#and every time i look at that banner i am so impressed

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Adult Education Part 22 | Hangman x OC

Summary: After visiting Jessica's family in Massachusetts and his family in Texas, it's time to officially finish moving in together. It's also time for Jake to take his girlfriend on a little adventure she has always dreamed about.

Warnings: Fluff, sex in public, language, 18+

Length: 2000 words

Pairing: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Female OC

This story is part of the Beer Boy and Sugar universe but can be read on its own! Adult Education masterlist

Seriously, who let Jake on my masterlist!? Banner by @mak-32

Epilogue Part One

Three months later...

The airport in San Diego was absolutely overrun with business travelers and families on summer vacation. It seemed like there were people rushing in every direction, trying to catch connecting flights or grab their luggage and go. But Jake was in no hurry at all. He'd just left the laidback state of Texas. Tomorrow was Saturday. His girlfriend was on term break.

In fact, he missed his luggage going around the baggage carousel twice because Jessica had her lips pressed to his. "You know," he murmured after the second time, "we would already be home by now if you weren't so damn distracting."

She shook her head. "We have to stop by my apartment on the way and pick up the last few boxes."

Jake smiled. "I know. Then it's official, Baby." Her lease was ending on Monday, and they left those boxes of old textbooks and scientific journals so they could still claim she was going to be moving in, not that she essentially already had. Jake didn't want to make a poor impression on her family, but it turned out he didn't have anything to worry about. And neither did she.

"So Thanksgiving back in Massachusetts and Christmas in Texas," she murmured against his neck as she let her head rest on his shoulder. "We're going to be very busy this year."

"There's no escaping my mom now," he told her. "She's probably already crocheting a Christmas stocking with your name on it. I think she almost evaporated into thin air when she hugged you. Physical proof that her son is dating someone with a PhD who looks like a supermodel nearly took her out."

"Jake," she whined with a laugh. "Supermodels don't wear glasses or read the science joke of the day emails."

"Mine does," he insisted. "There's my bag again. Now can we please go home?"

"Absolutely," she replied as he grabbed his luggage before it could sneak by a third time. "I'm determined to cook an edible dinner one night while I'm off. Plus, I really wanted to spend this week while you're at work organizing all of my stuff at the condo."

He grinned as they exited the airport holding hands. "Actually, you're coming to work with me on Monday."

"I am? For what?"

"Well... that's a bit of a surprise."

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

Jessica watched Jake stack the three remaining boxes of her things in his arms and carry them out to his truck. She could have only managed to take them one at a time, but he even humored her barrage of questions while he went.

"When are you going to tell me what the surprise is? Will you tell me now? How will I know what to wear to base with you on Monday if you don't tell me what it's for?"

He was silent for the first part of the ride from her old neighborhood as they made their way toward the pacific coast and his condo, and she looked out the window while she tapped her foot anxiously. When he took an unexpected right turn instead of a left, she turned to look at him.

"You really want to know?" he asked, his face just gorgeous in the orange and purple light as the sun finished setting.

"Yes!"

He chuckled. "Well, I thought this would be a fun little celebration of sorts since you found out Brian isn't coming back in the fall. And I think it's something you've been wanting to experience." 

Jessica tipped her head back against the headrest and smiled. Advanced Calculus had texted her when they were at the airport in Boston about to fly to Texas, letting her know Brian took a position at the local community college. She wouldn't even have to look at him when her classes started up again next month. She had been so excited, she and Jake had very awkward but enthusiastic sex in the airplane lavatory as they flew over Pennsylvania. 

When he pulled his truck off the main road and along the bay, Jessica had to hang on as he drove down an unpaved street as the sky darkened. "Where are we going?" she asked, as they bumped along, driving parallel to a tall fence with barbed wire across the top of it.

"I want to show you something," he muttered, coming to a stop between the rocky bay beach and the fence. "There's the hangar, and there's my jet."

Jessica looked to where he was pointing, and she could barely make out HANGMAN printed across the side of one of the aircrafts. "Oh!" she gasped, realizing she'd never even visited him on base before. 

"Come here, and I'll tell you the surprise," he crooned, killing the engine and unbuckling her seatbelt. He coaxed her to his lap and said, "If you want to fly with me on Monday, I got special permission to take you up since you're a physics professor."

"What?!" Jessica's eyes went wide. "Are you serious?"

His smile was soft and genuine as he nodded. "Does that mean you still want to do it?"

"Jake!" She pushed his shoulders back against the seat and shook him slightly as he laughed. "I wrote my PhD thesis on jet propulsion in military aircrafts! Of course I want to fly with you!"

"I know," he drawled as he smirked. "I read your thesis, remember? Barely understood a word, but I did read it."

"Smart Boy," she moaned as she kissed him. "I can't wait for Monday." As she raked her fingers back through his hair, his hands came to rest on her hips. She kissed and nipped at him, pausing to say, "I'm so excited."

When Jessica's tongue slipped between his lips, she rolled her hips against him. He groaned and cupped her butt, guiding her to do it again. He was so obviously hard in his jeans now, and she didn't want to wait until they got home. "Feels like you're excited, too," she said with a grin before she licked his lip.

"Fuck, Jessica. If you're like this today, you'll be a mess on Monday after we actually fly together."

She gasped and nodded. "Oh my god. You're right."

"I know I am, Baby. You'll be dripping wet for me by then."

When she clenched around nothing as his hand snaked up the front of her shirt, she admitted, "I already am." She ground down against his cock and whispered, "You know how we had that quickie the other day way out on your parents property?"

Jake moaned and said, "I'll remember that for the rest of my life. Bending you over the tailgate of my dad's old truck."

"Well," she murmured, licking a stripe from his chin slowly back to his ear. "It's pretty dark now. You could bend me over your own tailgate."

Jake's hand was opening his door before she finished her sentence, and he hauled her back behind his truck. He was a little rough, pulling her against him and making her stumble as he dropped the tailgate down. He kissed her lips and rubbed the front of his jeans against hers before he said, "It'll have to be quick again. Before any of the guards drive by."

"Okay," she agreed, and then Jake had her pinned down from behind as she made a surprised noise. She let her head rest on her folded arms as she turned toward the fence. It was now too dark to see the hangar or any of the jets as Jake reached around and undid the front of her jeans. He yanked them down along with her sage green thong before unzipping his own pants and letting his cock rest against her butt.

"You weren't kidding, Smart Girl," he whispered, teasing her clit and running his finger through her slit. "You're soaked."

The evening air was cool on her bare skin, and when he separated her with his long fingers, she shivered for so many reasons. Then he connected them together, plunging inside her as she cried out.

"Shhh," he warned, and she bit her lip. "Be a good girl. I'll make it fast."

"Oh god," she groaned softly, her whole body bouncing against the tailgate with each of his rapid thrusts. She couldn't stop the little grunts and needy sounds she made for him every time his hips slammed into her butt, but he was moaning her name softly too as he fucked her. 

He just went harder and harder, and Jessica had to hold onto the tailgate with quivering fingers as he hit the spot that made her shake for him. "Jake," she whispered as he leaned down over her back as she came. But he wasn't done yet.

His voice was rough like the gravel beneath her feet. "I love you. I love fucking you. I can't wait to take you home. I can't wait to fly with you." He grabbed her hips and drove himself deep as she continued to clench softly around him, and then he came too. And this time she had to remind him to be quiet.

"Jake, you're so loud," she warned as his thrusting grew shallow. "And I see headlights," she hissed.

"Fuck," he growled, pulling out of her and sending his cum dribbling down the insides of her thighs as she yanked up her underwear and jeans. There was definitely a security vehicle headed past the hangar on some sort of patrol route. "Let's get out of here," he said, pulling her toward the driver's side door. 

Jessica scampered inside, barely making it to the passenger seat before Jake had the engine roaring to life and the truck shifted into reverse. Deftly and with a smile on his face, he reversed back down the bumpy road like it was nothing. "That was a little close," he said as he slowed down before making it back to the pavement.

She bit her lip and said, "What if I said I kind of love tailgate quickies?"

He glanced at her as he slowed at a stop sign. "Well then I would say I'll come up with a list of places we can sneak off to."

Her hand stroked his thigh as she said, "Get to work on that."

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

The fact that Jake managed to pull this off after weeks and weeks of planning left a smile on his face. On Monday, he watched as Phoenix helped Jessica into a flight suit in the hangar, and then he handed her a helmet. She was grinning at him as she slipped it onto her head. "You look like you're ready to go, Dr. Reed," he said as he fastened it into place for her. 

"I'm so ready, Lieutenant Seresin," she replied, bouncing slightly on her booted feet as she ran her fingers along the HANGMAN patch on his own flight suit. "How many Gs do you think we'll hit? Can we roll upside down?"

"Jesus," he laughed. "Next thing you'll be leaving me in the fall to go to flight school."

She pouted and said, "My eyesight is too poor."

He kissed the tip of her nose before picking up his own helmet. "Not to be a WSO."

"Oh my god, Jake! You're right!"

She asked him a million questions in a row as she followed him across the tarmac, and he could only answer about half of them for her. "Why don't you tell me, Reedy," he finally said as she climbed the first rung of the ladder. "You're way smarter than me."

She turned back and looked at him. "Maybe just a little bit. But you know how to do the one thing I'll never get to do. Actually fly this thing!"

He placed a hand on her waist, giving her a squeeze through the rough fabric. "I just want you to relax and enjoy yourself. I'll try to answer any questions you have when we're in bed later. How does that sound?"

She nodded at him as her eyes went wide. "That actually sounds great. Let's go." She then climbed the ladder in record time, leaving Jake laughing on the tarmac before he followed after her. 

He would be happy to follow her as long as she would let him.

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

Jessica Reed is just winning so hard now. Fuck off, Brian. One more filthy part of this story to come. Thanks for reading! And thanks @mak-32 and @beyondthesefourwalls

PART 23

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[nicoline1998enilocin]

Fluffcember Day 4 | The softest pillow

Pairing | Boyfriend!Sebastian Stan x Girlfriend!Fem!Reader

Word count | 4.1K

Summary | You've been dating Sebastian for over five months, and he has invited you to spend the night at his house for the first time. He has planned a comfortable and romantic night for you both, and you've never had more fun staying at home than you did with him.

Warning(s) | Established relationship (boyfriend/girlfriend), use of pet name (Sweetheart), small age gap (~ 7-8 years).

Smut | Oral ~ M receiving, throat fucking, unprotected sex (wrap it before you tap it!), creampie, lots of praise, hair pulling, dirty talk, Daddy kink, cockwarming.

Rating Explicit (E)

Request | @buckys-wintersoldier Hey, my lovely big me💞 Listen to me, I'm sure you will love that or I hope you will. You can decide the character you want to use for this one, but could you write a fluffy oneshot that includes these sentences: 1. "No, you can't get up! You're my prisoner for today." (I'm so in love with this one, I found this and now I'm in love) 2. "I remember practising how to ask you out in a mirror." I know they don't fit that well, but I'm pretty sure you will make a wonderful oneshot out of it. Hehe. Thank you in advance, and I love you, big me. 💞

A/n | This one-shot it written for day 4 of my Fluffcember 2023 Challenge. Thank you so much for this sweet request, and I am glad I found the perfect prompt for your challenge! 😉 I want to give a big thank you to @ccbsrmsf1 for proofreading this as always 🎄

Events Masterlist | ''You're my new pillow'' | @buckys-wintersoldier Masterlist | Holding hands | @anyfandomkinkbingo

Banners by @vase-of-lilies | Divider by @firefly-graphics | GIF credit to the owner

Main Masterlist | Sebastian Stan Masterlist

Dating Sebastian has been a true rollercoaster of emotions for you, but only in the best way possible. From you meeting him during an interview a little over a year ago to him asking you to be his girlfriend, it was like a fairytale.

Today is the day you're about to interview the cast of a new movie called The Martian - and today, of all days, will be the moment that you're going to be interviewing Sebastian Stan, your celebrity crush for the last few years.

It will be an absolute dream come true, and you've been endlessly preparing so you can conduct the interview of your life. And not just to impress Sebastian.

The black dress you've wanted to wear is hanging in your closet, ready to be put on, but you pick out some black lingerie before you can do that. It's not like anyone will see it, but the confidence boost it gives you is indescribable.

When you have the lacey fabric on, you admire yourself in the mirror for a few minutes before getting dressed and doing your hair and makeup.

Your hair is in loose curls and up in a ponytail, with a few loose pieces framing your face, and your eye makeup is simple, but the dark lipstick you put on gives your look an exciting edge.

Now, all that's left is to read over your interview questions a few more times and make a few last adjustments before it's officially time to go to your interview.

It's good that you've gotten into the habit of arriving early everywhere you go, and you've arrived about 20 minutes early so you take the time to freshen up in the bathroom.

You don't anticipate anyone walking by when you walk out, and you accidentally bump into a broad chest. You let out a squeal when a pair of strong arms envelop you.

"Woah! Careful there, Sweetheart," the man says with a chuckle, and your eyes snap up to see who the voice belongs to. It is just your luck that you bump into none other than Sebastian, and you're glad he caught you before you could fall.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to run into you!" You tell him as he lets you go, but he gives you a reassuring smile.

"It's okay, Sweetheart. It's not every day that someone as beautiful as you bumps into me," he tells you with a dashing smile, making the butterflies you feel in your stomach wild.

When it's time for the interview, Sebastian recognizes you and lets his gaze wander over your body and long, exposed legs a few times. He can't get enough of looking at you.

The interview is over far too soon for the both of you and just when you're about to pack up your stuff and go home to work out the interview, Sebastian stops you.

"I hope I'm not overstepping here, but would you mind grabbing a coffee sometime? If you're from around here, that is," he says, suddenly getting a little shy.

"Well, I'm out here for work until tomorrow morning, but once you're back in New York, I'd love to take you up on your offer since I live there," you tell him, and you can't help but smile.

The thought of Sebastian asking you out makes the butterflies go crazy, and when you see the relief washing over him, you know you made the right choice by saying yes.

"Let me give you my number, and you can text me when you're back in New York if you still want to grab a coffee, of course," you tell him, and he nods furiously before grabbing his phone and letting you put your phone number in it.

"I have to go now, but it was lovely to meet you, and I can't wait to grab a coffee with you when we're home," he says, and he bends down to place a soft kiss on your cheek, his stubble tickling you a little bit.

Little did you know it would be the start of a great friendship and one of the most loving relationships you've ever built with someone. It was your first Christmas together that would change the dynamic, however.

"Do you want to spend Christmas together this year? If you don't plan to go home, of course," Sebastian asks you during your weekly video call.

He's away to film another Marvel movie, but Christmas will be spent back in New York, which is perfect timing for both of you. You haven't seen him for the last three months, and even though it's nice to video call, you miss his hugs, smiles, and touches. You miss him.

"I would love to, but only if you're cooking dinner for me because the lord knows if I do it, there won't be anything to eat for us that evening!" you joke, and Sebastian laughs wholeheartedly, which makes your heart skip a beat or two.

Your crush on him has only intensified over the last year, and he has developed feelings for you as well, but with his busy shooting schedule, you don't see each other as much as you'd like.

Sebastian plans to make it extra special this Christmas and wants to spend the holiday with you. He's been planning on telling you how he feels for a while, and it will be the perfect opportunity to do just that.

"Of course, I'll cook; I'd rather not starve on Christmas, thank you very much!" he quips back, and you shake your head, chuckling at his comment.

It promises to be the most memorable Christmas you have ever spent, and you're glad you don't have to celebrate it alone this year. With your parents living on the other side of the world, seeing them over Christmas is not an option, so you usually take some time off, read a book or two, and relax.

"In that case, I'll gladly celebrate Christmas with you, Sebastian. I can't wait," you tell him, and the weeks leading up to it felt like they flew by.

It is the day before Christmas when Sebastian arrives in New York, and you've offered to pick him up from the airport, which he gladly accepted.

"Hi, Sweetheart," he says as he walks out the doors after baggage claim, hauling a suitcase behind him and a backpack over his shoulders. He's been filming in California for a while, so he has a healthy glow all over his face, making him look stunning.

"I can't believe we're spending Christmas together; it's a big step from having to spend it alone," you tell him softly, getting a little embarrassed that you just admitted to him that you're usually alone on the happiest time of the year.

"Wait, you're always alone on Christmas?! I'm glad I offered to spend it together! Can't have my best girl being alone during the holidays now, can I?" Sebastian asks, and you nod in agreement.

You didn't miss how he called you his best girl, and it made your cheeks heat up, which didn't go unnoticed by Sebastian. You both have this effect on one another, and you wouldn't change it for anything.

The next day, Sebastian rings your doorbell a little after noon, and you've opted to wear a Christmas-themed sweater. When you open the door, you find Sebastian with a Christmas sweater and a present under his arm.

"You look gorgeous today, Sweetheart," Sebastian tells you as he pulls you into his side and kisses your cheek softly. It has yours heating up instantly, and you're feeling very fortunate to have someone as sweet as him by your side today.

The afternoon is spent preparing dinner, drinking hot cocoa, and watching Home Alone, an absolute Christmas classic. When you think this day couldn't be any more perfect, Sebastian whips out an envelope and hands it to you.

I wrote this for you, and I'm sorry if it's a little cheesy, but I figured I go big or go home, and I'd rather not go home, so..." he says, a deep red blush taking over his cheeks and neck as he hands you the envelope.

It's a light pink envelope with your name in his handwriting, and you pull open the envelope to find a small letter inside.

Sweetheart,

The past year, you have shown me what it is like to live life to the fullest, no matter what life throws your way. Meeting you has also brought me immense joy; because of that, I want to ask you something.

Will you do me the honor of making me the happiest guy on earth and be my girlfriend?

~ Sebastian

When you finish reading the little note, you slap your hand over your mouth out of excitement and practically fling yourself into his arms as you pull him close.

"I'd love to be your girlfriend, Sebastian."

His hand cups your cheek before he pulls you in for a soft, sweet kiss. Even though it's not the first you've shared with him, it is by far the most special one, and it is the cherry on top of the Christmas cake.

Today will be your first time staying at Sebastian's house; honestly, the nerves are starting to kick in. He's seen your place a few times and slept there, but this is quite a step outside your comfort zone.

In your home, it's precisely how you like it and where you feel most comfortable, and you've discussed this with Sebastian. He is a true sweetheart because he has repeatedly reassured you that it's okay and you can sleep at home if you don't feel comfortable.

Your outfit has been laid out and ready to go for the last two days, and you can't wait to put it on and officially make your way to see Sebastian because you've missed him a lot.

Between his filming schedule and you flying all over the country to do more interviews, you have little time to see one another, but now that the universe is finally letting you be together, you want to look your absolute best.

After a shower and a thorough grooming session, you're putting your hair into two space buns with a few loose strands framing your face, and your makeup is very natural.

When your outfit is on, and your overnight bag is packed, you text Sebastian to tell him you're about to leave since it's still a 45-minute drive to his house, especially with the New York traffic.

Your work bag is also coming since you'll head straight to work the following day. It's a good thing he lives close to your office because that gives you more time to cuddle up to him, which is one of your favorite things to do in the morning.

What you didn't know, however, is that Sebastian has been preparing for your arrival. Not just by making sure his house is spotless but also by putting a little ''welcome home'' package together for you.

When he's about to step into the shower, he hears his phone go off, and when your name appears on his screen, he gets a wide grin, and his mood is instantly lifted.

''Can't wait to see you soon, Sweetheart,'' he says to no one, and he hops into the shower to prepare for your arrival. His place is spotless, there are clean sheets on the bed, and the care package is waiting on the kitchen island, ready to be unpacked by you.

He went above and beyond by choosing out a pair of the fuzziest socks he could find, as well as a big box of your favorite tea and a cute mug with it, a book from your wishlist you can leave at his place, and a bag of your favorite sweet treats to finish it.

He also has a small black box waiting for later, but that would have to wait until you two are comfortable on the couch because he wants to save it for a special moment.

When he's done in the shower, he quickly dries his hair and puts on a simple outfit before spraying his cologne. Now, he's ready to welcome you at his house and getting nervous because he's unsure if you will like it.

He grabbed the little box he was planning on giving you later and flipped open the top one last time as he looked at its contents. It shines beautifully in the sunlight, illuminating the room through the large windows.

With a small sigh, he shuts the box and puts it in one of the side table drawers next to his couch. It's all he can think about now, but before he can think about it too long, his doorbell rings, notifying him of your arrival.

He jogs to the door, and when he's there, he straightens out his long, dark brown locks and clothing one last time before swinging open the door and welcoming you inside.

''Sweetheart, I'm so glad you made it,'' he tells you as he pulls you in for a hug, and you instantly melt into his embrace.

''Missed you,'' you tell him, though it's muffled by the jacket he's wearing, and it only makes Sebastian chuckle.

''What did you say, Sweetheart? I don't think I got what you said just now,'' he tells you, and you reluctantly pull out of his hold so you can tell him again how much you've missed him.

''I missed you, but I'm thrilled to see you again,'' you tell him, pulling him closer so you can kiss him properly. Your lips fit perfectly with his, and it lights a fire inside of you that instantly makes you want more.

He takes your bottom lip between his teeth and nibbles softly before letting go with a soft moan. It was all just a plan to tease you a little so he could make the rest of the night unforgettable.

Your eyes are half-lidded as you look at him in anticipation, but instead of giving you what you're looking for, he pulls you into his house, closing the door behind you.

''I got you something to welcome you into my home and hopefully make it our home,'' he tells you as he interlaces his fingers with yours. He steps to the side to reveal the little basket on the kitchen island when you're in the kitchen.

''I-Is this for me? You didn't have to do that!'' you tell him, though your curiosity takes over, and you can't resist a peek inside the basket.

You take out everything and look at it, especially the mug he bought for you that leaves you chuckling. When you pick up the book and read the back, Sebastian walks closer to you and pulls you into his chest, his arms wrapped around you and his chin leaning on your shoulder.

''I figured you could leave this here, so you will always have a few things around here that are all yours for the next time you come over,'' he tells you, and you close your eyes as a huge smile escapes.

''I'm glad I'm allowed to come back after today,'' you say as you put the book on the counter and turn into his hold, kissing him softly and slowly until Sebastian bends down and lifts you onto the kitchen island.

''Well, there's one more surprise for you, and you need to close your eyes and stay seated, alright?'' Sebastian asks, and you hum in response, so he walks to the living room and gets the small black box he was holding earlier, unable to wait any longer.

''Alright, you can open them,'' Sebastian says, and he's standing in front of you with the black box open, and your eyes are immediately pulled to the contents of it.

''I want you to have this, Sweetheart, because you already have the key to my heart, and now I want you to have the key to my house as well. I want you to be able to come and go whenever you want to since there's no one else I trust more than you.''

You take the key out of the box and look at it before closing your hand around it and stretching the other one out to take Sebastian's and pull him between your legs.

''In that case, it's only fair if I give you the key to my house as well, but only if you promise not to sneak up on me in the middle of the night because I will knock you out if you do it!'' you tell him between chuckles.

You seal your promises to one another with a kiss, and you put the key beside you on the counter before your hands slide into his hair, pulling softly, earning yourself a groan from Sebastian.

''Let's move this to the bedroom, Sweetheart, and I'll give you a tour of the house later. Right now, I need you,'' he tells you between open-mouthed kisses along your neck and collarbone, your head thrown back to give him access.

He pulls you off the counter, and once you're sturdy on the floor, he whispers something in your ear that has your knees buckling underneath you.

''You'd better enjoy the walk while you still can, Sweetheart, because I'm going to make sure you won't be able to walk for the rest of the day.''

He grabs your hand and leads the way to his bedroom, and he kicks the door shut before he attaches his mouth to yours again, the kiss a clash of tongues, a fight over dominance which Sebastian wins.

You are both undressing one another and when your dress has found its way onto the floor, you're standing in front of Sebastian in your white lingerie with red hearts on it. His breath hitches as he takes it in, his large hands gliding over the soft fabric adorning your body.

''Hmm, it's too bad you're not as innocent as this fucking lingerie makes you look right now, Sweetheart. Luckily, it'll be on the floor soon anyway,'' he purrs in your ear, making you unbelievably wet.

Your long fingernails drag from his chest, over his abdomen, down to his belt, unbuckling it quickly before pulling the fabric of his jeans down. You crouch down with it before sitting on your knees, and you palm his now hard cock through his underwear.

''How about I show you just how not-so-innocent I can be with my mouth?'' you tease him, and you feel him throb in your hand. He throws his head back with a loud groan as he's getting painfully hard now.

You pull his boxers down and throw them to the side, allowing his long, veiny cock to spring free right in front of your face, the red tip already leaking a bead of precum that you happily lick off.

''Tastes so good, Daddy,'' you whine softly, and the grin on Sebastian's face is unmistakable; he's about to ruin you in every single way you can think of.

After a few more small kitten licks on his tip, you take it into your mouth and you suckle softly. And Sebastian removes both hair ties from your hair, letting it fall around your head.

''Much better, Sweetheart, that way Daddy can fuck your beautiful throat like he wants to,'' he says, and your nails dig into his thighs at the idea, making Sebastian hiss at the feeling.

While you're looking up at him with big, glassy eyes, you slowly take more of him into your mouth until your nose is pressed to his pubic bone, and you're choking around his length.

When you pull back, you take in a few deep breaths of the oxygen you have just deprived yourself of, and you smile wickedly at Sebastian, who grabs some of your hair and pushes his cock back into your mouth, needing to cum down your throat.

''Want me to fuck this throat, Sweetheart? Want me to fuck this tight, perfect throat and cum in it, make you swallow it like my perfect cumslut?'' he asks you in a slightly degrading tone, but it only serves to make you even hornier, and your cunt clenches around nothing.

You moan around him, and he takes that as confirmation he needs to start fucking your throat and chasing his high in the process. The gagging sounds you make only spur him on, and his hips are snapping at a rapid pace until he shoots his cum down your throat and over your tongue, ensuring you get every last drop.

''Fuck, you're so good for me, Sweetheart, such a good girl for Daddy.''

With your eyes half-lidded and your panties soaked, Sebastian helps you up and walks you backward to the bed until you're lying down. When you're comfortable, he takes off your bra and panties so you're entirely bare for him, and he crawls over your body.

''Let me make you feel good, Sweetheart. You deserve it after making me feel so fucking amazing; my soul left my body through my cock,'' he whispers between kisses from your stomach and your breasts up to your neck and jaw.

''Please, Daddy,'' you beg, and Sebastian's too impatient to make you wait any longer, as he needs to be buried inside you right this moment.

He lines himself up with your entrance before pushing in slowly, letting you adjust to his length before pushing in further. When he's fully sheathed inside of you, he lets out a groan, and a moan escapes your lips.

His hands find yours, and he interlaces his fingers with yours before slowly pumping in and out of you, making sure you feel every single inch, ridge, and vein inside of you.

''Hmm, I remember practicing how to ask you out in a mirror after that interview. You bumping into me that day is truly the best thing that has ever happened to me, Sweetheart,'' Sebastian confesses as he keeps his slow, almost unbearable pace the same.

''Couldn't live with the fact that I might not see you again, so I practiced, and I'm so glad it worked out, Sweetheart. I can't imagine being anywhere other than inside of your perfect, tight, soaked pussy right now. She's clenching around me, baby. Are you about to cum for Daddy?'' he asks you, and you nod; all that's leaving your mouth are moans and whines because you're so close.

''Hmm, you better cum around my cock, Sweetheart, want to cum inside this perfect pussy,'' he groans in your ear, and he lets go of your hand to rub your clit while simultaneously picking up the pace, and you lock your ankles behind around his hips.

''D-Daddy! Please, need to cum,'' you plea, and he listens because before you know it, you fall apart from the combination of his fingers and cock inside you, and Sebastian closely follows you.

Long ropes of his cum shoot into your puffy, overstimulated cunt, but he doesn't want to pull out since you're so warm and comfortable. He turns over with you in his arms, and he pulls the comforter over both of you as you snuggle into him, still buried deep inside you.

You take a short nap in his arms as you cockwarm him, and when you wake up, you feel Sebastian tracing soft, slow patterns on your back.

''Hi, Daddy,'' you whisper against his neck, and he turns to look at you.

''Hi, Sweetheart. How was your nap?'' he asks you, and you can confirm it was the best nap you've had in a long time. After you've woken up entirely, you're both taking a bath together before moving your cuddle session to the couch, and you're ordering dinner so you don't have to leave each other's sides.

Later in the evening, you're attempting to get up from the couch, but you're not allowed because Sebastian pulls you back onto the sofa, making you squeal.

''No, you can't get up! You're my prisoner for today!'' he tells you and pulls you onto his lap to attack you with many tickles, making you laugh and squirm uncontrollably.

''N-No! Please, sto-o-o-p!'' you tell him, and eventually, he does. But not after a few more surprise ones when you've caught your breath again.

When it's finally time to go to bed, you lay your head on Sebastian's chest with a soft sigh, and before you drift off to sleep, you mutter a few more words to him that have him chuckling softly.

''You're my new pillow, so I will never let you go.''

This was when he officially knew he would marry you one day because he could not live without you for another second. He wants your love and happiness around him for the rest of his life.

#fluffcember 2023 #afgkinkbingo #anyfandomkinkbingo #rpf #sebastian stan #sebastian stan fanfic #sebastian stan fanfiction #sebastian stan x female reader #sebastian stan x reader #sebastian stan x y/n #sebastian stan fluff #sebastian stan smut #seb stan #seb stan fanfic #seb stan fanfiction #seb stan x female reader #seb stan x reader #seb stan x y/n #seb stan fluff #seb stan smut

[prawndip]

Acting Grand…?

CHARACTERS: Alhaitham, Jean x gn!reader

TAGS: fluff, written before the release of 3.4 but didn't finish until afterwards, sumeru spoilers in general maybe

SYNOPSIS: being acting grand-somethings is tough work.

WORD COUNT: 1 123

NOTES: saw that alhaitham had become the acting grand sage in the trailer and knew this had to be written. also trying a new format with this one. also I'm so sorry jean's is so short in comparison to alhaitham's every time I went to write for her my brain was empty. also *cries* lost the 50/50 on alhaitham's banner. still draggin him home anyways

ALHAITHAM:

honestly you had expected that alhaitham would turn down the position of sage. you had also expected his work to increase tenfold as he waits for new sages to take office.

what you didn't expect was the way that alhaitham seemed to handle everything with such efficiency. where most people might have crumbled under all that responsibility, alhaitham appeared to be taking it all in stride. not that it was a bad thing. you were kind of impressed, actually

thing was, this mean he spent a lot, and I mean a lot of time in his office in the akademiya, and as his lovely partner, you make it your duty to "distract" him at least twice a day.

The smell of freshly cooked food makes its way through the Akademiya hallways. Students who follow their nose finds it leads them to you, happily strolling through the Akademiya to the office of the scribe, where your boyfriend has been cooped up in there all day doing a copious amount of paperwork. You’re surprised he still has time for anything else.

You approach the door to his office, knocking on it thre times, waiting for him to say something before opening the door. Faintly, you hear a ghostly, quiet “Come in.” from the other side. You frown, opening the door with a bit of concern.There he was, sitting in his office chair, with stacks of paper all over his desk, more than you remember seeing last time you were over. He seriously looked like a ghost in his seat. He looked fine this morning, what could have possibly drained him of all his energy in such a short time? He looks up to see you and a little bit of colour returns to his face.

“So, how is Grand Sage Alhaitham doing on this fine afternoon?” you joked, and he groans as he rests his head in his arms. “What, did they give you more things to do?”

“For the last time, I am Acting Grand Sage.” he clarifies, despite knowing you’re joking. “And they did. I have to review all the possible candidates for the new Sages.”

He sounds tired. He knows he sounds tired. He's been at this all day, all week even. You continue to frown a little despite your lighthearted attitude, pulling up a chair to sit next to him. You get a chance to look at what he was writing before you walked in, where although he had been at this for hours on end, his handwriting was still as neat as always. Still, you could sense that he was in need of a break, and you gently move the papers over to the edge of the large desk to place the food you bought on it.

He sniffs the food, a soft yet weary smile spreads over his face, the kind of smile only you are lucky enough to see on most days. "Curry shrimp?"

"Mhm! Just got it made fresh too!" you open the box up carefully, the scent of the freshly made food wafting throughout the office.

"Just in time. Here I thought I'd die of starvation otherwise." he said jokingly, despite the fact you had dropped by only a few hours, and he had only left his seat once since then, to drop off some papers. “Thank you though, I was wondering when you’d stop by.”

It was anything but silent between the two of you as you ate, simply taking the time to enjoy each other’s presense while things were slowing down. The papers were briefly forgotten about as you chatted about your day with him, and though he was most certainly listening, all that was on Alhaitham’s mind was how wonderful it was to be with you.

“Is something wrong?” you stop your rant about that annoying merchant you saw on the way where when you noticed a look on Alhaitham’s face was he tired? Bored of you? Instead, he pressed a kiss to your forehead, much to your surprise.

“Nothing. I just miss you, is all.”

JEAN

despite your best efforts to try and get her to do things otherwise, jean is incredibly stubborn, and takes on way more things than she can handle

of course, she does spend her off days with you, but on the days where there's lots to do and not enough time to do them, jean still manages to do all of it - at the cost of her sanity.

although you stop by multiple times a day to visit her, it's not uncommon for you to find her asleep in her office at the end of the day.

The sun had long since fallen behind the horizon as you entered the Knights of Favonius Headquarters. You had hoped Jean would be done by now, but it was one of those days where there was just so much she needed to get done, and you had just figured it was taking longer then usual. Still, you decided to check up on her.

You gently knock on the door to her office, quietly calling out her name. No answer. Frowning with concern, you open the door, and your expression softens at the way that the acting grandmaster had put her head in her hands, and you can slightly hear the sounds of her snoring softly. It wasn't an uncommon occurrence for he to fall asleep on days like this, though you see that almost all her work seemed to be done.

"Jean?" you gently tapped her on the shoulder, your voice barely a whisper. "Jean it's me. Let's go home now."

She rises from her slumber, shaking away any drowsiness you may have had. "Y/N... how long have I been asleep for? what time is it? did I leave anything unfinished? Did I-"

"That doesn't matter," You begin to organize Jean's papers into a neat stack, setting them to the side, and you don't dare let her touch a pen to get back to work. "It's late now, and you need to get some proper rest for tomorrow, ok?"

Reluctantly, Jean agrees, taking your hand as she gets out of her chair, though she takes one last glance at her work before leaving her office altogether, shutting off the light.

As the two of you leave the Favonius Headquarters together, you can feel the way that Jean's head lull's to the side, resting it on your shoulder. She mumbles something that you can't quite understand, and you assume it to be about her work.

Truth be told, Jean was mumbling about how much she loved you. No matter how busy her days would become, the last couple hours of the day with you were already the best part.

#shrimp genshin writing #genshin #genshin impact #genshin impact x reader #genshin drabbles #alhaitham #alhaitham x reader #jean #jean x reader #jean genshin impact #alhaitham genshin impact

[sanctus-ingenium]

answering your asks vol 3

Full context for the Inprnt issue can be found here on this post , tl;dr my shop is closed until I receive my payments from inprnt in a timely manner and essentially won't reopen unless they clean up their act. Regarding the money they owe me outlined in that post, I still have not received it and on Friday I sent a support ticket in to inprnt demanding they send it soon. Haven't heard back since. I think where Inprnt is concerned, it's worth mentioning that they no longer send promotional emails (which used to be a regular occurrence) and there seems to be a complete lack of communication and the only thing about the site that regularly updates is the sale banner (ending soon!!! 🙄)

So honestly I'm of the opinion that the print on demand bubble has burst and that this method of selling art was a very short-lived feature of an internet that doesn't exist anymore. Think about it - I make money on a sale after having spent nothing on promotion, on materials, on postage fees, etc. It's so easy to game the system using bots or stolen art to essentially print free money that I'm shocked it even lasted as long as it did. Maybe I'm wrong but I won't tie myself to another print on demand service that's just going to pull the same old shit redbubble and inprnt have done this year, or one that requires me to constantly promo it like some kind of influencer on instagram or tiktok or whatever.

Will prints come back? I hope so. I am looking into local printing shops and considering the feasibility of handling the process myself but you must understand that if I do that, the price will rise. I won't have the ability to run constant discounts or eat a loss if I order 20 prints and only 7 sell. It is what it is.

And the actual worldbuilding asks below the cut lol:

(referring to this post)

Only if you want to! I've had a few people send me cool sketches and stuff via dms and it's always nice to see but you really shouldn't feel pressured to. After all it's not like I post my rough practice here lol (that goes on patreon ;)

-

I'm going to be SO real with you right now - I did not consider that at all. However I do know that tinting flames with various chemical compounds was a huge part of alchemy, part of the whole flashy show of it to impress the layperson. So sure, I bet they do throw in copper sulfate or various other chemicals to produce the coloured flames - these make a huge impression on witnesses who might not even have imagined such a thing possible, and also help identify a holy beast at a distance on a battlefield choked with smoke and dive-bombing serpents.

Fun fact, the flames come from the furnace wells, right. Each well is connected to specific systems, where it can most efficiently deliver fuel to the heart and onwards. So it is possible to 'read' the pattern of flame bursts from the furnace slits - they are not constant, but there'll be one every few seconds based on when the furnace tenders excite each well. You can tell at a distance, for example, that Leun is readying an acid spray, or rerouting power to the rear legs for a leap, or even what direction he's turning. It all runs at a slight delay, which is why the crew inside has to be SO closely coordinated.

-

@absolutely-flabbergasted Knights are allowed to reproduce but not marry, because it's sort of accepted theory that blood relatives of a knight will be 'accepted' by the knight's beast when the time comes. This is not true but it means that sometimes the knight's apprentices are their own children. The other parent is mostly another member of the church and usually not identified or considered important (unless they're a smith...). There are usually a decent number of known knight bastards running about.

Smiths are not allowed to have families or marry, because their first devotion should be to their art or their beast if they are assigned to one. If one tries, the kids are taken away, anonymised with new names, and put into the pool of potential novices in some other stable. Now, in reality some stables or churches are just not that strict and have a slightly different culture, so there's often an Open Secret about some master smith's illegitimate family or a priest's secret mistress. This is tolerated by the authorities to a certain degree but if it becomes too rampant there'll usually be a change of management and some sort of crackdown.

Families who give up their second born cannot stay in contact, but if the child becomes successful in some way (say, if the child becomes a knight) the families are sent tokens symbolising this which can be placed in the family/village shrine. This can be a huge point of pride, with some people faking the tokens just so that they can show off about their successful kids that are totally knight apprentices.

The reason they don't get to stay in touch with their children is due to the secretive nature of the church and its arts. The church has been at war with the neighbouring nations for a long time and only its mastery of engine work has kept it afloat, and nobody wants these secrets to fall into enemy hands. Particularly if your kid goes on to become a scribe, which is if anything an even more closely guarded profession than that of a knight (those engine diagrams don't draw themselves). The laity are usually quite devout and understanding of this. If they aren't, they might attempt to find their child, often without success.

If you want your church kid back: it depends. If you can prove to the church authorities that you need your child's labour to stay afloat or to carry on the family line, they might take that into consideration. Of course, the only children that return are the likes of sweepers, cleaners, altar boys, pages, etc. Nobody who might have witnessed any Secrets. The church is best understood as being in the middle of a cold war for the past few centuries (and sometimes just regular war) so it's far more closely guarded.

-

@kicks-tiktaalik-back-into-water

It's not likely. Even if the ventilation system worked perfectly, he is still from an older generation of holy beasts and no longer represents the pinnacle of the technology. Leun might have a less sophisticated ventilation system but everything else about him is head and shoulders more advanced - including the crew number he can take on. Leun only requires a single enginesmith in the heart, for example. This is because there's more automation of his systems, and he can actually manage to walk home from battle without anybody inside at all, just based on the knight's input (because the throne chamber is open to the air the knights are technically not inside the beasts). It's not preferable (it can damage the systems) but it is a huge bonus.

Think about how in the early days of commercial aviation, there could be as many as eight people working on the flight deck. In the 60s, a 3-person crew was standard; captain, first officer, and flight engineer. Today there are only two pilots needed. This is down to increased automation, and it means that it is cheaper to fly the plane - the airline has to hire fewer pilots, 'flight engineer' is a nonexistent role these days, and that means you need to train fewer people, have fewer people on call, feed fewer people etc etc. It is cheaper for the church to run Leun than it is to run Krokodilos and even though the church is wealthy, the money and resources are not infinite. Especially now, in times of plague. Leun, for all everybody sings his praises, is basically a reskinned Pantera with better systems - again, cutting costs, because now we can get all of Pantera's old enginesmiths to work on him instead of having to train up new ones on a brand new and wholly unique platform. It's as much a matter of logistics as it is innovation and technology.

#info asks #setting: mez #fun asks this time round .. thank you everyone <3

[sloth-babied]

Love Will Find a Way

Sam Obisanya x reader

Summary: After a year of trying to get over Sam Obisanya, Colin insists you attend a speed dating event with him. 

And would you look at that, Sam’s here too. 

Contains: Drinking, light angst, and fluff. No use of y/n.

Word count: 2.8k

Notes: The fact that there aren't a numerous amount of fics about Sam is actually a crime so I had to step in.

Enjoy!

“Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life,” Colin reads the pink chalk-written words on a wooden A-frame sign in front of the restaurant. He turns to you, pursing his lip while nodding as if he were impressed. 

You simply smile and nod, indulging your friend who suggested you come here with him.

You observe the room once you two enter—the quintessential red and pink balloons at every corner of the room, including pink lanterns hanging from the ceiling. Red and pink decor are set all around the place with a banner hanging maliciously over the seating area:

FOR SINGLES READY FOR LOVE

You sigh before you continue to look around. There’s a lot of older people here; people in their mid-forties and up. Makes sense. Those around your age usually rely on dating apps, but there are a few exceptions which, you guess, is a relief. 

You’re able to identify two other young people and realize one of them is Isaac. And the other is…oh, fuck, oh, fuck, oh, fuck.

You grab Colin’s bicep, hoping to reroute your plans. “You know what, actually I think I change my mind—”

“Wait, is that Isaac and Sam?” He notices, raising his damn hand excitedly. “Isaac! Sam!” Colin places his fists on his hips, shaking his head. “Who knew they’d be here?”

You give him a hardened stare before offering the other two footballers a disingenuous smile as they walk your way, drinks in hand.

Naturally your eyes drift to Sam and you can’t resist admiring his outfit for the night. A black turtleneck and brown khakis.

This is going to be a long night.

“Wild seein’ you here, innit?” Isaac says.

Colin nods fervently. “Yeah, weird coincidence.”

Sam gestures his drink in your direction. “What brings you here?

Oh, god, he’s talking to you.

You scratch the back of your neck nervously. “Colin was nice enough to invite me,” you tell him, though ‘nice’ is not the word you would honestly use. ‘Cruel’ sounds more accurate, but you digress.

Sam smiles thoughtfully, though he can’t say he doesn’t feel as awkward as you. “I’m sure you’ll find a match. Anyone would be lucky to have you.”

You ignore Isaac and Colin glancing at each other, gripping the strap of your tote bag just a tad bit tighter. “And to you, also,” you shoot him a finger-gun with your free hand. “ As well. Too.”

You’re insufferable, but Sam chortles anyway, thank goodness for that.

“Finally got Sam off Bantr.” Isaac pats Sam’s back.

Sam shakes his head. “I deleted my account a long time ago.”

And you know why. It’s hard to think about Sam’s relationship with Rebecca without feeling a little jealous…okay, a lot.

Sam sips his punch. “Isaac suggested I come here, so here I am.”

Ding, ding, ding!

You all turn your heads to a woman holding a call bell in her hand. “The event begins in five minutes!”

And so the night begins.

Each date feels prolonged despite being on a three-minute timer. Many people who are much older than you discuss topics beyond your time or too early in your longevity to experience. And when you meet people around your age, well, let's say a severe lack of chemistry is the only thing that comes into mind.

Admittedly, you debated pregaming before Colin picked you up. You decided against it until you saw Sam here, therefore during the five-minute break, you mumble, "Eh, what the hell?" to yourself before sneaking off to the bar, ordering a shot of tequila before you and Sam meet.

Liquid courage.

Sam greets you with a pursed smile, waving his questionnaire card (cutely) and taking a seat in front of you. "Hi."

“Hey.” You smile back a bit more enthused than usual. Less nervous. More loose.

“So how are your dates going?” Sam wiggles his eyebrows.

You lean forward closer to him, balancing a pen between two fingers. “Hmm. Oh, see that guy over there?”

Sam’s head stealthily turns to the man you point at—slick back gray hair with a salt and pepper beard. 

“Apparently, he owns 0.5% of West Ham.” 

Sam looks back at you, leaning closer. “Dealbreaker?”

You nod exaggeratedly, leaning away. “Very much so, Sam. You know I’m ride-or-die for Richmond.”

He pats his chest, smiling playfully. “I’m flattered.”

From two different areas of the room, Colin and Isaac are seated with their respective dates. Colin and Issac narrow their eyes on you and Sam, shushing their poor dates whenever they attempt to speak.

When you feel your neck practically burning, you swivel your stool, catching them do a questionable job at pretending they weren’t just hyper-focused on you and Sam.

Colin mouths fake words to his very confused date who will certainly write him off later. Isaac looks upward, chin on his palm, eyes squinted, and mouth parted as if he were in deep thought.

“Okay…” You murmur to yourself before facing Sam again. “How about you, huh? Meet anyone you fancy yet?”

He offers a sigh, tilting his head towards his previous date. “See that woman over there?”

You discreetly look to the left and see an elderly woman speaking with her date, a man fortunately around her age. They seem to be hitting it off.

Sam shakes his head, feigning a disappointed sigh. “I thought we had something.”

“Another older white woman stolen from you, man. You gonna take that?” You tilt your upper body towards the perhaps soon-to-be couple before sipping your ice water.

Sam’s shoulders bounce, chuckling. He turns to them. “Yes, I am.”

You also turn, feeling envious from the sight. You observe the woman’s incredibly pink face and the subtle red on the olive-skinned man’s cheeks. Mutually smitten.

You and Sam face each other in unison, both of your hands below the table as you lean your torsos against the round table. Sam’s hands clasp beneath the surface while yours continue to fiddle with your pen.

Colin hides behind his questionnaire paper below his eyes—espionage still at work—and Isaac ignores his date once again, enthralled by your date as if it were a movie. 

If only there were popcorn, he thinks.

Sam says your name, but you’re stuck in his trance, buzzed and hypnotized. His voice swims around the atmosphere he tends to unintentionally create whenever you speak to him.

Then you remember what occurred a year ago; you remember the reason why you slightly furthered yourself from him in hopes of moving on. Frankly, it didn’t work very well.

Isaac’s brows furrow even deeper than usual, and he looks over at Colin who shrugs at him, sharing the same concern as you back away from Sam. You sober your deluded mind with another drink of water, reminding yourself that Sam is just…Sam. He’s naturally kind, charming, and genuine. He gets along with everyone. You’re not special.

You hold your questionnaire out, smiling tightly. “What am I doing? We’re supposed to be asking each other questions. Uh, okay, let’s see.” You scan your sheet. “What’s your dream career?” You ask hastily. You awkwardly laugh at yourself. “That’s a stupid question.”

Sam repeats your name, but you’re too lost rambling about the stupid questions in your hand.

“Where are you from originally?” You cower behind the paper. “Know that, too. Uhm, okay, let’s see. Oh! Here, if you were an animal, what would you be—”

Sam says your name louder and places his hand on yours, lowering the paper from your face.

“A goldfish. If I were an animal, I’d be a goldfish,” he answers.

You peer down at your hands. “The ten-second memory thing Coach Lasso told you about.”

He slowly pulls his hand off yours, but it sits close by. He nods. “Exactly. There are certain things I want to forget; things I cannot change. But there are things that I can change.”

Things he can change? Where is he going with this?

He continues. “Last year when you asked me—”

Ding, ding, ding, you both hear, jumping at the sound of the call bell. Chairs scrape the red-checkered floor and the sound of shoes patter all around you. Time to go.

“See ya, Sam,” you hurry to your next date who just so happens to be the captain of the Richmond football team. “Isaac, hey.”

He simply shakes his head. 

Four more rounds pass until the host of the speed dating event gives out the last announcement.

“Alright, everyone! Whoever you scored most with is your match. Say ‘hi’ to your potential partner! And give yourselves a round of applause for putting yourself out there tonight!”

Two pairs of hands clap with her, hands belonging to Colin and Isaac. You refrain from rolling your eyes at them when the bartender approaches you.

“What can I get you?”

“Uh, a Jack and Coke please.” You face her before turning around again.

You observe Sam speaking with one of the organizers of the event. The organizer reluctantly hands Sam his score sheet with a confused expression on her face. He nearly catches you staring until you turn back to the counter.

“One Jack and Coke.” The bartender sets down your drink, but not without noticing you eyeing Sam. She smirks, wiping down a glass cup with a cloth that was previously on her shoulder. (Classic bartender move.) “Obisanya your match?”

You study the small sheet in your hand, analyzing the scores and the contact information of someone already on your phone.

“Oi! How the hell did you match with me?” You hear Isaac stomp behind you. 

You smile mischievously, gesturing your head toward him. 

The bartender nods, pouting her lower lip before finding another customer, and you use the counter to spin yourself around to your distressed friend.

“Maybe we’re soulmates,” you suggest facetiously, lifting your drink towards him.

Truth is, you might have taken a peek at his questionnaire sheet when he kept exchanging looks with Colin. His disappointment earlier combined with Colin’s invasive questions about your date with Sam after you got through all your sessions helped piece things together.

Plus, Colin’s insistence that you come to this event in the first place. 

“Get in line.” He stands with his arms crossed next to Issac.

Isaac sits and harshly waves his sheet. “Why copy my sheet when your real match is-”

Colin clears his throat, poking his elbow against Isaac’s arms.

“Somewhere in this room,” Isaac finishes.

The only one in this room who piqued your interest was Sam. Towards the end, there were potential candidates. However, neither was Sam Obisanya.

You scoff, sipping your drink. “Nice save, Lindsey Lohan. I’ve seen Parent Trap enough times to know what’s going on here.”

You wonder why they’d want to pull something like this, especially after you told them that Sam turned you down. Pestering Sam to go on a stupid date with you is not something you would ever do, nor something a normal person should do, period.

God, you hope Sam doesn’t think you did this on purpose.

Isaac continues to eye you disapprovingly before his gazes shifts upwards to a new presence behind you, this presence being none other than Sam leaning his side against the counter. And now you’re sitting between him and the other two sneaky bastards.

“Sam! Who’d you match with?” Colin reaches in front of you and snatches Sam’s score sheet. He frowns. “No one?”

Isaac yanks the sheet from Colin’s hand. “What? How’s that even possible?”

Sam plucks his sheet back from Isaac, stuffing it in his back pocket. “If it’s alright with you two, I’d like to discuss something with them.” He looks down at you. “Alone.”

Your cheeks burn up, easily. Is it the whiskey? Is it Sam? Either way, you’re taking another sip. 

Isaac gets up immediately, rapidly nodding alongside Colin, saying, “Yeah, ‘course, bruv,” before the two footballers leave, whispering to each other. 

You place your drink down and fold your arms on the counter as Sam sits beside you. 

His sweet smile doesn’t cease. “Hi.”

“Hi,” you respond sheepishly. You take a third sip before speaking again. “So no one, huh?”

Sam shakes his head. “Thought I maybe had a chance with her,” he jokes.

You find the elderly lady from earlier matched with the elderly man. He leans on his cane with one hand and his other hand snakes around his date’s arm, hooking it with his. 

Maybe speed dates work after all. 

“Who’d you match with?” He asks curiously. You hand him your sheet. “Isaac? How did that happen? Wasn’t he just glaring at you the whole date?” 

“Pretty much, yeah.” You laugh, placing the paper back on counter.

Wait a second. Sam was watching you?

You try not to look too much into it.

He reaches for his earlobe, lightly tugging at it. “There was something I wanted to tell you before our date ended.”

Oh, god. Is he going to admit how uncomfortable you make him? Is he ending your friendship right now? Yeah, you added some distance between the two of you, but in your defense, you had no intentions of actually ending your relationship.

He speaks a little louder. “Last year, you told me you liked me. Romantically.”

Fuck, you despise the recap.

“And I told you I didn’t feel the same way.”

You clasp your hand around your glass, however Sam stops you, hand on yours.

“Let me finish. Please.”

You dubiously comply, releasing your hand from the cup and nod, letting him continue with whatever gut-wrenching news is going to wreck you for the next few months.

Your head faces his direction, but you stare off at nothing in particular.

He continues. “I was telling the truth when I said I didn’t feel the same way. But as time passed, the more we got to know each other and the more things in my love life started to unravel, I started to fall in love.”

You furrow your brows, meeting your eyes with his. 

“With you,” he adds. “And I understand if you don’t feel the same way anymore. But I just…wanted to tell you how I felt.”

What the hell is happening? This is a prank, right? 

You take a look behind you, wondering if perhaps there was someone beside or behind you who he was confessing his feelings to instead.

Nope, just you. You’re barely tipsy, so there’s no way you’re misunderstanding him. 

You remain quiet, not quite sure what to say. The expression on your face worries him and he calls your name.

You softly shake your head. “I’m sorry, can you repeat that?” 

Now it’s Sam’s turn to internally freak out. He glances at your drink, wondering if he could ask for a gulp.

“Uh…” Sam tugs at his earlobe again and chuckles nervously. “I like you?”

Maybe two sips, he thinks. Three? No, no, that’s irresponsible, he decides.

“Can I have a glass of water please?” He raises his palm at the bartender, politely ordering to fill the silence.

You grab his wrist and lower his hand on the counter, sliding your hand over his, adding, “Make that two,” to his order, because there is absolutely no way you’re getting drunk after what he just told you.

Sam looks away from the bartender and he takes notice of your hands. His ears warm up.

“Definitely wanna be sober for this,” you tell him quietly, and the edges of his lips curve upward. Hesitantly, he entwines his fingers through yours like they belong there.

“Two waters.” The bartender drops off your drinks, glancing at your hands. She raises her brows before leaving you alone.

Sam uncombs his fingers from yours, getting up from his chair. He moves closer to you and spins you by the backrest of your chair, so your body faces him. Then he cups your face. “I don’t know if they allow PDA here, but may I kiss you?”

You gently hold on to his wrists. “They host speed dates every week. I’m sure one kiss is fine.”

He giggles, moving his face closer to yours, murmuring, “One kiss?”

You flicker your gaze between his eyes and mouth. “Or two.” You shrug. “But yes. You may.”

Sam licks his lips before sinking them into yours, and his eyes and yours instinctively shut. You inhale deeply through your nose, breathing in the person you didn’t know would expect to eventually reciprocate your feelings.

His lips are so soft, pillowy against your own. He massages his lips on yours, enveloping himself deeper against you by tilting his head. You feel lightheaded—a delightful combination of his kissing skills and the faded work of the alcohol you ingested earlier. 

Your daydreams do not serve the real thing.

You’re the first to pull away, catching your breath. “Seriously though, how didn’t you match with anybody?”

Sam smiles proudly and pecks your lips. “I asked one of the event-coordinators not to score my sheet. Told her I changed my mind.”

You stand, removing his hands from your face without letting go. “Good.”

From a distance, Colin and Isaac sit at a table, gazing at the other couple like before.

Isaac holds his plastic cup out, smirking. “Too easy, man.”

Colin clinks his cup against Isaac’s. “Too easy.”

#sam obisanya x reader #sam obisanya x you #colin hughes #isaac mcadoo #afc richmond #ted lasso #ted lasso fanfiction #SAM OBISANYA STANS RISE #ted lasso fanfic #fluff

[spaceorphan18]

WIP ASK ME GAME

I was tagged by @bitbybitwrites (thank you dear) who has a lovely header - I wish I was savvy enough with such things to have a banner for writing. <3

Anyway, here's where I am at with writing (and you guys are always welcome to come chat with me about them) but more so, an update for anyone who is interested.

WIPs I'm Actually Working On (in order of priority)

Head Over Feet - The canon divergent post-Season 5 reunion fic I always wanted to write. All of my writing got sidelined during my unfortunate excursion to Indiana last year, but now I'm back writing pretty regularly. I'm hoping to have the next chapter out maybe next week-ish. I've loved writing this one, as I've had the idea for this in one form or another for a long, long time.

In The City That We Love - Tells the story of the year leading up to what we see in the flashforward at the end of Season 6, and based on a sketch I wrote years ago for the 'last' season of the show. They're kind of individual stories tied together, and I've only written the first 'chapter' but I do plan on getting to this once I wrap Head Over Feet

The Spaces In-Between - The Following Kurt Through Cannon fic that I've been picking away at for years now. I know I'm not far, but I have an idea for this one that will follow a long with a giant rewatch and analysis of the show. I just need to get organized...

The CrossRhodes Saga - This is my mystery/noir fic where Kurt is a detective looking in on sketchy happenings at a bar run by Santana. I think I may revamp the first few chapters and start clean with it, but I really would like to get back to it once my other big things are done.

The Smut Challenge - I mean it is what it says on the tin. I feel like I should get back to this every once in a while just to keep it going. I feel like it'd be an impressive feat just to write 365 mini fics of porn.

And that's what I've got for now.

I have no new ideas, but as I was originally thinking of wrapping up my fic writing days in order to focus on some original fiction. But who knows -- I'm already thinking I'd miss writing fic if I stopped, so I'm kind of hoping I get a new big idea....

I think most of the people I know have already been tagged but please do this if you're reading it!

#s.o. writes things #wip ask game #klaine #klaine fic #glee fic

[astoundingbeyondbelief]

Kaiju Week in Review (November 5-11, 2023)

Raven Banner has opened preorders for their impressive Shin Ultraman Blu-ray. I don't which is more surprising—the new subtitle translation for a movie that came out last year or a new audio commentary for a Toho kaiju film. Alex Rushdy and Kevin Derendorf recorded the commentary, so it's sure to be extremely informative. The film itself should look better than the Cleopatra release too, as it's on a 50 GB disc instead of a 25 GB.

ILM's animated Ultraman: Rising film has a teaser. Visuals are striking; dialogue seems generic, though there's not much to go on. I am naturally enthralled by the host playing baseball professionally. His uniform is weirdly logo-free, but he may be on the Yomiuri Giants, the "Yankees of Japan" who currently inhabit the Tokyo Dome. The New Tokyo Dome in the trailer has a powerful force field in place of a roof, though physical shielding can be seen moving into place later. You get the feeling that this city is pretty used to kaiju.

There's a new kaiju manga on the way from Hiro Nakamichi—Kaiju on the Earth: Volcanus. It's based on a 2019 board game where players manage the response to a kaiju attack, and the first chapter will go live on Shogakukan's Sunday Webry website on Christmas Eve. Hopefully an English scanlator or publisher picks it up.

The Ultraman Blazar manga, meanwhile, already has a scanlator on the job. I haven't had a chance to read much of it yet, but the art is quite impressive. And much further down the line, Marvel will be reprinting its 70s Godzilla comic as part of its Marvel Omnibus line next October. Their previous reprint of the series in 2006 was a black-and-white paperback with cheap paper; this promises to be an upgrade in every way. Seeing it with digitally reconstructed color will certainly be interesting too (h/t Maser Patrol).

A VR game called Godzilla Kaiju Wars dropped some screenshots just in time for (shameless plug) Wikizilla to squeeze it into our Megaguirus Kaiju Profile. Manda and some smaller, original enemies are also in it, and it should be showing up in arcades next year. Another Godzilla arcade game dropping in 2024 is the exceedingly silly-looking Godzilla vs. Kong Smasher. And while most everyone sharing them was relentlessly DMCA'd, a video and a few screenshots leaked out from the mobile game Godzilla x Kong: Titan Chasers. You control a team of humans instead of monsters, so that's already strike one. Cool to see a comic-exclusive monster (Death Jackal) in it though.

#shin ultraman #kaiju week in review #godzilla kaiju wars #godzilla #kaiju #ultraman rising

[happypopcornprincess]

hi lovee your work<3 could you write a oneshot with bucky where the reader gets really really sick while bucky's on a mission and no one tells him so he gets worried and caring when he sees her. Just make it super fluffy with also some angst!!

omg, bro sure sure sure!!! Bucky is my sweetheart, my boo, my pretty boy I absolutely adore him.

In this fic, you get a lot of backstories, Steve and Tony being besties, Thor and Natasha being Y/N x Bucky shippers, lots of phase 4 references, my undying love for "Clueless" and nobody dies 😉😂

hope you like it <3

Things I'll Never Say

Pairings - Bucky Barnes x Fem!Reader (Ft. The Avengers)

Premise - Words from the heart are sometimes left unsaid, but will they finally be expressed through actions?

Main Masterlist || Bucky Barnes Masterlist

If I could say what I want to say

I'd say I want to blow you, away

Be with you every night

Am I squeezing you too tight

Guess, I'm wishing my life away

With these things I'll never say

-Avril Lavigne, Things I'll Never Say

Avengers Compound

You sneeze for the third time that day as you open your door to reveal Buck standing behind it. He was ready in his gear and was puzzled by your demeanor.

“Hey, Bucky," you say, trying your finest to sound normal, but out came a croaky voice from your throat. It has been a hell of a night as you struggled with a stuffy nose and fever. You had no sleep and were sleepy as hell. You didn’t want the team to catch the viral fever so you stayed in your room.

“Hey, doll.” He smiled at you.

“Are you heading out on the mission?” you ask him, leaning against your door.

“Yes, we were just about to head out, I thought of checking up on you.” He copies you by leaning against your doorframe.

“Thanks. You’re coming in?”

“Nah, just passing by. You’re feeling alright? Banner told us why you dropped out of the mission.”

“Yeah, I’m fine now. It’s just a mild cold.” It hurt you lying to Bucky. You didn’t want him to worry and wanted him to focus on the mission. You actually thought your thermometer might be broken when it showed 104 (celsius) on it. 

“Okay.” he nods

“Hmm.”

A comfortable silence falls in between you two, one you have become accustomed to. Bucky was a man of few words, and you never pushed him to say something. He lowers his gaze to his shoes, thinking about something. You wait, patiently.

“If you need anything... won't you let me know, Y/L/N?" he says.

You huff out a laugh “Yes, Barnes, I’ll let you know.”

The way you emphasize his last name made him laugh, and he looked you in the eyes. Despite being trained by secret agents and a literal Black Widow, Barnes always somehow managed to read you. In the same clothes you were wearing the day before, he watched your eyes, his sight unflinching.

He knew. He knew you were lying.

   “Bye Y/N.” he steps away from your door frame.

   “Bye Bucky” you wave sheepishly as he walks back through the hallway, lifting his chin and giving you a smirk. You blush a bit and close the door once he gets out of your sight, leaning against it and closing your eyes.

---/---/---/---/---/---

You have had this hopeless crush on one James Buchanan Barnes since the day you almost beat him in a fistfight in Germany. You were team Tony; and he was team Steve. You fought so hard, matching his fistfight style and speed that shocked him, you were trained by Natasha and Clint after all, the best of SHIELD agents. But you got distracted for one second and his body slams you on a table. As you groaned in pain, he gets up and says, “You fight well, good luck next time.” You couldn’t answer but mouth a “fuck you” and he walks away with a sarcastic smile.

Even after everything, you could not stop thinking about him. The soothing blue of his eyes, the way he almost seemed impressed by your fighting, and that smirk, God damn. You were not sure if you'd ever meet him again, given the fact that Tony hated his guts and you were on his team, you could not help yourself but fall into the rabbit hole of the lore of The Winter Soldier. You read his file, read everything you could find on him when he was brainwashed into doing things you knew no person would ever do willingly. And your heart ached for him, everything that he had to endure.

But you do meet him, almost two years after Germany.

In Wakanda, he was startled finding you there, and let out a small, “hi” which almost made you roll your eyes if it was not for Natasha and Sam engulfing you into a bone-crushing hug after not seeing you for years. Steve and Bucky made amends with Tony. All your friends that were torn apart two years ago, fought Thanos together.

And won.

You came back to the compound in New York, and everything fell back in place, just like it was before. Bucky and Tony made amends, and he was granted parole.

You didn’t talk much to him until you encountered him sitting by himself one night in the living area at 3 in the morning. You were about to sneak some late-night snacks from the fridge when you saw him just sitting alone, looking out the window. It was a different side of him, a shy and reserved man so drastically different from the one you encountered before.

Your friendship started when you wordlessly took a seat next to him and sat in silence for a long time. He finally turned to you and said, “I’m sorry about throwing you on a table.” Which made you say, “It’s alright. I’m sorry too, about my choice of words at that moment.” That made him laugh. And God was it beautiful. You could hear it all day and would never get tired of it.

You did listen to it, when you fell into this silent agreement of you joining him in the living room every night and sitting in silence, exchanging a word or two, or waking up splayed on the sofa with a blanket on you as he slept on the chair.

You never pushed him, and he opened up slowly. He told you about his life before he became the Winter Soldier, what he could remember. He told you how he could not remember the faces of his family, but bits and pieces of things related to them.

His sister tying her ribbons on his window to dry off, the smell of his mother’s food, his father’s watch that he would always forget before leaving for work, the sunlight shining through the alleys where he played with his friends, and so many other stuff.

You listened. Never interrupted. Sometimes even helped him to remember.

He never told you about his time in HYDRA, the horrific things he went through. And you understood the war that was still going on in his mind about whether or not was he guilty of it, or not.

You never felt this close with anyone before, not your previous boyfriends or your closest friends. He made you feel calm and at peace every time you were with him, unlike the anxiety and fear of rejection you have felt with others.

But the real question, as Natasha told you, still stands.

Would you let him know how you feel? Or not?

---/---/---/---/---/---

He climbs the ramp to the quinjet and looks around. He looked around as everyone was busy getting prepared for the long flight to another continent.

Natasha and Clint were already seated, in deep conversation whispering in Hindi. He could listen in due to his heightened hearing but he chose not to.

Tony and Thor were in the cockpit the former explaining to the latter not to summon lighting once they are in the sky, “...I do not want to explain to Fury why another one of his quinjet’s operating system is fried up because you chose to show Spiderling how your hammer works at 15000 feet up in the air.”

  “I understand, Son of Stark.” He says with a not-so-reassuring smile on his face.

  “Jesus Christ.”

He looks at the middle of the jet to see Sam and Steve, Captain America and Nomad, discussing the plans for the missions. He decides to join them.

   “About time you showed up Barnes,” Sam glances at the holographic map.

  “Nice to see you too Wilson.” He says as he stands next to Steve.

“And Wanda turns out, got married in secret and is currently on her honeymoon with Vision. She called Tony the other day to tell him she’s taking a leave for a few days.” Steve says, looking at Tony in an almost teasing manner.

   “Where are Wanda and Bruce?” he asks, after noticing both were missing from the jet.

   “Banner got a family emergency so he is headed to New York. It turns out his sister was also exposed to gamma rays and could transform into a hulk.”

“He’s got a sister?” he asks bewildered.

“Cousin,” Sam says.

All eyes turn towards Bucky as he realizes that he is suddenly the center of the conversation. “I… Yeah, she’s good.” He stammers out.

“I, of course, gave her a piece of my mind before congratulating,” Tony says as he joins the group, “given the fact I am her father-in-law and wasn’t even invited to the wedding.”

“That’s… well… you’ve got a point.” Steve gave up his reasoning with Tony a long time ago.

“So, how’s Lady Y/L/N? Thor asks, gathering around them.

"Is she well?" he asks.

How could he tell them that you lied to him? That at this very moment you might be in pain or suffering. And here he is, getting ready to go on a mission halfway across the earth, like an idiot. He looks up and realizes that everyone was still looking at him, waiting for a full answer.

"She's not well," Steve says in a calming voice. He could see right through him.

“She lied to me about being alright. I could feel her body heat standing five feet apart Steve, she’s not well.” He finally admits.

“Well then, go back to her,” Thor says.

“What?” he looks at him.

“It's an intel mission Barnes, we’ll be fine. Please be with your girlfriend. She needs you." Tony says.

Bucky looks at Steve. He smiles at him, a silent understanding saying ‘yes, go for it!”

Bucky instantly turns a dark shade of pink, “Uh, we’re not… I mean.”

“Wait, are you not courting Lady Y/L/N?” Thor sounded genuinely offended.

“No... I didn’t tell her I liked her.” He looks at his shoes, not being able to meet someone in their eyes. He feels someone squeeze his arm and looks in that direction. It was Natasha.

“There are six of us. And we got aerial support from the country’s Air Force. Go get your girl.” She smirked at him. “Hell yeah!” Clint cheers and everyone joins him.

He shouts thanks to everyone, slapping Steve’s back for good luck, and runs out of the Quinjet.

And just as he was about to go to your room, he got an idea, one that would cheer you up more than anything.

---/---/---/---/---/---

The door opened and in came a tall figure, holding all sorts of bags. You squinted your eyes to realize that it was Bucky.

You were in a dreamlike state, shifting in and out of consciousness and feeling dizzy. Your entire body was in pain, and your head was killing you. But then, you hear a knock on your door just when you decide to lean up on your elbows.

“It’s open, come in.” you sounded like a frog with the croak in your throat.

You laughed out loud. This was unbelievable. You knew Bucky always had a soft side and looking at this, you were witnessing the full force of it.

“Bucky?” you call out puzzled. "Yes, that's me." He answers, turning the lights on in your bedroom. Your room lit up as he kept everything on the table near your bed.

“I got you some chocolates and the multi-colored sour patches, some fresh fruits, vaporub, and…” he turns to you, holding an Ipad, “a shit ton of movies.”

“I thought you were on the mission.” You say, making space on your bed and scooting away to a corner. He takes the seat and turns to you, “It was an intel mission, half of the team is on it and they let me sit this one out.” Saying so he smiles, showing his pearly whites.

Up close, you could see the small wrinkles near his eyes and his scrunched-up nose. He looked like a really cute and cuddly bear.

“So, you want to spend the day with me?” you ask through your eyelashes, suddenly aware of your state sitting in front of him.

You were wearing an old pair of sweats and a hoodie you’ve had since high school; your hair was a mess and your room looked like it had been attacked by a tornado. Clothes, books, shoes everywhere. His eyes softened, realizing what you were thinking about. He quickly shoves the treats and the tab towards you, saying, "Pick any movie you like Y/N. I’ll be right here.” And he gets up.

He starts collecting everything that is thrown around the room and brings it to your bedside. "Bucky, you don't have to do this -" he gestures for you to stop.

“You can’t possibly think you can clean the whole room in that state. C’mon Y/N, let me do this. Your job is to choose a movie that won’t bore me to sleep like the last time.”

“Hey, it’s not my fault you don’t like ‘Me Before You'. I absolutely loved it.”

“It was sad.” He answers with a solemn tone, collecting the books and piling them on the table.

This time, you were sitting next to each other under the covers of your double bed. Bucky was leaning back on the headboard, his right arm slightly touching your fingers. You didn’t realize when but slowly your body was leaning towards his arm. You were feeling cozy and sleep was slowly taking over your body. And as Cher was plotting a makeover for the unpopular girl, your arm came in contact with his. “Damn, you’re so comfy.” You mumbled; your eyelids heavy with sleep, and you rested your head on his shoulder.

Your heart drops realizing that he didn’t like the story where the main couple did not end up together. So, you settled down for something funny and cute; Clueless. A movie Bucky loved instantly when you were introducing him to modern media.

The first time he saw it, the whole time he was saying, “Why do I feel like I’ve seen it before?" repeatedly. It wasn’t until you mentioned that it was based on a Jane Austen novel that he recalled reading it while hiding with Steve, Sam, and Natasha.

---/---/---/---/---/---

Bucky never focused on the benefits of being a super soldier, being part of the darker side of what the serum did to his body for most of his life. Therefore, he found it quite difficult to do so. But ever since you connected, he found some upsides too, his body was capable of doing some things the others couldn’t.

Like smelling your lavender shampoo from across the briefing room, getting goosebumps whenever you touched him, noticing the details of your face, the fine lines around your eyes that looked so damn beautiful when you smile.

And currently feeling his heart drop hearing what you said. He shifted his focus from the screen to your face, now much closer than it have ever been before, as it rested on his shoulder.

All his heightened senses were on overdrive as soon as you snuggled up to him. Your head rested on his shoulder as you held his arm in a hug.

You looked adorable, and he felt you relax, realizing how his higher body temperature might be relaxing to you.

He carefully closed the iPad, keeping it on the nearby table and clearing the bed as much as he could with you clinging onto his arm. He gently adjusted your body to lie back on the bed, and when he tried to go away, you held onto his arm, murmuring, “don’t go” in such a small voice his heart melted.

His mind flashed back to all the times you silently slipped into his room after hearing his cries through your bedroom walls. How you got under the covers and held him as he slowly fell asleep.

—-/---

He smiled a small smile and lied next to you, covering you and him under the blanket, and as you snuggled closer to him in sleep, he placed a gentle kiss on your forehead and fell asleep, the nightmares staying away this time, as you held each other in silence, at peace.

A/N - Thank you everyone for sticking with me till the end of this fic! if you liked it please let me know through the asks and the comments. Any and all requests, headcanons, and drabble requests about this AU is mostly welcome. Love y'all, Take Care!

Requests are open! Feel free to request anything.

Tag List:

@tuiccim @parkjammys @akinrawsx @asteph22 @iamthebeth @thefandomqueenuno @onlyhereforthefics @yikesdameron @savedfanfics1992 @amigaytho @hoeensficrecs @samwilson-mylove @xbuchananbarnes-deactivated @jenniweaslee @anna-phora @fluffyprettykitty @ladiesluver

#bucky barnes x reader #bucky x reader #bucky barnes x y/n #bucky x you #bucky barnes x you #bucky barnes #james bucky barnes #james buchanan barnes #captain america #mcu #marvel #tfatws #fanfiction #mcu x reader #the falcon and the winter soldier #bucky barnes angst #bucky barnes one shot #bucky barnes fluff #steve rogers #tony stark #natasha romanoff #clint barton #thor odinson #sam wilson #desiblr

[assortedseaglass]

The Seamstress & The Sailor - Chapter Seven

Tom Bennett x OFC

[Masterlist]

Warnings: Language, World On Fire Spoilers

Word Count: 3.7K

Note: I like to imagine the banner is of Tom writing letters in his bunk. Can't wait for Chapter Eight!

November 1939

Dear Tom,

Another letter, I am impressed.

This one almost slipped me by – Dot opened the door when Dennis Warley came by with the post. I wanted to make some new trousers and ordered a pattern from the haberdashers, and it came with your letter. Apparently he said it’s good men don’t want me because dadda has someone to look after him when he’s old. You know what Dot’s like. Cora said she launched herself at Dennis and the post almost wasn’t delivered.

Her and Cora are still at the factory, though missing your Lois and Connie enormously. We had a letter from Albie yesterday. He’s in France now, helping with the refugees from Poland. Luckily he’s not been in too much danger. With them and Albie off in Europe, and you at sea, our world has become a little lonelier.

There was a dance the other night at The Palais, though the women outranked the men by about four to one. Makes a change. There is a great deal less drunkenness and wandering hands, but we do miss you all. And I’d happily exchange Walter Watson. I don’t suppose you’ll have heard about that? Was in France for two weeks and got invalided out. Not shot by the enemy like he told us, worst luck. Albie said in his letter that Walter was having it off with a Polish girl when her father found them. Well, he’s come back with his arm in a sling and is somehow as handsy as ever. Tried to put his hand up my skirt. Even Queenie Warren told him where to go. She’s been ever so down in the mouth since you all left, men were her sole source of entertainment, though I heard her and Frank Smith have been writing.

Cora is blue as well. Her Roger has been training every hour God sends. They’re expecting the RAF to start regular flights, though what, we’re not allowed to know. I suppose, that’s my main news – Roger got me a job at the Air Transport Auxiliary. I’m making planes, constructing the wings mostly. I love the smell of the metal and the oil, and working with my hands. Roberta is here too, though she’s driving the goods vans. Hattie and Jude have left to help the Land Army prepare for spring. They’re not too far away but they work round the clock.

I was listening to the wireless when I got your letter. There have been rumours that the government will ask most women to do war work next year. There goes the hope we’d be down Belle Vue in the spring. I’m glad, though, that the government has realised we are capable of lifting more than a hairbrush and lipstick, even if it has come at the cost of war. We’re more than just objects to colour men’s lives. Perhaps with all this war work, more of us will start wearing trousers and Dennis Warley can piss off. They mentioned rationing, too. Think it’ll affect the likes of Robina Chase more than us, but I don’t think Dadda will manage without sugar in his tea. Heaven forbid they cut eggs and bacon. Of course, that’ll mean no new clothes for a long while. I don’t mind but Dot will be distraught.

Dadda’s been spending a lot of time with yours. They go out on these long walks round the dockyard. Sometimes they even stay up later than me. I can see them in your kitchen, just talking. It did make me laugh the other day – sat there in their chairs by the fire, they look just like Mrs O’Connell and Mrs Flaherty down the road. But then I suppose, they have each other because they lost their husbands. Now, our dads’ have each other because you and Albie have gone.

What is it like there? I want to hear everything. How are the other lads? I hope you’re getting along. There’s a map on the wall at the factory and when I look at all that ocean, I imagine you in a little paper boat skittering across is. There’s not a day that goes by when I don’t think of Albie, and of you. Do you think His Majesty will let you home for Christmas? Good for morale to let his soldiers come home. We’re hoping Albie will.

I had the thought that I should speak in letters from now on. Everyone is always telling me how quiet I am, yet here I’ve been writing pages and pages to you. I know I’m not good at talking, not like the others, but I can say it here – I miss you. Please, for me and for your dad, keep yourself safe. And write again soon.

Your friend,

Bess.

P.S. Make sure you write to Douglas, he’s suffering from missing you both.

Bess placed the finished letter in its envelope and wrote the address.

Tom Bennett

HMS Exeter

c/o Royal Navy Auxiliary

Portsmouth

Once the ink was dry and she had traced her finger over his name once or twice, Bess ate the remaining crust of her toast, drew on her blue jumper and cycled to the Air Transport Auxiliary factory. Straddling the cool metal of the planes as she drove nuts and bolts into their wings, Bess thought of her mother. She and Douglas had been courting during the Great War, but unlike Bess and her sisters, all she had to do with her time was wait. Wait for Douglas to come home with nothing else to occupy her thoughts. Bess was sick with worry, so much so that when she woke in the mornings without the churning of her stomach, she felt something was wrong. It wasn’t until sleep had faded and she remembered the war that the feeling returned, and she felt normal again. These few hours of respite at the factory, while they didn’t sway her fear, certainly calmed her. And who knows where these planes might go? Over the heads of Albie, or Tom, defending them from above? Into sun-kissed clouds, skirting heaven? And here she was, one of the girls making them fly.

By the time Bess finished her shift, grey clouds were low over Manchester and night was descending.

“Do you want a lift honey? Looks like it’s gonna chuck it down.” Roberta asked as they left the hangar. Bess declined, and they went their separate ways. Along with the other women, all covered in dirt and sweat, she meandered towards the factory gate, where a group of jeering men stood in a circle. At their feet, someone was on the floor, scrabbling to reach paper that was blowing away in the wind. As she got closer, Bess saw that they were boys, not yet eighteen perhaps. Except for one. Walter Watson.

“You’re a fucking disgrace,” he was saying to the man on the floor. “Handing out that horse shit.” The boys around Walter laughed. As they did so, the man on the ground stood. He was taller and broader than them, his face craggy with woe and as he turned, Bess saw the weary eyes of Douglas Bennett. She continued walking forward as passers-by ignored the altercation.

“Fucking coward,” one of the boys said. “Stood here selling your fucking peace paper when our lads are out fighting for their lives. For your life!” The youth jabbed bony his finger into Douglas’ chest. Bess was feet from them now, and still Douglas did nothing. It made her proud not to see him back down.

It was easy to infiltrate the circle; she was the smallest of this beastly party and each man was too focused on their abuse of Douglas to notice.

“You know Walter got shot!?”

“That’s not what I heard.”

They froze, and every face turned slowly towards her. Grease streaked her face and she reeked of metal and oil. The hands that had been folded across her chest slipped into her pockets and she leant slightly on one leg, hip jutting just enough to remind them of her womanhood. Some of the younger boys, who knew Bess only by her reputation, swallowed. Walter, who had known Bess long enough to watch her grow from witchy little girl to one of the most bewitching women in Longsight, looked ready to combust. Caught somewhere between anger and fear.

“Our Albert said a Polish fella broke your arm when he caught you balls deep in his daughter.”

Walter spluttered and his gang of underlings remained silent, shocked by the coarseness of her language. Douglas laughed.

“Did he really?” His smile was broad as he looked at Bess and she beamed back. She snatched the papers that Walter held in his hand and passed them to Douglas. Neither spoke and the argument was won; one by one, the boys shuffled home.

When the last of them had disappeared from sight, Douglas spoke. “Thanks, love.” Bess merely shrugged and began walking away. “If you’re heading home I’ll give you a lift.”

“Free bus ticket?” Bess said.

“No,” Douglas laughed quietly, and walked towards the bike resting against the factory wall. “Hop on.” He held the bike still as she perched on the handlebars and leant back against his shoulder. Bess shrieked at the first few wobbly turns of the pedal as Douglas adjusted to both of their weight, but soon, they were racing along the streets of Manchester towards home. “Used to take Lois home like this if she’d had a long shift.”

They were silent for the rest of the journey. Occasionally, they saw someone they knew and Bess would wave. From behind her, Douglas touched his cap. When she hopped of the bike outside her house, she turned to Douglas. “How is Lois getting on?”

“They’re working her hard. It’s an awful lot of toing and froing between camps. But she said she gets a thrill from singing for everyone. Nice to be doing her bit, you know.” He looked at the ground as he spoke, and Bess hummed.

“And Tom?” Bess tried to keep her voice measured.

“Barely hear from him. Last letter said he was on shore leave for a day or two, enjoying himself too much, no doubt”.

“I’m sure they’re fine, they can look after themselves.” He nodded solemnly. “Goodnight, Douglas.”

✼　 　✼　 　✼　 　✼　 　✼　 　✼

Over the next few weeks Bess developed a routine that, while unable to ease her worry, made the time go faster. It went thus; each morning she arose before her family, as always, and began breakfast. Cora would join her, and together they fed the family before each parting ways to their various jobs. Between nine and five, she worked at the factory. Lunchtimes were taken at the dockyard with Fergal. At five o’clock she helped Douglas Bennett hand out Peace News, and at six he cycled them home. The evenings she wasn’t with Roberta, Hattie and Jude, or repairing clothes (she had taken the task to make a little more money), she spent at the Bennett house. Be it cooking dinners, listening to Douglas’ opinions on the government and the war, or simply sitting in amicable silence, Bess found she increasingly enjoyed his company.

She had always liked Douglas. When the children were little Fergal, Etta, Douglas and Marie had taken them on picnics to Blackpool or Southport. Tom and Albie always ran into the surf and terrorised Cora and Lois. Dot was still small, making sandcastles while Etta and Marie talked the day away. Inevitably, Bess found herself trailing Douglas as he pointed out patterns in the clouds or interesting shells. Even now, Bess was drawn in by the gentle eyes set in his stoic face. The small smiles he offered when something had pleased him. The unshakable sense that maybe, just maybe, Douglas Bennett was the best of men.

Tonight was no different. Bess sat in a chair opposite Douglas, finishing some silk stockings for Queenie Warren. How she had been able to afford them, God only knew, but Bess enjoyed the feel of them slipping over her skin like water. Douglas was reading the newspaper. Every now and then, when Bess paused to rest her eyes, she caught Douglas glancing into the middle distance.

“Memories or visions?” she asked him softly. He sighed and removed his glasses.

“These days, they all blur into one horrible nightmare.” The silence resumed. Bess cast aside the stockings and took Douglas’ hand in hers, gently rubbing it with her thumb. He studied her a moment.

“You’re an odd lass,”

“So people say,”

“And a kind one.” She paused her movements and looked at him. “You should be spending time with people your own age, not barmy old men like me.”

“You’re not old. And I like spending time with you.” It wasn’t a lie. Douglas was a quiet, calm realist much like herself. Perhaps, if she had been born fifty, even thirty years ago, she would have liked him more. A thought occurred to her.

“I think you and Tom are more alike than either of you care to admit.”

Douglas huffed by way of a reply, then spoke. “He’s more like his mother than me. They both are. I don’t suppose you remember our Marie too much?”

“I remember her laugh, and that mam loved her.”

“Yeah,” he smiled and looked at Bess’ hand stroking his own. “Everyone did.” He paused once more before continuing. “What if Tom ends up like me, Bess?”

“What do you me-”

“What if he comes back from this God-awful war a shadow of himself? He’s so bright and full of life, like his mother, what if it disappears? If he comes back at all-”

Bess thought about her next words carefully. “We can’t know if they’ll come back. Tom, Lois or Albie. But we can live in the knowledge that death won’t diminish our devotion to them. You and I may not agree with war, but they’ve gone not because they blindly followed everyone else, but because they want to defend those who can’t defend themselves. And I am so proud of them. My Albie, and Lois and Tom.”

They were silent for a while as Douglas considered her words. Then, quite unexpectedly, he kissed her hand and placed his own on her cheek. The image of his son flashed across his face and Bess blushed.

“Off you go, Bess. Your family will be missing you.” The abruptness of their evening’s end took Bess by surprise, but she gathered her sewing, kissed Douglas’ cheek and left.

Dot was warming her feet by the fire when she opened the door. Cora was reading next to her.

“Dadda’s down the pub,” Dot spoke without looking up. “But you’ve stolen his drinking partner.” Cora pushed Dot’s leg with her foot, not looking up from her book.

“What do you mean, Dot?” Bess was in no mood to argue. Dot looked her sister dead in the eye.

“You’ve been spending a lot of time with Douglas.”

“Yes?”

“It’s not proper,”

“For God’s sake,”

“All these men on the go,”

“Me and Douglas are not ‘on the go’. And which men!?”

“There’s a letter on the bed for you.”

Bess’ heart stopped. “A letter?”

“Yes. Another letter.” Dot tried to sound aloof but her need for gossip got the better of her and she sat up in the chair. “Who’s writing to you, Bess? That man Tom punched?” She received no answer, for Bess was racing up the stairs to their bedroom. The letter was set against her pillow, and at seeing the familiar scrawl of her name, her heart leapt. Bess ripped open the envelope and found her seat in the window.

Dear Bess,

Thanks for your letter. Your writing is doing wonders for my reputation – the other boys don’t get half as many as I do, and most of them are from their mams. We’ve got a wall full of pictures that girls have sent the lads. Fancy sending one to add? Maybe you all oiled up at the factory. Lot of lonely sailors in need of entertainment, and God knows ENSA won’t be sent out here.

I wish I could be down The Palais. Not because I miss the dancing mind. We’ve not seen a woman for weeks and the thought of them all dancing together makes me weak in a way that has nothing to do with my sea legs. Tell us about it in your next letter, with all the details. Which reminds me, lay off Queenie Warren. I know she’s annoying but she means well. I don’t think you know how intimidating The Vaughn Sisters are!   

I’m writing this as we come into dock. Can’t tell you where exactly we are, for obvious reasons, but I’m looking forward to putting my feet on solid ground for a few days. Resupply means shore leave. I know you’d spend it looking in museums, walking and hunting down fabric, but for sailors it’s a different game altogether. It’ll be straight to the pub for rum and beer, before hitting the town. All hands on deck there, if you see what I mean.

I’m getting along with the other lads just fine, thank you for your confidence. I’ve got plans to spend shore leave with Vic and Norman. Vic’s Mancunian too, reminds me a bit of your Albie. Head screwed on proper and he’d have your back in a fight. You’d like him. Norman’s a little green, but Vic and I will put him right. Said we’d bring him to Longsight when we’re home, I have a feeling Dot would eat him up. He’d love it. She likes a fella she can boss around doesn’t she, your Dot? Norman will probably bring Terry along – he’s the wireless operator. Wouldn’t say boo to a goose, which is unfortunate considering he’s in the navy.

You’ll be glad to hear I’ve kept out of trouble, though Campbell and Ginger have me contemplating the many uses of hawser every now and again. Campbell’s First Officer, decent enough bloke but he’s a posh twat. Doesn’t know how to speak to us but God, he does try. Ginger’s actually called Henry. From the East End and thinks he’s a real geezer. Always bossing Norman around and lording it over the rest of us – he was an Able Seaman before the war so even though we’re all the same rank he thinks he can give us orders. No-one would care if I pushed him off the dock so I might give it a go. Burn this letter in case they catch me, it’s evidence.

Sounds like Walter has had all hands on deck too. Surprised he managed to pull a girl, didn’t think the bloke could kick his way out of a wet paper bag. I have half a mind to kill him before the Jerries do. If his arm hasn’t healed by the time I get back, you’d better tell him to watch out. Dennis Warley too. Don’t think he’s one to comment on what people look like when the rat-faced pillock hasn’t touched a woman since he came out the womb. I wouldn’t change you for the world, Bess, and anyone would be lucky to have you by their side whether that’s your dad or your husband.

Look after yourself, and give a kiss to Cora and Dot for me.

Tom.

p.s. I’ve written to dad.

Bess reread the letter, trying to hunt out any details she might have missed. She couldn’t help but be disappointed by Tom’s letters. They were never as long as hers, and he refrained from telling her anything of substance, just the goings on of the ship. It wasn’t like their evenings in the kitchen, when he’d tell her everything. Perhaps, he needed the silence and Bess supposed he couldn’t send her a blank page to signal his internal thoughts. She tucked the letter in a book, kissed the picture of Tom she kept in its pages, ignored her visions of Tom in the arms of a strange woman while on shore leave, and wandered downstairs.

“So? Who’s your fancy man?” Cora looked up at Dot’s question.

“Who says it’s a man?” Dot looked annoyed at her sister’s answer but said nothing, switching on the wireless to fill the silence.

“Warsaw now lies in ruins, while Germany and Russia continue to carve out Poland between them. At sea, the Royal Navy are focusing their efforts on scouring the South Atlantic in search of the notorious German pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee. Rumoured to be somewhere off the coast of Argentina, the deadliest of Hitler’s Kriegsmarine has been involved in a number of skirmishes with merchant ships. There is a feeling that the Allied Forces are simply hoping that the inevitable will never come to pass-”

“Tom’s out that way, isn’t he?” Cora said softly.

Bess nodded. “Somewhere, yes.” The three sisters were silent, portraits of Albie and Etta looking down at them from the mantel as they waited for Fergal to arrive home. Across the road, Douglas switched off his own wireless, donned his cap and made his way to the pub. Bess watched him through the window as he made his way down the street, and her stomach gave a lurch. All these lonely souls left at home, severed from their loved ones with no knowing if or when they’d see them again. The horrors of war were unimaginable, but nobody talks about the living dead left behind.

Note: Happy Easter everyone! Sorry this chapter has taken a while, I’ve been so busy! I know some people reading this haven’t seen WoF (you should) – Douglas is a bus conductor. We’re with Tom A LOT for the next chapter 😊 While my paternal grandmother made munitions, my maternal grandmother (a seamstress) made planes – glad to have given the girls the same jobs as my grandmas’. The Palais, where Bess goes dancing, was where my Grandma used to go too. World on Fire is so intertwined with my family due to where it is set, it makes my heart sing! Here is my maternal grandmother looking fantastic.

Tags: @aemonds-wifey @multiple-fandoms-girl @jessssica1234 @babyblue711 @anditsmywholeheart @allthefandomtherapy @valerie977 @bookwyrmsblog @phantomontheinternet @chainsawsangel @greenowlfactif @thelittleswanao3 @yentroucnagol @skikikikiikhhjuuh @just-emmaaaa @beiigegalx

#ewan mitchell #tom bennett #tom bennett x ofc #ewan mitchell x reader #world on fire #the seamstress & the sailor

[littleacebee]

Colors that mean me

Ace Podcast Week, Saturday: Celebration Walt gets an unexpected present for Spring Solstice from Violet which leads him to think about conversation from few months ago, newly learned word, the hidden meanings and community. The theme of tonight’s fanfic is colors. | Hello From The Hallowoods (3,102 words) Note: I am only finishing s2 of HFTH, so treat contents of fic accordingly.

Walt Pensive thought he should pay better attention to the dates. They were after all sometimes relevant to his work. And even if they weren’t he would be able to plan his visits to Scoutpost better. For example he wouldn’t came here, planning to use empty classroom to do some research comfortably and in silence, when the Spring Equinox was happening.

It was too late to turn his car around because Bern was waving at him from the wall. After he passed the gate, he saw the main area crawling with people.

“There goes my quiet research.” Walt murmured to himself hearing all the shouts from the outside.

He parked his van next to Scoutpost’s cars, took a deep breath to ready himself to face the crowd and left the car. He hasn’t had time to close the door behind him when voice reached his ears.

“Look who finally decide to show up!”

“It’s nice to see you too, Bern.” He said turning around to see woman walking towards him with a big smile on her smile. She reached out her hand to him and he shook it. 

“Violet would be so disappointed if you didn’t came. You know how she loves having people around for celebrations.”

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Walt chose not to tell her that he came here that day on accident and only nodded.

“I’m glad I won’t disappoint her.”

He closed his car and let Bern led him towards preparation for later celebration. They talked briefly about Scoutpost’s defenses and unwanted guests outside its gates. Walt felt satisfaction and pride hearing that since his last visit they didn’t have any major disturbances. Their conversation was cut short when they entered the crowd in the courtyard.

“Walt!” Violet shouted and waved at him immediately. She patted pockets of her jacket and when she found what she was looking for, she moved towards them.

“Hello, Violet. All the ornaments look amazing.”

Violet moved her hand in dismissive gesture but big smile didn’t leave her face.

“We are doing our best. And the kids were so excited to help they couldn’t even sit through half of their classes.”

“As you mentioned it, could I use the classroom for a little bit of research before the evening if it’s already empty?” Walt decided to take the opening Violet gave him. He knew that he couldn’t skip evening celebrations but he might still do something earlier.

“Oh, of course. There might be a mess because kids literally ran from there when they saw us starting to prepare decorations.”

“Well, maybe you shouldn’t make them so amazing.” Bern teased and threw her arm around her wife.

Walt couldn’t not agree with her. People were still busy with decorating and it already looked impressive. Strings with colorful flags were hang up on the fronts of the buildings and between them. The flower motifs on the big banner with “Spring Solstice” written on it were still being finished but every person who was passing by shot a glance at it curiously and immediately smiled. Scraps of fabric were assembled to look like flower and leaves and now a small group with help of a lot bigger group of kids was hanging them around. The courtyard was also slowly filling with chairs and other sits for tonight’s celebration.

“It’s truly impressive, Violet.” Walt said and smiled to the woman. “It will be pleasure as always to celebrate with you tonight. But now excuse me, I have some work to do.”

He was about to turn around when Violet stop him with her hand on his arm. He looked at her with a question on his face.

“Thank you for being around, Walt. And for coming today.” Violet reached out a hand with a small object wrapped in paper in it towards him. 

His eyes moved from the woman to the bundle and then back to her. He was vaguely aware of gift giving customs in Scoutpost but till now he never really was a part of it.

“Oh, you didn’t have to, really.” Walt said quietly and didn’t have a chance to add anything else.

“Nonsense!” Violet exclaimed and practically showed the package into his hands. “You help us so much, way more than we pay you. And you are member of this community if you like it or not.”

“I wouldn’t argue with her. Especially when she’s right.” Bern added and laughed when Violet shoved an elbow in her side.

Walt looked at the little bundle in his hands. The wrapping was hold together by some intricate way of folding the paper. Beneath it he could feel something soft. If he had to guess, he would say it was one of the famous handmade objects made by Violet. 

“Thank you very much. It really means a lot.” He looked up at the women and put a hesitant smile on his face. “I’m sorry, I don’t have anything for you.”

“Oh, don’t trouble yourself with that. Just give me a hug and promise to tell some interesting stories to the kids later. You know how much they love it.” Violet opened her arms and Walt hugged her gently. Woman didn’t hold back and almost crushed his ribs in embrace.

“Will do.” He promised when he was free again.

“We start when it’s getting dark.” Violet added when he was turning around. “Don’t be late!”

Walt walked back to his car and when he reached it, he curiously looked at the object in his hands. He opened the paper, careful to not damage contents and inside he saw a pair of hand knitted socks. He gently touched them as if he was afraid of ruining them. They were nice under his touch, clearly made with care and skill. Four colors created the same pattern on both of them - black, grey, white and purple. Violet truly did an amazing job. He felt light sting in his chest thinking about how she put even more effort into them by using multiple colors. They definitely had more important things to use colored yarn for and yet she still made him colorful socks. 

After a moment of consideration he decided to hide them in his bag. He probably should put them with the rest of his clothes but he felt it would be a little disrespectful to just leave them like that. It wouldn’t be appropriate to the gesture. And it’s not like there was someone to judge him if he wanted to be able to look at them from time to time to appreciate what Violet have done for him. 

He took his bag out of the car and rummaged inside looking for some loose books. With arms full of them he moved towards the classroom. In the few minutes his trip to the car took the courtyard filled even more with people helping with decorations or simply admiring them. The banner was finished and Violet was getting on the ladder to hung it up while laughing Bern cheered on her. Walt maneuvered in the crowd trying not to drop any book and finally reached the classroom.

Like Violet said, kids had to run out from there in a hurry because many books were still laying open on the table. Before sitting down Walt decided to clean them up and put them on teacher’s desk to not disturb whatever cataloging system they had on their shelves. He left his stuff in the only empty space on the table and started to pick abandoned books, pencils and papers. Scoutpost classroom was usually clean space and its current state was telling a lot about the excitement felt by their usual occupants. 

He took another book into his hands when something inside caught his attention. The book was small and colorful with typical thick pages. On the open one there was a person holding big flag in their hands. The text above them read in big bulky letters: “I am asexual!”

Walt stopped what he was doing and looked intensely at the page. His attention was held by the colors of the flag and text – black, grey, white, purple. The colors he already saw today.

He left books he was gathering moment ago and still holding children book he went back to his things. He put down the book to look through his bag. However his eyes didn’t left the page for a moment. His hands touched something soft and he immediately took out a pair of colorful socks. He laid them next to the open book and looked from one item to another. The flag - black, grey, white and purple. The socks - black, grey, white and purple. 

“Asexual.” He read slowly pronouncing every syllable. It did end up being the only time he pronounced it correctly. He traced the letters with his finger and thought about conversation he had with Violet some time ago.

It was late at night. They were sitting near the fire waiting for Bern to finish checking up on the gates before they go to their rooms. Violet was telling some sweet stories about how she and Bern became a couple and their first dates. And then she asked him if he had someone. Normally Walt would give a short answer and change the subject. Normally he wouldn’t engage in this conversation any further. But on the nights like this, when cold seeped into his bones and dark seemed push onto him, he missed Daphne a little bit more. The dull tightness in his chest throbbed with renewed pain and Violet was looking at him genuinely interested and he thought that she would understand. So he told her about Daphne.

He told her how they met in a dinner she worked in. How her smile lit up any room she was in and even black rains didn’t seem so dark when she laughed. That she would put an extra pancake on his order and joke “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”. That she understood him better than anyone he had ever met, sometimes even better than him. That she never pressured him to be someone he wasn’t. He didn’t tell her how he was too late to save her but he guessed Violet knew anyway.

“This your Daphne sounds like a lovely person.” She said with a smile when he finished.

“She really was. I doubt I will ever meet someone like her again.” He sighed. The pain in his chest weakened with every word of his story but didn’t die out entirely. 

Violet turned her head to look at him and a curious spark lit up in her eyes.

“Oh, are you looking for someone? Because if you do, I have to tell you I am a pretty good wingman.” She send him a charming smile and moved her brows up and down. He chuckled seeing her expression.

“I don’t doubt that.” He assured her. Here came the part that was harder to tell people. Not like talking about the dead lover was easy – but in the times when everyone lost someone in more or less horrific circumstances, it was easier for people to understand it, there was a grim mundanity in talking about lost ones. But talking about dating and relationships in the future, more precisely talking about Walt’s attitude towards dating and relationships, that was harder – for him to articulate it, for people to understand. “But it’s a… It’s a little bit more complicated than looking or not looking.”

Violet’s eyes haven’t left him. She once again had that understanding look on her face.

“I don’t want to make you talk about something you don’t want to. But if someone can understand complicated, I am this person or at least I will try.”

It was tempting to tell her everything. Violet was a person known for her openness after all. She might be the person able to understand his complicated.

Walt took a deep breath and started once again from Daphne. They weren’t the most physically affectionate couple. They would kiss occasionally, mostly as a good morning or as a goodbye. They would hold hands during walks before the black rains started and cuddle while watching movies. That was mostly it for a long time and Walt was happy and satisfied with how things were. Then, one evening, they were laying together on a couch and Daphne was moving her fingers up and down his arm. She asked him if he wouldn’t like to move to the bedroom. When he questioned if she was tired and wanted to go to sleep, she laughed sweetly and hid her face in his chest. 

“I was trying to propose to have sex, Walt.” She said with a light blush on her cheeks seeing his confused expression. His mouth formed a silent “oh” and that got him one of her lovely smiles in response. “But we don’t have to do anything, if you don’t want to.”

He knew she meant it so he told her how he truly felt. The whole honeymoon stuff never really registered on his radar or interested him at all. It wasn’t even that he actively didn’t want to, it was just outside his thoughts all the time and when he was faced with it, it felt out of place and unexpected. But if sex was something she was interested in, he could go with it. He got a tired look from her after he said a last part. 

“If you don’t want it, I don’t want it either.” She said in a tone ending all discussion. Then she make him promise. If his attitude towards sex ever changes, one way or another, he would tell her and they would talk about. And unless it happens, the whole thing is consider closed and put away. “No more “if you want to, i can do it for you”, you get it?”

Walt promised.

Nothing changed after that. Daphne would kiss him on his cheek when he was leaving the dinner, he would embrace her while she was cooking. They would cuddle in their bed and in the morning she smiled at him as brightly as always. Walt of course thought about the whole sex thing from time to time, but he didn’t reach any conclusion. Daphne looked as happy with him as before so he let the whole thing go and decided that it will be what it will be. Then Daphne was gone and he never found someone who would cause him to think about it again.

Walt finished talking, his eyes fixed on a fire.

“So, you are like asexual.” Violet said after a moment.

He looked up at her confused. Such short and simple answer wasn’t what he was expecting. 

“Ase- what?” He didn’t know what she was talking about.

“Asexual.” She repeated with a small smile on her lips. “Someone who doesn’t feel sexual attraction. Sex is not really it for them.”

Walt listened to her words curiously. There was something oddly familiar in them.

“Oh, I guess, I guess it fits.” He said hesitantly and chuckled. “Huh, didn’t even know there was a word for that.”

“Turns out people before us had a very similar feelings and experience and created a words to describe them.” 

They were interrupted when Bern came into the lighting shaking from the cold. She complained about the weather and Violet told her “I told you to wear warmer jacket”. The topic changed quickly and Walt hadn’t really thought about their conversation since then.

Now he was sitting in the empty classroom with children book and four-color socks in front of him. The book was a relic from the world that no longer existed – where people didn’t have to focus on survival and had time to match labels to flags and colors. He never took part in it, not thinking then that he could have his own colors somewhere in the rainbow. But he did. Violet showed it to him. She knew he would probably not recognize the colors, but she used them anyway. Because there were colors that meant him, that symbolized his experience, that he shared with a community. She went out of her way, just in case if he one day recognized them, he would know she understood.

Walt gently moved his fingers on the handmade material and looked out the window. Violet was shouting at Bern to stop laughing and help her with the banner. The kids were running around, probably causing more trouble than help, but no one seemed to mind. Someone started humming some melody and more people were picking it up.

He took a deep breath, tucked all his belongings in the corner away from prying eyes and went outside.

“Need help with that?” He shouted stepping next to the ladder Violet was standing on.

“Oh, thank you, Walt. Yes! Someone else here is very unhelpful.” Woman shot her wife treating look that didn’t have any real anger behind it and got only another chuckle in response.

Walt help her put up the banner and then arrange chairs. He wasn’t at all late to the celebrations as he haven’t left the courtyard. Bern made sure he kept his promise regarding telling stories to the children. They all seemed extremely transfixed by his words and were complaining loudly when their parents said that it was enough for one night.

Before he went to the guest room Violet insisted he took for the night, he stopped next to her.

“I just wanted to thank you once again for a present. It really means a lot.”

Tiredness was creeping on her face slowly but her eyes were shining with happiness.

“I’m glad you like it. And I really meant it – you are part of this community.” She pointed a finger in his chest and he nodded in response knowing that arguing will not achieve anything. He also didn’t feel like opposing at the moment.

“And I wanted to thank you for the other night, when you-, well when you understood me.” He said quietly. “And the whole ahsexual thing."

Big smile showed up on Violet’s face and it was obvious she got that he learnt the meaning behind the colors of the socks. She went to hug him tightly and Walt reciprocated the gesture.

“You are welcome. And if you ever want to talk with someone, I am always here.”

He thanked her again and went to his room. 

Later when Walt was falling asleep, pair of hand knitted socks laid on top of his bag ready to be worn the next day.

#writing a fic about new fav character from the podcast I haven't finished yet bc who will stop me #ace podcast week #hello from the hallowoods #hfth #littleacebee writes

[canyouhearthevoices]

HALAZIA: First Reactions

Many people are, justifiably so, saying this is a HALAteez song. At this point I am pretty convinced that actually, we haven’t seen any HALAteez yet, and that FEVERteez are their own thing, same with TEH WORLDteez (who need a better name). I imagine that one of them (most likely THE WORLDteez) become HALAteez after some kind of disaster/failure. I’m still on the ‘Precious’ hype train.

The thing i found most fascinating about this one (other than the world losing gravity) was the monument to HALAteez - perhaps the people of the city, and/or the underground movement, remember HALAteez and the good they did, and thus semi-worship them? It’s also kind of funny that it is positioned like a scarecrow and possibly scares away the Guardians/government. It also has banners and chains hung over and around it like Nepalese prayer flags, which i found interesting. 

I also wonder why the old man (I think his name is One-Eye?) doesn’t show up here.

Anyway, I’ll just point out the things my film student brain noticed - full initial reactions below the line.

The same megaphones from previous MVs - correct me if wrong but I think they showed up in The Real and THANXX?

When I die I want a HALAteez scarecrow over my gravestone - not some angel.

This is one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen.

This is what I mean about it looking like a scarecrow and Nepalese prayer flags. The megaphone are also, of course, key to ATEEZ breaking the control the government has over people, and are used to play their music. 

This space mirrors the round building they were in in Guerrilla, but it’s not the same place I don’t think. Eithe way, it’s in the process of being destroyed, and this is our first image of gravity being a bit kooky. The impression that this gave me was that the government restricting people’s thoughts and feelings was so wrong that even the laws of nature started to go a bit haywire too. Or perhaps it is just another indication of the Cromer and its misuse/being broken destroying the world slowly. Think the dimension convergences and the gravity issues they created in Thor: The Dark World.

And Hwa is of course with the statue and the other followers of ATEEZ.

Please no this reminds me of the Maze Runner. Anyway, San (sue me I can’t quite recognise the members by silhouette despite my best efforts) is not having a fun time in this abandoned shopping centre (?) I mean shopping centres don’t ever seem to exist in dystopia for some reason - perhaps because they’re so essential to capitalism and a lot of dystopias emphasise dictatorships only? Either way, it’s dead. I don’t like that this leads me on the path of thinking ATEEZ think capitalism is good, however, I would agree that it is, to some degree, a form of self-expression which would also be stamped out by this government.

It also has this ball which floats because of kooky gravity - does anyone have any clue what this is except for it reminding me of the ball-shaped megaphone/speakers from Guerrilla?

It’s a horrid screenshot, but I spy with my little eye the room from ‘Answer’ - another connection to HALAteez (and Treasureteez but tbh I wonder if we’ll ever see them again).

I’m liking the Woo lone-wolf thing - it again reminds me of him knowing things and possibly being some sort of traitor. And of course, I don’t think anyone missed the Black Pirate hat he has (found???).

And of course the HALAteez flag.

Earthbender Yunho?!?!?!?!

More gravity, and note the speakers in the back. This is also a very royal-toned scene, with the gold chair and columns, but the sand makes it seem like this kingdom is past its prime. Also, can we just imagine a flashback to every time Yunho has been on a chair in a wonderous set in ATEEZ Mvs?

There’s definitely something up with Yeosang (but we all knew that). He’s been imprisoned and left alone a lot - this makes me think that he was chained before he became the symbol of peace from The Real. But nevertheless, he is chained - just like the HALAteez monument, and he watches the city burn. Or maybe it’s just pollution and Strictland loves its coal - it probably does, actually. 

Note that the background is all grey, but near Yeosang there are bits of grass and other plants. A key theme throughout ATEEZ’s Strictland journeys is that they have most of the colour in the MV, while the city is largely in grey - we can see this in the gold of Yunho’s scene, the cream colours from the ‘Answer’ set, and the grass in San’s scene + the matching gold of Seonghwa and the HALAteez statue. This also alligns with them calling the world a ‘grey city’. Or was that TXT? Shit, the struggles of following storylines with similar themes.

I’m certain they both used that description at one point - it’s just that TXT used it metaphorically and ATEEZ used it literally. 

Jongho gets to be the head of an army this time. I despise the weird white-eye effect they did on him - that’s the creepiest thing I’ve ever seen in my life. Reblog of he’ll appear in your room at night.

Oooooh yeah, Woo.

He knows something. But we also knew that.

 I just love this shot.

Again - he is the only colour, other than the green building (which reminds me of a toilet block) and is also very close to him.

Yunho vision time. Being seen through the eyes of the Guardians? Or did he just eat some shrooms?

There are either pictures being taken or lightning going off as Hwa becomes the Black Pirate. Very dramatic - either the photographers or the lightning sends a cool message. 

And please do note the Jesus imagery.

Omg they’re all there. From here the ball reminds me of the earth, but it has been smothered by grey - pollution and the loss of individuality and the arts.

Omg okay.

Well Joong has his throne/stage - as he should. And, of course, note the broken telephone pole, the followers around him, and the broken down car - they’re also in the courtyard of the same building from San’s scene (and presumably the rest of the MV). The colour literally frames and backs him up. 

He also has his Captain’s mark.

Mingi also shows up in the ‘Answer’ scene and is wearing gloves and a black hat - they’re not quite the same as the HALAteez ones, but that’s not the point.

I love this shot of him. He is, again, surrounded by and makes the colour, with his hair. Also note the ‘freedom’ written on the side of the monument, and that the base is surrounded by speakers.

I am IN LOVE with the ink staining on Mingi’s fingers - it’s a symbol of a writer and a creative, but also potentially of someone who is going a little crazy. Does anyone know how to do this? I want to wear my fingers like this if I get an opportunity to go to an ATEEZ concert.

Well, rip for Yunho sitting in a chair. He still gets to sit though, and this mirrors a similar angle shot from ‘Say My Name’ (and also of Yeosang in INCEPTION and Turbulence).

Omg I’m only halfway through the MV.

I know that this is just where the statue is kept, but this makes me think that Yeosang is going to fight in the Colosseum - which I imagine is something that the director of the MV considered.

So now we have three of them with the statue - Yeosang, the symbol of peace/prisoner, Mingi, who was by himself in The Real, and Seonghwa, arguably the most powerful member. 

Omg Woo, why?!?!!?

Traitorous behaviour, my dude.

Perhaps the black pirates weren’t able to fulfil their quest - or they are moving on to the next step.

Okay, they’re all there now. But it’s also a dance scene, so the importance is debatable.

I do love the choreo tho.

Yes, Yunho, arson is the way to go.

Dang, okay, something really went wrong with the Black Pirates, and I guess this version of ATEEZ are taking over. 

All of the followers are trying to pull the earth down again - to protect it? Destroy it? Heal it or something else? Goodness knows with ATEEZ. I never thought they’d burn a monument to the Black Pirates but here we are.

Is edgy Joong with a mic my favourite Joong? No and it’s not close, but I still like it.

Dang okay San.

Note the water - which is often used in the storyline to show that something is a dream. Especially when it’s also with my dude San.

He’s gonna die!

Alright, nevermind. What was the point of that? Was the ball just a dream?

Perhaps he’s just reached enlightenment, or become the demon.

It starts (snowing?) and these dudes, who I assume are from the government, turn up, too late. Makes me think that the ball thing was some type of MacGuffin.

But we do see that there is at least one bird left alive in this world, which is definitely a good sign.

And that’s it! An interesting piece of music and art to say the least. 

As far as the lyrics - they are relatively typical - they have lost their voices, they have lost their emotions and need to fight to get their freedoms back, they want to reach utopia and feel the actual sun and waves, and to have actual dreams and the freedom to follow them. 

I’m feeling a prequel to HALA HALA, since they talk about wanting to be alive, but the whole point of HALA HALA is that they are alive (until the song is over....)

And no one still has any clue what HALAZIA stands for - I would honestly be surprised if ATEEZ know, either.

What do you think? I love hearing other theories!

#ateez #atiny #ateez theories #mv analysis #spin off: from the witness #from the witness #halazia #first reaction

[stiricidewrites]

All the Things We’ll Leave Behind: ch 27, pt 4

Hello everyone~! I hope everyone had a good weekend! I started reading a new series and am obsessed. It's been a while since I was this feral for something, and all I want to do is go back to it @_@

Previously~

CW: passing mention of alphas around jgs being pricks

~

He grimaced slightly, turning back towards the group. Even the idea of being more like his father—more like the Jin he was supposed to be—made him cringe. He could probably leave everyone to deal with finding lwj without much guilt, but if something bad happened, if his friend or any one of the teenagers got hurt, he’d never be able to forgive himself—especially not if a drunk lwj ended up doing the hurting. Wiping your hands of a situation only worked if the consequences, good or bad, weren’t going to matter to you in the end. You had to wipe your hands and heart of everything and never look back, and he couldn’t do that.

The teenagers, under the command of one of the local alpha girls, had begun sorting itself into smaller groups of two to four people. They were surprisingly organized and jzxuan couldn’t help but be a little impressed, even if after a few moments of listening to them chat and plan he realized they were treating this entire situation like a game. Apparently they played some kind of hunting game in the woods quite often, although usually not so late into the evening or in groups. In passing, he had heard about such games. It hadn’t been <i>in</i> in at least a few decades to do mating runs—although he was sure his cousin had talked about bringing them back once, under the banner of alpha rights and tradition—but he had heard of people running similar, more lighthearted events in order to let off steam. Not while anyone was in heat or a rut, of course. No, they were just games of very serious hide and seek among friends… friends, which he didn’t particularly have, so while jzxuan had heard about these friendship runs he had never been invited to any himself.

Several of the teenagers, he noted, were calling their parents, letting them know what was up—or, at least some watered down version of what was up. Most were claiming it was a spontaneous game because the night was just so nice. No, no one was in heat. Yes, it was getting late so they were working in groups. No, they wouldn’t be running off by themselves or fucking or getting anywhere too close to the Jiang compound.

<i>“Are they usually this careful to keep clear of Lotus Pier,”</i> jzxuan wondered as he slid his phone— which had died shortly after they had begun their return journey to Lotus Pier—out of his pocket, <i>”or is it because that alpha died? Or just because there are so many strange alpha wandering around there in general?”</i>

He didn’t blame them. Whenever any of sort of mating event was held in any of the Jin estates he and his brother made sure their omega siblings weren’t anywhere to be found, and mysteriously—as in his brother had secretly arranged—more and more thick, beefy betas showed up to guard their omega staff against any alphas who got out of hand. Who were these betas? Allegedly, they were relatives of the staff, come to visit for a few days. Of course, every time the betas were different, or they were the same but at different estates, relatives of completely different omegas each time. He suspected his father knew what was happening—as much as the man was generally self-centred and uncaring he was rather observant—but perhaps the annoyance of having to hire actual pr*stitutes, or listen to annoyed alphas who couldn’t just fuck their way through the place, was less annoying that dealing with pregnant omegas demanding compensation from whoever had fucked them, probably without their consent.

He pressed futilely at the power button, willing it to turn on so he could at least get contact info for someone—anyone—in Lotus Pier. His brother, nmj, fuck, even his aunt. He had heard jyl ask if any of the teenagers were able to contact anyone, but they had all said no, a few giggling after someone quietly muttered that once they had had her brother’s info, but there was no reason to keep it when he had become so miserable to be around.

#fanfic #mdzs fanfiction #wangxian #stiricidesbottomji #omegaverse

[underragingwaves]

Rating: Teen & Up Audiences Word count: 1.5k Warnings: mention of incest, mention of past animal death/cruelty Written for: day two of the @vikingsevents Vernal Equinox event, which featured the picture prompt that I used in the above banner

He has grown accustomed to their stares. Too many moons have passed since his captivity, no matter how often Alfred says his being here is a matter of being a guest. He knows he is not, for what kind of guest can never return home? Dead, all dead. That is what he is to his own people now – dead again, left to rot in a distant land – for that is what Alfred has told them. He knows these things, even when they are spoken in a language he still does not fully grasp and some conversations always fall silent when he enters a room.

They have rather taking to staring instead of speaking. Hvitserk likes to stare back most days. It’s easy to speak to them without words, to have his expressions be something even they will be able to understand. They are children still – yes, children, he had hissed at Alfred not even one moon ago, finally too irate to keep his peace, talking of war this way and speaking of power that way – and Hvitserk knows speaking to children is not always a thing of words. So it goes as it has always gone, with the whole of Alfred’s Witan tracking his every move with their eyes.

It’s enough to send a man into madness.

“Was I not clear?” he asks, now, half-turning to Alfred only to find that the man looks as befuddled as the rest of them. Hvitserk’s brow furrows. “I know I used the right words for eggs and birds. You eat such things, so I know them well.”

“It is not about the words themselves,” says Alfred, sounding rather as if he is weighing all his options mid-response, “but rather the explanation you gave. How does a nesting bird explain anything about our army’s progress?”

Hvitserk pinches the bridge of his nose before he can stop himself from doing so. He knows his exhale sounds like the pent-up frustration of a captive horse at the very least, but at this point he does not believe the Witan would cage him further for it. I am surrounded by idiots, he thinks, rather wildly, before scoffing out a derisive laugh that would have put Ivar’s worst cynical chuckle to shame.

“The nest contains blue eggs,” he repeats again, slowing his speech this time, “and the material used in the nest is what you use in your fires. The cut of the sheafs is like so”– he demonstrates by making a cutting motion in mid-air for emphasis –“and the bird itself has been flying to and fro the same direction for this entire day. Carrying berries, or something close to it.” He sighs as he is met with incomprehension once more. Decides to explain further, as if they are no better than Björn’s children. “The bird is friendly to humans, accustomed to us to the point where it would eat out of my hand if given time and reason to. Its flight pattern tells me where it gets its food. These woods? Not good for berries, no. But a traveling army? That might have berries. This type of bird”– unlike the lot of you, he almost snipes –“is not a total fool. It nests where safety and food are, and yet the nearest town is more than a day’s flight removed from here. So where is it getting its food, hm?”

“You got all of that,” barks Ealdorman Wulfhere, gruff-voiced and bristling to the point where his impressive beard trembles along with it, “from climbing a tree?”

What, like it is hard? “Of course,” responds Hvitserk, smoothing over his voice until it is void of the retort he’d like to have given. “It is important to know. You are attempting to track and pin down a rogue army, are you not?” He looks around expectantly, to younger and older ealdormen alike, but only receives a few sparse nods in return. “Nature has your answers, if you know where to look. This particular army is just beyond those two hills there”– he nods, indicating the spot beyond the treeline and open plain –“and I know it is that place because of the bird and because it is where I would set a camp myself. They will have men positioned on those hills, so I would thank you kindly not to move closer to it!”

“They cannot see us from this far off,” argues one of the younger ealdormen. Odda, is it Odda? Hvitserk can hardly tell which of the sneering dark-haired children it is, though the haughty tone of voice sounds like either Odda or Wulfric who’d gotten upset when he’d beaten them both at once in a courtyard mock-fight. Still, the boy elects to sneer at him some more. “You’re being ridiculous.”

“They cannot see me,” grins Hvitserk back, “but you? My dear boy”– he laughs now, void of humor and all amusement, meaning nothing of the sentiment –“the sun would strike that shiny armor of yours and paint a target on you before you good and well left the treeline. Most of you would signal your presence in such a way,” he sneers in turn, nodding at all the armor that surrounds him, “and if you went under cover of dark they would hear. Strip yourselves of this idiocy and perhaps you can surprise them still, hm?”

Albert starts, furious. “You should have said–”

“I did!” snaps Hvitserk. “Twice I warned you, twice I cautioned you!” He holds up two fingers, feeling the thrum of being right settle in his belly the way it always does when Alfred dares argue with him about such things. “What was it you said? That you would not resemble some heathen army come to steal?” He sneers again at the memory, which had featured more of Alfred’s inane derision for Hvitserk’s former way of life than he ever cared to hear. “You’re all children, blundering away in the woodland so loudly that I am of half a mind to put an arrow to your throats myself. You stand here not knowing the first thing of tracking prey or foe and yet you dare defy what I caution you?”

“Athelstan…”

Again that loathsome name, shared with the man who’d changed his father and made him a stranger. “You wanted me here,” he says, swallowing I am Hvitserk, Hvitserk is my name back down until he thinks he is about to cry, “and yet you disregard all I tell you. You are keeping me here, heathen turned Christian”– with her permission, with Iðunn’s grace –“wishing my advice and yet taking none. Your whole Witan stares at me as if they cannot decide whether I am an ally or a rabid dog that needs to be taken to the blade.”

“That is no way to speak to your King!” thunders Ealdorman Wulfhere, hand flying to the hilt of his sword. “Such insolence!”

Alfred holds up a hand before any blade is drawn. “His brother spoke to me the same,” says the young King now, mouth quirking upward in a fleeting semblance of a smile. “So often he called me stupid, or something near to it, for not seeing patterns in nature like he did. For not seeing who was friend or foe to me, though their behaviors and words dictated it aloud.” A careful nod, slow, is all Hvitserk will receive of Alfred’s acquiescence. “I hear Ubbe in every word you speak, Athelstan.”

“He taught me,” says Hvitserk, feeling as though all the fight leaves his lungs at hearing his brother’s name spoken into the silence that has fallen over the clearing. “He is the better tracker of us, even finding men who do not wish to be found, but I know how to survive.” He tilts his chin up, daring Alfred’s Witan to argue with such a thing when none of them could strike him during battle. “That bird’s nest is the only caution you will receive. Ignore it at your peril.”

He speaks no more then, though the Witan’s members have plenty to say. Hvitserk leaves them to such matters, sinking down and resting his back against the tree he climbed not long ago instead. I hear Ubbe in every word, echoes Alfred’s voice in his head until Hvitserk’s stomach coils and loops in ways it has not done since his last days in Kattegat.

Ubbe had found him beneath a tree like this once, weeping over a ruined nest, while Hvitserk was cradling that small red-chested bird in his own hands. His tears had dripped onto its feathers, making its wrung neck stand out even starker. There had been eggs then, too, but none that could be saved. Even now, he remembers Ubbe’s soft sigh and his brother’s strong arms wrapping around his shoulders. Recalls hating Ivar, even then, for getting to this fallen nest first and enacting his own twisted mercies on the helpless.

It was a swift death, he hears, as if from a distant dream, but it is all right to weep over such a thing. The ghost of his brother’s hand is still on his hair, just like he can still feel Ubbe’s lips moving against his own lips the moment his head tilts up to gaze at the tree’s branches. The kiss had been a comfort, then, still void of the hunger with which they would kiss one another that same night, and if Hvitserk closes his eyes long enough now he will be able to feel his brother there beside him again.

Hvitserk keeps his eyes open until they burn.

#vikings #vernalvikings #hvitserk #alfred #urwfic

[ditzydumbazz]

I returned to FEH in time for the Fomortiis/Gotoh double banner and can I just say...dear artist who drew Fomortiis, you deserve a raise. My unhinged simp thoughts below:

So I am a lover of all things Lyon. Normal Lyon, Possessed!Lyon, Fomortiis himself...I love it all. And they did the Demon King JUSTICE with this art. He looks intimidating and impressive, and they gave him a massive stature as one would expect of the Demon King himself! The art is polished, and so fucking massive that to see the entirety of his character art you’d need to visit the FEH twitter just to see it! The Lv 40 confession feels like the most evil marriage proposal I have ever fucking heard, and I love it. But that might just be my monsterfucker ass interpreting it entirely differently to how it’s supposed to be presented. And that is FINE by me lol. I’m a big simp for both Lyon and Fomortiis, and I make NO secret of that. So all of this just feels like a very early birthday present from FEH as a whole because oh my GOD did they hit every one of the notes I like with Morti! And I love the added detail of the sprite of Lyon’s body slumping forward before righting itself almost unnaturally - a staple of any cheesy possession scene in movies and tv shows! It’s such a neat detail for anyone actually LOOKING.

#mun speaks #mun talks feh #FEH #Fire Emblem Fomortiis #FEH Fomortiis #Seriously they did so damn good with this mythic banner #Even if Fomortiis and Gotoh are both ridiculously cracked #I pulled on the banner a total of thirty one times #And ended up with Arval and Fomortiis and Gotoh #And with my Alfred from the Engage banner my team is way too damn stacked #I almost feel bad for the people in Aether Raid and Summoner Duels #Though a Legendary Ninian built right can take out Fomortiis and Gotoh with their base kits just fyi #It happened to me in Summoner Duels and I have MASSIVE respect for that Ninian build! #mun talks in the tags

[fang-and-feather]

Just wanted to vent about myself for a moment somewhere

I have a lot of things to write, mostly for February and March events, but the problem is the amount of ideas I want to write vs. the amount of time I spend writing.

Guess what I'm doing now? (besides posting this on Tumblr) Playing Legend of Zelda randomizers and making event banners for the fics.

So it's not like I don't have the time to write, but Feather and I have been discussing this, and our problem is that we want to make things too perfect and spend most of our time searching for the perfect way to put idea on paper. But the only reason our writing isn't perfect, is because we want it to be perfect! I am itching to write, the idea feels good and in my head they're perfect, but I keep being picky about the actual words...

Sorry. I know I'm not the only one and shouldn't be bothering people, or complaining about something I chose to do, or giving a bad impression of my write self. I'm just a perfectionist who woke up a little anxious and now am a little frustrated here. Hopefully getting it out will help at least get one of these done.

On the bright note to the readers, there is a lot of content you have to look forward to! (if you don't mind OCs and polyamory, because that seems to be what I have the most) Even if I don't finish them on time for the specific events I plan on finishing every one of these because, as I said, I actually like my ideas and love to share them with you.

A special thanks to to hosts of these events and to my requesters! I love having prompts and requests to work with or I doubt I would finish anything.

#fang's rants

[m-jelly]

Chasing bubbles - something new

@kenkopanda-art created this amazing banner

Pairing: Merman Levi x Mermaid reader

Genre and tags: Future AU, romance, love, underwater sex, oral fem receiving, smut, talks of mating, protection used, fem knotting (you lock Levi in place), creampie.

Concept: Snippet from Ao3 story. Levi has turned you into a mermaid for the day and you both decide to explore each other in your mer bodies.

He took your hand and swam with you back to the city as his heart raced. He took you inside an apartment building block and to the top floor. “Before you ask, yes it’s the penthouse. I earn a fair amount for my job.”

You swam inside his place. “I’m impressed. I didn’t know you were rich.”

He blushed a little. “I guess you could say I am. I’m Erwin’s security personnel. I also protect the Empress sometimes, but I’ve been assigned to you. So, I’m being paid to protect you.”

You hummed a laugh. “Well, you’re doing a wonderful job. Bonus is you get to mate with me.”

Levi looked back at you and laughed a little. “Yeah, you’re right.”

You swam into his bedroom and lay on his bed. “This is strange, but it’s comfy.”

Levi sat on the bed next to you. “It is. You have to let yourself sink.”

You hummed a laugh. “It weirdly came naturally to me. So, what’s your bedsheet made from?”

“A seaweed mix.”

You pawed it. “Fascinating.” You rolled onto your side and propped your head up. “So…how does this work?”

Levi kissed you and sighed through his nose. “I’ll take the lead. Don’t worry, I’ll keep you safe.”

You blushed as you smiled. “I know you’ll keep me safe.”

He ran his fingers over the scales on your tail. “I’ll take good care of you.”

You shivered as his hands brush sensitive scales. “What…” You sighed as Levi rubbed the area. “Fuck.”

He leaned down and kissed you. “Open for me.”

You whimpered. “I’m n-not sure how.”

“It’s okay.” He licked along your gills. “Relax and listen to your body.” He smiled against your gills when the slit opened. “Good girl.” He pushed his fingers inside you to see how sticky and hot you were for him. “You feel incredible.”

You looked down at yourself and gasped. “Fuck.”

He pulled his fingers away from you. “Let me taste you.”

You nodded and whimpered. “Yes.”

He shifted down your body and held where your hips would be. He gave you a long lick and hummed in delight. He eyed your opening to see how perfect you were and had taken to a mermaid body. Human women had clits on the outside, but for mermaids, it was a little inside the pussy so every time fingers or a cock went in they’d have their clit stimulated. Levi needed to be careful when he made you cum because mermaids lock onto their lovers. Your walls would clench his cock so tightly and keep him there until your body thinks he’s spilt all his sees inside.

He pushed his tongue into your opening and dragged his tongue back making sure he massaged your walls and moved against your clit. He held you down against his bed as his tongue ravaged your quivering pussy. He moaned against you sending vibrations through you. He massaged your walls as you clung to his hair. He dug his nails into your scales and clamped you into place. He curled and flicked his tongue against your clit sending a burning pleasure through you.

Levi pressed his face close to you, his nose smushed against your scales as he ravaged you with his tongue. He hummed as you coated his tongue in your arousal. Your hips moved to his tongue as you craved more friction. You wanted something harder and thicker inside you. You whimpered and whined as you felt a rush of pleasure hit your body up. You gripped Levi’s head tightly as his tongue moved with loving movements.

You gasped. “Levi.”

Levi flicked your clit one last time and pulled back as you came hard. He panted as he started at your opening. He groaned in pleasure as he saw your walls clamp closed, he craved them to clench his cock and drain him of everything he had. He licked around the outside of your opening making you whimper and cry in delight. He purred against you and smirked a little as you shivered so perfectly on his bed.

You hummed and gazed at Levi. “I feel funny.”

Levi climbed up and kissed you. “That’ll be your body trying to clamp down on my cock. It’s a reverse knot.”

You blushed. “Oh…well…that sounds really hot.”

He purred at you. “You want to lock me in place?”

You nodded. “I do.”

“You want to breed with me?”

You wrapped your arms around you. “Yes, my mate. Please. I need your cock inside me. Fill me up.”

Levi grunted as his hard dick sprung out of the cover and out. He held your hips and lined his tip with your opening. He pushed in deep and felt a whole body shiver go through him at being joined with his mate finally in mer form. He purred as you clenched him a little at feeling him move and rub against your clit. Your body tingled and shivered at finally being one with him. You craved and needed him to ravage you as much as possible.

Levi lifted his chest up from you and raised your hips. He smiled when only your head and shoulders just about touched the bed. He gripped your hips tightly and started sliding himself in and out of you. He pushed right past your clit and made sure he pressed it hard as he did. He moaned as you gave him a little squeeze. He didn’t know he desired to mate with you so badly in this way, but he was craving for you to lock him in place. With every little squeeze, he wanted it badly and his need increased.

Levi plunged his cock in and out of your eagerly to get you to cum around him. He panted and whimpered your name as he ravaged you. His sharp nails pushed into your scales to keep you in place. He looked down at your face to see your head was turned to the side, mouth open as moans escaped you. He watched your ears wiggle in pure ecstasy and being pleasured by your lover. He saw your eyes were closed as you tried to understand what was happening to you.

You gripped the bed by your head and wiggled under Levi’s grip. You hummed and whimpered as his rock rubbed against your clit and pressed into the deepest parts of you. You shivered in delight as you felt an orgasm rushing close. You gasped and panted as your walls clenched Levi over and over. You shivered and released the bed covers. You looked up at Levi and reached over. You wanted to cling to him as you came hard.

Levi pulled his cock out of you and watched as your walls clamped down onto nothing. He panted and hummed as he shook under his grip. “Beautiful.”

You whimpered and whined at him. “Le-Levi.” You sighed as the rush of pleasure burned through. You whined as it died down. “Levi?”

He lowered your down onto his bed. “Yes, my little bubble?”

You pouted. “You didn’t stay inside me.”

“I’m sorry, my little bubble.”

“You need to stay inside me.”

He pressed into you making you sigh in happiness. “Is that better?”

You nodded as you wrapped your arms around your lover. “Yes.”

He moved the top of his tail, where his bum would be, up and down as he grinded his cock into you. He covered your face in kisses as he sighed and hummed in delight. He cupped the back of your head and tangled your hair around his webbed fingers. He slid his other hand down your back to where your bum would be to hold you in place. He moved his hips to the thudding of his heart. He wanted to push his love into you by matching how his heart throbbed for you.

Levi grunted as you clenched him. He knew he wouldn’t be able to try different positions as you were both in this form, so he was going to leave that for when you were humans again. He wanted to ruin you until you were a cumming mess under him. He wanted you to clamp onto his cock and take everything he had to offer. He gripped you tightly and crashed his lips against yours. He nipped your lip and pushed his tongue into your mouth once you opened up for him. You both moaned at the kiss as your addictive saliva mixed together into an intoxicating delight.

You ran your hand down Levi’s back and placed it at the top of his tail. You guided his hips as his rock rubbed against your clit and pressed your g-spot. You pulled from his lips and whined. “Levi.”

He panted and grunted your name. “I’ll mate you. I’ll mate you and give you everything.”

Your heart leapt in your chest out of excitement. “Yes! Yes, please, Levi!”

He gripped the bed and pressed you hard against it as he slammed his cock into you over and over. “I’ll fill you to the brim.”

You clung to him. “Yes!”

He panted and moaned. “Latch onto me. Hold my cock in your perfect pussy. I’m going to fill you with my cum.” He grunted as it got harder for him to move as your walls swelled around him. “Mate. My mate.”

You gripped Levi hard and cried out as you came around him. Your walls locked Levi inside you once he was as deep as possible. You moaned and shivered in euphoria. “Levi.”

Levi bit your left shoulder as he came hard, his cock pumping his seed into you. He shivered and whined as he felt so close to you. He released your shoulder and panted. He mumbled your name. “My little bubble, my mate.”

You panted and sighed. “I tingle and I feel so full.”

Levi pulled back a little and looked down at you. “You have a beautiful glow about you.”

You giggled. “I wonder why that is.”

He smiled. “I’m glad I could make you feel good.”

“You always do.”

He rolled onto his side with you and held you close. “I can’t move.”

You blushed bright red. “Do I have such a strong hold on you? I’m so sorry.”

He nuzzled your neck. “Don’t be sorry. I love the feeling of you holding me so tightly.”

You gulped hard. “I like feeling you there too.”

He kissed you and hummed. “Once we part and I check your body is well, we’ll go back home. Sleeping in your bed is far better than this one.”

You hummed. “Yes. I mean, I love being a mermaid but, I like my human body.”

Levi smiled softly. “I love your human body because it’s the original you, the you I fell for.”

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