#antonio thought it was fun but its more like a one time thing for him he wouldnt b able to stand the socialite lifestyle

[javierpena-inatacvest]

Chapter 12- I Love You. I Know.

Summary: As the end of October approaches, you and Javi learn more about celebrating Halloween and Dia De Los Muertos together. After a sleepless night, and a Halloween party at the Murphy's, Javi begins to open up to you about his past.

Word Count: 15.6K (I'm sweating)

Warnings: SMUT (18+), unprotected p in v sex (don't be silly, wrap your willy), oral (m receiving), vaginal fingering, creampie, praise kink, semi-public sex (Oh the poor Murphy's...), PTSD/Anxiety around grief, loss and Javi's past, some angst/tension, mentions of drinking/being drunk (Steve is getting PLASTERED), mentions of food/eating, SO MANY STAR WARS REFERENCES, literally this chapter made me sob while I was writing it, editing it, and re-reading it, I am SO sorry

A/N: You guys. Holy shit. This chapter really had me in my feels. This chapter was def a labor of love, but I'm really happy with how it turned out!! Thank you for as always for all you kind words, you truly, truly, TRULY have no idea how much your support means to me 😭💖 Also please don't kill me after you finish reading this chapter I PROMISE *things* are happening so soon I can literally taste it, but I needed for this chapter to happen first, and you would be silly to think that *things* didn't get its own whole ass chapter and I am just as excited as you AH

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The excitement of October’s conclusion was in the air, and the joys of getting to celebrate what you hoped would be the first of many holidays with Javi was at the forefront of your mind. While the end of summer meant school was here and your carefree days were gone until next June, October meant it was time for one of your favorite holidays- Halloween. It was one of your most cherished things to celebrate as a kid, and even still as an adult. The memories of jumping into leaf piles off your swingset with your brothers, dressing up in goofy, homemade costumes to trick-or-treat (because your mom was not about to buy 4 new sets of costumes every single year), carving pumpkins, and stealing as many of your brother’s Kit Kat bars as you could without getting caught, filled your heart with a warmth and joy that you couldn’t quite describe. While the 80 degree temperatures and lack of bright reds and yellows painted across the leaves falling from their trees was much different from the Chicago Octobers you were accustomed to, it hadn’t stopped you from heading full steam into Halloween. 

“So do you have any thoughts on what we should be for Steve and Connie’s? I have no problem going out to buy stuff for costumes, but I can already hear my mom yelling at me for wasting my money on cheaply made clothes I’m gonna wear for 5 hours when I have something perfectly good in my closet.” You rolled your eyes as you shuffled through the hangers, Javi sitting on the edge of your bed folding the laundry you were working on putting away. 

The two of you had gladly accepted the invitation from Steve and Connie to spend the weekend with them in San Antonio, as the Murphy’s planned to host a Halloween party at their house for their friends and co-workers, giving you and Javi a chance to have a fun weekend out of town together. 

“Hmmmm?” He asked, looking up at you as you grabbed a few shirts, examining them for costume potential. “We’re dressing up for this thing?” 

“Yeah, that’s like, the whole point of Halloween, dummy.” You giggled, throwing a few options on the floor before making your way over to your pants. “Didn’t you dress up as a kid for Halloween?” 

Unlike yourself, Javi had spent his whole life celebrating Día de los Muertos, Halloween having nowhere near as much relevance to him as it did to you, spending the end of October and first days of November gathering with his family to spend the day making Pan de Muerto (Day of the Dead sweet bread),  watching the parades on the streets of Downtown Laredo before visiting the cemetery where his grandparents were buried, decorating their graves in cempasúchil (marigold flowers), candles and photographs with his primos (cousins). Since his mom had passed, Javi hadn’t been home to celebrate with his family, and had almost forgone the tradition completely during his time in Colombia, the pain and loss of his mother and the solemn sadness of celebrating alone leading him to try his best to forget about the holiday all together. 

“Uh, no, not, not really. Didn’t really do Halloween, isn’t really as much of a thing down here. My family always celebrated Día de Los Muertos instead.” He replied, almost embarrassed by his answer, not wanting to damper your excitement as you dug through your closet for costumes. 

Your heart sank to your stomach, feeling awful that you hadn’t even taken into consideration that Javi's traditions around this time of year were completely different from what you were used to. The two of you had never really talked about how you wanted to celebrate future holidays, and always had wanted to make sure that the important parts of your lives were celebrated equally. Javi hadn’t said anything after you had spent the past few days putting up Halloween decorations around your apartment, and now you felt like an idiot assuming he had spent his whole life celebrating just like you. 

“Oh… Shit. Javi, I’m so sorry, if you don’t wanna do costumes, we don’t have to, you just hadn’t said anything about Día de Los Muertos so I just assumed that-” 

“Baby, it’s okay.” He pushed himself up off the bed, the width of his broad palms wrapping around your hips, trying to ease the guilt he could tell was rapidly consuming you. “You’re right, I never told you about it. It’s been a long time since I’ve done anything to celebrate it, and I haven’t been home for it since I’ve gotten back from Colombia. I just- I don’t really know how to feel about it, I guess. The last time I did anything for it was before my mom died. I was never able to bring myself to do anything about it while I was gone, and I guess now I just feel really shitty that was the way I decided to handle it.” It broke your heart to see the pain in his eyes, pulling yourself closer to him as you wrapped your arms around his stomach, leaning your head against his chest. It was then, the realization had hit you too- This would be your first year of holidays without Patrick. You didn’t know as much as you would have liked to about Día de Los Muertos, but you did know that it was to celebrate the lives of loved ones you’d lost, a feeling that you and Javi were both all too familiar with. 

“Listen…” You raised your head, looking up at him, arms still intertwined around his waist. “I don’t- I don’t wanna make you do anything that you’re uncomfortable with. I guess this is the first time we’ve ever really talked about this kind of stuff. I wanna spend the rest of my life with you, Jav, and that means celebrating the things that are special to both of us. The things that are important to you are important to me too. I want our lives for us, for our future family, to be filled with all the things we care the most about, whether that means keeping old traditions or making our own new ones. It would mean a lot to me to get to celebrate Día de los Muertos with you, and if it’s okay, I would love to sprinkle in some Halloween too, because I’m fucking dying to carve a pumpkin.” 

You smiled up at him as his hand slid under your jaw, his thumb tracing across your cheek as he tried his best to hold back the tears welling in his eyes. It took everything in him to not ruin his plans, wanting to run into the bedroom, grab the ring out of his sock drawer and propose to you that very instant. Even after all this time, Javi still couldn't believe that he was the person you wanted to share the rest of your life with. That you wanted to intertwine your past, present, and future with his, to have a life, a family, together that the two of you could cherish forever. Never in a million years had he assumed he’d be anywhere close to where he was today, holding the world’s most beautiful, perfect woman in his arms, as she told him how she wanted nothing more than to build a family and spend the rest of her days with him. 

“Osita… I fucking love you so much, you know that?” He leaned in, his lips meeting yours in a soft and deep kiss, your heart racing as he pulled you in tighter. 

“Yeah, I mean, I guess, just a little bit…” You giggled, poking fun at him, considering not a day had passed since the first night he had said it that Javi hadn’t told you just how much he loved you. 

“Shut up, you dork.” He chuckled, making you squeal as he picked you up, playfully shaking you in his grasp before setting you back down. “I’d love nothing more, Hermosa. I don’t know how the fuck you’re supposed to carve a pumpkin or what the hell you have planned for these costumes, but I’m all in. I want it all with you, Osita. Thank you.” 

“Of course. For as much or as little as you want to do for Día de los Muertos, I’m all in too. I’m gonna be honest, I love Hallowen. Not as much as Christmas, but it’s a close second. It means you’re gonna have to trust me with a giant ass knife and cover yourself in pumpkin guts, though.”

“My trust is quickly starting to fade. Seriously though, what the hell are we supposed to dress up as?” He raised an eyebrow at you, nodding over to the pile of clothes you had pulled from your closet, now piled on the floor. 

“Don’t worry, I’ve got some ideas.” 

  The weeks leading up to the holidays had made for fun at home date nights, the both of you genuinely looking forward to learning about the traditions you had both held so dear to your hearts. Almost every night after work, you had done something to celebrate the events leading up to the day. You had shown Javi a few of your favorite Halloween movies, including It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, Beetlejuice, and Ghostbusters, very adamantly insisting to him that those movies were about as scary as you were going to get, blaming your brothers for scarring you after forcing you to watch The Exorcist at the ripe age of 7 years old. In addition to the movies, you had told him about other funny Trick-Or-Treating stories from your childhood, Javi’s favorite being how your brothers, (being the ruthless idiots they were) paid one of their friends in all of their halloween candy to jump out of a bush dressed as a terrifying old lady to scare the absolute shit out of you, and making you quite literally pee your pants. In return Javi shared his favorite memories of cooking in the kitchen with his mom as she made Pan de Muertos for his family, the two of you even attempting to make it one of the nights after work, milling about the kitchen together as Javi told you about his family you had yet to meet, or had passed away long before you. 

After a lengthy hunt, you were able to find pumpkins, bringing them to Chucho’s house to carve them since you had nowhere to put them inside your apartment. You offered him the rest of your Pan de Muertos in exchange for a place to work on your pumpkins, and while he gladly accepted the bread, the three of you knew Chucho was always happy to have you and Javi over, regardless. 

“So tell me, mija,” Chucho spoke in between mouthfuls of sweet bread, rocking back and forth in his chair, “is there a meaning behind carving the pumpkins, or is it just for fun?” 

“Just for fun! Okay, it looks like we’re ready, you want me to show you how to do it, or just let you go for it?” You smiled at Javi, the two of you sitting cross legged on Chucho’s porch, pumpkins open in front of you. 

“You just scoop them out, right?” Javi questioned, looking into the pumpkin with an unsure grimace. “It seems like there's a lot in here, Osita. I have to get all of it out?” 

“Yeah, or else you can’t see the design when you carve it. C’mon you big baby, just stick your hand in there and pull the guts out!” You laughed, digging your hand into your pumpkin, scooping out hearty globs of pumpkin guts, slopping them into the bucket Chucho had set out for you. Reluctantly, Javi joined, you and Chucho both absolutely dying at Javi’s face as his hand met the squishy fibers inside his pumpkin. 

“Jesus, that feels fucking gross!” He laughed, shaking his head as he threw some of the seeds and strings into the trash next to him. 

“You need me to do it for you?” You giggled, flicking a pumpkin seed at him as he winced with the second handful he pulled out. 

“No, cabrón (asshole), I can do it.” Javi grumbled as he rolled his eyes at you, the both of you scooping hearty handfuls of goop. 

“You hear that, Chucho? Calling me an asshole because he’s too scared to pull out pumpkin guts.” You looked back at his dad, giving him a playful grin, his smile already wide from the enjoyment of watching the two of you. With your back turned to Javi, you hadn’t noticed the small handful of seeds he had collected in his hand, lining up his arm to aim right at the back of your head. “I can’t believe that- HEY!” You whipped your neck around, running your hand over the back of your neck, picking seeds and strings out of your hair, seeing Javi snicker to himself as your jaw dropped open in shock. “Did you seriously just throw pumpkin guts at me?!” 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, must have been a ghost.” He shrugged, smirking to himself before digging his hand back into his pumpkin. 

“You see this?!” You looked back at Chucho, pointing your finger at Javi, pretending to be stern, although your laughter quickly escaped. “Absolutely ridiculous, I swear.” 

“Javier, that is no way to treat your future esposa! (Wife) No quiero mis nietos ser cubierto en calabaza! Me encantáran en cualquier caso, pero todavía! (I don’t want my future grandchildren covered in pumpkin! I will love them either way, but still!)” Chucho scolded with a smirk, you and Javi silently smiling to each other at the thought of one day doing this with your own children. Javi had tried to stop fighting off his dad’s comments about grandkids a while ago- Chucho knew just as well as the two of you that he would have his grandchildren soon enough. 

“Ella lo pído… (She asked for it…)” Javi muttered under his breath, shooting his gaze up at you as he felt cold goop hit the side of his cheek, wiping the pumpkin you had just thrown at him off with the back of his hand, watching you smirk silently to yourself as you continued to scoop out your pumpkin.

“Ahora… Estamos a mano. (And now… We’re even.)” 

The 3 of you chatted on the porch, the sky now painted a dark black, filled with twinkling constellations above as you finished carving your pumpkins. Yours, a cute ghost with a little smiley face, and Javi’s, what he had tried to convince you and Chucho was also a ghost, even though it looked more like he had just carved a squiggly hole in the middle of his. It took a little prodding and convincing, but as you all talked about how the Peña family had spent many a Día de los Muertos, you and Chucho were able to get Javi to agree to go visit his mom’s gravesite on the Sunday after you got back from Steve and Connie’s party. Chucho had even promised to keep his tias, tios, and primos (aunts, uncles, and cousins) completely out of the picture this year, wanting to give Javi all the time and space he needed to go see his mom for the first time since her funeral. He was reluctant at first, riddled with the guilt of leaving her unvisited all these years, but as he felt the gentle squeeze of your hand, your silent reassurance was all he needed to know that you would be by his side, every step of the way. As you said your goodbyes, Chucho hugged you just a little extra tighter than normal, as if to thank you for everything you had done for his son, and just how thankful he was to have you in his life, too. 

Even though the Murphy’s had very graciously offered to let you and Javi stay on Friday night as well as Saturday, both Steve and Connie very much understood when you had told them on the phone that the only thing that you wanted to do after coming home from the chaos of managing an elementary school Halloween party was take a very, very long nap. You and Javi had spent the night ordering pizza and watching Young Frankenstein, only lasting about 20 minutes into the movie before you were dead asleep, snoring against Javi’s chest, still dressed in If You Give A Mouse A Cookie costume from earlier today. Carrying you to bed and undressing you from your mouse ears and oversized overalls, Javi curled into bed next to you, pulling your body against his as he stared at the ceiling. Despite how hard he tried to fall asleep, he laid there, wide awake as ever, as his head raced with the tornado of thoughts brewing inside his brain. 

Javier Peña had never really considered himself to be an anxious person. For most of his life, he couldn’t be. For the sake of his job, the sake of his family after his Mom passed, Javi had survived the only way he had known how- Block it out, and ignore it. And so far, that strategy had seemed to bode for him pretty darn well. But that was before he had anyone who depended on him, cared about him, anyone who made his life worth living for. That was before he had met you. Now, Javi found himself at the crossroads of a moment he had been waiting for since the moment he had first laid eyes on you. Something that brought him absolute joy and sheer terror at the same time- Javier Peña was going to propose to you, and he was an anxious fucking mess. 

If that in itself wasn’t enough, things at the Laredo County Sheriff's Department had been an absolute shit show. Mexico was the only thing on anyone’s radar, making for long days and high tension at the office, trying to do anything to slow the spread of the cartel’s influence across the border. Day after day, report after report, it felt like the department was drowning in the endless shitty news of new death tolls, record breaking trafficking stats, and lack of control as cocaine moved across the Rio Grande at a groundbreaking pace. Even though he found himself even further removed from Mexico than he ever was in Colombia, he couldn’t help but feel that painful, searing wrench in his gut when he sat down to really think about it. 

You. 

Spending your lives together.

Having a family.

Protecting his wife and kids. 

The things he would do to keep you safe.

The terrible things he had done he had justified were keeping other people safe. 

The imagines of the things he wish he could unsee.

The pain and hurt he wished he could take back. 

The fear of what he was capable of doing. 

So with a knot in his chest from work, a ring hidden away in his sock drawer, and the beginnings of a plan to ask the woman he loved more than life itself to marry him, Javi coped with the weight of his stress the only way he knew how. He couldn’t fucking sleep. 

The thoughts played in his mind on repeat, torturing him with every loop around his brain. He tried his best to close his eyes, to empty his head for a moment of peace, but no matter how much he wished he could have willed himself to sleep, it was no use. By the time the alarm clock on his nightstand read 2:05 AM, Javi had completely given up on the idea of rest for the night, quietly making his way out of bed to go wander around the living room. It wasn’t long before you too were also awake, rolling over in your sleep to find Javi’s space in the bed cold and empty. Rubbing your eyes and propping yourself up against your pillow, you scanned around the darkness of your room as you came to, realizing that Javi was nowhere to be found.  Draping one of the blankets from your bed over you, you crept into the hallway, greeted by the soft light of one of the living room lamps painting shadows against the wall. 

“Javi, are you up?” Your voice still soft and sleepy, rubbing your hand along your face, squinting from the sudden brightness that lit up the room. 

“Osita, baby, did I wake you up? I'm so sorry. Go back to bed, okay?” Javi shot up from the couch, setting down whatever book he had been half focused on reading as he watched your bed headed figure meander into the living room. 

“No, it’s okay.” You grumbled, holding out your blanket covered arms for Javi to melt his body into yours, wrapping you in a tight hug. You pressed your head into the bare skin of his chest, snaking your hands around his waist as he planted his lips against the the top of your head, burying his nose in your tangled hair. “Baby, what’s going on? Why can’t you sleep? I’m worried about you, Jav.” 

“I’m… Yeah, I’m okay, Hermosa. Just a lot on my mind.” He sighed, his exhale still buried in your hair as he savored the smell of you, still lingering even in your sleepy state. 

His pause alone was enough to know okay wasn’t the word that you would use to describe Javi right now. His words were burdened and fatigued, making it clear that whatever was on his mind was weighing on him more heavily than he wanted to admit. 

“Are you sure? Javi, if you wanna talk about anything, you know I’m always here, right?” 

You wanted so desperately to pry. Everything in you had a feeling that whatever was keeping him up were entangled in the parts of his dark parts past, the last secrets holding up the final wall between the two of you. You knew from your brothers how hard it was to talk about the pain and suffering they had witnessed, and begging them to talk about it before they were ready only seemed to make it worse. Hell, after Patrick died, it felt like you didn’t sleep for weeks, and it had taken you months to open up about it. You knew Javi hurt, and as much as you wanted to, digging deeper into the things that plagued him in his restless nights wasn’t what he needed right now. Right now, he just needed someone to be there for him. 

“Is there anything I can do, Javi? I just wanna help.” The breath of your sympathetic whispers were hot against Javi’s skin, squeezing your arms to pull him as close to you as he could. He paused for a moment, letting out another deep breath as cradled the back of your head with his palm, running his hands through your hair. 

“Will- Will you stay up with me? Just a little bit longer?” His voice trembled as you turned your head to lock your eyes with his, the gentle nod of your head bringing him a moment of relief. 

“Of course, baby. Of course I’ll stay up with you. Do you wanna turn on the TV or put on a movie? Sometimes that helps me sleep.” You stretched your arms over your head, scrunching your face as you yawned before tugging your blanket tighter around your body. 

“Believe me, Hermosa, I know it does.” He let out a soft chuckle as he pressed a soft kiss against your forehead. 

“Oh shit, yeah that is true. I don’t even think I made it halfway through Young Frankenstein tonight, which is a crime. It’s such a good movie. I don’t even remember getting into bed.” You yawned again, this time taking one of your blanket covered fists to try and rub the sleep out of your eyes, forcing yourself to stay awake. 

“Well, if you give a mouse pizza and a movie after a long day at school, then she’ll probably need her boyfriend to carry her to bed because she’s so tired.” Now awake enough, Javi’s cute jab at your costume for school made you let out a little giggle, giving him a little shove with your blanket wrapped body. “Why don’t we turn the rest of it on, so you can finish watching?” 

“I don’t wanna fall asleep on you, Javi.” You grumbled, pouting up at him, considering he had just asked you to stay awake with him. 

“It’s okay. As long as I have you by me, I’ll be alright, I promise.” Reluctantly, you nodded in agreement, plopping yourself on the couch as Javi turned on the TV, rewinding the VHS tape to the point where you had fallen asleep earlier before joining you, draping his arm around your shoulder as you tucked in your knees and scooted closer to him. You sat for a few minutes in silence, letting the sounds of the movie fill the background. As you turned your head to look up at Javi, you could tell that even though his eyes were pointed at the screen, there was no way he was really watching the movie. Reaching up your hand, you ran your fingers across the length of his strong jaw, his stubble scratching against your palm, forcing him to look back at you. Your eyes met his, the sweet, chocolate brown looking back at you, with a confusing mix of exhaustion, guilt, want and helplessness. You brought your face closer to his, your lips now only inches apart as your whispers danced against his mouth, desperate to find something to ease his pain. 

“What do you need, Javi? Whatever you need, I’ll give it to you.” 

His tongue swept against his bottom lip, taking one last shaky breath before his words left his body with his exhale. 

“You. I need you.” 

His hands found their way to the bare skin of your thighs, his fingertips barely brushing against your flesh as he traced his way up to your torso, toying with the hem of one of his shirts that always looked so much better on you than him. Pressing his palm against the soft curves of your stomach, he tugged at the waistband of your sleep shorts, causing you to shift your body so he could slide them down your legs. Reaching over towards his lap, you grasped at his boxers, feeling him already half hard under the fabric as you rubbed your hand against him. Javi held your hips, slowly guiding you to straddle him as you kicked your shorts off your feet, leaving them in a pile on the ground. Slowly, you began to grind deeper into his lap, the feeling of him now fully hard beneath you. Gently prompting you to raise your arms over your head, Javi lifted your shirt, leaving you bare as he dropped it next to your shorts. 

“Is this okay?” Javi rasped, pressing languid kisses against your neck and collarbone as you ran your hands against the width of his broad shoulders. 

“Of course, baby.” Your reply low and horse as you began to drag the fabric of his boxers lower and lower, finally letting his cock spring free as his waistband pushed past. You brought your palm to your mouth, licking a long, wet strip across it before wrapping it around his length, thumbing over the precum already leaking from his tip. Javi tilted his head against the back of the couch as you twisted your wrist, stroking his cock, letting out a hushed moan before sitting back up to watch you. 

“You’re fucking perfect, Osita. I don’t deserve you.” He dug his fingertips into the soft flesh of your ass, his sweet, brown eyes locked on yours as you pressed against him, nibbling at his ear. 

“You deserve everything, Javi. I could give you everything in the world and it still wouldn’t be enough.” Javi grasped at your face, cupping your cheeks as he pressed his lips against yours in a deep, intense kiss, his voice shaky and lustful as his mouth parted with yours before he spoke. 

“I don’t need anything besides you, Osita. Eres mi todo. Estás todo lo que necesito. (You are my everything. You’re all I’ll ever need.) He shuttered, letting out a low groan as you continued to rub your hand along his length, Javi now reaching down to trace lazy circles around your clit before dipping his fingers inside your wet heat. His fullness made you whimper, wrapping tighter around his cock as you stroked him, now bucking your hips against his hand as his fingers curled, bumping against the spongy spot that made you lose control. “Does that feel good, sweet girl? Fuck, you’re so wet. 

“Mhmmmmm.” You gasped, rapidly nodding your head as his digits pulsed inside you, your cunt already drenched, desperate to feel the fullness of his dick, despite the thickness of his fingers. Carefully, you lifted your hips, moving yourself closer to him as you ran your fingers through the soft ends of his sleepy curls. Sitting up on your knees, Javi removed his hand as he watched you hover over him, his palms roaming to your hips as you guided his tip through your folds, collecting your arousal before lining him up with your entrance. His jaw went slack as you lowered down on to him, taking your time as you savored the stretch of every sweet inch until you had bottomed out at his base. 

“Fuckkk, baby.” He mewled, gently guiding his hands against your hips as you dragged yourself up along his length before headfully sinking back down, the tip of his cock bumping against your cervix with each movement. Javi nipped at your neck, trailing hot, wet kisses down your collarbone before stopping at your breasts, flicking this tongue along each of your pebbled nipples as you pushed deeper into his lap, whimpering at his touch. “My sweet girl, always taking me so well, like you were fucking made for me, baby. God, you’re so fucking gorgeous.” Javi pulled you in tighter, caging his chest against yours as his arms wrapped around the small of your back as he rested his face in the crook of your neck. “Fuck, I love you so much, Osita.” His words were desperate and needy against your bare skin, digging your fingers into his dark curls as you swirled your hips around his cock. 

“I love you too, Javi. More than anything.” You moaned as felt Javi shift his weight, thrusting upwards as he buried himself deep inside you. His fullness had you digging your nails into the nape of his neck, your body melting into his with each push and pull against each other. You could feel the all too familiar tingle creeping up your legs and through the base of your spine as Javi’s hand found its way to circle around your clit, already throbbing as the curled hair around his base brushed against your sensitive nerves. The lewd noises of your moans and tangled bodies drowned out the sounds of the TV behind you, practically hearing how wet you were as Javi cock slipped in and out of your heat, his pace pounding as he punched into you. You could feel your walls beginning to tighten around him, arousal pooling in your belly, Javi knowing you were close as you whimpered into the crook of his neck. “Fuck baby, don’t stop- ahhhh- please don’t stop, I’m so close.” 

“I know, baby, I know. Let go for me, Osita. Wanna feel you soak my lap before I fuck you full of me. Cum for me baby, it’s okay, I’ve got you.” Javi’s fingers rubbed faster along your clit as you rolled your hips, sinking yourself deeper onto his cock with each thrust, your vision going white as you could feel yourself come undone. 

“Javi, Javi- fuck- Javi, Jav-ahhhhhh.” You could feel yourself gush around him, crying out his name as you reached your high, your legs shaking and fingers digging into his skin, pleasure flowing through your veins. 

“That’s it, Hermosa. Fuck, baby, I’m gonna cum too, fuck myself so deep inside you. My perfect girl. Mierda- Quiero que seas mío para siempre, mi amor. Solo tú, por siempre y para siempre. (Shit- I want you to be mine forever, my love. Only you, forever and always). Fuck me, I- fuckkkk.” Javi hissed as he buried himself deep in your hilt, spilling every drop of his spend against your walls. You could feel the mixture of the both of you dripping down your thighs, soaking Javi’s lap as you slumped into his body, your heart racing as the damp curls of his hair pressed against your shoulder. You both sat there for a moment, letting your chests rise and fall together in sync as you came to. “Fuck me, Osita. I could stay like this forever, baby.”

“You and me both. Although, I feel like that would make things awfully inconvenient for the both of us.” Your soft, sleepy giggles making Javi smile as he ran his fingers though the twisted ends of your hair. Carefully, you lifted yourself up, hissing at the loss of Javi inside you. 

“Thank you, Osita.” Javi whispered, tenderly circling his thumb along your jaw as you curled up next to him. 

“For what?” 

“Just- fuck, you’re so good to me. I don’t know what I’d do without you. So, I just- thank you. Thank you for being everything I need.” Planting a gentle kiss on your forehead, Javi pulled you tighter, holding you in his arms as you leaned against him. 

“I’ll always be here for you, Javi. I promise.” 

You hoped he knew. That he knew your words were true. That when the time came for him to open up to you, letting you into the painful past that loomed above him, that you wouldn’t run. You would be right by his side, just as you were right now. 

“Well good morning, Sleeping Beauty.” Javi chuckled as you twisted in the passenger seat, stretching your arms over your head, scrunching your face, letting out a lengthy yawn. 

“Fuck, how long was I asleep for? How much longer do we have left? Sorry, I wasn’t planning on sleeping that long, I just wanted to take a nap for a little while we drove.” You ran your hands over your face, looking out at the bright Texas sun shining over the neat suburban neighborhood you now found yourself driving through. Javi reached over across the center console, rubbing his hand along your thigh as he chuckled to himself. 

“Baby, I knew from the moment you fell asleep you were gonna be out for the rest of the drive, it’s okay. I was just worried I was gonna have to wake you up in the Murphy’s driveway.” You grumbled as you looked over at Javi, giving him a playful swat against his arm, shaking your head, now emerging from your post nap fog. 

“Well if we weren't up fucking at 2:30 in the morning, perhaps I wouldn’t be so tired, hmmmm?” 

Javi rolled his eyes as you poked fun at how the both of you had found yourselves last night, trying to ease Javi’s sleeplessness. While your solution had worked enough to ease him back to bed, it had now left you wide awake, wondering what had been going through Javi’s head, torturing him enough to keep him up. It had also meant that the two of you had slept in much longer than you intended, leaving later than planned for Steve and Connie’s. The two of you had quickly packed your things and hit the road, stopping to grab lunch on the way before you found yourself dead asleep next to Javi for the last hour and a half of your journey to San Antonio. With only a few minutes now left in your drive, you peered out the window, admiring the houses that lined the quiet streets of the Murphy’s neighborhood. 

“This is a cute subdivision.” You smiled over at Javi, admiring the houses, charming and inviting as they were freshly decorated from Halloween. 

“Yeah, it is pretty nice.” He grinned back, wrapping his palm around your thigh, giving your leg a little squeeze. He took a deep breath, his voice now shifting in tone, becoming more shaky and nervous. “Would you uh- would you, um, wanna live in a neighborhood like this?” 

“Maybe. I don’t know, the houses are all really close together. I spent so much of my life in the city, and even at my house growing up, everything always felt so cramped. After coming here, especially after seeing your ranch, I don’t know, I would love to be somewhere with more space. But that’s a big ask, so, maybe one day if it works out, I guess.” You reached over, rubbing your hand along Javi’s arm, your soft smile meeting his tender gaze as he smirked, nodding to himself. 

“Yeah, one day.” 

Taking a last turn down one of the neighborhood streets, the two of you pulled up to the quaint two story home belonging to the Murphy’s. Turning off the ignition, Javi paused for a moment, grinning to himself as he ran the hand resting on your leg up to your face, cupping your check as his eyes roamed the length of your body, taking every inch of you in as his sweet brown eyes consumed you. “I love you, Osita.”  

“I love you too, Jav.” Both of your heads tilted, your lips gently pressing against one anothers as you traced your hand through Javi’s dark curls, pulling him closer into you. You could feel his smile against your mouth as his tongue barely swiped against your bottom lip, the two of you so lost in the moment, you hadn’t even seen Steve make his way out of the house to greet you, let alone the fact that he was now standing at the driver’s side door, hands on his hips as he watched your impromptu makeout session in Javi’s truck. 

“You two lovebirds want help bringin’ your bags in, or do I need to give you a minute?” Steve chuckled to himself as you and Javi shot up, hearts racing and faces going white hearing his distinct drawl and rapid tapping at the driver’s side window. Taking a deep breath to compose himself, Javi placed one more soft kiss on your forehead before promptly turning around to flip off Steve and opening the driver’s side door. “You two are worse than a pair of horny teenagers, I swear.” You could hear Steve still snickering to himself as you exited out your side of the car, making your way over to find Javi and Steve in a tight hug, lovingly patting each other on the back. 

“Fuck off, Murph.” Javi shook his head against Steve’s embrace, pulling away to grab your two bags from the backseat. 

“Listen, I’m not the one makin’ out in my driveway.” Steve shrugged as you sheepishly emerged from your side of the truck, smiling at you as grimaced at him. 

“He started it…” You glanced over at Javi, you and Steve now both giggling as he pulled you in for a hug. 

“Of course he did, wouldn’t put anything past this old bastard. How ya doin’ sweetheart? Good to see the both of you, we’re really glad you guys could make it. 

“She’s doing great after the hour and a half nap she took on the way here.” Javi interjected, slamming the truck door behind him, slinging both of your bags over his shoulder. 

“Whatever, you meanie. In my defense, I was not planning to sleep that long, and I think Halloween exhaustion got the best of me.” You shot Javi a quick wink, trying to bite down on your lip before turning back to face Steve. 

“Listen, I don’t blame ya. I’m fuckin’ exhausted after trick-or-treating with 3 kids, let alone tryin’ to keep ‘em wrangled at school all day. I love those girls, but I don’t think I could've gotten them in my parents car fast enough when they came to pick ‘em up this morning. Here, come on in, I won’t make you stand out in the driveway all day, unless you need to make out more.” 

As you stepped into the Murphy home, you were greeted by an abundance of Halloween streamers and banners hanging in the living room and up the stairwell to the second floor, along with a few Barbie dolls and accessories scattered across the entryway, nearly stepping on one as you came through the door. You could smell the sweet scent of something baking in the kitchen as Connie came rushing through the hallway, arms outstretched to greet you and Javi. “Oh it’s so good to see you two, thank you so much for coming!” Connie squeezed you and Javi in a tight hug before she backed away, kicking one of the toys on the floor across the room. “Sorry about the Barbies, I told the girls to clean up before they left for their grandparents this morning but I think all 3 of them are still running on a sugar high from last night and that obviously didn’t happen.” 

“Thank you so much for having us! Don’t worry about it at all, I totally understand! Javi was just telling me on the way over how much he was hoping the girls had Barbies he could play with anyways!” The 3 of you laughed as Javi rolled his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest as you gave him a smirk and a little nudge. 

“Fuck, I forgot how funny she was Jav.” Steve snickered to himself, picking up one of the Barbies and tossing it across the room into one of the toy baskets along the wall. “Seriously though, we are really glad you guys could make it. Your birthday party was fun as hell, old man. Glad to be close enough to actually see each other and do stuff like this again.” 

Before Javi would respond, you all jumped, startled by the sound of the kitchen timer beeping rapidly from the other room. “Oh crap, sorry, I gotta grab the cupcakes out of the oven!” Connie grimaced apologetically, making her way back to the kitchen. 

“Do you need any help?” You asked, excited to spend more time with Connie. 

“Oh my gosh actually if you could help with frosting the cupcakes that would be amazing. I made these yesterday for Olivia and Abby’s class parties, and I had no idea it was gonna take so long and was worried I wasn’t going to have enough time for all of them before the party! Thank you!” 

“Of course!” You replied, grinning at her before following her lead to the kitchen, giving a little wave as you disappeared around the hall, looking back at Steve and Javi. “Have fun, you two.” 

Steve paused for a moment until the both of you were out of sight, waiting to forcefully slap his hand against Javi’s chest, making him groan from the unexpected pain. 

“What the fuck was that for, you jackass?” Javi winced, glaring at Steve. 

“Where the fuck’s the ring, man?! Steve hissed through gritted teeth, looking back at Javi in disappointment. “I thought you were gonna fuckin’ do it after you got back from Chicago and met her family?! I thought everything was all good with- oh shit, did something happen with the ho-” 

“Shhhhhh! You fuckin’ idiot, please, talk louder, I don’t think the people at the end of the street could hear you.” Javi looked around the corner, clenching his jaw, praying that you hadn’t heard anything from the kitchen. 

“I’m not that fuckin’ loud… Shit, what the fuck happened then?” Steve grumbled, looking over at Javi with concern. 

“Can we maybe talk about proposal plans somewhere that’s not right by the woman I’m trying to propose to?” Running his thumb over his balled fists, Javi’s eyes darted back and forth, staying on the lookout for your return. 

“Fine, fine, fine. I’ll show you where the guest room is and then you can tell me.” Steve motioned up the stairs, Javi trailing behind with both your bags draped around his shoulders

“Was I really that fuckin’ loud?” 

“…Have you heard yourself talk?” 

“So how’s everything been going at work? There definitely was a full moon sometime in the past week because things were crazy at the hospital, I’m sure they had to be equally as bad at an elementary school.” You and Connie giggled as you squeezed a dollop of orange frosting onto one of the cupcakes before taking one of the little bags to pipe on eyes and a mouth to make it look like a pumpkin. 

“Oh my god, I think it must have been on Wednesday, I had a boy cut another girl’s hair with scissors and then had to call another parent because her daughter bit another kid at recess pretending to play werewolves. I felt really bad we didn’t come last night, I was exhausted after our Halloween party, I fell asleep on poor Javi at like, 8 o’clock.” 

Although you found yourself laughing with Connie again, you couldn’t help but shake the uncomfortable feeling you had in your gut as you thought about after you had woken up in the middle of the night to find Javi wide awake and distressed. You carefully set down your spatula, taking a deep breath before glancing over at Connie, still frosting next to you. “Hey, uh, Connie? Can, um- Can I ask you something?” Connie immediately sensed the shift in your tone, putting down her cupcake. 

“Of course, honey. What’s going on?” 

“Did um, did- Did Steve ever- ever talk to you? About all the stuff that happened in Colombia? I mean like, I know you were there, but I don’t know. Sorry, I don’t know what I’m trying to ask, this is probably way too personal, I-” You could feel yourself shrinking, retracting in embarrassment at your overly intrusive question, unable to finish your thought before Connie cut you off, placing her hand on your shoulder. 

“Oh, honey…” Her eyes were filled with sympathy as they looked back at yours, letting out a sigh before she responded. “Did something happen?” You began to nod your head no, even though you could feel the words yes burning in your throat. You took another shaky breath, trying to hold back the tears now welling in your eyes as you spoke. 

“No I mean- well, yeah, I guess. Last night, I woke up and Javi wasn’t in bed. He was out in the living room and I could tell that something was bothering him. I don’t know- maybe it was nothing. I just- when my brothers came back from active duty, there were a lot of things that kind of just went unspoken. I knew it was hard for them to talk about. Charlie handled it okay, but my brother Patrick never wanted to talk to anyone about what happened, and it just- I don’t know Connie, I don’t think Javi would ever do anything stupid like he did, but- fuck- it scares me sometimes. I know Javi’s done things that he’s probably not proud of, and I get it’s part of the nature of what his job was. I don’t care. I really don’t. People do shitty things when they’re put in shitty situations. But he never talks about it. Ever. Does… Does he not trust me? I care about him so much, Con. More than anything. I get so worried about him.” 

Your tears were now streaming down your cheeks, leaving your face wet as you wiped the back of your hand across your skin to try and do some form of damage control before Connie embraced you, pulling you in for a hug, tightly wrapping her arms around you. “Oh sweetheart. Of course he trusts you. When Steve came back, he was a mess. I don’t think it really all hit him until he was finally home. I guess you’re right, it was different because I was there, but even then, there were things that happened that I didn’t know about. After begging and begging him, I finally got him to go to see someone and it really helped, but even now, there’s times where it still creeps up on him. Honey, Javi loves you so much. I didn’t think I’d ever live to see the day he was in love as he is with you. If he’s anything like Steve, he just doesn't wanna hurt you.” 

You sniffled, taking a step back to wipe your nose with your sleeve, your lip trembling as you tried to keep from crying harder than you already were. “But that’s what hurts, Connie. It hurts me to think he has to keep this from me, like I’m gonna think less of him for what he’s been through.” 

“I know. Have you talked to him about it?” Connie’s voice was gentle and sweet, rubbing her hand along your arm as she listened to what you needed to get off your chest. 

“No… I guess I should have. I never wanted to pry. I know it’s hard to talk about, I just- I wanna be there for him Connie. I don’t want him to have to do it all on his own.” You shifted your gaze to the ground, guilt washing over you. After Patrick, you couldn’t live with the idea of letting Javi try to suffer through his past alone. You loved him more than anything- and even the slightest thought of going through anything similar to what had happened to Patrick again with Javi was almost paralyzing. 

“I think the best thing you can do is to go talk to him.” Looking back up, you saw Connie smiling at you, trying to convince you that everything would be okay, even if it felt like it wasn’t. “Why don’t you go find him? Party’s starting soon anyways, you can go change into your costumes and come down wherever you’re ready. I’ll be just fine with the cupcakes, tell Steve can put himself to work frosting.” The both of you grinned as you tried to wipe your tears, nodding slowly in agreement. 

“Thanks, Connie.” You whispered into her shoulder as you pulled her in for a hug before heading up the stairs to find where Javi and Steve had gone. It didn’t take you long to find the pair, hearing their voices carry through the hallway from the slightly cracked door of the guest bedroom. You were about to knock and interrupt their conversation, stopping yourself with your fist barely touching the door as you tried to make out what they were talking about. 

“The offer was in fucking cash, too. I was trying to make it easier so I could speed up the process, but it’s been taking them so goddamn long to close on everything so I can finally go sign the fucking paperwork.” 

“That fuckin’ blows, Jav. I’m sorry. It’s not like she knows any better, though. It’ll still be a huge fuckin’ surprise, I’ll tell you that much.” 

“I know. It’s been killing me to wait this long. I just want it to be perfect, Steve. She deserves everything. Honestly, I’m kinda glad it bought me some more time. I need to find a way to get her to see it before everything’s official in case she fucking hates it.” 

“Javi. She’s not gonna hate it. Fuck it, tell her Connie and I are lookin’ for somethin’ and we wanted you two to go see it for us. I don’t know, maybe that’s too obvious. Speakin’ of which, I should probably go check to see if she needs anything before this party, I’m already in the fuckin’ dog house for forgettin’ to bring the girl’s trick-or-treatin’ bags to school, I don’t need to be in trouble for anything else.” 

What the hell were they talking about? What was Javi signing? Why was it taking so long? What the hell did it have to do with you? Wait… holy fuck. No way… Was he- 

Before you could finish your thought, you suddenly realized Steve was making his way towards the door. You quickly rapped your fist against the wood, trying to play off the fact you had been eavesdropping and make it look like you had just unassumingly made your way upstairs, not overhearing the conversation the two were just having. 

Knock, knock. 

“Hey, it’s me! Uh, Steve, Con wants to know if you can help her with the cupcakes really quick.” You pushed open the door, trying your best to smile at the suspicious pair as Steve shook his head, looking back at Javi. 

“It’s always fuckin’ somethin’. I don’t even know what I did wrong this time, I swear.” Steve held up his hands defensively, sliding his way past you in the doorway before heading downstairs, leaving you standing there awkwardly, unsure how to feel after your conversation with Connie and the one you had just overheard. 

“Hey, Osita. How’s everything goin’ down there? Sorry, we were just about to come down and- Hey, baby, you okay?” Javi stood up, concern spreading across his face from the strange scrunch in your brow as you stared at the floor. 

“Ummmm…” You froze for a moment, unsure of what to do. On the one hand, your conversation with Connie had you ready to confront Javi, to finally work up the courage to ask him about the past life he had tried his best to keep from you. But as you glanced over at him, seeing his sweet brown eyes and stupidly handsome face, remembering the discussion you had just overheard through the doorway, the other hand meant you weren’t at risk of ruining your night that the two of you had been so looking forward to, and right now, the other hand was going to have to be the one you needed to play. “Yeah, yeah, I’m good, I just- I was gonna ask you something but forgot what I was gonna say. I’m sure I’ll remember it eventually.” You smiled at Javi, neither of you completely convinced by your response. “But um, Connie said that people are gonna start getting here soon, so we can change into our costumes if you want.” A smirk slowly stretched across your cheeks as you nodded over to the black duffle bags laying on the bed. 

Javi’s grin matched yours quickly, grabbing your hips and pulling you closer against him as you giggled. “You sure we’re not gonna be the only ones dressed up?” 

“Well considering it’s a Halloween party and I literally just talked to Connie about what she and Steve are wearing downstairs, I’m gonna give it a pretty confident yes. Worst case, it just looks like you’re wearing a white shirt and vest, Mr. Solo. You stuck up, half-witted, scruffy looking nerf herder.” You raised your eyebrows, playfully poking at his chest. Javi paused, shaking his head at your quote, firing one right back at you as he bit down on his lip. 

“You just like me because I’m a scoundrel. There aren’t enough scoundrels in your life.” 

“I happen to like nice men.” 

“I am a nice man.”  

Javi cupped your face, pulling you in for a long, heavy kiss before backing away to unpack your bags, shooting you a quick wink as you rolled your eyes. Jesus, he even found a way to make Star Wars sexy. Just when you thought you couldn’t be anymore in love, Javier Peña never failed to find a way to make you realize you’d never stop falling for him. 

After putting in what felt like the 74th bobby pin into your hair after getting the last braid wrapped over your head, you gave yourself a once over in the mirror, pleasantly surprised by how well your costume had turned out. While Javi was disappointed you were adamant you were not going as Princess Leia from Return of the Jedi and showing up in front of a group of strangers at Steve and Connie’s party in her slave costume, you and Javi both agreed that Hoth Princess Leia was definitely the next best look. Staring at you with his puppy dog eyes, Javi had been adamant about waiting with you as you finished getting ready, leaning his hip against the bathroom counter, arms crossed over his chest as he watched you finish the last of your hair and makeup. 

“Okay, I think that should stay. All those years of braiding my hair for under my hockey helmet are finally coming in handy for something.” You snickered, pushing the final clip into your hair to hold it into place, giving yourself a once over in the mirror. As you looked yourself down, Javi’s eyes wandered up and down your body just as fast, practically undressing you as fast as you had put your costume on. 

“Goddamn, Osita… Fuck, you’re so hot.” 

“Me? Jesus Christ, Javi. You put Harrison Ford to shame with how fucking good you look. I like Han Solo better with a mustache anyways.” You licked your tongue against your bottom lip, running your hands along the muscles of his arms, straining against the tight henley shirt he was wearing under his vest. You were no better than Javi, practically having to force yourself to not look in his general direction while you were getting ready to prevent yourself from pouncing on him. But given the lack of chatter downstairs, and the impressive speed at which the two of you had gotten ready, you really couldn’t help yourself. Slowly, you let your hands begin to slip down his arms and across his chest, palming at the denim of his black jeans as he let out a deep groan. 

“Hermosa…” He hissed against your neck as you grasped at the bulge now growing under his pants, your other hand now making its way down to undo his belt, the clinking of the metal drowned out by Javi’s heavy panting. You began lowering your body, sliding Javi’s pants and boxers down his thighs as his cock sprang free, his tip already red and leaking with precum. You rested on your knees, face to face with his length as you wrapped your hand around him, slowly stroking him a few times. 

“This okay, Captain Solo?” You batted your lashes at him, giving him a wink before letting your spit dribble onto his cock, taking his tip into your mouth and swirling your tongue around it. Curling your fingers around his base, you began to twist your wrist, hollowing out your cheeks as you took him deeper into your mouth. 

“Oh, fuck me. Holy shit, Osita.” He moaned, tilting his head back, letting his jaw go slack as your head bobbed back and forth. He gently rested his hand along the side of your face, helping to guide you along his length as you took him deeper and deeper down your throat. “Jesus Christ, baby. Fuck, that feels so good. You look so hot, god fuckin’ dammit.” Javi’s words were labored and shaky as you started to increase your pace, wrapping your free hand around the back of his bare thigh, digging your fingertips into his leg. Feeling the pressure beginning to build in his stomach, Javi began rocking his hips, his jaw completely slack as he looked down at the sight of how well you took him in your mouth, saliva dribbling down your chin as sucked along his cock, hard and heavy on your tongue. “Fuck, Osita. I’m not gonna last much longer. Can I cum like this, baby? Fill up that- fuck- fill up that pretty little mouth of yours?”” 

You glanced up at him, nodding, your lips still wrapped around his dick, the motions of your head and wrist now becoming faster and sloppier as you watched Javi’s brow scrunch and jaw clench, a sign you knew all too well that he was moments away from coming undone. 

“Such a good fucking girl, taking me so well. Fuck, baby- shit- se sientes tan bien, estoy tan cercaaahhhhhh-” (you feel so good, I’m so closeeeee-). The hot ropes of his spend coated the back of your throat, the salty, tangy mix filling your mouth as Javi whined, giving his hips one last push as kept your lips wrapped around him, making sure that you had milked him of every last drop before releasing. Letting your spit and his release fall from the corners of your lips, you wiped your mouth with the back of your hand, smirking up at Javi’s blissed out expression. “Jesus Christ, Osita. You’re too fucking good at that. Holy shit. Lemme take care of-“ 

You held up your hand to stop him as you stood up, your gesture cutting off the rest of his sentence as you helped to pull up his jeans and boxers still resting along his thighs. “I’m allowed to give my hot ass boyfriend blowjobs without anything in return. C’mon, we better get downstairs before Steve walks in on us again.” You pressed up on your tiptoes, planting a quick kiss on Javi’s lips as he reached down to buckle his belt before the two of you tried your best to fix yourself up in the mirror to avoid the inevitable shit Steve was about to give the both of you. Giving Javi a quick nod in the mirror before turning off the light and heading out the door, he gave your ass a playful smack, making you squeal in surprise, making you turn on your heels. Resting his hand on his hip, he beamed at you, biting down on his lip. 

“Fuck, I love you.” 

“I know.” 

The Murphy’s living room had begun to pool with guests as you made your way down the stairs, looking for Steve and Connie amongst the crowd. You and Javi both grabbed a beer from the cooler at the bottom of the stairwell, quickly turning around as you heard Steve’s familiar twang approaching behind you. 

“Well I’ll be damned. You got this motherfucker in a costume? He must really love you.” Steve chuckled, shaking Javi by the shoulders. “And Star Wars too?! You asshole, how many times did I try to tell you they were good fuckin’ movies?! You shoulda dressed him up like Jabba the Hut.” You and Steve cackled as Javi rolled his eyes.

“Yeah, and what the fuck are you supposed to be? A sad pirate?” Javi jabbed, poking fun at Steve’s poorly put together costume. 

“Listen, Olivia and Abby both wanted to be the Little Mermaid, so we had two Ariel’s, Con was Ursula, Madison was the yellow fish and I didn’t wanna be that annoying ass crab, so pirate it was, asshole.” Steve retorted, punching at Javi’s arm, the two of them laughing at each other like little boys. “Alright, go enjoy yourselves lovebirds, I’ll see ya in a little bit. And Javi?”

“Yeah Murph?” 

“You really gotta start checkin’ your pants, buddy.” 

Javi’s cheeks turned red, his eyes darting down to his zipper, still all the way undone from your activities upstairs, the both of you grimacing at each other, sheepishly avoiding eye contact with Steve as he disappeared into the crowd. 

It really wasn’t a surprise to Javi how many friends the Murphy’s had already managed to make in their time since moving to San Antonio. Their house was quickly crowded with all sorts of people- Steve and Connie’s co-workers, neighbors, parents of friends Olivia and Abby had made at school, regardless of where the party goers were from, everyone had collectively agreed to make adult Halloween just as fun as any kids. You and Javi were having a great time catching up with Steve and Connie, as well as meeting some of their other close friends, one of Connie’s neighbors being an elementary school teacher, giving you two plenty to commiserate about from the hellish week it had been. It didn’t take long for the party to move outside, Steve drunkenly deciding that he needed to make a bonfire, despite adamant argument that with the amount of alcohol Steve had in his system, he was going to spontaneously combust if he got close enough to a flame. Javi, sober enough to still help his friend make rational decisions, was glad that Steve was happy to let him build the bonfire. 

“The force is strong with you, Han Solo.” You giggled, Javi wrapping his arm around your shoulder, pressing a soft kiss into your forehead as the two of you stared into the flickering orange glow of the fire pit. 

“Not strong enough to extinguish Steve if he got close enough to it. Hey, I got shit all over my hands, I’m gonna go to the bathroom and wash ‘em off. You need anything while I’m inside, Princess?” You smiled as you nudged Javi at the nickname he had been adamant about using since you had put on your costume. 

“I’m good, thank you. I’m gonna go wait over on the swingset so I don’t completely reek of bonfire later.” Javi nodded as he slid his hand down your back, giving your ass a quick squeeze before making his way through the crowd, heading towards the house. Surprised no one else had capitalized on the chance to sit down, you wandered over to the wooden playset at the corner of the Murphy’s backyard, taking a seat on one of the plastic swings, kicking your feet against the grass below. 

“Hey, there she is! How goes it, Leia?” Taking a few long strides through the yard, Steve was now quickly making his way over to you, stumbling over his own feet as he somehow managed to sit himself down on the swing next to you. You tried your best not to laugh at Steve’s drunken state, but his current antics weren’t making it very easy on you. 

“I could ask the same to you. You doin’ okay there, pirate?” 

“Fuck sweetheart, I’m doin’ fuckin’ great. Where’s the asshole?” 

“Inside, I’m sure he’ll be back out soon.” You snickered at Steve watching the beer dribble down his chin from the overly confident swig he had taken. 

“Good, I don’t need ‘em right now. You were the one I was lookin’ for.” Steve pointed in your general direction, but clearly wasn’t aware enough to hit his target head on. 

“Me?” You laughed, pointing back to yourself. 

“Yes, you. You talk to him yet?”

“About?” You paused, wondering if Steve had any inkling of the conversation you were planning to have earlier, or if he was drunkenly deciding you and Javi needed to discuss something else. 

“You know about what. I talked to Connie earlier. I figured I owed it to you to come talk to you about it, too.” 

Your heart began to race, that uncomfortable feeling once again beginning to churn in your stomach as you thought about the things you and Connie had discussed earlier. “Steve, you don’t owe me anything, I-” 

“No, I do. Hold on a second.” Steve turned away, letting out a hearty burp, pouding on his chest before facing back towards you. “Sorry, I’ve been holdin’ that in for like 10 minutes, I needed to let it out. Anyways… What was I sayin’? Oh shit, yeah, the grumpy bastard. Listen, sweetheart. I know it’s gonna fuckin’ suck,  but you gotta be the one to bring it up and talk to him about it. If I know anything about that motherfucker, it’s that he will bottle things up for way too fuckin’ long until someone gets it out of him. He’s a good guy. He says he’s not, but he is. Saved my ass more times than I can count. That job made us do some fucked up shit neither of us are fuckin’ proud of. But that doesn’t mean he gets to keep it from you. I swear to God, that asshole is so fuckin’ in love with you, it makes me sick. You make him so happy. He just doesn’t wanna fuck up the best thing that’s ever happened to him.” 

You weren’t sure if it was the right thing to do, but in that moment, all you could manage was to reach over to the swing next to you, pulling Steve in for a hug as you tried to keep your tears from staining his shirt. “Thanks, Steve.” You whispered, leaning back into your seat, using your sleeve to wipe the wetness from your cheeks. 

“I know you love him too. You deserve to know. Don’t let him be a stubborn jackass to you, okay? I’m bein’ serious. I should be the one thankin’ you though, honey. In all the years I’ve known him, I never thought I’d see ‘em this happy. I promise I won’t get this drunk at your wedding.” Steve winked, straining to push himself up out of the swing, somehow managing to catch his balance as he stumbled into the grass. 

“You do make a very inspirational drunk, Steve.” You laughed to yourself, looking up at him with a genuine smile. “Thank you.” 

“You’re welcome. Alright, enough sap, I’m gonna go get another fuckin’ beer, I’ll see ya around okay?” 

“Okay, maybe a water would be good for you, too.” 

“Water’s for pussies.” 

“Water’s good for people who don’t want raging hangovers tomorrow.” 

“Pirates are always drunk, so I’ll be fuckin’ fine.” 

“Whatever you say, Steve.” 

It didn’t take long for Javi to return, easily spotting his tall, broad body making his way through the crowd, beaming at you as he walked over to the swings. You tried your best to smile back at him with the uneasy pounding in your chest quickly building, feeling your heartbeat in your throat. “Hey, Hermosa. Sorry it took so long, I ended up stopping to get another drink on the-“ 

“Do- Javi, do you trust me?” 

Your words were quiet and blunt as they rolled off your tongue, your eyes peeled on your feet kicking through the grass beneath you. 

Javi’s brow immediately scrunched in confusion, completely off put by your question and demeanor. “Do I- Baby, what are you talking about? Of course I trust you? What’s going on?” Setting down his drink, he began making his way next to you in frantic, worried strides. 

“Then why won’t you talk to me about it?” Your eyes darted from the ground up to his, his sweet brown eyes swirling with confusion at the firm tone of your voice and desperation growing across your face. 

“Talk to you about what? Hermosa, what’s going on? Is everything ok-” 

“Why won’t you talk to me about Colombia?” 

 Javi took a step back. He wasn’t sure if it was out of defense, or absolute shock from the words that had just fallen out of your mouth. He stared at you for a moment, his jaw locking as you could see how hard he swallowed, trying to bide his time as he calculated his response. 

“Osita… It’s not that simple.” 

“That’s not an answer.” 

“I don’t understand why we’re talking about this. Baby, if this is because of last night, you don’t need to worry about me, can we please just drop it?” The two of you faced each other in an unspoken standoff, Javi’s hands now resting on his hips as you crossed your arms over your chest. You had tried so hard to be patient, but in the moment, it was like all of your frustration was beginning to boil over. 

“That’s exactly why we’re talking about this, Javi. Because I fucking worry about you. All the time. I’ve tried so hard to be patient. I’ve never, ever tried to get you to talk about it because I know it’s fucking hard. But last night, you’re up at 2 A.M, wandering around the apartment, and I’m begging you to tell me what’s wrong and you won’t fucking do it. I’m not an idiot, Javi. I can’t live in this weird in between space in your life where you pretend your past doesn’t exist when I know it still fucking haunts you. Why won’t you just talk to me about it?” 

Javi could feel his heart pounding in his chest, his palms sweating as they clenched in tight fists at his sides. He tried so desperately to find an answer, something, anything he could tell you to try and justify his choices. The choices he had kept from you. The choices he couldn’t forgive himself for. “Because, I- fuck- because, goddamnit, I just- I was a terrible fucking person, okay? The things I did, they were-” 

“What? Fucked up? Painful? Shitty? Of course they fucking were, Javi. You were literally in Colombia chasing down Pablo Fucking Escobar. What did you think I thought you were doing down there? Filing away paperwork? You don’t think I know that you did things you regret? That you’ve hurt people? Made choices that hurt innocent people who didn’t deserve it? I know Javi, I fucking know. I watched my brothers come back from the same goddamn thing. I tried so hard to give them space, to let them come to terms with the fucked up things they did on their own, and you know what fucking happened? One of them’s fucking dead because of it. I can’t let it happen again. I don’t care about what you did. It doesn’t make you a bad person. But you can’t try and hide it from me and pretend like it doesn’t exist. I wanna spend the rest of my life with you. But I can’t if you don’t trust me. Please trust me. Please. I love you so much, Javi. I can’t lose you.” 

Javi stood in silence, as the both of you fought the tears streaming down your cheeks. He wasn’t sure if he had just been hit in the gut with a giant sucker punch, or if the weight of the world had just been lifted off his shoulders. He truly didn’t know how to feel. He wasn’t even sure if he had heard you correctly. Did you really just tell him that you knew about the fucked up, terrible things he had done and that you didn’t care? That you still fucking loved him? All you wanted was for him to trust that you wanted to be there for him? He could feel his hands trembling and lip quivering as he tried to find the words to speak.

 “Osita… I- fuck, baby. Osita, I’m so sorry. I trust you with my fucking life. You- You don’t deserve to have to deal with with all the fucked up things I’ve done. I don’t wanna scare you away, baby. You’re the best thing that’s ever fucking happened to me and I was so terrified if you found out about the terrible person I used to be, you’d leave. It’s not fair to you, I can’t expect you to carry the weight of all the fucking things I’ve done, too. I’m so sorry.” Quietly, Javi sat down next to you on the empty swing, burying his hands in his face. Gently, you reached over, pulling his hands away, forcing him to look at you. 

“Whatever you tell me isn’t gonna scare me away. I promise. The only thing that’s gonna scare me is when you try to pretend you’re okay when you’re not. Javi… Javi, I just- I just wanna be there for you. I don’t want you to have to do it alone. I’d do anything for you. I trust you more than anyone. You’re my best friend. I just- fuck- I just want you to trust that I’ll always be there for you to. I promise.” 

And just like that, the last brick holding up the wall between you and Javier Peña collapsed. There was nothing left to run from. Nothing left to hide. After he returned home, he was a changed man. He had hated the person he had become. Maybe there was a part of him that didn’t want to be loved, because he didn’t believe that he deserved to be. But then, there was you. 

You. 

You had taken everything he had known and changed his life for the better. You had become his better half, the person he loved more than anyone in the world. You had proved he was worthy of more than just existing- you had proved to Javi that he was worth the love and happiness you had promised him from the moment you had come into his life and made it worth living for. 

“You promise?” 

“I promise. Always.” 

The way Javi grabbed you and wrapped you in his arms, grasping at the back of your shirt as he pulled you in tighter, feeling the hot breath of his silent sobs against your shoulder told you everything you needed to know. You didn’t know much, but if there was one thing you did know, it was that you loved Javier Peña more than life itself. As quickly as it had felt like your life had fallen apart, he had come into it and picked up the broken pieces to put it back together. And on an October night in San Antonio, sitting on an old wooden swing set in the Murphy’s backyard, you hoped that Javi knew that you would always be there to pick up the shattered parts of his past, too. 

You weren’t sure how many hours had passed as you sat hand in hand in the swings with Javi as you listened to anything and everything he had to say. Long after the backyard was empty, and the bonfire had faded to embers and ashes, and the only one left awake besides the two of you was Connie, trying to drag Steve back inside from the plastic lawn chair he had passed out on, you finally made your way up to bed for the best sleep the two of you had in a very, very long time. Your goodbyes to the Murphy’s had been short and sweet- Connie exhausted from the late night, and Steve barley coherent from how hungover he was, you were still both so thankful the two of you had made the journey out to see them, and the both of you, just as grateful for the sweet and supportive life long friends you knew the Murphy’s would become. Most of your drive back to Laredo was spent in a comfortable silence, the golden sunrise spilling through the windows of Javi’s truck as you cruised down the highway, Javi’s hand never leaving yours, your fingers intertwined together as his thumb gently rubbed against your soft skin and your head rested against his broad shoulder. 

“How are you feeling about seeing your mom today?” You asked, lightly squeezing his arm as you smiled up at him, now exiting off the freeway quickly approaching the cemetery where you planned to meet Chucho to celebrate Día De Los Muertos, trying your best to comfort Javi as he prepared to see his mom’s gravesite for the first time since her funeral almost a decade ago. Javi let out a quiet sigh, his grip tightening just a little tighter around your hand as he looked over at you, a surprisingly calm look flooding his face. 

“I’m actually doing okay. Better than I would have thought. I think I was always so worried that she wouldn’t be proud of me and the man I’d become after she was gone. I um- I finally think that she’d be proud of me now.” He glanced over at you, his smile soft and tender as he soaked in the reason for his pride sitting right beside him. 

You noticed Chucho’s truck as you pulled up to park along the edge of the small cemetery, Chucho excitedly waving you down as you both hopped out of the car. Walking around to Javi, you were quick to grab his hand, giving him a reassuring grip as the two of you made your way through the gravestones along the thin cobblestone path towards Chucho, already arranging the items he had collected for Lucia’s ofrenda. 

“Hola, niños.” Chucho grinned, wrapping his arms around the both of you. “I’m so glad you’re here.” 

“Thanks for letting me be a part of today, Chucho. I know… Well, I just- I’m really honored to- just, thank you.” Chucho wasted no time pulling you into your own hug, his rough and worn hands holding you by the shoulders as he looked at you with misty eyes. 

“Mija, I should be thanking you. If it wasn’t for you, I don’t know if we would all be here today. Lucia’s last wish to me was that I would promise to make sure Javier was happy. Now hija, I think my sweet Lucia can rest a little easier knowing someone else has already fulfilled my promise for me.” As the two of you spoke, you hadn’t noticed as Javi had quietly stepped over to his mother’s gravestone, crouching next to it, his fingers delicately tracing along the engraved letters of her name, his other hand holding one of the marigold flowers Chucho had brought with him. The two of you watched quietly as Javi sat next to his mom, gently placing the flower on the shiny stone as he spoke. 

“Hola, mamá. Te extrañé. Siento haber tarado tanto.” (Hi mom. I missed you. I’m sorry I took so long). Javi’s voice trembled as he took a deep breath in, slowly exhaling as his hand rested on the stone, warm from the sun, shining brightly in the blue November sky. “Que estaba asustada de de verte porque estaba orgullosala de la persona en la que me había convertido. Que no quería decepcionarte. Tenía miedo mucho, mamá. Me sentí como si todo se derrumbase. solo quería olvidar. Pero entonces…” (I was scared to see you because I wasn’t proud of the person I’d become. I didn’t want to disappoint you. I was so scared, mom. I felt like I let everyone down. I just wanted to forget. But then…).  Javi turned his head, seeing you and Chucho, arm in arm, a smile growing across his face as looked back at the two people in life he loved the most. He took an extra moment to stare at you and the soft grin spread between your cheeks, basking in the comfort and warmth of the woman who had forever changed his life for the better. “Pero entonces, mamá, La conocí. Que es perfecta. Nunca supe que podías amar tanto a alguien. Ella es lo mejor que me ha pasado. La habrías amado.ella es una maestra, tambien.  A veces me pregunto qué ve en mí. No sé qué hice para merecerse. voy a pedirle que se case conmigo.Cuidaré bien de ella. Ella se merece todo lo que le pueda dar y más. Espero que estés orgulloso de mí, mamá. te echo mucho, Pero le juro a usted, al fin soy feliz. Te amo, mamá.”  (But then, mom, I met her. She is perfect. I never knew you could love someone so much. She is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. You would have loved her. She’s a teacher too. Sometimes, I wonder what she sees in me. I don’t know what I did to deserve her. I’m gonna ask her to marry me. I’m gonna take such good care of her. She deserves everything I can give her and more. I hope you’re proud of me, mamá. I miss you so much, but I promise you, I’m finally happy. I love you, mom.) 

With a gentle nudge from Chucho, you softly stepped behind Javi, gently placing your hands on his shoulders before he rose up and you wrapped your arms around his waist, resting your head against his chest as he wiped away the tears welling behind his eyes. Staring down at Lucia’s gravestone, Javi ran his hand through your hair, carefully planting a kiss against your head and burying his nose in the soft waves of your hair. 

“I wish I would have had the chance to have met you, Mrs. Peña. I would have had someone else to commensurate with over all of the crazy teaching stories I’m sure the both of us have. Maria, Estelle and Linda all miss you a lot too, but I’m sure they haven’t changed a bit. Thanks for raising such a good son. I don’t know what I would do without him. I know he says that he doesn’t know what he did to deserve me, but I really think it should be the other way around. I promise I’ll look out for him.” You tried your best to smile through your soft sobs, looking up at Javi, tears streaming down his wet cheeks. It wasn’t long before Chucho had snuck up behind you, patting each of you on the back before smiling down at Lucia, too. 

“Estos dos están tan enamorados, Lucia. Tal vez más que tú y yo. Ella es una buena chica. Estoy muy contenta de que ella sea parte de nuestra familia. Finalmente tendremos a nuestros nietos, también.”  (These two are so in love, Lucia. Maybe even more than you and I. She is a great girl. I am so happy she is a part of our family. We are finally going to get our grandchildren, too). Chucho winked, nudging Javi in the side, forcing him to laugh through his tears, shaking his head at his dad’s comment. “Now, no more tears, you two. This is a happy day. Your mamá is smiling down on you, and I can almost hear here scolding me to keep you from crying anymore. C’mon, let’s decorate and eat, I even brought pozole.” 

The three of you spent the next hour decorating Lucia’s grave with bright orange and gold cempazuchitl (marigold flowers) and little Calaveras (sugar skulls) painted in bold colors and refined details, sharing and laughing about Javi’s favorite memories of his mother while snacking on the Pozole Chucho had brought to share. For the first time in a long time, Javi no longer felt guilt and grief when he thought about his mom- her memory filled him with love and joy. He wasn’t the same bitter, broken man he was when he had said his final goodbyes to his mother all those years ago. While he wished he could change the past, the reality of the present, and his future finally brought him peace, knowing he could be proud of the man he had become, thanks to you. 

As Javi helped Chucho to clean up the extra flowers and decorations he had brought, you couldn’t help yourself from reaching at the wrinkled photo you had shoved in your pocket as you had packed up to leave from the Murphy’s this morning. You carefully took it out, holding it gently in your hands as you tried to uncrinkle the edges. “You ready, Hermosa?” Javi called out, now a few steps ahead of you, making his way back towards the truck. “Hermosa?” He asked again, thinking perhaps you hadn’t heard him the first time. When he was greeted by silence again, he looked back to see you staring at the crumpled photo in your hands. 

“I um- I know that he isn’t buried here, and uh, if you don’t want me to, it’s okay- but um- is it, is it alright if I leave a couple flowers for Patrick?” You sniffed, a tear dropping down on the photo of the two of you, Patrick holding you in a headlock as you laughed with a wide, toothy grin, drowning in one of his old Blackhawks jerseys that you were so excited to wear because it belonged to him. 

“Of course, Osita. Of course it is.” Javi smiled at you softly, turning back around with the tub of leftover decorations, making his way towards you. Quietly, you walked back over to Lucia’s gravestone, carefully setting down the picture of you and Patrick next to it, putting a few marigolds over top of it so it stayed pinned in place from the warm breeze. 

“I miss you, asshole. You deserved so much better. I hope you don’t still think that I hate you. I mean, I do, but you know what I mean. Honestly, you were lucky you didn’t have to live through the Blackhawks losing in the playoffs this year, that fucking sucked. Mom and Dad and Charlie and David all miss you too. I finally went back home to see them. It still wasn’t the same without you there, but I know you don’t hurt anymore. I hope that you don’t hurt anymore. I love you, Patrick. Crack open a cold one up there for me, okay?” Trying your best to not to uncontrollably sob, you sniffled, wiping the tears running down your face as you leaned your head against Javi’s chest. He ran his hand along your back as he held you tighter, letting you take a moment to get everything out before you took a deep breath, nodding your head as if to signify to Javi and yourself that you were okay. 

“You okay, Osita? We can take all the time you need, baby.” Javi whispered, pressing a gentle kiss into your shoulder. 

“No, I’m okay. I just- I wanted to do something for him, too. Thanks, Javi. I love you.” 

“I know.” 

After several more long hugs goodbye with Chucho, you and Javi began your journey back home, marveling at the beautiful sunset, painting the sky with bright pinks and oranges and the warmth and comfort of Lucia and Patrick’s presence. You were so lost in thought staring out at the fading sky, you hadn’t even noticed that Javi had detoured from your usual route home until he had said something to you. “You okay if we make a quick pit stop on the way home, Osita?” You nodded, smiling at the golden glow covering his face. It wasn’t long until you were veering off the main road, Javi turning to make his way down a tree lined gravel pathway with a “For Sale” sign posted in front of it. 

“For sale?” You questioned, looking over at Javi before peering out your window to watch the trees lining the path pass by you as the gravel crunched under the truck’s tires.

“Yeah, uh- I was talking with Steve at the party yesterday and he- uh, one of his buddies said he was looking to get out of the city- wanted a plot of land to build on. Said he had heard good things about Laredo but didn’t have time to go check things out for himself, so I told him I would go take a look around and let Steve know what I thought.” Javi replied, trying his best to sound nonchalant as you shrugged before looking back out the window. As you reached the end of the path, the trees opened to reveal a beautiful, lush green field, the sun setting perfectly along the rolling hills of the horizon in front of you. Turning off the ignition, Javi gestured for the both of you to get out of the truck so you could go take a look around. 

“Jav… This is beautiful.” You marveld, grinning as you took in the beauty of the open space drenched in golden sunset. 

“You like it?” Javi grinned, laughing as you spun around, the gentle breeze blowing your hair in and out of your face. 

“Oh my God, yeah. Tell Steve’s friend to get on this place ASAP before I scrounge up every penny I have and sell one of my kidneys on the black market to buy it from him. There doesn’t even need to be a house, I’ll just lay in the empty field, perfectly content.” You giggled, letting out a happy sigh as you grabbed Javi’s hand, leaning your head against his arm as you admired the sun slipping away below the horizon. 

“I’ll take that as a yes then. He said he’s wanting to build a house here, do you think- do you think that he would think it’s got enough space? It’s not too far from everything? I know it’s a little farther from downtown and a longer drive to work- if uh, if he works by where we do, you don’t think that’d be a problem? For him?” Javi squeezed back, trying his best not to stumble over his words. 

“Are you kidding me? It’s literally perfect out here, Javi. Could you imagine getting to see this every night? He better put some big windows on this house so he can get all of the sunlight, oh my god, it would be so pretty. It’s not even that far from everything, and the view makes the extra drive time worth every minute. I know it’s probably a far way off, and we haven’t really talked about it, but I would love to live at a place like this someday.” 

Javi smiled to himself, looking down at you as you rested against him, soaking in every ounce of you as he shifted his arm to wrap around your waist, gently rubbing his thumb along the soft hem of your shirt before letting out a content sigh. 

“Yeah. Me too.”

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[labrxnth]

Prison Break- Part 4 (Leon Kennedy x Reader series)

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

CW: Death Island spoilers, suicide thoughts/intentions

WC: 2572

Summary: You and your co-worker Leon Kennedy are sent on a mission to rescue a kidnapped robotic engineer Dr. Antonio Taylor. The journey for him leads the two of you to somewhere you thought you would never go, Alcatraz.

A/N: I guess Tumblr fucking shadow banned me. The last part got flagged. Idk if this part will or not so.... have fun I guess. Also, remember how at the beginning of this fic I said that this was me trying to remember the lines from a month ago? Yeah… it’s really starting to show now

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* : ｡ﾟ☆. ───

“Leon?” Jill asked, her eyes looking over him. The pair stared at each other, trying to process the words that they were thinking. 

“You got a gun?” Leon asked. 

“No,” she replied. Leon’s hand went into his vest, pulling out a handgun and twirling it, so the hand grip was facing her and he was holding the barrel. 

“Now you do,” He said and lightly smirked. 

“Thanks,” she replied, taking the gun and making sure it was loaded. 

As if on cue, an infected stumbled through the waterways towards them. 

“Uh Jill, any idea why that’s here?” Leon asked, firing bullets at it and the one behind it. 

“Those… used to be tourists,” she replied, shooting them as well. 

“That’s some fucked up tour,” Leon retorted and watched the two go down.

A slithering sound cut across the water of the sewers. Both of their eyes darted to where the sound came from. The sewers were dark, the few between lights on the cobblestone being the only source of light. 

Leon could’ve sworn the light was playing tricks on him as he watched something <em>emerge</em> from the water. 

The creature crawled up onto the stone walkway, on all fours. It’s brain was exposed and it didn’t have any eyes. 

A licker was the one thing that Leon could’ve gone his entire life without running into again.

Scratch that, there were <em>multiple</em> things that Leon could go his entire life without seeing again. But lickers were definitely high on that list. 

It crawled towards Leon and Jill, almost sniffing the air trying to get their scent. They were completely still, looking at each other in agreement to deal with it quietly. The wet footprints echoed through the hall as it made its way towards the two. 

After it got a little too close for comfort, they aimed their guns at the licker’s brain and unloaded their bullets. As if their day couldn’t get any better, the licker growled at them and started running. 

“Uh oh,” Leon said, taking aim at the creature. 

More shadowy figures emerged from the water and like ants, more lickers joined the one. Eyes widening and curses flowing, Jill and Leon turned tail and ran down the walkway. 

“How many are there?!” Jill yelled as they ran, ocasionally reaching behind herself to fire a bullet. 

“I ain’t stopping to count!” Leon replied, almost scoffing. Ahead of them, Leon saw a box with a hazmat symbol on it- a flammable hazmat symbol. “Move!” He said. 

Jill rounded the corner coming up and Leon dropped the box to the ground. With a light kick, he sent it down the hallway. His eyes tracked the barrel with the sights of his Sentinel and he pulled the trigger, quickly dodging around the corner. 

Licker corpses, flames, and smoke flew past them, Leon’s hand going up to shield himself. After the chaos died down, Leon took a few deep breaths. 

“Zero,” he said and looked around the corner. 

Jill, who was also trying to catch her breath, looked at him confused. Her eyes squinted and brows furrowed. “What?” She asked. 

“You asked me how many there were,” Leon replied, a slight smirk on his face as he leaned against the brick wall. 

Jill blinked a few times, looking at him, not believing how he could be like this. They took a few more seconds to recoup and got moving again. 

Footsteps echoes through the waterways at the two of them kept moving. “So, how the hell did you get dragged into this?” Jill asked, looking ahead. 

“Me and my field partner are tracking down a robotics engineer who was doing some black market trading, the usual,” He replied. 

“Field partner? I don’t see them,” Jill said, her interest piqued. Her head turned towards him, expecting him to answer with an explanation.

“It seems like I lost her,” Leon said. “She’s tough though… she’ll make it through.”

Jill scoffed a bit, in a friendly manner. “If she’s the agent that Chris has told me about, then she’ll be fine. She can handle herself,” Jill said.

“She can,” Leon said determined. “I’m in for an earful about us getting separated though,” he added, slightly chuckling. 

“I like her already,” Jill retorted. 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* : ｡ﾟ☆. ───

“Antonio Taylor? No his name is Tony Ramirez,” Claire said, staring at you. She coughed, leaning forward, leading you to sit next to her with your hand on her shoulder. 

“No, me and Leon are tracking him down, he’s definitely our guy,” you replied gently. 

Your eyes stared at the man across the cell from you and Claire. He was older, balding, and looked terrified. His eyes were almost shaking in their sockets. 

“We’re all dead…” he whimpered, crawling more in the corner. 

You rolled your eyes and looked at the top of the cell, trying to find any faults in the bars. “Chris, when did you two get grabbed?” You asked, wondering how much time they’ve been here for. 

“About 15 minutes,” Chris gruffly replied. His voice was as tired and strained as Claire’s. The clock was ticking for all of you and your hope was in your partner. 

“Don’t worry…. Leon will get to us,” you said, smiling a bit at Claire. 

Your hope for Leon never faltered. Not since your first mission together, especially not after the mission in New York. You knew that Leon always found a way, no matter the stakes. 

And he always found his way to you. 

“Hurry up Leon…” You said under your breath. 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* : ｡ﾟ☆. ───

Leon and Jill were making their way to the others, the walkways had turned into tunnels they had to crawl through. He pulled one of his gloves off with his teeth, putting it in one of the pockets on his tactical vest. 

The only light in the tunnel was from their flashlights as they made their way through. 

“So, your black market engineer… gonna tell me more?” Jill asked, trying to pass the time. She looked ahead the best that she could with Leon in front of her, trying to find any shapes in the dark. Having someone with her helped, but her brain still played out the worst scenario possible. Either the night in the Spencer mansion, September of 1998, or Wesker brainwashing her plagued her vision when she was alone.  

“Taylor? Yeah. He was making robotics for the government then decided to sell U.S. secrets to anyone willing to pay,” Leon replied, trying his best to look ahead. “And I guess ‘Bounty Hunter’ is a part of me and (Y/n)’s job description now. Why are you here?” His voice cut through Jill’s thoughts. 

“Me, Chris, and Claire are here tracking down some virus readings,” Jill replied. “Claire found some virus culture on a whale and double checked it with Rebecca. She roped me and Chris into looking into it.” 

“It seems like our cases are intertwined,” Leon replied. 

Jill looked at the tunnel they were crawling through, her eyes climbing up the brick walls. “What were these tunnels even made for?” She wondered out loud. 

“They were munition tunnels made back when this was a fort,” Leon answered without skipping a beat. 

“Didn’t know you were a tour guide,” Jill replied. 

Leon’s chuckle cut the tension in the tunnel. “I’ll be putting ‘your guide on me résumé,” he chuckled. Jill almost bumped into him when he stopped short, his hand going in the air. 

“What?” Jill whispered. 

“Can’t you feel it? There’s a draft…” Leon replied, his hand moving to right to feel the stone bricks. Feeling around them, he found one that gave when he pushed in. “Bingo..” he added and pushed it in, it falling to the ground. 

Jill got the idea and started helping him clear the poorly set bricks, making an exit for them. 

“After you,” Leon said, gesturing for Jill to go first. 

“Ladies first,” Jill replied and gestured for him to go. 

“Fine,” Leon grumbled and crawled through the exit. 

His feet hit regular concrete flooring and he was able to fully stand up. Shining his flashlight around, they must’ve been in a storage room. “It’s clear,” he said back to Jill who followed him. 

The two walked towards the door, opening it to a room with monitors and control panels everywhere along a wall. File cabinets, pipes, and white board adorned the rest of the room. 

Leon walked to the middle of it, looking around to try and find a clue about his missing doctor. Jill joined him, looking around the console. 

Suddenly, the PA system came to life and a voice cut through the room over the speakers. “Well if it isn’t Jill Valentine and Leon Kennedy,” the voice said. 

Jill and Leon stood back to back, their guns drawn faster than the blink of an eye. 

“Well, if it isn’t… whoever you are,” Leon replied. 

“Come on out and we won’t bite,” Jill said. 

“Meet me in the holding cells.. I have a few things, sorry, <em>people</em>, that you’re looking for,” the voice replied and the speakers turned off. 

Leon and Jill’s eyes locked and they ran towards the holding cells. 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* : ｡ﾟ☆. ───

Over the past ten minutes, you and the Redfields had definitely deteriorated. Your breathing was more labored, feeling the shortness in your lungs, and you felt fatigued, sluggish. Every once in awhile, a cough escaped you, it ringing in your ears and chest. 

Looking across the cell from you at Claire, you could tell she wasn’t doing well either. You could only guess what Chris was like on the other side of the wall Claire was up against. 

You heart the sound of two pairs of boots hitting the ground, rubbing towards the cells. 

“Chris!” You heard Leon say. As he got closer, he saw Claire and you in the cell. “Claire, (Y/n)!” He said and ran over to the bars. Reaching through the rusted iron bars, his hand felt your forehead, then your cheeks, checking your temperature. 

“Shit, you’re burning up,” he said. 

If you weren’t so pressed for time, you would’ve been thankful for him. He looked like an angel swooping down from heaven to save you. In your delirious state, you saw how his shirt sleeve was tight around his bicep muscles and took a mental picture. Claire coughing snapped you back to reality. 

“I’m fine,” you said and pulled his hand away, coughing into your elbow. “Claire and Chris have been here longer…” you added. 

“Are you okay?” Leon asked the two of you. 

“I’m okay,” Claire replied, obviously lying. 

You were about to say something when the sound of a door opening caught all of your attention. Leon and Jill pointed their guns towards the balcony and you and Claire only had the strength to look in the direction. 

Out walked two figures, one you had met before. The same, blank face that you met on the highway yesterday. Maria stood next to a man that you had never seen before in your life. He looked around Chris’s age, his hair was medium length and dark. He carried a cane with him that he rhymically tapped on the ground; the sound on the metal catwalk pierced your ears. 

“I wouldn’t point your gun at me,” he said, looking at Jill and Leon. “Claire and (Y/n) are both infected, in a cell with Dr. Antonio Taylor. Soon enough Claire will turn, killing Taylor and eventually (Y/n) if she doesn’t turn fast enough.” 

Your blood ran cold as you thought about this being how your life ended. You spent the past few years trying to defeat the virus, only to be infected in the end. That and you could t even confess your long time feeling for your work partner. This was a shitty way to go. 

Claire looked up at you, her eyes conveying everything you needed to know. She was exhausted, and rightfully so, but somewhere deep in that exhaustion was the usual Redfield determination that could move mountains and punch boulders. 

“I wonder… will you shoot Claire and (Y/n)? Shoot just Claire and let your partner turn, or let them both turn and watch them rip Taylor limb from limb?” The man on the balcony asked. 

Leon looked in the cell, the gears in his head obviously turning and quick. He couldn’t shoot you even if you were turning and begging him to. You were his one weakness in the world, he couldn’t lay a finger on you to hurt you.

And Claire… the two of them had been through hell and back, being two of a handful of survivors of Raccoon City. They were friends, thick as thieves for awhile. Letting the two of you get taken by infection wasn’t what he wanted, but he <em>couldn’t</em> shoot either of you.

“Leon… it’s okay… do what you have to,” you said and coughed, looking at him. You knew what the correct choice was. Death by infection plagued your nightmares over and over again as you fell asleep. It was a scary possibility for the job you had, and now that possibility was your reality. 

“I can’t…” he said quietly, looking at you. The rhythmic tapping from the man’s cane hit the balcony again, making you wince. 

He pulled out a revolver and shot it towards your cell. Instinctively, your arms went around your head, to somehow protect it, but you felt nothing. Your blood went cold as you thought of the possibility of him shooting Claire. Shaking, your arms went down to find Claire staring back at gou, equally as fine and confused. You two turned to look at Dr. Taylor and saw a gun shot wound in his chest. The man fell over, collapsing to the ground.

Leon grunted in pain, his hand swatting his neck. Maria vaulted over the balcony and landed on the bottom floor, her eyes dead set on Leon. She punched Jill in the stomach and kicked Leon in the torso, sending him flying into the bars of your cell and laying on the floor. His back was right up against the bars. 

She went to kick him again, but the man’s voice cut through the room. “Leave him, the infection will kill him,” he said. Maria glared at you and Leon, then made her way back up to the balcony. 

“Leon…” You said and grabbed his arm through the bars. He wiggled his arm out of your hold and replaced it with his hand, looking at you. 

Your forehead leaned against the bars, <em>almost like it was against his forehead</em>. His head leaned up against the same ones and it felt like you two were the only two in the room. Everybody else faded away as you could still hear talking and everything melted away until it was just the two of you. You heard the familiar cadence and tone of Leon’s voice, he was talking, but you couldn’t make out what it was. His eyes were still locked on yours, wincing every once in a while. 

Just like the mission in New York, it was just the two of you.

And just like that mission in New York, you could’ve sworn you meant the world to him. 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* : ｡ﾟ☆. ───

Catch this early on my AO3

#resident evil fanfic #leon kennedy x reader #leon s kennedy x reader #resident evil fanfiction #leon s kennedy x you #leon kennedy #slow burn #leon s kennedy

[maestro-of-clockwork]

It's been too many days,

too many days of seeing herself and her friends be pushed to wit's end and then chained, sunk back into reality again. Too many days of thinking everything couldn't get any worse, only to be proven wrong over and over.

Long,

grueling,

endless.

She found herself caving into something she couldn't understand then. It was something of an empty instability, something cold that lied dormant, waiting for something to happen. She constantly felt it now, this sensation that left her feeling like an unfired gun.

Sketchbook didn't want to acknowledge any thought like that, but it was becoming harder and harder to ignore the more Antonio pulled apart the thread that kept her together in the first place.

It didn't help that he made her stick either close by him, or in his room. She'd been effectively separated from her best friends for weeks now.

Asking him about them didn't help. All he did was either teasingly lie to her, or delivered the truth by way of jokes or brutal details...and now, here he was, taunting her like usual.

Sketchbook knew exactly what would happen if she chose not to engage, but went that route anyway. He reacted as she expected.

"Not going to talk, are you?" sneered Antonio, twirling the pocket knife in his hand, possessing the air of some kind of mischievous whimsical creature. "Perhaps a little more quality time between us will prod you into being a little more eager to speak up."

The man moved his free hand to stroke her hair, "Don't you agree?"

Sketchbook lifted her head up to look at him, feeling herself be hollowed out and replaced by bitter hatred. There was no fear in her eyes.

Just anger.

"Do. Not. Touch. Me."

Antonio's hand stopped, his smile warping into something more mocking and cruel at her demand.

"Sketchbook, you daft, silly little thing," his words matched her energy in its maliciousness, "you should know by now that I do whatever I want at my discretion. Your needs don't matter here."

He was about to reach for her hair again when Sketchbook snatched his wrist with the tightest grip she could muster.

"I'm tired of you treating me and my friends as toys, Tony," Sketchbook spoke, an unfamiliar poison hitting her voice.

"You always ruin EVERYTHING!" she screamed, shoving him back with all of her strength. It only made him stagger backwards, but she didn't care.

"Every single time I think we're FINALLY going to be okay, you RUIN IT! WHY CAN'T YOU JUST STOP?!"

Sketchbook barely felt the tears pouring from her eyes as the initial look of genuine surprise on Antonio's face shifted into an incredulous smirk, like she'd said the dumbest thing in the world.

"STOP SMILING AND JUST ANSWER ME!"

She was shaking all over now, the anger swiftly rising.

The hammer was pulled back.

"The truth of the matter is, all of you are just too fun to play with!"

Ready?

"Ha! Honestly, I doubt I'll ever leave any of you at peace."

Aim.

"Especially you, my sunshine."

FIRE.

Sketchbook wasted no time, screaming in rage as she tackled the man to the floor, the knife clattering to the floor with him. It wasn't long until he wrestled her onto her back, though, hands latching around her throat as a toothy grin took up his face.

"Gracious, this was over quickly! I figured you'd be more of a fight, what with that pent-up rage of yours."

"SHUT UP!"

Sketchbook kicked, punched and clawed, trying to get him off of her the best she could. Her hands felt tingly and was making this hissing noise every time she touched something, but that was at the very back of her mind. Everything at the forefront was blinding hot rage and violence. All she could see was red.

She fought so hard and so blindly that she could barely register his grip getting tighter until black was starting to dot her vision. As a last-ditch attempt before she passed out, she left one last long scratch across his face that made him let her go shortly after.

As soon as he'd let up, she gasped and choked for breath, too exhausted now to do little more than just survive.

"Well, now..." Antonio rose, standing over her. "...this is new."

Sketchbook weakly looked up to see what he was talking about. She could see the arms and front of his suit discolored in some places, and...

Burns.

Antonio's skin had burns where she had scratched him.

She was suddenly aware of how strongly her nose caught the scent of chemicals...and when she looked down at her hands, they were dripping this clear substance.

Sketchbook sat up and scrambled back shakily, the substance dripping down onto her clothes, now starting to discolor them, too...then, it stopped. She kept staring at her hands until the realization hit her.

That was paint thinner.

Paint thinner leaked from her hands and-

No.

"No, no, no, no, no," Sketchbook muttered to herself in a panic, "what did I do?! What did I do-?!"

The last thing she wanted to happen happened. She spiraled out of control, and now she had something inside her that could hurt people. She didn't want to hurt anybody, she never wanted to hurt anybody! She-

"Oh, calm down, Sketchbook. You just have a new ability, that's all. In fact, I didn't know that you teachers could develop such things...and it seems all it took for yours to come was your hatred towards me..."

Horror settled in her bones. She couldn't think straight anymore.

All she could do then was ask, "Could you-...could you please let my friends go home? I-...I don't want to do that again, Tony...please, don't make me do that again..."

Sketchbook could see the discoloration on her pants and shirt revert back to normal as he answered, "Sure, I don't mind to."

"I've had my fill of the three of you for now," Antonio patted her head lightly.

"Tony...?"

"Yes?"

Her mind crumbled in its desperation.

"I'm afraid of going back home...I'm afraid I'll-..."

"You're afraid that you'll hurt them?" he finished for her.

"...yes."

"Well, now...I'm positive that it won't be triggered again as long as I'm not around," he reassured, much too lighthearted about the situation. "So, don't you worry your little head."

Sketchbook lifted her head to look at Antonio as he opened the door. She couldn't understand why, but she felt relieved not to see the burns she'd left on him anymore.

"You know where their room is." Antonio nudged his head towards the outside as he stowed his recovered knife in his coat pocket. "It seems you've got quite a bit of catching up to do, hm?"

The jab didn't even spark irritation in her again. Even if she was still sick and tired of Antonio, and even if he was done with her and her friends for the time being, she had other things to worry about now...

#[[ ooc ]] #from the typewriter. {{ t e x t }} #event: pulling the strings #event end #[[ hope this wasn't underwhelming 😭 ]]

[adamwatchesmovies]

Spy Kids (2001)

For children and the adults who accompany them, there’s a lot to like in the Robert Rodriguez passion project Spy Kids. Visually, it’s so creative that in no time, it wins you over. There’s a lot of great humor too. Combined with good performances from both the seasoned and junior actors and a plot that holds its audience in high regard, you’ve got a family adventure destined to endure.

Unbeknownst to 12-year-old Carmen (Alexa Vega) and 9-year-old Juni (Daryl Sabara), their parents used to be rival spies who fell in love. When Gregorio (Antonio Banderas) and Ingrid (Carla Gugino) decide to get back into the field, they're captured by television host Fegan Floop (Alan Cumming) and his bizarre robots. Now it’s up to the “spy kids” to save the day.

The villain makes this picture. Fegan Floop is unlike any bad guy you’ve seen in a spy movie because he’s kind of… nice? Yes, he’s building an army of robotic children to infiltrate every powerful family in the world and any agent he catches on his island – which doubles as the set for his television series – is mutated into a freakish creature he'll feature on his show but he’s not really interested in world domination. He’s doing all of these evil things because he’s being pushed around by his employers and his second-in-command, Minion (Tony Shalhoub). You get the feeling he could be reasoned with. He’s certainly doing the TV show host thing well. It’s weird and loopy but that’s precisely what makes it appealing and the sets/his lair? They’re so cool the film has a post-credit scene that does nothing but walk you through a couple of the corridors so you can take in all of those colours and patterns.

Perhaps I misspoke. There is more to this story than the bad guy. The titular spy kids, for one. They’re terrific. You can tell Juni is fed up with her brother most of the time but that she loves and feels protective towards him. Timid Juni might be a wimp but just give him some time and you know he’ll prove himself. With the wild array of gadgets they’ve received, they certainly feel like the spies we need to fulfill this mission. The actors play off each other flawlessly and carry their own against all of the adults.

From the first scene, the movie tells you it's going to be special by hooking you with a sweet love story between the parents. There’s a lot of love in Spy Kids, both between the characters and between the movie and the people who put it together. The writing is smart and full of great, memorable jokes that’ll have everyone in the audience laughing. Sometimes they come in so quickly that you’ll miss a couple. It means you’ll be able to comfortably revisit the film with your kids as they grow up. If you saw the picture back in 2001, you’ll see that it’s aged well. Some of the special effects might not have (though we’re not talking Adventures of Sharkboy and Lava Girl kinda bad) but the film uses a lot of practical effects and those easily stand the test of time. The action scenes are great; so creative and so well thought-out. So many children’s films settle for dumbing down material adults have seen before. Not Spy Kids.

Robert Rodriguez's Spy Kids has a great message about the importance of family, the score by John Debney and Danny Elfman (among others) is memorable. The picture is sweet, fun and entertaining. It offers plenty in the visual department. You'll be excited regardless of how old you may be but for those under 12, in particular, it’s a sure winner. (April 17, 2020)

#Spy Kids #movies #films #movie reviews #film reviews #Robert Rodriguez #Alexa Vega #Daryl Sabara #Danny Trejo #Antonio Banderas #Carla Gugino #Alan Cumming #Teri Hatcher #Cheech Marin #Robert Patrick #Tony Shalhoub #Mike Judge #2001 movies #2001 films

[ann1-the-s1mp]

The Silent Treatment

Synopsis: Knives decides to leave with Anni and Ant for night out without telling Hoodie, when she returns back Hoodie is pissed by things take a turn...

Warnings: NSFW, Adult themes, blowjobs, not so nice language, NOT PROOFREAD

Word Count: 3,309

A/N: No comment.

-----

"Oh come on, don't be such a pussy." Anni chides as she grabs Knives' arm and pulls her along. Anni's nagging and begs seemed to have gotten to Knives as they both made their way to Antonio who was waiting for the both of them at the mansions entrance.

A little smile makes its way onto Antonio's face when he catches sight of Knives. After all Anni promised to bring her but Knives seemed hesitant in leaving.

"But Hoodie might get upset…he doesn't like it when I leave without telling hi-" Knives says but is quickly interrupted by Anni.

"Fuck that asshole." Anni scowls. "You should come out with us and have some decent fun for once. Unless of course you'd rather hand out with him than me and Ant…" Anni fakes a sigh and frowns at Knives.

Knives gives her a look that portrays slight annoyance and it doesn't take long for Anni's facade to erupt into little giggles as Knives rolls her eyes at the girl in exasperation.

"And what would Masky think?" Knives narrows her eyes at the girl, knowing that Masky has a tendency to get a tad bit abusive when Anni stepped out of line.

Instead of heeding Knives' warning, Anni shrugs it off and waves her comment off.

"Yeah, that chainsmoking bastard can cry about it for all I care." Anni scoffs. She continues to walk Knives towards the two big double doors and stops in front of Antonio.

Antonio greets Anni with a teasing sneer to which Anni responds back with just the same thing. When he turns to Knives he's sure to smile. He had noticed her from the beginning of her coming to the mansion and he had kept an eye on her ever since. He realized straight off the bat from meeting her that she was not someone he needed to flirt with. In fact flirting got nowhere. Every time he said some nasty pick-up line or flirtatious remark she'd shoot him a look of confusion. She was as dense as a brick wall.

Talking to her more, he came to realize that she was more wholesome than he had first thought. She was a beautiful girl, it was only right of him to assume that she had been with some guys in the past but as soon as she mentioned that she was saving herself for someone special, he felt endeared to her almost.

Now he finally got the opportunity to hang around her more and he was understandably excited.

"Where are we going?" Knives asks, looking at both of them.

"There's a club in the underworld that's pretty fun, figured we could screw around there for a little bit." Antonio shrugs, trying to look all nonchalant and cool.

"Or maybe Antonio just wants to whore around with all the demon women he meets…" Anni chimes in with a grin.

Antonio frowns slightly and his cheeks turn a light shade of pink. "That's not at all what I wanted to do, thank you very much."

Knives laughs it off and pats Antonio's shoulder.

"Anni, stop being such an ass. We can go…" Knives smiles. Though she had a feeling that Hoodie would be pissed at her when she comes back.

Despite her worries she walks with Antonio and Anni as Ant leads them all into the Underworld. Getting there was a little adventure in itself. For one to break out of the Operators realm and into the Underworld, you had to have something demonic or special about you that allows you to break through the barrier between private realms and the Undercity.

Walking over to a thick tree, with a gaping hole in the middle, Antonio raises his hand and utters something under his breath. Suddenly a flicker of light sprouts out from the tree and then forms a portal. The trick with portals was that you had to be thinking about where you wanted to go while summoning, getting distracted could have you ending up in a completely different universe if you were unlucky enough.

As the entirety of the portal sprouts out from around Antonio's hands on the other side, they could all see the familiar bright lights of the Undercity flashing back at them and a big flashing sign that obnoxiously pointed to the entrance of a club.

Pulling his hand away Antonio steps through the portal and ends up on the other side. Knives and Anni do the same thing and they all end up standing in front of the club. They could all hear pounding music and could almost smell all sorts of illegal substances drifting out of the place.

"Forget about Hoodie, lets just have some fun." Antonio grins.

Back at the mansion Hoodie was pissed. No. Past pissed. He was angry at Knives for just leaving and upon speaking with Masky he found that Anni had left too. He knew that girl was a bad influence on Knives.

#ocs #oc time #simp party my beloved #simp party #knives my beloved #knives and hoodie hours #simp party smut

[kirric-the-fan]

What was the first thing the grandkids did with their gifts in your pirate AU?

Oooh, that’s a great question Anon! Thank you so much!

So instead of doors, each Madrigal gets a magical focus. This is important, because that means they don’t get some magical art directly telling what their gift is, so it wasn’t always obvious.

Isabela got the rigging, which formed into bigger, better rigging, and an extra sail on the main masts when she touched it. For her the ropes came down and gave her a lift/ride up and swinging around the ship (not too dissimilar to Antonio’s introduction to his room). Isabela had a lot of fun, although her parents were quite a bit worried because it did look like she’d fall a few times, but her gift caught her.

Dolores’ focus was a room at the prow (front) of the ship. There weren’t many clues as to its purpose beyond being some sort of music room, so after a bit of worrying, they had their celebration party anyway. During that party Dolores started singing along with some of the songs and uh, accidentality activated her gift. It was a bit of a mess suddenly having a whole load of adults struggling to concentrate on not doing what this five year old was singing about (more dancing mostly). They all eventually fell under her spell. Thankfully Bruno had enough foresight to put earplugs in, and he was able to convince Dolores to stop singing for a bit. Then they found a book about sirens in the room, which was a ‘why couldn’t we find that earlier?’ moment. Over the next few days young Dolores attempted to use her gift to get the adults to do what she wants, like giving her more sweets. It was a hectic few weeks until Pepa had made it clear she would not be blackmailed. Things settled after that.

Luisa’s focus was a new anchor, at least one and a half times her size at the time. She picked it up, much to everybody’s shock. More so when they realised it was a real anchor, full weight and all. Luisa had fun picking her dad up and carrying him around that evening, running around the deck holding him over her head with the biggest grin on her face.

Camilo’s focus was a mirror on deck for signalling. He discovered his gift by sneezing and immediately shapeshifting into a random member of the crowd. He spent the whole evening going round and trying out different forms.

Mirabel’s ceremony failed, her focus fading away and disappearing when she touched it. Antonio’s nearly five, and ceremony is yet to happen, but that's another story... :)

(Want to know more? Mosey on up to my pinned post here for links to more pirate AU thoughts, stories and drabbles!)

#kirric's encanto pirate au #encanto #grandkid roundup #isabela madrigal #dolores madrigal #luisa madrigal #camilo madrigal #mirabel madrigal #antonio madrigal #ask and you shall receive

[zentloper-xmas]

Season’s Greetings! I’m writing to you in a frantic state because right now it feels like I have 17 million things on my to-do list and, like the Lernaean Hydra, every time I knock one off it, two more appear in its place! @0@

I guess that begs the question: What have we been up to this past year? Well, besides a beach trip to Corpus Christi, Ren Faire in Bastrop, hike in Dripping Springs, backpacking trip to Lost Maples, enjoying time with my brother’s family and Neil’s parents over Easter, marching on the Capitol for Trans rights, Furry convention in Houston, kayaking the river in Austin, video game convention in Austin, another beach trip to Galveston, seeing the botanical gardens in San Antonio, a visit to Knott’s Scary Farm in Anaheim (CA), another camping trip in Cameron, running our spooky garage walkthrough for Halloween, another Furry convention in San Antonio during the solar eclipse, visiting Neil’s sister and her newborn in Black Hawk (CO), another Ren Faire in Houston, and loads and loads of karaoke/dancing.

The lattermost of those is informed by the fact that we found ourselves a nice little social group based in the Austin/Central Texas area that hosts numerous fun get-togethers several times a month. In fact, the kayaking you see on the enclosed photo was one of said events! It’s an LGBTQ+ group, and I don’t think we’ve ever felt quite as “at home” in Texas as we find ourselves now. Amazing what a sense of belonging will do for a person! And for a couple. In a lot of ways, the events feel like “date nights,” especially when we dress up for the occasion. We’ve become a lot closer emotionally as a result, which has been simply wonderful. <3

Another wonderful thing Neil and I have been doing is book clubbing! We’ve been reading books on various topics that interest us a chapter at a time, taking notes and convening in the evenings to discuss and share our thoughts. We’re both pretty intellectually curious individuals, and it’s additionally illuminating to explore one anothers’ viewpoints and perspectives on the topics. In particular we’ve found our noses in a lot of LGBTQ+ and adjacent books. (I hope you won’t mind if I recommend a couple at the end of this letter!)

I’ve been getting big into advocacy this year. I’m a founding member of the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Group at my work, and monthly I contribute an article to the Employee Newsletter. If you haven’t gotten enough of my prattling on with this letter, feel free to give them a read:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-zentler-529005147/recent-activity/articles/ Mostly they highlight important LGBTQ+ holidays and their importance to the community, to help raise awareness about marginalized and/or misunderstood groups.

I’ve gotten to get up on stage and give speeches at a couple LGBTQ+ pageants, which are judged also on an interview, costuming, and a performance (guess which of those is my fave, haha). In November I was selected as the winner! How cool is that? I’m hoping to do a lot more educational talks/panels/workshops in 2024 now that I’m an official Titleholder for Central Texas. It’s exciting to not only share my passion with others, but to be recognized for my efforts.

When we last left our intrepid heroes, they were attempting to line up surrogacy. We jointly agreed to press the pause button on that, as Neil decided to “return to school” to get his degree– quotes there because it’s all virtual and paid for by his employer! Definite win! It’s a bit of a juggling act for him to be working full-time and schooling part-time though, plus our new social commitments and time dedicated to one another… adding a newborn on top of that did not seem like the wisest plan. We’ll reassess in a couple years’ time once his degree is complete. The hope is that it will open some doors for him professionally, since well, babies are expensive (especially when you have to “rent a uterus,” LOL).

I think that just about wraps up what’s been going on on our end. Now to get wrapping presents!

We hope this year has brought you as much joy as it has us!

Rick & Neil

Book Recs:

Ace: What Asexuality Reveals about Desire, Society, and the Meaning of Sex by Angela Chen

Delusions of Gender: How Our Minds, Society, and Neurosexism Create Difference by Cordelia Fine

#zentloper #christmas #xmas #letter #2023

[flwrkae]

COOK YOUR WAY INTO THEIR HEARTS!

summary: Mariana, a young girl coming from a famed family of cooks isn't as blessed with the skills of the knife compared to her kin. Frustrated as she also loves food and cooking as much as them, she decides to go on a journey to learn how to cook from her family members.

warnings: none! just a 'lil breakdown but all good :] not proof read

notes: hii, so this is set in spain and im filipino who knows 0 abt spain so plz forgive me if there is wrong things, its all google translated and i wrote this 4 school a while back so dont judge kakaka, just for fun and want an outlet for my works to share to the world

The sun is just beginning to rise along the shores of Cadaques. Located in the heart of the small town is a family restaurant called “Flor de Iluvia” meaning rain flower. Even this early in the morning, many people are lining up outside waiting for a chance to have a seat. It hasn’t even opened but a long queue has formed outside the door and it caused quite a noise. Many people know that Flor de Iluvia is a busy restaurant and is always filled any time of the time but the food is just too good, you just keep coming back.

Since it's a family-owned restaurant, the family members will be the cooks and the ones running it. Tio Carlos is known for his good looks along with his Hummus, Tia Valentina with her sweet character with her rich Spanish hot chocolate that will surely provide you comfort in the rainy season, Papa Hernando with his simple yet intense Patatas Bravas that's a favorite among the dad’s and tio’s since its best paired with beer, Mama Camila with her homey Huevos Rancheros, The cousin pair: Gabriela and Antonio with their specialty of albondigas that everyone of all ages enjoys, Abuela Romana and the crowd's favorite, her Paella that started it all, and many more talented chefs under the Rodriguez surname.

And there is Mariana, the girl whose specialty is cleaning. It is clear she is the odd one out of the family since she wasn’t gifted the special skills the rest of her kin have when it comes to cooking so she makes up for it with her cleaning and decorating skills. 

The winter season is beginning and the temperature starts dropping. Even if you are greeted by the warm sun, the air will just make you feel weird. This is what Mariana feels every day, she already has much on her plate with the worry that she will never get the chance to cook with her family members do her school work, and do other things. She wakes up around 5 AM which is still relatively early for her, to hear that the kitchen is already filled and operating due to the loud voices of her family members nearly screaming at each other. She groans and lazily gets up from bed trying to fight away the urge to fall asleep. She gets up, puts on her slippers, and heads out of her room to check what's downstairs. She sees that several people are waiting outside even if the temperature is like 9 degrees and turns her head to the kitchen to see her papa and Tio arguing.

“Ay Dios Mio Hernando! Have you seen the people waiting outside for the restaurant to open and get their orders while you push back the opening time just because you had a hangover?” Tio Carlos shouts at Papa Hernando, “I’m sorry hermano but have you forgotten that I’m the manager of this place, can’t you see you are just pushing the opening time more because you just keep blaming me and you should start cooking” He retorted. The argument got cut off when Gabriela asked her dad, Tio Carlos to just not mind Papa Hernando and to start working on the orders. 

Mariana walked up to the counter of the kitchen and asked what's going on and Camila, her cousin, responded that Papa Hernando went out drinking last night and woke up late with a headache so Tio Carlos got mad at him, and boom that happened. Mariana just laughed since it was a funny situation, to begin with, and she had this thought in her head, what if she asked Camila if she can help out because they are in a situation but Camila said “I know that look in your face Mariana, you want to help out don’t you” and Mariana just nodded in response then Camila followed “As much as we appreciate your help, we need to rush things and can’t afford any failures but next time, when you become a better cook”. After hearing that, she just sighed in defeat, laughed it off then headed to her room.

She went up the stairs frantically and shut the door to her room as soon as she arrived. She was bothered by the comment that Camila made but decided to brush it off and got ready to go to school. She showered, put on her uniform, went down to grab something to eat on the way, and waved goodbye. On her way to school, she was still bothered by the comment and overthinked it the whole day. The comment kept her thinking, what did Camila mean by “can’t afford any failures” and kept thinking if she was referring to herself as the failure. It affected her all day and dampened her mood which caused her to keep on sighing and acting all dramatic. 

After a long day of school, she arrived home and when she opened the door with a smile on her face, it instantly turned to a frown when she saw Camila. She was reminded again about the conversation this morning and ran to her room. She dropped her bag and changed into her house clothes in a hurry since she felt this sudden surge of emotion and started breaking down. She felt like a disappointment and a failure like what Camila said, why couldn’t she be like her family members? She kept beating herself up and she turned to her side and saw herself in the mirror. Mariana thought to herself that she looks funny and shouldn’t be crying over something so simple. It still pained her but she knew she had to do something about her problem instead of crying about it. She got on her phone and started scrolling through recipes on how to make simple meals and tips on cooking. She took note of this and was determined to prove her family wrong.

It’s a Saturday today and Mariana woke up to her eyes being puffy from last night. She was in a good mood because she told herself that today is the start of her epic journey of learning how to cook. She went down after brushing her teeth to see that they were just preparing breakfast. Flor de Iluvia opens later than usual on Saturdays and Sundays so the Rodriguez family could have some family time. 

Mariana's mom, Mama Gabriela looked at Mariana and ran over to her, while cupping her face she said in worry “Mija, why are your eyes so puffy? Did anything happen last night?” and Mariana just held on to her mother's hand and reassured her it was for a simple reason “But in fact mama, you can help me with my problem! Can you teach me how to cook?” Mama Gabriela had a smile on her face and hugged her daughter “Of course I can, anything for you! Tonight I will teach you so come sit first and eat!”. After Mama Gabriela said that, she sat down and started eating with her family. 

The day went on pretty well because if you may have guessed it, Mariana was looking forward to cooking with her Mama. Mama Camila is known for her soft and endearing nature that will always make you feel at peace and Mariana was blessed to have such a mother who was like that and who cooks like heaven was brought to your mouth. She was pretty much excited because the last time she tried cooking, she burnt an egg. All she did for the afternoon was lounge around her room and go room to room to bother her relatives.

“Mariana, Get out of my room! You know I’m doing something important!” Antonio, her cousin said as he threw pillows at her. “What do you mean important? It’s clear you were playing again” Mariana said as she leaned against the doorframe while crossing her arms. She then entered the room and lay down on his bed. “Boy, I’m so bored right now, the fun only happens tonight” Mariana complains and Antonio turns around quickly and raises an eyebrow “What do you mean fun only happens tonight???? WHAT ARE YOU DOING AT SUCH A YOUNG AGE” He screams while he stands up, “Relax Antonio, I don’t mean those things, My mom will teach me how to cook tonight! And I’m just so excited that anything else is not that exciting” Mariana explains. Antonio just pushes Mariana out and then shuts the door in front of her “Rude much” Mariana says.

The day continued without a pause and Mariana was bored out of her mind so when evening came, she decided to go out for a walk since the restaurant became busier and people started pouring in. The cold breeze hit her hair and danced along with it. Mariana shivers as she feels the wind while she stares out at the ocean. She closed her eyes and found peace with the sound of ocean waves and had this impulsive feeling. She ran to the shore of the ocean and pulled her pants a little above her shins and let the waves hit her feet. It was quite peaceful and slow-paced compared to the busy and noisy atmosphere she was used to. She remained in this motionless state for a while then sat down. Staring at the moon got her thinking what if she was as talented as her family members but she worked hard for it. She imagined all the praise she got when she opens her restaurant in the future and she makes a fist promising to herself that she will make that happen. 

Closing time arrives and she rushes back to the restaurant. “Where have you been all night Mariana? We were worried sick about you!” Mama Camila exclaims while rushing to Mariana. “Ma, I was just out and nothing happened so don’t worry” She reassures her mother then Mama Camila pulls her by the hand gently to the kitchen, “Tonight, I’m going to teach you how to make my special Huevos Rancheros!” Mama Camila says then she starts getting the ingredients and things that will be used. “Mariana, can you start prepping or chopping what needs to be done so we can finish up early” Her mother ordered so Mariana got to work and started crushing the tomatoes and chopping the onions. After chopping up and prepping, Mama Camila is teaching her how to make the salsa, “U saute the onions in olive oil in medium heat then when its translucent, you add the tomatoes that you crushed and add the green chilies” Mama Camila instructed then Mariana followed but she added too much green chilies and accidentally burned them, “You can add any additional seasoning but don’t add too much as it might overpower the dish” Mama Camila reminded but Mariana decided to add her twist to it and added too much of spice chili powder. 

Now the salsa is done and Mama Camila had this trick of warming the plate so she popped it in the oven just a little while that was heating. Mariana started preparing the tortillas and put them in a pan with oil to heat and while waiting, she started frying the eggs and forgot about the tortillas and they burned! While she was frying the eggs, she suddenly smelt something burning and asked her mother “Mama, do you smell anything burning?” Mama Camila panicked and said "Mariana the eggs!" then hurryingly went to the stove and turned off the heat. Mariana just stood there as the scene unfolded and took a mental note to herself to always be mindful of everything.

"Mija, go up and wash up. I'll finish things here" Mama Camila said so Mariana followed what her mother said and went up. Mariana didn't feel that sad about it because she at least got a chance to cook and learned something from her mom. She decided that when everyone is asleep, she will practice cooking the dish again.

That time of the night came and Mariana came out of her room quietly and tiptoed her way to the kitchen. Good thing she remembered the recipe and followed it without adding too much of something or anything that she only likes. It was finished and it tasted bad. It was burned and mild to her but she didn't lose hope and started again. This process was repeated many times until she got it to the taste that was okay but not really up to the restaurant's standards. She got tired and cleaned up then headed back to her room. 

Days turned into weeks and Mariana spent most of her time helping in the restaurant with her usual cleaning and decorating but at night when everyone was asleep, she would try recreating the recipe that her mom taught her. It was one night when she was caught cooking by Tia Valentina. Tia Valentina laughed when she heard the reason why Mariana kept sneaking out of her room at night and why there was lots of noise coming from the kitchen. "I honestly thought there was a ghost in the kitchen but glad it was you! Anyways, I can help you with this journey of yours! I can help you make my simple hot chocolate" Tia Valentina offered and Mariana replied quickly with a nod. 

Mariana was excited to learn to make something again and she was thrilled since it was something fairly easy. Tia Valentina offered to do it together since it would be easy to mimic the actions and Mariana agreed. They first used a saucepan, heated to medium heat, and poured the milk and cornstarch. Mariana was a little behind because she had a hard time understanding the medium heat but got it when Tia Valentina put the stove on medium heat. Tia Valentina got a whisk and handed it to Mariana and told her to whisk it until it starts to boil. In a matter of a few minutes, it started to boil and Tia Valentina took it out quickly but Mariana was confused and let it boil a bit until she took it out. They added chocolate and stir until it was fully melted. After they finished putting the chocolate and mixing it, they put it back on the stove and turned down the heat then stirred it constantly. They were done with the drink and Mariana was happy when it was finished.

They just added the finishing touches like whipped cream and drizzled caramel on top. Mariana was happy and started drinking right away. Tia Valentina just chuckled and drank along with Mariana. "I didn't know you had a knack for cooking, I wish I had taught you earlier," Tia Valentina remarked Mariana was happy hearing it but deep down she didn't want to tell Tia that her drink tasted a bit weird and knew that she let the milk boil some more. "Thank you Tia Valentia for teaching me!" Mariana said and Tia Valentina responded "No worries, I know that yours taste a bit weird so I hope next time, you follow instructions" And then she left.

Mariana kept making this drink every time she had guests over or if she wanted a rich drink. Every time she made it, she kept thinking something was lacking and wasn't satisfied with it. Time has passed and Mariana has never failed to come to the kitchen every night to practice her skills in cooking. She wanted to improve them drastically so she decided to ask Tio Carlos, a famous chef who has his dishes, on a special menu in the restaurant.

It was an afternoon when Mariana came home from school and saw Tio Carlos in the restaurant. "Tio Carlos! Are you back from your trip?" Mariana said while setting her bag down. "Hello Mariana, it's been a long time! You surely are big now. I just arrived earlier" Tio Carlos replied while entertaining some diners. "I also have a question or a request to make," Mariana asked and Tio Carlos hummed in response, "Would it be okay if you could teach me one of your recipes" Mariana continued and Tio Carlos agreed and told her to come to the kitchen at night.

Mariana was excited to learn from Tio Carlos and was down all afternoon to night helping around in the restaurant. When evening came, Mariana rushed to the kitchen and found there were still people cleaning up so she decided to help around to kill time.

It was around 9 PM when Mariana saw Tio Carlos. "Hello, Tio! I'm so excited to learn from you!" Mariana exclaimed and Tio Carlos chuckled "Calm down Mari, tonight we are going to let loose so don't be so uptight. I'm going to just teach you simple recipes". Mariana and Tio Carlos enjoyed themselves with the cooking because even if Tio Carlos was strict, Mariana got to pick up lots of tips. In the end, Mariana made his famous Hummus and was disappointed when it wasn't up to his standard and was just told to keep on practicing then left.

Mariana stood there for a few minutes then tears started dripping from her eyes. She didn't realize it but his words stuck to him and realized that she won't be like her family and felt anger building up in her. She threw all the things on the counter and made a mess. "Why am I a disappointment?" A plate fell, "How come I can't be like them?" Another thing went flying to the ground, "WHY AM I SO UNLUCKY AND ALWAYS LEFT OUT" and with that, she fell to her knees and cried. She kept it the whole time and invalidated her feelings thinking it was natural. All the pressure, sadness, and jealousy started crashing down. She remained on the floor for a while and kept repeating "What am I doing wrong" for a few minutes until she stopped and realized something. She shouldn't copy, mimic and be like her family members.

She had this realization that she kept on messing up because her taste isn't like her family members and kept on copying them and their recipes but added her touch that messed up the dish. She should be her person and chef and apply the skills she learned to create a dish that reflected her personality and matched her taste pallet.

She got herself together and cleaned up the mess she made, the broken plate and glass shards, wrappings on the floor, or spills made. She then sat down and started thinking about things that she would like in her dish like a dish that reminds you of home, something to be comforted by, a little spicy and easy to cook. Mariana came up with Spicy Spanish Prawns which was perfect for her because of the seafood that is often served since they live by the sea and the spicyness. 

Mariana scrambled around the kitchen getting her ingredients like prawns, paprika, chili flakes, lemon juice, and more. She got a flying pan and placed it over low heat, she then added olive oil, garlic, chili flakes, and paprika. She let it sit for a couple of minutes so she decided to prep the prawns, she got a paper towel and dried the prawns then seasoned them lightly with salt and pepper. She turned the heat up and when it started to shimmer, she placed the prawns and tossed it around until it became opaque. After tossing and cooking it around, she turned off the heat and poured the lemon juice and sherry then stirred it. As a final touch, she added parsley and tasted it immediately. She felt proud of herself for once because she made it to her liking. All the flavors exploded in her mouth and savored them. She finished half of the dish and saved it for her family to taste the next day. 

Morning came and she woke up early with a smile on her face and couldn’t stop thinking about last night. She went down the stairs and found most of her family members just talking about their plans for the holidays so she took this as an opportunity to serve her food. She took them out of the fridge and just heated them. When it was finished, she was scared of what they would say and disappointment, complaints, and disgust filled her head. As she walked to the table where they were sitting, she felt like she was walking to her death as a chef and part of the Rodriguez family. 

“Oh Mija, what is this?” Abuela Romana asked and motioned her to sit down, “It’s just something I made after many sessions of teaching myself how to cook so I want you guys to try it” Mariana answered and she felt her heart beating as each one grabbed a spoonful and placed it in their mouth. “Oh wow! Did you make this? It’s pretty good” remarked Tio Carlos and many people nodded in agreement. Abuela Romana was the one who Mariana was worried about because her response is a make-and-break in her career as a chef but all her worries were eased when she said it was good enough and made a hint that she could start cooking and helping out in the kitchen. “It’s a good dish if we take into account that you’re just new to cooking so I look forward to seeing more of your dishes put on the table”. Mariana felt happy and jumped inside, she hugged her mom and thanked everyone who helped her.

It was an afternoon in Flor de Iluvia and the front of the restaurant was a bit empty because a certain girl isn’t cleaning and entertaining diners anymore. Mariana had found a spot in the kitchen as someone who fries and handles seafood. As she is cooking, she remembers all the hard times and jealousy she experienced but her hard work paid off. She certainly cooked her way into everyone's hearts.

#writblr #writeblr #writers on tumblr #writing #creative writing #original story #cadaques #cook #writerscommunity #letters sent

[sorenblr]

Can we get your quick take on each Jojo part?

Sure thing. I'll try to keep it punchy (spoiler for every Jojo part, obviously):

Phantom Blood

It's so sick that Araki just started drawing like Tetsuo Hara while Fist of the North Star was at the crest of its popularity. Never underestimate the viability of naked imitation in feeling out your style. I love Phantom Blood. Really cool to see him work in a more traditional vernacular with reasonable pacing. Back in yon day people would try to turn you onto the series by suggesting you skip the first two parts and go straight into Stardust Crusaders. I always thought that was psychotic. Luck... and pluck??

Highlights: The rugby match cold open.

Battle Tendency

Araki was getting really into Antonio Lopez around this time and it paid off in a big way. Joseph Joestar is a top-tier protagonist. He's such a dumb piece of shit. The Pillar Men reveal spread is a watershed moment in the history of manga. Lisa Lisa rules but Araki was simply too Kojima-brained to make good. The last proper training arc in the series is Joseph and Caesar trying to climb up a big greasy pole. Hey, not bad.

Highlights: Kars doing pro skater 3 moves to avoid landing on a flower, Joseph and Caesar threatening to shoot up a post office.

Stardust Crusaders

Joseph Joestar is back, and his piece of shit grandson won't stop smoking Malboro reds as the Joestar bloodline's most bisexual nemesis reappears from beyond time. Everything from D'arby on is golden, but until then the pacing struggles as Araki feels out the structure of those succesive tournament-style battles that define the series from here on. Really fun cast. Jotaro delivers one-liners like someone who was very recently diagnosed with CTE. Kakyoin can only do that puppet thing when he's evil?

Highlights: All the luxuriously rendered close-up panels from the final act. Araki was pushing this practice to the absolute limit before transitioning to the new idiom in DIU.

Diamond is Unbreakable

Joseph Joestar is back again and ready to face his most fearsome opponent yet: age-related cognitive decline. Killer cast and tone. Kira is probably the most compelling overall antagonist. I think Jotaro as mentor is generally more compelling than Jotaro as Clint Eastwood. Him getting finessed by a rat undermines any conversation you can have about power-scaling in this series, which is pretty good. Read the original Duwang scans back when they were the only viable English language source and loved it.

Highlights: That thing Josuke does with the motorcycle, any time Rohan has to interact with any other character.

Golden Wind

Jean Pierre Polnareff (French Joseph Joestar) is back, and buddy, it is so joever. It was joever before it even jarted. I don't dislike this one nearly as much after revisiting it fairly recently. Funniest concept and setting in the series. The Squadra goons are great and the Diavolo sweater bimbofication reveal is one of the hardest transitions in the series. Giorno having the personality of a root vegetable is a real drag on the whole affair, as is Diavolo shedding most of the interest to his character post-Doppio.

Highlights: I wish I loved anything as much as Guido Mista loves shooting himself in the head.

Stone Ocean

Jotaro Kujo is back, and his emotional constipation is finally about to pay off in a way that will make him wish it was his soul in that fucking turtle. In contention for my favorite part. Planet Waves is the strongest martial arts sequence in the series. Very refreshing that Jolyne is an insane Florida sukeban- the coolest thing the last guy did was pretend to drink someone's piss. Best climax of any Shonen. 'Anakiss' macking on Jolyne in the new world is really bad. I'll just assume this incarnation isn't a huge fucking freak.

Highlights: Everything from C-Moon on, Dio's insanely ugly children.

Steel Ball Run

Intimate male relationships are back, and the revelation of the empty tomb? Total bullshit, apparently. My other favorite arc. I think Araki's character writing excels when he allows himself to focus on a smaller cast and set of relationships. Artwork is breathtaking, a late peak that the series will probably never rebound from. No one has ever been more committed to the bit than Mountain Tim. Blackmore, kill this man.

Highlights: Mandom, Hot Pants & Diego vs. Valentine, the little blurb at the end that tells you about how the kid Gyro was trying to save died of a head cold.

Jojolion

I really need to do a proper archival read of this. My impression is that it's very muddled and unfocused. The 'mystery' never really compensates for the lack of a compelling antagonistic force, and I refuse to learn this much about plant husbandry. The bad guy's motivation was that basically he wanted to make a bunch of money. Is it a crime to grind?

Some high-highs and low-lows. Curious to see how it all flows when read together, since monthly the pace was incredibly plodding. Think everything I've mentioned is exacberated by this being by far the longest part. Still, Araki starts to lean into these luxurious double spreads to push the action here, and it's some of his best work in that compositional mold.

Highlights: Flashback arc, beetle fight, the one-off chapter where Joshu balls out insanely and doesn't learn a lesson.

man you really have to work for it if you want the original scans and not these ugly fucking digitally colored things. one of my least favorite things about the modern era of manga. nerds want this to be anime so bad

#ask #jojo's bizarre adventure #jjba #hirohiko araki #i've decided to live inside this turtle as a ghost for a while #woah!! #manga

[digital999placebo]

“Siamo fermi in mezzo al traffico sotto il sole; ed abbiamo la Ferrari, Versace e Armani.”

i got carried away with the first request....sorry lmao! anon asked for spain, but uh heres lovino n an antonio posing for a magazine cover (in the 90s maybe?). first n only time you’ll see antonio clean shaven, n first n only time you’ll see him modelling.

THANK u anon for requesting n giving me an excuse to draw this man lol <3

#i gave up on the matador outfit i am so sorry..... they r so detailed n my hand hurts #anyway the shoot looks nice but it was chaos behind the scenes #lovino telling antonio to focus n puff out his chest n as soon as he hears the photogtapher adjust the camera he turns into business mode-- #strikes a pose and then back to scolding antonio #antonio thought it was fun but its more like a one time thing for him he wouldnt b able to stand the socialite lifestyle #he has his little house n a cat n his friends n hes satisfied with that #hetalia #hws spain #hws romano #historical hetalia #KINDA IG LMAO #spamano #999art #anyway my fav part of that music video in the link (the song is so good check it ouy) is the guy just putting tomato sauce on pizza #i only know italin through my knowledge on french (whcih helps 0) so like idk what he says idk the lyrics #i just choose the lyrics that sounded epic when he sung it #i be doing my laundry like 'ed abbiamo la ferrari versace et armani' #n i like armani bc they make good jeans like amazing jeans like they always fit perfectly god himself made armani sizes #hws south italy

[thegamingmonk]

Encanto Headcanons #3

This family gives me so much brainrot, it's not even funny.

Dolores heard of ‘Ignorance is bliss’ and thought “Damn, must be nice-”.

All the triplets are one minor inconvenience away from snapping. Especially Julieta. Pepa and Bruno not so much since they let out their chaos more often than their sister.

Camilo gets his knife cat face from Pepa when she was younger.

Camilo is a full blown mommy's boy, born and raised. Nobody could hold him longer than 5 minutes unless it was Pepa when he was a baby.

Antonio more of a daddy's boy, Félix always helping his son adjust to his newly acquired gift. Dolores is close to both her parents; spoiled rotten by Félix and relating the most to Pepa.

Out of boredom and fun, Félix and Agustín would try playing cards (Go Fish) with each of the baby grandkids to see who would get the concept faster. Mirabel was the fastest to understand.

For personal reasons, Isabela is banned from playing uno, monopoly, and any other family-ruining games.

Pepa, Dolores, and Julieta can only play for so long until they become problems too.

To everyone's surprise, the Cool sister's competitive nature comes from Julieta. Agustín doesn't have a single competitive bone in his body. Meanwhile Julieta gets so invested in a game of Monopoly that it's slightly terrifying.

Nobody knew where Mirabel got her sassiness from until they encountered a very tired and almost-done-with-life Julieta.

The Cool sisters have moments where they inherited Agustín’s accident-prone nature. The amount of convincing Isabela has to do to get Mirabel and Luisa to not laugh about her tripping over her own plants.

Now that I think about it, all the Madrigals are clumsy in their own ways (we see from young Alma, Bruno, Camilo, Pepa, Mirabel, and of course, Agustín our accident prone king). It just runs in the family. Thanks Alma.

When Isabela started experimenting with creating four leaf clovers, best believe Bruno was on that market.

For the first couple of weeks that Bruno came back, Luisa became his Madrigal-assigned bodyguard to protect him from the weary/angry/jackass villagers reacting to his return. Really, she just wanted to be around her tio again and volunteered to do it.

Bruno didn't mind too much, but it does do something to your confidence when your sobrina ends up being your protection.

More or less, this led to a lot of uncle-niece bonding time consisting of the two helping around the village, sitting under trees, and relaxing during Luisa-mandatory breaks.

Luisa starts to really like rats. She finds them so cute and tiny with their weird tails.

Anytime Pepa snows, Camilo thinks its funny to just make her a mini snowman army in the snow piles she leaves. At first she didn't find it amusing to just turn around and see a bunch of snowmen but now actually turns out quite fond of them.

You know how when Elsa is sick, she makes snowgies? That but it's Pepa being sick and she makes "cloudbebes".

Dolores, Félix, and Antonio adores them. Camilo finds them annoying since they always zap him with static.

That's only if she has a small cold. Pepa with a fever probably sets up the movie "2012".

Mirabel, Félix, and Dolores could honestly be a band if they wanted to. Félix on guitar, Mirabel on accordion, and Dolores on piano. Abuela is considering Madrigal concerts with the three.

During a card game with Camilo, Mirabel, and Dolores, Alma decided to join it. Halfway through the session, it turned into Alma teaching the kids her skills on how she wins every game. You don't live this long and don't learn a thing or two.

Mirabel knows a few magic tricks from wanting to prove she can do magic as well in the family.

The trick where a card appears out of thin air always gets Camilo.

Dolores is still trying to figure out how in the world that peso got behind her ear without her hearing it.

Sometimes when everyone's schedule is just absolutely flooded, the adults trust Casita enough for babysitting duty (Casita the best babysitter).

Casita was the mvp of the whole movie.

Casita "Imma be Mirabel's main supporter through the entire movie" Madrigal.

Mariano instantly fit in as one of the grandchildren, nobody even questioned it.

He starts to hang around the Casita and stay for dinner more and more often. Abuela doesn't know if this is purely for Dolores or just because he's attached to this family.

Catch Mariano letting Antonio sit on his shoulders ever so casually at almost a constant basis.

A whole family discussion could be happening and Mariano is standing there with Antonio playing with his stuffed jaguar on the Guzman's shoulders.

Bruno is not one for confrontation but if anyone was to mess with any of his family, he's ready to whip up the most horrific prophecy to scare the life out of the person at hand.

One would think Bruno is not good with kids due to his social anxiety, but he's fantastic with them. He misses all the time he could've had with his nieces and nephews during his time in the walls.

Bruno regrets missing out on his sobrinas' quinces. He wishes to make up for that lost time and dances some day. (Unsure if males have a similar thing, but if so, he'd regret missing Camilo's as well) (also also let me know cause I'm genuinely curious and don't trust Google).

Everyone fears Bruno disappearing again, but one of the Madrigals who fear it the most is Antonio. He just got his tio, that he didn't even know was around, back and is firmly attached to the man. If Bruno can disappear once, he could again, and that's what scares Antonio the most. If he goes without seeing Bruno for a whole day, he starts to panic and worry. This often leads to a Bruno-Antonio sleepover in the youngest's room; rats invited!

If anyone tells me Casita is not a Madrigal family member, we fighting on sight. Anyhoos~

If anyone Colombian or Latino would like to let me know more about the culture, I would absolutely love that! Movies like Encanto gets me so interested into learning about other cultures (a reason why I want to travel the world one day). That's it for now!

#encanto #encanto headcanons #la familia madrigal #mirabel madrigal #alma madrigal #julieta madrigal #pepa madrigal #bruno madrigal #agustin madrigal #felix madrigal #isabela madrigal #luisa madrigal #dolores madrigal #camilo madrigal #antonio madrigal #casita madrigal #mariano guzman #disney #i love this family very much

[vroomvroommbtch]

Always been you - DRxfem driver!reader

Masterlist

Summary: She loved the rain, but she hated races with rain. She hated every single thing that happened that cloudy day in Italy, at least until Daniel changed everything in a second.

Pairing: Daniel Ricciardo x fem driver!reader

Warnings: Some angst, swearing and Gio being the coolest BFF in the universe. 

Word count: 4.4k

A/N: I was supposed to be writing charter 18, but this happened in the middle after a happy/sad race for my papaya heart. Couldn't get it outta my head and this happened. Its probably a big mess so bare with me, kiddos. Also I miss Gio, so I had to add him in this. Whatever, I hope you like it, enjoy, and let me know what you think! And I promise to be back with chapter 18 of SIG soon! Okay bye! ✌🏻

---

Always being you.

There were counted things that she hated almost as much as crushing on races. When anyone of the other nineteen drivers on the grid crushed everyone said it was racing and part of the sport; but when she crushed it was a completely different story. There it wasn’t something that happened; it was because ‘women weren’t as good at driving as men’. It was because she wasn’t made for the sport and didn't deserve that seat. She hated crushing or touching someone else’s car, but when she touched Daniel, it just felt worse. Between the craziness that always came with the start of the race, turn one, the rain and slippery track, it just happened. She couldn’t help it even if she tried, and really tried. That’s how she ended up touching Daniel’s car, which made him end up touching Carlos’ car. It was racing and she knew it, but she couldn’t help but feel awful. The only thing she could do was push it to the back of her head when it happened. She needed to focus on her race, so she did. She managed to get unharmed from the incident, put her full focus on driving the sixty-three laps that she had ahead and get in the points, which was nothing but absolutely wonderful considering the complicated year her team had the previous year. She was happy for her P5 considering it was her best finish since she was in Formula 1. It was the best finish she had since her F2 days when podiums and trophies were her thing, but it got tainted as soon as she found out Daniel finished P18. He finished last because she ruined his race. She wanted to apologize to Daniel as soon as she got out of the car, but she couldn’t because he was talking with Mick and Sebastian. Same thing happened in the pen, but every time she tried, he was in some interview, and then every time he was free, she was the one busy. Even when she couldn’t do it, she made sure to say in front of every single camera that she was absolutely sorry about what happened. She made sure she said she was going to apologize to Carlos too, because she was going to do it, but also because she knew she needed to name him and not just Daniel. She needed to do it because it was the right thing to do, but also because the whole Alfa Romeo press team was gonna kill her if she didn’t do it. Being the only woman on the grid not only included the sexist and misogynist comments but also the rumors. From the first day she stepped into the paddock for the first-time during winter testing four years earlier, the press always somehow found a way to make rumors about her love life. Normally the rumors included her and Antonio, but she understood it happened because they were best friends. They used to laugh their asses off about it because more than once people thought they were more than friends, but one day it stopped being fun. It happened when it seemed like she couldn’t spend more than five minutes talking with another driver because the next day there was gonna be rumors and even questions about her dating, whoever was the new chosen guy, no matter if she was seeing someone or one of the other drivers had a girlfriend. First was Charles, then Pierre, then Lando, and then George, but the only recurrent name besides Antonio’s was Daniel’s.

She knew the fact that they were teammates didn’t help. The fact that they were really good teammates made everything worse and as time passed and they became really good friends, it just made the situation worse. As everyone talked about Carlando, the other super team on the grid was them. It gave the Renault’s press team more than one headache, but they were a couple of mischiefs together. They were always joking and chatting. They were always pushing each other to become better drivers and doing every single thing in their power to push the team forward even when the conditions weren’t the best, for more than one reason. They even went out together to do stuff, and that’s why people and the press ended up placing his name next to hers. It was always Daniel's and for Antonio it was nothing but hilarious. Antonio knew her crush for Daniel, but he kept the secret as a good friend. He only sent her an accomplice look every time they were in the paddock and she and Daniel were too close to each other. Antonio was also the one who asked and insisted that she should say something and try to make a move with Daniel. He was the one who understood when she said she didn’t want to ruin their friendship, make things complicate and jeopardize her career but he was also the one who knew that deep down that wasn’t the only reason. She didn’t need to say anything because Antonio knew and he was the one who hugged her when they saw Daniel and some blonde girl at some party in Monaco. Everyone knew Monaco was a small place and they normally went out to the same places, but she wasn’t expecting to see that scene right in front of her. Antonio was the one who insisted they should leave because they didn’t need a damn party to have fun; they could always go home and find something on Netflix or play some video games or go straight to sleep, but as some kind of masochist she wanted to stay. It took his best friend and favorite Italian a good amount of time and insistence, but then she decided that it was time to leave. She was staying there to convince herself that she could get over him and her crush, that she didn’t need any coming from him, but deep down she was dying to be in the blonde girl’s shoes. She wasn’t drunk for obvious reasons, but after a couple beers, and once they were back at their place, she admitted to Antonio that the exact reason why she didn’t say anything to Daniel was simple. She knew he could have any girl he ever wanted, and she knew he wasn’t going to want the girl who was racing as his teammate. She said between tears she didn’t want to end up with her heart broken like she was, but the plan failed miserably.

Things between her and Daniel didn’t change between them after that night. She didn’t want him to see a change in her attitude towards him and Daniel didn’t have any fault because he was just living his life, so everything stayed the same. The only thing that changed was her attitude on the track. Maybe it was because she was mad at everything and nothing at the same time, but all that was shown on her driving. She ended up being more aggressive and bolder, which took her to get more and more points, but never took her to a podium. Antonio was also the one who held her when she lost her seat on Renault. The team was changing and rebranding, Cyril was leaving, Esteban was coming back in Daniel’s place when he decided to leave for McLaren and then Alonso decided he wanted to come back and the only one left over in the equation was her. She knew how Formula 1 worked; she knew nobody’s place was promised for forever because it was like the musical chairs game, but it hurt to lose her place. It hurt when she was doing everything and more in her power to improve and take the team to a better place than it was. What also hurt was knowing she was going to lose Daniel as her teammate and she didn’t hide it away. After two years of working together there was no need to hide it, but she threw it away in form of jokes and silly comments. She made that every single time someone asked about it, not really caring if a camera was there, and that only made the rumors worse, but she ignored it.

What she couldn’t ignore were Daniel’s eyes one morning after he took her to a side and asked if she was really mad at him about leaving. It happened right after they recorded some interviews and one of the questions was how she was feeling about going to Alfa Romeo with Antonio but not being teammates with Daniel anymore. She made a silly comment, threw a joke; they both laughed, and kept going with the next question, answering again what was their favorite circuit. She knew Daniel enough to know he was really worried when he asked if she was really mad at him, but what she wasn’t expecting was the look on his eyes when she brushed it off with a simple ‘I’m not mad at you, D. We’re friends and that’s not gonna change because we're on different teams’. She wasn’t silly; she could see how his eyes changed when she said the word ‘friends’ but she decided to brush it off, just like the question. She convinced herself that being away from Daniel was going to be good to make her forget her silly crush about him. Besides, being on the same team with her best friend was a dream that came true, so it was good. She repeated that it was going to be okay, and in part it was. The season ended, winter break came and she tried as bad as possible to forget about Daniel, and she almost did. Almost, because as soon as she ran into him on the circuit in Bahrein, it all came back to her. She wanted to punch herself or even ask Antonio to punch her as she felt the butterflies and the knock in her stomach, but seeing Daniel was as good as any punch. They waved at each other, and his ‘Sorry I can’t hug you, Cherry’ was the biggest punch she could ever receive. He had to go and use that silly nickname that he had invented for her. She couldn’t help but remember those first days at Renault when they were trying to get along and Daniel was trying his best to make her feel welcome in her first year on F1. He was trying to make her feel like one more and not a rookie, and he did it. He did it and it all started with one silly cherry lollipop.  

It happened after their first photoshoot they did together for Renault when Daniel spent the day dancing as they took pictures of them. She spent the morning whispering she was insane but laughing her ass off as he moved with the music. To make her get loose, Daniel made her dance with him as if photographers weren't surrounding them, cameras recording and people on the team. It worked; God knew it worked to the point she almost forgot how much she didn’t really like that part of her job. Her favorite photo of that day ended up being one where Daniel was with his arm around her shoulders, trying to get his index finger in her ear as she was holding his face with one hand right on his cheek. It was stupid, but she loved it. Once the day was over, she was eating a lollipop as she was ready to leave the building, but Daniel followed her, asking how she was feeling after all the pictures, videos and dancing. She said she was really happy and that the photoshoots were actually better when they included a dance party. She had no idea how it happened, but she took the lollipop out of her mouth for a second, and the next thing she knew, Daniel was stealing it from her hand and placing it right in his mouth. With the cheekiest grin on his face, he affirmed ‘We’re gonna be good friends, Cherry’ as he winked at her before he walked away, leaving her tongue tied and with her jaw hanging.  

He didn’t stop calling her Cherry after that, but never in public. Only once did she have the courage to ask why he only called her like that in private, and his answer was as simple and short as ‘I’m not letting anyone else use that nickname with you’ and his answer was enough, so she never complained. Once they went their separate ways, she wasn’t expecting Daniel to call her like that, but there he was, throwing her that holy nickname in front of Antonio.

She really thought her friendship with Daniel was going to be over as soon as they went their separate ways, but somehow it didn’t. As soon as the season started again, it also did the texts, comments on pictures on Instagram and the silly little talks any time they could while they were in the paddock. What she wasn’t expecting was their worst year in Formula 1 to bring them closer. Hers and Antonio’s year at Alfa Romeo wasn’t as good as they were expecting, just like Daniel’s year at McLaren. As the races came and went, she used to make jokes trying to make them both feel better. She would say that at least he won seven Grand Prix more than her; that at least his car was actually fast, and that he was able to get points, not like her. Every single time he would smile at her, saying things were going to get better, and she believed him. Heaven knew that she really believed him and any word that came from his mouth. She was ready to believe in anything he said as long as he smiled at her. Just when the rumors about her seemed to disappear or at least calm down, they fucked it up going to have dinner on their own. She wasn’t expecting to find a text from Daniel when she was in United States for summer break, but it happened. She was in Los Angeles too, but she never said a thing to Daniel about it when some weeks earlier he asked her plans. She said she was going to the beach and nothing else, but then she made a post on Instagram while she was on the beach. That’s when, five minutes later, she got a text that said ‘Dinner tonight?’ and she couldn’t say no. She knew it was just a friendly dinner, but they made the wrong decision of going out instead of having dinner at his house or at the place she was renting. Even if they went to a really private place and kept it low-key, someone recognized him and the rumors went back. She was pissed because if the guys on the grid went to have dinner it was just a bunch of boys having a night out, but if she did the same then she was fucking the guy. She was pissed, but she decided to ignore it and just focus on the memory of how happy and handsome Daniel looked that night in the chair right in front of her.

Things eventually got better, at least for him. She couldn’t help but hug the hell out of him when he won Monza. She felt as happy as if she or Antonio had won, hitting Daniel’s helmet as they hugged in the parc fermé, yelling over their helmets how much he deserved it because he really deserved it. On that Italian circuit she decided that if people wanted to invent shit, they could write whatever they wanted, and damn, they did. Speculation after speculation was written down, but she ignored it over the happiness she had for him. But just when she thought things were getting better, at least for one of them, it all went to hell in one single day. Like every single time, she ignored the silly season, but one day she and Antonio found out one of them was going to lose their seat. She didn’t want to believe it; she actually wanted to ignore it, but it was all true. She was thankful to have her best friend by her side, but damn, it was hard to know one of them was going to be out. It was their dream to be there and it was their dream to be teammates, but after the last race it was all going to be over. When it all happened, the last thing she was expecting was Daniel being the one promising her that everything was going to be fine. She also wasn’t expecting him to be her shoulder to cry on when she found out Antonio was leaving. It happened one night when she didn’t want to bother her team and she ended up knocking at his motorhome, not really knowing where else to go. That’s when they reached a level of friendship she wasn’t expecting to reach, but she loved it, even if she wanted to be more than friends with him. When the new season started, Daniel was also the one making her smile every time he could when she felt weird for not seeing Antonio there. She knew Antonio technically was there sometimes, doing his thing in the Ferrari garage, but it wasn’t the same as doing silly interviews and press with him. They would wave to each other, hug fast and tightly as they walked by each other, and promise to catch up later, but once it was all over she felt weird. It wasn’t as funny as before, but Daniel was the one stuck by her side every second he could, talking to her about everything and then some to keep her mind away from things because he knew her mind was everywhere and probably over-worrying about every single possible thing. That’s why she felt nothing but terrible when she was crushed into him. Daniel didn’t deserve to end up P18, but it happened and it was her fault. The first thing she did as soon as she could, and before she went back to the hospitality for the debriefing, was go to the red building in the paddock. She apologized to Carlos for a short moment, and as soon as it was all fixed and settled, she went to the orange building. She felt terrible asking if she could come inside to see Daniel for a second. She felt terrible walking into the Ferrari’s building, but she felt worse going into the McLaren’s one. She felt as if she had a scarlet letter right in her chest, letting everyone know she was the guilty one for what happened. She had to wait by the door as someone obviously asked Daniel if he wanted to talk to her and those seconds felt like an eternity. It was cold, she was tired and she still had hours ahead to work and then a fly back to Monaco, but all she wanted was to do was see Daniel and then sleep.

She was thinking how much she missed her pillow when the glass door opened and someone in an orange uniform told her to come in because Daniel was in his room waiting for her. She tried to keep a straight face, knowing perfectly fine there were cameras everywhere behind her, all of them dying to record the ‘friends fixing things after the fucked up’ encounter. She tried as much as she could, but then she knocked at his door; she was terrified. The seconds waiting for him to answer felt like an eternity, but then she heard a ‘Come in!’ from the other side, which made her open slightly the door, enough to give her room for her head. She was expecting Daniel to be absolutely pissed at her, and he had all the right to be, but it wasn’t the case. He looked like he was tired like always after a race. She was also expecting to be with his team, but he was all alone, which, in part, made her get more scared.

“Hey Dan, you have a minute?” she murmured, her voice being a mix of tiredness, worry, and fear. The last thing she wanted Daniel to get mad at her, so she was even scared to speak too loudly and ruin the silence of the room. “Just come in, kiddo” he affirmed, getting up to open the door enough for her to walk in. “If you stay outside, they’ll film everything, so come in” She knew he was right, so there was no point in arguing about anything, so all she did was walk inside and wait for him to close the door behind them. She knew there was no much time, they both had things to do and she had to leave that hospitality before it was worse and before people started talking again, so she tried to find the perfect way to apologize. “Dan, I’m so fucking sorry. I just-” she breathed, finding impossible to explain what happened even if both of them just knew. “The car just slipped, mate. I knew you were in front of me and couldn't fucking stop it. I couldn’t hit the brakes or it was gonna we worse, but I swear I tried, Dan. I’m so fucking sorry” she apologized.

She was normally good with words, but this time she was a complete disaster. Not only did she feel terrible for what had happened; she also was absolutely nervous to be in front of Daniel. It had been so long since they had been alone in a room that she felt shy. That added to the guilt she was feeling made her an absolute mess, not being able to make a logical phrase. The fact that Daniel was looking nothing but perfectly and absolutely handsome wasn’t really helping. His race suit was half undone and around his waist, his curls were a beautiful mess, and the white fireproof was leaving too little to the imagination. Besides, his stubble was a bit longer than usual and for a second she asked herself again how it would feel against her skin, but she had to stop herself and focus on the important issue. “It's fine, Cherry” he started, and the second her nickname left his lips she felt like a weight leaving her shoulders. “It’s racing, this shit happens. I know it wasn’t on purpose or any of that. I know you and know you wouldn’t do that, so no hard feelings” Daniel smiled tiredly, pinching her cheeks with his fingers as he was sitting at the massage table, right in front of where she was standing. Daniel always did that. Every single time she was feeling bad about something, he would say something to cheer her up and then he would pinch her cheek to make her smile. It always worked because feeling her fingers onto her skin never failed to make her smile, but this time it wasn’t enough. But even when she didn’t smile, the butterflies on her stomach suddenly woke up, but there was also no time for that, so she ignored it. “I know this shit happens, but goddamn, I feel like shit. God knows the last thing I ever wanted to do was fuck up your race. I mean, it’s you, D. I can’t fuck it up with you, mate” she exhaled, scratching the back of her head thanks to the nervousness she was feeling. “What do you mean it's me?” It took her a moment to realize what had happened. It took her a second to realize she had lowered her guard. It took her just one look to realize Daniel knew. She could see in his eyes that he knew she wasn’t just talking about racing. After all those years, after all the times, Antonio insisted that she should say something, and after more than one flirty thing that happened to them, that was her change. It was her change to jump to the pool. If it didn’t have water, then all she had to do was run from there, act like nothing happened, and then avoid Daniel for the rest of her or his career. But she couldn’t risk losing her chance if there was actual water there. She knew there was a small percentage of having a change, so she decided to take a leap of faith for once in her life. “It's you. Since the day we met at the factory in Enstone. It’s always been you, Dan” she finally admitted. And damn, how happy she was that she finally did it. Just like that day when he stole her cherry lollipop, Daniel didn’t ask for permission. He got up from the table, placed one hand on her lower back, the other on the back of her head, their bodies together, and then his lips over hers. The soft moan that left her lips when they kissed was nothing but pathetic, but she couldn’t help it. He kissed her like a man on a mission, almost desperate to make it up for the lost time. In that second, and as their lips and tongues moved together, he couldn’t help but wonder if Daniel had been waiting for as long as she was, but she wasn’t going to waste time on questions. No when his hands had her hair and her race suit in a tight grip. Not when she was finally able to lip and bite his lower lip as she always dreamt about. No when her own hands were holding onto his back for dear life, but especially not when he smiled against her lips as they moved away just enough to catch their breath. “I need to go. Everyone its outside and press and debrief and shit” she murmured out of breath, stealing one last kiss, in part because he was absolutely addictive and in part because she wanted to do it again and prove it wasn’t all a mistake or a dream. “Are you gonna be in Monaco this week?” Daniel asked her in the lowest voice, surely trying to keep it quiet in case someone was near the door. The last thing they needed was more rumors, but as he looked down at her, she wanted to go and scream from the rooftops so everybody would know. She didn’t have the strength to talk again, so she kept looking at him and nodded twice, letting him know that she was gonna spend the week in Monaco. “Dinner?” This time she nodded again, but instead of leaving, she kissed him again.

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#daniel ricciardo #daniel ricciardo imagine #daniel ricciardo one shot #f1 #f1 one shot #f1 imagine #formula one #formula one fic #formula one imagine #formula 1 #formula 1 fic #formula 1 one shot

[lariskapargitay]

Even MORE Pepa and Félix headcanons bc I can’t sleep after my night shift and spent all night thinking of them and loving them.

Pepa was always a little self conscious about the gap in her teeth and didn’t really like smiling bc of it. Félix told her one day that he loved her smile and that it was unique, and it was bc of that she stopped caring so much

The year it took to build back Casita everyone was very unsure about what Pepa was feeling and how to interact with her bc they were so used to her, literally, wearing her emotions on her sleeve, even her own kids were cautious and unsure. Félix was the only one who knew exactly what she was feeling even without the weather to help guide him

Camilo got Pepa her sun earrings for Mothers Day

The biggest fight they ever got into was when Félix spanked a 5 yr old Camilo after they refused to stop mimicking their father. (Alma, for all her issues, never laid a single hand on any of her kids or grandkids. She had them do physical labor when they needed to be punished). The hurricane nearly wiped out half the Encanto when she found out Félix spanked Camilo and he finally agreed, more to calm her down and stop the flooding then believing that he shouldn’t use physical punishment, not to spank any of the kids again

Pepa ADORES when at the end of the day she takes down her braid and Félix runs his fingers through her hair. That’s what soothes and calms her down the easiest and quickest is Félix playing with her hair (which is why when she gets super stressed she tries to comb though her braid bc she’s subconsciously trying to achieve that same feeling)

She’s used to her rain no matter how wet she gets but she HATES the snow.

Inside her room is the only place where her mood doesn’t affect the outside world, just her.

It was Félix who introduced Augustin to Julieta. They were friends from school and Félix thought that the shy quiet nerdy tax accountant deserved some fun in his life

Augustin was orphaned by similar violence that killed Pedro and he made his way to Encanto, a place for all victims of and refugees fleeing from violence on his own at 8 years old

Félix tried SO hard to get Augustin in good with the less than impressed Alma but no matter what they did it always seemed to backfire

It wasn’t until Alma saw Augustin playing piano for Julieta one night when and saw the soft gentle in love smile she wore, the same smile Alma wore when Pedro would play for her, that she said it was okay for him to join the family

Félix understood Bruno didn’t make things happen but he also knew his prophecies tended to always be depressing or dangerous

None of Pepa’s pregnancies were planned like Juliette’s were, they just sorta happened accidentally.

When she found out she was pregnant with Antonio, Alma was actually upset with her bc she didn’t know if the magic had reached its limits with Maribel and bringing another gift less child into the house. She froze half the city because she was so scared and upset the entire pregnancy

Félix secretly loves when his wife gets mad or upset and argues with him, as rare as it is, because he knows that Pepa knows he’s not gonna tell her to calm down or stop being so emotional

Pepa will never admit it but she loves being the little spoon

She loves sleeping face to face in his arms even more though

No matter what position they fall asleep in, it is inevitable that sometime during the night, Felix’s chest will become her pillow

Just like inevitably, at least three times a days, Pepa’s hips will become his hand rest

Pepa and Félix didn’t believe that Maribel tried to ruin Antonio’s night bc they knew how much she loves her cousin, but they were a little upset that she didn’t wait until after the party to tell or take Alma off to the side to tell her about the candle and house rather than announce it to the whole party

She nearly died of embarrassment when they had a quick little romp in an abandoned barn and it got SUPER hot and humid out, to the point no one could hardly breathe and most people, including Alma, Bruno and Julieta, had a pretty good idea what brought this sudden humidity

It also thunders when he teases her and withholds what she wants, which happens to be one of his favorite things to do.

He loves tying her up, blind folding her, and getting her as worked up as he can until the thunder and lightning is so loud you can’t even hear yourself think

She always was sorta self conscious that she was slender and not really that curvy like a lot of other Colombian women, and was made fun of in school for ‘having the body type of a 10 yr old boy’ but the first time Félix saw her without clothes, he sprang to IMMEDIATE attention and couldn’t take his eyes or his hands off her

Pepa gets all the way off when he’s on top and laying between her legs and she can barely wrap them around him he’s so thick snd stocky

But she also loves the way he looks at her when she’s on top and he gets to see everything. It makes her feel powerful and sexy in a way that nothing or nobody else ever manages to make her feel

#félix x pepa #pepa madrigal #pepa headcanon #encanto pepa #encanto felix #encanto #i love pepa #tia pepa #tio Félix #la familia madrigal

[prettyvampiress96]

New girl - Antonio Dawson 18+

Antonio's POV:

Life at the 21st precinct was fun unless Voight was in a bad mood. All in all, it was a lovely, routine, basic life. That was before I met Y/N. She was the daughter of the fire battalion chief and had begun working with us because her father thought she needed to 'understand the principle of hard work.' According to him firefighting isn't the place for a woman. When I had heard this, I rolled my eyes, Gabi immediately shot to mind but when I was then told she would become my new partner equally meaning I would be the one who would have to educate the princess in 'hard work' I lost it. I am a detective damn it and a fine good one , not a babysitter.

"I bet she's never worked a day in her life," Kim spoke as we glanced over the casefiles . I simply just shrugged who knows. Voight wouldn't have her with us if she couldn't handle it, I just had to keep telling myself that

"I heard she's really hot, Dawson" Adam piped up, I just huffed and thought miserably about the next shift, which would be with her.

True to Voight's word, she showed up on time the next day for her first shift. I was instantly annoyed with how beautiful she was. Her shoulder-length choppy cut black hair had its ends dyed blue, and she stared at me with the greenest eyes I had ever seen. She smiled sweetly when she introduced herself. Dios mio that smile . She hadn't been here five minutes and already she had me eating from the palm of her hand. As the night progressed, I was even more annoyed by the fact that she wasn't a bitch. I had hoped she would be a tad spoilt, but she was down to earth and didn't even hesitate when I asked her to get us a coffee.

“So how did I do?" She asked me while sitting on the edge of my desk holding a coffee out to me . I dropped the paperwork i had to file and leaned back sighing .She had that flirtatious voice that had driven every guy she had spoken to mad with lust.

"You did okay for a newbie. I mean, it's only your first shift so I can't give you a proper verdict yet," I said as she jumped down and took the paperwork from my desk dropping it onto her own currently empty looking one .

"I can file this for you, Tonio," she said smoothly. Hearing the way she said my name made my heart flutter. No, just fucking no, I told myself knowing what that meant. There was no way I was going to be another one of those people drooling over her.

"You're like a grumpy Papi, you know, Dawson" I heard her shout. I'm glad it was just the two of us left in the office, hearing her call me a Papi made my cheeks blush and heat up.

"Well, there are things that need to be done and the longer it takes to do , the longer we have to stay and work," I replied defensively causing her giggle. I turned to see what she found so amusing putting my hands on my hips.

"I didn't say it was a bad thing," she replied smirking down at the papers. “Look, Y/N, just finish up there so we can leave," I answered, not amused by her games usually I'm all for the teasing but it was late and I was most definitely tired.

Our shifts continued with her teasing. She had called me this kind of Papi and that kind of Papi for weeks, and I had even realized I'd come to expect it from her, feeling sad when she didn't call me Papi and hard with desire when she did. Hearing her call me that, and only me had me wondering what kind of girl she was. I decided I had nothing to lose trying to find out.

The next shift, I did the usual routine with her and I waited patiently for her taunt. “Gosh Tonio, I can't believe you are such a bossy Papi today," Y/N said without turning around to look at me. I was glad she didn't because she didn't see me open a lollipop and walk up behind her. I grabbed her arm, and she jumped, shocked to be handled so roughly. I pushed the sweet past her lips into her mouth and held it there while I looked her dead in the eyes.

"Then do what I tell you to do, and I wouldn't have to be so bossy, little girl," I assertively stated turning around and walking away again before she saw my face burn red, not before i heard the whimper leave her mouth. My mind was racing. I could not believe I had just done that; I could not believe how hard my dick throbbed just from speaking to her like a naughty little girl. I hoped she would be cool with it, I mean, she had been calling me Papi for weeks. As I was having a nervous breakdown in the locker room, I felt a tugging on the back of my shirt. I looked down to see Y/N, sitting on the bench and looking up at me.

"I'm sorry, Papi ," she said, melting my heart with her big green eyes and candy red-stained lips. I didn't know what to do, but something came over me as I knelt and cupped her chin in my hand.

"Y/N. When we are at work, Papi needs you to be a good girl and finish up fast. We don't want to be here all night, little girls like you need to be tucked up in bed, not walking the streets because you played too long after work," I found myself saying. This time I didn't blush, I practically swooned. But I was sure as shit not going to pass up having a girl like Y/N in my life. She nodded her head and put her lollipop back in her mouth, and I held out my hand and lifted her. We exchanged numbers, and as I walked to my car, Y/N came running over and kissed me right on the lips taking me by complete surprise. "Night night Papi," she said with a wink as the moonlight glimmered in her eyes. "Sweet dreams little girl. Papi will see you tomorrow, Remember we've the night shift" I replied, wanting more than anything for the night to fly by and for the next shift to start.

"Hello? Detective Dawson speaking" I said, answering the office phone. Y/N was meant to be here twenty minutes ago, and I must admit I was starting to worry since staring over a month ago Y/N had never once been late if anything she was always first here ready and waiting.

"Tonio, it's me," Y/N replied, she sounded scared.

"You know you're late right? Where are you? Are you coming in today? Are you sick?" I asked her sensing her distress.

"My car broke down, and I can't get there on time . I'm on my way just on foot" Y/N said in one breath.

"You didn't think to call your parents? Or a pickup truck?" I asked her wondering how many brain cells she had underdeveloped due to being babied by her parents her whole life.

“My parents are on a vacation, I did think to ring a pickup truck, but its dark out what if the guy is all touchy feely, what if i cant get the number plate . I've seen movies, I know what they are like, besides you and I have seen plenty of abduction cases and I do not plan on being one of those numbers thank you" Y/N said trying to prove her knowledge. It was a slick move I'll give her that.

"You know nothing little one. Message me your location, I'm coming to get you," I replied sternly, making her whimper at my harsh tone. I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket, and I put her location in my GPS and told her to stay where she was. I told the team they would have to start without me explaining that I had to pick up Y/N and the guys offered to come with.

"No, Stay, Halstead can you and Upton cover for us and we'll do your next two night shifts?" I asked. Jay grinned in response at the thought of two nights off he waved me out in the blink of an eye as I walked out the door and towards my car.

As I drove to Y/N's location, I wondered what I would do when I got there. Would I take her to work, would I ring the towing company to get her car, would I take her to my house? Maybe we would go to hers? As the thoughts ran through my mind, I saw her car on the side of the road. She was right; it was dark. I was hoping she would be in the car like I had told her and happily surprised when I saw her head turn around and be half blinded by my headlights, I got out of my car.

“Heard you need your Papi little girl," I stated as I opened her door. Y/N jumped out and flung her arms around my neck, making me stumble backward knocking me slightly off balance. "I was on my way in and it just stopped working Tonio I was so scared; anything could have happened, I could've been the next case you guys were working" she hyperventilated.

“But nothing happened, and you're safe with Papi, come on, come and sit in my car while we ring the tow company,” I said reassuringly to her taking her hand and leading her to my car. I turned the heating on, she was clearly in shock from the one thousand percent non-scary event she had just experienced, to try and calm her while we waited for the tow truck. It was a downside to the job you see so many horrible scenarios that you begin to imagine the worst at the smallest inconvenience.

"It's nice in here, Papi," Y/N cooed as she cuddled with me on the back seat. I looked at my car and looked at her, confused. Maybe she hit her head. "What do you find so deeply appealing about it baby girl?" I asked, brushing her hair out of her eyes.

"It smells like you," Y/N quickly replied as if knowing the question I was going to ask. She began to dance her fingers lightly across my clothed stomach and slowly made her way up to my shoulders and then down resting on my bicep, giggling as I looked down at her and saw her toying with my jumper buttons. Unable to resist temptation any longer.

"Fuck it Come here little one," I said lovingly as I moved her over my lap, so she was snuggling into my neck. I pulled her close and moved my one arm under her and began rubbing her back with my hand.

"Are you sure this is what you want, That i'm what you want?" I asked in a soft low tone watching her nod in response. I removed the thin excuse of a t shirt she had on and pulled down her bra giving me the chance to see her splendid breast. tracing my fingers down her neck and over the front of her now bare breasts, I took her hand and carefully placed it on the straining bulge of my jeans, enjoying how she stroked it before she pulled it out swiping her thumb over the swelling head of my cock.

"I would have never of guessed you would be so sweet little girl," I said in astonishment as she began to kiss and lick my the tip of my dick. I watched as I disappeared into her mouth, the tight warmth like something I've never experienced. I pressed her head against me as my other hand reached for the button on her short denim shorts. Unzipping them, I saw her shamefully sexy black panties and stroked her over the top of them making her moan softly against my dick. Her moans were like a drug you couldn't get enough of. She stayed there, my sweet girl in my arms, her pussy being gently caressed. I slipped her shorts off her and rolled down her panties, stuffing them into my pocket as soon as they were removed. I was gentle with her as I spat in my hand and rubbed her already wet pussy with my palm, gliding my fingers down her slit and entered her without warning making her and clench her pussy tight around my fingers. The thought of her clenching around my cock. Hell .

"It's OK baby, let your Papi have you, I'm here " I said as I began to finger fuck her softly. She nodded, and I felt her pussy slowly loosen, giving me unrestricted access. I wasn't interested in making her cum; tonight I just wanted to feel her. Feel her heart beat against mine, feel her wetness and her hot breath and tongue as she sucked me off so well just like those sweet lollipops she likes too have. After a while I felt her go heavy in my arms as she drifted off to sleep and remembering the tow truck could be here any moment, I gently shook her awake feeling a little guilty. “Baby girl, you can't fall asleep just yet," I whispered, making her stir. She opened her eyes just as the headlights of the truck came beaming around the corner. Glad I woke her in the nick of time I threw my jumper on and zipped myself back up and got out to greet the trucker. "You been here long?" He said as he hoisted the exotic car into the trailer. "Long enough," I replied, smiling . I didn't want to get into a conversation with him. I wanted my baby back in my arms. As if reading my mind, Y/N came and leaned into me, hugging me and turning away from the man. She dipped her head, and I felt her shallow breathing on my neck. The tow man noticed and tried hard not to look as I wrapped my arms around her making her feel safe and protected. I didn't care if he looked, but there was no way he would be touching her.

He secured her car in no time at all, and I told him the address where to drive it. He offered Y/N a lift home but told him I would take her, and I was thankful when he left it at that and drove away. "What a night," Y/N said, walking back to my car. I unlocked it and buckled up her seat belt, kissing her cheek as I walked around to the driver's side. I turned the engine on and began to drive to my place. I had decided on what she would be doing tonight. "Are you taking me to your house, Papi?" Y/N asked as we passed the turning for her home. "Yes, baby," I replied, placing a hand on her thigh and squeezing it slightly. “I just have to stop into the store and pick up something first. You're going to wait in the car while I go. I know you'll be alright," I added, pulling up to the corner store. I got out, and turning back to Y/N I dropped her wet panties into her lap. " I hope my face and sheets end up as wet as those panties little one" I swiped my thumb across her bottom lip grinning as she let out a rather loud gasp. Who knew the new girl would become my girl?

#antonio dawson #chicago pd x reader #antonio dawson x reader #antonio dawson smut

[brezchez]

Bruno and bonding

After being absent for 10 years of their lives, Bruno attempts to amend things with his nieces and nephews. Hopefully, it all goes according to plan.

[Prologue] - Mirabel and Julieta

[1] - Luisa

[2] - Isabela

[3] - Dolores

[4] - Camilo

[5] - Antonio

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4: Camilo

Strolling on the path, Bruno made his way up to the house at the top of the hill known to the valley as ‘La Casita Madrigal’, his home. The sun had been particularly beating on the village that day and though Pepa had tried to stir the wind and cool the people, she was too tired and just as sweaty as everyone was to harness her miracle as best as she could.

Nevertheless, she managed to power through and create a gentle breeze, and the people couldn’t be more thankful; it was better than the burning sun by itself. However, the heat was still too great, and Bruno had to take off his sage green ruana halfway up the hill.

Draping it over his right arm, he finally reached Casita, who kindly waved its doors to help cool off one of its oldest members.

“Gracias, Casita,” Bruno thanked, exhaling in relief at the refreshing feeling on his sweaty skin.

“Ay!”

Bruno heard a voice wince from the kitchen. His head jolted up at the sound and he warily stepped inside. “Hello?” he called.

No answer.

So he continued to walk in. “Hello?” he called again.

Still, no answer.

He decided to try one more time. “Is anyone…”

But he trailed off when he saw his hermana, Julieta standing, albeit quite awkwardly, in the kitchen.

“Oh, hi Julieta,” he sighed in relief, lightly holding his chest. Bruno expected Julieta to say something, and when she didn’t, he raised an eyebrow in surprise. “What are you doing there?” he asked slowly, leaning to the right slightly to get a glance.

Again, Julieta said nothing but held up an arepa, possibly indicating that she was hungry and searching for food.

Others would have been fooled, but Bruno knew his sister, and remembered that she never snacked on leftovers. She always made fresh food for herself because she knew others would want her food, especially…

Bruno’s eyes widened slightly as the penny dropped in his head. He could have called him out there and then, but that would have been too easy and not as fun.

“I don’t remember you reaching for leftovers,” he remarked slyly. Julieta turned around at Bruno’s comment to find him standing with his arms crossed. Bruno noticed a moment of panic flash across his hermana’s face and did his best to hide his smirk. Julieta simply shrugged, acting as casual as possible.

“I thought that was usually Camilo’s job.” ‘Julieta’ froze for a moment, slowly raising an eyebrow to appear confused. Smirking, Bruno continued.

“I’m sure you knew. Do you know how many times I heard him sneak down here in the middle of the night for your buñuelos? Honestly, you would think over the years, he would learn to be more stealthy but nope! Still as clumsy as ever.”

Carefully, Bruno watched ‘Julieta’s’ expression with an innocent smile. There was a slight twitch in her left eye and that was enough to finally confirm his suspicions.

“Alright Camilo, I caught you. Come on.”

Defeated, Camilo rolled his eyes and shifted back into his regular self. However, he wasn’t wearing his signature ruana like on most days. Instead, he wore only the white shirt that he usually wore underneath his usual mustard overgarment, with his sleeves rolled up and his everyday black slacks.

The shapeshifting teenager rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m so happy you did,” he exhaled relievedly, wiping his forehead with his arms. “I was starting to get so sweaty I was about to out myself and accept defeat.”

Chuckling at his sobrino, Bruno walked over to the sink. Casita pushed over two glasses along the tiles for them. Picking them up, he filled them with water and handed a glass to the boy.

“Here.” Camilo accepted it, drinking it quickly. Bruno did the same.

When he had finished his drink, Camilo asked, “How soon did you know it was me?”

“When you’ve lived with someone for 50 years and spent 10 of those years watching from the walls, you pick up a lot of details about that person,” replied Bruno with a light shrug. Camilo hummed in response, turning his head to the side as he nodded. “Also, you weren’t speaking, which was a big giveaway. Julieta is always the first one to start a conversation with me.”

“Okay, okay, I get it. I’m not the best at what I do,” said Camilo, rolling his eyes and walking over to sit on the table.

Feeling a little guilty, Bruno added, “Maybe not the best, but you’re getting there. You’re good at picking up people’s mannerisms.”

At this, Camilo smiled as a gesture of thanks. “Mirabel and my papá say that too. I am listening to people’s advice, I’m learning.”

Bruno nodded and offered his nephew a small smile, which Camilo returned.

Looking away awkwardly for a second, Camilo gently jumped off the table and walked towards the cupboards. “Can I ask a favour though?”

Bruno’s head jolted up promptly at the question. He nodded repeatedly and walked over to the teenager, who pointed up.

“Do you mind seeing if there are any spare foods up there?” Following his finger, Bruno looked up.

“Can’t you ask Casita?”

“I’ve tried but Casita is being a bit of a nuisance right now,” replied Camilo, glaring around the room with his arms crossed. In response, Casita pushed him with a floor tile, startling the teenager. Bruno chuckled at his sobrino’s reaction.

“Sure,” he answered. But, instead of simply reaching up like Camilo expected, he carefully climbed onto the counter, kneeling up on the kitchen surface. It was then that Camilo realised that his tío was much shorter than he remembered.

“You’re a lot shorter than I remembered,” he remarked and Bruno scoffed at his comment.

“Yeah. Surprised to see I don’t actually have a ‘seven-foot frame’?

Camilo cringed at his own words being used against him. Guilt twisted his stomach into a knot and as he scrunched his eyes, he looked to his tío apologetically. “Sorry about all that.”

Bruno froze, not expecting the apology. He turned around to his tío, but smiled at the teen warmly.”It’s ok Camilo,” he said, climbing down from the counter. “To be honest, I kinda got used to it as the years went on. And the song was catchy.” Bruno winked to his nephew, who smirked.

“My verse was definitely the best though, right?” said Camilo. Bruno rolled his eyes playfully.

“Sure, sure, whatever you say, kid.” And to that, the cheeky boy flashed a proud smile.

“Camilo?” a voice called from the hill, which grew louder the closer it came. “Camilo? Are you in here? Oh!” Mirabel suddenly appeared in the doorway, surprised to see her tío and primo in the kitchen. But it was a welcome surprise and she smiled softly at the sight of them, sensing a comfortable atmosphere in the air between them which could only mean that they were getting on well.

“What’s up Mira?” Camilo greeted his cousin casually, still leaning on the window sill with his arms crossed.

“Abuela is looking for you,” she said, breathless as she wiped her forehead. It was a rough day for everyone.

“Yeah, it’s roasting out there,” Bruno remarked, noticing her actions.

“ ‘Roasting’ doesn’t even cut it tío,” said Mirabel, groaning and falling on the door frame. However, Mirabel, as optimistic as ever, looked up and smiled. “But, we still have our jobs to do.”

At the same time, Bruno and Camilo groaned. They looked at each other in surprise and snickered, acknowledging and hearing the same thoughts they shared in that moment, though no one said a word. Then again, no one had to; all was made perfectly clear.

Begrudgingly, Camilo pushed himself off the windowsill, flopping his arms. All his energy had practically been melted away by the beating heat. Before he left however, he turned back to his tío. He smirked mischievously.

“Shouldn’t tío Bruno come too?” Bruno’s eyelids dropped halfway over his eyes in annoyance. Seeing his reaction, Mirabel smirked.

“Yeah, it’s only fair. I mean, we’re all dying in this horrible, awful, heatwave. We’re going to need the support of our favourite tío, desperately!” she said, putting her hands to her head and stumbling back dramatically.

“Oh please tío! Don’t let us suffer alone! Helpless children, alone in the world! Without you, we’ll have no one!” Camilo added to his cousin’s antics, turning into one of the children in Encanto, clutching his hands together and kneeling, mockingly pleading.

Bruno rolled his eyes exhaustedly at his niece and nephew. “Alright, I’m coming. Abuela will eventually start calling for me too.”

He lightly pushed Camilo’s head, making him stumble a little and they all laughed at his falter. After shifting back into his regular form, Camilo jogged after Mirabel and Bruno.

“I’ll get you back for this,” Bruno whispered to Camilo, lightly nudging his shoulder. Camilo smirked.

“You can try tío. You can try.”

#encanto #encanto bruno #encanto mirabel #encanto julieta #encanto luisa #encanto isabela #encanto dolores #encanto camilo #encanto antonio #encato fanfic #fanfic #encanto x reader

[cutekittenlady]

Whats murder on the orient express about?

okay okay okay so like

Murder on the Orient Express is a mystery novel by Agatha Christie. It was published in 1934 and is one of Christies most famous mystery stories. (Mind she has a lot of those but i digress)

Course I should say that since a lot of Christie stories came out in, like the early to mid 20th century any reader should beware that there are some "man people back then believed some dumb stuff" moments. There are moments of racism, imperialist thought, etc.

I feel I should point this out because while I am a fan of the Christie mystery stories I feel like this is something about the body of work that needs to be recognized. You can still enjoy the stuff, I think, much in the same way a lot of people still enjoy HP Lovecrafts stuff despite all the much more obvious racist junk in his stories. Just keep all this in mind.

Moving on, the book got adapted several times through Radio, film, and tv with a recent film adaptation that came out in 2017. (Tho I still love the david suchet adaptations that came out in 2010. Srsly whatever else I might think about the man he was fantastic in this role). Needless to say it's easily one of the most popular mystery stories of all time.

I'm only telling yall all this because theres a decent chance you've seen references to the story in other media without realizing.

Anyway, the story takes place on the Orient Express. A luxury transcontinental trainline that existed in real life. On the train is one Hercule Poirot, the self described greatest detective in Europe (a title that isnt unjustified). Hes on the train with a friend of his Monsieur Bouc who is the director of the line. While on the train Poirot is approached by a man named Ratchet who tells him his life has been threatened and he offers to pay Poirot a great deal of money to protect him. Picking up that Ratchet is a nasty character Poirot refuses.

That night Ratchet is murdered in his cabin. To make matters more difficult the train has gotten snowed in on the tracks and isn't able to move forward. Trapping everyone on the train.

After some iniital investigating by Poirot, Monsier Bouc, and a doctor; Poirot concludes that the murderer had to still be on the train. They are able to limit it to the single coach car but that still leaves 12 other people who could have killed the man.

American widow Caroline Hubbard; English governess Mary Debenham; Swedish missionary Greta Ohlsson; Ratchets secretary/translator Hector MacQueen, and his English valet Edward Henry Masterman; Italian-American car salesman Antonio Foscarelli; Russian Princess Natalia Dragomiroff and her German maid Hildegarde Schmidt; Hungarian Count Rudolph Andrenyi and his wife Elena; English Colonel John Arbuthnot; American salesman Cyrus B. Hardman.

Its quickly determined that one of them must be the killer.

I don't want to spoil anything else about the story other than that. But I heartily recommend checking it out. You can probably find an adaptation of it online, or find a copy at your local library. I'm sure you can find an audiobook version of the story on youtube if nothing else.

Seriously is a fun thing to listen to if you enjoy mysteries.

#hercule poirot #murder on the orient express #poirot