#thank you kaylee!! i have. thoughts and feelings

[readychilledwine]

Bound by Fate pt 6

Summary- When Kaylee Archeron meets Azriel, her world turns upside down. Between balancing her trauma, new powers, a mating bond, and war looming over her new home, Kaylee learns everything is not as little as it once seemed.

Warnings- miscommunication trope, sexual tension, Eris being the queen of pettytown

A/n- this is the smutless version of this filler chapter. But boy, do we love a petty Eris. If you'd like to read the smut version of this chapter, click here

Series Masterlist

Lucien and Kaylee sat around the fire. She had hardly spoken since they left the House of Wind a week ago. She had been focusing all her energy and effort on tracking the Mortal queen, and she had been so close today. They had almost linked until the sun fell, then Kaylee felt nothing coming from the Queen's end.

She did feel Azriel all day today, though. Love was constantly showering Kaylee's bones. She had been trying to ignore it, but as a shadow curled into her hand, dancing between her fingers, then ran up her arm, she broke. 

Lucien turned to her instantly, pulling her close as she cried. “It's okay,” he rocked her, running a hand up and down her back. “Just breathe, Kaylee.”

She couldn't, though. Panic began to flood her. Lucien rocked her, whispering comfort to her as he reached into her bag. He pulled out a small stuffed bat, one that He could scent Azriel on, and placed it in her arms. “Just breathe,” he repeated. “Breathe.” 

At that soft command, Kaylee felt her mind pause, shifting to focus on Lucien's command instead of her panic. She took a deep breath, eyes locked on his as he silently coached her through her panic. “That's my girl,” Lucien wiped a few spare tears from your face. “Keep going, Kaylee.”

Kaylee clung to Lucien that night, holding him close as she slept as if he was her lifeline. Lucien couldn't bring himself to understand Azriel. No matter how hard he thought about it, he could not understand. Had Kaylee been his mate, had those tables been flipped, he wouldn't have picked someone else over her. Just like he wouldn't pick someone else over Elain. 

He didn't stay up long enough to further question it, though. They had to get on the road early. Kaylee thought the queen was close, and Lucien needed to focus on this. He needed to prove Elain right.

Kaylee groaned as bright light hit her face and rolled into the warm chest. She felt a pull in her powers causing her to shoot up and hit a sleeping Lucien. “Lu, she's here.” 

The male groaned, arm going around Kaylee's waist. “Who?” His voice was laced heavily with sleep, eyes not even opening. 

“The firebird?” 

Lucien shot up next to Kaylee, eyes locked on the cursed mortal queen. “Can you feel her?”

Her only response was a nod. “Her name is Vassa. She wants to know what we want.”

Lucien looked between the two. “I trust you,” he looked at Kaylee. The simple statement struck, her eyes lighting up as she smiled. “Tell her everything.”

Night fall came quickly. The three of them spent the day talking and moving back towards the wall, with Lucien stopping every so often to grab some form of flora he had Kaylee staying away from. 

When she transformed back, silence fell between the three. There, naked as the day she was born, a mortal queen stood with her red hair moving gently in the breeze. Kaylee went into her bag, grabbing the clothing they had packed just in case Elain's vision had been correct and handed it to her. 

“Thank you,” she nodded to Kaylee, moving to go change into the soft tunic and leggings before rejoining them at the fire. “It is nice to speak to peo-” she shut her eyes and sighed. “It's nice to speak with… friends again.” 

Lucien spoke first, poking the fire slightly. “I can not imagine how lonely you are, my lady.” 

Vassa hummed. “You get used to loneliness. She is the first contact I have had in a long while. Most Humans and fae sleep when I'm human again."

“Do not get used to her being around,” Kaylee's head snapped to Lucien. “Her high lord has demanded her back for the meeting he is having. I will be transporting her to Autumn, and my brother will be taking her to the Night Court from there.”

“Lu-”

“He ordered it, hun. I'm sorry.” Lucien handed Vassa a plate of food. “It will be you and I, if you agree to take my company.” 

Kaylee stood, walking away from the fire and wrapping her arms around herself. She stopped at a lake, watching as a few fish swam by and took a seat. She thought she had more time to process. To get away. She felt a tug at the bond and gently answered, letting him know she was alive but still hurting. A wave of regret and of self hatred came down causing Kaylee to flinch. 

She was angry.

But Gods did she love him. She stroked the bond back, sending him her love and mixed emotions, and prayed he got the message. "Just give me time," she whispered.

Lucien and Vassa left Kaylee the next morning in a cabin. Kaylee shivered in dark, curling into herself as she waited for this brother to arrive.

To her annoyance, he was late. She took the blanket sitting behind her and wrapped it around herself with a sigh. 

“Such a sorrowful noise for one who is supposedly such a happy female,” the tone was mocking and bored. “You three were early.”

“Or you're late,” she shot back, wrapping further into herself. 

“No, little Kaylee,” the cabin came alive, flames starting in the fireplace, lanterns glowing brightly, and music playing. “You three were early.” She felt the male place a hand on the part of the blanket she had turned into a hood and pulled it down. “A tiny more attractive version of your sister, I see.” 

And this male? 

A stunning pale skinned red head. Freckles lining his nose like a constellation of stars. Burning bright eyes sparkling with danger that had Kaylee curling her toes. “You must be hungry,” he said. “I brought food. Come. Eat.”

“Papa told me to never take food from strange men.” 

He leaned down to her, face inches away. “Then it's a good thing I am a male, isn't it?” Kaylee made a face as he sniffed her and smirked. “Eat. Don't eat. Makes no difference to me, little one.” 

Kaylee stood following him after he walked away. “I don't even know your name.”

“Eris,” the male said, pulling her chair out. “Heir and general of the Autumn Court. The more important question is this,” the male pulled out a chair, turning it so he could straddle it and leaned in close to Kaylee. “Who are you?”

“Just Kaylee.” 

He scoffed slightly. “The shadowsinger is offering me a pretty deal to ensure you are returned in one piece,” his hand trailed her chin forcing her to look at him. “Just Kaylee. I can see why too. Such a beautiful thing left to the safety of little Lucien? I wouldn't have allowed you to even leave my bed.” 

Kaylee immediately noted how close they were. “I do not believe I will ever be in your bed, Eris.”

The heir smiled, face still near hers. “We shall see about that. I have until nightfall to change your mind.” He pulled away, fingers lingering in her hair as he did. “Eat, just Kaylee.”

Eris finally had Kaylee relaxed enough that the cabin didn’t carry a heavy scent of fear mixed with slight arousal. Bringing her four of his hounds had caused her guard to go down, and now the female sat pretty in his lap, sleeping soundly. His intention in trying to bed her was far from pure, but this would work. She would return to Azriel bathed in his scent from the close contact, and maybe then the male would realize how Lucien felt. 

His hands had run through her hair countless times, ensuring each strand held his scent. The blankets she was using were his, marking her body in his scent. The dress he was going to change her into hung in his closet. 

Was it as effective as fucking her senseless? No. Would it be enough to piss off the clearly tense shadowsinger? Eris smirked to himself, most definitely.

He kissed her shoulder gently, “Kaylee, we need to get you changed and ready to go to the Night Court.” She cuddled in tighter, squeezing her eyes shut and enjoying his warmth. “You've already overslept, little one, you won't have time to bathe.”

She shook her head, “Do not care.”

Eris stood, lifting Kaylee with him and carrying her to his room. “Well, I need to get ready, at least,” he laid her in his bed, covering her with the blanket, and went to the bathroom.  Kaylee sat up a few moments later and felt Her eyes go wide before looking down. Eris stood near the bathroom doorway shirtless, broad muscles on display as she finished changing into finely tailored trousers. 

“Stupid fae males and their attractiveness,” Kaylee grumbled softly and laid back into the bed. She had turned her back to the doorway, squeezing her eyes shut, and cuddled into the blanket that smelled like warm cinnamon and fire. 

 She felt the bed dip behind her and herself get pulled into a warm body. “Is my shirtlessness bothering you, just Kaylee?”

Kaylee refused to let him tease her anymore and rolled over so they were chest to chest, her face near his. “I am perfectly fine. Thank you for asking.”

He chuckled softly. “You do not lie well,” Eris ran the back of a finger down Kaylee's face, smirking as her eyes fluttered shut. “You are such a beautiful little thing.”

Her arousal flooded his nose. Her eyes went wide as he rolled them, so he was on top of her. "Say the word, and I'll stop."

“Please stop,” Kaylee put a hand on his bare chest. “Azriel will not appreciate this.”

Eris held that hand, kissing it softly. “Azriel doesn't even appreciate you, but if you insist little Kaylee. Walking away from the opportunity to share my bed is your loss.” 

Eris stood again and motioned towards the burgundy dress hanging up. “You need to get ready. We've wasted a lot of time playing this back and forth game, dearest. We are pushing being late."

Kaylee went towards the dress. It was an expensive fabric threaded with hints of gold and gems. It was fit for a queen, not some common female he had offered to bring home. “This is expensive. You didn't purchase this for me, did you?”

Eris shook his head. “It has been sitting unused in the Forest House for a while. I refuse to show up to a party with you looking less than divine. Therefore, I picked that dress. You look close in size to the female it was made for."

Hewn City terrified Kaylee. She could not help but to cling close to Eris despite Cassian having trained her in fairly basic Self defense. “A few more halls, Kaylee,” Eris held no arrogance in his voice. It had almost begun to border on comfort. 

These halls were too close to Hybern's cells. Dark smelling of moisture and earth. 

Kaylee felt a soft familiar purr and felt her shoulders fall slightly. 

Rhys was close, and he had his beast looking for signs of Kaylee. She also felt the bond tug as it began to come alive. 

Eris paused before entering a room. “Well, little one, this will be our last few moments alone.”

“Thank you for taking care of me,” Eris nodded. 

“It was self serving, but you are welcome.” She watched as a mask went up, an almost sad dead look coming over the heir’s eyes. He pushed the door open, walking in with her on his arm and a smirk.

Kaylee watched as Rhysand's face dropped, anger flaring in his eyes. She heard the growl from Azriel and Cassian. Eris turned to her, murmuring quietly in her ear, “And the game begins. Thank you for providing me with entertainment, just Kaylee."

Taglist: @impossibelle @luvmoo @wallacewillow0773638 @nightless

@cat-or-kitten @knmendiola @holb32

@mis-lil-red @minakay @whatsupb18  @deeshag @justdreamstars @pyrostatic @acourtofmarvels @no1massassin @dream-alittlebiggerdarling @acourtofbatboydreams @mich0731 @thelov3lybookworm @going-through-shit

@coralseacourt @snoopyspace @tothestarsandwhateverend

#acotar #azriel acotar #azriel x oc #acotar x oc #azriel x archeron!oc #eris vanserra #boundbyfate #azriel shadowsinger

[eclipsedrgn]

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲'𝐫𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐞𝐬

.·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·. Pair: Bay!Donnie x reader Summary: You survive the accident, but unfortunately you lost an ability that changes your life forever. Note: DC crossover lol

YOU REMEMBER waking up from your coma feeling cold, your lips dry from lack of liquid and your tongue dry. You look at your surrounding, noticing the white color ceiling and the annoying beeping by your left ear, you sighed realizing your at the hospital. You turn your head to look around for anyone only to spot Casey by the couch with his eyes close, pressuming he's taking a nap, you try to get his attention.

"Casey?" you whisper, your voice hoarse from lack of water.

The vigilante snorted out of his sleep as you threw the pillow, painfully, at him. Casey turned to you, mouth wide before running out of the room yelling for the nurses that you awoken.

A nurse comes running in, she greeted you with a smile. "I'm Kaylee, your nurse, how are you feeling?"

"I-I'm a little confuse" you whispered, "How did I get here?"

"You were shot by a cop by accident" your nurse explains, "Do you need anything?"

"W-Water" you said coughing.

The nurse took a cup filled with water and gave it to you, as you chugged down the liquid, you felt relief at the feeling of your now moist throat. Then the doctor walked in, Dr. Todd, he gave you a sad smile as he opens the folder he holds in his hands.

"Ms. (L/n), I understand that you were shot?" Dr. Todd asks gently, you nodded hesitantly at his reaction. "We were able to successfully take the bullet out, fortunately there was no vital organs hit"

"That's good" you said, gaining strength.

Dr. Todd smiled sadly, "Although it was a successful surgery, we weren't able to save your child..."

"My child?" you asked confused, "You must have mistaken- I'm not pregnant"

"You were 11 weeks pregnant" Dr. Todd replies, "The baby wasn't able to handle the stress your body was feeling, you miscarriaged in the ambulance. I am very sorry for your loss"

You teared up at the news, in disbelief, you couldn't even talk. You hear Casey thanked the doctor and walk him out the door. Casey took his phone out to text April when you called out his name.

"Who else knows?" you asked shakingly.

"Just April and I, we figured you'd want to tell Donnie about it" Casey says.

"N-Not a word, Casey Jones" you said harshly, not accepting the reality. "I need time to think about it"

"Of course. I'm gonna let the guys know your okay" Casey says.

You nodded. As the door shuts, you quickly take off the blanket, carefully peeling the needles off your body while setting the machine to as if it was still in your body. You quickly change into your leggings and tank top, wincing at the wound, you opened the window and climbed out.

As you ran across the rooftop in the daylight, you tear up at the thought of your unborn child as you sobbed. You stealthfully hitch a ride, as you hid yourself. Passing by the designation board, you see the letters of entering your home.

Gotham City.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥

Casey walks in the hospital room as he talks to April, only to drop the phone at the sign of an empty bed, he quickly alerted the nurses and pressed the emergency signal for the turtles.

Casey placed the phone to his ear as one of the guys answered, "What the hell happened?"

"They're gone! I walked out to let you guys know and I come back and they're gone"

"Casey, what do you mean they're gone?" Donnie asks, in an eerily calm tone.

"I'm sorry Don, but (Y/N) just up and left. Where? I'm not sure, but you guys can't-" Casey winces at the crash across the line, Donnie's scream and then a dial tone.

Casey shook his head as police from the police scanner on his phone say your description.

Why would you run?

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥

Eight months later.

You sighed as you watched your youngest brother chase his older brother with a katana. You slam the book shut and leaned forward, "Damian Al Ghul Wayne if you do not drop that katana right now, I will take it and your bench for tonight"

"But sister-"

You gave him the infamous batsis glare, the one that all brothers are terrified of. Even though your the middle child. Your brothers are more immature than you.

Damian, the youngest, huffed in annoyance. "Fine. But only because you have asked"

Bruce Wayne, their father, marches out of the household announcing to have a meeting. You look at Damian and Tim, the second youngest before following Bruce to the cave. Upon walking down, your heart stops at the sight of four mutant turtles standing there talking to Babs like their catching up and Dick who's more socially than others ask them questions.

"We are all here" Bruce announced, "Now, tell us why the sudden visit?"

Visit?! You thought to yourself, you stood behind Jason who stood at the far corner with his arms crossed.

"We believed that the Foot are at it again with your villains, we just don't know which one" Leo reports, showing Bruce the proof.

"And I assume you want intel on our villains?" Bruce asks, reading the files in the manila folder.

"Yes. And of course, your help. It is your city"

Bruce nods, "We appriciate that. Red Robin, Donatello your in charge of city search, see if you can find anything suspicious. Red Hood your in the streets, use your persona. Nightwing, Robin and I will be patrolling regularly just to throw off the villains, make sure your not suspicious Hood"

"Got it" they all respond.

You were about to turn to go back up the stairs when you hear your name being called, you take a deep breath and turned to see the orange clad looking at you with glossy eyes.

"Hi Mikey" you softly replied.

"You were here. The entire time?" Mikey asks loudly catching his brothers attentions.

Donnie who barely glanced at you is now fully looking at you, his hands clench in anger at the thought of you running away and his nightly search for you coming to nothing. Turns out he doesn't know much about you.

"I do live here" you smiled, "I can explain"

"You better" Raph responded, "Where the hell- why did you come all the way here? You woke up from your coma and you just-"

"What coma?" Tim asks, now fully turned to his older sister.

You bit your lip, "Can we talk about this later?-"

"Why?" Donnie asks harshly, "So you can run again?"

"Donnie..." you whimpered, "I'll explain but we need to focus on the matter first"

Donnie scoffs, "Avoidance. Should've been the first red flag"

You take a sharp breath as you felt pain in your chest, anxiety spiked up as you placed your hand on your belly rubbing slowly. You turned quickly and ran up the stairs, passing Alfred and to your room.

You let out a sob as you paced around your room, your hands combing through your hair and gripping tightly as you yell out a heartbroken sob. You collapsed onto the ground as you remembered the reason, the reason you never recovered, why you never bothered becoming Batgirl ever again, the lost of your child. All trauma piling up on you.

You sniffle as someone knocks on the door.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥

As you ran up the stairs, Donnie's face softens as he saw your mannerism when you get anxious.

"Shit" Donnie curses as he runs after you.

After asking Alfred for directions, he excuses himself from the group and went up the Manor. He follows the direction which led to a hallway of bedrooms, the farthest door he sees is a double door, probably the masters where Bruce is and the other doors have different decorations which tells him which brothers room is who.

He stops by the neon pink stickers decorated door, about to knock when he hears a heartbreaking sob.

Donatello hesitates, but he knocks anyway.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥

You dry your tears and take a deep breath as you opened the door, your eyes widen seeing your ex standing there. Is he technically your ex? You didn't exactly break up, but you shake that out of your thoughts for now.

"Can we talk?" Donnie softly asks, itching to reach out to you to calm yourself down.

"Sure" you said, opening the door wider.

You guys stood there awkwardly until you move to the bed to sit, Donnie took it as a sign to follow.

"I'm sorry" you spoke quietly, "You didn't deserve the hurt I gave you"

"But why did you?" Donnie asks, fiddling with his hands.

"I wasn't suppose to go for so long, I was gonna come back... everytime I felt a trauma I always run home to my family, my brothers because they're my safe haven" you explained.

"Did... Did we really know you at all?" Donnie asks, standing up. "When you left, it gave me time to think things through. You barely mention your family, you have so many scars, and you blank out on certain subject. I should've known"

"Would you really?" you asked, "I didn't tell you of my past because I didn't trust you. I didn't tell you because I couldn't accept it"

Donnie finally looks at you, soaking up the figure in front of him, he licks his bottom lip gesting you to continue.

"I'm not normal, I'm not just a civilian Don" you said, "I was expose to things a child shouldn't have, I experienced death, I-"

"Death?" Donnie exclaims.

"I'm Batgirl" you confessed, "I've been Batgirl since Jason became Robin... when Jay..."

"Take your time" Donnie says kneeling in front of you, "Take a deep breath, your okay"

You nodded, "Jason Todd died in the warehouse that exploded by the Joker. The news spread like wildfire. Batman's sidekick, dead"

"I remember, Mikey and Raph was upset"

"What they didn't know is that (Y/n) Wayne died that night, in the explosion as well" you confessed, "Batgirl died, trying to drag her brother out of the warehouse when it exploded. I was unrecognizable"

"What..."

"Dad never knew because one of his lovers took me and dipped me into this pit called the Lazarus Pit. I recovered and was revived. She never tend to keep me to train me, she kept me to raise Damian because she knew she couldn't" you explained, "Talia wanted the best for Damian, mentally and physically, so I practically became his mom. That's also why I'm always angry, the pits madness within me is controlled but I can only do so much"

"You... you raised the little kid back at the cave? Did I tell you he almost killed Mikey?"

You laughed, "That's Damian. I only raised him till he was 7. Talia thought I was making him soft so she dropped me off at Gotham where my family discovered I was alive"

Donnie nods silently.

"I found out that Jay was alive and tried to bring him back as Batgirl but everytime I put on my uniform, I get flashbacks of Joker and fire. I couldn't do it anymore. So I became (Y/n) Wayne, or (L/n) to be more normal with you guys"

Silence.

You sighed, "The day we fought about the ooze is when I found out that Damian was dropped off at the Manor. I was peeved I couldn't come home because of the Kraang. I took my anger out on you"

"And when you woke up from your coma, you took the chance to come home?" Donnie confirms as you nodded.

You grabbed his hands, as you sobbed out, "I-I'm so sorry"

"Baby" Donnie coos, "It'll be alright. I'm sorry I didn't consider-"

"I was pregnant" you sobbed out, "When I was shot I was pregnant. I lost our baby Donnie"

"You... you were pregnant..." Donnie sighs out sadly as he engulfs you in a big hug. He kissed the top of your head as you kept sobbing. Donnie, letting a few tears out, finally knew why you ran.

The pain.

The trauma.

You couldn't handle it anymore.

So you just ran.

#tmnt x reader #bayverse tmnt x reader #tmnt #leonardo #tmnt 2018 #crossover #tmnt au

[jj-nhlgirly]

Summer of Love:- Insecurities

Jack Hughes x F!Reader

AN:- thank you for the request anon, I hope you enjoy!! I used google translate so I apologise if any of it isn’t 100% accurate 🫶🏼 ALSO I KNOW THAT JACK AND THE BOYS ARENT PART OF THE US TEAM ANYMORE BUT WE’RE ALL GONNA PRETEND THEY ARE 🙌🏼

TW:- mentions of toxic ex’s, hate comments and death threats, swearing, I believe that’s it if I’ve missed anything please let me know.

(Not my gif, credits to who made this)

It had been a few days since “shark week” as Jack so eloquently put it, had been and gone. Both Jack and Mackenzie glad it was over, as much as Jack loved Mackenzie there was only so much he could do when she’d burst into tears over seemingly nothing.

Mackenzie was relieved that she’d finished just before the world friendlies, Jack and the boys were due to leave in two days. The girls were unable to attend the first match as the Scooby gang were due to arrive at the lake house in 4 days time.

Mackenzie was sitting on the window sill in their bedroom looking over the lake thinking about Jack, how upset to be away from him she was going to be, but proud beyond belief at everything he had achieved. How incredibly lucky she was to have him in her life, to call him hers, sure Mackenzie had dated boys before Jack came along but no one had ever made her feel the way he did, in her mind there was no competition, no comparison, he was it for her.

A knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts, Mackenzie turned her head in time to see the door being pushed open, Skylar popped her head through. “Hey Bambi, can we talk?” Skylar asked slowly, walking into the room. “Hey Sky, course we can” Mackenzie patted the space next to her, “what’s up pickle?” Kenzie asked. “I want to say I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. The way I acted was so wrong of me and I don’t know what came over me. Well actually I think I do, I think I was worried that I was loosing you to Jack, that you’d forget about me like dad did. It’s no excuse for the things I said and I don’t think that about you at all. I’m so lucky to have you as a big sister, a best friend and a role model. Everything you’ve done for me, and continue to do for me is amazing. I’m so grateful to have someone like you in my life, to guide me, protect me, be there for me no matter what. I know that you’ll always be a phone call away, day and night no matter what time it is.” Skylar finished.

Mackenzie sighed, “it still hurt to hear that Sky, do you know how disrespected I felt? How disrespected Jack felt? I’ve always valued your opinion, you know that. You knew how worried and nervous I was for you to meet Jack, I wanted you to like him, to get along, because if you didn’t then I wouldn’t have carried on dating him. It’ll always be you, Kaylee and I against the world and nothing and I mean nothing will ever get between us because I won’t let it. Just because I’m dating Jack, doesn’t mean I'm gonna stop being your sister. I will always be there for you but I can’t and I won’t let you disrespect Jack like that, not after he’s been nothing but incredible to me, I love that boy to death and I won’t let you ruin that” Mackenzie said firmly. Skylar nodded, “I know Kenz, and I’ve already apologised to Jack.”

“It’s gonna take time for me to forgive and forget about it all, but we’ll get there, and as long as you and Jack will try to get along again hmm? Can’t have my sister and my future husband not getting along” Mackenzie teased. “Future husband? You two might as well be married now” Kaylee teased as she walked in. Kaylee walked up to the two girls, giving each of them a cuddle and a kiss on the head before dragging them both downstairs to the boys.

“Finally!” Mackie exclaimed, “oh please Mack, we weren’t even waiting that long” Ethan defended. “Waiting for what? Where’s Jack?” Mackenzie asked as she scanned the room not seeing him, “I’m right here babe” Jack walked in from the kitchen. Mackenzie bit her lip, damn he looked good today she thought.

“We were thinking about going out for the day, before we leave for worlds” Trevor explained. “Sounds fun, what did you guys have in mind?” Kaylee asked. “Erm well we could go bowling?” Luke suggested, “oh yeah! Or mini golfing?” Mark suggested, “or skating?” Mackie joined in, “Boys, boys” Jack said, gaining their attention, “as much as they all sound fun, you’re forgetting Kenz only has one arm” Jack laughed as he gestured to Mackenzie, who waved her good arm up.

“Which makes activities we can all do limited” Quinn added, “and as much as skating sounds fun, I’m not confident in my ability to skate with one arm, I’m not trying to break the other arm here boys” Mackenzie laughed, causing everyone to laugh as well.

“We could go to the beach?” Luca questioned, Jack looked at Mackenzie unsure, “I’ll be fine at the beach I just can’t go in further than my knees in the sea” Mackenzie reassured. After agreeing to the beach, everyone made their way upstairs to change into bathing suits and pack some beach supplies. Entering their bedroom, Jack headed to the closet as Kenzie sat on the bed.

“Jack?” Mackenzie called as she laid back on the bed, “mhm” Jack hummed in acknowledgment as he picked out some swim shorts, moving onto Kenzie’s side of the closet to pick out a bikini for her. “I love you” Mackenzie spoke lovingly, “I love you too” Jack repeated before walking back over to the bed, climbing on top of her.

“Mhm well hello” Mackenzie mumbled as Jack leaned down to kiss her, “mhm, don’t think I didn’t see the way you were looking at me downstairs” Jack mumbled against her lips. Mackenzie smiled before wrapping her arm around his neck pulling him closer, “not my fault you look so hot today” she mumbled back.

“Really?” Jack pulled away, before being pulled back in, Mackenzie heating up the kiss by sliding her tongue across his bottom lip. Jack parted his lips to allow her access, their tongues fighting against each other for dominance. Jack placed his hands on her waist slowly sliding them up her torso, as his lips made their way across Mackenzies face and down her neck, sucking on her sweet spot.

“Mmm Jack” Mackenzie moaned out, wrapping her legs around his hips to pull him closer to her, grinding against Jack’s crotch. “Jack please” Mackenzie whined as he pulled away, “we can’t right now baby, we need to get ready” Jack sighed. Mackenzie whined again as Jack climbed off her, starting to get changed. Kenzie sat up walking to the closet to pick out her bikini as Jack got distracted.

“You’re so mean, you know that Rowdy?” Mackenzie huffed as she began getting changed. Jack laughed as he pulled his swim shorts on, “how am I mean?” Jack laughed again as he saw her huff when she couldn’t tie her bikini bottoms, walking over to help. “You get me all going, and then you shut it down. AGAIN, you do it all the time” Mackenzie pouted, Jack sighed knowing something else must be going on.

“What’s up baby? What’s really going on?” Jack pulled her into a cuddle. Mackenzie relaxed instantly into his arms, “I’m just gonna miss you, and I don’t want you to forget about me” Mackenzie mumbled, Jack however couldn’t hear her, “what was that baby?” Jack pulled her face away from his chest but before she could repeat herself there was a knock on the door.

“Are you two ready? We could use Jack's help loading the car, some of the boys have gone to the store up the street for some snacks and drinks for everyone” Quinn spoke, Mackenzie sighed, “yeah that’s fine, Jack’s ready.”

Mackenzie turned away from Jack far quicker than normal and didn’t even give him a second look before walking into the bathroom. Jack furrowed his brows, a feeling of dread and guilt washing over him as he left to help his brother. Mackenzie’s actions seeming far too familiar for Jack. Quinn noticed the anxious look on Jack’s face as he left the bedroom. “You ok Rowdy?” Quinn asked, “yeah fine, what needs moving?” Jack asked as he made his way downstairs.

Meanwhile in the bathroom, Mackenzie was attempting to tie her hair up, and put on her bikini top, shouting for Kaylee to help her. “Well hey wifey” Kaylee smirked as she walked into the bathroom. “Hey” Mackenzie mumbled, Kaylee frowned as she tied Kenzie’s neck bikini strings up. “What’s up Kenny-bear?” Kaylee asked, moving onto the back strings, “Just worried about Jack” Mackenzie mumbled.

“Why, He’s fine isn’t he?” Kaylee asked confused, “yeah, yeah he’s fine. I mean I'm just worried about being away from him. The girls love him, that's no secret, and whilst our relationship is public that doesn’t mean some girls are gonna respect that, what if he forgets about me? Find someone better?” Mackenzie rambled.

“Girl… do you remember your name? Your birthday? Who am I?” Kaylee checked Mackenzie’s temperature. “Kay what are you doing?” Mackenzie swatted her hand away. “Oh so you haven’t been possessed or woken up with amnesia” Kaylee teased.

“What?” Mackenzie looked back at her confused, “if you think that boy is gonna forget about you, you’re stupid. Yes he gets a lot of online attention from the female fans but he doesn’t care what they have to say, or what they do to get his attention. And maybe if you weren’t so busy drooling over him everytime he walks into the room, you’d see how he’s looking at you and only you.” Kaylee finished as she tied the hair tie around Kenzie’s hair.

“It’s not Jack I’m worried about, it’s the fan girls. You know what it was like when we became public, it was a wild time in the comments. The hate comments, the death threats, the threatening to harm you and the Scooby gang, what if for some of them it’s not a threat anymore. What if something happens at a game?” Mackenzie stresses as the girls head into the bedroom. Kenzie grabs her yellow beach bag laying it on the bed, as she reaches for two towels, suncream, her sunglasses, Jack’s sunglasses, Jack’s devils hat, and their Bluetooth speaker. After packing everything, Kenzie throws on an oversized T-shirt before they head downstairs to join half of the boys and Skylar.

Walking past the living, Mackenzie and Kaylee could hear Skylar talking on the phone. “Hey Mama... nein, Mackenzie geht es gut... sie ist oben... wir gehen bald an den Strand... Ich bin mir nicht sicher... Ich glaube, er geht in ein paar Tagen... Ich kann Kenzie holen, wenn du willst... Kaylee ist hier... nein Mama, Jack’s hat sich um uns gekümmert... ja Mama” Skylar paused. “Hey mom... no, Mackenzie is fine... she's upstairs... we're going to the beach soon... I'm not sure... I think he's leaving in a few days... I can get Kenzie if you want... Kaylee is here... no mom, Jack’s took care of us... yes mom”

“Does mom wanna talk to me?” Mackenzie asked as she walked into the living room. “Möchtest du mit Mackenzie sprechen? Ja, Sie ist hier” “would you like to talk to Mackenzie? Yes, She’s here” Skylar asked on the phone, "Ja Mama, ich liebe dich auch.” “Yes mom, I love you too” Skylar passed the phone to Mackenzie before walking with Kaylee outside.

“Hey Mama, Ist alles in Ordnung?” Mackenzie spoke to her mom. “Hey mom, is everything ok?” “Hey Schatz, alles ist in Ordnung. Ich vermisse nur meine Mädchen, wie geht es Kaylee” “hey honey, everything’s ok, I’m just missing my girls. How’s Kaylee?” Angie spoke.

“Ich vermisse dich auch, Mama. Kaylee geht es gut, sie ist draußen und hilft beim Laden des Autos” “I miss you too mom, Kaylee is fine she’s helping load the car” Mackenzie replied. “Gut, wie geht es Jack? Freut er sich auf Welten?” “Good, how's Jack? Is he looking forward to worlds?” Angie asked.

“Oh, er wird nicht aufhören, darüber zu reden, es ist wirklich süß” “Oh he won’t stop talking about it, it’s really sweet!” Mackenzie replied, looking over at Jack as he stood in the doorway. “ Mama, Jack ist hier, also muss ich gehen. Ich liebe dich und rufe dich später an”“Mom, Jack is here, so I have to go. I love you and will call you later”

Mackenzie informed her mom, “Ich liebe dich auch, Süße” “I love you too, sweetie” Angie replied before hanging up.

“Is everything ok?” Jack asked as he walked into the room. “Yeah everything’s fine, mom was just missing us. She’s not used to the house being so quiet” Mackenzie laughed. “I mean with us” Jack stated, grabbing Kenzie’s hands.

“Jack, baby we’re fine. What are you talking about?” Kenzie looked up at him confused. “Nothing doesn’t matter. Let’s head out before they send in Kaylee” Jack faked a scared look, “JACKSON ROWDEN HUGHES, MACKENZIE REESE HAVENER MOVE YOUR ASSES” Kaylee shouted from outside, causing the couple to burst out laughing before heading outside themselves. “THAT’S STILL NOT MY NAME, YOU KNOW THAT!” Jack shouted back.

Mackenzie walked out first, as Jack turned to lock the door. Quinn grabbed the beach bag off Mackenzie placing it in the trunk, before walking to the driver's door. Jack led Mackenzie over to his car, opening the front passenger seat for her. After climbing in and buckling up, Mackenzie turned to look at who was occupying the back seats. Ethan and Luca smiled at her, whilst Skylar was resting her head on Ethan’s shoulder playing with his fingers.

Mackenzie turned back to look at Jack as he backed out of the driveway, “so Jack how are you feeling about the friendlies?” Luca started up a conversation. “Yeah, it’ll be nice to see the boys again. I have a good feeling about them, our team this year is looking so promising! I’m getting to wear the C again which still feels weird” Jack spoke excitedly.

“Alright Jack calm down, it’s not even an official tournament” Skylar laughed out causing Luca and Ethan to chuckle. Mackenzie frowned when she saw the look on Jack’s face. “Well I’m still proud, no matter if it’s official or not” Mackenzie smiled hoping to reassure him.

Jack stayed quiet for the rest of the journey as the boys and Sky chatted amongst themselves. Mackenzie reached to grab his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze, Jack glanced at her briefly before focusing on the road. “What’s going on in that pretty little head of yours Jacky?” Kenzie asked, looking worried.

“Nothin’” Jack replied, concentrating on the road. Mackenzie sighed, rubbing her thumb across his knuckles, “we both know that’s a lie bubs” Kenzie stated. Jack didn’t respond, instead he pulled the car into park before climbing out, pulling Kenzie’s door open for her as he walked to the trunk.

Mackenzie sat still for a second, furrowed brows as she looked out at the sand. “Kenz? You ok?” Ethan asked, leaning forward. Mackenzie jumped, before groaning, “uggghhhh fuck Ethan whyyyy.” “Shit I’m sorry, are you ok?” Ethan worried.

Mackenzie breathed heavily, gritting her teeth, “mhmm” she hummed out. Ethan looked over at her worriedly, glancing as she grabbed her ribs, “J-Jack!” Ethan shouted climbing out the back seat. “Jack’s not here, what’s wrong?” Skylar called back. “What?!” Mackenzie climbed out of the car, and began walking toward everyone else. She was confused, worried, Jack had been acting off, he was never off with her. Mackenzie was trying to think of anything that she’d done to upset him but came up empty.

“Hey sunshine” Kaylee hugged her but moved away quickly when she yelped, “kenz?” Kaylee questioned. “Ethan made me jump and I jolted my rib. I'll be fine” Kenzie smiled, “now where’s Jack?” She began to scan the group for him.

“Jack? I thought he was with you?” Kaylee began looking around confused. “He was but he disappeared, I’d figured he was here” Mackenzie spoke before catching a glimpse of the back of Jack's head, it seemed he was talking to Luke and Quinn.

“Hey Kay he’s over there” Mackenzie tapped her best friend to get her attention. Quinn looked in the girls direction, before saying something to Jack and Luke, causing the boys to turn to look at them. Mackenzie and Kaylee made their way over, Mackenzie leaning up to kiss Jack as they stood in front of them, Jack however turned his head so her lips landed on his cheek. Mackenzie flushed in embarrassment as Luke cleared his throat, Mackenzie stepped away and began heading further down the beach to help set up as Kaylee stayed back, giving Jack a look before following. Kaylee wrapped her arm around Kenzie when she caught up, rubbing her shoulder comfortingly.

“I dunno what his problem is, but he’s leaving in 2 days and I wanted to make the most of the time we have as I’m not gonna see him for 6 days” Mackenzie sighed. “I know babes, I know. He’s not said anything to me but maybe he’s just worried about the friendlies? It’s a big responsibility being captain we know that more than anyone” Kaylee replied kissing Kenzie on the head just before they reached the umich boys.

“Do you know what’ll cheer you up?” Kaylee smirked. “Wine?” Kenzie laughed, “no— well yes but I was gonna say an improv photoshoot but we can do both” Kaylee laughed. “Hmm ok you’ve sold me, which first Lady Johnson?” Kenzie spoke in an awful British accent, “hmm wine first Lady Havener, always wine first” Kaylee replied back carrying on the joke, both girls cackling as Kaylee reached into the cooler pulling out a bottle.

The girls moved just to the right of the boys, spreading out so everyone had a seat. Mackenzie glanced back at Jack, who looked worried but talking to Trevor. Mackenzie frowned at her boy, Jack wasn’t like this, he wasn’t a worrier and Mackenzie made a mental note to talk to him later about it.

Kaylee cracked open the wine, taking a swig out of the bottle before passing it to Kenzie. “And what wine have we got today Lady Johnson?” Kenzie asked, carrying on the joke, “well my dear, it’s a lovely vintage—20–15 bottle of Malbec made with the finest grapes, it has—- a sweet vanilla undertone— with a hint of citrus best— paired with rich red meats” Kaylee spoke, pausing at times as she read the label.

Kenzie shrugged and took a swig, “I can’t lie that slaps, where did we get this from?” Kenzie asked as she read the label. “I’m not sure, I think Quinn brought it” Kaylee replied, reaching to drink again. After passing the bottle back and forth as they talked mindlessly about anything and everything, they soon finished the bottle. Mackenzie laughed as Kaylee struggled to stand up in the soft sand, “oh that’s right, laugh it up. I’ll remember that!” Kaylee laughed along.

“Come on sexy you can do it!” Trevor shouted across the group, “oh fuck off Trev, now isn’t the time!” Kaylee huffed out sending Mackenzie into another laughing fit. Kaylee finally stood, reaching a hand out to help Mackenzie up.

“Aww you’re still gonna help me up even after I laughed at you?” Mackenzie pouted as Kaylee pulled her up “It’s in the contract babes” Kaylee winked. “Now it’s photoshoot timeeeeeee” Mackenzie shouted before walking off to find a good spot. “Well you heard the lady, we’ll be back” Kaylee promised the boys.

After laughing and posing for pictures the girls headed back to the group, Mackenzie walking over to Jack and Trevor. “Hey trev, mind if I borrow our boy for a sec?” Kenzie asked, “yeah course” Trevor stood, wiped down the sand from his shorts and left.

“Hey Jacky” Mackenzie sat down and leant her head against his shoulder. Jack sighed, “hey baby” he mumbled. “What’s going on with you bubs? And don’t say nothing” Mackenzie mumbled against his shoulder.

It was quiet for a few minutes as if Jack was trying to figure out what to say. “Jack, baby, if you don’t wanna talk to me about it or you’re not ready to, I understand. Just please don’t push me away, I wanna help” Mackenzie reassured him.

“It’s not that I don’t wanna tell you, I’m just worried that you’ll think the same as she did” Jack sighed out. Mackenzie furrowed her eyebrows, “she?” Kenzie questioned. “Holly” Jack hummed out, Mackenzie was even more confused, “who’s Holly? And what does she think? Well thought?” Mackenzie was beginning to panic.

“Holly was my ex-girlfriend, we broke up nearly a year before I met you. It wasn’t a good relationship at all, she’d belittle me about the most random shit, constantly trying to rile me up against my brothers. Comparing me to nearly everyone we knew, made me feel dumb for getting excited about things, even getting drafted. She told me it was pathetic how excited I was and I guess Skylar telling me to calm down about the friendlies kinda brought it all back” Jack explained, picking at the skin of his thumb, a nervous habit Kenzie had picked up on within the first few months of dating.

“Jack, why didn’t you tell me? I’m so sorry you went through that, you didn’t deserve that. No one deserves that, but hey you’re here. You’re better off without her, you wouldn’t have met me if you didn’t let go. Can I let you in on a little secret?” Mackenzie reassured him, Jack nodded.

“I love how excited you get over the little things, hearing you ramble about the things you love is one of my favourite things in the world. I love how passionate you are, I’m in awe of how talented you are, how humble you are, how truly incredible you are” Mackenzie praised, kissing his cheek.

Jack sighed, “what did I do to deserve you?” He thought aloud. “You were just yourself bubs, that’s all you ever need to be, I don’t care if we’re living in a cardboard box eating cold spaghetti o’s. I’ll still love you just as much as I do now. All I need is you and your love” Mackenzie spoke lovingly.

“You’ll always have my love angel, I still can’t believe you’re mine” Jack kissed her head, “you better believe it lover boy, and if you don’t… well I’ll just have to prove it to you later” Mackenzie teased.

“Now what do you say, are we gonna start this bbq before someone burns the beach down?” Kenzie laughed standing up, reaching an arm to help Jack up.

“Kenz?” Jack grabbed her arm, “hmm” Mackenzie hummed in response.

“I love you” Jack whispered, Mackenzie gave him a beaming smile, “I love you too.” She leant down to kiss him.

Walking back to the others, Jack seemed more relaxed, Trevor shot Mackenzie a knowing look before smiling at Jack. “Jack, can you please for the love of god help them with the grill?” Skylar pleaded. “Yeah, what do they need help with?” Jack walked over to them, “no you need to turn the ignition on” Jack sighed.

“Get you a man who can grill, am I right?” Kaylee teased Kenzie. “Hmm get you a man who can provide” Kenzie hummed back. “Is there anything he can’t do?” Kaylee jokes. “You don’t wanna know the answer to that” Mackenzie deadpanned, causing Skylar to fake gag, “didn’t need to hear that, thanks for the trauma.”

“Hey! Kaylee asked, don’t blame me!” Kenzie exclaimed, “and I regret it” Kaylee faked a disgusted look.

“Babe, can you pass us the hot dogs?” Jack looked over his shoulder at Kenzie. “Yeah, which cooler are they in?” Kenzie asked as she walked to them. “Erm, I think the orange one?” Trevor questioned. Kenzie reached into the cooler pulling out the hot dogs along with the burger as they’d no doubt want them as well before walking back over.

“Here you are babe, anything else” Kenzie asked, kissing Jack's cheek. “Nothing at the moment” Jack replied. Kaylee passed Jack a bottle of water, “looked like you needed one” she explained.

“Quinn do you wanna put some music on?” Skylar suggested as she passed him the speaker, connecting to it Quinn selected a random playlist before turning the volume up. Flowers started blasting from the speaker causing Jack and Mackenzie to shoot their heads up at each other before smiling, it was the first song Jack and Mackenzie ever danced to. “I’ll bring you flowers in the pouring raiiinnn” Kenzie sang, “living without yoouuu is driving me insane” Jack sang back smiling.

Kaylee smiled, remembering that night and how happy Mackenzie looked dancing away with Jack. Kaylee shook her head as Mackenzie started slowly dancing and singing to the music, before joining in. Soon everyone was dancing to the music, laughing and joking around, Jack smiled at them, dancing carefully as he was still grilling.

Jack started serving the food, grabbing a plastic plate to share with Kenzie before assembling their burgers with the toppings he knew she liked. “Here you are my love, one cheeseburger with extra pickles, ketchup, mustard” Jack listed before pulling her into his lap as he sat on the sand. “Mhm looks delicious babe, thank you” Kenzie held her wine up, “cheers to our favourite grill master Jack.”

Kaylee clinked her bottle against the empty one Kenzie was holding, before taking a swig after Kenzie. “How many bottles have you two had?” Trevor questioned, “this is bottle number two, which is pretty tame for us” Kaylee responded winking at Kenzie.

“Hmm thanksgiving was a tragedy” Skylar butted in from her seat in Ethan’s lap, “what happened on thanksgiving?” Mackie asked. “What happened? Oh I’ll tell you what happened, these two thought it would be a good idea to drink the entirety of the wine collection in Kaylee’s dads shed, eat the whole pumpkin pie and then ride around the neighbourhood on Frasers electric scooter shouting my happiness is chronic but my ass is Iconic and beyoncè is my mom” Skylar listed, Kaylee and Kenzie looked at each other before bursting into laughter.

“It was the night before thanksgiving actually, severely hungover and many breakdowns later we made a new pie” Kaylee defended. “Please tell me you have videos” Jack pleaded, “hmm I have a whole album dedicated to their shenanigans” Skylar smirked.

“No!” Kenzie exclaimed in horror, “not Kaylee’s birthday!” “Oh especially Kaylee’s birthday” Skylar smirked.

“You weren’t even there!! How do you have videos?!” Kaylee exclaimed in protest, “I have my sources, plus it was all over your socials” Skylar explained, “ok but Mackenzie rode that bull like no other, like babe I was mesmerised” Kaylee praised, “not the only thing I’m good at riding” Kenzie laughed.

“Really Kenzie?” Luke asked, looking disturbed. “Mhm” Kenzie winked at Jack who laughed.

After cleaning up the food and utensils, everyone decided to dip in the ocean, Mackenzie standing just so the water would hit her knees, Jack standing behind, wrapping his arms around her.

The couple laughed as Kaylee and Skylar had a chicken fight with the help of Ethan and Trevor. Mackenzie sighed in content watching everyone have fun, “life would be so dull without them huh?” Jack hummed out, “you wait till they meet the Scooby gang” Mackenzie laughed. “Oh god yeah, you lot are on another level” Jack chuckled.

“It’s crackhead energy at it’s finest” Mackenzie replied, “you’re the calm in the storm around them, you keep us balanced” Mackenzie added, “someone’s gotta make sure you lot don’t get arrested for something dumb” Jack laughed.

“Hmm but you love it” Mackenzie smiled, “I do, I really do” Jack said as he leaned down to kiss her.

Liked by jackhughes, lhughes_06, trevorzegras and 189,340 others

Kenzie.Havener a lil wine and an improv photoshoot never hurt nobody 🥲💓

📸 :- @Kay.Johnson

jackhughes beautiful ❤️

Kenzie.Havener I love you ❤️

jackhughes I love you ❤️

Kay.Johnson damnn am i a good photographer or what? ��😜

Kenzie.Havener THE best 🙌🏼 silent appreciation for photography classes junior year 😌

Kay.Johnson 😔🤫

trevorzegras I wondered where the wine went 🤔

jackhughes no you didn’t, we all knew where it went 😏😂

Skylar.Grace ✨thanksgiving✨

Kenzie.Havener BLOCKED 🚫

Frey.Lodge not the thanksgiving slander 😩😂

Olivia.Autumn we don’t talk about it 👀

Chase.Lukas it never happened 👀💀

Jaden_Roman it was a figment of our imaginations 👀

Maddy.Elizabeth I was there and it was a wild time 😩😏 wasn’t it pumpkin? 😉

Kay.Johnson ok now that was uncalled for 😩😂

jackhughes HOW do you all know about it? 😒

Cody_Griffin it. Was. All. Over. The. Groupchat 🙌🏼😔

Liked by Frey.Lodge, Kenzie.Havener, Maddy.Elizabeth and 123,418 others

Kay.Johnson shoutout to trevorzegras for taking fake couple pics with me, thanks homie 🙌🏽🫶🏽

Special throwback to ✨thanksgiving✨

tagged:- trevorzegras

Kenzie.Havener for anyone wondering the second picture is our reaction to finding Frasers wine stash 😏😜

jackhughes I-I- I’m speechless 😶

trevorzegras is the first picture what I think it is? 😩👀

Kay.Johnson it is indeed 😏

_quinnhughes it’s giving a cry for help 💀

Frey.Lodge Idk how many more cries for help they can give 😩

Maddy.Elizabeth Kaylee’s birthday is the biggest one for me 😩🙌🏼

Kenzie.Havener i rode that bull like a damn pro, get in line 💅🏼

Jaden.Roman I’m still speechless at that, the ✨talent✨

Cody_Griffin it was ✨absolute perfection✨

Preston.Thomas the best mechanical bull rider in the west 💅🏾🫶🏾

trevorzegras do i get boyfriend points for the couple pics? 🥹

Kay.Johnson better you get a gold star ⭐️ and some 2 day old popcorn ☺️

trevorzegras better than nothing I suppose 😒

Kay.Johnson i can take the gold star back 🤨

trevorzegras no! No I’m sorry 😨

Kay.Johnson mhm that’s what I thought 😏

#jack hughes #jack hughes x reader #luke hughes #quinn hughes #umich hockey #ethan edwards x reader #summer of love #summer of love master list #Spotify

[variety-fangirl]

oh my, i could totally see yn talking to her friends about hunter’s birth story and Our Baby! rafe having to excuse himself bc he gets emotional that he wasn’t there and that she had to go through it by herself

Our Baby / Rafe Cameron x fem!reader

Part 1 here Part 2 here Part three here

Summary: a few of your friends want to meet Hunter, so you invite them to the house for a catch-up. Whilst talking about your birth experience, Rafe realises how much he truly did miss and gets upset.

Warnings: 18+ NO MINORS a little angst, sad Rafe, birth struggles, lmk if I missed anything!

Authors note: Part 4. Oh my god yes 😭 I can imagine it! I honestly loved this and had to add it as another part! Thank you so much for suggesting and hope it played out the way you wanted 😁 liking, commenting, and reblogging help me out!

Word count: 1.3k

Hunter hadn't long turned six months when you invited three of your high school friends to come over to meet him officially. They had been gutted when you told them you and Rafe had broken up and even more furious when they found out he didn't want anything to do with the baby. The group chat had blown up when you messaged about being together with Rafe again, which turned into a two-hour-long call of you explaining the whole of the last few months.

Your friends Kaylee, Addison, and Marie demanded a get-together soon so they could meet your son. And that day was today. Rafe was joining this time though, as they wanted him to be a part of the conversation and catch up with him also. You knew they wouldn't say anything cruel or unnecessary, you trusted them completely.

You let your three friends in, Rafe stood next to you with Hunter in his arms. You were hoping a bunch of excitement would wear him out, so he would nap shortly. "It's been too long y/n!" Kaylee mentions as she pulls you in for a hug, your arms pulling the other in tightly. "I know, I missed you guys," you mumble into her shoulder as you pull away, hugging the other two similarly.

"Damn, I can't believe you guys live here. I remember us hanging out here during the summer as kids." Marie smiles, taking a seat on the couch. You laugh as you sit down next to Rafe with Hunter on the smaller couch, "Oh god, I remember some of the trouble we used to get into. We were little devils." you all giggle at the memories, missing the old times.

"Look at him y/n! Wow, you pair make beautiful babies." Addison comments, everyone's attention is now on your baby boy. You smile as you glance at Rafe, who's already looking at you with so much love. Rafe places his spare hand on your thigh, caressing the clothed area lovingly. "I can't believe you're a mother! I figured you would be the first though, you always loved kids and acted like the mother of the group." you all laugh at that, it was true. You had always taken care of everyone and melted at the sight of anyone's babies or kids.

"Thank you guys, how could this not make a beautiful baby?" you giggle as you point to Rafe, making him blush. You always hoped your kids would take after their father, his features of those to be jealous of. Hunter was happily perched on his father's lap as he played with his feet, recently discovering his toes and finding it absolutely fascinating. Marie turns her attention back to you, "how was your birth experience? I know you guys weren't together during it, so how did you cope by yourself?" she throws an apologetic look to Rafe, who turns to you with curiosity.

"Honestly? I had a hard time. It was a struggle and extremely painful, I ended up having an epidural because the pain was so bad. I was really scared but my midwife was amazing and helped me every step of the way. When I saw Hunter for the first time, it felt like my whole world stopped and he was the only thing that mattered." you smile but feel emotional, you had always thought that Rafe would be there to watch your firstborn come into the world but you didn't blame him for a second. Having forgiven him long ago.

"Sorry, excuse me for a moment." You watch as Rafe passes Hunter to you, avoiding eye contact with everyone as he leaves to go upstairs. You frown, confused, and look to your friends. They all look equally as confused and worried. "Can you guys watch Hunter for a minute?" you ask as you stand, all nodding. "Of course, come here handsome boy!" Addison coos as she reaches for him, placing your son on her lap. She was sat in the middle, so Marie and Kaylee had easy access to him also. You smile as they play with him, talking to him in that ridiculous baby voice that everyone does. It was so cute.

You make your way upstairs, finding your bedroom door open a crack. As you get closer to the door you hear sniffles and deep breathing, immediately recognising he's upset. You gently knock and slowly open the door, closing it softly behind you but leaving it open as it originally was, just in case of an emergency. Rafe sat on the edge of your bed, his head in his hands as his body gently shook. You move to stand in front of him, unsure of what had happened to make him so upset.

Rafe lifts his head slowly to meet your gaze, his cheeks covered in wet tear tracks and his tear-filled eyes were red. "Baby, what's wrong?" you ask gently as you frown, wiping his cheeks with your thumbs. Rafe wraps his arms around your waist and pulls you to him, his head laying against your stomach. "I wasn't there for you, during a time when you needed me most. I wasn't there to support and help you. And I missed my first child being born, what kind of a person am I? I'm so sorry." Rafe sobs, his grip on your shirt tightening.

You feel tears prick your vision, your one hand wrapping around his shoulder and the other holding the back of his head. "Listen here Rafe Cameron, I do not blame you at all. I forgave you for it all a long time ago, so you shouldn't blame yourself. We can't change what happened, so we shouldn't dwell on it. You're here now, that's what matters the most, okay? And me? I'm here in one piece, aren't I? I pushed through it and came out stronger. So, please stop apologizing and feeling bad for not being there because Hunter and I don't blame you, okay?"

You kneel in front of him and grab his head between your hands, making him look at you. "Okay?" you whisper, pressing your lips gently to his. Rafe grabs the back of your neck and pulls you impossibly close, pouring all his emotions into the kiss. You didn't care about the wetness spreading onto your cheeks or the salty taste on his lips from his tears, all you cared about was Rafe being okay and not blaming himself all the time.

You pull away, still holding his face. "Besides, you make it up to me every day with everything you do for us both and all the love you provide us." You smile as he stops crying, you hated it when he was upset or crying. Rafe smiles, pulling your forehead to rest against his. "How did I get so lucky with you? What could I have possibly done to deserve someone as great as you, hm?" Rafe presses his lips against yours gently, his hand still holding the back of your neck. You smile as you both pull away, "I'm pretty great, aren't you?" you joked, making you both giggle.

"You really are. I love you so much y/f/n y/l/n." Rafe rubs the back of your neck gently, his lips lingering close to yours. You felt like your heart had butterflies inside of it, his words making you so happy. "I love you so much too Rafe Cameron." you peck his lips a few times, giggling from pure happiness. "C'mon let's go back and join everyone." you grab his hand, leading him to the bathroom so you could help him look like he hadn't just cried. You knew he would feel embarrassed otherwise. You loved this boy with everything you had in you, and Rafe felt the exact way. If not more.

#fluff #y/n #angst #outer banks #rafe imagine #rafe cameron x reader #rafe cameron #rafe fanfiction #obx #father Rafe #vulnerable Rafe

[waywardwizzard]

Christmas lights twinkled merrily in the dusty shop windows of Rentory.

Simon sighed, his breath misting in the cold air, and pulled his coat tighter around himself. River snuggled closer, worming her way in under his arm and he grinned tiredly, pulling her close.

The streets were quiet, only a few people still out so late, trudging between the shops like they had nothing better to do.

The coat Inara gave River had a hood and Simon gently pulled it up over her head, hiding her face from the cold and from the police officer walking past. The fur tickled her cheek and River giggled.

Simon smiled at the sound and started digging around in the pocket of his coat, winking at River's confused look.

"I - I got you something. I know it's not much but-," Simon's smile faltered but he went on. "I thought, seeing that it's Christmas..."

He drew out a small box, wrapped in brown paper. "Kaylee helped me-"

"Can't go home," she suddenly whispered and Simon's grin fell, the present dropping back into his pocket, forgotten.

He thought of Osiris, a place that had been more of a house than a home and he thought of Serenity and it's crew and the way they protected their own.

Their own of which the Tams weren't a part of. They weren't family crew, the Captain had made that quite clear.

It had been home gorram it all.

Simon sighed, and glanced up at the cloudy night sky, unsure of what to say, unconsciously looking for the telltale glow of a Firefly breaking atmo.

He let go of River and pushed the bridge of his glasses up his nose, guilt burning bright in his stomach. The irony of what he was wearing wasn't lost on either of the two sibling°.

"I'm sorry, mei-mei-" Simon started but River shook her head, her eyes wide.

"No. No. Not your fault."

She grabbed at her brother's hand, pulling him closer. Blue eyes met brown and there was a spark of something in River's eyes, willing her brother to understand.

"Never your fault. Meant to be this way. Always meant to go."

Never meant to have a home.

Simon pulled her into a bone crushing hug, hoping it would keep them from falling apart.

They both knew it wouldn't. Losing a family once was hard enough. Twice...

"Nos contra mundum. Ut dictum est*," she whispered a hand twined into the collar of his coat, the fingers of her other hand tapping out a rhythm on his back only she could hear.

"Ut dictum est," he echoed.

Snow stared to fall, and they both turned their faces to the sky, trying not to feel like they had just lost something they never even really had.

🎄✨🎄✨🎄✨🎄✨🎄✨🎄✨🎄✨🎄✨🎄✨

°It's the same outfit he wore the day he boarded Serenity.

*according to google translate it roughly means "Us against the world. As it is meant to be." It's a phrase made up by the tiny Tams, usually said 'in victory', like if they weren't punished/caught or got away with something that technically went against their parents' rules. Now though...

Author's Note-

It was raining when I woke up so I decided to write this merry angsty little ficlet before the people started to arrive. It's not one of my bests but it has a special place in my heart.

I hope all of you Browncoats enjoy this and thank you for making this year one of the best ones ever <3

Merry Christmas!🎄

#firefly #serenity #browncoats #space western #browncoats unite #firefly fanfiction #sci fi #simon tam #river tam #browncoat for life #christmas #angst #angst with no happy ending #ficlet #so uhm #i'm sorry

[kayleerowena]

Hi Kaylee! Just read your zine On Whimsy and it resonated so much. Your thoughts on kindness and communism put words to things I’ve been feeling.

Thank you so much for sharing with the world ❣️

aw, thank you so much for telling me!! i'm really happy that it's resonating with folks - i wrote it out mostly as something for me to look back at when i need the reminder, so if it can have some use + bring some comfort to other people too that's amazing!! i hope you have a lovely day <3

(i can't remember if i actually posted about it here or not, so if i haven't and you, the person reading this, also want to read the zine, it's up on my itch.io page for pay what you want!!)

#answered #ghostresume #also fantastic username 10/10. would love to apply to a ghost job with a ghost resume and get a ghost paycheck to pay my ghost rent

[cellard0ors]

They spend the next few days indoors, not leaving Travis's home.

They're either catching up on what they missed or making love. There's little in between.

Travis turns off his cell, he unhooks his landline, he calls into work and takes the vacation days he's been accumulating ever since he began. All because he wants to focus on Laura, just Laura.

As such, it's not a huge surprise when one day the knocking on his front door becomes unavoidable. There has been knocks before but they'd been...busy.

This time, thinking it's the pizza they ordered as they'd finally run out of food, Travis answers to find it's not a delivery, but family.

Specifically Kaylee and Silas.

Travis has never officially met Silas before, but he's sure the pale, big eyed boy cowering behind Kaylee is him.

His face is apologetic. Kaylee's is not.

"UNCLE TRAVIS! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?!?"

Thankfully dressed (but unable to stave off a blush) Travis scratches behind his head and shrugs, "Um? Here?"

"I've been calling you! Texting you! I've stopped by before and knocked! No answer!"

"I was...probably sleeping?"

Kaylee's jaw is set and the classic Hackett temper is coming off her in full force, "Uncle T, you disappeared! After a full moon! No one knew where you were, your work said you took vacation which you've never done before and if it hadn't been for Silas tracking me down-!"

"Whoa, wait - Silas?" Laura enters and, while she is dressed, it's not by much. Mainly because she's wearing Travis's robe. And, no doubt, nothing beneath.

Normally Travis would be ecstatic at this knowledge, but with the two young people present it's beyond awkward.

...well, for him and Kaylee at least.

Silas, however, perks right up at the sound of Laura's voice and he cries her name in delight, sidestepping Travis to go into his sister's arms.

Laura hugs him close and kisses the top of his head, his voice near silent even though he's speaking, "I was worried I'd lost you!"

"Never." Laura promises with another kiss and he shakes his head, "But-? I thought-? D-didn't I hurt you? I thought I remembered-?!"

"It's okay. Trav-! I...I mean Sheriff Hackett took care of me." She rubs his slight shoulders, "Remember? Back when I sent the tickets? I said he'd help us."

Silas frowns, confused, "But he didn't "

He gestures to Kaylee, "She did."

"Yeah, well..." Laura just pushes it aside, but Travis feels like a complete asshole. Something Kaylee makes sure to rub in, "So, what? You've just been here this whole time?!? Screwing a hot blonde?!?"

"Kaylee Amelia Hackett!" Travis cries, scandalized, "Where did you-?"

Kaylee groans and rolls her eyes, "I'm not a baby, Uncle T. It's pretty obvious what you two have been up to! It even smells like sex in here!"

Travis doesn't think it's possible to be any more mortified than he is right now.

But then Silas sniffs the air like a dog and nods, "... she's right. I do smell sex."

Travis was wrong. NOW he can't be any more mortified.

Laura too is, at least, a little flustered as she resumes rubbing her brother's arms and clears her throat, "Ah, yes, well - um? Sorry I didn't go looking for you sooner, sweetie."

Silas just gives his own shrug, "It's okay. I found her."

He jerks a thumb in Kaylee's direction, his own cheeks a little pink and Laura can't help but grin, "Well thank goodness for that! Now that we're all back together again we can start brainstorming as a team to get one of Eliza's bones and make that cure."

"Cure?" Kaylee asks with interest, her anger lost quickly at the mention of possible salvation. Laura quickly details how, in the six years away, she managed to uncover a way to cure humans-turned-werewolves.

She also gives a little side story as to her and Travis's history, something Silas already knows but Kaylee is learning for the first time. By the end of it, Kaylee looks the most hopeful Travis has seen her in years, "So, we just have to get a bone?"

"Easier said than done." Laura admits sadly, "The shroud Eliza has in place over her corpse no doubt only drops when the full moon is up and, when it is, you'll turn and Silas will be vulnerable to her coercion."

Travis scowls, "Not to mention she'll be there in spirit. Can't imagine Eliza will just stand by while we take what we need."

"Oh, she will." Kaylee vows, "Because I'll keep Silas in line and she'll want to investigate that, see why he's distracted."

Travis puts his hands on his hips, "And just how are you going to do that, young lady? It's not exactly like you're in full control of your faculties when you turn."

"True, but I'm always - ah, up for a fight when I change." She looks at Silas guiltily, "Pretty sure you put us near one another when the change hits and it'll be like Mortal Kombat."

Laura shakes her head, "No. I don't like this idea. I don't want either one of you getting hurt."

"We're already hurt." Kaylee returns, "The only way to truly stop this is to do this."

"What about Chris? Caleb?" Travis asks, not adding in the rest of the family because he knows what a bad idea that is.

Kaylee apparently views all of it as bad, "No. I know my Dad, my brother - they won't hesitate to take the easy way out."

"The easy way-?" Laura starts and then sees Kaylee look pointedly at Silas and immediately tugs him close, her protective nature on full display, "No! Absolutely not!"

"Okay, well then, that just leaves my idea." She counters and Travis and Laura look at one another worriedly. They almost seem to share a mental connection, nodding at one another before Laura says, "Unless we think of something else."

"Of course." Kaylee offers and then, cryptically makes sure to add, "You've got until the full moon."

+

They don't come up with another idea.

In the end, Kaylee manages to lead the bulk of the Hackett family off course so she can join up with Travis, Laura, and Silas for their plan.

Travis and Laura make sure to douse themselves in werewolf blood for good measure and, the moment the moon rises, Kaylee and Silas change

True to her word, Kaylee - even as a werewolf - seems fixated on attacking Silas. He gives as good as he gets and Laura watches on with worry, but Travis manages to drag her away, expressing the importance of getting the job done.

Once more they find the remains of Harum Scarum and, more importantly, the remains of Eliza Vorez. Travis is brushing aside the thorns and brush when Eliza appears, her spiteful face twisted with hate, "What do you two think you're doing?!"

"What we couldn't do before." Travis snaps and he reaches in, taking a firm hold of one of her ribs. He does his best to pop it loose - age and fire doing a decent job of making the bone brittle.

Eliza, however, veers towards him, "I gave you your memories back, you son of a bitch! I can take them away again just as easily!"

"The hell you will!" Laura cries and she positions herself between Travis and the witch, "You might be dead, but death has a funny way of weakening your powers, Eliza - and clearly - you can still hear."

Eliza makes another move for Travis, but is stopped as Laura sings. Travis can't hear the words, but the melody of it...slows him.

It slows him just as much as Eliza but, with his hand already on her bones and her not yet within reach, the song does it's job.

It keeps the ghost at bay long enough for Travis to get a piece of her and, once in hand, Laura's song draws to an end and the ghost shrieks in anger. Horror is written all over her face and both Travis and Laura delight in the sight of it.

They do not - however - celebrate for long as Silas comes crashing through the woods. His intent is clear and Travis, refusing to have a repeat of what happened last time, shields Laura from any potential threat.

He doesn't have to for long, as Kaylee comes crashing through, followed by another werewolf that Travis is fairly certain is Caleb.

How Caleb appeared remains a mystery, but it matters little as all three creatures suddenly engage in a rather brutal fight. Laura looks like she wants to interrupt, her fear for her brother obvious, but Travis takes a firm hold of one of her arms, "C'mon - we can't let the kids actions be in vain."

"But what if-!"

"Later." He hisses and, seeming to recognize the hard truth of it, Laura allows herself to be led away.

It's the right move.

Thanks to the werewolves interruption, Travis and Laura manage to get away and, from there, it's very much like the stories they read as children in comic books and novels.

They use the bone and other ingredients to make the cure, to distribute, to end the curse for the Hackett family once and for all. Laura and Silas stay hidden from the rest of the Hackett's for good measure, at first - but eventually - they go for introductions.

There are some weak jokes from Chris about how Travis used to 'date' an imaginary girl named Laura and how they used to have issues with someone named Silas.

The people in the know play it off as if it's 'so ironic' and 'funny' but they know the truth of the matter.

Silas is quickly inducted into friendship by both Kaylee and Caleb, albeit Laura still sees the traces of the crush her brother carries. Travis might see it too, but if he does, he doesn't voice it, because in the end he only has eyes for Laura.

It's only fitting, as she feels the same.

They find a little cottage down by the lakeside and it's the perfect place for them to live together, to be together. Laura submerges herself in her home waters now and then - sometimes Travis joins her, sometimes he doesn't - but either way, she makes sure to flick her fin out at him as she swims.

Travis Hackett, fifty-six years old, sees his first mermaid, his only mermaid, his loving wife, swim away to have her fun knowing she'll always swim back.

Swim back to him, to their life, and to the love they share.

The End

#hackearney #travis x laura #fin #i still am kinda meh about this #but i think maybe i'm being too hard on myself #so here it is #the finale

[marierg]

Biscuits and Beskar

Pairing: Boba Fett x OC Kaylee Manu

Rated: Teenish (language that's about it)

A/N: Alrighty Folks this is a little intro chapter... an amuse-bouche if you will! So I'm not great at writing the not reader insert stuff so Kaylee is my OC for this but she's written as a reader insert. There's still a little bit of a gap between Kay and Boba, she's written as early 30's. If anyone has any advice or tips please drop me a line! Lemme know if there's any improvements I can do for the next parts.

PS- I should warn you all now that I write slower than molasses going down a pole in January so it could be a bit between chapters, BUT the next one is gonna be posted next week as well. Much love for our Daimyo!

Words:1450 ish

Masterlist Next

Tags are open, just drop a line

“Whatever it is the answer is no! Not a chance of ice on the dunes.” Crossing your arms you groused as the group of young people parked their speeders. They were too jovial and your nagging sense of trouble was going into overdrive.

Skad sauntered up to the side of the cart. “Kaylee, mama Kay, my favorite chef... Can't I just order some lunch without you being suspicious?”

“Not when that slemo monger Peel came over here giving me an ear full this morning!” You were beyond ticked off at the kids this time. What hurt you was that they were going to get themselves killed one of these days doing stupid shit like this. “I know he charges a fortune for the water. I know he's an ass. But he could go to the new Daimyo and have you all shot! How do you think that makes me feel?”

“Funny thing that, the new Daimyo hired us on.” Skad put on his most charming smile.

“What, when?!”

“Last night when he came to shoot us.” Skad flinched when the soup spoon made impact on his shoulder. “Hey! Jeeze we came to offer you a job and this is the thanks...”

“What job?” Taking a deep breath you started to put some fresh rolls into a bag. Drash shoved Skad to the side, politely asking for some soup and you couldn't say no to the girl. Tossing back your braid you looked Skad in the mechanical sensor that served for an eye. “As you well know I have two jobs already. Three if you count chasing you kids.”

“Please Kaylee it would be a huge favor.” Drash was beseeching you, big bantha eyes and all.

Narrowing your eyes you proceeded with caution, “What's the job?”

“Well the big bad Daimyo's cupbords are bare and he needs someone to fix that,” Nitro was leaning against his bike looking like some type of runaway senators kid. He always wore that long suit coat like he was going to an important meeting and spoke with the same aloof air, not at all the son of moisture farmers.

“Oh and your poor grumbling bellies had nothing to do with it?”

At your very loud snort Nitro whined, dropping the act, “Awe come on Kaylee we haven't had anything worth eating since you closed last night.”

“A job at the Palace, why should I do that eh?” You busily poured to-go containers with your soup of the day. True you had a soft spot for the kids, but working for a crime boss was a whole other matter. Your life may be miserable, but you still enjoyed being on this side of the surface. “Besides you just started working for the man what, last night? Do you even know what kind of person you're working for?”

Drash rolled her eyes at you, mech arm on hip, “Kay how long can you keep rolling this old cart around the city? It's nice up there, you'd have a whole kitchen of your own. No more sandstorms, no water merchants, no bar fights, a larder as big as the karking mayors office!”

“Yeah and no roundups either,” A shiver went down Nikita's spine at the thought, nervously twirling her hair before tucking it behind the glowing sensors on the side of her head.

“Hey now that ain't gonna happen sweetie, don't even worry bout that. And besides this old cart's gotten me through till now.” You patted the counter top affectionately, salvaged from the ashes much like yourself. “If they wanted a cook they would have put out a listing. Better yet why didn't the mighty man come down here and ask me?”

“Cause he's busy running the city, big job ya know.” Skad piped in, taking the proffered bag of food and settling up the tab. “Come on mama Kay at least come up and check it out. It'll make Drash feel better, all warm an fuzzy like.”

“Kriff off!” Drash gave Skad a harsh look even as you chuckled. Drash owed mama Kay, they all did, and she didn't like unpaid debts. Sighing she tried to think of what could possibly convince you, “I mean we all know it is cheaper to feed us using that droid. Probably just as good as you if it had the right recipes... what's cooking for the Daimyo of Tatooine. You wouldn't want the headache of all those banquets and meetings...”

“Now hold on a minute little miss.” You glared at the young woman, knowing full well that she was pushing a particular button for you. “No damn droid was ever made that could replace a living chef! What in hell do droids know about cooking anyway! Bolts and sensors don't feel, don't smell. Droid can't put love into their work...”

Drash watched as you grumbled and whinged, knowing that she had won. “So you'll come and cook for the Palace?”

Groaning heavily you rolled your eyes at the girl. “IF the Daimyo wants a cook then he can ask me when YOU lot bring me up there tonight after close. Now get back to work, suns burning the day away.”

Drash and the others got on their speeders. That had gone better than expected and if Shand did her part then by tonight a large weight would finally be off Drash's chest.

“You need to eat something,” Fennec drolly commented from her perch near the throne. True none of the food was quite palatable, but necessity made the best sauce. Taking a fresh pally she tossed it to Boba who caught the fruit without even looking up. The boss had been stewing since the encounter with the twins, it wasn't good to be solely focused when there were many who wanted this endeavor to fail. Still first things first, “The Mods brought some soup up from the market.”

“They should be more careful,” Boba looked at the fruit placing it on the plate next to his helmet. Sour stomachs rarely made for sound judgment and his list of enemies grew by the day. The twins being in town added to his list of troubles along with the much needed upkeep and maintenance of the Palace and growing staff. True the younglings were fairly capable, at least in a street scrap, but against professionals? Mok Shaiz, gutless worm he was, had been right. Running a family was not bounty hunting, there was more than just his hide on the line this time. Looking at the steam coming from the mug he snorted, “Soup on Tattoine?”

“Try, it's safe enough.”

He looked at Fennec and the cup in her hand, reluctantly taking it. Well it couldn't be any worse than the slop that kitchen droid tried to serve him. Boba took a cautious sip, pleasantly surprised. The soup was a basic bone broth but the aromatics and vegetable base certainly gave it a hearty flavor. It wasn't overpowering just simple and filling. His churning gut settled with every sip, finally nourished.

“See not bad.” Fennec would give the kids credit, they knew good food. Even from her own cursory review this little cook seemed safe enough. When Skad had proposed the idea she had been resistant, but given the growing list of the Palaces' needs it wasn't unreasonable to hire a housekeeper to manage things. Sometimes to be a good leader one needed to delegate, “We could use a cook around here for banquets and tribute days.”

Boba looked to his second in command, corner of his lip turning up, “Why, so I can become a lazy slug like Fortuna?”

“Actually quite the opposite,” Fennec walked to the side board and poured herself a drink, “With a proper chef in residence you would be healthier and better able to manage the more... social aspects of this position.”

“No proper chef will settle on Tatooine.”

Quirking a brow at the boss Fennec smirked, “How much would you bet?”

Boba knew that look all too well, the self assured smirk of certain victory. Some days he wondered who was really in charge, “And you think this soup vendor could do the job?”

“Worth a shot. I'll have someone bring them for an interview.”

“Fine.” He hated that Fennec was right. More annoying was that she had managed to so easily solve these types of minor problems when he should be able to manage. As she began her daily report Boba could already hear her cat like grin widening. At least with the Mods patrolling he had more eyes and ears around the city. Yes his enemies grew by the day, but maybe so to would his small tribe of allies. Drinking down the last of the marvelous broth Boba rolled the mug in his hands contemplatively. He would see what this soup vendor brought to the table, fortune or famine.

Tags: @rain-on-kamino @daimyosprincess @pickleprickle @acatalystrising @kimiheartblade

#boba fett #Boba Fett x OC Kaylee Manu #the book of boba fett fanfiction #the book of boba fett #star wars #tbobf #fennec shand #the mods #OC Kaylee Manu

[kellijwill]

I wish to extend a sincere "Thank You" to all 2,000 Followers who have found something to relate to in my blog. I started this diary, for lack of a better word, awhile back when I found captions that reflected the experiences and dreams of my life. I am truly pleased, and above all surprised, that many others found something to relate to in my captions and remarks. The fact that most of the captioned pictures were not of my making only confirms how many of my secret sisters are out there. At a time in my life when I thought I was alone in this transgender/sissy mtf world, it has been a comfort to realize so many around the world share similar experiences and dreams. Thank you all for just being there ...particularly those who have left a kind note expressing their feelings. ...Kaylee, aka, Kelli

[kayleeheartkins]

Hi kaylee, I hope your doing well. I’ve been struggling lately with self confidence and putting myself out there and I’ve been a follower of yours for a while and read what you have been through. I was wondering if you would ever share some insights on what was the defining moment that helped you stay true to who you are and put yourself out there and what is it that keeps you on your path to success? I seems to get my foot in the door so to speak then shy away and realize I’m not ready but I just can’t seem to find the right thoughts or platform to feel confident on.

It’s not just sharing a love for something to me that brings me yo your page. I love seeing your confidence as “little” as it can be at times it’s still huge.

Anyways keep up the love and passion!

Hi hi 🩷 (I hope you can see this emoji)

Hopefully I can give you some insights! Firstly thank you for the sweet compliments 🤗 I really appreciate when I can bring joy into someone’s life. I think my self confidence is def stepping stoned, it wasn’t an overnight process. Do you mean self confidence in pictures or in general??

Picture wise I just know my angles from doing photography and sw as a whole. And a lot of my confidence comes from you guys; If I was run through the mud and told mean things I wouldn’t be here 💯. So thank you 💖 finding inspirations and things that build your self confidence is key 🔑 if you’re a guy.. I’m not sure on this part but as a girl.. self tanning/curling my hair/doing my makeup are self confidence builders for me. It’s all materialistic obviously but for me those things make me feel prettier. I def need more details to truly help lol. Just be you and people will love you for that alone at the end of the day. I don’t think I can guide or teach someone that part because it’s learned naturally 🩷

I wasn’t the popular kid in school by any means, I was bullied here and there. I had braces and glasses 🤓so you can imagine plus super underweight naturally! I don’t feel like im helping and this is a run on sentence lol 🫠

[spectrophobias]

@h-a-unted asked: ❛❛ I’ve missed you so much… ❜❜ (Travis to Caleb!)

he knows none of them would have taken kaylee's death well, but of course they wouldn't. she's always been something special. it would to see his family grieve her, but at least it makes sense to him. caleb had never realized that they would mourn him like this before, and he feels stupid for it now. his uncles and his dad were good people, of course they had never been willing to just write him off. he should have been more grateful for it when he'd had the chance.

it's not like caleb had never thought about dying before. he'd thought about it maybe too much since everything had happened, feeling like it could have been the key to freeing his family. he was the real link between them and that kid, it had felt like an easy solution. what he hadn't expected was that his family would be so fucking sad. it was supposed to be a weight off their shoulders, not a whole new one.

"well, i ain't got nothin' but time now. you'll be sick of me soon, i expect." he jokes with a shrug of his shoulders, trying to lighten the mood. he's sure things have been miserable for travis and the rest of them, and he's not sure there's anything he can really do to fix it. just like the night caleb had been bitten, things had just gone south too damn fast. he hates that it ended like it did, when his family had given so much to try and help him and kaylee. he doesn't think anything will ever be able to take the bite out of that.

"thank you for never giving up on us." he adds on, much more softly. the first time he reaches for travis's shoulder, his hand passes through it, but when he focuses hard enough, he's able to give him an appreciative squeeze. "on me. you, bobby, and dad are the best family we could've asked for."

#NO ITS FINE IM JUST CRYING A LITTLE #why did i do this to myself fjdkfkdkfjfka #h a unted #muse; caleb hackett #tw suicidal ideation #to be safe!! 💖

[readychilledwine]

Bound by Fate pt 6 version 2

Summary - When Kaylee Archeron meets Azriel, her world turns upside down. Between balancing her trauma, new powers, a mating bond, and war looming over her new home, Kaylee learns everything is not as little as it once seemed.

Warnings - miscommunication trope, sexual tension, Eris being the queen of pettytown, smut (MDNI), oral (f recving), fingering,

A/N - a little spicy fill-in chapter to bring our little Kaylee back home to Az featuring the queen of pettytown Eris. If you would like to read the shorter smutless version, click here 💙

Series Masterlist

Lucien and Kaylee sat around the fire. She had hardly spoken since they left the House of Wind a week ago. She had been focusing all her energy and effort on tracking the Mortal queen, and she had been so close today. They had almost linked until the sun fell, then Kaylee felt nothing coming from the Queen's end.

She did feel Azriel all day today, though. Love was constantly showering Kaylee's bones. She had been trying to ignore it, but as a shadow curled into her hand, dancing between her fingers, then ran up her arm, she broke. 

Lucien turned to her instantly, pulling her close as she cried. “It's okay,” he rocked her, running a hand up and down her back. “Just breathe, Kaylee.”

She couldn't, though. Panic began to flood her. Lucien rocked her, whispering comfort to her as he reached into her bag. He pulled out a small stuffed bat, one that He could scent Azriel on, and placed it in her arms. “Just breathe,” he repeated. “Breathe.” 

At that soft command, Kaylee felt her mind pause, shifting to focus on Lucien's command instead of her panic. She took a deep breath, eyes locked on his as he silently coached her through her panic. “That's my girl,” Lucien wiped a few spare tears from your face. “Keep going, Kaylee.”

Kaylee clung to Lucien that night, holding him close as she slept as if he was her lifeline. Lucien couldn't bring himself to understand Azriel. No matter how hard he thought about it, he could not understand. Had Kaylee been his mate, had those tables been flipped, he wouldn't have picked someone else over her. Just like he wouldn't pick someone else over Elain. 

He didn't stay up long enough to further question it, though. They had to get on the road early. Kaylee thought the queen was close, and Lucien needed to focus on this. He needed to prove Elain right.

Kaylee groaned as bright light hit her face and rolled into the warm chest. She felt a pull in her powers causing her to shoot up and hit a sleeping Lucien. “Lu, she's here.” 

The male groaned, arm going around Kaylee's waist. “Who?” His voice was laced heavily with sleep, eyes not even opening. 

“The firebird?” 

Lucien shot up next to Kaylee, eyes locked on the cursed mortal queen. “Can you feel her?”

Her only response was a nod. “Her name is Vassa. She wants to know what we want.”

Lucien looked between the two. “I trust you,” he looked at Kaylee. The simple statement struck, her eyes lighting up as she smiled. “Tell her everything.”

Night fall came quickly. The three of them spent the day talking and moving back towards the wall, with Lucien stopping every so often to grab some form of flora he had Kaylee staying away from. 

When she transformed back, silence fell between the three. There, naked as the day she was born, a mortal queen stood with her red hair moving gently in the breeze. Kaylee went into her bag, grabbing the clothing they had packed just in case Elain's vision had been correct and handed it to her. 

“Thank you,” she nodded to Kaylee, moving to go change into the soft tunic and leggings before rejoining them at the fire. “It is nice to speak to peo-” she shut her eyes and sighed. “It's nice to speak with… friends again.” 

Lucien spoke first, poking the fire slightly. “I can not imagine how lonely you are, my lady.” 

Vassa hummed. “You get used to loneliness. She is the first contact I have had in a long while. Most Humans and fae sleep when I'm human again."

“Do not get used to her being around,” Kaylee's head snapped to Lucien. “Her high lord has demanded her back for the meeting he is having. I will be transporting her to Autumn, and my brother will be taking her to the Night Court from there.”

“Lu-”

“He ordered it, hun. I'm sorry.” Lucien handed Vassa a plate of food. “It will be you and I, if you agree to take my company.” 

Kaylee stood, walking away from the fire and wrapping her arms around herself. She stopped at a lake, watching as a few fish swam by and took a seat. She thought she had more time to process. To get away. She felt a tug at the bond and gently answered, letting him know she was alive but still hurting. A wave of regret and of self hatred came down causing Kaylee to flinch. 

She was angry.

But Gods did she love him. She stroked the bond back, sending him her love and mixed emotions, and prayed he got the message. "Just give me time," she whispered.

Lucien and Vassa left Kaylee the next morning in a cabin. Kaylee shivered in dark, curling into herself as she waited for this brother to arrive.

To her annoyance, he was late. She took the blanket sitting behind her and wrapped it around herself with a sigh. 

“Such a sorrowful noise for one who is supposedly such a happy female,” the tone was mocking and bored. “You three were early.”

“Or you're late,” she shot back, wrapping further into herself. 

“No, little Kaylee,” the cabin came alive, flames starting in the fireplace, lanterns glowing brightly, and music playing. “You three were early.” She felt the male place a hand on the part of the blanket she had turned into a hood and pulled it down. “A tiny more attractive version of your sister, I see.” 

And this male? 

A stunning pale skinned red head. Freckles lining his nose like a constellation of stars. Burning bright eyes sparkling with danger that had Kaylee curling her toes. “You must be hungry,” he said. “I brought food. Come. Eat.”

“Papa told me to never take food from strange men.” 

He leaned down to her, face inches away. “Then it's a good thing I am a male, isn't it?” Kaylee made a face as he sniffed her and smirked. “Eat. Don't eat. Makes no difference to me, little one.” 

Kaylee stood following him after he walked away. “I don't even know your name.”

“Eris,” the male said, pulling her chair out. “Heir and general of the Autumn Court. The more important question is this,” the male pulled out a chair, turning it so he could straddle it and leaned in close to Kaylee. “Who are you?”

“Just Kaylee.” 

He scoffed slightly. “The shadowsinger is offering me a pretty deal to ensure you are returned in one piece,” his hand trailed her chin forcing her to look at him. “Just Kaylee. I can see why too. Such a beautiful thing left to the safety of little Lucien? I wouldn't have allowed you to even leave my bed.” 

Kaylee immediately noted how close they were. “I do not believe I will ever be in your bed, Eris.”

The heir smiled, face still near hers. “We shall see about that. I have until nightfall to change your mind.” He pulled away, fingers lingering in her hair as he did. “Eat, just Kaylee.”

Eris finally had Kaylee relaxed enough that the cabin didn’t carry a heavy scent of fear mixed with slight arousal. Bringing her four of his hounds had caused her guard to go down, and now the female sat pretty in his lap, sleeping soundly. His intention in trying to bed her was far from pure, but this would work. She would return to Azriel bathed in his scent from the close contact, and maybe then the male would realize how Lucien felt. 

His hands had run through her hair countless times, ensuring each strand held his scent. The blankets she was using were his, marking her body in his scent. The dress he was going to change her into hung in his closet. 

Was it as effective as fucking her senseless? No. Would it be enough to piss off the clearly tense shadowsinger? Eris smirked to himself, most definitely.

He kissed her shoulder gently, “Kaylee, we need to get you changed and ready to go to the Night Court.” She cuddled in tighter, squeezing her eyes shut and enjoying his warmth. “You've already overslept, little one, you won't have time to bathe.”

She shook her head, “Do not care.”

Eris stood, lifting Kaylee with him and carrying her to his room. “Well, I need to get ready, at least,” he laid her in his bed, covering her with the blanket, and went to the bathroom.  Kaylee sat up a few moments later and felt Her eyes go wide before looking down. Eris stood near the bathroom doorway shirtless, broad muscles on display as she finished changing into finely tailored trousers. 

“Stupid fae males and their attractiveness,” Kaylee grumbled softly and laid back into the bed. She had turned her back to the doorway, squeezing her eyes shut, and cuddled into the blanket that smelled like warm cinnamon and fire. 

 She felt the bed dip behind her and herself get pulled into a warm body. “Is my shirtlessness bothering you, just Kaylee?”

Kaylee refused to let him tease her anymore and rolled over so they were chest to chest, her face near his. “I am perfectly fine. Thank you for asking.”

He chuckled softly. “You do not lie well,” Eris ran the back of a finger down Kaylee's face, smirking as her eyes fluttered shut. “You are such a beautiful little thing.”

Her arousal flooded his nose. Her eyes went wide as he rolled them, so he was on top of her. "Say the word, and I'll stop." Her hand began to roam his chest, feeling every muscle laying bare to her as she admired him.

Eris took the sign, pulling Kaylee to him and kissing her tentatively. She met his efforts eagerly, hands continuing to explore his chest, arms, and back.

Eris pulled her up, putting her into his lap and pulling apart long enough to get her tunic off. "Needs to come off anyways," he moved to kiss her neck, hands threading into her blonde hair. "Gonna be late. If we're doing this it has to be fast."

Kaylee nodded. Pulling him back down to her in desperation to feel something, anything, other than the hurt and anger that was sitting deep in her chest.

She knew it was wrong as he laid her back down, pulling her legging and underwear down before removing his own clothing.

She knew she would regret every kiss down her body later.

But as a strong forearm came over her hips and a testing lick came, all those thoughts went away. For being so concerned over them being late, Eris took his time eating her out as if she was an expensive dinner instead of his last.

Every lick had Kaylee losing herself more and more, moaning and gripping his hair like a lifeline. Eris began to suck her clit, pressing down on it gently occasionally with his tongue. He hummed as she wiggled beneath him. "Please," she whispered breathlessly, "Eris, please."

His hand roamed up her thigh, knowing exactly what she was begging for. A finger trailed her core, gathering wetness before pushing in.

Kaylee's grip on Eris's hair tightened as she moaned and tried to arch her back. His fingers found what they were looking for immediately, as if this was a practice tried and true ritual for him, and with the skill he was showing her with his mouth and fingers, she quickly figured it was.

Eris continued sucking and licking, his fingers working in time with each gentle movement of his tongue on her bundle if nerves. Kaylee was quickly falling apart. Her stomach began to feel tight, her moans getting louder and louder.

Eris smiled as she tightened around his fingers and pulled away. "Cum for me, Kaylee. Be a good girl and cum for me." His deep voice was her undoing. Kaylee came screaming his name, stars in her vision as he continued his assault and worked her through her high. Once she came down, Eris removed himself from her, putting her fingers to her mouth and watching her clean them from hooded lust filled eyes.

"If we had more time, sweet Kaylee, I'd ruin you." Eris kissed her deeply, pushing his tongue into her mouth and allowing her to further taste herself. He stood again and motioned towards the burgundy dress hanging up. “You need to get ready. We've wasted a lot of time playing this back and forth game, dearest. We are pushing being late."

Kaylee took a few moments to recover before she went towards the dress. It was a soft silky fabric threaded with hints of gold and gems. It was fit for a queen, not some common female he had offered to bring home. “This is expensive. You didn't purchase this for me, did you?”

Eris shook his head. “It has been sitting unused in the Forest House for a while. I refuse to show up to a party with you looking less than divine. Therefore, I picked that dress. You look close in size to the female it was made for."

Hewn City terrified Kaylee. She could not help but to cling close to Eris despite Cassian having trained her in fairly basic Self defense. “A few more halls, Kaylee,” Eris held no arrogance in his voice. It had almost begun to border on comfort. 

These halls were too close to Hybern's cells. Dark smelling of moisture and earth. 

Kaylee felt a soft familiar purr and felt her shoulders fall slightly. 

Rhys was close, and he had his beast looking for signs of Kaylee. She also felt the bond tug as it began to come alive. 

Eris paused before entering a room. “Well, little one, this will be our last few moments alone.”

“Thank you for taking care of me,” Eris nodded. 

“It was self serving, but you are welcome.” She watched as a mask went up, an almost sad dead look coming over the heir’s eyes. He pushed the door open, walking in with her on his arm and a smirk.

Kaylee watched as Rhysand's face dropped, anger flaring in his eyes. She heard the growl from Azriel and Cassian. Eris turned to her, murmuring quietly in her ear, “And the game begins. Thank you for providing me with entertainment, just Kaylee."

Taglist: @impossibelle @luvmoo @wallacewillow0773638 @nightless

@cat-or-kitten @knmendiola @holb32

@mis-lil-red @minakay @whatsupb18 @deeshag @justdreamstars @pyrostatic @acourtofmarvels @no1massassin @dream-alittlebiggerdarling @acourtofbatboydreams @mich0731 @thelov3lybookworm @going-through-shit

@coralseacourt @snoopyspace @tothestarsandwhateverend

#acotar #azriel acotar #azriel #eris vanserra #azriel x oc #azriel x archeron!oc #acotar x oc #boundbyfate

[acourtofsnakes]

Mythos, Chapter 4 - Steven Grant/Marc Spector x F!Reader

gif by @marvelgifs

Summary: Your days seem to be getting stranger and stranger, first the voice in your head, then Steven going missing, and now the strange man with the weird tattoo. Just to add to that, you stumble across something, or rather someone that you weren't supposed to meet.

Warnings: 18+ swearing, brief violence, discussion of DID (i tried to keep this brief for now, but I apologise if i have anything in correct, please let me know) smidgen of angst, a few fleeting mentions of food/drink, doubting your own perception of things, little bit of Marc x Reader, Steamy Makeouts - kissing, neck kissing/biting, grinding, a bit of dirty talk in a sense? kinda hot and heavy in a sweet Steven way, allusions/mention of sex

Words: 7.8k+

Permanent Tags: @greeneyedblondie44 @mamacitapascal @mypedrom @undiscovered-misunderstood @kaylee-krystal @queenofthefaceless @gallowsjoker @kirsteng42 @rosiefridayrogersunday @salome-c @amywritesthings @meganlpie @sgt-morgan

Steven/Marc Tags: @drebi-san @graciexmarvel @kingtwhiddleston

Oscar Tags: @the-little-ewok @dailyreverie

Masterlist | Series Masterlist | Series Playlist

“There’s chaos in you too.“

What exactly did that weirdo mean by that? 

There’s chaos in you? Did that mean there was something wrong with you? 

Don’t go down that road. 

It didn’t help that you’d already been thinking that lately, what with the voices in your head and seeing things. Maybe there was something wrong. Maybe you needed a break… Or a step back. 

But even the mere thought of that caused an uncomfortable feeling in your chest. You loved your job, and always tried your hardest to maintain your own peace of mind with it. 

And how could you step away when Steven was so obviously going through something too? 

He needed you. 

Especially since you had an inkling that the man was referring to him as well. After all, you’d witnessed him do the trick with the cane, and he said there was chaos in you too. 

So he meant Steven? 

That voice, that golden ancient one had confirmed that when he told you Steven was in danger… So, was he in danger from that man downstairs? Or was this all a part of something bigger that you didn’t understand but were somehow already tied into?

A knock on your door broke through your thoughts, bringing you back to the present and you looked over toward it, blinking a few times before calling, “Come in.”

Then a head of curls poked through the door before being followed by the beautiful face of your… Steven. “Hello, love, how’s your morning going?”

He was carrying two cups and a bag in his hands, clearly having have run to the coffee shop over the road before coming here. 

At the mere sight of him, a million butterflies exploded in your chest, floating all through your veins and skin, filling you with a joy reserved only for him. “Steven… Hi.” You moved further to face him in your chair, then rose from it, “Come in, come in… Are you on your break?” 

You walked over to him, taking the bag from him and walking with him to the comfy sofa and coffee table in the corner of your office, in front of the big glass windows that allowed you to look upon the Greek department, but didn’t let anyone down there see in here.  

Steven nodded, curls bouncing, and he set down the drinks before dropping onto the sofa, “Yeah, I am. I thought you might want a break… I remembered you said last night that the coffee shop did your new favourite drink, so I got it for you. It’s right, isn’t it?” He picked it up and held it out, eyes twinkling and a little colour on his cheeks at the mention of last night. 

You nodded quickly and eagerly, moving round the table and sinking into the sofa next to him, “Yeah it is, you got it spot on. Thanks, Steven.” You scooped said drink up, resting your head on the back of the sofa with a long, satisfying sigh before taking a long tip of the drink. 

There was a single beat of silence before you felt Steven’s gentle hands wrap around your ankles, coaxing your legs up onto his lap and he just immediately started to massage them, like he knew they were starting to ache, “You look stressed, love. Is everything okay? Can I do anything to help?” 

You took a deep breath when he rubbed at your ankles, sinking deeper into the couch with a soft hum, “I’m okay… I just have a lot on my mind, that’s all.” You bit your lip thoughtfully, then opened your eyes again, having not realised they were closed. “That guy earlier…” 

Steven’s hands froze on your ankles for a moment, before carrying on, “What about him?” There was a sort of edge to his voice, a trace of something that made you think of that other American man. 

You lifting your head and looked at him carefully, “Who is he? You looked freaked out when you were speaking to him. He is creepy.”

He chewed the inside of his lip and shook his head slightly, “Just… Some guy that I saw the other day. He mistook me for someone else and he won’t leave me alone.” Then he blinked, like it occurred to him what you said and suddenly, his mind was laser focused on you, “Wait, he spoke to you?” That edge to his usually soft voice was still there, and you thought you even saw a flicker of something dangerous in those chocolate eyes. 

You nodded, fiddling with the straw of your cup, “He… said some weird shit. Then balanced his weird crocodile cane on my arm and said, ‘There’s chaos in you too.’ I don’t know what he was on but clearly something is wrong with him.” You laughed, but the noise sounded strained even to your own ears. 

Steven copied your laugh, but you saw the way his throat bobbed, and his skin dropped a shade of colour or two, “Yeah, what a plonker. Maybe he thought we were someone else…” He bit his lower lip, eyebrows lowering as he gazed down at your feet in his lap. His fingers played with the laces of your boots, an air of unsettlement oozing from him. 

You weighed up the options in your mind, how to approach this and decided to try and make him - and yourself – feel better. 

“So… I really really had fun on our date last night.” Your voice was soft, sweet and sung with the truth, those butterflies immediately coming back at the mere mention of your beautiful evening. 

It worked like a charm, his expression smoothing out and lifting into that puppy dog glee that had first made you fall for him, “Me too. I really, really did; it was definitely the best date I’ve ever been on.” He pulled a face, “Not that I’ve ever actually been on many, but still.” 

His face was thoughtful for a second and you just... still couldn’t understand it. “I honestly don’t know why not, Steven. I mean… Look at you. You’re gorgeous. You’re so sweet, and funny and the things you know… The intelligence you have is fascinating, especially the stories you tell and the way you get so excited when you tell them. And you’re selfless, you’re thoughtful…” You trailed off, realising you were beginning to ramble three years’ worth of adoration for him. 

Besides, Steven was staring at you with an expression like… You were his everything. His eyes were soft but intense, lips slightly parted with wonder as if he couldn’t quite believe his luck. He looked at you like you were his favourite legend come to life, sitting before him and entirely his. 

You blinked, colour coming to your cheeks, and you set your drink on the coffee table, “Steven?” 

“Can I kiss you?” He asked almost before you’d finished talking, chocolate eyes drifting to your lips before coming back to your eyes. His breathing was a little ragged already his hand ever so faintly trembling on your ankle. The look burning in his expression was one you were quickly realising you’d seen a few times over the years… Whenever he looked at you. 

Oh. 

You looked over his face, glancing at his own lips before nodding, “Yes. Yes, you can kiss me.” You swallowed, words breathy and it suddenly felt very warm in here, “Kiss me, Steven. Please.” 

Steven set his own drink down, his hand sliding up your calf as he leant in. It paused at your knee, before he lifted that warm hand to your jaw and then his lips came down upon yours. 

It was immediately like being granted air after being starved of oxygen, like the first sip of tea on a cold day. You didn’t even care if those feelings were cliché, they were true. 

The feeling spreading through your bones as soon as you tasted his lips the lingering sweetness of the drink with the faintest hint of lavender – it ignited you. 

You lifted your own hand to the back of his neck, pulling him closer as your lips whispered against his own, trying to keep it calm and sweet despite the fire beginning to pound into your blood. You didn’t want to scare him off, or pressure him into anything but Gods, you wanted him. 

And maybe, maybe he felt the exact same because his kisses came with a little more pressure now, his head tilting further into yours and when you felt his hand twitch on your jaw, you realised maybe he was holding back too. That he wanted more but equally didn’t want to push you either. Or maybe he needed a little help. 

You slid your hand round into his hair, brushing the tip of your tongue across his lips, a silent question where he decided what happened. 

He didn’t even hesitate. 

His lips parted immediately, letting you in and you groaned in unison at the first real taste of each other, the warm brush of his tongue on yours and the way his thumb brushed along your cheekbone like he needed constant contact, despite having it all. 

With every second that passed, he seemed to grow a fraction more confident, the brush of his tongue becoming bolder and bolder, until he shifted his body weight, sending you backwards to lay down against the cushions, following you down with a leg shifting to rest between yours. 

A surprised little moan rumbled against his mouth from your chest, and he quickly pulled away, misreading the noise, “Shit, I’m sorry, was that not okay?” He looked between your eyes, his hand still cupping your jaw, eyes a trace concerned he’d overstepped. 

You shook your head quickly, “No, no, no it was more than fine, Steven. Just surprised me that’s all.” You laughed a breathy laugh, trying not to think about where his leg was – you didn’t need to push him that far right now. “It’s good. Really. Don’t think too much, okay?” You looked between his eyes, brushing back his curls, “Don’t use this, use this.” You pressed your hand to his chest, “You know what to do, just find it. Don’t overthink it.” 

He nodded quickly, eyes already coming back to your lips again and a second later, his tongue was tracing the edge of yours, a gruff hum of appreciation echoing into your mouth when you fought him for dominance. 

There was a split-second hesitation in him before he heeded your words, setting more of his weight on you so he could push you deeper into the cushions, claim your mouth as his own. 

And maybe those books paid off, because then he pulled back from the kiss, dragging your lower lip between his teeth slightly before planting open-mouthed kisses along your jaw, his hands dancing over your body like he didn’t know where to put them. 

They cupped your jaw, then your shoulder, then your ribs and back again. 

You gasped in a breath, “Easy. Relax, you’re doing fine.” You trailed a hand down his arm to his wrist, moving his hand so it rested on the side of your neck, the other to your ribs and then you slid your own back into his hair as he made his way to your neck. 

He used the hand you’d placed on your neck to tilt your head to the side, pressing those kisses to the sensitive skin of your neck, teasing his teeth just slightly until he found one particular spot that sent electricity sparking through your blood and coiling in your belly. 

You groaned, head tilting further to yield to him, and you couldn’t help the slight rise of your hips, “Right there.” 

This… vocalisation, this guiding him… it was hot. Empowering. 

Steven moaned brokenly into your skin as your hips rose, brushing against his and he focused on that sensitive point you responded to, sucking gently at the skin and running his tongue over the mark. 

He was a quick learner. 

A really quick learner. 

He dropped his weight completely, pressing into you in every single place that made that heat grow. He pushed his thumb underneath your chin, keeping you there and you both felt, and heard him mumble into your skin, “Does that feel good?” 

It was a genuine question, but this communication was something different to what you experienced before and it made everything so much more intense, “So good.” You breathed the words, moaning softly again as he tugged at the skin and licked and nipped his way down to your collarbones. 

At first, he danced the line of the fabric, curls brushing your jaw but you needed more. 

“You can undo it, if you want to.” Please. You needed him, whatever he wanted to give you. 

He lifted his head for a second, his eyes snatching your breath with his dilated and dark they were. His hair was already a mess, drunk on you, “Are you sure, love?” 

You nodded frantically, bringing one of your legs up to plant your foot against the sofa cushion to trap him in against you, “Positive.” 

He flashed a jaw-droppingly wicked grin at you and then quickly undid a few of the buttons, patting the fabric so he could continue those same swipes of his tongue, the same intense scrape of his teeth on your collarbones. 

At the same time, you undid a few of his own buttons, sliding your hand down over his spine, roaming the warm skin of his shoulders. 

You could feel toned muscle beneath the skin, and you wondered if he worked out, but he’d never mentioned it. Either way, there was wicked strength there moving underneath your hands, and your mouth watered at the thought of seeing them bare and looming over you. 

Steven licked - a little tentatively at first - a bold stripe up your throat back to your jaw, breathing as uneasy as yours. 

Wanting to give him something in return, you kissed him before he got the chance, sucking at his lower lip and near devouring the man in an effort to show him how much you loved him. 

Your hand slid to cup just underneath his jaw, your thumb pressing into the skin as he had to you, giving him everything. 

He deserved it. 

He deserved this touch, this worship and adoration that you were oh too willing to give. 

You dragged your lips away from the messy kiss, ducking your head and returning the favour of those biting, sucky kisses to the taut skin of his throat. He tasted divine, and he was so damn responsive.

Steven groaned above you, his head tilting up to the ceiling and his hand slipped round to cup the back of your head, “Ah, that feels…” 

“Good?” You murmured into his skin, drunk on the taste of him and by sheer subconscious instinct, you rolled your hips slightly - and was reward with the hard pressure of him pressing down into you. 

You made a little huff off surprise, both from how much he was loving this and from, well. How… gifted he felt. “Shit, Steven...”

The man made a noise that you felt between your thighs, hand tightening into your hair and he choked, “Can you - can you do that again, if that’s okay?” His cheeks were flushed but you were only too happy to oblige. 

You ducked back into his neck, rocking your hips up to his and it wasn’t until you licked your way back into his mouth and pulled him back down with you that he pressed back with his own hips, meeting each of your movements with rolling pressure of his own. 

Dear God. 

You might very well burst into flames in your own office.

A knock on the door suddenly brought you both crashing back to reality, painfully so and Steven startled above you, lifting his head to look at the door, “Oh! Uh, we should – there’s someone – uh, shit, I’m sorry-” He looked down at where you were quite thoroughly wrecked beneath him, his own eyes bright, his own lips swollen. 

You chuckled, even as bitter disappointment flooded your system, “Hey, hey, it’s fine.” Colour dusted high on your cheeks and down your neck, and you gently eased him back to sit up, following him up, “Just a second!!” You called to the visitor outside, your voice sounding off-kilter and husky. 

Steven laughed again, a similar unevenness to his voice as he rose from the couch and pulled you with him. He then lifted his hands to help put your shirt back in place, and smooth down your hair where his hands had been through it. “I got a little carried away there.” He grinned bashfully, his entire expression glowing like the sun had come out and he still couldn’t stop touching you – or looking at your lips. 

God, you loved him. 

You returned the favour, doing the few buttons of his shirt back up and trying to tame his wild curls, “Me too… I kinda wish I’d put a do not disturb sign on the door now.” You cocked your head just a little as you smoothed his collar, peering up through your eyelashes as that slow lick of heat curled through your blood again. 

Steven made a rough noise in the back of your throat, gazing down his nose at you, eyes blown out and nearly pitch black, “Me too, actually. Maybe I’ll remember that for next time.” 

You raised a brow, hands still on his collar and your gaze found his lips again, “Next time, huh?” In just mere hours from last night, you’d managed to encourage him not to think, to just rely on his own instincts and now look at him. 

He hummed again, lifting a large, warm hand to cup your jaw once more, thumb tracing your still swollen lower lip and he ducked his head into yours. 

Only for the door to swing open, and Hallie’s voice to come dancing in, “Honestly, I know you’re a busy woman but as your best friend, I expect-” She paused, taking note of the sight in front of her, of you and Steven still wrapped up in one another, clothes still messy and faces flushed. Then a wicked smirk crossed her lips, a glint in in her eye, “Oh, I’ve interrupted something haven’t I?” 

You and Steven jumped apart a few inches, staring at her like a deer in the headlights. Your lips parted to speak, but your head was still scrambled from that make-out. “Uh…”

Steven’s brain seemed to catch up with him and he flushed even deeper, “I’m, uh, I should get back. Donna is probably wondering where I am.” He looked back to you, those dark eyes immediately softening, “I’ll catch up with you later, love, yeah?”

A quick nod answered him, and you gave him a melty smile, “Yeah, okay…” Your voice was still all breathy, and you could practically feel the seconds counting down until Hallie exploded. 

Steven returned your smile, eyes crinkling at the corners, and he quickly brushed your lips again before hurrying from the room… A little off balance. “Bye, Hallie.” 

Hallie kept her eyes on you, smirking wickedly still, “Yeah, bye Steven, it was lovely to see you.” She closed the door when he was gone, crossing her arms. 

You cleared your throat, running a hand through your hair and you laughed a little, “Go on then. Let it out.” 

“Oh my fucking god.”

You really didn’t mind working late. 

You got to walk through the museum with no one else in there, just the few other late workers and the security guards. The main lights were turned off, leaving just the mood lightning and cabinet lights to cast little pools of glowy warmth here and there. 

Everything had a different air to it, a touch of the mysterious magic like maybe it could come alive, and something other walked these halls at night. 

You sipped from your mug, the warm tea spreading little waves of comfort across your body as you typed away, finishing up the last of the reports and plans for your new exhibition. 

Everything was finalised and ready to go, this was just the sort of boring paperwork side before you could get to the super fun stuff of it all being made up. 

A quick glance at the clock showed it to be almost 10pm, which meant Steven would almost be finished his work too on inventory. 

Perfect. You could round up your work, and then go down to meet him to go home together. 

You’d be lying if you didn’t admit the fact most of your day had been spent daydreaming about your next date with Steven. Or what had happened on the couch earlier. 

Oh god, that was… Yeah. That was something else. 

You had always suspected he was a virgin, and it never once bothered you. Not once. 

Over the years, you’d caught him reading a spicy book or two, ones you’d read yourself or that you hadn’t heard of (and immediately gone to buy.) So he had… The instinct in him. You just needed to break him out of that shyness gently. 

There’d always been a part of you that was drawn to the idea of being the one to teach him, to show him what can feel good.

And that make out earlier only fuelled that desire. 

He was a quick learner when he let go of his head, following the small encouragements you’d given him until he was the one leaving you breathless. 

You ran a hand down your neck, chasing the ghost of his lips on your skin and a little echo of heat flushed your body as you recalled the pressure of his hips. 

Yeah, you needed more of him. You needed to show him what else he could do, and what you could do to him. 

In short, you were somehow even more painfully in love with him than you had been for the past three years. Now that you had gotten a taste of what it was like to be with him, to learn these sides of him that you hadn’t even seen before. 

Whatever was happening to him – and to you, for that matter – you wanted to help, if he’d let you. You didn’t want him to suffer alone, you wanted to be right there with him, fighting whatever this thing was. 

There was a sudden noise, like a whimpering bark, that echoed down the hall, breaking you from your thoughts. 

You blinked, looking toward the door with your brow furrowed, because that sounded an awful lot like a dog, which couldn’t be right. Only guide dogs were allowed in, and surely, you’d have known before the museum closed if someone had lost their guide?

Maybe you were tired, and it was time to call it a night. 

You made a thoughtful little hum, turning back to your screen and you began to work on finishing up your closing statement about the new exhibition for the guidebooks. 

There it was again. 

A whimper, like a dog in pain. 

You couldn’t be imagining it, there most certainly was a dog roaming the halls of the museum and it was evidently hurt. 

You shut down your computer, slipping your phone into your back pocket in case you needed to call a vet and then you made your way from the office, padding down the hallway to the door that led to the main part of the museum. 

Your footsteps made soft echoes on the glossy floor as you roamed through the dark silhouettes of the Greek department. You searched every corner, called out for the injured animal but the whimper still sounded further away. Perhaps the Egyptology sector?

It was only a short walk across a hallway and down some steps to Steven’s favourite area, and you called out for the animal again, a little tingle running down the back of your neck. 

The museum was empty, but it felt… off. Like a presence was roaming the halls. A dangerous one. 

The room was lit only from the cabinets, making little pools of light float between patches of shadow. It was definitely eerie, which was strange because normally you were never creeped out by the museum at night. But it felt different now. 

You tiptoed round a corner, only for your feet to bump into something soft and heavy on the floor. A small squeak escaped your lips as you leapt back, and you peered down at the offending object… Only to see something you recognised. 

Steven’s bag. 

What was Steven’s bag doing here and why was it torn to shreds?

Something was most definitely wrong here. 

You sucked in a breath when you heard that howling shriek, but this time it echoed from the staff bathrooms off the next corridor. 

Feeling like the main character in a horror movie, and against your better judgment, you followed that noise once more, using your staff card to gain access to the corridor in question. 

It was a mess. There were cabinets knocked over which you had to near climb to get past, papers scattered on the floor and if you looked down… Were they claw marks in the marble tiles? 

“What the actual fuck?” You breathed the words under your breath, moving further and then your feet began to splash in the water that was slowly spilling from the bathroom. That was probably the result of the half-shattered sink sitting on the floor too. 

Oh, add that to the wet sound of something impacting flesh and bone – cracking bone. 

And wailing. That totally didn’t sound like a dog anymore. 

Okay. 

That’s… Okay. 

Still, you took a deep breath, cursing your curiosity and you stuck your head around the corner. 

And nothing could have prepared you for what you saw. 

The bathroom was a mess, water spraying everywhere, dust and tile littering the floor, those deeper gouge marks like something was dragged across the ground – 

And that something happened to be the huge, snarling beast with long teeth and a dripping maw. 

It looked… kind of like a werewolf? Except its eyes were glowing white and there were tattered scraps of fabric bound around it’s body, like bandages. Or rather, what was left of its body. 

The wails and screams were courtesy of the man looming over him, clad head to toe in white. 

Well, he might have been a man. 

He may well have been a god. 

He was tall, broad shoulders accentuated by the cape that was pristine despite the water and blood on the floor. 

There was a cowl covering his face as he slammed bound fists into the creature, one hand clutching at a glinting crescent shaped blade that opened deep slices in the creatures flesh. 

You had absolutely no idea what the fuck was happening, but you knew two things in that moment. 

1.     You had stumbled upon something you weren’t sure you were supposed to see. 

2.     This man… This god, whatever he was… He was dangerous. Deadly. But beautiful. And you wanted to draw him. Power rolled from him in waves, promising vengeance and violence to any who opposed him. It was magnetic, like a physical touch licking over your skin, chasing up your body and whispering into your very soul. It was ancient, just like that voice that seemed to follow you, and it was alluring. 

You watched as this man slammed the blade into the creature’s throat, ending its wail with a choke as more dark blood bubbled up from between the yellowed teeth. 

Maybe you made a noise, or maybe the man became aware of his surroundings now that his target was dead, because suddenly, his head snapped up and looked directly at you. 

His eyes.

They were pools of glowing white light, like moonlight given a true form and you couldn’t look away from them, caught in their snare like prey in the eyes of a predator… But you strangely didn’t feel like you were in danger. 

Sure, you’d just witnessed this powerful being evidently tear an equally ancient creature to shreds, as well as the halls of the museum, but that voice in your mind didn’t speak of fear from him. 

The man straightened, turning to face you and he was suddenly coming to you with powerful, confident strides like he meant business. 

Okay, maybe this situation as severely misjudged – 

With no warning, the hood fell back and the bands around his face shrunk back into themselves of their own accord, drawing back from this man’s face and revealing…

Revealing a messy tangle of dark curls, plush lips, parted in utter surprise, tan skin and a pair of rich chocolate eyes that were lowered into a frown of disbelief and shock. 

“Steven?!” 

You couldn’t believe what you were seeing. 

This… This was Steven? Your sweet, soft Steven who shrunk away from the loud parts of the world, had just torn apart some creature with his bare hands? 

The man who you’d guided earlier in kissing and touching you, those hands that had trembled ever so slightly… Had done this?

Steven stopped dead right in front of you, spine straightening, and it was then that you realised your mistake. 

This wasn’t Steven. 

This man didn’t stand like him. He stood like he was ready to spring for someone’s throat, strong shoulders thrown back, jaw tight, eyebrows lowered and intense. His entire demeanour was imposing and dangerous, daring his opponent to step forward and fight him, to test that knifes edge and realise they would never come out on top. 

No, this wasn’t Steven. But you had met him before, last night, for those few seconds in the restaurant when it had come to the bill. 

You blinked a few times, taking a step back, head tilting up to look at him now he was so close, “You’re not Steven, are you?” 

Not-Steven smirked, cocking his head as his dark eyes flicked between yours, testing your response, “No, sweetheart. I’m not Steven.” His words were drawled, cocky arrogance but even you could detect the air of apprehension beneath, like he wasn’t sure if you’d scream and run away, or just pass out. 

Honestly, you weren’t sure yourself, because that voice, that rumbly American accent... It scratched at your brain and suddenly your face fell in realisation, “You.” This man was the one who had called you from Steven’s phone to tell you stop looking. 

He stared at you, waiting. Watching. 

And then your fist was flying toward his head, a knee-jerk reaction that you couldn’t explain but it felt right. 

There was a twitch to his lips, and his hand shot up, rough fingers curling around your fist just inches from his jaw, “Easy, sweetheart. Take a breath.” 

You snarled, “Don’t you dare patronise me, I don’t even know who the hell you are. You yanked at your hand, lifting your other to try and slap him, anything really even though you knew this reaction was pointless… and a little unexpected. 

You were having a strange few weeks, okay.

His other hand flew up and caught your wrist, and he grinned, like he was enjoying this, enjoying this sparring, “If you stop trying to fight me, maybe you’d let me explain?” He cocked his head, raising an eyebrow in an infuriatingly cocky gesture. 

You made a noise of frustration at being caught again, but then you realised. If both his hands were occupied… he had nothing to protect other places. 

So you smirked right back at him, bringing your knee up between his legs. Hard. “You don’t get to tell me what to do.”

The not-Steven groaned, staggering back and almost going to his knees, the light catching on the crescent blades sewn against his chest, “Jesus- seriously??” He ducked his head, working to catch the breath you just kneed out of him. 

You had to admit, the suit was beautiful. And it did hug his shoulders most deliciously… But now wasn’t the time. 

You watched him hunch over, breathing heavily yourself, head spinning, and you weren’t sure if you were having a panic attack or not, but you forged ahead anyway, “Where is Steven? Who are you?” You gestured to the now dead creature, “What is that… thing and why the hell is this all happening?” The pitch of your voice rose at the end, but you chose to ignore it. 

The man sucked in another deep breath, shaking his head a few times and then he straightened. That expression was even more serious now, like he was suddenly done playing. He looked behind him, then back at the door and he grabbed your hand, “Not here.” He started to walk out of the door, pulling you along with him. 

At first, you tried to resist, but the tiled floor was wet and provided no purchase to plant your feet, so you were left stumbling after him. “Will you just tell me where Steven is, please?” You pulled at your hand, trying not to think about how his was big, warm and strong where it encased yours, much like your boyfriend… Who looked exactly like him. 

You shot a glance up to the side of his head, following the line of his ear and jaw with your eyes. There was no doubt about it, it was definitely the same body. Just not the same man. 

Your mind worked as not-Steven guided you back through the museum, looking around before heading down a corridor to a large window, making for it and still pulling you along – somewhat gently. 

He shot a glance out of the window, then slid it open, “Okay, out you go.” He let go of your hand and looked at you expectantly. 

A laugh almost worked its way free of your lips, but instead you just crossed your arms, staring at him with an impassive expression. 

Like hell were you going anywhere until he told you what was going on. 

The man’s jaw muscles rippled, his hand tightening on the window frame for a second, much to is squeaking protest, “Look, I promise you I will explain everything as soon as we’re safe, okay? But we need to leave now.” He looked between your eyes, his expression so very intense. 

That brush of warmth danced across the back of your neck again, and that rich, ancient voice whispered in your ear, “Go with him. No harm will come to you. Go.” Then the pressure in your head was gone. 

Well… That voice had kept you safe so far, right? And as much as you didn’t want to be one of those people who just randomly follows along… You knew this man – and your voice – were right. 

And so, with a sigh, you dropped your arms, walking to the window and nimbly slipping through it and dropping to the grass a couple of metres below you. 

You stepped back, just in time to see the man lower himself down, holding onto the edge of the windowsill so he could pull the window back into place and then drop down silently beside you. 

He turned to you, the moonlight bouncing over those curls and across his cheekbones, “We need to go to your apartment.” 

Right in front of your eyes, the bands and slight golden armour of the suit swept back into… Nowhere. It just slipped away, leaving him standing there in the same soft blue jacket, dark trousers and trainers that… Steven was wearing earlier. The same clothes you very well nearly tore from his body.

Why was he wearing Steven’s clothes?

A protest formed, lips parting but he cut you off again, “Do you want to know what’s happening or not?” 

He had you there. 

You needed a holiday. 

With a roll of your eyes, and a muttered comment, you began to lead the way back home, brooding, caped Not-Steven walking alongside you. 

~~

“I like your apartment.” His voice rumbled softly across the too-quiet atmosphere of your living room, and you swung round to face him. 

“Okay, enough. I followed you without questions, I let you into my home. Tell me what the fuck is going on, and who the fuck you are... And why you’re wearing my boyfriend’s clothes. Now.” Your hands curled and unfurled into fists at your sides, eyes watching him intently. 

The man raised his eyebrows, “You always talk like that to strangers, or am I just an exception?” He leaned against the arm of the sofa, picking up your stuffed Highland cow plushie that lived on the sofa – and your bed. 

You watched him pick it up, eyes narrowing in a defensiveness over the fluffy toy, “Stop being an asshole before I call the police. Or stab you. I have plenty of knives.” You really weren’t joking. You even knew which knife you would use.

Or you would just take one of those pretty Crescent Moons and use that instead. 

He chuckled but then the laughter died from his face, being replaced with a sigh as he straightened the cow’s horns. “My name is Marc. Marc Spector… And you have met me before, you just haven’t realised it.” 

Marc Spector. 

An oddly fitting name. You couldn’t explain how, but it just seemed to fit his demeanour. “What do you mean, I’ve met you before but not realised? I don’t…” You frowned, tugging at your sleeve, “I’m not really sure what’s going on, and I don’t want to misinterpret anything.” 

“Or punch me again?” Marc looked up at you from under his brows, his head still tilted down, a little smile coming back to his lips. 

You couldn’t help the very soft laugh, more a huff of breath, “Or punch you again. I should at least give you a chance to explain, I guess that’s only fair.” You backed up to lean against the desk and you motioned for him to proceed. 

Marc took a second, like he was working himself up to speaking, “I… We - me and Steven, uh…:” His fumbling already seemed out of character despite barely knowing him, “It’s called DID. Dissociative Identity Disorder. That’s why Steven has no recollection of the times I’m fronting; he doesn’t know so he can’t keep control himself.” He scratched the back of his neck, “Usually things are quite separate but lately it’s been harder to… Find a balance and stop them bleeding into each other. He doesn’t really know I exist, either.” 

The name rung a bell, calling back to when you’d taken a few psychology classes in university to help you understand your own mind better. It had always fascinated you, how there could be different people, different lives all in one singular body. You nodded, “And the suit?”

“I can’t tell you everything, the how’s and the whys… For your safety more than anything but…” He turned his head to look at you, reading your expression, your eyes and then he opened his mouth again, “I am the avatar of the Egyptian God of the moon, Khonshu. I’m his fist of vengeance. His Moon Knight.” It came out in one breath, like saying it all at once made it easier. 

Um. Okay. 

You blinked a few times, staring back at him as the world tumbled over in your mind. 

Back on your weekly exchanges of information, Steven had told you about Khonshu, how he had been cast from the Ennead for nearly exposing the Gods. 

But that… that wasn’t true, was it? 

You were really doubting this, after everything you’d been through lately?

But suspecting and knowing were two completely different things. And it wasn’t like Marc’s words didn’t have proof. You’d seen a creature of legend; you’d watched his suit disappear back into nothing. You had a voice in your head that you knew in your blood wasn’t human. 

Marc was still staring at you, expression unreadable, “Uh, sweetheart, I kinda need you to work with me here. Say something, please.” 

You took a deep breath, before puffing it back out again, “Okay.”

Marc blinked this time, “Okay? That’s all you have to say? You’re not… You don’t have questions? You don’t want to punch me again for being a virtual stranger and telling you I work for a Moon God? You love the moon.” Strange that he knew that. Or maybe not strange at all. 

“Oh, believe me, I have plenty of questions. I just don’t know where to begin with them… And after the few weeks I’ve had, I’m in no position to question something like this.” You rubbed at your eyes, his words still echoing around your head, “Does Steven know about this? Who you are, what you can do?”

His demeanour changed just subtly. So tiny you might have missed it. He grew stiffer, his eyes a fraction more intense, “No. He doesn’t. And he’s not going to know.” 

Now it was your turn to stand up straight, “What do you mean he’s not going to know? You can’t keep this from him. It’s not like you can hide the evidence when he wakes up in the middle of who knows where next to the body of… whatever that thing was.”

“A jackal.” He murmured it, then shook his head and he rose from the sofa, “I can keep him from it, it’s the only way to keep him safe. And you.” He pointed at you, the cow still in his other hand, “You will not tell him.” 

The tone of voice immediately got your back up, and just like that you were angry again, “Don’t tell me what to do. You can’t just tell me something as huge as that and expect me to keep it from the other person sharing that body. You know what it’s doing to him?” You stepped forward, not wanting to lash out but… This was crazy, “He thinks he’s losing his mind. He doesn’t sleep. He keeps himself awake night after night because he’s afraid of his dreams… Only they aren’t dreams, are they?” 

Marc said nothing for a moment, watching you and he suddenly looked so wrecked, you were afraid he’d drop to the ground. But then it was gone, his face hardening again, “I’m sorry. I really am. But he’s already got himself tangled up in it enough that his life is in danger. Tell him to let it go, please. For his own safety, and yours.” He set the cow back down on the sofa, patting its head and then he moved across to the window, opening it straight away. 

“Where are you going now?” You watched him, your head starting to spin again, conflict rising in you because you wanted to tell steven, but you knew that danger, whatever it was, it was real. But you just didn’t understand. 

Marc didn’t turn around as he slid the window open wide enough for his body to drop through, “I’ll see you again soon, sweetheart. I’m sorry you’re caught up in this.” He curled his hands into fists, head tilting back, and those bandages came from nowhere again, curling and wrapping around his sculpted body. The cowl flipped back over his head, and he cast you one final glance with those glowing, moonlight eyes, before he dropped through the window.

You raced to the window as he just… just leapt out of it like it was nothing. Like there wasn’t a drop that could break his neck. 

Of course, he was already gone. Deep into the night to go and fight whatever else had crawled from the pages of legends and decided to come and find him. 

“I’m really going insane, aren’t I?” Your voice was flat as you lifted your eyes to your own reflection in the glass, like maybe you could see where the madness began. 

And there it was. 

There was a golden shimmer rapidly beginning over your shoulders, like a face beginning to form but it was distorted in the glow and the glass of the window. 

You didn’t move, didn’t dare even breathe because you sure as hell didn’t have an explanation for this but after the events of your life lately, how could you question it?

The shimmer settled into an impression of a male’s face, bordered in that golden glow, “You’re not going insane, little bird. I told you that Steven wasn’t okay. That he was in danger.” 

It was that voice. 

His voice. The one from the lift that sounded like ancient sunshine and music. 

The face was mostly obscured, but you could just make out a strong jaw, sharp cheekbones, a tangle of curly hair.

There was a feeling in your chest, one you were starting to recognise now that the initial shock of this voice was beginning to wear. It was… a sense of belonging, almost. Of this being right, maybe even destined. You just had to figure out exactly what it meant. 

“I just don’t understand how all of this is possible. What this all means. I’ve spent years researching legends and mythology, and now it’s coming to life around me and I don’t know how to take it. And after what that guy said earlier, there’s chaos in me – what does that even mean?”

You could almost make out a soft smile in the shimmering reflection of the man, “You take it as you have always accepted things like this. With grace and curiosity. It’s not the first time you’ve seen this kind of magic and myth, little bird. And every time you have, you have accepted it without even being aware of what you’re seeing. It just so happens that this time, you are right in the middle of it.” He was quiet for a second again, “And there is chaos in you, darling, but that chaos is magic. It’s power. It’s light.”

You couldn’t help the scoff, “I think if I’d seen an Egyptian god of the moon before, I would have remembered.” But even as you said it, you felt he was right. You just couldn’t place it. 

You sighed softly, more to release the pressure in your chest than anything, “What do I do now? How can I hide something like this from Steven? I can see how much it’s hurting him, how he’s breaking down under it… How can I possibly hide that?” 

That golden shimmer flickered, obscuring the man’s face for a moment, “You continue to help Steven, and now Marc along this path. They will need your help soon, and further down their destiny.” There was a few moments silence and then that rich voice was softer, “Steven will forgive you. Sometimes saving the ones we love means hurting them a little ourselves, if only to protect them from an irreparable pain.”

Well, you would always do what you could for Steven, and for Marc too, despite not quite understanding everything that was happening. You nodded slowly, before looking back to his reflection, “Who are you? Why does my heart recognise you even if my brain doesn’t?”

You made out another smile, a shake of his head, “Soon, little bird. Very soon. I promise you.” And then the shimmer folded in on itself like silken fabric lifting away in the wind, like the flutter of wings and he was gone. 

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#mythos #mythos series #moon knight #moon knight series #marc spector #marc spector x reader #steven grant #steven grant x reader #oscar isaac #marvel

[ltwharfy]

“So, what is this Karate Code you keep talking about?”, she asked.

“Well, it’s very long and complicated but, the gist of it is to always use your skills to help others in need,” he said.

“Oooh, I like that!” Kaylee exclaimed. It sounded noble, like the missions of some of the heroic characters in the fantasy novels she loved to read. “So, you’re kind of like a knight?”

Arnold looked to the side briefly, like he was a little embarrassed, but he recovered quickly. “Kind of, but instead of all that dorky armor, we wear cool clothes like this.” He gestured to the gi again.

“Yeah, but the armor helps protect them. Your gi doesn’t offer any protection, does it?”

“I don’t need my clothes to protect me because I got…”, he struck what Kaylee assumed was some sort of karate posture, “My skills!”

-The Life of the Symposium (aka Party)

Thanks, Babs! I love the fact that my first "DVD Commentary" ask is about my least-read story- maybe this will lead more folks to checking it out!

So, the point of this scene, and the whole story is just establishing why it makes sense that Arnold and Kaylee would make a connection. They are minor characters, who aren't seen interacting with each other until "Ancient Misbehavin'"- they are briefly seen talking to each other walking into the classroom earlier in the episode (in addition to their dancing at the party that inspired the fic) but we don't hear their conversation. So just establishing the basis for the relationship is a challenge that doesn't exist when writing about one of the Belcher kids and one of their more common shipmates or even writing about a pair of minor characters with a canon relationship like Henry/Susmita.

But when I thought about Arnold and Kaylee, I thought that they had enough in common for a connection between them to make sense- it worked as more than just a weird background gag. They are both smart, they are both kind of outsiders (there is a whole episode about Kaylee feeling like she doesn't fit in; Arnold is the youngest kid in his class and wears his karate gi every day), they both have this mix of being serious and silly, and I think that their established interests- Arnold's in karate and Kaylee's in fantasy have some commonalities. And that's what this bit really emphasizes.

As I note at the end of the story, my Google research did not find an actual official Karate Code, so I imagine it is either something he or his teacher made up. Based on what he said in "Yes Without My Zeke", it sounds like helping other was a big part of the code, and I felt like that would likely mirror the codes that some of the heroes in Kaylee's fantasy books might have, since themes of good vs. evil and heroes who follow codes are pretty common in that genre, especially when marketed towards younger readers.

So, I thought it made sense that the Karate Code (as presented by Arnold) would appeal to Kaylee. And then I made him act a little embarrassed at being compared to a knight just because even though he likes to see/present himself as heroic, I think he might still feel a little awkward hearing that from someone else, especially an older girl. Then the bit about him saying that he thinks the gi is cooler than a knight's armor just really seems like something an 8 year old boy would think up on the spur of the moment if they had to explain why its cooler to do karate than be a knight.

Ending by having Arnold strike a pose and talk about "my skills" is just because I thought it was really funny the way he said "my skills" in "Yes Without My Zeke" and it was just fun to imagine him doing that and Kaylee being amused by it (as "Prank You For Being A Friend" establishes her as having a dorky sense of humor).

So, this bit allowed me to show commonalities between them in both being kind of serious (they are 4th graders who think about living by ethical codes) and kind of silly (because they are still an 8 year old and a 9 year old).

And Kaylee laughing at the "my skills" bit, as well as Arnold's brief embarrassment at the knight comparison, also allows me to put a lit bit of potential 4th grade-level crushing in the story. As I'm pretty clear in the notes to the story, I think it could be read as just the beginning of a friendship or the beginning of a crush, and honestly, I'm not quite sure how that will play out if a write more about them. I'm currently leaning towards the idea that Kaylee gets a crush on Arnold at some point and he's kind of oblivious (which might make sense as he is younger); but I could make it the other way around; or that they have mutual crushes or don't develop crushes until they are older. As you can tell, I do not have any sort of plan about how I am writing this pair, just the idea that I'd like to do another story about them at some point!

Thanks for asking, hope this was an interesting read!

#bob's burgers #kaylee morganstern #arnold evans #arnlee #thanks for asking! #ask game #fic dvd commentary game

[ghost-town-story]

(I couldn't decide between these snippets, so y'all are getting both to make up for the past two days lol)

I tear a piece of paper out of the back of my notebook to scrawl another note. Hey, are you busy tonight?

I slide the note over and hear Remi’s breath catch. It takes what feels like forever before I get a reply.

No.

Can we meet after school—I remember that I have soccer practice and no good excuse cooked up for needing to skip last minute, and scribble out the words. Can we meet after practice? Like 5:30? I have something I need to talk to you about.

I glance at the clock as I hand the note back. Class is almost over, thank goodness, and then I’ll just have to make it through two more classes and practice before I can finally confirm my suspicions. No pressure. Not like I’ll spontaneously combust from impatience before then.

The bell rings, signaling the end of class, and I startle. “Remi—”

As Remi stands up to leave, the note flutters back onto my notebook.

Okay. I’ll be at the library.

~

(And the first bit I've actually written from Remi's perspective. She's difficult lol)

I’m startled out of my spiraling thoughts by the sound of footsteps approaching. Kaylee rounds the corner and grins when she sees me. “Hey.” She drops her bag and plops down in the chair across from me. “Sorry I’m late. I got hella lost on my way here.”

I can’t help a snort of laughter. Seems like some things don’t change between worlds.

Kaylee rolls her eyes with a smile, but then she leans forward and her expression turns towards serious. “You know why I wanted to talk to you?”

My breath catches in my throat, but I nod in response. With the way she was looking at me earlier, the way she’s watching me now, I have no doubts she put the pieces together.

“Really?” Kaylee tilts her head. “I’m not sure we’re on the same page here.”

I have to force my voice past the lump in my throat. “We’re on the same page, Ruby.”

#writing #in which i write #snippets #knighttime dreams #nanowrimo #nanowrimo 2023 #to be fair: kaylee is just. very straightforward n confident #meanwhile remi is an anxious overthinker with hella confidence problems (especially in this world)

[spurgie-cousin]

Sending an ask b/c tumblr won’t let me comment. Ideas/thoughts for future videos: can you take some time to review the writing style and voice when you finish the book?

Is it like a Jill Insta post in book form or did it vary? Was it difficult to understand grammatically/stylistically? Do her daughters have their own voice or is it something like “Kaylee’s thoughts as told by Jill”?

Jill’s approach to writing fascinates me and I would love to hear your thoughts on this if you have the bandwidth. Thank you for your book review! I really enjoyed your video!

Yea definitely! So far her writing is very similar to posts, especially her longer rambly ones, with a little more editing lol (although there are still definitely a lot of grammar mistakes, and I've found 2 spelling mistakes). So I can understand the immediate point she's trying to make most of the time, but her writing style makes it super difficult to determine what the larger point is that she's trying to make within chapters and stuff.

Like with the chapter on beauty, she tells a bunch of stories related to beauty but they all have conflicting messages. And when she goes to summarize she does it with like a sentence or two about how both of those conflicting points are the point and it's like ?????? (In this case it was God doesn't care about beauty but you should lol). I feel like I'll run into more of that as the chapters get longer. I still have yet to run into anything by her daughters so I'm not sure yet what their writing voice will be like.

Also her organization of the stories I've read so far is very confusing, her first chapter is basically that story about David getting saved but it just kind of trails off after a couple of pages, and the second chapter is similar, but the 3rd is like double or even triple the length? It feels like her first chapter especially should've just be in the prologue.

I'll definitely talk about it more next time and try to include some snippets. But her writing so far is definitely VERY similar to the way she writes online, with some baffling words choices and confusing story structures lol its all just........ very confusing.

#road to victory reaction