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#but also ben was the only intelligent conversation so...
punksocks · 9 months
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Astrology observations No.15
*just my opinions, take them with a grain of salt
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-Neptune hard aspects to Mercury/ Neptune in 3rd/Pisces Mercury- people may constantly underestimate your intelligence and they’re genuinely surprised if you’re observant/smart
-The only Virgo risings I’ve known that are not skinny/petite have mars conjunct asc (even then they had a period of time when they were really skinny and either got out of that on purpose or on accident)
-Did you notice that a lot of Cancer Asc men get cast as like “traditional” manly men. I saw Ben Affleck was a Cancer Asc and Kurt Russel! They’re both known for their action movies (I like Kurt Russel more lol) and I was looking at Jon Hamm’s birth chart and he’s a cancer Asc too. He prefers to be a comedy guy, but looks like he walked out of the 50s so he had his breakthrough in mad men. (There’s also a lot going on there with that whole hazing scandal that I note everytime I see him so that’s a lot)
-Libra mars Asc try not to get frustrated but often their mars energy leaks out in other ways and they end up expressing their anger somehow despite the passive aggressive placement for a mars sign
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-Fire Mercuries (especially Leo and Sagittarius) copy speech patterns/catch phrases a lot imo, almost as much as water Mercuries but less exact mimicry. Earth Mercuries tend to have very specific speech patterns that don’t change too much throughout their life, they can be very direct and to the point but will have a great deal of detail to share depending on the subject. Air Mercuries tend to have very distinct speech patterns and usually are the most likely to talk and write in their own sort of prose, I’ve known a few (specifically Gemini Mercuries) that have overcome speech impediments and become great, captivating speakers.
-Pluto touching Saturn can amplify its lessons and effects to a higher degree. (Trine, Sextile) will make the experiences more intense but conjunction, opposition, and square could make these effects explosive and intense. With both positive and negative aspects the native will be forced to transform and change their ways- with the negative aspects (conjunct, opposition, square) the native will feel the trials they go through in these transformations
-12th house placements can give you psychic dreams, I’ve also frequently dreamed being people other than myself. Mars will have action oriented dreams. Sun may have more dreams about experiences they’ve had echoing in their dreams. Moon will have deep emotional experiences. Venus may dream about love and friendships.
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-Moon opposition sun synastry can create a lot of tension in a romantic relationship. There seems to be some underlying competitiveness going on. Especially if the moon and the sun are Cardinal signs.
-Moon conjunct Sun synastry can be intense. I think it shows how conjunct can be a negative aspect. The energies can understand each other sure, but they can also become an echo chamber of feeding into each other’s egos. I feel similarly about Sun conjunct Asc synastry. (My parents had this and oof, if that relationship isn’t karmic anyway it’s even more so now..)
-The only conjunct synastry I think I had intensely play out was Scorpio moon conjunct my Asc (I didn’t even realize it at the time) it was a lot! Fun and passionate but also he would get so overwhelmed he would be just shaking in normal conversation. Felt like with that and the 8th house synastry and my venus conjunct his pluto there was no was to turn the heat down and be normal with each other. Like we knew it would be short term but he was like talking about the future then I was overthinking the future and then it was over and idk that’s too much imo lol, lil dramatic just to be over in a snap. (Local Capricorn moon doesn’t get what all the fuss is about lol)
-My partner and I have a lot of trines/sextiles and like some squares/oppositions and a few Lilith/outer planet conjunct aspects but we’re able to keep everything balanced basically and I like the feel of that more, personally (plus you can have all the positive synastry in the world, it really depends on timing and effort and individual choices and joint communication to work on your relationship, it’s an effort game)
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cellythefloshie · 10 months
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IMAGINE: Being Jon Cooper's Daughter and Dating Sidney Crosby Celly’s 300 Follower Appreciation
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NOTE: mentions of the pandemic/lockdowns.
when you have been invited to join your father at the 2019 NHL Awards in Vegas you had merely been excited to experience the city with the greatest nightlife in America
but it also left you nervous
you hadn’t attended an event of such scale before
there were players from all over the league who were nominated
all of the NHL’s elite to be honoured
and it left you surrounded by stars
as you walked the red carpet with your father you couldn’t help but feel a little star-struck when you caught sight of Ryan O'Reilly with the Stanley Cup
and you couldn’t help but be a little tongue-tied when you found yourself in an awkward conversation with generational talent Conner McDavid and his girlfriend as you went looking for a drink
but the overwhelming feeling was but at ease when you found familiar faces
Nikita Kucherov, Andrei Vasilevskiy and Victor Hedman had all been nominated along with your father for awards that year
seeing them all brought you instant relief
the team was like a second family to you 
having them all there together put you at ease 
making you a little too comfortable
it left you cheering a little too loud for Andrei as he took the stage to accept the Vezina Trophy
and louder again when Nikita accepted the Hart trophy to add to his already impressively earned Ted Lindsey and Art Ross Awards
you were standing right up out of your seat
your hands sore from the applause when you felt a pair of eyes on you
scanning the room casually from where you stood your eyes were quick to find Sidney Crosby who was all too shameless about his stare
he wore a coy smile
one that only grew as he realized you had spotted him
not once did he look away until the crowd had begun to calm and his attention returned to the stage
settling back into your seat he remained on your mind the rest of the night
and you could feel his eyes on you on occasion
you didn’t need to look his way to know it was him that was staring
you didn’t know why he would be staring
but the fact that he was left your mind to wander with curiosity
Sidney was older, very handsome, and undoubtedly the greatest player of his generation
and that night he only had eyes for you
or at the very least it seemed that way 
and it became all too clear at the after party
you should have been disappointed that your father had lost the Jakc Adams to Bary Trotz
but you had your father’s sportsmanship
you would always respect those who were victorious even when it meant taking a loss
and so you mingled at the after-party offering your congratulations to those who had taken a trophy or two home that night
you enjoyed a drink or two
and the finger food that was served
it was when you were out mingling
and your father was distracted by an enthralling conversation with Ben Bishop that Sidney approached you
he was nothing but respectable
not even touching you when the media came by taking some candid shots of you both in casual conversation before asking for a photo together
it was just when you thought you had gotten ahead of yourself in thinking that Sidney Crosby might have - at the very least - been interested in you
because the conversation was much too respectable and intelligent to be fueled by attraction
that he surprised you by asking to get away from the party
you were taken back by how forward he was about it
but you didn’t decline
it only took a moment for you to make an excuse 
you slipped away for only a moment to feed the excuse to your father who gave you a quick hug and a kiss on your temple
then you snuck out of the party with the Pittsburgh Penguins Captain
he was nothing but a gentleman as you took to the city together
finding a place to eat a real meal together 
and enjoying some of the nightlife before ending up back in his hotel room
you were sure it was going to be a one-night stand
because you didn’t leave him your number when you snuck out of his room at an ungodly hour and back to your own
and you didn’t hear from him again for weeks
not that you had given him many ways to reach you 
but somehow he had managed to get ahold of your phone number
you didn’t believe it was him at first
he was very much out of your league
older, and could get any woman he wanted with ease
plus, it was just a number on the screen after all
but when he texted you the ungodly things he had done to you in that Vegas hotel room you knew it was him
and not only was it him, but he also wanted to see you again
when you had hooked up with him you didn’t even think it was a possibility 
and yet you were making plans to see him again during the summer
A secret meet-up or two during trips that you claimed were girl’s trips were spent on private all-inclusive resorts where Sidney got to know you better than anyone
but then the hockey season came
his time was focused on his team in Pittsburgh while you were in Tampa
and you were ready to accept that it was just a crazy summer romance that only the two of you knew about
but by some chance, your paths crossed in New Jersey
you were on a work trip
and he was set to play the Devils
you convinced your colleagues to go to the game
and by the end of the night, you were in his bed
and suddenly the season was halted
put on pause as a pandemic consumed the world
and you were stuck in Jersey
flight cancellations left you grounded, unable to return to Florida without having to get a rental car and make the drive
before you could make the arrangements to get the car your company had already agreed to work from home
and you were suddenly not needed in Tampa beyond your parents insisting that you return home
but instead, you were faced with another option you hadn’t even considered could be a possibility
Sidney offered his home in Pittsburgh to you
it was a grand home, with only him to occupy and with no one knowing how long it would all last he wasn’t going into it without company
and you couldn’t stay no
at first, you had to make excuses
telling your mother and father that you were still with your coworker in a place you were able to rent in Newerk
but in reality, you were in Crosby’s home playing house
you worked from his office while he worked out in the gym
the two of you cooked your meals together 
and you kept yourself with busy with Netflix and your antics in the bedroom
but soon the secrecy was becoming too much
and your relationship with Sidney was becoming more than just killing time when he let the first “i think I’ve fallen in love with you slip”
you knew you had to tell your dad but you were worried about just how he was going to take it
telling him over a zoom call just didn’t seem right
yet that’s how it was done
and your dad was furious
not solely at the fact that you had been “dating” a hockey player
because he had always warned you to stay away from dating them
but that you had kept it a secret from him
and while your relationship with Sidney was long-lasting
your father still was never very approving of him
And neither was the team
fast forward to March 3, 2022
you returned home to Tampa to watch the Pittsburgh vs Tampa game
and you had an announcement to make over dinner before the game
Sidney had proposed
your parents couldn’t have been happier
but the Tampa Players were less than enthused
maybe it was the timing of it all
but they were all very protective of you
you were like a little sister to them and you deserved the world
they didn’t doubt that Sidney was going to be able to give that to you
but that didn’t mean they weren’t going to give him a hard time as you would forever have a roster of 22 - and alumni of big and little brothers to look out for you
when it came to game time Tampa found itself in familiar turmoils 
they went down 2-0 early in the first
and by the end of the second period, things were heated
a scrum broke out in front of the net with Cirelli going after Sidney only to face Rust instead
no one got to mess with the Captain
and when penalties were handed out and the Bolts took an extra penalty the overprotective nature of your father mixed with his passion for the game and there was no controlling him 
he was yelling so loud that the whole arena could hear it, and the officials weren’t having it
and your father was ejected from the game before it could reach its halfway point
leaving your seat you moved through the halls of Amalie and found your father alone in the locker room
he was still pretty red in the face but calmer now
you couldn’t help but feel a little responsible for his outburst as you moved to sit on the bench beside him and wrapped him in your arms
he welcomed your embrace
his cheek coming to rest against your hair
and it was there holding you that he apologized
for the outburst and for how he has been throughout your relationship with Sidney
always supportive but not always approving
because you were his daughter 
he was always going to be skeptical of a man’s intentions with you
and the engagement left him relieved but saddened
you weren’t his baby girl anymore
you were all grown up
and he couldn’t be more excited to walk you down the aisle
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fishyyyyy99 · 8 months
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Some of y'all give Margot way too much credit. Yes, she got Ben to respect her and to value art (and art helped him cope with his stress), and to not worry so much about his grades. But I honestly feel like she was only able to do it because he had already grown quite a bit by the time she met him. He was already more open to respecting other people's intelligence thanks to Fabiola and Paxton, and he was already a little more relaxed because of his conversation with Paxton, and most importantly, his conversation with his dad. Margot isn't some super girl who got Ben to calm down in a way that no other girl could achieve. And she also wasn't the first non-Devi person to get him to respect her intelligence.
Also, for the people who claim that Devi was more vulnerable with Paxton than she was with Ben - Oh like the time she moved into Paxton's house after she had that huge argument with her mother in season 1? Oh wait, that's not what happened, is it? Devi almost always tried her best to downplay her emotions with Paxton. For example, as soon as she says that she feels like everyone in her life is done with her, she asks him to forget she said that, and that it was weird. And his response is to kiss her. How is that a sign of great emotional intelligence? I think Paxton had some really wise moments, but I honestly don't think he's so much more mature than Ben or Devi (as some people claim). They had their fair share of wise moments too. And all three of them had their own flaws. Paxton is just less obviously off-putting than Ben and Devi. I mean I'm not put off by them, but I'm talking about the people who might dislike their "mean" or "crazy" sides.
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amaesama · 1 year
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Hii!!
I just wanted to tell u that ur lovely and how i love ur hcs
If its not troubling you,may I request general head canons for BEN,like any hcs,his relationship with other or just some weirdly specific hcs like not liking candies or smth lmao
Have a nice day! ^_^
Ahh that’s so sweet, thank you so much! BEN was like my favourite creepypasta when I was younger so I have a very strong connection with him and I have so much to say, thank you for the request!
BEN Drowned headcanons
He is an absolute menace.
Like this kid has one goal in life and that is to be as irritating and annoying as he can possibly be. In my own au he stayed as a 12-13 year old after he died and idk if you’ve met 12-13 year old boys but they are so fucking annoying.
BEN’s annoying in an endearing way though.
He’s kinda upset that he doesn’t age. It doesn’t bother him all the time, but sometimes when he’s watching some of the older people he’s around like Liu and Helen (istg I’m always making up an excuse to mention Helen I’m so sorry y’all) he just gets reminded that he’s never gonna get the chance to grow up.
He’s very smart, god knows he needs to be to work out all the puzzles in LoZ Jesus Christ and he’s basically the Slendermans centre of intelligence. He’s grateful that the slenderman gave him a purpose, he feels like he’s forever in its debt. He’s not the type to flex his big brain but sometimes people can get a bit pissy when he starts talking smart. Again he doesn’t do this intentionally, he just thinks stuff is cool and will go on rants.
Idk if this is a stereotypical take for BEN but I don’t really care; he’s a massive gamer nerd. Like he can see a single frame and be able to identify the game it’s from, he has every cheat code memorised and has all the sims expansions.
Touch of the ‘tism.
He bares a resemblance to Majoras Mask Link (surprise surprise), but he just has the face he has before he died. When he ‘spawned’ reanimated?? Man idk he managed to get his hands on new clothes but keeps his lil Link cosplay in his room.
Unironically wears the triforce and cargo shorts outfit
He doesn’t really have a ‘bedroom,’ he just kinda lives in the CCTV room where he has a few consoles, a beanbag and a mini fridge. He doesn’t really need to eat or sleep, but he can do if he gets bored.
Mainly just eats snacks and junk food, it’s not like he needs to keep shape or worry about his health since he’s already dead. In particular he likes East Asian snacks, the ones you can only get by paying a fortune to get them imported.
He kinda glows?? Like a flickering glow, and if you’re close to him you’ll notice an electric humming sound coming from him, it’s very faint but noticeable. He also totally gives people electric shocks for shits and giggles lmao.
I feel like not many people who live in the mansion are a big fan of him, they don’t exactly HATE him but he’s just been known to piss people off and get on their nerves sometimes.
Works closely with Tim, Brian, Kate and Toby so they’ve just kinda learnt to put up with him. Out of all of them Toby’s probably the one who can handle him the longest.
They might even chat and hangout sometimes idk.
I feel like he would be great friends with Nina and Dina, I mentioned in my mansion hc’s that they would be two of the nicest and welcoming residents and I feel like although BEN isn’t as social as either of them he would still make occasional conversation with others.
He’s particularly close with Sally and it’s absolutely adorable, he always goes the extra mile to make sure she’s happy and makes an effort to play with her. I kinda link this to his frustrations with not aging, taking on a sort of ‘older brother’ role
Since Dina and Helen are close he SOMETIMES gets the chance to see him sometimes (mandatory Helen mention since you all know how much I love him), but since Helen keeps to himself a lot and is very quiet BEN just thinks he’s boring.
Surprisingly he gets along with Puppeteer pretty well, which is probably because they’re both ghostly beings. However he knows how manipulative Johnathan can be so he still stays on guard around him.
Has a kind of love-hate relationship with Jeff, like they despise each other and take the piss out of each other, but they’ll always team up to do some wacky hijinxs together.
All in all he’s a gremlin.
But he’s my gremlin :)
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ca-8 · 7 months
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Hey there! I hope you have a good day. I was wondering if you could try something with yandere Albedo from Ben 10 (Alien force or Omniverse) with a darling that dosen't let him touch her to much and dosen't talk to much just..observes him and he need to move casual or slow not to alert her (like a cat 🐱) When after like one week after he took her she starts to sleep more and like she seek for his warmth and cuddles and after searching on the net he realizes that its her period. Just lots of fluff if possible..?
❝𝐀𝐢𝐥𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭❞ (Albedo x Fem!Reader)
【☆】★【☆】【☆】★【☆】【☆】★【☆】【☆】★【☆】【☆】★【☆】【☆】★【☆】【☆】★
Summary: Albedo learns about and how to ease his favorite human's natural and sudden change in behavior...
Word count: 3,014 words
【☆】★【☆】【☆】★【☆】【☆】★【☆】【☆】★【☆】【☆】★【☆】【☆】★【☆】【☆】★
Perfection and humanity do not mix. Not in the slightest.
If you were to go out and attempt to enjoy Earth's decent (yet drastically faltering) biosphere, you'd see it in an instant: their youngs' deafening shrills, how disgusting, grease-congested excuses they call food dribble down their mouths in vile sludges, the way heat coats their bodies with slimy repulsive filth - there is so much more, but it'd take a lifetime to list every flaw. Every revolting flaw that Albedo now must accompany and submit to, with his new cursed self and these good-for-nothing humans.
Every human, except for her.
She defies all logic, every ounce of understand, every minuscule of reasoning that has been deduced from the first sight upon mankind. Her existence should be impossible, and yet this dream treads upon a wretched nightmare with utter grace! Perfection under human skin; a glimmer of hope among her own, and naturally, their incompetence blinds them from such radiance.
And she knows it. How she rejects acknowledging the inferior, only valiantly conversing with them if she must, refusing to spend so much of her time with those lesser trash and abiding loneliness! Bewitching and intelligent - truly a specimen worth studying.
Finally, this cursed disguise could prove useful. During the early stages of study, Albedo blended in with crowds of humans to get close enough to observe more of the subject's behavior. This provided plenty of vital information: her favorite place to consume food, where she lies to sleep at night, which human she thinks is more tolerant and worthy of her time (although, to be quite frank, none of her choices could ever hope to be worthy enough to be in her presence, but unfortunately, she must make do with what's around).
However, whilst undergoing live research, he also learned that she is much more perspective than any other specimen of her kind. Following her on the way to a clothing store, he kept a certain distance and blended underneath the blanket of shadows. Yet, as he hid behind the corner once she hinted a turn, a voice resembling the beauty of a racing comet rang out, "So how long are you gonna keep stalking me?"
Albedo had heard it a few times in the past, but not so clear, not so close, not so precisely for him. That was when the experiment took a turn, when he realized this one human had the ability to render his new body utterly weak. Something raged beneath his chest, just begging to burst, his legs twitched and lurched so instantaneously, his skin had become drenched in that dripping filth, all from just a sentence! Was his subject cursed? Was she even human?
He had to take her in. That was the only way for him to find out why her simple actions targeted his weak points so easily. Luckily, his studies on human behavior have taught him well.
"I do not know what you mean. I am simply on a stroll that happens to coincide with your path to the clothing store, which is also my destination, as I too need clothes," he explained effortlessly, stepping out from his hiding place. "Although since we are already conversing, we should take the opportunity to proceed forth together and acquire knowledge of each other's history. I will start with my name; I am Albedo. And now for you to enlighten me with yours, as I do not know." Of course, he already knew her name, from when a food provider called it out along with her order at a consumption spot a few days ago. Hearing it in her voice just sounded like a good idea at the time.
But he got an even greater reward: the sound of her laughter. It wasn't obnoxious or didn't make him feel as if his ears were being grated from the inside out, but more like the sun's warmth as it peaked out from a group of clouds.
"Damn, you're weird," she finally said after calming down. "Alright, I'll bite. My name's (Y/n)." And with a brief invite, he was with her at last.
Though he's been by her side for a few weeks, Albedo quickly found out that she was one of the quietest humans he's ever met. Every time he'd invite her out, it's like he'd might as well be talking to himself (maybe because stories of his excellency and extraordinary achievements were so fascinating, she didn't know how to respond?) He kept his questions as vague as possible, but they should have elicited a little more detailed response:
"How would you describe your fellow man?"
"Obnoxious."
"Hm. Would you say you feel disconnected from humanity? As you are not really 'one of them', so to speak?"
"Perhaps."
"Uh-huh. And have you thought of earth as your true place of establishment?"
"...I don't think we're ready to know this kind of stuff about each other, especially on a dinner date. People are starting to stare." When she giggled again, he only wanted to ask more questions.
So, if he were to dig deeper with his subject, he must go farther with their relationship! Fortunately, he knew exactly what to do!
Unfortunately, it seems that the courage to act on those plans vanished the moment she appeared in his view.
Gifts and amorous letters had to be sent anonymously, subtle moves on getting close were kept to a minimum (mostly after she told him that she was quite sensitive to others touching her), and attempts at complimenting her outer appearance were much more...intricate than initially arranged. The only plan that went perfectly was researching unfavorable behavior on everyone (Y/n) came into contact with, then brilliantly relay this Information so she wouldn't possess any desire to interact with them any further.
Each time someone else tried stepping into the picture, he'd become, let's say, assertive with his disapproval (luck truly loves to aid, (Y/n) wasn't close enough to anyone else to even notice how they'd suddenly disappear under the radar). Oddly enough, the more someone else came along, the more Albedo felt to have his own objective known.
For example, when they were watching a human entertainment system (television, as they'd call it), and something kept thumping within his chest the more he looked at (Y/n) - and when he caught her sneaking glances at him. "(Y/n)," he said, trying to calm his bouncing leg. "I find it odd how humans can make other humans feel so...warm."
In the corner of his eye, she smiled, but said nothing in response.
She was always distant in that regard, and though he found it a little strange from what he's seen of other humans, it was also comforting. A breath of fresh air, one might say. He wasn't all too keen with other humans coming into close contact with him either, so while they kept themselves at a silent distance, their comfort in each other's presence spoke volumes.
(Y/n) confirmed it herself: "I've been thinking about us being more than friends. It.. sounds nice..." she confessed the day they were gazing up into the night sky.
Albedo looked back at her, and on his negative Ben's mask, a smile appeared. "The thought does seem pleasant."
Afterward, her hand reached closer to his until they touched, and he gained the courage to lay his on top of hers. So much noise within him pounded with enamored fury, so much heat overtook his body, but he didn't feel confused or anxious. In fact, in an indescribable, unspoken conclusion, everything made sense.
Until it happened.
Albedo found (Y/n)'s distance charming. Her presence wasn't overwhelming, but reassuring; just one look, and she'll be right there, letting his content flowing mind slow to an ease.
But this was altogether different, something he was far from ready for.
It all started when he was simply resting at his desk, researching the young man who caused him to become one with his cursed form. In the corner of his computer, he could've sworn there was a reflection of (Y/n) dragging herself from the doorway and right toward him, at a rather dawdling pace. Albedo turned around and proved his suspicions correct.
"Darling? You're usually asleep at this hour," he observed. "Has something troubled you?"
She didn't say anything and only neared with a sluggish trudge. When she finally reached him, it was as if her body suddenly limped, and she flopped on him in an embrace.
Albedo's body stiffened and shuddered. Her warmth from the times before were more than enough, but this - nothing could have prepared him for something so, well, positively overwhelming. "Dear-? What, what has gotten into you??"
(Y/n), whilst hanging onto his neck, looked up at him, and her lips were curled in a pitifully endearing pout. "Come back to bed..." she mumbled.
"I-I'd love to, but this really is not the time-"
She ignored him and flung the other arm around his neck, and her lips moved closer to his skin. Feeling her breath latch onto his collarbone, he held his breath, and finally, his trembling hands lifted onto her back. And the moment her sweet voice had begun whimpering softly, he submitted.
"A-Alright! I'll come back!"
She still hadn't moved.
"...And I presume I'll be carrying you too."
That was only the start of this strange behavior. Even at a thought of moving to a different room, (Y/n) would complain and try to keep him affix to the mattress. The way she'd cling to him, with her body sticking to one half of his and her arms clasped around his other, he thought he'd might overheat - the rare times he'd get to see his human face, it'd be covered with such an unnatural cardinal! (Humans cannot melt, correct? There's no record in human history that an occurrence has transpired from merely the inside of their bodies' intensity, so it must be impossible! It must!)
Furthermore, their food stock had been lower than usual. Every time he'd approach their refrigerator device for his preserved preferred meal, approximately 30 percent of its contents had gone missing. Not that he cared so much, for he only tolerates the oddly decently-made chili fries (Only because of this hexed DNA, of course), but this was surely something he'd keep in mind.
And to top it all off, (Y/n)'s strong reluctance to do anything else but lie in bed with him glued to her...
Although... Albedo has concurred that while her new behavior is a stark contrast to her old manners, he can't say the experience has been particularly adverse. In fact, her new need for him to be constantly by her side, his hands softly roaming from her back and down to the front of her waist. How she purred whenever he gently stroked the right spots, how her hands clung onto his clothing, and that peaceful exhausted look on her face...
In short, he was certainly not complaining. Still, there must be some sort of explanation, it's not like the sudden change just came out of nowhere... had it?
"(Y/n), sweetheart?" Albedo began, still not used to those common human pet names.
"Hm?" she groaned in response, snuggling deeper into his chest. He was immensely thankful she hadn't complained about his thundering heartbeat, because he has no idea how to make it stop, as much as he hates to admit.
"I-I'm enjoying this, uh...current shift in dependence; your realization of that no other human can be as worthy in giving solace as I couldn't have come at a later time; however... Uh... I will admit, I am a little curious to how...a-abrupt this entire situation became..."
Silence. Albedo tensed up - had he upset her? "I-I-I'm sorry if this-!"
He looked down. She had fallen asleep.
"Oh." That was it, she was clearly not capable in giving an explanation int he state she was in. So, he had to resort into participating in one of which he excels at. "Research! That's it, I must commit to humanity's technology and discover what has made my darling convert into lethargy!"
"Please be quiet..." (Y/n) whimpered, tightening her grip on his shirt.
Albedo gazed down at her and, petting her head gently, allowed himself to smile. 'After she indulges herself in my presence once more.'
Thankfully, it didn't take time for her let go and roll over in her sleep. She'll likely ask for him back in a little while, but he had to be quick. After all, darker thoughts had begun to swarm his mind when he jumped in front of his computer.
"Her face has had a consistent warmth, is that any cause for worry?" he mumbled, typing away on the keyboard. "This shift has persisted for about four days now. Does that mean it's a prolonged sickness?" His heart began hammering away again, but it was not from pleasure, but a heavy grief he was not ready to become affiliated with.
The screen was loading. His leg began to twitch and bounce, and no matter how much force he put upon it, it simply refused to calm.
And then at last, the answers popped up before him.
...."Menstruation?" he echoed the screen. Albedo leaned closer and his eyes roamed the page. "'The process in a woman of discharging blood and other materials from the lining of the uterus at intervals of about one lunar month from puberty'... What...?"
He typed in 'symptoms', and the list practically matched. "Mood swings, trouble sleeping....huh, so that's why her face recently became endowed with those spots..." And from then on, he spent the next thirty minutes educating himself in the ways of the female-born sex.
"This perfectly explains why she's so reluctant in getting out of bed, and why our food supply has taken a toll... Fascinating!" He was impressed by some quirks of the human body, but one fact has confirmed his need to be concerned. "This whole process is equipped with pain and discomfort... Must be troublesome."
The thought of the only human he cared for going through such an exhausting time, it brought a sharp pang of a different kind of agony. "And she latched onto me for comfort..."
Albedo scanned the screen one last time, turned off the computer, and headed back to his sleeping beauty.
(Y/n) woke up to find him gone again. She rose from the bed and wrapped the blankets around her, then forced herself to exit the room.
The smell of (f/f) hit her so suddenly, it almost knocked her over. And even if it did, she would've hauled right back up and ran straight toward wherever it came from (if she didn't feel like her insides were being pulled and stabbed by mother nature's demons). Instead, she walked as quick as she could, following the scent.
"Good morning, my dear!" Albedo's voice sprang her right up. That, and maybe the spread of her favorite food all over the kitchen counter.
"What's all this?" she asked, her eyes moving back and forth from her boyfriend and to the food.
"Firstly, I'm well relieved you are feeling better," he said, walking towards her and putting his hands on her shoulders. "Yesterday, I started looking into your condition and what I can do to soothe your aching torment."
(Y/n) stifled her laugh at 'aching torment.' 'Well, he's not too far off,' she thought, thinking back to the last couple of days.
"Therefore," Albedo continued, "I've decided that you deserve an entire day of yours truly pampering you to your heart's content! After this, you won't seek any other ailment, for there is none better."
(Y/n) grinned. "Okay, and what do you have planned for me, Mr. Ailment?"
"A marvelous question. First, I have gathered your favorite nourishments to ease your cravings. Second, over there on that table is a stack of movies I know is to your liking," he explained, pointing to the coffee table where there was indeed a neat stack of (Y/n)'s favorite movies. "And third, I shall put my studies and projects on hiatus..." He moved in closer, almost letting their foreheads touch. "For there is no place I'd rather be than here, with you, (Y/n)."
She let her stiff muscles relax and little. Her cheeks were already getting sore from the beam lighting up her face. "Someone's determined on getting mushy today," she said, then pushed her head into his chest. "And I think it suits you."
Above her, Albedo smiled warmly down at her, and lead her to the couch. (Y/n) plopped down on his lap and swung her legs over his own, then reached to hold his face. Her thumbs slowly caressed those cherry cheeks, and she couldn't stop herself from reaching his lips. Like every other time, Albedo let out an adorable squeak as their lips collided, and his hands gripped onto her waist her brought her closer to him as she hummed approvingly. The air was quiet, their hearts raucously rejoiced in sync, and their touch felt warmer than a patch of flowers bathing in springtime's sun. (Y/n) released him for just a second, but he hadn't finished relishing her - immediately, he drifted back into another kiss, as if he was ill and his ailment was her affection.
In a way, it was. She was humanity's perfection in his eyes: her alluring scent, her soft inviting lips, the way she laughed and spoke, her relieving nature, everything about her was his cure to his disgust towards this planet and its contents.
Finally, they departed. (Y/n) giggled at the webs of saliva that still connected them. "If this how it's gonna be every time I'm on my period, I guess I won't be dreading it anymore," she said.
Albedo chuckled for the first time in a while and gently pushed her head into the crook of her neck whilst combing through her hair. "That won't be necessary anymore, dearest."
˚ ༘♡ ⋆。˚˚ ༘♡ ⋆。˚˚ ༘♡ ⋆。˚˚ ༘♡ ⋆。˚˚ ༘♡ ⋆。˚˚ ༘♡ ⋆。˚˚ ༘♡ ⋆。˚˚ ༘♡ ⋆。˚˚ ༘♡ ⋆。˚˚ ༘♡ ⋆。˚
Hello, everyone! I hope you enjoyed this latest one shot, because I sure diiiid!!~ I apologize for how late this arrived, things on my end have been terribly busy lately, but I thank you so much for your patience, @lonely13ghost !
Next, I SHOULD be posting the beginning of the BOTW partner scenarios... it has been far too long!!!
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sevcasejay1chicago · 8 months
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Matt Casey x Darden’s sister
Andy Darden died years ago, when gabby Dawson left Chicago, Darden’s sister shows up again and take over for Dawson when she left.
Now it have been three years ago since since Darden’s sister started to work on Ambo 61, and she is now dating Captain Matt Casey.
Darden’s sister is best friend with Sylvie Brett and Stella Kidd.
When Griffin Darden shows up at the firehouse alone and tells Y/n about the situation at home with no Heather and Ben who is having a hard time. Y/n has to take the hard decision to leave Chicago and move to Portland to take care of her nephews.
Casey and Y/n decides to have a long distance relationship, Casey comes to visit her in Portland a few times.
When it is up for the Stellaride wedding, Y/n comes back to Chicago with Griffin and Ben. Everyone is happy to see them, but Y/n get surprised when she sees Dawson at the firehouse.
Something that firehouse 51 doesn’t know is that Y/n is gonna move back to Chicago with her nephew’s, and that decision will make Matt Casey really happy and they can continue with there relationship.
Best thing to ever happen to me- Matt Casey/ Darden sister
Summary: You replace Dawson on ambo and start dating Matt Casey. It’s been three years and now your nephew needs your help.
Warnings: mentions of attempted kidnapping
Authors note: This is just the first half of this request. I decided to post this tonight and work on the second half later on. ❤️
~~~~~~~~~
You never thought you would be able to work at 51 after your brother, Andy Darden, died with this firehouse years ago. You haven’t even been able to bring yourself to visit, though you have still kept in contact with the crews, which turned family, after all these years. When Gabby Dawson left, Chief Boden knew exactly who needed to fill Gabby’s spot, so he called you. It took some convincing, and a few drinks with Matt and Kelly, before you finally caved. As soon as Brett joined your small table at Molly’s and began conversing with the three of you, you couldn’t say no. Andy’s death isn’t the end of the story for this firehouse and you were going to make sure of that.
Now, three years later, you are still riding ambo with Brett and have been dating Captain Matt Casey for about two years. There had always been something between you and Matt, but Matt stayed away from any relationship with you, other than being your friend, out of respect for his best friend and your brother. Now, Matt is the only person that can calm you down and make you feel safe. Once you figured that out almost three years ago, you knew that there was no need to deny yourself true happiness.
~FLASHBACK~
The last run had you more than shaken. Someone attempted to take you and Brett hostage on a call. They lured you both into the house and managed to knock Brett out, but you were able to call for help and hide until Jay Halstead and the intelligence unit burst through the door.
After intelligence took both of your statements, you went on autopilot and drove Brett and the ambo back to the firehouse. Once you debriefed Boden and made sure Brett was okay, you hid yourself in a supply closet off the the bunk room. You figured, since it was also close to the laundry room, nobody would hear you over the roar of the machines as someone ran a load through. You didn’t even consider that someone might walk in and open the door.
“Darden?” Cruz asked, kneeling down to get a better look at you. “Hey. What’s wrong?” He asked, trying to reach for you. As soon as he made contact, you screamed, throwing yourself away from the intruder and kicking your legs wildly. “Woah. Hey, it’s just me. It’s Cruz!” He tried calling out to you again, but it was obviously no use.
“What’s going on?” Matt asked, running in as soon as he heard you scream. His office was on the other side of the wall, so it only took him seconds to respond.
“I don’t know.” Cruz said, standing up and backing away to reveal you curled into yourself as you rocked back and forth, sobbing uncontrollably and borderline hyperventilating.
“Y/n?” Matt asked, coming to take Cruz’s original spot. “Hey sweetheart. It’s me. It’s Matty.” Matt called, sitting down arms length from you.
Your head slowly rose as you heard Matt’s voice through the call that kept replaying through your head and the what if’s. “M-Matt?” You whispered, throat choked with tears.
Matt smiled and nodded his head. “Yeah. It’s me.” Matt said, not daring to move yet. He could tell that you were terrified. Something happened and it shook you to your core. It’s been a while since he’s seen that look, but he knows he’s on thin ice right now. You could completely shatter at any moment.
You breathed a slight sigh of relief as you realized that it was okay. Matt was here, so you were safe. You reached out, tentatively at first, but then launched yourself into Matt’s arms as soon as your hand touched him. Matt caught you easily as you scrambled into his lap, burying your face into his neck.
“Shhhh. It’s alright. I’ve got you now. Breathe.” Matt shushed, rubbing your back and slightly rocking back and forth. He could feel you trembling as your ragged breaths fanned down his neck and onto his collarbone. “Cruz. Go get Kelly and a blanket.” Matt instructed, seeing him still standing a few feet away.
Kelly came in with a blanket and a water bottle not too long after. “Cruz said Y/n is having a panic attack. Here.” Kelly said, crouching down and wrapping you in the blanket.
Matt felt you cringe into him as Kelly accidentally brushed against you. “Hey. It’s alright. It’s just Kelly.” Matt tried to sooth, but you were having none of it and shook your head, gripping onto Matt for dear life. Matt sighed and looked to Kelly, who sat down a few feet away from the both of you, texting the chief to tell him that you and Matt might be a while.
“He tried to t-take me and B-Brett, Matt.” You whimpered, sniffling and shoving your face further into Matt’s neck.
Matt looked over your head and at Kelly for an explanation, but Kelly was in the dark too. “Who did sweetheart?” Matt asked, kissing your head.
“T-the last call. It was a t-trap. I got us h-help, but he h-hurt Brett t-trying to t-take us.” You explained, getting as close to Matt as possible.
Matt and Kelly shared a look before Kelly slowly stood, walking to the door to go check on Brett, who he saw laying on her bunk when he was coming in here. Matt said nothing as his best friend left, just let you get your emotions out as he cradled you in his lap.
You later told him that even though you knew Joe and Kelly meant no harm, you felt the safest with Matt. You were terrified that they would take you away from him or vice versa, so you clung to him. You had finally found your safety and you weren’t going to let that go.
~END OF FLASHBACK~
You were sitting in the common area with your best friends, Sylvie Brett and Stella Kidd, when you heard a familiar laugh as the doors of the apparatus floor opened. Kelly had an arm slung around the shoulders of your oldest nephew, Griffin Darden.
“Griffin! What are you doing here bud?” You asked, smiling as you stood and approached your nephew.
Griffin threw his arms around you and buried his face into your neck, finding comfort in his aunt. Everyone watched and Kelly exchanged a look with Matt, who had come in to see what the commotion was all about. Kelly, Matt, and you could tell something was wrong, but you weren’t about to push the subject in front of the rest of the fire house.
“What? Aren’t you happy to see your favorite nephew?” Griffin joked as he finally pulled away. When he spotted Matt, he moved around you and jogged to his favorite adopted uncle, throwing his arms around him as well. “Hey Uncle Matt.” Griffin whispered, finally feeling at home.
“Hey bud! It’s good to see you. It’s been too long.” Matt greeted, hugging Griffin and locking eyes with you.
Once everyone got a chance to say hello, or got a proper introduction to Griffin, you lead him to Matt’s office with Matt taking the lead. Once the door was shut and the blinds were closed, Griffin sank down onto Matt’s bunk, face turned to the floor.
“Alright bud. Real talk. I’m glad you’re here, but what’s going on?” You asked, coming to sit next to your nephew as Matt leaned on his desk.
“I, um Ben and I, we need help.” Griffin whispered, playing with his fingers. “Mom. She, uh, she’s been gone for a while and Ben is having a hard time. I can’t do it Aunt Y/n. I tried, but I'm failing.” Griffin cried, leaning into your side.
“Shhh. It’s alright. You’re here now.” You soothed, rubbing Griffin’s back. “Im gonna help you and everything is going to be okay.” You assured, looking to Matt for support.
“We’ll figure it out bud. You did good.” Matt praised, coming to kneel in front of you and Griffin. “You’ve done the hard part, which is asking for help. Everything else will fall into place now.” Matt assured, a hand resting on Griffin’s knee and the other clutching yours.
After Griffin finally calmed down, you and Matt convinced him to lay down for a while. The exhaustion was prominent in the poor boy and you were sure he hasn’t been sleeping in favor of trying to keep his brother out of trouble. You and Matt leaned against his desk and looked through your phones or files until Griffin fell asleep. Once you were sure that your nephew was finally knocked out, you pulled Matt out of the room and to Kelly’s office.
“Hey Kel. I know this is your office, but can we borrow it to talk and could you possibly go sit in Matt’s office with Griffin? He’s asleep, so you can do your paperwork or whatever.” You said, pleading with Kelly through your eyes, though he was going to cave as soon as you asked.
“Yeah. Just let me know when your done.” Kelly affirmed, standing up with a pile of files in his hands. He walked out of his own office and into Matt’s, quietly shutting the door behind him.
Matt shut Kelly’s door before turning to you. You were pacing in the small space, hands shaking as they ran through your hair. You were in deep thought and Matt knew you wouldn’t hear him if he didn’t get your attention first.
“Y/n? Sweetheart?” Matt asked, slowly coming to stand in your path to halt your steps.
Once you finally looked up to meet Matt’s eyes, you had tears in your own. You spoke before you lost your nerve. “I have to go back with him.” You shook your head. “I have to go back and help Ben and Griffin. I can’t ask you to go or to wait or whatever. It’s my family’s choices that have led us here and I can’t have my crazy seeping into your life.” You rambled, pacing again before Matt caught you and brought you into a hug.
“Hey hey hey. Breathe.” Matt shushed, just like he did all those years ago. “We will figure this out. It’s going to be okay.” Matt assured, rocking back and forth with you.
“Matt. I’m scared.” You whispered, burying your face into his neck. “You know I don’t do well with change, but I have to do this. I mean, I have to do this, right?” You asked, stepping back to look at Matt.
Matt smiled sadly down at you before placing a kiss to your forehead. “Yeah. You do, but I’ll wait. I’m not going anywhere. We can make this work. It’s only for a couple years right? Then they will be old enough and you can come home or whatever happens then. Yeah?” Matt assured, brushing hair away from your face.
You nodded, leaning in and inhaling the scent that made you feel at ease. God, how were you doing to do this without Matt? You had no time to think about it before the tones sounded and you were being called on a run.
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cosmicbrowniefan · 2 years
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the losers club as teachers
i just graduated yesterday (ah!) and i’m feeling weird and nostalgic so i’m gonna write this for the losers and picture some of my teachers in their places. hopefully someone in your life comes to mind when you read the descriptions, too!
bill: i think bill is an english teacher, but you could make the argument for him being an art teacher for sure. i think everyone likes bill as a teacher most of the time, he just unfortunately is a fan of homework and that’s the only way he really makes any enemies with his students. bill tries to stick to business and doesn’t get off topic much (unless it’s something else english-related). he also is not really a teacher you’d want to cross, but he’s for sure a teacher you’d want on your side to defend you. he always talks about slacking off in school himself, and he wants his students to do better and value their education more than he did. again, super great guy, his only enemies are because of the work he assigns them.
bev: bev could either be the eccentric art teacher or the eccentric science teacher. i’m not going to definitively pick one, but no matter the subject she’s teaching, she is absolutely the ms. frizzle of the school. bev is great with engaging her students, and i think she’d probably be more prone to wanting to teach middle schoolers rather than high schoolers. she comes up with a ton of fun projects and incentives for her students and loves getting involved in all the school activities she can. bev is 110% the emotional support teacher, and everyone always requests to follow her on instagram, even though they know they can’t until after they graduate.
ben: DEFINITELY the cool history teacher. ben is absolutely the laid back and super approachable and kind teacher that all the kids attach themselves to and can relate to, no matter what kind of social group they come from. he’s not the history teacher stereotype of the guy that doesn’t care and doesn’t teach, he just has cory matthews vibes and knows how to relate his lessons to kids’ lives and help them learn without it being a miserable experience. he will definitely always put his students first and is a friend and mentor to all.
stan: stan is mainly a math teacher but also teaches one or two business/computer classes. kids are definitely intimated of him before they have him, because there’s always rumors going around about how tough he is on students and how much work he assigns and everything. however, once kids actually have stan as a teacher, they LOVE him. he has high expectations for his students, but not necessarily in achievements, just in efforts. if stan seeing that a student is working hard, no matter how much trouble they’re having, they’ll do just fine in his class. he also is a REALLY great teacher one on one, and is there for any student that needs a little extra help. point being, he’s very intelligent, but genuinely wants the best for every kid and is willing to help to get them there.
mike: mike is a gym and health teacher in my opinion, but far from your stereotypical jacked and angry gym teacher that only likes the jocks and ignores everyone else. he is actually definitely more prone to connecting with the outcasts. mike is a HUGE advocate for mental health, and doesn’t put up with anyone’s bullshit. he will call out anyone and everyone when he sees any problems with bullying, and people know not to mess with him. he also has a whole unit in his health classes about mental health, and starts each class with short discussion just to ease everyone in. he does these conversations in his gym classes too. mike is a softie and wants everyone to feel comfortable. as long as a kid doesn’t mess with him or anyone else, they’ll do great.
eddie: he’s totally the drama teacher!! richie could absolutely do this too, but i think eddie just has such a knack for the fine arts that this is where he’d really shine. besides, he and richie are married, so richie helps out anyway. the school eddie works out has a reputation for the best drama program in the area because of how professional and hard-working eddie is. his students genuinely improve every single time they have a rehearsal with him, and it’s all enjoyable for them. he pushes them hard, but his students have no trouble cooperating because they know that, in the end, they’re going to get a fantastic show.
richie: richie is. a kindergarten teacher. i know that sounds like an absolute DISASTER because i’m sure we’re all picturing him riling up the kids, but he’s actually amazing with them. he knows how to have fun and be interactive and awesome with the kids, but he also knows how to get his lessons across. he’s able to draw out the best in every kid and connects with each of them on a personal level. his teaching is so much fun that half the time the kids don’t even realize they’ve learned something. in conclusion, richie is the best fucking kindergarten teacher in existence and every single one of his students comes and visits him again and again.
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graciellasamma · 1 year
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Descendants oc: Zachary Sparrow
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Information Basic:
Name: Zachary Sparrow
Nicknames: Zach, The Son of Jack Sparrow, Cap, Captain of the Royal Guards
Species: Human
Age(s): 16 (Descendants 1 & 2), 19 (Descendants 3)
Gender: Male
Home: Auradon
Profession: Student at Auradon Prep (formerly), Leader of his Dance Club, Royal Advisor, Captain of the R.O.A.R Fencing Team (formerly), Vice-Captain of the Royal Guard (formerly), Captain of the Royal Guards, The King’s Personal Bodyguard
Power Information:
Storybook Parent: Jack Sparrow
Tools: Swords, Daggers, Throwing knives, Bow & arrow, Gun
Powers: He basically has every knowledges of any weapons and knows how to used it like an expert even though it’s the first time he’s using it, he also have telekinesis, heat breath, and freeze breath.
Strength: 8/10
Agility: 9.5/10
Ingenuity: 8.5/10
Intelligence: 7.5/10
Relationships:
Love Interest: Uma
Best Friend: Ben, Harry Hook
Friends: Mal, Jay, Evie, Carlos, Doug, Jane, Lonnie, Dizzy, Celia, Gil, Davy, Uma
Allies: Chad, Audrey, Hades, Harriet, CJ
Pets: Buddy (Pug),  Nuggets (Corgi), Demon (Husky), Coco (Chihuahua), Harper (Border Collie), Rex (Germen Shepherd), Hunter (Golden Retriever), Otis (Shiba Inu)
Enemies: Audrey (Formerly), Uma (Formerly), Maleficent, Mr. Deley
Personality: 
Traits: Brave, Courage, Honor, Determined, Generous, Loyal, Stubborn, Sarcastic, Adventurous, Creative, Being carefree, Having strong bond with Harry
Habits:  Quick on his feet, Always reckless
Talents: Dancing, Singing, Sword fighting, Archery, Gunner, Weaponist, Pick Pocketing
Enjoyed Activities/Hobbies: Dancing and singing with his friends, Practicing fencing with Harry, Stealing items from the Museum
Fears: Losing his friends and family
Likes: His friends, His family, Dancing, Singing, BBQ, Weapon, Adventuring, Swords fight, Protecting his friends, Having fun, Pirates
Dislikes: Bullies, Cheaters, Mr. Deley, People talking back at his friends, Maleficient, People comparing the kids with their family
Story:
Backstory: Zachary, also known as Zach, is the son of Jack Sparrow, his mother sadly died in childbirth so Jack doesn’t know who’s going to take care of his son knowing that if he take his son with him will be dangerous, so he ask his old friend Belle and his husband Adam also know as the Beast, to take care of his son while going out on adventure, he, of course, will visit once in a while. As he grows up at the age 7 he develop his superpower from his mother side of the family, his father Jack told him about his mother and her family about their powers and how they are not magic and involves more on the genetic side of the family. When he was at the age of 10, he has been excel on his P.E. class including his fencing thanks to both of his speed and agility, he even able to beat the adult even their strongest one, when Adam, Belle, and the current captain of the royal guard learn this, they decided that Zach not only will be the next captain of the royal guard, he will also be Ben personal bodyguard, and Zach has been training since then and became the vice-captain of the royal guard. Years went by as Zach attend Auradon Prep School and became the captain of the fencing team for R.O.A.R. When weeks before Ben coronation, Ben and Zach are having a conversation about the VK’s at the Isle, Ben thinks that the villian kids deserve a second chance and Zach agrees with him and made a list of villains kids that he was able to made during his stays on the Isle for a day. When Ben look at the list of vks he decided chose Jay the son of Jafar, Carlos the son of Cruella DeVil, Evie the daughter of the Evil Queen, and Mal the daughter of Maleficent. When Ben already pick his chosen vks, he wants Zach to chose a vks as well since he is his brother figure and his best friend, who always by his side and protect him, so Zach look at the list and see a certain name that he’s interesting “Harry Hook” if Zach remember he is the son of Captain James Hook interested on this pirate vk he pick him as his chosen, as well, from what he learns during his time at the Isle all of the chosen vks are in the gang so it would be a good idea for having someone they know and comfortable. Things went the same with Harry who joins them in Auradon, when they tried to steal the magic wand one of the items that Zach stole the moonstone necklace started to glow as if it’s responding to someone, and that someone is Harry Hook, who is part werewolf thanks to his mother, who is not only a former Alpha in her pack but also Zach auntie which means that Harry is his long-lost cousin. When the Core Five failed the attempts to steal the wand, the event went the same when FG suggest that Jay and Carlos to spent their energies on tourney while Harry spent his on the fencing team as well on the dancing club seeing that Harry likes to dance from time to time, after tourneys is done it was time for fencing practice, which Harry is pretty excited about it. Before practice started Zach made an announcement that since he is going to be officially become the captain of the royal guards during Ben coronations that means the position of the vice-captain is open, so he decided that the day after the tournament for the tourney are over there will be challenges for the fencing team so who could be the next vice-captain. The event is still the same in the canon when Mal asked Ben if they could be in the front seat on coronation but can’t ‘cause only him, Audrey, his parents, and the next captain and vice-captain of the royal guards, so when the Core Five learns this Mal decided to create a love potion to make Ben fell in love with her and have Harry to train for the challenges knowing that Mal has faith on Harry to win the spot. The rest is still the same after the tournaments, and now is the challenges the position of for the next vice-captain, in the end, Harry was able to won thanks to his werewolf ability without him knowing that he’s using it, but during that time is whene the necklace glow brightly at Harry when he using his power, of course, Zach notice this but decide to kept this to himself for now and will tell Harry his heritage after the celebration, so for now, he joins with the others and congratulate his cousin for winning. During Ben and Mal dating, Zach invite Harry on dance practice on his favorite place to dance where no one could hear or sees them. After having a little fun on their dance battle, Zach told Harry about his power and heritage, and gives him the moonstone necklace, as the necklace reacts to him and suddenly he feels all of his senses are in a whole different levels, and his canine teeth grew longer and sharper, proving that Harry is a werewolf. When Harry came back to his dorm and tell his fellow vk friends about this they couldn’t believe this and thought that his power could be useful when they’re going to steal the wand even though his full power could only work on the full moon his enchanted sense and strength could still be useful. The rest of the event are still the same in the canon in Descendants 1, as well in Descendants 2 & 3, well, except that in the final battle against Uma and Audrey that Harry joins the fight with Mal with his werewolf form, and after Descendants 2, Zach found Uma during his stroll on the beach when she see her and even though after what she did, he thought about her action and he understand her why she did it because not only her and the Wharf Rats but the entire kids on the isle wants to be free from the well as well, including the villains that wants to redeem for their actions and wants the second chances as well, so he decide to helps her hiding from the people of Auradon and secretly gives her food that he was able to steal from the kitchen and the cafeteria without everyone notice and during their with each other develop a feeling and fell in love after Descendants 3.
Current Life: He and Harry continue their life in Auradon as captain and vice-captain of the royal guards, and Zach help Harry his new found werewolf packs that he discover after the events of Audrey, and learn that werewolf are not the only monster, there is also zombies, alien, vampire, and etc, and like the children of Isle they want to help all the monsters to live peacefully not just in Auradon but the entire kingdoms as well.
Portrayers:
Live-Action: Jack Griffo
Voice:  Jack Griffo
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I hope you all like my Descendants oc, in this Au Harry is in Mal’s gang instead with Uma because I really love Harry!! And not only that he is also part werewolf thanks to his mother side the only reason he wasn’t able to transform because of the barrier and he needs a moonstone necklace (like the one in ZOMBIES), as for who replacing Harry as Uma’s First Mate will be David Jones the son of Davy Jones.
This is gotta be the longest story that I write, I hope you all like the story ‘cause again, I suck at making a plot, so I let you guys tried to imagining it.
And like I said on on my last post of my Avatar x Avengers oc, I will be also making a list of the Descendants characters PKMN Team and Digimon partners but digidestined version of it.
I hope you all like it!!
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capuletangel · 2 years
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Slow Like Honey
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Word Count: 3928
Story Summary: Ben Solo falls into a deep obsession with the local new baker, and Ben always gets what he wants.
Tags: DEAD DOVE; Stalking, Obsession, Creepy Ben Solo, Non-Con, Bittersweet Fluff, Misogyny, Major Character Death, Dark Themes and Eventual Smut. AFAB.
Also Posted To AO3 | Wattpad
This chapter is inspired by the opening scene in Hungry Hearts <3
Masterlist
Chapter Three; She’ll Learn
Like every other Friday, Ben found himself at The Moth and The Moon, a rundown bar that his work colleagues dragged him along to. He sips his beer whilst zoning out at their conversations.
His thoughts wash the mindless trills of his co-workers out as he continues to think about her.
Her sleeping body looked so dainty as she lay sleeping. He couldn't get it out of his mind. He sees her every time he shuts his eyes. It makes him hazy. He couldn't wait to be with her.
Enjoy the small things of their relationship. Waking up in the mornings to her face against his chest, brushing his fingers through her hair, inside jokes. And, of course, intimacy.
He didn't mind going to the bar. God knows he needed a drink. She'd like it—dark wood panelling, creaky furniture, the dim lighting that she loves. It's warm and cosy, but he didn't feel it.
He was aching to see her again. And hearing other people talk was just reminding him. Nodding along to blurred conversation topics.
His coworkers weren't like him. They weren't gentlemen. The small things, the things that Ben likes, they didn't appreciate. They didn't respect women, talking about their flings as if women were nothing but a means to an end, objects.
Though, the women that they attracted weren't like her. No one was. Incomparable. She's cute, shy, and intelligent.
Taking off his plaid shirt that laid open, sitting it on the back of his chair, shifting in the black t-shirt he'd worn since that morning. Rising from his seat and heading to the restroom, his co-workers didn't question where he was going or even glance up.
Why would they? He thought they'd forgotten he was there.
Ben wasn't even sure why they'd invite him along each week. Perhaps it was a humiliation tactic of sorts, reminding him of how he didn't belong. Didn't fit in. Ben had never fit in. Not anywhere, or with anyone — excluding her, of course.
Not in kindergarten, not in elementary school, not in middle school, and especially not in high school.
He was odd. Quirky — a round peg in a square hole, is what his counsellor once told him. Much more aggressive when he was younger, struggled to handle not getting what he deserved.
He'd had a girlfriend once—but that got messy. He preferred not to think about it. Didn't have to anymore, not now he knew her.
The floorboards groaned under his work-boots that were still caked in dry mud from the ranch. He had to crane his neck as he walked through the small hallway that led to the stairs.
Why they'd chosen to place the bathroom so far away from the bar was beyond him, but he just needed to breathe. To be alone if only for a few seconds.
The stairs were cramped, littered with small stains and splatters of paint from when they'd first decorated the bar. His foot barely fit on them. He had to be careful to watch his step. Otherwise he'd fall.
Fall and then he'd have to explain his bruises when he came to the bakery next. Have her look up at him in concern. He'd break if she looked at him with those wide eyes. Everything in his life now concluded to what she would think? What would she say? What would he tell her?
No longer concerned with his selfish internal struggles, they ended when he met her. Not obsessed — Ben isn't a creep — just holding himself accountable to her. She mattered more to him than anything else.
The bathroom was shabby, a unisex restroom with a small sink and two tight stalls, one facing the door and one facing the sink. The walls were peeling, brick showing in small patches against an off white paint. They had placed a small light above the sink, a dull bulb that kept flickering from a lack of energy.
He walked into the one opposite the sink. The other was occupied. Leaning his head on the door when he locked it, rubbing his eyes, frustrated with his endless thoughts.
He's twenty-eight and acting like a schoolboy, fixated on a twenty-year-old baker. It was romantic, an affair written by fate, it seemed. He couldn't help it. Ben is a nice guy, not some creep.
His eyebrows furrow as he heard cursing and muttering from behind the door, a woman clearly but he couldn't make out much more. Sounded like some sort of struggle. Ben is a gentleman. He could help — she'd find him admirable, letting him recall a story of when he helped a woman at the bar the next time he went to the bakery.
Waiting a moment before deciding to flush the chain and unlocking the door, it let out a squeak as he did, proving the neglect of the owners. The bar was practically falling apart.
Eyes widening as he laid his eyes on the woman in-front of him. Her. Frantically rattling the doorknob, hair dangled over her face in soft waves, a panicked look that couldn't be missed — which turned to bewilderment as she turned to look at Ben.
"Kid?"
"Ben?"
They speak in unison. Ben looks towards the entrance door she is trying so hard to open. "It-It's jammed, I can't get it to open," she blushed, now taking her hands away from the knob, but still looking at it with a frustrated expression, tucking her hands into her green sleeves.
Ben has to forcefully tear his eyes away from her.
He's sure it's fate now.
What were the chances of them getting stuck in a bathroom together? Out of all the people, it was her. He couldn't help but find her flustered state compelling.
Ben nods, "I'll see if I can..." he trailed off as he brushed past her, holding back a shiver as he finally felt the fuzzy green material of her sweater that he'd been seeing for weeks on end, "sort something out."
His hand hooks around the rusted silver orb, twisting it and pulling. No luck. He tried again with more strength. Nope. It wasn't going to happen. "Third times the charm..." he pulled once more and, unsurprisingly to Ben, the handle came off as he pulled.
He worked with his hands for a living. Of course, he would break it.
Turning to face her, still clasping the handle in his hand, a stupid smile on his face as an apology. Her brows rose in surprise, huffing an unsatisfied whine, "Well, that's not good."
Ben's head was going wild. Perhaps not for her, he thought. He watches as she concentrates on what to do, biting her nails.
"Are you alone?" Ben asks, wanting to know why on earth she was there. She wasn't of legal age, she shouldn't be going out with older men, they're only interested in one thing.
"Yeah," she hums, getting more anxious as each second went by. He could tell by the way her breathing picked up and she picked at her cuticles. "I needed to use the restroom on the way home, and the bakery doesn't have a toilet, so sometimes I come here."
Good, Ben thought. She wouldn't be going out with other guys. She's not like that, she's sweet. Pure. She's his.
"Do you have your phone? I left mine at home today."
Ben nods, but he knows they don't have a phone at the main bar. It'd be a while before anyone picked up.
He slotted the doorknob back into its original place before slipping his phone out of his pocket.
"Yeah, I'll call them," he says, typing in the bar to google to get the number, dialling it and holding it to his ear. Watching her out of the corner of his eye as she stared at the floor.
If normal people saw Ben staring, watching out for her, caring for her — they'd think he's fucked up. Stalking an innocent girl. Perving on her.
But Ben thinks most people drone on and on about what they can't get. They wouldn't like that he's trying, that he's looking out for her.
She has standards. She is waiting for someone to sweep her off of her feet. Ben sees it every time she looks at him. Yearning to be held. To be loved. Capitalising the one that she dreams of.
Such small hands, he watches her fumble with them.
"It wrung out," Ben sighs with fake frustration, ringing the number again to act as if he is just as desperate to get out of the intimate space. "Wrung out again," he shakes his head, slipping his phone back into his pocket. Eyeing her with concern.
God, she really was anxious about this. Deathly pale, hands shaking, chewing on her lip as if it were gum, "Are you okay, kid?"
Her eyes flicked up, tears brimming in the corners. His heart smashed in his chest. She must've hated him. Disgusted to be in a room with him. Had he imagined the interactions they'd shared for the last few months? Was he completely delusional?
"I'm sorry—I struggle with claustrophobia and this... this room is feeling more squashed by the second."
Okay, he wasn't delusional. Thank god, he knew he wasn't. That this was meant to be. His heart was racing at the thought of her having a panic attack.
"Hey, hey," he craned his neck to her height, reaching his hand out to massage her shoulder, finger tips coaxing her skin tenderly, as if she were a fragile china doll.
Her skin, so soft beneath his fingertips, like some sort of luxurious silk, faint goosebumps raised up her arms. "It's alright, I'm here—you'll be okay, you trust me? I've got you."
How long he'd been waiting to say that. Waiting for the perfect opportunity. And here it is, in some shitty bar restroom. Fate's unusual, he'll give it that.
She nods, shuffling where she stood, offering a shy thank you, rubbing her eyes. Too rough, in Ben's opinion. He wants to scold her, but stops himself. He'll teach her how to look after herself, she'll learn. But, he can't yet.
"Are you with anyone?" She sniffles, "Will anyone notice you're gone?"
Ben almost laughs at the question, "A few co-workers, but, no, I don't even think they knew I was there in the first place," he chuckles at his own answer, but her face turns sympathetic. He grinds his teeth, resisting the urge to touch her more, hug her. Squeeze her.
She's so caring. She cares about him, and how his co-workers treat him.
He rises now, neck relaxing and hand, reluctantly, dropping from her shoulder.
"What do you do for work?"
"I work on my family's ranch. It's pretty boring—I handle the livestock, drive tractors, operate power tools... sometimes I fish... it depends."
Her face lit up as she forgot about the door. About the room crushing her and swallowing them both whole. She's interested in his work. She's interested in what he said. She's interested in Ben. That's new. Rare.
"Really? I've always wanted to... live quaint on a farm—I lived in a city for so long it drove me insane."
"Maybe I'll take you one day?" Ben suggested, trying to sound as normal as possible. It could be a date. If she wanted it to be. She would. She found him attractive, his frame, how he could protect her if need be, coddle her, how he had such a quaint lifestyle.
"I'd... I'd love that," she smiles shyly, tightening Ben's insides.
"I noticed the bakery wasn't open on Monday and Tuesday. Is everything okay?" Ben pried, but when he watched her face drop, he wondered if he shouldn't have said anything. So stupid. So reckless, Ben is an idiot.
Her head bows for a moment, hair covering her face when she looks back up, tears were once again coating her eyes, already one spilling down her cheek.
"I... My dad, remember I told you... why I moved here? Well, he's deteriorated much faster than... then they thought he would," a small sob left her mouth, Ben's breath caught in his throat, "they have moved him to palliative care."
Ben already knew, of course. He'd heard it from her wardrobe, but he faked surprise. Muttering small apologies and condolences as he wrapped his arms around her petite frame, hand on her head to stroke her hair. Savouring the feeling of her breasts pushed against his chest. He was hugging her. Comforting her, just like he knew he would.
"It's okay," his shirt muffled her voice, "I knew it was going to happen at some point... sorry."
Ben's eyebrows furrowed as he heard the apology slip, moving his hand from her hair, instead rubbing circles into her back. "Why are you apologising?"
"I'm probably ruining your top."
Ben couldn't help but chuckle. "I don't mind." It was true. He relished the thought of her crying on his top. Gaining solace from him.
"Thank you," she sniffles, rubbing a hand over her eyes, once again too roughly, and pushing herself away from his chest. Ben wanted to reel her back in. "Really, Ben. You've always... been nice to me. Ever since I moved here."
If she only knew, Ben thought. Internally cheering at the thought of her being grateful to him. He hadn't gone unnoticed. He was right about how she felt. He knew, knew there was something there. "Of course, you're sweet."
A blush grew on her cheeks as she smiled up to him, but her eyes moved to the door and it dropped, remembering why they were in the cramped bathroom in the first place. "What are we going to do?"
Ben wanted to say, do we have to do anything? Couldn't we just wait here until someone comes to use the bathroom? But he was her knight in shining armour. It was clear from the way she looked at him. She looked like a puppy, craning her neck to look up at him.
"I could try to kick it down?" She nodded in response, still playing with her hands. Ben hummed, walking over to the door and giving it a kick. It didn't move. Perhaps he was dulling down his strength, but she wouldn't have to know. He tried again, still no result.
"Can you call again?"
Ben nodded, knowing it would ring out again. But, despite that, he would do it for her. Everything he did was for her. Listening to the tone, the dull ring, as she looked at him with hope — pleading eyes — he'd do anything for her.
Anything to protect her, for a simple acknowledgment that meant everything. His heart sank as someone picked up the phone, but he covered it with a smile.
"Hey, I'm stuck in your bathroom downstairs—yeah, the door's jammed—me and a woman—Ben—yeah, Ben Solo—yes, Han's son, do you think you could help, it's just that we've been stuck in here for quite some time—okay, thank you, sir."
"Someones coming." The only thing that lifted Ben's mood was her bright smile, nodding to his achievement. "Hey," Ben wavered, rubbing the back of his neck to soothe his nerves, pinching his skin, "do you want to get a drink, maybe? I'll pay, of course, as a gesture of not being able to kick the door down myself."
The blush on her cheeks got deeper, and her smile turned into a grin, revealing her teeth. But then it faltered, and so did Ben's hopes. "I'm not twenty-one yet," she reminded, chewing on her lip.
"You're in rural texas now, city girl," Ben laughed, "they won't ID you."
"Okay then, if you insist."
Ben's heart was throbbing against his chest. He couldn't help the delighted smile that was plastered on his face. She wanted to get a drink with him, which meant she enjoyed his company.
There was a loud thump on the door, followed by a murmur. She made a surprised noise and backed herself into the corner to avoid being in the way.
Ben almost whimpered at how adorable she was, watching her squish into the corner with that meek look on her face. He followed suit, not because he cared about being caught in the stampede, but because he wanted to be close to her.
Shuffling into the corner, awkwardly apologising as he raises his hands closer to his chest, brushing over her breasts, but she just smiled up at him. The air was thick. Her lips. Ben couldn't help but think about them. Soft. Plump.
He could kiss her right now if he wanted to. He wouldn't, of course he wouldn't. Ben is a gentleman. But he could. They were inches away from each other. The only separator being his height.
He wondered if she could feel it too, the tension. She lifts her head up, raising on her toes to get closer to him. Ben stood frozen, breath shallow as he moved his eye line down to her lips.
Was she going to kiss him?
Time stood still for Ben, anticipating her next few moves. Seconds felt like hours. But she moved her head upwards, lips a few inches from his ear instead of his lips, which they had been almost touching for a few milliseconds.
"They're coming to rescue us," she hummed with a playful smile. He could feel her hot breath against his neck. It made his head spin. He let out a light chuckle, finding her eyes, his own hooded — representing the daze he was stuck in. He knew she felt it, too.
Her hands rested on his chest in surprise as the door swung open with a bang. The intimate nature of the contact gave him a head rush. He thought of as many turn offs as he could to keep his erection at bay. It worked, but wouldn't for long.
The man inspected the door, apologising. "We've been meaning to get it fixed for a while, but y'all know how it is."
"Of course," Ben nodded, stepping out of the corner, with her still behind him. "No worries, thank you." The man waved himself off, walking back up the stairs as he whistled a tune.
"So, how about that drink, kid?"
They chatted for hours — about Seattle, fishing with her father when she was younger. Ben remembered the photo of her in those red rain boots. Ben talked about the ranch, how he'd never been to the west coast — or the east coast. He's never stepped foot outside of Texas.
"So, you were serious about letting me see the ranch?"
Ben nodded, sipping his beer. "Of course, kid. No fucking doubt, I'd love... I'd love to spend some time with you," he confessed, nervous if she'd call him a creep or refuse his offer. But her face lit up, giving him that smile that made him want to bowl over and clutch his heart.
"I'd like that," she admitted, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as she looked up at him. Ben felt that she was an angel. The glow of the lamp behind her just reinstated that. Casting a halo like glow over her.
Her eyes were glassy because of the dim light shining and filled with hope. She'd like to spend time with him. She feels the same way. Stares at Ben just how he stares at her. She sees him.
"I'm glad to hear that," Ben understated, picking at the coaster his glass sat on. He couldn't stop the crooked smile that spread across his face. He melted into her presence. All of her words wrapped him up and comforted him.
Everything from the cadences in her tone to how she looked when she spoke.
So shy and sweet, like she was afraid Ben wouldn't feel the same way. Ben could have laughed at that — her thinking it was one sided, but she'd learn. He'd show her how much she meant to him.
"So, would you be interested in fishing? With... me?" He mentally rolled his eyes at how weak he sounded, fumbling for any excuse to spend time with her.
Her face lit up at the offer, eyes brightening as she nodded. "I used to go fishing with my dad, back in Seattle — as I said before — but I was only about five, so I don't know much." Her voice faded at the end, looking up at Ben through her eyelashes as she trailed off.
His heartbeat raced at the sight, blood thumping in his ears as he imagined what she'd look like down on her knees.
He coughed at the thought, brushing a rough hand through his hair to distract himself from the aching boner which sat pressed against his jeans, chafing uncomfortably.
"Oh, don't worry about that," he waved a hand through the air before returning it back to his glass, squeezing it so hard that it could've broken at any moment. "I'll teach you — it's easy to get the hang of — if you could do it when you were five you can do it now," his voice came out tense, a hollow laugh following his words. He watched her as she looked for something around the room.
Was he boring her? Did she know he had a boner? Did he make her uncomfortable? The thoughts were painful as they ran through his brain, scrutinising himself at the thought of making her upset.
"Are your coworkers still here? I'm not keeping you, am I?"
Ben softens at the idea of her being concerned that she was keeping him . And at the irony of the question. Raising his hands in a surrender pose, pleading that it couldn't be further from the truth.
"No, no. Not at all, I was going to leave after using the bathroom anyway — we aren't exactly best pals," locking eyes with the ginger man that sat at the further end of the bar, whose attention was on the girl who sat in-front of Ben. As if he couldn't make sense of the situation.
Neither could Ben. Smirking to himself at the realisation he was sitting with her in a bar, and she was drinking a drink that he'd bought her. He wasn't watching her from across the bakery, from the parking lot which sat opposite her apartment, or on some social media website he didn't understand. This was her . Talking to him.
She was talking to him like Ben was any other guy. He was more than that, too. Caring, polite, charming and good. Ben is a good man.
"Oh," she frowned, perhaps remembering what he'd told her in the bathroom, "I wish I had co-workers. It can get lonely — you know."
Ben nodded. He knew exactly what she meant. For so long, Ben had been lonely. Unbelievably so. He'd go so long without communicating that when he finally went to the store, his throat would be cracked and hoarse when he offered a simple 'thank you' to the previous cashier. Until he saw her, of course. When he saw her for the first time, everything mattered. Like dusting a lamp.
His bulb flickered on at the sight of her, in more ways than one.
He wants to tell her she isn't alone — not when he's there. Protecting her. Even when she doesn't know it, Ben's there. They wouldn't have to be alone anymore.
She'd never be alone again.
Ben wouldn't let her.
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hello(•̀ᴗ•́)و i hope ur doing well and fine you can ignore this if you want to i just have to request smth thats on my draft on your ask for a while now. Can i please request Fuegoleon, Nozel, William with an squad member who is very boyish (not in a pick me girl way, note : the reader also like them but is scared of confessing to them) and they are close to them and suddenly getting dared by the other squad members to act feminine for 24 hours and wear dresses and they just said after finishing the dare "I was acting brash this way because i might lose you." and they said they like eachother(•̀ᴗ•́)و
Hiya~! ^-^
I'm doing well thank you for asking! ^^ And sure! I made it with a fem reader, I hope that's alright, and that you like this!
Pairing: Fuegoleon x f!reader, Nozel x f!reader, & William x f!reader
Fanfic type: Headcanons
Genre: General/fluff
Length: ~2.1k
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Fuegoleon Vermillion
You two are close, and often spar with each other, even though you know that you’re not on his level in terms of magic capabilities. It was only natural since he was the Captain and you were a member of his squad, but still he agreed to spar with you a lot. And that resulted often into you two having nice conversations, and just being friendly with each other.
You also had a terrible crush on him, which… well, wasn’t that uncalled for. He was strong, kind, intelligent… Not to mention handsome, so it just… You just couldn’t help but fall for him.
That being said, though you enjoyed the conversations you had, you had to wonder if he only saw you as a friend. And … you wanted to be more.
But despite of that you weren’t ready to admit your feelings to him. Or a lot of the squad members in fact. The only one who knew, was your best friend, with whom you spent a lot of time. Which wasn’t all that surprising either, given how you two were some of the few women of the squad.
One night you were just hanging out, spending some girl time together. And that’s when you confessed to having been “friendzoned”.
“Hmm… Then what if you show him that you can be more than the warrior he spars with?” She smirked.
"What do you mean?"
"I dare you to wear dresses and be all girly-girl for the next 24 hours… You have a day off anyhow,” she dared.
And you… weren’t really sure how to feel about it. Surely being friendzoned couldn’t be just about appearances, but then again… if he saw you as just another fighter, maybe you’d need to show him that you could also represent with him at balls and other noble activities. And it wasn’t that you were opposed to wearing dresses; they just weren’t your thing. Plus, missions favoured pants and t-shirts, and… your whole tomboyish lifestyle.
So, you agree to the dare, and spend the next day, wearing a cute dress that you had in your closet for an upcoming festival. You put on some make up, nothing too flashy, just a sensible day make up. Your hair, you decided to leave down, because you kept it tied most of the time. And with that, you walked out, making your way to breakfast.
At first no one recognized you. In fact, Ben tried to tell you that you were in the wrong place, to which you gave him a very sarcastic “haha, very funny Ben”. And it was the sound of your voice that made them all realize who you were, which… made them just stare with their mouths agape.
You could even notice Fuegoleon looking at you in surprise, which made you smile. “Mission accomplished… for now.”
And so you carried on with your day, embracing the more lady like side of you, until Fuegoleon approached you in the evening.
He looked like he wasn’t sure how to ask you about your new ensemble, so instead he started with “you look beautiful”.
“Thank you,” you could only reply as heat started rising to your cheeks. Your heart was pounding, trying to leap from your chest.
“May I ask why the… umm…”
“Why I look like this?” You asked, to which he nodded.
“Well… to tell you the truth I… I’ve…” you bit your lip, thinking that it was now or never. What was the worst that could happen? You’d get turned down, and then it’d… Life would go on. “I’ve liked you for a while now and I… didn’t want to lose you; that you’d think of me as just a friend.”
There was a pause, one that felt longer than it seemed, and then he replied. “Well then I must thank you for the courage I couldn’t muster,” he smiled. “You see I have… liked you too for a while, but didn’t quite know how to bring it up.”
You could barely believe it. You had a confession back? It was almost too good to be true! And yet… there it was…
The dare wasn’t such a bad call after all.
Nozel Silva
Being able to prosper in the Silver Eagles called for a tough attitude and being able to stand your ground. As a reply to which you had embraced your tomboy side ever since joining the squad.
And Captain Nozel treated you as one of the squad members, giving credit when it was due. It was rare, but it did happen. Even if the credit came most of the time in the form of there being no complaints. But sometimes there were even real compliments.
So, you were certain that he was able to be considerate underneath that mysterious shell of his. Perhaps it was that veil of mystery that first intrigued you, but it was those… rare moments of appreciation seeping through the cold front that made you, little by little, fall for him.
Which posed a problem. A problem that you brought up with one of your friends during a training session, when it was just the two of you sparring.
“He needs someone who can… represent in the noble circles, you know? And as he has seen me, being just another soldier, I don’t… think he’d consider me as such.”
“Well then you just have to show him that you can play the part of being a lady,” your friend shrugged. “Say, what if… I dare you to be all lady-like for the next 24 hours, starting tomorrow morning, and you make him see that you can be that?”
And it was tempting, the idea of showing him that you could make him proud in more ways than one; that he could be proud of having such a spouse as you. Someone who was strong, but could be graceful and a lady, much like Acier Silva, who you never had the chance to meet in person, but who you knew to have been a role model to a lot of women. She showed that a woman can be powerful, good and still be a lady.
So, you accepted the dare, and the next day, you were making rounds in a dress and sensible heels, though you had been thinking about just how much your feet might hurt afterwards. But. You luckily had one pair of boots that had a bit of heel, but could be walked around with. That, accompanied by hair and makeup, fit for a day look, made you feel pretty. Perhaps this was something you could do sometimes. Rarely. But at times.
You knocked on Nozel’s office door, ready to deliver some documents, getting the same, commanding tone to come in as any other day. But… the moment he saw you, he dropped his pen, and stared at you, mouth agape.
“Here’s the status report from yesterday, as well as the performance evaluation documentation you requested for,” you stated, placing the papers in front of him.
“What are you wearing?” He asked, completely ignoring the paperwork.
“A dress, Sir. I felt like… trying on something new for the day. I promise it won’t affect my performance.”
“I… see…” he uttered and you could see a faint blush rising to his cheeks.
And even after being dismissed, you could swear that his eyes followed you on your way out. In fact, you saw him mor often throughout the day, never saying anything, but still seemingly following you on your duties.
It wasn’t until in the evening, when the dare was coming to a close that he approached you again, and you supposed that he’d have something to say about our ensemble.
“Why such a change in style?”
It sounded almost like an accusation, but … not quite.
“Does it not look good, Sir?” You asked, with a frown, right before you saw him swallow.
“No, that um… Quite the contrary, but I fear that this will … make suitors come your way. You’re quite eye catching…”
That was it. If you were going to admit your feelings, it might just as well be now.
“Actually… the only one who’s eye I wanted to catch was… well, you Sir. I thought that if I don’t… make myself noticed, then I wouldn’t… have a chance…”
He looked at you, eyes open wide. And the expression he wore had a hint of confusion, disbelief and… dare you say embarrassment, which didn’t really make sense until he replied again: “Then I…” he cleared his throat. “It would be a pleasure to take you out some day, and to properly begin courting you.”
And that, made you stare at him in return. The answer was stiff and clumsy, but it was… him admitting his feelings for you. And nothing could have made you happier in that moment.
William Vangeance
The Golden Dawn had a rather strict dress code, and abiding it only emphasized your tomboyish behaviour more. Which… you didn’t really mind. Wearing dresses and putting make up every day just… seemed more like a bother than anything else.
But… there were times where you hoped that you could make the Captain… notice you. As in, yes you know that he appreciated your efforts as a soldier, but you wished that he’d notice you as a potential girlfriend.
In the uniform you were just another member of the Golden Dawn.
You were opening up about it to a friend of yours one evening, right before your free weekend was about to begin; the first one in ages. Just kicking back and having a few laughs. Some friendly gossip. Yummy food and nice company.
“You do have the weekend off, why not make the most of it?” She asked.
“What do you mean?”
“Like, if he sees you only, ‘only’, as a soldier in the uniform, then remind him that you are a woman too. In fact, I will dare you to dress up tomorrow and be a girly-girl, as much as you can, and show him that you’re more than that uniform?”
You hesitated for a moment, but your friend continued.
“Don’t go overboard with it though. Like be still you, but… the more feminine form of you.”
You thought about it for a while, but in the end, decided that you didn’t have anything to lose. So, you decided to just agree to the dare.
First you slept in, took your time with picking an outfit; a nice sundress that complimented your figure. You did your hair, put on a little make up and started going about your day.
Mimosa was the first to compliment you on how pretty you looked, and it did boost your self-esteem. Some others dropped a few compliments here and there, but the captain… he treated you as any other day.
You tried to find excuses to see him through the day, and you did, but he never once commented on your appearance. Or coming to see him more than was necessary.
However, in the evening, when you were heading back to your room, he approached you.
“Evening,” he stated. His cape had been left behind somewhere, and some of the buttons on his uniform were undone. Perhaps he was retiring for the evening.
“Evening, Sir,” you replied, and saw how his gaze averted for a moment.
“I… didn’t want to comment anything while on duty, but… you look stunning,” he admitted. “At times it’s… nice to change to something else from the uniform…” he continued as a faint tint rose to his cheeks.
“Well.. uhh…” this was it. You needed to tell him. “I was hoping that um… you would notice me and… see me as a woman, instead of a soldier…”
“Oh…” there as a pause. “Oh, well then it seems that I am in luck…”
You glanced at him with a wondering frown.
“You see it means that my feelings are reciprocated…” he whispered.
You had to take a moment to take his reply in, just to make sure you weren’t hearing things. And you weren’t! He really did have feelings for you too, and it was… just so utterly… completely… wonderful.
Butterflies swirled in your stomach, in the best possible way. Because this would be the beginning of your shared future together.
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Text
Black Wedding [Chapter Nine] Play It Right [Albert Wesker]
Tag list: @dixanadu
Warning(s): oral (male), jealousy.
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The shrill and sudden ring of her cell phone woke her. Aria rubbed her tired eyes and turned onto her side, glancing at the alarm clock. Who would be calling her at 1 in the morning?
Perhaps it was the hospital wanting her to come in despite it being her day off. No one else she knew would bother her at such an hour unless it was an emergency.
Aria stretched and quickly got out of bed. Her cell phone was in the kitchen on the charger. As she tottered into the living area, she noticed that Albert was still awake. The door to his office was closed, but the light was on, spilling out onto the tiled floor from the gap. She ignored it and walked over to her phone, glancing down at the unknown number on the screen.
Who was calling her? Aria raised a brow. Despite it being unknown, she thought that she might have seen it somewhere before. But she wasn't sure. She declined the call and walked back into the bedroom; if it was important they'd call again, otherwise, they were irrelevant.
But just as soon as she lay down, her phone rang again.
For fuck's sake.
Aria groaned and got up again, intending to put the phone on silent, but as she emerged from the bedroom, she witnessed Albert pick up her phone and answer it.
"Is this the number of Aria Wesker?" A voice asked, undoubtedly masculine.
Albert raised a brow.
"She isn't available," he asserted.
"But this is her number, right?" The unnamed man asked.
Albert thought about saying no, but he was curious about who the person was, and how Aria knew them.
"Yes. But it's 1 in the morning."
"A friend gave me her number. If she's not available I can call back later. Just tell her that it's Ben," the voice answered.
Ben who?
Albert intended to ask but before he could, Ben ended the call. He tightened his jaw and put Aria's phone back down on the table. Was she keeping secrets from him? She never mentioned Ben before and Albert knew the names of her colleagues; he was not among them. So, how did she know him?
Was Aria having an affair?
Albert squeezed his hand into a fist. Since the argument, he could see that she had distanced herself from him. Her actions were unreasonable, though he had assumed they were warranted because she was too proud to admit that she was overthinking the murders. It was unlike her to lie, but given the situation and the evidence, it was a possible conclusion. Would she dare, though?
The idea made him want to tear his hair out. Yes, he married her because he wanted to maintain his cover as he groomed the Alpha team, but he also admired her intelligence and determination. Aria was a worthy spouse; it took him only a year to condition her and he was proud of how ideal she was.
But now, someone was taking what was his.
The notion was immature but to Albert, it felt like Ben was stealing his toys.
He heard a noise, the sound of footsteps approaching, and turned his narrowed eyes in time to see Aria walk into the living area, staring at him in worry. She was a much better actor than he thought; in a way he was impressed. However, he couldn't contain his irritation.
"Ben called."
Aria raised a brow.
"I don't know someone named Ben."
"He knew you by name," Albert retorted. "Someone gave him your number."
What was he going on about? Aria had never––
Wait! Did he mean Bertolucci? Aria almost groaned. He must have gotten her number from Jill when she didn't get in touch with him. That was three days ago.
How was she meant to explain the current situation to Albert? She'd have to admit that she had been investigating the murders on her own even after he advised her to leave it be.
Perhaps she could defuse the conversation before it got out of control.
"It's not what you think," Aria began.
"What else is it, Aria?" Albert asked lowering his voice.
Warm tears stung her stormy eyes. He had no idea how much his distrust hurt her. However, she reckoned that she deserved it; she did lie to Albert, but not how he thought.
"You're going to be so mad at me," she mentioned.
Albert thought so.
He didn't know what to say, or even what to think. How hard was it for her to admit it? He tightened his jaw and walked back to his study. He needed to calm down; to think for a moment then perhaps sleep. His control had slipped from him and it annoyed him to no end.
But Aria would not let him be.
"Please listen to me," she pleaded, standing in the doorway.
"We'll talk about it later. Go back to bed," Albert ordered as he sat down.
Aria narrowed her eyes. No.
"I'm not going to bed until we fucking settle this."
So what if he was going to be disappointed in her? She was not about to let him think that she was a cheater.
Albert raised a brow. Where did this hostility come from? He was intrigued, otherwise, he'd send her away.
Aria took an uneasy breath.
"Ben is a journalist, Albert. I've never even met him before."
"You're talking to a journalist?" He asked.
What was she thinking? If his employers knew they'd assume he was crossing them. Albert wanted to know why.
"Yes and no," Aria answered. "I ... started looking into the murders on my own time and I heard about a woman who had a theory regarding the disappearances, but the only person who knew how to get into contact with her was Ben. So, I asked someone to contact him for me. But I never gave him my number and I never called him."
Albert narrowed his eyes.
"Who contacted him for you?"
"I can't say," Aria uttered. "But understand that it's not their fault. I never told them the reason I wanted to talk to him."
This was bad. Albert took an uneasy breath. No, perhaps it wasn't. If he could figure out who contacted Ben maybe he could put an end to his snooping. It was apparent that the journalist had something important to tell Aria. Instead of dismissing her theories, perhaps he should go along with them. After all, he was a supportive husband, wasn't he?
He was relieved at least that she wasn't cheating.
Motioning her closer, he watched her hesitantly walk over to him. Albert slid back his seat and allowed her to sit in his lap; her arm slipped around his shoulder and her anxious blue eyes shined with tears as she gauged him.
"I'm not happy that you went behind my back after I advised you not to, but I'm pleased that you're not having an affair with him," he told her.
Aria held back her sobs. She was glad that he believed her.
"I never wanted to lie to you, but it's so hard for me to believe that something corrupt isn't going on in this city. And I swear I haven't been looking into the murders since the argument. I honestly forgot about the journalist until tonight."
"He seems persistent. He'll no doubt try and contact you again," Albert mentioned.
He was right. On his note, he insinuated that it was urgent. Whatever he wanted to tell Aria was far more serious than she had thought.
"I can block the number," she suggested.
"No. The next time he calls you should see what he wants. Perhaps there is truth to your theories. Or perhaps it's nothing," Albert suggested.
Either way, he was going to take care of it.
Aria shook her head in agreement then rested her cheek against Albert's head. It felt nice to be in his arms again. Running her fingers through his hair she hummed.
"I think you're starting to get white hair."
"You stress me out," Albert retorted.
She snorted. Feeling him lean into her hand, Aria grinned; an idea pushed its way into her head.
"Let me take care of it then."
Albert raised a brow. It wasn't hard to figure out what she was hinting around to. It was late, but he was having a hard time sleeping as is; the couch wasn't the most comfortable piece of furniture in the house. He slid his legs further apart and watched her stand, then sink to her knees in front of him.
At least Albert was in his sleepwear. Aria detested his S.T.A.R.S. uniform; washing it and disrobing him when she was in the mood; the man was anal about his clothes – don't get her started on his damn sunglasses. Freeing him from them, she ran her tongue over her lips and leaned forward to kiss the shaft. The warmth of his skin drove her mad. She loved to give his cock gentle kisses before she sank on it; the action wasn't ignored by Albert; it was cute how determined she was to please him, and though nothing felt better than having her warm and wet mouth over his cock, the kisses shot small surges a pleasure through him.
Content with herself, Aria opened her mouth and took the head in, running her tongue over it. The taste of precum made her hum in delight; he tasted so damn good. She sank on him taking as much of his cock as she could, then repeated the action to make it easier for herself. Albert was a bit too big for her mouth, but she did her best to take him in without getting choked up.
Hollowing her cheeks, she began to alternate between fast and slow, even turning her head to take him in at a different angle. Her efforts were rewarded with a low groan.
Albert ran his fingers through her hair, holding the blonde strands back from her face. Aria was stunning; her cheeks were red in exertion and the lewd sloppy noises her mouth was making as she took in his cock drove him to cum, pushing him to thrust his hips.
Cum spurted into her throat. Aria nearly choked in reaction but she continued to suck on him until Albert released her hair. Once she was certain his orgasm had run its course, she eased his cock passed her swollen lips and swallowed.
He tasted divine. Aria hummed and wiped the saliva from her mouth.
"Are you okay?" Albert asked as he tucked himself away. He may have been too rough on her at the end.
Her eyes were gleaming with tears.
"Yeah," Aria answered with a grin.
She was a bit proud of herself. Leaning her cheek against Albert's thigh in exhaustion she sighed.
"It's late. Are you coming to bed?"
"Soon," Albert answered. At least she was allowing him back in the bedroom.
Aria shook her head in understanding and stood with a grunt.
"Don't be too long."
Leaning down to give him a quick kiss on the cheek, she walked towards the door.
"Aria," Albert called to her.
The said woman turned and looked at him with curious eyes.
"If it will put you at ease I'll look more closely into the murders, but I need to know everything you do," he suggested.
Aria widened her eyes. Was he serious?
"I'll show you my notes when you get home tomorrow."
He had no idea how much this meant to her. She couldn't contain her gratitude.
"Thank you."
Albert grinned and watched her leave the room before he retrieved his phone from its charger. In a new message, he contacted William Birkin.
There's a rat.
Once the message was sent, he deleted it from his phone and returned it to the charger. He'd worry about the reply in the morning. Albert stood and turned the light off to his study, going into the bedroom for a short but comfortable rest.
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Albert was right about Ben; around noon the next day, he called back.
Aria was resting on the couch watching a rerun episode of the "X-Files" when her phone rang. She considered ignoring it, but thinking that it might be important she got up and walked into the kitchen, recognizing the number as the one Ben had called her from the previous night.
Accepting the call, she rested the device against her ear and greeted the man.
"Aria, right? I'm glad I finally got in contact with you," Ben mentioned.
"I apologize," Aria stated. "I meant to call you, but things came up."
She opted not the mention the exact reason.
"It's fine. I was concerned that something had happened," Ben retorted.
Aria raised a brow. What did he mean?
"Work hours can sometimes be a pain."
"I imagine," Ben replied with a laugh. "Are you free to talk?"
She reckoned so. Albert told her to see what he wanted.
"To be honest, I heard you were familiar with a reporter name Alyssa. I wanted to ask her a few questions regarding a column she was working on," Aria explained.
"You must be referring to Alyssa Ashcroft," Ben clarified with a hum. "Yeah, she and I have met. The last investigation she was looking into was about her friend; he went missing in the Arklay Mountains in 1993."
So, Joseph, the Funeral Director's son was right. Aria took an uneasy breath.
"I haven't been able to look much into it, but the reason I wanted to speak with her is that our situations have similar elements."
"How so?" Ben asked in curiosity.
Aria wasn't sure that she should disclose all her information, but perhaps he knew could find out something that she couldn't.
"I believe that not all of the murders are animal related, and they've been happening for 5 years now with a brief cool-off period. The earliest victim was in 1993 and then on May 20th a body was found on the outskirts of Raccoon City," she explained.
Ben hummed. Excusing himself a moment he sat the phone down. In the meantime, Aria retrieved a bottle of water from the fridge.
"Sorry about that," Ben uttered. "I wanted to write this all down."
She understood.
"How many victims have appeared in Raccoon City?" Ben asked.
"Four to my knowledge," Aria answered. "The RPD keep ruling their deaths as wild dog attacks but even after extensive searches in the mountains they've never been able to locate the animals responsible."
Ben hummed.
"That's strange."
Aria agreed.
"Not to mention each body that was found was later cremated under the guise that their families have not or won't claim them from the morgue."
"And your source?" Ben questioned. He wasn't being rude; he was just curious.
Aria sighed.
"There isn't one. The 3rd victim lived a street over from me. When he was brought in - DOA - I was working; I left a message with his son but the next day the Hospital Director sent his body to be cremated. And the number to get in contact with his son was erased from his medical file."
"It sounds like the hospital and maybe even the police department is covering something criminal up," Ben mentioned.
Aria widened her eyes. She suspected Ethan, but did Irons have something to do with the cover-up? How many others were involved?
"I don't understand why someone would want to cover up so many murders. What reason would they have for doing it?"
"I think they're protecting someone," Ben mentioned. "You see, Alyssa suspected the hospital in the Arklay Mountains was being bribed by a pharmaceutical company into illegally testing drugs on its patients, but she has no memory of what happened during her investigation, other than her friend disappearing. She never mentioned a name to me but the only company in the city that has the power and money to do such a thing is Umbrella Pharmaceuticals."
Was he insinuating that the city was covering for Umbrella? Aria chewed on her bottom lip. This was bad.
"Could Umbrella be testing on humans?" Aria asked.
"I'm not for certain, but I have a hunch they are," Ben answered. "I'm going to need time to investigate some more though. And the soonest I can come to Raccoon City is June."
Aria was at odds. She wanted to look more into the company but she also wasn't sure she should. Taking a deep breath she leaned against the fridge.
"I'll toe the line until you get here."
"Be safe and I'll contact you soon," Ben recommended. "You have no idea how much you've helped me."
He said farewell to Aria and then ended the call. She sat her phone down on the counter and took an uneasy breath. What was going on in Raccoon City?
Hearing her phone ring go off, she looked down at the screen to see that Albert had sent her a text message.
An old friend came to visit and wanted to take me out for a drink. Don't wait up.
Aria frowned and quickly sent a reply.
Have fun.
If only she could say the same.
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dreamwritesimagines · 11 months
Note
It’s CMA-
I’m taking notes as always:) also my brain is still fried and I’m waiting for the meds to kick in, so if anything doesn’t make sense, that’s why and not because I’m a mess of a human being who doesn’t proofread
Okay him knowing what her family likes because he pays attention when she’s mentions things… going back to the Aphrodite thing, honestly might just spite her here and now if this is where it leads😂😂😂 (dream ur a bad influence /j)
Motherfucker dream I was not expecting that sentence at all. Holy fuck clover have you no subtlety? Jesus I almost spit out my drink, my god. Every time I think I won’t be surprised by her anymore, she does something like this. Holy fuck.
Have I properly conveyed my shock? Because I don’t think there’s enough swears in the world for me to express it. I knew she said she had a plan but holy fuck???? (also this is way tmi and you don’t have to answer but does she think she needs a partner??)
SCREAMING THAT WENT FROM SO FUNNY TO SO TRAGIC SO FAST. I’m not saying anyone did anything wrong (except maybe clover for approaching it the way she did) and everyone’s reactions were totally understandable and I applaud Ben for being honorable enough to say no, but this is so sad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(I know we talked about this in headcanons and theories but to actually see it in the story is breaking my heart)
Wait okay I just thought of something not totally related but if cherie and clover ever did meet, cherie would love clover but clover would hate her I feel like. Because cherie would think that clover is a genius who is the only person capable of seeing these love matches/attraction besides her, and clover would hate Cherie’s over enthusiastic approach to life and love.
Eventually I think that clover would grow to tolerate and then be protective like she is with Lottie, but whereas Lottie is more a more general sunshine-type, cherie is a very specific and much stronger brand of loving love and everything and this might turn clover off.
Idk just some thoughts lol back to the story:
I’m loving this lothany sneak peek btw.
The way that she walks away and bulldozes over him and refuses to listen is really interesting. Especially when you compare it to Lottie who when pressed and didn’t want to talk about her love life, clearly articulated why she didn’t want to talk about it and gently redirected the conversation without making clover feel bad or making things awkward.
It really shows the difference in emotional intelligence between the two of them in an interesting way. The way that Lottie talked made me think that she knows of her feelings for Anthony, she just thinks it’s hopeless. It’s a fascinating parallel: Lottie who knows she’s in love but isn’t in a relationship, and clover who doesn’t know she’s in love but is in a relationship.
They’re really opposites in every way, and it’s so interesting to see how their journeys are basically inverses of one another in every way. Loving parents vs abusive one’s, growing up well off vs poor, growing up in the city vs country, having lots of friends vs none at all… the lists go on and on beyond just the grumpy/sunshine pairing.
Idk that just occurred to be how interesting that is.
It’s also interesting how much we see clover’s thought patterns here. The denial, the pessimism, the black and white thinking. The way that she thinks that she can read everyone’s minds but she can’t at all.
Also eek! Another love confession! Ugh every single one makes me so happy, and I’m glad we’re getting more than one for this story. It’s good for clover because it helps her understand that her view of the world is skewed, reassures her doubts, and it’s just really cute overall.
Not going to lie, even though it’s fictional, being able to relate to clover and see her get the love and kindness that I wish I got is so cathartic. Love that for her, and i love this series and your writing for that.
Ugh at least one of them is emotionally intelligent/aware. In enamored they were both emotionally stunted and that was such a roller coaster lolololol.
Augh Ben might be my favorite character you’ve written for tbh. Genuinely, genuinely love this story so freaking much.
Man this chapter had so many twists. First the laugh about clover’s bluntness to the angst of the “rejection” to the fluff of lothany to the angst of the dinner and clover’s inner thoughts/self loathing to the most amazing fluff of a confession, wow.
Also the way that clover was begging ‘don’t make me say it/don’t ask me that’ and the way that that phrase says so much about her. It happens each time right before he confesses and yet he continue to do it anyway. It’s an interesting parallel that they’ve got going on; I’m interested to see if it continues.
Also how it pains her to say it, showing that she really does care and doesn’t want to hurt him, but is still trying to do what she thinks is best for him/the situation, even though it’s only for her benefit.
Idk a lot of thoughts this week. Anyway…
Thanks for reading and that’s it for this week on CMA becomes a rambling mess whenever Dream releases a new chapter. Tune in next week for more overly specific and random rambling (and probably a lot of screaming too) about GoS or whatever else I am/dream is up to.
Omg hi darliiiiing! 🥰❤️
Lolll spiting Aphroditeeee😏 I'm telling you, it could be riskyyy😈
I actually considered putting that scene in the sneak peek but then I realized it would be more shocking/fun if it took you guys by surprise as much as it did Benedict😂
Every time I think I won’t be surprised by her anymore, she does something like this. Holy fuck. Benedict's train of thought there😂
I feel like she thinks she needs a partner yes! 😁
I totally agree, Cherie would love Clover but Clover would hate her first 😂 Cherie can be very headstrong when it comes to love, and she is incredibly stubborn and refuses to believe in anything but love being the best thing in the world😂 But they'd eventually become best friends ❤️
Lothany my babiesssss❤️
Clover definitely has a more direct approach when it comes to...anything really 😂 Charlotte is much softer than she is ❤️
They’re really opposites in every way, and it’s so interesting to see how their journeys are basically inverses of one another in every way This is such a wonderful way to look at it, YES! ❤️ Their love stories AND backgrounds are so paralleled with each other in like complete opposites way and we will see more of it! ❤️
Clover can be very observant when it comes to other people but herself and Benedict? Not at all😂
Not going to lie, even though it’s fictional, being able to relate to clover and see her get the love and kindness that I wish I got is so cathartic. Love that for her, and i love this series and your writing for that. Darling omg this is so nice of youuuu! 😍
Oh yeah, Enamored was very dramatic because both Cherie and Anthony are incredibly dramatic😂
It's so fun when a chapter includes both like humor and angst at the same time 😁
Also the way that clover was begging ‘don’t make me say it/don’t ask me that’ and the way that that phrase says so much about her. It happens each time right before he confesses and yet he continue to do it anyway. It’s an interesting parallel that they’ve got going on; I’m interested to see if it continues.
THIS! THIIIIIS! ❤️
Clover is not very good at expressing her feelings -not with words anyway- as opposed to Benedict who's really good at expressing his feelings, both with his words and his actions and even his art, that's why he's such a good artist ❤️ So Clover has a lot to learn from him and for her to actually say those words...
It'll be a huge character development on her part ❤️
Thank you so so much for this darling, you're amazing! ❤️❤️❤️
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couldntbedamned · 1 year
Text
Goodbye Grey Sky, Hello Blue - 12
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Summary: In an alternate universe where trains and zeppelins are still common forms of travel and the internet and cell phones exist, nineteen year old Peter Parker has few options left after he’s swindled out of his inheritance. Unable to pay for college, let alone keep the house left to him by his deceased aunt, he’s running out of time before he’s out on the streets. Desperate, Peter signs his life over to the Bureau of Civic Spousal Selections to take his chances as the selected husband of a complete stranger. After all, he only has to make it through a year and then he can choose to annul.
Dr. Stephen Strange has little interest in marriage, preferring to focus on his career. When his career is threatened by what a nosy board of directors considers a “lack of personal fulfillment and settling down,” he opts to select a spouse through the BCSS and chooses Peter Parker. The young man’s profile he’d briefly skimmed suggests intelligence and compatibility. It’s not ideal, but if after a year it’s not working out, he can always annul the marriage and send Peter on his way.
It’s a marriage neither truly wants, with sharp learning curves for both. It’s either going to be forever or it’s going to go down in flames.
Warnings/AO3 Tags: 18+ MINORS DNI, Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - 1950s/Modern Fusion, Doctor Stephen Strange, Jewish Peter Parker, Peter Parker is of Legal Age, Marriage of Convenience, Marriage Contracts, Government Sanctioned Marriages, Domestic Discipline, Dubiously Consensual Spanking, Spanking, Aftercare, Mildly Dubious Consent, Dubious Morals, Dubious Ethics, Asshole Stephen Strange, Smartass Peter Parker
Notes: Please remember to read the tags/warnings listed and read/avoid as best for you. YOU are responsible for the content you chose to consume on the internet.
<<<>>>
Chapter 12
<<<>>>
The dinner was a resounding success, and Stephen had to admit that it was all because of Peter.
Peter had put such care into everything, from the music playing through the house speaker system to the appetizers set out neatly on side tables in the living room with little cards explaining what was in them.
Sweet Potato Stacks- sweet potato, cherry tomato, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic
Rainbow Spring Rolls with sweet chili dipping sauce - rice paper, mint, Thai basil, spring onions, cucumber, carrot, mango, red chili, salted peanuts
Date and Walnut Bites - dates, walnuts, cinnamon, coconut whip
Peter wasn't awkward with their guests as Stephen had initially feared he'd be. While he didn't draw attention to himself needlessly, he also didn't shy away from conversation or say anything untoward. He'd had Ben Grimm and his wife charmed by his stunt with the kitchen, and Dr. Knight and Mr. Wilson were no different.
"So, what drew you to Strange over here?" Wilson had asked Peter as they sat in the living room, soft jazz playing at just the right level.
Oh no.
"The contract with the BCSS, I guess," Peter said lightly. Then his eyes went mischevious. "Then it was the fancy cars."
Wilson laughed. "Got an eye for Buicks, do you?"
"And car services, apparently," Peter joked. "It's a nice change from the public transit back in Midtown."
"Aren't Midtown's subways pneumatic?" Alicia asked.
Peter nodded. "They are. For years there's been talk of changing over to electricity like in New Angeles or Chicago, but I doubt it will happen in my lifetime." He turned his attention to Grimm.
"I know Stephen's a surgeon. What's your specialty?"
"Butchery or carpentry, depending on what other doctors you ask," Ben said with a self-deprecating smile. "I'm a surgeon as well, specializing in orthopedics."
"But you help people keep moving, right? I think that's amazing!" Peter insisted. "I remember reading this article in Modern Science about this little boy who lost his hands in a car accident, and when a donor pair of hands was found, his surgical team attached them and now he's on his high school baseball team! The lead surgeon was an orthopedic surgeon. It's cool!"
"I know Dr. Voss," Ben said warmly. "She's very talented."
Peter's eyes lit up. "Wow!" He looked at Dr. Knight. "What about you, Dr. Knight?"
"Call me Misty, please. I'm a pediatrician. Surgery isn't my specialty, but I am licensed for it," she answered. "I remember the case you're talking about, with the boy? It was big news in the medical community."
"I never liked the doctor I saw when I was growing up," Peter said. "But if he was more like you, I think I would have, for sure."
Misty beamed brighter than Stephen had seen outside of the children she treated.
"These sweet potato stacks are amazing!" Wilson said. His small plate held several of them. "And this is all that's in them?" he asked, holding up the little card.
Peter nodded. "Yep! My Aunt May would make them and the walnut date bites for her canasta club on evenings when they wanted to feel fancy. I actually stole the spring roll recipe from her friend Gilda, but what Gilda doesn't know won't hurt her."
"I like the cards you made for them," Misty added. "It's a very elegant and tasteful way to warn for allergies."
"There were a few kids in my old shul youth group that had really severe allergies so we always made the cards for everyone's safety if there was an event where snacks or food would be served," Peter said. "Sometimes we spent more time designing the cards and practicing our penmanship than eating the food, but we really enjoyed it." He smiled fondly and something inside of Stephen ached.
When dinner was served, both Misty and her husband were stunned that Ben and Alicia were staying. "Really?" Misty asked. "I thought you had the diet thing?"
"We follow kashruth," Ben said, holding Alicia's hand. "And young Peter here has been gracious enough to prepare a meal accordingly."
"Well look at you!" Wilson teased Peter. "Trying to impress everyone? Show off a bit?"
Peter's lips curved up into a sly smile as he shook his head. "If I'd wanted to do that I'd have cooked brisket."
Ben and Alicia chuckled, apparently understanding his joke, even if Wilson didn't.
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Ben's eyes had fluttered closed in pleasure when he bit into the challah bread Peter had on the table for dinner, along with what Stephen now knew was a vegan buttery spread. (He hadn't noticed a difference, honestly.) Misty and Wilson were delighted with the salad of field greens and radish in an herb vinaigrette of Peter's own concoction. Stephen had eaten the roast chicken Peter served a few different times since marrying him, but it was still as delicious as ever, especially paired with the wine he'd chosen. Alicia Grimm seemed ready to steal Peter away and adopt him when he brought out a tray of lemon bars and flourless chocolate cookies back into the living room after they'd finished the main meal.
"This has been one of the best meals I've had in a long time, Peter," Wilson said.
"Oh, thank you, Mr. Wilson," Peter said, cheeks slightly pink.
"Please, call me Sam," the man insisted. "I've been to a few dinner parties since I married Misty a few years back but this one is definitely my favorite outside of the ones we've hosted." He glanced over at Grimm and Alicia. "And I'm glad to finally know just how funny Ben and the missus are over dinner!"
Ben chuckled. "It was nice to not have to leave early for once! Really, Stephen, I can't thank you enough!"
"It's Peter you should be thanking," Stephen said honestly. Hell, all he'd done was buy the food and own the house.
"It was nothing," Peter said, cheeks still pink.
"It was everything," Alicia insisted kindly.
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Guests gone, Peter turned his attention to cleaning up.
He rinsed all of the fine China by hand, along with the good silver. He set them on the rack to dry. The rest of the dishes were quick since he'd done most of them as he'd cooked. There were a few canapes leftover and Peter stored them away in neat little containers
After he took the trash to its bin, he gathered up the tablecloth and placemats and carried them to the laundry room.
The rest he could deal with in the morning.
Assuming Stephen let him live until the morning.
He wasn't sure if anyone else noticed, but Stephen had been a little distant ever since he'd shown Dr. and Mrs. Grimm his kitchen setup. He couldn't imagine why Stephen was upset, unless he'd really been counting on them not staying. Which, if that was the case, rude.
He hadn't done anything wrong and if Stephen was irritated that Peter had done what apparently no one else could be bothered to do, that was his problem!
“I have most of everything cleaned up,” Peter told Stephen, who was sipping scotch in his armchair in the den. His blazer was draped over the back and his tie loose around his neck. “The rest of it will keep until morning, if that's okay.”
Stephen nodded. “Sure.”
“I think tonight went well,” Peter ventured.
“It did,” Stephen acknowledged. “You conducted yourself well. I forgot that you've never done something like this before.”
“Once I stopped panicking and started making lists I was fine,” Peter said. “And I'm glad I was able to entice Dr. Grimm and his wife to stay.”
“Ah. Yes.” Stephen finished his glass. “It was quite the triumph and everyone else in our social circle will feel positively foolish.”
“Are you actually angry they stayed for dinner?”
“No, I'm angry that my husband couldn't be bothered to tell me he follows the same rules they do, or that my kitchen obviously wasn't equipped to allow him to do so without some ingenious engineering on his part.”
“I’ve never kept it a secret,” Peter said evenly. “I just assumed you knew and didn't care.”
Stephen snorted. “Of course you assumed that.”
“Am I wrong?” Peter asked. “Because there are basic things about me that you don't know or haven't cared to remember.”
“Like what?” Stephen asked.
“Like I was raised by my aunt and uncle after my parents died when I was five years old. Also that I'm Jewish, even if I'm not exactly devout about it.”
“And I'm supposed to just know that?” Stephen questioned, unimpressed.
“Considering you have an eidetic memory, yes! That stuff and more should have been in the profile the BCSS gave you when you were considering me.”
“I didn't read it,” Stephen admitted after a long moment. “I barely skimmed it, really.”
“Why not?” Peter asked, stunned. “Why wouldn't you try to at least see if we were even compatible?”
“Because I didn't care,” Stephen said. “I went in, saw you in the rec room playing chess before they could sequester me away in an office and my mind was made up. Nothing else mattered.”
“What?”
“I saw you. I wanted you. I bought you.”
“So you don't actually care about me as a person, just a body to clean your house, impress your colleagues, and warm your bed,” Peter said quietly. “Even after weeks of this, you haven't cared to learn anything about me.”
Stephen said nothing for a long while. Then he sighed. “Go and get ready for bed. I'll be up soon.”
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Peter was being ridiculous, Stephen thought, turning the PymCo. console off for the night.
Stephen had learned plenty about Peter in the short time they had been married.
Peter was smart. Very smart, if he'd really been selected to write for the Van Dyne School of Science as that Betty girl had said. He'd damn near beaten Stephen at Scrabble, too! He'd also kept up with Stephen's colleagues with ease.
Peter was a damned good cook. Stephen hadn't even realized the substitutions he'd been making for various foods until Peter explained things to Ben and his wife. Everything he'd cooked had been delicious, except for maybe the times he'd only heated up canned soup.
Peter was determined and resilient, judging by how his risk/benefit analysis had led him to the BCSS and subsequently, Stephen. He found a way to meet his own needs in a difficult situation like in the kitchen. He was able to leverage resources around him, such as befriending a neighbor and exchanging skill sets. Damned clever.
He put up with Stephen, which was damn near enough to qualify anyone for sainthood. Did Jews have saints or was there a Jewish equivalent? He'd have to ask Ben.
Stephen knew he was a difficult person for even the most patient of people, let alone someone as young as Peter.
He really was going to have to read that damned profile.
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Peter was in bed, naked as had become his habit. What was the point of pajamas when Stephen was just going to have him undress anyways?
He wasn't sure how to feel. Every time he thought he and Stephen were making real progress, Stephen had to go and be a schmuck.
What on earth had possessed someone as strict and stern and self-disciplined as Stephen to just pick a random spouse and not even bother to check compatibility? Was he only anticipating the year? Had he been pressured into it by the BCSS agents to take Peter off their hands? (Peter knew they'd disliked him tremendously, always lamenting that he was far too self-assured and didn't "know his place".)
Why him? Why Peter?
"You still want me?"
“From the moment I saw you.”
All of the sex (which Peter really enjoyed but technically couldn't say no to) aside, did Stephen really find Peter that attractive?
“I saw you. I wanted you. I bought you.”
More to the point, could Peter make himself live with that for the remainder of their year together?
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"Hmm, you're still up," Stephen said from the doorway. "I'm glad. I have every intention of making tonight very good for you."
As much as Peter wanted to be annoyed that Stephen could just waltz up like there wasn't a gap between them that needed to be bridged, the way his cock tingled at Stephen's promise clearly felt otherwise.
"And why is that?" he asked, sitting up.
"Because you were marvelous this evening and you've earned it." Stephen's answer came from the closet.
The flush of pleasure he felt at Stephen's words did not change anything. It wasn't like he craved Stephen's approval. He'd simply been a good host just like he'd been raised to be.
"You have no idea just how loudly those four are going to sing your praises," Stephen said as he strode out in his pajama pants. "And in my circles, your praises become mine."
Of course Stephen would appreciate the stroke to his own ego, Peter thought. He still turned to face Stephen as he joined him in bed. His cock was trying to harden against the cage and while it didn't exactly hurt anymore, it did kindle something in him he didn't want to think to closely on.
"The lofty aloof Dr. Strange has finally settled down and hasn't he chosen just the right spouse," Stephen drawled. "No risk of burnout any longer, no he has a perfect home, perfect husband who's so gracious and smart."
"Which is what you wanted," Peter said. "To get them off of your back."
"And lucky for me I found you," Stephen said. His hand slipped down to Peter's cock and at the brush of two fingers, disabled the lock on the cage. He pulled it away and set it on the nightstand. "You've given me so much," he continued, stroking Peter's nearly instantly-hard cock so perfectly Peter worried he'd spill far too soon. "I intend to show you my gratitude."
"Oh."
Peter's head fell back as Stephen's grip tightened just so. He couldn't stay upset, not when Stephen was making him feel so good. It wasn't fair but damn if his cock didn't care about that.
Before long, Stephen broke out the lubricant and that made the stroking even better. His other hand started teasing him open, long dexterous fingers curling and spreading. When two brushed over his prostate, Peter came with a wracking shudder and still Stephen continued to stroke.
By the time Stephen finally worked his long cock inside of Peter, filling him until he was sure he'd break, Peter was panting harshly. His mind was sluggish as it tried to process all of the pleasure Stephen was raining down on him.
He'd come more than once, as if his body was made to be played by Stephen. Sensitive as he was, he couldn't help but push back into Stephen's thrusts. The heavy presence behind him, that caged him, also made him feel... safe.
Long after he'd started, Stephen finally spilled inside Peter with a low groan, one hand pressing down over the faint bulge his cock made when in the young body. He rolled his hips gently as if trying to ensure his spend stayed as deep him Peter as possible.
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Peter was a shaking, blissed-out puddle of a man.
Stephen left only to return with a warm washcloth to clean them both up before settling behind Peter, pulling him close.
"You did so well tonight," Stephen praised again. "I'm very proud of you."
Peter smiled dopily, sleep racing towards him.
Stephen nuzzled his neck, nipping just behind his ear. "Sleep now. We'll discuss your punishment tomorrow."
<<<>>>
So yeah, Stephen is definitely earning his “Asshole Stephen Strange” tag and we’ll get more insight into him and just what the fuck is up with him next chapter. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
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fishyyyyy99 · 8 months
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Hey! I'm working on a response to your comment (and the asks I've been sitting on for ages), but in the meantime, I'm curious: When do you think Ben started having romantic feelings for Devi and when did he become aware of them? (bonus: same questions for Devi's feelings about Ben)
I can't take full credit for my opinions because, I've definitely been influenced by comments I've read on reddit. But I think that Ben was always attracted to Devi subconsciously, and that's why he clocked her flirting with Jonah, so quickly. And that's why he was so curious about whom she was trying to impress, when she was putting on make up. I do want to say that while I think he was attracted to her, I don't think he cared about her. And I think that's an important distinction to make, because the way he treated her initially is not how someone who cares about you would treat you. I think the scene in 1 x 02, in which he sees her crying was the first time their dynamic changed. I think he started caring about her a little after that, and it obviously increased a lot once they sort of became friends in 1 x 05, and even more after they established a proper friendship in 1 x 06. I think he acted jealous of Paxton in 1 x 05 as well, when he insulted Paxton's intelligence. But I think he realised his feelings for Devi at some point in 1 x 06, because that's the episode in which he looks at Paxton and wonders if Paxton had hurt her, and asks himself why he cares. I think that conversation in Devi's kitchen, was probably when he actually realised his feelings for her, though I have no evidence to support that. I'm just assuming that because he was already reflecting on his feelings earlier on in that episode, and that conversation was when he let his guard down for the first time, and he seemed to be having a lot of fun, so in my opinion, it was sort of the ideal turning point.
I know some people think Devi was also always attracted to him, but I personally feel that it only started for her in 1 x 10. I think she was always on the edge though, and it just took one thing to push her over into deep feelings territory. We don't really see her act jealous of Shira. But we do know she was obsessed with Ben, because she used to talk about him at dinner every night. And we see her gravitate towards him when she feels uncomfortable, because she doesn't know most of the people at the party in 1 x 02. I think she always respected his intellect, and did enjoy their banter (minus the UN nickname and being told that she was faking her paralysis). And I think by 1 x 06, she had a very good bond with Ben, but she still wasn't attracted to him (I think her reaction to when he tried to kiss her in 1 x 08 showed that). But the necessary foundation for really, really liking someone was already there, and when she fell for him, I think she fell hard. I think we get to see her moment of falling for Ben on-screen. I actually think it happened a little before she kissed him. It was when she turned and realised that Ben was waiting for her - we can see her expression change (it actually reminds me a little of 3 x 09, when she sees Ben drawing). The way she giggles when he wakes up, felt more like "having-a-crush-on-someone" behaviour, rather than just friendly. And I think the full-on realisation came when he said that he just wanted to make sure she was okay.
I'm curious about when you think Paxton started liking Devi. I think he was attracted to her from the time they met, but he only started liking her (at least a little bit) in 1 x 02. I always felt that the way he turned back to look at her when she walked back to her house, felt romantic.
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clowndensation · 2 years
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panopticon - there is literally no describing this episode. like you've either experienced it or you haven't. you either get it or you don't. to be fully clear: we are cheering and shouting and crying and hugging in joy listening to this episode. this is a celebration. a culmination of things years in the making. the final step in a master plan, and the sheer satisfaction of it all going perfectly.
quite literally if god hates a girlboss then why does he keep winning?
under a cut for the massive amount of screenshots that i frankly can't even justify <3 this is elias's episode and i need it to be witnessed in excruciating detail. not even like the important bits of the episode. it's my review and i can focus on elias being sexy if i want to.
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your antagonist wishes, he fucking wishes he had this kind of entrance. he wishes his plan went off this cleanly, that his machinations could line up so fucking perfectly. elias sauntered out of prison just to show up and immediately serve cunt. losing my mind.
and he's still a coy little minx about it. look at him.
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like this is a man who's gambling it all on one guy who he, frankly, has had a history of underestimating for the entire show. and the second he realized he was underestimating him, he immediately factored that into his evil plan, because he knew others would underestimate him, as well.
say what you like about elias, but when my man learns a lesson, not only does he learn it, he internalizes that shit to weaponize later. king of growth.
also including this bit because i just love elias and the fact that he says words and talks and serves girlboss realness literally always.
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you don't understand how much i love this overarching thread of elias being an unhelpful withholding fuck who refuses to share anything, ever. he is 200 years old and he is dealing with children, and it shows.
also i truly don't have anything even passingly intelligent to say about this next bit. like nothing at all. i just need you all to know it's literally so incredibly sexy. can not overemphasize that elias deserves literally all of the euphoria of this moment. he's won. centuries of working towards this goal, and he is genuinely actually winning.
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also to be clear, ben meredith can fucking kill a diabolical/triumphant laugh. holy fucking shit. you aren't getting it. listen to him.
he's so fucking happy. triumphant. the world falls into order because he says so, and now all that's left is to revel in it. icon.
and, of course, we can't forget the star of our show, our shining beacon. or, perhaps, the moth drawn close to his beacon, the beautiful, blinding light of their god, beckoning them toward each other.
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like sorry i can't be normal about the fact that elias can just call jon. that they can sense each other's presence. that they're inextricably linked through their god. that they could be a world away, and they would still be able to feel the presence of the other with only a passing thought.
okay, now who remembers that little conversation between peter and martin that i shared? you know? the shorter version of this one? this one right here?
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and if i could just direct you here real quick:
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literally losing my mind, the parallel to these two relationships, which have acted as foils for each other this entire time is so absolutely fucking gorgeous. it's such a concise summation of their relationships, and the ways they suit their gods.
and jon, scared to the bitter end. terrified of every experience he faces, the fear always biting into him and leaving its mark. he is truly the perfect archivist, so sensitive and reactive to everything life has to offer. a vessel for terror that will never pour over, that will never be inured to the powers he's faced with.
perfect in every way.
Ranking: 10, as if this episode could exist on a fucking numbered scale. dear god.
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rg-writes · 2 years
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About Saltwater, A Letter
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” — Benjamin Franklin
With those simple words, Ben Franklin gave us a gift, that if diligently applied, can create infinite value and fulfillment in our lives. We take this gift seriously at Saltwater, starting every conversation with a new company from a position of humility, curiosity, and an understanding that operators have insights that we are privileged to learn from. We help builders build and ensure that the learning, throughout our partnership, never stops. At Saltwater, we operate shoulder to shoulder. We have no corner offices, no ivory towers. We prefer the trenches.
Saltwater is a private investment company that owns and operates a family of businesses.
We started building a venture portfolio that is now 28 companies making an impact and showing great results. We are lucky to call these founders our friends. Over time, we found it more fulfilling to be deeply involved with our portfolio companies, so we began making larger investments into fewer deals, focusing on slightly more mature, profitable companies. Given the depth of our involvement and our long-term partnership, we call this model "partner equity."
As practical investors, we are value-driven, and as practical entrepreneurs, we are values-driven.
People matter most. Life is short. We want to spend it with great people who will challenge us and help us grow. We surround ourselves with those who are authentic, honest, intelligent, and who push us to learn and be better every day.
Focus on the long-term. Since we don't have arbitrary investment horizons (with a single LP), we truly partner with entrepreneurs for the long-haul. We're patient investors focused on building value over time, even when that means years or decades. We believe strongly in the power of patience and compound interest.
Leave the planet better for our kids. We partner with companies that provide attractive returns, not only financially but also to society and the environment. Given nature's gifts have shaped our life experiences, we feel indebted to protect our planet and preserve its beauty for future generations. We don't believe profit has to sacrifice the planet.
While our capital is the product of a great venture outcome, we found we are more Berkshire than Benchmark, though we admire both firms. By taking a majority ownership position in our companies, we can be patient and balance long term growth with sustainable profitability. As operators turned investors, we are comfortable investing earlier than most private equity firms, and support operators in the details that most investors wouldn't touch. This approach gives us the opportunity to buy companies at lower valuations knowing our support in the details will add significant value as a business reaches scale.
Our experience has shown that companies at this stage can always benefit from improved operations, and the founders who value continual improvement welcome our input. Our decisions typically support whatever path will maximize the probability of a positive outcome. The output of this strategy combines significant value creation and a substantial reduction of risk. We like that hard work creates value and see that as a lasting competitive advantage.
We love the trenches and structure our operational involvement into the Saltwater Operating System made up of these 4 pillars:
Operational Cadence — We build strong companies, starting with a strong heartbeat; the calendar.
Data Discipline — With financial and operational analytics in place, we ensure timely and informed decision making. We drive for transparent and simple; then, we evaluate, prioritize, execute, repeat.
Brand Elevation — Customer loyalty through relationship is key to long-term success in a competitive marketplace; we ensure these relationships start with a clarity of identity.
Growth Mentality — A company is limitless with the right people and the right attitude; we start with removing barriers of belief.
In many cases, a heavy operational hand is unnecessary. Due to our deep respect for the operator, while we will certainly have a perspective, we practice discretion in implementing SOS.
Will we only invest in technology companies? Yes. Because we believe all companies are technology companies.
Part of the inspiration to create Saltwater was my first investment into a microbrewery. This company started with a great product, a great brand, and a smart founder. But it wasn't until a 2-hour walking meeting with the founder that I learned he'd personally coded an analytics tool to predict when an account was going to finish a keg of beer. When the software alerted the sales team that the keg of beer was likely to be finished, the company would pre-empt that and deliver a new keg. They would also internally manage distribution, increasing gross margins by roughly 30% in the process. Oh, and they also internally built the software used to manage distribution activities. Was this a beer company or a tech company? It doesn't matter. It was a great investment.
After almost a decade driving one of the world's fastest growing technology companies we have broad operating experience ready to be shared with our partners, supporting them in the inevitable challenges of growing a company. We build trust through that support, and the patience it takes build an organization that lasts. From the moment we meet a company to the close of a transaction, working with the Saltwater team feels different, and welcomed by owners. We're atypical. We're not private equity. We're not venture capital. We've built. Our partner equity is welcomed while other investment is 'stomached'. If we do our job correctly, it will start a relationship that starts strong and remains that way for decades.
We chose the name Saltwater because, from an early age, my experiences in the ocean have been a critical source of clarity, inspiration, and personal growth. Investment and entrepreneurship enable that growth to continue by providing opportunities for learning, self-discovery, and adventure for our team and our partners. Charlie Munger once asked me — with a healthy balance of skepticism and characteristically genuine curiosity — "Why are you investing in companies?" A tough question coming from him. My candid response; "It is the most interesting and challenging way to keep learning. And, I love people, and business is people." Our emphasis and focus on people are what will continue to fuel our team's success.
We care about people, we love business, and we dig into operations with our partners to ensure we're all growing and improving as we learn every day. We're careful about how and with whom we invest, and with that combination, we will build a company that will compound capital over time. Today we are investing our own capital but we believe that we could seek outside capital in time, and we'd welcome the chance to share ideas and opportunities with you.
Ryan Graves
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