#would be very nice to see them one last time

[mysterywriter2187]

Dean's attempts to dismiss criticism for separating Nani and Lilo has a lot of bullshit and ignorant logic to it, but this particular explanation is by far the stupidest.

Nani having no remaining family or trusted neighbours or friends to take Lilo in wasn't a plot hole for the remake to fix. It's the whole fucking reason there's even a conflict about Lilo's custody in the first place.

In the original film, the threat of Cobra possibly taking Lilo away and putting her in the foster system isn't just Nani being sad and sentimental that she can't see her sister anymore (like the remake implies).

It's the very real danger of a vulnerable (and heavily autistic-coded) indigenous little girl being sent against her will to live with complete strangers, who may not understand or accept her individuality, abuse her or God knows what else. And neither Nani or Lilo herself have any say in the matter.

If Nani did have a close friend, neighbour or even another relative that could look after Lilo on behalf, that would have been the first option well before Cobra and child services ever got involved. Which is exactly why the original film includes no such character.

Which is where the issue of Tūtū and the new ending in the remake comes in.

If Tūtū is able to talk to the social worker at the last minute and arrange to become Lilo's guardian, then it can only mean that was able to do so the entire time, yet she inexplicably chose not to, even when knowing full-well what was at stake and seeing for herself how the sisters were struggling. And from Nani's evident surprise in the ending, Tūtū clearly never even entertained this idea to her at any point before springing it on her here.

Even worse, since Nani has been forced to surrender Lilo to the state, rather than giving her custody to Tūtū directly, the state now has full freedom to change their minds and send her where and whenever they want, and neither Nani nor Tūtū would have the power to do anything about it.

Which, again, wouldn't have been an issue if this really nice, caring and loving neighbour, who is definitely a good character that we should like and root for, had stepped in for Lilo and Nani as soon as their parents died. But because the rest of the plot still has to follow the original (despite her presence radically changing the circumstances) she just… didn't do that. So now this new solution is too little, too late, and the film ends with virtually nothing changing for Nani and Lilo's dilemma compared to the start of the film.

Nani surrendering Lilo to the state is already a horrible ending regardless of who she goes to, but the very existence of Tūtū as a character actively undermines the rest of the story, and it ironically creates a major plot hole where they were trying to amend a non-existent one.

Oh, and by the way, Dean. Y'know the whole thing about how an auntie or uncle could have stepped in to help the sisters?

They did get an auntie and uncle in the original, but you made one of them irrelevant and you made the other one the villain for no reason!

[nightingale-prompts]

A Home for Davey

Davey the Revenant Au

It's becoming so clear that Davey doesn't belong here but Bruce couldn't let go that he seemed to fit so well sometimes. He had never given up on anyone let alone his children.

Davey just had special needs. He was still just a little boy. He had his whole life ahead of him.

At least he did.

Constantine hasn't given up trying to get Bruce to see the truth. Davey is dead. He has been dead for a long time now. But Bruce doubted it more and more. He had held Davey in his arms and can feel the warmth of his body and the pulse of his heart. He was a living being.

But he knew very well that "Living" and Davey were always at odds. Davey's obsessive desire to not just die but to be killed was what made him what he was. His singular desire was what kept him here on earth. Bruce could neither let him pursue it nor let him give it up. In either case, Davey would be gone for good just like Constantine warned.

There is no winning.

Jason wanted to take Davey. Allow him to fulfill his obsession and use it to help people. But Bruce could never agree to that. But his nature Davey must be harmed in order to harm others. Could Jason truly stand by and watch Davey wander into the hands of those whose only desire is to hurt children just so Davey can conduct his lengthy psychological attack—mentally tormenting his target to death.

Davey is also kept under constant watch because he can easily escape back into the world and sometimes he still tries. Part of him knew that if Davey did truly escape long enough he'd never come back. The pull of his nature would always overwrite any semblance of humanity he had learned.

It was selfish in a way.

Bruce knew how much Davey struggled in a world that had rules he didn't understand. He didn't understand why people feared or felt uncomfortable around him. He'll he had alienated most of the League and they wayed far from him. It hurt Bruce of course and the kids have tried to be there for Davey. But they knew is was tiring. Davey required 24 hour care and it's taxing cleaning up blood stains and dealing with the sight of the child corpses he leaves behind. Thank, God they disintegrate after a while.

Davey was a sweet kid though. He loved people in a pure way. He didn't expect anything from you but was thankful for any affection you gave. He wanted to be near you and be held. He was just so young when he died and it must have been so horrible for him to be so new to being loved.

But knew he needed to find answers. For Davey's sake. Constantine told him from the start to find Davey's resting place. Taking him back to where he died and performing an appeasement ceremony might be enough to let him rest but they may also have to let Davey finally find his original target. The one who killed him.

They managed to make a trail of each of Davey's kill locations to find where it all started. They narrowed down a location in Madison, Wisconsin. It felt random at first. What could have happened there to create a revenant?

Tim had his theories. He brought up the Native American legend of the Deer Woman. The Deer Woman was a spirit that targeted men who harmed women and children by luring them to their deaths. That is exactly what Davey did. His uncanny ability to find his targets, just by looking at them made sense.

That only made it clearer that Davey couldn't last among humans.

It was settled. They were going to have to take him back there. It was the only way to know for sure. There was a good chance that Davey wouldn't be coming back.

Dinner that evening was quiet. Tomorrow was Davey's last night here. Of course, Davey didn't know that. He just knew that everyone was paying extra attention to him. He got extra cookies from Alfred without having to ask extra nicely.

He didn't really understand what it felt like but he saw that Dick's eyes were red. He saw that in his shows on PBS that that mean sadness. He followed what the TV told him and hugged Dick.

He had learned a lot recently. Like be kind and caring to others because it's the right thing to do. Always comfort your friends and listen to what they need.

Dick said he was okay though. Davey didn't know what to do next.

Tim gave him unlimited tablet time though and he sat on Barbara and Cass's lap all night until he fell asleep at 8, a whole hour after his bedtime.

It was around midnight when Damian snuck into Davey's room. He picked up the 6-year-old and carried him off.

He didn't like Davey but he couldn't let this happen. He didn't know what was going through his father's head. He has never given up on anyone, even if the world thought they deserved it. Why give up on Davey?

Damian knew the answer. He didn't like the answer, none of them did. But was this truly putting Davey first? He didn't do anything wrong but be turned into a revenant. He didn't ask for this. Bruce said he was just going to look for an answer but he didn't need Davey to do that.

Damian didn't care how sad everyone was, they never asked Davey what he wanted. So he was going to stop them from making a stupid decision.

Jason was waiting outside in a car. Damian loaded the sleeping boy in the back and they drove off a quickly as possible.

[janeyseymour]

Drinks and Jealousy

Summary: It takes one flirty woman at the bar for Melissa to finally make a move on you.

WC: ~3.9k

When you start at Abbott Elementary, you try to keep to yourself and stay as professional as possible. When you start at Abbott Elementary, you don’t expect to become a part of that little core team that the principal adores. When you start at Abbott Elementary, the very last thing that you expect to do is fall for the redheaded second grade teacher that everyone warns you about.

As your time at Abbott Elementary continues though, you find that you end up doing everything you said you wouldn’t.

Since the beginning of the school year, you’ve shown to work each and everyday with a travel mug filled to the brim with coffee and a smile. Adorned in respectable teaching clothes and hair done nicely, makeup on, you choose to keep to yourself. Sure, you sit in on staff meetings and offer your opinions when asked, but that’s about it. Other than that, you eat in your classroom for lunch, you stick to your lesson plans, and you never pry about your coworkers’ outside lives. It’s not your business what they’re up to, and it certainly isn’t their business what you decide to do in your free time. You hear the talks of the school, but you don’t participate in any conversation or gossip. Why would you? You have a job to do, and it is certainly not to wrap yourself up in workplace drama.

But then one day you decide to bring something that needs to be heated up in the microwave, and you have to venture out of your little safe space and into the staffroom. As you walk through the halls, you make a mental note to bring that extra microwave that you have at your apartment to school.

“Y/N!” you hear one of your more cheery coworker’s voices. “You decide to come down for lunch today?”

You shrug and offer a friendly wave. “Just have to use the microwave.”

You see the way that she shrinks down just slightly before perking back up. “You should join us for lunch!”

“I really should be getting back to my room to do some work,” you try to decline politely.

“It’s lunch time, kid,” you hear a lower, more gruff, voice tell you. “Don’t burn yourself out.”

“I won’t, I just have to-”

“There will always be some sort of excuse. Don’t do that to yourself,” Melissa tells you again. “You’ll burn out, and we can’t afford to have any more half-decent teachers leave because they try to do too much at first and find they can’t keep up with it all.”

As the microwave goes off and you pull your meal out, you turn to the redhead. When you expect her to be snarky and look as though she couldn’t give half a shit though, you see how genuine she is in her statement. And so, with somewhat of a heavy sigh, you give into their simple request and join them for lunch.

What you don’t realize is that one little action will become a ritual for you- something that becomes a part of your routine. On the rare day that you genuinely are up to your eyeballs in lesson plans and paperwork and can’t make it down to the staff lounge, you feel miserable. At that point, you yearn for the thirty relaxing minutes that you get during your work day.

Slowly, you become a part of their little group. They begin to include you in more conversations not based around school and work, and you find that you don’t necessarily mind them asking you about your personal life. It’s interesting to learn what you do about them as well.

You make your way into the staff room one day for lunch, only to see a substitute sitting in your unofficial assigned seat at the table with Jacob, Gregory, and Janine. You pop your food into the microwave and look around curiously, trying to figure out where you should sit today or if you should just head back to your classroom.

Your thoughts are interrupted by the beeping of the microwave and the sound of a chair being kicked out by none other than Melissa Schemmenti.

“Sit with us today,” the second grade teacher smiles and gestures to the chair. Silently, you oblige her request. From that day on, you claim your place among the two veteran teachers.

As time goes on, you finally decide to accept their invitations to events and gatherings outside of work. You find that you quite like being in their company. Everyone is a little different, has their quirks, and generally just exists together. The group somehow works despite everyone having such different personalities.

And as even more time passes, you find yourself leaning on Janine for emotional support. The two of you grow quite close- you would even venture to say after some time that she’s your best friend. You’re more than happy for her when she and Gregory finally get together- going as far as giving him the best friend spiel about how if he hurts her, you’ll find a way to make sure he was never born. 

You tell him that you know a guy, to which he snorts.

“The guy you know is Melissa,” Gregory laughs.

Seemingly out of nowhere, the woman in question appears next to you. She lays a gentle hand on your shoulder. “Yeah, and I know a while ago I said I’d only kill for Barb, but I think I’d kill for any o’ youse now.” She frowns. “Shit, I’m getting soft.”

“You’ve been soft,” you tease her.

“Only for you,” she mumbles. And then she’s off to do whatever it does that Melissa Schemmenti does. You can’t help but follow her with your eyes as she goes.

Janine turns to you. “Okay,” she whispers excitedly. “So now that I got my head out of my ass, when are you going to get your head out of yours?”

“What?”

“When are you finally going to admit that you have a thing for Melissa?” the second grade teacher bounces on her toes. “We could go on double dates!”

You chuckle. “Even if we did ever get together, I don’t know that she would want to go on double dates.”

“So,” your friend completely misses what you just said. “You do have a thing for Melissa?”

You sigh heavily. “Even if I did,” you mumble so only she can hear. “I doubt that someone like her would have a thing for me.”

And then you walk away from the conversation in favor of actually getting something done in your classroom.

You don’t know that one little quip of yours has Janine’s brain going a mile a minute with ideas of how to get the two of you together.

“Janine, I think that they’ll figure it out eventually,” Gregory states over dinner one night. “If we could figure it out, so can they.”

“So you agree that they like each other?”

The man nods firmly. “Even a blind person… or Jacob, could see that.”

“Then we have to help push them along! Like Jacob did for us,” Janine argues.

Gregory sighs quietly. “Maybe we could just keep going out all as a group. I’ve noticed that the two of them seem to gravitate towards each other when we’re all out.”

“Yes!” the second grade teacher grins and claps her hands enthusiastically.

And so, the gang has many outings in hopes that the two of you will finally just pull your shit together. There are days at the bar, more karaoke outings, a few get togethers at a coworker’s house. The two of you always seem to be seated together, and if you aren’t initially at her side, someone moves in order for you to sit next to her. Nothing ever happens though.

But then one night, you’re out at Ruby’s. And when you sit down at the bar and Melissa runs to the bathroom upon her entrance, another woman very clearly eyes you up.

“You come here a lot,” the woman tells you as she sets her bag down next to you.

You turn on your stool. “Oh, uh, yeah.” Wow. She’s really pretty. “With my work friends.”

“Just friends?” she asks. At your nod, she continues. “I’ve been wanting to come over and say hi, but I couldn’t tell if you were with the redhead or not.”

“Oh,” you chuckle softly, cheeks tinting red. “That’s not… no. We’re just, uh-“ you cough a bit awkwardly. “Friends.”

“So, it’d be alright if I bought you a drink?”

You bite your lip a bit nervously. “I suppose that would be alright.”

“Mika,” the woman smiles at you charmingly before waving over the bartender and ordering. The drinks are made, and then you’re being handed yours with a warm smile.

You speak with Mika for a bit before Melissa emerges from the bathroom and over to your side. Her eyes narrow immediately when she sees how close this new, gorgeous, woman is to you.

“Hey,” you smile at your favorite coworker gently.

“What’s this?” the second grade teacher asks through practically gritted teeth.

You introduce the two. “I was just waiting for you when she came over to talk to me.”

“Interesting,” Melissa nearly snarls out. “Well, I guess if you’re ever done flirting, I’ll be over with our friends.” She storms off.

“Are you sure the two of you aren’t together?” Mika asks as her eyes follow in the direction of loud boots against the floor.

You nod your head once as you watch the redhead make her way over to your group of friends.

“What’s making you look like someone told you your gnocchi wasn’t good?” Janine asks.

“Is it that very pretty woman flirting with Y/N?” Barbara asks knowingly.

Melissa’s eyes squint as she looks over to you and Mika. “Hmm. I don’t think I noticed that woman there before.”

“Like Hell you didn’t see her,” Barb calls her friend out. “You spoke to them, and then you should’ve seen your face when you turned around to come over to us.”

“Well, now I’m pissed that I forgot to order a drink,” the redhead huffs out.

“And would that be because you were distracted by your blinding jealousy?” Jacob cuts in.

“Shut up, Hill.”

“I’d love to stay and chat with you,” Mika tells you as she lays a gentle hand over your arm. “But I think your friends are waiting for you.” She points in the direction of your table. All of your coworkers are practically staring at the two of you. Melissa’s eyes look like stone. If looks could kill, you’d both be dead.

“I guess I should go over there,” you half chuckle, half sigh. “But it was really nice talking to you, and thank you again for the drink.”

“Of course,” your new friend smiles.

You go to turn away and head for your friends, but you notice that your favorite redhead doesn’t have a drink in her hand. You turn back to the bar, and you don’t know it, but the second grade teacher clenches her fists and locks her jaw when she thinks that you’re going to stay with Mika. Instead, you order Melissa her preferred drink, receive it, and head over to your colleagues. You settle in next to Melissa with a smile on your face, and you can see the way that she physically relaxes when you hand her her drink.

“Thanks, hun,” the second grade teacher sighs softly.

“You know I always have you,” you tell her quietly.

“Do you think Mika worked?” Jacob asks Janine once they finally get a moment alone.

“We all saw how pissed Melissa was while she was talking to her,” the shorter teacher grins. “I can’t believe our plan might work.”

“And it only cost me to buy her her drinks for the night!” the social studies teacher exclaims.

You see the way that Mika’s eyes linger on you the entire night- how she wants to come over and steal you away from Melissa. But you also notice how the redhead constantly has her eyes on the pretty woman across the bar; how she’s staring daggers at the woman and daring her to come over so Melissa can fight. You notice the way that your coworker has her hands all over you at any given time.

Maybe it’s the drinks that are giving the second grade teacher this confidence. That’s what you let yourself believe in the midst of your somewhat drunken haze. You also allow yourself to enjoy it- to pretend that this is what your life is: having the most beautiful woman at the bar hanging off of you and making you feel like you’re the only thing that’s ever mattered in this world.

Soon though, your bladder wins out the fight of wanting to dance with Melissa all night or use the restroom. You excuse yourself with a smile and a promise to bring back another drink while the redhead tells you that she’ll keep your spot on the dance floor open.

Y/N, Jacob texts Mika. Bathroom. Go.

Janine takes over. Get her number and wait to text until she’s back with Melissa to fuel the fire.

And so the woman does. She slips into the bathroom and pretends to fix her makeup as she waits for you. And when you come stumbling out of the stall, you see the pretty woman that bought you a drink earlier in the night.

“Funny running into you,” you chuckle as you wash your hands.

“Almost like it’s fate,” Mika tells you suavely. Oh if only you knew how orchestrated this meeting was. “Since we’re here again and I didn’t have the courage to ask earlier, do you think I could get your number?”

You blush. “Oh, I don’t know. I uh-“ you stumble over your words. “I honestly probably shouldn’t have even accepted that drink from you.”

“Why’s that?” Warm eyes meet your own with fake curiosity. She knows exactly why.

You bite the inside of your cheek. “I kind of, uhm… the redhead you thought I was with? I kind of have a thing for her.”

Mika’s face falls just slightly, despite grinning on the inside. She just got you to admit that you have feelings for Melissa. “Well, you told me that there wasn’t anything going on there, so… why don’t you give me your number and I can text you? And if you regret it tomorrow, all you have to do is text me and tell me that it isn’t going to work out. How about that?”

Your cheeks turn red as you toy with the idea in your head. “Uhm… I guess that would be okay.”

The woman hands you her phone with a smile, and you clumsily put your number in.

“I’ll text you,” Mika promises you with a wink, and then she’s off and back to the club.

The pretty woman that you met twice tonight does indeed text you. She texts you as your dancing with Melissa. Your watch goes off with the notification, and you glance at it. Green eyes look at it too. 

“Who’s texting you?”

“Mika,” you say as you continue to dance to the music.

“Who?” The redhead removes her hand from your body and halts her own dancing.

“The woman from earlier,” you say, although it sounds like more of a question. “I ran into her in the bathroom, and she asked for my number.”

The woman in front of you frowns. “I need another drink.”

“I just got you one,” you point out.

Melissa downs it in one go. “I need another one.” 

She walks away from you, leaving you entirely confused on what just took place. With a sigh, you make your way back to the table that some of your friends are still occupying.

“Done dancing for the night?” Barbara asks you.

You nod, wiping a bit of sweat from your forehead. “I think I’ll stick around to finish this drink, and then probably head out.”

And you do. Once you finish your mixed drink, you make your rounds and go to head out on your own.

“You’re really going to let her go by herself?” Jacob asks Melissa as she watches you go.

“I ain’t done my drink,” the redhead grumbles. She sips from it slowly.

“What if something happens to her?” Barbara asks.

“So why don’t you go?” the second grade teacher mutters.

“Gerald’s on his way already,” the kindergarten teacher states. “Just go.”

“Fine.” Melissa downs her drink and then follows in your direction. On the small trek to the outside, the woman makes up her mind- she’s going to tell you how she feels tonight. But by the time she gets outside, she sees you getting into an Uber, and she sighs with defeat. She turns back into the bar.

“She already left,” the redhead says quietly as she sits back down next to her friend. “But I think I’m going to call an Uber for myself anyway.”

“Would you like a ride, dear?” Barbara offers her best friend.

“It’s fine,” Melissa waves her off. She doesn’t want the woman to know that she isn’t actually going to head back to her own house. No- she’s going to get a ride to your little townhouse.

You’ve just finished brushing your teeth when you hear your doorbell ring. It’s best not to answer though- not when you’re home alone. So, you ignore it. Only then you hear whoever is at your door begin to knock rather aggressively. Slowly, you make your way to your room and grab your phone and the baseball bat that you keep by your bed. And then of course, because in the middle of someone trying to get into your house, your phone begins to ring loudly. Quickly, you glance at the device, and.. why is Melissa trying to call you?

“Melissa, I can’t talk right-”

“Will you just come open your door?” the redhead asks rather aggressively.

“Th-that’s you?” you stutter out.

“Yes! Who else would be pounding on your front door at this hour?”

With your bat in hand, you go to your front door and lo and behold, Melissa is standing on your front step. You open the door as you lower the bat.

“H-hey,” you breathe out a sigh in relief. “Wh-what? Why are you here?”

“Don’t go out with that woman,” the redhead tells you urgently.

You know in your heart that you were going to let her down easy tomorrow anyway, but you can’t stop the question from spilling out of your mouth. “Why?”

“Because…” Melissa forces herself to take a deep breath. And then before you know it, her arms are wrapped around your neck and her lips are on your own. When the two of you pull back, the woman continues. “I want you to go out with me. Not her. Me.”

“Are- are you being serious?” you ask nervously. “Because I always thought that… that you wouldn’t want someone like me.”

“I don’t want someone like you. I just want you.”

The next morning, Melissa is right next to you, and nothing has ever felt this right.

“I can’t believe you’re here,” you whisper as you kiss her softly.

“I’m here,” the redhead smiles. “I do think though that we shouldn’t tell our work friends yet about… this. Give us some time to adjust.”

“I agree.”

“I also think you need to text that girl that was trying to hit on you last night and tell her you’re off the market now.”

So, with Melissa in your bed, you text Mika.

Hey. It really was great meeting you last night. But I don’t think it’s going to work out. The redhead and I… we ended up getting together last night.

The text back is almost immediate. Hey, that’s great for you. Best of luck.

And then Mika opens up the text thread with Jacob and Janine. Your friends finally got their heads out of their asses.

You’re the best, Jacob responds. Thanks for your help!

Janine responds with a series of emojis that show just how excited she is about this.

On Monday morning, you’re sitting in the staff lounge as you usually do. It’s nice and the calm you need before the storm that you (lovingly) call your students. Nothing is out of the ordinary really. You just sip your coffee from your mug as you look through your plans for the week. The only difference is that every so often you glance up from your laptop and papers to steal small glances at your now girlfriend. You can’t help but smile each and every time.

But then the bell rings to signal the beginning of the school day, and you sigh. Still though, there seems to be this glow around you, and you have a pep in your step that usually is only reserved for Friday afternoons when you can see the weekend.

Monday afternoon, you have a staff meeting to sit through. It goes by as each one does, although you can’t find it in you to even pretend that you’re listening. Instead, you spend your time trying to figure out how much you can look at the redhead without it being obvious.

When you’re dismissed from whatever Ava was droning on about, you gather your things and head back to your classroom to pack your things for the day. What you don’t know is that while Melissa is walking out of the library, Janine jogs to catch up with her.

“Hey, congrats on the two of you getting together,” the shorter teacher says. “I wanted to tell Y/N congrats too, but she kind of booked it out of here.”

Melissa rolls her eyes with a fondness. “I told her not to say anything yet.”

“She’s my best friend,” Janine tells the redhead. “She doesn’t need to say anything. I can just feel that she’s happy. I don’t even need to see her to know.”

“She didn’t tell you? Really?”

“Nope,” Janine pops her ‘p’. “I can just tell.”

“Well, thanks kid,” Melissa smiles. “Don’t say nothin’ though. I gotta run too. The two of us are having dinner at my house tonight.” With those words, she’s off.

Jacob finds his smaller friend a few seconds later. “So, what Mika said is true?”

“Melissa confirmed it herself,” Janine grins.

“It’s about damn time the two of them pulled their heads from their asses and started dating,” Jacob smiles as he high fives the second grade teacher. 

That night, over dinner, Melissa tells you that Janine knows about your relationship.

“How? I didn’t tell her, did you?”

“She told me that she could just tell that you’re happy,” the redhead sighs.

You hum. “I am happy with you. I can’t believe it took another woman flirting with me for you to make a move.”

“I guess if we ever see her out again, we’ll have to thank her for helping us get here,” Melissa laughs. 

Oh, if only the two of you knew that Jacob and Janine were the masterminds behind the two of you finally getting together- that Mika only came to flirt with you to make Melissa jealous because of them. But for now, they keep it a secret. 

TAGS: @schemmentis @thesapphictimelady @marvel210 @itisdoctortoyousir @morgana-larkin @doesthatsuggestanythingtoyou @sweetcheeksschemmenti @megamultifandomtrashposts @lemz378 @http-sam @melissaschemmentisbranzino @imaginesmultifandoms @sexysapphicshopowner @lilfartbox1 @maybe-a-humanbean @imlike-so-gaydude @a-queen-and-her-throne @notinmyvocab @melanielaufeyson @dvrkhcld @cosmichymns @sasheemo @m1lflov3rrr @ricejucie @temilyrights @emilynissangtr @squinnchy @emeraldoceansstuff @shinyfaerielights  @blkmxrvel @marvelwomenrule @casualfoxwitch @babytakeittothehead @schemmentits @eliscannotdance 

[sargebarnesx]

Long Distance ✈️

Pairing: Bob Floyd x female reader

Rating: 18+ ONLY, NSFW, MDNI

Warnings: Once again, smut with plot. Solo masturbation, mutual masturbation, FaceTime Sex, language. Bob has a filthy mouth.

Word Count: 2.3k

Summary: Bob Floyd is in a long distance relationship and can’t stand it. One night, something snaps.

Author's Note: Just a little something I wrote and edited today. Also, I know next to nothing about the inner workings of the military/Navy so please suspend your beliefs for a bit here 😂 Hope y'all enjoy! (Banner photos are from Pinterest)

FaceTime was a lifesaver when it came to long-distance relationships.

Bob Floyd had always told himself he would never do long distance - he didn’t think he could handle it. He wasn’t clingy, necessarily, but he preferred to see his girl multiple times a week (okay, okay, every day if possible).

Long distance just didn’t appeal to him. But when he fell for a fellow aviator, he knew it would be inevitable.

Their romance was a whirlwind. Shy at first, but once he finally kissed her, they didn’t hold back. She was at his apartment more often than her own. Sneaking around wasn’t ideal (not that they had to, they just wanted to keep things private), but that was the last thing on his mind when she was curled against him on his couch after a long day. He had never realized how nice it would be to have someone to come home to - someone who understood the weight of the responsibilities the mission carried - until he was with her.

She was one hell of a pilot: sharp as a tack and quick on her feet, a force to be reckoned with. But what really impressed Bob was the person she was outside of work. They quickly became a duo, a team - a picture of domesticity. She felt like home to him.

But, like clockwork, she was reassigned once their mission was complete, along with a handful of their other colleagues.

Two different coasts. Two different time zones. One couple slowly turning into two completely different people.

She was stationed in Pensacola while he stayed in San Diego, his orders extended rather than changed completely. They were beautiful areas with perfect beaches, and the Navy roots ran deep. But neither could quite sow seeds without the other.

Bob knew she was adjusting well after the move. She loved Florida - but she hated the time difference. Two hours might not seem like much to most people, but to them, it was challenging. She’d already been at work for several hours by the time he was waking up, which meant no good morning chats. He was usually able to catch her in the evening, when he was eating dinner and she was in the middle of her nighttime routine. But Bob didn’t always want to say goodnight at 7:30 p.m.

He wouldn’t admit it to her, but he was struggling.

He hadn’t seen her in months. Hadn’t kissed her. Hadn’t felt her skin beneath his hands. He was going crazy.

Sure, he had photos of her - videos, too - but nothing compared to the real thing. Waking up wrapped around her pillow instead of her left him disappointed every morning. And he didn’t even want to begin to try to compare her hands to his.

Around noon that day, just as he sat down with a sandwich for lunch, his phone buzzed in his pocket.

Baby ✈️🩵

Unexpected day off tomorrow. FaceTime tonight?

Bob stared at his phone screen. An unexpected day off meant she could stay up later with him. She was usually very disciplined during the week, which he respected, but he hated the quiet of the night after they ended their call and she went to bed. At this point, though, he’d take what he could get.

He typed back a quick of course, baby before turning back to his lunch.

**********

That evening, when Bob trudged into his apartment, he was extremely tense. A lot of things had gone wrong for him today, which was unusual. He couldn’t concentrate on the tasks at hand - he was tripping over his own feet. He was so wired, it felt like he had jet fuel pumping through his veins.

He knew why he was like this. And he knew there was nothing he could do about it - at least, not yet.

She was all he’d been able to think about. He kept daydreaming about her, imagining seeing her in the hangar, her hair flowing free and her flight suit half unzipped.

It didn’t help his current state that, in his daydream, she was wearing absolutely nothing under her flight suit - and she ripped the zipper open as soon as she saw him.

He’d fantasized about bending her over, right then and there, and railing her like they had no other cares in the world. About how good her perfect pussy (one he hadn’t had in months) would feel wrapped around him. He was going insane.

After he washed up in the shower, he stared at the row of products she’d left behind when she shipped out: shampoo, conditioner, cream body wash, face wash, a body scrub. He grabbed the bottle of body wash and squeezed a dollop into his palm. He lathered it up, closed his eyes, and held his hands up to his nose.

It was like she was there with him - the overwhelming scent of coconut and vanilla enveloping him, affecting all of his senses. He could see her standing under the spray of water, her hair plastered to her body as soap streamed down her curves.

He wrapped his soapy hand around his cock, dragging it from base to tip over and over, his eyes scrunched so tightly shut he saw stars. Just as he was about to cum, his phone rang on the counter and snapped him out of his daze.

It had to be her. How long had he even been in here, wasting their time together? He quickly rinsed off and wrapped a towel around himself before reaching for his phone.

Her name lit up the screen - Missed FaceTime Call. He tapped her name to call back. The phone rang only once before she picked up.

“Hi,” she called out.

His phone was still facing the ceiling as he dried off. “Hi, baby. Sorry, I was in the shower. Let me pull on some shorts real quick.”

Bob hung up his towel and pulled on a pair of soft sweat shorts. He grabbed his phone and settled onto his bed, forgoing his glasses on the nightstand.

She was also on her bed, dressed in a light gray cropped tank and matching shorts. Her hair was damp, like she’d just finished a shower too. The sight of her made his chest ache.

She smiled when she saw him. “Hi,” she said again, laying back on her pillows. From this angle, he could see a flash of her stomach. He wanted nothing more than to have his hands on her.

“Hey, baby. You look cozy,” he replied, propping his phone against a pillow.

She nodded, leaning onto her fist. “Just wish you were here.”

Bob sighed. He didn’t mean to sound so dissatisfied. Just knowing they both longed to be together… he couldn’t wait until things were easier. He stretched an arm behind his head, his bicep flexing.

“I’ve been thinking about you all day,” he admitted.

Her eyes flicked up to meet his through the screen. “Yeah?” she asked. “What about?”

He pressed his lips together, debating whether to tell her about his daydreams—his fantasies.

“Just all the things I miss about you. Having you in my bed. Seeing you on base. Coming home to you…” He paused. “And God, baby, I miss that perfect body underneath me.”

She watched him, then adjusted her phone again. His breath hitched when he noticed her hard nipples pressing against her thin tank top. He stretched his right hand down and palmed himself over his shorts.

“What would you do if I was there right now?” she asked, her fingers ghosting over her breast. “Please tell me.”

Bob groaned as he gripped his half-hard cock through his shorts. “Well, first,” he began, “I’d have my hands all over you. Gripping that ass. Pinching your nipples.” His hips bucked against his hand.

She nodded, and he could see her chest rising and falling as he spoke. “What else?” she asked.

“I’d kiss you. All over. I’d start with your lips, then your neck, then your chest. Then I’d suck on your nipples - I know how much you love that, baby. I’d kiss down your stomach, all the way down to-” He squeezed his cock, stifling a groan. “Fuck, I’d have my mouth on that pretty pussy so fast.”

“I’ve missed your mouth,” she whispered, her hand trailing down her body and out of frame.

“Are you about to touch yourself, baby?” Bob asked.

“Aren’t you?” she countered. Bob smirked.

“I am. Wanna see?”

She nodded, and he pushed his shorts down his legs, tossing them to the side. His dick was practically begging for her, and he fisted it before turning the camera around. He watched her face as she bit her lip, her own arm moving rhythmically.

“Fuck, Bobby. I need you. I miss the way you fill me up. Wish you could feel how wet you’ve made me.”

He stroked himself for her, slowly. She let out a soft moan, her eyes never leaving the screen.

“Take off your clothes, baby. Please,” Bob begged, his heart pounding.

She sat up, propping her phone against the headboard. When she came back into frame, he could see her whole body. She peeled her tank top off slowly, and he couldn’t help the whimper that escaped his throat when her tits were finally on display. She squeezed her breasts, groaning as she pinched and pulled at her nipples.

“Feels so much better when it’s your hands,” she whined. He stroked himself faster at that. She got on all fours before turning her back to the camera. Then she pushed her shorts down, arching her back as her glistening pussy filled his screen.

“Oh my-fucking…” His voice sounded strangled as he gripped his cock. He was a mess - moaning, whimpering, whining. But he couldn’t help it. He wanted her so bad.

She turned back around to face the camera, spreading her legs so he had a full view. Her fingers found her clit, pressing circles into it with one hand as she pinched her nipple with the other.

“Bobby, I miss you. Miss that cock. I can’t wait until you can fill me up again.” She plunged her fingers into her soaking wet hole. Bob could see just how wet she was - her slick pussy glistening in the low light of her bedroom.

“Next time I see you, I’m gonna be inside you before we even leave the airport.” Bob was fucking his hand now, his hips snapping up. “Gonna have you dripping for me again by the time we make it home. Then I’m gonna spend all night with my cock buried inside you… fucking made for me.”

His hips stuttered, and every sound she made sent a jolt of electricity through him. She adjusted her position, lying back so he could see her fully spread, her back arching off the bed. All for him.

“I’ve thought about you like this so many times,” she murmured, glancing over to watch him as she touched herself. “Thought about your cock in my hands, in my mouth… God, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve touched myself thinking about you fucking me, baby. Nothing compares to you.”

He could tell she was close by the way her thighs tensed. He clenched his fist around his length, gasping at the thought of her pussy squeezing him as he brought her to her orgasm.

“Just a little bit longer, baby,” he begged with a groan. “I’m so close - please, let’s cum together.”

He watched her eyes roll back as she adjusted her pressure. “I’m not sure how much longer I can-fuck!” She threw her head back with the most desperate whine Bob had ever heard.

“Oh, baby,” he panted. “I’m about to… I’m about to cum, baby. All for you, all for you, all for you.”

His hips continued to buck up into his fist as he shot his load all over his stomach. She was fully watching him now, biting her lip like she was remembering the last time she got to taste him - the last time she made him come undone like that.

Both of their chests were heaving, and for a while, the only sounds they could hear were deep, shallow breaths.

“I needed that,” he murmured finally. “God, I needed that.”

“Me too,” she agreed softly. “Definitely made a big mess, though.” When she picked up her phone, he could see the wet spot where she’d been before.

He chuckled, looking down at his own body. “We both did. Let’s get cleaned up.”

They did so in silence. Bob pulled on a clean pair of shorts, and he noticed she had changed into an oversized T-shirt - one of his. Once they were both back in their beds, Bob sighed.

“I miss you so much,” he said.

“I miss you too,” she replied. “And I love you. So much.”

Bob nodded, that familiar ache spreading in his chest. “I love you too.” He swallowed the lump in his throat. “I hope we can see each other soon.”

She was silent for a while. He just watched her - how she snuggled into her pillows under her plush comforter. “We will,” she reassured him. He wasn’t sure that was true, but he stayed silent anyway.

“Wanna stay on until we fall asleep?” she asked. Bob nodded, rolling onto his side. Her breathing had evened out - deep, slow, soft. His eyes felt heavy.

“Sweet dreams, Bobby,” was the last thing he heard before he drifted off to sleep.

[uvobreakmylegs]

Here's a painful ask. How do you think the troupe would be with a darling who reminds them of Sarasa? You can pick the members.

warnings: death, kidnapping, mind control, isolation, torture, delusional yandere

Sarasa was only a child when she was murdered, and while she's been dead for years by the time the troupe leaves Meteor City, the brutality of her death is more than likely still fresh for all of them. So when one of the founding members of the troupe comes across a darling that is similar to Sarasa, either in looks, personality or a combination of the two, those members will more than likely be very overprotective of them

a majority of the troupe will want to keep darling secure and in a safe place where they can't be hurt - that was what happened to Sarasa, after all. she was on her own in a dangerous area when they lost her. even though darling is an adult, the same could easily happen to them, and that member doesn't want to take the risk of darling's life being cut short in the same way Sarasa's was. and given the criminal activity that the troupe regularly engages, that risk is made even more likely

of those members, Chrollo or Pakunoda will make things at least bearable for darling, though not in a way that darling would want. Chrollo with his long-term manipulation abilities to keep darling happy, and Pakunoda with her Memory Bomb that will allow her to control darling's mind and make up whatever story she needs to keep darling safe from harm without complaint. darling will still be stuck and unable to interact with the world outside, but since both Chrollo and Paku prefer it for this darling to be happy, they'll do just that so they can come back to a darling that smiles at them

a situation with Phinks or Franklin isn't as great, but they do attempt to keep darling happy in whatever ways they can. they don't have any ways to keep darling in place with more sophisticated means, so they have no choice but to resort to force. but seeing darling crying or sad makes them feel guilty, so they try to make things better by offering up gifts to try and make them happy. obviously, that doesn't really work, but both are determined to keep darling safe, regardless of the things they feel when they see darling sobbing themselves to sleep

Uvogin ends up dragging darling along with him on his travels, never leaving their side for long enough for darling to attempt to get help. if darling is too resistant/prone to running away, he intentionally brings them to areas that are dangerous, either due to the environment or the wildlife. it isn't nice, but it guarantees that darling won't go running off since they won't survive without Uvogin by their side

things are pretty bleak with Shalnark or Feitan. both are more concerned with keeping darling safe, and their happiness isn't as high of a priority as keeping them alive is. with both of these men, darling will be taken away to a remote location and be given very few freedoms. living with Shalnark means darling will have their every move monitored no matter what room they're in due to the numerous cameras Shalnark has placed all over the house. darling gets no privacy whatsoever in this instance, and while Shalnark might say that he understands darling's distress, he doesn't feel badly over it

while living with Feitan, darling won't be monitored 24/7, but they can't go anywhere and they're also subject to Feitan barging into their space whenever he feels like it. "to check up," he'll tell them, even though nothing has changed during the thirty minutes since he barged in the last time. darling can cry and beg all they want for Feitan to let them go, but it's all a wasted effort since he'll never say 'yes'

Machi might be the only decent one of the troupe in this case. unlike the others, Machi is unwilling to get involved with darling since that will put them in danger. and after experiencing Sarasa's death - and the way Machi remembers how, as a child, she gathered up the bag that held the body parts - she doesn't want darling to experience darling suffering the same fate, or one that could be even worse than what Sarasa went through. she'll keep an eye on darling from a distance, but she won't approach. it's more important that darling be able to live their life in the way that Sarasa was unable to

Nobunaga has the potential to be the worst of the troupe, depending on his mental state when he comes across darling. if he's doing okay, then the situation with him will likely be similar to what darling experiences living with either Phinks or Franklin

however, if Nobunaga comes across darling after he's reeling from the death of Uvogin, he'll start to convince himself that darling actually is Sarasa

whatever thoughts he may have had of what Sarasa would be like as an adult will be projected onto darling, and he expects them to be just like he imagined Sarasa to be. whatever likes or dislikes he expected she would have, whatever her interests would have been - Nobunaga wants - no, demands that darling match that image in his head down to a tee. if darling messes up his vision, he'll be forgiving.... at first. but if it continues and resembles "rebellion" as opposed to "accidents", Nobunaga's goodwill starts to shrink. if darling pushes him too far and too hard, there will be consequences, likely in the form of isolation and the minimum amount of sustenance required to survive. he doesn't want to kill darling, but he does want to teach them a lesson

things will be a lot easier on darling if they just give in to the delusion

[bunni-v1]

Cowboy Caleb Agenda

Please, god, see the vision.

TW: Minor SA (reader is forced into a kiss by a random); Illusions to reader doing sex work; Caleb threatens someone; not edited, wrote this on a whim after hearing cole cassidy from OW speak

Info: Caleb x Reader; Cowboy Caleb Amen

Cowboy Caleb who's awfully favored by the people in your little town. Typically Cowboys like him were bad news, always bringing about trouble, causing fights in the name of good deeds. Not Caleb, though. He was the apple of the towns eye. Big, strong, clever, and real helpful. He rounds up the bad guys without breaking a sweat, helps with upkeep, and even visits the nearby city for supply runs for the older folks. How could anyone not like him?

The pretty upper-class girls always giggled when he passed by, whistling a tune to himself and paying them no mind. Everyone wanted a piece of him, but he had his eyes set on one prize. One very hard-to-get prize.

You were just a barmaid trying to make ends meet. Your mom died when you were little, of some disease, and your daddy was sick. You didn't have any family left besides him, so it was up to you to care and provide. His medicine had to come from the big city, so there was a commute fee on top of the already hefty price. You didn't complain about it, though, just picked up a few more hours and offered some extra services where you needed to.

It wasn't honest work, but it was definitely hard. Caleb respected it, really, he did. You were a tough lady, and that was admirable in and of itself, but it was frustrating. He wanted to care for you, provide for you - he could too, if you'd just let him. But no, you're too stubborn for that. Your daddy raised you good and strong, great for warding off other men, not so great for becoming your man.

You see him as just another Cowboy who wants a cheap fuck. Sure, he's nice and helpful, but he's still a man at the end of the day. They all want the same thing; it's just that Caleb is determined to appear like an upstanding man. He's playing the long game, toying with your heart like this, and you don't like being toyed with.

Every gesture, every declaration of affection, every gift is turned down just as harshly as the next. It doesn't deter him; in fact, he just thinks up new ways to bother you every time. The level of determination he's got is almost admirable, if not for the fact that it was so damn persistent. It didn't quite reach harassment, he would back down when you gave him your real mean glare, but it was a constant you'd come to expect.

He first starts to win you over on a less-than-great night. First off, the price of your daddy's medicine had gone up, meaning you were gonna be short unless you cut into the food budget. Then you'd broken one of your ma's old fancy dinnerware pieces trying to put things away quickly before work. Now, the patrons were rowdy - too rowdy - drinking too much too fast and creating messes that would take an hour to clean up at least. The last thing you needed was Caleb coming in to try and wiggle his way under your skirt like the other men here were doing.

He didn't, though, surprisingly. Only offered you a little smile and a nod when he saw your tired eyes. He stayed your whole shift, subtly keeping an eye on things until you shooed him out of the saloon with the other drunkards. You didn't realize he'd settled himself across the road while you closed up, didn't know he was still watching you, making sure you were alright. You had no idea how grateful you'd be to him for it.

All you could think about when you left the bar was how you were gonna ration food for the month without raising your daddy's suspicions. You weren't considering that one of your clients would be looking for you tonight. Not until he was shoving you against the wall, pressing his mouth against yours like it was his to take. He tasted like alcohol, and he smelled like it, too. You'd think someone so inebriated would be easy to fight off, but he had an iron-tight grip on you. The only relief you had was that, at the very least, you'd get paid for this. You could charge him more for making you get home late, too, which would solve the food problem.

He's thrown off you in the next instant, a spurred boot kicking his ribs hard. Caleb pulls him to his feet by his collar before he can recover from the blow, holding him up like he weighed nothing. It's scary, the look in Caleb's eyes. Flat, lifeless, empty. You don't think you like it. It didn't look right on him, not when you were so used to that playful smile that he only gave to you.

"Now I know your Mama raised you better than that," he states, low and dangerous, "You touch every lady you see like that?"

The man shakes his head adamantly, able to realize how badly he fucked up even through his drunken state. You would probably feel the same in his situation.

"So just the girl I'm courting, hm?" He hums, tilting his head in an almost playful manner. It's a shocking thing to hear, but it was said so genuinely that you have a hard time questioning it. Was everything he was doing genuine from the start? It's hard for you to believe, but maybe you could... maybe.

He tosses the man to the ground, spitting at him like he was scum, "Run home before I get the Sheriff on your ass, y'hear?"

You watch him scuttle away, tripping over himself a few times before finally managing to get on his way. Then you are alone with Caleb, and suddenly your small town just got a hell of a lot smaller. He lets you sit in your discomfort for a moment, or maybe he was just collecting himself, before tilting his hat to you slightly. A sign of peace.

"You alright, Miss?" He worries, hands twitching at his sides like he wants to check for himself.

You nod, "Yeah. Thank you, I would've been in deep shit if you weren't still around."

"You want me to help you on home?" He asks like he does every night, but this time you feel like saying yes. So, you do.

Your house isn't that far from the saloon, but you didn't feel too safe after what happened. Caleb, at the very least, would offer you the comfort you needed to get back to your place. You share some light conversation, and he manages to wiggle out what's been bothering you all day. He doesn't flirt with you a single time, and you find yourself missing the compliments now. He doesn't pass the steps of your porch when he waves you goodbye, but he stays until the door is fully closed and he hears the lock click.

It's a new side to him, quieter and more intense than the bold flirt you'd gotten used to. You hate the way his bold confession rings in your head all night long, and when you wake, and while you're making breakfast for your old man. You're too spacy as you spread the butter on your toast, jumping out of your skin when there's a knock on your front door. When you check to see who it is, all you're greeted by is a small package with a note attached.

It reads,

"Hey, little lady!

Sorry about the scene last night, as an apology, I got you a little gift to make up for it. Tell me if you need anything else, and I'll get it for you.

-Your Cowboy, Caleb

P.S. Consider this my first official act of courting you."

Not willing to unpack the way your heart is racing in your chest right now, you decide to peel open the package. You expect maybe some fancy necklace, or a silly souvenir from the city, Caleb seems like the type to like that stuff. What you see, instead, has you dropping the thing like it's burned you.

Three months of your father's medicine, and enough money to get you the good stuff at the food market. You pinch yourself, hissing at the sensation. It can't be real, but it is. What a gift. You can't tell if you're grateful or entirely offended by it. Is it sweet, or is it crossing a line? You can't tell.

Your father walks in before you can decide, peering at the box with interest. He eyes you curiously when you blink up at him like a kid with their hand in the cookie jar. He glances at the note on the table next to it, tilts his head, then smiles.

"Seems like my little girl finally has some admirers I have to fight off," he teases.

"Oh..." You grumble, rounding him toward the kitchen table, "You don't know anything, Daddy. Now, sit down or else you're not eating breakfast."

[prettiestmini]

would you write professor!james kelly x student!reader where they’ve been eyeing each other for months & when she gets a bad grade he asks her to stay after class. she then seduces him (not much needed tbh) & he fcks her on his desk..🤭

FAILING

A oneshot ೃ࿔*:･

Professor!James Kelly x College!Student Reader

Warnings: foul language, spanking, fingering, degradation, doggystyle (over desk), clit slapping, tiny bit of spitting.

Hi! The dividers aren’t mine <3 but by @cafekitsune feedback is greatly appreciated! I suck, I didn’t fulfill the ask correctly </3

The end of the school year was nearing at the university, meaning you were about to get your masters. Between exams and the constant obligation to clock in every night, you had started to drag your feet a bit in Mr. Kelly’s class.

Your grades were normally pretty good.. it was robotics after all. And the tutoring sessions he gave after hours were.. pleasurable to say the very least. Now obviously you didn’t know that your grades in his class were slipping.. but he certainly did.

Nearing the end of the lecture while everyone took notes, Mr. Kelly looked up from his desk— immediately locking eyes with you. ‘ Y/n… see me after class.’ You quietly nodded, smiling at him like always but it wasn’t recuperated. Odd.. he always smiled back.

You eyed the clock in anticipation, trying to be patient. Your fingers drummed on the keys, idly writing the notes provided. The class was quiet, everyone tending to their own devices.

And finally, after what felt like hours— that esteemed bell rang. Prompting everyone to stand and pack up, slowly packing your things one by one. Taking your precious sweet time, by the time your bag was zipped the last person left the room.

Smiling, you strolled down the stairs to stand in front of his desk. ‘ Hi.‘ he glanced up at you, before leaning over to reach into one of his filing cabinets. Pulling out three pieces of paper, and laying them out in front of you. Before standing directly behind you. ‘ What do those say darling?’

‘ They… say failing .. in red..’ You mumbled, looking away from the papers. ‘ uh uh, look at them’ he grabbed the back of your neck, forcing your head down. ‘ What does it say.’ Reluctantly, you read out the grading.

‘ Thirty-three percent correct out of one hundred.. sixty-three percent correct out of one hundred.. And— twelve percent correct out of one hundred.’ Your embarrassment was palpable, you could’ve sworn these were easy.

James leaned over, hard chest pressing against your soft back. His hands rested against the cold edge of the large mahogany desk, caging you in. His warm breath ghosting over your neck as he leaned into your ear. You stared straight at the board.

‘ Do you think because I bend you over and fuck your brains out during these sessions, that you can fail my tests?’ His voice was stern, but loud enough for you to hear.

‘ N-no sir..’ you stuttered out,, but hummed, ‘ Ironic enough, last session I was rewarding you. But I guess that won’t be the case this evening..’

James pulled away, walking around the desk and sitting in his chair. Legs spread nice and wide, glancing down for a moment before making eye contact. You stood there, waiting for him to give you directions.. and the silence was excruciating.

He tilted his head, gesturing for you to come here with his fingers. And you obediently walked over, standing in front of him. ‘ Bend over, hands on the desk. You know the routine.’

Leaning over the desk, pressing your chest against the cold mahogany. Your palms were flat under you, bent over to his piercing gaze. You could feel him eyeing you, and your heart pounded with anticipation.

The silence was extremely loud.. then you heard him rise from the chair. James was standing directly behind your form now, finger trailing down the curve of your spine. ‘ Perfectly arched.. that’s my girl, Atleast you can do something right.’

Your breath hitched at that, his hands pulling your dress up to bunch it around your waist. He chuckled, ‘ Well, look at these pretty blue panties..’ he traced the lace of the ends— pressing on the wet spot, before ripping the flimsy material off.

You yelped but stayed in place, his actions exposing your slick folds to the cold room. Shuddering, you exhaled softly. ‘ I’m so disappointed in you sugar.. now you have to learn.’ His large hand traced your ass, squeezing it.

Then suddenly, his hand cracked down onto your ass. Extracting a loud whimper from you, right ass cheek stinging. ‘ Count.’ He said it with no room for questions, and you ultimately obeyed.

His other hand harshly slapped your other ass cheek, caressing the red skin. ‘Two..’ you mumbled out, heat pooling between your thighs. ‘ You’re supposed be my best student sweetheart.. but I guess you’re too good for that huh?’

His hand harshly slapped your ass again, making your knees buckle. ‘ B-but I am—‘ he cut you off swiftly with another welt to your ass. ‘ I said count.’ Your lip quivered ‘three.. four..’ His big hands kneaded at the skin, it was soothing.. but didn’t last for long.

‘ You think it’s okay for you to not take my class seriously?’ Crack! Another cruel slap to your ass, your mind was getting fuzzy. ‘Five…’ you mumbled out.. Your folds were glistening with arousal. ‘ Such a whore, getting off on this.. ‘

James kissed his teeth, stepping back. He looked at your weeping pussy, needy hole clenching around nothing. ‘ Fuck.. look at you’ his fingers trailed down, gathering your essence on his fingers.

‘ You always do enjoy when I make this pretty ass turn red..’ his thick ring finger circled your hole before sinking in, your eyes immediately fluttered.. a soft whine leaving your lips.

‘ Fuck.. this pussy s’just suckin my finger in.. so greedy’ he slid his middle finger in, plunging them deeper inside of you. Curling them deliciously against that spot that made your eyes cross.

His fingers loudly squelched inside of your hole, curling and thrusting roughly. James’ thumb found your puffy clit, rubbing it in tight circles—eyes rolling back. ‘Nnghh..’ you moaned out

Your hole clenched and fluttered around his fingers, forehead pressed against the cold desk. Mouth sputtering out moans and mumbled curses, thighs shaking.

You were so so fucking close, the pressure building in your abdomen was about to burst— but he abruptly pulled his fingers out. You loudly whined, wiggling your hips at him. Causing a particularly hard slap to hit your ass, prompting you to stop.

‘ Dont rush me, you’re lucky I even fingered this pitiful hole’ his hand going back down to slap your clit, pulling a loud surprised moan from you. Hands gripping at the desk beneath you, with nothing to leverage yourself with.

And he did it again, slapping your clit even harder. Sending a jolt of pleasure up your spine, making you shudder. ‘ F-fuck..’ whining out, you were happily taking anything he would give you at the moment.

He pulled his hand away and you whined again, ‘ Be patient, or I’ll send your sorry ass outta here. I’m being nice today, unless you don’t want me to pound this little hole with my cock?’ You bit your lip ‘ I’m sorry sir…’

‘ That��s what I thought.’ James pushed his jeans down just enough, freeing his achingly hard cock. He leaned down and spat on your weeping hole, taking his cock and dragging it along your folds— smearing his saliva.

You whimpered, lightly pushing your hips back against his cock. He slapped your ass again, making you still. ‘ Relax.’ The head of his cock nudged your entrance, before sliding in with a delightful stretch. Your eyes fluttered, letting out a low moan.

James groaned, feeling your walls clench around him- practically sucking him further in. ‘ Fuck.. you just can’t wait huh?’ His hips snapped to meet yours, burying himself balls deep. Your lips parted in a silent scream, walls fluttering around him.

‘ Fuck.. this feelin never gets old..’ his hips rolled against your ass, he pulled back out until the tip remained— before slamming back in. Creating a rough and steady pace, one hand on your hip and the other pressing your cheek into the desk.

The lecture hall was filled with the sound of skin slapping and your desperate moans. Your mind was fuzzy, the only thing registering being the feeling of him rearranging your guts. ‘ That’s it, take it.’

Every drag of his hips was pure heaven, it was perfectly thick. Nothing could top this feeling of how full and blissed out you felt at the moment. ‘ Fuck.. this ass’ his hand kneaded your asscheek. His heavy balls slapping against your ass after every thrust, fingers digging into your hip.

You were so close already, James let his hand stray from your hip. Gripping your thigh to fold it and pin it up on the desk, and the new angle was divine. Your eyes fluttering closed, his pace sped up. Tip brutally abusing your cervix, his hands went back to your hips.

Pulling your hips back against his brutal thrusts, repeatedly hitting that bundle of nerves. You couldn’t formulate a damn thing, mind foggy and clouded over with pleasure. Mouth open and letting out moan after moan, needy noise after noise.

‘ Please sir— fuck.. I’m gonna cum- wanna cum so bad..’ your legs were trembling, you needed it so so badly. ‘ is that so?’ His hips sped up, he was close too. His balls twitched, hand going down to find your clit. Rubbing it in vigorous circles, making you see stars. ‘ Cum then, it’s the least you can do.’

Your body immediately responded to those words. Back arched against him, mouth falling open in a silent scream. You fluttered around his thick cock, creaming all over him. ‘ Shitt—‘ James groaned, cock burying to the hilt before thick spurts of cum spilled into you.

He sighed, pulling back to look at your hole. Pulling your asscheek back to see his masterpiece, a white ring was around the base of James’ cock. Sticky cum coating the shaft, he chuckled. Slowly pulling out of you, watching as the mix of fluids dribbled from your hole.

‘ You sure do know how to make a mess don’t you?’ His gaze lingered as it ran down your thighs, glancing up to see you slowly sit up from the desk. ‘ Uh huh..’ utterly fucked out, your voice was wobbly and quiet.

He pulled away, tucking himself back into his jeans. Giving your ass a light tap, James spoke. ‘ Good. now get outta here. And make those assignments up, have them on my desk by tomorrow morning.’

Adjusting his belt he sat back into his chair, smirking as you picked up your ruined panties. ‘ You want that masters so bad, you won’t be able to graduate if you’re failing.’

Taglist: @speaknow-sw @ysrjune @moonlightkb @hearts4sammonroe @amiratheangel @madsluvsdilfs @alealuvshayden @loliskywalker @haydenchristensenisbae

Let me know if you want to be added to the taglist ! This one was pretty interesting to write. Feedback highly appreciated,,

Thank you so much for reading ! It took ages I didn’t really know how I wanted to write it. I sincerely apologize for not reading the ask all the way ! It was not my intention to make it seem like I did my own thing with no regard of what was asked :(

[ecstarry]

'The Stores'

James starts working at the video store for the summer and meets Regulus, the guy working at the record store next door.

James had been working on the video store for a week. His manager Remus was nice enough, he kept to himself and spent the entire shift reading. He would probably be better fitted to work on a book store but James didn’t mind the silence. 

The only time Remus would stop reading was to profoundly sigh whenever the volume at the record store next door got too loud. On his first day, James could’ve sworn Remus was going to waltz to the establishment and turn down the music himself. But he just mumbled under his breath and continued reading. 

Seven days in a row this happened until Remus had enough.

“James?” Remus asked.

“Yeah?” 

“You seem like someone people like. You’re sweet, attractive, quite charming.” There was a dissonance between Remus’ monotone voice and what he was saying.

James did not know where this was going. Was this the start of a very inappropriate workplace relationship with his manager? Maybe that’s what his summer needed?

“Sure?” James replied before his pause revealed his thoughts. 

“I do not fit that description. Meaning people don’t respond … well to my requests. I’m going to need you to pay our neighbors a visit and ask them to turn their music down.” Remus said firmly. 

“Ohhh.” 

“What do you mean ‘Oh’? What did you think I was going to say?” 

“I actually had no idea where this was going.” James lied, quickly discarding the thoughts that had briefly crossed his mind. 

Remus simply raised a brow, signaling both that the conversation was over and that he expected James to do as asked.

James nodded and went to the record store. 

He understood why Remus was annoyed, but truthfully James had enjoyed listening to the music they played. He spent the entire week waiting for his paycheck to spend it on some records.

“Hey,” he said as he entered the store. Not loud enough apparently, since the guy organizing the vinyls did not even lift his head. 

James walked towards him and repeated his greeting slightly louder, startling the worker. He barely got to look at him before the guy walked towards the speaker to adjust the volume before coming back to where James was standing. 

“Hi.” 

For a split second James forgot why he was even there. The hottest man he had ever seen was standing in front of him, talking to him. And he had the prettiest eyes and fu- Right. He was talking to him because James had direct orders from his manager to say something. 

“Hey.”

The guy laughed at his sudden shyness. But right then there, James knew he had just found his favorite song of the summer. That laugh.

“I work at the video store.” Was all he could manage to say. 

“I know, James.” 

Hearing his name sent an immediate shiver down his spine. Had he blacked out and introduced himself at some point? Before he could spiral for any longer, the worker spoke again. 

“You are wearing your name tag," he pointed at it. "I’m Regulus, not a psychic.”

“Oh, yeah that makes sense.” A nervous laughter poured out of him. He felt his cheeks flush.

“Are you okay?” 

“Yeah, I was just wondering if-” He couldn't finish his thought.

Today had to be James’ lucky day. A breeze drifted through the door, lifting Regulus’ shirt just enough to reveal his briefs and a hint of a happy trail.

“James?” Regulus asked, blushing as he caught James staring.

He tried to gather his thoughts but all he could do was replay the last thirty seconds in his mind.

“Umm, actually it doesn’t matter.... You should stop by the video store some day though.” James leaned into one of the shelves and almost fell, getting another laugh out of Regulus. He thought he might spend every single day trying to hear it again.

“Are you going to be there?”

James nodded enthusiastically. 

“I’ll see you around then James.” Regulus said. A faint curve forming at the edge of his lips.

James came back to the video store practically skipping. 

“I'm guessing it all went smoothly?” Remus asked, taking James out of his own thoughts. 

“Yeah it went great. Actually if you ever need me to talk to them again it’s no problem.” James assured with a grin.

Remus looked at him confused but didn't probe further.

James went back to his place and thought about Regulus.

This was going to be a great fucking summer. 

[luciferlockett]

“Secret Marriage”

Bucky x reader

No Warnings just fluff

Summary : Bucky brings the Thunderbolts round in the mitz of them saving the world during this he forgets to mention he has a wife at home.

You were lounging around your quant house, albeit more modernised than Bucky would have liked but it fit your aesthetic perfectly. Lounging around on your phone doomscrolling with your white cat Alpine of course. You hated when he had to leave for a mission like this especially so unexpected but he assured you he would check in with you during the mission, which you made him promise because you couldn’t handle just texting him over the phone for a couple weeks. No you needed to see him. That brings us to now staying on your phone waiting for a notification to give you the joy that he was on his way back. He didn’t tell you much about his missions but you knew from his demour of that it was a serious one. It scares you a little, losing him, of course it did but you trust him trust that he will uphold his promise in coming home to you every time he abruptly leaves.

You gently stroke Alpine in a way to soothe these godforsaken thoughts when your phone pings with a notification from the man in question however in the estate he informs you that the team he was working with were also staying or a night or two. Great. At least he’ll be home, it just means that maybe you wont be able to show him really how happy you are that he’s back.

Minutes feel like hours but you fill the time by making brownies in hopes it would distract you and plus brownies are the best greeting present, you hadn’t met these guest yet but since they were with Bucky you believed that they must be good people so you were happy to open your home to them.

After repetitively having to remove Alpine from the worktop to prevent her from sampling the brownies which were definitely not cat friendly, you place them in the oven and clean up a little. Almost like clock work you hear the sound of revving from a vehicle you quickly recognised as your husband’s motorcycle. Feeling a little nervous, you made your way to the front door and opened it before he had time to get his keys out. Bucky first in line and greets you with a warm smile and a slow “I missed you, doll.” you could tell from his smile alone he was tired however he didn’t seem to care right now he was just happy to be home. You hug him quickly plantings a small kiss to him jaw as you did. You didn’t want to be rude however so you broke the hug and greeted the rest of the team with a sweet welcoming smile all but one a certain super soldier you didn’t like very much. A little odd you thought a little rough around the edges but they seemed nice. As they finished making their way inside you closed the door bend them and moved t stand by Bucky as obviously you were still a little nervous not having known these people.

“Nice to meet everyone.” You say attempting to provoke some small talk.

Alexei is the first to respond with a loud “Oh very good, thank you for letting us Thunderbolts use your safe house.”

You look at Bucky confused because Thunderbolts? And safe house? This is our home and was the mission they were on that dangerous they needed a safe house.

Bucky quickly tried to soothe the confused expression on your face by guiding his metal arm around your waist and says “For the last time we are not the thunderbolts, This is a one mission deal Alexei.”

The Red Guardian just stares aimlessly at Bucky as if he is speaking in another language and states “My friend, you do not choose the Thunderbolts the Thunderbolts choose you.” Whatever that means.

Yelena quickly hushes him and says “It is very lovely of you having us here” Letting out. Soft no problem you quickly notice another man you recognised to be John Walker. You knew this one all too well and you also knew the problems he caused for your husband. Luckily he stood of to the side and to be frank you preferred that he kept his distance. John was aware of your marriage so he best keep out the way as to not piss you off if he’s almost trying to hide the act he’s here. It was no secret that you didn’t like him so you asked your husband “What is he doing in my house.”

Quickly guiding you off to the kitchen so he could explain away from the rest of the group he says “He’s making himself useful and he’s not the same as he was back then”

“Buck you know I trust your judgment but Walker really I doubt he’s changed for the better, he might want to help now but as soon as something doesn’t benefit him he’s going to revert back to that sad shell of a man he’s always been.” Harsh you know but the point still stands.

“Doll, be nice we need all the help we can get at the moment and if that means having to work with Walker then that’s what we’ll have to do” He sighs then continues “I promise he wont be here for long.” He says with his hands grazing up and down your arms comfortingly.

“Fine but James I swear to god if this man causes any problems in my house you’ll be the one paying for it.” I say trying to be stern

He winces at the use of his first name having only need use for it when you’re emotional or mad.

“Of course… and whilst we’re here I forgot to tell them that we’re married” He rushes out in a quiet voice hoping you wouldn’t hear.

“What?” You say dumbfounded and a little shocked, I mean who invites someone to their wife’s home without telling them who you are. It’s a little disrespectful in your opinion.

“Nothing everything’s good.” He quickly says.

“James why haven’t you told them, you brought them into my house and what they just think I’m a random person that lives with you”

“It’s not like that I swear we just met and I just forgot.” Wow thanks.

Not wanting anything to do with the conversation anymore you huff and move to the oven to take the brownies out, which does make Bucky feel worse as he realises the effort you put into making these people feel welcome in your home. He comes up behind you placing his large arms around your smaller frame and places kisses on your shoulder and neck causing you to let out an involuntary hum in content. Hearing this he smirks against your neck as he whispers apologies and praise to you.

Outside of the kitchen however Walker had already made himself useful by breaking the new to everyone saying something along the lines of not wanting to annoy Barnes or Bucky would hate him even more than he already does. Ava’s the first one to speak this time with a confused “That’s Barnes sister?”

Walker lets out a scoff and says “No no that’s his wife.”

The room is stunned into silence. The infamous Winter Soldier has a wife and a home. The seemingly cold and closed off soldier had a family he’d come home to everyday. Shocking.

“The super soldier has a wife wow he just gets better.” He says with his usual fangirling over him.

“I’ve got to say was not expecting that to come of today. Barnes has a wife how cute.” Yelena says in cooing tone.

As the couple renter the room they are met with the stares of the rest of the Thunderbolts this silence is broken by Alexei bellowing “Winter soldier you are married.” Bucky smiles and lifts your intertwined hand and raises it up to his lips to place a gentle kiss on your hand and says “Yes for five years now shes been Mrs Barnes and been giving me a reason to come home everyday.”

A mixture of awws and scoffs are given by the group as Alexei says “Young love” He says dreamily “I remember my first marriage we would go at it like-“

“Uhuh no no I do not want to hear about that” Yelena cuts him off.

You and Bucky sit down next to one another hands still intertwined as you swing your legs over to rest on his lap and prepare to take the groups questions about your so called “secret marriage”.

Hi chat if you have any marvel requests I would gladly write them xxx

[jungkoode]

drabble from griffin’s pov???? i think it would be so hilarious 😅😂

AHAHAAHHHAHAH I have been saving this one for a while because I was deciding which one to use it for. So, behold—chapter 12 from our favorite orange menace’s POV.

Or Griffin’s survival guide to stupid humans.

6:47 PM

Sunbeam. Perfect windowsill temperature. Tail positioned for maximum dramatic effect.

Life is good.

7:02 PM

Door slam. Phoenix human is back from her daily abandonment ritual (she calls it ‘studying’ but I know it’s just an excuse to leave me).

She smells like stress and those terrible library books. Also… vanilla. Always vanilla. It’s actually quite pleasant, though I’d never admit it to her face.

7:03 PM

Oh no. She’s got That Look. The one that means Jungkook human is about to get yelled at for something.

Time to relocate to higher ground. Kitchen counter provides excellent view of impending chaos.

7:04 PM

She’s banging on Jungkook human’s door. Aggressive. Impressive. I approve.

Wait—did she just say something about MY vanilla? Excuse me, Phoenix human, but you don’t own scents. That’s like saying I own the concept of knocking things off tables.

Which I do, obviously.

7:05 PM

Jungkook human emerges. Shirtless, for reasons I don’t comprehend. These humans have absolutely no sense of proper attire. I’ve been trying to teach them about dignified presentation for months, puking on the pieces of clothing I don’t approve of, but do they listen? No.

Also, his hair looks like he stuck his paw in an electrical socket. Pathetic.

7:07 PM

Oh, it’s about the candle. The vanilla one that’s been burning all afternoon, making the apartment smell less like ‘disappointed cat’ and more like ‘cozy den.’

For the record, I enjoyed the vanilla ambiance. It complemented my nap quite nicely. And it removed the cheap perfume scent from the previous Girl human.

And now they’re fighting again. These humans have the strangest obsessions. I prefer the smell of that tuna they never give me.

Phoenix human gesticulates wildly. Jungkook human looks confused. Both are being dramatic.

I am the only mature individual in this household.

7:09 PM

They’re bickering about coffee now. I’ve given up trying to understand their mating rituals.

Moving to living room couch for better acoustics.

7:15 PM

Coffee making noises from kitchen. Jungkook human is in full peacock mode, showing off his ‘barista skills’ like it’s some sort of impressive hunting display.

Phoenix human is pretending not to be interested while clearly being very interested.

Humans are exhausting.

7:18 PM

The Mug Incident occurs.

Jungkook human drinks from Phoenix human’s mug. She stares at his mouth. He knows she’s staring at his mouth. She knows he knows.

This is worse than when they had that screaming match about who ate the last yogurt. At least that had substance.

7:22 PM

They’ve moved to the couch. MY couch.

The audacity.

I’m relocating to the windowsill to express my displeasure through strategic back-turning and judgmental tail positioning.

7:23 PM

OH FOR THE LOVE OF—

They’re doing the thing again. The weird grabby thing where they get all breathe-heavy and make those noises.

I resented this apartment at first, because how dare Jungkook human move my chambers without asking for permission.

But I don’t see Scary human anymore, so I accepted it.

I never accepted this; however.

7:25 PM

Jungkook human just said ‘hop on’ and I briefly considered intervening because that’s MY line. I’m the one who hops on things. Counters, beds, Phoenix human’s laptop when she’s trying to work.

But then I remembered I don’t actually care about human territorial disputes.

7:30 PM

They’re really going at it now. All grabby hands and ridiculous noises.

Do they not realize I have very sensitive hearing? Some of us are trying to maintain our dignity here.

7:45 PM

More noises. Jungkook human is making sounds like he’s choking on a hairball, but somehow Phoenix human seems to think this is… positive?

Humans are deeply confusing.

I’m going to stare out the window and pretend none of this is happening. Maybe judge some pigeons. Those flying rats have no sense of proper urban etiquette.

7:58 PM

FINALLY. Silence.

Wait, no. Now they’re talking about… toys?

Not the good kind of toys. Not feather wands or laser pointers or those delightful crinkly balls. They’re talking about human toys, which from context seem significantly less entertaining.

Although Jungkook human seems very excited about ‘shopping’ which usually means new things come into the apartment, so perhaps this will work out in my favor.

8:00 PM

They’re arguing about friendship now.

Phoenix human insists they’re ‘not friends’ while clearly caring about Jungkook human’s opinion. Jungkook human is pretending to be offended while obviously pleased with the attention.

It’s like watching two kittens who haven’t figured out they like playing with each other yet.

Actually, that’s insulting to kittens. Kittens have more emotional intelligence.

8:05 PM

Jungkook human has collapsed on top of Phoenix human like a large, sweaty blanket.

She’s complaining, but making no actual effort to remove him.

I still don’t understand, so I won’t make an effort to anytime soon.

8:10 PM

Peace at last. Time for my evening patrol of the apartment.

Food bowl: Adequately filled, though the presentation could be improved.

Water fountain: Functioning, though I prefer drinking from Jungkook human’s water glasses just to assert dominance.

Litter box: Clean. The one thing these humans do properly.

8:15 PM

Returning to windowsill for evening sunbeam absorption and philosophical contemplation.

Today’s thoughts: Humans are ridiculous creatures who communicate primarily through elaborate mating dances and volume control issues. They make simple things like drinking coffee into complex rituals. They burn candles to create “ambiance” when they could simply bask in natural light like civilized beings.

And yet… they keep the food bowl filled and the apartment adequately heated.

I suppose they’re trainable.

8:30 PM

Note to self: Next time they start their grabby-noise ritual, knock something valuable off the kitchen counter. Establish boundaries. Maintain household dignity.

But maybe wait until after dinner. And if it’s tuna, perhaps let them be.

Priorities.

[theotherrookie]

"Yeah, never trust the guy who's trying to eat you. He might know reverse psychology." Erica always had her way to blur the distinction between jokes and whenever she was being completely serious.

Willow dragged the chair over, careful not to touch any of the spots that Five was more likely to have touched directly.

"This will burn nicely." She proceeded to take off her gloves and tossed them on the seat. Her hands were going to be the least outrageous detail against armor and animal features.

"It was a long fight. Five has way too much time to waste thinking of new tricks." Erica said, "And they didn't even help him in the end!"

"All he really achieved was making things harder for himself as we learned some new tricks of our own." Lucien added, "While I appreciate the kind words, Russell, I believe defining my time as a hunter as a failure is most appropriate. What I was trying to do was wrong and unlike Five, I can recognize my faults."

Other than that, he was absolutely fabulous.

Erica tilted her head. "You're looking for 900 pinecones? Then you're not going to need that banana in your pocket."

"Wait until he checks his bag." Lucien told her with a smirk.

Rook chuckled as she pointed at the strange lightning storm happening in the distance.

"Do you like it? It's our special hotline." Her expression quickly shifted as a thought occurred to her, "I wonder if we could make some code for this. I'll have to ask the others what they think. There's a chance the Roche have already built something we can use."

Despite Five's accusations, Rook clearly spoke fondly of her fellow mages and still worked hard to fill the position she was given in their team. Nobody minded if they started off as a joke when she clearly cared for all of them.

Rook kept her wings firmly pressed against her back as they descended. Truth be told, she couldn't wait to get out of her armor and into something more comfortable, but she couldn't pass on the chance of parading around pretending to be a cosplayer.

"It'll be nice but I think what we need is some regular free time now." she replied, "You know, just hanging out at the club, some more rehearsals, maybe a trip or two. We've been in survival mode for a while and we need to do some things just for the fun of it."

She was starting to like that method of travel. Still, Rook was glad to get back on the ground.

"I will leave a good review. Let's see what the others have found."

She could already tell there was a certain chair waiting to be set ablaze.

Veronica smiled fondly. "She's a stubborn one, isn't she? Quite a few of us wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her."

She wouldn't, for certain. Only Rook could have moved to the other side of the world and devote herself to finding a way to at least see her one last time. Lucien was another who could attest to Rook's determination.

It was a shame Five wasn't going to do it even if it killed him. They could have done with his family ceasing to be so annoying.

"Perhaps you could wear it again for a few sparring sessions. The novices could all use some extra training."

It was better than learning on the field while having to fight for their lives.

"I really thought I was done when I found myself with three extra daughters." Veronica mused, "And I suppose I'll go back to having very little to do for most of the day. Though I could double as something of a phantom at the opera, if you don’t mind having a few familiar faces in the audience."

She would have enjoyed the diversion. Veronica shifted her attention to Erica as she ran over to them.

"You found him!" She proceeded to poke Frosty's cheek, "I guess he felt like taking a nap somewhere else. Can we go now?"

"Those vampires must have been Italians."

The thought was fascinating, but Erica still preferred Bill to many other undeads she had met. He was nicer and had cool shadow powers.

She too was content with the trashing being over for now. The nice thing about sending stuff to the void was that it could be done quietly.

Erica waited for Willow to check the data coming from the drone before going off to retrieve Five's favorite chair. "Are we sure there's no bloodsucking singing plant around here?"

"Well, that would be a plant I wouldn't mind seeing turned to ash." Lucien mused, "Oh, I was just trying to make myself useful. I realized one of the reasons behind my failure was my training not really contemplating direct confrontations."

He then reached to pat Russell's shoulder, "So I learned from the best."

"Well, except the part where you give everybody a good scare!" Erica barged in on what could have otherwise been another tender moment to look Russell over, "You've gotta be careful when you die now. You're gonna give people a big scare like I did with Travis."

"Give him some credit, Erica." Willow said.

"Yeah, I'm giving him credit that he's going to be careful about not dying on people."

A repeat of the accident from earlier was a given with Russell's altruistic tendencies. The best Erica could do was offer her experience on how not scare people to death.

Lucien didn't seem to agree with her intentions as he rolled his eyes. "They look different but they're all as gentle as a brick to the face."

The fiery bird was a more refined alternative to what was for all intents and purposes a giant middle finger from Rook to Five, her father and everybody who wanted for whatever reason to tear them apart. The choice had fallen on the former simply because she wasn't alone.

Rook was about to thank Bill for the compliments when the clouds in the distance parted and lighting stretched from the buildings towards the sky. News of their victory had been received.

"Well, it won't stop idiots from trying anyway, but we're in for a big party."

Though a nice long nap was in order. Rook was already pondering taking her deck chair to the roof when she moved to start heading back down.

"Let's get going. I can't wait to see the moment Lucien will start regretting shooting lasers around." Rook replied with a grin, "It's always like that after the first fight and I won't let him hear the end of it."

Veronica couldn't help smiling fondly.

"I'm so proud of my daughter." She even managed to mark the building without the roof collapsing under her feet.

"And for being so heroic." she added, "And while we're on the topic, you look fabulous, Leofric! It simply bears repeating."

Now that it was over, she too was allowed to have a little fun. Veronica's delight only increased as she observed the way Antonio's ear flicked back into place.

"Chick never lets me bring strays home then she adopts the king of cats." the ghost lady shrugged dramatically, before smiling, "But I'm glad you turned out to be as much of a softie. The stories I heard didn't do you justice."

She needed to keep herself in the loop more. The ghost lady kept an eye on the sleeping Frosty as they prepared to rejoin the others.

"It has been difficult, but they're fighters and have each other. The best we can do now for them is to keep moving forward and get on with all those nice projects you have talked about these past few weeks."

That would really make it worth it.

[agentlizardofowca]

Drabble: Matchy-Matchy

This short fic takes place during Phineas and Ferb, season 5 , episode 6a The Aurora Perry-Alis. I just really like Heinz's cute lil outfit on that cruise ship :3 Enjoy!

-

Perry couldn’t help but conclude that Candace was right when she called that boat big when she stepped out of the car. They don’t often all put themselves into one vehicle; 7 was a tight squeeze after all. But the dock had expensive parking, so they’d agree to make it work.

With a stretch that popped his back, Perry took in the majesty of the large cruise ship, and honestly; he wasn’t a huge fan. He’d seen Titanic too many times and didn’t trust it.

The deck was packed with people and Perry had a feeling he should stay away from the pool, or he’d be designated to babysitter. 

“Candace, let’s head to the spa! That will help you- I mean “us” unwind. Perry, are you coming along too?” Linda asked him, as she held her daughter in a vice grip to prevent her from following the boys. “You were complaining about your sore back again last week.” 

“Oh yeah, that’ll help me relax,” Candace grumbled. “Looking at Uncle Perry’s hairy back will soothe me like nothing else!” 

「You go ahead,」 Perry signed with a frown aimed specifically at his niece. 「If you need me, check that lounge chair.」 He pointed at the very last chair in a long line of loungers with a view of the sparkling ocean. As soon as he was done signing, he squeezed some sunscreen on his nose, implying that he would not be leaving that chair for anything, except perhaps: a drink. 

“Well have fun- oh. Oh dear! I think your seat might be taken.” Linda bit her lip awkwardly and pointed at the seat.

“Hey! That pharmacist is stealing your lounge chair!” Candace agreed angrily and loudly enough to be heard across the deck.

“Oh come on!” A familiar voice replied. “I’m not even wearing a lab coat, how do I still look like a pharmacist?!” 

With trepidation, Perry turned around. He wondered why he was still surprised after this many years. Of course Doofenshmirtz was also here! Honestly, he didn’t mind the company. Spending time with Heinz was always fun, but why did he run into him so often when he was spending time with his family?

Perry swiped a hand through his hair, just to check if he wasn’t accidentally wearing a hat before he stepped up to Doofenshmirtz to get back his-

…

At the same time, Perry and Heinz turned, ready to bicker when they noticed.

“Hmmm,” Doofenshmirtz grumbled as the fight left him. “Nice shirt.”

「Thanks,」 Perry replied numbly. Since he was a solid few inches shorter than Heinz, he had a clear line of sight at his shirt. Which looked familiar. Eerily familiar.

The uncle looked down just to check. Yep, that was the same shirt - different colourway- but the exact same shirt as Heinz Doofenshmirtz was wearing right now. Well, Perry's was probably a few sizes bigger to accommodate his hulking shoulders, but aside from that. Identical. Full of guilt, Perry remembered that back in the store, he had contemplated the teal and purple shirt Heinz was wearing, but Linda had thought it was too matchy-matchy with his hair, so he hadn't bought it.

Wait. Had Heinz matched his shirt to him?

“Nice shorts too.” Doof pointed out next.

You’ve got to be kidding me?! Perry thought hysterically as he stepped back just far enough to see that their shorts were very, very similar too. Perry’s weren’t cargo green, or were Heinz's shorts more gray? No, they definitely had a greenish hue to them. 

At the very least, Perry thought with relief, he wasn’t wearing Chucks with knee-height socks under his shorts. Even Uncle Perry wasn’t allowed to leave the house in that. Surely Candace wouldn’t allow it. Actually, he should try that soon, just to see how she’d respond.

No, Perry was a more sophisticated man; he was wearing thongs. Allow me to specify; Australian type thongs, Americans usually called them “Flip. Flops.” 

“So,” Perry focused his attention back on Heinz, who apparently saw the humour in this situation because he was smiling as he rubbed at his hair. “What do you store in your bag?”

Perry couldn’t believe he hadn’t noticed; directly at eye level, right in front of his face, was a cross-body bag. Just like his.

Lamely, Perry unzipped his bag and pulled his mostly full tube of sunscreen out.

“Oh nice, travel-sized! Just like the contents of my bag.” Heinz grinned cutely as he pointed out that fun little coincidence.

Perry nodded, not because he was making pleasant conversation, but because he was amazed at the cross-body bag. How could he have missed it? It was right in front of his face… and also… TEAL.

He must've been gaping like a fish. Heinz had never worn teal before today, right? At least, not like this. It looked good on him. That wasn't the issue. The issue was that he- they-

“Oh wow,” Another familiar voice said, and Perry turned and noticed that Vanessa was also there.

“Hey Vanessa, your dad is stealing my uncle’s lounge chair.” Candace pointed out. “But I think it’s fair, seeing as your dad stole my uncle’s fashion sense.”

“Yeah, so I see,” With a smile, she crossed her arms. “You two should make out.”

“Vanessa?!” Her father shrieked, and to Perry’s surprise, Heinz flushed red in a matter of seconds.

The teen shrieked happily. For a girl who claimed to be uninterested in evil, she had her maniacal laugh down perfectly. “I’m just kidding, of course.” She lied. “This is just a coincidence, duh.”

Perry had a very strong suspicion that ‘duh,’ wasn’t to be taken literally.

“Just like it was a coincidence you bought so many teal clothes last year.” Vanessa continued in a teasing tone.

“Hey, It’s a very calming colour!” Heinz defended, still blushing.

“Oh, I know,” Vanessa agreed, and she talked to her dad, but she looked at Perry. “It’s your happy colour.” 

“Exact- Hey, are you making fun of me?” Heinz asked.

“Yes, Yes I am.” Vanessa agreed. She wasn’t even paying attention to her dad. She’d stared at Perry the entire time, and although Perry wasn’t entirely sure what expression he was wearing right now, Vanessa seemed satisfied with it, because she grinned. “I am hungry. Talk to you later. Aren’t you busy getting your money’s due?” 

“Oh, yeah. I guess so. Um-” Heinz paused to look at Linda and Candace who were also still there.

“It was… nice? Meeting you?” Linda said, awkwardly but politely.

“Give my uncle his lounge chair back!” Candace demanded instead.

“Oh yeah, sure,” Heinz agreed and he handed Perry the miniature version of his chair. He looked at everybody for a second and then promptly said. “Bye!” And left to go collect more illegally acquired miniature furniture. 

“What a weirdo,” Candace pointed out.

Perry nodded to agree and then watched as Linda finally took Candace away to the spa.

Now alone on the deck, Perry tugged at his shirt to go take another look at it. He was soooo happy he got the green and purple version of the shirt. He would’ve looked like an idiot if they’d matched exactly.

Ah, who was he kidding? He looked like an idiot either way!

He rubbed at his face, hoping that if he had a visual blush on his cheeks, he could smooth it away somehow.

With a huff, he chucked his tiny chair to the side and then stomped off to change into his genuine uniform. He needed a cocktail asap, and the sooner he beat the pulp out of that outfit-stealing, preferred seat-shrinking, nemesis of his, the sooner he could get his Pina Colada.

Just a minute after Perry reluctantly wurmed himself back into his long, and professional looking trousers, he donned his fedora and tracked Heinz down to the other side of the deck. With a cool flip, Agent P landed in front of his nemesis.

“Oh, Perry the Platypus! You’re late! Say, I know you’re on the clock and all. But we’ve bent the rules before. You don’t need to drive after this do you?” 

Perry got to his feet with a curiously arched eyebrow.

“We’re on a cruise Perry! And it’s happy hour! I got you a Pina Colada!” 

Full of surprise, Perry accepted the glass as Doof pressed it into his hand. “The scheme can way a minute, I need to tell you what just happened to me. It was actually unbelievable!” 

[Insert shot of Perry and Doof drinking cocktails at sunset.]

[just-kiro]

Predictions for the end of the httyd books? (Only about things you haven't been spoiled on ofc, hopefully nothing has been 😭)

Thankfully nothing has been spoiled on me about the ending!

Well the obvious thing that we concluded from literally the first line in this series that dragons no longer exist, also Hiccup is King of the Wilderwest?. Now I'm not sure but I think that means the dragons live far far away in a place nobody can ever reach away from human civilization, the dragons absolutely CANNOT all perish bc I just won't accept that Hiccup would let the wrong people win.

Hiccup obviously set them free from viking's hands, but why? Hiccup believes humans and dragon can live together, so why are they all gone now? I don't understand. Toothless would NEVER leave Hiccup, it happened in the movie but my little stubborn rock head of a dragon Toothless would never, he has no reason to! so I hope he stays alive and Cressida won't pull off some sacrificing bs.

Hiccup will go through shit but somehow he'll manage to somehow heal Furious's broken heart like he always does and the dragons will be on his side (it sounds too nice to actually happen but we'll see)

Also I have a terrible feeling Alvin will be crowned king of the Wilderwest, I don't know how he'll get a hold of Toothless, I don't know how would Hiccup deal with that disaster, but I've seen that man escape the grip of death 5 times already (correct me if I'm wrong cuz I feel I missed one or two) and had managed to built an entire political party with a brutal army with the help of a half blind mother witch that cannot even walk properly, plus getting hold of 9 of the king's Things all while missing an arm, a leg, a nose, an eye and his hair. At this point I'm not too sure we're getting rid of him at the end, it's too good to be true.

And do you think Fishlegs would use his royal blood as an advantage? That would be very cool (regardless that his father is a commoner)

And last but not least, I've never believed Toothless is a Common-or-Garden, sure he looks like one that may be underdeveloped but come on it's been years and he still hadn't grown in size nor grew teeth (I think he had a fang or smt in the first book and it fell during the hunting competition?) not forgetting the dart on his nose, call him a Toothless daydream or whatever, but Toothless is too special to be ordinary, just like his master whom everyone thought was a weaker viking that never fit in but became the last great hero the Wilderwest has ever seen.

And.. that's it! Now the hard part is waiting and watching...

Dear oh dear is it gonna be hard.

[alexanderlightweight]

Hi, all your wonderful series are just chef's kiss.

Could I ask for a follow up after Magnus and Ragnor discussed who needs to be offed to prevent Kelpie!Alec from finding out. Would love to see if they found a ritual for the council to discreetly cleaned up everyone. Especially Camille and making jewellery out of her soul for Alec.

Thank you.

thank you so much! uh this got a bit more team immortal being soft about each other? I think I don't know I just love them. here is the last bit I hope you enjoy

<3 lumine

undertow

“Camille was before Alexander and while I know I’ve mourned her plenty, I haven’t even seen her in the last half a decade.” Magnus says half an hour later as he frowns at a page, “I don’t think using her as a focal will work. Now for what we want, or need. What I had with Camille was something far deeper than what I’ve shared with any since she broke my heart.”

Ragnor’s heart falters before galloping wildly in his chest, he begs the world and his very magic that Magnus has not changed his mind, that Magnus will not relent in his justice against Camille once again.

“But she still needs to be dealt with.” Catarina’s voice cuts through his panic. A soft, gentle reminder yet firm, like a life-giving river that still cuts through rock, over time.

Magnus doesn’t react poorly.

He doesn’t even turn, a half-hearted scoff of laughter bursting from his lips as he flips another page.

“Of course she does, and quickly.  I just don’t think she should be included in this ritual... will make it a bit messy don’t you think?” And then Magnus hesitates, finger tapping on a line of faded ink. “And while I have wooed Alexander by his own customs, I’ve hardly courted him by my own, let alone what is demanded for a warlock of my rank.  Something made from the heart of my last true lover will do nicely to prove my sincerity.”

Catarina understands his meaning before Ragnor and she smiles, teeth sharp and gleaming with delight as fondness and joy crinkles the corners of her eyes.  Her hair gleams like starlight against the deep indigo of her skin and the universe blinks at him when her lashes flutter and her eyes close with laughter.

“If your boy does ever find out the truth, you can prove your intentions are true despite the misunderstanding. As is your ardor.  Doubling up, even tripling the courtship gives it more legitimacy as well.  Your Alexander can hardly feel cheated when you’ve chained him to you with vow and magic, oath and deed.”

Magnus nods, pleased by the answer they’ve found and Ragnor finds that he’s just still marveling at how easily Catarina follows Magnus during one of his moods.

Mainly the kind of brilliant mood that Ragnor is far too old and exhausted to keep up with this late in the season.

“How on earth did you manage to glean all that from what he was saying?” Ragnor can’t help his grumble even though he keeps it low. “I was still worried we’d have to re-convince him to do away with the leech.”

Catarina tuts and smacks his fingers with a flick of magic but doesn’t disagree, which means she’s agreeing.

“Yes, I could see your panic when you thought that once again, she’d escape what she’s due.” Cat’s voice dips into an anger so soft it feels like ash against his ears, “however Magnus is too enamoured to currently remember anything but his disdain of her.  The pain she’s held over him, toyed at him with, it’s not vanished but it’s no longer raw. 

“She can no longer hold the good memories like a sword against the bad when he’s creating almost nothing but good memories with his boy. There’s something now that exists, more interesting than the pain, more bright than her bitterness and in order to not let the wounds be reopened, he knows he has to let go.  Before—” Catarina’s voice trails off and she glances over to where Magnus is engrossed in a diagram, “before he had to hold onto the pain.  It was proof she cared for him, loved him, at one point.  Even if it was all a lie, he needed that lie, but he needs it no longer.”

A moment passes between them, silent and understood and full of love for each other and Magnus, who gleams like a small sun under their adoring gaze.

“This one,” Magnus calls to them, voice raised with dark glee. “Not only will it rejuvenate the wards of the Labyrinth but 

“Oh, very clever.” Ragnor himself would never have considered using such a unique ritual in such an innovative way, but that’s all the more reason for why he insists Magnus join him when he researches. 

The ritual will erase connections.  

Typically those of blood but Magnus has no blood to erase left in any realm, except that of his father.  However there is another use, for those who hold worshippers and wish to cleanse their followers and start anew.

With the use of semen and saliva instead of blood or a tether of worship, Magnus can instead find those anointed by his touch and in a way, excommunicate them.

From life.

AN:

Alec is napping (magnus is not sleeping right now he’s just disappearing when Alec does sleep to plot) in the new roof pond and Magnus is going to have a hell-of-a-time luring his darling out from the cool waters

Magnus is going to sleep eventually, he just wants some things straightened out first.

[dodger432101]

No I don’t regret putting Celeste through the angst😈😈😈 However, I would like to request something fluffier. How about we show Grandpa Reginald Pyle some love?

Could I please request a little bit Reginald Pye helping to raise Celeste alongside Reader and Lux. I’d imagine Grandpa Pye does dearly love Celeste, even though it can be hard for him to keep up with some of her antics at his age. At least most of them are harmless, even if sometimes a lightbulb breaks unintentionally because Celeste wanted to show off to her grandfather the new tricks her papa taught her or she came up with😆

[We love and appreciate Mr Pye in this house, he deserved better]

Having a demigod for a child wasn’t the easiest, to put it lightly. Especially when her father happens to be a member of the Pantheon of Discord. Luckily for you, there was always someone who had your back, even while Lux was gone. Mr Reginald Pye. 

Your boss quickly stepped into a grandfather role for Celeste, buying plenty of supplies that you needed and also taking care of her when you needed a break. It quickly became clear that you were both in over your heads as your daughter took no time with learning she could control the light from lightbulbs. And make them explode. At first it scared all 3 of you, giving a short break from having to buy more, until Celeste got used to the sound of shattering glass. It’s a miracle Mr Pye has any hair from his nerves being shot so many times. He couldn’t even take her for a walk to put her to sleep, the light from the sun seemed to fuel her energy. Your bedroom is shrouded in darkness whenever it’s her naptime. 

When Lux returns, Reginald gladly hands over the duties of taking care of her. He loves his granddaughter dearly, but he’s far too old for this (like Lux isn’t a God that’s lived for centuries). At least once a week he visits your house to check on how little Celeste is doing, where she usually shows off whatever abilities she’s learned or any new toys she has. The haul of presents from the Pantheon lasted her at least 4 visits. The Gods of Chaos were quite generous when it came to their newest and youngest member. 

As she gets older, you take her to Palazzo to watch some films (with the promise that she doesn’t mess with the movie if other people are there). Reginald watches in part amazement and horror on the day where the theatre is empty and Celeste summons the characters right from the screen. “And I thought seeing Mr Ring-A-Ding crawl out into the theatre was bad..” Poor guy’s a little traumatised from watching 15 people be trapped in film. He doesn’t fear it for much longer, not when the excited little girl with golden eyes comes bouncing over to him, pointing to her handiwork with a huge grin. 

You and Lux watch from your seats as she pulls Mr Pye down to the stage to meet her cartoon friends. It was nice to see her with her granddad, interacting with the human side of her family. “Sometimes I can’t believe she’s mine..” 

That causes you to look over at your lover. “What do you mean?” He turns his attention to you, a strained smile on his face. 

“It’s hard to believe that adorable girl was made from my essence.” Lux gazes down at his hands, turning them over. “She’s bringing out cartoon characters to be friends with them. I trapped a bunch of people in here, got close to killing a Time Lord in this very theatre! I guess it’s just..” He sighs, looking back to his daughter. “It’s hard to believe that little bundle of joy came from a God like me.” Your hand carefully goes to his shoulder, getting his attention back on you. 

“Don’t act like you haven’t used your abilities for good reasons either. She’s already pulling characters out of films, who’s to say she won’t put someone in one later down the line? She has the capacity to do everything you’ve done, maybe even more than you.” 

He tenses at the thought. “I won’t let it get to that. Well, she can be more powerful than me, I have a feeling she’s quickly getting there. I just don’t want her using her powers for the wrong reasons. If she got The Doctor’s attention..” The hand on his shoulder tightens its grip slightly. The both of you had worried about it, after Lux was gone for years following his encounter with the Time Lord. 

“She won’t. It took months after you trapped 15 people, surely we’d have time for her to make amends if she did anything that bad. But she won’t, not with us keeping an eye on her.” Your God leans against your arm, antennae curling into a heart as your hand moves from his shoulder to his head and scratches at the hair at the back. “You’re Gods of Chaos, of course Celeste is going to want to play around with her abilities. Chaos isn’t necessarily bad though, right? I know you and the rest of the Pantheon aren’t all truly malevolent beings, I wouldn’t be here if you were. You just.. Don’t see the universe in the same way, humans are so below you that we don’t matter. But Celeste is part human, she’s growing up around humans, she’ll have more empathy towards them. Hopefully.” The both of you chuckle, looking over as your daughter calls you two. She’s brought out Mr Ring-A-Ding. 

“Dagnabbit, Celeste, you know I don’t like that little-” 

“Language, Lux Imperator.” You quickly wrap your hand around his mouth, glaring back at his grumpy expression. When he taps your arm twice you let him go. 

“Yes, Mrs Imperator. Now, you!” You’re too stunned and flustered to stop him from chasing his mirror image around the theatre. Of course he’d pull that to keep you off his back while he deals with Ring-A-Ding, Celeste running after them while giggling. 

Mr Pye sits down in the seat he had been in, laughing at your strong blush. “What a strange little family you’ve made for yourself. Still, I’m glad to be a part of it. Your daughter is incredible, just like her parents. Though less intimidating than her dad.” 

“She is.” You smile as you watch her wrestle.. Yep, she’s got Lux on the ground, whacking him with a large cartoon hammer supplied by his doppleganger. “Celeste, stop beating up your father.” 

“Yes, mom!” Now she’s after Ring, your lover left to peel himself from the floor, giving you a thumbs up and shaky grin. What were you going to do with those two? 

[iamadequate1]

@celluloidbroomcloset Agreed that some people saying "rushed!" or "messy!" with authority is coloring some people's perceptions; it feels like part of a phenomenon that if you can find one bad thing to say about something, then you are automatically correct, and if you can get that to stick, then any other negative things you say are automatically true. When we talk about OFMD S1, I can find easy nitpicks (e.g., Oluwande's leadership amongst the crew could've been developed more, we could've seen what Ed and Stede co-captaining looked like) that just didn't make sense to develop with the screentime they had to work with, but I'm not screaming "rushed!" or "messy!" at things that are just personal preferences and in big picture, don't really matter. Same with S2, we can go on about "The editing of Ed and Stede with Ned is sloppy!" (would connector scenes of moving them around the ship added anything?) or "Stede's plan was going to be more complicated!" (well, yes, but it's also hilarious and in show logic if his plan was to have a sexy fashion walk in some uniforms they easily stole and just basically waltz out, assuming the guy they put in charge of the prisoner knew to check for weapons... only irk is the chop up of Roads to Moscow).

But in the case of S2, in addition to the "How long in fandom?" question (and "in small group agreeing with each other?" from other tags), I also wonder on how often these "rushed!" people have seen S2, or even when was the last time they saw it (which, if it was while S2 was airing and was absorbed from the 1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8 release, that explains a lot). For example:

@ OP (username not pulling up correctly on tagging, lol!), I'm not picking on you, but just using something you had as an example. if we look at the break up following Ed's character (long!):

We're introduced to him as being bored and miserable in piracy and in the role of Blackbeard, and that he is, in fact, passively suicidal from it ("waiting to drown") and that he feels death is at least something new to try.

Ed meets Stede and finds someone who sees him as Ed, not Blackbeard. He has someone who is treating him as a whole person, freely sharing experiences and possessions with each other, and moreover, he has fun and joy just being around Stede, and he has someone who hears his darkest secret and doesn't recoil in horror.

Ed is falling hard, but he cannot get a fix on Stede's feelings for him. He decides to leave Stede to avoid getting hurt, covering it up as going on to the next adventure.

Ed then has someone doing something fun and nice for him just because (a rarity for him, most likely!), and Lucius tells him directly that Stede likes him. The plan to leave gets put on hold as Stede may reciprocate his feelings.

Then Jack shows up, and Stede thinks Jack sucks, which may mean that Stede thinks Ed sucks! Ed successfully leaves this time, afraid that Stede may see him as he really is and reject him, but he returns because Stede is in danger.

Then Ed kisses Stede, and it goes well! Very well! They're going to run away together! But then Stede leaves without a word.

Ed takes this hard because he was in love.

He processes the break up pretty healthily until he's threatened and told that he needs perform as Blackbeard because that's all he's good for.

He throws himself back into the role of Blackbeard, but ramped up in the boredom and misery and suicidal ideation. He's kind of a terrible boss who overworks the crew (but not abusive!) and is numb to events that would've affected him before (i.e., Ivan's death), and he is angry at the person who kicked him while he was at his lowest point.

He pushes for a proxy suicide, which is in line with his demonstration before of outsourcing the big job and with him chasing death since he was introduced, and we get the visual of "waiting to drown" until Stede's presence motivates him/gives him the strength to fight to live.

Stede's back! Stede's saying sweet things to him! Stede comes close to saying he's in love with Ed! Stede advocates for Ed to stay with the crew!

Ed and Stede kiss! But Ed is still hurt and finding his way back to being Ed and to be in this relationship. He is guarded, even though they are progressing their relationship.

Ed and Stede have sex! Ed brings Stede breakfast in bed, mirroring Doug doing the same for Mary. It's very cute! But then uh oh, Ed gets interrupted before he can bring up the whole need-to-leave-piracy-life-that's-killing-him point that's been followin his character since introduction, which now features in worrying about seeing the man he loves dying in this very dangerous lifestyle. Again, notice in this scene that Stede doesn't seem that worried or taking Ed's concerns very seriously, but Ed is very worried and tries to broach the topic, but he does not get the chance.

They get to the Republic of Pirates, and Stede is now a pirate superstar! Ed starts getting into his head, partially from talking with Jackie and her asking if Stede knows that Ed wants to leave piracy, planting the idea in Ed's spiraling brain that Stede may not want to choose to be with Ed over being a super cool pirate. Ed cannot stay in the life, and if Stede stays in the life, there's now the real possibility that Ed would have to have to see Stede die (which very much nearly happened the night before! Ned even gave the "kill him" order in front of Ed). (And, really: it is a relationship dealbreaker if one half of the couple wants to be a pirate and the other does not.)

Ed knows Stede has feelings for him, but does Stede feel as deeply as Ed does? Then he follows a pattern that happened TWICE in S1: he doesn't think Stede may be as all in as Ed is, so Ed decides to leave and save himself the pain. There's a non-zero possibility in his mind that Stede could leave him again because their major life goals are incompatible or that Stede will soon die (I mean, the series intro song is that a pirate's life is short, and we've seen lots of people die in this series).

In the break up scene, Stede calls it what it is: Ed is scared and panicking.

Ed does his little Instagram Fishing distraction day-cation, but when he sees Stede is in danger, he goes back to save Stede (see: the Act of Grace)

A big moment here is the letter in a bottle that Ed finds: Stede is coy about it when he tells Ed about the letters, but the letter confirms to Ed and Stede is just as all in as Ed is.

They reunite, and Stede leaves piracy to be with Ed without regrets.

In conclusion, the break up and reunion make sense in the story as presented, and there is no "rushed" or "messy" aspect to it (common complaints!).

The amount of hate Our Flag Means Death season 2 gets makes me so sad. Like, guys - we were meant to have three seasons. The events of OFMDs2 were meant to take place over two separate seasons, not just one, but then it got cancelled. Of course it’s going to feel rushed. And honestly, I’m so glad we got that instead of nothing.