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watermelonlovershigh · 1 year

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Valentines Day Surprise (SMUT)

AN: this is an AU world so keep that in mind when reading this. also sorry this is a few days late from actual valentines. it took so long to write and i work alot so it took a while to complete. hope you don't mind. enjoyyyyy!!!

This story contains: tons of fluff, fingering in a bathtub, soft sex in bed, then more fluff

{ dadrry - husband!harry - softrry - three kids }

word count- 2,796

After a long shift at the hospital, you come home thinking you were going to get into the shower and be off to sleep, but your husband Harry has a surprise for you beings its Valentines Day.

Harry is a stay-at-home dad while you work at your local hospital. Some people look at your family dynamic and dislike the way you do things, but for you and Harry it works out great. Harry loves to stay home each day and take care of the kids and you usually love your job as a nurse at the hospital. Key word, usually.

Like today for instance. Today is Valentine's Day and you knew you had to unfortunately work but until eleven at night, that's what you didn't know. Around five in the afternoon you called Harry and told him you'd be getting home late tonight and he was so understanding. He knows that your hours at the hospital can change quickly due to short staffing problems.

When you finally got off work and settled in your car, the only thing on your mind was a hot shower and getting into bed with your husband for sleep. You were exhausted from working a twelve hour shift. Your feet hurt and your back ached. You wish instead of working today you had got to spend a romantic night with Harry because it's Valentines Day, but maybe next year you'll get the holiday off.

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After what felt like forever, you eventually make it to your house. You expect to walk into a dark house because everyone should be sleeping, with maybe a covered plate of food on the counter from the dinner Harry cooked for him and the kids earlier, but as you step in the front door you realize you have a surprise waiting on you.

You look over to the left where the kitchen is at and see your little breakfast nook decorated with a red table cloth, a candle in the center of the table, two glasses of wine, and two plates of hot food. You're confused at first but then see your husband round the corner with a happy smile on his face. "Hello m'love," Harry walks over for a hug to greet you, "you're finally home. Made you dinner."

Retracting from the hug, you mutter confusedly, "Har.... Harry what is all this? It's almost midnight. Thought you'd be asleep."

"Baby, it's Valentine's Day. You didn't think I wouldn't treat m'wife on such occasions did you?" Harry coos back with love clearly in his demeanor. And wow do you love him back. He's probably so tired from chasing your three to eight year olds around the house all day. Not to mention the cleaning he had to do around the house and the cooking, baths, and bedtimes. But Harry still choose to stay up until you got home from work to make the last hour of Valentine's Day special for you.

Harry leads you over to the table set up and pulls your chair out for you. "Babe, let me change first. I stink of hospital." you argue but he isn't having any of that.

"Nonsense, you can change and bath after we eat. You smell and look fine." he replies and you decide not to push the argument further. Though you are exhausted and want out of your dirty scrubs asap, you're very much appreciative of this little dinner set up that he worked so hard on.

The next twenty minutes or so is filled with eating the lovely meal Harry prepared for you, laughter, and small touches of affection. As well as Harry gushing about the promise of making every Valentines special for you for the rest of your lives. And once you were finished, Harry blew out the candle that sat on the table and placed your plates in the dishwasher for the night. You were about to head up the stairs to begin getting ready for bed when Harry stopped you.

"Wait a minute," he quietly calls out, "I've got you another surprise. Follow after me." Amazed at all the dedication Harry put into tonight, you follow after him up the stairs and into your bedroom. The bedroom looks pretty much how it always does except very clean with the bed covers neatly folded back. You're about to question where the next surprise was when he leads you into the ensuite bathroom located inside your bedroom.

When you enter, you see something that nearly brings tears to your eyes. "Harry," you whisper aloud, "you didn't have to do all this. Wow, oh my God!" You look around the bathroom that's dimly light and see a bathtub filled with warm water and bubbles.

Harry steps forward and wraps his arms around your body from behind. Then while laying his head on your shoulder and placing a kiss to the side of your neck, he responds, "Course I did. Love you lots and wanted to treat you after your long day at work. Plus, once again, it's Valentine's Day. Gotta take care of m'wife on such days."

Before the water gets any cooler, Harry graciously begins to help you strip from your hospital scrubs before removing his own clothes as well. Once you're both naked, he leads you over to the tub and gets in first so that he can help you settle in front of him. You lean against his tattooed body and sigh out in relief at how relaxing this feels on your sore muscles.

To add to your relaxation, Harry reaches up and starts to massage your neck and shoulders. You almost let a moan slip out from how great his touch feels. You start collecting your hair in your hands and twist it into a bun on the top of you head, securing it with a hair tie you had on your wrist. "This is nice." you tell your caring husband behind you.

He leans in to peck a gentle kiss behind your ear and whispers, "Hmm, glad you like my Valentines surprise." His low speaking sends chills down your spine. Right after your little shiver, you begin feeling Harry's hands migrate down from your shoulders and to your chest. He first gages your reaction and when he sees no resistance on your face, Harry takes his pink nailed fingers and ghosts them over your sensitive nipples.

"Fuck!" you quietly moan out, not wanting your kids to awake. You toss your head back onto your husbands shoulder and allow him to roam your body as he pleases. As Harry stimulates your nipples under the water, he realizes you're clenching your thighs together and he can't be having you do all that. So while one hand stays on your breast, his other hand slides down your belly eventually makes it down to your thigh.

He gives your thigh a gentle tap and you know he's silently instructing you to open your legs. So you lift your legs up so your feet are pressed flat to the tub floor and spread your legs open for him. With now having enough room, Harry drops his hand to between your legs and the real pleasure begins.

His soft ringless fingers roam your prickly pussy, from having trimmed your pubic hair about a week ago, and you gasp when you feel him prode your hole. Harry swirls the tip of his index finger at your entrance and moans himself when he feels how slick you are, even under the water. "You're so fuckin' wet, love. All because of me?"

You nod your head against Harry's shoulder blade and cry out when his slick fingers are brought up to toy with your swelling clit. He starts to rub your clit from under the sudsy bath water and you nearly melt straight through his body with how good you feel. You rarely get time to yourselves anymore. With you working long hours and having kids that need attention, you're usually limited to quickies and sleepy fucks late at night or early in the mornings from under the covers.

Though you aren't complaining about how you usually have sex or get sexual with one another, Harry taking his time with you right now is fantastic. He edges you when he stops the simulation to your clit but soon is sliding his middle finger inside your hole. His fingers are thick and long and feel great inside your tight pussy. "Ah, oh fuck." you moan.

When his finger is fully inside, Harry turns it around and curls it up before asking, "Yeah, am I makin' you feel good? Treatin' your pussy right on Valentines Day."

Through heavy breaths and closed eyes, you mutter, "Yes, so good." Harry decides one isn't enough and pushes his ring finger inside you too. The stretch is even more then before and when his fingers start fucking in and out of you a bit faster, your body starts to tremble and shake. Then right when you feel on the cusp of your orgasm, you start grinding your clit into the palm of Harry's hand and that's what pushes you over the edge.

He can feel your walls contracting around his fingers and to hold you as still as possible, he loops his other hand right under your boobs to keep you secure against his body. Harry fingers you through your orgasm until you jump away from his touch because you're overly sensitive. He slowly pulls his fingers out of your pussy and coos words of endearment in your ear to help bring you back to earth.

After a few minutes, you notice the hard lump pressed into your lower back and realize Harry is painfully hard right now. You turn your body around slightly in the water and say, "Want me to ride you? Help with your, you know, hard problem."

Harry giggles and answers, "Not in here, baby. Let's get you washed up and if you're still in the mood we can shag in bed where it's more comfy, m'kay." You nod an okay and the actual bath begins.

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After Harry helped wash your hair and body, he got you both out the tub and dried off. Then once you brushed your teeth, the two of you finally crawled into the nicely made bed and the love making begins. If you both weren't so tired and had the house to yourselves you would have made the sex more special with some toys and loud, passionate moans. But just some simple missionary will do for tonight.

Once under the covers, Harry rolls on top of you and questions, "Are you still wet enough or do we need lube?"

With a sleepy smile, you retort, "Why don't you find out." And that Harry does. He dips his hand between your naked bodies and feels around your sensitive pussy, coming to the conclusion you are in fact still wet from the fingering that took place in the bathtub.

"Shit, love that you're still wet f'me. Pussy's begging for m'cock, huh?" Harry whispers and starts to position his tip at your entrance. No matter how many times you've had sex, you still can't get over how it feels when he first slides in.

"Ugh, mhm!" you whine while nodding your head and grasping at his back. After he's filled you up all the way, Harry settles his body flushed to yours to feel closer to you. Plus his muscles aren't that strong this late in the night. "Move, baby. You can move." you encourage and he listens.

Harry pulls his hips back with his knees bent and pressing into the mattress, then slowly pushes them forward again, meeting your hips as they collide. With his arms around your head, he lifts his head up so its hovering over your face. He looks down and admires your beautiful blissed out face. Harry leans down and presses his lips to yours. You catch on quickly and join in on the kiss.

The kiss is very heated the longer it continues and it's mostly filled with panting breaths. Your bodies are getting sticky from sweat and it's making it harder to rock your bodies together as smoothly as you started out but it still feels great. Eventually fatigue begins setting in Harry's muscles and he's dying for you to come so he can come. So he pulls his mouth away from yours and questions, "Are you close, love? Need you to come."

Trying to keep your moans as quiet as possible, you look up at his straining face and answer, "Ye...yeah. S...so close." Knowing what will pull the trigger on your orgasm, Harry slides his hand down between your bodies and starts to rub over your sensitive clit for you. You immediately start clenching around his cock.

As your hands claw at his muscular back, you heave, "Oh God, I'm coming, I'm coming, I'm coming." Harry focuses on his thrusting to make sure he's hitting just the right spot for you and his fingers continue to stimulate your clitoris. Your orgasm washes over you so deeply that you swear you black out for a few seconds.

Your mind has gone blank and all you can feel is Harry's touch and your muscles intensely contracting with your release. But eventually it starts to fade and you can feel Harry coming inside of you. His face drops to your shoulder blade and he lets out deep grunts while trembling over your body. You rub up and down his back to sooth him. Then the room becomes silent besides the sounds of heavy breathing.

Neither one of you want to move a muscle from the activities that just took place but you want to get some sleep and know you can't risk getting a UTI. You tap on Harry's shoulder and ask quietly, "Can you carry me to the toilet? Need to pee your cum out."

Harry sits up, remaining inside you still, and coos, "But what if I wanted to stay in you all night? Keep my cock and cum nice and warm in there."

"You know we can't. I don't want an infection. Now hurry before I wet your dick and the bed with my piss." You know Harry was just joking about staying inside you all night because he takes aftercare very seriously. Reluctantly, he slowly pulls out of your tight hole and shuffles off the bed. He then reaches over to lift your body up and carries you bridal style to the bathroom.

Harry sets you on the toilet and walks out of the bathroom to allow you some privacy. He goes over to your dresser and grabs him and yourself fresh underwear and you an old t-shirt to sleep in. Before he can return to you, he sees you wobbling out the bathroom door very naked still and rushes over towards you. "Baby, I would have carried you back to the bed. Don't want you fallin' over with how shaky your legs are." Fuck, how did you get so lucky with the perfect husband.

"I know and thank you. You're too sweet to me." you reply and sit down in the edge of the bed. Harry comes up to you and helps dress you in the clean panties and shirt. He hasn't put his underwear on yet so his soft penis is right in front of you and you smile.

"What?" Harry asks with a sleepy smile plastered on his face. "What's got you all smiley?"

Looking up, you explain with a tired drawl in your voice, "Just, just remembering back to when we first started dating and you were so embarrassed the first time I caught glimpse of your dick soft. Said something like it looks all small (though not small even when soft) and wrinkly when it's not hard. And now you don't give a fuck. Letting it swing around limply between your legs."

Harry lets out a quiet laugh before speaking, "Yeah, well we are married now. Been married for years. And we have kids together. Not much I am embarrassed for you to see. You've seen me cry, you've seen me be violently sick, and you've seen my entire body inside and out."

While Harry finally pulls up his own briefs, you mutter as you turn to get into bed straight, "It's called unconditional love, babe. You know I'd never judge you and that I love you no matter what. Love all of you, even your soft wrinkly dick."

Harry moves around the bed after he's dressed and turns off the lamp before sliding under the duvet with you. Instead of waiting for you to come to him, he shuffles over to your body and rests his head on your chest. You love when Harry gets like this. All soft and cuddly. He lets out a yawn before whispering, "Love you unconditionally, too. You're my forever Valentine."

Right before drifting off to sleep, you whisper back, "And you're my forever Valentines, too."

(PLEASE REBLOG BECAUSE WRITING IS NOT EASY AND IT'S FREE SO JUST DO IT)

(no more tags are allowed because i've hit my number limit. sorry : ( )

tag list: @one-sweet-gubler // @harryscherrysugar // @japanchrry // @lollypopsx // @harrycanyonmoonn // @itfeelslikemytherapisthatesme // @damnasstyles // @mrsstylesharry // @softmullet // @meetmyblondemuffins // @thegirlnextdoorssister // @stanleystyles // @haarrrys // @michellekstyles // @skyangel57 // @the-gardener-31 // @lhharrylilpumpkin // @yousunshine-youtemptress // @clairestylessss // @kissmyaxe140 // @goldenmelonsugar-hi // @kaitieskidmore1 // @florencepughily // @alienorknight //@dancearoundthelivingroom // @swiftmendeshoran

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sihtricfedaraaahvicius · 11 months

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Note: request by my lovely friend @neonhairspray! I didn't mean to write a new request this quick but she rattled my cage so I had to write it asap to get the thoughts she put in my head out ;)

Warnings: body insecurity and full on smut. 18+!

pairing: Modern!Sihtric x you (f)

Summary: You recently became insecure about your body, after your mother had made an unnecessary remark during a lunch date, and you couldn't shake it off. Sihtric, your fiancé, had taken notice of your sudden change in behaviour, and he would not let your mother's comment do any more damage.

Word count: 3,9k

Masterlist

'I'll show you what I believe.'

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Sihtric loved your body. No, he adored your body - he worshipped your body. Everything about you was perfect to him, inside and out. And he always goes above and beyond to make you understand and feel how just much he loves you. And that is why you love Sihtric. Well, that, and the fact that your fiancé is simply a mega babe who is almost too hot to handle for you. You still have no idea what you did to lure him in some years ago, but he was yours. And he even proposed not too long ago, so you knew he really loved you.

But… Sihtric had proposed before your mother made that remark about your body. She randomly told you that you looked better last summer. You ignored it and brushed it off, as usually comments like that meant nothing to you, but two days later you found yourself staring in the mirror before you hopped in the shower.

You couldn't put your finger on the problem, it's not like you had lost or gained any weight. In fact, you were exactly the same sack of flesh and bones as last year, according to your scale. But your mother's comment got stuck in your head, while you thought it had left right out your other ear, but it hadn't. No. No, it had stayed. It had lingered, it had made itself a home, and it was quiet. But it lurked, and it decided to pay you a visit that morning, two days later, before you took a shower. You had caught a glimpse of your naked reflection in the bedroom mirror, which reached from the ceiling to the floor. And you thought you heard something as you glanced at the mirror when you walked past. So you stopped, turned, and faced the mirror. And you got closer… and closer… your eyes darted over the surface that was your own skin and then you heard it loud and clear;

'You looked better last summer.'

***************

'Baby,' Sihtric said, deadpan, 'I will fuck you tonight.'

You snorted and almost choked on that last bite of dinner you were chewing down.

'We'll see,' you chuckled, pecked his cheek and started to clean up the table.

God, how handsome your man was. And how hot he was, it made you go insane sometimes. And you wanted nothing more than for Sihtric to throw you in bed and show you all the corners of the bedroom, like he usually did.

But ever since your mom's comment, two weeks ago, you became a little hesitant. And Sihtric noticed it immediately. He knew your mother must have said something, which was nothing new. He actually wasn't fond of her, but Sihtric was a polite boy, so he would never let your mom know how he despised her. But Sihtric just knew something had happened, which you clearly refused to tell him.

You usually jumped him without a second thought if he surprised you by joining you in the shower. But not anymore. The first time he did it, shortly after your lunch date, you had tried to behave as you normally did. You had kissed him, you had touched him up, but then you felt his hands on your body and you pulled back, grabbed a towel and disappeared. You had lied and told Sihtric you had felt a little dizzy, which he believed for the time being.

But that same night, when you made out with him in bed, and things got hot and heavy, you had asked him to switch off the lights. Sihtric went along with it, anything to please his lady, and also because he was insanely horny, so you had sex in the dark. Which you both thought was still great, but it wasn't the same.

You love to watch Sihtric. You love to hear his grunts and see his face twitch as he enjoys you. You love to see his trained body and the way he looks in your eyes, and you love seeing how his cock disappears in you entirely, making you a moaning, screaming mess. And Sihtric knew you loved all of that, and he wasn't quite sure what pushed you to switch off the lights that day. But he was okay with it, for a few times at least.

As the weeks progressed, your behaviour changed gradually, but noticeable enough for Sihtric. You stopped walking around the house in just your underwear, you started to lock the bathroom door when you showered, you slept in his oversized shirts instead of that sexy lingerie you owned, and you didn't make any attempt to have sex anymore. Sihtric did notice that the amount of blowjobs you gave him skyrocketed, which he honestly wasn't complaining about, but Sihtric is a pleaser. And as much as he loves to be pleased, he loves pleasing you more. But you wouldn't let him. So that is why he suddenly blurted out that he was going to fuck you.

'No,' Sihtric said firmly, 'I will fuck you tonight.'

You felt your cheeks heat up along with your core as you stood in the kitchen. You desperately needed to be fucked by that man, and hard, but you couldn't help cringing at the idea of your body. Which by now, Sihtric had realised was the issue.

'I will fuck you tonight, pretty lady,' Sihtric husked in your ear, sneaking his arms around your waist from behind, 'and I will show you how fucking sexy, and hot, and perfect you are to me. You have my word, baby girl.'

And after those words Sihtric kissed your cheek, slapped your ass, and went upstairs.

You fought the urge to follow him. You really did. Okay, you tried. Barely. It had been over a week since you had sex with him and usually you could barely last a day, without at least a quickie somewhere. So you dropped whatever you were still doing in the kitchen and went upstairs. Just like Sihtric had expected, and he was waiting on the bed, shirtless, just the way you like it, and he wore those tight sweatpants you once said looked sexy on him. And they did, good lord, they did. Highlighting his muscular thighs, those calves, that ass. You missed seeing all of that and you knew you just had to suck your insecurities up for the night, because you needed to see him... and feel him. And Sihtric needed to see you. But he also needed you to see yourself, to see the way he saw you each time you had sex.

'Couldn't resist?' Sihtric smirked as he sat up on the edge of the bed.

'You are hard to resist,' you smiled and got closer.

'So are you,' Sihtric's eyes darkened, 'yet you've been punishing me lately by denying me your body,' he licked his lips, 'by denying me your pussy.'

'Which had nothing to do with you, Sihtric,' you were fast to say and took his face in your hands, rubbing your thumb over his scarred cheek, 'I promise, it had nothing to do with you, my love.'

'I know,' Sihtric said, and if you didn't know him, you would have thought he was the cockiest man on the planet, but he wasn't, 'I know your mother has talked some shit to you again.'

You looked away from his mismatched eyes, which confirmed Sihtric was right, and he took off his rings from his tattooed fingers.

'What did she tell you, baby?' he asked, calm, his rough hands slowly running up your bare thighs, which you hid under his oversized shirt.

'It doesn't matter, Sihtric,' you smiled weakly and your breath hitched, in a good way, when you felt his hands sneak towards your ass, grabbing you firmly.

'What did she tell you?' Sihtric slapped your ass, hard, after you made him ask twice. You gasped and smiled at the feeling, and you moved your hands to his broad shoulders.

'She just said I looked better last summer,' you said quietly.

'You looked better last summer?' Sihtric frowned, 'what does that even mean?'

You shrugged as you tucked a strand of his long, dark hair out his face.

'But you believed her?' he asked, mildly worried and confused.

You shrugged again, you didn't have an answer for him, because you didn't even know why it had made you feel so insecure.

'Do you?' you asked quietly.

'Do I believe you looked better last summer?' Sihtric said, offended, not at you, but at the fact that someone would tell you something like that. 'I'll show you what I believe.'

Sihtric got up and spun you around, facing the mirror, and walked you closer. You saw how he took off your shirt, well, his shirt actually, and threw it on the floor, revealing your naked body, apart from your underwear, as he stood behind you. You glanced at yourself and looked away, to which Sihtric moved his hand up in your hair, grabbed a fistful to pull your head back up gently, but forcing you to look at yourself.

'This,' Sihtric said, his eyes darting over your body, 'is what I believe is perfect.'

Sihtric moved his body behind yours, putting the focus on you and only you. He leaned the side of his face against yours and moved his free hand up your thigh as he spoke, 'you, my love, are perfect to me. And you were perfect yesterday, and the day before, and last week,' his hand moved up your hip, 'and last month,' he slipped his hand down your underwear and you watched yourself tense up, in a pleasurable way, and his voice became hoarse as he continued. 'You were perfect last winter, last fall, last summer and last fucking spring,' you watched the way your muscles tensed as Sihtric slid two fingers inside your wet slit, 'and you were perfect each and every day before that and after that. And you are perfect right now, my goddess,' Sihtric moaned as your walls clenched his fingers while he watched you in the mirror. You were panting, which quickly turned into moaning as he worked you with his hand while holding a firm grip on your hair. Sihtric breathed heavily in your ear as your breath became heavier and harder too.

'That's right, baby,' he breathed, 'look at yourself. Look how fucking hot you are when I finger you.'

You felt dizzy at his words and your eyes grew heavy with lust, which caused your eyes to fall shut a few times as you struggled to not finish right then and there.

'That's right,' Sihtric chucked mischievously in your ear, 'and you will be loud for me.'

'No,' Sihtric whispered in your ear and pulled out his fingers, yanked your underwear down and slapped your soaking pussy hard and you bit down on your lip. 'You will watch, baby girl,' Sihtric growled softly as he slid his fingers inside you again, 'I won't let you close your eyes, even if it's from pleasure,' he smirked.

And when you whined quietly at the loss of his fingers again, he slapped you once more, which made you let out a scream as you smiled.

Sihtric grabbed your hips and pulled you towards him, making you feel his hard cock against your lower back. He hummed in your ear and you smiled at the reflection of you both. Then Sihtric took a step back and quickly dropped his sweatpants and his boxers to his feet. And you were now both completely naked, with not a single care in the world. Sihtric had gotten his point across already. You knew there was nothing wrong with you, it was all in your head, and now you wanted to see his body, so you turned, ran your hands up his muscular torso, and then you kissed him, desperately. You both breathed heavy as you felt each other's tongues, and when you bit and sucked each other's lips. You pulled his hair and the heat in your core became warmer and tighter with each moan you earned from his lips.

'You're so fucking hot, Sihtric,' you sighed against his lips.

'So are you,' he smiled and bit your lower lip gently, 'but I wasn't done yet.'

Sihtric spun you around again, took your hand and guided you to his hard cock. You watched your reflection as you worked his length with your hand and caught yourself smirking at the sight of you both.

'Yeah,' Sihtric chuckled, his hands trailed all over your body, 'you like watching how you jerk me off, baby?'

'I love seeing your big cock,' you breathed, heavier than expected, to which Sihtric smiled and hummed.

'That's it, baby girl,' Sihtric whispered and bit down on his lip, 'keep going like that, hm.'

'Don't finish yet,' you swallowed hard as you saw how Sihtric threw his head back. You loved the sight of this, but you were still desperate to see all of Sihtric, and not just half, like now, as he was still standing half behind you while you worked his cock. 'Don't finish yet, please.'

Sihtric groaned. 'Then you better stop right now.'

Which you did. Sihtric pushed you closer to the mirror, took your hands as he bent you over slightly, and placed your hands on the large mirror in front of you.

'I will fuck you now,' he smirked as he looked at your eyes in the mirror, 'and you will watch yourself as I do, and you will see just how pretty you are.'

You watched your fiancé take a step back and lined himself up with you, and you watched yourself when he entered you smoothly. And you could only smile at yourself and at Sihtric's concentrated face, and the only thing you could focus on was how perfect he made you feel. And his warm, rough hands held onto your hips as he started to thrust, slowly at first, easing you into him, and your smile never left your lips when he quickened his pace.

'Look how pretty you are,' Sihtric moaned, 'so fucking pretty, baby, all for me.' He licked his lips and smiled as he watched you, 'so fucking pretty when you take my cock,' he whispered under his heavy breath.

'Sihtric,' you moaned, closing your eyes in pleasure, which he saw and almost pulled out entirely, only to slam hard into you all the way. And you both saw how your eyes widened as you let out a loud moan. 'Ah, fuck!' you cried with a smile when his pace roughened.

'Yeah,' Sihtric grunted, 'look how sexy you are, baby girl,' he chuckled dangerously low in your ear, 'so fucking sexy when I rail you like this, hmm.'

'Oh, god,' you moaned and you dropped your head, not being able to handle how good Sihtric felt right now or the way he spoke to you. But he was quick to grab your hair again and directed your eyes back up to the mirror.

'Watch!' Sihtric growled, 'look at yourself when I fuck you, because you are so fucking perfect right now.' Sihtric moaned, loud, and threw his head back again. And that sight got you each time, making you moan and tremble on your legs as he slammed into you.

'Louder,' Sihtric taunted, keeping his pace steady, 'come on, kitten. Let it out,' he grinned as you met his eyes in the mirror. He was going to make you scream, but you still weren't fully satisfied, despite how good he fucked you, because you could barely see his body in this position.

'You're so fucking hot,' you moaned as you watched him. The sight of his biceps, flexing as he held you by your hip and your hair.

'Fuck!' you tried to suppress a scream when you heard him grunt behind you and saw the way he bared his teeth. And you thought how he looked like a wild animal, and how he simply is a wild animal in the bedroom. And you fucking loved it.

'I need to… I want to see y-you,' you moaned, 'Sihtric, I need to see your body.'

Sihtric laughed, 'you want to see my body? Hm?' he bit his lip and gently raked your hair back with his hand, pulling it out of your face, so he could get at better look at you in the mirror while he fucked you.

'Please!' you screamed, and Sihtric pulled out, which made you scream even louder as it took you by surprise.

'Get on your knees,' he breathed heavily, and you immediately obeyed.

Without looking away from the mirror, he grabbed onto your hair again, 'is this a good view?' Sihtric teased as he towered over you from the side. You nodded.

You sat straight in front of the mirror. Sihtric lifted your chin up as he moved closer, his body slightly turned from the mirror, but still giving you enough to please your eyes with as you saw his muscular reflection. And you watched how you opened your mouth for him, and how Sihtric guided his cock into your mouth, and you saw the way your muscles tensed up as you took him almost whole. Sihtric looked at you through the mirror as he fucked your mouth, slow and sloppy, and he smiled at the way you watched him but also glanced at yourself.

'See how pretty you are?' Sihtric breathed heavily, enjoying the way you felt and the noises you made as you sucked him off.

You hummed in reply, to which Sihtric clicked his tongue with a smile and moaned softly as he moved both of his hands in your hair.

'You are just as pretty today as you were when you sucked my cock last summer.' Sihtric looked down at you, closed his eyes and bit down on his lip as his hair fell in his face.

He breathed heavily and his grip on your hair tightened, which made your core heat up again. But Sihtric pulled out shortly after and got down on his knees behind you. He wrapped his arms around you and propped his chin up on your shoulder as he looked at your reflection.

'Look at yourself, my love,' Sihtric whispered with ragged breath, 'can you point out anything that is wrong with your body? Because I can't, and I've seen you completely bare a million times, baby, in every way and every possible light.'

You shook your head with a soft smile, knowing there wasn't anything to point out. Sihtric kissed your cheek lovingly as he held you, and he slowly moved his hand down between your thighs, 'I love you,' he smiled and teased you with his fingertips, making your body tense up in pleasure and he enjoyed the sight of it, which you did too.

'I love you too, so much,' you moaned and grabbed onto his arm around your shoulders, 'but I need to see your body when you fuck me.' Your breath hitched again when he stopped teasing you and sat back.

'You will never... hm, let anyone make you feel,' Sihtric's breath hitched, 'insecure... about your perfect body again, you got that, baby?' Sihtric moaned as he snapped his hips against yours.

Then he chuckled and bit his lip again as he bent you over on your hands and knees. Sihtric slapped your ass hard, wanting to hear you scream and giggle again, and he slowly moved his hand up your bare back, to your neck and into your hair, firmly gripping you again and he yanked your head back, which made you gasp and laugh.

And Sihtric loved that; seeing and hearing how you enjoy him, and yourself now. He got up on his knees and was quick to slide his cock back into you as he held your hip with his free hand. It wasn't the first time Sihtric fucked you like this and looking in the mirror, but the bed was removed further away, so it was never this intense. You were so close to the mirror now, that if you didn't place one hand on it, you would've banged your head repeatedly against the glass with each relentless thrust you received from your ferociously hot and wild looking fiancé as he took you from behind.

'Ye-yes,' you moaned, loudly, while watching him in the mirror, which was enough to bring you close to your peak.

'I- I'm so fucking close,' you said as you felt yourself tense up.

It was the way his hair fell in his face just before he threw his head back with a loud, deep grunt. The way his muscles flexed as he fucked you, the feeling of his bruising grip on your waist and the way he pulled your hair the entire time with his other hand. It was the sound of his heavy breathing and his deep growls, the way he chuckles and laughs when you feel really good to him, and the way he bruised your knees as she slammed into you while he praised your body.

Sihtric meant everything to you, and as long as he loved the way you looked, you would never have a single worry again. Because he was the only one who's opinion you valued when you became insecure.

Sihtric was quick to pull your body up. Your back against his chest, his chin on your shoulder, his arm around your shoulders as he held his firm grip on your waist.

'I want you to watch yourself when you finish,' he laughed in your ear before he bit your earlobe, and he slid his hand down from your waist to your core, giving you that extra pleasure you need to become a screaming, cursing mess in his arms. You couldn't possibly keep your eyes on the mirror anymore and you threw your head back against Sihtric's shoulder.

'You feel so fucking good, babe,' you moaned and brought your hands up to his nape, and you moved your fingers up in his hair, pulling his head slightly back when you had a good grip, which made him moan with hard and ragged breaths.

'Watch with me,' Sihtric husked, his lips pressed against your ear as he looked at the mirror, 'I want you to watch with me, baby.'

'I love you, baby,' he whispered. You opened your heavy eyes and saw how he leaned his face against yours with a smile and tired eyes, 'I love you so much. There is nothing I would change about you. Ever.'

You took a glimpse at the mirror just before you couldn't take it anymore. You saw Sihtric's smile along with his heavy-lidded eyes and his parted lips, and you saw your own body tense up before you pulled his head back again when you tugged his hair. And then you closed your eyes. Your high captured you in heated waves while you screamed out his name, and Sihtric became sloppy before he slammed into you one last time, hard and with a heavy grunt. He stilled his body as he spilled inside you, holding his breath while you felt his arms tense around your body, before he exhaled sharply and brought his forehead to rest down on your shoulder.

You both breathed heavy and hard, your bodies trembled and then you became weak. Your hands slid out of his hair, Sihtric slowly pulled out and sat back against the bed, pulling you with him as he kept you in his arms. You both kept your eyes closed for a moment as you just sat there, slowly coming down from your high as you held onto each other, feeling safe and loved. You didn't move until you heard Sihtric hum softly in your ear, and then he chuckled lightly and kissed your cheek.

'I love you too,' you chuckled, 'and thank you, my love. I wouldn't want to change a thing about you either,' you smiled and then you just looked at each other in the mirror.

'I'm calling your mom tomorrow,' Sihtric suddenly said.

Sihtric traced his fingertips along the shape of your body, which he loved entirely and wholeheartedly, and he planted soft kisses on your neck and shoulders. And you truly loved the way your body looked, wrapped in his arms.

You enjoyed his touch with a hum and brought your head back to rest upon his shoulder, and you looked up at him. You could see he was smiling, satisfied, and it made you chuckle. You were so in love with him, and you knew he was so in love with you as well.

'What? Why?'

'To tell her she needs to stop talking shit, because it affects you. And therefore it affects me. And,' Sihtric grinned when you locked eyes in the mirror again, 'to tell her how I had to fuck some sense back in to you again after her last comment.'

****************

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lokisprettygirl · 1 year

Text

Under his influence (Post Avengers! Loki x female reader)

Read chapter 3 here // Series Masterlist

Chapter 4

Summary : Disastrous Dinner with your parents leads to a small quarrel between you two.

Warning: Smoking, mention of recreational drug use, insecurities, a bit of angst, not so great parenting , 4.5 k words

After your mom left you immediately took a shower to cool down a little bit, it was 10 am and you had plenty of time to prepare for the evening.

He went to the bathroom after you and when he came out you could feel him staring at you but he wasn't saying anything.

"What?" You looked at him so he averted his gaze and pretended to read his book. "Gotta call my boss, i don't think I can go to work today"

You mumbled as you dialed the manager's number and put it on speaker phone because you wanted to paint your toenails.

"Hiii Mark it's y/n" you said cheerfully and you heard him grumbling in response. Just great

"I just ..uhh wanted to tell you that I won't be able to make it today, sooo"

"Whyyyyy?"

"Uhhh it's a family emergency"

"You can't just take a leave out of nowhere, you have to inform way beforehand, " he said, clearly sounding upset. Did he understand the meaning of emergency? Doofus

"Yeah I would have but it's umm I don't think you heard me right. I said that my family's car was hit by a bulldozer and some of them were still in it. And now they're in an emergency ward so I have to go see them..see you tomorrow byee" you tapped on your head in frustration as you hung up "Argggghh I hate this day already"

Also, why did you have to keep the phone on the speaker?

"So your mother seem ..a bit ahhh –" you found him to struggling to form a complete sentence which wasn't like him at all.

"Overbearing?"

"That. Yes. That"

"She is like that, but she means well"

His brows furrowed as you said that. He was finding it a tad harder to believe.

"Okay, we need to make a man, asap" you said to him as you tightly closed the bottle of the nail paint after you were done using it. He laughed in response because he thought you were joking.

"Darling, I promise it can not be Asap. I mean it would take months for him to grow in your womb before he's birthed and–" he stopped talking as you gave him the look that he had learned to understand as a sign for Stop right now. You sighed as you stood up and went down on your knees in front of him, you placed your hands on his thighs and the position made him gulp.

"I want you to be my boyfriend" his eyes flickered as you said that.

"Ohhhhh?"

"Just for the evening" you clarified it immediately. God you hoped he didn't think of you as some midgardian desperate creep.

"Oh"

"Will you do it for me please?"

"I uhhh–"

"Pleaseee please do it .. please I'm begging you Loki please I'll do anything you'd ask please " you joined your palms together and begged him to just help you out. You didn't really have to beg he thought, you saved his arse, he would walk right into the sun if you'd ask him to.

"I just..never have been a boyfriend before "

"You said you had relationships "

"What is the correlation here?"

"Huh?" He sighed as you failed to understand him.

"I just don't want to ruin this evening which I am sensing- is already a very stressful affair for you" he mumbled as he placed his elbows down on his thighs to rest his chin in the palms of his hand.

"You won't ruin it, oh no please. I'd love to have a friend while we eat dinner..a friend who actually likes me..you know" your eyes teared up so he cupped your cheeks and leaned forward to press a soft kiss on your forehead. That gesture made you feel so warm but you wished you had more time to relish in this feeling.

"I am very fond of you my darling" he mumbled softly. The words made the butterflies go crazy in your stomach. Okay so you were attracted to him which you had already figured by the intense feeling you kept having where you wanted to fuck him all the time, there was the bubbling scorching heat between you two and you also wanted to cuddle him all the time now, all of these things combined together looked bad when you considered how he was literally unattainable. A fucking prince, he was a god that you couldn't even dream of having. He probably wouldn't even look twice at you if you were in a crowded room full of all the beautiful women in the world, women that he probably deserved to have.

Everyone kept telling you that you had higher standards for yourself but then he must have them too right? You weren't it unfortunately.

"Is that a yes?"

"Yess" you stood up and jumped around a little in excitement.

"Oh wait butt oh no.. they can't see you..my mom will recognise you, she's obsessed with you..but in a very bad way"

"She is?"

"Yeah she hates you "

"I figured that..umm do not worry about that. I'll take care of this" he pointed towards his face so you went down on your knees again. You had to stop doing this in front of him because one of these times he'd forget to enchant his cock to not get hard in a jiffy.

"But .. I don't want anyone else there, I want you, I mean. I like this face..it's such a loki looking face that I like" he chuckled as you said that. Sometimes your words hardly made any sense and that's exactly why he adored them so much.

"How about I change my hair and the color of my eyes, maybe get a bit of facial hair, the face stays" you tilted your head as he said that.

"That could work besides there's no way she'd think that you're him with all those modifications you know..oh that's a great idea. Well I'm going to cook now..by the way can I paint your toenails afterwards? You have such pretty toes" you got up from the floor again so he looked down at his feet.

"Noooo" he yelled, making you giggle but now another thing was starting to bother you.

"Wait a second!! You don't have clothes, I need to get you earth people clothes"

"Yes I was troubled by that thought" He did have a suit he had stolen from a midgardian shop when he visited Thor a few years prior after he was banished but for some reason the idea of putting it on again disgusted him. And he couldn't have worn his famous Terrorist from Asgard terrorising Stuttgart overcoat either for obvious reasons.

"Oh no I have to go get it for you then ..it's 11 already and I have to make dinner, and dessert also and oh my god it's so dirty around here, what I'm gonna doooo??" he walked towards as you started to freak out again.

"Now let us pause for a moment here. Take a deep breath for me, can you?" He told you as he grabbed your shoulders to calm you down.

"Okayy..okay..i'm just freaking out" you took a deep breath in order to not pass out right this moment.

"You go purchase the attire for me and I will tidy up the space until then. That is alright?" He asked you so you hugged him tightly, his arms instantly wrapped around your waist as if it was the most natural state in the world, breathing in the scent of your hair he sighed deeply.

He really needed to get a grip. A woman like you deserved a man so noble and not a hideous looking frost giant like him whose moral compass has broken a long time ago. You have waited so long for the man of your dreams and he could never be it for you.

"I'll be back soon"

It took you two hours to find something decent for him to wear, you even had to buy a pair of shoes for him, you saw a bunch of cute t-shirts so you bought that as well. You heard the shower running when you came back from the mall, you couldn't even recognise your apartment. It looked beautiful. First of all it was clean, ofcourse. But he had done something with the lighting as well, it seemed fancier, like a classy restaurant, and it smelled really good too. He had also filled the space with a much needed furniture you didn't have.

There was an elegant looking table right in front of the kitchenette. Bonus point? It also had chairs, you had chairs in your apartment.

The bed was covered in a beautiful satin sheet. Asgardian sheet. He also had that sofa all cleaned up, it looked brand new.

You put the shopping bags down on the sofa as your eyes circled around again. When he entered the room you immediately ran towards him to hug him, momentarily forgetting that he was naked from the waist up and dripping wet.

"This is.. gorgeous..you're like a sorcerer" you mumbled as you pulled away from him and took a few steps back, he was freezing cold. He smiled as he walked closer and wiped the droplets of water from your cheeks, the ones you had gotten by hugging onto his naked wet chest so tightly.

"I'm a sorcerer " he giggled and it made your heart grow ten times larger.

"Thank you Loki, you have no idea what you have done for me" your eyes teared up and so did his, but then again you didn't have time to enjoy this moment, they would be here in like three hours, you also had to get ready.

He tried to help you in the kitchen as much as he could but he wasn't really helping plus the heat bothered him a lot so you made him sit down on the sofa, he had done enough already and you were very grateful for that.

After cooking and assembling the cutleries on the table which again was the courtesy of your alien friend, you put on a dress and finished your makeup. You looked good for a change, the black dress complimented your dark soul. It always did.

You looked at him as he got himself dressed too, you didn't want to go overboard with his attire, there was a dark green jacket because you remembered that to be his favorite color, a plain black t shirt underneath with a tight fitted trouser. For some reason you knew he wasn't the denim jeans type of alien god.

His tush looked extremely good in those pants but that's not what shocked you, it was the change in his appearance. He kept his face but his hair was no longer raven, it was light brown and shorter, you could finally see the back of his neck and it was as smooth as the rest of his skin, his eyes were hazel brown, light freckles adorned his nose and cheeks. The finishing touch was the golden tan on his skin and that I haven't shaved in a week stubble. Even though he had the same face he didn't look like himself. He actually reminded you of that guy from that one King Kong movie you couldn't remember the name of.

"This okay? Or do I resemble my oaf brother a little too much" He asked you so you smiled.

"You look very handsome mister" And hot, and sexy, delicious.

A nervous laughter escaped his throat at the compliment.

"And you my lady, you look–-" before he could finish his words you heard the buzzer going off so you hurriedly stepped towards the door and got them in. You felt anxious and awkward like always, having dinner with four people where you didn't really like the three of them was not your idea of fun. As you opened the door you saw your mom and her husband David first so you hugged her and your step father gave you a side hug.

"Welcome to my humble abode" you chuckled as they stepped in, then you met his daughters from hell, his perfect little princesses, the elder one was named Chelsea, she was a year younger than you and married. Ofcourse because she was just perfect like that. You weren't expecting her to bring her husband Shawn though.

"Wow i didn't know husbands were coming" you mumbled as you hugged her and your mom glared at you.

The younger sister Courtney gave you cheek kisses. Pretentious bitch. She was just 25 but obviously more accomplished and much more successful in her career according to your mother.

As they all stepped inside you noticed them looking around, they had never been here before.

"Wow, this is so tiny and adorable, you know when daddy said you were renting a studio apartment i thought it'd be bigger" Courtney said and you resisted the urge to poke her eyes out.

"It's actually bigger than most studio apartments, I'm actually not supposed to have that whole window area, default in their infrastructure, goodie goodie for me" you felt everyone's eyes on you so you stopped talking immediately, turned around and walked towards Loki, you grabbed his arm and decided to introduce him to everyone, most of them looked shocked but atleast your mother was smiling from ear to ear.

"This is uhh.." oh god you didn't think of a name. Ofcourse you didn't. You see Perfect Chelsea over there would have thought of a name.

"Mark, this is Mark Johnson..he's an auditor for the ..uhhh Marks and Spencers" they smiled at him as you introduced him. No, that name didn't sound fake at all. Nope.

"Hello Mrs. Umm –" he looked at your mother. Wow you two really should have discussed this part a little more. Like for real.

"Used to be something else now she's Mrs Jackson" you told him so he gave your mom a hug. She looked at you as she hugged him and mumbled a wow behind his back which made you want to die from embarrassment.

You didn't want to waste much time so you all sat down for dinner. The problem was he only made six chairs, and there were 7 of you. Gee, No thanks husband Shawn.

"You sit down okay?" You made Loki sit down so he grabbed your arm and scooted a little to the side, one of his buttocks was hanging in the air but he didn't care, he didn't want you to feel left out at your own family dinner.

As you sat down next to him, well almost onto him, everyone cooed. It's not as if you weren't getting used to being squished against him.

"So i noticed the accent, are you a London boy Mr. Mark" you wanted to hurl at the way Courtney was looking at him.

"Uhh yes, England" You took a sip of the wine you had in front of you, for the god of lies, he wasn't really good at living up to that status.

"So you're here on business? How did you two meet?" Your mom asked you so this time you answered instead.

"Ohh he's a member at the gym I work for" you smiled.

"Why do I feel like I have seen you somewhere?" Your mom squinted her eyes and it made you nervous.

"Ohh he looks like that guy from that movie.. I don't remember..the one with the big burly ape" you agreed as Shawn said that. Well thanks Shawn

"Ohhhh yeah..yeah you're right"

"So auditing? You like that job, son?" David asked him. Oh!! he's not your son David. No no considering his age, David was the son, his father was the son, his grandfather was the son. Why couldn't you just stop having thoughts for once?

"No. I don't know what that is actually" he chuckled and then you heard them all laughing in unison. You did too before you glared at him,

"Wow, good looking and funny. By the way, raise your glasses everyone.. I have an announcement" Courtney grabbed her glass of wine and took a deep breath before she proceeded to speak.

"I got the job in London..ahhhh" she squealed as she celebrated herself and everyone then squealed for her, she worked for an embassy or something, you never cared to find out. Your mother did remind you now and again as how it could have been you if you'd have been a little sincere about your life.

"Ohh honey congratulations, that's amazing, I'm sooo proud of you" your mom said to her so you smiled in disbelief.

"Okay okay..i have a news too. We have a news" Chelsea said as she smiled from ear to ear and looked at her husband "So I'm not drinking wine because I'm abstaining, I lied sorry.. hint hint" She pointed towards her belly and the whole world gasped for her.

"Call Odin and ask him if he heard the gasps" you mumbled in his ear and he bit on his cheek to stop himself from smiling. She was pregnant ofcourse. They all hugged her and congratulated the lovely couple, so did you, you had no other choice.

"Both of our daughters make me so happy sweetie" David's eyes teared up as he held your mother's hand.

"I am so proud of them"

After the happiness died down a little, Courtney looked at you.

"So y/n you're a trainer at the gym right..don't they like pay very less?"

"It actually depends on my competence and how many clients I can get in a month," you said to her. No you didn't miss the snark, you just wanted to ignore it.

"Oh.. so less huh"

God you hated her.

"Shoot i am out" David said as he opened the box of his cigarettes.

"Oh honey" your mom comforted him and then she glared at you as Courtney made another comment.

"Y/n smokes, just ask her for one dad"

"It was just that one time.."

You tried to defend yourself but your mom cut you off as she shook her head in disappointment.

"Look if you have it, just be a good hostess and give one to him" she said to you so you were about to get up but Loki stopped you.

"I'll get it darling. I found it while cleaning" he said to you so you smiled, as he walked towards the closet you wondered what he meant, what did he find? As he returned he passed the lighter to David along with that fucking joint you couldn't find yesterday.

"Uhhh this is not..is this weed?"

You stood up and snatched it from his hand. Loki felt mortified now, maybe he should have asked first if your stepfather wanted to smoke weed or something else. He really should have thought a little harder about it.

"It's not mine, it's a friend's" you mumbled so your mom looked at you.

"Oh sweetie, are you in the wrong company again?" She questioned and you immediately denied. You felt overwhelmed now, you just wanted to go cry in your bathroom.

"I apologise darling, i had no clue what he wanted" he whispered in your ear so you sighed. He just wanted to help.

"It's fine..it's okay " you told him, you didn't want him to feel bad about this even though you felt completely mortified now.

"So what are your plans for marriage?" The wine came out of your nose as your mom questioned Loki.

"Mommm" you glared at her and gestured to cut it out but ofcourse she ignored the cue.

"I'm just asking, you two make a cute couple..what do you guys think?" She looked around the table for approval.

"Ohhh yess hook him in y/n before you lose this one too" Courtney cackled like a witch. Loki felt awful, these people reminded him of those bilgesnipes, all ready to pounce and attack you for no reason. He felt something grazing over his shin so he looked under the table and saw a bunch of toes rubbing against him. It belonged to one of your sisters.

"She's touching me" he whispered in your ear so you looked under the table and she stopped immediately.

"Marriage is such a beautiful thing, it just makes me sad that y/n is going to be in her thirties now and she's still..so lonely" Chelsea gave you a sad look making you scoff in response.

"But I'm happy.. and I don't really care alright?"

"Well you should care honey, when you're sixty and alone with no-one to take care of you you'll regret this attitude" your eyes teared up as your mother chimed in. You saw your step sisters smiling and passing glances to each other.

"Didn't you marry twice?" Loki asked your mother so you glared at him and asked him to cut it out.

"Excuse me?" Your mom had the typical look of disapproval now. You could just tell she didn't really like him any longer.

"You married her father and it must not have worked very well since you are married to this gentleman here now?" He asked her again so you facepalmed.

"But that's life, that happens, sometimes things don't work out between two people, there are several different reasons why people get divorced" she raised her voice a little and you could feel everything getting out of your hand now.

"Well pardon my interference but perhaps she doesn't want that to happen to her as well, maybe she wants to spend her life with someone who would be there for every reason and not only for a season" your mom gave him a death glare as he said that and so did you. The tension in the room kept on piling up.

He could tell you were upset with him for opening his big mouth today.

After the dinner and dessert ended, you were hoping for them to just leave, you had no energy to take more insults.

"Sooo we are going to be here for two days, let's go somewhere tomorrow" your mom hugged you as she spoke so you hummed in agreement "And lose this one, he's not the type of man who is going to marry you" she said to you as she pulled away.

"Yeah? Why do you think that?" You chuckled but it was because of the frustration you were feeling in the moment.

"Look at him honey. Don't be such a fool, men like him don't settle for women like us, he's just having his fun I can tell" you nodded as she said that. Once they all left you shut the main door with a force and then you turned around to glare at him.

"Y/n i –"

"You could have just kept your mouth shut you know"

"I didn't intend to disrespect her, she just--"

"What were you trying to do then huh? Do you know how hard that divorce was on her? On me?" Your eyes welled up as you questioned him. That comment your mom made was the last nail in the coffin and unfortunately she wasn't here to bear the brunt of it so you took it out on him.

"I am sorry, please don't be upset darling" he mumbled softly but you were too angry to care right now.

"I'm not your darling, giving him the roll of weed wasn't enough for you huh? God I wish you weren't here today, it's all my fault" his eyes filled with tears as you said that. A part of you knew you were misdirecting your anger and frustration on him but you still couldn't stop, you wished you would have though because the look on his face bothered you a lot, you never wanted to see him look so sad and that too because of you.

You scurried towards the bathroom and then the tears couldn't stop coming, your step sisters were younger and better than you and they were living their best lives while nothing turned your life around no matter how much you worked for it, they were accomplishing everything they had dreamt of while several of your dreams had already been shattered, you had successfully wasted half of your life so far and accomplished nothing. Your mother probably wished for a daughter like them and that's why she found love in David again.

When you came out, he looked at you with a worried look on his face, he still had the same clothes on but he was back to looking like himself. Did you really just tell him that you wished he wasn't here after everything he had done for you today? God, you felt like a selfish asshole. No wonder you didn't have anyone in life that you could actually count on.

"Do you want me to disappear?" He asked you and you suddenly felt so anxious.

"No. I'm sorry..I'm so sorry Loki" as you started to sob he walked towards you and hugged you as tightly as he could, that was it for you in that moment, you broke down and cried until you couldn't cry any more.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean it, please don't go, i ..you're the only true friend I have..the best one i have ever had, and you were so good to me today, so sweet and I'm so sorry lo" you pulled away to look at him so he cupped your cheeks and kissed your forehead.

"I'm sorry I ruined the feast with my callousness" you smiled as he said that. He wasn't being callous, he just wanted to defend you. What a sweet sweet man.

"Well it's not as if it was going any better before..so I'm not really sorry about it" he kissed your forehead again and you just wanted to kiss him, it took everything to not clash your lips against his in that moment.

"You don't deserve to be treated in such a manner, you went through such pain today to make this enjoyable for them and you don't deserve anyone hurting you like that, none of the things they said hold true whatsoever" he said to you softly.

"You don't either Loki, I'm sorry it was me who hurt you today but I never want to be such a jerk to you again" he smiled at the statement.

"I understand, I have had my fair share of outbursts to comprehend that it didn't come from a place of malice but mere frustration and it wasn't intended for me" he mumbled and it made you smile. God he really was a dreamboat.

"Thank you Loki for everything you did today. You have no idea how much I appreciate you being here for me right now, i really do"

You hugged him again and took a deep breath, his hugs and sweet words really made you feel better than before. He was your friend, you loved having him as your friend. You looked up at him and the look in his eyes made you aware of the close proximity so you stepped away a little, he placed his hands inside the pocket of his pants to avoid the awkwardness but he had something in there so he took it out.

"What is it?"

"Something one of your sisters shoved into the pocket when we greeted each other" he said as he passed the slip to you. It was her phone number. What a bitch.

"Burn it down"

"Yes madam" you smiled as he said that.

"Umm..I'll go sleep, I'm tired" you mumbled as turned around and stepped towards the closet to take your pyjamas out.

"Uhh..What can I do to make you feel better?" he asked you, so you sighed.

"Nothing i– " Well actually "There's something you can do" you gave him a mischievous smile and he sighed as he understood what you wanted from him.

That's how he ended up on the sofa with you sitting on the floor with his feet resting on your thighs while you painted his toenails the same colour as yours.

"So pretty" you giggled as you finished the one leg and it warmed his heart. It was unbearable for him to see that hurt look on your face throughout the evening, knowing that there were people in the world who hurt you like that made his heart clench, he just wanted you to not feel that way like ever. He wanted to keep you protected.

"Maybe tomorrow we can do your makeup" you said nonchalantly making him tilt his head in response.

"How about no?" He responded and you feigned a look of disappointment.

At night he slept in that bed of yours, his sad brows were faster than your resistance today. You couldn't sleep though. You kept wondering if he'd come cuddle you but it has been an hour and he seemed asleep now. Wow this really bothered you, him not cuddling you by force like he had done in the last two days really really bothered you.

You sat up and got off from his princely bed then you took a few steps towards yours, you thought about what you were going to do for a moment. When he cuddled you, it was circumstancial, he had a nightmare the first night and then his body ached the other, you had no choice in that matter, you could have always pretended that you didn't love his cuddles but getting in the bed now would affirm that you indeed enjoyed sleeping with him like that and wanted it as much as he did.

Fuck it your cursed in your head before crawling into the bed. He was asleep but he did feel your body next to him, maybe he'd think that he was dreaming. Goddss he smelled divine.

He was lying on his side facing towards you so you sneaked your hand in the space between his neck and the pillow, he felt the invasion and instead of opening his eyes and calling you out for it he scooted closer to you instead and pressed his head down on your chest like he had done before. One of his arms went under your waist to pull you even closer while the other wrapped around you.

He embraced you as intimately as he could without it turning too sexual, this was the most intimate you had ever been with a man. Sure you had sex but even then you had several inches of distance between your bodies somehow. You hooked your legs around his waist in the usual position.

"Thank you" you mumbled softly in his ears and he hummed in response. You were thankful for him, you had known him for mere few weeks but you had never felt so strongly understood by someone.

"I'm overjoyed that you came. I just figured you needed your personal space tonight, perhaps I was mistaken " you smiled as he mumbled against your chest.

"Perhaps"

You knew it won't take you long enough to fall asleep now, you wondered if this was appropriate or not but you no longer cared for it. You also knew that you were only digging a deeper hole for yourself. Getting addicted to the feeling of cuddling him like this will only hurt you later when he won't be here with you. Your mother wasn't wrong, men like him didn't choose women like you for life but then you knew that already, didn't you?

Nothing so good could ever last forever, nothing so sweet and gentle could ever be wholly yours. Maybe you can press the stop button on this tomorrow but tonight you just wanted to indulge a little. Tonight you just wanted to live a little. Something that you haven't done for as long as you could remember.

🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶

Tag list (if you want to be tagged or removed let me know.. also I’m not able to tag some of you, please check your settings)

@annoyingsweetsstranger @mcufan72

@nixymarvelkins @stupidthoughtsinwriting @fictive-sl0th @huntress-artemiss @eleniblue @violethaze @anukulee @ladymischief11 @12-pm-510 @wolfsmom1 @whylokiissocute @hyperlokilover @vickie5446 @pics-and-fanfics @daddylokisqueen @tallseaweed @olivertwistrabbit @blog-the-lilly @prettylittlepluviophile @flashhxn-lights @vanilla-daydreaming @somewiseguy @yaaamadaa-blog @dragonmurray @nyxxharmonia @elthreetimes @grufteila

#loki x female reader #loki #loki x reader fluff #loki x reader #loki x reader insert #loki x reader fic #loki x you #loki x reader angst #loki fics #canon divergent au #post avengers loki

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satureja13 · 2 months

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Vlad is back from Goldshire in the Therapy Game. He waited a bit before logging out, but he's still so upset about NPC Leander. Tiny Can looks at least a bit ashamed for what he did to him. They are going to have a talk about this later. And the way he finds Kiyoshi and Jeb doesn't make it any better. They haven't changed clothes for days (means they didn't shower either) and it does not look like they've even eaten. Even though the store is full of food!

And the Bond is killing him! He checked the clock. No - as expected he'd only been away for a few hours in this time zone so there's no reason it should act up. But the Bond had been with him in ingame time for over 24 hours and it demands to be charged. Asap. At least Kiyoshi is still awake and had kept an eye on him while he was playtesting -.-

Vlad sighed from the depths of his soul. He's going to take care of Kiyoshi and Jeb first - even though the Bond is raging and wants to Ji Ho. To touch him. To hold him. To... ENOUGH ALREADY!

Vlad woke Jeb and went to the vending machine to grab them some food.

Vlad: "Boys. After I put you two to bed I'll head over to the Beach House to charge the Bond. And then I'll have to talk to Saiwa..." Jeb winced and Kiyoshi looked guilty. "...about the game. I'll send Ji Ho over to watch over you... Seems everyone here is in need of this therapy - except for me..."

After 'dinner', Vlad shooed them into the bathrom.

...

And then he tucked them in Jeb's bed. Because that's apparently where Kiyoshi sleeps now. They can't go on like this, that's for sure. He'll talk to Saiwa. Kiyoshi and Jeb should try the Therapy Game too. Maybe even before they send Saiwa - or Jack back. Or Ji Ho.

And then Vlad left. That was about time! The Bond is burning his insides down!

It started to rain. Ji Ho suffers too. Of course he does. And Diablo cantered faster.

'Somebody bring me some water Can't you see it's out of control? Baby's got my heart and my baby's got my mind But tonight the sweet devil, the sweet devil's got my soul

Will this aching pass? Will this night be through? I wanna hear the breaking glass I only feel the steel of the red hot truth'

Melissa Etheridge - Bring me some Water TMI: Melissa Etheridge came out publicly as a lesbian in January 1993 during the Triangle Ball, an LGBTQ+ event.

From the Beginning ~ Underwater Love ~ Latest 🕹️ 'Therapy Game' from the beginning ▶️ here 📚 Previous Chapters: Chapters: 1-6 ~ 7-12 ~ 13-16 ~ 17-22 ~ 23-28

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bye-shou · 3 months

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luca kaneshiro × gn!reader

angst

characters : luca kaneshiro

side characters : -

warnings : character death, hurt no comfort (i think you know what's up), suicide❗❗❗, implied self harm❗

please do NOT interact if you are sensitive to the topics marked with exclamation marks (❗)

summary : your husband's asthma has been getting worse, but he's been saying that it's fine, and that he didn't need to go to the doctor. but...

i managed to cook up something!1!!11

⇚ ↺ ⇛

you are the significant other of luca kaneshiro, a boss of one of the most famous companies in the whole world.

you were doing chores, like sweeping & mopping the floors, cooking, organizing, being a responsible housekeeper.

you hear some footsteps, and are met with a hug from your dear husband.

"welcome home, dear." you greet, smiling as luca keeps you in a warm embrace.

"hey..." he greets back, still hugging you tightly. then, he coughs.

"oh, are you sick? or is your asthma acting up again..?" you ask worriedly, as luca tries holding back coughs.

"it's okay. i'm fine, don't worry about me." he says, patting your back reassuringly.

"if you say so... but please go to the doctor if the symptoms get worse..." you get worried. luca rarely got asthma attacks the past few weeks, but it seems something happened.

"you should work so hard, you know...? take a break, working without rest is harmful to your health." you advise, your voice soft, worry visible in your words.

"it's fine. the bills won't pay themselves, you know?" he jokes, however you didn't laugh.

"well... your inhaler is on the table. i'll prepare something that won't make your asthma worse, okay?" you say, before pulling away from his hug and going to the kitchen. luca just nods, letting go of you.

he goes to the bathroom to shower after a long day at work, while you prepare some chicken & rice with spinach and kale. you also cut up some fruits.

luca came to the dinner table, ready to eat. although he didn't enjoy vegetables a lot, he knew he had to eat them.

you two enjoyed dinner, and decided to do your own things. luca did his normal things like working.

it was 10pm, and you both decided to get some rest so you could wake up early for a new day tomorrow.

you two hugged and cuddled together, and eventually fell asleep.

the next few days were similar. his asthma getting worse, yet him refusing to go to the doctor and telling you not to worry.

⇚ ↺ ⇛

you both went to bed early, because you both had matters to attend to — luca needing to go to work and you needing to run a few errands.

when you woke up, you realized luca was not by your side. you thought that he probably just went to get ready.

when you went out, you saw luca.

but... he didn't give you a hug and big smile. instead, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘢𝘸 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥.

"luca!? a-answer me..! luca!" you realized tears were forming in your eyes. you immediately ran to get your phone, then called 911.

"h-hello!? 911...! my husband passed out, his asthma has been worse lately, but he saw it as nothing... but this morning, i found him passed out on the floor...!" you manage to sob out, you were so scared of what was gonna happen to him.

"calm down, where's the address? we'll send an ambulance right away!" the officer on the other side said, getting ready to dispatch an ambulance.

"i-it's xxx, b-block b xx..!" you tried calling yourself down, but you just couldn't. you started crying, breaking down.

"okay, i have dispatched an ambulance. stay on the call with me." she says, telling you reassuring words how your husband will be fine.

when the ambulance came, they immediately brought luca into the ambulance and set off to the hospital asap, as the officer on the phone hung up.

you drove the the hospital, and searched for the room luca was in.

you waited and waited outside, waiting for the news about him. your heart was racing, you were nervous.

a doctor went out of luca's room, and you hoped that he went to bring out good news. but, he seemed really sad.

"𝙬𝙚'𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙤 𝙨𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙮. 𝙬𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜." the doctor said, "please be patient. really, we tried everything. but... 𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘪𝘵."

just those four words were enough to make you burst into tears. you were in denial, there's no way he's gone, right...? you two were being all lovey-dovey the other day... how...?

⇚ ↺ ⇛

ever since that day, you were in a deep depression.

you couldn't do anything, you couldn't even get out of bed.

you couldn't bear it. you couldn't bear the fact that your dear husband for five years, has passed on.

you didn't want to believe it. you tried convincing yourself that it was just a dream.

but, you have to face reality.

he's gone. and there's nothing you can do about it.

you sobbed day and night, you were so guilty. why didn't you bring him to the hospital, when you knew it was the right choice?

you felt like a horrible person.

⇚ ↺ ⇛

eventually, you got up. not positively, though.

you started hurting yourself, whether it be cutting yourself or not eating at all.

you felt horrible. you had no appetite, you didn't feel like you could ever be happy ever again.

one day, you chose a choice that will never be able to be reversed.

you chose to 𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭. hoping that, maybe you'll get to see luca in heaven, and you two could meet up happily again.

you went to the beach, and made sure to go to an area where there was nobody guarding it.

you slowly walked into the water, without stopping.

you went deeper and deeper into the water, you didn't care if your clothes were soaked by now.

slowly but surely, your lungs started getting filled up with water.

you couldn't breathe, though you were holding in your coughs to make sure there wasn't any unwanted attention.

eventually, you 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨. everything was dark, and you hoped no one would find you. you were nowhere near the shore, after all.

maybe luca wanted you to live a long life, but you couldn't bear to live like that when your dear husband has passed on.

#luca kaneshiro #nijisanji #nijisanji en #vtuber #luxiem #gn reader #luca kaneshiro x reader #angst #no comfort #character death #vtuber x reader #gender neutral reader #luxiem x reader #x reader

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humbletumblecrudi · 1 year

Text

Ace Trappola × Male!Yuu!Reader × Deuce Spade [ADeuce/Yuu]

Info On Reader: Reader is intended Masc, and uses he/him/they/them. Reader is intended to be a Yuu of some kind, but I don't use the "Yuu" name here. Reader has no determined features except they are masculine presenting, so all Yuu's (Masc/Trans Masc/NB Masc) can read this. Grim and Reader have a good relationship in this writing.

Warning(s): Nothing in the fic. | Fujoshi's DNI | Fem Aligned Individuals can read if they have a Masc MC/Yuu. | Silent Readers & Blank Blogs DNI

Timeline: Ambiguous, but it's at least during Chapter 5. Nobody is known to have any animosity in this writing.

Ace and Deuce are as close as two could ever be, and yet they are as fiery as any Savanaclaw members could ever be when together. The brazen Ace Trappola can get on the nerves of the spitfire Deuce Spade any day at any time, but you can see the rivalry from day one.

Ace, at first, claims he's always so discourteous because Deuce was just some goody-goody who can't let loose. Deuce, at first, claims he's always so mistrustful of Ace because he's far too loud and flippant. Still, even after all this time, they still claim this while eating together at breakfast... lunch... dinner... Unbirthday Parties...

It's obvious to some they have feelings for each other like Trey or Cater, but some are caught by surprise when they are a known couple... like Riddle. It's mostly a shock to everyone, simply because of predetermined thoughts of monogamy, when Deuce first calls you a romantic nickname for the first time.

It sends a shock through anyone who's listening, but thankfully Deuce isn't the type to say anything without you there. You can see everyone's faces go between perplexed, shocked, and stupefied. This was an ice breaker for them, and you know that Deuce was just as nervous as you were while letting it slip when discussing your relationship with Deuce's upperclassmen.

With Ace also later backing you up (he had to go to a tutoring session) it didn't take long for other's to understand your all dating. Nothing wrong with that, and basically the only thing Riddle might slap your wrist for is PDA in the halls.

If your the rambunctious and flirty type, you most definitely have been yelled at for PDA in the halls at least once. So you know at least Riddle gives you no special treatment after his Overblot, even if he's a lot nicer. You might be collared (even with/without magic) if you do it more then twice to either of them, though.

Visiting Ace during basketball club hours can see you getting teased by Floyd as you come in the double doors first thing. "Crabbie, your boyfriend is here~!" If Deuce comes in after at anytime, Floyd will chuckle evilly as he jokes more. He'll repeat, "Crabbie, your [other] boyfriend is here~!" Jamil, if he sees you or Deuce first, just pauses practice unless their already on the field. Practice first, break later.

You and Ace joining Deuce for his club activity it far less eventful as Jack is already apart of your friend group and is generally pretty calm about most things. Seeing you both in the stands, Deuce will send a wave and Jack a nod as they continue practice. Afterwards, Deuce will lean on the bleachers to look up at you and Ace, and he'd willingly take slight teases that he needs a shower ASAP from Ace.

"Henchmen, you'll not kick me out of our room for those two chumps, right?!" Grim will ask one day as the other two plan to stay the night. You'll have to assure him that it's your room (plural), a joint room. "Good! Good... ! But if Trappola pulls that dumb line of sharing a bed again, I'll kick him out myself!"

Definitely, if you can cook for yourself, they'd buy a bit of groceries for you whenever they can. They know you get food from the store and/or the cafeteria, but sometimes they want to pitch in just to help. It's never much because they're freshman that probably would save money for future expenses... but if you want anything specific after your shop run, they'll buy it for a dinner date.

They will be around Ramshackle more often for more then just study dates and the occasional dinner dates, and you can bet that Deuce gets you and Ace on a Blastcycle before long to go the the beach. He tells you both this is his "vent" spot, and now, you all can share these memories here together. Overall, it's fun, as long as you don't get caught by Crowley.

Reblogs > Likes, please reblog something during your stay. Requests are open!

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peridotglimmer · 4 months

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Dinnertime

Inspired by @cajunandfire's post about Diana and 47 cooking a Sunday dinner together at the Freelancer mansion, I bring you this short, sweet ficlet. (Because my brain refused to let me continue working on like sugar (melting into black tea) until I had put this to digital paper. (Or, well, physical paper first, actually.)

Rated T for one singular suggestive sentence. No warnings apply except to brush your teeth properly after this one because this is sweet.

Diana sighed, shutting her laptop down with a satisfied smile. She didn't usually work on Sundays, not because she was a devout Christian, but moreso because Sundays were the one day she and 47 tried to keep completely free of work plans, so they could do whatever they wanted, be it together or apart. However, 47 had only just returned from a showdown this morning, and she had needed to deal with the paperwork ASAP. She was lucky he didn't mind, spending his afternoon catching up on some home maintenance himself. But when she had heard the shower be turned on around ten minutes ago, she knew she wanted to make haste: he was done, and would be waiting for her downstairs.

As Diana descended the stairs, the music playing in the kitchen slowly became audible. 47 had turned on a smooth jazz playlist she recognised as being one of her personal favourites. She found him in the kitchen, pouring a bottle of red into the decanter.

"Hello, my love," she greeted him. He didn't pretend not to have noticed her approach, with his enhanced instincts they both knew he sensed her presence throughout the entire home. If it had been anyone else, it would have been unnerving, but with 47, Diana just felt protected.

"Just in time," he replied, reaching out for her. She walked up to him and learnt into his side, fitting perfectly beneath his outstretched arm which he lowered and wrapped around her waist.

"You smell lovely," Diana commented. She could smell her own shower gel on his skin, a flowery bouquet instead of his personal pine-scented one. 47 blushed.

"I ran out of mine; we'll have to get some more in town tomorrow."

"I suppose that's my fault, due to all the showers I've been forcing you to take with me recently," Diana replied, chuckling softly. She had some very fond memories of their shared showers and baths, and wasn't about to stop inviting him.

"I don't mind." 47 nodded towards the kitchen counter, where he had begun to lay out potatoes, carrots and cauliflower. "Feeling like beef or chicken?"

"Hm, chicken," Diana decided. As 47 walked over to the fridge to retrieve the chicken they had bought last week for this exact purpose, a Sunday roast, Diana took a chef's knife from the knife block and began prepping the vegetables and potatoes. They worked in a comfortable silence together. She didn't have to tell him about the bureaucratic completion of this most recent contract; he trusted her to inform him of anything worth knowing. Likewise, she knew that he would show her what he had accomplished today after dinner -- she knew he had been wanting to finish painting the shed.

47 placed the chicken into the oven, Diana setting aside the sheet pan of potatoes and vegetables until it was time to roast those as well. In the meantime, the sound system began playing a Grover Washington, Jr. song, and Diana nudged 47 with a soft smile.

"Dance with me?" She bit down softly on her bottom lip and looked up at him, knowing he couldn't resist giving into her demands when she requested something like this. Chuckling, as he knew exactly what she was doing, 47 took her into his arms, and together they swayed to the music.

It was funny, Diana mused as they danced, going from such a dark and gloomy world of assassination and shadow clients and absolutely sinister organisations to now standing barefoot in the kitchen of the home they shared, a homemade dinner in the oven, and feeling just so ridiculously happy.

Some days she had trouble believing this was really her life.

Luckily, 47 never minded having to remind her.

#belle writes #hitman fanfiction #hitman fanfic #diana/47 #cajunandfire

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thecandywrites · 2 months

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Monster March 2024- Day 28- Cryptid

OkCryptid

Because I can't resist. I know, I'm running behind. But hopefully I'll be able to catch up.

Huge thanks to @borealwrites for their fabulous Monster March 2024 Prompt List. As well as @thetravelerwrites for their OkCryptid prompt.

Monster March 2024- Day 28- Cryptid-

OkCryptid- Beerfest

Phoenix felt she should have gotten a shower, or at the very least, changed out of her work scrubs. But there was no way she had enough time between her late emergency clients and this date. She was honestly tired, stressed and with all the tips she got, she had enough to treat herself - even if this date didn’t show as she went straight to the bar to get the strongest, fruitiest drink. Even though this bar was currently having a beerfest. But she wasn’t a beer kind of girl but she knew she could get one hell of a drink no matter what.

“Hey Phoenix, what can I get you?” Andy asked as he approached her.

“I need a bahama mama, could you make her lethal please?” Phoenix requested hopefully.

“You got it. Rough day?” He asked as he started making her the drink, putting in twice the amount of alcohol as normal.

“Yeah, I got booked for my two emergency appointment slots tonight- on top of a full shift. And I just got matched on OkCryptid and he wanted to meet me here tonight at the last minute and I don’t have time to go home, get freshened up first or anything. I just hope my deodorant holds out.” Phoenix admitted as she nibbled on her bottom lip.

“Well if he tries anything, or even if he stands you up, you let me know ok?” Andy urged her.

“Absolutely, thanks.” Phoenix thanked him gratefully before he finished her drink and she slid him a 50.

“Understood. Tell the hostess you’re a friend of Angel’s and she’ll seat you around the bar where we can keep an eye on ya. And tell your waiter or waitress that too and they’ll keep a close eye on you too.” Andy urged her.

“Let me get you change.” Andy offered.

“No. I don’t need change, I just need your eyes. I just got a bad feeling about this- my date all but demanded that I meet him ASAP, he just came off just a tad aggressive in asking me out tonight. He said he would meet me anywhere, and pay for any dinner I wanted, and he wanted to take me to some super expensive place that I'm way underdressed for. So here tonight- even on a Friday night during a beerfest was where I'm known- was a compromise.” Phoenix explained.

“Thank you!” She nodded as she got her drink and took a long pull, melting at the ice cold, delicious, sweet and strong drink in her mouth.

She kept checking her phone as he sent her several messages where he swore and promised he was coming, but just needed to find a parking spot nearby because the bar was packed and people were having to park in the parking garage nearby, where she too had parked, but walked here. She waited, a few anxious minutes before her date came in, only a few minutes late, but that was ok. She needed the drink to take the edge off and hopefully this wouldn’t blow up in her face, again.

“Here he is, wish me luck.” Phoenix offered to Andy before she left the bar with drink in hand.

“Draven?” She asked as she came up to him with her drink once she waived and he lit up with a bright happy smile when he saw her as he tried to move through the crowded restaurant to get to her as well.

“Hey! Phoenix, right?” He asked charmingly and a bit nervously as he offered her his hand to shake.

“Yup. A pleasure to meet you. Sorry, I just got off work. I look like a mess, had my two emergency appointments get booked tonight. No time to go home and get ready or anything.” She offered as she gestured to her appearance.

“Oh pffbbsh, don’t worry about it. I know it’s still spring and still the busy season. And you don’t need to get all dressed up and dolled up, you’re gorgeous just the way you are.” He tried to charm her.

“Aww, thanks. So did you get us a reservation?” She asked.

“Yes I did. Let’s go.” He offered as he gently ushered them through the crowd to where the hostess was telling others who were coming in, what kind of wait there was for the pub tonight, with wait times now almost being an hour long.

“Hi, I have a reservation for two under Harrison?” He offered.

“And I’m a friend of Angel’s.” Phoenix offered as she and the hostess exchanged a meaningful look and a nod.

“Oh awesome. Angel’s a great friend to have isn’t she? I have your down, it’s still gonna be another 15 to 20 minutes for your table to be ready.” The hostess offered as she put a symbol next to the reservation.

“We can wait by the bar right?” Phoenix asked.

“Yes, absolutely, here’s your buzzer, just come back when it goes off.” She offered as she offered them the buzzer before Phoenix grabbed it with her free hand and then went back to the bar to snag two open seats next to each other.

“So what can I get you?” Andy asked as he came over to Draven.

“What do you have on tap? Besides what's on beerfest?” Draven asked before Phoenix slid the beer menu over to him once he gave the flyer a dismissive glance. Granted, it was for sour beers, which she didn’t care for either.

“I’ll take a pint of….ooh, a toasted macadamia nut stout.” Draven offered before Andy nodded and poured the beer for him.

“So why did you want to meet me tonight? And not tomorrow?” Phoenix asked.

“Because I had plans for my other nights and this was the only one that opened up at the last minute.” Draven answered.

“I see.” Phoenix nodded as she sipped her drink.

“That busy for you too huh?” She offered.

“Yes! It’s been crazy busy, but my friend is wanting to do a group date thing tomorrow night actually, and I don’t have anyone and I really don’t want to ask any of the girls in the office because office romances rarely ever work out. Like I know with shows like The Office and Parks and Rec and pffbbbshh, just about every other cast show, that’s like a big deal but in real life? It tends to be on par with nuclear disasters, at least in my experience. So, yeah, I really just didn’t want to go and risk being set up with anyone’s girlfriend’s friend? Because then it’s just really awkward for everyone too because especially if there’s nothing there between you, you’re both there because you’re friends with the involved party and you’re just counting down the minutes until it’s over and I’ve done that too many times to count now and I don’t even take my chances with that anymore. So, sorry if I came off as needy or pushy or demanding or anything, I’m just in a bind with this. But I really didn’t want to get set up on a blind pity date again.” He confessed.

“Right, so when your evening opened up, you took your chances with OkCryptid instead?” She concluded as she nodded in understanding. Ok that made sense as her inner alarm started to ease just a tad.

“Yup. I’ll trust an algorithm over sheer, blind luck any day. And with you just putting your profile up on OkCryptid and with you working at The Velvet Spa, I knew I needed to take my chances and shoot my shot sooner than later before you get snatched off the market because single girls in there, don’t stay single for long, like barely a day, a week at the absolute most.” Draven reasoned.

“I guess that makes sense.” Phoenix nodded slowly again.

“So, are you just looking to date a Velvet Spa girl period or…?” Phoenix asked suspiciously.

“Sorry, that came off really wrong. It’s not a fetish, I swear, I was just happy we matched, you- doing the work you do is just a huge bonus because you’re used to working with clients who are anything other than human most of the time. And with OkCryptid, it’s more for “other” kinds of people, but obviously, a lot of humans will use it as something of a fetish too.” He clarified.

“Yeah, I guess that makes sense. So, are you a client there?” She asked.

“Oh of course.” He confirmed as she lowkey put his name into the system to hopefully bring up his client file so she would know more than just what his own profile stated. But his client profile didn’t really offer much more either, just his service history.

“So, is your friend dating someone at The Velvet Spa too?” Phoenix asked thoughtfully.

“Yes, River.” He confirmed.

“Oh! So you’re a friend of Rane’s.” She realized.

“Oh, are you a friend of hers?” Draven asked hopefully.

“Uh, no. I don’t know her that well because I only know her at work, we don’t really hang out much outside of work. I’m new and still learning everyone. I only overheard her say Rane’s name in the breakroom, but I was just in there getting more supplies when I heard it. She wasn’t even talking to me. That’s about it. It’s the busy season, we’re in the trenches and practically still in the weeds. And will be for at least the next week or two then things will start to calm down.” Phoenix admitted.

“Ah shucks, I was hoping you knew her so you could tell me if Rane got a good one or not. He’s one of my oldest friends and I’ve seen him go through the ringer a few times. And I was just hoping River would be the settling down type.” He snapped his fingers.

“Sorry, I don’t really know River, so I can’t really say one way or another. I mean I always wish for the best and for things to work out for others in general.” She offered a small shrug.

“Oh of course.” He nodded in agreement.

“So, are you new to the area too?” He asked.

“Yup. I got headhunted straight out of school by Maddison and the others on maternity leave because the girls on maternity leave, still need work done themselves and Bianca not only reimburses it, but it’s a way for them to- keep working I guess, even while on leave. Which is why I think half the staff always seems to be on maternity leave. Bianca even has a wing, especially dedicated to those who are on and off maternity leave. Which is really nice.” She noted.

“But you must be really good to be headhunted like that.” He ventured.

“Well, I would say I’m average for a newbie.” She chuckled a bit.

“My class just graduated only two weeks ago. I started training even before I fully graduated because the way they teach us things in school and the way Bianca does things is slightly different. Actually Bianca does things better and to a standard that’s well above any and every State and Federal Medical Board and she runs that Spa as if every client is an inspector and keeps us practically in a constant state of readiness. And she makes sure all of us are ready for when and if the board does a surprise inspection. And I was lucky that my clients followed me from the school’s clinic to The Velvet Spa, even though, most go to the school clinic because it’s much cheaper and easier to get in there than it is to the spa. But, with the school clinic, it’s still a blind grab bag because you could get a first, second or third semester student. But I live like, an hour away, just outside the city. So it’s a long drive, but so far, it’s been well worth it. There’s little towns with little beauty salons that others go to. But the client density is way smaller out there and barely enough to fill a part timer’s hours. But with Bianca not only offering full time hours with full time pay, but with benefits to boot which in this industry- is a rarity.” She offered.

“Oh, so do you know Dove?” He asked hopefully.

“Yes! Dove I know. She was in the class ahead of me. And she even vouched for me to get the position in the first place.” Phoenix nodded.

“Well, she is supposed coming too with my friend Finley, so at least you’d know someone if you went with me to the thing tomorrow.” He supplied.

“Yeah I would. So you work with Finley and Rane? Because I know they are working on a project together but from two separate companies.” Phoenix recalled.

“In a way, yeah, I work in financing and I’ve helped with the financing on their various projects.” He offered.

“Oh, that’s nice.” Phoenix nodded.

“So what’s this thing tomorrow?” Phoenix asked.

“Oh Rane wanted a group dating- thing at this really nice teppanyaki restaurant, it’s called Sakura Fuji. And they invited me and others that are in on the project and some of them are married and others already have girlfriends or whatever but I was the only one without a partner. And I didn’t want to chance any of them- putting stress on their new relationships- trying to ask their girlfriends to get a friend of theirs to come be my date for it, because again, bad experiences with that in the past. And this time, I just kind of went out on a limb and you’re practically my hail miracle.” He offered.

“And what time would it be at?” Phoenix asked.

“Oh I think it’s at 6. Six or seven.” He answered.

“Ok, that sounds fun. I’ve only been to like a hibachi place before, so that’s kind of similar right?” She mused.

“Yeah, practically the same thing, just a lot nicer with much better ingredients.” He expounded.

“Well, in that case, I’m looking forward to it.” Phoenix grinned as she gave Andy the ‘I’m good’ grin and subtle hand motion just as the buzzer went off

#Monster March 2024 #Monster March 2024- Day 28- Cryptid #OkCryptid!

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fractallogic · 1 year

Text

I went to the happy hour (it was good! Both food and company were very good!) and I came home and talked to scone (also good! I did not cry while telling him how terrible my week was!) and between those two things I trimmed Artemis’ claws and she was so cooperative (so good, especially since she decided later, when I picked her up like a baby after my shower when she wanted cuddles, to do her biscuit presses ON MY FACE)

So I think that booking the trip to CO was the hump I had to get over today before it started improving (although I am still very appreciative of that doughnut I had in seminar).

Tomorrow I’m not setting an alarm and waking up to brunch hockey (the game starts at 1 PM Detroit time, which is totally reasonable for a Saturday game, and therefore it’s 10 OR time, which is. always weird. but in a good way), after which I’ll go for a walk and do some work because I really need to get the grant application finished, and a lot of the more mindless stuff is what I really need to do ASAP to get it to my grants office.

And then I can make one of the things for dinner that I’ve planned to make for a while, and try to go to bed early to keep working tomorrow!

OH AND at some point I will play the video games I’ve been craving. That’s an important part of this weekend. Crucial, one might say. Especially as mental preparation to like, have it really emphasized that mom is dead, well and truly gone, when I go down to go through her stuff. That’s one thing that I realized while writing this post and is really a punch to the gut. Like. God.

But NOT RIGHT NOW!!! Right now we’re going to take the sleeping cat off my lap and put her to bed, and then get some water and put myself to bed. Look at this very sleepy angel.

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hoshi-kawaii · 1 month

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So apparently, my air bnb doesn't allow any smoking on the property, even outside. 😭 they specified weed and ecigs so like I can't even use a vape cart? Wtf? They have cameras set up "for security" so it's not like I can smoke outside without them knowing.

This makes my anxiety for vacation go through the roof. I'm gonna need to rely on Edibles but it's gonna be so fucking hard to not be able to wake and bake for vacation activities.

Like I was able to get through a vacation in at a resort in mexico using just mmj capsules, but that was because I had no major events to go to. Everything was in walking distance on the resort and all I had to do every day was make it to dinner. I went in a pool a handful of times.

I spent so much time sleeping to keep up with just going out to dinner.

I am going to need a lot of weed to get through an active vacation in LA.

I might bring a dry herb vape and smoke out the window for a wake and bake. I feel like that would be most effective and smell the least. I just dont see how I can get through this vacation without it.

I don't have any idea how to dose out Edibles by mg because I make them at home with recycled resin. And they suck at maintaining a high through a whole day because of how they take at least an hour to kick in and have issues with piggy backing etc.

Idk how they think they can tell people used carts and ecigs inside without a camera? If you air it out properly, the smell doesn't linger.

I can of course use carts when I'm out and about and I can smoke at my sister's place without issues (her husband is an OG Cali stoner). But that's a 20 minute drive from the airbnb so it's not like I can go there and smoke before everything we do.

For starters I have to take dramamine 1hr before I go anywhere or I will get car sick. So the ideal would be to take that then smoke so when the hour is up I'm ready to go.

There is no way I can survive 1hour then a 20 minute drive every morning just to smoke while on vacation.

I need that shit in me asap so I can get myself ready. I'm pretty much a corpse before I get weed in me, especially on vacation.

It just sucks that sick and disabled people get the short stick everywhere they go. I'm gonna have to buy a shower chair to use for that 1 week because there is no way I'm gonna be able to stand in the shower. I'm probably just gonna leave it there so they can have it for other disabled people. (Even though they don't have a removable shower head, which makes things harder.)

It sucks because this airbnb listing is ground level with no stairs, perfect for disabled people, but has no amenities for the disabled.

#anxiety fueled rant

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ecmlol · 2 years

Text

The distance between part 1

The whole trip dick has been distant yet attentive to kory. Every where she goes he's close by handing her what she was looking for and what she needs . It was so confused to her. Kory can't seem to get dick to talk to her. Something was haunting him and she wanted to know what it was. That night they stumbled apond the motel they stayed at last time that's the night everything changed. Dick quickly excused himself from the group after everyone finished eating dinner. About 30 minutes later there is a knock on kory's door. She looks in the peephole and opens it when she see dick standing there waving a bottle at her. Is he drunk ? Kory thinks to herself.

Ah dick are you ok?

No no I'm not . He says as he walks in and leans against the door

You know you can talk to me right

That what you want me to do this whole time . Dick talk to me let me in . God I want to I want to tell you everything all the thing that have been rolling around in my head. He pushes off the door and hands her the bottle of tequila which is more then half gone.

Fuck kory thinks to her self.

How are you still standing?

Very carefully

He sits in the only chair in the room.

So I came to talk this was the only way I was going to get the nerve to do this . Do you believe I have been jumping off build since I was 9 and fighting the likes of two face and joker but you know what scares me more kory?

I know you where a brave little boy dick . Tell what scares you?

Telling you what's in my head that scares the ever living shit out of me . If my phone rang right know and it was a call from the bat himself telling me to come outside I'd go asap.

Then why are you doing this ?

Because I need too I have too.

Why?

Because I had a Epiphany when I was in the pit . I'm ...in love with you kory and Everything point back to you!

Me!??

Yes you you gorgeous intelligent wonderful sexy long legged women you are like everything to me and I was too hard headed to see it.

Kory is speechless

When trigon took over my mind after he broke me guess who he used you and Bruce .i might not say it but I love that bastard. Trigon used bruce to kill you and I blow up the manor after I saw what he did to you and then in my head I killed him because he killed you not because the went apeshit at Arkham . It was about you.

Kory just stares at him

Dick sighs

Then I was shoot and put in to the pit guess what I saw that help me come back to life

Me?

No but close good guess . I saw the most adorable little girl with skin like her mother . A smile that reminds me of yours. Do you know what she said to me?

No what

Hi daddy she completely memorized me just like you do . In my heart I knew she belonged to us. You and me.She has my eye and dark hair not red . I swear my heart started to beat at that moment.

At some point dick had started to walk towards kory

Every things comes back to you kory. And I wasted time trying to figure my self out by myself when you have been right there wanting to help me and love me .

You need to do things on your own that's not a bad things

Dick seem to think about it .

Your right as usual.but still I have been wasting time on this trip because I was scared. Of fucking us up and failing our future. Did I mention how cute our future is?

Yeah you did I'm still trying to process all of this.

Kory stands up and is chest to chest with dick.

So is your head clear enough for me to kiss you or do need a sips of the can of coke in my fridge.

Kory smile and kisses him on the cheek and steps around him.

Please

I was about to take a shower would you like to join me . Kory say and she pops the can open and hands it to him.

Dick chuggs it and he watches kory gets undress and heads into the bathroom an closes the door behind her before he burps.

He knocks on the bathroom door.

Can I come In ?

Always the gentleman .Of course silly

He first pees

Im so sorry

For what?

Everything

Dick steps into the shower after stripping out of his clothes.

He has such a glazed over look.

You at so beautiful. He says as he looks at her .

Kory is pretty sure they aren't having sex to night but she could be wrong . She runs a soapy hand over his chest and he just smiles at her like a fool.

Let's get you cleaned up. He fumbles with the soap.

Woh there I got it you just worry about staying up right ok .

He nods a little to eagerly . She quick washes up and he leans on her and rest his head in her shoulder and wraps his arm around her waist.

She chuckles. She turns in his arm and washes him up .

He swaps a little and smiles.

I have to pee again

He gets out and pees again

Broke that seal huh

Yeap! Dicks says with a laugh . He get back in and she helps him finish washing up.

You always take such good care of everyone.

I do because I love all of you. You guys are my family.

Dick rinse off

She was hoping his boner would go away but I guess having the women that your in love with washing your junk doesn't help the problem. In love with she had to say it twice for it to really hit home. She steers him to the bed with the towel around his hip. She drys off quickly. He falls back on to the bed after sitting

No dick sit up your getting the bed wet

She helps him up

He catches himself staring at her bare breast.

Sorry

Your always a gentleman even drunk off your ass

Bruce drilled it into me that I need to alway be respectful to all women out of cape

Out of cape ?

When I'm wasn't Robin because sometime the bad guy was a bad girl and I'd still have to do my job right

Yeah you do

Man how did she get to this point. she is Just hovering over dick's hard dick .She thinks as she dry him off. His eyes are close as she drys his wet hair.

You have no close how much I want to just lean in and suck.

Kory chuckles

You have no idea how I just want to sit down on your lap.

Why don't you?

You are in no shape to consent to sex dick.

Wow you really do love me I wish other thought that too.

Dick says in a sad way that made her stop and really look at him. His eyes are closed and he wasn't hard and more.

Dick?

Yeah

Did someone ....take advantage of you?

I was 13 and was on patrol with Bruce she was part of a drug bust and I separated her from everyone. We went from build to building until I lost her or I thought I lost her and she must of circle around and hit me over the head. I woke up to her above me .......I begged her to stop she wouldn't listen.....

He frowns.

Hey your ok I promise I'm done touching you.

Kory doesn't know why she said that.she wasn't doing anything remotely sexual to himself and he didn't flinch away from her.

But I like it when you do it.

Come on let's get you to bed.

Kory pulls the covers back and helps him in .

Went she was done she told me I was a man now and that it was a insult for me to have come so close to catching her. I shook myself out of it and shot my grappling hook at her. I hog tired her and called for back up .I never told anyone not even Bruce donna or my therapist that Bruce use to take me too.

Kory didn't know what to say but it was pointless because dick just fell a sleep before she could get a word in. That night kory didn't sleep until she finished the bottle off.

The next morning

Dick is woken up to a banging at the door . He gets up and check the peek hole .it Rachel .

Being half asleep. He cracks the door . Rachel pushes in .

Kory dick is gone.

Rachel stop looks back and see dick naked butt

Oh god dick your naked

I am???

Before he turns around he looks down he covers himself with his hands

She turns and see korys naked back

Oh god you too? Rachel says

Where am I ? Dick said

Your in kory room rachel says

Kory starts to wake up .

Rachel?

Are you guys fucking again?

What? Kory say

Rachel can you leave so I can put some pants on??dick say

Go to the bathroom dick

Kory turns around

No we are not fucking rachel

Rachel hands her shirt she took off when the tequila started to work.

Dick runs into the bathroom.

She gets out of the bed in shorts

See shorts

Oh then why is he naked

I love you but please lower your voice when you trying to get into my business.

Sorry

Why is he naked Rachel whispers and points to the bathroom

He was drunk and I wasnt letting him out of my sight. So I put him to bed in here. He was to drunk I thought he might choke on his vomit

Oh wow .what was he like drunk?

Very interesting.

Really how so

Don't worry about it go tell the boys he's safe with me.

Rachel leaves

The bathroom door opens a second later.

Man my head hurts.

Check the side table dick

There is a small bottle of water and Tylenol waiting for him .

You are to good to me

He picks both of them up and drinks them both down.

Hey I'll do the first shift of driving you had a rough night.kory says

The bathroom smells like vomit .

Yeap that was you I'm just glad you didn't it when you where in the bathroom.

Oh I'm so sorry

For what?

Coming to you drunk.

I'm not

Your not?

No you accomplish what you need to last night

I did?

Yeah you told me everything

I did?

Yeah and by the way I love you too and I look forward to meeting our daughter one days

I did tell you everything.

Oh after you get a chance to brush I'll kiss you properly.

She heads to the bath room to get ready for the day.

When kory comes out dick is gone. She gathers everything up and heads to the rv.Dick is loading everything up when she gets there. He sure gets dressed quick but kory did take her time doing her makeup and hair.

Dick takes her bag and puts it in the rv.

Thanks you

Dick turns back and smile

No problem .

Kory take the opportunity to stop him from turn away with a hand on his chin. He kisses it and winks at her.

Kory smile.

She follows him to the driver seat . He pulls the curtain closed once their both seated . Before they can lean in Rachel opens the curtain

I'm hungry

We all are the boys chime in.

Rachel walks away

The fact we are going to add a fifth makes us crazy right? Dick says

It was weird being about to openly talk about his little girl no their little girl it just so unreal to him.

Kory giggle

Yes yes it does

So where are we eating at dick says

As the kids decide what is for breakfast kory sits back and processes last night a little more.

They are really doing this .she thinks to her self.she surprised how calm she feels about everything.how natural it is to look at him and think this man loves me I love him .

Earth to kory dick says

Yeah I'm here what's up

They want dennys

Ok sure.

Kory pulls out and heads to denny

You ok?

Yeah I'm fine why?

You seem a little sad. I didn't cross any line or something yesterday .

She can see the fear on his face out of the corner of her eyes . It made her want to pull over and reassure him that he didn't do anything wrong last night

Oh god no no dick your always the perfect gentleman.

The fear he had in his face melts away.

When they get to Denny . She quickly parks and turn to dick .

Hey I'm going to hug and kiss you here and now . Kory says with a smile . Dick gladly gets up and meets her half way.

She hugs him tightly and then kisses him gentle. She lets him take the wheel when it came to how intense the kiss got. He pushes her up against her chair.

They final pull apart with they Both needing air.

They both sigh blissfully and smile at one and other.

Someone smack the window they turn and look . Rachel

Does she hate the idea of us or is it something else.dick ask

I don't know but I'm about to get to the bottom of this. Kory say

Kory give he a day and we can come back to our Rachel problem maybe she's just hungry. Dick says as he exit the bus.dick shoves his hands in his pockets and smile at kory. She follows his lead

Dick make Rachel sit I'm between him and kory that seem to make Rachel happy and kory even seemed happy about it.

The beginning of the trip rachel wanted to be the dj. So it was just kory and rachel while dick spend tim with the boys.

Everything is going smooth until they pulled other to change drivers and kory wanted to go back to being a dj

Come on kory let's watch movies in the back .

Hey I need company too. Dick says

Come on dick you'll be fine

Kory promise she would watch movies with me.

That was to night.

Movies ? Connor ask as he apparently next to rachel .

I want to watch movies too.

I guess I'm out numbered.

Yes I guess

Kory gets up and smile at the kiddo

who making the popcorn. Kory ask

Gar makes the best popcorn rachel say

Fine I'll make i but I want all of your green skittles gar says.

Deal rachel says

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kaemaki-enthusiast · 2 years

Note

hi im here to request a camilo x reader because your writing is just 🥰🥰

could you write something where reader joins the madrigals at dinner and one of the family members starts talking ab how camilo and y/n should get married one day, and camilo notices that reader is visibly uncomfortable? ive always been really uncomfortable with the idea of marriage and most people say things like “its just a phase” etc, and it would be nice to have the reassurance that im not stupid in not wanting any official marriage.

apologies if this made no sense! im not good at explaining stuff qwq

hii!! i love ur request sm bc i also am lowkey uncomfortable w the idea of marriage 😭

we are us

don’t talk abt the cringey ass title

camilo madrigal x gn!reader

camilo - he/him, reader - they/them

[657 words]

@camilolovesroxiie

———————————————————

you had been invited to la casa madrigal on account of your boyfriend wanting you to meet his parents. you were welcomed by casita’s door as it opened for you to see camilo pause in the middle of his run to look at the door and walk over to you

“hola, mi amor! i was about to go and fetch you,” he welcomed you as he took your hand and took you to the table where a few were already seated including dolores, antonio and isabela. soon luisa and julieta came out with the food as agustin and camilo’s parents sat down, abuela coming in after julieta and mirabel running in and sitting next to you.

“everyone, this is mi novia/novio, y/n” camilo introduced you to his familia as everyone said hello and you said hi. you started to eat your food when camilo’s papa spoke.

“ay camilo, you picked a good one” as pepa agreed, swallowing her food “sí, sí! your wedding will be beautiful!!” i swallow the food in my mouth with a bit of a choke, clearing it with water as i laughed nervously.

“ay dios mio! they’re only 15, even if they want to marry you all don’t need to talk about it now, wait till they’re 17 at least” isabela stated as she moved her food around, she had an opinion on marriage, from her abuela trying to get her married. of course she believed she would eventually get married but her family has this thing with getting married asap.

you finished your food and tapped camilo’s shoulder, giving him a pleading look. he shoveled down the rest of his food (stealing one more arepa from mirabel as her mouth hung open).

“ay, mamí, papa is it okay if me and y/n leave a bit early?” pepa formed a small cloud but dismissed them as felíx calmed her down. camilo smiled at you as he grabbed you and his plates, putting them in the kitchen and taking your hand and leading you to his room. once you got there he held the door open and walked in after you, his room full of mirrors that casita could fog at anytime. he took you to his bed, making you sit as he crouched near you, noticing you slightly wet eyes.

“you okay, mi vida? qué ocurre?” he asked you, tucking your hair behind your ear and cupping your face after. when you let the small tears border and fall, he sat on his bed with you turning your body to be covered with his.

“i just.. i don’t know if i want to get married, it’s not you or anything but” you were cut off as he kissed you, effectively shutting you up,

“ay, mi amor, i don’t mind at all, and my family will understand and i don’t care if they don’t either,” he said, wiping his thumb back and forth across your cheek as you leaned your head against his chest.

“we are us, querido”

you smiled as he peppered your face with kisses. he said he’d be right back, asking dolores to ask your mom if you could stay the night, she nodded smiling and headed down the hill towards your place, he came back into his room, got on his bed and layed on top of you as you played with his hair

“your gonna stay the night, hermosa/hermoso” camilo stated as you made one of his curls bounce, after you didn’t answer, spacing out, he looked up at you

“ay, what about mi mamá, cariño?” he grinned at you as he explained how he sent dolores to ask. you eventually shifted after some small talk so that you were on top of him, you eventually fell asleep and dolores peered in,

“buenos noches, hermano, they can stay” she whispered giving her brother a smile, he thanked her as she quietly shut the door,

“buenos noches, te amo mi vida”

———————————————————

i got bored so i wrote, hope you like it ❤️❤️ sorry for the wait

#encanto #camilo madrigal #camilo encanto #encanto camilo #camilo my beloved #camilo x reader

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erwinscrybaby · 2 years

Text

𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟑𝐭𝐡, 𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐢 𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧.

levi ackerman x fem!reader. nsfw. power play, kind of roleplay, maid outfit, brat taming, dom!levi, housewife!reader, teasing, unusual punishment, fingering, oral (m receives), ass play, use of a butt plug, penetration, clothed sex all for part ii.

note: it's long, got too excited and there's no smut yet so i'm sorry hzhah i hope you like it!! & reblogs are appreciated :p i'll try to write the second asap cause i got a sad writers block >:)

3.086 words. for the kinkmas collab by @chikaiomoi <3

As Levi Ackerman’s wife, you had a single—not meaning it was easy—task. Being the housewife.

You, the woman he had chosen to marry, have a good list of qualities he appreciates, loves and flaws he do not despise at all. Good manners, caring, a compatible mood to his usual cranky face. Gorgeous, an amazing body, velvet lips that could drive crazy even the most controlled Levi. Patient, understands him whenever he needs space, takes care of him when he’s about to collapse in so much paperwork.

In fact, the woman he never actually dreamt about, but fell in his life as a gift from God, or something like this. He could never deny such a blessing.

Because, beyond all the qualities he’s seen during your years living together, Levi would never dismiss the qualities he likes the most about every single person. Just like him, you’re cleanand perfectionist. The good amount—never obsessed, but also never sloppy; looking for the best of you whilst doing your tasks yet not getting frustrated and angry with yourself because it isn’t as flawless as expected.

Fulfilling the expectations he had on you, you’ve never given in to the laziness feeling and let the house tasks for later. Early in the morning, the breakfast is being cooked as Levi takes a shower; his lunch is also packed when he’s leaving to the headquarters. By the time he gets home again, the dinner is almost ready—you don’t finish a few things so when the both of you finally sit down to eat, the food is still warm and tasty.

Not to say about the house—from Sunday to Monday, it has not even a single thing out of its place. Bed is organized, wardrobe smells like the floral fabric softener you use, his uniform, dirty from the previous day, is already ironed and put on a hook. Dishes are never in mountains on the kitchen’s sink; the sofa’s pillows are all arranged. It’s a pleasurable sight when Levi opens the door of his house, tired of the long day, and sees the rooms all neat, the only mess being your endless books, notebooks and colored pens on the small corner table in the living room.

And, making him even happier, when Levi walks towards his room, he can see the average room the both of you choose to be the miscellaneous part of your home. His art and photography frames are never less than rigidly put side by side, following the alphabetic order of the author’s last names; his small winery has his bottles arranged by decades and Safra.

Thus, it is a genuine surprise for him when he opens the mahogany door of his well-designed apartment and sees the uncommon scene of nothing else but books and paper sheets all over the sofa, socks on the carpet and… is this one of his favorite beverages on the center table?

Levi takes a deep breath before stepping inside his place. You do not jump out of nowhere to greet him nor is close for him to see, and a small warning sign starts to sound in his brain. As he walks, he catches the pair of socks, rearranges a few books that don’t look exactly interesting for him and brings the wine bottle with him.

As Levi continues, in order to put at least his precious cabernet sauvignon back into its place, he still listen nothing coming from any other room. Not even a trace of you. Trying to keep it together, ignoring the annoyance growing, he tells to himself you must be sick, too tired to clean the house today. It happens sometimes; you’re not a machine after all. Added to your ridiculous habit of not telling him whenever you’re feeling back if he doesn’t push you, that must be the probable answer for this.

No more mysteries, he thinks. Perhaps you’re just taking a nap to help the pain.

Then he opens the miscellaneous room and the true answer is right under his nose.

Levi should have known better than think it isn’t any of your jokes.

Sick, yeah. Chances are you got the brat’s disease. No, it’s always there, inside you. It just found today a good moment for you to put all of his frames upside down, in an order he did not put. The brat inside you took control of his pretty and well-mannered wife and also replaced his Porto wines by merlot or sauvignon blanc ones. On the floor, a strange combination of objects—a teddy bear you use for decoration, headphones and a butt plug Levi have not heard about yet.

Mess did make him a visit through you, uh?

Yet every cell of his body can’t wait for him to put you to rearrange every single shit of his damn room, priorities exists and one of them is to talk to you, discover what happened.

Is he being a bad husband? Is he being mean to you; not giving what pleases you just like he promised when you said you’d prefer to stay at home and don’t work to be his perfect maid? Why is he being punished with such a clutter right when everything he wants is to get home and appreciate and reward you for your great job?

Does he deserve it?

When Levi gets to the bedroom, it’s hard to keep for him a sharp commentary. He knows if you’re sensitive you might get hurt by his words and he does not want this, regardless the anger he feels as he stares at the room that could easily pass by a hurricane victim.

And, contrasting with the mess every fucking where, there is your silhouette. An angelical scene, your body covered with a t-shirt, shorts as you lie down, calmly reading another book with shirtless men on the cover. As soon as you notice him, you look up, a grin on your lips instantly.

“Hi,” you shake your hand, closing the book. “Why do you have that angry face at me?

Levi forces himself to keep only his classical bored expression, not the pissed off one. You may have made him angry, but he’s not one to tell you or let you know. Instead, he enters the room and finds himself a place on the bed, between energy drink cans, orange peels and a map he didn’t remind of existing.

“Didn’t know tornados could hit a single apartment,” he answers, calmly, yet approaching from your body, dodging coloring books, crayons and pens to hold your waist, his grip tight enough to make you squirm and complain.

“Did you like it?” You shrug, your voice sounding like you’re talking about a silly thing. “Thought you’d like a change of ambient?”

“Sure you did,” Levi murmurs and, pushing away more colored pencils, a small copy of the Communist Manifesto and a Latin dictionary, he gets on top of you, between your legs. Kissing your neck slowly, he continues. “I’ll look for a new housekeeper tomorrow, and get you a job, since you’re not being an efficient wife anymore.”

He moves away just enough to see your face becoming an unsatisfied one. You lift your chin as you notice his gaze, but the warmth on your cheeks is not as confident as you try to look when you tsk, placing your hands on his nape.

“Try to look for,” you mumble, rolling your eyes just like an annoyed teenager would do. “Stop complaining; I was planning to fix everything up and you can rest while I organize.”

Levi put his fingers between your hair locks, pulling it until you’re face the ceiling. You bit your lips, kind of nervous, as he comes closer, nose touching yours and forehead leaning on yours. He truly hopes you can see how unpleased he is with your indifferent answer when mentioned he was going to replace you.

But he’s aware of it since the day if happened for the first time—a bratty wife like you cannot be tamed with threats. Then, making you pay for it is the best option.

“On your knees. Don’t disobey me once more,” Levi tells, staring at your irises deep, until your nonchalant smile is nothing but a grimace.

“Make me,” without missing a beat, you shake your head.

A challenge he accepts with pleasure. Levi surely will make you kneel in front of him with no mercy, because it’s all about the power and control he has over you, being the house’s man; he’s your Sir as you’re only the maid he pays with a good place to live and how many orgasms do you want to get. It has much love between, but it would never interfere in the way you should be treated, especially when it comes to bad behavior.

As long as you’re behaving like a grown woman, Levi is treating you like a fucking queen. However if you decide it is acceptable to keep acting like a ridiculous bratty teen, he must treat you as you deserve. God (and you) knows how he can be harsh with his discipline lessons.

It all starts with you between the man’s legs and counting every mistake and ends with you babbling some words he can’t understand properly—whether it’s because he’s fucking you dumb or not fucking you, it’s up to his mood.

“Want me to put a fucking gag for you to stop talking bullshit?” Levi suggests, his fingers around your jaw, firm as his voice. You difficultly shake your head and he pushes, all of sudden, three of his fingers inside your parted lips, where your tongue poked out.

You don’t move your tongue. His knuckles go until the fingertips are touching your throat, making you almost choke, but you refuse to do anything else. Levi sighs, impatient, and you raise your eyebrows like you’re smiling.

“If you want me to suck you must ask for it,” you tease, every word sounding stupid because of your muffled voice.

Fortunately, he understands very well. Putting aside the mountain of dirt you’d placed on your bed to the floor, Levi gets on his feet again. You yell while he pulls you together until you’re on his shoulder, being carried like a sack of potatoes. Fingers hit his back, but doesn’t make effect. Soon you’re sitting on the floor, full of broken crayons and random objects hurting your thighs and ass.

Levi feels satisfaction with your unbothered expression and sits on the bed. You’re pretty in his basic black t-shirt, black shorts that hide nothing of your pretty wet pussy—who needs to use the panties husband buys you, uh? Not even a little intimidated by his hard ways to make you do what he wants, you amaze the man with your endless stubbornness. Despite his wish to continue rough on you, the way you’re unconcernedly putting crayons aside as he stares at you makes him want to go a little easier. He wouldn’t give in to this feeling, though. The wines in a mess are enough to have him convict to apply your punishment.

You cross your legs and look up.

“I suppose you had fun while messing up with my portraits and wines, hadn’t you?” Levi inquires, but there’s no time for you to answer. “I want you to list the artist’s surnames in the order they were. If you can’t, I want the year of all my Porto and merlots.”

Your soft smile disappears. And his smirk grows up. The perfect balance, it must be. A silence persists as you breathe in and out like nothing’s happening. Levi also crosses his legs, arms behind his back to support his weight, waiting for any answer from your pretty lips. When he doesn’t receive any, he repeats what he wants to hear.

“Don’t know any. Memory is weak,” is your only argument, and Levi nods.

“I see.”

“Do you know? The dates,” you ask, sounding awkwardly sincere for the whole situation.

“Yes,” he says, but doesn’t say further. Instead, he put his elbows on his knees and interlaces his fingers together. “Pick your punishment then, bratty maid. Options are very good. Once you choose, there’s no coming back.”

You nod and he continues, watching your chest up and down a little faster. Too easy to have you nervous, fuck. But what can he do? Your face is so cute when you’re trying to hide that you’re scared of all the possibilities he may offer you. Lucky you, he’s not in the mood to be extra sadistic.

“You can say the years and the artists. You can walk there and say every single year of my wines in roman numbers,” Levi starts. “Or you can just put yourself on your knees and beg until God feels pity on your humiliation. What do you want?”

Levi knew lots about your flaws before marrying you. None of them were exactly a problem for him, since you’re able to control your feelings very well, but your massive pride surely is an exception. He has never met such a proud woman and, as he forced himself to be the altruistic of the relationship through the years, it is clear that if it wasn’t for his efforts, your marriage would not last.

Yet an annoying trait of yours, it could be interesting in situations like the one he’s put you now: the man is absolutely aware of your hate on roman numbers, especially if they are larger than a hundred. You cannot remember not even the artist’s name of the last portrait he bought last week. In theory, Levi offered you three options, but two of them are cruel and useless. You’re against the wall—you’ll have to swallow your pride down, get on your knees and make sure you’re crying in apologizes because of your mess.

Levi also knows you’re not doing it at all. The times he tried to, you and your smart tongue found out another exit that truly had a meaning, so he couldn’t just ignore your proposal. It is quite funny to bet with himself what will be your excuse now.

The man is not allowing you to write down lines at least fourty five times. You can’t convince him taking your clothes off and saying you’ll take the punishment in physical pain—you enjoyed too much. God, he wouldn’t even allow you to kneel down on Lego’s pieces until he feels bad about your shaking legs like the last time.

Small things do not work with him and his mind is limited now—despite his wish, he cannot thing like the strategist he is—, for him there’s no way out for you.

Finally, Levi is getting to see your face in tears as you beg for mercy. Fuck, how long he waited for it?

“What is it?”

“May I say my suggestion, Sir?” You raise your hand quickly and Levi sighs.

How the fuck do you do it? You must hate the idea of kneeling to him other than to suck him off and despair makes your brain work, since there’s no damn way you could have thought about a way to get rid of the humiliation in less than two minutes.

Unless you already thought about it alone, doing your stupid mess. Sometimes, having a smart wife sucks.

“Hell, no,” Levi dismisses with a hand move. “Do what I have said, I plan to finish as soon as possible to bring you to fix my room.”

Levi watches you struggling to spit the word you know will allow you to speak.

“Please, Sir” you finally say. According to the expected, your voice tone changed to a softer one, almost cute.

It’s always like this. When you can’t beat him at first, you slow down and start again when he’s not waiting. Mind does work hard to read your next moves, as do yours. Using of all you have in store definitely has Levi proud of his choice—you’re intelligent, sharp and cunning. Moments like this are mind games he appreciates a lot, even more when reminding other’s lives aren’t bet.

Your eyes are curiously waiting for his permission. But, seeing Levi with arms crossed and an unsatisfied expression, you conclude it doesn’t seem to be close. So you try to catch his attention by revealing what you planned to say only after resolving this.

“The maid uniform is inside the wardrobe,” you start, and he raises a brow. Shrugging, you continue as if it’s nothing. “I also bought a collar with leash, so you can guide me to clean every centimeter of our house in the way you prefer.”

“You talk too much,” Levi murmurs, annoyed.

Annoyed not with you, obviously. With himself and how easily he fell into your trap—the man should have known the single thing you did not mess inside your bedroom was the big box with the pretty uniform that had his dick hard with the idea of fucking you dumb in it. Or you on his feet, cleaning his shoes after giving him a kiss and his lunch. Even better—you cleaning and putting his bottles of alcohol in their right places as you squirm with a tiny vibrator inside your cunt, fighting to remember the XIX century starts in 1800’s, not 1900’s.

It’s adorable how you get so dumb with a pair of fingers or some silicon buried into your folds.

Levi doesn’t move a muscle to hide the growing bulge between his legs and you notice it, internally claiming your victory as he stands up and brings closer the box.

He throws the uniform on you, with no extra care.

“Wear and find me on the room you fucked up,” you see him looking for something in the drawer you usually put your panties. A commentary you make has him angrily staring at you, red cheeks. “Don’t want to hear your voice again. Come in silence.”

After getting the lube he was looking for, he leaves and you remain alone in the bedroom, listening to your own breath and smiling with excitement. As soon as you put on the black and white uniform, adjusting the tie, you look at yourself on the mirror. You hold the collar and the leash in one hand, the other is on your waist. Your legs are covered by thin fabric stockings and you wear nothing on your feet. Your eyes shine, eager for what Levi’s going to do with you.

#levi x reader #levi ackerman x reader #levi x y/n #levi x you #aot smut #snk smut #snk x reader #aot x reader #attack on titan x reader #snk x you #[ erwinscrybaby ]#hanaya network #12 days of kinkmas #[ snk! ]

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phykios · 3 years

Text

Five Times Percy Jackson Cheated At School (And One Time Someone Cheated Him) [read on ao3]

thank you as always to @darkmagyk for inspo and beta-ing 💙💙💙 and thank you to @arosnowflake for the homer idea!

Percy squints at the paper prompt again, tilting his head, as if the new angle will extract some hidden information. It doesn’t change. The font is the special dyslexia-friendly one used by most departments at NRU, so he isn’t misreading it, either.

Your final will be an 8-10pp (TNR, 12pt, double-spaced) research paper expanding on one of the topics discussed in our class so far, or an alternate idea of your choosing, to be submitted in writing by May 7 with footnotes and bibliography. By 10am on the Wednesday before the Thursday class you will submit online a 750-word essay (word count does not include footnotes) on the research thread you have pursued that week (no written assignments due Week 6 or Week 12).

Percy might hate college.

“Your neck bothering you again?” Annabeth asks, coming up behind him, her hands already on his shoulders. She’s sweaty, dressed in workout clothes, having just come back in from a jog.

“My neck is fine,” he says. “Just preemptively freaking out over my Roman history final.”

He tilts his head back over the top of his chair, staring into the upside down, prettily frowning face of his girlfriend, and it does nothing to improve his mood.

“How bad is it?”

“Eight to ten pages,” Percy says, “not including footnotes.”

“Ouch.”

“And,” he grimaces, “it’s a topic of our choosing.”

Her mouth twists in sympathy. “Sucks.”

“Yep.”

“Anything I can do to help?” She squeezes his shoulders lightly, an open invitation.

He shakes his head, stretching his arms back to grab her waist. “Promise not to break up with me when you catch me crying at 4AM over it.”

“Promise.” And she seals it with a kiss, bending down to reach him. “Dad wants to know if you’re free on the 16th.”

“The 16th?” He wracks his brain. He’s pretty sure it doesn’t conflict with sailing, or Greek Club, or the monthly intra-pantheon relations council meeting that Chiron and Clarisse both guilted him into joining. “Pretty sure. Why?”

“Dinner--Charlotte’s out of town that weekend.”

“Sounds good.”

“Great, I’ll let him know. Now,” and she grins, “are you going to stare at that computer all day, or do you want to come and take a shower with me?”

Percy slams the computer shut.

He doesn’t think about his paper topic for a while after that.

***

To his great dismay, Percy gets to her dad’s house first on the 16th. Drama in writing group 🙄 she texts him as he gets to the door, be there asap.

Great. Alone in the house with his girlfriend’s dad. Taking a deep breath, he knocks on the door.

Not a minute later, Dr. Chase opens it. Last time they went to visit, Percy and Annabeth had ended up waiting outside for almost a quarter of an hour. “Oh, Percy,” he says, fumbling his flight helmet off his head. “Goodness, I thought I’d lost track of time again. Come in, come in.”

“Thanks,” Percy says, stepping inside and shedding his jacket. “Annabeth’s running late, but she said she’d be here soon.”

He frowns, looking so much like Annabeth that it throws Percy for several loops. “Well, that’s alright,” he says. “I’m sure we can entertain ourselves well enough until she gets here.”

“Yeah,” Percy chuckles, uneasy.

Several seconds pass.

“Oh!” starts Dr. Chase. “Right, yes. Come in. Would you like something to drink?”

Spoiler alert: it doesn’t get much better.

A few minutes of staggered conversation later, it becomes eminently clear why they need Annabeth between them. It’s not the awkward small talk that doesn’t go anywhere (“How’s school going for you?” “It’s okay.” “Good, that’s good to hear.”) or the fact that Dr. Chase doesn’t really grasp how to relate to younger kids (“Have you heard of this website called ‘Vine’?”), but more that it’s just painfully obvious that the two of them don’t really know where they stand with each other.

Now, he knows that Frederick Chase doesn’t hate him. Objectively, he’s aware of the fact that, if it weren’t for him, Annabeth never would have reconnected with her father in the first place, and he kind of owes him for that. Also, Percy knows that he’s a pretty chill guy--a little scatterbrained, but chill.

That doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to make a good impression, though. Or that Dr. Chase thinks that Percy is smart enough for his daughter. Because, like, Percy isn’t smart enough for Annabeth--that much is obvious. Dr. Chase was courted by Athena. Percy barely made it out of high school calculus.

“Would you…” Dr. Chase hedges, plucking off his glasses and giving them a quick wipe with his shirtsleeve. “Would you like to see some of my current research?”

“Uh… sure. I’d love to.”

At the very least, hopefully Dr. Chase will talk enough for the both of them, eating up time until Annabeth gets here.

A new spring in his step, Dr. Chase leads Percy to his study, where he’s got a setup worthy of Cabin Six: on his desk is a massive map of the Mediterranean, littered with miniatures of tanks, planes, and ships. Ringing the room are wall-hangings, depicting different types of planes, half of their structure in x-rays like people in an anatomy textbook, sandwiching the giant viking sword which hangs directly behind his chair. Every inch of floor space is occupied with a pile of books, some serving as additional desk space for mugs, notepads, spare toy soldiers, and, in one case, what looks like the leftovers of a handful of celestial bronze spearheads, melted down into shiny, useless nuggets.

“You know I primarily study aviation,” Dr. Chase is saying, tidying up as he walks around the room, “but my colleagues and I are collaborating on an interdisciplinary re-evaluation of the entire North African theatre in World War II. It’s fascinating stuff; until very recently, they used to call it the ‘war without hate,’ given the lack of partisan roundups and, ah, ethnic clashes that you see in Europe--absolute garbage, of course. As if there weren’t civilians caught up in the fighting, too!” He chuckles, pleased at his own joke. Percy forces a laugh out of himself. “Anyway, with my prior experience studying the invasion of Sicily, I was brought on to assist in piecing the timeline together, working backwards from 1943.”

“Cool,” says Percy, filling the natural gap of conversation.

“Extremely! Operation Husky was a terrific endeavor of airborne, amphibious, and land-based combat.”

Percy nods. Amphibious? “Uh-huh.”

“Though, I must admit, I am having a little trouble retracing some of the ships.” Peering over his map, he leans down, fiddling with one of the ships. “You see this one here? The Palmer?”

Stepping up to the desk, Percy crouches down so the little toy ship is at eye level.

“Well, based on official records, the Palmer was supposed to have arrived at the rendezvous point at the same time as all the other ships, but ended up delayed by two days, and I can’t… quite…” He moves the ship again, frowning. “Figure out… why…”

“Where were they sailing through?” Percy asks.

Dr. Chase points to the map. “From Alexandria to Malta.”

“They probably just hit a bad couple of currents,” Percy says, standing up.

Tilting his head, Dr. Chase peers at him. “How do you mean?”

“If you’re going through the Cretan Passage, you’re going to hit all kinds of West-East currents which will push you backwards.” Snatching up a pencil from a nearby book stack, Percy lightly sketches on top of the map, tracing along the North African coast. “There are tons of overlapping currents in this area that push boats around in circles, especially around Sicily. That’s one of the reasons why so many historians figure that Homer was referring to the Strait of Messina when Odysseus goes through Scylla and Charybdis, here.” And he circles the strait, with a confident flourish.

When he pulls back, Dr. Chase is staring at him.

Percy blinks. “Um… sorry I drew on your map.”

“You--I have been trying to figure that out for weeks.”

He coughs, shrugging his shoulders. “Sorry.”

But Dr. Chase just laughs. “You can make it up to me by helping me with these next.” Clearing crumbs off of southern France, he bends over, pencil in hand. “So, say you were trying to get from Marseilles to Tunis…”

Forty-five minutes later, still embroiled in battle recreations of the Mediterranean theatre, they don’t hear Annabeth letting herself in with her key, not even registering her presence until Dr. Chase, grasping for a notebook, spots her leaning against the doorway. “Don’t stop on my account.”

“Oh, Annabeth, dear! I’m sorry,” says Dr. Chase, going over to give her a hug. “We didn’t hear you come in.”

“I can see that,” she says. “What are you guys doing?”

“Percy here has been assisting me with naval movements,” he says, proudly.

Lacing her fingers with his, Annabeth steps over to Percy, studying their battle map. “Really?”

“Oh yes, he’s been phenomenally helpful.”

She kisses his cheek, pleased. “Look at you, Mr. ‘Phenomenally Helpful.’”

“It was pretty fun,” he admits, warm all over.

“I’d bet. Although, I guess this means we should probably order in for dinner…?”

Rubbing at the back of his neck, Dr. Chase smiles. “Yes, I suppose we should. Does pizza sound all right to you two?”

“Let me take care of it,” she says, slipping from Percy’s side. “You guys looked like you were in the middle of something. Extra olives, dad?”

“Don’t forget--”

“And anchovies, Percy, I know.” She rolls her eyes, taking out her phone.

Rather than the three of them move into the kitchen, Annabeth ends up bringing the pizza in with her, because of course she has opinions she’d like to share about the Allies’ naval movements.

“You know, Percy,” says Dr. Chase, “I must say, you have a real knack for this kind of thing. Have you thought about what you might major in yet?”

Ah, the million drachmae question. “Not yet,” he says, fiddling with a pencil. “I figured I’d get through my gen eds first and then see which one I hated the least.”

“I think you should consider majoring in history.”

Percy’s head snaps up. “History?”

“Specifically maritime history, I suppose. Your predisposition to sailing and ocean currents would be a huge asset to your research.”

“But--wouldn’t history have, like, a metric ton of required reading? I’m not really sure that’s my area.” He has a daughter with dyslexia and ADHD; surely he’d understand Percy’s hesitation.

But he just shakes his head. “Graduate programs these days are very favorable towards interdisciplinary methodology, I sincerely doubt you’d have to barricade yourself in the library. And recently there’s been a significant push to make the field more accessible to students with disabilities, including things like digitization, screen reading for people with vision impairments, and even restructuring programs all together so that students no longer have to memorize the Encyclopedia Britannica in order to pass their general exams.”

“That’s really nice of you to say, Dr. Chase,” Percy says, “But history class isn’t like talking over naval movements with you.” He thought back to the paper that had lowkey been haunting his dreams. “Like, in my classical history survey, I can’t just… talk about currents and battle plans. I have to come up with a topic on my own, and then write about that.”

“Surely something involving Roman naval movements would be well within your skill set. You have a second sense about these things,” he chuckles, “clearly.”

Percy glances towards Annabeth, hoping she’ll back him up, but she looks thoughtful. Considering. Like she’s actually thinking about her dad’s proposal. “I can’t just choose something in naval history.”

“Why not?”

“Because… it's too easy?”

If it was anything like his afternoon with Dr. Chase, it might even be fun. And school isn’t supposed to be fun.

He repeats that thought to Annabeth as they drive home. “School isn’t supposed to be fun.”

“No,” Annabeth agrees, “but I don’t know… I like my intro art history class way better than anything we ever did in high school because I actually care about it. Maybe if you write about stuff you’re good at, like my dad suggested, you’ll like it more.”

The idea follows him all the way to bed, where he’s still mulling it over at 2 in the morning. Before he can chicken out, he grabs his phone, shooting off a quick email to his professor with his potential paper topic, then rolls over, eventually falling asleep.

By morning, he has a response.

Sounds good! Looking forward to it.

***

With shaking hands, Percy calls his mom. “Yes?”

“Hey mom.”

“Percy?” He hears her perk up, almost visualizing her sitting up in her chair. “What’s wrong, sweetie?”

Mom instincts. They can always tell when something is different. His heart throbs in his chest. “Nothing’s wrong,” he says, smiling stretching across his face. “It’s just--I got my paper back.”

Percy had ended up writing his paper about the Roman navy movements in the Battle of the Aegates in 241 BC. It was probably the most fun he’s ever had on a school assignment, or at least the most fun he’d ever had writing a paper.

“And?” She sounds expectant, hopeful. His mom has always had such faith in him, even with thirteen years of schooling to prove her otherwise.

He looks back at his email, just to make sure he’s reading it right. “I got an A.”

She gasps. He can hear the scrape of the chair as she stands up. “Percy, that’s wonderful!”

“Thank you.”

“An A!”

He smiles into his fist, inordinately pleased. “Thank you.”

“Oh, sweetheart, I am so happy for you!”

“Thanks, mom.”

“I’m so proud of you, Percy.” Her voice is soft now, like twilights on the beach with blue marshmallows. “I know how hard you’ve worked for this. You should be very proud, too.”

“I am.” And he is, weirdly enough. “I just can’t believe it.”

“I can.” His mom must be grinning, her eyes sparkling. “I always knew you could do it.”

“Sally?” He hears in the background, muffled. “Is that Percy?”

“Paul, Percy got an A on his Roman history paper!”

A second voice crowds its way in, equally excited. “An A? That’s great, kiddo! Congratulations.”

Why can’t he stop smiling? “Thanks.”

“I bet that feels pretty good, doesn’t it?”

“It does.”

“Well, it is very well-deserved,” says Paul. “That was some great work you did. I could tell how passionate you were about your topic just from your first sentence.”

“Thank you.” Maybe he should be worried about all this praise going to his head, but damn, is it nice. “Listen, I have to go get started on dinner, but I just wanted to give you a call.”

“Of course,” says his mom. “I want to hear from you more, okay? Tell me more good news! Like when are you and Annabeth going to--”

“I’m working on it, okay?” says Percy, smiling even more broadly. “I’ll keep you posted, promise.”

She laughs, tinny and happy. “You’d better. Congratulations again, sweetheart.”

“Thanks mom. Love you.”

“Love you, too.”

And he hangs up, puts his phone down on the table, tilts his head back, and sighs, full, happy, a release.

Maybe college won’t be so bad after all.

“You don’t have to do this,” Frank says, hushed. “All you have to do is walk away.”

Five Greek Fire bombs, cloudy yellow, are lined up on the table in front of him, neatly laid out in front of five twenties. From the side, Frank stares him down, surrounded by an army of morbidly curious Romans. Someone turned off the music and turned on the lights a while ago, stopping the party in its tracks, every eye on Percy and his opponent. Figures, his first college party all year and he causes a scene.

Percy grips the edge of the table. “He insulted the Mets,” he says for the millionth time. “I can’t let that shit stand.”

Frank sighs. “Annabeth?” he asks, hoping to stop this nonsense.

Turning to his side, Percy sees his girlfriend, two drinks in, her cheeks lightly flushed, but solid as she stands beside him, supporting him. Her eyes are hard, fierce, the warrior gaze of Athena all but leaping out of her. “Do it,” she says.

William, the sour-faced Roman legacy of Juventus, scowls. “A hundred bucks on the table. Sixty seconds. No throwing them back up.”

“Deal.”

“Frank,” Annabeth calls. “Start the clock.”

He sighs. “You guys are idiots.”

“Frank!”

“Okay, okay.” He holds out his phone, thumb primed, hovering over the screen. “On your marks, in three… two… one…”

He hits zero, and Percy grabs a shot glass. Squeezing his eyes shut, he brings it to his lips, and throws it back.

It’s… not what he expected.

The tequila is awful--no getting around that. Even to Percy’s untrained taste buds, having really only ever had some of Gabe’s sour beer (under duress) and some of the Demeter cabin’s strawberry wine (on his eighteenth birthday, a celebration for actually getting to graduate high school), he can tell it’s cheap, rank, unrefined shit, like he’s drinking straight toilet cleaner. But the garum, the weird Roman condiment that the shot is mixed with, the one that Percy had never heard of before, it’s… it almost tastes like the fish sauce that comes with the pork and rice noodles from the Vietnamese place down the corner of his mom’s apartment, only less… fishy? Yeah. Less fishy.

It’s a weird taste. It’s not bad, by any means, it just--straight up, it just tastes like saltwater. Like the sea.

And, well. Percy can handle the sea.

He looks at William, and grins. “You are so fucked.”

The assembled Romans cheer, spectators at a gladiator show, as Percy knocks back the rest of the Greek Fire bombs, one after another, clearing them all in under thirty seconds. Annabeth swipes up the cash, shrieking as she throws her arms around Percy. William wanders off, red-faced and glaring, as whoever turned the music off before flips it back on, the night, and the party, saved.

Silly Percy. He should have known what was coming next.

Thirty minutes later, he is well and truly wasted.

“You’re, like, really pretty,” he shouts at Annabeth over the loud music.

She snorts, grinning at him. “Thanks.”

“Seriously,” he slurs, tipping forward on his feet. “You could be a model.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Remember when we were fourteen,” he yells, bracing himself against the wall, “and you got kidnapped by that monster?” Slightly soberer but still a little flushed, she bites her lip, nodding. “Well, I followed the rescue party--I told you that, that I snuck out of camp to follow the rescue party? Right?”

“You did.”

He takes a sip of water, running his tongue around the inside of his mouth. Feels goofy as fuck. “We got hijacked by Aphrodite halfway through, and when I saw her, I thought--I thought, ‘Holy shit, she looks a little like Annabeth.’”

Her brows shoot up, smile pulling at her lips. “Really?”

He nods. “Totally! But you’re way, way p--”

Still smiling, she silences him with a kiss, the lingering taste of hard cider on her tongue. “I appreciate it,” she murmurs, grinning, “but you probably shouldn’t say that out loud.”

“Gross.”

From out of nowhere, like he always does, the weasley little shit, Nico di Angelo is suddenly in their space, looking surly and emo as ever, red solo cup in his left hand. “Nico!” Percy crows, grabbing for him and missing. “How’s my favorite cousin?!”

Ducking his wildly swinging limbs, Nico grimaces in the way that Percy has to come to recognize as his attempt at a smile. “Better’n you,” he says, a little wobbly. “What’s up with him?” he directs towards Annabeth.

“Greek Fire bombs. Five.”

“You’re a psychopath.”

“What!” Percy pouts. “He insulted the Mets.”

“Aren’t you s’posed to be, like…” Nico snaps his fingers, words momentarily escaping him. “A--representation… person? For the Greeks?”

Percy waves his hand, hitting the wall. “Fuck that. The Greeks can handle themselves. The Mets are sacred!”

“Are you with anyone?” Annabeth asks, momentarily taking up Percy’s usual role of concerned parent friend while he is drunk off his ass. Theoi, he loves this girl so much.

Nico shakes his head. “No, but Will and I are staying with--”

A thought suddenly blooms in Percy’s tequila-soaked brain. “Nico!” He shouts.

“What?” he hisses, glaring.

Percy pushes himself off of the wall, outstretched arms managing to box Nico in, falling on his shoulders and trapping him. He’s still a short, skinny little shit, the fuck, when are his Big Three genes going to kick in? “I need to talk to you about the thing.”

“The what?”

“The thing! The--the,” then he leans in, scream-whispering over the pounding bassline. “The thing.”

“That doesn’t help.”

“You know, it’s…” Percy licks his lips, language escaping him for a hot second. “Round. Metal. Jewelry thing.”

A beat, then Nico’s eyes widen. “Oh, that thing.”

“Yes, that thing!” Pulling back, he pulls Nico towards him, slinging an arm over his shoulders in a half-headlock. Annabeth watches, bemused, lips pursed as she tries not to smile. “I need to borrow Nico for a sec,” he says, words spilling out of him. “Back soon. Later. Soon.”

Her eyes crinkle, grey sparkling. She’s so fucking pretty. “Drink your water.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Then together, like some three-legged beast, the two boys lurch away deeper into the party, Nico leading them towards the kitchen. “Where’re you taking me?” Percy slurs. “‘M I being kidnapped again?”

“If I’m helping you plan out this stupid proposal,” he grumbles, pouring himself more vodka, “then I need to be less sober.”

***

Some mistakes may have been made.

“Where’s Annabeth?” Percy mumbles, looking back towards the house. The party is still raging, someone’s muffled Spotify playlist making a real racket, the greatest hits of ABBA still bouncing around his skull.

“Simp.” Nico, swaying a little, tries to stand up from his kneeling position, only to fall heavily back down on his knees. “She’s right where you left her.”

Discussing Percy's proposal plan had led to more drinking. More drinking had led to the two of them discussing their shared preference for blondes. (“Malcolm is pretty cute,” Nico admitted, flushing, and Percy almost screamed, “Isn’t he?! Sometimes I think about Annabeth with short hair looking like Malcolm and I almost start crying because she’d be so cute!”) Which then led to even more drinking. Which then led to general bitching about their lives, about Percy's hard-ass classics professor Dr. Bauer who he actually really liked but just pushed him so hard and expected so much of him, and Nico's half-brother Zagreus who was causing some family drama by picking fights with Hades all the time and also hooking up with both Thanatos AND the fury Megaera, which, ew, which then led to Percy inhaling his drink, nearly choking to death on unspecified college punch, Nico laughing at him all the while, as he had the most incredible idea.

"Nico!" He shouted, crushing the red solo cup. "Can you resurrect Homer for me?"

Nico gaped, staring. "What."

"Seriously! I need to ask him something for my paper."

"Percy." Nico gazed at him, all the power of the Ghost King boring into his soul, deep and haunting. Percy stifled a burp. "You're a fucking genius."

Which is how they found themselves around a shallow hole they had dug in the backyard, a large bottle of Pepsi originally intended as a mixer pilfered from the kitchen along with two slices of pepperoni pizza dumped on the grass beside them.

"Maybe we shouldn't do this," he says, uneasy even through his drunken haze.

"It was your idea!"

"I don't have good ideas."

“Fuck you, I’m doing it.” With all the force of a tiny, angry kitten, he snatches up the Pepsi bottle, wrestling with the twist cap for a good ten seconds. “I wanna give that bitch a piece of my mind for making me cry in school.”

Percy looks at him sideways. “Hector killing Patroclus got you, too?”

He snorts. “Fuck no. Achilles didn’t pay his dues to the dead.”

“Seriously?”

The cap pops off, and Nico tips the bottle over, dumping flat, lukewarm soda into the shallow hole. “It’s the ultimate dishonor!”

Freak. Percy would die for the kid.

“Let the dead taste again,” Nico mutters. “Let them rise and take this offering. Let them remember.”

“You’re so weird.”

“Says the guy who’s related to both horses and water.”

“I’m not related to water, I just control it.”

The dirt turns black, dead soil mixed with sticky sugar water. Nico drops in the pizza, and begins to chant, that same ancient Greek that Percy heard in a dream once, talking of death and memories and returning from the grave or whatever. It’s still creepy as shit.

Despite the warm California night, the air thickens with chilly fog. Silence, impenetrable, surrounds them, blocking out the noises of the party. From the earth, blueish, vaguely person-shaped figures begin to form, like thunderous clouds before a storm. “Which one is Homer?” he asks, hushed.

“Shh!” Nico hisses.

Like little wells of gravity, the fog begins to coalesce. On one of them, Percy can almost make out, like, fingers. “Um, Mr. Homer? Sir?”

The figure doesn’t say anything. It lowers its mouth, drinking the soda out of the dirt. When it raises its head, Percy can see it more clearly, curly hair and milky white eyes and a straight nose. It--he?--seems a little more solid than your average run-of-the-mill ghost.

Nico frowns, eyes closed, concentrating. “What’s your name?” he mumbles.

That mouth opens, soundlessly, jaw working on nothing.

“Speak.”

It--there’s a sound, like hissing, only it’s not coming from the mouth, Percy thinks. It sounds like it’s coming from the earth. “Nico?” he asks. “You good?”

The ghost opens its mouth again, moaning, raising its hands. Weakly, unsteadily, it stumbles forward on feeble legs, tripping over the shallow hole in the dirt.

“Nico?” he asks again, a little more forcefully. “What’s going on, dude?”

Nico blinks, slowly, mouth hanging open a little. “Uh.”

The… thing… raises itself up on its hands? He guesses, and knees, crawling its way over towards them.

Now, Percy may be drunk off his ass, but he has seen enough movies to know exactly what the fuck is up.

Moving with a speed he didn’t quite think was possible right about now, he grabs Nico’s wrist, and pulls him up, dragging him along as he lurches towards the house. “Percy…” Nico moans, stumbling over a rock. “I think I fucked up.”

“You think?” Percy wrenches the door open, tossing Nico inside, before following in after, throwing himself against the door.

Nico groans, throwing his arms over his face. “Dio santo, my head.”

“Forget your head,” he says, “did we just raise a Homer zombie?!”

Panting, Nico stares up at him, sprawled on the floor of the house. “Oops.”

Percy thunks his head against the door. He does not have nearly enough mental capacity to deal with this right now.

But, he thinks ruefully, at least it’s just one. Even drunk, he’s pretty sure he can handle one zombie.

Nico’s eyes widen.

Percy stares. “What.”

“I didn’t stop the ritual.”

His stomach goes cold.

Turning around slowly, he pulls aside the little curtain on the window. “What?” Nico asks. “What do you see?”

Percy can’t speak, mouth dry.

Slithering up behind, Nico peers over his shoulder. “That’s… not great.”

“Nico,” Percy says, eyeing the horde which slowly shambles closer, half-decayed bodies in togas bumping into each other, almost identical to the drunk college students inside, as the song changes, once again, to ‘Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight).’ “Please go get Frank and Annabeth.”

The following Monday, an announcement is sent out to the entire campus: Per new department guidelines, students may not utilize the ambassador of Pluto to interview the dead for academic purposes.

Percy attempts to flatten his hair. He readjusts his shirt. He almost wipes his sweaty palms on his pants, before he realizes what he’s doing, and clenches them instead, nails digging into his palms. He turns to Annabeth. “Do I look okay?”

“Ooh, ‘Mapping Funerary Monuments in the Periphery of Imperial Rome.’”

“Annabeth.”

She looks up from her brochure. “Relax, seaweed brain, you look fine. You look better than most people here.”

“That’s because I bring down the average age of presenters by about thirty years,” he hisses, eyes darting about at the milling mass of attendees, all packed into the hotel ballroom.

Dr. Bauer had alternately convinced/pressured/guilttripped him into attending this year’s annual conference for the Society of Classical Studies to talk about the research he’d been doing with her. This year, the conference was held in San Francisco, so at the very least Percy didn’t have to spend five hours stressing about his poster presentation while simultaneously up in the air. But now that he’s here, in the ballroom, surrounded by strangers who know way more about this subject than he does, who are actually smart and probably never nearly flunked out of school or got kicked out or--

“Hey.” Annabeth takes his hand. “I know that look. You deserve to be here just as much as any of them.”

“Do I? I feel like any moment someone is going to come over and throw me out for trespassing.” He vaguely recalls something similar happening to him as a kid after he had ducked into the lobby of a semi-nice hotel to dodge what he had thought, at the time, was just a weird stalker, but had later realized had only had one eye. In any case, the hotel security guard had practically picked him up by the scruff of his neck, tossing him back out into the street.

“That’s just your imposter syndrome talking,” she reassures him. “No one is going to throw you out.”

He sure as shit hopes so. It would be a shame to have done all this work for nothing.

Glancing back at his poster, Percy can’t help but feel… good. Accomplished. Proud. About a school assignment, of all things.

His poster traces the development of the prow from the Greek penteconter, to the Roman liburna, and finally to the Byzantine dromon, looking at artistic depictions in history. Percy had picked the topic himself, spending hours in the library reading, writing, and hand-drawing cross-sections of the ships on the poster board when the images he had gotten from the Cambridge University library had been too small. It had been grueling, frustrating work, but fun, too. And not nearly as much reading as he had feared.

Dr. Chase proofread it for him. Dr. Bauer signed off on it. And Annabeth had taken one look at it, smiled, then kissed his cheek.

That was the best compliment he had gotten.

Though now he’s kind of torn between showing it off and hiding it away before one of these attendees figures out that he doesn’t belong.

He rocks back and forth and his feet, pursing his lips, randomly clicking his tongue. Annabeth nudges him. “Your ADHD is showing.”

That’s when, finally, one of the attendees steps up to his poster. He certainly has the look of a professor, in a black cable knit sweater with grey, curly hair and a receding hairline, thin, rimless glasses perched on his nose. He squints at Percy’s poster, rubbing his chin with one hand. “Interesting,” he murmurs, in a thick German accent. “Very interesting. This is yours?”

“Um.” He glances at Annabeth, who is frowning at the brochure, silently sounding out words that she can’t read. “Yep. All mine.”

“Very interesting.” He leans in closer, tilting his head. “So you agree with Pryor and Jeffreys about the skeleton-first construction, then?”

Percy blinks. Pryor and Jeffreys had written The Age of the Dromon, arguing that the ram, which had been a key feature of Roman liburnians, had gone away in ancient ship construction because of developments in how they built the hull. Right. “Yes,” he says. “The skeleton-first construction is a lot stronger than the, um,” shit, what was the name for this, Leo had only told him about a million times--oh! “Mortise-and-tenon!” He nearly shrieks. “The mortise-and-tenon method. It, um, it wears out a lot more quickly than the frame, so… yeah.” He clears his throat.

He nods. “Very interesting.”

Percy stares. Can this guy say anything else?

“This is very well done, young man.”

Oh. “Thank you,” he says.

“Who are you working with?”

“Um, June Bauer?” He winces at the accidental question.

He frowns. “I’m not familiar with her work. Where does she teach?”

What a loaded question. “Uh… New Rome University.”

“I’m sorry?”

“It’s--she used to teach at Northwestern, if that helps. Um, retired,” Percy says.

The frown stays, but at least he doesn’t ask any more questions. “Hmm. Well, this is excellent research, nonetheless. I look forward to reading your dissertation.” Then, distracted by something else, he wanders off, chin still attached to his hand.

“Who was that?” Annabeth asks.

Percy shrugs. “Beats me. Also, what’s a dissertation?”

“It’s like a senior thesis, but, like, five hundred pages long.”

Five hundred?! “Fuck me.”

“Maybe later,” Annabeth smirks. “It looks like you’ve got company.”

Sure enough, a smallish group of four people are approaching, led by Dr. Chase, making a beeline straight for them. “Here we are,” Dr. Chase says, gesturing. “This is the project I was telling you about. Percy, would you mind going over your poster for us?”

“No problem, Dr. C,” says Percy, smiling his least-grimace-y smile.

As one, the adults all turn to look at him, faces politely blank, expectant.

Percy swallows. “So,” he begins, “um, this research is about the development of ship construction in the Roman empire…”

He trips up on some of the words, and at one point, he sees Dr. Chase squint in the way that usually means that Percy is speaking too fast, but all in all, he doesn’t totally fall flat on his face. His audience looks engaged, nodding along as Percy moves from point to point, and no one accuses him of being a giant fraud, which is pretty nice.

At one point, Percy turns to the poster to indicate a specific point on his ship diagrams. When he turns back, his audience has suddenly multiplied, four people turning into a whole goddamn crowd. Each person gives him their undivided attention almost unblinking.

His mouth goes dry. “Um…”

Dr. Chase, bless him, saves his ass once again. “Would mind starting again from the beginning, Percy?” he asks, a little bemused himself at the amount of people that had suddenly appeared.

Silence stretches on for a moment, the muffled noise of the rest of the conference like a dull roar in his ear.

Annabeth, behind him, coughs.

“S-sure. No problem.”

Swallowing, he closes his eyes, breathing in through his nose. Why, oh why did he let Dr. Bauer talk him into doing this again?

He pictures the tides of Long Island Sound, gentle and rocking, unhurried and unbothered, tries to match his breathing to them. When he opens his eyes, unfortunately, the crowd hasn’t disappeared. Everyone is still staring at him.

But Annabeth stands next to her dad, flashing him a big smile and two huge thumbs up.

Percy relaxes. He’s got this.

“Okay,” he says. “So, about the middle of the first millennium CE, ship construction went through a couple of major developments…”

This time goes much, much more smoothly. He’s not sure what it is--though it’s probably Annabeth, her face fixed in a gentle smile as she watches him speak. Gods, what did he do in a past life to deserve someone as amazing as his girlfriend?

That’s the only reason he can do this. Hell, that’s the only reason he even thought to do this. If he didn’t have Annabeth there, encouraging him, cheering him on, he never would have had the confidence to put himself out there like this. She’s there to pick him up when he doubts himself, there to listen when he can’t explain himself, there to give him feedback when he needs to practice.

She makes him feel so strong. She makes him feel like he can take on the world--or at the very least, that he can impress a handful of academics.

And they certainly seem impressed with his talk so far.

“Excuse me,” says a nasally, pinched looking older British guy, face lined as though he lived his life in a state of perpetual squinting. “I find your conclusions to be suspect--wouldn’t the frame method be more susceptible to breaking than the mortise-and-tenon?”

Well, most of them, anyway.

Percy shakes his head. “You’d think, but no. If you look at the study by Steffy, you’ll see that the three-finned ram from the Athlit wreck was designed specifically to break the mortise-and-tenon hull by causing the planks to flex, so that they’d dislodge the joinerys right next to them. A blow like that can cause the wood to split right down the middle.” A blow like that had sunk Sherman Yang’s ship when they tested it out on the lake at camp last summer, the naiads practically hurling him out of the water so quickly Percy didn’t even have to dive in to save him.

“How were you able to do these strength tests?” asks another listener, an older woman with a thick Hungarian accent.

“Hands-on battle simulations,” Percy replies, easily. “We took our models and tested them in as accurate a simulation as we could make.”

“And how big were these models?”

Percy holds his hands apart, a vague, entirely inaccurate estimate. “About thirty meters, give or take.”

Her eyes widen. “How on earth did you get your hands on such a large ship?”

Percy freezes. “Uh.”

Oh, shit.

He had forgotten--most people didn’t have dads who could summon shipwrecks from the bottom of the sea, dropping them off at Camp Half-Blood with nothing but a sand dollar and one or two exhausted, pissed off hippocampi who had had to drag them all the way there.

“Um,” he stammers, licking his lips, thinking fast--c’mon, Percy, think! “I…” He swallows, panicking. “I… b… built one.”

In the corner of his eye, Annabeth facepalms.

Simultaneously, every mouth in the crowd drops--in shock, outrage, and even excitement. “You built one?!” the woman yelps.

Oops. “I had help,” Percy says, quickly.

Annabeth adds a second hand to her facepalm.

“Where?” The first man asks, his bushy brows flying above the rim of his glasses.

“At my… summer camp…”

Dr. Chase sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“I mean,” Percy chuckles, shrugging his shoulders, trying not to sweat too obviously, “it was either that or lanyards, am I right?”

Dr. Chase, thank Athena, raises his hand, ready to step in. “What Percy means to say, I believe,” he says, attempting to draw their attention, “is that--”

“That’s amazing!” says another woman, probably a grad student attendee based on the fact that she’s wearing jeans. “Do you have pictures?”

Oh this is not good. “Um, not--not on me, but--”

“I do.” Annabeth takes out her phone, holding it up to the person next to her.

Percy blinks. “You do?” He doesn’t remember her taking any pictures.

She shoots him a look, two parts exasperated and one part “shut up and let me handle this,” with just a dash of fondness in the mix. Pointedly, she looks at him, eyebrows raised, indicating that he should continue.

Oh. She’s using Mist. And he needs to keep their attention on him so that they buy it. “Right,” he says, clearing his throat. “Any more questions?”

His audience placated for now, passing around Annabeth’s phone, he manages to finish up his presentation. After fielding a few more questions, people start to peel off, distracted by other posters and presenters in the ballroom. When everyone has finally wandered away, Dr. Chase comes up and pats Percy’s shoulder awkwardly. “Nice work,” he says, and he seems like he means it. “A little touch-and-go there for a while, hm?”

“A little.”

He chuckles. “Still, you should be proud. I don’t know how many undergraduates would be able to handle that kind of pressure.”

“I mean,” Percy says, shrugging a shoulder, “it’s about on par with leading an army. Maybe a little less.” Honestly, maybe even a little more stressful. If a monster had decided to attack the convention center and interrupt his presentation, he probably would have been relieved.

He’d been worried for a moment that he’d undone all those years of work in making Annabeth’s dad like him. And that he’d be charged with some sort of academic fraud, for the whole “I have a boat” thing without proof. Thank the gods for Annabeth, as always.

She’s looking at him now through narrowed eyes. She at least can’t be surprised--that was far from the dumbest thing she’s ever seen him do. At least his “I spent most of my time at magic greek mythology summer camp” covers are normally better than hers. As someone who spent his formative years in the real world, he’s usually pretty good at keeping the demigod thing under wraps.

“Come on,” she says, grabbing his hand. She pulls him off, through the dispersing crowd, lacing their fingers together, sweet and intimate, out of the hall and then down another one, and through a smaller corridor. Bringing them up to a little door, with a shake of her wrist, she pulls out her Estruscan keyring bracelet. About several of the keys have found themselves used in various misadventures, vanishing once their purpose is fulfilled, but her favorite key is still there. And, just like a clever child of Hermes, it can pick just about any lock.

Inside is just an empty room, a little staging area surrounded by tiered desks going up, no more or less remarkable than any of the other conference rooms they’d visited before.

“What--?” His question is cut off by Annabeth’s mouth on his.

Surprising, but definitely not unwelcome.

It's a while before they separate again. “You’re so good at this,” she tells him, unbuttoning his shirt.

He runs his hands along the lines of her flanks. “I’ve had a lot of practice,” he grins. He’d practice kissing her all day long if he could.

She smiles, shaking her head. “No, not this,” though she does lean in for another kiss, pulling at his lower lip with her teeth. “I know you’re good at this.” They break away, Percy pulling her shirt over her head, Annabeth shucking off his. “But history. Presenting.” She runs a finger over his chest, kissing his cheek, headed towards the sensitive spot on his jaw. “Gods, you’re so smart.”

Something about the praise vibrates through his chest. She doesn’t sound surprised, or anything, just--turned on.

“You had all those crusty academics eating out of your hand. Just, so impressed by you, knowing you know way more than they do about naval history. When you were explaining the--” Her compliment is cut off with a moan, as he leans down and starts sucking on her throat. Her blouse has a high neck, so he feels no guilt for using his teeth.

“Watching you today, gods.” Her breath is labored as his fingers play at the waistline of her skirt. “And then thinking of you defending your dissertation.” He bites at her jugular, and she lets out a long, deep moan.

“I don’t know what that means.” Do academics fight each other? Like, with weapons? He’s pretty sure he can take most of the people he met today.

“It means you get to show off how smart you are,” Annabeth says, grasping his shoulders, pulling him in for another kiss. “I was born the day my dad defended his. Gods, it's going to be amazing to watch you go.” She yanks his belt out of his pants, tossing it to the floor.

They miss the panel on recent translation efforts. But Percy can’t say he minds one bit.

And when Annabeth presents him with a positive pregnancy test two months later, Percy definitely knows he made the right decision.

He almost doesn’t realize he’s having a dream-vision at first.

It has been literal years since he’s had a demigod dream. Hell, it’s been a long while since he’s had a dream, period--being a new dad to a one-and-a-half-year-old saps too much of his energy to even think about dreaming. Once Junie is put to bed, when he’s out, he is fucking out, and he does not have the brainpower to spare to manifest any messed up subconscious fears.

Which is why when he blinks open his eyes, taking in the too-bright colors of the Parthenon and the gleaming shine of the bronze statues which are somehow all looking at him--also, you know, how the Parthenon is complete, standing as it did thousands of years ago, and not crumbled into ruins--he knows, immediately, he is being contacted by a god.

And only one god in particular would bring him to Athens.

Without even checking, he heaves himself up off the ground, folding into a kneel. “My lady Athena,” he says, “can I ask for what quest you’ve brought me here?”

“Impertinent as ever, Percy Jackson,” rumbles the goddess, but Percy doesn’t think he can sense any ill will towards him. He hopes, anyway. “Perhaps I have summoned you here for a social visit.”

“Perhaps,” he says, choosing his next words as carefully as possible. “But I assume you have too much to worry about to randomly check up on your daughter’s boyfriend.”

He lifts his head, catching her expression--stoic as always, but maybe with just the barest hint of a smile. “You assume correctly. You have become, contrary to my initial expectations, very wise in the time that I have known you.”

“Thank you.” He knows better than to do anything but accept the compliment for what it is.

“I have observed your work as a scholar in recent years, and I must say that I am surprised, yet pleased, that you have chosen to pursue such a path. I had not thought you to be suited for a world of old men and dusty papers.”

He grits his teeth. Don’t rise to the bait, don’t rise to the bait, don’t rise to the bait--

“I understand, as well, that though you and my daughter have,” and here her careful composition cracks, just the slightest, the tiny lift of her lips falling, “made a child together.”

Percy swallows. He figured, you know, in the abstract, that Athena would know about Junie, but hearing her say it out loud is… well, he’s just glad that Dr. Chase has always liked him. “Yes, my lady.”

“It is customary in your time to marry prior to childbirth, is it not?”

“It is.” Oh, fuck, is she going to smite him for that? “I--that is to say, we, Annabeth and I, we, um, we definitely want to get married, but, Annabeth kind of…”

He trails off. He can’t tell Athena, goddess of war, that his daughter pissed off the queen of heaven! And if he does, he definitely can’t imply that it was because she was being too stubborn!

“I know well of my daughter’s history with my father’s wife,” Athena says, smoothly. “I come to you now with an offer of peace.”

Percy straightens his back. Peace?

Raising one graceful arm, Athena turns, indicating the structure behind her. “Look upon my temple,” she intones. The white marble shines even more powerfully against the blue and red paint, intricate scenes and figures ringing the top of the columns. “In the time of Pericles, it was built to commemorate the victory of Hellas over the armies of Xerxes the Great. It was to be the shining beacon of our world, a triumph of our power and influence over the race of men.”

The race of men might have had something to say about that, he thinks to himself.

“But it was not to be,” Athena says, mournfully. “As our influence waned, so too did our temple, until its might was all but forgotten.”

Before his eyes, the paint fades away, ceilings and columns collapsing, the destruction of the Parthenon playing out in front of him.

“Some two hundred years ago,” she says, her voice taking on a darker, more dangerous tone, “a grave insult was paid to the ruins of my ancient sanctuary.” Like curtains falling on a stage, darkness swallowed up the structure, swift and impenetrable. “Many treasures were taken from my temple, stolen, by foolish, greedy men, spirited away far to the north, where they have languished in unworthy hands.”

He narrows his eyes. She can’t possibly be talking about--

Athena turns back to him, her eyes blazing, somehow twice as tall. “Retrieve my treasures,” she commands, war personified, “return the prizes of Athens to their rightful place, and I shall give you my support against my father’s wife.”

“You…” Percy leans back on his haunches, staring dumbfounded up at the goddess. “You don’t happen to mean the Parthenon Marbles, do you?”

“Yes.”

“The ones in the British Museum.”

“The same,” she says, imperious as ever.

Fantastic. “Welp,” Percy says, slapping his thighs, scrambling up. “Thanks for the offer, but I’ll have to decline. Nice seeing you, by the way. I’ll tell Annabeth you stopped by.”

Her sharp gazes pierces him, full of fury. “You dare to refuse my support?”

He snorts. “When it means trying to get the UK to give the marbles back, absolutely. Do you know how stubborn they are about this?”

Lightning flashes behind her, nearly blinding him. “You will regret this,” Athena says, dark and foreboding. “You may have your father’s goodwill, but the queen of Olympus is clever and cunning, her displeasure swift and merciless.”

But Percy still shakes his head. “When Annabeth and I get married,” and it’s definitely a ‘when,’ it’s just a matter of when precisely, like after Junie can sleep through the night maybe, “I’d rather take my chances with Hera than try and untangle that particular can of olives.”

A growl, and a snap of her fingers, and Athena disappears.

With a start, Percy wakes up. Junie had gotten her chubby little hands around his nose, and had decided to pull.

“Ow, ow, Junie, hey,” he squawks, attempting to dislodge her grip from his face. “Hey, I’m awake, it’s okay.”

She laughs, illegally adorable, her grey eyes sparkling, squeezing harder.

“Okay, okay,” he laughs along with her. “You got my nose, you win.”

As if she were waiting for him to admit defeat, she lets go, clapping her pudgy toddler hands together.

“That’s right,” he picks her up, raising her above his head. “Barely sixteen months old and you already know how to take me down, don’t you? Just like your mommy.”

She smiles, waving her little fists.

Gods he loves this little monster.

Junie really is the best parts of both of them. She’s got her daddy’s hair but her mommy’s brain, quick and sharp and painfully adorable. She’s already learning to read Greek, Annabeth sitting her in her lap and sounding out vowels together, Annabeth taking her finger and tracing it over the letter shapes. This kid absorbs information like a sponge, which Percy can only assume is the natural conclusion of taking a son of Poseidon and a daughter of Athena and mixing their DNA together.

Thinking about his dream, he frowns. “What do you think, Junie,” he asks his toddler. “Should I take her up on her offer?”

The baby says nothing.

“I mean,” he tilts his head, “Greece has been trying to get the marbles back for two hundred years. UNESCO has top lawyers on this. What does Athena think I can do?”

Junie blinks at him.

“On the other hand, I do really love your mom,” he admits, “and I really want to marry her. You’d like that, right? To have your parents be married?”

There’s no way she can understand what he’s saying, but she moves her head like she’s nodding. Or maybe she does understand. She is Annabeth’s daughter after all.

Percy sighs. Dammit.

Time for a new project, he guesses.

***

Several months, a college graduation, and one relocation to Boston later, Percy growls, hurling his pencil at the wall. Mother fucker. Fuck the British Museum, fuck his tiny laptop screen, and fuck the Italian prick who decided to have the least ADHD-friendly handwriting of all time.

Why the hell is he doing this again? Like, seriously. Why in all of Hades is he, an inexperienced, snot-nosed, first year master’s student deciding to tackle the return of the fucking Parthenon marbles of all things. Like, what is wrong with him?

Roughly scrubbing his fingers through his hair, Percy stands up. He has to go for a walk, clear his head, or he might actually explode.

Then he catches a glimpse of the photo pinned to the fridge.

Percy’s mom had taken it, a candid of Percy and Annabeth and Junie on a sunny day in Central Park. There, in perfect 1080p, Junie is laughing, at what he can’t even remember, her pudgy fists yanking on Percy’s hair, while her mother and the love of his life does nothing to extricate Percy from her grip, her face screwed up so hard she had tears in her eyes.

Percy had talked a lot of shit to the goddess of war’s face, but truth be told… Hera still terrifies him a little. Which, he assumes, was her goal all along, but it would be nice to marry Annabeth without fear of something going terribly wrong--or, gods forbid, something happening to Junie. That simply was not a risk he was willing to take. Percy is content to spend the rest of his days as Annabeth’s life-partner and roommate, if it means that the queen of the heavens won’t have a reason to take out her issues on his children.

Even if the engagement ring in the back of the pantry is gathering dust.

Sunlight, wan but warm, falls in from the window, landing perfectly on his pile of open books. “I know, I know,” he growls, speaking to the air, rubbing his face so it doesn’t get stuck in a permanent glare. “I just--I just need a few minutes, okay? Let me go down the block and get a coffee or something. Two minutes, Lady Athena.”

The light fades. Percy takes that as an acquiescence, angrily scribbling a note. He’s not sure when Annabeth and Junie will be back, but even angry as he is, he doesn’t want to worry them.

Snatching up his jacket, he slams the door shut, stomping out of his apartment building and down the streets of Boston. He must be accidentally doing his wolf stare, because people are practically flinging themselves out of his path as he hurtles down the sidewalk. Literally--some girl is walking her husky, and the poor dog actually whimpers, cowering as Percy rounds the corner.

Coming to a stop, Percy slaps his hands over his face, drawing in a deep, shuddering breath.

He might be in over his head a little.

Sighing, he looks to his right. He’s standing outside of a Starbucks.

Percy doesn’t drink coffee, Annabeth does. And he knows exactly how much of a coffee snob his girlfriend is. Starbucks? Overpriced, overrated, over-sweetened garbage.

He pushes the door open, sliding up to the counter. “I’ll take a… iced mocha, I guess,” he says. “Large.”

“No problem,” chirps the barista. “I’ll have that out for you in a minute.”

“Thanks,” he mumbles.

One thing Starbucks does have going for it, though, are really good napkins for doodling.

Slumping down in his uncomfortable metal chair, elbows resting on the hard, faux-wood table, Percy takes out his pen, and doodles aimlessly on the brown napkins. No, not that pen. Just because it can write doesn’t mean that Percy wants to risk slicing his face open every time he has a stray idea. Completely out of the blue, Annabeth had gotten him a nice set of pens, and ever since then, Percy always keeps one on him. Now, if he could just remember to use the little notebook she had gotten him, too.

Percy is not an artist by any stretch of the imagination. He doesn’t have an image in mind, just lets his pen move, drawing endless chains of triangles and stars, nebulous shapes which form themselves into Greek letters. After he catches himself writing γλαυκῶπις for the eighth time in a row, he sighs, dropping his pen, and picks up the cup, taking a sip.

Yuck. At least the chocolate outweighs the coffee taste a little.

Gods, and their cups are always, like, drenched from condensation--not that Percy can feel it, but there’s practically a whole other drink on the outside of the plastic, dripping all over Percy’s pile of doodle napkins. That must be why they give out so many.

Grumbling, he mops up the mess, ink smudged into a blue-brown slurry.

He stops.

He squints at one of his doodles.

Not that anyone else could tell, but Percy had apparently been trying to recreate the signature of Ottoman sultan Selim III, the guy who had supposedly authorized the Earl of Elgin to take the Parthenon Marbles. Percy had been staring at copies of his signature all damn day, trying to tell if it had been forged or copied, but classical Arabic was just so far beyond anything he could even begin to wrap his head around. It was gorgeous work, but even looking at it made Percy’s eyes swim.

This particular doodle is not his best attempt. It looks nothing like the signature. It’s smudged, blotchy, but in a way that’s… weirdly familiar.

Snatching the napkin up, Percy bolts from the Starbucks, leaving his mocha behind.

Taking the steps of his apartment building two at a time, he bursts into his kitchen. His set up is exactly how he left it, books spread out all over the table, laptop shut and laid askew, the dry, half-eaten remains of his morning muffin on a plate on top of his encyclopedia of illuminated manuscripts--except for one book, the one on Ottoman history of the nineteenth century. It’s been opened, its pages facing the door, in the exact opposite direction of all the other books.

“Hello?” he calls into the apartment. “Anyone home?”

No response.

Percy approaches the table.

From the pages, Selim III stares at him, his portrait rendered in black and white, sitting just above a figure of his signature, his tughra.

Percy picks up the book, squinting.

The signature is crisp, clean, a work of art all by itself.

He looks at his napkin drawing. Blurry and smudged.

Opening his laptop, he pulls up the scans of the documents in the British museum, zooms in on the letter’s seal.

Blurry and smudged.

Percy stares.

It… can’t be that simple, can it?

In a daze, he fires an email off to his new grad advisor. Hopefully he won’t mind Percy sticking his nose in where he doesn’t belong. Hey Dr. T--was looking at the Parthenon marbles docs in the BM (don’t ask) and I noticed this weird smudge on the tughra. Lazy scribe, maybe?

And he closes his computer.

Later that night, while he puts Junie to bed, he gets a response. not sure. sent it to a colleague for a closer look.

He can’t even be bothered to really think about it though, not with Junie looking up at him with Annabeth’s eyes, and asking for another book. “Alright, kiddo,” he acquiesces, settling in beside her. All her story books are in ancient Greek, and at age two, she’s starting to recognize the letters. “Which one are you thinking?”

“Daw-fins, daddy,” she says, smiling.

“Dolphins, eh? Getting Mr. D on your side early, I see. As smart as mommy.” He leans down and kisses her forehead before he starts to read her the story of the sailors and their sudden dolphin madness.

***

“Huh,” Percy says to himself a few weeks later, as he and Annabeth are chilling on the couch, watching some Netflix.

His advisor has forwarded him an article from the BBC (New evidence suggests Elgin documents to be forgeries) with an accompanying note: Amazing catch!

“What is it?” Annabeth asks, nudging him with her elbow--a feat, since she also has an armful of a squirmy Junie to deal with.

“Update in the Parthenon marbles thing.”

That gets her attention. Anything Parthenon-related does. “Really?”

He shows her his phone.

Her eyes go wide as saucers. “Damn.”

“Yep.” He doesn’t realize he’s smiling until he feels his lips pulling at the sides of his mouth.

“My mom is probably your biggest fan right now.”

He starts. “What did you say?”

Turning back to the TV, she still manages to cast him a weird look. “I said, my mom will probably love you for this.”

A beat, then Percy practically somersaults over the couch, darting into the kitchen. Wrenching open the pantry door, he shoves his hand behind their collection of flours, fingers grasping for--

“If you’re looking for any more sacrificial cookies,” Annabeth calls after him, “we burned them all when Junie got a cold.”

“Remind me to make some more,” says Percy, pulling out his prize. It’s a little dusty, streaks of flour clinging to the blue velvet. “I have a feeling we’ll need them.”

“Oh yeah?” She chuckles. “What, did Olympus put in a special order?”

Percy slides back down next to her, ring hidden in his closed fist. “Can I have the baby for a sec?”

Eyes fixed to the screen, Annabeth passes her over. Junie’s hands automatically reach for his nose, ready to grab, but Percy places the ring in her grasp instead, kissing her forehead. “Hey, babe?” he asks Annabeth, handing her back. “I think our daughter has something for you.”

Annabeth takes her without a second glance.

Then she does take a second glance.

Ring closed in her pudgy toddler fist, Junie holds it out to her.

Annabeth gapes.

“So,” Percy says, wrapping an arm around her shoulder, “quick confession: I wasn’t just working on the marbles for fun.”

Annabeth just stares. Junie babbles.

“Your mom told me that if I helped get the marbles back, she’d back us against Hera if we ever got married. So…” He trails off, waiting for her response. As close as he is, he can see the tears start to well up in her eyes--a good sign. “Shall we?” he prompts.

“Oh thank all the gods.” Annabeth is crying, because she's Annabeth. And because she's Annabeth, she also wastes no time in transferring Junie to her other side, and holding out her hand so Percy can slide the ring on her finger. “I was so worried I'd have to have Chase on my Masters’ diploma, too.”

Percy is making sauce when his phone lights up. He hits speaker. “Hey.”

“Hey man,” comes the tinny voice of Magnus. “Sorry I missed your call earlier.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Percy says, “I figured you were dying or something.”

Magnus’ eye roll is almost palpable. “Very funny. What’s up?”

Bringing the spoon to his lips, he blows on it, taking a taste, before reaching for the salt. Needs way more. “Do you happen to have any Varangian guards in Hotel Valhalla?”

“Varangian guards? Uh, maybe. Probably. Why?”

“I’m doing a thing on the attempted reconquest of Sicily,” he says, lowering the heat a little to a simmer, “and I’m having some trouble piecing together the Battle of Montemaggiore. Know anyone who was in it?”

Magnus hums. “I’ll ask around. Anyone in particular you’re looking for?”

Rifling through their little spice cabinet, he makes a mental note to get a new thing of hot sauce, tipping the rest of it into the pot. “If you have anyone who fought under Harald Hardrada, that would be great.”

“Hardrada? I’m pretty sure he lives on the fifth floor.”

Percy nearly drops the bottle. “No shit?”

“Big dude, long mustache, writes poetry?”

“Yes!” He picks up the phone, grinning from ear to ear. “Do you think I could come up and talk to him sometime?”

“Sure, but I thought you were doing something on Homer’s identity?”

He groans. “Backburnered for now until she stops driving me crazy.” No matter how many times Percy tells her, he can’t just drop the “Homer was actually an Egyptian woman” bomb without some serious evidence backing that up. And forgery is not one of his strong suits. Hence the need for a different topic for the time being.

“Has everyone ever told you your life is weird?”

“No, why do you ask?”

His phone suddenly vibrates, shocking him so badly he nearly drops it into the saucepan. Almost home, texts the love of his life, a shot of serotonin directly into his bloodstream. V hungry

“Sorry, Magnus, but I gotta run. Thanks for your help.”

“No problem. Say hi to my cousin for me.”

“Can do.”

“And make sure you pick a date soon! Sam needs to know so she can schedule her flight home.”

“Soon as I can.” You know, when his brain isn’t melting from grading undergrad papers. And making sure Annabeth and Junie are fed. And that Annabeth doesn’t lose herself in graduate school. And finding Junie a new preschool after she destroyed a classroom last month because of a monster. His toddler is a badass. But he’s a little worried she’s gonna follow Mommy and Daddy’s example as far as school goes.

Sometimes, he thinks that their wedding just won’t ever happen. With Athena on board, he figured it would happen sooner or later, but time just… keeps getting away from them. Which isn’t the end of the world. A lifetime at Annabeth’s side is all he really needs, Mrs. Jackson or no. But he’s seen the silver fabric she weaved for her wedding dress. It would be a shame for all that hard work to go to waste.

And, yeah, he wants to see his little Junie dancing down the aisle flinging seaweed before her mother. He wants his mom to cry a little and he wants all his friends to be there to celebrate with them. Is that so much to ask?

Speaking of his two favorite girls--”We’re home!” Annabeth calls from the hallway. “Junie, go say hi to daddy!”

Her bare feet slapping against the floor, his daughter comes toddling in, making a beeline for him. “Hey, kiddo,” Percy says, scooping her up. “How’s my best girl?”

“She’s just fine, thanks,” Annabeth says, setting her work bag down on the table. “Tell me I don’t have to wait for dinner--Margie kept me for the entirety of my lunch break, and I am starving.”

“Just gotta make a salad and we should be good to go.” But he makes no move to finish chopping vegetables, entirely too enraptured with the way Junie smiles when Percy sticks his tongue out at her. “Let me guess,” he says. “Does my best girl want some olives?”

“Peas,” Junie says.

“Oh, you want peas instead?”

She giggles, waving her arms. “Elaia, daddy!”

“Fine,” and he kisses her nose. “Extra olives for you.”

“Chip off the old block,” Annabeth says.

Handing her back to her mother, Percy sighs. “When am I going to get a kid who likes anchovies?”

“I’m doing my best here, okay?”

***

Hardrada is… not what he expected.

“Reputation isn’t that bad.” Hardrada is saying. “The production isn’t what it should be, but lots of her lyrics are still on point.”

“The production ruins it,” Percy insists. “And as a follow up to 1989? It's just bad.”

“And what about Lover?”

“What about Lover?”

“You can’t argue with the genius of that one.”

“It is terribly inconsistent,” Percy shoots back. “Yeah, ‘The Archer’ and ‘Daylight’ and ‘Miss Americana’ are sublime, but ‘ME!’? Come on!”

“Are you one of those people who thinks she peaked at Red?”

“Red is a bop from start to finish,” Percy fires back. “But she definitely peaked at folklore.”

“Thinking she peaked at folklore is just pedestrian when ‘tis the damn season’ exists!” Hardrada yells, drawing his axe, which is then promptly flung over Percy’s head.

As the only mortal in a room full of armed, excitable, undead Taylor Swift stans, Percy beats a hasty exit, Magnus and Jason covering him as he flees, because they’re just so thoughtful like that. Percy’s pretty sure he saw Magnus take an arrow to the knee, going down in a heap, before he shuts the door to the hotel, finding himself in a Forever 21.

Looking over his notes later as he gets back to his apartment in the North End, he frowns. They had spent… approximately twenty minutes talking about Sicily before getting solidly off track. Who knew an eleventh century viking would have such intense feelings about pop music?

And now he’s singing “seven” to himself as he unlocks the apartment door, because it's a good song, and because it made him think of Annabeth. And he always wants to think of Annabeth.

“Hey, babe,” he calls into the apartment, toeing off his shoes. “I’m back!”

He gets no response.

Percy looks up, confused. “Annabeth?”

“In the bathroom,” he hears, faintly.

“Everything okay?”

“Yep! Totally fine!” she says, unconvincingly.

“Alright,” he calls back. “Let me know if you need something.”

Moving Junie’s toys out of the way, he drops down onto the couch, grabbing his laptop. Hopefully he can make some sort of sense of the… notes… that he got from Hardrada. Though he’s probably going to have to trek out to Beacon Hill again, which, while not really out of his way, does mean he has to hike a bit from the Park Street station through the Commons, which makes him super sweaty and out of breath. It’s just embarrassing, walking into a hotel full of the greatest warriors of Valhalla, and Percy can barely handle a hill.

However, he’s not so out of practice that he can’t sense Annabeth coming up behind him. “You good?”

“What do you think about getting married by the end of the month?”

“Sure,” he says, pecking at his computer. Damn autocorrect ruining all the Norse names. He keeps forgetting to download the right language package he needs. “But I thought you wanted to wait until after you turned in your portfolio?”

“Well… I might not be able to fit in my dress if we wait much longer.”

That gets his attention.

Percy turns around, slowly. Annabeth is grinning, holding a thin little piece of plastic with a circle on the end. She wiggles it.

“Is that…?”

“Yep.”

“Oh.”

Her smile falls. “Are you mad?”

“What? No!” Percy slides his computer off his lap, twisting around to face her, up on his knees. “No, no, not at all. I’m not mad.” She slings her arms around his neck, pregnancy test warm against his skin. “I just…”

Eyes warm, she looks into his, unafraid. “What is it?”

“It’s…” It’s silly, is what it is. But this is Annabeth. If he can’t tell her, who can he tell? “I just feel bad that I’ve gotten you pregnant twice before getting married.”

“Well, at least I’m not nineteen this time,” she says, raising an eyebrow. “But maybe we wouldn’t have this problem if you weren’t such a horndog.”

Percy snorts. “Me? What about you, Annabeth ‘3 AM anal before my first lecture’ Chase.”

“Jackson,” she corrects.

“Huh?”

“It’s Annabeth ‘3 AM anal before your first lecture’ Jackson.”

Grinning, he presses his mouth to hers. After all this time, she still smells like lemons, her lips soft and warm. “Not yet it’s not.”

“Then let’s make it happen.”

And, well, Percy can’t think of a better plan.

Jamie hisses. “Fuuuuuck,” she whispers, the sound dropping like a stone in the dead lecture hall. “Goddamn shit fuck ass.”

And the worst part is, she’d actually spent a lot of time preparing for her Latin midterm. She’d made flashcards, she’d drilled noun endings, she’d even slept with the textbook under her pillow for fuck’s sake.

Typical--the moment she sits down to take the test, it all goes out the window.

“Legistne carmen longum de Troiano,” she reads under her breath, as though saying it out loud will unlock some hidden secrets of the cosmos.

Nope. Nothing. The multiple choices remain as inscrutable as ever.

“Psst.”

Jamie looks up.

There’s a four year old staring at her.

“Hi,” Jamie says.

“Hi,” says the four year old. Junie, her name is, she thinks.

Mr. Jackson, Jamie’s Latin TA, will bring his kids to class with him sometimes--his wife works full time, and Jamie guesses that they can’t afford a babysitter. She’s a cute kid, quiet, usually sitting in the corner of the lecture hall, drawing or even knitting, sometimes with her little sister playing with toy ships next to her.

Now, she’s still staring at her. “What’s up?” Jamie asks.

“Bello,” says Junie.

Jamie blinks. “Sorry?”

“Legistne carmen longum de bello Troiano.”

She squints down at her test sheet, attempting to visualize her flash cards. That’s… “Bello” is the right answer.

The fuck? The fucking four year old can speak Latin? “Thanks,” she whispers.

Junie beams at her.

Darting her eyes to the front of the lecture hall, Jamie spies her professor, Buck, completely conked out at his desk, his chest rising and falling with his snores. Percy is nowhere to be seen, his laptop open at his chair. “What’s the next one?” Jamie turns her paper so that Junie can see better.

“Pluto Proserpinam infelicem cepit,” she announces, perfectly accented.

Jamie points to the one after that.

“Rex qui pontem fecit erat Ancus Martius.”

“Awesome.”

The door to the lecture hall opens. Jamie whips around in her seat, startled, and sees her TA, walking down the steps. From the corner of her eye, Junie disappears, booking it to her dad, who scoops her up without missing a beat. “Hey kiddo,” he murmurs, smiling crookedly. “Were you bothering my students?” Then he glances at Jamie. “Sorry about that--hope she wasn’t too annoying.”

But Jamie shakes her head. “It’s fine.” Dammit.

Still smiling, Percy makes his way back down to his seat. Junie grins at her over his shoulder, her arms wrapped tightly around her dad’s neck.

At the beginning of the semester, Professor Buck had droned on and on about Mr. Jackson, about how he was one of the best up-and-coming classics scholars in the world, how he could have had his pick of PhD programs, and how NYU was lucky to have him. He got first pick of assistantships this semester, apparently, but had volunteered to teach Latin 1001, and they should all be grateful, because he had done some beautiful new translation of Virgil for his Master’s thesis, and they were all going to learn a lot from him.

Turning back to her exam, Jamie snorts. Of course a guy like that would have a kid who could speak perfect Latin.

She really should have just stuck with German instead.

#my fic #pjo #percabeth #the rivalry ends here #perseannabeth #darkmagyk #percy should be a classics major and here's why #the percy major for the stem hating author #also i feel like i have to say:#1) classics conferences are not like that #2) if only it were that easy to get the bm to return looted antiquities 🙄#pjo fic #percabeth fic #percy jackson

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