#It might be a while until I front again so it'd be nice to keep the blog somewhat active while I'm gone!

[nonstoplover]

unstoppable apologies ~ bradley 'rooster' bradshaw

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pairing: bradley 'rooster' bradshaw x female benjamin!reader

summary: rooster can't find the courage to ask penny's daughter out, right up until one especially tipsy night when things take a turn.

words: 4.4K

warnings: nothing really, except a lot of fluff. oh. it's not proof read.

a/n: this is my first time writing for Top Gun, even though i've been obsessed with it for many years. i guess seeing Goose's son brought it out of me. i literally haven't thought about anything else but Rooster these past weeks. he even managed to bring me out of this half a year long writer's block. (thank you miles.) anyway. this turned into a much longer fic than i originally intended, but i'm not sorry about it.

i dedicate this one to my lovely @wecomrades (even though i know you don't like reading reader insert, i'm sorry), for being my partner in crime when it comes to obsessing over Rooster and TG and also for supporting me as always. i love you so much, L <3

It's been only two weeks since (y/n)'s started working at the Hard Deck when Penny decides to put up an addition to the sign announcing the bar's rules, saying that whoever makes eyes and/or relentlessly flirts with the bartenders will have to buy a round for everyone.

"Mom, what is this?" (y/n) groans the next day when she comes in for her shift, eyes landing on the piece of cardboard.

"Sorry, sweetie, but I'm not letting all these men undress you with their eyes. Not without a punishment anyway," Penny shrugs. "If someone wants to flirt with you, they should be serious enough about it to bear the consequences and pay a round."

"I hope you know just how embarrassing this is for me."

"Embarrassment is better than non-stop horny glances."

The girl just sighs with a roll of her eyes and goes on to help her mother clean the counter.

- - - - -

"Come on, Bradshaw, stop overthinking it," Phoenix grabs her friend's arm to slightly pull him in the right direction. "It's not like you haven't gone up there and talked to her before."

"I know, I just don't want to be too obvious with how it's always me going there. What if she doesn't like me back?" Rooster shakes his head, trying to get his arm free again.

"What if she does?" The female pilot retorts without a second of thinking. "Look, we all want another round of drinks, so please just move and get over it. Order our drinks while we continue this game."

Rooster sighs, bracing himself for the inevitable - the conversation with the girl he's developed the most ridiculous crush on. He sometimes feels like he's back in high school with the way he acts and his mind works whenever she gets in the picture, but he can't help it. There's something about her that makes him feel drawn to her when they're in-between the same four walls, making him lose all sense of rationality.

What if she does? The way Phoenix said it somehow suggested to him that she might know something he doesn't. What if?, the words keep on repeating in his head as he walks up to the counter with a little more bounce in his steps thanks to the alcohol buzzing in his system.

"(y/n) darlin', can you get us another round?" He leans in, palms spreading out on the wooden surface, his eyes focused on nothing else but the girl.

"Honestly, what is it with your group? Why can't anyone else come but you?" (y/n) giggles as she starts moving around, getting him their choice of drinks.

"Oh, be careful with your words, lady, in the end I'm gonna think you'd prefer someone else coming here."

"And what if I do? It'd be nice talking to Natasha for a change, not just to your boring face," she placed another glass in front of him with a wink accompanying her words, her teeth sinking into her bottom lip to prevent her from chuckling.

Bradley places a hand on his chest, pretending feeling pain inside. "You're deeply hurting me right now, (y/n) Benjamin."

"It's not like your ego can't handle a little bit of honesty, Bradley Bradshaw."

He hasn't even noticed how close their faces have gotten during the past few sentences until she finally starts laughing and he can feel the air leaving her lungs on the skin of his face. His heart skips a beat as an involuntary, gentle smile spreads across his lips. The next moment the girl leans back and pushes herself away from the counter, moving to another spot where someone else has been patiently waiting to get a drink.

Rooster stays in the exact same position, body leaning in to support himself against the side of the counter and hands lightly pressing into it, only his eyes moving around, following her every movement. She's so gorgeous it hurts.

He would've probably stayed in that position for a lot longer if it wasn't for the bell ringing out. The sudden noise brings him out of his daydream and he blinks before making eye contact with Penny, her eyes suggestive and a playful grin on her lips. A wave of cheering sounds across the bar and the man next to him pats him on the shoulder whilst saying thanks.

It's in that very moment he realises it's him who has to buy everyone a round. It's him who broke one of Penny's rules. Rooster swiftly glances down at the counter to see if he has his phone out but it's not there. He looks back up at the bar owner with confusion written on his face, only to catch her finger pointing in the sign's direction, at a specific part of the rules. His eyes land on the words written there and a moment later he feels the blood rushing to his cheeks, probably painting his whole face bright red in the embarrassment he feels.

He got caught staring at the girl like that. And by none other but her mother.

Bradley groans, fishing out his wallet from his pocket, not daring to glance back towards his friends - he can hear them shouting and whooping towards him perfectly without looking and having to face their grinning expressions too. As he pulls out his card and hands it to Penny, his eyes land on (y/n) standing not far behind her mom, her face just as burning red as his feels.

Great. He even embarrassed her, not just himself. He made her feel awkward.

Penny hands him back the card a couple seconds later with a joyous glare and a chuckle, and he turns around just in time to see Phoenix arrive, lending a helping hand in carrying their drinks. "What the hell have you done?" She whisper-screams with a giggle escaping her lips.

"Nothing. I don't know," he shakes his head, trying to get away from the scene of his crime as fast as possible, mentally promising himself never to go around the counter again if he gets even the slightest bit of tipsy.

- - - - -

"Go, I can finish this," Penny gently bumps her shoulder against her daughter's. "I think someone's waiting for you outside."

(y/n) glances at the window besides the front door, seeing the dark silhouette that seems somewhat familiar before turning her eyes towards her mom again. "I think someone's waiting for you," she giggles, suggestively nodding her head towards one of the tables in the corner of the otherwise empty bar, more specifically the man sitting next to it.

"Oh, stop it," the older woman laughs.

"Only if you will stop it too."

"What? I'm just playfully teasing."

"Me too," (y/n) shakes her head still grinning.

Moving out from behind the counter she grabs her bag and sets off towards the door. "Now go and have some fun. But not too much," she adds just as she grabs the handle, quickly stepping out into the warm air of the night with laughter bubbling from her lips, escaping from the loud, nonsense shout her mom sends after her alongside the towel she's been using to clean the counter up until she threw it away.

(y/n)'s still quietly chuckling away as her eyes land on the figure leaning heavily against the wall. "Rooster?"

The young man raises his head from its hanging position and lets his eyes wander up from her feet to her face. "Hi," he breathes out eventually.

"What are you still doing here? I thought you and your friends left more than an hour ago."

"They did."

She frowns, wondering why he might be still waiting here then, and can't help but feel her heartrate fasten, thinking about the possibility that he's been really waiting for her. As her eyes rake over his appearance, taking in the slighty dazed look he's giving her, the way his fingers noiselessly drum some kind of rhythm on his thighs, she concludes that he's probably still quite tipsy - if not drunk - from all the drinks he's consumed that night, no matter how long he's been sitting outside in the fresh, salty air.

"Oh, come on, you big baby, let's get you home," she leans down, grabbing one of his hands and gently tugging it upwards. For a moment he doesn't react, instead still keeps on looking at her, but after a second tug from her he starts moving, pressing his free hand down against the ground and pushing himself up. Standing upright he sways before her fingers wrap around his shoulder, gripping onto his flesh to keep him steady.

"I don't wanna go home yet," he announces.

"But you definitely should."

"No, I wanna take a walk on the beach first. With you. That's why I've been waiting here." Rooster's words come out more clear and confident than before, now definitely making her heart skip a beat.

(y/n) lets out a breath - she's not been planning to spend the rest of her evening with pampering a drunken man. But she has to admit that he looks utterly cute still holding onto her hand tightly, half leaning against the wall behind him, with a couple loose strands of his light brown hair falling in front of his forehead. And he's always been fun to be around. It's not like she can't push the planned curling up on her couch and watching some Netflix show to another day.

"Okay, let's go then," she smiles up at him, nodding towards the oceanside. His eyes light up and he pushes himself off the wall. The girl doesn't even try to pull her hand away - it just feels too good to be held by him to let that go so easily - but he still tightens his grip on her, as if being afraid that she'd tear the connection if he wasn't precautious.

They walk in silence for a while, only the sound of the waves crashing into the shore giving a constant background noise. A soft breeze moves around them, ruffling her hair and slightly pushing his unbuttoned Hawaiian shirt off his shoulder. It feels nice and comfortable to just stroll quietly by his side, she thinks. After spending hours in the non-stop, loud noise of the bar, her ears feel blessed to have been allowed to rest a bit.

"I'm sorry," Bradley breaks the silence eventually, making the girl frown and glance at him in confusion. She opens her mouth to ask him what for when he continues. "I'm sorry for embarrassing you earlier."

It still takes a moment for her mind to catch up to what he means, having almost completely forgotten about the bell being rung and Rooster standing there at the counter with flaming red cheeks. A tender giggle escapes her lips as the memory resurfaces.

"You don't have anything to apologise for, you didn't embarrass me," she delicately pats his shoulder with her free hand. "If I remember correctly, it was you who became the red-faced centre of attention."

Rooster lets out a low groan, his fingers flying to the back of his neck to scratch away at the skin there, clearly still feeling awkward about the situation. "Still, I'm sorry."

"You really don't have to, Bradshaw. It was probably just my mom revenging my constant teasing of her and Maverick," (y/n) shrugs, shaking her head at her mother's childishness. "She just wanted to tease you a bit in order to tease me."

It's like the man can't even hear her - he mindlessly rubs the skin of his cheek, eyes staring strictly at the sand beneath his feet as they move along the shore. "I didn't want to be rude or too straightforward. I shouldn't have looked at you like that."

"I'm sure you didn't even look at me like that in the first place." Even the thought alone is ridiculous. Why would he, Rooster, the man himself would look at her like that? God, why had her mother decided to put that sign up? "And you ordering for drinks is far from being too straightforward. You don't know the things I hear all the time. That's what my mom meant with that stupid rule, not what you did."

Rooster stays silent for a couple seconds, seemingly deep in thought before deciding to speak up again. "But that's the thing. I did."

(y/n) feels her brows furrow as she glances at him once more. "You did what?"

"I looked at you like that," he confesses, eyes rising up to watch what can be seen of the rolling waves in the dim light that comes from the Hard Deck.

"Oh." That's all the girl can manage as her mind slowly processes his words. But why would he? He was probably more drunk tonight than she thought he was, if he even for a second looked at her in a way that made her mom ring the bell.

"I feel bad because you're not an object to just stare at or whatever," he keeps on rambling, as if it's something he needs to get off his chest.

"Rooster, you're scaring me," (y/n) giggles. "Where's the cocky pilot I got to know and who's this utter mess next to me?"

"He left a couple hours ago," he mumbles so quietly she almost doesn't hear it, before speaking up louder again. "I truly feel bad."

"Okay, that's enough. If I hear you say that one more time, I'm gonna be the one who feels bad."

Her feet mindlessly kick away at a pile of sand in her way, and she watches as the dry grains of sand go flying in the air, get caught up by the breeze and being blown towards the ocean. "Look, I really don't care about it. Nothing happened so please calm down and stop worrying."

"I can't. I have to make you understand how sorry I am."

God, he's actually still drunk.

"I would never want to disrespect you. Not anyone but especially not you. I swear I will never do it again." His words slur as he keeps on lowly explaining himself, the word sorry appearing every other second and she actually has to bite into the inside of her cheek to keep herself from giggling out loud.

She watches with amusement as he's talking unstoppably, wondering if he even knows what's going on, trying to put a stop to it, interrupting him on several occasions, but it's like his mind is somewhere very far away - too far for her words to truly reach his mind.

With a shake of her head (y/n) abruptly stops, and pulling her hand away from his she turns to face him. Before he can even realise how the circumstances have changed, she's already grabbing both sides of his face with a fond but still somewhat firm movement. She can just see the moment a slight confusion appears in the glint of his eyes as she swiftly leans in and presses her lips to his in a way to finally shut him up.

For a short second it feels like not even this can stop him as his lips keep moving, muffled words sounding from them, but then he suddenly goes completely quiet, and then just one more second later he responds to her kiss.

The romantic books and movies she's read and seen all describe this feeling with mentions of fireworks and butterflies, but somehow it feels completely different than that as he practically melts into her hands. Her senses sharpen like they never did before, and she's sure she's going to combust right here and now.

She can feel crystal clear the exact moment his warm palm touches the small of her back, the heat radiating from his skin going right through the material of her T-shirt and onto her skin, sending a tingle up her spine. The breath leaving through his nose tickles her face and she can feel more than she can hear the soft sigh that leaves his lips as he leans into the kiss even more. Her hands slowly slide lower to rest against his chest just as his fingers tangle themselves into her hair. The light taste of beer transfers from his lips to hers and she revels in the tiny remnants of the alcohol seeping into her system.

When all oxygen leaves her lungs and she can feel them burn in a desperate plead, (y/n) takes a step back, allowing their lips to disconnect. Rooster chases after her lips for a moment, leaning closer still, until her finger presses onto his pursed and swollen lips, stopping his movement. His eyes flutter open and he just stays motionless, staring dazedly into her eyes.

It soon becomes too much to bear, and so she turns her head away, fingers gently wrapping around his wrists to guide them away from her body. Trying to put the buzzing of her mind and all her senses aside she slips a hand into his and turns the two of them around so they can start their walk back to her car.

"Come on, let's get you home to sleep this off, Bradley," she says quietly, a soft smile playing on her lips when she feels his fingers tighten around hers hearing his first name coming from her mouth.

- - - - -

The next day, when (y/n) can hear the sound of the bar's front door being opened and then closed, footsteps approaching the counter as she's placing the clean glasses back to their places, she speaks without looking up. "We don't open for another ten minutes, sorry."

"Don't worry, I'm not here to get a drink," a very familiar raspy, deep voice replies, making her spin around to stare at the man now arriving to the counter.

"Hey," she greets Rooster with a soft smile. Her glance travels all around him - at least the parts of him she can see above the wooden furniture - taking in the pink blush colouring his cheeks, the small and even shy smile playing on his lips.

Does he remember last night at all?

"Uhm, so I wanted to ask you a question, actually," Bradley speaks up, chuckling away after a momentary pause.

"(y/n), dear, can you help me-" Penny's voice rings out as she enters through the kitchen door, but stops abruptly when her eyes land on the pilot leaning against the counter, a knowing smirk slowly taking over her expression. "Oh, I'm sorry, didn't know anyone was in here already. I'll leave you to it," and with that, she moves back from where she's just come from.

(y/n) and Bradley look at each other and burst out laughing at the same time, the sound of their laughter combined helping to ease the previously formed tension. When they finally calm down and everything goes quiet again, (y/n) tilts her head to the side. "So what is it you wanted to ask me?"

"Oh, yeah. Uhm," the man mumbles and she raises an eyebrow, thinking back to the previous night and how similarly he's behaving right now - totally unlike him. "Is there any particular reason you kissed me last night besides wanting to shut me up?"

So he does remember.

Now it's her turn to become all shy and flustered, cheeks turning pink and eyes slightly widening. "Well, that was the main reason, to get you silent finally," she chuckles, but the not finished sentence sensibly hangs in the air still and she knows that he can feel it too, especially when he raises an eyebrow in a suggestive, expectant way.

"But?" Rooster breathes out, leaning just a tiny bit closer above the counter.

(y/n) gulps, closing her eyes for a moment to gather the courage to actually confess. "But I also did it because I wanted to."

"You wanted to?"

God, why wouldn't he let me be and stop my suffering?

"Yeah. For a long time, to be honest," she mumbles under her breath before raising her glance up to his face to his how he'll react.

She does it just in time to see that way too familiar cockiness sparkle up again in his eyes, that well-known, overly confident smirk spreading across his lips. "Yeah?"

The girl nods with a roll of her eyes - she can just feel the tidal wave of teasing coming her way, feeling more than surprised when it doesn't come.

"Good thing you did it then, I'm not sure I would ever have been able to make myself finally do it," Rooster continues, and as she's staring into his hazel eyes, she could swear she sees something else spark in there. Something that's tender and breathtaking and lovely and almost like adoration.

"You wanted to?" (y/n) can't help but repeat his previous question back to him.

"I still want to," he replies and it's like her heart is actually bursting out of her chest, beating so fast and loud she's sure even her mother can hear it. "If you'll let me," Bradley finishes, his voice taming down into a gentle mumble.

He leans even closer to her above the counter slowly, painfully slowly, and she can almost feel herself just give in and lean in as well, when her mind's still working part comes up with a rational thought and she swiftly pushes herself further from the counter.

She can see the confusion spreading across his face and she can almost hear the thoughts running wild in his head as he's probably wondering what he's done wrong, but before he can ask her, she's already on her way to move out into the open space of the bar. Her feet almost make her stumble in her slightly impatient hurry since she's not taking her eyes off his, not for even the shortest second to look at where she's going.

Dodging a few stools and her fingers finding support on the wooden surface as she drags them along the top of the counter she watches as his head is slowly turning, in sync with her own movements as if he himself wouldn't want to break the eye contact either.

By the time she comes to a halt in front of him, slipping into the space between the counter and him he generated whilst watching her move, he's seemingly caught up to what she had in mind, his lips curling back into the grin once more. "I'll let you, Bradley Bradshaw," she breathes out, noticing his eyes dart down to her lips and back up to her (y/e/c) orbs again.

Slowly, as if they had all the time in the world to themselves, he places both hands on the edge of the counter, trapping the girl there, standing right in-between his arms, mere centimetres away from his body. Then, with the same patience he lowers his head, gently letting his forehead rest against hers. He can feel the stutter of her breath against his skin as she practically shakes with anticipation, making the knowing smirk appear on his face just as he dives in to claim her lips his own.

The clatter of silverware sounding from the kitchen breaks the two of them away a minute or so later, and as (y/n) glances towards the kitchen door, wondering if her mother intentionally made the noise only to further tease them, Bradley untangles his hands from their previous positions on the side of her neck and her left cheek, both of them breathing deeply, chests touching with each inhale.

"Do I interpret the signs correctly and this means that you would say yes if I hypothetically asked you out on a date?" Rooster raises his hand once more, pushing a stray curl of her hair that has fallen in front of her face behind her ear.

"Only hypothetically speaking, yes," the girl replies, a wide grin practically cutting her face into two.

The next moment they share a chuckle, giddy from their previous actions and the weight of their confessions.

"Okay," Bradley leans in to press a soft kiss against her forehead. "Would you go on a date with me then?"

"Wasn't it only hypothetical?" (y/n) can't help but grin up at him.

"It isn't anymore."

She simply nods, letting her eyes do the talking as she stares deep into his gorgeous, sparkling hazel orbs. Rising up to stand on her toes she responds to his peck with a similarly delicate one, just on his cheek, on the spot of impossibly soft skin right under his eyes instead of his forehead.

"Good," he breathes out, eyes fluttering closed from the tenderness. "When does your shift end tonight?"

(y/n)'s just about to answer him when the kitchen door opens once more. "Okay, kiddos, I gave you a couple minutes, now I gotta open this place, so time's up," Penny walks out with a grin on her face, not even looking the tiniest bit of surprised by seeing her daughter and the pilot standing so close to each other, basically in each other's embrace.

Did she know about both our feelings? That's why she rang the bell too?, (y/n) can't help but think.

"Hey, Pen, can I somehow bribe you into letting your daughter finish her shift a bit earlier tonight?" Rooster grins at the bar owner, taking a small step back to let the girl escape from the trap his body created.

Penny rolls her eyes, shaking her head in pretended disbelief. "What are you up to, Lieutenant?"

"I want to take her out on a date, ma'am," he playfully salutes her, responding to her formality without a second thought.

The woman glances to the side, joyously noticing the utter happiness radiating from her daughter, before turning her gaze back to the young man at her side, nodding her approval. "Only this once, and just because I've been watching you pine for each other for too long already," she chuckles and moves to stand behind the counter, placing the towel that's been resting on her shoulder down to give the wooden surface one last wipe.

Rooster turns to (y/n) only to find her standing there with her cheeks flushed pink, looking oh so perfect - and he has to stop for a short second just to take the sight in and wonder if it's from the embarrassment because of her mother or from the kiss they just shared.

They discuss the details of their date under their breath in order to stop her mom being able to hear them perfectly, then he leans in and presses a short and innocent kiss to her temple before turning away and making his way out of the bar, disappearing behind the doorframe - but not before glancing back one last time to shine a wide, excited smile (y/n)'s way.

.::the end::.

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#bradley bradshaw #bradley rooster bradshaw #top gun #top gun maverick #top gun x reader #top gun maverick x reader #bradley bradshaw x reader #bradley 'rooster' bradshaw #bradley bradshaw fanfic #bradley bradshaw fic #bradley bradshaw imagine #bradley bradshaw x y/n #rooster x reader #rooster x you #rooster fanfic #rooster top gun #top gun fanfic #top gun fic #top gun fanfiction #top gun maverick fanfic #top gun maverick fanfiction #top gun maverick fic #top gun rooster #rooster bradshaw #rooster bradshaw imagine #rooster #miles teller top gun #miles teller #maverick #reader insert

[writing-now-andthen]

hcs for reader that likes humiliation in the form of public play stuff🤭?? you could do JD that likes public stuff instead igggg but i couldn’t rlly see him on the receiving end of that, only giving ykkk

ALSO HI i’m going to be ur request supplier now tbh

Hiyesthankyouthankyouthankyou!!!!

Vibrating panties, anal play (butt plugs), kink in public

Hope this is okay, I try not to make it too specific to what I like, unless it's requested, in case it's not what you're looking but I'm gonna end up making more of these that are super self indulgent

The fact that you like public humiliation is such a goldmine for him

The excitement he felt when he found out, if anything could make him believe in a greater power, it'd be this God given gift

Gifts you vibrating panties regardless of what genitalia you have

The best thing he's ever seen is your reaction to hearing someone say "Does anyone else hear that vibrating sound?"

Makes you wear a plug then slaps your ass when you go out

Sometimes on special occasions you'll both make time for him to drive you out of town far out of town until you hit another one filled with people you'll never have to see again

Makes a whole day of it

Takes you to breakfast, he'll order for you, and he'll say things in front of the server like, "sitting down doesn't hurt right? I mean after you took me in you so well last night?" Doesn't matter if it's true

He completely stops trying to be low key or stealthy

Your vibrating panties are giving you an orgasm before you leave

Straight up start walking around with on a leash

Someone walking behind you might not notice your standing as close to him as you can while you walk so it looks less obvious

Wants to take you shopping and if he decides you're sounding to whiny "C'mon don't make me wear this"

Then he's trying your leash to a post outside, you can wait for him there

Tell him he's an asshole a dick and he gets real close to you, his hands are on your hips and he brings his mouth to your ear and tell you you like it

Call him a sadist, he calls you a masochist

You're literally just standing there waiting, hoping no one can tell you're ties to a post or hoping someone will

When he comes back out he is so loud

I mean how could he be quiet about it? He's just so excited

Look how good and patient you were, let's just get you untied, and look they had flavored condoms there, do you wanna wait to taste them in private or are you to needy? And- JD shut up people are starring

He'll bring you in the store next time but he's cuffing you to the cart

He'll just start bringing up your humiliation kink in front of people

"what's wrong, I thought you liked being humiliated, or are you just flustered because you're turned on?"

Doesn't matter where you are or who's there you're answering that question

If you're turned on then he wants to hear you say it, go on let him hear you

When he takes you back home he'll ask you out of the blue if you ever think about the fact that you can never go back there

When you two are more local he's a little more subtle

He'll take you to a movie and sit in the far back corner

If it's packed, he slips his fingers in in your pants

He'll just sit there watching the movie like you're not falling apart beside him

If there's not so many people he'll straight up just have you in his lap riding his thigh

Thinks it's so cute when you look around to see if anyone's watching

Loves to get you all flustered in public then ask you what's wrong

One time you told him to stop while he was controlling the vibrations in your pants and you so didn't mean that and he knew that but then he actually did stop

Frustrated you more then when he was doing it

Made you ask him to keep edging you in public

Would not keep going until you asked nicely

You were sitting there trying to ask quietly so no one would hear and he was sitting there like "Sorry? What was that? Speak up darling"

Prick

Makes you thank him for it after, y'know since you were practically begging him for it

Masterlist

#jason dean #jason dean heathers #jason dean x reader #jd heathers #jd x reader

[silverynight]

Maid cafe for pro heroes

If he's being honest, the job is definitely not that bad. The pay is excellent and he gets to meet pro heroes all the time. The only thing Izuku doesn't enjoy that much is wearing that maid outfit, not because of the outfit itself, it's not uncomfortable and he might even say it's cute, but Izuku is sure he looks ridiculous in it.

Besides, for some reason the outfit he was given is shorter than the others and the stockings are a little bit too tight for his legs. However, his boss has told him she can't give him another one, she even insists that's the perfect one for him.

After a few weeks, he starts getting used to it...

Besides, the pro heroes who stay at the cafe always tell him he looks good; they seem to like the maid outfit for some reason.

Of course, not everything is perfect, as he realizes one day in which the only pro hero he was afraid to see walks right inside with a couple of other heroes he recognizes immediately.

He thinks about leaving them to one of his co-workers, but it seems he's the only one free at the moment and he's pretty sure Pinky spots him almost immediately (she's been there a couple of times already).

"Don't make that face, Blasty!" She chuckles. "You're gonna love this place. Oh, Midoriya!"

Izuku decides to pretend he doesn't recognize Dynamight, like he doesn't remember he was his childhood friend until he started ignoring him and sometimes push him around when he was with the other kids. No, he definitely doesn't remember the day he had to move out or that, for some reason, Katsuki was absolutely furious with him that day. Izuku never understood that.

"Welcome to the maid cafe for pro heroes!" He smiles, as he purposely ignores Katsuki, who suddenly gasps as soon as he sees him. "It's nice to see you again, Ashido-sama."

Pinky looks absolutely pleased and proceeds to introduce him to her friends...

"It's nice to see you too, pretty!" She grins before glancing at the others and rolling her eyes at the one with yellow hair. "The one drooling is Kaminari Denki..."

"I'm not drooling!"

"Then there's Kirishima Eijiro," she continues as if Kaminari didn't say a thing. "And last, but not least is–"

"De... Izuku?"

Oh no... Of course he remembers him.

"It's been a while, Bakugo-sama..." Izuku mumbles, finally turning around to look at him; Katsuki grimaces as soon as he hears his last name coming from his lips.

"I need to speak to you for a moment," Katsuki says, rising from his seat. He's grown so tall now, Izuku feels tiny compared to him, although he's glad he's not wearing his hero suit, otherwise he'd look more intimidating.

"O-Okay," he mumbles, leading him outside. One of his co-workers looks at him with concern, but he assures him everything's alright with a gesture of his hand.

Then as soon as they're outside, Dynamight, the number one hero, bows in front of him, cheeks slightly pink as he looks into Izuku's eyes.

"I'm sorry for what I did to you when we were young. You didn't deserve to be treated that way. I'm... I hope you can forgive me... Please."

There's no pride in his voice, in fact, Katsuki sounds sincere and almost desperate as he asks for Izuku's forgiveness.

He has truly changed.

Izuku smiles up at him before touching his cheek and Katsuki closes his eyes as he leans completely into it.

"Of course I forgive you, Bakugo–"

"Please... Don't call me that," Katsuki grimaces again. "It doesn't sound right coming from you."

"Then how..."

"You can use the nickname you used to call me when we were kids..." Katsuki mumbles, blushing even more. "I don't mind."

"Kacchan? Are you sure?"

Katsuki nods and Izuku can't help but giggle.

"Okay... If that's what you want."

"Can I keep calling you Izuku?"

It sounds intimate, but he admits it'd be weird to hear Katsuki calling him by his last name.

"It's fine. Now we should go back inside, I'm working after all..."

"Wait," Katsuki grabs his hand to stop him, although he's very gentle. He starts nervously rubbing the back of his neck as the blush comes back to his cheeks. "I just wanted to say... You look pretty."

"Oh, thanks!" Izuku tries to stop himself from turning red, but he knows it's useless.

Instead, he decides to go back inside.

Katsuki's friends are looking at them with curiosity and Izuku knows everything can turn into a false rumor these days so he decides to explain them a little. Then it'll be up to Katsuki if he wants to tell them the rest or not.

"We're childhood friends," he says, to which Ashido's grin only becomes wide. "We were catching up."

"You never mentioned him before, Blasty. Did you want to keep him to yourself?" Kaminari complains before smiling at Izuku. "You are really beau–"

"OI!" Katsuki growls. It seems they're used to it, because none of them seem scared, although Kaminari stops smiling. "Don't try that bullshit on him!"

"What do you mean?" The other pro hero looks almost outraged.

"You know his flirting is harmless, Blasty! Unless you have a personal reason to–"

"Don't mind them, Midoriya!" Kirishima cuts Ashido off at the same time he pushes Katsuki back on his seat before he can "hurt" Ashido. Although he keeps snarling at her. "I think we're ready to order!"

Even though Katsuki keeps looking at him, especially at his outfit, he doesn't say that much, although Izuku finds him glaring at his friends every time he comes back from the kitchen with more food.

However, Katsuki stays behind as the other pro heroes get out of the place.

"It was nice to see you again," he says, prompting Izuku to smile at him. "I'll... be in touch."

Despite his words, Izuku doesn't expect to see him again, at least not soon, although he's certainly glad he got to talk to him after all those years.

"Goodbye, Kacchan."

***

Katsuki comes back the next day, alone. It's early in the morning and he's wearing his hero suit which means he's going to go to work.

Instead of sitting at one of the tables, he approaches Izuku.

"Good morning, nerd," he mumbles, looking a little bit nervous. "I'd like a... cup of coffee."

"Of course. I'll be right back!"

He doesn't speak that much, he just stays until he finishes his cup and thanks Izuku for it before leaving.

Katsuki comes back every day; he always approaches Izuku first and sometimes tells him something about the outfit he's wearing, he always wears the maid one, but every now and then his boss asks everyone to wear something extra.

That day he's wearing a headband with bunny ears that make Katsuki chuckle; he's probably making fun of Izuku, but it's not usual to see him laugh so Izuku doesn't mind.

"I always thought you were like a bunny," Katsuki grins. "They look good on you."

"Thanks," Izuku blushes, feeling the pro hero's eyes still on him. Although it seems like there's a fond expression on his face. "The usual?"

"Yes, please."

One afternoon, Ashido comes back alone. As soon as her eyes meet Izuku's she starts grinning from ear to ear, which is not usually a good sign.

"So... Blasty," she comments immediately like she's talking about the weather. "How often does he come here?"

"Everyday," Izuku tells her, although he gets a little bit flustered when the smile on her face becomes wider somehow. "He loves our coffee!"

Ashido rolls her eyes and looks like she wants to slam her own head against the table, but fortunately she doesn't.

"My sweet Midoriya, let me tell you something... The thing Bakugo loves, the reason he's here everyday, is not the coffee. He comes here to see you, because he's in love with you."

Izuku can feel the blush on his cheeks, his face must be bright red at the moment...

"I don't think–"

"It's true... You just need to pay attention."

"Are you r-ready to order?" Izuku is really nervous now and doesn't know what else to say.

Ashido sighs, but at least doesn't insist.

"Just think about it."

Katsuki doesn't come in the morning and Izuku starts worrying about him.

"Hey, Midoriya," one of his co-workers puts a hand on his shoulder, trying to reassure him. "Your hero is going to be fine. He's the number one, isn't he?"

"Yes, he is," Izuku tries to smile at her. He doesn't tell her Dynamight is not his because he's honestly too concerned to say anything else.

Fortunately, Katsuki comes later that day, but Izuku's worry only grows as he notices the cuts on his cheeks and arms. Part of his hero suit has been torn apart, although not too much.

"Are you alright?" He asks immediately, running directly towards him.

"These are just scratches, nerd!"

Instead of smiling back, Izuku narrows his eyes at him, grabs his arm and leads him to the table in the farthest corner.

Without saying anything else, he runs towards the kitchen and comes back with a first aid kit.

"I'm not–"

Izuku stops Katsuki's protests with a look and starts patching him up. Only when Izuku makes sure Katsuki's wounds have been taken care of he smiles again.

"There you go!"

"Thank you," the pro hero mumbles, almost shyly.

"You're welcome, now I'm just going to get this back in–" Izuku can't finish because Katsuki pulls him by the skirt and makes him sit on his lap. "Wait, I–"

"I need to tell you something," Katsuki cuts him off, staring into his eyes. He probably has noticed the pink color all over Izuku's cheeks.

"But Kacchan..."

"Please, it's important."

Only when he notices the pleading look in his eyes, Izuku decides to let him speak.

"Not that this excuses my behavior, but I need you to understand why I yelled at you the day you left," Katsuki says before taking a deep breath. "I didn't know how to deal with my feelings back then and used anger to try to control them. I just... I didn't want you to leave me. I knew I was going to miss you and I did..."

"But I thought you hated me..."

"I know that and I'm sorry," Katsuki whispers before cupping Izuku's face. From that distance it looks like the pro hero is about to cry. "I was an idiot... When we were close, the other kids started making fun of me for that and I panicked, so I started pushing you away to prove to them I didn't care... I... This is not an excuse and I'm deeply sorry for what I did, I wish I wasn't such an idiot and–"

"You already apologized for that," Izuku cuts him off, leaning closer to him. His heart is beating inside his chest like crazy, but he tries to ignore it.

"I just needed you to know that I loved you back then," Katsuki blurts out, much to Izuku's surprise. "And meeting you again made me realize that I never stopped loving you."

Izuku starts sobbing, he can't stop the tears sliding from his eyes, but Katsuki quickly begins to wipe them off with his thumbs.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you upset... I just needed you to know, Izuku. I understand if you don't want to–"

Izuku shuts him up with a kiss on the lips, remembering that they're still in the cafe and that he could get fired for that but he doesn't care at the moment.

Katsuki's hopeful smile is worth it.

"I want to take you out on a date."

"I'd like that, Kacchan."

Katsuki leans closer to initiate another kiss that takes Izuku's breath away. Fortunately, one of Izuku's co-workers stop them before they take things too far.

"I'll see you tonight, nerd."

"I can't wait!"

***

Patreon

#mha #bnha #my hero academia #bkdk #bakudeku #bakugou katsuki #izuku midoriya

[meraki24601]

may we have part 3 of new pet, no pressure ofc but it'd be nice if you can !! i love your writing <33

Here you go! I'm glad you like my writing. It's a lot of fun to do! Whumptober day 25! Prompt: Storm

A New Pet Part 3

Part 1, Part 2

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

Whumpee’s eyes rose to mine the moment the door closed behind Whumper. “Caretaker? Caretaker, I’m-”

“Quiet. You were taught better than to refer to me by my name. You should thank me since I’m not going to punish you this time.” I let all my fear and anger flood my voice as I spoke to my younger sibling, tied down and bleeding in front of me. Not for the first time, I was grateful for the quiet language Whumpee had come up with when we were younger as I pressed three sequential fingers to Whumpee’s arm. “What did Whumper train you to call your owners? I give you permission to answer.”

Their voice shook as Whumpee tilted their chin to acknowledge my message while carefully looking down respectfully. Whumper was watching, listening. “Master. I have been trained to refer to them as Master. Please accept my apology for my rudeness, Superior.”

It was all I could do to hold back a shudder. Hearing Whumpee sound so weak, actually, hearing Whumpee’s voice at all was like being back with our parents. Thinking about the times I had bandaged Whumpee’s wounds in the past would get us caught. Instead, I picked up some disinfectant and got to work. “Superior, huh? I’m not your Master, but it seems Whumper wants me to be more than just a Superior. You will call me Guardian. Remember that. I am a protector. My job is to ensure things are as they should be so your Master can rest easy and safe knowing that everything has been taken care of. If you behave and follow orders, I will protect you too.”

Some bandages were already starting to stain as I finished the last one. I pressed the last bit of tape down using two fingers spread far apart. A silent message asking if Whumpee could hold on a bit longer. Whumpee’s response was quick, “Yes, Guardian. Thank you for protecting me, Guardian.”

“Will you behave if I put you back in your cage?”

“Yes, Guardian.”

With four fingers pressing into their back, I guided Whumpee back to their cage without incident. I was asking them for time and trust. Whumpee knelt at my feet as I closed the door to their prison. I could see the hope in their eyes as I lifted their chin. “Rest, Pet. You’ve earned it until your Master returns.” 

As the door behind me opened without my prompting, Whumper once again showing they had been watching closely, I started to plan. The sound of thunder made my lip curl into a tight smile. A storm would be helpful if slightly dangerous. It shouldn’t be hard getting back in this room. Honestly, it probably wouldn’t be hard to get Whumpee out with me, either. The hard part would be keeping Whumpee alive until I was ready to act. What I was about to do would likely make Whumper very angry. They might even come after me, but that was a problem to deal with when it came. 

For now, Whumper would be expecting me. 

#whumptober 2023 #no.25 #storm #oc #fic #pet whump #whumpee #whumper #caretaker #whump fic #whump scenario #whump writing

[sir-subpar]

A Dibper Valentine's Day! (1)

Y'all have been asking for this for a while, so here we are! Below the cut!

Dib fidgeted with the tin foil that was wrapped around his present for Dipper. It would be their first Valentine's day together, and he was nervous.

He hoped Dipper would like it, it was a classic Valentine's day gift but he wouldn't know for sure until later.

…

"Thanks for the help Mabel," Dipper smiled as he and Mabel assorted the cookies they made nicely into a decorative Valentine's box. 

The two sat next to each other at the kitchen table, Mabel "bedazzled" the cookies, passed them to Dipper, then he carefully placed them in the box.

Mabel crossed her arms in pride.

"Of course! My bro's finally got a boyfriend to spend a romantic day with!" She gave him a playful shove. "You think I'm gonna pass up on a chance to help you sweep Dib off his feet?"

"The kid's pretty gangly, a good round house to his ankles should make him tumble down no problem," Stan said, chuckling behind a newspaper.

"Stanley, please." Ford sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. 

Stan rolled his eyes and laughed it off. "C'mon Sixer, I'm just kidding around. He's a good kid. You'd love him."

Mabel let out an exaggerated gasp. Squishing her own cheeks in excitement. Which resulted in her smearing frosting on her face.

"Oh that's right! Grunkle Ford hasn't met your boyfriend yet Dipper! You should invite him over tonight!"

"Yeah! Might as well let all the nerds of the house meet!" Stan laughed, slapping Mable and Dipper on the back.

"That's.. Not a bad idea. I'll ask him later." 

…

Dipper waited in front of one of the shops in Gravity Falls. He and Dib agreed to meet here. 

Sitting on a bench, he gently played with the ribbons that tied his gift shut.

Most Valentine's gifts were bursting with reds and pinks, but Mable decided that it'd be better to make it more "gothic". So, the box was a shade of off white, with cursive writing that read "Happy Valentines Day" in red ink, to give the illusion that it was written in blood. To top off the bloody aesthetic, Mabel drew little droplets of red to mimic blood spatter. 

Finally, the ribbons tying the box shut were silky black, which simmered slightly in the light.

He had to hand it to Mabel, this was pretty cool.

A shift of weight to his right pulled him from his thoughts. His startled eyes locked with familiar yellow ones.

"Dib!" He exclaimed, and threw his arms around his Boyfriend.

Dib took a second, as he usually did, to hug Dipper back. He didn't mind, he knew Dib was still unfamiliar with physical affection.

They pulled away from the hug, eyes meeting once again.

"Hey Dipper! I didn't keep you waiting long, did I?" Dib queried.

Dipper shook his head.

"No, I just got her a few minutes ago. You're good."

"Okay good. I was worried I was going to be late, I'm still memorizing the layout of this place." Dib scratched his cheek.

Suddenly his eyes widened and he jolted a bit.

"Oh! Uh-!" His eyes darted around briefly before he turned away from Dipper briefly to grab the gift behind him.

He handed his foil-covered present to Dipper.

"Happy Valentine's Day!"

 

Dipper was surprised by the size, and the weight, to be honest. The bottom of the foil tray felt warm to the touch.

Curious, he rested it on his lap, and carefully unwrapped the foil. With minimal tearing, he uncovered the present inside.

Dipper blinked in surprise. 

It was a turkey. Fully cooked and golden brown, seasoned like a holiday dinner. 

Dipper wasn't very experienced with Valentine's gifts, especially from dates, but this was definitely the least expected gift he'd ever gotten on "the day of love".

"You're uh.. Not allergic, are you? I should've asked, sorry." Dib's nervous questions brought Dipper back to reality.

"No! No! It's great, thank you. I was just surprised, that's all." He gave a reassuring smile. "It smells amazing, did you cook this?" 

"Yeah! I wanted to make you something special…" Dib's pale cheeks adopted a blush as red dusted his features.

"So did I," Dipper reached to his left, he gripped the box, and handed it to Dib. "Happy Valentine's Day!"

Dib looked at the box wide-eyed. "Wow, this is pretty." 

Dipper chuckled, "Yeah, Mabel helped me decorate it."

"She has a real knack for this stuff, doesn't she?"

Dipper snorted. "Yeah, it's all fun and games till you get glitter stuck in your eyes thanks to her sparkle bombs."

Dib cringes at the thought. "Ugh, I don't want to be a part of that, thanks." The two teens laughed.

Dip pulled apart the ribbon and opened the box.

Now it was Dib's turn to blink in surprise.

Cookies. Shaped like all sorts of things, UFOs, skulls, moths, even ghosts.

Hold on.

"Wait… you give people candy on Valentine's Day?"

Dipper looked at him, completely lost.

"... Yes? Pretty sure that's more or less normal." 

Dib's eyes were like saucers, and he stared out at the road.

He was right when he told Ms Bitters about people giving treats on Valentine's Day? He was right!?

Dib's golden eyes refocused on a still very confused Dipper.

Dib felt a familiar sting shoot through his heart.

Dib slapped his hand to his face in a (slightly violent) facepalm. Holding his head in his hand, shaking it in disappointment in himself.

"... Oh my god." He uttered.

Dipper opened his mouth to speak, a question on the tip of his tongue, but before he could vocalize it-

"I'm the weird one again,"

-Dipper's voice caught in his throat.

That sentence told him everything he needed.

He knew what that meant. He knew how it felt.

Dipper reached his hand out to rub Dib's back. Dib pulled his hand away from his face to look at Dipper, who smiled at him. In just that look, Dib knew what he was saying.

'I get it. It's okay.'

Dib closed his eyes briefly, and let out a sigh. Returning a slight smile of his own. "Thanks, Dipper… for, you know..." He paused, hoping he didn't have to say it out loud, "..and, thank you, for the cookies. I mean. I think I forgot to thank you earlier." He awkwardly rambled, lightly scratching his cheek.

Dipper chortled, "And thank you for the turkey. Most memorable Valentine's gift I ever received." He winked, causing Dib to snort.

"All jokes aside, this looks and smells amazing… Though, it's quite a lot for me." Dipper implied, this was actually the perfect opportunity to ask!

"Would you wanna come to the Mystery Shack for dinner? Eat this turkey with me?" Dipper offered, cheeks pink.

Dib's face also took on a new shade of color, flushing with red.

"Oh! Uh-! I mean that's awesome, but I can't do that. Isn't it weird for me to eat your Valentine's gift? Especially since I made it for you?"

Dipper raised his brows in a "really?" Kind of look, which went unnoticed by the still rambling Dib.

Dipper felt a new sense of passive aggressive determination. Time to pull a page from Mabel's book.

Dipper reached into Dib's box and pulled out a cookie. Dib paused as he noticed Dipper's hand. 

Dipper, now looking Dib straight in the eye, not breaking contact, ate the cookie. Dib gave him a questioning look, only to be met with squinting eyes and a mischievous grin in turn.

"Oh! Would you look at that! I ate your Valentine's gift! Guess there's only one way to get me back." 

They both stared at each other. Then roared with laughter. 

"I can't believe you just did that!" Dib said between laughs, "Okay, I'll go."

#gravity falls #gf #invader zim #iz #dib membrane #dipper pines #dibper #dipper x dib #dib x dipper #a dibper valentine's day #fanfic #twoshot #happy late valentines day

[1994sunflower]

did michael and y/n ever have a first "official" date? i feel like it'd be sooo cute, like the first time they went out or did something as more than friends. you might have mentioned it already, sorry if i missed it! love this story <3

this was so cute! their nerves, the way michael is still completely not prepared for just how hard he’ll fall, the slight hesitancy they have when it comes to one another. knowing what they’ll become while they don’t was so incredibly fun to write. just like writing this entirely different dynamic to what they eventually have was. I hope all these things translated well to you guys in this story!

in which you go on your first date

If someone had told Michael months ago that he would have been on his way to pick up a girl to go on a date, and that he was excited about it, he would have laughed. But there was no mistaking the electrifying sensation filling his body right then, the anticipation and the longing to see you again even though it had only been a few days since the last time you saw each other. Since he asked you out and you said yes. 

He might not have even believed it if someone told him after the first night he met you. That night, with adrenaline rushing through him, he couldn’t have expected just how much you would fill his mind to the point of near obsession. How he did everything in his power to find you again, to find a way to enter your life. To have your kind eyes and attention on him again. Only he found himself greedy, that wasn’t enough after a while. He realized he wanted you in a way he had never wanted anyone else before. More intimate than just friends or even just a body to warm his bed. You were more than that.

But even knowing that, even though the waiting of finding the perfect time to ask you out — to be certain you would say yes as well, he still couldn’t quite believe what he was doing. Dating is not something he wanted, he never wanted a girlfriend. What was he doing?

So why had he worked so hard for this, why was he counting down the days and hours until he could finally go to you for your first date, something he had been constantly referring to it in his mind as though he were expecting more. Why had he not had a one-night stand in months? Why did all of his habits no longer seem important at all when in the face of the short, nice girl that looked at him as if he wasn’t a failure or a monster. What was the feeling of jealousy that entered him whenever he saw you with another man or the feeling of warmth that he hadn’t experienced before whenever your skin brushed against his or he made you smile. It was all out of his realm, he wasn’t used to romance. He didn’t know what the emotions running through him were.

Even then as he made his way across campus to where you would be waiting for him, ignoring the calls of his names, the other women’s eyes on him. Even the prospect of suddenly making himself unavailable to every other woman who would think him taken if they saw him out with a girl didn’t bother him in the slightest. It couldn’t when his world suddenly seemed to get at once brighter and zeroed in on the shy girl fiddling with her fingers at the front of the Union. 

You were wearing a pretty dress Michael tried not to focus on for too long. You didn’t even look scared when you looked up at the sound of your name and saw him and his stoic expression. No, you smiled warmly as if you could read his racing heart despite his face giving away nothing of his real emotions. And he had a deep urge to want to shield you, to keep that expression and you all to himself — forever. But just as quickly as that thought came, he shook it off. He wasn’t sure what he wanted from you yet and forever seemed too much for a boy who preferred no strings attached. At least he used to, he wasn’t sure about much of what he wanted now. It was new territory he was entering — he knew that the night he met you, and the morning after when he had begun casually asking after you, looking for you until he found you again.

“H-hi.” You were nervous like you usually were. It was cute, how you blushed when you looked up at him then averted your gaze. It made your inexperience with boys so much more obvious — something he didn’t expect for him to find so much pleasure in.

He normally never went for inexperienced girls, he went for those he knew could please him and wouldn’t expect anything more from him. But somehow, instead of making him want to avoid you, your innocence seemed to stir something in him: a protectiveness, a desire that had him standing just a little straighter, standing to his full towering height above you and clenching his jaw from preventing his mind to wander and his body to react to it.

“Are you ready?” He asked lowly and you nodded up at him rapidly. 

And despite his experience with women, both of your inexperience with dating was so adorably obvious as you both made your way to the conservatory. Walking side by side with little to no distance but never touching hands. Though the quick glances you threw each other made it obvious it wasn’t for lack of wanting to but lack of knowing how to initiate it without pushing your comfort zone — or if to initiate it on your end. Instead, as you talked on your way, you would just bump your body further into his and he would welcome you in as you looked up at him with a blushing smile, listening to him talk.

The place was somewhat of a classic idea. It was Michael’s idea. Though really, it was Ashton’s. Not that you knew that, or knew who Ashton was. All Michael knew when you accepted his date offer was that a girl like you deserved better than all the places he frequented. He didn’t know the first thing about what a nice first date would be. Not to mention that he had to admit your differences were large, he wasn’t sure what you would truly enjoy. He had been so focused on winning you over that he hadn’t thought that far ahead. So when he asked Ashton about it, in a way that made it seem like he didn’t care one way or the other - just curious, a date to the conservatory close to campus seemed like the best idea.

And when you arrived and the place was nearly empty, it seemed he made the right choice. You seemed comfortable — excited even, and he was going to have you all to himself for the next while.

It also helped a lot that you surely felt comfortable in his presence after so many months of him in your life as what you would consider your friend. He wasn’t sure how he stayed so patient but it worked out, otherwise you might not be walking next him right then as you made your way into the giant dome filled with greenery.

The various species of plants and trees surrounding you, the hum of insects in their habitats had you looking around you with childlike wonder. A big, wondrous smile on your face. You loved nature, it was beautiful and something you always tried to make a point of to stop and appreciate in your regular life — even if you didn’t have much time with your studies and even if there wasn’t much of it in your city. But being in the middle of it now and being brought here by Michael felt at once touching and personal. Especially when, being in the middle of it suddenly made it seem like you were the only two people in the world. Though, Michael always had a way of making you feel like that whenever you two were together. As if no one else mattered besides yourselves and as if you were the only one he saw, the center of his universe. 

It was how he was looking at you now, as you took in your surroundings. Completely disregarding them himself, as if you were the exhibit. It took your breath away and you felt your stomach flutter with butterflies, your heart pounding, your breath hitching in a way he always made you react. As you looked at him now, he hadn’t exactly dressed up, his chains and dark clothing were pretty much his normal outfit but he looked so good. You thought so the moment you saw him and you were sure your crush on him was what left you windless back at the Union. 

You still couldn’t believe he had taken the time to get to know you, liked you, asked you out. You hadn’t thought you were his type. Which to be honest, he hadn’t thought you were either. But he wasn’t your normal type either and yet, as you stood next to him while you began walking deeper into the little piece of nature contained inside the giant city you called home, you felt so content as if you belonged at his side that you couldn’t imagine ever being with anyone else. You’d never felt that way before and you weren’t sure if it was because you hadn’t really been on a date with anyone else or if this was as special as you thought it was.

“I’ve never been here before.” You whispered up to him. “I heard when they opened it but I never had time to come, even though I really wanted to.”

“Me neither.” Michael commented though his reasons were leaning towards it not interesting him. But as he watched the wholesome girl at his side take in every plant, flower, and tree that they crossed paths with, he was anything but bored. It was cute, you were cute and he had a feeling of pride that he took you somewhere you liked, you were interested in. Despite how different you were, how different what you liked was from what he did. He knew you.

That also brought another feeling that he didn’t really know — one that had a desire to keep you at his side and see all these different sides of you. One that was quickly figuring out there was little he wouldn’t do to ensure that. Because as he kept thinking of the future, you somehow popped up in all his thoughts. He’d never felt like this before, a girl had never plagued his mind in this way but he had long since stopped trying to deny his affection for you. 

Especially when accepting it gave him more time to have you as close as possible, looking up at him with those starry eyes that made him feel like despite his sins he had just won the world. Sharing and accepting those affections with him so his claim on you was undeniable, that you were truly his. His girl. 

No matter if he hadn’t spoken his protectiveness or possessiveness toward you, no matter if he ever would because that would be a level of emotion towards another that was truly foreign territory for Michael; however even he started to feel like he was toeing the line as if his mind and heart had a mind of their own. And he still wasn’t sure if he wanted to stop himself, or if even still could.

You were looking at the conservatory while he was looking at you. Michael wasn’t known for being thoughtful of his words or actions. He had no problem doing what he wanted and he wanted you. So he took your hand in his large one with no words. You jumped a bit at the unexpected action and looked up at him, shyly. As if unsure if he was okay with this even though he was the one that initiated it. But when he barely acknowledged his own actions, instead of feeling stung by his perceived indifference, you understood it for what it was — his own shyness, or at least his version of it. And you just smiled up at him and let him engulf your smaller hand in his, fingers twining together as you walked. 

It was the first time you touched each other like this and you’d be lying if you said you didn't like it. Your hand was so much smaller than his, which fit just right with how tiny you looked next to your daunting date. He was so much bigger, you’d noticed from the beginning of knowing him but standing right at his side on this date, for the first time it was more starkly evident. It scared you a bit but you felt an allure to it at the same time. One he wasn’t immune to either. Your lithe frame just added to the chaste look. It was hard not to notice how little you were and feel the protectiveness or acknowledge the ease of his domination and tainting of that. 

Hand holding was likely the most wholesome thing he had ever done with a girl and yet it somehow felt like the most intimate. Especially when you had to press yourself deeper into him when walking down a thin path and trying to stop yourself from being pricked by the vine of thorns reaching out over it. Your blush showed you were very much aware of how close you were, that it affected you just like it did Michael. And just like Michael, you didn’t mind it. You wanted the closeness…with him.

The tattoos directly next to your skin looked…right. No matter their number, depictions, or how frightening they seem on him to others — even to you at first. Now all you felt for them was an attraction they seemed to magnify within you. You bit your lip. A girl like you maybe shouldn’t be drawn to a man like him, you should be scared, see how opposite and unexpected you were. But everything about this rough man was enticing.

“Where are we going?” You said up to him, low-toned as if trying not to scare the greenery. 

“I want to show you something.” 

You didn’t seem to mind his short answers, accepting every bit of him like you had since the moment you’d met. “I thought you said you’d never been here before.” 

He didn’t answer but that in itself was sufficient for you. “You researched this place beforehand?” You were touched and perhaps it was something to be expected of any good date but knowing Michael’s reputation that would suggest he’d never do such a thing for anyone, the fact that he had for you made you feel special. So you kept quiet, waiting for whatever it was he had thought you’d want to see.

And when he took you to a rounded dead-end of the conservatory at first you didn’t see anything different. You turned in a circle, still holding his hand tightly. “What is it?”

But as soon as you asked you saw them. So many butterflies on different parts of the flora around you. Some feeding, others just resting on the green. The oranges and colors fluttered with their wings. You sucked in a breath and looked up at him with wide happy eyes.

“I-it’s a butterfly conservatory?” You stage-whispered. Your excitement was hard to conceal. And when he nodded appeasingly you nearly squeaked. “I love butterflies! I hardly ever see them anymore.”

For a moment your mind filled in with how childish your commentary was and you wanted to close your eyes, cringing but Michael didn’t make you feel bad about your nervousness — he didn’t make you feel anything but comfortable and understood like he always did. Michael stopped you, tugging you back when you tried to march forward. 

“You’ll scare them.” He warned. And this large, intimidating man beside you being worried about the delicate insects had your heart and eyes softening. So you let yourself be situated with your back to his chest and his hands on your arms. 

It was probably the closest position you’d ever been in with him and you felt the pounding of your heart. Part of you felt foolish, this small contact was probably meaningless to him with all his experience, and yet for you, it felt like your body was humming with excitement. But another part of you felt so protected and doted on by him, he gave no sign of thinking anything similar to you. So you let yourself be held.

When a couple butterflies took flight, your hand reached up. You stayed as still as you could and eventually, one landed on your finger. You stopped breathing for a bit as you looked at the beautiful Monarch choosing your index finger as a resting spot. You felt chosen, you felt excited.

“Look!” You said, trying not to jostle much but you turned back and looked up at Michael. You were adorable. He loved how free you were with your emotions and marvel. Michael felt confused about how exactly you were with him. 

Your giggle was infectious and though Michael didn’t smile, you didn’t feel deflated because all he did was lift his own hand so you could transfer the butterfly to him as if he wanted to partake with you. And it wasn’t lost on you. How out of place he was in this place, this experience. This wasn’t the type of place he would normally go to. You two really were different. And yet, this didn’t feel weird or awkward. 

Maybe it was because you trusted him, he had taken his time with you. Broken through your shell. Been patient in a way he didn’t have to be when he had so many other options. 

When you tried to move the butterfly gingerly over to him, it took off. And you laughed good-naturedly, all beauty and pure. “It’s afraid of you.” You said teasingly.

He didn’t seem offended. In fact, Michael smiled. You may never know how privileged you were to see his smile.

“I have that effect.” He said and you didn’t know why you blushed at that.

That was another difference. He was aggressive and known to be just that, cold, rebellious, towering, and strong. You’d never been around a man like that. But somehow instead of scaring you, it gave you a sense of security. You had an attraction to that part of him that previously you might never have expected.

Everything about you two is unexpected. Just looking at you that much was obvious. But also the fact that Michael never expected himself to like someone like you either. Someone so delicate, inexperienced in a way he might have dismissed beforehand, too unable to please him. But instead, with you, he could think of teaching you what you were inexperienced in, protecting you, defiling you in a way only he ever had or would, having someone so completely connected with him — so completely his — for the first time in his life. 

Your answer to him was bolder than you usually were but your dreamy soft-spoken voice betrayed your shyness…and how much you liked him. “You don’t scare me."

You said it earnestly and he believed you. It was the first time he had ever believed those words spoken to him and he couldn’t quite explain the tightening of his chest when they came from you.

You were gazing up at him as he stared back. He didn’t respond and he didn’t change his stoic expression. While he didn’t scare you, you felt a bit intimidated. You weren’t sure if you offended him, you couldn’t read the emotion in his eyes. Eventually, you may be able to know him well enough to know what he felt, what he was thinking without him having to express it. You hoped so. Hoped you would be at his side long enough to get to that point.

But right then, all you could do was watch his beautiful face take you in. His eyes pining you down instead of terrifying you like they did to so many others, made you feel like the most important person in the world. He made you feel like that. 

He wanted to kiss you. He had the urge from the night you first met to when you started to know each other even more. You were beautiful, sweet, too good for him, and he wanted that bit of heaven your lips seemed to hold. He didn’t care how he could be tainting it with his own wickedness. Part of him felt a painful stab of arousal at the thought. 

But as always he controlled his straying thoughts around you. He had to, it was a continuous and hard job, especially when your innocence and naiveness somehow made everything you did an unintentional seduction for him, so easy to corrupt. Just as he controlled his urge right then. No matter how easy it would be to lean down to your small height and kiss you. He couldn’t. You needed things slow, if he tried to push you too much too fast — more in his pace, the one used to fast and easy hookups — you may be scared away. No matter how almost painful it had been for Michael to be patient up until then, he would for you. Besides, unlike the past women he had hooked up with, he respected you too much to make you feel like you were just someone he was trying to get an easy lay from. 

You were more than that. But exactly how more was still something Michael couldn’t answer. He knew he could never be friends with you, he knew that from the moment he had found you again after that night, he would never be content with having you in his life as just a friend. He wanted more than that. He wanted more of you. But he didn’t know how much of you he wanted. What this could lead to, what he wanted it to lead to. You were the type of girl that deserved a relationship and a loving boyfriend - but he wasn’t sure he could be that, not that you didn’t make him want to but because he wasn’t sure if he was built for it or even wanted that level.

But maybe he could find out.

Your little bubble between you two burst when it seemed the entire kaleidoscope of butterflies took off around you. They soared above you, their fluttering wings humming in beat. It was enough to snap you out of the trance you had been in staring at Michael, the man who had plagued your mind and heart for the last couple of months. You had it bad and that just made you even more nervous about wanting to make him like you just as much while not embarrassing yourself as the shy little virgin you tried so desperately not to appear in his eyes — you knew he’d lose interest, move on to a more experienced girl easily. Too bad you had no idea he liked that and you much more than you expected, that you had nothing to worry about.

You giggled nervously at the small jump the scare of the sudden mass movement gave you. Especially when Michael seemed unaffected. You looked away quickly, tucking your hair behind your ear as you stepped away. He hadn’t kissed you and while a part of you maybe hoped for it, a bigger part of you was relieved. It made it clear how considerate he was of you and your needs because you knew he was not a slow-paced man. You were safe with him, comfortable. No matter how he appeared or his reputation. He was different with you.

“T-that was beautiful.” You said, “This place is…i-it’s amazing. Thank you for bringing me here.” Your glance up at him was shy. 

But it proved to be without need when he took your hand again, clasping your fingers together. Touching you was addicting. “I thought you’d like it.”

When you began walking with him again to other portions of the domed conservatory, you talked freely about your interests, his interests, and your lives. It was easy for Michael to be more talkative with you, it came naturally. It was maybe one of the first times you had been together for such a long amount of time and while it made your differences in lifestyle so obvious, it also made it clear that you didn’t mind it. You were accepting of each other, it was easy to see how you would fit in with each other’s lives and the hunger for that was nearly palpable for both of you.

He hated people but he didn’t hate you. 

Maybe he didn’t know much about his own feelings or desires right then in this unfamiliarity, but he knew this wasn’t just going to be a one-time thing. With the soft squeeze of his hand, you silently agreed. 

#5sos #5sos imagines #michael clifford #michael clifford x reader #michael clifford imagines #5sos fluff #michael clifford fluff #bad boy fluff #bad boy michael #college au #michael clifford smut #5sos smut #bad boy smut

[godlizzza]

prompt: teen danbert, herbert attending one of dan's baseball games, maybe celebrating a win for his team

It was a hard game to balance for Dan. On one hand, he was poised and ready, the solid wood of the bat gripped in his hands. He squinted against the glaring sun streaming directly into his eyes at the shape of the pitcher, equally poised, before him. Dan kept his eyes trained on the ball gripped in the Fansville player's hand, knowing that if he lost focus even for a second the guy would pelt a fast ball right by his ear.

However, Dan was finding it hard to focus because, on the other hand, he knew Herbert was in the crowd.

For a while Dan had been casually dropping it into conversation that he was sure Herbert would enjoy Baseball if he ever actually sat down and watched a game. He said how all the other guys' girlfriends had been lukewarm to the sport too, but still found the will to sit in the bleachers and cheer. He tried to keep his tone nonchalant as he said it, but keenly watched for Herbert's reaction out of the corner of his eye.

"Sounds tedious," was all Herbert had said around a mouthful of celery as he read his book.

The words deflated Dan and by the sharp look Herbert turned on him it must've shown.

"It's really not," Dan mumbled, crossing his arms and feeling suddenly self-conscious.

Herbert snapped his book shut and narrowed his eyes at Dan. "You're doing that thing again."

Dan sat up straighter, mind racing. "What thing?"

"That thing where you want me to do something without just coming out and telling me," Herbert huffed. "It's really annoying. Some might even say vexing."

"Vexing," Dan echoed, trying in vain to fight back a smile. He couldn't help that Herbert's particular brand of talking always had him grinning. "Well, we can't have you getting vexed."

Herbert pursed his lips and raised an eyebrow. "We're halfway there, so why don't you just tell me what you want?"

"Fine," Dan said with a sigh. "I want you to come to one of my games."

Herbert blinked, looking genuinely perplexed. "Why?"

"Because," Dan said with an incredulous laugh, "I want you to watch me. It'd just be nice, knowing you're there. Having an audience always makes you try harder at something."

"You'll already have an audience," Herbert reasoned. "Aren't there always crowds at those games?"

Dan rolled his eyes and shuffled over until their knees touched. He reached for Herbert's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Yeah, but I'm saying I want you there, not just random people from school and their families. I wanna be able to look over to the crowd and see you."

"As if you don't see me enough," Herbert grumbled. He glanced away but his cheeks were dusted with pink.

Dan grinned and threw an arm around Herbert. He drew him close until their cheeks were squished together, and Herbert was weakly pushing at him but Dan didn't budge.

"I could never see enough of you," Dan said in a simpering voice, then pressed a long, loud kiss to Herbert's cheek.

So, Herbert had come, and it was taking everything for Dan to concentrate on the pitcher in front of him. The pitcher reared his arm back and Dan gripped the bat tighter, digging his feet into the dirt. The ball came hard at Dan, soaring straight for the mitt behind him. Dan's arms tensed and then he was swinging, connecting with the ball with a crack like a clap of thunder. The ball soared across the pitch, Fansville players racing to catch it as Dan ran.

He pelted from the home plate, his heels kicking up clouds of dirt as he flew past first base. He could hear the roar of the crowd over the blood pounding in his ears, the cheers surging him on, making him pump his legs faster. He rounded second base, keeping his ears open for the voices of his teammates and the opposition. The ball was out on the grass somewhere, making its way from the glove of an opponent, back to home, and Dan had to beat it.

The toe of his shoe hit third base and he briefly pondered if he should go for it and try for a home run, but he hesitated. He knew his hit had been good, but he wasn't sure if it had been that good. But still, he was tempted. Tempted to put on a show and do something dazzling while Herbert was watching. It might have been childish, but he wanted to impress him.

It was the thought of Herbert however, that made him stop and stay at third base. If he didn't make it, Herbert would roll his eyes and make some comment about Dan being over-eager or something. A moment later, the ball flew past him, and would've definitely hit the home plate before him, had he chosen to keep running. He breathed a sigh of relief and looked to the crowd.

Herbert stared back at him, shoulders bunched up around his ears as he sat, squished between two people cheering loudly. Herbert squirmed in his seat, aiming a dirty look at either side of him at the two jostling figures, but then he was staring back at Dan. He held his hand up, lifting the foam finger Dan had given him and bouncing it slightly. Dan laughed at this display of 'enthusiasm', but grinned happily anyway.

He wanted desperately to jog over to the bleachers, lean over the rail, and kiss Herbert the same way all the other guys kissed their girlfriends at the end of the game. But he couldn't exactly do that, so instead he settled on blowing him a kiss. Herbert rolled his eyes but held up his free hand and mimed catching it.

Dan couldn't wait to see him after the game, even if they couldn't kiss over the fence.

#teen danbert #dan cain #herbert west #danbert #re-animator #my fics #asks #writing prompt #idk how baseball works. ive never watched a game #soz americans

[zhongrin]

Hey there Mei! How have you been? Haha, I'm so sorry it's been a while since our last chat, paperwork had kept me busy since Yae Publishing House's supposed "blunder" during the Warrior's Spirit competition.

Listen, may I steal your lover for a moment? Dor– Albedo, let's have a chat. It'll just be a quick walk. Oh no, please stay where you are, Mei. I'd like for us to talk privately. Hmm? Haha, of course, I'm not keeping secrets from you. Chief Alchemist, shall we head out?

-----

"Dorian", I presume that's your true name? You've switched with the real "Albedo" didn't you? If you haven't and Cretaceus had become naturally deranged, well I'd be damned.

It's as cold as I remember here in Dragonspine, then again it'd be foolish for me to expect anything else from a near abandoned location.

Hmph. I saw that– I'd be a bit wiser if I were you. Until you're confident that you can best one of Khaenri'ah's royal captains, you ought to sheathe that sword fast. You are not even certain if I am your enemy. Why don't you act more like your successor and be less... Feral.

I only ask for three answered questions, surely it'd all be answered by the time we reach the outskirts. Unlike the other Khaenri'ahn Captain you might know, your answers here do have a bearing on how you'll leave this place. Still, I implore you to avoid hesitation and speak from the heart. And do not lie, for no primordial tongue nor eyes can deceive me. Before I became Mei's friend, I was also Rhine's. I watched her design you– albeit my preferences were one of the reasons why you had blonde hair and blue eyes in the first place.

First question, do you love Mei? "Are you serious"– of course I am. She is a friend and in all my years of living, I've discovered that it is unfortunately difficult to find people like her. I only wish the best for her. If your intentions are true, then I shall ponder over whatever you propose. You are Rhine's creation, and therefore one of our own. I could be an ally by the end of this talk, so play nice.

But once again, do NOT lie. "Kjærligheten er som vinden, du kan ikke se den, men du kan føle den"– I will know if you do attempt to lie. No wind is too "loud" for me to know the truth.

Second question, is this a scheme to get back at the Gods? As you may have noticed, I am also Khaenri'ahn– Mondstadters sure find it difficult to spot us from the crowd, hmm? Back to the matter at hand, coveting the Geo Archon's beloved spouse would surely be considered more than a petty crime in the eyes of divinity. Since the incident 500 years ago, I've threaded a thin line of neutrality when it comes to my homeland and Celestia. I must know if I could support your motivations, I do hope you understand.

Lastly, what do you plan on doing once the timer runs out? You should be well aware that your brainwashing won't last long. It was only luck that this astral fake sky aligned to grant you this opportunity. Do you intend to continue harassing her when you now have the Acting Grand Sage of the Akademiya and that "Funeral Consultant" behind your back?

... Don't ponder on the last question for too long. The answer to the first question is vital– everything else is secondary.

Now, won't you be a dear and start talking? I hate returning Rhine's experiments in more than one piece.

"wai- ansy- but- wha- aaand there they go..."

the girl stared at the two retreating back in the distance, a small pout forming on her lips.

"no, seriously, why are my friends being like this..."

"...."

"'secrets'..."

she absentmindedly toyed with the little belt on her hip, fingers clenching around nothing.

"something's..... weird...."

".... i certainly did not expect a sudden interrogation from someone i just met while being fully conscious for the very first time in this timeline," he sheathed back his sword and eyed the human(?) being in front of him impassively, "forgive the hostility. you lot have been quite... resilient, in your attempts. and suffice to say i am not in a good mood."

he falls back into step with them while keeping a safe distance away, three pairs of eyes observing each other silently before he decides to break the silence. 

"i suppose i could entertain you for a while. what an amusing set of questions. let's see..."

"for your first question - at first i have to admit, i saw her as a peculiar subject; nothing more, nothing less. but her... devotion, you could say, was admirable and fascinating. and as we spent time together, we became curious."

"how does it feel like to be loved so wholly and unconditionally by someone?"

"how does it feel like to know that there would always be that one person, who would support and follow you to the edge of the universe regardless of what you are?"

"how does it feel to be willingly given and to hold such a fragile thing, fully knowing that i would be able to simply crush them?"

he chuckled when their bloodlust clawed on his synthetic skin.

"i'm not done. that was all it was in the beginning, yet...," his face twists into a melancholic expression making him look almost... vulnerable.

when he finally resumed his speech, however, his voice is steady, and he remains stoic throughout the rest of his answer.

"love... is a concept we still struggle to understand fully. but at the very least, i'd like to think what i feel for her is something along that line. emotions were never my strong suit, but even synthetic beings evolve, mx. ansy. i'm sure you know of this quite well, don't you? at the end of the day, as i have been telling you all: i do not wish to harm her."

the snow crunch under their shoes as the two continued their leisurely walk through the blizzard. the snowstorm didn't seem to have any effect on either of them as they climbed the slopes, and so the homunculus continued.

"secondly - i know you might have a hard time believing this, but no. i do not wish to mess with the divinity by doing this. i merely saw someone who managed to light my days, to put it in simple terms. this is why i do not understand why everyone seems to be quite... hostile, when faced with the knowledge of our relationship. i understand that change is sometimes hard to accept, but change and growth is often on the same side, is it not?"

"and lastly..... when the timer runs out?"

he falls into a short silence, eyes narrowing and a small incline tugging at the corner of his lips. his soles snap a dead branch into two.

"let's just say, i have countermeasures set in place."

his footsteps stop, and with an obviously faked smile, he extended his hand for a parting handshake, "normally i would have said to please give my regards to your beloved royal knight, but... it seems like you're dealing with some issues of your own, so i'll spare you the anguish. despite such circumstances, you still made yourself check up on a friend after all, so i think it deserves at least a little sympathy."

"i believe you'll get an opportunity to continue speaking with me directly very soon, for as long as you want. so please, do not act rashly. i really do want to keep it civil between us. now. i believe that should answer all of your questions."

#rin answers #rin plays ebg #rin selfships #meibedo #rin is having tea with: ansy ❤️

[elendiliel]

Across the Universes

Hopefully this is the last long one for a while. (I'd quite like to know whether it's OK as it is, or whether it'd be better as six smaller stories. By the way, it's also on AO3 here.)

Some small concepts may have strayed in from @justawannabearchaeologist's highly recommended "TFP Wheeljack in TFA" series, which inspired this series as a whole.

---

“That’s really what you’re going with?” Special Agent William Fowler glared down at a vintage motorcycle plated in burnished bronze. A pretty classy bike, he had to admit, but that was part of the problem. Along with the lack of plates, the strip of yellow and black paint at the back and, worst of all, the prominent red badge on the front.

The cycle’s wing mirrors flared indignantly, and a British-accented female voice issued from somewhere behind the handlebars. “It has character!”

“Yeah. Yours. It’ll do for now, but once the ‘Cons get to know you, there is no way you’ll be able to stay under their radar even in that mode. Can’t you scan something else?” Fowler knew that was possible for the ‘bots he knew; Smokescreen and Prime had picked out new vehicle modes after the destruction of their old base.

“Not without an external scanner, and I didn’t see one anywhere in here.” Glitch shifted back to her robot mode, where she seemed to be more comfortable – and noticed that Ratchet, Team Prime’s medic (senior medic, now that she had arrived), was giving her a bemused look. “Hold up – you don’t need one? Any of you?”

“I’m just as surprised that you do,” Ratchet replied, though he looked more intrigued than anything else. Glitch had apparently dropped in on them from an alternate reality; it sounded like something out of Star Trek, but Fowler had grown rather more broad-minded about such concepts since receiving his current assignment as Team Prime’s human liaison and ‘bot-sitter. The two medics were equally fascinated by one another’s biology. Born scientists, the pair of them – or built, or whatever.

“There is a T-cog modification that can allow direct scanning, but not many Autobots have it. Most if not all Decepticons do; I wouldn’t care to speculate on the connection. And before you ask, it wasn’t on my syllabus. Not really something a field-tech usually needs to know.” She tilted her head, a thought seeming to strike her. “Hm. Possibly direct scanning is the default, and it was disabled in most Autobots for some reason. Wouldn’t be surprised.” Now that had some disturbing implications.

But not relevant ones to the matter in hand. “So you can’t change your vehicle mode?” Fowler wanted to double-check.

“Only back to my original Cybertronian alt, which would be even more conspicuous.” Great. Just great.

“Please tell me you at least have a holographic rider.” Arcee, Team Prime’s other motorcycle, did; it was very useful for the many occasions she had to go on patrol without a human partner.

“Of course.” Glitch demonstrated, shifting back into bike mode. A figure of a slender woman in brown leathers and a black full-face helmet shimmered into view, and smooth bronze seemed to cover her Autobot badge, the weld mark beside it and the strip of paint. Her attention to detail was impressive for a newly arrived ‘bot. “Even got holographic plates, I see. Nice touch.”

“Thanks.” She unfolded into robot mode again. Maybe she liked the greater range of movement – or just the extra height. Even then, she was about two-thirds of Arcee’s size, and Arcee had been the smallest of the ‘bots up until then. “It’s useful when I need to keep a low profile back home – mostly when working outside Detroit. Everyone there already knows who we are.”

“What?” Fowler couldn’t believe his ears. The idea that the Autobots were “robots in disguise” had become such an integral part of his life, she might as well have told him that the identities of all the CIA’s undercover operatives were common knowledge.

“Of course,” she said, completely oblivious to the fact that she’d practically given him a heart attack. “We’re not always popular, but we do our bit.” Her almost mischievous grin somehow served to reassure him. “Not much choice, after the dramatic entrance the original members of my team made when they first came out of emergency stasis. Dealt with a creature made from out-of-control nanites that was absorbing any tech it could find. Which in Detroit is more than a slight problem. Besides, they were stuck on Earth until they could repair their ship, so why not lend a servo where needed?”

“And you’re not concerned about Decepticons finding you?”

“They already did, more or less, but our base is still a secret. And back home, the Autobots won the Great War and exiled the Decepticons. Collectively, they can barely find their tailfins with a schematic. When they do turn up, we deal with them.” Maybe not without paying a high price; she hid it well, but Fowler thought he saw pain in her eyes.

“Or Cybertronian technology falling into human hands?” Ratchet broke in. That had been a major worry for Team Prime before MECH vanished off the radar, about the same time Silas merged with Breakdown’s body. Fowler had some nasty suspicions about the link between the two events.

“That ship’s well and truly taken off.” Glitch seemed bent on giving Fowler as many heart attacks as she could. She took the stunned expressions around her – most of the team had paused to listen to the conversation by then – as a cue to continue. “After one of Starscream’s more successful murder attempts, Megatron landed on Earth in stasis and in three pieces. A young human scientist found his head and hand and reverse-engineered the technology in them to found what turned out to be a robotics empire. Luckily, his conscience is as strong as his curiosity. Sumdac Systems still doesn’t make military tech, and trying to do so is a sackable offence. Police drones capable of lethal force are as close as it gets.” Fowler was pleased to hear that. He’d been on the receiving end of Cybertronian weapons too often, and seen their effects on the ‘bots even more frequently. The idea of that tech routinely used on humans was… not good. “Unfortunately, not everyone got that memo.”

That sent Fowler’s blood pressure skyrocketing again, until she explained further. The concept of the “Headmaster unit”, a device that could hijack a ‘bot’s body without killing them, still wasn’t a pleasant one, but he – and the others – soon saw the funny side as she told them about her universe’s Bulkhead and Bumblebee trying to prepare for an art show while Bulkhead was just a head, and Isaac Sumdac – the scientist who’d found the pieces of Megatron – bodyjacking Starscream to try to kick King ‘Con’s skidplate, declaring, “Total ownage, noob!”

She was in the middle of narrating a fight between her Optimus Prime and the inventor of the Headmaster unit, operating Starscream’s body, when Miko screamed. Glitch instantly shifted into “battle mode”, some kind of weapons sliding out of her wrists, but everyone else knew there was no threat. Just a spider.

“There it is,” Wheeljack said as the offending creepy-crawly – a small one, maybe half a centimetre long including the legs – scuttled into view, and the Wrecker prepared to squash it. Only for a beam of pink energy to freeze his foot in place.

“Don’t!” Glitch released Wheeljack once the spider was out of immediate danger, kneeling down in its path and extending one bronze hand, palm out, in front of it. “I’ll deal with it. Come here, tiny friend…”

Calmly and patiently, she coaxed the spider onto her finger. It ran all the way up to her elbow and down again before she managed to release it outside the hangar, laughing as the miniature creature somehow tickled her metal plating.

“You’ve done that before,” Wheeljack commented as she returned to the others, and Miko ventured out from behind Bulkhead. The kid’s fear of spiders was kind of weird, considering how brave she usually was, but nobody dared tease her about it.

“My Optimus isn’t keen on spiders either. Long story, not mine to tell. He’s working on it, especially now that Elita’s living with us, but I’m still Official Spider Remover. Took over from Prowl.” That flash of pain showed in her eyes again, and she hastened to change the subject. “Now, where was I?”

As she finished her story – provoking laughter all round as her Prime taunted the “Headmaster” into transforming Starscream’s body and separating it from the controlling Unit – Fowler reflected that while the young ‘bot might come from a pretty strange universe, it was close enough to his that she would do just fine. With a little help from her new friends.

***

Custer’s mustard, Fowler thought. His latest milk run had not just gone sour – it had turned to yoghurt. He was very glad June had been on shift when Raf found another Predacon fossil in a museum. And, as he dodged blaster fire yet again, that he had the Autobots on speed dial. Given the number of ‘Cons around and the pace at which he had to keep moving, they couldn’t just bridge him out, but Ratchet had assured him backup was on the way.

Sure enough, he soon heard the distinctive sound of a groundbridge opening and closing just where he’d been when he called for evac, followed by the roar of a small but powerful engine. A riderless motorcycle drew level with him, red light flashing off metallic plating he knew to be bronze, even in the otherwise pitch-black night. “Want a lift?”

“You’re sure?” Fowler wasn’t certain of the etiquette regarding riding two-wheeler ‘bots, Arcee being picky about her passengers, but he knew Prime liked to be in charge even with a “driver”. He couldn’t blame the guy.

“Of course.” Glitch meant what she said and said what she meant. Gracelessly but quickly, Fowler managed to manoeuvre himself onto her saddle, hoping he wasn’t hurting her as she accelerated away and he instinctively tightened his grip on her handlebars.

Equally instinctively, he tried to steer onto a friendly-looking road, only for her to correct her course straight away. “No, I’ll drive,” she told him, doing a creditable impression of Benny from Who Framed Roger Rabbit? “I’m the cab.”

“This is no way to make a living.” He completed the quotation as she dived for the cover of a nearby wood, weaving between barely visible trees with Jedi-like reflexes, and he just clung on for dear life and prayed to God and Lady Liberty she actually knew what she was doing.

Eventually, the ‘Cons having been left far behind and out of earshot, she slowed, braked and transformed, staying in a kneeling position until Fowler had prised his hands loose from her handlebars, slid off her back and stumbled away. Her transformation was a lot quicker and simpler than the other ‘bots’, but combined with her breakneck driving and reckless steering, it still left him fighting severe motion sickness – and losing.

After an unpleasant – not to mention humiliating – little while, he became aware of a hand longer than his forearm awkwardly rubbing his back. The gesture was weirdly endearing. An alien robot – an autistic alien robot, he was pretty certain, or the Cybertronian equivalent – none too sure what was happening to him (did ‘bots even get sick? Not cybonic-plague or Tox-En sick, but normal colds-and flu sick?) was nonetheless reaching out to try to comfort him as best she could.

“Here.” In the dim light of her headlamps, he saw that she was offering him water in her other, cupped hand. He reached for it, then hesitated. “Are you sure that’s safe to drink?” It was probably from the stream he could now hear close by, and might have anything in it.

“The copper in my plating is self-sterilising, and I can’t pick up any trace of heavy metals.” He took that as a “yes”, rinsed his mouth out with a couple of handfuls of water and gulped down the rest. It tasted a little muddy and a bit coppery, but better than the alternative.

“How’d you find the stream?” he asked once he felt rather more human. He hadn’t heard anything over the sound of her engine.

“Scout frame,” she said absently, rifling through her repair kit. “Comes with unusually sensitive audials and optics. Which doesn’t always play well with dicey sensor-to-processor filters. Now,” she changed the subject with unladylike haste, “you should probably refuel as well.” ‘Bot for “eat something”, he’d have known even if she hadn’t been holding out a familiar package. “Army rations, I’m afraid. They last longer than anything else I could lay my servos on.” Fowler could guess who had persuaded her to keep human food with her at all times. June’s practicality knew no bounds.

“That’s about all they have to recommend them,” he remarked, tearing open the packet anyway. She was right, partly for obvious reasons, partly because he’d missed dinner.

“Tell me about it,” she sighed. “I usually don’t remember sensory data as well as I do facts and figures, but the taste of boot-camp rations is still in my hard drive.”

“You went to boot camp? Even though you’re a medic?” Glitch’s Cybertron was supposed to be at peace, but “cold war” seemed more appropriate.

“Everyone does if they want to be more than a refinery ‘bot. Even if they already know they want a civilian job, like my Bulkhead. He wanted to be a space-bridge technician.” Fowler could just see an affectionate, almost nostalgic smile on her face. “Thinking about it, he and I were the only ones in our squad who didn’t say they wanted to be in the Elite Guard, and we were the only ones who achieved our goals.”

Big Green, a technician? Fowler’s tired mind refused to consider the possibility seriously, so he changed tack. “Who were the others in your squad?”

She settled herself in a cross-legged pose, leaning back against a tree, as she accessed the relevant files. “Longarm, named for his extensible limbs. Aiming for Intelligence. Quiet, vaguely friendly to everybot, not outstanding but not a disaster either. Ironhide, named for his variable-durability armour. Aiming to be an Elite Guard trooper. Brave and loyal, but not the brightest star in the sky, and loyal to the wrong ‘bot. Wasp, named for his stingers. Aiming for Elite Guard command. Good on parade, could have been a good soldier, but a pompous snob and a bully. The wrong ‘bot I mentioned. Bumblebee,” her face noticeably softened and her left hand went to the strip of paint around her right wrist, “named after he tried to match Wasp’s demonstration of his stingers and managed to knock over a building. The sergeant said he was “nothing but a bumbler.” Also aiming for anything in the Elite Guard. Ambitious and accident-prone, but clever and kind when he wants to be, and his spark’s always been in the right place.” And yours belongs to him, if I’m any judge, Fowler thought but didn’t say.

“So if everyone’s named by their sergeants – how’d you and your Bulkhead get your names?” he asked instead.

“Bulk’s not the most obviously intelligent ‘bot, so Sarge called him “all bulk and no brain.” He was wrong, of course, but the name stuck. As for me – a computer error moved my reference number from the waiting list to the enrolment list. Sarge wasn’t happy about having an extra cadet wished on him at the last cycle. Nor was I, but at least it meant I met Bee and Bulk. Which led to my being seconded to their team, and then ending up here. Nice example of the butterfly effect.”

Fowler wasn’t in the mood for metaphysics, so he decided to change tack again. “Sounds like your sergeant was pretty hard on you.”

“To put it mildly.” Glitch’s smile had vanished completely. “There’s encouraging independence, and then there’s ignoring bullying until your cadets are throwing simulated grenades at each other.”

“Seriously?” Fowler stared at her. He’d had tough drill sergeants in basic training, but none of them would have allowed that.

“Seriously. First combat exercise – for which he didn’t brief us properly, into the bargain. Wasp thought it would be funny to throw a paint grenade at Bee.”

“And your sergeant didn’t do anything?”

“He had other problems. A story for another time. He might have, but I know he didn’t when Wasp and Ironhide switched Bulk’s hydraulic fluid for jet fuel. I reported it, but he just told me to sort it out – good practice, I think he called it – and gave us all more transform-ups.” An equivalent of sit-ups or push-ups, Fowler thought. No wonder Glitch transformed so fast and accurately, if that was a routine collective punishment during her training. “Not all drill sergeants are like that. Optimus and Elita speak highly of theirs, Kup. Rightly so, as far as I can tell – met him once, when he was visiting another former cadet in the infirmary. We just drew a short screw.” Fowler was inclined to agree.

Glitch had clearly had enough of Memory Lane for one night. She tilted her head to one side, listening to the forest around them, as her eyes and wing mirrors scanned for enemies. “I think we’re still clear. Ready to bridge back?” Fowler checked his reflection in her mirror – just in case June was in the base when they returned – and answered in the affirmative. Apart from anything else, he needed to get the Predacon fossil to a safe place – and process some of the things his new friend had just told him.

***

“How are you so calm?” Fowler asked Glitch. Most of the ‘bots were out fossil-hunting, but she had had a project she wanted to finish, so had stayed behind. Even when a call for a medic had come in from Stealth Team; Ratchet had answered it instead, leaving his second on groundbridge duty. Instead of fretting about her friends, she seemed to be meditating, seated in a lotus-like pose, hands on knees, perfectly still. For a change.

“Cyber-ninja training ain’t just about your servos and weapons, dig?” Her voice had dropped at least an octave and acquired a New Orleans-style accent. “It’s about your processor and your spark.”

“Quoting someone?”

“My sensei.” She opened her eyes, but didn’t otherwise move. “Jazz. And yes, he really does talk like that. One gets used to it.”

“I’d hope so. What’s he like, by the way?” Fowler also had reason to be concerned about the ‘bots, and thought a distraction wouldn’t be a bad idea for either of them.

“Very calm, very laid-back, very easygoing – up until he very much isn’t. Brilliant at servo-to-servo, unarmed or with his laser nunchaku, but even better at listening and mediating between other people. I suppose he’s had to be, serving under Sentinel flipping Prime.”

“Who’s he, when he’s at home?”

“I wish he’d stay home. Elite Guard acting commander, and therefore one of the leaders of my Cybertron. Arrogant, smug, judgemental – and that’s what Optimus says about him.” Fowler winced; if her Optimus were as similar to his Prime as she made out, that was impressive. “Even though they used to be friends. Optimus actually took the blame for a disaster that was Sentinel’s fault if it was anyone’s, which wrecked his career and preserved Sentinel’s. He was my drill sergeant, back when he was just Sentinel Minor.” Ouch again. Fowler had heard plenty about that time in the young ‘bot’s life. “He and Jazz were part of the Elite Guard’s first expedition to Earth; Jazz picked a rather nice sports car as his alt, and actually paid attention to your traffic laws, while Sentinel chose a monster truck for himself and a missile carrier for Ultra Magnus, and ignored all Optimus’ advice. Patronised every human in sight and most other ‘bots, and generally made himself a walking PR catastrophe.” Fowler was glad he hadn’t been responsible for dealing with that, though he pitied the other Optimus. “Fair’s fair, he does have severe organophobia, but that’s an explanation, not an excuse. Especially as he hasn’t sought any treatment over the last thousand years.”

“How’d he end up as your leader, then?” The US had probably had worse presidents, but not many, and not by much.

“Search me. He’s good in combat, but a terrible diplomat and not much of a politician now that he’s actually got to where he wanted to be. Must have a knack for making the correct friends, as well as sticking to the regulations like glue. I know he’s facing opposition from within the High Council, and keeps putting on spectacles to try to keep the rest of Cybertron on his side. Must really annoy him that Optimus is still more popular, even though he doesn’t want any sort of promotion. He’s happy with his posting and his team, and we’re happy to have him.” What was the Douglas Adams line? Something about those who seek power not being allowed anywhere near it. By the sounds of it, the other Optimus would make a better leader, if he could be persuaded of that – and if that Sentinel guy could be convinced or forced to step down.

Before Fowler could say as much, the comm system chimed. The Wreckers wanted a groundbridge home. Glitch hastened to oblige, leaving Fowler with more questions than answers about her Cybertron and its leadership.

***

“How’d you get so good at this?” Raf asked Glitch, sounding only somewhat annoyed. The three kids and the field-tech had just finished testing out her upgrades to the video-game system, which allowed up to four humans or ‘bots to play at once, with a combat-simulator tournament under Fowler’s vague supervision. Glitch had wiped the floor with all her opponents.

“My Bee.” She touched the strip of paint on her wrist, seeming unaware of the gesture. Fowler wondered whether, in her home universe, there was a yellow and black ‘bot with an equally worn bronze band on his wrist. “He’s been addicted to video games pretty much since he arrived on Earth, and taught me to play. Not really my thing, but having someone to play against makes him happy, so…”

“Who usually wins?” Jack wanted to know.

“He does. Almost all the time.” A smile touched her lips, or whatever she called them. “Once, another ‘bot tried to swap places with him – switched their colours, helmets and voiceboxes – and Bulk eventually suggested figuring out which was which by means of a round of Ninja Gladiator. It’s still Bee’s favourite. Would’ve worked, if Wasp hadn’t lost his nerve and escaped before they could get started.” Wasp? She’d mentioned him before. One of her boot-camp squadmates, if memory served.

“Why’d he swap with him in the first place?” Miko enquired before Fowler could.

Glitch’s smile disappeared in an instant. “Wasp had escaped from the cyber-stockade – prison – where he’d been locked up on false charges of spying. He thought Bee framed him and wanted revenge. The idea was that Bee would be caught and either imprisoned or killed resisting arrest. He didn’t know that they’d both been set up by Shockwave, or, as we knew him back then, Longarm.”

“Longarm?” Now Fowler did interrupt. “He was at boot camp with you, Bumblebee and Wasp, wasn’t he?” Not a tactful question, he knew as her face fell even further, but he’d had to ask.

“And Bulkhead, and Ironhide. I have to admit, he’s one heck of a spy. None of us suspected a thing.” That had to sting; Glitch prided herself on her powers of observation and deduction. Failing to spot a ‘Con agent must have been painful for her when she eventually found out. “Stars, I trusted him to have all our backplates in combat exercises, even live-fire. Especially after Wasp was arrested and Bulk and Bee were thrown out. He never let us down.” Well, he wouldn’t have, not if he was maintaining a cover as a loyal Autobot.

“Hold on – your Bumblebee and Bulkhead were thrown out of boot camp?” Raf asked, eyes wide. Fowler was pretty surprised, too. Sure, their Bulkhead could be clumsy and destructive and their Bumblebee more than a trifle reckless, but their sparks were always in the right places. From what he’d heard, their counterparts were very similar in that respect.

“Bulk accidentally dropped a tower on our drill sergeant trying to protect Bee, and Bee tried to cover for him. Sentinel seized the opportunity to send them both packing. It worked out, though. They were assigned to Optimus’ repair crew with Ratchet, which turned out to be where they needed to be. Prowl joined them later.” She’d mentioned Prowl before. A lone-wolf “cyber-ninja” who’d given his life for his team and their adopted city.

“What happened to Ironhide?” Jack enquired idly.

“Finished boot camp with “Longarm” and me, worked his way up through the ranks, fetched up in Team Athenia under Rodimus Prime. Again, that’s where he needs to be. I don’t really know Rodimus, but he sounds like the best kind of officer, very much in the same mould as both Optimi. And their field-tech, Red Alert, is almost as much of a legend as Ratchet. They’re all in safe servos.” She grinned for the first time since the conversation had begun. “Ironhide once convinced me to join him and his teammate Brawn for a night out at Maccadam’s Old Oil House. Never again. I didn’t know what embarrassment was until those two started their arm-wrestling scam.”

“Which is?” Fowler had to know.

“They arm-wrestle each other, Brawn throws the match, he challenges other ‘bots for free drinks. ‘Bots who don’t know Brawn’s one of the strongest mecha on Cybertron, despite being smaller than me. I don’t know how they get away with it. But that’s Maccadam’s all over. Anybot’s welcome, and always has been. Even Megatron wouldn’t bomb it. A few scams are hardly grounds for being barred.” It sounded like an… interesting place.

“What about Shockwave? Did he get what was coming to him?” Of course Miko wanted to know that.

“Partly. Last I heard, he was still in prison with Megatron and most of his other lieutenants. He’d made it all the way to head of Autobot Intelligence, but made the classic mistake of revealing his identity to people he thought wouldn’t survive much longer. Namely more than half of Team Detroit, and another intel-‘bot, Blurr. It took a while, and nearly cost Blurr and Ultra Magnus their lives, but he’s behind bars where he belongs. For quite some time, I can’t help but hope.” Was that sympathy in her voice? Regret? Shockwave might have been a spy, but she must have thought of him as a friend for a long time. Did she still wish things could be different? That he didn’t have to be her enemy?

Fowler didn’t have much time to consider the question before she derailed his train of thought. “Enough depressingness for one conversation. Another game, anyone?” Jack pleaded homework, but Miko and Raf convinced Fowler to take his place. (Largely by choosing the Lego Skywalker Saga, not that he was going to admit that.) The past might be a mess, and the future uncertain, but as long as there were such simple things as video games in the world, life wasn’t all bad.

***

Shocked silence reigned in Hangar E as the rest of Team Prime finished explaining the concept of the cortical psychic patch to a stunned, then silently furious, Glitch. The subject had arisen during one of her anecdotes, an attempt to cheer her friends up after a defeat at Soundwave’s tentacles by telling them about the sentient kids’ toy in her universe that bore the same name. Unfortunately, that had involved recounting an incident in which her home team had fallen under their Soundwave’s control, which had too clearly brought back bad memories for four of the ‘bots. Fowler had been aware of the ‘Con mind probe already, having been given the 411 on Bumblebee’s excursion into Megatron’s head to find the cure for cybonic plague and save Prime, but he hadn’t realised how horrifying the idea was, especially to a Cybertronian. (Nor had he known that Arcee had endured the patch just before she and Cliffjumper came to Earth, or that Wheeljack had also faced it after the evacuation of Outpost Omega One.) He suspected that without her “cyber-ninja” training, Glitch would have broken something rather larger than the pencil she had just crushed to matchwood.

“Do you mind discussing this later?” Somehow, Miko managed to say that without seeming insensitive. “I wanna know what happened next!”

“All right.” Glitch mustered a genuine smile. “Well, at first Sari’s plan worked. Soundwave couldn’t defend against four very different attacks all at once. Snarl tied Ratchet up with a traffic barrier, Scrapper used a fire hydrant to put Bulk on ice…”

“Just how cold are Detroit winters?” Arcee asked.

“Let’s just say antifreeze is not optional. Anyway. Prowl actually knocked Sari out of the way of Bee’s stingers, and his next attack was so slow she got her counter in first while Wreck-Gar wrapped Bee in what I believe are known as “fairy lights”, singing a silly song as he did so.”

Bumblebee’s comment was translated by Raf as, “You’re kidding!”

“No, straight up. Something like, “Wreck the ‘bot with strings of garbage, fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la…”” That got plenty of laughs. “But there was one problem with the plan, one nobody had realised until it was too late. With most of his puppets tied up, Soundwave could focus on just one. The most dangerous of them all.”

“Optimus,” Jack realised just as Fowler did.

“Optimus. A combat-trained ‘bot who would have graduated from the Autobot Academy had fate been a little kinder to him. And under those circumstances, Soundwave’s greatest asset. He sent all four of the Substitute Autobots flying with one sweep of his axe. Snarl was the first to recover and charge him, but Optimus grabbed the triceratops by the horns and slammed him to the ground. Scrapper tried to defend his friend, calling Optimus out for cruelty to Dinobots, only for the mech to bring a billboard down on the pair of them. Reluctantly, Sari fired on him as he advanced towards her and Wreck-Gar, but he used Wreck-Gar as a living shield, and Sari’s bolts only caused garbage to fly out of his backpack. A kitchen sink hit him on the head, somehow confusing him even more than usual before sending him into stasis.”

“Impressive,” Ratchet murmured at the bottom of his volume range, presumably meaning the “confusing” part.

“Sari stood alone against the possessed shell of one of the first real friends she had ever had, powerless to save herself as he raised his axe to kill her – until, just as the blow fell, a pair of golden shuriken knocked Soundwave’s keytar out of his servos, shattering his control over the Autobots.”

Miko punched the air. “I knew it! I knew Prowl was faking!”

“That sentiment has been expressed before,” Glitch smiled back. “He’d say that he wasn’t just faking; that “it took a great deal of processor-over-matter to resist Soundwave’s control.” But I’m getting ahead of myself. For a spark-quenching moment, it looked as though Prowl had struck just a nanoklik too late – but then Sari reappeared out of the snow, unharmed and declaring that that had been way too close.” Cheers and laughter all round. “Soundwave was furious, naturally. He deployed the keytar, Ratbat, in bat mode for “Operation: Autobot Destruction”.” The guy had no imagination, Fowler thought. “Optimus fended him off until Soundwave himself entered the fray, tackling Optimus to the ground and leaving Prowl vulnerable. Breaking Soundwave’s control must have taken a lot out of him, because Ratbat was able to pick him up easily and drop him a few blocks away, before returning to its master.” Fowler winced, although he knew even tiny Glitch could survive a pretty nasty fall with just a couple of dents. Her universe’s ‘bots were pretty sturdy.

“Optimus was pinned down, unable to reach his axe – but he was able to use his grappling hook to snatch Soundwave’s other drone out of the air while it was distracted by Sari, and bat Soundwave away with it, giving him time to force the bird into its guitar mode as Ratbat flew to its creator and shifted back into a keytar.”

“And the stage was set for the greatest rock-off of the century,” Miko interrupted.

“Pretty much. Optimus used Soundwave’s own instrument to counter his sonic commands, allowing him to get close enough to slice both the Decepticon and his drone in two. Or, as he put it, for “Operation: Face the Music.””

Miko punched the air again. “Rock on! I have got to meet this guy!”

“Of that, I have little doubt.” Little, Fowler realised, not none, because there was a chance the young ‘bot would never get back to her own reality. Either because it was impossible, or because she died before finding a way. He put the thought from his mind and concentrated on the story. “As Soundwave shattered into his component pieces, all around the city, the dolls made in his image also fell to bits, freeing the people from their control. All that was left was to clean up the mess, and disband the Substitute Autobots. Snarl and Scrapper returned to Dinobot Island together – although Snarl kicked Scrapper in the chestplate when he tried to ride him,” more laughter, and a murmur of, “Dinobots not pets,” from Wheeljack, quoting an earlier part of the tale, “and Wreck-Gar pitched in with the clear-up operation, breaking off only to put on a white beard, balance a red and white hat on his antenna and deliver garbage to all the good little children.”

“I guess his spark’s in the right place,” Bulkhead quietly commented to Smokescreen, who happened to be sitting next to him. “Not so sure about his processor.”

“Sari returned to her family,” Glitch continued, “with even more respect for Optimus now that she knew what it was like to be a leader. The Autobots, for their part, had learned a great deal about what it’s like to be human. And to cap it all, Powell was wailing on live television about having to give refunds for all the Soundwave toys. It didn’t ruin him in the end, but it did set him back quite a way.”

“And Laserbeak?” Ratchet just had to ask.

“Got away with a key piece of Soundwave. They’re out there, somewhere, rebuilding and planning, I’ve no doubt, but when they make their move – the Autobots and Substitute Autobots will be ready.”

“You’re not a bad storyteller,” Fowler told Glitch as the group dispersed, June having pointed out that it was well past the children’s bedtime. “For someone who claims not to be good with words.”

How was it possible for someone with a metal face to blush? “Thank you. It helped that that had been marinating in my processor for a while. I had a vague idea of writing the story in musical form, but it works in verbal format as well. If I’d had to figure out how best to tell it on the spot, I’d have got hopelessly lost in almost no time.” Fowler thought she was selling herself short. When she really put her mind to it, he wasn’t sure there was anything she – or the team as a whole – couldn’t do.

***

Fowler shot out of his office the moment he heard the groundbridge activating next door. It had been a fair few hours since Ratchet had left for Cybertron with little preamble and less explanation, and the agent was getting more than a bit worried. Not that he planned on admitting that.

But the senior medic wasn’t the first person to emerge from the space-time tunnel. A good couple of months after bidding him farewell with the most endearingly awkward hug he’d ever received (the kind only someone who was deeply affectionate but constantly second-guessing themselves could give) and promising Ratchet she’d look after the others, Glitch was returning to Hangar E, hand in hand with a yellow ‘bot with black accents, about her own height, who wore a worn-looking bronze band around his right wrist. The couple almost seemed to glow with joy, as much as a pair of robots could. Maybe one of them popped the question, Fowler caught himself thinking. Or maybe they were simply happy to be reunited after so long.

Close behind them were a collection of other new ‘bots, though Fowler thought he could already put names to some of them. A red and blue guy with fins on his helmet and a pair of windshields on his chest. A red and white ‘bot with ECG trace patterns on his shoulders. A big green mech. Even if Fowler hadn’t seen the photos Glitch had stored on her hard drive, he’d have recognised them as Optimus, Ratchet and Bulkhead from her universe, and the yellow one as Bumblebee. By process of elimination, the white ‘bot with the blue visor and red and blue trim was Jazz, her sensei, the pink feminine-looking one with a pair of laser swords sheathed behind her back was Arcee (the other ‘bots’ Energon was pink, he vaguely recalled; it wasn’t necessarily a “girly” colour on the other Cybertron), the ‘bot-spider hybrid was Elita and the kid with Cybertronian eyes and a jetpack was Sari. Glitch’s other family had finally found her, and it seemed likely that she was just showing them around before going back to her home universe with them.

Fowler knew he’d miss her, though he took care not to show it as she formally introduced him to the newcomers. (He’d been right; she and her Bumblebee had just got engaged, and promised to invite him to the wedding.) All the team had learned a lot from their young friend from across the universes, sometimes more than they wanted, and she had learned from them. He could only hope the connection between their realities would stay open, so that they could keep on learning and exploring together.

#transformers prime #transformers animated #fanfic #tfp fowler #autobot oc #misplaced medic au

[shaunsummers]

Reunited, and It's in the Woods!

Humored at how blasted she was, Lilith lightly chuckles but, in truth, it was nice to see Shaun kicking it back and getting shit faced with them. "At least you'll have help whenever Devin eventually needs to be dragged onto the couch."

"Man, they told me the same shit." Not even giving Siren a chance to respond, Devin is quick to interject. Though, unlike Tek, there is no mind to how Siren might be uncomfortable about the situation; so hesitation was nonexistent. "I don't get it. They're always goo goo eyes for each other. It's sick." Letting out a frustrated groan, her attention goes back to the pipe in front of her before putting it to her lips and igniting it; a good portion of the center glowing as she takes the hit.

As she watches Devin take a hit too big for her own good, her hands rises to softly trace her nails in the back of Tek's hair but Siren doesn't miss the fact that they had been keeping it down during the trip; and, in fact, her brows furrow in confusion as she takes the information in. "Well, god, don't let me stop the train or anything if that's the reason." Gently reaching over Tek to grab the bowl from Devin, who was in the middle of a coughing fit, she takes a few tiny puffs to enlarge the small flame within before taking a deep drag and offering it to Tek. "I mean, it's not like I didn't fuck almost everyone in the group. It'd be weird to get territorial now."

"Wait." Popping up a little too fast to straighten her back as her lungs fight her, Devin wobbles as she settles against the log but her narrow eyes motion to Siren and Tek in suspicion. She never asked but they were always so disgustingly affectionate with each other. "Did you guys?"

"Yeah. You didn't know that?" Siren laughs. Then again, it's not like it was yelled from the rooftops or anything.

"No...but..." There is a small pause of silence before Devin perks up her chin, pointing to herself then Tek. "Who was better?" Of course, in the name of drinking, everything was a competition.

Ooooof course. With a wide smile slowly rising on her lips, Siren takes a swig of her beer before giving a light shrug. "Well, she did make me cum early, so..." The shit eating grin only widens at the obvious hurt expression of deeply wounded masculinity. She was going to be running on that high her a while.

----

"True. That is, if I'm not the one needing dragging." Shaun quips, but laughs at the slight shift of concern in Lilith's face. "Kidding. Who'd carry me? Tek?" She snorts, blowing a plume of smoke out to the side. "I'll keep myself well enough in case I need to do any carrying."

She was already stonied to full bologna, but Tek only eyes the pipe for a moment before taking it anyways, starting in on a rip. That was, of course, until their little conversation took a sudden turn, then a complete nosedive. At 'cum early' she immediately breaks away from the pipe, hacking profusely with watering eyes; she hoped the immediate flush in her face could be confused with the coughing. "Jesus!" She grips her chest in the fit, shocked by Siren's bluntness; Tek couldn't remember telling anyone about the night between them, much less the sordid details. Though.....she couldn't help but to feel a little ego boost under all of it, either.

[wildcatofgreen]

Corazon pinched the bridge of her nose, trying her hardest to keep her mouth shut while her younger sister talked--rambled, really--about everything that's happened.

As far as she could tell, her lil sis just never got over a crush she had. Ordinarily, Corazon wouldn't really care that much. Sure, she's got a crush on the dragon girl, whatever. She's been knew that since Carol implied as much over half a decade ago.

The problem is, that it didn't go away when she got with her fucking fiance. From what she's hearing, it's diminished, sure, but if it went away entirely her stupid little sister wouldn't be whining about how much she totally doesn't love her best friend. Well, actually, she never uses the word love. She'll replace it with things that might-as-well mean the same thing--''felt that way'', ''have strong feelings about'', ''care deeply'', yada yada yada.

She seems like she's in denial about the whole thing. ''no cory, i dont love her cory! i got over her, cory!!! cory please undrstand cory i dont love her cory''. Then two seconds later she'll go; ''i want to kiss her so bad cory. i want to hold her and kiss her so badly cory. gosh cory i wanna KISS HER SO BADLY CORY CORY GOSH CORY GOSH''.

Damn near infatuated. She was stupid for not realizing her own vice. That shit held onto her like a virus on a computer, and there's no one to debug her.

Well, actually, that's probably Corazon's job, huh? It's the reason she's listening to her go on and on and on. It pissed her off, annoyed her to no end, that Carol felt this way about anyone else at all, let alone the dragon girl. She's got everything figured out, everything can go in a nice straight line for her, yet she wants to fuck it all up because she's feeling a little gay this morning. Good job, Tea--sure hope Sonar never finds out about this because her man yelling at her is gonna hurt way more than her sister.

Actually, if Carol had one thing going for her, it was the intense amount of self-awareness. She knew she was doing something wrong, It cut out a lot of work Corazon already did not want to do, which in some respects was nice. Because she didn't like yelling at her sister--it was an exercise in depression for the both of them. Her sibling's worries mostly encompassed actually saying any of this to Sonar. If he already knew, it'd be mostly smooth sailings. Just apologize and move on, don't do it again. If he didn't know... well, Corazon didn't want to be there for that one, no matter what it entailed.

Stones, if she didn't stop her soon, she'd keep going until Brevon came back.

So, with a sigh, she put up a hand, ceasing her younger sibling's words almost immediately. She looked petrified. Like the wrath of a thousand suns was coming down upon her. It made the mercenary slightly uneasy, as if one wrong move would fuck everything over in an instant.

So, first, she would ask a question. "What are you trying to do, exactly? Can't get a good handle of that, 'cause you keep sayin' you wanna do one thing, but then you go on ramblin' about how much you super duper duper wanna do somethin' else."

Carol stayed silent for a moment, contemplative. Her eyes closed, her breath shakey. She spoke, in a light whisper, "I wanna... I wanna be with Sony. Iun't wanna feel this way about Lilac anymore."

Mhm, cool, that's the same thing she's said fifty billion other times before this. Please excuse the mercenary if she just straight up doesn't believe her.

She waved her hand in front of her sister, "Nah, nah, you told me that one already--"

"Well, wh-what else am I supposed to say???"

"What you actually want, for one." Her sibling's eyes widened, "We're not gonna get anywhere if you keep lying to me about what you really want out of this."

"I..." her expression softened, her head hanging low, "I'm not lyin'."

"If you're not lying, then what, exactly, are you doing? Because I can tell from here, that you are not telling the truth."

The younger sibling didn't say a word. She just seemed to close herself in even tighter.

"What's going through your head, Tea? That's all I wanna know." She pointed a limped finger at her sister, "I ain't gonna run off and tell Sonar or Lilac or whoever else, 'cause that ain't my style, okay? You are my first priority, everything else comes after." She scooched closer to the younger feline, putting her finger underneath Carol's chin, to keep her eyes level with her sister's. "So you can tell me what's up. Tell me what's troubling you, what's actually troubling you. You don't need to hide shit from me."

The younger wildcat's emerald eyes stared into her sister's--they became glossier by the second. She shook her head and closed them, raising her knees to her chest. Her arms hugged her knees close to her.

Corazon backed off.

. . .

"It's...," the kitten sighed, "It's not okay, to like two people the same way, right? You always gotta pick, right?"

The mercenary decided to stay silent.

"If," she paused, almost unsure of her words, "If I had to--if I have to, then," she gulped. Her eyes opened, darting around the mercenary's house, as if looking for an answer. As if one would fall right into her lap. Or maybe she was looking for an escape? Stalling, even?

The words out of her mouth, carefully picked. She shut her eyes tighter than before. Her claws almost dug into her skin. She didn't want to admit it, she really didn't... "I want to kiss her. Just one time. Just so I know how it feels from her. I want my Sony--I-I never want to give him up, I really don't, but," she grabs tighter, "I wish I could just have her, for that one kiss, for those couple seconds. I-... I think I'd be okay, after that."

Corazon just shook her head. "You want him, right?"

She nodded.

"You want to marry him?"

She nodded.

"Then you can't kiss her--"

"But why not???" She exclaimed, her eyes opening wide, tears welling, "Why can't I have my Lyli, just once, damn it??? Never again! Never ever again!!! Just..." She sniffled, biting her lip.

"I don't know if you've realized it yet, sis," she pointed at her junior, "But loyalty is a big part of having a relationship--"

"I know!!! I know I know I know!!!!! I know why I'm fucking wrong, I know why I'm terrible, I know why I don't even deserve either one of them, but stones damn it!!! "Everytime I held her, I felt those same butterflies I feel with Sony. Everytime I comforted her, cuddled her, loved her as much as I could, I felt," she trailed off.

The mercenary let her find her footing.

"I felt, happy? The same happy I have with Sony. I... I want to have that happy with her again. It's been so long since I've even heard her." She shook her head, "I thought she'd be back in a week, two, tops. She wouldn't spend that much time searching for Merga, right? She'd always come back, right? It could be me, Sony and her again. Like it used to be! In the tree house!!!"

She tilted her head, squinting at her sister. "Did you never tell her how you feel?"

"Would it matter?"

Fucking, yes??? Of course it would??? She smiled a sly smile at her, "Maybe just a little. Gettin' all of this off your chest with me is one thing, but tellin' her, face to face...?" She put a foot on the chair, resting her arm on her knee, "Tell her once, and maybe you can move on. And she'd say how she feels, too.

"Maybe that's all you actually need. To know how she feels, if there was even a chance."

Then she could probably tell her about the whole marriage thing, too. Kill two birds with one stone.

"I... thought I did know, though."

Hm? Full attention at her younger sis again.

"I always thought she ain't like me like that. That despite all of the things we did together, all of the presents we exchanged... "Just friends," she muttered, remorseful, "Y'know?"

"Assumin' makes an ass out of you," she points to her sister, "And me," and points back at herself. "You ain't gonna get nowhere just assumin' shit like that. Shit, what if you assumed that Brevon guy wasn't as bad as he was? What if you assumed that I was right about Merga?"

It felt like a wave of shock went through her sister, like something finally clicked in her peanut brain. It was amusing, but Corazon wouldn't laugh. Not now, anyway. "So," Carol started, her gaze at the coffee maker, a hand grasping at... something, under her scarf, "All I gotta do... is ask her?"

"I'd tell her, first. She'll probably say her peace right after your's." She nodded to herself.

The kitten hummed in thought. Her eyes closed again.

---

"Sure, fine, you can help again today," she spun her gun around her index finger, other hand at her hip, "But once you get a call, it's donezo. I ain't havin' you miss your job over your stupid shit, sis."

"Oh I'll be fine. Sony'll call me as soon as there's somethin' 'ta do! I'll probably be outta your fur in no time!" She had a proud smile on her face, as if she wasn't ready to cry just mere moments ago.

Stones, her sister was a fucking moron. Loved her to bits.

"Got it. Let's not waste anymore time--bet they're already looking for me."

---

Ring ring ring...

Ring ring ring...

Ring ring ring...

#carol's cruisings #carol's adventures #corazon's keen #long time no see dragon girl

[starstruckpurpledragon]

So in the entire time I've owned my house (it's been a decade and I continue to be so grateful that this house is something I have been able to afford on my own after my roommates eventually moved out), the dining room (that I use as a craft room) has never had an overhead light.

Until today. *insert much cheering*

It's been pretty low on my todo list, really. Bathrooms and kitchen remodels were more important over the years and there was that one outlet hooked up to a switch so with a little ingenuity and the discovery of a little wireless communicator that would let me wirelessly link up all the lights in the room, I had a number of floor lamps in the room that all turned on and off with the light switch. A fairly cheap solution that kept the room lit. Dimly lit compared to every other room in the house, particularly with the giant tree in the front yard blocking the window from getting much external light, but lit nonetheless.

But the room would also get really warm in the summer and, after several consecutive days of 109 degree weather while I was trying to reorganize the room to make space for some family china I inherited from a cousin (whom I loved very much and who passed away from cancer last year)... it got... really hot in that room. I decided it was finally time to do something about the situation.

I bought an overhead fan light that's a little on the fancy looking side so that it'd still look nice for a dining room. But it won't look out of place in my craft/music room that it's being used for now either. The fan will help with the air circulation in a part of the house that has the worst airflow. And the light makes it so bright in there, which is what I've really been needing for years. (So often I'd start a craft in there and then meander into the living room for the better lighting.)

I can now get rid of some of the cheap floor lamps I had scattered around the room which will make more space in there and help the room feel less cramped/easier to keep the corners clean. I definitely understand the whole thing about being grateful to items that I'm getting rid of - those lamps kept the room usable and generally functional during times when I need to focus on other, more expensive projects in the house. I may not need them anymore, but they were wonderful to have when I did need them.

This seems to be the year of small improvement projects (I'm determinedly ignoring the back yard right now - it's functional and I can continue to live with it in the current state a while longer) so next up is replacing my front door, which sticks so badly on high heat days that it can't be opened from the outside. The frame is also rotting a bit in one place and a lot of little bugs are finding their way inside as a result. And my hot water pressure is getting pretty bad, so I definitely need a plumber come take a look at that too. (My hot water heater is about nine years old, so it might simply be time to replace it again.)

In a somewhat hilarious aside, the electricians found a 1970s issue of Playboy hidden in the insulation in the attic. Apparently one of the previous owner's sons thought that the attic was a good hiding place. I can't imagine it was convenient, though.

#home ownership #there's always going to be projects to do in the house #but I continue to love living here

[mato-mato-ma]

Maybe I should queue up posts

#Mato-Mato-Ma~!!! #It might be a while until I front again so it'd be nice to keep the blog somewhat active while I'm gone! #Yeah I'll queue up some posts :)

[kittyymew]

Accidental Surprise

Story Summary- Levi walks in on you pleasuring yourself. You, the Reader, and Levi are not a couple in this scenario, however, both of you like each other romantically without each other's knowledge.

********

You groan as you enter your room after a long stressful day, plopping down on your bed. You were tired, annoyed, angry, and frustrated. Hell! Why wouldn't you be? Another failed mission, and the worst part of it all? You were blamed for the unforeseeable factor which caused the mission to fail. Well, at least there wasn't a single casualty. A rare occurrence.

"Urgh fucking great! Of course, it's my fault! I mean yeah I controlled the titans who made us break our formation!" You let out in an exasperated tone, sitting up on your bed as you start undressing out of that stupid, uncomfortable uniform, tossing it all in a corner.

""Y/N! WhAt aRe yOu dOiNg WhY aRe tHeRe sO mAny tItAns? WhY DiDn'T YoU TeLL uS thErE aRe gOinG To Be sO mAnY aBnoRmALs iN oUr wAy?!"", you mock Levi's words as you get up from your bed and make your way over to the closet to get a change of clothes. He's been like this, blaming you for the most irrelevant things, ever since you were assigned a squad leader yourself. You tried ignoring his condescending remarks, illogical arguments, and wrongfully placed blames in the beginning but it's getting more and more unbearable with every mission you go on.

"Um... I don't know... MAYBE THE FACT THAT THERE WAS NO WAY I WOULD'VE KNOWN!" You yell out in the empty room.

"I can not believe I used to like-like him. Who am I kidding? I still like that stupid ass head! URRRGH WHY DID I HAD TO HAVE FEELINGS FOR HIM OUT OF ALL PEOPLE?!", you shriek out in an irritated tone, opening your closet door with such force that a box tumbles down from the top shelf, spilling its contents on the ground.

You sigh, closing your eyes and massaging your temples in an attempt to calm yourself down. You glance down at the box that had just tumbled out of your closet, seeing a pair of cuffs and a collar that had fallen out of the box. "Oop," you think as you realize it was your sex-toy box that had fallen out of your closet.

"Oh... I forgot I even had these things..." You mumble, bending down to pick up the items and the box, making your way back to your bed and emptying all the contents on the mattress. The collars, handcuffs, vibrators, dildos, butt plugs, ropes, etc. You had bought most of these items when you were with your ex.

Amidst the breakup and you gaining more responsibilities in the scouts, it's been a little over a year since you've used any of the items inside the box. Hell, you barely have any time to pleasure yourself with your fingers, let alone have sex with someone or have the luxury of using all these toys on yourself.

You pick up the pretty pink coloured wand-type vibrator, pressing down on the power button, the vibrator buzzing to life. You didn't think it was even charged. Well, at least you hadn't ran out of luck... yet. You turn it back off, biting down on your bottom lip, contemplating whether you should use it on yourself right now or not.

You quickly get up and get rid of your panties, climbing back on your bed as you crawl to the center, propping the pillows against the headboard, turning around and leaning back on it, spreading your legs.

Your mind automatically travels back to the one person you've liked for so long. As creepy or weird as it may feel, you can't help it. How his lips might feel against yours, or his hand wrapped around your throat, his fingers tangled in your hair tugging on it, or how his fingers would feel inside you... or even better his d-

*SIGH*

Taking a deep breath to relax, you trail your fingertips down your chest, stopping at your nipples to gently squeeze and tug on them.

"Maybe this is how his fingers would feel..."

You bite back a small moan at the sensation, it's been a while since the (Y/N/C) buds received any attention.

You take your sweet time to rile yourself up, switching between squeezing your boobs and pinching and tugging on your nipples. Your mind clouding up with all kinds of inappropriate thoughts and you can already feel the heat pooling between your legs by just stimulating your nipples and by the thoughts of how Levi would fuck you...

You keep your left hand on your left boob and trail your right hand down until your fingers touch slick folds, your fingers rubbing up and down, spreading your arousal. A small, almost inaudible whimper falls off your lips as your fingers finally connect with your throbbing clit.

In the blink of an eye, your fingers are moving in a circular motion over your clit, applying just enough pressure to have you squirming and moaning. It's been so long, even the slightest touch has you going crazy.

You begrudgingly disconnect your fingers with your clit, just for a few moments until your fingers were replaced with the head of your wand vibrator, your other hand spreading your folds as you press down the vibrating head against your clit. You throw your head back, moaning loudly as pleasure spreads through your body like wildfire.

"O-oh... fuuck..."

You moan out as you apply more pressure, moving the vibrator up and down your clit slightly, the movement combined with the intense vibration causing your toes to curl and your eyes to roll at the back of your head in pleasure.

Sliding your fingers down towards your entrance, you push a finger inside your wet cunt that slides in with ease, and curl it upwards in a come hither motion, with your walls clenching around your finger as the tip rubs against your g-spot and the vibrator's sweet assault on your clit, it doesn't take long to feel the knot in your lower stomach tighten.

Throwing your head back in pleasure, small moans and whimpers fall off your lips, quickly adding in another finger inside, plunging them as deep as they can go, the tips rubbing against that sweet spot inside your tight pussy, as you draw your orgasm closer and closer with each thrust and movement of your fingers against your g-spot, combined with the intense vibration against your swollen clit.

"Fuck fuck fuck... oh... god... L-Leviii fuck...!"

You scream out in pleasure, applying more pressure on your clit with the vibrator, your fingers halting their thrusting movement as your cunt clenches around them, your lower stomach fluttering, your toes curling and back arching, as the euphoric sensation takes over your mind and body.

Pulling your fingers out of your throbbing pussy and turning the vibrator off, you try to catch your breath, still coming down from the high of the orgasm you just had.

"I- uh... *ahem*..."  Your head snaps up towards the direction of the door, the moment you heard someone clear their throat, and there he stood in your doorway, in all his red-faced glory, your soul leaving your body when you see his face.

It takes a moment for your brain to register, but you snap out of it when you see Levi take the tiniest step forward.

"FUCKING SHIT! LEVI WHAT THE HELL?!"

You yell as you jump up to cover yourself with the blanket and hastily trying to hide the multiple sex toys that were splattered all over your bed.

"I- uh...." Levi opens and closes his mouth, failing to realise that he's gawking at your naked figure. He averts his gaze only after you pull the blanket up to your chest and awkwardly try to hide his hard-on. He quickly turns around, his mind finally processes the situation, but not before you catch a glimpse of his situation down there.

"I just... came here to apologise for how I had been acting towards you over the past few weeks Y/N," Levi says, trying to make everything less.. awkward?

You just stare at the back of his head. You're way too embarrassed to even breathe at this point. How long was he standing there? How the hell did you not hear him come in? How did you even forget to lock the door before your genius self decided to masturbate?

Levi breaks the silence when you don't say anything. "Y/N...? I'm sorry the door was open and I-..."

"How long were you standing there for?" You ask.

You'd much rather die of a heart attack or something at this moment instead of having to face him. It'd be much easier than having to go through this.

"A while I guess...." He replies, scratching the back of his head.

*bonk*

You throw the first thing that you could reach. It was a purple dildo.

"Hey, Ow!" He mumbles, rubbing the spot where the dildo just hit him.

"AND YOU JUST STOOD THERE WATCHING ME INSTEAD OF LEAVING OR AT LEAST SAYING SOMETHING?!?!" You yell at him, throwing a pillow at his head this time.

"Well, you did moan my name brat!" Levi sasses in response when the pillow hits him.

"Stop throwing things at me brat!" Levi says, turning around on his feet to face you with a glare until he catches the sight of the purple dildo lying near his feet. He bends down to pick it up and smirks at you.

"Or I can just remind you whose name you were just moaning..." He says as he dangles your purple dildo in front of him

"LEVI!" You yell at him again, moving forward and attacking him by throwing everything that is within range at him.

"OKAY SORRY! SORRY!!!" Levi laughs as he dodges everything that's plunged in his direction and he's on the bed in front of you, holding your wrists down.

Your breath hitches in your throat at the close proximity between the two of you and you freeze up.

"I never said I was complaining about it. If anything it's nice to know that you think of me when you touch yourself. Because it just means that I wouldn't have to worry about you liking me back when I ask you out tomorrow" Levi says, letting go of your wrists and booping your nose with his stupid cocky grin before turning around and leaving your room.

"What just... happened..."

You think to yourself as you're left alone in your room, dumbfounded, to say the least.

#levi x you #levi oneshot #levi aot #levi ackerman imagine #levi attack on titan #levi smut #levi x reader #levi ackerman oneshot #levi ackerman #levi heichou #levi x y/n #aot x reader #aot x y/n #aot oneshots #aot smut #aot levi

[wlwmarvelenthusiast]

More Than A Friend

Summary: A weekend trip with Carol leads you to realize you might like her a little more than you'd thought.

Pairing: Carol Danvers x Reader

Warnings: language

Word Count: 6,194

You crept into the bar. It was a rowdy place, even this early in the evening. Your eyes scanned the crowd, taking in all the different people that were scattered throughout the room. The football game was playing on the TV, but unfortunately, it wasn't really your sport. Finally, your eyes landed on a blonde sitting at the bar. You moved toward her, a smirk on your face. You didn't even bother to slide into the seat next to her.

Your hand touched her hip and your lips were right next to her ear when you spoke. "What's a beautiful thing like you doing all alone here?"

She startled a little, whipping to face you. When she saw you, though, she smacked you away, an unamused expression taking over the surprised look she'd had a minute ago. You slid onto the stool next to her, eyes watching as the bartender held up a single finger to indicate he'd be over to you in a moment. You only nodded in acknowledgment before turning back to the girl beside you, the smirk still on your lips.

"You're an idiot, you know that?" She rolled her eyes.

"Come off it, Care-bear, you love me."

"Christ, I hate when you call me that."

"I apologize, oh Captain, my captain."

The bartender arrived and prevented her from retaliating. You didn't even bother looking back at her as you ordered your drink of choice, glancing up at the football game that you didn't care about in order to not look at Carol. She finally snorted and bumped her shoulder against yours. It made you look back at her, unable to keep a smile from forming on your face when she gave you a hearty wink. She laughed.

"How was work?"

You shrugged. "People are idiots."

When you were sixteen, you'd worked a retail job where you'd learned just how stupid people really were. You'd learned that fully-grown adults had nothing better in their lives to do than yell at teenaged, minimum wage workers during their spare time for nothing more than a minor inconvenience. When you'd become an Avenger, you thought that would stop. You were incorrect. You might not have been a teenaged retail worker anymore, but people found a reason to lose their temper anyway- even right after you'd saved their life.

"That good, huh?" She chuckled.

"Are people nicer on other planets, Care-bear? Take me with you?"

"They're not, no," Carol huffed, sipping from her glass. "And the drinks don't taste as good."

You wondered what she was drinking that she seemed to be enjoying so much. It was colourful, and had, at this point, piqued your interest. You reached out and snatched from where it sat in front of her on the bar. You sniffed it first. It was something fruity, that was all you could figure. Finally, you dared raise the glass to your lips. The second the liquid touched your tongue you felt like you might overdose on sugar and sweetness.

"Oh, my God, Carol!" You exclaimed, setting the drink back down on the bar top and sliding it to her. "What the hell is that?"

"She got it extra sweet," the bartender said as he walked by. "Your friend's got a sugar addiction."

It didn't seem to bother her at all. While you felt you could puke from the sugar content alone, she was sipping it happily. You rolled your eyes at her, reaching for your own drink, much preferring the taste of it. Carol turned to you suddenly, the straw still between her lips. You watched as she lowered it back down, using the same straw to stir the drink around, the ice clinking off the side of the glass as she did. She sipped it again.

"What's our weekend plans, then?" Carol asked finally.

"Who says I have plans with you?"

"Oh, please. You practically begged me to come stay on Earth for a weekend."

"I did absolutely no such thing."

You absolutely did do that. Carol was away from Earth more often than not and you missed her. It wasn't like it was a crime to. So, you'd phoned her up and asked her over and over to come spend just one weekend on Earth with you. She'd finally agreed on the eighth ask, and now here you sat; on the right of the girl you'd missed so dearly, teasing her relentlessly about whatever that abomination was swirling around in her glass.

"We're taking my new car on a little road trip," you finally gave, sipping your drink. "Music, fast-food, and deep talks on the interstate."

"Snacks?"

"Snacks too," you promised with a chuckle. "And we can get a nice motel room or pitch a tent at night. Whichever you please."

You had to laugh at the smile that had crept over her face. The way she giggled in excitement, you had to wonder if it'd just been too long since her last day off or if the alcohol had gotten to her already. She waved the bartender lever as she finished hers. He placed a new one in front of her, and she thanked him quickly, bringing it close and immediately bringing the straw between her lips. You wondered whether the sugar or alcohol content would hospitalize her quicker.

"So, when do we leave?" She chirped.

"In the morning. Don't drink too much. You'll get hungover and I want to actually have fun."

She stuck her tongue out at you. You rolled your eyes in response, finishing your own drink and then declining another. You didn't want to be hungover when you were the one driving the two of you around. The bartender brought you a pop instead. You sipped on it, watching a bar-goer stumbled over with a drunk grin on his face and tapped Carol on the shoulder. He said something you didn't quite hear, but you saw Carol nod. He took her hands and dragged her onto the dance floor. You brought her drink toward you.

Carol was a flirt. She always had been. She was a flirt with you, your teammates, and strangers. She was also gay. This dance with this guy didn't mean much to her. You weren't sure if it even meant much to him. You couldn't be sure that he'd even remember this dance. He was absolutely wasted, and it wasn't even midnight. Regardless, he seemed to be enjoying it. His eyes travelled up and down Carol's body and you squeezed the glass in your hand a little tighter. You were protective of her, despite knowing she could absolutely hold her own.

When the song finished, she winked at him, retreating back to your spot at the bar. She finished up her drink and then insisted the two of you head back to your place and that you were right: she didn't want to be nursing a hangover while you were supposed to be having a good time. You paid the bartender and then linked your arm with hers, leading her out the door and onto the streets. She glanced up at the tall buildings around her. A smile had formed on her face.

"You don't appreciate how beautiful this place is."

You glanced up at the glowing buildings that towered above you and marvelled, for a moment, at the soft light that radiated off them. Your gaze was tugged downward, though, at a rustling noise. You were snapped back into the reality of your city as you watched a rat scurry along the curb of the sidewalk in the direction opposite you. You chuckled at that, motioning to it as you looked up to catch Carol's bright gaze.

"Surely some of those planets are far more beautiful than this."

She shrugged. "Some, maybe. Some are worse. Some are kind of alike to this. This has always been my favourite, though."

You might have understood that if Carol had taken the time to visit the actual beautiful parts of the Earth. But she was always in the city. She'd never gone to stare in amazement at a waterfall or glance at towering mountains. She had never seen the true beauties of this Earth, and you promised in that moment to change that fact. If she thought New York City was beautiful, she would be blown off her feet by the things you showed her.

"One day, Carol, I'll show you the actual beautiful things on this Earth."

"You're pretty beautiful yourself."

You smacked her. That was her flirty side coming out once again. It didn't mean anything. It never had. So, you wondered what that strange flutter in your chest was when she said the words. You ignored it, passing it off as a longing for a meaningful relationship. You hadn't had one of those in a while now. You probably just wanted someone to say those words to you and mean it. You made a mental note to sign up for an online dating site after the weekend had passed. It was too hard to meet people in your line of work without them.

"Yeah, I know," was all you gave in response.

When you glanced over at her, she had a grin on her face.

It wasn't long until you'd reached your apartment building. You smiled at the front desk as you entered the lobby and immediately made for the elevator. You pressed the button to the seventh floor and waited patiently for the doors. You knew Carol was suppressing a squeal of glee when they arrived. She usually just flew everywhere. Using simple inventions like this one had always gotten her more excited than the average person. To anyone else, an elevator was just a boring elevator.

"Can I do it?" She asked as you pulled out your key.

Carol really was just like a child, in a sense. Everything was so advanced out in space that these were the things she enjoyed doing. You pointed out the bronze key and watched her run ahead. She practically skipped the distance to your apartment door. She pushed the key into the lock and turned it, glancing back at you and smiling widely when the door pushed open. You smiled affectionately as you took the key back from her.

She may not have visited Earth overly often, but every time she did, she visited your apartment. Resultantly, she knew her way around. She knew, as well, that you didn't mind in the slightest if she made herself at home. She slid her shoes off and jumped onto the couch, pulling the blanket down over top of her and snuggling into it. You actually took a photo of the sight before you moved into the room behind her, lifting her legs, sitting on the couch, and then dropping them back over your lap.

"Can we watch a movie?" Carol asked, pleading gaze turning to you.

You showed her the remote you'd been reaching for. "Already on it, Captain Danvers."

"I take it back," she giggled, tossing her head back so that it hit the armrest. "That's worse. You can call me-"

"Aw, my Care-Bear!" You laughed, shifting your position so you could throw your arms around her shoulders.

Carol grunted at the impact against her torso. Once you settled, though, she breathed a little easier. You were both squished against one side of the couch, now, but the closeness was nothing new to you. You still had the remote in hand, and aimed it at the TV, managing to get it to Netflix. You flicked on a random horror movie, setting the remote back down on the coffee table in front of you. You nestled back into the cushions.

It had always amused you how jumpy Carol got when she watched horror movies. She was a literal superhero that fought literal aliens all the night and day and yet a ghost jumping out of a darkened corridor had her cringing away from the TV screen and pulling the blanket further up her body as if in an attempt to protect her. She would always adamantly deny it if you ever brought it up later. You would never show her the picture you had of her, fuzzy blue blanket pulled all the way up to her nose, eyes wide, as she watched The Conjuring. She would delete it off your phone as you slept.

Today, though, her nerves seemed to be calmed somewhat by the cup of tea she had clasped between her hands. She looked entirely content, sitting cross-legged on the couch with that same fuzzy blanket draped over her lap and a grey, ceramic mug warming her palms. The alcohol had clearly gotten to her a little, you realized, as you watched her eyelids droop every once in a while. The corner of your mouth tilted upward ever so slightly. She was wide awake a moment later.

It was a sudden jump scare. Even being half asleep, Carol was still paying attention. So, when the TV boomed and there was a flash and a scream, she jumped. The tea that she'd been holding in her lap sloshed over the edges, a large amount of liquid soaking into the couch cushions. You were out of your seat in an instant, reaching for the remote to pause. Carol was apologizing profusely, jumping to her feet and following you to the kitchen.

"It's okay, Carol. It's fine," you chuckled, wetting a dish towel and grabbing some paper towels. "Hey, it's fine. Really. Chill out."

Carol seemed hesitant to do that. When you lightheartedly flicked the wet towel at her, though, she finally smiled taking the paper towel out of your hand and heading back to the living room, pressing the paper towel into the couch and absorbing as much of the liquid as she could. When she'd finished, you used the wet rag to clean the beverage out. As you tossed the paper towel away and threw the dishrag into the kitchen sink, you stood back and took a look at the large wet spot on the couch.

"Guess we're moving to my room, then. Let's go, Care-Bear."

Carol nodded. She trod behind you into the bedroom, where you flopped onto the bed. She was lagging behind and you waved her onward to hurry her up. She finally jumped onto the bed and sat next to you, sliding her legs underneath the covers. You turned on the small TV in your room and resumed the movie you'd been watching. In the soft comfort of the bed, though, it seemed the tug for sleep was greater. Carol's eyes finally fluttered shut and she lay down against the pillows. You chuckled, turning off the movie.

You, unlike your friend, hadn't fallen asleep involuntary. You were able to head to the bathroom and brush your teeth before yawning tiredly and deciding to join. You padded back into the room, climbed under the covers, shut off the lights, and lay your head onto your own pillow. You smiled once at Carol's sleeping figure before you shut your eyes, letting sleep take you.

*

As hard as you tried to convince her, you weren't able to get Carol to stick her head back inside the sunroof. You weren't sure how to breeze was so exhilarating to her. The superhuman could fly faster than your car was going right now. The wind in her hair had to be a familiar feeling at this point. Plus, there were no laws against flying above the interstate to feel the wind in your hair. There were, however, laws about standing with your entire torso stuck out the roof of the car.

You'd given up a while ago. If she fell out, she'd be just fine. If she got you a ticket? Oh, there would be serious hell to pay. She'd agreed to that already. You'd honestly be surprised, though, if she did get ticketed. It'd be quite a sight to see: a measly police officer ticketing the Human-Kree Hybrid superhero. That sight alone might actually be worth the fine you would have to pay. By the time she'd pulled her head back in, though, blonde hair windblown and a smile plastered to her face, you'd yet to see a single cop.

"Have fun?" You asked, doing up the sunroof.

"Absolutely. You should try."

"Do you know how to drive?" You scoffed.

"I can fly a ship."

"Yeah, I'm sure UFO controls are much different than cars so I'm gonna have to politely ask you to stay the hell away from my car."

Carol only stuck her tongue out at you. She still didn't do her seatbelt up yet. She twisted her body so that she could reach into the back seat. You turned back to the road, but when you shot a second glance at her a few seconds later, she was popping open a can of Pringles with a large grin on her face. She bit down onto a chip with a giggle before turning the can to you. You reached into it with one hand and took a small handful of them, setting them down on the centre console for easier access.

"Where are we staying tonight?" Carol asked through a mouthful of chips.

"A campground up in a small town in Ontario," you hummed. "It's still a good few hours away. I'd ask if you wanted to stop for food, but I'd guess you've filled up on snacks."

She dug through her backpack. "Do I need this?"

She held up the passport you'd made her get last time the two of you had headed up to Toronto. Despite the fact that she really wasn't a citizen of the United States... or even of Earth, you'd managed to get S.H.I.E.L.D. to make you an exception for Carol. It was the perks of being an Avenger, and a close friend of Nick Fury, you supposed. To answer her question, you simply nodded your head as you reached for the Gatorade in your cup holder. She stuck the papers back into her bag.

"So, are you seeing anyone?"

The question almost made you spit the red beverage onto the steering wheel. It wasn't that you and Carol had never talked about it. She was one of your closest friends, after all. She was the first one you'd called when you'd realized your feelings for your last girlfriend, and she was the first one you'd called when you'd broken up. Carol wasn't someone you didn't talk about your love life with. It was just that it was completely and entirely out of the blue. It didn't help that the answer was still no, even after the long period of time since she'd last asked it.

You'd tried to assure yourself that you were just busy with work. It wasn't a lie. You'd been busy as hell ever since Loki's sceptre had inexplicably gone missing after the Battle in New York. But it wasn't just that, you knew full well. Something seemed to be wrong with your brain, or maybe your heart. Maybe it was just that your standards were practically in the clouds, but no one seemed attractive to you anymore. Not even the girl Natasha had tried to set you up with (and you were well convinced that Natasha only knew attractive people).

"Not at the moment, no," you finally admitted. "You?"

"On-and-off," she shrugged. "Just a girl from a planet called Xandar."

A pang of jealousy struck your chest. You were carving something- anything. You would've given anything even for something on-and-off just about now. Had it really been that long? You could hardly believe you were jealous of her. It wasn't like you to be jealous of something someone else had. You were supposed to be happy for her, not sulking over your own lack of a love life... or sex life. You forced a smile at her, wishing it could be real.

"Oh, yeah? Tell me about her."

"Not too much to tell," Carol said, biting down on a potato chip. "She's cute, funny, sweet. A little younger than me, but most people are," she chuckled as she glanced over at you. You plastered a phone smile back onto your lips and forced a laugh from your chest. "Her name's Alya."

You almost grumbled, but managed to bite your tongue on time. You resorted to ripping open a packet of gummy bears in order to keep your mouth full and therefore unable to make any snarky comments. Carol didn't seem to notice that, only reaching over and grabbing a green bear out of the bag. Though you might have been a little frustrated, you let her. It wasn't her fault that you were touch-starved and desperate.

"You know, we could spend this trip trying to find you a girlfriend," Carol grinned, tossing a candy into the air and catching it in her mouth.

"No," you denied immediately. You didn't need for her to see how weird your head was being right now. You were certain there was no one she could find that would be able to snap you out of this strange state of no one being attractive to you, yet craving someone. "I'm not looking for a girlfriend in Ontario."

"What's wrong with girls from Ontario?" Carol teased.

She'd been to Ontario once before. She'd pointed out that, though they may have dressed a little different and talked a little different, the girls from Ontario were just as attractive as the girls from New York. You'd had to point out that, at the time, she'd had a girlfriend. With Carol's ogling at girls on Earth, clearly, she and the girlfriend hadn't been working out well. They'd broken up two weeks later, leaving them both a little hurt, but not beyond repair. Even still, they saw each other for lunch or for a drink, but just as friends. It was admirable; the respect they had retained for one another.

"Nothing is wrong with girls from Ontario," you huffed. "I'm just not in the mood. This is supposed to be our weekend."

"What if I want to spend our weekend finding you a girl?"

"I don't. Drop it," you finally snapped.

Immediately guilt rushed to settle in the pit of your stomach. You readjusted your grip on the steering wheel as your gaze refused to leave the road in front of you. You didn't want to glance over at the frown that had surely taken the place of that infectious smile you loved so dearly. You definitely didn't want to look at it knowing that you were the cause of it. Carol was so incredibly joyful all the time and that was one of the things you loved about her. To be the one who had taken that joy from her, even momentarily, broke your heart.

"I'm sorry," you muttered.

She didn't answer that.

You attempted to swallow the lump in your throat as you tried to focus on driving instead of picturing the frown that was probably tugging at each of Carol's features. You wished you could actually physically kick yourself for what you'd done. She didn't deserve you snapping at her like that. She hadn't done anything wrong. You were just being pissy for reasons you weren't sure even you quite understood. You finally turned to her, but she was looking out the window.

"Look, Carol-"

"Hey, don't worry. Sorry I pushed."

You didn't deserve Carol Susan Jane Danvers one single bit. She deserved more than the world and you swore right then you'd work every moment to give that to her. Despite how you'd treated her for reasons she couldn't possibly have understood, when she turned to you, she was still smiling. As always, her smile put a smile on your face too. You turned away from those soft brown eyes to glance back at the road in front of you.

"It's okay. I'm sorry I snapped. I just... it's a long story, Care-Bear."

"We've got a long ride ahead of us," she tried.

"I don't know that I'm feeling like talking about it right this second," you admitted.

She seemed to accept that. You felt her touch your arm with her hand. Warmth seemed to rush from her touch, up your arms, and into your chest. How one person could instill such comfort into you amazed you. She said a few soft words to you that you didn't quite hear, but you felt you might not need to. You knew they were words of comfort. Just that knowledge was enough to put a smile onto your face. Your eyes flickered from her to the road.

"No problem," Carol chimed. Then, without missing a single beat, she changed the subject. "Hey, which bag did you put the Fuzzy Peaches in?"

"The green backpack."

Just like that, it was easy again. Carol didn't let you linger on just how upset you were for more than a second. She practically dived into the back seat for the backpack, reappearing with the orange package in her hand. She plopped back down into her seat, still refused to put her seatbelt on, and ripped the package open. She reached out and turned up the music when one of your favourite songs came on. You wondered if she knew that.

*

"No! That piece goes over here!" You insisted.

Carol frowned and handed you the long pole.

Pitching a tent with an alien who hadn't even known was a tent was, up until five minutes ago, was not easy. She'd practically rolled herself up like a burrito in the rain fly right after nearly putting the stakes directly through the floor to pin the tent down. You'd been guiding her, preventing any damage from coming to it. She was listening intently, making sure she did everything exactly how you said. She stuck the peg through the guy line and looked at you.

"Like that?"

"Yeah. Perfect. I think we're just about done, Care-Bear."

At that, she unzipped the door, diving through it into the empty tent. You reached into the trunk of your car, throwing the many pillows, blankets, and sleeping bags through behind her, not caring much where they landed. When you finally shut the door and ducked into the tent, Carol was beneath the large pile, peering out from where only the top half of her face was visible. You had to chuckle, grabbing one of the blankets and pulling it over her face.

Carol insisted she set up. She had you sit aside by the door, munching happily on a small bowl of popcorn as you watched. She carefully unzipped the sleeping bags and lay them down on the floor, putting the pillows atop them, and then the two comforters stacked on top of each other on top of that. When she finally finished, she gestured proudly to her completed setup. You raised an eyebrow.

"We both sleeping there?"

She nodded. "It's cold."

You had to give her that. You were practically shivering just from waiting for her to finish. The sun had dipped beyond the horizon at this point, the darkness of night did nothing to heat up the air around you. You clambered under the blankets, careful not to drop any of the popcorn you still held. You placed it next to you, letting Carol reach over and grab some as she, too, climbed into the makeshift bed. She popped a piece into her mouth.

"Up to talking about it yet?"

It was a genuine question. Carol wasn't pushy. That was something you could tell by her tone. She had waited patiently and was continuing to wait for you to be ready to talk about what you needed to talk about. She didn't want you bottling it up, but she didn't want to pressure you. She was able to do that. You glanced down at the red blanket that covered your legs, pondering her question for a moment. Then you nodded your head yes.

"I just haven't felt myself recently," you shrugged. "I would like to get out there and find someone, no doubt. Recently, though, it's like my standards are unmeetable. No one seems even remotely appealing to me."

"No one at all?"

"Nat tried to set me up with her Russian model friend," you said, turning to Carol with a grin finally on your lips.

"Nothing?" Carol said, an exaggerated amount of shock on her face. "You must be broken."

You shoved her. She chuckled; the offensive action having done nothing. She was inhumanly strong. If you'd decided to punch her, you likely would've broken your hand against her. She shoved you back, only lightly, so you moved a few inches away from her. She stuck her hand back into the popcorn bowl as you shuffled back into your place beside her. She was chewing thoughtfully, and you didn't dare interrupt her with the very focused expression on her face.

"Do you already like someone? That usually takes away the appeal of anyone else."

You stopped to think about that. You knew that could be the case. In eleventh grade when you'd had a crush on Adelaide Artenbaker, you'd suddenly failed to find anyone else attractive at all. Of course, Adelaide had eventually rejected you on account that she was straight as an arrow. It wasn't malicious. She'd actually given you a kiss on the cheek and assured you that, if she discovered wasn't, she'd let you know. It had made you laugh.

Now, you had to wonder if there was anyone that was making your stomach flip and making you dismiss anyone else. It wasn't the Avengers. You'd been in the changing room with Natasha, the Black fucking Widow, two days ago, and she'd strutted up to you in nothing but her bra and underwear. You hadn't even bat an eyelash as she'd asked you if you wanted to get some Chinese food after the mission (but you had said yes, of course).

"Yeah. Maybe."

Her words had knocked some serious sense into you. You definitely had a crush on someone, and it had definitely been impairing your ability to get out on a date. That someone was around so little, though, that you hadn't realized right away just how you felt for them. Maybe if she visited Earth a little more often, you'd have realized why you blushed so deeply when she'd crawled into bed with you last night or right now.

"Who is it, then?"

Carol had a girlfriend. It may have been on-again-off-again, but she had a girlfriend. You were not now, nor ever, someone who would come between that. You were going to let her be happy with someone who was making her happy and you were going to be happy for her. You plastered a smile onto your face and reached into the bowl of popcorn that sat on your lap, letting the snack cloud the feelings of jealousy that you knew now weren't jealousy of a relationship, but if Carol.

"Nat."

Carol didn't miss a single beat. "Liar."

You glared at her. "The fuck do you mean? Telling me who I do and do not like?"

"I know who has your heart right now. It isn't Nat."

This time when she reached for the popcorn, she leaned over. To support her weight, her hand came to rest on your upper thigh. You had to refrain from reacting. You sucked the inside of your cheek between your teeth, biting hard on it to suppress any sort of reaction that Carol would have noticed. It seemed to have worked. She grabbed a small handful and then backed away, the pressure of her hand disappearing from your limb.

"Yeah? Who is it, then?"

"Someone that likes you back."

"And who says Nat doesn't?"

You might have actually been offended if it weren't Carol you were talking to. You were good enough for Natasha, right? She was practically a goddess in respect to her looks, but you were something, too. Not that you liked Natasha in that way. She was a friend. Carol was the one that you cared about. Something about that sweet smile and that confidence mixed with an innocence she had after being away from Earth for so long warmed your heart every time.

"Fair," Carol admitted. "But you know, you're pretty oblivious. With all the hints I've been dropping, you'd think you'd have realized your feelings are reciprocated."

"What?"

"I like you, dumbass. More than a friend likes a friend."

Your jaw might have dropped. You coughed, choking on the popcorn that you'd been eating as you whirled to face the blonde. She had a twinkle in her eyes, and a giggle escaped her lips when she saw the expression on your face. She tossed a piece of popcorn into the air, catching it in her mouth. She chewed on it as she waited, arms crossed, for you to collect yourself. Finally, after a long drink of water, you calmed.

"Pardon?"

"You're an idiot," she mumbled.

Then she grabbed the front of your shirt and pulled you closer. You didn't fail to notice, as your lips moved against hers, that she moved the popcorn bowl so that it wouldn't spill. It seemed completely unimportant, though. You felt everything starting to melt away into Carol Danvers. Her lips were talented and kissing her felt like an intricate sport and suddenly you needed to breathe. When you pushed away, you realized what you'd done wrong.

Her feelings to you didn't matter. She had a girlfriend. Unless that fact changed, she and you didn't get to be more than your friend. You pushed her even further away. You knew she had the ability to, but she didn't resist. You backed off a little further so that your bodies were completely separated. Her eyebrows knitted together in confusion, but she didn't push. She even waited for you to speak first. Your eyes wouldn't meet hers.

"You have a girlfriend."

"I just said that to make you jealous," she scoffed.

You immediately got defensive. "I was not jealous."

"You were so!"

"Shut up."

She did. You suspected the only reason she had shut up was because she was kissing you again. It didn't matter. You were on cloud nine. You felt right again. You felt more right now than you ever had. Carol was exactly what you had needed for longer than you could figure out right then. She was clouding your thoughts and, honestly, you couldn't have cared less. You didn't want to think about anything besides how good her lips felt on yours right then.

You couldn't even find it in yourself to be mad at her for the little stunt she had pulled. You could only be glad that this so-called girlfriend wasn't actually real, and was just a part of her stupid plan. Without the girlfriend, you were free to kiss her as much as she would let you. Judging by how she was kissing you now, she wasn't going to stop you anytime soon. Her teeth grazed your bottom lip as she pulled away, not moving more than an inch from your lips, though.

The hand that clasped your shirt uncurled. She pressed her hand flat against the centre of your chest, pushing you onto your back. You had to chuckle as her knees pressed into the ground on either side of your waist. She kissed your nose once, scowling at the laughs that were beginning to bubble from your chest. You leaned up and kissed her lips for a brief moment, before using a hand to caress her cheek and tuck her hair behind her ear.

"What are you laughing at?"

"Nothing. You were right," you stated. "I'm kinda glad you were right."

"You're kind of glad? Can you imagine how stupid I'd have looked if I were wrong?" Carol laughed.

"Quite," you agreed with a nod.

You pulled her down next to you, wrapping your arms around her and feeling hers do the same to you. You pressed your forehead against hers, taking the time to admire her smiling face. She giggled a little, pecking your lips quickly. She didn't linger, though, having been preoccupied in reaching over your shoulder into the bowl of popcorn once more. She shoved a few pieces into her mouth and chewed happily.

"Care-Bear, what's more important: me or snacks?"

"You are a snack."

You gaped. "How the hell did you learn that term?"

She shrugged. "I hear things."

You rolled your eyes, pushing her away from you. She let you, reaching for her water bottle to wash down some of the salty flavour that had come off the popcorn. She offered you some water, which you accepted. When you finished and handed the bottle back to her, she pulled you close to her. Your body moved until it was flush against hers. Her torso was so warm you could've fallen asleep right then and there.

"You're more important."

Being more important than snacks, in the opinion of Carol Danvers, was just about the highest compliment you could have received.

#carol danvers #captain marvel #carol danvers fanfiction #carol danvers x reader #mcu #marvel #wlw #lesbian

[bestruction]

Making out with with them

- Armin Arlert

He was really shy at the beginning of the relationship. You weren't his first girl, but he doesn't learn too much about how to touch another person because 1. He was too scared to initiate anything. He was always thinking things like "what if she doesn't like?", "what if she doesn't want to?", "what if I being too desperate?" , "what if I end up offending her?"

• The truth is that he's just insecure about what to do

• The first time you two got alone in his shared apartment with his best friend it was cute

• And then the second was cute

• And the third

• You didn't want to force yourself on him eighter, but you were starting to feel like he didn't want to touch you as much you wanted to do the same with him

• And how to resolve this situation? Conversation. Did I heard amen?

• This time, he came to your house, and when he heard you said "We need to talk, Armin" he thought it was the end of you two 😂

• So when you open your mouth to say "Are you not into...you know...physical contact? It's okay if you're not. I just want to know" he was relieved.

• He tells you about everything he kept in his mind and now it's your time to feel relieved

• It'd be okay if he didn't like it, but you really wanna feel the blond boy in front of you

• You two talked about what each one likes and where to put the hands and Armin makes mental notes about EVERY SINGLE SENTENCE OF YOURS

• When the conversation it's over you simply say to him

"Do you wanna test now?"

"Yeah, practice it's the most important part of learning"

• You sit with him on the sofa and it doesn't take too long for Armin to cup your face with his hands. He brings your face to him and kisses you softly.

• Almost like he's afraid to break you

• His lips are sweet and tastes like coffee probably because he drinks it too much. Let me tell you something: Even if you hate coffee with all your heart, soul, and rationality you'll enjoy Armin's lips

• The way his tongue dances inside your month keeps you too busy  to think of anything other than him

• His hands go up and down on your arms, showing you that he's there, anxious to touch you more

• And as I said before, so do you

• When he sees how receptive you are to him his confidence will grow up more and because of that he's gonna put one of his hand on your chin and the other on your waist

• He doesn't know how seductive he can be, how much seeing him so willing to give and receive pleasure makes you squeeze your thighs

• Kiss Armin is charming

• It's like it makes you hungry for him and his touch

• And motivated by that you lean your body towards his, making him lie on the sofa

• He squeezes your thighs around his waist and breaks the kiss leaving you ❓❔

"Are we not going too fast?"

"Do you wanna stop? It's ok-"

"No, it's not me. I mean, are you okay with this?" He says squeezing your thighs again

• You smile thinking about how sweet he is and kiss him again

"What do you think?"

• He blushes! Not hard, but you're melting again for him

• With time he'll learn your sweet spots and you how just a kiss on his neck leaves him on fire

• He's not the type of guy who leaves you with hickeys. It's just not his thing, but he may leave one or two (sometimes three) in places that only you can see and always says "sorry" with puppy blue eyes for you

• Don't trust him! Puppies can be manipulative!

• But if you leave some on him he doesn't care too much, but Eren is going to annoying you two so damn much

"Stop perverting my boy!"

"Don't leave Armin with her alone. She might do something with him!"

• Just slap him. It'll be okay

• With time, you're gonna notice that make out with Armin can be soft. You two can lie down on the bed, sofa, or even on the floor and feel each other while talking about something that makes you laugh

• Or you two can kiss and get all handy and 🧚‍♀️horny 🧚‍♀️

• And in times like this he will end up with one hand inside his shorts

• Do you like to see him blush? Wait until you hear him moan

• In conclusion, he's very respectful and kind. He's always paying attention to your reactions and analyzing you to make things the more satisfying as possible for both of you

Now go there and marry him 🧍‍♀️

- Eren Jaeger 

• Just like with Armin, you were not his first girl, but you were the first one that makes him feels so connected

• And that's why he wants to make you feel this intensity. I said before that intensity would be his word and this extended to other spheres of his life

• Which includes you

• Eren is like a whirlwind of feelings

• And when he sees you smiling for him all whirlwind comes to your direction

• When you two started to date he was always leaving innocents kisses on you

• On your check, on your ear, on your forehead

• Time flies away and these innocents kisses are not pure anymore. They gained a very specific direction, your lips

• And be ready because this boy is gonna leave you a mess no matter where you two are

• Eren's kiss is breathtaking just like him and it doesn't take too long to figure out

• Make out sessions with Eren always leaves you with an "I want more" stuck in your throat and he knows it

• This little shit will even use it against you

• He'll notice how you melt on his hands when his kisses become more demanding, more urgent. He'll watch how you instantly search for his lips when he leaves yours

• And of course tease you for it since he's a very verbal boy good luck

"Someone is edger, huh?"

"Shut up, Eren"

"Is that what you really want me to do?" He says almost kissing you again and when you close your eyes he's gonna whisper against your mouth " It's not what it looks like"

• He usually goes to your house to watch a random movie with you  No one of you pays attention, but who cares? 

• he always sneaks up on you. One time you are really watching the movie and then ... What was the movie again? What movie? The only thing you can think is in the boy on top of you making your head feel dizzy

• Drunk by the way he kisses your lips, the way his tongue explore your mouth and his hands travel to your body

• Touching your thighs and then putting your legs around his waist to make the sensation grow up even more between both. He wants to make you feel him all over your body

• Eren is hungry for you and when he goes home, leaving you alone on your bed thinking about how your shirt smells his perfume now you'll be for him too

• Make out sessions with Eren can easily scale up to something else and by that, I mean dry humping

• If you two are lying down on the bed and he's kissing you slowly to torture you he'll grind his hips against yours

• Just a demonstration of how he wants to fuck you nice and slow after

• He'll watch you arch your back to search for more friction

• When he's feeling extra provocative (a routine) he's gonna use one of his hands to make small circles on your clit without taking off your underwear while he kisses your neck

• Speaking on your neck, one word: hickeys. Hope you like them because he loves to mark you

• That means he bites you too. Bites to annoy you, to tease you, to get you horny, bites you because why not?

• And when you complain to him later he's just going to say:

"It's not my fault, baby. I never can get enough of you"

• And I'm not defending him, but he means it. Sometimes he's just looking at you and his dick is already hard

• It's like just one of his heads can function properly by your side and we know which one it's

• Once, you two were at his apartment. You were on top of him this time and kissing each other with the same passion of always while he was grabbing your ass under your dress. You started to rub yourself against his boner and after hear Eren moan your name that's all you could think about -

• Until Zeke put his head in the room searching for something and finding you two like little rabbits. He could stay quiet and leave since you were too focused to notice his presence. Did he do it? Of course not

"Remember what dad says Eren. Use condoms"

• You jumped on your boyfriend's lap and turn your head to see his older brother with an expression like 😏😏😏

"Zeke, get off here!"

"Hello," he said to you and you almost died of embarrassment "I was just searching for my charger. Lock the door next time, dumbass"

• You were about to leave his lap when he grabs your hips once more asking you

"Where are you going?"

"that was a bucket of cold water"

"Oh, yeah? So I just have to make you hot again" And with that said he was already leaving sloppy kisses on your neck again

"Eren, the door! Lock the door"

• In conclusion, make out with Eren is intense just like himself. He might tease and annoy you, but it's exactly this relaxed and confident presence that makes him a perfect partner to laugh with if something goes wrong. He's great at building an atmosphere comfortable enough to talk about what you like, what he likes.

#armin x reader #eren x reader #Eren Yaegar #eren jaeger #eren jaeger x reader #armin arlert x reader #aot x you #aot x reader #shingeki no kyojin x reader #shingeki no kyojin #anime