#feathered handbag

[ilivebytherulesoffashion]

Valentino fall 2023

#handbag #runway #valentino #feathers #earrings

[teddy-bear-naps-and-random-snaps]

#Photography #March 2018 #Indoors #Close-Up #Distance #Thrift Shop #Merchandise #Easter Decorations #Easter Decor #Easter Baskets #Easter Bunnies #Holiday Decorations #Knick-Knacks #Feathers #Angels #Beaded Jewelry #Price Stickers #Picture Frames #Collectible Plates #Clock #Dresses #Purses #Handbags #Fire Extinguisher #Signs #Plastic Clothes Hangers #Clothes Racks #Walls #Easter #Decorations

[hazyjamie]

I'm gonna be bold and actually follow people this time... that's it, my boldness can only go so far-

#i'm trying- #i'm @eclectic-feathers' handbag chihuahua #totally didn't take a long time for me to spell eclectic #don't expose me

[partycatty]

i need more dark star johnny IF U CAN 🙏🙏

or! therapy <3

dark star!johnny cage > nobody else

expanding on this post, specifically when i mention how unfair he is regarding attention from others

warnings: again, abusive relationship. johnny being annoying. smut w degradation and sadism (not explicitly consented to)

notes: guys i'm starting to think we can't fix him...

masterlist &lt;3

part 1*/ part 3* / part 4* / part 5* / part 6*

•dark star!johnny cage, as previously mentioned, loves having you hang off of his arm like a pretty handbag. you're his accessory on the red carpet and he prefers to keep it that way. he'll strut and pose while you stand behind him and look pretty.

•you guys are getting ready for the red carpet event that leads into a cast interview for ninja mime 3.

•"i can't have you looking too good, sugar. you'll take all the attention." he says as you twirl around in your fancy dress, one that's sure to match his outfit. when you guys are in public, you need to match. it's like his only requirement. it's not a hard task either, since this man's wardrobe is DIVERSE. he's got that stupid coat in all colors

•god that coat is so stupid and dumb and oversized he's such a cornball but GOD DO YOU LOVE FUCKING HIM WHILE HE KEEPS IT ON LMFAO SORRY ANYWAY

•johnny's hand rests confidently on the small of your back, though he's doing it to guide you rather than comfort you. he discreetly uses it to move you along, but stops in his tracks at a young girl holding an MTV labeled microphone. she looks to be about nineteen, maybe twenty. she smiles, batting her lashes at your boyfriend and pays minimal attention to you.

•i should say, you have your chunk of fame, but it's from being johnny's girlfriend. only his real fans know your name. it's always been "johnny and his latest fling," "cage's match," "johnny and that one girl." this was fine with you. your boyfriend would prefer it that way.

•back to the girl, though. she stands, a little nervously on the carpet waiting to catch actors, and ended up scoring the lead star. she introduces herself and opens by saying she won an MTV raffle to interview celebrities on the red carpet. she's awkward, but her smile is bright and her body is defined under her little dress.

•johnny makes an obvious effort at showing his interest in her, lowering his sunglasses down his nose and drinking in her view top to bottom and back again. you can't argue back. you won't argue back. not in public. smiling a sweet smile, your fingernails dig into your palms.

•"aren't you the cutest little thing?" johnny says, grabbing her face and leaning in close. "could just eat you up." and the girl almost collapses at his advance, knees buckling as she anxiously reads through the bland interview questions. johnny smirks that classic smirk and answers in his typical fashion, referring to himself as "sexy face" and "the boom" as he rambles on and on about how much work it takes to be as perfect as he is.

•as he's enamored with this complete stranger, you feel a hand on your bare shoulder. you spin around and see one of johnny's co-stars! he greets you with a grin and says you look great, putting a hand on your arm to show his sincerity. it feels warm, it feels genuine. for a moment, it feels better than the love that johnny gives you, if you could even call it that.

•the thoughts are abruptly ejected from your mind when johnny reaches across from you and grabs a fistful of the co-star's dress shirt, holding him in place. honestly, this man probably looks like a peacock rn, showing off his feathers by standing tall and wearing that dumb blue coat. sillies aside, the co-star immediately tenses up and puts his arms up in a surrender pose. johnny pauses and looks around, people are horrified at the sight and what could've come of it. his eyes lead to you, and he groans to himself, releasing the other man and grabbing your wrist, not hard enough to raise eyebrows but enough to tell you he was fuming. his giant sunglasses conceal his furrowed brows and glaring eyes. if there's one thing he'd save, it'd be his reputation. the last thing he wants is an assault charge on a co-star, so who better to take it out on than his girlfriend?

•johnny pulls you away from the cameras and ogling eyes, slamming the door to the women's bathroom and locking it. almost immediately, he's towering over you, holding you by your shoulder against the door and pointing in your face with the other.

•"you're a fucking whore," he says with a nasty tone. "you enjoy getting men's attention, don't you? you just love pissing me off." he grabs your face, squishing your cheeks but it's nowhere near a cute gesture. "who do you belong to?"

•"you—" you muffle out, afraid to look at him when he gets like this. the sunglasses make it easier. that is, until he tucks them into the collar of his shirt to get a better look at you. his eyes are animalistic, wildly infuriated that you even bothered to give another man a smithereen of attention. "i belong to—"

•SMACK. johnny backhands you, the ring sending a nasty red streak across your face. you whimper, legs weakening. it's just a damn shame you're a masochist, huh?

•"speak up," he commands, now caressing that part of your face. "i'm only asking one more time. who do you belong to?"

•like some kind of sick and twisted game, johnny's hand lifts one of your legs, holding it up by your thigh. before you'd get the chance to use your voice properly, his hand expertly lifts up your skirt enough to swipe two fingers across your shamefully wet panties. you yelp out and grab hold of his sleeves to stabilize yourself. he chuckles breathily, momentarily forgetting to be angry.

•he watches your face contort as he applies pressure with two rough fingers on your pulsating clit. it's like he's trying to make responding difficult. you put a hand over your mouth to muffle your noises of protest, but johnny removes your hand and pins it above your head. he uses his legs to divide yours, the closeness now intoxicating with his expensive cologne. you can feel his hot, hard cock on your thigh, but we'll get to that later.

•"not... not here–" you try to protest, but end up involuntarily moving your hips to relieve the pressure he's putting on your clit. johnny, still mad but now also amused, leans into your ear.

•"you wanna be a whore? i'm gonna make you one, whether you like it or not."

•johnny removes his hand from your panties and admires the shine on the pads of his fingers. he chuckles and forces them into your mouth, which you lick reluctantly, looking downward.

•"eyes on the prize," he purrs, making you look up at him through your lashes.

•"i'm sorry," you mumble out, a trail of saliva from his fingers dribbling down your lips when he pulls them away. "i belong to you, sir."

•"fuckin' prove it then," he replies in a deep grumble, one his other hand to push you to your knees by your neck and the other fumbling with his stupidly large belt. his cock springs free, and you swear that thing is never not hard. homeboy's probably gettin ED at 39.

•both good and bad johnny strike me as a 7.5 incher, cut with a pink tip and a slight curve. and yes, he waxes. of course he waxes, have you looked at the fucker?

•should also mention, when it comes to sex, he is entirely focused on himself. very rarely will he eat you out or rub your clit as he fucks you, unless he's trying to prove a point that he can treat you better than any other man. tragically, he's treating this instance as a need for a punishment, where you need to serve him.

•he holds your pretty hair together like a ponytail and pushes you forward, pressing his flushed tip against your pillowy lips. he doesn't even need to say "open," you do so willingly and hold your tongue out the way he likes.

•"you gonna take me like the slut you are?" johnny asks with a little groan as his tip smacks against your tongue. all you can do is nod before he thrusts, his shaft being caressed by the fleshy insides of your mouth. you curse yourself mentally for not fixing that gag reflex he hates so much as you do indeed gag on his dick while it hits the back of your throat. you silently wish he got into the habit of easing himself in rather than shoving full force.

•even though dark star!johnny is more dominant, he still whimpers, even if he hates to admit it. when the tip kisses the back of your throat, he lurches forward a tad, letting out a sweet whimper before composing himself again.

•also i'm so glad the mk fandom just all agrees he whimpers isn't that so funny

•"you gonna start sucking, or am i fucking that pretty face myself?" he asks through gritted teeth, thrusting a little deeper to warn you. you gag again and try your hardest to shake your head.

•"good girl, for once," johnny mumbles. "sit still."

•johnny removes his throbbing cock from your throat, only for a moment. still holding your hair back, he gently thrusts his tip repeatedly against your lips, shuddering when he feels the groove of the head pop in and out as it catches on your lips. his salty precum coats your tongue, which you kitten lick up straight from the slit. his lips part to let sweet moans drip out, eyeing you down and pleased with his actions.

•he pulls out fully for a moment, fumbling in his front pocket to grab his phone and hitting record with the camera aimed down at you. he smiles wickedly, biting his lower lip.

•"you better suck me off nice and good, doll, or the whole world is gonna see what a little slut you are," he growls, reaching down to grab your chin and angle you upward. you make eye contact with the camera and open your mouth, letting your tongue loll out. johnny places a thumb on your tongue and presses down, admiring the view. his hand moves back down to his cock, stroking it a couple times before smacking it on your cheek.

•"what if someone hears us?" you whisper out, eyelids fluttering. johnny scoffs and rubs himself against your warm tongue again.

•"then they'll know i own you," he replies with a smile. "open." and so you open your mouth even more, and johnny thrusts himself into you again, this time at a less than sweet pace.

•since it's not the first time, you're sure to look up at the camera as he uses your mouth relentlessly. johnny's hand pushes down hard on the back of your head, forcing you to take his full dick down your throat for a couple of seconds. you gag again despite your best attempts to hold your breath, and his head leans back as he lets out a long, breathy moan.

•"you're fuckin' killin' me here," he moans out, head still thrown back. "ohh, you know i hate doin' this to you, but you gotta know not to toy with me. gotta learn your lesson, yeah? yeah?"

•as he asks you, he places a crisp, firm smack on your cheek again with his dick still inside, making you yelp again. the vibration of your voice rattles his shaft and it makes him twitch, his thighs buckling inward. you have to hold onto his hips so you don't topple over.

•after some time of ruthlessly throatfucking you, you feel his thigh muscles tense up and his thrusts grow increasingly more staggered. his cock doesn't reach the back of your throat as rhythmically as it did and he was starting to lean over you, pushing his hands on the sides of your neck to keep him upright. his delicious moans and groans start turning into breathy whimpers as he desperately chases his release. you feel yourself getting lightheaded from the lack of breathing, only able to get gasps of air in between his cock stuffing your mouth. you look straight ahead for a moment and stifle a laugh at a ring of your lipstick painting the base of his dick.

•pocketing his phone momentarily, johnny uses a hand to pull the bottom of his shirt up to his teeth, biting down on it and revealing his gorgeous, glowing torso. his eyes clench shut as he leans forward again with the bundle of cloth in his mouth.

•"— ngh — 'm not having you ruin th' shirt, was expensive — oh, fuck —"

•all you can do is let out pathetic gurgling noises and gasps as you're used like a fleshlight. johnny starts to struggle holding the phone upright, so he hands it to you with shaking hands.

•"hah... you record," he commands breathily, shoving the phone into your palm. at this point too cock-drunk to protest, you flip the camera and angle it toward yourself like a high-angle selfie. you bat your damp lashes as prettily as you possibly can given the circumstances. johnny wipes your dripping mascara with his thumb.

•on a home stretch, johnny picks up the now brutal pace and you try hard to not scrape your teeth along his shaft but it gets increasingly difficult to angle your mouth properly. he bites down hard on the shirt, face scrunching up as he reaches his orgasm.

•leaning over your body, johnny lazily thrusts into your mouth and you feel his hot, sticky semen coat the walls of your throat. he lets out a little gasp at each pulse of his cock, and you take his moment of vulnerability to suck him dry, feeling him throb hungrily. when he's fully emptied, you remove yourself and swallow, confirming the action by opening your mouth and showing the camera. johnny's tip leaks even after pulling out, twitching upward as he rides the final waves of his high.

•johnny lets out a long sigh, running a clean hand through his hair and fixing what strands were stuck to his forehead. his cheeks are flushed and his mouth is agape as he catches his breath. when he feels okay to speak again, he doesn't even look down at you.

•"if... i catch you like that again," he lazily threatens, head tilted back and eyes on the ceiling. "i won't be so nice. are we clear?"

•you swallow the last bit of saliva mixed with his fluid and nod before replying with a clear "yes, sir." johnny looks back down at you, pleased by your once beautifully done hair now ruined from his doing. your mascara ran down your cheeks and your lipstick was barely clinging onto your lips.

•"brought your makeup?" he asks, stuffing his half-hard dick back into his pants. you nod and pull out the makeup you needed to touch up. "good girl. get yourself fixed up, we've been gone a while."

•you lean forward in the bathroom mirror without a word of protest, wiping your face with your fingers and reapplying your makeup to not raise suspicion.

•johnny towers behind you, smoothing down your hair with two hands as he admires you in the reflection. his hands wander a bit, squeezing your breasts from behind as he presses his hips into your ass. he was always uncharacteristically touchy and sweet after intimacy, as if it was a shitty apology for his roughness. he kisses your shoulder, trailing up to your neck and then your cheek.

•"you know i love you, right?" he asks into the soft flesh of your cheek. "nobody else can have you like this. i'll kill anyone that tries. you're mine, sweet thing."

•he wraps his arms around your waist and rocks you gently as you touch up your makeup. he seems pleased that you got your lesson of the night, even though johnny's co-stars were now scouring the red carpet to relocate him. you two just hoped that your flushed cheeks and damp skin disappears before someone started knocking.

•"if you ever try to pull anything with another man, i'm posting that video," he whispers with a sickeningly sweet tone, kissing your cheek and parting from your body. "now come on. i have an interview."

#mortal kombat x reader #mortal kombat #johnny cage #johnny cage x reader #mk1 #johnny cage smut #mortal kombat smut

[darlingofsatoru]

DRESS UP DARLIN’

⊹ synopsis: Various Jjk characters & how they’d react to you in certain halloween outfits.

⊹warnings: Implied fem!reader, very short drabbles, Reader uses makeup+ wears dresses in most, potentially ooc characters.

SATORU GOJO- ANGEL

Satoru can’t help but pause as you step out your room, eyes darting all over you shamelessly as you rummage through your handbag.

There’s only a few words that he can even think to describe you in that moment: Pretty, gorgeous, ethereal even..

“… I agr.. ee .. so I s— Satoru??” Your voice awakens him out of his thoughts, suddenly right in front of him.

He’s not even sure how that got past his senses but he lets out a content sigh, adjusting the collar on his outfit before beginning to admire your outfit once more.

An all white dress, no straps and a feather-like look to it along with matching wings

So this is why you told him to dress as a devil, matching outfits..

“…Huh, even prettier up close. I better keep you near today, huh, don’t want anyone stealing you!” He grins playfully, gently tugging you towards his embrace.

Halloween has always been fun but he’s sure it’ll be 10x better with you here.

RYOMEN SUKUNA- DEAD/CORPSE BRIDE

Truthfully, Sukuna has no interest in halloween.

It’s a silly tradition and he barely bothered to dress up, the only reason he did a little bit being you.

By barely bothered, he simply means that he’s wearing a light change of outfit that could probably be considered creepy (as if Sukuna himself isn’t scary enough) if you looked at it long enough.

Thinking of you, he groans as he gets up from his feet and goes to open his mouth to speak, stopping when he noticed you come into the room excitedly.

A white dress stained with fake blood (that doesn’t really look accurate to Sukuna, but he can appreciate the effect a bit, he supposes), not too long but also not too short for a wedding dress, paired with a classic veil covering your lipstick covered lips.

“Not half as bad as the deranged outfits most wear, I might even like yours, dare I say.” He smirks, enjoying the lift of spirit in your face from his words alone.

Maybe he doesn’t detest Halloween entirely..

YUJI ITADORI- WITCH

Yuji smiles widely, adjusting his top-hat excitedly.

He feels like Halloween was ages ago so the prospect of dressing up, especially with you, is great and has definitely put him into a good mood for the last week or so.

He actually wasn’t sure if a magician was scary but you’d suggested it could be, saying he could pull out weapons on unsuspecting bystanders (which, in his opinion, did sound pretty creepy).

“Hey, you okay in there?” He yells to you, rummaging the cupboard for the trick or treat buckets.

“Yeah, I’ll be out in a minute!” You shout back, taking a few moments before you emerge with a broomstick in hand.

Yuji blinks for a few minutes once he catches sight of you but quickly smiles wider, waving enthusiastically.

He’s seen plenty witch costumes in his life but they don’t seem to compare with yours, the lovely black and purple dress having a matching hat and broomstick to come with it.

“Woah, a witch? That’s cool, the dark purple really suits you, you know?!” He immediately starts, gaining an appreciative smile from you.

He finds himself paying more attention to your smile, the pretty shade of purple once more showing but on your lips this time.

“Oh yeah, ah, I forgot to ask about the trick or treat buckets.. Where are they again?”

NOBARA KUGISAKI- NURSE

Nobara leans forward in the mirror, enjoying putting a bit more makeup than usual.

It’s not that she couldn’t but more that there’s no reason. What’s the point of being dolled up every day anyway, it’ll just ruin the fun of it!

So she works gently on her eyeliner, making sure not to smudge it whilst her mind wanders to what you’re doing..

Probably getting ready like she is or on your way here, likely the latter since Nobara happened to be a tiny bit later in getting ready today.

The doorbell goes before she gets to dwell on it, making a classic ‘ding-dong’ sound.

“One second, I’ll be right there!” She yells down the hall, quickly getting to the door and opening it.

It reveals just who she expected, you in a rather pretty nurse costume.

“I’ll grab my bag and we can get going!”

This Halloween is definitely gonna be the best, Nobara thinks.

CHOSO KAMO- VAMPIRE

Choso crosses his arms, embarrassment itching on his face at dressing up in general.

Being half-curse meant he didn’t do these things much if not at all, getting into a skeleton jumpsuit-like outfit.

“You still sulking?” Your voice echoes the hall immediately, his face picking quickly.

You’ve always known how to calm him, even unintentionally..

“It’s just a bit itchy, I’m not sulking.” He replies, pulling at the sleeves.

You nod in understanding, meeting his gaze as he finally looks up.

“…Ah.” He murmurs, eyes trying to be discreet as he studies your outfit.

A classic vampire suit, coloured black and red with a large collar.

“Do you think it’s alright? It took ages to find an eyeshadow to match the shade of red.” You sigh, gesturing to your eyes.

Choso nods, embarrassment seeping onto him as he notices he has a small blush engulfing his cheeks now.

“I think it’s more than alright,” He says, pushing the skeleton hood up.

MEGUMI FUSHIGURO- BLACK CAT

Megumi sighs, growing bored of the high volume of noise rather easily.

He’d been dragged to this party by Nobara and Yuji to have some fun but it was anything but so far, having only felt bored the whole night.

Plus there was the fact you were apparently going to show up, likely dressed up like most people at this unpleasant party are.

“Megumi, hey!! You look pretty gloomy, you know?” A familiar voice awakens him out of his thoughts, revealing itself to be you immediately.

“I almost thought you weren’t coming.. Not that I blame you, it stinks like alcohol and sweat in here.” Megumi breathes out, taking a quick glance at you before avoiding your gaze and outfit entirely, cheeks too likely to heat up in front of you if he looked straight at you.

You chuckle and shrug, “I sort of expected something different but it’s not too bad, might loose my cat ears here though.”

He nods, he wouldn’t be surprised if anyone lost something in here, there’s people all over the place.

“So.. Wanna step outside? It’s pretty warm, you look like you’re melting.” You suggest, gaining a nod of approval from Megumi.

Maybe it isn’t so bad, at this overcrowded party, he’ll need to make sure to keep an eye out for your cat eats though..

A/n: First work, hope it’s not too boring!! Might not post for a bit after this but I do have a few drafts :D

#darlingofsatoru🩰 #first post #jjk x reader #jjk x you #satoru gojo x reader #sukuna ryomen x reader #yuji itadori x reader #nobara kugisaki x reader #choso kamo x reader #megumi fushiguro x reader #jjk hcs #jjk drabbles #jjk halloween #halloween fic #guess who i favour.

[blood-red-ocean]

It's been a while since I did an unhinged headcanon so here's what I imagine would be in each RL character's bag/backpack/pockets ✨

Miranda

- Poison. Either concealed in one of those old timey capsule rings or in a little bottle à la Emperor's New Groove.

- Paperwork. More specifically, expulsion paperwork already filled out except for the name section which she would fill out any time she was displeased.

- Some crow feathers. Whether it's from Cornelius getting nosey or Miranda being sentimental, nobody knows.

- Pictures of Eva and of MC.

- I feel like she'd also be the type to have a fountain pen in her handbag too.

Alcina

- One of those poseable wood doohickeys. You know the ones.

- Her signature perfume. And maybe a rose. And a tube of lipstick.

- A brochure of local wine tastings, and also a bunch of brochures from her theatres.

- She would probably have a Polaroid nude of MC stretched out on a chaise lounge tbh.

- Something to represent each of her daughters. A little trinket, perhaps.

Donna

- A book on herbology which is tattered and yellowed, the spine barely keeping the pages together.

- Her notebook with her order ledger and her own sketches and scribbles.

- A travel mug of herbal tea that she brewed herself.

- A little bag of dried flower petals and herbs.

- Her gardening gloves.

- I also believe that Angie would've gotten her a very small plushie of a plant that she takes everywhere with her.

Angie

- At LEAST twenty seven of those little travel sized alcohol bottles. Every time she takes a step, there's a clinking sound.

- Painkillers.

- A small, much less tattered copy of the herbology book that Donna has, but every page has a dried flower within it.

- In a secret pocket, there is a very small folded up picture of her mother.

Bela

- She doesn't carry a bag with her, it's not practical.

- Though if she did, she would probably just fill it full of office supplies.

- Maybe little things that made her remember her heart was beneath layers upon layers of numbness. The skull of a mouse, a four leaf clover, a small plushie.

Cassandra

- Its ✨the backpack✨ that she takes to dates' houses/dorms.

- Also like a billion of those little coffee machine capsules.

- An old takeaway cup.

- A stack of pieces of paper with phone numbers on them, just in case.

- A wrench, just in case.

Daniela

- TECH DECKS. SO MANY TECH DECKS.

- And like fifteen sticky hand things that she can use to hold MC's hand from a distance.

- Also a rag for when she gets sweaty.

- A skating magazine and a book on constellations.

- Also a book about theatre and some brochures for when she tries to connect with Alcina.

Mia

- Knives.

- So many knives.

- Empty her backpack out? Knives.

- Turn her upside down and shake her by the ankles? Knives.

- Look under her tongue and tell her to say 'ah'? Probably a tiny knife in there too.

#resident lover #horror #resident evil #alcina dimitrescu #bela dimitrescu #cassandra dimitrescu #daniela dimitrescu #donna beneviento #angie beneviento #mother miranda #headcanon

[sunraies]

i need something super soft with buzzcut rafe! like the reader is really down and rafe takes them shopping and then to get ice cream. maybe singing some taylor swift in the carrrrrr?🫣 idk something cute and fluffy like that?🫶🏼 also i hope ur feeling better from ur stomach bug!

I hope this is super soft enough. Sorry it's not long. I'm feeling a lot better from the stomach, thank you, hunny 😘

Shopping trip

Rafe Cameron x Reader

As requested above

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

"Baby? Let's go out for the day. " Rafe stroked your leg with a feather light touch as it was hooked over the covers.

You'd been off. You couldn't really explain to Rafe what was causing it as you didn't really know yourself.

It could be the fact that you'd finished the book you were recently reading, having to say goodbye to characters that had filled your mind. Or the show you loved on Netflix so much had come to an end. You had watched an old movie that made you feel nostalgic. You had eaten the sweet strawberries in the fridge, and now they were gone. Everything seemed to be weighing down on you.

Even the thought of leaving the coziness of the cotton sheets and the warmth of your love's body so close to you made you want to bottle the moment and never let it go.

"Why can't we just stay like this?" You muttered, head resting on his chest, the comfort of his heartbeat in your ear.

"Because, I want to take my baby out" Rafe kissed your hair "I want to buy her everything she looks at" He paused to add another kiss to you head "Hold her bag in one hand and her hand in the other. Wrap my arm over her shoulders so the world knows she's mine. "

You looked up at him and kissed his jaw "Well how is a girl going to say no to that?"

"She can't" He teased and tilted your head to capture your lips.

-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Rafe drove you to Kildare, his hand on your thigh the whole time. He squished it occasionally and grinned as you closed your legs. He looked gorgeous with his designer shades and buzzed hair, making his jaw seem so defined.

You turned up the studio as your favourite Taylor Swift song came on from the playlist you selected for the drive. Being out in the sunshine, the breeze on your face through the open window did make you feel a little better.

The moment you felt truly happy again was as Rafe sang with you. Both laughing as you screamed lyrics at each other. Who would have thought Rafe Cameron would sing Taylor Swift with a smile on his face. If you ever told anyone, they think you'd gone mad but anything for his girl. If singing made her happy, that's what he would do.

Once at the mall, Rafe did exactly as he said. He held your handbag in one hand with his arm over your shoulders as you linked your fingers with his.

He also tried to buy you anything you looked at, but you wouldn't let him. You compromised on one outfit and a necklace you loved. You avoided the bookstore and led him to the ice cream parlour instead. Rafe knew your weakness, and if you did get to the bookstore, you would have up with a bunch of new books.

You ordered your favourite flavour of ice cream, choosing a cup instead of a cone as it seemed to be melting quickly, and Rafe copied your order.

As you sat on some benchs outside, you raised an eyebrow at him. "I thought Rocky Road was your favourite?"

"It is, but this is yours. I wanted your favourite." He shrugged.

You smiled at him before carefully kissing him. "Thank you for today"

"You never have to thank me, baby" Rafe said softly before kissing you back.

#rafe cameron #outer banks rafe #outerbanks #rafe cameron imagine #rafe cameron x reader #rafe x reader #rafe cameron fluff #rafe cameron fanfiction #outerbanks fic #rafe cameron fic

[imasoftieforbarb]

OKAY LAST ONE N ILL HOO OFF YOUR BACK 🩷🩷🩷

Floyd x a old timey singer (I’m talking like flapper type girl<feather boa’s, the iconic slim black dresses and jet black hair!!> Maybe she’s monochrome or black and white bc of her music taste!)

NAYWAYS feel free to go WILD with these!! Any scenarios you’d like!! And if you’d like you can throw ur own spin of them!! Tysm!! Take care!!

-nurse anon🏩

Nurse anon your ideas are MY DRIVING FORCE! Please keep sending them in <3

I loved writing this one, the others should be done today too!

Floyd with an Oldies! Singer:

He likes oldies music

I like to imagine that maybe grandma liked to listen to oldies

So he’s familiar with the genre

BUT he’s never met someone who sings them

He’s shocked when he finds out that you’re colour blind- specifically you can only see black, white and greys

Though he decides that it makes sense due to the fact you don’t really match your outfits (colour wise)

He tries to describe colours to you but ends up giving up for a bit

To him you look amazing- your various flapper dresses

(though he can admit that he gets the most flustered when you wear your red shorter one)

The little heels you wear- he didn’t even know trolls wore shoes- you have explained to him that they’re for dancing- but he’s still convinced you want to be taller than him

All your accessories? He’s obsessed!

If you make your own music and songs he buys a phonograph so y’all can listen to it together

Low-key wants to learn how to do the Charleston but gets confused what to do with his hands

He likes to buy you things that remind him of you

A beaded handbag with tassels? He’s thinking of the time you complained about not having enough room in your little purse you carry

You find it on your bed that night with him smiling sheepishly

He leaves your house grinning with a dreamy look and bright red lipstick marks all over his face

He will learn some sort of dance with you- he is determined!

He finally discovers how to describe colours to you (though it is inconvenient)

“Floyd- what do the colours look like?”

“You remember the time John Dory cooked that apple pie-!”

It was rainbow tie dye and you wore that like it was the most fashionable item ever

#brozone #trolls band together #brozone x reader #trolls floyd #trolls floyd x reader #brozone floyd x reader

[genshinresource]

Genshin Impact KR x Galaxy Store Collab: Galaxy S23 Ultra Accessory (Genshin Edition) Overview

Details under break

Galaxy S23 Ultra Accessory (Genshin Edition) Gift Box Details:

Price: 352,000 Won

Galaxy S23 Ultra accessory case: collab dustbag, Nilou handbag, ribbon magnet, feather keyring)

Nilou acrylic desk board

LED wireless charger

Nilou phone case (2 types) (Smart Talk-only case, strapped case & phone strap)

Nilou SD Emoji Smart Talk

Acrylic key ring (2 types)

Galaxy theme pack

Nilou illustration card & 150,000 Won coupon code

Bixby support with Nilou's KR voice

#genshin impact #merchandise preview #genshin collab

[phrynefishersfrocks]

The first outfit of "Murder & the Maiden" (Season 3, Episode 2) is a luxurious red velvet coat over a silver camisole and matching pants, complete with a shaped straw hat accented by feathers.

Known as the Coral Dreamcoat, Phryne's coat is made of a silk shot coral velvet with silver silk lining. Closer examination reveals godets (triangular inserts of fabric to add movement and width) of the velvet lined with silver piping on each side, along with a front tie and upturned sleeves with beaded decorations hanging from the ends of each.

"[The coat] has a front tie, which gives it lots of movement. Gareth Blaha, who's really quite sensational with finishing pieces, made these beautiful dangles off all the sleeves and the front tie." - Marion Boyce, Costume Exhibition Catalogue

Serving as a backdrop for her coral coat is a scoop-neck camisole with a wide hem, and flared trousers are made of a matching grey faille. Topping it all off is an authentic 1920s straw beret, adorned with a few thin maroon swirling feathers on top of a coral and maroon ostrich feather pouf and decorated with two gold buttons.

Phryne also brings along her grey woven handbag with a golden clasp that has been seen previously in 2x01 and 2x02, and ties in with the silver in her coat lining and her camisole and pants. She finishes the look with grey suede heels, white leather gloves, and glass bugle bead earrings.

Season 3, Episode 2 - "Murder & the Maiden"

Screencaps from here, promotional photos from various sources (x, x, x, x, x, x), costume exhibition photo from Dayna's Blog.

#phryne fisher #miss fisher's murder mysteries #mfmm #phryne fisher's frocks #3x02 #s3e02 #murder & the maiden #murder and the maiden #coral coat #vintage hats #1920's fashion #vintage fashion #costume design #costume breakdown #costume study #phryne costumes #hat photo

[technicallymaximumkitty]

Niffty headcannons because I did Sir Pentious uwu

(CW for sex and smut being mentioned but nothing graphic) 

When she was alive she was tall, willowy, and had long hair, like how most people draw human fluttershy 

She lived in Japan most of her life but moved to the states when she got married to a US soldier

She was the overlord of mariticide (the act of killing one’s husband) I mean she was a housewife in the 50’s she def snapped 

She eats things she doesn't know, she has an iron stomach now

She is still an overlord technically but she never cared for titles in the first place

Alastor has an older brother like relationship with her, she’s the baby sibling, and Husk is the middle child 

Niffty loves to play house with those two (just as long as there is no mommy or daddy) Alastor is more than willing to entertain Niffty, Husk usually has to be dragged into it

She collects porcelain dolls and taxidermy stuffed animals each one has a name and tragic backstory 

She hates every and all bugs no matter what kind they are, she used to be deathly afraid of bugs but that fear morphed into hate. Now she is on a one woman’s crusade to kill them all

She is allergic to bee and wasp stings 

Her book collection is ⅓ psychological horror ⅓ hardcore smut and ⅓ picture books about animal friendships or animals with jobs 

She cuts and dyes her hair herself (how could you tell) ((the yellow part is dyed)) 

She had autism, ADHD, pica, and OCD 

She loves dogs but only the big ones, she hates any dog that can fit into a handbag only she gets to ride around in the handbag 

Her love language is that of a cat so if she likes you she is gonna leave dead animals outside your room, everyone in the hotel thanks Niffty but quickly disposes of her gifts

Oh and love bites she also hate bites but there is a difference 

Her favorite foods are strawberry cakes, oyakodon, daifuku, the cotton candy in the walls and meat on the bone (like chicken wings or t-bone steak) 

She stress cooks because she needs to do something all the time, she hates sitting still so the hotel is over run with leftovers 

She has one of those scholastic dairies with a pink heart lock and matching pen with the pink feather pom-pom she writes in every night before bed

She will ask if you have games on your phone

She doesn't have a phone or other technology because Alastor doesn't like tech but she is not against using it 

She spins around on the tips of her feet when she dances 

Whenever she goes in public she has to wear one of those children’s leash because she will wander off and get stuck in something

She likes to hide in holes and small places but gets stuck often (like getting stuck in the toilet)

She flip flops between ‘rabid goblin queen’ and “cinnamon roll angel’ frequently 

Angel Dust, Sir Pentious, and Niffty fight tooth and nail for TV time and it’s a whole 30 minutes of chaos before someone walks away with the remote 

Nifty is either going to turn on an animal documentary or hentai 

She is Ace and hates participating in sex herself but she finds the act itself quite interesting 

Once a month she will round up whoever is in the hotel and host a tea party (she and Pentious bicker on how to make tea, his tastes being western and hers being eastern) 

#hazbin hotel #headcanon #niffty #alastor #hazbin hotel husk #chaos ensues

[writingpiecesak]

Imagine arguing with 💥Katsuki Bakugou💥

Nothing has been going well lately for you. Missing essay assignments for your sociology class, late night shifts causing you to miss dinner time, said late night shifts from your shitty boss who doesn’t understand the idea of a breath mint. Getting a speeding ticket because you were late for school. You’re favorite sushi place closed down and your hair is frizzing up because of damn weather conditions. 

All you wanted right now was a warm bubble bath with candles and soothing music playing in the background while you sip a glass of white wine. To fall into a trace of relaxation, keeping away from the real worlds problems. To just have a moment to yourself. A simple moment. Is that too much to ask?

“Killed your ass! Hop off the game already you’re so bad!”

Ah, the wonderful yelling of gaming frustration coming from the living room. Your eyes weren’t surprised by your boyfriend, Katsuki gaming in front of the television with his headset and mic settled perfectly in between his ears. Otherwise, he would’ve heard you come in.

After standing there for about five minutes he finally noticed you. “Oh welcome home babe. Dinner’s in the oven.”

Well at least he cooked dinner. You walked into the kitchen setting down your car keys and handbag. Grabbing a plate a fork from the cabinets you pull out what was left in the oven for you. To your dislike though, it was spicy meatloaf with curry rice.

You understand your boyfriend loves spicy food, but doesn’t it have to be all the time? Why couldn’t he ask you what would you like for dinner? Is it that hard to send a text or to try calling?

With a heavy sign you put back the utensil and plate, looking around the pantry for anything else to substitute the growing hunger laying in your stomach.

No one thought to buy groceries either…. Why was everything left to you? Buying groceries, making dinner satisfying both parties, cleaning the damn dishes he used.

You rolled your eyes and grabbed your favorite box of cereal, fruity pebbles always makes things better even if it’s for a short moment before they get soggy. You lifted the box from its spot only to have it feel light as a feather. You shook the box around trying to feel out how much would be left until you hear Katsuki call out from the living room.

“Oh I forgot to tell you. I had the last bowl of that fruit cereal this morning! Sorry hun I was hun–behind you! No behind you Kiri! Damn it Ashido you’re supposed to cover his ass.”

You got to be freaking kidding me… Your grip tighten around the box and finally frustration snapped. You flung the empty box straight to his head, so hard it knocked his headset off in fact. Immediately Katsuki pulled a face and got up from his seat.

“Seriously? You’re mad over damn cereal!”

“No I’m mad at you!”

“For what? I made you dinner!”

“No, you made yourself dinner. You know I can’t handle spicy food.” You shouted.

A small moment of realization hit him but he wasn’t going to admit his wrongs. “Then eat shit then! At least I cooked something meanwhile all you eat is takeout.”

The distance of talking started getting closer together with every notch being brought higher. “Because I work late! Ever thought to ask me what I would want for dinner? What I would like to come home to?”

“Don’t give me that bullshit, I patrol my ass in serious dangerous areas. And when needed I go out and fight! That’s my job! All you do is organize paperwork for a boss that’s a mere extra.”

“Oh so now you’re going to blame me for not having a quirk and saving people? Some people are normal! Regular! Having to work shitty jobs to make a living Katsuki!”

“I’m not listening to this pity party. Quirk or no quirk, you can always find a better job.” You see him beginning to sit back down and grabbing his headset from off the floor. But you weren’t done speaking. You marched right to his console and immediately pulled all cords not caring which was for what. The tv screen had went black, you threw the cords at his feet with a winning smirk.

“What the fuck is your problem?!” As his anger rises you could see his hands starting to give off sparks.

“You’re my problem Kats! This apartment is my problem! My job is my problem! My hair is my problem! Everything is a fucking problem with me!”

Breathing heavily your eyes start to water but you didn’t want to cry not now especially. You pushed passed Katsuki and headed straight for the bedroom instantly locking it. You grabbed the hem of the fluffy blanket and threw it around. Throwing around the pillows and just trying to take out your frustration on something other than your boyfriend right now.

Wanting more destruction to voice out your anger, you grabbed your night table lamp and threw it at the bedroom door with a final scream. Now only sadness floods through you as realizing you’d would have to clean everything up. Before you’re able to take a step towards the door, Katsuki burst through with concern worries look. Unfortunately he stepped on the pieces of sharp colorful glass which the lamp was made of. But the pain in his feet couldn’t compare to the pain he felt in his heart seeing you cry.

“I’m sorry. Everything is just…a problem.” You lowered your head wanting to mask the tears as you thought for a sign of weakness. Katsuki carefully walked around the mess and grabbed you hand, pulling you into his chest as you cried letting out the anger in a different way that didn’t cause destruction.

“It’s okay. Let it out, I’m here. You’re okay. I’m sorry too. I’ll buy you five hundred fruity pebble boxes. Just please….take the glass out my foot.”

A small giggle escaped your lips. You wrapped your arms around your lover and snuggled closer, deeper into his scent.

“My feet are bleeding dumbass. But…let’s stay like this a little longer.”

#mha x reader #boku no hero academia #mha katsuki #bakugou katsuki #katsuki bakugo imagine #mha #katsuki bakugou

[pinklemonadeflav]

Soft

• pt. 1 | pt. 2 ❤ smut

"There's nothing wrong with what you look like, you're- you to me, and I love you for you." He punctuates his point with a peck to your forehead and two kisses on your squished cheeks.

Persona-coded ⍰ : Seungcheol, Jihoon

☁︎

wc: 850

Chubby! reader x bf, established relationship, comfort fluff

<Read under the cut>

It's the little things that make you notice yourself and how you fit in this world, literally.

Trailing behind the group as your petite friends chat chirpily ahead, you would watch with a silent smile and nod along. Giving an awkward side hug required you to muster all your courage while others casually threw themselves on each other. Opting to bring out tote bags instead of small handbags so you could cover your belly as you sat down, even if it went against your fit.

You didn't know when you started to notice these things and consciously do them, and when you started doing it subconsciously, but you probably started when you were too young to have to care about such things.

It was the same now as you sprawled out on the bed behind him while he sat at the desk mulling over his notebook, gnawing on a pen.

You so badly wanted to crawl onto and snuggle up in his lap, watch his face scrunch up in focus as he did his own thing. Maybe you had read too many manga books where the skinny and lovable female lead would hop into the male lead's embrace, landing like a feather.

You looked down at yourself. Your thighs sank into the mattress, and you felt the fleshiness of your torso rising steadily with your breath. You were taller than the average girl as well, and often fondly observed couples with big height differences; it didn't seem like you could ever 'feel' that cute, that- small in someone else's embrace.

As if he had felt your eyes glued to his head, he looked up from his book, pen dropping into his hand. His eyes creased from his smile as they met yours, and you forced out a small one in return. He frowned slightly in confusion, pushing his book away into the pile on his desk and rising from the chair. You rolled over to the side of the bed as he clambered onto it, squishing you between his frame and the wall.

"What's up?" He whispered, breath tickling your ear as you faced away from him and fixed your gaze on the blank wall in front of you. You squeaked softly in response, refusing an answer. His arms snaked around your waist, pulling you into his chest, and he rested his chin into the nook of your shoulder.

"Tell me~" He gently blew onto your neck, pulling a giggle from your gloomy mood. You relented a little, "sigh...I was just thinking about something stupid, it's alright."

He gently flipped you around to face him, noticing the tension in you small frown. "Spill."

"Don't you...don't guys ever feel that they want to hold their partner like uhh- this is weird to describe, but like- in the palm of their hands? Like the girl's always small and cute, you can lift them and swing them around, carry them with no sweat. I don't know..."

He chuckles as you struggle to find the words, "are you referring to a person or a handbag?"

You continue, "It's just that sometimes, like just now, I want to freely jump in your lap, be closer to you, but I always second guess myself wondering these kinds of stupid things? I just wish sometimes I..."

You trail off, not wanting to finish your sentence. His smile drops as he catches on to what you're thinking, expression switching to one of concern. He shifts his hands from your waist to your cheeks, holding your gaze to his and saying seriously, "I'm really sorry you feel that way...you've been made to feel that way."

He stills for a second, thinking of what to say to make you feel better. "There's nothing wrong with what you look like, you're- you to me, and I love you for you." He punctuates his point with a peck to your forehead and two kisses on your squished cheeks.

You laugh in response, but your eyes drift slightly to the side, "Sure..."

Seeing you unconvinced, he continues, "I love that when you hug me, I can feel your softness washing away the hardness of the day," he ducks his head under your shirt and blows a raspberry into your belly, earning a yelp from you, "or how your touch makes me feel grounded and calm when I get anxious."

He pulls you on top of him, his arms caging you tightly so that your head is resting on his chest and your full body weight sinks into his.

"Most of all, I love how strong AND soft you are. If that's not attractive then I don't know what is, and I hope you wouldn't wish otherwise." He rolls you back down to your original spot between him and the wall, resting his hands on the dip at your waist to emphasise his point.

The tenseness in your brows fades and you bite your cheek, blushing. You let out a hefty sigh as your shoulders relax, wrapping your arms around him and burying your face below his.

"What a monologue...but yes, message received," you chuckle, "I love you."

#chubby reader #comfort fluff #one shot #svt #svt fluff #seventeen #woozi x reader #scoups x reader #seungcheol x reader #jihoon x reader #fluff

[once-upon-helluvaboss]

Western Energy Rewrite

An elevator door opened on the top floor of aptly named ‘Richest Cup Cafe’, inside was an imp server and Stolas with Stella holding onto his arm.

“Right this way.” The imp said leading to the two to their private seating. The imp opened the more or less soundproof curtain and pulled back the two seats for the birds.

As Stella and Stolas sat the imp set down two menus, “ Another server will be back soon for your orders soon, " The said before giving a bow and leaving two to themselves.

Stella’s face dropped almost immediately after the imp was gone, giving a small huff and turning her head away from Stolas as he sighed.

After a moment of silence Stolas sighed, rubbing his head. “I don’t know why you insisted we come so early…” Stolas commented, rubbing his head.

“I always like to be early, you know hectic traffic can become! I bet you just wanted to try to get a quickie with that imp!” Stella accused,

“What, no it's not that at all! It's just– oh why do I bother?” Stolas sighed as he relented, not wanting another argument as he took off his hat to rub his temples.

“Maybe we should have left a bit later so you wouldnt look like such a mess!” She responded, it was true Stolas hadn't exactly taken the best care of himself as of late.

“Ugh I swear the only reason I haven't divorced your sorry ass already is because we both know you’d be hopeless without me!” She huffed as she began digging through her small handbag.

Despite the size of it never ceased to amaze Stolas just how much fit in the purse as Stella threw out a lamp,bouquet, and small dog all while looking for a brush.

“Come here,” Stella said finally finding the brush before reaching over the table and grabbed Stolas’s face pulling him close to brush his feather back.

Stolas couldn't stop himself from blushing. You would think that with everything going on Stella would have tried to discreetly rip a few of his feathers out, but she simply brushed his feathers and combed through them with her fingers as tenderly as she always had.

Stolas closed his eyes at the soothing feeling, reminding him of when Octavia was young. How he and Stella would cuddle with their daughter between them. Back then his only worry was what they were getting for breakfast the next morning.

Finally Stella let go of him and they both sat back in their seats. He felt happy seeing the slight blush across her pale feathers, for a moment he felt like this was just a date and that they'd be entangled with each other when they got home. For a moment he felt as if everything was okay.

Suddenly they curtain shot open and there stood Andrealphus, Stella’s older brother and the two were quickly reminded why they were here.

“Stella, oh hello my darling sister!” He said coming towards her with a hug that she happily received.

He then stood up and turned to Stolas, “Hello Stolas.” He said a sly smile plastered on his face.

“Andrealphus.” Stolas grimached.

“Now that I’m here, let's not beat around the bush shall we?” Andrealphus said in the same sly tone.

“Agreed.” Stella said as an imp server walked in putting a tiny imp on the table along with a kettle and teacups for the birds.

“Stella, he has nothing to do with us, why did you insist on him being here?!” Stolas groaned

Before Stella could get a word in, the window breaks, revealing Striker posing on a table. He discards his poncho and twirls two angelic revolvers in his hands. He fires one and the bullet hits the window near Stolas' head. Stella looks on a bit shocked as Stolas dodges more bullets. He changes his form and tries to fly out toward the exit. Striker wraps Stolas in glowing white rope before he can escape. Stolas falls to the ground in an alley, captured.

“Lovely, just lovely…” He groaned

_______________________________________________

On the highway Blitzo is driving the I.M.P. van, with Moxxie and Millie in the back and a fearful Loona next to Blitzo. Blitz's phone lets out a bird ringtone.

“Oh, shit. Stolas! It's really not a good time, man…”

“Sorry it's a bad time yet again. But, I seem to have found myself in a bit of a struggle. I'm tied to the back of a horse at the moment.” Stolas responded with an exasperated sigh.

“Pfft...lucky bitch.” Blitzo responded

“Rather unlucky actually, I seem to have been stolen by that little cowboy friend of yours!” Said annoyed that Blitzo wasn't taking him seriously.

“Ohh, which one?” Blitzo responded monotone again.

“How many cowboy friends do you have? What does he look like, your highness?” Moxxie asked.

Stolas glances up at Striker's grinning face. “Umm… he has a shiny gold tooth?” Stolas shrugged.

“That's Striker, sir!” Moxxie exclaims

“Oh, for fuck's sake! A– wait can't you just get away? With that big demon form thing?”

“Believe I would have if it wasn't for this blessed rope, he’s bound me in! So, do you think you could come give me a hand!?” Stolas exclaimed as he began to worry more wondering where he was being hauled off to.

“Oh, shit. Stolas, I can't today, alright? I'm sorry. I-I'm literally on my way to take Loona in for her very important Hellbies s-h-o-t.” Blitzo spelled out glancing nervously at a frightened Loona. “It takes years to book an appointment at this place, it took five to get this one. So, you know- eh, and she's been doing a lot of field work. So, you know, she needs it! Plus your royalty you probably have like a bajillion guards coming to get you anyway!”

“But they won't-" Before Stolas could finish Striker swipes the phone away with his tail. “Would you shut up already? I can hear you, y’know!”

“Don't worry about your lanky bird...he's in good hands.” Striker smiles before crushing the phone

“Shit.” Stolas cursed.

“Gaaagh, damn it!” Blitzo squeezes his phone in his hand. He moves the clutch forward and the van speeds down the highway.

“Sir, let me and Moxxie handle this one.” Millie says

“Are you sure you two got this alone?” Blitzo asked

“We got it, sir! Together, we are a lethal combo. Not to mention we both have a score to settle with that dickhead!” Moxxie responds as Millie places a cowboy hat onto Moxxie's head.

“Alright. Well, hurry. Stolas sounds like he might be in real shit this time.” Blitzo says as he pulls up to the tall Fd. An's Hospital main building.

“And knowing that guy's aesthetic, my money's on Wrath.” Blitzo continues as he drops the car keys into Moxxie's hand, before pulling Loona out of the van and carrying her over his head.

“Now, get your asses down there and look for some cowboy crap or something.” He yells as Moxxie drives the van away.

“Come on, Loonie. Come on, this will be over lickety-split, alright?” Blitzo assures as she pushes the door open and drags Loona inside by her tail.

“Of all the days for him to get his stupid feathered-ass kidnapped...I have waited five fucking years for this appointment! FUCK ME IN MY LITTLE RED HOLE!” He yells before Blitzo glances over to a mother giving him a quick dirty look her kid on a leash next to her

“Hi. The fuck you looking at?” He says as the woman rolls her eyes.

Blitzo walks up to the desk toward a nurse from the sloth ring. “Heya, toots. I'm here for that S-H-O-T for my Loonie Toonie.” Blitzo laughs as Loona growls from behind, seeing a nearby poster shows a hound with a needle in its back that reads ‘Get yours today or else!’

“The what?” The nurse says blinking one eye at a time.

Blitzo groans “The bullshit that my daughter has to get every year that you mother fuckers only allow us to schedule every five years. How the fuck you fuck up that bad, anyway?” he says, writing down his name on the clipboard's paper.

“Oh, I can't spell.” The nurse says as Blitzo pushes the clipboard to her. “I can't read, either.”

Blitzo groans again, “The fucking Hellbies shot you fucking re-” Blitzo paused clenching his fists before continuing. “The appointment is under Blitzo” He continued gritting his teeth.

The nurse flips through a notebook full of appointments. “Uhhh... I don't see any Blitz on the list.” She says tapping the clipboard.

“With an "o", it's silent…” Blitzo hissed.

The nurse flips the notebook over “OH! An "o" right here. Yep, yep! Blitzoooo, Blitzooo”. She says as Blitzo's eye twitches as he seethes in anger.

“Yes, we'll be ready for her in just a bit. Please take a seat, Mr. O.” Blitzo sighs as he accidently reveals the pistol hidden in his shirt and the mother glares at him.

He simply rolls his eyes as he takes a seat, “Of all things to worry about in hell!” He says glaring back at the mother,

Blitzo glances at Loona who is whimpering in fear under three chairs. “Oh, don't worry, Loonie. It's okay, it's just one little prick, you won't even feel it!” He says hoping to calm her.

“Ew, don't say that, it sounds vulgar!” The mother says

“What? Vulgar?” Blitzo says, looking back to the woman.

“Pervert!” Se exclaims

_______________________________________________

Striker continues galloping on his horse with Stolas tied up behind him, as the cowboy's theme song begins.

♫ He's galloping over the dusty plains ♫

♫ Even the cacti know his name ♫

♫ If you don't want to die, don't cross his path ♫

♫ The best assassin in the Ring of Wrath ♫

♫ He's Striker! He's Striker! ♫

♫ Sure-shootin', darn-tootin', his name is Striker ♫

♫ Gonna bring that bird back to his lair ♫

♫ With his magic rope and Western flair ♫

♫ He's very good at causing pain ♫

♫ And he loves to ride on the choo-choo- ♫

Striker glares at the mariachi quartet imps before they can say "train".

♫ Dirty-dealin', prince-stealin' ♫

�� He's a villain, Striker! ♫

♫ He's fast and strong and tall and mean ♫

♫ The foulest imp you've ever seen ♫

♫ He'll break your bones to hear 'em crunch ♫

♫ He likes to eat pâté for lunch ♫

♫ He's Striker, hmm, ye-ye-yeah ♫

♫ He's Striker ♫

The last imp extends the notes, much to Striker's annoyance.

♫ He's Striker, he- ♫

“SHUT THE FUCK UP! I'M TRYIN' TO DO MY FUCKING JOB! YOU COMIN' IN HERE SINGING ABOUT ME FOR THE MILLIONTH FUCKING TIME! LEAVE ME THE HELL ALONE, YOU FUCKIN' FREAKS!” Striker screams as the terrified mariachi impulses quietly ride away in the cart.

“How does one get their own theme song?” Stolas asks.

“Trust me ya’ don’t want one!” He hisses back.

_______________________________________________

Back in the waiting room Blitzo tries to converse in his boredom “Soooo, nice weather we're having, huh?”

“Hey mommy, is he one of those fire toads you told me about?” The kid asks innocently pointing to Blitzo

“The fuck did you just call me?” Blitzo growls

“It's not polite to call them that to their face, honey. Wait until we're in the car.” The mother says patting him on his head

“You got a problem with me, cunt?” Blitzo responds

“There is a child present, you filthy Imp!” The woman says, covering her son's ears.

“I may be an imp, but I aint filthy! Oh also, my kid's here, too, and I don't think she would appreciate you calling her father..."things". Also this is literally hell, your son's heard worse!” Blitzo said, gritting his teeth again.

“Is there any way we can reschedule for a time when less of the unemployed rabble are out?” The mothers asks the nurse.

“Oh, please. I bet the hardest work you've ever done is convincing your husband that little shit's his!” She yelled pointing to the kid whose eyes began to water.

“Oh, yeah? And what do you do that's so important?” She asks rolling her eyes

“Me? Oh, I kill people. How does a two for one special sound, whore?”Blitzo says, pulling out his flintlock pistol and pointing it at her.

“Ahem Mr. O, the doc will see your hound now.” The nurse causes Blitzo to drop the mother and he strangles before grabbing Loona and heading into the room blowing a raspberry behind him.

_______________________________________________

Somewhere in the desert Moxxie and Millie pull up to a gas station “Crumbs! I'll grab the gas. Millie, go and see if anyone's seen Striker anywhere.” Moxxie said as he stepped out of the car, soon a biker gang pulled up. One of them noticed Moxxie.

“Hey, queer boy! You stealin' my hat?” One of them yells.

“Where else would you find a homophobe but hell?” Moxxie mumbles under his breath

“Hey I’m talking to you!” The biker yelled, making Moxxie turn.

“What?” Moxxie said

“Same hat.” The biker said, pointing to his hat identical to Moxxies.

“Oh, um sorry? My wife just put this hat on my head. You know, because it was...hot...outside..” Moxxie responded nervously.

The biker gets into Moxxie's face. “Saaame. Haaat.”

“So, we're doing this now, huh?” Moxxie sighs.

As Millie looks around the gas station she finds a mariachi band,“Howdy, boys! Y'all seen this motherfucker riding around here?” Millie says showing the band a drawing of Striker firing a gun. As Moxxie fights the bikers near the pumps.

“♫ He's galloping- ♫” The quartet begins.

“No, NO! No singing! Just a yes or no, please.” Moxxie sighs.

One of the quartet imps cough, “Yeah, he lives out by the Badman Lands, in the old train tunnel near the mine shafts, ya can't miss it.” The second member says.

Moxxie rides on the biker leader's back and slams the biker's head on the door. He slams the biker's head through one of the van windows. He swipes his credit card before avoiding the biker's attacks, before taking the gas nozzle and wrapping it around the biker's throat. He then pulls the biker down, puts the nozzle in the tank and leans against the van with his phone with a sigh.

“Thank you, kindly. Come on, Mox! We got a lead!” Millie says as she and Moxxie get back in the van. Moxxie speeds forward, taking off the biker's head and exploding the gas station.

_______________________________________________

In Striker's hideout where he's tied up Stolas upside down on some railroad tracks. Stolas opens his eyes and spots Striker nearby using a whetstone to sharpen a Blessed Knife.

“So, my wife paid you for this? Wouldn't a holy bullet have sufficed?” Stolas sighed.

“I was paid to give you the real royal treatment; your wife must REALLY hate you.” Striker chuckled

“Mphm” Stolas sighed “So. Train tracks? Really? Seems a bit clichéd, doesn't it?” Stolas said, trying to calm himself.

“It's a classic. What can I say!” Striker chuckled again.

“Is the giant statue of yourself also a 'classic' or...?” Stolas said looking up to a statue in front of Striker that has him grinning with a giant erection.

Striker growls throwing the whetstone at the statue. “Ugh those fucking mariachi freaks put it up! Havent had the fucking chance to take it down!” He growls glaring up at it.

“I'm just impressed you seem to have such dedicated fans.” Stolas responded

“I call 'em' stalkers, but to each town!” Striker said as he walked up and stabbed Stolas with the now sharpened knife.

“AAAGH!” Stolas yells as Striker cuts him down.

“What the hell! I thought we were having a conversation!” Stolas coughed

“Listen, I'm just doing my job, nothing personal.” Striker laughed as Stolas tried to petrify him with his eyes.

“Don't bother trying to use your little eye trick on me; those ropes ain't gonna let you do a thing.” Striker laughed, stepping on Stolas's open wound.

“Well, you seem to be forgetting; You're dealing with royalty, I’ll have someone get me out of this one way or another!” Stolas declares kicking Striker in the face

Striker grabs Stolas's ankle and Striker lifts up his foot and stomp on Stolas's leg and breaks it.

Stolas grunts trying his best not to show his pain, “Blitzo handles me rougher than that in bed; nice try!”

Put off by this, Striker stabs Stolas in the leg. “And his knife is bigger... and hits sooooo much deeper.” Stolas chuckles meekly.

“Being a smartass hmm?” Striker asks, grabbing Stolas by his hair feathers. “Cause, once I split your neck open and let you choke on your own blue blood, you won't be worth any more than the tombstone you'll be buried under.” Striker threatens holding his blessed knife at the back of Stolas’s neck.

“Blitzo says far more dirtier things to me with much sharper objects at my throat.” Angered with Stolas' refusal to give in, Striker throws him to the ground, “Alright birdy, now it's personal!”

Back at Fd. An's Hospital, Blitzo and Loona are inside the doctor's office.

“Welcome, Bingo. And this must be Tuna.” A demon doctor named Somna says.

“Loona, yeah. And you can hurry up, please; she isn't a fan of shots. So, let's make this quick for all our sake.” Blitzo warns

“Oho! Come, now; she can't be that bad! I see hellhounds every day; there hasn't been one that has caused any issues!” Dr.Somna assures before pulling out a comically oversized syringe; Loona immediately growls and lunges at him. Blitzo quickly grabs the doctor and gets him out of the way.

“Told ya’, dipshit.”

In Andrealphus's mansion in the Pride Ring. Andrealphus and Stella are having tea and Andrealphus creates several ice cubes, stirring them into his drink.

“So, earlier. That assassin.Was that you~?” Adrealphus says playfully

“Guilty~. Yes, it was.” Stella as a mix of emotions bubbled in her chest.

“You silly minx, you! I told you all we needed one more try and now he’ll be out of feathers forever!” Andrealphus giggles.

Stella paused for a moment before gulping her hot tea, “B-but maybe I should call it off!” Stella yelled out.

Andrealphus nearily spits out his tea, “Now why in the seven circles would you want that?! He’s embarrassed you and your daughter, and descarsied your marriage, all while sleeping with an imp no less! I mean if it were me he would've been long gone!” Andrealphus huffed.

Stella began to twiddle her fingers “Ah, well… I just realised it wouldn't exactly turn out that well.” Stella started

“He'll be dead; why wouldn't it turn out well? Don’t tell you've grown sympathy for that imp sucker.” Andrealphus said rolling his eyes

“What– noooo obviously not! It's just that…. I've already produced an heir; when he dies, his duties, his possessions, his legions, it'll all pass to.... Octavia!”

Andrealphus absentmindedly continues to drink without acknowledging her.

“If Skriker killed him, I would....”

“Laugh? Ha-” Andrealphus said.

“I'd get nothing! Even if he somehow hasn't realised I sent an assassin after him, w-we haven't talked about wills meaning in any case Octavia is the de facto inheritor! And if she finds out I was the one who killed her father I doubt she’ll want to share!” Stella yelled

Andrealphus paused and put a hand on his chin. “Mm I must admit dear sister you're more than your face! But in that case what do you suggest we do? But we’ve already gone quite far, if this gets out we’d be in trouble you know, so have any ideas?” He asked, standing up from his chair and coming closer to him.

Stella bit her nail avoiding her brother's eyes “Hmm. W-well, I'm not sure. But I do know we can't do much if he’s dead, but with him alive, we have options. Plus he has some desire to rekindle our relationship so he’d probably keep quiet. So I think it's best we bide our time and wait for an opportunity…”

“Oohhhhhh, but I- we want him dead so badly!” Andrealphus pouted. “But I see what you mean, my fiery vixen.” He continues as briefly cups Stella's face with a single hand. He grabs his icy blue customized rotary phone and sets in Stella's hand, “Go ahead call off your mangy stray.” He says walking out the room leaving Stella to stare at the phone in her hand.

_______________________________________________

Back at Striker's hideout, he throws Stolas down while circling him. Leaving Stolas panting and whimpering in pain.

“Well, this has been fun, but every good thing has to come to an end. Shame you won't see your kid again.” Striker sighs sarcastically.

“Don't you dare breathe a word about my daughter!” Stolas huffed angrily.

“Ohh, finally hit a nerve, huh?” Striker laughed.

“I swear, if you go near her, I will destroy you!” Stolas yelled

Striker stabs Stolas in the shoulder again. “Big talk. But, just that. Any last words, Goetia?” He says holding the knife dangerously close to his face.

“Blitzo will-”

“That rodeo clown told you he ain't coming; Nobody is coming.” Striker laughs maniacally.

As Striker raises the knife up to stab Stolas through the heart, he hears his phone ringing.

He groans as he picks up the call from Stella, “Listen dollface, I told you if ya’ wanted a tape that would be extra. Not to mention I’m at the end of the show!” Striker holding the phone with his shoulder to keep a grip on Stolas's collar.

“Mm, change of plans, darling. I need him alive.” Stella sighed.

Striker looks annoyed and shifts his gaze between the wounds on Stolas and his knife. Striker throws Stolas on the ground before sitting on him as he continues his call.

“I'm kind of in the middle of finishing him off.” Striker responds as Stolas tries to speak but Striker uses his tail to muffle him.

“Well, don’t. We need him alive to– ah get some affairs in order. I promise I'll pay at least two times extra, I just need you to spare him and bring him to me."

“Ugh, and you wondered why I charge spousal fee’s!” Striker exclaims.

“I know, I know. Just– do what I ask and you will be generously compensated!” Stella assured.

“Yes ma’am.” Striker groans rolling his eyes.

“Good.” Stella says with a sigh of relief as she hangs up the call.

Striker growls and smashes his phone against a rock. “Well, good news for you, Feathers. Dolly said she don't want you dead no more!” Stolas sighed in relief before Skriker continued, “But, she didn't say what condition you had to be in.” He smiles as he grabs Stolas and hovers his knife near the prince's eyes.

“I think these reds might be a pretty trophy; can't have you seeing me again, can we?” He says all to cheerily.

Suddenly a car horn is heard in the distance; Striker gets up and growls while looking for the source. Parts of the cavern ceiling give away and the I.M.P van breaks through, tumbling down an embankment and as the van comes to a stop, the door opens with Moxxie aiming a rifle at Striker.

Striker dodges several bullets and throws his knife into the rifle, causing another bullet to ricochet around the cavern and strike a nearby boom box that begins playing. As Striker pulls out two revolvers, Millie attacks him with a longsword from behind; Striker takes the sword and Millie charges with a katana while Moxxie attacks with two revolvers of his own. All three fight to a standstill and the long sword breaks, with the tip landing in the boombox. Striker is surprised by the song it switches to, but quickly disregards it as Moxxie and Millie double team him with a battle axe.

In the hospital the doctor ends up getting slammed into a bin of used needles, screaming in pain while Striker kicks Moxxie down and pins Millie to a rock with her axe back in the hideout. He notices Moxxie still moving and lassos a nearby stalagmite and slams it into Moxxie's back. As Striker goes in for the kill, Loona is pinned to the ground by Blitzo who motions to Dr. Somna to give her the shot. The doctor hurriedly sticks the shot in Loona's rear, causing her to howl in pain and rage, and bucks Blitzo off her, creating a small crater on the clinic floor.

Striker sees Moxxie reaching for his pistol “Oh, I remember how easy it is to choke the life out of you, little one.” He says pinning Moxxie on the ground and begins choking him.

“Ohhhh, harder.” Moxxie says weakly.

Striker falters before laughing. “Keep it in your pants!” He laughs again before Moxxie kicks Striker's legs out from under him and lassos Striker by the neck, spinning him around and throwing him to the ground.

“Heh, having fun with your first time on top?!” Striker laughs horsley as he aims a revolver at Moxxie, Millie frees herself and strikes the base of his statue.

Striker looks up to see it falling towards him; he tries to move out of the way, but the statue lands on top of him. As Moxxie approaches it, the smoke clears to see that Striker is gone.

“Fuck!” Moxxie curses as he looks towards Millie seeing her carrying an unconscious Stolas

“Oh, crumbs! We've got to get him to a hospital!” Moxxie yelps as they quickly load him into the van.

A group of reporters stand outside Fd. An's, Blitzo and Loona emerge, the former being beaten up and scratched and the latter with a cone around her neck and holding a lollipop. Moxxie and Millie pull up to the front

“Oh, good. You guys actually managed to-” Before he can finish a horde of medical personnel and reporters trample Blitzo as they rush to the van. Two Plague Doctors open the van door as Millie looks worried as the two put Stolas on the stretcher. Blitzo gets trample again when they wheel Stolas inside. Blitzo gets a passing look at Stolas' tail feathers as they run by him.

“Sir, are you alright?” Moxxie says helping Blitzo up.

“Oh, peachy. Yeah, no. Today has been wonderful; what the fuck was THAT about?” He asks utterly confused

“Striker messed him up, bad.” Millie says worriedly.

“Stolas– what? How?... He got hurt?” Blitzo says worriedly as a defeated Loona saunters towards the van and falls face down in the back seat.

_______________________________________________

Stolas lays in a hospital room recovering from his injuries. A heart monitor was beeping and he is surrounded by many plants; have an IV bag next to him.

Stolas hears his phone buzzing and sees a notification from Blitzo, the former starts scrolling through their prior conversations.

He looked at one from the first night they had slept together.

Stolas: WHAT HAPPENED TONIGHT WAS A MISTAKE, AND WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN! I RELATIONSHIP IS PURELY PROFESSIONAL FROM HERE ON OUT!

Blitzo: UH COOL

Stolas: AND DON'T BREATHE A WORD ABOUT THIS TO ANYONE!

Blitzo: K WAZNT GOING TOO

Stolas scrolls down past a few conversations.

Stolas: WHILE I THANK YOU FOR TONIGHT, THIS THE LAST TIME THAT WILL HAPPEN!

Blitzo: THATS WHAYT YOU SAID LAST TIME BUTT SUR

He then scrolls down the ones after the night at Ozzie's.

Stolas : ‘I'M SORRY IF ANYTHING I SAID OR DID MAY HAVE OFFENDED YOU TONIGHT.’

Blitzo: ‘ITZ WHATEVS’

Stolas continues to scroll through the conversation .

Stolas : NEXT TIME YOU COME OVER, MAYBE WE CAN TALK ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED AT OZZIE'S?”

Blitzo: Y?

Stolas: I'M SORRY! NEVERMIND, IT'S NOT A BIG DEAL. I WAS JUST WORRIED ABOUT YOU. YOU SEEMED VERY UPSET AND YOU TOOK OFF SO FAST. BUT MAYBE I READ TOO MUCH INTO THAT, I'M GLAD IF THAT'S NOT THE CASE. I WASN'T UPSET EITHER, I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE YOU WEREN'T AND OBVIOUSLY YOU CAN HANDLE ANY STUPID JOKE A CLOWN CAN MAKE. ASMODEUS CAN BE VERY INVASIVE IN HIS HUMOUR, BUT I THOUGHT IT WAS PRETTY FUNNY MYSELF. WHAT HE SAID ABOUT ME AT LEAST, I ENJOY BEING THE SUBJECT OF JEST. MAYBE YOU CAN SAY MEAN THINGS TO ME TOO NEXT TIME YOU COME OVER. IF YOU WANT?

Blitzo: SHUR

Stolas continues scrolling.

Stolas: THANKS FOR HELPING ME WITH VIA TODAY, YOU WERE GREAT IN THAT HUMAN SHOW!

Blitzo: NO PROBLEMO

Stolas: ARE YOU COMING OVER TONIGHT WITH THE BOOK?

Blitzo: LYKE OLWAYS!

Stolas: IF YOU DON'T FEEL LIKE COMING, THAT'S OK! I'M SURE I CAN DO WITHOUT IT FOR A MONTH. :)

Blitzo: K

He was soon reaching the bottom of the conversation.

Stolas: DO YOU PLAN TO VISIT TOMORROW? I KNOW YOU'VE BEEN BUSY, AND WORKING HARD. MAYBE IF YOU'D PREFER, WE CAN SKIP THE BEDROOM AND JUST RELAX, MAYBE? I'M SURE YOU NEED A BREAK.

Blitzo: WUTEVR YOU WANT, IT'S YOUR NIGHT.

Stolas: IF YOU'RE NOT UP FOR IT, OR TOO TIRED, THAT'S PERFECTLY FINE. NO PRESSURE, I DON'T HAVE ANYTHING WITH THE GRIMOIRE TILL NEXT MONTH.

Blitzo: MAE BEE

Stolas: MAYBE INSTEAD OF OUR USUAL ARRANGEMENT ON THE FULL MOON WE COULD PROPERLY CATCH UP THIS WEEK? MAYBE MONDAY?

Blitzo: I MIGHT BE BUSY

Stolas: I WOULDN'T WANT TO BOTHER YOU!

Stolas: YOU CAN ALWAYS DROP OFF THE BOOK ON THE FULL MOON AND I CAN LEAVE IT FOR YOU IF YOU ARE TOO TIRED TO DO ANYTHING...

Stolas: BUT, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOU.

Blitzo: K I HAAVE TIME FOR A QUICKIE IF YA WANT

Stolas: I CAN LIVE WITH THAT!

And finally there was Blitzo’s most recent texts

Blitzo: GET BETTER SOON :(

He weakly smiles when Blitzo sends a get well soon message.

Stolas: THANK YOU, BLITZ, THAT MEANS A LOT. I MIGHT BE HERE FOR A WHILE, IF YOU EVER WANT TO VISIT.💜

After responding, Stolas sees Blitzo typing a message but does not send it. His smile fades before he looks at other messages.

He clicks a text from his worried father telling him he had seen the news and that he will be there eventually. He laughed meekly at the wording ‘eventually’. His father had several other children and even more grandchildren he was busy with at most times so he didn't expect to see him soon but, it was good to know he cared.

He then looks at some from Octavia he had already responded to, asking if he was okay and telling him she’d be there with her mother. He then checked texts from Stella, he could see she was starting to type something but stopped, he didn't blame her, what could she really say to him?

He finally shuts his phone and rests his head on the pillow drifting into sleep as flower petals fly over his head.

_______________________________________________

Okay so weirdly enough I've actually had this done for like 2 weeks but I only posted now for some reason.

I'd say I changed a fair amount in this one, from changing the beginning with Stolas and Stella and stuff with her and Adrealphus.

And this may be a controversial change but I took out Strikers foreshadowwd trauma with royalty. Idk every other character in this show has trauma so I just didn't see the need to add him into the bunch.

And one last thing, if you have any constructive criticisms or anything you want to ask then please let me know! My askbox is open and I would love to hear what you guys have to say about my stuff.

#helluva boss critical #helluva boss criticism #anti stolas #helluva boss critique #helluva boss rewrite

[chickensarentcheap]

In a Heartbeat- Chapter Five

Fandom: Extraction

PAIRING: TYLER RAKE AND ESME DRUMMOND (ESTABLISHED OFC)

SUMMARY:  Dhaka nearly ended everything before it even began.  In it’s aftermath and with Tyler’s life teetering on the threshold between life and death, Esme is about to realize just how strong she can be.  And that love happens when it happens. There’s no rules. No rhyme or reason. No timeline.  

Warnings: brief mention of sex toys and kinks (butt plugs, dildos, pegging. But not in the way you think lol)

Tagging: @tragiclyhip @youflickedtooharddamnit @secretaryunpaid @munstysmind @themaradwrites @ninjasawakenedmystar @thebejeweledwatercat @alisbackalleybbq @theesirenteller @karimac @kmc1989 @asirensrage @residentdormouse @arrthurpendragon @ocappreciation @occommunity

Link to Ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/48691714/chapters/129441475

My tag list is OPEN. Please just ask to be added if you'd like :D

****

“Okay…” Slipping off his coat, Tyler surveys his surroundings, greeting a waiting and ecstatic Lucy with a vigorous rub of the head. “...now it’s all starting to make sense.”

Esme sets both the wheeled suitcase and duffle bag by the door, then drops her hobo-style handbag on the kitchen table. “What’s making sense?”

“Why none of those pictures from the ‘net showed the inside of this place.”

Shrugging out of her jacket, she removes her beanie and tosses both aside; shaking out her long, dark tresses before placing her hands on her hips and surveying their surroundings. “It’s not THAT bad. It’s quaint. Cozy. Cute.”

“You realize that’s wood panelling on the walls, yeah?”

“Okay, so it kind of reminds me of my grandparents’ basement. Which they haven’t remodelled since the early seventies. But I’ve seen worse. I’ve LIVED in worse.”

“Is this where you tell me about your time in some rat-infested dump in New York City?”

“New York isn’t as horrible as you make it out to be. I would have given up an organ, even a limb, to land something right in the city. A walk-up apartment in an old brownstone. That was always my dream. To have a cute little place like Carrie Bradshaw’s.”

“Who?”

“Carrie Bradshaw. The main character in Sex and the City? Played by Sarah Jessica Parker? She’s married to Matthew Broderick? You know, the guy who was Ferris Bueller?”

“I have no goddamn clue who any of these people are.”

“You’ve never heard of Sex and the City? Have you been living in a cave? Cooking over an open fire? Throwing random women over your shoulder and carrying them back for sexy time?”

Smirking, he removes his beanie. “That’s how I landed you, wasn’t it?”

“You landed me with your pretty blue eyes and your sexy voice and your big dick.”

“You’re nothing if not honest.”

“Carrie is a writer,” Esme continues, holding the back of a kitchen chair to keep it steady as he lowers himself into it. “She writes about relationships and sex and life in the Big Apple. And she’s got her little posse; Miranda, the fiercely independent lawyer, Charlotte the die-hard romantic, longing to find true love, Samantha the big-time slut who loves men just a little too much. She was my favourite, by the way.”

“Makes sense. What’s that saying? Something about birds of a feather flocking together?”

She scowls. “Well, that’s just plain rude.”

“If you ask me, the show sounds like it’s for girls.”

“Plenty of men loved it. Mostly gay men, but…” Retreating to the middle of the living room, she places a hand on her hip, eyes narrowing as she taps the tip of her index against her lips.. “...I see the potential here. It’s not a lost cause. And it’s definitely not hideous. It’s just…”

“It’s ugly, and you know it.”

“Dated. It’s dated.”

“It’s not a person. You can say what you really feel. You can’t hurt its feelings.”

“I thought you, of all people, would love something like this. This is a five-star resort compared to where you were living when I met you.”

“I’ll have you know that I built that place myself. By hand.”

“And I’m extremely proud of you, and I find it very sexy when a man is great with his hands. In all the best possible ways. But babe, you had no interior walls, most of your windows didn’t close properly, and you had chickens as roommates. Believe me, this is a step up.”

“So what you’re saying is that it’s a ‘no’ to chickens in the house. Kinda ruins my plans.”

“As much as I’d rather NOT be constantly picking up their shit, I’ll deal. Only because I know how much you love the mangey little bastards. But they are NOT sleeping in bed with us.”

“What about night’s you’re not here?”

“It’s unlikely we’ll encounter nights like those, but IF it happens? You better make sure you change the damn sheets before I get home. You totally slept with your chickens before you met me, didn’t you. You totally let them in the bed.”

“Once in a while.”

“So which one of you was the little spoon? Or did you alternate every second night?”

“Has anyone ever told you that you have a really smart mouth?”

“No. But I have been told how extremely talented it is.”

“That I CAN’T argue with. I definitely have no complaints.”

“Even if you did, I wouldn’t listen to them. So…” Tugging playfully on his ears, she lays a hand on the nape of his neck and steps around to the side of the chair. “...what do you think? About this place? I know it isn’t as bougie as you’re used to, but…”

Reaching under the bottom of her shirt, he hooks a finger in one of the belt loops on her jeans and pulls her down onto his left thigh. “It’s tolerable. For now.” Pressing a kiss to her shoulder, his hand moves to her stomach, calloused palm flat against warm, smooth skin. “Until we’re able to get around to doing stuff.”

“Nik says it’s all ours. We can do whatever we want with it. I know it’s not going to be a permanent place for us, but…”

“I mean, it could be. If that’s what you wanted.”

“I just assumed you’d want to go home. That we’d end up in Australia.”

“We can end up wherever you want. I have no ties to ANY place. Just say where you want to go, and that’s where we’ll head.”

“It’s definitely something we’ll have to talk about. I can’t really decide something like THAT all on my own. You need to have a say in it, too. It’s not just me that deserves to be happy.”

“I’m happy as long as you are. Just say where you want to go. We’ll go.”

“As cute and sappy as that is…”

“You did NOT just use the c and the s word to describe me. In the SAME sentence.”

“...we both know it doesn’t work that way. That if you just follow me somewhere with no say, things would not end well. So we’ll talk about it. When we’re ready to make a decision like that. Sound good?”

“Whatever you say.”

“Goddamn, you’re difficult.”

“I thought I was being pretty easy and reasonable. What more do you want from me?”

“We both need to do a lot of work when it comes to being in a relationship.”

“Please don’t suggest therapy. I’ve had enough therapy in the past two months to last me a lifetime.”

“No therapy. I might get you to read some self-help books or listen to some podcasts…”

“Get off me.”

“That’s a request you usually don’t make,” she quips, then laughs and tightens her hold on him when he attempts to push her off his lap. “Baby, you’re so cute. Even when you’re being a grumpy shit.”

He smirks. “Fuck off, Esme.”

“You need a nap.” Placing a kiss on his temple, she affectionately tousles his hair and stands. “Or something to eat. Maybe both. Are you hangry, Tyler James? Are you hangry and sweepy?”

“Yes.”

“I’m just going to take a quick look around and then make us something to eat. And you’ve got meds to take. You’re due.”

“I’m fine.”

“You know what the doctor said. About making sure you keep on schedule. If you don’t do that…”

“The pain will really set in, and it’ll be harder to get rid of it. I was there. I heard him.”

“Then quit being so difficult. You don’t need to be an insufferable asshole twenty-four-seven.”

“Yes, I do. I have a reputation to keep.”

“Believe me, your reputation isn’t going anywhere. Not everyone can survive what you did. I think you cemented your legend status.”

“By the way, how does that make you feel about things?”

She pauses in the doorway of the spare bedroom. “What things?”

“Life, in general. Knowing you’re spending your life fucking a legend.”

“Well, I wouldn’t know, would I? Considering I haven’t fucked him since he got the title.”

With a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth, he snatches the discarded beanie from the middle of the table. “You can be a real bitch, you know that?”

“Now THAT I do know.” She laughs as she effortlessly dodges the hat thrown in her direction. “Give me a few minutes, and then I’ll make something to eat. You won’t starve in the meantime.”

“You’re actually going to subject me to your cooking the first day in?”

Scowling, she disappears into the second bedroom. Several seconds passing before just her hand appears in the doorway in order to flip him the middle finger.

His fingers alternate between slipping through Lucy’s short, smooth fur and scratching her favourite spot directly under her chin. Listening as Esme’s feet -clad in thick, mismatched woollen socks move over the weathered and creaking floorboards. Hearing intermittent soft clicking and the sliding of wood against wood as she inspects dresser and nightstand drawers. And when it finally falls silent, he calls out to her. “Anything interesting?”

“Whoever lived here before us were total freaks! I just found a whole load of gigantic dildos in the bedside table! And one of those harnesses a woman wears. You know, when she does her man up the…”

“Esme…”

“I don’t see any lube though. I guess we’re not trying pegging tonight.”

“Don’t even THINK about it.”

“What would you say if I came to bed and had a butt plug in with a raccoon’s tail hanging off it?”

“I’d call you a freak and kick you out onto the couch.”

She gives a disgruntled, dramatic huff, then appears in the doorway. “You’re boring.”

“You certainly weren’t saying that two nights ago when we almost got caught by the night nurse. While you were giving me…”

“Like, no pegging with giant dildos and no raccoon tail butt plugs? I swear, a girl can’t have ANY fun.”

“If that’s your idea of fun, you’ve got the wrong guy.”

“Don’t worry, big boy.” She shoots him a wink as she pads through the small, open-concept living room and kitchen. “There’s nothing to be scared of. I’ll be gentle with you.”

“You even come near me with one of those things…”

“I was joking. I didn’t find a damn thing. Which is incredibly disappointing. I was hoping some eccentric weirdo lived here before and left some wild shit behind.”

“Have you looked around this place? The panelling? Fucking knick-knacks all over the place? A goddamn deer head on the wall? Does any of that scream eccentric weirdo do you?”

“It could have been to throw off visitors. Convince innocent, unsuspecting people that they were completely normal. You know, so they could drug their coffee and tea in order to knock them out and hide them in their sex dungeon!”

“I think it’s safe to say that no one normal lives here NOW. Well, one of us might be considered somewhat sane.”

“Don’t worry. Your secret's safe with me. I won’t tell anyone you’re a psycho.”

She opens the door to the main bathroom and pokes her head inside. Fingernails tapping against the wall as she makes approving noises and comments about the brand new shower, tub, sink, and toilet. Then proceeds to curse and grumble about having to DEFINITELY change the flooring and the colour of the walls.

“I think we both know I’m the only somewhat normal one around here.”

“You keep telling yourself that.” She moves to the master bedroom, mere seconds passing before she gives a loud gasp. “Oh my god….TYLER!”

“Let me guess, you found the sex dungeon.”

“Even better!” She appears in the doorway, eyes sparkling and dancing as she gives an excited squeal and bounces up and down on her heels. “It’s bigger than I expected!”

“Didn’t you say those exact words in Dhaka? The first time I dropped my pants?”

“I was pleasantly surprised. That you exceeded even MY lofty expectations.”

“What did you find? I swear if it’s anything remotely related to me taking something up the ass…”

“Nothing like that! You need to see it! It’s enormous!”

“You don’t have another guy stashed in there, do you?”

“I can barely handle the one I already have. Why would I want the extra stress? Seriously, come and see this.”

“I know what a bedroom looks like.”

“It’s not just the room that’s bigger and better than I thought it would be! It’s the bed! It takes up so much space, and there’s still lots of room to spare. Please just come and take a look? Because I asked so nicely? Pretty please? I know how much you love to make me happy.”

“For someone so tiny, you’re an enormous pain in my ass,” he grumbles, yet shoots her a wink. A hand on the table top as he slowly pushes himself up onto his feet; fighting back a wince as even the most careful of movements bring almost unbearable agony. Too much time spent on his ass during the flight and the long drive from Vienna to the cabin; his knee feeling tight and swollen and in desperate need of relief.

“As soon as we eat, you put your leg up,” Esme informs him, as he joins her in the doorway. “It’s not good to go this long without elevating it. And you WILL take your meds.”

“While I’d normally argue with you and tell you I’m fine…”

“That’s how I know it’s bad. You’re NOT giving me a hard time.”

“I’ll be okay. Just he assures her, and places a hand on the back of her neck, his lips meeting her temple as his fingers massage the stiff, tight muscles. “Just need to rest it.”

For months she’s held onto an enormous amount of stress and tension; those long, trying days and nights spent at his bedside, fighting back against the doctors who had already declared him a lost cause and wanted to just pull the plug. But she’d held on there despite the pressure dumped upon her, digging her heels in even further and refusing to break to their demands. They weren’t using him as a sacrifice to the healthcare system Gods; they’d have to find another way to ‘free up a bed’.

“She’s going to break sooner or later,” Nik had warned him just days before his release. “She’s been shouldering all of this for three quarters of a year. I’ve been around some very tough people, but none as tough as THAT. She can’t keep it up, Tyler. She just can’t. We all break at one point or another. And when her time comes, you’re going to have to be there for her. Because she’ll need you. So you better be sure that you’ll step up.”

One of her tiny hands falls on the small of his back as he sticks his head into the master. “What do you think? It’s huge, right?”

“Definitely bigger than I expected. The room AND the bed.”

She playfully smacks his ass, grinning up at him as she tightly squeezes a cheek through the fabric of his pants. “You know how much I love a large playground.”

“Speaking of playtime, when do I get my surprise?”

“Patience is a virtue, old fella.”

“For who?”

“The virtuous, I guess. Besides, I thought you were hungry. And tired. And sore.”

“I am. I’m all three of those. But…” He hastily removes the sling from his left arm, tearing open the velcro fasteners and tossing the object onto the dresser. Not giving her a chance to respond, he grabs hold of her hips and uses his much larger, heavier frame to propel her backwards into the room.

“We’re really going to give it a go, are we? Right this second?”

“No time like the present. I’ve been wanting to give it a go since we left the hospital. Even BEFORE that. I was going to say something on the plane; about joining the mile-high club, but…”

“Been there, done that.”

He frowns, pausing as he leans in to kiss her, their lips a hair’s width apart.

“You’re not the only one with a past, Tyler Rake.”

“Did he teach you anything good?”

“He taught me a few things.” Her hands slide up the front of his henley shirt, chestnut eyes locked on brilliant blue as she softly drags the nails of her index across his stomach. Beginning their lazy journey at his belt buckle and finally finishing at each of his hips. “Who do you think is responsible for this mouth being so talented?”

“As much as I hate even thinking about you with other guys, I want his name and address. So I can send him a thank you card. And a case of beer. You know, just a small token of gratitude.”

“And seeing as he didn’t give a shit about what I needed to feel good, I figured I’d let you teach me the rest.”

“I’m honoured.”

“You should be. I’ve already let you go where no man has ever dared to go before.”

“Only because you asked me if I would. Can’t believe it only took two days.”

“What can I say…” She catches him off guard by pushing him backwards, pinning him between her body and the dresser as she aggressively yanks open his belt. “...you have that effect on me.”

“I realize I’m still hurting, and I got a long way to go, but don’t think for a second you get to be the boss. It doesn’t work that way.”

“Who are you kidding?” She pops open the button on his pants. “I’m always the boss.”

Smirking, he snatches her by the throat, fingers lightly pressing into the soft, delicate flesh as he pushes her towards the bed. And she gives a gasp of surprise when the back of her knees hit the edge of the mattress, giggling when she loses her balance and topples backwards.

She pushes herself up onto her elbows. a slow grin spreading from ear to ear as she watches him quickly dispose of both knee brace and pants and hastily toss them into the nearest corner. “No underwear, huh? You WERE hopeful.”

“Easy access. For both of us.”

“Even in this weather. I’m surprised your balls didn’t freeze off. That would have been a goddamn Greek tragedy.”

“They’re still a little. If you can warm them up. It’ll keep you quiet for a while.”

“Kinky.” She laughs when he grabs hold of the bottom of her jeans; falling backward when he aggressively pulls her towards him. “You ARE eager.”

“Things are working. You said yourself, it’s been hit or miss. Well, right now it's a hit, so…” He yanks both the denim and her skimpy lace underwear over her hips and ass and down her legs. “...let’s not waste time. Just in case.”

“Aren’t you even going to wait? For me to get your surprise on?”

“Nope.” He shoves her thighs open. “Right now, I don’t care. We’ll do that later.”

“Two times in one day? Someone is feeling awful cocky.”

“It’s my cock that’s feeling something. Don’t worry, you’ll be feeling it soon too.”

She opens her mouth to respond but quickly bites down on the bottom lip as he makes his way up her body; a mixture of calloused palms, the roughness of his beard, and the press of warm, soft lips. Thick fingers -with their various scars and misshapen knuckles- digging into the back of her thighs as he licks, sucks, and nibbles his way along the insides of her legs. And though disappointed when he ignores the most desperate and aching of parts, she still manages a giggle when he pulls her surgical steel navel ring into his mouth and lightly yanks at it with his teeth.

No one has ever worshipped her the way he does. The attention and focus he displays while paying homage to her body; the fire in her very bones and nerves growing in intensity with every swipe of his tongue and suckle of his lips and every caress and group of her hands. Selfless and never selfish, even when his own wants and needs are profound and overwhelming. Forever paying keen attention to the way she responds to him. Learning through every sigh and moan, every flinch and shiver, the differences in tone and pitch when she says his name. And somehow always knowing exactly what she needs.

By the time he reaches her lips, she’s desperate for so much more, nails raking across his shoulders and down his back, hips continuously rising to meet his in an unspoken request. When he finally kisses her, she moans into his mouth, and her hands find his hair; her fingers immediately tunnelling through the longer strands as she responds eagerly and hungrily. But when he pulls away to look down at her, there’s a tenderness in his eyes that she isn’t prepared for. An affection and adoration that softens his features and enables her to truly ‘see’ him for the first time. And suddenly, he seems far removed from the hardened and highly skilled mercenary that she had initially fallen in love with. Instead replaced by a previously broken and haunted man who’s in the midst of the most important transformation of his entire life.

The healing of both body AND mind.

“I love you.”

It brings tears to her eyes. The sincerity in those three simple, yet powerful words.

“More than you’ll ever know.”

The sob escapes her before she has the chance to bite it back, and she quickly finds herself gathered into strong arms and a broad chest. His body is warm and hard against hers, and his hands are steady yet comforting as they lovingly stroke her hair and repeatedly caress her back.

It’s all so foreign and overwhelming. Completely unlike anything she’s ever known or experienced. He’s reliable. Protective. Making her feel safe and secure in ways no one else ever has.

And in that moment, she’s sure of one thing. She’s never been loved like this, either.

*****

He feels sleepy and content as he lounges on the couch; his bad leg -once more sporting the knee brace- stretched out, foot resting on the coffee table. Both body and mind sated by a successful -if not disappointingly short- love making session that ended up more slow and tender than he’d originally anticipated. It had been followed by a hot shower and a surprisingly good meal that Esme had been incredibly proud of; a simple pasta and meat sauce dish paired with salad and garlic toast. Now he alternates between watching football and listening to his girlfriend as she busies herself in the kitchen. Lucy refusing to leave her side; more than pleased with the morsels of food she’d been slipped under the table. And with the seemingly endless amount of ear rubs and hair ruffles and chin scratches that are passed her way.

It’s the most relaxed he’s been in years. The warmth of the fire as snow trickles down outside, the rattling of dishes and silverware, and the way Esme alternates between humming as she works and talking to Lucy in a quiet, motherly way. The fear is starting to fade; the realization setting in that not only this is his life now, but he’s good with it. Not entirely accepting of the fact he’s retired; remaining somewhat concerned about where he goes -professional speaking- from here. But he feels safe and secure in the knowledge that knowing that Esme is under the same roof. Wanting and needing him. Loving him.

“I don’t have anything else, my love,” Esme addresses the dog sprawled out at her feet. “At least none of what you really want. Do you want a cookie? Auntie Nik got them just for you. I bet they’re delicious. Let’s get you a cookie.”

Out of the corner of his eyes, he sees her move across the room, her hair still loose and flowing and nearly reaching the middle of her back. Her tiny frame clad in a pair of simple black leggings and one of the plaid shirts she’d poached from his side of the closet. And he finds himself amused by the way she has to stand on her tiptoes to get the container of dog biscuits off the second shelf in the cupboard.

“Tyler…”

“Yeah?”

“This d…o…g won’t stop eating.”

“Why did you spell that out?”

“Because I don’t want her to know I’m talking about her. It might give her a complex.”

“Your logic is…astounding.”

“Even animals have feelings. I mean, you’re the biggest one of all, and you’ve been all up in your feels lately.”

“Esme?”

She glances towards him.

Without looking away from the television, he holds up his right hand and flips her the middle finger.

“Well, that’s just rude, isn’t it Lucy? Just plain rude.”

“She’s a traitor. That’s your dog now. She’s made that perfectly clear. Hasn’t left your side since before dinner.”

“Well, if we want to get technical, she’s OUR dog now. But I’m sure she still loves you best. Daddy’s still your favourite, isn’t he? You could never love anyone the way you love him. I’ll let you in on a little secret; I feel the exact same way about him.”

He smiles. “You BOTH have horrible taste in men.”

“Excuse you? I’ll have you know that my taste in me is impeccable. Well, at least NOW it is. I didn’t have to kiss too many frogs before I got to my prince, but the ones I DID have to kiss? Ewwww.” Giving Lucy a final pet, she fills the kettle and plugs in it, completing her tidying of the kitchen and then making a coffee for him, a tea for herself. Starting her journey into the living room, she pauses by the front door; spotting the small cardboard box he’d set down earlier. “What’s this?”

He casts a glance in her direction. “Just some stuff from my old place. That Nik and Yaz packed up.”

“That’s all they brought?”

“That and some clothes.”

“Where’s the rest?”

“What rest? You saw my old place. What more was there for them to bring?”

“What’s in it?”

“Just some personal shit. From back in the day. Nothing you need to worry yourself with.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry. It’s really none of my business. I shouldn’t have even asked. It’s really none of my business.”

“I didn’t mean it like that.” Fuck. He really needs to pay more attention to the tone of his voice when speaking to her. He’s always been straight to the point; never dragging things out or sugar coating them. While it had suited him well in both military and mercenary life and had, it had unfortunately been one of the many issues that eventually sunk his marriage. Esme deserves better; she’s sensitive and feels and loves so deeply and profoundly. And, like her need to give and want affection, it’s yet another thing he needs to get used to. “I just meant that it’s nothing serious. I’d tell you if it was.”

She doesn’t pursue it. Either not as hurt at his reaction as he had thought she would be, or just deciding to pick her battles. But she greets him with a smile when she joins him, setting their mugs down on the coffee table and then accepting the hand he offers her and dropping down beside her.

Releasing her hand, he wraps his arm around her, he pulls her tightly against him, his hand resting on her hip as he presses a kiss to her temple. She smells so damn good; that mixture of coconut, honey, and milk that he’d first discovered in Dhaka and had been so enthralled. It’s simple and unassuming; a cheap shampoo that she’d found in a corner store in Prague just hours before Nik had brought her to Australia. And she’d been so taken aback by his genuine compliments about the scent, that she’d decided never to use anything else.

“I’m sorry.”

She reaches for the coffee and hands it to them, then picks up her tea. “For what?”

“I honestly didn’t mean it the way it sounded. When you asked about the box. It’s not it’s not your business. It’s just…” Shrugging, he sips at his drink. “...nothing you’d be interested in. Or at least, I don’t think you’d be.”

“I’m interested in YOU. In your life. Especially the one that came before me. I know it wasn’t a utopia by any stretch of the imagination, and you’ve been through some shit, but if you ever WANT to share, I’m good with it.”

“Same goes for you, yeah? If you ever just want to tell me about things? I don’t want you holding back because you think it’s going to piss me off. Even if hearing about your ex and the shit he did might make me feel homicidal.”

“And he’d deserve it. If you got a hold of him and broke every bone in his body.”

“I wouldn’t just stop there. I wouldn’t be able to. And a lot of places to stash him afterwards. Where no one would ever find him.”

“As much as I appreciate and love you for wanting to avenge me, I also don’t want to bring him into this. Into our life together. I don’t want him tarnishing things. Ruining them.”

“He could never do that.”

“Just some things really are better left in the past. Some of the things he did…” She chews on her bottom lip, choosing her words carefully. “...I just can’t talk about those. And that’s not a personal slight against you. It’s not because I feel like I CAN’T you. It has nothing to do with you.”

“I know. But if you ever DO want to talk about things…”

“Believe, you’d be the first person…the ONLY person…I’d ever go to. I trust Nik and Yaz, but not in the same way I trust you. Does that make sense?”

“It does. I feel the same way about you.”

“You’re my person, Tyler. You’re the one I want to tell things to. Good AND bad. You’re the one I want to share things with. Whether it’s horror stories about my ex or stupid jokes that I’ve gathered up over the years, or things I hear or see when I’m out. I don’t feel that comfortable with anyone else. Not like I do with you.”

“Do you think maybe it has something to do with the fact I’m the one you get naked and do filthy fucking things with?”

“That could play a role,” she laughs, and presses a lingering kiss to his cheek.

They settle into a comfortable, companionable silence, Lucy joining them and lying on the floor in front of the couch; watching the football game as they nurse their drinks, enjoying the warmth from the fire. He realizes that they’re in the midst of the ‘honeymoon phase’; everything seems to flow and co-exist so easily. Able to shut themselves away from the outside world; refusing to allow intrusive thoughts to penetrate the bubble they’ve built around themselves. They’re happy and comfortable; immersed in the ‘getting to know you stage’ outside of the intimate moments. Learning about each other’s likes and dislikes, their respective quirks and habits. It won’t always be this way. The charm will wear off; they’ll become easily annoyed and agitated as they both attempt to get used to sharing not only their space but their life, with another person.

When their mugs are empty, she places them on the coffee table and then stretches out on the couch. On her side with both arms wrapped around his thigh and her head in his lap.

“Is your team playing?”

His hand settles on her hip. “Yeah. The Western Bulldogs. They’re the ones with the red and blue shirts.”

“Are they winning?”

“By a pretty big margin, actually.”

“This doesn’t look like regular football. It’s nothing like the NFL. These guys are out there just killing each other. And as much as enjoy senseless violence from time to time…”

“This is Australian rules. Nothing like what you’re used to. This is the real deal. Not that wimpy crap they play where you’re from.”

“If we’re able to get sports from Australia, we might be able to get some hockey games. That would be nice. We could watch them together.”

“I don’t like hockey.”

“Have you ever seen a hockey game?”

“Once. That was enough.”

“Tell you what…” She rolls over onto her back “...if you’ll watch some hockey games and learn a bit about it, I’ll do the same with you and your football. Deal?”

“I suppose I could agree to that.”

“You’re going to have to teach me the rules, though. I know nothing about football. ANY kind of football.”

“Shouldn’t be hard. You’ve already proven to be a pretty fast learner in other areas. I’m impressed with you.”

“Well, you happen to be an excellent teacher. Although I do have one complaint.”

Tyler frowns.

“Things worked so well, I am aching. I don’t think I’m going to be able to walk properly for a couple of days.”

“Just a couple? I’m insulted.”

“Next time, the number will be higher, I promise.”

“I may have been a little….hasty…when it came to going from start to finish.”

“It lasted longer than I thought it would, to be honest.”

“Excuse you?”

“I didn’t mean that as a cheap shot. And I’m already very familiar with your skills and your staying power. But think of everything you just went through; you were clinically dead nine months ago, AND you just spent three quarters of a year in the hospital. I know we’ve gotten up to other things, but we haven’t actually done THAT. Given the circumstances, you not lasting that long is to be expected.”

“I don’t know if any of your little speech made me feel any better. It’s embarrassing. I’m thirty-five years old and…”

“You’re thirty-six now. You had a birthday in the midst of everything.”

“That’s it, just go and make things worse. Add another year onto my life.”

“Listen…” Reaching up, she takes hold of his chin. “...there is nothing to be embarrassed about. Do you realize how close you were? To being six feet under? You shouldn’t even be here. A weaker man? They would have given up. They wouldn’t have fought their way back. And if one of the setbacks to surviving all that is to not last as long as you usually do, I’d say that’s pretty damn good.”

“I’ve lasted longer than since I was fifteen years old.”

“And you’ll go back lasting longer again. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Did I have a problem with it?”

“Not that I could tell. Or that you’re admitting.”

“I have absolutely zero complaints. Except for the whole not being able to walk or sit properly thing. You need to realize that things aren’t going to be like they were. Not for a while, anyway. You’ve come a long way and there’s an even longer way to go. Can’t you just be proud of yourself? For even getting out of that hospital?”

“I only did it for you. You’re the only reason I fought my way back. Why I busted my ass to get back on my feet. If you hadn’t been around…”

“But I WAS. I was there because I wanted to be. Because I knew you had a lot of fight left in you. And I know you’re tired and frustrated, and you think you should be further ahead, but you’re doing way better than anyone ever expected.”

“You expected it. You didn’t give up.”

“I know how strong you are. And I know you in ways all those other people don’t. Even Nik. I wasn’t abandoning you, Tyler. And I would have fought to the bitter end. Until there was some proof you weren’t going to come out of it. So THIS? This whole not lasting as long as normal? It’s actually a huge accomplishment, considering. Think of it that way.”

“Why are you like this?”

“Like what?”

“How do you always find the silver lining in everything? The glass is always half full to you. How…?”

“Because I know what I’ve survived. Not even my worst days come close to what Mark put me through. So guess I’ve just tried to turn my suffering into something positive. I’ve learned to look at the world in a different way.”

“Personally, I think you’re just some kind of freak.”

Scowling, she flicks the tip of his nose with her thumb and forefinger.

“I love you, though. As weird as you are.”

“Admit it, my weirdness was one of the things you found adorable and appealing.”

“No, actually. It wasn’t. I’ve just learned to accept it and live with it.”

“Well, for what it’s worth? I love YOU. You enormously stubborn pain in my ass.”

“I don’t know what I ever did to deserve it, but…”

“Did I say it was up for debate? Did I say you could question things? No. So just…” She places a hand over his mouth. “...shhhh. Stop asking why and stop doubting what you’re worthy of, and just go with it. Can you do that? Just accept it and go with it?”

“I can try.”

“You better,” she warns and then turns her face towards him, her nose pressing into his stomach and her eyes closing. The events of the morning and afternoon quickly catching up to her: the relief that came with finally leaving the hospital, the long flight that had followed, and the drive to the cabin that represented the last leg of their trip to freedom. And then the sex; that effortless transition from hungry, desperate, and impatient to something much more tender and attentive.

Now she’s finally able to relish in the aftermath. Enjoying the hardness of his body and that warmth that radiates from it, his familiar smell and the beat of his heart deep within. Issuing a long, content sigh when one of those enormous, calloused hands is placed upon her cheek; his fingertips softly stroking her forehead while his thumb makes continuous sweeps across her cheek. And just as she begins to feel herself teetering on the edge of sleep, she feels him move against her; the slight shift of his body and the couch cushions as he reaches for the throw on the back of the couch and proceeds to drape it over her. What follows is such a simple, sweet display of care and adoration. A smile playing on her lips as this man -so big and so strong and capable of inflicting so much harm- ever so tenderly tucks and secures the fabric under and around her.

From that moment, she loses all track of time. The stroking of her cheek eventually ceases; his arm becomes limp, and his hand comes to rest upon her hip as sleep finally claims him. His soft snoring and deep rhythmic breathing joining the rattling of the windows as the wind and the snow continue to rage beyond the cabin’s four walls.

*****

When she wakes, it’s to the crackle of the fire and Lucy’s loud snoring, the cattle dog somehow managing to find enough space on the sofa. Rolling onto her back, she gives a loud yawn and a long, languorous stretch. Rapidly blinking her eyes when she’s greeted by the unexpected glow of the couch side lamp.

She watches Tyler in silence. Still in the same spot as when she’d fallen asleep, his eyes narrowed, and his brow furrowed as he devotes his focus and attention to a game on his cell phone. And it isn’t until she lightly tickles his stomach that he acknowledges her, greeting her with a soft smile as he uses gentle fingertips to clear strands away off her forehead and out of her eyes.

“Hey.”

“Hey.”

“Sleep alright?”

Esme nods. “Guess I was just way too warm and cozy. Did you?”

“It was an okay nap. I kinda freaked out a bit, though. When I woke up. I didn’t even remember coming here. I thought I was still in the hospital. So when I didn’t recognize anything…”

“You spent three-quarters of a year there. I’d be surprised if you didn’t have moments like that. Eventually, they’ll go away. Once you get used to being here.”

“Once I realized that you, were YOU, I was alright. I knew I was in a safe place. That everything was going to be okay.”

It’s so sincere and genuine….so unexpected… that it causes a lump of emotion to sit square in her throat. She’s never known anyone quite like him, the strong, silent type that usually doesn’t have much to say, but makes an enormous impact when he does speak. He hides nothing from her. Open and transparent from the beginning of those five days in Dhaka, not just with words, but with facial expressions and body language. Both of them -despite their painful pasts and respective, albeit different, losses- somehow finding a level of trust in one another that neither had experienced before.

“Are you alright?”

Nodding, he tosses his phone onto the coffee table. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“You’re feeling okay? You’ve had enough to eat? You don’t have too much pain? You…”

“Are you really going to do this as soon as you get up? Start worrying?”

“I can’t help it. I’m a worrier. It’s who I am. You should be used to it by now.”

“There’s nothing for you to worry about. I’m fine. I’d tell you if I wasn’t.”

Her eyes narrow. “Would you?”

“I’ve already promised I would. About a million times already. I’m fine, Esme. I mean, other than the fact my left leg and my ass are completely asleep.”

“You could have gotten up, you know.” She attempts to sit up, laughing when a broad, strong forearm prevents her. “You didn’t have to stay here. You could have moved me.”

“I didn’t have the heart to do it. You looked way too cute, lying there like that. You snore, by the way.”

“I most certainly do not.”

“You do. You snore AND talk in your sleep.”

“Did I say anything interesting?”

“You didn’t incriminate yourself in any crimes if that’s what you mean. You did make a grocery list, though. Toilet paper, milk, ketchup, and cat litter.”

“Bullshit. You’re making that up.”

“I’m telling the truth. Scouts honour.”

“You were NEVER a scout. Who are you kidding?”

“But you did make a grocery list. And those are the things you mentioned. I have no idea where the cat litter comes into play, but…”

“Maybe that was a hint. That we should get a cat.”

“I don’t like cats.”

“How can you not like cats? They’re cute, and they’re furry, and they purr and make biscuits on you. How can you not be into that sort of thing?”

“They smell funny.”

“This coming from a guy that lets chickens freely roam the house. And sleep in the bed!”

“We are NOT getting a cat.”

“Just one?”

“No.”

“Please? You won’t even know it’s here. I’ll do all the feeding and the cleaning up and…”

“I don’t want a cat. I’m not a cat guy. Do I look like one to you?”

“Please, you like pussy more than anyone I know.”

“Not that kind, I don’t.”

“I’ll break you. I’ll wear you down. I will get my cat.”

“Over my dead body.”

“That can be arranged.”

“You’d never go through with. You’d miss me too much.”

“Like a hemorrhoid.” She squeals when he slides a hand between her and the couch and aggressively pinches her ass, then playfully shoves him away and sits up; hands smoothing over her hair and fixing her ponytail. “I have some bad news, by the way.”

“Color me surprised.”

“We have to leave the house sooner than I thought. We need to go into town. Grab a few things.”

“Ketchup, ass tissue, and cat litter?”

“Ice cream. And chocolate. My period is coming soon.”

“I didn’t need to know that.”

“I mean, you wouldn’t wonder why I’m suddenly bitchy and bleeding out of my vagina?”

“You’re always bitchy. And you like things rough. Anything can go wrong when you’re…”

“And firewood. We need firewood. Track down some of the pre-cut, bagged stuff. There’s not enough on the porch to even last even a couple of days. It’s how we heat this place, so…”

“Have you taken a look outside? We are surrounded by trees. Which is where firewood comes from. And I already saw an axe out on the front porch.”

“You have one good arm.”

“Which is more than enough to chop firewood. I mean, it’ll take a lot longer than if I had TWO good arms, but…”

“And you have one good leg. You’re going to hurt yourself. Chop your foot off or something. I could always do it. I know how to use an axe.”

“You can lift an axe?”

“Well, maybe not a normal-size one. But a little one.”

“You mean a hatchet?”

“It’s technically a little axe, right? I mean, it’ll take me a couple of days to make any sort of headway, but…”

“And you worry about me hurting myself? I’m just supposed to be okay with you wielding a hatchet? I mean, if you want to do it that badly, you can just come out and help me. Make sure I don’t fuck things up.”

“Oh, right. And then when I annoy you, you’ll chop me into a million pieces and throw me in the woods!”

“I would never chop you up and throw you in the woods.”

“Aww, you big softy. You wouldn’t know what to do with yourself; if I wasn’t around anymore. You’d…”

“I’d chop you up and feed you to the dog.”

At the end of the couch, Lucy briefly raises her head, tilting it from side to side before issuing a heavy sigh and returning to her original position.

“You’re an asshole,” Esme grumbles, laughing when she tries to stand but quickly finds two powerful arms wrapping around her waist and yanking her back down.

“I'll tell you what, because I don’t want you worrying so much, we will go into town and find bagged firewood.”

“Thank you.”

“We’ll get enough to last at least a couple of weeks. But once it runs out, you gotta give me a chance, yeah? To try and do things? Because I’m going to go completely fucking nuts doing nothing but sitting on my ass all day.”

“There’s lots of things for you to do. You can go on walks, you can ice fish, you can learn to knit, like Yaz said.”

“Just let me try. That’s all I’m asking. I’m not going to get any better by not testing the limits. You need to trust me.”

“It’s not that I don’t trust you. It’s just that I worry about you. I’ve spent nine months taking care of you. In some way or another. And it makes me really nervous; when I think about all the things that could go wrong.”

“Don’t think about those things, then,”

“Believe me, it’s easier said than done. But I WILL try. To not worry so much.”

“Thank you.”

Slipping out of his embrace, she climbs into his lap, wrapping both arms around his neck and placing her head on his shoulder. And her eyes close as she enjoys both his scent and touch, large hands slipping up the back of her shirt, calloused fingertips repeatedly travelling up and down her spine.

“By the way…” His voice rumbles deep within his chest. “...I’d never do anything horrible to you. Not even remotely.”

Smiling, she presses a kiss to the sensitive spot just below his left ear. “I know.”

“Also, I’m ready for my surprise.”

“Jesus…”

“Listen, you said the ‘p word’. That was the trigger.”

Laughing, she pulls back to look at him, fingertips tracing the scar that curves over the bridge of her nose. “You’re like a horny fifteen-year-old stuck in a grown man’s body.”

“I’ve got a lot to make up for. Nine months. That’s…”

“A long ass time.”

“I don’t know old timer,” she teases, and playfully ruffles his hair. “Think you can keep up with a youngin’ like me.”

“I don’t know.” One hand slips between them to gently cup her breast, and he feels her shiver against him when his thumb brushes over her nipple. “But I can’t try.”

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[bebemoon]

look for the name: HELENA

frolov handcrafted embellished transparent dress 

{beauty} anok yai for met gala 2o19

prada silver crystal-encrusted high-heeled sandal w/ ankle strap, a/w 2o19

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crystal feather plume-embellished tiara, c. 192o’s

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