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#all Cals are perfects thanks for asking
acewizardinspace · 1 year
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My brother is a huge transphobe and it is a source of constant arguments between us. Today when I was playing jedi fallen order he attempted to "prove me wrong" by saying, "Wouldn't you hate it if Cal was suddenly trans? That would be ridiculous." My response was of course that I would love it if Cal was revealed as trans in the next game actually, which just pissed him off more.
Anyway, Cal is now trans to me <3
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POV: YOU’RE DATING CALLUM TURNER
pt. 🥉
masterlist can be found here
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liked by user12, user13, and 699 others
callumupdates Callum today via @yourinstagram ’s story.
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fan13 I’m so glad he has someone who loves him the way y/n does
user13 every time there’s an update on them i realize how lonely i am
fan23 thankful for @yourinstagram because she takes the best photos of him 😍
yourinstagram isn’t he the handsomest? 🥹
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callumupdates Callum and Y/N spotted today on a date.
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fan12 THE WAY HE’S LOOKIN AT HER 😭😭😭
fan23 oh they are in love love.
user14 🥹🥹 be still my heart
fan32 MARRIED WHEN?! GET MARRIED RN!
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callumupdates Callum at a fashion event today. He’s got the perfect face for sitting on 🤩
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fan23 lmaaaaooooo Y/N LIKED
fan31 do we think she read the caption before liking it?!
user13 knowing her … yes haha 😂😂
fan33 she’s one of us i love it 🫶🏻
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yourinstagram so proud 🫶🏻
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keoghan92 he’s a good lad ain’t he?
fan13 she’s me as a gf honestly
yourinstagram i just can’t believe im so lucky
user12 @yourinstagram so happy he has you beside him!
user33 him stopping to pose for her while on the red carpet is sweet too 🥺
fan23 he’s doing big things now i hope his career keeps growing
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yourinstagram fun in the BAFTAS photobooth 😉
comments have been limited
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callumupdates Callum with Taylor Russell at a fashion show today!
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user13 ughhh they look so good!
yourinstagram LUCA GUADAGNINO PUT THEM IN A MOVIE !!! 🌚
fan21 HA she gets it!
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yourinstagram i see youuuu - love you 😘
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fan33 She’s his biggest fan 😩
yourfriendsinstagram This is now a Callum Turner fanpage
yourinstagram ur damn right!
fan22 steal his jumper and wear it looks comfy
yourinstagram 🫡
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yourinstagram u know i love a london boy 💘
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anthonyboyle Cal always having a good time 😂
rafflaw handsome lad
fan23 omg she’s a swiftie too
yourinstagram yes someone convince callum to buy me 5000 taylor swift nose bleeds tickets
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As always, anyone willing to chat Callum Turner or Bucky Egan headcanons, asks, or anything feel free to message. I’m currently down bad for this man. ♥️ Let me know if ya’ll want more!
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alisonsfics · 9 months
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roommate’s best friend part two
pairing: calum hood x ashton’sroommate!reader
summary: after your make out session with calum was interrupted by ashton, you were both very excited to spend more time together at a 5sos gig. (part one)
word count: 2.7k
warnings: unprotected sex, public-ish sex (it’s backstage), tiny praise kink, minors DNI
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You were planning to see Calum tonight for the first time after your little make out that was interrupted by Ashton.
You both had planned to have a little date night at Calum’s apartment, where you couldn’t be interrupted by Ashton. Before you could leave, you and Ashton had a plumbing emergency that kept you both at your apartment.
When you called to tell Calum that you couldn’t make it, he practically begged you to let him sneak over just to be with you for a little bit. You knew it would just end with Ashton accidentally seeing something he shouldn’t, and you couldn’t handle that embarrassment again.
Calum and Ashton had both invited you to a gig that the band was having tonight, so you would finally get to see Calum.
You were in the middle of picking out your outfit, obviously wanting to look nice to impress Calum.
“Oh, is somebody getting ready to see her boyfriend tonight?” Ashton teased you from your open doorway. You turned to face him and saw the smirk on his face. “C’mon, Ash, we can’t just be adults?” You pleaded. He chuckled and shook his head. “I caught you hooking up with my best friend. It’s a perfect opportunity for teasing, I can’t waste it.” He told you.
Ashton stepped towards you and held out a lanyard. “Wear this and security will let you in tonight. I’m about to head out, I’ll see you later.” He told you. You took the lanyard from him and said goodbye to him.
A few hours later, you were on your way to the concert, and you had butterflies in your stomach as you thought about seeing Calum.
You had picked out some leather pants and a red lace top that you were hoping Calum would like.
You got to the venue and security let you in quickly after seeing your badge. A security guard led you back to where the guys were hanging out. “They were in the lounge last time I checked, but if they’re not there, I’ll bring you to their dressing rooms.” The security guard told you.
You approached the room and saw a few couches sprawled around the room and a minibar against the wall.
You saw someone sitting on the couch on their phone. You recognized him as Luke from Ashton’s Instagram posts. “Here you go,” the security guard said, gesturing towards the room and then leaving.
“Hi, I’m Luke,” he said, jumping up to greet you. You quickly shook his hand and introduced yourself to him.
“Ashton just ran to the bathroom, he’ll be back soon.” Luke informed you. You nodded your head. “I’m really excited to see the show tonight. I got to go to one of your shows before, and I had a great time.” You told him.
“Oh thank you, yeah tonight should be good.” He agreed. You both heard footsteps and turned to see Calum walk into the room.
His eyes scanned over your outfit slowly, taking it all in. “Hi, there,” he said, softly. You gave him a smile as he walked over to you. “C’mon, Cal, give her a hug.” Luke said, teasing Calum for how stunned and speechless he was.
You giggled at Calum’s flustered expression. “Wait, but how do you—” Calum started to ask Luke.
“You really think Ashton was able to keep you guys and your thing a secret?” Luke said, chuckling.
Luke made sure not to stare so he wouldn’t make you both uncomfortable. “Hi,” you said, softly. He stepped closer to you and wrapped his arms around your waist. “You look beautiful.” He whispered as he pressed a kiss to your temple.
You wrapped your arms around his neck, holding onto him tightly. The scent of his cologne filled your lungs. You both pulled away, not knowing what to say to each other with Luke in the room.
“So, you two met already?” Calum asked, gesturing towards you and Luke. You both nodded. Then, Ashton and Michael walked in the room.
“Hey,” Ashton said, smiling once he saw you. He walked over and gave you a hug. He turned around to gesture towards Michael and introduced the two of you.
You noticed Ashton walking over to Calum, probably to tease him in some way, so you started talking to Luke and Michael. You were telling them about the first show of theirs you had gone to.
You were trying your best to make a good first impression, considering you’d probably be spending a lot more time with them.
You felt Calum’s hand slip around your waist, and he brought his lips to your ear. “Can I get you a drink?” He whispered in your ear, keeping his tight grip on your hip. You nodded your head, “yes please,” you said.
He walked away to get you a drink. Ashton joined your group and was smirking at you. “Don’t you even,” you said, stopping him before he could make a comment.
“I wasn’t going to say anything,” Ashton lied through his teeth. Luke and Michael chuckled at his horrible poker face. “I’m trying to make a nice first impression with your friends, and you just can’t stop yourself.” You said.
“You made a pretty good first impression with Calum,” Michael muttered under his breath, trying not to laugh. You were too stunned to speak. You sat there with your mouth open as the three of them started cracking up. “All three of you now?” You asked.
Calum appeared at your side with two drinks, handing one to you. “Yeah, she did make a pretty good impression, y’know until Ashton ruined it.” Calum said, winking at you.
You slipped your arm around Calum’s back and leaned into him. “You both are pretty cute together actually” Ashton said, making your cheeks heat up.
“Hey guys, you got like five minutes til you need to be on stage.” Someone said, as they walked in the room. You looked over your shoulder and saw someone who looked like their manager.
“C’mon,” Calum said, interlacing your fingers and pulling you behind him. You followed him to the side of the stage. You both set down your drinks and one of the crew members handed Calum his bass.
You gave Calum a kiss on the cheek. “Have a good show,” you told him. He thanked you and gave your hand a quick squeeze. The other three guys started to walk on stage, but Calum stopped.
He held up two fingers and beckoned you closer to him. He quickly cupped your face and kissed you. You were surprised by the kiss, but kissed him back.
“Gotta get my good luck kiss,” he said, before running out on stage.
You got to watch the whole show from the side of stage and had the best time. Calum even looked over at you a few times and winked at you once.
As the show ended, you cheered for the guys, and they took their bow. The guys filed off the stage past you, giving you high-fives as they went by.
Calum came off the stage last with a giant smile on his face. He handed off his bass and then grabbed your hand. He started pulling you down the hallway.
“Calum, where are we going?” You asked him. He didn’t answer your question, but continued pulling you behind him. You both got to his dressing room door and he pushed the door open.
Before you knew it, he had pulled you both inside and closed the door. He pinned you to the back of the door. “You remember when we talked about you fucking that bassist in his dressing room?” He asked you, his mouth almost pressed up to your ear.
You nodded your head. “Yeah, I remember,” you said, breathlessly. Calum’s entire chest was pressed up against you, and you were finding it hard to focus.
“Well that bassist really likes your outfit and got really turned on seeing you on the side of the stage, so if you were still okay with that plan,” he said, practically growling.
“Yes, yes, just touch me, Cal,” you begged him. As soon as the words left your mouth, Calum’s lips were on yours. His lips moved quickly against yours.
He grabbed at the back of your thighs and picked you up against the door. “No one to interrupt us this time,” he said, smirking against your lips.
You raked your fingers through his hair, causing him to groan. He planted his lips on the side of your neck and started slowly sucking on your skin.
You tried to silence the moan that fell from your lips. “Don’t hold back, let me hear you.” He coached you.
He pulled you away from the door and laid you down on the couch. “You look so gorgeous,” he said, in awe as he looked at you.
You pulled him towards you and tugged at the bottom of his shirt. He quickly pulled it over his head and threw it to the side. “C’mere, rockstar, can’t wait,” you said, pulling Calum on top of you. Hearing you call him “rockstar” turned Calum on more than he would ever admit.
His hands slipped under your shirt and traced your sides, caressing your skin. “Help me take it off,” you said, putting your hands up and allowing Calum to pull your shirt up over your head.
“So gorgeous,” he mumbled as he quickly got rid of both of your pants. He grabbed your legs and wrapped them around his waist. You cupped his face and kissed him hard.
Having Calum’s hands on you made you feel like your skin was on fire in the best way. A moan slipped out of you as Calum rocked his hips against yours. “Please, Cal,” you begged.
“Please what, sweetheart?” He asked, placing kisses along your jaw. You groaned, twisting his hair around your fingers.
“Please, fuck me,” you told him.
He pulled down your panties and carelessly threw them to the side. “You know that when Ashton showed us a picture of his roommate, I think I fell in love with you right then, most gorgeous girl I’ve ever seen.” He told you, placing a kiss to your forehead.
“You look so hot on top of me, like this.” You said, as he slipped out of his boxers.
He grabbed your hips with his large hands to steady himself. “You ready?” He asked, meeting your gaze. You nodded your head quickly.
He slowly pushed his length into you. You clawed at his back as you adjusted to his size. He stayed still, buried inside you, for a while. He peppered soft kisses on your shoulder as he waited for you.
“Keep going, I’m okay,” you assured him. With one final kiss on your lips, he pulled himself out and started thrusting into you.
Calum’s eyebrows were furrowed in concentration as his hips hit against yours. You let your eyes roll back as you grabbed at the couch, desperate to find something to hold on to.
“Here,” Calum said, grabbing both your hands and pinning them above your head. You let out a whimper as you felt the strong grip of his hand on your wrists.
“Let me do all the work, just focus on feeling good,” he instructed you. He placed sloppy, wet kisses down your chest, using his free hand to caress your breast.
“So good, Cal. Just like I imagined,” you mumbled, your eyes still shut. You noticed a break in Calum’s rhythm. You opened your eyes and noticed he was just looking at you as he continued to push his hips into yours.
“You were imagining this, baby?” He asked you, curiously. You felt your cheeks heat up in embarrassment, both from the pet name he’d just used and what you had just admitted.
“Don’t be embarrassed, what were you thinking about?” He asked, turned on by the possibility of your fantasies. You hid your face in the crook of his neck. He peppered kisses all around your face, hoping to get you to open up.
It was ironic. His cock was deep inside you, but you could barely bring yourself to meet his gaze.
“I saw pictures you posted from tour, and I thought about what it’d be like to go on tour with you. We’d travel around together, and I’d know all the fans you met were imagining you the way that only I would get to see you. And I thought about what it’d be like to ride you.” You confessed.
A groan fell from Calum’s lips after hearing the words leave your mouth. “That’s really hot, gorgeous.” He told you, moving his grip to your hips.
He reached deeper inside of you and hit your g-spot. “Oh, fuck, Calum,” you moaned.
“Y’know, we could make those fantasies happen if you want. We could at least do that last one tonight.” He told you, making your cheeks heat up even more.
“C’mere, honey,” he said, holding onto you and sitting up so you were straddling him.
He kissed you to make you more comfortable. “I’ll help you,” he mumbled against your lips. He grabbed your hips and lifted you up. You started rolling your hips against his.
“Oh, fuck, baby. You look so good on top of me.” He moaned, throwing his head back. He pushed his hips forward, meeting yours halfway.
Your thrusts started to become more rushed as you got closer to your high. “I’m almost there, Cal,” you mumbled, grabbing his shoulders to steady yourself.
“Me too, baby,” he told you. You both quickened your pace. You arched your back as you started to feel it approaching. You both were breathing heavily.
You were mesmerized watching how quickly Calum’s chest was rising and falling.
“Oh, fuck, Calum,” you called out, as your orgasm hit you. He wasn’t far behind you. “Oh, shit,” he mumbled, his thrusts beginning to falter.
He slowed down his pace, slowly thrusting up into you to help you both come down from your highs.
You collapsed against his chest, resting your head on his shoulder. “That was amazing,” you mumbled against his skin. He chuckled at your exhaustion. “You did amazing, baby,” he said, kissing the side of your neck.
He ran his fingers up and down your back as you caught your breath.
Once you finally got up, you both got dressed again and headed to Ashton’s dressing room, where Calum was told the guys were hanging out.
“Look who finally decided to join us,” Michael said, smirking at Calum as you both entered the room. All three guys were in the room, along with their significant others. Luke handed both you and Calum a drink.
“You both finally sort out that sexual tension?” Ashton asked, causing you to choke on your drink. Your eyes darted to Calum for help.
He leaned in to whisper in your ear, “I may have left you a little present on accident,” referencing the hickey on your neck.
“Calum,” you whined, dragging out his name and trying to cover your neck with your hand. This earned a chuckle from the group.
“C’mere,” he said, pulling you into his chest and wrapping his arms around your shoulders.
“I’m going to have so much fun teasing the two of you,” Ashton said, chuckling to himself.
“Don’t worry, we won’t all be teasing you. Not yet, at least” Luke promised you both. You let out a small giggle. “That felt a lot less comforting than I think it was intended to be.” You replied, earning a laugh from Calum.
He slipped his hand in the back pocket of your pants, keeping you next to him.
“So, Ashton mentioned that you guys were planning to set us up anyway. How was that going to go down?” You asked, curiously.
“Well the girls had to talk down Ashton because he was ready to steal Calum’s phone and send you some raunchy messages, and Calum would have killed him. Michael and I suggested a blind date, but Ashton wasn’t going to settle for that. He suggested that we lock you both in a room together and just wait it out.” Luke explained to you.
“Your great matchmaking plan was to hold us hostage?” Calum asked Ashton, exasperated.
“Oh, come on. Don’t tell me it wouldn’t work, neither of you can keep your hands off each other.” Ashton argued.
“That’s true.” Calum said, smiling down at you.
taglist: @laurakirsten0502 @miraclesoflove @nathaliabakes @millipop18 @azghedaheda @shyinadarkplace @vanteguccir @missroro @guacam011y @sw33t-cupid @ice-dtae @leyannrae @sia2raw @nyx2021 @just-a-littlebit-of-everything @shyconversationalbookworm @shadowhuntyi @visenyaverse @ruzannetheseahorse @superdeath @wandaswifeyforlifey @spookyqueen @mcuswhore @bookwormchick91 @princess-evans-addict @n3ssm0nique @peakascum @cjand10 @namsey1987 @multitargaryen @stephv213 @impossibleapricotlampbat @lickmymelaninn @holding-on-to-my-youth @spiderstyles04 @ahoodgirl
Let me know if you want to be added to my taglist for all my imagines or for a specific character/fandom!!
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exhuastedpigeon · 6 months
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Helllllo and welcome to my new Weekly Fic Recs!
This first one is going to be a little long since I’m going to rec my favourite fics that I’ve read so far in November. I’ll likely post a list weekly moving forward (probably Friday or Saturday) and will tag them as ‘Han’s Buddie Recs’ and 'Han's Weekly Fic Recs'
These fics are in order of longest to shortest and are separated into newly read, reread, and wips! Anything in italics is a comment from me.
Newly Read
and here, too, am i by Daisies_and_Briars/@cal-daisies-and-briars Teen || 41.1k Six months into their marriage, Eddie is still struggling to decide whether or not he wants more kids, when he knows Buck does. The universe may not scream, but it certainly talks.
I don’t have much else to say about this fic besides ‘it’s extremely great’
Tick Tick Boom by ChasetheWindTouchtheSky Teen || 30.4k Buck decides he doesn’t need therapy, reverts to some bad habits, and explodes. Or, the Breakdown Fic.
every time we stop talking (the universe starts screaming) by withmeornotatall/@chronicowboy Mature || 21.9k Buck gets reckless, eddie gets angry, they talk in all the wrong ways, and the universe decides to intervene
Divorce 2.0 era. 
All The Work That Needs To Be Done by trysetmeonfire/@try-set-me-on-fireTeen || 14.6k Bobby dies. Eddie worries. Life goes on.
This fic made me cry on multiple occasions, reader beware that it will probably make you cry too. It’s beautiful. 
Sixth time's the charm by CorgiQueen14/@corgiqueen14 Teen || 14.2k The mid-lawsuit time loop fic that you didn't know you needed.
I’m a hoe for a time loop 
you had to kill me (it killed you just the same) by MonsterRae1/@monsterrae1Explicit || 12.4k The Hire to Kill Au. Buck's a hired assassin sent after Eddie, instead, he ends up falling in love.
Got Weird by Daisies_and_Briars/@cal-daisies-and-briars Explicit || 10.5k Shortly after Buck and Natalia break up, Eddie gets tipsy and makes a rather forward move. Then immediately panics (not that Eddie panics, of course) and backpedals. Eddie spirals, Buck is confused. Lots of spontaneous kissing ensues.
The idiots in love tag was invited for this specific fic, I swear. 
I wanna spend my forever like that by wikiangela/@wikiangela General || 8.6k Eddie catches a cold and stubbornly denies he's sick, while a fondly exasperated Buck is trying to take care of him.
Something Dumb to Do by glorious_spoon/@glorious-spoon Explicit || 8.5k Buck and Eddie try something out together.
These men are idiots and it’s perfect and VERY hot. 
i'd swim to your call on my phone by heartbeatdiaz/@loserdiaz Teen || 8.5k Buck's daughter keeps calling 9-1-1 for help with her homework, Eddie is smitten and apparently 9-1-1 works better than Tinder
What's Died Will Never Stay Dead by HMSLusitania/@hmslusitania Teen || 6.5k The immortal firefam AU no one asked for.
Yet another Buddie banger from a ship that sank in 1915. 
swinging for the fences by inbetweenthestacks/@organizedstardust Teen || 6.4k Buck takes Eddie to a baseball game.
This is the first baseball/baseball adjacent fic I’ve read in the Buddie fandom that made my baseball obsessed heart very happy. You don’t have to care about baseball to like it though!The line “Is baseball just…math?” made me actually laugh out loud because.. Yeah baseball kind of is math. 
if you go down in the woods today by oklahoma/@malewifediazTeen || 6.3k “Oh, oh. I can’t believe this. I can’t believe you.” Buck grips Bobby’s hands as he goes down to the ground, looking up at Eddie with hot fire in his big blue eyes. “You’re gonna owe me so many blowjobs when I wake up. D’you hear me, Eddie Diaz? You owe me so bad.”
They’re so goofy with each other in this and it feels so true to the characters and show. A delight! 
kiss and make up by 42hrb Explicit || 3.3k Instead of being soft and sweet or adrenaline fueled and filled with love and thanks that they're both alive, their first kiss comes in the middle of a fight in Eddie’s living room.
shameless self promo, but I loved writing this fic so here it is on my own rec list :)
if this love is pain (let's hurt tonight) by HungryHungryHippo/@hippolotamus Teen || 3.2k After Chris leaves for college Buck mysteriously disappears. Five years later he finally returns with some answers.
Honestly... it's perfect
let heart hold true by lecornergirl/@clusterbuck Teen || 2.4k Eddie comes out to christopher. things snowball from there.
nicknames, supernova similes and the family we make by thewolvesof1998/@thewolvesof1998 General || 800 words Bobby and Athena meet Buck and Eddie's new baby girl.
Reread
like a dog with a bird at your door by fleetinghearts/@shitouttabuckExplicit || 51k Evan “i love you like a dog” buckley has only ever known how to love like, well, a dog, but maybe eddie diaz is the kinda guy to give a flea-bitten mongrel a forever home
I wish I was lying when I say I’ve read this fic 4 times since it came out, but I’m not. It’s so damn good. 
Hot Ghost Problems by ebjameston/@ebjameston Teen || 40.9k The ghost would prefer to go by Buck, if Eddie wouldn’t mind.
I can’t find the worlds to tell you how much I love this fucking fic. It’s so good. It might actually be perfect. 
of bake sales and overdue realizations by brewrosemilk/@gayhoediaz Teen || 4.8k Eddie doesn’t notice it until it becomes a thing that happens even when it’s just him and Buck, without Chris anywhere near them - but even then, he doesn’t find it strange, or give it much thought. Buck is the one who starts ending their phone calls with a quick ‘love you’ but it doesn't take long before Eddie does the same, often beating him to it.
WIPs
Maybe More Than I Should by Leslie_Knope Mature || 30k || ¾ chapters complete Eddie caught sight of the man leaning against the side of his desk and immediately wanted to retreat to the relative safety of the hallway, back in time when he lived happily not knowing that Mr. Buckley was apparently some kind of male model masquerading as a third-grade teacher.
This fic is an absolutely TREAT
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riya-kaur · 6 months
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calum thomas hood
cw: soft/fluffy calum!
kiss me.
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"you look so beautiful right now"
your eyebrows knitted together as you looked down at yourself, "cal, baby, i'm just in a towel" you giggle, raising your head back up, watching as he approaches you from outside the bathroom door, with a smirk plastered on his lips.
he hums as he wraps his arms around you, pulling you close to his chest. you let your hands rest on his tattooed biceps before looking up into his eyes.
"kiss me then" you giggle as notice calum's brown eyes flicker between your eyes and lips.
"don't have to tell me twice, love" he mumbles before placing his lips on mine, lingering a slow yet teasing kiss.
he smiles against your lips before running his tongue against your bottom lip. you part your lips slightly, allowing his tongue access, but he pulls back, looking down at you.
"what's wrong?" you ask, letting your hands travel up to his cheeks, cupping both sides. "nothing" he hums. "everything is perfect, love" he smiles.
he bends down slightly, letting his hand fall to the back of your thighs, lifting you up on to the bathroom counter. he inserts himself in between your legs.
"i got so fucking lucky" he coos as he tucks a strand of your hair behind you ear. you look down at your lap as you feel your cheeks turn to a deep red color.
"no baby, look at me" his voice is soft as he hooks a finger under your chin, lifting your face back to where it was.
"my beautiful baby" calum coos as he lets his lips fall to your collarbone purposely as he knows that's your weak spot. his hands rest on your thighs, squeezing them with every kiss you lays on you.
he raises his head once he hears a small moan exit your mouth. he places his lips back onto yours, this time more hungrier. he pulls you closer with every kiss, one of his hands on the back of your neck, helping you keep your balance as the two of you made out heavily.
you eventually pull yourself back for air, your lips still grazed as the two of you rest your foreheads on one another.
"you make me feel like a teenage boy again" calum chuckles as he hides his face in your neck, placing small kisses in the crook of your neck.
"mhm i''ve never noticed" you joke before placing a kiss to his head. you feel calum let out a small laugh against your skin.
"i should let you get dressed" calum frowns as he pulls away from you, he let's his eyes glance over your body one last time before slowly backing away. "you're so cute" you giggle as you shake your head.
"that i am" he winks from the bathroom door frame. you blow him a kiss before he pretended to catch it, "don't take too long, i miss you already" he frowns before leaving from the door frame.
you chuckle to yourself as you grab the outfit you laid on the counter, which you set there before your shower. you quickly changed into the outfit, which simply consisted of one of calum's graphic tees.
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after changing, you made your way into your shared bedroom. you notice calum and duke spread across the bed, calum tugging lightly on the toy duke held in his mouth.
you watch and giggle at the two of them before walking around to your side of the bed, slipping under the duvet.
duke, instantly acknowledging you, came running over to you, his tail wagging whilst his tongue extended to your face, licking your chin.
"momma's boy," calum sighed as he observed the two of you, resting his back against the headboard.
you giggle at calums remark before peppering kisses all over duke's face, "hi baby" you coo, finishing with a kiss to his nose.
you place duke beside you as you snuggle into calum's side. you let your hand run up and down his bare chest.
"miss me" you ask, looking up at him through your eyelashes. "always do" he smiles, placing a kiss on your head
"nice t-shirt baby" calum points out. "thank you, it's my boyfriend, he's into his fashion" you joke. calum hums in response, "what else is he into?" calum asks, playing along.
"me" you wink, you observe calum holding in a laugh, "okay, that was good" he grins you look up at calum, giving him a lazy smile before letting your head nuzzle into his chest.
"ï'm tired" you announce. "can you sing me a song to fall asleep to?" you ask with a cheeky smile plastered on your lips, batting your eyelashes at him.
"always, my love" he coos as he wrapped his arms around you, rubbing the small of your back softly.
he starts singing the first verse of 'gotta get out' looking down at you, his lips in a smile as he sings to you.
you watch the words flow out his mouth as you dart your eyes between his mouth and his eyes, as he did in the bathroom before. you hear calum chuckling, making you come out of your trance,
"go on then, kiss me"
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a/n: this is a reupload from my old account! ♡
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radiant-reid · 1 year
Text
Easter Sunday
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a/n: in honor of my favorite holiday and favorite comfort character
Summary: A cute Easter brunch with the team and some Reid babies
Pairing: Spencer Reid x Fem!Reader (fluff)
Word Count: 3.0k
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The sun shining through the large double windows marks the perfect start to the day. The weather forecast has promised sunshine and higher-the-usual temperatures for the holiday weekend. Emily let the team have a five-day weekend as the BAU tradition has dictated for several years. Hotch originally started it, realizing, three months after Christmas, there was a need for family time. 
For the Reid children, things look different now that their dad is home more. He has always been very present, but now he’s at more practices, doing drop-offs and pick-ups, and reading stories at bedtime. Still, their excitement for Easter has been growing, knowing it means uninterrupted time with all of their uncles and aunts.
“Good morning, gorgeous.” Spencer greets her from the doorway before she notices he’s not in bed next to her.
He hands her the mug she has every day, filled with perfectly made coffee. He’s the expert at that, so it’s his first task in the morning.
“Thank you, handsome.” She replies, adding to the thanks with a soft kiss on his lips. “It looks like a good day out there.” She notes as he draws the curtain open. 
“It’s meant to be in the high 70s later.” He reports, probably having already skimmed the New York Times.
She grins, sipping her coffee. “Perfect for today.”
“We should host one time,” Spencer suggests.
Y/n chuckles softly, shaking her head. “Rossi would never go for it, and I thought you’d know better than to mess with tradition.” 
He nods, knowing it’s true. “We’ll stick to summer barbeques and birthday parties since it’s the perfect house.”
It’s the type of house Spencer never really saw himself living in. Growing up, he lived comfortably, and thanks to the mortgage being paid off before his dad left, he continued living in a very middle-class area of suburban Las Vegas until he went to school. 
California was more expensive, but between his multiple scholarships, he had enough money to feed himself, always be caffeinated, and live in a small apartment near Cal Tech. He didn’t see the need to spend every cent he had living somewhere fancier, and his mom’s treatment wasn’t fully covered, so he paid for that. 
In DC, his place was simple. He didn’t need anything more than a one-bedroom apartment since he didn’t have family coming to stay, and without any student debt and a good-paying job, he had more money than he needed.
When they moved in together, it was to Y/n’s larger apartment that they eventually brought, and with two bedrooms, there was no need for anything huge until Matilda was old enough to sleep in her own room.
After learning they would have twins their second time, their quickly growing family needed much more space, so they brought their dream house. As much as he wanted it, Spencer never expected to have a family or a large home in the suburbs, but he does now, and every morning, he’s grateful for it.
“True.” Y/n agrees. 
Spencer sits back on the bed next to her, and she throws her legs over his lap, wrapping her arms around his waist and nuzzling into his side as they enjoy a few minutes together in silence before the craziness of their day starts. 
Gurgling on the baby monitor breaks the peace, and the video feed shows Mabel standing up and shaking the crib bars. 
“I’ll go.” Spencer declares, shuffling away from her to get out of bed. “And I’ll get the twins changed.”
Y/n raises her eyebrows, looking impressed with what he’s promising to tackle. “Good luck.” She jokes, grinning at him as she also gets out of bed. 
“I’ve got this.” He assures her. “Go shower and get dressed up.” 
She’s not about to argue with it. Having a shower where she doesn’t get interrupted by little hands banging on the door asking for snacks or to change the TV channel would be a rarity. 
Her new dress is perfect for Easter and spring, long and flowy white fabric with a blue floral pattern and a sweetheart neckline. It’ll look even better with some soft curls in her hair.
Spencer’s first stop is Mabel’s room. The door’s sign says her name, and the bedroom has cute flowers painted on the wall above the crib. “Hi, sweet baby.” He coos, reaching out for his youngest. She still wears her sleep sack to bed, and Spencer thinks it’s the cutest thing.
She squeals when she recognizes him, jumping adorably. “Daddy!” She yells in her sleepy voice. 
He scoops her up, wrapping his arms around her and cuddling her tightly to his chest before kissing her forehead. “You know, I think you might be ready for a big girl’s bed soon.” He tells her.
Mabel rests her forehead against his. “Like Tilda?” She asks, eyes sparkling at the mention of her big sister.
“Just like Matilda and the twins, too.” He answers.
She pulls back from him quickly with excitement. “We go see them?”
“Let Daddy put your pretty dress on you first, and then we can see them.” He tells her. “If they’re awake.” 
They are awake, he discovers when he finally finishes dressing Mabel. She runs ahead of Spencer and climbs the stairs without help to find the three of them in the living room.
“Hi, little people,” Spencer says, announcing himself to them. 
They spin around from the TV, jumping up from where they’re sitting and rushing over to hug him. It’s one of his favorite sights when they get excited that their eyes shine upon seeing him, and one of the best feelings is how warm he feels when they race over and fling their arms around him. He has never felt as much love as he does now, yet somehow, it grows more each day.
“Daddy, it’s Easter!” Matilda cheers. 
“I know.” He says. “Happy Easter.”
“Did the Easter bunny come?” Toby wonders. 
Spencer nods. “Grandpa Rossi called to say he’d dropped off lots of chocolate eggs for all of you.” It’s a lie, technically, but it makes their faces light up all over again, so it’s worth it.
“Are the cousins coming?” Aspen wonders. 
“Henry, Michael, Jake, David, Chloe, Lily, Rose, and Hank is as well,” Spencer lists the other BAU kids and former BAU kid, earning another round of cheers from his kids. “We need to get ready, though. Tillie, your dress is hanging in your wardrobe. Want me to help you, Aspen?”
She shakes her head. “No, I can get changed by myself.”
Independent as always, and something he should have anticipated. “Okay, upstairs and into dresses.” He instructs. “Then you can watch TV. T, you want daddy’s help getting ready?”
“Can you put gel in my hair?” Toby asks. “Mommy says that it looks handsome.”
Spencer chuckles at how cute his little boy is. “Sure, bud.” He agrees. “And it does make you look very handsome.”
It’s always a juggle with four kids, trying to get everyone dressed in time to go anywhere. Mabel can’t be left alone, so Spencer has to multitask between keeping her from running away to cause trouble while doing Toby’s hair and ensuring Aspen and Matilda haven’t gotten distracted. 
“Look how handsome you look.” Y/n coos as she peers into the bathroom where Spencer’s finishing off Toby’s hair. 
“Mommy!” He squeals, jumping off the stool and running over to hug her.
She hugs him back, careful not to ruin his hair. “Hey, bubba, did Daddy do your hair really nice?”
“Mhm.” He answers. 
“You want help getting changed?” She offers, met by him shaking his head, following the independent streak of his older sisters. “Alright, get to it, Mister.” She instructs, sending him off to his room with a pat on the back. Spencer’s eyes stay fixed on her as she stands there, and he rests against the bathroom counter. “What?” She asks shyly.
He smiles softly at her. “Nothing.” He shakes his head. “It’s just you’re so pretty. I still can’t believe you’re my wife.”
Then Y/n is grinning dumbly, twirling in her dress for him to get the full 360 view. “I might marry you again if you keep being so sweet.”
“Then I’d be the luckiest guy in the world again.” He tells her, walking over and placing his hands on her waist. He just stands there looking at her, admiring every detail of her makeup.
“Stop.” She says, pushing his shoulder. “I love you, Spencer Reid.”
Spencer steals a kiss, careful not to mess up her pink lipstick. “I love you more, Y/n Reid.” 
She shakes her head. “Impossible, but we should debate that later.” She decides. “We’ve got babies to get ready.”
“Yeah.” Spencer agrees. “It’s been oddly silent for a little too long.” 
Thankfully, the silence wasn’t getting-into-mischief silence. Y/n takes over getting the kids ready while Spencer gets himself dressed, and impressively, they’re done five minutes early.
“How you do this every morning is a miracle to me.” He remarks as they make their way out the door. 
“I’m just a super mom.” She jokes, but it’s the truth.
“You absolutely are.” Spencer agrees with her. “The best mom in the world.”
Car rides are possibly louder than being inside, thanks to the enclosed space, but Rossi’s house is only a few minutes drive, and they pull in behind JJ’s car. 
The girls are in pretty pink dresses that’ll no doubt end up covered in grass stains, and Toby’s pastel blue shirt matches Spencer’s. In both Y/n and Spencer’s eyes, they’re the most beautiful children ever.
“Little Reids!” Penelope cheers as soon as they’re through Rossi’s wide-open front door. She’s crouched down to scoop them all up, wrapping them all in a tight hug, looking like the definition of sunshine in her yellow dress. “Aren’t you four just so perfect?” She asks rhetorically as she pulls back to look at them. They are, and their parents nod to answer her confession.
After answering a few of Penelope’s questions, they squirm away to run through the house and greet everyone else. 
“And the perfect parents.” She greets them with hugs as well. 
 Y/n chuckles onto her shoulder. “You look incredible, Pen.” She compliments.
“That’s you, Mrs. Reid.” She replies. “And you’re all matching, just the cutest family ever.”
Spencer grins, wrapping his arm around his wife’s shoulder. “We kind of are.” He agrees.
“Come on, come see everyone.” Penelope ushers them through the house, taking on the role of secondary host as she usually does at Rossi’s. She and Krystall tag-team the job.
Henry, Michael, Hank, Matilda, Toby, Aspen, and Mabel are waiting in the living room, their little faces pressed against the glass as they look out the big glass doors trying to spot the hidden easter eggs in the garden. 
Everyone’s in their nice clothing, dresses and good shirts with jackets. It’s mostly BAU members Y/n often sees at Rossi’s, but Derek and Savannah have made the trip and quickly hug their old friends.
“Look at you, mama,” Derek remarks. “You’re as gorgeous as ever.”
“And you’re as flattering as ever.” She jokes, nudging his shoulder. “We didn’t know for sure that you’d be coming.”
“Couldn’t miss a family day.” He reminds her.
The Simmons’ walk through the door a moment later, and Rossi flings open the glass doors for the excited children to race outside and start their egg hunt with squeals of delight. 
Y/n gives Rossi a hug as the adults stream outside. “Thank you for hosting another wonderful Easter.”
“You’re always welcome, my dear.” He assures her. “I hope you don’t mind the little Reids going home full of sugar.” He nods to the massive baskets of chocolate and candy each kid carries, almost as big as Mabel. 
“I guess Spencer’s doing bedtime.” She jokes. An hour on the trampoline should do the trick.
“Speak of the devil,” Rossi says, drawing her attention to her husband as he comes waltzing over, holding out an extra mimosa to her.
She takes it appreciatively, letting him wrap his arm around her shoulder. “A very handsome devil.” She chuckles, making Spencer blush easily. It’s endearing to her that he reacts the way he did the first time.
“Shall we eat?” Rossi asks, looking around the yard where everyone’s scattered chatting. 
“It almost looks too delicious to eat.” Y/n compliments, looking at the spread.
It’s the gorgeous, perfectly prepared food the team has become accustomed to having at Rossi’s. There are hot cross buns, fresh bread, fruit salad, pastries of all kinds, bacon, eggs, waffles, and all the toppings in the world.
They sit at the adult table, and Spencer’s hand drifts to her knee instinctively. It’s why she sits on his left side each time. The kid table is next to the big one with smaller seats and prefilled plastic cups of juice. Rossi and Krystall are always prepared to entertain.
The kids take their seats, and Y/n momentarily leaves to ensure they’re getting balanced plates and not just gorging themselves on chocolate and candy. 
Then she’s back to Spencer’s side, and they’re talking with the rest of the team, basking in the warmth of the sun and family. It’s what they always have been. Even throughout the darkness they’ve seen over the years, they’re closer than ever, and there’s so much love between them.
After brunch, a few drinks in, and Spencer’s more relaxed, pulling Y/n onto his lap and resting his head on her shoulder while they laugh and joke with the team.  
It doesn’t last too long before someone’s pulling on Spencer’s sleeve. “Daddy, can you look for the Easter eggs in the trees?” Toby asks, showing him his best puppy eyes even though it’s unnecessary since he’d do anything for him.
Spencer looks around the table to see Derek and Matt being asked the same question, all three of them being targeted by their sons for their height. Flashing a curious look at Rossi, Spencer agrees, moving out from under Y/n to join the hunt. 
Rossi and Krystall insist on cleaning up, not wanting their guests to move a muscle, which leaves most of the girls alone at the table since Penelope and Luke are getting drinks and definitely not flirting with each other.
Rose, who has been sleeping so far, starts to cry in her carrier, and Kristy unclips her, pulling her into her arms for cuddles to quiet her. She’s adorable, most similar looking to Jake, in Y/n’s opinion. 
“She’s so tiny.” Y/n remarks off-handedly, looking at the small baby. “What’s it like? Four to five?” 
All eyes are on her in a second, but JJ beats everyone else to speak. “You’re not...”
Y/n shakes her head quickly, stopping that rumor before it can start. “No. No, I’m not.” She assures them, holding up her glass of champagne to prove it. “I’m just wondering.”
“The nights are rough, but diaper changing is still the same,” Kristy answers honestly. “And Mabel’s probably young enough that you’ve got all her stuff. Is it something you’re considering?”
Y/n shakes her head again. “Not until I see a little baby or that.” Her eyes drift to Spencer, who’s chasing Toby and Aspen around the yard. “But we could end up with twins again, and I think six is a little too crazy.” 
Laughter breaks out around the rest of the group, which relieves the seriousness of discussing family planning.
“Here.” Kristy offers Rose to hold, and Y/n takes the baby happily, looking at her adorable face and seeing up close how tiny she is. 
“She’s so precious.” She notes, catching Spencer’s eyes. “Spence, look at how little she is.”
Her address gets Matt and Derek’s attention, who are standing next to Spencer. “Uh oh,” Derek remarks knowingly, smirking at Spencer. 
“Someone’s about to commit to a new baby.” Matt pats him on the shoulder, smirking as well. 
Spencer chuckles, unsure of if it’s true or not. He’ll give her another baby, promised he’d go up to five if she was willing. “Do you think I could pretend I didn’t hear her?” He asks jokingly.
“Get over there, papa bear.” Derek insists with a laugh. 
Dutifully, he walks over, sitting next to Y/n and admiring the baby. “She’s so cute.” He compliments Kristy first.
“Look at how little she is.” Y/n repeats. 
“Yeah, it seems impossible they’re ever this little.” He remarks, earning hums of agreement from the other women sitting around the table who once had babies this little and now have fully grown children running around in the yard. He remembers when his children were that little like it was yesterday, but Rose still looks tiny. “No more, though.” He tells his wife with a laugh.
“Yeah, you’re right.” She agrees. “Not when we’re just getting full nights of sleep.”
The party continues into the late afternoon. The company is too good, and too much fun is being had for anyone to leave earlier. 
Despite how much candy they’ve eaten, Aspen and Matilda still manage to eat more in the car on the way home. Y/n agrees they can sleep in the lounge for a sleepover while watching movies, and it takes them far longer than usual to fall asleep, but they do. 
Y/n and Spencer hug in the kitchen as they watch the ending credits. He knows it’s a good chance to ask about what he heard earlier. “Do you actually want another baby?”
She’s taken aback, figuring it was forgotten, but she shakes her head. “Not really, but I think our kids are beautiful, and babies are cute when they’re that little.”
“We’d get more chocolate if we had five.” Spencer jokes, nodding to the baskets on the table and pulling away from her to steal one. 
“Spencer.” She giggles, splitting the chocolate egg with him. “I think we’ve got more than enough. It’ll last us until next year.”
“I love Easter, you know?” He asks rhetorically. “And you, everything we have, our kids, being a dad, brunch.” 
She nods in agreement, leaning up to peck his lips. “I love you, too. Thanks for being in this with me.”
Spencer takes her left hand and kisses her ring finger. “Always.”
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underdark-dreams · 6 months
Note
I just binged all your Rolan x Tav fics on here (about to go to A03 and give kudos ❤️) and just wanted to say 😩😩 Perfect! AND! I saw you wanted suggestions! i would love to see the first interact/first meeting of Rolan and Tav from his POV if you felt inclined! No pressure! Thank you, keep up the good work! ❤️
I've grown so fond of this vague fem Tav I keep pairing with Rolan...so I hope these pronouns are ok for this request! Tav gets her name finally. (Cal and Lia also barged their way into this one in a big way)
Blades and Spells
A sanctimonious soldier isn't Rolan's idea of a good person to know, but is seems Tav is doing her damnedest to prove him wrong. The day of their first meeting at the Grove.
Tags: Fem Tav, Fluff, First Meetings, Sibling Bonding
Word Count: 4,322 [Read on AO3]
"We don't even know these people—"
"They're the closest thing we've got to kin, and you know it!"
The bright and promising midday had been punctured by a bloody ambush at the gate. Kanon was dead—a goblin booyagh's arrow and a nasty fall behind the front wall. No doubt his body was still cooling just a short walk from where the three siblings stood inside the shaded mouth of the Grove.
Their caravan's brief respite was shaken by the attack. Zevlor had retreated to strategize; the other Tieflings were on edge, a few downright panicked, the fresh tension around them only fueling the siblings’ words. 
It had been weeks since he and Lia had a proper fight—Rolan felt all the pent-up anger rolling out now.
Lia stood with fists braced on her hips. "And what about the goblins? I know you're handy with a spell, Rolan, but I seriously don't fancy our chances alone on the Risen Road."
"Did you not see what just happened?" Rolan said, casting an arm behind his sister toward the gate. "That treasure-hunting idiot just led them right down on our heads. There’s bound to be more, and I don’t want us sticking around to find out how many."
"That’s all the more reason to stay!” Lia’s voice rose to match his. “These people aren't fighters, Rolan. We’d be cowards to leave. We can protect them—we should—"
“Or keep making a scene,” Cal said from the sidelines, to no one in particular. The other Tieflings had grown used to their bickering many miles ago.
Lia was undeterred. "Is this about your precious Lorroakan? Because I promise you, Rolan, he'll still be there when we finally get to Baldur's Gate."
Rolan's voice dripped with sarcasm. "Oh of course not, why would I want to achieve my lifelong dream, see my family finally be safe and provided for along the way—"
"Don't put this on me and Cal," his sister warned. "It's all the same excuse, you'd have left these people yesterday—"
"Because they're not my kin!" Rolan practically shouted, not caring how far his voice carried. "No matter how many times you say it! I'm not going to risk all three of our lives, our futures, on people who can't seem to keep themselves alive. How do you think I'd feel if I let anything happen to you? Either of you?"
"We know, Rolan," Cal interjected, trying to bring a little understanding.
"If you care about me and my future—" Lia jabbed a sharp nail at Rolan's chest—"you won't ask me to turn my back on these people when they need our help."
As Rolan opened his mouth to respond, he caught motion in his periphery. He turned to see an unfamiliar face standing at the edge of their conversation. The stranger rested a hand on her sword pommel, looking on quietly curious at the scene.
"Yes?" Rolan snapped at her. Sticking your nose into a private conversation hardly deserved politeness.
“Wait," Cal piped up beside him. “I saw you at the gate after the goblins."
Lia was quick to follow, disagreement all but forgotten. “You fought out there just now?” She sounded practically jealous. “Sweet hells, that must have been a rush. We owe you.”
"Good timing, that’s all," the stranger replied, shifting her weight a little. From real or false modesty Rolan couldn't tell.
He finally recognized her then—the one he saw speaking with Zevlor for quite a while immediately after the attack. Judging by the flecks of wet blood on her equipment, and on that of her companions behind her, these were the surprise reinforcements he'd already heard other refugees chatting about in energetic tones.
They weren't so impressive in person. Scrappy, in Rolan's private judgment. His eyes passed over the pouting cleric, the murderous-looking Githyanki with a massive sword on her back, the elf who was glancing around himself as though trying to decide which element of his current surroundings he disliked most. 
The other wizard looked sane enough, Rolan allowed. He could practically feel the ripples in the Weave all around the man's shoulders. Perhaps Rolan would have a chance at an intelligent conversation in this place after all.
As for the one in front—she smiled pleasantly at Rolan despite having just walked from a goblin ambush. That, to his mind, marked her as the most eccentric of all.
"Tav," she said, extending her sword hand. Rolan glanced down at the dark stains on her fingers.
Wasn't this hovel filthy enough? His clothes already smelled of smoke and grease from days in close quarters; he drew the line at smearing them with goblin blood.
Tav tracked his eyes, letting out an awkward laugh as she moved to wipe her palm on her pants. From beside him, Lia firmly intercepted the handshake.
"Lia. Forgive my brother, you know how wizards are about their robes." His sister's tone was light, but she shot him a look from the corner of her eye. 
As if Rolan cared what some passing stranger thought of him. If he’d had his way, they wouldn't be here to have this conversation at all. But Cal introduced himself as well, looking a bit starstruck.
“Well met,” Tav told them, Rolan included. “Sorry, I know I’m interrupting.”
Perhaps sensing Rolan was about to agree, Lia jumped in. “Please. It’s a pleasure to meet people willing to risk their necks for a bunch of strangers, especially Tieflings. You all heading to Baldur’s Gate?”
“Aye. Same as you, I imagine—”
The inanity was enough to drive Rolan mad; it was like their first days on the road from Elturel all over again. He crossed his arms and zoned out as she and his sister made their meaningless smalltalk. He'd rather get his tail stepped on than do this painful getting-to-know with one more person they’d never see again. 
Then he heard Lorroakan's name, and his ears perked up.
“He’s taken Rolan as an apprentice,” Cal was telling Tav proudly.
"Have you met Archmage Lorroakan?" Rolan asked her, suddenly interested in the conversation again. Tav looked at him with hesitation.
"Not personally. Gale said—" She glanced down the slope deeper into the Grove, and Rolan realized that the companions behind her had all trickled away in the short moment he hadn’t been paying attention. Seeking rest and recuperation, no doubt. "Gale was saying he's heard of him."
The human wizard, Rolan gathered. Hearing a stranger speak the archwizard’s name somehow rekindled the fire in Rolan’s chest, one he hadn’t realized had grown so low on fuel. He clenched his fist beside his robes and felt the crinkle of Lorroakan’s letter there in his pocket.
Tav was regarding him with a quizzical expression. "I mean, if an archmage that famous has an apprenticeship waiting for you…I guess I can’t blame you for wanting to move on sooner than later."
"Naturally," Rolan said, a bit stiff. It annoyed him that this newcomer could see more sense than his own siblings.
Then she continued. "But Lia's right. You three seem like you can handle yourselves, and I'm not sure the same could be said for everyone here. We'll need every fighting soul to defend against that goblin nest. Especially you—" Tav directed the comment to Rolan. "Having another Weave caster could make all the difference."
Well, so much for sense. Speaking of we and us as if they all had the same goals. A transparent tactic. Rolan wasn't sure what altruistic world Tav had waltzed out of, but he'd heard enough rousing speeches on kinship and unity from people like Zevlor to last him a lifetime. He wasn't about to listen to one from a stranger.
She was correct, however, to acknowledge the value of his skills. No one on the road here had displayed anything close to what Rolan knew he was capable of.
He glanced one more time between his siblings. The set of Lia's jaw told him her mind was well made up. Cal just looked hopeful for a resolution.
Rolan swore. "Fine. We've only taken our damn time getting here, what’s a few more days lost? If we’re lucky, we’ll reach the city with a good story, at least."
"Thank you, Rolan." Lia was meek now that she'd gotten her way.
“You must be quite skilled,” added Tav, sizing him up a bit. "To catch the eye of the Archwizard of Baldur's Gate."
Rolan didn’t miss a beat. "I am.” Cal rolled his eyes over Tav’s shoulder, but Rolan ignored him. “I’ve been manipulating the Weave since I was a child.”
“It’s true,” Lia confirmed. Still feeling guilty about winning the fight, perhaps.
“Really?” Tav broke into a grin, clearly impressed. Rolan drank in the admiration. "Good thing you're staying, then."
Behind his pride, Rolan couldn't help but feel a bit manipulated. Perhaps Tav wasn't the unsophisticated sellsword that she’d appeared at first.
"Well, I should go find the crew before they make too much trouble.” Tav was turning to leave before she paused, sheepish. “Say—don’t suppose druids keep a blacksmith around? One of those worgs’ teeth put a big scratch in my baby here.” As she spoke she looked down at the sword belted to her hip, almost like an indulgent parent.
“Dammon can fix you up,” Lia told her at once. “He’s one of us, a Tiefling. And he’s damn good. Take a left down the hill and you can’t miss him. Follow the loud noises,” she added, with a grin to match.
“Cheers,” Tav told her. “See you all later?”
The three of them watched her figure disappear deeper into the Grove. 
"She stabbed a warg right up close,” Lia murmured, sounding morbidly inspired. “That’s incredible.”
Rolan scoffed at her. “Better to kill it from a distance and not damage your most valuable piece of equipment in the process.”
“Hey.” Cal glanced over to his older brother. “Did you even tell her your name?”
Rolan wasn’t concerned. “I’ll tell her later, if she’s still around.” She and her companions would remember his name soon enough—them and all of Baldur's Gate.
In these cramped quarters, it didn’t take long before they encountered Tav again. Her hands swung a bit awkwardly at her sides, as if she didn’t know what to do with them. Her scabbard clanked empty against her greaves; presumably, Dammon was hard at work repairing her blade. 
Cal and Lia practically swooped down beside her as she approached. Rolan tried to hide his scowl at their eagerness.
"Have you been around the place yet? Cal and I can show you around, if you’ve got time.”
“I’d like that,” she told them both with a genuine smile. “Perhaps later, if you’re willing? Zevlor told me about your…druid problem. I promised him I’d have a talk with Kagha.”
Who had elected her emissary? Rolan glowered. "I assure you, the druids will tell you it's a foulblood problem."
It wiped the smile from her face, and Rolan found it difficult to feel bad. She wanted to dig through other people's problems? She could get used to uncovering ugly things.
"Yes…well. I'd prefer to keep an open mind," she told him evenly. With another small comment to his brother and sister, she continued on toward the deep clearing where the druids were gathering in preparation for their rite. A place strictly off-limits for Tieflings.
Lia rounded on him. "I swear, you embarrass me worse than Cal sometimes."
Cal frowned. "Hey—"
"Because you care too much about what people think," Rolan answered his sister. "Believe me, she and her people don't care about us. Didn't you hear her little speech before? She only wants more bodies for the fight."
Internally, Rolan was still bristling at the idea that Tav had complimented and cajoled him into staying at the Grove. He didn’t truly believe that was the reason for his decision, but the fact that she’d gotten to him at all unsettled him.
“Come on.” Lia knocked her arm against his playfully, an effort at reconciliation. “I’m just saying, Rolan. It costs nothing to be a bit nicer to people around here.”
Rolan heaved a sigh. Even he was growing weary from all the bickering they’d done today, though he’d never admit that to his sister. “All right. I’ll try, if it makes you happy. But believe me—people like her look after themselves. And I intend to look after us.”
Tav hadn’t been in the heart of the Grove for more than ten minutes before she reappeared, practically stomping up the path from the Kagha’s inner sanctum. Apparently the emissary work wasn’t going so well. Without her sword, her hands were clenched at her sides in empty fists. Her expression was thunderous.
“Have you seen Zevlor?” She asked the three of them as she approached, bypassing the smalltalk Rolan was beginning to expect from her. He directed her back toward the carved door in the corner of the cave. 
“Everything all right?” Rolan asked, curious in spite of himself.
Tav exhaled sharp through her nose. “Kagha was having a grand time interrogating a hostage. That little girl, Arabella.”
“What?” Cal’s voice rang with alarm.
“I guess she tried to steal the druids’ carving of Silvanus,” Tav told him. “The one they need for their ceremony. Her mother was nearly out of her mind…the child’s all right,” she added in haste. “Back safe with her parents now, but shaken up.”
Lia quivered with outrage at Rolan’s side. “Thank the hells you intervened.”
“Of course,” Tav replied at once, as if the situation called for nothing less. “I understand it’s the idol of their deity, but by all the gods…Kagha was ready to call her asp down on a terrified child.”
“That fucking viper." 
Cal wasn’t referring to the snake; his siblings both glanced at him in surprise. He was a gentle soul, but if Cal cared about anything, it was protecting the young ones.
Tav seemed of the same mind. “There’s something about her,” she agreed with a dark look. Abruptly, she wheeled on Rolan. “What do you think?”
She sought his opinion as a wizard, he realized. All three of them were watching him, in fact, hanging on for his answer.
“Ritual magic is quite different from the Weave,” Rolan replied carefully. “Especially druidic magic. I don’t have the same feel for it. But Kagha…” 
He cast his mind back to the first day their bedraggled caravan arrived in the Grove. The lot of them exhausted and bloodied after fighting off goblins and gnolls just up the road. Halsin, the massive elf who was then First Druid, squaring his shoulders above the smaller woman who somehow seemed to tower to his same height.
“She’s powerful,” Rolan decided. “Quite. Where it comes from, I couldn’t say.”
Tav was staring at him with an intensity Rolan hadn’t seen on her face yet. She looked far more intimidating than she had to him before. 
But then she let out a thoughtful hum, and her features were back to their usual lightness. “I guess that’s one more reason to find this Halsin sooner rather than later.”
They all watched her take her leave toward Zevlor’s makeshift war room, the stone door sliding shut again behind her.
As the sun dipped below the horizon and a stiff evening breeze picked up at the cave’s entrance, Rolan and his siblings settled toward the insulated back wall of the Grove where Okta was tending hearth. Whatever the old woman had simmering in her massive cauldron smelled a bit like damp wool, but the warmth of the coals underneath was toasty and wonderful against the skin on Rolan’s face and hands.
Cal and Lia were in wistful discussion on either side of him—something about which landmarks of the city they wanted to visit first. Rolan let the feel of the conversation wash over him without hearing the words. His eyes were on the glowing coals, but his mind was also on Baldur's Gate—that and its great archwizard. 
You are fortunate, young Rolan. The flourish with which Lorroakan had written his name floated through his mind's eye. Even the parchment itself was heavy and fine, almost promising of better things. Rolan’s fingers brushed the hip pocket of his robes again as if to assure himself. He still carried the letter with him everywhere, though he’d long since memorized its contents.
From behind him Rolan heard the sounds of a friendly disagreement and turned to look. Tav again. He shouldn’t be surprised; the woman seemed to be everywhere today. 
Across the path, she was engaged in a polite argument with Dammon at his tent. The smith held a hand up as if refusing something. Rolan caught sight of the polished sword pommel back in her scabbard once more, and surmised that Dammon must be turning down payment for the repair job after her help at the gate today. That seemed like his chivalrous style. 
Indeed, Rolan watched her tuck her leather coin purse away and offer a hand instead. Dammon accepted and shook it with a warm smile.
As he continued watching, the two struck up a friendly conversation. Rolan supposed a soldier would find much more to talk about with a smith than with an apprentice wizard. Her hand was draped at rest over her sword hilt again; that seemed to be an idle habit of hers. 
He remembered the city guard back in Elturel displaying the same gesture while posted at watch, and wondered whether she might be in a similar line of work. Back in…wherever it was she hailed from.
Insipid questions that Rolan nevertheless filed away in his mind to ask her at some point. If nothing else, it would make Lia happy to see him making an effort. Being nice.
Rolan glanced again at the dark stains on her fingers. She hadn't taken time to wash and rest yet since the fight. It was all over her, goblin blood and human, small flecks of it visible on her clothing and chestplate and even on the side of her face. Didn't she find it unpleasant? It would drive him mad. But it didn't seem to concern her, and Dammon certainly didn't look bothered.
The smith said something that made her laugh then, and a dimple appeared in Tav's blood-spattered cheek.
Dammon had an easy way about him that always seemed to earn him fast friends. Right now, Rolan found he was a bit envious of the trait. He didn't intend to come off as such a prickly ass, as Lia so affectionately liked to call him—though time and again he seemed to manage it. 
The constant setbacks between them and Baldur's Gate had just soured Rolan's mood in recent weeks, he told himself. His apprenticeship was all his mind could dwell on at rest, and each delay was harder to bear than the last.
But none of that was really Tav's fault. Inwardly, he could admit that Lia would have talked him into staying on her own anyway. Rolan found himself hoping that he'd made a non-terrible impression on the newcomer.
An elbow in his ribs broke his line of thought. "What?" Rolan looked around, rubbing the spot with a hand.
"I said, you're staring," Cal repeated. He and Lia were both looking at him—Rolan didn't like the expression on either face.
"Shut up," he said, though neither of them had spoken. "She's got blood all over her, who wouldn't?"
"I'm just saying." Cal put up both palms, his eyebrows raised. "From your face, you didn't seem that put off."
"Maybe she’d like to see your Thunderwave, Rolan," his sister suggested.
"You're both idiots." Rolan turned around with arms crossed, watching Okta pluck a dead chicken as though it might be interesting. The idiots on either side were not so easily deterred.
"There’s something about a woman in armor, isn't there, Cal?"
"I've always thought so." Cal leaned a forearm on Rolan's shoulder, sounding quite sincere. "Hey, you could offer to magic the bloodstains off her stuff for her. Use that presto—presti—"
"Prestidigitation," Rolan supplied, eyes still on Okta's cooking. A shockingly good idea from Cal. But it would be strange to offer that to a person he'd just met; Rolan dismissed the thought.
"She should've just taken the time to clean it herself before it all dried," Rolan said aloud. "The way her companions did, no doubt. Instead of running back and forth back here all day."
"Yeah," Lia drawled. "Saving little girls from pit vipers. What a waste of time."
“Well, only one way to find out if she’s interested.” Cal turned around and cupped a hand to his mouth. “Hey, Tav—”
Rolan would have smacked the back of his brother’s head had the woman not already turned toward the sound of her name. She approached their spot near the hearth looking politely curious.
“Lia was just wondering,” Cal started in—leaving Rolan’s name out of it, a smart choice for his skull— “won’t it take a long time to get all the stains out of your armor?” 
“Oh.” Tav sounded taken aback, but glanced down at herself as if just now noticing the state of her equipment. “Oh yeah, this’ll cost me a good half hour at least. And probably both my elbows,” she added with chagrin. “Damn. Got distracted by everything, I guess.”
“Because Rolan can magic it off in a second,” Lia said in a rush.
"Really?" Far from averse, she was looking at Rolan with sudden enthusiasm. "I didn’t know magic could—I mean, of course it can. I guess. Why, are you offering…?” She glanced between him and his siblings then, as if finally picking up on the strange energy between them.
Rolan felt all three pairs of eyes come to rest on him. He could hardly back out now. “If you’re interested,” he told her.
“Hells yes,” Tav laughed. “Are you kidding?”
Lia clapped her hands together softly. “Excellent. Well, since Tav’s interested—” She placed a strange emphasis on the word, one Rolan hoped only he noticed— “Cal and I should get going to set up camp. See you both later?”
“Right,” Cal agreed at once. With that, the pair of them slipped off in a few flicks of the tail. 
What a couple of damned children. Rolan let out a heavy sigh; they seemed determined to try every last slip of patience he had.
Tav followed him to a spot closer to the back corner of the Grove, a bit removed from the sounds and smells. A stream of cool air seeped in from somewhere outside the walls, and Rolan breathed in gratefully. He had found it hard to concentrate in the stale surroundings of this place.
“Right.” She stood opposite him, looking a bit unsure. “How does this work, exactly?”
“Just keep still,” Rolan advised her. This would be easier if she took off the pieces of her half-plate first, but asking her to do that seemed unthinkably familiar.
She did as he directed. “Sure you’re not going to transform me into a pigeon or something? Give me wings?”
“This is the simplest spell there is, I’m not an idiot.” Rolan’s tone was irritable, but it only made her laugh. He realized that she was teasing him.
Regardless, Rolan steadied his stance and reached out to the Weave. Whether or not it was technically correct, it was the way he’d taught himself. 
Breathe in—quiet each thought—feel the air above and the ground below—
Like a warm embrace from the oldest friend, the Weave flowed as a golden light into his cupped hand. Rolan formed the clear intention in his mind and guided the magic toward her. 
“It tickles,” Tav said in surprise, but he could tell she was doing her best to keep still. Her eyes were squeezed shut for some reason.
Rolan blinked at her, not sure how long she had expected this to take. “You can—it’s done.”
“Really?” Tav looked across her chest and shoulders and the greaves on her legs, admiring their new shine. “Wow…neat trick, that. So you’re saying Gale’s been watching us polish our armor and weapons every night when he could just use the Weave for two seconds?”
“The manipulation does take energy,” Rolan told her, not wanting to discredit a fellow wizard while he wasn’t here to defend himself.
Her expression changed a bit. Then she reached a hand to his shoulder. “Thanks for this, Rolan. It might be simple to you, but—” She dropped her arm and cast around with a tired laugh. “Life has honestly been…kind of terrible lately. Thank you for making it better.”
Rolan felt he could stand to hear more of that story, but he doubted she'd want to tell it. “You’re welcome,” he told her instead.
It was a bit awkward traveling back through the winding Grove together toward the entrance, but it could hardly be avoided. Their camps were both in the same direction.
The night patrol were watching vigilantly from the wall; the massive carved gate raised before them as if in anticipation. Rolan stepped out into the dark, cool evening with another grateful breath.
Beside him, Tav sighed wearily. "Well, 'night. Off to enjoy my extra sleep," she said with another smile to him before she turned away.
No such easy goodnight for him, Rolan knew. He imagined Cal and Lia perching awake on their bedrolls, eager to hear what chaos or embarrassment or both their meddling had caused for him this time. 
More concerning to him right now was the way his shoulder seemed to radiate where she'd placed a grateful hand before. Rolan rolled his arm a little, trying to shake the tingling warmth near his collar bone. It didn't quite work.
But perhaps he'd think about that tomorrow.
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theotherbuckley · 4 months
Text
Tidbit Tuesday❣️
Tagged by the lovely @daffi-990 and @diazsdimples (p.s im still getting used to the new name I keep typing 'james' before going wait no.
Guys, I felt bad for all the depressing stuff I've shared so I've started a new fic!! It's a cute high school Valentine's one-shot. Enjoy :)
“Hey, what can we get for you?”
Buck hesitates, “Um—”
“We have cookies for one dollar, brownies for two dollars, roses also for two dollars, and serenades for four dollars. And everything comes with a free note, or you can send a note for fifty cents,” the girl at the desk continues.
Buck scratches his neck, “Can I get a brownie and a rose, please, um, and a note?”
“You got it! Here’s some paper to write your note on,” she says as she hands him a pink heart cut out.
“T-Thank you,” he says, shyly. 
Buck grabs the pen off of the desk, thinking of what to write. Should it be anonymous? He doesn’t want it to be anonymous, but would Eddie get embarrassed if he didn’t? And if he writes his name then everyone will know it was him and if Eddie rejects him then everyone will laugh at him. So it has to be anonymous then. 
Now what to write? Should he be cliche? Ask him to be his Valentine? Or should it be more personal. Agh this was harder than he thought. 
Eddie,  your smile makes my heart beat a little faster,  and your eyes remind me of big cow eyes, but in like a good way.  Love, EB P.S your hair is very floofy, pleaseee don’t cut it <3
There, he thinks, Eddie will know it was him without embarrassing anyone. Perfect.
These boys are dorks <3
Tagging: @disasterbuckdiaz @fortheloveofbuddie @jeeyuns @wildlife4life @honestlydarkprincess @eddiebabygirldiaz @spagheddiediaz @jesuisici33 @your-catfish-friend @ladydorian05 @giddyupbuck @eowon @elvensorceress @watchyourbuck @steadfastsaturnsrings @housewifebuck @thewolvesof1998 @king-buckley @rainbow-nerdss @cal-daisies-and-briars @malewifediaz  @evanbegins @wikiangela @bucksbirthmark  @puppyboybuckley @underwater-ninja-13 @fionaswhvre @aspecbuddie @lover-of-mine @nmcggg @tizniz @monsterrae1 @l0v3t0hat3y0u @smilingbuckley
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racheloleo · 6 months
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Cave of Wonders
Zevlor x Tav, NSFW
Zevlor smiled to himself as he saw the others relax and enjoy their evenings. Alfira strummed idly, giggling with Lakrissa about their personal victories over the goblins and what kind of tale the bard should weave through song. Cal and Lia continued to rib Rolan, who had had perhaps too much wine and was ready to blast his siblings backward, if only to stop their hooting laughter. Bex and Danis snuggled by the fire, petting and whistling to the camp's canine companion, a scruffy white hound named Scratch.
The goblin threat had been eradicated, thanks to an intrepid band of heroic adventurers lead by a human woman names Tavalia. Gods knew there was no one else with the wherewithal to corral the rag-tag team: a Githyank warrior, The Blade of the Frontiers, a secretive cleric, a former archmage, a tiefling attack dog, and a foppish vampire. Zevlor shook his head; how she did it, he couldn't begin to fathom.
As the revelry continued, the tiefling commander took one last sip from his goblet before setting it down. He nodded in farewell to Halsin, the archdruid the adventurers had rescued from the goblin encampment, and made his way back towards the Emerald Grove, away from Tavalia's camp. Zevlor had a few more crates to finish packing before morning, and he could use a moment to himself after all of the noise and merriment of the evening's celebrations.
Zevlor quietly walked through the gate of the Grove and made his way through The Hollow towards the chambers that had been his during the refugees' stay. Rocks crunched under his boots as he strode confidently to his quarters. A few druids were up and about, but the place still felt strangely still after all the chanting had stopped. Kagha had been in league with the Shadow Druids, it had seemed, until Tavalia had talked some sense into her and the interim archdruid put an end to the Rite of Thorns.
He walked through the stone passageway, the door closing behind him. He replenished a few candles before carefully doffing his armor. Gods, but it felt good to have that weight off of his shoulders, literally and figuratively. He stretched and flexed his back, taking pleasure in the little pops and cracks that told the story of a loosening body.
Zevlor let out a soft groan. He found an empty crate and brought it to his desk, where he began to slowly and carefully pack away his many books for the next leg of their journey. The Shadow-Cursed Lands, gods, how was he ever going to -
A gentle rumble of the stone door marked the entry of another. Quickly and quietly, Zevlor set down the book he had been holding and reached for his crossbow, eyes on the entryway to his sanctum. He heard the stone door shut again, and a rustling sounds drew his attention. He deftly loaded the crossbow and positioned himself near an alcove, the perfect spot to lodge an attack should one also be aimed at him.
A shadow grew on the walls in the candlelight, soft and feminine.
"Zevlor?" A tremulous voice called out, the shadow edging closer to the commander's lair.
Zevlor almost dropped the crossbow. "Tavalia?" He asked, shocked and shaken, horrified that he could have so easily pulled the trigger against the hero of the hour had she not made her presence known.
"Yes, it's me. Did I startle you? And please, again, call me Tav. Everyone else does, there's no need to stand on ceremony." She walked slowly into the soft light of the numerous candles Zevlor had lit not but half an hour before.
She was nude, he saw, his mind not comprehending. Or, nearly nude, it appeared that she maintained some cover for the sake of modesty, but only around her hips; her breasts were bared to the world. No, not to the world: bared for him. He shook his head, still confused.
Tav's eyes adjusted to the lighting, scanning the room. When her gaze fell upon him, her lips curled into a smile that reached to her eyes, so happy was she to find him.
His body was in a state of panic, wanting to avert his gaze and drink her in all at once. Why was she here? And nearly naked? She didn't seem hurt or afraid, there should be no reason for this state of undress, unless -
The rustling. She had removed her garments after she had entered his quarters. The confidence made him wet his lips, blood pulsing in his face and below his belt. He could not deny that she was a beautiful woman, that he had not thought of what she might feel like in his arms, soft and warm and spent, but this...
She closed the gap between them, her hands alighting carefully on his shoulders. Her bare feet had been almost soundless in the dirt. She glanced up at him, eyes twinkling with the small flames that lined the room. Tav leaned into Zevlor, her mouth grazing his neck, as she whispered his name against his flesh. Small goose-pimples rose along the back of his neck.
His hands moved to her hips, and he felt them, full and round beneath his touch. Her skin was softer than he could have ever dreamed, and he was suddenly very aware of his talons, hard and sharp at the tips of his fingers. He made to move them away, but she caught him and held him to her. "No," she whispered gently, still nuzzling against his neck. "Please, stay with me. I have imagined this a thousand times, and yet nothing could compare to the here and now." The tip of her tongue delicately traced the muscles in his neck, and his breath caught in his throat.
"Tavalia, please, do not misunderstand me. You are a very beautiful woman, but I am nothing but an old, disgraced paladin. Surely there are others far more worthy to share your bed than the likes of me?"
She hummed quietly, her nose gently caressing the underside of his jaw, the hand that once held his now at his cheek. Her thumb carefully followed the ridge pattern of his cheekbone, and he could feel her smile against his skin.
"Says you," she murmured. "I can freely choose whom I have in my bed, yes, and I can confidently say that I have desired no one else since meeting you. You are strong, courageous, empathetic, and handsome. You have bewitched me, Hellrider, and I only hope that you will have me as well." The thought lingered in the air, both carefully waiting to see what the other would do.
Zevlor's heart was likely to fly out of his chest, and he had no doubt that Tavalia could feel that, just like she could no doubt feel his arousal pressed against her thigh. He sighed slowly, afraid he would not be able to follow through. He pulled his head back long enough to look at her beautiful, glowing eyes, before wrapping a hand behind her head and pulling her in for a deep, sensual kiss.
Tav brought her arms to Zevlor's neck and pressed herself into him. Her tongue darted out of her mouth and played with his bottom lip, which drove him into a deeper frenzy. Their mouths melded together, their sighs intertwined, breaths becoming one. Tav's hands moved to Zevlor's face, cradling his jaw as she drank him in.
His hands moved to her waist, and he began to carefully roll his fingers down the curve that flared into her hips and rounded, pert bottom. These undergarments would prove to be a future problem, and he pulled them down and off. He cupped her ass and lifted her up, leading her to straddle his waist with her thighs. She acquiesced, and linked her ankles together at the base of his tail. A jolt of electricity shot through him at this touch, and he moved his tail to encircle one of her calfs. Tav tightened her thighs against Zevlor's taut center, her sex wetting the front of trousers.
Her warmth spilled onto him, and he deepened his kiss. His tongue tentatively moved in askance against her lips before she opened her mouth and invited him in, sucking playfully. A low moan escaped his throat as he moved towards a wall and gently balanced Tavalia's back against the rough-hewn stone.
In one motion, he transferred her thighs from his midsection to his shoulders and fell to his knees. Tav's back scraped against the rock, but the sensation barely registered as Zevlor's breath hit the sensitive place at her center.
His hands gripping her hips, Zevlor gently nuzzled his nose into her soft, damp curls. Her breath hitched and her legs tightened in anticipation. His tongue flicked out cautiously, probing her slit to find the hard little bud tucked in between.
As he ran the flat of his tongue over her pleasure, Tav gasped with joy. He continued to lick and flick and tease, circling her nub until she was leaking with arousal and panting heavily.
Like a man starved, Zevlor continued to work his mouth against her sex. Slowly, he moved one finger to her entrance before working it inside. Tav cried out, her walls clamping down on his finger, which soon became two.
He stroked her carefully, beckoning her to come for him as he whispered sweet, loving words to her core. "My darling, let yourself go. I am here to catch you, and I would never let you fall too far."
At that, she felt the coils in her belly tighten before springing to a quick release. She cried out his name, sobbing, hands holding onto his horns, grasping to stay afloat. He held firm, his hands cupped around her bottom and lower back. Her thighs tensed so firmly around his face that he thought he was likely to be a dead man, but that there may be no better death in all of Faerûn.
He stood slowly, easing her into his arms, one arm under her knees, the other under her neck. She stared up at him, dazed.
"That's not what I came here to do," she whispered, her voice hoarse. "I was meant to be worshipping at your altar, not you at mine."
"All in good time, my love," his whispered back, moving towards the various travel gear he had already packed.
"Do you think you can stand?" He asked, tentatively testing her weight on her feet. "Only for a moment, and only to make you more comfortable."
Tav nodded against his chest as he tipped her feet towards the ground. She stood on shaky legs, keeping one arm on his.
Zevlor unfurled a bedroll and straightened it out against the hard floor of the chamber. Carefully, he eased Tavalia to her back and onto the bedroll.
She sat, and began working at his shirt as he moved to sit next to her. Tugging, she pulled it free from the band of his pants and moved to pull it over his head. Zevlor stopped her.
"Please, if you don't mind. I am... I am not proud of what lies underneath, and I would not want to taint your memories of this evening with the view."
Tav looked hurt and startled. "Zevlor," she whispered, eyes large and round, "there is nothing about you, ever, that would make me turn away from you. Is it a scar? A burn?"
"My heritage," he mumbled, lifting the corner of his shirt. Underneath, Tav saw more of the infernal ridges, like the ones that marked his face and tail. Her eyes softened.
"Oh, Zevlor, no. Not in a hundred, thousand, thousand years would that ruin tonight. It doesn't ruin you, nor does it define you. Nothing about your infernal heritage alarms me, and I love you because of it, not in spite of it. My love, you are wholly beautiful to me, and I would see all of you as you have seen all of me. Besides, your heritage is as plain as your horns and tail. If that were ever to deter me, I would not be here now."
Gingerly, she helped him lift his shirt over his head, smiling briefly as the collar gets snagged on one of his horns. As he tosses the shirt to the side, Tav begins working on the laces to his pants. His arousal pushes against them, undeterred by these few moments of inaction.
Zevlor stands and finishes undoing the laces. His sex, hard and girthy, stands ready as he removes the pants and small clothes. He eases back to the bedroll where he is immediately met with a deep kiss as Tav climbs onto his thighs and straddles them.
His heat meets hers with a rush of sensation, both of them forgetting to breathe in that moment. Tav arches her back, grinding her center to his. He can feel her sex against him, still wet and inviting.
His tail wraps around one of her ankles, securing her. Her arms encircle his neck as she breathes into his ear. "Please," she begs, "please let me have you as you have had me." His hands move up her sides until they find her breasts, and he begins to massage them and gently pinch her nipples. He ducks his head to carefully pull one of her nipples into her mouth, where he gently licks and sucks until it becomes firm under his tongue.
"Dearest," he nuzzles against her neck, "if I allow that, then this night ends much too quickly for either of our likings. Besides, I do not deserve such attentions."
Tav snaps her head to face him, hips still grinding against his. "To the Hells, what do you mean! 'Deserve?' As if this is not an act of love, freely given? Lie down." Her grinding has stopped, and she lightly pushes him onto the bedroll before kissing and licking her way down his chest.
He has never been harder in his life than he is the moment she breathes against him. A liquid pearl sits at the tip of his member, and Tavalia is quick to duck her head and lick it off in one quick flash of her firm tongue. Zevlor moans, louder than he would have liked, but too ensorcelled by this beautiful creature to care.
As quickly as her tongue is there, it is gone again. Zevlor takes a moment of respite, the briefest of seconds, before his pleasure is deepened by the flat of a tongue on the underside of his member. A long, hot stroke goes up the shaft to the tip before Tav takes him into her mouth and begins working on sustaining his bliss.
He cannot think, he cannot breathe, he cannot remember his own name. He focuses on the wet heat that has engulfed him, that threatens to be his undoing. Tavalia licks and teases, suckles and massages at him until he finds himself on the edge.
Sensing the loss of control, Tav stops and pulls herself up to Zevlor's face, smashing her mouth into his with pure passion and possession. "Take me," she whispers to his lips. "Make me yours. There is nothing more I desire to be than yours."
Gently, he rotates her to her back and slides a knee between her legs. She opens easily for him, expectantly. "I would look upon your lovely face, my darling," Zevlor says, eyes full of love and lust. Tav nods and sighs, pressing her hips to his as she moves a hand down to guide him into the entrance of her core.
They both moan loudly as they become one. Zevlor thrusts slowly, cautiously, easing into her, that she may be able to take all of him. She is slick with her own love and has no trouble receiving all that he can give her.
She moves her hips in time with his, their tempos slowly increasing as their pleasure reaches a fever pitch. Tav takes his hand and wetly sucks his thumb before moving it between her legs. "Please, again, please," she whimpers, and he dutifully begins creating small circles around her hard, taut button.
A moan of pleasure escapes her lips, quickly turning into a scream of delight. He calls out as he finds his own release, pumping his spend into her until it trickles out from between them.
He watches her face and then pulls her in for a tender, delicate kiss. She returns, gently, sighing into his arms as they disentangle their legs and his tail.
They lie together on the bedroll, foreheads together, eyes heavy with love and sleep. Drowsily, Tav opens her eyes and stares up at Zevlor. A hand comes up, slow and soft, to stroke his cheek.
"We must depart in the morning. We have duties to fulfill, people who need us. But here and now, tonight, we have each other, and that is all I need." She kisses him tenderly, smiling into his lips.
"My darling, I could die now a happy man. I did not know that it would be possible for a man my age to find a love like this, so true, yet here I lie, you in my arms." He kisses her back, a strong, low purr beginning to emanate from his chest. "May your love and faith see me through the undoubtedly dark times ahead."
"And may we find each other once more in Baldur's Gate, with tasks complete and victories won, to begin a new journey, a quieter one, just the two of us."
They fall asleep, arm in arm and facing each other. Zevlor's tail drapes protectively around Tavalia's waist, and her soft snores lull him into a deeper peace than he has known in quite some time.
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nicksbestie · 8 months
Note
can you write where you secretly adopt duke for cal’s birthday? please 🥹🫶
Birthday
(okay so for the sake of this fic Covid-19 started in January of 2020 not March)
word count : 1260
warnings : none!
enjoy!
<3
Calum’s birthday was coming up and you desperately wanted to surprise him with something big, but you had to try and figure out what.
He deserved something huge, and while money wasn’t an issue for the two of you, you still had to pick a reasonable thing to get for a gift. It took you a few hours to come up with something, but eventually you picked one. Calum had been desperate for a dog since you two had moved in together, but since he was always running around and on tour, and you had a busy job as well, having a puppy just wasn’t going to work.
The dog wouldn’t get the attention and care it truly needed, despite whether or not you cared for the dog. But now, you were both at home, due to Covid-19, and nobody was really going anywhere. It was a perfect time to get a new animal, and you weren't the only one who thought so. You had seen Calum’s camera roll, and it was filled with dogs and puppies of all breeds. So, you decided, you were going to get him a puppy. 
It wasn’t going to be easy to keep it a secret from him, but you went to an animal shelter the day before his birthday, and spent so much time with all of the dogs. It wasn’t until you got to the very last one that you felt a strong connection to him. He had been there for five months, and his age was estimated to be about one year old. His name tag on his cage read “Duke”, and when you read his estimated age, you were happy to see that he was a younger dog, which was what you were looking for. 
He was black and white, and very fluffy, and you knew Calum would fall in love with him instantly. So, you went up to the desk to start filling out the adoption papers. When you were talking about which dog you wanted, you learnt that he was already house trained, which was a wonderful thing to hear, because as much as you wanted a dog, you were dreading cleaning up poop from around the house until he was trained. You paid his adoption fee, they put a travel leash on him, and now, you and Calum had a dog. But where was he going to go for the night? You smirked, calling up Ashton, knowing he had a soft spot for Calum. 
“Hello?”
“Hey, Ash! Can I ask you a favor? But you have to keep it a secret.” 
You could pretty much hear him raise an eyebrow before he agreed, humming an affirmative. 
“I got Calum a gift, but I need you to keep it at your place overnight because he can’t see it until tomorrow.” 
Ashton sounded a little hesitant, mostly confused. 
“You can’t wrap it?” 
You laughed, trying to cover it with a cough but miserably failing. 
“No, I can’t.” 
Duke chose this moment to see a squirrel on the side of the road, losing his absolute mind barking, and of course, Ashton heard. 
“Did you get him a dog?!”
You smiled, petting Duke on the head and getting him to hop down from the window. 
“I did. So, can you keep him for the night? He’s already house trained.”
Ashton sighed, but you could hear the smile and knew he was relenting. 
“Yes, bring him over.” 
“Okay, thanks! See you soon.” 
Before getting to Ashton’s house, you stopped to get him a water and food bowl, as well as some dog food. The shelter had given you the brand that they used to feed the dogs, so you picked up a bulk bag of that, making sure he had everything he needed. You also got him a bed, a soft fluffy one. Arriving at Ashton’s, you walked up to the door with Duke, and he sat right outside with his tongue hanging lopsided out of his mouth. As Ashton opened the door, you could see the last of his resolve fade away as he immediately crouched down to pet him, picking him up in his arms and cooing at him. 
You unloaded the things, helping Ashton set it up for the one night, and laughing when Ashton just waved you off, promising you he could handle it. After about an hour, you left, feeling that Duke would be safe and loved for the one night before you brought him home the next morning. 
– 
The next morning, you had woken up before Calum, and had gone to pick up Duke. Ashton was quite reluctant to let him go, but you promised he could come over later to celebrate. He was currently outside, and you were setting up Duke’s things in the living room. His bowls were in the kitchen, but his bed was right next to the couch. You went to wake up Calum, smiling as his eyes opened and he sat up, yawning. 
“Happy birthday!!! I hate to wake you, but I need a little bit of help this morning.” 
You didn’t need any help, you just were incapable of keeping the secret any longer. Calum smiled, even wider when you pressed a soft kiss to his lips, laughing when he tried to pull you back into bed with him. 
“Aww, come on. It’s my birthday, you’re not going to cuddle with me?” 
You grinned, pulling yourself free. 
“Trust me, you’d rather get up.” 
This piqued his curiosity, and he got out of bed, sleepily following you to the kitchen. You acted like you had no idea what was about to happen, smiling as he just followed you around like a lost puppy, pun intended. You had a few gifts wrapped on the table, noticing him eyeing them like a small child. You pressed a kiss to his cheek, moving behind him to fill Duke’s water bowl. Calum hadn’t realized it yet.
“Before you open anything, can you let the dog back inside? I forgot to do it before I came and woke you.” 
Calum was used to dog-sitting for his friends, this phrase being not completely unfamiliar to him, and so it took him about thirty seconds to realize what you just said.
“Yeah- wait. What?!” 
You smiled as he basically sprinted to his sliding porch door, his hands clapping over his mouth when Duke sprinted over to the new human being, his new owner. Calum immediately dropped to the ground to pet him, laughing and smiling as Duke licked all over his face, spinning in excited circles as Calum petted him. Calum picked him up and walked back inside, disregarding the open door as he looked at you in shock. 
“You- you got me a dog?! You got us a dog?!” 
You smiled, pulling out your phone and taking a photo as Calum held the dog up to eye level, setting him on his head and posing in the kitchen, smiling like an absolute fool. You picked Duke up off of Cal’s head, holding him for a selfie with the three of you. 
“He’s ours? Like, forever?” 
You nodded, handing him back to Calum as he set him down and watched him spin from excitement.
“What’s his name?” 
“I got him from the shelter, his name is Duke.” 
If Calum smiled any harder, his jaw might’ve broken. 
“I love him. Best birthday ever.” 
Calum spent the next three hours teaching him tricks, and if Duke ate his body weight in treats, all it showed was that he was loved.
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wrencatte · 3 months
Text
mini-fic 5!! (ish) Post-Survivor. Rambler Crew + Mantis Crew + Cal's ponchos. Omniscient POV. 1k words Reminder! I post these on my Ao3 as well (a day or so later), including an alt version of mini fic 3 that's Ao3 exclusive!
“That is not a good look.”
Cal frowns and looks down at his new poncho, stretching it out from the bottom to put it on full display. “What’s wrong with it?”
“It clashes with your hair,” Merrin says.
“Everything clashes with my hair.
“Well, that is worse.”
“It smells,” Greez complains. “Where did you find that thing, the garbage?!”
Cal grins. “Actually – .”
“Please no.”
“I found it in an oggdo abode.”
“And you put it on?” Greez demands in horror, his voice higher and squeakier than Cal’s ever heard it get before.
Cal stares at him for a long, long moment before he lets out a sharp giggle, and then that giggle turns into a full-on cackle. He falls against the bar top for support. The present cantina patrons watch in amusement and fondness as their resident Jedi turns red faced at the force of his laughter. They don’t get to hear him laugh very often, and the smell of his ‘new’ poncho is nearly worth it.
Greez isn’t done: “Why the hell is there even an oggdo on this planet? I thought we left that sithspawn on Bogano!”
“Maybe it followed you just as the boglings did,” Merrin suggests, patting Cal on the back as he wheezes. “Perhaps you missed it on the ship, it seems quite miss-able.” That, for some reason, just makes Cal start back up again, covering his face as his ears turn bright red. It’s a borderline hysterical laugh, but everyone very carefully avoids making note of that.
Greez points at her. “You, be quiet. And you.” He marches up to Cal and starts tugging on his ‘new’ poncho, but all he succeeds in is yanking the Jedi around while he smacks at the latero’s hands. “Take it off! I can’t have you stinkin’ up my saloon!”
“Hey! Hey! C’mon, it’s not that bad!”
“No, it is.”
“It really is, Cal.”
“Sorry, Red, but that thing smells worse than nekko crap.”
Cal turns to his gathered friends with betrayed tooka eyes. It really only works on Zygg, who immediately looks away, hiding her face with a hand so she’s not swayed by them. Mosey covers her nose for emphasis even though she’s smelled way worse on her own adventuring. She’s even said so and Cal swears a bilemaw smells worse than the oggdo did. Cal covers his heart in mock betrayal before all the pointed looks and disgusted expressions makes him reluctantly give in and pull off the pink poncho. He drops it into Greez’s waiting hands. He knows when he’s been outnumbered despite what some people would think.
“Good,” Greez says, holding it as far away from himself as possible. Which isn’t very far, but Cal counts that as pay back for making him take it off in the first place. “I’ll just…run this a couple hundred times in the washer and give it back – .”
“Tomorrow?” Cal asks hopefully where he’s started to rummage around in the bag he’s been carrying around lately. Says it’s a better place to put all the seed pods and priorite he’s been finding around Koboh. Merrin joked once that it was the perfect size to fit a fully grown bogling and he really just wanted to show it the scenery. Cal hadn’t denied it.
“Never?” Merrin suggests then laughs airily as she dodges one of the aforementioned seed pods Cal throws at her good-naturedly. BD-1 beeps his protest at the seed pod being treated like that, earning an apology from a suitably chastised Cal. “I am just saying, you’ve outgrown the ponchos, Cal. This style you’ve cultivated over the years is much better.”
“But they’re comfortable,” Cal complains, still rummaging.
…The bag isn’t that deep.
Mosey eyes him suspiciously even as she says, “I’ve got a couple’a ponchos you can have, Red. They were my pa’s, but I doubt he’d mind if you took ‘em off my hands. They’re good for the mountain trails since it gets cold up there. And they’ve been stored up all nice and clean.”
Cal flashes her a smile. “Thanks, Mosey, but no thanks. I’m all stocked up.” Everyone watches in horror as he pulls out another poncho. It’s not nearly as garish as the pink one, but it’s still ratty and smelly and Cal pulls it over his head with a bright, beaming grin. “See? Problem solved.”
“Problem not solved!” Greez shrieks, flinging the pink one away. “You brat! Are you kidding me right now?!”
“I have four more!” Cal declares proudly.
“No,” Merrin whispers, aghast.
Cal nods, his smile getting smug now. “Yes. A crate of them just sitting there. It looked like someone tried to set up camp and the oggdo took offense to it. You can take one, but you can’t take them all!”
“Merrin,” Greez says, voice low and serious. Cal looks at him, eyebrow raised in a challenge. The latero puts one set of hands on his hips and points at Cal. “Get him.”
Green magick flares but Cal is already running out the main door, cackling loudly as Merrin gives chase. The rest of them are left behind to stare at Cal’s bag still sitting on the ground.
“Do you really think he has four more?” Moran asks, clutching his drink to his chest. He’s looking a little pale.
“We could throw out the whole thing?” Ashe suggests. “He can collect more seeds later.”
“Doma would kill us for the priorite.”
“Kark, she would.”
Before any of them can make another suggestion, a little body dashes through, scoops the bag up to her chest and pauses, giving them all a good moment to really take in the sight of Kata looking at them all wide-eyed and innocent… wearing a smaller and cleaner poncho in her favorite shade of purple. BD jumps onto her back with a happy beep, and she grins brightly at them before she then – runs away, giggling.
Greez blinks once, twice, and then swears loudly.
“I knew it! I knew they were working together! Those, those brats!”
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captainlunaxmen · 4 months
Text
All for the cameras
Chapter 4
Finnick Odair x reader
This is a repost since the old blog doesn't work anymore. 🥰
Chapter summary: a little about the making of the Games, the reaping, and the Parade.
Chapter warnings: talking of lethal threats, Cal has his own warning, Snow, forced marriage.
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I take a huge gulp of wine as I sit in Plutarch's living room.
He did convince Snow to make me his personal assistant for this Quarter Quell, Plutarch told him it's a perfect way to show my "participation". Although I hate to keep up such a facade, I love that I can use it as an excuse to not stay, nor spend any time with Cal.
"Careful with that," Plutarch comes back into the room with his own glass, "we need you lucid for this."
"Trust me, I built a strong resistance to alcohol... no amount would help endure this shit anyway..." I mutter, looking at my fucking ring.
"You spent too much time with Abernathy, I'm afraid," he comments, he's not judging, no, he's probably just teasing.
"Or not enough," I tease back, he smirks amused by my answer.
He then suddenly turns the TV on, on display my answer to Cal's proposal.
I groan as I see that.
"I gotta say, that was smart," he compliments me, referring to the kiss.
"Could you turn it off? One fucking time was enough, thank you." I tell him.
"Not telling you about the Quartel Quell was smart too," he throws this out like nothing, my head snaps towards him.
"You little... that's why..." I start, but his proud stance stops me, "fine... smart thinking on your part too, okay."
"Thank you very much," he does a little bow before turning serious, "I'm sure now you can know more." He declares.
"Really?" I ask, I really want to know more and help, but at the same time I don't want to risk everyone.
"Yes, miss L/n. But... you have to know this, all this, will require a lot from you. From all of us, actually. So just know... you can still change your mind and no one will hold it against you." He explains, I can feel he is sincere, I know I can trust him.
I take a deep breath, this is a good chance to actually change things here... I won't pass this opportunity.
"Anything." I say and he smiles.
"Alright, our primarily goal is to get Katniss out." He starts and I nod, of course she would be the face of the revolution, "every Victor involved knows that,"
"Did you warn them? The ones involved?" I ask.
"Didn't have the chance... not everyone... I also need you to start thinking that not everyone will see this revolution starts." He says bitterly.
"I..." I don't know what to say, so I try to reason it, "yeah... of course... if not all of them know... the others would just want to survive, as always."
"Reasoning won't help you much this time," he says and he uses the remote to change the scene on the screen.
The reaping ceremony of each district.
"Cashmere and Gloss... God... they're brother and sister.."
"It never stopped the Capitol before. It just adds up to the drama." Plutarch sighs.
"I know," I sigh as the next district's reaping starts, "it may sounds cliché, but Enobaria is actually a sweet person... when you get past the teeth," I try to chuckle to ease my tension. Yeah... I might not see some of them after...
"Please tell me you were smart enough to recruit Beetee," I look at Plutarch who nods confidently.
"Oh..."
"This is where I wanted you," he says softly.
"Finnick... yeah... I... it makes sense..." I say as I see him walking up the stage.
"You need to..."
He doesn't have the time to finish his sentence before I let out a big gasp.
"Mags volunteered..." I whisper, "she... she can't... they can't... not them both... oh c'mon..."
"I'm sorry. When the time comes we will do our best to take everyone to safety, but..." he explains.
"But you can't control what happens in the arena..." I mutter, "not without raising suspects. I know."
I hear him sigh and walking closer to me, offering a comforting hand on my shoulder, I nod and we go on watching the reaping.
Johanna of course... I know she has all the skills to protect herself in there, but she's still my friend and I can't not worry. Especially knowing she has nothing left to lose.
Finally we get to 12 and of course Katniss, being the only living female victor, she's reaped.
Time for the male.
Haymitch's name is said, and for a split moment my heart breaks, but Peeta is quick to volunteer for him. I see Katniss shocked and terrified expression and I know she asked Haymitch to volunteer in his place if the roles were reverse.
"That was rigged... wasn't it?" I ask.
"Exactly, we need Haymitch here and..." he motion for me to go on.
"She needs Peeta there," I say earning a proud nod from him, "she just doesn't know it."
There's a moment of silence, where I take a second to recollect myself and take a sip of wine.
"Now," he claps his hands, "to make your participation more believable... you need to write down 2 ideas for the arena."
"What?" I ask, "I thought the arena was already decided."
"The arena yes... not the threats inside." He says.
"What do you mean?" I'm actually confused right now.
"This year arena is... quite special," he starts explaining, showing the concept on the screen, "it's divided in sections, like this, each section hosts a threat. Like these: acid fog, monkeys, this big wave... And so on."
"Acid fog? Isn't it a little too much?" I ask getting nervous for my friends.
"I told you it's gonna be hard," he gives me a sympathetic smile, "and we need your suggestions to be... authentic. It has to look like you're actually putting an effort."
I sigh, bouncing my leg.
I need to think of something that's horrifying, but safe at the same time.
They're all there... all my friends are there. The only family I've ever known since... I shake my head and drink more wine.
"Okay. Yeah... I get it." I nod, "when do you need it?"
"Tomorrow." He answers, "I have faith you can do it and... you can say you're busy working for me." He winks at me with a reassuring smile.
"That's the only good thing," I let out a humourless laugh and take one last gulp of wine before standing up. "Then I should get going. Thank you, Mr Heavensbee."
I walk towards the exit when Plutarch's voice stops me.
"One more thing," he calls and I turn my head, "even though you'll try and think of the least lethal threat... they might kill someone anyway. Keep that in mind."
I nod and walk out.
----------------
As I enter my apartment I instantly smell flowers... lots of them.
I look around and I see, probably, more than 10 bouquets of flowers.
"Oh god..." I sigh, defeated. I look at some of them, noticing most are from "admirers" congratulating me for my engagement.
But there are three that catch my eyes more than the others.
One, huge, bouquet is made by all sort of flowers, I don't think I've ever seen such variety of flowers in the first place. I look at the card... I groan, it's from Cal.
"My love, everyday I count the days that separate us from being finally together.
I can't wait for you to be mine.
Properly mine.
Enjoy your job, my sweetness, and happy Hunger Games!
Love,
Cal Kingslay. "
I throw the whole bouquet with the rest, and just look at the other. It's simple and small, my favourite flowers and a few seashells here and there, the thing holding the bouquet it's not paper... it's fish nets... Finnick. I unconsciously smile as I take the card.
"I wanT to congRatUlate you, my SweeT girl!
TheY tOld me the news jUst now! Miss L/n, You shouLd've tOld me, I've neVer beEn so happy!
Congratulations!
Dario."
He signs each letters, making it look like it was ink fallen from the pen... smart.
"I trust you, my love"
He even signed it with an anagram of his name. I let out a laugh at that and move to the last bouquet.
Even smaller then Finnick's, a few green leaves are like a frame for the one, white rose.
I shakily take the card in my hand.
"Congratulations on your engagement, my dear. I look forward to see what you'll come up with for our Games.
I'm sure one day you'll make a fine Gamemaker."
There's no sign, not that he needed to...
"Gamemaker... yeah... sure." I scoff.
I go to the kitchen to get myself some wine. As I'm about to pour a glass, I look at the bottle and just... take it all with me to my room.
I sit on the desk in my room and, as I take some gulps from the bottle, I try to come up with some ideas.
Plutarch mentioned a few potentially lethal threat already, I mean... acid fog, deadly monkeys, that I'm sure will be modified.
What to do, what to do...
Other animals maybe, but a non lethal one... something that creates a hassle, but not death.
Bugs?
I shake my head, no, they would make it poisonous no matter what my suggestion is.
Something else, something else.
Jabberjays. Yes!
I write down my idea and take the bottle to take a big gulp, but the bottle slips from my grasp and falls on the desk spilling the liquid all over the desk and the pavement.
"Shit!"
I manage to safe the paper I was writing on and I immediately go take a towel to wipe the wine off.
As I kneel down cleaning the liquid, I find myself staring at the little drops of wine falling from the desk to the floor.
The dark liquid looks a lot like... blood.
Blood rain.
-------------
I walk nervously behind Plutarch, he just told me Snow wanted to hear my ideas himself, so now, as I'm walking I clench my fists nervously.
"You couldn't have told me sooner?" I ask him.
"He didn't ask me sooner," Plutarch answers as we finally stand out of Snow's office, "you wrote it?"
"Of course," I slightly scoff at his answer.
"Then take a deep breath and... show time," Plutarch smiles and knock on the door.
"Come in," Snow's voice gives us permission to enter.
"President," Plutarch greets him.
"Good morning, sir," I say, putting up the best 'diligent student' appearance.
"Good morning, Mr Heavensbee," he nods towards Plutarch and then turns to me, "and what a pleasure, miss L/n."
"You said you wanted to hear her ideas for the arena, right?" Plutarch starts.
"Oh, of course!" Snow's suddenly happy, as if he's about to hear a good story, "tell me, my dear girl, what did you think of?"
If it were a different universe this could've seemed a sweet exchange. The old "mentor" interested in his protégé ideas...
"When Plutarch showed me the arena and the already existing threats, I have to admit I was intrigued," I start and I see, from the corner of my eyes Plutarch smiling proudly, "but at the same time, I was a little bored." I say and that earned a surprised 'oh?' from Snow, "I mean... from those you either die or survive... so I thought of something more psychological."
"Oh, now that's interesting, my dear, please go on." Snow is pleased so far.
"I thought of a section of the arena where... uh..." I pretend to stutter for a second, to give him the impression that I'm nervous because I care for his opinion.
"Don't be shy, I'm open to all suggestions,"
"I thought of a blood rain... sir." I say.
I see him pondering the idea, then a smile creeps it's way on his face, it makes me sick.
"I like it," he finally says looking at Plutarch, "she's smart, isn't she?"
"Very smart, sir." Plutarch agrees.
"I'm even more curious to hear the other idea, please don't leave me hanging," Snow's 'sweet' tone almost freezes me to the spot, but I swallow hard and just ignore this feeling.
"Jabberjays." Is all I say.
He looks a little taken aback, and motion for me to elaborate.
"I thought about using Jabberjays that imitate the screams of people the tributes know." I say, pretending to feel unsure of my idea, "maybe create a sort of an invisible wall that prevents them from escaping if they finds the birds."
Snow looks at me, considering me for a moment, then he smiles, that sick smile once again.
"You were right in recruiting her, Mr Heavensbee. Good thinking, miss L/n, very good thinking." He compliments Plutarch and me.
"Thank you, sir." I smile.
"No, thank you," he says, "now, one more thing before I dismiss you."
I nod and stay put, even though I was ready to run, or better walk very fast, out of here.
"This role of assistant Gamemaker won't exonerate you from your duty to assist the mentors," he tells me.
"I wouldn't dream of it, sir, I've always taken my role very seriously," I tell him, faking pride as I speak.
"I know, my dear." He smiles, almost as if he knows I wasn't exactly fond of it, "we were supposed to randomly assign you to one district, like every year, but we thought to just let you stick to 12. Apparently the Capitol's people loved your... friendship with the two victors." He says the word 'friendship' with a not so convinced tone, almost repulsed.
"Of course, sir." I nod my head, eager to just get out of here.
"But," he adds, probably keeping me longer to see when I'll crumble, I look briefly at Plutarch who keeps his confidence stance, "you'll be assisting all of the districts." I look at him confused and he continues, "I mean, you'll be present during the training sessions and will help."
"Oh, yes, sir, of course." I nod again.
"That's all." He claps his hands, satisfied, "the tributes arrive today so... better be there to welcome them home."
'Home'...
"I'm going right now, sir." I promptly tell him, he smiles and motions me to go and to Plutarch to stay.
"Send my regards to Cal Kingslay when you see him," I hear him say as I walk out, not bothering to answer him I just go straight to the tributes living centre.
--------------
I enter the building and see Haymitch, Effie, Katniss and Peeta arriving.
"Well, well, well, aren't you lot a sight for sore eyes?" I say once I'm close enough to pull Peeta into a hug.
"Oh! We got the Princess this year too, uh? The president is spoiling us," Haymitch jokes ans I roll my eyes as I hug Katniss.
"Rather spoiling me," I greet Effie too, in the perfect 'Capitol style', "lots of opportunities."
"I figured," Haymitch says wrapping his arms around me.
"Now," I say holding my arms open, theatrically, "let's take you to your apartments."
I start walking towards the elevator, heading to the attic, again.
------------
Once inside we start to have lunch, the atmosphere is quite tense before Effie breaks the silence.
"All right," she starts, clearing her throat, "before we begin, I've had a thought."
"You don't say?" Haymitch jokes, unimpressed.
"Be nice," I tell him, throwing a balled-up napkin at him.
"Katniss has her gold Mockingjay pin. I have my hair. I'm going to get you three something gold." She declares, as if it were something obvious.
Haymitch looks at both me and Peeta, confused, before asking why.
"A token." Effie explains, "Show them we are a team. And they can't just..." she starts getting emotional and Katniss takes her hands.
"Thank you." She tells her, meaning it.
Effie might be too theatrical sometimes, but she's so much more than that, I'm grateful I got to know this side of her. I take her hand too.
"That's really sweet, Effie." I smile at her, "and... thank you for including me."
I notice both Peeta and Katniss sharing a look as if I said something unbelievable, but I ignore it.
Not the time.
"Now..." Effie composes herself, "everything will be different, because it's a Quarter Quell. The Capitol has spared no expense. A new training centre. New Tribute living quarters. And of course, a very special arena."
I tense at that, I took part in that...
"But this year you'll be facing other Victors." I step in, " all Capitol favourites. Smart, cunning, skilled... angry. And they all know one another. You two are the outsiders."
" I want you guys to forget everything you think you know about the Games. Last year was child's play." Haymitch starts explaining, he's the best to mentor them about a Quarter Quell, "this year, you're dealing with all experienced killers."
"All right," Peeta speaks up, "what does it mean for us?"
"Allies." I tell him, "you'll be needing allies."
"Okay. I think that if..." Peeta's reply is quickly interrupted.
"You're not the problem." I say and, I don't have to say anything more, Haymitch is already pointing at Katniss.
"No." She sternly says.
"A little help, Haymitch?" I ask him.
"Look, you're starting at a disadvantage. Most of these people have been friends for years."
"That just puts us higher on their killing list." She replies, annoyed.
I roll my eyes, she needs to do her part.
"Do it your own way, but I know these people. You go it alone, their first move is gonna be to hunt you down." Haymitch keeps explaining, patiently, "both of you."
"Katniss, come on," Peeta's sweet tone seems to convince her... a tiny bit.
She sighs deeply, which usually mean she's gonna listen, even though she doesn't agree.
"How could any of us even trust each other?" She then asks.
"It's not about trust. It's about staying alive," he states.
Peeta and Katniss look at each other and finally Katniss nod her head.
"Great!" I cheer, "time for some brainstorming, shall we?" And I stand up walking to the living room.
They soon follow and Haymitch turns the TV on, so they can see who the other Victors are, and who might seem like a good ally.
"Cashmere and Gloss. Brother and sister. District one. They one back-to-back Games. Capitol favourites. Lots of sponsors." He shows them the siblings.
"They will be lethal." I add and Haymitch nods, strongly agreeing.
"And the other half of the Career Pack, Brutus and Enobaria."
"What's with her teeth?" Of course, Katniss asks about the teeth.
"She... well... she had them filed into fangs..." I respond, "so she could... rip people's throat out better."
"She's committed. I'll give her that." Peeta comments, I can sense some tension in him... which is very understandable.
"Wiress and Beetee," Haymitch keeps on presenting the tributes, "not fighters, but brilliant."
"Very brilliant," I agree.
"And weird." He adds, earning a glare from me, "real texh-savvy. He won his Games by electrocuting six tributes at once." He changes the scene again, "the Morphlings. Masters of camouflage. Basically, won their Games by hiding until everyone was dead. Self-medicating ever since. Which I applaud. Not a threat."
We arrive at District 4 reaping.
"Finnick Odair, right?" Katniss asks.
Haymitch looks at me, silently telling me to explain this one myself, there's a hint of a smirk on his face that makes me roll my eyes for, what feels like, the millionth time today.
"Yep. The one and only." I starts, "he won his Games at 14. He's the youngest Victor ever... of course modesty is his peculiarity." I joke.
"You're kidding."
"Kinda," I chuckle, "he's very confident. Very. But... he's the Capitol's darling. They all love him here." Unfortunately, I want to add. "He's smart, he's skilled at combat, especially... especially in water."
"What about weaknesses?" Peeta asks, interested.
"Only one..." I sigh, deeply, "Mags. She... she volunteer for Annie. Mags was his mentor, the year that I was assigned to 4, she raised him, basically. He will try to protect her, even though it would expose him."
"A guy like that has to know she's not gonna make it," Katniss shakes her head, unconvinced, Haymitch looks at me knowingly, "I bet when it really comes down to it, he won't protect her."
I really want to hit her right now, but I know it's not her fault, she thinks this because it's what the Capitol wanted everyone else to think. That's what he had to pretend to be.
"Well... she's an amazing woman, Katniss, I... I just hope that... if... w-when she goes, she goes quickly." I stutter out. It took everything in me to say that... I want to hope we will rescue everyone before that happens... I really do.
I space out as Haymitch goes on explaining and introducing the other tributes.
I can feel his eyes on me every now and then, but I stopped pay attention minutes ago now.
Mags is the mother I never had... if there is one person who deserves to see a free Panem, it's her.
---------‐---
I was walking on the train heading to the restaurant car where I found an old lady sitting there, drinking a cup of tea.
"Hi..." I shyly said.
"Oh hello, dear." She greeted me with such a kind smile, I felt so much better and less nervous.
"I'm... I'm Y/n." I started to introduce myself, but her hand gently taking mine stopped me.
"I know, dear. I'm Mags." Another kind smile, "you're here to assist me, right?"
"Yeah." My hands were getting sweaty... I was so nervous.
"Hey, no need to worry about it. We can do it." She reassured me.
"I hope so..." I muttered under my breath.
She sighed and offer a seat to me, I took it and stared at the cups on the table.
"I watched you last year," her voice was soft as she spoke, "you were assigned to... what district?"
"5"
"But you were helping the little one from 11, right?" She asked.
I snapped my head to her, eyes wide open.
"Please, don't worry about it. I never told anyone." She assured me, handing me a warm cup, "I just meant that I saw you're not like the rest of them, my dear. You care."
"My tributes didn't want to listen, they were older than me and thought I was just a spy... which is understandable." I sadly kept my head low. "That boy from 11 was my age and... he was having trouble with some essential survival techniques."
"He got pretty far thanks to those." She tried to make me feel better.
"Not far enough," I bitterly replied.
"I'm sorry." I let her take my hand again, "it's not a consolation, I know, trust me, but... I have a feeling we can do it."
"They won't trust me," I told her, referring to the tributes from 4.
"Not at first... and most likely not the girl... but the boy, he seems to be more open to suggestions." She explained.
"I'm not sure he would accept suggestions from me."
"He's a smart one. Same age as you. Just be yourself and he will trust you." She smiled.
I considered her for a moment before nodding. Hope growing a little more.
The door of the car opening had my head turning immediately.
"My dear Y/n," Mags stood up and walked towards the boy entering, "this is Finnick Odair. Finnick, this is Y/n."
--------------
"Are you okay?" Haymitch's voice snaps me out of my thoughts.
"Uh? Yeah... yeah, sorry, I zoned out." I apologise.
"I noticed." He sits with me.
"Where are they?" I ask, noticing no one else was in sight.
"Getting ready for the parade." He answers.
"Right... I better get going too. I have to check everyone is ready..." I tiredly sigh as I stand up, but Haymitch softly pulls me back down.
"If you take a few minutes it won't be a tragedy." He tells me, "what's going on in that head of yours?"
"Nothing... I just started to think about Mags." I whisper, afraid someone might hear.
"Plutarch gave you the speech?" He asks and I nod, "I'm really sorry, Y/n."
"It's okay... I mean, it's not, but I think it was inevitable... she would've never let anyone else go, not if she had any say in it." I tell him, "she's strong." I see him starting to speak but I beat him to it, "I know better than to keep my hopes up, trust me, I know."
He just sighs and wrap one reassuring arms around my shoulder.
"I really better get going now, gotta check on those outfits." I stand up.
"You do that, sweetheart." Haymitch smiles at me and I walk to the elevator.
--------------
I walk out of the elevator heading to where the parade is about to begin and I instantly loom for someone.
I spot immediately Peeta talking to Cinna, who's probably refining last minutes details.
"Hello." I greet once I'm close enough, Cinna turns around giving me a small smile and a hug. "You look good, mr Mellark."
"Only with his help it's possible." Peeta, humble as usual, replies pointing at Cinna.
"I'm not a magician, I can make people look good if they're worthy." Cinna shakes his head, waving off the compliment.
"I couldn't agree more." I sigh, "so, are you lot ready? Where's Katniss?"
"She's should be here soon, her dress is a little more complicated than Peeta's." Cinna answers, "and, since you're here, I was thinking about them not doing anything out there."
"What do you mean?" I ask.
"I mean, no waving, no smiling, nothing of sort. Act like they're above them. What do you think?" He explains, genuinely interested in my opinion.
"I think it's perfect." I smile and he return it.
"Oh, there she is." Peeta points behind us, I turn seeing Katniss talking to Finnick, who's a lot close. I hope he's not putting up his flirting persona, I don't think Katniss would trust him so easily then.
Peeta excuses himself to join her, just as Finnick walks away... spotting me.
"Snow asked..." Cinna gently nudges my arm and lowers his voice, "or better, ordered me to make her wear a wedding dress for the interview."
"Of course..." I roll my eyes. "You good with that?
"Oh yeah...I got a great idea for it." He says, I look into his eyes seeing determination so I don't ask more questions.
"Better get them ready to go, it's almost time." I tell him.
Cinna walks to Katniss and Peeta and I turn to check if someone else needs a hand with something or needs advice, unlikely, but never say never.
I see Mags petting a horse so I decide to go to her.
As soon as she sees me her smile grows ten times, warming my heart.
"You look very beautiful," I tell her, once we're close enough I hug her, "I'm so sorry." I whisper into her ear.
She pulls away gently, looking at me with that kind smile that always makes me feel better. She caresses my cheek with her hand, reassuringly, nodding her head to tell me that it's alright.
I nod too, taking a deep breath.
"Do you think I look presentable?" A very familiar voice says from behind me.
I look at Mags, rolling my eyes, glad I made her laugh a little.
I turn around, fully admir... noticing his naked chest and the golden fish net tied at his... oh shit.
"My eyes are up here, sweetheart." He smirks and I just turn my head away, shaking it as I try to pull myself together.
"Did your stylists finished the fabric?" I finally say, "I could've ordered some, if they told me."
"Of course," he smiles and walk closer to me, leaning down to whisper into my ear, "just between us... I'm wearing it just for you."
My head snaps to him, our faces mere inches apart. I notice his eyes looking down to my lips, I instantly put some distance walking up to district 3.
"And here I thought you would never come to say hi," Beetee waves.
"Did you lose all hope in me? And here I thought you were the smart one." I tease back.
"It's a pity seeing each other here, under these circumstances." Wiress shakes my hand.
"I know. I wish it were different..." I look down, sad and ashamed too, Beetee softly touches my arm. I look up at him noticing him mouthing something on the line of 'it's gonna be fine' so I smile at him. "Well, don't you two look great?"
I compliment them, just before the announcer warned us of the beginning.
I wave them goodbye for now and head back, watching every district ride out there.
When it's Finnick's turn he turns to me and winks at me, earning a big eye roll. When it's finally District 12 turn as they pass by I nod my head, encouraging them. I see them looking st each other and straighten their back proudly.
I walk towards the end of the parade, where they should get off the chariots and head back to the elevators, and I wait.
I look at them in the distance, taking deep breaths to calm my nerves.
All of a sudden I feel someone watching me from behind.
"You did a pretty good job, my sweetness." His voice makes me wince.
I turn around, showing the usual fake smile I show to everyone in the Capitol, pretending to be happy to see him.
"Cal... hi." I say, holding back from walking away as he nears, "what are you doing here?"
"I missed you. I didn't scare you, didn't I?" He says with a smile, that clearly shows he's proud he did.
"Of course, not. I was just thinking." I tell him sweetly.
"What about?" He ask, curious.
"Well, I have a lot to do these days and when they're back I'll have to make sure everything is organised." I tell him. "And also, taking part in the making of the Games... Plutarch asked me to write down some ideas."
This is probably the only time I'm glad I have this job, if I didn't, Cal would've kept me basically locked up, in his apartment. 'All to himself'... the thought makes me shiver.
"Would you share them with me?" He whispers.
"I can't ruin the fun, can I?" I say back.
"Aahh... you're killing me, babe." He shakes his head chuckling.
If only...
"No special treatment, Cal." I smile, feeling uneasy from the way he's looking at me.
In that moment, thankfully, I hear the parade is ending, which means everybody is about to get back.
"Such a diligent girl." He moves his hand to take mine. I let out a nervous laugh and a 'thanks', and finally, one district at a time, they're back.
I lock eyes with some of the Tributes, who noticing Cal with me, tense and give me sympathetic smile.
Then Finnick's back.
As soon as he sees me, he can't keep up the fake smile and his expression darkens.
"Well... I'm sorry, but I have to go now. I'll see you." I say, starting to turn around, but his hand grabs my arm. Rather harshly, which makes my eyes widen at that.
"We hardly see each other these days... I miss you." He looms over me, a dark look in his eyes.
"Well... uh..." I clear my throat, looking at the tributes still arriving, "I have a job to.. to do."
I see Mags and Finnick, she has a hand on his arm, to stop him from coming here.
"Good thing that when we're married you won't need to work, then." He tells me directly into my ear, "I would be able to have you any day I want."
"Wouldn't that be a dream..?" I choke out, my throat tightens. I still look at Finnick, more to check he doesn't intervenes than anything.
"There you are!" We both look at the source of the sound, Johanna.
I let out a sigh of relief as she walks closer.
"I was looking for you." She says, "they told me to ask you for the schedule."
"Yes... yes! I got it." I tell her.
Johanna pretends to notice Cal just now and extends her hand towards him.
"Oh hey there! You must be the lucky one, uh?" Johanna greets him.
Cal looks at her sceptically before shaking her hand.
"Yes, that's me."
"So nice to finally meet you, she talks about you all the time!" Johanna's (fake) cheery personality and flattery seem to work on Cal, who smiles smugly, "you don't mind if I steal her, do you?"
Before Cal could answer, she pulls me to her linking arms and walks away.
"God, he looks so annoying." She groans.
"He is... he is." I sigh, relieved.
"I thought about stepping in before Finnick over there could rip his eyes out," she teases. "So... how are the lovebirds?"
"They're completely in love." I tell her, she nods smiling knowingly.
I spot them talking with district 11 tributes, I wave at Haymitch, letting him know I'll be up in a second.
"Ugh... he still looking this way," Johanna complains getting in front of me, "is he always like this?"
"Even worse." I roll my eyes.
"Alright," she take the end of her dress in her hands showing it to me, "Plutarch told me."
I understand now what she's doing with her dress, she's pretending to show it to me, so it looks like we're talking about the dress.
"I know," I say touching the fabric, pretending to check it out, "you're sure about doing this?"
"Of course I am," she now turns to 'make me see her back', "never been more sure."
"I'm just sorry," I tell her, motioning for her to turn back around.
"No need too," she smiles, an emotionless smile, "oh he's gone.. finally."
"Thanks for saving me," I tell her.
"Anytime," she says, she turns her head towards the elevator, "well... I'll go introduce myself."
"Be nice." I tell her, she winks at me and walks away to the elevator with Katniss, Peeta and Haymitch.
I go over the last details, seeing the horses are attended to, the chariots are about to be put away, everything seems fine.
I then walk to the elevator myself, I lean against the elevator's wall as soon as I enter.
Before the doors can close, someone rushes in, I look up finding myself face to face with Finnick.
Being in a confined space with a shirtless Finnick is...
"Hi, my love."
Shit.
51 notes · View notes
lunamadhatter99 · 5 months
Text
All for The Cameras
Chapter 4
Finnick Odair x fem!reader
I would like to take a moment to thank you all for the support and love for this story. Thank you so so much. I'm not very confident so it means a lot. Thank you all❤️❤️❤️
If you're new and would like to be added to the tag list, tell me🔥
Chapter summary: a little about the making of the Games, the Reaping, and the Parade.
Chapter warnings: talking of lethal threats, Cal is has his own warning, Snow, forced marriage.
Tag list
@guacam011y @justtrying2getby @idontevenknow1359 @alexandra-001 @bambikitten @maggiecc @redh00dsbf @haneybunny @1-800-styles @sisiking99 @merromimo @yourdailymemedelivery @regsg18 @gordorio @bambikitten @gracieeleanorr @shev3nom @honethatty12 @savingprivatecass @erindiggory @martahabla @sterredem @aawdrea @wpdarlingpan @strawberry--fawn @barbarathewanderer @ih8books @a-mysterious-potato @mayonesavegana @celinaiscrying
I don't know why I can't tag some people, I'm sorry 😞
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I take a huge gulp of wine as I sit in Plutarch's living room.
He did convince Snow to make me his personal assistant for this Quarter Quell, Plutarch told him it's a perfect way to show my "participation". Although I hate to keep up such a facade, I love that I can use it as an excuse to not stay, nor spend any time with Cal.
"Careful with that," Plutarch comes back into the room with his own glass, "we need you lucid for this."
"Trust me, I built a strong resistance to alcohol... no amount would help endure this shit anyway..." I mutter, looking at my fucking ring.
"You spent too much time with Abernathy, I'm afraid," he comments, he's not judging, no, he's probably just teasing.
"Or not enough," I tease back, he smirks amused by my answer.
He then suddenly turns the TV on, on display my answer to Cal's proposal.
I groan as I see that.
"I gotta say, that was smart," he compliments me, referring to the kiss.
"Could you turn it off? One fucking time was enough, thank you." I tell him.
"Not telling you about the Quartel Quell was smart too," he throws this out like nothing, my head snaps towards him.
"You little... that's why..." I start, but his proud stance stops me, "fine... smart thinking on your part too, okay."
"Thank you very much," he does a little bow before turning serious, "I'm sure now you can know more." He declares.
"Really?" I ask, I really want to know more and help, but at the same time I don't want to risk everyone.
"Yes, miss L/n. But... you have to know this, all this, will require a lot from you. From all of us, actually. So just know... you can still change your mind and no one will hold it against you." He explains, I can feel he is sincere, I know I can trust him.
I take a deep breath, this is a good chance to actually change things here... I won't pass this opportunity.
"Anything." I say and he smiles.
"Alright, our primarily goal is to get Katniss out." He starts and I nod, of course she would be the face of the revolution, "every Victor involved knows that,"
"Did you warn them? The ones involved?" I ask.
"Didn't have the chance... not everyone... I also need you to start thinking that not everyone will see this revolution starts." He says bitterly.
"I..." I don't know what to say, so I try to reason it, "yeah... of course... if not all of them know... the others would just want to survive, as always."
"Reasoning won't help you much this time," he says and he uses the remote to change the scene on the screen.
The reaping ceremony of each district.
"Cashmere and Gloss... God... they're brother and sister.."
"It never stopped the Capitol before. It just adds up to the drama." Plutarch sighs.
"I know," I sigh as the next district's reaping starts, "it may sounds cliché, but Enobaria is actually a sweet person... when you get past the teeth," I try to chuckle to ease my tension. Yeah... I might not see some of them after...
"Please tell me you were smart enough to recruit Beetee," I look at Plutarch who nods confidently.
"Oh..."
"This is where I wanted you," he says softly.
"Finnick... yeah... I... it makes sense..." I say as I see him walking up the stage.
"You need to..."
He doesn't have the time to finish his sentence before I let out a big gasp.
"Mags volunteered..." I whisper, "she... she can't... they can't... not them both... oh c'mon..."
"I'm sorry. When the time comes we will do our best to take everyone to safety, but..." he explains.
"But you can't control what happens in the arena..." I mutter, "not without raising suspects. I know."
I hear him sigh and walking closer to me, offering a comforting hand on my shoulder, I nod and we go on watching the reaping.
Johanna of course... I know she has all the skills to protect herself in there, but she's still my friend and I can't not worry. Especially knowing she has nothing left to lose.
Finally we get to 12 and of course Katniss, being the only living female victor, she's reaped.
Time for the male.
Haymitch's name is said, and for a split moment my heart breaks, but Peeta is quick to volunteer for him. I see Katniss shocked and terrified expression and I know she asked Haymitch to volunteer in his place if the roles were reverse.
"That was rigged... wasn't it?" I ask.
"Exactly, we need Haymitch here and..." he motion for me to go on.
"She needs Peeta there," I say earning a proud nod from him, "she just doesn't know it."
There's a moment of silence, where I take a second to recollect myself and take a sip of wine.
"Now," he claps his hands, "to make your participation more believable... you need to write down 2 ideas for the arena."
"What?" I ask, "I thought the arena was already decided."
"The arena yes... not the threats inside." He says.
"What do you mean?" I'm actually confused right now.
"This year arena is... quite special," he starts explaining, showing the concept on the screen, "it's divided in sections, like this, each section hosts a threat. Like these: acid fog, monkeys, this big wave... And so on."
"Acid fog? Isn't it a little too much?" I ask getting nervous for my friends.
"I told you it's gonna be hard," he gives me a sympathetic smile, "and we need your suggestions to be... authentic. It has to look like you're actually putting an effort."
I sigh, bouncing my leg.
I need to think of something that's horrifying, but safe at the same time.
They're all there... all my friends are there. The only family I've ever known since... I shake my head and drink more wine.
"Okay. Yeah... I get it." I nod, "when do you need it?"
"Tomorrow." He answers, "I have faith you can do it and... you can say you're busy working for me." He winks at me with a reassuring smile.
"That's the only good thing," I let out a humourless laugh and take one last gulp of wine before standing up. "Then I should get going. Thank you, Mr Heavensbee."
I walk towards the exit when Plutarch's voice stops me.
"One more thing," he calls and I turn my head, "even though you'll try and think of the least lethal threat... they might kill someone anyway. Keep that in mind."
I nod and walk out.
----------------
As I enter my apartment I instantly smell flowers... lots of them.
I look around and I see, probably, more than 10 bouquets of flowers.
"Oh god..." I sigh, defeated. I look at some of them, noticing most are from "admirers" congratulating me for my engagement.
But there are three that catch my eyes more than the others.
One, huge, bouquet is made by all sort of flowers, I don't think I've ever seen such variety of flowers in the first place. I look at the card... I groan, it's from Cal.
"My love, everyday I count the days that separate us from being finally together.
I can't wait for you to be mine.
Properly mine.
Enjoy your job, my sweetness, and happy Hunger Games!
Love,
Cal Kingslay. "
I throw the whole bouquet with the rest, and just look at the other. It's simple and small, my favourite flowers and a few seashells here and there, the thing holding the bouquet it's not paper... it's fish nets... Finnick. I unconsciously smile as I take the card.
"I wanT to congRatUlate you, my SweeT girl!
TheY tOld me the news jUst now! Miss L/n, You shouLd've tOld me, I've neVer beEn so happy!
Congratulations!
Dario."
He signs each letters, making it look like it was ink fallen from the pen... smart.
"I trust you, my love"
He even signed it with an anagram of his name. I let out a laugh at that and move to the last bouquet.
Even smaller then Finnick's, a few green leaves are like a frame for the one, white rose.
I shakily take the card in my hand.
"Congratulations on your engagement, my dear. I look forward to see what you'll come up with for our Games.
I'm sure one day you'll make a fine Gamemaker."
There's no sign, not that he needed to...
"Gamemaker... yeah... sure." I scoff.
I go to the kitchen to get myself some wine. As I'm about to pour a glass, I look at the bottle and just... take it all with me to my room.
I sit on the desk in my room and, as I take some gulps from the bottle, I try to come up with some ideas.
Plutarch mentioned a few potentially lethal threat already, I mean... acid fog, deadly monkeys, that I'm sure will be modified.
What to do, what to do...
Other animals maybe, but a non lethal one... something that creates a hassle, but not death.
Bugs?
I shake my head, no, they would make it poisonous no matter what my suggestion is.
Something else, something else.
Jabberjays. Yes!
I write down my idea and take the bottle to take a big gulp, but the bottle slips from my grasp and falls on the desk spilling the liquid all over the desk and the pavement.
"Shit!"
I manage to safe the paper I was writing on and I immediately go take a towel to wipe the wine off.
As I kneel down cleaning the liquid, I find myself staring at the little drops of wine falling from the desk to the floor.
The dark liquid looks a lot like... blood.
Blood rain.
-------------
I walk nervously behind Plutarch, he just told me Snow wanted to hear my ideas himself, so now, as I'm walking I clench my fists nervously.
"You couldn't have told me sooner?" I ask him.
"He didn't ask me sooner," Plutarch answers as we finally stand out of Snow's office, "you wrote it?"
"Of course," I slightly scoff at his answer.
"Then take a deep breath and... show time," Plutarch smiles and knock on the door.
"Come in," Snow's voice gives us permission to enter.
"President," Plutarch greets him.
"Good morning, sir," I say, putting up the best 'diligent student' appearance.
"Good morning, Mr Heavensbee," he nods towards Plutarch and then turns to me, "and what a pleasure, miss L/n."
"You said you wanted to hear her ideas for the arena, right?" Plutarch starts.
"Oh, of course!" Snow's suddenly happy, as if he's about to hear a good story, "tell me, my dear girl, what did you think of?"
If it were a different universe this could've seemed a sweet exchange. The old "mentor" interested in his protégé ideas...
"When Plutarch showed me the arena and the already existing threats, I have to admit I was intrigued," I start and I see, from the corner of my eyes Plutarch smiling proudly, "but at the same time, I was a little bored." I say and that earned a surprised 'oh?' from Snow, "I mean... from those you either die or survive... so I thought of something more psychological."
"Oh, now that's interesting, my dear, please go on." Snow is pleased so far.
"I thought of a section of the arena where... uh..." I pretend to stutter for a second, to give him the impression that I'm nervous because I care for his opinion.
"Don't be shy, I'm open to all suggestions,"
"I thought of a blood rain... sir." I say.
I see him pondering the idea, then a smile creeps it's way on his face, it makes me sick.
"I like it," he finally says looking at Plutarch, "she's smart, isn't she?"
"Very smart, sir." Plutarch agrees.
"I'm even more curious to hear the other idea, please don't leave me hanging," Snow's 'sweet' tone almost freezes me to the spot, but I swallow hard and just ignore this feeling.
"Jabberjays." Is all I say.
He looks a little taken aback, and motion for me to elaborate.
"I thought about using Jabberjays that imitate the screams of people the tributes know." I say, pretending to feel unsure of my idea, "maybe create a sort of an invisible wall that prevents them from escaping if they finds the birds."
Snow looks at me, considering me for a moment, then he smiles, that sick smile once again.
"You were right in recruiting her, Mr Heavensbee. Good thinking, miss L/n, very good thinking." He compliments Plutarch and me.
"Thank you, sir." I smile.
"No, thank you," he says, "now, one more thing before I dismiss you."
I nod and stay put, even though I was ready to run, or better walk very fast, out of here.
"This role of assistant Gamemaker won't exonerate you from your duty to assist the mentors," he tells me.
"I wouldn't dream of it, sir, I've always taken my role very seriously," I tell him, faking pride as I speak.
"I know, my dear." He smiles, almost as if he knows I wasn't exactly fond of it, "we were supposed to randomly assign you to one district, like every year, but we thought to just let you stick to 12. Apparently the Capitol's people loved your... friendship with the two victors." He says the word 'friendship' with a not so convinced tone, almost repulsed.
"Of course, sir." I nod my head, eager to just get out of here.
"But," he adds, probably keeping me longer to see when I'll crumble, I look briefly at Plutarch who keeps his confidence stance, "you'll be assisting all of the districts." I look at him confused and he continues, "I mean, you'll be present during the training sessions and will help."
"Oh, yes, sir, of course." I nod again.
"That's all." He claps his hands, satisfied, "the tributes arrive today so... better be there to welcome them home."
'Home'...
"I'm going right now, sir." I promptly tell him, he smiles and motions me to go and to Plutarch to stay.
"Send my regards to Cal Kingslay when you see him," I hear him say as I walk out, not bothering to answer him I just go straight to the tributes living centre.
--------------
I enter the building and see Haymitch, Effie, Katniss and Peeta arriving.
"Well, well, well, aren't you lot a sight for sore eyes?" I say once I'm close enough to pull Peeta into a hug.
"Oh! We got the Princess this year too, uh? The president is spoiling us," Haymitch jokes ans I roll my eyes as I hug Katniss.
"Rather spoiling me," I greet Effie too, in the perfect 'Capitol style', "lots of opportunities."
"I figured," Haymitch says wrapping his arms around me.
"Now," I say holding my arms open, theatrically, "let's take you to your apartments."
I start walking towards the elevator, heading to the attic, again.
------------
Once inside we start to have lunch, the atmosphere is quite tense before Effie breaks the silence.
"All right," she starts, clearing her throat, "before we begin, I've had a thought."
"You don't say?" Haymitch jokes, unimpressed.
"Be nice," I tell him, throwing a balled-up napkin at him.
"Katniss has her gold Mockingjay pin. I have my hair. I'm going to get you three something gold." She declares, as if it were something obvious.
Haymitch looks at both me and Peeta, confused, before asking why.
"A token." Effie explains, "Show them we are a team. And they can't just..." she starts getting emotional and Katniss takes her hands.
"Thank you." She tells her, meaning it.
Effie might be too theatrical sometimes, but she's so much more than that, I'm grateful I got to know this side of her. I take her hand too.
"That's really sweet, Effie." I smile at her, "and... thank you for including me."
I notice both Peeta and Katniss sharing a look as if I said something unbelievable, but I ignore it.
Not the time.
"Now..." Effie composes herself, "everything will be different, because it's a Quarter Quell. The Capitol has spared no expense. A new training centre. New Tribute living quarters. And of course, a very special arena."
I tense at that, I took part in that...
"But this year you'll be facing other Victors." I step in, " all Capitol favourites. Smart, cunning, skilled... angry. And they all know one another. You two are the outsiders."
" I want you guys to forget everything you think you know about the Games. Last year was child's play." Haymitch starts explaining, he's the best to mentor them about a Quarter Quell, "this year, you're dealing with all experienced killers."
"All right," Peeta speaks up, "what does it mean for us?"
"Allies." I tell him, "you'll be needing allies."
"Okay. I think that if..." Peeta's reply is quickly interrupted.
"You're not the problem." I say and, I don't have to say anything more, Haymitch is already pointing at Katniss.
"No." She sternly says.
"A little help, Haymitch?" I ask him.
"Look, you're starting at a disadvantage. Most of these people have been friends for years."
"That just puts us higher on their killing list." She replies, annoyed.
I roll my eyes, she needs to do her part.
"Do it your own way, but I know these people. You go it alone, their first move is gonna be to hunt you down." Haymitch keeps explaining, patiently, "both of you."
"Katniss, come on," Peeta's sweet tone seems to convince her... a tiny bit.
She sighs deeply, which usually mean she's gonna listen, even though she doesn't agree.
"How could any of us even trust each other?" She then asks.
"It's not about trust. It's about staying alive," he states.
Peeta and Katniss look at each other and finally Katniss nod her head.
"Great!" I cheer, "time for some brainstorming, shall we?" And I stand up walking to the living room.
They soon follow and Haymitch turns the TV on, so they can see who the other Victors are, and who might seem like a good ally.
"Cashmere and Gloss. Brother and sister. District one. They one back-to-back Games. Capitol favourites. Lots of sponsors." He shows them the siblings.
"They will be lethal." I add and Haymitch nods, strongly agreeing.
"And the other half of the Career Pack, Brutus and Enobaria."
"What's with her teeth?" Of course, Katniss asks about the teeth.
"She... well... she had them filed into fangs..." I respond, "so she could... rip people's throat out better."
"She's committed. I'll give her that." Peeta comments, I can sense some tension in him... which is very understandable.
"Wiress and Beetee," Haymitch keeps on presenting the tributes, "not fighters, but brilliant."
"Very brilliant," I agree.
"And weird." He adds, earning a glare from me, "real texh-savvy. He won his Games by electrocuting six tributes at once." He changes the scene again, "the Morphlings. Masters of camouflage. Basically, won their Games by hiding until everyone was dead. Self-medicating ever since. Which I applaud. Not a threat."
We arrive at District 4 reaping.
"Finnick Odair, right?" Katniss asks.
Haymitch looks at me, silently telling me to explain this one myself, there's a hint of a smirk on his face that makes me roll my eyes for, what feels like, the millionth time today.
"Yep. The one and only." I starts, "he won his Games at 14. He's the youngest Victor ever... of course modesty is his peculiarity." I joke.
"You're kidding."
"Kinda," I chuckle, "he's very confident. Very. But... he's the Capitol's darling. They all love him here." Unfortunately, I want to add. "He's smart, he's skilled at combat, especially... especially in water."
"What about weaknesses?" Peeta asks, interested.
"Only one..." I sigh, deeply, "Mags. She... she volunteer for Annie. Mags was his mentor, the year that I was assigned to 4, she raised him, basically. He will try to protect her, even though it would expose him."
"A guy like that has to know she's not gonna make it," Katniss shakes her head, unconvinced, Haymitch looks at me knowingly, "I bet when it really comes down to it, he won't protect her."
I really want to hit her right now, but I know it's not her fault, she thinks this because it's what the Capitol wanted everyone else to think. That's what he had to pretend to be.
"Well... she's an amazing woman, Katniss, I... I just hope that... if... w-when she goes, she goes quickly." I stutter out. It took everything in me to say that... I want to hope we will rescue everyone before that happens... I really do.
I space out as Haymitch goes on explaining and introducing the other tributes.
I can feel his eyes on me every now and then, but I stopped pay attention minutes ago now.
Mags is the mother I never had... if there is one person who deserves to see a free Panem, it's her.
---------‐---
I was walking on the train heading to the restaurant car where I found an old lady sitting there, drinking a cup of tea.
"Hi..." I shyly said.
"Oh hello, dear." She greeted me with such a kind smile, I felt so much better and less nervous.
"I'm... I'm Y/n." I started to introduce myself, but her hand gently taking mine stopped me.
"I know, dear. I'm Mags." Another kind smile, "you're here to assist me, right?"
"Yeah." My hands were getting sweaty... I was so nervous.
"Hey, no need to worry about it. We can do it." She reassured me.
"I hope so..." I muttered under my breath.
She sighed and offer a seat to me, I took it and stared at the cups on the table.
"I watched you last year," her voice was soft as she spoke, "you were assigned to... what district?"
"5"
"But you were helping the little one from 11, right?" She asked.
I snapped my head to her, eyes wide open.
"Please, don't worry about it. I never told anyone." She assured me, handing me a warm cup, "I just meant that I saw you're not like the rest of them, my dear. You care."
"My tributes didn't want to listen, they were older than me and thought I was just a spy... which is understandable." I sadly kept my head low. "That boy from 11 was my age and... he was having trouble with some essential survival techniques."
"He got pretty far thanks to those." She tried to make me feel better.
"Not far enough," I bitterly replied.
"I'm sorry." I let her take my hand again, "it's not a consolation, I know, trust me, but... I have a feeling we can do it."
"They won't trust me," I told her, referring to the tributes from 4.
"Not at first... and most likely not the girl... but the boy, he seems to be more open to suggestions." She explained.
"I'm not sure he would accept suggestions from me."
"He's a smart one. Same age as you. Just be yourself and he will trust you." She smiled.
I considered her for a moment before nodding. Hope growing a little more.
The door of the car opening had my head turning immediately.
"My dear Y/n," Mags stood up and walked towards the boy entering, "this is Finnick Odair. Finnick, this is Y/n."
--------------
"Are you okay?" Haymitch's voice snaps me out of my thoughts.
"Uh? Yeah... yeah, sorry, I zoned out." I apologise.
"I noticed." He sits with me.
"Where are they?" I ask, noticing no one else was in sight.
"Getting ready for the parade." He answers.
"Right... I better get going too. I have to check everyone is ready..." I tiredly sigh as I stand up, but Haymitch softly pulls me back down.
"If you take a few minutes it won't be a tragedy." He tells me, "what's going on in that head of yours?"
"Nothing... I just started to think about Mags." I whisper, afraid someone might hear.
"Plutarch gave you the speech?" He asks and I nod, "I'm really sorry, Y/n."
"It's okay... I mean, it's not, but I think it was inevitable... she would've never let anyone else go, not if she had any say in it." I tell him, "she's strong." I see him starting to speak but I beat him to it, "I know better than to keep my hopes up, trust me, I know."
He just sighs and wrap one reassuring arms around my shoulder.
"I really better get going now, gotta check on those outfits." I stand up.
"You do that, sweetheart." Haymitch smiles at me and I walk to the elevator.
--------------
I walk out of the elevator heading to where the parade is about to begin and I instantly loom for someone.
I spot immediately Peeta talking to Cinna, who's probably refining last minutes details.
"Hello." I greet once I'm close enough, Cinna turns around giving me a small smile and a hug. "You look good, mr Mellark."
"Only with his help it's possible." Peeta, humble as usual, replies pointing at Cinna.
"I'm not a magician, I can make people look good if they're worthy." Cinna shakes his head, waving off the compliment.
"I couldn't agree more." I sigh, "so, are you lot ready? Where's Katniss?"
"She's should be here soon, her dress is a little more complicated than Peeta's." Cinna answers, "and, since you're here, I was thinking about them not doing anything out there."
"What do you mean?" I ask.
"I mean, no waving, no smiling, nothing of sort. Act like they're above them. What do you think?" He explains, genuinely interested in my opinion.
"I think it's perfect." I smile and he return it.
"Oh, there she is." Peeta points behind us, I turn seeing Katniss talking to Finnick, who's a lot close. I hope he's not putting up his flirting persona, I don't think Katniss would trust him so easily then.
Peeta excuses himself to join her, just as Finnick walks away... spotting me.
"Snow asked..." Cinna gently nudges my arm and lowers his voice, "or better, ordered me to make her wear a wedding dress for the interview."
"Of course..." I roll my eyes. "You good with that?
"Oh yeah...I got a great idea for it." He says, I look into his eyes seeing determination so I don't ask more questions.
"Better get them ready to go, it's almost time." I tell him.
Cinna walks to Katniss and Peeta and I turn to check if someone else needs a hand with something or needs advice, unlikely, but never say never.
I see Mags petting a horse so I decide to go to her.
As soon as she sees me her smile grows ten times, warming my heart.
"You look very beautiful," I tell her, once we're close enough I hug her, "I'm so sorry." I whisper into her ear.
She pulls away gently, looking at me with that kind smile that always makes me feel better. She caresses my cheek with her hand, reassuringly, nodding her head to tell me that it's alright.
I nod too, taking a deep breath.
"Do you think I look presentable?" A very familiar voice says from behind me.
I look at Mags, rolling my eyes, glad I made her laugh a little.
I turn around, fully admir... noticing his naked chest and the golden fish net tied at his... oh shit.
"My eyes are up here, sweetheart." He smirks and I just turn my head away, shaking it as I try to pull myself together.
"Did your stylists finished the fabric?" I finally say, "I could've ordered some, if they told me."
"Of course," he smiles and walk closer to me, leaning down to whisper into my ear, "just between us... I'm wearing it just for you."
My head snaps to him, our faces mere inches apart. I notice his eyes looking down to my lips, I instantly put some distance walking up to district 3.
"And here I thought you would never come to say hi," Beetee waves.
"Did you lose all hope in me? And here I thought you were the smart one." I tease back.
"It's a pity seeing each other here, under these circumstances." Wiress shakes my hand.
"I know. I wish it were different..." I look down, sad and ashamed too, Beetee softly touches my arm. I look up at him noticing him mouthing something on the line of 'it's gonna be fine' so I smile at him. "Well, don't you two look great?"
I compliment them, just before the announcer warned us of the beginning.
I wave them goodbye for now and head back, watching every district ride out there.
When it's Finnick's turn he turns to me and winks at me, earning a big eye roll. When it's finally District 12 turn as they pass by I nod my head, encouraging them. I see them looking st each other and straighten their back proudly.
I walk towards the end of the parade, where they should get off the chariots and head back to the elevators, and I wait.
I look at them in the distance, taking deep breaths to calm my nerves.
All of a sudden I feel someone watching me from behind.
"You did a pretty good job, my sweetness." His voice makes me wince.
I turn around, showing the usual fake smile I show to everyone in the Capitol, pretending to be happy to see him.
"Cal... hi." I say, holding back from walking away as he nears, "what are you doing here?"
"I missed you. I didn't scare you, didn't I?" He says with a smile, that clearly shows he's proud he did.
"Of course, not. I was just thinking." I tell him sweetly.
"What about?" He ask, curious.
"Well, I have a lot to do these days and when they're back I'll have to make sure everything is organised." I tell him. "And also, taking part in the making of the Games... Plutarch asked me to write down some ideas."
This is probably the only time I'm glad I have this job, if I didn't, Cal would've kept me basically locked up, in his apartment. 'All to himself'... the thought makes me shiver.
"Would you share them with me?" He whispers.
"I can't ruin the fun, can I?" I say back.
"Aahh... you're killing me, babe." He shakes his head chuckling.
If only...
"No special treatment, Cal." I smile, feeling uneasy from the way he's looking at me.
In that moment, thankfully, I hear the parade is ending, which means everybody is about to get back.
"Such a diligent girl." He moves his hand to take mine. I let out a nervous laugh and a 'thanks', and finally, one district at a time, they're back.
I lock eyes with some of the Tributes, who noticing Cal with me, tense and give me sympathetic smile.
Then Finnick's back.
As soon as he sees me, he can't keep up the fake smile and his expression darkens.
"Well... I'm sorry, but I have to go now. I'll see you." I say, starting to turn around, but his hand grabs my arm. Rather harshly, which makes my eyes widen at that.
"We hardly see each other these days... I miss you." He looms over me, a dark look in his eyes.
"Well... uh..." I clear my throat, looking at the tributes still arriving, "I have a job to.. to do."
I see Mags and Finnick, she has a hand on his arm, to stop him from coming here.
"Good thing that when we're married you won't need to work, then." He tells me directly into my ear, "I would be able to have you any day I want."
"Wouldn't that be a dream..?" I choke out, my throat tightens. I still look at Finnick, more to check he doesn't intervenes than anything.
"There you are!" We both look at the source of the sound, Johanna.
I let out a sigh of relief as she walks closer.
"I was looking for you." She says, "they told me to ask you for the schedule."
"Yes... yes! I got it." I tell her.
Johanna pretends to notice Cal just now and extends her hand towards him.
"Oh hey there! You must be the lucky one, uh?" Johanna greets him.
Cal looks at her sceptically before shaking her hand.
"Yes, that's me."
"So nice to finally meet you, she talks about you all the time!" Johanna's (fake) cheery personality and flattery seem to work on Cal, who smiles smugly, "you don't mind if I steal her, do you?"
Before Cal could answer, she pulls me to her linking arms and walks away.
"God, he looks so annoying." She groans.
"He is... he is." I sigh, relieved.
"I thought about stepping in before Finnick over there could rip his eyes out," she teases. "So... how are the lovebirds?"
"They're completely in love." I tell her, she nods smiling knowingly.
I spot them talking with district 11 tributes, I wave at Haymitch, letting him know I'll be up in a second.
"Ugh... he still looking this way," Johanna complains getting in front of me, "is he always like this?"
"Even worse." I roll my eyes.
"Alright," she take the end of her dress in her hands showing it to me, "Plutarch told me."
I understand now what she's doing with her dress, she's pretending to show it to me, so it looks like we're talking about the dress.
"I know," I say touching the fabric, pretending to check it out, "you're sure about doing this?"
"Of course I am," she now turns to 'make me see her back', "never been more sure."
"I'm just sorry," I tell her, motioning for her to turn back around.
"No need too," she smiles, an emotionless smile, "oh he's gone.. finally."
"Thanks for saving me," I tell her.
"Anytime," she says, she turns her head towards the elevator, "well... I'll go introduce myself."
"Be nice." I tell her, she winks at me and walks away to the elevator with Katniss, Peeta and Haymitch.
I go over the last details, seeing the horses are attended to, the chariots are about to be put away, everything seems fine.
I then walk to the elevator myself, I lean against the elevator's wall as soon as I enter.
Before the doors can close, someone rushes in, I look up finding myself face to face with Finnick.
Being in a confined space with a shirtless Finnick is...
"Hi, my love."
Shit.
54 notes · View notes
flimflamfandom · 5 months
Text
The Love song of Rocky Rickaby
A Vignette, wherein Rocky meets a girl. (Specifically Ari from @ladybugkisses )
WARNING for corny poetry and slightly sad Rocky.
-
"Calvin? Caaaaaaaalviiiiiin? Freckle? Cal? Freck? Mr. McMurray? Sideburns McBigEye-" Rocky's incessant knocking on the door of the apartment was answered by a slightly annoyed looking Calvin.
"Aye?"
"Calvin!" Rocky gripped his shoudlers. "I need your help - I met a girl!"
Calvin rolled his eyes. Third one this month, he thought.
"...What do you want Me for, then?" Calvin asked.
Rocky let himself into Calvin's new apartment. "You're a fanciful writer type, right, Calvin?"
"Well, I mean, I've...written before, but-"
"Perfect!" Rocky sat down by the typewriter and looked over. "I need your help writing to her."
"...this is rich," Calvin rolled his eyes, walking over. "You're the one who makes poems, aren't you?"
"Oh, sure, sure, but those are about...places, and things! But you...I've seen your letters to Ivy!"
"You've WHA-"
"And I know you're an incredibly romantic man! Please, Calvin, this time it's different, I know I need to woo her with romance instead of my usual rogueish charms! Pleas, I BEG OF YO-"
"Fine."
"Fine?"
"Fine." Calvin sat down at the typewriter. Rocky was a bit...fast and loose with women. Never a creep, never unclear about his intentions, but always a one night sort of man - Calvin figured this would be no different.
"Oh, thank you! How will I ever repay you?"
"Don't...don't worry about it." Calvin quickly hid some papers on his desk. "So, this girl...what's she like?"
"...uhm..." Rocky blinked. He sat down for a moment. "I...well, she...uhm..."
Calvin blinked a few times. "...go on?"
"...she's...a lady...and...has...fur?"
Calvin stared for a moment. "You're sure you met her? Because it doesn't sound that way."
"I know, I know, I just...she's hard to describe! You can't always have words for Ivy, can you?"
"I could tell you what color her fur is."
"Oh, good, Zib and I have a disagreement about this, is it gray or-"
"Rocky. The love...letter? Poem? Song?"
"Poem! That I can turn into a song~!" Rocky winked and nudged his brother, then went back to looking a bit...afraid of something. He sighed. Calvin cocked his head to one side.
"Rocky...you need to help me here if I'm going to write something." Calvin stood, and walked towards the kitchen. He started to get some tea going, and looked over. "Now, tell me the very basics."
"Red fur." Rocky said. "Sort of. And these big eyes, I...I couldn't guess the color. And she had such a cute dress, and-" He blinked. "I...well. I, uh...I'm sure you get the idea. right?"
"Tell me about how she is." Calvin came back, waiting for the kettle to whistle. He sat by the typewriter, and began to take notes.
"...how?"
"Aye, how. Who. What. She's not just fur and eyes, is she?"
"No, no, of course not!" Rocky said. "She was...kind. And nice. And she was...well when she looked at me, she smiled. I nearly ran her over coming out of the café, and we didn't see each other long, but-" Rocky cleared his throat. "...is this...enough to go off of?"
"...Rocky, I think you might be more intimidated by her than in love."
"What? You're crazy! Bonkers! Wacko! Insane! I'd never be scared of someone so....so..." Rocky fought for a word, but didn't find it. Calvin nodded.
"You're clearly at least a little nervous about this. That's normal! A lot's on the line, and all." Calvin said.
"Oh, I know, but...this is just a girl. Really, all it is! And while I'm, infatuated now, and in need of your expertise, I'm sure it'll wear off eventually, as is so oft the case in this modern age!" Rocky winked, with a sense of denial that was painfully obvious to Calvin.
Calvin merely rolled his eyes.
"Rocky, if you're just attracted to her, then go ahead and ask her yerself, you don't need a love poem for this sort of thing, let alone a song."
"You're right." Rocky said. "I mean, so what if she was pretty? There's pretty girls! All over the place! Sure, I mean, none has ever made me...want to settle in, but-"
There was a pause.
"I mena really, what was I thinking? A love letter? Why, all i need to do here is find a good night with her! I would LOATHE the idea of...of waking up to her in the morning, and-" Rocky's ears drooped, "and...nestling into her as she slept." Rocky sighed. "I've never, EVER felt any affection like that - why start now? Why now turn from my lustful ways to wanting to hold her in my arms as she looks into my eyes, and...and to see, to really see what she's thinking?" His tail drooped. "And honestly, I doubt there's any woman on the face of the EARTH who could make me want to keep her safe...to kill for her, to die for her, but also to live for her, and to see things and learn things and love things I've never...loved before...oh, god, Calvin, I-" Rocky tearfully looked over to Calvin, who was hastily scribbling things down. Rocky spoke, through a choked voice.
"I'm...I've never been in love...that must be why I couldn't think of anything to..."
Calvin looked up, and smiled. "It hits you late, aye?"
"Sure, sure...did...did you get anything from that?"
"...I caught a bit." Calvin handed him something. "You can make changes if you'd like."
"...Aces."
-
It was late at night, in an apartment building in St. Louis. And a girl heard something against her window. It sounded like a pebble...annoyed, she looked out, and saw-
"...Rocky, right?" She asked. The two had talked a while, outside the café. She remembered his name. His colossal eyes, his soft smile...
He was just standing there. He cleared his throat, and took out a piece of paper. He'd foregone the song bit...but what is a poem but a song?
"...as..." Rocky cleared his throat, "As a shearwater over the sea, I too have been to many shores...but as the noble bird does, so to have I chosen one to rest on evermore."
He was different than he normally was - shaky, and nervous. He'd never tried to be this...sincere before, about ANYthing.
"Indeed, as astronomers plot the stars, my gaze has laid on many lights, but-" He sputtered, "but...as if transfixed by a celestial glow, only one star remains in my...ehm...mind? No, that doesn't rhyme, I-"
"Sights."
"Sights?" Rocky looked up at the girl. She was smiling.
"You meant to say sights. Rhymes with lights?"
Rocky smiled, too. He looked up, and perked his ears, throwing the page away. "I cannot tell a lie to you, I've had my share of loving guests, but none so lovely as you, who makes me want to build a-"
"Nest?"
"Is it that predictable?" Rocky knew he shouldn't have asked Calvin - good a writer as he was, he was no poet - but the girl let out a chuckle.
"It's a sentiment a girl hears a lot, you know." She said, which caused Rocky's ears to droop, and his tail to flatten.
"But...I mean it, I promise I do, I-"
"I know." She said.
"...you do?" Rocky held his hat nervously in his hands. The girl nodded.
"If someone is coming by to read odes to me at night, they aren't doing it because they want a quick date...or because they're afraid to be embarrassed." Rocky did feel a few extra eyes on him...including one particularly angry eye.
How was HE supposed to know she lived right next to Viktor!?
"I...I ought to come up there, then? Just so I, ehm...don't anger the neighbors." Rocky, for the first time in a long time,w as genuinely nervous - worried about his odds, and contemplating what he might do if he lost.
The girl spoke.
"Come in...but no funny business."
"Of course!" Rocky rushed up the fire escape.
He smiled all the way up.
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geekywritings · 1 year
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The stories that scars can tell
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You guys are incredible! Just as I am working through last week’s requests, there are already new ones in my inbox. Thank you again for all your inspiration and encouragement. And of course, all requests will get a story!
But first, here is another one from last week: “You icon, it’s your fav anon again hehehe. So you are the best place to req for Cal so here’s another one 🤭 Cal x reader who has scars and he accidentally psychometry on one and he learns about her traumatic past and the comfort is reallll???”
_________
Cal had always been an early riser, while you preferred to stay in bed just that little bit longer. Now, after you had got together, the Jedi began to lounge in the mornings as well, enjoying that extra bit of time by your side.
He would busy himself studying your face or just closing his eyes to enjoy the feel of your warm body against his until you woke up. It was like a new form of meditation that offered him more calmness and happiness than he had ever thought possible.
This morning however was going to be different. You were still asleep, your nude body cuddled into Cal’s, as he drew lazy circles over your back. He could feel the traces of old scars there, some more faded than others. You were both fighters in this war, so your bodies were bound to carry the marks, but many of yours were older.
You had never spoken of their origin and Cal had never asked, knowing well that some things were better left to rest in the past. Still, sometimes he couldn’t help but wonder what your life had been like before meeting him. Before the rebellion. Before the fall of the Republic.
And just like that, his special Force power activated against his will, as his finger glided over a particularly long scar going from your shoulder down your back.
He found himself in a dark world of metal and strobe lights. Nar Shadaa? Corellia? It was hard to tell. Besides, something else quickly drew his attention. The agonizing screams of a girl, maybe 13 or 14 years old, as she knelt in a puddle of spilled drinks on the ground, shattered glass all around her. It was you, he realized. A younger version of you, to be exact.
“I told you to be more careful!” a tall man behind you yelled, as he hit you repeatedly with his belt. “You are the most useless slave ever! I should just sell you! It would be good riddance!”
Cal’s entire body was shaking with anger and disgust. And instantly, he forced himself to pull away from the vision. As much as he would have liked, he couldn’t pull his lightsaber at the man. An echo was just that, a replay of past events with no way to change them.
“What did you see?”
Your soft voice drew him back into the present and guilt filled him, as if he had invaded your privacy.
“I know that look on your face. You had one of those Force visions.” He had tried explaining them to you and while you could never fully grasp how they worked, you had come to know when they happened.
“I am sorry, Y/N… I didn’t mean to…”, he began, the guilt carrying in his voice.
“It’s alright. I know you can’t always control it… What did you see?”, you ended up repeating your question.
“I saw you being beaten… over spilled drinks.”
“Yes, my Master did that quite often.”
“You… were a slave?”, Cal asked hesitantly and you nodded. It wasn’t something you liked talking about, but it was no secret either. And especially the man you loved deserved to know.
“But slavery was forbidden…”
“The Republic didn’t have its eyes everywhere, Cal. And it wasn’t perfect. It tolerated more bad things than you and I can imagine…”, you spoke, adjusting your position, so that you could look at Cal better. “But the Empire is even worse.”, you tacked on, explaining why you were fighting for a Republic that had let you suffer.
“I never knew… I was so blind to a lot of things…” It was something the Jedi learned anew every day. How sheltered his life at the Temple had been. How much the war had covered. How many problems had been left unchecked because there was nobody to take care of them.
“We have the chance to make things better. That’s why we fight, right?” It was the reason you fought, at least.
Instead of answering, Cal pulled you into his arms, holding you close and burying his face in your hair. “I won’t let anyone treat you like that again. I promise.”, he whispered to you and you smiled, a hand gently playing with the hair on the nape of his neck. “We will make things better.”, he added on a vow. “For us. For everyone.”
You had no idea how you would manage that. You were but a handful of rebels against the might of an Empire. But right then, it didn’t matter. All that mattered were Cal’s arms around you, making you feel safe, protected and loved.
“We will, Cal. But for now, just kiss me.” And he gladly did.
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diazsdimples · 4 months
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WIP Wednesday!
Tagged by @wildlife4life @jesuisici33 @exhuastedpigeon @cal-daisies-and-briars @smilingbuckley @theotherbuckley @spotsandsocks @tizniz and @daffi-990, thank you my loves!
Okay yes it's Thursday evening here but it's still Wednesday somewhere, right?? I've had,,,, a shit day to say the least (life do not be making it easy rn) and haven't had the beans to work on the Buck/Eddie meeting section that I'd hoped to get done so here's a little bit of Lily's meltdown I wrote last night/ perfected with the help of @theotherbuckley this evening (god bless and thank you so much for your help)
Buck lifts Lily so she’s sitting on his knee, no longer hiding her face in his chest, and uses the pad of thumb to wipe her tears off her cheeks. She looks so small and vulnerable with her little socked feet dangling off the edge of his legs. He silently mourns the day he won’t be able to wrap her up in a bundle and protect her from the world. “Why do you think you’re stupid, baby?” Lily sniffs loudly and Buck grimaces at the horrible, rattly noises. “I can’t do my letters proper.” “What do you mean?” Buck asks, confused. He’s pretty sure Lily was taught how to write letters in preschool and not once did they mention it being a problem. Lily wipes her eyes and leans back into Buck’s chest. “We were learning how to write letters today and I can’t do them right. They keep going round the wrong way and they just don’t look right!” Buck thinks for a moment, trying to remember if Carrie had had similar issues with writing at Lily’s age but in all honesty, that girl had been scarily good at anything to do with the English language and if she was going to come home crying about any subject, it would be math – which Buck didn’t blame her for in the least. She’d inherited his dreadful math abilities, poor kid. All this to say, Buck has absolutely no idea how to go about navigating this with Lily. She’s always been a bit more emotional and sensitive to criticism than Carrie but other than the occasional tantrum because Buck asked her to pick up her toys, he’s never seen Lily this upset over something. Tears are falling steadily down her face now and Buck’s powerless to fix what’s wrong. All he can do at this point is give her his love and support, and he can spiral later. “Lily,” he says, tipping her chin up to look at him again, “today was your very first day at school. Your first day of proper learning. It’s all new, hmmm? Things are going to be difficult for a little bit, but they’ll get easier the more you learn.” “But I can’t do it! I could do math, but I can’t write!” “Hey, sometimes things are a little easier than others, like math is for you. And it’s very rare for people to be perfect at something they’ve never tried before. Do you think I was a perfect firefighter when I first started the academy?” “Yes.” Buck snorts. “I appreciate the vote of confidence, kiddo, but I was far from perfect. I made so many mistakes – I still do, actually. But I’m getting better the more I do it, just like you will with writing. And I’m always going to be so proud of you, no matter how good you are at school, alright? I don’t care if you get straight A’s or C’s, as long as you’re my daughter I’ll love you no matter what.” Lily sniffs long and loud and smacks her lips, which Buck thinks is gross, and holds up her pinkie finger. “Pinkie promise?” she asks, her voice trembling. Buck wraps his pinkie around hers and cups his other hand around their entwined fingers, hand completely enveloping hers. “Pinkie promise,” he repeats, and delicately kisses her knuckles. “Now, do you wanna try your snack again, and then we can watch a show with Carrie maybe?” “Okay,” Lily agrees, hopping off Buck’s lap to the ground and she holds out her hand for him. “I still hate grapes though.”
No pressure tagging @thewolvesof1998 @wikiangela @puppyboybuckley @watchyourbuck @hippolotamus @disasterbuckdiaz @buckbuckgoose @bucksbackwardcap @steadfastsaturnsrings @rainbow-nerdss @fortheloveofbuddie @housewifebuck @slightlyobsessedwitheverything @nmcggg @evanbegins and anyone else who wants to join!
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