#when the cactus blooms

[thesconesyard]

My clock says it’s after midnight, so let’s do this! It’s time for Yeehawgust! 🤠

I’m so excited to have found this event and so excited to share it finally. I’ve taken a few liberties with the prompts, bending them to fit as needed.

But no more talk, here is part one of:

When the Cactus Blooms

1. Gather the Posse

Leonard McCoy woke in darkness. He rubbed his eyes before sitting up. The sun would be up soon and he had chores to get done long before breakfast would ever be on the table. Swinging his legs from the bed with its thin mattress, he found his pants and pulled them on. Boots came next before he finally reached for his shirt. Buttoned up, he tied his bandana around his neck and settled his large brimmed hat on his head. One more stretch and he left the small cabin he called his.

The birds were beginning to call as McCoy’s feet crunched across the dirt and rock. He looked to the east and saw a rosy glow low on the horizon. The quiet and the beauty of the moment had him standing still. But only for a moment. There was work to do.

As he walked towards the big stable behind the main house, he knocked twice on each cabin door as he passed by. The ladies lived in the house, and a couple of the men, but Scotty and Keenser, Sulu and himself preferred their own small cabins for sleeping and living.

McCoy was always first to rise and took it as his duty to rouse the others.

“Morning there Honey,” McCoy said with a smile as he entered the stables. He walked over to his favorite horse and gave her a rub on the neck. She nosed at him and he chuckled.

“Gimme a minute girl.”

One more pat to her side and then he walked away to get some feed. He brought it back and she set to eating while he began to clean her stall.

The stable door gave a noise as it scraped across the floor and McCoy leaned out to see who had joined him.

“Morning kid,” he called.

“G’morning Bones!” Jim Kirk called back, making his way to feed his own horse. He was the owner of the Enterprise Ranch and did his own fair share of the work.

McCoy finished with Honey’s stall around the same time the horse finished eating.

“C’mon girl,” he said and led her to the far end of the stable, opening the door to a large pasture.

Everyone else had trickled into the stables as he was working, so he turned his attention to the next task.

The sun was up when McCoy and the others finished and finally made their way to the main house for breakfast.

“Howdy ladies,” McCoy said as he entered the big dining room first.

“Morning Leo!” “Morning Leonard!”

Christine and Uhura were moving around the table getting the last dishes in place.

“Keenser?” he asked, settling into his usual place.

Uhura laughed, a bubbling noise. “Lit the fires and hightailed it out.”

The short man had lost a leg years previous. McCoy and Christine had set him up with a good substitute for getting around, but it kept him restricted closer to the house. He got the stoves lit and going everyday for the ladies, then went out to take care of his flocks.

“Oh that smells extra good today!” Jim said as he walked in, followed closely by Spock.

“Did you clean your boots?” Christine asked him accusingly.

Jim’s face reddened.

“Knew it,” Christine muttered. “You’ll do that cleaning after breakfast,” she told him firmly.

“Yes Miss Christine,” Jim mumbled. He may own the ranch, but everyone knew Christine ruled the main house.

“Stop that,” she laughed at him.

Soon everyone, minus Keenser, was settled around the table. Jim sat at the head, Spock on his right. Next to Spock was Hikaru Sulu, followed by Keenser’s empty chair, then Christine. McCoy sat at the end of the table, facing Jim.

To Jim’s left sat Uhura. Next to her was Montgomery Scott, whom they all called Scotty, and next to him was their youngest, Pavel Chekov. An empty chair was next to him as well, waiting for whomever would find their way to the ranch next.

“I think we can get the east pasture opened today,” Jim said.

“Maybe by the end of today,” Spock countered. “There are still a few places along the fences to check.”

“Well, that’ll be easy,” Jim smiled. “We can have that done in a few hours.”

“Don’t forget Sulu and I won’t be here to help,” McCoy said, looking up the table.

“Right, I know,” Jim grinned. “And nothing hot for lunch either.” He winked at the two ladies. “Hope your trip into town goes well.”

“Always does,” Uhura smiled.

“Looks to be a brilliant day for it,” Scotty offered. “Ye won’t forget me?”

“Of course not,” Uhura reassured him next to her. “We’ll make it our first stop.” Scotty had been wanting some new tools to make some improvements around the ranch.

“Thanks lass,” he grinned before turning back to his breakfast.

“All set?” Christine asked from the porch, as McCoy jumped down from the wagon seat next to Sulu.

“Ready as can be Miss Christine,” McCoy grinned.

“Now don’t you be starting that Leo,” Christine laughed.

The pair had been friends long before they had ever found themselves at the Enterprise Ranch, and poking fun at each other was one of their ways.

“C’mon now Uhura, I’ll give ya a hand up,” he said.

Uhura came down from the porch, lifted her skirts with one hand, took his with the other and with a step and hop, was behind Sulu.

“Now you Chris, and we can be off.”

Christine had followed Uhura from the porch and stood ready. Like Uhura, she lifted her skirts with one hand and took McCoy’s with the other. When she was up, McCoy pulled himself back up and into the seat next to Sulu.

“All set ladies?” Sulu asked over his shoulder. He was their best driver and the pair of horses in front of the wagon were ones he had trained well.

“Let’s go,” Uhura said.

“Alright. Let’s git!” He gave the reins a light shake, and the horses began to move forward.

“Not much dust today, so we’ll make good time,” McCoy said over his shoulder, knowing the ladies would prefer to not have their best dresses dirtied, but also knowing they wanted to get to town quickly.

“It’s just nice to get out,” Christine said.

#yeehawgust #star trek #Leonard McCoy #James T Kirk #Christine Chapel #Uhura #Montgomery Scott #Hikaru Sulu #Pavel Chekov #Jaylah #Spock #Keenser #life on the Enterprise ranch #cowboy time!! #yeehaw!! #when the cactus blooms

[mensfrightsactivist]

did i mention my grandmas christmas cactus is gonna bloom for christmas

#i always used to call it her easter cactus cuz that’s when it usually blooms #but gram has blessed us this year 💜🌸

[huabeam]

oh i saw u already did flowers!! top 5 plants then 🌿

- orange jessamine

- indian head cactus

- mandevilla sanderi

- champak

- devil's backbone

#morbidgf #i have lots of more but i don't remember the names 😭😭 i had to google scan some of these as well smshdhf #indian head cactus was my first plant. they're old but living a healthy life anyway 💗 #another baby is growing around it im so excited 😭 #mandevilla and champak look VERY pretty when they bloom btw!! #and the fragrance of mandevilla!!!!! its everything ✨ #what are your faves :3 🌱

[quinnred]

Tilshek: God of the Ugly Rage, WindRammer, He-Who-Drums-The-Summit.

Tilshek is the embodiment of warm storms, tantrum, frenzy, spasm, drunken fury, and unjust punishment. He is represented by the Urchin and Cactus in the South and by the Porcupine and Thistle in the North. Berserking warriors may don quills to evoke Tilshek in their rages, while others may wear a flower of a thistle or cactus to evoke his merciful servant, Mahtaa.

Tilshek was born from the abuse of two Feather Gods within the halls of The Sun. He emerged stillborn, fused with the bestial Jak that all Feathers Gods are pregnant with, and was denied feathers by his reckless parents. The babe was tossed from the sky and quickly forgotten upon the land. No god dare claim parentage as even they know shame.

Abandoned and with no guidance, the naked and pained god became a wild storm of knuckle and claw, scarring the land and terrorising all that lived on it. Only one, a young Manava named Mahtaa, would recognize this mindless wreaking as the divine bawl of a newborn god and calm it with soft word and tenderness and succour. The beaked giant would ever seethe, but placation allowed Mahtaa to guide Tilshek to the home of the Shell Gods, The Mesa.

The Shell Gods were impressed with the mad orphan’s strength and the wisdom of his guardian, asking what drove the new god to such a rage. He cawed to them that he was born of poor love and left naked and wronged, wishing that he could return to his home if only to pluck and maul his kin until The Sun hung red. The chief of the Shell Gods, mighty Zridtara, was greatly amused and sympathetic to Tilshek’s rage against their rival pantheon, welcoming him into his Mesa home as an honorary Shell God. Being too rowdy to live within it’s halls, Tilshek was appeased by sitting atop The Mesa, tended to by often smashed Godler servants and the soothing Mahtaa as he stared at the ever enraging Sun.

While the Godlers would serve their master divine boozes and sacrifices (and suffer pummeling due to minor grievances), Mahtaa’s role was to herd the ram skulled god away from fool furies. He became most needed whenever Tilshek was sent on an “errand” by his new kin, a distraction so the Shell and Feather god pantheons could visit and negotiate without conflict. As Tilshek would rampage across the mortal lands, Mahtaa would outwit his master and aim his rages away from innocent mortals, earning him the title “Storm-Guide”.

One day the tantrummer had been told of a piece of the moon that held Jak yolk, as it was the egg that The Mountain and The Sky conceived the Jaks from, and that it may yield him god feather. Mahtaa did not take this seriously, seeing it as yet another teasing of his master, yet Tilshek was ecstatic that his solar massacre dreams may yet be fulfilled. As they travelled Mahtaa would ponder that, if the moon yolk was real, should his idiot charge receive such a boon, even if it was his birthright as Feather God and as a Half-Jak? Surely he would not only kill his sun kin but also be slain himself in such a mad fervour?

And so Mahtaa would deny Tilshek his prize upon it’s discovery, allowing it to be taken and hidden by Godlers of the Feather Gods. In confusion, the normally unhesitating Tilshek paused for once in his life before striking down an offender. In those moments Mahtaa stood strong and loving, even as his god sprouted a pair of arms to strangle him with. But rather than suffocate, his head bloomed into a kind flower, his godhood blossoming into a champion of mercy due to his many good deeds. From then on Tilshek would ever carry the flower faced god as punishment for his betrayal, and in part as a comfort, like a child may clutch their blanket.

This arrangement would only end upon the coming of the Deiomachy, when peace between gods eroded and fate grew hungry for war. Tilshek silently granted his one and only mercy, releasing his beloved and loyal prisoner so as to spare him from the doom-drum of divine combat.

The Mesa would be capped by a false peak as Tilshek flung himself with a rising storm towards his twin-by-fate: Shrileket the Sun-Dropper. Their clash would announce war between the Feather and Shell, booming as only gods could for days until they fell upon each other’s impalements.

#slaughtermauch #tilshek #gods #quinn red #art #fantasy

[cyborg-franky]

Giving One Piece Men Flowers

GN Reader SFW Chars: Ace, Marco, Kidd

Marco

You didn’t get him flowers. Not because he wasn’t the type to like flowers, no, Marco was never one to stick gender roles on anything, especially who should give and receive flowers. You just knew the busy bird would forget to change their water or throw them out when they’d passed. 

Thus the cactus with the beautiful blue bloom. It would sit on his desk and keep him company when you weren't around. The bright flowers reminded you of his flames. If he forgot to water it then you could keep an eye on it without the poor thing dying within a week.

Marco looked at it, grinning and setting it pride of place on his desk. “Thank you, it’s really cute, brightens up the place!” He said and wrapped his arms around you and held you tight as you smiled, pleased he liked it.

--------------------

Ace

Ace was confused as to why you had got him flowers. He’d always grown up with the notion that only girls liked flowers but he had always found them pretty. He just didn’t allow himself to make comments other than Yeah, nice when asked about anything to do with ‘girly things’

But when you explained anyone can like flowers, they were for everyone he opened up his mind and allowed himself to be happy with the stem of… fake flowers? You nodded and twirled the stem of red and orange-tinted hibiscus in your hand.

“Well, I didn’t think you’d ever be in your room enough to enjoy a bunch of flowers and I don’t think you could have kept up with watering a plant, so these will last forever!” You explained and he nodded, leaning down and kissing your nose. “Thanks,”

You were worried he was only placating you until you saw him the next day with one of the fake flowers firmly attached to his hat. Whenever anyone would comment he would beam brightly and say you got it for him and he loved it.

-------------------

Kidd

Oh boy, you didn’t know what to expect when you rocked up to Kidd with a bunch of flowers. The way his nose wrinkled as he squinted at the flowers. He’d never really commented on liking anything like flowers in the past that was why you thought it would be nice to give him something.

You avoided tulips, knowing the comments people made but you saw these on the last island and just had to get him some. They were bold, loud, spikey, and very red. Just like him. He took the bunch and gave them a sniff, a huff as he poked at the spikey petals.

“I thought they would look nice in our room,” You said, he grunted in response before you followed him into your shared room. He set them in a vase and tilted his head to one side then the other, apprising them in his head as he tapped his foot.

You watched him use his power, small pieces of scrap that had littered his desk all came together with scraping and scratching sounds, soon the vase was encased in metal and you saw the grin on his face. “Love them, thanks babe, just needed a little somethin’,” He said with a big smirk on his face as he put his arm around you.

#one piece x reader #one piece reader insert #marco the phoenix #one piece x you #sfw #one piece #gender neutral reader #portgas d ace #marco the phoenix x you #marco the phoenix x reader #fushichou marco #portgas d. ace #portgas d ace x reader #ace x you #portgas d ace x you #ace x reader #marco x yn #marco x reader #marco x you #eustass kid #eustasscaptainkid #op kidd x you #kid x reader #kid x you #kidd x reade #one piece imagine #one piece x yourname

[crevicedwelling]

you know these little cacti that get sold in garden stores and such? they’re actually an “albino” Gymnocalycium cactus that can’t photosynthesize on its own stuck on a piece of dragonfruit (Hylocereus) that keeps the graft alive.

grafting can be pretty cool and allow you to grow some plants that’d otherwise be really hard to but for some reason I’ve always hated these tacky little abominations. someone got me one as a gift a while ago and I promptly sawed off the graft. the dragonfruit started growing on its own and after a re-rooting really took off.

dragonfruits are climbing, vining cacti and given a suitable structure and good climate can get massive. they look like someone stapled a bunch of cactus to a telephone pole or tree trunk

last year around this time it bloomed! the blossoms die back after a day and I actually missed it being fully open (night flowering only)

it didn’t bloom this year but I got reminded of it when looking through old photos. I’d love to see a full sized plant blooming at nighttime someday…

#plants

[mosviqu]

look at my pretty child !!!

#dont u love it when your cactus actually blooms instead of having a fake flower glued to it <3 #🌺

[finleyfenn]

When the scariest orc in the mountain finds you on an altar in the moonlight... and then decides he's keeping you 😈

Utterly obsessed with this beautiful fanart from the incredible @artofelaineho! It's Stella and Silfast, from my novella Offered by the Orc, and Elaine has just captured them SO beautifully. The Queen of the Night cactus flower (which only blooms at night) is such a perfect added detail and I am still not over it 😭

Thank you so, SO much Elaine. You are an absolute genius 💚

And for more from Elaine, including more of her gorgeous fanart of my books: https://artofelaineho.com. You can also find Elaine on Patreon: https://patreon.com/artofelaineho.

#orc sworn #elaine ho #finley fenn #orc romance #monster romance #orc x human #orc #offered by the orc

[mooishbeam]

『♡』 Strawberry Lemonade

♡ featuring: toji x f!reader

♡ synopsis: you plan to make strawberry lemonade for the summer, but life has other plans. wc: 1.7k+

♡ cw/tw: just some fluff, toji kisses :3

notes: idk why i kept thinking about soft cottagecore toji my brain fhioshafiohiaf this was so self indulgent srry for any mistakes ive been sick for a few weeks lol <3 comments and reblogs are appreciated!

After heavy rain showers, sun rolled in and devoured everything beneath it.

Toji doesn’t like summer. He wasn’t exactly fond of the heat rays rippling across the pavement, his black slides bonding like tar if he stood in one place for too long. His bangs would mat to his forehead, and it was overall a hassle to tolerate. He’d much rather laze under air conditioning for the entire season.

Until you came along.

He’d never met someone so delighted over sweat and mosquitos before you. Maybe that’s why he slowly became accustomed to such weather. You weren’t shy about your strange habits. After all, on your third date it poured like no other, and instead of taking cover, you skipped through the rain. It was strange, yet he cracked a smirk at your wide grin.

You’re happy and that’s good enough for him.

You were elated at the promises summer bore, specifically for your plants. Fruitful flowers meandering on branches, the first sign of hibiscus blooming. Every year around that time, you carried your plants outside to bask in her warmth. It was all an invaluable gift from Mother Nature, and you did your best to honor her.

Of course, Toji had to purchase a house with the most sunlight, and a backyard to match—not with you in mind, at least that’s what he’d day as he avoided your gaze. He knew your housewarming gifts would consist of planting tools, but the sheer amount of it was staggering.

It was no surprise you planted your seeds the next day and watched them like a hawk. Toji was sure to mention how much of a “weirdo” you were for spending so much time caring for your perceived babies. A weirdo he loved, because he left marks of his affection in every nook and cranny. Sure, he feigned annoyance over it, but you knew better when he did things you didn’t ask for. Toji isn’t a verbally expressive husband, but his actions make up for the rest.

Like when he built a wooden potting bench to store the inventory accumulating in the corner by your plants. You came home as he was applying the finishing touches and embraced him for what felt like hours. He rolled his eyes, pretending to be unfazed by your gratitude, though you could still see the growing ghost of a smirk; “Don’t thank me, that thing was an eyesore.”

It benefited him, too, to gaze through the screen door in the afternoon and see the gorgeous sun-kissed glow on the apples of your cheeks. He adored your soft eyes that diligently monitored the seeds starting to sprout with a tender smile.

You filed chunky soil into terracotta pots you painted with various designs. The one that resembles a tiny cactus with a face grew a bundle of basil. The other one similar to a tiered strawberry cake grew a fitting crown of strawberries. You weren’t looking to bake an outstanding cake or be the best gardener. For the fruits of your labor, the only thing you wanted was—

A single pitcher of strawberry lemonade.

Toji trudges down the stairs half-asleep and enters the kitchen to pour the usual cup of coffee you make as you wake before him. However, there’s no jug awaiting him. He opens the screen door and finds you kneeling over the pots, sporting a bow knot straw hat and an overall romper in the sweltering heat. Your brows are furrowed, and you pick at the foliage.

He leans against it and scratches his ankle with the tip of his slides. The screen clicks the side, and you turn to him.

“Oh, hey.” There are somber notes in your voice, and something in his body wants to reach out and protect you from whatever’s pulling your face into a frown.

“Hey.” He walks over to you. Your lips are tucked behind your teeth, poking at the strawberry in your palm. He kneels on one knee and you glance at him, flashing a meek smile. He wishes he didn’t have a closer view as your eyes threaten to brim with tears. Oh…his heart, tight and struggling to beat.

Toji was used to loud, ugly love. But you—your love was as gentle as the petals of an orchid, and you’d changed him without even trying. That’s why he adorned your ring finger with precious diamonds. He became a better man and husband in your arms, and in turn he’d give you the world if you desired it. So why were you about to cry?

“What’s up?”

“Nothing…” His eyes follow yours, to the flourishing bunch of basil. And then to the lackluster strawberries.

The ones still hanging from their stems aren’t award-winning. They’re deformed, with multiple nubby ends protruding from every side. They look more like hopeful raspberries than anything else. There’s a considerable pale color washed over half of them. You mold one in your palm.

“Can’t be nothin’.” He picks the strawberry from your hands and observes it with two fingers. It lacks seeds and a deep, rich red. “I just don’t know what went wrong.”

"Who said somethin' went wrong?" You lock eyes, and he pops it in his mouth.

Yours widen, and you cup his face to try and force it out his mouth. “Don’t!”

Toji bites, and in an instant utter sourness prickles his tongue. There’s a strawberry flavor, but not enough to combat. The sting is strong, and when it coats his throat, his tongue contorts to fight the sheer bitterness.

Somehow, he remains stone-faced—a battle with his gut reaction. He can’t bear to break your spirit, not like this, not when you’ve spent months strategizing and waiting for your efforts to ripen. Toji tells the harsh truth, but when it comes to you, he’s willing to be selfish.

He continues to chew while you nervously fiddle with your fingers. You gaze at him, doe-eyed and anticipating his response. The lining of his cheeks excretes copious amounts of saliva, and he finally swallows.

“S’good.”

“R-really?” You’re shocked that they’re edible in this state. He nods and it relieves some of your worry, though you’re unsure about his honesty.

He thumbs the wetness on your lashes away. “Said I like it, so make some of that lemonade ya talked about so much.”

You place a handful of strawberries on the kitchen counter and get to work. You haven’t tried them out for yourself yet, but you don’t want to waste any considering how small they are. Toji stretches out on the chair, black tank riding up as he watches you slice the tips off the strawberries. Your delicate fingers handle them with such care, just so you don’t disappoint with an unpalatable drink. Cute.

When you’re done, the rose-colored liquid fills half the pitcher. You top it with basil and stir it around. You pass a glass to Toji, heart-shaped ice cubes floating on the surface, and sit across from him.

“Let’s try on the count of three.”

“Mhm.”

“Okay! One, two-“ Toji doesn’t stop for the counter and begins to gulp the drink. You take a sip of yours. The tooth-rotting sugar did some to quell the taste, but it was still insanely sour. Your lips purse and you shut your eyes, emitting a tiny squeal. It’s your first attempt and you know you shouldn’t be so critical of yourself, but you can’t help but feel like a failure.

When you open your eyes again, you’re dumbfounded at the empty cup in front of Toji. He licks his lips, “It’s good, baby. Why you look like that?”

“No way.” He tilts his head like he didn’t just consume a liquid jawbreaker. “Hm?”

“It’s…it’s really bad, Toji. You don’t have to lie to me.” You avert your eyes and stare at the condensation running down the glass of your unsuccessful project. He wraps around the table and leans against it while you’re sitting. He cranes your neck with a calloused hand underneath your chin.

“Look at me. I’m here”

“I really wanted it to work. I spent so much time on it.”

“I know, don’t take it so hard. I like it.”

“You just don’t wanna hurt my feelings.” You weren’t entirely wrong.

“It tastes good 'cause you made it.” When you don’t respond, a malicious smirk spreads on his mouth. “Wanna try?”

Toji bends down. He squeezes your face to puckering and plants a deep kiss on your lips. Rough and meaningful, and you melt into it. He releases his grip and follows it with warm plush kisses chasing your contact. His lips are soft but slightly chapped, fleeting hints of cane sugar and just enough basil to notice. Bitter like the descent of a bleeding sunset, the chill of autumn’s return. Silent assurance, that everything was okay, and will be okay.

He parts when you tap his sturdy bicep for fresh air. “Ya done bein’ a baby?” You giggle. Perhaps you overwhelmed yourself obsessing about it for months. He brings you back to Earth, and after the overthinking subsides, you think the outcome isn’t too horrible. A long deserved break is overdue.

“Yea” you sniffle, and he lifts you from the chair into his arms. You lock your legs around his back and bury your face in the crook of his neck.

“Now c’mon, I wanna lay down.” Lay down is his go-to phrase, but he actually means cuddle. He’d never say it, even when lying down quickly became Toji turning on his stomach and shuffling his massive weight onto your chest. It’s what you need right now, and the way his palm rubs up and down your back reduces your mind to mush.

“I’m being a bother” you mutter. He pecks your jaw.

“Nah. Love takin’ care of my little crybaby.”

Laying down becomes cuddling as you predicted, and you massage his scalp until he dozes off in slow breaths. Your favorite weighted blanket traps you between his muscles, and you happily accept.

You’re reminded of his vulnerability, his eagerness to trust without words. He took your problems and made them his. You both surrendered your fears and insecurities to love each other. You traded walls for strawberry kisses, and there’s nothing more you could ask for.

Daylight peaked at its highest point, and as you drift to sleep you wish summer wouldn’t end.

#toji fushigro x reader #toji fushiguro #jujutsu toji #toji x reader #jjk x reader #jjk

[rewh0re]

─JULY RAINS ; NAGI SEISHIRO

-fluff fluff FLUFF, nagi realising he might have a lil crush, just nagi falling for you. REBLOGS + FEEDBACKS ARE APPRECIATED!!

Nagi was not the resident lover boy. Everyone knew that, he made sure of it. He garnered interest in a few things, video games and football being some examples. The latter, if not for his best friend Reo introducing it to him, maybe wouldn't even have made it in the list. Nagi found most of the things to be a hassle. It was a hassle to get up in the morning, a hassle to brush his teeth, a hassle to get ready and come to school and get through the day. The biggest hassle of all was falling in love and high school relationships. Nagi didn't really get the logic behind all that jazz but he did get confessions in the form of little notes and homemade chocolates. He hated it, all he wanted to do was ignore them and sleep and that's what he did.

But then Nagi met you. Standing under the shelter provided by the bus stop in the pouring rain, a wet umbrella in your hands. He ran there to take shelter from the rain as well and in the process got wet. Swatting away the water from his hair, he felt your eyes on him.

"This is why you should carry an umbrella," you said, nodding your head at him. You were clearly joking as there was a little mischievous smile on your lips.

"It's a hassle to pack an umbrella," he said looking straight, voice as flat as ever.

"It’s a hassle to pack an umbrella?" Your head rolled back in laughter as you repeated his words in a question. Your reaction achieved a pout from Nagi and you thought he looked absolutely adorable in all his puffed out cheek glory.

"My bag becomes too heavy," his explanation was dry, not providing much information.

You smiled in reply, not really understanding this strange boy who found carrying an umbrella during the rainy seasons a hassle. You let it be, deciding that it wasn't really your concern.

"You go to my school?" He looked at the uniform you were wearing and then at his as if to check if they were the same. They were.

"Yes Nagi Seishiro I do go to your school," you chuckled in amusement before continuing "we shared a class last year. I won't blame you for forgetting though. You mostly slept and I never actively socialized with any of my classmates."

"I'm sorry," he rubbed the back of his neck, as embarrassment slowly took over him. A pink hue slowly creeped up his ears. You went to his school, were in the same year as him infact and he didn't even know you existed before this.

You laughed again. You laugh a lot, he noticed.

"No, don't be. I wouldn't have remembered either if you hadn't confidently said the definition of socialism when the question was about the functions of the kidney and still topped the class anyway," you grinned at him and he muttered curses at himself as the probably unwanted memory creeped its way up to the top.

"I'm l/n y/n by the way. You know, a formal introduction since we never really met properly," you stretched your hands towards him.

"Nagi Seishiro but you know that already," he took your hand and shook it gently.

Sitting at a bench provided by the bus stop together, you did not realize when the rain had stopped, the gray clouds slowly drifting by to reveal a clear sky. Nagi told you about his cactus, choki and about how Reo dragged him into football. You learnt that most things were actually a hassle for Nagi and when he said that, you laughed again.

Nagi felt a sense of pride wash over him as he made you laugh. He realized that you actually cracked very lame jokes but he found himself breaking into a small smile when you shared them anyway. It was a jolly scenario. Something in Nagi's heart bloomed when you smiled, beating a bit faster than usual.

Nagi was not your resident lover boy and in all honesty, he never wanted to be but seeing your exuberant personality made something in him glow. He found people to be a hassle, but you, with all your energy, didn't count as one, even if you officially met that day itself. Nagi didn't want to admit it was a crush just yet, he was willing to wait but when your bus came in sight, some sort of dejection took over him.

"Well that's me!" You got up from your seat waving at him as you made your way to the bus.

Just as you were about to get on the vehicle, you turned over your shoulder to look at the white haired male, who's gaze widened at the action.

"Hey Nagi, talk to me in school, yea? I'll be waiting!" You gave him a grin that stretched from ear to ear before getting up on the bus as it soon disappeared out of sight.

Your beaming smile was etched inside Nagi's mind as it sent some kind of fluttering sensation inside him. It wasn't long before he found himself smiling like an idiot while sitting on a bench in the bus stop thinking about you. He got up, his smile still intact, as he began walking towards the metro station.

"Fuck."

That was all Nagi Seishiro could think on a rainy July evening after you left, making a mental note to definitely approach you in school.

#bllk #blue lock #nagi seishiro #nagi seishiro fluff #bllk nagi #blue lock nagi #nagi fluff #nagi x reader #nagi seishiro x reader #nagi x y/n #nagi x you #bllk fluff #blue lock fluff #bllk x reader #blue lock x reader #nagi imagines #—storytelling🌙

[thesconesyard]

Yeehaw! No apologies for this bit of a weird entry lol

When the Cactus Blooms

4. Hold Your Horses

“Keenser lad! Are ye coming to help?”

Montgomery Scott looked over to see the shorter man making his way towards him.

Keenser gave a nod. He never said much of anything to anyone.

“That’ll be good. Miss Christine and the good doctor headed to town. An extra set of hands is always helpful.”

In the east pasture, Jim, Spock, Sulu and Chekov had already gotten almost everything set up.

“Hey Keenser!” Jim called. “Wanna do the honors?” He gestured down at the logs they had gotten ready for the fire.

“Got everything?” Scotty asked, as Keenser bent down to get the fire started.

“Everything but them,” Jim grinned. He pointed down the pasture at the cattle grazing. “You and Spock want to start herding the ones we need this way?”

“Sure thing Jim,” Scotty said, swinging up into the saddle of one of the nearby horses.

“We will be back soon,” Spock said, mounting his own horse.

It was after lunch before Jim decided the fire was hot enough for the brands. Scotty helped Sulu bring the first animal over. Chekov was quick with the rope around the legs as they got it over and Jim and Spock were ready to help lay it down.

Scotty took Jim’s spot while the ranch owner moved over to the fire to get the branding iron. The calf beneath them was trying to squirm.

“Easy there,” Scotty said.

“Quiet,” Spock told animal.

Scotty looked over and raised an eyebrow. Spock had his hand on the calf’s head and was leaning low over its ear. He could see Spock’s mouth moving, but the other man was speaking too quietly to be heard.

“Get ready,” Jim said, walking back with the iron.

With everyone in position around the calf, holding it still, Jim touched the brand to its flank. The calf made a loud cry and squirmed, but suddenly the sound stopped and the animal stilled. Scotty looked up sharply in surprise.

Jim was concentrating on holding the brand just long enough, but Scotty met Sulu’s eyes, which were as surprised as his own. Together both men looked over at Spock, half expecting him to decree the animal had died of shock.

Instead, Spock was still leaning over the animal’s ear, whispering into it, hand still on its head.

“There we are,” Jim announced, lifting the brand from the calf’s flank.

Carefully Scotty and Sulu let go and moved back. Jim was watching Spock with a soft smile on his face. Chekov freed the rope. After another moment Spock released his hold on the animal. Instead of jumping to its feet and running off as Scotty expected, it got to its feet, nudged Spock once and trotted back to the rest of the herd.

Scotty looked back at Sulu, then over to Chekov and Keenser, before coming back to Jim and finally Spock.

“What… what was that?” he finally asked. He noticed Sulu and Chekov keenly nodding their heads in agreement with his question.

“I simply offered comfort,” Spock said.

“But-but how?” Sulu asked, still surprised. “I’ve never done a branding where the animal wasn’t crying out.”

“I explained what we were doing and why.” Spock seemed to give a small shrug of his shoulders.

“You can talk to the cattle?!” Chekov exclaimed.

“We can all talk to them, Mr. Chekov,” Spock said, brow beginning to rise.

Chekov colored.

“He thinks ye’re talking their language,” Scotty said with a nervous chuckle.

“It’s just his natural animal magnetism,” Jim grinned.

“Well, it’s going to make an easy day, that’s for sure,” Sulu said.

#yeehawgust #day 4 hold your horses #star trek #montgomery scott #Keenser #james t kirk #spock #hikaru sulu #pavel chekov #cattle branding #yes I made spock the cattle whisperer #no regrets #when the cactus blooms

[weird-an]

It's a little cactus. Henderson of all people gave to Billy as a "unfortunately moving in" gift. Because it's as prickly as Billy. Because the kid holds a grudge against him, but Steve wants them to play nice. Because Dustin will come over to their trailer.

Billy puts the ugly pink pot near the window and ignores it for a few weeks. It doesn't die. It might have even grown a little.

But he can't ignore it. It's the only speck of green in their trailer that is full of thrifted furniture and stuff the nerds brought over. One day he waters it. When Steve is at work, like it's a guilty pleasure, something forbidden.

He does it again. And again. Just like kissing Steve, once he started, he finds himself unable to stop.

The cactus grows. So much even Steve notices one day.

"You're taking care of it," he grins. Oddly proud.

"It just won't fucking die," Billy mumbles.

"Of course." Steve shrugs. "I like it. Maybe it will even bloom one day."

"What kind of fantasy is that?" Billy rolls his eyes. His heart hopes it too.

Steve gives him a look that makes Billy feel see-through. "A good one."

A few days later Billy walks by a broken pot. There is a sunflower in it, a few leaves and petals broken off, but still alive.

He doesn't think. It's broken, but maybe he can fix it. He puts duct tapes around it.

When he's done and sure it will hold, he turns to the cactus. There's a tiny bud on its top.

Some things can grow here, Billy realizes.

Steve comes home and sees him crying over a sunflower and a cactus, but doesn't say anything. Billy loves him for it.

#plant dad billy #harringrove #billy x steve #billy hargrove #harringrove ficlet #steve x billy #billy hargrove deserves better

[absolutebl]

Welcome to Tumblr BL Fandom - Here’s Your Primer

memes, insider trading & obsession meta post

The Death Stairs 

They haunt us. These same stairs constantly pop up in Thai BLs and we worry that someone is going to die on them (or fuck on them, or both).

BL origin = unknown, we only recently started tracking them (but the actual origin of the death stairs is 99 Home Studio117, RPC6+JM3 ซอย รามอินทรา 117 Min Buri, Bangkok 10510, Thailand. It appears to be a house rented out for filming. Honestly? They should AirBnB that level of fame. I’d rent it, buy a cactus and a chili plant, just for the photo op.)  

Rain Makes BL Boys Sick

For which the only solution is a sponge bath administered by another boy with a bowl of water and a damp white towel.

We don’t make the rules, the BL gods do. 

origin of the rain=fever = cultural

BL origin for the sponge bath = 2014′s Love Sick

The gayest bridge in Thailand

The Rama VII Bridge has appeared in so many Thai BLs - boys kiss on it and in front of it... A LOT. 

BL origin = SOTUS 2016  

Honor the Crumbs

Side dishes given very little screen time always end up being everyone’s favorites (especially in the pulps). Also falls under side dish syndrome. This is mostly a Thai BL thing, since they’re usually the BLs featuring more than one couple. (Taiwan is getting there, tho.)  

BL origin = @heretherebedork

The Engineering Department is Gay (also Pink Milk) 

The hot Thai boy in the engineering smock (red or blue) is either gay or a chaos bisexual. There are no exceptions. 

BL origin = SOTUS 2016 

Korea’s BL bubble 

A world where queer is simply accepted and a hostile society doesn’t exist. ​

Origin, probably Strongberry’s 2017-2018 shorts, but best known starters are 2020′s Mr Heart & Wish You

Namgoong award for best wingman 

Supportive straight(ish) besties! Appear throughout BL history, but really reached peak awesome with Namgoong, so a collection of us just started saying “thank you, Namgoong” whenever this archetype shows up. 

BL origin, Light on Me 

Korea’s BL formula 

(1 short Kpop idol + 1 tall actor / random separation in the last half of the final episode) x a small cast = KBL (usually 6-8 episodes totaling under 2 hrs)

BL origin, 2015′s The Lover 

Korean male beauty ideals here. 

Korea figured out boys can kiss 

To be fair Strongberry always knew this and Just Friends? gave it to us in 2005, it’s just they forgot for a while. A long while. 

origin = Korean 2022 BL

speaking of... 

Dead fish kisses

This tradition carried for years by Japan’s light BL, early Thai BL like Love Sick, & then Korea. It took Thailand’s 2016 BL (specifically elder gods KarnNut & MaxTul) to start breaking this curse. Could be argued that Ohm in 2016′s Make it Right also paved the way (while BoomPeak exemplify dead fish kissing). 

origin = early 2000s JBL when it was still known as Live Action Yaoi 

Taiwan = the kings of high heat 

Taiwan always serves up the most consistent and authentic chemistry, kisses, and higher heat. Thailand has it as well, but isn’t as consistent about it. 

BL origin = 2017 HIStory franchise and every Taiwanese BL since (although Eternal Summer probably started it in 2006) 

Taiwan’s marriage equality 

Taiwan was the first to feature sanctioned gay marriage in a BL, the first to depict queer engagements - and they regularly like to remind us that it’s legal there. As they should. 

BL origin = HIStory 2: Right or Wrong 2017 

Thailand’s food = love

Lovers cook, serve, feed, and/or eat together. Always. At least something along these lines in every Thai BL. 

origin, well just Thailand in general (and Asia to be fair), but probably SOTUS & Love Sick 

Vietnam’s domesticity

Vietnam always depicts at least some of their characters in a home environment, with family life, adopted kids, and more.

BL origin = Tein Bromance Extra

Cactus baby (and chili plant younger sibling) 

Hilariously a cactus plant was deployed as a courting gift, spy device, and blooming representation of sexual awakening in MaxTul vehicle Manner of Death. Tumblr adopted that cactus baby. 

BL origin = Manner of Death 2021

What China Did 

Massive wholesale censorship curtailed/abruptly cut short multiple shows in progress in 2016-2017. Also resulted in rewriting and reshooting of those in production, and more weird and invidious things. This also showed up as a purge (and likely persecution) of Chinese queer vloggers on YouTube, the imprisonment of several danmai authors, and eventually the censored bromances we now get today. 

BL origin victim = Addicted, Advance Bravely, etc...

Japan’s lanes 

Japan’s propensity to lean in favor of either

sweet, campy, and very low heat live action yaoi shot in a manga style with HEA, or 

dark, gritty high heat queer cinema and pinks shot in an atmospheric style with tragic endings 

BL origin, Boys Love 2006 & Takumi-kun 2007 

History of Japanese BL here and the weeds of Japanese BL here. 

#In Strongberry We Trust 

Small, queer, Korean production house Strongberry had been producing short form pro-queer KBL successfully for years, long before larger studios picked BL up. But when they transitioned to long form in 2022, we were a little scared they wouldn’t stick the landing. #InStrongberryWeTrust became our mantra.

BL origin = Choco Milk Shake 2022 

Faen Fatal(e) 

A side character, usually an ex-girlfriend but occasionally an ex-boyfriend, whose sole purpose is as a plot device to drive a wedge between the leads, or cause jealousy. 

BL origin = Love Sick

The Thai BL Pulps

Very low budget BL with terrible sound, crazy soapy plots, and earnest acting.

BL origin = Make It Right 2016 (term coined by @heretherebedork​ & self) 

The Mame effect 

AKA #oh mame must you? 

The mameverse features great characters, killer actor chemistry, and higher heat combined with terrible damaging tropes and non-sensical plot devices.

BL origin = TharnType (although technically started in Love By Chance) 

The 2 Moons Curse 

When a popular BL franchise struggles to survive over one season and keeps having to recast the leads. 

BL origin = 2Moons original 2017 

Dread Episode 11 

AKA Doom of Ep 11

Explained here. 

Golden Rules of BL 

Never trust: 

a Thai trailer, 

a Viki Category, 

a Vietnamese sub, 

an MDL description, 

a Taiwanese title, 

Japan, 

or a BL made before 2014.

Origin = me over the years 

BLoundary Test: has the seme ever respected a single boundary?

BLechdel Test. 2 ukes discuss something that is not their seme(s). Also uke indicates actual interest in sex in a relationship.

(source)

okay what did I forget? 

#bl memes #bl insider trading #bl tumblr fandom #bl fandom #Golden Rules of BL #Episode 11 #2 Moons Curse #The Mame effect #oh mame must you? #mameverse #TharnType #Thai BL pulps #Make It Right #Love Sick #Thai BL #Faen Fatal #In Strongberry We Trust #korean bl #Choco Milk Shake #strongberry #Japanese bL #Takumi-kun #addicted the series #Manner of Death #Cactus baby #HIStory 2: Right or Wrong #Dead fish kisses #Light on Me #Namgoong #Korea’s BL bubble

[be-ee]

haha I'm usually too shy for requests but maybe a cute neuvillette fluff??? If that's okay :D

A/N!; Of course! I added a bit more so I do hope you enjoy🫶

“AND I CAN’T HELP, FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOU…”

What makes Genshin men fall for you?

𐙚 Ft: Neuvillette, Thoma, and Scaramouche

𐙚 content: Fluff!

𝜗𝜚 Neuvillette falls for your kindness .

Perhaps it’s the tenacity of it. Never flattering or wavering. He watched you often from his position at the fountain as he read. You would smile from your humble flower stall; even when the snobbiest of Fontains nobles would grimace at you. At the end of the day, as you packed up your stall, you would hand him a small bouquet of silk flowers.

“I couldn’t possibly accept this.” He’d protest each time. Each time you would push it into his chest, insisting. “It would only go to waste anyway. Keep it.” Neuvillette Had come across many people in the Courts of Fontain.

All had their own agendas and ulterior motives. But, goodwill was a rarity. The tenderness in your eyes and the way you treated everyone like they were your equals. That was rare. Like a sudden ocean in the desert, or the blooming of a cactus flower. You were a rarity in Fontain. One he didn’t realize he could not do without..

___________________

𝜗𝜚 Thoma falls for your bravery.

As one of the guards of the Kamisato Clan, bravery is to be expected. Especially from the personal guard of Lady Ayaka. So yes, you were brave in a sense that you were prepared to draw your sword at any given moment.

That's not what Thoma had meant, though. Your bravery extends beyond your strength.The way you were able to make yourself smile at the end of the day when all you wanted to do was scream.The way you could be so kind to others when they don't deserve it. How, no matter the situation, you managed to put others before yourself. Or boldly speak your mind.

“I’m not sure how you do it” Thoma admits, when it’s just the two of you sitting on the veranda. You had been sipping tea with Ayaka earlier, but she left not long after the sun began to set, leaving the two of you alone. You smiled lightly

"I think of all the people that need my help." You replied, eyes sparkling. "It's just something I've always done."

Thoma smiled, looking down at the cup in his hand; a small flutter danced in his chest. That’s just how you were…and he hopes that never changes

______________________

𝜗𝜚 Scaramouche falls for your honesty .

Scaramouche , naturally, craves truth. As a being forged in the light of the Electro Archon, he has seen the truth of this world, the ugliness, the beauty, the love, the hate, all that is beautiful, all that is ugly. But no matter what. He could not find pleasantries in one thing. A being he has come across time and time again, Humans. Lying, traitorous, filth.

However, there's something in your eyes that allows him to believe your words are true. He stupidly believes it when you tell him that you’ll stay. So, he lets you.

Perhaps it’s that particular gleam in your eyes. Or the clearness of your voice; how you seem so sure of yourself. But there is something that tells him that you are telling the truth. That you truly will stay with him forever. So, he foolishly believed your words. He doesn't even think twice about it when you tell him.

#genshin x reader #genshin impact #genshin impact x reader #genshin fluff #. ݁₊ ⊹ .bee’s brews 🍃 #cute #thoma genshin #thoma x reader #neuvilette genshin #neuvillette #neuvillete x reader #scaramouche #scara fluff #scara x reader

[tkwrites]

Private Lessons - Quinn Hughes x Sarah (ofc)

Photo from Pinterest

Title: Private Lessons

Author: Tory / @tkwrites 

Relationship: Quinn Hughes x Sarah (OFC) 

Warnings: None? If I should add any, please let me know. 

Summary: As requested by @eyesthatroll, Quinn teaches Sarah to skate.

Word Count: 3,300

Comments: After taking a bit of a breather, I’m back with a requested fic. 2 months after you requested it, your wish is my command, Mari. I hope you enjoy it!

This was an interesting exercise for me to write something requested by someone else that wasn’t necessarily my own idea. I wrestled with it and got in my head a lot about it, but ultimately, I like the result I finally came to. 

Thanks for your patience and support. Please let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see in their universe! I can’t guarantee I’ll write it, but I love the inspiration and challenge these requests bring! 

eyesthatroll asked: tory!! i absolutely adore your writing 🥹 maybe if it’s in your wheelhouse, you could write quinn teaching sarah to skate (or them going skating together) for the first time. i think that would be very adorable 😭 it’s totally fine if that’s not in the cards for the series though, don’t feel pressured! love ya! 🫶🏽

Private Lessons

A Quinn & Sarah Snapshot

At the end of every season we have a family skate. It's on the 15th. I'd like to bring you if you can come. 

Sarah knew this was a bigger deal than his crafted to be casual text was letting on. If it really was casual, he would have mentioned it before he left for the three game road trip.

She also knew dating a hockey player meant she would have to face her fear and past failure eventually. Even if a team event wasn't involved, it was such a big part of Quinns life. She wouldn't be able to avoid it forever. 

Does everyone skate? 

Usually yeah. Not all of the partners do, but most. 

I've never skated before. 

Really? 

Desert flower, remember? she sent with a picture of a blooming cactus. 

He laughed. There are lots of different skill levels there. People bring their kids and stuff.

Meaning what? That I'll be the only adult with training wheels? 

No wheels ;) 

She sent a gif of someone rolling their eyes. I'd love to go with you, but I really don't want to be the only one who doesn't know what they're doing. Could I persuade you to give me some private lessons? 

I guess that depends on what you’re willing to give me. ;) 

I mean, there’s not much I wouldn’t give you. What do you want? 

A long pause passed in their conversation. When she finally read his response on her way home, her cheeks pinked so much, she had to put her phone in her bag for fear of giving herself away on the train. 

That’s how they ended up at a mostly empty training rink the Wednesday night after he got home. 

She found him waiting for her in the lobby, surrounded by a swarm of kids all jockeying for his attention. It looked like a whole little league team was getting out of practice or a game right as he arrived. They were so excited, acting as if he came in just to see them. 

Sarah waited off to the side, watching him sign autographs and give advice, and talk to each of them. She was tired and hungry, but seeing Quinn in this element gave her a new side of him to admire. He was patient and kind, and invested. She remembered him telling her how he always liked to talk to kids because he remembered how much it meant to him when his favorite players were willing to stop and talk. Seeing that quite literally come full circle was a gift she hadn’t expected to see.  

When he finally looked up and met her gaze, he flashed her a grin and mouthed, thank you. 

Smiling in return, she nodded to an empty room off to the side before settling in with her laptop to work on her publication. 

A big sigh announced his presence a while later, as Quinn slid down the wall to sit next to her on the floor. “Sorry about that,” he said, wrapping his arms around her and pressing a kiss to her temple. 

“It’s fine. I always have stuff to work on, and seeing you with the kids is sweet.” 

“Winning me some brownie points?” he asked, waggling his eyebrows. 

“Like you even need them.”

Sarah closed her laptop and turned her head so they could finally say hello properly. 

He pulled her close to deepen the kiss. Even though he'd gotten back in town after midnight the night before, they hadn’t seen each other until now. He'd debated going to the aquarium after practice, but remembered they wouldn't let him back without a pass the last time he’d tried. Besides, he didn’t want to interrupt her work so close to finals. 

The urge to climb into his lap was so strong, Sarah had to pull back from the kiss before she made a public spectacle of herself. 

“I missed you,” he said, trailing a finger from her cheekbone to her jaw. It felt like the road trip was finally over now that she was back in his arms.

“I missed you, too.” 

“I have to confess something,” Sarah blurted, nerves eating her from the inside out as he showed her how to tie her skates.

Quinn looked up from pulling her laces tight.

“I’ve been skating before.” 

One of his eyebrows cocked up, “you have, have you?” 

“It was terrible. It was on a first date with this guy when I was a freshman, and I’m pretty certain the only reason he suggested it was so he could get his hands on me.” 

Quinn wrapped his hand around her calf and joked, “I guess it’s a good thing I’ve already had my hands on you, then.” 

“You’re not mad?” she said, surprised.

“About what? That I’m not popping your ice skating cherry?” 

Laughter barked out of her mouth before she explained, “no, that I lied. I mean, I didn’t really lie. We went on ice, on skates, but no real skating was involved.”

“Now I feel like you’re lying,” his voice was teasing. 

“After half a wobbly, too touchy lap, I fell and broke my wrist.” 

The bemused smile dropped off his lips, “oh my god, Sarah, why didn’t you tell me before?” 

Her bottom jaw moved as she worried the inside of her lower lip. “I didn't know when it would come up.” she said. “I mean, if anyone can teach me to skate, you can. But that's why I wanted it to be just us first.” 

“If it makes you feel any better, I’ve broken lots of bones skating,” he said, stroking her leg. 

She smiled tightly. “I bet none of those were from you falling down.” 

“I don’t know, maybe? You’d have to ask my mom, but I fell plenty when I was learning, that’s really normal.” 

“It just feels like one of those things that I'll never live down, you know?”

“Well, you and I are the only ones that know now.” 

“Yeah and Josh Jackson and all those people at the Reno rec rink.” 

“You keep in touch with everyone who was there that night?” he joked, hoping she would see how ridiculous her worry was. 

A hand flew up to cover her face as she blushed. “I guess it just lives in my head every time I think about ice skating.” 

“I know the feeling, but it was one time seven years ago, right? And you’ve got a better teacher, now.” 

She dropped her hands so she could meet his gaze, giving him a hopeful smile. 

He changed the subject. “Are these too tight? Can you move your toes?”

“Yeah. I mean, no they're not too tight.”

He smiled, stood and held out a hand, “come on. I can't promise you won't fall, but I'll do my best.” 

As they walked through the tunnel to the rink, she said, “This is the weirdest feeling.”

“It can't be worse than wearing heels.”

“Have you ever worn heels?”

“Well, no,” he admitted. 

“Then you can't say a damn thing about it. At least in heels, the ball of your foot is on the ground. With this, it's like my feet are suddenly half an inch wide.”

“You're thinking too much.”

“What am I supposed to do, not think?”

“Don't think so much,” he said, stopping at the boards and turning around. “Okay, I'm going to get on and help you on, okay?”

She nodded. 

He bit back his smile at the determination on her face. “It's slippery, so be prepared.”

“Gee, thanks, Hughes,” she said, flatly. “I had no idea ice is slippery.”

He laughed. She’d never called him by his last name. Of course it would come out when she was nervous. 

“I'll have you the whole time. I won't let you go until you tell me to,” he promised, reaching to help her through. 

She stepped on and immediately over corrected, jerking back. 

He grabbed her shoulders and pulled her against him to keep them upright. “Calm down,” he said, trying to sound soothing. “I know it's a weird feeling.” 

In all actuality, he didn't know. He'd been skating so long it sometimes felt easier than walking.

 “Just hold on and let me pull you.” 

Skating backwards, he took her on a lap. Her fingers were hooked around his elbows, so he was forced to awkwardly hold the backs of her arms.

“Can you relax? I’ve got you.” 

She glanced down and felt her legs wobble. Visions of the ice rushing up to kiss her on the temple made her dizzy. 

“Look at me,” he said in a voice that couldn’t be ignored. 

Sarah met his eyes. The dim lights over the rink made them a sort of muddy green she’d never seen before. 

“If you keep looking down, you’re going to fall,” he said. “You go toward what you look at.” 

“I just want to make sure my feet are right.”

“Do you have to watch your feet when you’re walking?” 

“Well, no, but this is new.” 

“Sure, but once you get over the fact that you’re on the ice and used to your skates, it’ll start to feel more natural.”

“Yeah, I’ll just get over that.” 

He shook his head, and moved on. “Okay, start picking your feet up like you’re walking.” 

“Like I’m walking?” she repeated. “That seems really counterintuitive.” 

“It’s not that different from walking, you're just gliding instead.”

She leveled him with a deadpan, sarcastic look.

She was about to ask him how she was supposed to walk when she couldn’t lift her heel or push off with the ball of her foot, when she realized arguing his syntax wasn't going to get her anywhere. This was a case where she had to swallow her pride and ask for what she needed. 

“Can you break it down, like the physics of it, for me?” she asked. “It helps me to see all the steps before I do something.”

As he talked her through the mechanics of skating forward, she held onto his arm. She had so many questions he’d never considered, like how he used his edges to push off. 

Skating was so automatic on his part, he didn’t even have to think about it. He’d never had to break down what he was doing like this. 

Seeing how his legs worked up close and in slower motion helped her envision doing the same things herself. 

“Okay, come back here.” 

He moved in front of her again. 

“You make that look so easy,” she said, a bit of a whine in her voice. 

“Sarah,” he said, swallowing the bite in his tone, “I've been doing this for twenty years. I do this for a living. I'd hope I make It look easy. I couldn't take over writing one of your papers, or come into the aquarium and start taking care of Walter.”

“Yeah,” she said, resigned. 

“I know it's frustrating that you can't pick this up right away, but no one can. You can’t read your way into skating well.”

That touched a nerve and she glared at him. 

He let go of one of her hands so he could hold his up in surrender. “All I mean is that you just have to physically get used to it. How long did it take you to perfect your golf swing?” 

“That’s different.” 

“How is that different?” 

“I started that as a kid.”

“So? You can learn things now. You learn new things all the time.” 

“Yeah. It just feels so daunting. I really don’t want to look like an idiot in front of all your teammates.”

“No one will care. They’re just excited to meet you. We can come back every night I’m in town if you want. Or you can just not skate.” 

That caused distress to fly over her face. “No. I can’t do that.” 

“Why not?” He glanced behind him out of habit, even though there was no one else on the ice. It was a clean sheet too, freshly zambonied after the pee-wee hockey game that ended right before they arrived. Perfect learning conditions. 

Sarah recentered herself by pulling a breath down her spine, “this is such a big part of your life. I want to be able to participate.” 

“Yeah?” he asked, a half smile lifting the right side of his mouth. 

“Yeah, and like you said, I have a better teacher now.” 

“Tell me about your day,” he said.  

“Okay,” she answered, dubious of his intentions. 

“It’ll help you to stop thinking about what your body’s doing. I think you’ll find it will sort itself out if you let it.” 

He could tell she didn’t really believe him, but went ahead anyway, telling him about the little boy at the aquarium that afternoon who had insisted he’d caught an octopus as big as Walter and thrown it back the last time he and his mom had gone fishing. 

“I mean, maybe he did,” she said, shrugging. “But his teacher gave me this look like, ‘don’t believe a single word he says’. I felt bad, She just looked so tired of him.” 

Quinn laughed and decided not to point out that she was skating perfectly naturally now that she was out of her head about it. “What happened in class?” 

“Well, even if I get a C on my comparative physiology final, I’ll still pass the class.” 

“That’s huge, Sarah,” he said. 

“Yeah, it's such a relief, but then, Paul dropped that he's adding a test on top of our publication. Thankfully it’s not a huge part of my grade, but still, more on the pile. He’s calling it a review, but that just means it’ll cover everything we’ve studied this term.” 

“That doesn’t seem fair for him to add that at the last second.” 

“Well, he can do what he wants, so,” she shrugged. “He said he thinks we need it. I think he's just being a controlling jackass.” 

“Can't you report him or something?”

“For what?”

“For changing the syllabus so late.”

“Well, he's the head of the program, so I can't complain to him, plus if I went to the dean, I'm pretty certain she'd tell me ‘this is graduate school, and you should grow up.’” 

Quinn winced. 

“Yeah. He's just a dick because he can be. He’s the lord over this little kingdom and he wants us all to know it.” 

She shook her head, “I’m sorry, we can be done talking about him.”

“You can keep complaining if you want.”

“No, it's okay. It just makes me more mad, which makes me not want to study, which only shoots me in the foot.” 

“Okay,” Quinn said, “I think you’re ready for me to be next to you.”

“What?” 

“Yeah, you’ve been skating fine for the last five minutes.” 

She looked down as if to confirm, “I have?” 

“It’s not like you were standing still.” 

“But you’ve been pulling me.” 

“I was, but I’ve mostly just been holding your hand, keeping distance. You've been moving yourself forward.”

“Really?” Shaking her head, Sarah laughed a little to herself, “you really are a better teacher.”

He gave her a wink and spun to stand next to her. 

“Keep talking,” he encouraged. 

“About what?” 

She didn’t know what to look at now. There were empty stands, and scratched glass, and the whole smooth sheet of ice, lines etching a curving lacey pattern around the perimeter. 

“Whatever you want.”

“I don't -” glancing down, she remembered his advice and jerked up. The sudden movement caused her to promptly fall on her rear with a frustrated grunt.

Her hands fell to her sides in a gesture that said, why is this so hard for me? 

“You're doing great.”

“I just fell down.”

“So? I fall all the time. You just need to learn to get back up.”

He did fall, and she was always so impressed with his ability to just pop back up and continue playing as if nothing happened. 

He coached her back onto her feet, and they continued around the rink as he told her about the road trip he’d just come home from. Only five days away, but the comeback overtime loss and two wins made it a huge confidence builder. 

He admitted that though some of the strain was lessened for the next month with their guaranteed spot in the finals, he still felt so much pressure to perform. 

“There was this moment on Friday, though, where we were just gelling, you know, and it felt like ‘we deserve this now.’” 

“Of course you deserve it. You work your ass off for that team, Quinn.” 

Throwing her a thankful smile, he said, “I mean we all do it together.”

“And you’re a big reason everyone is buying in.” 

“Look at you, learning hockey talk.” 

“That is something I can read my way into.” she joked. “Plus your mom explained a bunch of the idioms to me.” 

He laughed. 

She fell twice more, but got up each time. The last time, she even managed to do it without his help. 

“You’re doing great,” he praised, moving in front of her again, “you’ll be a natural in no time.” 

Pulling herself to him with their clasped hands she winked, “it's because I have the best teacher.” 

She was close enough now that he would just have to lean in to kiss her. He did, because he could. They were apart so much, it only made sense to take advantage when they were together. 

Whenever people kissed on ice rinks in movies, Sarah was always struck with what a dumb idea it was. It seemed incredibly stupid to not pay attention to what you were doing on such a volatile surface. 

In reality, when Quinn kissed her, she melted. It felt so romantic. Cold, but cozy with his warm body pressed against hers, and the confidence in knowing he wouldn’t let her fall. The only sound was the pleasant scrape of their skates on the ice. 

Suddenly, everything she’d stopped herself from saying over the past few weeks came bubbling up into her mouth. 

Just the night before, she’d felt on the cusp of saying something other than “I miss you,” at the end of their goodnight phone call. She had bit it back, not wanting that first time to happen over the phone. She felt like the moment had to be perfect. 

Fuck that, she thought, now. She didn’t want to hold it in anymore. Plus, wasn’t this moment perfect enough? 

Pulling away, she waited for him to open his eyes.

After a moment or two, Quinn realized she wasn’t teasing, and met her gaze, “what’s wrong?” 

“Nothings wrong.” 

Suddenly, it felt too formal. They weren’t in the Elizabethan era where one declared their feelings in some kind of a grand speech, but she couldn’t not say it. It felt too disingenuous to keep holding it in. 

“I just…” she brushed her fingers through the hair at the back of his neck as she ran over a few possibilities in her mind rapid fire, dismissing them all for being too much. Honesty, it seemed, was proving to be the best policy. “I just really love you.”

Quinn could feel his eyes crinkling closed as his face melted into a goofy smile, one reserved only for family and people close to him.  

It felt like something broke open in his chest, finally set free. “I love you too.”

Sarah giggled and it came out a little watery. She never expected to cry when she told him, but her body always did like to cry over big emotions. 

Quinn wiped her tears away with his thumbs before tilting her face up to his. 

This kiss was softer, not as hurried. Desire giving way to something deeper – less fickle, and more settled. 

As they walked back to the locker room, Quinn realized, suddenly, that he'd left something unsaid. He tugged on her hand, and she turned. 

“I’m really proud of you,” he said. “I know you were really nervous.”

She leaned up to kiss him. “Thank you for being a very patient teacher.”

Want more Quinn & Sarah? Check out the Snapshots Masterlist

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#quinn & sarah snapshots #quinn hughes #quinn hughes fic #quinn hughes imagine #quinn hughes x oc #quinn hughes fan fic #nhl fanfiction #nhl imagine #nhl writing #nhl fic #quinn hughes fanfiction #hockey fanfiction #hockey fic

[cod-dump]

Sometimes I enjoy the thought of Graves being a big flirt because it amuses him to see the reactions to it (He flirts with Rudy because it annoys Alejandro. Rudy jokingly flirts back because he knows Graves doesn't mean anything by it. He also loves when Ale gets clingy after because the sex is fantastic), but when someone actually flirts back his brain just screeches to a halt because he has no idea how to respond when someone is actually interested in him.

Price's Man

Graves centric, NikGraves, PriceNik

___

A lot of people would consider Graves to be a flirt. He always had some pick up line in his back pocket, ready to spring it on some randomly selected individual on 141 base. Graves normally avoided flirting with certain people, such as Ghost.

He didn't feel like getting stabbed over playful, harmless flirting.

Graves would also flirt with people that he knew would flirt back in the same joking manner. Such as Rodolfo Parra. Graves originally started flirting with him to piss off Alejandro, and he was delighted to discover that Rudy also wanted to piss him off.  After several months of this, Graves felt like he had a weird bond with Rudy that was built on with harmless flirting and making Alejandro's face red with rage.

"Hey, cactus blossom. Still in bloom I see~"

Rudy snorts as Graves slides into the chair next to him. Rudy was nursing a cup of coffee while scrolling on his phone. Graves has noticed Rudy doesn't eat in the mess hall in the morning like everyone else and normally only comes in to get some coffee. Unlike Graves who grabs breakfast with everyone else.

"Alejandro is in a foul mood this morning, muñeco. Might wanna tone it down today."

"Oh? Still feeling it from last week?"

It wasn't a mystery what Alejandro did to keep Rudy's eyes on him. It was a big reason why Rudy continued to go along with Graves flirting.

"More like from last night."

"Don't remember seeing you yesterday."

"I might have mentioned you last night and it sent Ale into a... frenzy."

Graves laughs, "God, keep that up and he's going to have an interesting reaction hearing my name!"

Rudy snorts while sipping his coffee, lowering his mug to cover his mouth. Graves grins and takes a bite of french toast, noticing a man walk into the mess. He didn't recognize him and by this point Graves pretty much knew all the faces in 141.

"Who's that?"

Rudy looks over his shoulder, "Him? Nikolai, leader of Chimera. He's with 141 but flies out to deal with his own people."

Graves' eyes widened and stared, "Oh, boss man, huh?"

"As much as I love when you torment everyone with your flirtations, I recommend not trying with him. He's Price's man."

That did nothing to deter Graves. Price was one of Graves' favorites to fuck with, even if the man never had much of a reaction. Flirting with his partner sounds like nothing but a good time. Rudy notices Graves taking a swig of his orange juice, groaning when he sees the man stand.

"Phil, don't-"

"Just going to introduce myself!"

Rudy groans again, louder this time but Graves doesn't pay him any mind. Graves struts over to Nikolai, the man making two cups of coffee, one no doubt being for Price. For some reason Graves was very excited to 'introduce himself'. The man puts a lid on the travel cups and turns, surprised to see Graves.

"Ah, hello."

"Hey, handsome. Don't recall ever seeing you around here."

Nikolai's brows lift in surprise, "I also don't recall seeing you here before, either..."

"Ah, how rude of me. Must've forgotten my manners when I saw you across the room. Phillip Graves, CEO of Shadow Company."

Nikolai looks him up and down, a small smile on his lips. Graves took this as permission to keep going.

"You look like you like sweets."

"Oh?"

"You have a sweet face, have to be fueling it with something. Or is it natural?"

Graves loved trying to be as cringey as possible when flirting, all to get the best reactions out of people. But Nikolai wasn't looking annoyed by his flirting and actually looked very amused. The man set the cups of coffee down and smirks, Graves feeling his heart flutter at the sight.

"Not sweet myself, I have sweet enough company," Graves blinks as Nikolai leans forward, "I prefer them sweet. They need to taste good."

Graves' mind went blank, unable to say anything as Nikolai picked up the coffee cups and walked past him.

"Be seeing you around, Phillip."

Graves turns and watches Nikolai leave, unable to say anything. Graves stumbles back to where Rudy was sitting, dropping back into his seat and staring at his breakfast. He finally looks up and Rudy is staring at him with wide eyes full of disbelief. Neither said anything for a moment, both stunned by the experience. Finally, Graves’ clears his throat and picks up a strip of bacon.

“So, uh… What’s your plans for today?”

“We are not about to ignore what just happened.”

“Really? I am. I was going to head to the gun range and get some rounds in.”

“Phil-”

“Maybe head to the auto shop. Heard one of the Challengers got fucked up and no one can figure out what’s wrong with it.”

“Phil!”

Graves shoves french toast into his mouth and Rudy scoffs. He takes his time chewing, all to avoid talking about what just happened. That did not sound like joking. 

“Can you at least swallow instead of sitting there with your mouth full? You look like a chipmunk!”

Graves swallows, taking a moment to breathe before he looks up, “Is it too early to start drinking?”

Rudy blinks, “Yes it is. It’s 0800.”

“Five o’clock somewhere in the world.”

Graves stands and starts to leave, ignoring Rudy calling after him. As he walked through the halls, he couldn't stop thinking about Nikolai and his very genuine flirting.

Fuck, Price is going to kill me.

#phillip graves centric #call of duty #cod mwii #modern warfare ii #phillip graves #rodolfo parra #cod nikolai #john price #fic #fanfic #ask #thanks for the ask <3 #alerudy #nikgraves #pricenik