#yes once upon a time i had come up with a background for the two idiots here and everything was along the timelines and personal interests

[joelslastofus]

[SUMMARY: Joel becomes protective of his alcoholic neighbors daughter. ]

“I am very protective of those I care for” his words lingered in the air as his eyes found yours..

PART TWO of my last story

smut TW: abuse

It had been a week since you spent the night at Joel’s house. He found himself looking out his window more often yet he hadn’t seen much of you since. Your dad continued drinking as usual but somehow you managed to avoid anything escalating.

That evening you got home and saw Joel in his driveway half way under his truck fixing something. The sight of his long legs resting on the ground caught your eye.

“Joel?” He quickly rolled out from underneath and sat up.

“How ya doin’, darlin, everything alright?”

“Yes everything’s fine, I just wanted to give you this.” You handed him a small container of cookies you made.

“Just a thank you from me, Sarah told me a while back you and her loved home made chocolate chip cookies”

“Thank you, sugar. That’s nice of ya, let’s hope she don’t finish it all in one night” he squinted from the sun with a smile.

“Oh and this is yours” you returned his t shirt and sweats in a bag.

“You could’ve kept it, I think it looked better on ya anyway” he smirked, his words making you blush.

Joel Miller was flirting with you and you had no damn clue how to respond. His flirting making you think of the way he was looking at you that night, remembering how he almost kissed you until the sound of your dad’s voice distracted you both in that moment.

“Hey! Did you get what I asked for already?” Joel’s expression quickly turning serious at the sight of your father one foot out of the front door.

“Yes, I got it. I’ll be right there!” You assured him before he realized you were beside Joel.

“Oh hi Miller,” he waved at him as Joel did a rather serious nod.

“Mick”

“I better go” you whispered as you turned away, your father walking back inside.

“Remember you call me if you anything, I’m right here” Joel called out to you before you stepped inside.

“Thank you, Joel” you smiled before closing the door behind you. Joel silently watched you enter your house, he didn’t trust your alcoholic father being alone with you, but there wasn’t much more he could do in that moment.

Walking into your house you caught yourself still smiling to yourself, you remembered laying on his couch with him. You remembered the way he looked at you…the thought of him almost kissing you… Neither of you had spoken of it, but both of you were thinking of it more than each other knew.

Sarah ran out of the house excitedly, distracting him asking if she could once again sleep over her best friends house.

“Come on dad, I’ve been keeping my grades up and doing my chores” Joel smirked knowing his daughter was right.

“How could I argue with that?” he chuckled.

“I’ll drop you off in an hour” Joel resumed working on his truck while Sarah ran inside and called her friend.

A couple hours later Joel had returned to see a car pulling up in front of your house. Sitting in his driveway he watched through his rear view mirror two men practically stumbling out of the car and another with a six pack of beer in hand. These men must’ve been those friends of your fathers you had spoken of last time. Taking it upon himself he decided to call your cell.

“Hey Joel,” you sat at your desk surprised he was even calling you.

“Hey, sorry to call late I just pulled up in front of my house and saw-“

“Oh god not again” you sighed hearing the men loudly come in through the front door. Joel could hear the discomfort in your voice as the men could be heard in the background.

“Listen, I’m here again tonight. Why don’t you stay here till they leave” Joel suggested.

“I…I don’t know. I-“ you suddenly screamed jumping up from your chair at the sound of something loudly running into your door.

“What’s the matter you alright?”

“Jesus, yeah sorry. I think one of them just ran into my door or something, scared the shit out of me.” You explained making sure your door was locked.

“I think you should stay with me for the night” Joel was now more insistent on it and you yourself didn’t think it was a bad idea.

“Ok, but I’m not telling my dad where I’m going I’m just-“

“Don’t say a thing. Just grab what you need and stay on the phone with me till you get to your door. I’m right here in the front” Joel got out of the car waiting for you to make your way out while listening clearly to make sure you wouldn’t be bothered. With relief you opened your door to see Joel hanging up his phone a few feet away from you. His eyes lighting up as soon as he saw you.

“I seriously owe you” you whispered with a sigh as you walked beside him to his door.

“Just you being safe is good enough for me darlin’” he unlocked his door letting you in. This time more prepared you bought a bag with a change of clothes which was the first thing Joel noticed.

“Didn’t wanna wear my clothes again huh?” He teased making you blush.

“I mean, they were super comfy” you responded playfully noticing the grey sweats he wore himself, what a sight it was.

Joel hadn’t felt this excitement in a long time with a woman but he was still struggling with the idea of you being so young. You were mature, you were smart but Joel had never been with a woman this much younger than him.

That night the two of you ordered Chinese and played a movie you both liked. Next door you would hear your father and his guests going in and out of the house getting more alcohol, you could see them straight from the window. Joel caught you shaking your head looking over at them before looking back at the movie.

“He always been like this?”

“He’s gotten worse” you sighed.

“He never used to bring strangers over like that and now he expects me to be welcoming to drunk men gawking at me” Joel didn’t like the sound of that. Looking up out the window he could see those very men and the way they acted. He couldn’t understand how he couldn’t take the thought of them being near you but your own father didn’t think twice of it.

A few times Joel called his daughter making sure she was ok, it was always sweet hearing him talk to Sarah. Once he hung up he caught you staring at him making you giggle.

“What?”

“I just think it’s cute all the questions you ask her, you know…to make sure she’s ok”

“It’s a must when she’s at her friends house, she knows that” he responded.

“I can tell you’re very protective of Sarah” you looked over at him as he nodded facing you.

“I am very protective of those I care for” his words lingered in the air as his eyes found yours. He meant what he said and he wanted you to know you were becoming very much included in that. He felt you deserved to have someone who could make you feel safe and he wanted to be that someone. Adjusting yourself on the couch you looked away not sure what to say.

“I think you’re very sweet, Joel… I just don’t want you getting caught up in my mess and having a problem with my dad and-“

“I’m a big boy, sweetheart” he smirked.

“I assure you I could take care of myself” you chuckled before noticing he moved more closer to you.

“I’m sure you can..” you whispered realizing he was looking at you the same way he had been the other morning when you woke up beside him. Joel was doing his best trying to fight the urges he felt, the last thing he wanted you to think was that he was trying to get his way with you. Yet, the more time he spent with you, the harder it became to ignore. He didn’t say a word but he didn’t have to. Silently leaning in closer he brushed his hand across the side of your face looking deep into your eyes before placing his lips on yours. Maybe it wasn’t smart for him to do but at that moment he didn’t care. Shocked yet excited you let him do as he pleased. His kisses were passionate, his tongue parting your lips as he kissed you deeply, his hand sliding down to your waist pulling you closer against him. The soft sound of your moan making him abruptly part his lips from you, turning his face away toward your shoulder.

“Did I do something wrong?” You asked out of breath, you reached your hand up to his face noticing how fast he was breathing. His hands still on you as he took a deep breath. Joel couldn’t remember the last time he felt this hard for a woman.

“Not a thing” he whispered low before turning back to you and kissing you like he never stopped. His body ready to jump yours, his hand brushing up your blouse squeezing one of your breast. A steamy make out session with Joel Miller wasn’t something you expected, being caressed by him in a way that you knew he had been yearning for this turned you on. You could feel how much he ached for you, you felt him unexpectedly yank down at your top hard enough where he ripped it making you gasp.

“Sorry” you could hear the genuine hint of regret in his voice, it’s like he felt like he had to be gentle with you knowing what he was capable of.

Knowing the strength he had.

Yet, that’s not what you wanted.

Tugging down at the same spot he pulled, you lowered your shirt and bra enough to reveal your breasts to him, just like he had wanted.

His hand very slowly brushing up your waist gently cupping one of your breasts as if he was appreciating every detail he could see. He wondered if you knew how much power you had over him in this very moment. His tongue sliding between his teeth before he leaned in and took your nipple in his mouth. The feeling of his tongue flicking at it made you squirm, your hands running through his thick hair as you moaned. Taking his time with each nipple before pulling you on top of him making you feel how hard he was through the thin fabric of your leggings. His eyes were hungry for you like an animal, his hands tightly on your waist as you began to grind your hips on him. You could feel the length of his hard cock through his sweats.

How badly he wanted you.

His hands grabbing your ass guiding your body on him.

“Shit, honey you’re gonna make me cum in my damn pants” his voice was husky turning you on more until the sound of his phone vibrating caught you both off guard.

“Fuck- not now dammit” he looked over to see Tommy’s name and silenced it with a push of a button.

“Nothing important?” You whispered just as another call came in.

Tommy again.

“God dammit”

“It’s ok….just answer. It could be important”

Answering a phone call was the last thing Joel wanted to do with you straddling him but Tommy never called this late.

“Yeah?” Joel picked up the phone irritated as you slowly got off his lap. Laying his head back Joel rubbed his forehead listening to what Tommy had to say. You couldn’t help but look down and notice the very pronounced shape of his cock pushing up against his sweats.

Damn Tommy, you sighed as you tried fixing your top that Joel had broken.

“God dammit, Tommy. That’s gonna have to wait till the mornin’” is all you heard Joel say. Grabbing your bag of clothes you went off to the bathroom to change into your pajamas you bought with you.

You could hear Joel arguing back and fourth with his brother as you came out before he finally hung up. Standing in the kitchen you watched as he rubbed his eyes and cursed at himself.

“Everything ok?” You asked as he made his way to you.. He stopped before you not saying a word, grabbing your waist he pulled you against him and continued to kiss you. Your arms wrapped around him, he gently pushed you up against the counter. His cock hard against your pelvis.

“Joel” you whispered brushing your hand down his chest.

“I can just go back home if there’s somewhere you-“

“No no, that won’t be happenin’” he quickly shook his head, his eyes still in a trance not leaving your lips.

“Tommy’s just gonna have to wait” he looked back up into your eyes, realizing what the hell he was doing, realizing what it looked like.

“Listen-“ he caressed your waist.

“I don’t want you thinking just cause you’re staying here that you have to do anything, I promise you I wasn’t expecting none of this” you couldn’t help but smile.

“I promise you” you wrapped your arms around him.

“I wasn’t thinking that way of you. Besides…” you unexpectedly turned around leaning over on the counter, pressing your ass against his length.

“I like what we’re doing..” you teased looking back at him as stared down at your ass mesmerized. Wearing a pink pair of shorts you began to pull them down slowly swaying your hips, Joel was at a loss for words.

Pressing your bare ass against him, you bounced yourself against his cock.

“Fuck…shit-“ Joel knew he needed you in that moment.

“I don’t wanna hurt cha-“ he spoke in a deep whisper as his hands grabbed your waist.

“You’re not” you looked back and watched as he finally gave in pulling down his sweats. Spitting on his hand he lubricated his cock and placed his tip right at your entrance. Feeling the heat of your cunt he slowly thrusted in as you both let out a simultaneous moan of relief at the first feel of each other. The girth of his cock filling up your hole, your hands flat on the counter as he took hold of your waist and began moving in a steady rhythm. He watched your ass bounce off him making him bite his bottom lip. The sounds of your moans filling up his home only encouraging him to move faster. He couldn’t believe he was actually fucking your, his pleasure overlapping any doubts.

His hand creeping up to your shoulder giving you a squeeze before he grabbed a chunk of your hair and tugged at it. You squealed as he pulled you up against him by your hair, your body molding perfectly against his. His arm wrapped around you allowing his hand to take hold of your breast. Grunting in your ear he fucked you hard and fast as you whimpered, he knew you were about to cum.

“Joel…” you cried out.

“Yeah baby I’m here” he panted holding you close. Your legs shaking as you came but you felt him hold you up and steady.

“I got cha, baby” you couldn’t respond, each wave hitting every nerve in your body down to your toes. His hands squeezing whatever he could, he knew he was about to explode.

“Shit, baby girl you feel so good..: I’m about to cum-“ his body making yours jump against his until he finished with two last hard strokes. Moaning deeply against your ear he held your body against him. The sound of a man who had wanted you for so long. You could feel him throbbing inside you before slowly slipping out. Your legs slightly shaking you held on to the counter as he threw water on his face from the sink and cleaned himself off. He turned to see you staring at him as he tied his sweat pants, silently brushing your hair behind your ear.

“You alright, baby” you nodded as he walked towards you. Pulling you in close he kissed you, almost feeling as if he still couldn’t keep his hands off you.

“You sure?” His lips brushing against your forehead as you closed your eyes wanting more yourself.

Before you knew it Joel and you were having sex in the shower. The need to feel his body against yours, to feel himself inside you was one he couldn’t escape. Never had you felt such sexual chemistry with another man before…not like this. His wet hair slick back as he stared down at you with intensity, holding your leg up rocking his hips against you. You moaned grabbing onto the wall, your hand slipping down as you tried to hold on.

“Hold on to me, sugar” he panted continuing to slam into you. Tonight was a night that neither of you wanted to end. After he finished, the two of you silently held each other in the shower, letting the hot water fall over you.

“It’s getting really late” you whispered, half a smile appearing on his lips.

“Got somewhere to go, darlin’?”

Joel couldn’t help but smile watching you sit beside him on the couch picking at your leftovers.

“This is so good” you sighed before looking up and realizing the smirk he had as he stared at you.

“What?”

“Nothing. You’re just-“ his deep eyes devouring you.

“You look beautiful” the sincerity in his voice making you feel as if you were on a cloud when you were both distracted with your father coming out of the house arguing with one of the men. The two men shoving each other making you quickly stand up.

“Oh God” you quickly grabbed your keys until Joel caught your arm pulling you back.

“Stay inside” he went on to walk past you and headed out as you watched nervously from inside.

Joel quickly ran out pulling the drunk man off your father.

“Please just leave” you whispered to yourself referring to the other men. Joel yelled out something that you couldn’t make out while motioning for them to leave. Thankfully they backed away as Joel got your father on his feet, a bloody nose and black eye you could see forming right from where you were.

“You alright?” Joel asked with slight irritation remembering this was the same man who locked you out of the house on a late night.

“Fine, thanks Miller. I’m fine” he pulled himself away stumbling inside as Joel watched him close the door behind him.

Just as he made his way back to his front lawn you came out worriedly.

“Is he ok?” You asked as he gently pushed you back in the house.

“He’s fine, little bruised up but he’ll be fine”

“I should go check” Joel quickly shook his head not approving.

“Joel that’s my father-“

“And what if those men come back, you would’ve been in that house in the middle of a bunch of drunk men fighting had you not stayed here.” A look of defeat from you made him feel slightly guilty.

“I’m sorry baby, I just don’t feel you’re safe there right now” he tried to explain. You nodded in silence walking inside without looking back.

After getting some rest for a few hours you got up early before Tommy would return. Joel was already awake, you found him in the kitchen making breakfast.

“I better get going” your voice making him look up.

“Slow down, honey, I’m making us breakfast”

“Save it for you and Tommy, I don’t wanna risk him seeing me here again.” Joel followed you to the door before gently pulling you back against him. His hands on your waist he didn’t say a word resting his head on yours.

“I wish you didn’t have to leave” he whispered.

“Me neither” you sighed.

“By the way, I’ll pass by the pharmacy and get you some of that mornin’ after pill” his words making you blush.

“Sorry about that” the two of you chuckled.

“I’m on the pill, it’s ok” He kissed you once more before you turned and left back to your house. Joel watched until you got inside, wishing you didn’t have to stay there at all but what else could he do.

Returning home you found glass broken all over the floor, a broken chair and food thrown everywhere. You sighed, after an amazing night reality set in.

Your father must’ve still been sleeping not hearing a sound and so you began cleaning up the mess. As you cleaned you heard Joel’s truck out front knowing he was leaving for work just as Tommy drove in.

Hours later in the evening you heard your father wake up. Making his way down the hall as you stood by the open front door with a bag of garbage, instantly you noticed his bruises.

“Hey, dad-“

“Where were you?” His tone was filled with anger catching you off guard.

“Dad…I was at a friends house-“

“Did you see what they did to me?” He stepped closer pointing at his face.

“Where the hell were you?!”

“Dad, I stayed over a friends house I didn’t want to be here with all those drunk men and-“

“So this is your fault” he continued, his accusation causing you to shake your head with confusion as he stepped closer.

“This is all your fault!” He yelled loudly, Tommy who was throwing out the garbage looked up at the sound of your fathers voice.

“How the hell is it my fault?! Those are your friends that you insisted on having here!” You yelled back when an unexpected hard smack to your face made you stumble.

“Shit” Tommy whispered to himself. In shock you stood not saying a word before your father marched off outside slamming the door behind him, eager for another night of drinking.

Once the door closed you slowly moved your hair out of your face. Never had your father lay a finger on you, feelings of betrayal and hurt taking over.

Tommy watched as your father walked off unsure if he should check on you. Being that he never spoke to you that way he felt he was better off minding his business, besides, he knew you weren’t aware he saw anything.

A few hours later Joel was home with dinner for Tommy and Sarah. The day passed and he couldn’t stop thinking about the night he had with you, wanting you the more he thought of you.

“You’re in a good mood today” Tommy chuckled opening the box of pizza.

“Why wouldn’t I be?” Joel shrugged before taking a quick bite of a slice.

“Better than that asshole next door seemed today. Giving that friend of yours a hard time” Joel immediately took interest in what Tommy was speaking of.

“What do ya mean, what happened?” He leaned back on the counter crossing his arms.

“The girls dad, they were arguing..he ended up-“ Tommy motioned a smack to the face so Sarah wouldn’t hear what was being spoken of.

“He hit her?” Joel blurt out, his expression instantly changing with what he was told.

“Where is he now? Why didn’t you call me?”

Tommy confused with how invested Joel was, with how angry Joel became.

“What’s going on?” Sarah asked confused.

“Not now honey, go to your room. Uncle Tommy and I are talking” Sarah looked at her uncle who gave her a nod before she quickly did as she was told.

“Joel I didn’t know I was suppose to call you, and he left after that. I haven’t seen him return since” Joel didn’t respond quickly patting his pockets for his phone until he found it and giving you a call.

Laying in bed with your door locked you woke up to the sound of your phone buzzing.

Thankfully it was Joel.

“Hello?” you quickly sat up relieved to hear from him.

“You alright?” Joel turned his back to Tommy.

“Y-yeah? Why wouldn’t I be?” You responded confused, you didn’t understand why he sounded so concerned. No one had seen what happened earlier…not that you realized. Joel stood silent realizing you weren’t going to tell him about what happened. Realizing that protecting you was going to be something much harder than he expected…but he wasn’t giving up on it…

Tags: @sushiumex @pinkiec6-rubi @princesatracionera

[spearsillustration]

🐝 RID Stressed Bumblebee X Cybertronian Reader

Notes: I've been currently rewatching RID, when I was younger I didn't finish it. It's not as bad as I remember it being. I usually have it playing in the background when I'm working on something but I kind of love it. And I just love this version of Bumblebee. He's just a silly little guy doing his best. I think the only reason I didn't like this version is because I watched TFP first and that gives a person high expectations. 

Word count -  4,083

Page Number - 10.7 (How? This was meant to be short and sweet.)

 I've noticed Bumblebee's been far more quiet lately. I didn't think too much of it until Bumblebee snapped at Strongarm and Sideswipe for never listening to him. Yes, he yells at them for bickering from time to time, but this time was different. His voice was louder, scarier even. As he left the scene I could see his hands trembling, smoke practically coming out of his receptors. I followed him to try and talk about what was bothering him. 

        Before leaving I reassured the others that Bee was probably just having an off day and to forgive his actions. I slowly followed after to see what was wrong but I knew I had to be patient since he was obviously going through something.

        "Wanna talk about it?"

        The yellow autobot stopped in his tracks when he heard my voice, letting out a frustrated sigh before looking back at me He was clearly pissed off, but he was able to calm down once he saw it was me.

        "I'm fine," he said, voice harsh and stern but his eyes said otherwise, they were filled with stress and worry.

        "How about we leave base for a bit and go for a little drive? I know a place that'll help clear your mind a bit. You'll love it." I smiled warmly hoping he'd come around. 

        Bumblebee looked down at me, his optics slowly softening as he let out a small sigh and nodded. He still looked as stressed as ever, but at the promise of some time away from everyone, he'd feel much better.

        "Yeah, sure...I could use a drive right now," he said in a low tone.

        "Alright let's go then. I told the others we'd be gone for a while." Me and Bee transformed and I started leading us to our destination.

        Bumblebee followed driving in silence beside me, not saying a word. It had been a while since the two of us were able to be alone like this, so it seemed he slowly became more relaxed. I would usually try playing around or racing with him, but I knew he wasn't in the mood so we kept driving silently. He was in a bad mood so of course I wouldn't play around. I just understood his need to get away for a bit. After another 20 minutes of driving, he spoke up, "...Where exactly are we going?"

        "You'll see soon. It's a surprise, but you'll love it. It's just what you need."

        Bumblebee let out a small sigh but didn't object. He trusted me enough and if I said he would love this place, he would. He continued to follow me, now curious about where I was taking him.

        I turned onto an old backroad that led into the forest. The road was hardly visible so it was easy to pass up if you weren't looking for it. It led to a beautiful pond that was fed by a creek. The water was beautiful and clear completely untouched by humans. It was surrounded by trees and the waterfall on the far side across from us made the sight even more unworldly.

        "How do you like it? I found it about a month ago when patrolling."

        Bumblebee stared in awe the moment we both made it to the pond. He seemed speechless as he slowly transformed back and walked over to the edge of the pond, eyes wide as they gazed upon the water.

        "....I-Its..I..."

        He couldn't find the words for it, he just kept staring at the water, a small smile appearing on his face as all the stress seemed to slowly melt away.

        "I figured you needed to relax and this is the best place I could think of." I looked away from the water and back at him.

        Bumblebee finally managed to look away from the pond to look back at me. His optics held a gleam to them as the smile stayed on his face, he seemed thankful. 

        "I..Yeah.This is exactly what I needed...I can't believe a place like this even exists here..." He spoke, finally finding his voice. He walked closer and pulled me into a tight hug taking me by surprise. 

      He held me close wrapping his arms around my body almost holding too tightly. He let out a small sigh as he closed his eyes. I could feel how tense and wound up his body was, holding himself together at the base in front of the others had left him exhausted. 

        "Let's sit down and relax here for a while." I offered.

        Bumblebee silently nodded in response. Then laid down on his back, letting out a relieved sigh as he stretched out a bit in the grass. He patted the spot beside him, gesturing for me to come lay with him.

��       I smiled and quickly joined him. "So do you wanna talk about it? If you don't I understand."

        He looked at me as I lay beside him, he reached out an arm and pulled me closer to him so I was pressed up against his side. He stayed quiet for a while, just staring up at the sky above.

        Finally, he let out a sigh "I have a lot on my mind, I don't think you even want to hear it." He mumbled, his eyes still looking up at the sky

        I looked up at him with a worried expression. "You know you can tell me anything. And I'll just keep it between you and me."

        Bumblebee hesitantly looked away from the sky and back down at me. His eyes slowly became softer as he saw the worry in my expression. He carefully rolled onto his side, facing me instead of the sky. He was quiet for a moment before he spoke, "...Sometimes it just gets too much, you know? Trying to keep everyone in line, keeping everyone from getting into trouble, keeping everyone safe... It's tiring, I feel like I'm failing.."

        "Oh Bee." I sigh. "You do so much for us and overwork yourself. You're not failing. You're new to this and you're still learning. Being a leader is hard, I could only imagine how hard it can be."

                Bumblebee slowly nodded as he tried to look anywhere other than my eyes, feeling a sense of shame and disappointment in himself for not doing better.

"Sometimes it doesn't feel that way, especially when it seems like everyone just keeps ignoring me. They don't take anything I say or do seriously.." His voice became bitter as memories of the others came to the forefront of his mind.

        "They're young, foolish, and a bit annoying at times. But, over time the team will get better I know it. And you always have me around to help."

        Bumblebee's optics slightly widened at my words, and a feeling of warmth spread through his chest as he looked down at you again. He reached out and placed a hand on my cheek, gently caressing it with his thumb.

        "I don't know what I would do without you...You're the only one who listens and I wish the others understood. How did I get so lucky to have someone so caring and understanding like you?"

        I blushed and looked away. "I-it's nothing, I just care about you is all," I said super awkwardly.

        Bumblebee chuckled when he noticed my obvious blushing, finding it cute how awkward I was in this situation. He moved his hand up to my chin and gently tilted my head to make me look him in the eyes, a small smirk on his face.

        "It's definitely not nothing. You're everything. But you're adorable when you're nervous, you know that?"

        "Stop, this isn't about me. We're here for you." I said changing the subject, but I was right.

        He smirked as he saw how flustered I got due to his words, he decided to drop the subject but he loved getting me flustered like that. He rolled back onto his back and wrapped an arm around my shoulder, pulling me closer to him.

        "Alright, alright. We don't have to talk about that...but there is another thing I wanna talk about if you're up for it.. " he said in a serious tone.

        "What is it?"

        Bumblebee's optics shifted away from me as his arm tightened around me, he was clearly nervous about what he was about to say. "It's about...how I feel about you, I guess. But I don't know if it's a good time to bring it up, I don't want to ruin anything, I just-"

        "...Just what?"

        Bumblebee's cheeks had a slight blue tint to them seeing my flushed expression unable to look me in the eyes.

        "I just... I have feelings for you- I have for a while now, but I felt unsure about whether it would actually be a good idea to say anything or not. I-I don't wanna ruin what we have-" He said in a low tone, his voice becoming more nervous the more he spoke.

        "I'm glad. I was worried mine were one-sided. I like you too Bee." I was barely able to get out.

        For a moment, Bumblebee's optics widened as he heard those words, a look of surprise on his face. "Wait...Really? You like me too? I didn't think this would happen, I thought it was one-sided-"

        "Y-yeah, I love ya Bee. I covered my mouth. "It's scary to actually say that out loud."

        A large smile appeared on Bumblebee's face and his optics shone brightly with happiness as he heard those 3 words. 

        "I love you too," He said, his voice softer and full of love as he spoke.

        My spark could just explode from joy. "You look better now that you're smiling. I missed it."

                Bumblebee chuckled as he heard me say that, he was still smiling, it was a smile that refused to go away anytime soon. He suddenly let out an amused hum, his smile turned into a smirk.

        "Oh, so you like my smile, do you?" He teased, his grip on me becoming a tad bit tighter.

        "Of course, I do Sweetspark."

        Bumblebee's smirk turned into a soft smile again at that cute nickname, he let out a small sigh of contentment. 

        "I like it when you call me that," He mumbled, "Sweetspark...Has a nice sound to it"

        "You'll definitely have to get used to it then."

        "Oh, I'll get used to it just fine, as long as you're the one saying it." He said, optics gently looking down at my lips.

        I leaned over and gently gave him what I knew he wanted. I gave him a gentle loving kiss.

        Bumblebee's hand slowly slid down to my waist to pull me closer. When I suddenly leaned forward and kissed him, his optics widened briefly before they slowly drifted shut. He let out a small sigh against my lips and slowly deepened the kiss.

        Once we pulled apart I prepped his neck and face with kisses. "I've wanted to do that for the longest time."

        Bumblebee chuckled at my cute gesture, letting out a hum of contentment as I peppered his face with kisses. His optics slowly fluttered closed once again as he tilted his head to the side to give me more access to his neck. He let out another soft sigh as my lips left a trail of gentle kisses on his neck.

        "Careful-" he mumbled, a hint of a teasing tone in his voice "-I might get addicted to this, you know."

        "I wouldn't mind that."

        "As much as I want this to continue, I think we should probably head back to base before the others get worried. As much as I want to keep you all to myself."

        "Fine. Since you can't stand being around me." I said sarcastically.

        "Don't make it sound like that, you know I enjoy being with you." He smirked as he gently tapped my nose with his finger as if he was trying to get a rise out of me.

        "I just like to play with you sometimes." I quickly gave him another kiss before standing up.

        Bumblebee rolled his optics but he didn’t mind this little back and forth between the two of you. He let out a sigh as I stood up and slowly sat up from the ground. A small smirk appeared on his face as he held a hand up to me.

        "Help me up will ya?"

        I squinted my eyes at him feeling he had something planned but I decided against it and gave him a hand.

        Bumblebee chuckled at the look I gave him, he could tell I knew something was up but decided not to question it and just helped him up. When I grabbed his hand, he quickly used the opportunity to pull me down onto his lap.

        "I figured you would do that."

        Bumblebee chuckled and wrapped an arm around my waist to keep me sitting in his lap, he looked at me with a teasing smile on his face. "And yet you still fell for it"

        "Because maybe I didn't mind it."

       "Mhm? You didn't mind, eh? So if I did this, you wouldn't mind that either right?" He teased, as he reached a hand up to my chin to tilt my head down closer to his face.

        "Aww, did you want another kiss before we left?"

        Your faces were so close, that the tips of your noses were almost touching. He chuckled, his optics looking down at my lips again before looking back into my eyes again

        "Yes, very much so. If you would give me another one."

        I quickly gave him a light almost fleeting kiss. "Now as much as I'd love to make out here in the woods by this beautiful pond, like you said we should probably head back."

        "Mhm, you’re right. We can continue this later back at base...if you want to, of course" He said with a playful wink. 

        "Alright, then let’s get going then. The longer we sit here, the longer we have to wait to continue this later" I said before I lightly punched his shoulder before standing up.

        I transforming transformed and revved my engine.

        "Wanna race back?" I asked playfully.

        "A race? Hm.. let's see if you can actually keep up with me"

        I quickly drove off leaving him in my smoke. "Let's see if you're right."

        Bumblebee let out an amused gasp as I suddenly took off, the smirk on his face widened into a cheeky grin. "Cheater!-" he yelled out, revving his engine again to speed up. He quickly gained speed and raced after me.

        I didn't let up and raced back to base. "You're gonna have to do better than that Sweetspark."

        Bumblebee huffed in annoyance at my words. He revved his engine once more and suddenly sped up, pulling up right beside me. 

        "Oh, you're going to get it when we get back to base, you know-"

        I'm glad he couldn't see my blush. "Uh-huh. We'll have to see."

        He was enjoying the banter as he kept up the speed to stay right beside me. "You're not gonna be saying that when I have you all to myself later," he teased, increasing speed easily pulling ahead of me.

        "B-bee." I wined in embarrassment and accidentally slowed down enough for him to pass me.

        Bumblebee noticed my small stutter and the fact that I had suddenly slowed down enough to let him pull ahead. "Oh? What’s the matter? Did that comment get you all embarrassed? Hm-"

        "Shut up." I stuttered out only adding to my embarrassment. I was happy we were close to base. But I tried to speed up and beat him to save myself some face.

        He noticed me trying to speed up and beat him to base, so he suddenly sped up as well to keep himself in front of me.

        "Ah ah! No chance!" He shouted back. He was enjoying every second of this, especially making me stutter from embarrassment.

        We reached base with Bee ahead of me at least a full car length. I drifted into base and transformed back gracefully but still blushing from him comments. Once he transformed back to bot mode, he leaned against the wall and looked at me. 

        "And you said you could keep up with me"

        "Well, better the most can." I shrugged.

        "Mhm, doesn't matter though. You still lost" He teased, a smirk still on his face as he gently grabbed my waist to pull me closer to him.

        "Guess we'll have to do it again another time and get a rematch." I leaned up and kissed his cheek since he was already so close.

        "A rematch sounds nice, I'm up for it whenever you are"

        I noticed the two younger bots and jumped a bit in embarrassment. Bumblebee was about to say something when he saw my sudden reaction and followed my gaze, he looked over to the side and saw both Strongarm and Sideswipe not too far from where we were. His optics widened for a moment and he realized they saw everything.

        I pulled away and cleaned myself off awkwardly. "H-hay guys."

        Sideswipe chuckled and crossed his arms "Well, what do we have here?-"

        He started but was quickly cut off by a smack to the back of his head by Strongarm "Sideswipe shut up" She said in a stern tone, before looking over to me and Bee.

        It was so awkward because the reason we left was because Bee was pissed off and now we're back all lovey-dovey out of nowhere.

        Sideswipe was still rubbing the back of his head to soothe the pain from the smack but still had a smirk on his face as he looked at us. "So, care to explain this?" He asked.

        "Um w-well me and Bee are kind of a thing now," I answered awkwardly hoping Bee could say it better. He was the leader after all.

        Sideswipe looked dumbfounded for a moment but that quickly turned into a teasing smile "A thing, huh?" he said in a slightly sarcastic tone

        Before Sideswipe could say anything else, Bumblebee spoke up. His face didn’t look pleased or amused but just blank, his expression showing annoyance. "Yes, we are a thing," he said bluntly, as he gave Sideswipe and Strongarm a small glare.

        It was clear that Bee was still upset with their earlier behavior.

        Sideswipe held his hands up in mock surrender but still had a smirk on his face. "Hey, no need to get all pissy, I was just curious," he said casually.

        Strongarm gave Sideswipe another glare and smacked the back of his head again, causing him to let out a small "Ow-" in response

        "You should learn to show some more respect Sideswipe. Bee works hard as our leader, more than you could understand." I said also annoyed with his attitude lately.

        Sideswipe rubbed the back of his head again he heard your words, and The smirk on his face slowly fell. Strongarm nodded in agreement with my words and turned to Sideswipe with a scolding look on her face. "Riley's right, Sideswipe. Bumblebee is still our leader, and you ought to start respecting him like one"

        "Both and Sideswipe get into annoying arguments all the time. You two need to find a way to work better today. Since we're a team we have to work together or it will never work." I didn't realize I was about to give out orders like this. I guess seeing Bee so upset got me riled up a bit.

        Both Sideswipe and Strongarm looked like they were in shock from my words. Sideswipe still had his hands up and a dumbfounded look on his face from scolded, while Strongarm stood stunned for a moment before her face shifted back to a more serious one and a small nod came from her.

        "You're right, I apologize. I'll try to do better" She said apologetically.

        "I know you two can do amazing things but you need to work on some things we all need to work on things," I said trying to make the atmosphere a little less tense. 

        Sideswipe's hands slowly lowered and he let out a small sigh as he regained his composure once more. He put his hands on his hips and looked at me with a slightly sheepish expression on his face.

        "Yeh.. I guess we both do have some things to work on" he said quietly.

        Strongarm nodded in agreement and looked down at her feet in shame. 

        "Thank you guys. That's all we can ask for." I smiled warmly.

         I looked back at Bee hoping I didn't make things worse or anything. "I'm sorry if I stepped out of line or anything. I know you're the leader and it's your job to talk to them but I just hoped I could help."

        Bumblebee looked at me with a softened expression when I turned back to him. He gave me a small smile before shaking his head "No no, it's alright. You didn't do anything wrong. You helped a lot more than you think. Thank you for doing that"

        I stepped closer. "Anything to help you out."

        "Thank you, I really appreciate it. You helped a lot more than I thought you could"He said with a small smile on his face. The smile soon turned into a hint of a smirk. "And it was pretty attractive seeing you tell off Sideswipe and Strongarm"

        "Oh those two, it's like dealing with sparklings."

        Bumblebee chuckled at my comment and nodded in agreement "Yeah, but they're a bit more difficult to deal with than actual sparklings"

        "Oh really, how's that?"

        "Well the usual, them arguing with each other all the time like they're trying to rile each other up, getting into trouble, causing unnecessary problems- the list goes on. It's a pain to deal with in the long run"

he explained.

        "I suppose you're right. But they're still learning. Once they mature a bit they'll be amazing teammates to work with. I can just see it now. And I have a feeling their bickering will turn into something else in the future."

        Bumblebee nodded in agreement once again and chuckled softly. He was enjoying this little moment as we talked about the other bots.

        "Yeah, it's just a matter of time. If their endless arguments and bickering don’t end up killing me first" He joked, referring to the endless arguments Sideswipe and Strongarm had.

        "Well, that won't happen with me around. Don't need you dying on me yet. I don't think I could work with those two alone, so you can't leave me yet."

       "Trust me, I have no plans to leave you alone. Besides, you're one of the main reasons I'm still sane around here" He said jokingly but with a genuine hint in his tone.

        "Well, you had to have at least one other adult on the team."

        "Yes, exactly. You’re like a breath of fresh air whenever everything becomes chaotic and annoying”

        I was glad to see him in a better mood than earlier this morning. "I do my best.

[ewanmitchellcrumbs]

Counting the Minutes

Pairing: Michael Gavey (Saltburn) x f!reader Warnings: Dirty talk, masturbation, phone sex. Word count: ~1k

Summary: Separated for the Christmas break, her and Michael have to get creative.

Author's note: A little addition to The Golden Ratio, though can also be read as a standalone piece. Day twelve of the Smuffmas prompts - "promise and phone sex". No tag list. Follow @fics-by-ewanmitchellcrumbs and turn on post notifications.

She nestles beneath the duvet, clicking through the contacts on her Nokia until she reaches Michael’s name. A faint smile tugs at her lips as her finger hovers over the call button, she can’t wait to speak to him.

They have been inseparable since the night that Oliver ditched him. They brought out the best in each other. Michael lit a fire underneath her that made her want to study harder, to strive for perfection in all things. In turn, she softened him up and taught him not to see the world through such a harsh lens. 

Their relationship had become serious enough that they had both chosen to spend their reading week together, instead of going home like the vast majority of people at their college had.

Now the term was over, and Christmas had beckoned them both home; Michael back to his mum, and her back to her dad. It’s odd not to see him every day, and though they’d stayed in touch on MSN Messenger, nothing compares to sitting with their legs entwined as they discuss their notes for their upcoming tutorials.

It’s only been a week and she misses the way he rests his chin against his hand when he’s deep in thought, how the intensity of his unblinking, blue eyed stare causes her skin to grow hot, and the smell of Imperial Leather soap and old books that she inhales when she rests her face in the crook of his neck.

Holding the phone to her ear, it rings once, twice, three times before he answers.

“Hello, you.”

His voice gives her butterflies. It’s the sound she’d attribute to how it feels to run your fingertips against plush velvet.

“Hi,” she says back with a coy smile. God, she wishes she could see him.

“How long can you talk for?” He asks.

“I put credit on my phone yesterday, ten pounds, so should be good for a while.”

“One hundred and sixty six point seven hours.”

She huffs a laugh. Of course his mind wanders to the maths of it.

“You think we could talk for that long?” 

“Hmm,” he muses, “I’m sure we could find a way to pass the time.”

“Like we did during reading week?” She asks softly, her fingers drawing lazy circles against the cotton of her bedsheets.

“Can’t really do that over the phone.”

“Have you ever had phone sex before?”

She hears him suck in a harsh breath before he replies. “What do you think?”

It causes her to giggle. Of course he hasn’t.

“Would you like to try it?” She holds the phone tighter to her ear, a lazy grin upon her lips.

“What does it entail?”

“Well,” she begins, switching her mobile from one ear to the other, and snuggling further down into the bed. “We describe what we’d like to do to each other while we touch ourselves.”

“One thousand, two hundred and fifty.”

“What?”

“On average, I can make you orgasm in about eight minutes. If we run through all of your phone credit then that’s how many times I could make you come.”

“Michael!” She gasps, feeling her insides flutter at the thought. “I don’t think that would be physically possible. I’ll settle for just the one today.”

He huffs a soft laugh, the sound breathy through the receiver. “Yes, I suppose that’s a bit impractical. Alright then, you start.”

“I wish you here right now,” she purrs seductively. “I want to push my hand up your t-shirt and run my fingers against that little trail of hair that leads all the way down your stomach, before I wrap them around your cock.”

His breathing grows heavier and she can hear the faint rustle of clothing in the background. She bites her lip, her own hand snaking beneath the duvet and into the waistband of her knickers.

“I miss the way you feel,” he tells her, voice shaky, “how tightly you grip me when I first push inside of you. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that sensation. You’re so wet, so warm…”

She can hear the slick sound of his hand pumping over his cock, the sound sends arousal pooling between her legs and she circles her pearl in earnest, the added wetness aiding her ministrations. She hadn’t expected him to focus on the sensation of physical touch quite so much, but Michael is pragmatic after all, and his innovative approach excites her.

“Mmmm,” she moans quietly, “I want you to do that thing where you grab my hips to pull me back against you as you fuck me, it feels so good.”

A broken whimper escapes him, and there’s a brief moment of just his ragged breathing before he speaks again.

“The way your thighs tighten against my waist drives me mad. I swear I can still feel you there when I close my eyes, see the way your tits bounce– fuck!”

She whines, circling her bud faster, the coil in her gut tightening. “Wanna slide my hands down to your arse, push you in as deep as you’ll go, watch how your eyes screw shut as you come inside me.”

He grunts. “Wish I could come inside of you so badly. I need to feel you clenching around me, hear the pretty sounds you make as I fill you up.”

Her hips jerk involuntarily against her hand, and she knows she’s close. It’s been a week since he’s touched her and his filthy words have sent her unravelling much faster than she anticipated.

“I’m close,” she pants.

“M–me too,” he huffs back. “I’m gonna fuck you so hard the moment we get back to college.”

“Oh god–” Her response is cut off by her pleasured cry, as she falls apart, her walls spasming around emptiness as her thighs tremble.

A grunt and heavy breathing on the other end of the line lets her know that Michael has reached his end too. There’s nothing but the sound of their shared gasps for air, as they both recover.

“Do you promise?” She finally asks. “To fuck me hard when we get back to college?”

“Tell you what, let’s go back a day early and we can spend an entire day doing just that.”

She giggles excitedly, rolling onto her side. “I’ll be counting the minutes until then.”

[fcwoso]

Personal tattoo artist · Mapi León

Summary: Mapi helps reader to overcome her fears but not without a cheeky proposal (fluffy)

MASTERLIST

María has always loved tattoos. It didn't matter if she was the one getting them or someone else, it was something she felt passionate about. She saw the body as a canvas, one that would tell it's own story as time passed by. The drawings and words each represented something, a thought or a feeling. Even if it referred to a miniscule moment. It wasn't a surprise when she announced that, that would be the career path she'd follow when her time as a soccer play would come to an end. On one side it was a scary thought, football is all she has been doing for most of her life.

"Amor (love), come on. You trust me, right?" María pouted as she put her sketchbook down. The book was filled with her creative ideas, she even dedicated a few pages to you. Sketches that reminded her of you, ones that she'd love you to get tatted. The Spanish woman pulled you closer and nuzzled her face in your neck. You could feel her sighing for the umpteenth time this evening, but not before she left a trail of kisses on your warm skin. She wasn't really frustrated, she just loved being a bit dramatic.

The evening started out relaxed. María had training in the morning which meant you two had the rest of the day to spent together. After Googling for a nice place to eat, you decided to go to a restaurant not far from your appartment. Unfortunately once arrived at the place, you stumbled upon a poster that said the place was under reconstruction.

The mood was pretty much killed after that but María came up with the brilliant idea to cook something at home. The muscles in her legs were still aching and all she wanted was to have a nice meal and watch a good show, was what she said. In reality she prefered cuddling on the couch with you. Her muscles were completely fine, she felt great even.

The now empty plates were placed on the glass table in front of the lovers while the tv was still on in the background. "Yes, cariño (honey). Ofcourse i do. It's just that i'm scared i'll regret it." You admitted. A few weeks ago you two went to visit an old friend of hers. That friend is a tattoo artist and offered you to get a tattoo of your choice. You actually had something in mind but backed out last minute. It was this intense fear of regret that kept your mind wondering if it was a good idea to continue, so you didn't.

María's hands found yours as she noticed you were actually worried. It really wasn't that big of a deal, but she didn't want to downplay your emotions. Your thumb grazed over the rose that was displayed on her palm. The rose was her own work, it was a piece she was proud of. And so were you, you were so proud of her courage. The exact courage you were currently missing.

"You know, it's okay to feel that way." María engulfed one hand of yours in hers while the other one travelled to your chin. "I just don't want you to regret not getting it". She softly placed a kiss on your lips and smoothed out the frown between your eyebrows. It's true, it's been a couple of months since you've started talking about this tattoo. Your lips found hers again right after she pulled away, missing her reassuring touch. Her eyes twinkled as she stared at your face, a child-like smile growing on hers.

"Just a reminder, i can do the job as well." María said with raised eyebrows. She wrapped her arms around your waist, you could feel her getting excited at the idea because of the way she was almost restricting your blood flow. "I mean..." You wondered. It's María. Mapi. Your partner in crime. How would you ever be able to regret this tattoo?

She did have the equipment for it, she had the skills as well. "Princesa." María stood up firmly and placed her hands on her sides. "I believe in you." You started giggling, not being able to take her seriously because of the look on her face. "You're lucky you're cute." You said. Eyes following her frame when she made her way out of the living room. She came back with another book, a smaller book than the one she was drawing in earlier.

"What's that?" You asked, curiosity growing bigger by the second. "Oh, this old thing?" Maria huffed and laughed nervously. A few strands of hair were covering her face, she started to scan the pages of the mysterious book. "Escúchame (listen), i have this theory." You couldn't help but laugh at her behaviour, your fingers stroking her short hair back behind her pierced ears. "You should go for something totally different, you don't want to get a tattoo you've had major doubts about."

"Okay, but what does this book have to do with it?" You asked, still not fully understanding the purpose of it. The book was quickly placed in your hands by your lover. The woman next to you started to grow shy under your stare, which is unusual for her, feeling as if she had just exposed one of her biggest secrets. "These are sketches i've never shared with anyone. I'm sure you'll find one that perfectly suits you." María admitted with a soft smile on her face. You couldn't help but pull her closer in your arms, leaving a couple of kisses to the side of her face and on her now slightly red cheeks.

"Thank you." The sincere words were very much appreciated by the footballer. "I'd love to share some other ideas, though." The Spanish woman gained her confidence back in a matter of time. You suddenly found yourself sitting on her lap, legs on each side of her strong body. Her hands wandered around your waist and eventually rested on your thighs that were covered by one of her joggers. "There's this really cool name, something along the lines of Mani, Mapi?" She began. One of her hands moved and rested on your lower back, you quickly understood what she was proposing. "Yeah, there's no way i'm getting a tramp stamp."

[beansprean]

"So, how did Guillermo get started as Nandor's familiar?"

"Nadja and Nadjita Tell It"; my entry for the Rashomon-style AO3 collection "So How Did You Two Meet?"! Check out the other fic and art entries to see the other characters' perspectives!

(ID in alt and under cut)

ID: 1a. Wide shot of Nadja and Dolly wearing matching pinkish-red gowns with dark blue sleeves sitting side by side in armchairs in the foyer, stairs twisting up behind them, as they do a talking head. Nadja tosses her hands up and scowls, rolling her eyes, and says 'Guillermo? What was that, 80 years ago? How should I remember?' Dolly has an open pack of crayons tucked into the chair next to her and has a stack of paper as big as her torso in her hands. She scribbles on it with a red crayon and clicks her tongue dismissively, replying, 'I remember everything. Let me show you.' 1b. Tight shot of Dolly's eyes in extreme closeup in the foreground, Nadja waist-up in the background. Nadja turns toward Dolly with a frown, one hand held palm up beside her head, and points out gently, 'But you weren't even there, my sweet little piglet.' Dolly responds, eyes focused on her paper, 'Then tell me if I get anything wrong.' 1c. Medium shot from the front, focused on Dolly as she smiles and turns her paper around to show the camera a clumsy crayon drawing of the vampire mansion. Nadja leans on one arm of her chair and ducks her head to get a closer look. Dolly begins, her speech bubbles turning into gilded scrollwork, 'Once upon a time...' 1d. The panels are now parchment paper with crayon drawings. This one depicts Guillermo, his body made of a single circle with a head on top and stick arms and legs with little circles for hands and feet. There is a big frown on his face, and behind him is a house shape in green with double doors and a P on the front followed by ellipses. Dolly's voiceover continues: '...there was a sad, round little human man with broken eyes who had a job at... uh... P...Pan...' Nadja's speech bubble appears, now in curly pink script: 'I believe it was Panda Bread, agapoula mou.' Dolly: 'Ah, yes! He had the job making breads from the panda milk, one of the most lowly forms of human labor.' 1e. Repeat of the previous drawing, now with a few additions from Nadja with a pink crayon: the building is titled Panda Bread, Guillermo is holding a load of bread and has a tear in his eye, and arrows are pointing toward him reading 'sad' and 'virgin'. 1f. Drawing of Nandor, whose body is made in the same style but shaped like a triangle, kneeling on the ground and weeping loudly. Pink additions: smell lines, a long dick and balls between his legs, and text that reads 'Oh I am so lonely and I smell bad because my last familiar fell off the roof or some shit'. Dolly: 'Meanwhile on the Staten Island, there was also a pathetic, empty-headed buffoon of a vampire who spent every night crying about how lonely and smelly he was.' Nadja: 'That sounds right.' 1g. Dolly: 'And his beautiful housemate, Nadja-' Nadja: 'That sounds very right!' Dolly: '-kicked him in his ass and said 'Get out of here and don't come dragging your balls over this doorstep without a familiar to take care of you!' The page shows a slightly more detailed drawing of Nadja with full lips and long eyelashes and waves of glorious hair in a big fancy dress, arms and legs held straight out. Nandor, still crying, is crouched over in the foreground as one of her heeled feet kicks him in the butt and sends him flying. Pink additions: dick and balls on Nandor and text that reads 'owie my penis', larger boobs, earrings, rings, and fishnet stockings on Nadja and sparkles surrounding her entrance.

2a. A drawing, torn off on the bottom, showing Nandor standing with his arms out and mouth open in an O, hearts in his eyes as he sees Guillermo crouched by a crudely drawn panda with an udder, milking it into a bucket. Pink additions: Nandor's dick standing at attention, surrounded by hearts; Guillermo surrounded by stink lines and hearts. Dolly narrates: 'So the sad vampire went to the Panda Bread and found the delicious virgin. The vampire wanted to eat him immediately! But he had promised Nadja to bring back a familiar.' 2b. A drawing, torn off at the top, showing a series of Guillermos working: holding a loaf of fresh bread, sweeping the floor, and dusting the wall with his back to the viewer. Nandor stands nearby, pointing a finger in the air with a big grin as he gets an idea. Pink additions: stink lines and hearts around Guillermo, buttcheeks on the dusting Guillermo, Nandor's dick pointing straight up. Dolly's voiceover continues: 'And though he noticed that the virgin worked very hard, he smelled much too yummy-scrummy to bring home alive. So the vampire did the only thing he could do...' 2c. Briefly back in reality, a close up of Dolly smiling and holding up a paper with a single crayon drawing showing a naked Guillermo lying on the floor with his mouth wide open and his legs straight up, Nandor crouched between them. Pink additions: buttcheeks on Nandor, tit and a small dick and balls on Guillermo, text reading 'ooh ahh master' and 'i love you human man'. 2d. Drawing torn at the bottom showing Nandor and Guillermo, now dressed, holding hands and smiling in front of Nadja, who towers over them and gives them a thumbs up. Pink additions: hearts surrounding Nandor and Guillermo, limp dicks on them both, a crown, bat wings, rings, sparkles, bigger boobs, and fishnet stockings on Nadja. Dolly narrates: 'Once his cherry was thoroughly popped, the vampire brought his new familiar home for Nadja's approval.' 2e. Dolly's voiceover continues: 'And then she and her husband fucked all night with no weepy loser to interrupt them!' Drawing, torn at the top, of a naked Laszlo laying on his back on the ground smiling with his arms straight up in a cheer. Nadja, also naked, is straddling him backwards with her arms also up. Pink additions: hearts all around them, crowns and rings for them both, chest hair and tits for laszlo, tits and bush for Nadja along with bat wings, a crude interpretation of their genitals entwined, text by Laszlo reading 'i love my wife', text by Nadja reading 'finally i can be the little spoon'. Dolly's narration concludes with a fancy 'The End.' 2f. Back to reality; repeat of the first panel, wide shot of the foyer with Nadja and Dolly sitting beside each other. Dolly is proudly holding up the final drawing with a smile. Nadja grins at the camera, left elbow braced on the chair arm and idly twirling a blunt pink crayon in the air as she declares, 'Yeah, that was pretty much it. No notes.' /end ID

[mopopshop]

Embrace (DT x OC!Reader)

based off this request <-

i love this sm guys and i hope y’all do too so please enjoy 🙏🏾🙏🏾

give feedback if you feel like it!

You’ve always been more comfortable in the background. Even at UConn, where you met Diana, you preferred watching from the stands rather than being the center of attention. What you didn’t expect was catching the eye of the star player, much less marrying her and starting a family. 

Now, years later, as you stand outside the Footprint Center with your daughters, Aria and Jaylen, you can’t help but reflect on how far you’ve all come. Aria, the older of the two at six, is bouncing on her toes, her excitement palpable. Jaylen, at just two, is perched upon your hip. 

To support your wife you obviously come dressed in DT merchandise, you and your daughters came matching in Diana’s jersey with Jaylen wearing that and a tool skirt in Phoenix Mercury colors. 

"Mommy, mommy, can we get popcorn?" Aria asks, tugging at your sleeve.

“Yeah, yeah, baby hold on, we needa find our seats first” you grin.

The arena is alive with energy, fans buzzing in anticipation of another legendary Diana Taurasi performance. You lead your daughters through the throng, finally finding your seats close to the court. You’ve always had good seats—one of the perks of being with D.

As the game begins, you watch Diana with a mix of pride and awe. She’s as fierce as ever, commanding the court with her presence, making impossible shots look effortless. Aria and Jaylen cheer loudly, their voices joining the chorus of fans.

"Mama is the best!" Aria exclaims, her eyes shining. "Do you think she’ll win tonight, Mommy?"

"You already know baby," you say, squeezing her shoulder. 

During a timeout, Diana glances toward you and the girls, a smile playing on her lips. You wave, and she blows a small kiss, her eyes filled with love.

Then, when it comes to halftime, she finds time to sneak from the locker room to come see you. Diana approaches, her face lighting up as she spots you and the girls.

"How are my girls" she says, a grin spreading across her face as she kneels down to scoop Aria from the floor then plucking Jaylen from your arms. "You having fun?"

Aria nods vigorously. "Yes, Mama! You're doing awesome!"

Jaylen giggles and reaches out to Diana, pulling on her lips and cheeks. "That's my little cheerleader," she says, her voice warm and affectionate.

You smile at the sight, feeling your heart swell with love. "You’re killing it out there, D," you say. "We’re so proud of you."

Diana puts the girls down and pulls you into a quick hug, wrapping her sweaty arms around your waist. "Thanks, baby. You know i’m gonna show out when I got y’all here" She glances back at the tunnel that leads to the locker room and sighs. "I have to get back, but I'll see you after the game, ‘kay?"

"Go get 'em, babe" you say, giving her a reassuring smile.

She gives you a quick kiss and hugs Aria and Jaylen one last time before heading back to the locker room. As she disappears down the tunnel, you settle back into your seat, feeling a rush of pride and excitement.

The second half of the game is just as thrilling. Diana's energy is electric, and she continues to dominate the court. Aria’s on her feet cheering louder than ever and Jaylen’s perched on your lap cooing at the sight of her mom. You join them, your voice hoarse from shouting encouragement.

When the final buzzer sounds, the Mercury emerge victorious. The crowd roars, and your daughters are ecstatic, jumping up and down in pure joy.

"Mama won! Mama won!" Aria shouts, her face glowing with excitement.

You make your way down to the court once more, the sea of fans parting as they recognize Diana's family. She meets you with open arms, pulling all of you into a tight embrace.

"You did so good, D!" you say, kissing her cheek.

"Couldn't have done it without my biggest fans," she replies, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

Diana looks down at Aria and Jaylen with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Y’all wanna sit with me for my interview?" she asks.

Aria's eyes widen with excitement. "Can we, Mommy? Please?"

You chuckle and nod. "Of course. Go show them how it's done."

Diana leads you all to the interview area. The reporters are already assembled, and their faces light up when they see Diana with her family. She lifts Aria onto the panel chair next to her and sits Jaylen on her lap, while you stand nearby, watching with pride.

The interviewer smiles warmly. "Diana, another incredible game. How do you do it?"

Diana grins, glancing at Aria and Jaylen. "Well, having these two cheering me on from the stands definitely helps," she says, her voice filled with affection. "And my amazing wife, who’s always been my rock. I couldn't do any of this without her."

Aria grabs the microphone, her small hand dwarfed by it. "Mama is the best player ever!" she declares confidently, drawing laughs from the crowd.

Jaylen babbles happily, patting Diana's cheek, and Diana kisses her forehead. "They're my motivation, my inspiration," Diana continues. "Every time I step on the court, I play for them. For our family."

The interviewer smiles, clearly charmed by the scene. "We noticed you glancing over at your family several times during the game. How important is it for you to have them here supporting you?"

Diana smiles, enjoying speaking about you and the kids “It's everything. Seeing my… insanely gorgeous, selfless, intelligent wife Elyse” she gushes, taking a moment to brag about you “and the girls in the stands reminds me why I play. They’re my biggest cheerleaders, and their support means the world to me. It helps me stay focused and gives me that extra push when the game gets tough.

Another interviewer raises their hand for a question “Aria and Jaylen seem to be quite the little fans. Do they understand the significance of what you do on the court?"

"Aria is starting to get it.” Diana chuckles “She knows when Mama is doing well and gets really excited. Jaylen is a bit young, but she loves the energy and the cheering. It’s great to have them involved and to see their faces light up."

“How do you balance your career with family life? It must be challenging."

"It definitely is… but we make it work. Elyse is incredible—she holds everything together when I’m on the road or training. We have a great support system and we make sure to prioritize family time whenever we can. It’s all about finding that— that balance and making the most of our moments together."

"Lastly what’s next for you, Diana? Any big plans or goals you’re looking forward to?"

“Um.. Sleep honestly” she jokes "Yeah but nah, nah, we have some big games coming up, and I’m focused on staying in shape. Off the court, it’s just about spending time with Elyse and the girls, and maybe squeezing in a family vacation if we can. Like I said It’s all about balance and enjoying every moment." Diana grins as she finishes.

After the interview, you and the girls head back home, Diana's hand firmly in yours. The girls fall asleep in the car, exhausted from the excitement, and you share a quiet moment with Diana, both of you basking in the glow of the evening's events.

Once home, you tuck the girls into bed and join Diana on the couch. She leans into you, her head resting on your shoulder.

"Thank you for being here tonight," she says softly. "For everything."

You press a kiss to her forehead. "Always, D. I’ll always be here."

You sit in comfortable silence for a bit before Diana opens her mouth again. 

“I know you have to say I played well cause we’re married and shit but.. you can’t lie I was kinda fly out there tonight” she cackles

You scoff, shoving her playfully “Shut up! You sound so old, nobody says ‘fly’ anymore dumbass”

“Old where?!! I’m three years older than you”

“Like I said— Old!”

She groans, laughing and shoving her face into your neck. You both fall back into the couch in a fit of giggles and hearts full of love. 

———

[lilyrachelcassidy]

'Amity' (Felix Catton x Reader)

A/N: Hiya, y'all. Welcome back after this what-seems-like-forever hiatus. Coming back with a fully-fluffy fluff, so if you are feeling mushy today, go for it.

Warnings: As much as I love exploiting TGs, today is not the day.

Summary: Some fluffy encounter with Felix.

Word Count: 0.6k

"Y/N, yeah?" asked a voice behind you.

You turned around, clearly startled to see no other than Felix Catton right in front of you. It was unforeseen, seeing as he had never engaged in nothing beyond a quick gaze exchange with you. You always wondered who would be the one to give in and finally initiate a conversation, should that ever happen in the first place.

"What's up?" you asked, innocently, bestowing him with a friendly grin on your part. Instinctively, he reciprocated the gesture.

"Uhm.. yeah. So I have seen you around the campus. Plenty of time, actually. We never really had a chance to talk... And I... you know..." He began toying with his fingers, momentarily losing your gaze.

Was he stressed? It seemed so... A bizarre sight it was, seeing a flustered man of two meters stumbling upon his words and blushing like a girl. Upon his downcast smile, your grin ever so widened at the cuteness of this scene.

But gosh, was he bewitching. These doe brown eyes and slightly too-long-hair played the tricks on your mind as he stood there, dwarfing over your figure with his lofty posture.

"You know, if you want to ask me out..." A taunting smirk pained on your lips. "I would be more than pleased to say 'yes.'"

He instantaneously, somehow with too much animation, looked at you from the ground. His eyes held a state of avidity and relief in them. After ogling you for a few seconds, frozen, he probably realized that he was gaping and so he smiled at you keenly with his gaze momentarily dropping to your lips. It was a hasty action, almost imperceptible if you weren't scrutinizing his face. But you noticed.

"Really?" he more sighed than asked. Even so, your eyes lit up and you nodded, trying to pull off the most composed version of yourself, yet failing miserably. "So that's cool."

You both laughed at that. You studied each other's expressions for longer than necessary, the two of you somehow locked in the moment and not able to draw away. Somewhere in the background, someone called out your name and it finally clicked that you should probably get going at this point.

"Listen, as much as I love talking to you... I have to go," you said with a pout which was actually genuine. You detested the fact that you couldn't stay out any longer, delve into the chat with Felix; but your teacher probably had already begun the lecture and it didn't deem ideal for you to lose another one of disquisitions after a day of a hangover break. Or a series of such breaks.

Felix pursed his lips, disappointment imparting on his features. With a mere nod of acknowledgment, he forced on a smile, making some nugatory movement with his arms as if suddenly not knowing what to do with them. "So see you after classes, yeah?"

"Mhm..." you hummed, casually smiling at him in response. Once he started to walk away, his long legs taking the strides that quickly carried him away from you, you determined to ask him one last question before departing: "Don't you want my phone number or something?"

He only twisted his head over his shoulder to get a better view of you. Then he beamed at you. "Already got it."

And he winked. A cocky, playful wink that made your insides flip.

A minute or two later, your phone screen lit up with the unknown number sending over a text: "So a picnic, next weekend?"

xoxoxooxooxoxoox

A/N: I feel like everyone at some point of their lives has to have a crush on Jacob Elordi. Imo the best version of him is the one in Saltburn, like *a girly scream of thirst.* As always, constructive criticism and whatever feedback highly appreciated.

[yxtubers]

𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐞

chris sturniolo x reader (fluff)

summary: you get a puppy for your birthday and chris gets jealous of the amount of attention that you give it

warnings/notes: none! lmk if i missed anything

requested: yes! tysm to the anon who requested. this is so cute :)

> > >

Your birthday was last week and Chris had wanted to surprise you with something that you’ve wanted for a while.

A puppy.

He asked Nick and Matt to come with him to the local shelter to find you a dog. He wanted your special day to be perfect, down to the very last and minute details.

Matt had ordered you a cake weeks before so it would be ready in time for your birthday - his job was to bring it over to your apartment early in the morning. Chris, of course, was granted with the responsibility of settling the dog into his new home. And lastly, but most importantly, Nick was in charge of making sure you were out of the house and distracted while this was all happening.

After using his spare key to your house, Chris made sure everything was in order by the time you and Nick arrived.

To say you were pleasantly surprised would be the understatement of the century.

As you held the newly adopted baby in your arms, you knew you two would be the best of friends. Especially with Chris being away often for work, what with all the travelling and filming, it got lonely around your apartment when he or his brothers weren’t visiting.

It would be nice to have some company - even if it was in the form of a house pet.

And how right you were. Cut to two weeks later and you were bringing the puppy around everywhere. Granted - he wasn’t much of a tiny thing anymore. He had grown immensely in the short time you had him, and you loved him more each and every day.

You named him Barney, per Chris’ suggestion.

Barney cuddled you to sleep each night, you ate breakfast with him next to you, and brought him out on walks every day.

To say Chris was slightly envious of Barney would be putting it lightly. It’s not that he didn’t love the dog - he really did - but sometimes Barney would be possessive of you.

At times when Chris would cuddle on the couch with you during a movie, Barney would squeeze in between you two. Being the loving and caring parent that you were, you let him take the space as he saw fit. You babied the hell out of him.

Once Chris tried to hug you as you were cooking, and Barney - thinking that your giggles were cries for help - began to bark and prod at his legs. He felt as if he could never have you alone for more than five seconds. Yet he also felt stupid for being jealous of a dog.

However, with a tour coming up, Chris decided to set him and Barney’s differences aside. He was glad that you wouldn’t be completely alone during his absence. So, as he left for the airport from your apartment, he threatened Barney with a quiet “you better take care of her” as he kissed you goodbye and bid his farewell.

Weeks had passed and the triplet’s flight back home was tomorrow morning.

You received a face-time call from the eldest brother late into the night. Answering, you were met with an overly smiley Nick.

“What’s got you in such a good mood?” you asked, plopping on top of your bed onto your stomach. Caressing Barney’s soft fur, you waited for Nick’s response.

“Chris is madly jealous of Barney,” he blurted out.

From far into the background you could hear Chris’ voice ring out of your speaker.

“Am not!”

You snorted lightly.

You could tell they were in one of their sleep-deprived, energetic moods. How you missed that.

“Jealous? Of this tiny thing?” you said as you pointed the camera towards the dog. Barney woofed at the camera, wagging his tail upon seeing Nick.

Chris popped into view at the sound of Barney’s soft barks. Sitting next to Nick, he took the phone from his hands.

“Hey you better get away from my girlfriend, young man.”

Nick could be heard laughing in the background, seemingly growing more amused the more Chris bullied your dog.

“He’s my baby don’t speak to him like that,” you joked, also finding the situation humorous.

Chris’ eyes drooped as he continued talking. You could tell they were all tired as you caught a glimpse of Matt fast asleep in the background. It was probably late for them - and they had an early flight.

“Well don’t forget who your baby was first. Me!”

Nick fake gagged as he grabbed his phone back. He coo’d and baby talked Barney through the phone, ignoring Chris’ comments that he was a ‘little demon’. After having enough of Chris half-heartedly sulking at all the attention that Barney was getting from you, Nick decided to call it a night.

“Alright well I’m gonna get this green-eyed monster to bed. See you soon,” said Nick as he bid you goodnight and left you to your own devices.

As excited as you were to see Chris again, you fell into an easy slumber as Barney cuddled on top of you.

When you awoke, a slight shifting feeling shocked you from your peaceful state. Peeking your eyes open, you could see Chris taking Barney from your bed and leading him out of the room.

“Chris?” you mumbled out. “What’re you doing?”

Closing the door, he began slowly taking his jumper off and crawling under the sheets with you.

“I just want my girlfriend all to myself for one morning. No Barney interruptions.”

Stifling a laugh, you turned towards him to cuddle into his side. You kissed his neck as it was all you could reach - and in your half asleep state you didn’t feel like leaning up to greet him with a proper kiss.

“Welcome home,” you said, sighing into the crook of his neck.

Chris groaned.

“Not much of a welcome when your demon child growled at me when I walked into the room.”

“He’s just a baby, he’ll get used to you.”

All that was heard in reply was a scoff. He knew it was unreasonable to judge the dog so hard, but in his tired state he really could not handle sharing your attention. He had missed you while on tour, no way he was going to let an animal distract you from his return.

“I know he’s plotting against me. He wants you all to himself,” Chris joked.

“Don’t worry. ‘m all yours,” you mumbled before drifting off to sleep in his arms.

“All mine,” he whispered back.

Chris finally got what he wanted. A peaceful morning slumber with you in his embrace, and no hyperactive dog to steal your focus off of him.

The last thought he had as he joined you in falling asleep was that Barney’s nickname should be home wrecker.

[dangermousie]

Finished.

God, what a glorious, glorious, glorious ride, a truly solid epic drama in a way I haven't seen in a very long time - there were two other flawless cdramas for me this year - Lost You Forever 1 and The Ingenuous One - but TIO was a smaller scale story and LYF ended in medias res. AJTL was the only complete, epic cdrama this year for me, but oh boy, was it beyond.

First, my two tiny niggles - this is a drama where the 40 episode limit fit badly, like tightly pinching shoes. You can tell how they had to speed and cram to get in the resolutions of dynastic struggles in An and Wu and the war with Beipan. This drama really needed to have been 50 eps. (The cramming also resulted in the sole plot arc that made me go huh - LTG random decision to try to marry Ruyi before he rides off to what he thinks is his last battle and his just as random decision to go "oh well" and agree to release NYZ and then when NYZ shows up before he can be released because he broke out and wreaks havoc, let them walk out. Maybe if they had more time, it would have made more sense, otherwise it felt like an aberration in a character arc that before and after was consistent and made sense.) Second niggle is not really one because it's clearly due to censorship - the last minute redemption of the Wu emperor etc - the writer made is as believable as she could but you could feel the censorship sticky hands all over it.

But those are minor complaints. Overall this was solid from beginning to end, very adult and with secondary characters who all felt real and complex and interesting. A few thoughts:

Our main OTP was incredible. So adult, so competent, so badass but still feeling human. I bought that those two were larger than life legends AND flesh and blood people. And that chemistry!

I loved that this drama allowed relationships to be messy. Yes, we have our epic main couple but I especially loved what happened with Chu Yue and Shisan and LTG and Ying. I loved that neither was an epic romance. With CY and Shisan, I loved that they didn't make him realize he loves her forever blah blah - he was an incredibly consistent character - charming, loyal and utterly clear he's incapable of permanent commitment to a single woman and she never could change that. And yet he died in large part to protect her, and it's in keeping with his character and it makes sense that this solidified her remembering him forever - he's not just the one who got away, but he DIED for her. It's very clear if they both lived, this would have gone nowhere and ended with him wandering off or her moving on wanting commitment from someone who is capable of it, but as it is, it froze the possibility of love in ember.

And I loved the narrative of LTG and Ying. They both come into marriage in love with someone they can never have (Ruyi and YL), they both have similar backgrounds (royals but neglected and looked down upon), they both share the same goals (power but to take care of people) and they really are friends. I love that when we last see them, they have what is a great period marriage - no love but respect and common goals. And she still mourns YL and he probably still thinks of Ruyi but the thing is, I love that the narrative leaves the possibility of them eventually falling in love with each other (or other people) because as she tells him - you think you will always love a particular person but life is long. (And it's so true - she will remember YL until she's old, once again in part because of the unfulfilled possibility of it - but it doesn't mean she won't be able to open her heart to someone again.) It's a surprisingly hopeful ending for them and I love it. I'd totally watch a show where they discover love with each other tbh.

I did love that no character (except possibly Prince Danyang) got everything they wanted even if they emerged alive. They got some and had to give up some.

I loved what it had to say about having to be worthy of your power and position - you are not owed fealty by birth but you have to earn it. It was a surprisingly anti-imperial show for a recent cdrama.

All the deaths of our faves gutted me, none as much as Yuan Lu's. Oooof.

As to the ending, I can tell people are gonna have fits but I like it. I love many an ending legendarily reviled in cdrama fandom (Princess Agents and Novoland Eagle Flag have perfect endings in my opinion; I realize that opinion, especially about PA is enough to get me throttled in certain quarters but it is what it is) and I came to cdramas back when pretty much every costume cdrama ended horrifically tragically - think of the endings of the Chinese Paladins, The Myth (for a long time my n1 drama even though it made me cry so hard I threw up, ending-wise), The Young Warriors, Little Fairy, even Lan Ling Wang, Glory of the Tang Dynasty and Bu Bu Jing Xin if we are going somewhat later. I mean, one of my favorite dramas ever is Royal Nirvana and that ending is like drinking a thermos full of depression. This is nothing.

Honestly, I would have been fine if the ending for our OTP really was them dying pretty much together, in their different battles. That hint that they are alive and living with their kids is lovely and welcome, but I'd have been fine without it and it raises a lot of questions (though if anyone could fake their deaths and survive that sort of thing, it would have been them so fair enough.)

Anyway, this is basically my love letter to this drama. It was amazing and I am so glad I watched it.

[blurredcolour]

I Wish You Love | Part Two

I Wish You Love Masterlist

Lewis Nixon x Housemaid!Female Reader

A flurry of correspondence is exchanged between yourself and Lieutenant Nixon, unleashing an unexpected torrent of emotions inside of you.

Warnings: Canon typical violence, Angst, Class Divide, Infidelity, Dishonesty, Language, Smoking, Alcohol Consumption, Inevitable Historical and Military Inaccuracies, Mature/Explicit Themes - 18+ ONLY.

Author's Note: Reader's nationality is British and liberties have been taken in describing her background and family life for the sake of plot. No physical descriptions or y/n used. A good portion of this fic will be letter-based. This is a work of fiction based off the portrayal by the actors in the HBO series. I hold nothing but respect for the real life individuals referenced within.

Word Count: 5051

--------------------------

You were mending one of Miss Isobel’s blouses in the servant’s hall when Lieutenant Nixon’s reply arrived with the afternoon post. Mr. Atkinson, the butler, set it on at silver tray at your elbow and you nodded in acknowledgement.

“I’ll take it up when I dress her for dinner, thank you Mr. Atkinson.”

It was all you could do not to stare at it, struggling to maintain your focus on the task at hand lest you stick your finger with the needle and have to remove a blood stain from the white silk. The excitement was foolish, you knew. There was no need to feel such a thrill at his response other than the confirmation it brought of his continued survival. Yes, that must be it, you were simply glad to know he was alive and well enough to write back.

Finishing the last of your weak and bitter tea, grown cold while you worked, you stood to tend to Miss Isobel. Carrying the tray up the stairs, you ducked into the linen cupboard to slide the letter into the pocket of your dress, stashing the tray inside a pile of sheets before heading into her room. The envelope fairly burnt a hole in your skirt through the family’s dinner, and then later the staff’s, before you had a moment to yourself to tear into it while secreted away in your bedroom.

The giddy grin on your face should have registered as an early warning sign but your duties dictated that you immediately store the letter in a safe place before returning to see Miss Isobel undressed for bed. As you carefully brushed out her hair, you mulled over Lieutenant Nixon’s request for tactile objects. With the departure for Scotland not scheduled for another few days, perhaps there was something meaningful you could send him from Lydiard.

“You’re a tad distracted this evening.” Miss Isobel’s sharp voice cut through your thoughts, and you tensed, offering her an apologetic smile.

“Sorry Miss, lots to prepare for the trip that’s all. Is there anything else?”

She let out a dramatic sigh and shook her head. “Since you can’t save me from this wretched trek, no. That’ll be all.”

Excusing yourself with a curtsy you stepped out, closing the door behind you quietly before making your way downstairs to bed. The answer did not come to you until the next morning when you were out walking Dash, his usual route abbreviated by the necessity to pack and prepare, but your eyes fell upon one of the last remaining trees in bloom. Reaching up, you snapped off a sprig carefully, tucking it into your pocket before chasing after the dog as he decided to try moonlighting as a sheep herder. A large tuft of white fleece snagged on the hedge caught your eye once you had corralled the unruly Cavalier and you smiled brightly as you plucked it free.

Pressing the sprig of blossoms between two sheets of scrap paper, you tucked it into the middle of the copy of War and Peace you had borrowed from the Viscount’s library some months ago. Your progress had naturally been slow, given your limited amount of free time, but you were enjoying the story all the same. You had intended to write your reply to Lieutenant Nixon that evening but Miss Isobel, for all her complaints about being forced to journey to the ‘empty wastes of Scotland’ was as particular as ever about what she wanted to pack.

It was the same story the day after that, leaving you just enough time to throw together a bag for yourself. You would have to write him from the train, apparently, or perhaps Scotland itself.

Animals and children always seemed to feed off the energy around them and so, as you were desperately trying to rush Dash through one last walk before departure the next afternoon, the keyed-up dog decided to take a running leap into the lake in pursuit of a duck he’d seen limping along shore.

“Dash! Dash, come!” You cried after him sharply, but he chose not to listen as the water soaked into the layers of his coat, his legs slowing as the bird handily outswam him into deeper waters. “Dash!” Your tone took on a desperation before, seeing no alternative, you kicked off your shoes and waded in after him.

The lake wasn’t terribly cold, but it was by no means clean – inhabited as it was by all forms of waterfowl. You were lucky enough to know how to swim, though your heavy servant’s dress was by no means suited to the task. As the small dog’s head bobbed and disappeared under the water you kicked faster, quickly scooping him up into your arms and bringing him back to shore. Shaking in terror he burrowed into your elbow, and you went to kiss his head before wincing at the stink radiating from both of you. “You really outdid yourself this time, didn’t you Dash.”

There had been just enough time to bathe the dog and change your clothes, the reek of lake water still on you as you boarded the train. It ended up working in your favour, however, with the rest of the staff giving you a pair of seats to yourself and at last a chance to reply to Lieutenant Nixon.

Sealing it with your collected articles into the envelope, you wrote the return address of the estate of the Earl of Selkirk, the families first destination, on the back and allowed yourself a proper rest for the remainder of the train ride. Upon disembarking, your eyes scanned the station for a post box, and you nipped through the crowd to slide your letter through the slot before returning to your duties.

Scotland was another experience entirely, one where you were permitted to act solely as Miss Isobel’s lady’s maid rather than taking on housemaid duties, affording you more opportunities to read, write to your father and brother, and explore the countryside.

Certainly, you had jested to Lieutenant Nixon that it was a land of ‘mist and misery’ but in truth the landscape was awe-inspiring and filled with a rugged beauty. You had only ventured outside of Wiltshire once in your life, to accompany the family to London during the last summer season of 1939, so travel was still very much a novelty to you.

Miss Isobel managed to occupy herself, despite her earlier pessimism, with Lord Douglas-Hamilton’s son James who was convalescing after a rather terrible crash during flight training with the RAF. It was near the third week of July by the time you – no, Izzy – received a response from Lieutenant Nixon and this time you easily slipped away to your single bedroom to eagerly tear it open and read it straight away. The thrill of receiving it rivalled, if not outmatched, that you felt when mail arrived from your brother.

You could not help the fond grin that pulled at your lips at Lieutenant Nixon’s concern for your…the family’s… safety. It seemed the 101st Airborne no longer had need of the field hospital they had built in Lydiard Park and the British army was in the midst of renovating it to become a German prisoner of war hospital camp. All manner of fencing topped with barbed wire and watch towers were being installed to ensure the security of those within and without. There were naturally some misgivings, but the land had been requisitioned and therefore it was quite out of the Viscount’s hands.

Several soldiers were slated to be posted inside Lydiard house from October onwards as an added level of security, one that you had chosen to take heart in. All that aside, it wasn’t as though they were going to be keep healthy prisoners on the grounds – only the ill and injured, so that would give you all a fighting chance if it came to it. Nonetheless, you were very touched all the same by his concern.

It was hard to ignore, however, the flirtatious tone of his letter, a sharp pang of jealously striking you at descriptions of things he and Miss Isobel had undoubtedly gotten up to. You had, after all, fixed her hair for dinner afterwards. While Lieutenant Nixon bemoaned the near miss you were nothing but grateful. It would have been disastrous for Miss Isobel and him to come face-to-face now, what with letters sent in her name she had no knowledge of. Of course, that would eventually come to pass, but you were banking on more time to come up with a resolution to it all before then.

Feeling thoroughly batted about by the myriad of emotions summoned by this latest missive, you were somewhat relieved to tuck it away as the clock downstairs chimed. You hurried out to join the game keeper, Mr. O’Connell, on the walk he had invited you to join him on whilst he planned a stalking trip for the family tomorrow. You had yet to secure a piece of heather, as you had promised to do for Lieutenant Nixon, and with a letter awaiting a reply, you ought to get on it as soon as possible.

The move between the two estates was far more of an ordeal than it needed to be, with a great deal of the difficulty arising from Miss Isobel’s sulking at parting from James Douglas-Hamilton. Confident there would be someone to catch her wandering eye at the next locale, you did your best to coddle and encourage her, once again struggling to comprehend that you were the same age as the girl.

As the days of murdering small birds and large deer ticked by with no response from Lieutenant Nixon, you began to grow anxious. Did you perhaps slip up in your latest response? Put too much of your own character into it? Or maybe it was the touch of melancholy that had seeped into the ink at the end as you were signing off. You really ought to write in the sunshine, it tended to lend a happier tone to your letters.

Your mood was altogether too dependent on his correspondence. Correspondence that he was not even aware that he was having with you. The housemaid who stood in as a lady’s maid, pending the day when Miss Isobel would finally choose just one man to love for the rest of her life. Signing the name of your mistress whilst your words betrayed ever deepening feelings for an American Lieutenant who most likely had forgotten your name by now. At what point had this service you had begun doing for him become something of such meaning to you?

To your combined relief and frustration, it turned out that the entire village was experiencing a problem with the post, something that the Royal Mail assured the Viscount Falkland they were working on immediately, but it took several more weeks for his response to arrive, in an envelope from the Ritz, just as the family was being ushered into vehicles to drive to the station in mid-September.

You quickly slid it away in your pocket, thanking the footman who’d handed it to you, before loading Dash’s carrier into the footwell and jumping into the back of a car yourself. The train was cramped and hot, most likely overbooked judging by the crush of humanity at the end of the cars, and so you were forced to sit next to a stranger with Dash’s carrier perched on your knees.

You tore into the envelope savagely as though your actions might make up for the lost time while the post had been mishandled.

A future. A future that could never be yours. But one that sounded so sweet. Tears blurred your vision until you blinked them away, sighing softly as the train slowed and pulled onto a siding yet again. It felt like you had barely made any progress since leaving the station despite re-reading Lieutenant Nixon’s letter three times.

Your seatmate was slumped against the window, sleeping deeply, thankfully unaware of the tears that were rolling down your cheeks, fresh ones quickly replacing those which you furiously wiped away. This was not your story. Could never be your story, particularly not when it was all based upon a lie. How had he become so sweet and dear to you? Lieutenant Nixon was impossibly charming and witty, perhaps you really never stood a chance at remaining unattached. You should have never read his second letter.

The train cars jostled to a halt with a series of bangs, Dash shuffling restlessly in his carrier on your lap in response to being woken. “Sorry, boy.” You whispered quietly, sniffling a little as you tried to rein in your emotions.

However badly you had failed to keep your personal feelings separate on the matter, the man still certainly deserved a reply. With space so limited, you began by preparing the envelope, sliding your collected feathers inside, before taking a stab at the letter itself.

You pulled back your pen with a ruthless shake of your head, eyes once again growing damp. This letter was unusable. You had simply devolved into pouring your heart out onto the page. Gone were all traces of The Honourable Isobel St John. All that remained was a working-class girl from Swindon punching high above her weight. There was no way you could actually send it, but you had gotten off to a good start, so you could hopefully salvage portions of it. A savage yawn suddenly overtook you and you sighed, tucking the pages into the prepared envelope and setting it on top of Dash’s carrier.

Perhaps you would be better prepared to finish this Herculean task after a rest. As if to lend a helping hand, the train jerked back into motion, the forward progress along the track rocking you comfortingly in your seat as your eyelids began to droop heavily.

They did not open again until Miss Beauchamp squeezed your shoulder gently. “Wake up, we’ve arrived.” She hissed and you startled up in your seat, eyes searching frantically for the letter which you had carelessly left out in the open. “What the devil are you looking for?” She muttered impatiently, grabbing Dash’s carrier from your lap.

“There was a letter, I had a letter on top of the carrier…” You stuttered, still not quite awake but system also flooded with adrenaline.

“Oh yes, Miss Isobel’s letter. Mr. Stevens took it to post along with some letters the Viscount was working on, it’s all taken care of. Now come on before the train leaves.”

You stared at her, eyes wide with horror, rooted to the spot, until she physically grabbed you by the elbow. She hauled you through the car and off the train in time to see the ever-helpful valet sliding a stack of letters through the slot of the post box. Your blood pressure plummeted, knees beginning to buckle beneath you as black dots appeared in your vision. You were vaguely aware of Miss Beauchamp shouting your name in alarm as you staggered toward a nearby bench, barely maintaining your grip on consciousness through sheer force of will.

The rest of the staff jumped to all sorts of conclusions – you were overheated, overtired, overwrought. Perhaps you were coming down with something or had bad news regarding your brother. You were barely able to voice the words to assure them you were fine, and you could feel Miss Isobel’s scornful glare as all attention was directed on ushering you into one of the waiting cars to return you to Lydiard and up to your bed to rest.

The words in that letter had not been meant for consumption by anyone and now they were in the dutiful hands of the Royal Mail, making their way to Lieutenant Nixon. If only they could suddenly develop another postal delivery issue, but you had never been such a lucky person. Shock ran deep, immobilizing you in your bed, rendering you unable to eat, to cry, to see any solution to this mess you had made.

You should have never read his second letter.

--------------------------

Read Part Three

I Wish You Love Masterlist

Tag list: @ronsparky, @fuckoffthanos, @bcon24, @gretagerwigsmuse

[color-craz]

AF MidWeek Round-up!

This is just a simple post compiling all of my attacks so far along with some artists notes! Mostly because I found myself much more active this year than last year (Minus these few couple days due to some appointments). I'll be tagging everyone and linking to other socials so you can see these lovely folks. Of course if you want to attack me, I'm ready to fight! Without further ado, here's all the attacks so far :>

@cosmicdenro @stellarknightz - Weekend Date The name of the game for these first few attacks was to get everyone who I was supposed to last year but ran out of time ^^;;. I decided upon Jesse's Zircon over Jesse the character (one in my bookmarks) b/c it seemed like Turquoise Zircon was less drawn this year but was his icon on AF. So easy pick from me :> (Btw doing Sodalite's stripes and copying Zircon's shape language was really fun!!)

@/clawothy (Twitter) - Chill Cat Another attack from last years bookmarks! It was definitely a soft but enjoyable opening into drawing furries since Claw's so human shaped. It was fun drawing his tail and patterns :>. This is just a nice character design all around.

@twidaisi - Speedy Service Twi was also one from my bookmarks, but also a doorway down an ArtFight rabbit hole. Which will become apparent in the next two pieces. For this one, I had a pretty clear pose in mind so I placed it onto O.R.B.I and went from there!! His design is so neat and he seems so cool! The pose was also pretty fun to do as well, just an overall fun art piece (Also this one got a revenge!!! I still really really love thank you so much!!!!!)

@scratchgeist - Escapism Ho! This was a doozy! Twi had Scratch's profile linked so I ended up hitting him with an attack too. Drawing Scratch's mane turned out to be a pleasant experience despite me originally fearing it. This scene idea also came from a prompt of Scratch going outside. I ended up putting Polish on this because all those scratchy "ink like" lines I actually did manually (take a fuzzy brush and then go over it using a sketchbook eraser). It was nice dipping my toes into BatIM again and trying out more animal feature.

@/stylin.art Instagram @/crypticc0rpse Instagram - Pirates in arms One of those two people were linked on Scratch's profile and the person linked also linked to the other person. But I realized that both Stylin and Crypt had some shared characters. So this ended my little rabbit hole of people by attacking these two lovely fellows at the same time. This little crossing swords idea took me a nice minute to come up with but I liked how it ended up anyway. I really did like drawing James together like this (probably helps that I really like pirates in general). Also yes I know her hand is fucked up I noticed way to late to fix it.

@smoresthehalloweenqueen - Listen to the waves Once I finished up with that I moved onto the next bookmark, which was Smores! Originally I was gonna draw Brutus but then I was like "I like his sona it looks like fun!" So I drew them listening to music because why not :>. I struggled on the arms initially but it came out real clean and nice. Honestly might be my best work so far! (Fun fact, I color picked the waves + background from Seafoam's icon.)

@skittisketch - I got it! Mr. Sascachawean himself! I referenced this pose form the classic Objection point because I thought it would fit his personality. This was also a little bit of a test with a style I had only done in sketches (Basically my human style but omitting a neck which somehow shaves off a lot of time). This was a super fun pose to do with a pretty nice background! (Once again, fucked up hand I know I noticed too late again)

@justpainterrobot - Rare Nightly Sight I had this really really clear picture of what I thought up for this attack and I'm happy that I was able to make it a reality. I put the polish tag on this one because I almost got super super detailed of what the junk was below her (Stuff coming down from Elysium n all that) but due to a lack of references I just went with typical metal and wood. Fun fact, the night sky in the background is based on the one from Deponia itself (The first game's scenes with the professor at night). I think this rewrite of Toni was really cool from what I could find about her. Overall a labor of love type of attack.

@coelpts @swan-swanno - Boss Battle I thought to myself "Hm, I see Coelpts around a lot, lets hit him with an attack." and it turns out Ciel's gay married to Swanno's charater Mikhail, who was the last one in my bookmarks from last year. So another double attack for this one! It was a struggle starting this one mostly because I was debating whether or not to draw Ciel's Lord outfit but I ended up doing so because why not :>. It was a fun experience copying Swanno's more angular style, which is a stark departure from my more rounded shapes (As you can see here). Has a nice venture doing the lighting as well, overall a good experience.

@tailsylennon - Sweet Treats Mitchell showed off Tasily's proflie one day and I saw their sona and was I was like "Lemme draw it!" and did! I ended up following another prompt by her because it was their birthday! (By the time I started on this it was 8 pm and I freaked tf out and got to work). Her sona was really cool and I really loved drawing them. Fun fact, each of the set pieces references the Hallows Souls trio. The chair is decorated after Terra, Markus is the table, and Whistle pallet is used for the tea set :>. It was just a pleasant and cozy attack to make overall.

@ceaseless-enemy - Congratulations!!!! I've actually known about Voila for quite awhile now and thought his design n theaming is quite neat! I actually based the pose off of Ai from Oshi No Ko (I think one of her key arts before the anime released, ifykyk). But I skillfully cut out the legs because I can't draw digitigrade legs... Hooray... Otherwise it was quite nice to work on this attack in particular, especially the eyes and the hair :>.

@killbent - Getting Ready This is another one I had a real clear idea of prior to doing this, specifically because Killbent gave a prompt to give Mr Fairchime pink hair, so i thought a "pre-show" set up would look nice :>. The lighting was another new venture for me, because I usually do cool/night time like lighting but I think it turned out nicely for Fairchime. It was also fun doing the accessories and stuff on the vanity as well. Fun Fact, it's a bit hard to see through the watermark + lighting but the face paint and pallet both have the colors of his make up! Overall a pleasant and warm attack for this year.

And that's all of them so far! I picked up some new bookmarks + I gotta get Twi back for drawing Compact!! So those will probably be compiled by the end of AF so about, early August-ish if I keep up the pace. Anyway, thank you so much for reading and gracing me with the opportunity to draw all of these amazing characters!

Until next time!

-Gappy, Witch of the Stars

[siriuslyshewrote]

𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - 𝐒.𝐁

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 2,498

𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: You are given a detention with the rather annoying Sirius Black. Pure fluff, basically.

Sirius Black was somewhat of an enigma to you. The two of you had always been rather distinctly aware of one another, coming from the same social background, going to the same functions and balls growing up, and yet, if you truly thought about it, you weren't so sure that you had spoken more than three or four offhand sentences to the boy your entire life. Though you went to the same school, even, the year between the two of you, and the fact you wore the colours green and silver, put you much closer to his younger brother Regulus.

You weren't so sure you were ever much more than a passing thought to him, and with his visible and growing disdain for not only Slytherin, but pureblood society in general over the years you had learnt to actively avoid both he and his little gang of friends, lest you walk into another one of their ridiculous pranks. You wouldn't say you disliked the boy per say, but a certain wave of irritation rippled over you when you saw him - particularly after the prank he had pulled last year which had left you, and the rest of your dorm-mates with vivid, crimson red hair for several weeks, no matter how many potions and spells you tried to remove it with.

That was why, as you walked into detention on a cold, November night in your sixth year, you were most aggravated to see that the only two people in the room was Professor McGonnagal and the older Black boy. He was leaning back on his chair, twirling a quill in his fingers, looking thoroughly bored, and his stormy grey eyes immediately flickered to you as you rather ungracefully burst through the door of the Transfiguration classroom.

"Sorry," You turned to McGonnagal, pushing your windswept hair away from your face.

"Late again, Miss Y/L/N," She pursed her lips slightly, though there was a look of slight amusement in her eyes. "You are aware that is what your current detention is for, yes?"

Being late was somewhat of an unfortunate trademark of yours, and really it was the only thing your professors could fault you for, but your habit of absent-mindedness and forgetting the time had landed you in more detentions at your time in Hogwarts than you could count.

You placed your bag on the floor next to the desk which you assumed you were to take - the only one in the room with a thick stack of parchment upon, aside from Sirius'. He gave you a somewhat amused look as you sat down next to him, still twirling that blasted quill around his fingers.

"Sorry Professor," You mustered up an apologising look, though a small smile danced on your lips.

You knew that though it frustrated your professors to no end that you were always late, the majority of them were rather fond of you outside of that, due to the fact that you did always study rather profusely, even if you were prone to missing deadlines on occasion.

Professor McGonnagal made a small tutting noise, and your attention was drawn to a large box in her hands.

"As I was just telling Mr. Black here, I had already committed to helping out Professor Flitwick with some work this evening, so I will be leaving you with this task."

She pulled out a large pile of parchment from the box, dividing it and placing half on your desk, and half on the nearby desk of Sirius'. The parchment was looking rather worse for wear, some of the writing barely legible, and it had a smell rather like mothballs.

"The two of you will be transcribing these detention cards," She gestured towards them. "Onto new parchment. Perhaps whilst you do that, you can reflect on your own reasons for being in detention."

As she said this, she gave a rather severe look to Sirius, who gave her a cheeky grin, leaning further back in his chair. His hair was shorter than you had ever seen it now - barely grazing his jaw. He looked distinctly older, you thought, chastising yourself for even noticing such a thing.

"Once you have both worked through these, you can put them on my desk and go and enjoy your evenings," She said, walking back towards the front of the classroom, pausing at the door for a moment to glance back at the both of you. "And Mr Black, I do implore you to not receive any inspiration from these."

A small smile twitched your mouth as Sirius guffawed beside you.

"Can't make any promises, Professor," He overtly winked, and the older woman let out a sigh, before exiting the classroom.

You almost wished she would come back as the classroom dissolved into a silence. You pulled your quill and ink will from your bag, determined to work through this as quickly as possible so you could leave and return to your dormitory, and most importantly your warm and cozy bed, which you were quite sure would be warm with a hot water bottle supplied by the house elves.

Sirius' foot tapped none stop on the stone floor, as you pulled the large stack of parchment towards you, wrinkling your nose at the smell of it, and beginning to transcribe the first one, squinting at the faded handwriting. He had made no move to start his own work, unsurprisingly. Though you had no classes with the boy, you had the distinct feeling that he wasn't much of a hard worker, though you had no doubt he still got decent grades. He striked you as one of those people.

"You're friends with Regulus, yeah?" He said casually, breaking the silence.

You let out a small noise of recognition, eyes flickering to his for a small second, then back to your paper.

He didn't seem perturbed by your lack of talking, though you supposed Sirius was quite able to do enough talking of his own to fuel a whole conversation.

"Didn't put down a perfect Slytherin to get a detention." He remarked, a little venom in his words that he couldn't quite hide, though his tone was even.

"The more you know, huh." You replied sardonically, fixing him with a look of distaste. "Shame I can't say the same for you."

He let out a laugh at that, going to tuck his hair behind his ears before he seemed to remember it was slightly too short now, leaving his fingers dancing in mid-air for a moment, before moving them back to the desk and tapping at it absentmindedly.

"Don't suppose you fancy doing mine too?" He questioned with a grin, indicating towards the several cards you had already painstakingly transcribed.

There was something about his demeanour that made your lips curve up slightly, too.

"I'd rather go take a dip in the Great Lake, but nice try Black." You quipped, dipping your quill in your ink well again.

"Might be a nice sight," He joked, and you rolled your eyes.

"You know I don't think you've ever grown up at all. You are still just as annoying as I remember you used to be when we were little." You remarked offhandedly, that small smile still upturning your lips.

"And you are just as uptight." He grinned. "You're still the same little Y/L/N who used to turn up her nose at absolutely everyone."

You were slightly shocked he seemed to actually remember you - he always seemed rather dismissive of not only you, but everything and everyone from that part of his life.

"I'm surprised you actually took note of that. You were always so busy creating chaos I didn't think you noticed anything around you."

"You should be honoured then," He quipped.

You let out a small laugh at that.

"Get on with your work, Black. I'm not staying here all night because you don't get this finished." You told him, scribbling away at another detention card.

"The fact that you don't want to spend the night with me wounds me, Y/N." He clutched at his heart dramatically.

You pursed your lips at him, almost surprised at how much you wanted to laugh again. This was not how you expected your detention with him to go - you rather expected to be ripping out your hair in frustration by now. He was different to how he had been when you had interacted with him before. Nicer, almost, though still just as arrogant.

"Anyway," He said, pulling out his wand from his sleeve, of all places. "You don't have to sit here and write all of these. Simple spell, really."

He waved his wand over his quill, murmuring a few words you couldn't quite work out, before the quill jumped up quite by itself, dipped itself in the inkwell, and started scribbling down words so quick it was just a blur against the parchment.

He grinned as he saw your badly-concealed impressed look.

"Don't tell me you don't already know that spell," He said arrogantly.

You huffed at him, showing him your ink-stained fingers.

"Clearly not," You spoke tightly, irritated that he had bested you.

"I could show you," He mused. "Though it would be so much more fun to see you writing all of these out."

The magically moving quill had already worked through double the amount of parchment that you had.

You glowered at him.

"Black, I'm going to kill you." You threatened.

He pretended to think for a moment, and for those brief seconds you considered throttling him to wipe the smug look off his face.

"I'll help you. For a price." He finally said.

Your knuckles were slightly white as you gripped your quill a little bit tighter with annoyance.

"If you say anything suggestive right now, I'm going to stick this inkwell-"

He raised his hands in a mock surrender, laughing.

"Wasn't going to, though don't give me ideas," He winked. "I just need a very time-sensitive favour."

You sighed. "And what would that be?"

"I need to make a distraction," He paused to glance at his watch. "In about five minutes."

You glowered.

"If you think I'm going to help you with one of your stupid pranks, so help me-"

He shrugged, standing up, still grinning. You blinked up at him, not quite sure if it was just because you were sitting down, or if he really was a lot taller than you realised.

"I mean, if you want to stay here all night..."

You glanced back over to his quill, still scribbling away furiously. It had made it's way almost entirely through the pile of parchment, now. You looked back to your own ominously large pile, and let out a groan.

"Fine. I'll help. But if you get me another detention, I will personally hunt you down." You threatened.

He laughed again. That annoying damn laugh.

"Here," He said, pulling your quill from your hand, skin skimming your own. His skin was incredibly warm against your freezing hands, for a small second.

Again, he murmured those words, and immediately the quill jumped into action, scribbling away.

You gave him a look of thanks - though you refused to say it out loud, his ego simply didn't need any more of a boost, stretching your aching fingers.

"Come on," He said energetically, picking up your bag and swinging it over his shoulder, as if it was some insurance that you would come with him now.

You could simply go back to your common room, you supposed, now he had done what he had promised, but you didn't particularly fancy waking up to a very targeted revenge prank, and so, with a disgruntled sigh, you got up and followed him towards the door.

You didn't want to hang out with Sirius Black voluntarily, of course. At least, that was what you told yourself.

He glanced both ways down the corridor as you exited the classroom, probably looking for a sign that Professor McGonnagal was coming back, but the castle was quiet and empty, most students in their common rooms or dorms by now.

The wind whistled through the corridor, and you wrapped your robes tighter around yourself as you followed his rather quick pace through the school halls.

"This is probably the most rebellious thing you've done all year, huh, Y/L/N?" He whispered to you, eyes glinting with humour.

You shoved him slightly with your hip, only then realising how close the two of you were walking together.

"Until I know exactly what we are doing, I can't comment," You whispered back. "Though I doubt it. I'm not some prude, you know."

"I didn't know Slytherin's were allowed to have fun," He murmured back, smiling.

You flipped him off with a mock scowl.

He walked a very specifically pureblood way, even now, you realised - straight backed - in a way that you could balance books upon his head and they wouldn't tip or fall.

He threw out an arm, suddenly, stopping you in your tracks, looking surreptitiously around a corner. You paused behind him for a moment, so close you could smell the cologne he was wearing. Sandalwood, and maybe lemon, you thought for a moment, before shaking your head and realising how insane you were being for even contemplating such a thing.

He gave a thumbs up to whoever he could see around the corner - who you assumed were the other members of his little group, pulling a small parcel out of his bag.

"I'd cover your nose," He remarked to you, before, with remarkably good aim, launching said parcel half-way down the corridor.

With a loud bang, a cloud of smoke appeared, and you immediately regretted not taking his advice as the smell hit you.

Stink-bombs.

Your eyes watered as the putrid smell that could only be compared to sewerage hit you, as the smoke filled the corridor and made it almost impossible to see anything.

"What the-" You heard the piercing shriek of the caretaker, Argus Filch, as well as the sound of a slamming door.

A warm hand grabbed yours, fingers interlinking, pulling you into a run, and you had no choice to follow, to attempt to get away from the horrific cloud of stench that had invaded the entire corridor.

Your eyes were streaming as your free hand covered your nose.

"I can see you, you little toerags!" You head the caretakers croaking shout, and you couldn't help but let out a small laugh at that, adrenaline pumping through you as Sirius dragged you down another corridor.

"Down here," He panted, pushing aside a tapestry you walked past nearly every day towards the Great Hall.

To your greatest surprise, there wasn't simply a wall, but a small narrow entryway, though you had no time to marvel at it before you were tugged behind it, the tapestry falling back into place again, plunging you into darkness.

"Where are you, you little blighters!" Filch screeched, and his voice was so loud he must have only been footsteps from your hiding place.

A palm covered your mouth, and you were suddenly all too aware of how close you were to Sirius Black. He was stood directly behind you - you were so tightly pressed against him that you could feel the thumping of his heartbeat through his chest, and the realisation of this made a blush come to your cheeks, though you were completely unsure of why.

Filch's footsteps faded away, and Sirius let go of you slightly, allowing you to turn around and face him, though you could barely see him in the dim light, only enough to be aware that your faces were oddly close.

He let out a guffaw, as you poked him in the chest, and this set you off into your own peal of laughter.

"You... idiot!" You exclaimed. "You could have given me a bit of warning on what you were going to do!"

Though you couldn't see it, you could sense the grin on his face.

"Ah, but then I wouldn't have seen that beautiful look of horror on your face, Y/N."

Your laughs quietened down a little, though your heart was still racing - from the running, you told yourself.

"You know, for you, stink-bombs is a very basic prank." You poked fun at him.

"You think I would just settle for stink bombs?" He scoffed as if you had insulted his intelligence deeply. "They were just a distraction, love."

You pretended not to hear the nickname that slipped so easily off his tongue.

"I apologise, Black. Didn't mean to underestimate you," You quipped, tilting your face up to grin at him, before realising how close that put the two of your faces.

Your face flushed even more.

"I forgive you" He breathed, and you felt it on your face, goosebumps erupting on your skin.

Your heart began to thrum in your ears, and you were suddenly aware he had never let go of your hand. His fingers were squeezing yours. He moved closer, just slightly, and it was the first time all evening he had been silent for longer than a few seconds.

And that was the moment when the tapestry was suddenly ripped back theatrically, and the two of you jumped apart like deer caught in headlights - to look around and see the positively volcanic expression upon Argus Filch's face.

Getting detention every night for the next several weeks would have usually been enough for you to want to take a trip to see the Giant Squid, but somehow, with Sirius Black by your side, you doubted they would be anything less than ... interesting.

Authors Note: I hope you guys enjoyed this! As ever, my requests are open, and feel free to use my prompt list for some ideas on what to request!

[fallenrepublick]

And She Shall Be Called Upon For Greater

Part 1 - Part 2

Here it is, my little passion project. Of course, this is just an introduction to it, but I wanted to start off with this piece. There's plenty more going on in the background, and I'm so happy to be working with this character and concept that I've always felt deserved better than what she was given. I think she has the potential to be fantastic, and I hope you all think so as well. Let me know what you think or if I can answer any questions!

Warnings: None

---

Steps on an empty ground have always been, and shall always be, the greatest method of measuring absence. The echo of a heel, or the swipe of a shoe’s sole, lingering in the air as replacement for the voices long since lost, serves to remind the only being, which makes their way down the oddly blue-tinted hall, of the many memories lying in wait beneath the metal and stone.

In the time of overturn, where age-old systems crumbled beneath her feet, where tradition gave way to a new, cold, soulless floor, so little had changed for her. Ghosts gripping fiercely the hilts of practice sabers ran across the space, not yet ready for the dangers of true kyber. Sage beings slipped over the patterned tiles, whispering of the war only just come to rise, drenched in heavy, neutral fabrics, fighting to remain upright in spite of the weight. Arrays of girls tip-toed to the doors that lined the wall, whispering and daydreaming amongst themselves, unable to help their speculation of why they'd been moved to such a grand temple at all.

She could almost see them, kicked up and made of old dust, no wiser to their fate than they'd been the day before it befell them. And as there was nothing to be done for them, she left the poor souls over her shoulder, keying a small code into the pad below the name plaque, reading in fanciful letters, “Ismaren”

Low lights switched on in the midst of her presence, rising in straight, perfected lines from the floor, and flickered just a touch with the shut of the door. The clasp holding together the ends of her cloak clicked as it came undone, short nails tapping the spotless gold and shoulders shrugging the covering off. It was not in her nature to litter the ground with her clothes, tired as she was, and the soft pinks, purples, and blacks folded nicely as each layer shed from her skin.

“Shall I have these washed for you, My Lady?” questioned the voice from behind, a flash of silver passing through the woman's periphery.

“Yes,” she replied.

The washroom was the place of sanctity, where one could remove the pins and gold from black hair, wipe away the pale creams and colors from her skin, dye the towels unnatural colors, remember what Roganda looked like. Rather than a deep sensation of blood, her lips were a gentle, muted pink. Rather than lined in heavy black and surrounded by reckless swipes of blue, thick white skin beneath it all, her eyes were truly unornamental, epicanthal lids held low most days, a very slight tan giving life to all she was. Water running to the floor of the shower might have drowned out the laugh she gave, if only to recognize her own features with a smile.

The place drew peace, rolling its warmth over her body, warding away reality. She breathed. It was time, that odd, damned thing that she’d wasted. How long had it been, two years, since the war ended? Waged for four years as she stood on high, witnessing an ascent to power, a schism splitting the galaxy in more ways than the Republic had ever predicted, peace brought through only the greatest of sins. She’d watched chaos reign, she witnessed loss and the fall of those she once knew. Children she had the privilege of growing beside felled by barbaric methods, mocked in their graves by violent, painted lips that believed every word their master spoke to them. How they could bear to consider it the truth was beyond her, as she herself knew truth to be the perfect opposite. Rinsing hardened product from each strand of hair, the locks slowly grew softer, falling to rest against her skin, sticking to her back and waving around her shoulder blades. And oh, she could remember it, that feeling of being a child. To run, unbeholden to where the carpet ended and began, nearly tripping over your robes, or that of your friend. To learn one day how cruel children could be, to teach yourself the greatest skill ever written as you protect your mind the most of all. She could remember the sounds, the voices of the masters, their eyes studying who was worthy of their lessons. The silence of the night she was spirited away, left to wonder whether any searched.

None of it truly mattered, not in this year, not as she dripped to the thin mat outside the shower and combed her hair, nor as she donned a soft pink robe back into her room. The droid had left, no doubt, to work tirelessly at the laundry and chores, in that age-old fashion that would keep the machines occupied for hours on end, leaving Roganda to her silence.

It was the bookcase she approached first, small and old, only a few books remaining in its shelves. Yes, perhaps it was time to remind herself of the purpose of it all. She’d never been one to question it, to find peace in the madness. To do so would be to reject the madness entirely, to claim that her god was false or used suffering for no end or purpose. No, no, she knew better, far better than that.

Hooking her finger over the spine, she pulled from its position a tome, aged leather dyed the deepest blue she’d ever known, marked on its face the symbol she held always close to her body. Between her fingers, the pages glided like silk, dark writing beautiful as it carried more so memories than stories.

Woe to all, untouched of my blessings, ignorant of curses, spiteful of pain. For what is your purpose, if not to struggle, to know that which you have earned? Do you think yourselves so entitled to virtue that you shall live only a single way? Do you live to never suffer, to never know fear, to never clench your fists in agony, yearning for what might have been instead? Those siblings of mine have known it, long before the advent of your world. My followers have known it, deeply entrenched in their creation. So cry, cry children, to my heaven, bear the weight of your sins proudly. Know absolution and await inevitability.

They were words she’d committed to memory, even in the days of her very being enthralled to the Jedi, as she’d promised herself to her god the very moment she held the book. Certainly, the Jedi would have considered her god cruel, almost sith-like, but oh, how far from the truth she knew it to be. Her god was possibly the only pure one, her teachings rooted in the reality of which they all lived, aware, perhaps too aware, of what it was to be mortal. She recalled her assertions when the world seemed to press just a touch too much, she spoke the queen’s words beneath her breath when the galaxy lost itself, when panic and grief drove every action, every thought, every conclusion. And she held the words, the shape of them, in her mind, she wondered when next the queen would speak to her.

Never would Roganda claim to be a zealot, to base her entire livelihood and perceptions on that which her god claimed as true. Truthfully, she was a realist, one that saw in the world what she had grown to know. She suffered, she was certain of that, she had since her childhood in this temple, she had since fourteen, spirited away from her barren dormitory as she awaited the possibility of an apprenticeship. And yet her acceptance of it had given her greater power than a world in which none of it had happened. Whispers of the future in her god’s voice promised greatness, promised more and more as the years went on. And from it, she found pride, a purpose stolen from her under the Jedi’s grasp. A purpose given life by the women that had once been around her, vain and greedy, blind to the lives they led. Their youth sustained her, one by one, disappearing with little trace, with little care for each other, believing it to be providence that their rivals were removed from their path. Tragedy, that was the way of the world, of their world. They never knew what they could have had, what they could have become. And so their purpose alone was to serve her own. Knowing this, her hand which supported the book began to tremble, as if the power held within this book’s ancient knowledge flowed into her veins, piercing her blood and altering the very core of what she was.

It wasn’t even a second after she flipped the page that her desk lit up from the other end of the room, forcing the girl to slip her tome back into place and tiptoe to the notification. She approached her desk, simple and purposeful, the glass top awaiting a command. With a few taps, the surface projected a portrait, the name “Osmond” written in basic beside the face, tinted heavily in blue light.

The man was older than her, beginning to bald from the hairline, though she’d not quite label him middle-aged. Wrinkled traced around his features, indicative less of age, and more so of experience, never truly able to assuage the sly smile he maintained, even in the motion of his mannerisms. She’d taken to liking this one, him and his warm behaviors. Shrouded in lies or not, he maintained loyalty to her employment, almost proud of his association, even if he never flaunted it. He’d proven himself reliable, willing to go the extra distance to do as she asked, and blazing the trail for others that answered to him, secure and functional.

“Any word?” she asked upon her acceptance of the call, the table’s projection changing to a live feed of the man’s head and shoulders.

Beginning the answer with a heavy inhale, his eyes slid away from hers, needing a moment to formulate the words. “It’s… complicated. They’re fragmented, no one’s really sure what anyone else is doing… It’s more of a thought than an actual movement.”

Roganda’s lips pressed together, tapping her nails against the glass. “And you’re getting this from whom, exactly?”

“Oh, the usual,” he hummed, shrugging his shoulders, “Convicts, traitors. This one guy that used to sell death-sticks. They’re reliable.”

She’d nearly forgotten his post, the very reason she’d chosen him. His affinity for the lowest levels of Coruscant and the poor souls that served as their occupants were perhaps the best to ask when it came to information, to potential uprising. In fact, nowadays, the levels became home to those the Empire despised most of all, the groups that remembered all too well the way things had been before even the war, who threatened the “peace” brought about by the Emperor. Joined by a collective desire and crudely-designed codes to identify each other, these little pockets of rebellion often found themselves vying for Osmond’s attention and the protection he offered. Armed with resources and the ability to make even the most wanted citizens disappear with a flick of the wrist, those that managed to get more than they bargained for came to him for a restart. And in return, paired with a fair sum of cash, these sad souls offered him what they knew of the impending revolts, fears quelled by promises that the Empire would never find out. With a bit of luck at his side, the man was able to glean the names of a few leaders, some senators, some not, to offer his employer.

“I realize they’re reliable,” Roganda hummed, low voice sending a chill down the spy’s spine, “I need to know if they will join the ring. Or at least give us more than what we have. It cannot be trusted what was said of Mothma and Organa without sufficient proof or corroboration. We haven’t enough channels to securely pass information to these groups, and we certainly haven’t enough knowledge of what factions they associate with. Without greater resources, what is currently known is useless to our ends.”

He couldn’t help but laugh, albeit nervously. “You’d have me do…”

“I’d have you dig deeper. Expand our horizons. There will be more defections in the coming months as higher ranking officials abandon their posts. Take advantage of it. Lengthen the chains of communications and ensure that no actor knows the identity of any other, only locations and times of information drops. Offer certainty where no others can.”

“You make it sound so easy!” the spy laughed yet again, throwing his arms from his sides, “The clones that pass through here are few and far between nowadays. People are scared to talk. Hell, they’d rather pay me extra just to keep me from asking more questions.”

For a moment, she was silent, her eyes cast to the edges of the table, though her mind remained elsewhere. “What of that scientist? The one rumored to return from Vallt?”

“Ghh…” the man half-growled, trying to come by the name by luck alone, “Aee… Eh… Ers…o?”

“Erso,” she repeated in a husky whisper, far more purpose to the word than he’d expected, “How likely is his compliance? With the Empire, that is.”

Osmond sucked in through his teeth. “He’s got a wife and child.”

“Very likely, then,” she concluded, “Though such people rarely take kindly to threats on family, you know. Keep an eye on him, will you?”

And he nodded, hesitance in the motion. “What, uh… what do you need him for?”

In return, she smiled. “If I told you that, I’d have to kill you.”

“Fair enough, you’re the boss,” he said, a certain lightheartedness returned to his voice, tossing up a few finger blasters to remove any remaining tension, “Find new recruits, track Erso and don’t engage. Pretty typical.”

“For now, it is. Should any factions start to mobilize, send notice immediately.”

“You got it,” he acknowledged, giving a sharp nod of his head before ending the transmission. Once more, the table’s lights lowered, awaiting any further command before shutting off completely.

She was left to silence, now that the spy knew his task. She took the space to breathe, to sigh in relief that her greatest ally still lived. It was often she wondered if he would be unlucky, if he would one day cease communications, if the Empire would catch him or perhaps kill him on sight. Even still, he’d been lucky until now, she could hardly imagine that he would fail in the future.

And so she returned, dragging her book from its place yet again, carrying it as one would a child toward her small couch, curling her legs to her body, resting her feet on the cushion at her side, her back to the pillow that leaned always on the arm rest. Ever so carefully, she pulled open her book, eyes tracking over the words, over the golden designs swirling along the edges of each page, noting the gilded edges reflecting the room’s light from the corner of her eye. It quelled her anxieties, her thoughts. From every responsibility, from every role she took, the imagery painted by every sentence took her to the moment she lived, to who she remained. In time, she would sleep, taken to yet another day, and she would be called for. Soon, she knew, she would be called for greater.

[honeylashofficial]

Like Embers | an Imp and Skizz Oneshot

Firewatch AU - original story by @quaranmine

Skizz Week Prompt #2: Hybrid / AU (@skizzlemanweek)

Fire and friendship are not as incomparable as one may think. It's insistent, it's beautiful, and it marks you for life, whether you care to acknowledge it or not. In the way that unconditional love leaves scorch-marks across ones heart; like how embers remain, rekindle, and remind us of the raw power we possess between our very own fingertips. When wielded wisely, nothing compares.

Hurt / comfort, fluff, more fluff, unspecified injury (but no blood :D)

–+– 3,228 words –+–

November 14th, 1989

“Come on, we could totally make it happen.”

“Seriously, I’m telling you. It will not work.”

“You worried about the equipment?”

“Yes!”

“You’re just no fun.” Skizz paused in the dust, taking his time to lean backwards in a satisfying stretch. He sighed contentedly as the base of his spine popped, loosening again. His keychain of keys jangled in his hoodie pocket.

Beside him, Impulse released his own sigh, shaking his head in finality. “It’s not like they’ll want the footage anyways. There’s gonna be way too much background noise. You’d barely even hear us.”

“What if that’s the intrigue though,” Skizz pointed out, walking onward once more. “The Imp and Skizz radio segment, Forest Edition! I think I’m really on to something here.”

“I think you’re on something,” Impulse muttered, matching him step for step.

“Never. Tis simply my nature to explore the world on a more finite level,” Skizz defended himself curtly, dramatic English accent and all.

The forest crowded in on all sides of their path, silently encouraging them to hush and enjoy the nature around them. But being quiet was something neither of the two men had ever been good at, even from young ages. And it only got worse when they were in the same room. Or, in this case, in the same forest. It was a brisk late morning up in the mountains as they followed a well-trodden path towards a supposed lake. They hadn’t caught sight of it quite yet, but they’d been informed by a ranger a day ago that this was the perfect time to go and see it. Admittedly, Impulse was not nearly as enthralled about this whole hiking business as Skizz was. They were doing it together though, and Skizz had also promised to cook meals for the next two weeks once they got back to the duplex. His skills with a pan had finally convinced Impulse to agree on the weekend trip.

“Alright Shakespeare. Then maybe you could finally explore Dead Poet Society so we can get that out of the way?”

Skizz made a face at the comment, wrinkling up his nose in disgust. “They still want us to do that?”

“It’s extremely popular with the kiddies, says the studio,” Impulse shrugged.

Skizz shot him a look.

“Okay, fine,” Impulse hunched slightly, shoving his hands in his jean pockets. “I really want to do it still. Did you at least read some of the book?”

“No,” Skizz shook his head. A fraction of guilt poked at his innards upon the look his friend returned. He sidestepped a fallen branch on the path before putting his own hands in his hoodie pocket. “I told you already. I don’t read.”

“You’re missing out, man,” Impulse insisted quietly.

“What if I just go watch it and say I did?” Skizz countered smartly. Even as he said it, he knew what the response would be.

“No,” Impulse declared shortly. “I would know.”

Skizz smirked, grinning at him the way only he was allowed to. “Because?” He prodded annoyingly.

Impulse glared despite no heat radiating from the look. He pursed his lips, refusing to say it.

“Say it!” Skizz encouraged. There was a taunt in his voice, but it was a part of a language only they spoke. It was an undertone only distinguishable over years and years of growing familiar with one another. And it frequently rolled off both of their tongues in a familial way. Neither of them knew what they would do if that sweet playful banter were to cease.

Impulse averted his gaze, refusing to satisfy Skizz. It was a joke at this point, and one that Impulse played often. It never got old though, and Skizz never grew tired of it. If anything, he’d only gotten more persistent over the years.

“Say it!”

“Because you’re my best friend.”

“Now that’s what I like to- woah!”

The solid terrain disappeared from under Skizz’s feet. His eyes darted back to the path ahead, only to find that he’d misjudged it entirely. The path turned sharply, leading way to steep forest hills and rocky shelves. He gasped as he found no form of grip beneath his body, sinking into the angle and getting tossed head over heels. The world spun dizzyingly out of control as his weight was thrown into the ground over and over again. Blurry smears of color skidded past him before with a jolt, everything stopped at once.

There were stars at the edge of Skizz’s vision. He blinked slowly, trying to bring them into focus. There were parts of his body that ached and some parts that he couldn’t feel at all. If he concentrated really hard, he could manage to hear something beyond the ringing that filled his ears. Impulse was shouting his name distantly. How far down had he fallen? Should he get up, or wait for his buddy?

A minute or so later, his ears began to settle again. The sounds of trees and wind welcomed him back, and the fog in his head lifted just a tad. He needed to get up. He needed to get back to Impulse —get back to the designated path. But something heavy was laying on top of him… He lifted his head to see what it was, but nothing greeted his gaze.

“Skizz! Stupid bra- Skizz! Where are you?”

The voice was getting louder. Skizz could hear his friend pushing recklessly through the underbrush. There was sliding and skidding mixed with half hearted curses before another holler split the air. His tone was unmasked; betraying exactly what he felt. And a part of Skizz couldn’t help but find it endearing.

“I’m here,” he responded, pulling his elbows underneath him in order to push upward. As soon as he did though, a bolt of lightning rocketed through his backside. He just barely composed his tongue, dropping into the dirt again and holding back a pained yelp. Teeth gritted, he muttered furiously under his breath. “Great. Just great.”

Impulse appeared a moment later, his cheeks bright red with windburn. He took deep gulps of air as if he’d been the one rolled down a hill. Upon catching sight of Skizz, he ran forward to crouch down at his side. “You okay?” He wheezed.

“No, I don’t think so,” Skizz admitted, trying not to think about all the things that could currently be wrong with his backside. Pain had bloomed about three quarters of the way down his spine, threatening with another burst if he moved the wrong way. “I think something happened to my back.”

“Uh, Skizz? If you haven’t noticed, something definitely happened,” Impulse slowly slid his backpack from his shoulders. “You fell down a hill for goodness sake. Thank God for this tree here.”

Skizz grimaced, squeezing his eyes shut. “That’s probably what got me.” He didn’t know what to do now. He was stuck, lying here on his stomach with who knew how serious of an injury. Not to mention, they had to be at least 30 feet from the trail with no guide to point them in the right direction. Why had they even come out here? Why didn’t he just stay put like Impulse had encouraged him to during their precious days off?

“Do you wanna sit up at least, or… how bad is it?” Impulse leaned over, trying to make eye contact at this awkward angle. “Do I need to call for help?”

“No, no,” Skizz raised his head, albeit slowly, so as not to disturb the muscles along his spine. “Gimme a minute or two. It might just be shock.”

“You went down pretty hard,” Impulse murmured before attempting to add more lightly, “And I refuse to carry you bridal style anywhere, just so we’re on the same page.”

An involuntary smile crawled onto Skizz’s face. “Aw… and here I thought Dipple-dop was my knight in shining armor.”

Impulse blew a raspberry, rolling his eyes as he sat heavily in the leaf litter. “I’m just one guy, Skizz. A guy that’s trying to keep you alive-“

Skizz flinched. He didn’t know whether it was because of the statement or the pain.

“-and I just feel pretty terrible at my job right now. So what do you need? Water? Pain meds..? I think I have one or two of something somewhere.”

Skizz knew Impulse. He was in need of a task. Something to keep him preoccupied while the situation outcome was unknown. He was outwardly scared on Skizz’s behalf. And Skizz simply couldn’t ask for a greater friend. “Water sounds great right about now.”

Impulse nodded, opening his bag and digging around inside. After a moment, he brought out a clear bottle, handing it over. Only then did Skizz realize that his hands were trembling with nerves.

“Buddy,” he began, taking the water and unscrewing the cap. “You gotta relax. I’m not dying.”

“I- I know that,” Impulse retorted, looking away. Skizz sighed faintly.

“Look at me.”

Dark brown eyes sheepishly met his.

“What do I always say?”

Impulse groaned, gaze sliding past his ear.

“There are times when you can play it safe, and there are times to be reckless.”

“What are you getting at, Skizz?”

“Look at me?”

Impulse’s gaze returned, slightly harder this time. “What?”

“There’s a third option. It’s not an option though. It’s happenstance. And we just happened to run into it today, alright?”

Confusion swam behind Impulse’s eyes, but it was obvious his patience on the matter had run raggedly thin. He scowled at Skizz. “Would you just tell me what needs to happen man? I don’t need your cryptic-“

“Alright, alright,” Skizz lifted a hand, patting the air calmly. “Just…” He let out a slow breath, hoping that it would negate the throbbing pain somehow. “Just give me another minute or so. I’ll see if I can get up then.”

It still felt as if a heavy object had weighed Skizz’s lower backside to the ground. He couldn’t help but wonder why that was. His legs tingled faintly, weak, and he could tell his jeans had holes in them now. What would his girlfriend think when he returned home with a newly ruined article of clothing? If he returned at all.

Now there was a grim sentence. But Skizz was a realist. And the genuine logical reality of all this was that he’d probably bruised a bone or two and was overreacting completely.

His spine didn’t get the memo.

Shooting pain rushed up and down his muscles, nearly making him sick as he strained himself. His arms shook before giving way, and he just barely had time to clamp his jaw shut, so as to dampen the landing as much as possible. It wasn’t without his mind spewing a line of vial phrases though.

“This really isn’t looking good, Skizz,” Impulse shuffled forward. “You okay?”

“No, it’s not. And yes,” Skizz replied curtly. He gritted his teeth, trying again to bring his palms beneath him. After a moment, Impulse stretched out a tentative hand, placing it on his shoulder.

“Maybe… a few more minutes..?”

They were speaking that familiar language again. The one that said a thousand words, but only required the minimum. The one that they’d learned to interpret through studying the other. Impulse’s hand spoke volumes. Feeling the brush of fingertips against Skizz’s body sent a shiver down his already pained backside.

“Okay.”

Twenty minutes later, Impulse radioed the emergency frequency.

–+–

“Maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad idea.”

“Huh?” Skizz opened his eyes, tipping his head backwards from where he was now laying on his back, wrapped in his sleeping bag. The crackle of the fire near his head filled the silent night air.

“The forest segment,” Impulse explained, hugging himself tighter in his thin cotton jacket. It was colder tonight than it had been the night before. And many of the stars were hidden through the dead leaves still on the trees. They would be falling soon, no doubt, littering the forest floor in a blanket of its own. The two of them were now regretting not having packed more properly for emergencies. Hindsight was constantly and annoyingly 20-20.

“You’re not just feelin’ sorry for me now are you?” Skizz chided jokingly. He was comfortable making light of the current situation. He was okay with mentally removing himself from this harsh reality. He was just tired and sore from the day. That was all. So they’d camped early. “I would hate to be scoring pity points, you know.”

Impulse was silent for a while. The low fire casted heavy shadows across his face. “…no. Genuinely. Now that I’ve been listening, it’s kinda… nice out here.”

Skizz smiled. “See? I told ya. And if they really like it, maybe they can send us other places, like the ocean. That could be cool, you think?”

“You mean..?” Impulse raised his head shyly.

“We could travel the world,” Skizz nodded eagerly. “Just like we always wanted to.

“You’re crazy.”

“I choose to take that as a compliment.”

“Well you shouldn’t.”

The momentary excitement dwindled. A tired sigh played on Skizz’s lips, and his smile faded, replaced with disheartenment. Pain still riddled his body, more prominent in places he hadn’t noticed before. But it was his heart that bled openly. It bled and it wept. Because despite his calm and collected face, a part of him really was scared. Fear twisted in his gut, unkind with its iron grip and sickening anxiety. He was infinitely better at hiding emotions than Impulse was. Now was no exception. But seeing his best friend so torn up about all this wasn’t exactly making it easy. There was pain, yes. But Skizz personally chose to stash it away. The two of them had always differed in their preferred coping mechanisms. Skizz believed that faking it till you made it was the answer to all problems. Impulse had a much softer approach. It did make his temper less stable, but if that was the only thing Skizz had to worry about when it came to this, then he’d still take it any day.

“I’m not dying, buddy,” he reminded his friend softly.

“You’re so lucky it wasn’t your head…”

“True. But seeing as it wasn’t, you can relax now.”

“Skizz…” Impulse found him in the firelight. “I don’t think you get it.”

Smoke curled into a perfectly still evening.

A pause followed. Skizz grew uncomfortable at it, as he swallowed nervously and filled the emptiness with, “Pitch it to me then.”

Impulse sniffled, and if it weren’t so dark, perhaps his watery eyes would be acknowledged. But the light of the low fire was too weak for that.

“What would I have done if it was your head? What am I supposed to do now? I don’t know CPR, or how to set a bone. I wasn’t ready for all this. And you’re acting like it’s nothing. But it’s not nothing. It’s an emergency. You’re in God knows how much pain and refuse to take the stupid tablets-“

“Impulse. The mountain rescue people are coming. They will find us, and I will be okay.”

“You don’t know that!”

“What did I tell you?” Skizz snapped, his tone dipping sharply.

“You say a lot of things, Skizz,” Impulse retorted.

“Happenstance,” Skizz glared through the dark, brows drawn together in seriousness. “You cannot plan for everything. This was never in your control.”

Sparks drifted from the pit of embers. They danced on the air, winking out of existence as if they'd never been there in the first place. And tree branches rattled above their heads, scraping against one another in an eerie disconsonant symphony. Earthy smells overpowered the fire despite being so close to its heat.

“You quoted Dead Poet Society earlier. You know that right?” Impulse asked. He twirled a small twig between his fingers absently —another coping mechanism. “There’s a similar saying in the movie. Something like ‘there’s a time for being daring and a time to be careful, and a wise man understands what is called for’.”

“Huh…” Skizz blinked, his vision blurring slightly.

“I’ll be the first to admit on both of our behalfs that we aren’t exactly wise,” Impulse broke the twig in half, tossing its pieces on the fire. “We’re not stupid either though. The jokes kinda made me.. feel stupid.”

“Okay.”

Skizz loved to make people laugh. He always had. That was why he broadcasted his voice across the county Monday through Friday, for hours on end. To bring people a little ounce of joy throughout their stress filled days and weary nights. And he got to do it alongside his best friend at that. But even more than laughter, Skizz strived to provide comfort. There could only be real laughter once comfort was established. And tonight, it was as if he was seeing Impulse for the very first time. Because in a way, he was. Impulse was in a state unfamiliar to him. And he’d been trying to push the wrong buttons all in the wrong order. So his gaze softened, relaxing as best he could despite his pain.

“Okay, Dipple-dop. No more jokes tonight.”

Impulse nodded, as if to reassure himself as well. “I just really don’t like happenstance, as you call it.”

“I know,” Skizz murmured. “I don’t like it either. I should have said that from the beginning.”

“It’s still pretty impressive how close your quote was though.”

Skizz chuckled. “If I had known that, I’d have kept my mouth shut.”

“To keep me from talking about it?” Impulse rolled his eyes, shoulders relaxing a little. “Actually, since you aren’t going anywhere, I can just tell you what happens.”

“Does this mean I won’t have to read the book.”

“Maybe. It depends on how well I remember everything.”

“Oh shut up, you remember everything!”

“Apparently everything except a first aid kit,” Impulse pointed out. “I know the first thing I’ll be doing once we get back home.”

“I think I should be the one making that purchase,” Skizz argued. “I was the one who fell down the hill, remember?”

“I suppose you are more accident prone.”

“Don’t remind me.”

“You know I could.”

“Just tell me about the book already. We’ll worry about this later.”

“Just as soon as you say it.”

“Say what now? I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Say it.”

“You really are the worst, aren’t you.”

For the first time in hours, Impulse finally smiled. Its brilliance washed over Skizz in a warm wave, providing more heat than the fires embers ever could. He cherished this very moment in time, because despite how he’d been acting, this wasn’t going to be anything easy to get over. He had no clue whether the injury had repercussions or a long recovery time in store for him. But Impulse’s smile made everything better somehow. It glowed like the pale moon above them, twinkling like stars, infinite like space itself.

Skizz wondered how a man such as himself would go about gaining such depths —such wisdom. And then he remembered what Impulse had said.

‘There’s a time for daring, and a time for caution, and a wise man understands which is called for.’

And perhaps he would read that book when they returned home.

Maybe then he could gain a little bit of wisdom himself.

–+– The End –+–

[the-blossica-fan]

If I could ask for you to write... /np

Consider: Balloon Party and Lorelei's first meeting ^-^

Of course comrade!! Writing takes a while so this ask may be released two to three days after, due to the time I have to compromise 😓

"Ow!"

Coming back to the earth of the conscious, Lorelei felt a sting on her leg. A gentleman critter had dug its sharp teeth on her leg, she hadn't even realized the big critter split into others.

"Lorelei!" She could hear her friends concerned words in the background as she tore the critter away from her, stumbling backwards.

Her leg began to bleed green and she tripped backwards, the strength leaving her wounded leg.

The gentlemen critter opened its mouth wide revealing sharp teeth dripping green and launched at Lorelei. However, it couldn't attack twice.

Semmelweis launched a floppy disk, hitting it right on the side, pushing it sideways and cutting his momentum.

"Lorelei, stand up! You can't stay down there or else they'll-" A critter interrupted her words, making her kick it away as if it were a ball "-Fucking attack you!"

"Y-yes, one second."

Semmelweis took on the position of a defender while Lorelei tried to walk properly. So much for their first time exploring the suitcase's "Dusk to Dawn" alone.

The defeated critters ran away, yelling curses in their language while also dragging their not-defeated friends away. Another battle conquered, yet Lorelei still felt a stinging pain in her leg that slowly grew bigger and bigger.

"Those damned critters don't know when to give up!" Semmelweis turned to Lorelei angrily, but taking in the injured girl's face, stopped in her tracks and asked: "Was it a deep wound?"

"Sort of, it's okay. The pain will leave once I- Ow- sorry" Lorelei tried to reassure Semmelweis, but upon taking a step, her numb leg couldn't support her weight and almost made her lose balance.

"Let me take a look." Semmelweis kneeled on the ground, ignoring Lorelei's reassurances and dismissive words.

The wound went through the bandages, tearing them apart and leaving the horrible mark or teeth. From the wound, a red and green substance poured out of it, one is blood and the other seemed to be... Poisonous saliva.

"Lorelei, we have to abandon our adventure."

"But- You wanted to explore this! We can't give up on our progress for a wound, papa-"

"This is a poisonous critter bite, and not only is a critter wound prone to tetanus, but this will slowly kill you!" Semmelweis rose back to her legs, placing both hands on Lorelei's shoulders. "Right now, I don't care what your papa or mama have to say, you need a doctor."

Despite how much Lorelei wanted to argue, she knew her friend better than anyone, a stubborn woman who wouldn't take a no for an answer once she decided something, and that determined yet stubborn frown said everything.

"You shouldn't leave everything behind for a lunatic, Semmelweis, you did want to try your newly learned spells"

"Silence, Bela, we can discuss this later"

Semmelweis didn't give either Bela or Lorelei time to reply, taking Lorelei's arm and placing it over her own shoulders, helping her walk towards the lobby of the wilderness.

"Ms. Tooth Fairy should be able to heal your wound quickly, we're not running any risks."

Lorelei held tightly onto Semmelweis, humming thoughtfully. "Mama thanks you, she really likes it when you're caring."

"What a weirdo-" "Thanks Lorelei, I do my best."

The numb feeling in her leg slowly expanded through the way back, and the slight sting also increased alongside her guilt. She dissociated once again, causing Semmelweis to lose all the progress she had made.

"I'm sorry, my little musical note, I should have been paying attention." Lorelei heard Semmelweis sigh tiredly, some habit she said she got from an old friend.

"Don't apologize, you didn't mean to make it bite you, right?" Lorelei shook her head. "Then don't apologize. Look, there's the lobby."

And indeed, the lobby of the suitcase appeared right before them, something they would never get used to. There were few people in the lobby, and some didn't pay attention to them aside from greetings and concerned gazes. No wonder why though, Lorelei's skin looked sickly pale, her leg had been bleeding through the bandages to 'let the poison go' and the way she clung to Semmelweis for support gave away her current status.

"Madam Druvis" Semmelweis approached the only person she seemed comfortable enough to talk to, that being a dissociating Druvis, who turned to her slowly. "Have you seen Ms. Tooth Fairy or any healing arcanists?"

"Tooth Fairy is currently outside of the suitcase as well as Medicine Pocket and Vila, Sotheby is in her room making potions with Cristallo and Ms. Bunny Bunny is at work. Is there a reason for- oh." Druvis' eyes stopped at the sick Lorelei, who gave her a greeting smile.

"Hello, Madam Druvis. You seem radiant today!"

"...Balloon Party is in her room at the moment, you can knock on her door, she might not be busy at the moment." Druvis pointed at a door near the lobby, making Semmelweis sigh once again.

"Thanks a lot Druvis, see you." Semmelweis walked towards the door, dragging along Lorelei who turned to say goodbye.

"Goodbye, Madam Druvis. May you have a prosperous day" She received no verbal response, instead, she got a concerned nod and a worried look.

The locked door in front of her caught her attention, the shining words reading 'Balloon Party', a member of the suitcase she had not met yet. Semmelweis might have, judging by her tired look and Bela's words.

Knock knock knock

"Balloon Party, are you there? I need your help, it's urgent!" Semmelweis knocked again on the door, almost banging on it.

"My little musical note, it's not necessary to be so desperate. I can still talk and move, my condition is still stable and safe." But words of reassurance di everything but reassure for Semmelweis.

"For fuck's- God's sake Lorelei, you're injured, have some more self preservation!"

"Said Semmelweis, the one with almost no self preservation."

"Shut up Bela!"

The door unlocked and opened annoyingly slowly, revealing the frowning face of a sleepy young girl who's not so young. She lacked her usual floating dog balloon and her creepy dress, this one being replaced by sleep wear.

In the middle of the evening.

"Stop knocking on the door, it's not going to open if you hit it harder." There was a sense of teasing in her tone, Semmelweis did not like that.

"You're a fucking doctor, no? My friend over here-" She gestured to Lorelei, who waved to the young girl in front of her happily. "Has been attacked by a critter and I don't have the time nor patience to wait here."

"But you shall, this is my room after all, hehehe." The young girl laughed at nothing, but for some reason, Lorelei found it funny too.

"What are we laughing at?" The girl, Balloon Party, turned to her with a raised eyebrow and shook her head.

"Walk in and lay her on the sofa, I'll take care of her."

Semmelweis didn't need to be told twice, she barged into the room, helping Lorelei sit before kneeling and unwrapping the bandages covering her wounded legs, dirty and bloody, but at least the wound had stopped bleeding poison.

"Place your hand away, don't touch it directly. Your hands are dirty." Balloon Party placed a hand on Semmelweis shoulder and slowly pushed her to the side, taking her place kneeling in front of Lorelei.

"Hello doctor! I believe we have never met before!" Lorelei tried to spark up a conversation between her and the girl in front of her, who smiled in return.

"I have met you, you haven't met me." That sentence made no sense for Semmelweis, but it did to Lorelei.

"How very interesting! I must have been distracted. Mama seems to recognize you, but I don't!"

"Is it really that good of an idea to leave these lunatics together?" "Would you fucking shut up? This is no time to be discussing this." "You said we could discuss this later, this is later."

During this self-conversation, Balloon Party prepared every supply she would need under Lorelei's curious gaze. "Is your friend okay? She seems to be in a heated conversation with herself."

"Oh, that's just her and her other her, they don't really get along." She cast a look at Semmelweis, looking at her annoyed friend conversing with herself. "Is she annoying you?"

"Not at all, not at all, not at all." As if it had been necessary, she repeated it three times, confusing Lorelei. "But I need silence and peace for this, would you tell her to leave for a moment?"

And Lorelei didn't hesitate. "My little musical note, I must ask you to leave for a moment."

"Huh?" Semmelweis turned to Lorelei, dazed. "Why? Is it some sort of necessary procedure?"

"The doctor needs peace, mama thinks you're too noisy." Despite Lorelei's calm words, Semmelweis glared at Balloon Party, who began to put on clean gloves.

"Fine, I'll be back if anything happens." Luckily, Semmelweis complied after a second of consideration, slamming the door shut afterwards.

"Ah!" The cold feel of plastic against her leg got Lorelei's attention back on Balloon Party, who looked up from below.

"I apologize, I surprised you." without any more words, she centered all her attention on the wound. "It has dried, I took too long to get to it. Your friend is exaggerating, the poison is not strong enough to kill you, but tetanus might be your biggest worry."

Lorelei nodded, not understanding a single word but going along. The doctor's hand worked quickly, spraying the wound with some painless medication before cleaning with it cotton.

"This is a medication provided by Ms. Campbell."

"huh?"

"You're staring, so you must be curious."

Lorelei came back to consciousness for the second time, her face heating up in embarrassment. Had she been staring at Balloon Party this whole time? How weird, her friend must have handed her over her weird habit.

"I apologize, doctor. Papa is right, staring is rude." The feeling of the soft cotton passing over her skin stopped for a second before continuing.

"it's okay, it's okay, it's okay. I don't really mind." Balloon Party resumed her work, glossing over the 'papa' comment. She and Semmelweis are friends for a reason, they're both weird. "You never told me your name. I know it, but it's best if you introduce."

"How rude of me. I am Lorelei, I'm new in the suitcase."

"I know, I saw you with Sonetto."

Lorelei didn't understand how this girl knew her, but she didn't. There were many arcanists, Sonetto introduced most of them, so how did she miss-

"Do you have a habit of staring?" This time, Balloon Party covered the wound with bandages, her hands held Lorelei's leg straight as she did, and a weird sensation transferred to her heart.

"No! This is- this is unusual in me. I don't stare, not as much, I apologize." Lorelei's words became fumbled, a mess of different explanations and apologizes which Balloon Party ignored.

"we're done. Don't run too much, it will heal completely in a day. Come back tomorrow for a check up and then you're free." Balloon Party stood up and sat by Lorelei's side, who flinched in surprise.

"Thanks doctor! How should I Uhm, repay you?" Lorelei lowered herself slightly, hearing her mother's words of 'straighten up your back!' at this.

"There's no need for that, it's free." Balloon Party took off her glove and touched Lorelei's cheek, then slowly went to her forehead, then her neck.

"...!?"

"No fever or unusual temperature, your friend was indeed exaggerating." She took her hand back, raising an eyebrow when Lorelei unconsciously followed that hand.

"Ah! Uh, well. Wow, thank you!" Lorelei stood up very quickly, almost surprising Balloon Party. "I'm leaving now! Uh."

She paused, her brain telling her to shut up and run, not say a single word as she did, but an arcanist doesn't rely on their brain.

"See you around beautiful!"

And she ran to the door, aggressively opened it and ran out, a loud "Ow!" echoing her room once she collided with Semmelweis on the way out, who closed the door after looking strangely at Balloon Party.

Now alone, Balloon Party walked towards her bed and laid down, about to go back to sleep, and turned to her bloody balloon bear.

"What a weird girl. She'll be back tomorrow, I quite want to call her beautiful too."

[vergilscatgirl]

── .✦  Rainy Evenings ♡

𖥻 Pairings ; V/GN Reader, V/You.

𖥻 Content Warnings ; Fluff, no gendered pronouns are used, somewhat angsty, no use of Y/N, spoilers for the fifth game (not in depth but it gives you a general idea).

𖥻 A/N ; Okay the V brainrot is real, I love this boy so much you have no clue. This particular oneshot gave me a bit of trouble, but I wanted to get it out because I’ve had the idea all week. I hope you all enjoy! It’s a bit short and rushed, but I think it holds up nicely regardless.

V found himself adrift in thought, the warm embrace enveloping his body unable to tug him from the labyrinth of his mind. The timer on his life had long surpassed its expiration mark — granting him a feeling of grief, agonizing the truth he was acutely aware of. A question he allows to circle within his thoughts, as it was only a mere question as to when he would revert to his former self, for he was only a trifling fragment within a scheme that was — oh so perfectly — crafted.

The mellow rain pitter-patters along the window, creating a faint background euphony that brought him consolation — yet couldn’t divert him from his impending calamity.

You worry for him, though remain reticent, relishing in the warmth of his arms encircling you. You lay nestled within his sprawled out figure — fanned out on the couch within the main lobby of the Devil May Cry office, observing the weather outside. While the moistened and frigid world outside mattered not, for his figure wraps securely around you, shielding you from the crisp outdoors.

The tranquility is a welcome relief, in contrast to the habitual near deafening noise it was filled with. In spite of his ceaseless uncertainty, V beams down at the figure in his grasp, your face veils within his vest as you rest atop him. To express that he loves you was unable to convey his fervent adoration for you. From the beginning, you occupied his side, confronting the maelstrom of issues that had been thrust upon you – you held steadfast, the proposal of fear ostensibly not an acquainted concept to you.

“My little wanderer, how I adore you so,” his voice interrupts the silence, hand escaping his side, and instead, caressing your hair in tender strokes, “my reverence for you has no limits.”

“I love you too, V.” Your response was brief, as there were not many words to offer him, your mind devoid of proper thought.

“What is on your mind, my sparrow?” The pet name left a soft crimson simmering along the skin of your cheeks, hands grasping along his ebony, leather coat.

“When you go,” you continue, absorbed in reflection — your words come out faint, your mind clasping against the words you spoke, “what’s going to happen?”

“Ah, questioning our relations, yes,” he ponders for a moment, contemplating his answer, “for that, I can grant no balanced answer, though rest assured, I will still yearn for you all the same, dear.” His attempts at comfort settle your nerves, “I will remember you, while not as precisely as before, nothing can change the love I have for you.”

You understood its truth, and awaited the inevitable outcome that would follow suit. Once it occurred, and all was said and done, you would continue your journey throughout life without his presence, instead in place of another.

“I’m going to miss you, V.” The rain would roar up, dark streaks gusting against the window with a harsh force, as if understanding the circumstances enclosing the building. “You mean everything to me.”

“I will miss you as well.” His gaze seems elsewhere now, instead seeking out the window, viewing the storm alight anew. “Please remember, regardless of what happens between us two, you will remember how dearly I care for you so.” His tone carried no torment, no dejection, as you had been informed of all this from the start, but as his time candidly neared, it felt as if you’d been jabbed with a brute force.

“I’ll remember.” Your voice is tender as before. “I’ll remember you, V. No matter what.”

The storm clamors outside, deafening out the remaining musings. He holds you close, a small peck meeting your temple, before resting his own against yours.

“I love you, my sweet wanderer.”