#with the small visit of Hayden

[toasttt11]

hospital visits

March 6, 2021

Hayden was finishing putting on her purple converse after the game she just played and her team had won when her phone rung and she paused as she only has her notifications on for a few people so she quickly pulled out her phone immediately and frowned seeing Ellen calling.

“Hi?” Hayden spoke sounding confused as her family doesn’t usually call her this quick after a game.

“Hayden.” Ellen’s voice cracked slightly making Hayden sit up alarmed, “Luke was injured in his game and we’re taking him to hospital, it’s his foot we aren’t sure the damage but there’s a bad laceration.” Ellen told Hayden seriously, There was so much blood and it was making Ellen worried.

Hayden clenched her hand taking a deep breath, “I’ll be there in a few hours.” Hayden didn’t care if she had anything planned her baby brother was injured that is all that matters.

Ellen nodded and said her goodbyes.

Connor who noticed how worried Hayden was, “What do you need?” Connor immediately asked squeezing Hayden’s shoulder softly, not asking anything more just being there for Hayden.

“Can you watch Archie for me and tell the coaches i won’t be at practice tomorrow.” Hayden quickly asked Connor as she knows Lauren and Connor have a key to her house.

“Of course.“ Connor easily accepted not even asking what is wrong just letting Hayden grab her stuff and run out of the locker room.

Hayden quickly got into her car and started the quick drive to the airport.

Hayden immediately bought the next flight out to Michigan which with her luck was only minutes away and she rushed to the terminal and got onto the plane last.

She let out a long breath as she sat down and the plane was getting ready to takeoff.

Hayden knows lacerations are incredibly dangerous injuries and may seem small but can cause a lot of damage, she just hoped Luke would be okay and she hated he got injured but especially in his draft year.

It felt like the longest flight in the world for Hayden and she spent the entire time counting down the time until the plane landed.

Hayden booked it off the plane immediately and quickly got out of the airport and flagged down a cab and told the driver the address to the hospital her family is at.

She checked her phone and Quinn couldn’t come out yet as he had a game to play and Luke told him to stay and play. Jack would be here later tonight.

Hayden rushed into the hospital and to the front desk, “Luke Hughes.” Hayden immediately told the nurse and was told what room he was in.

Hayden rushed down the hallway and toward Luke’s room, she walked in letting out a sigh seeing Luke in the room and walked right to him.

Luke blinked seeing Hayden walk in and smile drowsily as he has had many pain killers, “Haydes.” Luke slurred out.

“Lu.” Hayden breathed out relived as she bent down and pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead and rested her head on top of his head as Luke grabbed her hand and clung to her tightly.

“How is he?” Hayden asked looking up at Ellen and Jim quickly but keeping her full attention on Luke.

“It could’ve been a lot worse.” Jim told her honestly squeezing Ellen’s hand reassuringly, “He will need surgery to make sure everything is okay and heal the correct way but he will be okay.” Jim finished telling Hayden.

Luke was lucky it wasn’t a lot worse and his injury will be something he will be able to heal completely from.

Hayden let out a sigh of relief and brushed his hair out of his face and kissed his forehead again.

Ellen took a deep breath wiping her face of any tears as they had only gotten the good news about Luke minutes before Hayden came.

Ellen let go of Jim’s hand and grabbed a chair and dragged it to the side of Luke and that Hayden was standing on and pressed a kiss to her nieces cheek, “Sit Hayden.” Ellen gave her a stern glance seeing Hayden about to protest, “You just played a long game and was just on a flight.”

Hayden nodded listening to Ellen and sat down in the chair not letting go of Luke’s hand as she watched him slowly fall asleep.

Ellen and Jim started talking with Hayden quietly as Luke was fast asleep and wanted to hear about things going on in her life that they haven’t heard about yet and it was a good distraction for all three of them.

Hayden had been in the hospital for a few hours and it was getting extremely late when Jack came hurrying through the door and let out a long relieved breath seeing Luke alright.

Jack walked in right to Luke and kissed the top of a sleeping Luke’s head and let a breath out and the tension released from his shoulder.

Hayden stood up and Jack immediately turned to her and pulled her into a tight hug, “Hi Haydes.” Jack softly whispered resting his head on his best friend’s shoulder.

“Hi Jacky.” Hayden gently whispered back resting her chin on Jack’s head and hugged him back tightly.

The doctor came in a little later to take Luke to surgery and Luke luckily was still sleeping so he wouldn’t even realize and wouldn’t be anxious.

Hayden, Jack, Ellen and Jim all waited in the surgery waiting room as they called Quinn to update him on everything that was happening.

Hayden rested her head on top of Jack’s head as Jack used Hayden’s shoulder as a pillow as the two quietly talked to each other as they waited for Luke’s surgery to be finished.

Hayden was glad to be with most of her family but Quinn even if this isn’t a reason she wanted to have to be with her family because Luke is hurt.

March 7, 2021

After a few more hours of waiting and the sun was already starting to come back up Luke’s surgery was finally finished and everything went really well and they were allowed to go back to Luke’s room and wait till he woke back up. The doctors told them that his surgery went really well.

Ellen and Jim went to Luke’s side first and Ellen gripped Luke’s hand tightly and Jim pressed a kiss to his sleeping son’s cheek.

Hayden waited till they were done and walked over pressing a kiss to Luke’s forehead before sitting in the chair next to him letting Jack see Luke too.

They all waited around Luke’s bed for him to wake back up.

Luke groaned and his eyes squinted open seeing most of his family around his bed, “Hi?” Luke croaked out and Ellen grabbed a cup of water for Luke to drink.

“Hay!” Luke tiredly beamed realizing Hayden was still there and gripped her hand tighter.

“Okay we already know who the favorite is but come on!” Jack scoffed playfully as Luke didn’t even acknowledge him but he wasn’t surprised as he knows that everyone’s favorite sibling is Hayden.

Luke teasingly smirked back, “Hi Rowdy.”

Hayden laughed at the two as Ellen and Jim watched three of their four kids with a fond smile.

[eliseliedl]

okay so i have 42 hours in Fields of Mistria, here's a list of things i'd like added/changed:

interaction with furniture, aka i wanna sit in a chair or a sofa!

the coop/barn upgrades being more intuitive. i had to look it up on the internet 😅 basically you gotta buy the upgrade from Ryis' house, then go to Hayden's house and put your animals in "Daycare" (which means your coop/barn must be empty before you attempt to build the new one), then you go back to your coop/barn and press on the sign by the door, choose remove, and build your upgraded coop/barn with the resources inherited from the small coop/barn. in short: you gotta substitute the small building for the big building. once you know how to do it it's easy but like i said it needs to be a lot more intuitive.

this isn't 100% necessary, but i'd love being able to see all the items we donate to the museum in different rooms, like in Animal Crossing! visiting the museum would be so fun that way~

i've seen many people complaining about time going too fast, but i think all we need is shortcuts. these kind of games are always like this, but since Mistria is quite big it takes more time to get to your farm, and thus you might pass out often. i personally haven't had any problem with that as i'm super vigilant of the time (anxiety lmao) but i understand why some people would want that fixed.

for now that's all i think. of course i have a few more things in mind but i'm 100% sure the devs have already thought about those. the game is still on EA and there's plenty of updates to look forward to. so please don't pester the devs, be patient and be considerate <3

[ebxx456]

Daddy’s little girl part 1

Minors DNI

This is my first time posting on here and first time writing a really smutty smutty story so I’m really sorry if it’s absolutely shit but I’ll try my best.

Ok so for the plot, your dad’s best mate is coming to stay with you for a bit as he just got divorced, you haven’t seen him in about 6 years (you’re 18 now). Hayden is 41. You also have an older brother called Ezra who is 24 (your dad was 16 when they had your brother making your dad now 40).

It will be Hayden Christensen x y/n female ( everyone’s of age!!)

Warning TW: idek yet, smutty filth. Extreme daddy kink, dirty talk, virgin reader, large age gap ( 23 years), everything sexual( idk the terms for it I’m sorry)

Part 2^ !!!!

You woke up that morning with a sense of emptiness running through you. You craved something that you sinned yourself for wanting so badly. You decided a long time ago that you would save yourself for marriage, deeming all boys your age unworthy of having sex with you. You wanted it to be special, fulfilling, hot, steamy, wet.

However, lately you felt yourself becoming needy, desperate to be touched. You knew that any boy in your year would be ready and willing to give you what you craved but your pride didn’t allow you to stoop so low. You wanted a man. You needed a man.

After putting on some very low waisted flared jeans and a small light pink crop top, an outfit that you knew your father would be very distraught about, you sat down at your vanity decided on how to style your hair today.

It was the first day of winter break and you were almost bored already. Your best friend Maya was in the Hamptons visiting her grandparents leaving you alone. You had other friends, quite a lot of other friends actually but you didn’t like them very much. You weren’t rude or bitchy but they just didn’t understand you like Maya did, they were boring and only cared about High school boys and buying juicy couture tracksuits, which don’t get me wrong you loved to wear to. The autonomy of a high school senior.

“Y/n! Come down please!” You heard your mother yell from downstairs. You were very close, you would tell her everything. Normally. Recently your sinful thoughts and needy cunt were only known to yourself. You and your father however were not so close, he judged the way you dressed and acted. It was obvious to anyone that he favoured Ezra, comparing you to your brother at any chance he got.

As you made your way down the down the stairs, sliding your hand slowly down the banister, your heard an unfamiliar voice. A mans voice. Deep and seductive.

No.stop.

“Ah sweetie, you remember Hayden, he’s going to spend Christmas with us.” Your mother said as you took the final step down the stairs.

Your eyes immediately met the blue orbs of your dad’s friend. You felt a spark ignite inside you as you examined him. The way his biceps were almost ripping out of his shirt. His sharp, jaded, jaw which led into his pursed soft lips. Kissable lips. No. His hair, long and scruffy, slightly curly. Easy to grab. no.

“It’s nice to see you again sir.” You finally spat out. His gaze shifted down across your body sending a shiver across you. You heavily regretted your decision to not wear a bra as you felt your nipples hardening at this single look. You knew they must be protruding through your shirt by now. Oh god.

“You too sweetheart, you look completely different since the last time I saw you.”

You felt your pussy throb at the pet name, You were practically dripping without even a touch from yourself or him.

“Can you believe it, my baby’s 18!” Your mother smiled at you kindly.

“Wow. 18.”

Whether it was your soaked underwear beginning to seep into your blood and turn you crazy or it was really said, you don’t know, but the way he said 18 was hot, almost as though he felt as riled up as you do now.

“y/n go take Hayden to the guest room and make sure he knows where everything is. Then change your outfit, we are going out for a nice dinner, Ezra and Brooke(your brothers girlfriend ) will be joining us too.”

You smiled and nodded at your father’s bossiness and bluntness. A word out your mouth would only reveal your desperation and neediness, exposing you to everyone. Yet what feared you was being alone with this man. He had changed in six years also, you always found him attractive, even as a twelve year old girl yet your mind wasn’t so clouded with sex back then as it is now. But still now he had more fine lines spread across his face, he seems taller? Is that possible? You never realised your love for dilfs until this one was standing right in front of you as you leaked.

You began walking up the stairs sending a look back to make sure he was following you, which if course he was. Your eyes met again when you turned but not before realising that his eyes were previously glued to your ass.

You smiled to yourself, realising that maybe your insane thoughts were not just one sided. You continued to make your way up the large staircase but this time moving your hips slightly, just enough for him to notice but not to much that would make you look like an idiot in case the attraction was still in fact one sided.

As I followed behind my best friend’s teenage daughter, I couldn’t escape the thoughts running wild inside my mind. My eyes felt glued to her ass the whole way to the guest room yet I just couldn’t peel my eyes away. The one time my eyes did drift away was when they met her own, I noticed the slight smirk she had. Was I crazy? Or was she as hot and bothered as I was?

I could practically smell sex on her, or my nostrils were going as insane as my body was. no. She’s 18!

legal. Highly frowned upon. But allowed. She can’t even drink yet. But I bet she can drink up my cum when her mouth is wrapped around- no.

She probably thinks I’m a pervert. She probably has a boyfriend too.

Does she have a boyfriend? Why would it anger me if she did? Jesus Christ pull it together.

“So do you have a boyfriend yet?” he asked you nonchalantly once you had reached the bedroom. You opened the door and walked inside before turning to face him. Your eyes meeting once again and your body melting into a puddle.

“No, high school boys aren’t for me, I want a man you know.” You empathised on the word man, practically whispering that word out, and pulled your lips into a smile.

He chuckled at your words, his laugh practically vibrating through you. What was wrong with you?

“So where is your wife then sir?” You asked, quickly changing the topic to something you were desperate to know. If you were going to obsess over a man older than your dad, you at least needed to know if he was single, lonely, needy.

“Did your dad not tell you?” He asked as you shook your head.

“We recently split up.”

“Oh I’m sorry sir.” You weren’t the least bit sorry, if fact you literally had to fight away the smile attempting to steal your lips. “What happened?”

“She cheated on me, with the pool boy.” He replied and you noticed the sadness across his face. “That’s horrible, I’m so sorry sir.”

“No need to feel bad for me Darling, we fell out of love a long time ago.”

As sad as his words were you could practically feel yourself pulsating at the way he said darling. Yet he still hadn’t even touched you. You needed more. You needed to see if you weren’t crazy.

Even the way this girl spoke turned me on. The way she called me sir at the end of almost every sentence she spoke. It was going to be a long day, if not week. I don’t even know if I could last a day let alone the whole Christmas holiday.

I watched as she bent down in front of me, picking up one of my bags. Her ass was literally displayed across my face. Her red thong showing at the top of her jeans making my cock twitch at the sight.

After you bent down to grab the bag you lifted it up and then moved it on top of the dresser. You heard him exhale a breathe once you had stood back up. So maybe you weren’t crazy?

You turned round to face him, your back against the dresser as he made his way towards you. Your eyes meeting once again, his blue orbs practically drilling into your soul. If you weren’t dripping before you were definitely dripping now.

“I just need to get something out my bag.” He told you as he came even closer yet you didn’t move an inch. Your breathe hitched as his front clashed with yours as he reached over you, unzipping his bag. You were practically squirming under his body, biting your lip to fight of the moan ready to escape your lips.

He pushed into even more as he rummaged through his bag, his hips practically almost thrusting into you.

That was when you couldn’t control it anymore, when his cock practically brushed over your clit. And a soft moan escaped your lips.

You felt your cheeks heat up as he let go of his bag, placing his hands either side of you on the dresser. Caging you in.

He nelt down his face inches away from yours.

You parted your lips in anticipation, was your fantasy really going to come true. All you wanted was his lips on yours. All you needed was his cock buried deep inside you as he whimpered.

But he didn’t put his lips on yours, instead he spoke. The proximity of the two of you made you feel his hot breathe on your face turning you on even more.

“Don’t be embarrassed.”

After the soft words left his lips he moved them to your ear, nibbling slightly as you put your hands around his waist, feeling his toned back under your fingertips beneath his tee shirt. You pulled him into you, his hips meeting yours as another quiet moan left your mouth.

You felt his bulge hardening as you pulled him closer one again, his mouth now moving to your neck as he peppered kisses across you.

He circled his fingers around your hard nipple through your tee causing a louder moan to escape you. Fuck.

“You’re so sensitive, have you ever been touched before?” He asked as he looked directly at you. You shook your head shyly as he tutted. Why the fuck was that so hot?

“I’m going to need words sweetheart.”

“N-no sir” you stuttered as he shook his head in disbelief.

“Have you ever even touched yourself?” He asked as his fingers trailed across your stomach towards your core.

“Words y/n.” He practically commanded as he traced a circle over the crotch of your jeans leading you to moan once again.

“No sir. Never”

He kissed his teeth, shaking his head slightly as he ran another circle over your area. You needed the jeans off. You needed to feel him.

He pulled his hand away completely as you felt yourself growing needy. Desperate for his touch once again.

“Please.” You begged as you rubbed your hand over his pants, you felt his large cock practically twitch at your touch

“Please what?” He smirked, teasing you even more.

“Please daddy, I need you.” you practically moaned out. You didn’t even think twice before the word left your lips. Embarrassed began to wash over you, but it left as you noticed the spark in his eyes up the moment you said the word.

you pulled him towards you again as you dipped your hand inside his chinos. Only his boxers separated your hand and his cock as you slid your hand up his now hard length.

His head moved towards your ear again as he let out a very quiet whimper. If his mouth wasn’t so close to your ear, you probably wouldn’t have even heard it.

But then there was a switch in him all of a sudden and he pulled your hand out by the wrist and backed away from you.

“No, no we can’t do this.” He muttered as he practically paced the room.

“Who’s going to know sir?” You asked desperately. You were past the point of trying to maintain your pride.

“Stop no we can’t. We need to get ready for dinner.”

“ but-“ you began to say but he cut you off harshly.

“go get ready for dinner.”

“I-“

“Please y/n” he practically begged.

“Fine.” You sighed brushing past his shoulder as you practically stormed out of the room and went straight into your bedroom. Fine.

[bunnie-online]

Hayden x reader/oc in a secret established relationship but reader is a retail worker or something similar and Hayden visits reader at work to pick her up or something.

oOO HAYDEN REQUEST?! OKAY LEMME TRY

hayden x small actress fem!reader

warnings: even though it’s fluff, 18+ interaction only. established relationship, fluffy fluff fluffs 🥰

another mundane day, running around bussing tables in the small café you’re working in, chatting to customers, fake laughing at jokes. same old, same old.

you picked up a job at this lovely little cafe in downtown Los Angeles a few months ago to support yourself in between acting gigs, your boyfriend offered his help many a time but if you’re anything, it’s stubborn.

being in LA, you weren’t a stranger to serving the super rich and famous, brushing shoulders with actors, musicians and socialites alike was just another wednesday for you.

it was almost the end of your shift and an actor you didn’t expect to see today was the ever so handsome, Hayden Christensen. who you just so happened to be in a long term relationship with. Hayden was sat at a table in the corner in his usual ‘avoid the paparazzi’ get up. black hoodie, grey sweatpants and black baseball cap pulled down to almost cover his eyes.

you rush over to his table, your boss probably thinking you wanted to be the shining star of customer service but in actuality you were about to scold the customer in question. “Hayden!” you whisper yell. “what are you doing here?!” he looks up at you, pretty blue eyes round and innocent looking.

“oh! you recognized me!” he smiles, feigning innocence. “i wanted to get a coffee, is that so wrong?” he replied after seeing your face. “Hayden.” you say “you could get us caught!” you start scribbling on your notepad, pretending you’re taking his order. you knew Hayden’s usual coffee from the many times he’s made it in your apartment after he’s spent the night.

you look at your watch, it’s two o’clock, the end of your shift. “Hayden, you-! you little shit” you laugh, connecting the dots to his master plan. “because i love you sooo much, i’m gonna grab your coffee.” you smirk at him “i’ll be right back with that, sir!” you say in a chipper customer service voice earning a stifled laugh from Hayden.

you go make his favorite drink as quickly as possible, rushing it out to him. “i’ll be waiting in the car, love.” he winks at you. your face flushes and you rush to go clock out.

‘hes lucky i love him’ you think while grinning ear to ear.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hayden literally makes me giggle and kick my feet AHH i adore him sm

~bunnie

[angelicsjn]

welcome to the family joshuaaa! Also with all these talks of promiscuous reader (luv u for that babe) can we get the ocs with a reader who tries to smash and pass them the next morning? Like she treats them like a hookup? Thank youuu 💕

YOUR SEVEN YANDERES.

— ROMAN CORNELIUS JAMES BEAUREGARD.

Roman wouldn't really care. He's the one yandere that would actually be your fuck buddy and treats the visits like a smash and dash, so if you acted that way, he'd simply return the favour.

If slowly over time he grows more attached to you, if those yandere tendencies build up, he will begin to view the sexual relationship differently.

He'd grow jealous and pretty much talk you into staying while still masking his emotions. He wants you to stay, but not because he loves you. Totally not that...

— LATEN REED.

Laten is honestly used to people like that. It's actually sad.

His whole life, he's been treated like some sort of doll. Fun until they throw him aside for something else.

So he wouldn't really even think any different than usual — even if he does stalk you, he sees it as 'at least I have some part of them'.

He will try. He will make an effort to make you stay. To see you on public in a none sexual setting to get close to you in other ways, and if that doesn't work he'll give up and continue the way you like it.

He'll just hope you'll change your mind and sit with him during breaks and make the effort he once did for you.

— JAE 'NIKO' LEE.

Due to his need for a secret life from being an idol, he loves the idea of a non-serious fuck buddy. His life restricts him from anything serious, so a quick fix is the next best thing.

As he grows comfortable in your presence, the more controlling he will become, its slow. So slow you don't even notice it.

You'll stay back for a bit longer. Usually, you leave pretty much right after. Then you're on his bed for extra time sharing food and speaking about next day plans.

He loves your sexual nature, the fun of it. Even though he's slowly setting his chains on you, he gives you fun elsewhere.

Doing things that are daring, in the back of dimly lit clubs, in the dressing room before a performance. You name it.

— KAIDAN ALEXANDER WOLFE.

Since our Kaidan is a certified delusional.

He doesn't even notice the truth. He truly believes you love him even after you leave right after.

You say 'I love you' as you reach the peak? He will play that in his head for a month straight and obsess over the fact you said it.

If you notice how delusional he is, you can even use it to your advantage.. to play with him.

He's so obsessed and stupid he would do literally anything and you can turn him into your bitch like its nothing. Sometimes you don't even need to touch him.

— HAYDEN WEST.

Poor baby. He's not built for this treatment.

He's the perfect person to 'use', he's shy. Sweet. Like a puppy, and if you hold the leash, he will follow you. Even if it upsets him.

He hates feeling used. He hates seeing you leave. He hates how you never look at him and how you've only let him kiss you once.

He wants more. He needs it.

After a while, he will break down and pretty much beg for something more, even if it's only small. Five more minutes with you. For you to stay the night sometimes.

Your reaction is up to you, though...

— JOSHUA WHITE.

The possibility of this with Joshua is very slim.

Even while obsessed, God is #1.

He's a 'only if I know you, trust you, and love you' type of person.

So I don't think he'd ever become a smash and dash victim, unless you try REALLY hard to make him like you, make him trust you, all just for a fuck.

You'd need to fake it, manipulate this man, and if you succeed and leave soon after..

This poor baby will internalise it. Wasn't he good enough? It was his first time, he knows he wouldn't be the best. But was he that bad?

— BLAKE CROSS.

Blake doesn't care about stuff like that. He's used to those types of dynamics because it makes his life easier — no attachments.

But, over time, he does grow connected, obviously. Actually, he becomes obsessed. He also becomes possessive.

You can smash and dash him any time, as long as it's only him that you're fucking with.

He starts to make more effort, having food, maybe going out some places together. He shows a different side to him, and it's weird to see him wearing clothes, really.

[mosaiclobster]

Swords and Saddles (Farmer x Hayden)

This 4-part fic is wrapping up very soon, so I figured it'd be fun to cross post before the final chapter goes up! This is the first chapter of my 10k+, E-rated Farmer x Hayden fic - if you like it feel free to check out the rest on AO3 xo

CHAPTER 1: SPRING

Hayden stepped into the frigid morning air, and breathed deep. He loved spring: growth, snowmelt, sun. It was the perfect time to welcome a new face to Mistria.

Hayden rubbed his hands together for warmth, and headed for the stables. Once he’d answered all the neighs and whinnies, Hayden grabbed a handsomely embroidered leather saddle off its perch. It was the same one his daddy rode on, and his grandpappy too. It wasn’t as old as Sweetwater, but almost nothing in Mistria was.

Hayden was proud of that legacy. It used to sit heavy on his shoulders, but he was strong enough to carry that weight. Unfortunately, most of Sweetwater’s horses weren’t strong enough - big enough - to carry him.

Rufus was 18 hands tall, and used to pulling plows and wagons. Hayden placed a broad, comforting hand on his speckled gray neck. “How ‘bout a little ride next door, huh?”

Rufus nickered good-naturedly, and took the saddle without complaint.

The new farmer had arrived late last night, but word traveled fast around Mistria. It was a small, close-knit town with an earned reputation for drink and gossip.

It felt even smaller now - some folks left after the earthquake. Hayden didn’t blame them, but he didn’t write them letters, either. There were buildings to repair, and animals to tend to.

Hayden braced against his stirrups, and looked eastward. Could be nice, having a neighbor again.

He spotted Celine first: her pretty, pleasant face, framed by blonde hair and a seafoam green half-cape. He’d known her all her life - not all of his, though. Sometimes it was hard to shake off the years between them.

The other woman was a head taller than Celine, even in flat leather work boots. Her linen shirt was tucked into brown, high-waisted trousers, and stark white against her olive skin. It brought out the freckles on her forearms, and the red in her long, curly hair. Auburn, that was the word for it. Chestnut for horses, auburn for people.

White was a bold choice for clearing farmland, but her cowboy hat looked well loved, and nicely fitted.

Hayden noted all of this without once pulling on Rufus’s reins. Celine’s eyes were wide as saucers, but the other woman only raised her brows. Instinct finally commanded him to stop, just short of spraying them both with dirt.

Celine was a kind girl, and slow to anger. She never shied from speaking her mind, though. “Hayden! You almost ran over poor Artemisia.”

“Ha! That’s a mouthful.” He blurted this nervously, and loudly.

Artemisia looked up at him, shielding her almond eyes from the early morning light. The sun made them golden.

She touched the brim of her cowboy hat, and smiled. “You said it. That’s why I go by Artie.”

Her nose was strong, and a little crooked - broken, mended, broken again.

The rest of her face was no less striking. Full lips, suited for a wide, expressive mouth. Thick brows and high cheekbones, marked by laughter and time. How much of it? Hayden wasn’t sure, but he’d put some tesserae on her being closer to Valen’s age than Celine’s.

She was beautiful. None of the gossip had prepared him for that.

Artie let Rufus sniff her outstretched hand. “He friendly?”

That voice. It was smooth and sweet, like honey.

Hayden patted the gelding’s neck, and tried to ignore the pounding in his chest. “Sure is. He likes meeting new folks as much as I do.”

Artie’s grin was wry, and gap-toothed. “That makes three of us, then.” Rufus snorted in agreement.

Celine’s gaze flitted between them. “Since you like animals, you should visit Hayden’s farm-”

“-Come by anytime. I’d love to introduce you to the herd. Or the flock, depending on who you ask.”

Hayden’s reins were slick with sweat. He squeezed the braided leather until his knuckles whitened.

Artie tipped her hat again. “I think I’ll take you up on that.”

Was that a wink, or a trick of the light? Hayden reached into his saddlebag, and prayed his hands wouldn’t shake.

“Here, before I forget.”

He held out a rusty old watering can, stuffed with bags of seeds. “Just a little something to get you started. Turnips are easy to grow, and they love Mistrian soil.”

Artie brightened. “I owe you one. Thanks, neighbor.”

Hayden managed the handoff alright, but he was eager to ride off before he could make an ass of himself. “Sure. Come by anytime.”

He’d said that already. Celine pursed her lips.

Artie smiled. “Be seeing you.”

Hayden rode Rufus towards Sweetwater, and marveled at the unseasonable warmth.

Half the town would be after her. He’d look like a bumpkin compared to Balor or Ryis, and a dullard compared to Jupiter or Adeline.

Hayden shook his head. He wasn’t the competitive sort, and there was no point in getting worked up over somebody he’d never have a shot with anyway.

He caught himself looking over his shoulder. Artie waved.

Nothing wrong with making a friend, at least.

It took a few days for Artie to make good on her visit. For one absurd, harrowing moment, it felt like summoning magic; he worried that the singular force of his thoughts had finally pulled her towards Sweetwater. He worried that, somehow, she knew what those thoughts were.

He’d been having dreams, too. The kind you can’t tell anyone about - that you shouldn’t even have in the first place.

Hayden focused on weeding his bed of tulips, and waited for Artie to approach. He was going to be friendly, neighborly, and normal.

“Mornin’.”

He looked up at the sound of her voice.

Artie was wearing a sleeveless white tank top and denim overalls with one of the straps undone. Her arms were well muscled, and crossed under her chest.

No bra this time. Hayden made eye contact, and held onto it for dear life. “Mornin’. You here for introductions?”

Artie smiled. “That’s right. Word around town is you’ve got a lady of the house.”

Hayden couldn’t help but laugh. “That’s one way of putting it. Smartest animal I ever raised - do you want to meet Henrietta at the beginning of the tour, or at the end?”

“Let’s save the best for last.”

Artie had an easy rapport with the animals, and a natural curiosity about them. Henrietta seemed charmed by her interest, and preened indulgently while Artie peppered Hayden with questions.

Hayden tried not to sound too eager. “Thinking about starting a flock of your own?”

“Someday. Henrietta’s a lot to live up to, though.” She gave the prize-winning bird a farewell pet, and followed Hayden towards the front gate of Sweetwater.

He pointed at the sword on her back, glinting in the morning sun. “You’ll make quite the livestock guardian.”

Artie flinched. Then she unsheathed her blade, and smiled. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. I’m trying to convince your pal Errol to open the mines. All kinds of treasures down there, I hear.”

That explained the pickaxe, then. He dared a closer glance at the rest of her - no dirt or grass stains.

Hayden kept his tone curious, and light. “So, how’re you liking farming so far?

Artie stopped walking. She stuck her sword into the ground, and leaned on the hilt.

“It’s different.”

Compared to what? Treasure hunting? Hayden suddenly realized how little he knew about this woman, or where she came from. “Different always takes some getting used to. Can’t be the toil of it - you look strong.”

Just a friendly observation. He’d say the same thing to March.

Artie’s biceps twitched out of reflex, or pride. “Thanks. No, it’s not that.”

Hayden watched her try to find the words. He knew the feeling well, and gave her time to think.

Finally, a sigh. “I’m not good at waiting. I want something, I go and get it. I’d work twice as hard if I could make it all go twice as fast.”

“If only, right?”

Hayden was just being polite. He loved the pace of growing crops, of nurturing new life. Each plant and animal had its own natural rhythm. He was a patient man. He didn’t know any other way to be.

Artie leaned deeper into the hilt. The neckline of her top gaped open a little, but Hayden kept his focus on her reddish curls.

Artie’s eyes roamed freely: first over Sweetwater, then over Hayden. “Got any tips for a greenhorn? Or any ideas on how to pass the time?”

Hayden swallowed, and pushed past the shame of where his mind leapt first. “I hear the fishing’s good around here. Never took to it, myself.”

“Oh? What do you like to do, then?”

Something in Artie’s gaze sent a pleasant shiver up his spine. He put the feeling aside - it was a perfectly reasonable, neighborly question. “Spend time with friends, mostly. Play some cards, have a couple beers.”

Artie grinned. “I like that too. I had dinner at the Sleeping Dragon last night, can’t wait to go back.”

Hayden seized on the chance to change the subject. “Make sure to come in on Fridays. I’ll save you a seat at the poker table, but fair warning - Olric’s on a hot streak.”

“That doe-eyed blacksmith? You’re kidding.”

“I’m not! Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Artie gave him a once-over. “Alright. If Olric ends up with more tesserae than me, I owe you a beer. And if I win, you owe me one.”

Hayden crossed his arms, and smiled. “Sure, I’ll take that bet.”

She pulled her sword from the grass, and slung it over her shoulder. “Good. See you Friday.”

Not flirting. Just a friendly wager.

Hayden repeated those thoughts like a mantra for the rest of the week.

But when Friday night arrived, Artie did not. He told himself it was a relief - better this way. When Balor took the empty seat beside him, he didn’t protest, but it took him a few minutes to stop glancing over his shoulder at the door.

Then, a quiet panic set in. Maybe she’d just been humoring him. Maybe she regretted the bet, and decided to avoid him all together. He might’ve ruined her first Friday in Mistria.

A familiar voice snapped him back into awareness. “Hayden, are you alright? You look pale.”

“No checkup needed, doc. Just a little tired.”

Valen shook her head. “You’re not drinking enough water. Hemlock, can we get a pitcher for the table?”

Hayden groaned, but knew better than to argue. She’d been like this since they were kids. He dutifully sipped from his glass, and watched Terithia shuffle the deck with a flourish.

“I thought you were saving me a seat, Hayden.”

He’d never heard Artie say his name before. Somehow, that was more disarming than her hands on his shoulders.

Everyone greeted her warmly. Hayden was no exception - he stood up, and clapped her on the back. “Don’t worry, we can make a spot for you anywhere.”

She didn’t miss a beat. “Scooch over, then. You too, Balor.”

The men moved their chairs apart, and let Artie slide in with her own. “Thanks fellas. So, Olric. I hear you’re the one to beat.”

He smiled good-naturedly. “I’m still learning how to play.”

Terithia shuffled the cards again. “Don’t listen to him, lass. He’s a slippery one.”

Hayden learned two things that night: Artie was good at poker, and bad at losing.

He didn't fare any better, but he felt like a winner when Artie brought his beer to the table.

“You got me this round, Farmer Hayden.”

Balor tutted in mock disapproval. “A bet about betting, that’s something you don’t see everyday. Feel free to cut me in next time.”

Artie leaned back in her chair. “I get the sense you’re in on just about every deal around here, Balor.”

“It’s my business to be. Buy me a beer, and I’ll tell you all about it.”

Hayden shifted his attention across the table, towards Valen. He didn’t want to impose on whatever was happening next to him.

“How’d you make out tonight, Valen?”

“Broke even.” She sipped her wine, and smiled coolly.

He rubbed the back of his neck. “‘Course you did. Wish I could say the same.”

“Oh? I’d say you came out ahead.” She clinked her glass against his pint of beer.

The demands of spring kept Hayden from spending much time with Artie. There were mares to foal, and crops to harvest, and more mouths to feed than ever. Fridays were the exception: he kept saving her a spot at the table, and she kept taking it.

One Friday, as summer neared, Hayden was late - a filly had wandered off, and it took him hours to soothe and bridle her. He walked into the Sleeping Dragon, dead tired and parched, to find Artie’s cowboy hat on the seat beside her. There was a beer on the table, full to the brim.

An impulse seized him. Hayden picked up the hat, and placed it on Artie’s unsuspecting head.

That got a laugh, especially from Artie. Everyone else settled back into conversation - Hayden could barely hear her over the din. “Look who finally decided to show. Thought you could use a drink, whatever it was that kept you.”

It was so full, he had to take the first sip without lifting his glass. Leaning down like that, it was hard to keep his hair out of the way - he reached for it, but Artie was faster.

“Careful, there.” She pushed his hair behind his ear, and lightly held it back while he drank.den

No one seemed to notice. Hayden sat back in his chair, beer in hand, and tried to think friendly, neighborly thoughts.

[sleepyburito]

dragon farmland facts!

despite the 2/3 odds, Blake took after her dad, Justin and is not an early morning person, her natural clock wakes her at like... 9.30am at the earliest

Hayden is the shortest of them all at 4"10

Ohm and Blake are only to use their magic to water plants in an emergency

Mario was always stronger than most kids, he could lift a whole horse by the time he turned 10

Despite their small statures, Blake and Hayden have really high alcohol tolerance

Ohm taught Mario how to braid hair

Justin basically homeschooled both Blake and Mario in their early years before Ohm and Earthus disappeared

Hayden, Justin and Ohm facts!

Ohm

I keep imagining him with Gepard from Star Rail's voice? Like he's pretty awkward but is still capable of taking charge when needed

his hobbies aside from farmwork and weather watching include knitting and woodwork

Hayden

Beidou from genshin's voice

She's the head of the family farm, has been since her aunt retired about 15 years prior to cannon

She's a very headstrong person, the most stubborn of the trio

Justin

Luka from star rail's voice

his family were travellers and his grandfather had settled in the village when Justin was around 2. His parent's died on their way to visit the grandfather when their cart crashed. They died and Justin was raised by his grandfather in the village

Height chart!

Earthus: 6"8

Ohm: 6"6

Mario: 6"2

Justin: 5"9

Blake: 5"4

Hayden: 4"10

I used @leaf-in-a-flower-garden 's art as a reference for the heights keeping in mind that Blake is cannonically 5"4. I had a height comparison thing open to kinda eyeball Mario's height

[maximumwobblerbanditdonut]

Just a rumour!

Shortly after the start of The 152nd Open at Royal Troon Club in South Ayrshire, SH was seen making and shooting the “hotel highball” cocktail in his room at The Gleneagle Hotel, in Perthshire, resulting in a chaotic experience 😂 You can always use a tripod! But you never put it on another sofa you always have other options.

The people immediately raised questions about the purpose of his visit to the Highlands. It's unclearn whether he came to The Gleneagle Hotel as part of a package for 3 nights B&B at The Gleneagles Hotel, which included rounds at Gleneagles Courses and Thursday & Sunday tickets to the 152nd Open at Royal Troon, (around 1 hr 28 min (81 mi) between The Gleneagles Hotel to the Royal Troon Club) despite he is not a golf enthusiast, like his friends, or if he just came for a relaxing weekend stay at the hotel. There were even rumours that he came to see the golfer Hayden Sylte, now Founder, and Perfumist. I couldn't help but laugh at the far-fetched rumours that this was SH’s reason to visit the hotel. Indeed, the theory seemed bizarre.

Regardless, if he did come to see the final at The Open, I hope he enjoyed it. There is no evidence to suggest any relationship between SH and the golfer, who was at the hotel around the same time and also visited The Royal Troon to watch The Open. Without any photos, videos or concrete posts, these are simply baseless speculations.

She was a photoshoot for the Morris fragrance her newest aroma advert in St. Andrews, for Her business called ‘On and Off The Course’ which focuses on fragrance. Very opportunist name remembering Tommy Morris considered one of the pioneers of professional golf and the first young prodigy in golf history, but no one saw SH with her at the Old Course at St Andrews the home of golf ⛳

Hayden has been in Scotland this July for the International Pro-AM tournament event for individual golfers, club professionals, and amateurs, which took place from 8-11 July at the Gleneagle Hotel.

She was also a visitor at @theopen and stayed this week around Royal Troom and played there during the first days on the track between 14-17 July before officially the Open Championship at Royal Troon started 18-21 July.

Hayley has been visiting Scotland since March of this year to shoot an advert for her new fragrance. Meanwhile, SH has been seen in embarrassing situations in London, which didn't reflect well on him, adding to his confusion, based on these recent sightings, revealing SH’s side that no longer he can hide, Any woman with even a small amount of intelligence, self-esteem, and self-respect would think twice before start thinking about him. Therefore, there is no evidence to suggest that SH and HS have any relationship beyond a possible friendship in case they have met at any moment in particular. But it takes all sorts to make a world.

So, briefly: around the week of July 9th, Hayden finished a photo shoot for her newest fragrance in St. Andrews. In the following days, she was at Gleneagles Hotel for the Pro-AM event. The next week, she went to the Royal Troon in Ayrshire. Maybe SH accompanied her since he had nothing else to do. She was seen playing golf alone at the Royal Troon Club. Who knows? If you want more details, you should ask him, but I hope he enjoyed watching the final at The Open and seeing the silver Claret Jug trophy! 😂

SH’s hotel highball” cocktail was posted on the 19th of July. However, it is possible that SH arrived at the Gleneagle Hotel before this date for the Pro-AM event and then published the cocktail event later to avoid suspicion since the dates coincided. If there was any encounter with the golfer, it was brief. Hayden returned to St. Andrews and left the Fairmont St Andrews hotel and supposedly back home today Tuesday, the 23rd, or to St Andrews town (Fairmont St Andrews golf ⛳ is situated 2 miles (3.2 km) outside the town of St. Andrews in Fife) Based on her Instagram photos, she was alone.

By the way, last but not least. It's important to note that SH was not in St. Andrews during the 150th anniversary event in 2022, as some people believe. The presentation discussed the special coverage of the "Home of Golf" for @abcnetwork and @peacocktv, but it was not broadcast live. Let's set aside SH's misleading information.

In golf, the advice is to "hit the shot you know you can hit, not the one you think you should."

Posted 23rd July 2024 ⛳

[frostironfudge]

Silhouettes In the Spotlight - Bucky Barnes - Twelve

Summary: Bucky Barnes has worked immensely hard to have a filmography expanding across genres and garnering accolades from critics, peers and fans. Y/N Y/L/N, with her debut novel (fan-fiction turned New York Times Bestseller) has two other best sellers under her belt. Next is her highly anticipated fourth book lined up for release. SHEILD Productions has acquired the film rights to her debut novel and they want Bucky Barnes to play the lead (aka himself) by any means necessary. This story is about angst, lust, heartbreak, and love. After all fairytales only exist in books and movies right?

Warnings: angst, swearing, blackmailing, anxiety attack (experienced by reader), fluff, bucky being the best boyfriend, soft moments.

Pairing: Actor!Bucky Barnes x Plus Size!Fem!Reader

Word Count: 4k || Dividers: @firefly-graphics

Main Masterlist || Fic Masterlist || AO3

Chapter Eleven || Chapter Thirteen

HEADLINES:

Dolores Launches Make-Up Collab With Brand, Faces Backlash Over Zero Representation In Model’s Diversity 

Sharon Carter’s Take On The Diversity Issue In Media, Dolores Apologises On Live 9 Pm News and Campaign Reworking Calls For Aspiring Models Of Different Diversities To Send In Their Portfolios and Social Media Handles To HYDRA

Alexander Pierce Celebrates Success Of HYDRA’s Take Over On Prime Time Spots Across The Boards 

Steve Rogers and Loki Laufeyson Partner With Online Mental Health Platform To Improve Accessibility. 

Bucky Barnes Donates Generously To Children’s Centre And Visits Them, Look At The Adorable Pictures. 

“Tell me this is a fucking joke.” Natasha stares not at you but your raised palm. Then her jaw clenches. 

“Maria.” Her green eyes tear away from your hand to the brown eyed woman. 

Who schools her expression at the very last second. Disguising the utter disbelief. 

“Dolores stays.” Alexander chimes, you put down your hand and put on an expression of indifference. 

“Please at least look at the audition tape we have compiled.” Natasha urges grabbing the remote. 

“You will like it Alexander.” Maria looks towards him. 

He yawns, “I am tired of this conversation. The votes for Dolores outweigh the votes for your possible replacement.” 

Maria glares at Nick Fury, her eyes shift to you and only disappointment and then a recognition colour her gaze. You look away. She couldn’t guess nor know.

“I can’t fucking believe this, Y/N you of all people?” Natasha pushes her chair back, stomping out of the conference room. 

You sigh, standing to follow her. 

“Y/N, I want to discuss something urgent regarding your deadline for the manuscript.” Alexander stops you in your tracks. 

You hadn’t written a word in weeks. Yelena had been handling the responses to the publishing house. There were only so many excuses that could be used.

“Yes?” You turn to him. He smirks, you curb the chill climbing up your spine. 

“It has been moved up by a month. Therefore, you have three weeks before you submit the first complete manuscript draft.” He informs, you stare at him. 

“That isn’t—,”

“I want it complete because I want the script written and ready.” He cuts you off.

“But—,” 

“Nick we have that meeting with Bucky next right? I’ll handle it alone.” Alexander’s thinly veiled threat fills you with dread. 

“You, you will have the manuscript.” You speak loud enough. 

“Second thought, Nick, be there.” He smiles at the man. 

“Alright, Boss.” Fury answers curtly, his gaze shifts to you as if reading between the lines. Trying to find a weakness in your defences. 

You had no defence to begin with, so what could he find? Holding onto sanity and yourself was getting hard. You were overwhelmed from all aspects.

“Well then Ms. Y/L/N, better be off typing away. It better be quality material.” His cold gaze follows you out the door. 

You numbly make your way to the parking area, Hayden stands with a smile near the car. A small nod of his head points you to Bucky trying to calm Natasha down. 

She’s visibly upset and then she looks towards you as you make your way over. 

“Nat, look I’m sure Feather has reason enough to—,”

“She wants to bring Dolores back on board after she cried her heart out at the misrepresentation occuring.” She seethes and Bucky pauses. 

“She voted with him?” You can hear the disbelief colouring his voice. 

“Ask her go on, ask your girl why the fuck is she fucking with this project.” Nat gestures towards you and Bucky turns. 

“Feather, you brought her back on?” Bucky tries to understand why then you hand your phone over to him. It would explain everything. At that moment he gets a call from Sam, urging him to move into the meeting. He walks away a worried glance between the two of you.

“I trusted you.” Nat glowered.

“Nat, keeping her on keeps us on course and wastes lesser resources.” You give her bullshit reason. 

“Bullshit, you know we could do better without her. Is this about you not trusting my directive vision?” She steps forward. 

“I trust you more than anything.” You reach for her hand.

Nat withdraws herself, “If you did you would have backed me not sided with the monster I told you about, in confidence.”

“Nat, please.” You beg, frantic.

“No, I trust Bucky. Hell, I trusted Steve too. You however, you take the fucking cake.” She scoffs, “Good thing Yelena still keeps you at arms length. I wondered why? Why would my sister, who claims to be so close, still won't let her in? Now I know. After everything I shared, I confided in you.”

Your heart hammers, you can’t tell anyone. Not anymore than the people involved. Yelena, Sam, Angel, Andy, Matt, Loki, Steve and James.

‘The more people know, the harder it will be to keep it under wraps.’ Darcy’s face harboured a familiar sadness.

‘Why the sadness?’ You questioned.

‘Sometimes, you lose friends in this process. Keeping things comes with a certain degree of sacrifice.’ She discards a piece of lint.

‘Won’t they understand after?’ Your friends flash before your eyes.

She smiles at your childish hopefulness, ‘Sometimes, but those are rare.’ Her words echo.

“Nat please, try to understand.” You press, following her to her car.

“Keeping Dolores on is financially beneficial to you as a producer. Which is why Alexander and Fury are backing it. Welcome to Hollywood Y/N, you’re officially a fucking sellout.” She climbs into her car, 

“After everything that happened, after everything that I confided in you. After all the bonding with you, your mom. You put money before everything. Fuck. You.” She slammed the car door. 

The engine revs as the tires screech when she pulls out of the lot.

“What made you agree to hire Dolores back?” Yelena questions, baffled.

You sigh, “Lena–,”

“Nat is inconsolable, she hasn’t been this distraught over a project in years.” Her sister accuses you, eyes narrowed. A scowl on her face.

“At least you could have watched the audition tape, I found her promising.” She scoffs, settling onto her chair. It squeaks as she faces away from you. Her jaw set.

You press the heels of your palms against your eyes. The perfume you had put lightly wafts into your senses. The BW office seems darker, once a beacon of light amongst darkness was now shrouded within it.

“Alexander has pulled the date ahead for the manuscript.” You say, she turns then stops herself looking back out the window.

“Then you better have it ready. I can’t make more excuses for you.” The coldness permeates her words and the surrounding.

“You know I can’t tell Nat what goes on now about the case right? Anything that happens, after the fact of that evening and the following days where you all came home? Nat said you keep me at arms length still.” your words have her stiffen in the slightest.

“I can understand that, I myself seldom trust in people, Lena.” You brush a hand over your nose, “At the risk of sounding like a broken record, because maybe I am, the cycle repeats over and over of getting fucked over. I received an email, with pictures of James and a few of mine along with a warning. Unfortunately, I cannot tell Natasha anything due to our agreements with two certain people. So I had to back that creep.” You stand, “I’ll try to have the manuscript reach you in time. I’m sorry to have you make excuses for me. Tell, tell Nat I’m sorry and I wish things were different. If there is anyone I would blindly trust with my labour of love and tears, it's her.” 

She doesn’t move when you make your way to the door, nor when you reach the elevator and head to the parking lot, alone. Your resolve crumbles just as Hayden shuts his own door and begins the drive home.

The city lights and gleam of the dashboard blur into your own storm. Laying across the seat, the anxiety attack has you succumb towards it. Hayden says a lot of things but none reach you. You want to apologise to him. You wonder if the ‘sorry’ echoing around you reaches him.

The images flash through your mind and so does Alexander’s wickedness. The endless warnings on a loop.

Soon a familiar scent encompasses the car, you’re flush against the warmth. Soothing warmth and grounding coolness move over your head, then down your back. There is a rumble against your chest. 

You blink, when you feel something prickly over your palms. The sensation repeats then turns light. Then planes of warmth with a slight dampness. The softness is familiar. 

You blink again at the haze clearing your mind. 

Soft lips ghost over your palms, your brain scrambles to get to him. Through the haze, you meet his blue eyes. 

You find home within them. 

A constant thudding under your palms. A rhythmic rise and fall. 

The scent finally registers, woodsy, warm and one that lingered upon your clothes and being long after its source would leave. 

“There she is,” Bucky cups your face, a small smile on his lips, “take a deep breath for me Feather.”

“James?” Your voice is scratchy. 

“It’s me, Feather. Good girl, doing so well.” He affirms, thumb brushing over your cheekbone. Wiping at the tears. You inhale with each upward stroke of his left thumb and exhale when his right thumb moves.

“James,” you crumble, forehead resting against his, your body begins to realise you’re across his lap in the back of the car. 

“I’m so sorry baby, I couldn’t help you with the rehire avoidance.” He kisses your cupid’s bow softly. 

You shake your head, “Not your fault.” 

“I could have protected you better, you wouldn’t have to be blamed for going back on your word or what you believe in.” He sighs defeated. 

“James, this isn’t—,”

“But it is, if, if I’d kept my distance, you wouldn’t get manipulated over me. I shouldn’t have gotten involved—,”

You push at his chest, cutting him off. 

“Do you regret it then? Regret us?” You ask, if you had to lose him too today, you’d crumble. You could even tolerate the thought. 

“Y/N, I,” He pauses searching for the words.

“Why are you blaming yourself for what that horrible man did? He would have done it whether or not you held my heart in your hands.” 

His head rests against the headrest, he looks up. Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallows, then closes his eyes. 

He takes a deep inhale, you observe in the glow from his gym’s sign. 

“I don’t regret even a second of us. Yes, I regret being rude to you, not speaking clearly and honestly being a dickhead. I do not regret a single moment spent with you. I do not regret speaking to you through our music choices. I do not regret getting to know you between the walls of your home and mine. I do not regret whisking you away for mini dates within the trailers. I do not regret confessing my love to you, I do not regret kissing you, I do not regret loving you. I do not regret continually falling for you.” Blue eyes meet yours, Bucky watches as his words move over you. 

“I do not regret us.” He whispers lips brushing over your forehead.

“I love you.” You murmur, you feel him smile against your skin.

“I love you too.” His voice is soft.

Exhaustion lingers at the periphery of his pupils, you feel yourself grow tired as well.

“Did I scare Hayden?” You look around, he’s not near the car.

Bucky’s vibranium fingers brush over your cheek, curving around your jaw, making you look back at him. 

“He’s had experience with my anxiety and PTSD. Usually he’d drive me to my doctor’s or back home, he did a few courses after to help me and he volunteers at a local centre as well.” 

Warmth pools in your chest, the way Hayden takes care of those close to him. Your lips form a small smile. 

“Did I interrupt your workout?” You realise then he’s wearing a short sleeved t-shirt. It hugs all his muscles. You swallow as your eyes trace the vein running down his arm. 

“I finished up when Hayden called, you didn’t interrupt anything.” He only chuckles seeing your eyes trace him, “see something you like Feather?” voice light and teasing. 

Your head nods before you can control it. Skin heating under his mirthful but darkening gaze. The light of the gym’s entrance flickers, the blue of his eyes overtaken by the dark black of his pupil. 

“I see something I like too, Feather.” His flesh hand moves to your lower back drawing you closer. You feel him then, against your inner thigh. The athletic wear is straining against him. 

Bucky groans softly, feeling your thighs clench. Leaning forward, your chest presses against his, he watches you intently. Allowing you to set the pace. 

“Kiss me?” You request, Bucky complies happily. 

Pressing his lips to yours, impossibly close and pressed against his body. Your lips part when his tongue moves over your bottom lip. You preen, feeling him explore your mouth. Slowly growing slack against him. 

You kiss back, fingers tightening in his hair. Free hand moving over him, mapping out your world that encompasses upon and within him. With him. 

Bucky hums against your lips when your hands move lower, the sound pooling within your stomach. Your thighs clench as his hands move your hips back and forth. Your whimper is swallowed by the kiss.

His lips part from yours, trailing down your neck. When he nips at a pulse point you shudder in his grasp. Bucky hisses as it causes you to grind down harder on him. 

“Fuck, I,” 

There is a flash outside cutting off Bucky. Hayden knocks on the driver’s side door. Another flash and then a shout of Bucky’s name. You begin to clamber out of his lap, his grip on you tightens. The windscreen had reflectors in place for privacy while parked. 

“If Hayden opens his door, everyone will see.” You explain, out of breath.

“It’s about time.” He cups your face.

“James–,” You tense, Hayden knocks again.

Bucky’s gaze moves from determined to understanding, his grip loosens on your hips. He assists you in shifting from his lap and settling beside him. He refused not to have you curled close to him.

Reaching over between the seats pressing the partition button. Its soft hum drowns out once the paps outside gain momentum.  Chanting for Bucky to show them a glimpse.  Bucky knocks on his window signalling Hayden it was okay to get in, the man swiftly opens and shuts the door.

Hayden checks the partition and once he’s satisfied then turns ignition on and he begins to navigate the two of you home. 

The nurse greets you with a smile, saying that Alpine was curled up with your mom as they both slept soundly. 

You check up on them in her room, taking a picture of them for later. Taking note of the updates from the nurse before she left. 

Bucky smiles at the thought, all of you living together like a small family. Before he can verbalise his thoughts Sam begins calling him. 

“Hey.” Bucky greets, heading into the kitchen to speak. 

“The fan you took a picture with caused the location leak.” Sam informs, the actor sighs rubbing a hand over his face. 

“How is she holding up?” Sam asks, “Headlines are running wild speculations, saying there is a possible fall out.” 

“She had an anxiety attack.” Bucky shakes his head, biting the inside of his cheek. He knew if Nat knew she would not have reacted that way. The guilt weighs upon him. 

“I hope you aren’t blaming yourself.” Sam reminds, a humourless chuckle leaves his lips. 

“I know you are, you cannot feel guilty for what happened.” 

“I understand that but I can’t help it Sam, I wish, I wish I was never at the damn airport.”

“I wish that too, we were all played by him, in the scheme. What is important is how we go from here okay? She will come out stronger, she has everyone she needs and more.” Sam’s words lightly ease the knot in Bucky’s chest. 

“James?” You call out.

“In here Feather.” He replies,

“Man, I practically can see the goofy grin on your face.” Sam laughs.

He watches your smile take over your features when you locate him. 

You admire his own grin as it warms your heart. 

“I’ll call you back.” Bucky says, keeping the phone. 

“How is she?” He questions, you make your way over to him. 

“She’s okay, no lingering weakness remaining things are unchanged.” 

Bucky wraps his arms around you, keeping you close. You sigh, the earlier worries leaving slowly as his hold helps you keep yourself together. 

“I was thinking…” he begins,

“Should I be worried?” you tease, he rolls his eyes squeezing your hip. 

“How about we cook tonight? I know you’ve been wanting to have a cooking date.” His expression is smug. 

“I don’t think I’ve ever told you that.” You narrow your eyes at him, trying to hide your smile. 

“Well maybe I just know my girlfriend really well.” He shrugs, “So dinner date?” 

“I want to know how you know.” You demand, he shakes his head, pulling away to head to the fridge. 

“James.” You whine, that was one of your more well hidden date ideas to have with your significant other. You’re sure you’ve never told Bucky about it. 

He begins to retrieve the ingredients not answering you but the smug grin doesn’t leave his face. 

“I won’t help you.” You warn, he looks up from the freezer, raising a brow. 

“You just sit there looking pretty and I’ll do all the work.” Bucky winks at you, a heated flush blooms across your cheeks and neck. 

Then it clicks, “You, how?” 

You walk over to him retrieving the chopping boards and knives to divide and cut the veggies. 

“Well you know how I’m a delayed fan of your work?” He hands you the bell peppers. 

You begin to chop them, “Yeah?” 

“I annotate right? With sticky notes and handwritten notes on post-its, recently those transparent ones.”

“Those are so cool.” You agree. 

Bucky kisses your cheek, “Very cool. I’ve some extra if you want them.” 

“One day you’re going to open your drawer of post-its and find that empty.” You giggle, Bucky laughs. 

“Well I know where to look.” 

“You’re supposed to let me steal your stuff for myself.” You smear a bit of butter on his cheek. 

He scrunches his nose, biting your thumb playfully drawing laughter from you. 

“So you don't want to steal my clothes? Just my stationery?” The veggies go into the mix and he brings out another few things. 

“I steal what I want, Mr. Barnes and you will let me.” You reach up to him, he leaves his work wrapping his arms around you, palms moving from your lower back to beneath your hips. 

“Oh I will let you?” He lifts you onto the counter, standing between your legs. 

“Yes, yes you will.” Your fingers run through his hair, playing with the strands at the base of his neck, “Want to know why?” 

“Enlighten me, Feather.” He hums, eyes closing gently as you continue playing with his hair and your other hand runs over his scalp. 

“Because,” 

Bucky’s breath hitches feeling your lips close to his own.

“It’s the tax you pay being a boyfriend.” Giving him a quick kiss you giggle as he huffs irritatedly, wanting a longer time to feel your soft, addictive lips against his own. 

“Never heard of this tax.” He grumbles only adding to your mirth. 

“Well you probably never had a girlfriend who put you in that tax bracket.” It’s your turn to grin smugly and you do, then you feel something wet across your cheek. 

The sauce. 

“Bucky!” You yelp, he guffaws grabbing your hands before you can wipe it away. 

You feel his lips at the corner of your own, he licks away the smear then bites at your cheek. 

His laugh rumbles within his chest as he places your hands upon it. You can’t help but laugh with him. 

“All gone.” He assures, kissing your jaw. 

“When I began reading your work,” he cups your face, “I noticed something, now I could be wrong but I know I’m not,” he winks, you roll your eyes. 

“What did you notice, fine Sir?” You quip, tilting your head. 

“I noticed that you don’t explain in detail the moments that you want to experience yourself. You write them enough to keep the reader satiated but your hunger for those moments remains raging.” He explains, your hands move out of their own accord to his shoulders, sides of his neck and then cupping his face. 

“Cooking a meal together, late night drives, texting endlessly, touches hidden away in a crowded room.” Bucky’s gaze fixed upon yours, his blue eyes reading everything your eyes show him. 

“Silent ways of saying, I love you.” His palm grasps your hand, finger tracing over the tattoo. You swallow. Your own thumb traces across his left wrist. 

He had figured it out. 

The one thing you kept hidden across your works, the smallest moments to the ones of significance. Your own wants hidden in your shared words. 

“James,” Your voice is thick laced with an emotion you can’t comprehend. Maybe it is the fact that he sees you, every bit of you and yet loves you, maybe it is that he knows you, you don’t know how to vocalise how you feel, you don’t know how to convey the fluttering in your heart. 

He takes your name, in quiet understanding. In a way that in one word, with your own name, you know that he knows and understands how you feel. 

You knew how much he could convey with his eyes alone, across genres, across characters. Initially you would wonder if you would ever be able to decipher if it's an act, your own insecurities were feeding into your heart. 

The way that Bucky gazes at you though? 

Warmth ricochets within your chest. Love for him, love from him pours through every broken crevice, mending, offering pieces of himself that could fit. Taking broken parts from you to mend himself. 

You pull him closer, arms and legs wrapping around him, Bucky holds you tenderly, returning the hug with equal warmth and love. 

He kisses your shoulder as you nuzzle into the crook of his neck. 

The two of you say nothing further, the food is cooked over more stolen kisses and smearing of sauces. 

Even as the call times for beginning the shoot of the movie are emailed the dread doesn’t seep into your bones. 

Bucky stays the night for the first time. Holding you close as slumber pulls the two of you under its spell. 

Your hands wrap over his, Bucky smiles when you sleepily lace your fingers with his own. Your lips searching for his skin, any part of it to give him a kiss goodnight. 

Thumb tracing over your tattoo, he falls asleep just as Alpine finds the spot beside your head on the pillow making biscuits and then falling asleep. 

Maybe he thinks, just maybe this could be forever. 

When morning light pours in and you’re still in his arms and Alpine is burrowing her way between the two of you making you laugh quietly. 

He believes this is forever. 

HEADLINES:

TOP FIVE Hollywood Friendships That Stood The Test Of Time:

Number One - Steve and Bucky 

TOP FIVE Hollywood Break-Ups That Have Us Crying:

Number Three - Natasha Romanoff and Author Y/N’s Friendship. 

Are They Back Together? Watch Sharon Carter Speak With Body Language Expert To Discern If Dolores and Bucky Have Residual Feelings For Each Other. 

It’s Getting Frosty On Set and Not Because Of The Winter — Natasha Ignores Executive Producer Y/N 

Author Y/N Shares Dialogue Snippet From Upcoming Book, Fans Sent Into Frenzy Over Theory That This Book Might Be Her Saddest Ending Written Till Date. 

A.N.: i hope you enjoy this fluffy update, i felt i didn't get a chance to explore them one on one much and i just think they needed time together so here we are!

Taglist is Open comment or DM to be added!

Taglist: @stevesmewmew @elle14-blog1 @crazyunsexycool @sebsgirl71479 @pandaxnienke @slutforsexyseabass @eclecticpatrolroadlawyer @pandaxnienke @vampire7595

[jjtheresidentbaby]

Puppy Pack Classification Headcanons

characters featured : liam, hayden, mason, corey, theo [moodboards for characters included]

[slight tw for theo’s — mentions him having a bad past]

find hale pack here & mccall pack here

Liam Dunbar : little — he is just the babiest of babies I swear!! he’s on the clinger side of things when he’s small as it can be very scary for him, between how bad his nightmares are normally and then when he regresses they only become worse. He likes to have Hayden watch him or Mason, they’re both his safe people and neither have any problem staying up late when he doesn’t want to sleep. Mason tends to have them play games, not the normal video games as those can get a bit graphic but he brings cards games and boards game over. Hayden prefers to have them lay in bed and talk about things to hopefully lull Liam to sleep. On the flip side, if it’s daytime and Liam’s regressed he stays pretty happy, it’s also a great way to control any anger he may feel. Him and Theo get along well and Liam’s happy to drag Theo around wherever they may, he’s very content being the leader with games and such. Occasionally he’ll ask Scott to watch over him if he’s feeling extra “werewolf-y” as he puts it, but in general he’s not picky about who watches over him, he has favorites yes but as long as he feels safe he’s okay with anyone ♡

Hayden Romero : flip — she has a little lean but it only ever comes out around specific people, mostly Liam, Masson and Corey but sometimes Scott & Theo. She’s got a killer sweet tooth, little or not, she loves to snack on candy or go out for ice cream with any excuse in the book. When she is little she carries around a stuff bear from her childhood that her sister got her, she technically has two of them [see middle picture of the moodboard] but favors the one with the hearts because it was the first one her sister had got her. Her sister doesn’t know about Hayden’s regression as she gets very shy and embarrassed about needing to regress, but she’s more relaxed about her caregiver side and will sometimes bring the little she’s watching over to the station for a quick visit. She’s a pack caregiver of sorts, someone to babysit anyone in the pack if they need it, but mainly she watches over Liam which may turn into play-dates depending on her mood, and she’s watched over Stiles more than once because they both end up stuck at the police station waiting on their respected person ♡

Mason Hewitt : caregiver — the caregiver of the entire puppy pack, and he’s the best at it! He’s got books and movies and games and everything that a little could want or need, he’s always prepared. He also carries a backpack filled with extra supplies at all times, at school he’ll leave it in his locker but if the pack is going on an outing he makes sure to have it on him. He’s also great at bedtime, he’s able to get the crankiest little to sleep with just a simple story, this annoys and impresses the older members of the pack that struggle severely to get through bedtime without losing their minds. Mason mainly watches Liam as that’s his best friend, but Hayden and Theo are looked after by him pretty frequently too. He’s extremely patient and knows that Hayden and Theo struggle to regress around others so he takes the time he can watch over them very seriously and straight to his heart ♡

Corey Bryant : caregiver — Corey isn’t as physically prepared as Mason is, as in he doesn’t carry a heft of a backpack around filled with necessities. But Corey is great at listening to issues and talking an upset little down, he’s someone the littles can go to if they’re upset. He’s also pretty good at patching up scarped knees which Liam definitely appreciates. He and Mason usually watch over the three together even if Corey doesn’t ask, it’s just rare to see the pack separated even when only one of them is regressed ♡

Theo Raken : flip — after everything that happens he isn’t too keen on telling anyone that he’s a flip, nor does he think anyone would believe him if he did. But after some months and some therapy, he tells Mason, Liam & Hayden. He figures out of everyone they seem the most likely to accept him and he’s right, they’re all surprisingly nice about it and supportive. Eventually Hayden, Mason and Corey even get Theo to regress around them and even if he is a clingy sniffling mess the whole time, they don’t get mad, don’t punish him, it’s like a breath of fresh air compared to his last caregivers. He’s never had someone care for him like they do, and when Liam starts to regress at the same time as Theo he’s over the moon. They get along great and while Theo falls into a much more reserved and shy headspace than Liam, he’s still happy to take Liam’s hand and go on whatever adventures the latter desires. When Theo’s caregiving it’s usually only to Liam and maybe Hayden, but he try’s his best. He doesn’t have a lot of practice and has to call Mason and Corey up a thousand times to double check things, but he isn’t as bad as he thought he’d be. He likes carrying Liam on his hip and making them both lunches as cooking is about the only thing Theo can get right every time. At some point the rest of the pack find out about his classification and Theo has a minor freak out about it, he’s quickly calmed down when he realizes that nobody’s mad at him. Not even Stiles makes a joke about it. Theo still sticks to Hayden, Mason, Corey and Liam after the rest find out out, but nobody minds and that means the world to Theo ♡

[toasttt11]

san diego

June 28, 2021

Hayden finally decided it was time to go back to her home in San Diego. The last time she had been home was for her parents funeral and she had left to Michigan a little bit after and hasn’t been back since.

She couldn’t find it in herself to go back to San Diego anytime in the last few years after her parents passed away but in the past year she felt like she has really healed and really wanted to go back to one of her homes.

Hayden let out a long breath as she got out do the car and starred at the house that was half of her childhood and one of her favorite places in the world.

Luke and Archie hopped out of the car immediately and followed Hayden as Quinn, Jack and Jim got the bags out of the car with Ellen to give some Hayden some time.

Hayden unlocked the front door and was just hit with waves of nostalgia and memories from this house. Her lips trembled as she looked into the house and couldn’t take a step in yet.

Luke grabbed her hand and squeezed her hand softly making Hayden look at him and he gave her a reassuring look and she took a deep breath and stepped in side holding Luke’s hand.

It was overwhelming the rush of memories Hayden had when she stepped into her house and walked in, but it wasn’t a sad overwhelming like it was in Edmonton if anything it made her happy because each part of the house was like a memory of her parents and it didn’t make her sad anymore.

She won’t ever live in her San Diego house for long periods ever again mostly only a house she visits in the off season and she wants to keep the house the same as it was when her parents are alive.

Hayden took some time the first day they got to San Diego and just kinda went through her whole house looking at everything and remembering a lot of old memories of her family.

And while a part of her was still devastated over losing her parents she can strongly say she is healing it a lot and she didn’t know how much she needed to come back to her home in San Diego and just remember some memories with her parents and it made her happy.

June 29, 2021

Hayden woke up before anyone else and she got dressed for a run and grabbed her headphones and phone and left the house. She wanted to go alone so she didn’t wake up Quinn or take Archie with her.

She started running an old path she use to run with parents when they were in San Diego.

Hayden stopped at a small flower booth and bought two bouquet of jasmine flowers before continuing her run.

She took a deep breath enjoying the smell of the salt water and being so close to the ocean. Hayden ran down the road into the gated area.

Hayden was running through the cemetery that her parents are buried at.

She ran to her where her parents graves are and Hayden hasn’t been back at their graves since the funeral.

“Hi.” Hayden softly spoke to the graves of her parents as she put a bouquet of flowers by both of their graves and kneeled down in between the two graves.

“I’m sorry it has taken me so long to come see you.” Hayden softly apologized to her parents as she gently wiped off some dirt on her Dad’s headstone.

Hayden plopped down and sat on the grass and looked at out a the ocean as she sat with her parents graves.

Hayden just sat in between her parents graves for a long while until she leaned forward and pressed a kiss to both of parents headstones, “I’ll see you both again before i leave.” Hayden promised them both before getting up and starting her run back home.

July 5, 2021

Hayden and the Hughes stayed in San Diego for over a week and spent fourth of July there as well.

They spent many of their days down at the beach for most of the day just messing around in the water and surfing a ton. Just spending a lot of time outside all together as a family.

Hayden went through a lot of her parents things and took more things she wanted with her and gave more things to everyone else as well.

Harrison had hundreds of suits and Hayden can fit into all of them so she took quite a few of her favorites and gave a lot of them to Luke, who is a very similar height and build as Harrison and will grow more and more into the suits.

Harrison and Maddison both had lots of ties and Jack picked out quite a few from both of their collections as he always loved their ties growing up and would always borrow ties from them.

Harrison loved wearing hats and Hayden does as well but she already has many of her fathers hat’s so she gave most of them to Quinn because he loves wearing hats and gave a few to Jack, Luke and Jim as well.

Hayden asked Ellen to go through her mother’s closest and just take whatever she wanted as Hayden knew a lot of her mother’s closest was bought with Ellen and knew there was some special pieces to Ellen.

Hayden really just wanted all of them to have a lot of things of Harrison and Madison because she knew her parents would want their things to be used and not just sitting and she knew how much the Hughes all missed her parents like crazy.

Hayden didn’t realize how much it would help her by coming back to one of her homes. Going to Edmonton for the first time was just devastating for Hayden she was no where near healing at all and it was to hard but coming to San Diego now when she was healing it made her happy as she let herself to remember so many memories of her parents.

[dreambigdreamz]

Daughter of the Trees

I still believe by Hayden Penettiere

Fallen into a deep spellbound trance is a lost, despondent girl who has never known enough to question anything. Now, trapped inside her dreamworld with powers that are her own insecurities, she relives the scenes in her mind of that faraway life as Nimbrethil of Fangorn Forest when small were her fears – little beyond the threat of Saruman – and young were her dreams of having a happily-ever-after.

       NIMBRETHIL has been living in Fangorn Forest for as long as she could remember. But she wants more: she wants to see the outside world and meet people. When she gets the chance to visit Rohan, the land of the Horse-lords, she feels things are finally happening. For the better or for worse. With a great war that threatens to engulf the whole of Middle-earth into shadows, even a forest maid must do her part to aid her friends. She must learn to survive the struggling times, and her strength will be tested before this all ends — a happy ending seems far away but she knows it’s there, and someday she’ll get to it. Unfortunately for her, life’s not that simple. A secret of her past will be unlocked as another secret locks itself in her heart. And it seems this funny-peculiar tale, of a forest maid and a fellowship consisting of several races and ‘that tall, handsome man’ who actually turned out to be a prince, is far from being over and nowhere near its fairytale ending. Yet.

       ❝ ALL my life, I have longed for some . . . some things — friends, family, Fimbrethil, and finding my prince if that’s possible. I have longed for them so much, so desperately, that sometimes I felt as if I would go mad from all this longing. Many a day I would lie flat on my back and gaze at the forest ceiling, wondering and waiting. Now that every of those things seem remotely possible to happen, I realize I am not ready. I’m not ready to make friends and find out just how inadequately I’ve been living my life as a human being. I’m not ready to meet the family who I haven’t even known for all these years. I’m not even ready to travel out there to find Fimbrethil as I’ve often boasted I would someday. And I certainly am not ready to find my prince, even though I strongly suspect I’ve already found him; but there’s no way of un-finding him now. I’m not ready for anything but going back to life in the forest with all the other trees and lying down most days and dreaming of the outside. I’m not ready for anything! Have I gone mad? Oh, curse me already, root and branch! ❞ 

Read now here

[izayoichan]

He understood just how much it must have taken for Arlo to go to Vy for help. Although after River had a small talk with Vy, and their visits, their relationship had become better, but he would never have imagined Arlo would go to him to ask for help.

Vy: You lay down and rest some more, I’ll tell Flynn to bring you some food. Don’t worry, we’ll stay until you're all better. Fannar: Thank you mom.

Vy gently kissed his little star's forehead before he walked down to send Flynn up with food, and to let the twins talk. They ended up staying for three weeks, or well Flynn, Vy and Hayden did. River went home to the clinic and his pregnant dragon, while no one could get Flynn to leave before he was certain his twin was well again, and Vy had talked with his work and they had given him time off to care for his son “abroad”

Fannar: Thanks again mom, for coming. Vy: I will always come, my little star, always.

Fannar just smiled, feeling the embrace by both his parents, Arlo standing to the side a bit watching them. Vy walked over to him, ever so gently putting a hand on his shoulder which caused Arlo to flinch like a frightened child, as if waiting for a blow. 

Beginning - Previous - Next

[residentdormouse]

Springing into a Word Search

Alright, I have been sitting on this so long, that I got tagged in another set of words in the meantime. Bad Mouse. Must get my writing routine back....

Anyway, thank you @mrsmungus for keeping my tiny writer gears grinding. Although, this is probably my worst showing yet. Not a Spring girl, I'm afraid. Probably not great seeing as my blorbos is all about painting. It's pretty, I suppose....

My Words: Growth, Flower, Fresh, Dawn, Easter, Break, Clean, Rainbow, Blossom/Bloom/Bud, Hayfever (or sneeze, or allergies)

I will as well leave this as an OPEN TAG because I don't know how many would want to join our constant word search absurdity. If you even remotely think, 'hey that might be fun', please do not hesitate to join, and tag me so I don't miss it!

Your Words: Swim, Beach, Sand, Waves, Float, Heat, Vacation, Rest, Relax, Calm

As always, excerpts below the cut.

Growth: Dammit - you got me. Not one mention. Touché.

Flower: (From Diving)

The larger space was a welcome change from the harsh area they had just been in, and Glen welcomed the sight coming from the large picture window on the side wall. Well maintained pebble walkways led around a quaint garden area. A few trees, shrubs, a couple black iron benches, and tinges of pinks, yellows, and oranges popped out from the various flowers planted around the walkways. Crystal clear water fell in a continuous flow from the center fountain, with a few brightly colored fish in the small pond below. He found himself gravitating closer to the scene, as the others could be heard pacing about or taking seats in the numerous open couches scattered around the space.

Fresh: (We got fresh blood, fresh starts, fresh milk, and a fresh hell. Haven't done a Harold section in a while, so Fresh start it is.)

“Okay, so I'm just gonna jump in cause I don't have much finesse with all this and I don't use my words as well as Glen. And you don’t have to say anything. I’ll sit here and babble like an idiot; you can jump in if you want.” Deep breath. “We're about to get to Boulder. You can choose who you want to be now. And correct me if I’m wrong, but right now, you don't seem like somebody who's very happy. So you can keep on carrying pain from a life you don't have anymore, and I’ll stop bothering. But if we're choosing, maybe you can choose to leave that pain here. Right here. When we hit Boulder, you have your fresh start. You can be the guy who holds up his end of deals, and writes stories, and has fun. Or whoever else you want to be." Gaze still locked on the fire, she tapped his foot with hers, trying to pull his attention. "It's your call, but you have that choice..."

Dawn: (Only one Dawn, and its not great. Can you tell I'm not a morning person?)

The night remained clear from threats and capped off the rain day break as a needed detour. Susan and Dayna were able to enjoy the small comfort of sleeping in an actual bed, safe within their room walls. Harold started in on one of the blank books he picked up, filling the journal pages by candlelight. Hayden and Glen found comfort with each other, while he shared stories into the night. And Fran found the walls quiet enough to chance a visit next door with Stu. By the end of dawn the next morning, everything was packed and ready to move on. One step closer to Boulder.

Easter: Once again, you got me. Guess who's least favorite season is Spring...

Break: (Hey! I finally got one from Close to the Vale!)

Humor remained in his expression, most likely resulting from her momentary stupor, but she held his gaze for as long as she could, only breaking away to glance downward when the sliver of self consciousness took hold. Even still, her smile remained. Despite her downcast focus, she was still able to catch the way his eyebrows raised in amusement before he turned back towards the counter. Holding out a packet in the air, he proceeded to move along the worn down surface until he hit an opening.

Clean: (Not the segment you thought you would get for this word, is it?)

"C'mon, everybody needs a little break here and there!" But that’s what Teddy failed to realize; this wasn't a break. Not to him. What Teddy was proposing was entering a social battle that required constant vigilance. Anticipate the moves, blend into the background when possible, and strike out only with a sure bet. Practiced movements and rehearsed repertoire. Break? Exhausting is what it was, and Harold certainly didn't have the energy to put up a front for that long. Not after a full day of clean up. The thought of the daily activities only ushered in a wave of fresh memories. Sensory recall he wished he could will away. Smells that would threaten to up heave anything he managed to put down. Decomposition. It lingered in his nostrils and he could almost taste it. That’s all that was there for him. Death. Disgust… All things he would put up with to position himself where he needed to. A place to get the most leverage when the time came.

Rainbow: (Only two of these, and I'm pretty certain I used the other one on our last Tumblr takeover. Guess we're having a Harold day now...)

"He knows, by the way. So there's that. Knew before I got there. Maybe I shouldn't have confirmed it, but what the fuck, y'know? I'm not gonna blatantly lie to his face..." Knowing her well enough to predict that she would look to follow after his couple puffs, Glen held the pen out to her voluntarily. There was no hesitation to take it. "That said, don't think she was off base with the concern. Something's not right with him." "What makes you say that?" No humor to it, no jokes, just inquiry. "He wants to quote, show the world who it's playing against, unquote, or something like that. However he said it, though, it didn't sound like something one does with rainbows and butterflies." "No, it doesn't." "So, I repeat. When did this all get so fucked…"

Blossom/Bloom/Bud: (Don't have any blossoms or blooms, but we got weed by god. Knew I'd find a 'bud'.)

Despite being quick, or at least thinking he was, it wasn’t fast enough. As he rounded the corner, he spotted Benny laying down on the floor. A few more steps and he could confirm there was no longer a rise and fall to his chest. A few steps further and the gap between them closed. Once he set down his bag, Glen closed the man’s eyes. The small container of buds was then placed in his hands, much like one would place the more common type of flower. Sure, it did nothing for him at this point, and there was nobody left here to know what was done, but it made him feel better. Humanity could die out, but it didn't mean he had to lose himself or his ways along with it. Not until that time came for him as well. As he stepped back out into the daylight, he took a deep breath of the fresh air, savoring the aroma that lacked the lingering stench of death.

Hayfever/Sneeze/Allergies: Holy fuck dude, you got me again. I think this is the worst I've ever done at one of these...

[bookgeekgrrl]

My media this week (4-10 Feb 2024)

top 5 personal HO fave - he was he was super thrilled to be there, had a great time, lost his mind a little & flexed (literally). Incredible.

📚 STUFF I READ 📚

😊 Throuple Honey (Brent Archer) - short, sweet & simple with lots of domestic details

🥰 "Why Don't We Just Kill the Kid In the Omelas Hole" (Isabel J. Kim) - love a skillful response to the classic original story. I just kept saying 'wow. wow.'

😍😍😍 Reread the entirety of Rachel Reid's Game Changers series. I just love them all SO MUCH!!!! 😍😍😍

Game Changer (Game Changers #1) [Scott & Kip]

Merry Christmas Scott & Kip (Game Changers #1.5)

Heated Rivalry (Game Changers #2) [Shane & Ilya] {here's a really great review of this book, which is THEEEE GREATEST rivals-to-lovers story ever!}

My Dinner with Hayden: A Heated Rivalry Short Story (Game Changers #2.5)

Tough Guy (Game Changers #3) [Ryan & Fabian]

Common Goal (Game Changers #4) [Eric & Kyle]

Role Model (Game Changers #5) [Troy & Harris]

The Long Game (Game Changers #6) [Shane & Ilya, Part 2]

🥰 The Supersoldier's Amnesiac Groom (casspeach) - 48K, very canon divergent arranged marriage AU - reread for Stucky Book Club

📺 STUFF I WATCHED 📺

A Word on Words | NPT: Starter Villain - John Scalzi

Hot Ones - Tony Hawk

Hot Ones - Sterling K. Brown

Hot Ones - Mark Ruffalo

Hot Ones - John Oliver

Hot Ones - Barry Keoghan

Hazbin Hotel - s1, e2

D20: Fantasy High: Junior Year - "Mall Madness" (s21, e5)

D20: Adventuring Party - "Can I Offer You a Nice Shrimp in This Trying Time?" (s16, e5)

🎧 PODCASTS 🎧

Desert Island Discs - Graham Nash, musician

⭐ Up First - The Sunday Story: Tiny Desk, Big Stage

⭐ What Next: TBD - Streaming Is Cable Now

The Atlas Obscura Podcast - Taquile Island

Short Wave - Wolves Are Thriving In The Radioactive Chernobyl Exclusion Zone

The Sporkful - Undercover Dining With NY Times Restaurant Critic Pete Wells

Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang - The Top 10 Places We Would Love To Visit

Pop Culture Happy Hour - 2024 Grammys Recap

Vibe Check - Hey, Sis: featuring Audie Cornish

The Atlas Obscura Podcast - Moynaq

Shedunnit - The Green Penguin

Vibe Check - Hell Has Flooded

⭐ It's Been a Minute - Sam Reich on revamping the game show - and Dropout's success as a small streamer

Ologies with Alie Ward - Theoretical & Creative Ecology (SCIENCE & ECOPOETRY) with Madhur Anand

The Atlas Obscura Podcast - Welcome Home

Short Wave - After 20 Years, This Scientist Uncovered The Physics Behind The Spiral Pass

99% Invisible #569 - Between the Blocks

Switched on Pop - Brittany Howard's Chaos Theory (with Brittany Howard)

⭐ Song Exploder - Green Day "Basket Case"

The Assignment with Audie Cornish - Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce: Cultural Supernova

⭐ Throughline - The Scent of History

⭐ The Atlas Obscura Podcast - Kam Wah Chung & Co. Museum

Alt.Latino - The greatest Boleros of all-time

The Sporkful - Deep Dish With Sohla And Ham: Tacos Al Pastor

Today, Explained - When one (airplane) door opens …

Dear Prudence - Is My Work Husband Keeping Me A Secret From His Wife? Help!

Pop Culture Happy Hour - Lisa Frankenstein And What's Making Us Happy

Endless Thread - Recess Therapy's Julian Shapiro-Barnum is skeptical of kids becoming social media stars

⭐ Strong Songs - "In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel

Today, Explained - Why Taylor left TikTok

Short Wave - Clownfish Might Be Counting Their Potential Enemies' Stripes

You're Dead to Me - Simón Bolívar

Consider This from NPR - What Makes A Football Movie Great?

It's Been a Minute - A Super Bowl in 'new Vegas'; plus, the inverted purity of the Stanley Cup

Wait Wait… Don't Tell Me! - Lena Waithe

Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly - Putting the Awe in Audio

🎶 MUSIC 🎶

The Very Best Of Buddy Holly And The Crickets

My Mix #5 [Simon & Garfunkel, Carpenters, John Denver]

Presenting KISS

Presenting Black Sabbath

[sleepyburito]

Blake and Mario

since I rewrote Blake's situation with Ohm I realised I had to look at all the dragon slayers situations with their dragons and I came up with this:

Mario still woke up one day to Earthus just gone but I like to imagine he got to socialise a bit more

So! Childhood friends Blake and Mario

Earthus and Ohm were friends so now and then Earthus would visit the family farm with Mario. Especially so after Ohm, Hayden and Justin adopted lil Blake.

Of course, after Ohm and Earthus disappeared, Mario couldn't find his way to the farm and so him and Blake didn't see each other until they were older and Blake joined the guild

I like to imagine they have inside jokes and nicknames for each other that make no sense without context but they can't give the context without dying laughing

the nicknames in question:

Bubba (inspired by an interaction from Mario's pov) from the fact I feel Mario is older than Blake by a few months and she heard the term not fully grasping what it meant and started calling him that (she thought it meant butterfly and she kept comparing Mario's bandana to a butterfly a child)

Pebble Mario started calling her that because he 1. didn't know Blake's name for a while and 2. she was a bit small for her age so he was using pebble as a way to describe her size

Kit is informed of the inside jokes/nicknames and receives her own: cupcake because I feel like she has a sweet tooth but specifically cupcakes and once in a sleep deprived state... she said she wanted to be a cupcake

just the idea of DM finding Blake in a cell in Devil's Tounge and them recognising each other and they have a bonding moment on the boat with their motion sickness and as the guild hall is rebuilt they end up sharing a living space with Kit

the first dragon slayer meeting at the gmg party was interesting to day the least-