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stina-is-a-punk-rocker · 3 years

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‘always and forever, lara jean’: a bungled mess of my thoughts while watching the movie

Alright, cards on the table: I never finished reading the book. I got bored a couple of pages in, so I just read up the summary on Wikipedia and called it a day.

Not gonna lie, I expected better from the movies. I loved the first movie; it was cute, it was fun, it hit all the right places. The second movie was… eh. Jordan Fisher is cute, so that’s a plus.

And then we got the third movie; the final in the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before trilogy.

And it was somehow even worse.

Maybe I’m exaggerating. Despite its shortcomings in the plot and character development-related departments (the fact that Lara Jean wrote addresses for letters she never meant to send is something that will bother me on my deathbed), the movies have their merits. They’re cutesy and charming and enjoyable, overall; movie-LJ is sweet and unashamedly a girly-girl, which is a refreshing change from the #NotLikeOtherGirls, pick-me girls and bruh girls we had in loads of other YA movies growing up. Peter’s pretty cute, too; he’s not a possessive freak like so many other love interests (The Kissing Booth, After, Anna and the French Kiss), and his and Lara Jean’s dynamic is cute, too. Not to mention- we finally have an Asian lead whose Asian-ness isn’t the whole focus of the story!

Again, maybe I’m being extra with all this. The series is, at its core, solely for entertainment purposes. Not every piece of media has to have an underlying message and you shouldn’t need to read between every goddamn line to find something worthy of enjoying. They’re certainly helpful for whiling away a couple of hours; perfect for bingeing with a pint of ice cream in hand, and all of this is in good fun.

Also, it goes without saying, but: spoilers ahead.

The film beings with Lara Jean scribbling a postcard to Peter while she’s in Korea with her family. The inclusion of that little snapshot of Asian culture made me so happy- seriously, fuck everyone who says diversity in media doesn’t matter. I’m not even Korean, and I was overjoyed at seeing a couple of scenes just from the same continent I’m on. The K-pop music in the background was a fun touch, too (although all Korean music isn’t K-pop, but that’s a rant for another day).

(Also: Blackpink has so many more suitable songs than Pretty Savage that go with the theme of the movies. Kill This Love in the second movie while Lara Jean is getting ready to go to her boyfriend’s match is bad enough- they’re supposed to be in love in that scene, goddammit.)

One thing that bothered me throughout the movies is how obviously non-Korean Lara Jean and Margot look. It’s like whoever chose the cast went for any random Asian- Lana’s Vietnamese and Janel Parrish is half-Chinese, and it’s so obvious. You seriously couldn’t find two Korean-Americans who even vaguely resembled each other so they could pass for sisters? The actresses do a stunning job and I don’t want to shit on them, but I just wish they didn’t go with the ‘all Asians look the same, what’s the difference?’ mindset.

Also, a nitpicky thing I’ve noticed in movies with characters who read a lot: no one holds their books up while they’re reading. Your arms start to cramp, which is why you keep your book in your lap while you’re reading, or you rest on your belly and hold the book in front of you. My spine and shoulders didn’t suffer years of torture as a chronic reader for you to include characters who hold their books up while reading.

A major gripe I have with Always and Forever, Lara Jean is how the characters are almost jarringly out of character- not from the books, but from the two previous movies, too. Lara Jean didn’t have much of a character to begin with, so I can’t say much about her (she dissed Oasis at one point; it’s okay for me to be mean to her), but the rest of them are either caricatures of themselves or just totally different people.

Movie Peter >>> Book Peter. He’s almost too perfect (except for the fact that he unironically loves The Fast and the Furious, which… ew), almost too much of the ideal boyfriend. Not that my perpetually single arse would know. How do boyfriends even work? I wouldn’t know the first thing to do with one; how often should you feed it? Do you need to take it on walks?

(In the notes I’ve written towards the end of the film, I’ve complained about Peter being immature and making Lara Jean feel bad about following her dream to go to NYU. He confuses me.)

Not to mention how distractingly adorable Noah Centineo is from some angles and under certain lighting conditions (other times, he reminds me of the human version of Shrek and that bothered me). King of weird Tweets and Instagram captions though he may be, he’s got a really nice smile, and his gravelly voice is both parts sexy and disturbing.

But I digress.

I’ll never forgive the directors for what they did to Kitty and Chris- two of my favorite characters, from both the books and the movies. Kitty’s annoying to the point of being borderline unlikeable- gone is the occasionally snarky comic relief we all came to love; in her place is an annoying brat whose every line comes out forced. Also, making soap is fun; fuck you, Kitty.

Chris is essentially Dixie D’Amelio’s character from that TikToker Grey’s Anatomy ripoff; the main character in One Direction fanfiction from 2012 who doesn’t want to go to the concert but her best friend gets a ticket for her so she can’t bail but Harry Styles sees her in the crowd and falls in love at first sight and 50k of mutual pining and misunderstandings late, they get together. She’s cynical and snarky and hates capitalism and consumerism and prom (because of course she does), but secretly, she’s into it (because of course she is). My guess is that she’s there to appease all the arseholes (including myself) who accused the characters of being too one-dimensional, but it seems too out of place in a movie that doesn’t have much plot to begin with.

I really, really hate how Lucas was done dirty- throughout every single movie. Of course, it’s Lara Jean’s story so not every side character has to be fully fleshed out- but you’d think three. entire. movies. would be enough to give Lucas a bigger role than the GBF and the token black guy for the diversity brownie points. Every single time Lucas shows up, it’s to push Lara Jean and Peter’s story forward. I would’ve liked to see a romance for him pushed forward instead one for Chris- especially because he says, at one point in a previous movie, that it’s hard to find other gay boys, so it would’ve been sweet to see him find love- and Chris’s character arc could’ve been focused on reconciling with Genevieve. Instead, we see the OG Reggie from Riverdale be the one to show Chris the bright side of monogamy, and Lucas gets a date to prom as an afterthought (another darkskin black dude, so no one thinks the film is racist).

Genevieve’s character in this movie gives me whiplash. Look, I’m all for girls supporting girls- healthy female relationships are something way too many YA movies lack- but she goes from bitch queen extraordinaire to friendly the moment the next scene calls for it. Her character isn’t consistent. A redemption arc should be executed cleanly and believably; you can’t have a character be a total prick one moment and then suddenly be, “Hey, if you get into NYU, let me know,” the next.

And Genevieve’s still an arsehole to Chris; at one point, in NYC, while they’re at the NYU campus grounds (I knew that Lara Jean was going to go to NYU the moment she saw all the banners; I fucking called it), Genevieve tells Chris, “University is for people who actually have a future,” and I recoiled. I’m not the nicest of people and yet that was going too far. Chris doesn’t hesitate to shoot back a, “You peaked in high school,”, but still. Y i k e s. You can’t convince me someone’s turned over a new leaf when they say something like that.

Lara Jean’s dad (forgot his name; gonna call him Dr. Covey) is as unremarkable as ever, and his new wife (forgot her name, too… Trisha? Trina? Eh, something like that) is… unsettling. I mean, I get that they’re all loved up and twitterpatted, but there’s something about all the smiling they’ve got going on that chills me to the bone.

Also, Trisha/Trina kinda looks like TikTok’s ThatVeganTeacher and it bothers me.

Another huge problem with this movie even being made is that the series never had enough plot to continue onto a trilogy. Lara Jean’s letters are what the plots of the first and second movies revolve around; the third only mentions them in passing. The final love letter from Peter was a cute callback, but there’s a massive continuity issue with the first two movies and this last one- both character and plot-wise.

Maybe I’m not articulating this clearly enough, so I’ll use an example: take Harry Potter, for example. Harry’s main goal throughout the series is defeating Voldemort. And it takes all seven books for him to get there, to finally achieve this.

Lara Jean’s goal in the first movie changes midway; from keeping up the façade with Peter so she can avoid the crap with the rest of the letters getting out, to making her fake relationship real. It forms a bridge with the second movie; the letter that went out to John Ambrose, and her dithering between Peter and perfection (I’m not sorry). But what does the third movie have to do with any of this?

There were way too many music montages. You couldn’t go five minutes without a random pop song playing in the background, and it was annoying as hell. Don’t Look Back in Anger was w a s t e d on this stupid film. The artsy scenery shots were even worse- no, I don’t give a fuck about the New York skyline or a bird’s eye view of whatever vehicle Lara Jean is in. A few shots of Seoul would’ve sufficed; the rest was overkill. This movie is way too damn long already (almost 2 entire hours!!!); cut out a couple of those. No one cares.

I thought they’d pull the whole Aladdin trope with character-A-keeps-trying-to-tell-character-B-the-truth-about-a-lie-B-believes-in-about-A-but-B-keeps-interrupting, but Lara Jean (typing her name out is annoying, why couldn’t she have a single name, like both of her sisters?) comes clean earlier than I expected. Peter’s reaction about LJ not getting into Stanford is… uncharacteristically mature? No “Why did you lie to me?”, no accusations, not an ounce of betrayal. Which I did not expect from a guy who’s a little bitch for the greater part of book one (I really don’t like Book Peter, in case you couldn’t tell). I know fuck-all about book three’s Peter, so I can’t tell if he really did adopt this mature, well-adjusted persona, or the movie did it to make Peter seem like less of a dick (like they did it with the sextape-that-wasn’t-a-sextape in the first installment).

On a sidenote, how do these main characters in YA books get into really good colleges with zero to no visible effort? These arseholes fuck around for the entirety of the story and have way too much going on to actually do schoolwork, but they waltz into Ivy Leagues at the end. And apparently, I’m not the only one bothered by this.

There’s something to be said about how the movies don’t really sexualize minors (characters who are minors, to be fair. None of the MCs look anything like teenagers), though. It’s almost weird to see them not getting drunk and partying and having sex all the time. Maybe that’s why Lara Jean trying to get her hand on Peter’s dick felt so stilted and awkward (I cringed so hard when she kept trying to touch him and he kept pushing her hand away, holy shit).

And the kissing. It’s to be expected from a romance film, but there was so. Much. Kissing.

The amount of product placements (… actually, I could count only two: Apple and a pair of Beats headphones Lara Jean puts on at one point, but the movie shoved so many iPhones in my face that I’m obligated to exaggerate) would’ve made anti-capitalist Chris mad.

I’m guessing this all takes place in a parallel universe, sans the coronavirus. Still, being in quarantine this past year and being socially awkward for every other one, it was agonizing seeing everyone so close together in NYC. When Peter kissed the ball (lol) (I have the sense of humor of a straight boy in middle school, don’t judge me) when him and Lara Jean go bowling, I had a visceral reaction. And what are the odds of Peter meeting his estranged dad at the very same bowling alley?

Speaking of Peter’s daddy issues (I’ve written “Hardin but diluted” in my notes; I watched this movie at, like, 1 AM; I’m not entirely sure what was going through my head at that point)- I hated how they guilt-tripped Peter into giving his father another chance. In the wise words of Hannah Montana, everybody makes mistakes- but leaving your wife and two kids for another woman is pretty far from a little oopsie on Mr. Kavinsky’s part. I don’t blame Peter for hating him, and I’m not in a place to judge whether Mr. Kavinsky (does he get a first name?) should be forgiven or not, but I feel like they let him off too easy and made Peter seem like a misunderstood teenager with anger issues for not accepting Mr. Kavinsky’s (crappy) apology at once.

And it adds nothing to the story at all; Mr. Kavinsky peaces out after having one (01) coffee with his firstborn, and he’s never seen again. If you’re going to introduce a subplot, make it tie into the main storyline- the very least you could do is make it an important enough part of the story to have more than 10 minutes of the run time. It makes no sense as to why they’d bring up Peter’s dad in this last film, when he’s already gone through two perfectly fine. I guess it was a ‘tying everything up’ part… even though no one cared.

Lara Jean’s handwriting is surprisingly ugly for someone who’s written that many love letters. And her styling took a definite nosedive; her outfits in the first movie were so effing cute, but now they’re just… meh.

There are so many conversations and lines that the writers must’ve thought sounded good enough for someone to type out the quote in curly font and slap it on a screenshot from the movie to post on Instagram, but when it comes to the actual delivery, they just sounded… weird.

Peter says one time near the beginning of the film, “You know what I’m looking forward to the most in college? Never having to say goodnight,” because he expects him and Lara Jean to get into the same college.

But I guess the word they should’ve used was ‘good-bye’, because this just makes him sound stupid.

At one point, Lara Jean asks Kitty how much Kitty’s gonna miss her when she goes off to college, and Kitty says, “A four.” Later on, she confesses, “I’m gonna miss you a twelve, Lara Jean,” and all I could think was, “But we’re endgame, Archie!”

(In hindsight, I probably shouldn’t let people know I’ve watched Riverdale; it lessons my credibility.)

Still, there remains some good to be found: all the baked goods looked very delicious and made me crave chocolate chip cookies. Peter wearing the socks Lara Jean gifted him at the beginning of the movie was a cute gesture, and Lara Jean giving Peter her teal hatbox? The one she kept her love letters in? Was so? Cute? Help?

And hey, it’s a cliché that’s been done to death, but I’m always a sucker for that part in movies where the girl walks down the stairs in a pretty dress with her hand on the banister and the boy turns around and his mouth falls open and all he can say is, “Wow,”- and this film did not disappoint! Not to mention how cute both Lara Jean’s and Chris’s prom dresses were.

Dr. Covey and Trisha/Trina’s wedding was cute, too- I struggled to decide whether Kitty wearing a necklace that says ‘feminist’ and a tux is a bit too on-the-nose, but I’ve decided that it’s nothing to get my knickers all in a twist about (for clarification: it’s not the necklace or the crossdressing that made me debate this; I just wish they didn’t make a big deal out of it- I wish they didn’t have Kitty and Lara Jean get into an argument about her not wearing a dress, if that makes sense?).

And the final letter- the one from Peter to Lara Jean- I ate that shit up; it was so, so, so cute.

In conclusion (why is it so easy for me to crank out 3k about my thoughts on a Netflix movie and yet when it comes to English Lit. at school, I’d stare at a blank sheet of foolscap for ages?), did I enjoy the movie? Not really. There were parts of it that I liked, but it was overall too boring and I kept wishing I’d watched the new SKZ Code episode instead every few minutes.

But that doesn’t mean that it was bad. I kinda feel a little sad, actually, now that Lara Jean and Peter’s story has come to a close; To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, the first movie, is one of my favorites, and bitch though I might about them, the kinda grew on me… like an innocent plant, at first, but then like a fungus. Not a parasitic fungus, just not mutualistic, either… kind of like a commensal.

Maybe I should stop with the biology similes.

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chickensarentcheap · 3 years

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Best Part of Me -Chapter 88

Warnings: none

Tagging: @tragiclyhip, @innerpaperexpertcloud, @c-a-v-a-l-r-y, @alievans007

The final attempt at sleep had been successful. Although the road ahead of him is destined to be long and extremely difficult -and no doubt agonizing- his brief moment of wakefulness had done wonders to life Esme’s spirits. That chance to speak to him; to see him open his eyes and know -with one hundred percent certainty- that he was able to acknowledge her. It wasn’t a drug induced incoherent rambling or hallucination. He actually saw her and was able to engage; giving appropriate responses and showing concern for her and the baby. Able to express how he was feeling and that telling her he loved her. No one could ever possibly understand how just incredible that small moment was, or what an enormous impact it had on her state of mind. She knows it won’t be easy. There will be weeks, even months, of healing; tremendous pain and more hard times than easy ones. A full recovery could take as long as a couple of years; countless rounds of physical rehab will be needed and most likely therapy for mental health and addiction issues. But he’s already shown just how tenacious and strong he actually is; his will to live a lot more powerful than the agony he’s experiencing. With so much to live for, his desire to be with his family again is his main driving force, and she knows he’ll be willing to do whatever it takes to get back on his feet again.

Nathan may have been able to break his body, but he hadn’t made a dent in his spirit.

The burden she’s been carrying -the fear, worry, and uncertainty- had been lessened, and she’d been able to drift off; both body and mind allowing her to rest. So soundly in fact, that she’d only briefly stirred in the wee hours of the morning when Julie had come in while on her rounds. Merely lifting her head from the pillow; quietly observing as the nurse switched empty IV and medicine bags with full ones. Then she’d simply rolled over, pulled the blankets over her head, and easily drifted off.

Her sleep once again had been filled with dreams of the past. Millie’s first steps and how ecstatic and proud Tyler had been; never getting to experience many of Austin’s milestones because of deployments. How tearful he’d been the morning he’d walked into her room and Millie -who’d been standing up in her crib, excitedly bouncing up and down at the mere sight of him- had called him ‘daddy’ for the very first time. And the way he’d broken down in the delivery room when the twins had been born -even harder than he had when his daughter came into the world- and the nurse had given him TJ and said “Here’s your son”. He’d lost his first, and getting that moment again -a baby boy presented to him- had profoundly affected him A man that rightfully shouldn’t even have been alive. Who’d been given a second chance and at times didn’t feel as if he deserved it. There are still times he thinks that way. When the demons of the past resurface and play havoc on his brain; convincing him that the mistakes of a younger man and the amount of blood on his hands has turned him into a monster. It’s the nightmare of living with mental health issues and PTSD; those dark moments where he questions his mere existence and openly states that he doesn’t deserve the life he has now; a wife and children that love and accept him unconditionally.

It’s hard for people to understand. How a man that is so big and so strong -and often intimidating- can have those kinds of thoughts and vulnerable moments. But they don’t know everything that he’s battled. His childhood is one of his best kept secrets; only her and Koen know the full extent of his father’s behaviour, the abuse inflicted, and the long term damage it has caused. It’s not something he readily talks about; even with her. That toxic masculinity still gets the better of him at times. His father’s attempts at beating into him that a man -a REAL MAN- doesn’t show emotion; it means that he’s weak and there’s nothing more pathetic than being weak. And she’s tried to break him of it; years spent assuring him that he isn’t a weak man. A weak man would have given up in that storage facility. In the same way he would have given up on the Sultana Kamal Bridge seven years ago. And he certainly never would have survived the nightmare of his upbringing. Nor would he be so determined to be a better man; the kind of husband and father that a wife and kids can brag about and proud of. Who never have to live in fear of him ; cowering every time he raises his voice or even comes too close to them. Who know -beyond the shadow of a doubt- how much he loves him.

Tyler Rake is anything BUT weak. And he’d shown that the night before. Somehow finding a way to battle his way through this thick haze of multiple medications; gathering the strength to not only open his eyes, but actually think coherently and communicate. He was right. He DOES do whatever he wants.

When she finally wakes, it’s to the patter of rain against the window and the sounds of hospital life trickling through the half open door. Doctors being paged, the shrill ring of patients’ using their call buttons to summon for help, the loud rattle of gurneys being pushed through the halls. It’s a harsh reminder of her current situation; stuck in the ICU of a private hospital in Dhaka, thousands of miles away from her children and the comforts and security of her own home. She misses it. The sound and the smell of the ocean. The morning breeze and sunshine as she stands out on the back deck enjoying that first cup of tea, watching her husband as he helps Millie and the twins search -and dig, at times- for shells, rocks, and beach glass. Often wondering who is enjoying the quality time more; father or children. The dinners cooked on an open fire down by the water; the smiles brought to their faces -and that unconditional love and immense pride in his eyes- as they watch their children play and listen to those little voices and musical giggles floating on the air. And those strong, protective arms wrapped around her from behind as she sits between his legs. Her head resting against his chest as they quietly marvel at the sky; painted vivid shades of orange and pink as the sun sets.

It’s a life she had never even dared to dream about; a beautiful home in an even more even more beautiful place, amazing children and a husband that is faithful and loyal and only has eyes for her. All those things that she’d come to believe SHE didn’t deserve and had long ago given up on finding. How poetic in a way; two broken people coming together to make a slightly dented whole.

Sighing heavily, she rolls from side to back; eyes closed as she stretches and yawns The morning sickness has returned. With a vengeance. More than likely made worse by lack of food and the stress and worry that have accompanied the last twenty four hours. When she manages to quell the threatening nausea and brief spell of dizziness, she opens her eyes and sits up, finding a small paper bag sitting on the extra pillow beside her; name written on the front of it in black marker. And the contents bring the first genuine smile since yesterday morning; aside from Tyler’s brief period of consciousness. A bottle of prenatal vitamins, a small carton of chocolate milk, and an enormous blueberry muffin. Accompanied by a handwritten note from Julie; asking Esme to promise she’ll look after herself AND the baby, assurance that she’ll be back on in the evening, and her home phone number. The latter being offered as not only a ‘helpline’ if she feels overwhelmed and scared and needs someone to vent and cry to, but so she can give the nurse a list of some of her favorite foods. Julie vowing to bring a selection when she clocks in for her shift. It’s refreshing; having someone WANT to take care of her in that motherly fashion. Especially when her own has been anything but.

She shoves her feet into her sandals and climbs off the bed; returning it to its couch form. “Hey baby,” she greets as she stands at the side of Tyler’s bed; combing her fingers through his hair and pressing her lips to his temple. “Good morning. I hope you slept god. You didn’t snore, I know that much. That’s a first, huh? Me not complaining about your snoring? Must have been a really good sleep for you to be THAT quiet. You deserve it; that kind of sleep. Your face looks a little better, I think. Not as swollen. Pretty bruised though. And you’re going to have a couple wicked scars at the end of this.”

Her fingers gently touch the stitches below and above his eye.

“You’d probably joke about how it balances your face out; the right catching up with the left in the scar department. I think they’re going to make you even sexier. Which should be illegal, if you ask me. One man being that sexy? No wonder you’re a DILF. The thirsty ladies may drive me crazy, but I can’t really blame them. Right now I’m kind of mad at you though. I am so nauseous. And I swear, the bump is even bigger this morning...look…” she pushes her fingers through his, then draws their joined hands through the safety railing and places them on her stomach. “...bigger, right? You can’t tell me this is normal. None of the other ones were this size so soon. Not even Declan, and he was over ten pounds when he was born. And you better not be thinking multiples; one is all we can handle right about now. Let’s not bite off more than we can chew, alright? Six is more than enough. And speaking of babies, I’m going to ask Ovi to bring Addie here. She’s tiny still, Tyler. She shouldn’t be away from us this long. Especially me. She needs to be with her momma. And I think it would do you some good, too; having at least one of them here. So that’s my decision and you’re just going to have to live with it.”

She moves his hand back inside the confines of the bed, gently setting it on the mattress

“I love you,” she says, and presses a kiss to the corner of his mouth. “You keep sleeping, okay? And I hope if you’re dreaming, it’s good things for a change.”

****

She gives a small start when she exits the bathroom and finds Koen sitting in the bedside chair. Sipping from a take out cup of coffee and freshly shaven; his face bearing its own fair share of bruises and a handful of butterfly bandages keeping small, superficial wounds closed.

“Morning, sunshine!” He cheerfully greets, and nods to the cup of tea and a bag of fast food breakfast sitting on the window ledge. “I finally get to see you in your sexy jammies.”

Esme gives a derisive snort. “You DO have issues if you find sweatpants and an oversized shirt sexy,” she says as she journeys over to the window “I was going to give you shit for scaring the crap out of me, but seeing as you come bearing gifts, I’ll let it slide.” She peers into the bag, a grin tugging at her lips. “Either it was just a lucky guess, or you somehow know that when I’m pregnant, I always crave breakfast burritos.”

“There’s a lot I know about you. Someone talks about you. All the time. Mostly about shit I don’t need to know.”

“Well I’m glad you listened. Because this is a very nice surprise. Thank you,” she lays a hand on his shoulder and presses a kiss to his cheek. “And what’s up with this?” She lightly taps a hand against the side of his face. “All cleaned up. Smooth like a baby’s bum.”

“I thought there might be some hot nurses walking around. Want to put my best foot forward. Maybe you can hook me up; put in a good word for me.”

“Why would you want to hook with someone here? You’ll be going home soon.”

“Exactly.”

“Ewww…” she grimaces. “...I don’t need to know that you’re a ‘pump and dump’.”

“Considering the things I’ve had to hear from you and him?” Koen nods in Tyler’s direction. “What I said is tame. I’ve actually had to listen to you two….”

“I thought you were moving on from random hookups?” Esme remarks, and she perches on the arm of his chair and delves into one of the burritos. “I thought you were getting too old for that shit?”

“Excuse me, who are you calling old?”

“I thought Tyler was rubbing off on you. That he was some sort of inspiration to you and Rata; convincing you two it was time to stop sowing your wild oats and settle down once and for all. Didn’t you say it gave you hope? That if...and I quote…’someone can put up with the likes of him, that’s proof there IS someone out there for everyone’.”

“I did say that.”

“So what gives? Why are you looking for a random? You deserve more than that”

“Well if he was awake and could tell me where to find another one of you, I’d be all set.”

“Sorry. I’m limited edition. And I’ve already been claimed. A couple breakfast burritos just aren’t enough to make me divorce my husband and run away with you. It definitely takes more than that.”

“I knew I should have gotten you hash browns too.”

“That would have done it! Boy, did you ever blow that. I would have for sure ran away with you. Right this very second.”

“You know, as much as I enjoy our little banter, I don’t think I could handle you.”

“Oh, you definitely couldn’t. It takes a special breed of man, believe me. And I’m serious; aren’t you tired of NOT having someone to call your own? Someone to go home to at the end of the day? Someone that is your ‘be and end all’? Your ‘ride or die’?. You deserve to be happy. I WANT you to be happy.”

“I think Tyler took all the happy and didn’t leave any for anyone else.”

“When we get home, I am finding someone for you. I don’t care what it takes; I will put you on every dating site out there.”

“What about your sister? Or step sister. Whatever she is.”

“Riley? Are you serious? She’s twenty three!”

“And?”

“And you’re thirty years older than she is!”

“How old do you think I am?”

“I know you’re eight years older than Tyler. He’s almost forty two. So I lied; you’re only twenty seven years old than she is.”

“And?”

“And that’s fucking disturbing!”

Koen shrugs. “She’s cute”

“She is. You know who else finds her cute? Women. Who she is into. And she’s not a switch hitter.”

“Doesn’t take after her older sister, huh?”

Esme frowns. “He told you THAT, too?”

“He’s told me a lot of things, sunshine. You forget; he’s a chatty drunk. Until he’s a depressed and weepy drunk, that is.”

“There are many sides to him you don’t get to see. Sober sides. And don’t worry; my sister isn’t in contention, but I WILL find someone for you. And speaking of someone, where’s your sidekick?”

“He saw something downstairs he liked.”

“Really…” she playfully wriggles her eyebrows. “...blond or brunette?”

“Something in the gift shop. For the baby.”

“He knows?”

“EVERYONE knows.”

“Yaz has a big mouth,” Esme grumbles. “We weren’t going to tell anyone until we got home and found how far along I am. It’s what Tyler and I wanted.”

“I could gather a guess. About how far.”

“Sure you could,” she mutters. “And why do you keep looking at me like that? Why do you keep staring at my crotch?”

“I’m looking at your stomach. Where’d that come from?”

“It’s been there. I’ve just been hiding it because no one was supposed to know! Now that everyone does, I guess I don’t have to wear baggy clothes anymore. And it’s big, right? The bump? Bigger than any of the others?”

“How should I know? I only saw you pregnant with Millie and Addie. Never saw you with any of the boys.”

“It’s never been like this so soon! How big IS this baby?”

“Look at the size of the kid’s father. Maybe it’s taking after him. Or maybe there’s more than one.”

“Why would you do that? Why would you think it? Don’t put that out into the universe. There’s just one. That’s it. That will make it six. A nice even number.”

“Number six must be pretty damn big then.”

“You know what? You’re off my Christmas card list. There’s no way we’re running away together. You totally shit the bed. No second chances for you.

“What if I bring you chocolate?”

“Not even then. You just had to jinx the entire thing.”

Koen gives an over dramatic pout.

“Buddy, I have seen better pouts on a much bigger man. That won’t work on me. You have nothing on Tyler’s pout.”

“He doesn’t pout.”

“He sure as shit does. I’m going to prove it one day. I’m going to catch him doing it and take a picture. Then I’ll have the evidence. Tanner has the EXACT same pout; he mostly does it when he’s sleeping.”

“Speaking of pictures, I’ve got a little something for ya.” Koen reaches into the side pocket of his cargo pants, pulling out his cell and then thumbing through the gallery; choosing the image he wants and offering the phone to her. “Thought it would make you smile. The world’s a shitty place when you don’t. You got yourself a pretty nice smile.”

“You’ve been taking ass kissing lessons from the best, haven’t you,” she chides, then pops the last of her breakfast into her mouth and wipes her hands on her thighs. “Oh...my...god…” she breathes, and almost squeals in delight at the sight before her. Her husband long before the hardness and weariness brought on by his time in the military, substance abuse issues, and the dangers of the job. Before all of those demons took hold of him and he’d yet to go under a tattoo artist’s needle and no scars marred his body. Tall and lean; broad shouldered and bearing the start of the strong and solid physique of a soldier. A brush cut and a smooth, clean face; the smile -genuine and pure- making his eyes crinkle and sparkle.

“Back when he couldn’t even grow a proper beard yet,” Koen muses. “When he was still wet behind the ears. Nothing hard ass about that bloke in the picture, is there.”

“Where did you get this?” Esme can’t explain it; the tug at her heart and the emotion choking at her and the tears that well in her eyes. There’s something so surreal about it; seeing the person you love long before a hard and unpredictable life got a hold of them.

“Found a box of old pictures when I was going through some stuff back home. Meant to show it to him, but never got around to it. You mentioned before that you’ve never seen what he looked like before...well...before all of this.”

“I’ve only ever ever seen one picture of him. When he was five; with his mom on his first day of kindergarten. He doesn’t have any other ones; he says it’s not worth the grief he’ll get if he asks his dad if he has any. This is…I don’t know...it’s amazing. You have no idea what this means to me; seeing this. ESPECIALLY right now. This is everything. You can’t possibly understand what this does for me.”

“I think I do. I know how you feel about him. That you’re just as much a fool in love as he is.”

“I certainly am,” she smiles. “How old is he here?”

“Nineteen. Hadn’t been out of basic long; a couple weeks maybe. When he was a cocky little shit and as green as fresh baby shit. Cute, ain’t he?”

“Very cute. It’s weird seeing him like this. I’ve only seen MY Tyler. The one I’ve spent seven years with. I’ve never seen THIS Tyler. I know that sounds strange.”

“I’ve heard stranger.”

“Fourteen year old me would have had a huge crush on him.”

“What was fourteen year old Esme like?”

“Awkward. Geeky. Short as fuck and chubby. I had braces and jet black hair and I dressed like a goth. Big old Doc Marten boots that went up to my knees and everything.”

“Now THAT I’d like to see.”

“I don’t even have pictures of ME when I was that young. Tyler’s never seen old photos of me, either. I think the youngest he’s ever seen me was when I was twenty-three and just got into the Corps. It’s what happens; when your family is toxic and you’d rather not deal with them. Can you send this to me? I’d love to have this. And I’d love to show the kids. Especially Millie. She’d like to see her daddy when he was young and cute.”

“I’ll send it to ya. And when we get home, I’ll bring that box down and we can go through it. I’m sure there’s more you’d love to have. “

“Thank you.” She can’t hold back the tears. “You have no idea what it means to me. Even just having one picture. And I’m sorry; that I’m a whiny bitch baby. I would like to be able to blame it on the baby and my hormones, but it’s not those things. It’s just me. I’m not exactly having the best twenty four hours. I miss my kids. I hate being so far away from them. Especially Addie. But I can’t leave Tyler here. I just can’t.”

“I could stay,” Koen offers. “He wouldn’t be alone, you know that.”

“And I appreciate it, I do. But I need to be here with him. I didn’t leave him seven years ago, and I’m sure as hell not leaving him now. It’ll be better; when he gets sent to a hospital back home. Closest one is an hour from the house. It’ll be better than.”

“Well I’ll stick around as long as you need me to. Sort of made a promise that I’d take care of ya. I ain’t breaking it.”

“You’re all heart, Koen. You can pretend to be surly and hard ass all you want. I’m onto you.”

“Yeah, well I kind of like that giant, dumb ass bloke you’re married to. And you’re growing on me. So I figure I might as well step up and take his spot and treat like you like the queen you are.”

“You smooth talker,” she teases, ruffling his hair and pressing a kiss to his cheek. “Thank you. For the picture. You really don’t know how grateful I am for it. And thanks for being here; for both of us.”

“Anytime, sunshine.”

“And thank you for being with him yesterday. I could tell he was scared and in pain, and when I think what would have happened if he’d been alone…”

“Well he wasn’t. Alone. So don’t even think about that.”

“Thank you for getting him out of there. At least if he DID die, he wouldn’t have been left there. I don’t think I’d ever get over that; if I had to leave him here. I couldn’t cope with that.”

“Let’s not think about that, yeah? He got through it. He got out of there and it’s only uphill from here.”

“He really thought he was going to die, didn’t he.”

“Honestly? We all thought he was going to die.”

She releases a long, shaky sigh and blinks back tears. “I’m glad you were there with him. At least if the worst happened, he wouldn’t have been by himself. That is my biggest fear when it comes to the job; that if it DOES happen, he’ll be alone. I don’t know why it bothers me as much as it does. I just don’t want him to be alone...you know...IF…”

“Can’t dwell on stuff like that. You’ll drive yourself insane. Or give yourself gray hair.”

“Bold of you to assume I don’t already HAVE gray hair.”

“I don’t see anything.”

“I appreciate you feeding my ego, but I know you can see it. And believe, every one of my gray hairs has Tyler’s name on them. Maybe TJ too. Go figure; the junior being a TRUE junior.”

“That kid is his dad through and through. Tough on the outside, all heart on the inside. And that Millie…”

“Female version of him.”

“Exactly. It’s fitting if you ask me; him having a girl first and her being just like him. Gonna have his hands full with her.”

“She called last night. Wanting to talk to him. She had a bad dream and he always makes her feel better after a bad dream. Daddy’s the one that chases all the monsters away. She has so much faith in him; she knows he’d never ignore her. She’s already questioning why she can’t get a hold of him. I have to tell them; I can’t keep lying to them. And I’d rather they hear it from me than someone else. They’ll take it better if it comes from me, I think.”

Koen nods in agreement.

“But on the bright side, he had a really good night. An amazing night, actually. He woke up. Twice. Once for the nurse, once for me.”

Koen frowns.

“What?”

“He woke up?”

Esme nods. “The first time, Julie...his night nurse…said he woke up and wanted to know who the hell she was and that he asked for me. And he even told her he was feeling sick and she gave him some meds for it.”

“Hmm…”

“Second time, he opened his eyes and looked right at me. Told me to not cry. He said he wasn’t in any pain and that he was just tired. And he asked if the baby was okay and he said he loved me. It was amazing; to see him open his eyes and hear his voice.”

“Are you sure? That this happened?”

“What do you mean am I sure? Of course I’m sure. Why wouldn't I be?”

“Thought the doctor said they weren’t going to bring him out sedation for a few days? At least.”

“Julie said it isn’t uncommon; moments of wakefulness and some lucidity. It’s just sedation, it’s not a medically induced coma like last time.”

“He actually woke up? After everything he went through during the day? All the surgeries, the amount of meds they’re pushing into him? He opened his eyes and talked to you?”

“That’s exactly what happened. Why are you questioning it? I wouldn’t lie about this.”

“I’m not saying you’re lying. Maybe you were dreaming. Maybe you were hallucinating from lack of sleep.”

“I wasn’t dreaming and I wasn’t seeing things. He woke up, looked at me, and talked to me. It happened. It was real.”

“Esme, don’t take this the wrong way, but maybe it was wishful thinking on your part and…”

“It happened,” she insists. “I was there. I witnessed it.”

“And I was there in that storage and in that van. I know what kind of shape he was in; I know how close he was to lights out. Permanently. And you’re telling me, after all the injuries, all the surgeries, all the meds, he just woke up? The same day?”

“I know it sounds crazy. And I wouldn’t believe it if someone told me either. But I SAW it. With my own two eyes. And you know how tough he is; how damn stubborn he is. Does it really surprise you that of all the people who would fight THIS hard, it’s Tyler? You know him; you know how strong he is. You know he’d do anything for me and the kids. So is that big of a stretch that he’d wake up like that? Even if it was just to give me some hope?”

Koen sighs.

“He woke up AND he talked to me. And you know what? It was incredible and made me feel better; to know his brain is working and that he’s not giving up. I needed that; some kind of sign that he’s going to be okay And he gave it to me.”

“So why isn’t he awake now?” Koen challenges.

“Maybe he used up all his energy last night and he needs to build it back up again.”

“If he’s got it in him to wake up last night, he should be awake right now. I’ve got some shit to say to him for scaring me as bad as he did. How come he’s not up now and talking to me?”

“I don’t know. I only know what happened last night. I only know…”

“Maybe I don’t want to talk to you,” Tyler’s voice -weak, groggy, and slightly slurred by the effects of medication- pipes up. “Now shut the fuck up. You’re given me a headache.”

“See!” Esme smiles triumphantly. “I told you.”

****

When she returns from taking a much needed shower, she finds Rata outside Tyler’s room tightly clutching a gift bag from the shop in the front lobby and pacing at a near frantic rate. It’s odd to see him this way, clearly frazzled and nervous shoulders tense; chewing on his bottom lip and occasionally stopping and peering into the room. Normally he’s the ‘life of the party’; clueless in an adorable way, always acting far less intelligent than he actually is just to get a laugh. Possessing an air of confidence without an ounce of cockiness; quick with sarcastic comments and witty comebacks. The ‘uncle’ that always sits at the kids’ tables during Christmas dinner and then helps build lego sets and put together toy car race tracks instead of socializing with the adults.

“Hey you,” she warmly greets, and lays a comforting hand on his back. “You okay?”

He responds by wrapping her in a huge; strong, muscular arms noticeably trembling.

“You alright?” Esme asks, as she runs her hands up and down his biceps. “You don’t look so good. What’s going on?”

“I don’t like hospitals much. Especially a place like THIS in a hospital. Where people are really bad. EXTRA bad.”

“He’s a lot better than anyone thought he would be. Especially so soon And he doesn’t look THAT awful, I swear. He’s even waking up for a little bits at a time. A person who is ‘extra bad’, wouldn't be doing that, would they?”

“I just don’t know if I can go in there just yet. I mean, I was there. Yesterday. In the van. I saw what he was like; how bad he was. And I’ve never seen Tyler like that. I’ve seen him shot a couple times during our tours in the Middle East, but those were nothing. Just flesh wounds, you know? But that? Yesterday? Those weren’t just flesh wounds. And by the time he got back home seven years ago…”

“He was already somewhat on his feet and in rehab.”

Rata nods. “He was almost back to himself. It’s going to be a long while before he gets back to himself this time.”

“Yesterday was pretty awful, huh?

He releases a small, shaky sigh. “Wasn’t so much how he looked. All the blood and what not. I mean, that was bad, don’t get me wrong. It was fucking awful. Pardon my language.”

“I hear and say worse all the time. You don’t have to filter yourself around me. You’ve met my husband, right? You can’t be easily offended AND stay married to him. It just won’t work.”

“It was terrible. A fucking nightmare. To see a friend of yours THAT messed up. But the worst part? It was what he SOUNDED like. When he was talking to you. I’ve never heard him sound like that. Ever.”

“Neither have I,” she admits. “Not seven years ago, not even the two times he tried to...well, you know. He never sounded like THAT.”

“Like he was going to die.”

“Yesterday I tried telling myself he didn’t sound that way. That he was just tired and scared and in pain and he just needed it to end. I convinced myself that he didn’t sound THAT bad. Near death. Now I realize I was just trying to make myself feel better, know what I mean?”

Rata nods.

“He was a lot closer to it than I want to admit. I thought nothing could be worse than seven years ago. I was so wrong.”

“It was what he said to you. How he said it. He was pretty sure he was never going to see you again. That’s the only thing he was really scared of; the thought of not getting to be with you anymore. You and the kids. You’re his entire world. I didn’t think I realized how much he loves you all until I heard the things that came out of his mouth. Opened my eyes; made me see him a different way. A good way, just different. He’s lucky. He’s got someone that loves him as much as he loves them. That’s something I think we all want but never seem to find.”

“Sometimes I wonder what I ever did right to deserve him,” she confesses. “And he’s here because of you guys. You and Koen. You did whatever you had to go get him here alive. So thank you. I know it wasn’t easy; what you had to see and do. I was there myself. Seven years ago. I know how hard it is.”

“I feel like such a dick. For not being able to go in there. Like a total pussy.”

“You’re not any of those things. People handle stuff like this in different ways. But you should go in there. He’s really not that bad. And he was awake and talking a bit to Koen. I don’t know if he still is, but I do know he’d like to see you. I know how much he appreciates what you did to help him. I’ll go in with you if that would help.”

“It would. A bit. But first,” he offers the gift bag. “ I have something for you. And the baby.”

“The baby won’t be here for months. You didn’t have to do that.”

“I wanted to. Just a little something.”

She reaches into the bag, smiling at the stuffed tiger that she pulls out of its confines. “How did you remember the tradition? Every Rake baby gets a stuffed animal?”

“Just something that stuck with me, I guess.”

“It’s adorable. Thank you. Better not let Millie get a hold of it. That girl and her stuffed animals, I swear. You didn't have to do this. You didn’t…” her voice trails off, fingers reaching for the familiar object tied to the ribbon around the tiger’s neck. Eyes narrowed at first, then slowly widening when the realization sets in it. “Where did you find this? Where…?”

“I didn’t find it. Tyler gave it to me. Before we got to the storage place. He asked me to give it to you if something went wrong.”

“He did?” Esme unties the thin piece of fabric, sliding the ring off of it and then cradling it in her palm.

“He wanted me to make sure you got it. If he didn’t make it. Said it was important that you got it.”

“I thought it was lost,” her voice cracks with emotion. “I thought maybe he took it off beforehand and put it in his pocket and it fell out. Or that the ER staff misplaced it. I didn’t think I’d ever see it again.”

“I should have given it to you right away. Yesterday. Please don’t cry.”

“I’m not crying because of what you did or didn’t do. I thought it was gone. Forever. And I know it’s not much; it’s not expensive or fancy or anything like that. But it’s his. All the dents and scratches that he’s on it over the years. Sounds weird, but they all mean something. I really thought I’d never see it again. And I didn’t think I’d be as torn about it as I was. But it killed me inside; when I couldn’t find it. It felt like a piece of him was gone and I was just waiting for all the other pieces to disappear too. Thank you; you have no idea how much this means to me. To have this back.”

She hooks the handle of the bag around her wrist, then reaches around to the nape of her neck and removes the necklace -the custom made piece with the beach glass Millie had found- and slips the ring onto the chain.

“I’ll do it,” Rata offers, and steps behind her. Large fingers clumsy and struggling at first, but then manage to secure the clasp.

Esme lays a palm over the ring, firmly pressing it into her chest. Feeling the smooth, cool metal with its many imperfections, the familiar weight of it against her. And the relief that simple piece of jewellery brings is profound, stifling sobs with both of her hands as she turns and tightly embraces her friend.

#Tyler Rake #Tyler Rake fan fiction #Tyler Rake fan fic #Extraction fan fiction

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always5hineee · 4 years

Text

The Final Bell- Chapter 13: Time for a New Ride.

Chapter warnings: Mild language and mild graphic content

Word count: 1487

Story is also available under Taffysamg on Quotev and Wattpad.

To see the full chapter list, go to the “Final Bell” Tab on my page.

-----

"Taeil, this is the third town you've skipped!" Mark complained, pushing his shoulder lightly from the backseat. "We've been driving for almost an hour, when are you gonna stop?"

"I'm looking for something specific." Taeil growled, stepping on the gas.

"Specific like what?"

"Specifically like you shutting your mouth."

"I don't know why you're so grumpy, you wanted to come." Well, that settled that. Thankfully, it wasn't long before they pulled up to a city. Not just a run-of-the-mill, big area, like a real city. Hundreds of apartment buildings, parking decks, and skyscrapers were strewn out across the landscape, settled in their dust and concrete prisons. It was much larger than the place they went to catch Jungwoo's rats. It begged the questions; how had Taeil found it? And why here, of all places?

"Alright, you guys wanted to bash some heads, there should be plenty here." Taeil stated, putting the car in park. "Don't tell Jaehyun, but I brought us two grenades each. If something happens and you end up in a sticky situation, you shouldn't have any trouble getting away."

"Two each?" Mark asked. "Aren't you staying with the car?"

"Why would I do that?"

"Because you always do that." He responded.

"That's not true. Y/N, do I always do that?" Taeil shot his glance over to her. Mark's quickly followed.

"I, uh..." She stuttered. "I mean, I haven't known you that long, and-"

"See? Y/N agrees with me." Taeil smirked with a satisfactory tone.

"No she doesn't, she agrees with me!" Mark argued.

"Guys!" She interjected. "Can we get on with it?"

"I'm coming." Taeil said with an air of finality, turning off the engine and jumping out of the car. With some disdain, Mark followed, leading Y/N along. They walked through the city for some time, taking out any strays they managed to find. After a bit, Mark sighed.

"Look, I know we practically just got here, but this blows. Let's find a horde!" He laughed. Taeil rolled his eyes, evidently not pleased with that idea.

"Whatever, you do what you want. Y/N and I will find something fun to do." She looked back between them, both staring with expectations. She had no idea what she was supposed to do.

"I, uh- we could all go together?" She offered. Both of them rolled their eyes, and finally Mark just grabbed her wrist, running down the street and onto a side road.

"Catch us if you can!" he shouted back, sticking his tongue out at Taeil. She couldn't help but laugh, even if they had left their friend in the dust. "Now come on, let's go kill some shit!"

They tracked down a horde, taking out about twenty or thirty of the disgusting creatures in one big dance of death. It was rather cathartic. As soon as they finished, though, Taeil came out of nowhere, surveying the damage.

"Pretty impressive." He stated dully.

"Shut up, I know you're not surprised." Mark muttered.

"Mind if I borrow Y/N?" He asked.

"Why?" Mark returned, suspicious. It wasn't often that Taeil asked for anything, but that made it all the more strange and unsettling. Taeil raised an eyebrow, looking between the two.

"What does it matter? Can I not speak to a teammate" Unless I'm... interrupting something."

"Yeah, you are!" Mark noted, earning two surprised glances. "Not like that! I- I just meant- Look, this was our plan to begin with, you just showed up!"

"Can I take Y/N or not?"

"Sure, but I'm coming with you." He argued. Taeil rolled his eyes.

"You've got to be kidding me."

"Take it or leave it." He took it.

This back and forth disaster continued for several hours. Mark dragged her off, they killed some zombies, Taeil found them, they killed some zombies- and again, and again, and again. Every time, she fell into this position where both boys obviously wanted her alone, and she had no idea where to go. In one of these instances, though, something happened.

They did manage to find a few groups, adequately bashing heads and taking out their anger and sadness on something other than the rest of the camp. They thankfully never found themselves in a particularly dangerous situation. It wasn't until Mark went on a strangely exciting slashfest and Taeil chased after him that she found herself alone in the foyer of a broken down office building.

Surprisingly, the silence was kind of nice. Now that she thought about it, she hadn't really been alone alone since Jaehyun had picked her up that day in the street. Of course, she had her tent and all that, but it wasn't real solitude. Now, in such a big place with only two humans around, she felt more at peace than she had in a while. She loved her new friends, but this was refreshing.

She walked down the street, looking up at the sky. Although still kind of green, it looked clearer than usual, and the breeze was nice. Closing her eyes, she breathed in. Somehow, for a single moment, it didn't smell like death. Just... fresh air. There was probably some scientific answer with the air pollution or the buildings filtering the wind, but she didn't really care right now.

Cracking spines wasn't exactly the most stomach-settling activity, but this walk was helping. She hoped it could go uninterrupted forever. By the rules of nature, though, this meant that it had to be interrupted.

"Hey." She spun around, looking for the source of the voice. "Over here." Finally, she caught sight of him. Taeil was standing a good bit away, in the destroyed entrance of what looked to be an accounting firm. She walked over, tilting her head slightly in curiosity. He looked fairly nonchalant, but more importantly, like he was doing absolutely nothing.

"What are you doing?" She asked, trying to make conversation as she approached.

"Standing. You?"

"Uh, walking." They looked at each other awkwardly. Well, this was going well. Finally, Taeil spoke again.

"So, where's Mark?" She glanced to his eyes.

"He's not with you? I kind of figured you guy would still be at it."

"Wait, you're alone?" He asked, eyes widening a bit.

"I mean, yeah, I guess I am." Before she could even inquire as to why this was important, he roughly grabbed her by the wrist, dragging her through the entryway of the building. She sputtered, searching for words as she entered the significantly darker space. The rushing of the wind was gone, replaced with the deafening silence of a dark, carpeted room. None of the lights were on, and she could barely see anything. She could most certainly feel it, though, as two hands very firmly pushed her against a wall, the wooden trim digging into her back.

"What-" she started to ask, ash she felt him standing directly in front of her. Cutting her off, he pressed his lips to hers softly, silencing her. The kiss paused for a minute as he dragged back, taking a breath. She opened her eyes slightly, adjusting to the darkness. Taeil's were still closed as he sighed. She could feel the heat of it on her face. With that, he grabbed her face and kissed her a second time, much more forcefully than before.

At some point, she found herself kissing back. It wasn't long before they were making out in this abandoned building. As it continued, though, she started coming to her senses. They were completely vulnerable to attack, not to mention Taeil had shown no interest in her before. What was he trying to pull now? Finally, she pushed him off a bit, breaking contact.

"What's the matter?" He asked, gripping her sides desperately.

"This isn't right." She sighed. After all, the last person who had kissed her had been... Haechan. "Look, I don't even know why you're doing this."

"But you like it." He stated.

"I didn't say that."

"I mean... you kind of did." He laughed lightly. Noticing that she was not amused, he leaned in. "Look, you're the only girl around. People are bound to catch feelings."

"Are you really catching feelings, though? Or are you just trying to get laid?" He looked taken aback.

"When did I ever even suggest that I was trying to do that?" She raised an eyebrow, glancing down at his wandering hands. Quickly removing them, he looked embarrassed. "That was an accident."

"We're fooling around when there are more important things to be done." She said. At this, Taeil groaned, getting more annoyed.

"Come on, Y/N, who cares?" He leaned in for another kiss, only partially successful, as she only let it go on for a few seconds.

"Look, we should go." She said quietly, dipping out from under him and towards the door as smoothly as possible. Without another word, they left the building.

Go to Chapter 14

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kiruuuuu · 5 years

Text

Kapkan/Glaz sequel in which the Spetsnaz go swimming and some... get wetter than others. (Rating E, explicit, ~4.2k words) - The sequel to this oneshot!

Glaz’ pencil travels over the thick paper, leaving behind graphite traces which form a whole not yet, but soon. His mind’s eye is closed as he draws exclusively with his physical ones, captures shadows as he sees them and dips and valleys the way they appear before him. Over the soothing practice, he forgets all about the oppressing heat reigning unchecked once more – a few weeks, they were graced with respite from this British record summer, but now it’s returned full force and with a vengeance. Still, it’s easy to leave it behind when he can focus on his favourite hobby. Even if his teammates make it mighty difficult to concentrate.

“Make sure to get me from my best side”, Tachanka rumbles, self-satisfied with the attention he’s receiving.

“Bird’s eye view?”, Fuze guesses from the pool, shit-eating grin immediately extinguished by getting dunked underwater by Kapkan.

“One more unqualified comment like that and I’ll demonstrate why my nickname during training was freight train.”

Their bickering has been going on all day, fuelled by frustration over the heatwave – not even the trip to the SAS-owned pool has managed to lift their spirits significantly. They’re more prickly than usual instead of just lethargic and Glaz knows exactly why. “In German, they’d call your best side your ‘chocolate side’. Marius told me when I sketched his Magpie”, he informs the other three, hoping to defuse the situation somewhat and maybe even switch topics.

“Any side of his is his chocolate side”, states Kapkan, deadpan, and finally allows Fuze to breathe again. “If you didn’t get it – I’m talking about your lovehandles.”

“Shut up or I’ll shove that pool noodle where the sun doesn’t shine.”

Glaz sighs inwardly. He’d been looking forward to lounging by the pool in peace, dip in and out to cool off and get some exercise without ending up panting like he’d just run a marathon, and maybe catch a few glimpses. Just a few. He asked about sketching and stormy eyes locked with his for a split second which felt like forever, and Glaz’ mind already provided ample inspiration, excuses for a specific pose, daydreams and a whole lot more unbidden imagery… but then those grey irises slid away again in disinterest. Whether feigned or not, Glaz couldn’t tell.

Tachanka was the one who volunteered eventually, and instead of relaxing around the people he knows best in this passionless country, Glaz is now stretched out on a chair by the side of the pool, studying the old man’s physique and listening to the other three bicker.

“You can try. I’ve seen you in the water once, and you swim the way you fight – like a tank.”

Kapkan probably thinks his derision comes across as good-natured mockery instead of biting venom. He’s lucky they all have thick skin or one of them would’ve retaliated much more harshly than they tend to do, and a pissed-off Spetsnaz is nothing to scoff at. He has these days when he sharpens his claws on them, like an animal: honing his fangs on his kin, and though he recoils upon a pained sound, he’s planning his next attack nonetheless. Glaz has noticed this since day one – Kapkan carries himself like a predator, watching, assessing, waiting.

He takes himself much too seriously, but a personal jab with no harm intended only would serve to rile him up further instead of prompting a relieved smile.

“I was carrying all my gear. I’d like to see you try to continue your water ballet with Glaz on your shoulders.”

“Hey, you don’t get to watch the show and complain about it!”, Fuze protests. He’s been vainly attempting to gain the upper hand for half an hour now and really should’ve known better than to ask Kapkan of all people to help him improve his hand to hand in water. They all know Kapkan is merciless and not above humiliating his opponent, as showcased by the fact that Kapkan’s hair isn’t even wet and Fuze must’ve swallowed a litre of chlorinated water by now.

“No one would pay money to watch you drown for an hour, don’t flatter yourself.”

“Don’t move so much”, Glaz mutters and instantly regrets drawing attention to himself, because even Fuze and Kapkan cease their wet struggling to regard him curiously.

Tachanka is the one who seems to say what everyone’s thinking: “You’re suspiciously quiet today, lad.”

That’s just my seething fury coupled with the frustration of being disappointed every day, no worries, Glaz thinks and unconsciously glances over at Kapkan, who returns his gaze calmly. “I’m concentrating. Besides, shouldn’t we go back? Our hide-and-seek excuse won’t buy us another hour.”

It’s become an inside joke at Rainbow at this point – an unspoken yet silently agreed upon rule states that once a month, each team is allowed the claim to wanting to improve their navigational skills and sense of perception by utilising the natural terrain of the English countryside. In short: they tell Six they’re basically playing hide and seek so they can go out and do whatever for a few hours. The GIGN have used it to bake a surprise cake for Harry (whose vegan lifestyle makes it difficult to buy cakes for him), the Americans snuck off to Skype with their families on Thanksgiving, and the Germans prepared a barbecue plus an improvised bouncy castle for the 15th of October, when Rainbow celebrates six birthdays all falling into the same week. And today, the Spetsnaz used it to splash around in the SAS-owned pool on base.

Time well spent.

“You’re right. Don’t forget to clean up or it’ll draw suspicion”, Tachanka reminds them and rises from his sunbed like a corpse from a stretcher, complete with groans of the dead and joints popping. “I’ll even help, that’s how refreshed I feel.”

“And the fighting was my idea”, Fuze chimes in between coughs, cheeks reddened and looking wholly miserable, “so I’ll do it.”

Next to him, Kapkan is unfazed by their tussle and surfaces from the pool not even out of breath, rivulets of water running down his torso and making his skin glisten in the indirect sun beams falling in from the skylights. He’s… distracting, and therefore Glaz reacts entirely too late to his teammate joining him and pointing at the sketchbook in his lap. “Can I see?”

Unfortunately, he’s dripping all over it or else Glaz might’ve considered his question, but he’s had one too many books with him out in the rain or the snow and knows how ugly the damage looks on the pages afterwards, so he nearly flings it off into the distance with how vehemently he yanks it aside, and merely hisses a curse in preparation of telling Kapkan off for being this careless.

It’s just -

The only thing that leaves Glaz’ lips is an English: “Fuck me.”

And, well. He overheard someone else use it, probably Twitch or IQ when they burnt their hands, and then he noticed others saying it and though it’s been dancing on his tongue for days, apparently now his brain decided it was time to finally birth it.

Kapkan looks like he slapped him.

“Watch the fucking language”, Tachanka admonishes him with a wide grin. “Someone might think you’re an actual adult, Glazkov.”

His cheeks are killing him, they’re hotter than the air outside and getting flustered now will certainly look suspicious. “Just be more careful. Okay?”, he mumbles into his beard, directed at a thunderstruck Kapkan whose expression is inscrutable.

“You two can go ahead, we got this”, Fuze informs them and this seems to tear the very wet and almost-naked man in front of Glaz out of his stupor.

“Oh, I – I can take over for you. I’ll clean. You go.”

And now Glaz really wishes he had slapped him. What a perfectly obvious excuse to not end up alone with him. Before he gets a chance to drop a cutting remark of his own, Tachanka voices what everyone’s thinking: “You shit in somebody’s cereal, or why don’t you want to go back to base? You need to be forced to tidy usually.”

Fishing for justifications, Kapkan lamely defends himself by claiming he still has something to make up to Fuze – which is likely, yet no reason for him to choose cleaning over lazing about some more – and Glaz has to fight the urge to strangle him. That is, until he realises two can play this game.

“I’ll stay, too”, he announces and suppresses a laugh at how quickly Kapkan’s head snaps in his direction. “I can let my pages dry out in the sun. We’ll see you in half an hour.”

“And this why you’ve always been my favourite. Show me your masterpiece in a bit, alright?” Tachanka slaps him on the back approvingly and then heads off in Fuze’s company, the two of them discussing actual strategies about fighting underwater instead of beating the Uzbek up unhelpfully.

A stony silence settles in, making Glaz’ stomach cramp. The other Russian towels himself dry while he puts the chairs away and gathers the supplies they’ll need – there’s not much to do, the pool is being used daily and as long as they mop up all the splashed water, they should be good. Everything is done wordlessly, fuelling the awkwardness causing Glaz to drop whatever he’s holding twice, and it keeps getting worse.

Why have you been avoiding me, he doesn’t say, though he really wants to. We can pretend nothing happened. We can go back.

He could. With difficulty, but he could. If only he knew what was up. But working up the courage is impossible, he’s failed for weeks already and with a friendship on the line, with possibly more -

Kapkan chuckles. The low sound manages to pierce the spiral Glaz is sending himself down and interrupts his thoughts. “They really do have fucking pool noodles here. What on earth do they do with these?”

The supply closet indeed provides a variety of colourful foam noodles, even a deflated alligator and a beach ball. It seems they aren’t the only ones to use this facility for purely recreational purposes. “All I’m picturing now is Seamus wearing floaties.”

His comment earns him an amused snort and the ice is finally broken. They share a grin and Glaz’ relief must show on his face. “I almost want to go back in and ride this crocodile.”

“Or go dive for some of these rings.” Suddenly, Glaz gets an idea when he spots a hoop, reminding him of a dolphin show he once saw. “Hey, you think I could jump through this one?”

“No way. You’re too fat.”

Hilarious. He rolls his eyes. “You wanna bet?”

“Easy. Take a running start and jump through without touching the edges, you win. Otherwise, I win. I’ll even hold it up for you.”

“What are the stakes?”

This is where he wanted to land and Kapkan gladly followed him, possibly knowing full well where this was headed. They eye each other up. “A favour”, Kapkan suggests and couldn’t have been more vague.

Even so. Glaz likes where this is going. “Sounds good. Let’s do it.” He rids himself of his shirt and places all valuable belongings safely out of reach, encouraging Kapkan to do the same, and then walks a good distance away from the pool where Kapkan is standing, holding up the hoop expectantly. And it’d be so easy to win the bet and be owed a favour – so many possibilities. He’d be hard pressed to choose and already, his imagination is providing idea after idea, one more tempting than the next…

Then a whole other prospect enters his mind. It’d be even easier to lose. And end up at Kapkan’s mercy.

He starts jogging, building up speed, gaze fixed on the hoop until Kapkan’s is as well, the other man waiting to see whether the object will wobble from impact, no matter how small, ready to pass judgement on whether he won or lost -

- and then Glaz collides with him and shoves him into the pool.

The splash is extremely satisfying, almost as good as Kapkan’s brief grimace of surprise, shock, and betrayal as he sails through the air, flailing. Glaz almost laughs, gets out a bird-like noise of entertainment before it devolves into a shriek as Kapkan shoots back out of the pool like a crocodile himself, having spotted his prey by the shore, and the next thing Glaz knows are hands around his calves – no, one hand, the other somehow manages to land on his ass but the result is the same, they yank him in together with his previous victim.

Compared to the suffocating humidity outside, the water is refreshingly cool and punches through his consciousness like a shot of caffeine injected directly into his bloodstream, yet what makes the experience all the more powerful are the strong arms enveloping him in a tight embrace. Too tight, he was half on an exhale when going under and wants to swim up but Kapkan doesn’t let him, cradles him close and makes no move to swim to the surface, so Glaz starts struggling. Panic sets in and when he reaches down to pinch Kapkan’s inner thigh as hard as he can, large air bubbles escape the other man’s mouth. At least it’s successful: they rise.

“Fuck”, he spits out when he can breathe can, coughs and coughs into Kapkan’s face because suddenly, he’s too close and did he just try to kiss Glaz while he’s still recovering from nearly drowning? “What are you -”

It was a mistake putting his hand anywhere between Kapkan’s legs. The iron grip around his wrist hurts, even underwater, and his hand is uncomfortably pressed against the other Russian’s swimming trunks. Glaz moves his fingers to not cramp up and oh, hello. At least this time Kapkan’s dick isn’t being shoved into his face. The next attempt is successful and cold lips move against his, hurried, forceful, and then Glaz’ back hits the side of the pool with Kapkan’s body caging him in.

He should’ve known it would be unceremonious like this, the byproduct of a struggle, a line crossed stumbling instead of deliberately stepping over it. “Ask me”, he gasps and gives in, obliges: his fingers wrap around the flesh swelling despite the coolness of the water and he deepens the kiss. But not for long. He won’t be the passive party in this, and he demonstrates it by biting down on a lower lip.

“Like that”, Kapkan purrs against his chest and begins moving his hips against Glaz’ hand, the motion slow and almost sensual. He’s in a world of his own, thinking he’s won a prize of, well, something, thinking he’ll finally get… what? An awkward handjob by someone he was too cowardly to ask outright?

“Ask me”, Glaz repeats with more emphasis and feels his own body react. And how could it not, with a body mirroring his own in strength and build, with Kapkan panting in his ear and forcing his fist to remain where it is so he can fuck it. His fury has evaporated, was probably fed by the underlying anxiousness of quietly getting rejected, but now that it’s quite obvious Kapkan wants the same thing he does, all that’s left is stubbornness. That, and the desire to make Kapkan admit it.

He’s a match, though. Just as pig-headed.

And so, when he still hasn’t said anything else after more aborted kisses, Glaz tightens his grip, tightens it until Kapkan goes very, very still. His eyes are gorgeous up close. Glaz wants to feel him inside so badly, he momentarily forgets what he was doing and revels in the fantasy until a tongue dragging over his mouth catapults him back into the present.

“Suck me”, Kapkan whispers amid the soft gurgling of the waves they’re producing

Jesus fucking Christ. Glaz twirls them around with an annoyed sigh and, while wrestling the other man out of his shorts, hisses: “Why’d it take so fucking long?” All that Kapkan offers is an uncertain look as if he had mild doubts about what he just demanded, but they seem to dissipate as soon as Glaz lifts him out of the water. “Lie back.”

Wordlessly, Kapkan obeys, sits down on the edge, lower legs still dangling in the water, and leans backwards, propping himself up on his elbows so he can watch. His cock is proudly jutting straight up into the air, wet and dark and delicious, and in one fell swoop, Glaz captures its head between his lips.

They don’t have much time. He’ll have to make this quick.

Under the taste of chlorine, there’s skin and Kapkan, and he savours the taste on his tongue as he swirls it around the tip generously. Having draped himself over his friend’s thighs, his weight holds Kapkan down which turns out to be necessary as he’s pushy. His hips twitch and tilt, try to thrust upwards further into Glaz’ mouth and as if that wasn’t bad enough, there’s a hand on his head pushing down.

Somehow, he manages to free himself and glare at his dishevelled friend, flushed and beautiful and flustered – and if it was any other situation, one where time wasn’t of the essence, he’d let Kapkan do whatever he wants. But not now. “I’ll bite”, he warns him seriously, “stop that shit. Behave.”

A curse is his response, but Kapkan obliges and withdraws his arm, and then throws his head back with another swear as Glaz swallows him whole. The flesh is piping hot and rock hard, just like Glaz’ own, and he sucks it down like it’s made of sugar, opens his throat, lets the tip hit the back of it. It pains him that he can’t relish in finally doing this, but hearing all these surprised grunts and sharp breaths has its own merit – not even the cool water can calm the vicious pulsing between Glaz’ legs and he idly tongues the ridge of Kapkan’s glans, wondering what it’d feel like inside him.

When he gets down to business, he can feel Kapkan’s muscles twitching and drinks in every hiss whenever he sucks hard. He’s not teasing anymore, instead bobbing his head in a relatively fast rhythm, using his tongue to exploit that sensitive spot on the underside and massaging the balls with one hand, squeezing out moan after moan. Kapkan is loud, much louder than he expected, and very appreciative. He seems to melt under Glaz’ ministrations and actually relaxes into the stimulation which is, well, lovely, but not goal-oriented. They need to be back in twenty, maybe fifteen minutes. And thanks to Glaz’ stunt earlier, they’ll need to clean up a second time.

He pulls off the cock in his mouth with a wet noise and once again addresses his friend: “Come on. I want to feel you pulsing in my throat.”

It’s more forthright than he’d normally be, but circumstances necessitate it. Not like Kapkan seems to mind, if the scandalised yet intrigued expression is anything to go by – he also tenses up noticeably as Glaz takes him back in to the hilt, stomach muscles fluttering and contracting when Glaz reaches up to gently rub over an erect nipple. “Filthy mouth”, Kapkan rumbles and lets out an echoing moan when his nipple is twisted between two fingers. He’s so hot. Glaz wishes he could blow him for hours, but alas. “Never would’ve guessed you’re that perverted. Go deeper. Yes.”

Glaz nearly chokes himself on Kapkan’s dick with no regrets and increases the tempo, sucks even harder and deprives himself of oxygen, and the pay-off is worth it. With another loud groan, Kapkan shudders, his entire body going taut, and his cock throbs in Glaz’ mouth, shooting out bitter liquid in spurts, in time with soft rolls of his hips. He finally made him come, finally blew him to completion and it was everything he hoped for. Watching Kapkan’s expression slip from need to utter bliss is as satisfying as he’d hoped, and he gladly swallows around the erection clogging his throat.

When he pulls free again, his friend is lying flat on the tiles, breathing hard and contemplating existence. He looks shattered, more spent than after a training session and Glaz would really like to hug him. Instead, he instinctively reaches down and grabs his neglected cock, harder than it’s been for weeks (since the day he made an implicit bet with Kapkan and went to bed early, dreaming up scenarios similar to this one). Right in front of him, a naked Kapkan is recovering from what looks like to have been a mind-blowing orgasm, and as Glaz takes him all in, marvels at his form, the softening dick gives a last feeble twitch.

Shit.

Okay, he’ll be quick.

He discards his own swimwear, just leaves it floating away, and lifts himself out of the water. Kapkan has barely time to react before Glaz is straddling him, trying not to cream himself from the skin contact alone, and as revenge for all the shoving previously, Glaz guides one of his friend’s hands between their naked bodies. “Do it”, he prompts quietly, desperation colouring his voice and Kapkan must’ve noticed or else he might not have complied so fast. Calloused fingers close around Glaz’ shaft and dear god, this will be an embarrassingly quick affair.

Kapkan wastes no time and jerks him fast from the get-go, almost brutal (probably how he himself likes it and the thought causes Glaz’ knees to go weak), and it’s not only water droplets hitting Kapkan’s flat belly now. The sudden intense stimulation has Glaz whimpering and fighting it, wanting more or maybe less, who’s to say – certainly not his short-circuited mind. He barely has the brain capacity left to suck Kapkan’s other middle finger into his mouth but he does notice his friend’s eyes darkening upon the realisation.

When the finger enters him, he buries his face in the crook of Kapkan’s neck and moans. He imagines it’s Kapkan himself, pictures them rolling around on a mattress with all the time in the world, harsh thrusts and nails raking over his back and Kapkan stares into his soul as he pumps load after load into him, and Glaz is moving his hips now, grinding down against Kapkan’s hand and he doesn’t care how fucking needy he must seem because he wants this. The hand on his cock is merciless, the speed unwavering and it’s flirting with being too much – there’s vague pain there but isn’t that normal, where Kapkan is concerned?

The digit inside buries itself even deeper and brushes over his sweet spot which he rewards with a whine, so Kapkan does it again and again, and with several weeks’ worth of anticipation, with the memory of a hard dick poking his cheek, with Kapkan’s taste still on his tongue, Glaz is shoved over the edge. He shivers violently, isn’t even sure what kind of noise escapes his lips as his climax shakes him to the core, traps him in ecstasy for half an eternity during which he’s hardly aware of anything around him – and when he realises he’s coming all over Kapkan’s chest while his friend is milking him expertly enough to prolong his orgasm, it’s another half. Kapkan lets him ride it out and brings him down gently, doesn’t overdo it and withdraws when Glaz puts a hand on his wrist.

Glaz’ relief is overwhelming and lasts throughout his afterglow: a minute or two during which he sits up, calms his racing heartbeat and inspects the mess he made on pale skin before him. They finally did it. And Kapkan doesn’t even look like he regrets it. He… looks like nothing, really, expression empty as he doesn’t even move to wipe the semen off him, and doubts slowly begin to overtake the pleasant exhaustion in Glaz’ bones.

“Can I kiss you?”, he asks meekly and feels silly, perched on top of another man who had his finger inside him mere minutes ago, and yet he’s not confident enough to just lean down and do it.

Kapkan examines him attentively. “Don’t make this weird.”

“You made it weird a long time ago.”

Visibly uncomfortable with the topic, Kapkan drags him down with enough force to make their teeth click, and though the angle is odd and their noses are in the way, the gesture counts. Glaz feels his muscles relax during the brief kiss and smiles as he comes back for air. When Kapkan smiles back, the fact that they still have to clean everything, including themselves, and that they’ll be really late with no excuse at all loses its threat.

They shower together, joking some more about the SAS operators’ pool habits, and then quickly sweep the floor once again. Stepping out into the blinding sunshine is like running into a wall, the heat is unbearable and tiring. Glaz almost wants to fall asleep standing up.

“Just so we’re clear, you lost that bet”, Kapkan tells him, blinking into the brightness instead of looking him in the eyes. “So you owe me a favour.”

Glaz’ lips curl into a grin. “Of course. You only need to ask.”

And while Kapkan doesn’t respond, there’s a certain glint in his eye which is full of promises and reassurance.

#rainbow six siege #kapkan #glaz #kapkan/glaz #fanfic #this was so much fun to write I'm not gonna lie #both of them are so awkward it kills me

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rougepetale · 5 years

Text

New Lingerie Set (Shunichiro) (NSFW)

Fandom: Irresistible Mistakes (Voltage/ love 365) Pairing: Shunichiro Tachibana Warning: Sex Note: Dude… this was nearly 9 pages long…. whats wrong with me? Too much plot XD

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Your eyes stared at the lingerie on the website, it was already five minutes in. Chewing on your bottom lip, you thought of how it would look on you. You had first seen it in the mall when you were on your date with Shunichiro a few weeks back.

The mannequin was your height as you passed by. The lacy black straps looked delicate on the mannequin despite the lack of material, and you couldn’t help but image yourself in it. What would Shun think? Would he approve of it? Would he think that you were trying too hard? What if he liked plainer lingerie?

He never complained when he peeled off the less than beautiful undergarments that you wore from time to time. He usually just pushed the panties to the side anyway. What you didn’t know was that Shunichiro was watching as you fantasized about lingerie.

“That’s quite the expression you have now.” He commented, he came up behind you to look at your reflection in the store window. He could see your cheeks color pink at his close proximity and his compliment. “I didn’t realize that you could look so tempting.” He whispered into your ear. Shivers raced down your spine and pooled into your belly, while goosebumps erupted all across your arms and legs.

“Shun!” you admonished. “We’re in public. You can’t say these things in public” you turned around in his arms, which had snaked across your waist. He leaned into you and kissed your lips tenderly.

“All the better.”

The rest of the date had your mind elsewhere. Was Shunichiro really into that lingerie?

That day lead to the present, where you were debating on whether to buy the scantily clad clothing or not. It left nothing to the imagination, while it looked absolutely stunning at the same time. Your finger hovered over the left button as you debated once again.

Just when you were going to click the purchase button your phone chimed to indicate you got a text.

“I’m loaded with work. But I can’t stop thinking about you.”

You smirked and texted him back, “Oh I am sure you are loaded.”

He texted back quickly, “What are you wearing tonight?”

You glanced down, it wasn’t anything special, just your pajamas, but they were the silky ones that he had bought you for your last anniversary. “Oh nothing.” You texted back, “The silk feels good against my skin.”

You could practically hear his groans of arousal from him. You took a selfie showing him exactly what you were wearing, or what you were not wearing. You made sure to perk your chest up and to get the girls awake and alert and perky. Nothing like a little sexting before bed to make the evening more pleasurable.

The picture he sent back had your mouth watering. A clothed picture of his erection for which you had quickly saved to your photos for your viewing pleasure, “I had a hard on all day because I couldn’t stop imagining you in nothing but your bra and panties.”

“I wish you were here.” You texted back, sorrowfully, “I wish you didn’t have to work overtime.”

“All for next week.” Was his curt text back. “Will speak with you in the morning.”

You exited out of text to go to your photos again. His cock was a beauty to behold. Neither of you really sent pictures to each other, for fear of incriminating one another, so what he sent tonight was a rare treat. You stood from your desk and made your way to your bed, Takuro had taken to sleeping in the bathroom because the tiles were cooler during the summer months, so you didn’t have to worry about pleasuring yourself in front of him.

Your hand naturally went to your lower lips to massage the ache to completion. Of course it was much harder with your hands than his. His fingers knew how to make you sing and come to orgasm faster than any other man. Even faster than your own hand.

You laid back on your bed as your fingers dove into your core as you chanted his name; imagining it was his fingers and not your own pleasuring you. You quickly came to completion and your world faded to black soon after.

When you awoke the next day you shot up, determined to buy that damn lingerie. When you refreshed the website to your dismay it had your size online sold out. You only hoped that you’d still be able to get your size in the store that you had seen it in originally.

Shunichiro had to work until mid-afternoon, giving you enough time to go alone to the mall to buy the lingerie set. It also give you enough time to clean and wear it for tonight’s rendezvous.

You were lucky, your size had only one left. You nearly skipped out of the store, knowing that you had one of the last sets.

You had just shimmied into the snug bra and panties when Shun had texted you. He was off of work and coming to pick you up. You couldn’t wait to show off what you were wearing. You looked all through your closet and to your dismay you owned mostly work clothes. A random dress speckled your wardrobe, and some casual clothing was pushed to the side. One tulip skirt that always made you look like a bombshell, coupled with a bright scarlet blouse and black stilettos had completed your ensemble.

He knocked on your door as you were gussying up for the last time, you decided to add a solitaire necklace to accent your bone structure. Adjusting your bra one more time you quickly opened the door. Even in his work attire he was breath taking, “Hi” you said breathlessly. A silly smile adorned your face as you felt your heart beating in your ears.

His smile was radiant, “Are you ready to go?” he asked, after giving you a quick peck on the lips. “Our dinner reservation is on half an hour.”

“Yes, thank you.” You turned to lock the door and when you turned back you saw Shunichiro eyeing you hungrily. “What?” you asked, did he already know that you had the special bra on?

“… You look even more radiant than usual tonight.” He commented, a smile on his face. His compliment had you standing taller and a smile on your face. When he was not teasing you, his sweet words always had your heart aflutter. He led you out and his hand naturally found its way to the small of your back. “I’ve missed you.” He whispered. His hand traveled further down and squeezed your ass.

You squealed in surprised, “Shun!”

He laughed mischievously, “I have this irresistible desire to tease you.” He admitted. He loved every expression you ever let cross your face; this was no exception, seeing your flushed face had his sadistic side come out.

“You’re so cruel!”

“I don’t care if you call me cruel, as long as I see that expression of yours” he teased. The elevator announced that it was here and potentially carrying other passengers. His hand migrated higher to where it was socially appropriate.

Your next door neighbors emerged from the elevator. They were laughing to each other as they passed you both, not paying either of you any attention. You glanced back at them as they talked and laughed at each other.

For a moment you were jealous, they were happily in love. You wished you had that. Yes, you were happy to have your boyfriend… but you wished that you two could be openly happily like them. Shun noticed your forlorn look. His thumb rubbed gently on your back. Some day you both would be able to stand in the sun together and not hiding in the shadows.

Shunichiro led you to the interior of the elevator. There was nobody else inside, perfect. His hands snaked their way to the front of your attire. Shunichiro indeed noticed your choice of clothing. The tulip skirt ended right above your knees, giving him easy access to the prize he loved most. He kept a neutral look on his face as his fingers slipped into the waistband of your skirt, the silky blouse felt good against his skin. He couldn’t wait to rip it off your body later. He felt you tense up. “Easy darling, I won’t take my prize till later.”

You laughed softly, “I certainly hope so.” Surprise flitted across his face, catching him by surprise didn’t happen often.

“Oh?” his fingers went further down where he felt your panties, the lacy material felt foreign to him, unlike any of the panties of yourself that he had removed before. “Are these new?” he whispered into your ear.

You smirked, “A lady does not kiss and tell” you moved away from him and turned in his embrace, forcing his hands to vacate their previous space, it however didn’t stop the throbbing between your legs.

He smirked, “I cant wait to strip you bare.”

*DING*

The elevator interrupted the steamy moment you both shared as you were now on the ground floor. “Shall we?” he asked, the smirk had not left his lips. The dinner reservations was at the hotel you first had sex, it had a special place in both of your hearts. He had been planning this all month, ever since he learned that you both had a shared day off. He had been imagining everything you both would do after dinner, if you could survive till that time. He couldn’t wait to be finished with dinner.

He couldn’t keep his eyes off of you all dinner. He drank up everything that you did. Every time you drank your wine he would image his cock in your mouth, every tiny lick of the lips had him wanting to fuck you there on the table.

He noticed that the top button of your blouse was open, and when you bent to grab something he got only a hint of the bounty that he so desperately wanted.

The little mink was teasing him right here in front of others. He knew that you were doing this because it was safe. You knew that he wouldn’t do anything in front of the company of others.

“So, how was work today?” you asked, you had decided to have a light salad since you knew that the evening would be filled with vigorous…. And pleasurable activities.

Shunichiro took a sip of his bourbon, he opened his mouth to reply when he promptly closed it, for a groan would threaten to come out for all to hear. Your foot hand found its way between his legs and stroked his quickly hardening cock. “You damn tease, with all the teasing you do to me. You may be even worse than me.” He accused halfheartedly.

“I learned from the best.” You replied, batting your eyelashes twice. You took a bite from your salad and smiled at him, “Are we having dessert?”

“You are my dessert.” He replied, his voice was low and gravely, giving you a clear indication that he was indeed aroused. “Not even the sweetest chocolate can compare to your nectar.” He waved his hand to the waitress to indicate the check.

Once the money was squared away Shun led you away from the exit and the opposite direction from whence you came from. “Aren’t we going home?” you asked, confused as you both boarded the elevator.

His finger pressed for the 19th floor, “Sorry, you’re not going home tonight.” He pushed you against the elevator wall as his fingers once again sought your sex. The flame which had died down to smoldering embers had roared back to life.

“Oh, Shun” you gasped out, his fingers were rubbing you through the panties, and your hand snaked through his hair, tugging him forward to capture his lips with yours. Not bothering to battle for dominance in the kiss you easily submitted to him. He pushed his body into yours, your soft body conformed to his strong rigid one.

You began to lift your leg to hook around his waist when the elevator alerted the both of you that soon there would be others in the elevators not just you two. Disentangling from him you jumped back like he was on fire. A large group of people joined both of you, forcing you both to the corners of the tiny elevator. Anybody could guess what you both were doing. His hair was disheveled and your clothes were wrinkled. Yet, nobody said a thing, as they spoke in hushed voices to one another. You traded glances at Shun when you could see him. You could see his sadistic smirk on his face.

You couldn’t get to the 19th floor faster. The blessed *DING* had you rushing, well shoving past the unwanted extra occupants. Shun had politely excused himself out, while apologizing for your behavior. “So impatient” he chided you good naturedly.

A pout sprung forward, “And whose fault is that?”

He laughed, as the doors shut on the both of you he smacked your ass, “Come now. We have are past our appointment.” He led you to a room down the hall, his hand temporarily disappeared into his pocket to produce a key.

“You planed this.” You gasped, you didn’t even plan the evening…. Well much. Your evenings usually found yourself on your back and your legs over his shoulders, but that was usually at his apartment or yours.

“Certainly, we haven’t had a nice date out in a while.” A gentle beep and the door popped open, “After you.”

The room was furnished in deep red and golds. “Oh wow, it’s beautiful.”

“Not as beautiful as you” his voice was right beside you, instantly you hair stood on end as goosebumps once again erupted over your skin as his fingers ghosted over your arms, barely touching you. A shiver traveled up your spine, “Not as beautiful as you when you are naked before me.”

His fingers came to your breasts as he massaged you through your clothing, “Not as beautiful as your moans, nothing but music to my ears.” It was when he was whispering in your ear that you noticed that he was expertly unbuttoning your blouse.

“You scoundrel.” You moaned out, leaning into his chest, “Distracting me.” Your eyes fluttered shut for a moment, savoring the feeling of his heat behind you.

“Your scoundrel.” He corrected, at last your blouse was unbuttoned as he slid it off of your shoulder, leaving you in your new bra, the one you had been eyeing for quite some time. His eyes drifted down, an appreciative groan was your rewards.

“So, you did get them.” He whispered in awe, “I can’t wait to strip you bare.”he felt like he had said that a million times, but he genuinely couldn’t wait. He began kissing your shoulder. He captured the strap between his teeth as he drug it down. Eager for you to be rid of the bra. His fingers were quick to unhook the bra and let it fall to the floor.

“I thought you’d like this bra this time.” You murmured slightly disappointed.

“Oh I do.” his fingers came forward to cup your breasts in his hands, they fit so nicely in the palm of his hands. His thumbs gently caressed the side of the soft skin, teasing your nipples forward. “But the bra pales in comparison to what I love the most.”

Shun’s fingers crept higher till he was pinching your nipples, tugging gently. The first pinch had your knees nearly buckling under the pleasure. “Shun! You can’t do that too much, or I’ll be done before we even start.” You warned him. You had missed him the two days you were apart. “I missed you”

He chuckled as his hands withdrew “it was only a few days.” His lips latched upon your neck, he nibbled softly on the tender flesh.

“Fuck!” you hissed out, he knew where your special spot was, the one that made you instantly wet and horny for more. “Please! Don’t stop!” as per request he nipped harder, he was sure to leave a mark later.

“I love hearing you moan out, it’s music to my ears” he praised when he left your flesh. He spun you around to face him. He smirked, “So, be loud for the entire hotel to hear.”

“Yes, Sir!” you moaned out, Shunichiro began to walk you backwards towards the bed. The smirk on his face had your core heating up, “Did you enjoy the new clothing?”

“Need you even ask?” he replied hastily. His left hand went to your side, where the zipper was, “I knew something was up when you answered the door.” He kissed you sweetly, “You looked like the cat that ate the canary.”

“Well,” you mused for a second, “I have good reason to.”

“Oh?” he feigned surprise.

“I knew these clothes were gonna come off sooner or later.” The zipper was caught between his fingers as he drug it down oh so teasingly slow. Your hand quickly went over his own hand, “Hurry up.” You demanded.

He chuckled as the zipper reached its destination “So demanding”, he took the hem in both of his hands as he knelt before you, not once did he break eye contact with you. It was such a powerful position. You were never given the upper hand.

“You even look more beautiful down here.” He had the skirt pooled at your feet, “Lift your foot up darling.” You did as he requested, one foot after the other, soon you were in nothing but your heels and panties. He grabbed your thighs, “You smell delicious darling.” He kissed from your knee to your upper thigh.

Your fingers once again found their way through his hair, the silky tresses felt so good in your hand. “Oh Shun!” Your legs gave way and you fell to the bed, you relinquished your hold on his hair and for a moment you were sad that you were not touching him. He had so much power over you and he was just kissing you! He parted your legs and inhaled.

“I can never get enough of you ___” he groaned out, he could see the drenched lace panties, “I would expect nothing less from you” he placed a gentle kiss on the lace and licked his lips. He loved how responsive you were to him. He peeled the lace panties to the side to get his prize. Your lips were puckered and waiting. “Tell me what you want sweetheart.”

You had propped yourself up upon your elbows to look at him, “Please Sir! Please use your tongue.” You were excited, when he ate you out it would only be a matter of precious minutes before he had your toes curling.

Shunichiro groaned when you begged for him “Just so you know” he warned, “I won’t hold back.”

“I wouldn’t expect aaa-nything less” your voice hitched. His tongue had immediately found your clit, his favorite part to tease. His tongue felt amazing, but your body arched when he inserted a finger into you. “Fuck!” you hissed out, you were not expecting him to be this devilish. He really meant it when he warned you that he was not going to hold back.

You flopped back down, your arms no longer able to hold your weight. All you could do was grip the sheets and moan loudly to signal your pleasure.

“Let it all go” Shun encouraged between licking your clit and thrusting his fingers inside your vagina, he had inserted a second finger to heighten the pleasure. “Let them all hear how good I’m pleasuring you!”

Encouraged by his words your voice was ripped from your throat, you couldn’t contain your moans, you couldn’t have held back even if you wanted to.

Your moans and strangled praises always turned Shunichiro on, tonight was no exception. He could feel your orgasm building as your walls clenched his fingers tightly. Eager to suck them in further. “C’mon sweetheart, let go” he murmured. Curling his fingers up in a ‘come here’ movement caused to be the right decision as the flood came forward and drenched his fingers in the sweet nectar. Your body convulsed through your orgasm as you road the highs to nirvana.

He eagerly lapped at your drenched core. You never failed to entice him, and your cum was the sweetest he had ever tasted. When you came back from your high you softly pushed him away, being overstimulated you needed a quick breather, “Shun… that was perfect” you gasped out. He crawled over your body to kiss you hungrily. Your fingers ran over his still clothed body. “You” you interjected between kisses, “Are still too” his kisses peppered your face, “Dressed.”

“Care to help me out of them?” he asked. He helped you sit up from the bed, as you were still putty in his hands.

“I thought you’d never ask” you grabbed his button up and eagerly pulled the buttons apart, making sure that you didn’t ruin any of the buttons on his absurdly expensive suit. Finally, the buttons were all opened and you got your prize, seeing his beautiful chest. When did he ever find time to work out was beyond you. Sure, he wasn’t amazingly ripped like the male models you saw on the cover of the magazines but he was toned and muscles were defined. You couldn’t help the surge within you to kiss his abs, your hands were busy unbuckling his belt and throwing it to the side.

“Eager are we?” he teased, though… truth be told, he was eager too. His cock was unbearably hard, and he couldn’t wait to be buried deep inside you. He threw his shirt to the side and quickly unzipped his pants, he couldn’t wait for you to tease him.

You swatted his hands away when he went for the waistband of his boxers. This was your time to shine. You drug the undergarments down slowly, reveling in how his cock sprang forward once it was free from the confinements. It was pulsing, and you couldn’t wait to have it in your mouth. The pre-cum was already beading up, begging for your mouth. “May I?” you asked, though you knew that he wouldn’t deny you.

Honestly, you didn’t care to wait for his response, you dipped down and grabbed his cock in your hand.It was exactly as he imagined it earlier in the evening. He could hardly contain himself, he loved seeing you choking in his cock. Your tongue darted out to taste the salty pre-cum. You lapped at the head of his cock, enjoying his growing arousal, your fingers cupped his balls you squeezed them gently, earning a groan of approval from him. You hummed happily around the tip of his cock, a shudder took over his whole body.

“You damn minx” he hissed. If you would have continued with your administration he wouldn’t have lasted long. He loved how your tongue lapped at his cum but he’d rather finish in you rather in your mouth, the vision would have to wait for another day, or for another round, whichever came first. He begrudgingly pulled you off of him and tossed you on the bed. He reached down to his pants and pulled out a condom. He quickly pulled it over his cock and joined you on the bed. He hovered over you as he kissed you sweetly, “I do enjoy hearing you say my name. I can’t wait to hear it again.”

You smiled softly at him, “Shun” you let his name roll off your tongue, “I can’t wait to scream it.” You grabbed his cock and guided him to your entrance. He pushed your panties to the side again as he didn’t even both taking them off earlier. He slipped easily in, and you sighed happily against his shoulder. He fit so well, and you looked how he stretched you so nicely. “Oh fuck!” you hissed, you could never forget how he felt inside you, but you always reacted the same.

Shunichiro didn’t pause to let you acclimate to his girth, the sight of your panties pulled to the side was a major turn on for him, he was sure you knew it too. He pulled your legs over his hips as he surged forward his hips slapped against your own hips. His one free hand found your hair and pulled your head back to expose your beck to his teeth.

He nipped at your skin making sure to leave a mark almost everywhere on your body. He snapped his hips forward hitting deep inside you, leaving you a panting mess. “Shun! Fuck me!” you whined, your hands snaked to his back as you held him close to your body. Your nail created a euphoric line between pain and pleasure. “Fuck right there!” you goaded him on as he leaned forward till his balls hit your skin. He pushed farther, his hips didn’t snap as hard so much as pushing as far as he could into you. As if he wished to become one with you.

These shallow thrusts had your head spinning and gasping for air. You whispered words of praise in his ear, mostly it was his name as a mantra. Shun enjoyed this intimate moment, it was a temporary break from what they always did, which was fuck like there was no tomorrow, not that you both enjoyed it, but it was a nice break nonetheless. He nibbled on your neck as he thrusted shallowly against you, slowing down his tempo was both infuriating and wonderful.

His hand which was once holding your hair traveled down between your bodies to massage your clit again, it was one of his go to techniques, seeing as your clit was by far one of the easiest ways to get you going. You mewled out your pleasure “Oh Shun!” His fingers were magic! You could feel the coils tightening once again. “Please!”

“Please what?” he teased, he increased the pressure, having your head lull back, gasping for breath. He began to increase the tempo in rhythm to his fingers, “I love it when you beg.”

“Please Shun, fuck me harder! Make me cum!” you whined, “I’m almost there! Please!” you lifted your hips to meet his own in a sloppy attempt to spur him on. Your fingers snaked their way down to join his own, but you cupped his balls again for a second. Your fingernails barely grazed the sensitive skin before he bucked his hips forward. While he loved you touching him, he wanted to bring you pleasure tonight. He pulled out almost completely before he plunged in completely, the headboard hit the wall when he did. A loud hit on the wall told the both of you that the occupant on the other side did not appreciate when you both were doing.

He surged forwards again, hitting your G-spot time and time again. His right hand grabbed your hip while his other hand left your clit to prop him up by your head. He growled as he heaved forward again, the slapping of skin was one of the most erotic sounds you ever knew, know that it was his skin slapping against your own. After a couple of thrusts the coils inside snapped as your vision went white from the pleasure. “SHUNICHIRO!” you screamed. Your walls clenched his cock, as he quickly attempted to find his release with you, he pulled out and quickly rid himself of the condom. His hands wrapped around his cock till he ejaculated over your stomach. He flopped down beside you as your hand rested over his chest, you could feel his rapid heartbeat and his labored breathing.

“T-that was amazing” you breathed out after a moment, trying to gather your thoughts. Shun smirked.

“…Are you ready for round two?”

#IM Shunichiro #shunichiro tachibana #Voltage #voltage fanfic #voltage otome

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sweetautumnwine · 4 years

Note

FIGHT ME

Drabble Prompts // Accepting // @inkspillsnotebook

Leave a “Fight Me” in my ask, and I will write a drabble about one character fighting with/or against another.

_______

With Zen absent, the castle was much quieter than usual. Shirayuki couldn’t say she preferred it, but the peaceful atmosphere was certainly more conducive to studying. Most days, she tended to the herbs, harvesting essential components to craft necessary concoctions, and spent the remainder of her time reading. She grew bored of the library with its dusty tomes, and she was even tired of the herbalist suite. In spare moments, she hunted for alternative but equally suitable locales.

Sunlit alcoves, garden benches, and unused quarters populated her list. But the best location Shirayuki found by far was a flat patio of pale stone, shielded by a domed overpass. Beyond the ornate flooring and down a few shallow steps was a private atrium wherein beautiful flowers resided, a small but tranquil pond bubbling at the center.

Shirayuki tucked herself into a recessed alcove, reclining with a book propped against her thighs. She flipped open to the dog-eared page on a passage regarding archaic treatments for blisters when the air seemed to change. It had been still and quiet with a light, occasional breeze rustling the bushes beyond the patio, but then came the metallic sweeping of metal and soft thuds that indicated repetitive contact.

Though she fully intended to resume reading, Shirayuki’s curiosity commanded her to rise. She tucked the book between her ribs and her elbow and trailed her free hand along the wall as she crept closer to where the sound had originated.

Her heart beat quickly in her throat. Though she certainly wasn’t an expert when it came to royal proceedings, she was certain that there were no training sessions today. In fact, with both Zen and Mitsuhide, as well as their small company, absent, there seemed little reason to hold a session. And yet, the sounds persisted; now that Shirayki had drawn closer, the metallic and dull noises came with occasional grunts and the sound of shuffling feet.

Taking in a deep breath, Shirayuki clutched her book to her chest as though it were a shield or talisman of protection, and once she’d cleared her head, she darted around the corner, her chin raised and shoulders pushed back.

There, sword frozen above her head, stood Kiki, bearing an uncommon expression. She blinked, and when she lowered her sword to her side, Shirayuki realized that her expression had been one of shock.

“I didn’t mean to disturb you,” Shirayuki said, bowing her head slightly to conceal the flush of her cheeks. She chastised herself for being so foolish and paranoid. “It’s always impressive how much time and effort you dedicate to your craft.”

Kiki swept the back of one hand across her forehead, brushing away a few strands of hair. “It’s my duty to be skilled. That’s all.”

Shirayuki smiled meekly. “Of course. I’ll be on my way, then.”

“I was feeling restless,” Kiki blurted before Shirayuki could turn away. “Sparring helps me clear my head. And it helps me stay ahead of the others.”

“I feel like you don’t need to try so hard to best them,” Shirayuki said with a kind smile. “It would take a miracle for anyone to surpass you.”

Though it was slight, Kiki’s appreciative smile spread warmth to Shirayuki and dispelled her worries for the moment. Kiki leaned against the nearest wall and cast her gaze toward the roof. “It’s not as lively without them.”

Shirayuki hummed in thought before taking up the spot beside Kiki, brushing her shoulder as she rested against the wall. “That’s true, but the peace and quiet is refreshing every once in a while.”

Kiki laughed, and Shirayuki found herself marveling at her profile. She knew Kiki was beautiful, of course; it would be difficult not to notice. But at times like these, when Kiki allowed herself to soften, Shirayuki would think that Kiki looked less like she was carved from marble and more like she had escaped the stone on her own, breathing life into her own limbs so that she might dance away.

She caught her thoughts wandering and shook her head to dismiss them, holding her book more tightly to ground herself. It did no good to idealize or romanticize Kiki. She had a role in this kingdom, as well as responsibilities and duty and honor. She was so much more than a pretty face.

When Kiki’s knuckles tapped against Shirayuki’s forehead, she yelped, raising a hand instinctively to protect herself. Kiki laughed again, more softly this time, and looked down at Shirayuki with clear fondness. “Since you’re here, what do you say?”

“Hm?” Shirayuki tilted her head and furrowed her brows. “I’m sorry, did I miss something?”

Kiki rolled her eyes and strolled away toward the opposite wall where she retrieved a pair of wooden blades. “I said training helps, but sparring takes two.”

Blanching, Shirayuki raised both hands before her face, realizing she’d dropped her book only when the spine hit the floor with a crack. She quickly bent to pick it up but kept one hand raised. “I’m not exactly a worthy opponent, Kiki. I’ve never really handled a sword at all.”

Kiki looked at the sword in her grasp and tossed it in the air, catching it by its “blade.” “I’ll go easy on you.”

Shirayuki pouted. “That’s not what I’m saying. I wouldn’t want you to.”

“You think you can beat me?”

“I’m not saying that, either!” Exasperated, Shirayuki sighed. “I just don’t think I stand a chance.”

Considering this, Kiki approached Shirayuki with the handle of one blade extended. “We’ll start slow. I’ll give you some pointers. And we’ll see if you can land a hit. It’s good to mix things up once in a while.”

Reluctantly, Shirayuki accepted the blade and found it to be lighter than expected. She tested its weight in both hands before settling with a firm grip. “But this isn’t anything new for you, is it? You’re used to training other people.”

“You’re right,” Kiki said, frowning. “Though they usually have some qualifications.”

“Hey!”

“I know,” she said, continuing as though Shirayuki hadn’t spoken. “In exchange for helping me with this, I’ll help you in the greenhouse.”

“You do that anyway,” Shirayuki said flatly. “Not that I’m complaining. But it’s hardly a bargaining piece when you’d help me if I asked on any other day.”

“Fair point. You can teach me about your work, then,” Kiki suggested. She didn’t seem unenthused, exactly, but the idea was certainly more lackluster in her eyes than the prospect of sword training. “Would that work?”

Shirayuki’s eyes were gleaming. “I’d love that. It’d help me solidify some of the things I’ve been looking into lately. And wouldn’t it be great if you picked up a thing or two? Even if you don’t have me around, you’d be able to take care of the others.”

At once, Kiki’s expression grew serious and thoughtful. “You make a good point. Then it’s settled. First, we train. Then, we study.”

“And at some point in there,” Shirayuki piped up, “we’ll get dinner, as well.”

“Of course.” Kiki stepped back, straightening her posture and adopting a relaxed grip on her wooden sword.

Though her fingers appeared loose, Shirayuki could tell from the tautness of her muscles that Kiki would rather die than let the weapon fall from her grasp. She swallowed at the sudden intensity Kiki exuded, but she couldn’t deny how excited she felt, too. From her flushed cheeks to her steady feet, Shirayuki felt both unprepared and delighted. Her loss was inevitable. Her only hope was that she could manage to surprise Kiki in some way and earn her praise.

Shirayuki swung the blade a few times to assess the movement. Each swing was clumsy and awkward, but the more she tried, the more natural the sensation became. As she practiced, she felt Kiki’s eyes on her and knew that her patience wouldn’t hold out much longer.

Standing up straight, Shirayuki extended a slightly bent elbow before her, brandishing her sword. “I’m ready.”

Kiki nodded. “Stand firm.”

With those simple words, Kiki surged forward. Her blade didn’t slash through the air so much as it glided, sweeping upward in a graceful arc from the stone patio toward the ceiling. Its path landed a blow near the hilt of Shirayuki’s sword, easily knocking it from her grasp and sending it skittering toward the courtyard.

Shirayuki blinked, then glanced at her hands to find them trembling. Kiki entered her field of vision by laying on hand atop Shirayuki’s open palms. She spoke softly, her eyes sincere. “Are you injured?”

But Shirayuki shook her head and smiled. “You’re incredible. Let me try again.”

Kiki didn’t have time to reply as Shirayuki raced to retrieve her weapon. She’d never had much fighting sense, and combat didn’t suit her. But sparring with Kiki lacked the threat of death and danger than any other situation would have had, and instead, it was populated with thrill and excitement and joviality. Above all, Shirayuki couldn’t help but hope that this experience might draw them closer together.

After Kiki knocked away Shirayuki’s sword twenty more times, Shirayuki doubled over to catch her breath. Sweat dappled her temples and collected at the base of her neck. Her face felt hot, and each exhale was heavy. Still, she reached for the sword.

Then, Kiki’s hands were on her shoulders, the blade discarded. “I think that’s enough.”

Shirayuki frowned. “But I’ve barely gotten used to it. You’ve beaten me the same way every time.”

“That’s not true,” Kiki corrected. “You tripped the one round and landed right on the sword.”

Feeling her ears burn, Shirayuki sighed, grateful that her pulse was already steadying. “I was hoping to accomplish something.”

“Like what?”

“I don’t know,” Shirayuki confessed. “Something surprising.”

Unexpectedly, Kiki’s palm cupped Shirayuki’s cheek and tilted her face upward. “You did.”

Frozen, Shirayuki gaped at her, eyes wide and lips parted. She found she couldn’t speak, as her breath remained caught in her throat.

“You surprised me,” Kiki elaborated, tucking some of Shirayuki’s hair behind her ear. “I knew you had spirit, but you really don’t know when to admit defeat, do you?”

Still stunned by the intimacy of the moment, Shirayuki swallowed. “I… I don’t know.”

“You wouldn’t give up even if the alternative was death,” Kiki said solemnly. The note of approval and admiration in her voice was enough to make Shirayuki shiver. “That’s something you can’t teach or train. You’re special, Shirayuki. We’ve all known that from the beginning, but you still manage to surprise me.”

Shirayuki brought up one hand to rest atop Kiki’s as it cradled her cheek. “I’m not sure how I should respond to that,” she confessed, resisting the urge to avert her eyes. “But I think I should say thank you.”

Kiki’s smile suggested that Shirayuki had made a good choice, and before she could say any more, Kiki withdrew to collect the weapons, sheathing her real sword and replacing the training ones. By the time she returned to Shirayuki’s side, Shirayuki had managed to cool off quite a bit.

“So,” Kiki said, looking radiant and unaffected by the training session, “shall we proceed to studying?”

Shirayuki shook her head. “I think we need some more rest first.”

Kiki placed a hand on her chest. “I’m feeling fine, Shirayuki. My mental acuity isn’t hindered by physical activity.”

“I’m not saying it for your sake,” Shirayuki said, sounding desperate. “I’m not quite sure how I’m still standing.”

Kiki’s laugh caused her to bend forward, her eyes squinting in delight. It was the most brazen display of emotion Shirayuki had ever seen from her, and she couldn’t help but become entranced. “Very well. Let’s rest.”

She extended an arm, and though Shirayuki blushed at the offer, she accepted it nonetheless. They departed in search of food and comfort, making idle conversation as they passed through the halls. When she thought Kiki wasn’t looking, Shirayuki rested her palm against her cheek, convinced she could still feel the subtle warmth of Kiki’s hand.

#inkspillsnotebook #this is over a year old holy shit #ive been slacking #anyway here's 2000 words of super subtle gay pining #it's been like two years since i watched snow white so this might be ooc but i tried #my work #drabble #akagami no shirayuki hime fic

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noona-clock · 5 years

Text

Confusion & Coincidences - Part 3

Genre: Regency!AU

Pairing: Yongguk x You

By Admin B

Part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

It had been a week since you’d finished reading Pride & Prejudice, and you were already itching to pick it up again. You had enjoyed it even more than Sense & Sensibility, and you hadn’t thought that at all possible!

But ever since turning the last page, the characters had stayed with you. You wondered what Lizzy and Darcy’s life was like now. They were most certainly happily married as their love for each other had blossomed so fully by the end of the story. But did they have children? Did Lizzy ever feel lonely in so enormous a manor as Pemberley? What about Lydia and Wickham? What about Jane and Bingley?! Kitty and Mary?! Charlotte and Mr. Collins?! Oh, god, what about poor Charlotte?

You were currently scribbling your thoughts down to your own cousin - thankfully, not one so repugnant as Mr. Collins - since she had written to you about purchasing the novel not too long ago. She had surely finished it by now, and since no one else you knew had read it, you were keen to discuss it with her.

Okay, that wasn’t entirely true. The Earl of Blackman had mentioned it during your extremely awkward run-in the other week.

But you weren’t about to seek him out to talk about it, now, were you?

“Y/N!” your mother called up the stairs, startling you so much that you scribbled a jagged line across half of your writing paper.

“Oh, drat!” you murmured as you hastily set your quill down and attempted to wipe it off (to no avail, obviously). “What, mama?!”

“Get dressed for an outing, my dear,” your mother replied.

“...An outing? Where are we going?”

“To pay a visit to Mr. Kim.” Her tone was one of exasperation as if you were supposed to have known this already.

“Mr. Kim? Whatever are we paying him a visit for?”

You heard her let out a sigh before she marched up the stairs, coming to stand in your bedroom doorway. “To see the Earl, of course.”

Your head jerked back in surprise, and you turned around to make sure your mother could see just how confused you were. “Why would we go see the Earl?!”

“Because I changed my mind. You have absolutely no prospects, and apparently, you have absolutely no desire to find yourself a husband. He’s our only option at the moment, and I am desperate.”

...Of course. You should have known.

“Mama, I am not going,” you stated with the simplest but utmost conviction. Because you weren’t!

You absolutely and completely and totally and utterly and vehemently refused to go.

So... tell me why you found yourself bouncing along the road in your family’s carriage not even an hour later. On your way to Mr. Kim’s estate.

Because your mother had a very specific talent for breaking you down. Mostly because she was stubborn and had a habit of continuing to bug you until you gave in.

Which is exactly what had happened tonight. You had refused to go, and your dear mama had kept saying ‘but I am desperate.’

‘You need to get married eventually.’

‘It’s not like you’ll be getting engaged tonight.’

‘It’s just a social visit!’

And then finally, ‘I’ll give you two pounds to buy as many books as you like.’

So, really, it was less of a talent for breaking you down and more of a talent for bribing you. Which worked almost every time.

What can you say? The prospect of a good book is a powerful thing.

When the carriage rolled to a halt in front of Mr. Kim’s stately manor, you followed your mother out, murmuring your ‘thanks’ to the footman who assisted you.

As it usually did when you were about to engage in social activity with anyone outside of your family (or Alice), your heart began to beat just a bit quicker. A knot of nerves formed in your stomach. Your palms became slightly wet, and you silently thanked the societal gods for the fact it was proper for ladies to wear gloves. Most of the time, you hated the restriction. But when they successfully hid your nervous, sweaty hands? They were most certainly a good thing.

You liked Mr. Kim, of course. He was always very friendly, and he never once made you feel uncomfortable. But you despised small talk, and all these social visits consisted of was small talk. It was really quite painful, and you had suffered through too many in your lifetime to count.

Mr. Kim’s butler escorted you and your mother into his drawing room. The man himself stood from his writing desk to greet you, a shining smile gracing his lips.

“Welcome, my dear ladies,” he said kindly. “Please, sit.”

He gestured to a sofa, and you followed your mother in perching politely on the edge. As much as you complained about your mother, you found you always somewhat copied her in these sorts of situations. She knew what she was doing, and she was just so comfortable talking about this and that and the weather.

At a ball, it was much too easy to get lost in the crowd of people and not worry about someone noticing you weren’t socializing or dancing (though the Earl had done a fine job dispelling that notion...). But when you called on someone like this? When it was just you and the other person, sitting across from each other? There was no way to hide.

“To what do I owe the pleasure?” Mr. Kim asked with slightly raised eyebrows.

“Oh, we were just in the neighborhood, and my dear Y/N brought up that we haven’t seen you since the ball!”

Okay, well, that was just not true. But your mother knew what she was doing, so you simply grinned.

“That’s right! What a delightful ball it was, don’t you think?”

“Oh, very much!”

The two of them jabbered on about the ball, discussing the refreshments and the music and the dances and everything which made you want to curl up into a ball and cast the world away.

“Although my cousin didn’t really seem to enjoy himself, but that can’t be helped.”

You could feel your mother’s posture straighten. “Oh, that’s right! Your cousin was there, was he not? Well, why could it not have been helped? He doesn’t enjoy balls?”

“No,” Mr. Kim chuckled. “He’s quite a shy fellow. Doesn’t really like to meet new people, and he doesn’t dance if he can help it.”

Your mother reached out her hand and set it on your knee, patting you there gently. “Sounds familiar to me,” she said with a barely hidden sigh.

“You know, the two of you are actually quite similar,” Mr. Kim pointed out after turning his gaze on you. “You would probably get along swimmingly!”

Oh, great. That’s the last thing your mother needed to hear.

The words ‘I highly doubt that’ almost escaped your lips, but you held back, simply pulling your lips into a slight grin and nodding your head.

“Where is the Earl?” your mother asked. You had to applaud her for how casually she spoke because you knew she was dying on the inside. “We didn’t get a chance to really converse with him at the ball, I would love to get to know him a little better.”

“Ah,” Mr. Kim said with a disappointed sigh. “Regretfully, he has gone back to London. He was only here for a brief visit. It appears he prefers the bustling city over the serene countryside.”

“Well, that doesn’t make sense!” your mother laughed. “If he does not care to socialize, why live in a city surrounded by people?!”

“I suppose we could say the same thing about us,” Mr. Kim laughed. “Just the opposite.”

“Ah, yes, you are right. How clever you are, Mr. Kim!”

As the two of them rattled on and on, you couldn’t stop your brain from wandering. The mention of the Earl going back to London had sparked another connection in your brain.

You thought of when Mr. Bingley suddenly went back to London in Pride & Prejudice. Of course, he had gone because his sisters forced him to. They had surmised he was falling in love with Jane Bennet and wanted to destroy any chance of the two engaging in a romantic relationship.

This was, obviously, not the reason the Earl had left. In the book, Jane was over halfway in love with Mr. Bingley and so was disappointed to find out he was no longer residing at Netherfield in Hertfordshire. You were certainly not halfway in love with the Earl; you had spoken to him once! You barely knew him at all!

...But, still. It was a little odd.

As one would expect, you thought about what happened after Jane and Lizzy found out Mr. Bingley had left for London. To be quite honest, you’d sped through the book so eagerly, the timeline got a bit jumbled up. You were fairly certain you remembered, but you wanted to be sure.

You sat on Mr. Kim’s sofa as politely as you could, trying your best not to fidget and contributing to the conversation with at least a hint of thoughtfulness.

But you let out the most relieved, inward sigh when your mother announced you had better be on your way.

You nodded your head and dipped into a small curtsy, thanking Mr. Kim for his time before following your mother out to the carriage.

As soon as its wheels halted in front of your home, you practically leaped down to the ground and strode inside.

After springing up the stairs and locating your book, you flipped through until you found the chapter relaying Mr. Bingley’s departure. Your eyes flew across the page until the words jogged your memory.

Of course! After learning that Mr. Bingley was now in London, the Bennets decided to ship Jane off to London, as well, to spend some time with her aunt and uncle.

Well, that was good news. There was no way you would be going to London just because the Earl was there. Your mother didn’t actually believe you stood a chance with him, surely. It would be a colossal waste of time to send you to London seeing as she had no idea you’d spoken to the Earl; as far as she knew, you’d met him at the ball and so ended your acquaintance.

Yet another relieved sigh escaped your lips as you set your book down and flopped back onto your bed. This anonymous female author could write a good story, but she wasn’t writing your story. You were most decidedly not going to London.

Your mother appeared suddenly in your doorway, popping her head in and advising you to call on your handmaid to pack your trunk.

“Pack my trunk for what?” you asked.

She replied without missing a beat.

“We’re going to London.”

Part 4

168 notes · View notes

coffeeandyoongi · 6 years

Text

BTS reaction: love at first sight when they see you in a fansign.

Request from anonymous: Can you do maybe like a reaction to BTS feeling love at first sight when they see the reader in a fansign ? I love your work btw. ❤️

Request from anonymous: Can I request a bts reaction to you being a really pretty fan at a fansign?

Seokjin:

The very first time he had ever been speechless was when you kneeled in front of him, with the table separating you two.

You were too beautiful to be real. He couldn’t bring himself to say it.

You gave him a little notebook and asked him to sign it. Seokjin looked at you in awe and then looked down, catching your hand with his gaze.

Would it be bad if he accidentally brushed his fingers with yours?

He took the notebook avoiding any physical contact with you and tried to hide his face behind the pages as he pretended to focus on his writing. The truth was that he stole a glance of you before giving you back the little book. You held it so tightly, against your chest with a dreamy smile. Seokjin couldn’t help to stare at your face.

“I hope you get to come again next time,” he said out of the blue. “I’ll be waiting to see you, okay?”

Yoongi:

You caught him by surprise. He was really tired because he hadn’t got a lot of sleep the previous night. His eyelids were too heavy, and the coffee certainly didn’t help at all in the morning.

A little note was set in front of him. It said, “what do you think of me?” Yoongi frowned and raised his gaze. You instantly blushed. It was pretty. Not because you were attractive (which you totally were), but because you never broke the visual contact with him. Refreshing was the word he was looking for.

“Pretty eyes, looking back at me,” he wrote.

Without a word, he gave you the note back and nodded towards the yellow paper so you read it. When you looked up after reading what he had replied he shrugged.

“You’re a pretty sight. It’s nice to find you staring right back at me,” he said with a shy smirk.

Hoseok:

His cheeks hurt from smiling so much. Your smile was so contagious he couldn’t help but mirror your actions.

Hoseok liked so much watching you laugh and giggle. Your eyes would turn into crescent moons and shine so much. He felt fuzzy and warm inside, like a bubbly sensation. He didn’t want it to stop. It was like he was about to burst out of happiness.

He felt his hand slipping through the table to get to yours by themselves. He didn’t stop them and when they finally got to your fingers, he squeezed softly wanting you to feel his warmth.

“If I compliment your smile, would you keep doing it?” He blurted out.

Namjoon:

It was actually awkward when he first saw you. You sat in front of him with your notebook ready for him to sign. You handed it to him and he took it, staring at you.

You patiently waited for him to read your note, but he didn’t look at it. He forgot about it, lost in his thoughts. He wondered how many eyelashes you had got and how many little starts shinned in your cheeks. You were mesmerizing and he would’ve said it forwardly, but his tongue got stuck when you smiled at him. His chest tickled a little and he shook his head slightly.

He tried to talk to you so you would, with a little luck, slip a few details from your life because he wanted to get to know you but he ended up staring at the way your lips moved. His ears were buzzing. He didn’t know if that was because of you or because of all the excitement of the fansign.

“Let’s meet again soon, okay? I’m looking forward to it,” he managed to say as you waved goodbye.

Taehyung:

He made sure to sign everything you had given to him as fast as he could just so he could spend a little more time chatting with you.

Everytime you focused on his face, he would smile widely, knowing very well how much you would like it. It was even more delightful when you smiled right back at him. He could see your cheeks turning pink and then furious red as he cooed at you for being so cute.

He even thought about keeping you a little more with him, only little bit more, but decided against it, thinking about how unfair it would be for the rest of the fans. Finally, he let go of your hands and waved at you with a big smile.

“I’ll be looking for you next time!”

Jimin:

He truly tried to focus. You were right across the table, talking about something Jimin had no idea what it was, but he still nodded, dumbfounded. Not that you would notice how lost he was. You were too shy to look at him in the eye, so you proceeded to speak staring at the ceiling.

Jimin scarcely recalled you telling him something about how you couldn’t stop talking whenever you were nervous. It was true. Not that he was complaining.

Your lips looked so soft under Jimin’s eyes and he noticed how your dimples would appear every now and then, more often than not. He could stare at them all day if you just let him.

Yes, it was true that Jimin wasn’t sure what you were talking about, but the melody of your voice didn’t escape him. He was hanging on every little note your sweet voice struck. Little giggles would sometimes break the harmony in the most beautiful way possible.

“Your voice is so pretty,” Jimin sighed with his chin in the palm of his hands. You stopped talking, now embarrassed. “No, no. Keep talking.”

Jungkook:

The way your eyes found his, and then returned to your fingers playing over the table was something he soon recognized as a sign of embarrassment. He fought the impulse of holding your hands because he knew that would only make it harder for you. Oh, but how much he wanted to.

You looked so small and out of your comfort zone. You tried to hide behind your hair when he smiled at you. He couldn’t help it. You looked so pretty, even when you were nervous.

He made sure to listen to every word you had to say and avoid looking at your eyes so you wouldn’t get flustered and stop talking. He enjoyed listening to you. Your voice was sweet and it just silenced all the noise from the room.

If he was honest, he felt a little nervous as well. He played it off by writing on the notebook you gave him. He wrote a little heart at the end of his sign.

“It’s a pity. We’re right in front of each other and we can’t even look each other in the eye.”

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almostafantasia · 6 years

Text

life’s incredible again

Clexa Week Day 5 - Rivals in a Secret Relationship

Every city needs a superhero. This city has two.

Fierce rivals by day and lovers by night, Clarke and Lexa learn the struggles of leading a double life, particularly when it becomes impossible to stop their personal and professional lives from becoming entangled.

Read on AO3.

It’s one of the best feelings in the world.

At the speed that Clarke hurtles through the sky, the wind in her face is strong, striking her skin with a surprising numbness. Yet it’s only a shock for the first ten seconds of high altitude flight, after that it’s a refreshing rush in her face, pushing her hair out of her eyes so that it flickers in tandem with the deep blue cape that billows out behind her, fluttering rhythmically as she flies.

The world below Clarke manages to be both huge and tiny at the same time. Huge, because from up here the land stretches out seemingly infinitely, expanses of open fields and distant mountain ranges beyond the familiar skyline of the city that she calls home. And yet tiny, because the details below her are so comparatively miniscule from such an altitude – skyscrapers that would tower above her in the streets are so small that she could fit ten of them in the palm of her hand, lines of traffic pass along the roads like trains of ants marching back to their nest. It’s an eye-opening perspective into Planet Earth and Clarke loves it.

Flying is every bit as really fucking awesome as it sounds and Clarke is two hundred percent certain that she’ll never tire of it. Every flight feels just like the first one; exciting, exhilarating, and like Clarke is the star of her very own action movie. Contrary to popular belief, not every hero is blessed with the ability to fly – Clarke is just eternally grateful that she’s one of the ones who is because not only is it the most convenient mode of transport, but she looks wicked cool whilst doing it.

She hasn’t always been quite so adept at flying though. In fact, it took weeks, if not months to nail the perfect landing. Clarke still cringes internally every time she recalls her first ever public flight. The way that she mistimed the touchdown and oh-so-spectacularly crashed into a wall in front of about a billion photographers is almost certainly going to keep Clarke awake at night for years to come. Clarke’s superhero powers might stop her from getting any serious physical bruising but they do nothing to prevent the damage to her ego.

The newspaper headlines the following morning had been something else entirely. Clarke wanted to scream in rage when she saw them – she saved the lives of two young children that day, for Christ’s sake, and yet the front page of every major newspaper was emblazoned with a high definition photograph of her mid-crash, accompanied by a headline that inevitably ridiculed the absence of a heroic entrance.

And no matter how much Raven tries to convince her otherwise, being known as the girl who fell from the sky isn’t good for her superhero street cred.

“It could be your thing!” Raven insists.

“It’s not a thing!” Clarke protests with a whine, burying her face in her hands and once again dying a little bit inside as she recalls her collision with a wall and wishes she’d taken the time to practice a stylish landing before jetting out to save the world for the first time.

“No, hear me out,” says Raven “This is good.”

The look on Raven’s face, the wide eyes that tell Clarke that Raven is spouting her ridiculous ideas aloud right as they appear in her head, is enough for Clarke to know that what Raven has to tell her will be anything but good.

Rolling her eyes in anticipation of what will inevitably be a load of total crap, Clarke indulges Raven anyway.

“What?”

“Okay,” Raven says with a worrying amount of enthusiasm, “but what if you make a thing out of crashing in unexpectedly to bust the villains. Like you drop in through the ceiling and then when the dust from the rubble has cleared, you say ‘sorry about the mess’ and then bam! Arrested! Villainy over.”

Clarke has no words, rendered speechless from the pure insanity of the words leaving Raven’s mouth.

“Do you know what that is?” Raven asks, bright-eyed, when Clarke gives her suggestion no verbal response.

“It’s stupid,” Clarke answers without hesitation.

“Badass!” Raven corrects her enthusiastically. “It’s badass, Clarke. Do you want to be swept under the rug with every other hero or do you want to be iconic?”

“The girl who fell from the sky, Raven,” Clarke says with a whine. “I can’t be that hero. It’s way too Hunger Games to be credible.”

“Skygirl,” Raven suggests, bright-eyed and full of an enthusiasm that Clarke finds herself unable to mirror. “Come on, that sounds cool and you know it.”

And thus, Skygirl is born.

It’s one of the worst feelings in the world.

Clarke arrives at the scene of a major bank robbery that Raven tipped her off about to find that the day has already been saved by another superhero. The road is blocked with almost half a dozen police cars and the sidewalk outside the bank is crowded – emergency personnel including a squad of men with riot shields and heavy rifles strapped to their sides, reporters trying to force their way closer despite the bulky camera equipment that each team has, curious passers-by wondering what is causing the interruption to their perfectly ordinary lives.

Yet despite the crowds outside the bank, Clarke only notices one person. The red cape of the Commander amidst the reporters clamouring for the perfect front page headline has Clarke’s insides twisting in an unsettling mixture of disappointment and anger.

“Raven,” Clarke hisses, pressing the button on the tiny piece of technology concealed inside her ear to activate it.

After a couple of seconds, Raven’s familiar voice crackles through the earpiece.

“This is The Raven to Skygirl. What’s up?”

“Putting ‘the’ in front of your own name doesn’t make it a code name,” Clarke reminds Raven dismissively, before she launches into the reason why she requested her assistant’s presence in her ear. “But what the hell, Raven? I’m not the first one here. What went wrong?”

“What went wrong?” Raven parrots back, incredulity in her voice. “The situation has been sorted, right?”

“Well yes, but…”

“Then nothing went wrong,” Raven interrupts Clarke’s complaints with a sense of finality and a so-done-with-your-bullshit edge to her tone.

“But it wasn’t me who saved the day,” Clarke whines in an attempt to gain some sympathy, despite the futility of arguing against Raven. “The Commander…”

“And there it is,” says Raven. “The Commander.”

Clarke’s insides lurch with guilt. She can face off against any number of villains, and yet her biggest rival always seems to be the one person who has exactly the same goals as her – to keep this city as safe and as crimeless as possible.

Feuds between superheroes never end well. Just last year there was a huge scandal that decorated the headlines for weeks when a rivalry in a neighbouring city became so out of control that the two heroes involved ended up putting more lives at risk than they were saving. Clarke likes to think that she would never be self-absorbed enough to let things between Skygirl and the Commander get quite that bad – for a start, neither of them has a fragile male ego to escalate the contention between them – but she knows why Raven is warning her all the same.

Clarke’s pride, however, is an ugly creature that sucks the life out of anything positive in the face of a defeat such as this. She can feel it now, slowly crawling out from hibernation and enveloping every fibre of her being like a cloud of dark fog, crackling with negative energy and draining her brain of all humility and common sense.

“She got here first, Raven,” Clarke complains, even against all her better judgement. “Not only is this a complete waste of my time, but I have to suffer through the knowledge that she is the hero today. If only it was heroic to wipe that smug smile off her face with my fist.”

“Clarke…” Raven cautions her, the harshness of her warning in Clarke’s ear causing Clarke to wince.

“I don’t understand it,” Clarke continues to whine, even despite the warnings coming from both her assistant and the rational part of her own brain. “She can’t even fly. How the hell is that stupid ass car of hers faster than flying?”

“Clarke, just put on a smile and…” Raven pauses and lets out a huff of breath, before she continues, “… get yourself out of there before you do something stupid that will do much more damage to your reputation than being beaten to the scene of the crime by another hero.”

“Too late,” Clarke mumbles, pressing the button on the earpiece to mute herself and mentally preparing herself for what is about to come when she spots a familiar figure striding in her direction, dressed in all black with the exception of the crimson cape that hangs majestically from one shoulder.

“Skygirl,” the newcomer greets her with a nod.

“Commander,” Clarke responds through clenched teeth. “Congratulations.”

Clarke isn’t sure what is more infuriating to her, the Commander’s nonchalant shrug or the words that leave her mouth next, clearly intended to rile Clarke up.

“Just another day at work,” the Commander says indifferently. “I do what I can for my people.”

“Your people?” Clarke scoffs, unable to stop herself from commenting on the pretentiousness of the Commander’s words.

“My people, your people, the people of this city,” shrugs the Commander. “Whatever you want to call them. When they need a hero, I’m here to serve them.”

Clarke narrows her eyes, ignoring the persistent beeping in her ear that lets her know that Raven is still desperately trying to speak with her so that she can give the Commander her full attention.

“It was just a bank robbery,” she attempt to diminish the Commander’s accomplishment today. “It’s not like there were any lives actually in danger.”

“Say that to the man who got shot in the leg while the robbers made their escape,” the Commander replies without even a moment of hesitation, unaffected by Clarke’s scornful words. “And just a bank robbery was an attempt to steal almost thirty million dollars. If they had been successful, that would have been the biggest bank robbery that this city has ever seen.”

With a smile of blatantly forced politeness, Clarke replies snidely, “What a good job you were here to save the day.”

Either the Commander doesn’t pick up on the sarcasm in Clarke’s voice, or she just chooses to be the better person and ignore it – Clarke resents her even more if the latter is true – because she does nothing but shrug modestly as she takes a couple of steps back.

“I guess so,” she agrees. “See you later, Skygirl.”

Ignoring the flash of the cameras pointed at her from where the press huddle in a group on the sidewalk, the Commander returns to her vehicle, a flashy black sports car with doors that open upwards instead of out, an unnecessary number of vents and spoilers and a slightly off-centre red stripe that spans the length of the car that is just as obnoxious as the vehicle’s owner.

Finally choosing to no longer ignore the beeping in her ear, Clarke turns her earpiece back onto its normal setting and doesn’t even wait for half a second before growling her complaints to Raven.

“I hope you’re proud of me. I was this close to punching her.”

“Careful, Clarke,” says Raven, making no attempt to hide her huff of irritation. “The girl who fell from the sky is probably only one negative headline away from ruination.”

“I know,” agrees Clarke, “and that’s why I kept my hands to myself.”

Even as she says the words, Clarke finds herself rolling her eyes as the engine of the black and red sports car starts up, revving loudly a couple of times, before the car zips away down the road in the blink of an eye, almost wishing that her fist had found its home in the warpaint adorned face of her rival.

“The biggest attempted bank robbery this city has ever seen,” she whines for Raven’s benefit, recalling the Commander’s earlier words. “Why couldn’t it have been me who got there first?”

“We’ll get the next one, I promise,” says Raven’s assuring voice in her ear.

Clarke is almost certain that always arriving second to the scene will be just as damning for her reputation as punching another superhero in the face.

“We’d better!”

In her twenty four years of life, and particularly in the last eight months of carrying the burdens of the city on her shoulder, Clarke has come to learn that one of the best ways to deal with a bad day is to take up residence in a dark corner of a bar and drown her sadness in a drink or several.

One drink allows her to be sullen and disheartened by the day’s loss, two gives her an excuse for cursing like a sailor and badmouthing the villain who has wronged her, three takes her mind off the thing that’s getting her down. Four drinks are often enough to get Clarke up on her feet and dancing to forget her troubles.

Tonight Clarke is only on her first drink – a pint of dark ale with a taste as bitter as Clarke’s feelings of resentment for her rival hero. The lighting in the bar isn’t quite gloomy enough to reflect her mood – it’s not late enough in the night for the proprietor to turn the lights down properly yet – but Clarke uses the beer in her hand as a barrier between herself and the rest of the room. Her body is slumped back against the bench in the booth that she occupies with two of her best friends, blocking out their conversations as she takes sip after meagre sip, each one accompanied by a grimace at the taste of the ale that Clarke isn’t entirely sure she even likes.

At the risk of being melodramatic, Clarke decides that today may have been one of her worst defeats as a superhero – perhaps almost worse than losing to the bad guys themselves. (Deep down, Clarke knows that isn’t true, but her ego still aches from the battering it received at the hands of the Commander and her offensively flashy sports car and so the humiliation feels infinitely worse than any of her previous failures.)

“Hey, Sulkface!”

Clarke is snatched roughly out of her own crippling self-pity by the way that Raven aggressively snaps her fingers in front of Clarke’s face, forcing her to pay attention to her surroundings instead of wallowing in the defeat she faced earlier today.

“Are you going to participate in the conversations or are you just going to sulk in a corner and make us regret bringing you along with us?” Raven asks her, one of her eyebrows quirked up in a judgemental arch.

“What’s the matter?” asks Octavia, placing her drink down on the table that the three of them are seated around and leaning on one of her elbows to frown across at Clarke.

“She realised that she’s only a second rate hero,” Raven unhelpfully interjects, rolling her eyes.

“Excuse me?” Clarke exclaims, raising her voice and accompanying her verbal retaliation with a sharp kick under the table aimed at Raven’s shin and taking a small amount of joy from the yelp of pain that Raven lets out. “I’m a first rate hero, you’re a second rate assistant.” Pointing an accusatory finger in Raven’s direction, Clarke continues, “You didn’t call me soon enough. You didn’t make my suit aerodynamic enough.”

“Your suit is aerodynamic enough,” Raven bickers back, leaning back in her seat and folding her arms across her chest in indignance. “And there’s nothing I can do if somebody else gets there before you do.”

They sulk on opposite sides of the table, Octavia the awkward third party with her eyes flickering between Raven’s folded arms and Clarke, who picks up her glass and passive-aggressively takes a gulp of the dark liquid within. When neither of them says anything – and when Octavia lets out a disapproving sigh at their childish behaviour – Clarke realises that maybe she was a little too harsh with her words and concedes.

“I know,” she admits reluctantly, placing her empty glass back down on the table and looking up at Raven. “I’m sorry. It’s just … it has to be her, doesn’t it? Always having to prove that she’s better than I am.”

Accepting Clarke’s verbal olive branch, Raven’s mouth turns up at the corners almost imperceptibly and says, “I bet she doesn’t fly into walls with as much style as you do.”

Clarke flops backwards, her head falling against the wall behind her chair as she lets out a pained groan in response to Raven’s little dig. The animosity between them is replaced with playful teasing that Clarke has grown to love in her relationship with her two best friends.

“God,” Clarke whines, as Raven and Octavia share a look and some barely concealed laughter between them. “that was one time.”

Octavia reaches across with both hands and uses the index finger of each to push at the soft skin of Clarke’s cheeks, forcing her lips up into a smile.

“Cheer up, Clarke,” she says, undeterred by the way that Clarke whines and wriggles and slaps at the hands on her face. “You’ve got a date tonight.”

“Ugh,” Clarke groans, falling back in her chair as Octavia’s hands finally relinquish their attack on her face. “Don’t remind me. I hate first dates.”

“But,” Raven interjects, raising a single finger to emphasise her point, “you know what you do like?” Raven looks across to Octavia and then answers her own question as if the answer is obvious. “Sex. And what do first dates sometimes lead to?”

“Sex,” Octavia answers without hesitation, nodding along with Raven. She adds matter-of-factly, “You’ve been going through a dry spell recently Clarke. Maybe this date will be good for you.”

Pouting, Clarke replies abjectly, “Four months is not a dry spell.”

Raven and Octavia share a glance of wide-eyed incredulity as if to say oh yes it is, before Raven mumbles under her breath, “Maybe for you it’s not.”

If Raven and Octavia are trying to bring Clarke out of her sulk and encourage her to join in with their conversations with any kind of genuine enthusiasm, they’re doing an awful job. Clarke only ends up feeling sorrier for herself, taking another mournful swig from her glass at the reminder that her personal life is about as successful as her recent heroic endeavours.

Clarke’s lack of a verbal response is as good of a concession as her actually admitting aloud that Raven is right. Clarke pointedly ignores the grin that is shared between the two girls opposite her, desperately hoping that they will take this small victory and leave it at that. Her hope is misguided however – Clarke should really know after so many years of tight friendship that these two will never pass up an opportunity for a little harmless teasing at Clarke’s expense.

“Tonight could be the night, Clarke!” Raven says enthusiastically, leaning across the table with both elbows propped up on the dark wood as she gives Clarke a look of bright-eyed glee.

“Oh yeah,” comes Octavia’s equally unhelpful contribution. “Tonight Clarke is gonna be getting some!”

“Clarke? Hi!”

As a shadow falls over their table, Clarke propels both of her legs outward, the toe of her shoe colliding with the front of her friends’ legs, and feels only a tiny bit guilty about the fact that Raven is probably going to wake up tomorrow morning with a littering of purple bruises down her shins courtesy of Clarke. It has the desired effect – both Raven and Octavia stop with the raucous teasing and the crude hand gestures and fall quiet with just a few soft murmurings of discomfort as they rub the sore spots where Clarke has kicked them.

“Lexa,” Clarke says enthusiastically, her sullen mood from just seconds ago forgotten and replaced, jumping to her feet and greeting her date with a slightly awkward one-armed hug. “It’s so nice to see you! I promise I don’t know these two hooligans at all. Anything you might have overheard them saying is entirely untrue.”

“I didn’t hear anything,” Lexa assures her with an honest smile. Gesturing towards the bar, she asks, “Shall we?”

Clarke nods and lets Lexa lead her over to the bar, ignoring Raven’s shout after her of, “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!”

Clarke takes a deep breath to compose herself, unsure where the nerves that twist and clench at her insides have come from so suddenly. Barely even a minute ago she was unaffected by the prospect of tonight’s date, cataloguing it in her mind as nothing more than a waste of an evening that could otherwise be spent in the comfort of her own bed with a bag of chips and her Netflix account, but with her date for the evening standing beside her – her totally gorgeous date who is without a doubt completely out of Clarke’s league – Clarke is grateful, for the first time, for her past self’s impulsive decision to say yes when Lexa asked her out.

Clarke takes in her date’s appearance, from the sheer white top that hangs loosely from her shoulders to the black skinny jeans that flatter her long legs. Lexa’s hair is effortlessly brushed over one shoulder so that the deep brown curls tumble down one side and her makeup is understated, a slight smoky eye that makes the green of her irises pop with colour, even in the dim light of the bar.

“You look great tonight,” Clarke compliments her.

“Thanks, so do you,” Lexa replies with a smile. Reaching into the small black purse that hangs from her shoulder, Lexa pulls out a wallet and leans on the wooden countertop of the bar, then asks, “Can I buy you a drink?”

Clarke fumbles around for her own wallet in protest, saying as she does so, “It’s fine, I can pay for…”

“No, I insist,” Lexa tells her, placing a gentle hand on Clarke’s arm to stop her from continuing the search for her own money. “Please, I’m trying to be charming and I probably can’t do that with conversation alone when I’m this nervous! You can buy the next drink. What will you have?”

Clarke reluctantly concedes defeat and picks up the cocktail menu that sits on the bar in front of them. She browses for just a few seconds, angling the menu so that Lexa can take a look for herself, then points at her order.

“Two mojitos, please,” Lexa tells the bartender, who starts mixing their drinks with a nod.

“Thanks,” Clarke mumbles gratefully. With the barest hint of a teasing smile beginning to form on her lips, she nudges Lexa softly and says, “Who says I’m not going to flee before we get to a second drink?”

Lexa doesn’t answer immediately – with the arrival of their drinks on the bar, she spends a few moments exchanging the right amount of cash with the bartender, then picks up her own glass and nods for Clarke to do the same before she speaks again.

“So I have however long it takes for you to finish this drink to convince you to stay for another one?” she asks Clarke, raising the glass to her face and taking a small sip through the straw. “Challenge accepted.”

As Lexa points to an empty booth across the room, thankfully one that is far away from where Octavia and Raven still sit, their eyes on Clarke as they avidly watch her every move, Clarke smiles to herself and tells Lexa, “Then you need to act fast. You should know that I used to be something of a drinking champion. At college I could down a beer in seven seconds.”

Lexa’s face, as they take their new seats opposite each other at the secluded table in the far corner, expresses a mixture of awe and amusement.

“Wow.”

Realising what she’s just said – and who she’s just admitted that to – Clarke feels her cheeks reddening. The warm air in the bar, nor the alcohol in her system from the drink she’s already shared with Raven and Octavia, does nothing to help as her cheeks burn in embarrassment.

“I’m sorry, that’s not the kind of thing I should be admitting on a first date,” she attempts to redeem herself, not quite able to look Lexa in the eye out of fear that she might see proof that she’s scared her date off already are mere minutes together. “I tend to babble when I’m nervous.”

Unperturbed and with a hint of a joke in her voice, Lexa doesn’t even hesitate before saying, “Maybe you’ll scare me away before you have the chance to buy that second drink.”

Clarke feels her entire body relax at Lexa’s words. She reaches out for her cocktail, fingers curling around the glass and slipping ever so slightly in the condensation formed by the cool liquid inside, raising the straw to her lips and taking a sip. It’s a pleasant contrast to the heat that burns in her cheeks, a cooling sensation that is more than welcome.

“I hope not!” Clarke responds. “I promise, that’s not my plan tonight.”

Lexa leans one elbow on the table, looking at Clarke with glinting green eyes from beneath long lashes as she lowers her voice and asks, “So what is your plan?”

She wraps her lips around the straw protruding from her drink, and Clarke forgets how to breathe as she watches Lexa’s cheeks hollow in a visual that Clarke didn’t realise she’d be attracted to until she saw it in front of her. Her mind straying to places she’s pretty sure are supposed to be forbidden this early on a first date, Clarke is finally grateful for the blush that already taints her cheeks, hiding the fresh embarrassment that accompanies her thoughts.

“I’m not sure there is a plan,” Clarke confesses. Gripping the edge of the table to tether herself to reality, she continues, “But I’d like to make a good impression on you.” Clarke looks up at Lexa with a hint of mischief in her eyes, and then adds, “Which is why you should know that I have absolutely never downed an entire beer in one go.”

Lexa tips her head back and laughs, a delicate burst of laughter that seems to radiate euphoria. Clarke decides that it’s one of the most beautiful sounds she’s ever heard, unexpectedly soft and yet it warms Clarke right to her soul and fills her with a desire – no, a need – to hear that same sound over and over again.

Her eyes full of intrigue, Lexa asks Clarke, “And if I’m into the beer guzzling types?”

Clarke can’t do anything to stop the grin that spreads across her face as she quips back, “Then maybe you’re on a date with the right girl.”

“So,” says Lexa, a smile pulling at her own lips. “Drinking champion. What else do I need to know about you before I commit to that second drink?”

“Let me see,” says Clarke, feigning deep concentration as she starts to list things off by counting on her fingers. “I’m a cocaine addict. I steal money from the homeless.” She grins across at Lexa to reinforce the fact that she’s joking, as if it isn’t already abundantly clear, then adds, “Oh, and I voted for Trump!”

Unperturbed, Lexa doesn’t hesitate for even a fraction of a second before completing Clarke’s list with one of her own, “And you use comedy as a defence mechanism when somebody tries to get close to you.”

The smile falls off Clarke’s face as suddenly as a lead weight falling to the ground. Taken aback by Lexa’s terrifyingly accurate assessment of the situation, it takes Clarke a good few seconds to regain her composure enough to give her response.

“Well, shit,” she says, guiltily dropping her gaze as she finds herself unable to make eye contact with the girl across from her. “Am I that easy to read?”

“I took a Psychology elective in my freshman year of college and now I half-think I’m qualified to be some kind of therapist,” Lexa shrugs. “But I’m serious, I want to get to know you. The real you.”

Clarke dares to glance up at Lexa and is met with a stare of the utmost honesty, so intense that she almost feels like there is something passing between them. Clarke is struck by thoughts of capes and masks and saving the world and her heart does a little flip in her chest that she’s not entirely convinced is caused by butterflies alone. She wonders just how much of her Lexa wants to get to know, or if she’s talking about the Skygirl persona too.

And she knows that Lexa feels it too, because Lexa’s gaze falters and a moment of weakness passes between them, and Clarke wonders for the first time if maybe going on this date is a terrible idea after all.

Clarke is used to saving people every day but it is Lexa who saves the conversation, reaching across the table and taking Clarke’s fingers in her own. She gives the digits a little squeeze, leaning a little bit closer to Clarke as she says ever so softly, “I want to see if I’m as attracted to what’s going on up there as I am to what I see on the outside.”

“Flatterer.”

“Please? I’m serious.”

Clarke can stop villains from doing heinous things, she can rescue people from inside burning buildings that threaten to creak and crumble to the ground or pull them from the twisted wreck of an automobile accident without even thinking twice, but she will never ever be able to save herself from the inescapable magnetism of a beautiful girl holding her hand and looking at her with those earnest eyes that could hold an entire galaxy in their depth.

“Okay,” Clarke says, taking a deep breath to steady her thoughts. “So I grew up in New York. The state not the city…”

There isn’t even a question in Clarke’s mind about a second drink when the time comes. She finishes her first far too quickly to be satisfied with just the one, so enraptured by her date and the conversations they share that she’s pretty sure a continuation of this date beyond the first drink is as much of a necessity for her survival as the oxygen that she breathes into her lungs.

Clarke makes the offer when both of their glasses are empty and she exhales in relief when Lexa agrees almost immediately; her only hesitation is a quick joke about Clarke having not quite scared her away completely yet.

They dance around the subject of work with ease. Like a stream winding its way down the mountainside, gradually gaining momentum as it travels further away from its source, the conversation keeps going with each twist, flowing effortlessly from the topics of school and family and favourite things, right down to who they would cast as themselves in a movie about their own life – Kate McKinnon for Clarke and Daisy Ridley for Lexa. There’s no need to talk about work when they could quite easily talk all night, and perhaps every other night for the rest of the month, without even getting close to exhausting the conversation of other subject matter.

There is just the tiniest amount of unease in Clarke’s stomach though. It feels like they should maybe at least acknowledge it, even for just a second before moving on, a quick hey I’m a superhero and I know that you are too and yes, maybe I raged a little bit earlier today when you stole my glory but how about we agree to another date?

When Lexa excuses herself to go and use the bathroom after drink number two, Clarke finally lets herself relax a little bit and slouches against the back of her seat. She reaches for her phone for the first time all evening, surprised when the screen lights up to tell her that the date that has raced past and felt like a mere twenty minutes or so, has actually been going on for almost an hour and a half.

The grin that she’s trying – and failing – to fight back, gets wiped off her faced with an unpleasant abruptness as not Lexa, but both Raven and Octavia drop into the bench on the other side of Clarke’s booth.

“Soooo,” Raven draws out the vowel, and the look of mischievous curiosity on her face has Clarke rolling her eyes. “How is it going?”

“It’s good,” Clarke admits, nodding her head slowly. It takes a lot of willpower, and the knowledge that Lexa’s return from the bathroom could be imminent, to stop herself from immediately gushing about what an enjoyable night she’s having. “I like her. She’s very easy to talk to.”

“And hot!” Octavia adds, reaching across the table to give Clarke a congratulatory nudge on the arm. “Nice one, Clarke.”

Clarke can’t help but smile because yes, the conversation with Lexa has been enthralling, but the view that she’s had all evening has certainly not gone unappreciated either.

“So what’s the plan?” Raven asks. Wiggling her eyebrows suggestively and accompanied by what can only be described as a giggle from Octavia, she continues, “Are you going to take her home for a little bit of…?”

“What?” Clarke interjects in protest as soon as she realises what her friends are implying. “No!”

Raven looks genuinely disappointed as she pouts and asks, “Why not?”

“Because…” Clarke spares a glance over her shoulder in the direction of the bathroom to make sure that Lexa isn’t on her way back, then answers, “Because I actually like her. As in I like her enough to want to see her again and I don’t want to screw that up by … well, by screwing her.”

Raven does nothing but stare at Clarke for a few long seconds, her head tilted ever so slightly to one side and her expression bordering on unimpressed.

“That is literally the gayest,” Raven says these two words emphatically, gesticulating with her hand as she does so, “thing I have ever heard in my life.”

“Agreed,” nods Octavia, arms folded across her chest and her expression as serious as it would be if they were discussing something with slightly more substance than Clarke’s current level of gay.

They both still immediately, then hurry back up to their feet, shuffling awkwardly along the bench until they are no longer sitting opposite Clarke, and when she follows the direction that both pairs of eyes keep glancing across in, she notices that Lexa is making her way back across the bar from the ladies restroom.

“Anyway,” Raven says to Clarke, “we actually came over here to tell you that we’re going home now.”

“Yeah,” agrees Octavia. “Enjoy the rest of you night.”

“Use protection!” Raven wickedly blurts out, before the pair make a hasty departure just as Lexa arrives back at the booth.

Clarke’s cheeks burn with embarrassment at her friend’s parting words, knowing that there isn’t a possibility that Lexa didn’t hear them too.

“I’m sorry,” Clarke is quick in her attempt to justify Raven’s words. The very last thing she wants Lexa to think after hitting it off so well tonight is that Clarke is only interested in her for the sex. “They’re idiots. If I haven’t scared you away yet then I’m sure that they will.”

As she lowers herself back into the seat across from Clarke, Lexa reaches across the table and rests her hand over Clarke’s. The touch is unexpected and Clarke startles slightly at first, but there’s a warmth that radiates from Lexa’s touch, a soothing rush of something that spreads along Clarke’s arm from the place where their hands meet, until the comfort of the gesture envelopes her entire body and causes her to relax.

“My foster sister is exactly the same,” Lexa tells Clarke, her voice low and just as comforting as the way that her thumb starts rubbing tender circles on the soft skin of the back of Clarke’s hand. “I share an apartment with her and she’s been insufferable to live with ever since she found out that I had a date tonight. She’s been giving me unhelpful and inappropriate advice for the last two days.”

“Such as?” Clarke dares to ask.

Lexa shakes her head ever so slowly and, as a pretty pink flush starts to decorate her own sharp cheekbones, answers, “Such as what kind of underwear I should wear.”

Clarke flusters a little at the implication – there’s only one direction that tonight could go in to make Lexa’s choice of underwear relevant on this date – and finds herself unable to make eye contact with Lexa. All of a sudden Raven and Octavia are voices in her head, two little devils costumed all in red on one of her shoulders and nudging her towards the bad decisions while the rational part of her own brain tries to counterbalance their corruption.

When Clarke gives no response, Lexa squeezes her hand gently and laughs softly as she says, “Don’t freak out. I’m not here to sleep with you.”

Clarke doesn’t know whether Lexa’s confession leaves her relieved or disappointed and realises that the way that her insides clench uncomfortably is probably due to a bitter internal battle between the two.

Manoeuvring the hand that still rests on top of Clarke’s until she can push her fingers between Clarke’s so that their hands sits as an intertwined knot of fingers on the table between them, Lexa lowers her voice even further and concludes in a voice that almost has Clarke spreading her legs for Lexa right here in this booth, “Not yet, anyway.”

“You shouldn’t say stuff like that,” Clarke warns Lexa, though the way that her voice comes out as barely more than a rasp is surely a giveaway as to the current direction of her thoughts.

“Sorry,” Lexa replies, though Clarke spots a little glint in the green eyes across from her that Lexa’s apology is not entirely full of meaning. Changing the subject suddenly, Lexa says, “I really don’t want tonight to end.”

“Why do I sense a ‘but’?” Clarke asks.

To Clarke’s ultimate chagrin, Lexa untangles their fingers and reaches for her phone, pressing the button to unlock it as she glances at the time when it flashes up on the screen.

“But it’s late, and I can’t have another drink without risking getting tipsy and I don’t want to end up saying something stupid that might blow my chances with you.”

“That would take a lot,” Clarke admits, and the slight widening of Lexa’s eyes as if she can’t believe that those words have just left Clarke’s mouth makes the slightly risqué confession entirely worth the butterflies in Clarke’s chest.

“I have things to do tomorrow morning,” Lexa say, and despite the intent behind her words, the hesitance in her voice is perhaps giving Clarke her own personal renaissance. “I should be getting back.”

Clarke nods, understanding that this date has to come to an end at some point, albeit reluctantly.

Perhaps misinterpreting Clarke’s unenthusiastic agreement as mild resentment towards her decision to leave, Lexa jumps in quickly, her words hurried and apologetic.

“Wait, I promise I’m not blowing you off!” she assures Clarke, reaching across to take Clarke’s hand once more as if she just can’t get enough of having Clarke’s fingers underneath her own. “I’ve had an incredible time tonight and if I could stay here for a few more hours then I would. Can I at least walk you home?” Without even allowing Clarke time to answer, Lexa flusters even further and then apologises, “Sorry, you probably think I’m trying something on with you. I promise that I’m not. I don’t really go on dates at all so I’m trying very hard to make this one count by being respectful and chivalrous, and that includes walking you home.”

Clarke’s heart, if possible, swells inside her chest as Lexa scrambles over her words, watching as the other girl’s cheeks get steadily pinker with each second that passes. She would perhaps be amused at Lexa’s unabashed eagerness to impress Clarke, were Clarke not feeling the same kind of irrepressible need to conclude this date in a way that leaves Lexa desperate to come back for more.

“Okay,” Clarke agrees, smiling slyly across at the flustered girl. “Under one condition.”

“What’s that?”

“You kiss me goodnight when we get there.”

A slow smile spreads across Lexa’s face.

“That’s a deal I can agree to.”

The journey home is more of a stroll that it is a walk. They dawdle along the sidewalk, entangled fingers swinging between them as they make their way to Clarke’s apartment, slowly so as to postpone the inevitable goodbye for as long as possible.

The streets that they walk along hold hundreds of stories and Lexa points out a shuttered ice cream parlour that her foster mother used to take her and her sister to when they were younger, and tells of how they would be allowed to get chocolate sauce and rainbow sprinkles on their cones if they’d been especially well-behaved. In exchange, Clarke makes Lexa laugh by recounting the story of an infamous night out in the nightclub that they pass just two blocks from Clarke’s apartment, when Octavia had been mistaken for some minor celebrity that none of them had heard of and gained them all exclusive access to the club’s VIP lounge.

But the night has to come to an end at some point, despite Clarke deliberately taking them the long way home, and the final turn onto the familiar stretch of sidewalk leading up to Clarke’s apartment building is a sad one.

Clarke says nothing as she leads Lexa into the atrium of her building and into the elevator, still prolonging their evening together, and Lexa stays silent too, squeezing Clarke’s hand just a little bit tighter as the doors close behind them and the tinny female voice announces over the intercom that the elevator is going up.

With their combined refusal to acknowledge that they will have to part ways sooner than either would like, Clarke realises how easy it would be to ignore the goodbye altogether and just drag Lexa inside her apartment for a much steamier continuation of the date. She remembers what Lexa said earlier about not intending to sleep with Clarke yet and recalls her own conversation with Raven and Octavia along the same vein. What she told them was true – after such a surprisingly good date, she doesn’t want to fuck it up by having sex too soon – but in this moment it almost feels like it could be detrimental for them to not seal the deal tonight.

Detrimental to Clarke’s lady parts, anyway, which are practically aching with the need to be touched by the girl so obliviously holding her hand as they take the ride up to Clarke’s apartment.

The invasive ping of the elevator as it arrives on Clarke’s floor snaps Clarke out of her thoughts and she shakes her head to bring herself back into the reality of attempted rational thought. She really needs to stop thinking with her vagina instead of her brain.

“This is me.”

The two seconds that Clarke spends fumbling around in her jacket pocket for the keys to her apartment is long enough for Lexa to take a step closer. She releases Clarke’s hand, and Clarke has barely a second to mourn the loss of the feeling of Lexa’s warm fingers slotted between her own, before those same fingers find a new home cupping Clarke’s jaw. Her fingertips rest just behind Clarke’s ear, where the soft curls at her hairline meet the skin of her neck, while Lexa’s thumb strokes a gentle path back and forth across Clarke’s cheek.

If Lexa’s goal is to leave Clarke in complete agony while she waits for the gap between their lips to close, then she is successful. Clarke’s entire body thrums in anticipation and the feeling of Lexa’s palm cradling the side of her face is certainly not helping the matter, yet Lexa seems unwilling to lean in the final few inches, apparently perfectly content to continue staring at Clarke with a look of gentle wonder in her eyes and the ghost of a smile on her lips.

It seems like an eternity that they are staring at each other. The time in which their eyes remain connected - mouths almost close enough to touch but neither one quite brave enough to make that final move – is long enough for generations to be born and to die, long enough for some species to go extinct and for others to evolve unrecognisably, long enough for entire civilisations to fall until they are the only two remaining, standing pressed against each other as the ruins of humanity crumble around them.

But it’s not quite enough.

With a little grunt of impatience, Clarke tilts her own chin up and closes the gap between them. Lexa’s lips, so much softer than Clarke could have ever imagined, cushion the impact and for a moment Clarke is stunned into stillness, wonderstruck by the overwhelming tenderness of Lexa’s lips and Lexa’s hand and Lexa’s everything.

The way that Lexa kisses her, the complete lack of urgency in the way that her lips slide leisurely against Clarke’s, is almost as if they are the only two people in the world. Certainly, Clarke decides, Lexa is the only person in the world that matters right now – nothing is more important than the lips that gently coax her own open, capturing first Clarke’s top, then her bottom lips between Lexa’s own. To Clarke, whose day to day life is always cloaked with the knowledge that Skygirl could get called away to an emergency at any moment, the kiss is a welcome moment of respite from the endless activity that comes with being a superhero.

As delightful as the kiss is, as much as her insides are fluttering at the gentle movement of Lexa’s mouth against her own, Clarke can’t help but want more. The kiss is nice, but it’s just nice – Lexa is being just a little too respectful of Clarke’s boundaries when after so much build up, Clarke is itching for nothing more than to make out with Lexa against the door to her apartment, hot and hungry and so very gay.

The sound of Clarke’s keys dropping from her hands and hitting the floor with a metallic clatter is one that barely even registers. All of Clarke’s brain capacity, or at least what little of it hasn’t been turned into a mushy gay puddle by Lexa’s kiss, is focused on the way that her empty hands curl into the folds of Lexa’s top, using her new handholds to simultaneously pull Lexa closer so that there is no space between their bodies and walk her backwards. Any doubt that Clarke might have had about Lexa being into this as much as her are dispelled as Lexa opens her mouth into the kiss more, accepting the swipe of Clarke’s tongue against her upper lip and responding with an intensity that had been lacking just moments ago.

There’s a bit more substance to the kiss now that Clarke is in control, a breathy whimper from Lexa as Clarke backs her into the door, a satisfied hum from Clarke when one of Lexa’s hands fervently buries itself in the untamed blonde curls on the back of her head. Clarke kisses Lexa with almost everything that she’s got, kisses her with her entire body and not just with her mouth – her restless hands smooth up and down Lexa’s sides, her hips push forward into Lexa’s to eliminate any space that might still lie between them. And Lexa responds with just as much enthusiasm, kissing Clarke back as though her life depends on it.

(Clarke is pretty sure that her life depends on Lexa’s kisses, fuelled with a fiery intensity but still laced with a sweet tenderness that seems to encompass Lexa’s being, and the reciprocation of that dependence through Lexa’s movements has Clarke feeling pretty damn good about herself too.)

It almost gets a little too much – almost – and Clarke has to take a moment to catch the breath that Lexa seems to have snatched from her lungs.

Lexa, however, takes Clarke’s momentary pause to take the control back for herself. She uses the hand not buried in Clarke’s hair to steer Clarke by the waist until is it Clarke’s back that is now against the door, then wastes no time at all in peppering the exposed skin of Clarke’s neck with a series of hot, open-mouthed kisses. Clarke lets out a low hum of contentment as her head falls back against the door and her eyes flicker shut – she likes the gentle back and forth of their kisses and the not so gentle way that Lexa scrapes her teeth against the skin just below the plane of Clarke’s jawline.

“You should know that it’s taking all of my self-restraint to – uh, to not drag you inside right now,” Clarke muses aloud, her breath catching slightly in her throat mid-sentence as Lexa’s tongue traces over a particularly sensitive spot just below Clarke’s ear.

Lexa places one more lingering kiss at the juncture between the corner of Clarke’s jaw and her neck, then forcibly drags herself away from Clarke, who feels a sudden rush of desire course through her body in response to the little grunt of disappointment that Lexa lets out as she reluctantly detaches her hands from Clarke’s body and puts a bit of distance between them.

“That wasn’t an invitation to stop,” Clarke jokes, though the smile quickly drops from her face when Lexa looks up with a heaving chest and pupils so wide they could swallow the whole universe.

“Wow,” Lexa exhales. “I’m kind of … well … yeah.”

It’s not an articulate way for Lexa to express herself – in fact it’s completely incoherent as a sentence – but Clarke gets it. She feels pretty inarticulate herself right now too.

“I’ve honestly had the best time tonight,” confesses Lexa. “I was … I was nervous, I have to admit, but you far surpassed all of my expectations.” She looks up at Clarke, teeth nibbling at her lower lip in anxiety, before she continues, “I know there’s a rule that the heterosexuals have where they have to wait three days before calling after a first date…”

“Screw the heterosexuals,” Clarke interrupts with a roll of her eyes.

“I’m so glad you said that.” Lexa shoots Clarke a shy smile, then with a more serious expression on her face, continues, “Because I’d really like to see you again and I don’t think I can wait three days before telling you that.”

Trying not to seem too excited, which almost seems futile with the way that her heart is currently performing an Olympic gymnastics routine inside her chest, Clarke replies, “I’d like that too.”

“Great,” says Lexa, breaking out a visible sigh of relief. “So I’ll text you?”

“I’ll be waiting,” nods Clarke.

“Bye, Clarke,” says Lexa, taking a couple of steps backwards towards the elevator. “And thanks for an incredible night.”

“Lexa…”

Upon hearing her name, Lexa’s eyes flicker upwards to look at Clarke’s, and Clarke surges forwards to close the gap between them, desperate to give Lexa one final kiss to remember her by. Her hands find Lexa’s waist and she kisses Lexa with an open mouth, the kiss itself just as filthy as the sound that spills from Lexa’s throat.

Once satisfied that Lexa isn’t going to forget tonight in a hurry, Clarke slowly pulls back, letting her hands drop from Lexa’s waist and bending down to pick up the dropped key.

“Bye,” she says, before turning to slot the key into the lock of the door to her apartment, smiling to herself at the memory of Lexa’s eyes dark, watching her with hunger.

Once inside her apartment, Clarke fusses around with nothing in particular. She takes off her shoes and leaves them by the door, then hangs her jacket over the back of a chair. Her mouth is dry and she takes a tall glass down from one of the shelves in the kitchen, filling it with cold water and draining most of it in one long gulp.

But her hands are restless, as is her mind, still reeling from the kisses with Lexa just on the other side of her front door. Without any further thought, Clarke reaches for her phone and taps out a quick text, unable to wait any longer to talk to Lexa.

Clarke Griffin So I don’t think I can wait for your text. Tonight was the most fun I’ve had in a while and I can’t wait to see you again. Get home safe!

Clarke panics as soon as she presses send, worried that she’s coming on too strong and that she’s going to scare Lexa away, but her fear only last for a handful of seconds, because her screen lights up with a message from Lexa.

Lexa Woods Dream of me!

Lexa’s text finishes with a kissing emoji, and Clarke falls back against the wall with a grin on her face.

Best date ever.

A/N: This has the potential to be extended into a multichapter fic. I'm not sure I have the time to continue it but if there's enough interest then it's definitely something that I'll consider.

#clexaweek2018 #clexa #clexa fanfic #clexa fic #clarke griffin #commander lexa #life's incredible again #lia

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artificialqueens · 6 years

Text

A Triple A Christmas: Part One (Group Fic) - NymphCAMP

Nymph’s A/N: It’s the festive season aka the best time of the year known to mankind and thus we are writing another continuation in the Mean Queens lives for our best buds/everyone who read and supported Mean Queens this year. This one goes out to the AQ Brits, Doots, Candle, Thursday, Adrian, and HoLA3 <3

Merry Wankmas’ A/N: HEY BABY WHY DONT U BEND OVER AND LET ME STICK A CHRISTMAS TREE UP UR ARSE AND LET ME CALL U ANGEL HOHOHOHOHOHO

Something Sharon would never understand was how people managed to be happy early in the morning. Granted, she’d never been an early riser, so a 7am class that required waking up at 6am wasn’t completely ideal, but she just about managed it. The fact that there were students already out, smiling and singing Christmas songs and throwing goddamn snowballs at each other was mind-blowing.

Sharon had stumbled out of bed, unsure whether she was still drunk or just hungover, and pulled on as many layers as she could find. Of course, naturally, it had fucking snowed and frozen overnight. Just on the way to the main part of campus, she’d slipped over three times and was convinced she’d done permanent damage to her hip. And yet people were smiling, some draping tinsel around random trees, others walking through the snow as though it were nothing. It was disgusting.

Then again, it was fair to say that the closer it got to Christmas, the more pissed-off Sharon became. By December 24th she was usually a downright Grinch. The only difference with this year was that she was erring on the side of Scrooge, and much earlier than usual.

A few scattered voices behind her suddenly burst into song, startling Sharon so badly that she almost slipped again. She caught a few words of the tune, vaguely recognising it but unable to place it in her mind.

Wait.

Christmas sweater?

Two thoughts entered her head; the first of which being why the fuck are they singing Christmas Sweater? No one knew that song. Admittedly, Sharon didn’t even know all the words, and she’d been there throughout the entire writing process and video shoot, laughing at Alaska in the middle of a jumper for three when she stood head and shoulders above both Willam and Courtney. She certainly wasn’t singing it, so there was no reason for anyone else to be. And she knew for a fact Willam would still be passed out in bed, based on the sheer amount of alcohol she’d consumed the night before.

The second was just sheer irritation. Fucking really? IT’S TOO DAMN EARLY FOR THOSE HIGH-ENERGY BITCHES. How had they managed to follow her from home to college? Was this a deliberate sabotage of her only escape from their combined bubbliness?

Too much mulled wine the night before had made very sure that Sharon wasn’t in the mood to even ask why people were singing the AAA Girls fucking song. All she knew was that she was getting away from the festivities, and fast. Fuck Christmas, she had a class to get to. She clamped the cheap earmuffs against her ears and picked up the pace - risking yet another fall on the ice just to get away.

By the time Sharon arrived at the room her first class was held in she’d managed to put the entire incident out of her mind, instead thinking about the incredibly clever way Shakespeare had managed to comment on society at the time without getting arrested, and wondering if she could ever do something similar. Granted, free speech made it much less likely that she would, but damned if she didn’t want to be like her hero.

“Sharon?” the all too familiar voice startled the girl out of her thoughts, and Sharon had to take a second to compose herself before she turned with a forced smile to face the guy who had sat in the seat directly behind her.

“Julian, hi,” Sharon said, her voice as cold as she could make it, praying that he didn’t try anything this morning. It was entirely too early to have to fend off the interests of someone she didn’t even know the last name of, let alone have the energy to give him the time of day.

“Have you seen this video? It’s everywhere,” he continued, pulling out his phone and turning the screen towards Sharon, before lowering his voice. “They’re all really hot,” he added, Sharon rolling her eyes in disgust before turning her attention to the screen, figuring that the sooner she did what he wanted, the sooner she could get him to fuck off and shut up.

To begin with, she didn’t really register what was happening. If she was honest, she wasn’t that interested, nor did she really care. It was just gonna be some annoying viral video that people would quote for months. Besides, it was a guy showing it to her. That was an automatic red flag.

So far, so boring. A regular old guitar riff. A cheap white door in a set that was obviously on a very low budget. A “to-do” list reading xmas lights, AT5000 + CA and douche. Willam appearing through the door. Alaska in those stupid green Christmas glasses-

Wait.

Alaska?

Sharon did a double take. Why was she being shown a video of her friends singing? If this was another one of Julian’s shitty jokes in his attempts to impress her, it wasn’t working. She had been expecting a viral video, not her friends…

“How many views does this have?” She demanded, practically grabbing his phone out of his hands to look for herself. “Where did you even find this?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know, it’s all over social media. You haven’t seen it yet?”

Sharon fought back the urge to tell him that yes, she had seen it - several weeks ago when they were filming it and she’d spent the day keeping them company on set, half helping out and half writing essays.

“Seven hundred and fifty thousand?” Sharon hissed, checking and rechecking the view count to make sure she wasn’t just seeing things. And sure enough, every time she refreshed the page it jumped up by a few thousand more.

Julian glanced at Sharon in surprise, not entirely sure why she was reacting the way she was.

“Sure, it’s a viral video,” he shrugged, pulling his phone back off of her. “And I told you, the girls are hot and it’s kind of funny.” Resisting the urge to break his skinny little neck, Sharon grabbed her bags and jumped up out of her seat. Shakespeare could wait, she needed to phone Alaska.

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

Finding a quiet spot in one of the lesser used buildings, Sharon settled down with her bags piled around her and pulled out her phone. She quickly logged onto twitter and scrolled down her feed, her eyes widening further every time she saw someone retweeting the video, or commenting on it. Julian was right, this was definitely viral. And she didn’t think any of the girls knew anything about it.

Exiting the app, Sharon quickly punched in Alaska’s number and held the device to her ear, praying that the blonde would answer.

“Sharon?” Alaska’s voice sounded from the other end of the line, rougher than usual. Clearly the phone call had woken her up, but Sharon didn’t have the time to worry about the implications of that yet.

“Hey babe,” Sharon replied, before quickly moving forward. “Have you been on twitter yet?” “Twitter?” Alaska asked, her voice tinged with a sleepy confusion.

“Yeah, that app you spend entirely too much time chatting shit on?” Sharon continued, trying not to let her frustration show in her voice.

“I know - no, I’ve not been on it.”

“Babe, you’ve gone viral,” Sharon couldn’t hold in the news any longer, and was waiting for the squeal of excitement from the other end.

But all she got was silence.

“Alaska?”

“Are you- I’ve gone viral? I’ve got a disease?” Alaska’s voice rose several pitches with fear, and Sharon resisted the urge to slap her forehead.

“No, Lask,” Sharon said patiently. “Your video has gone viral.”

Another beat of confused silence. Sharon wanted to scream. This had the possibility of being the big break the girls had been waiting for, and Alaska didn’t even get it.

“Babe, I’ll phone you back,” Sharon said quickly, before hanging up. There was only one person now who could help her capitalise on the success of the Christmas video. Looking down at her phone screen again, Sharon clicked on Jinkx’s name and prayed she was more awake and alert than Sharon’s beloved girlfriend.

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

Alaska stared down at her now blank phone, Sharon’s words echoing in her mind. If she didn’t have a disease, that had to mean-

“COURTNEY!” Alaska gathered all of her early morning strength to yell out her friends name. “GET IN HERE NOW!” Willam was a lost cause this early in the morning, but Courtney would be awake, as bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as always. Whilst she waited for her friend to appear, Alaska idly clicked onto twitter, her eyes nearly falling out of her head as she saw the number of notifications blinking at her. Scrolling down her feed, their video appeared time and time again, people sharing it and talking about it and talking about them.

This had never before happened to them. They’d done a couple of music videos at this point, released several songs, but the success had been minimal. And if Alaska was entirely honest, mostly their friends. But now - she wasn’t entirely sure how this had happened or where the sudden success had come from, but she wasn’t about to start complaining.

“Lask?” Courtney’s Australian tones sounded from the doorway, her confusion apparent.

“We’ve gone viral!” Alaska almost squeaked, thrusting her phone at Courtney. “Look! People are talking about us!” Courtney’s confusion morphed into excitement as she scrolled through Alaska’s twitter feed. People were tweeting lyrics, sharing the link, even a few online magazines and social media sites were beginning to talk about them. Even just the words ‘Christmas Sweater’ were trending!

“How is this happening?” Courtney asked eventually, passing the phone back over to Alaska and staring at her with wide eyes. Alaska shrugged.

“I don’t know, but it’s so cool. People know who we are!” She squealed, pressing play on their video.

Courtney disappeared back out of the room, presumably to alert Willam to their new status as viral sensations. Alaska turned her attention back to her phone, not able to keep her excitement to herself.

[From: Laskybean. To: Noodles<3]

OMG!!

[From: Noodles<3. To: Laskybean]

I know ! I told you. Yer famous !!

[From: Laskybean. To: Noodles<3]

wait, ur in class ??? stop txting! bad girl

[From: Noodles<3. To: Laskybean]

Stop texting me then ! It’s yer own fault.

[From: Laskybean. To: Noodles<3]

im famous!! u cant blame me for anything

Alaska put her phone aside, hearing celebratory yells from the living room where Willam and Courtney had been camping out. She immediately rolled out of bed, pulling the thinning dressing gown around her shoulders and pocketing her phone, before dancing out the door.

“We’ve made it!”

Willam levelled her gaze at her, laughing at the sheer excitement on Alaska’s face.

“Not yet my overgrown friend. We’ve made it to the internet, people know who we are, but-”

“We have to make the most of this so people don’t forget about us,” Courtney finished Willam’s sentence, having already been given this talk. Despite all Willam’s shortcomings, she had the best business brain out of all of them.

Alaska’s excitement dimmed slightly. She’d forgotten that this would mean that they’d have to work even harder to make sure people kept remembering who they were, but before she could get too maudlin, there was a knock at the door.

“Jinkx!” Alaska grinned as their ‘manager’ stepped through the door, throwing her arms around the older woman. “Have you seen?” Jinkx nodded, bustling over to the small table in the corner of the room and setting herself up with laptop and phone. “Sharon phoned earlier, and my email has been going crazy. We’ve work to do ladies,” she told them, not entirely convinced any of them would be much help.

Alaska grinned.

“We’re famous!”

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

Being famous had its shortcomings, Alaska was quickly finding out. Jinkx had put them all to work, inviting Katya, Violet, and Ophelia over to deal with the sheer volume of messages and calls and emails they were all receiving. All of them knew if they didn’t capitalise on this success, and show that they weren’t just a one video pony, they’d fade back into obscurity as fast as they’d risen into the public eye. Luckily for Jinkx, although Alaska, Courtney, and Katya were about as useful as a chocolate teapot and had busied themselves with Instagram stories (which were a lot more fun now people were watching), Willam, Ophelia, and Violet were proving to be a massive help.

“Girls, you’re promoting, right?” Jinkx checked in briefly, nodding over in their direction from where she was sat with the more competent of the bunch.

Alaska nodded. “Sure are!”

As soon as Jinkx was no longer paying attention, she was giggling again. “I love this one. This was… her college stairwell, I think? She wasn’t even drunk here, just tired.”

What Alaska was calling ‘promotion’ was essentially an excuse to scroll through her social media pages and look at all her posts, remembering fun days and happy memories. For the past ten minutes, she’d been giggling hysterically with Katya and Courtney over an ongoing saga of photos of Sharon asleep in odd places and positions, with the occasional snap of Courtney every few minutes so that they could claim they were still working.

She scrolled further and laughed again. “Oh this one is amazing. Definitely drunk-”

Katya was screeching. “Face down, ass up! She’s got class!”

“Girls! Come on you three, get something done.” Jinkx reprimanded gently.

They ended up making Katya film a short segment of them singing, but soon enough had gone back to simply looking at photos, retweeting video links, and making short clips of themselves acting like idiots - telling Jinkx that they were trying to be ‘relatable’.

Despite the utter commotion that had taken over the tiny flat, no one missed the sound of the front door opening, nor the sigh of relief when it shut. Although none of them could see who it was, her trademark loud voice served its usual purpose of announcing her arrival before her appearance did.

“PUMPKIN, I’M HOME!“

Alaska leapt up in the middle of a shot, Courtney grumbling that she’d ruined a pretty photo in her excitement. Moments later, she was dragging a rosy-cheeked, snow-covered Sharon into the living room and practically squealing down her ear.

“Sharon we did it! People are talking about us! They - They like the song, and the video, they know who we are!” She enthused, bouncing up and down.

Sharon couldn’t stay frosty. “I’m so proud of you! I told you your day would come, I always believed in you!”

Still filled with frenetic energy, Alaska busied herself with taking off Sharon’s coat and scarf, dusting the snow off her and chatting away as though there was nobody else in the flat. She was desperate to hear Sharon’s thoughts on everything, her eyes shining at every word.

“People have been singing it on the way to class, and in class too. I think even my professor has heard a snippet of it. Julian tried to show me the video.”

Alaska screwed up her nose. “Fuck Julian. So it’s not just an internet thing?”

Nobody else in the room understood half of the rapidfire speech that the two exchanged, but judging by Alaska’s expression, nothing had put a damper on her mood. She had resorted to dragging Sharon further into the flat, right into the centre of the chaos, and draping herself over her lap.

“I can’t believe we’re famous,” Alaska marvelled, dragging out her words and shifting to rest her head comfortably on Sharon’s thighs. “We’re gonna get paparazzi. People will recognise us!”

Sharon grumbled. “They’re already fucking recognising me, thanks to your stupid photos. Do you know how embarrassing that is?”

Alaska let out a tiny giggle. “From my Instagram?”

“Yes!” Sharon replied, half laughing herself. It wasn’t like she could stay mad - this was the biggest thing that had happened in the career of the AAA Girls so far. She was too excited to be mad. “A group of girls on my course wandered up to me asking if I’m the girl asleep with her ass in the air on the stairwell. Fucking embarrassing!”

“You love it.” Alaska teased. “We’re all gonna be famous! All of us!”

Everybody fell back into their respective groups after the initial shock died down - Katya filming Courtney singing some Christmas classics, Jinkx discussing plans for more recording and possibly advertising with Willam, Violet and Courtney’s sister Ophelia, and Alaska cuddling into Sharon who was mumbling about how proud she was.

“So,” Katya began. “This requires a celebration. We are in the Christmas season and things are going well, so we have to have a party. Who’s down?”

All hands save for Jinkx’s went up. “I think I’m a little too old for that. But have fun! You deserve it.”

Katya clapped her hands together. “Excellent. We need alcohol, warmth, food and more alcohol.”

“I’ll take tonight off work and make cocktails here instead. I’m not going to that shitty bar when I could be here.” Sharon added. “Someone crack open the champagne, we at least have to do a toast before I kick you all out so we can celebrate.”

Violet laughed, pulling out their glasses and champagne as though she lived there. She’d gotten drunk at their flat often enough to know where everything was. Sharon took over from there, having to push a complaining Alaska off of her in order to make use of her bartending skills to quickly fix everyone a glass of bubbly.

“To the AAA Girls!” Someone yelled, holding up their glass. The cheer was echoed, followed by the satisfying clink of the glasses touching.

“I guess Christmas miracles really do happen.” Willam shrugged. “It’s no virgin birth, but it’s a miracle.”

#sharon needles #alaska thunderfuck #katya zamolodchikova #violet chachki #mq ever after #courtney act #willam belli #witney #shalaska #group fic #nymphcamp #rpdr fanfiction #submission

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mysidewriting · 6 years

Text

Though the Storm

Through the Storm Page "Soundtrack" From the Start--Previous Chapter

Chapter Twenty Six

Getting out of the cave was much easier than getting in, a lot of the stress I was under had vanished now that I had that ball at my waist. We were out in no time and I immediately started to head towards Lillie's house while attempting to explain what it felt like to have mewtwo speaking inside my head. Gladion had calmed down as well but that part was still bothering him, the speaking to my head and the choking part. I'd thought getting the beast to agree to work with us had been so easy but he disagreed entirely for those reasons. Worried that somehow mewtwo still had some psychic grip on me. I doubted it did, but I understood his concerns. That's what had happened to his mother last time there was a run in with a crazy powerful pokemon.

Speaking of which, I finally brought up what Lillie had asked of me. "So, Lillie asked me to check on Lusamine if I had the time and we clearly do have the time..." I glanced to his face to gauge his reaction, definitely annoyed. "Do you mind stopping there? If you don't want to see her I can just go in for like five mi-"

He cut me off with a heavy sigh, "No. It's okay, we can both go over there."

I stopped walking, forcing him to stop as well. "Are you sure? You really don't have to go if you don't want to. I don't want you to feel forced to see her."

"I don't feel forced." A small smile appeared on his lips, "it's fine, Moon. It will make them happy if I stop by and besides, what else are we going to do for the next day." His eyes rolled at that. "Let's go."

I grinned and quickly took the lead, "We can stay there for the day if it doesn't bother you. Then it'll be warm, and we can make food, and maybe watch a movie, and sleep in a bed." I said, gaze up on the clouds as I thought of the house. Those few weeks staying there with Lillie and her mom had been so great.

He chuckled, looking ready to make a comment about something but he just shook his head and took my hand instead. "That all sounds great, hopefully mom will stop talking long enough for that."

"I'm sure she will." I laughed, tugging him towards the house.

Gladion sucked down a long breath before nodding and I knocked at the door. A shouted 'one second' came from beyond the wood and I covered the giggle that escaped in reaction to his cringe. He sighed, shaking his head before focusing again. Lillie would be so happy and proud of him for this, I'd have to send her a text as soon as we were inside.

The door opened and a very healthy looking Lusamine stood behind the screen. Her hair was tied up in a ponytail and I couldn't help but notice the little paint splatters on her arms. She gasped as she saw both of us, rushing out to embrace her son in what looked like a crushing squeeze.

"Hey, mom." Gladion said awkwardly, sounding a bit breathless as he pat her back. "Been a while."

She stepped away, wiping at her now damp eyes as she nodded. She wordlessly waved to invite us both into the house and I thanked her, stepping in happily. Gladion followed close behind, looking around like I had the first time. Nothing was out of place or odd at all, thankfully. It didn't seem like anything had gone wrong while Lillie was away. I stopped in the kitchen as Lusamine went to the sink and started washing the paint splatters off her arms. I was about to ask what she had been working on but she spoke first.

"What are you two doing here? Lillie told me she went to Hoenn to see you two and Hau before she left." She span around, flicking water off her hands. "I thought it would be Lillie at my door not..." she smiled sweetly towards Gladion. “My grumpy son and the Alola champion."

I hesitated, not knowing how much I should disclose to her. She didn't need to know that both her children were in moderate danger at the moment, or that it was my fault that they were. "It's a long story, to make things simple I had to come back to Kanto to get something and Gladion didn't want me to go alone."

She laughed delicately, "I'm not surprised you're protective, Gladion. How sweet of you."

His face went red and for some stupid reason his blushing made me embarrassed as well. I'd stood in front of Lusamine as many things in the past, as an interested trial goer, as an enemy, as a hero, as her daughters best friend... but this, this whole having mutual but unspoken feelings for her son thing, was weird. I felt awkward, and uncomfortable, and didn't know how to handle the situation. He cleared his throat and changed the subject, thankfully... "What's been going on? Has everything been okay without Lillie around?"

"Of course, of course." She waved off the concern. "I've filled the boring silence with some painting and music. I can't wait for her to be home again though."

He nodded, "She will be soon."

"So tell me, how is Aether?" She asked.

He cringed but managed to cover up the recoil with a cough fairly well. I doubted she noticed his hesitation or aversion to the question. "It's fine, Mom. You know I can't talk about it with you." His gaze was steady and assertive, nearly a glare.

"No, no. I know... I'm asking how it's going for you? I feel terrible that all that work and responsibility was dumped on you so suddenly. You're far too young to be running that organization." I was even shocked by her words...

His shoulders drooped, face going blank. "Ah, it's fine. I don't mind it."

I regretted opening my mouth the minute I did, but I'd already screwed myself over as they both looked to me. "You're too busy all the time though, it's so hard to even talk normally." He looked troubled by the comment.

"See, that's what I was worried about. You should be able to spend time with your friends and find what you want to do with your life. Not be stuck with your parents' work." Lusamine continued, waving to me for added momentum. "I'm so sorry you were pegged with it."

He shook his head, looking a bit uncomfortable. "I basically volunteered, don't worry about it. I get plenty of help when I need it and I'm fine doing the work."

The smile she gave him was sad, her eyes expressing her remorse for the situation. "Either way, I'm very proud and thankful of you for dealing with all of this. I hope you still make the time to spend with your friends and Moon, here."

He threw a hand behind his neck, gaze drifting to the floor. "Thanks..."

She asked how long we would be around and that's when I explained that we had until the next morning before we had to rush back to Hoenn. She was more than willing to have us over for the day and threw on a tea kettle before inviting us to the living room to talk more. She reminisced on some old memories with her family, back before the research on ultra-beasts had been so serious. All these stories about my best friends as kids that I'd never thought I'd hear. It was so refreshing. A ton of tension rolled off Gladion as well, his guards dropping bit by bit. He was actually warming up to her.

M//Hey, guess what

L//What?!

M//I'm sitting here with your mom and your brother and they're actually talking and laughing c:

L//REALLY?! Gladion is actually talking with her? //He actually went?!?

M//yep! //Also, we got mewtwo to help us.

L//Thank Arceus! What a successful trip you're on! //Steven said you won't be back until tomorrow morning?

M//Apparently, yeah

L//okay, I'll see you then! Thank you for getting my stubborn brother to see mom. //and feel free to use my room tonight if you need too!

M//Thanks lol

L//Just don't use my bed for you know... that sort of stuff... okay! ;p

M//WHAT? //YOU DONT NEED TO SAY THAT T-T

L//hahaha

After a long while of talking with the two of them and watching Gladion's reservations about his mother break away we were asked to run to the store for ingredients. Lusamine had found an interesting pasta recipe that she wanted to make but couldn't do alone. Instead of waiting for Lillie, she wanted to cook with us. I thought the idea was adorable and Gladion wasn't opposed whatsoever. So we ran off to a grocery store with a list of all these weird ingredients. I was forced to wear my hood up over my face and Gladion hovered close to me again, trying to avoid unnecessary exposure. Apparently the person at the counter recognized him, though. He'd seen both Lillie and Lusamine enough times to be able to recognize him as one of the family members.

On the way back, with handfuls of heavy plastic bags, I couldn't help but pester him about this. "So, you're getting along really well with her." I bumped his shoulder, grinning.

He laughed, "Yeah, well, she doesn't sound like a 90 year old woman anymore." He took a step closer so our arms brushed against each other's with every step.

"I'm glad you think so. Lillie is really happy you're talking with her."

"Yeah?" He sighed in a kind of content way, smirking. "I guess I am too."

Most of the day was spent making that meal. I chopped up veggies while Lusamine stirred up some sauce. Gladion helped me with the meat, laughing when I tried cutting it up and saying I looked like an idiot doing so. Apparently he knew a lot more about cooking than I did? Lusamine told a few stories about cooking with both him and Lillie and attributed it at least partially to those days. He agreed, saying Wicke had taught him a lot back at Aether as well. I took a step back once everything was ready to go on heat, watching them fuss over whether or not the veggies were done sautéing. I stole a few secretive pictures of them to send off to Lillie, grinning stupidly at the cute images. Family bonding at its finest... if only she could have been here as well. I certainly would have felt like I was intruding, but just seeing the three of them together would have been amazing.

It took forever to finish cooking the noodles. We had enough time to throw some desert in the oven as well which I would never complain about. Lusamine had us both sit at the table and brought glasses of wine, hesitating before giving me one of them. Gladion laughed, "She's fine, it's not like we're going anywhere for a while anyway."

I stuck my tongue out at him as she handed me the glass. "I handle it better than you do, dork."

His eyes rolled in response.

Everything tasted amazing, of course. Lusamine asked about my family, if we ever cooked together or had any interesting traditions. It was a bit harder for me to talk about considering what was going on with my family at the moment, but I did talk about times with my mom and grandmother. Figuring she just wanted me to talk some more too I told stories about the league while we ate. Stupid challengers and the few times everyone in the elite four and myself had gone out for fun. After finishing everything, all of us too full to even think about eating for a long time, Lusamine thanked us. "Thank you for spending time with me, both of you. It was so nice."

"It was nice." Gladion muttered with a small smile.

"Moon, thank you for bringing him here." She laughed, "I'm sure he wouldn't have come if you didn't say something."

I shrugged, laughing as well as Gladion nodded sheepishly. At least he was honest. Lusamine just smiled, not bothered by that fact.

"Well, I'm sure you two were hoping to get some time alone together. Don't feel like you have to hang around with me all evening." She stood and took the dirty plates off to the sink. I wasn't about to question her intentions with that statement but the blush growing on Gladion's face lead me to believe he was thinking the same thing I was. "I'm going to work on that painting a bit more." She said cheerfully before vanishing to a back room. I couldn't help but feel like she was forcing us to be alone with how quickly she had disappeared. Had we done something? Had she assumed something about us...?

Gladion just laughed awkwardly, rubbing at his red face. "You wanted to watch a movie?"

I shrugged, "it sounded nice, if you want too then I'd like too." Today was feeling like a dream. Distant and detached from the realities of the world. It didn't even feel like we'd been in those caves facing off mewtwo a few hours prior. It was nice, I just couldn't get too comfortable in this blip of calm during the storm.

"You know the house better than I do, so lead the way." He said.

The tv and movie player in Lillie's room were the only ones I knew how to operate properly so we sat in there with the movie. All the lights off and the only light coming from the tv screen, like a real movie theater. It was something random off Lillie's shelf, a flick about people with Pokémon powers that were basically superheroes. It was interesting enough but I was definitely distracted by a ton of things - by what could happen after we got back, by memories of sitting here with Lillie, by the way Gladion and I were leaning against each other with our hands intertwined. The movie that had probably been remade and redone hundreds of times before wasn't eye catching enough to distract me from those things at all.

I let my eyes fall closed, mind drifting back into those weeks where I thought this crazy experience-building trip was going to be great. Even then there had been terrible things happening, not death, but divorce and drama. That had been terrible to cope with, still was terrible - if anything worse now... but it seemed so innocent compared to the last month. A sudden flash back to my first week at Lillie's filled my mind, laying on the couch while Gladion drunk texted me. He'd never explained why he'd drank so much that night, had skillfully talked around it when I asked. He'd probably tell me if I asked now, right? Now that he was sitting next to me on the same couch I'd been on when that call happened. It wasn't important, but I was still curious. That was so unlike him...

As the ending credits rolled across the screen I shifted to lean my head against his shoulder. I contemplated how to even phrase what I wanted to ask him, wondering if he even remembered the call happening at this point. "Can I ask you an invasive question?" I started.

A short laugh shook his chest, "I guess so?"

I sat upright again, giving myself a good view of his hesitant face - cast over in shadows by the dramatic lighting of the tv. "Do you remember when you drunk called me? Back when I was here with Lillie?"

His eyes rolled but I could tell it wasn't because I was bringing up the event again, he seemed more annoyed with himself. "Of course." He grimaced. "Why?"

"You never told me why or how that happened." I pressed, leaning in a bit as a guarded look took over his features.

A rumble of thunder and loud patters of rain filled the silence between us as he scanned my face with an empty gaze. "You're still holding onto that after all this time?" He asked with a quiet laugh, the smile on his lips not reaching his hesitant eyes.

I grinned, "It's on the list."

That brought some light into his eyes, a more genuine sounding laugh escaping him. The credits ended and the menu for the movie popped up, a disgustingly cheerful tune looping through the speakers. "I thought we finished the list?" I just shook my head, unable to get that smile off my face. He groaned, "Arceus, Moon, are you really going to make me explain this?" He pressed a hand to his face.

His reaction was just making me more and more curious. I'd figured it'd been some fluke, that he'd just accidentally lost count of his drinks or been out with coworkers or something. Clearly there was a lot more to the story if he was being so reserved and stubborn about it. "Why can't I know?" I asked.

He sighed, "You can, I just... Wasn't planning on telling you now." His hand drifted to rub at the back of his neck, awkward... nervous... that was the only way I could read that gesture.

Now I was really interested. "Why not now? What were you waiting for?" I laughed, settling on top of my knees and facing him. I was beyond ready for story time.

"Okay, okay." He sighed, giving in to explaining this oh-so-important tale rather than answering those questions. "Let me see your phone."

Though I was confused, I didn't hesitate. I pulled the device from my back pocket and placed it in his outstretched hand. It opened to Lillie's chat log and I nearly jumped to close it before he could read what she had said earlier, but that would only make him suspicious. He didn't seem to notice the hinting text anyway and instead switched into our chat log. He scrolled for a few minutes to get back to the time frame I was referencing, continuing on past the garbled drunk texts before finally stopping and holding the phone up so I could clearly see the screen. He pointed at that first message he'd sent me when I arrived in Kanto.

G//hey //you busy tonight?

"Remember this?" He asked, his hands were shaking a bit. What the heatran is he so nervous about?! How could that night be linked back that far?

I simply nodded in response.

He gave me back the phone with another heavy sigh, gaze drifting off to rest on the tv instead of my eager and curious face. He practically had to heave the words out. "I had this... admittedly stupid, plan to ask you out that night." My heart dropped to my stomach, it felt like all my nerve endings had been electrocuted or set ablaze at those words. Seriously?! That's why he was so reserved about this... My heart rammed in my chest so hard I thought it was going to thump right up my throat and out. I didn't expect this, at all.

His tension broke a bit after that, sounding a bit more natural as he continued. I had to suck down my sudden bursts of energy to listen to the rest of his story. "Then I was going to meet with Hau later to ask what he thought you'd like to do, I thought he'd have some better ideas than I did, I'm not so great with the romance thing. He spends a lot more time with you too, so..." He paused a moment, green eyes flicking around the room - anywhere but at me. "I did have this old wine bottle that mom had sent me a while ago and was half planning on sharing it with you." A nervous laugh escaped him as he shook his head. "Again, not good with the romance thing. I saw wine in movies, I thought it fit.

I struggled to keep quiet, not romantic my ass. This was adorable. He couldn't stand Hau, yet he'd planned to talk to him about this?! Of all things I would never expect Gladion to tell Hau how he felt about anything.

"You were gone though, clearly. So I couldn't do any of that, and after months of trying to work up the nerve and figure out how to do it... I kind of figured it was a sign I should give up. Gone for six months, going to every region and meeting every champion... I was so sure you'd end up dating someone else, honestly."

That explains why he was so upset about me being gone... and why he had been so jealous of everyone I hung out with. Had he thought Green was going to ask me out? I wanted to laugh but I bit it back.

"So, all caught up in the emotional bullshit I had a beer or two and after that I kind of drank that whole wine bottle. Like I was trying to spite myself about all of it." His eyes rolled.

I couldn't keep quiet about that. "Two beers and a bottle of wine?! Seriously, Gladion?! No wonder you sounded like an idiot on the phone!" I shouted, playfully shoving his shoulder to his surprise. He actually stumbled a bit from the force, laughing as he caught himself from falling. "That's some serious 'drowning your sorrows'."

His gaze finally met mine again, still nervous. Clearly trying to judge how I'd taken all of that. Could he not tell already? "I know, it was stupid. My timing was horrible too, I'm sorry." He muttered.

I gave a dramatic pout, all my sparking and explosive energy and excitement from his confession was being expressed through my gestures. "Stop apologizing, dork! I told you before, it's fine." I laughed.

A soft smile appeared on his lips, gaze taking on that warm look that had sent shivers down my spine so many times already. If I had any less will power than I did I probably would have crushed him in a hug in that instant... but I was able to hold back, just barely. "Okay." He replied.

My nerves couldn't handle this much longer, I crossed my arms over my thundering heart. "There's one crucial question I have about this story of yours." I said, mocking a sleuth-like tone.

He leaned away, looking defensive. "What's that?" He asked warily.

"Why didn't you try again?" I said, grinning like an idiot.

His face went pale, the music looped again - back to the start of that stupidly cheerful song. "What?" How did he not know what I meant?

"Why didn't you try asking me out when we met up again?" I asked, "I didn't end up with anyone else."

He jumped, eyes going wide and stuttering over his words. I doubted he ever even considered that before, he was so shocked by the idea. "B-because someone's trying to kill you! Y-y-your life takes priority, Moon!" I didn't think I'd ever heard or seen him as frazzled as he was now.

I would have entirely agreed with him just a day prior. "I understand but, Lillie made a good point yesterday." He cocked an eyebrow, confused. "Putting a label on how we already are together wouldn't change much. If anything it just makes my days a little less stressful." Even passively addressing how we'd been treating each other recently felt strange. My excitement was at bursting point and even my hands were trembling now.

I grabbed his hands, cutting off whatever he was about to say with the action. We both relaxed, like the touch had grounded all the electricity and all that shaking stopped. I was mesmerized by his skin against mine for a while. Studying the way our hands fit together, how the lines and cracks seemed to match up like puzzle pieces. After a long moment he started running his thumbs up and down the backs of my hands, the sensation shooting goosebumps up my arms.

"Do you want to be my boyfriend?" I said quietly without even really thinking about it. The words just slid out of my mouth and although I didn't regret them at all, I still felt totally awkward. There had to be a better way to phrase that... it felt so cheesy. I didn't look up, just kept staring at our hands as my cheeks turned bright red.

He laughed and leaned forward, my heart stuttered in my chest and my breath rammed up in my throat. He rested his forehead against mine, "Yes." I could see the grin on his lips. It definitely wasn't the first time I'd wondered what that smile would taste like.

"Will you be, then?" I said, running with the cheesy traditional lines. I could hear the blood rushing behind my ears, couldn't even try to hold back my own painfully wide grin.

That was when he closed the distance between us, leaning forward just that little bit more. His lips timidly brushed mine, the touch feeling like a static shock that rattled me deep into my core. He released one of my hands and placed his own on the back of my neck as his lips pressed firmly against mine in a much more determined, wanting kiss. Like every second that we hadn't kissed had been a tragedy and he had to make it up to me in that instant... And I could feel it, could taste it. I melted into it, unable to hold onto any other thoughts than the notion of him, his warmth, his touch, everything. How had I held back all this time? I took a handful of his shirt and pulled him closer, kissing him back with the same vigor. I could feel his heart pounding in sync with my own as we parted for a breath, a short chuckle escaping him. His fingers tangled in my hair, still holding me just as close. "Of course." He said in a hot breath that bathed over my face intoxicatingly. I kissed that grin of his eagerly, loving the feeling of his mouth moving to catch the kiss as well. His other hand wrapped around my waist and he somehow managed to pull me even closer, getting me onto his lap.

I hugged him as we broke away again, dropping my head to his shoulder while gasping for air. His hand slid from my neck to my back and he embraced me as well. We stayed like that for a long while, just breathing, it felt like my body was humming, as though I'd been strung like a guitar chord and the sound was still ringing out. My head was spinning, I'd never been drunk but I imagined this was how it would feel.

Gladion's head rocked back, resting on the back of the couch. "Arceus..." he muttered through a sigh. “Is today even real?"

I laughed, sitting up so I could see him. "What do you mean?" I was sure I already knew the answer to that question, today had felt like a dream.

"Everything is going too well." He said, breaking his gaze from mine and brushing a hand through my hair - watching that instead. "Mewtwo agreed to work with us, mom isn't crazy, you..." He just smirked for that and I stole a quick kiss, giddy that I could do that now. "After this last month it doesn't seem real."

"I know..." I muttered, "Let's hope karma doesn't come around and bite us in the butt after this."

His eyebrows bunched up and he pulled me into a tight hug, "Don't say that." He laughed nervously, "Don't jinx it. Everything will be fine." He rested his chin on my shoulder, his words reminding me of articuno... that warning, had that jinxed me too?

"We have mewtwo, and a ton of super powerful trainers. Everything will be fine." I said, trying to believe my words.

"We need to be careful, and don't you dare even think about leaving my side. No matter what." He practically snapped at me, his grip tightening around me. "I refuse to lose you again."

My chest swelled in this all-encompassing warmth and I nestled my head against his. "I won't leave your side, and you won't lose me. I need you to watch my back anyway."

Putting a 'label' on this had given us a lot more to lose... At least it felt like it in that moment.

The plan was to get up around 3am, we'd have enough time to both shower and eat before going to meet up with the crazy plane guy again. We spent the rest of the evening laying on the couch, knowing eventually we'd fall asleep so the earlier we were ready the more rest we would get. It was hard though, between the anxiety for the next day and the excitement from today... sleep was nearly impossible to achieve. There was a lot of sleepy kisses and cuddling, the touch of his lips on mine sending sparks of drunk giddiness into my system every time. It was funny how someone so familiar and trustworthy could become so foreign and new to me with just a kiss like that. Not that he wasn't still familiar and trustworthy, but it was like we'd opened a door to a whole new world together and every second like this was unmapped territory. Exciting and intimidating at the same time... but I knew everything would work out fine, it was him after all. My friend, my trusted partner in crime.

#gladion x moon #gladion #gladion fanfic #lonashipping #mahinashipping #pokemon #romance #adventure #Hau x Lillie #through the storm #through the storm chapter twenty six

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prettyflyforasuperboy-blog · 7 years

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YouTube’s Gonna Love This || Conner and Kaldur

Kaldur didn't mind stakeouts. As long as he worked with the right partner. He and Conner had brought Garfield along once because of his abilities but the boy had been Snapchatting the whole thing. The criminals of course had seen it and known they were coming. That was the day Kaldur discovered bullets really hurt. So this evening it was just him and Conner and he was pleased with it. It's been a few days and his hangover had finally gone away and when Batman had delivered the assignment he leaped at it. Apparently two young men were more inconspicuous than Clark and Bats trying to blend in. He drummed his thumbs against the dossier while waiting for Conner to arrive. They'd decided to arrive at the car separately because it looked less suspicious. When he finally heard the car door open he grinned lopsidedly. "I have the refreshments, the dossier, and some music. This shouldn't be too bad. Information gathering never is. How was class?"

Conner had been busy with class, yet when Clark himself had asked him for his help he had once more felt as if he couldn't say anything but yes. Not that he couldn't say no to Clark, it was just that he could be doing something else with his time. But if anything this was worth it. With nothing to do but sit in the car for the next twelve hours, he could get stuck into a huge stack of equations and formulae that he had to work out for a physics module he had enrolled in on a whim. Little did he know that physics would be more difficult than he had imagined, yet regardless he wasn't about to quit. "I've not even read the dossier yet," he grunted as he closed the door behind him and slid into his seat, at least it wasn't going to be too cramped, he thought. The car was relatively spacious and whilst a van would've been ideal, they couldn't really justify one for the mission. So a car had to do. "My class was fine, mind boggling stuff, but fine. How about yours?" he asked, smiling gently at his friend.

Since both of them were large men: Kaldur was tall and lanky and Conner was a brick wall made flesh, he wished they'd been able to have a van for the mission. However they found themselves instead in an SUV rigged with technology to rival the batmobile. At least this one had leg room. "You are not missing much." Kaldur offered as he unscrewed the top off a bottle of water. "See who comes in. See who comes out. See how long they're in there for. The car will notify us when there is movement, we just have to mark down who triggered the movement alarm. Rudimentary stakeout to be sure." He nodded along as Conner talked about his class, knowing full well he'd have a stack of homework to rival Kaldur's "we are attempting our own individual translations of The Odyssey. It will occupy much of my time for at least a month. But in an uncharacteristic act of kindness my professor has made it the only homework for that particular class." He tucked a mechanical pretzel behind his ear and looked at the clock on the dashboard. "Ten pm on the nose. Let the twelve hour countdown commence."

Chuckling gently, Conner scooped up the dossier and read it quickly. It was a lowkey, surveillance mission. They were not to engage unless they were engaged first and Conner had no desire to get in a fight with the bad guys today. They might've been two of the more powerful and not to mention experienced fighters within the team, but that didn't mean that they were infalliable and they might well be out gunned here. Besides, this was an easy mission, basically an extended study session with the occasional chore as long as everything went to plan and Conner saw reason why it shouldn't. "This is a real interesting read," he murmured as he flicked through it, "a real page turner." They had basically been given no information, but this assignment came directly from Batman and that usually meant that it was important. "Well that sounds riveting!" he exclaimed, "Incredibly interesting really!" he shook his head gently and smirked. "Twelve hours of fun!" he exclaimed somewhat sarcastically.

Kaldur cracked a broader and more luminous grin at Conner's sarcasm, gills flaring as he laughed. Truth be told he agreed with the assessment. This was a startlingly easy assignment to give to the two most senior members of the team, but he wasn't complaining. Being on assignment meant he couldn't be bothered by other members of the team, it left him time with homework and Conner. At least one of those was his favorite "I can hear the sarcasm in your voice. We do have that in Atlantis as well." He spread books out on his lap; the original Greek, a lexicon, and balanced his notebook with nascent translation on top of them. "At least this car is sizable. Remember the Sacramento stakeout? They put the two of us in a Mini. Most cramped I believe I have ever been in my life." His pencil scratched away at the page as he kept one eye on the building's sole entrance and one on his homework "This seems palatial in comparison."

Shrugging gently, Conner dug an iPad out of his bag and began to bring up the work on it that he needed to do. They were in Chicago, not in the worst neighbourhood in the city, but certainly not in the best one either. There were the small tell tale signs of poverty all around them, over years and after many many training exercises, Conner had become adept at judging his environment after one glance. "I'm not complaining," he replied with a smirk, "being here with you is better than nothing and some of the best missions that I've ever had are the most boring ones." He hoped that this was boring, he hoped that this nice if not slightly run down neighbourhood was safe from whatever crime they thought was going on here. Too many times entire blocks were ruined just because they were the location of a meeting that concerned the Justice League and although Conner believed in what they were doing there was far too much collateral damage for his liking. "It isn't the flyer," he admitted, "but things could certainly be worse, I'm glad that Batman found it prudent to give us all of the best tech, that mini didn't even have basic defensive functions." He shrugged, happy with his lot in life as he began tapping away on his iPad. "We'll make do my friend," he said with a smile.

Listening to the tapping of Conner's fingers on the iPad he'd brought with him Kal smiled. Even working it was easy to be around the other hero. It's what made their partnership work so well on and off the field. "I feel like the mini was punishment for something though for the life of me I cannot comprehend what." He chewed idly on the end of his pencil while flipping through the lexicon for a word that fit what he thought the author was trying to say "We always make do. It is our trademark." He kept scratching away, neat handwriting filling the gridded paper, occasionally making note of someone entering or exiting what he assumed was a gang headquarters. "Queen Meera would like to know if you are coming down for Atlantis day. I told her I would ask." He took another drink of his water and looked over at Conner's iPad "That looks hellishly difficult." The numbers swam in front of him and he couldn't make hide nor hair of them "I do not know how you manage all of that."

Conner had started getting into the flow of the work and was in the middle of a particularly difficult piece of quadratic formula when Kaldur next spoke. "Surviving for the next stakeout," he said as he watched a man with a dark jacket and broad shoulders enter the building, he made a note before turning back to his work. He had no clue what the building was, by all appearances it was a block of apartments that could do with a new coat of paint, but what was going on behind closed doors was another matter entirely. "I should be able to go," he admitted, knowing the date was coming up soon, Conner had scheduled some time off work for the festivities. He tried to go every year, it was an important festival for his friend and he would've hated the idea that he wasn't there to support him. "Tell her that I'd be delighted to come and that I'll make every effort to attend." He smiled gently and shrugged, "I could say the same for your work."

Rummaging through the cooler he'd put in the back seat Kal grabbed a bag of carrot sticks and started to eat them as they worked. There was music playing in the background, he'd put it on before Conner had arrived and hadn't turned it off when his friend had gotten in the car. It was quiet enough not to be a nuisance and if it was, Conner would turn it off "She will be delighted. She adores you." His pencil flew across the page as he parsed a tricky sentence into something resembling the original poetry, a pleased smile creeping across his face. "We will only stay for the parade and the feast. I know what trouble a rebreather is." His laugh cut across the car at Conner's comment "it is not so bad. It is a puzzle. I like puzzles. I have to tread the fine line between making it understandable English and keeping the authors original poetry and intent. It is fun for me. I cannot imagine pursuing another major."

Grabbing a carrot stick out of the bag, Conner thoughtfully crunched on the snack as they both worked their way through their pile of homework. This was nothing more than a weirdly situated study session. At least that was what he was hoping. Hopefully the stakeout would go well and they wouldn't have to deal with the repercussions of whoever they were spying on finding out that they were spying on them. This was about as normal as things got for Conner and he was beyond grateful for this time to relax, work and spend time with his best friend. "I am delighted for the invite, I adore your mentors Kaldur," he said with a smile, "you got the kindest of the mentors." He shrugged gently before turning back to his iPad. "They've developed a new line of re-breathers that Green Arrow and Batman promise me are much more convenient. You place them over your bottom lip and they form a film between your mouth and the water, I've yet to try one but apparently they are much more comfortable for wearing, so hopefully we will be able to stay longer." He smiled gently and shrugged. "I can understand your position, Mathematics is similar I guess."

Setting the carrot sticks between them Kaldur grabbed a fourth book from his bag and balanced it against the steering wheel, trying to read in the dim light before grunting and acquiescence to his body's limitations and sliding a pair of wire framed glasses on his face, cross referencing several things at once "and they adore you. They perhaps like you better than me. They certainly think you are the most polite surface dweller they have ever met." He cracked a grin and turned to Conner "Careful. She is already asking for your measurements. Appear to eager and you might end up with one of these too." He tapped a nail against the small ornate piercing hanging from his septum, the carefully styled gold a gift from the King and Queen. "Then you will truly be one of us." Three sketchy looking men entered the building and Kal made a note of it before returning to his work "We each have our fortes, to be sure. Math has just never been mine. I find you singularly impressive."

Smiling gently Conner kept working through his homework. Things weren't exactly difficult, but it was tedious work and far from the most interesting type of mathematics that he had ever done. Yet he was somewhat content, enjoying himself as much as he could when it came to this point. Looking at his friend, he smiled gently and looked up from his work. The dim light was fading fast now and it wouldn't be long before they weren't able to see anything more than the outlines of each other But he didn't mind, he was enjoying himself. "You think that they like me better than you?" he asked, scoffing gently as he did, "Clark and Lois won't shut up about what a nice young man you are, I'm pretty sure they are considering adoption." He laughed and shrugged. "I never thought that a septum would suit me," he admitted with a smile. "I think that I would need gills before you could consider me Atlantean," he said with a laugh.

"I think they look upon you with tremendous favor." His voice held no ill will, Kaldur wanted his adoptive family to like his best friend, so the fact that they did made him incredibly happy. He laughed again, sliding his glasses off and resigning himsf to the fact that he couldn't see his books anymore. "Clark and Lois have only ever seen my genial and polite side. I am sure they would reconsider if they were to live with me for any extended period of time." He cocked his head and looked at Conner in the dying light "I think you could pull it off. Yours would have to be silver, of course, but gills or no you are certainly an honorary Atlantean."

"I am grateful for their respect and reverance, it means a lot coming from the adoptive family of my best friend." Conner had truly developed a healthy respect for the Atlantean court and that was almost exclusively due to his friend. He fiddled with one of the rings in his ear and shrugged. "Perhaps, but even when you've had three hours of sleep and have been fighting for most of the night you somehow manage to be one of the most level headed and calm people that I have had the pleasure to meet." He smiled and tapped on the glass. It wasn't that late but their stakeout had only just begun. The problem with stake outs that Conner found was that he was often tired from the day and staying awake for the next nine hours was going to be tough. "I'll have to pass," he said finally, "getting a piercer who is able to properly pierce me is already enough of a pain."

"They appreciate all you have done in defense of our society and culture. Atlantis would have fallen several times had it not been for your assistance." Kaldur adored his culture, and it meant a lot to him that Conner went out of his way to involve himself in Conner's home and the customs it held. "Years of being trained by the King and his commanders. It teaches one that equipoise is the key to moving through life. Regardless of the circumstances around you that you cannot control, the one thing you can control is how you react to it." Stowing all of his books in his bag he sighed and leaned back in his chair, watching the door they had been tasked to observe. Without the aid of light it was going to be a long night. The length was ameliorated somewhat by Conner's presence though. He chewed idly on a fingernail and chuffed a quiet laugh, "Standing offer. The King's Guard would be happy to have you. Like all things, they'd be better with you."

"Whilst I'm flattered by the compliment and I appreciate it to an extent that I doubt you fully understand, I don't think it is fair to say that my sole involvement in the three to four battles I've participated in when near Atlantis is what prevented defeat," Conner said with a gentle smirk, "but I appreciate what you're getting at," he shook his head gently and smiled. "Yeah," he grunted, "what you just said. That." He didn't need to be the most eloquent person around, he didn't need to always have the last word, Kaldur was easily more than capable of that. "Thanks, but I'm not sure that Martha and Jonathan could cope with me coming home with another piercing or anything too radically different to what he had left the farm with. His adoptive pseudo parent / grandmother was resistant to his hair cut and he had been getting it cut like that for well over a year.

"The truth is never a compliment, Conner. It simply is." With a finality that made his opinion iron clad and unmistakable he flowed onto the next conversation topic, looking through the gloom at Conner's various and sundry piercings. Kaldur had never been one for personal ornamentation like some of his Atlantean compatriots were. The golden septum piercing that was the mark of a battlemage of the King's Guard, and the tattoos that helped him channel his water magic were the only permanent adornments he opted for, but Conner positively glittered with piercings. Coupled with a flashier haircut than Kaldur could have ever driven himself to get, the Kryptonian presented a grander picture than his more slender Atlantean best friend. "No wonder your family thinks so highly of me, if personal adornment is cause for alarm for them. I am more understated with it than you are, to be certain." He flashed a smile and drank more of his water, taking note of someone leaving the building, "I enjoyed myself the other night, when you and I drank far too much and watched the stars. Again, thank you for spending that time with me."

"Then how do you manage to make every little piece of the ‘truth’ that you tell me be positive about me?" Conner said with a chuckle. Kaldur had a wonderful way of making the truth support you. Of all the people that he spent lots of time with, Kaldur was one of the most positive and supportive presences in his life. Always driving him to strive for greater than he thought was possible, always pushing him to be the very best person that he could be. It was something that he would appreciate for his whole life, he was certain that Kaldur was the reason that he was the person that he was today and one day, when he was older Kaldur would be the reason he was the man that he was on that day. "Yes, well the smooth talking and complicated vocab probably helps too," he replied with a smirk as he yawned and reached into his bag and pulled out a flask of hot coffee, pouring out two cups and handing one to his friend. "It was my pleasure, thank you for the drinks although my hangover the next day was lethal."

"You absolutely do. I have slept near you on enough occasions to know for a fact that you do. I believe Garfield has a recording of it, actually." Kal's fingers tapped against the warm exterior of his mug before he shrugged "Be that as it may... the world is hard enough on us without me compounding that. If I have an opportunity to remind you of your positive attributes I think I will take it." Crunching thoughtfully on another carrot stick he kept his gaze on the door as Conner grabbed goggles. "Fishy indeed." Glancing down at the notes he'd been taking on the tablet batman had given them he ran a quick tally in his head "twenty-five people have entered and only three of them have come out again. Someone is having a staff meeting and I do not believe they are called together to discuss the HR policy on workplace romance."

"Psht," Conner waved his hand idly and shrugged gently. "That sounds fake, I'm almost completely certain that it is something that definitely didn't happen." He shrugged gently and shook his head. "But I guess I should just say thanks instead?" he said with a smirk. Grabbing a pickle from the snack pot, he held it between his two fingers thoughtfully before slipping it into his mouth and chewing on it slowly. "Do you think that we should take a closer look?" he asked with a gentle frown as he looked down at the dossier. Their orders had been very very clear that they were not to engage with the criminals, but Conner wasn't sure he could help himself. "Maybe we should just take a peak?"

"It was his ringtone for awhile. I believe it was M'Gann that made him change it because she could not bear the sound of your snores every time someone texted him.... which is frequently. I do not know how he has time for such a burgeoning social life in between missions but somehow his phone is constantly ringing. Now it is a song about a unicorn in space.... but it previously was the dulcet tones of you snoring on that mission in Madagascar." Kaldur crunched loudly on dried seaweed chips (something he'd had to bring back in bulk from his last trip to Atlantis since nobody sold them on the surface) and looked over at Conner with his brow furrowed, "As the team member in command I am required to remind you that our implicit orders were to stay in the car for routine surveillance only. As your best friend and sword-brother though..... I am cramped. I could to with stretching my legs for awhile. Close surveillance only. No combat unless absolutely necessary."

Conner laughed gently, shaking his head and fiddling with one of his piercings gently. "I'm touched that he actually went to all that effort," he said with a smirk. He knew that he probably did snore, that was why when the team were on a mission and in close confines, he always made sure that he was the last one to go to sleep. He didn't want to keep them up. Though Conner didn't need to be told twice, he got out the car and crossed the street to the front of the building, pulling out a pack of cigarettes -- of course he didn't normally smoke, but every once in a while you had to improvise and the number of times a pack of cigarettes had helped with that was unbelievable -- and lighting one up as he leaned on the wall and did the best that he could to listen into the building. He didn't have Superman's hearing, but he could hear a bit better than most. "What do you think?" he asked as he struggled to hear anything but the general noise of the street.

Kaldur crept silently across the roof of the warehouse as Conner got into position with his pack of cigarettes, "I am also obligated to remind you" he murmured into the comms, sliding from one shadow to another, glad he'd opted for black jeans and a dark shirt, "That smoking is a filthy habit and Kryptonian biology or no it is detrimental to your health." Positioning himself near a vent he managed to get half a view of the interior of the building "I think I was correct. I can see a large table and people around it. However, I cannot hear anything because of the noise of traffic." A quick scan of the roof revealed several options for ingress and Kaldur heaved a sigh, this was getting farther and farther away from the parameters of the mission and Kaldur was reminded of a mission in an underwater base where he'd deviated from mission parameters. It had been a bloodbath and he had had an unfortunate lecture from Batman after it. "I can gain entry unseen. But can you hear anything?"

Straining his ears nearly to the point of ignoring his other senses, Conner was all but pressing his ear to the wall and at this point he was convinced that they must have sound proofing or something. Either way he could only hear some muffled whispers. "Don't worry," he said ashing the cigarette and gently struggling not to choke on the smoke that was leaking out of the cigarette, "I think I'll manage to quit on my own." He was tempted to just jump onto the roof and have a look himself. "I can't hear anything, if you want to learn more without having to be stuck in the snore-mobile all night then this is probably going to be our best shot.

"Fine. But I am not explaining to Martha why you smell like cigarette smoke. She likes me. I will not sully that with your bad habits." Kaldur started to slide towards a very large air vent and unscrew the fasteners holding the grate in place, "Fuck" he only swore infrequently, because he felt it was below him as a leader of the group, but it had been a long long time since he had been worried about what Conner thought of him, "Please remember that if I die, you are in charge of the group and my remains should be delivered back to Atlantis so they can be buried properly and I can pass into the Deep Trench." He wedged himself into the airvent and started to slither forward as silently as he could "Please do not tell His Majesty that I wedged myself into an air vent for information. It is not befitting a member of the Kings Guard."

Raising his eyebrow gently, Conner reached out and scratched the tip of his chin thoughtfully. Ashing his cigarette once more gently and taking a long drag before exhaling gently. "I don't go back to the farm when I have to smoke, and it isn't like I smoke frequently," he said shrugging gently, "what can I do? I'm young, dumb and full of fun. Besides, I'd not go anywhere near smallville, or even metropolis, Clark would definitely have a stern word with me." He sighed at Kaldur's unnecessary dramatics. "If you're going to die then hold off and swap with me, I'm bullet proof and I would much rather not have to lead the team. That just isn't me."

Kaldur managed a chuckle as he rounded a tight bend in the vent "We are indeed young and dumb and full of fun. Though I think my only vice is drinking. Drinking and moderate pornography use." The murmur of voices grew louder and louder until he could understand what people were saying through a nearby grate. He stopped moving, concerned that if he scooted close enough to see through the vent he himself would be uncovered. "Too late." He hissed as quietly as he could while still having the comm pick up his voice, "I am here and close enough to hear what they are saying. Is my mic picking this up? You should record this so we can present it to the League."

"What about the insufferable sense of justice and absolute right in every situation?" Conner asked somewhat sarcastically, he didn't particularly care what his friends vices were. He could be a drug addict and it wouldn't change the way that Conner felt about him. "Well you kept going forward in the vent, you should have gone the other way!" he exclaimed with a laugh. Straining his ears he switched their comms onto a mode that would record everything except what they said. "I can just about hear it," he murmured, listening to them discuss what appeared to be shipments, though they weren't exactly being specific about when they were coming in. A gruff voice was picked up, "... the shipment from Metropolis is right on schedule and the shipment from Gotham will be delayed for three more days, but that shouldn't affect our plans too much."

"Once again my lithe form works to our advantage. I am fairly certain you could not have made it around the first bend let alone the several I had to make to get here." Kaldur’s eyes rolled sarcastically at Conner's questionable compliment "I cannot be your best man if you refuse to take control of the team. Definitionally I am my own best man right now which seems needlessly conceited to me." His mind raced with possibilities as Conner's voiced filtered into his ear, "You are correct, they are not. After the raid we conducted in conjunction with the League last month nobody has had the chance to build up their facilities enough to start production on a mass scale again. Which means they are importing." Curled up into a tiny ball in the air vent he thought for a split second, "We cannot act yet. We need more information about what they are bringing in and how they are dispersing it. But once we have that information we should attempt to capture as many of them as we can. Whatever this plan is it cannot be allowed to come to fruition."

Conner nodded gently and moved back to the car. "Well we can all be lithe," he replied exasperatedly, "some of us have to be big and broad." He smirked gently as he moved to the trunk and he tapped in the code on a holographic key pad that shone out of the handle of the trunk. Popping it open, he typed in another code and grabbed a large box. Pulling it open he placed it on the ground and popped it open. Grabbing the large frame he moved back to the door of the apartment building and placed it over the frame of the door. "You know that I have no problems working in conjunction with you and telling you what to do once in a while, making you my best man in this instance, but there are plenty of other candidates who would be perfect for leading the team. Miss Martian, Red Robin and Tigress are all more than qualified." Pressing a button he watched as a large force field vibrated into life before his eyes. Perfect. A second later and he was climbing up to the fire escape, it was the only exit now. "See what else you can learn," he said with a smile as he pulled himself over the ledge and onto the roof of the building, "I've secured the front exit with the portable force field emitters so they'll have no choice but to move out of the fire escape, when we know enough I suggest that we spook them and then drive them up, you can then take them from behind and I'll take them from the front."

Kaldur couldn't help but roll his eyes again "yes yes you are built like a brick wall and are convenient when I need a human shield to hide behind." He chose to ignore the old argument about leadership for the moment. Carefully listening he gleaned as much information as he could from the meeting while Conner's voice whispered a plan in his ear. "They are importing a manufactured toxin designed to force everyone into a hallucinatory state; making the city defenseless for a mass robbery and crime spree. It sounds much like the work of the Scarecrow though they have not mentioned him by name yet. They last shipment they need is arriving tomorrow night. I suggest at this point we attempt to capture as many as we can which means I am about to make a dramatic entrance from his air duct. Are you ready for incoming?"

"Convenient?!" Conner screeched down the microphone, "is that all I am to you?" he asked, faking a sob, "A convenient piece of cover?" He smirked and squared up in front of the door, he would work as a barrier and prevent anyone from escaping. Reaching up and adjusting the ring that was in his cartilage of his right ear so that it sat more comfortably around his headset. "So it is either the work of Dr Crane or a copycat. That is all we need to know," he said, knowing that Clark was going to give him the telling off of a life time at the end of this. But he didn't care, they needed to act and if they didn't act then that could lead to a disaster. "I'm ready for incoming," Conner confirmed with a smirk, cracking his knuckles, "I hope you do something funny, the last time you burst out of an air duct it got over a million views on YouTube."

"The minute your muscles start to go I have no more use for you." Kaldur teased, wriggling as silently as possible to get the water bearers out of their sheaths on his back. "Nothing but a piece of attractive meat to me." His finger tapped against the ring in his nose; partially out of habit and partially out of a need to call to mind everything that made the King's Guard, and him, great. "Well if I can get a million and a half i will consider this mission a success." A quick twist and a quirk of thought brought razor sharp water through the metal and he tumbled gracefully down into the middle of the conference table their targets were seated around "Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I am Aqualad and you have two choices. Death or surrender. This building is surrounded so please make this easy on yourselves and come quietly." He knew they wouldn't. But he liked to try.

"I knew it!" Conner exclaimed down the comms, "I knew that you were forgetting my anniversary!" he said with fake tragedy tinging his voice. "Well since you've admitted that you're only in it for the sex, well then we're not getting anymore sex until we've sorted this out, you're not getting any of this sugar." He laughed to himself and pushed his hair out of his face. Balling his fists, he slid his feet backwards and lowered his center of gravity, preparing himself in front of the fire exit as he heard metal clang and knew that Kaldur must be starting his assault and that it wouldn't be long before they found out that the front exit wasn't an option. "Death or surrender," he said with a smirk, "that was a very nice touch."

"You mock, sir." Kal muttered as he waited for the stunned assemblage to make up their minds, "But Atlanteans frequently exchange gifts on the anniversaries of friendships. Ours is July 27th... in case you were wondering." As there was a sudden mad rush for the exits Kaldur hopped off the table and gave chase, knocking a burly man unconscious as he ran past, "Was it? It felt a little heavy handed. They are coming your way by the by. One has already been knocked unconscious and I can probably have four more down before they hit the fire escape." He fought to make good on his promise, water bearers transforming from weapon to weapon as suited the situation he found himself in, "Hopefully we can get through this one without killing anyone."

Smirking gently, Conner shook his head. "I knew that, I count it as both my birthday and the day that I met you, Dick and Wally." He smirked gently, Atlanteans had strange customs by all accounts, at least compared to other groups of people, but that didn't mean that he didn't love them just as much as almost anyone else. The Atlanteans were almost a second people to him, they were always there for him, always accepting when no one else would. "But then again," he said with a smile, "you already knew that too." He laughed gently as he took a breath and watched the fire door slam open. A gun was raised and the bullets bounced off of his chest. "This is a new t-shirt!" he exclaimed with a shake of his head. Grunting he lunged forwards and knocked his first opponent out with one strike. "Ready to surrender?" he asked with a smirk.

"Of course I knew that." Kaldur huffed out as he rounded a corner, the water under his control spinning into a mace allowing him the club a man with a gun out of his way, "It is why I buy you presents every year on that day." Leaping over the slack body of an enemy combatant he vaulted out the fire escape as quickly as he could, just in time to see Conner lament his ruined new t-shirt and take someone out, "I will buy you a new t-shirt if we pull this off successfully." He grinned, tripping someone and waving at his friend, "But for now, there is rubbish to clean up and a story to figure out. Since I am sure my King will threaten to lock my in a trench below for this." He winced as a knife found its target, lodging in his side, "Rude. Exceedingly rude." He knocked the woman out and moved onto his next target

Whirling around, Conner grabbed a criminal by their ankles and used them as a battering ram, knocking enemies over left and right. Once upon a time he had exclusively relied upon his brute force and his strength to get him through, but as he had fought more and more villains he had learnt that you can't always trust that you'll be the strongest person in the room. So he had taken up a few martial arts and he was putting them to good use now. Leaping over to Kaldur's side as he saw the knife lodge into his side, he knocked another person out and knew that the League would've noticed this fight by now and that they'd be on their way. He hoped that they sent a Green Lantern. Or Wonder Woman. Hell Batman would be better than Clark showing up right now. "Are you ok?" he asked, fighting back to back with his friend. "There aren't many of them left now." Five by his count.

Kaldur watched with no small amount of amazement as Conner grabbed a poor criminal and used them as an implement of destruction, "That poor man." He murmured as he tossed the knife out of his side and chucked it to the side, "I am fine. It is not the first time I have been stabbed this year and I am sure it will not be the last." He nodded in agreement at Conner's assessment that there weren't many left, "We should have this wrapped up before anybody shows up. It will help to ameliorate the large amount of yelling that is about to come our way." He tucked and rolled behind someone, lashing out with a leg to trip them before knocking them out with the hilt of his weapons, "This would be phenomenally easier on us all..." He called out over the din of battle, "If you simply surrendered to us. You are human.... neither of us are. So... this fight is not stacked in your favor."

Conner watched as Kaldur spun back into action, his water bearers a blur of blue light as he knocked their number from five down to four. They were a motley crew. Two big white guys that looked like they were members of the KKK. Kaldur kicking their ass must really be beating them up because they charged at the pair of them and before they could even react Conner and Kaldur had swiftly dealt with them. That left a small girl with a buzz cut and a weird tattoo under her chin and to her left was a skinny boy with greasy hair. Holding out their wrists, they collapsed to the floor and it was obvious that they had realised that this was a fight that they were not going to win. "I want a deal," the girl pleaded, her face stony. Conner was surprised, he didn't usually hear a criminal breaking their apparent code of honour and trying to rat out the other members of their gang. "That will help," Conner said to Kaldur as he slipped magnetic cuffs onto both of them, "she'll be able to give us all the information that we need." He smiled gently and looked at the sky. They were just in time to see a figure in a blue onesie shooting through the clouds. "Great." He muttered under his breath.

Kaldur narrowed his eyes in disbelief as the two remaining combatants sank to their knees in surrender. "I am going to bind you now. If this is some attempt at a ruse please know that I will knock you unconscious. It will not be gentle." He pulled restraints out and immobilized both of them before returning to Conner's side, tearing off a strip of the man's ruined t-shirt to hold against his wound, "The deal will be as follows. You will turn evidence against the attendees of the meeting you were just at. In exchange for this you will still go to prison. It will be a prison not filled with the people you just turned against and it will be for a slightly shortened sentence. There will be no negotiation." He looked up at the sky when Conner did, brow furrowing as the blue streak grew closer, "Oh look.... He is here. Not who I wanted to see right now if I am completely honest with you."

Conner smirked gently as they locked the two criminals up and he couldn't help but wonder why they would take this risk. Either way, it was a blessing in disguise. "Kaldur," he said with a sigh, "you know he could hear what we were saying if he wanted to," he paused and looked at the prisoners. "I'll go talk to him, you make sure these guys are secure and in transit." Straightening what was left of his t-shirt he sighed gently and made his way towards the blue streak.

#para #p: kaldur #chatzy para #YouTube's Gonna Love This

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rougepetale · 5 years

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New Lingerie Set (Shunichiro) (NSFW)

Fandom: Irresistible Mistakes (Voltage/ love 365) Pairing: Shunichiro Tachibana Warning: Sex Note: Dude... this was nearly 9 pages long.... whats wrong with me? Too much plot XD

Gif is not mine, all ownership goes to the creator

___________________________________________________________

“All the better.”

The rest of the date had your mind elsewhere. Was Shunichiro really into that lingerie?

Just when you were going to click the purchase button your phone chimed to indicate you got a text.

“I’m loaded with work. But I can’t stop thinking about you.”

You smirked and texted him back, “Oh I am sure you are loaded.”

He texted back quickly, “What are you wearing tonight?”

“I wish you were here.” You texted back, sorrowfully, “I wish you didn’t have to work overtime.”

“All for next week.” Was his curt text back. “Will speak with you in the morning.”

Shunichiro had to work until mid-afternoon, giving you enough time to go alone to the mall to buy the lingerie set. It also give you enough time to clean and wear it for tonight’s rendezvous.

You were lucky, your size had only one left. You nearly skipped out of the store, knowing that you had one of the last sets.

His smile was radiant, “Are you ready to go?” he asked, after giving you a quick peck on the lips. “Our dinner reservation is on half an hour.”

“Yes, thank you.” You turned to lock the door and when you turned back you saw Shunichiro eyeing you hungrily. “What?” you asked, did he already know that you had the special bra on?

You squealed in surprised, “Shun!”

“You’re so cruel!”

You laughed softly, “I certainly hope so.” Surprise flitted across his face, catching him by surprise didn’t happen often.

He smirked, “I cant wait to strip you bare.”

*DING*

He noticed that the top button of your blouse was open, and when you bent to grab something he got only a hint of the bounty that he so desperately wanted.

The little mink was teasing him right here in front of others. He knew that you were doing this because it was safe. You knew that he wouldn’t do anything in front of the company of others.

“So, how was work today?” you asked, you had decided to have a light salad since you knew that the evening would be filled with vigorous…. And pleasurable activities.

“I learned from the best.” You replied, batting your eyelashes twice. You took a bite from your salad and smiled at him, “Are we having dessert?”

A pout sprung forward, “And whose fault is that?”

“Certainly, we haven’t had a nice date out in a while.” A gentle beep and the door popped open, “After you.”

The room was furnished in deep red and golds. “Oh wow, it’s beautiful.”

“You scoundrel.” You moaned out, leaning into his chest, “Distracting me.” Your eyes fluttered shut for a moment, savoring the feeling of his heat behind you.

“I thought you’d like this bra this time.” You murmured slightly disappointed.

He chuckled as his hands withdrew “it was only a few days.” His lips latched upon your neck, he nibbled softly on the tender flesh.

“I love hearing you moan out, it’s music to my ears” he praised when he left your flesh. He spun you around to face him. He smirked, “So, be loud for the entire hotel to hear.”

“Yes, Sir!” you moaned out, Shunichiro began to walk you backwards towards the bed. The smirk on his face had your core heating up, “Did you enjoy the new clothing?”

“Well,” you mused for a second, “I have good reason to.”

“Oh?” he feigned surprise.

Shunichiro groaned when you begged for him “Just so you know” he warned, “I won’t hold back.”

You flopped back down, your arms no longer able to hold your weight. All you could do was grip the sheets and moan loudly to signal your pleasure.

Encouraged by his words your voice was ripped from your throat, you couldn’t contain your moans, you couldn’t have held back even if you wanted to.

“Care to help me out of them?” he asked. He helped you sit up from the bed, as you were still putty in his hands.

“Please what?” he teased, he increased the pressure, having your head lull back, gasping for breath. He began to increase the tempo in rhythm to his fingers, “I love it when you beg.”

“T-that was amazing” you breathed out after a moment, trying to gather your thoughts. Shun smirked.

“…Are you ready for round two?”

#Voltage #voltage fanfic #voltage otome #voltage smut #irresistible mistakes smut #irresistable mistake #IM Shunichiro #shunichiro tachibana

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adambstingus · 5 years

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20 Weird But Genius Products On Amazon For People Who Have Everything

We know them, we love (most of) them: the impossible-to-buy-for people in your life. Whether its the husband who has everything, or the BFF who just doesnt want a lot of clutter around, they can make gift buying feel like a search for the holy grail.

That’s why we scoured Amazon to find fifteen of the most amazingproducts notebooks that erase themselves in the microwave, to magical pens that let you draw in three dimensions that are sure to surprise, and probably please, those hard-to-buy-for friends.

We hope you love at least one of these odd and awesome products. Just an FYI: 22Words may get a share of any sale through links on this page.

These Glasses That Aerate Wine On Contact So You Can Drink ASAP

via: Amazon

Wine lovers and design aficionados alike are singing the praises of these innovative wine glasses throughout their Amazon reviews. The built-in aerator lets you ditch the decanter and oxygenate your wine on contact so you can dig right into the delicious red nectar. Theyre not inexpensive, but for the type of people fancy enough to aerate their wine in the first place, its surely a paltry sum.

Snappy Amazon Review: Worth every penny. -Kimberly

This Beautiful Piece of Jewelry That’s A Fitness Tracker In Disguise

via: Amazon

FitBits are nice and all, but some days you dont want a big rubber band around your wrist screaming Im health conscious! to everyone you pass. Thats what makes the BellaBeat Leaf Nature Health Trackersuch a refreshing innovation. Beautiful and versatile, the BellaBeat can be worn as a necklace or bracelet, and tracks your daily steps, distance traveled and calories burned.

Snappy Amazon Review: The most low maintenance fitness tracker ever made and it’s gorgeous. -Elida Omerkic

This Tiny Gadget That Makes Your Car Smell Great

via: Amazon

Ditch the Febreze and get your FRiEQ on with the FRiEQ Car Air Purifier. The FRiEQ pumps three million negative ions per cubic centimeter into the air, which destroy odor causing particulates on contact, including mold, bacteria and viruses. Best of all, its powered by your cars 12V plug, so youll never run out of fresh air energy.

Snappy Amazon Review: My car certainly smells better. –Sammidee

These Tiny Bags of Charcoal That Drink In Odor

via: Amazon

Rescue your favorite footwear from inevitable shoe-smell with these all-natural, activated charcoal Footwear Deodorizers. And theyre not just for shoes the activated charcoal actively absorbs moisture in any situation, preventing pervasive odors and bacterial growth, so you can easily deodorize stinky refrigerators, closets and basements. They make no claims about stinky husbands, children, or coworkers however.

Snappy Amazon Review: Product works as Described, sucks all smell from shoes. -Kalpesh

…AND GETS ALL UP IN YOUR FACEBOOK

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This Miracle Broom That Cleans Floors, Walls, Windows and More

via: Amazon

Perfect for your neat-freak friends, the Evriholder FURemover Broom’swide head of 100% natural rubber bristles to grab and trap dirt, dust, lint and pet hair with ease its even got a telescoping handle for reaching the cobwebbiest of corners. Right now its one of the most popular brooms on Amazon, and with well over 2,000 positive reviews, its not hard to see why.

Snappy Amazon Review: This thing just plain works. -Nick V.

This Portable Charcoal Grill That Somehow Runs on Batteries

via: Amazon

If youre not into grilling, you may not be as impressed as I am by the truly innovative Gourmia Grill. It combines the inimitable flavor of a charcoal grill with the ease of non-stick surfaces and battery-powered portability. Perfect for grilling on the patio and small enough to pack for the next tailgate, the Gourmia Grills turbo fan provides precise air control to perfectly grill dogs, burgers, steaks and more, while conserving your charcoal consumption. And that just makes sense. Dollars, and cents.

Snappy Amazon Review: Gave as gift got a hamburger and hot dog in return. -Amazon Customer

This Indoor Garden That Grows Herbs Even I Can’t Kill

via: Amazon

I have a few talents in life. Horticulture is not one of them. Hence my immediate attraction to the Click & Grow Indoor Smart Herb Garden. The manufacturer boasts that growing herbs is as easy as inserting the plant capsules, filling the water tank (possible sticking point), and plugging the unit in. After that, let the automatic hydration system, low-energy LED grow light and the miracle of Mother Nature work their collective magic, and watch as the herbs of your choice spring to life. Delicious, fragrant life.

Snappy Amazon Review: I would have given 5 stars if it had come with something other than just basil. That’s the only thing I’d change. -Meghan

This Ring Of Power That Renders Your Smartphone Undroppable

via: Amazon

Since I got one, theiRinghas saved my iPhone from countless potentially devastating smartphone injuries. The iRing attaches via ultra-strong adhesive to the back of your smartphone, giving you a solid, swiveling ring through which to thread a finger of your choice, or with which to prop up your phone for some bedside Netflixin. Oh, and dont forget the included plastic hook, onto which the iRing settles nicely for use in the car.

Snappy Amazon Review: I’m a klutz so I drop stuff all the time, and this really helps. -Lunatique

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This Waffle Iron That’s Shaped Like a Keyboard

via: Amazon

I dont think an explanation is needed here. It’s a Keyboard Waffle Iron. Pass the syrup.

Snappy Amazon Review: Yesterday I did nothing because my keyboard was a waffle the whole time. -Leedlej

This Bottle Opener That Also Holds Your Child’s Fine Art

via: Amazon

There are few things more irritating than trying to track down a bottle opener when youre hankering for a cold one. Thats why no one will complain when you gift them this impossible-to-lose Master Magnetics Bottle Opener. Strong magnets keep it adhered to the beer cooler (aka, refrigerator), where it can amass an ever-growing collection of child artwork, or a collection of bottle caps so large it might force you to reevaluate your life choices.

Snappy Amazon Review: The magnets are really strong. -Edward

These Magical Drops That Change The Way You Taste Food

via: Amazon

MBerry Drops contain extracts from the so-called miracle fruit a mysterious berry that causes some pretty serious shifts in your taste perception. Dissolve one of these ten tablets on your tongue, and everything changes. Lemons taste like lemonade. Vinegar tastes like apple juice. Cheese tastes like frosting. You suddenly achieve the body of your dreams. Okay, were lying about that last part, but we swear these drops are the real, and somewhat freaky, deal.

Snappy Amazon Review: Yes they work. -Heart Dad

This Notebook That Erases Itself In The Microwave

via: Amazon

While the surveillance utility of microwave ovens has been debunked, the ability of microwaves to completely clear the Rocketbook Wave Smart Notebook of your top-secret doodles or late-night confessions is fully bunked. Seriously, this notebook erases itself in the microwave. And it even comes with a Rocketbook app which scans your work in hi-def before obliteration.

Snappy Amazon Review: I love this notebook. -ecaminos

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This All Natural Deodorant That’s Worth Buying For The Name Alone

via: Amazon

Say it three times fast: Primal Pit Paste Deodorant. PPPD is an all-natural solution to body odor, featuring a 100% aluminum-free mixture of shea butter, arrowroot powder and baking soda for an odor fighting and soothing solution. But lets be honest, youre just buying this to give your friend something called Primal Pit Paste.

Snappy Amazon Review: 4 months later I am still using nothing but Primal Pit Paste! -Jen

This Pen That Lets You Sculpt Your Own New Reality Where You Made Better Choices

via: Amazon

For those of us that struggle to draw even the simplest of 3d figures, the 3Doodler Create 3D Pen is a mind-blowing game changer, allowing even the most challenged of artists to realize their visions in 3D plastic reality. Like normal 3D printers, the 3Doodler extrudes melted plastic, which dries almost instantly as you bring your vision to life whether that be a scale model of the Eiffel Tower, or a drooping mess of an attempt at a human head. Theres certainly a learning curve with the 3Doodler, but the potential for awesomeness cant be denied.

Snappy Amazon Review: My son loves this! -Dawn

These Platypi That Infuse Your Tea With Too Much Adorability

via: Amazon

To be fair, theres a veritable menagerie of adorable animal-shaped tea infusers on Amazon. Seriously. Manatees, sloths, baby dinosaurs. But when it comes to a combination of cute and unique, nothing rivals a platypus. Especially platypus tea infusers. Especially when theyre called Mr. & Mrs. PlaTEApus. Come on. Just take my money already. These silicone platypi prop themselves on the edge of your tea cup and slowly infuse your favorite loose-leaf tea through tiny holes in their adorable bellies. And they come in their own gift box. I cant take it.

Snappy Amazon Review: So cute! Easy to fill and clean. So adorable! -Amazon Customer

This Small Plastic Stone That Fills The Room With Aromatic Humidity

via: Amazon

This small but mighty Deneve Essential Oil Diffuser and Humidifier can fill a space of up to 250 square feet with delightfully scented mist, while also putting on an ever-changing light show. Its the easy way to throw the most soothing of at-home raves.

Snappy Amazon Review: It is great. It is important to wipe it out between uses. -Torsten

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This Showerhead and Speaker That Will Change The Way You Bathe

via: Amazon

Your bathroom karaoke game just got way more serious. Kohlers MoxieShowerhead and Wireless Speaker combines a sixty-nozzle shower head with a removable, rechargeable bluetooth speaker, allowing you to stream all of your top tunes while you steam your way to relaxation. And when the speakers lithium ion battery runs low, just pop it from its magnetic hold in the shower head and plug it into the included USB cable for a quick charge. You’ll be up and showering-singing again in no time.

Snappy Amazon Review: The only thing better than a shower beer is having a shower beer while safely gyrating to jams in the shower. -Jonathon

The Toilet Stool That’ll Change The Way You…Go

via: Amazon

Okay, so since it exploded on Shark Tank, the Squatty Potty hasnt exactly been an unknown quantity. But that doesnt make it any less bizarre (or useful!) of a gift. The manufacturer recommends that beginning squatters start with the 7-inch Squatty, though those limber of leg and/or well-practiced in the art of squatting can venture up to the 9-inch SP. With sales in the millions and celebrities like Howard Stern touting the effectiveness of the simple bathroom stool, its safe to say the Squatty Potty isnt a passing phase its a movement.

Snappy Amazon Review: Oh Squatty Potty, You fill me with endless joy, Yet leave me empty. -Wm.

The Clear Film That Turns Any Surface Into a Dry Erase Board

via: Amazon

Synergy. Leverage. Ideation. These corporate buzzwords arent just limited to conference rooms anymore. With the Think Premium Board Medium, you can have the power of the white board anywhere you please! But seriously, this 2-foot by 3-foot clear sheet adheres to almost any surface, so you can doodle, plan, outline and scheme to your hearts dry-erase delight.

Snappy Amazon Review: OMG, I absolutely love this. Just like you, i’ve been looking for a white board for productivity, goals, action steps, you name it! -Georgetowns Marketplace

These Magical Tooth Wipes That Hide The Fact That You’ve Been Day Drinking

via: Amazon

No longer must you choose between red wine and a white smile. These Wine Wipes pack just enough hydrogen peroxide to wipe stains away from your pearly whites, without interfering with the delicious flavor.

Snappy Amazon Review: This stuff works perfectly. -b-ran

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