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fandom-go-round · 9 months

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Sea Salt Like Glitter: Part Two

Summary: You’re a forest ranger. Trees and mammals are your specialty. Mermaids in the ocean? Way outside your area of expertise. Good News: They like you. Bad News: They like you a lot

Mer! Sun x Plus Sized! Reader x Mer! Moon

Part One , Part Two (Here!), Part Three

Part two for everyone who was looking forward to it! Mostly fluff and plot set up here, I hope you enjoy! Also this is over 4k and honestly people need to get me away from the computer. Also also, happy Ruin DLC! I’m hoping we see something good

Warnings: Different Species, Threats of Bodily Harm, Implied Poaching, Cross Species Interactions, Mild Flirting, Cross Species Courtship

You take the realization of mer people pretty well in your opinion. Sure, there was some yelling and swearing, pacing up and down in the woods. The birds that make their nests by your cabin are convinced that you’re crazy but you’ve always been an odd one. You want to chalk it up to a hallucination but the rope burn on your hands and lack of fuel tell a different story.

Mer people don’t change anything about your job, which is a relief and a struggle. You have to go back to your normal day to day knowing that there are other things out in the world. It does renew your passion around nature and conservation, just with a different twist. Your boss raises your eyebrows when you come in a little cagy but doesn’t push for an explanation, only requesting that you get some more rest.

You swear you will, even though it’s been a struggle. In your dreams all you hear is the sound of waves against rocks and red eyes under the water. You’re treading water and keep feeling something try to pull you under. Every morning you wake in a sweat and want to scream. The creature had been scary, sure, but it hadn’t tried to hurt you. Just chase you off. You argue with yourself as you head back to the beach, mumbling under your breath.

“You’re being ridiculous. Even if the thing lives around here, you saved it. It doesn’t want to eat you.” Your rational brain agrees with your words but the other part of your brain scoffs. You know some kind of underwater secret now, why would it let you live?

The argument continues as you go down the stairs, scanning over the beach. There isn’t any trash and you’re thankful. It takes more willpower than it should to look over the water and, very slowly, you relax. The gulls are the only animals above the water and fish dart happily underneath. There’s a ping in your chest and you hope the creature you saved is alright. It had looked like a deeper water fish. Your brain happily chimes in that it might be nocturnal too, based on all the squinting it was doing. Even better, now you won’t have to see it and you can go back to pretending the experience was a fever dream.

A high-pitched click, almost like a dolphin call, snaps you out of your thoughts. Your eyes scan the surface again and go wide, white eyes peeking out above the water. There’s a head sticking out of the water.

Both of you refuse to move, the other new creature in the water and you on the shore. Red fins raise just a little and you remember the other splashes. Your creature had a friend. Well fuck.

This creature makes another click and, ever so slowly, moves closer to shore. Your feet are rooted to the spot in fear and it pauses, not knowing what to do. You know that you need to do something but you have no idea what and you wave. Your hand comes up to give a few, very quick and sharp wags before going limp at your side once again.

You want to curl into a ball. Your brain howls at you for being an idiot while another part is cackling. How in the world humans have become the dominant species is beyond you. Waving at a fucking fish, are you crazy-

You’re brought out of your spiraling thoughts by a loud splash. The creature’s fins are widely displayed, fanning around it’s face like petals and it has a large grin on it’s face. Webbed fingers break the surface to give you it’s own furious waves before it dives under the water. You watch, half fascinated and half terrified, as it makes a beeline for shore.

You back up a meter as it getting closer, the mer dragging itself half out of the water. The fins by it’s head wiggle happily, reds and oranges and yellows distracting you. This mer is covered in warm colored splotches and you watch as two larger fins by it’s hips come to hug the sand. It’s teeth as just as sharp as it’s companions, as are it’s claws and you resist the urge to book it.

The mer has been making clicking sounds the entire time you’ve been staring at it and you subtly close your mouth. Hopefully it doesn’t think that you’re trying to be a threat. Of course you aren’t but who knows what mer culture is. If there is mer culture. A long, low whistle catches your attention and you focus on the mer. The fins around it’s head have wilted a little and you realize that it’s eyes are completely white. Part of you thinks there may be a pupil there but you’d need to get closer to confirm.

“Umm sorry bud, I didn’t mean to ignore you.” It takes you a second to find your words but when you talk the creature perks up again, a wide smile on it’s face. It gives something like a coo and you nod, ignoring the way the hair on your arms stands on end. ��Nice to meet you?”

“Friend!” You almost scream when it speaks fucking human and moves closer to you. You scramble back or at least try. Your boot gets caught in the sand and you fall backwards, landing straight on your ass. Your eyes are huge but the mer doesn’t stop, getting closer until it can almost touch your feet. It doesn’t touch, claws stopping about half a foot away. It looks almost like it’s vibrating in place, fins wiggling and no actually, that’s it’s entire body wiggling.

“You speak-?” You cut your own question off, gesturing between the two of you. It gives a high-pitched giggle that makes your ears ring. It nods, getting lower to the ground and reminds you of a dog doing a play bow.

“Yes yes! Only little.” It’s voice is deeper than you expect, not that you expected anything. There’s another tone behind the first that you can’t exactly place; maybe it’s a mer thing? You nod back and introduce yourself, pronouns included. You want to laugh at yourself; maybe you’re in shock? Why else would you give your pronouns to a mer person? Was gender even a thing under the ocean??

“Nice to meet friend!” The mer gives a few other happy body wiggles and then a cross between a hiss and bark. You stare, not saying anything and it frowns. “Name translate no. He!” You could already feel your brain starting to melt but give him a nod.

“Is there something that’s close? To your name” His head tilts to the side at your question and he begins to hum, tail burrowing into the dirt. The humming is soothing and you find yourself relaxing at the wordless tune. As you watch him and notice that he seems completely happy in the sand, his larger fins pushing the sand around him. It reminds you of some kind of fish but the mer speaks up before you can get too far.

“Sun!” He’s more than a little excited to tell you his name, leaning as close as he can get. His face is much larger than yours and you shrink back a little, even though he doesn’t seem to notice. Sun changes back to clicks and coos, tail slapping rhythmically in the water.

“Sun huh?” You can’t help but smile a little. He seems like a big puppy dog, just with extra teeth. And his fins are sort of like the sun. Kind of? “Nice to meet you too Sun.” You don’t have time to react. Right after you finish saying his name, his eyes go wide and a long tongue comes out of his mouth. He drags it across your cheek and you shriek in surprise, the mer giving a pleased rumble.

The next couple of hours pass in the same way, Sun chatting as much as he can and you carrying the conversation. It’s easy to pass the time; you and Sun are both fascinated with each other. It seemed that while Sun could talk, it was rare that he actually got to interact with people. You were getting more comfortable with him, letting him lean on you and put his head in your lap.

The sun was starting to dip below the horizon and your new mer friend was slowly sinking back into water. The darker the sky got, the more he yawned and seemed to drift off. He was almost all the way back into the water now and you gave a small wave, Sun giving one back. You turned to go but a deep, more menacing growl came up from the water and you froze.

Red eyes glared out of the water at you, mouth pulled into a snarl. Sun didn’t seem at all worried, giving a coo but not turning towards the other mer. You quickly glance between the water’s edge and where you stood, wondering if you had enough distance. Quiet hissing got louder and you watched as the other mer dragged itself out beside Sun.

The mer looked a lot better than before; skin healed and healthy looking. Red eyes were brighter and more focused, squarely on you. You didn’t know if you should bolt or stay still. Sun leans on the new mer, rubbing his head against a dark shoulder. The one you rescued gives a snarl but rubs their head back, not pushing the other off. You’re still in shock that the mer is completely healed, even though it’s been less than 24 hours. Maybe a couple over? Either way, that’s nothing short of impressive.

“Him Moon.” Sun’s voice is sleepy, slurring heavily but still clear. You look at him and then the new mer, apparently dubbed Moon. Moon makes a face and begins to click and whistle. The two of them fall into conversation, leaving you to watch and figure out what to do. You’re more nervous with Moon here but Sun doesn’t seem worried. Your eyes keep scanning the beach, just in case; you remember the tentacles on Moon and have no desire to get snatched.

Moon sees you scanning and gives a deep laugh, flashing his teeth at you. Black tentacles slide onto the sand and you want to be terrified, you really do. You can’t though because they’re gorgeous. Moon, like the other fish in the area, has bioluminescence and it looks like stars are dancing across his scales. Now that you’ve noticed the lights you see them everywhere, covering his entire torso and arms.

Sun gives a happy coo and smiles at you, beckoning you closer. You hesitate, looking at Moon. He looks half annoyed but also half amused, lips curling up a little but the rumblings have stopped. You give a sigh, wondering if anyone would find your body and get closer. Both of them watch you approach and don’t move, a tension in the air. It doesn’t feel bad, just intense.

You stop in front of Moon and he doesn’t shrink down like Sun has. He looms over you, blocking out the moonlight. Sun gives another sleepy coo, fingers gently wrapping around your arm. You can’t breathe, ruby eyes locked on your face. Moon leans closer, scanning your face and then your entire body. A cold tentacle wraps itself around your ankle and you resist the urge to yell; if you’re going to die, you aren’t going to show any fear.

Being this close you can really see Moon’s lights fading in and out. There’s a larger patch of lights at the end of his head fins, dangling over his shoulder. It almost looks like a lure and you try not to think too much about it. Moon calls your name and you flinch, focusing back on him. You had been so zoned out earlier that Sun must have said your name and you didn’t realize.

“Keep secret.” Moon’s voice is harder to make out than Sun’s but you understand him. He hadn’t phrased it as a question but you nod anyway, wanting to reassure him.

“I won’t say anything, I promise.” You’re completely sincere and Moon scoffs, rolling his eyes. You furrow your eyebrows, not know why he wouldn’t like that answer. You don’t get a chance to ask because one of his hands comes up and places a claw directly on your forehead. A tingle of tear slides down your spine but you ignore it.

“Ours now.” The words themselves are ominous but Moon’s tone is kind, even a little fond. You don’t get it, not really, and he can tell based on his face. He gives a rumble and gently flicks your forehead, snickering as you yelp.

“Hey! What was that-!?” You’re clutching your head and don’t notice him going in under your hands it’s too late. Another cold tongue drags itself against your cheek and you shriek, mer laughter filling the air. “Eww again!? What is with you two and licking!?”

Either of them answers your question, Moon snickering and Sun giving a lazy wave. You watch as Moon helps the other one into the water, hands gentle and they disappear under the water silently. Your heart is pounding like crazy and you can’t stop the giddy laughter even if you wanted to. Does it sound a little hysterical? Maybe. But it also feels like something you’ve been missing is finally clicking into place.

♥

The next few weeks you feel like you’re living the high life. Your trips to the beach have increased from once a week to every other day and you’re tempted to go every day. Without fail, one of them will meet you, even if it takes a little while. During the day it’s Sun and if it’s closer to evening, Moon may come visit. Sun is defiantly the friendlier of the two, pulling himself onto the sand and hanging out with you. Moon is more reserved, liking to stay in the water and splash you.

From what you’ve figured out, the two of them have been living in the area for years now. The secluded beach and lack of people make it ideal for staying out of the public eye. They’re also a mated pair; you’ve been too cautious to ask more details about that. There are cultural barriers that you’re trying to navigate and that seems like a topic to avoid for now.

The first time you ask about how they learned to speak, Sun gets a little sad. His fins drop and he snuggles closer in your lap. He’s the more physically affectionate of the two and you’ve gotten used to having wet pants.

“Human friend, long time ago.” His words are muffled by the fabric but he keeps going. You gently start to rub his back and he purrs, eyes looking up at you. “No stay, left soon.”

“Were they a ranger like me?” Your question earns a dark chuckle from Moon in the water. He glides around the edge, eyes locked on the two of you.

“Ranger too stupid to notice.” He rasps and you take offence, even if you know he’s not talking about you.

“I noticed you.” He hums, eyes half lidded and grin sharp.

“Not completely stupid.” You scoff at his words and he laughs. Sun gives a huff and flips his tail at Moon. The tentacled mer sputters at the water thrown at his face and sinks below the waves.

“Not ranger, visitor. Before beach was closed. Left once vacation over.” Sun sounds a little better now, not as sad as he explains. You nod, still rubbing his back and he soaks up the attention like a sponge.

“I’m sorry they left.” Sun smiles at your words, pulling you closer to him. It’s still unnerving to be manhandled so easily but you try to ignore it; people your size don’t usually get moved like feathers after all.

“Better now that you’re here.” You ignore the embarrassment you feel at Sun’s words, giving him a smile back.

“I’m glad you think so. I’m happy that I met the two of you.” Sun preens at the praise, the fins around his head fanning out in a dazzling display. Moon cuts off your admiring, shooting a jet of water directly at your face. You yelp and he snickers, crawling up onto the sand next to Sun. The two of them bicker as you clean your face and you can’t help but smile. This is the best time you’ve had in a while.

That, of course, means that it can’t last. A couple days after your sand cuddle session, you spot a boat out on the water. It’s larger than a normal speedboat and the hull is so dark grey it’s almost black. Dread settles in your gut like a stone; poachers.

They aren’t a common occurrence but that doesn’t mean poachers are rare. Normally you deal with them on the forest side and its easy to drive them off. Being on the water is going to be harder, partly because of the lack of equipment and partly because of your new friends.

You keep an eye on the boat as it lingers. You don’t see any nets or obvious illegal fishing but you can’t be everywhere at once. You ask Sun about it one day, making sure the two of you are out of sight of the boat.

“Boat fine.” He doesn’t seem nearly as worried as you are, chomping on a fish he caught earlier. He had offered you some and you declined, trying not to make a face. He clearly didn’t need to cook his food.

“You’re not worried about it?” You ask, a little surprised. Sun shrugs, half looking over his shoulder.

“Boat no fish, boat just stay.” You sigh, leaning against him.

“That’s what I’m worried about. I’m afraid that they’re poachers.” Sun listens as you speak, giving a rumble. “The two of you shouldn’t visit me until I figure this out.”

“What?” Sun sits up, fins flaring out along his head. He looks more than a little offended, leaning close to you. “Why no visit?”

“I don’t want you to get hurt.” You tell him, face serious. “I doubt anyone knows that you’re here but it’s better to be safe than sorry.” He watches you for a moment before leaning back and pouting.

“You take care of it?” You nod at his question, giving him a reassuring smile.

“Yeah Sun, I’ll take care of it.” He hums, fins wiggling for a bit before licking your cheek. You protest and all his does is laugh before sliding into the water. You figure that he’ll tell Moon your warning; you’re less worried about the nocturnal mer anyway. Now, onto the harder task.

Mark, at the end off the day, is a pretty good boss. He tends to be a little nervous (mostly around people) but he was always willing to go to bat for his employees and wildlife. He’s also the one to notify when you have issues in your remote part of the woods. He’s never been afraid to drive out and see what you’re dealing with.

“You’re making me nervous.” Mark can’t stop himself from commenting and you can’t blame him. You’ve been pacing up a storm since before he pulled up and hardly let him get a word in edge wise. You take a deep breathe, counting to four before releasing it. Make is here to help, even if you have to get a little more creative in your explanation.

“I’m sorry I just, I’m really worried about this.” You do your best to explain and Mark gives slow nod, looking out at the ocean.

“Normally you’re less concerned with ocean life.” Mark doesn’t make it sound accusatory but you still winced, looking out at the ocean. You watch the waves, trying to figure out how to phrase your thoughts.

“You’re right… I found something out there worth protecting.” You feel like your face is burning but pushed on, Mark watching you closely. “There are creatures who needs our help and don’t deserve to be hunted for sport. They’re worth more than that.” Silence fell and you held your breath; if he didn’t support you there was no way you could drive them off on your own.

“Some day you’ll have to tell me what you found.” Mark gives you a hearty back slap, surprising you and making you stumble. He laughs as you sputter, grabbing his binoculars and looking out. “Come on then, let’s get these folks out of your ocean.”

“It’s not my ocean!” Your protest is ignored, Mark snickering as he headed back towards his truck.

“Course it’s not. Come on, let’s get this down to the boat launch and go pay our friends a visit.” You grin at his words, calmed down with Mark’s confidence. He might normally be nervous but when it comes to wildlife, he was the pushiest person in the world.

Mark’s boat is nicer than yours and you ignore the ping of jealousy that stabs through you. Wish your boat was that nice. Mark drives you both closer to this boat, now on the south side of the rock formations. The boat had been driving around the rock formations in the area and it makes you nervous, knowing that Moon and Sun like to hunt there.

Once you get close enough, Mark hands you a megaphone and you stand up, doing your best to stay stable. Taking a deep breath, you let your voice boom out, thoughts of the mers down below giving your courage.

“Attention, you are in protected waters! State your business!” The ship stays silent for a moment after your request and the two of you tense. If they didn’t react, you would have to call in the coast guard and that was always hit or miss. You repeat the message, seeing if there were any signs of movement. Nothing.

“What do you want to do?” You ask Mark, turning to face him. Your boss frowns, shaking his head.

“It doesn’t mean that they’re poachers but it doesn’t look good. Let’s head back and call it in.” You nod in agreement and turned back around just in time to watch someone lean over the edge. Your eyes go wide as this person begins to puke, wincing as the sound echoed over the water. You and Mark share a look before you bring the megaphone back to your lips.

“Excuse me?” Your call has the person on the boat jumping, a high-pitched shriek filling the air. The person on the ship turns to you and you give a wave. “Please state your businesses, you’re in protected waters.” You watch as the person flails for a moment before putting their fingers up in a ‘hold on a second’ gesture and heading back into the boat.

“Not poachers.” Mark says from behind you and you nod, going boneless with relief.

“Not unless this is their first voyage.” You joke back and he laughs.

“Bad crew choice right there.” The two of you laugh to yourselves, pleasantly surprised as the person comes back with a few more people, their own megaphone in hand. You take another breath, begging yourself for some patience. This was going to be a long talk.

♥

It took almost two hours to convince the boat they had to leave. Apparently, it was a private party ship that had drifted too far south. You let Mark do most of the technical talking, especially when it came to where exactly the boat was supposed to be. You had more fun watching the people try to be sober when they very clearly were not.

You also keep an eye out for your underwater friends but they stay away and you’re thankful. You don’t want to have to explain to Mark about mer people on top of dealing with drunk tourists. Finally, the two of you watch the ship drive off and you sigh, leaning back and closing your eyes.

“Tired?” Mark sounds as tired as you feel and you nod, closing your eyes.

“Yeah. They’re more than 20 meters off course, how does that even happen?” Mark gives a snort, turning the boat back and driving to the shore.

“That’s what happens when you get drunk and your ship is fancy enough to have cruise control. I’m going to call it in once we get back and hopefully someone will meet them on their way back.” You give a hum back, acknowledging his words.

“Sounds good to me. I’ll write up my report tonight and get it to you by tomorrow.” He waves you off, shaking his head.

“A couple of days later is no big deal. I have the regional meeting tomorrow too.” You wince at ‘regional meeting’. Sucks to be the boss. The two of you spend the rest of the ride in silence, getting the boat out of the water easily. You’re just about to part ways when there’s a large splash in the water behind you.

Your stomach drops out as you turn and see a flash of Sun’s bright red tail. Mark’s eyes are wide like yours and you don’t know what to say. He clearly saw Sun, even if it wasn’t all of him. You want to tell him he’s crazy but Mark just shakes his head, rubbing at his eyes.

“I’m… seeing things, I think. I’m gonna head back. We’ll talk once you finish your report.” You nod, trying not to come off as too relieved because of his words.

“Have a good night Mark, we’ll talk later.” He gives you a half wave as you see him off, making sure the boat is hooked up before driving off. You pray that Mark will ignore what he’s seen; he loves the ocean more than anyone.

Sun jumps into the air again and now you watch with a smile, heading back towards the beach. With the sun getting close to setting, maybe you’ll see Moon tonight too. Mark may have competition for ocean lover, now that you think about it.

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the-monkey-ruler · 7 months

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Just a random ask, what are some weird JTTW adaptations you’ve seen or heard about?

I can’t even begin to call them all but… if you bear with me, I shall try.

Here are a few games that I always found funny additions!

Starting off strong we have Journey to the West: Undersea Adventure (2021)! I have never seen it but LOOK AT IT.... THEY FISH

Six-eared Monkey (2021) where Six Ears goes back in time, accidentally adopts Wukong not knowing he is his future enemy and gives his life to save Child-Wukong despite knowing who he grows up to be.

Wukong's Christmas Adventure (2019) is like... saving Ruphdolh or something and Wukong is going through a mid-life crisis and also kinda depressed but CHRISTMAS. Also the Erlang and Nezha models in this movies are TERRIFYING... and also they have Wukong rap so take a look.

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Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons (2013) is weird but like in a GREAT way like... I love the monster designs they give Wukong, Bajie, and Wujing, it is such a different vibe then any other movie I have seen and Honestly LOVE It for that. Really sells just how HUMAN Sanzang is dealing with POWERFUL YAO that could kill him in a second.

Bling (2016) is strong that it didn't hAVE to be Xiyouji coded characters like the Monkey, Pig, and Frog are robot storage performers, wannabe heroes and they follow their creator who is trying to propose to his girlfriend but there really is not journey or ANY need to have the robot being Wukong, Bajie, and Wujing.

Spark: A Space Tail (2016) is also BARELY a Xiyouji film but like it does have a monkey with a staff and turns out he is the son of a king and a queen of monkey planet. Really more like Lion King with the evil uncle trying to take over but with space monkeys.... and also Bajie is there.

Mo mo King (2011) is something I'm not completely sure what's it about but just that it is like a whole monkey island that Wukong-like protag works at... and also Bajie is there.

Devil's Chip (2002) again NO idea what it is really about but there is space and time travel and for some ungodly reason no wukong from what I have seen but Sanzang and Bajie company the space/time travler

Flying Monkid (1996) I have no idea why this was ever MADE like there is barely a connection to Wukong and every other demon is new or some kind of version that is barely recognizable, not to mention the animation is barely any better than Pixal art.

Flying Superboard (1990) I always just found this one strange from the animation to the art style to the design choices. Like making Wukong some kind of skateboard, nunchuck, mouse-looking creature and giving Bajie a machine gun is.... something. I have no idea what they did to Wujing, made him like a bat, goblin thing.

Midnight Goku (1989) is like a sci-fi detective story where the protag has like computer eyes that can see through people and a bo-staff and honestly, I haven't seen but just the STRETCH they use to make this Wukong-related is so insane like would have never thought of it.

Little Wukong (1987) honestly not SURE what this story is even about but like... it is nearly lost media, this is so obscure and out of the way I have a feeling it was probs a children's education show or something but idk.

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The Legend of Red Boy (1989) is something that looks like candy land spat out and while I have not seen it I am so sure that it is filled with nonsensical elements I cannot begin to describe.

King Kong's Adventures in the Heavenly Palace (1959) is... more of a crossover than anything else. Just imagine a movie where instead of Wukong destroys heaven... it is Kind Kong. Legit THE king Kong from the OTHER MOVIES YES.

Pink Journey to the West (2015) is honestly not that strong I would say besides that it is just Journey to the West but they are all girls... haven't seen it but who knows maybe it is good!

Tom and Jerry Chase with Tom as Erlang Sheng and Jerry as Wukong

Fortnite Wukong... that is it

Overwatch with Xiyouji skins just think it is adorable honestly. Love the Winston as Wukong

Plants versus Zombie: Journey to the West addition

Rabbits: Party of Legends

And while this isn't EVERY weird (there is a lot) one these are that I thought were at least interesting enough. Like a lot of Xiyouji movies have strange plotpoint but honestly, they are more boring and confusing than anything memorable. At least these were the ones I always thought were fun!

#anon ask #anonymous #anon #jttw #journey to the west #xiyouji #sun wukong #zhu bajie #ask

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amaretigris · 5 months

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I noticed you haven’t done any one shots of Prince Eric in a while and I appreciate the Jonah one shots you’ve made but I was wondering that maybe you could make a one shot that has Prince Eric in it whether it either fluff or smut. It doesn’t matter to me with whatever you choose and you don’t have to do this request if you don’t want too, it’s just a suggestion that I have for you if you actually decide that you feel like doing a one shot for Prince Eric.

Hi sweets! 🥰 I always appreciate your requests; they give me the motivation to keep writing, so thank you 💖 This is a Modern AU idea I've had for Prince Eric for a while now. I hope you like it!

It is pure fluff but if you like it I could probably add a second part, smut included 😝 (Sorry it took me a couple days, work has been crazy.) Please enjoy! 🫶

⋅.˳˳.⋅ॱ˙˙ॱ⋅.˳˳.⋅ॱ˙˙ॱᐧ.˳˳.⋅⋅.˳˳.⋅ॱ˙˙ॱ⋅.˳˳.⋅ॱ˙˙ॱᐧ.˳˳.⋅⋅.˳˳.⋅ॱ˙˙ॱ⋅.˳˳.⋅ॱ˙˙ॱᐧ.˳˳.⋅⋅.˳˳.⋅ॱ˙˙ॱ⋅.˳˳.⋅ॱ˙˙ॱᐧ.˳˳.⋅

Waves

1.8k words | Pure fluff

You had always been drawn to the water, for as long as you can remember. You started swimming at a young age and from that point on, it was rare to find you out of the pool. Your parents called you a fish in the water. Once you began competitive swimming, the rest was history. You won many championships and trophies, which eventually led to a scholarship at a university with a prestigious women’s swim team. You couldn’t be happier that all your hard work and time in the water had paid off.

Settling into your new life on campus for the past year was great. You’d made friends with fellow swimmers and classmates, but you generally kept to yourself. The Director of the Campus Recreation Office was a family friend, named Sebastian, who saw you a lot due to your strict swim schedule. You talked to him almost every day and you knew that he looked out for you and helped you where he could.

Walking into the Rec Center carrying your swim cap and goggles, you waved to the Locker Room attendant. He was also a swimmer and his friends called him Flounder.

“Good afternoon, Flounder,” you smiled.

Flounder’s face perked up as he looked away from his computer and met your eyes.

“Hey, (Y/N)! You ready to do your laps? You know we’re still going to race, right? I’ll show you who’s really a fish in the water,” he smirked.

You laughed at his playfulness. He was a freshman at the college and eager to prove his talent, but he always motivated you to do your best.

“Anytime, any day,” you teased as you poked your tongue out at him before turning into the locker room.

Smiling to yourself as you changed and put on your gear, you grabbed your towel and headed out to the pool. You saw Sebastian as you approached the pool, talking to another swimmer - most likely giving them pointers. You quietly set your towel down on the bench and slipped off your shoes to dive in.

Sebastian turned to you when he heard you splash in.

“(Y/N)! Good to see you, girl. How’s your father doing?”

You made a show of rolling your eyes before you answered.

“He’s good, Sebastian. Same as always. He makes sure I’m following my swim schedule, like he’s King Triton or something,” you joked.

Sebastian laughed.

“Well, you can’t blame him for that. He wants to see you succeed. And if he’s King Triton, you’re one of his mermaid daughters,” he mused, putting a finger to his chin in thought.

“True enough,” he decided.

“Listen, (Y/N), I’ve actually got a favor to ask you. When you get done here today, would you mind running across campus to pick up some gear from a student on the Varsity Sailing Team? He borrowed it last week and wants to return it, but he said he needs someone to help him carry it down here. You know how my schedule here is - I can’t leave during operating hours.”

You looked at Sebastian, confused, as you continued to tread water.

“What do you mean? He doesn’t have a friend to help him carry it down here?”

Sebastian shrugged.

“Ahh, doesn’t sound like it. I didn’t want to press the issue. He seems like a nice guy, I think he’s just a bit of a loner. Sound familiar?”

Sebastian looked at you pointedly. You rolled your eyes for real this time as you put your arms up on the lip of the pool.

“Why can’t Flounder do it?”

Sebastian scoffed.

“The kid is still pretty new and getting used to the campus. You’re a sophomore now, I figured you’d have an easier time finding it. C’mon kid, what’s the harm in talking to one new person?”

Sebastian put his hand out and lightly squeezed your swim cap. Deciding that you owed Sebastian enough to do him this one favor, you breathed a sigh of defeat.

“Ugh, fine. Just give me the dorm number.”

Finishing your swim routine, you got dressed in the locker room and grabbed the dorm number from Flounder at the front desk on your way out. Looking down at the paper in your hand, you breathed another sigh. Your hair was wet and wavy from the water and you smelled like chlorine. You just wanted to get this over with as fast as possible; meeting new people wasn’t exactly your forte.

Walking up the stairs, you worked up your courage. This should only take 10 or 15 minutes. No big deal. Stopping at the room of the dorm, you looked down at the paper one last time before you folded it and slipped it in your pocket. You lightly knocked on the door. You waited for a second before the door swung open. Blinking your eyes, you realized that you were face to face with a man’s chest. Taking a step back and looking up, you were met with the brightest blue eyes you’d ever seen.

The dark-haired man in front of you was peering down with a smile, dimples dotting his cheeks.

“Hi. You must be the one Sebastian sent to help me tote this equipment back to the Rec Center. My name is Eric,” he said cheerfully, extending his hand forward for you to shake.

Hesitantly taking his hand and giving it a quick shake, you looked down at your feet.

“Hi. Yes, I’m here to help. My name is (Y/N).”

Noticing your demeanor, Eric stepped back and extended his arm for you to enter the room.

“Thank you. The equipment is just inside my door here. I’ll go get the rolling cart so that it’ll be easier for us, but we’ll still have to carry a few things. Sorry about this, I couldn’t exactly push the cart and carry everything by myself.”

Meeting his eyes again, you nodded as he walked past you and down the hall. How weird that he was trusting enough to leave you in his room, you thought. Shrugging to yourself, you stepped into the room and looked around. It was ocean themed, which was not exactly what you were expecting. But, then again, he was on the sailing team. Walking to his bookshelf, your finger skimmed the spines of books about sailing, navigation, and even a book on the constellations.

Turning to look in the corner, you started picking up the ring buoys and rescue boards. You soon heard Eric rolling the flatbed cart into the room. He smiled at you before loading the rescue boards onto the cart with the sail repair kit.

Eric pushed the full cart back out the door and turned to you.

“Are you ready? I think that’s everything. We can start wheeling this down.”

Nodding with your arms holding buoys, you followed him through the door and closed it behind you. The two of you rode the elevator down. Pushing the cart across the vast university courtyard, Eric looked to his side, at you.

“You look familiar. I feel like I’ve seen you around.”

He pursed his lips, thinking.

“Oh! You’re a swimmer, aren’t you? I’ve seen you at the Rec Center. You’re like a mermaid in the water,” he complimented, looking at you with a lop-sided grin.

You felt your cheeks flush as you cleared your throat.

“Thanks. Yeah, I’m a swimmer. I’m on a pretty strict routine so I’m at the Rec Center a lot.”

Nodding, Eric looked back at your hair.

“You’ve already been swimming today, huh? Your hair’s wet.”

You smiled, nodding at him.

“I think we’re a lot alike. I’ve always been drawn to the water. But sailing is different than swimming. I’m hopeless when I’m submerged,” he laughed.

Your curiosity peaked.

“You never took swimming lessons?”

Eric nodded his head and huffed a breath.

“Yes, I’m just terrible at it. I’ve seen you swim, you’re so comfortable and smooth in the water. I’m the opposite of that.”

Giggling, you shook your head, wondering how someone could be so uncomfortable in water.

“Well, if you ever need, I could give you lessons in my spare time.”

Eric looked at you with a smile plastered on his face, dimples on full display.

“Really? That would be wonderful. Thank you. And thank you again for your help with this stuff. I don’t really have anyone here that would be willing to help me like this.”

Smiling at him, you decided to ask another bold question.

“You don’t have guys on the sail team that would help?”

You heard Eric sigh, and you hoped you hadn’t probed too far.

“No,” he quietly spoke. “I love sailing, but the team is…different. We don’t have the same interests.”

You furrowed your brows and nodded. You understood that feeling. Finally reaching the other side of the expansive courtyard, Eric pushed the cart up the handicap ramp with you following behind him.

Walking up the sidewalk to the building, you reached some uneven pavement and tripped, throwing the buoys from your arms in an attempt to catch yourself. You felt a strong arm loop around your waist, pulling you upright.

You blinked and looked at Eric, feeling your cheeks heat up.

“Uh, thanks,” you squeaked.

Eric had abandoned the cart and placed both of his hands on your upper arms, looking you over for injuries.

“No problem, are you alright?”

You nodded, still in a daze. You felt like your skin was burning where he had touched you, even under your clothes. Eric helped you pick up the ring buoys, placed them carefully back in your arms, and returned to push the cart the remaining distance to the building.

You pushed the door open and Flounder’s face lit up when he saw you again.

“(Y/N), back so soon?”

You smiled at him as Eric rolled the equipment in.

“Ah, Eric! Thank you for returning this. Sebastian will be happy,” he smiled cheekily at Eric.

Following the two of them to the storage room, you set the buoys down on a shelf. The two guys were talking, and you saw your opportunity to take your leave. You made it down the hall and out the doors of the building before Eric ran to catch up with you.

“(Y/N)! Wait!”

Eric shouted as he jogged to the stairs to meet you.

“You left before I could thank you. I turned around and you were gone. It’s like someone has to nail your fins to the floor,” he teased.

You looked at him with an amused smile.

“Sorry, but you’ve already thanked me. Several times, in fact,” you teased right back.

Rubbing his neck sheepishly, Eric seemed a little nervous.

“A-Actually, I was going to ask for your number. You know, for those swimming lessons you offered.”

You smiled and held your hand out. Blinking at you and looking down at your hand, the realization hit Eric, and he pulled out his phone to hand it over. You saw him run a hand through his black curls. You smiled, putting your number in his phone, with the mermaid emoji next to your name. When you handed it back to him, Eric looked at his phone and smiled.

“Thanks. My little mermaid.”

#prince eric #prince eric x reader #prince eric x you #prince eric fic #prince eric x y/n #my stuff #answered #the little mermaid 2023

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justmochi · 1 year

Text

IN THE SOOP EP. 4

pairing :: rosie x seventeen

word count :: 2.0k

synopsis :: seventeen complete their soopket lists.

a/n :: daisie picnic except most of it had to be cut for screentime n daisie being sus

taglist :: @cafemilk-tea @cixrosie @moonlight-additions @cosmicwintr @astraw-astro @ateezjuliet @fromfreesia @succulentmom @kimhyejin3108 @enhacolor @multiplums

The woman woke up fully rested. She was even shocked to see the time because she thought she had slept the entire day. Her stomach ache and migraine from the night before were almost too much to bear that it had tired her out.

Today she felt much better. She had done her morning routine, brushed her teeth, and applied her skincare before setting out the door.

The weather was perfect considering how all the members were going to be busy today. She managed to catch some of her members in the kitchen.

“Good morning.” She smiled, stretching her arms out as she watched Dokyeom pound pork.

“Rise and shine, Jangmi.” Joshua welcomed her in as he was also preparing breakfast.

“What are you making?” She watched as they prepared all the ingredients.

“Pork cutlet.” Dokyeom showcased the pork to her. “Hoshi wanted me to make him some.”

“At least we can all count on you to feed us.” She patted his shoulder before taking a seat at the table.

“Are you feeling better today?”

“Oh yes! Much better. I have to thank Jeonghan when he comes around.” She nodded, pulling her phone out of her pocket and setting it on the surface. “I hate being a girl sometimes.”

She watched their reactions, snorting at how they looked like they had no idea how to reply to her comment.

“Dokyeomie, you should teach me how to cook sometime.”

“I feel like I’d need to map out a whole curriculum for you.” He joked, making the other members laugh along with him.

“You should feel honored I’m asking you instead of resorting to Youtube videos.”

The members started joining in the dining room one by one, all waiting for the pork cutlet to be done. When it was finally served to the members, they didn’t hesitate in giving it a taste. The second the food hit her taste buds, she wanted to curse.

“Oh my god, this is amazing.” She covered her mouth as she chewed the pork, eyes wide as she shook her head.

Joshua pointed at her as Rosie managed to get a laugh out of him. As everyone finished up eating, they came to the conclusion that they would draw a spoon to see who would clean up. When Wonwoo pulled the unlucky spoon, Rosie frowned while shaking her fists.

“Wonwoo! Fighting!”

The rest of the members scattered as she was left in the dining room with Wonwoo. The day was designated for all their soopket list activities, so Rosie wanted to prepare for her and Dino’s picnic.

“Can I keep you company?” She asked Wonwoo, scrolling through her phone for picnic ideas. “I’ll clean up my mess, I promise.”

“Of course.” Wonwoo quickly put on gloves before starting the dishes.

“Have you ever been on a picnic?”

“Maybe when I was younger? I can’t remember.”

“I don’t know what to bring. I’m thinking of fruits and sandwiches but do you have any ideas?”

He listed ideas off the top of his head, Rosie making a list in her notes app before preparing food for the picnic later.

She made her way up to the playhouse, planning to use her spare time to play some games. She had finished all the treats she was going to bring to the picnic and was shocked to see that Dino had left with the guys to go fishing.

She was sulking since she had prepared the food in advance and also put on a cute outfit for their picnic. As she entered the playhouse, she was met with Joshua and Jun who were making crafts on the floor.

“What are you guys making?” She asked, plopping down on the chair and turning on the computer.

“A panda.” Jun held up his little model. As Rosie got a good look at it, she clapped her hands together for him.

“It kinda looks like a cat.” She smiled.

“What are you doing?” Joshua looked up from his project and towards her.

“I was supposed to go on a picnic with Chan, but now I have to wait till he gets back from fishing.” She frowned, slouching in her chair and logging into one of her games.

“Hopefully they won’t take too long. There’s still lots of daylight left.”

“I even made a bunch of snacks and packed everything nicely too.”

“We should tell them to hurry up. Jangmi can’t even cook and she went through all this trouble.” Jun jokes, sitting up straight to stretch his limbs out before pulling out his phone.

“You guys act like I can’t even make a basic sandwich.” She crossed her arms, “But yes please tell them to hurry up. I miss him.”

After another hour, she finally heard a car roll up and checked out the window. She spotted Dino with the older members, quickly running out of the playhouse and skipping down towards them. “Ya!”

When she finally reached them, she wrapped her arms around Dino, trapping him in a hug as Seungcheol laughed at them.

“I’m stealing him. He’s mine now.” She furrowed her brows towards them as he giggled. “We still have to go on our picnic.”

“I know. I didn’t forget.” He tried wiggling out of her grasp. “But I smell like the river. Can I freshen up a bit?”

She pouted, letting go of him. “Fine. I’ll pack the car but be quick.”

“I will.” He smiled with a nod, pinching her chin before running up to the house. She hurried back to the dining room, taking all the snacks she prepared and storing them in a basket that she brought just for the picnic. She set the basket in the backseat of the car, along with a cozy blanket. By the time she was done, Dino had finished freshening up and was helping her load the car.

“Do you have everything?” He asked her, putting the things he was bringing in the front seat.

“Yes. Now let’s go. I’m hungry.” She got in on the driver's side, buckling her seatbelt and watching him do the same. She adjusted her mirrors and everything before taking a moment to rub her hands together and get excited about their picnic date.

“Are you hyped?” She smiled, putting her hands on the steering wheel before turning to look at him.

“I am. Where are we gonna set up?”

“I figured we could venture out a little and find a wooded place.” She finally put the keys in the ignition, driving away from where they were staying.

Dino couldn’t take his eyes off of her. She caught him staring out of the corner of her eye and couldn’t keep a straight face.

“Do I have something on my face?” She quickly turned to face him before her eyes returned to the road.

“Rosie is making her driving debut.” He teased her, chuckling before pulling out his phone to take a picture. “I have to capture this groundbreaking moment.”

“Have I really not driven on camera before?” She laughed nervously, checking her mirrors while feeling the pressure.

“This would be the first time.”

“Well now you’re making me nervous.” She fixed her posture in case someone were to criticize her driving skills.

“Don’t be nervous. Just drive as you always do.”

“As I always rarely do.” She nodded, pursing her lips.

“I was thinking the same thing for a second.” He covered his mouth before laughing and looking out the car window.

Once they finally reached their destination, Rosie turned the car off before sitting back against her seat for a few. “We made it.”

He unbuckled himself, leaning over the console and smiling at her. “Can I do anything to help?”

“No.” She turned her head, giving him a sly look before getting out of the car. “Just stay in here till I get things set up.”

So Dino stayed in the car, watching as she came back and forth between their spot and getting things out of the backseat.

“I feel bad that Rosie is doing all this by herself.” He spoke to the camera that was in front of him on the dashboard. “But she told me to stay put so I’m not going to go against her wishes.”

Rosie finished up, going to his side and opening his door. “Alright, close your eyes.”

“I have to close my eyes?”

“Yes, now come on.” She motioned for him to get out. She quickly covered his eyes just in case he were to peek. She carefully led him in front of the blanket, her hands falling to his waist. “Okay, open.”

Dino opened his eyes, gasping at the cute picnic setup. The first thing he noticed were the fruit kabobs stacked on top of each other along with cheese and crackers. Then the strawberry and egg sandwiches. She also prepped onigiri.

“Wow.” He was clearly in shock. “Did you make all this?” He turned around to face her. She folded her hands and smiled up at him before nodding. She was looking forward to having a picnic with him way before she filled out her bucket list. She had even managed to match her outfit with the blanket, her cropped sweater tying everything together for the perfect weather.

He sighed, pulling her into a tight hug as she wrapped her arms around him. “I’m sorry for making you wait. If I had known-“

“Shh. You’re here now, so let’s enjoy our picnic.” She let go of him, going to sit on the blanket before remembering she didn’t take any pictures. “Well after I take some pictures.”

Dino laughed as she grabbed her bag from the car and searched for her phone, along with her instant camera. She even instructed him to sit down and pose for her before joining him.

“Let’s dig in.” She rubbed her hands together, Dino immediately going for one of the sandwiches.

She slowly ate one of the fruit kabobs, impatiently waiting for him to take a bite to see if she made it edible enough. When he finally did, his eyes grew twice in size and she was worried he hated it.

“Is it bad?” She pursed her lips until he shook his head and covered his mouth with his hand.

He forgot to swallow, talking with the food in his mouth. “No! It’s good! Really good!”

“Really? Are you lying?”

“No, it’s so yummy!”

She smiled wide with her teeth, blushing as she grabbed a sandwich too. She didn’t taste them while making it, so she felt proud of herself when she discovered that they were indeed yummy.

“Wow.” She chewed her food, covering her mouth. “This is actually pretty good considering I followed a tutorial for it.” She finished her sandwich in no time.

“Here, have some fruit. Aren’t they cute?” She picked up one of the fruit kabobs by the stick, holding it out for him. She giggled like an idiot as he bit down on the strawberry, struggling to get it off the stick but succeeding after a few attempts.

“You can hold it yourself, you know.”

“I know, but it’s better when you feed me.” Rosie rolled her eyes, quickly swatting his shoulder.

She almost forgot that she brought along bubbles, digging it out of the basket and unscrewing the cap. “I feel like I’m in a drama.” She joked before blowing through the wand.

Dino laughed, trying to pop the bubbles with his finger as they floated by. “You really outdid yourself.”

She shrugged her shoulders, smiling as she put the bubbles away and starting to eat the onigiri.

Dino had laid down against the blanket, his head resting against her lap as he shut his eyes. He was able to take in the nature that surrounded them, Rosie blocking the sun from hitting his face.

She fed him a strawberry, her free hand running through his hair while looking down at him.

“This is perfect.” He praised her again, not being able to stop himself from showing his appreciation. He wanted her to know how proud and endeared he was. “Let’s do this more often.”

“I don’t know if I can put food together like this again. I think I just got lucky.”

“I can help you next time. It can’t be that hard, right?”

She smacked her lips, snorting as she argued against his claim. “Wonwoo almost witnessed me have three mental breakdowns. I wouldn’t be so sure.”

He opened his eyes, pouting at her before pinching her chin.

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aswho1estuff · 4 months

Text

I'm the baddest series

Series overview: A early 2000s rapper gets involved with a man that's notorious on the street.

Ep 2. "A boot?"

Ep 2. Overview: Trina and Antonio meet for the 2nd time

Masterlist

"Hey babe why your car got a big shoe on? I tried to call the tow truck but they acting kinda scared, you think it's them people?" "whatcha you mean my car got a boot how he find it?, we bouta go find him put yo shoes on" I tell Britney reaching for my purse "alright call me when you pull up" she responds ending the call.

_________

"you wanna pick up yo jewelry while we right here, help you not pull a joker on this man" Britney says trying to lighten the mood "I'd laugh but I don't know that joke hoe" I say flatly "he slams his eye into a pencil on the table" she explains back just as flat making me laugh "you dumbass, thanks for the idea".

"Your staff came and paid for your diamonds in full, did you not get a message?" The owner asks me starting to panic. "Ohh I did don't worry, they sent one earlier this morning so I'll see them thank you" I respond, a boot straight to my shit was the message. "They left a card with me" the owner hands me it "thanks, and next time don't give em nothing call me cause they ain't do they job right".

you got something I want and you know I've got yours, come see me - Antonio

(XXX)XXX-XXXX

6737 Cesar Ave

______

Getting in the elevator with Britney I push the top floor. "What's the game plan?" Britney asks "cuss him out" I respond obviously. Britney giggles "period, alright" she tells me holding the elevator.

Walking to the receptionist desk "hello....hello...Hello?" I repeat raising my voice every time I know she ignoring me. Walking towards the two main doors she runs to stand infont of me "you can't do that" she's rushes out "ain't seem like you was gone help us so" I'm already irritated.

"I'm Trina" I say motioning to her lil clip board. "Don't I know you from somewhere.." where you going with this girl "...oh right Little Miss rapper-" that's where the hoe was going "-Little Miss Im worth more than your house, and I'm finna be little miss fuck you up if you don't move".

"I was wondering why there was so much commotion out here, you must be Trina" his friend from before says walking in "how you - nevermind can I talk to him" I ask someone who seems more incharge than her.

"of course, he's been waiting on you" he opens the door for me and as it close I hear a faint "and you must be Britney, beautiful" attacks from all sides is all I can think.

_______

why my car got a boot?" I ask furious " Just want my car" he looks up from his computer motioning to a seat but I remain standing "you need to wanna focus that energy on yo little girlfriend give her some boots so she stop rocking them shoes my grandma don't even wear those" he laughs "who are you talking about?, I don't have a girlfriend" "who got the ugliest shoes on this floor" I montion towards the door.

"you jealous?" He says smiling, pissing me off more "man I don't even know you" I say sitting down now tired from all the run around I'm getting. "Do you want to?" You thought you was smooth "fix my boot" I respond flatly. "Listen pretty girl I need the car" "for what" " look it's my mama car and.. she has some thing in there for me but I gotta tear the car apart" ...."just have it, here damn" I fish the key out my purse.

________

"I've got things to do call my people and send my jewelry off, okay" "what?" "What" "what you got planned?" "Damn you in my business, nail appointment" I respond flashing my nails.

"I'll join" "don't talk to me about no damn car when we get in here I'm already stressed" " likewise so nothing about that jewelry" "oh you think you cute huh?"

_______

"Since yo friend stole Britney which ones do you think I should get?" I ask breaking the silence showing him the pictures "Think the pink ones look good on you" good choice. "What are you gonna get?" I ask out of habit "Just a clean up really" "predictable" I respond without thinking "think you cute, yeah?" Oh wow "Why you stealing my shit?".

_______

"what's this about a nail appointment I hear?" Tony asks "grow up tony" laughing I hang my jacket up. "She's a pretty lady, so is her friend" tony adds on and he isn't wrong Trina's alluring one of the reasons I didn't do business with her like other 'clients'.

<- ep 1. ep 3. ->

#x black reader #black reader x #black reader #mafia aesthetic #mafia romance #mafia au #enemies to lovers #I'm the baddest series

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mybrainrotforreal · 9 months

Text

Cat Cafe AU Part 3

I can't stop shipping this two. Anyway, please enjoy!

Hector wakes up with his heart beating fast in his chest. It’s wrong, he shouldn’t think about him like that. It’s creepy. No, bad Idea. Charlie is sure a virus, making him can’t think properly, like a glitch in his computer. Or he is more likely an addiction, just like how he is addicted to caffeine and he can't function properly without him, can't stop craving for more. If Charlie could just stay with him, that would be ideal. How could someone as ordinary as Charlie, a mere barista from a small cat café invade his mind like this? What makes him so special to Hector? Is it because of his looks? Sure, he looks cute, with his sweet smile, bright eyes, thin lips and blushed cheeks but Hector has met other attractive people and they don't entice him like Charlie does. Is it because of how he takes care of the cats? How he always treats them gently, very attentively and talks to them even though he knows they won't talk back to him, just like Hector does?

Is Hector so lonely he fell in love with a person who doesn't find his silence rude and keep talking to him? Is he so deprived from social contact he lets other people get into his heart? Hector spends his morning analyzing his feelings, letting his breakfast get cold for being neglected as he thinks. His own mother didn't even like him, despised him even. Is it possible that other people could love him? He gets on with his morning routine with the thought of Charlie popping in his mind out of nowhere. He truly is a computer virus and it only makes his obsession of him grow. Hector looks at the time and prepares to go to the cat cafe. Ah, the blue towel, he needs to iron it for a bit. When he is done, he takes the towel and sniffs it, a little bit disappointed it doesn't smell like Charlie anymore. Hector sighs and puts it inside a paper bag, an idea of spraying his perfume on it crosses his mind but he shrugs it off. Charlie wouldn't care if it smells like him or not anyway.

As he opens the cafe's door, Charlie greets him with high enthusiasm, as if he looks happy to see him. He is a barista, of course he is happy to see his customer, Hector pouts in his mind. He wants to be special, not just like a customer to him, but who is he to hope for something like that?

"Good morning, Hector!" How could someone shine brighter than the sun? How could his presence and his interaction make Hector's life become so colorful and when he leaves this cafe, it becomes dull again? "Double espresso as usual, yes?"

Hector nods, his usual seat on the corner doesn't look much appealing to him after he finds how comfortable it is to be closer to Charlie yesterday. Hector sits at the table near the bar, slowly so as to not wake up the cat that sleeps beside him, remembering how he made the chair damp when he sat there yesterday because of the rain. Thinking about the rain, Hector fishes the towel and gives it to Charlie after the barista comes up to him and places the coffee on the table.

"Oh, thank you! I hope you don't get sick yesterday because of the rain."

Even if I get sick, I will still come here. Hector smiles thinly and shakes his head.

"Thank god, looks like the lemon-honey candy works, eh? If only I could give it to my cats.” Charlie chuckles, “sometimes they can get the flu even though I have kept this cafe at a stable temperature. They are all vaccinated of course, but the kittens are still at risk and it can progress to cause serious damage to the eye. Just like Snowy there, my boss found him near her apartment with his eyes partially closed, meowing his heart out, looking for his mom. Fortunately, we took him to the Vet in time and here he is, looking as healthy as ever."

One thing that Hector notices when Charlie monologues is he also speaks with his hands, as if the sounds from his mouth are not enough to express what he wants to say. His expression is easy to read, like an open book. But it is not an open book that Hector could just pick anytime he likes, it was like a book in a museum, where it was put inside of transparent glass. Hector could read it, see it in every angle but he couldn't touch it, couldn't own it.

"I'm rambling again, sorry about that." Charlie smiles apologetically to him but Hector just shakes his head and gives an OK sign, he doesn't mind. He never does, he could listen to his stories all day long. Hector goes to the cafe so much to the point he needs to buy a portable monitor to code comfortably in the cafe. Charlie, upon seeing the new device, intuitively gives him a terminal contact for its power supply, even without Hector’s asking. After he gets it on, Charlie comments, “Are you a hacker? You know, with those jumbles of words and numbers?”

Hector snorts but he doesn’t shake his head, only shrugs. Just let him figure out that hacker is not the only job that works with code. Charlie chats some more and only gets back to the bar when he realizes he babbles again, fearing he is interrupting his work.While Hector doesn’t mind, he still needs to get his job done. Hector tries to concentrate on his work, something that he easily does before he has this feeling in his chest that urges him to glance at the barista. But even then, he still gets his work done just before the cafe is closed. He can just go home right now, but a little more time he spends here won't hurt. Besides, how can he go when a chonky cat is purring on his lap? It would be an unforgivable sin.

Suddenly the bells on the door jingles, indicating another customer has come in. He orders some drinks and food and sits on one of the couches. Hector doesn't mind him and continues to pet the cat on his lap, although he finds it weird that people come up to a cat cafe at this hour.

Suddenly, the customer harshly grips the scruff of Mr. Holmes' neck who steps on his expensive bag and the cat, surprised by the sudden movement reacts by biting him until drawing blood.

"Son of a bitch!" The man exclaims and hits the cat's face until he lets go of his hand. The black cat hides under the table and hisses. "Who the fuck let an aggressive cat here? He got rabies, didn’t he?!"

Charlie hurriedly comes up to him, looking at him worriedly. "No, sir, we always vaccinate our cats and I can assure you, they are all healthy. Please, let me take a look at your hand."

The man only slaps Charlie's hand and Hector glares at him.

"Fucking bullshit!" He kicks one of the chairs until it falls, making the cats all hide in the corner and even get into their hiding place. "I'll fucking sue you! That cat ruined my bag and now bite me.you think you can get away from this?"

"Sir, I'm sorry it happens to you, we will take full responsibility for your wounds but please don't damage our facilities."

"You think you can persuade me, huh? Not only I'll sue you, I'll write bad reviews of this place so no one won't come over here ever again."

"Sir, you are disrupting our customers and cats, and I wish we can discuss this in a calm manner or… or I need you to leave, sir."

The man glares at him and pulls Charlie's collar, and Charlie can smell he is drunk, "Or what, you son of a bitch? You'll drag me out, huh?"

That's it. Hector can't let him touch him any further. He grabs the alcoholic's shoulder and drags him outside to the alley, punching his face until he is unconscious. He can feel the skin on his knuckles torn and bleed but it doesn't bother him. Right now, his only objective is to make Charlie and his cats safe. The body sags as he presses it to the wall, a primal instinct inside him wish he is dead but he stops himself and chooses to hail a cab. He throws the man on the backside seat, gives a couple of bucks to the driver and instructs him to take the drunkard to hospital, saying he found the man on the outside of the bar, probably lost in the bar fight.

After he watches the cab go into the night, he gets inside and sees Charlie looks so shocked. The black cat rubbed its body to his leg back and forth, looking just as anxious. The cat hisses when Hector approaches them but he ignores him to sits beside the barista and types some words on his phone, then he shows it to Charlie.

The cat hops on his lap and Charlie unconsciously pets it, feeling comfort both from the black cat and the black-haired man in front of him who hesitantly touches his shoulder and rubs it gently. The usual talkative boy is now being quiet, still feeling shock and Hector lets him be. After a while, Hector takes a mineral bottle from the bar and gives it to Charlie after he opens the bottle caps first. At least he looks relaxed now as he mutters a soft thank you to him. He looks like a scared kitten and all Hector wants to do is to wrap him with a thick blanket, pet his head and take him home. Of course he can’t do that, but he wants to do something for him, help him a little bit. He looks around and chooses to tidy up the chair on the floor instead. At least the café won’t look like a mess and the action bring some satisfying feeling in his chest. Everything in its place, so the only mess he had is just in his head. It is not until he feels a touch on his arm and flinches by the sudden touch.

"He won't come back, you are safe now.

I might not talk back to you since I'm mute, but you can tell me everything."

“Oh, Hector, you are a customer. You don’t have to do this! I’m just shocked, really… It’s nothing.” The barista bites his lips, “You know how Chicago is, yeah?”

Hector’s snort, Well, It doesn’t look like nothing.

“Thank you for helping me back there, though. I couldn’t imagine if he hurt my cats and I couldn’t do anything about it.”

Hector tightens his jaw. Should’ve killed him when I had the chance. But he just heavily sighs and types his phone:

“How do you feel?”

“Shocked, just like what I said and kinda relieved that he is not here anymore.” Charlie picks up the black cat and hugs him to his chest, stroking his head lightly... Hector can read “Mr. Holmes” on his nametag. “I’m worried about Mr. Holmes, he got an abusive owner before I got him and he has been really anxious. I need to separate him from other cats before he starts to attack them.”

Hector tilts his head, the story sounds familiar or maybe he is just imagining things. Projecting himself as the cat who is being comforted. He sighs again then points to himself, points to the floor, then points to Charlie with the cat and the room upstairs.

“Okay, okay. I’ll be back,” then he looks down at Hector’s hand, dirtied by blood. He swallows, “I need to take care of your hand too,”

As Charlie goes upstairs, he assesses the damage the drunkard has caused. Nothing serious and nothing breaks at least, although the fallen chairs scratched the wooden floor. The cats had left their hiding place and roamed freely inside the café. Some groom themselves as if they already forget what happened. A couple of moments later, Charlie brings a medical kit and a bowl filled with water. As they sit, Charlie opens his palm up, now covered in latex gloves and waits for Hector to give his hand. Hector looks at him and hesitantly puts his hand on Charlie's. He wipes the blood from his hand with the wet towel, rubbing it softly against his skin. Hector freezes, as if he is afraid he is going to make the wrong movement. Ever since he was a child, he always tended to his wounds and bruises alone, usually with cold water since it was the only thing his mother had. And now, a man touches him so softly, cleaning his wounds and putting so much attention to him. It's strange, it feels alien and yet, not unwelcome. He wants to feel his skin, pity, his hands are covered with latex. As Charlie treats him, he doesn’t feel hurt on his hand, he doesn’t even realize it was bleeding, a result of having so much worse than that. It won’t be a big issue if he doesn’t take care of it but Charlie treats him as if he broke his hand. Charlie is so close… If he leans further, his nose may touch his hair.

“Okay, It’s done!” Charlie straightens up again and Hector praises the Lord he doesn’t let his intrusive thoughts win or their heads would collide. “You need your hand for work, right? The cut is not deep so I think It won’t be an issue. Might sting a bit if you flex your hand, though.”

Hector sighs quietly at the loss of contact as Charlie withdraws his hand from his and nods. He takes a look at the clock and realizes it’s past closing time. After he decides it’s already safe now to leave Charlie, he walks to the bar, fishing his card to pay.

“Oh no-no-no! You don’t have to pay, you protected and helped me a lot today. Take it as my gratitude. My treat, really.”

Hector shakes his head and frowns. Any logical man would do it so it’s nothing special. He pushes his card to him and when the barista refuses again, Hector huffs and hastily types on his phone.

“Take it or I won’t leave.”

“Well, you can just stay with me upstairs with Mr. Holmes,” Charlie blurts.

Hector frowns get deeper and he stares down at him. What does it mean? Does Charlie really want him to spend the night with him? Is he serious?

Charlie looks at him in fright, "I'm sorry! That's really inappropriate, I'm just kidding, it's-it's... I'm sorry."

Of course he is not serious. What do you expect, Munday?

Hector only nods and gives an OK sign with his fingers. Charlie takes his card and lets him pay, with a guilty puppy look on his face. Hector only sees the glimpse of it and forces himself to look away. He leaves with a gloomy face and walks briskly to his apartment, feeling stupid. He shouldn't feel this disappointed, it's not like he dares to hope he can be with him after the cafe is closed. Of course it's just a joke, someone like Charlie can be too friendly, doesn't really mean what he says. Besides, Charlie deserves someone better than him, someone who can communicate with him like a normal person. Hector clenches his fist in frustration and sleep doesn’t come easily to him that night.

#tdim #charlie lonnit #hector munday #granthem du'met #du'lie #heclie #du'met x charlie #the devil in me #dark pictures the devil in me #charlie x hector #cat cafe au

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teribst · 9 months

Text

It Was So Quick

A STORY BY

LUE

My name is Michele. I’m 38. I have strawberry blond hair, green eyes and a nice full chest. I’m curvy but not thick and I’m 5’ 8” in my stocking feet. I have been told more than once I have great legs and I don't mind showing them off.

My husband is a career soldier in the Army and is on his 4th tour of duty in 8 years. He is in Kuwait and out of the 9 years we have been married we have lived together not quite 5. I live in Austin Texas only a few blocks from his parents and my parents live in Georgetown Texas. It’s only about a 30 minute drive to see my mom and dad so I have plenty of support from both sets of parents and they do all they can to support me mentally with Todd being gone. I have a great job so money is not an issue at all, but being alone so much is.

Being closer to them I have grown very fond of Todd's mom and dad. Todd's dad Mike is a camping, fishing and hunting guy spending at least one weekend a month off somewhere doing something in the woods or on a lake someplace. He asks me almost every time he goes if I would like to go along and I always thought he was just being polite.

Then one evening doing facetime on the computer with Todd I brought up his dad asking me to go all the time. “Why don’t you do it? I know he asks you.” Todd smiled “It would give you both some company. You know my mom hates going and I know you need to get out some.” he shrugged into the computer screen “Who better to do it with than my dad.”

I always face time with Todd topless if not nude and he enjoys it. This time we had both enjoyed it together and when Todd and I finished we signed off.

As I lay back catching my breath I closed my eyes thinking about camping with Mike. “It might be fun,” I told myself as I rolled onto my side picking up my cell. “Hey Clair, is Mike around?”

“Yes dear, he is right here. I’m putting you on speaker.” I could hear her changing over “Is everything alright?” She asked.

“Oh yes! I just talked to Todd. He is fine telling me to tell you he misses you. Mike, he also told me to get off my butt and go fishing with you. Does the offer still stand?”

“Why yes of course it does! I would love to have some company!”

“Alright, when do we go?” I looked at the clock, seeing it was only 7 pm. “I’ll tell you what Clair, if you get the wine glasses out I’ll pop over.”

“Well, you know me, any excuse for a glass of wine! I have a new Marlow and I’ll get the glasses out.” I could hear the excitement in her voice as the phone went dead.

I didn’t fuss too much with my just past shoulder-length very kinky curly hair sort of rolling it up into a knot on the top of my head. I stuck a few pins in it knowing as wildly curly as it was it was hopeless. I touched up my makeup, you know putting on some lip gloss. And I slipped on a summer dress that was just above mid-thigh in length leaving off any underwear.

Mike had never been anything but good to me. He was 51 and every bit as handsome as his son. He was in really great shape bicycling about 100 miles a week and still working hard in his construction company. He could be a bit of a flirt and truth be told I kind of liked flirting back some. Clair was a cute little rollie pollie pear-shaped woman that loved to cook, shop and do things at home. They were complete polar opposites but always seemed happy enough.

As always I was met with hugs and as always I was happy to get them. Clair was already pouring the wine as we sat at the kitchen table. Mike grinned “You have no idea how happy you going camping with me makes me. I’ve been doing it alone for a lot of years so having you along to listen to my bad jokes will be nice.”

As we talked I asked him what I should bring. Of course, he said nothing but whatever it was I wanted to drink. Coke or wine or whatever was on me, he would bring his own beer. We talked about food and about what time we would leave on Friday and come back on Sunday. By the time I looked at the clock again, it was almost midnight.

I laughed “Crap you two! It’s almost the witching hour! I better get on my broom and go home to the cave before the pumpkins turn.”

We all laughed as I stood, hugging Clair tightly to me. Mike walked out to my truck with me, his arm going around my waist. “I think you will have a good time.” He kissed me lightly on the cheek giving me a squeeze. “I can’t wait.”

“I’m looking forward to it as well.” I looked past him at the trailer he and I had built “Are we taking the box?”

He chuckled “We are unless you want to sleep in the heat and on the ground.”

Let me take a step back here. Last winter I went with Mike and Clair to buy a Teardrop camping trailer. We looked at a few with Mike shaking his head. “It’s $14,500.00 for a box with a radio, a heater and AC. I can make that at home.”

About a week later I had been told to come to breakfast on Saturday. When I got there, Mike had a small trailer pulled back into his heated garage. As we ate, he told me of his plane to build the camper. Clair just smiled when I looked at her “Nope not me. Fuck that! It’s cold, it’s dusty and I don’t want anything to do with it,” She smiled “Other than keeping you both in hot cocoa and feeding you, I’m out.”

So for the next few weekends, I was out in the garage helping Mike with his camper. It gave me something to do and I found I enjoyed it, not only the work keeping my mind off other things but I found a new, well I had formed, um..what should I call it. A new closeness to Mike. He helped me make and send videos of our progress to Todd, who loved it. And then it was done.

I would never tell a soul that I missed my time with Mike, in fact, I missed it a lot. I guess he filled the void of not having Todd around and I really like spending all of those hours with him.

And now standing next to my truck just a little drunk and looking at the trailer I turned my gaze to him. “I have missed our time alone together.” I went up on my toes and for some reason kissed him softly on the lips “And I'm looking forward to our little trip.”

He kissed me back whispering “me too.”

Tuesday I got a text from Todd “Babe going in-country for at least 15 days. As you know, there will be no contact until I get back. I know dad is as lonely as you are so have fun on your camping trip. Kisses”

A little sadly I sat thinking “What the fuck did that mean he is as lonesome as me. He has Clair.” But as the morning went along the more I thought about it the more I understood. Mike spent countless days off by himself. I thought about Clair, she did things with some older girlfriends and that left Mike out most of the time and it was just like building the camper, she wanted nothing to do with it.

I sent Mike a text “So just where are you whisking me away to Mr.?”

M “I am thinking of Colorado Bend, State Park.”

ME “So does this place have all of the amenities of a high-class spa and resort?”

M “um..no.”

Me: “LOL I was afraid of that.”

M “This is the first time you have ever texted me. I like it.”

I chuckled to myself, “It’s also the first time I have said I would go spend 3 days and 2 nights alone in the wilderness with you.”

M “Haa, I can’t wait for that either. I never asked. Can you bait your own hook?”

Me: “Yes silly boy. I’m not scared of a worm.”

M “lol cool.”

I went shopping, got a new one-piece swimsuit. It was french cut with the sides being open up to a strap at my breasts but it had a full butt panel so while it was sexy I would not be overexposed in it. Some new leggings to sleep in, a few halter tops and a couple of pairs of new lycra volleyball shorts to wear out fishing. As I shopped I saw a really skimpy bikini and took a picture of the manikin wearing it with my cell. I sent Mike the pic “What if I wore this?”

M “Um...well if I didn’t have a stroke, I’d love it.”

Me: “Lol I bet you would.” Looking at it thinking “maybe” I bought it.

Thursday I text Mike “ I took the day off tomorrow so whenever you want to leave just let me know. I’m packed and ready.”

M “Cool! How about I pick you up at about 9. It’s close to a 3-hour drive...um Michele..um I really do like your texts.”

As silly as it sounds I thought I could feel that he really was lonely.

Me: “Good, I like having someone to talk to as well. See you at 9.”

The night before I had asked Clair if she fixed snacks and stuff for Mike’s trips. When she told me no I smiled into the phone “Alright then I’ll make us up something. And listen Clair thanks for letting me go with Mike.”

“Don’t be a silly girl. Of course, I’m happy you’re going with the old goat. I worry some about him out in the places he goes all by himself. He ain’t no kid you know.”

”9 am I was sitting on the front steps. I had my backpack with my clothes in it and a small play cool ice chest with a few soft drinks and other snacks in it also ready to go. I found I was excited as I sat on the front porch waiting. I smiled to myself thinking about how hard I had tried, in fact very hard to be ready so he didn’t have to wait on me when he pulled up.

As the truck and trailer rolled to a stop in front of my house I saw him kind of do a double-take when I stood showing that my long legs were bare up to my short volleyball shorts. I had on flat sandals and an almost too small for my 36c halter top. My kinky curly hair was loosely piled up on top of my head and I had on just a hint of makeup. I watched his eyes follow me as I walked to the passenger side of the truck and opened the door. “Hi.” I smiled as I tossed my backpack into the back seat and slipped the play cool in on the floor of the truck.

He smiled “Mornin,” He pointed to my feet “U..you did bring some better shoes right?”

“Yes, sir I did.” I had seen him looking at my feet a few times in the past and reached down pulling off one of my sandals holding it up “These are just for traveling and around the camp. I hate flip flops so these will do.”

I saw his eyes lingering on my foot. “Yes they will.” he smiled “All set?” His eyes came up to meet mine

With my seatbelt on I grinned at him “Yup, let her rip tater chip!”

Mike had been right. It was a full 3 hour trip to the river camp located at the top of Lake Buchanan. We talked of fishing, of my work, his work, his photography, and kayaking while we were out on the river. He gave me a sideways look “Will you mind if I photograph you while we are out here.”

I had let him photograph me some as we had built the trailer and of course the normal Halladay snaps but I somehow felt this was different. I didn’t answer, I just kind of smiled because we were pulling into the campgrounds. “You just watch where you're driving.”

We pulled up to the ranger’s office and pay window and as Mike and the ranger talked I saw a public restroom. I’d had to pee for a while and as the 2 men talked of a good campsite I got out of the truck to walk to the restroom. I could feel both of their eyes on my tight ass as I walked the couple of hundred feet to the toilet. Once I had peed I looked in the mirror as I piled and pushed my wildly curly hair back up knowing it would not be long and the curly stuff would work its way loose. Acting as though I didn’t notice them both watching my boobs jiggling on my chest as I walked back to the truck, I felt my just off pink nipples turn hard as stone as I got in.

Mike was smiling as he got in. “You made quite an impression on that ranger, their young lady.”

I gave him a frown acting stupid. “I don’t know how!”

Mike laughed, “Okay.”

The spot Mike had picked out was almost right under an Old Native Texas Oak Tree and it gave a lot of much-needed shade. Mike smiled “Just sit tight for a moment” and I watched impressed at how easily he put the trailer right where he wanted it. With the truck shut off, he grinned at me “Well so far so good!”

With his direction we quickly got the little camp set up with a plastic folding table set right next to the trailer. I put the butane cook stove on it as he pulled out a couple of large ice chests along with the one I brought with coke and wine in it and set them in the shade. He pointed off to a small building about 100 yards off “That's the outhouse so I bought this for you.” He put what was plainly a portapotty on the ground by the truck “If you have to pee that's the place. If you have to poop let me know and we can line it with a plastic bag. Babe that's truly an outhouse in every sense and its stinks.”

I had to smile and was flattered at him trying to protect me “Thanks Mike.” I felt myself blush.

Now the camp was all set up except for getting the firewood out of the truck bed. I stood beside it as he handed me a bunch of cut wood offs from his work. “So if I say ok and let you shoot my picture half dressed as I am” I looked up at him “Mike, who would see them?”

He stopped moving the wood and looked at me, “No one but you and me. I’ll let you have a copy of everything I shoot and if you want to share some with Todd you can pick and choose. But not even Clair for the most part will ever see them.”

Now I was smiling as I sat out another arm full of wood sweat running down my chest and between my boobs. “So if no one but you and I see them why do you want to take them?”

He handed me the last of the wood and moved to sit on the truck tailgate watching me as I put it in the pile “Well my photography is kind of a personal thing. It’s hard to describe” his eyes searched my face “Honestly Michele I don’t know that I can describe it. Um … it’s like if you let me take your picture all hot and sweaty looking so very sexy, you are giving a piece of yourself to me. I take that, putting it in my heart and it becomes mine.” he chuckled “I’m a selfish man. I don’t like to share what has been given to me.”

I kind of looked down at myself covered in dust and dirt from the wood with sweat running in streaks through the dirt “And you think I look sexy like this?” I asked kind of incredulously.

“Stunningly so.”

This far North and West we were right on the edge of what would be called West Texas. It was dry and hot being just at 100* and as I moved more into the shade the cool off the river with the water going slowly past drew me to it. Looking at Mike I laughed saying “Fuck! You worked me like a dog! Now I know why you brought me.” I laughed started to walk towards the water “And now as dirty and sticky and yuck as I am.” I pointed to the water “I’m going to go down and wash some of this off of me.”

He smiled while picking up his camera “Alright I’ll walk down with you.”

Me being a 100* and the water being about 70* my nipples popped out like 2 little rockets as I walked out into the almost mid-thigh deep slowly moving water. I found a boulder that was big enough to come almost to the river's surface and held my breath because of the cold sitting on it. “FUCK!” It almost took my breath away. But it was only a moment or so and the water was running deliciously over my body after it had adjusted to the cool of it. Looking around the campgrounds as I turned on my bolder so I was facing upstream I saw one other tent. My gaze went to Mike, the cups of my halter had filled up with sawdust and dirt as I unloaded the firewood, and still looking at Mike I opened the front closing hook and slipped it off. As I rinsed it out I looked over to the shore finding that Mike was now standing in the water about 15 feet from me with his camera just snapping away.

Looking at me as he rested his camera hand on his shoulder I knew to keep it as far from the water as he could, he laughed. “I have never seen so much of a woman and yet seen so little. For the life of me I don’t know how you got your top off, washed it out and then sat there and got it all done underwater. Very sexually I might add.”

“So are you saying you want me to stand up and show you my boobs?” I half laughed.

His face got very serious “Michele I’m so happy to have you out here with me if you covered yourself in a nun's habit I wouldn't care. You do what you want to do.”

I smiled at him as I leaned back wanting to get my hair wet and rence the dust out of it. I knew that my boobs might come out of the water but acted all innocent about it feeling them come about half out of the water. Now with my hair washed out, the sand and wood out of my top I put it back on and stood. I pulled the front of my shorts out letting the moving river water wash down through them. I knew I was giving Mike a show but I was making sure to not look at him as I did it. All cool and refreshed I stood there and for a few minutes I let him shoot away before I started walking back to the shore.

The rest of the afternoon I spent farting around in our camp just piddling around.

It was just about an hour before dark and the first night's meal was going to be hamburgers. I watched as Mike got our fire started. We hadn't talked much after I had rinsed off in the river and I hoped I had not upset him. “What can I do to help?”

He looked up at me smiling, “You can make the burger patties.” He pointed to the ice chests “The meat is in the blue one.”

I got the meat out and went to the table “1 or 2 burgers for you?”

“I’m thinking 2. We haven't eaten much today and I’m starving.” He got a cast iron pan out of a storage compartment in the trailer saying “You haven’t said much this afternoon.” He set the pan on a steel great he had set over the fire.

With the patties ready I carried them over to him on a paper plate. “I was just thinking the same thing about you. I hope I didn’t upset you by washing off as I did.”

“God no. I thought maybe it was you upset. Look, Michele, I’m running deep in water that has dark holes in it. I’m afraid and confused and don’t want to step into a place where I’m over my head.” He plopped the meat in the pan and it instantly started to sizzle “You’re not the first beautiful woman I have ever photographed but you are the first that has ever meant anything to me.” He looked up at me “Do you know what I'm saying?”

“Mike” I moved over out of the fire smoke “I know this is a little weird. But look, we are both adults.” I put my hands out to him in an ok gesture “Babe if something is not going like I think it should I’ll be the first in line to tell you. I do know how to say no.”

Now he was turning the meat as I got chips and a beer for him and a coke for me. It all came together so quickly and I was shocked at how fast the meat was cooked in the open fire. And it tasted delicious!

We talked about how not even a 100 yards down the river it deepened and he told me what he liked to do was drift down one shoreline for a while, have lunch then paddle back up to camp. He said he would sometimes put out drop lines on the way back leaving them out all night. Pointing to the two-person kayak he said “I have the front seat turned so it sets backward. It makes more room on the boat for stuff. I can turn it to face the front if you think it will be easier to fish.”

I smiled “No it’s fine. That way you're not talking to the back of my head and if I decide to just stretch out and enjoy the sun it will be easier.” I learned as we built the trailer Mike's taste in music ran from Mexican ballads to hard-driving rock and roll with some semi-classical tossed in. His mix disk was playing softly in the background. I smiled at him in the light from the fire “I didn’t think I would enjoy this quite so much. Thanks for bringing me.”

He laughed his rough laugh coming from deep in his chest. “I only fear I’ll scare you off and you won’t come with me anymore.”

As is typical in the desert the hot ass day had turned quite cool by the time we decided to turn in. “I brought some leggings and a cropped t-shirt to sleep in. Is that okay?”

Setting back almost in the dark Mike chuckled, “I’m going to be in my boxers. So whatever.”

I moved over to the 4x8 foot square piece of carpet Mike had put down at the little box trailers door. I had my back to him as I pushed off my shorts and then worked my leggings up. I turned and could see him watching me in the dim light of the trailer as I took my halter off and stood topless as I got my half t-shirt shirt out and slipped on. “I know this covers nothing.” I said as I walked back over to him “But I can say I made the effort.” I sat next to him back out of the smoke and opened a bottle of my wine cooler. “It’s like I said we are both adults, and I have kind of been thinking about our little trip out here.” I reached over and put my hand on his arm and he looked from the fire to me. “What happens out here with you and I need to stay just that, between you and I. Mike, I’m not a shy woman, I don’t care if you see me however you see me and I don't care if I see you however I see you.” I pointed to the box “We are after all going to be sleeping very closely together in a very small space.”

He held his hand out to me and I shook it “Clair is a good woman, she really is, but damn we are so very different. Don’t misunderstand when I say I’m a 3 times a day man married to a every once in a while woman. I love her with all my heart, we just kind of float around in two different worlds.” He shook his head “That made no sense at all. He laughed.

The trailer is fairly self-contained with solar lights and even 30 gallons of freshwater. But it got very dark once inside and the lights went out. I had slipped in with Mike coming in behind me. Now stretched out under a light sheet I knew sleep would come quickly. It was almost a whisper as Mike moved to his side facing me, his head on his pillow saying. “You know Todd is like his mom when it comes to camping and fishing.”

I turned to face him. I don’t know why but I took his hand in mine as I said, “No I don’t guess I knew that.” again not knowing why I pulled his hand up and kissed it “Then I guess it’ll still be just you and me on these little trips.” I pulled his hand into me and…i was a sleep

It was just getting light when I felt him move. Somehow during the night, I don’t know if we got cold or what, but Mike was spooned up tight to my back. “You need some room?” I started to pull away.

His arm tightened around my waist. “Shhhh.”

I relaxed back into him, then my eyes flew open! I felt he was hard behind me and it was huge if that's what it was! I laid there with him and I did enjoy our closeness but my mind was on his dick. I finally couldn’t stand it and pulled away looking back at him in the dim light coming through the windows. “Fuck it’s huge.” I moved climbing over him “I have to pee. Be right back.” Outside I pulled my leggings down smiling “Todd sure as fuck didn’t take after you!” I thought “And how did I not know about that?” I asked myself as I pulled my leggings up and slipped back into the trailer and bed. He was still on his side as I lay back, closing my eyes.

When I next looked up at him he was sitting with his back leaning on the trailer wall. “God you’re beautiful.”

It was then I realized my half top was pulled up and my breasts were both fully exposed.

I felt the heat in my cheeks as he took a few pictures of me.

“You're sweet.” I rose up taking the camera from him. I took my sharp thumbnail and pushed it through the guest in the crotch of my leggings as I pushed him down onto his back. His lips found mine as I pulled him over onto me, I was more than ready as his dagger slipped easily into my very wet sheath. The first time was frenzied fast and hard with both of us crying out about the same time. But a few minutes later our lovemaking was long and slow with us both exploring each other until he again slid that monster deep into my belly. I moaned in response as I quickly reached the top of the hill, but Mike kept pace for some time making sure I came several more times. Then from deep in the chest, he grunted. I smiled at the wet heat as I held him into me to enjoy it as he emptied himself for the second time.

We lay in each other's arms for some time kissing softly as we caught our breath, “You cook bacon like you cook a hamburger?”

“Yes,” he laughed his face in my breasts.

“Then I better get the fire going because I'm starving.”

My eyes opened when I felt Mike move. I was on my back and my top pulled up but there was no hole in my tights, just wet pussy, very wet pussy. I blushed looking at Mike as he let his eyes run over me. Shit, I must have dozed back off. It was much brighter outside than the first time when I felt him moving. “I’ll go get the fire started and coffee on.” He moved to the camper’s door and laughed softly as he looked back at me, his eyes running over my still bare breasts “You snore. Did you know that?” He was still laughing as he stepped out and closed the door.

“Crap it had been a dream. But it was so real!” My hand slipped between my thighs, my thumb bumping into my blood-filled clit making me gasp “God it was so real!” I shuddered, gasping “HUGHhhh!” as I softly came on my hand. It wasn’t much but it would have to do.

I went through fixing eggs and bacon, drinking coffee and getting ready to go fishing like I was in a trance. In my mind, I kept feeling that hard cock on my butt. “Shit!” I thought “Todd has been gone a long time, such a very long time.” I closed my eyes, slowly shaking my head. And I must have moaned “MICHELE!” I snapped out of it looking at Mike “Are you alright?”

“Yes, yes I’m sorry. I just seem to have a lot on my mind.” I looked at him, “I bought two swimsuits. The one I sent you the picture of and a not-so sexy one. You pick.”

I saw his face go pink “Um … I was..a.kinda hoping you would wear what you have on.” His eyes ran over me “Your leggings are almost sheer and that top loves to play hide and seek with your breast.” He looked away “I’m sorry Michele I know your my son’s wife and I shouldn’t look at you like that but damn woman your so beautiful and I am just a man,” He looked me in the eyes whispering “Holy fuck girl. You are all women!”

I felt myself go red in the cheeks as I reached over to him. I put my hands on his arms as I stepped in close, so close my nipples grazed his chest “Mike,” I felt myself frown “I guess I’m as bad as you are because I like you looking at me.” And from that point on he did look both with his camera and his eyes.

The day turned out to be amazing. We fished. I posed in some not so lady-like ways in the kayak all the while keeping my leggings on. He pulled us up onto a sandy beach where we had lunch and I took my half t-shirt off and swam in nothing but my leggings as he photographed it then swam with me. Later back in camp we BBQed a couple of nice stakes and fried up some potatoes in that ever-handy cast iron pan.

It was just past dark and we were sitting by the fire, “And by the way asshole, talk about the pot calling the kettle black,” I snorted a long snore and began to laugh as beer came out of his nose when he cracked up. It was just one of those things that happened I guess in the fun and closeness of the day. I got up from my stool and moved to him, sitting back in a camp chair. I sat in his lap, my head going to his chest as his arms went around my waist. “I've had more fun today than I have had in years.” I had said it very softly not knowing if he even heard me.

“Me too.” His hand moved up and down my naked back under my shirt and I snuggled in close to him. “Are we doing ok?” He asked.

I looked up into his eyes and kissed him very tenderly. “I’d have to say just about perfect.”

That night when we went to bed there was no shyness as he snuggled up to my back. The next morning when we woke I was all twisted over him and I slipped down next to him, his arm around me as we snuggled. His lips came to my ear “I want..”

I moved to put my fingers on his lips “Shhh … I know, so do I.” I pushed him onto his back, “Let’s go make coffee.”

As Mike started breakfast I slipped over and put the very skimpy swimsuit on. I walked out from my hiding place beside the truck “What do you think?”

He looked at me for a long moment. “I wanted you too for you to wear that.”

I smiled “Then what would you like?”

“More.” He laughed, “I’d like you to wear it on the drive out of here today.”

We messed with each other stopping here and there and some playing grab-ass as we loaded up for the trip home. Then I sat right close to him on the long ride home, his hand resting on my thigh most of the way. Once at the house he carried in along with my half of the fish and helped me get it in the freezer. He washed his hands, dried them and stepped to me, taking me in his arms. “I don’t know what’s happened. I don’t know what will happen but I do know that I’m going to Lake Texoma the weekend after next and I am hoping you will be going with me.”

I took his face in both my hands as I went up on my tiptoes and kissed him firmly on the lips. His tongue darted between my lips and I melted into him. “Whoo!” he stepped back.

I smiled at him, "What do I need to bring?”

The next few days were just normal, or so I thought. Clair called me at work. “I got some of the catfish y’all caught all laid out for supper.”

I laughed into the phone. “It was mostly Mike who did the catching. I just did the beached whale thing and basked in the sun.”

She chuckled into the phone “He said you were pretty much tan all over.”

“Well close.” I frowned into the phone “Clair is it a problem? If it is, I won't go next week.” I was still frowning into the phone “You know he asked me.”

“Yes, I know and nope not a problem in the least. Just get that tan butt over here so I can feed it.”

We had dinner and Mike was just Mike and I tried to be just me but Clair didn’t miss a thing. I ate catfish until I thought I would pop, then we moved out back onto the deck. “I’m glad to see you two grow close.” Mike gave her a sideways look “You have always been kind of on edge with each other. I was always waiting for the fight.” she looked at Mike then to me “It’s nice to see us closer as a family.”

With a little wine buzz, I fell right asleep...It was dark. I was laying in my volleyball shorts almost asleep when I felt his lips on the back of my neck. I let out a soft moan as his hand came around under my shirt cupping my breasts, my nipple slipping between his fingers. He pinched and pulled on it as he nipped at my ear whispering “ok?”

I found myself pushing my shorts down as his steel-hard shaft found its way between my girl lips. It seemed as though I sucked him into my sex as I cried out, “AAaaaa!”

I jumped with my eyes coming open! It was another dream, “Shit!” I whispered as I opened the drawer next to my bed and pulled out my wand.

I closed my eyes as it touched me. It was Mike that came to me as the wand took over. I was gasping his name as the magic of the vibrator quickly did its job! “Aha ohhhh Mike!” I hissed as I fell back.

I texted him the next day “Mike are you alright?”

M “It was you I was worried about.”

Me: “We didn’t do anything wrong.”

M “No we didn’t…”

Me: “I know. I’m having my mom and dad over for BBQ Saturday. You want to come?”

M “Yes, that would be nice.”

Me: “I’ll call Clair.”

It was 11 pm Thursday before leaving on Friday’s fishing trip with Mike when my computer chimed. I was sitting on the bed reading and a smile came to my lips as I pushed the call button. Todd’s face came onto the screen all sunburnt and handsomely tan. “Hey babe!” I started to take my top off “Nope I got a room full. We are only in camp for tonight and out in the morning.”

“I’m glad you're alright.”

He smiled “Right as rain. Dad said you and he had a great time and you are going with him again in the morning?”

Now I laughed “We did have fun and yes I’m looking forward to the weekend.”

“Michele it’s good after all these years he has someone to play with. I’m like mom in thinking fuck all that and a bag of chips, if it’s not a 5 star I ain’t going.” I saw him look around “And sure as fuck not if it’s sandy!” He laughed looking at something going on to his side “Babe they are calling me I gotta go. I love you!” And the screen went blank.

9 am I was sitting on my porch waiting as the truck rolled to a stop. I was like a little kid excited as I slipped our snack ice chest to the floor on the passenger side and sat with the gear shift between my legs. Mike got in running his hand up my thigh “Clair sends her love.”

“And Todd sends his as well.”

We were moving “Yup I got a text from him. He sounded good.” He gave me a sideways glance then looked back at the road “I also got a text from my girlfriend. She sent me a picture of her as she was sitting topless on the floor making something. Do you know what it was?”

Looking up at him I asked “So am I your girlfriend or was it from some other woman?” as he drove us onto the freeway.

“I hope you are. I want you to be.”

“What I was making is a surprise and girlfriend sounds fun.” I smiled “So are we going steady?”

“Um..yes.” ~

It was another 3 hour trip up to the lake and as we went we again talked of 100s of different things, us and our relationship not being one of them. I had worn my almost sheer leggings and of course a halter top. We stopped for fuel and I had to pee. When I started to use the restroom “Michele.” I stopped looking at him and he tossed me a jacket. I smiled, slipped it on, went in and did my thing. When I got back I gave him back his jacket as I walked around the truck washing its windows. We both noticed a couple of truck drivers getting a good look and I was smiling as we pulled out and back onto the highway.

Once we were on the interstate again he looked at me. “I love it when you’re dressed like you are but when you’re not with me you need to cover up. One of those truckers grabs you and the next thing you know you’re freshly butt fucked and hopefull still alive when in a small town in Idaho he pushes you out on the side of the road.”

“Okay, I get it and you're right.” I leaned into him and kissed his cheek softly. “I’ll be more careful.”

It was about 3 pm when we got to the lake and just like last time Mike had it down so that within an hour we were setting up to make supper. As he was frying Potatoes and spam to make something he swore I would love I got out his surprise.

I had it wrapped up in a plain paper bag “This is what that topless girl was doing the other night.”

His face lit up as I gave him the bag “She sure has nice boobs.” he looked at the bag “Should I open it?”

“Yes you should open it silly and if you play your cards right that girl might show them boobs to you later.”

He opened the bag slowly looking into it thinking it was clothes I was sure. He pulled the 8 pieces of cloth out looking at them and the light came on “Curtains! You made us Curtains!” He looked at me smiling. “This is pretty awesome!” He looked at the cooking food. “I’ll put them up later.”

“I’m glad you like them. I thought we needed them with me laying there mostly naked with anyone able to come walking by.”

We ate and he was right. I had enjoyed a fried spam sandwich with an egg on it very much. The soft yellow yolk mixed with the potatoes nicely. I looked at him “I dreamed we made love.” I hitched a bare shoulder, “I guess that's the turd in the mix. I want you, I want you in me.” I moved to him, putting my paper plate in the fire. I put my arms around his neck as I pushed my breasts hard into his chest. “I want you to take me to our box and to do anything you want to do to me. I want you to make love to me and I want to feel you cumming deep in my belly.”

Almost instantly he had me up in his arms carrying me to the trailer. I was already mostly naked and was completely nude by the time he got me in the box. His boxers were off as he came to me and soon enough I had his lovely 9-inch manhood in my hands. His lips were everywhere on me, my nipples, neck then down over my tummy until they came to rest on my sex.

It came on me so fast I could only hold his head to me trembling as his tongue found its mark. I cried out “OH FUCK I’M, Aaaaaa!”

He stayed with me until the trembling slowed then he kissed his way up moving between my widely spread thighs. I wanted him and whispered, “oh yes.” as I reached down, taking him in my hand pulling him until he found my opening. He was slow, I knew he did not want the monster that was him to hurt me “Oh god Mike push!” I heard myself cry out!

Moaning he did going in until he was balls deep in my belly, deeper than anyone had been before. “Oh god yes OH!” He began to move on me and my mind seemed to shut down, I was suddenly in climax! All I could do was gasp “Yes oh yes Hungama oh god yess!” as I came on him over and over. I had up until then never felt anything like it as he moved in my convulsing sex!

“‘I’m gonna to cum!” He whispered and I felt him start to pull back. My legs went behind his trapping him in me “Yessss!” unggah huh oh yes cum in me!”

It was his turn and grunting “GRumps! OH, GOD!” And I felt the white-hot wet heat of it as rope after burning hot rope of his spunk spilled into me!

“Ohhh! aaaaa!” I cried out one final time before I fell back letting his weight hold me down, keeping me in place. He stayed on me kissing me whispering softly to me, “oh honey. oh my sweet babe!” And when he grew soft, slowly slipping out of me he moved off but didn’t let me go. He was still holding me tightly to him like I might jump up and run away. After a while, I looked smilingly into his face and I kissed him. “I’m thirsty.”

Saturday after breakfast we took off out into the lake and back up into a cove Mike had wanted to fish in. I wore an almost transparent thin white cotton top and white nylon almost sheer granny panties. “As I was putting our lunch and drinks in the kayak Mike started laughing “What?” I stood looking at him.

He was putting the waterproof camera case in the small boat “If anyone had ever told me that a white top and granny panties could look that fucking hot and sexy I would have called them a liar.”

I smiled at him “Why thank you, kind sir.” I pointed around “I wanted to look good for you but not like a slut. So wearing this I think if anyone looking from let's say 20 or 30 yards away they wouldn’t see anything.” I grinned at me and struck a pose “How ever when you're up here all up close and personal, well you and your camera should be happy.”

And he was. We fished and he took 100s of pictures of me on the shore in the water and the boat. When we got back to camp and were pulling the kayak up onto the shore a Game Warden walked up. Of course I was still in my white top and panties but I acted like he wasn’t there going about getting things out of the boat and taking them to the truck. I was very aware that the whole time he was talking to Mike, looking at his fishing license and the fish, he was also looking at me. “Mam I need to see your license as well.”

I smiled my sweetest smile “I have it in my bag right here.” as I leaned into the boat my butt pointed at the 2 men. I knew the nylon in my panties would draw tight across my bottom and that while they would not be sheer it would be damn close. I stood up my nipples hard as stone in my light shirt, “Here ya go.” I was smiling as I handed him the paper.

He took it, looked at it then smiled at me and said “Everything looks fine.” He gave me the license back looking at Mike “Y’all have a nice day now.”

Mike waited until he was down the shoreline and was talking to another fisherman and chuckled, “I hope he enjoyed that as much as I did.”

It was much later that night after Mike had made sweet and tender love to me when he said “Want to hear a really perverted fantasy?”

I smiled to myself thinking it was going to be something he might try and talk me into. “Sure”

“I think of Todd and Clair doing it.”

“What!” I sat up looking at him in the dim light of the moon coming in through the window. “What would make you think about that?”

He reached up pulling me back down into his arms. “I don't know they were just so close when he was little. I kind of thought it would change when he got into junior high and high school. But it didn’t.” I snuggled down into Mike’s chest, my breast pushing into him as the thought of Todd up behind his mom pushing his cock into her danced around in my mind.

Mike went on “I guess when I really started thinking about it he was his senior in high school. In my mind, it would be a Saturday night when I would catch them. I’d had truck trouble and once I got it going I was in such a foul mood that instead of going on to the lake I just turned around heading home from Lake Sam Rayburn. It would be about 10 or 10:30 when I walked in the back door. I could hear them talking and started to the living room but hearing Clair moan I froze in the hallway. Knowing Clair I knew the sound she was making was unmistakable as one she makes during sex. I crept to the door and there she would be on him with him on his back on the floor. She was fucking herself on him and I was at once gutted. Here was my wife, the only woman I had ever loved not only fucking but liking it as she screwed our son to the floor.” Mike’s lips found my neck as he whispered, my hand slipping down to find him hard as a rock “Here she was the woman that I might get to put out once a month and she was just fucking the shit out of him!”

As he talked, I didn’t know what to do. So I moved over him taking him in my sheath setting on it so it was deep in my belly as he went on “I wanted to rush in and pull her off of him, I wanted to hurt them both, I wanted to scream “What the fuck are you doing! But I didn't. I was hard as stone as I took my cock out and stood there stroking it as I watched them. I came as he cried out and I knew he was emptying himself into his mother.

In my mind, I walked back out the back door and sat in my truck until the lights in the house went out.”

~ Rocking on him feeling his need in me I kind of slipped into his thoughts.“You knew all this time but you never said anything?” I sat up looking down at him as I ground my clit into his pubic bone “Is that what you and I are all about? Am I a revenge fuck to you?” I could feel him lengthen and swell in me “or do you really want it to happen? That's it,” I whispered, “isn’t it? You want them to do it!” He grunted under me “Mike you want to watch it as your son,” His hands went to my hips and he came pushing hard up into me “You want to watch him pumping her full of his seed!”

“Oh god Michele yes!” he whispered softly into my neck as I lay down on him.

I had not cum but I enjoyed him in me and held him kissing him softly as he again grew soft in me. When he slipped out I lay beside him, his arm under my head. “Pretty sick right.”

“Oh, Mike no. It's a fantasy and anything can happen in your mind. I guess as long as you're not hurting people physically everything is fair game when it’s in your head.”

We had loaded up and were on our way home. Me sitting close to Mike as always with the floor shifter between my legs, his hand resting on my thigh when I started talking.

“We had a Great Dane. I was 13 when dad brought him home for my birthday. I named him Tom. I don’t know why, but I guess he just looked like Tom. So anyway he and I became inseparable. If I wasn’t at home he was with me and if you were a friend and didn’t like it you were gone and Tom was still with me. One afternoon I was on the floor watching TV when this monster dog came and stood over me. As he stood there his long thick cock slid out of its sheath and with him over me it was all I could see, and it was huge. Well of course I kind of shooed him off me and being the girl I am or I was getting a really good look at it. I never did anything with Tom but I did love to watch him get hard and I always wondered what it would have been like to let him mount me.” I looked at the lump in Mike’s shorts then up to his face “So now we both know a fantasy.”

Mike and I kept up our camping trips and remained lovers over the next few months and then Todd came home. Of course, he and I screwed all over the house for the first few days, but then the newness of him being home wore off and we got into normal life.

I missed the first camping trip after Todd came home but the next week I got a text from Mike.

M “Want to see if Todd will let you come camping with me next weekend?”

MW “Oh yes very much so. I’ll talk to him.”

Of course, Todd said yes saying it would give him time to spend with his mom.

The following Friday I was sitting on my porch wearing my volleyball shorts and halter top with Todd sitting next to me waiting when the truck pulled up. He went out talking to Mike as I put my stuff in the back seat and got in on the passenger side.

We had been on the road heading to Canyon Lake when I said “Mike I am not on the pill anymore.” He just smiled.

The pictures below were all taken at Hippy Hollow on Lake travis here in central Texas

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chubbs-the-fish · 6 months

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you know how IRL spiders can Balloon? and how Airbenders have Gliders and in Korra have upgraded to wingsuits? wonder if Hornet could theoretically temporarily convert her cloak into a wingsuit? use soulsilk as a slingshot, and she could probably get Pretty far... kinda like the Spidermen in the new spiderman game and the web wings. imagine Zuko pointing at Appa and Hornet just yeeting herself at him..

This mental image almost killed me so you all get to suffer more of my Paint art.

#lswg #asks #who thought giving the fish a computer was a good idea?

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ultravioletwrites · 1 year

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thinking about steddie celebrating their first valentine’s day together and steve’s just a mess right? he wants to make it perfect but he doesn’t know how. does eddie want gifts? some big elaborate date? eddie’s this intricate mix of loud and timid, soft and brash, cynical and sweet—a large contributor to why steve loves him so much. he’s never met someone like eddie, someone he’d gladly spend forever trying to know from the inside out.

steve thinks back to christmas. they’d spent the morning with wayne, made their rounds to all the kids’ houses, and looped back to the trailer. sure they opened presents, but from what he could gather, gifts weren’t a focal point in the munson household. not like steve’s parents, who thought a big enough box or a hefty price tag could equate to love. it was about spending time together. then again, the couple of things they did buy for each other were thoughtful. eddie splurged on new work boots for wayne because his old ones were nearly falling apart, making his feet sore as all hell after each shift. steve sat back, not uncomfortable but unaccustomed to the amount of tenderness and gratitude wayne exhibited.

besides, steve and eddie hung out all the time. what could he do to make one day stand out above the rest? eddie was also a far better wordsmith. steve gave up pretty quickly on the whole sappy love poem idea. didn’t even want to think about writing or performing a song for his musician boyfriend.

steve spends the weeks leading up to valentine’s day wracking his brain for something. some divine intervention would be nice. he tried asking robin but they ended up sharing a pack of twizzlers, getting lost in whether there was a difference between wooing guys and girls when you’re queer. should there be? did it even matter? steve wouldn’t be caught dead going to the kids for love advice, plus dustin was literally making some kind of literal love robot for suzie. so, back to the drawing board.

he settles (which drives him crazy, he shouldn’t be settling on anything when it comes to eddie) on a new fantasy novel the bookstore employee recommended and found a quaint restaurant in the phone book a couple towns over. thinks getting out of hawkins might do them both some good.

it all comes to a head the day before. steve’s restocking the back shelves when the bell above the front door of family video jingles.

“steve, can you help me with something up here?” robin hollers.

“gimme a sec!”

he makes it to the register and eddie’s there, hands behind his back with a chesire cat grin on his face.

“this customer is looking for something specific but i don’t know if we have it,” robin sighs. “tell me again what you’re looking for?”

“rob, eds—“

eddie clears his throat. “i’m looking for a pretty boy to be my valentine tomorrow. preferable one with lots of freckles,” he steps closer to the counter. “gorgeous eyes.” another step. “a big heart.” closer. “and a free schedule. do you know where i might be able to find one of those, sir?”

eddie’s leaning across the counter at this point, batting his eyelashes while steve’s asking himself if you can get a sunburn from blushing too hard. robin’s hands fly over their ancient keyboard before she points at the computer. “we do have one of those! his name’s steve harrington and there’s only one in stock!”

“i never should have let you two become friends.”

when his scheming shitheads friends finally stop giggling, eddie fishes one of steve’s hands from where his arms are crossed over his chest and kisses his knuckles.

“c’mon sweetheart, i’m trying to court you properly. i’ll pick you up at six tomorrow, yeah? also, oscar worthy performance buckley, thank you for the assist.”

robin winks. that little traitor.

steve’s floundering. he had a plan. one that involved taking his boyfriend on a nice date because he wanted to, because eddie deserved one. “but i already—“

“steve harrington.” it’s just the two of them at the counter now, robin ducking out to give them some privacy. “if you think for one minute, i’m passing up an opportunity to do something special for my self-sacrificing, flings himself into literal battle, overworked boyfriend, you’ve got another thing coming.”

“eddie—“

“i’ll scream.”

steve’s waiting on the porch at 5:55pm the next day when eddie pulls into the driveway. he’s clutching a bundle of wildflowers and tucks one behind steve’s ear before escorting him to the van. he’s cleaned out the backseat, set down blankets and pillows. it still smells like marlboro reds but also lemon and eddie’s cleared out all his empty slushy cups from the cab. he pops in a mix with trembling hands, blubbering about how he recorded it the other night and if steve doesn’t like it, really they can turn something else on, it’s fine. steve surges forward to kiss him, tells him it’s perfect, to let it play. it’s a tape with little interludes between each track where eddie inserts a tidbit here and there about how each song reminds him of steve. he wants to cry but he won’t, just holds eddie’s hand the whole drive and sneaks kisses at red lights. eddie takes him two towns over to an old baseball field and parks.

eddie props open the back doors and they eat dinner eddie packed, tucked under a thick quilt against the late winter chill. it’s a place, eddie explains, he’d hang out with wayne as a kid before he’d officially moved in. somewhere good. somewhere not the podunk town his parents raised him in, and not hawkins, but a better third thing. somewhere quiet, good, only filled with nice memories. where no one cares they’re two boys and no other dimension looms in the dark. the dinner he made is beef stew his mama swore would make a man fall in love. too late, steve thinks.

“i got you something,” steve murmurs after a while. they’re tangled together, watching the stars, bellies full and drunk on each other.

he pulls out the wrapped book from his jacket pocket. “read it to me?”

eddie does. he uses silly voices and paints another world for the two of them within the little one they’ve created for themselves. after a couple chapters, they toss it aside, kissing and savoring exposed skin. if steve sheds a couple tears between chanting thank you, thank you honey, eddie doesn’t falter. tucks him into his side and cries a little too, grumbles something about how the world owes them this much, thanks his lucky stars a reformed jock took a chance on a fugitive (a cute fugitive, steve protests) even if saving the world together was a bit overkill on the foreplay.

“same time next year, eds?”

“i’ll mark my calendar, stevie.”

#my writing #steddie #steddie ficlet #steve harrington #eddie munson #LET YOURSELF BE WOOED STEVE #st #stranger things

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sketchyfletch · 6 months

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20 Questions for Fic Writers

Tagged by @feralkwe (thank you!)

How many works do you have on AO3?

11. I also have various ones scattered on ff.net, as well as lost to time on livejournal and a graveyard on my googledrive.

What’s your total AO3 word count?

77246. In terms of fic writing output, I’m one of those little pilot fish that hangs around friendly sharks.

What fandoms do you write for?

Mostly Dragon Age and the Arcana mobile game. I want to write more Mass Effect and I’ve done a Yasmin/Thirteen Dr Who ficlet. I used to write a lot of stuff for Naruto in my teens.

What are your top five fics by kudos?

A Little Tender Loving Care - Arcana. Smut. Giving Nadia a massage.

A Little Stronger You Thought - Arcana. A sparring practice with Nadia gets a bit hot and sweaty. Not actually smut this time.

Won’t You Cleanse My Soul - Arcana. And we’re back to Smut. The bathroom scene taken to a conclusion not in the game.

Not So Clean - Mass Effect. Smut again! Shepard and Traynor share a shower.

Alone At Last - Dr Who. After Ryan and Graham leave the TARDIS, Yasmin and Thirteen finally push past a barrier in their friendship.

Do you respond to comments?

Yes. I didn’t used to, but I love giving energy back to the people who took the time to write.

What’s the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Back in my ff.net days, Leliana grieving after losing the Warden to the Ultimate Sacrifice. It implies Leliana dying as well. The angiest one on AO3 is Let it All Out, with Hawke spilling her guts to Leliana over everything that’s happened since they last saw each other in Lothering.

What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

Probably Alone At Last. Most of my one shots have a happy ending but this in particular.

Do you get hate on fics?

I’ve been fortunate enough to avoid it, although I have had a couple of ‘helpful’ comments telling me what I should do with the characters next (which is a guaranteed way to make me go in the opposite direction, not least so the commenter can’t claim credit for the idea).

Do you write smut?

Cough. See above.

Do you write crossovers?

I sort of am between Dragon Age games as I like bringing characters from one game and putting them in the setting of another. I’ve also been picking at a ‘Shepard crash lands on the Wounded Coast’ fic which I’m not sure will ever see the light of day.

Have you had a fic stolen?

Not as far as I know.

Have you ever had a fic translated?

Nope.

Have you ever co-written a fic before?

I’ve co-written a lot of storylines on forums, some of which have sprung out into me working on fics separately, but not collaborated on a fanfic before.

What’s your all-time favourite ship?

That’s a tough one. I adore Isabela/F Hawke, and ship Leliana very specifically with my jabby Siali Tabris, but if I was to pick one it would be Korra/Asami. When the first season of Korra came out I made a post on tumblr commenting on the chemistry between the two and really liking the idea of them together, but stating that the network would never, ever let it happen. (Child of the mid-2000’s ‘bury your gays’ wars here.) Having it come true was huge from a cultural standpoint, and I remember sitting at the computer sobbing my eyes out at the finale. It was so important to me so for that reason, I think they’ll always been my OTP even if I never write a fic for them.

Which now I want to. Dammit.

What’s a WIP you want to finish, but doubt you ever will?

I really, really want to write more of Aliyah Hawke’s story. I love DA2 but Hawke as a protagonist never grabbed me by the brainstem in the way my Warden and Inquisitor did. I want to build her up some more. She has five chapters up on AO3 and I want to save her from the ashes.

What are your writing strengths?

I’m told I’m good at distinctive character voices. I like to switch around POVs a lot during fics to give different perspectives on familiar scenes, and the way I write inner monologues is very specific to the character who is the focal point at that time.

What are your writing weaknesses?

I’m not an especially funny writer. Some people have a real knack for turns of phrase that leave you rolling on the floor, and sadly I am not one of those people.

Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language for a fic?

I have done this a lot as Nicolette is either Orlesian or French depending on what world she’s inhabiting at the point I’m writing her, and in reference to her faceclaim also has Indian/Rivaini ancestry, so I’d sprinkle her speech with bits of whatever her mother tongue is. I’ve learned to be increasingly careful about this because a) a lot of free translation tools are absolute arse and b) context is very important.

Favourite fic you’ve ever written?

I’m actually currently writing it. ‘I Cannot Fly, So Let Me Sing’ started as a joke of me taking my very pacifist wandering minstrel character who I have been playing for years and playing with the canon like a ball of yarn until I could justify making her Inquisitor. It has been great working her into the story and also trying to weave in other character POVs, but I am currently taking a bit of a break as I have two bridging/important infodump chapters to write before I can move onto the next bit and I am STUCK.

Tagging @shenaniginstigations, @aithne and @zombolouge

#writing #fics

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tariancadman · 2 years

Text

How could we ever just be friends?

Once again I have written a shitty fanfiction. You're welcome.

Read on Ao3

Summary: The sound of the rain greeted him as well as a soaked Chaol. Dorian took another deep breath.

“Look Chaol, whatever you’re going to say, I just want you to know I’m sorry-”

“Do you want to dance with me?” Chaol interrupted.

Dorian’s mind simply stopped. He was like the human version of the loading symbol. He opened and closed his mouth like a fish out of water before managing a broken, “What?”

“Do you want to dance with me?” Chaol asked again. There was an odd look on Chaol’s face, something like hope. Dorian gazed into his brown eyes and remembered the text he had sent. The part where he’d mentioned his gorgeous eyes, the ones he felt like he was being sucked into every time he looked at them.

***

The rain beat on the windows violently, as it had been for the last few hours. The sound of it was oddly relaxing. Even the thunder that seemed to shake the entire house was nice in a way.

Dorian had been sitting in his room on the windowsill since the rain had started. It had proved pleasant background noise while he finished his homework. He had plugged his earbuds into his phone, played music from one of his playlists, and finished most of the homework he had.

About an hour ago now, Dorian’s father had sent a maid up to tell him the old man had left the house and would be back later tonight. Dorian had thanked the woman and settled back into his work. The house had quieted after his father had left, most people taking his absence as a chance to sit for a while and rest. His father would have wanted him to go tell the people to get back to work, but he couldn’t care less what they did. They deserved a break anyway after working for his father for so long.

Dorian sighed, pulling his earbuds out and packing his notebooks, pencil case, computer, and other things into his backpack and placing it by his bedroom door. Just then, he received a text.

Aelin: Sorry Dorian, I don’t think we can hang out today. My dad is all worked up about the storm and doesn’t want me to leave the house until it’s over :(

Dorian quickly texted her back saying it was all okay, that they could hang out next weekend instead. He couldn’t help the slight disappointment he felt though. They’d been meant to binge Heartstopper while he moped over Chaol, and Aelin held him while he cried.

Dorian jumped onto his bed, thinking about what he could do with the new free time he had. Immediately he thought of face timing Chaol, but that wasn’t a good idea. Last week, Dorian had been drunk and sent Chaol a text about how in love with him he was. When he had woken up in the morning, there had been a bunch of texts and missed phone calls from Chaol saying they needed to talk. Dorian had been avoiding him since, not wanting to hear Chaol say he didn’t want to be friends anymore and that he had never wanted Dorian like that.

Dorian sat back up and ran a hand through his hair before an idea popped into his head. Grabbing his phone, Dorian ran down the stairs and into the kitchen.

“Why hello there, boy,” Thalia said from where she sat on a barstool. “Is there something you’d like for me to make for you?”

Thalia was his family’s cook. She had been around for decades now and was the only person who dared to speak ill of Dorian’s father openly. Dorian thought of her almost as a grandmother. She’d always been nice to him, giving him extra sweets when he was younger and talking to him about school when his parents ignored him.

“Not today, Thalia. If it’s okay, though, I’d like to use the kitchen to bake something.”

Thalia smiled and slid off the barstool and hobbled over to the door. “Don’t let me stop you, sweetheart.”

The door shut behind Thalia and Dorian quickly went to work, grabbing everything he needed.

***

Dorian sat at the kitchen island while he waited for the last batch of cookies to finish cooking. The smell of fresh cookies had engulfed the room, making Dorian’s stomach rumble. He was forcing himself to wait for them to cool off enough so that he didn’t burn his mouth when he took a bite of one.

The oven beeped, signaling there was only a minute left on the timer just as a young maid, the same one who had told him his father was leaving earlier, walked into the room. She wore an apron over a nice pair of black slacks and a white shirt. Her dark curls were pulled back into a tight ponytail on the top of her head, and Dorian thought he could see some sparkle on her eyelids.

“Hello Sir. There is a man at the door asking to see you. He says he’s your friend. Would you like for me to let him in?” The woman said, her voice soft.

Dorian couldn’t hide his surprise. The calls and text messages from Chaol had stopped yesterday, and he’d thought that would be the end of that. He’d cried for hours, knowing he had finally fucked up their friendship in an unfixable way.

The woman stood there waiting for his answer, but Dorian was still a little shocked that Chaol was here and couldn’t even tell her not to call him sir. The timer on the oven decided right then was the best time to go off and Dorian went to grab the oven mitts, moving on autopilot, but before he could, the woman grabbed his hands.

“Go talk to your friend sir, I’ll deal with your cookies.” She was smiling now, as if she knew something he didn’t.

“I-um-Thank you. I’m going to go, uh, do that.” Dorian managed. “Thank you, ma’am, very much,” He yelled as he ran through the halls towards the front door.

As he neared the closed door and saw Chaol’s silhouette through the glass, his stomach turned over. Maybe Chaol had come over here to yell at him or to give him back something he’d left at Chaol’s place. Dorian pushed the nerves down and took and deep breath, opening the door.

The sound of the rain greeted him as well as a soaked Chaol. Dorian took another deep breath.

“Look Chaol, whatever you’re going to say, I just want you to know I’m sorry-”

“Do you want to dance with me?” Chaol interrupted.

Dorian’s mind simply stopped. He was like the human version of the loading symbol. He opened and closed his mouth like a fish out of water before managing a broken, “What?”

Dorian, not trusting himself to speak, nodded his head and gestured to the coat closet. Chaol smiled and nodded, understanding what he was trying to convey. He always did that, understood Dorian without even needing to try. It was aggravating.

Dorian moved on autopilot once again, grabbing his shoes and tying them quickly. When he stood up and moved back into the doorway, his eyes met with Chaol’s outstretched hand. Dorian took hold of it, Chaol pulling him out of the house and reaching behind Dorian to close the door.

Dorian closed his eyes for a moment, inhaling the scent of Chaol when he was so close to him and savoring the feeling of their chests pressed together. Chaol’s hand tightened its hold and then he pulled him down the steps into the pouring rain.

The cold soaked through his clothes in seconds, chilling him to the bone, but Chaol didn’t stop moving, instead he pulled him into the garden and let go of Dorian’s hand. Chaol reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, pressing a button before tucking it back into the pocket.

“Until I Found You” by Stephen Sanchez and Em Beihold started played through speakers Dorian couldn’t see. Chaol reached out his hand again, looking slightly nervous now. His wet shirt clung to his body, and Dorian wanted to trail his fingers along his muscles, but he reminded himself he couldn’t.

Cautiously, Dorian grabbed Chaol’s hand, and Chaol pulled him in close. One of Chaol’s hands went around his waist and the other stayed holding his hand. Chaol moved them into a dance that was incredibly romantic.

“You told me once a few years ago that the most romantic thing you could think of was dancing in the rain,” Chaol whispered in Dorian’s ear. Dorian’s heart raced as he realized what Chaol was implying and at the thought that Chaol had paid attention to something so small.

Chaol spun him and pulled him back in, pressing himself to him as tightly as possible. Dorian looked up slightly and brought the hand he had rested on Chaol’s shoulder to his face, gently cupping it and running his thumb along his cheekbone. Chaol shuddered, his face looking absolutely wrecked as he closed his eyes.

Dorian smiled softly. “You also remembered my favorite song.”

“Yes,” Chaol whispered. “I’ve wanted to speak with you.” Chaol opened his eyes and they stilled, staring into each other’s souls.

Dorian swallowed, letting himself hope. He watched as Chaol’s Adam’s apple bobbed and as his tongue came out to wet his lips. Dorian forgot about the rain causing him to shiver, focused solely on Chaol.

“I read your text, and at first, I simply stared at it. I couldn’t believe what I had read, I thought, he must be pranking me, but then you didn’t answer any of the messages I sent you and I knew it was real, that you were panicking because you thought I would be mad with you. I have been trying to contact you so I could tell you that you are not alone in your feelings.” Chaol pressed Dorian tighter into him.

“I love you, Dorian. Your eyes sparkle when you are happy and your laugh is beautiful and you me feel dumb and I love it. I have loved you ever since we were children and I want to spend every moment of every day with you. I have spent the last years thinking that I was destined to be alone forever because I had found my soulmate, but he did not see me as his.” When Chaol finishes, he is panting.

Dorian smiles and then pulls away from Chaol to fall over laughing. Chaol stands there surprised only to realize how stupid this whole situation is and starts laughing as well.

Dorian stands back up, grabbing Chaol’s face in his hands and resting their foreheads together. “I can’t believe we have been desperately in love with each other this entire time and not noticed it. We are possibly the most oblivious people ever.”

Chaol chuckles and stares into Dorian’s eyes as he says, “Did my romantic gesture live up to your expectations?”

Dorian’s smile grows. “Yes, 100 times yes. Now shut up and kiss me.”

Chaol pulls him in close and suddenly spins Dorian away from him before leaning him over like in the movies and presses his mouth to Dorians. When they pull away from each other, both out of breath, Dorian says softly, “Would you like to eat fresh cookies with me and cuddle in front of the fire, wishing we hadn’t spent so much time in the rain?”

Chaol laughs, the sound loud and uninhibited. “Of course I would, Dorian.”

#dorian x chaol #chaorian #chaol x dorian #dancing in the rain #fluff #throne of glass #dorian havilliard #chaol westfall

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