#we don’t eat meat on Fridays

[brunetterightsactivist]

All this is happening to me as punishment for being a bad catholic and never doing lent

#fasting…giving up things……who has the energy #I usually don’t eat meat on Fridays I will say but occasionally I forget #I was gonna try this year but Ash Wednesday was literally my bosses birthday so we had pizza and cake. and so I just gave up lol

[praisethegabs]

HOT

pairing: leon kennedy x reader synopsis: you and leon decide to drink in a bar once the guy you both investigate doesn't show up. the thing is, he's really hot and attractive and gets all the attention. the problem? well, leon doesn't like it when you flirt with someone else. warnings: pure smut, p in v, rough sex, leon being very jealousy and kinky. MINORS DNI! author's note: I wrote this one with id!leon because it fits better, vaguely based on hot by avril lavigne because it came first in my mind when i read the request. whoever you are, anon, i hope you enjoy it! word count: 3060k

The entire bar was having fun.

All the people inside it were busy minding their own lives, drinking with their friends, their loved ones or just drinking alone, enjoying their own company. This bar, in particular, had some red neon lights inside, live music, and a nice decoration. Despite all the happiness and the music around and the loud conversations, two people weren’t there just for fun, just to enjoy a casual Friday night.

Sitting next to you, there was the most handsome man you ever knew. And the sexiest one, too. The name of this beauty? Leon Scott Kennedy.

You and Leon were partners for a long time. He even trained you personally. Some people used to say you both have a lot of chemistry together, and sometimes, they even think he’s your boyfriend — once you hear someone say they thought Leon was your husband. Unfortunately, you are just his close friend, which you hate entirely because God knows how many times you desired this man, even dreamed about him fucking you at his desk at the agency. So, playing with masks, he’s just your friend.

But, to be honest, you aren’t behind him when the subject is beauty.

You’re used to having people eating you with their eyes like you’re some kind of meat. In terms of beauty, everyone says you look beautiful as well as Leon is, that’s why everybody says you both look like a couple from a Hollywood film, which is very funny, because everyone sees it, except for him. The other funny thing is that Leon is so awkward around people that it’s cute because only you know how uncomfortable he might get when it comes to talking to another woman.

But why the hell aren’t you guys enjoying this Friday night like everyone else inside the bar?

The answer is very simple. Because you two aren’t just normal people. You both were there for a job, and apparently, the person you guys are investigating decided not to show up and, apparently, too, frustrate your plans. You have both been working for months, and this was the perfect opportunity to finally get to him. You were stressed, tired, and angry, and your face wasn’t very friendly at the moment.

“I think we should enjoy the night. We already know that asshole won’t show up” you hear Leon say, his voice very smooth and sexy, just like him.

“We’re working,” you said to him, very annoyed, your fingernails tapping the table with rage, a clear sign of yours that you were very angry at the moment.

“Not anymore. He didn’t come, and we have all night. We can start working at seven tomorrow morning” Leon teases you, that smirk on his lips that in a daily basis makes you go feral, but not at the moment.

“I’m not compromising my mission just because you want to get drunk, Kennedy” Your voice sounds sharper than your intention, but he didn’t seem to care about your annoyance. He knows you.

“Oh, come on, sweetheart. Don’t be a pain in my ass, I’m gently asking you to join me on this lovely Friday night and have fun with me” Leon smirks again, his devilish smile that makes you feel things you don’t want to. The same smile that locks your eyes on his lips and makes you imagine very naughty things.

“One drink only” you sighed to him, rolling your eyes. He smiles victoriously and decides to order two drinks for you guys. After he ordered your beverage, he just leaned comfortably on the chair and smirked at you again, one hand in his lap and the other on the table. “What now?”

“You look deadly beautiful when you’re angry like this” he teases you. You roll your eyes again, which makes him smile more. He knows how to push you to your limits. He knows how to leave you on the edge. "It's very sexy, y'know?"

Before you say anything, the waiter finally delivered your drinks, which you take one shot, feeling the taste in your throat, squeezing your eyes immediately.

"Yeah, I know," you said to him, avoiding his gaze. For some reason, you are very uncomfortable, and Leon probably knows it because he's responsible for making you feel this way.

Looking around, you can notice how everyone in the bar seems to be instantly attracted by him, which makes you feel very angry. You start to think what the hell all these people think they are? Leon is your partner. He's with you, not with them, right? They don't need to put their eyes on him, because Leon belongs to you and you only.

But then, you have to remind yourself that he's just your friend. He's nothing more than this, and you'll have to accept that. If he decides to be with someone else that isn't you, well, you won't be able to change that. You look at him again, drinking another shot from the alcohol inside your glass, his eyes shining strangely at you, like he's planning something. And let's be honest here, you hate how unpredictable he can be sometimes.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" You ask him, still noticing how people around were looking at him. This time, you were starting to get angry again. Not even all the alcohol in the world would change that.

"Like what, sweetheart?" Leon smirks one more time, still teasing you, like he always does. You were starting to swear to God you would kill him.

"Like you want something," your eyes lock on his, and you wished you could burn him for looking at you that way.

"Maybe I do want something from you" he said very slowly, leaning closer to your face as he speaks, and in response, you do the same, feeling the smell of his cologne penetrate your nose and making your body shiver.

And when he noticed that, he just smiled largely, like this is a game you both were playing to see who can go insane first and to see how it would end. Sure, you both have been doing this for a very long time, but something says to you that this time, things will end differently than usual, and, honestly, you want to see it. You want to see you both burning with pleasure, moaning to each other like like there's no tomorrow.

But then, you noticed again how people were looking at him and this time, you decide to end this once and for all. Besides, it's Friday, and you can get drunk and do whatever you want without even care about the consequences. So, with full determination, you take another shot from your drink, squeeze your eyes and decides to end all this jealous you're feeling. He's just your slutty handsome partner and friend. Nothing more.

"I think it's funny how everyone here seems to be eating you alive." you look at him, your expression a little bit serious, but very provocative. He wants to play with you, but you'll be the one to throw the cards.

Leon smirks again, but he doesn't need to look around to know what you're talking about. He knows everyone is looking at him, and he certainly knows why they can't get their eyes off of him. Plus, he knows the effect that it has on you and how much you hate seeing him receiving so much attention.

"Just ignore it, sweetheart. You know I only have eyes for you, " he smirks again, playful. You know what he's trying to do, and just to play along, you removed your high heels, then reach his leg with your feet under the table, slowly going up on him until you reach his cock, which makes him blush.

"Oh, honey, you weren't expecting that, do you?" You ask him very smoothly and sensual, smiling very teasingly, like he was doing to you. "Do you think you're the only one around who's gonna receive attention?"

Saying that, you put your high heels on again then you get up, finish your drink, and go to dance alone on the dance floor. Your red and tight dress shines with all the lights around the place as you dance with different persons. There's a guy holding your waist as he pulls you closer to him, and in the middle of all this, your eyes find Leon as he watches you with a surprised look. You know exactly how to provoke him, and you know it's working. His expression slowly starts to change, and he stands up, going straight a blonde woman next to him.

You can say he's flirting with her. He's smiling and whispering closer to her ear, which makes your entire body go feral, as she seems to be enjoying this piece of God's work of art all by herself. And, for some other unknown reason you can't explain, you decide to make him pay double for it. Walking straight to him in a sensual way, you sat on his lap, your arms around his neck.

"Oh, darling, I found you! I was looking for you everywhere!" you said to him, with a devilish smile on your lips, your dress so tight that you can feel him getting bigger inside his pants. "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't see you there. My husband loves to talk with other people when I'm not around. He's very beautiful, don't you think?" you said to the girl, which made her entire face blush.

"What the hell are you doing?" You feel Leon hold your waist very tight, his grip getting more intense, which made you smile even more.

"Don't worry, sweetheart, I'm not the jealous type, I'd love to meet your new friend," you wink at him, as the girl excuses herself before she leaves you both alone. Leon looks at you like he's about to end your life right here and right now, and this makes you smile even more.

"Why are you behaving like that?" He asks you very annoyed, his voice sharper, as you stand up again, adjusting your dress, still smiling very devilish.

"Because we're in public, I know I'm very hot and attractive, and because... sweetheart... it's not just you who's receiving attention" you said closer to his ear, biting his earlobe to make him go insane.

"Do you want attention, honey?" Leon stands up, getting closer to you, as you feel his breath on your face. Instantly, your heart starts to beat faster inside your chest. "Then I'll give you full attention"

Saying that, Leon drives you back to the hotel where you both were staying, pretending to be a happy married couple in a nice honeymoon. Once you reach your room, Leon drops you on your bed without gentleness, he took off your dress without asking permission, throwing it away, then he removed his belt, using it to tie your hands on the bed. Now you were naked, tied and your pussy were all wet.

"Oh you have no idea how much I wanted to do this with you" he said, his hands circling your nipples as he sees you twitching for him. "Such a desperate slut for me, huh? You're so wet and I haven't done anything... yet"

You were opening your mouth to say something, but instead, he shut you with his hand, forcing you to keep quiet, as his other hand finally reaches your wet pussy, circling your clit slowly, making you suffer.

"I'm gonna make you pay for dancing with that man, for letting him touch you" he says, circling your clit slowly, as you start to moan, your mouth muffled by his hand. "And I'm gonna make you scream my name"

You were so screwed and you knew that. You knew Leon was a kinky son of a bitch, and you knew he was going to make you beg to let you cum. You knew he was going to deny every orgasm of yours. You pushed him to his edge and now you were going to pay the price for it.

"Look at you... such a beautiful slut. So wet for me..." he says, before he starts to lick your nipple, still using his free hand to muffle you. "This is what you get when you misbehave"

Your pussy was starting to ache, your body desperate for his touch, to feel his cock inside you, to cum all over him. You were so desperate for him, you wanted to beg, you wanted to feel him. But he needed to teach you a lesson first.

"Spread this legs for me" he orders, his fingers now inside you as you obey his command, spreading your legs. "Such a obedient slave... maybe I should reward you. Stay still"

He then returned with ropes, using them to tie your legs, to make sure you wouldn't move again or close them. Now you were twitching your body, you couldn't handle this pleasure anymore, you wanted so badly to cum, you wanted so badly to feel him inside, to eat you like a dessert. Jesus, you wanted so badly to be fucked by him.

"Please Leon... I'll behave, I promise" you said to him, your body twitching as you feel your pussy aching with excitement, you could feel yourself all wet.

"You had your chance, sweetheart" he said, crawling over you, his tongue licking your clit, making you moan louder with his touch, as he holds your legs against his face, not letting you move.

"O-oh G-God..." you moan louder again, your body twitching more with his tongue licking you with intensity. You could feel yourself getting closer to your orgasm and, unfortunately, he knew that too, which why he stopped, a mischievous smile on his lips as he licks it, feeling yourself.

"You'll have your orgasm when I say so" he said, unzipping his pants. He removed his belt from your hands, then he pulls your closer. "Get on all fours for me"

You turned around, but the ropes on your ankles made it difficult at first. Then, he stayed right in front of you, pushing your hair to make sure you were looking straight at him.

"Open this pretty mouth of yours for me" he ordered and you did so. He then puts his cock inside your mouth, making you suck him so deeper that your eyes were tearing up. "Didn't you wanted to taste me?"

You nod, still sucking his cock deeper in your throat. You were so wet, your pussy were aching more as he fucks your mouth, and moans louder. He removes himself off of you, using his finger to make you suck it for him.

"Beg for me" he says, making you suck his finger as he starts to masturbate himself, watching you suck his finger like a slut.

"Please, Leon... let me have your cock, please" you beg to him, your eyes locked on his, as you kept sucking his finger. He smiles, masturbating himself and moaning, denying the only thing you want so badly.

Leon stops touching himself and then goes behind you, his dick entering your pussy without gentleness, his hips against yours with violence as you hold tight the sheets and moans louder. Your pussy were aching with him fucking you hard and deeper, pushing your hair tight, his hips reaching your ass harder.

"Good girl" he moans again, fucking you harder.

"I-I can't... I can't hold anymore" you moan to him, feeling your orgasm closer as he keeps fucking you harder and harder.

"Yes, you can. If you dare cum on me without my consent, you'll be punished" he says very serious to you, still going deeper and faster, not even caring to hold back.

You bite your lower lip, squeezing your eyes as you feel him getting faster and harder on you. It is so much pain mixed with pleasure that all you think about is scream his name, to beg for him to let you go. This feeling he was giving you was far more different than you ever could imagine. Sure, you imagined him banging you on his desk, on his bed, dinner table, even in his bathroom, but what he was doing to you... well, it was something else.

"S-shit" he moans louder, fucking you harder, as you feel him releasing his cum on your ass. But even after he had his orgasm, he wouldn't stop right now. "Someone's need to be pleased, don't you think?"

"Y-yes, please" you beg for him, catching your breath as you feel his fingers on you again, circling your clit, then another one fucking you.

"Too bad I don't have toys with me... you would be begging even more" he whispers closer to your ear as he keeps masturbating you. "Scream my name, sweetheart, I know that you want to"

"Leon, please" you beg him, your legs starting to tremble as you feel your orgasm getting closer for the third time after he denied the others.

"Scream my name" he orders, threatening to stop masturbating you, his fingers moving slowly.

"LEON, PLEASE!" you scream to him, which makes him smile and finally moving faster, until you finally had your orgasm. Your entire body started to tremble, your legs almost failing you as you moan louder, a warm feeling growing inside you.

"Good girl" he smiles satisfied, releasing your ankles from the ropes, then pulling you closer to cuddle with him. Your body were all sweaty and the feeling of his cock on your ass made your body shiver.

And then, he just kissed you, removing your sweaty hair off of your face, his strong arms involving you in a warm hug as his body warms yours in a perfect synchronization, like he was perfectly made for you, and you for him.

"Did it hurt?" He asks very gently to you, still holding you tight on his arms, his breath steady and slowly reaching your neck, making you shiver again.

"No. To be honest, I really enjoyed it" you smile at him, cuddling with his body, relaxing your tensed muscles. "It was better than I thought"

"I'm glad you enjoyed..." he says, letting you down on him, as he watches you very closely, his breath reaching your face. "Because next time you tease me like that, I won't have mercy on you"

#leon s kennedy x reader #leon kennedy x reader #leon kennedy x you #leon kennedy smut #leon kennedy #leon s kennedy #leon scott kennedy #leon kennedy infinite darkness #infinite darkness leon #leon resident evil #re4 leon #leon re2 #resident evil leon #leon s kennedy x you #leon scott kennedy x reader #leon smut #leon scott kennedy x you #leon re4 #vendetta leon #resident evil 4 #resident evil

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Winter's King 3

No tag lists. Do not send asks or DMs about updates. Review my pinned post for guidelines, masterlist, etc.

Warnings: this fic will include dark content such as noncon/dubcon, cheating, violence, and possible untagged elements. My warnings are not exhaustive, enter at your own risk.

This is a dark!fic and explicit. 18+ only. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Summary: You are a maid to the Duke of Debray, a lord of the Summer Kingdom. That is, until the king of Winter appears with his particular air of coldness. (Medieval AU)

Characters: Geralt of Rivia

Note: wooooo, friday!

As per usual, I humbly request your thoughts! Reblogs are always appreciated and welcomed, not only do I see them easier but it lets other people see my work. I will do my best to answer all I can. I’m trying to get better at keeping up so thanks everyone for staying with me.

Your feedback will help in this and future works (and WiPs, I haven’t forgotten those!) Please do not just put ‘more’. I will block you.

I love you all immensely. Take care. 💖

Despite the unease of the king’s proximity, you drift down into a hollow sleep. The sort that is grey and empty and dizzying. When you wake, you’re alone. The bed is sparse and spacious as you lay tucked in the blanket, snug around your figure. You slide your arm up as you feel a cool graze along your scalp. 

You fix your cap back on your head, wrinkled from being caught beneath you. You roll onto your back and tug at the blanket until you can sit up. As you do, you notice the yellow beam around the silhouette at the window. The king’s hair shines brilliantly in the sunlight. 

You rub your cheek, hot from friction with the pillow. You look down at the blanket rumpled around your waist. You kick if off and climb off the mattress. There is no time to be sleeping. By the slant of the light, you know it’s due time to rise. You turn to tidy the covers, pulling them taut, corner to corner. 

You brush smooth your apron as best you can, a dent left diagonal down the skirt. You turn and glance towards the door. You don’t dare leave without dismissal, nor do you wish to break the king’s peace. 

“You slept heavy,” he says without moving, “you must have needed it.” 

“Your highness,” you croak through a dry throat. “I didn’t...” 

“Didn’t what?” He wonders. “All must rest, even the mice and meagre.” 

You bow your head and fold your hands. You stay as you are as he lowers his own head and his arms move as he fusses with something. There’s a soft tear and he brings something to his mouth. He turns and leans against the curtain, crushed to the stone by his weight. 

“And they must eat,” he offers a morsel of salted meat. 

“Your highness, it is generous--” 

“But you mean to deny me,” he challenges. “Does modesty serve you as well as you serve others?” 

You don’t know how to answer that. You press your lips tight and once more lower your chin. You wring your hands and markedly stop yourself. 

He crosses the room with slow, long strides. He stops before you. The morning light limns his thick body through the white fabric of his nightshirt. He brings the strip of jerky before you, holding it below your nose. 

“I do not trust a turncloak to feed me from his trough,” he intones, gently leaning the meat to your lips. “A king must worry about such things, but not a servant. Who would ever need taint their food, if they let them any at all.” 

You look up at him. His eyes blaze down at you, stunningly gold, like sparkling coins. He prods with the strip and you open your lips to let it slip through you nibble through the thick morsel until a piece breaks off and he rescinds the rest, taking a bite of his own. 

“It’s the last of my elk, and stale at that,” he explains, “in the hinterland, we do eat more than salt, but on campaign, we must eat what we have.” 

You chew, watching him as he turns to pace. He makes you curious. He is a fearsome man, even in only a night shirt, but he thinks overly much. 

“That summer maiden will not like the cold,” he mutters as he rounds the tub then comes back to you. Half the strip remains. He offers it, “take it.” 

You do as he bids. He watches you intently as you hold the jerky and you bring it close to your lips. You stop, “thank you, your highness. You are a generous king.” 

“No, I am a prudent king. Not always generous, not always cruel, only when the moment calls for one or the other,” he stays before you, eyes torrid as they cling to you. 

“Well, you’ve been generous to me, your highness,” you say before you bite into the meat. It is heavier than what you are used to but tasty nonetheless. 

“Prudent,” he repeats, “so I must send you away. Send you back.” He inhales, his broad chest lifting, making him appear even larger, “you have done your duty admirably, little maid.” 

You chew, making a face as you can’t answer for your mouthful. He inclines his head towards you. 

“No,” he shakes his head, “say nothing more. Eat and go. There is still a war to be won before I claim my kingdom.” He puts his back to you and marches back to the window, adding in a grey tone, “...and a wife.” 

His last words are so quiet, so dull, you hardly can discern them. He leans on the window ledge as he stares off beyond the walls. The sun rises around him, casting him in gold. You swallow what’s left of the elk strip and shuffle to the door. As you open it, you hear a sigh, and you close it behind you without glancing back. 

The king does not sound pleased with his nuptials. So is the fare of nobles and their titles. Often the very status that brings them privilege brings them just as much misery. A handmaid only need worry about her next task. 

⚔️

Lady Jazlene is far more satisfied with her imminent union. She is aflutter as you enter her chambers. Merinda watches with dulcet irritation. The duke’s daughter flits around, throwing silks and satins. Lady Rezlyn watches her from a cushioned bench, a goblet in hand as she tuts and tisks at very choice. 

“Mother,” Jazlene tosses down layers of goldenrod yellow, “if none should do, a new dress might be cut, yes?” 

“A new dress? Of what fabric? We are in wartime, dearest,” Rezyn scoffs. 

“And yet you have your reds and your citrus,” the younger accuses. 

“I need wine to steel my nerves and citrus to fill my stomach. You needn’t a dress to live. You have many and more,” Rezlyn snickers. 

“Mother, I swear you do goad me. He is a king. And the war should end soon. There must be silk to be had,” Jazlene whines, and what of jewels? Pearls? Emerald? Sapphire?” 

Merinda shifts, you can sense her thoughts and the little whispers she’s hoarding away for you. She always has the sharpest quips about the pair of ladies and their whimsies. You do agree with some but you can no more blame them for being frivolous noblewoman than you can yourself for being a simple maid. 

Jazlene continues her storm around the chamber. Her nerves are contagious, you can feel a similar stirring in your gut. Perhaps she realises the same as you do. All she knows is about to change irrevocably. 

You try to think of what it will be like when she is married. She must have the same thoughts. You can’t quite picture it. Geralt sitting where Rezlyn does, perhaps he too holds a goblet, Jazlene rambling over her skirts and gems and all the things she wants. You don’t imagine he’d listen for long. Then again, you don’t know the king at all. Not enough to presume you would know. 

Lady Jazlene puts a string of rubies around her neck and preens in the mirror. She points to you then her hair. You come forward and set to pinning her hair. Lady Rezlyn rises and you peek at her in the mirror. She scowls at her wine. 

“Enough fussing, your father wishes us to see the king to break our fast,” the elder holds out her goblet and Merinda comes forward to take it. “And I need more wine.” 

Jazlene shoos you away and stands. She hangs her shoulders and drags her feet, “mother, I will be a queen soon. You cannot order me around so.” 

“Not as yet,” Rezlyn warns, “you have much to learn of being a wife before you worry so much of queendom.” 

Jazlene huffs and pushes her shoulders back. She looks at her reflection once more, posing and posturing. She curves her lips in a wry smirk. 

“Queendom,” she trills, “oh mother.” 

“Yes, yes, don’t get ahead of yourself,” Lady Rezlyn stomps over to her daughter and takes her by the wrist, “you must first think of how to please your husband. As I can tell, it won’t be an easy task, and yet he is as any man is. He is... still a man.” 

“Oh mother,” Jazlene giggles. 

“Look at you, you are marvelous,” Rezlyn pets her daughter’s cheek. “He is a warrior; he holds his shield close but he cannot resist your beauty.”  

The mother keeps hold of her daughter and leads her to the doors. You and Merinda follow at several paces. A habit to keep from trodding on their skirts. The enter the corridor and tension coils around them. The descend to the great hall and to the west wing where the dining hall resides. 

Lord Dustan stands by the head of the table. On most days he would sit in that chair but he only paces around it, tugging at his little triangle beard. You rarely see him so restless. Often, he is as careless as his wife and daughter. 

“Husband, I thought we were to break fast--” 

“Yes, yes,” he waves off his wife’s words, “the king has yet to awaken.” 

You stand by a statue, just to one side of the door. You cannot see the opening around it. You find comfort in its shadow, content to go unnoticed. You wonder if anyone looked upon you, would they see your thoughts. The king is awake but why hasn’t he emerged? 

“What about the marriage?” Rezlyn asks, “a contract?” 

“Wife, if I say it is to be, it is,” Dustan retorts, “must you ever heap upon me?” 

“It isn’t my intent. I am only making certain our daughter’s future is secured. That our family name is to prosper. Husband, I ask in the interest of your profit.” 

“You ask too much,” the duke hisses. 

Before he can receive his wife’s sharp response, sturdy footfalls approach and mute their conversation. A shadow casts through the doorway and you know by the silhouette it can only be one person. King Geralt enters, unassuming in his mail and black clothes. His silver hair is half up, a braid down the back of it. He has his sword strapped to his back. 

“Your highness, the cooks are preparing breakfast--” 

“There is not time for you to sit and gorge,” the king snarls, “there is a war to be won. There is no advantage in waiting on word of your deceit to spread.” 

Dustan has the grace to look ashamed. He twitches and paws at his overcoat, “I... your highness, I would need time to prepare for my departure.” 

“You need mail and a sword. You have a barn full of horses. Mount it and we will be away.” The king insists, “my men march within the hour. We will remember who our allies were when the day is won.” 

“Y-your highness, I--” 

“That is the trouble with summer lords. You think war is played across a board,” the king growls. “war is won in blood and steel. If all you can offer me is words, I am not interested in this contract.” 

“Your highness, I will ready. At once,” Lord Dustan kicks his heels together, “you are right. My spurs are ready.” 

The king drones grimly. He sets his shoulders and opens and closes a fist. Jazlene looks at her mother then steps forward. 

“But your highness, our marriage--” 

“That contract will be met when I have my terms. When my kingdom is forged complete, then I shall have a queen. No sooner than that,” he grits at her. 

“Ah, yes, certainly your highness, then you shall have my favour to ride with,” she pulls a handkerchief from her bodice, “to comfort you in the battles to come.” 

She waves the cloth at him and he says nothing. He grunts and turns to her father. He grabs the duke by his scruff, “let’s hope you can sit a saddle. Carriages are not built for war.” 

King Geralt turns, dragging the Duke of Debray like a stray cat. The king’s golden eyes flick over to you and his jaw ticks. He raises his chin just slightly as he passes, putting his eyes straight only as the meet the corners. He stalks from the room with his blithering ally in tow. 

Jazlene presses her knuckles to her forehead and whines, “mother? Am I to wait anon for my husband? What shall I do? War, war, war! Does it ever end?” 

“Daughter,” Lady Rezlyn sweeps around the table to grab her daughter by the shoulders, “there is no use in bawling. Do not be a child. You are of an age--” 

“Of an age where I should be married!” Jazlene blusters. “How can I be calm when I am promised what I have always wanted and then it is snatched away?” 

“The king will return. As will your father,” Rezlyn shakes her daughter, “King Geralt has made it this far, do not think he will falter now. And when he has claimed victory, he will return to keep good on his promise.” The Lady of Debray lowers her voice, “do you think that your father would break his oath on a chance? That he would gamble. No, he sees what the other lords deny. King Waleran is routed. This war will not last much longer.” 

“Truly, mother?” Jazlene bats her lashes, “how do you know?” 

“Trust your mother,” Rezlyn speaks as though her daughter is no more than a child. “Your father has risked his neck to claim you a king. Do not doubt him.” 

Jazlene considers her mother, searching her face, and pulls her into an embrace. She lets out a shrill squeal and pulls back. Her cheeks round with glee. 

“You’re right mother, this is a blessing. This will allow us time to alter a dress fitting for such a wedding.” 

“Don’t forget a coronation,” Rezlyn adds coyly. 

#geralt of rivia #dark geralt #dark!geralt #geralt of rivia x reader #fic #dark fic #dark!fic #series #au #winter's king #the witcher #medieval au

[dontyoufeelitangel]

Happy Easter Adam

This contains major Christian/religious themes and traditions, if you aren’t comfortable with that I advise scrolling.

Easter was something you and Adam would always celebrate together.

On this holiday Adam tended to get very emotional, same with other holidays like Christmas and such.

All year round Adam was a party animal. Jumping from concert to concert, sleeping with groupie on top of groupie. It was only on holy holidays like this that Adam would refrain from his party rocking persona. On holidays like this, he’d spend his days with you.

On Valentine’s Day he took you out to a nice fancy dinner, and on that night you both started your lent sacrifice.

No candy.

Simple enough for you, but Adam thrived on three simple things.

Ribs, alcohol and artificial sugar.

So when lent started he almost broke it three days later.

How did he almost break it?

Adam -the first man Adam- had a major hangover, so in turn, he wanted to crush up a Tylenol and put it in a Fun-Dip packet.

Oh god he’s slow , you’d think to yourself

You quickly had to grab the candy packet from him, he protested but nothing to extreme. His hangover was drowning out his energy and ability to argue with you.

“Why don’t you take the medicine with some juice honey?” You had offered him.

.

He had survived his lent sacrifice, now he had to make room for Good Friday,,, another nightmare for him, no meat.

Of course Adam had priorities, he spent his Good Friday sending prayers to his holy father.

You found it adorable that no matter how hard he partied and how unholy some of his actions could be, he still made room to do some good on the holidays.

He was fine on Good Friday, up until dinner,

“What do you mean no meat?” He questioned you as he made his way to the dinner table.

“Honey, Jesus sacrificed his flesh today, we must give up meat. It’s only for today, I promise you.” You put your hand on top of his and gave him a sympathetic smile.

“That’s a human thing babe! We’re already dead! I don’t see why we can’t just have some,” he tried arguing with you

“ oh hush! I made stuffed bell peppers and pasta with cauliflower,” you put a plate in front of him.

“If you don’t want to eat it, then fine, don’t eat it. You’ve spent all day praying, don’t throw that away because you want some meat. I know you Adam, I know you can do the right thing.” You crossed your arms and looked at him sternly.

“Fine fine” he muttered and started cutting his stuffed bell pepper.

.

Today was resurrection day, commonly known as Easter.

Early in the morning Adam prayed to his holy father and even made a visit to the big man himself.

That morning you two went out for coffee,

Normally you’d settle for any cafe but today Adam took you to a rockin cafe, or so he called it.

“It’s really cool babe! In the cafe they have a record player connected to big speakers. And they like totally let you play whatever record you bring in, so they’re always playing good vintage rock there!” Adam cheered on as he was walking with you.

“The coffee cups are black and they paint on them with these like white paint pens. Normally they just write your name but last time I went I told them to draw lightning on my cup and they did! It was so fucking cool, you really have you see it babe!” Adam continued.

You listened to him the whole walk there, your heart could explode he was so cute. You loved hearing Adam talk about the things he liked, it made you feel like he truly trusted you.

You arrived at the cafe and you had to admit, it was a very rocking cafe.

You both got drinks, Adam got a black coffee with twelve packets of sugar, and you got a tea.

Adam was right about the cups too, you could ask for a drawing on your cups and the workers would do it.

Adam got stars and flames drawn on his cup, you got flowers and vines on yours.

You two took a seat in the cafe and talked while the record player in the back spun, letting out a slow jazz song that you quite enjoyed.

After finishing the drinks you promised Adam you’d take him to get treats, candy and pastries from the store to make up for the ‘no candy rule’ during lent.

When arriving to the store Adam pulled your straight to the candy isle.

When something is created on earth it is also brought to heaven.

So when he stumbled across the peeps, he freaked out.

“These are sick! Little ducky marshmallows, humans are getting really creative down there!” Adam laughed.

Despite his teasing comments about the peeps he continued to grab one of each flavor and popped it into the cart.

You grabbed cupcake mix and frosting along with some sprinkles so you two could bake together later.

By the time you two were done shopping the cart was filled with an assortment of goodies including:

Every flavor of peeps, the bunny peeps, milk chocolate Cadbury eggs, Reese’s eggs, jelly beans, Cadbury crème eggs, chocolate bunnies, chocolate crosses, skittles, cookies, cake mix, frosting, sprinkles, bunny ear headbands, egg painting kits and two redbulls.

What a selection.

You and Adam giggled to eachother as the cashier gave you two weird looks.

.

As soon as you two arrived home you started the feast. You and Adam downed the redbulls and cracked open the peeps, going down each flavor and rating them.

You both decided the cotton candy peeps were the best, and the birthday cake peeps were the worst.

Adam dared you to play chubby bunny, a game in which you see how many marshmallows you can stuff in your mouth.

Adam made it to nine marshmallows and you only got to five.

Adam nearly choked as he attempted to shove another marshmallow into his mouth, his poor attempt sent you into a laughing fit causing you to spit out all the marshmallows.

Seeing you enjoy yourself so much made Adam smile, he was so glad he got to spend resurrection day with you.

.

After opening up the rest of the candy and eating some you asked him if he wanted to make cupcakes.

“Um, is that even a question? Fuck yes!” He jumped up running to the kitchen. You flapped your wings and followed behind him.

.

The cupcakes had been baked and how it was time for decorating, he adorned the cakes with yellow frosting and put jelly beans and peeps on top of his.

You on the other hand put baby blue frosting on yours and wrote happy resurrection day! With gel frosting on top of your cakes.

After decorating the cupcakes he offered to make dinner for you.

You gladly accepted.

While he cooked you cleaned the mess you two had previously made. Sugar and candy wrappings thrown everywhere in you and Adam’s living room.

.

For dinner Adam had prepared carrot, asparagus and potatoes with ham for the main dish.

And oh god, he made the lamb cake too…

Despite the fact you two JUST make cupcakes not even two hours earlier he decided to make a lamb cake.

The lamb cake was a tradition you and many other winners around heaven shared.

It was a lamb shaped cake dish that you bake the cake in, then once the cake is done you’d decorate it like a lamb.

Adam was a decent cook. There was no doubt that the cake would taste delicious, it’s the decoration of the cake that was questionable.

The lamb was given white frosting and a face made out of jelly beans.

The white frosting was smeared on in a way that made the poor lamb look like it was balding, and the face was melting off.

The lamb looked like it was begging for mercy, Adam tried to make it look cute though, by adding red colour to the cheeks to make it seem as though the lamb was blushing. It ended up looking like the poor thing had chicken pox.

“I made it for you” Adam stated.

You smiled

“Awwwwe honey!” You walked up to him and wrapped your arms around his neck, placing a small kiss on his nose.

“It’s cute” you tilted your head and looked him in the eyes, a genuine smile painted your face.

“You really think so” he smiled wrapping his arms around your waist.

“I know so, now let’s eat.” You let go of him and sat down at the table.

He had gotten the plates of dinner ready for the two of you and he had set them down on the table making his way to sit down next to you.

You grabbed his hand and closed your eyes,

“Lord, thank you for this wonderful day, this lovely meal. Please bless the hands that prepared it. Lord thank you for your sacrifices and thank you for blessing me with this amazing partner” you prayed.

You and Adam both said amen in unison.

You went to pick up a fork but Adam placed his hand on yours, then gave you a quick peck on the head.

You smiled at him while he started eating,

You were very grateful you had him, and for everything he is.

.

#hazbin hotel #hazbin hotel fanfiction #hazbin hotel x reader #adam hazbin hotel #adam hazbin x reader #adam x reader #hazbin adam #hazbin hotel adam #hazbin hotel vox #hazbin hotel mimzy #hazbin hotel charlie #hazbin hotel husk #hazbin hotel alastor #hazbin vox #hazbin lucifer #lucifer morningstar #hazbin alastor #hazbin cherri bomb #hazbin husk #hazbin angel dust #hazbin vaggie #hazbin charlie

[tahdashi]

fluff ⊹ college au

as much as he hates to admit it to himself, osamu is struggling. 

he wants to be strong — someone you could depend on, someone you could run to when life’s wearing you down, someone you could simply feel content and safe with. his thoughts were plagued with the notion that he was anything but that someone to you. 

and that’s why he does everything in his ability to bring that radiant smile — the one he finds himself daydreaming about — to the curve of your lips. 

while his friends go out to dingy frat houses, singing at the top of their lungs as they celebrate their freedom and youth, osamu picks up the night shift at the diner by his apartment. he started working there his first year, hoping to make some extra money so his mom wouldn’t have to worry about him from miles and miles away. the owner was a sweet man, roughly in his 60s, often humming an incomprehensible tune as he chopped vegetables and meat. truthfully, osamu didn’t mind working extra shifts while his friends went out (they’d call him boring and a workaholic, but he didn’t care). in fact, he was happy to make extra money if it meant that he could take you out to a fancy dinner (a local ramen restaurant), buy you dessert afterward (a quick stop to the convenience store with a smile on his face as he watches the light from the freezer section reflect in your eyes), and surprise you with flowers to end the night (hand-picked from the field a couple miles off campus). 

perhaps he should be living like the rest — either catching up on assignments in the library or coming back home stumbling and slurring his words. perhaps he should start saving his money like you always tell him to, but he’s only twenty and feels no reason to. 

he’d much rather be here, at the silver counter at the back of the diner kitchen, experimenting with different sauces while the man next to him hums the same usual love song. this time, the aura’s a bit different. the man has a smile on his face, he’s chopping the green onion at a slow beat as if there’s a metronome playing in his head. 

“son, ya like cookin’, don’t ya?” 

“i do, sir,” osamu continues to add garlic to the simmering sauce in his pan, a sugary sheen glazing over it. 

“why not cook at home? bring that special someone ya keep thinkin’ about,” he jerks his elbow towards osamu’s arm. 

“i like working here. i like the people, and the food, and the sounds.” 

osamu also likes how you visit him every friday when your classes end. without a doubt, rain or shine, you’ll glide into the diner with a soft smile on your lips. he likes how you walk over to the counter and ask him if there’s a ‘samu around. he also likes how you look behind him, checking on the man who’s too busy tapping his wooden spoon against the pot to notice, before placing a gentle kiss to his lips. and in that moment, he lets himself close his eyes, relax a little, melt into it like softened butter. 

and when you pull away, you see the sleepiness in his eyes. you always wonder how he goes to class, comes to work, goes to the library to work on assignments, and then rushes back to the diner after he eats so he can work another shift. bringing your hand up to cradle his cheek, you ask if he’s okay. he leans into the warmth of your skin for a second before giving you a quick nod. 

“i’m almost done with my shift. wanna go out for somethin’ in a bit?” 

“we don’t have to eat out today,” you tell him, tugging on his sleeve like you always do when you insist on staying in. 

“not even ice cream? ya said ya wanted to try that shit-lookin' chocolate one.” 

“if your shit looks like that i’m a bit concerned for you,” you tell him, twirling his sleeve around your fingers. his teeth peek out from his lips in a dimply smile, one that has you swooning. "no shit-lookin' ice cream today."

"then what do ya wanna do? it's friday night, ya should do something fun." you notice the way he excludes himself from his words.

"how about we just chill at my place tonight? watch a movie or something? i still have those chips you like," you insist. "and my roommates aren't home. stay as long as you want?"

oh, how 'samu loves your place — the comfort of your bed, your sheets that smell like you. he can't help but nod a bit too eagerly, catching your hand in his larger ones.

he gets back to work as quick as he can, not wanting you to leave you waiting, but truthfully, you don't mind. you watch his back flex in his black uniform as he wipes down the counter. osamu can feel your eyes on him, and suddenly he has love songs blooming in his mind, wisps of a sweet melody coursing through his veins.

you're too good for him, he thinks. you don't mind his chaste kisses when he's in a rush, or when he decides to nap on your shoulder between classes.

he throws his boss a quick wave before throwing on his jacket, shoving his arm into the sleeve as he stumbles towards the front of the diner to see you again. you look up at him with something like ardor and solace swimming in your eyes. placing a quick kiss to the top of your head, osamu slips his hand into yours.

"sorry, babe, took me longer than usual to check inventory," he apologizes, squeezing your hand a couple times as the brisk air touches your skin.

"'s all good. i like watching you work. you're all focused in there."

"gotta be or that man's gonna throw me out. how else am i gonna pay for your expensive ass drinks?"

"all that for a matcha with sweet cream cold foam," you squeeze his hand back in appreciation.

"yeah, well, don't wan' anyone else buyin' those for ya."

osamu's cute like this — nose all red from the cold, a wrinkle in his brow at the thought of someone else surprising you with your favorite drink every morning. atsumu thinks his brother has it bad for you ("down so fuckin' bad, dude," he'd say), and honestly, osamu agrees. he never thought he'd be excited to wake up at the crack of dawn to pick up your favorite coffee before your 8 am, or watch you get distracted by online shopping when you should've been doing your assignment. if love is seeing you at the end of each day, kissing your lips even when he's covered in condiments and oil, holding your backpack for you after a long day, then osamu wants it all.

because even when he should be worrying about the quiz he has tomorrow and the fact that he hasn't slept properly in the past four weeks, he starts to hum that familiar love song when you unlock the door to your apartment (it's become familiar to you, too, because that tune escapes his lips whenever you're by his side).

reblogs n interactions are appreciated!

#unedited i’m sleeby #not really fluff or romantic but. i just wanted to talk about college student samu :( #i know this man spoils you #sayu.writes #osamu x reader #osamu fluff #miya osamu x reader #miya osamu #haikyuu x reader #haikyuu fluff

[everlastlady]

Bloody Legend Part 7

✘- Author's Note: Haha! Finally fucking posting Bloody Legend on a Friday. Remember to eat a meal or a snack, drink some water, get some fresh air, take your medicine, and remember that you are loved. If you loved this story remember to comment, click or tap that heart button, reblog with tags, and blaze if you can. Always remember to support your local writers. ♡♡♡

✘- Word Count: 3372

✘- Series Parts: Part 1 , Part 2 , Part 3 , Part 4 , Part 5 , Part 6

✘- Story Contains: Mammon, Charlie, Alastor, Angel Dust, Lucifer, Lilith, Fizzarolli, Panic Attacks, Delusionist reader, Reader Back story, illness, hospital, and realization.

“ (Name) go find Alastor and tell him that dinner is ready! “ (Name’s) Mother Lana called out. Little (Name) looked back at their mother. “ We are playing hide and seek, I can’t find them. “ (Name) frowned. “ Well, find them quickly because I don’t want dinner to get cold. Lana stepped back into the house. (Name) huffed and looked around for Alastor, he was always good at this gaming. (Name) got frustrated and stood in the middle of the field. “ Alastor, my mom said dinner is ready so come out! “ (Name) crossed their arms but couldn’t see or hear Alastor. “ Fine! Don’t come out, I’m going to eat all the food and you won’t get any, even the cookies! “ While (Name) was yelling, something was sneaking up behind them. “ Boo! “ Alastor tackled (Name) who screamed, when they realized it was Alastor they glared. “ That’s not funny! “ (Name) tears up as Alastor laughed. “ I’m sorry it’s always funny to sneak up on someone, that’s why it’s always good to stay alert. You never know what could happen, you could end up dead. “ Alastor said, with a large smile. “ You’re weird. “ (Name) said, while taking Alastor’s hand as he pulled them up. “ Well you're my friend, so that also makes you weird. “ Alastor smiled as the two held hands walking back to the house. Alastor’s mother was good friends with (Name’s) mother. The two children always had playdates and stayed friends for a very long time. They went through good times and bad times. Neither judged each other. Especially when (Name) stayed the night at Alastor’s home because of a rain storm. When they saw Alastor killing a victim that was escaping from his basement. They helped Alastor bury the body outside in the rain. Alastor laughed as the rain covered his brown hair and glasses. “ (Name) you are quite the friend! “ Alastor patted the dirt. (Name) smiled. “ I would hate to see you go to jail and end up on death row, you should plant flowers here it would look beautiful and the bodies would help them look amazing. “ (Name) said, with a smirk. “ I’ll make sure to plan your favorites now, let's get out of the rain, I’ll make my mother’s jambalaya! “ Alastor said, as the two walked inside holding hands. The two had an unbreakable friendship. Both families were aware of the murders. (Name’s) mother was grateful that Alastor always brought the good meat. Alastor would come to the restaurant to see (Name) on the stage singing. He admired how his friend was up on stage singing or telling jokes. Alastor even did (Name) the honor of killing any creepy stalkers that tried to harm or kidnap (Name). The two always knew their friendship would never stop, especially until death. But (Name) was surprised when Alastor invited them over for dinner and asked them to marry. Alastor never seemed like the romantic type. “ I love you like a friend (Name) but who says friends can’t marry, marriage doesn’t have to be romance based. '' Alastor showed you the silver ring. “ There are many reasons people can get married without feeling sexually or romantically attracted to each other, so (Name) will you marry me? “ Alastor asked.

(Name) smiled and nodded their head, they wouldn’t mind marrying their best friend, it didn’t sound strange and besides (Name) never really found anyone who they fell for. “ Yes, Alastor, I’ll marry you. “ (Name) watched as Alastor slid the ring on your finger. “ Then until death do us apart (Name) “ Alastor pulled (Name) in for a hug, “ I promise to protect us both. “ He whispered. Now marriage life didn't change anything in (Name) and Alastor’s friendship. Everyone assumed that Alastor and (Name) were always the sweet happy couple with a beautiful garden. The couple who always made such delicious meat dishes. (Name) always curled up on the couch with a book to listen to Alastor on the radio. Everytime he mentioned the disappearances or murders. (Name) knew that he was trying not to laugh but (Name) was always grinning. Alastor adored how (Name) always knew how to get blood stains out of his clothes or out the floors. The only time (Name) killed people is when they tried to fight back and hurt Alastor. Alastor never worried if (Name) fell in love with someone or wanted to date someone; but he was protective. Sadly though (Name) couldn’t date or marry anyone. Since this was a small town, (Name) and Alastor are well known. The two of them had separate bedrooms, the only time the two shared a bed was for listening to music with Alastor or when he wanted to read to (Name). Everything was perfect; with (Name) and Alastor. That was until hunting season. Alastor had been looking forward to hunting season - he was prepared and promised that he would be back two days early. (Name) waited and waited but Alastor didn’t return until it was reported that he had passed away from an hunting accident that he was shot in the head. (Name) cried their heart out hearing how he passed away. They attended Alastor’s funeral and always visited his grave on Alastor’s birthday. (Name) lived for Alastor that was until a stalker followed home and killed them. (Name) found themself in Hell and reunited with Alastor, how the radio demon grinned at them and told them. “ I guess I'm wrong, not even death can separate us apart. “ Alastor smirked.

(Name) stopped looking at the picture and at Alastor. “ Of course, I remember how we met, you are still a weirdo. “ (Name) laughed. “ And you were my friend so that also makes you weird. “ Alastor said, laughing. The two of you were laughing up a storm. This caught Mammon’s attention and he looked over. This stirs up some emotion. He wanted to only make you laugh like that, and great it’s that fucking deer lord. “ Charlie, me and (Name) are gonna head to our room to freshen up. “ Mammon said, trying to keep his cool but he kept looking back at (Name) and Alastor. “ Of course, I made sure to give you both the best room, Nifty did an amazing job. “ Charlie said, gesturing towards the small woman who was dusting a lamp. “ I’ll show them to their room. “ Alastor said, walking up with (Name) . Mammon didn’t want to make a big scene in front of his niece so he knew that he would have to deal with this. “ Thank you. “ Mammon said, with a forceful smile. Mammon was going to grab (Name’s) hand but he looked down to see that Alastor already had a hold of (Name’s) hand. “ I don’t think that’s professional. “ Mammon said, trying to keep a smile on his face. Alastor laughed. “ You’re right, forgive me for wanting to just catch up with an old friend. “ Alastor said and let go of (Name’s) hand. Old friend? Mammon didn’t know what Alastor met by that, (Name) had never had any friends. Mammon would discuss this later with them, he took a hold of (Name’s) hand, Alastor decided to play a little game. “ I don’t think it’s professional for someone’s boss to hold their employees hand, someone could get the wrong idea~ “ Alastor stood there with a wide grin. Mammon glared and let go of (Name’s) hand. “ I’m just protective of them, because of creepy fans. “ Mammon said, stepping towards Alastor. “ Well, you don’t have to worry about creepy fans because this hotel has protection and Vaggie. Now let’s show you to your rooms. “ Rooms? “ Mammon followed behind Alastor. “ Yes, rooms, we gave you the royal suite your greediness and (Name) has the star suite, we thought it would be better. “ Alastor had his back turned to Mammon and (Name) but he had a mischievous smirk, he had to pull some strings to make this happen and he also wanted to catch up with (Name). Alastor stopped in front of the door. “ This is your room, Angel Dust should be bringing up your bags soon. “ Alastor said, as a large crash could be heard. “ What the fuck! “ Vaggie yelled. “ It’s not my fault the big green bastard brought a lot of shit. “ Angel said. A gentle smile played on (Name’s) lips but Mammon on the other hand was upset that he and (Name) wouldn’t be sharing a room. He tried to brush his fingers against (Name’s) only for (Name) to move their hand away and cupped her hands together. Alastor grinned from seeing that. The bags were finally brought up.

“Oh! Wow you’re that fucking clown bitch that juggles while singing and dances. I also love your dirty jokes, almost popped a lung when you told that joke about the cheap hooker, can I have your autograph. “ Angel asked, he stopped pushing the cart. “ That will be $200. “ Mammon said, stepping in between Angel and (Name). “ $200!? For a fucking autograph! “ Angel was in shock but what could you expect from the greed lord himself? “ Then you must not be a fan or love their work if you can’t pay for a bloody autograph from a bloody legend. “ Mammon said, adding a bit of sass into his tone. The word bloody legend didn’t make (Name) feel happy anymore it just made them feel sick, they hated that word. They looked away just wishing to go into their room. “ Fine, I’ll pay for the damn autograph. “ Angel pulled out his wallet angrily, going through it and handing the money to Mammon who quickly summoned one of your autographs but the picture looked old and a bit torn. “ This looks like shit! “ Angel said, holding up the picture to Mammon who only smirked. “ Then you can get a new one for the same price after (Name’s) show. “ Mammon laughed. Alastor watched Angel and Mammon engage in this fiery staring contest, only for him to notice that (Name) had their arms lazily hugging their body while looking tired and comfortable. “ Here, let me bring in your bags. “ Alastor said, snapping his fingers as (Name’s) bags began to float and their room door opened. “ Thank you. “ (Name) muttered softly and stepped inside the room while Angel and Mammon argued about prices. The door closed while (Name) sat down on the bed and closed their eyes, they felt a soft squeeze on their hands and opened it to see Alastor kneeling in front of them. “ Why do you work for him? I know you are tired. I can smell it on you and we've been friends for years so I know when you are exhausted (Name). “

Of course he knew when (Name) was exhausted. “ I really can’t quit… “ (Name’s) said lifting the side of their shirt to reveal the bruise marks from when Mammon squeezed them. Alastor’s eyes changed the sound of static filling the room. “ He did this to you…? “ Alastor stood up to leave the room. (Name) jumped up and quickly grabbed him by the wrist already knowing what he was going to do. “ Alastor! It’s fine, he was just being hard me l-like a good boss! “ (Name) said. They didn’t want to see Mammon and Alastor fight and possibly mess up Charlie’s hotel, they were also afraid of them both getting hurt, especially Alastor. “ (Name) this isn’t okay! And you know it isn’t the old (Name) wouldn’t have let someone put their hands on them. I remember you punching men in the face if they even dared to threaten you. Does your mother know about this? “ Alastor asked while cupping (Name’s) face. “ Of course not… I don’t want her to worry, I don’t even know why I showed you that was stupid of me. “ (Name) sighed softly. Alastor placed a kiss on (Name’s). “ No, dear, it’s good you told me, has he always been treating you like this? “ Alastor asked. “ No… not really, the last couple of days he was good to me and… we were getting close but it changed all of sudden he just became aggressive out of nowhere. “ (Name) looked down. Alastor scoffed. “ People don’t become aggressive out of nowhere, he’s always been like that, him and the other sins, have always been sick and twisted, it’s what they are. They show you what you want and then eventually show their true colors like humans. Mammon has you trapped in his web; slowly feeding off of you and when you are no more, he’ll move onto the next best thing. “ Alastor said. “ Stop it! “ (Name) said, with a glare. “ I’m sure it’s just the stress because of the grand opening. “ (Name) said. Another scoff came from Alastor. “ Stress isn’t an excuse to lash out on people, especially hurt them. “ (Name) you deserve so much better and I hope that one day you will see that you do, because I miss my friend. “ Alastor said, while he brushed his fingers against (Name’s) cheek and turned around. “ I won’t go after him, but please don’t let it get worse; if you do choose to leave his web, then remember I’m here for you. “ Alastor left the room, closing the door behind him.

(Name) stood there thinking about Alastor’s words. Were they really trapped in Mammon’s web? Was the Mammon who hurt them actually what his true colors are. (Name) shook their head not wanting to think about this anymore but it sits in their mind like a sickness. Everything ached, their mind and body in pain. They felt sick even throwing up wouldn’t help they didn’t feel comfortable in their own skin. They didn’t feel like this was their own skin. Feeling like a different person - couldn’t even recognize themself in the mirror. Would death be peaceful? Dreaming of a fresh new start or life. But a part of them cared for Mammon, but what did it matter if Mammon didn’t care for them? Haha, maybe Alastor was right? But he could also be wrong. Maybe (Name) could speak to Mammon and tell them how they feel, if Mammon actually cares about them. Yes, (Name) would just have to do it after the show and maybe Mammon won’t be so stressed or feel empty. (Name) sat down on the bed, they couldn’t wait till showtime and neither could Mammon.

When the hotel was finally packed with people who were invited to the grand opening. Mammon stood there eating some goat cheese balls off a platter. “ Mon, it’s good to see you again. “ A smooth voice of silk said. Mammon turned around his mouth stuffed with food, his eyes widened. He quickly swallowed and wiped his mouth. “ Lilith! It’s good to see you again, how you've been luv and where is Luci? “ Mammon said while pulling Lilith into a hug. She patted his back and smiled. “ I’ve been well and Lucifer is telling Charlie about his latest rubber duck collection. “ Lilith sighed and rolled her eyes. The two pulled away. “ I heard so much about (Name), you always post about them on your account, when do I get to meet them? “ Lilith asked while smirking. “ Very soon! They're going to put on a great show that you and Luci will love, better than that thing over there. “ Mammon said the last part quietly while secretly pointing to Fizzarolli who was laughing with Asmodeus and Verosika. Lilith chuckled and shook her head. “ No, dear, I mean as in when will you introduce me to them as your partner? “ Lilith asked. Mammon’s face almost turned red as the drink that Lilith had in her hand. “ W-We aren’t dating… I don’t like em like that “ Mammon said. Lilith tilted her head in confusion. “ Oh? But how you post about them, you seem so fond of them and I know love when I see it Mon. “ Lilith said and took a sip of her drink. Mammon didn’t know what to say but when he saw Lucifer walk up he was reviled. Maybe the topic could change. But before Mammon could say anything Lilith spoke up. “ Darling, Mon says he and (Name) aren’t dating and that he doesn’t like them that way. “ Lucifer placed a kiss on Lilith's cheek before looking at Mammon. “ Really? I thought you found the one especially how you post about them, you seem so fond of them. “ Lucifer said while raising an eyebrow. Lilith gasps. “ That’s what I said! “ Lilith said. Lucifer nuzzled his nose against Lilith's nose. “ Great minds think alike. “ Lucifer said. Mammon watched as Lucifer and Lilith were all lovey dovey. He wished he could have that, he wanted that… maybe after the show he could apologize and tell you how he truly feels. Yes he will do it. “ Well, Mammon when the two of you get together, let’s make it a double date. “ Lucifer said and gave Lilith a kiss before the two walked off.

Mammon stood there and smiled at the thought of a double date. (Name) was backstage sitting down in front of the vanity, a sigh escaping their lips as they thought about their performance hoping to impress everyone out there, especially Mammon. “ I don’t understand, why do you work for that sad sack of shit? “ A croak-like voice said. (Name) turned around to see Fizarolli, Mammon warned (Name) about Fizzarolli and how much of a diva he could be. “ Don’t call him that… “ (Name) frowned. “ What? It's true, I worked for him and he used me and tried to milk me for every pretty penny and now he’s doing the same to you. I can tell that you are panicking. You have dents in the palm of your hand probably from digging your nails into them. Not even the make-up can hide your tired look and don’t get me started on you look like you are on death's doorstep. “ Fizarolli stared (Name) up and down. “ You know you don’t need him for success, you can go and make your own, even if he tries to slander you. You’ll still have fans who will stick by your side like me. “ Fizzarolli said, trying to step closer but (Name) stepped back. “ I’m not you and you don’t me and you don’t know about Mammon… “ (Name) glared. Fizzarolli sighed and shook his head. “ Fine, don't say I didn’t warn you. “ Fizzarolli said, while the two looked at each other. This came to a stop when Charlie introduced (Name). “ I’m glad you could all make it to the opening of Hazbin Hotel, I really appreciate all the effort and love that was put into this. To start us off with some singing and jokes, please welcome (Name0! “ Charlie said excitedly. The crowd claps, (Name) walked out and looked out at the crowd. They spotted the sins sitting together in the booth in a VIP section, Mammon sitting next to Beelzebub and Belphegor. Then saw Alastor seated with Husk and Angel. (Name) felt the stage lights shining down, their skin felt like needles from being nervous. But they knew they could do this… for Mammon. (Name) began to sing stepping forward, Mammon grinned he always enjoyed (Name’s) singing and he hoped that the others would too. (Name) continued to sing, but the feeling of the needles got more painful, their stomach felt like a washing machine set on high - the room felt like it was spinning and the lights were so bright. They tried to keep their eyes open but before they knew it. (Name) collapsed on stage not hearing the gasps along with Mammon’s voice. “ (Name)! “ It felt like hours because it was hours.

(Name) finally fluttered open thinking they were on stage but they were not. They laid there in the hospital bed and heard the beeping of machines. They looked down to see themself covered in blankets. They groaned and looked at their arm to see the IV. They could feel the patches on their chest, (Name) became startled when the door opened. Alastor walked in with two cups of water and saw that (Name) was awake. “ (Name), you’re awake. How are you feeling? “ Alastor walked over to (Name’s) bed to help them sit up. Alastor handed them the water. (Name) took it and began drinking the water as they teared up. “ You were right Alastor… you were right.. “ (Name) said, looking at Alastor with tear filled eyes. “ You were right… “

Mammon Tag list aka The Bloody Legends: Special thank you these lovely people for supporting this series, y'all are bloody legends! I'm also sure Mammon appreciates your love and support.

@scootinonyourmom @hellbornediamonddreams @mizavia @lbcreations-blog @a-library-of-old @queenfishie @sylum @universallyweaselwobblermuffin @lizzywizzyeatsart @lucasisstupid @g0dwat3r @polaris107 @fictionalwhor3 @amarieth

If you want to be added to the list or removed kindly let me know.

#helluva boss #hazbin hotel #helluva mammon x gn reader #helluva mammon x reader #helluva mammon #helluva fizzarolli #helluva bloody legend #hazbin lucifer #hazbin lilith #hazbin charlie #hazbin alastor #hazbin angel dust #helluva everlasting

[willofwinnie]

Calendar of Auldrant

Though I do not know if other games in the Tales series go by a similar date and day naming system, this will primarily be Tales of the Abyss. This is a long post!

Here is all the information the game gives regarding the calendar.

The Days:

This is a funny nod towards the origins behind the names of the days of the week. Rem is light and the “Sun” in Sunday is directly referencing the Sun. It's pretty neat that both reference a form of light. 

Similar situation with Lunaday and Monday (Luna- Moon, Mon- also Moon). 

Ifrit(also spelled Efreet) is Fire. Potentially in Korean the Tuesday equivalent translates to “fire day” according to Wiki about Tuesday. I don’t speak or read Korean so I also checked WordReference and found similar characters in some of the words like rage, wrath, ire, (further down that provided list) great fire. So it potentially could be a fun nod to that, can’t completely confirm. 

Undineday is water day. In Japanese and Korean Wednesday also translates to Water Day. Yes, in WordReference the Japanese character used in Wednesday is used for water so this seems fairly straightforward. In Korean I also found a bit more difficulty as the characters are widely used in many words, there are some water-related words in the sea of words the character appears in so I wouldn’t completely dismiss the possibility. 

Sylphday is wind. Thursday is a reference to Thor, the god of thunder. The wind would relate to stormy weather that thunder and lightning often appear with. 

Loreleiday- Lorelei. Friday- the greatest day of the week. In Auldrant Lorelei is considered pretty great! Just kidding, well partially. Friday comes from Freya, the goddess of marriage and love. Lorelei is a godly figure in the world of Abyss. Though Lorelei may be caring, it’s more related to sound and memory. Daath in general is fairly religious, following Lorelei, with the Order of Lorelei. In Christianity, Good Friday is a widely celebrated day. In Catholicism, all Fridays during Lent, you can’t eat meat (but it is supposed to be all Fridays to abstain from meat not just Lent). This being Friday's equivalent does make sense with the more religious aspect of the day (since Sunday was used for the more straightforward “light” connection).

The Gnomeday-Saturday connection is fairly nonexistent. Gnome is the element earth in Auldrant. Saturday is a reference to Saturn (God of Time), sabbath day (for romantic languages), and bath day (Old Norse). I will be honest, none of these fit. Sadly, it may be a case of “just put it in somewhere.”

The Months:

There are 13 months in Auldrant. As far as I can tell, there is no official count of how many days are in each month.

If we ignore Lorelei Decan for a moment, the rest of the months go forward and reverse except for Rem Decan and Luna Redecan (which is in place of the counterpart of a potential Rem Redecan). The order of Rem, Sylph Undine, Gnome, Ifrit, and Shadow are not in the order of fonon numbers. The number order of this month list is 6, 3, 4, 2, 5, 1, 1, 5, 2, 4, 3, 6, 7. I am assuming Luna and Rem are two sides of the same coin and are referencing the same fonon so they are both the 6th fonon. There was close to being a pattern of taking a number, halving it, adding one, and halving it again but they ran out of whole numbers to continue that.

The first half of the year has the postfix Decan and the latter half Redecan except for the Lorelei month. This could be because Lorelei signifies that a new year will arrive, so it has the postfix Decan. Lorelei is an important figure in Auldrant, especially Daath, so a month that stands out in the name of Lorelei would be fitting.

To think of a wild interpretation of the months, it could represent a person’s life or the year’s lifespan. The beginning starts with the sun, a new beginning. The person/year goes through the experiences of their life, experiencing all it has to bring (with fonons making up the world). The center point of the person/year’s life is the Shadow months. At this point, they are no longer young and will have to figure out what to do for the rest of their life (a very shadowy midlife crisis). They reminisce about their life and go back to relive the experiences of their youth until the sun sets and the moon rises. The end of the line. Then as all 7th Fonists do, they return to the Fonbelt, to Lorelei. Then the cycle of fonons can begin again. 

Or a more logical explanation of the months could represent the cycle the memory particles go through when traveling through the Fon Belt (The Planet Storm). Then to encompass all the Fonons Lorelei represents the final one of the 7th Fonon.

Anyway, all the months can comfortably fit 58 days in them but there is a remainder of 11 days to account for in the year. If we add a day for every other month starting with the first month, that would leave 4 days remaining. I do not know a logical placement for these days, so I will add them to Lorelei Decan. The month count would be Rem Decan- 59, Sylph Decan- 58, Undine Decan- 59, Gnome Decan- 58, Ifrit Decan- 59, Shadow Decan- 58, Shadow Redecan- 59, Ifrit Redecan- 58, Gnome Redecan- 59, Undine Redecan- 58, Sylph Redecan- 59, Luna Redecan- 58, Lorelei Decan- 63. (This will be helpful for some calculations later.)

The Year:

A year in Auldrant is 765 days. That is 2.1 times longer than our calendar year. If we compare that to our world, Jade would be 70, Guy 42, Natalia 36, Tear 32, and Anise 28. Dang does Jade look great at 70 haha! I do know the 765 days is a pun because that number sounds somewhat like Namco in Japanese. In this world, I assume people age at half the rate (My condolences to all the Auldrant parents with tantrum-throwing toddlers). Since the year is twice as long, Luke being locked in his Manor for seven years and the time skip in the story would be way longer than originally believed. Nothing like Auldrant continuing to be worse and worse, right?

Birthdays:

Can't have a ramble about a fictional calendar without talking about birthdays! From around the internet, the birthdays of the characters are listed as follows: Jade- Sylph-Redecan 22, Guy- Efreet-Decan 41, Natalia- Rem-decan 37, Luke- Lorelei-Decan 48, Tear- Lorelei-Decan 1, Anise- Shadow-Decan 46. Going along with my guess on how many days per month, the day each character is born in this: Jade- 607, Guy- 275, Natalia- 37, Luke- 750, Tear- 703, Anise- 339. (Basically, add up all the days of the months prior and add then the day of the month they were born). The birthdays I got from fan sites that supposedly got them from a QNA. I do not know the accuracy of these but for the purposes of the rest of this, these are the dates used.

I have noticed that there are assigned birthdays for the characters per our calendar year. Jade is Nov 22, and Luke is Dec 25th. I found these from fan sites and repeated them across the internet. Again with these, I do not know the accuracy, so I did my own take on the potential calculations.

There are a few ways to calculate the birthdays of these characters with our own: Divide the year by two (2.1 to be more accurate) and get an approximate answer, place our calendar year onto Abyss’, and count the days (for example there will be two Decembers).

The first option is easy. Divide the day they were born by 2.1 to get the day they would be born on Earth. It would land the characters birthdays like this: Jade- 289 (Oct 16), Guy- 130 (May 10), Natalia- 17 (Jan 17), Luke- 357 (Dec 23), Tear-  334 (Nov 30th), Anise- 161 (Jun 10). These are pretty close to the associated birthdays with Luke nearly being a Christmas Eve baby and Jade being born in fall.

The second option is also easy, for any character whose birthday is over 365, subtract 365 until it is a number below 365 and find the date associated (For example, if a character is born on the 366th day, they would be born on Jan 1st in our calendar). It would land the characters birthdays like this: Jade- 242 (Aug 30th), Guy- 275 (Oct 2nd), Natalia- 37 (Feb 6th), Luke- 20 (Jan 20), Tear- 338 (December 4th), and Anise- 339 (December 5th).

Despite the numbers not exactly lining up (there will be human error on my part with calculations and rounding), if people celebrate Jade's birthday on Nov 22 that's completely fine by me! It's a fictional birthday anyway! If it means more Tales of the Abyss art and content, Jade's birthday could be Feb 14 for all I care!

This was just something fun I've been thinking about when I learned about the calendar of Auldrant! And might as well try to put all my thoughts together for a big ramble. Hope you all enjoyed!

#tales of the abyss #rambles #birthdays #Why is the year 765 that's just so long #jade curtiss #luke fon fabre #tear grants #guy cecil #anise tatlin

[theflirtmeister]

Hi friend. I need more Adam worshipping Lawrence's tummy. It's currently the only thing getting me through the day.

At some point, Lawrence’s congratulations-it’s-Friday-blowjob stopped being a blowjob, and had turned into a congratulations-you’ve-put-on-weight worshipping session. Lawrence dug his fingers into Adam’s scalp and hissed underneath his breath as Adam mouthed at the fat of his stomach, leaving the imprint of teeth marks.

“Not to rush you,” Lawrence said, breathing fast, “But I do have work at some point today.”

“You start at midday.” Adam rubbed his nose against the soft hair on Lawrence’s belly. “We have time.”

He’d tugged Lawrence’s pyjama pants down underneath his hips, but Lawrence’s cock was tenting the fabric, eager to get a warm mouth wrapped around it. It hadn’t got the memo that Adam was busy with other parts of Lawrence’s body, his pyjama shirt unbuttoned to reveal the swell of middle-aged tits, stomach bruised under the attention.

“I need to shower, shave-“

“Don’t shave,” Adam begged, raising his head. “Stubble’s hot.”

“You know I’m only allowed a clean face or a full beard.” Lawrence tugged at Adam’s curls, soft from being washed the night before. “You’ve read the rulebook.”

“Rulebook sucks,” Adam muttered. “You should be allowed to have stubble.”

He buried his face back in Lawrence’s stomach, pressing sloppy kisses and sucking at the skin. Lawrence’s cock twitched at the attention, and he tried to lift his good leg to encourage Adam to move that talented mouth elsewhere.

“What are you so wide for?” Adam grumbled. “Ridiculous. Driving me insane.”

“My primary care physician would like to have a word with you,” Lawrence replied. “He thinks I need to go on more walks and eat better.”

“Fuck him,” Adam said. “I think you’re hot.”

He squeezed Lawrence’s stomach with both hands, palming the skin. Lawrence couldn’t help but shiver at the look of lust on Adam’s face, the way he was staring down at Lawrence’s body like he was seconds away from rutting his cock against Lawrence’s belly like a dog in heat. Lawrence felt his face go pink at the image, the idea of Adam’s cum spilt white on his stomach.

“What?” Adam said. He hooked his thumbs into the waistband of Lawrence’s pyjamas and dragged them agonisingly slowly over Lawrence’s cock, smirking when it sprung out, the head flushed.

“Nothing,” Lawrence said, palming his cock with a groan. “Just please, put your mouth on me.”

“You’re pretty when you beg, Doctor Gordon,” Adam said, and groped a healthy handful of Lawrence’s chest.

“You’re pretty on your knees,” Lawrence said stupidly, and Adam tilted his head. “I mean – I meant-”

“I know what you meant,” Adam said slyly, hand sliding down to paw at Lawrence’s stomach again. “But just for that, you’re going to have to wait.”

Lawrence dropped his head against the pillows, groaning with displeasure. Adam only laughed, and jiggled Lawrence’s belly with the sick satisfaction of a man who knew he’d won. Lawrence felt like a piece of meat being massaged for cooking. 

“I hate you.” Lawrence murmured, wondering if he’d ever get to work on time. Maybe he’d have to take Fridays off from now on, if Adam was going to act like this.

“I know.” Adam commiserated, and dropped his head to suck a hickey in the sensitive spot underneath Lawrence’s navel, which made his cock drool against the side of Adam’s face. “I love you too.”

Lawrence moaned and buried his fingers back into Adam’s curls. He definitely needed to take the day off.

#ANSWERED #Nice Anon #chainshipping #chainshipping fics #enjoyyyyy!! this is also up on ao3

[ultralightpoe]

Pinky Promises - Prologue

Authors Note: The prologue to my story. Please enjoy! This story will update with 2 chapters every friday!

Word Count: 9,668

My Main Masterlist

Pinky Promises Masterlist

Next Chapter - Will be out soon!

Song of the Chapter : Bad Bad Leroy Brown

x Enjoy x

The summer of 1973 is spent mostly alone, in his driveway with the basketball he got for his last birthday, pretending not to stare down the street at the witch’ house. 

It was the first rule his mother gave him whenever he played outside, the house at the end of the street was off limits. Under absolutely no circumstances as he was allowed to go near that house, let alone near the sidewalk in front of it. His mother often told him about the old woman that lived within it, how she ate the meat off of kids bones after sneaking them in. 

It gave him nightmares for months. 

And by the time he forgot about it he had overheard his mother telling her tuesday book club about the woman, talking about how she was an ‘alien bitch’ and Steve lost his mind. There was an actual alien living down the street, and he wanted to know where her UFO was. 

He saw the old woman here and there, she often limped around her front yard with her face scrunched in pain as she did her best to pull the hose around and water the plants. Whenever she spot his staring she would always wave her arms which would send him running back inside to the safety of his mothers arms. 

But no matter how scared he was of that house, he could not pull his eyes away from it. 

He was once again staring at that house the day everything changed. Sitting in the grass, sweaty and out of breath from playing basketball by himself, digging out the grass as he did nothing but stare and stare and stare. 

Maybe if he squinted enough he would be able to peer into her windows from this spot and see her intergalactic ufo hidden in her house. 

He stares hard enough that for a second he thinks he opened the garage with his mind, sitting up straighter in shock as the older woman comes into view, limping quite a bit as she walks to the driveway. 

She surveys the street with an excited smile, and when she spots him she once again pulls her hand up to wave, he doesn’t wave back. Too nervous that his mother might be watching from the windows. 

But then he hears brakes squeal like the school bus he usually rides and he turns to watch a large green moving truck slide down the street. The driver, whose left arm was sticking out the window, smiles at him and waves his hand easily. And Steve can’t stop himself from lifting his own hand, eyes wide as he waves back before the truck drives off and makes it to the house at the end of the street. 

He can’t tear his eyes away as the moving truck parks, the tall man hopping out smoothly and rushing over to the witch quickly. “Ma! What are you doing?!”

“Oh, don’t you start.” The woman laughs, letting him hug her gently before helping her shuffle to the porch as another car catches Steve's attention from down the street, his eyes following a red pickup truck blasting music as a blonde woman sings loudly to it. She doesn’t wave at Steve like the truck driver had, too busy leaning into whoever is in the passenger seat, still singing. 

And he can’t stop staring as the truck makes it to the same house and everyone starts hopping out. The blonde that had been driving and the passenger side door swings to reveal a short brunette in a yellow sundress hopping out and screaming happily. 

“NANA! NANA NANA!”

“Steven Harrington! Dinner in 30 minutes!” His mother snaps from the porch, pulling his attention away from the house finally, making him blink and nod. “You hear me? You better wash up before we eat. No dirt under your fingernails baby.”

She casts him a smile when he nods, making a kissy face before going back inside, leaving him by himself on the lawn of his house once more. This time there is a yellow blur dashing to him though. 

He barely stands, swiping the dirt from the back of his pants with wide eyes, as the young girl from the red truck comes bounding in. Her smile is wide, her cheeks red, and Steve can do nothing but blink. 

“Can we be friends?” She asks loudly, tripping up a little but keeping the pace as she finally hits the grass of his lawn and stops before him. “Do you live here? Can I see inside? Do you play basketball? Can we be friends?” 

“I have friends.” Steve blurts, feeling his cheeks heat up as he risks a look to his front door before looking back at her. “I have a lot of friends.”

It was a lie, the truth was Steve struggled to make friends, it was something his father often lectured him about.  Then he would yell at his mom about it, claiming she was babying him too much. 

“My mom says you can never have too many friends. Can we play basketball?”

“You know how to play basketball?”

“No. Can you teach me?” A minute passes, both of them blinking slowly before he shrugs. 

“I’m Steve.”

“I’m Olivia. But everyone calls me Ollie. We just moved in with my Nana. She lives down the street.” She points and turns to look at the house, and Steve takes a moment to take her all in. The bright yellow sundress and the sunflower headband paired with the yellow sandals. Her toes and fingernails were painted a nice pink, the very same his mother gets professionally painted on every week. 

“Is that Ballet pink?” He blurts, and she nods. 

“I want to be a ballerina when I grow up.”

“Steven Harrington. Get in here and wash up for dinner!” His mother calls and Steve feels an odd sinking in his stomach when he turns back to Olivia. 

“You wanna play tomorrow?” He asks, smiling from ear to ear when she nods before dashing up the street to where the taller guy in the plaid waits for her patiently with a large smile on his face. 

- 

Ollie caught on to basketball fast….. Well she caught on to trying to dribble the ball as fast as she could. But Steve didn’t mind, he found that he absolutely loved being around her all the time. 

She spent every day playing in his yard. They did everything from playing basketball to hunting for worms after a rainstorm, until his mom came rushing out to snatch him before he got a cold. 

Soon enough the girl that had just moved down the street became his best friend, and his favorite party was that she never seemed to care or judge him for anything. He broke an arm on one of her Barbie’s? Suddenly the game shifts to surgery. He accidently trips her during basketball and she hurts her knee? She drags him home to get some pity candy from her grandma. She catches his father screaming in his face? She acts like nothing happens but lets him pick the game that day. 

O llie seemed exceptionally talented at reading Steve like a book, every emotion and fear, and she seemed to know how to handle everything. 

“Some people are just natural with that, baby.” His mom tells him at dinner one night, pinching his cheek. She had some slow music playing from the kitchen that would not be allowed if his dad were in town, but when he was gone Steve found his mother was the happiest. He loved it for her. “And I quite like your little friend….. when she’s not tracking mud in…..” 

His mother liked his friend so much she took him to grab a gift for Ollie’s little brother, and even helped him wrap it in some bright paper the kid was sure to love. 

He carried that very gift in shaking hands the day of Wiley’s birthday dinner, casting a quick smile to his mom who waited at the end of the driveway to make sure he walked there safely before knocking on the door. 

There was no reason to be nervous, the Fraser family was as nice as they came, yet Steve couldn’t stop himself from shuffling around and trying to fix his hair in the way his father always wanted him to before the door swung open to reveal the tall man in the plaid shirt from that first day. Today he wore a nice clean button up. 

“Stevie! How ya doin’?” Philip Fraser greets, opening the screen door to him with a large smile. “Come on in. I was just about to throw some food on the grill. Ollie is upstairs.” 

The man pats him on the back happily, passing the  boy and giving his wife a quick kiss on the way out the back door as Charlotte Fraser shuffles close. 

“Stevie! How are you today sweetie? Is your mom coming for dinner?” She asks sweetly, the blonde hair swaying with her movements as she leans to grab the gift softly. 

“N-no. She has her book club.” He mutters quietly, swiping his sweaty palms on his slacks. “Are there more kids coming?” 

“Not today. Wiley is only turning 2 so he doesn’t have anyone to invite but Ollie wanted you to come.” Charlotte smiles and then sets his gift on the table to switch it out for a plate of mini sandwiches. “You want a snack?” 

“C-can I take one to Ollie?” 

“Of course.” And Steve didn’t understand why his spine loosened up at her easy smile, or why he felt so comfortable grabbing the sandwiches when he would never at his own house. 

He waited for her to scream at him as he dashed up the steps, telling him no food upstairs or he’ll be punished, but it never came and soon enough he was down the hall to the open door which he heard Ollie dancing around in. 

“STEVIE!” She yells, smiling widely as he offers her a sandwich. She pulls him into a heavy hug that has his cheeks warming before pulling back and grabbing the sandwich.  “Im so glad you came. Wiley is too. Isn’t that right Wye?” 

The two year old standing up in his crib giggles while trying to bounce on the mattress and Steve blinks slowly. “You share a room with your brother?” 

“Yeah silly.” Ollie laughs, moving to bounce on her bed after she finishes her mini sandwich. “Why not?” 

“Why don’t you have your own room?” 

“Because there are no more rooms. We live with nana cause she’s not feeling good but soon enough we’re gonna buy a house here and I’ll get my own room!” Ollie giggles. “But until then Wy and I have sleepovers!” 

Steve, for some unknown reason, feels an odd sense of jealousy creeping up. He had a large room by himself that always seemed so…. Empty. And yet here these two were giggling and bouncing in their shared room as close as ever. 

But the feeling doesn’t last, soon enough dinner starts and he is sat between Mr. Fraser and Ollie at the table, laughing loudly at all the jokes. Unlike his house they all seem to enjoy talking over each other with jokes, mocking each others silly moments. Music is played in the back and everything is just so warm. 

Mrs. Fraser makes sure all the kids plates are piled up with food before the adults and Mr. Fraser helps both him and Ollie cut into their steak. 

“Mrs. Fraser?” Steve asks after some silence, looking to the oldest one at the table, Ollie’s nana. She merely smiles widely and shakes her head. 

“Call me nana. And my last name is Rubin not Fraser sweetie.” She corrects softly, Steve feels his ears go pink. 

“Nana?” He tries again, sitting up straighter. “Do you eat kids?” 

Mr. Fraser spits some of his lemonade across the table from laughing so hard which sends baby Wiley into a fit of laughter as everyone blinks. 

“Breakfast, lunch and dinner. I gnaw on their bones when I find myself peckish. Ollie here is lucky to have survived this long.” Nana teases, reaching to pinch at Ollie which makes the girl laugh loudly and scoot closer to Steve for protection. 

“Don’t tell him that. You’ll scare him and Ollie won’t have a friend.” Mrs. Fraser laughs, swatting the older woman's arm lightly. 

It’s then that Steve notices the similarities. Ollie looks like charlotte. And Charlotte looks like Nana. Spitting images as his own father would say. 

So he peers at Mr. Fraser quickly. “Do you have any family?” 

“I do. I have a sister who lives on the edge of Hawkins with her….. guy.” He clears his throat and Steve narrows his eyes. 

“Guy?” 

“She has a son-“ Nana starts. 

“COUSIN EDDIE!” Ollie laughs. 

“Yes. Cousin Eddie. We just don’t go out to visit very often.” Mrs. Fraser finishes. “Now how about some dessert. Stevie brought Wye a present cause he’s so thoughtful!” 

The rest of the night follows that easy pattern, laughing and having fun. 

Steve is ashamed to admit he has never felt so welcome. 

- 

Nana had the best records as he would come to find out, and she always played them on rainy afternoons when Steve and Ollie weren’t allowed to play outside. She sat in her rocking chair, letting them both dance around the living room as she worked on her knitting, smiling softly as they both belted the lyrics. 

“BAD BAD LEROY BROWN!” Steve yells, slightly out of breath from all the jumping around, but as happy as ever as he spins with Ollie. 

The Fraser’s never yelled about noise, and it was often enough that the adults joined in on the noise just for some light fun. The first day Mr. Fraser, Flip as Steve learned he likes to be called, came home he had shut up instantly and sat on the floor to fast that Nana thought he was getting sick. 

He waited for Flip to come in and yell, maybe slap them for the noise, but the man nearly sang off key to the song and then asked what everyone wanted for dinner. 

Steve had no clue what to do after that. 

Now, after weeks with this family, he was so used to it he barely bat an eye when Flip came in and picked both him and Ollie up smoothly to carry them to the table. 

“Sit down dorks. Nana has to take her medicine with mom and I’m making dinner.” Flip huffs, flicking both of their ears before moving about the kitchen easily. “Would your mom like to join us tonight Stevie?” 

“She’s in Vegas with her friends.” Steve shrugs which makes Flip stop quickly. 

“I thought your dad was out of town?” 

“He is. Nevada for the next week.” 

“So…. Who is watching you bud?” Even though he kept his voice light everyone knew Flip was mad, the hands on his hips the indicator for it. 

“My mom made sure I had tv dinners for the weekend. I'm good on my own.” Steve shrugs, reaching to steal some cards from Ollie which has her groaning out and starting an argument. 

That night Charlotte tucks Steve in on the couch, making sure he is comfortable before shuffling down the stairs where Flip was doing laundry. Neither of them realized their voices traveled unfortunately. 

“Leavin a boy his age. Damn bastards.” Flip murmurs, slamming the lid to the wash machine. 

“We could call cps.” Lottie murmurs softly. 

“Cause they help with everythin’ else?! How many times have we called for Edward? They are useless and it would just start a big fight with the Harringtons.” He sighs back. “Not worth it. He can stay here when they are gone. I'm sure it doesn’t happen often.” 

Steve didn’t want to admit he was crying into the couch. 

And he didn’t bother to tell them how often it happens. 

- 

The rest of that summer followed the same pattern, dance sessions in their living room. Basketball, though Ollie still couldn’t quite get it. Worm hunting, which ended the second he put a worm in his mouth on her dare. 

They only got in trouble once, when they woke Wiley up from a nap due to a fight over a broken sandal. They were put in timeout for 10 minutes until they apologized to each other and to Wiley. 

Steve spent a lot of nights over at their house, and he knew that was a tense subject for Ollie’s parents but they never got mad at him. 

When school started Flip made sure to give him a ride since he went to the same school as Ollie, both of them buckled in the truck with the windows down as Flip played their favorite tracks over and over. 

“BAD BAD LEROY BROWN!” Ollie sings, in her iconic handmade yellow sundress. 

“The MEANEST MAN IN THE WHOLE DARN TOWN!” Steve sings back in his new outfit bought last week. 

Flip laughs at the two of them, and when he pulls up to the school he actually walks them to the door. 

“Alright. Get together and let me get a picture.” The two of them are quick to hug each other, smiling from ear to ear as Flip takes the picture before kissing both their heads and making sure they get into the school safely. 

When they are forced to split up at the middle hallway he feels Ollie squeeze the hand that had been holding his tightly and finds her crying. “What if I don’t make friends?” 

“You’ll make friends.” He soothes. 

“But i'll miss you.” She cries. 

“I’ll meet you here right after school okay? And we’ll play barbie surgery again. You’re my best friend.” 

“Promise?” 

“Pinky promise.” He smiles, holding his empty hand for her to link pinkies. “Right here. After school.” 

“Right here. After school.” She nods, and they split up. 

During his recess hour he sneaks back into the lunch room to give her a hug before heading back out, just to prove he could. 

And at the end of school they meet up right where they promised so Nana could drive them home, both talking each others ears off about school. 

- 

The year follows the same pattern, and when Steves birthday rolls around his entire class is invited but not Ollie. 

He hears his parents arguing about it one night, listening to them yell back and forth. 

“That’s his friend! He’ll be upset!” His mother. 

“He has friends in his class! I don’t want those freaks in my home!” His father. 

“Stop thinking about yourself and think about your son for once-“ there is a heavy sound of skin slapping against skin and a thunk that Steve recognizes all too well, making him stand up and dash to his own room before his dad catches him eavesdropping. 

As upset as he is he doesn’t ask for Ollie at his party, too afraid to get hit. 

The Fraser’s have a birthday dinner for him the next weekend. Nana makes her famous pudding and Ollie gives him a new basketball, one she painted herself for him. 

Although she is upset Ollie never brings up the party, he’s sure her parents told her not to. 

- 

Ollie’s birthday is close to Halloween so she throws a costume party every year. 

Her parents invite her class as well as him and Steve is nervous about the party. 

His mom shows up with him, and Charlotte does a good job of hiding her shock when his mom tells them she will be staying. And everyone but Nana does a good job of pretending there isn’t a bruise on his moms cheek. 

The backyard is crowded with goblins and ghouls and at first Steve feels lame in his pirate costume before Ollie shows him her detective costume and they rush to play Barbie’s in her room with the party downstairs. Wiley does a good job of not swallowing anything and Nana doesn’t snitch when she finds them hiding from the party. 

- 

Things follow that same pattern. 

Summer passes again, and the family learns that Wiley hates firecrackers more than life itself when they throw him a Fourth of July birthday party since his birthday is on the 3rd. 

The school year starts again and Flip gives them rides. 

Ollie remains his best friend throughout it all. 

  Nana gets really sick the beginning of his 6th grade year and Ollie’s 5th grade. And though they all try to play happy Steve knows the family is upset. 

The first day of school he walks to their house, just as he does every year, in the newest outfit his mother bought him. 

Ollie wears a homemade sundress, just like every year before that, this one purple with polka dots. And Wiley is dressed in his own handmade outfit. 

Both are posing for pictures together, Wiley complaining about being late for 2nd grade loudly until Steve shows up and he is thrown into the pictures too. 

When nana comes out to wish them off she kisses all their heads, including Steves. 

Flip makes sure they all get in the building and all three of them hold hands until that damned hallway. 

“Here. After school. Just like every other year.” Steve smiles, holding out his pinkie. 

Ollie links them, leaning forward to kiss his cheek. “Promise.” 

He then holds his pinky out for Wiley, who links it slowly. “And you’re gonna make friends this year. I know it Wye.” 

They split up after that. At lunch Steve isn’t able to sneak off to see Ollie since her lunch hour isn’t until later. But he does see Wiley sitting by himself at the park during recess, rushing to say hi to the boy before his teacher catches him. 

That afternoon they meet up, Wiley silent as ever. And when they see that Charlotte is there to pick them up instead of Nana, Steve just knows that things are gonna be different. 

- 

It’s halfway through that year that Nana ends up hospitalized. It was a rough night for the Fraser’s. 

Nana had been a little nauseous at dinner and had gone to bed early, kissing everyone goodnight. 

And after Lottie had tucked everyone in, Steve on the couch since his own parents were on their anniversary trip, she went to check on her mom once more before bed. 

The scream that followed scared Steve so much that he was sobbing before he even knew what was going on. Ollie and Wiley came rushing down the stairs to cry with him on the couch as Flip called 911 and soon enough Nana was being rushed out by the paramedics. 

They were all in their pajamas in the waiting room of the hospital. Wiley sitting in Charlottes lap sleeping while Flip sat in between Steve and Ollie so they could both lay their heads on his shoulders to try and sleep. 

It isn’t until 3am when the nurse comes out. 

“She just woke up if your family wants to go say hi. She’ll be a little out of it and you won’t have long because we have to get her in a room.” She explains. “Family only.” 

So the Fraser’s all shuffle up, Charlotte passing Wiley to Flip so he could carry him as she grabs Ollie’s hand. Steve stays on the chair, watching them all way away until Ollie turns around. “Stevie? Come on.” 

He has never moved faster in his life. 

Nana hums lightly as they all kiss her cheek, seeming content. 

“Is she dying?” Wiley sobs on the car ride home. 

“No baby.” Charlotte answers, turning around to rub his cheek. “She’s just sick. She needs to start chemo is all.” 

The tears in her own eyes tell Steve enough. 

For the rest of the week the Fraser’s are pulled out of school since they were carting back and forth from the hospital. 

Steve takes the bus since Flip can’t give him a ride and he walks home. 

- 

His dad hits him in the summer between 6th grade and 7th grade. 

With Nana back home the Fraser’s were on a new schedule to make sure she made it to chemo every week. Which meant Steve was left home on Wednesdays much to his father’s disappointment. 

On this Wednesday his father had tripped over a shoe by the front door that Steve had left there in his rush to get in the shower, and it was met with screaming and slamming. 

His first instinct was to shut his door and wait it out, his father had moods like this a lot and this was the best thing to do. Stay out of the way. Mom will calm him down when she gets home from the store. 

It isn’t until he hears the feet stomping up the stairs that he knows this time is going to be different, his throat tightening up as his hands begin to shake. 

The second the door slams open he is already crying, yelling out an “I’M SORRY!” As his father lifts the shoe over his head and slams it on Steves cheek, the boy curling in a ball as hit after hit comes. 

He screams for Flip, and he screams for Ollie when his father kicks his stomach. When his dad storms out and slams the door Steve crawls under his bed and cries for Charlotte and Nana, wanting nothing more than to be sitting with them. 

He wanted to be with Ollie and Wiley. 

Anywhere but here. 

His mom cries when she sees Steve's bruised and swollen cheek, excusing herself from the room immediately and leaving Steve to suffer through a silent dinner with his father, afraid of every sound he made. The cutlery is too loud against the plate, not chewing quiet enough. Maybe he ate too much and his father would get mad, or maybe is he didn’t clean the plate his dad would get mad about the waste. 

The next day he is embarrassed when Ollie comes over to play. She dashes to him with a large smile that falls the second she sees his face. 

“Stevie-“ 

“I can’t play today.” He mutters, not wanting to move his lip too much. 

“Are you okay-“ 

“I can’t play today, Ollie. Go away.” He snaps, turning to make sure his dad can’t see her. “Seriously. Fuck off.” 

He had never cussed before, and he was terrified to do it in the first place. His palms were sweating and stomach sinking as he said it. 

Ollie’s eyes widened at his language before she nods, leaning forward to kiss his cheek and then dashing up the street before his dad saw her.

- 

The first day of school that year was a bit weird, mostly because Steve didn’t really know if he should wait for the bus or go with the Fraser’s. 

He would be in middle school now while Ollie still had another year at the elementary school so rides weren’t really going to be given but he had never missed a first day since they moved in. His questions were answered when Flip whistles loudly down the street and waves his hand to call him over. 

Pictures were taken, Wiley complaining, this time with a heavy stutter that made Steve's stomach sink at the thought of what the other kids were going to say to him. 

Charlotte kisses their heads as she passes, Nana doing the same before they are heading off to the older woman’s doctors appointment and Flip ushered everyone in his truck. 

Now that they were older it was a bit of a tighter fit, all of them laughing as they teased eachother. 

“Why’d you grow so much Harrington? Your elbow is digging into my side.” Flip teases. 

“Only cause Ollie is taking up all the space….. with her EGO.” Steve jokes back which makes the girl gasp. 

“No! It’s Wiley! I swear!” 

And when the laughing subsides Flip puts on the track of favorites he always used to play the first year they moved in. And once again everyone was singing the same old classic lyrics. 

Bad bad Leroy brown. 

When he pulls up to the elementary school Ollie holds out her pinky. 

“See you later?” 

“Promise.” Steve smiles, linking pinkies. 

“After school?” 

“I have basketball tryouts. Dinner?” 

“Deal.” She waits for Wiley to hop out before jumping out herself and fixing her homemade dress, kissing the air for her dad as Wiley turns and stutters out a “by-bye ste-eve.” 

Steve smiles and says bye and the two hold hands into the school as Flip takes Steve to his new school. 

“You don’t have to take me.” He mutters, feeling guilty. “I know it’ll make you late for work.” 

“Nah. I already told my boss I had to change my clock in time for ya. Can't leave Stevie behind.” Flip laughs, shrugging like it was no big deal. 

But it was a big deal, and Steve didn’t know how to tell him that. So when Flip pulled up to the school and smiles at him the boy merely smiles back and mutters out a quick “thank you.” 

But before he closes the door he turns and makes eye contact. “You’re the best.” 

Flips' smile eases all of Steves anxiety as he makes his way into the new school, missing Ollie. 

- 

Steve makes the basketball team since the word tryouts in middle school is very very very loose. It’s more of a “you showed up. Great. Let’s play” but he still brags to his dad that he made it. 

“Good. You might actually be worth a damn at something.” His dad scoffs. His mother kisses his face with an excited smile and talks about going out and buying him new tennis shoes to play in. 

When his dad goes out of town for his birthday he’s a little upset, until his mom reminds him that Ollie can come to the party so he makes sure everything is perfect. 

When she gets there he introduces her to all his friends, Tommy H and Kyle S both make snippy comments and drag Steve away. 

The party is a little awkward and he knows Ollie struggles to make friends with the older kids. 

Charlotte calls her in early, a tense look on her face as she wishes Steve a happy birthday and tells him they left his gift on the table, she keeps a hand on Ollie’s shoulder as they leave. 

Later that night he hears his mom in the dining room gossiping with her friends over wine. “Did you see that ratty dress? Oh my god. That poor girl walks around in those things all the time. Her mom thinks she can sew.” 

“And the way Charlotte kept talking to you. What a tramp. Got pregnant right out of highschool and acts like we would forget it.” 

Steve rushes up the stairs for an early bedtime. 

He never thanks Charlotte or Ollie for coming. 

- 

He meets ‘Cousin Eddie’ after school in the middle of the year. 

The boy has a buzzcut and a very large bruise on his face that has other kids whispering as they pass. He keeps his eyes casted away and his hands in his jacket. 

Steve would have avoided him if his basketball hadn’t rolled right up to him, the other kid bending slowly to pick it up like it hurt to do so. 

“Sorry man.” Steve mutters, coming to grab the ball. “Nice jacket.” 

And for a second the snippy remark surprises him, he never thought he would say something like that so easily. The kid in front of him blinks slowly, his eyes widening as he blushes heavily. To his credit he didn’t look down at the jacket. 

Truth was it was a crap jacket, there were too many holes and a stain on the front that looks purple. But since the jacket was green Steve knew that it was a giant blood stain. 

“You’re new right. In 8th grade?” Steve starts again, feeling a little guilty about his comment. 

“Y….. yeah.” The kid nods. 

Before Steve can respond a laugh is heard from the side, turning to see Tommy H walking up. “What happened to your face?!” 

“My dad.” He answers truthfully, shrugging like it didn’t matter. That makes Steves stomach tighten. 

“Well mommy should have bought you some makeup to cover it up freak.” Tommy sneers, bumping his elbow against Steve which is cue for laughter, against his better judgment Steve laughs too. 

They walk away after that, leaving the kid waiting on the sidewalk again. 

Later that evening Steve goes up the street and knocks on the door. It’s nana that opens it. 

“Stevie. Come on in.” She smiles, and all her movements are slow as she opens the door, letting him in. “Ollie’s down in her room.” 

So he gives Nana a kiss on the cheek before heading downstairs where they set up Ollie’s room over the summer. She has paint in her hair when he gets there, and he takes a second to look at what she’s painting. 

“What. Is. That?”  He laughs and soon enough she is proudly showing him the painting. 

“Bob ross silly! Nana got me his paint set. Isn’t it pretty?” 

It was. Not that Steve was shocked since Ollie always had a talent with art. 

“Where are your mom and dad?” 

“Mom stayed late at work for more hours. Dad is over picking up my cousin for dinner tonight.” She explains, watching as he falls onto her bed before going back to the painting. 

“Your cousin?” 

“Yeah. My aunt just passed in an accident. And things got pretty bad with his dad so his dads brother is taking him in.” She shrugs. “Just while Uncle Allen is gone.” 

“Where’s he gone to?” 

“Prison. Child abuse.” 

“I didn’t know your aunt died.” Steve blurts, blinking. 

“We had her funeral last week.” Ollie mutters, focusing on a tree. And they continue to hang out in comfortable silence before Flip gets home and starts dinner. 

By the time he calls down the stairs Ollie is dragging Steve up, meeting Wiley halfway to give him a fist bump before making their way to the table. 

Ollie hugs the new guest tightly, followed by Wiley and when both siblings pull away Steve can only blink. 

Cousin Eddie, Eddie , was the new kid from earlier. 

They blink at each other, both blushing heavily. Eddie from embarrassment and Steve from guilt. 

Charlotte makes them sit and eat. 

Both are silent during dinner. 

- 

Eddie, unfortunately, became a constant. 

A constant at school, the 8th grader being teased by ALL of Steves friends and though Steve never did any of the teasing he never did anything to stop it. 

And that always left him feeling guilty because Eddie was also a constant at home too. 

Ollie’s cousin made weekly appearances, once a week he would hang out with the Fraser’s. Eat dinner with them and hang out with his cousins. 

It’s not like Steve minded this, he was just always a little aggravated. He never really got to hang out with them anymore, between basketball and his new friends he found that he saw less and less of his best friend so when he did get to hang out he didn’t really want Eddie ruining it. 

Not to mention he didn’t want Eddie telling Ollie about his behavior. It was an embarrassing fact. 

Like today, during lunch Steve had cackled loudly when someone tripped Eddie, and he hadn’t thought much of it until he made it to the Fraser’s home where Eddie and Ollie were both at the table drawing while Wiley was on the couch reading. 

“What’s up?” Steve asks, feeling uncomfortable at the fact that no one greeted him. Did Eddie tell? Was Ollie mad? 

“Nana is at the hospital.” Ollie sighs, not looking up from her sketch. “Mom and dad with her.” 

And suddenly it makes sense, so Steve sits at the table, making eye contact with Eddie before quickly looking away to grab a paper and sketch with them both. 

Feeling nothing but guilt.

- 

He breaks his first sin a week before summer starts, and is left reeling. 

He had always been a….. bystander to Eddie’s bullying, now he was more. The second the words left his mouth he knew there was no going back. 

It starts in the hallway, Steve and Tommy on their way to class as Eddie digs around his locker. 

“Look at that mess.” Tommy scoffs, stopping the group from walking and looking to Eddie’s locker. “Clean your room freak.” 

Eddie looks over, confused as Tommy blinks. “You are living in the locker aren’t you? Homeless and stuff.” 

The friends around them “ooo” and “ohhhhhh” but Eddie seems to blink before standing straighter. 

“You know your mom sticks her tits out for the guy at the deli counter to get a discount?” And just like that everything turns, because Eddie Munson had snapped back. Everyone gasps and laughs and Tommy whirls to Steve with a mad look. 

“The fuck you say freak?” Tommy snaps and Eddie shrugs, casting a look to Steve. 

“Tell Ollie I say hello.” And Steve gets the threat laced in his words, his spine tensing and his fists clenching. 

“Funny you should talk about Tommy’s mom when yours wrapped her car around a tree.” 

Low. Blow. 

Eddie slams his locker, turning quickly and Steve is sure he’s about to get decked before Eddie blinks and walks down the hall without another word, everyone laughing. 

And Steve knows that he’s made the wrong choice. 

- 

Eddie stops hanging out after that, in fact Ollie stops talking about her cousin all together and there’s a put off look in her eyes whenever he is brought up. 

Steve asks one day, trying to seem casual as he pretends to do homework, “what’s going on with your cousin?” 

Ollie doesn’t look at him when she answers. “He actually….. uh…..well he asked me not to talk to you about him.” 

“Oh.” Was all Steve could say. “But we’re best friends. You tell me everything. We tell eachother everything.”

“Then maybe you’ll tell me why he asked that.” Ollie states, finally looking at him. 

Steve doesn’t answer, but they both knew. 

- 

His dad sends him to basketball camp that summer, for 3 weeks. When he gets back the Fraser’s go on vacation and don’t get back until the last day of summer. 

When the first day rolls around there is something different in the air. 

Maybe it’s the fact that Wiley doesn’t talk at all, too scared of the speech impediment. Maybe it’s the way Flip seems a bit off, not really smiling all that much, lost in the grief of his little sister being gone. Or Charlotte staring at her own mom who was too tired to leave the porch. 

But nonetheless the three kids pose for a picture, smiling as much as they can. 

And when Flip drops Wiley off the kid doesn’t say anything, he just tries a smile and heads in. Flip makes sure he makes it in the doors before heading to the middle school. 

“Have a good day.” He tries to smile, but it doesn’t hit the way it normally does. And when they make it to the doors Steve sees Tommy and the others waiting for him so he merely waved at Ollie before walking away. No pinky promise. 

-

She joins the art club, and somehow manages to stay out of direct fire of Tommy and the rest. 

Basketball takes all his time, and now that Ollie is in another club that meets on different days they rarely hang out. 

But it’s fine, he tells himself. It’ll go back to normal soon. 

- 

That summer Eddie is sent to juvenile detention camp, having been caught with weed, and Steve gets to hang out with Ollie all summer. 

No guilt, no basketball crap since Tommy is on a cruise with his parents. Just like how things used to be. 

They spend afternoons on the back porch with Nana, painting and hanging out under the shade and sun. Wiley joins them after his speech therapy and they all laugh and giggle like they used to. 

Ollie breaks her toes over a sprinkler head during a water fight one day, which makes everyone laugh in the hospital room when they see the x-rays and they start calling her ‘pirate’ since the boot they gave her clunks around like a peg leg. 

Steve spends the night on their couch when his parents are gone, which at this point is every other day. 

During a bad week with his dad he takes a pretty good beating over a snappy comment and Ollie cleans up the cut in his cheek, using a coke cam from her fridge to press against the swelling as they sat huddled together by the very same fridge to fight the heat. 

“It’s just the heat wave.” Steve lies. “He’s cranky cause of it.” 

“Yeah.” She lies back, pressing the cold can to the blistered lip for a second. “Just the heat wave.” 

He liked that she let him lie in that moment, he liked that he knew she wasn’t judging him for needing to lie either. 

- 

The first day of his Freshman year Steve is once again decked out in new clothes from the nicest store, his mother kisses his cheek on the way out and reminds him about basketball tryouts. 

He doesn’t go to to the Fraser house, since the car taking him to school had already pulled up, and he misses the way Nana waves at the end of the driveway. 

-

He manages to convince his mom not to throw a themed birthday party that year, already knowing his friends would make fun of him for it. She settles on a pool party and lets him invite whoever he wants. 

“Dads not gonna be in town.” She reminds him. “How about Ollie?” 

“We’re used to doing the weekend after, already.” He lies. “Why change plans? It didn’t work last time.” 

She laughs at the memory and heads off to find something to do as he suffers in his own guilt. 

The party is fun, fun enough that he forgets about Ollie for a few hours. 

And when the next weekend rolls around and the phone rings he is surprised to find that an upperclassman had dialed him asking to bring friends over. 

His mother, having left early that morning for vegas, left the house to him and before he knew it there was a high schooler in every surface of the home. The pool party was packed. 

“Someone’s at the door for you.” Carol giggles, rolling her eyes. “Some girl in a sundress.” 

And he already knows Ollie is at the door, excitement and dread filling him in one go. 

When he opens the door he sees an excited grin break across her face. “Stevie! Hey!” 

“Hey, Ollie.” He grunts, shutting the front door behind him quickly. “It’s just Steve.”

“Right. Sorry. Steve.” She nods, blushing a bit before holding out a bowl with a lid. “Nanas favorite pudding.” 

“Oh. Thank you.” He tries to smile. “I could have gotten it after dinner-“ 

“It’s already 6 and nana went to bed.” Ollie shrugs. “Not feeling well. We ate already….. I tried to call.” 

“Sorry. Guess the party is a bit carried away.” He tries to laugh before clearing his throat. “What’s that?” 

She blinks before looking down to the painting leaning against her calf, covered in a sheet. “Oh. I painted your birthday gift this year. If that’s okay?” 

“Of course.” He smiles, a genuine one this time. “Let’s see it.” 

And she smiles back, lifting the canvas and showing him the oil painting. It was a bob ross painting, except she ended up adding two smaller figures that looked like them walking along the lakes edge. They were insanely detailed. 

“This is amazing Ollie.” He sighs, holding it. 

“It’s nothing. I…,  I gotta go.” She mumbles, stepping away from the porch with a small wave. “Goodnight.” 

“You’re leaving?” 

“I have a curfew.” She shrugs, walking off quickly. 

He sets the painting and pudding down on the counter. By the time he wakes up in the morning he sees that the pudding had been eaten with the bowl shattered in his living room.  

It takes him a bit to find the painting, finding it outside broken in half. 

He only has half of it, torn and splintered, but never finds the second half. 

Guilt gnaws at him as he hides his half of it in the closet. 

- 

He tries to call on October 13th, her birthday, but the phone rings and rings and rings. He waits, foot tapping impatiently before his coach yells for him to get his ass to practice. Then after practice he tries calling again, this time someone picks up. 

“H-hel-hello?” 

“Wiley, hey it’s Steve. Is your sister around?” He mumbles out, stomach clenching at the kids stutter that he tries to ignore. There is shuffling, sound of footsteps on the stairs before the phone is picked up again. 

“This is Via.” She mumbles into the phone. 

“Via? When did you start going by Via?” Steve teases, something tightened in his chest that he couldn’t quite explain. “I just called to say happy birthday.” 

“Thanks Steve. I gotta go.” She mutters before the line goes dead, leaving Steve standing in the school hallway with a tight pain in his chest and no one in sight. 

- 

He takes her gift to her the weekend after the call, it’s some weird paint set thing he saw at the store, and just like the very first time he carried a gift over to the house his palms are sweaty. 

When he gets there he is taken aback, because on the porch there is a brunette with long hair that reaches her lower back watching him walk up with narrowed eyes. 

“Hello?” He calls, reaching the porch. 

“Hello?” She parrots, a hiss to her tone. 

The door freaks open and the screen door budges after that, Ollie comes out a little too focused on carrying a pizza box and not spilling the two drinks she was carrying on top of it. The brunette dashes to help, grabbing the drinks and shuffling back to the haven of blankets they had set on the porch. 

“Ollie, hey.” Steve clears his throat, catching her attention finally. “I just brought over your birthday gift.” 

“Oh, thanks.” She attempts a smile, and he attempts to ignore that painful feeling in his chest as her tear streaked face. 

“Have you been crying? What happened?” He asks quickly, stepping closer. She steps back, keeping the pizza box between them. 

“Nothing. I’m good.” Ollie shrugs. “Cece and I are having a girls night though. So-“ 

“Are your parents home?” 

“No. With nan at the hospital-“ 

“Is she okay?” 

“Eddie is on his way Steve. You should go.” 

“I thought it was a girls night?” He didn’t know why he was doing this, but that feeling in his chest was growing tighter and tighter, panic clawing up his throat. 

“You gonna mock him for that too?” It’s Ollie’s new friend Cece that sneers it, and Steve blinks at her. “Like your friends mock Via at school?” 

“People are making fun of you?” Steve mumbles, sounding completely gutted which isn’t far off from how he was feeling. 

“Goodnight Steve.” Ollie sighs, dismissing him. 

“Goodnight.” Steve mumbles back, setting his gift on the edge of the porch and moving to walk away. The screen door opens one more time and he turns to see Wiley coming out carrying two more cups full of orange soda, smiling as he shuffles to the blankets. Cece smiles and scoots over to welcome him in as a van parks in front of the house, the driver hopping out in a sleek leather jacket that Steve has to blink at before he recognizes Eddie. 

He doesn’t turn back after that, merely rubs his chest as he heads home. 

-

That summer is….. an odd one. 

His dad takes a pretty good swing at him the first day, popping him in the cheek hard enough to send him falling to the floor of the kitchen. His mom cries out, having to excuse herself because she didn’t want to cry in front of him and his dad storms out soon after. 

He goes to the only place he could think, Ollie’s house, tears clogging his eyesight. She sits with him on the kitchen floor once more, this time a pack of peas on his cheek as he tries to catch his breath. He holds her hand, the only thing really helping, and she murmurs soft words to try and get him to calm down. 

She calls it a panic attack 40 minutes later when he’s calmer and the peas are melted. 

He asks where her family is and she shrugs and says “out.” 

She lets him sleep on the couch that day. 

He wakes up a couple hours later to Flip smiling at him, mumbling something about “long time no see stranger.” 

And he is brought to the dinner table where he sits my Wiley with Charlotte across from her younger son and Flip by her at the end of the table. The other end of the table stays empty, but the plate is still set up for Nana. And Ollie’s seat across from him is covered in dried paint but she’s nowhere in sight. 

“She and her friend Cece are over there. It’s there only night Ceces mom is off work so Ollie….via likes going over there.” Flip smiles, catching the half glare Charlotte sends him when he nearly calls her Ollie. 

Wiley sends him an amused glance and Steve smiles in excitement at the fact that the boy did so, and he eats dinner with half the Fraser family for the first time in forever. 

-

The first day of his sophomore year Steve Harrington drives to school, picking up Tommy and his new girlfriend Carol on the way. They play music on the radio, Carol laughing at how cheesy the songs are as Tommy yells loudly at every car they pass on the way there. 

They take up their usual spot at the lunch table outside the front doors, summoning their friends and bothering people they don’t like. 

Eddie Munson passes, glaring at Tommy enough to have the shorter haired boy stand down for once as he walks in. The second the doors shut behind him the group all turns to each other to snicker about him though. 

Cowards, Steve thinks to himself. Blinking slowly when he realizes he is a coward as well. 

“Hey Nancy, Hey Barbara.” Carol coos as the two girls pass, the obvious mockery in her voice making the girls blanche and rush to the doors quickly. 

“You both realize that we do want at least…. Some friends. Right?” Steve laughs, tossing a raisin at Tommy. 

“Not a lot to pick from here. Aw look here. This one has her daddy pull up front.” Carol sneers, and Steve looks up just in time to see Ollie hop from the truck, giving her dad a smile before closing the door. He nods once before driving off and Ollie walks up the path in a shirt and skirt outfit. 

The skirt goes past her knees, and though Steve saw what the vision for the outfit was he knew Carol would only see one thing. “What are you? A Mormon freak?” 

Ollie doesn’t bother looking up, she merely walks past and meets with the brunette at the side of the door who wears a short skirt and a wide smile. 

“Oh I see. The slut and the Mormon. Cute couple.” Tommy calls after them making kissy sounds that have the brunette, Cece, rolling her eyes and dragging Ollie inside. 

Steve drags his eyes away, blinking slowly as reality hits. This was going to be a long year. 

- 

After a pretty good fight with his dad Steve finds himself sitting on the Fraser porch, bleeding from his eyebrow and lip and not really knowing what to do. 

There were no cars in the driveway, so there truly was no point in being here, no one’s home. Or at least that’s what he thought, because before he knows it the door is opening slowly and drawing his attention. 

For a second he thinks it’s Ollie and he struggles to find a proper excuse as to why he is here, since he is sure he wouldn’t be welcome after the way his friends have treated her. 

But then he sees Nana, looking sick and tired, but she smiles when she sees him. “Stevie? Come on in.” 

“I can’t stay.” He lies, eyes welling with tears. 

“Oh come on Stevie. I just made some tea.” And with that he shuffles in after her, keeping an arm out to help her across the floor, making sure she doesn't fall. She limps quite a bit, grunting under her breath from the pain, but tries not to show it as she makes it to her sitting chair and slides into it. 

He sits on the couch, watching her closely as she watches him. 

“I should have grabbed you some ice. Hold on Stevie….” When she goes to get back up he is quick to stand and shake his own head, going to grab something himself before she can. 

“I made you something for your birthday.” She mumbles when he gets back, leaning by her chair to grab it and toss it over to him. The green fabric is soft in his hands and he spreads it between his fingers to admire the sweater, something tight pulling in his chest as he merely just looks at it. 

“You knit this?” He asks in amazement, moving to put it on immediately. 

“I have a lot of time with the chemo.” She hums, closing her eyes quickly and gripping the sides of her chair. 

“Are you okay?”

“Yes. Just nauseous.” Nana hums again, breathing in. “Tell me what you have been up to, distract an old lady.”

So he spends the rest of the day telling her about everything, and asks as many questions as possible and he makes her lunch. When he leaves in the afternoon she walks him to the door and kisses his forehead. 

“You take care, okay?”

“Will do.”

“And you take care of my Ollie too.” And shame coats him the entire way home. 

- 

The pool party was a terrible idea, this much Steve knew as he stumbled his way across his living room.  With his parents gone for the week, pretending to be celebrating their anniversary together, Steve told his friends at school that the house would be all his. And so kicked off the first event of summer, everyone had shown up with bottles of liquor and bags of chips. 

And now, with it being late in the afternoon, all Steve wanted to do was sleep. 

“Steve!” Someone calls, laughing as a body is thrown into his. He only registers it as Tommy when the bad breath hits his nose. “The mormon freak is outside your house!”

What? What Mormon freak?

He must ask as much because Tommy is shoving him to the door with a cackle. He stumbles at the door, using the frame to catch himself as Ollie comes into view, tears streaming down her face while Steve blinks. 

His first reaction is to push forward and grab her, but then he realizes that all his friends are behind him and that is not an option. It would ruin everything, his reputation would be the first to go. 

“Are you crying?” He slurs, trying to blink away the dizziness. 

“I….” Ollie starts, stopping short when Tommy cackles from behind Steve. 

“Dude, what is she wearing? A potato sack?” He jokes and the group that had built up all laughs as well, he watches Ollie cast her eyes around and come to terms with the fact that they had an audience. 

She doesn’t say anything, instead she turns quickly and runs off. 

- 

He spends the next week debating if he had imagined that whole thing. 

He spends the days deep cleaning the house before his parents get back, trying not to gag with every pile of mysterious fluid he mops up. And once he is sure that his father would walk in without any suspicion of what went down he finally relaxes and takes a breath. 

And for the first time in a week he walks outside, taking in a breath of fresh air as she shuffles to sit on his lawn just as he used to growing up, bathing in the heat of the sun as he relaxes. That is until the sound of a truck pulls his attention from down the street, making him snap his head to the house he knew too well. The house he had all but grown up in. 

The moving truck was yellow this time, the same color of Ollies dress the day they moved in. 

Steve watches, picking himself up quickly as the Fraser family piles into the trucks. Flip gets into the moving truck, wearing an old flannel and a sad look. Wiley struggles to hop into the passenger side but manages all the same. 

They start up the truck and without another second start heading down the street, and Steve watches from the sidewalk as Wiley waves out the window slowly. Steve waves back. 

The red truck follows with Charlotte in the driver seat. Her cheeks are red and puffy and she plays no music for the drive out, she lifts a single hand to Steve. 

Nanas blue car follows next, Ollie driving it. 

She does not wave. 

{ Next Chapter }

#steve harrington #steve harrington x oc #steve harrington stranger things #steve harrington imagine #steve harrington x reader #steve harrington fluff #steve harrington smut #steve harrington x eddie munson #steve harrington fic #steve harrington fanfic #steve harrington fanfiction #stranger things #stranger things fan #stranger things imagine #stranger things fanart #stranger things fanfiction #stranger things fanfic

[quackquackcey]

How Stiles Almost Became a Fitness Diet Nutritionist

Fic written for @sterekweekly’s prompt ‘bacon’. Rated E, 2.8k words. Tags: pining, fluff, smut, & bacon lol. Read on AO3.

Summary:

Stiles somehow lands a date with the ripped, hot guy from the gym that he’s been crushing on for months by praising bacon, but accidentally digs a hole he can’t get out of in the process. Can he keep up the lie or will it all fall apart?~ 🥓🐷

“Why don’t you just ask him out?”

Stiles smacked Scott’s shoulder. “Keep your voice down!” he hissed. “What if he hears you? I can’t just go up to him! I’m just a random stranger; he’d be so creeped.”

“Stiles, he’s literally on the other side of the gym.” Scott huffed out a laugh as he put down his weights. “Besides, you drool over him so much he’s probably long noticed you. Just say hi and that you’ve seen him around, and ask if he’d want to go out on a date with you.”

“I don’t watch him that much!”

Except he did, and he knew it—he even changed his weekly grocery shopping from Mondays to Fridays because he noticed Derek at the store a few times when picking up ice cream on movie night Fridays.

He wasn’t a stalker.

He wasn’t. It was just the grocery store, and it wasn’t like he followed Derek around.

He just…peeked over sometimes.

That was it.

It was hardly his fault that Derek was practically a walking god.

So he continued living his life sneaking glances at Derek sometimes, until one Friday when he saw Derek shopping at the grocery store with a dark-haired woman. Usually, he’d jump to conclusions and assume she was his girlfriend, but they looked similar and bickered as siblings did—(no, relief did not fill Stiles’ chest at that realization).

Currently, the woman was berating Derek for only putting meat and a plethora of bacon in the shopping cart, which Stiles had noticed seemed to be Derek’s favorite food item by far.

Stiles pushed his cart beside them to get himself some bacon, too—what did he need bacon for again?—and then took a step towards the eggs section when—

“Hey, tell my brother that this is not healthy!”

Stiles looked around, but no one was there.

A beat of silence.

He pointed at himself. “Me?”

“Look at all this bacon!” the woman forged on as Derek stood there pinching the bridge of his nose. “Do you think this is healthy? Derek won’t listen to me!”

Stiles just sort of stood there, mouth opening and closing like a fish. “U-Uh, well, uh, maybe some, er…variety could be good…?”

It only took him at least a minute to say that garbage line, and he wanted to dig a hole.

The woman nodded approvingly. “See? He agrees!”

Stiles thought that’d be the end of his first not-really-a-conversation-but-maybe-it-counted-indirectly with Derek, but then the woman introduced herself as Laura and Derek as, well, Derek.

Stiles nearly tripped saying his own name.

“Yeah, I’ve seen you at the gym,” said Derek with a casual, blinding smile that rendered Stiles speechless now that he was on the receiving end of it. “We work out on the same days, I think.”

Stiles acted like he had no idea. “Oh, really? Huh. Small world.”

Small world, his ass.

And then Derek laughed, and Stiles’ brain simultaneously short-circuited from the heavenly sound and spiraled, because why was Derek laughing? Was he laughing because he thought Stiles was funny?

Or was it because he knew Stiles was full of shit and had been subtly and discreetly staring stealing glances at him at the gym for who knew how long now?

Whichever one it was, Stiles didn’t have the time to parse it out, because Laura started telling Derek that eating different types of bacon wasn’t any nutritionally better than eating one type of bacon, and Stiles, being the fountain of random knowledge no one gave a shit about that he was, opened his big mouth to defend Derek’s cartful of bacon and proceeded to spiel about how regular cured bacon had 30% protein and 70% fat per serving while back bacon had 65% protein and turkey bacon had 53% protein, so actually, Derek’s selection of bacon did make sense to an extent, and—

“Oh my god, are you a fitness nut, too?” asked Laura. She squinted at him. “No, wait, are you studying nutrition? I have a friend who’s studying that and they spout off random facts all the time when they’re preparing for exams.”

And that was when it all started going wrong.

Continue on AO3!

#sterekweeklybacon #sterek #sterek fic #sterekweekly #sterek fanfic #sterek fanfiction #sterek is eternal #derek x stiles #derek/stiles #derek hale #stiles stilinski

[canonicallysoulmates]

J2 Main Panel Nolacon 2023

The stage the boys are on has a catwalk so they play around and do a model walk at the beginning.

Also, before the questions, Jensen shares that he had a senior moment recently, he was taking the kids to school and In the Air Tonight by Phil Collins came on the radio. His daughter asked if they could change it and he told her no and as they were waiting at a stop light he told her to wait for the drum solo, because for those that have never heard this song before- do so but also this song has a very iconic drum solo, and when the drum solo came up he threw his neck out playing along to it. And Jared tells that he did the army certification training during his USO Poland stop and it was like the 2nd day there and there were all these jacked up 25-year-olds and they explained what they had to do and his knee is all jacked but he can’t say no so the time comes for the deadlift portion and he ended up tweaking his lower back a little bit. Then out of frustration, the last part of the test is holding a plank for like a minute and 15 seconds but he decided he was gonna stay in that plank till he dropped so he so he did a four and half minute plank. And then could barely walk and was all hunched over.

Into questions we go, what’s the weirdest space they’ve shared a convention with? Jensen starts to say that they don’t normally share a space but is then reminded they once shared with a furry convention that was going on. Jared says he recalls that probably around 2009-2010, in the first couple of years of them doing cons, at the same time they were doing a con there was a doctor convention a couple of doors down and some of them would get lost and you would just see physicians walk into the room and then back out slowly looking very confused due to some of the questions they were hearing for example about killing Lucifer. So they joke that if you don't know what SPN is or watch the show and you hear the questions they get, you're going to be wondering where you are. x

If they were in a Freaky Friday situation and swapped bodies what are some of the first things they would do as each other? Jared shares that the episode Swap Meat was initially an idea for an episode where Sam and Dean swap bodies and it was pretty wacky but as they started developing it he thinks the network shut it down but Jensen says that he thinks it was changed in an effort to give them some time off because they tried to give the boys a break every once in a while, and if they had gone with this idea they would both be working a lot of hours every day like 14 hours.

Jared answers that if he was body-swapping with Jensen different answer but Sam body swapping with Dean would probably go to the fridge and throw out all the unhealthy shit and swap it for salads and fruits. If he was body-swapping with Jensen, he’d probably get up and play a concert. Jensen would go get his knee surgery and then he’d go play any game of pick-up basketball there was and block the throws. They say that Jared did that the day prior, someone had thrown like car keys and Jared automatically slammed them down to the ground mid-air. Jared says that both with his friend group now and also the one he grew up with if anything is thrown in the vicinity of one of the friend members he'll smack it off the air. And Jensen says that Jared will do it without meaning too, it's just a reaction he has, that there was a scene where Dean throws C something, and Jared without thinking smacked it to the ground and then immediately regretted it cause they had to shoot the scene again. 😂

If they had to rule the world for a day either together or separately how would they do so? Jared says he would make social media not anonymous. You’d have to face all the hate- he thinks the world is a nicer place on the elevator with somebody than when people are behind a computer. And then he'd eat a bunch of candy. Jensen says he’d force government buildings to play New Orleans-style jazz music all the time, he thinks the world is a better place when there’s music involved. x

Are they going to do more voice acting? Do they enjoy it? Jared says he does enjoy it but that there’s a difference between voice acting when the animation is already done like with the SPN anime it was originally in Japanese but there were some sentences that in Japanese are like two words but that wouldn't be the case in the translation to English so he had to speak as fast as possible while trying to act so he’s not interested in dubbing. As Jared is saying this, Jensen laughs and says that it feels like Jared was traumatized by that experience and tells him that those difficulties are why he did not do the dubbing for the anime, and when Jared tells him that he didn't tell him Jensen replies that he tried.

Jensen says the normal process is the voice gets laid down and then the animation gets done like they did for Scoobynatural. He shares that he’s got a recording he'll be doing on Tuesday for a new project. And there are some he’s already done that are being animated, they’ll probably be out maybe later this year. He does enjoy voice acting because it’s such a departure from what they normally do on camera, they go in and deliver dialogue but it's not with a scene partner, he's in a booth by himself so it's odd when you meet someone who you had already done a movie with without actually meeting them. And each line of dialogue has a number next to it so the director might ask him to skip to a certain number and do multiple different readings of it. He looks forward to doing more voice work, it's something his father has made a living off for most of his career, his dad does voice-over for commercials and such, and says that it's a difficult part of the industry to get into.

Jared also mentions that they realized, especially during the early seasons of spn, that if there was something difficult to do but they did it over and over again and they did it well it would be written more so there would be things he enjoyed doing but didn't want to do often so he'd sandbag a little bit and Jensen would do it with Latin incantations, he'd pretend he wasn't good at it so he wouldn't have to do them. x

Is there an episode of the show that is memorable for them or that they feel changed their lives? Jared replies that the short answer is so many, and the shorter but more detailed answer would be when Sam opens up to Dean about some struggles going on in his head and Dean is supportive, that made Jared realize that he could talk about embarrassing stuff because people can respond not judgementally but be supportive. A lot of the eps are special but the Pilot as well holds that importance for him, says there are things in their industry where they know they have lightning in a bottle but it doesn’t matter if the people who are paying for them to play pretend want more viewers or a better streaming situation you can have something great but it get cancelled after an episode or a season or two. So he feels like to the best of his recollection even from the Pilot he felt like they had lightning in a bottle and they had something that was really freaking good but that it might not ever get aired then jokingly says that 15yrs later they were wondering when it was going to end.

Jensen gives two answers, one that changed from the show's perspective and one from a personal perspective. From a personal perspective, Wendigo. That it wasn't one of the amazing episodes of the show but for them, it was really their first step in their journey together. The Pilot was something they were going to do that had no promise of a future, they hoped it would be picked up and turned into a series but when they stepped foot into the set of Wendigo they knew the show was going to see the light of day, they knew they would have multiple episodes and they knew this journey they were about to embark on was going to happen and they didn't how long it was gonna happen but they knew there was at least a journey to be had so that changed him personally. From a show perspective, he’ll say Lazarus Rising because that’s when the show expanded their universe into heaven and hell. x

What’s the best and worse thing about being on such a long-running tv show? Jared can’t think of the worst. He says that the sacrifices if they can be called that are pretty obvious like the long hours, and having their family in Texas while shooting in Vancouver was rough but he just spend a week in Poland with people who are away from their families for nine months at a time so he’s not bitching, but there was a toll on his body like having wrist surgery and having to go into work the next day but on the other side of it the feeling of letting your head hit the pillow after a hard day at work there’s nothing like it. The best would be making lifelong friendships and relationships. He feels like if he had to go to Van tomorrow he'd be texting the SPN cast and crew to catch up, and it would be as if no time had passed.

Jensen would say worst part was the walking away, if you’re on a show for 1-3 seasons it’s much easier to walk away from that than it was to walk away from 15yrs of relationships and laughter and friends and family, and not just walking away from set and the people who made that set but also walking away from a story and characters they had truly grown to love. But that was also the best part being able to build that family, and build that set, and build those relationships and journey with the characters and friends and family for that amout of time that was the best part. x

What non-hunting related habits and quirks do they think Sam and Dean inherited from John? Jared jokes the voice. Then says he thinks Sam fought a lot against turning into who John was for him, and something that having three children and talking to other parents he has learned is every kid is born into a different family. So he thinks the John Sam got was different from the one Dean got if for no other reason that Dean's first 3 or 4 years were with mom still, Sam didn't have that so he thinks Sam put up a facade, he takes after his father and his brother anyways but he tried not to emulate John. Jensen says definitely the voice for Dean also maybe some driving skills and he would say on a more serious level the willingness to sacrifice oneself for the ones you love. x

Can Jensen share some stories about the finale of The Winchesters and Meg Donnelly driving Baby? Jensen says Robbie Thompson knew he wanted to make that happen for the finale quite a while before they even broke that story, it was something to spice up the season finale they try to do that in just about every show wether it's bringing back a familiar character or paying for a very expensive song which they also did, he says that Kripke actually called him and asked how he got Zeppelin and Jensen replied "name your kid Zeppelin you get Zeppelin". So they knew they wanted to somehow incorporate the car and he was on the docket to come back, and they wanted some other familiar faces so luckily Jim Beaver was available and Alex Calvert was available then he says MC offered but he said no. And you might be tempted to think he's making a mean joke but he says it’s true that MC told him he would came back that he wasn't doing anything and Jensen was like oh it's okay, we're good and if you're laughing right now just know you're not laughing nearly as hard as Jensen and Jared were cause those two were cracking up on that stage. Jensen says there was a reason for that but he can’t get into it but depending on the future of the show he’ll say why at sometime, which is professional speak for I'll never tell (and that's professional speak for I didn't want him there).

But getting the car back over there was something they knew they were gonna do so when they did he then saw on the script Meg was going to drive it even though she had just gotten her license the previous week but luckily Meg is a skilled performer but also she's a truly talented singer and dancer so she's very athletic so she has very good spatial awareness and motor skills which are a necessity when you're driving. So when she went to drive he was like okay, don't mess this up, and he did know that if anything happened to it the car was immediately going back to a shop and getting fixed. But she did great and he's glad it worked out that way and he was really proud of what everone did in that finale, he thinks it turned out really well and it's something he's very proud of. x

If Baby was possessed and had to be put down what would their last words be to Baby? Jared says Sam would probably be like 'hey Baby, can you just hold here a second I’m gonna try and find Crowley to put him in the trunk before we take care of business'. On a more serious note he thinks Sam would be like 'all right, get up to Heaven and wait for my brother'. Jensen asks the fan if they have seen Marley & Me but the fan hasn't because they know the ending is really sad. Spoiler alert for a movie from 2008, the dog is put down at the end. But Jensen says it would be like Marley & Me for Dean there would be tears and him uttering the words I'm so sorry Baby.

Jared shares a quick story about how years ago like 10-15yrs ago they were on a flight to somewhere and the way they were situated he was facing Jensen and D, and at one point he looked over at them and they had their headphones in like they were watching something but they were a wreck, silently crying and it was because they were watching Marley & Me. Then on the flight back Jared watched it and he was the same, a silently crying wreck. x

Any possibility they’d do an SPN movie? Jensen says yes. Jared asks him if he would prefer doing a limited series or a movie? Jensen answers, yes. Jared says that when they walked away from SPN they weren’t saying goodbye it was see you later and they looked at each other and kept going 'don't think about it too much because we’ll talk again in 2025'. So talk to them in 2025. Jensen says that they decided they were gonna wait 5 years, and then talk about what it would look like to bring it back out that obviously a lot of people need to be involved in those conversations, there's a lot of legalities and business affairs but obviously they can't do it without them and that's something they'll be talking about in a couple years. x

If somebody stole the Impala what would Dean do? Jensen answers that it would be all four John Wick movies rolled into one. He thinks if somebody stole Baby, Dean would go a little nuts, he would get Baby back no matter what the cost. The fan also asks if Dean's answer when Sam asks him that question and Dean says he'd murder them all was improve or if it was in the script, Jensen believes that one was improve.

Also, he does the Dean voice and we get some fangirl!Jared ❣️ x

When they were little kids was there any show they used to act out like if they were one of the characters? Jensen says Zack Morris. Jared says Home Improvement, Jonathan Taylor Thomas. That he was the same age and all the girls he liked had a crush on him and he liked the show, and thought he was funny, and liked that he had brothers and he wanted to be an actor like him so he would have loved to have been one of the brothers on Home Improvement.

Jensen tries to think about some of the shows that were on at the time when they were kids, and Jared asks him what Golden Girl he'd be, he answers Blanche. But he wanted to be Sam from Cheers, they watched that a lot and he just thought that character kinda had the world revolve around him a little bit and that's not to say that's what he wanted but he wanted to be the guy in the middle making it all happen, fixing the bar, making the drinks, having everybody know his name. x

The next question is a long one: of all the projects they've done was SPN their favorite show to act in? If it was what was their favorite part about working with the cast? What was their favorite episode? And what was their favorite Sam and Dean quote? Jared replies that he feels like every emotion he has ever had in his life he's had at some point in time during SPN so it's certainly the most complete, that it's like asking which child is his favorite. It was great, he fell in love and met some friends and got to do everything as Sam, he played every version of Sam he could; that it was awesome to explore and in a sense, especially in the beginning, it was nice that they weren't in LA because in Van they basically went to work, went home, went to bed and every now and then they'd get off early enough to go get a steak and watch some sports but they weren't distracted by like the next red carpet event in LA they just kinda were loving the process. For favorite line he says: "What kind of house doesn't have salt?"

Jensen says it's easy to make an argument why SPN has been his favorite project to work on and it's crazy because you work on a show for 15yrs, you would think there would be plenty of negative aspects to it that would maybe reveal themselves or whatever but he would say there was the least amount of drama, problems, issues on SPN than any other project he's worked on and to have that as long as he did that's his favorite- he would say that's why SPN is his favorite because he's known it the longest and he got to know it the deepest and most engaged with it than he ever has been with any other project. Line wise he goes with the first one that comes to his mind: "That was scary" x

Last question time, the fan first asks Jared when he’s going to bring G to see the fans at a con. Jared answers that it sounds like an awesome idea but then who’s gonna watch the kids…….I could make so many comments but I’m just gonna keep it moving. Jensen asks the fan what they would ask G if she were there and Jared pipes up and says "when are you gonna go back home?" What a loving husband.

Anyway, the actual question is what was their favorite or most memorable ep to film? For Jared most memorable is a little difficult to answer because there are so many but for favorite French Mistake, that it was a lot of fun and he doesn't think he'll ever get the chance to do anything similar to that again. Jensen says Inherit the Earth. x

And at the end of this panel there's also a butt pat! 🍑

J2 Main Panel Nolacon 2023

#j2 tinhat #anti jared x genevieve #anti misha collins #anti misha #noniwtv #mine

[callsignspark]

Mar[r]y Me - part five

pairing: Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw x Mariella “M&M” Vertucci (fem!OC)

summary: A love story told through friendship, laughter, and food.

series warnings: 18+ minors DNI, discussion of insecurities, difficult family relationships, discussions of food and alcohol use, discussions of body image, conversations on what it’s like to be a fat woman trying to date in today’s society, warnings to be added as needed

word count: 5.3k

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note: happy Friday! we're really getting into the meat of the story in this one! thank you for all the love on this series! can't wait to hear everyone's thoughts on this one!

part five - buffalo chicken dip

“What do you mean you’re not coming?!”

Mary yanks the phone away from her ear; Kristina’s voice is much shriller than she expected it to be when declining the invite.

“Kris, I don’t care about football. I don’t even know who’s playing! Why would I go to a Super Bowl party?”

“Uhh, to drink wine, watch the funny commercials and eat buffalo chicken dip? Why else?”

“That’s not a good enough rea- hang on, I’m putting you on speaker so I can keep folding laundry.” She puts her phone on the end table. “That’s not a good enough reason to come. Who's making the buffalo chicken dip anyway?”

“You! Like you did for Friendsgiving!”

“Kris…” She sighs. “I really don’t want to come. I’m sorry; it’s nothing against you guys. I’ve just been in a weird mood lately, and I won’t be much fun. I don’t want to ruin it for everyone.”

“Are either of you ever going to tell anyone what happened that night?”

Mary freezes, a half-folded towel tucked under her chin. “Nothing happened! I don’t know how many times that has to be said before someone finally believes me!”

Nothing happened, my ass. Kristina rolls her eyes, remembering the desperate measures the Dagger Squad had taken to try and figure out what happened between Mary and Bradley. The previous Friday, a group had even gone as far as interrogating Annabeth. At the same time, Harvard, Fritz, and Omaha had invited Bradley to join a “boys' night out.” It was a failed attempt to get information out of him, figuring he would be the easier of the two to break.

“Come on, Annie. Think really hard! What happened the day you, Aunt Mary, and Rooster went to the beach?” Danielle questions from the couch.

“We played in the sand and the water! Aunt Mary didn’t like when I got her wet, but she didn’t get mad. And Rooster liked her swimsuit. Twirl, Bobby!”

Bob spins around, looking a bit green in the gills after their twenty-fifth consecutive rotation. “I gotta tap out, or I’m going to throw up.” He hands Annie off to Jake.

Mickey pushes a water bottle into his hands, giving him a pep talk while Reuben rubs his shoulders. The three of them looking like a poor parody of a boxing team between rounds.

“How do you know he liked her swimsuit?” Coyote asks, feeling a bit ridiculous that they’re relying on the memory of an almost five-year-old to find out what happened over three weeks prior. But it was their last resort. The two adults involved had given them nothing.

“Spin, Jake!”

“Answer our questions first. Then we can spin as much as you want.”

Annabeth’s eyes go wide. “As much as I want?”

“Jake, you may not want to-”

“As much as you want.” He nods solemnly. They’re going to get this information, one way or another, even if it means that someone pukes. He can’t stand another week of being front row to the droopy Rooster and sad M&M avoiding each other show. “How do you know Rooster liked Mary’s swimsuit?”

“He kept staring at her.” She giggles before adding, “He liked her butt.”

It sends titters through the ten adults assembled, silence falling over the group at Jake’s glare. 'What else happened?”

“We went to the grocery store, and Rooster says I get his sunglasses when I’m bigger! We had beach meal and ice cream sundaes and watched Cars!”

“What else did you guys do?” Callie questions, her and Natasha sending encouraging smiles from where they’re crammed together in an armchair. As if showing more teeth will release the details they’re looking for.

“Then I brushed my teeth and went to sleep.”

A disappointed hush falls over the room. “That’s it? Nothing else?” Logan’s voice edges on desperate, the realization that they’re not going to learn anything helpful sinking in.

“I had a bad dream! The dinosaurs were there. They were scary, but Aunt Mary let me watch Frozen on the couch with her and Rooster, and then I wasn’t scared anymore!”

“Dinosaurs? What dinosaurs, Annie?” Danielle questions, confused as to what she could be talking about.

“The dinosaurs from the movie! Jurassic Park! I watched it with Daddy!”

“What is she talking about, Reuben?”

Danielle’s voice is deathly calm, causing the butts of every adult to clench in fear. The little girl pokes at her pseudo-uncle, not realizing the situation she’s created. “Spin, Jake! Spin!”

“Yeah, kid, we’re spinning, we’re spinning. Gonna spin so much while mommy and daddy have a chat in the kitchen.”

“You let her watch that?! Reuben! That used to give you nightmares if we watched it too late at night!”

A doubtful hum comes over the phone. “Okay, dropping the subject. How about this? You make the buffalo chicken dip, drop it off, then when you’re here, you can pick up your dress - I got a chance to fix the zipper.”

Mary raises an eyebrow at her phone. “You really want dip as payment for fixing my dress?”

“I want dip because I’m extremely pregnant, craving buffalo chicken dip, and you make the best I’ve ever had. The dress repair is free of charge because it took me two seconds.”

“I was going to stop by next week to pick-”

“Mary, I have three kids, and I’m eight months pregnant. This thing could blow at any time, and I don’t want you to have to wait four years to get your dress back. Which is definitely what will happen if you don’t pick it up before I give birth.” The two of them laugh at her exaggeration.

“Okay, okay. I’ll be by on Sunday with buffalo chicken dip to pick up my dress. What time should I come by so I don’t interrupt the party?”

“We officially said to come around three, but people will probably start dropping in sooner, so any time after two would be good. And you’re coming to the party.”

“I will be grabbing my dress, and then I will be leaving, Kristina.”

“Whatever you say, Mary.”

Mary weaves through the partygoers, smiling tensely at everyone who greets her.

“I thought you said this was starting - be careful, that’s hot - in an hour! Why is everyone already here?” She hisses in Kristina’s ear after adding her dish to the buffet line.

“It is! I also said people were probably going to come by early!” She pops a chip full of buffalo chicken dip into her mouth and moans. “Oh my god, that is so good!”

“I thought you meant like a few of the guys, not the entire guest list! I told everyone I wasn’t coming! How am I-” Mary gets cut off by Kristina shoving a ranch-covered baby carrot in her mouth.

“Calm down. Hang out for a little while, eat some food, and once the game gets going, you can sneak away and avoid whatever is happening between you and Bradley that you both insist isn’t happening.”

Mary splutters, trying to come up with a response, but gets interrupted before she can defend herself.

“Mary! I want you to meet someone!” Natasha joins them, pulling a brunette woman behind her. “This is my best friend, Flora Phillips! Flora, this is Mariella Vertucci. She’s the one I was telling you about!”

“Oh! You’re the one who made that coffee cake? Nat brought me a slice; it was amazing!” The two women shake hands. “It’s so nice to meet you!”

“You too! Nat said you run that flower shop down on Madison Ave?”

“She doesn’t just run it. She owns it. She’s Flora of Flora’s Florals!”

“Oh wow, that’s awesome!”

Phoenix and Kris move to greet Mav and Penny, who pop in to say hello before continuing to Warlock’s watch party. The other two women continue getting to know each other.

“So you’re in charge of all jet maintenance and repairs?”

“Yup, it’s my job to know everything that changes or gets fixed on the planes. It’s a lot of paperwork, meetings and debriefs, after-action reports, and training. Plus, I still cram hands-on time into my afternoons.”

“You do all that, and you’re still physically working on the planes yourself?”

“It helps keep me and my team on top of things. It’s much easier to sign off on a new mechanic’s report if I can see how they work and problem-solve through a roadblock in real-time.” Mary shrugs. “And I enjoy it; it makes the endless conference calls worth it.”

“I’m so glad I don’t have to deal with conference calls - hi Flora - it would be such a downer.” Jake wraps an arm around Flora’s shoulders, smiling down at her.

“Just wait until you make captain, Jacob, and all the fun responsibilities that come with that rank change.”

“Well, that’ll probably be happening soon enough, right, Bradshaw? It’s been a few years since I made lieutenant commander.” At his beckoning, Bradley comes over, standing next to Mary but refusing to make eye contact.

“You disobeyed orders on that carrier, got reamed into next year, and somehow got lieutenant commander before everyone else. I doubt you can pull the same thing for captain, Hangman.”

Jake turns to Mary, ignoring Bradley’s snark. “Where’s your better half tonight?”

“Stephen has a cold, so the Fitch family is staying home. And stop calling Danielle my better half! She’s married to my other best friend, and people keep getting the idea that we’re a throuple.”

“Are you not?”

“We are most definitely not. We’re platonic life partners.”

“See, that sounds like a relationship to me.”

“That’s because Javy does 95% of the emotional lifting in your friendship, Jake.” A muffled laugh interrupts their bickering. “Sorry about him, Flora. He gets less annoying the more you get to know him.”

“Oh, I know. Ever since Nat introduced us, Jake stops by the shop every few weeks for a plant checkup or to send some flowers to his mom, so I think we can officially be considered buddies.”

“Buddies? That is so hurtful, Flora! Would I make someone who is just a buddy my infamous TUA punch? Excuse us, Mary.” He directs her towards the makeshift bar on the dining room table.

“You know infamous is the bad one, right?” Flora questions as they go, making Mary laugh.

“You think they’re fucking?” The question startles her; she hadn’t forgotten Bradley was next to her, but she didn’t expect his first non-professional words in a month to be so blunt.

“I don’t know; they get along well, though. Lots of chemistry.” She moves toward the living room, ignoring the call of her name and joining a conversation with Brigham and Aaron, Fritz’s husband.

The next hour passes in a similar fashion. She’ll settle into a conversation, enjoying the company of her friends and their loved ones that have joined the party, when one of them brings Bradley into their chat. The next few minutes are uncomfortable, and Mary makes an excuse to leave the group. It happens over and over again until she finally makes her escape to the kitchen, where she pretends to be engrossed in getting food. Everyone leaves her alone, and it’s a nice moment of peace.

Until it’s not.

She groans internally when, out of the corner of her eye, she sees Bradley enter and make his way over.

“Did you make the buffalo chicken dip again? It’s delicious, even better than the one at Thanksgiving.”

“I did; thank you, Rooster.”

The entire room winces; she never calls him Rooster outside of work - barely even calls him Rooster at work - and everyone knows it. He tries to make more small talk, anything to get her to make eye contact with him again when someone bumps into his back. He’s jostled, and it loosens the solo cup in his hand, pouring red punch all down the front of her pale yellow sweater, seemingly in slow motion.

The kitchen is frozen, everyone staring at the duo in shock until yelling from the living room breaks the silence.

Bradley grabs a handful of paper towels and is trying to clean up her sweater when she grabs his wrist to stop him. He turns as red as the punch staining her top once he realizes exactly where his hands had been rubbing.

“I’m sorry! I’m so sorry, Mary, I-”

He’s cut off as Kristina takes charge of the situation, the elementary school teacher and mom of three having a spidey sense for when tears are looming on the horizon. “Alright, no big deal, folks. Mary, head upstairs, I’ll be right behind you, and we’ll get some stain remover on that. Bradley, Logan, please take care of the floor - I do not want ants in my house. Anyone who I did not just mention, if you’re done getting refreshments, please file into the living room so we have an easier time cleaning up.”

Everyone springs into action at her instructions, and she grabs Flora on her way, “Mind coming with me? I think I’m going to need a Switzerland for this one.”

The two women climb the stairs to find Mary standing at the sink in her sports bra, rinsing her shirt and taking deep breaths, trying to blink back tears. Flora nudges her to the side, grabbing the sweater and working stain remover into the fabric.

“So, do you want to talk about what just happened?”

“Nothing happened.” Mary insists.

“Really? That’s why Rooster has been walking around looking like a kicked puppy for the past four weeks?”

“He has not-”

“Yes!” Kris interrupts. “He has! Something happened the day that we went to the beach, and no one knows what’s going on. You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to, but everyone is worried.”

Mary sniffles and starts to explain, tired of holding everything inside from that night. The other women stare in shock when she finishes.

Kris blinks at her. “I don’t understand; if all that happened, why have you been avoiding him for the past month?”

“Because it’s scary!”

“What’s scary?” Flora gently questions.

The tears in Mary’s eyes finally slide down her face, and her lip trembles as she takes a shaky breath. “It’s hard being fat. Men don’t ever want me for me. It’s just sex they’re after. No one ever wants to love me. They just want to fuck me. So it’s hard to believe that Bradley would actually want me.”

Flora grabs her hand when the tears start coming faster.

“He’s a gorgeous man who can have any woman he wants. But when I think about what it felt like to be on his lap, I know he wanted me. It’s not a question of did he or not - he did. Which is something I’ve never had before. When I realized how hard he was and he told me that I was the reason - that he’d been like that for two hours and wasn’t even going to say anything if I hadn’t brushed him - that’s the first time I can ever remember not worrying about my body. I didn’t think about what my stomach looked like or if my shirt was tucked into a fat roll. I didn’t worry about how my boobs sag, and my nipples point toward the ground. I didn’t even care about how much I weigh! I just climbed into his lap, and he welcomed me.”

She’s crying through her words, interrupting herself every so often with a hiccup.

“That look in his eyes… no one has ever looked at me like that before. It’s the first time I’ve ever felt desired. Wanted. And I wanted him. I want him so badly. If Annie hadn’t had that nightmare and interrupted us, I would have had sex with him right there on my couch. And I would have enjoyed it. I know it would have been good. And instead-“

She cuts herself off and presses a hand over her mouth, muffling a sob that shakes her shoulders. Kristina rubs her back, both women trying to comfort her.

“God, I fucking hate crying over this; it’s my own fault!” She angrily swipes at her tears. “Because after I put Annie back to bed, instead of talking to him or picking up where we left off, I sent him home! And I immediately regretted it, and I wanted to call him and tell him to come back, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it! Because I’m so scared of how he makes me feel! I have never been able to forget my body and just enjoy a moment. I am constantly aware of my body. What it’s doing, what it looks like, making sure my clothes sit just right so I don’t look too big. It’s fucking exhausting. I've never felt so comfortable with someone that I completely forgot to care about what I looked like because I knew they didn’t care. That they wanted me. I don’t know how to handle it!”

She tries to catch her breath, a month’s worth of built-up emotions pouring out at once, making her hyperventilate. Flora sits her down and rubs her back until her breathing evens out.

Kristina silently hands over a damp washcloth, Mary giving her a wobbly smile as she runs it over her face and rests it on the back of her neck, the cool sensation making it easier to ground herself.

“So, I know nothing about this situation except what you told us.” Flora breaks the quiet. “But from what you said and what I saw today, it seems like he has feelings for you. You should go for it.”

“I- really?”

“Mary, you’re a very nice person, but I don’t know you well enough to hold back or lie to you. He cares about you. As a friend? For sure, that’s obvious, you know that. But something in his face told me it’s more than that for him. You should talk to him.”

“If nothing else, I should apologize for kicking him out and ignoring him without any explanation, huh?”

“That would be a good start!” Kris nods encouragingly. “And then the next step is explaining how you love him and want to have his babies.”

Mary blinks up at her friend. “I think I’ll just go with the apology and see how things progress from there.”

“Fine, be boring! Seriously though, it would be good to talk to him. You’ve missed each other. Also, you should try the dress while you’re here and make sure the zipper is good.”

“I need you guys not to tell anyone what happened. I haven’t told anyone, and I don’t think Bradley has either.”

“I can’t believe you haven’t told Dani or Reuben.”

“They have a four-year-old and a newborn. I can’t tell them right now because they’ll worry too much - and they’re already not getting enough sleep as it is. Not to mention there’s a good chance Dani would try to kick Bradley’s ass.”

Flora injects. “But you started it? Why is he hypothetically getting beat up?”

“Because those two are extremely overprotective, and their actual children aren’t old enough to date yet, so all that energy gets focused on me. Not to mention how everyone would try to help and give advice. And while I appreciate that everyone cares so much, having that many people involved would just make it worse and more confusing. So at least until I talk to Bradley, please don’t say anything to anyone.”

“Too many cooks in the kitchen kinda deal, I get it. Not a peep from me.” When Kristina agrees, relief rushes through her body.

“Thank you, guys. Now where’s the dress?”

“Bedroom, through that door.” Kris directs her through the connecting door. “Hey Flora, can you ask the boys if one of them has a shirt Mary can wear home? There is no salvaging that sweater; sorry, babe, the red Hawaiian punch got to it.”

“Please just ask Bradley. He’s the only one who would have a shirt that would fit me. And thank you for everything, Flora. I owe you.”

“I’ll let you know when you can return the favor.” Flora winks at her, heading downstairs to find her something to wear.

“Will you stop wiggling!” Kris scolds, struggling to get the zipper all the way up with the way Mary keeps moving. “There! Now take your socks off; it’s ruining the image.”

“Oh, like how my bra was “ruining” the image?” Mary mocks, bending over to pull her socks off.

“You had a yellow sports bra poking out the sides of your sexy, little black dress. Yes, it was ruining the picture.” She unclips Mary’s hair, fluffing it out before spinning her around. “Damn, if I wasn’t happily married and you were into women, I would be all over you.”

Mary doesn’t even blush like she usually does when one of the girls flirts with her. She’s transfixed by her reflection. She’s never looked so good. Even with the puffy eyes and red nose, she looks good. Twisting side to side, she can’t believe this is the same dress she bought last month.

“What did you do?”

“I fixed the zipper! And adjusted the side seams and fixed the hem. I know clothing isn’t made by hand nowadays, but god, this was shitty even by mass production standards.” Kris scoffs and rolls her eyes.

“Thank you! You’re magic, oh my god, Kris!” She’s in awe. She never thought she could feel this confident in a skin-tight dress. “What do I owe you?”

“Nothing, it was fun, and honestly, after I got in there, it would have driven me insane to know I was sending you with such a poorly constructed piece. I was happy to do it. Though, if you want to occasionally bring goodies over when the squad is deployed, I would not complain.”

“Done. Just send a text whenever you need a break from cooking, and I’ll stop by with stuff to get you through a few days. We were already planning to rally the troops to bring you and Danielle stuff when the boys are gone, so we’ll have to start a list of stuff the kids like to make it easier.”

“Deal.” Angry screams interrupt them. “Speaking of my children. I have to take care of that before it turns into crying.”

Mary waves her away. “Go, go. Flora can unzip me when she comes back.”

When the door shuts, she goes back to admiring herself in the mirror. She can’t even bring herself to feel silly for the way she twirls, smiling so big her cheeks hurt. This is the best I’ve looked in years…

Her internal monologue is interrupted by a knock.

“Come in!” She strikes a pose. “What do you think?”

“You look beautiful.”

“Bradley!” She turns in surprise, her heart thrumming. “I’m sorry!”

“What?” He freezes just inside the door, a sweatshirt clutched in his fist.

“I’m trying to apologize. I’ve been avoiding you since we went to the beach. That night… I just didn’t know how to handle it. I know I started it, but I wanted to explain how-”

“I think we should forget what happened.” He interrupts.

Her heart stops. “What?”

“I don’t regret what we did, but you clearly do-”

“I don’t regret it!” She protests. “I started it because I wanted it, Bradley. I wanted you.”

“Mary, you kicked me out, and the only reason you’ve talked to me in the last month is if it was necessary at work.” Bradley says gently. “I don’t want to lose you as a friend, and I don’t want you to resent me, so I think it’s best to act like it didn’t happen.”

“But I don’t want-”

“It’s the best thing to do, Mary.”

“You’re not going to let me explain? You just want to forget about it without even talking about it?”

The tension is high, the two of them staring into each other’s eyes.

“Here’s a sweatshirt to borrow; I’m sorry for spilling on you.” He tosses it onto the bed and turns to leave.

“Bradley…” Her voice is thick, tears starting to build again, even as he stops to look at her. “I- I-”

I can’t believe you won’t let me explain.

I can’t believe you don’t want to talk about this.

I can’t believe I put myself out there just to get rejected again.

His eyes tell her that she won’t be able to change his mind; he’s determined and stubborn. Qualities she usually admires about him. She sighs in defeat, knowing she can’t win.

“Could you unzip me? I can’t take this dress off by myself.”

He crosses the room, and she turns around, goosebumps erupting when he moves her hair to the side. He undoes the clasp and grabs the zipper, pulling it slowly down her back. His fingers brush her skin, sending shivers up and down her spine.

They make eye contact in the mirror. His hands pause at the middle of her back. Hers pressing the dress against her chest so it doesn’t slip. Both of them flushed from the proximity, from sadness; it’s not clear what emotion is winning out.

“Is that far enough?” He mummers in her ear.

She nods, “Thank you.”

He lingers for a minute, not moving. “You are so beautiful, Mary.”

He’s gone before she can even process the compliment, the door punctuating his departure. Mary tilts her head to the ceiling, willing herself not to cry again.

It doesn’t work.

The sweatshirt is his version of the one she wore that night. His call sign stitched on the sleeve in the same place as hers. The navy blue fabric absorbs a tear as she runs her fingers over the white letters.

Rooster.

She slowly redresses, hesitating slightly before pulling her borrowed shirt on. It fits, just like she knew it would. It’s slightly loose on Rooster when he wears it, so she knew it wouldn’t be too tight on her. She still has to roll the sleeves a few times, sniffing back tears as his cologne reminds her what it’s like to be near him. What it was like to be so close to him that night.

There’s a quick knock, and Phoenix’s head pops through the door, eyes closed. “Are you decent? Can we come in?”

“Just one second!” Mary wipes her face, making sure it doesn’t look like she was crying. “Okay, come on in.”

“Wow…” Nat wiggles her eyebrows, flopping on the bed. “Look at you, wearing Rooster’s flight school sweatshirt! It’s like the adult equivalent of giving you his letterman jacket.”

“That’s ridiculous! I have my own flight school shirt with my own call sign. I don’t need a man to give me his.”

“How do you have one?” Natasha sits up, almost knocking heads with Flora.

“When I was the engineering liaison in Pensacola, I got to know the brass pretty well. One of the admirals kinda took me under his wing and showed me the ropes. Really helped me understand how the Navy works. And, of course, I was so brilliant that I quickly became his favorite civilian. So when I left, he got me a sweatshirt.” She dramatically flips her hair over her shoulder. “Mostly because I had been subtly complaining for like three years that I wanted one, and it wasn’t fair that all the gross boys got one, but I didn’t.”

“You’re not a pilot, Mary.”

“That’s exactly what he said! So unfair.” She rolls her eyes and tuts.

It’s all an act. Can’t you tell it’s an act?

The jokes feel flat coming out of her mouth; the words taste bitter. But she can’t give Natasha any trace of sadness. She knows Bradley was just in here; she’ll smell the blood in the water. And she’s not ready to give so much of herself away to another innocent bystander today. She didn’t even mean to earlier, even if they were nice about it.

“That’s gotta be over soon, right? How long can this game go?” Kris asks as cheering from the living room mingles with their laughter.

“Wait! Oh my god, did I tell you? For Valentine’s Day, Logan hired a babysitter and said we’re going to get massages and then eat Taco Bell alone in our mini-van. At eight months pregnant, it’s the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard.”

“You gonna get frisky in the backseat?”

“We’re gonna try, but we might just nap instead, which sounds just as good. What about you, Flora? Any plans?”

“No plans. Not only am I extremely single, but Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest days of the year for me at the shop. It’s tied for first with Mother’s Day. And it being a Sunday this year just adds even more difficulty because half my vendors won’t ship on Saturdays, so it’s been a logistical nightmare trying to get all the flowers ordered.”

“How many orders do you have this year?”

“God, even more than last year, Nat!” Flora flops back. “Which is great - I’m so happy business is growing - but it’s so stressful. I hired a second driver! Thankfully Calliope’s brother was looking for some extra cash because we’re bordering on 350 orders right now. And I’m still accepting orders until close on Friday.”

Natasha pets her best friend’s head. “Let me know if you need help. I’ll happily come by on Saturday and process roses for you.”

“You have plans Saturday.”

“Not until Saturday night, and I would skip it if you needed help.”

“What are you doing on Saturday?” Kris asks, relaxing in the rocking chair on the other side of the room.

“Oh! I didn’t tell you guys yet!” Phoenix pops up, looking excited. “Streets, that club over on Elm, is having a special thing for Valentine’s Day! It’s apparently a speed dating thing, but I think everyone is just going to drink and dance. All the single people in the squad and some of the control room people are going. Mary, you’re coming - I won’t take no for an answer - and you should invite your mechanics!”

“Okay! That sounds fun! What’re we wearing?”

“Really?! I don’t have to convince you? All the boys took forever to say yes! I don’t know what I’m wearing yet, but you, me, and Callie should get dinner tomorrow and figure it out!”

“Zero convincing needed.” Mary’s smile is strained, not fully reaching her eyes. All three women notice but don’t say anything. “I’m single with zero prospects on the horizon. Maybe I’ll find a boyfriend! Or at least a date.”

Kris freezes, eyes snapping to Flora, who is equally confused. Both of them wondering what changed in the few minutes they were gone.

“What time is it? I should get going. I still have to go to the grocery store.”

The four women make their way downstairs, Mary yelling a quick goodbye as she pulls her sneakers on.

“You can’t leave, M&M! The game isn’t over yet!” Jake complains from his post against the living room doorframe.

“Jake, sweetie, I don’t know how to explain to you how little I care about football. Also, when I do care about football - which is approximately once a year, and unfortunately, you’ve missed this season’s opportunity - it’s to cheer for the Bills.”

“You like the Bills?” Omaha’s voice edges on disgusted. “You’re just like Payback.”

“I’m from New York, went to school in Buffalo, and my family doesn’t do football. All that plus my thousand-year friendship with Reuben equals reluctant Bills fan by association.”

“But they-”

“Suck? Yes, I know. I also don’t care.” She opens the front door, waving sarcastically. “Okay, bye!”

Her eyes meet Bradley’s before the front door closes, and her chest instantly tightens. The happiness that had built up from spending time with the girls dissipating in a second.

I can get over him. I can do it… I have to.

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fic tag | credit for dividers here

#top gun maverick fic #top gun maverick au #top gun maverick imagine #top gun fic #top gun au #top gun imagine #bradley rooster bradshaw fic #bradley bradshaw fic #bradley rooster bradshaw x oc #bradley bradshaw x oc #bradley bradshaw imagine #rooster imagine #DSS universe #MM fic #mar[r]y me fic #elle writes

[apollos-olives]

in defense of my Catholic grandma during lent!

she actively doesn’t eat meat during the whole lent period and would only have coffee at breakfast, before sunrise and then a small dinner after sunset, Fridays included. Even at like 50+ when my mom would nag her to eat. Idk about other places but we’re from Latin America and the little old Catholic ladies would be the ones that do an actual act of fasting and prayers and all that. I think they tend to do it correctly/actual fasting and sacrifice. Lapsed Catholics like my mom and I who have lots of concerns about The Church, don’t do that.

In defense of the fish, at some point during the 15th century…I think (oh I shoulda googled but the point is), the poor could only like afford like fish and chicken and meat was way too expensive anyway so the pope at the time was like “don’t die, we need you to work the land, eat fish during lent” at least that’s how I learned it.

oh interesting, thank you for telling me. i've gotten a bunch of asks in my inbox rn telling me that more religious/older people actually do the fasting during lent, but it's just not common anymore. i didn't know about the fish thing though!! that's good to know

[wildestheart4ever]

@stealingyourbones @aikoiya @markus209 @kyrianclawraith 

Jason.

He was still picking off meat bits from his finger nails as he, Tucker and Sam walked away from the dumpsters full of wasted meat, surly and exhausted after such an eventful day.

In all honesty, the Lunch Lady brought some sense of familiarity, the lunacy of everything about her making everything feel almost nostalgic - now don’t get him wrong! He’d very much like to go without smelling like a total meat locker at the end of every encounter [and he was sure this wouldn’t be the last time], but exercising his training and powers to their full extent felt almost exhilarating. 

The sound of Dash hollering in outrage as he squirmed out of the pile of meat Jason had dumped on him was just a cherry on top. 

“For a first time of superheroing, I’d say that wasn’t so bad.” Sam offhandedly commented, vigorously scrubbing her hands with the disinfectant wipes she apparently carried around with her. Honestly, she could groan and bitch over Tucker all she liked, but those two were more alike than they wanted to admit, watching Tucker wipe under his nails just as vigorously.

Jason shrugged, “Not my first time kicking ass.” He muttered in response, ignoring the curious looks the two threw him.

“Maybe, but I bet it’s your first time dealing with ghost.” Tucker said. It was almost bizarre, watching the guy fall into this strange mode of professionalism - he shielded them, herded the ghost away from the public, distracting her with goading and jabs to keep her attention on him, pulling out all the stops that spoke of a long time knowing what he was doing.

Sam nodded in agreement, giving him a nudge of approval, “You did good.”

Jason tried not to blush under the praise. It did feel a bit like going out as Robin for the first time, finally getting to go out there and put his hard earned training to good use. Flying through the air at full speed without the assistance of a grappling hook had been exhilarating, as was going ham [heh!] on that giant hunk of meat with all the enhanced strength he had gotten control of.  

Still, fighting the ghost of an ole lunch lady who used to work in Casper High had been an experience.

“Thanks, was honestly worried for a second there - while on the topic, we should probably keep a journal about this - about ghosts, I mean -, on this case: It seems like Ghost do not like when people meddle with things that they consider theirs. Sam.”

Tucker grinned evilly, leaning over to look at her, “Yeaaaah, Sam.”

The girl rolled her eyes and looked away from them with a huff, “Well sorry if I was looking for variety in the menu, how was I supposed to know a ghost would have such a big issue with that?”

“HA! Variety my butt, you wanted us to eat grass, Sam, grass.”

Nudging Tucker to tell him to back off [’Cause by gods this girl did not take well to aggressive opposition], Jason threw her a patient look, “Sam, that wasn’t asking for variety. You had them switch out all the meaty foods to your Ultra-recycled vegetarian diet - disregarding the people who can’t even eat that stuff.” He chided.

Sam paused in her tracks, brows knitting as she pondered over his words, and looked down at her feet, “Oh, didn’t even think of that.”

Good, she wasn’t being intentionally disregardful of other people - that was good, he wouldn’t like to live in a world where she might become a rogue, god knows what that’d be like. She was just an intense, angry teenage girl who cared too much, abysmal execution not withstanding....... She and Dick would’ve gotten on great he was sure.

“Plans for Friday still a go?”

Ah, Friday, the day for when they were planning to explore the Ghost Zone, wander into the depths of the unknown completely and utterly unprepared, Bruce would’ve broken out in hives.

Jason gave a sharp nod, “Yup! Jazz will be studying at the library and go to movies with a friend after, while the Fentons would be at City Hall, looking into trying to convince some white collar to approve installations of some safety measures against ghost, we got the whole place to ourselves for approximately a few hours.” Honestly, the amount of time they had on their hands wasn’t to his liking, especially considering how much could go wrong.

Sam nodded in approval, “Knowing them, they’d be spending all day there getting that to happen.”

“Yeah, wouldn’t be surprised if they were itching to go now, considering how long they’ve been raving about today.” They three winced at recollections of the Fentons’ excited babblings, trembling with the sheer magnitude over their first ghost sighting and dragging poor Jason into it.

Jason resisted the urge to shudder, “I’m trusting they’ll be preparing a list of proper protective measures and a whole presentation about it before they go knocking down those doors,” He wryly commented, kicking a stray piece of broken concrete, “Jeez, not only are they shitty parents, they’re embarrassing ones too. Surprised Danny just never booked it......or Jazz for that matter.”

“Not like they could.” Tucker muttered, looking suddenly uncertain and uncomfortable about the topic.

Right, right, this kinda thing was never as easy as one wished it to be, he was sure Jazz would’ve jumped at the chance to get her and her brother out if she could, and god knows the can of worms that were Danny’s own complicated feelings about his parents.

Peachy.

“Any so, we’ll check over our preparations for Friday. As of now, keep our heads low until the parents stop breathing down our necks over the cafeteria mishap, we still have our setup in the OPs center?” Sam asked, nodding in approval at Jason’s affirmation, “Good, let’s hope it stays that way........”

“You know........”

Jason didn’t like the sound of that, eyeing the girl warily, “What?” “We’ve known that ghost were showing up a lot longer, and it seems the stronger ghost are finally taking an interest in showing up. You might need proper back-”

“No.” Nope, absolutely not, he was not getting other kids involved in this mess, much less untrained ones. It’s bad enough these two won’t run the other direction when a ghost does show up, however seemingly weak the ghost in question is, he’s not going to let them actually try to engage.

The girl huffed, grabbing the boys’ sleeves and dragging them into an empty alley, giving them some semblance of privacy, and turned to face Jason, “Look, I know you got this iffy thing about teen heroes going on and all, but you’re just as new to this -”

“I at least had training, Sam, training and experience I shouldn’t have had in the first place, but I have it -”

“You never got in a serious fight with ghosts before, though, and while you did a great job handling the Lunch Lady, it showed. Look, if not that, at least teach us how to use to use the Fentons’ weapons.”

“Sam -”

“For defensive purposes,” Tucker quickly offered, giving the other boy a beseeching look, “Sam’s got the right idea, this whole ghost thing is looking like a long term change and we never know what kind of ghost will be coming out of that portal - the least we can do is learn to defend ourselves.” 

God, these two. Jason dragged his hands down his face with a tired groan, throwing the two teens a glowering look before looking away, pursing his mouth in consideration. Self defense, okay, not a bad thing to have up your sleeve, and who knows what trouble these two would get into with their involvement.

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Jason sighed, “Self defense, that’s it! But can you at least promise me you won’t try to jump into any fights?”

“On the off chance we don’t face any potential kidnappings or what other such bullshit the further we’re involved in this mess, we promise.” Tucker swore, hands held up in a scouts salute.

Jason tried not to twitch at the boy’s swearing, practically envisioning Mrs. Foley’s disapproving stare, and just looked at the boy.

He’s seen recollections of Danny’s memories of this kid, he’s never been a boy scout.

Sam smiled cheekily, almost as if knowing what he was thinking, “What he said.” She chirped, looking practically eager at the promise of training.  

MUCH LATER [Said in SpongeBob narrator voice]

“Hey, Danno! You hear about today? After years of study, we finally caught sighting of our-”

- “Yeah, dad. I know, you told me......a million times already.” Jason cut Jack off with a sneering grimace, grumbling under his breath as he stalked further into the lab, perusing the work table for any finished project that might need tampering.

Gotta give points to the Fentons’ lack of concern with their kids waltzing in and out the lab all willy nilly, stealing stuff would’ve been a lot harder if they had been competent parents.

He hummed quietly in interest at what looked to be clunky looking communicators, they looked nearly finished, nearly, and would sure be useful for the upcoming trip. Throwing the large man a watchful look, he carefully swiped the devices and stuffed them in his pocket, deciding to look for the blueprints later. Making sure he hadn’t been caught, Jason threw the distracted man a inquiring look, “Any lab chores today, old man?”

He heard Maddie huff in amusement, looking in her direction and trying not to flinch away as she patted his cheek affectionately, “Not today, sweetie. You should go to your room and clean up, and don’t forget we’re going to talk about your little mishap yesterday, okay?” She informed, giving him a stern look.

Rolling his eyes, he hefted his backpack higher onto his shoulder and turned to leave, “Yeah yeah. Gonna order Chinese takeout, so try remembering to clean up before coming up to eat, last thing we need is the kung-pao chicken coming to life on us.”

Blinking at the flippant demanded, Maddie blinked before giving him a hesitant smile, “Sure thing, you know where the money is.”

“Mhmm.”

With that, Jason quickly left the lab at the sign of Jack preparing for another tirade, already looking ready to swing the unfinished bazooka in his hands.

He nearly bumped into Jazz on his way to the stairs, mumbling a sheepish sorry and watching as she wrinkled her nose at him.

Jazz waved her hand in front of her face, grimacing at what was most likely the wafting stench coming off him, “Eugh, take a shower, will you? You smell like a meat locker.”

“What are you talking about?” He paused to duck his head and jokingly smell the collar of his shirt, giving it an exaggerated sniff before looking back at her innocently, “It’s my new cologne: Odeur d'homme.”

The girl blinked. Oh right, Danny doesn’t speak french, whoops.

He watched as she finally rolled her eyes, huffing in exasperation and crossed her arms, “Well you should consider getting a refund, cause Smell of Man reeks.” Turning away to head for the kitchen.

“Shows what you know,” He called after her, leaning over the banister to stare at her retreating back, “Hey! Mind calling the Chinese place? Ma gave the okay for takeout.”

“Sure, want anything in particular?”

If he requested enough food to feed a small army, well, he could always point fingers at the giant of a man that was Jack Fenton. Quickly heading upstairs before Jazz could comment on his large request. It was hard to come by carbs in a house where the food was mostly contaminated, better take advantage where he can, right?

.

FRIDAY

“Ready?” Sam asked, hands flitting nervously around the newly minted com Jason and Tucker finished working on and tested an hour ago.

“Ready as I’ll ever be,” Jason confirmed, tightening the glowing knot of rope around his torso. He made sure to wrap it around him like a harness, ensure that there wouldn’t be a chance of it unraveling......not that it would, Bruce made sure he knew his way around a rope. He turned as Tucker came ambling down the stairs, closing the door behind him firmly shut, “Fentons gone?”

“Just sped around the corner. I swear, I’m surprised that man hasn’t gotten arrested yet,” Tucker stated, moving to stand by Sam’s side and giving him a considering look, “Show time?”

Turning to look at the large shut gates that led to the Ghost Zone, Jason gave a determined nod, “Show time.”

A rush of adrenaline surged through him as the doors opened to reveal the green swirling abyss. It niggled at his mind just staring at it, like he’s seen something like this before.

Gentle hands on his shoulders, guiding him toward a pool of glowing green, stopping to stand at its edge and staring down into its glowing abyss.

Confusion. What was going on?

The same hands caressed his face, “I’m sorry, but know I’m only doing this is for your own good.”

A shove. Stumbling back and falling into the glowing pool with a loud splash.

Drowning. Can’t breathe. Surface growing further out of reach.

Everything was too bright.

Pain.

“Jason?”

He was pulled from the memory by the sound of Tucker’s voice, turning to meet Sam and Tucker’s worried stares. Tucker tilted his head, eyeing him with concern, “You good, man? We can always postpone this until the speeder is ready.” He gently offered, gesturing toward the giant pile of metal that the Fentons were working on.

Jason quickly shook his head, “No, it’s - I’m fine. I got this.” He reassured them, squaring his shoulders and taking a deep breath before slowly advancing. 

“Be careful.” Sam called after him, hastily shoving the comm into her ear, Tucker stood by her side, twisting the end of Jason’s tether nervously in his hands.

Turning to give them a reassuring nod, Jason took another deep breath before making a leap.

Suddenly finding himself surrounded by glowing green.

Taking a steadying breath, pulling himself from the unease of a blind mission, Jason pushed himself forward, taking in the Ghost Zone

Doors, there were doors everywhere he looked, moaning ghouls rushing past him with eerie shrieks had him stumbling back in alarm, not looking to get into any potential scuffles. It was weird, it felt - it felt almost......familiar. 

“Jason, Jason can you hear me? Over”

Tucker’s voice rang through his ear, and Jason felt a brief relief at knowing their work was successful, reaching up to tap his comm, “Loud and clear, Tuck. Also, you don’t actually have to say ‘over’ whenever you say somethin’, just so you know.”

“.......Sounds more official that way, like a mission.”

He huffed with amusement, taking in his odd surroundings as he proceeded forward.

“How’s it lookin’ in there? See anything that might be of use?”

“Not gonna lie to ya, Sam - it’s very green in here, lots of doors and.......islands.” He informed, staring at the tiny floating islands in the distance. There was that niggling feeling again, like this should be familiar to him. 

A rush of vertigo suddenly slammed into him, followed by a sharp pain piercing through his skull that had him stumbling with an alarmed grunt.

The sound of Tucker and Sam’s cries of concern were washed over by images of recollections of swooping past countless islands with reckless abandon, feelings of mischief and rowdiness, followed by little green.......somethings always floating in the corner of his vision, making chirps and trilling sounds he swears he could understand.

What?

Shaking his head, Jason massaged his temple with the heel of his palm, breathing heavily as he looked at the Ghost Zone with new, uncertain eyes.

“Jason! Jason, can you hear me!? Please say something!!” 

“I think I’ve been here before.” He uttered, ignoring Sam’s frantic calls, swallowing thickly as he registered the unexpected information, feeling wrong footed all of a sudden.

“What, what do you mean? Over.” 

“I think......” He hesitantly leaned against a frame of a random door, combing his fingers through his hair in agitation as he threw another uncertain look around him, “......I think this is where I went when I died.”

He could feel the vertigo looming in the distance, swooping down on him while he was suddenly being blinded by a bright light. Jason could feel his body sink lower and lower, everything around him growing murkier the further his vision blurred.

Blinking and huffing in agitation, Jason shook his head, looking around his suddenly empty surroundings, every door and island, every ghoul and odd blob suddenly gone from sight.

Turning to survey his new surroundings, Jason tensed in shock to find someone with him, standing a good ten feet from him.

The man was tall, broad, and looked just as uncertain of this place as Jason felt - and for a moment, he thought he was looking at Bruce. But that wasn’t right. A feeling of dread crawled up his spine when the man laid eyes on him, staring at him with searing green eyes, blinking before dawning realization showed on his face.

“Jason?”

The voice was almost familiar, Jason found, and it finally occurred to him as to why. The man was younger than he first thought now that he was taking a closer look, more in his late teens actually, he had black hair, a streak of white at his hairline cutting through dark tresses, there were also three very familiar little birthmarks on his face.

Jason realized with befuddlement that he was staring at his own face. Realized who it was he was staring at.

“Danny?”

I’m sure you know by now the Danny that will meet Batman will be a little more jaded. Forcing to learn lethal violence and being compliant to one’s expectations just to get any chance of freedom will surely do that to what is basically an innocent civilian boy. Will be a little more brutish when impatience hits him when request for a private meeting with the Bats are being rebuked? Maybe.

Jason is gonna make Vlad’s life hell, I assure you. No matter how much he dislikes the Fentons, there’s nothing that gives him the bigger ick than this narcistic entitled asshole crying “JAck STolE MaDDie FRoM mE”

Also, he may also be stuck in this secret keeping deal Danny had with Vlad, but it does not mean he’s gonna let this fucker barge into Danny’s life. Aka tell the Fentons that Vlad has been cornering him, harassing him and making him uncomfortable - you know! Not exactly implying anything, but letting the parents draw unsavory conclusions.

Who’s gonna win? The beloved child......or the estranged man this couple hasn’t been in contact with for the last 20 yrs.

#Danny Phantom #DC #Batman #DPxDC #DCxDP #DP x DC #Danny Fenton #Jason Todd

[bracketsoffear]

BAE-by Back Ribs Bouquet (Boston Market) "Roses are red, violets are blue, but BAE-by Back Ribs are almost too good to be true! The rotisserie everything experts at Boston Market® are bidding farewell to flowers and ciao to chocolates this Valentine's Day with a new, one-of-a-kind gift for your bae – a romantic bouquet made of its newest menu offering, fall-off-the-bone Baby Back Ribs.

Beautifully assembled with one dozen tender, mouthwatering Boston Market Baby Back Ribs, the limited edition and sure-to-be-coveted BAE-by Back Ribs Bouquet will be available for purchase on Friday, February 14 in all Boston Market restaurants nationwide"

Mortal Garden vibes strong with this one.

Marrots and Megetables (Arby's) "...in true Arby’s fashion, while others are following the latest trend and exploring plant-based meat alternatives, the brand is staying true to itself by continuing to serve what it does best: 100 percent real meats. But Arby’s isn’t stopping there. It’s taking a hardline stance as the champion of meats by creating an entirely new food category: “Meat Vegetables,” or “Megetables™.”

“Plant-based meats are the latest incarnation of making vegetables look like what Americans really want, which is great, tasty meat,” Jim Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer of Arby’s, said.

“Universally, people know we’re supposed to eat vegetables every day. But 90 percent of American’s don’t eat the recommended amount. So we said if others can make meat out of vegetables, why can’t we make vegetables out of meat?”"

Mortal Garden vibes strong with this one.

#munch madness #flesh poll #the flesh #the magnus archives #poll #food #boston market #arby's

[sulky-valkyrie]

Hey Sulky! I'd love to see something with the Origins crew for the prompt "They all have different drinks in the morning, and all of them know by heart what and how the others like to drink theirs (for example coffee, tea and energy drink, coffee with milk, tea with a tiny bit sugar, and a very specific brand and sort of energy drink)" in 600 words or less!

Happy Friday, Lucky! Have 600 words on the nose of a slice of life of the DAO crew's morning drink habits for @dadrunkwriting

The door handle rattled loudly.  “Breakfast!”

Ris groaned and rolled to her back.  Leliana was always too chipper in the mornings, but this time she seemed particularly grating.  It made sense, and she’d regret it if she didn’t take advantage of it: real food, not a cookpot of whatever oats and barley and bits of dried meat they’d scraped together.  The arl’s estate in Denerim was by far the nicest place they’d slept, even if the arl himself left a great deal to be desired.

As she sat up, Alistair grumbled sleepily and wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close.  “Five more minutes.”

Five would turn into ten, then twenty, then an hour, and breakfast would be cold or gone before they made it down.  “Now,” she yawned firmly.  “Bacon, Alistair.   Bacon and real bread and tea. With milk.”

That got his attention.  “You think?”

“We’ll never know if we don’t go down there.”  She slipped out of his grasp and tugged one of his shirts on.  "Come on.”

He sat up, stared blearily at her – his – clothes, then handed her the belt from his trousers.  “Dress fit for a queen.”  It practically was, minus the ‘queen’ bit.  With the belt around her waist, it bunched and flared out almost like a dress should.  Alistair was big, even for a human, and though Ris had the height to look most elven men in the face, she was still slender.  

A quick kiss later, and they headed downstairs and found Zevran and Leliana already eating, while Morrigan stirred her usual strange herb concoction in a wooden cup - not quite tea, because it dissolved instead of steeped, but something like it.  “Thought you'd be in bed at least until lunchtime,” she muttered.

Alistair blushed as he sat down as far from Morrigan as the table allowed.  Leliana passed him a mug of tea, and he frowned at it, then her.  “Did you –”

“It's got all the milk you want,” she interrupted as she offered a different to Ris as while she grabbed a plate.  “And none of it for you.”

Ris smiled in thanks as Sten appeared in the doorway holding a tankard.  “The brewmaster was reluctant to part with ale this early, but I prevailed.”  He put it down at an empty seat, then walked around to the coffee pot.  

Zevran grinned and slid a cup in front of him.  “No need, my good Sten.  I have yours right here, and with enough sugar that the spoon stood at attention, as befits a warrior of the Beresaad.”

“Your attention to my preferences will not make you any safer when my people return to conquer these lands.”

“Ah, but they will make me safer now, will they not?” Zevran replied cheekily.  “If I please you now, will you hold the line more firmly?  Turn a blade meant for my back?”

Sten rolled his eyes as he sipped his coffee.  Ris had sampled it once, and had found it so painfully sweet she thought her tongue might shrivel up and die, like a slug that had been salted.  

Wynne, Shale, and Ohgren were still missing, but that wasn't much of a surprise.  Ohgren was likely sleeping off a hangover, and Wynne had probably awoken hours ago and gone to Eamon's library.  Even as she wondered, Shale came in from the kitchen holding a steaming bowl and followed by a prancing wagging Borkin.

Alistair took a curious sniff as she put it down on the floor.  “Chicken broth?”

“The furry squishy one deserves a treat as much as the rest of you.”

#da drunk writing circle #dragon age #dragon age origins #prompt fills #warden x alistair #leliana #zevran arainai #morrigan #sten #shale #mabari #ris