#at times when we are broken we can build ourselves again

[drvirgus]

hi; can i request a haerin one shot where you and the members of newjeans are task to babysit (like in the return of the superman where artists would appear to spend some time with the kids) and one of the kids have hearing disabilities and y/n can sign language and communicate with the kid through sign language and all of the members are impressed but haerin just fall in love with you more as she see you communicate with the kid to the point the kid were attach to you🥹 just hearin be like “thats my girl” - sorry if its too long hehe

I‘m so sorry that it took so long🥲 my laptop is broken but I wrote this fast chapter at work 🤔 hopefully you like it 🤞🏼

The Babysitters

Idol! Haerin X Idol! Reader

wc: 2k

a/n: the colored sentences are in sign language

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With a sigh, I sat in the car, Haerin's hand in mine as I simply looked out the window. Danielle was the first to start laughing when she heard my sigh. "Oh, come on. I really don't understand how you can't like kids," Danielle said as she turned her head towards me. My attention now on Danielle, I replied somewhat annoyed, "Kids are just like drunken adults. Always have to watch out for them."

I immediately felt the pressure of my girlfriend's hand. Her head lifted from my shoulder to look at me better. "I always have to watch out for you when you're drunk," she said, which made Hanni and Minji laugh. I blush a little as I simply put my index finger to my lips and said, "Shh," making Haerin roll her eyes with a smile.

"Besides, we have a baby," I said, which made Hanni laugh again and nudge Hyein. Hyein snorted and I said, "Watching out for Hanni is already a hassle." Hanni looked at me with an open mouth, and Hyein immediately laughed and nudged her.

"It'll only take a day, Unnie," Minji said, looking up from her phone.

I just nodded, not wanting to discuss the topic further. I had complained enough already. Apparently, the others were quite satisfied with the show we would be shooting today.

"Can't we go back to the dogs? They're cuter," I said, which made Haerin nod. Her fingers played with mine, her head still on my shoulder. I smiled as I gave the younger one a gentle kiss on the head.

The rest of the car ride wasn't anything special. Hyein and Hanni watched some Instagram Reels together on Hyein's phone, Minji seemed to be texting someone, while Danielle simply looked out the window. Haerin and I were in our own little bubble, just playfully intertwining our fingers.

The car stopped, and our manager promptly opened the door for us. My hand immediately left Haerin's as I allowed myself to be pulled out of the car, of course, by Danielle.

Together, we entered the building, all eyes on the man in front of us who would explain everything to us. Naturally, he also told us the names of the children and that there was an age group from 2-year-olds to 5-year-olds. I nodded in understanding. Now, apparently, we were allowed to mentally prepare ourselves in the adjacent room while they prepared the set.

"Aw. No babies?" Danielle asked as she pouted and sat down on one of the chairs. Minji chuckled, her hands on her hips. "Babies would have been preferable to me too," the black-haired girl said. My eyes also immediately fell on Haerin, who stood in the completely different corner of the room, her eyes already fixed on me, which made me smile.

"And you? What would you prefer?" I asked, which made Haerin hum a little. She raised her head thoughtfully.

"I don't mind any," she replied after a short pause, which made me nod my head with a smile.

Immediately, Hanni and Hyein also voiced their preferences. The door opened, and we were now allowed to enter the room where the children sat, played, and laughed. Danielle squealed with delight, which amused me and made me shake my head in amusement.

All the children's eyes turned to us, and almost immediately, a boy approached Danielle and dragged her to the play blocks without even asking. I watched the younger one go and smiled a little. Danielle looked really happy. Besides, she was perfect for this job. She was always cheerful, unlike me. I was more... mostly always in a bad mood?

Minji clapped her hands, immediately grabbing the attention of some children. Minji smiled kindly. "Who wants to arm wrestle with Unnie?" she asked cheerfully, and almost immediately, several children jumped up from their chairs, raising their hands and shouting their names loudly.

I hated how loud kids could get, but... they were having fun, so that was okay. At least no one was crying. Hyein and Haerin also mingled and now interacted with the children, but I still just stood there, observing the whole situation.

Suddenly, I heard loud crying right next to me, and my eyes widened in shock as I looked at the young girl, her mouth wide open as she held her fists to her eyes and cried.

With my mouth hanging open, I looked at the crying child and slowly crouched down. A nervous smile on my lips, I asked, "What's wrong?" which seemed to only make the child cry more. Blinking rather surprised, unsure of what exactly I should do, I said, "Uh, everything will be okay. There's nothing dangerous here," trying to comfort the little one.

The girl pointed her finger at me and said, "This Unnie is angry," suddenly, and my eyebrows raised.

I heard Hyein laugh a bit, but she quickly was nudged by Minji warningly. I swallowed. "N-No, I'm not angry," I said, which apparently didn't help. Sighing, I took my hands and pulled my cheeks apart to make a funny face. "I'm just playful," I added with a feigned high-pitched voice. The girl seemed to calm down slowly, although she still had a bit of a hiccup from crying. Her eyes looked at me somewhat more curiously and then she started to laugh.

This is why I hate kids...

I smiled politely. "Do you want to... play with me?" I asked, visibly awkward, but the younger one didn't seem to notice. Her hand grabbed mine, and I really had to fight against myself not to pull my hand away, as she led me to one of the tables. A smile on her face as she placed me next to Hanni and sat herself next to a boy.

Apparently, this was the drawing table.

"These will be good pictures," Hanni said quietly, giggling. She meant the funny face I had just made. I immediately nudged her with my knee so she wouldn't bring it up again. Hanni just chuckled softly as she continued coloring her mandala.

My eyes looked at Minji, who seemed to be playing a monster, Haerin participating as a princess in the roleplay, protected by the children, and Hyein seemed to be reading to one of the children.

Then my eyes fell on a little girl who was reading a book all alone. My eyes narrowed immediately. "Is Unnie angry again?" the girl asked me, on the verge of tears. Panic widened my eyes, and I shook my head and hands frantically. "No, no," I said immediately, which seemed to calm the little one down. I breathed out in relief.

"How old do you think I am?" Hanni asked, smiling, pointing to herself. The boy looked at the girl next to him and then to Hanni. "100?," he asked, and Hanni leaned forward almost immediately, shocked. I chuckled softly, but I tried to suppress it desperately.

My eyes kept drifting back to the little girl who was reading all alone. "Hey," I said, "Hello? Little one?" I asked a bit louder, since she probably couldn't hear me over all the children's noise. The boy in front of Hanni looked at me. "It's no use. She can't hear anything," the boy said casually, but then he proudly lifted up his drawing and grinned at Hanni.

I nodded in understanding, forcing myself not to furrow my brow so the girl wouldn't cry anymore. I leaned closer to Hanni. "I'm going to go over to that girl there," I said, and Hanni immediately nodded her head. I focused my eyes on the little girl as I sat down on the floor in front of her.

Apparently, she hadn't noticed my presence yet, which made me chuckle a bit. So, I tapped on the book on her lap, right in her line of sight. Her brown shining eyes looked at me, her lips slightly parted. With her little finger, she pointed to her ear and then made an X sign.

I simply smiled. Luckily, I knew sign language because my mother had always been hard of hearing and it only got worse with age. "Is the book good?" I asked in sign language, and the girl's eyes widened even more. Her tense face immediately relaxed, and I heard her let out a sigh.

"Yes," she replied with a nod of her head. I smiled gently. "What is it about?" I asked as my eyes briefly glanced at the book and then back to the girl. I could tell that the set's camera was now focusing more on me thanks to the sign language which was surprising for some people. But the rest of the kids didn't seem to care much.

Haerin also looked at me, a broad grin on her lips, prompting Minji to nudge her. Haerin quickly corrected her expression. "It's about a princess who has to kiss a frog. He then becomes a prince," the girl said, which made me nod in understanding.

I chuckled slightly. "Do you want to play something with me? Or should I leave you alone so you can continue reading your book?" I asked patiently. Like Haerin, the little girl lifted her head and seemed to be thinking. I could feel my body relaxing as I waited for the younger one to respond.

"I want to play something," she said with a smile, and I stood up right away. With a smile on my face, I held out my hand to the little one, and she immediately took it. "What do you want to play?" I asked, tilting my head to the side. Once again, the younger one pondered.

"Catching ball. Daddy... never plays with me," the girl said, and I nodded in understanding. I could feel Haerin staring at me the whole time. Our eyes briefly met, and a smile spread across my face. Haerin looked rather proud. I quickly looked away when I noticed my cheeks slowly turning red.

So, I grabbed the ball and looked at the little girl. Slowly, I threw the ball, and she caught it. I clapped my hands in joy, even though she couldn't hear it, she could see it. She jumped up and down excitedly. Now, she was the one throwing the ball to me, and I caught it. Just like before, she clapped her hands, which made my grin even wider. I laughed, and this time, it was definitely genuine.

————————————————————————————

"Okay... it was sweeter than expected," I said as I made myself comfortable in the car, a gentle smile on my face. The door was now closed, and with a jolt, I felt Haerin's lips on mine. My eyes widened, but of course, I kissed my girlfriend back. Her hand on my face, pulling me closer to her.

"Hey. Not in the car," Minji said, and reluctantly, Haerin pulled away from me. She sighed and sat back down normally. I raised my eyebrows, as this behavior was unlike my girlfriend. She was usually more reserved and slower.

Danielle laughed, while Hyein looked amusedly at Minji. "Oh, come on. Let them be. Haerin did really well during the shoot," Hyein said, laughing. "Yeah, when Unnie started with sign language, Haerin almost started drooling," Hanni joked, and immediately, my head turned to Haerin.

"Was that why?" I asked softly, her fingers pressing against mine again. But Haerin just shook her head. "It wasn't about the sign language... it was... just sweet to see you with the child," Haerin answered softly. "Especially since you were smiling, even though you hate kids," Haerin added, her cheeks visibly flushed.

I smiled amusedly as I intertwined our fingers. Immediately, the younger one looked at me. My lips touched hers briefly, of course, otherwise Minji would complain again. "Home, okay?" I asked softly, and Haerin blushed even more. A small smile appeared on her lips, and she squeezed my hand. "Home," she confirmed.

"That's gross. Hyein, don't look," Hanni said, but she was still taking pictures with her phone. Until Hyein eventually photobombed her photos.

#newjeans minji #newjeans hanni #hanni pham #newjeans #danielle #haerin #newjeans hyein #haerin x reader #kang haerin #anons ask #newjeans x reader #hyein #kim minji #mo jihye

[graneymar]

hiii, could you write a fic Neymar X fem!reader, when they have been together for like a year and in a sort of a secret relationship, because she is not a famous but a law student, and they wanted their privacy.

she is like 25 and he is 30, I love reading about age gap( but not too much ofc)

you could write about their couple dynamic (including fluff but also some dirty talk and them flirting like a lot) and then they get caught by the paparazzi, and everyone find out about her. Maybe when they were on vacation or something.

idk if you want, but you could also include insta post?? do what you feel it’s right !!

thank u if you will! And sorry for my broken English, I’m Spanish 💕💕

#5. NEYMAR: ONE NIGHT IN IBIZA

SUMMARY: above

WARNINGS: some dirty talk

PAIRING: Neymar x fem!reader

Our relationship was quite complicated. I was an ordinary law student, studying abroad and was in my last year, so I barely had time to spend with my boyfriend, especially due to preparing for the upcoming exams. Neymar, of course, had a really busy schedule and whenever he had a few days off, he took every opportunity to not only visit me, but also his family in Brasil. All these circumstances led to us sometimes not seeing each other for weeks. But if we got to spend some time together, we made sure we would make the best of it. Apart from that, I decided it would be the best for us if we didn't announce our relationship publicly. I wanted to build my career myself and not be "(Your first name + last name), lawyer and Neymar Jrs girlfriend". I didn’t want my professors and other students to treat me differently just because I was dating a famous footballer. Neymar never really liked the idea of us hiding ourselves from everyone, but he respected my decision and told me he would wait until I was ready. Still, he let everyone know he was in a relationship, which led to the press and his fans speculating about who the lucky woman was. Going out in public, we always made sure we were surrounded by the few close friends that knew about us, so no one would assume we went on dates and such.

In conclusion, I barely got to see Neymar, and when I did, I never really got him all to myself. The only time we finally were able to express our love was when we decided to stay at home alone.

"Meu Deus, can you believe it’s already been a year?", Neymar sighed out as my bracelet caught his eyes. For my 25th birthday a couple of months ago, he got me a golden bracelet with our initials and the date we got together engraved. I shook my head chuckling, "Time flies. It really does." Remembering we only had a few more days in peace together, the big smile on my face quickly disappeared. His brow furrowed. "What are you thinking about again?" I turned around when I felt warm tears in my eyes. "Nothing babe, I'm fine", I lied. We were currently on vacation in Ibiza, now on a yacht in the middle of the ocean. I inhaled deeply, watching the waves as I tried to calm down and not break down in tears. He hugged me from behind and placed his head onto my shoulder. "Can we please enjoy the time we have left together before going back to normal?", he mumbled. I blinked a few times, making my tears stay in instead of rolling down my cheeks. "You're right." I turned my head to kiss his cheek. He put on his sweetest smile before letting go of me, smacking my bum. My body twitched for a second. Neymar cheekily smirked and finally turned around, laying down to continue his sunbathe. Without making a move, I simply stood there and watched him relaxing.

A few minutes later Neymar took his sunglasses off, tilting his head to my direction. I saw his eyes going up and down my body. I questioningly raised one eyebrow at him. "You don’t know how bad I want you right now." Playfully I rolled my eyes. He put his hands on his lap, demanding to come and sit on it. I slowly walked up to him, but instead of doing what he wished me to do, I dropped myself right next to him. He smirked because he understood that was my way of teasing him. It was our thing, he loved feeling like he had to "chase" me. His hands tapped a random beat on my thighs. "You know, there’s a bedroom inside. We could spend some time there until we arrive at the port."

"Mhm", I nodded, "And how do you want to spend the time there?" He chuckled before hiding his face into my neck. Feeling his breath already made me get goosebumps all over my skin. "First of all", he started, whispering in a low-tone voice, kissing my neck slowly, "I'll throw you onto the fucking bed, then rip off your bikini, sliding my fingers into you until you can’t help but beg me to finally push him inside you. And…" My eyes rolled back in pleasure. The things he said, his hands going up and down my body, his lips on my neck with his tongue sometimes touching it. Enough to drive me insane already. I bit my bottom lip trying to hold back a moan. One thing I hated about Neymar was, he loved turning me on in public. He loved knowing and seeing him how much I needed him. I wouldn’t go into this bedroom with him now and he knew, but this was his kind of foreplay. I now couldn’t wait to get into our hotel room and he was well aware of that. "And the rest is what you’ll get at home after the party tonight." He pulled away and sat up again, laughing at my pissed off facial expression. I groaned in frustration.

"What party are you talking about?" My eyebrows furrowed. "We promised Cris and Bianca we'd go out clubbing with them tonight, did you forget?"

"Oh, right…", I remembered and pouted my lips, "but I can’t wait for tonight." Neymar grinned and pecked my lips quickly. "Quickie as we get ready maybe?" He winked as I giggled.

Said and done. I actually got what I wanted as soon as we entered the hotel room, but we had to keep it short, too short, since we didn’t have much time to get ready anymore.

Before getting to the club, we decided to eat dinner. "How was it on the yacht?", Bianca asked, while Neymar and Cris were talking about some gaming stuff. "Oh Bi, if you only knew! Even though we were in the middle of nowhere and the only people surrounding us was his staff, you can’t imagine how much I enjoyed it. Finally going out with my boyfriend alone, it almost felt like an ordinary relationship." When I first met Bianca I was afraid she wouldn’t like or even hate me since she was best friends with Bruna, Neymars ex, but she soon turned out to be the most supportive of us. "I believe so. It must be exhausting only being able to feel like a real couple when being home alone. How long do you want to wait to finally announce your relationship?" I shrugged, "I don't know at all to be honest. Actually, I'm tired of hiding, but on the other side, I don't want all my clients coming to me just because they know me through Neymar. I want them to choose me because they value me as their lawyer, not because I possibly could be privileged thanks to my boyfriend." I didn’t even notice Neymar and Cris stopped talking and listened to our conversation. "But are you planning to go back to Paris after you finished studying or are you staying there? You know, staying there would be beneficial for your career", Cris said. I stuttered and looked around as I was thinking of an answer. I felt Neymars eyes on me and of course, he wanted me to come back to Paris and move in with him after I finished my studies, but Cris was right. This was something I never worried about before. Neymar noticed I was getting nervous and put his hand on mine. "That’s not a topic for today, we have enough time to think about it later", he stated and threw me a soft smile. Bianca and Cris agreed and changed topics.

Entering the club, we had some drinks before finding ourselves on the dancefloor. Whenever Neymar and I danced, we were careful so we would not get too close. Bianca was always jumping in between us when she thought we went too far. However, we had the time of our lives and actually got drunk at some point. I went to the bar to get us some drinks and scrolled through my instagram for you page while waiting, when an article about Neymar and Bruna Marquezine caught my eye. They were writing about how perfect they were, why they broke up, etc. According to them, Neymar broke up with Bruna because she refused to move to Paris for him, she prioritised her own career. My heart stopped for a second the moment I remembered Cris' question. Hundreds of thoughts ran through my mind. How were Neymar and I supposed to maintain our relationship if I decided I would not go back to Paris? He broke up with Bruna after being together for such a long time, no doubt he would leave me too. My breathing got heavier. I tried to organise my thoughts, but all I was able to think of was Neymar leaving me sooner or later. "Are you okay?", the barkeeper asked, placing the drinks right in front of me. I realised tears were rolling down my cheeks. I wiped them away rapidly. "Uh yeah, I'm fine. Thank you." Bianca made her way to me in order to help me with the drinks. I needed to get out of there. "Bi, I'll go home now. I'm not feeling well", I told her. She looked slightly confused and observed me for a few seconds. "Did something happen? You were laughing and dancing like five minutes ago." I shook my head from left to right and grabbed my clutch. "No, nothing happened. I'm just tired and probably drank a little too much", I answered and faked a smile as I stepped away from her after saying goodbye. Right when I got out of the club, I felt someone pulling me back by my shoulder. "Y/N!", I recognised Neymar shouting after me, "Y/N, why do you want to go home? What’s wrong?" I kept looking at the ground, I didn’t want him to see my wet cheeks. "Tired and drunk. Just need to sleep", I shortly replied after swallowing hard. "You are not drunk. At least not that drunk. I know somethings bothering you. What is it? Talk to me."

"Let’s discuss it later, Ney. Go have fun. I just need some rest", I answered and was about to turn around again, but Neymar held me back. "Hey, don’t act like that now. If you're leaving, I'm leaving." I shook my head. "No Ney, please."

"Yes I will, Y/N. If you want to stay mad for I don’t even know what…", he began, but I quickly interrupted him. "I'm not mad, Neymar, at least not at you." His facial expression showed he was completely lost. "If you’re not mad at me, who are you mad at then? Can you now please tell me what happened, did someone say or do anything?" He kept on asking questions until I couldn’t hold it back any longer. "I'm mad at myself because I don’t know if I can give you what you want and this will make you break up with me sooner or later and I hate myself for letting it go this far but I can’t help it because I'm fucking selfish and… and… I just don’t know what to do." Neymars eyebrows furrowed, he was unable to speak and had a hard time understanding what I was saying inbetween the sobs. "W-Why would I… why would I break up with you? Why are you selfish? What the hell are you even talking about?" I sighed out loud. "What was the reason you broke up with Bruna Marquezine?" This question was enough for him to understand what all this was about. "Y/N, that was a whole other story. Bruna kept on promising me things she wouldn’t do. When you and I got together I knew exactly what I was getting myself into - I wanted this, and I still do. We have a whole year to think about what to do and if you decide to go for your career, I will gladly support you. It’s not like you’re making empty promises." I couldn’t stop the tears from streaming down my face. "Neymar, I know you want a family, I know you want someone to come home to everyday. I, on the other side, don’t even know anything anymore. I don’t know if I want to go for my career, damn sometimes I don’t even know if I want to be a lawyer. But what I surely don’t want is you to waste your time on me when I have no idea what I am doing with my life." His eyes filled with sadness before he hugged me tightly. "Meu amor, you're in your mid-twenties. It’s a confusing time. Some of your friends have their own business, others are married or having kids. No matter what you are doing now, you feel like somethings missing, like you are missing out on something. You feel pressured, I get that. You have to make some of the most important decisions in your life right now, you’re afraid to go the wrong way. But you, my love, are an intelligent, smart, independent woman. I know you will make the right decisions. And no matter what you choose to do, I will be with you." He gave me a short yet passionate kiss. "Being in your mid-twenties is shit, trust me, I know." I quietly chuckled. "Stop talking like you're my grandfather, you're five years older than me." Neymar laughed as he softly wiped my almost dried tears away with his thumb. "All I'm saying is I know exactly what it feels like to think that no matter what you do, it’s wrong. And I want to be the last person to make you feel pressured." Without saying a word, I put my hands around his neck and pulled him down for a kiss. "Te amo", I whispered.

"Eu te amo tanto, Y/N", he remained silent for a moment, "Still wanna go home?" I nodded. Neymar went inside to get our stuff and tell Bianca and Cris we're leaving. Meanwhile, I went on instagram again. "What the fuck", I murmured as I saw myself on my for you page. There were photos and videos of Neymar and me outside the club, hugging and kissing. They had to be taken just a few minutes ago. I turned around to Neymar staying behind me already. "We fucked up. I didn't even check if there were any paparazzi", he said looking at my phone screen. As I refreshed the page in shock, I saw even more pictures of myself. "How did they get those?" "Oh, I have these on my story", Neymar admit. He loved presenting me everywhere, even though he didn’t show my face. I raised an eyebrow at him and checked his instagram story.

"I haven’t even seen these pictures. Why didn’t you show me? They're good." He smiled watching his story on my phone. "You know what will even be better now? Not hiding your gorgeous face anymore." My phone started buzzing. I got endless instagram notifications, Neymars fans following me, liking my pictures and commenting on them. First thing I noticed was most comments were complimenting and congratulating me. "Your fans are fast as fuck." Neymar laughed, "See, they love you already."

#neymar #football imagine #football imagines #neymar imagine #neymar imagines #neymar jr #imagine #imagines #neymar jr fanfic #neymar fluff #neymar fanfic #neymarjr #neymar jr fanfiction #neymar jr imagine #neymar jr imagines #neymar jr x reader #neymar jr x you #neymar junior #neymar x reader #neymar x you #neymar smut

[viviseawrites]

in honor of #SteddieOmegaverseWeek, here's my response for the Day 2 prompt of omega/omega or alpha/alpha! featuring omega Steve and omega Eddie.

this thing that builds

rated T, 5995 words

“Well, they brought him out of sedation and took him off the ventilator, but they think he might be dropping,” she finally says, still holding him.

Steve stares and tries to process. Dropping. Like… “He’s an omega?” Steve asks quietly. His heart lurches in his chest.

Joyce nods and finally sits again, settling a thin hand on his over the jacket. “Apparently. I don’t really know much—I mean, I don’t even know him. But Dustin and the rest of the kids are with him.”

“What about his uncle? What about the game club guys?” Steve asks, casting about for any knowledge he has of Eddie’s pack. “Where are they?”

She frowns and shoots a nasty look toward the hallway. “I’m not sure. I have a feeling the government did everything they could to evacuate them with everyone else. I don’t even know if they spoke to his uncle or not. The poor man is probably worried sick.”

“He needs his pack.” Steve knows this. They taught it in one of the first classes of his EMT course. More than that, though, he knows it because he’s lived it before.

Steve remembers the feeling. The first time it happened to him, after the demogorgon. Only a few people even knew about his designation. His parents had left on business again; Tommy and Carol ditched him; things with Nancy were still weird. And Steve, alone and injured and terrified, dropped. He only survived because his neighbor came to check on him when a broken sprinkler started overrunning into his driveway.

Steve wracks his brain, fighting past the static of panic to remember the rest of that chapter. Pack helps most, obviously. Hospitals can only do so much with hormone administration, but injured patients often respond negatively to the influx of false triggers.

After that, the presence of another omega and a nest could appease instincts enough to hold someone over.

“They need to move me to his room,” Steve says.

Joyce’s eyebrows jump toward her bangs. “What?”

“We learned about it in my EMT course. If his pack isn’t here and the doctors can’t administer a hormonal treatment, the next-best thing is nesting with another omega. Usually it'd be someone close to him, but… we have to try.”

She blinks at him a bit before that familiar determined gleam settles over her. “Okay,” she says. “I’ll talk to the doctors. And if they don’t listen, we’ll figure out a way to do it ourselves. What do you need?”

read the rest on AO3!

#vivisea writes #steddie omegaverse #omegaverse #eddie munson #steve harrington #steddie #steddie fic #omega steve harrington #omega eddie munson #steddie omegaverse week #stranger things

[pengychan]

[Baldur’s Gate III] A Deal in Three Acts: Act II

Title: A Deal in Three Acts Summary: Weeks since Raphael took temporary residence at Sharess’ Caress, Haarlep is bored. Still waiting for Tav to take him up on his offer, Raphael is frustrated. Tav chooses an interesting evening to show up with a counter-offer. Characters: Raphael, Haarlep, Tav. Rating: Explicit Status: In progress

Act I here Also on AO3

*** Sometimes nice simple plans fall apart, but they can be salvaged with an incubus on your side. I think. ***

When Tav had left Elfsong Tavern to head for Sharess’ Caress, she had a plan. 

A nice, simple plan, as Astarion had called it after they’d spent hours going through every detail of their counter-offer to avoid every possible pitfall. Two centuries since he’d last donned a magistrate’s robes, he still had plenty of insight to give when it came to binding contracts.

“I think I would have hated dealing with magistrate Ancunín,” Tav had muttered. Sitting on the tavern’s terraced roof to bask in the rays of the dying sun, a leg dangling off into the air, Astarion had laughed. He laughed a lot more lately, and it was good to see. In the days after they’d cut down Cazador Szarr, he’d seemed to emptied out that everyone at camp had worried. Now, finally, it seemed to have truly hit him - that the monster who’d taken everything from him was gone, and could never hurt him again.

Tav hoped to feel like that, too, and soon.

“Oh, most people hated dealing with this menace,” Astarion had said, gesturing to himself. “And our friend Raphael will be none too pleased by our counter-offer, I bet, but you must not yield an inch. He’s desperate for that crown, and while we have a backup plan, he does not. Our little, shall we say, requests are just trivial matters to the bearer of the Crown of Karsus. He has nothing to lose and everything to gain by accepting.”

“I suppose the clause binding him to limit his rule to the Nine Hells of Baator may be the main stumbling block.”

“Ah, but he already said he’d do that, didn’t he? He cannot refuse to put it on paper without admitting he lied. Of course, we’ll need the entire contract in a language we understand . And a copy for ourselves. I really can’t believe so many people keep doing that. Signing contracts in some language they don’t know, without even their own copy. Wyll was incredibly lucky we found a way to break his contract and save his father.”

“Not everyone’s a magistrate, magistrate.”

“That’s bloody common sense, darling. Now, let’s go over this again, just to make sure you didn’t forget anything…”

They did, and she hadn’t. Tav left the tavern before the last rays of sun disappeared beyond buildings, taking care to speak with no one else. She knew all too well that most of her companions would disapprove, to say the least - Karlach and Gale most of all. But this was for their sake, too. 

If everything went as planned, if she could get Raphael to accept the counter-offer, they would both be free of the ticking time bombs in their chests. And of course, Tav would get a shot at seeing an Archdevil die. 

The Hells were the Hells; it did not matter to her what devil ruled supreme over it all. She’d gladly hand Raphael the crown and all her own magic on top of it, if it meant she could see Zariel dead and broken, a charred husk among ruins like… like…

“I’m not going to give you a lecture about revenge, because you deserve it as I deserved mine,” was the last thing Astarion had told her before she left. “But they’re dead and you’re alive. Take the blood you’re owed, but keep your life.”

“Is that a very long-winded way to tell me to be careful?”

“I say it a lot better than you do, my friend. If you’re not back by morning, I’ll come looking. You can be certain I will. But I’ll be cursing you the entire way there and back.”

Tav, who’d planned to be back long before morning, had nodded. A simple goal, a simple plan. Nothing was going to throw her off course; she told herself as much while going up the stairs, opening the door, and stepping in the room. 

Then-- well, for all her grim determination, the sight had sort of thrown her off. You can never be completely sure of what you’ll see when walking in on a devil, but Tav had no trouble admitting that ‘Raphael fucking himself in the most literal sense possible’ was not among the possible scenarios she’d thought up. She hadn’t meant to make noise, either, but she had and all things considered, it had been a blessing in disguise. 

Had the incubus not helpfully introduced themself to her, she might have assumed that the Bhaal cult’s shapeshifters were taking an entirely new approach since Orin’s demise, and she might have attacked. Needless to say, it would have made the situation quite awkward.

Well. More awkward.

“Why don’t you join us, little mouse? Get up close and discuss to your heart’s content. I won’t interrupt. I’ll just be doing my thing.”

“Haarlep--” Raphael tried to speak, his voice strained in a way Tav had never heard it, and even that attempt broke up into a groan when the incubus thrust upwards. It was, pun intended, one hell of a sight: Raphael’s naked body on the lap of an incubus who looked almost exactly like his cambion form, his thighs spread open and chest heaving with ragged breaths. 

And Tav she knew a chance when she saw it. She couldn’t have dreamed up an occasion like that, with Raphael that vulnerable, barely coherent . Plus, no matter what Astarion said - she was very much not made of wood. When she met his eyes, clouded with lust as they were, her next words came out in a husky murmur. “May I, Raphael?”

A wordless groan, all his eloquence gone, but it was the only answer she needed. His chest shuddered under her touch and oh, he was feverishly warm, skin glossy with sweat. Beneath her palm, his heart thumped wildly. Tav leaned in, and pressed her lips against his throat. She felt him swallow, and smiled. Her own breathing came a little faster, too. “Tell me what you want.”

“The crown--” he tried, only for an especially clever twist of Haarlep’s hips and to turn the words in a whine. The incubus caught Tav’s eye over his shoulder, and grinned. If they knew what she was trying to do, one thing was clear: they had no intention to stop her.

Good.

Tav pulled back, and tilted Raphael’s chin up. She ran her thumb across his lips, her other hand trailing down his chest, down his stomach, coming to rest on a trembling thigh. “Yes,” she said. “It would look good on you. I want to give you that crown. So you can see all the devils of Baator bowing to you - that’s what you really want, isn’t it?”

“I--” he groaned, dropping his head back against Haarlep’s shoulder at a well-timed tilt of their hips. His hands clenched on sheets. “Yes,” he breathed. There was something else to his shaky voice, a need, a hunger that could never be sated. It sent a shiver down Tav’s spine, more heat pooling in her loins. It was getting really, really warm in that armor. 

“You want to see them kneel, don’t you?” she whispered, and finally took his cock in her hand, her touch light, to trace a vein with a nail. “You want to see everyone kneel.”

Raphael’s hips shuddered, and he couldn’t bite back a cry. “Yes,” he managed, and Haarlep laughed. 

“Oh, this one,” they said, grinding up into Raphael. “I like her.”

Somehow, Raphael managed a scoff. “You like-- everyone, you insatiable--”

“That’s patently untrue, my pet. I don’t like you, for one.”

The response made Raphael scowl, and wrinkle his nose. He wrinkled his nose a lot when annoyed and it made it somewhat difficult to take him seriously, power of the Hells and all. Tav smiled, and leaned in, almost close enough to kiss him. She did not have Yurgir’s keen sense of smell, but there it was, just like he’d said - the scent of cherries and musk beneath the lingering sulfur. Her voice had always been a little too rough to sound truly sweet, but she did her best to soften it. “Do you want me to kneel for you, Raphael?”

He didn’t answer, not with words: he tried to lean forward instead, to catch her lips with his, to grab her and pull her closer. Tav was fast enough to pull back, though, and the incubus’ hands grasped Raphael’s wrists, snake-quick. Haarlep laughed at the frustrated noise that got out of him, and thrust upwards into him sharply, biting into his shoulder in the same motion.

“Behave, little brat,” they purred against his ear. “She asked you a question, it’s only polite to answer. With words. Do you want her to kneel for you?”

If Tav could bottle the moan that left Raphael then, and sell it, she’d be able to buy the Gate and everyone in it ten times over. Maybe there was a way to do that, really, but working it out would have to wait. Right now, she had a more urgent matter to take care of.

Well, two urgent matters. There was the contract, too. She probably shouldn’t forget that.

“What did you say, pet? I couldn’t hear a yes or a no.” The incubus grinned, delighted, and bit into his shoulder again. Raphael cried out, wordless, but he managed a nod and Tav supposed she could go with that. She placed a kiss on his shoulder, just below the bite mark, and knelt between his trembling thighs. Up close, she noticed the ring at the base of his cock for the first time. She tilted her head, running a finger down the length. 

Well, look at that. He wasn’t getting to come anytime soon with that thing on. 

“Believe me, you’d have missed all the fun if I hadn’t put that on,” Haarlep almost sing-sang, and let go of one of Raphael’s wrists to grab his face, forcing him to look down. Tav lifted her gaze to see his eyes on her, his lips parted and face flushed, Haarlep’s claws pressing mercilessly into his cheeks. The incubus in question smiled over his shoulder. 

“Do you know what he sees when he looks at you? He’ll never tell you, but he told me. I can make him tell me everything,” they cooed, and silenced Raphael’s attempt at a protest with two fingers in his mouth, pressing down his tongue. Raphael made an indignant noise, but his body remained flush against Haarlep’s chest, his eyes still fixed on Tav, wide and dark and hungry. “Can you guess?”

Great, so this was a guessing game now. Tav raised an eyebrow. “A rodent of small size?” she ventured.  The incubus’ smile widened.

“His kingdom, that’s what he sees. He looks at you, and he sees his crowning glory.”

Well, fuck. That sure did something to the pit of her stomach and a little below that too. Gods was it hot in there. “Ah,” Tav said, and her voice cracked just a touch, but she managed to catch herself. She had to keep some measure of control if she was to negotiate, because Raphael’s helpless state would do her no good if her brain also turned to mush. So she steadied herself, and locked eyes with him. 

She was beginning to feel decidedly overdressed, and her own face was burning, but she held his gaze as she took hold of his cock and leaned in to press her lips on the side of the shaft in a soft kiss. Raphael keened around Haarlep’s fingers, hips shuddering and back arching. The incubus laughed, and thrust up again - hard - to tear another cry from his throat. 

“Ah, now we’re talking. You’re so much more fun than usual, my little brat,” they said, soft, almost affectionate. They snuck their free arm around Raphael to pull him back against their chest, pinching a nipple. “But oh, aren’t we terrible hosts. I should have told you to make yourself at home, little mouse. Feel free to slip out of that armor. It looks so uncomfortable.” A pause, a tilt of their head. “And unflattering, if I may.”

Tav allowed one more kiss on the inside of Raphael's thigh and stood, just a little unsteady. She began undoing the clasps with a huff. “The point of an armor isn’t to be flattering,” she muttered, letting the parts drop on the floor and trying not to look in Raphael’s direction just yet. “It’s to keep pointy things from skewering you.”

“Oh, then you should definitely take it off now.”

“... Guess I walked into that one.” 

The last of Tav’s underclothes were dropped on the floor, and only then did she look back at Haarlep and Raphael. The incubus had pulled their fingers out of Raphael’s mouth and was smiling, eyes running over her body. Not a lot there for them to see, to be entirely honest; she’d always been about as shapely as a wooden board. 

On one of the last nights they’d spent together, Misza had joked that she had curves enough for them both, and pretended to smother her against her breast. They had laughed like idiots, and that was when Tav had decided she should put a ring on it, before someone else snatched her up. And she’d been snatched all right, but down, down into the Hells along with the entire city and--

A lump threatened to form in her throat and Tav forced it away, pushing memories of better times in the back of her mind, where dead things lingered amidst the ruins of Elturel. Dead, charred things. Her mother and father and all her little siblings, and the woman she’d wanted to propose to once she returned from her time in the countryside, where she had gone to learn how to better control her wild magic. 

But she’d returned to find a crater where Elturel once was; while the city re-emerged from the Hells in the end, many of its inhabitants didn’t live to see the sky again. She had buried the only body she could recognize, her youngest brother with his owlbear plush toy still in his arms. Then the ring meant for Misza had been sold for passage to Baldur’s Gate and she’d left, long before the surviving citizens cast out all remaining tieflings among them.

“Are you well, little mouse?” Haarlep’s voice snapped her out of it, and they spoke slower, their gaze more focused, a hint of a frown across their features. 

Tav met their gaze, and smiled. She had plenty of reasons to smile. They were all gone, but she was still around and so was Zariel, who’d had the city dragged into Avernus. Zariel, who would never surrender her throne without a fight. Zariel, whose days as archdevil would be numbered if Raphael got his way - and he would, as long as she could secure a few clauses. She’d happily be the key to Raphael’s future kingdom, then. 

After all, he was her key to Zariel’s bloody demise. It was a fair exchange. He just didn’t need to know that. 

“Just admiring the sights,” she said, and looked back at the devil she was getting to know a damn lot better than before. Raphael had shut his eyes, brow furrowed and breathing fast, clearly trying to regain some semblance of control. And that, she knew, would not do. The less in control he was, the more chances she had to turn the negotiations her way. 

So she pushed aside hesitation, strode to the bed, and tilted up Raphael’s face. He blinked his eyes open, as though startled by the touch, and swallowed. “The crown,” he breathed, and Tav smiled. Her other hand went down to her folds, two fingers slipping in and coming out slick and glistening. She pressed them to Raphael’s mouth and he parted his lips to let them in, eyes falling shut with a shiver. His tongue felt too warm, too, and Tav licked her lips. 

“Yes,” she rasped, pushing him against Haarlep’s chest. The incubus leaned back, arms braced on the mattress behind them, and Raphael could only tilt back against them, groaning at the shift of the cock inside him. Tav straddled him, letting his erection barely brush against her labia, just enough to let him feel how warm she was, and how wet. His breath hitched, eyes fluttering open, and she smiled again. “Let’s talk about the crown I’m going to place on your head. I’d like to see you with that on. Just the crown.” 

A hand through his hair, the press of lips against his own, and Raphel’s hands gripped her sides hard enough to bruise, pulling her flush against him, chest to chest. She blinked, taken aback, but then she felt him part his lips to let her tongue in and ah, may as well. She kissed him, more roughly and a good deal more enthusiastically than she had originally planned. 

“I think he likes us,” she recalled Astarion saying, and she recalled her reply just as well.

"I like him too, but I'd never say it to his smarmy face."

Well. She was not saying anything of the sort, and he didn’t look all that smarmy anymore, so her point still stood. She heard, dimly, Haarlep’s throaty chuckle. 

“This one’s eager, pet. Didn’t even need my saliva to help along.”

There was something that sounded very much like a growl deep in Raphael’s chest, and he pulled away from Tav’s mouth to turn and snap at Haarlep to be quiet. Or try to, because it took the incubus only a jolt of their hips for his words to turn into a moan.

“You be quiet, little brat. You’re no one’s master tonight, remember?” they whispered against his ear, and smiled at Tav over his shoulder. “I am very pleased to make your acquaintance, by the way. I’m always telling Raphael he should introduce me to his friends more often. Alas, he expressly forbade me to play with you. Never seen him get this jealous.”

“That’s not--” Raphael gasped, and Haarlep silenced him with a few swift thrusts. Still straddling Raphael, Tav grasped his shoulders to avoid being thrown off; his cock rubbed against her folds, only for a moment, but it tore a gasp from her and a moan from Raphael. He dropped his forehead against Tav’s shoulder, gasping, and Tav cupped the back of his head without thinking, stroked down the back of his neck before she finally, finally , allowed herself to sink down on him. 

“Oh…” A sigh, and she closed her eyes, taking a moment to savor the feeling, the stretch. She was wet and he slid in so easily, so deep. Was it supposed to feel that warm? Was it a devil thing? Did it matter? Probably not; it felt good either way. Against her skin, Raphael let out an incoherent noise and grasped her again, pulling her close.

Don’t worry, I’m going nowhere, she almost said, but what left her mouth was quite different.

“This is going to be quite a tale,” she groaned, her voice rough, and rocked her hips. “That I bedded the archdevil supreme. No one’s going to believe me.”

A shudder, and there was no telling what had caused it - the heat of her around him, her movements, or her words. Either way, he pulled back enough to look at her. There it was, in the midst of pleasure - that hungry look again. “You shall give me the crown,” he rasped, and Tav smiled.

“I want to give you the crown just as much as you want to put an end to the Grand Design. But like you, I have conditions.” A kiss, deep, a slow tilt of her hips. Haarlep moved again beneath them, inside Raphael, and somehow it was easy to match their movements, find the right rhythm. Raphael’s breaths came in shuddering gasps, but he did not call for either of them to stop. “So I have come with a counteroffer.”

A scoff. “There is no counteroffer to be-- made,” he groaned through clenched teeth. 

A smile, a kiss. “You forget,” Tav whispered against his lips, rocking slowly, “that I have a backup plan, and you do not.”

“Trusting-- ah-- an Illithid is no plan. It’s sheer-- ngh-- idiocy.”

“Ah, but I thrive on idiocy. Idiocy got me this far.” She stilled, clenched around him, and muffled the noise that got out of him with another kiss. “It might just carry me a little further. If the Emperor can help us destroy the Netherbrain, with or without Orpheus - and you know he can - then we’ll have no reason to give you the crown. Why risk it all without hearing me out?” A light bite on his lower lip. “You’ll find my requests more than reasonable.”

Raphael scowled, but he tilted back his head against Haarlep’s shoulder, and closed his eyes. When she leaned in to nip at his throat, she felt him swallow. “... What are your requests?” he finally groaned.

Well, this is it. Best to start small.

“There are two requests that you can satisfy with little more than a snap of your fingers, I’m sure. Two of my companions carry their doom in their chests. I know that with the Crown of Karsus, you can remove the orb from Gale quite readily - and without harming him. And someone capable of creating the Orphic Hammer surely knows how to fix an infernal engine so it can work on this plane without killing its bearer.”

A low, breathy chuckle. “Of course. These will be trivial matters to me.”

“So is that something you’d be willing to add to the contract?”

“Consider it done. Will that-- ah-- ” Raphael trailed off for a moment, trembling, before he caught his voice again. “Will that be all?”

“Not quite. I want to make it clear that no soul but mine will be involved.” She ground against him, hard, and grasped his chin to make sure he’d look at her. His eyes opened, wide and dark, to meet hers. “The crown for the hammer, and for your help for Gale and Karlach, with my soul - mine alone - as the collateral if I fail to deliver the crown. If I deliver it to you, as I intend to, my soul will remain my own.”

Tav watched Raphael’s brow furrow, watched him think it over with as much difficulty one can experience while being fucked by an incubus and a woman at the same time, and finally watched him jerk his head in a nod. “Yes, that is-- ah-- reasonable,” he panted. His hands ran down her back, down her sides, and stopped on her thighs. “Will that-- be all?”

“Not quite.” A kiss, rough. “Another collateral seems fair. You said you’ll limit your rule to the Nine Hells of Baator.”

“And I shall,” Raphael replied, trying to bite her lip, but she was too quick to pull back. She smiled, brushing a hand down his chest, down his stomach, almost to the point where their bodies joined. Her fingers brushed against his shaft, causing him to shudder.

“I want that in writing, binding you to relinquish the crown’s ownership to Mystra if you break the clause.” 

As she had very much expected, Raphael stilled beneath her. He glowered, anger crossing his features even through the daze of pleasure. “No,” he all but growled, and seemed about to add something - but Haarlep rocked into him harder than before, Tav clenched around him, and his voice broke into a groan. Haarlep winked at her; it cost Tav some effort not to openly smile back.

If she succeeded in her mission, she would probably owe the incubus a favor. Oh well. Something could be worked out, surely. 

“No?” she repeated, all fake innocence. She cupped Raphael’s cheek, looking at him in the eye. Her thumb brushed over his lips. “But you have already pledged to keep to the Hells. Putting that in writing should be no trouble at all. Why would it be?”

Because he’d had no intention whatsoever to be true to that pledge, was the obvious answer, but it wasn’t something he could admit without showing his hand. She knew it, he knew it, and he was livid about it. 

… Not livid enough to push her off him, however. She took note of that while waiting for a response. She watched him clench his jaw, then make an effort to smooth his expression. 

“It rather hurts,” he rasped, voice so low, “to see my word doesn’t carry enough weight for you.”

Tav couldn’t hold back a chuckle. “No one’s word does.” She leaned in to kiss the bridge of his nose. “ Verba volant, scripta manent. You of all people would know what that means. You’d be a poor devil indeed, not to take advantage of the lack of a written clause. I’d be disappointed if you didn’t at least try, and you have never disappointed so far.”

He still scowled, but when she pulled back he reached to grasp her head, to pull her mouth back on his. It was a rough, devouring kiss - the first such initiative from his part - and she yielded to it immediately. She sighed into his mouth, wrapped her arms around his neck and tilted her hips again, pressing him down on Haarlep with her meager weight. She swallowed his groan, and shuddered when he bit into her lower lip - not hard enough to draw blood but oh, almost. For a few moments all she could hear was his panting breath, her own thumping heart, and the slick noises they made as she rocked against him again. 

And then, finally, a groan. “... Very well,” he rasped. “It will be clearly stated in the contract--”

“Which will be written in common tongue,” she cut him off. “For me to ready before I sign. With a copy for me to keep.”

This time, she felt the frustrated growl in his chest more than she heard it. His hands, which had been going down her spine, stilled. “Infernal contracts,” he bit out, obviously short on breath, “are meant to be written in Infernal. It’s very much in the name, little mouse.”

Tav leaned her cheek on his shoulder, and bit at his earlobe. “A certified translation, then, with witnesses,” she panted. He felt hot to the touch and so did she, unbearably so, skin slick with sweat. Still she pressed her face into the crook of his neck, breathing him in. Cherries and musk, yes, and despite the lingering sulfur it was sweet, sweet, intoxicating. Pressure was building up, white-hot. She had to bite her lower lip not to moan. “A-- and a clause that makes the contract null and void-- if the translation differs in any way,” she managed. 

Another groan, part frustration and part arousal, as he shuddered beneath her. “This is-- not the norm, with any contract--”

“But this isn’t any contract, Raphael.” She pulled back, despite the tight grasp around her, to press a kiss against his lips. “This is the one that will make you the archdevil supreme of all Baator.”

“I’ve extended-- more than enough grace--”

“I only want guarantees for what you already promised.” Tav cut him off, and smiled against his lips before pulling away, arching her back. To her satisfaction, Raphael had to bite his lips to silence a moan. She placed both hands on his chest, and rocked her hips. She was close - Gods, was she close - and he was still hard within her, so warm, unable to finish. 

“Contracts can be changed, if both parties agree,” she managed through ragged breaths. “The ruler of all Hells may yet convince me to revise it.” Absolutely not, but you’re welcome to try. If I truly can take that crown from a Netherbrain I’ll be able to take it from you, if I must. “And you’ll have plenty of time to do so. I’ll come to the Hells and join your war.” Let me be the one to cut down Zariel, and I’ll follow you to the Ninth. “We can make-- a separate contract, if you like. I won’t leave until I see you sit on Asmodeus’ throne.”

For a moment, Raphael truly seemed at a loss for words. He stared, eyes wide, as though struggling to make sense of what he’d just heard. Even his grip on her hips slackened. “You-- I--”

“Oh, please let her come over. She’s fun. We could use some fun.”

Haarlep’s voice caused him to recoil, as though he’d somehow forgotten about their presence despite the cock buried inside him. Though come to think of it, Tav hadn’t felt Haarlep move for… several minutes, at least. 

“You-- this is none of your concern, incubus-- and why did you stop? ” Raphael bit out, turning to glare at the incubus in question. They were leaning back on their elbows, head tilted, and grinned widely before thrusting upwards in a smooth motion. Raphael shuddered, and pressed his mouth against Tav’s shoulder to muffle a groan. 

“Ah, my apologies. The two of you were such a fun spectacle to watch,” Haarlep muttered, and sat up, chest once again pressing against Raphael’s back. “You want to finish, don’t you, little brat?” Another upward thrust, another moan against Tav’s skin. “Then wrap up the conversation, pet. It’s impolite to keep a lady waiting for an answer.”

A growl, and Raphael lifted his head to look Tav in the eyes. Shortly after their first meeting, she recalled Gale claiming he’d seen a spark of Hellfire in his eyes. She’d thought he was just being dramatic at the time, but now, up close… oh, she could see it too, and more than a spark. It made her breath catch, pleasure coiling in her loins. Her grip on his shoulders tightened when he spoke, his voice low. 

“... Very well. But you will get me that crown, little mouse. If you refuse, I will have your soul. If you fail to get it for me and die, I’ll still have your soul. Am I clear?”

A nod, a shuddering breath. “Yes,” she managed. “That sounds-- ah-- fair.”

“We have-- a deal, then,” Raphael breathed, and Tav claimed his lips again. Negotiations concluded, she could finally let go of the last shreds of self control and ride him in earnest, grinding hard against him. Her ears were buzzing and all her limbs felt so heavy and so light all of a sudden, her body flushing hot and cold at the same time. 

Distantly, she heard Haarlep laugh, and Raphael cry out. She couldn’t even begin to imagine how that had to feel for him, with both her and Haarlep moving fast and hard, around him and inside him, keeping him trapped between them as they took their pleasure, unable to move and helplessly feeling it all. 

Later, Tav wouldn't know for how long it went on. Too long, probably. Not long enough, surely. She teetered on the edge of orgasm and she was sure she’d break, but she did not. Or at least, she was not the first to break.

“Haarlep--” Raphael cried out against Tav’s neck, and something suspiciously like a sob wracked his body; the face pressed against her skin felt too wet for it to be just sweat. The incubus let out a low, rumbling chuckle. Tav felt their hand slip between them, down Raphael’s stomach and then lower, the back of it barely brushing against her as the fingers toyed with the ring at the base of Raphael’s cock. 

“You want it off, don’t you, little duke?”

“Yes-- yes-- ”

“Beg.”

Another sob, and something dripped down Tav’s neck, down her shoulder. Raphael’s arms were gripping her tightly, as if he was desperately trying to ground himself to something. “Please,” he choked out, and somehow the desperation in his voice was what finally pushed Tav over the edge.

The orgasm was almost blinding, mind-numbing in its intensity, wave after wave of pleasure up her spine. She clenched around him and shuddered hard enough she almost thought, for a moment, that she might seize and die. What a way to go, she thought, barely coherent, holding onto the only Raphael for dear life. A hell of a way to go. If her heart stopped now, she wasn’t sure she’d have complaints.

She never had to find out, though, because her heart did not stop. It kept beating wildly in her chest when her shudders died down and she went limp against Raphael, panting, head spinning. Against her ear, Raphael keened. 

“Please!”

A chuckle, and now even the incubus sounded breathless. “Good boy,” they said, and reached down again. Tav did not see or feel what they did, but suddenly the ring was gone and Raphael muffled a cry against her, his entire body shuddering. And maybe it was her mind playing tricks on her, but Tav could have sworn even his come felt warmer than it had any right to be. She clenched around him reflexively, still mostly spent, and Raphael trembled before he, too, went limp.

“There, little brat. Take it,” Haarlep was murmuring, and thrust their hips upwards one last time before stilling and closing their eyes with a long, pleased sigh. “Oh, this was so much better than usual…”

They said something else, probably, but Tav was beyond hearing it. She must have blacked out, or something like it, because it felt as though she’d only blinked and then she opened her eyes to find herself leaning on her side on the bed, empty and panting, a sticky and cooling mess on the inside of her thighs. She was vaguely aware of the fact Haarlep was sitting at the foot of the bed, saying something about the pool in the next room; but she didn’t look up, couldn’t lift her head.

And neither, it seemed, could Raphael. He was still holding onto her, face wet and burrowed against her throat, breathing ragged. His frame trembled; she reached to brush his hair back without thinking, nails scraping gently against his scalp. She wasn’t sure how long she did that, mind empty of all thought, but eventually their breathing slowed, his trembling subsided. Her fingers tangled once more in Raphael’s hair and did not move again. He remained still, too, his breathing slow and steady against her skin. 

Tav closed her eyes, and let herself fall into nothingness. Somewhere in that darkness on the brink of sleep she saw the Crown of Karsus on Raphael’s head, saw Zariel’s broken body at his feet, saw her head in her hands.

And she smiled.

***

[Back to Act I]

#bg3 #baldur's gate iii #baldurs gate 3 #bg3 tav #bg3 raphael #bg3 haarlep #tiefling tav #female tav #raphael bg3

[wolf-2099]

☆ A Reflection of Myself, in You ☆

Word Count: 1,644

Pairing: Wolf2099 (Wolf Spider x Miguel O'Hara)

Summary: Two very broken Spider-Men from two very different worlds find a sense of comfort in each other. And it makes both of them uneasy. But they yearn for it while desperately trying to push it away. Blah blah it's a wedding fic. Lots of dialogue.

"Miguel. Do you remember when you proposed to me?" "I do."

Wolf laughed. There was a hint of annoyance behind it.

The two men sat next to each other, legs hanging over the edge of a random building's rooftop. They didn't sit too close to each other, but not too far apart either. Just enough space between the two of them. Just how they liked it.

"You asked me to marry you before you asked me out on a date." Wolf scoffed.

"No, I said I wanted to marry you. I never asked you to do anything." Miguel glanced at Wolf out of the corner of his eye. His expression was serious. The impenetrable fortress that was Miguel O'Hara and his emotions stood tall, even during a topic like this.

"When you say you want to marry someone, it leads the other person to believe that, oh I don't know, you want it to be reciprocated."

"And I never once said that, did I?"

"You're impossible."

Miguel cracks a smile at that. Wolf notices and smiles in return.

"I'm being serious, Miguel." Wolf Spider continues.

"When did I say you weren't?"

Wolf growled. "It's like you're trying to piss me off."

"I'm not. You just get mad too easily."

Silence falls over them. The sounds of the city below them fills the air and mixes with the tension between the two. Cars honk, a few party-goers are shouting, and the air vibrates with pollution.

"Do you still want to marry me? Even now?" Wolf asks.

"I do." Miguel answers.

"Even though I get mad too easily?"

"Even despite that, I do."

"Why?" Wolf scoots a bit closer to Miguel, challenging him. Invading his space. Both physically and emotionally. "Why would you want to marry me?"

"You're broken and busted and messed up." Miguel sits still, letting Wolf invade.

"And?"

"That's it."

"And here I thought you'd fall for my devilish good looks and witty humor." Wolf laughed.

"Those actually annoy me more than anything." Miguel laughs in return.

More silence. More sounds of the city. The two of them have moved closer to each other, but not enough. There's still that distance. Surprisingly, it's Miguel that breaks the silence this time.

"You're a mess. You don't trust anybody easily. You have anger problems and then get even angrier because you lost your temper in the first place. You push people away and isolate yourself because you think that you aren't allowed to be near anyone because you're a monster."

Wolf Spider tries to laugh, but it falls flat before he can even let it out. "You describing me, or yourself here?"

Silence.

And then,

A realization.

"Oh," Wolf looks at Miguel. "You are describing yourself. That's the whole point, isn't it?"

"Pretty much, yeah." Miguel shrugs.

Wolf stares at him, body fully turned to face Miguel. Miguel, however, is still facing forward. Facing away from Wolf. Staring out into the city.

"Explain a few things for me, would ya, Miguel? You've a very particular man who does things in a particular way. So what's the truth behind the half-confession half-proposal. And why someone so similar to you? No offense, but neither of us quite like ourselves enough to want to marry someone exactly like us."

Miguel gives a quiet half chuckle at that.

"With how perceptive you can be, it sure did take you long enough to pick up on it," Miguel stares back at Wolf from the corner of his eyes. Still not turning his head to look at him. Still keeping his body forward. Still closed off. "It's because we hate ourselves so much that I want to marry you."

"You want someone who sees themself in you, to reject you. React with disgust at your confession. Is that it? How selfish," Wolf scoffs. "Using me for your own self-flagellation."

Wolf faces forward again. He lays his hands neatly over his lap as he looks up at the stars in the sky. Miguel tilts his head slightly to look at him. The give and take of one looking away and the other looking at them. The silent game of tug-of-war.

"You're wrong, Miguel. We are very different."

"You made me explain myself, so is it only fair that I ask you to explain what you mean by that?" Miguel leans back on his hands. One hand slides closer to Wolf Spider. Wanting to grab him, touch him, pull him towards himself. But it stops just a few inches shy.

"You want someone to be the man in the mirror. To look at you with the same amount of disgust and hatred that you see in yourself every morning. But you're wrong. That person won't be me. We're different enough that I don't see myself in you."

"How exactly are we different from each other then? Tell me your perspective on it, Wolf." Miguel stares at him. Watches. "Is it because we're two different worlds? Past and future? Animal and human?"

Wolf Spider shakes his head, "No. It's because while you want to marry me because of your own self-hatred," He grits his fangs, tightening his fists until his claws prick at the palm of his skin, "I want you to marry me because you see the good in me."

Miguel's eyes widen.

Silence.

"Back then, when you told me you wanted to marry me, do you remember what I said?"

Miguel nods, "Yeah. You laughed and said you'd give me a year. If I convinced you that I was worth it in that year, you'd marry me."

"I did. And I made my decision long ago. Would you like to know when I made my decision?"

"I would." Miguel's voice is quiet, gentle. As he sits next to this predator, he speaks so gently. Like he's afraid to scare him away.

"Two months after you said that to me. And I decided then and there that you had proven yourself to me."

It made Miguel uncomfortable, the way Wolf Spider stared out into the night. How he looked forward, and not at him.

"Do you still feel the same?" Miguel asks.

"I do." Wolf answers.

"I'm sorry-" Miguel tries to speak.

"Don't." Wolf interrupts him.

"Let me finish, Wolfie."

Wolf sighs as his shoulders relax. Miguel smiles. He knows that nickname can always tame the beast even in his worse moments.

"As I was saying, I'm sorry we never had this conversation sooner."

"And why is that?" Wolf turns his head slightly, watching Miguel now.

"Because, truthfully, I changed my mind a long time ago too," Miguel tenses up as he watches Wolf Spider turn his body to face him fully once more. He breathes in before continuing. "At a point, it stopped being that I wanted to marry you. And instead, I decided I wanted you to marry me."

"You wanted me to like you." Wolf stated, bluntly.

"Yeah."

"You stopped seeing me as a way to punish yourself."

"Yeah."

"Can you say something different next time?"

Miguel smiled. "For this one, or the next one?"

"Next one."

"Yeah."

Wolf smiled back. The two of them moved closer, fingers brushing against each other.

"Why?" Wolf frowned as he asked. As if he was afraid to know the answer. As if the words might burn. "What changed your mind?"

"Back when you told me about the touchstones you werewolves have. A person that is so important to you that they help you hold on to your humanity. Was I supposed to catch on? That..." Miguel hesitates. "Were you confessing that I was your touchstone?"

"Kinda?" Wolf laughs, rubbing the back of his head. "I mean, you… You are. You are the one person I feel like I can really connect with. For better or for worse. That.. Did that really make you change your mind?"

"It did, but it wasn't so much that I changed my mind and more that I realized I didn't want to let you down. Because I realized that by being your connection to humanity, that meant you saw something in me. And that I am something worth holding on to. It made me realize that you didn't see us as the same. I realized you would never hate me. Wolf, I wanted to marry you because I thought that you were the only person with as much self-hatred as me that you never would. That you would reject me, and that I could justify being alone. But then you went and ruined it by seeing something worth loving in me. You made me realize that there's enough humanity left in me to see past the monster."

"Miguel," Wolf Spider speaks. Gently, soft as lamb wool, "if you can see yourself in me… And I can see something worth loving in you… Can you see that as well?"

"No," Miguel shakes his head. "But I see something worth loving in you. And honestly? It scares me."

"It scares me too. We can be scared together."

The two of them close the distance. Up on the roof of a random building, overlooking the city streets and lights, the two of them lean on each other for the first time. Wolf's head rests on Miguel's shoulder as Miguel rests his head on top of Wolf's. Fingers lace together as they look out over the city together.

Miguel breaks the silence once more.

"In the morning, once the court house opens up, wanna go get married?"

"Did you ever buy a ring? Just in case I said 'yes' some day?"

Miguel laughs, "No."

Wolf laughs with him. He smiles, baring his fangs to the stars watching them up above. The glow of the full moon illuminates them in a warm light. A kind of warmth Wolf was not familiar with from the moon.

"Sure, let's go get married tomorrow."

#dragon's writing #🕷️ love bites (so do i) #wolf spider tag #fucking. bye. bye. i hate it here. bye #yeah. 365 days in the year and i picked today of all days to do this. its 3 am im posting this now #smth smth waking up and getting hitched with him

[barbi2709]

𝟘𝕏𝟙=𝕃𝕆𝕍𝔼𝕊𝕆ℕ𝔾: 𝕀 𝕂𝕟𝕠𝕨 𝕀 𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖 𝕐𝕠𝕦 ♡

Paring: TXT ot5 x fem!reader (Separately)

Genre: 0X1=LOVESONG MV AU, 80's Au

Synopsis: 5 boys with problems at home, some more serious than others. Fate brought them together to find comfort among themselves, the different circumstances led them to form an unique connection, one that would never be broken.

Not even by the adversities of the future.

WC: 892

WARNIGNS!!!: In each episode there will be mention of serious issues such as domestic abuse, abortion, physical abuse, mention of drugs, alcohol, sex, inappropriate language among others; if you are not comfortable reading this kind of situations, I will kindly ask you not to read this fanfic.

Taglist: If you want to be on the tag list for all the chapters or for a specific member, tell me in the comments and I'll add you ♥♥♥

A/n: Holaaaa, so i was watching the Lovesong MV and the idea just came to my head so here I am :), hope you like this, this is the prologue of the series, like, this is what happened before all of the chapters so you can have a little context of what happened jsjs, let's start

(Remember that English isn't my first language so if there's any mistakes let me know)

The 80s are an era that is remembered, loved and missed to this day, or well,at least that's how most people perceive it.

5 boys who had to go through thousands of different situations at their young age, live with the fear and disappointment of having to go home every day, having to endure the shouting, the hateful looks, the insults, the beatings, or being treated as if you did not exist.

Five young boys worried about surviving in their miserable reality instead of living as any person their age would, carry all their problems with them; and without knowing how, they have managed to understand and support each other, realizing that despite their different situations, they are almost completely identical, young people who want to be free, to be able to live their lives normally.

At the moment they were in their hiding place, an abandoned building they had found some time ago; in time it became their meeting place, and everyone gave his sign to each and every corner of the place, so that it became a special place for them, one whose existence was shared only by the boys.

—Let's escape. —Yeonjun's voice echoed through the place, his friends, who were busy with other things, immediately turned to see him, stunned by their friend's sudden idea.

—What? —Soobin asked, frowning, as the others watched curiously.

—Let's escape —repeated the black-haired man with a smile on his face while looking at his friends—. Just think 'bout it, we could live here until we have a stable home, get a part-time job. We … we can make it work. —he looked at his friends expectantly, praying that one of them would accept his idea, no matter how crazy it sounded.

—Why your sudden proposal?. —asked Taehyun, his big doe eyes looking intensely at Yeonjun while Kai and Beomgyu hummed in agreement with the strawberry blonde guy.

—Because I can't stand having to go back to that dump I once called home, and I know you can't either. —that was a conversation they had very often, they had the confidence to share what happened to them day by day, so they knew better than anyone how the other was doing.

A silence formed in the room, each one of the boys was absorbed in his thoughts while the eldest of them looked at them expectantly, although his hope was slowly descending when he saw the little reaction from his friends; yes, he could do it on his own, escape by himself and go to live there, but it wouldn't be the same, he wanted to do it together with his friends.

—Let's do it —again it was Soobin's voice that broke the silence that had formed, all eyes immediately turned to him as Yeonjun's face lit up and a smile settled on his face—. I-I mean, Yeonjun has a point, I doubt our parents would mind our disappearance. —the brown-haired boy clarified.

—How would we support ourselves financially?. —Kai asked, trying to reason before everyone else accepted the idea of escaping without a plan.

-I don't think money would be a problem — Beomgyu spoke, analyzing the situation before continuing—, Yeonjun has several years of savings just like Soobin and me, Yeonjun said we could look for a part-time job, besides Soobin and I could steal some amount from our parents. —suggested the boy.

-S-steal? —Soobin swallowed hard at hearing that word, his parents had raised him strictly to do exactly what they wanted, and stealing was definitely not part of the list, the memories of the times he took something insignificant without warning, and the punishments he had to go through for it made him shiver.

—Hey, it doesn't have to be too big an amount —Beomgyu assured him as he saw the fear that crossed the boy's eyes, while hugging him by the shoulders to comfort him—. Besides, your parents won't see you again to punish you. —the brown-haired boy seemed to think about it for a few moments and then nodded his head in agreement.

—Do yall agree with this? —Yeonjun asked one last time as he looked at the guys, wanting to make sure that they would all be together on this, seeing how they all nodded their heads, he couldn't help but smile—. It's a done deal then, we're leaving today. —he said with a big smile on his face, spreading his happiness to his friends.

—I'll pick you up after Soobin's bedtime —Beomgyu teased with a sly smile on his face, the brown-haired boy couldn't help but blush at the mention of his schedule, but his blush only increased when he heard the laughter of the other boys—. So you'd better be ready by then, you know I hate waiting.

—We'll be there. —Taehyun assured with a nod of his head, the corners of his lips raised slightly in a soft smile.

The boys said their goodbyes so they could prepare everything they would need, there was a lot to do and not much time to execute it, each headed home immediately, excitement and adrenaline coursing through their veins.

Finally they would be free, finally they could have a normal life as far as they could,

Finally they would have a change for the better in their lives.

So...

Who do you want to escape with?:

𝟘𝕏𝟙=𝕃𝕆𝕍𝔼𝕊𝕆ℕ𝔾: 𝕀 𝕂𝕟𝕠𝕨 𝕀 𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖 𝕐𝕠𝕦 || Choi Soobin... Coming soon

𝟘𝕏𝟙=𝕃𝕆𝕍𝔼𝕊𝕆ℕ𝔾: 𝕀 𝕂𝕟𝕠𝕨 𝕀 𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖 𝕐𝕠𝕦 || Choi Yeonjun... Coming soon

𝟘𝕏𝟙=𝕃𝕆𝕍𝔼𝕊𝕆ℕ𝔾: 𝕀 𝕂𝕟𝕠𝕨 𝕀 𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖 𝕐𝕠𝕦 || Choi Beomgyu... Coming soon

𝟘𝕏𝟙=𝕃𝕆𝕍𝔼𝕊𝕆ℕ𝔾: 𝕀 𝕂𝕟𝕠𝕨 𝕀 𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖 𝕐𝕠𝕦 || Kang Taehyun... Coming soon

𝟘𝕏𝟙=𝕃𝕆𝕍𝔼𝕊𝕆ℕ𝔾: 𝕀 𝕂𝕟𝕠𝕨 𝕀 𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖 ��𝕠𝕦 || Huening Kai... Coming soon

#txt scenarios #txt imagines #txt fanfic #txt fluff #txt x reader #txt #tomorrow x together #choi soobin #choi beomgyu #choi yeonjun #kang taehyun #hueningkai #txt fanfiction #txt ff #txt female member #one shot #kpop fanfic #kpop imagines #kpop fluff #kpop idols #kpop boys #soobin x reader #yeonjun x reader #taehyun x reader #beomgyu x reader #kai x reader #soobin fanfic #yeonjun fanfic #taehyun fanfic #beomgyu fanfic

[thewritingofspencerrose]

The Future of Redbull Racing

"Shh, shh, mijn liefje (my love)," Max tries to soothe, but my sobs continue, breaths heaving in and out of my body as I continue to stare at the article that Daniel had sent over. "Het spijt me, het spijt me (I'm sorry, I'm sorry), I'm sorry he's my father and that he's done this to us. I don't know where he got the photo."

"He hasn't spoken to Persephone in her life," I continue to sob, "And then we have a boy and he's telling the press using a photo your sister gave him."

"I know, I'm so sorry," He apologizes once more.

"I just want Persephone to feel loved by him. To have a local grandparent, my parents live all the way in America and Jos is everywhere!"

"I'm so sorry."

"Max you didn't do this," I try to coo, my heart breaking all over again at the tears in his eyes. Wiping them away with the pads of my thumbs, I pull him into my chest, trying to soothe not only my twenty-eight year old husband, but also the broken boy that I met when he was twelve and I was ten, following Lando to a karting race. "He's just a violent, arrogant man that is only looking out for himself and the racing career he can build from you and August," I try to comfort, but I know there is no consoling what has happened.

"He's gone."

"He hasn't been around for a while, Ma-"

"No," He interrupts, tears still rolling down his face as he sits up, eyes hard. "He's no longer allowed at my races. In our lives. In Persephone's or Augustus'. Jos Verstappen is no longer a name in this house."

And I can't help but be shocked, my eyes wide and red from crying. Max has put up with a lot from his father the last twenty-eight years.

And Jos has apparently crossed the line.

"Okay. You know I'll support you in this," I assure, his eyes meeting mine. "I mean hell Max, I cussed him out after a race because he was giving you a hard time for getting P2. I just wish he would have let us introduce August in our own time."

"I know. And we may have wanted a few more months of keeping him to ourselves, but we can always turn this around. Make this how we want it. "Dit is ons leven, mijn hart." (This is our life, my heart)

liked by redbullracing, landonorris, and 783,209 more

em.verstappen while my husband and i were hoping to wait to announce the birth of our son, it seems as though a man in the persuit of lateral fame had other ideas. world, meet Augustus Maximus Verstappen, or as we've taken to calling him, August. August was born in, surprise surprise, not August, but June 16th of this year, and we have been loving our lives as a family of four more than you could even imagine.

maxverstappen1 thank you for Persephone and August, they are the best products of my life, and you are the best person in my life

em.verstappen it takes two to make perfection maxie <3

danielricciardo love my god-children more than i do my life

em.verstappen i think my husband loves you enough to make up for that

maxverstappen1 you know it baby ;) danielricciardo

landonorris who needs a god-mum when you can have two godfather's, right danielricciardo? 🤜

danielricciardo you know it 🤛

#original character #the writing of spencer rose #max verstappen #max verstappen x oc #formula 1 fanfiction #formula one #forbidden love

[yourlocalmerchgirl]

Texas Transplant Pt. 1

Paring: Tommy Miller x Reader

Word count: 6k

Part 2

Summary: Tommy is tired of living in Joel's shadow. He feels broken and unloveable, just going threw the motions of life. Then you walked into his life making him realize it is possible for him to be loved and cared for.

Tommy Miller x reader AU (the out break doesn't happen

Warnings: Slow Burn Slow Build Pining Mutual Pining Smut Fluff Tooth-Rotting Fluff Falling In Love I think that’s about it for this part let me know if I missed anything

A/N: I’m so nervous to start posting this story but I’m extremely proud of it! Please let me know how you like it! I’ll be updating it regularly

“Jesus” you whisper under your breath as you enter your apartment, kicking off your shoes and flopping down on the couch allowing your head to fall back.

“How did everything go?” You’re greeted to the nervous ton of your best friend and roommate Stacey. You slowly roll your head to the right to face her and are greeted by her warm smile and a drink when you open your eyes.

“Please tell me that asshole finally signed the papers?” She says handing you the drink and flopping down on the couch next to you.

You took a deep breath and then a long sip of your drink. “Im finally done with this hellish part of my life” you said as you raised your glass and cheers with her.

“We should go out to get some food and drinks to celebrate you getting your life back, plus there’s something I wanted to talk to you about”

“Sounds great, let me get changed real quick” you said jumping up and heading to you room to change.

You guys settled on the little Mexican restaurant on your block, everyone there was incredibly nice and and they always let us stay as long as we wanted.

“What did you want to talk to me about?” You asked inquisitively furrowing your brow.

“Um my uncle Ron passed away a couple weeks ago”

“ oh my god why didn’t you tell me?”

“You were in the middle of the divorce and there’s more too it so i didn’t want to bombard you with stuff.”

“I’m so sorry you felt like you needed to hide it, you can always tell me about anything at any time” you said smiling warmly.

Stacey lets the conversation fall silent while she figures out how to say what she wants to say next.

“So… you remember how you always talk about how miserable we both are here and that once your divorce was final that maybe we’d move away and start a new adventure somewhere else”

“Yea… I do. I don’t know what that has to do with your uncle though.” You say chuckling.

“I guess my family had been fighting over who would get his house and it pissed him off so a few years ago he left the house to me and never told anyone. I got this envelope in the mail a few weeks ago after her passed from the people handling the will.” She pulls a big Manila envelope out of her bag and hands it to you.

“The house is all payed for and was kept up with really nicely. A couple years ago he had the kitchen and both bathrooms completely redone too.”

“Where did your uncle live again, Texas?”

“Yea in Austin, it’s been a long time since I went down there there but I remember the area that he lived in was nice.”

You’re completely shocked looking at the paperwork, your mouth ajar slightly.

“This is our chance to make the life’s we wanted for ourselves and start over.”

“We’d have to figure wor-“

“Funny you should mention work” Stacey says cutting you off with a laugh.

“I took the liberty of asking work about it, and they said they would be more than happy to transfer us to the customer service team so we could work remotely, we would just have to come back a couple times a year for company meetings.”

You laugh “Jesus you really thought of everything didn’t you?”

“I know how you are, over thinking everything” she says teasing “I didn’t want you to have to worry about the details”

You start tearing up thinking about everything, the last 5 years have been hell and she’s been with you every step of the way.

“You really want to share your house with me?” You say your voice cracking slightly.

“It’s not just my house, it’ll be our house. But yes of course I do. Where I go you go and vice versa, you really think I wouldn’t want you to do this without you?”

“No I-I just don’t know what I would do without you. I still haven’t figured out what I did to deserve a best friend like you in my life but man life would be pretty fucking boring without you”

“I know, I’m pretty fucking great aren’t I?” She says dusting her shoulders off grinning ear to ear, before you guys break out in hysterical laughter.

“Screw it! I’m in, let’s do it! What do we really have to lose?”

————————————————-

It took several days and many miles but you and Stacey finally came to a stop in front of your new house.

"My god! Remind me never to get in a uhaul with you again" you laugh as you hope out.

"Well we made it here alive so you can't complain to badly" Stacey quipped

"This neighborhood is really cute"

"It is, it's a lot how I remember it being. Come on I'll show you around the inside so we can pick rooms before we start moving stuff."

You two settled for your taking the master bedroom with attached bathroom and the spare room down stairs and Stacey took the whole upstairs consisting of a large bedroom, spare room and a bathroom.

You guys didn't waste any time starting to move stuff in. Thankfully when packing you two labeled the room each box belonged to so it made the process go smooth and somewhat fast.

"Look someone is moving in next door" Sarah points out as her, Joel and Tommy pull into their driveway.

Joel and Tommy look over to see what she's pointing at when Tommy puts the truck in park.

"I didn't know Ron's house was for sale" Tommy says turning to Joel.

"Yea I didn't think it was"

As they all get out the truck they hear muffled commotion coming from the back of the moving truck.

"Do you have it? Are you sure you have it?"

"Yes I totally have it"

"Oh shit.. no no no, I don't have it"

Can be heard followed by a loud thud and a loud "fuck I hope we didn't break that" followed by laughter.

"Joel it sounds like two girls, maybe we should see if they need help?" Tommy says nervously knowing his brother probably won't want to help them.

Joel let's out a big sigh " ugh I s'pose your right or at the very least make sure they ain't hurt" he says rubbing his face.

"Do y'all need some help?" Joel says as him and Tommy make their way up the ramp of the moving truck.

Scaring the shit out of you both, Stacey whips around to see who the unfamiliar voice is.

"Oh sorry sweetheart, we didn't mean to startle you"

"Who the fuck is that?" You whisper from your position laying down.

"We just heard a little bit of a commotion so we thought we'd offer some help" Tommy says as he steps out from behind Joel smiling.

"Oh no it's ok, just wasn't expecting company that's all, some help would be great though" Stacey says as she smacks you a couple times on the head, motioning for you to get up.

"I'm sorry we were making a lot of noise, we're not always this loud I promise" you say as you sit up putting your arm on the back of the couch and resting your chin on it.

"Jesus I didn't see you there sweetheart, you scared the shit outta me" Joel exclaims as he jumps a little bit. You, Stacey and Tommy all laugh at Joel's expression.

Tommy heard you talking before you sat up, he swears your laugh makes his heart skip a beat. He smiles at the way you blush and turn away when he realizes you were letting your gaze settle on him for an extended amount of time.

"Did you know the family? I didn't realize Ron's house was for sale" Joel asks as Stacey climbs over the arm of the couch to come around the front of it.

"Oh it wasn't, Ron was my uncle, he left me the house when he passed away"

"Oh, I'm very sorry for your loss darlin', your uncle was a good man"

You stand on the couch and move to swing your legs over the back to hop over it when Tommy quickly steps forward offering you his hand to steady yourself with, which you happily accept.

"Thank you" you say offering him a warm smile.

"My pleasure Darlin'" he coos back, his accent thick and smooth sending shivers down your spinespin.

"I'm Tommy by the way, Tommy Miller" he says extending his hand out for you to shake.

"And this here is my brother Joel. We're your neighbors"

"We're there neighbors?" Joel says slapping Tommy's arm

"Ok well he and my niece are your neighbors, I live a few streets over but I'm there all the time" he chuckles.

"I'm (y/n)" you say with a warm genuine smile.

"And I'm Stacey"

You both reach out shaking their hands and offering them warm smiles and greetings.

The brothers make quick work of helping you two move all the heavy furniture, putting it where ever you told them to.

"Thank god for the two of you, I'm not sure why we thought it was a good idea to try to do this all ourselves" you say chuckling.

"Yea it's a good thing we heard you guys or you for sure would of broken this couch" Tommy teases back a small grin on his face

Being dramatic you throw the back of your hand to your forehead pretending to pass out. "Oh my goodness whatever would we of done without you" instantly you both breakout in genuine laughter. Both holding each other gaze for a moment. You both felt that there was something about each other that neither of you could put your finger on. That even though you both had just met , you both felt some kind of calming, comforting presence about each other.

"Are you gonna finish helping me Tommy or are you just gonna stand there fucking around?" Joel huffs from the other room as he's putting your bed together.

"Jesus someone's grumpy" you mumble before you realize what you've said and you hand shot up to cover your mouth.

Tommy grins wildly and snickers quietly at your comment "yea he can be pretty fucking grumpy sometimes" he winks as he heads in to help Joel.

There's a knock at the door and you leave everyone in the kitchen to answer it, wondering who it could possibly be. Much to your surprise it's a young girl probably about 16-17 with full thick dark curly hair.

"Hi, can I help you?"

"Hi, I'm Sarah! I live next door" she says excitedly.

"I was just wondering if my dad was still her?"

Joel hearing Sarah's voice enters the living room.

"Is everything alright? We're almost done here"

"Yea I was just wondering if you had any ideas for dinner?"

You looked at your phone realizing it was almost 7pm

"Let us get a round of pizza as a thank you for you and Tommy's help, it's the least we could do"

"Oh no that's ok sweetheart we don't want to be a bother, you two must be tired"

"Really it's ok, the companies nice" you say your eyes meeting Tommy's for a moment before you smile.

"Really it's the least we could do" Stacey pipes in.

"They're trying to do something nice Joel, let 'em" Tommy says before letting his gaze rest on you. He had admittedly his own selfish reasons for wanting to stay longer. He wanted to stay in you presence as long as he could.

"Sarah these are our new neighbors, this is Stacey and (Y/n)"

"Hi! It's so nice to meet you both!" She exclaims. Joel can't help but notice that as soon as Sarah's there both you and Stacey give her your undivided attention answering all her questions and laughing with her like you had know their family for ever. He was taken by surprise by this and it made it him so happy to see.

"Oh shit" you pause "does the pizza place deliver? I'm just realizing our cars getting transported here and they won't arrive until next week sometime"

"They don't but it's no problem, I can go pick it up"

"I'm happy to go with you to help,Tommy"

"Ok deal" he says a small smile on his face, pleasantly taken aback by your offer to join him.

The pizza was great and the company was even better, it was so nice getting to know the Millers, everything flowed normal like you'd know them for years.

"Y'know, I'd be more than happy to bring you guys to the grocery store tomorrow so you can get some things until you cars arrive" Tommy offers with a warm smile.

"Oh no that's ok, we couldn't impose on you like that. It's the weekend I'm sure you have better things to do then drive either of us around."

"Oh trust me sweetheart he ain't got nothin' goin' on"

"Jesus Christ Joel" Tommy mumbled while smacking his brother. His face turning the slightest shade of red.

"Well if it truly wouldn't be a bother, I'll happily take you up on your offer"

"I'm more than happy to help, when's a good time for you?"

"Let's say like 2pm?"

"Sounds like a plan I'll be here at 2"

Tommy's heart melts at how thoughtful and caring you are right off the bat.

"Well we best be goin' don't want to over stay our welcome I'm sure the two of you must be tired" Tommy pipes up stretching as he stands.

"Well you guys are welcome here any time." You offer with a genuine but tired smile.

"Here you two take my cell number incase you ever need anything I'm right next door" Joel offers.

Stacey walks everyone out while you stay in the kitchen to start cleaning up.

You look up to see Tommy shyly standing in the doorway.

"I-I just wanted to give you my number incase you decide you don't want to go tomorrow you can just text me" his tone is shy like he's half expecting you won't want to go after all.

He puts his number in your phone and hands it back you. "Well I'll see you tomorrow" he says giving you a hopeful smile.

"Well wait"

He turns quickly on his heels back to you.

"Let me give you my number too, um incase you decide you don't have time to go tomorrow you can just text me"

"Your not getting rid of me that easy" he teases

"Jesus Tommy leave the poor girl alone, let's go"

Tommy let's out a groan and rolls his eyes.

"Sorry" he whispers pulling his gaze to the floor. Before he can turn you lightly reach out touching his arm. "Don't listen to him, your not bothering me" you say flashing him a warm smile. His eye light up at your comment "I'll see you tomorrow"

When you hear the door shut you run into the living room locking eyes with Stacey like your both dying to say the same thing.

"Are they infront of the house still?!"

Stacey quickly checks out the window "no there gone!"

"Umm had you met them before?"

"No... but Jesus a little heads up from my uncle Ron that his neighbors were hot as hell would of been nice" she says as you both breakout in laughter.

—————————————————

You hear a knock at the door pausing to look at the time, you realize it must be Tommy.

“Stacey can you grab the door? I think it’s Tommy. I’m just finishing getting dressed” you call from your room, already hearing her footsteps

“Im on it!”

“Hey Tommy, come on in, make yourself at home (y/n) is just finishing getting ready.”

“Sorry I know I’m a little early.”

The tone of his voice made your heart beat faster. Him being early made you smile, you were always early for everything.

“Can I get you anything to drink? Not that we actually have anything to offer you but I can get you some water” she chuckles and shrugs

“ oh no I’m all set thank you darlin’”

Tommy perks up and smiles at the mere sound of your foot steps coming down the hall, this doesn’t go unnoticed by Stacey.

“I’m so sorry I kept you waiting Tommy”

“Oh it’s no trouble really Darlin’ I don’t mind at all, it’s my fault for being early”

He stands as soon as you enter the room and you look up to see his beautiful calming smile, gaze already on you.

You can feel your face heating up but you can’t help but smile just as much back at him.

“You coming’ along too Stacey?”

“No, not today. I’m gonna stay here and work on unpacking, but don’t worry I sent her with a list.” She laughs when you roll your eyes and playfully pushed her shoulder, making Tommy chuckle, he loves seeing a little glimpse at your personality.

You turn to him “sorry looks like you’re stuck with just me today” you tease giggling and shrugging dramatically.

Your giggle and playfulness sends a shiver down his back into a fluttering in his stomach, like there’s a magnetic pull between the two of you. He wonders if you feel it too and little does he know but you do, you also feel it.

“I wouldn’t quiet word it like that darlin’”

Your face turns red and you turn away embarrassed.

“I’m ready to go if you are” you manage to get out.

When you get out to Tommy’s truck he opens the door for you, closing it once you’re situated.

You’re barely out of the driveway when a big loud yawn escapes you. Tommy laughs as your hands snap up to cover your face in embarrassment.

“Am I boring you already sweetheart? We barely made it out of the driveway” he teases as he nudges your shoulder lightly with his hand. You can’t help but smile when he touches you, something that doesn’t go unnoticed by him.

“Omg I’m so sorry that was so rude, I’m just tired. I didn’t exactly go to bed when you guys left last night like I was intending to. And since we have nothing in the house I haven’t had my coffee today”

He can’t help but smile as he catches a glimpse of you stretching and getting more comfortable. Tommy is beaming with pride at the thought that he’s able to make you feel comfortable being alone with him. Trust and making people comfortable are too very important things to Tommy.

“Would you like to go grab a cup of coffee with me?” He says smiling somewhat nervously. Worried about making you feel weird.

“The coffee shop Sarah works at is close, she should be workin’ today plus I haven’t had my afternoon coffee yet”

You can’t help your lips curling into the most genuine smile that you’ve given someone other than Stacey in what feels like years.

“That would be really nice, I’d love too!”you say turning your gaze to him. He pulls his eyes off the road just long enough so he can take in your beautiful smile. Making him smile just as big and genuine back at you. Tommy’s smiles makes your heart skip a beat. There’s just something about him, something that makes you feel comfortable and completely at ease in a way that nobody that you just met ever has.

You guys pull up to the coffee shop and he gets out and opens the door for you, offering a hand to help you slide out of the truck. You give him a warm smile as he does so. As soon as you and Tommy step into the cafe your greeted with a excited “Uncle Tommy and (y/n)!”

Your heart warms that Sarah remembers your name.

“Hey Kiddo” Tommy greets her, turning back to smile at you.

Your mind races my god this man is such a flirt but also the nicest goddamn person I’ve ever met you think you yourself.

“What can I get you guys, it’s on the house” Sarah says genuinely happy you and Tommy stopped by.

“Oh that’s so nice of you, you don’t have to do that”

“Please, it’s my perk of working here, I can treat my family and friends with coffees when I want and I’m excited you and Uncle Tommy stopped in”

You’ve never felt more excepted and welcomed the way the Miller family has made you feel instantly, you already feeling the weight of how special it is to have them all in your life, they are the family you always wished you had.

As your waiting for your coffees Tommy sees the exact moment you realize there’s local art and photographs lining the walls of the cafe. He watches as you make your way around the empty cafe taking time to look at every piece of art work. Tommy finds you radiant in the moment, watching your soft expression as you intently take in each piece, the way your eyes scan over every detail, the way you smile at the ones you like the most. The way your opening up, letting your guard down allowing him get a glimpse into who you are and what makes you tick.

His large hand ghosts over your lower back before settling there, his tone low and soothing “would you like to sit or leave?”

You turn to look at him, his gaze is already intently on you, he doesn’t want to startle you or make you uncomfortable. His features soften into a goofy smile when you meet his gaze with a smile, “Let’s sit” his hand stays on your lower back for a few beats as you walk to your seats and you swear he can feel you’re pulse radiating outside of you’re body.

The conversation with Tommy flows easily and naturally, both of you having no idea that the other is completely soothed and calmed my each others presence.

“Do you and Stacey plan to stay Austin?”

“We do, it’s a new start for us and since her uncle left the house to her we figured this was the place for us. Neither of us have any interest in living back home so I think we’ll be here for the long hall. And our jobs allow us to work remotely so our work was fine with us moving. We just have to go back a couple times a year for meetings.” Tommy can tell that something happened but he won’t push you, if you want him to know you’ll tell him when your ready.

“Oh y’all work together? What do y’all do?”

“Yea, we’ve been friends for years from a job we worked at together and then I left and got her hired there when I got settled. We work for a company that makes mens and womens grooming products. We used to work in their warehouse doing physical hands on work but now we’ll be working on their customer service team fixing problems with peoples orders and answering emails and customer chats. It’ll be a adjustment, they gave us a couple weeks off to get settled”

Tommy admires your job and is impressed that your not afraid to work hard and get your hands dirty.

“What do you do for work?”

“I’m a contractor, Joel and I actually run a contracting business together. We started it shortly after I came back from Desert Storm.” As it slips out of his mouth he panics internally. He usually doesn’t talk about his time in the military with people, hiding that part of his life from most people. He’s really struggling with life after being at war and most people don’t respond well to that so he just stopping sharing.

“I didn’t know you were a veteran, thank you for serving.” You smile warmly at him, sensing that he’s nervous about bringing it up.

“I won’t press you to talk about it. I understand that it’s deferent for everyone. I’m not here to judge you either way. But I’m here if you ever want to talk about it.” You reach over placing your hand on his briefly to comfort him. His dark coffee eyes soften and his face relaxes at the reassurance. You pull you hand away when Sarah approaches you guys. “Hey (y/n) I’m off on Tuesday and Wednesday this week and wanted to see if you and Stacey might want some company and help unpacking?”

“Oh! Sarah that’s so nice of you, we would love some company, don’t feel like you have to help us unpack but your welcome over at our place anytime, both of you really are welcome over well I guess I should say all 3 of you guys always a place at our house.”

“Here’s both of our numbers if you ever need us and feel free to come over anytime after school” you say handing her a napkin with both your and Stacey’s numbers it.

“We should get going, I don’t want to keep you tied up all day” you anxiously express not wanting him to feel your wasting his day off.

“Anything particular you’d like to listen too?” Tommy asks as your getting settled back into the truck.

“I really like a little bit of everything music wise, put on what ever your feeling like”

“Alright well here’s a little bit of Texas’s finest” he says with that cute cocky smile on his face as he hits play and the music fills the truck.

You start grooving to the music as soon as the first note starts, knowing exactly what it is.

Tommy grins wildly when he sees your into it. “You know these guys?”

“Yea I listen to them all the time” you can’t help but smile at seeing this little bit of his music taste, knowing he probably likes a lot of the same stuff that you do.

“So… I’ve gotta run to Target today for some stuff and thought I’d see if you wanted to go, see if you might need anything there. If not no worries I’ll just go after we take you grocery shopping”

You can’t help but smile “ oh no that’s ok I don’t want to take up your whole day” you say trying to decline but the smile remains on your face and he can see it out of the corner of his eye. You can’t help it but let out a little laugh covering part of your face as you face the window.

“What?” He says letting out a little chuckle, which makes you giggle again.

“What’s so funny darlin’?”

You can’t contain the laugh that bubbles out as you start to answer “I love Target” you say barely able to hold back the giggle which makes him laugh at your comment.

“Well that settles it then, we’re going to Target”

You try to respond but he cuts you off before you get any words out.

“I know what your gonna say, don’t worry about me, I’m having a good day”

He says playfully nudging you’re arm as he pulls away from the curb.

“Well good, because I’m having a good day too” you smile playfully returning the nudge.

You and Tommy finally find your way to the grocery store, wandering up in down every isle both with carts when you feel you phone buzz.

You pull it out of your pocket and see that Stacey texted you. You can’t help but let out a loud boisterous as you read your message, catching Tommy’s attention, making him smile instantly at the sound of it. Your back is turned to Tommy as he comes up behind you.

“What’s go ya laughin’ sweetheart?” He says chuckling, His voice smooth and husky sending a shiver down your spine. Your turn your head slightly and notice he’s right behind you, so you hold youre phone up level with your shoulder so he can see. “Oh just got this text from Stacey” you say reading it out loud

Stacey: uhhhh you’ve been gone for hours did Tommy axe murder you or what?

Tommy laughed as your reading, leaning forward slightly brushing his broad chest against your back. He’s surprised your sharing this moment with him but happy to see a glimpse into how the two of you are and how your friendship is.

Y/n: sorry to report I’m alive and well, you won’t be getting rid of me that easily! We are wrapping up at the grocery store. Sorry he also took me to Target so it’s taken longer

Tommy sees your response to her, taking joy in the sense of humor you have.

Stacey: oh shit he took you to Target?! What has he done, he’s never getting rid of you now hahaha….well I went up to the market near the house to get stuff to make your chili recipe and it’s been in the crockpot. He’s welcome to stay for dinner if you want.

He’s still right behind you, chest still lightly touching your back.

“Shes right, the least we could do is feed you after you’ve put up with me all day” you say trying to be funny and keep your cool with how close he is to you.

He finds you’re comment funny but he’s also sensing some truth in your words that you feel like he’s just been putting up with you. Which tugs at his heart because quiet frankly it’s the exact opposite, Tommy couldn’t be happier spending time with you the last couple days. Even though you two just met he feels such a strong connection with you.

“Oh before we check out, do you know what kind of snacks Sarah likes or if she likes anything special to drink? If she’s going to come over to the house a lot I want to make sure theres some stuff she likes in the house”

Tommy melts at how big he’s realizing your heart is, how thoughtful and caring you are. The fact that you’re even giving the time of day to Sarah means a lot to him and he knows it would to Joel too.

You guys finish getting the last few items you need, check out and load everything into the truck.

You return back to your the house and carry all the bags inside, on the last trip out to truck Tommy asks “do you want me to stay for dinner?” His question catching you off guard, Tommy comes off as very confident yet you can hear a hint of nervousness as he calls back to Stacey’s statements.

When you meet his gaze he already looking at you, searching your body langue for something that tells him you want him to stay.

“Because I understand if not, you’ve been dealin’ with me all day”

You’re features soften and smile warmly when you answer. “Of course I do, I’d love for you to stay for dinner if you’d like too. But i totally get it if not, you have been stuck with me all day after all.”

“I’d love too” his features immediately soften, the cutest smile tugs at his lips.

Tommy takes a big bite of the chili and sits back in his chair a little “damn I think this is the best chili I’ve ever had, you made this?”

“Oh yea I put it together but it’s (y/n)’s recipe”

“It’s your recipe?”

“Yea I combined two recipes because I didn’t have everything I needed one time so I’ve just been making it like this ever since”

“Oh she’s being modest, she loves to cook she cooks all the time” she says smirking as she seems you blush a little.

“You’ll have to come over for dinner again one night when she’s is cooking”

You can feel Tommy’s eyes on you as you mumble “shut up” kicking her under the table. Making her giggle a little bit. You bring your gaze up to meet Tommy’s and he has this cocky little smile on his face. “Oh I’d love that darlin’”

You smile, feeling your cheeks heating up.

“So what did you do today while you thought I was getting axe murdered?”

Tommy chuckles at you and Staceys banter.

“Worked on unpacking most of the kitchen”

“Oh! I unpacked some really important stuff!” She exclaims

“Oh yea?” You say pulling your brows together giving her a inquisitive look, not really sure what’s about to come out of her mouth.

“Yea! All the alcohol and mixers, and I got the internet and tv set up so we can start having our famous movie nights again”

Tommy notices the way you light up at her answer. “Whats this famous movie night about?”

“Oh we started this tradition back home since we both really like movies, to do a movie night once a week. We get our favorite snacks and make our favorite drinks and pick a movie or some nights we have a particular theme”

“Jesus, you ladies just keep getting cooler and cooler. These nights sound awesome.” He says his southern accent thick.

“Oh! We should have one tonight to celebrate, you should join us Tommy” Stacey’s says excitedly smiling at you as if she’s reading your mind.

You’re not looking but you can feel Tommy’s eyes on you as your cheeks turn the slightest shade of red, you can see his smile out of the corner of your eye.

Stacey kicked your foot under the table, pushing you to add a comment

God you hate that you get shy and embarrassed so easily.

“You should join us, we’d love to have you” you say sheepishly wanting to crawl in a hole for while and hide.

“Well that sounds great to me, I’d love to join you two”

“I’ll make up the drinks, grab a snack and make yourself comfortable” you say giving him a warm smile.

Stacey peeks in the living room and turns back to helping with the drinks. With a huge smirk she says “I call sitting in the big chair.”

You look at her suspiciously and peek into the living room seeing Tommy sitting on the couch close to the spot where you normally sit.

You turn back to her with a scowl. “Are you trying to kill me?” You say chuckling.

She shrugs teasingly “I think he likes you” she smiles and books it into the living room and following shyly with yours and Tommy’s drinks. You hand him his and sit a couple cushions away from him.

“I’m gonna go change, you two figure out what to watch” Stacey says running upstairs.

He rests his arm on the back of the couch turning is broad upper body to face you, slightly pulling his knee onto the couch “it’s ok I sit on the couch with you right darlin’?” His drawl smooth, tone tender and curious. Your face heating up before you mimic the way he’s sitting to face him.

“Gee, well I guess I can share the couch with you this once if I have too” your barely about to get it out without cracking a smile and laughing hysterically, making Tommy laugh too. He scoots a little closer, reaching out and ever so lightly brushing against youre hand with his. “You really have quite the sense of humor, I enjoy it” he says with the sweetest, almost boyish smile on his face.

“Thank you, I love making people laugh. It makes me happy”

Midway through the second movie you could feel your eyes starting to get heavy. Letting out a silent yawn you scoot down on the couch laying on your side, curling you legs up your side and putting the pillow on the arm of the couch so your kind of in the fetal position to not crowd Tommy. Within a couple minutes of settling in you’re fast asleep.

Tommy’s Pov

I can’t help but notice how cute (y/n) looks all curled up and fast sleep on the couch as the movie ends. I wanted so badly to tell her that she could stretch out her legs or that she could lean on me but I didn’t want to come off as weird.

“Did she fall asleep?” Stacey says chuckling pulling me from my thoughts as she turns the lamp next to her on.

“Yea she’s been out for a little while, should I wake her up?

“No she’ll be alright, she gets a little grumpy sometimes when she gets woken up, nobody wants that” she says laughing as she stands and stretches.

“Do you have a blanket I can cover her up with?”

“Oh yea of course, let me grab her favorite blanket for you”

Stacey’s Pov

I can’t help but be touched by how incredibly caring and attentive Tommy is being with (y/n). When I return with her blanket for him I watch him as he studies it for a moment taking in every detail about it as if there’s going to be a test in the morning. He throws it over his shoulder for a moment as he very gently and softly straightened out her legs and then pulls the blanket over her, tucking her in.

“I just wanted to make her more comfortable so she doesn’t wake up all stiff in the morning”

“Thank you, Tommy. That’s really sweet of you. I know that would it would mean a lot to her, she’ll really appreciate it.”

“Well I guess I should be goin’, thank you very much for having me tonight”

“Your welcome Tommy, it was nice having you over. I know (y/n) really enjoyed having you over too. You two seemed like you had a great day.”

“I’m really happy to have spent the day with her”

I can’t help but notice the way he’s smiling as he’s talking about you.

“Well good night darlin’, could you tell her I said good night too?”

“Good night Tommy, I’ll tell her in the morning” I say with a warm smile sending him off into the night.

#tommy miller x reader #gabriel luna #the last of us #tommy miller #joel miller #tlou hbo #tommy tlou #joel tlou #fanfic

[caitlynskitten]

Nuuuu lol

I'm just doing my civic duty of contributing to the community's VampRavenWolf brainrot!

Like right now! Baby Wednesday is deep into another of her investigations. She's so close to figuring it all out and finding her target. Her latest clue leads her to an old, abandoned building on the very outskirts of Jericho and of course, the best time to investigate it is late at night, deep in the cover of darkness to ensure she's not caught by the police or any security. And to make it even easier, both Yoko and Enid are late home tonight. Normally, Wednesday would be upset at the idea of having to go to bed alone but this is the perfect opportunity for her.

So now, Wednesday is tiptoeing carefully through loose electrical wires and piles of debris and broken glass. She's so preoccupied by finding the old, abandoned paperwork she needs that she doesn't notice the wolf and vampire standing behind her until the bloodsucker clears her throat, startling Wednesday and making her drop the folders full of paper. She spins around to see the very disappointed looks her girlfriends are giving her. Yoko speaks first, "And just what, little raven, do you think you're doing out this late at night?"

Enid continues after her, "And in this old, decrepit building that's practically in the middle of nowhere?"

Yoko stops Wednesday before she can respond, "You know what? No, let's save this for tomorrow. For now, we all need to get back home and go to bed. Now." Yoko adds before the seer can protest.

The next morning, after breakfast is eaten and they're all properly awake, Yoko and Enid sit Wednesday down at the table across from them, preparing for the conversation ahead of them. Enid starts first, "Look, Wednesday, I want to make it clear we're not upset with you. We're just worried. You have no idea how scared we were when we realized you weren't there when we got home. We thought someone tried to hurt you." Enid's voice breaks and she's forced to let Yoko take over.

"And beyond that, little raven, you could've gotten seriously hurt inside that building. We would never be able to forgive ourselves if something happened to you while we weren't there. We need you to be more careful," Yoko pauses for a moment to look over at Enid, and with a nod between them, Yoko proceeds, "Which is why, Mommy and I have been talking and we think there needs to be a few new rules. Can we discuss them now, please?"

Once Wednesday nods, Enid has collected herself again and starts, "Okay, so our first new rule would be that whenever you decide to go out investigating again, we will be coming with you to make sure you stay safe, understand?" Wednesday affirms the new rule and Enid continues, "And the next rule, and this one is very important, Wednesday, we think that you need to have a bedtime."

Immediately, Wednesday has protests, "Bedtime!? I do not need a bedtime, this is utterly ridiculous and there is no way I'm going along with this!"

"Sorry, little raven, but we're actually not giving you a choice here about this. Mommy and I have discussed this very thoroughly and we genuinely believe that this is what's best for you. That's all we ever want, Wends. This is for your own good."

Eventually, Wednesday submits. However, for the rest of the day, she makes sure her displeasure with her newest rule is known by pouting and not talking to her Mommy and Daddy. But, Wednesday isn't able to keep it up for long, as by the time her newly designated bedtime rolls around, Wednesday is cuddling up close to both of her girlfriends. And in the dark of their bedroom, Wednesday finally admits her actual feelings, "I know you're both just doing this because you care. I'm sorry for making you worry, Mommy and Daddy. I love you both."

"Thank you, baby girl, both for apologizing and for understanding that we just care about you so much," Enid says while pulling both the raven and vampire in closer and whispers gently, "We love you too, baby bird. So, so much."

End <3

ALSO MORE RAVEN LORE!!!!!!!! RAVEN LORE HYYPPPEEEEE!!!!!!!

I'm actually gonna cry again, BABY WEDNESDAY IS SO CUTE WITH HER LITTLE RAVEN PLUSH

Hold on, I actually have to scream into a pillow I'm losing my mind so hard right now mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

I'm just imagining Wednesday ranting to their little friend group about her plush. They'd all be a little confused at first, sorta taken by surprise, but eventually (with a small bit of motivation from a deadly-looking vampire and werewolf) they'd all be super accepting and ask Wednesday a bunch of questions to give her the excuse to continue talking about it cause it just makes her SO happy!!

I'm curious though, what do y'all think The Addams Family's reaction would be to the raven plush?

OKAY BUT I LOVE HOW ENID AND YOKO ARE ACTUALLY BEING MORE LIME MOMMY AND DADDY TO THEIR LITTLE RAVEN 🥺🥺🥺🥺 AND THAT YOKO ACTUALLY REFERS TO HERSELF AND ENID AS MOMMY AND DADDY ITS JUST 😭😭😭😭😭ITS SO CUTE UGHHHHHHH

Omg while Wednesday is listening to her girlfriend’s concerns, she’s just sitting in the chair sulking, hugging her raven plushie tight with a pouty face. She’s probably on the verge of tears. She thought she could do anything she wants just by being cute but having her girlfriends set actual rules nwjjfwkdkrkror god that’s actually adorable ugh. I can see how whiney and pouty she’d get for the rest of the day.

Enid would probably do Wednesdays braids and try to talk to her. But Wednesday is too and and just crosses her arms and not say anything.

“Baby, I know you don’t like this but your daddy and I really care about you. We don’t want you to get hurt. And you wouldn’t want to lose your little Raven now would you?”

After finishing Wednesday’s hair, Enid kisses her but Wednesday still throws a fit. Enid understands and goes back to work.

Yoko would go into Wednesday’s room and see her cuddle with the raven plushie with her back to the raven.

Wednesday squeezes the plushie in her chest and softly says “I hate you two” she obviously doesn’t mean it but she’s just too upset. Unfortunately with Yoko being a vampire, she does hear it.

“Little raven, do you hate me now? You don’t love me anymore?”

Wednesday is taken a back and gets up immediately to hug her girlfriend and cry in her chest. She’s so embarrassed and mad at herself for hurting her vampire partner.

“No, no, no, NO! I’m sorry, daddy, I’m really sorry I’m really sorry I didn’t mean it. I love you. I love you both. Forever!”

Yoko kisses Wednesday and wipes the tears off her face. “I know you do, little raven. And I love you two. We both love you very much.”

As far as the Addams family reaction to the Raven plushie I think they’d all support it and find it adorable Wednesday has a cute thing to hold on to. Gomez and Pugsley would even go as far as to talk to the plushie with Wednesday. Although I do like to think Morticia might be hurt that Wednesday is so attached to the Raven plushie. She’s given her so many plushies and stuffed animals when she was younger that it sort of hurts her that Wednesday doesn’t like any of them. Though she’s still have supportive and loves her Raven plushie too.

#asks #rachelsfav queer #vampravenwolf #wednesday #wednesday addams #wenclair #enid sinclair #the addams family #yoko tanaka #yoko and wednesday #wednesday and yoko #gomez and morticia #morticia addams

[brineffxiv]

Note to self: put something here when your head stops spinning

Ah, now that makes sense. I had wondered how you planned to ensure that the restored populace had your old culture, but it seems that you're simply going to replace the populace entirely. Humor me for a second though; once all the worlds are rejoined, won't the people of the Source essentially be your people again? Lacking the memories, albeit, but if I understand correctly, we have the same souls as the ancients of your time.

Listen, Emet-Selch, I have seen your city; I have met your people. I have met your people as you remember them. Do you truly believe that they would want to be brought back that way?

What does one say in the face of the judgement of the eternal? I do not doubt that Emet-Selch lived, experienced, and evaluated as he claims. And I do not doubt that we fell short of his expectations.

The problem is that Emet-Selch is not an impartial judge, despite what he claims. He's overwhelmingly biased and clearly still grieving everything and everyone he's lost, and has carried that with him for millennia.

I imagine he tried, genuinely, to find worth in us, but was so caught up in his grief that he was unable to see it.

You're not wrong. Most wouldn't. And the few that would would be the best of us, the least worthy of death.

The thing is, Emet-Selch is not wrong about any of this. People can be flawed, horrible, and brutal. All these things are true. But whether from trauma, or grief, or whatever reason, he's dismissed all the good in us, and conveniently overlooks any of the negatives of the ancients.

I do not believe that the ancients were as perfect as Emet-Selch describes them, remembers them: he himself proves that. And he's not an anomaly. All of the Ascians became monsters: Emet is arguably the kindest one we've met, and he's personally responsible for more atrocities than I can reasonably list. If the unsundered Ascians became what they are, then that potential lay in all of the ancients, just as it does in the modern peoples. They were not intrinsically perfect.

But all that is irrelevant, because this isn't about logic. As Emet-Selch puts it, yes, we "refuse to see reason." It doesn't matter whether the world used to be perfect or not, we are here now, regardless of how broken we are in his eyes.

We're fighting for the same thing in the end, for ourselves and those we love to live.

Uh-oh, I think we've made him mad.

I just want to appreciate how cool that looked. When the doors swung open unto a wall of flames.

No wave as he's walking away. No more performance. Nothing to be performative about. This is serious, deadly serious. And Emet-Selch is very tired.

Oh goodness this dungeon was horrifying. And awesome. The fire, the monsters, the falling buildings! It hurt my heart after seeing Emet-Selch's memory of Amaurot, talking to it's people. To know that this is what befell them.

Stop moving the goalposts, Emet! Great line though. Got to remember to use this cap as a reaction every time I'm mildly displeased by something.

Alisaie is so goddamn badass. All my friends are badass, but Alisaie jumping up and throwing herself into battle against the strongest opponent any of us have ever faced is just... beautiful.

And then Ardbert became part of me and stopped me from becoming a lightwarden. Which begs the question, how the hell did Hydaelyn know he was going to be needed to do that... can she see the future?

But that's a question for another post...

It's me! The ancient me!

I don't know how the Exarch got here, but boy am I glad he did. Now I've got all the backup I need to take on Emet-Selch properly.

Speaking of...

Now that is a hell of a thematic name. Hades, lord of the underworld. FF is pretty loose with its naming conventions, but I can't imagine they chose that one for Emet-Selch without at least a few good reasons. I will enjoy considering the implications.

Ah, I should have guessed he'd have a super-powered form.

And isn't that a somber title for a Trial. Is this the dying gasp of a man who's all but dead already? Or does it belong to the hope that the Ascians had for their plans for rejoining? Perhaps both...

Oh.

I think that's the first time we've seen his mask. At least, I'm assuming that's his mask.

That was a very excellent fight. And sad. And disconcerting. When Emet-Selch stabbed himself in the chest to kill off his body and take his second form... wow. Metal as fuck.

Yeah, that's what I thought. The phantom Amaurot, the shades of people, even this fight... you're drowning in your own emotions and grief.

My friends are here to help me!

To my eternal regret I was unable to capture a good photo of Ardbert's axe, and this cutscene is too emotionally fraught for me to re-watch just yet.

*sobbing uncontrollably*

He did everything for his people. Gave all of himself for their cause. And in death he thinks only of them, and their remembrance. He was their hero; their final hope, and this is the bitterest victory.

Goodbye Hades, I will miss you.

.

.

.

G'raha, I wish the game would let me give you a hug.

And everyone is gathered to welcome us home.

#ffxiv liveblog #rhesh'a tag #emet-selch #ardbert #crystal exarch #g'raha tia #this post took me two days to write #for many reasons #not the least of which because my computer crashed and I had to start over again #but OOF the emotions #baseless speculation #thoughts on lore #shadowbringers

[whats-her-quirk]

e major

erwin smith x fem!reader 18+ mdni warnings: former college professor/student relationship, age gap, rich boy Erwin, desecration of a piano (do not do this at home), fingering, oral wc: 1k thanks to @thegetoufather and @ghost-party for enabling

♪

“You play piano?”

You’re standing over Erwin’s shoulder as he pulls out the wooden bench to sit at the old piano in your parents’ house.

“A little.” His fingers twitch a bit above the keys before he plays a few notes. It’s not at all in tune.

To your knowledge, nobody has ever played it. Your parents no longer live in the house you grew up in, and they got the piano as a condition of the sale of the new one. The old owners didn’t want to pay to move it, so your folks have been using the upright as a shelf to display picture frames on top of.

When Erwin lifts the cover off the keys, it throws a cloud of dust in the air.

“I took lessons when I was young, up until I was 14 or 15 maybe.” Erwin’s fingers dance up the keyboard, deftly crossing over each other as he works his way up and down a melody. “After college, I started taking lessons again to get my chops back.”

“How come I never knew that?” You slide in next to him on the bench until your shoulder brushes his.

Erwin pauses to catch your eye and smile. “I’ve never had the chance to show you.” As his hands move independently, the left playing a different part than his right, your parents wander into the dining room, curious about where the music is coming from.

It’s the first time he’s meeting them, officially, as your boyfriend. You were nervous, having only recently broken the news to them that not only are you in a relationship, but the man you’re with is your former professor and a decade older than you. You’re not in his classes anymore—you’re starting grad school, and he teaches history and mythology to undergrads. They’re taking it surprisingly well, keeping conversation light by discussing his current syllabus instead of prying into his intentions with their child.

By the time he finishes the song he’s playing, your charming boyfriend has won them over for sure.

“You really pulled out all the stops tonight,” you tease him on the car ride home.

“How so?” He doesn’t look away from the road, but you can see him smirking.

“You know, the after-dinner show?”

He’s quiet for a beat. “Should I not have done that?”

“No, it was fine. It was really nice, actually. Just unexpected.”

Erwin chuckles. “If I’m being honest, I was getting a little nervous. I needed something to do with my hands.”

You lean over the center console to rest your head against his arm. “Well, you can play for me any time you want.”

You discover that although Erwin doesn’t own a piano, he makes good use of his faculty ID to swipe himself into practice rooms in the music building. Now that you know his little secret, he invites you to come along and listen to him practice after his classes are done for the day. You sit side by side on the bench, and you flip the pages on the sheet music he printed out while he taps out a new song on a keyboard that’s actually in tune.

When Erwin invites you to spend the next holiday break with his family, you don’t hesitate to accept. You’ve heard wonderful things about his father, and you’re excited to finally meet him. After a couple hours in the car, you arrive at his family’s enormous home in the country.

“Dad is out of town for work, so it’ll be just the two of us here tonight,” Erwin explains as he gives you a tour of the house. 

“Oh, no. What will we do all by ourselves?” 

You do your best not to gawk, but it’s basically a mansion, and there’s just so much to look at, from the art on the walls to the plush furniture to—

“You have a grand piano?” Glass-inset french doors lead into a cozy room off the second living room, where the sleek, black instrument takes up the majority of the floor space.

“Actually, it’s only a parlor grand,” Erwin says, matter-of-factly.

“Oh, excuse my ignorance,” you tease before taking a seat on the bench. This one has a tufted cushion, which you take the liberty to bounce on.

Erwin crosses his arms proudly. “It’s a smaller model. A concert grand wouldn’t fit in the room.”

“Of course.” When you lift the cover, there is no dust cloud.

After a few minutes of letting you plink on the keys—they’re nicely weighted and feel great, even to your non-skilled hands—Erwin takes his usual spot on the bench next to you. He doesn’t make it far into the song he’s been practicing before abandoning it to pepper your neck in kisses.

His mouth finds yours while his body gently guides you to his liking. He closes the fallboard and coaxes you up onto it, lips hardly breaking from you.

“We shouldn’t…”

“It’ll be fine. I promise.”

Once you’re seated, Erwin opens your legs to stand between them, deft fingers pushing your skirt up and your panties to the side. He skims fingertips along your folds as he continues to kiss you, stroking you to produce an entirely different kind of music with your moans.

When he sits down on the bench, you think he might have had his fill, but you’re wrong. He delves between your thighs, nose brushing over your sex before he laps you up. His tongue is hot against you, your head thrown back with every slurp and groan he makes. You call out his name, toes curling where they’re braced against the edge of the bench, his fingers digging into the sides of your thighs. After you break, he licks you clean, sending you right back to the edge again.

Together, you stumble to the sofa in the next room, where Erwin strips you down and sinks himself into your heat with one of your legs over his shoulder. He knows exactly how to play you until you both climax in tandem. As you lie together after, basking, you’ve never been more sure that another heartbeat falls perfectly in time with yours.

#surprise! #erwin smith x reader #erwin smith fanfiction #aot x reader #attack on titan fanfiction #snk x reader #junes fics #snk

[sharkgirldick]

Chum in the water I can’t sleep because this is all I can think about, so maybe posting it will get it out of my head.

I’m not exactly sure how we ended up like this.

It wasn’t a date, not exactly. We had been flirting online, sure, but we only just met in person today. She came over to my place and we made some snacks and put on a movie that she had suggested to me a few times.

When she got really close and we started cuddling, I was surprised but hopeful. I thought that, maybe, if I was really lucky, I could finish up the day with a kiss. If not, the cuddling would have been enough for me.

Then the sex scene came on.

Now that I’m thinking about it, she may have planned it from the start. My body reacted exactly how you would expect it to from a pretty hot and heavy sex scene. She was much too close to me for hiding it to be an option, and of course she noticed immediately.

Before I knew it she was in my lap, pressing her ass against the lump in my pants, her lips locked against mine, occasionally straying to my jaw and then my neck. It had been too long, and my head was fuzzy. Her hands were up my shirt, and mine up hers, and we were exploring each other’s bodies. I can almost feel it now, how soft she was alongside how amazing she smelled; that alone could have pushed me over the edge given enough time.

I managed to tell her I might get a bit rough, in the moment. She just giggled and whispered her safe word into my ear. I nipped at her neck, earning a soft moan.

Then, suddenly, the kissing stopped, and she was on her knees, tugging at the hem of my shorts. I obliged her and lifted my hips, and my dick popped free of the fabric. The sounds that escaped my lips when she slid her tongue over me would have been embarrassing if had I even cared about anything other than her at that moment.

I was swimming in the pleasure, the only thing I could perceive outside of that were her eyes, never leaving mine.

Then she was in my lap again, her own pants on the floor. When had she taken them off?

She said she wanted me. She said I was beautiful and she knew she had to have me as soon as she found out I only lived in the town over. I couldn’t speak, couldn’t tell her that in that moment she was the most sublime being I had ever witnessed.

Then I was inside her. I’m not sure if it was just because it had been a while, or if she just felt that good, but her body, the way she moved, the lust in her eyes... She could have asked me for anything, and I would have given it to her.

I noticed I was gripping her thigh incredibly hard and pried it away, sliding my hands against her silken skin, up her back. She asked me if I was enjoying myself, and I guess the lust-drunk look I gave her was enough of an answer, because she just giggled again and pressed her hips into mine.

I could feel the pressure building but I didn’t want it to end, not yet.

I leaned close, practically drooling, and sank my teeth into her shoulder. She gasped loud, clearly more in pain than pleasure, but she didn’t say the safe word, so my trance wasn’t broken.

I tasted iron, and I released my bite, lapping up the bit of blood. It could have been honey for how sweet it tasted then.

I was getting closer.

I grabbed her ass and held her in place, my hips now bucking up to meet hers instead of hers sinking down to meet mine. I was thrusting desperately, arhythmically, not that she seemed to mind with the sounds she was making right next to my ear.

I pushed up into her again, and again, my nails blemishing her perfect skin. I felt her shiver when I did, and that was what drove me over the edge.

I pressed her down onto me, all the way, throwing my head back. I’m not sure if I made any noise. My body was on fire, and I finished deep inside her.

I couldn’t tell you if we did it one more time or a dozen more times after that. We managed to make our way to my bedroom, though, and lost ourselves in each others bodies.

She’s sleeping soundly now, curled up against me. I’m not even sure how I’m awake, given how exhausted I am. Running my hand over her back, feeling the raised skin from where I scratched her... We had simply collapsed when we were done and hadn’t done any aftercare. I would need to take care of that in the morning.

For now, though, I’ll hold her close, and get some rest.

#shark thoughts #text post #feeding frenzy

[osric-giroux-ffxiv]

Dusk Vigil - Finale

Consciousness returned in waves. 

The first thing he noticed was the warmth of his surroundings and the comfort of the surface he was laying on - it lacked the cold bite of the Vigil, and the unforgiving nature of the stone he remembered his knees hitting before everything went black. 

It took several moments for him to open his eyes - whatever medication had been used to sedate him had been incredibly effective and even as he managed to open his eyes, keeping them open for more than a moment at a time was proving to be a challenge. 

Osric sighed, relaxing a bit as he recognized that he was no longer within the confines of the Dusk Vigil, but was in fact within the Cress Estate - the clinic? He assumed the clinic...

He turned his head, straining to listen, for any sounds…any indications of movement, and was met with silence - it seemed as though he was the room's only occupant for the time being. 

A hand drifted to his side, the relief almost palpable as he found the wound he’d recalled being there during his last conscious moments having been taken care of and he was no longer sporting what remained of his broken weapon. He shifted the arm up and across his eyes, and was just starting to drift back into sleep once again when a knock from nearby drew his attention. 

The arm was lifted and he cracked an eye open - what time it was, hell, what day it was he was completely oblivious to. How long he’d been out was a complete mystery to him.

Peeking his head around the corner, looking for someone cautiously was Colson, a stack of papers in his hand. “Oh, good you’re awake - thought that blonde doctor of ya’lls was gonna run me off.”

“Colson?”

“Aye - ain’t been long enough for you to forget me, boss. We brought you in last night and that doctor lady was real quick about gettin’ that thing yanked up outta you.”

Osric ran a hand over his face, the ache in his side becoming much more pronounced for a moment. “Yes, well…thank you for that particular visual, Colson.”

The other Hyur nodded, oblivious to the dark-haired man’s discomfort, “You’re welcome - anyway, didn’t come to give you the play by play of your medical treatment. Couldn't tell you half of what she did anyhow.” He pulled a small stack of papers from his jacket and set it on the bedside table. “Those are the papers you handed off to me before you decided to charge headlong into a mass of people with nothin’ but an axe while bleedin’ from the side. Figured you might want some readin’ material while you’re recoverin’.”

“The thought is appreciated - but in the future? Perhaps a day or two to actually recover?” He pinched the bridge of his nose, memories of events beginning to filter back in. “What of the individual they were holding?”

“Being kept at the barracks at the moment - comfortably, got no reason to make him uncomfortable - until we can figure out who he is.”

Osric nodded, as best he could against the bedding, “I’ll speak to him once I’m up…or perhaps after a few days after I'm up. And maybe have him brought to the estate if it’s appropriate. In the meantime gather a handful of men, return to the Vigil and clean out whatever goods were there. I want them brought to the barracks for appraisal and I want the Vigil as empty as it was supposed to have been when we arrived.”

“Can do that.”

“Good. Inform me when it’s done.” Once the building was empty and back to its original state - then he could inform Gaspard Thierremont that the job was complete and the Highlands were safe for their traders once again…and the Temple Knights would owe House Cress a rather significant favor.

“I’ll leave you to your rest, boss.”

“...Thank you, Colson - and well done out there.” 

The other man gave a little nod of his head with a grin before shifting back, “Hey - that’s what we’re trained for, yeah? Not too bad for a first run. Might make a name for ourselves after all before it’s all’s said n’ done.” With that he was back around the corner and gone, leaving Osric to his thoughts once again.

He reached for the paper on the top of the stack, exhaling slowly as he scanned the contents of the page - something he hadn’t had the time to do during the chaos of  all the fighting. 

“Just what in the world were you all up to, I wonder…”

If he could hold off that medicated sleep a bit longer...perhaps he could begin to find out.

Part 1 ; Part 2 ; Part 3

#stories #blurbs #of lances and lament

[the-orange-tabby-cat]

Wings Of The Dawn | Chapter 6

AO3 link🐾 | chapter 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

GIF by sweeetestcurse

listen to the fic's playlist

pairing: joel miller x fem!reader Rating: 18+ (light smut in this chapter) Tags: Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Slow Burn, Slow Build, Friends to Lovers, Age Difference, Small Town Dynamics, No use of y/n Word count of the chapter: 5,4k Next chapter will be posted: October 21th (You can find a sneak peek of the next chapter at AO3)

A/N: This is a shorter chapter after the heaviness of the last one. Consider it a little breeze because in 7 we will get right on track with the heavy plotting. See ya!

Summary of the fic: You are Jackson’s librarian, a doll with a good heart, that has your life changed when a handsome man decides to take his kid and start again in your small town after completing their cross country journey. Having a hard time ignoring Joel’s dark brown eyes, you find yourself wishing to have him close as you both navigate through love triangles, teenage drama, city gossip, and ghosts from both of your pasts. This is a comfort fic filled with slow burn and small town dynamics. Chapter summary: Joel confront his troubled past as he visits you.

｡˚🐾₊˚

CHAPTER 6

Life path is designed through choices. We can choose ourselves: where to travel next summer or what flavor of pie to bake. Sometimes, unfortunately, others can choose for us like when you have to stay in the city during summer because there was heavy traffic on the way to the airport or having to eat meatloaf instead of pie because your roommate forgot to buy sugar.

It's all about choices. There are those we can have a final word on it, what newspaper to read, for example. When we talk about heart, we choose, but most of the time we have no idea of why we did it in the first place. Alfie, however, knew why he chose to love you.

He had been living in Jackson for a little over two years, his English was getting more natural now that Cata had interaction with kids her age. The town had almost 200 citizens, but a big part of them pretended that he didn’t exist.

The root of it was simple: Alfonso wasn't one of them. Nobody had openly treated him badly or said what was that made them avoid him, but he could see in their faces whenever he misspoke an English word. He was fine with it if it meant that Cata could have a normal life after so much time craving it.

It was afternoon when the city gate opened to reveal two men and a young woman. Maria was speaking to the three explaining the next steps of their residency at Jackson. The two ex-fireflies, Eugene and Tommy, would follow her to meet some of the patrollers, while you were a little out of place at the main street.

"I will wait for you here," you said to Eugene. Walking nearby, Alfonso noted how tired and scared you seemed to be.

“Aw, aren’t ya a doll? We might take longer than you expect. Take a tour, Dolly.” Eugene shouted as he followed Maria and Tommy.

A doll. Alfonso could see how you wanted to bark something back at the old man but controlled your tongue before doing anything. Even with dark circles under the eyes, dirty matted hair, and stained clothing, you still had tenderness in you.

He recognized the softness in your gaze. You seemed to have been through hell and back, but haven’t lost hope. Trying to keep the hope in you, he decided to help.

“Hi, I’ve hearded the conversation. Sorry. I can help you with a tour, if you want to.” He said without thinking too much, a strange man approaching you out of nowhere? Not a good start.

"Hum, hi. She told us that there is a place where we could eat before a communal dinner…?" He knew what you meant, the desperation behind your words.

He tried to maintain a distance from you as you strolled by his side on the sidewalk, you were listening carefully to a broken English explanation of the town structure. You looked directly into his eyes, even laughed when he made a joke. After so long sitting in the shadows, he was seen and heard.

As you entered the Tipsy Bison to order a sandwich, you put a hand on his forearm before he left the bar entrance.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name,” you smiled and introduced yourself.

“I’m Alfonso, a pleasure to meet you.”

“The pleasure is mine. Thank you for the tour, Alfie.” As you entered the bar, he chose that he would stay close to you, he ached to be seen by you in his wholeness.

You chose to not reciprocate the feeling. Two years later, he was inside your house, you were wearing that dress that ended at the middle of your thighs, the one he had seen only once and dreamed of sliding it out of your body. It was supposed to be his time with you, but you were obviously waiting for another man.

The softness of your gaze was still there, but so far from the woman he met at the gate that day.

“Tell me everything you know about Maria’s plan. Please,” you tried while sitting in front of him in a chair. Alfie took the sofa, keeping a distance from you.

"She came to my house a week or so ago asking for help with her last council meeting before Esther showed up." The orange tabby cat nested in his lap, at least someone was happy to see him there. "The election will happen in two weeks, she wants to move Nath’s place to Esther. Asked me to vote for her in her proposals.”

“Just that? A vote?” You asked frowning your brows. Alfie shook his head.

"No, Dolly. It isn't about voting or not for her proposals, is what they will propose. They want to close the bar permanently and have no more local alcohol being produced here in the city."

You got serious for a second and then laughed. A smile wanted to form on his lips, but he avoided staying on the same tone as before. You saw him as a joke instead of a friend, someone who cared for you.

"Alfie, no offense, but it is impossible. Most people here drink her beverage or use the Bison as their hang out place. There is no way they'll be able to do it." Getting on your feet, you had a smile of relief on your face.

"Maria knows Nath has some kind of scheme. She caught underground drinks with some kids and will use it against her, trying to say that Nath is using minors in her operation. We might be inside the town's walls, but everyone is still a little paranoid about safety. She'll prove that Nath is using the kids regardless of the town's rules."

That took your attention. Opening your mouth, Alfie saw your eyes scan the surroundings as you tried to find an argument that could contradict what he had just said. Finding none, you limited yourself.

"Shit. Has she mentioned the kids' names?"

“No, but she thinks I’m on her side. I’m not, I’m at yours.” You avoided his eyes for a moment just to look back at him with the tenderness he knew.

“Thank you, Alfie. Will they propose it already at the next meeting?” Sitting again in your chair, you were chewing your bottom lip in a rushed manner.

“Not yet, but they will start to create alliances with Chad and Edwin as well. I came here so you could be prepared.”

A smile appeared on your lips and Alfie couldn't hold back his grin. Your eyes were looking at his with kindness, no more the avoidant stare that you gave him since Joel entered your life. He wished to keep you like this, before having your feet swiped by that man.

“I know I’ve been acting a little weird with you, I’m sorry. I’m still true to my words: I’ll be here if you want me or not, Dolly. We’re friends, I would never hurt you.”

Alfie’s words hadn’t a hint of malice behind them. You felt guilty for having chosen to ignore his honesty with you by not giving him a heads up about Joel, he had said to you that he wanted you to think about him not to treat it as if he was an asshole. Even the orange tabby cat was purring happily at his lap, why should you run away from him?

"Thank you, Alfie. I'm sorry for the last days as well." Placing your hand on his shoulder, his green eyes flashed at you with the usual light. Oh boy, you were in trouble. "See you at the council meeting, okay?"

Walking him to the door, Alfie said his goodbye with an unexpected hug. Not feeling any resentment towards him, you hugged back for a second before closing the door. The orange tabby cat was sitting at the tapestry with his tail tip wiggling back and forth, his yellow eyes slowly blinking at you.

“What? I can have friends other than Nath.” With raised eyebrows, you spoke to the cat.

"Meow," as a cat, he couldn't give much of another response.

"Shut up. I can be friends with him. And I hope to see you on Joel's lap too, you don't fool me."

With your finger pointed to the cat, you took a deep breath and plopped on the sofa. The orange tabby cat yawned at your threat, unbothered. You went back to wait for Joel and his dark eyes, wishing for the warmth of his embrace to empty your mind.

-

Could it be considered a date when you would show up at his house from time to time and he spent most of his free time at your library? Joel hadn't had a date in so long that he forgot the unspoken rules of it. You invited him to listen to music at your house, not for dinner or a night out. Maybe he was seeing too much in it.

He was dressed as always, just a nicer flannel shirt. He let his hair dry naturally, not putting too much effort – you had said you liked it before. The last thing Joel wanted was to make a fool of himself for trying too much.

“Woah,” Ellie exclaimed as she opened the door of her guest house. Joel raised his eyebrows at the kid.

“What?” He wanted to act natural, as if it was an ordinary thing not an actual worry inside his head. Did he try too hard?

“Nothing. You look so… Put together?” Maybe he did try too hard. “Is good, though.”

“I’ve worn this outfit before, I’m not more or less put together.” He grumpily mumbled, but Ellie wasn’t fully convinced, still looking smug about it. “I’m heading out, might take a few hours. If you need something cross the street to Tommy’s, okay?”

“Tell Dolly I said “hi”,” the kid smiled and he groaned in response. Of course she knew something.

As he walked out of the house, a part of him was happy that Ellie liked you. He wouldn't dare to say it out loud, too afraid to break it, but he cared for her as his daughter. If Sarah was here, he would have prepared her to meet you and wait for her approval. Ellie was the same, if she didn’t like you he would have swallowed his interest and let it die.

If he wanted to be honest with himself (something he rarely did), you weren't supposed to reciprocate. It would have been easier. Romance was something he spent so much time of his life having trouble with that now, at 56, he had no idea of where to start.

He was too deep in mourning and his worry for Tommy that he didn’t care enough for Tess the way she deserved. She slept by his side for over 10 years and he never managed to name what he felt for her. Tess treated him like someone worth coming home to after a long day, he treated her as a warm hole whenever she tried to speak about them. She was the one who kept him sane for all that dark time before Ellie's arrival in his life. His longest relationship and yet, he felt ashamed whenever he thought of her.

Before the outbreak, he stayed almost 12 years in on-and-off soon-to-be relationships. Joel never really liked the idea of casual or one night stands, but the women in his life would show no interest or disappear after a while when he got comfortable to reveal more of him. The longest he got with someone was around six months, but she fled after meeting Sarah.

The root of all these problems? Her. Sarah’s mom. Her name was almost forbidden, such a taboo that even inside his head he wouldn’t think of it. Senior year high school sweethearts, they graduated and moved together right away. For a while it was all good, he was working nonstop to make ends meet while she would be studying to join a university.

“Our sacrifice will pay off when you see me with a diploma making six figures," she would joke to him and he would believe.

He was so proud of his girl that he didn’t notice when she started to get cold at him. The realization that she would never be as rich or be able to achieve her dreams with Joel by her side infiltrated their lives. He was holding her back by existing next to her. Not having a university diploma in his name and working through the strength of his body had a bigger weight than his love for her. She was ashamed to be with him. It only got worse when she gave birth to Sarah.

She ripped him from the inside out, stepped on all his self-steem. He couldn’t see himself as interesting or that good looking after her, always with one of his foot by the door waiting for a “no”. His loneliness wasn’t by his choice, was by fear of failing expectations. Tess made it work because, at the end of the world, crumbs tasted like a whole damn meal.

Joel didn’t want to serve you crumbs, he would make it right this time.

Somewhat near your house, a panic came rushing inside his chest. Having a hard time breathing, Joel stopped at the first lamppost and waited for it to go. It could have been five or ten minutes, he had no clue. Shit, the last panic attack he had was at his first visit to Jackson, he thought it was long gone now everything was good.

Swallowing his fear, he was able to arrive in your street in time to see you and Alfie hugging. For a second he felt stupid and thought he misunderstood your signals, but it all came down when he looked at your face.

You hugged Alfie with your eyes open. You had closed your eyes the first time Joel kissed your cheek. Whatever had happened for you to hug the man, it wasn’t desire that fueled. Getting more comfortable in his skin, Joel crossed the street and tapped at your door after a minute or so.

“Hi,” he said a little more awkward than wanted. Should he kiss you? Wait for your move?

“Hi there,” you smiled at him, taking his hand in yours as you pulled him gently into the house. He was at ease again under your touch.

The sundress you wore was so casual that he felt better by not putting too much thought into his clothing. Blue as the sky, he tried to not stare at it, but he was a little too obsessed by the view of your bare legs from your shorts to this. You noticed, painfully obvious by your soft chuckle.

“Are you still tired? I can make you coffee or get something stronger,” you asked holding his hand still. He was tired but didn't mind if it meant spending more time with you.

“Do you want something to drink? I can tag along,” caressing your palm, he replied.

“Have you already tasted Nath’s wine?” He shook his head just so you could point to the sofa with your head and move to the kitchen. “It’s made of cherry, her best creation so far.”

Joel started to look around your house trying to connect the dots of who you were in his head. Maybe you were similar in more ways than he originally thought: most of the decoration had been there before the outbreak, looking more like a family house than yours. All of it, except for a huge pile of CDs at the coffee table.

Lowering himself towards the CD pile to look closer to its covers (with age his vision was far from what it used to be), he backed instantly as an orange cat came from under the table hissing at him.

“Don’t you try me, we have just spoken about it!” You ran from the kitchen shooing the cat. With a smirk, Joel looked at you.

“What did you say the poor cat?” Your cheeks went red, only making his curiosity bigger.

"He knows what I've spoken to him," picking up the cat, you left the room and came back to the kitchen. Joel followed you.

“What’s his name?” He asked leaning at the wall. You had been in his kitchen two times already, it felt like a regular space for chatting with you.

"He doesn't have a name. I was afraid of naming when I found him on my back porch. It was my first week in Jackson, couldn't name a cat that might not even stay with me."

“What do you mean?” Joel could see some tension on your shoulders as you searched for something in the cabinets. He saw the careful ways you handled your life, it was unusual for you to behave like that.

“I was afraid people would ask me to leave the town. Guess part of me is still afraid of the rejection. I like living here, it's better than anywhere I've ever lived, anyway." You avoided Joel's stare while sucking on your bottom lip. If you only knew how afraid he was of being rejected by you.

The cat was glaring at him in some kind of “fuck you” stare as if Joel could do something to worsen your fear. He wasn't much of an animal lover before the outbreak, he made a note in his mental list to learn about cats if it meant to visit you more. He would try to make you feel at home and maybe, at some point, to change the décor.

“Sorry, the house hadn’t any wine glass, had to pour it in a regular one.” Two glasses with wine were at the table. He made a motion with his hand to shut it. There wasn’t a bone of fancy inside his body, you would soon realize it.

After giving the cat some food, you pass Joel a glass. Sucking on your bottom lip, you waited as he tasted the wine. To his surprise, it was delicious.

“So?” You asked timidly. Behind you, the cat still glared at him.

"Good. Not too sweet, just right. Does she craft it by herself?" Your face of relief was enough to get his head floating. At least this is what he hoped: he drank through the cross country journey a few times, but back in Boston he used alcohol to cope with his shitty life. He couldn't get back to heavy drinking, not with you and Ellie in his life.

“Yes, Seth helps too. Ready for some Springsteen?”

  You turned on the CD player and put it on a low volume, as Born In The U.S.A. intro started Joel couldn't stop a grin. The lovely smile dimple on his cheek appeared and you controlled yourself to not kiss it right away. His arm stretched at the sofa backrest, you sat at his side with your head resting on his arm.

With him so close, you kept staring at the small details of his face. The colors of his beard and the little empty spot shaped as a heart next to his chin. Lifting your fingers, you traced the heart shape in a soft motion. The comfortable silence was filled only by the music, Joel the most relaxed you ever saw.

Cupping his cheek with your hand, he kissed your palm as he hummed Cover Me. He was so handsome when he didn’t have a care in the world.

“If I knew Springsteen had this effect on you I would have invited you sooner,” you teased him, who looked at you with tenderness.

“I was 17 when this album came out. Brings back good memories.” You tried to picture a young Joel listening to the music as he drove around when you realized something.

“You were at high school? Bet you were a troublemaker.”

“I wish, it woulda been better.” His face got serious out of nowhere. His dark eyes became glossy, getting worried you kept caressing his cheek.

“Not sure if I understand it,” Joel’s eyes found yours in confusion. “I never went to high school, the outbreak came first.”

Like a spell being broken, you could see your age flash behind Joel's eyes. You didn't mind the age gap but hadn't spoken about it with him yet. A fear of saying something wrong started in your stomach, sitting a little more firmly on the sofa, you tried to keep it cool.

“You didn’t miss much. It was a little shitty, no one was nice like you.” His hand was at your neck, the callouses of his fingertips making small circles at the base of your spine. His eyes were back to the same intense gaze he had seconds before you kissed him.

There it was again. The same impulse as last time, you wanted to kiss so badly. As if reading your mind, Joel guided your head in his direction. You kissed his lips which tasted like cherry wine in slow moves, savoring him. It was a chaste kiss, testing the waters still.

You wanted more. Your hand went to his hair, playing with his curls between your fingertips. Joel pulled you closer, interrupting the kiss to give a peck under your ear. Raising goosebumps over your whole skin, you closed your eyes focusing on the way his mustache tickled you. He was everywhere and not close enough.

He brought his forehead to yours, as you opened your eyes. His eyes found yours and went back to his lap, feeling confused you realized what had happened: the chaste kisses were enough to get him hard.

“Gimme a second, darlin’,” he whispered while trying to cool it down.

Instead, you kissed him with urgency. Fuck it, you wanted it too. I’m On Fire playing in the background, you sat on his lap and pushed your whole body on his. It took a second, but his hands found your waist as you ground your hips with his.

Your body was on fire as he dropped his hands from your waist to your ass, squeezing and holding you tight against his crotch. You moaned a little in his mouth, dry humping him as you felt your panties getting soaked. He responded by lifting his hips to meet yours.

Stopping the kiss with a gentle bite at his lower lip, you locked eyes with him as your hands traveled to his belt. “Can I?” your voice rushed with desire. Joel nodded fast.

Your hands moved quickly, in urgency to feel him. Getting his jeans opened, you started to palm his cock through his underwear while peppering his neck and beard with small kisses. Something in the way Joel looked at you made you believe he wasn't used to being showered with love.

Finally, dragging his underwear down you freed his cock and started to play with it from the base. Joel closed his eyes and rested his head back on the sofa, mouth still open. Finding a rhythm, you whimpered a little when he squeezed hard your ass with both hands, lifting your dress and digging his fingers at the outline of your panties. Your clit was pulsing for more friction.

“Keep goin’,” he blurted out with a hoarse voice.

And you did, until something sparkled inside you. Kissing him one last time, you started to move towards the ground. Nesting between his legs, you sank to your knees just like every Sunday before the outbreak, but this time it wasn’t for a prayer.

Making faster moves with your wrist, you admired the red skin of the head leaking and the weight of his cock at your palm. As you went to open your mouth and take him, something changed.

“Shit,” he muttered and you felt some softness in his cock. He had lost his erection.

Biting his mouth corners, Joel was ashamed. His eyes avoided yours, who only wanted to help. Moving from the ground to the sofa, you placed a kiss on his jaw, forcing him to look at you.

“I still want you, just like before." You helped him to close his buckle and belt, with a smile on your face.

He was still uncomfortable, you knew it, but you kept looking at him as if he was the best damn thing.

“I’m sorry. It’s been a while.” He confessed as you locked hands with his, not letting him go.

“For me too. We can find our own time.” He kissed you sweetly and you hoped that he believed in you as you poured your whole heart in his lips.

-

“He lost his boner, so what? I find it kinda sexy,” Nath started as you rolled your eyes. “I’m not joking, I do! There’s something about the desperation of it that makes me horny.”

It was late at night, the next day after Joel’s visit. You were sat in Nath’s bed with her, a white sheet above your heads and a flashlight in the middle. Two cold beers, one for each as well. It was a vent ritual and at that moment, you needed to vent about how it went.

“Can you focus? I was fine at the time, but now I think maybe I did something wrong…" You felt a little guilty of sharing such intimate details with her but knew she wouldn't judge (too hard) or tell him about it.

“Why would it be something you did? It's his dick, not yours." She stated while taking the sheets from above both your heads.

You bit your lip avoiding her stare. Why were you making a big deal of it?

"Are you a virgin? You shitting me?" Nath screamed at you, leaving her beer at the table. Of course, she would make a drama of it.

"No, stupid. Not every Mormon is an angel, you know?" You took another sip of your beer, maybe with enough alcohol you could take this conversation. "It's just... I haven't done it in such a long time and don't have that much experience. I don't want to make a fool of myself."

Nath furrowed her brows and looked up, pondering about your statement. Having sex isn't a priority when you don't have a safe place to live or could die at any moment from a runner's bite. Your first time was more of a "fuck you" to Albert than a product of romance.

"Let me get this straight: are you asking me for sex tips?" Nath gave you a shit eating grin. She wouldn't let this die. "You're getting down and dirty with the cowboy, huh?"

“At least trying to,” you retorted and she laughed.

"Want my honest opinion? He's an old man. Sometimes old men get trouble to pump up the jam." You looked at her confused, what was she talking about? "Not into eurodance? Fine, it’s natural. Old men have penises problems!”

“So I haven’t done something wrong?” You passed the whole scene again in your head, trying to see if you lost some detail. Nope, nothing.

“You were about to suck him off. I can guarantee to you: you aren’t the problem.” Nath finished her beer and went back to be under the sheets. You gave a final gulp in your glass and joined her.

“If I’m not the problem, how can I be the solution?”

This made Nath think a little further. Joel wasn’t close to her and Ellie hadn’t necessarily spoken about her surrogate father’s sexual behavior. You were in the dark.

“Honestly? I had two boyfriends and they were our age, I don’t know much about hot silver foxes. What I do know is that you lassoed the cowboy. He went to the library today, right?”

He did. Not only had lunch with you but also kissed you deeply between the bookshelves. Your arms were looped around his neck, hands on his curls – your new favorite spot. Joel was smiling on your lips.

“You seem too happy,” breaking the kiss, you asked him with curiosity.

“I like when you touch my hair, it feels good.” He said without thinking, kissing you again.

“I wanted to touch your hair for the longest time.”

Putting a small distance between you, Joel caressed your cheek and analyzed your face for a while. Getting suspicious, you pouted at him. He seemed to be lost in his thoughts, too far to reach. His dark brown eyes a little hazed.

"Joel?" You asked unsure, he blinked back at you, his thumb on your cheek again.

“Sorry, what did you say?"

Sucking your bottom lip, you felt a little weird. Was the hair commentary too much? What if it was too soon? You never had a boyfriend, Joel had way more experience than you. Jesus, you didn’t even know when someone would become a boyfriend, let alone the steps to it. Getting self-conscious, you let go of his embrace going back to work.

"Nothing, don't worry," you put on your best fake smile hoping he wouldn't notice it, but of course he did.

Not having it, Joel followed you to the other shelf and tried again. He asked one more time what had you said to him, this time you went behind the counter and spoke the truth.

“Good ‘cause I wanted for you to touch it for the longest time too," he smiled at you in a boyish way. You couldn't help but smile back.

The bliss was short lived as the library bell rang. Esther came inside with her raven hair and blue eyes, always impeccable, always beautiful. You knew that she was about to start at the council, but seeing her next to Joel made you feel small.

“Hey, Dolly. Do you mind if I interrupt to speak with Joel?” You did. A lot. Instead, you just shook your hair and went to your board. "Maria asked me to come find you to remember that tonight we'll eat at her house, not the mess hall. She wants to make a special dinner for us. See you there at 8 p.m.?"

“Ah, yeah. 8 p.m. it is.” Joel kept short, but the idea of her having dinner with him was still too much for you.

You weren't jealous, but your insecurity made you put yourself lower than it was. Joel was kissing you not even five minutes ago, hinted that he was also thinking about you with the same intensity, Esther wasn't even close to him. Stop. Being. Jealous.

“Are you alright?” Esther asked. Joel furrowed his eyebrows as they both watched you hold a broken chalk in hands. Oh.

“Yeah, I wanted to make it smaller.” You smiled trying to pretend as if nothing happened.

Esther said goodbye a few seconds later, leaving you and Joel alone again. He got closer to you, his hand at the lower of your back in a cherished manner. He was showing you how much he liked you, but you were thinking about him leaving you with a stranger woman. Stop. Being. Jealous.

“He went to the library and walked me to the Bison after it. Am I overthinking?” You groaned, Nath looked up searching for an answer.

"Maybe, but Esther stinks. She was alright before being Maria's friend, now she is just as bad." Nath rolled her eyes in anger.

“About that… Alfie came to my house and said we have some problems.”

“What kind of problems?” Her blue eyes focused on you, who took a deep breath before spilling it out.

-

Ellie was leaving the garden, ready to say goodbye to Chad when Nath came and pushed her into an alley. Making a “shh" sign at her, Ellie couldn't understand what was happening. The blonde woman showed her a piece of pink paper with the number 11 written on it.

“Who's Jesse and why are you trading my beverage with him? Don't test me." The blonde woman grunted politely, if there is how.

"He is my friend. How do you know that?" Ellie panicked. If Nath already knew, maybe more people knew about the secret place.

“Congratulations, you proved your nickname and got me in real trouble this time. Meet me in my backyard, 9 p.m. Tell Joel you'll be with Dolly." The same way she came, Nath left a confused Ellie behind wondering how much she truly knew about her underground operation with Jesse and Dina. Blinking her brown eyes at how fucked she was, Ellie took a deep breath and braced herself for it.

#tlou fanfiction #tlou fanfic #the last of us fanfic #joel miller #the last of us hbo #the last of us #tlou hbo #pedro pascal #pedro pascal fanfic #pedro pascal fic #joel miller x reader #joel miller x original character #joel miller x you #joel miller x fem!reader #comfort fic #wings of the dawn #wotd 6 #angst/comfort #slow burn #the orange tabby cat

[velvetshirtnumber3]

I want to discuss the beginning of ep 8 teaser, where Ray and Sand are having a conversation. Ray says words to the effect of, "I still want to be friends" and Sand says words to the effect, "We were never friends; you are going to do to Mew what you did to me."

First (no pun intended) of all, Sand is doing what he has already done multiple times in this series: attempting to safeguard his feelings. Sand started off this friendship of sorts with him saying in the confessional essentially that Ray and him sleeping together and being friends had potential to go wrong. Unfortunately for him, he is proved right and starts having feelings for Ray. But he does still hold out a sense of hope that maybe Ray will feel the same way. It isn't a large hope (at least initially), since Sand seems like a person who keeps himself grounded in reality. After all, he is one of the characters who seems to face the problems of reality on a daily basis, having multiple jobs, and not having a lot of money (whereas the rest of them seem more financially secure). But I feel like Sand wouldn't view the idea of Ray having feelings for him as realistic.

Then Ray spends that day going everywhere with him, which is essentially an example of what it could be like being in a relationship with him could be like. They eat breakfast together, go shopping, go to a concert, and are having a really good time together. We see ourselves that Sand says to his mother that him and Ray aren't a thing, but maybe they could be. The events of the episode build hope that maybe Ray and him could be together. And then Boston happens.

He reveals that Ray has feelings for Mew and has had them for years. And just like his hope is broken by reality. Ray has feelings for someone else, including during the whole time Ray and Sand have been hanging out, proving to Sand that anything that made him feel like Ray liked him back was a false hint. So he tries to protect his own feelings by distancing himself from Ray, starting with when Ray tells Sand to ask him any questions. Sand should have taken him up on that, but he doesn't. Ray didn't deny his feelings for Mew when Boston brought it up, so it appears that its true. What else could Ray say about it that would make Sand feel any better? The worst has already been said, so there is no point is asking any more questions. Sand says it isn't his business, meaning he isn't important enough in Ray's life for Ray to need to share his feelings OR Ray's feelings for Mew doesn't overlap with Ray and Sand sleeping together, because at the beginning Ray and Sand has said they would be just friends, so feelings aren't supposed to enter the equation. Either way, emotional distance.

Followed by physical distance: Ray says that Sand has been ignoring messages and asks if he is mad about the whole situation with Mew (which Sand once again replies with that it is none of his business). Sand only is there to tell Ray about the sex tape, and he knows what path telling him will lead to. Ray does the whole revelation at the bar, and Sand realizes that it has gone farther than intended. He tries to stop Ray from driving, then follows him when it doesn't work. He takes care of Ray while he recovers from the car accident (and apologizes for telling Ray about the sex tape, to which Ray says he doesn't need to) and I feel like they fall back into their old dynamic again. Ray brings back the pleases, Sand caves to him, they tease each other a little. The next thing Sand sees regarding Ray is Ray and Mew dancing together, very clearly in a romantic way. His expression is disappointed, definitely, but I think to him it is just further proof that Ray doesn't like him romantically and he should give up on hope, now that Ray has the person he's always wanted. So when in the preview Ray asks if they can be friends, Sand says that they never were friends, shutting Ray down because once again, Sand wants to spare his own feelings. Continuing to be friends, when he would continuous see the person he loves with someone else, would hurt a lot and he is unwilling to do that to himself.

Honestly I think Sand's statements in the preview have a little bitterness to them. I think Sand feels a little used because as I said above, with Sand taking care of Ray after the accident, they fell back into their previous dynamic, maybe Sand thought things were going better again, and now he sees him with Mew. Sand doesn't regret taking care of Ray because he cares about Ray, but I think it definitely stings that Ray ran to Mew afterwards, when Mew did nothing for Ray regarding the accident, and didn't even run after him after the events in the bar (while Sand did and tried to stop Ray from driving).

I think Sand saying we were never friends is interesting too. There were other ways he could have worded that but he chose to say not that they aren't friends, but that they never were.

Is this because he wants to deny connection entirely (more distancing) or because he is stating that their relationship has never been that of friends (what with the kissing and such)?

I'm not sure which one I think but both are interesting.

This got too long so I made it two parts.

Part two here

#this is what happens when i am overly invested in tv shows #sand stopping say it isn't your business #only friends the series #ofts #only friends sand #only friends ray #episode 8 preview

[trailandkale]

Advice on getting back into it after time off for injury? I can’t seem to motivate myself to begin again. What has worked for you in the past?

I might not be the best person to ask considering my attempts and fails but I’m honored to receive this question. If I could say anything to you or even to myself, as of now, it would be:

Try not to overwhelm yourself. Keep your goals and expectations low when returning. It doesn’t matter HOW you do….. only that you DO it. Repeat that over and over. I MEAN IT. Trust that it will eventually breed itself into something else - even when you can’t see or feel it and that honestly takes so much heart. Keep going when you don’t even have the heart. Patience is a real mental exercise. Intellectually speaking… we fail when putting too much pressure on ourselves. So find a balance between making yourself show up, pushing yourself when you need the kick and not putting that pressure on yourself to crush yourself into pieces of a broken spirit scattered on the ground. Our mind (and heart) works better when we reward our efforts and not necessarily our abilities. Actually, that’s proven. If we feel we showed up and gave our effort regardless of current outcome, that is worth celebration. And lastly, find something within you. Anything. Something to hold onto. Even if you can’t find something, make something. Set your goals so small that it would be impossible not to complete them and it will build confidence in yourself to be able to follow through with what you say, to do the things you say you do, be the person you say you are. Try to feel good about something, however small, and it will increase your excitement as you go. Reward your small efforts until what you are managing is much more than you began with. I know sometimes words are just words and it’s hard to implement them or take them to heart, but you are only yourself and only have one life and one body, so if you want something you might as well try. You never know if you can do it until you do. I dunno.

#sometimes it helps if you yell ‘keep going bitch’ to yourself over and over #felt self-conscious answering