#i ship matthew with water

[fenricken]

You Keep Slipping From My Grasp 2/7

AO3

Ship: Spirit Halloween

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He felt arms wrap around his chest, pulling him up and out of the water. He gasped as his head breached the surface, and he came face to face with a young woman.

“Sir! what is that creature you came on!?” the woman asked him. He turned to where she was pointing, and saw a tentacled creature rearing back to attack them. He grabbed a sword that had been lying on the ground, and charged forward, ready to defend.

————

“Daaaad,” Dani groaned, hanging off Danny’s arm as he flew towards Clockwork’s lair. “Can I pleeease go with you to see Batman? I’m an expert on him!”

“First of all, you’re an expert in Robins and the best way to annoy them, and that’s not the same as being an expert in Batman. Secondly, you and Jazz have been quizzing me nonstop about the guy, I think I’m prepared!”

Dani pouts, “I just think he’s super cool. Besides! I know you’re a coward and you’d never actually talk to the guy without someone pushing you.”

Danny stops to turn to face Dani.

 “Sweetie, I know you have a lot of experience hopping between dimensions and multiverses, but this situation is a bit different. Clockwork’s said he specifically sent me because I’m more resistant to the ill-effects of dimension-manipulation magic as an Ancient of Doors,” he takes a breath, making sure Dani’s full focus is on him.

“I just don’t want anything bad to happen to you.”

Dani is still pouting, so Danny reaches out to take her face in his hands.

“I promise when this is settled you can drag me to meet Batman or annoy one of the Robins– whatever you want.”

Slowly, Dani turned wide, watery eyes to Danny. He was only able to keep looking into her puppy eyes for a short while before throwing his hands up in exasperation.

“Ugh! Fine! I’ll ask Clockwork if you can at least watch, but I don’t know how much you’ll actually be able to see due to whatever’s blocking him.”

“Yes! Good enough!” Dani whoops, before speeding ahead towards Clockwork’s Lair.

Danny chuckled before following after.

————

Mordecai had been set to investigate what witch lived in Gotham nailing bats to Church doors. But his eyes were not as clouded as his brothers’, for he knew witches were less common than they liked to believe.

For example, this bat was nailed to the door with a knitting needle Goodwife Tyler had been using just yesterday. Mordecai knew too that Matthew Tyler would often beat his wife and had gone missing not long ago.

Of course, when he brought this to the attention of his fellow witch-hunters and peace-keepers, Brother Malleus had just insisted that Goodwife Tyler must be a witch and sent her to be dunked in the river until she confessed or drowned. Until Mordecai stopped him, that was.

Frustrated with the events of the day, Mordecai set out for the woods to meet with Annie. Many suspected her of being a witch, but she was the only one whose company he found solace in.

They talked of many things together–the accusations of her being a witch, their mutual distaste of Malleus, and Mordecai’s struggle to remember anything before waking up in Annie’s cabin almost 2 weeks ago.

Annie told him too of losing her parents, and being shunned to the woods. Of feeling a bit lost in the twists and turns of life. Mordecai had said then, “We have something in common Annie… both of us lost in our way.”

————

Danny leaned against a tree, watching Batman and Annie embrace. While he had watched Batman walk around Gotham, using investigative techniques to uncover the lack of witches, he had been mostly impressed that Batman had stayed so committed to his morals even without his memories.

Danny was entranced watching Batman insist on finding a different path forward beyond just declaring anything odd as witchcraft. It was exactly the kind of behavior Danny sought to promote as Ancient of Doors.

But the conversation he overheard between Batman and Annie was like a bucket of ice water over him. The reminder that Batman was separated from everything he knew, and everything that made him Batman. While he knew he could not actually do anything in this situation, and that even trying would probably lead to something worse, Danny yearned to help the hero he had grown so fond of, both from his own observations and the stories from Dani and other ghosts.

————

“The dragon’s been sighted in the woods! All witch-hunters fall in!”

Mordecai climbs on his horse, preparing to follow. He may not believe in this dragon, but clearly something is going on. The witch-hunters head into the woods, in the direction opposite Annie’s cabin. 

But when they arrive, there’s no dragon—only the bones of seven men. 

Mordecai hops off his horse to examine the bodies. 

“Do you say now that witches and dragons don’t exist, Brother Mordecai?” Malleus asks. 

“No, these men were dead before their flesh was eaten. See there— Matthew Tyler, his head caved in with what was probably a kitchen ladle.”

“Enough! You blame a ladle for this? When there’s a witness?” Malleus turns to face a villager that had come with them, “Tell Brother Mordecai what you saw.”

“It was a great beast, with seven heads and ten horns, just as the scripture tells. Each head was feeding on a different man…but when the bats came out to hunt, it fled.”

As the man spoke, Mordecai felt a sense of familiarity. In his mind, the image of a maw surrounded by thrashing tentacles arose. 

Malleus continued, oblivious to Mordecai’s mental turmoil. “I will protect this town, as is my duty to god! They say an eclipse of the sun will come tomorrow, and by then, we will be ready!”

“An eclipse? There was something about an eclipse…” Mordecai muttered.

Malleus kept talking, but Mordecai was no longer listening.

With nothing to hunt, the witch-hunters left back to Gotham. Mordecai left to find Annie, to warn her of what was coming. 

“You’re not safe here Annie. Malleus is a fanatic, and he doesn’t care about logic. I fear it’s only a matter of time before he sets his eyes on you. There’s something else too… something in these woods. The creature that attacked me, that night you found me. I remembered a bit more when I saw the traces of its destruction. It wasn’t the Church that sent me here, Annie. And I remember a dead man was with us… wearing these clothes.  You took them from him and gave them to me, didn’t you? These are Mordecai’s clothes!” He grabbed on to her arm to keep her from fleeing. She didn’t answer for a moment, but he held her gaze.

“I saw you rise from the water myself. You came when I called. That’s all I know.”

“Called? Where did I come from? I need you to take me there, Annie!”

“Fine. It’s private, hidden. It belonged to the Miagani who were here before us. It means bat-people.” She stood to lead him to the cave where she met him, “I’ll tell you more when we get there, but we’ll have to travel through the night.”

“Always bats…” He mutters.

————

“I thought Danny said you couldn’t actually see much of what was happening? This is actually pretty clear.” Dani asked from her suspended upside-down position in front of the gear that followed Danny and Batman.

Clockwork turned to her, a small but smug smile on his face. “Well, it’s not totally clear…”

Dani narrowed her eyes at him. “You have some ulterior motive here don’t you, gramps…”

Clockwork turned back to the screens. “Well, I doubt it’s dissimilar to your motivations in encouraging your father to try talking to Batman. He could do with some… companionship.”

Dani looked horrified for a brief moment, thought for a bit, before an evil smile spread across her face. “While I feel like I should be grossed out that you’re trying to set dad up with someone, I think it’d be hilarious to show up at the Robins’ house as their new stepsister.”

“Then, we’re in accord, young Dani?”

“Oh yeah, I’m excited to see where this is going, gramps.”

Clockwork turned to another gear, and pressed his staff to it, showing a different image. “If you’re interested, I might have a mission you can undertake that would make this more… ‘fun’ for you.”

“I’m in!”

————

The cave was dark, illuminated poorly by the torch Annie carried. And yet, he couldn’t help but note there was something about these caves that felt like…home.

“It was you, wasn’t it? You weren’t out gathering herbs as you told me. It was you who summoned the dragon that killed the real Mordecai, wasn’t it?” he asked, watching Annie.

“I only wanted to chase him away. They sent him to hunt me! All those witch hunters playing at saints, but they don’t shy away from destroying the land and slaughtering animals and other people. The Miagani who were here before us had the right of it, so yes, when Mordecai was sent to hunt me, I prayed to their gods and asked for someone to save me. And then, you came, riding on the back of that thing they call the dragon. If you want to say I’m guilty of being a witch because I worship gods that are not theirs, then I’ll confess to you. My gods are not their god or their devil.” 

Mordecai heard something in the quiet after she finished speaking.

“Annie, we have to get out of this place right now. There’s something down there-”

On cue, the tentacled creature rose from the water to attack.

“Run Annie, run!” he yelled, pulling out his swords to fend off the tentacles. He managed to cut one off before he was pushed back by two more. He stumbled, and reoriented himself, preparing to charge back in, but was distracted by quick footsteps approaching. Fearing Annie had returned, he turned to tell her to run again, but stopped short at the sight of a white-haired man in dark leather armor running toward the monster with his sword drawn.

“Look out!”, the other man shouted. Mordecai turned and ducked under an incoming tentacle. He heard a slashing sound as the white-haired man fended off more tentacles heading towards them. The two quickly fell into a rhythm as they fought the dragon, green tentacles and water falling around them as they danced and wove together.

Finally, Mordecai saw an opening at the creature’s mouth. He launched himself forward, sword aimed ahead.

His head breached the water, and he could only splutter and scrabble to keep his head above the water. He made his way to the beach ahead.

“Can’t forget this time… Man of Bats…”

————

Batman was gone now, and so was the tentacled monster. The residual energy from Batman’s jump felt the same as before. 

Danny stepped out of the cave, noting that the eclipse had occurred, and the sun was now peeking out again.

He opened a portal, stepping back into Clockwork’s lair, sighing heavily. He set his sword down, and stretched out his shoulders.

“So…” he started, staring at Clockwork’s back, nervous.

“I’m not mad, Danny. I think you did the right thing.” Clockwork turned to face Danny, smiling slightly. “Come here, and give me your sword.”

Danny came to stand next to Clockwork in front of a lab he must’ve set up while Danny was gone. Danny put his sword on the table. Clockwork got to work taking a sample of the monster’s blood that was still on it.

“I asked your parents to come, as I thought we may be able to make use of their expertise in figuring out what is causing Batman to travel through time. While we’re waiting, we might as well check to see how the monster might be related to what’s happening. I assumed you didn’t read the energy of the monster for yourself.”

“No, I’m sorry Clockwork. Everything happened so quickly, and I just-” 

Clockwork put his hand on Danny’s shoulder to cut him off. “I think you handled everything just fine, Danny. It was a stressful situation, and you jumped in to protect Batman, which was good. In any case, we still have the blood from the creature, so we can still just examine that. You made the right choices in the situation, Danny. I don’t want you getting stuck thinking that you could’ve been better when you did what was needed. Now, we just need to focus on next steps.”

“Thanks, Clockwork.” Danny said, smiling slightly. He held out his hand for the blood sample, which Clockwork gave him. 

“Now, focus, and see if it’s similar to the energy you detected off Batman before.”

Danny did as Clockwork directed. The energy from the blood felt faint, but Danny was still able to feel it. “It feels the same,” he told Clockwork.

Clockwork nodded, taking the vial and setting it down on the table. “Let’s leave this for your parents to study when they get here.”

“CLOCKY! GRANDPA! I’M BAAAACK!” they heard shouting from below, before Dani, in her human form, popped her head through the floor, her tongue sticking out.

“OH! Dad’s here! Great! Pops and Nana are on their way up too.” Dani finished pulling her body through the floor before running to squeeze between Clockwork and Danny. 

They heard the clomping of Jack Fenton climbing the stairs, and a moment later they saw Maddie’s red hair.

“Dann-o! Clockwork called us to say you found something new and mysterious! Tell us everything!”

Clockwork chuckled. “How about we sit down for some tea and hot chocolate first. I see Mrs. Fenton brought fudge, and I should be able to find some cookies I got from an old friend.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Danny said, smiling.

A/N:

I'm not exactly trying to shy away from "darker" themes, but yeah if I'm not in the mood, I'm definitely going to keep away from things I think are over a certain line.

On that note:

Deliberately didn’t include what happens to Annie in the end, because I felt like it would change the overall tone of this story considering how serious that matter is. Similarly, tried to cut out most of the bible talk, but honestly considering where my biases lie and also just embodying Annie when writing her great rant, I gave up cutting all of it out. I'm hoping it's not too bad.

Spoiler-ish of what happens to Annie if you are planning on reading Batman: Return of Bruce Wayne:

It's not good, but definitely not as terrible as I fear I'm making it out to be. Think 'typical violence against witches'

#dpxdc #dc x dp #dp x dc crossover #spirit halloween ship #batman comic rewrite basically

[gentlebeardsbarngrill]

03/28/2024 Daily OFMD Recap

TLDR; David Jenkins; Leslie Jones; Taika Waititi; Vico Ortiz; Samba Schutte; Kristian Nairn; Watch Parties; Trans Day of Visibility: Cool Pirates; Fan spotlight; LoveNotes; DailyDarby/Today's Taika

Hey lovelies! I'm taking your advice and not stressing too much if I can't get the recap out by end of day due to life stuff. So! That means if you don't see one from me, it doesn't mean it's not gonna happen, it means I probably fell asleep and I'll finish it up the next morning :)

=Cast & Crew Sightings =

== David Jenkins ==

Chaos dad popped into to show @bainecessitiesco some love for their amazing affirmation cards we've all seen circulating :) If you haven't seen them yet, feel free to check out Mik's Instagram

== Samba Schutte ==

Samba's been a busy man today! Roaches Rascal's over on the Cameo discord server got another cameo from Samba! This one features some great impressions from Samba, but also a "legend" of how Rhys as Merstede got out of the water with that costume on.

= Cameo =

"How Merstede Got Out of the Water"

Full Cameo

== BTS ==

On top of his cameos, Samba gave us yet another pile of BTS Videos! This time shouting out the background and stand in actors! As usual, Tumblr only allows me to upload 1 video per post, so here's the videos on various tumblr posts below:

Video 1 - Spanish Jackie's

Video 2 - "How you hanging there?" feat Alex Sherman

Video 3 - Spanish Jackie's 2 - "Hey How you doin?"

Video 4 - Con O'Neill and His Middle Finger

Video 5 - Cursed Ship Background Actors

Video 6 - Republic of Pirates In The Evening

Video 7 - Goldie The Cow

Video 8 - Hot and Bothered Practice

Video 9 - Truck Full of Actors

Video 10 - The Red Flag Crew == Leslie Jones ==

Leslie's back at The Daily Show rocking it!

== Taika Waititi ==

New video on Rita's IG, see it here on tumblr on @fuckyeahworldoftaika's post

== Vico Ortiz ==

There's another episode of Date My Abuelita, First! Season 2, Episode 5 is out!

Source: Date My Abuelita, First Instagram / Website

== Kristian Nairn ==

Kristian Nairn is joining the list of the crew going to the San Jose Galaxy Con August 16-18, 2024! For tickets and info visit: Galaxy Con Tickets

= Dominic Burgess =

Jeffery Fettering is poking his head out again!! Can Dominic get any cooler, truly? Thank you JessieB for giving Dominic the inspiration to hit the high seas! Source: @edteachseawitch's Twitter

= Event Calendar =

For Friday It's #PhoneInFriday in the UK!

== Watch Parties ==

=== Boy ===

Sunday 31st, @tillychmo and @regg_official on Twitter will be hosing a 'Boy' Watch Party

Hashtags: #OurBoyMeansEgg

2 pm GMT

10 am EDT

7 am PDT

== Cool Pirates ==

First #CoolPirates for the celebration was Vico Ortiz! Feel free to visit the @saveofmdcrewmates tumblr to see the new ones each day!

== Fan Spotlight ==

Tonight's cast card is Mama Teach! Thank you @melvisik for giving our lovely Simone Kessell some love!

== Dead But Delicious ==

If you're near Alameda CA, there wil lbe a WWDITS Themed Variety Show going on at the Alameda Comedy Club on June 20th! 8 PM! Feel free to check them out! Learn more on their IG!

== Kudoboards Reminder! =

REMINDER! KUDOBOARDS close on the 31st. 

Go send the cast and crew some love folks!

David Jenkins

Nathan Foad

Con O'Neill

Ruibo Qian

Leslie F*cking Jones!

Matthew Maher

Vico Ortiz

Samson Kayo

Alex "Ass Tonight" Sherman!

David Fane

Gypsy Taylor

Kristian "Wee John Wondays" Nairn!

Samba "BTS and Baking King" Schutte!

Fellow OFMD Fan Crew!

== Love Notes ==

Hey Lovelies! This is a bit of a silly love note today because I'm behind on everything, but I just wanted to give you some silly permissions (I dont have any real authority to give permission but this is a reminding you YOU have the authority!) to go out and do something out of the norm today.

I decided that I was going to have some ice cream after breakfast today. Why? Idk cause this weeks been crazy and ice cream sounded good.

Give yourself a treat today, whatever that happens to be for you-- going for a walk, eating ice cream, going to see that movie you have been holding off doing. Do something that makes you smile, you deserve it!

== Daily Darby / Today's Taika ==

I think some of these may be repeats but they make me smile every time I see them so tonight's dance time!

Darby courtesy of @thunderwingdoomslayer

Taika courtesy of @celluloidbroomcloset

#ofmd daily recap #ofmd daily recaps #daily ofmd recap #daily ofmd recaps #ofmd #our flag means death #vico ortiz #rhys darby #taika waititi #leslie fucking jones #ofmd bts #samba schutte #cameos #cameo #dominic burgess #david jenkins #save ofmd #long live ofmd

[historia-vitae-magistras]

Is it too much to ask Matt has a good time of it for once 😭

It might! The cringe below might finally manage to kill me but I had a rum so enjoy if at all humanly possible I fucking guess lmao. No trigger warnings in this!

Liverpool, 1780s.

Alasdair didn't like Liverpool. Alasdair didn't enjoy anywhere below the borderlands if he was honest. The further south he went, the more English the accents and attitudes got. But his personal accounts and the Scottish economy were all bound up in Arthur's and England's. The city was an important center of commerce and shipping, but Christ was a hellscape to navigate. A massive barrel of what God only knew nearly flattened him as he ducked between burly stevedores carrying rolls of hammered copper and herring casks. Not ten paces later, he was doubling over to avoid decapitation and not by the preferred broad sword, but bolts of silk heaped over someone's shoulder that swung out like a branch a rider wouldn't see in the dark.

Eventually, the long solid jetty ran nearly half a mile with smaller wharves and docks jutting from it like teeth set in the skull of England. Barges, barques and brigantines floated both at their berths and sailed up the mouth of the harbour and down the throat of the River Mersey. The whole bloody circus acting as if it were the opening of Arthur's mouth, goods being swallowed into the belly of Britain.

He steered himself through the mob of elbows and shoulders, shading his eyes with a hand now and then to read the raised, painted letters on various sterns and bows until he found the ship he was looking for. HMS Triton was emblazoned in yellow. Loaded with cod and wheat for the warehouses, Arthur would be making land at any time and would want to know the state of their finances immediately. He would want to be bent over the tables, figures, and ship manifests and reports. He was always in a foul mood when he had to get off the ship and the profitable year would set his ire to rest before it came to blows at least. He found a post jutting up from the water hung with lanterns unused in the daylight and leaned against it, waiting for his ill-tempered brother to make his appearance.

A quarter of an hour later, they were finally lowering the gangplank. It scraped to a halt as two heaving sailors maneuvered into place. The planks were still skittering on the dock as he was assaulted by the smell of unwashed sailor, tar, fish and a knot of sharp elbows and joints that suddenly hung around his neck. Curses rose into his mouth, and then he was aware of the distinctly sweet smell of polar wind and pine wood. The rush of fondness that came was unconscious, automatic and as human as they ever felt.

"Holy Christ," He pinched limbs snaking around his neck and flung them off, gripping the slender creature giving him the world's most gentle, affectionate mauling and holding him at arm's length.

"Matthew?"

"Hello, Uncle Alasdair!" Matthew wriggled and looked overjoyed, stuck in an awkward shrug with all his weight hanging from Alasdair's hands under his armpits. Alasdair stared. Getting taller but still small for his age, he dangled there for a long moment as Alasdair stared. He was lighter than Alasdair could remember. Then, all at once, his brain started up again.

"What in hell d'ye think you're doing here?"

"Father's arranged it!" He said, chipper but increasingly nervous. He twitched in the awkward hold. "Did... Did Father not write and tell you?"

"He didn't!" Alasdair exclaimed, annoyed at his brother. He'd have words when the boy was in bed. Really, could Arthur not inform him of the basics? "Christ, Matthew, but you're a surprise!"

"An unwelcome one?" Matthew said a little sadly, and Alasdair recognized all at once that his hold must have been painful; Matthew had interpreted from Alasdair's tone that his presence was an annoyance as it was so often with Arthur.

Alasdair hugged him drawing his nephew and godson to his chest and shifting his insubstantial weight, so he sat on one arm, all affection for him overriding any annoyance for Arthur. "Not at all, wee one,"

He lost track of time momentarily, the curly-haired sprite hugging his neck taking up all the world. The boy's clothes were stiff with salt, but he was so sweet a sight for sore eyes; Alasdair didn't mind if any of the white chalky residues got on his second-best coat.

"How was your voyage? Your ships three weeks late, I half thought the Nuckelavee had gotten themselves a particularly poor meal of bony Englishmen and snapped a wee tender Canadian up for desert,"

"Oh no, just rough seas," Matthew said, looking back at Alasdair. He was smiling but a stone thinner than Alasdair remembered. "We spent a week off the coast of Ireland to let it pass. And made several stops since we weren't transporting anything important,"

Alasdair snorted. "Except your father I suppose,"

"Oh, did father arrive already?"

"I'm sure he'll be along in a moment," Alasdair said, more focused on shifting the weight to one arm and getting out of the way as cargo was unloaded. Activity was up, sailors busier now that the bottle neck of the gangplanks we're down. Alasdair sighed. Arthur could take a year and a bloody day to disembarque he so preferred being at sea sometimes.

Matthew's head popped up, wide-eyed and overjoyed and Alasdair lifted a hand to the head of salt-stiff hair and nudge him out of the way. But the question still came, vibrating with excitement. "Father came with you? To fetch me? Really?"

Alasdair frowned. "With me? Nay. Isn't he with ya, lad?"

The boy's enthusiasm sagged from him and he buried his face into Alasdair's shoulder. "No, sir,"

Alasdair sighed. Of course, he wouldn't spend that much time in close quarters. Sassenach bampot always preferred his own cabin, if not his own ship. He lifted Matthew's weight to his hands so he could be safely deposited onto his own two feet; he asked, "Where's your governess then?"

"Governess?" Matthew asked as Alasdair set him down.

"Aye,"

"Why would I have a governess?" He asked. His big blue eyes proved Alasdair's point. He was likely young enough in human terms to still have one.

"A tutor then?" The wind was picking up now.

Matthew looked at his feet. Alasdair sighed.

"Well, who minded you on the way over?"

"I suppose that'd be the captain. He never spoke to me but no one said ill of him." Matthew said. "I think Lord Kirkland said I should start learning the ropes without being coddled,"

Alasdair snorted. As if Arthur had ever coddled Matthew. Matthew shrank, narrow shoulders inching around his ears as he interpreted Alasdair's incredulity as criticism.

"I tried to do what I told," Matthew said quietly.

"I’m sure you did." Alasdair replied gently. "It's all right. Do you need to fetch anything?"

"No sir." Matthew responded, but he hesitated.

"What is it?"

"The bosun said he would tell father I've done well. Would you speak to him? And tell father? Please? If it's not a bother."

"Aye, of course," Alasdair said. "I don't think you could do anything less even if you’d tried. Let's get you out of the weather before it turns foul,"

"Shouldn't I help unload?" Matthew glanced back nervously

"No, I think you've done enough work," Alasdair bounced Matthew up so his weight sat comfortably on the flat of his forearm.

After a talk with the first mate and bosun, who reported Matthew's work on glowing terms, they returned to the house. Relatively new, it shared its northern wall with the warehouses but had its own water pump and a big copper tub he set the maids to fill with hot water. Peeling Matthew out of his salt-crusted clothes was an ordeal. The boy seemed to be covered in a salt rash from his narrow shoulders down, and his hands were practically in shreds, rope burns and salt welts everywhere on both sides. His ribs showed under his skin.

"Christ almighty, I'm going to clap your father into a stockade," Alasdair muttered as he gently tried to sponge the raw skin clean of salt. "What was he thinking?"

Matthew shrugged, stifling another wince as the sponge touched was looked like a particularly painful place of angry irritation.

"Sorry," Alasdair said. "We'll get something on these, but the salt—"

"I'm like salt-packed green beans."

Alasdair snorted. "And the beanpole. Honestly, did they forget to feed you?"

"Only sometimes!" Matt said chipperly, blowing at the suds and shaping peaks like merengue out of the bubbles. It was strange, sometimes, that even after a century and a half, children remained like their physical age. "I didn't have a friend to bring me anything when it was my turn on watch duty like the other lads, so I had to wait for breakfast a lot."

Alasdair sighed, filling the pitcher and telling Matthew to close his eyes as he dumped more water over his soapy hair and shoulders.

"What do you want for your first decent meal on land?"

Matthew looked up, a little uncertain. He hated requesting things, even when he was asked. Alasdair combed his fingers through the curls and despaired to find them still salt stiff.

"We can have whatever you like," Alasdair said, trying to reassure.

"I don't mind whatever you were going to have." He said quietly, patting absently at a particularly angry-looking patch of skin on the back of his hand. He looked like he wanted to say more, the slightly sad face that consistently predicted being told no even when he built up the courage for something.

"I'm asking what would you like?"

"Is there any fruit?" He asked, all in a rush, looking a little terrified. "Is that all right? Actually no, sorry. Whatever's being cooked is fantastic, I'm sorry."

"Matthew." Alasdair repositioned himself to the side of the tub instead of the back. The lad was still slight for his age and dwarfed by all the suds in the tub long enough for Alasdair to stretch out. For a bizarre moment, he recalled Arthur, even younger, even smaller, with terrified eyes in the waters at Aqua Sulis when he'd been playing and lost track of their mother. "Grapes or apples? Or there are some plums if you'd like those. Won't do to have you keeling over of scurvy on land."

That got him a surprised look.

"Both?" Alasdair asked.

A shy smile appeared, flickering like a candle before the flame found it's footing on the wick. "Thank you,"

"You're welcome. Now eyes shut, need to give you another rinse."

It took four water changes before he was rinsed as thoroughly as Alasdair wanted, and his short cropped curls were soft again. He ate exactly what Alasdair put in front of him, only took the plums Alasdair put on his plate and didn't ask for more but took them, slice by slice. He was a sweet boy. Alasdair put another sliced apple in front of him until it was plain the lad could barely keep his eyes open, properly fed and clothed.

Matthew, fed and sluggish, hung on for a long moment when given what Alasdair meant as a hug good night before he sent him to bed. Alasdair glanced down.

"Sorry." Matthew dropped his gaze to the floor. "Thank you."

Alasdair scooped him up. It's after sundown; the fire burned low when Matthew rolled over in the trundle they'd pulled out from under the primary bed. He was buried in blankets and three household eiderdowns, bundled snug against the night but not yet asleep. There was something stiff in the way he held himself, Alasdair decided as he rolled onto his back and sighed.

"What's on your mind?"

A long, inefficient pause. Not inefficient, Alasdair thought, but nervous.

"Whatever it is I won't be angry."

"Can I ask something of you?"

"You know you can, a bhobain."

"Would you please warn me if Lord Kirkland wanted to... exchange me?"

Alasdair went cold just thinking about it. Without thinking, he'd leaned towards the trundle and scooped the boy, blankets and all, to cuddle him close. In the light of the mostly banked fire, he was shocked to see Matthew wasn't upset.

"Your father wants you,"

Matthew snuggled in his blankets, wriggling until he was perfectly tight between Alasdair's arms.

"He doesn't mind me now so much. But... you'd warn me, right? Please?"

He thumbed Francis' curls off a sharp face that was too like Arthur's as a boy, with eyes as large as they were clever. It was strange how a child made of so much of the two great sources of disquiet in Alasdair's life could be so endearing.

"Listen to me. You belong to the British Empire. That means I get just as much a say as your sassenach bastard of a father, should he change his mind." He didn't want to test that particular statement anytime soon but it felt true enough, saying it. "And I'll never give you up, do you understand me? It's my name you bear and my name you'll keep, understand?"

He got a very fervent nod against his chest.

"No one will ever give you up if I have a say in it," Alasdair said, closing his eyes against the dampness suddenly there. History had taken his mother and all the sweetness Arthur ever had. He kissed Matthew’s forehead. "I can promise you that. You have my name."

"It's just... I had Lord Bonnefoy's too." Matthew said very quietly. "I was part of New France. Now I'm... Not."

Alasdair exhaled the urge to smash Francis' face into one of mother's standing stones and thumbed Matthew's face.

"I stood as your godfather when you were born. Did you know that?"

Matthew shook his head.

"You were too little to remember." Alasdair held him tighter. "But I am. And François... He's always had the gentler climate. Fair weather. Do you understand what I mean?"

"That I'm too cold." Matthew shivered, and Alasdair rubbed a circle in his back like he had when the lad was tiny, not that he was much larger now.

"No. That he can be a fair weather friend. We Scots are made of sterner stuff. You and I." He thumbed an idle curl, pondering the boy. Matthew glanced up, eyes wide and watery. Alasdair looked him in the eye, in what little light was left and repeated himself for emphasis. "You and I, both."

#the ask box || probis pateo #my writing || cacoethes scribendi #matthew || my country is winter #alasdair || my heart's in the highlands #Alasdair and Matt || is mig amharc le dicheall

[jeremiah-33-3]

There is an internal peace that only God can give

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Psalm 29:11 The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.

keep your mind on Christ and his promises

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Remember Peter

Matthew 14:29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.14:30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.14:31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

If you get stressed for any reason

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Troubled with burdens or oppressed

Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Isaiah 26:12 LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.

#sermon #bible #jesus #biblical scripture #faith in jesus #bible verse #bible scripture #holy bible #jesus christ

[pitifulbaby]

uncharted waters

summary: being a prince wasn’t what Steve wanted, he wanted adventure in the sea. he wanted freedom from the strict life he was given, he wanted to be himself and not the royalty that was bestowed upon him.

pairings: Prince!Steve x Fem!Mermaid!Reader

warnings: depiction of boat crash and fire, steve has big feelings

a/n: i’m gonna be honest in the fact that i have been trying to write this ever since i saw the live action little mermaid which was in may. maybe ill write more for this or maybe i wont it just depends on my brain and if people like this? anyways, enjoy! 4.4k words

The whirling of the wind was a constant on the ocean, which was wonderful in getting a boat across the open waters to and fro its destinations. The hum of the waves and buzzing of the winds mixed beautifully, the occasional squawk of a seagull here and there depending on just how close you might be to the shore. 

To some, being on a ship was terrifying, the rocking back and forth as well as not knowing just what was in the deep blue this giant piece of wood was moving across. It was a horrifying idea, especially when you think just how deep the ocean is. Who truly knows what is lurking deep, deep down? 

But to Steve Harrington, the sea was his favorite thing. The thrill of sailing was intoxicating, there seemed to never be a dull moment with his crew. The Prince knew he probably shouldn’t enjoy being on the ship as much as he did, but could you blame him? He knows he should be thankful to be born into royalty, he was given a world many could only dream of. But at what cost?

Sure he had the world at his fingertips, but only to a point. He had rules after rules to follow, his clothing had to be pristine at all times, no slouching- the list goes on and on. The one time he felt himself was out at sea, the breeze in his hair and spray of water against his tanned, freckled skin made him feel alive. 

King Matthew Harrington and Queen Doris were off to some other kingdom for ‘business’ but Steve knew it was just a glorified vacation away from their own home. His parents enjoyed being rulers, but they didn’t enjoy the working part of it. 

So that's why they seemed to always be away doing their work, or, lack of it. 

The work was then placed on their son, Prince Steve. Steve was still in his late teens and already had the weight of the kingdom placed upon his shoulders. The Kingdom was smaller than the neighboring ones, the palace built upon the shorelines of Hawkins, overlooking the sea. 

Though the Prince was old enough to look after himself, he was still placed in the care of his majordomo and confidant whenever his parents were gone- which was most of the time. Jim, or as he is referred to as Hopper, is a hulking figure of a man, around the age of Steve’s parents. He was hard headed, but never cruel. Steve had more of a father son relationship with Sir Hopper than he does with his own. 

The day was gone, leaving dark skies with shimmering stars and a big moon in its wake. Upon the royal ship was Steve and his crew, one of his crewmates- and closest friends Robin, thought it would be a wonderful idea to celebrate the male's birthday by sailing out, light some fireworks off and just have a bit of fun. So that's what they decided to do for his 19th birthday. 

Laughter filled the top deck of the ship, cups were filled with drinks, the atmosphere was light and happy. It was something Steve needed, he didn’t feel like a prince in the moment, he simply felt like a teenage boy. 

Unbeknownst to anyone upon the ship, they were being watched. Not in a bad way, but curious eyes seemed to be glued to the rowdy crew. In the water was you, a creature of the sea, a mermaid. 

Attached to the side of the ship were lifeboats in case of emergencies, hoisted right above the water. You had managed to hoist yourself into one of the boats, the railings of the ship had arches at the bottom of them so you were able to look in, eyes wandering across the group. The only way you would be seen was if someone was looking for you.

All you have known was life under the ocean, because that's all you were shown. Your father was very strict about the surface world, but why is it always the things we can’t have, become the things we are most interested in?

You were never allowed to venture off far, never get close to any other humans, never this and never that. Like Steve you just wanted more but you were glued to these rules. You couldn’t step a toe- in your case, fin, out of line. But that didn’t stop your curiosity, it seemed that since you couldn’t have it, the urge for it was stronger.

But today seemed to be the closest you have ever gotten to another human other than your father, sure you have swam to the surface but that was only to visit father, but never were you this close to anyone else. People were odd to you in a sense, but they were absolutely fascinating. They seemed to lose things rather easily, which sucked for them but earned a hyperfixation for you and the lost objects. Hidden in your grotto was a plethora of odd findings, things that you didn’t know the names of so you gave them your own. 

Those thoughts seemed to slip away as you admired the crew, eyes wide and full of wonder. You knew you shouldn’t be here, you knew that if you were seen you would get caught and who knows what they would do. Your father told you that humans were ruthless, told you gruesome stories to try and get you from losing interest in humans. 

But they were just so fascinating, and they made such odd and amazing things! 

Your hands rested against the side of the ship, resting against it to try and see further into the boat. You just wanted to observe, see how they lived. But, you were caught, luckily though, not  by a human. A creature seemed to notice you, a rather big and fluffy one at that. If you remembered correctly it was a dog that sensed you. With a wagging tail and paws padding against the wood, the animal trotted over to you.

Luckily no one noticed, yet. You couldn’t help the quiet laugh that slipped past your lips, the dog sticking its face through the opening and sniffing your outstretched hand before licking you. Moving your hand slowly you let your fingers run through the fur. The texture of the animal was odd, the fur absorbing the water from your hands. But the dog didn’t seem to mind the drops of water, too distracted by the mermaid.

“Dart! C’mon boy, you’re gonna get stuck.” A voice soon called out, as the voice rings through, you quickly duck down and move away from the opening of the railing.

You were hidden from their view, but you could still see them. A tall gruff man shoos the dog, whom you have found out is named Dart, away from the opening. 

“Dart, you getting into trouble?” This time the words were spoken by a different voice, his voice calm as he spoke to the dog. Shifting in the boat you moved your head and caught a glimpse of who was speaking. He was a tall male, though not as tall as the one before him. Fluffy dark hair, and he adorned a flowy white shirt, tucked into a pair of trousers with a deep blue vest over the shirt, finished off with a sash around his waist. His smile was wide, sun kissed skin and soft freckles gracing his features.

He was breathtaking. The sight of him caused your interest to somehow be more peeked, keeping a close eye on the boy who seemed not much older than you. 

The crew soon was moving their attention to one of the crew members. Her hair was short- not even touching the tops of her shoulders. Her attire was similar to the pretty males, but she ditched the vest and her clothes weren’t as pristine as his. With a laugh she was moving to a large object draped with fabric, hiding whatever it was. 

She then hopped on top of a crate next to the object- a little clumsy with her actions before she was raising her cup high and smacking the side of the metal with a spoon a few times. The clanking caused laughter from the crew, Steve couldn’t help but roll his eyes with a laugh at her antics. “As we all know our lovely-” the last word was said with a fake gag, “Prince Steve is finally turning nineteen!” Her voice was a bit low with a natural rasp. 

Her hands waved when she spoke, some of the liquid in her cup splashing onto one of the other crew members, he looked to be the youngest of them all. “Seriously, Robin?” He questioned, his words having a faint lisp to them. “Sorry Dustin,” She said with a fake glare to the younger boy.

“Anyways, as I was saying,” She passes her cup and spoon off to someone else, “Since it is his birthday, we have all decided on getting you a gift!” Robin exclaims, biting back a laugh that has a deeper undertone. Steve’s brows furrow, leaning back against the railing as his eyes stay glued to the crew he calls his closest friends. 

Robin is stifling a laugh, her hands closing around the fabric hiding the large item. “Are you ready for the greatest gift of all, Prince Steve?” Robin’s words were spoken in a teasing manner, the prince simply sighs, nodding slowly. “I fear I don’t have much of a choice.” Steve spoke with a fake sadness. Robin’s smile was mischievous, tightening her grasp on the cotton. With a quick pull the fabric was ripped away, the material snapping into the wind with a ‘whoosh!’ sound. The gift was finally unveiled to be a large statue of none other than Steve Harrington, it was gray and made from stone, depicting the Prince with a proud look adorning his face, a sword in its sheath at his left hip, his left hand against said hip and his right hand reaching across his chest and torso to rest against the hilt of the sword. 

The ship goes silent as everyone stays still, gaze shifting from the statue and the actual person. The only sound is the wind and the crashing of the waves. Suddenly Steve lets out a laugh and the crew follows suit. Hopper placed his hand over his mouth, trying to stifle his laughter. 

Steve was rather nervous to receive his birthday gift, only for the fact that he feels like he has every materialistic item he could have. It wasn’t unusual for the young maidens of neighboring kingdoms to send gifts to Steve, he is a young, handsome bachelor who is a Prince, an heir to a throne. So of course women and even the occasional man will send their finest gifts with a letter in hopes of wooing the male and land themselves a seat in the royal family. 

His face is flushed in embarrassment as he stares at the large statue, his hand going over his mouth. He lets his hand fall back to his side after a moment, opening his mouth and closing it- he did so a few times as he tried to come up with what to say. “We had it commissioned, though we were hoping it could’ve been a wedding present, birthday seemed good enough.” Robin spoke through her laughter, stepping down from the crate. 

“Hey I think it's good there isn’t a girl in the picture yet, I couldn’t imagine getting that as a wedding gift.” Dustin spoke back to Robin, causing some of the crew to let out quiet ‘oohs!’ in response to his remark. Steve simply rolls his eyes at that, turning his gaze to Hopper. The older male motioned him over, leading them to the other side of the ship while everyone else continued on with the celebration.

Unknowingly they stepped closer to the boat you were currently hiding in, pressed against the ship.

As Steve looked at Hopper he felt his eyebrows furrow at the face he was making. Jim was a stoic man, truthfully no one could ever figure out what emotion he seemed to be feeling. But when you were basically raised by the man, you learn to pick up the small differences in his features. Steve let himself lean against the railing, crossed his arms over his chest as he waited for Jim to speak.

“Your parents sent a letter,-” He spoke, his words low. Steve let out a groan, throwing his head back for a moment before righting himself. “Let me guess, no ‘Happy Birthday to our wonderful and only child!’” He guessed, but it wasn’t a guess when he knew he was right. The boy couldn’t remember the last time he spent a birthday with his parents, hell, he couldn’t remember the last time they spent any sort of holiday or celebration together! 

“They want to know when you will be getting married.” Hopper’s words were point blank, quick to the point and void of emotion, Steve turns around to face the railing, pressing his elbows against the wooden frame and digging the palm of his hands into his eyes. “I know you don’t want to hear this kid, but time is ticking and you do need to find someone.” 

“There are plenty of women lining up-” Jim is then interrupted as Steve stands back up. “I don’t want to just settle for a wife, besides none of them want me for me. They want the royalty aspect of me.” Steve’s words are quiet, laced with pain. 

“Every time I have tried to get to know someone it just- it doesn't feel right because I know there is an ulterior motive. They don’t see me for me, they see this Prince, which sure yeah I am. But I wanna be seen as Steve, not Prince Steve.” The young boy ranted, pouring out his feelings to one of the only adults that would ever listen to him. 

Jim wasn’t the best at comforting, especially to Steve. The two were gifted different lifestyles but they met in the middle, two different upbringings. One was born into royalty and the other who somehow managed to become a part of a royal family. 

He placed his hand on the boys shoulder, giving the younger male a small shake. “We just want you to be happy, maybe try looking harder or in other places.” 

Steve simply sighs, his shoulders drooping. “When I find her, I will know. It will hit me like lightning.” His words were more for himself, trying to find comfort in his own words. “But I’m not worried about that right now, I’m still young, Hopper. I can worry about marriage later on in life. Right now I want to spend as much time out on the ocean as I can.” He said with a small smile, looking out at the water. In the distance was a bolt of lightning, the waves started to get a bit rough. 

“Storms moving in fast,” Steve spoke, watching for a moment before he was soon turning to the crew. 

Just moments ago everything was calm, but the waves were harsher now. There were no obvious signs that there was a storm coming, the sky was already dark from the nighttime. Everything seemed to happen fast, rain pouring down from the sky and causing the deck of the ship to be a slip and slide as everyone ran around in preparation for the storm. 

Everyone was bustling around, moving around in a speedy fashion as the storm got worse by the second. Securing things down with rope, reefing the sails and climbing the netting of the masts. In simple words it was chaos as everyone tried to batten down the hatches. The waves became choppy by the second, rocking the boat hard. 

Hopper had ventured to the stern of the ship to the helm, steering the ship as best he could in the weather, his eyes slanted as he tried to shield his vision from the pouring rain and the wind. But he is cut short as a huge wave crashes over the ship, slamming into the male and pushing him to the ground. Steve notices from the other side of the ship, he sees the wheel abandoned and soon he is rushing to the spinning wheel. He takes the steps two at a time, nearly sliding to the ground before he grasps the helm, planting his feet to the ground. The wheel shows much restraint, causing Steve to struggle for a moment. His eyes are trained ahead at the wild open sea, the waves rocking the ship and parting to show a boulder of rocks protruding from the water. It was planted right where the vessel was set to sail. Quickly Steve steers the wheel in the other direction, pushing with all his strength as he gets it to spin the opposite way. 

For whatever reason through this all, you stayed in the lifeboat, you knew through it all it was probably a stupid idea to stay seated. But you were entranced by Steve, it was like he was the siren and you were the pirate, weakened by his enticing voice. You watched it all, watched the chaos and panic ensue as you stayed in the boat watching like a hawk. Your head whipped to the side as you noticed the rock formation, quickly diving out as the side of the life vessel you were in was the side that was destined to hit the boulder.

The ship hit the stone formation head on, the large boat hitting hard causing the front to break and splinter off, throwing objects and men off the vessel. The hanging lamps that were strung from pillar to pillar atop the ship soon came crashing down, the fire inside soon spread across the wooden ship, up the mast and to the sails.

Steve Harrington scrambled up, his eyes wide as he panted, looking out at his ship and seeing it start to engulf into flames. He once again was running down the stairs, “Lifeboats! Abandon ship!” He screamed out, motioning over the railings and into the water. “Abandon ship?” Dustin screamed back, his words laced with panic. Steve simply nodded, “Go!” He called back, watching as the crew jumped overboard into the water, the lifeboats already having been lowered down by one of the crew.

The sails, pillars and masts were crashing down, the fire was an intense blaze, the rain still pelting down heavily. Steve watched as everyone jumped out, his eyes roaming the broken ship and not seeing anyone aboard. But before he could join anyone in the lifeboats, he heard barking. “Dart,” His body whipped around, eyes scanning over the fiery ship before landing on the old english sheepdog. Dart was stuck on the stern by the steering wheel, barking as he hoped to alert someone that he was still there and stuck. 

The Prince searched for a way up there, eyes frantic as he ran- jumping over ablaze wooden planks, moving rope out of his way before finally he was able to reach the dog. “It's okay, I got you,” Steve spoke to Dart, his arms curling under the belly of the dog and hoisting him up. He ran to the side of the ship, “I’m sorry bud,” He said before he had to toss him into the open water. 

In one of the boats nearby was the youngest crew member, Dustin Henderson. Reaching his hand out into the water, “C’mon boy! It's okay!” He called out to the animal, watching as he paddled as fast as he could. But the dog was struggling, the waves were still choppy and rain still strong, a second later though he got faster. Under the water helping him was you, your hands pushing him up ever so to keep his head out of the water, you swam under him and helped the dog over to the boy. Once the animal was being pulled out of the sea you swam under the boat, having decided you were going to leave. But a gut feeling was telling you to stay, the top of your head and eyes peeking up over the water.

“Steve!” Jim screamed out from one of the life vessels, and all eyes were on the boy. Right as he was about to jump overboard, the ship was crashed by a wave. Causing Steve to lose balance and land on his back before being dragged by gravity down the ship before breaking through the wooden railings and into the open water. 

With wide eyes you watched him plummet down, quickly diving underwater and to the wreck, surfacing as you tried to find the boy before finally seeing his lifeless body sinking fast. Once again you were back underwater. 

It was much calmer under the sea, eyes trained on the prince as you swam after him. The world was much darker, everything more muffled. You know you should prefer under the water, but there was something about the outside world that was so much more interesting to you. Maybe you just lacked any social aspect other than your family and you can only talk to the sea life for so long. 

Much like Steve, you felt as if you were destined for more than you were given, but you were tied down by everyone around you telling you what you should or shouldn’t do.

Once he was in reach you let one of your arms curl around his waist, pulling his back against your side as you started your swim back up to the surface. You swore you haven’t swam that fast in a while, fin slicing through the water in hopes of reaching the boy you weren’t even sure was alive in the first place. But finally you got him above the water, shifting his body close to you. He took a deep, shuddery breath the moment he could, but he was still out like a light. The adrenaline wore off and hitting the water so hard knocked him unconscious. 

Holding him tight you let the waves move you both away from the wreckage, your eyes trailing to look at the damage of the ship. Pieces of wood and other objects littered the sea around you, the only light source was from the flames of the ablaze vessel that was once so lively. The moon wasn’t insight, hidden away by the dark clouds they continued to pelt down rain. Even after it helped wreak so much havoc it still showed no mercy in its doings. 

The wreck happened rather far into the ocean, and by the time you managed to swim him to shore, the sun had risen and the storm was gone without a trace. The sky was clear as can be and the sun shining bright.

Getting him onto the sand was a bit of a struggle, gently laying him down onto the warm sand as the waves splashed behind you. A bit of fear encased you as you didn’t see him move, at some point the buttons on his shirt seemed to have become undone. Pressing your hand against his naked chest as you leaned your ear right above his heart. You could hear the faint beat, but he wasn’t doing anything else. Leaning back up you noticed a piece of seaweed stuck to his shirt, grabbing it and flinging it somewhere over your shoulder.

You could feel panic bubbling up, taking hold of his shoulders and shaking him gently- hoping to wake the man. 

Finally he moved, well, he coughed up some water in his lungs, which was more comforting for you than it probably should be. The waves crashed against his feet and the fin of your tail, his body relaxing after his lungs were finally cleared and he could breathe normally. He was still unconscious, you let one of your hands keep you propped up while the other rested against his chest.

Quietly you hum a tune, moving your hand to rest against his cheek. Your humming turned into singing, nonsense words that were almost a plea of wishing you could be human like him and see the world. You softly turned his head towards you, noticing the cut above his eyebrow that had stopped bleeding. Your hand trails back to rest against his chest, your eyes taking in each and every small detail adorning his freckled face. You knew he was beautiful far away, but up close he was just breathtaking. Words couldn’t describe his beauty, his features were sharp but they were formed to give his face such a soft look. 

As you softly sang, his hand started to move as he slowly gained consciousness. His hand moving to gently rest against yours, his eyes moving under his lids. Once again you knew you should’ve left as soon as possible, but there was this pull to him that held on tight. Slowly his eyes parted, dark brown irises meeting you. His vision was blurred, the sun was right beside your head so you were a silhouette that was slowly becoming more clear. A gentle smile pulled at your lips as your singing came to a stop. But soon the sounds of shouting could be heard from above, your head snapping to the side as you see a bundle of people bustling down the rocky mountains.

You knew they were here for the man who had let his eyes fall shut once again, and once more you were back in the water at a safe distance. The top of your head was above water, eyes peeking out as you watched the scene unfold in front of you. 

“Over here!” One of the men said as they ran to the Prince, leaning down and pressing their hand against his chest. “He’s alive!” He called back, another man coming to the other side of Steve, helping hoist him up before they were off. 

With eyes full of wonder you watched it all happen, hoisting yourself up onto some rocks to see better, waves slammed against the rock formation you were leaned against, water flying and splashing around you as you felt a smile pull at your face. You never made promises with yourself, if things were meant to happen they would, but you had this feeling that in this moment, something was starting now and you would fight for it.

#steve harrington imagine #steve harrington imagines #steve harrington fanfic #steve harrington fanfiction #steve harrington x reader #stranger things imagine #stranger things imagines #stranger things fanfic #stranger things fanfiction #steve harrington

[t3acupz]

ok I have to ask because I'm so curious. Do you ship brownham in a "two hawks" serial killer couple way, or a Will is manipulating Matthew way, or a pwp way, or a doomed by the narrative way or...? I just want to know your headcanons XD

There’s so much to say about brownham that I get emotional about it.

Essentially, what happens in canon isn’t that great for Matthew. Will emotionally manipulates Matthew, and uses him to try and kill Hannibal. For Will, Matthew is just a pawn in his chess game against Hannibal.

But I like to approach this ship from Matthew’s point of view. He is someone who has been hiding his true self from everyone for most of his life. He’s spent time in a mental asylum for unknown reasons. He fakes a lisp and changes his mannerisms to appear as an unassuming orderly at the BSHCI. We can only assume his backstory and what led him to act this way but he’s clearly desperate to be known. Truly known. And in truly knowing someone, we love them.

I love that we get a small shot of Matthew in 2.01 Kaiseki (bringing Will his dinner) because it shows that he’s been with Will since the beginning of his imprisonment. Matthew spent months studying Will, silently watching him from the shadows. Listening to his conversations with Chilton. I’m sure he’s heard Will denounce Hannibal as the real Chesapeake Ripper plenty of times. Matthew read Will’s file and studied the Chesapeake Ripper’s murders just so he can come up with a plan to free Will by creating an alibi for him.

This scene in 2.05 Mukōzuke is so great because of the symbolism. Matthew opened Will’s enclosure, and watched him exit the cage with complete adoration. That was exactly what Matthew had planned by killing the bailiff. He wanted to set Will free. He knew that Will was an empath; someone who could finally understand him and not think he was depraved or insane.

Matthew is wearing all white, a symbol of purity. He wants to be Will’s savior, his guardian angel. He talks about hawks and how their folly is their solitary nature. He’s so in love with Will that he will make them go against their natures just to be together.

I’ll talk briefly about the pool scene. Water is one of Will’s motifs in the show, and Matthew thus became an extension of Will. He swam faster than Hannibal and then outmaneuvered him with the tranquilizer dart. He could’ve just let Hannibal drown and that would’ve been the end of it but he wanted to mock Hannibal. He wanted to show Hannibal how much he hurt Will and in doing so, compared Hannibal to the traitorous Judas. He needed Hannibal to know that he was killing for Will, and at Will’s request. It was Matthew’s way of saying, “Yes, I won and I killed you for my man.”

Matthew wasn’t shocked in the slightest when Hannibal told him that Will wasn’t a killer. It didn’t faze him at all. He also wasn’t the least bit fearful to be facing the actual Chesapeake Ripper. A man known for killing dozens of people in gruesome and horrific ways. He had Hannibal tied up and bleeding out and did it all while being adorably jaunty. That’s an amazing power move and something completely unforgettable for me when watching this show.

So the way I view the ship is in canon-divergence. Matthew succeeds in killing Hannibal, and Will is freed from the BSHCI when new evidence comes to light to prove that Lecter was the Chesapeake Ripper. Will returns to Wolf Trap and takes time off from working for the FBI to deal with the trauma of everything he went through. Initially, Matthew gives Will space by just dropping of care packages but eventually starts to help with chores around the house. Finally, Will invites Matthew to talk candidly about what transpired. It begins as unrequited love but evolves into real feelings from Will when he finally accepts the love he deserves.

I don’t picture them becoming serial killers because Matthew’s only known kill was the bailiff and that was done out of love, unlike Hannibal who killed for pleasure and to consume his victims like they were nothing more than livestock. Will had two paths - embrace the darkness within himself with Hannibal or follow a lighter path with Matthew (I enjoy both).

#ask #brownham #ദ്ദി ꒦ິ꒳꒦ິ )✧ #also the pwp prison sex is hot af

[way-of-love]

Oooh can you write a Namor x Reader!waterbender/powers where he meets her and is immediately attracted to her. While she is like I wanna fight this guy because he's such an arrogant douche. And namor is like damn she's hot when she's angry and the fight is basically foreplay for them and they end up being insanely attracted and horny at the end of it.

OOOOOOO Yes I can! This'll be a oneshot, just becuase I have too much on my plate to write. Happy New Years!

Also, forgive me if it seems kinda off been having writers block for the past few weeks!

It was told though mouth-of-mouth that the 'power to manipulate the water was given to everyone, if it were given to everyone it wouldn't be so special anymore.' Your mother once told you that when you first showed signs of the hydrokinetic ability at the ripe age of 4, with no help from the father you inherited it from you had to teach yourself how to control those abilities, how to grow them and how to not use them for you r own gain.

This power could have made you a god or even the next Avengers if you embraced it how your cousin Aspen Matthews did. But, she was the star of the family, there can never be two. If so one will try hard to outshine the other. Hence your mother made you swear you'd keep it a secret from everyone in her family, your friends, your lovers, even your best friend who was as normal as they can get.

'No one will ever understand your hardship! They'll turn you into a lab rat!'

It was hard to ever embrace your power thanks to your mothers harsh words. After discovering your powers, she became very...paranoid about them. Telling you all these things the government would do to you if you ever used them in public, and how you could never be as strong as your cousin Aspen, she was the golden child, you were just the extra.

That can surely crush a child's confidence.

But you grew up hidden. Making sure no one saw you use your abilities, never used them in public only at home in the shower or at a lake. Yet, it called to you. It always beckoned you to the sea.

The inconceivably vast briny deep waters yelled at you with their tides crashing against the sandy shore and the waves waving at you like a temptress beckoning her lover. You've never been to the sea. And the day that you did, you regretted it, dreadfully so.

Another day another boring and very tedious chore of listening to this man yap away about his plans for the future, your future with him to be exact. Honestly, you don't understand why you entertain this dummy! While giving him a good once over you narrowed your eyes and came to a solid conclusion.

You were just lonely.

After living alone for a few months in isolation you met a strange sea man, he wasn't dangerous nor was he a threat. Well, unless you considered annoying a threat.

It was everyday, every single day, he'd come up to shore at the same time and his mouth spewed out these sentences that irked you, it made your blood boil and you had no choice but to retaliate with your own words then it came down to your fists. He discovered your power when you were being careless on his way back from taking down a whole ship that sought out pure vibranium from his waters.

Currently you were in the midst of throwing icy water disks you created from the sea at the flying sea king who finally got you to this point. It was always something with this guy and his,'...let's burn the world together,' that never sat well with you. Hell, if you were any hopeless romantic chick you'd say yes before he finished asking. Because admit it, he was a king, a god, a mutant like you and he looked...good. Some would say you were stupid to deny him anymore than you have but you were going on a solid five months telling him no.

But the stubborn king didn't take no for an answer. Each and every time he came to the surface with a different reason why you should join with him. You heard him out at first and after you got comfortable with him around and understood why he wanted to destroy the surface being all nice and even flirty, he asked to use your power and exploit it. To destroy a nation that was hidden away from the world and for the entire planet to fear you.

Namor knew it wasn't a good idea to use your loneliness or your vulnerability you had to the world but he was desperate. He wanted to use your power, yes, but he wanted your hand along with it. He didn't want the world to know you as 'Y/N, Wakandas Destroyer,' He wanted you to be,'Y/N, The Feathered Serpents Wife' or even 'Y/N Talokans Queen.' Any of that would be acceptable but you cut him off before he could finish explaining.

Hence the physcal fights started. You didn't enjoy them but it sure felt good to kick water boys ass once in a while when you did. He on the other hand loved watching your both twist and turn, hands moving majestically through the air and summoning the waters he cherrished so much being loved by your fingertips.

Even if he was on the deadly side of those attacks he loved every minute of it. He made it clear that he loved it, getting hit, getting cut, bruised, he took it all because that was the only caresses he would get from you and he would smirk everytime he got hit.

It infurriated you. Why would he keep coming back if he got hurt all the time? Once, you beat him so bad he didn't get up. Attuma had to drag him back while shaking his head at his king. And his king being dragged back into the sea with a phantom of a smile on his bleeding lip. Namora knew Namor was holding back because of how he felt though he never said anything it was as clear as day that the king fancied you.

Panting you raised your hands in a defensive position. Your legs felt like jelly and your arms trembled. He looked ever the more dangerous right now and you weren't sure why, even Attuma and Namora who stood by the waters edge watched him come at you with all that he had and you barely dodged his attacks. It was like he was a whole different person, no more playful Namor, now stood before you was a hardened seasoned warrior of old and he was wounded.

What happened to him after those two weeks? He didn't visit you but Namora and Attuma did but barely. They were very vague about details and said Namor would explain when he came to see you again but there were no words spoken between the two except the one warning he gave you before locking fists together.

"Prepare."

You were just about to give up but you knew better than to do so. "You're so annoying and its fucking frustrating! Why did you even show up here in the first place if all you wanted from me was my power. You'll never get-"

A tanned fist came at you at lighting speed, you had your hands raised but when you were talking you left yourself open. He was going to kill you.

When that fist came it didn't connect with any part of your face or shoulders, instead you were lucky enough to be standing by a palm tree. It connected with that but you got the wind of it, with such force your bangs and loose pieces of hair went everywhere. First, a loud groan from the tree echoed through the small area around you then snapping, crackling and popping, the fibers of the wood breaking apart before finally a loud thud. But you didn't move, instead you stared wide eyed into the molten chocolate passionate eyes of the god king who was breathing heavily in front of you.

You always admired how he talked about his people, his land from before, his family, his time roaming the seas. You even enjoyed the looks he gave you when the both of you sparred just for fun but that was before he decided to go to war with Wakanda. After that it annoyed you.

Now, starring at how he looked at you with those lovely eyes made you yearn for 'what could have been'.

Dropping your arms and your stance you stood straight and proud. " I accept my defeat. As promised you can ask something of me,"

There was a set of rules the two for you followed when one lost or yielded:

Leave ego at the door.

Respect each others boundaries.

Whomever is knocked down or yields must do one thing the victor says.

The rules were easy and simple but you always won, he always told you he'd want to see you often and you banishing him from seeing you was definitely out of the question. So, you always asked for little things, trinkets from Talokan, foods from his city, and a chance to see the exotic fish humans would only dream of seeing but unfortunately some species would not survive up near the surface so you put a pin in that request.

Now, he was the victor. Dropping his tanned arm he moved closer to you placing his large warm hands on each of your upper arms gently squeezing. His eyes never leaving yours.

"You. Y/N, I want you,"

Your eyes widened a tad at his wish, a victor always got what they wanted if it didn't push the boundaries and that was one of the things you said he can never have. You.

You began to shake your head prepared to tell him that was her rule, she could never be his, your power could never be his but he shut you up by covering your mouth with his warm hand.

How rude! You narrowed your eyes at him hoping he had a good reason to be touching you in such a way.

" I know I can not have your power or whatever, but I don't want that. I want you, your body, I want to ruin you Y/N in every physical way possible until all your can think about is me," His voice was low and he leaned in close until his forehead rested upon your own hot one. Your face was red. Did his war leave him mental? Or was it the heat of this battle? Slowly he removed is hand from over your mouth.

Whichever it was it suddenly made your core tighten with a familiar squeeze you haven't felt in a while. Were you aroused by this? Yes, your sparring sometimes left you a bit flustered thanks to the words that were exchanged between the two of you but that couldn't lead to this. You were denying him what he wanted and he was unyielding of his decision, his request. Nevertheless, what he said plainly made you view him a little differently.

His arm retracted but before he took it back his warm fingers brushed against your red cheek followed by his palm, now he cradled your cheek in his hand. Namor made sure your eyes never left his praying that the emotions that played in his eyes were enough to confirm what he said. That's when you knew that he wasn't the only one who felt that same feeling.

Attuma and Namora looked at the scene and quickly scurried, well Namora forced Attuma to leave because he was ready to sit down and watch the show.

Soon the both of you were the only ones at the beach hidden by thick trees and rocks.

"Namor...Ku'kul'kan, I might be falling deep," Your voice trembled and it was quiet. There was a heat bubbling in the air between the two of you the more you realized that his words weren't just for show. they weren't painted sweet. He meant them.

With eyes casted down afraid if you looked at him further you'd loose yourself to t his sweet feeling that you just couldn't handle. Even feeling how awkward you felt Namor, without a word took your other cheek in his free palm and forced you to lift your head so you starred directly into his eyes. He was closer to you now both of your noses barley touching one another, both lips parted so your soft breathless pants mixed with his own.

"I've already fallen Y/N, I'll catch here at the bottom," With his breathless voice and your hesitancy to stop him he pushed his lips onto yours. It may have been brief but you were shocked but soon you closed your eyes and wrapped your arms around his shoulders touching his bare tanned skin feeling the flesh that you wanted to so badly bruise, tear apart and scar. Now you wanted to caress it and hold it.

He seemed to have the same thoughts because he tilted his head to the side forcing his hot tongue past your parted lips and dropped his large hands to your sides pulling at your flimsy shirt. He was already half naked while you still wore fabrics, it wasn't fair.

With tongue clashing against tongue you were surprised you were keeping up with the king of the deep with how thick and skilled his tongue was. Not even men you had fling with kissed this...this romantically. Your heart was beating so quickly in your chest you could hear it pounding in your ears!

Was this what it felt like to have your feelings returned? Was this what it meant to lust, to like, to...possibly love someone?

Breaking the kiss you had to pushed against his shoulders to give yourself some space, your lips were red swollen and wet, "Wait- wait we need-"

Again, you were cut off by yet another kiss you couldn't help but succumb to. Knees buckled and legs turned to jelly causing you to lose your balance and slip onto your knees , he feel to his knees with you breaking the kiss and next his lips your on your neck licking and kissing what he could of your sweaty flesh making you moan and shove at his shoulders. But it was like pushing a freaking wall of muscle! He wouldn't budge.

"N-Namor please," Your voice pleaded, whiney, to have him release you but alas he pretended not to hear your voice and pushing the sleeve of your top off your shoulder revealing your true flesh where the sea king greedily kissed, nipped and licked.

"I'm trying to catch you, I don't want you to hurt when you get down here mi reina," Deep, accented, rich and low.

Honestly, you didn't expect this outcome whatsoever. This was just sudden, and very surprising. A surprise that had your core tighten and caused a pool of heat to make itself known between your squeezing thighs, you were.. aroused.

A man of his caliber, a man who you avoided feelings for and masked it as annoying, a man who thought war was his only means of protecting his people, a man who almost killed you, made you feel as aroused as a whore in Babylon who hasn't had sex in weeks.

Well, not the best analogy but the idea was still there.

Before you knew it you let him push you onto your back into the sand, he slid between your legs and one hand was gripping the sand by the side of your head as the other reached for under your shirt. While caressing the flesh at your tummy he raised your shirt.

"Now you're docile, its cute to see you this way mi reina." He smirked while his hand fully slipped under your shirt and his fingers brushed against the underside of your breast. Why you didn't wear a bra today? Because you truly didn't expect t have company over like this.

Your cheeks redden and you quickly took hold of his hand stopping him from fully grasping your bare tit.

"I...this is embarrassing Namor," You cleared your throat," We were literally just fighting and now we're, what are we doing?"

Namore smiled, not his cheeky cocky smile but a genuine smile," We are just two people enjoying some time at a beach, two natural bodies who just so happen to be compatible enough to enjoy a dance that many before us enjoyed between man and woman,"

He scooted further forcing your legs to spread and hang around his thighs lazily, and you felt him. Hidden beneath those dark green trunks of his was a long hard slab of flesh already threatening to rip through the marital and it was pressing against your loose short shorts. Unfortunately, they were so loose they didn't bother to cover your snatch. Your trimmed bare snatch.

When you said you weren't prepared for anything you sure weren't, it was a laundry day so everything was being washed and or dried. Meaning panties, bras and even the good clothes you'd fight the sea king with.

He noticed in your fight a small glimpse of what you hid beneath thanks to your loose fitting clothes so it certainly helped him get riled up while he riled you up. A win was a win regardless of its means.

Namor had you beneath him almost as bare as he, if not more so, ready to receive because he already felt the slick wetness of your arousal against his trunk covered shaft.

"So, that means the sooner we couple the more we can realize just how badly we truly needed each other," Sliding one hand down to his golden belt he undid it carefully making sure to press that hard print against your cunt, squishing both sexes together while the claps were undone. He pulled the golden belt away from his waist and dropped it somewhere in the sand.

Did your bodies need each other? By the way your slick juice was leaving a slight damp mark on his trousers you'd say yes.

"We do fight each other very well, so maybe we do fuck well too," It embarrassed you to even say such a sentence. Especially when all you've been spewing from your mouth were insults and threats all directed towards him.

On the other hand he enjoyed seeing you struggle talking dirty to him. All those threats and insults fueled him and made him harder than he ever was and it was all thanks to you. While watching you he hooked his thumb on the waistband of his trunks and pulled them down, with urgency and you lifted your hips just as eager to finally catch that large slab of meat with your awaiting cunt with a loud wet slap.

You didn't bother to look at the dark tanned throbbing erection of his that was already beading at the tip. Okay, maybe you did but the slap to your cunt made your eyes to flutter closed briefly while a deep sigh of satisfaction left your lips.

Namor groaned under his breath as he prepared standing straighter and laying his cock over your mound and tummy. And with a thick warm finger he guided it over the length of himself before finally reaching to an area above your belly button, right where he measured the tip of his bulbous cock.

"This...this is where my cock is going to reach deep inside you,"

Your hand gripped his forearm that rested in the sand next to your hip,"You'll-tear me apart Namor," You whined squirming already.

He reared his hips back and made sure to position his tip between your puffy folds, you were already oozing with anticipation ready to start yet another fight with him, but this time with your full body.

The sea god hissed softly running his length up and down between your folds hearing how slick you were, it was a sound not even the sea can mimic. A real woman wet and ready was a gift man should always cherish.

And now a man of the water was going to drown in it.

"Then mi reina, lets count this as a win for me."

Without warning he found your entrance and pierced you, you welcomed him with a tight hot embrace of an eager cunt. A cunt he was already losing to. He was met with little resistance but there was some when he went further than any pervious man has ever gone.

It made you almost shriek! You grabbed his arm and placed a hand on hos abdomen making him stop. You were panting starring up at him with wide eyes, "Wait! Wait please-"

Taking your hands he held each one by the wrist and made sure you wouldn't escape from his grasp. God, you already knew what he was going to do.

The sea king looked down at you with a burning desire to ravish all that you were and to bring forth a destruction that lead to your end, an end that left you limp and drooling no doubt.

"And this, is where I catch you."

Using your hands as anchors to reel you back into his thrusts. And fit finally, he did. You were speechless when his hips connected with your ass making you bonce with each thrust, the claps, the plaps echoed along the beach and thankfully not a soul was in sight.

Finally you let out a sob like cry of pleasure when his finally let go of your hands just to grab your hips and lift them up a bit so his cock hit that one spot that made your toes curl. How did he know that was the spot?

With your back arched and head rolled back into the sand your only view was the sky and the ocean, waves of calm brushing against the shore one after the other almost mimicking Namors thrusts. It was driving you crazy.

"I-It feels so-" You gasped and your eyes crossed a bit as your body jiggled and bounced." So, so good!"

The poor sea king was groaning above you gripping your hips and concentrating on hitting the spots he guessed felt good to you, of course, it was purely guessing. Maybe the two of you were meant for each other. The soft caresses of your hands reached for each of his forearms and held them, anchoring to them.

He leaned forward over your body while animalistically gripping those hips of yours like a mad dog and placed open mouthed kisses along your tensed jaw and parted lips.

"Mine, mi reina magnifica," A groan was ripped from his throat and filtered through your hungry mouth, your hands no longer by his forearms but slid up to his cradle his cheeks in each palm. You were close to that sudden release but yet you didn't want it to end here. Your body hummed with the nickname and brought forth a shiver throughout your body.

With a few more powerful thrusts he suddenly

stopped with eyes closed and lips parted panting.

Was he...was he done already?

Panting yourself you placed kisses around his lips, his nose and forehead while wrapping your legs tighter around his waist.

"P-please you can't stop now, not when I'm so close you jerk,"

The words left you in a breathless annoyed huff. How dare he stop in the middle of pounding your insides. Opening his eyes once again he smirked and removed his hands from your hips, he moved them up and around you sliding an arm under and around your bare waist as the other wrapped under and around your shoulders securing himself down to you. You were forced to wrap your arms around his neck.

His face was buried into the crook of your neck," Forgive me my love, you're just so tight," Without further delay he began and this time he gave you no mercy. You could hear his teeth grind by your ear while he concentrated on controlling his hips to give you that mind blowing orgasm you've been needing.

It didn't take long before you came with a sob, digging your nails into his fleshy back and toes curling from the intensity of it. Fucking out in a public space and with the man you thought was the most annoying thing on this planet who was actually very into you, made this even more mind blowing than it was.

Soon, Namor the sea king quickly whipped his cock right out of that tight embrace of your walls and spent himself on your tummy. His load shot out so far it caught your parted lips and cheek, he panted heavily by your ear trying to catch his breath.

He shuddered and slowly straightened up he ran a sandy hand through his dark locks and smirked down at you.

"I told you I'd catch you."

#namor x you #namor x reader #one shot #namor #black panther wakanda forvever spoilers #wakanda forever #black panther #namor fanfiction

[kiko-the-gay-writer]

♡More Ship incorrect Quotes for RDR♡

------

♡John Marston x Javier Escuella♡

---

John : I love you.

Javier , not paying attention: What was that?

John : I said I’m selling you to the zOo-

--

John : My hands are cold.

Javier : Here, let me hold them.

John : My lips are cold too.

Javier : *covers John 's mouth with their hand*

--

Javier : Since we're in a relationship now, your clothes are my clothes too. Don't ask me why I have your shirt on, this is our shirt.

John : Fine, but when I come strutting in with your fuzzy socks I don't want to hear shit.

--

Javier : *fast-forwards all the way through the movie*

John : You can't just skip to the happy ending!

Javier : I don't have time for their problems.

▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎

♡Arthur Morgan x Charles Smith♡

---

Arthur: I think it’s time I get my life in order.

Charles , narrating: But they did not get their life in order. In fact, they got drunk last night and fought a raccoon.

--

Arthur : I don't need to go to bed. I'm not tired, I'll be fine.

Charles: But, Arthur, I'll be so lonely without you. Come curl up in my arms so I can feel whole again.

Arthur : O-oh. Well. Are you trying to seduce me into healthy sleeping patterns??

Charles: Is it working?

--

Charles: You have to apologize to them Arthur .

Arthur : Fine! But I must warn you that this might make me a better, nicer person and that is NOT the person you fell in love with!

--

Arthur : Hey, random question, what are your favorite flowers?

Charles: Peonies, why?

Arthur :

Charles: Were you going to get me flowers?

Arthur :

Charles:

Arthur : ᶦᵗ’ˢ ᵃ ᵖᵒˢˢᶦᵇᶦˡᶦᵗʸ

▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎

♡Dutch Van Der Linde x Hosea Matthews♡

---

Hosea: I can't imagine what Dutch is planning. But I can tell you two things. We won't like it and it won't be legal.

--

Dutch: You're right.

Hosea: That's... That's an unusual phrase for you. Did you just learn it?

--

Kidnapper: We have your child

Hosea: I don’t have a child?

Kidnapper: Then who just asked for warm milk and made us cut the crusts off their sandwich?

Hosea: Oh god, you have Dutch.

--

Hosea: That's not funny.

Dutch : I thought it was funny.

Hosea: You don't count. You started laughing in the middle of a funeral because you started thinking of a meme you saw on Facebook.

▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎

♡Sean Maguire x Lenny Summers♡

---

Lenny: Hey, can I get a sip of that water?

Sean: It’s not water.

Lenny: Vodka! I like your sty-

Sean: It’s vinegar.

Lenny: …What?

Sean: It's vinegar, PUSSY.

--

Lenny: Ew. What kind of tea is this?

Sean: I boiled gatorade.

--

Sean: I’m in love with you.

Lenny: We called off the prank war last night at midnight, dork.

Sean: I know.

Lenny: Ah. Okay. Um. Cool. Neat. Very cool. Cool. Cool. Coolcoolcool-

--

Lenny: Are you ready to commit?

Sean: Like, a crime or a relationship?

▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎

♡Kieran Duffy x Bill Williamson♡

---

Bill : The first time Keiran opened a box of Cheerios and looked inside they yelled, "OH WOW! DONUT SEEDS!"

--

Bill : Are you a masochist or a sadist?

Kieran , deadpan: I’m a Taurus.

--

Bill : I never tell people off the bat that I'm gay. I wait. I wait until they say some homophobic shit and then I laugh and am like "you know I'm gay right?" and watch the look of terror on their face.

Keiran :

Keiran : I like you.

--

Bill : *closes a cabinet*

*a crash is heard behind the cabinet door*

Kieran : What was that?

Bill : The sound of someone else's problem.

#john marston #javier escuella #jovier #arthur morgan #charles smith #charthur #dutch van der linde #hosea matthews #vandermatthews #sean macguire #lenny summers #sean x lenny #bill williamson #kieran duffy #bieran #incorrect quotes #ship #red dead redemption 2

[msmargaretmurry]

Do you have thoughts on Quinn Hughes/Matthew Tkachuk ?

oh, friend, do i!!! i feel like something not everyone knows about me On Here is that i'm a voracious multi-shipper, so obviously even though i love matthew/leon and brady/quinn a lot, i have a whole bunch of other ships for all of them that i love to rotate in my mind.

matthew/quinn is high on the list because: a) i love both of their mama's boy eldest siblingness a lot and think that would make it fun to mash them together, b) i'm such. SUCH. a sucker for a "crush on my best friend's older brother" scenario, and c) ooooh the brady of it all. feeling like they have to sneak around because it feels weirdly like they're betraying brady by hooking up but feeling equally weird about keeping it a secret from brady? oh yes. telling themselves it's fine to keep the secret because it's ~nothing serious~ and then whoops at some point it got serious? brady finding out about the secret relationship at the worst moment possible? the possibilities for family drama and friendship drama in addition to romantic drama are RICH. or, something where it starts out with quinn having some unrequited brady feelings but matthew is the one available? i have told a few people that i've always felt there was an alternate timeline version of head above water where leon doesn't come to toronto to train but matthew winds up going to boots with the hugheses anyway, and he and quinn hook up there and wind up on their own long dramatic journey to falling in love. it would have been a completely different story from HAW but i HAVE pondered it.

that all being said, i do feel a little feral about this pairing whenever i see these pictures or think about jack referring to matthew and brady collectively as "quinn's boys." i don't have a link, but that interview where quinn says that between matthew and brady he likes playing against brady better, because he loves getting to see brady and matthew is SO annoying to play against? also fuels me.

a while back i wrote this little snippet for someone on twitter — i can't remember what the prompt was, it was one of those 'give me a pairing and one word and i'll write a tiny fic' things. anyway i think it's the only matthew/quinn i have actually written, but i'm quite fond of it, so please enjoy:

"So," Quinn says, leaning against the bar next to Matthew. "Is it weird to see your little brother get married before you?"

The bartender is making Matthew yet another of the 'his' option from the themed his'n'hers cocktails, even though Brady’s drink of choice is a little too sweet and it’s starting to make Matthew’s teeth hurt. Matthew waits until he's finished, thanks him for the drink, then joins Quinn in facing outward toward the reception. It's in full swing, joyous and messy. Brady, of course, is in the center of it all, sweaty and beaming, his tie nowhere to be found.

"Nah, " he says. "We always knew he'd get hitched first. You know him, he's a fuckin' romantic."

"He’s a sap," Quinn agrees. Quinn is drinking a beer, and he’s only a little sweaty. His tie is loosened but where it’s supposed to be, his groomsman's tuxedo (sans jacket) still in good shape. Better shape than Matthew’s. Matthew does know where his tie is, it’s just not on his person. His shirt is half-unbuttoned; his waistcoat is fully unbuttoned. He is almost as drunk as he looks. Judging on the same criteria, Quinn is not nearly drunk enough.

"You look like you need to party harder," Matthew says, bumping his shoulder to Quinn's.

"Working on it." Quinn holds his beer up.

"These are stronger." Matthew counters with his cocktail.

"Those are gonna give you the worst headache tomorrow," Quinn says, but he takes the glass out of Matthew’s hand and drains half of it anyway.

Matthew grins. "Atta boy."

"Ugh."

"Yeah."

"Why are you even drinking that?"

Matthew shrugs. "I’m being supportive."

"There are better ways to show Brady you love him," Quinn says, but he says it with a laugh, so Matthew is pleased with himself. Quinn’s not an easy guy to make laugh, unless you’re Brady or one of Quinn's brothers. He offers Quinn the rest of the drink, but Quinn waves him off to go back to his beer, and they’re quiet for a moment, watching the crowd on the dance floor bounce along with an Imagine Dragons remix.

"I think it's gonna feel pretty weird," Quinn says. "When Jack and Luke get married before me."

"You’re so sure they will?" Matthew asks. Quinn gives him a look like he’s a little bit stupid.

"I’m not dealing with that while I’m still playing," he says.

"Right," Matthew says, indeed feeling a little bit stupid, because, you know, same hat. "Yeah. Yeah, I know, but I’m also like, it’s not like I have someone waiting in the wings to meet me at the altar or whatever. I’m not even close."

"Yeah, that too." Quinn finishes his beer, then looks back out at the dancing mob, his expression pinching. "I kinda wanna get out of here for a little bit. Don’t tell Brady I said that."

Outside, by moonlight and lamplight, it's easier to see the pink flush of Quinn's cheeks, the sweat staining his collar. The summer air is sticky, but it’s somehow refreshing anyway. The wedding venue is surrounded by gardens and vistas that are beautiful in the daytime but unnotable at night. They walk in silence until the thump of bass from inside fades, and Quinn clears his throat.

"I won’t," Matthew says, then, his mouth running ahead of his brain, "Yeah, come on, let's go." At Quinn’s dubious look, he sets his glass down and gestures grandly toward the door.

"I didn’t mean, like," he says, his face scrunching as he puts the innuendo into the next words. "Let’s get out of here. You know?"

"Yeah, I know," Matthew says quickly. "Me neither."

"Okay," Quinn says, and the acknowledgement somehow makes it easy not to know, a minute later, in the dark spot between lamp posts, who kisses who first. Makes it easy to recognize that the way Quinn kisses like he’s starving has nothing to do with Matthew himself, and easy for Matthew to just let himself fucking have something for ten whole minutes before they slip back onto the dance floor like they never left at all.

#ask #my fic #hockey for ts #thank u anon this was a great little afternoon time theft break

[sleepdeprivedsimp234]

And, dear York, you would fall, and turn the white snow red as strawberries~

Ships: None!

Warnings: getting shot, inaccurately described historical events (the Boston Massacre), and the way that my age sh*t works is a little wonky (lets just say that NY is maybe a teenager here?).

Genre: Hurt/Comfort I guess-

Title is inspired by: “White Winter Hymnal” by the Fleet Foxes.

—————————

March 5th, 1770

Massachusetts gently held New York’s hand as the walked along the Boston Harbor, and New happily walked next to him, lost in his own little world. Mass chuckled fondly but quietly at the child like wonder in NY’s eyes as the slightly taller colony looked out onto the ocean. After a few more minutes of walking, the two colonies decided to take a break, and each took a seat on the edge of the harbor, their legs hanging over the side. He yet again chuckled at the childish wonder in NY’s eyes along with the slight spark that he had thought was long gone.

"Like what ya see Yorkie?" Mass teased, smirking when NY jumped a tiny bit.

"H-huh? Oh- uh- yeah it’s pretty I guess." NY said before turning back to look at the vast ocean. Mass couldn’t help but frown slightly at the faint-but-still-visible bruise on NY’s cheek from England.

The two just sat there in silence for a little bit lost in their own thoughts, until Massachusetts heard a small giggle from his little brother. He turned to York with a small smirk.

"What’s so funny Yo-" Mass was cut off by a splash of water hitting him directly in the face. He spluttered a little as he tried to regain his composure. He opened his eyes and smiled evilly at New York, who chuckled nervously. “Oh you little sh*t!-"

Massachusetts splashed a bit of water at New York before tackling, pinning and tickling him. He smiled when his little brother’s laughter filled the air, and he eventually stopped, gently rubbing the feeling off York’s torso. He ruffled the taller’s hair and grinned "That’s whatcha get for messin’ wit’ me Yorkie!~”

"Yeah yeah whateva’…." NY said, curling up next to his big brother.

“Hey Matthew!! Cmere!"

Massachusetts turned around at hearing the use of his human name. "Ey Yorkie I’m bein’ called i think. Ya wanna come wit’ me or do ya wanna stay here?”

"I’ll stay here." NY said, though he was obviously too busy playing with a seagull that had come to say hello.

Mass snorted a bit. "Okay then. By the way, those things bite. Just sayin’." he said before walking off in the direction he heard his name be called from.

—————————

[half an hour later]

NY had been busy playing with a seagull and a crow that resided at the Boston Harbor, and had ever so fondly given them the names Kraai (the Dutch word for crow), and Zee (short the Dutch word: Zeemeeuw, which means seagull). Animals, especially birds and cats, had always brought him a weird amount of happiness. One that he rarely ever got nowadays. He chuckled a little when Kraai jumped on his shoulder and squawked. York did his best to mimic the sound, but it sounded more like an angry cat. Kraai gave him a gentle wack with her wing and squawked at him, sounding a lot like a mother lecturing a child.

"Okay okay I know, I know that was terrible…." NY said with a small chuckle. A sudden gunshot pierced the air, making the young colony flinch. He got up and started running to where he heard the gunshot, in case of Massachusetts being hurt. That would be bad….. Zee and Kraai followed him, flying high in the air.

He got to the city square and hid behind a building, peaking his head out. What he saw was utter chaos. There were people, mainly colonists, all running around in a frenzy as about……nine??? soldiers shot at them. NY frantically looked through the crowd, trying to find his big brother. He eventually caught sight of him and sighed exasperatedly when he saw Massachusetts with a chaotic grin on his face. He jumped a tiny bit when a body dropped behind him.

"Mass!!" He shouted, desperately trying to get the older’s attention.

Massachusetts turned his head at the sound of his name, and the grin quickly faded when he saw his little brother, who was standing in the middle of it all. Sh*t sh*t sh*t he never meant for York to be a part of this! Fun was over, Operation: Get NY out here had begun.

"York?? What’re you doin’ ere’?! Are ya crazy?!?!" He yelled, running over to New York, who looked kinda scared.

"I could be askin’ you the same damn question dumbass!!” York shouted, covering his ears a little. He had never liked loud noises.

"Get outta ere’!! Are you tryin’ to get shot?!?" Mass shouted, hugging the taller colony close.

"I came ere’ lookin’ for you!! I was worried that you had gotten shot dumbass!!" New York responded, burying his face in Mass’s hair.

Mass’s face softened slightly at that as he started to escort York and himself out of the city square. Suddenly, New York threw himself in front of Massachusetts, and in turn the soon-to-be Bay State’s face paled a ghostly white as he looked down in front of him. New York was curled up gasping slightly and coughing in pain as he clutched his stomach. Mass didn’t even have to be told anything to know that NY had been shot. Especially when he saw the snow beneath them be died as red as strawberries in the summer time. DAMMIT.

He quickly picked up NY and ran behind a building, muttering an apology when he heard a whimper and yelp from the younger. Mass waited till he was sure that there were no witnesses to teleport into a clearing in the woods. He gently laid his injured brother on the ground and wrapped his jacket around the wound to try and stop the bleeding, and then closed his eyes to try and summon one of the other colonies to help. Dammit. It wouldn’t work. He was too stressed to focus. God NY’s breathing had slowed down a lot….. Wait- why wasn’t NY moving anymore?? Mass checked his pulse, and sighed in mild relief when he felt a pulse. He took off NY’s coat and pressed it against the wound, wincing when NY gasped in pain and coughed, blood spluttering on his lips. Mass cried quietly and hugged his brother close, fully convinced that this would be his brother’s next painful death. That was, until, he heard the caw of a crow above him.

Massachusetts looked up to see Kraai flying above them, and was about to swat her away until he noticed that Kraai seemed to be releasing worried-sounding coos and nudging at NY’s arm with her wing. God he couldn’t believe what he was about to do…..

"Hey uh-" Damn. Is he really talking to a bird right now? "Can ya- umm…. I doubt that you can understand me….. but if you can, NY is hurt and he needs help, can you go get help?" Mass was really hoping that this worked, even if it was ridiculous that he was talking to a bird.

Kraai tilted her head a bit before doing her best to do what somewhat resembled a nod and flying away. It worked! It actually worked! Holy sh*t! Mass could cry tears of joy and he nearly did. He hugged his little brother close, whispering reassuring words into his ears.

"Everything’s gonna be alright…..helps on the way….."

—————————

My fellow NY simps: @stawpny @misery-has-no-company-now @alaskashigh @kyledoesstuff-09 <3

And you cuz yes: @jazzyfrog <333

We love Kraai (the crow) and Zee (the seagull) here (they are original characters maybe-)

#welcome to the table #welcome to the statehouse #ben brainard #wttt #wttsh #wttt new york #wttsh new york #wttt massachusetts #wttsh massachusetts

[koolkat9]

Royal Red Bros Week 2024 - Day 1

@royalredbrosweek

Prompt: Raining || Myth

Rating: T

Relationship: England + Canada

Word Count: 661

Read on AO3

A Little Mud Never Hurt Anyone

Mattew trudged up to the front door, head hung low. From head to toe, he was covered in mud after an afternoon of playing and getting caught in the rain. Dread had hollowed out his stomach from the moment he began heading home. And now he was here.

Before he could knock, Arthur opened the door, dressed in his coat and hat.

“Oh thank God.” Arthur sighed, pulling Matthew inside. “I was just about to go looking for you.”

“S-Sorry.”

“Don’t be. You’re back. Now let’s get you cleaned up.”

There was no lecture. No berating. Annoyance, yes. But not in the way like it was the end of the world. And he didn’t have to apologize?

As Matthew was lowered into the tub, he whispered out another apology.

“There is nothing to be sorry for lad,” Arthur huffed, scrubbing the soap into his hair. “It’s just dirt.”

“But…B-But…”

“Hm?”

Matthew sunk into the water more. “N-Nothing.”

Arthur muttered something under his breath. Something about a ‘bastard.’ He had made him mad.

“I’m sorry,” Matthew cried. “Please don’t be mad. I’ll clean myself, I won’t play in the mud again I–”

“Stop it, Matthew,” Arthur snapped. He sighed, face softening. “I’m sorry. And I’m not mad at you. Annoyed, yes. But with the constant apologies when you didn’t do anything wrong.”

Arthur rinsed out Matthew’s hair before moving to scrub his body. Matthew fell silent, staring at the shapes the suds made in the water.

“You know…” Arthur whispered, leaning in a little closer for Matthew to hear. “When I was your age. I always loved getting down in the dirt and mud too.”

Matthew looked up, eyes wide. No way Arthur with his pressed coats and fancy top hats and shiny shoes. Arthur who rubbed shoulders with princesses and princes, sailed around on a fancy ship, and talked with a fancy accent.

“Really?” Matthew asked in awe.

“I was a child once too, you know? And…when I would get upset I’d go out and sometimes just lay amongst the grass and dirt. Listen to the wind and the chattering of animals. I could feel the thrum of the earth, and I don’t think I ever felt more connected to the land and the people than in those moments.”

“I’ve felt it too,” Matthew murmured. “I feel less lonely. But also it’s just fun to roll in it. I like the feeling.”

Arthur huffed in amusement. “Is that so? Well, I’m not going to stop you unless I need you clean for that specific day. So don’t ever apologize or give me that kicked puppy over this. Understand?”

Matthew nodded. All cleaned and rinsed, he was lifted out of the tub and wrapped up tightly in a towel.

“All clean and warm?” Arthur asked, rubbing Matthew until he was as dry as he could be.

“Mhm!”

“And much more chipper,” Arthur grinned, “That’s a good lad.”

He got Matthew dressed then scooped him up and took him into the living room to warm up more by the fire.

“Now, dinner should be ready soon, but for right now let’s just make sure you’re warmed up,” Arthur stated, draping a blanket over their legs.

Rain continued to thrum against the window. Matthew found his head bobbing, soothed by the sound. Eventually, it found rest on Arthur’s arm.

“Do you still do it?” He asked quietly.

“What?”

“Lay in the dirt?”

“Oh…” Arthur was quiet for a moment, eyes getting lost in the flames. “Haven’t had the time. And frankly, I’d get funny looks if I–”

“You should come out with me. We can do it in the woods so no one sees.”

“I’ll…think about it…” Arthur hesitated.

Matthew pouted, looking up at Arthur with sparkling blue eyes and quivering lips. Clearly, something he picked up from Alfred.

“Matthew…Ugh. Fine. In a few days, we can go on a picnic and do that. If it’s dry.”

“Okay!” Matthew cheered.

#royalredbrosweek2024 #royalredbrosweek #hetalia #hws #hws england #hws canada #royal red bros #fanfiction #hetalia fanfiction #not mine

[historia-vitae-magistras]

Part Eight: Summons

First Installment: Here.

Last Installment: Here.

Current Installment: You are here!

Author's note: Inspired by the 1950s short story "The Man Who Came Early" by Poul Anderson. Red Sail Hall Present Day

“Don’t you dare,”

Arthur’s hand froze over Cromwell’s skull as Rhys slapped his fingers away and down and snatched up bone, gripping the jawless head by the temples and pulling it from reach. Arthur went to take it from him, but they froze as Matthew rolled over from his place and bundled into a quilt. When he didn’t wake, Rhys snapped his gaze back to Arthur, and he found himself being dragged from the study with its electric faux fire and his son draped over the sofa, sleeping like the dead. They were suddenly in the hall, and he found himself pinned against the wall by his brother’s forearm. “You are not waking mother again.”

Arthur thrust the arm away but found he couldn’t move Rhys. He’d always been denser, compact and heavy like a lead ingot. “I don’t need to. I only need the skull and the spring.”‌

“For what? You delusional bastard. Do you fancy you can open a portal?‌ You can barely make a curse box without me, much less this deep in your cups. And you are not sullying her grave with that man’s bones.”

“I have Alfred to consider. Don’t pretend you have the—”

“It’s my name he bears, you bloody bastard. How Saxon do you think Jones is? Hm? All of your children are as much us as they are you. Including Alfred.”‌

“Would you be reasonable?”

“No.” Rhys was very close, a spring force as he stood straight.

“Since when do you—”

“Since you rolled out of a bloody fairy ring and into my lap.” He prodded Arthur towards the stairs. “I am not letting you run off half-cocked because it’s easier to hurl yourself into a void than feel a fucking emotion. This isn’t you tossing yourself into a ship and running; this is a paradigm shift in the universe, you daft cunt.”

“Rhys—”

“May Mother strike me dead before I‌ lose two nephews and a brother at once,” He was very close now, and sometimes ‌Arthur remembered why there was a dragon on every flag his brother used. “You are a grown fucking man with four grown children. Take a fucking avomine, sleep more than thirty seconds, and we’ll make a move in the fucking morning. Go.”‌

Burial Mound, Cumbria The Next Morning

Matthew knows he is dying when his uncle’s arms catch and hold him and he doesn't care. He has bled to death more than once. His shoulder had nearly been torn from his body once; a lobsterback cavalryman had broken an infantry formation he’d been caught in trying to run from the cannon fire. The bare faces of his arm bones saw the sky that day. He never ran away from a fight again. He was a century older when a gaping cavern of flesh appeared where his belly once was. A‌ piece of shrapnel severed his spine and his jugular. And blasted a hole through his front. This is worse. This is much worse, but Alasdair kisses his head, and Matthew stands, blank and unmoving.

He has said goodbye to the two who were once his siblings, and he hopes the squeeze they gave him isn't the last good thing he ever feels. Now he is without them, standing before the ruins of a chapel. Trees soar to the sky, older than most in England, but spaced like the posts of a palisade. He can hear running water and whispers. Aunt Brighid is there. Father asks her something. Softer than he ever does, and she stands tall.

“I‌ wove the spells into his cradle, I‌ will not damn him to a grave so far from home. And the past is another country.”

His father is not often speechless, but the novelty is not enough to stop the bleeding. There is no trace of red, but he wishes it would be over, that it could all seep into the earth and let him go—anything to make the silence end. Even a scream will not pierce it now; it lays so thick over his thoughts. He is dying. Uncle Rhys lights a torch, then two more. Even here, lifting light, Matthew is redundant. He can only follow as his father and uncles follow their sister, lingering behind as she walks ahead. Alasdair, Rhys, and last, Arthur. Perhaps the first time in a thousand years his father has not led. His uncles carve sharp shapes into old indentations softened by exposure. His father cuts his hand and presses blood into the runes until it drips into the furrows and inks their carvings into contrast with the darkness. Matthew cannot read the shapes. His aunt sings, and he does not understand the words. As he always has, he clings to the tree line and watches others do their work. Something in him wants to die. Something in him knows his will, drowning in silence that will not let him hear his own voice anymore.

A woman’s figure appears. His father’s mother, but not his grandmother. Her time is too far gone for him to know her now if he ever did. Matthew’s hands are shaking now. They speak more words he does not understand. The Welsh vowels and little pieces of Scots Gaelic he can hear refuse to make any sense. He knows Gaelic the way he does his French, as natural as breathing, but he cannot put meaning to sound, and nothing makes sense. He wishes he would bleed to death already.

Then, Life.

His world broke open with a song. He doesn’t know which one. Something about a republic and grapes of wrath: the chorus is the laugh of North America, showing teeth and soaring like the sky. Alfred. A‌ branch nearly takes his head off as he smashes through the trees towards the sound. More laughter. His world was born from a bolt of it centuries before. The pool of a spring lap at the stones of the edge, and the water sings in his brother’s voice for a moment before Matthew realizes the sound is below the water. There is no bottom of the pool; the stone edges descend into a black abyss. He would not have understood the depth of it even a moment before Alfred cut himself free from their reality. Kneeling, he touched the edges of the stone and knew the rounded channels locking into place were his uncles doing, the same dry stone construction of a broch.

“Mattie,” Alfred spoke, only barely damped by the water. A week without Alfred and he'd lost more love than Francois had given him in 150 years. Just a thread of it wound around his heart, hearing his name on the piano notes of his brother's laugh and pulled him forward.

He dove.

#hws england #hws canada #my writing || cacoethes scribendi #the dangeld axe to grind: the viking age time travel au

[daisytrails]

9 People You Would Like To Know Better

or in my case, i only have five mutuals so i’m tagging everyone bc you all seem really cool and i would love to get to know you more!

Tagged by @likemonstersinlove !! <3

1. Three Ships: in no particular order - Ineffable Husbands from Good Omens, Liam Wilhelmina/Primsy Coldbottle from D20 Crown of Candy, and the 13th Doctor/River Song (I know they’ve never met in canon but listen, shhh) from Doctor Who

2. First Ever Ship: Percabeth from Percy Jackson

3. Last Song: If You’re the Coffee by The Arcadian Wild!

4. Last Film: Rocky Horror Picture Show! I rewatched it to show to a friend who had never seen it. Truly iconic. I barely understand any of the plot in that movie but I honestly think it’s better that way.

5. Currently Reading: Right now I’m not reading anything but I just finished Against The Currant by Olivia Matthews. It’s a cute little mystery set in a family owned Grenadian bakery in Brooklyn. (Yes, the title is a currant roll pun. There’s a recipe in the back!) It’s really good, I highly recommend. And I’m about to start reading the Dungeon Master’s Guide for 5th edition DnD later today. I’m very excited to see where that takes me!

6. Currently Watching: Dimension 20’s Burrow’s End on Dropout tv. Dropout content has consumed my brain almost entirely since I started watching D20 in February and this is no exception. Also Big Brother. I’m not a big reality shows person but I have been watching BB since 2009 at the ripe age of way too young and now I cannot stop.

7. Currently Consuming: A banana oat breakfast bar thing (?) that I found on pinterest and some water.

8. Currently Craving: I’m going to make pumpkin snickerdoodles either tonight or tomorrow, so definitely those rn.

Tagging: @ace-geographer @auteurdefeu @yourstrullyme @terriblethanksforasking !!!!

[daughter-of-melpomene]

𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗕𝗨𝗡𝗡𝗜𝗘𝗦

So, after posting my fancast the other day, we have finally arrived at the OCs that go with it!! Honestly, I’m so excited to share these babies with you guys; Monster High was one of my first hyperfixations ever, and despite how long it’s been since I properly interacted with it, I’ve never stopped loving it. So without further ado, please observe my beautiful freaky babies!!

(Also gonna tag my beloveds @manyfandomocs and @ginevrastilinski-ocs, because I know they’ve been waiting for this!! <3)

Nyx Darkfeather, a fallen angel, Jackson/Holt ship. The daughter of two angels who fell from Heaven. A new student at Monster High because her parents homeschooled her for a long time, scared of her being hurt for what she is since fallen angels are so rare. Very stone-faced, blunt, and closed-off, but eventually gets pulled into Frankie’s friend group after they make it their mission to befriend her, and winds up slowly being endeared by Jackson and Holt. Pretty powerful as the child of two angels, with umbrakinesis and some psychic powers, but she doesn’t use them very often. Also becomes besties with Twyla, since they’re both very used to the shadows.

Aiko Inoue, daughter of the Slit-Mouthed Women, Deuce ship. An exchange student from Japan who eventually decides to stay and learn at Monster High. Kind of has a bad reputation at first because of her mother and how quiet she is, but eventually people start to warm up to her. Gets close to Deuce after she gets assigned to tutor him in History of the Undead shortly after he and Cleo break up, and they eventually wind up becoming a super cute couple. Intensely shy and awkward and often uses her spirit powers to turn invisible or disappear for long periods of time, but also very caring and loyal. Becomes really good friends with the hybrids, especially Neighthan and Serena.

Chester Hoppington, a wererabbit, Gil ship. Only attends Monster High in person part-time because he cares for his eight younger siblings while his parents work. An incredible artist who meets Gil when he decides to go swimming in the school pool while Chester is there doing a drawing of the water. Incredibly sweet and caring as a result of having to be a babysitter so often, but also surprisingly stubborn and never afraid to speak out for the people he cares about. Has bunny ears and a little tail, and also has a habit of rapidly tapping his feet when he’s frustrated or angry. Eventually gets pulled into the ghouls’ friendship, and even becomes really good friends with Lagoona despite her and Gil being exes.

Matthew Steam, a robot, Frankie ship. Robecca’s “twin” brother since Hezekiah built them at the same time, and got dismantled shortly after her when he tried to confront the Gargoyles about what they did to her. A lot more socially awkward than his sister, but surprisingly adjusts to modern life a lot easier because he was always more interested in science and mechanics and he gets incredibly excited about all the new advancements. A total nerd who goes on a lot of excited rants about his interests, which Frankie is only too happy to listen to. Also an iconic sibling duo with Robecca.

Bonita Calaveras, a skeleton, Heath ship. Skelita’s older sister by eleven months, so they’ve always been in the same school year. Does the transfer with her sister and Jinafire, because she’s always seen it as her job to protect Skelita. Tries to keep Heath away from Skelita when she learns how much of a flirt he is, but just winds up falling for him instead. Fiercely loving and protective of those she cares about, but also sometimes forgets to take care of herself. The best sibling duo with Skelita, and also comes really good friends with Jinafire because they enjoy judging people together.

Dabria Yelps, a zombie, Draculaura ship. Ghoulia’s younger sibling who uses they/she pronouns, and definitely the more creativity-minded of the two; an incredible writer who wants to publish romance novels one day. Also a hopeless lesbian who falls in love with Draculaura almost the moment they meet her, but it takes a while for them to get together because Draculaura still needs to get over her breakup with Clawd and Dabira is way too awkward to properly confess for the longest time. She’s also best friends with Howleen and Twyla, and kinda goes through it for a bit during the whole Shadow Genie ordeal.

Gaia Nature, child of Mother Nature, Abbey ship. Homeschooled in the forest for a good portion of their life, but finally allowed to attend Monster High because they’ve always wanted to meet more kids their age. A total and complete sweetheart because they’ve always been taught to be kind to all living creatures, but also tends to be kind of naïve and overly trusting because they haven’t really been around actual people very much. They and Abbey are a total opposites attract couple, but Abbey is very soft for them and also manages to toughen them up a bit, so they work very well together. Definitely besties with Rochelle, Robecca, and Venus, and frequently teams up with Venus on environment-saving endeavors.

Chord Nightingale, a siren, Manny ship. Head of the Monster High choir, which Manny is forced to join as a punishment from Headmistress Bloodgood after beating up another student. Totally outgoing and sunshiney, which doesn’t allow him to get long with Manny at first. Mostly confident but also scared of ever accidentally enchanting someone with his siren song after an incident that happened when he was a kid that he’s never told anyone about. Eventually grows close to Manny and the two of them start to open up to each other, until they finally get together. Doesn’t really have many friends despite being a social butterfly, but eventually becomes pretty close with the ghost crew - Operetta, Scarah, Serena, and Johnny Spirit - and they become kind of an iconic group.

#randomness #plot bunnies #monster high ocs #oc: nyx darkfeather #oc: aiko inoue #oc: chester hoppington #oc: matthew steam #oc: bonita calaveras #oc: dabria yelps #oc: gaia nature #oc: chord nightingale

[sjsmith56]

Comfort - Chapter 2, Eyes of the Father

Summary: Bucky helps Lacey with some chores in return for food and shelter. A comforting gesture becomes more.

Length: 4.7 K

Warnings: Minors DNI, contains sexual content not suitable for readers under the age of 18. Mourning. Reference to drug use.

<<Chapter 1

🔨 📚🛌

Bucky re-entered the house a few minutes later, his back pack and jacket in hand. Before Lacey said anything to him he put a finger against his lips to stay quiet. Cocking his head slightly as if he was listening to something, he walked around the room like he was honing in on a signal. Approaching the bookcase he quietly pulled out several books until he found a small electronic device. After pouring a glass of water, he dropped the device into it. He cocked his head again and this time went into Lacey's bedroom. She followed him, watching silently as he looked up at her light fixture. Stepping onto her bed he reached his hand into the open bowl of the shade and pulled out another device, dropping it into the glass of water that held the first one. Lacey started to say something but he put his hand out again and walked throughout the house listening until he was satisfied there were no more.

"How did you do that?" she asked.

"I can hear a larger range of frequencies than most people," he replied. "As soon as I came in the house I knew there was a different sound and just assumed they planted something. I'm sorry about your brother."

Her lips trembled and she began weeping as she covered her face with her hands. Bucky put his arms around her, holding her, while rubbing her back with his right hand. He stood there with her for some time until her weeping began to subside and she reached for a tissue to blow her nose. As she sat on the couch he sat next to her, looking at her sympathetically.

"Were you and your brother close?" he asked.

"Yesterday was the first time I saw him in five years," she replied. "He fell in with a rich crowd in college and once he graduated kept hanging out with them, even working with a couple of them. Before he went to college we were pretty close."

Bucky listened without interrupting as she told him about her brother looking out for her during her teen years. Then she told him about the fun they had staying with their grandparents in this house, exploring the property and laying out under the stars until their grandparents would call them in to bed.

"It sounds like he cared about you," he stated softly. "Perhaps he left without saying anything to keep you safe. I can stay here for a while longer, in case anyone dangerous shows up."

"What about that boat to Europe?" She looked up at him. "Don't you want to get out of here as soon as you can?"

"There's always cargo ships going there," he replied. "Right now, I think you need someone to make sure you're safe."

"Why would you do that?" she asked, echoing his earlier question to her. "You don't know me."

He smirked then his face softened. "Matthew 25:35," he stated, "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. I'm not religious but my parents lived by that verse during the Depression from what I can remember. You helped me. I can at least repay that."

"Thank you," said Lacey. "I appreciate it."

His smile flashed again and Lacey felt her cheeks get warm. By his own admission Bucky had revealed he had a reputation with women and she could see why. Those blue eyes and brilliant smile probably got him into a lot of beds. Remembering the bloody bandages she emptied the garbage can from the bathroom into the kitchen garbage can.

"They didn't find these during their search," she said. "In fact, they never went into the bathroom at all."

Bucky pulled the bag out of the container. "Let me dispose of this," he said. "Don't want them to associate you with me."

He left with the garbage bag and didn't return for about ten minutes. For the rest of the afternoon they worked on fixing the windows as Lacey really didn't want to talk to her mother just yet. Bucky found caulking in the garage and seemed to know how to apply it to the windows so it was even. Lacey started painting the windows that didn't need the caulking and by the end of the afternoon had finished them. The upper windows had been sanded by Bucky who showed no fear of going up the ladder to deal with them, unlike Lacey who had put that chore off due to her fear of heights. He came back down and asked for the paint, which she handed to him gratefully. When he came back down from that task she noticed he had paint on his pants and offered to wash them again before the paint set. Remembering something she stepped into the house. He followed her inside and saw her pull the ladder down from the attic access door.

"I don't know why I didn't remember this earlier," she said. "My grandparents never threw anything away. There are boxes of clothes up here. I'm sure there's something that would fit you."

She went up and pulled on the dangling cord of the light bulb. It illuminated the dim and dusty space enough that she quickly found a box marked Clothing. Pulling the tape off she opened it and found a pair of overalls right away, handing them to Bucky.

"May I?" he asked, pulling the box over.

He went through, pulling out several pairs of work pants and T-shirts, as well as a few other things. The button up shirts were too small and he put them aside with a smile. Then he pulled up an old army uniform and looked at it.

"Your grandpa was in the army?" he asked.

"Korean War," she replied. "He was only 18 when he went over. He said it changed him, made him anti war." Bucky looked thoughtful and for a moment Lacey wondered if she had offended him. "Grandpa always compared later wars to World War II. He always thought we entered that one later than we should have. I think he just became more cynical about why they became involved in later wars. Said it always felt like they were manipulated into them."

"He wasn't wrong," replied Bucky, frowning. "I had a hand in setting some of those wars up. HYDRA thrived on chaos and used me to make it look like a war was the only way to deal with some of those situations. They tried to set themselves up as the answer to the chaos they sowed ... the chaos I sowed for them."

He turned his face away breathing heavily and Lacey stood up, moving to stand in front of him as he still knelt on the floor. At first he wouldn't look at her until she finally reached out and grasped his right hand, feeling the heat of it again.

"Don't," she said earnestly. "You didn't have control, they did and they used you as their blunt instrument. I've read some of their decrypted files on the internet and it's obvious they pulled the strings on a lot of what was wrong with this world. They're still out there but you're not going to let them control you any more. I respect that. You are a good man inside and that's what counts."

He raised his head and his blue eyes bore into her deeply. "If they catch me, they can still control me," he said quietly. "There are a series of activation words and all they have to do is say them so I become the Winter Soldier again, ready to do their bidding. I would do it without hesitation because that is how I was programmed."

His left hand gently touched her cheek. Unlike his right hand it was cold, and it's metallic surface felt strange against her skin. Then he dropped it and looked at the clothes he had pulled out.

"I'll take these," he said. "Thank you."

He gathered up the bundle, stood up, then descended the ladder. Lacey put everything else back in the box, turned out the light and went down herself. He was inside the spare bedroom with the door partially open and his shirt off to change into another shirt. She gasped when she saw the arm, realizing how it had been attached to his chest, shoulder, and back. The skin along the edge of the metal shoulder was angry, red, and covered in scar tissue. Approaching the door she gently pushed it open, looked at him with sympathy, as he looked back, almost ashamed.

"It hurts all the time, doesn't it?" she asked softly.

He nodded. "All the time," he replied. "It's integrated into my spine, my skeleton, and my muscles. It weighs more than a normal arm so it hurts my back and affects my gait. Even if I succeed in getting away I can't see how they will ever be able to remove it without damaging parts of my body. The prospect of a normal life with this isn't good."

Hesitantly Lacey approached him so she was standing in front of him. He bent his head to look down at her letting his hair fall over his face. Gently she touched the scarred skin that was adjacent to the shoulder portion of the arm. It felt even hotter than his hand had. She resisted the urge to touch his chest but she did look up at him.

"I'm sorry," she said sadly. "What they did to you was evil. I have no words of comfort except that I believe in you and hope that you find a way to live a normal life."

He was lightly licking his lips and once again she could feel her cheeks getting warm. Just as she was going to step back he put his flesh hand on her arm, locking his eyes with hers. She could have pulled away but she didn't want to and when he touched her lips with his she responded, opening her lips enough to feel his tongue on hers. The kiss was hesitant at first then became firmer as his other hand rested on her shoulder. Lacey felt a pool of warmth form inside of her, filling her with a desire for more. Just as she put her palms on his chest he suddenly released her and stepped back.

"I'm sorry, that was forward of me," he said, in barely more than a whisper.

She stepped back as well then practically ran out of the room and outside to the garage where she leaned against the work bench and breathed deeply, trying to get her bearings back. Never had she had a reaction to a man like that but then never had she met a man like him before, either.

"Get yourself together, girl," she said to herself.

When she came out of the garage Bucky had changed into a pair of the work pants and one of the T-shirts, which further accentuated his muscular physique. He was back up on the ladder again, painting the window trim.

"I've left my jeans on the table," he said, without looking at her. "I hope you can get the paint out."

She went inside, not wanting to betray how she was feeling. Using some dish soap and elbow grease she got the paint out then threw the jeans into the washer again with some of her clothes. Checking the time she pulled some steaks out of the freezer and defrosted them in cold water. While waiting for them to thaw she made a marinade and set it aside. Preparing some potatoes for baking she started the barbecue and put the potatoes in it to get them going. The steaks were thawed by then and she put them into a plastic bag, pouring the marinade in and distributing it. A prepackaged bag of coleslaw with the addition of some salad dressing made up the salad and she put it in the fridge. Turning around she was startled by Bucky standing in the doorway.

"I've finished painting the upstairs windows," he said. "Is there anything else I can do?"

"I was going to start cleaning the garage," she said. "Grandpa was a bit of a hoarder and I thought there might be some stuff in there I could sell. If you want to start that supper should be ready in about half an hour."

He turned away and she watched him walk to the garage, noticing how he walked. It was almost a swagger. When videos of him first surfaced on the internet there were many people commenting about the confidence it showed. Many called him a badass and he developed a bit of a cult following. Knowing what she knew now she could see how he was compensating for the weight of the artificial arm. All together it pointed to a man who was much more than what the media showed him. Her cell phone rang, showing her mother's number on the display. For a moment she considered whether to answer it but knew she would have to talk to her sooner or later. She answered it and almost regretted doing so immediately.

"Hi Mom," she said quietly. "You've heard from the FBI?" She listened to her mother and began to cry. "Don't yell at me! He just showed up unexpectedly, said he was in trouble and left before I got up this morning. I'm still dealing with it." There was still yelling from her mother and Lacey sat down, leaning her face into her hand. Then the yelling on her mother's end stopped and Lacey just cried for a time. "I know. It hurts. I need to do some things here before I come home for the funeral but I'll be there, I promise. Okay, I love you too."

She looked up and saw Bucky in the doorway. "Sorry, I heard you yelling, then crying," he said apologetically. "Your mom?"

Lacey nodded. "She needed to vent," she replied. "As the last person to see Tom alive I was the obvious choice. She wants me home for the funeral." He nodded in an understanding manner. "I might as well get those steaks on."

She went to the fridge and took the steaks out to the grill, laying them on. Bucky had noticed the beer in the fridge and brought two out, opening them both. He offered her one and took a drink of his.

"Can I ask you a question?" asked Bucky. "What were the FBI looking for when they were searching the house and property?"

"I don't know," she replied, frowning. "They never said and I was still stunned at Tom's death.  Once I told them he had transferred the money to a secret account they changed his status from suspect to material witness. Maybe they were looking for something that pointed to the account."

"What did your brother do, job wise?" he asked.

"Stockbroker," she replied. "Why?"

"He would be pretty computer savvy, right?" he asked. "Do you think maybe he put the information on something and hid it here? I can't see a mobster killing him if he was the only source of where their money was hidden."

"He just showed up out of the blue," said Lacey, contemplating Bucky's words. "My grandpa built this house and there are all sorts of hiding places for his money since he didn't really trust banks. It's how I paid for his burial."

Lacey stood up as a thought hit her and went into the spare bedroom. She pulled a night table out of the way and knocked gently on the floor beneath it. One of the knocks sounded hollow and she tapped along the length of the piece of wood until it suddenly lifted up on one end. Lifting the wood she peered inside then placed her hand in and ran it around the interior. Her face changed and she pulled her hand out, opening it to show Bucky a flash drive. His face opened to a smile.

"You were right," she said. "Tom used to hide his stash here. I'm going to call Agent Jones. The longer this thing is here the more likely they're going to come looking for it."

She got back onto her cell phone and called the number on Jones' card. He didn't answer but the person who did said they would pass on the message and she could expect to hear from him. At first she was going to keep the drive but instead she put it back into its hiding place and replaced the wood then moved the night table back over it. Bucky offered her a hand up and they both went back out to the barbecue. About ten minutes later she heard back from Agent Jones who said he would send an agent to pick it up but it could be as late as the next morning before he got there.  It wasn't exactly timely considering how eagerly the agent had the house searched.

"Well, let's hope that gives them the information they need to find Tommy's killer," said Lacey, as she tested the doneness of the steaks.

Bucky pulled the baked potatoes out with his artificial hand while she transferred the steaks to a plate. As she pulled the rest of the food out of the fridge he set the table. There was none of the awkwardness she had felt after the kiss when they sat down to the meal. While they were eating he looked at her questioningly.

"You said your brother hid his stash in that hiding place," he began. "What did you mean?"

"Weed," she said. "You know, pot, marijuana?"

"Reefer?" he asked, then laughed. "Why am I not surprised it's still around?"

"Did you try it back in the day?" she asked. "I don't anymore. It interfered with my writing."

"Maybe once or twice," he admitted, grinning. "It wasn't my thing, and was associated with criminals and musicians. It wouldn't affect me now anyways. My metabolism is so high that I burn off any intoxicants as soon as I ingest them."

They both laughed about it and she shared other transgressions of her youth while they ate. Bucky helped clean up, washing the dishes while she changed the sheets on his bed. Lacey excused herself to write in her room while he continued reading her book until it was dark then knocked on her bedroom door and announced he was going to sleep. Coming out of her room Lacey made sure the outside doors were locked and they both went to their separate bedrooms, wishing each other a good night. Several hours later Bucky heard whimpering and sat up in his bed. Listening carefully he could hear Lacey talking and crying in her sleep. Quietly, he got out of the bed and went to her room, his bare feet hardly making a noise on the wooden floor. He knocked but there was no response and he opened the door to Lacey moving restlessly in her bed while asking someone not to hurt him.

"Lacey," he whispered as he sat on the edge of her bed. "Sweetheart, you're dreaming. You're having a nightmare."

He stroked her arm and she grasped his hand forcefully as she sat up. "Don't hurt him," she pleaded, her eyes open wide in fear but still unfocussed.

"Honey, you're having a nightmare," he repeated, and stroked her hair, then cupped her face with his hand.

She blinked her eyes several times then seemed to wake up because she looked at him with recognition and started to cry. As she pressed her head into his chest he put his arms around her and held her, murmuring softly to her. Gently he stroked her hair then pulled away slightly so he could kiss her forehead. Their eyes met in the darkness of her room, with only the light of the quarter moon peaking through an opening in the curtains illuminating the space. This time he kissed her meaningfully, pressing his lips on hers as they both opened their mouths to let the other one in. He pulled her close into his body and she felt the heat radiating off of him, penetrating her skin. One of his hands threaded itself into her hair while the other went down her back to her bottom pressing her close into him. They both shifted position and Lacey found herself straddling his lap, facing him, their hips pressing into each other. Both of them were grinding against the other, desperately caressing the other over their clothes. Bucky pulled away first.

"This isn't a good idea," he said, breathing heavily. "You're vulnerable. I'm taking advantage of you."

"Just shut up," she said, as she peeled off her sleep T-shirt, exposing her body to him. "I want you."

He gazed at her for a few moments, noticing her lips were slightly open and her eyes were dark with desire. His lips found hers again and the thrust of her tongue against his filled him with a lust he hadn't felt for a long time. With purpose he bent his face to her breasts, mouthing them hard arousing her even further. He wore one of her Grandpa's old undershirts and she pulled it up over his head, running her hands over the outlines of his muscles then pressing her mouth over where she had just touched. Lifting her up he turned back to the bed and laid her down while he nestled in between her legs. He was heavy but used his artificial arm to prop himself up while he mouthed her neck and collar bone, all while continuing to grind his hips into hers. She could tell that he was big, based on the hardness she felt through the old pyjama bottoms he was wearing. A pool of heat had settled in her core and she knew how wet she was in anticipation of having him inside her.

"Do you want me?" he asked in a low voice that dripped with desire. "I want to taste you first, make you ready for me."

"Yes ... please," she added, suddenly feeling needy.

He sat up in a kneeling position and pulled her bottoms and panties off at the same time, then ran the flat of his hand over her body, moving it down to where her heat was gathering. Spreading her legs further apart he bent over and flicked her with his tongue, making her gasp.

"Sweet and salty," he whispered, as he looked at her from between her legs. "Just how I like it."

He buried his face into her again and she could feel his tongue on every part of her, exploring and pleasuring her.

"Fuck, he's good," she thought.

More moans came out of her lips when he used his fingers expertly making her come closer to orgasm. Then he made one more move with his tongue and she cried out as she felt the rush explode from within her. Her hands were all over herself before finding his hair and grasping it, pressing him deeper into her. Then he raised his head and placed his flat hand on her pubic mound massaging it gently. Wave after wave of pleasure radiated up and down her legs as she experienced the echoes of the bliss she felt just moments before. He laid between her legs again, using his artificial arm to take much of his weight off of her and kissed her sensuously, transferring her taste onto her tongue. Then he watched her but didn't say anything, waiting for her to speak first.

"Your reputation is well deserved," Lacey finally said. "I've never ...." She couldn't finish the thought as she became lost in the large dark pupils of his eyes.

"We're not done," he said simply, then he looked down at himself briefly. "Don't be afraid. I'll take my time entering you and let you adjust."

"What do you mean?" asked Lacey, with just a hint of concern.

"Touch me," he ordered, and guided her hand down to his crotch.

Hesitantly she felt over the top of the pyjama bottoms, feeling his hard cock, big in both length and girth. She almost pulled away but instead she stroked him and he smiled dreamily at her. Then he raised himself up off the bed and pulled the bottoms off revealing himself to her. She swallowed nervously as he was the biggest man she had ever seen.

"There's lube in the night table," she suggested. "It might help."

Smiling knowingly he opened the drawer and found the bottle pouring some into his hand and smoothing it over himself. He wiped the remainder off on the undershirt and returned to kneeling between her legs. Lowering himself onto her he watched her face intently as he guided himself into her still wet and warm entry.

"You're so beautiful," he whispered. "I watched as you came and you made my breath catch. I want to make you come again with me in you. You tell me if it's too much. I don't want to hurt you."

As he got deeper into her Lacey couldn't help but hold her breath, as he filled her up tightly. Once he was in all the way he came out and thrust himself into her again. It was uncomfortable at first then as she got used to it she began to respond to him, raising her hips to meet him.

"Fuck," she whispered. "You're huge."

"Yeah," he agreed. "Side effect. You're taking me well. I can feel every part of you and it feels good."

Bucky began to press harder into Lacey bringing moans out of both of them. While he pumped he continued to kiss and mouth her neck and breasts, with the occasional deep kiss. Each thrust was like no other encounter she had ever had, pressing on all the pleasure spots at once. She could feel the pressure building in her and pressed herself onto his girth, trying to find the spot that would accelerate her coming. With a smile, he used his thumb to stimulate her and she was suddenly there crying out in loud gasps as she came again with him in her. Her cries spurred him and she could feel Bucky swell inside of her as he came loudly, thrusting hard several times to empty himself into her. As his erection slowly softened she began to kiss him sensuously, reluctant to end what had been one of the most satisfying sexual encounters of her life. He caressed her gently, also wanting to prolong the tryst they had just shared.

"Are you okay?" he asked, as he pulled out and laid on his side. "Did I hurt you?"

"No, it was incredible," she replied softly. "Were you always this good, with sex?"

He smiled self-deprecatingly. "Every man likes to think so," he admitted. "I was popular with the ladies. Back then I think it was more because I didn't kiss and tell. I guess since this side effect of the serum treatment, my size probably has more to do with it. They equated a man's size with his virility and had big hopes for me."

He looked away for a moment, uncomfortable with the subject matter. "Bucky, this was amazing, even before you were in me," she offered. "I'm on the pill, by the way, no worries about pregnancy."

He smirked in a way that seemed sad. "That's okay," he replied. "I'm supposed to be sterile. They wanted me to breed super soldier babies and no one got pregnant, so they figured I was a dud as a stud."

She looked at him with concern, appalled to hear how he described it. "Is that how they told you?" she asked, incredulous.

He shrugged. "Not to my face," he replied. "Except to be told what a disappointment I was. Don't worry about it. I'm glad no one got pregnant or else they would have a bunch of indoctrinated kids with super soldier abilities doing their bidding." Lacey snuggled up to Bucky and placed her head on his chest, intertwining their legs. "Am I sleeping here tonight?"

She whispered yes and he put his arm around her, kissing her forehead. They both fell asleep easily.

Chapter3>>

Series Masterlist

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#bucky barnes #bucky barnes fanfiction #buckybarnes original female character #buckyontherun #james buchanan barnes fanfiction #james buchanan barnes

[acaplaya-musings]

Voiceplay Visuals: Drunken Sailor

Man I've been waiting to get to this one!

Drunken Sailor was uploaded on the 12th of August, 2023, and like the other pirate-themed video Voiceplay did akmost two years prior, it features Jose Rosario Jr! It also features Matthew Buckner (aka "Bucky") in an acting role, as the "drunken sailor" that Voiceplay sing about. "Bucky" used to be a vocalist in "4:2:Five" for a while (iirc), and he's good friends with Geoff, and even helped with the choreography for Geoff's Monster Mash video! Just like Hoist The Colours, both the arrangement and video were done by Geoff (who also wrote an original bridge for the song! (genius that he is)), and he also co-directed the video (with Tony), and worked together with Eli on lighting design. This might be one of those posts where I get close to the picture-upload-maximum and have to start counting them just in case, but still, it would be for good reason! So let's go!

Group shot! Shoutout to Pattycake Productions for the set design!

I'm not sure if any of the group are wearing any of the same clothing pieces they wore in Hoist The Colours (I did a brief bit of visual comparison), but Jose, acting as the captain of this "ragtag motley crew" once more, is pretty close.

Also, Geoff is going with the bare-shoulders look again (we always stan), but so is Cesar! (Good For Him)

Not even 10 seconds in and I've already found a funnier-than-first-expected/realized screencap! I'm not sure whose face I love more here - Layne's or Geoff's 😂😂

Obligatory comment that Geoff was absolutely serving looks in this video! The subtle "guyliner" plus the light stubble and the black sleeveless shirt/tunic? I freaking live for it 👀👌

Jose staring right down the camera, and Cesar giving 110% as per usual 😄

Pfft XD

Crazy Eyes Layne back again! 😆

Also look at Eli's face! He's terrified by the story that Layne is 'telling'!

"I'll have that!" (also notice that when Layne makes the whale "eat"/bite the boat, Eli covers his head with his hands in distress! The Lore! The Lore!

PFFFT, if looks could kill! 🤣 (and the fact that he's still beatboxing the whole time really makes this 👌)

Voiceplay said in the comments (in a reply to someone) that "there were a few different takes of this shot, and this was the one where it looked the MOST like Layne was gonna burst into flame." I think they nailed it 😝😁

"Stick him in a scupper with a hosepipe bottom!"

Firstly, it sounds at least like Cesar is singing "hosepipe bottom", but the original line is "hosepipe on him". And despite what Cesar is implying with the wooden toilet seat, the line has nothing to do with toilets or bathrooms. A "scupper" is "an opening in the side walls of a vessel or an open-air structure, which allows water to drain instead of pooling" (according to Wikipedia). Ships have scuppers at deck-level, to allow for rainwater and/or seawater to drain off. So basically the line about "stick him in the scupper with a hosepipe on him" is about spraying the drunken sailor in question with a hose[pipe] (to try to sober him up with a dousing of cold water), in a part of the ship where the water can easily drain away afterwards.

"ew I can't believe I just touched that!"

Yes, that doll is definitely creepy, and I have no clue where Geoff got it from or what gave him the idea, but, according to Geoff in the comments section (comment from Voiceplay's channel, but it was almost definitely him who wrote it): "Her name is Clara and SHE HAS FEELINGS!" 😅

Also, the line "put him in the bed with the captain's daughter" probably isn't actually meant to be taken literally either. The main consensus that I've seen online is that "the captain's daughter" actually referred to a cat-'o'-nine-tails whip. (Not talking about the vocals or arrangement, I'm talking about song background/context! Which I've done before!)

EAR-LY IN THE M O O R R R N I I N N G G G

*YEET*

"Hey that's my cup!" (rip Eli)

Hey look it's the screencap my profile pic comes from! (And for good reason - Geoff is positively unhinged and Cesar's reaction is priceless 🤣)

Also apparently Geoff holding a wooden spoon while singing "I'm gonna carve his heart out" is a reference to the 1991 movie Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves. "Why a spoon, cousin? Why not an axe?" "Because it's dull, you twit. It'll hurt more!"

"And we should make him listen to Voiceplay while we do it!" "You... are a monster"

(I freaking died laughing first time I watched this bit, also look at Eli's smug grin! 😂)

Have I mentioned that he's gorgeous and I love him?

This video is really just pure unbridled/chaotic fun. It's the best 😁

Cesar twerking! Get it!

It took me an embarassingly long time to release that Geoff isn't actually sitting down in this shot here; he's kneeling instead 😅

Also note that while Layne, Eli, Cesar, and Geoff all freeze into place (in what is apparently sometimes known as a "tableau shot", Jose doesn't, instead doing a little bit of fourth-wall-breaking to give the audience a lighthearted half-shrug 😄

And no, I haven't forgotten the "bonus scene"!

"HEY! Hey, I'm not drunk!"

I'm just tired, because you simpletons been singing all night!"

(Also ayyy another Eli Eyebrow Raise!)

"Wey, hey, and up she rises. Wey, hey, and up she rises. Wey, hey, and UP she rises! Ear-ly in the morn... ONCE AGAIN!"

Aaaaand I've officially hit image limit! At least I did make some attempts to be conservative with screenshots! 😅

This cover is utterly fantastic - all the silliness of "Classic Voiceplay", with the serious skills and high-quality video production of "Modern Voiceplay"! The video is hilarious, the cover is ridiculously creative, and really it just highlights all of the things to love about each person in the video, visually/performance-wise and vocally!

Not many Voiceplay videos left for me to make posts about now, but there are certainly still ridiculously-amazing things to come, so stay tuned!

#voiceplay #acapella #drunken sailor #what will we do with a drunken sailor #geoff castellucci #eli jacobson #layne stein #cesar de la rosa #jose rosario jr #acaplaya analysis #voiceplay visuals