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into-crazy · 4 years

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horror and chill

Ledger!Joker x Female Reader one shot

Summary: You and J watch a horror flick. Eventually you both grow bored, turning your attention onto one another. You don't make it through the movie.

Warnings- Cursing, NSFW, SMUT, fingering, edging, orgasm denial, light knife play, spanking, use of the word daddy(once), unprotected sex, brief degradation, choking, light blood play, J style fluff, ages 18+

This sort of popped into my head while I was watching a scary movie. I'm a sucker for watching horror movies in the dark. Let's just say my self indulgences deff kicked in with this one whew! Also forewarning, it’s very long.

The month of October has always been a favorite for you. That time of the year when Autumn is in full effect. The air outside is cooled down, where it's not too hot and not quite cold yet. Seasonal items return with a comeback, available to stock up on- whether they be edible goodies or scented candles. Then, of course, there's Halloween. Or spooky season, as the kids like to call it.

That special time where watching horror movies is an absolute must. Ordering takeout, nothing on but panties and an oversized tee, cuddling on the couch with a blanket, turning out all of the lights, and blasting the volume on the television to get the full effect. Yeah, it's one of your most prized traditions.

You and Joker have been together for well over year now. Let's just say he was around this time last year. He knew of your passion for this month, but he hasn't fully experienced it with you. Since that was a point where your relationship- if that's what you want to call it- was still fresh. Too early to establish complete trust and understanding in one another. Actually, you believe that still may be the case for J.

Not that you have anything against it. He's a highly complex and guarded man, he has a difficult time trusting people. In fact, he doesn't. But he's allowed you- and no one else- to come this close into his life, and it's pretty damn close. He trusts you enough and he's trying. There's nothing you'd ever do to betray that. You've come to accept it'll take a longer period before you'd get there fully.

Though it can be rough sometimes, you've had your fair share of fights. But he's never given you a reason to leave. You trust him, you've grown to love him. And while J would never confess to it, would never say it aloud, he adores you. He shows it in everything that he does for you. As for love, you've become aware and accepted that the word doesn't apply to him. He can't love. And that's okay.

Fast forward over to now, already a week into October. It's a Saturday night, and you're ready to continue your cherished routine, but with your beloved J. You've only watched two horror flicks thus far. Both nights had been alone, minus him and the takeout. He's been busy with his usual chaotic jobs, which kept him out later hours into the night. However you don't care about that right now, he called and informed you that he'll be home for tonight's showing.

"An' don't ah, don't ya dare start without me." J warned on the other end of the phone line.

"Well then you better hurry back," you playfully teased into the phone, "I already ordered the pizza and the movie is set to play."

That conversation ended about forty minutes ago. You sat on the couch in your shared apartment, waiting for him. Everything good to go, pizza has arrived, scented candles are lit, movie ready to proceed at the click of a button, and the lights are off- save for the small lamp by the entryway. The overall setting feeling eerily, just how you like it. It also feels quite romantic, which is a bonus.

You're wearing one of J's dress shirts with a blush thong underneath. Wrapped snug in a huge fluffy blanket in your designated spot(rightfully decided by you as this was your apartment first). Since he prefers to keep the apartment cold, you tend to get chilly a lot. Which was fine considering you have J and a vast selection of blankets to keep you warm. Currently, you have the blanket. All that's missing is J.

What's taking him so long? I'm gonna start the movie, I don't care. He'll just have to deal with it.. and I'm not rewinding it either.

You began to ponder while sitting in silence. Fingers tapping impatiently on the remote, debating whether or not you should carry on without him. With a loud huff, you glance over at the pizza box on the small table directly in front of you. In the amount of time you've waited, you managed to eat two slices already.

Then, you heard the familiar ruffling noise at the front door. The sound of the lock hurriedly being turned getting you to shoot your eyes towards it without moving your head. The door swings open and in walks J in all his glory, quickly shutting and locking the closure behind him.

"I'm home-ah!" A lilt in his voice as he exaggerates his arrival.

"You're late," you return displeasingly.

He narrows his glare at you, "well uh, hello to you too."

Rolling your eyes, you motion with your fingers, "I was this close to starting the movie without you. What took you so long?"

J works on shrugging off his plum trench coat. "What can I say? It was such a ah, easy breeze to get here." He throws sarcastically.

Shaking your head, you laugh, "I'm sorry J, I didn't mean to sound rude. I just missed you is all." You really do appreciate the extra efforts he goes through to make sure he gets here safe and undetected. To not be traced or followed. Be it by his fellow rivals, Gotham police, and in some cases- the Batman.

"Yeah doll, I know," he licks his lips, "I know." You watch him remove a few of his other articles to get more comfortable. His face paint isn't too disheveled which tells you his day went rather smoothly. Or as he prefers to call it- boring.

You open up the blanket to make space for him. Patting the empty spot right next to you, "hurry and get over here, pizza's getting cold."

Left in his purple slacks, dress shirt, and socks, he shuts off the last light before making his way over to plop onto the couch next to you. He allows you to snuggle against him. With the cover behind him, he doesn't feel the need to wrap himself in it. You, on the other hand, have your end burrito wrapped over you. Finally, you stick your hand out the blanket to hit play on the remote.

Twenty minutes in, you were beginning to grow less and less interested in the film. Nothing but a predictable storyline with a bunch of weak jump scares. Not to mention the overly cheesy acting. Though it wasn't completely terrible, it had a few good points to it. However this film probably won't make it onto your rewatch list. You failed to previously read the reviews for this one like you normally would when picking a new movie to watch. The plot sounded good when you had read it. Oh well, you gave it a shot.

J wasn't fond of the movie either. He's actually more bored of it than you are. Occasionally would he exhale blatantly or comment on one of the bad moments that came across. This. Is. Torture. He thought to himself staring blankly at the screen. And not the good kind. Alas, he'll bite his tongue and miserably sit through another hour because it is your movie night, and he knows how much this means to you.

You can't help but feel bad for having him sit through this with you- for you. Soon, you lost total interest in the film and your mind began to drift.. elsewhere. To his hand, resting freely between your soft thighs. His palm feels so warm against your flesh. But that's just J- always giving off heat. He's like your own personal heater. Sometimes warming you to the point you don't even need a blanket because it becomes too hot. Speaking of which, you removed the cover, preferring his signature warmth over the fabric's any day.

Your fingers start to brush lightly on his wrists and knuckles. The subtle touch earns you half smile followed with a pleased hum, which you see in your peripheral vision. He hasn't caught on yet, but your need for him is building fast.

You scooch closer to him in attempt to get his hand where you need it most without him catching on just yet. It didn't work, his hand isn't touching you. It's right there, mere millimeters away. Thinking about how amazing his hands feel when he touches you. When he grants you with friction as he rubs your throbbing clit. The wonderful spots he reaches when he relentlessly fucks you with those paint speckled fingers. Curling them deep, making you writhe and cry beneath him.

Clamping his wrist, your breath hitches at the thought. Shit. That was audible. For a split second, you thought you might have blown it. But Joker took it as something from the film frightening you.

"Quiet doll," he shushes, "you an' I both know the ah, movie ain't scary."

Fuck, you can't take it anymore. You want him to touch you. With a slight roll of your hips, you manage to get his hand to brush against your clothed heat. The smallest bit of friction causes you to release a muffled whimper.

J's arm stiffens and his face instantly snaps to look at you. You seize, halting your movement. No question, he felt what you did, sees the burning desperation in your eyes. Tossing his head back, he erupts in a delighted, high pitched cackle. "Oh-" more cackling laughter as he glances at you again, "so that's what that was." A malicious smirk spreads his scarred cheeks. He firmly grips the inside of your thigh, pulling you against him. "What happened bunny? Growin' needy?" Cupping your clothed mound, his fingers rub you teasingly.

"Yeah," you admit, taking your bottom lip between your teeth. Tightening your thighs around his wrist. Would've been no use lying to him when he'd easily seen and felt otherwise.

His rubbing comes to an abrupt stop. He taunts, "Ahh, this was your idea, hm. You were the one keen on a movie night, remember?"

"I know, but-"

"Ah-ta-ta," He cuts you off, "But nothing. This is what ya wanted, so that's what we'll do. We'll ah, sit here and watch."

Suddenly, he lifts you, effortlessly moving you into his lap. You yelp as your back is pressed flush against his torso. He separates your legs apart, you can feel his cock beginning to harden under you, pushing into the plush of your ass. One hand wraps around your chest, to roughly knead your breasts. The other slides under the shirt, gliding over your abdomen, down between your legs. To rub harsh circles on your excited clit through the thinly soaked fabric of your underwear.

"Ahh- fuck!" You whine, throwing your head back to rest on his shoulder, reaching around to grip his green locks.

J starts to kiss and nip his way down your neck. Leaving dark patches into your skin, accompanied by red and white splotches- completely marking you. Once he was satisfied with his marks, he leans closely by your ear. "You're dripping, doll," he whispers huskily, his hot breath brushing against your neck. "Now, you will sit here and watch the flick like a good girl, while I play with this needy little cunt of yours. No fussin' or fightin'. Got it?"

"Mhm, yes sir," you answer. Biting back the urge to smile at the thought of finally getting what you want. Fighting it off because, let's be real here, you know with J, it never comes along that easy. But he always makes it damn well worth it.

"Good, now sit still." He growls lowly onto your neck. With that, he pushed your panties to the side and began his torture. His fingers transitioning from fucking your aching hole to rubbing the drenched digits on your throbbing clit. Whispering twistingly sweet and dirty words into your ear while he slathers your own arousal all over your pussy.

He'd bring you close, on the verge of your orgasm, only to stop his movements entirely. Tearing it away from you before you could fall over that edge into pure ecstasy. You grew more and more frustrated each time he'd do that. Though you haven't fully, but you're rapidly losing your composure. Which already may be broken. Sweat is forming on your hairline, tears are prickling your eyes, your breath is starting to hitch. Starting to want it so bad you're teetering towards retaliating to get what you crave.

Joker's counting on it. He thrives on edging you, demands the control over you. As much as he prefers having you entirely at his mercy, he likes it when you lash back. Finds it rather amusing, makes for something a little bit more interesting. See how far you'll go before you snap so beautifully.

And that's now.

You start to buck your hips against his fingers that are going in and out of your pussy, along with his thumb assaulting your clit. Feeling that powerful knot reforming, you need to orgasm. "Oh f-fuck! Please!" You start pleading, "I-I can't take it anymore. Please J, l-let me cum!"

"You wanna cum?" He hints, removing his chin from your neck.

"Yes, God- yes please!" You cry out, clawing your nails into his thighs. Clamping down to gain better leverage. The wild rolling of your hips gets your ass brushing more against his hardened cock. Your arousal had already soaked through his pants a long time ago.

"Fuck," he hisses through gritted teeth, digging his fingers hard into your hip that's sure to leave an array of dotted bruises. He bucks absently into you, licking a wet, hot trail up your neck. "Mm, dirty girl. So you wanna play that game-ah?"

He moves his fingers faster and harder. Even over the loud volume from the television could the wet squelching sounds deriving from his ministrations be heard. The air filled with the scent of sex- your sex. So desperate and ready to let go and orgasm. It's driving you crazy.

"P-please- Ahh! Can I cum?" You plead. Hoping he'll reward you at least for asking.

"You can cum. Go on, babygirl. Cum on my fingers." He finally grants, fingers continuing to get you to ecstasy.

Well you didn't have to be told twice.

You release with a broken cry, orgasm gushing out onto his digits. Drenching the fabric of his pants beneath you. Your body spasming madly over his own while you ride out your high.

Coming down, J removed his hand from your pussy. His fingers are glistening, coated in your cum. He sticks them into your mouth. "Clean my fingers of the mess you made," he growls the command in your ear. Groaning in approval when you comply. Eagerly licking and sucking his digits clean of your juices. "Come here," he grabs your face, turning your head, making you look at him. "Give me a taste."

He kisses you, shoving his tongue into your mouth to savor the taste of your delectable juices. You kiss him back feverishly. One hand fisting in his hair, the other goes to stroke his cock. Still clothed, still hard. The action causing him to snarl against your lips, "such a greedy little thing. Always ah, wanting more. Ya just can't get enough of me, huh?"

"Never," you huff with a grin, "and telling by this-" you rub him again, "neither could you." His eyes snap to glare into yours viciously. Ohh, he's gonna make you pay for that snarky remark.

With hasty movements, J turns you around so that you're now facing him. Straddling his lap. He tears the shirt that adorned your body open, buttons flying to scatter the couch and floor. Someone's gonna have to sew those back on later, most likely you. He removes the shirt from you, carelessly tossing it aside.

With the large article gone, it granted him with a better view of the mess you made on his custom, pricey slacks. His entire crotch and thigh area is completely drenched in your juices. He gave a sigh which tried to make him sound annoyed or displeased. However, with the straining bulge pushing against you below, you know that was far from the case. His eyes traveled to land on your barley covered pussy, he groaned at the sight. The flimsy fabric of your thong sticking to one of your wonderful, wet lips. Your orgasm, still dribbling out your cunt.

He hooked a finger under the thin strap hugging your hip, pulling far enough only to have it fall and snap against you. Chuckling at your slightly startled reaction. "Bad girl. Misbehaving, talking back, making a mess of my pants? These aren't exactly 'buy at the store' ready. Maybe I should put your dirty mouth to use and have you suck your own juices up, hm?"

"I misbehaved?" You mock a pout, fully knowing what you did. Regardless, asking anyway.

His kneads the plush of your ass roughly. The callousness of his hands making you shiver in his grasp. You may think this position is in your favor, that you could use it to your advantage. But Joker's got you right where he wants you. The stern look in his blackened eyes and the firm hold he's got on you make that known. "You ah- were supposed to make it through the film without so much as a fuss. Remember that?"

"I was?" Your fingers ghost up his chest, "I don't remember that part." Now you're pushing it. He notices the smile threatening to creep your face. One of his hands shoots up to grasp a fistful of your hair, yanking your head back, exposing your marked neck.

"Yes," he acknowledges slowly trailing his lips up your throat, "yes you do. You just chose to be a brat and not listen." His tone is dangerous, and it would've been absolutely frightening had you been anyone else instead of the only person he cares about in his life. Even though he'd never verbally admit that, frustrating as it is for him, he does care. He does. Which is why whenever you feel that tingle dubbed as fear creep up your spine, you still hold assurance. The flesh of his scars brush the underside of your chin, making you moan unabashedly. "Ya know I gotta punish you for that."

J uses his hold on your hair and hip to guide you to lay over his lap, your naked stomach pressed against his wet thighs, and most of all, his erection. He reaches over to the small table beside the couch, plucking an item you assume to be one of his signature knives. The distinct clicking sound indicates you were correct. It's a switchblade.

He drags the razor sharp blade along your spine until it reaches your underwear, almost on the verge of slicing into you. The thrill gets your heart pounding faster in your chest and ears. You love it when he cuts you, and he's aware of that. But this is a punishment, so you won't be getting what you want.. least not yet. Placing it under the strap, he tears the article to shreds, carelessly nicking you a few times in the process. Alright, so the little nicks he can't control. Those just come naturally. Tossing the ruined fabric aside, he palms your ass cheeks, favoring a spot to start spanking. "Count. We'll ah, stop when I decide you've had enough."

His palm came down hard against your ass, sending an electrifying jolt through your entire body causing you to yelp. "One!" You count. The stinging grew worse with each spank. He hit you hard, but it wasn't anything you couldn't bare. Warm tears steamed down your reddened cheeks. It hurt in a wonderful way, your pussy leaking more arousal as it progressed. He continued to spank you until he grew bored of hearing the same cries and whines.

"Last one bunny," he subtly praised, soothing over the bright marks in your flesh that are starting to welt and bruise. With that, his hand came down a final time. This one stinging the worst.

"Fif- fifteen." You manage to rasp, mind overcome with the lust you had building up. At this point you need him inside you. You need his cock buried deep in your aching core and you need him now. "Please f-fuck me J. I need you!" Your body arched into his as you begged.

J snickered, "need me huh? How bad?" His hand went back to your abused ass to shove you forward, so that your pelvis was atop his as he purposely rolled his erection against your painfully heated sex. The friction drawing a long, strained moan from your lips which pleased him. "Tell me bunny. How, how bad do ya need my cock?"

"Bad- oh so fucking bad- I need your cock! P-Please J, please daddy, fuck me!" You practically shout, resorting to the word daddy. A word which you hardly use, but do when need be. And now was a time of great need.

A snarl left his lips as he yanks you off briefly to undo his pants and shove them down. His cock finally free from the uncomfortable confines, he sighs with relief as he takes it into his hand, pumping a few times. The tip, red and angry with his precum beading out. "Get over here now," he growls impatiently.

Wasting no time, you swing your leg over both of his, reclaiming your previous place of straddling him. You grabbed-rather pawed- his shoulders for leverage. His thick head lines up with your dripping entrance, then he pulls you down, driving his length inside with a powerful thrust. Knocking the wind from you as he filled you. Fuck, how he stretched you so good.

After a brief second for you both to adjust- you to his size and him to recompose himself- he instructs you to- "Move."

To which you do. Rapidly bouncing yourself up and down on his cock. Unashamed at the loud moans and whimpers continuously leaving your lips. This was exactly what you needed, and having been denied lots tonight it felt amazing to finally have this. You moved like your life depended on it.

J grunted as he met your thrusts with his languid ones, his hands guiding the movement of your hips. He held back from pounding into you, oh how he's going to pound into you, just not yet. Which means he's definitely in the mood to tease you to an extent, in any and every way that he can. What an asshole.. Your asshole.

Your arms went to wrap around him. To your surprise, he didn't shove them off. Instead, his chin went to rest in the crook of your neck, catching glimpse of the illuminated TV screen. The movie was still on.

"Mhm, you're just a horny little slut, aren't ya?" He sneered. "Can't even get through a movie without having my cock inside of ya."

There was no way you could give him a proper response. So wrapped were you in the exhilarating feeling of him that any words to a sentence you tried to form wouldn't come out. What did manage to slip out was muddled babbling. He snickered at your incoherence.

The female protagonist on the screen started to scream. The shrieking noise caught both your attention, though your actions didn't falter. "This woman's a terrible actor," J criticized the lady, "her scream is so fake, wouldn't you agree?"

"Yes- ah," you return finding your voice, "It s-sure is."

He removed one hand from your hip, gliding it up the valley between your breasts to grip your neck. Glaring menacingly into your eyes momentarily before muttering, "I think you could give me a better one." You knew from his low tone that something malicious just popped into his head. His fingers tightened, "Let's see if you could scream louder than the girl on the screen. Can ya do that for me sweets?"

You nodded feverishly within his hold, "yes J."

Satisfied with the answer, he began driving his cock vigorously up into you. The harsh slapping of skin heard as his hips pound mercilessly against your own. The spontaneous change of pace left you almost completely breathless. Your orgasm was fast approaching. Eyes squeezing shut as he fucked you relentlessly. You screamed, "Oh fuck!"

Your beautiful screams rang harmoniously in his ears like a favored tune. That he could play on repeat over and over and never grow tired of hearing. Your screams and moans are definitely his favorite sounds, aside from explosions and gunfire. He can't help but want more. Crave more.

"Come on doll, get louder," he teases, "I know ya could do better than that." He went to tug your head to the side, exposing the junction between your neck and shoulder. Sinking his yellowed teeth in, biting down hard to draw blood. That was just the push you needed. Your eyes roll back and your walls clench tightly around his length, releasing a shattering scream as you cum violently around his cock.

J lapped the fresh blood from where he bit you. "Hm, that's it," he groaned, "now that's a real scream." He kept going, his pace never letting up. In fact, soon as your hands went to tug at his hair did his thrusts speed up.

You yank his head from your neck to look into his intoxicating eyes, moving to glance towards your blood on his lips. Crashing them with yours to taste that savory metallic flavor for yourself. You take his bottom lip between your teeth and bite down harshly, earning a rumbling groan from him.

He's getting closer and closer to his own peak as you're nearing another. When you feel his thumb move to rub rigorous circles on your sensitive clit, you release his lip with a sharp cry. "J!"

Your walls clamping painfully tight around his throbbing dick, vision blurring as you cum. Nails digging into his broad chest, probably creating tiny bruises under the shirt.

He relishes in the pinch of pain you give him. Combined together with your sinful noises, the sight of your face contorted in ecstasy, and the feeling of your tight warm walls. With that, he buries himself in you and cums hard. A moan mixed with a groan like noise slipping from his lips while he shoots his hot load into your cervix. So much, that some leaks out while you milk him of every last drop.

J collects his breath before lifting your weight up to slip out of you. Your pussy lips are so swollen that his cum isn't even able to drip down once he's out. He sets you onto the couch beside him, getting up to go into the restroom to clean himself and grab a damp rag to bring back to you.

As you regain yourself, you manage to sit a little more up on the couch. Wincing, trying not to sit up all the way due to the soreness already starting to form between your legs. You wrap the blanket around your naked form and silently contemplate. The sex was amazing sure, but you still felt bad for ruining movie night with a terrible movie.

The sound of J coming back in hadn't even registered with you until he waved his hand in your view, tearing you from your thoughts. You blink quickly, offering him a smile to hide it. But J had already seen the small frown when he walked back. And he wanted to know the reason behind it, since it was out of the ordinary. Usually you're always smiling in your post orgasmic state.

"What's carving a frown in ya, pumpkin?" He asks, a hint of concern in his tone as he hands you the small towel. The strange nickname causes you to giggle and he eases knowing you're alright.

"It's nothing J," you say shyly, "I'm just.. I'm sorry the movie sucked. I promise I'll pick a better one next time."

He hums, saying nothing else as he sits back down beside you. Draping his arm behind the couch behind you. Blankly watching the last of the movies end credits while you clean yourself with the rag.

You start to laugh again, "Well, now I really wanna carve a pumpkin. This place could use a couple. How about tomorrow I get some for us to carve?"

He grins sinisterly, "ya know, I'm usually carving into people."

"Pumpkins are less messy. Like, way less." You playfully respond.

"I like messy," he huffs.

"Yeah I know you do." You smile knowingly at him, lightly tracing the hexagonal patterns on his shirt. "I thought it would be fun. You don't have to if you don't want to."

J licks his scars as he ponders on it. Any activity having to do with a carving into something with a knife, count him in. "Ah, what the hell. Alright. What better way then to uh, help me spruce up on my slicing skills." He traces his hand out in front of him, as if he were carving a smile into something. This action causes you to release a genuine laugh. And in that moment, J relishes in hearing yet another one of his favorite sounds~

Woah, so that's the end! I hope you guys liked it. Again, sorry that it was so long. I can't help but make these super lengthy when it comes to smut😭

#heath ledger joker #tdk joker #the dark knight joker #ledger joker x reader #ledger joker x y/n #ledger joker x female reader #joker x reader #joker x y/n #ledger!joker #ledger joker #ledger joker smut #joker smut #the dark night #fanfic

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alderaani · 3 years

Text

Skies

summary: After a long campaign, Jesse and Hardcase indulge in some well earned TLC. AO3 | Series

Part of my 100-clone centric prompts series, prompt list used is here

wanrings: allusions to canon-typical violence, death mention.

a/n: oof, I’ve been so unmotivated to write recently, so i’m honestly just relieved to have finished something. i’ve been wanting to write this for ages, based off this post by @lilhawkeye3 - it’s such an endearing image.

The ocean didn’t smell anything like Hardcase thought it would.

He slipped his bucket from his head, squinting against the sudden rush of unfiltered light. On either side of him troopers broke free of the tree line, and, feeling sand beneath their boots, took off whooping towards the frothing crest of the sea. The sunset blazed red and orange, bleeding like a punctured egg yolk across the cloudless horizon and into distant water. Hardcase breathed in, wrinkling his nose against the salt-laden tang, so visceral he could taste it.

It wasn’t like Kamino. That was almost the biggest surprise. He’d thought that oceans would be the same everywhere, but this wasn’t a bad way to be proven wrong. It was the salt, he realised after a moment, darting his tongue out to touch his lips. There weren’t really any beaches on Kamino, though he supposed there must be sand under there somewhere. There were no winding strips where ocean met land, where the sun could ferment the pools, rocks and shells left behind. It tasted lighter there, cleaner, more cut through by its brutal winds. He breathed in deep again, wrinkling his nose and grinning at the way the seasoned tang sat on his palate here, briny and thick.

It was the colour too, that really made the difference. It was so pale and clear on this far-flung planet, instead of the angry greyish blue he remembered. The waves were...politer, somehow. Less vengeful, not boiling with ever-falling rain. Several troopers had reached the shore now and were chasing the surf, shouting and laughing when it nipped at their heels.

He decided he rather liked it.

It was something different after weeks spent cowering under cover further inland, coated in showers of dark earth from enemy artillery and rationing out stale water in mouthfuls that were barely enough to coat the back of the throat. Even the air was damp here, and overhead the gulls were crying, sharp against the thundering crash of the waves. He lived for these moments, these breaths between the axel-grind of war. It was true that he loved the spoil of a fight, loved sinking into it and letting his Z6 sing. But there was a different, more intoxicating thrill in these snatched hours or - if they were lucky - days. He’d never voiced it to anyone, but he sometimes thought he might like to do this all the time, one day, trawling the stars and standing beneath unfamiliar skies. For the views, this time, explored under his own rhythm.

Yeah. That sounded pretty good.

“Oi, Hardcase!” Someone bellowed, sticking up a hand and waving at him amidst a far away knot of troopers knee deep in the sea. “You coming?”

He shook himself, setting down his pack and his Z6 with loving care amongst the mountainous piles of gear, before jogging down the dunes, following the trails of discarded armour and the shouts, happy laughter and splashes echoing from the water. The wind was sharp on his face and neck and on the strips of skin at his wrists, intoxicating and too heady to ignore. The sand was strangely weightless beneath him, too. He’d slept on a real feather pillow, once, while they were hunkered down on Ord Sedra and several hundred crates of luxury bedding had gotten damaged in the crossfire. It had felt like floating, and all of them had tossed and turned all night. This was similar, and just as strange...what would it all feel like on his skin?

The thought wouldn’t let him go. Halfway down the beach he sat to strip off his boots, then his plates, then his blacks, until he stood in just his greys, laughing at the feeling of the wind and the spray licking against his body. The way it cut through the stubble sprouting on his scalp after far too long stuck in a bucket-locked zone was...disconcerting. The prickle of just-forming curls felt like phantom fingers on the nape of his neck, and he’d found the way sweat clung to hair under his helmet sort of disgusting - it reminded him of being an under-washed cadet. Frankly, he didn’t plan on letting it stay long enough to get used to it.

The sand though...now that was weird. The way it sat between his toes made him squirm, each grain a bolting pinprick against the soles of his feet. When had he last had his boots off? Back on the Venator in the communal fresher, probably. It was a cruel galaxy when that barren room and its clinical racks of scentless soap started to look like a king’s treasury. He dug his feet into the cold, wet sludge, shivering in disgusted delight as the beach swallowed them whole.

“Hardcase!”

He looked towards the bellowing figure stumbling up the sand towards him, squinting as the sun hit their upturned face. Then he barked a laugh of surprise at the edge of the Republic cog he found there.

“ Jesse? Kriff, vod, barely recognised you.”

It was the first time he’d seen his flesh face in weeks, aside from in hurried moments allocated for gulping down rations. Jesse’s hair had grown in thick and black, much to the consternation of several brothers who were offended he could grow a moustache like that and still chose not to. Right now, he reached up to scratch the offending hair on his cheeks and scowled.

“S’rich comin’ from you. What is that slug on your face?”

Hardcase winced. His own unwilling hair cultivation very much proved that clones were not all made equal.

“It’s a casualty,” he said, feeling the short, patchy bristles on his upper lip. His trainer had always promised it would settle as he came out of puberty. That had been a lie. Hardcase blamed it on the crack in his growth jar, like he did most minor physical inconveniences. “This is why I don’t bother with the stuff.”

Jesse nodded, turning away to rummage through the packs strewn over the sand. “It just won’t stop itchin’.”

“You’re telling me.” Hardcase groaned. “You didn’t get woken up last night because your hair tickled the back of your neck and made you think you were bein’ jumped.”

Jesse snorted, straightening back up with his meagre GAR-standard microfibre towel in hand and a ration bar hanging from his mouth.

“Was that what that was about?” he asked, voice muffled. “We thought we could hear you squirmin’.”

Hardcase kicked lightly at Jesse’s ankle. “Real nice of you to not even ask if I was alright.”

Jesse broke off the ration bar and smirked round his mouthful.

“‘Case, it’s when you go quiet that we start asking questions.”

Hardcase shoved him. Jesse went down with a yelp and a curse, his towel catching under his ass and the loose end flapping like a banner in the wind. Hardcase bellowed a laugh, kicking sand towards him. It was a fatal mistake.

Jesse caught him by the ankle and yanked him down too. He landed on his stomach, still laughing as the wind knocked out of him, and scrambled forward with abandon, yelping with shock as water seeped cold and heavy into his greys. He wasn’t fast enough. A leg slung heavy over Hardcase’s ankles, pinning him, and then Jesse’s weight was pressing down on his back, forcing his face towards the wet sand.

“Get off, you kriffin’ shabiir,” he laughed, groaning as Jesse adjusted his weight and squashed the air out of his lungs.

“I’m not the one startin’ fights they can’t finish,” Jesse retorted, his voice light.

“Who said I was finished?” Hardcase shot back, going limp and then bucking hard. Jesse swore, losing his grip, and then they were scrabbling again, a tangle of limbs and righteous yelling.

The fight ended with them lying side by side on their backs, both covered in muck. Hardcase was sure he had sand in his crotch. The sun was still blazing on the horizon, lower now, deepening from yellow to dark, hazy red. It gleamed like fire on the water, like copper on the sand. This world was so reluctant to let the light go, eking out the daylight drop by drop. An errant touch to his thigh made him look over. Jesse was rummaging around underneath himself, grumbling about something digging into his back.

“You think we’ll get to stay here long?” Hardcase asked eventually.

“Aw, hell,” Jesse said, pulling the squashed, sandy remains of his ration bar from underneath him. “This was my last flavoured one. What’d you say?”

“D’you think we’ll stay long?”

Jesse hummed, flinging the ration bar away up the beach. A gull immediately swooped down to snatch it. “Here? Don’t think so. Heard Rex talking to the General, lots still to do before we can get off this rock.”

Hardcase sighed, letting the disappointment wash over him quietly. He shut his eyes again, just listening for a moment, committing the sounds of the sea to memory. It wouldn’t be goodbye. He’d come back to this place, one day. He’d make sure of it.

“So,” he said, cutting himself off before the longing could get too strong. “We gonna shave or what?”

Jesse scoffed. “What? Now?”

Hardcase shrugged. “Why not? We leave here, we’re gonna be back on water rations, right? You really want that nest growin’ for however the fuck long?”

Jesse sighed. “Course I don’t. But what the hell’re we gonna shave with? You didn’t bring your razor, did you?”

“Not a chance,” Hardcase said. That was only a mistake shinies made.

It wasn’t so bad if you lost one of the Kamino issue ones - those were about as blunt as a butter knife. Better to grow hair on campaign and hack it off later than lose one you’d bartered. He still mourned the first he’d ever owned - he’d never seen another with the same quality Corellian steel, and Uppercut had been so smug to win it over sabaac. Gracious enough to let him keep using it though. Some of Hardcase’s best memories were in front of fresher mirrors with him, taking it in turns and helping catch any stray hairs, paying each other in gossip for their trouble. He still hadn’t forgiven that bastard for dying. The first time he’d had to shave after had left him curled over the sink, his head half lathered and his whole body shaking, so on their next planetfall he’d taken the razor with him and buried it in the nicest spot he could find.

Uppercut had always preferred cities to trees, but Hardcase hoped that, wherever he was, he’d appreciated the effort all the same.

“I do have a vibroblade, though,” he carried on brightly, grinning at the way Jesse’s expression fell.

“Absolutely not.”

“Aw, come on. It won’t be that bad.”

Jesse pushed up on his elbows, his face scrunched. “If you think I’m gonna let you dry shave my head with a dagger, ‘Case, you’re more stupid than you look. I want a haircut, not a cut head.”

Hardcase rolled his eyes. “Who said anything about dry shaving? I’ve got soap.”

Jesse paused. “You’ve had soap this whole time? Here?”

“What can I say, I’m an optimist,” Hardcase said, peeling his back out of the sand. “You in or not?”

Jesse didn’t answer, just stood, grinned, and offered Hardcase a hand.

The light continued to wane as they made their trips up and down the beach, finding a good spot where the shoreline banked a little, and where it would keep the worst of the wind off while Hardcase lathered Jesse’s head. He stuck his tongue out a little as he worked, trying not to get distracted while the frothy water lapped at his ankles. He felt himself loosen as he scraped the vibroblade over his brother’s head, even just the act making him feel more like himself. It relaxed the jittery edge his thoughts always had, dialling down the almost frantic noise that built in combat and then sat under his skin. Usually it took a good spar to bounce it all back out of him, but this had always worked too…it had just been a long time since he’d had anyone else to go through the ritual with.

When it was his turn, he all but melted under the gentle, smooth touch of the vibroblade on his head, the soapy lather chilling quickly on his skin. He hummed, the feeling of the pads of Jesse’s guiding fingers on his chin almost too much sensation after so long under plastoid. He let his mind drift, watching the ocean and listening to Jesse’s mutters and curses as he concentrated.

When they were done and had rinsed in the freezing water, the sun had almost vanished, leaving only a purple after-bruise on the darkened sky. Most of the battalion had settled much further up the beach near the largest sand dunes, so they drifted there and claimed a patch of sand, pulling on their blacks when the sticky film of drying salt water got too much in the cold night air. After a late meal of ration cubes, and, far more enticing, some dried bantha milk the last villages they’d fortified had gifted them, Hardcase was splayed out on his back again and feeling quite ready to have a nap.

Jesse was lounging beside him, carefully rehydrating his milk with water from his field flask. Hardcase couldn’t remember the last time they’d had a night like this, where the war had felt so far away.

They turned their heads at several loud hoots, a crash, and a cheer, followed by an angry bellow. He squinted his eyes against the sudden flare of bright light.

Several brothers had constructed a modest bonfire out of driftwood - and, Hardcase suspected, several unlucky clones’ blacks - and had just tossed over a spare fuel canister, setting the whole thing ablaze in a column of blue flame. The tense figure stalking towards them looked awfully like Appo.

“D’you think we should help him?” Hardcase murmured, his hands propped comfortably under his head. Plasma always burned fast and hot, and he could already feel it faintly against the side of his freshly exposed head. It was nice; soothing, even.

Jesse hummed, pushed up on one elbow so that he could sip at his drink.

“...Nah,” he said slowly, lowering his cup and scrubbing away the blue moustache left behind. He flopped back down with a boneless huff. “Appo’s a big boy. He’s got this.”

Hardcase turned his head again, in time to see Appo tug futilely at some of the dark fabric being swallowed by flame. He chuckled and shut his eyes, breathing in deep and enjoying the soothing melody of shouting that, for once, was not being directed at him.

“Yeah,” he murmured after a moment, sighing as the heat flared and there were more jubilant whoops. “I think you’re right.”

taglist // @nelba @leias-left-hair-bun @simping-for-fives @missinashkin @iscream4clones @majorshiraharu @dom-i-nic @snippytano @808tsuika @eries45 @whatanoof // list here

#alderwrites #hardcase #clone trooper hardcase #clone trooper jesse #arc trooper jesse #501st legion #star wars #the clone wars #the clone wars fic #jesse #time to hit post before i can decide i hate this loooool

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luvring · 2 years

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Hello! I saw your pinned and I absolutely love the idea so do you mind if I send you the description of my oc and Rime as a request?

My oc name is Keiko, she is of average height, she has long brown hair which she keeps tied in a high ponytail, big green eyes and a very white pale skin. She loves to dress comfortably, so she often wears jumpsuits, sweatshirts and pajamas (her favourite colors are brown and pastels, especially pink). For special occasions or when she feels like it, however, she loves to dress in a very feminine way with floral or pastel-colored dresses, blouses, cardigans or sweaters combined with skirts. Basically her style is a mixture of cottagecore and light academia. I hope the description is enough! :D

warnings: none <3

note from nia: pls my first anon/message?? hi & thank u :') not gonna lie i was just spitballing an idea but i'm genuinely flattered u enjoyed it so i really wanted to do it for u c: it was a kinda tricky since we don't...have much rime info. (devs please rime tale when? Devs Can You Hear Me?) but i tried my best to list things i think they'd have! i love the sound of ur oc btw sounds kinda like me tbh JSFJS i hope u enjoy <33 (dw it's not here but i saw your second message too :D!!)

i'm thinking of like, rich-end of the city, vintage-y home with big windows, a garden and stone walkway. if that makes sense?

rime's already accustomed to finding his partner reading away in the living room as he gets home.

the furniture is a warm oak, the bookshelves are filled with novels and trinkets picked up over the years (ceramic plates, an incense holder, things from museum gift shops, there's even a little character figure hidden somewhere in the top shelves)

they have (hanging) plants and fake vines scattered around

the curtains are long and white with pastel details

there's crocheted coasters on all the tables that stay there permanently (rime never remembers to use them)

they have a game console on the table beneath the tv! (rime doesn't play a lot because despite how cocky he acts, he is actually so bad at gaming.)

lots of ambient lighting (lamps on the side tables and walls, a couple of candles) for the evening. the overhead light is rarely on unless needed—"it ruins the vibe"

that's the same reason rime refused to have anything but a chandelier hanging from the bedroom ceiling

there's a full-length antique mirror and a matching vanity on the side wall

walk-in closet !! it's split in half between them and there's a small sofa bench to sit on in the middle

they have a king-sized bed with like, 5 pillows and the nicest comforter they could find. everything has to match/coordinate whenever they change the bedding—right now it's white sheets, a pastel green, ruffled blanket and floral pattern pillows

i think rime is one of those people who'd be like "no we are not getting a pet." then become super attached y'know? he doesn't know when, but keiko somehow convinced him to adopt a cat and now it has a bed at the foot of theirs (whether it'll sleep there or not is a nightly mystery)

their master bathroom is big with a shower and bath combo hidden by a portable partitions (rime thinks it's fancier that way)

they have a fluffy rug by the sink and another for when you get out of the bath

there's little white shelves on the sink counter for skincare and makeup products on the counter

a collection of bath bombs sits on the shelf on the opposite wall with piles of towels

keiko has a studio where she gets to do art and keep any plants. it arguably gets some of the best lighting with big arched windows.

it was a guest bedroom but they changed it because of their lack of, well, guests. keiko got full reign to do whatever she pleased so it's really where her aesthetics get to shine ๑´ᴗ｀๑

light, pastel curtains cover the large window and art pieces are on all the walls. many are keiko's own pieces, others were found and bought or gifted. there's also like, art/nature/vintage prints. her walls are kind of a growing collage

she keeps a lot of plants and a couple of watering cans by the window (one can's pastel, another is an elephant, you get the idea)

there's canvases stacked to the side of the door, and large shelves for art supplies and drying racks

she has a desk next to her easel with sketchbooks and the novel she's currently reading, as well as a warm drink dropped off for her because someone "didn't want to deal with her getting sick." (it's specifically placed away from her paint water mug)

and i don't know if keiko is a big fan of rolling chairs, but rime sure is. it just seems like the perfect combo of comfort and chaotic fun. he has one in their shared study and instead of walking to see how she's doing, he will roll the entire way. you can hear him coming from down the hall. he starts spinning and talking as if keiko isn't doing something

general hcs

keiko could definitely get rime into romance anime. like 100%. he'd end up trying to flirt with/tease her by reenacting scenes

even though rime dresses very differently, he thinks her aesthetics fit very well!! he likes the dynamic they have when going out

rime tying her hair for her? i think yes

rime getting flowers so she can dry and keep them? i think yes x2

i think rime generally runs cold, so when he catches her snuggled in a blanket he makes his way under it too or gets his own and sits next to her ^___^

#🛒nia.reqs #last legacy #last legacy headcanons #last legacy rime #rime solano varela #fictif rime #nix hydra

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babbushka · 3 years

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Hello my beautiful friend! I’m super emo about the “I’ve loved you all my life” from the friends to lovers list. Just picturing Clyde saying that to me? I’m dead. Love you so much! ✨❤️

11, The thought of Clyde coming in home sweaty during the summer after a hard day, his hair tied up, exhausted and needy?? PLEASEE 🧎‍♀️

(2.1k, fluff & NSFW (handjobs, fingering, come-shot, messy sloppy sweaty outdoor semi-nudity/indecent exposure lol)

When Clyde’s heavy footfalls creak onto the front porch, you have to throw a concerned glance at the clock hangin’ up on the wall. He’s ain’t even been here for an hour, you had just put down the big tray of ice cold lemonade and fresh made sandwiches, surely he can’t be leavin’ already?

You turn to look at him when he pats one of the support beams of your porch, and your heart races, because no no no, you’d just started to settle in and watch him cut your lawn, watch him get all sweaty and glistening in the sun, you don’t want him to go yet.

“All finished darlin’.” His deep voice is shy as he pulls the trucker cap off his head, runs his fingers through his hair. He’s smilin’, and you don’t know why, when him bein’ finished means he’s leavin’.

“Wait really? Already?” You protest just about right away, and that smile only grows wider, more confident. It’s a good look on him, on Clyde, a real good look.

“It’s real hot out there today, I figured I’d finish up quick as I can so…” Clyde shrugs, looks away and scratches the back of his neck.

“So?” You encourage, unprepared for the heat behind his eyes when he replies,

“So I could come over here and be with you.”

Clyde has been mowin’ your lawn ever since y’all were teenagers. You two were childhood best friends and you’re pretty sure that Clyde’s the only boy you’ve ever held onto after all these years. All the other ones turned into asshole preteens and even meaner adults, so slowly one by one you cut them out of your life, blamin’ growin’ apart. You and Clyde never grew apart, and in fact, the years have been good to y’all, made you grow together instead.

It’s been about fifteen years since he started comin’ over on Sunday mornings, strikin’ up a deal with your folks to mow your lawn for some honest cash. Especially after the stint in juvie, Clyde felt it was the most important thing in the world to prove to them he was a decent man, one worthy of spendin’ your time with.

Even when you moved out of your parents’ house and got a little home of your own – a home closer to Clyde’s own trailer no less – he kept comin’ to cut your lawn. He stopped acceptin’ your money, and instead traded that for payment of lunch.

But recently…he ain’t even been eatin’ your lunch. Just a glass of lemonade and then back home he would go, these past few weeks. It had started to break your heart, why he was actin’ so strange, so distant. Clyde ain’t distant now, not with how he’s standing on your porch.

“You look thirsty.” You swallow around a suddenly dry throat of your own, blinkin’ real fast when he clears his throat and nods.

“I’m parched, baby.” Clyde replies, and something, something about that does something to you. It gets your hopes up, gets your heart racin’, because he’d called you a lot of thing over the years, but never that.

“Call me baby again.” You say, standin’ up from the porch swing, taking a step closer to him.

Clyde follows you, takes the invitation and strides across the porch until he’s merely inches from your face.

“Baby,” Clyde presses his good hand up to your cheek, rubs his thumb along the ridge of your cheekbone, “Baby girl. You’re so beautiful.”

“Am I dreamin’?” You blurt out, but Clyde only chuckles, the most handsome sound in the world.

He kisses you, instead of answering.

You had thought a million times, about what it would be like to kiss Clyde, and none of them ever could’ve amounted up to this; to the sweet salty tang of sweat on his tongue, his goatee soaked through and scratching against your smile, his eyelashes brushing against your cheek where his eyes are closed, his arms wrapped around you tight.

He makes the softest sweetest sounds when he kisses you, grunts and groans low in his throat as he backs you up up up against the wall of your house. Your arms have wound themselves around his neck, and you could cry – maybe you are crying – because if this is a dream, well it’s one you don’t ever want to wake up from.

“Touch me.” You demand, because you’ve wanted to say it for so long, and he’s quick, so quick to oblige.

Clyde hikes up your breezy skirt enough so that he can shove his hand underneath your panties, and he groans when he finds your pussy already slick, already wet and wantin’ him. Of course it wanted him, all of you did, have been for the past however many years you’ve been pinin’ for him.

One of your legs immediately lifts to hook around his waist, and he swallows your moans when those fingers of his wriggle between your folds and push up into your cunt, your head thudding back against the wall. He sucks on the expanse of your throat, bites and bruises it.

“Ah – ah, Clyde, oh that feels good.” You breathe, careful not to be too loud. You’re outside, right there on the front porch, and even though you got some pretty trees to shade the house and give some cover, ain’t nothin’ was there to stop the noises y’all made.

“Damn darlin’, I wish…wish I had both hands to touch ya with.” Clyde kisses you with a frown, his hips rutting against your thigh.

“That’s okay, shh, it’s okay let me, can I…?” You don’t even think about it before you’re poppin’ open the buttons on his jeans, wantin’ to get your hands on him the same way you’ve imagined every night.

Clyde nods, so eager, lickin’ his lips and suckin’ the sweat off your cheek when it rolls down to your jaw. You pull out his cock and damn it’s big, even bigger than you imagined, you feel dizzy, feel overheated, overwhelmed in the best possible way.

Spitting into your palm, you slick up his cock and stroke him up and down up and down, firm grip twisting right at the head and makin’ his knees buckle. He braces himself against you, moves his fingers in time with yours, rubs lazy circles at your clit and crooks three of his huge fingers inside you, searchin’ for that spot he knows will make you come.

“That’s real good baby, y-you can go faster if you’d like.” Clyde kisses you and kisses you and kisses you, and you gasp and moan and sigh around his tongue, mindful of the noise, but consumed with pleasure. He’s smelly, covered in bits of grass and sweat, and you wouldn’t trade it for anythin’ in the whole world.

“I’m burnin’ up in this thing Clyde I-I’m gonna take it off.” You pant, your blouse stiflin’ from the lack of breeze.

Clyde does pause then, making you whine loud enough for him to smile at you and keep goin’ real slow.

“Out here?” He asks, lookin’ around. The big trees block the view from the neighbors, but that don’t mean no one could drive by, or walk their dogs, or or or --

“Uh-huh, would you like that? Wanna see my tits in the sunshine?” You bite your lip, bat your lashes at him, wantin’ him so desperately. You don’t know if a chance like this will ever come again, you don’t know when you’ll wake up from this dream, you want to take advantage of it while it’s here.

“Anyone could see, anyone could look and see you.” Clyde nods anyway, and his eyes go wide as dinner plates when you swiftly undo all the little buttons, down to where your blouse is tucked into the skirt that Clyde’s got his hand shoved up under. Your bra is front-claspin’, and you undo that too, until your breasts are exposed fully for him.

“Then you’re gonna have to cover me big bear, cover me – yes!” Your eyes fall shut and your mouth drops open, grindin’ your hips down onto his hand.

“Ohh fuck,” Clyde’s fingers up your pussy fuck you a little harder, a little faster, and you grin, wrappin’ your hand around his cock once again and matching his rhythm stroke for stroke.

You’re both so sweaty that you have to constantly readjust yourselves against the wall of your house so that you don’t go slippin’ and slidin’ down. Clyde looks like he’s almost in pain, so overwhelmed with the way you feel, how your pussy clenches and drips and drools all over his hand, his wrist.

He sucks and kisses at your breasts, licks up the sweat that runs between them, your nipples so sensitive and stiff when he tugs them between his teeth. You want him to fuck you properly, want him to shove that cock of his into your pussy and fuck you on the wooden floor of the porch right there, but he grunts and sighs and groans, pressin’ his body as close against yours as he can.

“I’m gonna come,” He whines, not wantin’ it to be over just as much as you, not wantin’ this to end.

“On me, I want it on me, all over. Please give it to me, please?” You beg, soft gentle whimpers as you hike your leg up higher higher higher, until it’s slung over his shoulder, your body stretched out all over.

He nods frantically, before he lets out a shaky moan and paints your tits with his come. It’s hot and sticky, landing on your skin in thick ropes. Your hand that isn’t around his cock leaves Clyde’s hair and rubs through it, smears it into your flesh, across your stomach, over your tits. He has a big load, comes some more, it hits your chin, and you swipe it up with your fingers, sucking the taste of it away.

“A-are you close?” Clyde blinks the sweat out of his eyes, rubs harder, faster, thrusts and presses and pinches and rolls and your lids are snappin’ open just in time to watch him stare love-sick at you, big brown eyes.

“Yes, yes I’m – oh I’m – !!” You come and it feels like your body is on fire, a hot wire snapped up, pulled real taut, before you’re meltin’ into his arms, chest heavin’, pantin’ out words that you never thought you’d get to say in a million years, “I love you, Clyde – fuck I love you!”

All at once, he goes real still.

“What?” Clyde blinks, lookin’ like he’s been struck by lightnin’.

He carefully, gently, lowers the leg that’s been thrown over his shoulder.

“I’ve loved you all my life.” You’re still blissed out, still on cloud nine, have no qualms about bein’ truthful, not with your Clyde, not when now you ain’t so sure this isn’t a dream. “Surely…well surely you knew that.”

“I…no I – ” He stammers and stutters and the cold drip of rejection begins to fill you with dread.

“Shit, I’m sorry I – ” You’re painfully aware of the way you’re both standin’ there on your front porch, your tits out and his dick out, covered in come and sweat and you feel like you’ve just royally monumentally ruined everythin’, until he looks at you.

Really looks at you.

“I love you too.” Clyde confesses, and suddenly it’s as if all the fear in the world leaves at once.

“You do?” You whisper, searchin’ his gaze and findin’ only honesty.

Clyde smiles, one of those rare smiles o’his, and tucks your blouse back into place, puts his dick away and buttons himself up.

“Why d’ya think I kept agreein’ to cut your lawn?” Clyde asks softly, so quietly, and you’re slammed with the realization that maybe…maybe he’s loved you for just as long.

“Thought I made real good lemonade, that’s all.” You reply, and the two of you laugh, because damn, how could love make y’all so blind? With the glow of orgasm fading, and the reality of this bein’ real life setting in, you reach for Clyde’s hand askin’, “What do you suppose we do now?”

“I don’t know about you darlin’, but I’m in sore need of a shower.” He says, smilin’ at you and makin’ you smile right back, before squeezin’ your hand and sighin’ real content-like, “And after that…let me love on you some more, and make up for lost time.”

You kiss him, and he kisses you back, until you’re pullin’ him into your house and up through to your bathroom, more glad than you’ve ever been that he finished cuttin’ your lawn early.

#clyde logan #clyde logan x reader #clyde logan x you #clyde logan/reader #clyde logan/you #logan lucky #adam driver fanfiction #adam driver character #clyde logan smut #clyde logan imagine

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oldmanatom · 3 years

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A Locked Tomb Fanmix But It’s All Classic Country

this exists entirely because one night the thought “but what if i made a Locked Tomb fanmix with only classic country songs” popped into my head, unprompted, and i thought it was too hilarious to not do.

the art on the cover is done by @starfleetofficial, who this mix is also dedicated to. thank you for recommending me these books, continuously “yes, and”ing my semi-coherent TLT messages sent at 5 in the morning, and being so supportive about this idea. (also check out her version, A HtN fanmix but it’s all Fiona Apple!) the cover design is referencing the famous Marty Robbins album, Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs.

my one listening note: this will probably be more enjoyable if it’s approached with an open mind and an expectation that it’s taking itself about as seriously as the official fanmixes do.

see below the cut for a song list and some lyric excerpts.

this mix has implicit spoilers for both Gideon the Ninth and Harrow the Ninth.

Gideon the Ninth mix: youtube / spotify / full res cover Harrow the Ninth mix: youtube / spotify / full res cover full mix: youtube / spotify / full res cover

Gideon the Ninth:

1. Johnny Paycheck, “Take This Job And Shove It”

You better not try to stand in my way 'Cause I'm walkin' out the door Take this job and shove it I ain't working here no more

2. Dolly Parton, “When Someone Wants To Leave”

It's a sad situation I must say When someone wants to leave as bad as you want them to stay

3. Loretta Lynn, “I’m A Gettin’ Ready To Go”

I'm gonna praise my savior's name everyday that I'm livin' Glory hallelujah I'm not ashamed to let my salvation show This old world's just my dressin' room and I'm a gettin' ready to go

4. Waylon Jennings, “I Ain’t Living Long Like This”

I tried to run but I don't think I can You make one move and you're a dead man friend Ain't living long like this Can't live at all like this, can I baby?

5. Loretta Lynn, “This Haunted House”

This haunted house I'm livin' in is killing me And the ghost of your love won't set me free Each morning finds me crying and alone In this haunted house we used to call our home

6. Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty, “After The Fire Is Gone”

We know it's wrong for us to meet But the fire's gone out at home And there's nothin' cold as ashes After the fire is gone

7. Loretta Lynn, “How Long Will It Take”

(How long will it take?) How long will it take to make you want me How much longer has this old heart gotta break (How long will it take?) How long will it take to make you need me I keep a waitin' and a wonderin' how long will it take

8. Stonewall Jackson, “Don’t Be Angry”

Maybe someday you're gonna hurt me I've been hurt in love before Only God can know And time alone will tell

9. Dick Curless, “A Tombstone Every Mile”

It's a stretch of road up north in Maine That's never ever ever seen a smile If they'd buried all them truckers lost in them woods There'd be a tombstone every mile

10. Johnny Paycheck, “(It Won’t Be Long) And I’ll Be Hating You”

Lately life with you has been unbearable All my faith in you has gone and I know it won't return I did everything to make you happy I could do Now you've gotten me hatin' things I used to love to do And it won't be long and I'll be hatin' you

11. Norma Jean, “Let’s Go All The Way”

All the way means happiness living side by side Halfway means a heartbreak if one of us should lie Just give me a clue that you love me too Hold me in your arms and say “Oh, let’s go all the way”

12. Loretta Lynn, “Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven”

Everybody wants to go to heaven but nobody wants to die Lord, I wanna go to heaven but I don't wanna die Though I long for the day when I'll have new birth Still I love the livin' here on earth Everybody wants to go to heaven but nobody wants to die

13. Homer & Jethro, “She Made Toothpicks Of The Timber Of My Heart”

She was seasoned, I was green Yes my darling lumber queen Wound me ‘round her finger like a clinging vine

14. Patsy Cline, “The Heart You Break May Be Your Own”

You'll look around and when you've found That you are all alone Then you'll get wise and realize The heart you break may be your own

15. Buck Owens, “I’ve Got A Tiger By The Tail”

Well every night you drag me where the bright lights are found There ain't no way to slow you down I’m as 'bout as helpless as a leaf in a gale And it looks like I've got a tiger by the tail

16. Charley Pride, “All I Have To Offer You (Is Me)”

Before you take another step, there's something you should know About the years ahead and how they'll be You'll be living in a world where roses hardly ever grow 'Cause all I have to offer you is me

17. Faron Young, “Live Fast, Love Hard, Die Young”

I wanna leave a lot of happy women A-thinkin’ pretty thoughts of me I wanna live fast, love hard, die young And leave a beautiful memory

18. Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner, “The Last Thing On My Mind”

I've got reason a plenty for goin' This I know, this I know The weeds have been steadily growin' Please don't go, please don't go

Are you going away with no word of farewell Will there be not a trace left behind I could've loved you better, didn't mean to be unkind You know that was the last thing on my mind

19. Marty Robbins, “The Master’s Call”

I felt the end was near, that death would be the price When a mighty bolt of lightning showed the face of Jesus Christ And I cried “oh Lord forgive me, don't let it happen now I want to live for you alone, oh God these words I vow”

Bridge: Lefty Frizzell, “Long Black Veil”

She walks these hills in a long black veil She visits my grave when the night winds wail Nobody knows, nobody sees Nobody knows but me

Harrow the Ninth:

1. Hank Williams, “I’ll Never Get Out Of This World Alive”

Every thing's against me and it's got me down If I jumped in the river I would probably drown No matter how I struggle and strive I'll never get out of this world alive

2. Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris, “Those Memories Of You”

In dreams of you, my body trembles I wake up and call your name But you're not there, and I'm so lonesome Without your love, I'd go insane

3. Hank Snow, “I Don’t Hurt Anymore”

I don't hurt anymore, all my teardrops are dried No more walking the floor with that burning inside Just to think it could be time has opened the door And at last I am free I don't hurt anymore

4. Patsy Cline, “Stop The World And Let Me Off”

Oh, stop the world and let me off I'm tired of goin' round ‘n' round I played the game of love and lost So stop the world and let me off

5. Charley Pride, “Lie To Me”

Oh, lie to me, say you love me Tell me I mean the world to you It would mean so much, I'd be so happy And it's the least you can do

6. Hank Snow, “Ninety Miles An Hour (Down A Dead End Street)”

Warnin' signs are flashin' by us but we pay no heed Instead of slowin' down the pace we keep picking up the speed Disaster's gettin' closer every time we meet Doin' ninety miles an hour down a dead end street

7. Patsy Cline and the Anita Kerr Singers, “I Can’t Forget”

Where are you, darlin'? Are you with someone new I can't forget you I'll always be loving you

8. Lynn Anderson, “If I Kiss You (Will You Go Away)”

You're so much hurt I wish you wouldn't stay If I kiss you will you go away?

9. Connie Smith, “Once A Day”

Once a day all day long And once a night from dusk till dawn The only time I wish you weren't gone Is once a day, every day, all day long

10. Charley Pride, “Just Between You And Me”

But just between you and me I've got my doubts about it 'Cause just between you and me You're too much to forget

11. Buck Owens, “Hello Trouble”

A comin' up my sidewalk Just as plain as day A well a here come trouble that I never thought I'd see When you went away

12. Loretta Lynn, “Fist City”

You'll bite off more than you can chew If you get too cute or witty You better move your feet if you don't wanna eat A meal that's called Fist City

13. The Davis Sisters, “I Forgot More Than You’ll Ever Know”

You think you know the smile on his lips The thrill at the touch of his fingertips But I've forgotten more Than you'll ever know about him

14. Kitty Wells, “Pick Me Up On Your Way Down” (Charlie Walker’s version is on the Spotify playlist)

When you learn these things are true I'll be waiting here for you As you tumble to the ground Pick me up on your way down

15. Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty, “You’re The Reason Our Kids Are Ugly”

And that's the reason that my good looks and my figure is gone And that's the reason I ain't got no hair to comb And you're the reason our kids are ugly, little darling

16. Loretta Lynn, “Who Says God Is Dead”

If I were you I'd kneel and pray 'Cause we're not promised one more day Remember blood was shed Who says God is dead?

17. Patsy Cline and The Jordanaires, “Imagine That”

Can you believe I'd swallow my pride (Well yes, yes, I guess you can) 'Cause you know you've always had my foolish heart Right in the palm of your hand, oh

18. Jody Miller and Johnny Paycheck, “Let’s All Go Down To The River”

Jesus is the man at the river And he's washing people's sins away He can save your soul if you give him control Oh be ready for that judgement day

19. Bobby Bare, “Dropkick Me, Jesus”

Make me, oh, make me, Lord, more than I am Make me a piece in Your master game plan Free from the earthly temptation below I've got the will, Lord, if You got the toe

20. Lynn Anderson, “Heaven’s Just A Sin Away”

Devil's got me now Oh, gone and got me now I can't fight him anyhow I think he's gonna win

Heaven’s just a sin away Oh, just a sin away Heaven help me when I say I think I’m givin’ in

21. Loretta Lynn, “Out Of My Head And Back In My Bed”

I'm gonna search everywhere that you might be When I find you I'm a bringin’ you home with me I want you out of my head And back in my bed Before the morning comes

22. Johnny Cash, “Big River”

Now, won't you batter down by Baton Rouge, River Queen, roll it on Take that woman on down to New Orleans, New Orleans Go on, I've had enough, dump my blues down in the gulf She loves you, Big River, more than me

Now I taught the weeping willow how to cry, cry, cry And I showed the clouds how to cover up a clear blue sky And the tears that I cried for that woman are gonna flood you, Big River And I'm gonna sit right here until I die

#the locked tomb #gideon the ninth #harrow the ninth #gideon nav #tlt #i am 100% expecting for this to entertain maybe five people (two of which have seen it already) and to otherwise go unnoticed #but that's okay because it's a labor of love and every time i either listen to the playlist or look at the damn cover i just start laughing #anyways if anyone has questions about anything on here my ask is open. it's large and somewhat...imaginative in what songs are on here + why #one flesh one end #listen to this

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dialovers-translations · 3 years

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Diabolik Lovers GRAND EDITION for Switch ;; More, Blood ー Yuma Maniac [01]

ー The scene starts in the garden at night

Yui: ( Hm. I wonder where Yuma-kun could be? )

( He’s the one who asked me to help him out in the garden... )

...I can’t see him anywhere.

( Actually, how do you even work in the garden at night...? )

...Anyway, I have no other choice but to look around for him.

ー Yui starts looking around

Yui: Hm...Nowhere to be found.

Here, maybe?

Ah, strawberries!

Uwah, the fruits are looking delicious!

Fufu, they’ve got a sour-sweet aroma, seems yummy.

That being said, Yuma-kun’s really growing all sorts of stuff...

On the field over there he’s growing bitter melon and such...

This one doesn’t just have strawberries, but Japanese plums (1) as well.

Yuma-kun must really like his garden a lot...

Fufu, I guess he’s more of a ‘houseman’ than I thought.

Yuma: What didya say ‘bout me?

Yui: Kyaah!

*Thud*

Yuma: Whatcha trippin’ for? All I did was talk to ya.

Yui: B-Because, you appeared out of nowhere...

Yuma: You’re just too slow, no? I just walked to ya, that’s all?

Yui: B-But, I didn’t hear any footsteps or anything...

Yuma: Che. This is why humans are so damn stupid.

Anyway, ya were talkin’ ‘bout me, weren’t ya? What didya say?

Yui: Eh? Uhm...

Selection

→ I thought you were quite the houseman (❁)

Yui: I was thinking you would make for quite the houseman...

Yuma: Aahn? The fuck does that mean?

Yui: Well, you seem to enjoy growing vegetables after all...

Yuma: Hah? I don’t get it. Why would I pass as a houseman just by growin’ some veggies?

Yui: Uhm...

( I can’t explain it very well...! )

→ It’s nothing important

Yui: It’s nothing important, really.

Yuma: Aahn? The fuck? So basically ya can’t tell me, huh?

Yui: That’s not true...

Yuma: Well, I honestly don’t give a damn so whatever.

Yuma: Anyway, now that I’m gettin’ a better look, you’ve got yer damn butt planted right on my strawberry field.

On top of that...My strawberries got crushed by those dirty feet of yers.

How ya gonna make this up to me, huh?

Yui: !

( He’s right! I trampled over the strawberries! Oh no! )

I-i’m so...

ー Yuma moves closer

Yuma: Will sayin’ sorry bring those strawberries back? Aahn?

*Rustle*

Yuma: ...!

Yui: !

( His hand’s wrapped around my throat...I can’t breathe... )

Yuma: Hehe. Seems like you’re havin’ a hard time over there, yer face’s all red...

Do ya understand how those strawberries felt gettin’ crushed by ya now?

Yui: I’m sorry...Let me go...

I’ll do anything...I can to help...

Yuma: ...Anythin’?

Yui: Y-Yeah. Anything within my power...

Yuma: Ya said anythin’, huh?

*Rustle*

Yui: Cough, cough...

Y-Yeah...

Yuma: Then you’ll be my dessert instead.

Yui: Eh...?

Yuma: Instead of my strawberries.

ー He pins her down

*Thud*

Yui: !?

Kyah!

Yuma: Come on, take off these clothes and gimme yer blood already...

*Rustle*

Yui: ...! No...

Don’t be fightin’ back!

Right now, yer existence is worth less than some strawberries.

Just keep still and wait for me to devour you...Nn...

ー Yuma bites her

Yuma: Nn...Hah...

Yui: Ah...

Yuma: Hah! Now that’s a nice expression...Nn.

Yui: ...Uu.

Yuma: Hah...Sweet...Like strawberries covered in plenty of sugar...

...Hm? The fuck’s this?

*Rustle*

Yuma: Ah? One of the strawberries which got crushed underneath yer feet.

*Rustle*

Yuma: Come on, take a look at this. ‘Cause of ya, it’s completely squashed.

Yui: Ah...

Yuma: Geez, what a waste...Nn...

Yui: ( Ah, he ate the crushed strawberry...! )

Yuma: Nn...Aah, the strawberries grown by me really are the very best...

They’re sweet and juicy...

Haah...Geez, ya sure have guts tramplin’ all over these sweet babies...

Well, I guess it’s fine since they’re still good even when squashed...Nn...

Yui: Hyah!

Yuma: What? I’m just lickin’ ya ‘cause you’ve got strawberry all over ya.

It’d be a waste to leave any behind after all...Nn...

Yui: Uu.

( B-But it tickles...! )

Yuma: Woah, blood has started oozin’ from the bite wounds again...

Nn...Haah...Delicious...

Yui: ...

Yuma: I can’t get enough of this...The blood and the strawberries are mixin’ together, makin’ it even sweeter.

Nn...Guess I’ll try pourin’ some condensed milk on here next time and try eatin’ it like that.

...’Cause ya know, the sweeter, the better, right? (2)

ーー TO BE CONTINUED ーー

Translation notes

(1) I had to look this up myself, but apparently びわ or ‘biwa’ are a traditional Japanese fruit called ‘loquat’ in English. They’re from the plum family and have a yellow color. Wikipedia has them listed as ‘Japanese plums’ as well so I used this translation, figuring it would be easier to understand for most people than ‘loquat’.

(2) Literally he says that ‘adding something sweet to an already sweet dish/dessert makes it even more delicious’.

→ LIKE MY TRANSLATIONS? SUPPORT ME ON KO-FI!

<- [ Maniac prologue ] [ Maniac 02 ] ->

#diabolik lovers #dialovers #yuma mukami #more blood #diabolik lovers translation #mbyumamaniac1

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iamvegorott · 4 years

Text

A Lifetime Chapter 15

Wanna help me and give me some support? |Donate To My PayPal|

Falling For You

“Yancy, I need to get up.” Illinois chuckled when Yancy just mumbled and stayed where he was in the sleeping bag, arms wrapped around Illinois, and preventing him from getting out. “You have to let go of me.” More mumbles from Yancy, clearly not awake enough to know what he was doing. “Yanc~” Illinois sang directly into Yancy’s ear, getting Yancy to react enough to wake up.

“Wha…” Yancy used his shoulder to rub his ear and he sniffed. “What?”

“I need to use the restroom,” Illinois said.

“Okay? And yous had to wake me for that?” Yancy was too comfortable to move, everything was nice and soft and warm.

“You’re kind of holding me.” Illinois bit back his grin when Yancy finally opened his eyes and saw what Illinois meant.

“Oh...well.” Yancy pressed his face against Illinois’ chest. “Guess you’re trapped here.”

“Yancy! I gotta pee!” Illinois exaggerated his ‘wail of pain’ as he wiggled.

“Suffer.” Yancy held on to Illinois tighter.

“We’ll both suffer if you leave me in here.” Illinois chuckled and shifted his body, this time with enough force to get Yancy on his back with Illinois above him.

“Yous ruined my perfect sleeping position,” Yancy whined, playfully slapping at Illinois’ shoulders.

“I could put you in a better position.” Illinois winked.

“Maybe you-”

“Shit!” Illinois quickly scrambled out of the sleeping bag and took off, leaving Yancy to stare up at the cave ceiling with wide eyes.

Yancy knew what he was going to say in response. He knew what he was going to be implying and he could feel his face burning at that thought and the afterthought of what his reaction may have caused. That thought made Yancy curl up into the sleeping bag and pray for a certain part of him to calm down and wishing that there was some more privacy in the cave.

“Sorry for bolting, I really had to go,” Illinois said with a laugh as he went back over to the bag, seeing Yancy was now fully hidden in there. He must have been pretty tired still to go back down that quickly. Illinois decided it was time to make some breakfast, maybe the smell of food would get him out of ‘bed’ completely. It’s been a routine for a good week, sleep in the same bag for warmth, and the first one up made food.

Illinois easily made a small fire, just enough so he could cook some fish. He was hoping they would either run into another pond or get out of here soon. They were running low on food and clean water. They had to be close to the exit. They had to be.

He was now sitting next to the fire and he heard Yancy get up and shuffle over to him, taking a seat beside him, the sleeping bag wrapped around him still.

“I remember when you could barely climb a tree without falling out of it at least three times,” Yancy said, staring into the flames. “I’d help hoist yous up to the lowerest branch.”

“You threw me up there like I weighed nothing.” Illinois chuckled.

“You did weigh nothing.” Yancy chuckled as well. “My wrist was bigger than your thigh.”

“I wasn’t that small.”

“Yous were tiny.”

“Maybe you were just large.” Illinois raised a brow and laughed when Yancy let out a scoff of offense.

“I was a growin’ boy!” Yancy couldn’t keep a straight face himself after saying that.

“Remember when I got stuck on the school roof?” Illinois asked after catching his breath.

“How could I forget that? The principal was screaming at the top of his lungs; ‘Get the police! Get the fire department! Get the pope!’” Yancy shrugged off the sleeping bag, laughing loudly. “I had no idea what the pope was gonna do about a teenager stuck on a roof, but he was gonna try everything.”

“That was the first time I was on TV.” Illinois took off his hat and looked inside of it with a smile. “I was the town celebrity for a good week.”

“I also remember when I got that hat for ya.” Yancy leaned over. “I still can’t believe after all these years yous still wearin’ it.”

“How could I not? It’s my main inspiration.” Illinois reached in and pulled out a tag that read ‘go get ‘em’ in scratchy handwriting. “It also gave me my name.”

“How?” Yancy asked.

“It’s a little silly, but-” Illinois flipped over the tag and read; “Made in Illinois.”

“You created an entirely different person based on a hat’s tag?” Yancy took the hat to get a better look.

“It just worked.” Illinois rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment.

“That’s dedication,” Yancy said.

“It’s weird, isn’t it?” Illinois looked at Yancy. “How we basically switched after all this time.”

“I’m still tough.” Yancy played with the brim of the hat.

“You are. And you’re brave and smart but I’m no longer the stuttering shy kid I used to be and you’re the blushing one now.”

“I-I’m not blushing-” Yancy swallowed when he saw that he and Illinois were face-to-face, only inches away from each other.

“Are you sure?” Illinois whispered.

“No,” Yancy whispered back.

“We could try…”

“We could…”

Yancy and Illinois jerked away from each other when there was a loud sound started echoing around them. It sounded like glass shattering and large objects falling and even thunder but what got them the most was a gunshot. Yancy scrambled to his feet, hands up in fists when he thought he saw something in the shadows.

“I don’t have guns, I don’t.” Illinois was trying to figure out what that sound was.

“That’s a person! Hey! Hey!” Yancy took off.

“Yancy! Don’t!” Illinois got up to his feet but he was knocked back over when the ground started to shake. “Shit! Yancy! Yancy, wait!” Illinois saw that Yancy was struggling to keep going. Yancy could feel something pulling at him, something was making him want to keep going.

“Hey, Hey!” Yancy kept calling out, the person just looking like a shadow, looking like darkness. “Can you hear me!? Hey!”

“Yancy! Come back!” Illinois could not get back on his feet. “Yancy!”

“He-” Yancy’s call soon became a scream.

“Yancy!” Illinois cried out when the ground finally gave in, swallowing Yancy whole. “Yancy! Yancy, no!” Illinois could finally get to his feet and he sprinted over to the pit. He fell over and stared into the pit, only able to see dark. “No, no, no!” Illinois screamed, voice clawing his throat. “Yancy! No! No!”

—————–

Tag List (Let me know if you want to be added): @devon-rever-860 @m0th-goo @thesinginggal @rainymae523 @disneyamoo@salmonisforthebagel @antibeaneverybody @adverseflyer909 @madallice329 @rebastone @ninazappy @thedarkeningdusk @aoimatsurika @windymischeif @mirrored-calamity @yurmimi @thevampireauthoress @wingz16 @too-many-egos

#a lifetime #yanois #heh #faaalling for ya #faaaaaalling for ya #(guess that reference XD)#it's also finals and i decided to do this instead

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blouisparadise · 5 years

Photo

Upon request, here is a list of MPreg fics that do not have A/B/O dynamics.

Happy reading!

1) I’d Like To Know | General Audiences | 1783 words

An AU where Louis does a photo shoot for a magazine six months pregnant cause they want to get some good pictures of him and just how great his life with Harry is going.

2) He Steps Out, The Crowds Lose Their Minds For Him | Mature | 3022 words

The exact moment Harry feels his resolve break is when he pads into the bathroom one evening, yawning and scratching his arm to see Louis standing in front of the mirror, eyes downcast as he spreads one of his hands out on the slight bump of his tummy, rubbing over the jumper he’s wearing. Which, Harry is pretty sure, belongs to him.

It comes out accidentally. Accidentally, as in he didn’t want it to come out yet, but it did. “I want a baby.”

3) I’ll Hold Onto Love | Not Rated | 3483 words | Sequel

Based on the prompt: “Mpreg. Married!Larry are grocery shopping with their precious toddler and Louis is pregnant again. He’s practically glowing and looks like a total angel. someone hits on Louis and Harry goes all possessive alpha caveman over his babies because damnit, Louis, the baby he carries in his womb and the one he carries in his arms are all his, and no one is gonna take them away from him!“

4) All In My Mind | Teen & Up | 4305 words

Louis and Harry find out they’re expecting, and tell the boys. Kind of.

5) Baby, It’s Cold Outside | Explicit | 4583 words

Louis goes into labor on his birthday/Christmas Eve.

6) The Hope That Warbles In My Fluttering Breast | Mature | 9629 words

The winter growls loud and mean outside as Harry Styles comes home to his precious Louis.

7) How’s About We Make a Baby? | Mature | 11835 words

Everyone always talks about how Harry Styles would very much like a baby. Louis would swear on his grave that he’s doing everything he can to give him one.

8) 'Cause I Can't Come Back Home 'Til They're Singing | Explicit | 13261 words

"Here, give me your hand,” Louis says, taking a pen out of his pocket.

“Wouldn’t it be easier if I just gave you my phone?” Harry asks with a chuckle.

“Yes, it would, but this shows that you’re going to try harder to call me and get my number down before doing something stupid like washing your hands,” Louis throws him a grin, writing his mobile number on the inside of Harry’s palm. “Don’t sweat too much.”

“I won’t. Don’t want to lose this number,” Harry says slowly. “Can I give you mine?”

“No, I’ll wait for your call and see how you do,” Louis grins. “I’m not that easy, Styles.”

“You’re worth it, though,” Harry murmurs.

9) This Glorious Mess | Mature | 14620 words

His head lolls to the side, and his eyes float open to focus on what used to be his bedside table.

It’s empty now, devoid of the framed photo of the two of them. And Louis knows that he has no right to feel hurt, but somehow, this only confirms what this really is.

“This is the last time,” he cries, his voice breaking both from pleasure and pain.

“I know, baby,” Harry breathes, burying his face in Louis neck.

10) The Seed Inside You, Baby, Do You Feel It Growin’ | Explicit | 14793 words

Louis really wants Harry to get him pregnant.

11) Maybe, Baby | Mature | 16004 words

Louis runs away. Harry finds him.

12) Going My Way | Explicit | 20261 words

"Hey Harry. Really sorry to do this to you but an emergency has come up with Vera’s mum and we’ve had to jump a flight home. My mate Louis is going to take over my LYFT clients while I’m away. He’s got my car and my phone and everything else. Hope that’s okay. He’s a good guy and I think you two are going to get along brilliantly. Catch you soon, Benny."

13) You Can Keep Me Inside The Pocket Of Your Ripped Jeans | Explicit | 23820 words | Sequel

Louis Tomlinson is an English fashion designer. Harry Styles is an American football player. Their paths cross through twitter.

14) Oops, Baby, I Love You (In That Order) | Explicit | 25344 words

The minute Louis Tomlinson decides he don’t need no man to start a family, Harry Styles literally falls into his arms.

15) The Things I’d Do To Wake Up Next To You | Mature | 36109 words

AU. Harry wakes up to a pregnant Louis Tomlinson and a wedding band on his finger.

16) If I Stay | Mature | 37226 words

Harry and Louis agree to a temporary arrangement that Harry can't seem to walk away from no matter how many times he tries.

17) Underneath The Moon | Mature | 46927 words

In five years’ time, Louis would be the one saying to his students about how he knew the great Harry Styles, in a time before he had ever put out an album or performed on a real stage. Harry fucking Styles had been his best friend and he still loved him, he always would. But they couldn’t stay that way.

18) Such Good Luck | Explicit | 66205 words

An Edwardian AU where Harry is a young aristocratic lord and Louis is a working class dairy farmer. Secrets are a necessary part of their relationship, but Louis has one that could topple their whole world.

19) The Breaking Of Your Soul (Upon My Lips) | Mature | 138499 words

The one in which One Direction in 2015 still includes Zayn, and nothing has been right between Harry and Louis for a long time now. Louis is certain that the situation he finds himself in won’t change anything at all - he doesn’t want it to, if he is honest with himself, as he doesn’t want this situation to be a situation in the first place.

20) All I Want | Mature | 289311 words

When Harry and Louis got together it wasn’t under the best circumstances. Louis was taken by another. But go figure that the way they ended up together is the very same way it ended. And Harry left Louis. He left him with a lot more than he thought. A story about how people’s misconceptions almost destroyed a love that went beyond measure.

Check out our other fic rec lists by category here and by title here.

#bottom louis #top harry #larry #mpreg #fic recs #blp fic recs #blp

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datingdonovan · 4 years

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rules: pick 5 shows, then answer the following questions. don’t cheat. tag some people.

I was tagged by @pettykaspbrak thank you!!! This is gonna be so fun okay lets go:

The End of the F***ing World

I Am Not Okay With This

Sex Education

Stranger Things

The Walking Dead

ps wow that is a BASIC list can u tell i dont watch a lot of tv

who is your favourite character in 2?

oh stan just like everyone else in this entire crazy worlllllldddddd

who is your least favourite character in 1?

oof probably tony??? runner up alyssa’s mom?? and also i have bad vibes ab teri but tbh i forget what (if anything) she did in s2 so maybe i am being too judgmental lol

what is your favourite episode of 4?

oh GOSH probably has to be the snow ball i mean come on

what is your favourite season of 5?

literally the amount of times ive jumped in and out of this show is hilarious and i really know nothing about the overarching storylines so lets go....... whatever one where rick goes rick crazy and bites out a guy’s jugular. i looked it up and there are so many separate google suggested searches along the lines of “episode where rick bites guys neck” and i m not sure how to feel about this??? anyway apparently this was season 4???????? I didn't even think i showed up watching this show till at least like s5 but what the heck the verdict says im EXCESISVLEY OLD!!!!! this must've been one of the first eps i watched and i mean who doesn’t love a good man ripping out somebody’s jugular. i looked thru the s4 wiki and yeah, i actually remember a fair amount of the later eps so this must've been the season i started watching. checks out.

who is your favourite couple in 3?

ugh TOSSUP adam/eric (yes i recognize why some ppl find it problematic but i think they’re growing and im hoping the best for them) vs. ola/lily 2 FAB duos

but oh gosh im actually gonna say adam/eric bc come on from the very first episode of the entire show i was onto that dynamic and its very satisfying to see them start embracing it and growin up and changing and to see how they deal with lots of heavy stuff and keep coming back to this strange and evolving bond

who is your favourite couple in 2?

i mean i suppose syd/dina there’s not much else there lol

what is your favourite episode of 1?

oh my word, thank u for literally asking me this. i will never stop talking about it. s1e3 is,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, my whole life im tearing up just thinking ab it............... the dance scene is the only thing that matters BYE

what is your favourite episode of 5?

L o L see my above obsession with rick going rick crazy. i literally use the phrase rick crazy irl thanks to that

what is your favourite season of 2?

SIKE there’s only 1

how long have you watched 1?

i just found it last year actually very close to this time of year.... we’re probably coming up on just about a year of me loving every second of it

how did you become interested in 3?

i actually was very wary of watching it because i just didn’t know if i’d like it that much or if it would be the kind of humor im into i was raised fairly religious (now much more questionable on that front but still sort of involved in the whole thing??) and i just didn’t know if it would be my thing but after i LOVED TEOTFW my pal kept telling me to try sexed, its similar (eeeehhhh idk if its that similar lol???), etc and like i said at first i was skeptical but for some reason one time i decided i’d watch it and zoink its fabulous

who is your favourite actor in 4?

oh millie bobby brown

which do you prefer, 1, 2, or 5?

1 always fave show ever

which show have you seen more episodes of, 1 or 3?

i think...... i looked it up and the amount of eps are the SAME GOTCHA

if you could be anyone from 4, who would you be?

omg el dUH im obsessed with her when i shaved my head (among many other things I thought) i was like i will harness her energy..!!!!!!!!...... that sounds dumb but its facts she’s so strong and does the right thing and has such a range of like idk identity expression that is so unique and cool and confident and well bye. wish that were me!!!!!!

would a crossover between 3 and 4 work?

Otis helping the older kids thru their relationship problems????? sign me uppp bye

pair two characters in 1 who would make an unlikely but strangely okay couple?

obvi Jalyssa is endgame nothin else about it but since there’s so few characters idk......... alyssa and bonnie would be very weird but like.... for the sake of just contemplating maybe they’d start out annoyed with each other and both do some good snarks and actually end up getting to like each other and how neither one of them messes around they just..... go for things? and tell it like it is? and ultimately act on how they feel??

overall, which show has the better storyline, 3 or 5?

hmmmmm idk i don’t feel qualified to judge TWD bc i haven’t watched the whole thing so i will go for sexed on this one

which has better theme music, 2 or 4?

uhh i think ianowt JUST has soundtracking i dont think it has title sequence much which would make st’s better, but if im remembering correctly ianowt has the better overall soundtrack i think st has ramped up its soundtracking capacity in the most recent season but i remember for quite a while i would watch it and think ok........ but soundtrack when???

omg this was so long but so fun!!!! thx again for the tag you fabulous human being @pettykaspbrak

I’ll tag: @emullz @stellar-alley @victorydoll @yeetthedragon @blog-anxiousscreenwriter and whoever else decides they want to undertake this massive expedition

#me #teotfw #ianowt #sex education #sex ed #stranger things #twd #tv #tv shows #me n all my tags ooo boi

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uselesslilium · 4 years

Text

[Spotify] [Playmoss] [Youtube]

Losing 8tracks wasn’t gonna stop me from finishing my mix for the world’s worst disaster brother!

Track list and lyric samples below the cut:

1. Neighborhood #3 - Arcade Fire I went out into the night I went out to pick a fight with anyone Light a candle for the kids Jesus Christ don't keep it hid

Ice has covered up my parents hands Don't have any dreams don't have any plans Growin' up in some strange storm Nobody's cold, nobody's warm

2. Cry for Judas - The Mountain Goats Speed up to the precipice and then slam on the brakes Some people crash two or three times and then learn from their mistakes We are the ones who don't slow down at all And there's nobody there to catch us when we fall

Long black night Morning frost I'm still here But all is lost

3. For What It’s Worth - Placebo No one cares when you're out on the street Picking up the pieces to make ends meet No one cares when you're down in the gutter Got no friends, got no lover

4. Bling (Confession of a King) - The Killers When I offer you survival You say it's hard enough to live Don't tell me that it's over, stand up Poor and tired, but more than this

5. Rivers in the Dust - Radical Face I dream a glass of water With you dreaming of the sea And I watch my feet and you would watch the sky And we would wonder why our eyes no longer meet

6. Natural - Imagine Dragons That's the price you pay Leave behind your heartache, cast away Just another product of today Rather be the hunter than the prey And you're standing on the edge, face up 'cause you're a Natural A beating heart of stone You gotta be so cold To make it in this world

7. Cave - Muse Leave me alone, it's nothing serious I'll do it myself, it's got nothing to do with you And there's still nothing that you can do

8. Stay Close - Parabelle I'd wipe your tears but this is just how I feel You should have let go so you can hold on to what's real And they say all the facts are in And this is where it ends Maybe it’s best to be broken ‘cause I know that we won’t bend

9. Heel Turn 2 - The Mountain Goats I'm walking out of here in one piece Don't care what comes after Drive the wedge Torch the bridge I don't want to die in here I don't want to die in here

10. Doom Days - Bastille When I watch the world burn All I think about is you

11. Still Breathing - Green Day As I walked out on the ledge Are you scared to death to live? I've been running all my life Just to find a home that's for the restless And the truth that's in the message Making my way, away, away

Bonus: Organs - Of Monsters and Men I am sorry this is always how it goes The wind blows loudest when you've got your eyes closed But I never changed a single color that I breathe So you could have tried to take a closer look at me I am tired of punching in the wind I am tired of letting it all in And I should eat you up and spit you right out I should not care but I don't know how

#fanmix #chikai kuji #sarazanmai

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tilltheendwilliwrite · 5 years

Text

Of Blood and Roses

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Master List | Loki Laufeyson Master List

Previous Chapter

Pairing: Loki x Lauren | Word Count: 8632 Warnings: none

“Good. Keep those heels down, Baron. Hedda, relax your hands. It’s light contact with the horse’s mouth y’all want, not so much they toss their heads around,” Lauren called to her class. “That’s real nice, Etsuko. Now, relax your hips a little. Excellent. Your center of gravity needs to be in line with the horse’s or you’ll throw them out of balance. Two hands, Maja. This isn’t Western equitation class.”

“What’s Western equitation?” the girl asked.

“Just another style of ridin’ where I’m from. It’s a little more laid back and has a bigger, heavier style of saddle to it. I’ll teach y’all about it another day. How’s everyone feelin’ about walkin’?” A chorus of ‘greats’ lifted from all the children but Etsuko. Still, the girl’s grin was enormous. Lauren didn’t expect her to be silent for many more classes. “Alright. Let’s learn about leg cues before we get up into a faster gate. Everyone come to the center and line up a few feet apart.”

It took some finagling and a little bit of help from Lauren, but eventually, they all faced her with space between the horses. “Y’all know how to guide your mount by rein, but you can cue them just as easily with leg too. A brush of heels or squeeze of calf gets ‘em movin’ but what happens if y’all apply pressure with one leg and none with the other? Everyone, I want you to press your right heel into your mount’s side, medium pressure - no need to make ‘em jump, and lift your left away from their side.” Standing on one leg, Lauren demonstrated the distance away with her other. Sure it probably looked odd to anyone watching, but visual aids had always been part of her process. “Keep your hands down, only a little contact on their mouth, or you’ll have them headin’ backward on you instead of sideways.”

One by one they horses slowly began to take a few steps to the side as the kids got the hang of what she was asking them to do.

“Great job! Now back the other way.” She beamed proudly at her class when everyone was moving together to the right. “Aren’t y’all so smart!” Lauren waved a hand. “Back to the rail with you. Hedda, as I know you’ve got the most experience with horses, we’ll start with you. I want you to ask Elf to trot a circuit around the arena and line up behind Maja. Then the next will go, and the next, until it’s Hedda’s turn again.”

Hedda gave a little whoop of excitement and planted her heels in Elf’s side. The poor gelding, having been half dozing with the lazy nature of the class gave a startled grunt and whipped his head up before taking off like a shot.

Without thinking, Lauren raced to intercept Elf, hands up and out as she barked a sharp, “Whoa!” The horse sat on its hindquarters, coming to a sliding stop, throwing Hedda up on his neck as Lauren grabbed the reins and shot Hedda a stern look. “And just what was that, missy?”

“I’m sorry! I always have to give Big Boy a real good kick to get him going. I didn’t think-”

“No, Hedda, you didn’t think. Every horse is different, and it’s your responsibility as his rider to learn their way of goin’. Not only did you startle Elf, but you could also have had an accident, or caused an accident.” The horse whickered and brushed his soft nose on Lauren’s cheek. “Don’t go makin’ excuses for her,” Lauren scolded him though she scratched his chin, and stepped closer to Hedda’s knee.

The girl looked near to tears, and Lauren set her hand on Hedda’s leg as if adjusting her stirrup. Quietly, in voice only loud enough for Hedda to hear, she murmured, “Y’all are a lot like me when I was your age. So eager to rush forward, do it all, take risks, but risky behaviour with horses can cause severe consequences. There was a stallion of Daddy’s when I was knee-high to a grasshopper I so badly wanted to get to know, but Teddy, our stable master, he swore up and down the horse was too skittish for little girls like me to be around. I didn’t listen, and one day when I thought no one was lookin’, I snuck into his stall, startled him, and damn near took a hoof to the head. Luckily, Teddy had been watchin’ and managed to yank my dumb behind outta there, but not before gettin’ clipped by that hoof. It broke his arm.”

Hedda’s face was pale by the time Lauren finished her retelling. “What… what happened then?”

“I spent six weeks fetchin’ and carryin’ for him till his cast came off, and another three helpin’ out around the barn until he’d gotten his strength back. The point is, Hedda if I give you rules and restrictions, they’re not just for your protection, but everyone's. Now, walk Elf to the back of the line. You can try again after Maja.” Both girl and horse hung their heads but did as told. “Baron, your turn.”

The boy looked equal parts terrified and excited. He gently urged Mistral into a walk, and another squeeze had the horse moving out at a trot, setting the boy bouncing along with him.

“Good! Now, I want you to try risin’ up in your stirrups with every other stride. Squeeze with your knees and rise. Up, down, up, down.” It was a little rough, and he didn’t quite make every beat, but it was damn close and an excellent first try. “Great job, Baron. Y’all, that’s called “postin’,” and if you want to have any feelin’ left in your bum at the end of a long ride, postin’ will help you do that.” A smattering of chuckles came from all over the yard, making Lauren giggle. “Etsuko, you want to give it a go?”

She nodded and squeezed Ørn up into a trot. The natural grace Lauren had noticed in the girl was apparent as she easily mastered posting, rising and falling with each smooth stride like an experienced horsewoman.

“Well done, Etsuko! Very nice!” The girl ducked her head, but the same shy, sweet smile seemed a permanent addition to her face. “Maja, you’re up.” Flekk stepped out swiftly for her, his trot flashy with his high stepping feet. “Remember, you’re in charge. Just cause Flekk knows what you’re gonna ask of him, smart little pony,” Lauren grumbled as they went by, “doesn’t mean he gets to make those decisions. You’re his rider. He goes when you say, and he stops when you say.”

“Yes, Lady Lauren,” Maga giggled as she bounced around, her posting ability failing her.

“Alright, Hedda.” Lauren nodded, indicating the girl head on out. This time they were more subdued, moving out together nicely. Like Etsuko, Hedda mastered posting with little trouble. “Beautiful. Nicely done.” The smile returned to her face, and Lauren was relieved. The scolding was, perhaps, a little sharp, but she could see so much of herself in Hedda. The last thing Lauren wanted was for the girl to make the same mistakes she had growing up around the barn. “Everyone together now. Give the person ahead of you a few strides before followin’. Practice your postin’ and keep them ponies movin’ till I tell y’all to stop.”

Dagny leaned against the rail, and Lauren snuck between Flekk and Elf to join her. They watched the kids for a moment longer, Maja giggling once in a while, her laughter spreading until they all laughed and bounced and trotted around, having a great time.

“I honestly had my doubts about this,” Dagny said as Lauren climbed up and sat on the top railing. “More on sticking three nobles kids and a stable boy on horseback than your teaching skills, milady, but you’ve done it. I’ve rarely seen a more competent instructor.”

“It was my favourite job growin’ up. Workin’ with the little ones like this, teachin’ them somethin’ I love. I’ve missed it.”

“I still can’t believe those three mucked stalls,” she chuckled. “I’ll never forget it.”

Lauren only smiled. It didn’t surprise her at all. The children who wanted to learn, ride, and become horse people did the work. The ones for who it was a passing fancy, they were the ones to gripe about scooping poop. None of these girls had done so. While Lauren had moved the groomed and tacked horses out to the arena, Baron had given a stuttered lesson on the proper removal of manure. When she’d returned for the last two horses, the girls had been hard at work clearing piles. Once they finished, she led them all out to the arena, assisting those who needed it to the backs of their geldings, and the class had begun.

“Any more requests for lessons?” Lauren asked Dagny. “Drop your heels, Baron. You’ll have less difficulty.”

“Another dozen.”

“Maja, squeeze with your knees and tighten your belly. Y’all have got the look of a floppy fish about you,” Lauren murmured as the girl passed her place on the rail. “Have the requests sent to my office. I’ll look them over later. Y’all don’t need to be dealin’ with court nonsense. I’ll get them sorted.”

Dagny breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you, milady. That would be most appreciated.”

“How is it you haven’t been named stable master? You’re clearly competent,” Lauren wondered. “Everyone halt for a moment.” She smiled apologetically at Dagny and jumped down to adjust Baron’s posture.

“I’m sorry, milady,” he whispered, face flushed with embarrassment. “I can’t seem to get it right.”

“Baron, it’s only your first lesson. Y’all are doin’ just fine.” She reached up an placed a hand on his belly and the other on his low back. “Remember what I said in the beginnin’ about “sit bones”? You’re driftin’ a little forward which is a dangerous position for a boy if Mistral gets frisky. Catchin’ yourself on the saddle would be real unfortunate. Rock back a little. Good, now, scoot your bum forward, so you sit- Yes! Right there. Tighten your belly muscles, straighten your spine, look out between Mistral’s ears, and squeeze with your knees as your rise and fall with your postin’.” Even his ears were red by the time she finished, but Lauren paid it no mind. The boy would thank her for it if she kept him from cracking himself on the front of the saddle.

She stepped back, gave him a once-over, and nodded. “Resume.”

Dagny was snickering behind her hand when Lauren returned. “Poor boy’s about as red as I’ve ever seen him get, but he’ll thank you for it later, he will, if you keep him from nutting himself.” Lauren suppressed a snort. “As for your question. Stabio’s family has been in charge of the stables for generations. When Odin implemented the breeding program that’s produced what you see before you, it was that family who oversaw the barns. Through the years, they’ve kept the bloodlines pure, and it made sense to pass the position from father to son as they were all trained in the tradition, but with the dwindling interest in Sleipnir's Children and Stabio’s removal, we’re all just waiting to see what happens next.”

“Did you have a hard time with Stabio?” The way Dagny looked away, her face hardening into unreadable lines gave her answer better than words. “I’m sorry.”

She shook her head. “Don’t ever apologize for him. He was making the horses miserable. Aye, he was. You’re intervention likely kept Sleipnir from getting to him. You may have even saved the bastard’s life. Once word came to Sleipnir, well…” She shrugged and let the conversation end.

“And do you know as much about the barns, horses, and people as Stabio did? Could you run this place if you had to?”

Dagny gave an inelegant snort. “I’ve been doing so since before he left. Stabio only wanted one thing. He wanted to break Snøstrom and every Wild One of their temperament. He cared little for the day to day of running this place. He thought if he could prove Wild Ones would accept any rider as these fine fellows do, people would proclaim him a greater horsemaster than his father.”

A tired sigh escaped Lauren. “Unfortunately, the need to be the best can bring out the worst in people.” She patted Dagny’s hand before heading back into the center of the arena. “Alright, y’all. That’s it for today.” Loud groans of disappointment came from all the kids. “I know, I know, but for those of you unused to this much time in the saddle, y’all will likely thank me for endin’ things now when your legs give you grief tomorrow. I want everyone to dismount like we practiced at the beginnin’ and then you will walk your horses around the arena for five minutes before returnin’ them to their stalls where you will untack and rub them down. Baron is familiar with the process, and will answer any questions y’all have.”

After watching to see they all made it down without too much trouble, Lauren smiled and nodded. “I’ve yet to see my schedule, so when I know the date and time for our next class, y’all will be informed. Everyone did wonderfully today. Great job!”

They all beamed and lead their mounts around the rail, allowing the horses to cool down. As Lauren turned to go find her own mount, she arched a brow in exasperation, for Dagny was leading Snøstrom toward her, tacked up and ready to go.

“Wasn’t sure if you wanted this today,” she held up Lauren’s helmet, “or if you were just going to do ground work with him?”

She looked at the kids watching hopefully and chuckled. “I think I’ll run him through some leg cues today. See if I can teach him a little dressage.”

“Dressage?” Dagny asked, excitement in her voice and face.

Lauren laughed and opened the gate to let Snøstrom in. He immediately set about rubbing his forehead on her arm. “Another form of equitation. I’ll see what I can teach him. Get off, you big lug!” Suddenly, his nose dropped to the satchel on her hip where the horse snorted and pinned his ears, backing swiftly away. “Easy. It’s alright.”

A frowning Dagny was watching intently, and when Peaches, evidently concerned by the change in Lauren’s voice, poked his head out to see what was happening, she too gasped and took a swift step in retreat. “Milady!”

“Stop!” Lauren held up her hand, causing both horse and woman to freeze. “He’s fine. Please. Peaches is mine and won’t hurt either of you, but I’m not supposed to be tellin’ people about him yet, so can we just… keep this between us?”

“But that… that’s… it’s…” Dagny never did get a full sentence out before her head snapped up and she gaped at Lauren. “You're an Earth Mother…”

It was barely a whisper, but it had Lauren leaping forward to take the woman by the arm. “I’m not ready. Do you understand? I’m not ready. I can’t be what everyone will expect of me, not yet.”

Whether it was her pleading tone or the fear that must have been present on Lauren’s face, she didn’t know, but Dagny suddenly snapped back, relaxed, and nodded. “Of course, Lady Lauren. I understand. Aye, your secret is safe with me. This is just so exciting! And thinking about it now, I’m surprised others haven’t figured it out.”

Lauren released her arm on a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Dagny. Peaches only arrived hours ago. I’m sorry if he frightened you.” She rubbed her fingers over the snake’s head and encouraged him back into the satchel. “And you, you big chicken. C’mere.” Snøstrom snorted and stamped his hoof. “Don’t be like that.” He shook his mane. “Fine. Then I’ll leave, and we won’t ride at all.” Lauren crossed her arms and glared at him, even as his ears sagged and lower lip quivered. “Pout all you like. Y’all are the one bein’ a big baby.” He plodded forward with his head down, looking very put out, before stopping and resting his forehead on her chest. “See? That wasn’t so hard.”

“The way you talk to them, I’d think you had a touch of all-speak or transformation magic in you.”

“What’s that?” Lauren asked.

She stepped forward and checked Snøstrom’s saddle. “Well, the prince has transformation magic. His ability to assume an animal’s shape gives him the power to speak to them as well. While the King is capable of all-speak. It matters not what world Thor is on; he can speak the language thanks to his magic.”

“I didn’t know that!”

“Aye. And he can share it with those around him, making it easy for interspecies relations to take place. Of course, there are people on Asgard specifically trained in the various languages around the universe, because even though Thor can speak it, he can’t read them all. Most, but not all.”

“Well, blow me down with a feather! You learn somethin’ new every day!” Lauren giggled and mounted Snøstrom.

“Enjoy your ride, Highness.” Dagny patted Snøstrom’s flank. “I’ll keep an eye on the little ones.”

Lauren threw her a grateful smile and moved out onto the sand. The children all continued to circle with their horses, watching her as she urged Snøstrom up into a smooth trot, warming his muscles for the work to come. “Let’s see what we can teach you today, hmm, boy?” He nodded his head and whickered as if in agreement.

She started with something easy, a collected trot that had her moving past the children at a slow jog. Snøstrom picked his feet up nicely, a quick action that had him looking very sharp and proud. After a few rounds of that, making sure he was warmed up, she sat into the trot, pushing forward through her seat as they came to the long side of the arena, asking him to lengthen his stride. Those quick, flashy feet became ground eating strides that sent them sailing swiftly down the arena. At the corners, she collected him back into the short, flashy trot, then pushed him down the sides, repeating the action until he was confident and paying attention to her cues. Smarter than any horse she’d ever ridden, Lauren slowed him to a walk and patted his neck. “Good boy. Should we try somethin’ harder?” She got the same nod as before, making her giggle.

The kids were in the process of exiting the arena, so she waited a moment, gently pressing her hand to Peaches. He didn't seem at all concerned with the motion of riding, and for that she was thankful. Dealing with a grumpy snake was not high on her list of priorities. Once the gate closed, Lauren squeezed her heels and sent Snøwstrom up into a trot. After a few strides, she placed gentle pressure against his side with her inside leg, and slowly asked him to bring his nose back toward her knee, bending his thick neck into a deep curve. It was like she could see the question in his dark eye.

“This exercise helps with flexibility. Once we get you nice and supple through the pole -” his ears twitched, “yes, the space between your ears - and down your neck, I can start showin’ you other fun stuff. Flyin’ lead changes, turns on your hindquarters, and the real hard stuff.” His ears pricked toward her. “One's called a piaffe. It's a trot in place.”

He ignored her leg cues and turned into the center of the arena where the stallion proceeded to try and trot in place but kept falling to the side. When he finally came to a stop, head down and blowing hard, Lauren bit her lip to keep from chuckling. “Not as easy as it sounds, huh?” Snøstrom lifted his head, nose in the air as if to say he didn’t care to learn such things. “And why not?” He snorted in dismissal. “Foolish, hm? Well, if you’re not interested in learnin’ military maneuvers…” His whole head swivelled around, and he looked at her through narrowed eyes. “I swear!” Lauren held up her hands. “A piaffe was originally meant to keep you warm and ready to move forward into battle.” He looked intrigued before straightening out and stamping a hoof. “I’ll teach you, eventually. Right now, you have other things to learn before we get there.”

He worked the bit with his tongue, grumbling about it in his horsey way, but when she collected the reins to return him to the rail, Snøstrom went without protest. “Good boy. We’ll get there. It just takes time.” She patted his shoulder in sympathy and went back to softening his neck with a gentle inside bend.

***

Loki returned to the barn to find it abuzz with talk of Lauren and her class, both the one with the children in it and the one of the stubborn stallion she’d schooled afterward. It made him chuckle to listen for they were all so impressed with her and how she’d made Snøstrom sweat with nothing more than an hour of trotting and exercises none of them had ever thought to try. It was clear to Loki, if the barn staff had their way, Lauren would never be allowed to leave. They were all unendingly curious to see what other ingenious ways of training she had up her sleeve.

He found her in the calm quiet of Sleipnir’s stall, running a brush over the stallion’s hide. It already shone in the low light like pure silk. His mane now played host to a bunch of small braids, while a fishtail had been worked into the base of his tail before falling free into smooth strands that brushed the hay of his bedding. The stallion was dozing on four of eight legs, though his ears continued to flick back to where Lauren was working, her voice a low drone as she talked to the horse about nothing. It appeared she was telling him a story — one about a girl named Goldilocks and three bears.

Loki leaned against the stall door and listened to her talk, weaving the tale in such a way it painted pictures in his mind. When she finished the story with Goldilocks running from the house of the three bears to never be seen again, Loki lightly clapped his hands.

“Oh!” She turned with a flush building in her cheeks only to smile and relax when she realized who it was. “You gave me such a fright, Loki.”

“Apologies, love, but I didn’t want to interrupt your fascinating tale.” He frowned to find her snake looped around her neck again. “I thought he was staying out of sight?”

“He did, but no one bothers me in here and,” she bit her lip, the blush renewing, “Dagny knowns.”

Loki’s eyes narrowed. “Why?”

She hurried toward the stall door. “There was an incident with Snøstrom and Peaches she happened to see, and then when I tried to explain it away she just knew, but she’s promised to keep it to herself, sweetie. I trust she will.”

He opened the door for her as she encouraged the snake back down into his pouch. “I see.” He sighed, but it was understandable. Peaches was a deadly snake all creatures knew better than to mess with. That her stallion would not only notice but protest proximity to the dangerous viper wasn’t that big a surprise. “If you believe Dagny will stay quiet, then I believe she will.” He pulled her closer and ducked down to kiss her slowly. She smelled of horse and barn and Amazonian Lilies, somehow a scent so uniquely her he couldn’t find fault in it and hummed his pleasure. “So,” he murmured, pecking her lips, “sweetie?”

She giggled and twirled a lock of his hair around her finger. “I thought I’d try it out.”

“It’s… different.”

“Not sure it fits you though. You’re not really the “sweetie” type. Elskan min is a better fit.”

“Hm,” he chuckled. “That it is.” Loki nipped her lip between his teeth and worried it gently. When he finally released it, it was plump and red and lush looking. He wanted to keep kissing her, or pull her in a stall and have his way with her against the wall, but refrained. “Are you ready, my sweet, to see your public and private spaces?”

“As I’ll ever be.”

“Still a little nervous?” She nodded, clutching the strap of her satchel. “That’s alright. You’ll see there is nothing to fret over once you’ve been. But first, I want you to cleanse yourself of the scent of horse and remove the dust from your hair, body, and clothing. I’ll be changing your makeup, so you may take that off as well.” He stepped a pace away, having no desire to be doused in water if she made a mistake, but he needn't have feared when with a few whispered words, narrowed brows of concentration, and a twist of fingers, she was once again clean and refreshed. “Lovely. Very well done, darling.”

Sleipnir stuck his head over his stall door and whickered.

“Even he is impressed at how much you’ve learned in such a short time.”

Lauren blushed and smiled shyly, so adorable. “Thank you. I’m tryin’ real hard.”

“You’re doing amazingly well, pet,” Loki purred, surrounding her in ropes of magic that twisted and shaped and changed her garments, leaving her standing in a beautiful periwinkle gown with an overcoat of the same colour, heavily embroidered in pale violet. Her hair curled loose and flowing down her back and over her shoulders in youthful whimsy, a match to her glossy lips and thick lashes. The court makeup of this morning had been stunning but had masked her natural beauty. This was much more natural and in keeping with her personality.

He held out his hand and had her turn, admiring every angle. “You’re exquisite, my love. Simply breathtaking.”

��I would hope you’d think so, seein’ as you’re the one dressin’ me!” she laughed, petting Sleipnir’s cheek before taking Loki’s arm. “I’ll be back when I can.”

The stallion wickered, and Lauren looked up at Loki. “What he say?”

“That he looks forward to more stories from the Lady of Stars and Fire.”

Lauren smiled over her shoulder. “I’m glad you enjoyed them!”

Laughing softly, Loki led her toward the exit, not blind to the men and women who stopped to bow and murmur quiet greetings to her as they passed. She’d earned much respect today. “It appears your lesson went well. You seem to have impressed everyone who works in the stables.”

“It was so fun, Loki.” Her joy appeared to radiate from her like the sun. “The kids were great, though Hedda reminds me a little too much of myself. Lady Anna brought Maja, and there was a bit of a set too, but I handled it. She may get her natter on, but Lord Aslin was so nice about the whole thing, I don’t even care if Anna and Haddy get their knickers in a twist. One was rude, and the other was up to somethin’.”

“Lady Anna was rude?” Loki asked, having heard nothing of the confrontation what with dealing with petitioners all day.

Lauren waved a dismissive hand. “It got handled. Maja stayed for the lesson and said she’d be speakin’ to her father about how her mother insulted me. She didn’t figure she’d have a problem returnin’ properly attired for her next lesson.”

He came to a full stop in the door of the stable. “Darling,” he said quietly, working to contain his rage. “Was Lady Anna rude or did she offer insult?”

She frowned up at him. “What’s it matter? I dealt with it.”

“It matters quite a lot. If Lady Anna insulted the Princess of Asgard, recompense will be required.”

“Loki,” she sighed and shook her head. “I think it was a big enough blow when Maja refused to leave with her and took my side. Let it go.”

“You do not understand, my heart. You are the Princess of Asgard. An insult to you is an insult to me and indirectly to Thor. Such a thing cannot, will not, simply be swept beneath the rug. It cannot go unpunished, no different than what happened with Gerda. While I have no plans to set Geri and Freki on the woman, you can bet her husband will hear of my anger.”

She gazed up at him for a long moment before asking, “Is this an Asgardian thing?”

“Very much so,” he answered without hesitation.

“Fine.” She tugged his arm to get him moving and recited as best she could what had happened. By the end, Loki was biting his tongue to contain his laughter.

“I see what you mean. I think a strongly worded missive and baning his wife from appearing in your parlour until she executes a formal and public apology while actively inviting her daughter to join you should be punishment enough.”

“And Daven and her girls. I was supposed to have tea with them and haven’t. And I invited Lord Aslin. He was ever so sweet, Loki. His daughter is a little darlin’, but the loss of her mama has made her darn near mute. I think havin’ her spend time with Hedda and Maja will be good for her.”

“You’re probably correct, my heart.” He led Lauren into the gardens and smiled when the blooms along their pathway began to open in her wake. As there was no one near, he didn’t bother to say anything.

“I do have a question about Hedda though.”

“What’s that, love?”

She drew him to a stop beneath the arched branches of a willow tree. “You saw my magic in my eyes first, right?” He nodded, intrigued by her question. “Well, when Hedda met Elf today, I swear I saw somethin’ in her eyes. She kept insistin’ Volstagg’s horse didn’t like his name, and then with Elf, she said he liked his name very much, and there was this… flicker of pink in her eye.”

Loki inhaled sharply. “In her pupil or did it curl around her iris?”

“In her pupil.” She frowned at him. “Why?”

“A curl around the iris is the indication of seiðr in the blood, but a flame within the pupil is something different. An indication of transformative magic or all-speak.”

“Like what you have and what Thor has?” When he tilted his head curiously, she smiled and explained. “Dagny said when I was talkin’ to Snøstrom it was like I had all-speak, and I didn’t know what she meant.”

“Ah. I see. Forgive me. I never thought to explain about all-speak.”

She shook her head. “It’s fine. I’m beginnin’ to see there are things y’all learn early that are just part of bein’ Asgardian. I think it’s important that you find me that tutor. Yes, I could learn as we go, but havin’ someone who can start at the beginnin’ and help me adjust? I want that, Loki.”

He cupped her chin, so incredibly proud of her. Finally, she was asking for what she wanted and requesting what she needed like a true princess. “Whatever you want, my sweet, stunning little Earth Mother.”

When he bent to kiss her, he found her fingers pressed to his lips. “Speakin’ of “whatever I want,” just what were you and Thor thinkin’ buyin’ that costume from Ingrid?”

Loki nipped the end of her finger. “We were conspiring to give you something that obviously brought your pleasure. I take it, it arrived today?”

“Mm, along with the earrin’s from Clareon and the fairy orbs for Gran.”

“And how did they turn out?” He collected her hand back to his arm and continued through the garden.

“Oh, Loki. She’s just gonna spit when she sees ‘em!” Lauren squealed and tugged on his arm. “They’re so pretty, and the colours! The colours are just gorgeous!”

“I’m happy they please you, pet. I’m sure your Gran will love them.” He led her up the stairs onto the terrace that wrapped around the lower level and through the nearest doors.

“Hey, hun? Why are we walkin’?”

He smiled down at her and led her to the stairwell. “It isn’t far, and I thought you might like to know how to get there on your own.”

She lifted the front of her gown as she climbed the spiral stairs. Loki couldn’t help but watch her as she went, her hand in his. She was so graceful. He just couldn’t get over how stunningly sleek and beautiful she was. There was no one in all of Asgard who could compare to her.

“You’re starin’, honey.”

“I think when it comes to you I will always stare. There is no greater beauty in all of Asgard.” He drew her up to his stair and kissed her sweetly when her pleased blush coloured her cheeks.

Then a voice cleared and broke them apart. “Excuse me, your Highness. I need to get by.”

He could feel Lauren stiffen at the sound of that voice and tucked her in tight to his side. “Teacher.” Loki nodded politely and stepped up a step to give Sigyn space to pass. It was a narrow stairwell, old and made of stone from the first days of Asgard and the old keep, but it held a nostalgic air for his father and had been left as a reminder of bygone days. Now, Loki wished he’d torn it down and put in something more practical, but at the time, such stairwells made it difficult for invaders to ascend higher in the keep.

Sigyn swept down the stairs with her nose in the air, ignoring Lauren completely. He knew he shouldn’t do it, but then Loki was never one not to poke the hornet’s nest. “Aren’t you supposed to be with students this time a day?” He guided Lauren up the stairs past him, so he stayed between her and Sigyn.

The redheaded witch slowed to a stop and looked up at him. “It appears fewer children require my skills. Fewer and fewer are showing any magical leanings.”

“Strange,” Lauren murmured, her hand resting on Loki’s shoulder. “I found one just today.”

“You?” Signy scoffed. “What would you know of seiðr or the magic of Asgard?”

“You’d be surprised what I can learn in a short amount of time.” Lauren picked up the front of her dress and continued up the stairs without another word.

“I see she’s found her inner princess,” Signy sniffed.

“Glorious isn’t she?” Loki smirked proudly and followed his wife up the stairs, ignoring the glare Signy shot his way before she swept down them. He contemplated magically shifting the bottom step, so she stumbled ungracefully out in view of everyone, but she would know it was his doing, and he wouldn’t give her a reason to retaliate.

Lauren waited for him at the top, and Loki bound up the last few steps like an overzealous stag. It made her giggle and reach out to close her hands around the straps on his chest. “If you’re gonna act like a deer, you should’a kept the horns on.”

“Maybe I’ll return them for you later,” he purred, clutching her waist to draw her closer.

She tugged until he bent down and kissed him. “Thank you for sayin’ what you did to Sigyn, honey.”

“Mm,” he hummed against her mouth. “I think I like honey.”

“Sweet,” she purred and dragged her fingers down his chest to sneak between the edges of his tunic and find the front of his pants. “And thick like you.”

“You naughty, wicked woman. I love it!” he growled and ravaged her mouth.

Titters of giggles erupted up and down the hall, but Loki took his time releasing his wife, mostly so she could sneak her hand away from him before everyone noticed just what her grasping fingers were gripping. He looked over her head and grinned at the maids giggling behind their hands. They rushed away with his notice, and Loki led Lauren down the hall.

The pretty blush he adored coloured Lauren's cheeks, her shyness always so sweet. “Don’t worry, darling. It was only a couple of maids. Most people have no reason to be here, but I informed Selvina you would be entertaining tomorrow, and she sent a few girls to get the furniture dusted. I’m sure they have seen worse things than a husband kissing his wife.”

“I find I quite like it when my husband kisses me.”

She flirted with her lashes and had him lifting her palm to his lips. “My love, how well you stroke my ego.”

At a set of ornate wood and gold doors, Loki released her hand to push them both open, revealing a room with a large fireplace set against one wall. The floor rose in tiers, creating separate seating areas right back to the highest section - no more than three steps up - placed back against the expanse of windows that looked out over Asgard’s gardens, currently covered by thick brocade drapes in antique gold. Chairs and couches in creams and golds would seat a good thirty guests, but the room itself was large enough for many more.

Lauren inhaled in wonder and walked through the doors onto lush green and black carpets which muffled her steps. “Loki… it’s so… grand.”

“It’s meant to be.”

She tilted her head back to take in the coffered, and carved ceiling hung with shining gold chandeliers, then made her way toward the highest tier where she pulled back a curtain and peered out over the garden. “Would you be upset with me if I asked to change a few things?”

His heart skipped in excitement. For her to want to make changes meant Lauren was feeling at home and comfortable with her position. “Anything you want, my heart. Name it.”

“These weren’t your mama’s rooms were they? I don’t want to upset anyone if they were. I’d feel like I was erasin’ bits of Frigga’s memory and that would be wrong.”

Loki shook his head. “Not at all, darling. Mother’s rooms will belong to Thor’s wife, as is proper. These rooms have sat empty since before my time. What you see was put in place when it became known I had an Ástvinur, so anything you’d like to change, you need only ask.”

She turned from her view of the window with such a deviant smile on her face; he had a thrill race up his spine. “Would you be at all against havin’ a little fun with Thor’s court?”

“Wicked girl. Whatever plan you are hatching, I want in.” He flicked his fingers and the doors to the hall closed and locked.

“Well.” She dug her toe into the carpet and swung back and forth like Sara was want to do. “Seein’ as how people are so interested in Midgard, and I am a true southern belle, what’s say we show ‘em a little of where I come from.”

He inhaled sharply, then swiftly cupped her face and kissed her hard on the mouth. “Brilliant! Damn, how did I not think of that?”

She giggled wildly and sat down hard when he let her go. “Well, my tricky God. You’d best make with the magic while I sit here and look for the bone you stole from my legs.”

“Do I make your knees weak, pet?” He turned a devilish smile on her and caged her into her chair.

“You know you do.”

Eyes like emeralds were full of laughter and just the first stirrings of desire when he lowered himself to his knees and began to draw her skirt up her legs. “Perhaps I should assist you with finding your wayward bones before I make with the magic?”

She arched a brow and offered him an inviting smile. “Maybe you should.”

With an excited growl, Loki pounced on his wife.

***

It was over an hour later when they emerged, Lauren bright-eyed and flushed, Loki looking smug and thoroughly relaxed. Her viper had stuck his head out once when Lauren had carefully dropped his satchel onto a nearby table but quickly went back to napping when Loki’s tunic landed on him.

Now a bright, sunshine laden parlour waited beyond the closed doors. The furniture was of the antique variety within Ellie’s home, while the walls between the panels of wainscotting and crown moulding now contained copies of art by some of Midgard’s touted masters. Such paintings as Monet’s Water Lilies, and Van Gogh’s Starry Night, and The Skiff by Renoir a painting Lauren loved so much, she had a poster of it framed on the wall of her suite in the tower.

He'd transformed one entire section of seating into a library containing much of the writings Loki enjoyed - Shakespeare, Byron, Poe, and the complete works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - available for perusal whilst visiting. And the upper section where the heavy golden draperies had hung, now a transparent film of curtains meant to soften the sun, but not block it completely covered the windows. Flowers such as Orchids, Amaryllis, and even a small Magnolia tree bloomed in abundance throughout the room. Even the ornate gold chandeliers were no more, replaced by elegant crystal ones. There was not another place like it in all of Asgard.

Loki had even changed out the floors to wood ones of a herringbone pattern he then overlaid with soft, thick Persian rugs. Some of what she’d asked for were things he’d been unfamiliar with, but when he explained about being able to see her memories if she allowed it, Lauren had agreed without hesitation and opened herself to him, giving him unrestricted access to whatever he wished. He’d only plucked the bits of knowledge required for the transformation from her mind, and left the rest alone.

He led her across the hall to a single door through which there was a smaller room much the same as the previous. “This is what would be called your keeping or retaining room.”

“It’s cozy. Is it soundproof?”

“It is indeed,” he grinned down at her. “What private conversations you wish to have will remain so within the walls of this room. Should we spruce it up as well?”

Lauren shook her head. “I feel like if people are askin’ for an audience, it would be better to have them be comfortable when they speak their peace. If everythin’ is so different in here, they may have a hard time askin’ what they came to ask.”

“How very astute of you, darling. You are becoming a wonderful princess.” He kept growing prouder of her day by day.

She looked up at him with soft eyes and a sweet smile. “Guess Sadie was right. I kinda like this princess thing.”

“My love. If you keep looking at me like that, I will feel the need to christen this room, and the one beyond it as well with your sweet cries.”

“Hush, you.” She swatted playfully at his chest and followed him to another single door set in the wall of her keeping room. “And where does this super secret doorway lead?”

Loki chuckled and pushed it inward. “Not so secret, but it does give access to your office.” It was a room roughly double the size of the one they’d just passed through. Soft pastel colours and ivory furniture had it looking light and airy, and when Lauren smiled, he knew there would be nothing to change in this space either.

“It so pretty!” She hurried toward the desk and poked through piles of blank paper, pens, and all manner of things she would need. Then she held up the cylinder of violet wax. “What’s this for?”

“I will show you after you write your thank you to Clareon.” Loki rounded the desk and plucked a note card from within a shelf containing a multitude of them. “As it is a note of gratitude, you should use a card that can be kept and or displayed like a souvenir. For things like a summons, a letter of condolence, or an answer to a message received, stationary is preferred.” He handed the card to her and watched her frown. “What is it, love?”

“Why are your serpents purple?”

He chuckled and tapped the front of the card. “The violet colour is your royal colour. Mine is green, Thor’s is red for personal missives, but messages sent from the crown are gold. The symbol is mine, as Thor’s is his hammer, but as your place on Yggdrasil is unknown, we haven’t yet set you a seal. For now, you will use mine in our official colour, and when we announce you as an Earth Mother, banners with your chosen image will be made, a seal forged, and new parchment created.”

“For such an advanced society, why y’all don’t use computers and email is beyond me,” she muttered and sat to write out her message to Clareon. “Even your pens remind me of the kind we all used to dip in ink before things like ballpoints came around.”

“You mean this ink?” He nudged the pot toward her.

“Oh, crap.” She thunked her head down on her desk. “I tried calligraphy once, Loki. I sucked at it. Can’t you just magic me a ballpoint?”

“It takes a little practice, but I’ll help.” Moving around her chair, he closed his hand around hers on the pen and dipped it in the ink, showing her how to judge when she had enough, then helping her run through the alphabet on a scrap piece of paper. “As to why we choose to do things this way, it’s to remain connected to our people. Could we have a network of computers through which to send instant messages? Absolutely. But taking the time to sit down and actively write a card or letter shows the receiver the sender put thought and effort into their answer. It also weeds out things of a trivial nature because of the time one must put in to write their message.”

“I get it.” Lauren bit her lip as she tried repeating his actions without his guiding hand. “People can be real disconnected on Earth with email and instant messagin’. It’s why I wrote to Sadie and Gran, Sue Ann and Teddy. It kept me connected when it would have been real easy to lose touch.”

“Quite right, darling.”

“I’d still be better with a ballpoint pen,” she grumbled.

“You’re doing fine, Lauren. Now, write your note. It’s best to address him as Master Goldsmith Clareon. It will stroke the little farts ego.”

Lauren snorted a laugh. “Both you and the twins keep givin’ me the impression he’s a difficult person.”

“He’s a dwarf from Nidavellir. They are all difficult!” Loki huffed. “Careful. If you think you may have picked up too much ink, you can always run the pen over a piece of scrap.”

As soon as she set the tip to the scrap paper she’d been using to practice on; she left behind a large ink blot. “That was close.”

“You’ll be proficient in this in no time.”

The quiet scratch of her pen was the only noise in the room for a few minutes before she sat back and motioned to the card. “Well?”

Loki stroked his hand down the body of the viper who’d slithered up to rest on Lauren’s shoulder, appearing as if he could read when he stared at the paper. “Dear Master Goldsmith Clareon. It is with my deepest sincerity that I thank you for your generous gift. You made it exceptionally difficult to choose from the extraordinary collection you sent until the beautiful diamond drop earrings caught my eye. I shall think fondly of you every time I wear them. Yours…” Loki frowned. “You didn’t finish.”

“I don’t know how to address it. Princess Lauren feels a little strange. Lauren Odinson doesn’t quite do it either, and if I sign it Lauren Annandale, he won’t know who I am. How do you sign yours?”

“Loki, Prince of Asgard, brother of Thor, son of Odin, God of Mischief.” She gaped up at him in mild exasperation. “What?”

“I should have known.” She picked up the pen and bent over the card, then handed it back to him.

“Lauren, Princess of Asgard.” Loki smiled and nodded. “Yes, that will do well. Now, most people would need to blot the ink or sand it before closing the card, but we, my love, have magic.”

“Oh! I know!” She called her magic to her fingers with a speed that astounded him, then breathed a soft, “Bris,” that sent a gentle curl of breeze drying the ink.

“Well done, darling!” he exclaimed, impressed with her reach in logic. “Grab an envelope and add the card. Now, the wax is to seal it closed so if it arrives at its destination cracked, we will know someone intercepted it on route.”

“Couldn’t someone just use magic to lift it without breakin’ it?” she asked.

Loki lit the small wick at the end and added a few drops of the wax to the tip of the closed envelope. “The wax itself has magical properties sealed into it to keep such a thing from happening. Grab that seal.” He motioned to the stamp with the wooden handle. “And press it into the wax. You can rock it a little to get decent definition in the design, just remember not to twist.” When she pulled the seal away, his serpents remained embossed in the wax. “Perfect. Now, lift the letter, turn it over, and speak the name of the person you are sending the letter to aloud. For Clareon, you would say “Clareon the Goldsmith.’”

“Clareon the Goldsmith.” Lauren’s eyes grew round when the words appeared on the front in violet ink. “Wow!”

“Still missing email?” he teased.

“Not at the moment. Now what? Do we give it to someone to deliver?”

“Yes, indeed we do.” Loki made his way to the window and pushed it open. “Raven!” Within seconds one was sitting on the windowsill, croaking curiously. “Your willing messenger, my heart.”

Lauren got quickly to her feet and came closer, her snake once again curled loosely around her neck. “Do I just give it over?”

“It’s best to tell them where they are going, though the letter itself is now spelled to lead them to the receiver. You will also need one of these.” From the jar below the window, Loki plucked the lid and held out a small cracker. “Payment for work.”

She giggled and fed the cracker to the raven. “Can you take this to Clareon the Goldsmith? Please?” The raven bobbed up and down, and gently took the letter in its beak before hopping around and flying away. “Thank you!”

“So polite,” Loki teased.

“Of course. One never knows when a raven is really a God in disguise,” she snickered, lightly stroking the scales of her familiar.

He shook his head in wonder. “By the Norns, pet. What a goddess you will make.”

“It’s all because of you, Loki.” She smiled, lifted up on her toes, and pecked him a soft kiss. “All of this is 'cause of you.”

For the first time in his life, he actually believed that.

Next Chapter... coming soon.

#Of Blood and Roses #loki laufeyson #loki and lauren #loki laufeyson fanfiction #Loki x Lauren #god of mischief #god of mischief fanfiction #southern belle #avengers au #asgard au

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