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too-deviant · 1 month

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jackie and wilson.

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pairing: luke castellan x unclaimed!reader

summary: you haven't been given a quest, but you have made it your personal mission to make luke castellan smile

word count: 5.3k

content: fluffff, loser!reader, happy!luke if you squint and a sprinkle of loser!luke, brief mentions of suicide but nothing heavy, we finally find out which state reader is from

notes: this is so cute i love them.

PART III — she’s gonna save me, call me ‘baby’, run her hands through my hair

Wading through a misty green lake with Luke Castellan was not on your camp bucket list — something you’d produced with a young girl called Silena who you’d met in the arts and crafts cabin — but alas, here you were; knee deep in pond water and ankle deep in whatever sludge lived at the bottom, hands searching blindly along the floor while you tried your best to keep your chin dry.

You probably wouldn’t have been there if you were any good at Volleyball — which really doesn’t make much sense with the given context.

Okay, here’s what happened. It was Saturday at camp halfblood — and while you had been there for a solid three days now, you were yet to experience the joy of the weekends. Not that you knew they were any different, not until Travis Stoll approached you after breakfast.

“Heyyyy, uh...newbie.” He chuckled, sidling up beside you while you were occupied with deciding whether your camp shirt was better tucked into your shorts or left hanging over them.

You turned to the boy with an amused smile, reminding him of your name. He snapped his fingers at you, “I knew that. I did. I just prefer newbie.”

“What’s up, Travis?”

He dropped his finger guns, rocking back and forth on his feet and looking at you sheepishly, “Well, me and a few friends were gonna chuck a ball around on the beach and we need an extra player to make it even. Now that Luke’s not an option.”

He muttered that last bit low and under his breath, not in hopes that you wouldn’t hear but in hopes that Luke wouldn’t — there was no telling how far he was from you at any given moment, but he wasn’t going to tell you that, so he just put on his charming Stoll Smile and said, “So, wanna join us?”

You didn’t have anything to do that day, and since you’d assumed you were in for another long eight hours of finding out what you were good at and failing, a friendly game of ball (which you were safe to assume was volley, per what Luke told you yesterday) seemed like a great idea.

Only it wasn’t — friendly, that is. You wandered over to the net set up on the beach with Travis at your side and a taller girl with curly blonde hair narrowed her eyes at you in suspicion, “How good are you at this?”

“Uh —“ You shrugged, shaking your head slightly, “I’ve never played. We don’t have many beaches where I’m from.”

“You don’t need a beach to play volleyball, newbie.” Connor Stoll appeared out of nowhere, grinning at you, “But it’s easy to pick up. You can be on our team.”

Their team consisted of Connor, Chris, Poppy from the Demeter cabin, Evie and Evan (twins from the Ares cabin) and now, yourself. Apparently it was a lost cause whenever the Stolls were on the same team, so Travis was on the other side of the net with the blonde girl from earlier — who’s name you’d learnt was Sabine, and who’s godly parent was Nike, which did not decrease your nerves even a little bit.

“It’s pretty simple once you get the hang of it.” Evie explained to you once she noticed your unsure eyes. “Just don’t hit the ball twice in a row, Sab’s a stickler for that rule.”

“Other than that, we’re pretty lax.” Her brother tagged on, smirking at you, “This isn’t the Olympics.”

“Tell her that.” You side eyed the blonde on the other side of the net, who was cracking her knuckles and discussing strategy with Travis and Brynn, an Athena kid with a bright blue buzzcut.

The twins let out identical chuckles, sharing a look before patting your shoulders, “You’ll be fine.”

You didn’t have time to quip that the pair of them talking at the same time was a little foreboding before the game was on, and a volleyball was heading straight for you.

To be fair to you, you lasted longer than expected. Maybe it was your battle instincts kicking in, but you hadn’t missed the ball once — sure, your defence lacked any real strategy and was more you hitting the ball in whatever direction and hoping for the best, but it was working, so why complain? You wouldn’t qualify for varsity, but at least you were one upping a Stoll brother — the same couldn’t be said for most campers, you knew that much.

You actually thought you were getting pretty good, too. Your team was up by a few points (no thanks to you, all thanks to Evan. Seriously, he was like six foot four) and Sabine was getting angry. Every now and then she’d turn and scowl at Rhea, one of her teammates, and the girl would just shrug in response before returning to her position. But then, just when you started to get confident with it, Travis got you.

Hard, too. You were paying close attention to your feet, making sure you didn’t trip over any sand when you had to move, and unfortunately didn’t notice the ball coming at you until it clipped you in the face. You went down onto your ass, both hands flying to your nose and groaning when you felt a warm trickle of blood slide through your fingers and down your hands.

“Holy shit, newbie.” Travis sped over, dropping to his knees next to his brother and hovering over you, “I am so sorry, are you okay?”

Your speech was muffled and nasally when you replied with a swift, “No, asshole!”

“Shit.” He muttered, looking between Connor and Evie, “Uh, I can take you to the infirmary if you want —“

“I’ll take her.” Evan interrupted. He was crouched somewhere behind you, looking at your teammates over the top of your head. You felt his hands flatten on your back as he pushed you up to stand, the rest of the group joining him and wincing when some blood dripped onto the sand.

“It’s okay, you don’t have to —“ You held out a hand in his direction now that you could see him, only to press it firmly back against your face when your nose simply started to gush once the pressure had been removed.

“Yes,” He nodded, “I do. Let’s go.”

You let him lead you, sending an apologetic look to the remaining teens on the sand — you were pretty sure it looked nothing like an apology since your hands were covering half of your face and there was blood seeping through your fingers, but it was the effort that counted.

You didn’t receive as many looks as you thought you would’ve on the walk to the infirmary, although you assumed demigods had gotten worse injuries than a nosebleed before, so it wasn’t exactly odd. When you got there, you stopped on the porch and tried to speak to Evan as best you could without letting any more blood spill.

“You can — you can go.” You said through your hands, “I got it from here.”

He looked a little unsure, but you nodded firmly and he turned back the way he came. It was pretty embarrassing, walking into the infirmary with a bloody nose on your third day at camp, but the Apollo kid who took care of you said it was only a matter of time before you shed first blood, and that you’d better thank the gods it was a volleyball and not a hellhound that did the damage.

They stopped the bleeding with some sort of special gauze and told you to be a little more careful before sending you on your way — which was when you found Luke.

You didn’t even see him at first, more focused on folding the gauze you’d been given into a perfect square while you stepped off the wooden porch. But then a voice muttered your name in slight shock and confusion, and you looked up to meet those baby brown eyes you couldn’t help but love.

You grinned, “JoJo.”

Luke shook his head, “What were you doing in the infirmary?” His eyes tracked all over you, assessing for any visible injuries. When he found none, he turned his questioning gaze back to your face.

You sucked in some air through your teeth, embarrassed, “I, uh, got hit in the face with a volleyball. Turns out, I’m awful at it.” You let out a weak chuckle, and Luke rolled his eyes in amusement.

“Of course. I thought baseball was your thing?”

“It is.” You nodded, “But there’s nobody out here to play with, so…” Then an idea sprung, and your face lit up so visibly that Luke took a tentative step back, “Hey, why don’t you come watch? We’re playing on the beach.”

“Oh.” The boy paused, eyes sliding to the beach and back to you, “I don’t think so…I, uh, tend to spend my weekends alone.”

“You spend your everything alone.” You pointed out with a raised pair of brows. He pursed his lips. You sighed, “Come on. You don’t have to play.”

He looked as if he was thinking about it, and your hopes were raised a little. You liked Luke, you wanted to know him better and one day consider him a friend rather than a guy you harassed every day. But you were very aware of his aversion for all things social — the comment Travis made about Luke not playing with them anymore saddened you, and it pained you to imagine Luke all alone while his brothers and friends still had fun around him. But then his face dropped, and so did yours, Luke shaking his head no.

“I just…” He shrugged, “I don’t really…”

“It’s okay.” You interrupted before he could spout out his excuse. He didn’t need one. “We can do something else.”

“Oh, I —“ Another shake of the head, “You go back to them, don’t let me ruin it.”

“You aren’t ruining anything.” You said plainly, and you thought that those four words hit Luke a lot harder than expected, because he had this pensive look on his face that didn’t fade until you spoke again, “Listen, I know baseball isn’t exactly a camp sport, but I’ve got a ball. This place has gotta have bats — I mean, if it’s got swords, it’s got bats, right? So we grab them, we go off somewhere and take turns batting. I need to stay in practice anyway, if I’m gonna make varsity.”

You sent him your shiniest smile paired with some doughy eyes, and after squinting at you for a solid ten seconds, Luke agreed to your idea with a hesitant nod. You weren’t exactly expecting him to jump up and down in joy, so you took the liberty of doing that before asking him, very enthusiastically (because if you stayed positive, maybe it would rub off on him), to go look for a bat while you grabbed your ball.

Chris caught you exiting the Hermes cabin while he was filling up his water bottle using the outdoor tap not far from the porch, asking you what you were doing with a baseball. You explained that volleyball was definitely not your thing and ignored his chuckle of agreement in favour of informing him that you would be teaching Luke how to become the next Babe Ruth. He raised a brow.

“Really?”

“Uh, yeah.” You replied, a little put off by his reaction. “Is that a problem?”

“No, no.” He backtracked quickly, hands raised and water sloshing around his bottle as the movement, “I just…I dunno. Luke’s been a little off recently. If I were you, I wouldn’t meddle in it.”

“Meddle?” You asked, shaking your head, “In what?”

“In his…” He puffed out his cheeks, trying to find the words, “His funk.” He shook his head then, eyes glossing over as he thought about it, “He failed his quest, he’s a little butthurt, but…he’ll get over it. Y’know?”

You didn’t know.

“I just don’t think he needs babysitting.” He firmed, looking confident in his wording now that he’d found it, “He’s just gonna talk your ear off about how much he hates his life until you’re borderline suicidal. I wouldn’t bother, personally. He's a big boy, he can get over it.”

You rolled your lips over each other, staring blankly at Chris as he sent you a polite smile and walked back to the beach. Slowly, your eyes narrowed, and your brows pulled together. But you didn't say anything, you just turned around yourself and walked to where you’d asked Luke to meet you.

He was tossing the bat between his hands when you got there, dropping it in his left when he spotted you and nodding, “Alright, where are we doing this?”

You stopped, snapped out of a stupor you didn’t even realise you were in and blinking at him. For the first time since you’d met, it seemed that he was more focused and lively than you were. It irked him a little bit, and he frowned, “Sunny?”

“Sorry.” You responded immediately, shaking your head to rid yourself of your spiralling thoughts, “I just…uh, let’s go somewhere clear. We don’t wanna hit anyone with the ball.”

Luke led you to a clearing in the woods, explaining that the wood nymphs would be able to help you if the ball got lost in the foliage, so there was no need to hold back the arm you’d been bragging about for the entire walk. You just smirked, raised the bat level, and nodded at him to serve.

Yes, you were a thousand percent better at baseball than you were at volleyball. You knew that, of course, but it was nice to be reassured. Luke wasn’t half bad either, but you were also a really good runner, so you kept having to remind him that an average level fielder wouldn’t have a chance against his bats — you just so happened to be way above average.

Plus the wood nymphs were very helpful — apparently they didn’t get to watch many demigod activities other than capture the flag so it was refreshing for them to see you two play, and to actually be able to help.

All in all, you were having a great time. Which of course meant that you were long overdue for something going wrong. Of course.

“I can’t find it.”

“What?” You asked breathlessly, staring at the tree nymph who shrugged at you plainly.

“It rolled into a pond, I think.” He sniffed indignantly, “And I am not climbing into a pond.”

“Oh, and you expect us to?”

And that, kids, is how you ended up knee deep in pond water and ankle deep in something else — with Luke Castellan right by your side.

“This is so gross.” You whispered, grimacing as your hands ran over the murky bottom. You couldn’t see anything but your own reflection when you looked in, so you were replying on touch alone to help find your ball. “I can’t believe this. My lucky ball and it falls into a pond! Not so lucky anymore, huh? Yeah, lucky my ass.”

“Hey, Sunny?” A slosh of water rippled over you and you had to straighten up to avoid the tiny waves splashing in your face. They only increased at your movements, but you were too busy glaring at Luke to notice. He pressed his mouth together, holding in a chuckle, “You’re not being very sunny right now.”

You huffed, flinging your arms out at your sides and wincing when you splashed water on yourself by doing so, “I —“ A huff, “I don’t feel very sunny, Castellan. I am wading in sludge.”

He actually had the audacity to let a tiny grin slip through, “Wow, the last name? You’re acting like me right now. It’s weird.”

“I can’t believe this.” You repeated, narrowing your eyes at the boy, “I’ve been trying to cheer you up since the day I met you and when you finally do, it’s because you’re relishing in my pain? Fuck you.”

As if he was trying to piss you off, Luke laughed. He actually laughed, exactly like he had yesterday and if you weren’t so annoyed you’d be smiling at him for it. But you were annoyed, so all you did in response was send a wave of pond water at him and drench his front.

He stopped laughing. You started laughing.

“Okay, is that how you wanna play this?” He asked, stepping closer, “Is it?”

You grinned, stepping back. The water moved when you did, and the paired struggle of your’s and Luke’s legs under the water just increased the waves that oscillated around your knees. It slid up to your thighs and threatened to wet the denim of your shorts, but you were too busy prying your foot out of whatever the hell lived at the bottom of the pond so you could escape Luke’s wrath.

You shook your head, “You don’t wanna do this.”

He nodded mockingly, “I think I do.”

Then it was on. He lunged for you, and you dived to the left in a swift attempt to get around him. Water was splashing everywhere at this point but neither of you cared — especially when Luke’s hands were mere inches from your arms, waiting for your ankle to snag on some algae and pull you back so he could push you over. You were smarter than that though, so you did a swift one-eighty, dragging your hands under the water with you as you did — the wave that accumulated from the momentum doused Luke from head to toe, his curls sticking to his forehead. He wiped them away and blew hard from his mouth before forming a weak glare in your direction.

Your jaw trembled as you held in what you knew would be some serious chortles — but it was silent. The only noise apparent was the settling of the waves now that you had both stopped moving and Luke’s heavy breathing in front of you. He shook his head, stepping forward slowly, and you braced yourself for what was about to come.

“Hey!”

You paused. You shared a look with Luke before looking confusedly at the form that had appeared suddenly between the two of you. It was a girl by the looks of it, only she was made entirely of the water the two of you were standing in. She glared between the pair of you, hands on her hips.

“I don’t appreciate all this splashing.” You felt suddenly like you were being berated by a school teacher for talking too loud during class, “Are you trying to drain my pond? Are you?”

“N—No.” You responded, shaking your head, “We were just looking for — ”

The water nymph held up your ball with a stern expression, “This? Yeah, it looked like you were.”

Her sarcasm was not lost on you, and you tried your best not to meet Luke’s eyes, knowing they would fail you the second you did. Instead you looked at the nymph before you and took the ball from her outstretched hand, “Thank you. And, um, sorry…about the splashing.”

She folded her arms, lifting her head and straightening her shoulders, “That’s okay. Now get out.”

You were both quick to exit the water, although not too quick that you made anymore of it splash onto the rocks. Once you were out, the nymph nodded in satisfaction and melted back into the pond, and you and Luke were finally able to breathe. Then, you both burst into laughter.

“Oh my gods.” You huffed, shaking your head and looking down at yourself, “Did we just get into trouble?”

“With a water nymph?” He finished, shrugging off his wet shirt and wringing it out, “Yeah. How embarrassing.”

Your mouth was suddenly very dry. You knew Luke was strong — he had to be to fight a dragon and come back alive. To be known as the Best Swordsman in Camp. To be trusted by so many campers despite his newfound, distanced demeanour. But damn.

You blew out a long puff of air, hoping your reddened cheeks could be excused as some light sunburn. You weren’t as soaked as he was, but you still wafted your damp shirt from your body in hopes that it would dry — and also to give yourself something to do that wasn’t ogling at Luke’s lean figure.

He spread his shirt out on a rock, ensuring the sun was hitting it right before lowering himself to the ground on the dry grass a few feet away. He leant back on his hands, face to the sky, and revelled in the warmth. You stayed standing, fiddling with the button on your shorts, staring at him. At the scar on his face, at the rest of them along his chest.

He cracked one eye open, glancing at you, “What?”

“I, uh.” You licked your lips, “Nothing. Nothing.” You muttered, taking a seat beside him and crossing your legs. Your gaze stuck firmly to your lap and you waited for his to return to the sky. It didn’t.

“You can ask me.” He said then, shrugging.

“What happened on your quest?” You let slip, and when he stayed silent for a second too long, you realised that maybe that wasn't the question he was giving you permission to ask. “I’m sorry. I know it’s none of my business, it’s nobody’s really. But Chris told me before that you’re in a funk and that seemed like a gross understatement but then again I’ve known you for, what, three days? He’s known you for years, so surely he’s right. But you just seem like it’s more than a funk, and I don’t know what to believe because I don’t know what happened but I also don’t want to ask because it’s none of my business and it’s also very clearly a sore subject because of what happened with Dean. Not that I think you’re gonna fly off the handle or anything, but it’s definitely a touchy subject and I can’t just go demanding all the details just because I wanna be your friend and— ”

A hand over your mouth stopped you from continuing what Luke was sure to be a very long tangent. He looked at you, half in shock, half in amusement, and huffed out a laugh, “Sunny, you need to calm down.”

You couldn’t respond, but you did nod. He removed his hand slowly and you swallowed your embarrassment. Luke sat up fully, straightening his back and clearing his throat, “Uh, okay. Have you heard of that Hercules story? With the golden apples?”

You nodded, afraid to speak in case you went off on a rant again. He nodded with you, “Yeah, well, my father sent me on that. The exact same quest…except I failed.”

That explained the scar, and the dragon story he’d mentioned very briefly yesterday. He started to go into a little more detail about his quest — and suddenly you were overcome with this…angry sort of sadness.

Hermes sent Luke on a quest that had already been done. After hearing Clarisse yap your ear off about Kleos, you understood why he’d been a little bummed. Honestly, if it were you, you wouldn’t have even gone. What’s the point in doing a quest that’s already been done? But you didn’t say that to Luke, who seemed a little deep into his story. You just simmered in your irritation while he continued to explain his battle with Ladon, and his ultimate failure.

“I refused to leave the infirmary for a week.” He chuckled, but it was a little sad. “I mean, I’m supposed to be a leader here, and I fail my first quest? Some demigod I turned out to be.”

Without even thinking, you shook your head, “You didn’t fail.” Luke looked at you, confused, “You battled a dragon with a hundred heads and lived. That doesn’t sound like failure to me.”

“But I didn’t get the apples.” He explained. “I disappointed my father.”

“Your father…” You said slowly, unsure of how your next words would land, “Who I’m going to assume had never spoken to you until the day he gave you your quest?” Luke nodded after a brief pause and you took that as permission to continue, “So who cares if he’s disappointed? He clearly doesn’t care if you’re mauled by a dragon.”

“Exactly.” Luke replied, brows pulled together in the way they had been when you’d first met. Angry, irritated. Disappointed. “Everyone keeps telling me to get over it. That demigods have failed quests before and it just means I need to try harder next time but…why should there be a next time? Really, if you sit and think about it for a second, why are we even here? To train, so we don’t die whenever monsters come and attack us? And who’s fault is that? Maybe if our parents were good people, there wouldn’t be any monsters trying to murder their kids. If they cared, even a little bit, they’d do more than just claim us and leave us to die!”

He scoffed, looking in the direction where you knew the rest of the campers resided — playing games, building weapons, dedicating every waking hour to becoming the best of the best. And for what? For glory? For a pat on the back from a parent who can’t even be bothered to raise them?

“They don’t get it.” He said then, turning back to you, “They think this is all okay. They’re too invested to realise that they’re just being used. They’re so focused on getting a shred of recognition from the gods that they don’t understand that it’s never gonna come.”

“So…” You finally spoke, your first words in a minute, “What do we do?”

Luke shrugged then, “I don’t know yet.��

It was silent for a long time after that. Luke stayed staring at the floor and you led back to stare at the sky. He was right, wasn’t he? Sure, you’d only been in this for a little while, but you weren’t stupid. You knew the gods didn’t care — you’d figured out that much when you got to camp. A dumping ground for demigods. Demigod daycare, except mommy isn’t coming to pick you up at three o’clock. Luke deserved to be angry, he deserved to mope — they all did.

But they wouldn’t. You could sit there and curse the gods for hours on end, but that was still half of you. And that, you thought, was probably the worst part of it all.

You were so caught up in your feelings that when the tree that had been shading you phased into a nymph and walked away, you jumped halfway out of your skin, “Jeezum crow.”

You looked at Luke, expecting him to either share the same dumbfounded look on his face or be laughing at you — something he seemed to be doing a lot of today — but instead he was staring at you, slack-jawed and wide eyed. You blinked, “What?”

“You’re from Vermont.”

Your mouth snapped shut, and his expanded into the grin you’d been hassling him for since you’d set your sights on him. You sighed, “Fuck.”

He let out a disbelieving laugh, “You’re from Vermont! Holy shit. I should’ve known it when you called me a flatlander.” He threw his head back, and you shook yours at his dramatics. But he didn’t care, he just pointed at you, “You’re a fuckin’ woodchuck!”

“Oh my gods.” You groaned into your hands, pulling yourself to your feet in hopes of escaping his sudden glee. “Is that so bad?”

“No.” He laughed, following you, “I’m just amazed that I figured it out. I’m a genius!”

“Okay.” You sent him a blank look, but it only lasted a few seconds before your tiny smile was fighting through, “It’s not like you’ve discovered the meaning of life. Calm down.”

“Never.” He shook his head, “This is my greatest achievement.”

“You fought a dragon.”

“Screw the dragon!” He gripped your biceps, grinning at you, “You’re from Vermont!”

“You’re not funny.”

“And yet you’re laughing.”

“I am not.”

“You are.”

“I’m not!”

____________

“What’d you do to him?”

You threw a piece of salmon into the fire, glancing at Chris, “I’m getting deja vu. Haven’t you asked me this already?”

“Yeah, but…” The boy looked behind him, back at the Hermes table, where Luke was perched on the end and waiting patiently for you to come back from the hearth before digging into his food, “This time I mean it. I mean, he still isn’t talking to us, but he’s sitting on our side of the table again. You can be honest with me…” He sent you a grave look, “Did you give him a BJ?”

“What? No!” You threw a pea at him. “I just listened to him.” You tried to be a little serious, but clearly Chris wasn’t getting the hint, so you relented, “And doused him in pond water.”

He laughed at that, nodding proudly. You turned back to the fire, asking Aphrodite to get rid of your split ends. You’d given up on praying to your father, deciding to go through every Olympian until one of them answered. So far, only Hera had responded — you assumed so, anyway, when a cuckoo woke you up from your afternoon nap. That wasn’t very helpful, but at least it was an answer. You didn’t suspect campers prayed to her often, so she probably appreciated the sentiment.

“So…” Travis smirked, wiggling his eyebrows at you once you sat down. He sent this look around the group, but even Connor gave him a weirded out look in response. He huffed, “It’s team day tomorrow.”

A collective ohhh seemed to hum around the group, but you were still confused. You sent a questioning look to Luke who said, “For Capture the Flag. Tomorrow is when all the cabin counsellors gang up and decide on the two teams.”

“Then we have five days to strategise.” Travis continued on very dramatically, hands splayed on the table, “And on Friday…we battle.”

That seemed to lift the energy up a bit, the people around you sharing mischievous looks. They started to discuss amongst them who would be the best cabin to ally with, Lana turning to Chris, “Who are you gonna pick?”

Chris went to speak, but paused. He seemed to think about something, looking slightly scared but still turning to the boy across from him anyway, “I thought maybe…Luke would like to reinstate himself as team captain this month.”

Right, you’d completely forgotten. During your spear lessons with Clarisse, you’d asked her why it was so important that you be amazing at fighting quickly if monsters couldn’t get into camp. She’d then explained the whole situation that was Capture the Flag — how it was a bigger deal than the super bowl around here — before briefly mentioning that Luke had always been Hermes team captain, but stepped down for the last game because his scar was still healing from his quest. Chris had taken over for him, and based off of the looks the people around you were sporting, you assumed they weren’t expecting him to give up his title so quickly.

You couldn’t blame them. Luke hadn’t exactly expressed much desire to captain this time — he hasn’t expressed much desire for anything these days apparently. You were all waiting for him to let Chris down easy, but instead he looked up from his plate with an indifferent nod and said, “Yeah, sure.”

Nobody said anything. Except Chris who, when Luke stood to rack up his empty plate, looked at you gravely and asked, “Was it a handjob?”

🏷️ @katherines-imagines @lovingjasontoddmakemewanttocry @jennapancake @cobaltskiez @loveryoushouldcomeoverr @m00ng4z3r @mischiefmoons @woodlandwrites @theo-notts-doll @iammightsadyall @fennecswife @csifandom @tsireyasgf (just ask to be removed/added!)

#sunny!verse #@lia’s works #luke castellan #luke castellan x reader #luke castellan x you #i am a hoe for loser!luke #i also know nothing about baseball #hence the very brief baseball scene #its just like rounders im pretty sure #but im not too confident on that #also reader maybe gets claimed in the next part #wink wink

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savepc2023 · 11 months

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DOL NPCs + MY PCs AS FAKE YOUTUBE VIDEO TITLES

Robin: MY BESTFRIEND IS A DEMON/ANGEL/HARPIE/CAT/COW?! *NOT CLICKBAIT* [WATCH TILL END!!!1! EPIC PLOT TWIST!!!1]

Whitney: epik school fight watch me beat up two twinks one femboy one butch and three femmes and one bitch with no gender(I am supportive!)(i don't discriminate who i beat up)

Sydney: DON'T INVOKE YOUR INNER DEMONS AT THREE AM!!!1 [GONE WRONG] [GONE SEXUAL]

Kylar: 24 HOURS IN MY PARTNER'S HOUSE!!1 [THEY DON'T KNOW I'M HERE] [THEY DON'T KNOW THEY'RE MY PARTNER YET] [FLASH WARNING] [TW: BLOOD] [tHE POLICE GOT CALLED ON ME!!!!1!!!!]

Avery: What is inflation? Economics explained in 12 minutes.

Alex: A DAY OF A FARMER IN A SMALL UNNAMED TOWN. *please don't be mean, this is my first video* *read desc*

Eden: BOYFRIEND ASMR: YOU TELL YOUR ALPHA MALE 7' TALL BOYFRIEND YOU CAN'T SLEEP [FAPPING NOISES] [DEEP VOICE] [GROWLING]

Angel: MY APOLOGY VIDEO + EXPLANATION FOR MY ACTIONS: a response to the videos of me absolutely beating my caretaker's ass

Brynn: GRWM [no talking] [aesthetic] [ignore white liquid dripping from my mouth at 15:06] [editing: @/robyne ]

Caelan: How to make mulled wine. (Detailed explanation) (Face reveal) (Keep comments civil) (Please stop talking about my hands)

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talkfastromance4 · 10 months

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Watermelon Sugar–Jake Seresin (An Arrangement Series)

An Arrangement Masterlist

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word count: 3.3k

warnings: some body insecurity, brief smut scene

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Jake told you about the bbq pool party happening on July 4th, he really did, but you were nervous for two reasons; you didn’t have a suit and you were anxious for him to see you in one. While you were having breakfast on the patio the day before, he was going over how he’d be gone shortly in the morning to do a flyover at the base but then he’d be back at eleven with the others. He insisted you invite Brynne, Serena and Dom but Dom always heads back home to spend the holiday weekend with his family.

“I think I’ve got all your favorite foods for tomorrow, and some hard seltzers in the fridge by the bar. Is there anything else you need?” he asked and you bit your lip. “What is it, Sugar?”

“I don’t have a nice suit to wear,” you admitted sheepishly.

“No big deal, let’s go shopping,” he wiped the corners of his mouth with a napkin and pulled away from the table.

“No, wait–” you grabbed hold of his forearm, he looked down at you. “Can–can I go by myself?”

He opened his mouth but then closed it. “Sure. I’ll have Reynolds take you. Buy a suit for every day of the week, okay?” He kissed your hand that was on his arm.

So you did, you bought the ones that made you feel good in them and decided to wear a blue two-piece with white stars. You also bought a blue wrap to wear over it as a safety blanket when you were in front of Jake. Jake kissed you goodbye before he left to fly and you slept for another hour before getting up and getting ready.

You’ve just finished putting on red lipstick that matches the red ribbon tied in your hair when Jake gets home. His flight suit is tied around his waist, his hair still a little sweaty and his aviators are hanging off his nose.

“Don’t you look pretty,” he smiles, tossing his keys and wallet on his dresser. You’ve moved all your makeup stuff in his room, he bought a vanity for you to use along with the makeup you use and a bunch of stuff you’ve only dreamt about using.

“You look hot, I mean–” you shake your head, “you’re sweaty.” He smirks at your comment but doesn’t really acknowledge it.

“Yeah, it’s a scorcher out there,” he says, sifting through his drawers for an American flag style swim trunks. “Make sure to put on sunscreen. Everyone should be here in an hour.”

“Okay…do you need my help with anything?”

“All taken care of, Sugar. Too bad you’re all dolled up, was gonna see if you’d want to save on water and take a shower with me.” He stands in front of you, tracing the contour of your face with his fingers until they’re under your chin. He tilts your head up.

You shift in your chair making sure your wrap is covering you. Jake notices, his brows furrowing but again, he doesn’t say anything. You’re thankful for that.

“Maybe next time,” you finally respond coyly.

“Okay, Sugar,” his thumb drags over your bottom lip. “I love this color red on you.”

And then he’s gone heading towards his bathroom singing the chorus to ‘Danger Zone’ before shutting the door.

***

The party is in full swing and you feel a little more at ease when Serena and Brynne arrive. They gushed about your new suit and admired the other ones you bought. As soon as the three of you entered the pool area, Rooster smiled at Serena who quickly went over to him by the pool. He was standing on the first step, beer in hand and a bucket hat on his head.

“He better ask for her number today, or Dom is gonna kick his ass,” Brynne sighs watching your friend flirt with the pilot.

“He hasn’t yet?”

“Nope. And S keeps dropping hints but he’s oblivious.”

“I’ll say something to Jake. I know Rooster’s crazy about her,” you smile then notice Phoenix by the bar. She keeps glancing at Brynne while talking with Bob, her eyes traveling over Brynne’s cherry red suit. “Hey, Brynne, have you met Natasha yet?”

You take Brynne’s hand dragging her around the pool towards the bar and in front of Bob and Natasha.

“Hey guys, this is Brynne. My friend and coworker. Brynne, this is Bob and Natasha,” you introduce. Brynne’s eyes glitter when she meets Natasha’s and they shake hands and Natasha offers to get her a drink.

They move to the other end of the bar initiating small talk and that makes you happy. Warm, strong arms wrap around your waist and hot lips are on your cheek in a kiss.

“Hey Sugar, are you thirsty?”

You nod and he moves behind the bar to get one of your hard seltzers, he pops the tab and slips it inside a coozie. He adds a steel straw then hands it to you.

“Did you put sunscreen on?” he asks taking a pull from his own beer.

“Umm…” you suck on your straw, eyes downcast.

“Let’s put some on before you go in the pool,” he pats the side of your hip affectionately. “C’mon.”

“Jake, I–”

He gives you no choice and tugs you along towards the house. Coyote and Payback say hello to you, they’re seated on the lounge chairs discussing something about football. Fanboy is relaxing in the sun.

The cool air feels good from the dry heat outside as you enter the house, Jake still leading you through the house and into the bathroom on the first floor near the laundry room. He opens the closet grabbing a tube of sunscreen.

“I can put it on myself,” you say quietly, arms crossed over your chest making sure the wrap is still secure around you.

“I can get your back,” he smiles clicking the top open. “And you can rub my back, too.”

“Jake, I don’t–” you cover your face with your hands.

“Woah, hey, what’s going on?”

You shake your head, eyes closed.

“Sugar, talk to me please. What’s wrong?”

“I’m self-conscious,” you mutter.

“Self-conscious of what?” he takes hold of your hands and you let him remove them from your face. You open your eyes to stare at your joined hands between you.

“Of how I look. I’m not tall and toned like Serena is and I don’t have the nice curves like Brynne does…I’m…I’m not–”

“y/n, look at me,” his voice is soft. You force your eyes up, his thumbs are rubbing the backs of your hands. “You’re beautiful, exactly the way you are. Your height, your size, your curves, all of it. I told you you’ve been tempting me since day one and I mean it, you don’t even realize how much. If you don’t want to take off your wrap yet, that’s fine, I’ll get Serena to come and help you.”

“No, she’s busy with Rooster,” you shake your head. You take a deep breath. “You can do it.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah,” you nod removing your hands from his. Your eyes stare at his white tank top covered chest as your fingers untie the wrap. You continue to stare at the center of his chest as you pull it off your shoulders and he remains silent.

“Damn,” he breathes and you finally look up at his face. His green eyes are widening as he moves over your suit. “As I live and breathe, darlin’ you sure are a sight for sore eyes.”

Your cheeks are burning from revealing your suit and from his words. He reaches behind you to get the sunscreen and he pops it open again. He starts at your shoulders, making sure to rub it in under the straps and over the hills of your breasts. Your heart is hammering and you wonder if he can feel it. His fingers tickle your stomach as he rubs in lotion there, and goosebumps appear when he gets the sides.

“Can you turn around for me?” he asks softly and you do. He squirts more lotion on his hand and starts at your shoulders.

You watch him in the mirror, his face in concentration and you avoid your own gaze in the mirror. He moves your hair over your shoulder and you feel his hand slip down behind the clasp at the center of your back.

“Here,” you murmur and unhook it so the only thing holding your suit up are your hands cupping it to your breasts. Your eyes meet in the mirror, questions burning in both of your gazes but neither of you voices them as he continues to spread sunscreen on your back.

Did his hands get hotter? You try to concentrate on your breathing, the tips of his fingers dip a little below the waistband of your bottoms. More goosebumps, more heat. Part of you wants to remove your top and see what happens, part of you wants him to do it.

To your surprise, Jake hooks the clasp back together and brings your hair back into place.

“Can you do me now?” he asks your reflection.

You nod as you readjust your breasts in your suit so they’re more fitted and you can see Jake watches your every move. The way he’s looking at you fills you with a bit more confidence each time. When you pick up the lotion bottle he yanks off his tank top and turns around, you choke on the air you’re breathing because he’s so tan and muscular. He has freckles on his shoulders and a small birthmark on the very low part of his back. It looks like a heart.

You squire the lotion in your palm and then swipe your hand over his whole back. His muscles tightened and you were mesmerized by the strength of them as you rub in the sunscreen. You make sure to get his shoulders and up into his neck. Your hand curves with his spine as you go lower and get the sides of his stomach. Without even thinking, your nail traces over that birthmark, Jake takes a deep breath.

“Okay, turn around,” you say.

When he does, he crowds your space, his arms caging you in between him and the counter.

“I already got my stomach, can you put some on my nose?” he asks scrunching his nose in indication.

“Yeah,” you bite your lip and put a little more on your two fingers. You stroke your fingers over his nose and onto his chin, pressing the excess under his eyes and onto his ears. When you’re finished, you keep his face held in your hands.

You stare at each other for a second before lips are on lips and you’re somehow on the counter with your legs wrapped around his waist. His body is hard and hot and muscled against yours, his hands pulling you into him, your back bowing so you’re as close as you can be. Your fingers are in his hair and he moves one hand to cup and squeeze your breast. You moan into his mouth and then he shifts the suit down, his thumb and forefinger tweaking your nipple. You moan again and Jake moves his kisses down your jaw and to your neck and then his mouth is covering your breast.

His mouth is hot and his tongue is slick and wet as it circles over your nipple. His teeth dig into the swell of your breast while his tongue flicks and presses on your bud.

“Jake,” you sigh falling against the mirror watching through hooded eyes as he opens his. He keeps his gaze on you as he shifts to your other breast, his hand yanking the suit down. He doesn’t close his eyes until his mouth is on you again, a contented sigh coming from him and you keep your fingers curled in his hair.

The noises he makes as he suckles on you electrifies your blood cells and you need him closer. It’s when you start to grind your hips against him that you yank on his head. His mouth releases your breast with a pop and his eyes are bright green.

“We haven’t–we shouldn’t–” you’re panting trying to get the words out because so many thoughts are racing through your mind.

You’ve opened up to him more, you’re more comfortable with him, you’re sleeping in his bed more frequently but the paperwork and Betty’s health are at the forefront. This is just an arrangement, he’s said you tempt him and he’s been tempting you a lot more too lately.

“You’re right,” he nods but peppers kisses along your breasts before tucking them back into your suit. “We have guests. I got carried away.”

“I’m sorry,” you say.

“No need to be sorry, Sugar,” he smiles crookedly and shifts on his feet. “I need a few minutes before I can go back out there.”

Your eyes immediately fly down to his waist where you can see a bulge over the stars and stripes of his suit.

“Oh. Oops,” you bite your lip trying to hide your smile.

“Yeah, oops,” he murmurs, tugging your lip from your teeth into a kiss. He groans when you kiss him back excitedly. “Okay, trouble, time to head out before we’re discovered.”

“You’re the troublemaker,” you tease hopping down from the sink. You pick up your wrap and adjust yourself again.

***

You went back outside and stepped into the pool water, you also needed to cool down after what you and Jake did. The rest were in the pool and Jake jumped in with a big splash then took you in his arms. Rooster started to complain he was hungry an hour later. You were the only one left in the pool floating on one of the floaties Jake bought special for the day.

Rooster and Serena were sitting on the pool steps and Brynne and Phoenix were sitting on the edge talking. You watched Jake as he gathered all of the grill stuff, and he even put on an apron that said ‘Kiss the Chef’. You suck on your drink through your straw watching his arms flex as he cleans the grill, a sheen of sweat glistening on his shoulders.

You slip off the floaty and exit the pool just as Serena and Rooster wade in deeper, their fingers loosely linked. Jake’s eyes are on you as you walk towards him, water rolling over your body and when you’re close enough you lean up and peck his lips softly. His eyes flutter and he grins.

“What was that for?”

“Your apron says to kiss the chef, so I did,” you giggle and finish off your drink.

“I’ll kiss you too, Hangman,” Roster makes kissy noises behind you.

“Hard pass, Bradshaw. Go get your kabobs, man,” then he turns his attention back on you. “Did you put more sunscreen on?”

“Yeah, but it won’t work. I’ll still burn,” you shrug then turn around but Jake swats at your ass and you yelp.

You grab another seltzer and the start taking pictures with Serena, Brynne and Phoenix. Jake and Bradley look your way when you all squeal as Coyote does a cannonball in the water. Phoenix and Brynne exit the pool getting cozy at the bar, Brynne even kisses Phoenix’s cheek for a picture.

“That’s good, Brynne is chill compared to the last girl Phoenix was with,” Jake comments.

“Yeah, your Sugar sure is sweetening up our group, ain’t she?” Rooster nudges Jake’s shoulder then goes over to Serena who is struggling with her beer bottle.

When Jake has the food on the grill, he retreats inside to grab the extra plate of watermelon Rhea had cut up for the day. Jake always makes sure she spends holidays with her own family and he brought the plate out to you. You snatch a piece and take a bite, the juice dribbles down your chin and into your cleavage. You hold the piece up to Jake and he takes a bite, juice dribbling down his chin as well.

You giggle then lean on the pool edge to swipe it from his lips. You suck it off your thumb.

“See, you’re trouble,” he cocks his head to the side and starts to stand.

“Leave the watermelon,” you tell him and snatch the floaty. You climb back on and make grabby hands for the plate which he hands you. “Thank you.”

The food is great as you all sit down to eat it and then Rooster runs off to grab the fireworks he brought. He sets them up with the help of Bob. Jake hands you some water because all you’ve had all afternoon are seltzers. The dry heat is really getting to you and your suit is starting to feel uncomfortable which only means one thing.

You’ve got a sun burn.

You sit on Jake’s lap as Bob sets the fireworks off and you start to shiver now that the sun is no longer in the sky. Rooster and Serena were making out as the fireworks lit up the sky. You remember to tell Jake that Serena wants Bradley to ask for her number.

“He’s an idiot, he has no game,” Jake shakes his head, “I’ll tell him.”

Everyone is gone by eleven o’clock and Jake tuts when he sees how red you are as you remove your makeup in his bathroom.

“Sugar, you’re so sunburnt. You didn’t put more on after I did it for you, did you?”

“I did, I swear! But I told you…sunscreen doesn’t work on me for some reason,” you flinch when you dry your face off with the towel.

He sighs heavily. “Take a cool shower and I’ll put aloe on you.”

You do what he says and it hurts when you put on the satin pajama set. The straps are thin but hit your burning skin in just the right way. When you exit the bathroom, Jake is already showered and tugging on the draw strings of his basketball shorts.

“C’mere my little tomato,” he gestures to his bed and you crawl on it delicately. You lay down and lift your shorts up higher on your thighs and the bottom of your shirt. “Sugar…”

“Put it on please,” your body trembles as you shiver some more. Being in the heat all day is finally escaping you as you’re in the controlled temperature of the house.

Jake rubs it on your thighs first, the cooling sensation of the aloe feels wonderful. It’s colder on your stomach, his fingers brush the underside of your boobs but you’re in too much pain to really get excited about it.

“You’re gonna have to take your top off so it doesn’t cling to your skin, that’s not going to feel good,” he shakes his head. “You don’t have to sleep in here if you’re uncomfortable–”

“No, can I please? Your sheets are cooler than mine,” you pout and sit up delicately.

“Of course you can,” he smiles gently. You begin to lift your top off but it pinches at your shoulders and you cry out. “I got it.”

Jake removes it as softly as he can, folds it, places it at the foot of his bed and puts more aloe on his hands. He’s gentle as he rubs it over your shoulders and down your arms. By the time he gets to your back, it’s already dried on your front. He puts some on your hands and more on your chest because that’s where it’s the worst.

“I’m getting you SPF 100 so this doesn’t happen again.” he sets the bottle on his nightstand. Your picture in a small frame.

“It won’t work–” you start to say slipping under his sheets.

“Yes it will. SPF 30 was no help to you, Sugar.”

You sigh as you settle into his sheets, the coolness helps with the aloe but you’re shivering like crazy. Jake grabs your hands and blows on them.

“If you wake up and it still hurts, I’ll put more on you.”

“You don’t mind I’ll be sleeping with my top off?” your teeth chatter.

“Sugar, I wouldn’t mind if you decided to sleep nude,” he kisses your cheek and shuts the lights off.

#an arrangement series #an arrangement #jake seresin x reader #jake seresin #hangman fic #hangman fluff #hangman x reader #hangman smut #jake sersin smut #top gun maverick writing #top gon fic #top gun maverick fic #hangman writing #jake seresin writing

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dc418writes · 4 months

Text

✨Pairing✨: mechanic!Ari Levinsonxblack!reader

Summary🪄: Brynn has her first bout of stage fright (Operation: Rekindle addition)

⚠️: 18+ NO MINORS!, oral (male receiving, allusion to female receiving), allusions to happy adult fun times (please make sure willies are wrapped, there’s peeing after sex, and everyone is being safe), partial bad language word, pretty much all teeth rotting fluff💕

*DISCLAIMER!: although visual was made by me via Canva, I DO NOT CLAIM OWNERSHIP of pictures used as they were all found via Pinterest*

“Aliana Marie Y/L/N-Levinson, you need to put on clothes!”

The three-year-old only giggles as you chase her around the small living room - expertly dodging scattered toys along the way

Her sister Brynn just watching the whole ordeal from her booster seat while she finally ate her Mac and cheese. Short giggles coming from her as well enjoying her little dinner show

Eventually scooping her in your arms, you carry your wiggly daughter back to the couch where her clothes lay trying yet again to get her dressed

“Come on, we’ll go get milkshakes,” you sweetly try to bargain as she rolls and moves her arms so you can’t put on her shirt

“No!,” she replies giggling once again as you sigh completely exhausted. So far you’d been at this for almost an hour - on top of getting dinner ready and then giving the twins a bath. Not to mention doing Brynn’s hair in what had to be a perfect top knot according to the instructions from her ballet teacher.

Overall, you felt like you’d been going all day

Hearing the click of the lock and soft rattle of the doorknob tells you of Ari’s arrival before he makes his entrance with a deep but pleasant, “hello!” Both girls immediately squeal in excitement turning their attention to their father with an equally joyful, “hi daddy!”

He makes his rounds sweetly kissing Brynn’s forehead then Ali’s and ending with a soft peck on your cheek

An interaction much too short for your liking

“What’s uh going on here?,” he asks with an amused tilt to his lips seeing a half naked Ali in only her pull up, one sock on her foot, and hair unruly

“Your daughter apparently wants to be a nudist. She won’t put her clothes on.”

His large hands fall to his hips as he tsks in faux disappointment. “Now Aliana..”

“Hi daddy,” she giggles with her little fingers in her mouth peering up to Ari who looks the size of a tower from where she lay

“We gotta get dressed sweetpea. You don’t wanna get left do you?”

After a few seconds, she lifts her arms in the air as if surrendering herself to the larger man making you playfully narrow your eyes and cross your arms over your chest. “Such a daddy’s girl.”

Chuckling, Ari squats down placing a hand on Ali’s tummy lightly tickling his little girl while also securing her to the couch. “Can’t say I blame you on the clothes rebellion though.”

“Well since you’re the favorite right now, mind getting her dressed? I’ll try to do her hair after I get ready or I’ll just have to do it there.”

“I’ll take care of it, you go ahead,” he motions his head towards your bedroom

“Thank you!” Ari knows he shouldn’t let your simple touch excite him, but it’s like a memorized response how his muscle warms and pleasantly tingles from your hand on his upper arm. Not to mention the little swell of his chest knowing he put that relieved smile on your lips

“Promise I won’t be long,” you state over your shoulder flitting from Brynn - to clean her face and release her from the booster seat - then to your room to finish whatever you needed to do

The whole time Ari lovingly watching you with that soft smile only the slightest mention of your name could envoke

That is until Aliana’s impatient kicks snap him out of his short lived trance. “Hey don’t you start, you could’ve been dressed by now had you not been difficult for mommy,” he replies only making her giggle more as he pulls her little dark jeans over her legs

Luckily you weren’t too late when your clan finally arrived at the dance studio. Ari took care of finding two seats near your families while you hurried backstage to get Brynn lined up with the rest of her class - of course making sure to get a few pictures and steal a few kisses before joining the rest of the parents in the waiting crowd

The once plain and neutral auditorium now sparkled with white and blue string lights - some in the shape of snowflakes both medium and small - along the walls. A couple frosted trees sat on either side of the front steps leading to the stage with piles of glittery, snowlike fabric underneath

And to wrap the winter wonderland together, plastic icicles hanging over the stage as if dripping from the small curtain at the top

It seemed everyone else was just as impressed as you, from the pleased murmurs and pointing

“Good evening all!,” the tall, slender woman greeted with a model-like smile. Her onyx hair tied back in a neat bun made her appear as if she was a dancer herself standing under the spotlights in her grey sweater dress and black heels

“I’m Miss Holli, the co-owner of this studio and head instructor, and I’d like to welcome all of you to our Winter Showcase!” The crowd erupts in a round of applause, slowly coming to a hush as Ms. Holli begins to speak again.

“We’ll be having a total of three performances tonight starting with our tiny tots and little kids, then our pre-teens, and finally ending with our older teens and young adults. Now we understand if you have to leave after your child’s performance, especially our little ones with stricter bedtimes...” The crowd - mostly those with said little ones including you and Ari - lightly chuckled at that. “But we hope you can stay and see what all our kids have been working on and practicing so hard for.”

“Now without further ado, our tiniest ones with Snowflakes in Freefall!”

You, Ari, and both of your families perk up in your seats watching Brynn’s class pad onto the wooden stage and to their marks with the help of their two instructors. You try to wave in order to get her attention, but she just stares straight ahead. Even Ali excitedly shouts “Ben!,” - she was still getting the hang of pronouncing Brynn - while standing on her father’s thighs at the sight of her sister.

Still she stares forward, and as the music begins to play - leading up to the note where she’s supposed to start her dance - you realize her staring isn’t due to focus

Brynn stays on her mark and even at her teacher’s beckoning, she doesn’t move

“What’s going on?,” Ari’s mom, Celia, asks in a whisper leaning in close behind you

“I’m not sure. She knows her dance and was excited all day today.”

Without a word, Ari hands Ali to you before carefully moving through the aisle to head towards the steps leading to backstage. There he meets a pouting Brynn sniffling trying to stop her tears as one of her teachers consoles her and the other tries to explain to the crowd how they just need a few extra minutes, and asks the stagehands to close the curtains

“I think it’s just nerves, but she won’t talk to me,” the younger of her two teachers explains to Ari as he kneels down to join them

“I’ll try to figure it out, thanks,” he smiles before the bubbly redhead rejoins the rest of the class. “Hey, what’s wrong honeybee?”

“People…lots,” she whispers wiping at her right eye

“Yea, it is a big crowd huh?” She nods. Definitely bigger than the few parents watching from behind the glass that she was used to. “I know it’s scary, but everything’s gonna be okay. You’re gonna do great.”

She still seems unsure wiping at her eye again and not making any attempt to move back on stage. “Wanna stay wit you.”

Ari sighs being careful of the light glitter makeup on her cheeks as he wipes the watery line below her eye. “I wanna stay too, but I can’t B.” Her disappointed pout cuts him deep enough that he’s ready and willing to leave now. To take his babygirl wherever she wanted to go and get an extra large strawberry milkshake on the way to make her smile again

But he knows he can’t. This was just the first in a lifelong line of things she’d have to conquer on her own. He couldn’t whisk her away every time she was afraid - although that protectiveness instinct screamed at him to do so

Though, that didn’t mean he couldn’t help at all

“Mr. Levinson?,” the redhead nervously returns, “I don’t mean to rush, but we have to get going. Will Brynn be able to go on with us?”

An idea - albeit a humiliating and potentially dumb one - sparks in his mind briefly turning towards her teacher. “She’s still nervous but I think I know what can help. If it’ll be okay that is?”

After 10 minutes and a short announcement from the head instructor, the lights dim and curtains reopen to Brynn front and center again with her classmates behind her. She seems a bit happier this time posed on her mark making you relieved that Ari could help

When he finally descends the short steps from backstage, your brow tilts in confusion watching him stop adjacent to the stage now only in his dark brown and white flannel, his jeans, and white socks on his feet. Additionally, posed just like Brynn

“Daddy,” Aliana points seated in your lap

“Yea, what’s daddy doing?”

The soft, playful music begins again and on cue Brynn starts her dance just as she’s practiced for all these months with Ari perfectly following along to every movement as well

Light giggles and chuckles could be heard among the crowd - and your families - getting a kick out of this giant of a man dancing along with a group of kids. From as many times as he sat at her rehearsals, you shouldn’t be surprised he knew every step yet here you were with bright eyes admiring the father of your children

A familiar warmth blooming over your body that you’ve tried to push away so many times, but ultimately couldn’t still being so deeply in love

When the final note plays, the kids and Ari stand in their final pose receiving applause and standing ovations. A wide smile on Brynn’s lips as she waves to her dad and an equally big smile on his as he winks at her

And when he somehow finds your eyes amid all those around - his cheeks a light pink as he gives a small wave - you forgo trying to ignore those feelings anymore. Fully letting them take control let it be for better or worse

It was a tad shameful how quick you were on him after you both put the girls to bed. Your lips immediately finding his as soon as he closed the door to their room, turning to tell you goodnight

You didn’t care though letting yourself get lost in the pillowy softness of his pink lips and his tongue on yours while your body pressed even closer into his. Your sudden need for him was surprising to Ari, but how could he focus on questions - or even thinking at all - with your hands roaming his firm chest and traveling lower to the buckle of his jeans. A small “oof” leaving his mouth as you lightly pushed him down to what used to be your shared bed after pulling his boxers down enough to release what was hidden beneath

Now on your knees between his legs, time is a foreign concept letting his pleasurable grunts and moans fill your heated ears until his release eventually coats your throat. Even then your slurping and bobbing continues, ignoring the burning in your chest and throbbing of your head

“Fuc- too much baby too much,” he mumbles gripping your hair to pull you off while he lies back trying to catch his breath. You can’t help but leave a last, teasing lick from its underside to the tip making him shudder and you softly giggle to yourself

Standing to your feet, you clean the embarrassing drops of drool and other fluids from your chin with a nearby tissue taking in his ruddy face. Bits of hair sticking to his forehead from the small beads of sweat and lashes - long and curled - lying against his cheeks. He always was so unfairly pretty

Slowly crawling up his body, you trail kisses along his sternum, collarbones, and jaw as you gently straddle his taut abdomen. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were getting old on me.” For that, you get a warning smack to your bottom slightly startling you yet also making you giggle while Ari tiredly chuckles

“Just gimme a couple minutes. We’ll see who’s makin’ jokes then.”

“I’m holding you to that,” you whisper nibbling his earlobe as you briefly grind down leaving a noticeable wet spot you’re more than sure Ari can feel, “because she really missed you.”

Clearly he’s caught his second wind sliding his hands from your back to gripping your buttcheeks and pulling you forward until your dripping core hovered over his mouth. A surprised squeak coming from your chest followed by a small mewl as his tongue dragged along your slit to your eager button

“Can’t keep her waiting then, can we?”

#ari levinson #ari levinson au #ari levinson x black!reader #ari levinson x reader #ari levinson x woc #red sea diving resort #chris evans #chris evans x black reader #chris evans x reader #chris evans x woc!reader

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sleep-can-wait · 9 months

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WAIT OK BRYNNE AND AIDEN HAVE ONE OF THE MOST CHILDHOOD FRIENDSHIPS THAT IS SO GODDAMN BEAUTIFUL BUT ALWAYS PLATONIC

LIKE THEY'RE A GUY AND A GIRL WHO REMAIN JUST FRIENDS

Brynne literally cradled Aiden's unconscious body and cried, they have nicknames for each other, Brynne was the first person he told about Aru and will always talk to about anything first, and yet I never even once shipped them that's how good Rosh's writing is. Their friendship is so brilliant and lovable tho best duo fr

LET'S HERE IT FOR A BOY/GIRL RELATIONSHIP THAT NEVER VERGED ON ROMANTIC ONLY PLATONIC

#aru shah #the pandava quintet #roshani chokshi #tpq #rick riordan presents #aiden acharya #brynne tvarika lakshmi balamuralikrishna rao #brynne rao

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dutifullynuttywitch · 1 month

Text

Close Call - Part 1

Wake the Dead

Pairing: Eva Archer x Troy Hassan

Rating: Teen (cw swearing)

Word count: 2,000

Summary: Eva is terrified that something may have happened to Brynn while out scouting.

A/N: Wake the Dead AU, takes place before WTD events. Can be read as a single shot, builds on my previous WtD fics Starlit nights, Sisterly Advice.

Tagging: @choicesficwriterscreations @wakethedead-group-re-read

Eva paces back and forth nervously across the small room she shared with Brynn.

Her sister and her crew were out on a scouting expedition a days’ drive from the Tower. They had been expected back three days ago. It wasn’t the first time they’d been delayed, forced to lay low after encountering too many drones or car issues. But they’d always radio back.

Not this time.

Her mind hadn’t stopped spinning through increasingly dire scenarios as the hours went by. She’d gone through her pest control shifts on autopilot and spent the nights wide awake, too worried to sleep. Staring at that damned door, willing her sister to barge through it with her typical bravado and yet another hair-raising story to tell.

She feels a bubble of panic constrict her chest. She has to do something.

Squaring her shoulders, Eva strides across the crowded hallways over to the airlock entrance. She spots Andrew Scott, head of scouting units in a heated discussion with one of Blackstock’s goons.

“ – been having some radio issues but hopefully comms’ll be up and running again in no time. That damned antenna’s on its last leg…”

“Hey! Andrew! When the hell are you going to send a crew out there to help my sister?”

Andrew whirls around, a sympathetic look etched across his features.

“Eva –”

He’s interrupted by Blackstock’s lackey.

“Watch your language, you insolent brat. We’re not going to put another crew in danger because you decided to throw a little temper tantrum. Now run along unless you want to be put on waste disposal for the month.”

Furious, she rounds on the little man.

“Listen here, asshole, my sister and her friends are the reason the Tower even has resources like medicine, food, weapons. They risk their necks every day for this colony and you’re just gonna leave them out there?”

Andrew intervenes just as the now red-faced man signals over to two burly guards.

“Oookay, okay Eva, Melvin, let’s everyone take a deep breath. No need to escalate things, I’ll handle her.”

Andrew waits a beat before turning his focus back to her.

“Deal with her, Scott, or I will.”

The little man stares daggers at her before stalking away haughtily.

“Eva, how long have we known each other? Ya need to trust me to look out for my crew. I already asked a team to detour to Brynn’s last known location yesterday. But this, pissing off the higher-ups – not helping. You gotta tone it down. Especially if you still want to join our team in a few years.”

The towering man squeezes her shoulder sympathetically.

“I’m sorry, Andrew. I’m just really worried about Brynn… Please let me know as soon as you have news?”

“Of course. Now scram before you get us into any more hot water.”

Eva slowly walks back, dejected. She detours by the supply depot, hoping to run into Troy.

“Hey, Archer! Been wondering when I’d see your pretty face around here.”

“It’s Brynn, she… they’ve gone missing.”

Troy’s bright smile quickly turns into a concerned frown.

“What’s wrong?”

He steps out from behind the counter and wraps her in a tight hug. Eva melts into his warm embrace, letting his familiar scent surround and comfort her.

Troy’s heart breaks for her. He’s used to seeing her so strong, fearless. But right now, she feels small and fragile in his arms.

He tightens his hold on her, burying his face in her hair. She smells good, with just a hint of lavender from the contraband soaps he’d gifted her.

That scent had been driving him crazy for months.

He’s been captivated by Eva for years now, really, if he’s honest with himself.

He first noticed those lovely dimples whenever she smiled. The way her blue eyes sparkled with mischief when she thought of a new prank to drive her sister up the walls.

Troy is not exactly sure when their friendship had blossomed into something more for him.

It had been gradual.

He started getting unpleasant pangs of jealousy whenever Eva dated other men.

But it was that first evening he took her stargazing months ago, alone out on that windy balcony, Eva wrapped snuggly in his arms, he’d come to the realization he had truly fallen for his best friend.

And it had terrified him.

Eva and Brynn were the most important people he had in the world. Ever since he pantsed little Eva Archer back in first grade.

They had become his chosen family.

She had stolen his ration bar; Troy had reacted without thinking. After the initial shock had passed, Eva pulled her pants back on and ran after him like a little devil, yelling in outrage. Backed into a wall and terrified of this tiny red-haired tornado, Troy quickly apologized. She sized him up for a moment, then said “I’m not gonna hurt you, silly!” Little Eva wrapped him in a bone-crushing hug and gave him back the bar. He broke it in half, “Here, lets share.” From that moment, they had been inseparable.

Brynn, noticing their camaraderie and realizing Troy was all alone in the Tower, started looking out for him. She’d invite him along for meals, making sure he had his rations. Got him new clothes when his were becoming too worn down. Scolded him and Eva when they got into trouble – which was a regular occurrence. And, more recently, nagged him for his not-so-legal hobbies.

What if he fucked it all up?

He had a tendency to do just that, as his exes would point out.

Plus, there was the little matter of the side hustle he ran behind Blackstock’s back. God forbid they’d associate Eva too closely with him if things went south.

“Hey, watch it!”

He releases her clumsily, trying to clear the unwelcomed thoughts.

The sudden bustle of people at change of shift snaps him back to reality.

Reminds him he’s standing in the middle of a busy hallway with an upset Eva in his arms.

Troy ushers her into the confines of the supply depot, lowering the shutters for good measure. He sits her down on a tattered couch and settles in next to her.

“Eva, what happened?”

She looks down at her hands, eyes glistening.

“Andrew lost contact with Brynn and her crew three days ago. There’s another team out searching the area, but I’m worried, Troy. What if they don’t find her? What if they’re too late?”

“Hey now. Your sister’s the second most badass person I know, right after you. I swear the two of you are like fierce amazon warriors.”

“The point is, I know Brynn’s alright. She’s one of the best scouts the Tower’s got. And she’s careful. They’re most likely laying low somewhere. She'll be back in no time busting your ass for even worrying about her.”

Eva rolls her eyes, sniffling lightly.

“I’m not even gonna ask.”

“I… I’m sure you’re right, Troy. She is good at what she does. So are the others. I guess I... needed to hear it from someone else. Thanks for always being there for me.”

She forces a smile, her glistening eyes sparkling in the dim light of the cluttered room.

“Always, Eva.”

He gazes down at her, tenderness and concern reflected in his soft brown eyes as he pulls her closer into his arms, tracing soothing circles along her back. He wipes a tear from her cheeks, fingers lingering along her cheekbone.

Her breath hitches as she loses herself in his soft gaze and the warmth of his embrace.

Eva feels like a bundle of nerves from the stress, and the tingles she’s feeling from Troy’s caresses are messing with her usual self-control.

Right now, she wants to feel less the nerves constricting her chest, and more of Troy’s comforting touches.

On impulse she reaches up, tracing lithe fingers along his cheek and the dark stubble across his jaw. She unconsciously chews her lower lip.

He stares, entranced. God how he wants to reach out and kiss those lovely lips. He wonders what they’d taste like. Possibly those berry-flavoured ration bars she enjoys so much.

She lets her instincts guide her, a need she’d been burying for so long. She closes the distance, soft lips meeting his.

“Eva…”

Troy murmurs, lips ghosting hers.

Troy’s eyes widen in surprise. He cups her cheek as they kiss gently, tentatively, lips exploring in soft caresses. Bodies tingling with delight at the new but somehow familiar sensations.

“Hmm, Troy.”

He deepens the kiss at her inviting sigh, finally tasting her. Salt from her tears.

And cherries.

Troy loses the last of his self-control. His kisses become heated as he slips a hand below her shirt, skirting her lower back. Eva clings to him, responding to his every touch.

Just as their caresses become more feverish, they are startled apart by a loud banging against the shutters.

“Oi! Hassan! Open up! We’ve got crews reporting back with equipment.”

They glance at each other, eyes wide, breathless.

Troy is the first to recover, filling the awkward silence with his usual banter.

Eva chuckles, cheeks flushed.

“Well, that was something, Archer… I knew you couldn’t resist this.”

He gestures at his handsome features, grinning.

“God you’re insufferable…”

The banging against the shutters intensifies.

“Hassan!! What’s the hold up?!”

“Dammit! Yeah, yeah, I’m coming.”

Eva watches him go, flushed, heart pounding wildly in her chest.

Troy doesn’t want to let Eva go.

He’s scared that she'll realize how big of a mistake this was. Head still spinning, he quickly makes his way up to the counter.

Oh god, what just happened?

He pulls up the shutters and stops in his tracks, eyes wide with relief and a hint of guilt.

“Brynn!! Boy, am I glad to see you.”

At her sister’s name, Eva rushes up to the front and crashes into her arms.

“Brynn, you’re okay! What the hell happened? You had me worried…”

Brynn winces, and Eva lets her go quickly, giving her a once over. Her sister’s shirt is tattered, a dark bruise appearing to cover much of her right side. Dirk hovers protectively. Cassidy cradles an apparent broken arm as Brienne helps her stand.

Tony’s crew are right behind, carrying both teams’ weapons and crates of canned food and medical supplies.

“We were picking out meds in an outlet mall when the roof collapsed, must have been water damage. Bunch of drones fell on top of us from the second floor. Cassidy and I got trapped under a shelf. Dirk and Brienne managed to drag us out. We hid in a storage room hoping the drones would forget about the yummy human-sized snacks...”

“Looks like we got there just in time. There must have been two dozen of em’ packed into that little pharmacy. Had to lure them out to get to you.”

Tony chips in, dropping off the weapons and supplies onto the counter.

��Nah, just glad you’re all still on the side of the living. You and Cass should hit the infirmary. You look like you’ve got a couple of cracked ribs and I’m pretty sure arms don’t bend that way.”

“We owe you one, Tony.”

Brynn pats him on the shoulder, grimacing through the pain.

“You don’t say.”

Cassidy growls, clutching her bandaged arm.

She hesitates a moment, looking back at Troy, cheeks flushed.

“Come one, I’ll take you.”

Eva tenderly supports Brynn, avoiding the bruises.

“Talk later?”

“Yeah... sure.”

Troy rubs the back of his neck, dreading that conversation. He was an idiot to kiss her when she was at her most vulnerable, worried about Brynn. What if she regretted it? Hated him for it?

He sighs miserably and starts cataloguing the equipment.

The taste of salt and cherries lingers on his lips.

#playchoices #wake the dead fanfic #wake the dead #troy hassan #troy hassan x eva archer

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satansapostle6 · 3 months

Text

Josh Futturman has always had a crush on his beautiful coworker, the sharp, sexy scientist he thought he could only ever dream of talking to.

Warnings: Mature themes/language. Sexual content.

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen: Living The Life

“Babe, can you drive?” Josh chuckled as he stumbled along with Brynne out to the parking lot.

“Yes, sweetheart, of course,” she agreed, taking her car keys from him.

“Thank you!” Josh chuckled, awkwardly running to the car.

“You’re welcome, my love.”

They had just left the bowling alley after meeting Ray and his new girlfriend there. Brynne had offered to drive, considering she knew Ray would probably ask Josh to drink with him, but Josh had insisted on driving there. But naturally, he had asked Brynne if he could drive her car, considering he loved driving her car. He thought it was the coolest car on earth.

The two of them got into the car, as Josh sat in the passenger’s seat, drunk giggling as he put on his seatbelt, or at least tried to. Josh had only had a couple beers, but he was quite the lightweight.

“Your place, yeah?” she asked as she pulled out of the parking lot.

“Can we go to your place?” Josh asked her. “I don’t wanna go to my parents’.”

“My place?” she questioned.

Although Josh had picked her up from her own house on many occasions, they had never actually hung out at her house. Josh thought it was strange that he and Brynn were dating, but he’d never actually been inside her house at all.

“Yeah, your place,” he nodded. “Why? You don’t want me in your house?” he asked sadly, making a pouty face.

“No, no,” she promised him, remembering that she was dealing with tipsy Josh. “It’s not that, it’s just… I like your place.”

“Really?” he scoffed. “But my parents…!” he slurred.

“Yeah, they’re nice,” Brynne laughed. “I don’t live with my parents… I don’t even talk to my parents.”

“Can we go to your place?” Josh pleaded. “I wanna see your place. Please…?”

“Yes, of course we can,” she nodded, driving in that direction. “You don’t have to ask.”

“Yay!”

Brynne just laughed, shaking her head as she drove. Her own place was a bit further of a drive, but they were there before Josh fell asleep. As they got out of the car, Brynne observed that Josh had mostly sobered up.

“Okay, here we are,” she announced, parking her car in the driveway.

“Your place is so nice,” Josh stared as she unlocked the door.

There was a fountain not far from the door, a very modern, minimalistic sort of thing that just looked like water being poured over a dark wall.

“We haven’t even been inside yet,” she scoffed, opening the door for him.

Josh stepped inside as she closed the door behind them, in awe of her home. The ceiling in the foyer was at least ten feet tall, with a crystal chandelier hanging above. And the floors were marble. To Josh, her place looked like a palace. There was a long staircase leading upstairs, and a hallway that led to the rest of the downstairs.

“Hachi machi,” he murmured. “This place is insane!”

Brynne just smiled, still never sure what to do when people complimented her house. Sure, she’d worked for all the money herself, but she still never knew how to respond.

“Come on. Bedroom’s upstairs,” she smiled.

“Do I take off my shoes?” Josh asked in bewilderment.

“Baby, I don’t care, the floors are hardwood.”

Josh followed Brynne upstairs, to the biggest bedroom in the house. She had a huge amount of space, a beautiful dark wood bedroom set, and a set of silk sheets. He was in awe of the walk-in closet, which looked like its own tiny bedroom.

He wandered into her bathroom like a lost child, discovering a beautiful, high-tech sort of shower, along with a luxurious jacuzzi tub.

“Whoa…!” he gasped.

“You want me to run us a bath?” Brynne asked him, reading his mind.

“Please,” he nodded, taking his time to look around.

He returned to the bedroom, sitting down on her California king-sized bed as she took off her jacket, stripping down to her underwear. As always, he couldn’t take his eyes off her.

“Your place is… amazing,” he told her.

“Thank you,” she smiled softly.

“They really do pay you well,” Josh remarked.

“Yeah. Kronish is great,” she agreed, heading into the bathroom to get a bath running.

Josh watched as she turned the water on, waiting for the jacuzzi tub to fill.

“Bowling was so fun,” he laughed. “Man. Ray’s girlfriend is really nice.”

“Yeah, she is,” Brynne smiled. “It was really sweet when she told me how pretty I am… I had to make sure she knew I thought the same of her.”

Josh began taking his clothes off, nervous about where to put them as he stood in his underwear in the bathroom.

“You can just set them on the counter,” Brynne told him, as she walked in, long strawberry blonde hair pinned up in a clip.

He set the clothes on the white marble counter, gulping when he saw who he’d just recently realized was his girlfriend. He knew he’d never quite get over how she looked naked, not even in a sexual manner, but just out of sheer awe. She slowly stepped into the bathtub, sighing as she threw her head back. Josh slid his underwear down before climbing in and joining her, sitting across from her in the warm water.

“Why don’t we do stuff at your place?” he wondered.

Brynne felt guilty as she tried to explain, watching as he tried to come up with his own rationalization.

“Do you not want me here?” he wondered. “Cuz, I could understand that, I mean… I’d probably make a mess of this place.”

“No, no, it’s not that,” she sighed, trying to explain.

“I mean, your place is awesome,” he scoffed.

“I know,” she sighed, “That’s the problem. My place has the jacuzzi tub, and the art I paid someone to buy for me, and the silk sheets. It’s a total bachelor pad.”

“What’s wrong with that?” Josh wondered, rubbing at his beard.

“It’s… It’s a good place to bring a date. It’s a good place to hook up,” she thought.

“What’s so bad about that?” Josh asked with a smile.

“I like your place better,” she said exhaustedly.

“What’s so cool about my place?” he wondered.

“It’s nice! And your parents are nice! Your place has more personality. My place is just meant to look good,” Brynne expressed.

“I think your place has personality,” Josh said softly. “I think it looks like you because it looks good.”

She smiled, appreciating the sentiment as she tried to rephrase her thoughts.

“Yeah, but… My place is for dating. Your place is for marriage,” she pointed out.

Josh looked at her curiously, a surprised smile on his face as he processed what she’d just said.

“You… You’d marry me?” he asked her.

“Yeah, I think so!” she nodded. “Some day.”

He smiled with immense emotion in his eyes, understanding what she meant now.

“I’m… I’m glad we both feel the same way,” he murmured, watching her as she moved so that she was next to him.

“I love you, Josh,” she said as he wrapped his arm around her.

“I love you, Brynne,” he said for the second time, grinning as she leaned in to kiss him.

He thought life couldn’t get any better than this. He moved his hand so that it was on her cheek, slightly reaching up into her hair as his lips mingled with hers for a moment.

“God, you’re just… You’re just so beautiful,” he whined affectionately as he pulled away.

He stopped to look at her, to admire her, taking in her perfect physique beneath the bubbles, and her beautiful face. Brynne sighed, cupping his face in her hands as he smiled up at her with the widest eyes she’d ever seen. He genuinely couldn’t stop smiling; he looked giddy just to be looking at her.

“You really are the sweetest, most handsome boy in the world,” she whispered.

“I love you so much,” he sighed.

“I promise I love you more, Josh Futturman,” she said with satisfaction.

“Brynne?” he piped up, looking up at her with pleading eyes.

“Yes, sweetheart?”

“I want my mommy,” he mumbled, nuzzling his head into her body.

“Oh, come here, baby,” she said, turning her body so that he could lay his head on her bare chest.

Josh excitedly rested his head chest as she held him, neatly stroking his hair as he let out a happy whine, never wanting to leave that position for the rest of his life.

*****

Brynne tried to tip-toe and move around her bedroom quietly as she woke up for work. But as soon as she had gotten out of bed and carefully replaced her warm body with a pillow for Josh to lay on, he had woken up.

“Baby?” he sat up sleepily. “Where you going?”

She could tell he was only half awake.

“Go back to bed, baby, it’s your day off,” she whispered.

“No… I wanna say ‘bye’ to you,” he protested through a yawn.

She just sighed in amusement, making the most of the situation. Fully aware that he was watching, she turned on the bathroom light so he could just barely see her, playfully stripping down to nothing in front of him before shutting the bathroom door. Josh sighed dreamily as he fell back onto the bed, smiling up at the ceiling.

“I have the best life ever.”

Chapter Fifteen

#josh futturman #josh hutcherson #josh futturman x reader #josh futterman x reader #josh futturman imagine #josh hutcherson fanfic #josh hutcherson x reader #josh hutcherson fluff #josh hutcherson imagine #future man #future man 2017 #future man x reader #peeta mellark #mike schmidt #michael afton #jhutch

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beloved-blaiddyd · 9 days

Note

To Beloved,

I was in the middle of drawing mochi cats because I'm too motivated to put it down and thought "wait, I haven't asked for references."

So I'm here to ask for art reference of your sona 🙏

— Navina M.

Dear Mx. Navina

Thou shall not force oneself to draw mochi cats if thou does not feel good vibes. True.

Anyways, enough joshing around:

"Why is the hair color different?" don't worry, it's not a secret that I do not know my own hair color, darling. I dye it so often and yet I cannot recall what it once was. I tried copying both my father and mother's hair once, it didn't feel quite right. All there needs to be said is that I'm slightly tanner than my otherwise deathly pale Northern peers and I have your average crimson eyes. That's all!

Funny enough, these portraits are a bit dated now. My hair is rather long lately. Whenever I tie it up, let it dry, and remove the tie, I look like Veritas and it is not a fun look.

With love,

- Brynn L.

#$ support conversations #$ a-support = navina

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queenofapeacefuldawn · 4 months

Text

Rudy's Redemption Arc (Christmas Oneshot)

a/n: they are. so silly. this is, in itself, so so so silly. i hope this gives u some sort of serotonin rush (like the one i got while writing it at 12.26 AM while on my notes app instead of sleeping)

also, um. there will be a lot of santa slander. so go into this with that knowledge. idk.

————

Like the storms he was aptly named after, Yamini Kapoor-Mercado-Lopez's boyfriend burst into her apartment in a whirlwind, his face flushed, his breaths heavy.

“My queen! We have a problem,”

Her fight-or-flight response instantly activated by those words, she got up, her fingers curled around Dee Dee, dormant in its compact mirror form.

“Is it a monster?” She asked, mentally preparing herself for a possible battle ahead.

“No,” his voice grew soft, his eyes wide. “It's worse. I have to host a Christmas party.”

“...Huh?”

————

In the past two years they'd been dating, and the 4 years in which they'd known each other, only once had Rudy been trusted to host a party. He was banned, of course, after the Naga Palace Screening Room Incident of 2021. The mental scars left behind still stung, to this date.

Rudy thrust his phone in front of her face, which was open to their Potatoes group chat, where the last message was, from Brynne: I can't wait!

“I thought you were banned from hosting parties?” She frowned, pushing her glasses further up the bridge of her nose.

“Ugh, I thought so too— but Brynne had a medical emergency—”

“Hold up, hold up— Brynne had a medical emergency? And I wasn't told?”

Rudy caught her shoulders, steadying her. “She's fine, but Hira's not allowing her to enter the kitchen for the rest of the day. Seems like she burned herself while cooking. But, unfortunately,”

She knew her boyfriend and her friends well enough by now to complete that sentence.

“With the Naga kingdom's resources, chefs, and ballrooms…” she continued,

“...they wanted me to host. Last minute,” He finished.

“Why not just cancel the party?”

He pinched the bridge of his nose, before saying, “I agreed without thinking, before I remembered that none of you are allowed back in the royal palace.”

“Uh-huh,” she said, slowly, already anticipating how this sentence might end.

To save him the pain of finishing it, she said, “Now you need help finding a venue,”

He nodded, vigorously, desperation making his eyes shine. Leaning forward, she pressed a kiss to the tip of his nose, hoping that would make him calm down, while the cogs of her brain turned.

Glancing around her apartment, she remembered that her roommate was out of town, spending Christmas with her family, so it was just her...

“I mean, we can host it here, but…” She felt her stomach turn when she checked her watch. 5 hours left.

Releasing herself from his grip, she snatched her coat up, and continued, “We don't have a lot of time, so we need to rush to the store now.”

His eyes glittered. “You're helping me?”

“Obvi—” she couldn't finish her sentence before he wrapped her in a hug, the words Thank you, thank you, thank you! Leaving his mouth in a rapid succession.

She patted his shoulder, and said, “We don't have a lot of time, jaan.”

“But I like hugging you.”

“Rudy. My hugs won't save you from Brynne's wrath.”

“Okay, fair.” He let go of her, and just as she was about to drag him to the door and to the grocery store, he said, nervously, “Um, I just realised we have another problem.”

“Oh, no,”

“I haven't exactly grasped the concept of Christmas yet.”

“Oh.”

————

This tradition of their Christmas parties had started two years ago, when Aru had broken her hand around this time, and they'd thrown a party and plied her with gifts to keep her spirits high. After that, Nikita had jokingly suggested to 'make this an every-year thing', and her suggestion was taken into stride, with each Potato being given a chance to host (Rudy was forbidden. Until today, as Aru, Aiden and the twins had flown in from Atlanta, Brynne was incapacitated, Hira was taking care of her, and Mini had the bad habit of ignoring their texts while she was studying). From the point of view of religion, they didn't really celebrate the festival, but they saw the novelty of giving each other presents and throwing parties involving strictly non-alcoholic drinks.

Since they hadn't really celebrated it 'traditionally', they'd forgotten that Rudy didn't exactly know what happened on Christmas. And Rudy, bless his sweet, lovable, adorable heart, had just taken it in stride.

“So, basically, there's a belief a dude called Santa Claus comes in through the chimney, drops off presents underneath the Christmas tree, for the good kids. The naughty kids get a piece of coal.”

She glanced up at Rudy, his nose wrinkling in that cute way of his whenever he was in deep thought.

“That's creepy,” he decided.

“That's one way to look at it,”

“And he lives in a cottage on the North Pole? That's lame— you could easily build a palace there. It's free real estate!”

His voice took on that haughty tone, the one that she found extremely funny.

She pulled into the parking lot, her thoughts wandering, making their way back to him, just in time for her to hear, “...And the concept of the elves making all the toys is just... iffy. Are they unionised? If they have to make toys for all the children in the world, then I doubt they get many benefits. It isn't fair to them— in my opinion, Santa is an extremely cruel and crass business owner, and not just a business owner— a regular home invader.”

“All that hangs true if Santa is real.”

He lifted a shoulder. “I, an exceedingly good-looking prince who is half-snake, am real. You, the demigod daughter of the god of death, with the best karaoke voice in the Otherworld, are real. So who says that Ol' Saint Nick isn't?”

Silence fell in between them. “If Santa decides to invade our home, will you protect me?” He whispered.

She laughed, and pressed another kiss to his nose. “Of course. I'll beat him away with Dee Dee.”

“Thank you. I love you.” Then, he snapped his fingers. “Wait, why are we here?”

“Panicking over party decor.”

“Right. Mini, let me introduce my plan: Get Shit Done And Evade Brynne's Wrath.”

“I'm listening, and intrigued.”

————

Rudy was a taught strategist. He knew what to do, having it be taught to him during his tutoring sessions that were required as a prince.

Mini herself hadn't seen much of his strategist side, except during Plan: Attack Mini With Cuddles And Shower Her With Affection (which worked, it instantly lifted her mood); or Plan: Steal Shadowfax As Revenge For Aiden Finishing the Nutella (which kind of worked, he succeeded in stealing the camera, and wheedle a jar of Nutella from Aiden, but it also earned him a bruise on his head and a lifetime ban from Aiden's room).

She was now seeing this side of him, as he explained to her his strategy: one that would allow them enough time to buy the food, decor, and go back to the apartment to set up.

“Okay. I run to the food department, at the same time, you run to the decorations. If you can't get through, bribe them, brute force your way, I don't care. My life is on the line.”

“I will do no such thing,”

He pouted.

“No, your eyes won't work... ugh, fine, if there isn't enough time, I'll resort to trickery,”

“Okay.” He turned, but stopped, “Oh, and Mini?”

“Yeah?” She said, readying her shopping cart.

“If I don't survive today, know that I love you.”

She snorted. “Hurry up, Drama Queen. Meet me at the cashier in 30 minutes,”

“Fine, my queen. Bye!”

She laughed as she pushed her shopping cart, breaking into a run, her gaze and focus fixed on the decorations department.

Her gaze swept across a sea of people, no doubt in the same position as her, as she checked her watch, thinking, There's not much time left...

Then, she thought, I'm sorry, people. But it has to be done.

Flicking her wrist, she felt a familiar wave of magic wash over her, and, leaving her (now invisible) grocery cart in its place, she ran to the nearly empty shelves, filled with tinsel and cheap fairy lights, and anything vaguely Christmas-y off the shelves, bundled up in her arms, and threw it in the shopping cart, mentally laughing at the comments Nikita would give.

After a five minute power struggle to get out, she raced back to the cashier's to see Rudy in a similar state, his own cart piled with groceries.

As they reunited, she aggressively plied herself and him with hand sanitizer, as she anxiously checked her watch. “We're five minutes behind schedule.”

“It's fine.”

“No, it's not?”

“It's fine,” He looked as if he was on the end of his metaphorical rope.

They paid for everything and made their way outside, and, as they were loading the groceries and decorations in the trunk, she glanced at Rudy's anxious face. Cradling it in her palms, she pulled him close. “Listen. To. Me. This is a silly Christmas party, and there's nothing to worry about. You hear?”

He would sometimes get a little invested in these things, and get overly anxious about them. As a person who dealt with anxiety, Mini knew how it felt.

He gave her his signature smirk. “Sorry, Mini, but I will 100% worry about this. Because this is my redemption arc. My one chance to prove myself after the screening room disaster.” They both shuddered at the memories of that.

“Okay, fine. But if this has a negative toll on your stomach health—” He decided to plant a kiss on her cheek.

“Don't you worry. As long as I have my favourite doctor with me, nothing can go wrong.”

As she pulled open the car door, she said, “It isn't a joke, you know. Excess stress can cause acidity, and the buildup of hydrochloric acid in your stomach walls will—”

“The Christmas cookies will fix that.”

“No, they won't.”

“It's a proven science. A little bit of sugar from cookies and a bit of love goes a long way,”

“Uh-huh,” she bit back a laugh, as she pulled out of the driveway.

“Don't deny yourself happiness by not laughing,”

“I was not laughing,”

“Were too,”

————

Mini got to work sorting the ingredients. (Rudy was told, “You're tall, will you please hang up the fairy lights?”)

She frowned at the food, and thought, Maybe I could make some Filipino dishes...

Those were the only ones she knew how to make well.

She got to work, chopping vegetables, when she saw a bundle of leaves in a plastic baggie, unlike any other— as she picked it up, she realised it was mistletoe.

Her first thought was, it's an invasive parasite to trees, what is it doing in my home?

Then, it’s poisonous, what is it doing with the food?

And then, she connected the dots.

“Ohhhh.”

“Hey, Rudy?” she called out, waiting for his response. “Yeah?”

“You forgot the mistletoe with the food,” she called out.

“Oh, sorry!”

A beat of silence.

“Can I help put it up?”

“Oh, sure, why not?”

She kicked off her sneakers and got up on the couch, carefully cutting off a piece of tape, and attaching it to the piece of wool tied to the bundle of mistletoe.

Just as she squinted and tried to secure it, she felt a strange sensation travel up her palm— and when she pulled her hand away from the mistletoe, she saw— a spider.

“Whoa!” She tried flicking it off, but it only crawled further up her arm.

She fell off her couch, and would’ve probably cracked her skull if Rudy hadn’t caught her, yelling, “What’s wrong?!”

“SPIDER!” She yelled back, “ON MY ARM!”

Rudy cringed; he was as fond of spiders as she was (which was to say, not much), but when the need arose (and Brynne wasn’t there), the responsibility of getting rid of the spider would fall to him. (The other Potatoes had claimed that it was because he was immune to poison, as a snake, but, as much as he’d insisted that, That’s not how it works! ; he’d been named ‘Official Substitute Spider Crusher’; contracted to do his duty in the absence of Brynne.

But, this time, he failed his duty, as, he scooped up the spider, half-listening to Mini’s doomsday declarations about the kind of poison it might have, half-feeling the spider try and escape, and, with one quick swipe, opened the window and threw it out.

As if a weight had been lifted from his chest, he took a deep breath, and told Mini, who was crouched, hands covering her eyes.

“It’s gone.”

“You killed it?”

“No,” he said, in his most sombre tones, “I didn’t have the heart to. It’s the season of forgiveness, after all.”

She offered him a weak smile, which fell when she checked her watch.

“We don’t have time.”

Already resigned to his fate of being never, ever allowed to host a party again, he held out his hand to help her up. “Well, then let’s walk into this fiery hell together.”

She took a deep, determined breath, accepted his hand, and said, “No. We can’t let your reputation die like this.”

————

And, thankfully, Rudy’s reputation did not die. It was on life support. The combination of sugary drinks, sleep-deprivation, and heavy food led to all the Potatoes crashing on the floor of Mini’s apartment, the silence that comes with sleep being interrupted by Rudy.

He carefully avoided stepping on them, and began gathering up stray hot choc mugs, and plates that had been scraped clean of pasta.

He yawned, turning a fond look at Mini, curled up on the couch, bundled up in the hoodie of his she’d sworn that she hadn’t stolen last week.

Carefully putting the dishes in the sink, narrowly avoiding stepping over an asleep Aiden, (and mumbling an apology to him), and sunk in next to the couch next to Mini.

She yawned, leaning in closer next to him, as he felt her weight and warmth.

He glanced up with tired eyes, seeing the glitter attached to the mistletoe glint in the distant lights of the city.

He smiled, slightly, and, stealing Mini’s favourite move to use on him, he pressed a kiss to the tip of her nose.

“Merry Christmas, my love.”

————

#mindy #the pandava quintet #mini x rudy #yamini kapoor mercado lopez #prince rudra of naga loka #aru shah #aiden acharya #brynne tvarika lakshmi balamuralikrishna rao #hira kapoor-mercado-lopez #roshani chokshi #tpq

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rebouks · 5 months

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Previous // Next

Oscar: I’m all for independence n’ shit, but if you’re pregna-… [Brynn shushed Oscar, flapping her hands as Darien paced past the window] Brynn: I go back very soon, when I have enough money. Oscar: You’re willingly going back to him? [Brynn’s brow furrowed offendedly, her feelings for Wyatt were genuine then…] Brynn: My business with him is not your business. [Oscar shrugged helplessly; she was right, it wasn’t any of his business-.. not really] Brynn: I know what he did to your Sandy – and to me, in roundabout way – was awful, but we are not black and white. I bet you have also done things you are not proud of; everyone has! Some worse than others maybe, but still… Brynn: You think by now I not know when a man is being sincere? Oscar: I’m not questioning you, I’m just tryna look out for you. Brynn: He must’ve been worried and tried to find me? Unless-.. did he ask you two to find me for him? Oscar: Bit of both. Brynn: Aha, I am sure you did not expect that… [Oscar wasn’t happy about it, but he was starting to believe that Wyatt and Brynn had genuine feelings for one another] Brynn: I not need saving-.. especially not from him, I am fine. Oscar: Come n’ have dinner with us at least? Courtney’s been worried about you. Brynn: I think Sandy suits her better… … [Darien loitered outside, uncomfortable around such a tangible reminder of his complicity-.. his involvement, especially with no one around to cajole him into thinking it was somehow justified] Vivienne: Zach! What’re you doing here? Your mom isn’t gonna like-… Zach: We both know she doesn’t give a shi-… Vivienne: Well, I do! Get upstairs. [Zach gulped; Vivienne meant business with that tone] Vivienne: How do you know Brynn? [Darien shrugged with a casual nonchalance, meeting Vivienne’s penetrative gaze steadily] Darien: She’s my friends’ girlfriend. Vivienne: I see… [Vivienne squinted slightly before heading back inside, almost walking into Brynn and Oscar] Vivienne: You good? Brynn: Mhm-.. I go to Oscar’s for dinner. Vivienne: Alright, take care… Brynn: Oscar is a fluffy marshmallow, don’t worry. Oscar: You’re not invited. Darien: I figured. Brynn: You not say anything yet, I go back soon and it’ll be a surprise-.. he knows I am okay. [Darien nodded, silently standing in situ as Brynn and Oscar disappeared. He ought to tell Wyatt they’d found her, but he’d probably appreciate it if he did as she’d asked. He decided he’d just have to keep an eye on her instead, remaining quiet for as long as she remained safe…]

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pikapeppa · 5 months

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Astarion/Tav: Trouble

The first chapter of my Astarion/Tav fic! You can read here on AO3 if you prefer. ~3800 words, rated M for blood/violence (but the fic on AO3 has a little bit of rated E smut already).

****************

Brynn Bladetongue was trouble. She had him wrong-footed from the day they met, and he did not like it.

The trouble began a mere few hours after Astarion joined her and Shadowheart’s quest for a tadpole cure. They had just finished pulling an odd and incompetent wizard out of a malfunctioning teleport, and while Gale was nattering to Shadowheart about his adventures dabbling in clerical magic, Brynn sidled up to him.

“So,” she said. “You’re a magistrate, are you?”

“That I am,” he said easily. “But if you’re thinking of calling in any favours back in Baldur’s Gate, think again. A politician I may be, but I’m a scrupulous one.”

“Right,” she said. “And a lower-ranking one, I’ll wager.”

“What makes you say that?”

“The state of your jacket and boots.”

He raised his eyebrows. “My—? Excuse me?”

“Your jacket and boots,” she said. “The jacket’s fancy but faded, and your pretty gilt thread is going in some places. And your boots look like you shine them up regularly, but the soles are wearing thin.”

For a moment, he was tongue-tied: something that rarely happened to him, if ever. But he quickly recovered his aplomb. “If you must know, I’m dealing with a bit of gambling debt at the moment,” he lied. “It doesn’t leave much wiggle room for new finery, as much as I might wish it did.” He gave her a wry look. “I do love a good bespoke suit complete with gold thread and jewels.”

She smiled. “I had a feeling you were the sort of man who enjoys some proper tailoring. But I didn’t take you for a gambler.”

“Well, it takes all sorts, doesn’t it?”

“It sure does. And is gambling your only vice?”

What was it with her and the questions? He smiled at her: a slightly tart smile. “Is there some reason behind all this questioning? I don’t blame you for being interested in yours truly, but it’s starting to feel like a courtroom interrogation.”

She laughed. “Fine, fine, I’ll lay off. But I have one last question for you. One last little bitty question, and then I’ll leave you alone.”

He sighed. “Fine, out with it.”

“Are you a vampire?”

If his heart was still capable of beating, it would have stalled for a moment. Without even batting an eye, he let out a rolling laugh. “A vampire? What in the world possesses you to ask such a thing?”

“The red eyes, for one.”

“Ha! Pot, meet kettle,” he said, and he gestured from himself to her face — a slate-complexioned face punctuated by deep crimson eyes.

“Touché,” she said with a smirk. “But there’s also the matter of the bite marks on your neck that look suspiciously like fang marks.”

Blasted fuck, he thought. He’d been hoping to hide the marks with the collar of his jacket for a little longer. He hadn’t yet had the time to charm these people into not attacking him when they found out what he was.

He let out another laugh. “Ah, that’s why you asked about other vices.” He gestured at his neck. “You think this is the result of some delightfully depraved sex practice? Well, you’re right. That’s exactly what it is.”

Her smile widened in a distinctly impish way. “Of course it is.”

He felt a pinch of annoyance. How dare she look at him so knowingly? And how dare she figure out the truth before he was ready to reveal it?

He gave her a look of exasperation that was only partly feigned. “Consider this, then: if I was truly a vampire, how on earth could I be walking around in the full light of day?”

“All right, I’ll admit that piece doesn’t fit together. But still, I have a fun little feeling about you.”

“You minx,” he said coyly. “Enjoy that feeling. Use it to keep yourself entertained.”

She smirked. “Why would I need to do that when I can just listen to Gale instead? Which reminds me — hey, Gale!”

He looked up. “Yes? How can I help?”

“You’re an accomplished wizard, right? What can you tell me about abjuration magic?”

Gale’s face lit up. “What can I tell you? Oh-ho, what can I not tell you is the more apt question! Now, the first thing you need to know about abjuration is that it requires the ability to effectively split your mind between multiple tasks or persons…”

Brynn shot Astarion a quick wink, and he returned it with the most harmless don’t-mind-me smile he could muster. But in truth, he was displeased. And a little unnerved. Damn it, this woman was cleverer than he’d anticipated. He was going to have to seduce her as soon as he possibly could to get her firmly in his corner, while also being on his guard against any other pesky insights she might have. Ugh, why was she so perceptive, anyway? Was it part of her drow manipulative guiles?

In any case, she was trouble, and the best course of action would be to stay pleasantly neutral with her until the opportunity presented itself to lower her defenses by luring her into his bed. Or whatever passed for a bed in this ghastly wilderness.

Unfortunately, what he didn’t account for was the exact thing that Brynn had been needling him about: he did have a vice, in a manner of speaking, and one that had never been properly fed before. Rats didn’t count, after all, and Astarion refused to drink from a rat ever again — not fucking ever. But as the days went by and his only successful kill was a rather small boar, his hunger began to nag at him more and more: enough so that he was having difficulty ignoring the thumping pulses of his companions as they wandered around in the wilderness looking for a lead on a cure.

Then came a day when their little group stumbled into a particularly nasty fight. A group of goblins descended on a trio of adventurers at the gate to some sort of stronghold in the wilds, and Astarion and the others got dragged into the fight by sheer proximity.

The fight was a wickedly messy one. By the time it was done, the ground was liberally spattered with blood: goblin blood, mostly, but human blood too, and a little from Brynn as well. She’d taken an unfortunate arrow-graze to the shoulder, and as Astarion and the others trotted over to join her, he could feel the hunger pooling in his mouth. There was so much blood on the ground — so much delicious blood sprayed everywhere he looked. But Brynn’s blood in particular smelled… gods, so fucking rich. Sweet and tangy in a way that reminded him of the pomegranate syrup he once used to love. By the hells, he was starving.

He kept his wits as they wandered through the druid’s grove, and he managed to be his usual charming self when they made camp that evening. But that night, after the others had settled down to rest, Astarion found himself hesitating before sneaking off to hunt. What was the point of trying to hunt, after all? He knew he wasn’t going to have much luck in this area. All of the nearby animals were protected by those bloody druids.

His eyes strayed to Brynn’s tent, and his mind wandered to the little wound she’d suffered this afternoon. The rich scent of her blood, how brilliantly red it looked against the velvety grey of her skin… Gods, he was practically slavering. And before he knew it, he was tip-toeing over to where she lay on her bedroll.

Stupid, he thought. This is obscenely stupid. But he was starving, and being this hungry reminded him unpleasantly of being back home, and he did not want to feel this way — no, he refused to feel this way. He refused to feel so fucking weak and craven. All he would need was a tiny sip: just a quick little mouthful to coat his tongue and slake his thirst, and then he’d be back to his usual self.

He knelt beside her. Her head was turned to the side, and the vein was thumping at the side of her throat, like a pretty little beacon inviting him in… He swallowed hard, then bent over her. He’d be done before she even knew it—

She inhaled sharply, then sighed and opened her eyes.

“Shit,” he breathed.

She yelped and sat up straight, headbutting him in the process.

“Ow!” He stumbled to his feet and slapped a hand over his mouth: he’d cut his own lip on his teeth.

Brynn scrambled onto her knees. “Astarion! What the fuck?” She rubbed her forehead. “Argh, that hurt like a bitch!”

“Keep your voice down!” he hissed.

“You started it,” she retorted. She lowered her hand and inspected her fingers, then arched a brow at him. “No blood, unfortunately for you.”

Fuuuck. “Wh-what do you mean?”

She smiled: that impish little smile that she wore far too often for his liking. “I was right, wasn’t I? You are a vampire. You were going to bite me!”

He wilted. There was no point denying it anymore. “It’s not what you think. I’m not some monster. I feed on animals — boars, deer, kobolds, whatever I can get. I’m just…” Damn it, this was awkward, and he did not like it. But humbling himself was the only choice he had right now. “I’m too slow right now, too weak. It’s been slim pickings for the past few days.”

She twisted her lips ruefully. “And I suppose the druids won’t be too pleased if you go around chowing down on their friends since they’ve allowed us into their Grove, however reluctantly.”

“Something like that.”

“Hm,” she said. “So what, you were just going to bite me while I was meditating? Even though it would have woken me up?”

“Ye-es. But look,” he said hurriedly, “if I just had a little blood, I could think clearer, fight better. Please?”

She was frowning up at him now: a thoughtful frown, not an angry one, and it was somehow worse than her mischievous smile.

“What?” he said testily.

“Why didn’t you just—”

Without warning, he was awash in memories. Kneeling on the cold stone floor. Cazador standing over him, a cruel smile on his pale face. ‘Eat it, worm.’ The wriggling little body in his hands, squeaking like mad and slick with sewer grime, nausea and hunger warring in his gut — No, stop, stop this, he didn’t want to think about this, stop.

He stepped back and dragged his mind away from her, and she stumbled a little too and rubbed her forehead. “Shit, this fucking tadpole, I — I didn’t mean to…” She lowered her hand and gave him that unnervingly penetrating frown. “That man. Who was he? He made you eat rats?”

Astarion clenched his jaw. This tadpole mind-invasion shit was so unfair. He did not want anyone to see the things he didn’t want them to see. “That man was my master,” he said grudgingly. “I ate whatever disgusting vermin he picked. So you can see why I’m slow to trust you. But I do trust you,” he lied. “And you can trust me.”

She studied him in silence, and his spirits sank a little more. It looked like he was going to have to kill her and the others to get away alive, which was a shame. He really had been finding it useful to camouflage himself among a group. But oh well, such was life.

Then she shrugged. “All right. What do you need?”

He blinked. “I… sorry?”

“What do you need, exactly?” she said. “You said you just need a little blood, right?”

“Uh, yes,” he said blankly. “I only need a taste, I swear.”

“All right.” She settled cross-legged on her bedroll, then gestured at him. “Come on down here and have your little bite.”

He gaped at her. Was she quite serious? She seemed to be. She wasn’t even giving him that shit-eating little smile of hers. “Really?”

“Yes, really,” she said. “But I’ll warn you, if you bite me for too long, I’ll scorch your gorgeous hair clean off.” She snapped her fingers, and a small wreath of flame encircled her hand.

Astarion flinched back. What in the—? He’d never seen her do that before. How was she able to conjure flames without uttering a spell or strumming that harp of hers? He didn’t know that bards were capable of performing magic if they weren’t, well, performing.

She flicked her wrist, and the flame went out. “Astarion, come on, let’s get this done. I’m going to lose my nerve if you just keep standing there like a petrified bugbear.”

“All right,” he said hastily. “Er, thank you.” He kneeled beside her, then hesitated. He’d never actually bitten a person before, and he’d never bitten any creature without the intent to drain it dry. How exactly was he supposed to do this?

She made a little face. “So what now? Do I lie down, or what? Maybe I should lie across your lap? Oh, I know — here, open your legs.”

What? A pinch of reluctance raced down his spine, and he hid it with a smirk. “Open my legs? What exactly do you have in mind here?”

She grinned. “Don’t be dirty. I’m just thinking I can sit between your legs and rest back against your knee while you bite me. If I’m doing this, I want to be comfy.”

“Ah. Yes, that would be best,” he said, with a confidence he didn’t feel. “Come on, then.” He sat back and parted his legs.

Brynn shuffled between his legs and leaned back against his bent knee. “All right, go ahead,” she said briskly, and she pulled her silvery hair to the side.

Her pulse was beating in her throat, like the delicate flit of a butterfly’s wings. Astarion stared at it for a second: that tiny fluttering pulse, the blood that it implied, the rush of heat that was soon to cross his tongue…

He leaned in and grazed her neck with his teeth.

Her breath caught, and he instinctively cradled her head to still her. “Easy,” he murmured, and he pierced her flesh with his fangs.

A spurt of blood washed over his tongue: hot, smooth and rich like velvet, the salt and tang of a perfectly-tender cut of meat. She gasped and tensed, but as Astarion hungrily lapped the blood from her wound, she shivered and relaxed until her weight was pressing against his leg.

Without lifting his mouth from her neck, he wrapped his arm around her shoulders to keep her propped up. Gods, she tasted heavenly. He’d not tasted anything this good in fucking centuries. Boar’s blood was fine, especially after two hundred years of nothing but putrid rats. But drinking Brynn’s blood was like the difference between watered wine and aged Amnian port, and he couldn’t get enough. The more he drank, the better he felt: not just stronger, not just like his hunger was being sated, but… good. No, not just good: he felt happy.

Then she lifted her hand and slid her fingers into his hair.

Something in his gut quivered. Why was she touching him? He hadn’t expected her to touch him. Her fingers were just sitting there on his head, her fingertips pressing gently into his scalp, not pulling, not trying to hurt — what the hell was she doing?

She pulled in a slow breath, then spoke on a sigh. “Fangs out now or I’ll turn your pretty hair to ash.”

That actually made him smile. He lifted his head and wiped his chin, then tutted. “Oh dear, you’re still bleeding. Do you have a bandage?”

“In my pack, maybe,” she said. “You’d better get it.”

Her speech was a bit slurred. Perhaps he’d drunk a little more of her blood than he should have. “Sit up and I’ll fetch it,” he said.

She sat upright, and Astarion slipped away from her and went to get her pack. When he returned to her bedroll, she was curled up on her side with her eyes closed, and the blood had trickled from the bite wound in her neck to the front of her throat.

He studied it with interest — ooh, interest only, but not with the same all-consuming hunger as before. Success! He kneeled beside her and shook her shoulder. “Brynn, wake up.”

“Mm?” she mumbled.

He tsked and pressed the bandage-cloth to her neck. “Come now, I didn’t drink that much. You ought to sit up now and have something to drink.”

“Gods, not blood, I hope,” she said. Then she started to laugh.

He scoffed. “Come on, sit up. There’s a good girl.”

She groaned and pushed herself upright, then took over his hold on the bandage, and he rifled in her pack until he found a gourd of apple juice. “Drink this, all right? I’ll be back. I’m going hunting. Away from that damned grove, of course.”

“You’re leaving after all that?” she exclaimed. “At least buy a girl a nice meal after you bite her.” She giggled and unstoppered the gourd.

He smirked. She was going to be dreadfully easy to seduce when the time came. “Remind me tomorrow when we go back to the Grove, and I’ll do just that.” He stood up. “Get some rest, now. Don’t wait up for me.”

She lowered the gourd from her lips. “Hey, before you go: I think you should tell the others that you’re a vampire, too.”

“Technically speaking, I’m vampire spawn,” he said delicately. “Regardless, why would I do that? Unless you think they might offer up their necks, too?”

She scoffed. “Maybe, if you’re lucky. But it’s more that they’re going to figure it out sooner than later. It’ll be better for them to hear it from you than to find out by accident the next time you get a little too peckish.”

He waved her off. “No no, there won’t be anymore midnight surprises, I can promise you that.”

“Still, you should tell them. Why hide it? It’s what you are.”

He gave her a flat look. “You say that as though I’d be telling them I’m secretly a fluffy bunny rabbit. Confessing that you’re a vampire isn’t exactly a nice revelation.”

“But it’s what you are,” she insisted. “Are you really going to spend the next who-knows-how-long pretending you’re just a regular elf? Wouldn’t you rather just be yourself?”

That unnerving squiggly feeling unfurled in his gut again. Where was she even getting these stupid ideas from? “And what would you know about pretending to be something you’re not? Everyone knows you’re a drow just by looking at you. It’s not exactly something you could hide, even if you wanted to.”

She arched a brow. “Actually, the joke’s on you. I’m not a drow.”

He frowned. “You’re…? Yes you are.”

She shook her head. “I’m half-drow. My mother was a wood elf.”

That was a surprise. She looked like she was fully drow. “Interesting. Still, you’re splitting hairs. Half-drow is still a drow as far as everyone is concerned.”

Her smile flickered for a split second: a very brief split-second, but enough that he noticed. Then she laughed lightly. “That’s truer than you know. But it’s also kind of my point. Everyone can think whatever they like of me. I am who I am, and I’m not trying to be anything else. I think you should do the same.”

“Well, thank you for the advice,” he said. “I’ll sleep on it.”

“No you won’t. You don’t sleep.”

“True.”

She grinned. “Is that your way of saying I can shove my advice up my ass?”

He actually laughed at that. “Don’t be so crass, my dear. It’s unbecoming.” He gave her a frank look. “Seriously, though, thank you. This was a gift. I won’t forget it.”

“Anytime.” She tilted her head. “Well, maybe not anytime, but… you’re welcome.”

He smiled faintly, then turned and headed for the woods with a spring in his step. Damn, but he felt good enough to skip. Drinking animal blood had never made him feel this lively.

As he sidled into the shadows, though, he found himself considering her advice. Telling the others what he was, being himself… It was a preposterous idea, really. Brynn might’ve decided to trust him — by some miracle or sheer idiocy on her part, really, since he hadn’t exactly put his most charming foot forward tonight. But he wasn’t so sure about the others. Shadowheart would certainly be suspicious, and that charming Lae’zel would probably threaten to behead him on the spot. Gale, though… Hm, Gale could probably be talked around, especially if Brynn vouched for him, since Gale had a soft spot for her. And what better way to get Brynn to vouch for him than to win her over with a little well-placed sex? Damn, he’d have to make a point of bedding her as soon as possible.

And yet… Maybe she had a point about trying to hide his true nature while he was travelling with a group. Who knew how long it would take to find this Halsin person or the githyanki crèche? Their little group had already been together for a week, and they were no closer to finding a cure now than when they’d met. Did he really think he could keep up pretenses until a cure was found?

But if he did reveal himself, and if the others did accept him without trying to kill him or drive him away… Honestly, the idea did hold considerable appeal. If he could reveal himself as a vampire, then he could feed on the people they killed in combat. He wouldn’t have to feed on animals anymore!

The thought spurred a little wriggle of excitement through his limbs. Damn it, Brynn was right, wasn't she? He ought to tell the others he was vampire spawn. And for reasons that he couldn't entirely formulate, it annoyed him that she was right. How dare she have actual good advice when they’d only just met a week ago? And that was on top of her irritating insights and her whole getting-into-his-memories thing, which was far from ideal.

At the same time, her annoying cleverness could make her quite useful if she was using it against other people who weren’t Astarion himself. Not to mention that hint of powerful magic she’d shown off with that flaming-fingers trick of hers. Once he had her thoroughly tied around his little finger, then he could use her talents for his own purposes. Maybe… Sweet gods, maybe she would come home to Baldur’s Gate with him and help him kill Cazador. Maybe she could help to set him free for good!

The idea was so beautiful that he almost laughed out loud. Ah yes, Brynn Bladetongue was trouble. But Astarion was no stranger to trouble, and if he played his cards right like he always did, he’d be able to make use of her particular brand of trouble before this whole tadpole debacle was through.

**************

You can read more here on AO3, if you like -- 7 chapters posted to date!

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