#yeah i just wanted to make a whole bunch of unsuspecting people see these dance moves

[six-demon-bag]

@giftober 2024 | DAY 26: SINGLE GIF

DANIEL BRÜHL as Daniel Berg THE FIFTH ESTATE (2013) dir. Bill Condon

[fyuuura]

UNDERCOVER | jake peralta

summary: jake peralta goes undercover to infiltrate a famous mob and he meets you, the niece of the boss who loves cops.

world count: 3.9k

notes: this is my first one shot and first writing since making this account. my obsession with jake peralta is crazy.

________________________________________

It was no secret that a recently fired police officer was just introduced to the Ianucci crime family. When your father announced it to you, you immediately got up from laying on the couch. It was hard to believe since your family had hated cops since the beginning of time. Although you were apart of the Ianucci family, you weren't involved in whatever business they were apart of due to your mother wanting an normal life. They were still family and as long as no one mentioned business, they could live in harmony.

You were indifferent in your opinion about cops. Many were snobs, but the few that cared for their community were the ones you could respect. Though, you did have to admit that you love a man in uniform and seeing your extended family being apart of the mob, only made the whole uniform more appealing. You weren't close to much of your extended family, only the girls who weren't much involved with the business either.

"Who let him in?" You curiously asked.

"Your uncle Leo. Apparently he got fired from the police force and bought everybody drinks. He made a big scene." He chuckled.

"Mmm. How old is he?" You excitedly inquired, leaning forward in anticipation for the answer. You were a single woman in her twenties, you needed answers.

"Yeah absolutely not." Your father said in his thick Brooklyn accent. "He's an ex-cop, and we all know how cops are. A bunch of playboys I tell you. They are no good."

"As if the Ianucci family is much better." You shook your head, and changed the television channel.

"We aren't. I'll admit that, but we do have loyalty. You never know what these cops will throw at you. If or when the Ianucci family falls, I guarantee it'll be because my brothers or cousins stupidity."

"You think they'll get arrested." You asked.

"Oh honey, they may be my family, but if they get caught, they know what they did. Plus, it'll serve them right for crashing my tenth birthday party and turning it into a mess." Your father shook his head, still holding a grudge over decades old fights.

_____________________________________

You and your father arrived to the family party and he immediately went off to go dance with his cousins while you went to go find a waiter with some food. You didn't really know what to do in some parties, you often drifted through the crowds and mingled with the people, but you always found your way back to the bar.

You sat at the bar, wine glass in one hand and your hand bag in the other. It was peaceful until you notice a guy sitting down right next to you, ordering a drink. You've never seen him before, but you hoped he wasn't an extended family member. He had a rather nice face, a kind, unsuspecting smile, and a fit body. You smiled as he grabbed the drink from the bartender. 'Just my type.'

It was like he sensed you looking as he turned to face you. He smiled once he saw you were staring at him, but you didn't turn away. No, you needed to know who he was. "Hey."

"Why hello there. What's your name?" He replied back, his voice just as charming as him.

"[Name] Ianucci." It was like he was hooked onto the words that slipped out of your mouth. His eyes were mesmerizing. "I haven't seen you around before."

"It's my first party. Leo invited me. I'm Jake Peralta." He held out his hand for her to shake, but she froze. He watched as her eyes widened, her lips parted, and her eyebrows raised.

"The ex-cop!" She gasped then quickly put a hand over her mouth since she said that too loud. No wonder she was so attracted to him, she could spot a man in uniform even if he wasn't in it.

He laughed, "Yes, the ex-cop. Not my proudest moment, but I'm glad I'm no longer one. God, was it the worst possible profession I could've chosen."

"Really? Why do you say that?" She inquired.

"It's filled with a bunch of idiotic snobs and they fired me without good reason so good riddens to them." Jake said as if he didn't love his job and the people he works with. However, he had to play the role perfectly if he didn't want to get found out. Before he went undercover, he was informed about most members of the Ianucci family. Mostly the major characters involved with the mob, as well as their children and extended family. He remembered hearing about [Name] Ianucci, your father left the way of life long ago, but the family still kept in touch. Jake didn't have much information about you. You were the boss's niece but you didn't like to associate yourself with their beliefs. Due to this, you became a small outsider.

"I think being a cop is cool. I used to watch so many movies and if I didn't hate running as much as I do now, I think I would've became one."

"An Ianucci being a cop? I thought you guys hate my kind- wait that sounds off."

"We'll they do cause of you know what, but something about holding a gun and posing like a Charlie's angel seems so cool." You imitated the famous pose as you faked a gun with your hands and Jake shook his head chuckling.

"Hey, if you were on my team then I would've begged for my job back." He admitted and you raised a brow before taking a sip of your drink. Then he immediately paused, realizing what he said. Changing the topic was his best course of action, "So what do you do for work? Do you do the same as them?"

"Oh no. I dont associate myself with what they do, my side of the family decided to pursue other sorts of careers. I'm a first grade teacher."

"Sweet, so like you teach kids and get to play with them. Is it hard?" He tried to sound suave, leaning back in his chair. He was secretly happy to know that the pretty girl didn't do mob activities because that would've clashed with his morals and mission.

"I mean, being a teacher is always difficult, but it's a new experience everyday and I get to build bonds with the children of our future. I wouldn't have it any other way." She fondly smiled as she recalled her job. Jake noticed the ways were eyes softened and lit up. Her body language changed and got more relaxed as she shared her life. "But enough about me, I want to learn more about-"

Before she could finish, she heard the familar voice of an uncle interupt her. "Yo Peralta, come here and sing with us."

The two looked at the group of middle aged to old men, obviously wasted and drunk and having a jolly good time. Jake didn't want to end the conversation with you, but at the same time, he couldn't miss this opportunity to get close with the Ianucci family. You made eye contact once again and you nodded, ushering him to go hang out with your other family.

"We'll continue this conversation next time!" You said and he nodded, smiling and confirming that this won't be the last time you two meet as he shimmied towards the men. You shook your head as you watched him so effortlessly earn the affections of your uncles. He looked so carefree as he partied.

"Oh my was he hot." You whispered, smiling to yourself like an idiot after the interaction, and calling the bartender to serve you one more drink. So what if he was an ex-cop, it couldn't possibly be that bad.

______________________________________

You and Jake Peralta saw each other a few more times after that. Your aunt gave him a small part time job at their restaurant/cafe. He made the coffee, which you ordered every morning, and the sandwiches. You watched as he charmed you aunt and the customers and you fell into his trap as well as he used every morning he could with you there to talk to you. A joke a day keeps the doctor away, as Jake would say as you laughed at almost every one of his jokes

"Hey hey hey, [name]." Jake greeted as you sat right across from him. He started hanging out quite frequently at your distant uncle's restaurant which was right by your house. Jake was one step ahead of you and already had your favorite coffee order ready. "Another long day of entertaining the little devils."

"Once again, they are seven and most are little angels but thank you for the drink." You took a sip before your eyes landed on his hair. His entire appearance has changed a lot since you met him. His hair grew longer and he started to slick it back using gel. He wasn't wearing the button up shirts anymore, and instead switched to tracksuits even when you said it wasn't his best look. "Your hair looks a lot better now that you've grown it out."

"What can I say? Just call me the next Brad Pitt." He flipped his imaginary long hair and smiled as he watched your smile.

"Absolutely not, but I appluad your effort." You smiled as his face fell into a pout. It was the mornings like this that made you excited to wake up and get ready. Ever since Jake started to hang around, you've been waking up a tad bit earlier to spend extra time getting ready and sleeping a tad bit later due to the uncontrollable smile on your face.

"Why do you even like being a teacher? All I can imagine are those little children gluing crayons onto their fingernails and eating it." He started playing with his fingers to try and model what he thinks the kids would look like.

"First of all, never do that again because it is not cute."

"Hey! Everything I do is cute." Jake got offended while you just stared at him as if he was an alien. It didn't last long because you can never get over his pouty face that makes him look like a sad dog.

"Second of all, I just love being around kids. When I was a child, my parents were almost never around until I got older. When my dad left the family business and pursued another career, it took up most of his time and my mom lives overseas. Teachers were the ones that filled in that parental role and I wanted to be just like them." When you finished your little backstory, Jake was staring at you which made you look down in embarrassment, "Sorry for the rant, I-"

"No, dont apologize, I get it." His voice seemed softer, softer than the voice he uses to tease you with, softer than the voice he uses to flirt with you, softer than the manly voice he uses around your uncles; it felt real. "My parents weren't really there either so I spent my childhood alone watching 'Die Hard'."

"I love that movie. I used to watch that too since my dad has it on the DVDs" You shared a comforting look.

"God, you just get more perfect don't you." He quickly spoke as he melted, your hands were quickly grasped in his. That was new. Maybe you should mention 'Die Hard' again if this was going to be his reaction.

"Looks like we're more alike than we think." You smiled, looking at your intertwined hands. He either didn't let go because there was no going back or he liked the feeling.

"You can add both being late because I am never on time and you are about to be tardy young lady."

Panic filled your eyes and you hastly got up from your seat, taking your bag and coffee, and pushed in your chair, "Bye bye!"

"Bye" Jake said in a sing songy voice as he waved and watched you entire your car before driving off.

________________________________________

You both shared a sandwich that was cut in half as the streets filled with people walking to work or to get their morning drink or breakfast.

"So, are you going to the wedding tomorrow?" His tone seemed a bit different. You couldn't quite place your finger on it, but lately hes been a bit more fidgety. Maybe the wedding makes him feel lonely and he was about to ask you?

"Oh, I wish I could, but I don't really like those two getting married so I'd rather not waste my time." You shamelessly admitted and he looked almost relieved.

"How about your dad?"

"He doesn't like them either and he left on a business trip last night and wont return until next week." You told him, "Why do you ask?"

"Just wondering since it seems like a big event." His eyes widened as he emphasized the word big. "But there's no need for you to come anyways if you don't like them-"

"Did you want me to come?" You tilted your head as he stumbled for the right answer. You were honestly hoping that he would finally ask you out and you wouldn't have to be carefully searching through the restaurant windows to see if he was there.

"Oh no. Noooo. Not at all. You really shouldn't come." He was way too dismissive and offensive and it came out way harsher than he expected.

"Oh." You simply said and you could definitely feel your heart being cracked right open from embarrassment of ever thinking he was going to ask you out. It's not like you were daydreaming during work or right before bed of him asking you, but a simple no would be sufficed.

"I didn't mean it like that!" Jake saw the way the corners of her lips turned slightly down and wanted to punch himself for not choosing his words carefully. It's been two months since he started this undercover mission. The first four were spent learning the Ianucci family and how they operated. Now that he has successfully infiltrated the family, it was time for the hardest part. Breaking the connections he had formed. At first, he thought it would be a piece of pie. The only thing he shouldn't do is actually care about these people. That shouldn't have been hard since they were all criminals... Most were criminals at least. He was never supposed to keep talking to you, that wasn't the plan. He should have never asked why you wanted to be a cop, he should've never asked why kids made you so happy, and he should've never talked to you to begin with, but he did, and now he has to face the consequences of his actions.

Although you weren't involved with the business, they were still your blood-related family. They invited you and your dad to the parties and gave you discounts in the stores that they owned. Sure, you didn't like or associate yourself with most of them, but Jake knew you still cared for them because they were family and he didn't know how he could ever face you again for what he'll be doing at the wedding.

"I mean I'd love to have you as my partner to the wedding, but I wouldn't want to make you be somewhere you don't want to be. Especially since we all know that the groom is a dirty cheat and the bride is the definition of a mean girl." He rambled and you agreed with the last part since you watched him up with most of the drama. "But, that's not to say that I wouldn't want to go with you because you know- it's you, and-"

"Okay Peralta. Slow down. Down forget to breath." You used slow down movements with your hands, bringing it up and down slowly to make him stop rambling.

Jake stopped his rant and took a deep, deep breath.

"I get it, you don't need to defend yourself so much."

"Let me restate. [Name] Ianucci, I would be honored to be your partner or whatever gathering you want, except the wedding. That is if you'd still want me to after the wedding-"

"Of course I would!" She interrupted him, a gummy smile slapped across her face and Jake soon matched it with his own after she joyfully agrtowards. couldn't even act nonchalant like you'd imagined you would if he ever asked. You were so overwhelmed with joy that you totally missed the part where he said 'if you'd still want me after the wedding.' It was a simple sentence that you overlooked any double meaning towards. "Ehem, I mean cool.

"Cool. Cool, cool, cool, cool, cool." Jake leaned back in his chair, taking a sip of his iced drink as a goofy smile etched across his face. However, despite how happy he should've been in that moment, it was soon crushed by the overwhelming feeling of guilt as you excused yourself to go to work.

________________________________________

Shock wasn't enough to describe what you felt as you watched the news. Short videos and photos played across the screen as the news reporter reported on New York's latest arrests and there you found partially blurred photos of extended family and the wedding venue that you didn't attend. It didn't feel real as you saw the police arrest people you've seen at family gatherings. Someone must have snitched and you have a feeling that you know exactly who.

Jake Peralta. It started to make sense. He practically told you to not attend the wedding, but you were too caught up to understand why. Had you attended the wedding without his heads up, you would've been another person in those handcuffs.

You felt betrayed, but also protected. He had asked for you and your father's whereabouts before the entire thing happened. Was this his way of keeping you safe? Did he actually have feelings or did he just want to use you to learn more about the family and you gave it to him?

Scenes flashed throughout your mind as your reminded of all the times he asked odd questions and all the times you spilled to him the secrets. You began to form a headache as your reality came crashing down.

Your father had predicted the fall to happen somewhat like this. It was your Uncle's stupidity to let in an ex-cop and now look at where that landed them. You wouldn't say that you were sad, you anticipated the day where karma would take its place for all the victims of their business; you just never would have guessed that you fell in love with the person who caused that downfall.

Love, what a silly feeling to feel towards someone who you were sure abandoned you. Would he even fulfill his promise to take you on a date after this entire wedding? Should you be mad at him for doing his job and lying to you about his identity? What was real and what was fake?

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Who was it? Who could be knocking at your door at 10 in the night. Could it be the cops coming to arrest you for not outing your family? You quietly snuck to the door, scared to see the person who lurks behind it. It was a polite knock, not a police-y at all. Maybe it was a friend or cousin. You slowly opened the door, and peeked your head to see who it was.

"Jake Peralta?" You said his full name in suprise.

"[Name], please can we talk." He looked like desperate as he towered over you, his arm on the frame of the door, and the other on the door knob.

"I don't know if that's a good idea, Jake." You were wary and didn't know how to feel. Evergtbing was happening all at once and you felt lost, but you needed answers.

"Please, give me a chance to explain everything." He pleaded with desperate eyes. "I know you're probably confused and upset, but let me explain and you can ask questions."

"Come in." You stepped aside and let him into your home for the very first time. It wasn't the scenario you imagined but it was a something. You walked over to the living room but neither one of you felt like this was a conversation to be had sitting down.

"It was you wasn't it? The one who sold them out?"

"Yes. It was." He admitted, "I'm still a cop."

"So you were just undercover the whole time?"

"Yes, I approached your uncle at the bar and it went from there. I can't say much- actually I already am, but, you weren't supposed to be apart of it."

"Stop right there, Peralta. Just give me a moment." You took a deep breath and when you thought you were ready to speak, your mouth held you back. A few more sighs later and you were ready with your next quest, "When we were talking? Did you approach me to just get more information?"

"Well, no. I thought you were cute so I sat down next to you at the bar. That wasn't the higher ups telling me to do it, that was my free will." Jake cracked an awkward smile, but saw on her face that that was not the tone. "I was already informed that you and you father have no part in the business so you weren't really on my radar. When we started talking, sure you did give me the latest gossip, but I wanted to talk to you. Like for realsies."

"So when you told me that you grew up alone-"

"That was all true. Everything I told you about myself was true, except for the whole undercover cool secret spy thing. You have every right to be mad-"

"I'm not mad." You told him and Jake's eyebrows shot up.

"You're not?"

"You were just doing your job and I can respect you for protecting your city, like batman." You sighed, regretting references batman in this serious conversation. "Most of my family there don't like me and do terrible stuff anyways. We were only relates by blood, besides, you did tell me not to go."

"I didn't want you to see the aftermath of everything. You had no part in anything and-

"But wouldn't I still get in trouble for not reporting it? I mean, I knew what kind of people they were but I didnt say anything." Jake stayed silent and she continued, "Why protect me? There are others in there that had no part too. Why me?"

"Because..." he trailed off, feeling his heart start to race as you looked at him to continue, "Because, your special to me. I really really like you, [Name]. I like the way you talk, the way speak about your students, the way you smile, the way your eyes softened when you talk about things you love. The way you put up with my childish antics and act like you don't like it but smile just seconds later. You never judge when I'm talking and I like you so much that I feel like I'm about to burst. I would rather you hate me than me not be in your life at all. I know I lied but I am serious about you and when this is all over, I want to fulfill the promise I made to you. I am in love with you."

I am in love with you. That's all you needed to make your decision. Your hands found it's way to the sides of his face and your lips found it's way to his. He immediately wrapped his hands around your waist, one resting one the small of your back and the other resting on your hip, stabling the both of you admist your passion. You moved your right hand into his hair that was already ruffled and messed up as he was running and finding his way to your apartment. He kissed you as if he was been yearning for the touch of a woman for centuries. It was so gentle but so passionate that you could feel your face getting hotter and heart beating faster. You both pulled each other as close as possible and he leaned forward to try and deeply feel you even closer. When you finally did break the kiss, he stared down at you with half lidded eyes, drunken on love and the sight you.

You grabbed his chin and softly brought it closer, "I love you too. The way that you joke around, the way that you smile, the way you talk, the stupid smile on your face when you talk about 'Die Hard' or the stories you had when you were a cop. I love all of it. I love you." You whispered and he rested his head on your shoulder, overwhelming happy that he didn't ruin one of the best things in his life.

"So, it's after the wedding technically. How about that date-" He started as you just melted into his chest.

"Just shush and enjoy this moment. We'll figure out everything later. Let's go to my room." You grabbed his hand and led him to your room, "While I have your attention though, you need to drop these tracksuits because I love a man in uniform."

"Already on it." He smirked as you closed and locked the door. You, [Name] Ianucci, dating and being with a cop whose absolutely hated by your family. What's the worse that could happen?

[remmushound]

Okay so I offered a headcanon about 2018 Mikey being a therapist for Clearly Clinically Depressed 2003 Mikey and here are the details:

the Rise kids see 03 Mikey in an obvious RSD episode where he's hiding his frustration and rage at himself, and the 03 brothers are oblivious because their Don didn't actually investigate it enough.

So Dr Feelings, with Dr Delicate Touch right behind, makes 03 Mikey do stim play with his art supplies.

The other Rise kids have a "conversation" with the others, with 03 Raph scoffing and 03 Leo rolling his eyes. Rise Raph not happy.

...

This isn’t based on personal experience LOL nope nah (I went from 03 Mikey to 18 Mikey)

“Hey hey hey hey guys look!” Mikey held his Nexus trophy in one hand while his other arm was wrapped around Leonardo holding his own trophy, “He won his world’s battle nexus! We’re trophy-twins!”

Leonardo smirked, eating up the attention just as much as Mikey was. “You hear that Donnie? He wants to be my twin!”

“Good.” Donatello groaned from where he sat with Donnie. “Maybe you’ll finally leave me alone.”

Leonardo shot forward and hugged Donatello’s shell, rubbing his cheek against Donatello’s and making the softshell groan his annoyance at the obnoxious loving. “I could never~”

“Get off me, Nardo.” Donatello growled and shoved Leonardo off of him and back to Mikey.

“My god there’s two of them now.” Leo shook his head as he looked over Leonardo and Mikey.

“How do you think I feel?” Raphael joked with a laugh, “I got three of them! Speaking of which, where’s Mikey?”

Raphael looked around and it didn't take him long to find the box turtle sneaking up on an unsuspecting orange cat.

“Come here kitty, I just wanna feel ya!”

“MIKEY LEAVE THAT POOR CAT ALONE!”

Michelangelo jumped on the cat as it woke up scrambling and held it tightly against his chest so he could pet it. “But it’s so soft!”

“You’re allergic to cats!”

Michelangelo was already sniffling, but didn't care. “It’s a price I’m willing to pay.”

“Oh my God— Donnie, you leave that mutant’s things alone!”

Donatello had both arms full of various machines, and his spider arms held onto various more. “He said I could have em!”

“Actually, I asked you to please not take my things—“

“Shush, other me!” Donatello pressed a metal claw to Donnie’s lips to shush him.

“Donnie, you put that stuff back right now or so help me—“ Raphael glanced back to where Leonardo and Mikey had just been, but only found the latter. “Where’d Leo go?!”

Mikey shrugged.

“CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, LOSER!”

Leonardo blew a raspberry from where he hung upside down in a doorway, flipping off and landing on his feet while making a come-hither motion.

“I can—you know I can— I have bigger legs than you!” Raphael jumped forward and wrapped his arms around Leonardo, only for the slider to slip right through and jump up on his shoulder.

“And I’m a slider!” Leonardo jumped off and slid away before Raphael could catch him again, skidding toward Mikey and grabbing the box-turtle by the arm to use him as a body shield against Raphael.

“Leo— get your tail— out here— now!” Raphael tried to dance around Mikey’s shield unsuccessfully while making a grab for Leonardo.

“Hey— watch the trophy!” Mikey tried to protect his trophy from the struggling brothers. He yelped as Leonardo pushed him aside and made a dash for it, the Nexus trophy knocked out of his hands and clinking to the ground.

“Sorry!” Raphael called as he ran off after the difficult mutant.

Mikey scrambled to grab his trophy quickly off the ground and hold it protectively to his chest. “Careful! This is the nicest thing I own!”

“It’s just a trophy, Mike.” Raph laughed, still offering a hand to help Mikey to stand up. “It’s not that important.”

Mikey stuck out his tongue. “Dude, I won the shell freaking Battle Nexus!”

“So have hundreds of other creatures.” Donnie pointed out as he was starting to replace the stuff Donatello had taken, “There’s a new winner every three years.”

“Well, yeah, but…” Mikey looked down at his trophy and sniffled softly as he tried to buff out a scratch.

“It’s not that big of a deal, Mike.” Leo said, “We have bigger issues than a scratched trophy.”

Mikey hung his head and didn't speak again. Raphael caught Leonardo but before anything could happen, Leonardo pointed out the sad box turtle to Raphael and both stayed silently watching. Donatello snuck up beside them with the same thought on his mind that none of them needed to voice. Michelangelo was the first of them to notice and was already on his way over to the other mutant, taking Mikey by the arm and offering a wide smile.

“Hi! Did your trophy get scratched?”

“Yeah.” Was all Mikey said, not looking at the smaller box turtle.

Michelangelo humphed and grabbed Mikey firmly by the hand to guide him away toward the bathroom while Mikey blindly followed without looking up from his trophy.

“That’s okay!” Michelangelo cast a furious look back at the other turtles before rounding the corner and disappearing. “We can fix it!

****

“See?” Michelangelo held the trophy up to Mikey, beaming at the newfound gleam on the surface, “No more scratch! Toothpaste takes it right out!”

“Thanks…” Mikey accepted the trophy, staring back at his reflection for a second before quickly looking away again and dropping the trophy into the sink.

Michelangelo frowned and stared at Mikey another moment before taking his hand and yanking him once more to guide him.

“Ah— hey little dude.” Mikey laughed weakly, “Where are we going?”

Michelangelo didn't answer. He stuck his tongue out in concentration and hummed loudly, looking around until he found the kitchen and continued to pull his new friend along. He grunted and shoved Mikey down into a chair.

“Stay!”

Michelangelo reached into his belt and pulled out several paint bottles and little baggies.

“Uh, okay?” Mikey huffed and rested his chin on his hand, “Whatever you say, little dude.”

Michelangelo hummed brightly as he inserted some paint into the bags, choosing the best and brightest colors he had and filling three bags full so he could use each and every color without the bags being too crowded. Then he rooted through the drawers until he founded just what he needed— tape!

“Here!” He taped the baggies to the table in front of Mikey so that the full beauty of their colors were showing. “Play with these while we talk!”

At first, Mikey stubbornly refused. Michelangelo didn't mind, and he only smiled when he saw Mikey starting to glance at the bright colors with a longing gaze in his eyes, though he had yet to start to play with them. Michelangelo decided to just give it some time.

“So.” Michelangelo sat in front of Mikey. “Tell me about your trophy. How’d you win it?”

“My brothers and I fought a whole bunch of other dudes in the Battle Nexus!”

“And you won?”

“Yeah! Out of thirty-two dudes and dudettes!”

“Really?” Michelangelo’s eyes went wide, “That’s a lot of people to beat.”

“Well I only fought four of them— half the guys would get eliminated every round, so it wasn’t really that difficult…”

“Still, out of all those people you made it to the end!”

“It was just a fluke— a lot of other stuff was going down and I just won by default…”

“Other stuff?”

“Yeah… Leo got poisoned and there was this whole usurper dude and a time vortex — it was weird, man.”

Michelangelo put his fingers to his lips. “I see.”

“I mean, it’s not like it was my fault!” Mikey hardly noticed how his hands automatically went to the paint bags and began to press them around, “And I won the other rounds fair and square, and beat Kluh in a rematch!”

“So you did earn the trophy.”

“So what if Splinter surrendered?! That was his choice! And so what if I tricked Raph— I still beat him!” His focus became more attached to the colors he was moving around.

Michelangelo leaned back and stuck his feet on the table as he relaxed.

“And I… I know I’m not as strong as Raph or as smart as Donnie or as bossy as Leo— so what?! I’m my own turtle!”

His features scrunched up as his teary eyes locked onto the table, the many colors that had once been separated now spiraling into one shape, mixed together and creating various new shades.

“You’re right!” Michelangelo quickly noticed the paints reaching the end of their usefulness and pulled out a small hunk of orange playdough to offer to the other box shell, who took it and started to mold it without stopping his rant.

��I’m Michelangelo Splinterson and I’m a party dude!” The playdough quickly started to take the shape of a cat, “And I like pizza, and I hate bullies! I know they don’t mean to be mean, but it still hurts!”

Michelangelo nodded along solemnly. “Have you told them that?”

“Well— no.” Mikey sighed and deflated, “And I don’t think I want to…”

“Is there a reason?” Michelangelo latched onto the opportunity and scooched closer to Mikey.

“Well, I’m the fun one.” Mikey’s molding of the clay slowed, “Nothing fun about complaining and yelling…”

Michelangelo experimented with a gentle touch to Mikey’s back before attempting a hug, which Mikey returned with a great force.

“You don’t have to be happy all the time.” Michelangelo said from his squished position, “I mean, you can’t be!”

“I’ve gone twenty years being happy! I— I can’t just suddenly be sad!”

“But… you weren’t all happy during that time. You can’t have been.”

Mikey looked away.

“There had to have been at least a few times you were angry or upset…”

“Well… before the rematch against Kohl I was kinda… scared. And… and I tried going to Master Splinter and Raph and Don about it, but they just… made fun of me. But I was really scared! They just didn't care…”

“So you’ve felt fear before— that’s different than happiness, isn’t it?”

“Way different.” Mikey laughed weakly, “And there was that time Donnie uh… double mutated and we didn't know what to do.”

“Double mutated?”

“He was mutated again and turned into a gross monster and we couldn’t figure out how to turn him back because we couldn’t read his notes.”

“And that made you feel sad and scared?”

“Yeah…”

Michelangelo hugged Mikey again the minute he felt the box turtle slipping into guilt again. “Hey, that’s okay! It’s okay to be sad when something like that happens! I get scared too when Donnie gets hurt.”

“Your Donnie got hurt?”

“Well, he’s really soft.” Michelangelo giggled, trying to encourage a smile back into his friend, “So he gets cut easy— that’s why he wears that cool shell thing!”

“Radical!” Mikey smiled.

“And whenever he’s not wearing his armor I get suuuuuper scared that he might get hurt. But he’s always okay after, and then I feel better. But that doesn’t mean I never felt sad. I feel sad lots of times. And sympathetic and mad and scared and ambitious and all these other things! And you do too, you just don’t want to admit it.”

Mikey gave a nervous laugh as a darker green blush crept into his face. “I… I guess. I just wish my brothers would understand that.”

“Well, they can’t understand if you don’t tell them how you feel.” Michelangelo said softly.

“Oh… uh…” The anxiety returned fast, “I don’t think…”

“You don’t have to tell them now— you’re still upset! You don’t even have to tell them today or tomorrow or this week— just when you feel comfortable. So when something like this happens again, they know what you’re going through, and they can help you.” Michelangelo put his hand on Mikey’s, “Trust me: they’re your brothers, and they love you.”

Mikey gave a raspy churr before grabbing Michelangelo and pulling him into a hug. “Thank you for listening, little buddy!”

****

“Hey!” Raphael didn't mean to be so loud, but his voice echoed like thunder off the wall. The three box turtles looked at him with bewildered expressions and Raphael quickly waved them over. “A chat, please.”

Donatello and Leonardo loomed at Raphael’s side like two angels on his shoulders, except judging by their expressions they were both demons.

“Yeah?” Raph huffed as he and his brothers took a similar stance, except with Leo in the center and him at the shoulder.

“Did you not see what just happened?” Leonardo leaned on Raphael’s shoulder and motioned to where Michelangelo and Mikey had disappeared to. “What you just did?”

“We didn't do nothin’!” Raph snarled, pointing a finger at Leonardo, “Yous made him drop his trophy.”

“And you criticized him for getting upset over it.” Raphael said quickly in his brothers defense, “What Leo did was an accident, what you guys did wasn’t.”

“So? It’s just a dumb trophy.”

“Raphael.” Leo warned gently to his brother before finally getting a word in, “Mikey is fine— he’s probably off skating with your Mikey right now.”

“Actually, statistics indicate that even if they are off skating right now that doesn’t mean everything's fine. Studies show that physical activity can help manage meltdowns if handled correctly—“

“Meltdowns?” Raph interrupted Donatello, “That ain’t no meltdown. That’s my baby brother getting upset that his toy was scratched.”

Leonardo gasped dramatically. “Exsqueeze me?! A trophy is not a toy! It’s a declaration of how awesome we are!” Leonardo held out his Nexus trophy for the box turtles to see.

“So you just wear that around everywhere you go?”

“Uh— duh! Gives me bragging rights! And if I ever meet a cute boy or hot girl, I have a conversation starter~” He waved the medal mockingly.

“Not helping Leo.” Raphael said gently, looking to the younger turtle before going back to their counterparts, “It doesn’t matter if it’s not a big deal to you— it clearly was a big deal to him. You should apologize for making him feel upset. It’s the brotherly thing to do.”

“Um… in my humble opinion, mister snapper Raph, I don’t really think I did anything wrong…” Donnie said softly.

Raphael offered a gentle smile and kneeled to Donnie’s level. “That’s alright— you won’t always recognize when your words hurt someone, but if they did you should still apologize. Make sense?”

Donnie nodded and smiled in turn. “Makes sense.”

“What about the rest of you?” Raphael looked around to adress the rest of the box turtles.

“I ain’t apologizing.” Raph stuck up his nose stubbornly.

“I just don’t see why I should.” Leo said, not nearly as agressively.

“But… you’ll apologize?” Raphael appealed to Donnie.

“Uh… y-yeah, I will when I see him next.” Donnie agreed.

“Good fella.” Raphael gave him a head pat out of habit.

“Uh… thanks.” Donnie flushed and looked away to hide his embarrassed look.

“I still say you were major jerks,” Leonardo pointed his odachi at Raph and Leo.

“But we can’t force you to apologize.” Raphael finished with a sigh.

“I probably could, but that might be crossing the lines between what is classified as ethical and what might put me on the same wavelength as Draxum or Sergei Briuk-honenko and his dog experiments.”

[sugarcrash]

Break The Rules // Peter Parker

 (A/N: Here we go! First Marvel fanfiction!)

Summary: You and Peter celebrate the start of summer with a party, breaking rules, and forgetting it all.

Warnings: Drinking, swearing, smoking weed, nudity, sex (so just a bunch of frat party stuff)

*********************************************************************************************

Peter came into your room with a smile. “You ready to go?”

“Hell yeah!” You yelled back.

You stole a glance at a nearby clock. It read 8:30. Time for the party to start.

It had just been the last day of school earlier that day, and really, you were so ready to let it go and party. Dressed in a mini-skirt and crop top, you were ready to dash out. 

You were currently getting ready with Peter in the Avenger’s quarters. Natasha had given you great tips for partying, including how to hide the fact you were drunk and how to sneak yourself in anywhere.

You really weren’t ready for Steve, though. Or Tony. Or any authority figure you could run into.

You grabbed your purse and nodded at your boyfriend, this was what you called “the signal.” Meaning it was the hint to run like a madman.

You and Peter dashed like crazy, zooming down the corridors. You could’ve sworn you saw Steve, and could’ve sworn that he looked right at you in that outfit. You gulped and hoped he didn’t.

The two of you were right by the front door, so, so close, when a large figure stepped in your path. “FRIDAY, commence quick lockdown.”

Steve.

The door locked shut fast as lightning. You groaned and rolled your eyes, Peter following your actions. You gave each other another look. This one meant “distract him and I’ll turn off the system and we can run.”

“Where do you think you’re going, in clothes like that? Hell, they’re not even clothes, more like rags!” The super-soldier scolded.

“Fine, fine. I’ll go change.” You hung your head in fake defeat and turned with a smile dancing on your lips.

“NOW!” you yelled at Peter. “FRIDAY, disengage quick lockdown!” the door clicked unlocked.

Steve didn’t have a chance to even think before Peter blasted him on the hands and mouth with his webs. Both of you screamed at him as you passed.

“Bye grandpa, see ya on the flip side!”

“Fuck you! We’ll do what we want!”

You caught his glance as your feet hit the concrete, the two of you dashing off. The sky was still pretty light, so you didn’t need flashlights or anything. 

MJ and Ned came out of their hiding places against the side of the building when they saw you two running like your lives depended on it. They got the hint and dashed alongside.

Your feet pounded on the pavement of the driveway, then to the side of the highway. Technically, since you just learned to drive, you weren’t really allowed to drive with others in the car yet.

But what the hell? Tonight was all about having fun and breaking the rules. It was going to one crazy night, you could already tell. Your friends piled into the car and buckled up.

Let’s do this.

You went straight to a fast pace and so close to speeding. All your friends laughed as someone plugged their phone into the aux cord and started their playlist of songs that represented high schoolers.

This list included “Break the Rules” b Charli XCX, “Young, Dumb, and Broke” by Khalid, and “Sucker” by the Jonas Brothers.

There was a rush of amazing adrenaline in each of you. This adrenaline made you all want to be crazy and reckless and dance your asses off.

MJ stuck her head out of the rolled down window as Peter pulled back the cover on the sunroof.

“Woohoo!” you all yelled, pumped with crazy energy. “Last day of school!!!”

After fast driving, fun songs, and various body parts out the window, the gang had arrived at the school. The meeting place. A couple others were already there, like Betty, Liz, and all your friends and the decathalon team.

Yes! It was time to get this party started.

You all got out of the car and approached the rest of the partygoers. A table was set up with a bunch of snacks and drinks. Music, similar to the kind you were playing in the car, was blasting.

“Wow, this is great!” you smiled at your boyfriend before going to join your other friends. To be honest, the place looked kind of sad. Not too many people were there, but you did figure where they went.

Just then, you got a notification on your phone. You whipped it out to see a text from Flash to you. 

“Hey, wanna come to my party?” you read aloud. “It will be so much more fun, and of course I’ll be there.” he ended the message with a winky face. You sighed. He had always had an attraction to you. Flash was kind of your friend, but not really. 

“What’s that you said?” Peter asked. You turned to face him.

“Oh, Flash just wants me to come to his party.”

“He wants all of us to come, too.” your friends mentioned. Of course, he was always searching for girls for him and his friends. 

“I say we go. We set this up, but it’s a bit sad. We can all go!” Liza cheered. Everyone agreed, and helped pack everything into her car nice and neatly before all getting into their own.

Your friends got into your car and you turned it on. The playlist was turned back on again, and all of you celebrated and cheered once more, ready to go get wasted.

“Lets do this!” MJ shouted.

“My thoughts exactly.” you mentioned, pulling out of the parking lot of the school. The drive to Flash’s was filled with excitement and nervousness. Peter and Ned had never done anything like this, whereas you and MJ had.

“Don’t worry, Pete. I’ll show you what and what not to do.” you smiled at him and his nervous little self. “I’ll even get Flash to back off if you want.”

“It’s fine.” he spoke at last. “I just want to have fun.”

You pulled into Flash’s house and you all jumped out, eager to go in, but also scared. Then Flash himself walked out, obviously a bit tipsy already.

“Hey, ladies, gentlemen.” he regarded everyone. “Come inside, there’s drinks and weed and food.” he laughed. “But be careful of going upstairs, I’m pretty sure, like, 10 people are having sex up there.”

I laughed, too, in embarrassment for those people. Here? Now? What a bad plan, but oh, well.

Peter and Ned chuckled with me, unsure how to react to the information. You sent them a small nod.

“You don’t have to copy me, just have fun. Everyone here is drunk, high, wasted, or busy. No one’s gonna care what you do.”

They got the message and the four of you walked into the busy, crowded house. Some kids were playing beer pong, some were making out in the corner. Several people were just hanging out, eating and drinking.

MJ and Ned sort of dispersed, leaving you and Peter alone. You gave him a kiss on the cheek and the two of you headed over to the drinks.

You chose a Coke and a rum before pouring the two together into a red solo cup and downing the mix. Peter just swallowed and watched closely.

“You don’t have to drink, if you don’t want. You could just have a Coke or something. I just saw this in movies, I have never drank before.”

“Oh. I want to try it, too.”

“Well, before you make a whole cup and don’t like it, try mine first.” you handed him your drink and he gave it a sip. Then another. And another. “Hey, that’s mine! Get your own!”

He licked his lips. “It’s good!” Peter then proceeded to make his own, drinking it quickly.

Your bodies were being a bit odd in response. Both of your movements were obviously a bit jitterier and excited. It gave you a good feeling, though.

“This feels cool!” you shouted at him over the loud group of people.

“Yeah. I feel weird.”

You both made another drink and walked off, finding something else to do. A few kids were smoking weed and doing drugs.

“Let’s do that.” you pulled Pete’s sleeve. He nodded and followed you.

Flash was over there. He noticed you walk up and immediately spoke up. “You wanna try it? Is it your first time?”

“Yes to both questions!” you turned to your boyfriend “I’m nervous.” you dragged out.

“It’s okay, let’s just see what happens.”

You giggled and agreed before Flash handed you the stick. “Just breathe it in, and then move your head and breathe it out.”

You obliged and took a few hits, coughing in between each one. Slowly, your head started to spin and you felt like you were floating.

“Where’s the ground? Where’s the ground?!” you began to scream. Peter took your hand.

“It’s okay, it’s okay. You’re on the ground, you’re just high.”

“Don’t let go of my hand, I might float away.”

He laughed and took the joint for himself, doing the same as you had. He, too, started to feel the same odd effect. You were now drunk, high, and giggling uncontrollably.

“Let’s go find MJ!”

“Okay!”

The two of you walked (well, floated) off, looking for Ned and/or MJ. You stopped many confused people, who were clearly neither Ned OR MJ, just to ask them who they were. It looked like you were either high or a crazy couple in love.

You were just gong to grab another unsuspecting person, but then Flash announced that he was going to go skinny-dipping and asked if anyone else wanted to come. You and Peter happily agreed, as well as a few of the popular kids. Ned and MJ made excuses, as did many others. Liz even agreed to come, as well as a few decathalon members.

It was a group of around 10 or so people, rushing off in their towels in the night. It was now around midnight, and even though Flash had a pool, you were going to the neighborhood one to make it exciting.

You arrived with a flushed face and and sweaty palms. All of you stripped your clothes and splashed in some way or another. You did a running dive into the deep end.

People cheered as you came up and you caught Peter’s eyes, but he quickly glanced away. Seeing as you had young, innocent minds (well, you didn’t, but everyone thought you did), you had never seen anyone naked, except maybe your mom and little brother when you were, like, 7.

Both of you blushed, yet swam towards each other.

“Hi Peter.” you gazed into his chocolate eyes.

“Hey, Y/N.” he stared into your beautiful Y/E/C ones.

His lips met yours in a quick but heated kiss,and you grew redder than ever. A few people around you “awww”ed, and you hid your face in your hands.

You expected Flash to make some snobby remark like he does when you and Peter show PDA, but he was silent. Well, no he wasn’t. He had snuck off with a girl in the bushes and was now making low moans and groans, followed by her high-pitched ones.

Everyone laughed and felt embarrassed. A few grabbed their phones and filmed the predicament, giggling. Ha, he would sure be blushing like crazy when he finds out people filmed him.

After swimming for a bit, you heard someone yelling out, and you froze. Of course, you had been caught.

“Hey! What’re you kids doing? Get out!”

A few girls shrieked and everyone jumped straight out, grabbing their towels, wrapping themselves, and rushing back to Flash’s house.

Speaking of Flash, where was he? He and that girl were...oh. They were still doing their thing behind the greenery. Just then, you heard a shout.

“Ew! What the hell? Get out of here!”

The man had obviously found the two having sex. You tried to imagine the look on his face, but reckoned that it wasn’t nearly as good as the one that had existed.

You all raced back to Flash’s, clothes in hands, and got changed as quickly as possible. Well, what an adventure.

The group dispersed, leaving you and Peter alone again that night. The two of you exchanged a glance that meant “Let’s go get drunk and high again.” It was fun to.

You blacked out for a while before waking up with a jolt, surprised to find yourself propped in a chair outside. Peter and a few others were playing beer pong. You laughed and spotted the spray paint cans lying nearby, giving you an idea.

You slowly got up and grabbed the color pink when Peter noticed you.

“What’re you-ah!”

You sprayed him in the chest with the paint, giggling wildly. He returned a smile and a couple other kids picked the paints up.

“Paint war!!!” you shouted, and the whole place went into a pandemonium. There were colors and laughter and lots of people having fun.

After a while, in the midst of the paint war, you fell asleep again. You woke up for a second time, finding yourself walking by a pool, before falling in with a splash.

How’d you get there? Ah, well, you were in, why not swim while you’re there? You begin to paddle around lazily before spotting your boyfriend, uncomfortably sitting to the side of some girl’s strip show.

You caught his eyes and he laughed at your state. You were in the pool, soaking wet, covered in colorful spray paint, high, drunk, had messy hair, were missing your top except for a bra, and had lost one of your shoes. 

To top it all off, there was writing in Sharpie all over your body. Written on your forehead was “FUCKHEAD,” your stomach adorned the words “Flash wants to fuck you”. Your arms and legs were scrawled in with useless doodles.

Pete jumped in after you, and you two swam for a while  before you began to make out at the edge of the pool.

After your little love-fest, you drank and smoked weed some more before blacking out again.

When you woke up, you were lying on the ground with Peter, all the previous accessories still littering your body. He too, was missing clothes, was covered in paint and Sharpie, and was hungover.

You gave out a laugh when you heard a voice from the video camera by the door. 

“Peter? Y/N? Is that you-holy fuck, what happened?” Tony’s voice came through.

You feel asleep just as Steve came over, looking at your ruined bodies. He wore a scowl but chuckled a bit.

Boy, were you gonna get it from “grandpa” in the morning. 

[disruptedvice]

May I have this dance (gotg fic)

Starmora week 2018 Day 2 - dancing

Peter hated people who gave themselves self-aggrandizing nicknames.

(Or undercover missions + dancing + jealousy + soft talks = starmora love)

AO3 Link

___________________

May I have this dance? ___________________

A ballroom filled with partners dancing in formal and evening wear might not be what one would first picture when thinking of intergalactic arms dealers, or that the duchess hosting such an affair on her estate would have her fingers dipped in so many criminal pots. She wasn't even duchess of anything, that's just what she called herself.

Peter hated people who gave themselves self-aggrandizing nicknames just to inflate their own sense of importance. Besides- duchess? If you're gonna go for royalty, why not just use queen or king? Even baroness would've been better- there's such a level of pretentiousness that came with duchess. Also, wasn't that like a thing people named their cats? And other pets?

Whatever, he had an issue with this lady's nickname, and it took all his self control not to make a face every time he had to say it because she wouldn't answer to anything else.

Ugh. Peter hated people who gave themselves nicknames, and the ones that went for 'high class' ones were always the worst offenders, the ones who insisted you call them those stupid monikers that implied they were supposed to be rulers of something was always markers of someone you don't want to get to know.

And, to what you're thinking: no. Starlord was different. First- because he didn't give himself that nickname. His mom did. You're in the clear for self-aggrandizing nicknames if someone else gave it to you. It's kinda like why Guardians of the Galaxy worked so well. They would've seemed like such self important dicks if they just started calling themselves that after a brainstorming session for their would be team name. But, because Ronan called them that first (it was even better that he was using it as a put down at the time), and all the people they saved heard him say it before they totally kicked his ass, they were now free to go gallivanting around the universe as Guardians of the Galaxy without seeming like a bunch of dillweeds.

Peter didn't just up and start calling himself a lord one day. Which he can guarantee this duchess lady did. That's why Starlord was different. He didn't nickname himself, because people who did that were the worst.

And he didn't force people to call him Starlord. The Duchess wouldn't respond if you called her anything else, not her real name, or even ma'am or sir. Starlord was different.

He still answered to Peter, or Quill, or even 'hey, asshole!'

He kinda hated these missions where he had to dress up nice and play a functioning member of society and go undercover as a social elite in something fancy schmancy like this.

Actually, that wasn't true. He loved these undercover as someone respectable missions as long as he had a certain someone next to him. Pretending to be upstanding citizens as they infiltrated some gathering was something he always had a ball doing whenever it was him and Gamora pretending to be normal, unsuspecting people. He loved those types of missions.

Safe to say this wasn't one of those missions.

Tonight he was just the well dressed distraction tasked with keeping the Duchess's attention at the gala while the rest of the team actually pulled off the real job.

Gamora had infiltrated the event and was disguised as a guard on the second floor, effectively running point for the team while doing 'walkthroughs' inbetween checking on Peter and watching his back from the second floor balcony in case one of the many disreputable guests in attendance at this ball recognized him for who he actually was. He didn't recognize any names on the guest list, and safe to say he looked pretty damn unrecognizable in a pressed suit with shining cuff links and hair that was actually combed. He cleaned up pretty nicely, if he didn't say so himself.

Plus, it wasn't just the fun type of dancing he was good at. He was good at this stuffy, formal partner dancing too. The one with very precise steps because rich people didn't know how to let loose.

Looking all presentable and dressed to the nines as he held one of the Duchess's gloved hands, his other hand at the waist of her deep midnight blue evening gown (which was too soft to not cost a bazillion units by the way, it was almost too blue, like she could somehow afford deeper colors than the rest of the universe) as they danced around and around in circles with all the other couples there- he fit right in. Nothing to be suspicious about. ___________

Gamora looked out across the balcony, spotting Peter in less than two seconds, still doing fine just like the last time she checked on him. She had to stop herself from grumbling at the sight, knowing that Peter (and everyone else) would be able to hear her through the com links if she did so.

Technically she didn't have to check on him so often and spend so much time literally watching his back since she'd be able to hear on the com links if something were to start going wrong for him, but she did so anyway. Rocket and the other's had their part handled, so she settled in, leaning her back against the wall as she watched him move across the floor below her.

Gamora couldn't help but notice the woman was pretty, this Duchess. Her long orange hair was piled atop her head in a loose style that left locks and curls spilling out to cascade down her shoulders in a messy but perfect way that had to be by design, and probably took hours to get right. Her smile might be what one called demure, or coquettish, with pretty pink lips and warm brown skin that could only be described as beautiful. Her bright hair and midnight dress made her look like night and day. Or like a sunset even. Gamora couldn't tell if that was on purpose, or if she was just one of those beautiful people who always had that thing work out for them, and the affect her dress made paired with the lovely shade of her skin was just an accident.

From head to toe, she was like the sun fading into the dusk fading into the night sky.

It wasn't like this was the first beautiful woman they had come across since becoming the Guardians of the Galaxy. This wasn't even close to the first time the team had been on a mission and used Peter as bait with a target who was an attractive female that he was supposed to go distract and flirt with and buy them some time.

It wasn't how beautiful this woman was that bothered Gamora (though she could do with horrible people being a little less gorgeous sometimes).

The problem was... she was actually a good dancer.

Probably what one would call a natural, as she danced with Peter. Gamora didn't have a good vantage point for seeing her feet, but she was certain that this other woman didn't stumble even once. Neither did Peter, as he led her through the steps with a skill and finesse that she hadn't known he'd possessed. Much more than an instructor, he looked like a professional. They both did. As they moved through the motions with a certain grace and ease, they both looked like they did this for a living, like they were made to be dance partners. The way that silken glove grasped his hand, the other on his shoulder, as she followed his lead with the confidence of someone who knew what they were doing- they way the whirled and twirled, almost floated across the floor with her midnight colors trailing behind them- it was almost like a mirage.

They were both so good at it. Peter never had to stop and wait, never once grimaced in pain because his feet had been stepped on or he'd been kneed, didn't have to direct her or even give her pointers. Like for the first time his skills were able to shine, because he finally had a partner who worked with him instead of against him. He finally had a partner that moved. And when he was paired with someone of similar skill level, for the first time Gamora could see what a truly good dancer he was.

The Duchess complimented him to where dancing looked like one thing they did together, rather than something clumsy or awkward or even a fight. Her movements were fluid, matching his, and Gamora would almost think it was beautiful if the sight didn't fill her with such vitriol. ___________

The job went perfectly, and the mark never suspected a thing. Sure, Peter might have had more fun if he was on the explore the rich person mansion team this time, but he couldn't complain too much. No one got shot at even once, which already had this as a big win in his books. Being a polite version of his usual witty and charming self while moving in circles the whole night was pretty boring. But as captain of a pretty rowdy team, he had to appreciate having a boring night when they were infiltrating a, once again, intergalactic arms dealer's sprawling manor. And dancing was a whole lot more entertaining than standing in the same spot for hours, which he'd had to do on previous 'boring' jobs before (and Peter never was very good at staying still).

After it was finished, Peter kept bragging about his performance and how he put the artist in con artist. So yeah, he was happy for a job well done for a not unimpressive score.

(sure, the Duchess and her operation was to big for them to take her down or anything, but she'd soon discover quite a few integral things missing that would cripple her weapons trade and some of her other illegal side businesses- but the real win were the documents that Rocket found that would soon find their way into the hands of the nova corp who could do much more damage with the papers than the Guardians could ever do in a single night)

For the first time in awhile it felt like one of their plans went off without a hitch. Plus, being the distraction this time was much easier and much less perilous to his health than it usually was. Why couldn't they all go this smoothly? Instead of them running into trouble half the time- probably more than half the time, actually.

Somebody recognizes them, somebody stabs somebody they weren't supposed to, something goes wrong- not this time.

This one was smooth and easy. Their flawless plan was executed perfectly- no running, screaming, or accidental stabbings- and they made off with the score with none the wiser.

Mission complete, without missing a beat. ___________

Or so he thought.

They made it safely off planet and made sure to get some distance between them and the dangerous criminal they just robbed before contacting the client and informing them that the job was done.

Peter was thankful to be out of the polite and mild mannered persona, Drax and Rocket were doing the whole party animal thing like always after a successful mission, of course wanting to celebrate with alcohol, Mantis was glad everyone was safe and laughing like crazy with the other two, but Gamora...

She was much quieter than usual, after everything. And Peter wasn't sure why. She wasn't in the celebratory mood like the rest of them when they just made a helluva lot of units. Normally she was happy when a job went this smooth- especially when they made off without and damage to the ship or collecting any life endangering injuries. No one got injured at all on this one.

Still- she was off. Quiet and subdued. Even her expressions seemed muted, and Peter was actually starting to worry.

She seemed upset, but not in the normal angry Gamora upset way, she just seemed... like unhappy or something. Like something was weighing on her mind.

She gave their friends non-convincing smiles (they didn't have him convinced at least) as they boarded the Benatar in their normal boisterous fashion. It was almost polite smiles that she sent around the table that evening, but she... she seemed almost sad.

Peter pursed his lips, nursing his beer as he watched her watch everyone else. Normally he would've been all too quick to join the high energy coming from the other side of the table that evening, but with Rocket and Drax drunk enough to be shouting, and Mantis playing mediator when they started arguing over whatever drinking game they were playing, he was much more concentrated on the woman beside him.

A frown tugged at her lips as she picked apart what was left of her meal, tearing off pieces of her bread like it was just something for her to do- looking for a distraction from whatever heavy thoughts wouldn't leave her head right now.

And Peter was just trying to figure out what happened, what had escaped his notice.

This was a good job. This was a good day. Or, at least, it should have been. Even as he ran over everything that had happened in the past 24 hours in his mind, he came up empty. There wasn't anything remotely upsetting that he could think of.

Like yeah, he kinda had to fake flirt with the Duchess in the ballroom that night, but that wasn't a big deal. He's had to do that before- when the team used him as that type of bait for a mission.

While Gamora sometimes did get jealous if a particular target got a little handsy- that just led to her aggressively claiming him that night. Fucking the life out of him, and telling him how much he was hers. And he loved it.

It wasn't like she was the worried type of jealous whenever he flirted with a mark for a job that they were all on. She knew it was for a job, wasn't real, and she trusted Peter either way, regardless of the situation. Sometimes she just felt a little possessive whenever she saw people touching what belonged to her (which Peter had told her many times was “hot as hell”).

Anyways, tonight, there wasn't much to get jealous or possessive over. They weren't dancing at some club.

They were dancing in a fucking ballroom for Christ's sake.

It was all elegant and formal. Definitely no inappropriate touches. The flirting was a lot more subtle than it sometimes had to be for cons. Besides, if Gamora had been upset because of the Duchess lady and Peter she would've been all growly, not quiet. Not like this. ___________

He didn't get a real chance to approach her about it until they were turning in for the night, which was probably for the best anyway. It was late when they got back anyway, so they pretty much just ate dinner and went to bed. The captain's quarters afforded them the best privacy anyway. It was the first chance he'd had to talk to her alone since they got back- but she'd been quiet and subdued the whole time. Through dinner he could leave well enough alone (besides, she was allowed to have her own, private thoughts- serious ones too) so he certainly didn't ask her about it in front of everybody else.

But she was still clearly upset with something eating away at her. And, once she shut their bedroom door, it meant they finally had a moment alone to talk.

“Hey, are you okay?”

“Yes,” Gamora replied immediately, almost automatically. Safe to say he didn't believe her.

She went to the dresser to pull out a fresh changes of clothes- or tried to, at least. She had to walk past him to get there, but Peter stopped her before she could make it to the drawers. He caught her wrist and gently pulled her back into him.

“Hey, Gamora, talk to me,” he said softly, intertwining his fingers in hers.

Gamora swallowed and looked at their hands- the way he held it reminded her of the way he held the hand of that woman as he took lead, as they danced together earlier that night. Now he was holding Gamora's hand like they were in a dance.

When she met his eyes, his expression and the concern written all over his face made her heart thump louder.

“What do you want to talk about?” She asked diplomatically, a tone she had picked up from him.

Peter frowned, clearly unimpressed by her trying to play dumb. “What you're upset about.”

“I'm not upset about anything. I'm not upset.” Even her denial sounded much too subdued- she could hear it in her own voice. It wasn't convincing at all.

“Gamora, clearly something's bothering you. Please. I just wanna... I just wanna help.”

She looked away from him then, casting her eyes to the floor, because she couldn't deal with that outpouring of concern from his eyes. He was worried- she had worried him. She didn't like Peter being worried, especially not on her behalf. She wanted him to smile- not furrow his brows as he tried to figure out what was wrong. She didn't like him looking so troubled. She liked Peter smiling. So she cast her gaze away, subconsciously tightening her grip on his hand.

“You looked nice tonight,” Gamora said quietly, because it was true. All dressed up, he didn't look quite like Peter, but he looked nice dancing, and he was good at it. He looked natural, and it was a pleasurable sight, watching him dance across the ballroom floor like he was made to do it. “I didn't know you knew how to move like that. You were really good at it.”

She was silent after that, and Peter waited for her to start speaking again, but it seemed she didn't mean to pause, she was just stopping there.

She still wasn't looking at him, and she was still holding tightly to his hand.

“Mmhmm,” he prompted, encouraging her to continue.

She stared long and hard at their intertwined hands, her jaw tensing and her expression twisting as she thought.

Suddenly she turned her piercing gaze to him. “Why do you try to get me to dance with you?”

Peter scrunched his face up in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“Why you you always try to get me to dance with you?” She asked again. “Still? Why do you still try? I never do-” before he could object, she amended, “Rarely do. And I don't dance well when I barely even dance. I hardly move when you do convince me to. And of the few times I have, I've actually physically injured you. Only two of those times were on purpose. The rest were all accidents. I... I suck at dancing,” Gamora said emphatically, and her using that word like he always did was so endearing- saying something sucked. God, she could be so cute sometimes- without even trying. “I suck at dancing, Peter. So why? Why do you still try to get me to dance with you every change you get? Every occasion and opportunity. Why do you try to pull me into dancing with you at every opportunity?”

He gave her a crooked gin then, like he was about to say something a mix of sweet and charming (though she'd never say those words).

“Because it's fun,” he answered with a good-natured smile, like she was silly for even asking.

“It can't be fun. You can't have fun dancing with me when I never actually dance with you. I never really dance with you, Peter. You can't say dancing with me is fun when you've only experienced something akin to dancing, and even then it's few and far between. Why do you keep trying to get me to dance with you? I never do. I always say no. Why do you still do that? Why do you still try to get me to dance? You are honestly good at dancing. Why would you want to dance with me?”

By that point, it was pretty clear this was about more than just dancing. When he saw all her insecurities written all over her face, it took everything he had in him to not interrupt her to reassure her and tell her how great and awesome and amazing she was.

He knew she had to get this out. He wasn't expecting this deep, personal insecurities stuff to be following her dancing question, but he wanted to comfort her the moment it became clear she was upset about her own (perceived) inadequacies.

But he knew she needed to say what she was going to say, so he listened and waited patiently for her to finish, holding her hand the whole time.

Gamora finally met his eyes again, and hers looked far more vulnerable and uncertain than he'd ever seen them as she looked to him for a response.

And, when she turned her eyes to him, it was like his whole mind went blank. He wanted to say the perfect thing, to say something good, but he didn't even know where to start. He wanted to say the words she deserved to hear, but she had him at a loss for words far too often.

Even though he didn't know what to say, he knew he needed to say something, so he settled on winging it. It'd worked for him before.

“Because I... cause I like to, G'mora,” Peter shrugged, a sheepish, almost self conscious smile spreading across his face. “I dunno, I just- I like getting you to wiggle. It is fun, getting you to wiggle and shift back and forth to the best songs in the world. I always have a good time when we do that. When I do that with you. It makes me... Happy. When I'm with you. And I'm glad you thought I looked good dancing tonight,” he added with a wink, cause he couldn't resist. “But you know what I was thinking the whole time? How it would've been more fun with you. Cause you know, I'm always smiling and laughing when I try to get you to dance with me, cause I just can't help myself. You know how many times I had the urge to laugh tonight? Zero. Zilch. Nada. I would've been in stitches in just two minutes if I had you next to me. I would've been smiling so wide my cheeks hurt in just 30 seconds of trying to convince you to dance with me. Instead of fake smiling with that duchess lady the whole hour on the ballroom floor. So, I mean, that's why. I like getting you to wiggle with me, Gamora. And I like making you laugh and smile like you always do when I try to dance with you. I like smiling with you. I like dancing with you too. Anything with you. Makes me happy.”

From the look on her face, it seemed like he had just said the perfect thing.

Without really thinking Gamora pulled him into a warm embrace that seemed to take them both by surprise. He stiffened slightly- cause of the whole surprise thing- before he wrapped his arms around her waist and held her close. Gamora nuzzled into the crook of his neck, and he placed a soft kiss on the top of her head. It was times like these when she was reminded that they fit so well together.

“Don't stop doing that,” she whispered. “I hope you never stop. Asking me to dance. Don't stop.”

She pulled back just far enough to kiss his lips.

It was a good, long kiss. A great one. And when they disentangled their limbs from each other, they were both smiling in a ridiculous manner.

Then Quill's lips turned up into a smirk, obviously something mischievous in mind with the spark in his eye.

“So...” he started expectantly.

“Don't push your luck, Starlord,” she told him, shaking her head, trying to hide her smile with her hair and utterly failing.

“Had to try,” he offered as an excuse. Gamora rolled her eyes, chuckling, because he was utterly impossible.

She kissed him again anyways.

___________ 

~FIN~ ___________

Author’s note: I know it’s a little late in the day, but I thought I had this one finished, then I got up today and added over 1,500 words to it. When I woke up at noon today Peter was dancing with nondescript woman on nondescript mission. This fic actually started with “While watching his back, Gamora couldn't help but notice the woman was pretty, and a very good dancer. Probably what one would call a natural, as she danced with Peter. Her movements were fluid, matching his, and Gamora would almost think it was beautiful if the sight didn't fill her with such vitriol.” Maybe I regretted not writing a mission fic for day one after reading some of the other fills yesterday. Who knows? All I can say for sure is the Duchess and Peter’s rant about people who give themselves nicknames didn’t exist this morning.

Hope you liked the additions

-

Also, it is such a shame that I posted that starmora one shot Dresses, Dates, and Dancing back in June, cause after the starmora week prompts came out and I read them I was just like ‘can I repost it? It works so well for day two, I can pretend I did a first date and dancing fic in one on purpose! I totally combined the starmora week prompts, guys! AFTER the fact!’

[poisonappletales]

If one (or all, your pick) of your characters were featured in a news article, what would the headline be?

Hello, Anonymous! Ooh, this is a fun one. Since I’m going with news articles, I’m going to set this in a half-modern setting.  The fantasy world meets the modern era. Something like a fun parody.

Let’s see…shall we start with Unknown from Don’t Take This Risk?

“Aren’t some of those the lyrics to a song?”

“They suit me.”

“What’s with the come-on at the end? You know what that sounds like, don’t you?”

“You even got the word ‘pimps’ in there.”

[grins] “If you do not like it, then do you have something that beats it?”

“I sure do. Check me out!”

“Oi. That’s not me.”

[grinning even more broadly] “Really? I didn’t notice.”

[to Wind:] “You’re sure causing big trouble in the…city. Do we live in Virgo City now?”

“Looks more professional now that the article ain’t written by you.”

“With all those cap locks and everything? You have a pretty low bar for that.”

“That still ain’t me! Where’s mine?! Who’s the professor confessing his feelings to anyway?”

[tongue-in-cheek] “You can’t tell?”

[muttering under his breath:] “Hulder scum.”

“I’m sure it’ll get to your newspaper eventually, X.”

“It’ll knock everyone’s socks off.”

“Haha! Look at that.”

“Whoa. That’s hard-core. I thought these were all going to be a bunch of funnies.”

“Do we really have to comment on every one? Why am I even here with you two?”

“I dunno. Does it really matter?”

“There’s mine!”

“You’re behind bars. Bravo.”

“Shut up. I’ll get out.”

“I notice you have two photographs.”

“People can’t get enough of this handsome mug.”

“I’m with two big-headed idiots. Great.”

“Haha! Feel free to join us.”

“I don’t need to stroke my ego like you two.”

“What are you talking about? I’m just saying it like it is.”

“Mm-hmm. I am sexy, and I know it.”

“That’s getting tiresome. Knock it off.”

“Don’t you want to at least take off that hood before saying that? Put your money where your mouth is.”

“Haha! This is really cute.”

“Says names have been changed, but in that pic, that’s definitely Rosemary and Jasmine.”

[sarcastic] “You could see Jasmine? Her cousin practically shoved her out of the frame.”

“That is okay. I can still see her sexy eyes and lovely hair. Ah, I’m so happy! It’s the ladies’ turn, isn’t it?”

“Ugh. Bieber.”

“Oh, better not let cutie Rosemary hear you say that. She looks like she could claw someone’s eyes out for saying one wrong word about her star crush.”

“I ain’t scared. Anyways, have no idea who BTS is.”

“Hmm…Wind looks like he could fit in with them - if he wouldn’t mind dancing.”

“Or singin’, you mean?”

“What are you two trying to insinuate?”

[smiling broadly] “Why are you always so mad? I just gave you a compliment. They have a lot of fans, you know.”

“Like I care to have humans flocking to me. I’m not always in heat like you either.”

“…”

“…”

“Haha! What?”

“I don’t even -”

“I wanna check out that Playboy issue.”

“Of all the stupidity -”

“She already looks good with clothes. Without them would be even better.”

“Can we move on?”

“You know, I can’t really see her liking an old bag of bones like Trump. But he does have money…some chicks dig cash.”

“Next.”

“Ooh, cosplay. I like.”

“Is Wildfire dressing up as a Pikachu in that pic?”

“Haha! It’s hard to imagine them dressing up as the Frozen sisters. I bet Brooks was the adorable Anna and Wildfire was the alluring Elsa.”

“Didn’t the princess dress up as Elsa before?”

“She did? If they went to the same convention…cat fight.”

“Nobody’s touchin’ my woman on my watch.”

“Since when is she your woman?”

“Since she kissed me.”

“What -”

“The two sexiest fighters from the Fire Emblem series…I do not play much games, but I have heard of it. It’ll be hard to decide which ones they mean to dress up as. Aren’t all women sexy in their own way? Just by being a woman -”

“Yeah, yeah, we’ve heard the speech before.”

“Some women may not have.”

“Great. We have an audience. As usual.”

“If it’s supposed to be anonymous, why is Chase putting his name down?”

“Maybe he doesn’t know how anonymous submissions work?”

“I know what I would want to write to ‘Dear Ambrosia.’”

“So do I. ‘You’re my woman, so don’t let anybody take ya from me.’”

“Still going on with that nonsense.”

“‘Tell me your three sizes. If you do not want to say, would you mind if I checked to see what they were?’”

“You two are psycho.”

“Oi. He’s the psycho. I’m just someone you shouldn’t mess with.”

“You mean a thug?”

“Bring it on, slimebag.”

“Aww, that’s it for the ladies? I rather see a Hulder woman…”

“‘Several well-known designers and models blah blah blah’…I’m already bored.”

“If we’re done here, how about you do what you said and put your money where you mouth is? Bring it on. Or are you chicken?”

“Ohh, I’ll make you regret those words! Better be careful you ain’t bitin’ off more than you can chew, beast man.”

[smirking] “You’re both thugs, aren’t you?

I was hoping this would end with a more exciting article…maybe, the reverse of Arsenik’s? Something from a woman, like - ‘Sexy Unknown, I’m ready for you. I want you now. ♥’ ”

“You know, I better teach you a lesson too - before you start getting weird ideas and writing up some twisted article!”

“Oh, it would not be a twisted thing. You would like it too if your princess said she wanted you, right?”

“She can say whatever she wants, but I don’t like what’s coming out of your mouth. Flame on!”

“Hmm? Isn’t that from Fantastic Four -”

Just want to say that some of these pop culture references (like, say, the Fantastic Four one) is because this whole thing is leaning towards a parody.

Coming from Don’t Take This Risk, Unknown naturally knows how the modern world works and so forth, but if someone like X is making an exclusively modern-day comment, you know why. This is a comedic little thing, so he’s given some extra knowledge!

Some additional notes as always:

Unknown’s Article. Yep, Unknown wrote that one. Now, if I was being serious, Unknown might have a different headline - but oh! That may be too close to spoilers.If Unknown saw his article in the paper, he would think he’s sexy and he knows it. Because he wrote it.

Wind’s Article. Ah, that’s Wind for you. Always causing chaos and mayhem!If Wind saw his article in the paper, he would toss it at the next unsuspecting passerby. Because he’s done with the paper and found it a little annoying. Unless that passerby happens to be a certain Phoenix.

Arsenik’s Article. Ah, I wanted something romantic here. When Arsenik loves, wouldn’t you say he does so passionately? Ambrosia’s name is left out because 1) he already said he’s not bold enough to put it in there and 2) it simultaneously fits the War: Valentine Edition setting/universe (where you, the player, go on dates with the boys). If you’re the one he loves, you can imagine receiving an article like this, can’t you?If Arsenik saw his article in the paper, he would recall all the times he went over the words in his head and proofread them. He would re-read it once more, as if hunting for imperfections even when it’s already too late. He would think he was being silly when he put it in the paper, but it also feels nice to air his feelings. Now, it’s just a matter of whether she will come to the Sky-Reaching Park. He really will wait every day for you.

Night’s Article. He is a warrior of the Vi, so it makes sense for him to be an army veteran. Again, you can see his relaxed flirting style. The journalist made the approach, and he responds honestly (“I think you’re a very pretty woman”).If Night saw his article in the paper, he would chuckle with amusement.

Onyx’s Article. This article being written by “a Random Journalist” is the only thing that might earn a chuckle out of you. Everything else is much more sobering because that’s Onyx for you! This is the kind of headline that suits him.If Onyx saw his article in the paper, he would register the information and remember it. 

X’s Article. X is the bad boy of prison. With his fire powers, wouldn’t a modern-day world label him as an arsonist?If X saw his article in the paper, I imagine he’s in jail by this point. He likes what they quoted him on.

Jasmine & Rosemary’s Article. Rosemary is a fan girl! Well, Jasmine is one, too…but not for Justin Bieber! (Even if she secretly thinks he’s good looking. She just doesn’t like him as much as a certain boy band…)If the two saw their article in the paper, Rosemary would shriek, “THEY BARELY CHANGED MY NAME!” Jasmine would say, “What does it matter? Your face is in the picture. I told you not to talk to the reporters! Why couldn’t we have just gone to the BTS concert? None of this would have happened otherwise!”

Bo-Peep’s Article. Now, I should note that I’m not intending to make any particular political statement here. I’m only tailoring the articles to fit each character’s personality/background. Bo-Peep would indeed make a fine beauty vlogger, and she would have no qualms about posing for Playboy. As for going from the king’s mistress to the president’s other woman…well, are you siding with her fans who think it’s all a lie or those who believe it? After all, there is a money trail…If Bo-Peep saw her article in the paper, she would ask her manager (King Barium?) what to do.

Wildfire & Brooks’ Article. The cosplaying duo! In a modern setting, they’re totally gamer girls, who like dressing up and thinking they’re hot stuff. But yeah, Wildfire isn’t any nicer. If Ambrosia did show up at the convention with the same cosplay (without any malice, of course), you can imagine how Wildfire would react, right? Just don’t expect an “open” freak out. Wildfire’s an expert in the Mean Girls style of bullying, you know? If the two saw their article in the paper, Wildfire would click her tongue and go, “Yep. Lookin’ good.” Brooks would agree, “We do look good, don’t we? Kyahaha!”

Ambrosia & Chase’s Article. All right. Barring extenuating circumstances, these two…honestly wouldn’t be featured in the newspaper. They don’t do anything outstandingly spectacular or necessarily cause trouble. Ambrosia is shy, while Chase is the kind of nice Average Joe who gets friend-zoned like he mentioned. (Present-day Ambrosia of Beauty and the War might be able to grab the headlines…but I want to avoid spoilers! So, we’re sticking with past Ambrosia for now.)While I could have an article featuring Ambrosia being a casualty of, say, Wildfire, I decided to give her an ask column in the style of Dear Abby. This way, Chase would write in a question and voila! They both have a spot in the newspaper. When Ambrosia received this question, she was thinking, “Oh dear…I don’t have any experience with relationships! Am I really qualified to answer a question like this? But I have to tell him something…I’m sure he’s a good man. I’ll remind him of his positive qualities and tell him not to give up. He’s sure to find someone!”Interestingly, you might notice that Ambrosia is someone who’s good at encouraging others but not herself. She’s the kind of person who would think, “Someone like me shouldn’t be with anyone.”  Perhaps…she has a particular reason for thinking this way?On a side note, I went with her picture from the Don’t Take This Risk webtoon because this was a modern-day setting!If Ambrosia and Chase saw their article in the paper, Chase would exclaim, “Ahh! They didn’t make my name anonymous like I thought they would!”Ambrosia would think, “I do hope I managed to help Sir Chase. I meant every word I said. Mm…did he mean to include his name…?It’s also…really strange seeing my picture in the paper like that…! It’s kind of embarrassing. I wonder if it’s really necessary to include my face. I’m sure no one wants to see me. It’d be much cuter to have something like a fluffy bunny or a baby deer instead. Yes, I would like that much more!”

The Hulder’s Article. This was really a way to slip in an article for Viktor, who’s part of the supporting cast in Beauty and the War (X Playing Pieces). The Hulder are ethereally attractive, so in the modern-day world, they would sparkle be models. All-natural models.Naturally (no pun intended!), Arsenik tries to talk up his nephew, who’s more interested in lights and fame than him. Arsenik’s happier sitting in a cafe, sipping from a cup of tea and reading a book (and maybe sneaking glances at the woman who caught his heart?). I’m not sure if you find it funny that the guy who’s ranked one of the top 10 sexiest models…can’t work up the courage to approach his crush.If Viktor saw his article in the paper, he would say (to whoever’s with him), “Oh, I have a pretty nice spot in the photo. I thought I’d be more in the back or shuffled to the side, but you can see my face and everything just fine. That’s good! I can’t wait for Fashion Week!”

There we have it! The articles and the headlines many of my characters would make. Hope you enjoyed it, Anonymous. Which ones were your favorites?

Oh, and if anyone ever does want to write to “Dear Ambrosia,” feel free. She loves to encourage you with love and positivity!

I’m now pretty exhausted, so I’ll be heading off now. Have an awesome rest of the day!

[laurinebruder]

The Naughty List Writing Tag

Welcome, dear readers, to @jennamoreci​‘s awesome writing tag, The Naughty List!

I love writing tags like this, so even though AMBERSHIELD has been set aside to simmer before I work on edits, I decided to use its cast of characters to answer these questions. Here we go!

THE RULES:

1) Provide a brief description of your novel before beginning. NO MORE THAN 5 SENTENCES.

Izzy, a 20-year-old priestess, flings tradition to the side when she refuses to sign a contract binding her to a paladin protector and flees her home the night before the signing. She needs to find her sister, missing for the past 6 years, and doesn't need a pretentious prick in plate armor telling her what to do. However, the mystery of her sister's whereabouts becomes muddled with the rise of a new cult and the appearance of the Undead. When she finally learns the whereabouts of her sister, she has a desperate choice to make: stay loyal to her only family or pursue her own freedom.

2) If your cast is fewer than 15 characters, you can’t use the same name more than twice. If your cast is larger than 15 characters, you can’t use the same name more than once.

THE QUESTIONS:

#1 Which character is SO into the holidays, they nearly cause a street-wide power outage from all their Christmas lights?

That would most likely be Desi. She gets really excited when it comes to festivals. Not only is there usually a lot of booze and dancing going on, but when shown the wonder of Christmas lights...yeah, she'd want them all. Everything. Even the gaudiest, biggest Santa on her lawn.

#2 Which character attends the office new years party with ONE date…and goes home with someone else?

Hmmm, if one of my characters was really douchey enough to do that, it'd have to be Sigismund. He has no qualms about ditching something (or someone) he deems as less than acceptable. After all, he's the one who tried to trade in his assigned priest for a better one, even after signing the contract. Bastard.

#3 Which character is more than happy to steal Hanukkah gelt from poor, unsuspecting children? [Note: Hanukkah gelt = chocolate coins]

...Oh damn, whoever does this is a huge dick...I'd have to say Sigismund again. This guy's got a serious attitude problem and he hates kids, so he would have no qualms about taking candy from them and then smacking them to give them something to “really cry about.”

#4 Fill in the blanks: I saw ____[character]____ doing a whole lot more than ____[verb]____-ing Santa Claus. They were full on ____[action]____.

I saw Izzy doing a whole lot more than slapping Santa Claus. They were full on fighting. If some old guy with a giant beard in a red suit came for her under anything that traditionally required kissing...yeah, she's gonna beat his ass. She don't swing that way.

#5 One of your characters decides to pregame before church and passes out in the middle of the Christmas service. Which character is it?

Desi. Flat out. She's not one for religion and she loves her wine. Of course, she'd only be at church to begin with because her grampy insisted she go. She'd feel bad for embarrassing him, but then she'd shrug and go, “I warned you.”

#6 Which character hasn’t been seen since winter began because they refuse to deal with the snow?

After too many years spent in a convent up in the mountains, Cait is never leaving the comfy warmth of her manor to deal with snow. Ever. Again. She's like a Wisconsinite that finally got a chance to go south for the winter after dealing with that mess for her whole life.

#7 Which character completely forgot about the holidays and ends up regifting to everyone?

Niko wouldn't forget about the holiday, per se, rather he'd be wandering for so long that he kind of forgets entire months. (Izzy still hasn't forgiven him for bailing on her before her contract signing. He was her getaway, damnit!) So he'd end up giving everyone whatever someone else had given him first. If he even had anything at all.

#8 Which character has such crappy luck, they only discover their potato allergy after pigging out on latkes?

As an amateur epicurean, Izzy would try anything under the sun, just to say she tried it. Then she would break out into hives, shrug, heal herself (because what's the point in being a healer if you can't), and then go right back to eating, while avoiding what made her break out in the first place. Hives are so unattractive.

#9 The Krampus has arrived to punish your very bad characters. Which character is kinda into it?

Ah, the closet kink of the bunch. It's Than. Than may be a brick shit house of a man, but he loves being dominated. However, he does have standards, and he'd have to insist the Krampus wear a disguise or a glamour of some kind, cause good fucking gods, have you seen that thing? It's not at all sexy.

#10 One of your characters should be on the naughty list, but has convinced Santa to clear their name. Which character is it, and what was their means of persuasion?

Cait would use all of her talents at manipulation to wring Santa's heart and convince him that she deserved a second chance. She's very good at getting people to follow her (she doesn't have a cult for nothing) and at playing to their desires. …...Okay, and yeah, she'd also use her feminine wiles on him. Cause she's sexy and she knows it.

I love holiday writing tags :D I tag @shuubunni and anyone else who would like to join in.

Joyous tidings to all this holiday season. No matter what you celebrate, I hope you have love, joy, and comfort in your lives. Thanks for stopping by, dear readers, and I’ll see you next time!

[artificialqueens]

Bloodlust (Raja x Sharon) - Velouette

Summary: Raja is a vampire looking for a prey.

AN: I don’t know what this is.

TW: blood, death

Raja put the cigarette between her lips and inhaled the smoke deep into her lungs. The street was filled with groups of people, drunk and drugged up, leaning into each other as they stumbled to some unknown destination. The sounds of late night Los Angeles were all around her, blaring music, loud voices, louder laughter. The most fascinating sound to her, however, was their steadily beating hearts, it was music to her ears. She walked slowly and confidently on the sidewalk, her presence exuding power and dominance as she searched for her prey. She loved watching their unsuspecting faces as they looked at her in awe. Only if they knew. They were here, alive and breathing, merely because she allowed them to, she could take their meaningless little life away in a second, and they were so oblivious to the danger standing so close to them. A young boy stared at her with big, doe eyes, he couldn’t have been older than sixteen. He looked so… tasty. Maybe if she didn’t find anything better she could come back for him. She was picky with her food, she liked to play with her dinner first, lure them into some dark, hidden spot with a promise of a good time, their trusting eyes filled with desire. She liked the young ones, so beautiful, so stupid, so warm. She hated messy eaters, they were animals really, attacking the first hopeless, old lady they found in their way and ripping into her throat. Where was the fun in that? She had been around for centuries, the sloppy kill had gotten old pretty fast. No, she liked the games, the artistry of the kill, the ritual. Sometimes it took days before she killed her prey, sometimes weeks, even months, and sometimes no longer than five minutes. It all depended on how hungry she was, she was pretty hungry tonight. Raja’s eyes looked over the buildings and came to rest on a neon sign. ‘Darkside’ The wall was covered with ripped posters of unknown bands and a staircase leading underground, boys and girls in fancy dark clothes and exaggerated makeup stood outside. She loved places like this. Young, foolish kids trying to set apart from the crowd, to be different, to be special. They liked to pride themselves in the fact that they didn’t follow the rules but they were just pretentious. They worshiped her kind and all things supernatural, they romanticized their existence. Some of them even believed themselves to be part of her kind, powerful and mighty but she could see them, the real them, they were as weak as all humans, hiding behind a mask, trying to deny their vulnerability, their nature. She carelessly flicked her cigarette and decided to go down the stairs, where the fun was. As soon as she entered the club she was engulfed in the heat, the scent, the sounds. The loud music faded into the background and all she could hear were the rapidly beating hearts, the loud gasps for air, it made her whole body vibrate. Sweat, sex, blood were all around the air and it aroused her, it tantalized her every sense. She buried herself in the dancing crowd, hot bodies were moving against her cold one, her eyes rolled in the back of her head, this was bliss. She ran her hands over the girl dancing in front of her, she leaned close to her neck, breathing in the enticing scent, almost touching her lips on the soft skin. She laughed at the naivety of these people as she made her way through the crowd to the bar. A man with a shaved head and piercings was behind the counter, confidently flirting with a teenage goth girl. She took some money out of her pocket and waved it at his directions to get his attention. His looked annoyed that he was interrupted but as he approached Raja his expression changed into an apprehensive one. He looked into her cold eyes and frowned. Raja smiled, a cold, perverse grin, as she handed him the money. “Bourbon” she said, staring into his confused eyes. This wasn’t unusual, some people could sense the danger of her presence, they wouldn’t know what it was or why they felt that way but all their instincts screamed at them to run. The man filled a glass, pushed it in front of her and turned away to serve a red haired girl, his eyes glancing at Raja nervously every once in a while. Raja ignored him, instead she scanned the crowd with her eyes, looking for tonight’s prey. Her attention was caught by a young girl sitting on one of the bar stools. The girl was several feet away from her but she could clearly see her face. Pale, cakey makeup, dark, smudged eyeliner around her eyes, red, overdrawn lips, white contacts. Her slim fingers were tangled in her white blonde hair as she played with her curls. Her eyes were unfocused and she was barely balancing herself on her seat. She was drunk. The girl looked at Raja and then lowered her eyes. She glanced up at her again a few times as she tried to sit more delicately on the stool, almost falling in the process. She had a flirty smile on her face as she looked at Raja from under her eyelashes. Raja licked her teeth at the thought of tasting the girl. She had found her victim. So beautiful, so young… so stupid. She decided to wait, let the girl come to her. The girl took a sip from her drink and soon enough was approaching Raja, her long, scrawny legs wobbling due to alcohol and her inability to walk in her high heels. Her short, black dress was riding higher as she walked, it looked almost intentional. She stopped in front of Raja, looking up at her with heavy eyes. “Hi” she greeted, her voice sweet and breathy. She smiled widely as she swayed side to side. She had a cute smile, almost childish and she had a gap in her teeth. She looked delicious. “Hi” Raja said casually, looking down at the girl. The girl pouted in what she probably thought was a seductive way. It worked. “I’m Sharon” she said, batting her eyelashes at Raja. “I’m Raja” said Raja as she slicked her ponytail back with her hand. Sharon moved closer to Raja, pressing their bodies together and she stretched her hand out, taking Raja’s glass from the counter and taking a sip. “Sharon, didn’t your parents teach you not to talk to strangers? It could be dangerous” said Raja with a devilish grin. “I like danger” Sharon said, raising her thin eyebrow and squinting her eyes playfully at Raja. Raja leaned closer to Sharon, she could feel Sharon’s warm breath on her lips. “What if I wanted to hurt you?” she asked and she softly run a long fingernail down Sharon’s cheek. “I like pain” Sharon said suggestively as she bit her lip. “Does that mean you would let me do anything I wanted to you?” Raja whispered to Sharon’s ear. Sharon shuddered and a moan escaped her lips. “Yeah… please” she said in a breathy voice. Raja pressed her lips on Sharon’s neck, her skin was so soft, she could feel her quickened pulse, the vibrations from her moans, her scent was driving her crazy, she felt drunk and high. She raised her head and looked into Sharon’s lust filled eyes. A million thoughts ran through her head, she wanted to do so much to this one, she was such a willing, gullible little plaything. She tried to control her urge to bite into Sharon’s neck right then and there. “Come with me!” she commanded and Sharon complied. As soon as they were out of the dinky club Raja grabbed Sharon’s hand and pulled her impatiently to the first dark, deserted alley she found, Sharon gladly followed her. She pushed Sharon against the damp, cold brick wall and kissed her forcefully, her hand came to rest around Sharon’s neck, slightly tightening. Sharon moaned into the kiss, her own hand came up to curl around Raja’s, urging her squeeze harder. Raja broke the kiss and smirked at Sharon. Her hand left Sharon’s neck and moved lower, it cupped her breast and then continued down her body. Sharon’s eyes were half closed as she lustfully pushed her shaking body against Raja’s hand. Raja grabbed the edge of Sharon’s dress and pulled it higher, exposing her wet thighs and black panties. She knelt down in front of Sharon and inhaled in the rich aroma of her arousal, she dragged her long fingernails down Sharon’s outer thigh, making her squirm and whine in pleasure. Raja pressed her other hand on Sharon’s aching pussy and buried her face in her inner thigh, kissing and sucking on the soft skin. She bit down, not hard enough to draw blood and looked up at Sharon, her chest was moving up and down from the loud, uneven breaths she was taking, she looked wanton with her dress bunched up around her hips and her legs spread. Raja continued to suck and lick on Sharon’s thigh, she could taste the copper flavor of blood from underneath her skin. She turned her head to the side and pressed her lips on Sharon’s wet, succulent pussy, making her involuntarily thrust her hips forward. Sharon’s underwear was now soaking wet, her whole body was shaking with need. Raja was lost in her taste, her scent, her moans. She got up and kissed Sharon again, her hands tangled in her hair, pulling hard. Sharon whined and moaned into the kiss, thrusting her crotch against Raja’s thigh. “Hurt me!” Sharon said between moans, looking pleadingly at Raja from under her eyelashes. Raja lost control, she felt her sharp fangs coming down and she violently bit into Sharon’s neck, the warm liquid hit her tongue and she was lost. Sharon screamed out in pain, her hands came up and unsuccessfully tried to push Raja away. Her loud shrieks echoed through the alley and Raja put her hand over her mouth to shut her up as she continued draining her of her blood. When Raja was full she removed her fangs from Sharon’s neck and watched as she collapsed to the ground. Soft whimpers escaped Sharon’s lips as she brought her trembling hand to the wound on her neck. Raja couldn’t take her eyes away from the sight before her. “Did I hurt you, darling?” she asked sarcastically. Sharon’s face was distorted in pain and fear. “Please…” she begged with tears in her eyes. Her voice was barely audible. Raja extended her hand and pushed a strand of hair out of Sharon’s face, making the young girl flinch. “Poor thing, so foolish” Raja said as she caressed Sharon’s face. Sharon coughed out blood and fresh tears filled her eyes. She cried softly, she was dying, bleeding out on the cold pavement. “Please!!!” she begged louder between sobs. “Tell me, Sharon, is anyone going to miss you when you’re gone?” Raja asked, her voice soothing and sweet in contrast to her words. Sharon didn’t answer, her chin trembled and she turned her head the other way. “How sad” commented Raja, her eyes traveled down the girl’s body. Her lanky legs were spread and there were marks on her inner thigh. She was so beautiful. Sharon’s body had gone limp now, the only thing that could be heard were her soft, miserable whimpers. Eventually she quieted, her lifeless eyes stared at Raja. She wasn’t dead yet, she would be soon. Raja really wished she was more patient with this one, she should have waited a little. There were so many things she had imagined doing to the girl, so many ways she could hurt her, make her beg to be hurt even more. She would have Sharon eating out of her hand in no time. They could have had so much fun. Such a shame it had to end that way. Raja took one last look at her victim, she bend down, kissing Sharon lightly on the lips, tasting blood and alcohol, and then walked away, leaving before the sun came up.