#we also don't recognize her flirting with happy

[writting-stuff-sometimes]

We should be best friends too Lando X Fem reader

Summary: Y/n is Pietra's best friend, she considers Max to be a nice guy, but who she really can't stand is Max's best friend, Lando. At Max's birthday party, Pietra asks just one thing, an easy, fun night, but with Y/N and Lando in the same room, this is almost impossible.

Warnings: Bad words and alcohol.

Word Count: 15K Notes: I suck at second parts, so I'm taking my time with the pt2 of "Playing with fire". In the meantime, here's something new. As always, feedback is greatly appreciated! Thanks for all your comments,

__________________________

"He's coming, isn't he?"

"Y/n, it's Max's best friend, please, please, please, no fights tonight"

"He's the one that always started them!"

"And you were amazing at going along instead of being the grownup and letting it go"

"Excuse me, who's your best friend?!"

"You, but please, just tonight, can you be extra patient with Lando?"

"I'll try"

Pietra had been dating Max for a year now, and it took four months for you to hate Lando. Almost every night you were together ended with a fight between you two. _____________________________

"Hey Mate, happy birthday!" You didn't need to turn to look at the door to recognize the voice owner. You sighed in annoyance.

"Friend of yours, I assume?" the guy standing in front of you, and whom you had been flirting with for the last hour, said with a sarcastic smile.

"Best friend" you rolled your eyes.

To keep your promise to Pietra you tried to stay away from Lando as much as possible and focus on the cute guy in front of you.

____________________________

"Let me get you a refill" Your date took the glass from your hand.

"Thanks"

"My pleasure" he winked at you and then leaned in to place a soft, quick peck on your lips. So far, the night seemed to be going better than expected, no interactions with Lando, and sex with a cute guy was coming your way.

"Isn't he a gentleman?!" His mocking voice was even more annoying.

You took a deep breath before turning around to face Lando.

"Fuck you"

"What's with the cursing? I was just making a statement, you seem to have great taste in men"

"Wish I could say the same about your date" You threw a quick glance toward the blond girl who had been all over Lando for the last 45 minutes, she had done nothing to you but you already disliked her and the childlike way she was giggling with her friends, probably talking about him.

"Ouch"

"Just move and stay away from..." you tried to walk past him but your stupid heel got caught on the carpet. Everything happened so fast. The Brit caught you mid-air, his arms around your waist as your hands fell on his torso, his black shirt was unbuttoned at the top, so your hand was against his skin.

"You ok?" You could have sworn you heard concern in his voice.

The tight grip on your waist and the feeling of his warm skin under your hand seemed to be a little too much for your alcohol-intoxicated brain to voice out a response, so you just nodded.

"If you wanted to cup a feel you could've just asked, you know you have a free pass"

And there he was again, the annoying self-centered prick.

"Please, don't flatter yourself, I would choose planking face first on the floor over this, any day." You pushed him hard, trying to shake away the feeling of his touch.

“And hurt that gorgeous face of yours?” His finger softly traced your cheek, down to your chin, but you pulled away “I would never let that happen. Also, I’ve been told my arms are nice and cozy.” He crossed his arms over his chest, making them seem even bigger.

“Too bad they are attached to a huge self-centered piece of shit like you!”

"Wow" Max's voice startled you. You had said that last phrase as the music changed from one song to another, so every person in the room had heard you, including the cute guy, who was now standing a couple steps away, staring at you.

"Y/n" the disappointed look on your best friend's face broke your heart a little.

"I'm sorry, P." You walked past Lando, took your bag, and left the flat.

A couple tears streamed down your face, falling on your cell screen as you searched for an Uber to take you home.

"Fuck!" you mouthed when the No cars Available text appeared on your screen. You closed the app and opened it again, wishing for a miracle. It was almost 2 am on a Tuesday, and getting an Uber in the middle of the suburbs was a nightmare, you walked to the end of the street, praying that from there, it would be easier to get a car, but again, nothing.

You closed your eyes and took deep breaths, trying to ease the tears, but the frustration and embarrassment were too strong.

A couple minutes later a car stopped right in front of you, from the engine sound it was a sports car, and you knew exactly who it belonged to. The driver's door opened, and you heard him walk towards you.

"Y/n" his voice was low.

"Go away" You didn't turn to look at him, your eyes were probably bloodshot from the tears, and you've had enough humiliation for one night. You opened the Uber app again to keep your sight down.

"Y/n, I'll take you home, come on" He walked to the passenger door and opened it.

"I'd rather crawl there" You answered bluntly.

Like a cruel joke, a sudden gust of wind blew against your body, and goosebumps covered your skin, it was unusually cold for July. As you walked to the threshold of the building, searching for some shelter, the bottoms of your feet reminded you of the heels you were wearing, if you dared to walk back home you might have to do it barefoot.

"Unless you're planning on going back inside, or a car has magically appear on the app..."

"How could I walk back inside there?" You cut him off "I just made a complete fool of myself because of you!" You finally turned to see him as a couple of tears threatened to fall from your eyes again. He looked down at the floor, he seemed embarrassed.

"Then please get in the car, I'll take you home...you don't have to talk to me if you don't want to" He offered you his hand.

You stared at him, he seemed honest and embarrassed. You hated yourself, the puppy eyes were actually working?

"Please, P and Max would kill me if I let you go home alone."

You sighed loudly and walked towards the car. You ignored his stretched-out hand, trying to make a statement, that you were doing it against your will.

As you got inside the car his scent hit you hard, you always claimed he used way too much cologne, but now it seemed nice, warm, almost pleasant, maybe finally being out of the cold was playing tricks on your mind.

The sound of his door shutting pulled you back from your thoughts.

When the car didn't move, you turned to look at him to find him staring back at you.

"What?" you asked in a low voice.

"The seatbelt" he answered as if it was obvious.

"Oh" you turned to pull on it as he started the car and drove away.

It was a quiet drive. From time to time, you discretely turned to look at Lando, whom you always thought was one of those annoying guys with sports cars that would find every little chance to show off, but he seemed to be a decent driver.

Your phone vibrated in your bag.

Pietra💗: Are you ok?

Y/n: Yes, I'm on my way home, I'm so sorry P 😔

Pietra 💗: Don't worry about it, Lando picked you up? He said he was going out to look for you.

Y/n: Yes 😒

Pietra 💗: Good, let me know when you get home, please don't kill him, he's truly embarrassed about how he behaved.

Y/n: Can't promise anything

"Pietra?"

"Yes" You answered without taking your eyes off the phone screen.

"Good to know I have witnesses in case I go missing" He looked at you with a mischievous grin as if you were great friends and this was an inside joke.

You turned to look at him, your face anything but friendly. Why was he acting like you were there because you were friends and not because he had been an asshole?

"Oook" He said in a low whisper and kept his attention on the road.

A few minutes later you heard a breathy laugh from the driver.

"What now?" You asked, breaking the silence.

"You look like a chihuahua"

"Excuse me?"

"You're trembling so much. Maybe you should have worn something more clothy" He stared down at your outfit, black shorts, a lacey bralette, and a matching black blazer.

"I was supposed to spend the night inside a flat"

"But you decided to throw a tantrum like a five-year-old and run out"

"It was all your fault! If you had stayed away from me, right now I would've been with..." You cut yourself off.

"With Mr. Charming?" He turned to look at you. "You just met him tonight." His tone was filled with judgment.

"Why do you care?" You turned to look at him with a raised brow. For some reason, the question threw him off balance, it was nice to be on the other end of the jokes and the messing around.

"Do you want me to care?" He turned to look at you when he stopped at a red light, your winning punch was short-lived.

"Pff, please." You were about to turn away when a sudden movement caught your attention. He turned his body towards you and his hand went behind your headrest. He stared at you deeply, and you stared back. What was he doing? He slowly moved towards you, and your breath quickened as you felt your body get warmer, why was he getting closer? Your mind screamed to move away, but your body didn't move an inch.

Your breath got caught in your throat when he was just inches away from your face.

"Here, put this on before you freeze" he whispered lowly, pulling a hoodie from behind your seat, his breath warmly caressing your blushing face. You stared at him confused.

"What?" He asked, a cocky grin on his face.

"Fuck you"

"If only I had a swear jar." He placed the hoodie on your lap and put the car in movement when the light changed to green.

You contemplated throwing the hoodie back to him, but the cold was teeth chattering, so you got it on. The smell of his cologne intensified, and it felt... it felt nice. You hated how much you seemed to like it. Maybe he had changed colognes, usually, you would find it repulsive.

He turned on the radio, that stupid grin still on his face.

You were getting close to your house, a weird feeling in your chest. Was it sadness? Why would you feel sad about getting home?

Suddenly, the car turned towards a Starbucks drive-thru.

"What are you doing?"

"You're still trembling and I'm out of hoodies, maybe coffee will help you get warm"

He got to the speaker and ordered your favorite drink and a hot chocolate for him.

“How did you know?”

“That coffee gets you warm? It’s basic knowledge, I know you think I’m stupid, but I know things, you know?”

“How do you know my coffee order?”

“Oh, umm the weekend you and Pietra stayed at my house in Mónaco I ordered coffee and P told me what you liked”

“It’s been ages since that happened"

“Yeah..." A weird look on his face, as if he had been caught red-handed. He turned to look away as he approached the window to receive the order.

"Here"

You took the warm cup off his hand. Who was this person?

You held the cup close to your body, giving in to the heat.

"Thanks" You smiled back at him.

"No problem" He drove off as you took a sip from the warm, delicious liquid.

"Is it working?"

"It is, it's nice... why are you doing this?"

"I don't want you to get sick"

"Why?"

"Because being sick sucks?"

"Why are you being nice?" You insisted

"I don't get the question"

"You've never been this nice to me. You're usually picking on me and... being annoying"

"I'm not"

"Yes, you are. You're always calling me names, saying I'm spoiled, uptight, a control freak, you also mock the guys I go out with, the music I listen to, the movies I like..."

"Weeeellll, you started with the name calling"

"Me?!"

"Uuh, yes"

“When?!”

“P’s birthday party last year”

“We had only known each other for like a month back then. What could I've done to you? I didn’t even talk to you that day."

“Well, it wasn’t TO me, but it was about me.”

You stared at him confused, and he continued.

“A friend of yours asked if you liked F1 and you said hell naw, they’re just a bunch of nepo babies that only know how to spin a wheel” He tried to mimic your voice. You were about to protest but he was right.

“In my defense, that was a private conversation... and the world does not revolve around you, I wasn't talking about you, I was talking about all the drivers"

“We’ll you were at a public party, and that statement doesn't really help your case"

You stared down at the coffee cup between your hands. This was embarrassing. Was all this feud with him your fault? You could have sworn he had started it, damn! You were a hundred percent sure it was his fault.

“Why do you hate us drivers so much?”

“It’s not you, it’s the sport… my ex was a big fan, and it ended up bad with him so..."

"...the breakup wasn't my fault" you quickly added.

"I didn't think it was" He tried to cover a mocking smile with his chocolate cup.

"Yeah, right" You rolled your eyes as a faint smile sneaked from your lips.

"Well, too bad an idiot made you hate us all"

It was seriously embarrassing, you could've sworn you were over the stupid breakup with Evan, but he seemed to still find ways to ruin your life even in an indirect way.

"I ...I'm sorry"

"That's new" He joked

"Don't make me regret saying that"

"Sorry" His big smile was kind of cute.

"But really, I'm sorry I was mean, I should not have projected my breakup on you"

"Well..." He parked in front of your building and turned off the engine. "I'm sorry I was childish and tried to get you to like me by bullying you, I swear I'm out of my 6-year-old phase"

"You wanted me to like you?"

"Yeah, you're my best mate's girlfriend's best friend, so if we're going to see each other so much, we should be best friends too. Also, you're actually nice, you don't have bad taste in music..."

"And I have a gorgeous face... your words, not mine"

The curly hair bounced as he laughed at your comment, and you could swear you saw him blushing.

"And you have a really, REALLY gorgeous face"

"Thanks" You framed your face with your hands in an exaggerated flirty way. "Sooo, drinking and driving is against the law even if it's nonalcoholic, and your house is far enough for your chocolate to get cold by the time you get there, as a peace offering, do you want to come up and finish our drinks in a warmer place?

"That would be nice" He smiled taking off his seatbelt fast, as if he was already waiting for the invitation.

He opened the car door for you and walked behind you, shielding your body from the cold British air. You had been so focused on hating him that you didn`t realize how polite and funny he was. It was like meeting a completely new person.

The elevator dinged, letting you know you had arrived at your floor. As you were about to walk out Lando grabbed your wrist and pulled you back in, making you clash against his chest, almost dropping your drink. He stared into your eyes, searching for any sign that you were uncomfortable. He must've seen the fire in his eyes reflected on yours, so he leaned in to kiss your lips, and you kissed him back.

The arm that held your cup wrapped around his neck as your free hand went to make a fist with his curls, one of his arms wrapped around your waist, and his free hand went to your neck, his fingers keeping a blood-rushing grip on it.

He broke the kiss and gave a soft bite to your lower lip.

"Sorry, couldn't help it" He sheepishly smiled as his hand moved from your neck to caress your cheek. "The sexual tension was killing me"

The elevator dinged again, and you were back down in the lobby. As the door opened, a young couple got on it. A knowing smile on their faces as they said hello.

You pushed the 7th-floor button again and stepped back against Lando's chest as he wrapped his arms around your waist. You could see the guy looking at the driver attentively.

"Hi, sorry to bother you, are you Lando Norris?"

"Yes" the Brit answered shyly.

"Damn, big fan, can I take a picture?"

"Sorry mate, I'm with my lady, but I can sign something for you if you want"

"Sure" He took a piece of paper from his wallet as the girl took a pen from her bag. "Thanks so much"

"Sure, mate, thanks for understanding"

The elevator dinged on their floor.

"Don't worry about it, have a good night." The couple exited and you turned to look at Lando as the elevator continued with its journey up.

"Your lady?" You asked with a raised brow.

"It sounds good, doesn't it?" He gave a small peck on your lips.

"I'll have to think about it" The elevator dinged again, and you took his hand, pulling him towards your apartment.

"Wait! Did you do all of this just so you could get inside my pants?" He pulled his shirt together, dramatically covering his chest, as you opened the apartment door.

"You wish." You answered as you pulled him inside.

Tag List: @wtrmlnsgr94, @ricsaigaslec

Let me know if you want to be added to the tag list.

#f1 fiction #f1 imagine #lando norris imagine #max fewtrell imagine #lando norris x reader #f1 x reader #lando x y/n #f1 x y/n #lando norris fluff

[libraryofgage]

Good Vibrations Three

One | Two

I usually try to throw out updates weekly but I got possessed by the muse for Modern Steve in 80s Hawkins and, like, finished the main chapters for that in a daze hfjdk I still need to write the two epilogues, but needed a little break, so here we are!

Part three has Eddie confirming his suspicions, like two seconds of angst that is immediately thrown out the window, and a little flirting UwU

I hope you enjoy! As always, if you see any typos, no you didn't ^_^

----

Something hits Steve in the back of the head. He'd be upset if not for the fact that he's facing away from Dustin and gave the kid paper for the express purpose of throwing if he needs Steve's attention. After much trial and error, the system finally works for them.

Steve sets down the plate he was washing (the aftermath of Dustin asking for grilled cheese sandwiches and annoying Steve until he caved) and turns, drying his hands on a dish towel. "What's up?"

Dustin's chest and arms are sprawled across the table, looking for all intents and purposes that he'd collapsed from sheer boredom or frustration. When Steve speaks, though, he sits up straight so Steve can see his mouth properly. "Can you pick me up tomorrow?"

"I thought your mom was."

"She told me this morning that she got saddled with a last minute thing."

Steve frowns, slowly parsing through Dustin's mouth movement and trying to find the shape of words. He doesn't get all of them, but he gets enough to understand the problem. "Oh," he says, "yeah, sure. Right after school?"

Dustin shakes his head, pushing his biology homework away so he can lean forward. "Hellfire is tomorrow. Eddie says it's gonna be in the math classroom. Can you meet me there at 4:30?"

Somehow, Steve immediately recognizes Eddie's name. Unsurprisingly, it makes him think of the guy, and his mind happily offers up the memory of Eddie laughing on stage. Steve struggles to push the memory aside, at least moving it to a corner until he can properly reminisce later.

"Which math room?" Steve asks, hoping Dustin doesn't notice a longer than normal delay in his response.

He doesn't, if his relieved and happy grin is anything to go by. "213," Dustin says. He then pauses, as if suddenly thinking of something. "Also, uh, maybe wait in the next hall or something. Don't let Eddie see you."

"Why can't Eddie see me?" he asks. Has Eddie been complaining about Steve lately? Has Dustin spent the past week listening to Eddie insult or make fun of Steve for...something he did at the Hideout? Did he not act normal enough?

Well, it's probably not that last one. Robin is great at elbowing Steve when someone is talking to him. She's saved him from numerous awkward situations with that move. It's almost worth the bruise he'll inevitably get from her sharp elbow.

"He won't, like, shut up about you," Dustin says, his nose wrinkling some in disgust and distorting the shape of his mouth. He waits until his expression is under control to add, "He can't get over you attending his gig or something. Keeps saying it's weird that "King Steve" likes metal."

"Oh."

Steve feels his shoulders grow heavy, a weight pressing down on him. He can't hear how Dustin is saying the words, and Dustin's expression isn't animated enough for Steve to glean any kind of tone. But experience has taught Steve that Eddie is probably complaining, even if Dustin isn't saying it outright.

Now that he's thinking about it, it probably was weird for Steve to just show up to a heavy metal gig. He's never shown any sign of liking the genre to others before. Then again, he's pretty skilled at passing for completely "normal" to other people. That results in him being King Steve, though, and that version of him might be all that Eddie can see, which would make his appearance at the Hideout pretty fucking awkward, huh?

Steve is so lost in his thoughts and the feeling of remorse and embarrassment and frustration that he almost misses how Dustin rolls his eyes, his shoulders jerking with a scoff. He pays attention just in time to watch as Dustin says, "Yeah, so if he sees you, he'll probably grill you on your favorite bands or something. He's, like, obsessed with figuring out all the other freak things about you. His words, by the way."

It's a lot all at once, and Steve ends up asking Dustin to repeat himself twice before he can fully comprehend everything. Despite the slightly annoyed look, Dustin doesn't complain. When he finally understands each word, that weight lifts from Steve's shoulders, the sudden emotional whiplash making him feel a little floaty.

"That's why he can't see me?" Steve asks, raising an eyebrow at Dustin and leaning back against the sink.

"Yeah, it'll take forever. It's like when Mom runs into a friend and just stands there talking for a whole hour," Dustin complains, sprawling himself across the table once more when he's done speaking.

Steve snorts and leans over, ruffling his hair and jerking his hand back before Dustin can smack it. "I promise we wouldn't talk for an hour, but I'm not going to avoid Eddie. If he sees me, he sees me."

Dustin doesn't need to know that a small part of Steve really hopes Eddie sees him, deafness and all. And maybe he'll even like what he sees.

----

Eddie Munson is not stupid.

Well, his grades and teachers would beg to differ, so he'll rephrase that.

Eddie Munson is a fantastic DM, which means he regularly takes a big plot twist and sprinkles hints of it throughout each session of a campaign. Doing this means being able to put those puzzle pieces back together, too, and ensuring they lead up to the logical plot twist. So, Eddie's brain is great at seeing some puzzle pieces scattered around and putting them together to make a complete picture, and he's definitely been seeing some puzzle pieces.

Like Steve Harrington never looking over when Eddie first speaks to him. And the way Steve stares at his mouth, his brows slightly furrowed like he's trying to decode something (Eddie would love for this puzzle piece to belong to a "Steve Harrington wants to kiss Eddie Munson" big picture, but he's not delusional). And how Steve needs to be nudged or needs to see someone before realizing they're close to him. And how he didn't seem to understand Eddie's words until he looked down at a notebook Robin had scribbled in.

And that's not even counting the stuff Eddie Munson noticed about Steve in high school. Steve Harrington walked through the halls like someone was hunting him, his shoulders tense and his eyes always flitting around from person to person, like he was scared of someone sneaking up on him. He always seemed to ignore people when they called out to him, and Eddie had once dismissed it as him being an asshole. Steve never actually paid attention in class, either; he'd spend the whole time doodling in his notebook or zoning out while staring at the wall. He didn't even look up when the teacher called on him, and eventually the teachers stopped trying.

So, yeah, Eddie has slowly started piecing the puzzle together, resulting in a picture that he never would have linked to Steve Harrington, of all people. But it's the logical conclusion. It's the brilliant plot twist that makes so much sense when you review previous campaign sessions.

He just needs to test it, to see if he's actually right or if he needs to review the pieces once more.

Eddie's chance comes after Hellfire Club on Wednesday. Their session had finished a little earlier, if only because the players had gotten through Eddie's planned journey faster than intended. The next part couldn't be stopped five minutes in, so Eddie had called it a day and gone to the bathroom while the others talked about their character progression.

In the few minutes it took for him to piss, Steve had strolled into the school and started waiting in the hallway next to the math room. He's leaning against the wall, head tilted down as he reads a small book, his lips turned down into a slight frown as he concentrates.

This is the scene Eddie sees when he rounds the corner, and before he can really think about it, he scurries back to remain out of view. He's not scared of Steve Harrington. He just knows this is the best chance he's got to test his theory. Eddie glances around the corner, watching as Steve turns the page of his book, and he suddenly wants to know what has captured his attention so strongly.

Eddie takes a deep breath and slides around the corner again, sticking close to the wall to remain out of sight. "Hey, Harrington," he says, his volume normal and easy to hear.

Steve doesn't react. He doesn't even twitch or give any indication that he heard Eddie and simply decided to ignore him.

"Haaariiiiingtooonnn," Eddie calls, a little louder and drawing the word out.

Still nothing. Well. Steve frowns a little deeper, turns the page back, and rereads whatever part has tripped him up.

"Steve, you motherfucker," Eddie says, the same volume as before, and this time trying something that might anger him. "Your hair looks ugly," he adds. It's a lie, of course. Steve's hair looks fantastic, and Eddie wants to run his fingers through it.

No reaction, and Eddie is starting to feel brave. He takes a few steps closer, still hugging the wall. "Oh, Stevie," he says, getting a slight grin, "big boy, sweetheart, darling, pretty thing." The endearments easily fall from his lips, hanging in the air with Steve none the wiser.

So. Eddie thinks it's safe to say his theory is correct: Steve Harrington can't hear. And Eddie is suddenly, achingly curious to know more. He wants to see how Steve, with his perfect hair and his stupid little moles and his blinding grin, navigates the world when he can't even hear it. He wants to know how Steve experiences music; he wants to know how many other people know; he wants to know if Steve ever gets frustrated and what he gets frustrated about; he wants to know if Steve's other senses are stronger to balance out his lack of hearing.

He wants to know everything.

Eddie strolls over, standing next to Steve and tapping his shoulder. He feels a little bad when Steve jerks in surprise, sliding back a few steps and looking at Eddie with wide eyes. "Don't do that!" Steve says, his gaze flitting around the hall before he forces himself to calm down and look at Eddie.

"Sorry," Eddie says, hoping his expression tells Steve just how much he means it. "You didn't look up when I called you."

Steve blinks, his lips twitching into an almost wry smile. "I, uh, was really absorbed," he says after a moment, idly holding up his book so Eddie can see "The Bicentennial Man" by Isaac Asimov on the cover.

"Heavy reading," Eddie says, trying to remember if he'd ever seen Steve read science fiction in high school.

Steve shrugs, glancing at the cover with a slight frown. "Dustin and Will were talking about it a few days ago. They seemed to like it. Figured I'd see what the fuss was about," he explains.

"Is it worth the fuss?" Eddie asks.

But Steve doesn't answer because he's still looking at the cover. A few more seconds pass before he sighs and looks up at Eddie. "It's kind of confusing," he admits.

And Eddie can't help himself. He wants the satisfaction of truly knowing he was right, and he wants Steve to know that he knows what's up. So, he asks, "Are you deaf?"

-----

Steve tenses, his shoulders hiking up, and he holds the book closer to his chest like it will somehow shield him. "What....how did you know?" he asks, deciding he doesn't need to try bluffing. Eddie's voice wasn't hesitant. He already knows the answer.

"Just noticed things," Eddie says, shrugging as he steps closer to Steve and grins.

The thing is, Steve hasn't tried hiding his deafness lately. Sure, he would have rather died in high school before letting someone discover he couldn't hear, but now? Now he doesn't really care. He's faced literal monsters; someone just innocently asking if he's deaf shouldn't result in the spike of anxiety that shoots down his spine.

At least, Steve thought he wouldn't care. Apparently, his body didn't get the memo, and years of habit had taken over, putting Steve on the immediate defensive. He clenches his jaw, forces his shoulders to relax, and reminds himself of Dustin's whole "Eddie seems weirdly obsessed with you" comment from the day before.

"Is that a problem or something?" Steve asks, relaxing his shoulder and forcing himself to stay in place.

Eddie pauses, frowning like he hadn't expected Steve to ask him that. "No," he says, the word a little drawn out based on how long his lips linger on the "o" shape. "How long?"

Okay. Steve can handle this. He can already see Eddie's questions following the same path as Robin's and Dustin's when they first learned he was deaf. "I started losing my hearing in elementary school. It was pretty much gone by high school," he explains.

Of all people, Eddie should be the most understanding, right? He probably isn't deaf, but Steve's deafness is something that makes him a freak. Sure, it wasn't super obvious in high school, but it still has to count for something, right? It has to help erase the King Steve persona from Eddie's brain, right?

"That explains a lot," Eddie says, tilting his head slightly and narrowing his eyes like he's trying to filter his memories of Steve through this new lens. "You don't have hearing aids?"

"I, uh, don't usually wear them in public."

"Why not?"

Steve opens his mouth to answer but stops himself. Saying he didn't want people to know in high school would feel shallow, yes, but it would be true. Besides still needing to actually get new ones, he doesn't have much of an excuse for not wearing them now. He frowns slightly, gripping the book in his hand a little tighter. It must make some kind of sound because Eddie's eyes flick down to it before looking back up.

"I didn't want people to know in high school," he finally says, rubbing his thumb over the book's cover in an attempt to expel some of the nervous energy he feels. "If people knew, especially teachers, my grades and stuff would've been blamed on, you know, my deafness. And then my parents would've put me into a special school for others who are deaf or hard of hearing. I didn't really want to get transferred like that, especially in the middle of high school."

"What about now, Stevie? You're not exactly in high school anymore," Eddie says. And did Steve read his lips right? That was his name in the middle, he doesn't doubt that, but...was it changed? There was an extra movement at the end, Eddie's bottom lip pulling back slightly like a long E was thrown in there.

It's not like he can ask, so he shoves the thought away, thinking instead of his crushed and useless hearing aids. His shoulders slump a little at the thought. "My hearing aids are broken, but I don't have enough for new ones yet."

Eddie's eyes narrow again, and he leans a little closer. "Aren't your parents, like, stupidly rich? I mean, I've been to your parties, Harrington, it's not a small house you've got there. Just ask Mommy and Daddy to buy you some new ones," he says.

Steve blinks, trying to grasp the words while also processing just how strongly Eddie's "cigarette smoke-weed-woodsy outdoor" smell overwhelms him. It's not bad (maybe it should be? Steve doesn't think he's ever liked these smells before), but it makes Steve's head feel fuzzy and slow, like he's trying to wade through cotton balls. He blinks again, pushing through the daze to say, "Can you repeat that? You, uh, you spoke too fast."

The smell recedes as Eddie leans back, his lips quirking up into a smile that's more...indulgent than it is mean. "Your parents are rich. Ask them to buy you new ones," Eddie says.

Okay, that's...significantly less words than Eddie said before. Steve frowns slightly, frustration budding in his chest because he wants to know what Eddie said, not what he asked. He feels like he's being left out of a conversation he's actively participating in, and he has to swallow back his immediate, frustration-motivated response.

Eddie doesn't know, he's likely never spoken to a deaf person before. Steve should give him the benefit of the doubt and a little leeway, right? Honestly, Steve is fucking tired of giving people the benefit of the doubt and leeway, but what else is he supposed to do? Blow up? It would be nice in the moment, sure, but the aftermath? The inevitable apology and the potential indignation from the other person? That sounds fucking exhausting. He'd rather complain to Robin later.

"I want to buy my own," Steve says, knowing his sudden shift in demeanor has been noticed by the confused furrow of Eddie's brow.

Before he can say more, Eddie reaches forward, grabbing the sleeves of Steve's sweatshirt. Based on his surprised expression, it was an impulsive move, but Eddie doesn't let go. He just swallows (Steve should not be staring at Eddie's throat like this) and looks at him. "What's wrong?" he asks, and his face is so expressive that Steve doesn't need to hear his tone to know he genuinely cares and wants to know.

Without thinking, Steve blurts out, "I asked what you said. You just repeated what you asked. I want to know everything you said. Every word. I feel like...like you're trying to dumb things down for me, like you don't think I can actually, I don't know, understand everything. I'm deaf, not stupid."

Eddie's eyes widen slightly. "Oh," he says, licking his lips nervously before nodding. "Okay, yeah, it was kind of mean, though," he admits.

"That's worse, actually," Steve says, frowning and gripping the book tightly once more. "I'll just feel like you're mocking me, or getting off on making fun of me when I don't know. Just repeat yourself, word for word."

And Eddie does. He seems uncomfortable doing so, but he speaks a little slower and makes sure Steve can understand each word this go-around. At the end, he adds, "Like I said, kind of mean. Sorry."

Steve watches Eddie for a few seconds before grinning. "It's fine, Eddie," he says, suddenly realizing how close Eddie has gotten and how Eddie is still holding onto his sleeve. And then, to make sure Eddie knows it's okay, he puts on what Robin calls his Bitch Voice and adds, "Besides, Mommy and Daddy don't need to know I've broken another pair. I'd like to live to see next year."

Eddie blinks when he hears the Bitch Voice and perks up slightly, a grin tugging at his lips and his hold on Steve's sleeve tightening slightly. The awkward moment seems to have passed, and Eddie confirms that by asking, "So, what do you really like about heavy metal?"

"I can feel it. Literally. Heavy metal has stronger vibrations, so I can experience it more easily. I don't really know how the words are sung, but I can feel the beat," Steve explains.

"Then, what did you think of our set?" Eddie asks.

He looks a little nervous, and something in Steve settles, relaxing into place. "Like I said, it was great. Especially your song at the end. I haven't really felt a song like that before. Does your band have more original stuff?" he asks. Maybe he can convince Eddie to record some of their songs so Steve can listen to them. Or, even better, just play only their songs at their next gig.

"Of course we do," Eddie says, standing a little straighter and grinning a little wider and looking at Steve like he's put the stars in the sky. "I'll play them for you next time, sweetheart."

Steve blinks at the word he definitely understood at the very end. Before he can ask about it, though, Eddie glances behind Steve and quickly lets go of his sleeve. Not two seconds later, Dustin shoves himself between Eddie and Steve, looking up at him with an eager smile and bright eyes and Steve has the worst feeling.

"Steve! Can we have a movie night at your place?" he asks as the rest of the kids filter in, pushing Eddie further and further back.

"Sure, but you have to call your parents and tell them when we get to my place," Steve says, incredibly grateful he can't hear when Eddie winces at the cheer that comes from the kids.

And then the kids are pushing him down the hall, undoubtedly arguing with each other about what movie to watch first and not giving Steve a chance to say goodbye, or ask if Eddie was serious about playing for him, or ask if Eddie had meant to call him sweetheart or if that was just, somehow, a mistake.

-----

Tag List (the tag list is completely filled up! There definitely wasn't enough room for everyone who requested a tag orz

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#steddie #steddie fic #good vibrations steddie #steddie fluff #deaf steve harrington #eddie munson #dustin henderson #steve harrington #stranger things #my writing

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

AITA for asking my (36F she/her) girlfriend (32F she/they) to be out at work if she wants to become myanager ?

It's messy and complicated. I love my girlfriend very much and ultimately I think we are in a shitty situation with no real win and we have a different opinions on how to lose.

I am a polyamorous lesbian. I have a wife but I also sometimes have other secondary partners, and my wife does too.

I am happy to work in a place safe enough that I am out at work (about the lesbian part, not the polyamory part). My wife often comes at afterwork events and because she is a sweetheart, is loved by most of my colleagues.

I have been at this job for 4 years, that's how I met this colleague, Angel. This person looked familiar but I couldn't put my finger on it. We talked, grew a bit closer then I met them again outside of work, at a queer event of my city. This time I recognized them. Angel is trans, non binary and fem presenting, at work she is not out and present herself as a cis heterosexual man. We talked, I obviously swore to keep it a secret but knowing this part of her helped us growing even closer together. We have now been dating for 3 years.

Angel has a longtime girlfriend (childhood sweethearts even) as her primary relationship. Let's call her Valentine. Valentine is working in the same industry but not in the same company. Because it's a niche field, everyone knows everyone and we often meet at work events. I also like her very much and we are good friends. Val is terrified to be out as polyamori at work because she is afraid of what the gossip will do to her work reputation. Valentine has a more public facing role than Angel and I and I absolutely respect her desire to protect what she has.

Even if it doesn't look like it, I do like too to keep private and professional life separated… Angel and I mostly connected outside of the workplace at queer events and are also both deeply involved in the drag scene and the queer political scene of our city. We never flirted at work and have even never stole a kiss on workground. We just happened to fall in love anyway even if we recognized the situation was less than ideal.

Our company has been through a lot of changes recently. My teamleader is leaving and Angel(that previously worked in another department) has been asked if she wants the role.

She does.

I have more experience than her even if she has more seniority with the company. I have been pretty open about wanting a senior expert position rather than managerial one and that's why I have not been offered the role. I am really happy for her and think she will be a great manager and recognize it's a great opportunity.

But I don't want her to be My manager. It's a really dangerous position to have over a romantic partner and she recognizes that. Moreover even if we managed to keep our relationship a secret until now, we know it's a precarious position. If our secret would be revealed while she IS my manager it could be terrible for us. She could be accused of taking advantage of me, or me to want to sleep my way through the top. Keep also in mind that she is male presenting at work and I am publicly a lesbian so yeah… We are also in very committed relationship which is another mess… It would not look good for us should we be forcibly out…

That's why I want to go to HR while her candidacy is being studied and explains the whole thing or at least some of them. I don't want to leave my team because my mentor is there and not a lot of people are doing what we do but maybe we could sort something out together? I would agree for Angel to be the team leader if I have a separate manager… Or maybe Angel could be the leader of another team ? Or I could become a more independent team member ? Angel and I are publicly work best friends so it would made sense anyway for me to have a different manager to keep things more fair.

Angel doesn't want to, and Valentine is absolutely against it. Angel thinks it will ruin her chance at the position. Maybe want to sort things out After she has been offered the job, maybe try to work out how we would work at manager/managee for some time before calling HR. I would not be against waiting for a real offer but listening her talk, I am afraid she intends to push things forever. Angel is afraid HR will reveal our secret to everyone. I recognize our HR team is not the best and even gossipy but it's about really private and protected things (in my country) : our sexual orientation and sexual identities. We also have a very good Union (with queer delegates) and even if I am unsure about HR, I am sure the union will remember them the law protecting us here and will ultimately behave appropriately. But I recognized it's a risk.

I want to break things of with Angel if she doesn't want to go to HR. My wife says it's mean and manipulative to use this kind of ultimatum. The way I see it I am just protecting myself. Angel is putting her job before our relationship and I am OK with that, she is also priorizing Valentine's needs (as she should) but in this case, I should be allowed to do the same and protect myself and my job. From my point of view, Angel could : refuse the position, go to HR, or accept the breakup.

AITA for this ultimatum ? Valentine thinks I am. Angel is confused. My wife disapproves but loves me to much to call me an asshole.

#aita #am i the asshole

[tan1shere]

Changes

Ellie williams x female reader !

A/n: ahhh new series alert ⚠️! Hope you guys enjoy part 1 I'll be working on part two over the next few days MUAH

Summary: Ellies the bad girl in the school but she takes a liking to the reader, everyone's worried but the reader somehow changes her for the better

Warnings: fluff, bad girl Ellie, not really anything flirting, swearing? This is set at college/uni so they're a bit older then 19? Mighttt have smut in future chapters !

Masterlist || pt 2 ! Pt 3 !

It was frightening being the new girl. You were shy, very shy. You didn't know at all how to make friends, wandering the halls with your books clutched to yourself. It was overwhelming with how many people there were, you just wanted to get to your last class then go to your second home. The library. You had been waiting all day to finish and head straight there. You had heard good things about the schools library. It was massive, full of so many books. Old and full of memories, it was ancient.

You just sat down in a chair for your last class of the day when some girls approached you. "Oi, dork." You look up from your book seeing a tall brunette with a few blue streaks in it. You await her words, wondering what she wanted. "You new here or something? I don't recognize you." You nod. "I am yeah." She looks down at your books. "Stella." You keep your gaze on her. "Oh- im-" She gets down to your level. "I don't care. You're in my seat." You look at where you were and giggle just a bit. "What are we 16?" You fucked up. She slams her hands down on the desk making you jolt back.

"Wrong. Answer." You widen your eyes, swallowing. "S-sorry." You stutter, going to get up when a hand gets placed on your shoulder. You turn your head to a tall copper haired girl. "Leave her be Stella." She stares coldly at her. Stella just smirks. "You haven't called me back Williams." You look at the girl beside you. "Yeah cuz I don't keep in contact with egotistical sluts like you." You almost gasp, shocked by her language. "Harshhh. No need to get bitchy." The girl chuckles. "Youre one to talk. Pestering someone so innocent. Just sitting there minding her own business." Stella looks at the girl like she's crazy. "And you're so different? You bug anyone and everyone." The girl pouts. "Sad it's not you? Is that burning your ego even more?" Stella rolls her eyes. "Whatever." She spits going to leave.

"You alright?" The girl asks. You nod, putting your hair behind your ears. "Thank you." She nods also. "I'm Ellie. You're new huh?" You nod again, not use to all these people conversing with you. "Well I'll see you round new girl." You watch as she walks to the back of the class to her seat, sitting by another man and woman. She intrigued you for some reason. You had no idea what it was but, you wanted to know.

You were happy, smiling and walking briskly to the library, ready to wind down from a day of classes. You open the old wood doors, they were tall, with carvings and designs. You step inside taking in everything, the smell, the quietness. It was your new happy place. You stride in going over to each section. You were just admiring it all for now but you were determined to find this book you've been meaning to read. As you browse you suddenly come across it, your smile widens, getting on your tip toes to reach it. "Curse being so short." You mutter to yourself.

"Need some help there, new girl?" You turn around to be faced with the copper haired girl yet again. "Oh uhm. Yeah actually." You laugh a little embarrassed. "Struggles of being short." She nods, reaching to grab it with ease. "Glad I was here to help then." She smiles giving it to you. "What're you doing in here?" You ask, not even knowing why you did, anyone could go in here. "Ouch, do I not look like the reading type?" You shake your head. "No no no I just-" She giggles. "I'm teasing you love. And I am a big reader actually." She looks at the book she gave you. "You're going to really enjoy that." You look at the book yourself. "I've been meaning to read it for so long." You admit.

"Well it's worth the read." She smiles. "So what's your name new girl?" You hug the book to your chest. "Y/n. But I- i don't mind the nickname you already give me." She smirks. "New girl? Alright then I shall call you that." It went silent. "So-" You then hear stomping, turning your head. "Ellie leave this poor girl alone." A dark haired woman comes by her. "I'm not even doing anything just casually speaking." Ellie replies. "We should get going anyway, come on." The woman begins to walk off. Ellie looks at you. "I'll see you around, again. New girl." You keep your gaze on her as she goes. Thinking about how most people view her, confused by it all.

Knocking on the door of your dorm, you had just found it. Watching as the door opens. "HI can I help you?" A girl is in sight, giving you a toothy smile. "Uhm im your new roommate." You give her a smile also. "Ahh, well come on in." She moves out the way inviting you in. "How come you didn't do this, this morning?" She genuinely asks. "I wanted to get straight into it, I decided to come back and unpack later." You look around at the cute little dorm room. "Well, all your stuff is in your room, make yourself comfy." She smiles at you, going into the kitchen. You return the smile, heading into your room. It was tiny but just the perfect fit for you. You begin to unpack setting everything out nicely and to how you like.

Once you're happy with how everything looks, you go out into the main area, seeing your roommate. "I'm Angela by the way, everyone just calls me Angie." You nod. "I'm Y/n." She nods. "Its nice to meet you. How has your first day been?" She pours herself a coffee. "Want a drink?" You shake your head. "I'm ok, thank you though. And it was good, classes were good. I got to see the library which was probably the highlight of my day." You smile, going to sit on the couch. "Its pretty cool isn't it." She smiles sipping on her coffee. "Hey, do you know someone called Ellie Williams?" She stares at you. "You don't wanna get involved with her, she's bad news." You furrow your brows. "Wait why?" You inquire. "She's a complete asshole. She will hurt you, and you're too sweet to be involved with someone as putrid as her."

You look at the couch in thought. Why was she such an asshole, she seemed really nice. "Can you tell me more?" You ask, looking at her. She strides over to the couch taking a seat next to you. "Ellie doesn't care about anyone but herself. She'd hurt you just to please herself." You ponder. "But she was nice to me-" She shakes her head. "Its all an act, don't fall for any of it ok?" You just nod. She gives you a reassuring smile. "Right well I'm going to start on some dinner, you in the mood for anything in particular?" She begins to go back into the kitchen. "I'm not fussy." "Awesome." She smiles.

Voices. You heard voices as you woke up, rubbing your eyes as you sit up. You put a brown robe on, peaking your head out the door to see. "No Williams. You're fucking creepy." You try to make out more of the conversation. "I'm not being creepy I was just wondering if she was here or if she had left already. Is that a crime?" Angie let's out a dry chuckle. "Yeah with you it is one. Leave her alone Ellie. Shes a sweet girl, she doesn't need your games." You hear the door shut. What did Ellie even want? You shake your head out of your thoughts, deciding to ignore it and get on with the day.

"New girl wait up!" You hear from behind you, fast footsteps coming closer. You turn your head. "Oh, hi." Ellie comes to a halt. "I've been looking for you all morning." You furrow your brows slightly. "Whys that?" You ask, still keeping your text books close. "I wanted to show you another book that you might be interested in." She starts to walk with you to your first class. "We can go to the library later and check it out." You nod, but suddenly think about why everyone is not fond of her when she's so nice to you. "What's it about?" "Just like the one you had yesterday but a different style and author. I think you'll like it." You nod, coming to your class. "Well I'll see you later, Ellie." She smirks. "See you, new girl."

It was on your mind all day, could you really trust this mysterious woman. You had only met her, and from what you had heard it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. You were walking down to the library as it was now the end of the day, you were planning to study a little bit in there also. Going in you spot Ellie immediately, she gives you a smile signaling to come over to her. She was sitting in one of the maroon colored chairs. "Hey." You say setting your stuff down and joining her in one of the chairs. "Have a good day?" She inquires. You nod. "Yeah it wasn't too bad. Yours?" She nods also. You look at her hands, at the book she held. "Right yes, the thing you've been waiting all day for." You sit up a bit, looking at her. "Give the one you got yesterday a read first then read this one, and let me know what you think about it."

She hands it to you, you give her a smile taking in her words. "Thank you for this." She leans back and smiles. "You're welcome angel." She looks at all your other books. "You going to study?" You nod. "Yeah just some history stuff I'm going to work on." You bring out all your supplies, stuffing the book she gave you in your shoulder bag. "Want some company?" You look at her. "Sure, company can't hurt." You smile still at one another. "I'll just be doing my own stuff." You watch as she gets out her own book, you look at it further. "Are you studying too? What subject." She looks at you. "Meh no just personal pleasure." You look more at it, it was a sketch book. "You draw?" She gets the last of her supplies. She nods at your question. "Yeah I do, guess that's another thing you didn't peg me to do huh?" You laugh a little bit. "I didn't, no. How long have you done it for?" She fully looks at you now.

"Since I was young." You look at the book again. "Can i see some of your work?" She nods, opening it up and giving it to you. You examine them, flipping the pages, she was incredible. "These are amazing." You continue to flick through, coming across some colorful ones. You admire them. "You like that one?" She noticed how you looked at it. "Its so beautiful the color, is this done with paints?" You trace your finger over it lightly. "It is yeah, you like paintings?" You look at her fully. "I actually paint myself." She sits back in the chair again. "Well what do you know. Learning new things about you every second new girl." She smirks at you intrigued. "Well, Ellie what about you." She leans forward. "What do you mean by that." You contemplate on whether or not you should ask.

"Why are you so nice to me. You don't even know me." You state. "Well, that's a good question, and I know exactly why you've asked it. Don't listen to them I may not be perfect but I'm not a monster. You interested me. No one here's, ever interested me like you have, so I took liberty into getting to know you." That's it, why do people hate her so much. Which brings you to your next question. "Why do people not like you." She let's out a tiny laugh. "You're very interested too huh. I'm not a sweet angel. I don't follow by anyone's expectations, or rules. I make some not so great choices, but I dont really care most of the time." You listen to everything. "But why me, im so ordinary." She looks at you, deeply this time. "Not to me. I see something in you, I'm drawn to it."

You look at her shoes, something you always did, it always told you about the person. She had worn out converses on. "I want to get to know you more." She grabs your hand, making you look at her. You look into her eyes as she does so. "I want to get to know you too." She smiles, letting go of your hand and sitting back in the chair. "What do you paint?" She asks, but looking at her sketch book. "Nothing special I just normally work with water colors and some paints, I just do whatever is on my mind, it may not make sense to others but I envision it and just, do." She looks up listening. "I admire that. I might have to check some of your work out sometime." You smile and nod. "Yeah I'm sure that could be arranged." You wanted to continue studying but you couldn't help but get distracted by her.

She was without a doubt beautiful she had a messy half way mullet looking haircut. Green eyes like emeralds. Light freckles coating her face, as she concentrates. Her grungy clothing, hanging baggy over her body. You were so mesmerized by this woman, so far she's made you feel so, real. "What're you drawing?" She doesn't respond right away. Still looking at her paper, but she looks up at you. Keeping silent and looking back at the paper. You look at her with confusion. "Ellie?" She continues to sketch whatever it was she was scribbling at. But once she was done she looks at you, flashing a smirk. She moves, keeping the book to her but ripping one of the pages out and handing it to you upside down. "See you tomorrow new girl. You'll have to give me a tour of your paint work, I'll hold you to it." She smiles as she goes to leave. You watch but then you look at your lap, at the drawing. It was of you. You smile to yourself, looking at every detail. You keep looking, spotting a note in the corner. 'Meet me at my dorm ####, tomorrow morning -E' you keep smiling to yourself. This was just the beginning.

#elliewilliams #ellie the last of us #ellie tlou #ellie williams #ellie x fem reader #ellie x reader

[familyvideostevie]

Could I request some Steve hurt/comfort? Maybe a new relationship and she’s having a hard time not being afraid of it blowing up in her face? I’m obsessed with your writing btw I think you’re utterly amazing.

hello! thank you so much, you are so kind! here's what you've asked for, i hope it's alright. <3 you're worried your new relationship with steve is too good to be true, but he sets you right | fluff, 1.1k

-- It's fine until it isn't.

Well, it actually is fine but you convince yourself that there's no way you can be this happy. It seems too good to be true. Not that you're not deserving, not that you don't think you're good enough for Steve. It's more complicated than that.

You just...don't know how it can be going this well. You've never felt this way before. So excited to see him when he picks you up, so eager to be close to him. He does things just because he knows they'll make you happy, isn't afraid to look like an idiot, and makes you laugh.

It's pretty close to perfect. You can see it going the distance. You can see yourself falling in love with Steve pretty quick.

But something in your gut is sour and it spreads to your heart. Something this good, something this lovely can't possibly last.

So what do you do? You try to ruin it.

It's a regular party. Someone Steve knows invited you guys to someone else's house and what else is there to do? So you go. He picks you up a few minutes late and you're so glad to see him that you can't stop smiling but that lump in your gut is louder than usual.

"Sorry," he says when you open the door. "I couldn't find the shirt I wanted." He's wearing a shade of green you've told him more than once that you love. "You look great."

He gives you a quick kiss and opens the car door for you and keeps his hand on your leg the whole way there but you don't talk. He doesn't seem to mind. The party is in full swing when you arrive and he promises you he's not going to drink anything but you're welcome to.

"I'll go get you something," he says. "Beer? Weird cocktail? Something else?"

"Beer is fine," you say. Usually, you'd laugh, and Steve noticed, mouth turning down for just a second before he grins again. You send him away with a kiss on the cheek.

"Alright," he says. "I'll find you."

You wander the room and speak to a few people you recognize but your heart isn't in it. You're antsy and your skin feels too tight and you kind of want to hit something. Above all, you're frustrated with yourself for feeling this way at all.

The crowd is getting thicker so you make your way to the kitchen in hopes of intercepting Steve. As soon as you think it the crowd parts and you see him holding a solo cup and...talking to a girl.

Well, she's talking to him. That lump in your gut grows and you cross your arms like you're cold.

Maybe this is it, you think. Maybe this is where he shows you it was too good to be true all along -- he's going to flirt with this girl. Even though you know he's not that kind of guy.

But he just nods when she flicks her hair over her shoulder, smiles tightly and leaves her behind with a tilt of his head. His eyes sweep the crowd and once he finds you he beams and raises the cup in his hand like a trophy.

You don't know why you do it, you really don't. You turn on your heel and push your way through the crowd to the first door you can find and spill out onto the back porch. No one is out here and you brace yourself on the railing, head resting on your hands.

"What am I doing?" you ask yourself.

"I...was also going to ask that," Steve says. You whirl around and find him in the doorway, your drink in hand. He looks confused and a little hurt. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," you say, turning away from him. It tastes like a lie in your mouth.

"Listen, if you aren't feeling well I'll take you home. We can stop at the gas station, I bet they have soup or something --"

"Steve," you say. He stops talking and you hear his steps on the deck and then he's next to you. he puts your cup of beer on the railing and looks at you through his bangs.

"What's wrong?" he asks. "Did I do something? Listen, I'm not the best at uh, intuition, or whatever, but just tell me and I'll promise not to do it again --"

You don't say anything and he cuts himself off. "Babe, you're killing me here," he says, laughing lightly. "Please talk to me."

You can be brave. You owe it to Steve. And maybe...he can set your mind right about this. You sigh and look at him just a little. His face is the picture of concern. "I just...I really like you," you say. He smiles and looks confused.

"I really like you, too," he says. "Kinda why we're seeing each other, isn't it?"

"Yeah," you say, a little exasperated now. "And that's the problem. I like you so much and you make me happy and I love being around you and..."

Steve lightly touches your hand. It's warm and you let him twine your fingers together. "It's all sounding good so far," he says.

"I keep thinking it's going to blow up in my face," you say softly. "I...think I'm looking for ways for it to go wrong."

"Ah," he says. He squeezes your hand and you look at him. His eyes are warm and he's not smiling but he's looking at you with...fondness. "Yeah, okay. I get it," he says.

"Really?"

He nods. "Of course I do. I think I'm gonna fuck this up all the time," he says. "But I just...think about how much I want it to work and I usually get over myself." You scoff. There's no way it's that easy. Steve reads your mind.

"No, seriously," he says. He grabs your other hand. "I know it sounds dumb. But let me be the first to tell you that I like you. And I want you to tell me this stuff, okay?"

You surge forward into his embrace. He laughs and wraps his arms around you. "Okay," you say. Maybe it is that simple. "You're not going to fuck it up, by the way," you say.

"Neither are you," he says. "Got it?""

You pull back and he cups your face. "Got it," you repeat.

"Do you want to go home?"

"Not yet," you say. "Let's go dance." You lean forward to kiss him quick and sweet and he chases your mouth.

"Hell yeah," Steve says against your lips.

thank you for reading <3 reblog, send feedback, general masterlist here!

#steve harington x reader #steve harrington x you #steve harrington x y/n #steve harrington fluff #steve harrington fanfiction

[l8rs-gat0rs]

You got some time?

Pairing: Carol Danvers x AFAB Spider person!reader

Warning(s): smut ;) , flirty Carol, reader is also kinda a flirt, CAPTAIN KIIIINK, Carol using her powers in you in you, degradation, moderate fluff, Dom Carol is a warning itself.

Summary: The Captain's got some free time on her hands and so do you, you decide to have a night out because superheroes don't get many of those. As the night goes on, Carol decides time isn't the only thing she wants her hands on and you have the exact same idea.

Word count: 3.4k

I know, I know, I have requests to finish but my brain would not let me write them until I finished this one. I will get to the requests soon! I swear😔

Happy kinktober btw!!!! One of the best times of the year if I do say so myself😌 I obviously didn't participate in all 30 days bc I've tried in previous years, and it did not work out Haha, but here's at least one fic for Kinktober before it ends!

Side note for story purposes: I know a lot of people have their own spider personas with suits they made for them, which might I add, I've loved looking at all the artwork of! Buuuut, just so one or two of the scenes make sense, the reader's mask is kinda like Jessica drew's. The one in the comics, not across the spider verse just so we're clear. Like, the nose, mouth, and chin are open and the reader's hair is out from the top.

~~~~18+ MINORS DNI~~~~

You swung through the streets of Queens, smiling as you saw people point at you excitedly.

You were doing your evening rounds and all was looking quiet, thankfully.

You swung onto a rooftop and landed gracefully.

You had to say, you loved New York City. You grew up with the sounds of cars honking all night outside your window, you found it to be charming rather than annoying.

On top of all the warm memories and friends you made in the city, one of your favorite things in the world, nothing could beat the view of the sun setting behind all the buildings and skyscrapers from a rooftop.

"It never gets old does it?" You heard a woman's voice behind you.

You turned around as she landed, recognizing her voice.

"Carol" You smiled.

"Hey spider girl." She smiled at you, using one of your titles endearingly.

"Captain." You said right back.

If you weren't staring at her so intensely, you wouldn't have caught the slight falter in her confidence as she looked away, clearing her throat before looking back at you.

However, before you could comment on it she locked eyes with you once more and spoke.

"I'm kind of jealous you've had this view all your life." She spoke quietly, moving to stand next to you and gaze over the view you had previously been looking at.

You turned around and smiled.

"Yeah, well I bet nothing beats space." You smirked and nudged her with your elbow.

She chuckled, turning back to look at you.

"It's not all that, lots of emptiness and darkness if I'm being honest, and I miss the people."

She turned back to the sunset before continuing.

"I like this much better." She sighed.

The sun shone a beautiful golden light onto her face. As the wind blew through her hair, the sun made it shine even more golden than it already was.

"Yeah, me too." You said softly.

She turned to you and smiled, a faint blush reaching her cheeks as she realized what you meant.

"Ew you’re so cliché," she punched your arm lightly, causing you to laugh.

"So everything clear on your front?" She asked, turning to you.

"Yup, just finished my evening rounds. There's no sign of any supervillains, and I left a guy webbed to a pole for the cops. Surprisingly quiet other than that." You shrugged.

She chuckled causing you to smile at the sound.

"Well, it's all quiet on my end as well, sooooo...." She wiggled her eyebrows at you.

"Soooo?" You responded curiously.

"Come on! We finally both have some free time, let's do something together!" She exclaimed.

It was true, you usually didn't have free time, and when you did, Carol wasn't free.

After thinking about it for a minute, you agreed.

"Alright, what did you have in mind?" You smiled, causing her to jump in the air and clap.

"How abouuuut, we watch a movie?" She pitched after calming down.

"Hmm okay, what kind of movie?" You asked absentmindedly walking up the side of the water tower that was on the roof.

Carol lifted her head to watch you as she mused.

"What about a rom-com?" She asked with faux innocence.

You stopped in your tracks as you stood upside down from under the water tower.

You attached a web to the underside and slowly descended, still upside down, till you were in front of Carol, her eyes following you the whole way down.

"A rom-com you say?" You smirked.

"Yeah, why not?" She shrugged.

"What's with the smirk?"

"Nothing, nothing....So is this like...a date?" You swung lightly, your hair swaying with you.

"So rom-com equals date to you?" She smirked.

"No, but you specifically asking me to watch a rom-com with just you, feels like a date."

"Okay, then what if it was a date?" She shrugged.

"Then I wouldn't be mad" You smiled, still hanging upside down, but stopping your swaying.

"Then it's a date." She said, moving closer to you, while watching your lips.

"Isn't this a bit cliché?" You whispered with a playful smile, referencing her earlier comment.

"What, you want me to be upside down too?" She joked.

You laughed before stealthily turning yourself upright and landing on the floor, letting go of your web.

"I mean we haven't even been on the date yet, Danvers." You chuckled.

"Fair enough, I can wait." She said coolly.

"Who said I was kissing you at all tonight?" You shot back.

"I just have a feeling," she smirked before turning to walk away from the water tower.

You followed her, smiling at her confidence.

"You look good in the mask by the way." She added, not turning around.

Your face felt hot at her unexpected compliment.

"Th-Thanks" You cursed yourself for stuttering.

She looked over her shoulder and smirked at your response.

"No problem, so, I'll meet you at the theater on 37th avenue?" She asked, turning around to face you and slowly walking backwards.

"Yeah, sure." You confirmed.

"I'm gonna wear something nice tonight." She shrugged nonchalantly.

"Wow, the great Captain Marvel dressing up all for me!?" You gasped, over-exaggerating your reaction with your hand over your chest.

She stopped walking backwards.

"Not for you, it's just been a while since I dressed up." She rolled her eyes.

"Come onnnn, admit it! It's mostly for me." You smirked and crossed your arms as you finally stood in front of her.

"Well I'll admit one thing, you're special." She winked.

You felt your chest swell with warmth and you smiled like an idiot.

"Alright then, I'll dress up a bit too." You thought about what to wear.

"Oh? That sounds promising." Carol smirked before you saw her body start to glow with energy.

"See you soon?" She asked with a raised brow and she started to lift off the ground.

"See you soon, captain." You smiled and saluted her.

She smirked before flying off the opposite way of you.

"What. A. Woman." You sighed aloud to yourself with your hands on your hips before swinging towards your house.

When you get home you fretted over what to wear.

You didn't wanna go overboard, but it was a date, Carol also said she was dressing up...

You settled with a red button up, the first 2 buttons unbuttoned, tucked into black jeans with suspenders, topping it off with your favorite black chuck Taylors.

"Wow I look so gay." You chuckled to yourself.

You stepped outside your house and put your portable suit that Tony gave you in your pocket.

You didn't like wearing it that much, preferring the suit you designed yourself, but hey, when duty calls....

You got into the Uber you had ordered and gave the driver the address of the theater.

When you got there, you saw Carol already waiting outside, and boy did your jaw drop.

She was wearing a suit with a bow tie, her hair was in waves, and she topped it all off with shiny black dress shoes.

Her eyes lit up and she smiled when she saw you get out of the car.

"Jesus Christ Carol, I thought I was gonna be overdressed." You gaped at her.

She looked at you with a smirk.

"You look extremely good, trust me"

"And you look like you're going to a movie premier." You laughed.

"Hey, like I said, I don't get to dress up often. This was just hanging in my closet collecting dust." She gestured to her suit.

"Well in any case, you look absolutely stunning, Carol." You smiled at her, barely managing to keep your jaw shut as you glanced over her once again.

"Thank you, you as well. That outfit really...suits...you" She winked, giving you a nudge.

You rolled your eyes at her pun referring to her own outfit.

"God, you are so corny." You rolled your eyes playfully.

"Come on, you loved it." She laughed.

You cracked a smile.

"Okay yeah, it was cute." You laughed along with her.

"Oh, so you think I'm cute?" She smirked.

"Oh shut up! Lets just go buy the movie tickets before all the good seats are taken." Your face heated up, grabbing her arm and pulling her into the theater as she laughed, letting you drag her.

The two of you bought tickets to a rom-com that was currently playing in theaters.

People stared at the two of you, or maybe just Carol, but nobody had the guts to come up to either of you when they saw her hand around your waist.

You made your way into the theater with minimal distractions, the only one being a little girl saying hello to Carol and high fiving her.

You had smiled fondly at the cute interaction.

"I'm actually excited, I wanted to see this movie if I'm being honest." You explained excitedly.

"Well then, I'm glad we came." Carol said as you made your way to your seats.

The two of you had come in a bit late so the lights were dim and the trailers were playing.

When you sat down Carol immediately held your hand, causing heat to slap your face as you looked at your intertwined hands.

She smiled at you as you looked up to meet her eyes, which were already watching you.

"You're adorable you know?" Carol confessed to you in a hushed whisper.

"I could say the same thing about you." You smiled.

She smiled back, but before she could say anything else, the theater went dark and the movie began to play.

"Oh shit it's starting!" You whispered excitedly, moving your attention to the screen.

The two of you watched the movie mostly in silence, occasionally, you would feel Carol's thumb lightly brushing your hand, or you would make an energetic comment about whatever was happening in the movie.

You were secretly a movie buff, and Carol thoroughly enjoyed getting to see that side of you revealed.

When the movie ended, you filed out of the theater along with everyone else and it was dark outside.

You looked up at the moon, shining brightly through the clouds.

"We should do this more often." Carol broke the silence, bringing your attention back to her.

"What, go on dates?" You chuckled.

"I mean of course, but also, Just you and me, hanging out, no pressure, no crazy aliens coming after us, no big fights, or catching criminals. Just, having a good time. It's nice." She smiled.

Your heart warmed at the sincerity In her voice.

"Yeah, I'd like that too Carol." You grinned at her, stopping in your tracks and putting your hands in your pockets.

"And... I'd even go as far as to say I like you." You said softly as you smiled at the ground.

You looked back up at Carol and she had the biggest grin on her face and her cheeks were flushed.

You laughed loudly at her silent reaction.

"What?"

"I like you too." She simply said.

"I like you a lot." She moved closer toward you causing your heart to flutter.

"So what do you suppose we do about it, I mean, now that it's out in the air and all that." You nonchalantly waved your hands in the air.

She chuckled as she walked towards you until she had you backed up into an alleyway you hadn't even noticed you were by.

Before you could get a word out, she grabbed you by the arm and pushed up against the wall, kissing you passionately.

You practically melted into the kiss.

"Oh, I've been dreaming about that." Carol said breathlessly as she pulled away lightly.

You didn't say anything for a moment, your brain still processing what had just happened.

"Wanna come over?" You asked her quickly just as she was about to speak up.

She cocked and eyebrow and smirked.

"I'm down."

You practically dragged her down the street before hailing a taxi that was parked on the side of the road.

"Are you working?" You asked the driver through the window.

He nodded and you got in the car, Carol getting in after you.

"Someone's in a hurry." Carol smirked, putting her hand on your upper thigh.

Your head shot down to look at her hand as you saw it glow with energy, you felt it warm your skin through your jeans.

You looked at her, biting your lip to hold in a groan.

As soon as the Taxi stopped outside your apartment, you thanked the driver and got out of the car.

You walked to your apartment holding Carol's hand the whole time.

You pressed the elevator button and got in, thankfully no one else was in there.

There was a charged silence between the two of you as you watched the numbers on the elevator until Carol broke it.

"You want me to fuck you? Hard or soft? Fast or slow?" Carol said with a confident smirk.

Your eyes widened as you looked at her and she cocked an eyebrow.

"Oh shut the fuck up, Danvers." You grabbed her and smashed your lips against hers, moaning lightly.

You felt her smile against your lips before you heard the ding of the elevator, causing the two of you to quickly separate.

You speed walk to your door, ripping your keys out of your pocket, almost dropping your Stark spider suit before you shoved it into the keyhole and turned it, unlocking your door.

Carol pushes you inside and slams your back into the door to close it.

You let out a gasp as the motion winds you and Carol has an open lusty smile as her lips barely touch yours and she reaches next to you to lock the door.

After locking the door, Carol makes quick work of untucking and unbuttoning your shirt, feeling up your body.

She lets out a little excited sound as she watches you react to her touch.

"I know it was only our first date and kiss today but, I would like your permission to absolutely ruin you tonight." Carol asks, looking into your dazed eyes.

You nod without hesitation.

"Do anything you want to me, Captain." You groan.

You watch as her eyes get wild and a lustful expression graces her face.

Carol attaches her lips to your neck and immediately starts marking you. You feel her moan against your skin as she sucks on it.

Your moans fill the space of your apartment even more as she squeezes your chest underneath the sports bra while she works on your neck.

Once she is satisfied with her work, she plays with your hardened nipples as she whispers hotly into your neck, her warm breath contrarily leaving goosebumps on your skin.

"You're so pretty like this baby." She moves her thigh in between yours and pushes you down onto it.

You gasp out as you start moving your hips against her muscular thigh.

"Mmm that's it, just like that baby."

You watch as she pulls back and holds you up against the wall as she watches your hips working her thigh with her mouth hanging open.

You slip your hand into her pants and she lets out a moan when you start rubbing tight circles on her clit.

Carol closes her eyes in pleasure and moans loudly as you slip your fingers into her already soaking wet core, moving your hips fast against her thigh as she jerks her hips against your fingers.

Before the two of you get too lost in the pleasure Carol halts her movements, as well as yours. Before you open your mouth to protest, she looks you in the eyes and you see that they've darkened, her pupils blown out.

"As much as I'd like both of us to cum right here, right now, we should take this to the bedroom." She chuckles breathily as she pants.

"Mmmm, a modest lady huh?" You smirk as she helps you stand up straight again before you lead her to your bedroom.

"Hey, it's our first time, I want it to be amazing." She holds your hand.

You look at her and smile as you lead her into your bedroom, your heart feeling warm from her revelation.

"Me too," you nod.

"But I also need you to fuck me like... really bad." You add.

"I can absolutely do that " Carol smirks as both of you start to remove your shirts.

"Tell me how bad you want it." Carol whispered in your ear.

"Fuck, I want it so bad..." You groaned, your forehead falling against her neck as you breathed heavily.

Carol pushed you till the back of your knees hit the bed and you sat down, looking up at her.

"Fuck, those eyes... tell me princess, you want my fingers in you?" She asked, cocking her head as she slowly got down on her knees in front of you.

"God yes, I want your fingers-"

Before you could even finish your sentence, Carol had pulled your pants down and moved your underwear to the side, shoving two of her long fingers into you.

You gasped, your mouth hanging open while you stared at her with furrowed brows.

"I already knew the answer." She smirked.

"God, could you just shut up and-"

She pushed her fingers in deeper, all the way to her knuckles and you let out a choked moan.

"hmm? What was that baby?" She held her smirk, still standing on her knees.

You laid down, your back hitting the bed roughly as you slid down a little, pushing your core closer to her.

"F-fuck you.." You gasped as she pulled her fingers out and pushed them all the way back in, reveling in the wet sounds.

"Shit, I could listen to your pretty pussy all day. You'd like that wouldn't you? Me fucking you all day?" She cooed.

You nodded aggressively, panting as the pace of her fingers started to quicken.

"Yeah? Oh I know, you love being fingered like a slut huh?" Carol started to pant.

You don't know what came over you but you moaned loudly,

"C-captain!"

Carol's eyes went wild and you felt warmth and a little buzz inside you.

You gasped out,

"Holy fuck!!" Your legs felt like they were going numb.

"Call me that again." She growled lowly, the pace of her fingers quickening.

You looked down at her and saw her hand glowing, before letting your head fall back and arching your back.

"Captain, fuck... don't stop." You moaned loudly.

"That's right, let your captain know how good she's making you feel. I can feel your slutty pussy practically sucking my fingers in." She moaned.

And she was right, you could feel yourself clenching around her fingers tightly as you rapidly approached your high.

"Yeah, oh god, I'm- you're gonna make me cum, Captain... Please... It feels so good, you make me feel so good...Please make me cum." You moaned in between pants.

"As you wish, princess." She smirked, her fingers combined with the warmth of her inside you sending you over the edge.

Carol continued thrusting her fingers deep inside you, watching your face as you writhed in pleasure, your back arching off the sheets once again as you grabbed the sheets tightly and moaned loudly with your eyes shut tight.

When it was too much to bare due to the sensitivity, you pushed at Carol's hand and she obediently pulled her fingers out.

You watched as her hand stopped glowing and watched her hungry eyes as she panted while examining her fingers coated in your juices.

She brought her fingers to her mouth and stuck her tongue out a little, barely putting her fingers in her mouth.

Once her fingers touched her tongue you watched with furrowed brows and your mouth hanging open as she moaned loudly, closing her eyes and sticking her fingers all the way Into her mouth.

She swirled her tongue around her fingers for a couple of seconds before pulling her fingers out of her mouth with a pop and meeting your eyes.

"Baby, you taste fucking amazing." She breathed out.

You groaned and let your head fall back on to the bed as your breathing started to fall down.

You felt the bed dip next to you and you turned your head, meeting Carol's warm gaze.

"How was that for our first time?" She smirked.

"I think it could've been better." You shrugged jokingly.

"Oh? Well, I guess that means it's time for round two."

#fanfiction #fanfic #fanfiction writer #carol danvers smut #carol danvers x female reader #carol danvers x reader #carol danvers x you #captain marvel x you #captain marvel x reader #kinktober

[mommytauriel]

hiiii, I absolutely LOVED your sihtric x reader. I read that requests are open so I thought about making one right away.

could you write an aethelstan x reader where the reader grew up with uhtred's men just like aethelstan, like they treated her like a little sister/daughter. maybe reader and aethelstan are together but they, especially aethelstan, don't want to tell the others because they know that they would tease them to death, but they find out or something like that. idk i just want some fluff with him, nobody writes for him. also the reader could be dane? I know it's really simple, I hope it's okay for you!

I hope I explained myself, if i did not sorry but english in not my first language

- 🕷

+ · 。~ teasing is another form of love

pairing: aethelstan x female! reader | genre: fluff, hidden relationship | warnings: slight cursing, kissing. | wc: 5k |

synopsis: Aethelstan hates Finan's teasing, but he loves you more.

request: yes

note: I’m so glad you liked my sihtric fic! And I’m so happy that you sent a request! I love aethelstan sm and I was really happy to write this! Also, your English was perfect, I hope you enjoy it!

Thank you @destinyisall-tlk for letting me use the lovely gif!

Aethelstan had only one thing on his mind while he ran through the town of Rumcofa, and that was you. He had been with Finan and sihtric for most of the day, helping with the preparations for blood month and you have been helping ingrith for most of the day, with the both of you being busy helping with the preparations, you had no alone time with each other. Which Aethelstan was finding very difficult. 

So, when Finan told him he didn't need any more help for the day, Aethelstan knew he had to take this as a chance to go see you. He didn't have much time though; he would have to go help uhtred soon at the docks. But for now, he didn't worry about that, now he just had to worry about not getting seen coming to see you. 

Aethelstan looks behind him to see no one looking at him, before quietly walking into the stables. A smile spreads across his lips at the sight in front of him. You were standing with your back to him as you brush your horse. Aethelstan recognized the dress you were wearing; it was a green dress ingrith had made for you for your birthday. Aethelstan thought you looked beautiful in it. Well, Aethelstan thought you looked beautiful in anything. 

“I only have a little bit of time before uhtred needs me” a voice behind you said breathlessly. You quickly turn around, surprised you didn't hear them approach. In front of you stood Aethelstan, out of breath from what you assumed was running. 

“And what do you plan on doing with your little bit of time?” You questioned with a teasing smile, setting the brush on your horse's stall door. Stepping back a few steps when Aethelstan steps closer to you. The hay on the stable floor crunching against the weight of your feet. 

“Well, this of course” Aethelstan smiles as he walks closer to you, closing the gap between the two of you as he seals your lips in a kiss. Your eyes flutter close and your hands go up to cup your lovers' cheeks, while his hands rest on your hips and pull you closer. When you hear the sound of faint laughter you remember where you are and that you could be seen. You move your hands from his cheeks down to his chest and softly push away from him and the kiss. 

“Aethelstan, you can't just kiss me like that. We could have been seen” you say with a flustered whisper, your hands not moving from his chest. Aethelstan smirks and makes you step back a few steps, softly pushing you against the wall, and out of sight from others. 

“I apologize I just couldn’t couldn’t control myself” he flirts as he tucks a strand of your hair behind your ear. You smile at the sweet gesture and lean your head back against the wall, looking into his beautiful hazel eyes. 

Aethelstan smiles and cups your cheek, his thumb caressing the soft skin of your cheek. His eyes not leaving yours as he leans down, his nose brushes against yours as he looks deep into your eyes, asking for permission. 

When you give him a small nod, he wastes no time and captures your lips in a hungry kiss. His touch on your cheek was soft while he squeezed your waist and pushed you further against the wall if it was possible. Your hand trailed up his side and to his nape, leaving goosebumps in your wake. Just as his tongue met yours, your horse let out a loud whine, startling you and making you pull away from the kiss. 

Aethelstan huffed in annoyance at the disruption, and you couldn't help but laugh from the cute pout that found its way on his face. You smile and run your fingers through his hair, fixing it. Aethelstan closes his eyes again at the feeling of your touch and leans forward, resting his forehead on your shoulder. 

“What has gotten you so touchy?” You whisper, you didn't mind it of course, but you couldn't help but feel a little worried. You just had a feeling that something was wrong. Ever since you and Aethelstan confessed your feelings for each other he's been touchy, But only when you were in private and when he knew there was no chance that the two of you would be caught. 

But there was definitely a high chance of the two of you getting caught now, but it seemed like he didn't care and all he wanted was to feel you. As if he was craving your touch. 

“Maybe i just missed you” Aethelstan mumbles as he lifts his head to lock eyes with you, you smile and move one of his loose curls from his face, your hand resting on his cheek, he leans into your touch. You lean forward and close your eyes giving him a chaste kiss before whispering against his lips. “I missed you to.” 

The sound of more talking nearby makes Aethelstan sigh and take a step back, his hands moving from your waist to hold your hands. His thumbs gently rubbing over the top of your hands. He gives you a small smile before saying “I should get to uhtred before I’m late.” 

“Yeah, or uhtred will send a search party” you say with a teasing smirk, you liked teasing Aethelstan on how protective uhtred was over him. You thought it was cute, sweet, but Aethelstan thought it was annoying. But you both knew deep down that he appreciated it. 

“Don’t act as if Finan wouldn't do the same. '' Aethelstan teases back and you can't help but smile at the mention of the Irish man. It was true Finan would do the same. Ever since he found you hiding behind some barrels in your now raided and slaughtered village, a small dagger in your shaking hands, tears streaming down your face. And at the moment he found you he knew he had to protect you, take you in and give you a good life. And he did. 

“I’ll see you tonight” Aethelstan promises, he leans down and kisses your forehead giving your hands one more squeeze before letting go and walking backwards towards the large stable doors. 

“Tonight?” You gave him a confused look, you don't remember making plans with him tonight and besides tonight was one of the nights where you had to be home early, have a family meal with ingrith and Finan then spend some time with them before going to bed, there was no way you could sneak out to see him. 

Aethelstan doesn't say anything else, he just winks at you before turning around and walking out of the stable's door, leaving you to contemplate on what he could have meant. You are brought out of your thoughts when your horse lets out a loud wine, you look away from the doors and walk to your horse's stall and pet her mane. “I know girl, sometimes i want to hit him too.” 

It was late when you next saw Aethelstan. You were laying in your bed curled up in blankets, watching the fire in the small fireplace Finan had built for you. Ingrith and Finan went to bed not too long ago, leaving you as the only one awake in your cozy home. Dinner was great, ingrith had made a delicious stew that warmed your body from the cold weather, Finan had you laughing through dinner as always, he loved to see you laughing along to his jokes. 

Your eyes were fighting to stay open; it was late and the warm blanket you were wrapped in, and the fire was basically begging for you to close your eyes and drift off to sleep. But you couldn't, you had to stay up to see Aethelstan and as much as you wanted to sleep, you wanted to see Aethelstan more. It was as if the gods heard your thoughts because a few moments later you hear a soft knock on your window. 

A smile spreads across your lips at the familiar knock. You sit up in your bed and fling the blanket off your legs and quietly rush towards the window, wincing when your bare feet touch the cold floor. You quietly open your window, scrunching your nose in distaste at the gust of cold wind that hits your tired face, but your look of distaste goes back to your smile at the sight in front of you. There stood Aethestan dressed in dark clothes as always, a small smirk on his face. 

“You gonna let me in or am i gonna freeze out here while you stare at me?” Aethelstan says with a cheeky grin, finding it adorable how your eyes lit up when you saw him and the way your eyes looked him over. You give him a shy smile, feeling flustered that you were caught. 

You step back, giving him enough room to climb through the window. Mumbling to be careful and not step on the creaky floorboard. Aethelstan rolls his eyes and climbs through the window, mumbling that he knows and that you don't have to keep reminding him. When he successfully climbs through the window he gives you a smirk, but the smirk is whipped off his face and replaced with a look of wide eyes, when he accidentally bumps into your side table. Thankfully nothing fell off. 

“What were you saying?” You whispered in a teasing tone as you stepped closer to your lover, finding it funny how he was just about to brag about his ‘sneaking skills’. Aethelstan just smiles and grabs your hand, pulling you to his chest and wrapping his arms around your waist for a hug. 

“I was about to say how much i missed you” Aethelstan says quickly as he leans down to kiss your cheek, wanting to change the subject. You laugh quietly and move your head up from his chest to look up at him, your arms on his shoulders. 

“You saw me a few hours ago?” 

“So? I’ve barely seen you at all this week” Aethelstan smiles, bringing his hands up to fix your messy hair, laughing when you try to slap his hands away. Your eyes widen and your hurry to cover his mouth with your hand, muffling his laughter. 

“Finan is going to kill you if he finds you here, you have to be quiet” You whisper, your eyes looking to your door before focusing back on Aethelstan. You take your hand off his mouth and he gives you a shy smile whispering back.  “Sorry, Sorry” 

“You wouldn't actually let him kill me, right?” Aethelstan says with a faint smirk, watching as you move to go sit back on your bed, getting under the blanket and making room for him. Aethelstan leans down and takes off his boots, knowing that you would be the one killing him if he got dirt in your bed. 

“No, I still have some use for you” You joke as you lay on your side, propping your chin on your palm as Aethelstan lifts up the blankets and quietly gets in your bed laying on his back. He felt his body relax into your warm and comfortable bed, his head tilting to look at you. 

“Oh, really like what?” Aethelstan whispers with a smile as he pulls you closer to his side, wrapping his arm around you and resting his hand on your hip, absentmindedly playing with the fabric of your nightgown. 

“Who else is gonna keep me warm on cold nights like this?” 

“That’s true… i am pretty good at it” Aethelsyan says in a cocky tone, a small smirk on his lips as he looks into your eyes, his hand having an itch to caress your cheek. You smile and playfully roll your eyes at his response, nudging his side with your knee making his smirk turn into a smile. 

“The best” You whisper as you put your hand on his cheek, leaning forward and pressing your lips to his. Aethelstan let out a hum of surprise, but he was eager to kiss you back. His hand on your waist moves to the middle of your back as he presses you into his side, the warmth of your body moving to his. The sweet and gentle kiss didn't last long but it still left you both breathless when you slowly pulled away from his soft lips. 

Your eyes flutter open and meet Aethelstans hazel eyes, a smile on his lips. You never failed to make him smile. You return the smile and lay your head on his shoulder, your hand resting on his chest, Aethelstan moving his free hand to rest over yours on his chest. You couldn't stop your eyes from fluttering close as your body relaxed in his hold. But your eyes don't stay close for long when you remember something Finan had told you at dinner earlier. 

“Finan mentioned at dinner that you seemed a little off earlier, is everything okay?” You mumble as you tilt your head up to look at him. You thought back to earlier in the stables, when you had a feeling, something was wrong and with Finan mentioning it as well you knew there was something. Aethelstans eyes open at your question. 

“Yeah, I’m fine” Aethelstan whispered with a fake smile, hoping that you wouldn't notice the dismissiveness in his tone. But you noticed his tone, and the fake smile, you knew him too well to not notice. A small frown adores your face, and you sit up and little, leaning on your elbow. 

“Aethelstan, you know you can talk to me. Right?” 

“I know that…I just” Aethelstan stops himself with a heavy sigh, closing his eyes so he could try to gather his thoughts. It's not that he didn't want to tell you he was just…embarrassed. Embarrassed that he let something so silly bother him. 

“Hey…it's okay, take your time.'' You whispered in a comforting tone, your thumb rubbing the top of his hand reassuringly. 

“Finan and sihtric keep on teasing me about my lack of a woman” he mumbled as he finally looked at you.

“They only tease because they don't know the truth” you tell him with a small smile. 

“Well, I've become tired of their teasing” He rolled his eyes, annoyance clear in his voice. You sigh and nod, you understand where he was coming from. Finan and Sihtric’s teasing can get too much sometimes, you knew firsthand how their teasing was. They were never mean about it; they just didn't know when to stop. And it didn't help that they enjoyed teasing your secret lover the most. 

“We could always just tell them about us” You said in a hopeful tone. You hated keeping things from Finan and ever since the two of you confessed you wanted to tell him, but you didn't because Aethelstan wasn't ready. But it's been many months later and you still hadn't told Finan, or anyone. You didn't blame Aethelstan, you understood his reasons, but it was hard for you to keep your relationship a secret, you didn't want to hide your love for him anymore. 

“Finan truly might kill me if we tell them, hell uhtred might even let him” Aethelstan shuddered as he thought about the protective Irish man, it was no secret that he would do anything to protect you, and uhtred was protective as well, he treated you as if you were his own daughter. Yeah, I'm not surviving that Aethelstan thinks to himself. 

“Finan is not going to kill you because we are together Aethelstan” you assured him as you tried your best to sound confident. You knew Finan wouldn't kill him, but he definitely will threaten him…many times. You let go of his hand and moved some of your hair from your face before resting it between you and Aethelstans body. 

“You just were saying that he would kill me if he found me in here, '' retorted Aethelstan as he moved to lay on his side, moving his hand the was under your head to prop his chin on his palm, copying your position.  

“Finding out we're together and finding us alone in my room in the middle of the night are two different things'' you giggled quietly, finding the small pout he had on his face adorable. You watch as Aethelstan closes his eyes and lets out a sigh, a look on his face showing that he was thinking. You let out your own sigh and bring the blanket up your shoulders to protect you from the cold. 

“Okay” Aethelstan whispered after a few minutes of silence. You look away from the fireplace that you could see behind him and give him a confused look. “Okay what?” 

“We'll tell them tomorrow” Aethelstan whispered as he reached for your hand between the two of you, squeezing it gently as he watched for your reaction. He knew it wasn't fair to keep asking you to keep your guy's relationship a secret, especially because he was the one afraid of the teasing, he knew the two of you would receive. 

“Really!” You beamed loudly; you were so enthralled with the fact that you wouldn't have to hide your relationship anymore that you didn't notice how loud you spoke. You only noticed when Aethelstan let go of your hand and moved his to cover your mouth, like you did to him earlier. 

“Are you trying to have me killed?” Aethelstan quietly jokes with a smile, his hand stifling your giggles, but he moves his hand when you pretend to bite him, laughing quietly himself. 

“Really” You repeat in a whisper, a huge grin on your face. Aethelstan moves his hand to your cheek where he uses his thumb to caress your soft skin. His heart was beating fast, he loved seeing you happy. The way your eyes lit up and your beautiful smile, it made him feel a way he never felt before with anyone else. 

“It's not fair to keep on having you keep us a secret, i love you and i want everyone to know that” he whispered as he leaned closer to you, his hand on your cheek moving down to your waist. 

“No matter what they say?” You whispered as you looked into his eyes. You couldn't find words to describe the way you were feeling at that moment. Cold?, Tired?, A little. Shocked?, Happy?, Yes. Loved?, Absolutely. Was there a word that meant all that at the same time? 

“No matter what they say” he promises as he repeats your words. Aethelstan lays back on his back and gives you a small smile. You return the smile and nestle in his side, laying your head on his chest. You closed your eyes when you felt his hand come up to play with your hair. The sound of the cracking of the fire and the sound of his heartbeat lulling you to sleep. 

The first thing you normally notice when you wake up is the fact that you kicked the blanket off the bed, again. But not today, the first thing you noticed is that you woke up alone…Aethelstan was gone. He probably left when you fell asleep, like the other times before you thought with a small frown. You knew he had to or the two of you would have most likely been caught but you can't help but feel a little sad that you woke up alone. 

You hear the distant voice of uhtred and you sit up in confusion, he never came over this early. You get out of bed and tiredly walk towards your desk, mumbling a few curse words in anger when you almost trip over your blanket that ended up on the floor. You grab your robe that was on your chair, before leaving your room and following the sound of uhtred's voice. 

It leads you to the kitchen where you see Finan, Uhtred, Sihtric and to your surprise a very tense Aethelstan sitting at the table. The sound of your footsteps causes uhtred to stop talking and the four of them to look at you. Sihtric gives you a look as if he was saying good luck. Uhtred was giving you a small smile and a nod and Finan…well he didn't look happy. Uncomfortable? No, he looked more tense than Aethelstan. 

“Goodmorning?” You greeted but it came out as more of a question, your hands nervously playing with the sleeve of your robe that Sidgeflaed made you. Feeling a little nervous under the gaze of the four of them, you could tell something was off. 

“How did you sleep?” Finan questioned as he pulled out a chair at the table for you. You gave him a confused look at his odd tone but nonetheless you sat down. In Front of you sat Uhtred and to his left was Sihtric and to Sihtrics right sat Aethelstan at the end of the table. The atmosphere screamed tense. 

“Uh good, you?” You questioned as Finan sat at the other end of the table to your left. Finan visibly flinches at your words, an uncomfortable look on his face, He looked as if he was in pain from your answer. 

“Yeah, I'm sure you did” Sihtric snickers under his breath with a small smirk on his face. The confusion on your face becomes even more evident at his words. You watch as uhtred rolls his eyes and Finan gives sihtric a very angry glare but that only seems fuel sihtric on as he quietly laughs to himself. 

You glance at Aethelstan to see if he had any idea on what's going on, but when you see him avoid your eyes and look down at his hands, fidgeting in his seat you realize what's going on. It was as if a vail had been lifted off your eyes. Aethelstan is still dressed in his clothes from last night meaning that he never changed. Finan asking you about how you slept, Sihtrics joke, the very tense Atmosphere. The two of you had been caught. 

“And you uhtred, how did you sleep?” You gave him a nervous smile, hoping to steer the tense atmosphere away. Uhtred returned the smile with one of his own before he spoke in a calm tone.    

“I slept fine, it was a good morning until i went to go check on Aethelstan in his room and saw that he wasn't there, I come here to see if Finan knew where he was and he had no idea, Finan gets the brilliant idea to see if you know, so we come to ask you and you will never guess what we saw. Can you?” 

“I have an idea of what it was” You mumbled as you folded your hand in front of you on the table, avoiding eye contact from anyone. Embarrassed to be caught like that, it could've been worse but still…definitely wasn't the way you wanted them to find out. 

“Y/n would like to explain why i found a boy in your bed, And not just any boy, Aethelstan!” Finan Finally shouts, he looked as if he was holding it back while you talked with uhtred but he just couldn't hold it in anymore. He had to know, why were you, his sweet daughter in the same bed as Aethelstan? 

“We were sleeping” you say matter of factly as you look at Finan, raising your eyebrow. While Uhtred and sihtric were amused from your response, Aethelstan was feeling as if he was going to pass out. You were very similar to Finan, both of you were sarcastic and Aethelstan was worried that you would somehow make this situation worse with your remarks. 

“Obviously! But why was he sleeping in your bed?!” Finan snapped as he looked at you expectedly, he wanted a good answer, the real reason why he was in your bed…holding you. 

“Umm, I was cold” You remarked. Technically you weren't lying, you were cold…but you also weren't telling the full truth. Aethelstan sighs and leans back in his chair at your words, while Finan only seemed to get more annoyed at what you said. 

“It was a cold night.'' Sihtric chimes in and Uhtred nodded in agreement, smirking slightly when Finan glares at the two of them, mumbling angrily that they aren't helping. Uhtred wasn't mad about what happened, he just had to put up the strict act and well sihtric…he was finding this all to be very amusing. 

You glance at Aethelstan to see he was already looking at you, he gives you a small nod and you know it's best if you just tell them. You clear your throat and look at Finan leaning forward a little. “Me and Aethelstan are dating, we have been for months.” 

It was silent for a few moments. Sihtric was smiling and patted Aethelstan on the back, he was happy for the two of you and he couldn't wait to tell Osferth this, they may or may not have made a bet, and seeing how happy sihtric is, he won. Uhtred just hid his smirk, he already had a feeling there was something between the two of you and was happy that he was right, he wants you both to be happy, you both deserved it. 

“Him? You're dating him?!” Finan shouts as he points his finger at Aethelstan in disbelief. 

“Hey! What's that supposed to mean” Aethelstan pouts as he crosses his arms over his chest, feeling offended by your dads' words. He completely understood and knew that Finan wouldn't be the happiest because of how protective he is of you, but like rude Aethelstan thought. 

“God what did I do to have you betray me like this?” Finan grumbles dramatically as he puts his elbows on the table and his head in his hands. You roll your eyes at his dramatics and cover your mouth trying to stop yourself from laughing. Sadly, Sihtric wasn't so lucky and he quietly started laughing. A big mistake. 

“Sihtric i swear to God! What are you even doing here?” Finan Shouts at his friend as he looks up from his hands. Uhtred sighs and rubs his temple while you and Aethelstan glance at each other with wide eyes, both of you slightly amused. Okay maybe more than slightly. 

“You asked me to come? You said it was a fucking emergency!” Sihtric Shouts back. You felt your lips twitch up to a faint smile at the fact that Finan thought this was an emergency, gosh he's so dramatic. 

“Well now I’m asking you to shut the fuck up!” Finan snaps, feeling extremely annoyed at his friend. Finan felt as if everything was happening too fast, you were his little girl. It was like yesterday when you would ask him to tell you bedtimes stories before bed or come to him for everything. He didn't like that you were growing up so fast. 

“And this is an Emergency! My daughter is dating…She's too young” Finan starts, His voice going to a whisper at the end. Finan frowns and turns to look at you, shaking his head.  “You're too young.” 

“Dad, most girls my age are married and popping out babies” you tell him with a sigh, it was true. Finan looked at you as if he was offended that you would even tell him that. “Well, you're not okay!” 

“Not for a very, very long time…Got it?” He says as he gives Aethelstan a glare. Aethelstan nods and gulps nervously. You roll your eyes for what felt the hundredth time since you woke up, you weren't ready for marriage and definitely ready for babies. Aethelstan looks extremely uncomfortable at the mention of marriage and babies, there was no way he was ready for that either. 

“Finan” Uhtred said as he looked at his stressed-out friend, Uhtred shakes his head and gives him a small smile. Silently telling him that that's enough and that it's okay. Finan sighs and looks away from Uhtred and down to his hands before looking to Aethelstan. As much as Finan hated the idea, it was true. You were growing up and he had to get used to the thought. 

“No more sneaking through her window, and if you break her heart I’m going to break your ribs, Uhtred won't even be able to protect ya” Finan says in an extremely intimidating tone that even made you nervous. You looked to uhtred, your eyes begging him to do something to stop Finan, he just shrugs. You glanced at Aethelstan, who looked to you when he felt your stare. You gave him a bashful smile, feeling sorry that he had to go through this. 

Aethelstan returned the smile with one of his own, his eyes telling you it was okay. And it was okay, it was worth every single threat Finan gave him. You were worth it. Despite the dramatics from Finan, you were happy this happened. The sound of Sihtric’s voice breaks you out of your thoughts of Aethelstan. 

“Gods there looking at each other all lovey dovey” Sihtric jokes, making you look down at your hands feeling flustered while Aethelstan blushes and takes a sip of water from the cup he forgot was in front of him. Uhtred laughs at the Flustered and shy couple. Finan just grumpily frowns and leans back in his chair. 

Your eyes look up from your hands and towards the door when you hear it opening, a smiling Osferth walks in. His smile widening when he sees us all. “What's going on here?” 

“So not the right time baby monk” Finan sighed as he closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead, he didn't think he could handle Osferth after everything that just happened. Osferth looks at you in confusion when you start giggling, a few seconds later Aethelstan was joining you. 

Yeah, it definitely was worth it.

note: I am soo sorry this took so long to get out. These past 2 weeks have been very stressful, with the weather and one of my very close family friend passing away, it been hard for me to focus on my writing. (Sorry for the small emotional dump)

But I do hope you guys enjoyed this! I love Aethelstan sm so I loved writing this! To the others who have sent me req, I have seen them and I will write them, I just don’t know when I will get them out :(

Please comment and tell me what you think about it, I would love to read all your thoughts!

copyright ©️ 2023, all rights reserved. you can't copy, translate, reproduce, repost my fic, use my plot or layout. 

#the last kingdom #the last kingdom x reader #the last kingdom fanfic #aethelstan x reader #aethelstan tlk #aethelstan the last kingdom #harry gilby #the last kingdom fluff #tlk fandom #aethelstan

[whiskey-bumblebee]

Hii<33 I'm the one who asked for requests lmao

So... I just had this thought and I can't shake it off </3

dbf!Hotch is having a bad time. Haley had been complaining about his schedule at work for a while, their love life wasn't going well, and Hotch starts to realize that he could feel something for his best friend's daughter. 👀

So when Haley tells him that she wants a divorce, (and to consider themselves divorced immediately, they just have to sign the paperwork) he doesn't have a place to live, and when his sweet, lovely, and caring best friend hears him, he suggests that he might move in with them for a while 👀 (Reader is happy that he's coming to live with them, even if she doesn't yet know why)

I really don't want to make this long (and I'm sorry ughh) but what about Hotch having a nightmare about losing Reader, but she somehow notices that he's not feeling well, and they sleep together?

You know, some flirt around the house and some fluffy and the end 🥹

Feel free to ignore this, I know it's a bit meh LMAO

would it be a sin?

Pairing: dbf!Aaron Hotchner/Reader

Accessibility/Diversity notes: Gender neutral reader (let me know if you want me to change the pronouns, nonnie!), reader's dad is a minor character.

Word Count: 2k

Warnings: dbf!hotch (reader is an adult), brief mentions of Jack and Haley, allusions to masturbation.

A/N: Thanks for your request! If you like this, feel free to send another 💃Postscript designed by @saradika (thank you!!) Also I listened to 'Can't Help Falling in Love' while writing this (specifically Haley Reinhart's version), if anyone wants to listen to that while they read :)

Tagging: @ssamorganhotchner @hotchsdoormat

It's bad timing. All of it is bad timing.

Fine, it could have been worse. The case was much like all the others, not one of the ones that wrenched Hotch's heart out of his chest and tore it into little pieces. Although maybe it would have been better if it had been one of those, seeing as the outcome of the day was the same.

"Get out. Me and Jack can't take this anymore."

"Haley, please, let's just talk about this. I'm not going to try and change your mind, but we need to talk about the details-"

"No, Aaron, get out. Just get out. And don't come back."

That gets Aaron's attention. Haley had kicked him out before, but never with the stipulation not to return. His wide brown eyes settle on her, assessing her.

"Haley... This is my house."

"God, you love throwing that back at me, don't you? If it's your house, why are you hardly ever in it? It's your house, but it's Jack's home. He didn't even recognize you when you came home."

"He was watching TV and called me by one of the characters' names. It's developmentally appropriate-"

"I'm filing for divorce, Aaron."

"Daddy?"

Jack walks into the room, clutching his teddy to his chest. He's in his blue astronaut pajamas.

"Can you read me a story before you go again?"

"I'm not going anywhere, buddy."

Jack's face lights up. "You mean... even two stories?"

Aaron grins. "Yeah. Even two."

Haley glares at him. "Actually, Jackers, daddy is leaving. He's gotta go."

Jack looks between his parents, clearly confused by their conflicting words.

"But he said-" Jack starts.

"Go to bed, Jack." Haley rubs her forehead.

"Haley, it's not even seven yet, let me-" Aaron takes a step towards Haley. She takes a step back and looks over at Jack.

"Bed, Jack. Now."

"But daddy's home."

Aaron's heart twists in his chest. He's always felt like the luckiest man alive to be the person that this sweet kid calls that, and the disappointment on Jack's features is sharper than any knife.

Haley shoots Aaron a look that says 'this is all your fault', and Aaron's stomach drops. Maybe he should have slept on the couch in his office. How could he expect Jack to handle this? The constant coming and going, the late nights, the missed soccer games...

"Okay. Alright buddy, I'll see you soon."

Jack's face crumples. "No story?"

Haley scoops Jack into her arms and starts walking towards his bedroom. She glances back over her shoulder and mouths 'out'.

And that's how Aaron finds himself back in his car much earlier than he'd expected to be. He scrolls through his contacts three times before he finds someone he feels okay about calling at dinnertime on a weeknight.

"Hey, Aaron. What's up?"

"God, I don't know where to start. Uh, so it looks like I might need a place to stay tonight. I'd book a hotel but with the concert tonight-"

"Fuck, man. Haley again? It's no trouble. I'm actually out of town for a few days, there's a conference in Dallas, you can stay in my bedroom."

"I'll sleep on the couch-"

"No, my kid's visiting this week, I think they'd prefer if you stay in another room."

"Oh, of course."

You, Aaron thinks. Lovely, intelligent, kind. Of course you're visiting your dad. Of course your dad forgot to block out the time to see you.

"Alright, you know where the spare key is. Let yourself in. Stay as long as you need, I'll be back Friday morning though. Hopefully Haley's cooled off by then."

Three days alone with you. Aaron feels guilty for intruding into your space like this, but he's just about out of options. There's a feeling low in his belly, hard to ignore and harder still to admit, but he pushes it down as far as he can.

He drums his fingers on the steering wheel and watches the streets pass. Soon enough, there's your house. He rings the doorbell as a courtesy, but eyes the potted plant that he knows has a hollow base.

"Oh! Mr. Hotchner."

"Hi, uh, I just called your dad-"

"He called me too. Come in," Your smile is inviting, if the way you swung the door wide open wasn't enough.

You turn on the kettle and take out two mugs, then tap the instant coffee and the box full of teabags in turn. Aaron nods towards the tea. You gesture for him to take a seat. He calls out from the living room.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything. I know it's short notice."

"No, no. I only cancelled my birthday party."

Aaron winces. "Oh my god, please, I'll hide out in your dad's room."

You just smile and laugh easily. "I'm just kidding. I thought you knew my birthday wasn't for another few months."

Now that Aaron thinks about it, he did know that. Your birthday was closer to his than this time of year.

You bring out the two cups of tea, setting out a little plate of cookies.

"Have you eaten anything? You look like you're wasting away."

"Thanks," Aaron huffs a laugh. "A week of takeaways will do that to a person."

You look Aaron over. "Hmm. Strong Southern boy like you... How about some green bean casserole? It's just leftovers, but..."

The humility in your eyes, matched with your robust generosity, your effortless thoughtfulness, makes Aaron swoon.

"I can even sweeten the deal with some mashed potato."

He wonders how long it's been since you saw him last. Maybe a year? It's not often you're in town. And this is how you greet him.

"If it's not too much trouble."

You shrug.

"Be trouble. It sounds like you've had a rough day."

Aaron sighs. So your dad told you.

"Jack looked so sad. Haley is, well. I understand that I'm not enough for her, but my son... I should be there for him. He needs a father."

"You are there for him," You cock your head.

"Not enough."

"If Haley isn't capable of parenting him on her own, she shouldn't have settled down with you."

Your tone is cool, but you're not saying it to be cruel. Hotch knows you're right. Haley knew what she was getting into.

"Anyway. You probably don't want to talk about it."

Aaron nods. "Your life is probably much more interesting than mine."

You shrug. "Trying to find the right combination of work and play. Much the same as yours."

Your lives couldn't be more different, but Aaron sees what you mean. You understand.

You finish the last of your tea with one large gulp and head for the kitchen to heat up some dinner for Aaron.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Aaron can't hold back. His heart is full from your conversation, and the food you'd given him sits warmly in his belly. He knows this room shares a wall with the guest bedroom, where you're sleeping, so he bites the fist of his right hand while his left hand is... occupied.

A grunt slips from his lips, and he can't help it, it sounds like the first syllable of your name. He scrunches his eyes shut, ceasing his movements. He waits for you to bang on the wall, or to knock on his door, but nothing comes.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Three nights pass that way.

You used earplugs on the first night, but your curiosity and desire dissolve your ethics. He's breathy, a practiced quiet from nights in hotel rooms beside his colleagues. They could almost be the breaths of sleep, but they come slightly too quick, slightly too sharp.

[Aaron wonders why you haven't said anything. He's not exactly trying to be loud, but...]

The thought of your mouth on him makes you feel electric. You bite your lip, willing your mind to think of anything else. This is completely inappropriate. You'd hate to make him uncomfortable. It feels like a violation of privacy.

Later that night, Aaron bursts into your room, trembling. He's been sleeping in a pair of sweatpants, shirtless.

You blink slowly, willing the heavy sleep from your limbs.

"Aaron?"

He takes a seat on the side of your bed.

"I'm sorry, I know it's the middle of the night-"

You shake your head. "Is everything okay?"

He rests his hand over your own.

You lift the covers, the same way you've always done for friends, close family. You pat the bed beside you and he slips in. You sit hip to hip with your backs pressed against the wall behind you. To stay warm, you keep the covers pulled up to your chest.

"Haley's going to leave me."

"It's a hard situation-"

Aaron shakes his head, cutting you off.

"Haley's going to leave me, and instead of dreaming about her, I was dreaming about you."

He can't look you in the eyes, instead staring at the foot of the bed.

"What did you dream about?"

"Psychologically, it would be sensible to dream about losing her. But we were on this ship, and there was all of this swell, and a wave came, and I couldn't save you. You were just swept right off the deck and I couldn't save you."

"Hey," You coo. "You're okay. I'm okay." You wrap your arms around him. "I'm right here."

"You're important to me," He breathes. "I didn't realize it until now, but-"

He turns to face you, and you realize too late that your faces are very, very close together. He glances at your lips, then back up at your eyes.

"Aaron," You breathe.

"Kiss me?" His voice is soft from sleep, but there's a plea in his eyes.

You shake your head. "I don't want to take advantage of you."

He smiles. "Take advantage of me? When I came into your bedroom in the middle of the night?"

"Okay, okay. And you're older, and more experienced, and whatever. But you're tired. I can see it in you. And you just had a nightmare."

You run your index finger over the creases in his brow.

"What does it mean, that the dream was about you?"

A more conscious Aaron would have known the answer, but he's exhausted, sleep-deprived. Without his typical routine, his kitchen, his suits lined up by colour. He's missing his armour.

"Think about it in the morning."

"Can I stay?"

You run your fingers through his short hair. You'd daydreamed of this moment for years. All of your logic is telling you that it's not a good time, he's not in his right mind, he has a room he can easily go back to, and he's still married. The golden band is still on his finger. He sees you seeing it.

He slips it off, letting it clatter on your bedside table.

"Don't let her make the decision."

"So, stay."

Aaron gestures for you to lie down, and you do. He lies down on his back and you move to rest your head on his chest. You drape one of your legs over his own.

"I'm not going to be a rebound."

"I wouldn't let you. You wouldn't let yourself."

You nod.

"Try to get some sleep. God knows you need it."

Aaron nods.

You count the glow in the dark stars that glow on the ceiling. You count again, and again, waiting to wake up. The sun rises before you do.

When your father walks into his bedroom the next morning and finds it empty, the sheets rumpled, he's confused. Aaron isn't the type to leave a bed unmade.

He pushes the door to the guest bedroom open slowly, just enough to see inside. You're in bed, which he expected. What he didn't expect was seeing his best friend beside you. You're both still asleep, curled around each other like you've known each other all your lives. Your dad supposes you have known Aaron all your life, and he's known you all of yours.

He expects anger to well up inside him, or betrayal, or grief. But seeing your bodies entangled in the sheets, he only feels peace. You fit together like this is what you were made for. Your dad smiles and closes the door gently.

#aaron hotchner #my writing #hotch x reader #reader insert #hotch/reader #aaron hotchner x reader #criminal minds #hotch one shot #fanfiction #fanfic #hotch fluff

[scoobydoodean]

I want to point out something in 1.16 “Shadow” regarding Dean’s resourcefulness and the derision with which his contributions are treated within the writing. In “Shadow”, multiple shots are taken at Dean’s methods of earning money and working cases as well as his intelligence level.

It starts with another small squabble about money that clearly frames Dean as still, at this point, the sole person supporting him and Sam financially through credit card scams, gambling, and hustling pool.

Yet again we have a jab at the ways Dean earns money. I wouldn’t make a big deal about this one at all if not for the outside context—the three previous episodes where Sam (while happy to benefit from Dean’s ill-gotten gains and provide no financial support to their two-man team) criticizes or is dismissive toward the work involved in how Dean earns money for them (1.01, 1.05, 1.08). Dean deserving to have his contributions dismissed is explicit in the text, but Sam's failure to actually assist with finances is implicit.

Next, it's how Dean gets information. He flirts with a cop and a bartender:

In the case of the cop, he gets information that is valuable to the case—unreleased details. In the case of the bartender, he doesn't, but he learns there's nothing to learn. But because Dean was also having fun, his actions are reduced down to him thinking with his dick, when he is actually intentionally using charm and even (see below) offering sexual favors in exchange for information:

Additionally, Sam (despite having seen Dean research just fine on his own multiple times) questions how Dean was able to do research on his own, which—you do you, Kripke, I guess? But we get "Haha name the last book you read" in a similar vein to 1.03 "Dead In the Water" (and just as Sam demands that Dean name one child he knows and Dean can't but it means nothing because Dean actually does like kids, Dean also does read—as established multiple times throughout the series.)

But also—if Dean called Caleb, why does that matter? Is talking to people to get the information you need, somehow inferior to finding some old tome and finding it in there? No. But it's treated that way in the framing of the episode. Weirdly like Dean took a shortcut or something and that's... "bad"...? When a shortcut in this context literally just means you're being efficient and resourceful and yeah—smart.

Then Meg jabs at Dean's intelligence as well:

What's also interesting, is that this is the first (I believe—I don't think I missed one at least) example of Dean's eye for visual patterns within the series.

So Dean, in this episode

Finances the suits Sam wanted to buy so they could sneak into the victim's apartment

Gets valuable information from a cop twice by charming her

Is able to recognize a symbol on the floor from blood spatter and is able to trace that symbol back to discover the monster they are dealing with using his hunting connections.

And all of this is treated in a dismissive way within the writing—like Dean's contributions don't matter or are earned in some way that causes them to deserve to be dismissed and even used as points against him. What's more, Dean doesn't fight back much. He leans into the very thinly-veiled suggestions of him just being dumb and horny and covers with jokes and a light jab about how the only thing valuable EITHER of them have gotten at the bar is the bartender's number (note that this is after he gets secret information from the cop and finds the symbol on the floor, which he could have pointed out but doesn't). He also leans into other narratives about himself suggested by Meg in the episode, but that's a separate post.

#1.16 #this isn't a criticism of sam fyi it's just a writing thing that i think is interesting #i think kripke enjoyed writing dean as a character whose contributions to the family are minimized by everyone #strangers and #even himself. #it fits with his whole weird “give Dean the same birthday as my wife” schtick imo. #pk rewatches spn number ? #my smart bby #dean and the family finances #dean minimizations #season 1 #meg #dean chores

[bronx-bomber87]

Happy Tuesday evening lovely fandom :) The work flirts continue on and in front of EVERYONE at the station might I add in this one. Like they’re not even trying to hide it at this stage in their relationship. God I love s4. Lets get this started eh?

4x03 In the Line Of Fire

We first catch Tim talking to Grey in the locker room. (Lucy did appear earlier but was for SL don't care about with Nolan ha) Wade suggests a Sergeants aide to him. Tim being Tim sees it as a sign of weakness. Like he can’t handle his workload. He is defensive and says he doesn’t need one. Grey knows where his head is and says it’s not weak to need one. They're short staffed it makes sense to. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Wade suggesting Lucy to him.

He’s not wrong they’re seamless together. They miss riding together (not that either will admit this) It makes perfect sense on paper. You can see the wheels turning in Tim’s head above as he considers this. Now I think his immediate gut reaction is Lucy. Not a doubt in my damn mind. But as he continues to mull it over he sees the cons of it. If you’re not in tune with Tim you might not get his motives for not choosing her right away.

We will delve into that later in the episode. But I know when he thinks on it more it’s because he wants to protect her. On multiple levels by not choosing her. I love this about him. His first instinct is to protect Lucy above all else. Emotionally, her career, you name it he’s protecting it. Love this man.

Friggin Nolan overhears this and jumps the gun. What else is new? Foot in mouth disease is his go to. He is causing unecessary friction because he can’t keep his mouth shut. (I mean it leads to a delightful episode for them but I have to give him shit.) It's setting both Tim and Lucy up for failure with the aide news. Nolan telling Lucy that Tim is going to pick her to be his go-fer with such certainty does just that. Saying he heard Grey tell Tim to do so. Getting her all excited he’s going to choose her.

When Tim picks Webb instead Lucy is CRUSHED. Tim is looking in her general direction too which is even more misleading. Her actions above are screaming very loudly how upset she is. I love how much Lucy uses her hands when she is upset. She fidgets and doesn’t know what to do with herself at all. I’m Italian so I can relate haha I feel like she is going through so many emotions in this moment. Hurt he didn’t choose her, agitated that he chose Webb, confused why he would choose anyone but her and lastly pouting because he didn’t choose her.

Petty Lucy is born in this moment and I love it. It's like being told your crush is gonna ask you out and then doesn’t…. You also know she’s going to be jealous and try and lure it out of Tim why he didn't. Because well Lucy LOL She’s doing all these things while Nolan is catching Grey up about his case. Having a loud pout session front and center for Tim and all to see haha Makes me laugh so much. She is deeply upset and everyone will know about it haha

Lucy gives Nolan more grief (as she should) about misreading the Sergeant-Aide situation. Now she’s in analysis mode. Trying to break down why he did what he did. Nolan stating the obvious that it's bothering her Tim didn't pick her. (Duh. You should be a detective. Oh wait....) Lucy explains why this opportunity would be beneficial to her above. She’s not wrong but she is also refusing to beg. Wants him to come crawling to her. Admit he wants her there not the other way around. Oh petty Lucy you are hilarious to watch.

Doesn’t want to give Tim the satisfaction of having her ask. Or having her fate in his hands again. Wants him to be the one to give in and want her around. To Lucy she’s earned that spot with him. Wants Tim to recognize she should be his aide. Nolan should be smart enough to stay clear of this couples spat. But it is Nolan so…he is dealing with her going off haha Lucy finishes off her rant telling John if there is one thing she knows its Tim is definitely missing her right now.

We cut to Tim having a blast with Webb LMFAO They're talking about the game last night. How Webb has season tickets to both the Dodgers and Angels. That he can hit him up anytime for some. You can tell Tim is having a good time with Webb. If Lucy could see this interaction right now it would break her heart. Not really missing her at the moment haha He’s in sports heaven right now.

The way Lucy is reacting to Webb being Tim’s aide is so funny. She literally stomping her foot like but that’s my Tim and my position. Minute she sees Webb at the food trucks she’s on him. Lucy is so jealous they’re having a good time. The way she says 'Really? that's....awesome' (Sure it is..) Sabotage becomes her next play.

Asking Webb if he’d like to know how to stay on Tim's good side. She checks behind her to make sure Tim isn't catching her trickery ahaha She knows he wouldn't like these 'tips'. Smh. Lucy Chen you are playing dirty…. Transparent as a glass house my dear. They get interrupted by a sniper shooting a car that crashes into their lunch spot. So we don’t get to hear these ‘tips’ of hers. All we know is it won't end well for Webb.

We cut back to Webb and Tim in their shop. Talking about the weird case they have right now. He starts going on about his cat personality. Tim’s face. I’m dying. Eric is the king of expressions and I'm laughing so hard. He is so uncomfortable. When Webb asks Tim what his is? It's then Tim knows where this is stemming from. He immediately asks if Lucy put him up to this? Knows his wife too damn well. Like he wasn’t going to figure that out ASAP. Or maybe that was part of her plan. To torture him and have him know she was the reason behind it. These two are ridiculous and I love it.

So begins the ridiculous childishness that is these two in this episode. (I'm loving this BTW) Well Lucy was already there. Been living there for a hot minute heh. Now that Tim knows she wants the job it’s game on. Because why talk about this like adults? When they can work flirt this to death. LMAO Not only that but torture each other along the way. Be more married you two my god. They clearly miss riding with one another but won't be the first to blink. Their competitive nature not letting them yield any control.

The amount of flirting going on in this scene. My god. And it's happening in roll call of all places. Shamelessly flirting in front of the entire station. Tim calling Lucy out for wanting the job. Her innocently saying 'What?' Like she didn’t just sabotage that man out of insane jealously and pettiness LOL

Tim straight up calls her out on it. Saying the cat personality was ALL her. Lucy continues her clueless act with the hint of a cocky smirk. She’s trying so hard not to break this battle of wills they have going on. Her body language betraying her so badly. Tim is onto her and it’s so damn funny. Tim thinks he has the upper hand in this conversation. Knowing she wants the job and is very aware of her sabotage. Thinks the scales are tipping his way right now.

That is until Lucy crushes him with her words and flirting. He’s stunned into silence. You know this man loves it when she does this stuff. He’s mad he likes it. Lucy drives him insane and he goes back for seconds every time. I love how Tim is so caught up in this flirt he forgets where he is. The way he double checks behind him is hilarious. Like she said something dirty to him in public and he’s red baha Also making sure no one else is hearing this convo of theirs. How she just owned his ass during it. Can you spot the married couple?

To continue the petty childish run they're currently on Tim gets back at Lucy quickly. Saying he wants to spread the love. Give someone else a shot at being his go-fer. Her face in that second gif LMFAO. Lucy could not be more smug if she tried. The way she pumps her eyebrows at him. Thinking she has won this battle of theirs. He’s going to pick her. Game over. She's wondering what to him so long. Then he picks someone sure to get under her skin. Smitty…

He makes sure to look her in the damn eye as he says it. The audacity of this man. He knows EXACTLY how to get under her skin. Looks her in the eye, smiles that devious smile, and says Smitty. Such an ass lmao but he’s her ass. Drives her just as insane as she drives him. I’m sure the room is thinking. ‘God just make out already’ LOL Damnit love them so much.

Lucy notes her frustration very loudly. Grey may not totally understand what’s going on but knows it’s something. Calls Lucy out on it. Asking if she has a problem? She is immediately defeated with a ‘No….’and ends with a even sadder ‘sir….’ Tim has won this round and she can’t do a damn thing about it. These two are so ridiculous and I love them for it. It’s like she forgot their little feud was in front of Roll Call and Grey had to bring her back to reality poor girl. lol

Lucy gets her's in the end though. Smitty being Smitty. Tim is regretting his decision so much already. He's telling Tim all the things he can't do. Lucy hangs back and is enjoying the show. Her smugness returns quickly as Tim has to load the war bags cause of Smitty's 'bad back' LMAO

I love how the scene starts with her eyeing him across the bullpen. She come over and asks why Smitty isn’t doing the paperwork? Tim says he claims to be allergic to paper LMFAO. Lucy's smugness continues. Tim tells her it’s not funny.... Leads her right into her convo with him. Saying he should’ve just asked her instead. Tim replying he was trying to do her a favor. That people might view her riding with him again as a step back. Now we can loop back to why he hesitated in the first place in detail.

You can hear the hurt in her voice. The way she feels offended that he would prefer the station to know he’d rather ride with Smitty than her. When its anything but that. I talk about Tim always wanting to protect Lucy. Whether that is physically or emotionally. His first gut reaction is to shield her. That’s what he was doing in this moment. He respects her so much and thinks so highly of her as an officer.

The last thing he would want ANYONE in the station to think was she didn’t earn it. He definitely didn’t want to be a proponent of that either. Tim has seen how hard she's had to work to get to a good place in her career. Last thing he would want to do is jeopardize that with people thinking otherwise. Just because he wants her back as his partner. I love that so much. He’s guarding her career in this moment. Doesn’t want her to endure any unnecessary BS for being his aide. Refuses to be selfish and puts her first.

Also I think he is aware people know of their dynamic. That people will think she got it for unsavory reasons. Reasons he would never allow but people will think it anyways. His intentions are so very Tim Bradford in how crazy honorable they are. Lucy is listening intently and understands why he’s doing it. But she can’t help but fight against it. Saying screw what others think. Voicing how archaic it is for people to just assume it's something untoward cause she's a girl and he's a boy.

Tim saying he’s very handsome boy to her LMAO It’s ok babe she knows you are. Painfully aware of it really. He needs that validation from her and it cracks me up. Not the first or the last time he does this either. Lucy’s ‘oh gag’ Oh please woman. You’d jump his bones in a heartbeat if you could. That look in 5x12 alone when she is checking him out once his shirt is off contradicts this moment so much. Showing what a lying liar she was. But sure let’s pretend you think he is ‘Oh gag’ biggest lie yet my friend haha

This next section is my favorite part. Their battle of wills continues down to the friggin wire. From Lucy calling it aide and Tim saying go-fer. HA Then her battling back with why she wants to be his aide (not go-fer) I LOVE the way he is looking at her while she passionately defends why she wants this. Careful Timothy your feelings of admiration/love are showing. Lucy wants this so badly. People and their thoughts be damned.

She’s impressing him once again and it’s written all over that devilishly handsome face of his. Lucy saying what she could get out of it alone is worth putting up with him and his ways. (Like you don't want to be doing this anyways) D and I talked about how this before. How part of her wanting to be his aide is more than just a promotion. Do I think that is truly part of it? Yes. I have no doubt about that. I also think part of it is the safety and familiarity of Tim.

He supports her in a way she will never get with Nolan. Jackson is gone and all she has left emotionally is her person. Her safe space. So her ‘putting up’ with him again is her really just missing him. Craving that familiarity. They both miss each other and this is a way of getting that back. I think Tim’s initial instinct when Grey brought her up was an immediate yes. Then he got his in his head and wanted to protect her instead of what he wanted. Which was to ride with her again.

Before we continue let’s first note how sexy his biceps and forearms are in this part. The way he crosses his arms in a way that just does things to me. Sex on a stick. Just his arms. Also the forearm porn is fantastic. I’m in a river of drool at this point LMAO Man is so fine it’s unfair really. No one should be this handsome and sexy doing something so simple .*ahem* Anyways I do adore Lucy mirroring his body language. Crossing her arms as well. Still not willing to give into him. Look at the stare down in the third gif.

She is smirking because she's on the verge of victory and knows it. Making Tim be the one to break and go for it with her. It’s funny to think about with S5. Because he HAD to be the one to go for it. They were gonna stay in a holding pattern unless he did. Took the leap and the risk. Just like he does here. He’s contemplating holding out longer. The way he taps his fingers on that delicious bicep deciding. He cracks and says ‘What the hell. Let’s do it.’

Lucy lights up like a Christmas tree. Heart eyes galore for him. Tim tells her to show up to roll call an hour early. That way he can go over new procedures and such with her. Lucy thanks him all smiles and so grateful. She throws down one last work flirt as she is leaving about paperwork. He is just as flirty back with his signal for her to go haha Gah I love these two so much hurts my soul lmao. So much chemistry it blows my damn mind. They’re so into each other and don’t have a damn clue. Ah idiots in love. Truly.

Last bit I adore her shirt ‘Tell your dog I said hi' I would so wear this shirt. Very fitting for Melissa. Love Lucy wearing it. Damn I love that episode one giant flirty moment . S4 truly is a gem. All this suppressed UST/love streaming through 22 episodes.

Side notes-non chenford

I love Aaron and Nyla bonding in this one. I’m so glad she chose James. He was the obvious winner between the two. I love watching them develop they so cute. Aaron fixing things at the end was very lovely.

Thank you as always to those who like, comment (oh how I love the comments) , reblog and such. You are the real MVPs. Shall see you all in 4x04 :)

#Caitlin Rewatches The Rookie #chenford #chenford hiatus #waiting on s6 #s4 #4x03 In the Line Of Fire #the rookie 4x03 #otp: doing my job #otp: you know me so well. too well. #otp: some things matter more #otp: you did good #winter rewatch #tim x lucy #tim bradford #lucy chen #lucy x tim #the rookie #eric winter #melissa o'neil #tim bradford x lucy chen

[beanghostprincess]

Just a thought that came to my mind today but- Sabosan childhood bff's au with transfem sanji

Like, everything is the same expect Sanji transitioned during the timeskip and because of THAT Sabo didn't made the connection that maybe his Sanji is the same Sanji Luffy's talking about

So the surprise is even bigger because: "hello?? his sweet, precious, cute friend he made in germa is this beautiful women now??" and now Sanji have to explain also this (Sabo support her anyway, no one will make fun of his best friend/girlfriend in front of him, thank you very much)

I think that Sanji would realize that Sabo is her Sabo first, obviously, and would be extremely scared to tell him his Sanji it's her because of how he might react. But there's no way to escape this and she just has to be true to herself and him, and also, she has missed him so much not to be with him. She wants to tell him, but it honestly just takes Sabo a moment to realize it's her because how couldn't she be? She'd recognize her anywhere. And I think everything would be the same we said (and like your fic which, by the way, it was great) except that Sabo won't stop going insane with how pretty Sanji is and how proud he is to see her being so free and happy with herself. He'd be so protective of her too. If you misgender her he's gonna turn you into ashes. No hesitation. He's the most supportive man ever. Besides, Ace is also trans (of course I can't imagine Ace being cis) and I don't think Sabo believes in labels/gender for himself (yay fuck the system) and I pretty much think he'd be extremely happy to see her this way. Can't stop thinking about Sabo moving Sanji's long hair from her face (and bangs to see her eye) to kiss her. It makes me weak in the knees. They're just-- So perfect together. He'd be so annoying with the pet names too. Extremely sappy and clingy boyfriend from day one. They are not even dating but he already flirts with her like they are. That makes Sanji's gender euphoria go crazy.

#GSSAGDJGSJDGSHJ i love them #they make me crazy #and fem sanji my absolute beloved #one piece #sabosan #revolutionary sabo #black leg sanji #transfem sanji

[eldritch-thrumming]

have any fic recommendations?

yesssssssss.

I just read Intricate Rituals by zade (AO3)/@racetrackthehiggins because it was recently rec'd to me (E, Complete, 11/11). I asked the people for something very sad but with a happy ending and the people delivered. I ate this up and read it basically in a single sitting if you don't include the time I took to go do my job for two hours lol. This hit every single spot in terms of very heartbreaking relationship dynamic that I was looking for. I love earnest but confused Steve who's just in love but scared to tell it until he literally can't keep it in anymore and a scared Eddie who lashes out and hurts Steve when he's honest and then deeply regrets it. That's what I care abt... morning, noon, and night, I care about her. She is who I want, that is where my loyalties lie. Definitely mind the tags on this one though!

I love love love Trouble Looks Good on You by indelicate (AO3)/@steddielations. (E, WIP, 2/4) I love the dynamic between Eddie and Steve here and I absolutely adore the way they flirt here. 10/10 flirting !! Also, if you love this then definitely check out Melt Me on Your Tongue (E, Complete, 1/1). Steve taking care of Eddie and both of them loving it. Both of these make me go 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫

I really love you looking at me, looking at you by emryses (AO3)/@emryses (M, Complete, 10/10). Very much in the same vein as Intricate Rituals, with a heartbreaking FWB-type relationship where Steve is clearly falling in love and Eddie breaks his heart because he's scared. So good.

Anything by Adure (AO3)/@toburnup, but particularly is your light on? (E, WIP, 12/16) which spans years of Eddie and Steve's relationship and is in progress right now (recently updated!). Another heartbreaking slowburn FWB situation for the boys (are we sensing a theme here yet??). Lots of internalized homophobia/self-policing in this one, so mind that, but so worth the read and so insanely well-written, it makes me jealous to read it. I also really particularly love throw me one (E, Complete, 5/5)!

Looks like we're in for nasty weather (E, Complete, 10/10) by prufrocks (AO3)/@geddyqueer is so so so so so so so so so s ooo cute. So cute!!!! Modern!AU where Steve is training to be a park ranger, Eddie can talk to ghosts, Robin hosts a monster podcast, and there's something spooky in the woods. :) :) :) :) Very fun and did I mention cute?

The Sad Steddie Scenario by @steddierthings. Steve and Eddie suffer a misunderstanding and Eddie is... harsh. I am (very very very) patiently! waiting for more more more of this. I love this. It's so good.

wonderin' where i am, lost without you by @outpastthebrakers was rec'd to me when I asked for something sad but with a happy ending. Definitely hit the spot! Eddie forgets Steve's birthday and has to deal with the consequences. Very sad and then very sweet <3

I loooooooove reputation by theamazingbard (AO3)/@theamazingbard (E, Complete, 2/2). Steve learns that Eddie is perhaps even more promiscuous than himself and doesn't know what to do with that information. I love me some idiots-to-lovers. That is my all-time favorite trope. They can have each other but they're just so stupid. It's very fun.

Please read off the beaten path by pukner (AO3)/@pukner (E, Complete, 6/6). You have to. I don't make the rules, I just enforce them (acab tho). Steve is aware of and secure with his sexuality and recognizes that Eddie is flagging. However!!!!!! Eddie is flagging accidentally. He is not aware of his sexuality!!! And then he is scared and accidentally hurts Steve. Which, as we've established, is my favorite dynamic. And I love the fandom reversal of "Steve is aware, it's Eddie who isn't!!!!!" Sooo good, soooo cute. Steve is just so adorable in this and I love him and cherish him deeply.

I asked for sad fic recs last week and was rec'd Stevie's Time Loop by stevesbipanic (AO3)/@stevesbipanic (M, Complete, 2/2), which I have not had the chance to read yet, but I am confident I'll really enjoy it!!!!

I was also rec'd The Man That I Could Be by ohstars (AO3) (ohstars autocorrected to oysters, stop it I am SCREAMING lol)/@oh-stars (E, Complete, 26/26), which I'm currently reading right now and really enjoying. I'm on chapter 5!!! We could read it together. Book club.

Also, you should read sorry about the blood in your mouth (I wish it was mine) 🙃

#wow I learned a lot about myself tonight #there are so many amazing amazing amazing fics out there #steddie #steddie fic recs #steddie fic rec

[h4it4n1]

"I hate my birthday!.... I hate myself so much..."

💜🕷️💜

Happy birthday zvlam!

💜🕷️💜

Incorrect question:

*On the night of March 16*

Zvlam: one year less than beautiful life

*Sitting on a bench outside the ramshackle dormitory*

Drizel: in the end no one suspected your birthday

*sits next*

Zvlam: I don't like my birthday

*It states*

Drizel: but the others?

*lays on her*

Zvlam: Yes! They are very cute and it makes me happy to see them happy.

*Smile*

Drizel: come it's late

*He wake up*

Zvlam: I come in after it's barely 10

*It is remembered*

Drizel: Let's go, there are classes tomorrow.

*takes her hand*

Zvlam: I'm coming

*denies*

The two enter the bedroom with the lights off.

Zvlam: Grimm is already asleep.

Everyone: HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZVLAM!!!

Zvlam: he....me

*Nervous*

Azul: you eat the cake no matter what, organizing the party was very busy

*puts a birthday ribbon on him*

Zvlam: t-thank you

*grabs Hell's sleeve*

Why did they do it?

*whispers*

Hell: I don't know either, Drizel planned it, happy birthday by the way

*whispers*

Amant: Dear little girl! We have cream pie!

*Eating*

Sion: Stop eating so much, Morita, the party has started!

*Smile*

Floyd: Koebi-chan!!

*Floyd picks it up and squeezes it, taking it to the center of the cake*

Jade: put it down Floyd we must sing his birthday

*Approaches*

Cater: I'll take the photos! Quick Zvlam smiles!!

*Focuses cell phone camera*

Zvlam: n-I don't want to be the center of attention-

Vil: come on! Are you a fashionable girl and you don't like posing? Please smile

*Takes her shoulders and poses with her*

Zvlam: I...

*smiles nervously*

Jelly: we arrived, miharu had forgotten-

Miharu: forget the cupcakes! Here we are

*Arrives with ortho fast-

Idia: it was my fault I forgot the alarm

*stands behind miharu*

Jelly: hehe, I also brought the missing games for the night! Zvlam linda happy birthday, now I kiss the birthday girl

*Approaches Zvlam*

Ghol: tks what do you think, that flirting thing is not here dear Jelly fu! Fu!

*runs to Jelly*

You don't see that Zvlam is in crisis, don't bother her

Cater: okay now! Photos first!!!

*Takes out his cell phone*

Hell: I'll take the photo, you in the center, don't leave Zvlam alone

*Takes Cater's cell phone*

Zvlam: Hey! Photo you too!

*drags her*

Drizel: then magically the photo!

Grimm: yes!!

*The ghost camera flies and captures the image*

Everyone: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

The hours passed playing and singing, eating and laughing, jumping and of course Ace and Grimm with their destruction, but now there is Zvlam on the roof of the ramshackle dormitory looking at the sky

Obese ghost: oh girl, why aren't you enjoying your party?

*Flies close to her*

Zvlam:.....I have a severe existence complex....so when it's all about me I feel bad, I don't deserve it and I hate myself more, it's stupid

*Angry at himself*

Thin ghost: but that shouldn't be like that! You are very amazing!

Zvlam: no, I am nobody and nothing important

Ghost: Of course not! You talk to the spirits from beyond!

Zvlam: like my brother Sam

Obese ghost: you are recognized on networks!

Zvlam: as vil

Thin ghost: it's you! That's enough! Without you many parts of everyone would not be complete

Zvlam: .....they would be better off without m-

*Falls off the roof and into the bedroom*

Drizel: I already said that something was ringing on the roof.

*Drink wine*

Hell: okay!?

*Goes over to help*

Zvlam: yes! soft fall

*Pats the other's head*

Leona: I think you have something against me.

*Takes her off slowly*

Riddle: It's time for gifts!

*orders everyone*

Time passed and Zvlam's happiness tried to light up but her self-hatred didn't help.

💜🕷️💜

#digital art #art #disney twisted wonderland #oc twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland #anime #disney #disney japan #ramshackle dorm #ace trappola #grimm twisted wonderland #grim twst #yuusona #twst yuu #vil schoenheit #cater diamond #idia shroud #jade leech #floyd leech #azul ashengrotto

[thecarnivorousmuffinmeta]

What if Jesse from breaking bad met the Denali after moving to Alaska?

Anon.

Jesse survives Walt, he survives Nazis, the hunt for him after he escapes said Nazis and his crazy journey to get to Alaska, and now you're making him deal with the Denali? You cruel, cruel, anon. Let the boy be happy in Alaska.

But alright, let's make Jesse Pinkman suffer.

The Denali and Men

I was going to give Jesse an out in that, while he's good looking, it's a particular type of look. He's very 2000's uh... I don't even know what to call it, beanie wearing, baggy pants, guy is I guess it.

Point being, it's a look the Denali may not necessarily be into.

However, we don't really know what the Denali are into.

We know their lovers are presumably all men (at least no one brings Bella scandalous news of them being rabid bisexuals) but we never see one of their lovers or even hear about types.

We know Tanya really wants to bang Edward, who is a reedy boyband looking intellectual, and we know that Laurent had fun times with all the sisters (and he's a... vagabond ex-courtier? Whatever the fuck that looks like?) But beyond that...

I have my headcanons, of course, but they're really based on nothing but vibes. Tanya probably likes the pretty boy type based on Edward (which Jesse is if he dressed differently but not really because he doesn't dress differently) but beyond that I always pictured very beefy strong looking young men.

My point is, I can't say they wouldn't be into Jesse though.

So, we'll just assume they are.

Poor Jesse.

Jesse and His New Neighbors

Jesse's keeping his head down and constantly keeping track of his money. He realizes he's lucky in that he's not as recognizable/as big as Walter White, but he doesn't have the money to move again and he wants this to work.

As usual, Jesse's genuinely trying to turn his life around.

Thanks to the Nazis, Jesse probably is through withdrawal for meth already (as I doubt they were letting him smoke the merchandise while he lived in a cage) and I imagine as, since this is his second go around being off the stuff, he's very wary of starting again given how thoroughly it ruined his life.

You're looking at a very jumpy guy who keeps to himself.

He has very few neighbors and most of them are seasonal, ditching for winter, Jesse prefers that.

Except the trio of blonde aliens.

I imagine one of them comes up to his house (as Jesse's not going to pubs) and says something along the lines of, "Well, hello neighbor!" very flirtatiously.

Jesse stares, panics as he knows he doesn't have any close neighbors, that's the entire fucking point.

"Ah, hey there," he says, waiting for them to recognize him as Jesse Pinkman.

The lady, Tanya, doesn't seem to know who he is and he realizes that she may be just... flirting with him aggressively. There's something about her that's bothering him, though. He doesn't think she's on something, exactly, but her skin looks hella weird, she's barely wearing any clothes for the temperature, and her eyes are fucking yellow.

She's probably on some shit, he figures.

"Look, lady," Jesse eventually cuts her off, "I think you're nice and all, but I'm really not interested."

(Tanya is very embarrassed over this, as here she is being rejected by this punk who should be grateful for her attention, but tries not to let it show.)

"Oh, that's alright," Tanya says with a laugh, "I swear I didn't mean anything. I think we should be friends."

Jesse doesn't want to be friends and politely, but strongly, implies as much.

It doesn't work as Tanya returns with her alien sisters.

Jesse's Neighbors Who Won't Fucking Leave

Jesse doesn't know what they fuck they're on but it's freaking him out.

Their eyes change color, they look identical and weird with some skin condition, they don't seem to feel cold, and he saw one of them break a doorknob with her bare hands.

They also really, clearly, want to fuck him.

Trouble is, Jesse's lived through Nazis in a pit.

Unlike what I presume is the case with most Denali customers, Jesse is both extremely wary already and has stared death in the face. I imagine he'd think that whatever they do to him if he refuses their implied advances is a lot better than what would happen to him if he gave in.

I imagine the sisters are thoroughly flummoxed by this and insulted. It's become kind of a competition as to who can sleep with Jesse but this guy just isn't giving in and isn't much fun.

I...

Can't believe it.

But I think Jesse actually makes it.

As he never, ever, goes over to the Denali house and is very firm in his "no" there's no wheedling into thinking he wants it as is likely the usual case.

The only place Jesse might get into trouble is if he runs into one of the Denali's other lovers and tries to help them but...

I don't know if Jesse would, not after what happened to him, and not after having so much to lose.

He just lives with the fact that his neighbors are drug addict cannibals.

#twilight #twilight meta #twilight headcanon #twilight renaissance #breaking bad #breaking bad meta #breaking bad headcanon #the denali #anti the denali #jesse pinkman #meta #headcanon #opinion

[anemoflower]

Ship: Sophie x Elias Word Count: ~ 1.6k Warnings: Again a few nerd references. Not fully proofread (again) and it's... not too detailled. I think I could do better but I'm tired xD. It's a bit angst-y in the end? But those who read the "first part" to this know there's a happy end :> A/N: Just wanted to write some kind of Prequel to this one [click] in Elias POV :3 It's also some kind of practise to write him? Idk (There are a few re-occuring scenes from that one. I don't think you have to read this beforehand but it's good for a little more insight) Divider by @/cafekitsune

Elias first saw her when she knocked over a cup of cocoa over the desk he was sitting on at the Café.

“I-I'm so sorry!” She apologized around a hundred times while wiping the spilled beverage off his desk with a napkin.

Elias just smiled at her and said: “It's alright, don't worry about it.”

“Sophie, stop flirting, we're already late!” A girl with black hair grabbed the girl on the arm and dragged her with her.

“I wasn't-” the girl named Sophie started to protest, her voice went very high and Elias could have sworn her cheeks blushed.

Sophie. That's quite the pretty name.

He wouldn’t have thought to see her again in the comic book store he was working at. He recognized her by the glasses and the curly dark blonde hair, which barely reached over her shoulders.

She looked at the Marvel comics section and talked to her friend, full of excitement. Her smile was the prettiest he ever saw. But what he really admired were her eyes. They glowed. They glowed with so much passion and interest for the things around her.

When Elias’ shift was over and he went down to the main floor, she was still there with her friends. She was looking up the huge glass cabinet with famous statues and figures from anime and seemed to debate with her friend, the one who has been with her at the café, next to her. 

“But it’s too expensive!” Sophie exclaimed.

“You never buy something for yourself”, her friend said. “I think you can indulge yourself a bit.”

They were clearly looking at the statue of Loid Forger from Spy x Family, showing him in a graceful but powerful pose. It was part of a collection and you could buy daughter Anya and wife Yor also to put the family together. A huge fan (with too much money) would have bought them all. Elias was one of these people, not because he had too much money, but because of his inability to handle his finances very well. And there was too much cool merch to buy. The amount of money he already spent on figures of his favorite characters from One Piece… not to mention the lightsaber replica which hung on the wall in his apartment.

Sophie fiddled with the keychain, a small plushie of a chubby cat, on the strap of her pokémon themed bag, her cheeks turned a little rosy as she was fighting with herself if she should buy the statue or not.

Should he go to them? His shift was over, so it wasn’t his responsibility anymore. And it would have been weird if he just started a conversation, as he had never seen a single episode of that anime.

He decided against it, turned around and as he was leaving the store, he could still hear her voice out of the loud chatter in the store.

“I don't have room for that anyway,” she said.

“You can still think about it”, her friend said, “We can come back when the book I pre-ordered arrives.”

Elias smiled by the thought of seeing her again.

A few days later Elias was scrolling through an online shop for various suits, looking for something like that Loid guy was wearing in the anime series.

“Will you attend a wedding or something?” His co-worker Joshua - Josh for short - was looking over Elias' shoulder. 

“Do you think men in suits are attractive?” Elias asked him.

Josh looked at him with raised eyebrows and blinked several times. “Dude, I feel very flattered but-”

Elias groaned. “Hell, Josh, you know what I mean!”

Josh shrugged. “Uh, yeah, I guess?” Then he frowned, his face got closer to Elias' and he narrowed his eyes in suspicion. “So who is it?”

“Who... is what?”

“The girl you got a crush on?”

Elias felt how heat rushed through his face. “It's- it's not a crush-”

“Elias, my bro, my guy, my dude”, Josh patted him on the shoulder, “Weren’t you the one who always told me ‘just be yourself! Don’t change for anyone.’” He changed his voice to a higher tone to impersonate his co-worker.

Elias just rolled his eyes. "I don't sound like that."

“So, why are you looking at stuff you would never wear?”

“I know what you mean but-” Elias' face turned hot. “For some reason it is not that simple-” He fell silent when he heard steps coming closer up the stairs to the first floor of the graphic novel and comic section. It was her. Sophie.

Today her dark blonde hair was tied into low pigtails. She wore a cyan colored coat with a brown belt around the waist, a small ribbon kept it together. It looked good in combination with her brown boots. Cute even.

But something was different. Her friends weren’t with her this time. Her fingers nervously fiddled with her keychain again, her eyes darting around. She looked uneasy like an anxious deer on a wide field, far away from their forest. Alone she seemed so lost and… almost fragile. 

She searched the shelves with the letter “E” but seemed not to find what she was looking for.

Josh watched how his friend kept staring at her. “Ohh.” He grinned at Elias, who opened his mouth to explain but got cut off by his friend.

“I will go check the newly arrived mangas in stock. Maybe you can help her?” Josh winked at him and left Elias alone at the checkout. "What? Wait you can't-" He could only watch his colleague disappearing behind the next door and then glanced back to the girl, still looking around the comic books.

Normally he wouldn’t have any problems talking to people, he loved that. Get to know someone and their likes and personality. But for some reason this girl made his heart beat faster than before.

Nonetheless, she was a customer. And it was his job to assist her to find what she was looking for. He ruffled through his dark hair, tidied his gray shirt, straightened himself and walked over to her with the kindest smile he could bring up. “Do you need any help?”

The green deer eyes looked at him directly now and he felt a tingle in his belly. She blinked at him, then looked away, adjusting the glasses on her nose.

Elias couldn’t help but smile at her, maybe it would help her feel more at ease again. Her hands stopped fiddling with the keychain and her gaze found his again.

“The comic book ‘Extraordinary’ by V. E. Schwab?”

He blinked as soon as he realized that she started talking to him. Her voice was soft and reserved so he didn’t notice it at first. He remembered seeing the title she just mentioned somewhere yesterday. “Ah, that's quite new, we didn't get to fill them in the shelves yet. Wait a sec.”

When Elias went to check the stock he found Josh again, who was looking at him with a teasing smile. “How's it going?” he asked curiously.

Elias just shoved him to the side to get to the comic book he was looking for. “I’m gonna pay you back for this” he said in a dangerously low tone.

“Oh come on! You should thank me, you started talking to her now!” He crossed his arms while Elias glared at him annoyed, ”Will you invite me to your wedding?”

Elias knocked against a pile of Mangas while walking back to the door and the books fell over in Josh’s direction. Josh pushed his whole body against the pile to prevent it from falling to the floor and squeaked out a high-pitched: “Elias! Help!”

“Sorry, I have to assist our customer” Elias hummed, waved at his co-worker innocently and walked outside, leaving Josh alone.

He found Sophie again at the shelves in the Marvel comic section. Curiously she pulled a few books out, admiring the covers with a little smile on her face.

Elias had to stop himself from staring and walked over to her. “You're lucky, I saved that one from getting buried beneath tons of newly arrived One Piece Mangas.” His heart skipped a beat when she started to chuckle.

They started getting into a conversation about Marvel comics and Elias felt like she was finally opening up a little. She smiled and there was this glow in her eyes again. That beautiful glow that made her shine...

But suddenly an invisible force made her face change again to that insecure shyness. Elias wondered if it was something he said. She thanked him for his help and walked down the aisle to look around more.

He waited for her at the checkout, Josh still hadn't returned from the storage room. Hopefully he wasn't buried by the Mangas. Elias felt bad for him and thought about going to the storage room to check on his friend, but then Sophie approached the counter to pay for the comic book. Her eyes were focused on anything, the pokémon TCG packs displayed on the counter, her hands in her purse, anything but him.

While she was distracted putting the comic book into her backpack, Elias decided to do something he had never done before.

He scribbled a small note on the receipt. Something nice. Something that maybe could put a smile on her face again. “Keep that glow in your eyes, it suits you :)”

Whatever it was that made her feel uncomfortable, he didn’t want that to be the last thing she would remember when leaving the store.

“Oh and don't forget to keep a close eye on the receipt?” He said. “Sometimes the computer writes down strange stuff on it. Really weird.”

But she didn't pay attention, the receipt disappeared in the pocket of her coat and she went down the stairs again. Elias leaned over the counter to check if she maybe would glance at the receipt, but she didn't. A sigh left his lips and he hoped that she wouldn't just throw his message in the trash.

Josh returned to the checkout, his light blonde hair was tousled and there were a few stains of dust on his clothes.

“30 volumes of Monkey D. Luffy just kicked me in the guts. You better help me clean the mess right now-” He blinked at him confused as Elias wasn't answering. “Bro, are you alright?”

“Yeah, I'll help you clean up.” He said with a apologetic smile, which didn't reach his eyes.

- -

Taglist: @jils-things @ceruelaen @huggsbury @satosara @lovinglin If you want to be added or removed please let me know

#oc f/o #oc x self insert #selfshipping community #self ship #;my writing #;oc: elias #;s/i: sophie #;sophelias #I love Josh already hehehe #(yeah he did the I.tto phrase hehehe) #I'm still not sure if I'll keep the name but yeh #I'm also too lazy to come up with a title oof #btw writing in you f/o's POV and describing how he sees you/your si is very healing #OKAY so I will post this now before I hate it again let's goo

[greenteaandtattoos]

Do you think Rosegarden still has a chance? I know that shouldn't be my takeaway from today's episode...my brain is just in a weird place and I'd like to know your opinion

So, here's what I got to say about this, anon.

I don't think it's off the table. Oscar undoubtedly has a crush on Ruby. He has been seen repeatedly more concerned about her well-being than the others:

Miles has said that their relationship is built on "adorable awkwardness and immense respect and admiration for each other", which I found to be a pretty good foundation for a relationship if there ever was one. We've seen how quickly Ruby and Oscar have come to trust each other, especially when you look at the Dojo Scene in A Necessary Sacrifice, and see that Oscar was the first person that Ruby had opened up to about her traumas and fears surrounding Beacon and the battle ahead.

On top of that, Oscar was also the first person to ask how Ruby was doing. The others try to support Ruby, but they haven't really been looking at her. She's struggling, she's been struggling, and she keeps it all bottled in because she doesn't want to burden them, and Oscar doesn't think that's okay. If he's allowed to be afraid, then she is, too.

Of course, that Dojo Talk was one of the memories Ruby thought of when she was activating her silver eyes in Our Way to defeat the Leviathan:

They also have many parallels, including several Ruby-centric songs that talk about trees:

The lightning doesn't take advice from anyone The willow doesn't need to learn to stand - Rising

The tears that you’ve shed May find a tree to water - Until the End

What I'd give in exchange To be happy without trying

To her tree - Inside

I do not believe that's a coincidence. Certainly not when the tree stanza in Until the End plays right as Yang is asking where Oscar was in the V7 finale. And, to add to that, the Until the End motif plays in the beginning of Divide, specifically when Oscar is staring into the fire.

And, of course, we cannot forget about his blush, as I mentioned. He canonically has a crush on Ruby. Some may say, "Oh, but he blushed when Neon called him cute", and to that, I say, duh! He was embarrassed and feeling awkward because he likely has never had that sort of attention before.

But the thing is, we've had many times of blushes in RWBY, and all it takes is a little analytical observation to recognize the context of them.

For instance, we have blushes that represent awkwardness:

In these moments, Blake and Oscar were feeling awkward at the moment. Blake was feeling a little awkward over Yang's opinions on her new outfit, and Oscar had just been flirted with, probably for the first time.

Then we have blushes that represent embarrassment:

Ruby and Nora were feeling embarrassed at the moment. Ruby had been complimented out of the blue and, well, Nora had landed in a position that put Ren in "visible panties" range.

Next, we have blushes that represent relief:

Ruby was relieved at this moment. hadn't seen Yang in nearly two days, their last interaction being a fight, lost total connection with her, watched Salem invade Atlas, and was hunted down by a monster that turned out to be a fucking Person.

Up next, we've got blushes that represent anger:

Ruby was pissed right here. She was about to comfort Oscar, who was looking like he was hit by a train thrice times over and then saw Emerald. The person who she once thought was her friend, who betrayed her and helped take down Beacon, and subsequently led to the death of Pyrrha and Penny the first time.

And finally, we have blushes that represent attraction:

Definitively, all of these blushes were from their attraction. Blake was calling Sun a dork while he did a silly little dance, back when they were doing the BlackSun route, Yang was very clearly attracted to Blake at this moment, and Ilia had literally confessed to being attracted to Blake.

And then we get to Oscar's blush in Divide:

He blushed when Ruby touched his shoulder. He did not blush when she comforted him, he did not blush out of embarrassment or awkwardness or relief, he blushed when she touched his shoulder.

There is no context beyond attraction that makes sense for the reason of his blush.

Blushing, used in tandem with common tropes, is used as a device in storytelling, especially in visual storytelling, to portray emotions, and as we've seen above, it can be a variety of different emotions. But it is irrefutable knowledge that blushing used as a tool to portray romantic attraction is the most common trope.

So, to get to the point I wanted to make: they need to resolve Oscar's blush. Whether it's one-sided and he eventually loses it like Blake with Sun and Weiss with Neptune, or he and Ruby get together, at some point, it needs to be addressed in one way or another.

Beyond his crush, there are many parallels the two have, including narrative tropes such as chosen ones, and as Miles said: "Ruby chose adventure, adventure chose Oscar", sun/moon symbolism, a search for their identity, and both having been burdened with the fate of the world and mankind without their consent, with Ruby being a silver-eyed warrior and Oscar being a like-minded soul to Oz, and thus being his next host in the merge. Those are just to name a couple.

Another thing is that RWBY has put a heavy emphasis on souls. Ruby is a "smaller, more honest soul" and a "simple soul", while Oscar is a "like-minded soul", so they have that parallel. Both have direct ties to one of the biggest and most important aspects of the show.

And of course, we have the manor fumble in As Above, So Below and the almost-hug during their reunion in Ultimatum:

I could go on and on, but I won't, because I want to get to the second part of my answer. That being, I also don't think it's as likely as I previously hoped it would be. They've got a LOT going for them, in my opinion, but in all honesty, so does Nuts n Dolts.

Altercation at the Auspicious Auction definitely has a lot going for it in terms of giving us Nuts n Dolts crumbs, more than any other episode, I'd say.

We have the scene with Jinxy, where when Ruby bids for the jade doll that she's drawn to, he asks Ruby to give up "enough hope to fill [the] jar", and then the scene angles the jar where it looks like the doll has "filled" the jar.

That right there says that Ruby saw Penny as hope. As her hope. And now it's gone. She lost her once, got her back, did everything in her power to protect her, and failed. She failed, and Penny is dead.

And after that scene, we get Penny's eulogy:

"The weapon of a powerful warrior. Not just a powerful warrior, the most powerful to ever live. She was touched by magic and she gave her life for thousands. She took a message of hope to the stars and she saw the world through better eyes".

I'll just say now that Penny's eulogy is one of the most beautiful and gut-wrenching things I've ever heard. It also shows that Ruby saw Penny in a different light than other people. She quite literally saw her as better than the rest of the world, or more accurately, more pure.

Truth be told, this episode has absolutely made me go, hey! Nuts n Dolts might actually be confirmed canon! And honestly, I wouldn't be particularly upset about it. I like Nuts n Dolts. I just prefer it in an AU sense. I have some particular criticisms of their relationship in the show that turned me away from them having a canon relationship, but I really do like the ship in any other sense.

I'm not sure how they would go about this because Penny is dead; I don't think a relationship is possible unless they did some resurrection shenanigans, which I personally don't like, not to mention that Penny is supposedly a part of Winter now, so I'm not even sure how a resurrection would be done.

But otherwise, I do think that Nuts n Dolts has a good chance of being confirmed canon. But I also think that Rosegarden is still on the table and has a pretty good chance, too. As a hardcore Rosegarden shipper, I'd be ecstatic if Rosegarden became canon, but we don't always get what we want, and really, RWBY isn't a romance show.

So, it's not like I'd get hung up on it if it doesn't. I'll be bummed, then get back to the story and characters, because ultimately, that's what I'm here for.

TL;DR:

Yes, I think Rosegarden still has a pretty good chance, just not as much as before, and I think Nuts n Dolts has a decently high chance, too. I won't be upset if Nuts n Dolts is confirmed, I love the ship in AUs. I'll be bummed if Rosegarden doesn't get confirmed, but we're all adults and we should recognize that shipping is meant for fun, not wars, and move on with our lives no matter what ship gets confirmed.

Or Ruby doesn't end up with anyone, I get my aro rep, and we continue writing fanfiction and drawing fanart of our ships.

#ask #anon #rwby #rwby9 #rwby spoilers #ruby rose #oscar pine #penny polendina #rosegarden #nuts n dolts #orringinal answers #rwby meta #rwby analysis