for is surreal settings and landscapes - lets try one now!

Positive prompt: A magic palace garden made of crystal and gold

Negative prompt: Palace, magic, crystal, gold, fantasy, castle, estate, stronghold, temple, garden, flowers, plants, blossoms, bloom, blooms, trees, grass, stems, foliage, leaves, greenery, branches, bush, bushes, hedge, hedges, metal, luxury, stone, glass, brass, rose, polished, jewel, prism, courtyard

I then tried to see if, learning from the animal subjects, I could make it more likely to return one of my favorite "mistakes" - making it impossible to discern the point where a water area ends and a sky area begins. I wasn't immediately successful, but I came up with some results I found pleasing regardless-

Positive prompt: Secret hideout in a cave behind a waterfall in the foggy forest on a floating sky island in fluffy clouds

Negative prompt: hideout, camp, campsite, home, abode, house, dwelling, rest, shelter, waterfall, water, cave, grotto, forest, woods, woodland, trees, fountain, cascade, pond, stream, lake, river, brook, puddle, creek, pool, beach, ocean, sea, cloud, clouds, sky, cumulus, cirrus, nimbus, fog, storm, rain, sunshower, falls

It seems that with landscapes it's got a much clearer and more specific "idea" of what a [SUBJECT] without [SUBJECT] looks like; it's more inclined to invent very specific, very consistent unasked for related elements. With the animals, I was tweaking the weight on the positive prompt to avoid getting straightforwardly just what I had positive (and negative) prompted, but with landscapes, I just get... almost something else entirely.

So how about inanimate objects? Let's try a ship, perhaps?

Positive prompt: A huge sailing ship with brilliant prismatic crystal sails on a stormy, turbulent sea of sunset clouds

Negative prompt: ship, boat, sailboat, sailing ship, pirate ship, galleon, ketch, schooner, sloop, cutter, sail, sea, ocean, storm, wind, rain, water, waves, cloudy, clouds, fog, sunset, dusk, dawn, sunrise, twilight, evening

...okay, I'm in love with the un-ship. It truly does manage to consistently give me results that look like, yet entirely unlike, a ship. It is everything I love about AI as a medium. More than that, it is my friend.

At lower positive prompt weights, they only get even more beautifully chaotic.

I want to live on one of these (in an alternate universe where they're geometrically possible and structurally sound, that is).

Failing that, I will be featuring them a lot from now on.

All images generated using Simple Stable, under the Code of Ethics of Are We Art Yet?

[jarenka]

I didn't want to start sunshine AU (yes, it has a name now!) without finishing a current fic, but I wrote down the first scene, since I've already came up with it. Ans then I translated it into English (well, google translated it, and I've made some changes, and @heretolurkandnothingmore kindly edited it). Here it is with a quick sketch of Anakin and Obi-Wan from this AU.

Since Laer laid between two mountain ranges, it didn't have its own spaceport. The nearest one was an hour and a half away, on an elongated coastal strip. Obi-Wan decided that they would land there and then ride a local airbus the rest of the way. The group him and Anakin were supervising only had seven older younglings, already past the age of needing constant supervision. 

As they made their way down to their designated spot, Anakin kept muttering that they should have picked a planet with a landing spot right next to the temple. He fit their ship neatly into a marked square on a concrete field between two other passenger ships of about the same size.

“There's a transit port in Laer,” Obi-Wan said. ”We could have landed there, but then you'd have to bring the ship back here and make the way back on your own. And on planets with landing spots near a temple there aren’t any hotels, theaters, or craft shops.”

“And I don’t think you're used to tents and dry rations anymore.” The words hang between them, unspoken.

”Don't be such a bore,” Anakin said. “Let me grumble a bit.”

“You're only thirty-five, it's a little early for you to become a grumpy old man.”

Their spot was not far from the passenger port building, so they got there on foot without waiting for a transportation platform. Obi-Wan walked ahead, and Anakin trailed the procession. 

Following the blue holographic arrows, Obi-Wan found the station - a large glass-walled building with three platforms, which airbuses approached one by one. The traffic was brisk, but Obi-Wan knew there weren't many flights to Laer. He went to the terminal to buy tickets only to find out that the next airbus wouldn't arrive for another hour. Obi-Wan sighed heavily. Jedi had been taught restraint and patience from an early age, but his wards still were just regular teenagers who had already spent thirteen hours in hyperspace, in the cramped quarters of a ship.

“All right, children,” Anakin said cheerfully as they stacked their suitcases by the row of chairs. “Who wants to come to the sea with me?”

“Can you make it there and back in an hour?” Obi-Wan asked.

Anakin silently pointed his finger at one of the glass walls. Just beyond it was a small square with benches and solitary, scattered palm trees, and behind the square laid a pink sandy beach.

“Yes, you can,” Obi-Wan decided.

Five of the seven younglings dropped their cloaks onto their chairs and followed Anakin toward the exit. 

“Why aren't you coming?” Obi-Wan asked the remaining two. He knew the answer to that, though. Lina Karras and Alvias Sa had been studying for the advanced math exam the whole trip, and now continued to sit engrossed in the flickering pages of formulas and math problems their teacher gave them. Obi-Wan wasn’t sure if he could solve those himself.

“We’ve got a test in three days,” Alvias Sa replied.

Obi-Wan knew that, too. Master Lokuta, who taught higher math, asked him to leave Alvias and Lina in the hotel on their test day. “Maybe they can take the test later,” proposed Obi-Wan. “I suggested it to them myself,” Master Lokuta replied.  “But they're stubborn. Don't want to fall behind the rest of the group.” They both shook their heads, having reached an understanding that some don’t want to take it easy even when they should. 

Leaving Lina and Alvias to keep an eye on their luggage, Obi-Wan bought himself and them each a glass of kaf. When he returned, his chair was already in a patch of light from the setting sun. 

The airbus station stood at the very edge of the spaceport, and its glass walls provided an amazing view of the picturesque landscapes of Celestia VI. On one side was the sea converging with the pale blue sky on the horizon, and on the other two sides were the speeder parking lot, the highway, and the mountain range that stretched along the seashore as far as the eye could see. On the green mountainside were sparsely arranged small villages. 

Obi-Wan looked at the weather forecast, found out that sunset would be in forty minutes local time, and opened the book. After the long hours he'd spent in the archives preparing for the trip, the only novels he'd read during the flight were the ones about a young woman from Coruscant who inherited a vineyard on Naboo (or an antique store on Alderaan, or a pottery workshop on Chandrila) from a childless distant relative and quit her annoying office job to find happiness in a new place. 

The protagonist just met a beautiful muscular neighbour* from the farm next door when the sunlight around Obi-Wan took on a warm orange hue. He tore his eyes away from the datapad. 

The haze in the air made the distant mountains lose all color and volume. They looked like flat silhouettes carved out of the yellowed sky. The sun hung above them in a large, blinding ball. Obi-Wan touched Lina and Alvias on the shoulder. 

“Stop studying and look at the sunset,” he said. They raised their heads reluctantly. 

“And don't make such faces,” Obi-Wan continued. ”Your math isn't going anywhere, and you won't see such a beautiful sunset again for a long time���. 

“Won't it be the same in Laer?” Alvias asked. “There are mountains there, too.” 

“Maybe it will, maybe it won't. But there are definitely no mountains on Coruscant.”

Lina didn't say anything. She had exchanged only a few lines with Alvias since they had left Coruscant, and the rest of the time she had either been studying or sleeping. Obi-Wan hoped she would brighten up in Laer. 

The sun had already slipped toward the mountains. It turned the peaks orange, the sparse wispy clouds around them looked like dark blotches in a glowing yellow halo. Human figures moved rapidly by the glass, all taking pictures of the sunset. Obi-Wan didn't take out his camera; the moment itself was enough for him. 

Soon the sun was gone from sight, but it still cut the sky over the mountains in yellow and orange rays. After a while, they too faded, and the entire landscape outside the glass wall turned a bluish hue. 

Obi-Wan glanced at the chrono - the sunset didn’t last long here. He threw a glance at Lina and Alvias and noticed that they were already looking at their datapads.

“I wonder if they watched the sunset or not…” 

Obi-Wan remembered that he himself, unlike Anakin, had paid no attention to the beauty of nature at the age of fourteen. It even seemed to him that admiration for sunsets, seas, forests and fields was an old man's trait. Maybe they thought so too. 

He picked up the book again to find out what the heroine was up to with her vineyard on Naboo and the attractive neighbor. 

Next time he was distracted by a figure that appeared nearby seemingly out of nowhere. Only when Obi-Wan looked up did he realize that Anakin hadn’t actually appeared out of nowhere, but was hidden by a line of people reaching for their airbus with the Travel Agency logo on it. 

“The sea is great,” Anakin said, turning to Lina and Alvias. “You should’ve gone with us.” 

“I doubt it's any different from other seas,” Lina said, taking a few moments to look away from her datapad. 

”Of course it's different. In some seas, you can't even touch the water without getting chemical burns.” 

Anakin's hair, which he neatly braided in the morning, was disheveled and frizzing more than usual because of the humidity. The cloak in his hands was covered in wet stains and sand. The younglings were talking excitedly, but the station was too noisy to discern the words. 

“Did you let them run barefoot on the beach?” Obi-Wan asked. 

“How did you know that?” 

“Judging by the state of your cloak, you wiped someone’s feet with it.” 

Anakin laughed. 

“It’s hard to hide anything from you.”

Obi-Wan pulled a light synthetic bag from his suitcase’s pocket and held it out to Anakin. 

“Put it in. We'll wash it at the hotel.” 

The airbus was still ten minutes away. 

*originally it was wlw space chick lit, but English doesn't have grammatical gender so it turned out to be ambiguous space chick lit.

[42ap]

I remember that day when we arrived at the beach—it was already too late. Everyone had left, leaving behind only the remnants of fireworks scattered across the sand. Colorful confetti, soaked by the sea, made the advertising print on them nearly illegible. Among shards of broken colored glass and seaweed, you found an already opened condom wrapper in the muck and excitedly pointed it out to me, while I felt nothing but disgust.

At the time, I didn’t love this filthy backyard excuse for a scenic spot. I hated how dull, backward, and utterly empty it was. I especially despised how other small-town residents saw it as some romantic haven, drawing teenagers who wandered the damp sand like pilgrims. They’d come meticulously dressed, as if convinced their destined love would emerge from the sea, birthed into the arms of a lonely soul like a newborn from its mother’s amniotic fluid. But this was the 1970s—the moon was already covered in steel machines. Even Venus ought to emerge from a delivery room by now. The beach was no place for romantic miracles.

You nudged me and told me to take off my shoes. I didn’t. You burst into laughter and, with no regard for the risk of being cut by glass, walked barefoot onto the damp sand. I watched your feet, but you didn’t step on anything—not glass, not anything else. You kept walking into the sea, farther and farther, fading into the growing darkness. Soon, I could barely make out your figure in the vast, dark ocean. Then you stopped, raised your arms, and shouted toward the opposite shore, your voice swallowed at the edges by the white noise of the waves. You sounded happy.

When you came back, you said, disappointed, that you hadn’t expected everyone else to leave so early. You strained your eyes toward the other side but saw nothing—not even the lights of New York. Because it’s already four in the morning, I said, swallowing the second half of my sentence. We were late because I wouldn’t leave the house until I finished an assignment I was deeply invested in at the time. You never interrupted my studies.

We leaned against the car, watching sparks crawl along the fuses of the fireworks you’d set up, and you cracked open a can of beer. I declined when you offered me one, immediately regretting it. The fuse took far too long to ignite the firework. I had nothing to do but look around and again caught sight of the torn condom wrapper. Not long ago, someone had made love here, I thought. Then you moved.

We were standing so close that I could feel your body heat in the gaps between the sea breeze. Someone had made love here, right on this beach, and now we stood on the very same sand where they had.

The firework exploded—yellow and orange. You shouted in excitement, but I was lost in thoughts of what happens when people make love. They take off their clothes. They touch each other. They whisper sweet words. Smoke rolled up from the firework casing as I turned to look at your face, bathed in orange-red light. Then, with a jolt of horror, I realized that lovers also kiss on this beach.

As the yellow sparks faded, they turned the color of calcium chloride. The purple ones, I thought, must be from strontium salts and copper chloride. These burning metal salts streaked through the air, their brilliant colors dyeing the smoke that trailed behind them. I tilted my head and lowered my gaze, pretending to examine the firework casing but really sneaking glances at your face from the corner of my eye, trying to study the shape of human lips.

Kissing. I thought about the word. I didn’t know how to French kiss, but at that moment, I knew nothing could stop me from leaning forward and pressing my lips to yours. A chill ran down my spine.

I asked myself why I would think such a thing, but a more terrifying voice asked why I wouldn’t. Maybe it was a kind of high-place phenomenon, like wondering whether touching the firework would hurt. I wanted to know what it felt like to jump from a great height, to drink sulfuric acid, to press a blade hard enough to slice my finger open, to walk into the sea and let myself be submerged. I wanted to know what would happen if I kissed you. It was all just idle thoughts, but in that moment, I felt dizzy, hyperaware of every part of my body as though I might forget to breathe if I didn’t focus.

I started to feel trapped inside my own small body. I thought I saw you glance at me, and I was terrified you might know. I was even more terrified that you didn’t, because that would mean we weren’t close enough.

I wondered what excuses I could use if I did it, and that thought pained me because I wanted to be honest with you. Sitting beside you on that New Year’s night, watching the fireworks turn purple, all I could think about was how intensely I felt that if I didn’t kiss you at that moment I might die,I would never have another chance. Summoning all my courage, I finally turned to look at you, overwhelmed by thoughts and realizing I might start vomiting if I didn’t speak. Just then, you turned to look at me too. In your eyes, I saw the reflection of the fireworks.

You said, “After we finish the fireworks, can we go to my friend’s house and watch a movie? There’ll be a bunch of people—it’ll be fun.”

I said, “Sure.”

We finished setting off all the fireworks we had. It was fun. We even tried to use the fireworks to light the surface of the sea. On the way back, we saw other people—they had just gone elsewhere to hang out. You stroked the steering wheel, musing about how great the car’s engine was, and that was the first time in my life I felt shame.

[pumpkinbxtch]

𓇼 the sun & the sea 𓇼 〰✷〰

— apollo / lester x daughter of poseidon!reader

part i | part ii | part iii | part iv |

☆ radiostar is playin': blackbird by the beatles…! // eye of the night by conan gray...! // meet me in the woods by lord huron...!

warnings: none n/a: i'm so fuckin' proud of the prophecy i created. it's all, thank you. taglist: @emidpsandia

You arrived when the fun was already over, or well, something like that.

As soon as you got off Pegasus, your heavy steps echoed through the gravel, and the glasses of water belonging to some tired campers rattled at your presence. Percy turned around when he noticed everyone staring at him as if he was about to die soon. Despite being surprised by a tornado of water glasses swirling where the dining hall was supposed to be, he feared more the way you were looking at him. It took him quite a bit not to step back to avoid humiliating himself.

— Percy, what the fuck?! — You shouted, and he nervously smiled.

— Sis.

— None of that 'sis' crap — You approached, gave him a smack on the head, and he complained — I go out for a few hours with Mom to buy stuff for dinner, and you escape. You said you wouldn't come.

— How did you know?

— Blackjack.

— Oh.

Everything turned out as you feared, things didn't look good, and your brother ended up saving the stupid Apollo's butt again. After having an exclusive report about what was happening there, at the Big House, with Chiron, Dionysus, and Percy, the only reaction you got from yourself was a loud bang on the table that made the utensils jump.

— Sister…

— Where's Apollo? — The two older ones tensed up, and Percy just sighed.

— He'll leave in the morning, us too, just…— he growled as he nervously scratched the back of his neck. Now he understood why they were so alike, and sometimes that wasn't exactly a compliment. — let it go, he's having a really hard time.

— A god — You said incredulously.

— Ex — Your brother corrected, and he settled impatiently in his seat, as he had found something more important to tell you in order to divert your attention. — Leo is alive. — He announced, and you opened your mouth slightly with surprise. With that, Percy believed he was winning. — Listen, while we were all solving the, well, “inconvenience” at the beach, he was at Apollo's cabin. They wanted to make sure he's okay before he leaves with Apollo in the morning. He'll help him with his mission, not us.

— Oh, Percy — Dionysus sighed as he rubbed his temple with disappointment. He never believed his ability to make things worse was real or unintentional until he said that.

— What? — He said innocently until he turned his gaze towards you.

Your blood began to boil, and with anger, you managed to bend a metal knife from the fine cutlery that Chiron had barely acquired. The half-equine sighed silently, and before it could bid farewell to the rest of its tableware, it hoped you would keep calm. And calm was what you had been lacking for a few days now.

“Of course,” Percy thought, his lips pursed, “who would have liked to hear that at that moment?”

Shortly after, the three of them found themselves grappling with you to prevent you from leaving the house straight to meet Apollo.

— APOLLO! — You shouted fiercely, your voice echoing through every corner of the camp, as you managed to break free from their grip, and Dionysus had no choice but to make you faint.

— Alright, kid, you've exceeded your bedtime — And he touched your temple, making you lose strength in your legs.

You fought against that magic, but you only managed to reach the porch, with blurred vision and distorted hearing. There were only a few voices that you heard clearly in your mind before losing consciousness.

“Come to the forest, find us, you don't have to ask”

The campers stopped their final nocturnal activities and admired your body being dragged back into the Big House. When Percy greeted them casually while holding your ankle, they knew it was better not to ask. And although everyone found it totally normal, in the corner of Apollo's cabin, he himself was clutching his legs tightly, trembling and with teary eyes. Was there anything worse than the love of your life hating you to death? And the answer, for him, was no because he knew it and knew it so well that he was tired of it.

“Find us, you don't have to ask”

“come find us”

“You don't have to ask”

“Apollo is…”

You woke up startled and pulled the sheets with cold despite it being mid-spring. You were in your bed, and Percy was sleeping in his, everything seemed fine, so where had those voices come from?

— Damn Dionysus, you've made me crazy — You whispered as you lay back down and tried to sleep.

“The sea and the Sun...”

“Come find us”

“You don't have to ask”

You opened your eyes and looked around, was madness real? Or was something really calling you? Instinct spoke first for you, and with bare feet, you got out of bed, then out of the cabin. Just as if it were a charm, you only knew you had to go to the forest, and your feet obeyed that sudden desire.

“They can't come in now. Not until Rachel knows what's going on or how Apollo's grove works,” Chiron said at the table, just before everything went to hell.

“Especially you, girl, we know you, and we're telling you not to dare,” Dionysus warned.

“You don't have to ask,” the voice insisted, as if it knew what was going through your head at that moment, and without knowing what awaited you, you took the first step into the forest where your only company was the moonlight.

— Dionysus — Chiron warned. He appeared calm, however, the alarm in his words betrayed him. Of course, why wouldn't it, since he had just seen you enter the forest in nothing but your pajamas.

— We can't do anything now. The Grove found her, and as we've already seen with the other campers, it won't stop until she hears what it has to say. The good thing is that the Grove already has its voices channeled. — Dionysus leaned his forehead against the windowpane, still holding his coffee cup tightly, and let out a sigh. — Funny thing is that Apollo himself gave the girl the keys to know her destiny. What an idiot.

The truth was you didn't know how you had gotten there, but you could hear the murmurs guiding you among the trees, and it was late when a wave of fear enveloped you. You tried to run away when in front of you there was a set of trees different from those in the forest, and that's when you knew you had reached the Dodona Grove. You admired it, and immediately felt the presence of something utterly ancient, so old that you would never dare to defy it.

So, as if they knew of your arrival, the wind blew, and you saw some wind chimes hanging from the branches swirling with the breeze, making small whirls until they finally collided with each other. The chimes caused a tinkling that simultaneously deafened your surroundings, almost as if you had been submerged in water. For a moment, you were unable to hear anything, you looked up, and your eyes blinked with the moonlight. 

The voices that began to form as if traveling from afar to be heard gave you a twist in the stomach, that which you had dreamed of for a long time was about to be given to you.

"The sea and the sun are not far away as they look, even the greatest can't hide what the lovers need to through. One will long while the other fight, nothing more to do even if you try. It's the price to pay, no matter if the sun doesn't shine again, cause this is no more than the consequence. Cry a river or flood with love, all hangs in the hands of the man who now you love. This rhymes for him were different, but he hopes for put that ring and find what he's been missing."

The voices ceased, and they finished reading your future to you. Every word kept resonating in your mind, you remained speechless, you had no way of assimilating that instantly. You wanted to review those words better and hope for the best, and what was that? That it wouldn't be what you suspected? Or that it would come true just like that? You couldn't answer any of those questions.

Stunned, you began to walk back, or what you supposed was the way back. With a blank stare, murmuring the statements, shortly after, you realized that you were actually somewhat lost. You took several turns and felt overwhelming how the trees surrounded you, as if they were mocking you. It wasn't until the sun peeked out that you finally saw a path, which you found ironic. At that moment, you were only capable of responding to that, then as usual, your mind didn't let you be happy even for a moment when Percy's words reached your ears.

“They'll leave in the morning, just like us.”

And you ran. No matter how much your feet hurt, or how many times the branches of the trees hit you or got stuck in your clothes, you never stopped running, but you simply didn't seem to get anywhere. Your breath was short, you had to see Apollo before he left. You had to catch up with him and ask for an explanation, after all, he was the god of poetry and prophecy, so he could explain it to you in more detail… he… he… He had also hidden it from you, but why?

You ran even faster, pleaded with the gods, with the trees, whoever could hear you, to let you out of the forest. It was several minutes later that you saw the lights of the camp, as if they had always been there. You emerged, and many campers alerted your arrival, you must have looked terrible judging by their reactions.

— Where's Apollo?

— What? — Said a Demeter kid, who struggled to get the branches out of your hair, you just wanted to push them aside.

— Apollo, where is he? — You gasped and looked as Percy ran towards you.

��� Sister!

— Percy!

They let you go with him, you almost crashed into his arms, and he held you tightly.

— Apollo.

Percy frowned and snorted.

— Again with that topic?

— No, where's Apollo, Percy? — Your serious face worried him, and he shook his head.

— They left almost at the end of the dawn, they left earlier than expected. — Your tears began to flow, and you struggled from your brother's grip. — What the hell's going on?

— Miss Jackson.

Everyone looked behind you, and you didn't bother to do otherwise. Dionysus and Chiron were looking at you anxiously, you could even notice their bloodshot eyes, as if they hadn't been able to sleep all night.

— That's why they didn't want me to get close to any oracle, prophet, or skeleton.

Your words were thinking, and realization could be heard in them.

— What are you talking about? — Percy asked, and you clenched your fists.

Chiron stepped back and pointed to the Big House, you just scoffed and walked into it with big steps, hitting your feet against the grass. Adrenaline was such that you didn't stop to think that it would hurt later.

— You have to go back to New Rome — You looked up and gave them a puzzled look, you couldn't believe what they were asking you.

— You want me to go back to New Rome with THIS happening?

Dionysus growled, and Percy kept his gaze fixed on his feet, barely managing to assimilate all the information he had been given.

— Girl, go back and mind your own business. The prophecy says so, you can't do anything.

— That's true, it's all in Apollo's hands.

— But—! — You cut off your sentence. Why were you fighting with that? You weren't in love with him, you denied him. He was a god, what kind of pity could you feel for him? They always made you flee from prophecies, most of the gods suck… but in that forest, something had changed. It was as if you had been able to see the truth of something, but it would still take you to put it all together. No matter.

Apollo… you never knew him so closely, was that intentional too? It doesn't matter, anyway, you knew he was an idiot. They called you “lovers” when both barely knew each other, maybe all that was a mistake, but it doesn't matter because you felt nothing for him, and without that, nothing made sense.

Dionysus and Chiron still watched you attentively, while Percy had already leaned on his forearms on the table, looking at you intently, as if trying to figure out what you were thinking. You sighed and started to feel pain in your feet.

— I hope Leo returns safely. after all, I couldn't see him — You said firmly, but with a hollow feeling in your stomach. You looked at your brother and smiled as if nothing had happened.— Let's go, Percy. Mom must be worried, and I have to go back to New Rome.

Before anyone could say anything, you left the house limping slightly straight to Apollo's cabin, it really hurt, and you couldn't afford to get sick before going back to college.

Percy got up and looked at the two older ones, his gaze hardened, as soon as he considered everything that had been hidden from him, too, but he didn't allow those feelings to take center stage. He wanted you to be happy.

— Do you think he'll come back? — He asked, and Chiron hummed while Dionysus made a somewhat discouraging face.

— It's hard to say, Percy. — Chiron sighed and shook his head, considering the odds. — Many things are at stake, not just Apollo returning to being a god.

That was enough for him, he was already used to the slim chances of success on a mission.

— Provided Apollo isn't as much of an idiot as usual and messes up. His egocentric butt is sure to get him into trouble, not to mention the fact that he has no powers. — Dionysus let out a small laugh that made Percy consider the supposed brotherhood he had with Apollo — He's like a newborn jaguar set loose in the cruel tropical forest called life.

— Work on your jokes, Mr. D — Percy said with disgust, and the god bared his teeth at him.

Your brother insisted on driving the car, he thought you had already done enough, besides making it clear that he didn't trust you after you spent the whole night awake in the forest. Obviously, you didn't have any ways to defend yourself, because it was true, and you were grateful for that, there was enough of that shit swirling in your head that you were trying to forget.

With the window down, the breeze caressing your hair, and the immense silence, Percy found it impossible not to ask.

— Do you feel anything for him? — He asked, and you were surprised that this time it had taken him longer to stick his nose in the gossip. You shook your head.

— No, Percy. Maybe, being kept away from him all this time has its advantage, and I'll never fall in love with him because I don't see how I could do that without even being close or knowing him better — You sighed and pretended something your brother longed to see, a smile because it was the first one in those days.

— Maybe that stupid prophecy is so old and stale that it's useless.

Percy nodded silently with his hands almost sunk into the steering wheel and his eyes fixed on the road ahead. More than anyone, he knew that couldn't be true; more than anyone, he knew that stupid prophecies always found their way, but he didn't want to say it out loud.

— Yes, maybe you're right — He said without conviction, and you could also feel the improbability in your own conjectures.

[joelalorian]

Under False Pretenses - Chapter Three

Stepdad!Dave York x f!reader | wc: 3109 | masterlist

Summary: A challenging mission, whirlwind marriage, and an unexpected yet captivating stepdaughter push Dave York to the brink as secrets, feelings, and loyalties collide.

Warnings: Explicit, 18+ mdni. Stepdad trope. Unspecified age gap. Pining. Ogling. Self love (m and f getting it done). Accidental voyeurism on reader's part. Soft, sexy, and intense Dave. We like thick thighs in this house and so does Dave. Dave gives reader a nickname based on his perception of her. No use of y/n.

Series Masterlist

Chapter Three

The next few days passed in a blur as you adapted to your new life. You learned the route to and from the girls’ school, started taking care of the morning drop-off routine, and picked them up when neither Dave nor your mom could get out of work early enough. You explored the affluent seaside town you now called home, finding a quaint bookshop and café you knew would quickly become your go-to places along the main street downtown. You even walked the beach a few times, the salty air helping to clear your mind and soothe your soul. And, best of all, you picked out some color samples to test on the basement walls.

By Friday, you settled on a soft shade called Sea Salt that appeared to change color based on the amount of natural light, ranging from the palest owl gray to the lightest sea glass blue you’ve ever seen. It was beautiful and you couldn’t wait to cover the walls with it, knowing it would look different in the main living area of the basement than it would in the bedroom based on the ample natural light filtering through the small windows high up on the walls of the main area.

That evening, your mom and Dave had a black-tie event to attend in the city and they would be gone overnight, leaving you to take care of the girls. You grew close to them quickly, completely charmed by their sweet, sassy personalities and big, dark puppy eyes that perfectly matched their father’s. You were looking forward to this evening home alone with them and planned a sleepover in your basement suite.

Handing over a tip to the delivery guy, you accepted the large pizza and closed the door with your foot. Your mouth dropped open when you turned, your eyes landing upon Dave coming down the stairs in a perfectly tailored tux sans bowtie. God damn, the man looked good, like a secret agent sent to seduce every woman with a pulse. You practically had drool running down your chin at the sight of him.

Desire flared heavily in your belly, and for a moment, you hated your mother for taking such a fine specimen off the market. How did she get so lucky? Why couldn’t you have found him first?

“Take a picture, Firecracker. It’ll last longer,” he teased with a roguish wink as you stared at him. You hoped your eyes didn’t give away the longing you felt building up inside you.

“Shut it,” you clapped back before clearing your throat. “You, uh, clean up nice.” Heat rushed up your neck at the lameness of that comment.

“Wow, Daddy, you look so handsome!” Alice exclaimed as she and Molly came running into the room before he could respond to you.

“Thank you, sweet girl,” Dave grinned down at them, running his hands over their hair. Still holding the pizza box, you gazed at them and tried tamping down that warm feeling pooling in your belly. It was fucking hot that he was such a good dad.

“What about me? Don’t I look beautiful?”

None of you noticed your mom come down the stairs until she spoke, attempting to steal the attention away from her husband. She waited; her arms flared dramatically as she twirled in a circle to show you all her black, form-fitting, floor-length gown. It was a nice dress, though the bosom cut dangerously low, bordering on too much for a black-tie event.

Alice and Molly excitedly assured her that she looked like a queen, with the added, entirely innocent, comment that she was too old to look like a princess. You barely held back a laugh at that, and Dave’s lips twitched when he met your gaze, his dark eyes lit up with amusement.

“You look very nice, mom,” you assured, knowing her ego took a hit from the girls’ comments. She did look pretty, though she went overboard with the makeup like usual. She always liked to push boundaries. “Hope you two have fun tonight.”

“We will, don’t worry,” Lisa said with a wink at you before clutching Dave’s arm and batting her fake eyelashes at him. “Right, baby? Did you load up our overnight bag already?”

“The bags are in the car,” Dave rumbled, bending down to hug his girls and breaking away from your mom’s grip on him in the process. You observed the loving interaction between father and daughters with fondness, ignoring that little voice in her head reminding you how much you’d love to hug him, to feel his body pressed against yours, how you ached to be the one going to a gala with him instead of your mother….

“Are you ready?” your mom asked when the goodbyes took too long for her liking. Turning to you, she added, “I expect you to clean up any messes y’all make before we get back in the morning.”

Dave’s eyes shot to your mother sharply, his displeasure clear before he turned to you with a reassuring look. “Just have fun tonight, don’t worry about cleaning up. We’ll be back early to work on painting.”

“Painting?” your mom asked with a high-pitched voice. “You’re letting her paint the basement? Don’t you think that’s rather excessive and unnecessary? She won’t be staying here long term, David. Don’t expect me to help. Not after telling me that I couldn’t paint the kitchen!”

“Gee, thanks Mom,” you grumbled under your breath. Why did she go out of her way to remind you that you were not a permanent fixture in their home, their lives?

Dave rolled his eyes and steered your mom toward the door, shooting you an apologetic half-smile over his shoulder as his gaze lingered on you. “Be good, girls, and have fun!” He winked at you before closing the door behind him, while your mom kept complaining about letting you paint the basement.

“Good luck,” you called out, checking the deadbolt before leading the girls to the basement with the pizza. You already had plates, cups, snacks, and drinks ready to go. “How about a movie marathon?”

“YES!” The girls cheered. “Can we start with Moana?” Molly asked.

“Sure. Then Alice can pick the next one.”

Within a few minutes, you had the movie cued up, doled out pizza for all three of you, and joined the girls on the nest of blankets you placed on the floor to watch the movie. Halfway through it, your phone buzzed on the coffee table. A smile arose unbidden when you saw who sent the message.

Dave: Feel free to call or text me if you need anything.

You: Will do. Enjoy your night out!

You expected that to be the end of it, but Dave sent another text.

Dave: I’d rather be home having pizza and a movie marathon with you girls, to be honest.

That surprised you.

You: Not a big party guy?

Dave: Not even a little bit.

Dave: I’d literally rather be anywhere but here.

That really surprised you.

The evening carried on with a few more texts from Dave. Nothing salacious, but he was chatty. You wondered what your mother thought of her new husband spending so much time on his phone, texting while having a night out with her. Did she know he was texting you? Did she even notice or was she just out living her best life and leaving her husband on his own?

Most of all, you wondered why he was texting you and not at least trying to enjoy spending time with your mom – his wife. You refused to think about it too deeply, not wanting to encourage the disturbing crush on your stepdad that was slowly, but surely trending toward actual feelings.

Dave turned into the driveway, pulling into the garage with a relieved sigh. He couldn’t wait to be out of the car and get a break from Lisa’s constant play-by-play of the night before. He heard the same stories more than twice over since they left the hotel. He also heard the same complaints about him being glued to his phone all night and not dancing with her. Of course, she failed to acknowledge that she spent half the night flirting with their neighbor Roger, who attended the event with his wife.

Not that it mattered for fuck’s sake. He was hungover and couldn’t take it anymore.

“Lisa, give it a fucking rest. Please.”

Her mouth slammed shut as he exited the car, pinching the bridge of his nose to ease the oncoming headache. It was barely eight o’clock in the morning. He needed coffee and a god damned break from his wife’s incessant chattering.

There were no signs of life when he walked into the kitchen and slipped a pod into the coffeemaker. He was halfway down the stairs to the basement with a steaming cup of black coffee in hand before he heard Lisa enter the house, stomping her feet on the hardwood like a fucking child.

The sight that met his eyes when he reached the bottom of the stairs made him forget all about his wife, her nagging, and his building headache. His girls were cuddled up to you on the floor, the three of you still asleep, cozily wrapped in a sea of blankets. His heart melted, then grew three sizes as he took in the contented expressions on your faces. His eyes lingered on you, noting how curled one arm above your head with your hair spread out like a halo across the pillow.

Fuck. Even in sleep, you were gorgeous.

Unable to tear his eyes away, yet unwilling to wake you, Dave pulled his phone from his pants pocket and quietly snapped a few pictures. His teasing line to you from last night – the one about pictures lasting longer – struck him as oddly apropos.

Not wanting to disturb the three of you, Dave slipped silently up the stairs to finish his coffee before showering and getting himself ready to help you paint. When he returned to the kitchen, you and the girls were finishing your cereal at the breakfast bar.

“Daddy!” the girls chorused when he entered the room, and he grinned at them. Nothing made him feel loved like his daughters greeting him like this.

“Good morning, my sweet girls! Did you have a fun night?” His big brown eyes flashed to you, drinking in the soft, sleepy look on your face as the girls regaled him with tales of the sleepover. “Well, that’s great! I wish I could have been here for all the fun.”

“Next time, Daddy,” Alice replied sagely, causing you and Dave to laugh.

“You ready to get started on today’s adventure?” he asked once you finished your cereal and coffee.

“Sure, let me get changed and we can get started,” you replied eagerly. “I have all the supplies downstairs.”

After instructing the girls to change into their day clothes and keep themselves entertained for a while, Dave followed you downstairs, removing the wall hangings and covering the floor and furniture with plastic sheeting.

Dave mixed the paint next, setting up the brushes and rollers, and poured it into two trays by the time you exited the bedroom, dressed in a pair of fitted sleep shorts and an old, oversized tee shirt that hung off one shoulder. He groaned internally at the sight of your thick thighs in those little shorts.

This day was going to be an exercise in self-control, he thought, watching you bend over to pick up a roller, his eyes glued to your voluptuous ass. Fuck.

Hurriedly adjusting his shorts before you could spot him, Dave grabbed a roller and got to work. The pair of you worked companionably, joking and sharing conversations as the hours passed. You made quick work of the large, open room, and Dave sent you on to get started in the bedroom while he finished the edging in the main area. He had a much steadier hand than you, something you learned early in the adventure.

When he finally joined you in the bedroom, Dave couldn’t help but laugh. There were paint specks in your hair, a smudge on your cheek, and your left eyebrow was now a mottled light gray.

“This is a good look for you,” he chuckled, gesturing at the mess you made of yourself. The urge to strip you naked and pull you into the shower with him nearly overwhelmed him.

You looked back at him, chagrined yet satisfied that you finished the walls. “What can I say, I really enthusiastic about my work,” you sassed with a shrug.

“I can see that. Why don’t you get cleaned up and I’ll do the edging here.” He watched you duck into the closet and pull out a change of clothes. When you turned to leave the room, he laughed at the stripe of paint across the seat of your shorts.

At the sound of his laughter, you ducked back into the room. He blinked at you owlishly as you moved closer, not noticing your hand reaching out to swipe a finger across his paintbrush until you booped his nose with the fresh paint-covered finger. Cackling, you danced out of the room leaving him to stare, stunned yet aroused, after you.

How were you so damn cute?

Later, after everything was cleaned up and the first coat of paint was left to dry, Dave ordered takeout for everyone. Lisa bragged about the gala the evening before while you all sat around the table and Dave sighed heavily.

He had such fun spending the day working with you, that he forgot all about his wife.

That certainly spoke volumes.

After dinner, Dave quietly asked Molly and Alice to share a room for the night so you could sleep upstairs. “You obviously can’t sleep down there with all the paint fumes, Firecracker,” he responded when you tried to argue. That took the wind out of your sails, and he grinned at your resigned expression.

He went to sleep that night knowing you were just down the hall, his dreams filled with you. He didn’t know if that was comforting or terrifying… or something else entirely.

One late evening, you walked around the neighborhood, enjoying the cooler air moving in off the shore and the full moon overhead. You loved checking out the houses – just like Dave’s, they were more upscale than you were used to. The peacefulness of the affluent, yet sleepy neighborhood settled over you as you headed back to the house. Bypassing the front door, you went through the vinyl gate on the side of the house with the intent of sitting on the patio for a bit, the thick grass below your feet softening your steps.

A sudden splash followed by an immediate sigh caught your ears as you reached the back corner of the house, and you froze. Autumn settled into the New England air, and it was cold enough that Dave winterized the pool already. So, what was the splashing?

Peeking your head around the corner of the house, you spied the string lights above the patio, the soft glow highlighting Dave sprawled in a hot tub. That was new… the hot tub and seeing your stepdad shirtless.

Your mouth fell open at the sight of him, eyes closed in relaxation with arms spread along the hot tub’s edge, steamy water bubbling around his fit body. His bare chest, wet and glistening in the subtle lighting, made you salivate. Another sigh left his lips as his left arm shifted, his hand dipping beneath the bubbling water. Dave’s head tipped back to lean against the small cushion at the lip of the hot tub and you could see the muscles of his left arm working in a slow, steady rhythm.

A low moan slipped from his lips.

Oh.

Oh.

Holy shit.

You couldn’t move as the realization washed over you. Instead, you stared in awe, continuing to spy on him feeling secure that you were hidden in the shadows. You should feel dirty, like a fucking pervert watching your stepfather like this…

You felt anything but that.

The sight was so fucking hot you had to bite your bottom lip to keep from moaning aloud as arousal flooded your senses, the evidence of it pooling in your panties.

Dave arched against the side of the tub, sending ripples through the water as his hand moved faster, harder beneath the surface. You longed to get closer, to climb into the heated water with him, replace his hand with your own.

Fuck! When did your hand slip past the waistband of your joggers? Your fingers were knuckle deep in your soaked pussy before you realized what you were doing, body leaning heavily against the wall of the house, eyes locked on Dave as you fucked yourself, palm grinding against your clit.

What the hell were you doing?

Who fucking cared. You were too worked up to think straight.

A jolt of pleasure coursed through you as you ebbed closer to the edge in time with Dave.

“Fuck.” The grunted curse reached your ears, Dave’s voice rumbling from deep in his chest though he visibly fought to stay quiet. You plunged your fingers as deep as you could at the sound, rubbing hard against your cunt until your orgasm washed over you. Curling your free hand into a fist, you shoved it against your mouth, teeth biting into the skin to keep you from making a sound. Dave came with a stuttered grunt, drowning out the small whine that snuck past your fist.

Holy fuck. You’d never done anything so depraved, yet you couldn’t find it in yourself to feel bad about it. It was the single hottest thing you’d ever experienced solo.

Another splashing sound drew you back to reality, and you took off, quietly working your way back to the front door and down to the basement before Dave saw you. If you slipped your soaked fingers into your mouth as you went, wondering what Dave would think of the taste, no one needed to know.

Jumping in the shower, you wondered what Dave thought about while getting himself off.

What kind of fantasies did he have?

Did he think about his wife – your fucking mom?

Did he… did he ever think about you?

You climbed into bed after drying off and applying your cocoa and shea butter moisturizer, gentle lingering tremors still coursing through your body from that fantastic, entirely unexpected orgasm. You fell asleep with your mind still full of the image of Dave in the hot tub.

tbc

Chapter Four

tag list: @imdrinkingpedro @lillaydee @ppascalrain @yorksgirl @missladym1981 @baronessvonglitter @slimybeth69 @mellymbee @untamedheart81 @inept-the-magnificent @wannab-urs @thundermartini

[thollandneedy]

Fill Up the Room- Nathan Drake

A/n: Enemies to lovers always wins my heart

Warnings: Cursing and suggestive content

Don’t forget to share, like, comment and leave your ideas here

Summary: Y/n and Nathan are always teasing each other, but things get different when they confess their feelings

Bellah’s Masterlist 🪻

“ Ugh, finally” Y/n grunted, throwing one of his suitcases on the floor and letting his body touch the double bed of the seaside hotel. 

On the other side of the bed, Nathan Drake sighed deeply, trying to understand how he could get back to his original position and find Sully. One of his hands found his face, pulling it down as a gesture of discontent. If it hadn't been for Y/n's failed plan, maybe they wouldn't be stuck in a hotel by the beach, and maybe Nathan would have found the lost treasure he had longed for as a child. In Y/n's view, all this was completely the opposite, since Nathan didn't take his job seriously (in his view), and was too imaginative when it came to fights and escapes.

“Finally,” Nathan grumbled disdainfully at the comment, turning his head away and heading for the bathroom.

“Why don't you say it to my face, since you're mumbling all the time?” Y/n sat down on the bed, casting a judgmental glance at his fellow adventurer.

“Because you know very well that this is your fault.” The brunette replied, turning his body towards where the woman was.

“My fault?” The girl points at herself, and laughs in denial. “It was you who drank too much wine yesterday, and simply woke up late to take our cab. When we got to the plane, you couldn't wait for my signal. You had to do everything first and send us to the fucking middle of the ocean in a box full of who knows what.” Y/n stood up, moving towards him as she spoke.

The room's wooden windows couldn't hide the fight they were having, and the translucent curtains couldn't hide the fact that there were two people fighting. 

“You had a shitty plan to attack from behind, taking out whoever was flying. Then Sully and I would attack the other mobsters, but we'd all fall into the water and probably die. Are you sure the problem started with me, darling? Because as far as I knew, you were the reason I was late this morning” The brunette moved closer to the girl, crossing his arms as he completed the sentence.

Their breaths were almost mingling, but Y/n was distracted by the fact Nate had mentioned. The girl frowned, moving a little away from the image of Nate, who was now looking at her in confusion, thinking that she would remember what had happened last night after they'd had several glasses of wine after dinner at the hostel. 

"Oh my God. You really don't remember?” The man laughed to himself, giving a slight smile.

“What the fuck are you talking about, Nathan?” Y/n asked hesitantly.

"After the drinks we had, and the long sleep Sully was having, we kissed. We didn't get to have sex, but his hands know very well where to touch.” Nate says, then gets a push on the shoulder.

"Shut up. That never happened. If it had, I would have remembered it perfectly. I'm not some irresponsible girl, and by the way, even though I drank a lot last night, I got up early.” Y/n says angrily, causing Nate to laugh.

"You just don't want to accept the facts, love. Accept that this is what we have.” Nate points at himself and then at Y/n. ”It's just a little lie, and you like my company and the boyish style on your side. You feel superior to me, and you like to be in control.” Y/n turns around, but Nathan's strong hand grabs her wrist without hurting her, bringing her close to his body full of sea salt on his clothes.

“You're crazy to believe that I would allow myself to like someone like you.” Y/n growls, but doesn't try to pull her fist out of the adventurer's grasp.

"So you didn't like Chloe because she was hitting on me? Or was there some reason why you two didn't get along?”

“It's not all about you, Nathan.” Finally, Y/n pulls his wrist tightly to himself and heads for the bathroom to cool off. 

The brunette hears the door slam, then sits down on one of the sofas in the suite to think of ways to find the new routes to the lost treasure. The hours passed, and finally the moon took its place in the sky, allowing the light of the candles to illuminate the dark room. While Y/n sat on her bed using her laptop to talk to Sully, Nate was looking through old letters from his brother. The girl didn't understand Nathan's fixation with treasure, let alone these random letters that he always managed to carry around with him. 

When she accepted the job, she was only thinking about her future, since she wanted to be a great historian and finish her anthropological research. As soon as she met the rest of the team, which she didn't know would have more people, Y/n just focused on getting her share and leaving. However, I couldn't lie when I thought that there was an empathy between the two. Nathan was never his favorite, much less Chloe, but even though he had a childish and silly instinct, he knew how to always protect the team and do what was right.

“Did you find anything?” Nate's voice broke into Y/n's thoughts, taking her eyes off the computer and staring at the man wearing a white bathrobe who stood in front of the foot of the bed.

“I thought so.” Y/n looked away again, realizing that it was already past midnight. I think I'll go to sleep. Feel free to look at my laptop”. The girl in the bathrobe hands the device to Nate, who only replies with a smile that doesn't show his teeth.

"I've written down some coordinates, but I think I need to rest too. We have a long day tomorrow.” The brunette runs one of his hands through his hair, while the other leaves the laptop on a sofa at the foot of the bed. Can I have a pillow?” The man stretches out one of his hands, but Y/n tilts her head to one side.

“Is this because of the fight we had?” the girl asks, pulling the comforter of the double bed over herself. 

“No. I just don't want it to seem like I'm forcing anything, and I know I'm not your favorite either, so...- The brunette looks away, staring at the walls of the beach-themed room with its light colors and sandy tones scattered throughout the rest of the room.

“I don't mind.” The woman said without making eye contact.

Her main point was that Nate didn't lie. 

Chloe could be a manipulative bitch, but the fact that she wanted to manipulate Nate was what made the situation more unacceptable than it already was. 

The candles in the room had already been extinguished, and now only the lights from the lamps were illuminating the room. In an instant, everything became a strange pitch, where there was no conversation and the sea was the only thing that improved the mood. The moon was part of the room that was no longer so dark, but their thoughts seemed to speak louder. With their backs to each other, it was still possible to hear their heavy breathing, showing that they weren't asleep yet. Y/n closed his eyes, but they opened immediately, as he couldn't sleep without saying something. Her pride felt like it was going to burst out of his chest, and it did.

-"Sorry about this afternoon. I just want to take my cut and go.” Y/n's voice reached her partner's ears, who looked over his shoulder, seeing that she was still on her back.

-“I understand, don't worry.” Nate says without thinking twice about his response, since this conversation has been programmed into his head since the shower.

"And about Chloe... I didn't feel she was a good person. I guess I just imagined that she was using you, and that's why I was a little wary of her. But I know you liked her. It's a shame she left and gave up.” The girl curls up between the covers, holding them tightly.

The answer was complete silence

And so, Y/n decided to close her eyes to rest, even though she didn't want to

“I like being with you. Hearing you curse me, or compliment me, whatever. I... I like your company, and how you like to pretend that you're always in control of everything, when visibly you're fucking freaking out screaming in the bathroom, as if we couldn't hear your frustration every time something goes wrong”.

Y/n's eyes flew open, and the lamp was quickly turned on.

“What?”

“You're not easy to deal with, Y/n. Let's agree on that fact, but I can't deny that you make me fall more and more every time you boss me around.” Nate confessed, fixing his chocolate eyes on the woman, and sitting back against the pair of white pillows behind him. 

“Did you drink poisoned wine?” Y/n asked, still not understanding why he was saying that. 

“Is that a reciprocal yes or no?” Nathan turns on the lamp on his side of the bed, exposing his marked and tanned abdomen.

More silence

And more silence

“For someone who's a loudmouth in fights, you know how to keep quiet when you need to, don't you?” Nate says jokingly, and receiving silence in response, he just turns over to lie down again. 

Y/n's light hands find one of Nathan's exposed muscles, making him finally look at her. In one hot moment, Y/n's lap meets her partner's, and their tongues dance without having time to waste on each other. Y/n's robe slowly slips off her shoulder, exposing more and more of her body. Like a silent request, the kiss stops between panting breaths.

“Did we really kiss yesterday?” the girl asks, receiving a nod.

Nate's hands find a piece of her hair that falls into her eyes, tucking it behind her ear carefully. His strong voice is drawn to her ear, causing a shiver as he speaks:

“Don't worry about the silence, princess. Your screams will fill the room.”

[sykesandskittles]

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER ONE

Harlow

Sometimes I feel cursed.

Okay, well, not cursed exactly. But I’ve had my share of challenges in the nineteen years I’ve been on this planet. Well-meaning people—usually adults—have always told me to be thankful for my hardships. It makes you stronger. More capable. Independent.

I wish all that were true. Really, the events that have shaped my life just settle like silt inside me, tainting every thought, every action. Until I’m convinced misfortune has been braided into my DNA.

Generational trauma, isn’t that what they call it?

I dig my toes into the wet sand and look out at the Pacific Ocean. It’s hard to feel cursed here, though. Malibu is a magical place, soaked in sunshine, with a surprising small-town feel. But its best quality is how far it is from Fresno. From home. From the events of last year.

The sharp wind whips through my hair and stings my cheeks. My best friend, Talia, and I wandered down to the beach hours ago after we’d unpacked our boxes and set up our dorm rooms.

Talia called me crazy when I waded into the frigid water, dunking my head under the salty waves like some kind of baptism. Maybe it was a type of cleansing. The ghosts of my past washing away with the tide.

If only forgetting were so easy.

“Hey, look what I found!”

I turn to see Talia walk up to me with something cradled in her palm. It’s a piece of green sea glass. “It was probably a beer bottle or something originally.”

Picking it up, I angle it toward the fading sunlight, looking at it from different angles, admiring its beauty. The power of the ocean is wild—transforming an ordinary beer bottle into something so beautiful. I wonder if it has the power to transform me, too. “What are you going to do with it?”

Talia shrugs. “Turn it into a necklace or something, maybe.”

Another gust of ocean Taliaze whips through me, and my teeth start chattering. “It’s almost sunset. We should head back to the residence hall.”

Exeter University West—one of the West Coast's most prestigious colleges—is right on the beach. When Talia and I applied last year, it was a long shot. A pipe dream. We both have decent grades, but nothing spectacular. So, months later, when we were both accepted, it felt like a miracle. Then when I scored a full scholarship, I finally started to believe my luck was changing.

Exeter is the escape I’ve been desperate for. A fresh start.

I look down the length of the beach and see a huge Victorian mansion perched on a cliff, overlooking the ocean. I noticed it when we first got to campus a couple of days ago. It’s hard to miss. The giant Gothic structure is painted a dark, crimson red with navy blue trim, and ornate woodwork that makes it look out of place on a modern college campus. I was probably here first, though, and the university just encroached gradually until the house and grounds were consumed by the sprawling campus.

It’s a creepy-looking house, though. No lie.

“Our residence hall is right on the other side of that weird house,” I say.

“Okay, let’s go,” Talia says, her bottom lip quivering. “I’m turning into a brine-flavored popsicle.”

The sharp wind continues to cut through us as we walk along the sand, getting dark quickly, and we’re two girls walking alone, so I’m on full alert—glancing behind us, my hand resting on the small stun gun tucked into my front pocket.

But the beach is empty—which is surprising, considering the amount of students on campus. It rained a little earlier, and it’s freezing, so maybe that’s why no one is here. But cold or not, there would still be a couple of people out here, at least, right?

“Slow down,” Talia pouts. “Your legs are longer than mine.”

I pause so she can catch up. “Have you noticed there’s no one else out here? That’s weird, right? I mean, it’s cold, but it’s not that cold.”

“There are people out here,” she says, pointing ahead. I squint, and sure enough, there’s a fire burning about half a mile in the distance, on the beach directly below the creepy house. I don’t know how I missed that, but to be fair, the beach isn’t straight—there’s a shrub-capped berm in the way, and the fire is partially hidden behind that.

“Oh, yeah, huh.”

Talia shakes her head and continues walking. “You are so blind. I keep telling you to go to the eye doctor.”

“I’m not blind.”

“Oh, really?” she says. “So when you walked up to that girl back in high school and started telling her off because you thought she was Veronica?”

I frown, trudging after Talia in the sand. Now it’s me trying to keep up with her. “Okay, but in my defense, they could be twins. I’d like to see the DNA report on those two.”

Talia stops and rolls her eyes at me. “The girl you accosted was three inches shorter than Veronica, and has glasses—which you also need.”

I blow out a breath. “Details. Whatever.”

With a scoff, Talia turns back around and we both keep walking. The beach narrows as we approach the fire, so we have to climb over the berm to get to the other side. It’s rough, and the shrubs are spiny, but we manage to make it down the other side.

“I’m remembering why we didn’t come this way originally,” Talia says. “The sidewalk was a lot easier.”

The sidewalk also dips between several university buildings, and in the dark, there’s no way I’m taking that route. I don’t want to say that, though, so I just shrug. “This way is shorter.”

Talia just pushes out a frustrated breath.

The closer we get to the fire, though, it becomes clear that something is sketchy. There are several people, all wearing robes with hoods, gathered in a half-circle around the fire, facing the ocean, chanting something.

Chanting.

What the…?

I reach out and grab Talia, pulling her back into a crouching position. We had to walk up and over, so we’re somewhat concealed by the random tufts of brush, but not entirely. And we’re only about thirty feet away, but thankfully, I don’t think we’ve been seen.

“Holy shit,” Talia whispers.

I blink rapidly to try and see through the murky twilight. There’s one guy, drenched, and completely naked, cupping his family jewels, shivering in front of the cloaked group.

“What are they doing?” I ask my tone low.

“It could be a frat, but the robes are weird. I think this is the Society of the Burning Crown,” Talia says with a note of awe in her voice.

I swallow. “What is that? Please tell me it’s a chess club or something.”

“Does this look like a chess club?” Talia hisses. She grabs my hand and pulls me forward, but I dig my heels into the sand. “Come on, we need to get closer.”

Closer? Is she insane? “Oh, fuck, no. Whatever this is, I don’t want anything to do with it.”

She manages to drag me several feet forward, but only because fighting her could draw attention to us. So far, we’ve managed to go unnoticed, and I’d like to keep it that way.

We crouch down again, and I try to quiet my breathing. It’s not likely they can hear anything over the roaring ocean, or their weird chanting, but I’m not taking any chances. If I could stop breathing altogether, I would.

Someone from the half-circle approaches the fire. I can’t see their faces, but I’m guessing by the person’s size, and broad shoulders, it’s a guy—and he’s probably the leader. He has a long, metal-looking rod in his hand that he shoves into the fire.

“Okay, we’ve seen enough,” I whisper. “Let’s go.”

Talia just waves me off, her gaze fixed on the odd ritual in front of us. Whatever this is, I get the distinct idea that Talia and I aren’t supposed to be witnessing it. And I would love to honor that.

The chanting continues for a couple of minutes, then Lead Guy approaches Naked Guy and says something to him that I can’t hear. Whatever he says is swallowed by the sound of the roaring ocean.

In response to what was said, Naked Guy nods once, then turns to face the ocean, and falls to his knees. His shoulders curl forward, exposing the length of his spine, and I watch as his thin frame vibrates violently against the cold.

Lead Guy takes another step forward, his hand jutting out like a surgeon silently requesting his scalpel. Someone from the circle removes the rod from the fire and places it in Lead Guy’s outstretched hand.

My breath is held, my gaze cemented to the scene as I watch Lead Guy pull his arm back—almost like he’s doing it in slow motion. Is he going to hit the other guy with that rod? Is this actually happening right in front of me?

As Lead Guy’s arm juts forward, and the tip of the rod makes contact, Naked Guy screams out in pain, the sound echoing off the cliffs surrounding us. He’s being branded. The barbaric act is so shocking and so unexpected, that a scream is ripped from my own throat, and I lurch forward.

“Shit, Harlow!” Talia hisses, pulling me back.

I shove my hand over my mouth to silence the whimper that bubbles up from my throat. It’s too late. They see us. Every hooded figure is turned toward Talia and me, and their leader—God help us—is already crossing the sand, closing the distance between us…

HIS EYES ARE A COLD, Dark Brown. That’s the first thing I notice as the leader of this group stalks toward us, shadows from the moon playing across his masked face, half-hidden under the hood of his robe.

Intensity radiates off this guy, his large body moving with confidence across the sand. When he stops right in front of us, I gulp. He looks like a bouncer, ready to toss us out of a club.

Talia and I are standing side-by-side, but when he speaks, he looks directly at me. “Leave. Now.” His voice is muffled by the mask, but it's deep and harsh, and sends a shiver of fear down my spine. “Go back the way you came.”

I’m already half-turned, opening my mouth to tell him, “Yup, no problem, we’re already gone,” when Talia grabs my wrist, stopping me.

“Hold on,” Talia says, looking over his shoulder at the other robed figures. “What are you guys doing out here?”

The guy’s jaw clenches tightly as he drags his gaze away from me and settles on Talia. Behind the mask, his eyes narrow, and if we needed evidence that we don’t belong here, there it is. Right there. That deadly stare.

“Talia,” I say, practically pleading. “Let’s go.”

She doesn’t hear me, or she’s deliberately ignoring me. Either way, she steps up to Lead Guy. “If you don’t want people watching you, then you shouldn’t be doing this—” She waves wildly at the scene in front of us. “–out in public.”

“This is a private beach,” he answers through gritted teeth. “And you aren’t welcome here.”

I grab Talia's elbow firmly and dare a glance at Lead Guy. “We’re leaving.”

I don’t love the idea of taking the sidewalk all the way back to our residence hall, but it’s either that or walk straight through this creepy-ass ritual. Mmm, no thanks. Hard pass.

Talia struggles against me, but I manage to keep my grip. “You can’t tell us what to do!” she practically yells at the guy. “We’re just walking along the beach. You’re the ones doing sketchy shit.”

Oh, damn. He inadvertently triggered Talia's defiance. I’ve known her since middle school, and she’s always been strong-willed, even to her own detriment. Tell her not to jump off the bridge, and she’s going to do it just to prove she can.

Right now, though, my job is to make sure we don’t end up as the topic of a true crime episode.

“Talia,” I say firmly, yanking her in the direction we just came. She digs her heels in, but I manage to move her a little—enough to encourage me to keep pulling. “Let’s leave the nice Jedis alone.”

I hear the stranger grunt as we walk away, and I feel the weight of his gaze pressing on me until Talia and I reach the top of the berm. I release Talia and quickly make my way down the other side of the small hill, then head up the beach, toward the sidewalk. It’s a steep climb, but I make it in record time, Talia trailing behind me.

“Slow down,” she says, annoyed.

I shake my head and pick up my pace. “We shouldn’t have seen that,” I say.

“Oh, who cares, Harlow? They shouldn’t have been out in the open if whatever they’re doing is such a secret.”

I stop abruptly and turn to face her. “The beach is empty.”

I’d noticed that earlier, but I’d assumed it had something to do with the rain. Now, I wonder if people had gotten the memo that something was going down tonight, and had deliberately stayed off the beach.

Lord.

We stumbled onto something we weren’t supposed to see, and I can't help but wonder what the repercussions of that might be. None, I hope. We left, and hopefully, that’s the end of it.

But ever since the incident last year, my mind has been stuck in survival mode. It feels like everything and everyone is a potential threat. So I doubt I’ll stop worrying about this whole thing anytime soon.

It’s taken a mountain of therapy just to get me to this point–willing to leave my hometown and start over somewhere new. And, honestly, if it weren’t for Talia, that never would have happened. In my darkest moments, she was there, guiding me and encouraging me. She’s the one person in my life I can rely on.

But her impulsivity can get her into trouble, and I feel like I’m always trying to rein her in. Even when we were kids, I was saving her from herself. Trying to get her to think before she tumbled right off that proverbial bridge.

“You have to admit, that was amazing!” Talia says, clapping her hands excitedly. “Shit. I never thought we’d get to see something like that.”

I keep walking. The faster we get to the residence hall and off this dark sidewalk, the better. “A guy was getting branded. What’s amazing about that?”

“I’m pretty sure we just witnessed the initiation ceremony for the Society of the Burning Crown.” She’s walking behind me, and I don’t need to see her face to know she has a smile stretched across her face. I can hear it in her voice. “No one gets to see that. Unless you’re a member, obviously.”

I stop and turn around to face her. “That—what we just saw—was super shady. Branding, violence, anything like that is strictly against the university’s policy.”

She looks lost. “Okay, and? What does that have to do with us?”

“Are they going to be worried we’ll tell someone about it?”

Talia snorts. “You’re afraid they’re going to come after us? They aren’t the mafia, Harlow. They don’t give a shit about us.”

Secret societies are like cults in my mind—and cults can do some pretty crazy shit to keep their secrets hidden. I should know—my mom has been in a cult for the last eight years. She joined when I was eleven—just skipped right over to Florida, leaving me to live with my grandmother. That’s the kind of power these types of groups wield.

Talia grabs me. “Harlow, you’ve got to stop worrying so much.” I sigh. “I’m trying, but it’s not easy.”

Her expression softens. “I know, but everything is going to be fine. How were we supposed to know, right? We were just—” She motions casually “–walking along the beach.”

“Yeah. You’re right.”

But as we walk back to the residence hall, an uneasy feeling gathers in my stomach. The whole idea behind coming to ExU was to blend in. Start over. Stay away from drama. Classes haven’t even started yet, and trouble has already rooted me out.

We get to the building fine—thank God—and I swipe my key card. I’m on the second floor, and Talia is on the third, so we part ways on the second-floor landing.

“See you tomorrow!” Talia calls out, walking up that last set of stairs to her floor. “And stop worrying!”

I just roll my eyes and open the door that leads to my floor. It’s going to be tough to fall asleep tonight—but not because I’m worrying. I know the second I lay my head down to sleep, all I’m going to see in my mind’s eye are a pair of electric brown eyes…

The next morning, I’m barely awake when my roommate, Emily, taps me on the shoulder. “Um, Harlow. Are you awake?”

My eyes are practically sealed shut—how could I be awake? Moaning, I roll over onto my side and face the wall. “No,” I say, pushing my voice through the gravel in my throat.

Last night, just as I predicted, I got zero sleep. As I lay in bed, staring up at the dark ceiling, last night’s events were on repeat inside my head.

Was there something I could have done differently? Inside the safety of my thoughts, I’m always braver than I was out there on the sand—and I say something snarky and clever back to Lead Guy. It’s different every time, but he’s always taken aback by my clever response.

I finally fell asleep around five, just as sunlight started bleeding into the night sky.

But my roomie is an early riser—or so she told me yesterday. And that obviously still holds, even though classes don’t officially start for another two days.

“Okay, well, there’s a note or something here for you. I’ll just put it on your nightstand.”

A note?

I wonder if it’s from Talia. Usually, she’d just text me, but if I’m not answering then she might resort to a handwritten note.

The door clicks shut as Emily leaves, and I flip over onto my back, stretching until I feel a pleasant sting spread across my shoulders. Then I blink and pick up my phone. It’s only eight in the morning. My God. Where on earth could Emily possibly be going this early?

Sitting up, I yawn and glance at the note she left on my nightstand. It’s a black envelope with my name scrawled on the back in all caps—not Talia’s swoopy cursive. I open the envelope and pull out a piece of black cardstock. There’s a symbol on the front. It’s a crown, embossed in gold, flames erupting from the tips

.

Oh, shit.

Didn’t Talia say the society we encountered last night was called the Society of the Burning Crown?

I flip the card over.

Preference Ceremony  

Ten O’Clock  

Rush House

Uh.

I immediately text Talia with a photo of the invite, followed by a full screen of question marks.

Talia is in my room within fifteen minutes, sitting on my bed, cross-legged, looking at the invite from every possible angle. “Well, it looks legit,” she says, scratching the gold embossing.

“What’s a Preference Ceremony?” I ask.

Before arriving on campus, Talia did a ton of research about the university—history, culture, clubs, party scene…any information she could get her hands on. Maybe she ran across a website that mentioned it.

“Never heard of it,” she says, tossing the invite onto the bed next to her. She picks up her phone, types something in, then starts scrolling. “There might be something online about it.”

I do my own search on my laptop, but there’s nothing. All I can find on the Burning Crown is general information that’s been posted on a random forum dedicated to secret societies.

“Listen to this,” I say. “The Society of the Burning Crown is a secret society, founded in 1890, on the campus that is known today as Exeter University West. Rush House is the society’s headquarters and sits on the edge of the university’s 124 acres.” I turn my computer, so she can see the photo that’s been inserted between the paragraphs. It’s that creepy Victorian house on the cliff. I pull my computer back and continue reading out loud, “Little is known about the inner workings of the society, but the rumored structure is a larger membership known as the Circle, and a smaller, ruling class, known as the Omen boys. The Omens are the direct descendants of the four founding members.”

Talia scrapes her teeth over her bottom lip, thinking. “Hm. Does it say anything about what a Preference Ceremony is?”

“Nope.”

She lifts her hands, slapping them back down on her knees. “Welp, I suppose we’ll just have to find out then!”

I shake my head. “No way.”

Talia frowns at me, her delicate features scrunched up and contorted. She never really looks ugly, though. She has a pert little nose, high cheekbones, and long, dark eyelashes that are 1000% real. The girls in high school always hated her for that.

She shoves her bottom lip out in a pout. “Oh, come on, why not? It’ll be an adventure.”

“Yesterday, that guy was pissed that we’d stumbled on their…whatever that was. Then this morning, they slid an invite under my door?” I press my lips together. “If that’s not weird, then I don’t know what is.”

“Maybe they just want to make amends,” Talia offers. “You said yourself that they might be afraid we’ll tell someone. So maybe this is their way of, I don’t know, smoothing things over.”

I pick up the envelope that the note came in, reading my name over and over, almost as if I stare at it long enough, it’ll give up its author’s secrets. It just makes me more uneasy, though, if anything.

“How do they even know my name? And why just give me an invite?”

My tone is rising, and Talia must sense how tense I’m getting. She knows the year I’ve had, and how desperately I just want to have a normal freshman experience. Quiet. Boring. No drama.

She reaches over and places a hand on my arm. “Harlow, it’s okay. Societies like this have their hand in everything, and if someone steps foot on their campus, they usually know about it. It’s not personal to you.” She shrugs. “And you probably got the invite because you’re closer to the building entrance. Why bother sending two invites when they know we’re together?”

It’s a paper-thin theory and doesn’t even make sense, but I cling to it because believing there’s a deeper meaning would seriously threaten my mental health. And the whole idea behind starting over is not over-analyzing every little thing. Or so my therapist, Dr. Cunningham, says.

I take a deep breath. “Yeah, okay. Doesn’t matter anyway, because we’re not going.” I snatch the invite up off the bed and rip it in two.

Talia lunges at me, her green eyes wide with horror. “Harlow, what the fuck?” She grabs the two pieces from my hands and tries to fit them back together. “We have to go. No one gets invited to these things. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing.”

I lean back against my pillows. “You know how I feel about cults, Talia. Don’t ask me to do this.”

“It’s not a cult. It’s a secret society. There’s a big difference.”

I push out a sigh. “That’s disputable.”

I know her, though. If Talia wants to do something, she’ll do it, no matter what I say. And I can’t let her go to something like that alone—it’s way too sketchy.

“Maybe they want to apologize for last night? And if we don’t go, then they might see that as an insult.”

I make a face. “Apologize? The guy from last night didn’t look sorry. He looked pissed.”

“Okay, let’s compromise. We’ll go, see what they want, and if there’s anything shady happening, then we’ll leave. Easy. No stress.”

No stress. I practically snort at that. I’m already stressed.

I think about it for a second, then take the invite from her hands, shoving both pieces into the black envelope. “Fine, we’ll go under two conditions.”

“Okay, shoot,” she says, and I can already see she wants to squeal with excitement.

“One: we find out what they want, then leave.” I hold a finger in the air before she can respond. “Two: if they even hint at trying to recruit us, we bail right then and there.” Talia opens her mouth to argue, but I stop her. “Ah! We leave immediately.”

She deflates a little, but I think she knows this is the only way I’ll do it. And the envelope has my name on it, which gives me a little leverage. She could try to go without me, but there’s a chance they’d turn her away at the door.

Talia leans back. “Fine. Deal.”

I nod, satisfied. But deep down, I have a sinking feeling there’s more to all of this than a simple apology. Something much darker…

[angrytomatto]

Summary of random facts about Merman because I'm bore (probably will update with time)

We talk about this in a discord server and I just want to leave it here in case I forget

(Every fact here is based of what has been said in game, fan theories aren't canonically facts in this list) Last update: December 2023

(This list probably contain spoilers)

Not only they learn how to walk with legs, but also how to swim in human form (Stitch Event)

It takes them time get used to breathe air properly, walking their first steps feel heavy and painful and some of them still feel uncomfortable in clothes (Floyd's Beans Camo story / Jade's School Uniform voice lines)

The black carriage that picks them up to go to NRC is an amphibious magic coach (Floyd's Ceremonial Robes voice line)

Merfolks and Humans are aware of each other but is extremely rare to encounter an actual merman on land (Magicam Monsters event)

They aren't afraid of each other anymore, since Ariel married Erik merfolks commonly come and go from land to sea(Some adults even own some stores on the shores) (Floyd's Beach Wear story)

The institution or land boot camp that train merfolks to became humans was founded canonically by Ariel. They need at least one month there to get used to their new body and how to eat our food correctly. Deep under water they only eat raw meat (Floyd's Beans Camo story / Jade's School Uniform story)

In there also teach them about the fauna on land by taking them to the zoo (Floyd Platinum Jacket story)

Merfolks also have passports once they live in human society (Floyd Platinum Jacket story)

They can turn into their true form willingly (Book 3 / Book 4 / Azul's Ceremonial Robes story / Vargas Camp event / Magicam Monsters event)

However they drink potions to keep their human form. Those are really expensive and if they forget to drink it in time they turn back into merman really slowly (Book 6 Riddle and Azul's tower)

The potion itself is paid by the school and currently they drink an experimental version that allows them to keep their human form for a week or two instead of a couple of days. And it taste awful (Book 6 Riddle and Azul's tower)

None of them have good eyesight: Azul mainly use only one par of glasses because it helps with the ''Business Style'' he's aiming for, and even if he can see pretty well without them the lenses are prescript just as his lab glasses (Trey's Halloween Dress story / Azul's Lab Coat voice lines) Jade roam around the school at night because he feel at ease in the dark (Ruggie's School Uniform story) Floyd is always amused of bright colored things because they looked really dark under the sea (Floyd's lab coat story)

Their skin in human form is really smooth. That's because they are cover by slime in their true form that keep their skin moist and soft (Azul's Ceremonial Robes story)

Octopuses are a pretty exotic race even between merfolks, they are way bigger that the common merman. They are slow, so they are usually targeted by predators but they also are brutally strong and are able to manipulate all their limbs freely (Book 3 / Book 4 / Book 6 / Happy Beans event / Vargas Camp / Azul's Beach Wear voice lines)

Halloween under water have very ominous and respectful traditions, way opposite that Halloween on land. There's haunted ships with ghost that lost their lives drowned, so they play music to calm their sorrows and loneliness. There's many pirate ghosts wandering on rotten ships that could actually harm young merfolks if they are not careful enough (Jade's Halloween Dress story / Floyd's Halloween Dress story)

The Coral Sea is a really small community and merfolks don't hesitate to eat each other in order to survive (Many hints said by the octatrio to mention here. And yes, Floyd WILL eat any student if he have to (Azul's Beach Wear voice lines))

They live under a Monarchy and the current prince is called Rielle. Is implied that the prince assist in the same elementary school that Azul, Jade and Floyd (Book 3) **( The 14 one doesn't mention all the times the tweels bully Azul by calling him slow because I will lost count) ______________ That's it for now, I will add more eventually but this ones are the ones I can remember now, feel free to tell me what did I miss~