#wwtdp fics

[ft-wwtdp]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Fairy Tail Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Laxus Dreyar/Freed Justine Characters: Laxus Dreyar, Freed Justine Additional Tags: Sleepy Sex, Fluff and Smut, Injury, Sleepy Cuddles, Frottage, Clothed Sex, Shirtless, Coming In Pants, Sleeping Together Series: Part 13 of When We Take Different Paths Summary:

Laxus and Freed are exhausted and injured, but they still manage to get up to mischief. It's just a bit creative.

(Fic #6 for When We Take Different Paths MLM week.)

Subitted by @friendlyneighborhoodfairy

[littlemissheartfilia]

Memories Were Once Presents

So I know life is rough and @dreamingoffairys and @thedarkgodmogar have been having a time of it. This is for you two because you’ve made me fall in love with your stingue kids

I just got random inspiration from idekwhere and I thought hey I can write cute kids! But I don’t know any cute kid oc’s so I took yours and here! It’s total fluff btw

Summary:  Sting has found his own happiness among family and friends. Now he realizes just how much it means to him.

Pairing(s): Stingue, Yukinerva, Orfus

Setting: Modern day Christmas AU I guess cuz I can’t do cannon

“Smile for the camera, Kaden,” Sting said holding up his phone with the video on. Kaden lifted his head of blonde curls, his round arms working extra hard to prop himself up. Once he saw Sting behind the camera he giggled, albeit drooling a little. His blue eyes seemed to sparkle as Sting circled the camera close to him.

Kaden lifted one arm after the other, trying to follow Sting’s movements but only managing to turn himself in a circle. Sting laughed as Kaden seemed to give up by shouting, “Ah!” and rolling over onto his back.

“Sting, have you seen my-” Rogue’s voice floated from the kitchen behind them as he walked into the living room where Sting and Kaden were. They voice stopped when they saw Kaden on the floor, now lifting his legs in the air and trying to grab at his feet. Rogue’s expression melted.

“Look!” Sting said holding up his phone while the video he just took played on loop. “Is it just me or are his eyes getting bluer by the day?”

Rogue looked at the phone and smiled sweetly. “He’s going to be so handsome, just like his father,” Rogue said and placed a quick kiss on the top of Sting’s messy hair. They both looked again at Kaden as he made a show of rolling around until he almost rolled under the couch. Sting had to catch him and sit him up before he could.

Kaden, now sitting closer to Sting and Rogue looked at them confused. He scrunched his eyebrows and gave them both a face that was just as unsure about what it was doing before as it was about why the before activity had stopped.

“Rogue...” Sting asked.

“Hm?”

“These kids are going to kill me with cuteness one day.”

Before either of them could say anything more there came a loud screech from down the hallway and pudgy footsteps charged towards them. “Speaking of!” Rogue said as he snatched the screaming, giggling child into the air when she passed them.

“I swear this one’s trying to start something this morning,” Rogue said as Ebony giggled wildly and squirmed in their arms. She moved so much that Rogue had a hard time keeping her under control and more than once she flipped over Rogue’s arms until she was hanging upside down, her dark hair hanging in thin locks.

“First, she tries to get into the Christmas presents early,” Rogue continues. “Then when I’m making her breakfast she keeps knocking into the counter and reaching for the surface so she can pull the plate of food on herself. When I finally sit her in the highchair she wears half of her food then dumps the other half in Kaden’s chair.” Rogue finished talking just in time for Ebony to escape their clutches and nearly fall over Kaden in her attempt to tackle hug him.

Sting laughed in spite of Rogue’s hardship and said, “She’s getting pickier by the day, that’s for sure.”

Rogue smiled. “Listen, I gotta go help Minerva pick up some last minute gifts will you be okay with them for a while?”

Sting looked at his two kids. Currently Ebony was grabbing the various lion plushies she always scattered around the house and blocking Kaden in. Kaden, in response, looked around at all the stuffed animals as if they were actually brick walls. He reached his arm out once but didn’t dare to touch the wall of plush, he simple stared confused, his mouth forming a bigger ‘o’ the more lions Ebony managed to find and stack.

“Look at that, they’re practically harmless. We’ll be fine.”

Rogue chuckled. “You say that now but are you going to call me twenty minutes later because Kaden starts throwing his dirty diapers?”

Sting gave Rogue a face and said, “Oh, ye of little faith. They’re babies, Rogue. The great Eucliffe Master can’t be bested by babies.” As if on cue Kaden made a noise somewhere between surprise and excitement. At the same time one of the lion plushies went flying straight into Sting’s cheek.

To Sting’s credit however, he barely flinched. Rogue chuckled again and moved a strand of his bangs that had fallen when the plushie struck it. “Sure. I’ll be back in an hour or so. Don’t forget to get them dressed. Everyone’s going to be here by noon.”

Sting gave his partner a salute from where he sat on the floor and Rogue thanked him with a kiss. Rogue was about to walk back into the kitchen toward the front door when they spun on a heel and said, “Oh, right, have you seen my k-” before they could finish Sting tossed them a shiny, jangling set of car keys. They caught it with ease.

“Found them on the floor where Kaden was playing,” Sting said, bringing his phone up again to photograph the playing children. “I think he knocked them off the coffee table. Had them halfway in his mouth by the time I stopped him.”

“Thanks,” Rogue said and they were out the door in the next moment.

Sting got a few more pictures of Ebony hugging her lion plushies and Kaden occasionally reaching tiny hands towards her. Then he stood up and clapped his hands making both babies look at him in confusion.

“Alright you two! It’s Christmas morning and I need to get you dressed and presentable for the gawkers that are coming to shower you with gifts later. Ready, cadets?”

Kaden just stared blankly at Sting. Ebony on the other hand gave a high pitched giggle and began running, as fast as her unsteady legs would carry her, out of the living room. Kaden smiled and tried to follow after his sister but only managed to power crawl.

“Oh no, you don’t!” Sting shouted after his two year old. He picked up Kaden along the way and chased after a giggling Ebony.

It was many hours later by the time Sting got the kids presentable and ready for the Christmas party. Rogue said how proud he was that Sting had managed to get them dressed so quickly. “And Kaden isn’t even trying to rip his clothes off,” they remarked. Sting took the compliment but kept his mouth shut.

It hadn’t been easy and in all honesty Sting only just managed to get his to-do list complete before Rogue got home. A to-do list which consisted of: cleaning the house up, keeping Kaden from knocking everything over while ripping his clothes off, and keeping Ebony from getting into every dangerous thing she sees. Still, Rogue didn’t need to know the knitty-gritty.

Now Sting was sitting in a room full of his laughing friends. The lights were dimmed so the tree Rogue, Yukino and him had decorated this year could glow properly. Sting had never felt more at peace with the world.

He had Rogue, sitting on the ground beneath his seat on the couch, both of their wonderful kids sitting as close to the tree as they can get with presents quite literally stacked higher than their heads. Sting had his friends, Yukino and Minerva taking up the last two spots on the couch, each holding one of their own twins that slept soundly somehow through the loud voices. Orga and Rufus were instructing Angus, their eight year old, to distribute presents to everyone and open up all the ones Orga got him first.

Sting watched happily. Everything was perfect to him. The way the red and gold lights on the tree reflected on everyone’s face and gave them a natural glow. The way Rogue was leaning their back into Sting’s knees so Sting could play with their hair and massage their shoulders. The way Kaden looked at every present in his lap with intensifying confusion until Angus would chuckle and pretend yell at him that he had to open the present to see what was inside.

“Open that one next, Ebby,” Rogue cooed pointing to an indigo wrapped child’s toy with patterned snowflakes. It took a few tries to get Ebony focused enough that she would find the present Rogue was pointing to but when she did she tried to hand it to Rogue.

They laughed and simply said, “No, Ebony this is your present. It’s for you.”

Ebony’s smile lit up and she stared at the present as if she couldn’t believe what Rogue had told her. Meanwhile Rogue leaned forward slightly so he could begin to tear open the side of the gift.

Once the seal was broken though Ebony had no problem ripping it open the rest of the way with glee. Every new tearing sound excited her and Sting watched her get lost in just ripping the paper until she had forgotten what was inside it.

There was an audible chorus of ‘wow’s when Ebony’s present finally revealed itself. She dropped the paper and looked at the gift. It was a round lion plush that had a rattle in the tail, an overly happy face, large eyes and for some reason a mirror on its stomach. Ebony was immediately entranced with it.

Sting leaned down to whisper to Rogue, “Why did you get one with a mirror on its stomach? It looks like the lion’s already ate her.”

Rogue shrugged and looked up at Sting through lazily combed bangs. “I didn’t even know that’s what it was. I just grabbed one of those presents from the community tree at work.”

Sting sighed. “Well, she’ll probably love it.”

“I think she’s discovered her new love,” Minerva said bouncing Jordan in her arms as she watched Ebony stare into the mirror on the stuffed lion. “Herself.”

Yukino giggled and in a baby voice said, “Who is that Ebony?” she leaned forward and pointed to the mirror. Ebony immediately reeled back as if she had just noticed the reflection.

She looked to Yukino, confusion setting in on her face. Then Ebony looked back at the mirror and squinted. She pointed a chubby finger to it as well, pushing so hard she left fingerprints.

“Hoo?” Ebony cooed looking once more at Yukino.

“Do you know who that is?” Yukino asked pointing again to the mirror. Ebony stared blankly at her and seemed to hold the lion plush a little further away from herself. “That’s you. That’s your reflection.”

Ebony’s mouth dropped as soon as the first sentence left Yukino’s mouth. She looked back at the mirror in shock and dropped it on the floor. Ebony for all the world acted as if she had just been told she’d won the million dollar lottery.

Everyone laughed and Ebony gazed at them all confused. Sting could practically see the wheels in her head turning trying to figure out what this new information meant and why they were all laughing.

In the process she picked up the plush again, held the mirror in front of Rogue and said, “You!” very proudly.

Rogue couldn’t keep a smile off his face. “Yeah, that’s right, Ebby. Good job!”

Ebony giggled so loudly Sting thought she might blow out her vocal chords making a noise like that at such a young age. Then she hugged the lion extremely close to her and ran off to join Angus trying to teach Kaden how to open presents in the most destructive way possible.

Sting, for the first time in a long time, felt he had everything he ever needed. Unprompted he leaned forward a bit, snaking his arms around Rogue and placing his chin on the top of Rogue’s head. His partner glanced up and placed one of their hands on his arms, humming contently.

Yes. These were the moments. The moments he had only dreamed of being able to experience years before. These were the times that made everything about his heartbreaking past worth living just so he could experience this moment right now.

“I love you,” Sting whispered into Rogue’s hair. Only they could hear. Rogue grabbed one of Sting’s hands and kissed it in return. Sting had said the only three words that could sum up everything about the emotions that held him captive. But it still wasn’t enough. Looking over at Angus playing sweetly with Kaden and Ebony, all of their parents watching with soft smiles, Sting knew nothing he could ever say would be enough. But maybe for right now just to enjoy this moment would fill that gap.

[oceanwaves-blog]

So I know I could leave comments on all the stories that was post since "When we take different path " started but most of the time I just don't know what to say even if the story is so good, so here's a little message to all the writers of this event: you did an incredible work! I had so much fun reading each of your stories so far and I'm looking forward for what will come next!

We don't say it often but you're all amazing and I'm so glad we're all part of this!

So thank you, all of you, for your stories that I read before I sleep or when I wake up and Thank you for your stories that I could see myself through.

@ftlgbtales

[izukillme-moved]

i don’t care!

FTLGBTales Event: When We Take Different Paths

Week 2: MLM/Slash

Pairing: Natsu Dragneel/Gray Fullbuster (Gratsu)

Prompt: I Don’t Care What Others Think!

Gray leaned across the table to tuck a lock of pink hair behind Natsu’s ear, eliciting a cute blush from his boyfriend.

“Hey,” he stated, grabbing Natsu’s hand in his, a playful smirk crossing his face.

“Yeah?” Natsu replied, confused as to why exactly Gray was sporting such an evil grin.

“You reckon we should tell Erza and Juvia that everyone knows yet?” 

“Nah,” Natsu waved his hand. “Much as I’d like to, I overheard them deciding to come out today. You know, with the lifting of the ban and all. I think it’s pretty romantic,”

Gray ‘ahh’ed in understanding, and he leaned forward across the table to press a quick kiss to Natsu’s forehead.

The blanket ban on the LGBTQ+ community, installed by (excuse Gray’s language, but that arse) King Toma Fiore, had been lifted just today, at exactly twelve a.m., by his daughter, the new Queen Hisui, who herself was dating Lucy and had come out a few hours ago. 

Fairy Tail, being the accepting community it was, had known about Gray and Natsu from the very start, but then again, they had never hidden their relationship. The guild had set up protected dating sites for Gray and Natsu to enjoy small romantic moments together, but being out in the open, knowing no police would come beat them up, felt so freeing.

Natsu lifted his head so his lips were touching Gray’s. Gray twined his fingers in Natsu’s, and they began to kiss.

Gray jerked away from his boyfriend when he felt a tap on his shoulder. A burly guy who looked to be in his fifties stood there, his thin, sour-looking - wife? girlfriend? sister? - behind him.

“Yeah?” Gray asked. The man seemed irritated. “Anything wrong, dude?”

“Yeah, look, man, I know you guys are now legal and all that crap, but some people are trying to eat in here. So do you mind, like, taking it outside? My wife and I would like to have our food in peace, thanks. Name’s Kyle, by the way.” the man - Kyle - said, mouth twisted unpleasantly.

Gray felt his hackles rise.

“Excuse me?” he said, standing up. He towered easily a foot over ‘Kyle’.

“Did you just ask me and my boyfriend if we mind, and I quote ‘taking it outside‘? Then, yes, I very much mind.”

“Gray,“ Natsu tried, tugging on his wrist. “People are staring. We should just go.“

“No!“ Gray shouted. “I don’t care what they think. I don’t care. They can gossip about us all they like. It’s not going to halve our love. I’m not going to stop. Just because it wasn’t legal doesn’t mean it wasn’t right.” turning back to Kyle, “and you should know where to shove it. What do you mean by ‘in peace’? I could say the same when you were noisily trying to eat her face off and we just ignored you. Were we disturbing you in any way? No. DHD, door’s right there. If you don’t wanna leave, I have a pretty good high kick.“

The man sputtered, turning purple and whirling around. 

“Come, Lillian, let’s go.” he said to his wife, who nodded sourly. Both departed from the cafe, and Gray smirked in victory. 

The boys’ date went smoothly after that, with the one exception of Natsu asking as they ate their ice-cream, “What’s DHD?”

Gray smirked. 

“Dear Homophobic Dick.“ he said proudly.

Ice-cream sprayed all over Gray’s face not a second after that.

“NATSU, THAT’S DISGUSTING!“

[gaymirajane]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Fairy Tail Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Laxus Dreyar/Freed Justine, Mentioned Erza Scarlet/Mirajane Strauss, Mentioned Elfman Strauss/Evergreen Additional Tags: Surrogacy, Established Relationship Series: Part 44 of ♡ 100 WAYS TO SAY "I LOVE YOU" ♡, Part 5 of P-R-I-D-E Summary:

Evergreen offers Freed and Laxus the greatest gift of all.

I started a collection for all of my ft fics including parenting / my next gen ocs. dm me if interested!!

This is for @ft-wwtdp day two, gift

[faery-snow]

Was it you who wrote the fic of Freed fucking Laxus at the graveyard? Because I just got reminded of it and how fucking sexy it was in a weird way and how Freed's twisted enough to propose that idea lol

Yes, that was me!! Thank you so much!!! Hehe I had so much fun writing Ghostly Against My Skin because it’s true, it’s such a Dark-Freed kink hehe. And I never would have if it weren’t for @mdelpin and their awesome WWTDP event idea!!!

[sassyhazelowl]

Fairy Tail Pride

Day 18 Prompt: “I promised not to fall in love and that I wouldn’t drink too much” Pairing: gay!Sting x demi-ace!Rogue Additional Notes: For anon who asked for demi Rogue, although they did not specify a pairing, so I chose who Rogue is closest to in canon (that isn’t a cat). Fun fact, I re-wrote this fic three times. Thank you @tbehartoo for helping me out. @ft-wwtdp

                                                      ~*~

If Rogue had known how the night was going to go down, he would’ve stayed home. Seriously. Making two promises he couldn’t keep in one night was a real blow.

First, Rogue was partial to the hard liquor. He knew it, Sting knew it, everyone knew it. His tolerance level wasn’t half bad either, but he was a major stress drinker.

Second, Rogue wasn’t expecting to be hit like a lightning bolt in the middle of the dance floor, doing what he’d done for years - goofing around with his best friend. One moment he’s being dragged out to dance, the next he’s having very disturbing thoughts and feelings about said friend that definitely weren’t there moments ago, days ago, weeks ago or years ago.

“Rogue, you ok, there?” Sting’s blue eyes twinkled in the low light and his earring glistened.  Rogue’s eyes slid down his chest, The beat blared behind them and the world twirled around them. Rogue couldn’t process or deal.

Thump.

“So, no,” Sting answered himself cheerfully, “Rogue, you always do this! You need to lay off for once and enjoy a night out without getting yourself plastered, bud.”

Rogue nearly slithered out of his skin when he felt a hefty thump and sweaty body land next to him in the booth. The empty glasses rattled softly at the impact, reminding him he hadn’t even been acquainted with restraint the entire evening. Sting’s big hand made a smaller thump as it landed on his hunched shoulders and started rubbing with affectionate comfort.

It was no different than any other night at the club, really, but it was also nothing like those other nights, and Rogue urgently wanted to vomit when he considered it. Only Sting’s lap and obscenely expensive shoes stopped him from decorating the table and his own lap.

“Sting, air…” it felt so needy to ask, and if it weren’t Sting, he wouldn’t have. But he trusted Sting not to make an issue out of it, or to drop him. He trusted Sting for so many things.

“Okay then, up you go!” Not only did the other Dragon Slayer have a supernatural tolerance for alcohol, he had a sweet tooth that should knock him unconscious, yet he never seemed impaired. The drunker he got, the louder and more cheerful he was, but he talked and walked just fine and never threw up or got hungover. Rogue hated him sometimes but it was hard to hold a grudge against his good fortune when he used it to haul Rogue’s uncooperative body outside to cool down. “Whoops, steady there.” Rogue nearly cried as Sting saved him from the pavement by crushing him bodily against the wall. All that filled his nose was Sting’s musky scent, and the only thing he could focus on was Sting’s touch and all that he heard was Sting’s breathing.

“R-rogue…” the panic in his friend’s voice nearly made him stop, he should stop, but it was so hard to resist. “What… dude, you’re really drunk if you’re sucking my shoulder. Ouch, no biting. Let’s get you home.”

Rogue was drunk but he wasn’t gone.

Reluctantly, he leaned his weight back on the wall and let the back of his skull clunk on the bricks. It felt good enough he did it a few more times before Sting stopped him by gently cupping the back of his neck. It felt strangely good and right and he felt like he might be turning his legs into noodles.

“Why’d you do that, Rogue?” Sting’s voice held a note of timid curiosity but his eyes were hopeful. Rogue looked away, feeling the pressure baring down, “I-I’m not sure.”

His toes curled in his shoes as Sting leaned his face closer, “Would you like to try a bit higher?”

Rogue pondered the offer before swaying on his tiptoes to press a sloppy kiss on Sting’s nose earning a muffled snort-laugh from the man.

His blue eyes twinkled merrily, “Here.”

The kiss pressed to his lips was feather-light, a mere brush, and at this point he’d put his arms around Sting’s shoulders to steady himself. It felt so familiar he thought nothing of leaning his head against Sting, just for another deep sniff, and the feeling of safety that engulfed him. It didn’t occur to him to keep kissing.

“Finally gave in to my charm, huh?”

“No,” Rogue instinctively retorted feeling soberness creeping up. But he made no effort to move, content, trusting Sting to take care of him. Sting appeared perfectly content to do just that, solid as a rock. Rogue winced at the cramp in his calf and shifted what seemed like ages later. “Sting?”

“Yeah.”

“Thank you.”

“Anytime,” came the sincere, easy response. Sting added, “We should go home.”

Rogue didn’t answer, his eyelids drooping. He didn’t comment when they turned away from the direction of his apartment. The trip was spent in a companionable silence, Sting lending a steadying hand and shoulder. It wasn’t different and yet it was.

Had Rogue not been filled with liquid courage, he might have panicked or denied the shift between them the night had brought. He’d already told Sting he wasn’t interested, that he wasn’t interested in anyone, and it was always like that. They’d known each other since they were kids  - Sting was always going on and on about some crush or other, some celebrity lust or other, and Rogue never did. And now he was going back on that? He worried Sting might think he’d been faking or that Minerva would give him a glare that said see, you like him you dolt. That he’d been broken before and somehow Sting had fixed him... the worries were endless, if he thought about them.

“Rogue.”

“What?”

“Your overthinking,” Sting chided, flicking his forehead before letting go to fumble to put in the magic code for the door. A small chime greeted them and the door slid open, a wave of smell hit Rogue from inside the apartment. It smelled clean but also of Sting, Lector and the scents of home.

He retorted archly, “I’m not.”

“I thought you weren’t into me.”

“I wasn’t.” Rogue wasn’t, hadn’t been.

“But now you are?” Sting pressed, “Rogue, I need to know if this is a weird fluke where you morphed into an affection drunk who won’t remember it tomorrow, so I can joke it off.”

“I...I think I am,” Rogue admitted quietly, careful to kick off his shoes. Sting had a shoe-free apartment and the rule was implemented strictly. For all his careless, cocky bluster, the man was particular about his living space and personal hygiene. “I… Sting, please don’t joke it off. Let me figure things out. This is… new… to me.”

Sting sighed in surrender, never able to deny Rogue a genuine request, “No promises, but I’ll try. You know I don’t like being played with, Rogue. My heart is a big ol’ softy about relationships.”

Rogue nearly snapped he’d never play games and he’d always wanted a romantic relationship but was worried about the sex but instead grabbed Sting’s hand, tugging him towards the sanctuary of the bedroom. Sting was right; he was a big softy. Last time his boyfriend had broken up with him he’d been an inconsolable mess and stayed single ever since. Rogue vividly remembered because he’d been there to pick up the pieces. He never imagined he might be the heartbreaker, and that scared him.

“Bed, now,” Rogue grumped, much too sober now. He flopped down on the other side before sighing, knowing he wouldn’t sleep like this, and inching his way over. Tangling up, he cuddled in tight, letting Sting’s heartbeat lull him. Before the liquor totally left him, he murmured into the broad chest before him, “Sting, I love you.”

“Of course you do.”

“No jokes,” Rogue warned and Sting sniped back, “No half-truths.”

“Deal.”

He nearly drifted off when he heard the whisper so tiny he might have imagined it, “I love you too. Always have. Always will. Trust me enough to tell me when you’re ready; that’s all I ask.”

[dreamingoffairys]

Teardrops & Coffee Chapter 9

Hello hello everyone! Thank you so much for your positive feedback on Chapter 8! It made me feel great after that long hiatus, and I'm super inspired for continuing this fic now ;) 

Sorry that I didn't get this chapter up as soon as I expected, I've been busy with school, my job, and with the WWTDP event (not to mention coordinating Stingue week!). So yeaah, I'm busy. Lmao. Thankfully, I've already begun working on Chapter 10, so hopefully that will be done by the end of the month!

I hope you enjoy this chapter, it's chalk full of new characters. Sting's finally going to make some more friends!

[Sidenote, kudos to @splendidlyimperfect for inspiring me to add genderfluid Freed to this fanfic!]

AO3 LINK HERE.

Sting felt like today was destined to be a shitfest no matter what actually happened.

He didn’t sleep at all the night before, so heartbroken from Rogue leaving that he couldn’t relax. It didn’t help that today was apparently club day, which meant that if you wanted to join a club, you had to go the main square on campus to check out all the booths.

Although Sting originally had been really excited for club day, now he was dreading it. Rogue would probably be there. Hell, Rogue might even be in a club he’s interested in. And if there’s one thing Sting does not want to do today, it’s talk to Rogue. In fact, he doesn’t even want to see Rogue. What the hell was that asshole’s problem anyways? Why had he took off so suddenly last night? It still infuriated him beyond belief.

In a moment of sobbing rage, Sting had blocked and deleted Rogue’s number last night. Looking back on it, that was one of the dumbest things he could’ve done, but it was too late to go back on it now. Sting is going to be Rogue free for the next few days, no matter what. He needs time to cool off at the very least before trying to confront Rogue about everything that happened.

Currently, Sting finds himself in the library after his English class, fuming over the required reading due next class. The words swim before his tired eyes, blurring together and becoming even more of a confusing mush than before. “Fucking dammit-!” Sting hisses, nearly knocking over his Cup Noodles sitting on the table beside him. “I fucking hate this! I fucking can’t-”

The sound of someone clearing his throat jolts him so much that this time, he actually does knock the noodles over. “Shit-!” Fortunately, he manages to grab them before it spills much, just splashing a bit of hot broth on his white sweatshirt. “Fucking-”

“Could you please keep it down the library, please?” the stranger says, and Sting looks up at him to send him give his best death glare. “Some of us are actually trying to study,” the guy scoffs. Sting gets a good look at him before saying anything. The man has long dirty blond hair, greenish brown eyes, a pair of thick red glasses, and is wearing a white button-down shirt.

Sting shoots him a nasty look. “Look, I was trying to study too. Mind your own business.”

The man raises an eyebrow at Sting. “You more looked like you were getting frustrated and swearing loudly. Oh, and spilling things.”

Sting fumes and slams the book shut. “I’m really not in the mood. I didn’t sleep at all last night, and I’m fighting with the person who usually helps me study.”

The man stands up and walks over to Sting’s table. “Oh. I’m sorry for being rude, then. I simply thought you were causing a disturbance.” He gestures to the book Sting’s reading. “Pride and Prejudice?”

“Unfortunately,” Sting grumbles, rolling up his sleeves to hide the yellow stain from the shitty processed broth of his early lunch. He keeps speaking without thinking, too annoyed and tired to process his thoughts before he voices them, “It’s a bunch of heterosexual nonsense.”

The man with glasses laughs and sinks into the seat besides Sting. “Slightly. But I quite enjoy it. I wrote a 10 page paper on it last semester.” He pushes his glasses up his nose. “What is your name? If I’m going to help you, we should at least be acquainted. I am Rufus Lore.”

Sting blinks, surprised by everything about this man’s reaction. “Uhhh...I’m Sting. Sting Eucliffe. I’m new here this semester, so...I’m kind of overwhelmed.”

Rufus nods and clicks his tongue, “I remember the feeling. I do not fault you for being frustrated, then. I’m assuming literature is not your strong suit?”

Sting shakes his head, “I’m majoring in Computer Sciences. Which is funny, actually, because I’m bad at math too.”

Rufus laughs softly, “A...friend of mine is majoring in Music, but his voice is terrible. No one has told him yet. I do not want to be the person to burst that bubble.”

Sting nods and sets Pride and Prejudice back down on the table. “I don’t blame you.” He cracks the book open, goes back to the page he was on, and starts to read aloud:

"His pride," said Miss Lucas, "does not offend me so much as pride often does, because there is an excuse for it. One cannot wonder that so very fine a young man…”

About an hour ticked by for Sting and Rufus, and by the end of the study session, Sting felt more level-headed and prepared for class than ever. He had two pages of notes in his composition notebook, as well as some annotations in the actual book itself. Before leaving, Rufus gave Sting his phone number so they could text back and forth if Sting had any questions. Rufus even promised that if they met up again, Rufus would bring his own, fully annotated copy with him and let Sting read through it.

Sting left the library with a grin on his face, not caring that his sweater has a stain on it or that he and Rogue aren’t talking, because he’s prepared for the English discussion. This is probably the first time in his damn life he’s felt this confident about it! He’s going to strut in there and be the most educated motherfucker in the whole room. All the boys are gonna stare at him in awe, and all the girls are gonna be envious of his rad analyzing skills. Fuck yeah, he’s gonna show them!

That excellent mood is immediately shattered by the sight of far too many booths all spread out in front of the library. Shit. He’d almost forgotten about club day! Sting checks his reflection in his phone camera and grimaces. He looks like total shit, dark circles and all, with his hair an ungelled disaster crammed into a dirty beanie. Not only that, his sweater looks stupid rolled up at the sleeves like this, and the skinny jeans he’s wearing weren’t originally supposed to be ripped. Oh well. He was going to have to wing it.

He walks out into the crowd, having to push past quite a few overly enthusiastic sorority girls. One of them has long white hair and smiles at Sting kindly when he moves by, and she’s the only one who doesn’t make him extremely uncomfortable. The others stare at him as he passes, and he feels like he’s at high school all over again being ogled by the cheerleaders as a target either to flirt with or to criticize.

Once he manages to squeeze through, he takes a look around at the booths. He sees a sign reading “Improv Club” in sparkly letters with the two drama masks on it, and behind the booth is a familiar redhead and blue haired man with a tattoo on his face. Beside them stands an orange haired man with glasses, who is talking to a girl while clearly flirting with her. Nooo thanks.

Next he sees the Earth Club, a group of students with green t-shirts tending to little plants, talking passionately to bystanders about recycling, or handing out pamphlets about water conservation. Sting spots Yukino next to a girl in overalls with braided pigtails and smiles at her awkwardly. To his surprise, Yukino smiles and waves back, clearly unaware of the drama going on between Rogue and Sting.

Sting’s eyes skim over the signs for some other clubs...Dance Club, Chess Club (it’s there he spots Rufus), Debate Club, Video Game Club (where Natsu is hard to miss, screaming at some heavy-set man about cheating), and Acapella Club.

Finally, Sting spots the club he came here to join: the LGBT+ club. But before he can walk over there and introduce himself, a voice echoes through the speakers set up in the grass. “Hi everyone! My name is Jenny Realight, and I’m your Student Body President for this semester! And this here is Hibiki Lates, my amazing Vice President.”

Sting sighs with annoyance and glances up at where the two of them are standing. Jenny Realight looks like a stereotypical sorority girl like you see in the movies: sorority shirt, tight jean shorts that show off her legs, long blond hair curled perfectly, and makeup that’s visible from here. Beside her stands Hibiki Lates, a slender young man with “handsomely messy” hair and a dazzling smile. They both made Sting feel even more pissed off than he already was. They were the kind of people he’d prefer not to associate with.

And so, he walks across the way towards the people he did want to associate with. There are people behind the booth, all sporting various pride pins and sitting in folding chairs. On the far left is a brown-haired woman with a bisexual pin wearing a crop top and maroon jeans, her sandaled feet up on the table, drinking out of a matte dark blue water bottle. In the center is just an empty chair, but Sting sees a white jacket draped over the back. On the right is a person with long green hair wearing a red jacket with a genderfluid pin and a gay pin. Sting already felt very welcomed.

“Err...hi, my name’s Sting Eucliffe, I’m new here…” He bites his lip nervously, then carries on. “And I’m uhm, I’m gay, and I was wondering if I could join the club.”

“Obviously,” the brown-haired girl grins lazily and hiccups, and it’s then that Sting realizes that water bottle definitely contains something stronger than water. “I’m Cana, and this is Freed. Hold on one sec, I’ll call Lyon over to get you signed up.” She takes a huge swig from her water bottle, hiccups, then turns her head and shouts over her shoulder, “OI! LYON! GET YOUR GAY ASS OVER HERE, WE GOT SOMEONE WANTING TO JOIN!”

The green-haired person (Freed?) smiles kindly at Sting. “Thank you for considering joining. We’re always happy to have new members.”

Sting grins and rubs the back of his neck. “Thanks. Uhm...sorry, I don’t mean to be rude but ah...your pronouns?”

“Oh!” Freed sits up a little taller, looking proud, smiling wider. “That’s not rude at all! In fact, I appreciate your consideration. They/them, please.”

Sting nods, mentally filing that way. “Okay, gotcha. They/them. Easy enough to remember.” He flashes Freed a shy smile, and they beam back at him.

“Ahem!”

Sting’s head snaps up at the sound of someone clearing their throat, then does a double take. The man standing above him was perhaps one of the most...eccentric...people he’s met so far. His hair, dyed bright white, has so much gel in it Sting swears he can see it shine in the sunlight even from under the cover of the booth. The man’s eyes are lined with black eyeliner, and he has a bit of white glitter on his eyelids. The top he wears is a black cropped sweater with light blue writing on it that says DRAMA QUEEN in big bold letters with a crown on the “Q”. A pansexual pride pin sits right over his heart, attached to the “shirt” (if you could even call it that). His pants are tight light-washed skinny jeans, and he tops off the look with a white belt with a sparkly buckle. Sting feels like he’s just walked into a gay bar and met one of the strippers.

The man shoots Sting a smug smile, then extends a hand. “Hello! I’m Lyon Vastia, I’m the Vice President of the LGBT+ club. Oh, and I’m also a member of the Improv Club, which you should join as well, we could always use new members.” He eyes Sting for a moment, the smirk widening. “I have a feeling you’d fit right in.”

Is he...flirting with me?! Sting screams mentally, feeling like he’s falling into some alternate dimension. He’s too stunned to shake Lyon’s hand, simply staring at the man in front of him in embarrassment.

Cana rolls her eyes and leans back further in her chair. “Lyon, chill. You’re scaring the poor kid shitless.”

Lyon sighs and passes Sting a sign-up sheet on a clipboard. “I’m simply trying to be a good host, Cana, because one of us has to.” He quirks an eyebrow in the direction of Cana’s ���water” bottle, then clears his throat again and turns back to Sting. “If you sign and put your phone number down here, we’ll contact you about all club events. We meet every Wednesday at 3pm in Professor Bob’s classroom, our first meeting is next week.”

Sting takes the clipboard and the pen. There are four columns on the page, each with a question. What is your name? What is your phone number? What are your preferred pronouns? Are you out or closeted?*

Sting follows the page to the asterisk, finding a small note that says We simply ask this because we may sometimes do on-campus events, and if you are not out yet or are uncomfortable in participating in pride events, we won’t put you on the sign up list for responsibilities for set-up, etc.

Sting smiles at how considerate this is, then scans the list of names. Is Rogue…?

Returning Members:

Lyon Vastia (he/him), out.

Cana Alberona (she/her), out.

Freed Justine (they/them), out.

Meredy Fernandez (she/her), out.

Juvia Lockser (she/her), kind of…

Hibiki Lates (he/him), out.

Sting pauses for a second, blinking at that last name. Wasn’t that the guy from Student Government? Sting suddenly felt bad for prejudging him.

New Members:

Lisanna Strauss (she/her or they/them), out.

Flare Corona (she/her), out.

Kagura Mikasuki (she/her), closeted.

Eve Tearm (he/him), closeted.

Sting lets out a sigh at the lack of Rogue’s name, then realizes he has no idea if it was a sigh of relief or a sigh of disappointment. Pushing away his confusing feelings, he answers the questions: Sting Eucliffe, his phone number, he/him, and I’m out & proud.

He hands the clipboard back to Lyon and finally manages a smile again. “Thank you. I can’t wait for the first meeting. I wish I’d had this opportunity back in high school, I haven’t had enough queer friends throughout my life.”

“Ain’t that the truth,” Cana tips back more liquid from her water bottle. “I’ll drink to that.”

Freed looks at Sting supportively. “Well, you’ve come to the right place. That’s why we’re here, to provide a safe space, spread awareness, and to help LGBT+ students meet other people like them.”

“All great goals.” Sting adjusts his beanie nervously, feeling his anxiety kick in just a bit. Do these people actually like me…? What if after the first meaning they decide they don’t want me there anymore…? “Well, um, thanks for helping me out...I should get going now, I’ve got homework to do.”

“Wait, Sting, before you leave,” Lyon holds out a hand, and Sting turns to look at him. “You’re a freshman, right?”

Sting nods, “Yeah, I’m totally new...only my second week here.”

Lyon shoots him a smile. “Then you probably haven’t been to a party yet, have you?”

“Oh shit!” Cana exclaims, her chair landing back on all fours with a thunk . “Yeah! This guy named Orga throws fucking awesome ragers, and most of the people at his parties are either queer or just hella chill with everything. If you wanna meet more LGBT+ people, you should totally come.”

Freed nods, “They are a great way to relieve some stress.”

“There’s one tomorrow night,” Lyon folds his arms across his chest. “Orga’s brother has a fairly big flat like 5 minutes from the campus, he lets everyone come over and party. If you want to come, we can meet out by the front sign?”

“Look,” Sting holds his hands up, “I appreciate the offer, but like, I’m not really interested in you-”

Lyon snorts. “I got that part. I was just teasing you. I’m inviting you as a friend. Think of me as your mentor in the college life of an LGBT+ person.” He moves his hands to his hips, smirking proudly. “I’m taking you under my wing.”

Cana laughs into her water bottle, “Pffft, please don’t. Remember what happened last time?”

Lyon sighs dramatically, “Oh, you bitch, it wasn’t even my fault. Why’d you have to bring that up?”

“Um-” Sting stammers out, starting to feel overwhelmed and anxious. “I’ll think about it! Um, you have my number on the sheet, ah, text me when you’re at the sign and...and I’ll let you know if I’m coming or not. Thanks!”

Not wanting to be there any longer, Sting takes off through the square towards the dorm rooms, wanting nothing more than to collapse into bed and watch Brooklyn Nine-Nine until he passed out. To his relief, he makes it there without running into anyone he knows, and immediately strips down to his boxers and socks and face-plants onto his bed. He jams his earbuds into his ears and pulls up Netflix, finally feeling relaxed with his stomach full of budget ramen and his body resting on the comfort of his favorite blankets.

He’s getting better, very slowly, day by day. His anxiety is something he pretends doesn’t exist, but the more it resurfaces, the more he realizes that repressing it only makes it worse. Now that he’s acknowledged it, he can tell when he needs a break from social interaction like this. The best thing to do is to detox by being naked (or mostly naked, since he had a roommate and he didn’t want Laxus to walk in and see his bare ass sticking out) and making himself laugh.

After a few episodes, his phone buzzes with a text message. For a split second Sting forgets that he blocked Rogue’s number and feels a spike of both anxiety and excitement, hurriedly clicking on the banner without even reading it. Instead, the message is a notification saying he’s been added to the group “Magnolia University LGBT+ Club”.

Both relieved and disappointed at the same time, Sting dumps his phone onto his nightstand amongst the food wrappers and Coke cans, and then buries his face into his pillow and lets sleep overtake him.

[ftlgbtales]

When We Take Different Paths

Event Details:

What is it?

When we Take Different Paths is a 5 week art/writing event that will take place from October 1st-31st of 2018. Every week will explore and celebrate  a different aspect of lgbt including- wlw/femslash, mlm/slash, gender identities and sexual identities. The last 3 days will be reserved for Halloween.

What types of entries will be accepted?

We will accept art, fiction (drabbles, one-shots and multi chapter), edits (videos, gifsets, aesthetics) and head canons. Please use the tag wwtdp for all submissions. All work must be original to the person entering it.

Is there a minimum word count?

No there isn’t we will be accepting everything from drabbles all the way to multi-chapter fics.

Is there any content that will not be allowed?

No entries containing references to pedophilia, incest or character bashing will be accepted. All entries should treat their subject matter respectfully.

Can I submit a new chapter to a published fiction as my entry?

All work must be previously unpublished. New chapters of an already published work will not be accepted, however a stand alone one-shot based on an existing work is acceptable.

Do the characters involved have to be in a romantic/sexual relationship or can I write them platonically?

You are welcome to write them either way. Choosing a pairing only means that your fiction will revolve around the two of them, how they interact is entirely up to your imagination.

Will you accept smut or pwp in your event?

Yes, you are welcome to submit this type of fiction as long as you tag and rate it appropriately, and follow all the other event rules (no pedophilia, characters are not demeaned or dehumanized).

How should I rate my fanfiction?

You should use the AO3 Guidelines . Please make sure to tag for any potential triggers.

When is the deadline to submit?

We will be accepting entries as early as September 16th. We will have a collection available on AO3 for every week where you can submit your fiction, or you can submit to our website or our blog @ftlgbtales​. All entries will be reblogged on our tumblr. We will accept entries throughout the month of October but we will still reblog any late entries.

If we have not answered your question please feel free to send us an ask and we’ll get back to you as quickly as possible. There are no stupid questions! You can also find more information on our website

[ft-wwtdp]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Fairy Tail Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Natsu Dragneel/Gray Fullbuster Characters: Gray Fullbuster, Natsu Dragneel Additional Tags: diamory, skoliosexuality, Genderfluid Character, Renaissance Faires, Cosplay, Genderswap, Anal Sex, Blow Jobs, Public Sex, Public Nudity, Shameless Smut, Plot What Plot/Porn Without Plot, 1600s sex slang Series: Part 29 of When We Take Different Paths Summary:

Gray and his datemate Natsu are cosplaying at the Renaissance Faire, but take a break to do mischief…staying in character all the while.

(Fic #7 for When We Take Different Paths sexuality week.)

Submitted by @friendlyneighborhoodfairy

[littlemissheartfilia]

What My Reflection Is

Part of my contribution to @ftlgbtales first October event and personally one of my favorite additions to The Rolling Pin universe.

Summary: Sting Eucliffe's day could not get any worse. He was drowning in responsibilities, stress, and just plain losing control of reality. Little does Sting know how much his friends already see his struggle. So he learns that no matter what Rogue will be there for him.

Pairing(s): Stingue, Yukinerva

Setting:  Modern day AU. This exists within a universe I set up in a OS ages ago. The OS is The Rolling Pin if you wanna check it out on AO3? Also takes place the morning after Protect What’s Yours. Not at all necessary to read those in order to understand this though, everything’s self explanatory.

Sting looked out of the arched brick windows wishing he could find their beauty today. Every day since he started working at The Rolling Pin coffee/bakery shop he had loved to stare out those windows. Vines framed the sides of the glass, hanging in perfect aesthetic formation with the red brick of the building.

Only a month into living in Sabertooth square and working this job and Sting had already filled a scrapbook with various polaroids, prints and scraps of memories from his time working here. He liked looking back at the scrapbook sometimes when the pressure of being on his own in a new place got to him.

Yes this place was lovely, but today the beauty of it fell on blind eyes. Sting found nothing about today lovely at all. When he moved here he had still had some money left over in a bank account for emergencies. But now that so many weeks had passed most of that was gone to handle rent and daily expenses.

Sure he had a job but cashiering at the local bakery meant he was only rolling in doubt and uncertainty rather than the big bucks. He’d been trying for a long time now to make a name for himself as a photographer but every post on his website was like screaming into the void. No one heard and no one cared. To top it all off Sting hadn’t had the money to keep paying his medical bills and had fallen behind on his T in favor to keep paying rent. And when he fell behind on his T bad things happened. This time he’d started bleeding.

So here was Sting, bleeding and in pain, hunched over the counter at his work watching customers happily munch on their donuts. Even the sight of food made his stomach churn. He hadn’t eaten anything all day but at this point he doubted he could even force food down his throat.

He had tried for most of his shift to ignore the pain and his humiliation but he still had two more hours to go and Sting was ready to drown himself under the nozzle of the coffee maker while it was on full blast. At least he was here alone with Yukino, so no one else had to see his shame. The particular no one he was worried about was Rogue. Saturday’s were his days off and the bakery was small enough to be run smoothly by him and Yukino, so Sting was safe for today.

Or so Sting thought. No sooner had he told himself it was a good thing his boss wasn’t here than did the wind chimes sound, signaling the front door opening, and Rogue strut in. He was in the most dressed down apparel Sting had ever seen on him, just jeans and a Tee that featured the logo of some heavy metal band Sting didn’t recognize.

But his hair was still pulled back into that too attractive ponytail and Sting’s knees grew weaker than they already were. He nearly bit down on his tongue in shock. Sting quickly stood up straight, definitely not leaning his head into his hand with a bored expression while at work behind the counter. Definitely not unprofessional.

“Heeyy,” Sting called trying to let the word drag out so Rogue would think it was nothing more than a friendly greeting.

“Afternoon, Sting,” Rogue said naturally flashing him a perfect smile. Yukino came around the corner carrying a tub of dirty dishes and stopped by Rogue with a sweet smile.

“Hello, Rogue. I thought you didn’t like to come in on Saturdays?”

Rogue chuckled and scratched at the back of his neck. Even the way he rose his arms was attractive. God, I’m so gay. Sting thought as another wave of pain hit him and he scowled. And miserable...oh yeah. He quickly looked away, pretending to be busy messing with the pastry display even though it was already arranged to perfect symmetry.

“I don’t,” Rogue replied. “But apparently Minerva forgot the books here yesterday so she asked me to get them.”

Yukino sighed and said in an overly sweet voice, “She’s still hung over huh?”

Rogue gave a half scoff half chuckle. “Yeah. But she insists on doing the finances. I even told her to take today off but she wouldn’t have it.”

Yukino’s laugh was as lovely as the wind chimes on the front door. “She tries very hard, doesn’t she?”

“Almost too hard,” Rogue agreed. “Anyway keep up the good work.” Rogue gave her a pat on the arm and she nodded, disappearing behind the door of the kitchen with her tub of dishes.

Rogue walked over by the counter where Sting was still fumbling with the pastries. “How are you holding up?” came Rogue’s deep voice. Even though Sting knew he was there he hadn’t been expecting a chat and the sudden address startled him. He jumped, hitting his head off the top of the glass display.

“Ah!” Sting yelped rubbing at the top of his messy head of hair. Gods he hoped he didn’t look as horrible as he felt. Up close like this Rogue would definitely notice. “Jus-Just fine,” Sting said none too convincingly.

Rogue raised an eyebrow. “I’m sorry I had to call you in today. But after Lucy left to go pursue her big writer’s break we’ve been short some really capable workers.”

Sting shrugged. “‘Is fine. Liquor doesn’t get to me as much as it does Minerva.” Sting tried for a chuckle but even to him he sounded unenthusiastic. “Glad I can be your secondhand fill in, though.” Ah yes, the only thing Sting knew how to do when nervous. Self-deprecate your way into a joke and out of a conversation.

Rogue gave him a patient smile as he moved behind Sting and began searching the register drawers for the book of the store’s income and expenses. “You’re much more than that by now, Sting. You’re part of the family.”

Sting scoffed and returned to trying to look busy, this time he chose a rag from his waist apron pocket and wiped down non-existent spots on the counter. “We’re a family now? What does that make me, the adopted son you just can’t wait to send back into the system or the step-child that’s only in the family from a previous marriage?”

Rogue gave him a sly look and tried for a chuckle. If Rogue was going to say more Sting never got to hear it. A horrible retching sound came from the front of the store. There was a taller glass display that held the pastry specials on top of the register counter. So his view was blocked but Sting saw enough to catch a little kids head ducking by a table and the sound that followed after it.

Rogue lifted an eyebrow. “That makes you the poor sap who gets to clean that up,” he finished. Sting groaned and feigned annoyance but he knew better than to argue with the boss.

Groggily he stepped out from behind the counter and walked over to where a very distraught mother was soothing her sons back while he groaned into a napkin. As soon as Sting approached she looked up horrified. Sting didn’t think he looked that bad today?

“Is everything ok?” Sting asked in his nicest voice.

The mother was the one to reply, shaking her brown head of hair. “I think he just had too much to eat.” Then she leaned into her son and whispered into his ear though Sting could still hear it, “I told you you should have stayed home today, you’re not well enough.”

The son grimaced but he was done puking and he pulled the cloth from his mouth to grumble, “‘m fine, mom.” He spat into the napkin, folded it and wiped his mouth once more with the clean end.

Sting looked over the contents of the boys stomach on the floor. Crouching down Sting made eye contact with the kid who had to be little older than twelve. “Do you want a water or anything? On the house?”

The kid gave him a nasty side eye up and down then turned his head away. “You’re bleeding through your pants,” he said loudly and clearly. Sting’s eyes shot wide open. “Gross, get away from me, fag.”

“Markus!” the mother reprimanded before shoving her child to the front door and barely looking Sting’s way. Subconsciously Sting looked down, he was indeed bleeding through his only pair of white pants. It had gotten so bad a blotchy spot even appeared on the small section that hung down from his navy blue apron.

When he stood up he could practically feel liquid running down his leg and to make things worse that kid’s outburst had every eye in the small bakery staring at him. Someone shuffled behind the counter and Sting turned to see Rogue staring blankly at him. Soon Rogue’s eyebrows scrunched together and he began to walk around the side of the counter, abandoning the little black book they used for their finances in his stride.

Sting swallowed roughly. His heart was pounding, he couldn’t stop sweating and that puke right under his nose made him queasy. Top it off with Rogue’s confused gaze as he strode forward and Sting wanted nothing more than to evaporate.

Before Rogue could reach him Sting stumbled backwards and held up a hand. “I’ll get the mop,” he said and practically ran to the back room.

Yukino caught sight of him from the open door to the kitchen, her gaze curiously following his movements completely unaware of anything that just happened. She must have sensed Sting’s urgency though as he ripped an empty mop bucket from under the industrial sink and began filling it.

Yukino walked over, concern in her face. “Are you-”

“No,” Sting answered curtly without any explanation, already starting to rip off his ruined apron. “Rogue needs a mop out there,” he said then left the back room, with the tap still running water into the bucket, to slip between the register counter to the customers bathroom. It was the only bathroom they had in this place. He locked the door with finality praying to any god that would listen that Rogue hadn’t just witnessed everything he thought he had.

It wasn’t like Sting had ever formally come out before. By the time he realized he was trans it was senior year in high school and his father had helped him so much with the transition. But he was about the only person who did. Sting’s slow transformation didn’t go unnoticed by the students or faculty but he had never really told anyone either.

His senior year didn’t end like all the other kids did; in happy memories and scholarships for college. His senior year ended in medical bills and miserable life experiences. This town was supposed to be an out from that. Sabertooth Square was supposed to be his do over.

It had worked for a while. He found friends that took him for who he was and he never had to explain to them his gender. Though they never knew him in the past so they probably wouldn’t have known anyway. Well they definitely wouldn’t have known if this didn’t just happen.

“Oh my god…” Sting breathed, beginning to hyperventilate. “Did that really just happen?” He stared at himself in the mirror and nearly flinched. He looked so pale, a few of his tan freckles stood out. But they were usually so light that they couldn’t be seen on his face. Only when he was sick or low on blood sugar was he ever pale enough for them to show. He didn’t think he was either right now but so much was wrong with today why not add another thing to the list?

Sting’s blonde hair was messy, sticking back in spikes like it usually does but the front was limp and sweaty. He had bags under his eyes that he didn’t think were there before but maybe the flourescent lights of the bathroom were just getting to him. He hated his own reflection. He began to despise the reflection that stared back at him with such uncertain eyes, just like he had years before his transition. All that anguish he felt was just swimming under their glossy surface begging to come out.

He blinked a few tears away and turned to sit on the toilet. Head in his hands he tried to control his breathing. He had to get out of these clothes somehow. It was only an hour and a half until he got to go home damnit why was this happening now?

His heart leapt out of his chest when he heard someone knock on the door. Out of habit and stupid reflex he croaked out, “Be done in a minute!” Voice obviously too high pitched and cracked to sound casual.

“Sting?” Rogue’s deep voice sounded through the thick pine door. “Is everything ok?”

Sting just stared at the door for a while. He didn’t know what he could say that wouldn’t jeopardize everything. He didn’t want Rogue to know he was trans. Not until after he was able to afford bottom surgery and maybe not even then. He’d sooner completely forget his birth gender than admit to anyone what he was.

“Listen, if you wanna take the rest of the day off,” Rogue continued and Sting sucked in a loud sob. “I’m not gonna keep you here after that. I’ll pick up your shift until someone else comes in.”

Now it was all Sting could do to keep his sobs quiet. He hoped Rogue couldn’t hear them through the door but he was so hopeless and they sounded loud even to him. There was no way Sting could answer Rogue with his lips contorting the way they were. And he didn’t trust his voice not to crack or hiccup through a sentence.

“Sting,” Rogue’s voice dropped an octave. It turned soft and Sting wasn’t ready for the change. “You don’t have to hide. I’ll have Minerva bring you some fresh clothes then you can go home, alright?...Please just let me know you’re alive and I don’t have to call an ambulance.”

Sting took a deep breath. “I’m fine,” he answered finally and thought he heard Rogue breathe a sigh of relief through the door. “Just-” he bit his lip. “Rough day, y’know.”

Rogue was silent for a while and Sting almost thought he had walked away. “Can I come in?” his voice was quiet, tentative.

Sting’s laugh surprised even himself. “You don’t wanna see this.”

“C’mon, man, I’ve seen you drunk and dancing half-naked on my kitchen table. What else is there to hide?”

Sting had to suppress an inward sigh but he rolled his eyes. Begrudgingly he stood up, another wave of cramps hitting him as he did and unlocked the bathroom door. Rogue made sure to open the door just enough for him to squeeze through then shut it again quietly.

Sting didn’t know what to do. So he just stood there, arms crossed over his chest, almost shivering from nerves.

“I knew you looked beat this morning but suddenly it’s like you aged ten years,” Rogue joked and Sting had half a mind to slap him.

“Kids, huh?” Sting tried for a chuckle and smile but fell terribly short. “They say the darndest things.”

Rogue looked down at his feet before replying. “You don’t have to be ashamed. No one here is judging you for something like that. If that mother hadn’t left so quickly I would have made sure to get a name so I could ban them from coming here.”

Sting shook his head and turned away. “You don’t have to be so drastic.”

Suddenly there was a hand on his shoulder and it shocked him just how much he tensed under it. “Sting, I mean it. I don’t tolerate that kind of hate. And I tolerate you being so down on yourself even less.” Sting’s gaze dropped. Wow, I’m crying, he thought. Huh, weird.

“I’ll pick up the rest of your shift today and call Minerva. She can walk to your place to pick up some new clothes, hangover or not. You wanna wait in the backroom? Or should I just kick everyone out of the store to save you the embarrassment?” Rogue said with a smile in his tone.

Sting chuckled through his tears. “Stop being so nice to me, I’ll choke.”

To his delight Rogue chuckled back. “Get used to it, Eucliffe. I treat all my employees like family.” Rogue thought for a moment. “Actually better than my own family. But you should see them during get togethers, you wouldn’t blame me.” There was a tense moment where Sting took some deep breaths to try and stop shaking. Rogue broke the silence by placing another hand on his shoulder and bringing him in for a hug.

“You’ll be okay,” Rogue whispered into his ear.

Only as long as you keep holding me. Sting thought it, but kept his mouth shut as his eyes closed involuntarily. He tried to breathe in Rogue’s scent but couldn’t smell anything. Because Rogue already smelt like home.

Bonus:

“What did you mean you’ve seen my dance naked on your kitchen table?” Sting asked suddenly pulling away from Rogue’s embrace.

The other boy just chuckled. “Half-naked,” he corrected. “You tend to take your shirt off when you drink too much.”

Sting’s eyes widened and he felt his heart spike with adrenaline. “Sooo..?” He trailed off the question was in his mind and on his face but he couldn’t voice it.

Rogue nodded and crossed his arms over his chest. “Yes we saw your top surgery scar.” Sting’s eyes widened further than humanly possible. Mortification crept up his spine like an old friend. Rogue took one look at Stings face and his expression softened. “No, no don’t look so scared. Most of us already knew anyway and-”

“MOST OF YOU ALREADY KNEW?! Most of who?” Sting blurted out. He was afraid his voice could be heard even from outside the bathroom but he was too nervous of everything to care.

Rogue paused and began counting on his fingers. “Well it was the week after Lucy quit...so actually only me, Minerva and Yukino were there.”

Sting took a deep breath. He couldn’t believe he’d already outed himself like this. He ran a hand through his greasy hair and took a few pacing steps. “How did you already know?”

Rogue giggled and looked away sheepishly. “Well there was this other time you got drunk…”

Sting groaned and threw his head into his hands. “I’m never drinking again.”

[oceanwaves-blog]

When we take different path : semaine 3 jour 4 : Masks/Hiding

Couple : Orga Nanagear / Rufus Lore

Sujet sensible, violence (légère description et mention), possible propos homophobes, Bad parenting / mauvais parents, Hurt/Comfort, Romance, relation déjà établie, Angst, panic attack

"C’était idiot.

Il le savait parfaitement, mais cela ne rendait pas pour autant les choses plus faciles. 

Maintenant que ces pensées intrusives avaient pris place dans son esprit, il n’arrivait pas à trouver un moyen de les mettre de côté."

@ftlgbtales @ft-wwtdp

[summerbummin]

Fraxus- Feelin' Green

For day 2 of @ftlgbtales "when we take different paths" m/m week!

Prompt: I don't care what people think

Word count: 1.7 k

Chapters: 1/1

Fandom: Fairy Tail

Rating: M for sexual themes

Dedicated to: Vivie @little-miss-heartfillia for being a wonderful and helping me with this fic (wouldn't be half as good without her input I can promise you that) and to @artsy-alice for letting us use her fraxus art! Her art and her fics are so amazing so go check both of these lovely ladies out!

Relationships: Freed x Laxus with a hint of Sting x Rogue and Gajeel x Levy

Characters: Laxus Dreyar, Freed Justine, Rufus Lore, Sting Eucliffe, Rogue Cheney, Gajeel Redfox

Series: Summer's Stories- When We Take Different Paths

Summary: Laxus was content to stay in his corner of the king's ballroom, avoiding gushing girls and the other mages that tried to talk to him. He would have stayed there all night, that is if certain people kept their hands off his second in command.

Preview:

Laxus stood in a secluded corner of the ballroom, trying not to boil over as he watched the two men talk.

Freed and the renaissance fair reject- Rufus- seemed to have really hit it off. They are talking pleasantly, all smiles as they conversed, probably about fashion or hair care or other things well groomed men like them cared about.

Then Freed laughed. Laughed! Together. With him.

Freed’s laughter a bell-like sound Laxus could hear even across the crowded dance floor, thanks to his dragon slayer hearing. He remembered that sound from when they'd laughed together on jobs over the years. On the road, around the campfire, as they fought side by side.

Laxus growled low in his throat. His back was so stiff it felt like his shirt would rip any second now. His fingers curled, knuckles flushing white

Read more

[izukillme-moved]

Chapters: 1/9 Fandom: Fairy Tail Rating: General Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Natsu Dragneel/Gray Fullbuster, Erza Scarlet/Mirajane Strauss, Lucy Heartfilia/Erza Scarlet, Juvia Lockser/Erza Scarlet, Rogue Cheney/Sting Eucliffe, Gray Fullbuster/Loke, Cana Alberona/Lucy Heartfilia, Cana Alberona/Mirajane Strauss, Ren Akatsuki/Hibiki Lates Characters: Natsu Dragneel, Gray Fullbuster, Erza Scarlet, Mirajane Strauss, Juvia Lockser, Lucy Heartfilia, Cana Alberona, Rogue Cheney, Sting Eucliffe, Sabertooth Guild, Fairy Tail Guild, Hibiki Lates, Ren Akatsuki Additional Tags: rarepair, Fairy Tail When We Take Different Paths, WWTDP, wwtdp 2018, I’m so sorry this is late!!, I’m going to do one for the last three weeks, i’ve just been so swamped, i still don’t know how to tag, anyway, Cute Natsu Dragneel, Shy Natsu Dragneel, Sad Sting Eucliffe, Crying Gray Fullbuster, Angry Gray Fullbuster, Angry Mirajane Strauss, am i just making up these tags - YES, Sad Erza, protective ren, Hibiki is a cinnabon Summary:

The paths they took may have been completely different.

But they all came together in the end.

[ft-wwtdp]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Fairy Tail Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Natsu Dragneel/Gray Fullbuster Characters: Natsu Dragneel, Gray Fullbuster Additional Tags: Idiots in Love, FTLGBTales, WWTDP, Gray has no stomach scar, and the scar on his hip is still X shaped, canon has no power here, drink every time you see the word scar, I'm kidding please don't you'll die, this prompt tho, it's everything Summary:

Gray and Natsu appreciate each other's scars.

Submitted by @gray-x-natsus-matching-hip-scars

[ft-wwtdp]

Hopes and Fears (3780 words) by mdelpin Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Fairy Tail Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Natsu Dragneel/Gray Fullbuster Characters: Natsu Dragneel, Gray Fullbuster Additional Tags: WWTDP, FTLGBTales, Tumblr: FTLGBTales, Fairy Tail: When We Take Different Paths, Nonbinary Character, Established Relationship, Secrets, Awkward Conversations, Halloween Costumes, Angst with a Happy Ending Series: Part 11 of When We Take Different Paths 2018, Part 3 of Because You Love Me The Way I Am Summary:

When Natsu gets too close to Gray’s secret they run off in a panic. Natsu worries that Gray is drifting away from him and he sets out to get Gray to trust him enough to tell him what’s wrong.

Submitted by @mdelpin