it's part of me, apart from me.

and at once, i knew i was not magnificent– aslan DEMIRCI. 34. ŞEREFE owner, prodigal son. – and i could see for miles, miles, miles.

[coreyjensen]

"Hey, at least mine didn't make me come out almost naked at the end of October," Corey laughed, gesturing to their costume, a toasty warm grey henley and sweatpants, rounded out with a pair of floppy dog ears, a makeshift tail and facepaint. "At least I got to stay comfy." Corey was typically covered in multiple layers so this costume suited them just fine. They fought back a shit-eating grin at the knowledge the farthest thing they were from was the dog house right now, that their outing with Meg had yielded an engagement ring that would be given to Charlie when the time was right. For now, they were simply going to enjoy the Halloween shenanigans and clown car antics.

"What am I drinking? Water out of a dog bowl, of course," Corey teased, extending a hand to lightly clap Aslan on the shoulder. "Just kidding. We save that for behind closed doors. You should see Bruin's face when I try to share." Corey had the kind of deadpan delivery that always made folks wonder if they were joking or not. The chaos gremlin in them only became more pronounced when they had a few drinks in 'em. "Vodka and red bull. I don't wanna be able to feel my face by the end of tonight. D'you think my lady will be upset if I start humping her leg?"

[aslandemirci]

Aslan snorted a laugh and shrugged. Sure, without the proper alcohol blanket, he’d probably be freezing at some point tonight, but that didn’t matter to him. He’d made Mickey smile by going along with what she wanted, even if it admittedly might not have been the costume he’d have chosen for himself. It felt like such a small thing, but it spoke to an even bigger reality– there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for her. “I’d do anything for that girl– even go half-naked in public, apparently,” he supplied, chuckling softly as he caught the eye of the nearest bartender and flagged them down for whenever they got the chance to meander over. 

In the meantime, Aslan turned his attention back to Corey and shook his head as they continued on about drinking from a dog bowl. “I never have any idea what’s gonna come out of your mouth,” he started, chuckling softly, “but hey, I’m here for it.” It kept things interesting, to say the least. As the bartender made their way to them, Aslan quickly fired off a Vodka and Red Bull for Corey and a bourbon for himself before turning back to Corey and lifting a brow, “Can’t speak for her, obviously, but I think that might be frowned upon in some circles?” It was just a shot in the dark, really, but Aslan figured he’d hazard a guess there, “You do you, though– different strokes for different folks.”

[leylademircii]

"All of the above? Well, that's the best kind of conversation, I reckon," Kit said before lowering his beer to the counter and lacing his fingers together. "See, thing is, Demirci, I was under the impression you didn't really do conversation after sex. Can't speak for myself, of course, but you don't usually stick around long enough for any of that, if I recall." Kit's smile was smug, one he often turned to, but his eyes held a softness for Aslan, knowing this was something entirely different from what he was used to.

"I know people don't always believe this, but bull riding used to scare the hell out of me. My dad told me somethin' once that helped me get through it, and I think he'd tell you the same thing if he could be here to say it, so I'll say it for him." Kit sighed, lowering his voice like he'd always done as a kid quoting his father. "'If it doesn't scare you just a little bit, then it ain't worth a damn.' He told me that all the time when I was growin' up, any time something scared me. Turns out he knew a thing or two." Lifting his beer again, Kit raised his eyebrow at Aslan over the glass. "So, since this one's worth a damn, you goin' to let me meet her? I promise not to flirt with her, but I can't say I won't charm the hell outta her anyway. You know I can't just turn this off and on."

[aslandemirci]

“I don’t,” he confirmed, shrugging a shoulder, “But with her…I hate the thought of leaving.” Kit wasn’t wrong– Aslan didn’t do conversation after sex. He got the fuck out as soon as he could and left it at that and that had always been enough for him. But whenever it came to Mickey, he always found himself longing for more– for more of what, exactly? For more of her time, more of her humor– hell, just more of her. It was a level of desire that Aslan had never experienced before and he sure as hell didn’t know what to do with it.  “Didn’t think anything scared the hell out of you,” Aslan countered, but it was nice hearing that his best friend had had his own struggles and a way through them. His expression softened at the mention of his father and at the sage advice he’d given Kit. He wasn’t wrong. Anything worth the fight was scary in some sort of way, and Aslan supposed that this was no different, even if he wasn’t sure what this even was with Mickey. All he knew for sure was that it was something he wanted to keep leaning into. “He knew a hell of a lot more than just a thing or two.” Lifting his bourbon to his lips, he let the silence settle over them for a moment, then nodded at Kit’s question, “Of course, I’m sure she’d be down to meet you.” Snorting a laugh, he shot the other man a wry look, “Don’t flatter yourself, cowboy, I think she’s got all she can handle right now.” At least, he hoped that was the case. “Nah, I think you’d like her. She’s…god, man, she’s so beautiful it actually takes my breath away sometimes, but she keeps me on my toes too.” He shrugged, simultaneously hating and loving how down bad he sounded right now, “I dunno…just hope she feels the same.”

[mickeymaddox]

It didn't matter what they were discussing, her body was going to react to Aslan's gentle touch every single time regardless of tension or sentiment or emotion. She didn't fight it this time, of course, letting her eyes flutter shut at the way his thumb moved across her cheekbone. Mickey's head leaned into Aslan's hand as a relieved sigh slipped through parted lips—she was finally feeling his touch without having to ask for it or beg him for it, and it sent waves of happiness coursing through her entire body. "It changed something in me," she whispered quietly into the space between them after opening her eyes again, "meeting you." She wasn't sure where it came from, but Mickey needed Aslan to know that night meant just as much for her as it did to him, and that nothing would ever be the same.

"Never? Really?" The question wasn't rude, leaning more toward shocked in tone as she scanned his face. Mickey couldn't fathom why on earth Aslan would go and do something so drastic for her, but she didn't want to ask him in case it caused him to reconsider. If he was feeling something right now that convinced him she was worth a major step like this, then Mickey was going to lean into that and make it count. "Well, I think you're right. Besides, 'exclusive' looks good on you." When his hand moved over the material of her dress, Mickey chuckled a little. She could feel the blush creeping onto her cheeks, but she wasn't going to let embarrassment steal her thunder. That was never her style.

"Of course it was, baby," she said softly before reaching for his wrists, pulling them onto her hips as she shifted in her spot. Kneeling on the couch next to Aslan, Mickey took in a slow, steady breath as she leveled her gaze with his. "Everything I put on tonight was chosen specifically with the intention of you being the one to take it off." She could've played up the flirty, sexy implication of that statement, but she wasn't trying to do that right now. Mickey knew they'd have plenty of time later, but she had to get something off her chest first. Sliding her arms around his neck, Mickey chewed on her bottom lip for a beat before continuing. "I'm sorry I didn't know how to come right out and ask you where we stood. I don't have the best track record with any of this, but I want you to know that I want to try and do better. I'm going to do better, I promise, because you deserve it. Thank you for being patient with me. It means more than you know."

[aslandemirci]

“I know the feeling,” he admitted, a soft smile warming his expression. She’d changed something in him too, and time would only tell just how deep it would run, but Aslan already knew he was along for the ride and couldn’t wait to find out. Aslan chuckled as he clocked the surprise in her tone. “Really,” he nodded, shrugging a shoulder, “I don’t know, I’ve just…never met anyone who made me want to, you know? But I know what I want, Mickey, and there’s no point in me trying to see anyone else. I’m hooked on you.” He’d always assumed that he’d hate the feeling of being so caught up in someone else, and perhaps he would if it was anyone other than Mickey. But Aslan had found that the truth of it all was somewhat different– he loved being addicted to her, loved that craving that came with every touch and look she threw his way. And so he’d trusted it enough to take this leap now and ask her for something more than casual sex. “Looks pretty damn good on you too,” he chuckled, firing off a wink at her. Exclusivity had more of a ring to it than he’d ever thought it would.  “That right?” He countered, lifting a brow as his eyes raked another appreciative sweep over her frame, “Interesting strategy,” he droned moments before smirking playfully at her. Naturally, he was referring to her strategy of bringing another man into his bar. But still, somehow, it’d worked in her favor, and Aslan didn’t pretend not to know why. Had she been anyone else, he would’ve been done with her the moment they’d walked in. But she wasn’t just anyone else, and that alone had given him enough pause to want to understand the situation, rather than just dismissing her entirely. Hands squeezing her hips, Aslan shifted on the couch, hauling her into his lap, “It’s okay. You know now. Just…please, next time maybe don’t bring another man into my bar. I almost had Bobby poison his drink.” He chuckled, head shaking quickly, “Kidding– about the poison part.” But then he sobered and leaned up to snag a lingering kiss from her, “You’re worth it, Mickey. If you were anyone else, we wouldn’t be here right now. But you’re you, and I can’t get enough of that girl.”

[mickeymaddox]

Mickey loved being surrounded by people while holding Aslan's hand, but she also loved being the only person around him—especially when he looked at her the way he was right now. There was a power in his gaze, and Mickey could feel it race through her the moment he flashed that playful grin her way. Their back and forth was always entertaining, if not electrifying, and this time was no different. When he reached out to hook his thumbs around her belt loops, Mickey dropped her chin slightly and sank her teeth into her bottom lip, knowing full well he'd give her an opportunity to show him what was on her mind soon enough. "One of many reasons, actually," she quipped back, her own hands sliding between the layers of clothing he wore to settle on either side of his waist.

In the past five and a half months, Mickey had learned just about everything there was to know about Aslan, but she knew she'd never get tired of his company when he managed to always keep her on her toes like this. Finding herself backed against the metal, Mickey could've sworn Aslan had some kind of cheat sheet saved away in his brain for just how to get any sort of reaction he wanted out of her. His roaming touches elicited all the appropriate responses: a sigh against his lips as he squeezed her ass, a gentle moan when he nipped at her bottom lip, and a hum of satisfaction when he pulled her closer, wrapping her in his arms. Mickey slid her hands behind Aslan, up his back to a spot where nails could drag lightly over his tee as she leaned her head back against the cool metal column behind her. "Really? Because I feel like life with you is just about the most real thing I've ever experienced," she teased, lowering her voice to a whisper before continuing. "Oh, don't forget to tell that kid he doesn't get to just make out with her. That's his girlfriend."

[aslandemirci]

Aslan lifted a brow at her, “Many?” He parroted back, the look on his face taking a sharp, smug turn, “Well now I’m curious.” He wasn’t actually fishing for a compliment as much as he was genuinely wondering what Mickey saw in him. But then, if he was being honest with himself, he knew there were parts of him that she hadn’t seen yet, and that worried him far more than the parts she had seen. He chose to shake that thought aside for now, instead narrowing his focus on kissing her and the way his hands roamed her body, forever eager for more. 

A shudder raced down his spine at the feel of her nails sliding across his back, knowing full well it wasn’t the gust of cooler air that had elicited such a reaction from him. It was her and how she always seemed to know what to do and when to push the tension between them to a fever pitch. A soft smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, aware that she was teasing but still finding comfort in what she was saying. “Hope you always feel that way.” Because the same was true for him. Mickey had been a breath of fresh air since the moment she came roaring into his life and it was the sort of feeling he never wanted to go away. “Mmm,” he gave a thoughtful hum, dipping his head to kiss her lips again, “she’s more than his girlfriend.” What he fully meant by that, Aslan didn’t know that he could put into words, except maybe to say that Mickey had become everything to him over the last few months. The confession felt heavy though, and so it stalled on his tongue as he moved to kiss her again.

“Want you,” he mumbled in between kisses as his hands squeezed her hips, almost silently asking her to come with him, “But I can’t have you here.”

[kerembursindaily]

Kerem Bursin x ReTouch Mag 2024 (.)

[aslandemirci]

WHERE: Haunted Harvest WITH: @carolineweav

“You gonna do the sack race this year?” Aslan inquired as he raised his wine sample to his lips. From a distance, it looked like fun, but perhaps that was only because he wasn’t factoring in the aftermath, or his own limitations. “Kinda tempted, but I’ve already broken my back once and I’m not too keen on doing it again.” Still, the idea was alluring enough and he’d indulged enough at the wine tasting to actually go for it under the right conditions. “Unless you wanna place bets on it– then I might be persuaded.”

[aslandemirci]

WHERE: The Whiskey Barrel-- Monster Mash Bash WITH: @coreyjensen

Approaching the bar for refills, Aslan glanced down the line and spotted Corey, clearly decked out as the Tramp from the classic Disney movie. He snorted a laugh, loving the twist they’d put on the timeless character. Setting his empty glasses down, Aslan made his way down the line so that he was finally within earshot of Corey. “Damn,” he called out, whistling low as he gestured at their costume, “This mean you’re in the dog house already?” He was only kidding, of course, especially when he was standing there looking absolutely ridiculous as a makeshift Playboy bunny. But…Mickey knew the power of persuasion better than anyone he’d ever met, and so here he was, leaving very little to the imagination. “What’re you drinking? Next round is on me.”

[mickeymaddox]

"Oh did they, now?" Mickey couldn't help how her gaze lingered on Aslan's lips when he smiled like that, the more playful side of her once again being met step for step. She was rewarded handsomely for her creativity, too, because seeing him bite his lip send a jolt of electricity through her. There was something even stronger that slammed into her chest at his question, not having expected Aslan to drop Spanish on her out of the blue like this. His stolen kisses were the only thing that kept her upright, honestly, because hearing Aslan speak in his own native tongue was incredibly sexy as far as Mickey was concerned. Hearing him speak Spanish? That was downright unfair in a crowd of this size, too many people all around to keep her climbing into his lap then and there.

Thankfully, Aslan was quick to take the lead, pulling her up from where she'd been sitting with a gentle tug. Mickey's teeth sank into her own bottom lip as she followed him, leaving very little to the imagination when it came to what could possibly have them racing off in such a hurry. She didn't worry about the bystanders for long, not when she had a feeling she knew exactly where Aslan was taking her. He could've pulled her along to just about anywhere, really, and Mickey would've followed happily. She'd never been a hand-holding girl, but these days, she was reaching for Aslan's hand just as often as he reached for hers. It didn't matter the reason—walking through a crowd or just reaching out in the middle of the night when she thought he was fast asleep—Mickey felt a sense of safety in holding Aslan's hand. It made her feel like they were united, and she loved being the woman by his side.

She felt like a giddy teenager as they ducked under the bleachers, casting a quick glance around to make sure the actual horny teens were nowhere to be found. They must have skittered off as the game went on, because Mickey and Aslan found themselves alone under the metal stands they'd been sitting in only moments before. Mickey did a little circle, eyeing the 'spot' he'd brought them to. "Aslan Demirci," she said with a playfully scolding tone, "are you telling me you would come to football games just to fool around with girls?" She wasn't jealous, and it was clear from her smirk that she was actually happy to be learning about this part of his youth. "You were such a bad boy, weren't you? I could tell just by looking at you, you're trouble."

[aslandemirci]

“Allegedly,” he replied, a sly smirk curving at the corner of his mouth. Aslan was far from innocent and always had been, particularly when women were involved. Something told him that that wouldn’t exactly come as a shock to his girlfriend, who knew him well enough now to know his mischievous tendencies. He led her by the hand through the crowd and down the steps, forever silently relishing that physical touch, even as simple as it was. The fact of the matter was that he’d never felt so connected to anyone before, so much so that even a gesture as small as holding her hand felt monumental. Not only that, but it was an outward demonstration that let everyone know who he belonged to, and he couldn’t help but crave the way that felt. 

Making their way under the bleachers, Aslan snorted as he watched Mickey take in her surroundings. “Why else? I don’t give a fuck about football,” he pointed out with a shrug and another playful grin, “Had to make the most of it before I got shipped off to the TAF, right?” Rolling his lips together, he stepped closer to her and reached out to hook his thumbs around her belt loops. “Isn’t that why you like me?” Aslan fired back, tugging her into him then, “C’mere.” Stationing his hands at her hips, he leaned down, catching her lips in a few featherlight, teasing kisses to start. But then he moved them, backing her into the nearest metal column as if to brace her there while he all but devoured her. Wandering hands traveled over her body like it was a well loved roadmap peppered with all of his favorite places to be. 

“If you would’ve told sixteen year old me that one day he’d be back here,” he started in between kisses as his hands slipped down to squeeze her ass, “making out with the most gorgeous girl he’s ever seen,” Aslan shook his head, catching her bottom lip between his teeth for a fleeting moment, “he wouldn’t have believed you. I’m still not sure I do.” He hugged his arms around her, unsure that he could even get any closer to her, but that didn’t stop him from trying, “You’re unfuckin’real, Mickey.”

[benitoxherrera]

🎃 closed starter  / aslan demirci @aslandemirci 🎃 location: monster mash bash @ the whiskey barrel 🎃 date: october 25, 2025

Benny couldn't help but see that things between Aslan and Mickey were going well. He had been in full event-planning mode lately, so he hadn't had as much time to catch up with his friend—and it felt a little awkward between them, at least on Benny's part, since their conversation. He'd only meant to warn Aslan, not plant any seeds of doubt, but he was afraid if he said too much, he'd upset the man. Instead, he let Aslan have some space, and it looked like he and Mickey had found a good rhythm. More than anything, he'd caught wind that they were officially dating now, which was a major deal as far as Benny was concerned. He didn't see that coming, not for either of them, so it was clear that they were committed to seeing this through.

He'd been keeping tabs on the comings and goings of most of his favorites all night, so when Aslan began his approach toward the bar, Benny slipped back there and made his drinks, hoping he'd still want what he ordered last time he was up here. "I got you," he said as soon as Aslan got to the front of the line, sliding the drinks toward him. "You got a minute?" Jerking his head toward the open end of the bar, Benny made his way over to join Aslan on the patron side. "For starters," he said as he wet his lips with his tongue, "I'm not sure which one of you is hotter, you or Mickey, but if you two ever want to duel it out, you know where to find me. I'm an unbiased third party, obviously." He chuckled, reaching up to pull his top hat off his head so he could rake his fingers through his hair. "Seriously, though, you two look good together. Not just physically, either. I'm happy for you, Aslan, I mean that."

[aslandemirci]

When it was time for a refill, Aslan wasted little time making his way back to the bar, eyes catching Benny’s on his trek over. Thankfully, they were sticking to their usuals, making the man’s job just as easy as the simple look that Aslan fired at him. “Thanks, man,” he murmured, sidling up alongside the bar and resting his forearms against it. Ordinarily, he might’ve felt out of place showing so much skin with the costume he and Mickey– mostly Mickey– had decided on, but he had enough booze thrumming through his veins now that he hardly seemed to notice the draft permeating the bar and whispering across his arms and patches of his exposed chest. Taking the fresh drinks, he nearly turned on his heels before Benny’s question stopped him in his tracks, “Yeah, sure– what’s up?” He followed him to the end of the bar, meeting him halfway as Benny crossed the threshold. Chuckling softly as the other man started, he shrugged a shoulder, “Afraid you’re shit outta luck, man– she’s not really one to share.” And neither was he, though he felt like that went without saying. He paused then, green eyes narrowing in curiosity as Benny continued, perhaps reaching the point he’d actually been trying to make. Aslan nodded slowly, “I take it that means you’ve changed your mind about her?” He prompted, testing the waters there. He knew how Benny felt about Mickey, and he was sure the other man had his reasons, but he could only hope his opinion had started to shift over the last few months. “Either way…thank you, that means a lot. I am happy, man. She’s…” he paused, head shaking as a genuine smile spread like wildfire across his lips. “She’s got me feeling things I didn’t think I could.”

[mickeymaddox]

↦ closed starter  / aslan demirci @aslandemirci ↦ location: bobcat stadium @ jameson high school ↦ date: october 17, 2025

Mickey found it more than a little funny that she and Aslan had opted for a hometown football game as a date. They'd been doing a lot of going out together on dates these days, really giving their full-blown relationship a chance. They'd gone out to bars, shooting pool and dancing at the Whiskey Barrel or joining in with the crowd cheering for a team at Bleachers. They'd done dinners at fancy restaurants and food trucks and plenty of places in between. As far as Mickey was concerned, she'd be down for just about anything—including a hometown football game—as long as Aslan was the man she was going out with. It was still funny, of course, because she had never once attended a high school football game during her years as an actual high schooler, but here she was: squeezed into the home team's stands, cheering on a bunch of teenage boys and living out her very own version of an episode of Friday Night Lights.

Because the school was alcohol-free, that apparently also meant adults had to refrain. Thankfully, Mickey had been tipped off to this rule and had brought a flask slipped into the back of her jeans, meaning the drinks they bought from the concession stand could still give them both a little bit of a buzz. The game was nearly over and the Bobcats had played a lot better than Mickey expected, which only made the night out with Aslan more fun. Slipping her arm back into his after she finished off her nachos, Mickey laced her fingers through Aslan's and leaned in close enough so he could hear her even though she spoke in a low voice. "Do teenagers still make out under the bleachers, or is that just something television told us happened?"

She pulled away just a little bit, keeping her body close but allowing herself to look into his eyes. "Or," she started, glancing around to make sure nobody was listening, "we could fool around in your car for a little bit before everyone starts to head out to the parking lot, if you want."

[aslandemirci]

He’d only gone to a handful of high school football games in his time, and they’d pretty much all been by force, or out of some sense of obligation to watch a friend who happened to be on the field. Soccer– or in his mind, actual football– had always been more appealing to him, but he’d still enjoyed the atmosphere of a high school game. Plus, he’d never hesitated to support his friends, especially having known that as soon as he graduated, he’d be voluntarily shipping himself back to Turkey. Part of going to games had solely been about soaking up the last few moments with those people. And now here he was again, watching the game in an entirely different light– and with entirely different company. 

Since becoming official with Mickey, Aslan had never been happier. They’d enjoyed a variety of different date nights, each one bringing them closer as a couple and as friends. Not only was she his lover, his girlfriend, but Mickey Maddox was now his best friend too– someone who arguably knew him better than he knew himself…at times, at least. Aslan knew deep down there was still so much to his story that she wasn’t privy to, but that was a thought he didn’t like to linger on, especially once she threaded her hand through his again, catching his focus and derailing all other thoughts that had been racing through his mind.  Giving her hand a squeeze, he peered down at her, “They did when I was in high school,” he mused aloud, his lips twisting with mischief, clearly giving him away as one of those teens who’d been guilty of liplocking under the bleachers. Perhaps that had been the other main motivator behind going to football games, aside from being ‘supportive’ of his friends. He lifted a brow at her ‘or’, and waited with baited breath, forever eager to hear whatever Mickey came up with. Trapping his bottom lip between his teeth as she continued, he shrugged a shoulder, smirking coyly, “¿Por qué no los dos?” He fired back, leaning down to steal a quick kiss from her. He’d learned that little line from Javi and had been waiting for an opportunity to hit her with it. Snagging another kiss, he abruptly stood, giving Mickey’s hand a little tug in a bid to get her to follow him, “C’mon– I know a spot.”

[xxjblackr0sexx]

Kerem Bürsin / Çarpıntı

Episode 4

[mickeymaddox]

📝 𝚃𝚊𝚜𝚔 𝟹: 𝙻𝚎𝚝'𝚜 𝙶𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚖 𝙿𝚞𝚖𝚙𝚔𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚘 𝚃𝚊𝚕𝚔 𝙰𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝

Haunted Harvest Costume: Jack & Coke (ft. @aslandemirci) Because they obviously need to keep things a little more family-friendly, Mickey figured she'd press her luck and get Aslan to do a second costume for the Haunted Harvest. Again, Halloween is her favorite holiday. She's never had anyone to do a couple's costume with, either, so she's going all out this year. This one felt safe while still being on brand for the two of them.

[mickeymaddox]

📝 𝚃𝚊𝚜𝚔 𝟹: 𝙻𝚎𝚝'𝚜 𝙶𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚖 𝙿𝚞𝚖𝚙𝚔𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚘 𝚃𝚊𝚕𝚔 𝙰𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝

Monster Mash Bash Costume: Hugh Hefner & The Favorite Playboy Bunny (ft. @aslandemirci) Mickey has never needed an excuse to go all out for her favorite holiday, but this year? This year she's got a boyfriend to sweeten the deal. She started sending Aslan potential ideas before October 1st even arrived, but this was the one she was most excited about. Getting him to agree to go shirtless wasn't something she actually thought she'd succeed in, but she discovered just how convincing she can be when it comes to Aslan Demirci. Prepare for them to be all over each other all night long, because Mickey says they've earned it, and Aslan isn't going to argue with her there.

[yasemindemirci]

where: Şerefe tagging: @aslandemirci

The bar was just waking up for the evening crowd when Yasemins lipped through the door, the familiar hum of chatter and clink of glassware comforting her like a blanket. Her eyes landed on Bobby first, and she lit up instantly, hand fluttering in a little wave. "Bobby! Hi! You look nice today." She said, as if she'd been waiting all week to tell him. Sweet compliments were often tucked into her pockets like ammo, and at least she used them for good.

Them, her gaze locked on Aslan, and the corners of her smile tilted sly, eyes narrowing mischievously. “Merhaba, ağabey.” She murmured, crossing the floor toward him as she'd done countless times before, knowing she belonged. That there was always a place for her here. Before he could brace for it, her fingers (painted a deep lilac with little white flowers on them) reached up to pinch his earlobe in that deliberately annoying little sister way. "So, umm...why didn't you mention the fact that your girlfriend is an actual goddess? Like, dude--she is unfairly gorgeous. Should I send flowers? You want me to arrange 'dumb' little weekly arrangements for her? They're not dumb, by the way. Can be cute without being tacky. Eventually she's going to think we're all obsessed with her." She clicked her tongue to the roof of her mouth, giving one final pinch for good measure, this time on the forearm, before pulling her hand away. "Sorry, you're at your place of work, bla bla. I'll be good now." She hopped up into a seat, batting her eyelashes at him. "Can you make me a blueberry lemonade, pretty please?"

[aslandemirci]

Aslan was just finishing up stocking the shelves with freshly cleaned and dried glasses before the evening rush when he glanced up to find his younger sister striding through the door, lighting up the place with her warm exuberance and familiar smile. “Merhaba, hoş geldin,” he called back, eyes narrowing slightly in response to the way her own did. What was she up to? He wondered as she reached up and pinched at his earlobe. “Hey– what was that for?” Aslan laughed, shaking his head at her. It was only when she started talking that understanding dawned on him and he issued a long, exaggerated nod paired alongside a widening grin. “Yeah, she’s a knockout, huh?” He agreed, not shy about praising Mickey whenever the opportunity arose. He’d always been a bit more closed off, preferring to play his cards close to the chest and keep his personal life as private as possible, but this was different, especially now they were in a full fledged relationship, rather than dancing around each other with lingering questions shuffling between them. “Literally takes my breath away without even trying.” And it was true– Mickey didn’t have to go out of her way to catch his eye or make his breath hitch in the back of his throat, she did that with just one look in his direction.

“So, I take it this means you approve?” Aslan prompted, lifting a brow as a sly smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “And I’ll let you know about the flowers. Don’t wanna send too many, you know? Gotta keep her on her toes.” Plus, he’d already found out that it was a bitch and a half to try to get them delivered on base. Chuckling as she pinched him again, Aslan shrugged and shook his head, “You don’t have to,” be good, that was, “Trust me, I’ve done way worse within these walls.” What he meant by that, she didn’t need to know. “Plus, I like that you’re this excited about Mick, y’know? That makes me happy– she makes me happy.” And so it was important to him that his siblings got along with the woman he was falling rather hard for. Snorting a laugh, he pulled down a fresh glass and started to work making her blueberry lemonade, “You know these are better with vodka in them, right?”

[mickeymaddox]

Aslan was the only person on Earth who could tell Mickey she was special and make her fully believe it. She'd never given any man in her orbit that kind of power, naturally, but she also didn't think it mattered—she wouldn't have bought what they were selling if they'd had a chance. Mickey knew her worth most of the time, especially when it came to her job—sure, there was plenty of unresolved daddy issue baggage to make her doubt her own worth from time to time—but Aslan managed to snake past all of that and plant seeds of truth that Mickey wanted to nurture into something deeper, something rooted firmly inside her brain. "Bobby's already promised to pull it for me," she whispered with a soft laugh, finding it funny how Bobby already knew her so well. He hadn't even blinked when she asked for it, and she'd only been halfway serious.

"Me too," she replied, glad to know that Bobby was always looking out for Aslan. As much as she knew Aslan could handle his own shit, she felt a sense of peach knowing that Aslan had people in his corner beyond her. Selfishly, knowing that Bobby had tagged her in meant not only that Bobby approved of her—and she knew he'd seen plenty of bullshit thus far to not like her—but that Bobby knew Mickey was good for Aslan. That put her at ease in a way she couldn't explain, and thankfully, she didn't have to. She took in a slow, steady breath when Aslan explained that he wouldn't ever let anyone talk about her like that, trying to figure out how to tell him just how much that meant to her. She'd been with plenty of guys who had no qualms about saying the shit Kyle had said to her face, but not Aslan.

She couldn't explain what happened in the beat between when Aslan said 'you're my' and her name. She heard him say 'girl', and Aslan calling her his girl was intoxicating in itself. Normally, Mickey would be honored to hear him call her that, and she was, but there was something else there: mixed in between the feelings of elation and giddiness was a twinge of sadness because she wanted to be something more than just his girl. Mickey knew in that moment she wanted to be Aslan's girlfriend, his partner, his teammate. She wanted this to be more than just spending time together at the bar, or at one of their places, and hooking up. And while Mickey would normally be scared out of her mind to admit that, there was something safe enough in this moment for her to ask—and sure, the desire to take that next step with him may have played into it, too. "Yeah? Can I be your girlfriend?" Her voice didn't waver as she spoke the question, wanting him to know that he'd gone out on a limb to make them exclusive and that she was confident enough to give him this much.

[aslandemirci]

“Of course he did,” Aslan chuckled, leaning his head back against the couch for a brief moment. He just hoped the dumb bastard didn’t press charges, but he’d worry about that later. It had been clear from the moment Kyle opened his mouth that that hadn’t been Aslan’s primary concern. It’d been defending the beautiful woman beside him and he could never regret that, even if it came back to bite him in the ass one day. 

Already, though, that was in the past, because the moment in front of them spoke to something far bigger. He’d called her his girl, and for half a heartbeat, he wondered if he should have tried to backpedal, or if he might actually get away with it. Aslan traced his tongue across his mouth like it might actually coax something else out of him, but as his lips parted, no sound followed the movement. And so he held out a little longer, keeping to his silence and all the while wondering if he’d just fucked up. 

Can I be your girlfriend?

Aslan blinked, unsure for a moment if he’d actually heard that or if it was his mind conjuring up what he wanted to hear. Swallowing thickly, he just stared at her for a moment, letting the shock roll through him. It wasn’t the first time someone had asked him a question that ran along that vein, but it would be the first time he’d ever say yes. “You want that?” He asked, nearly in disbelief, though his relief showed in the soft smile that tugged at the corner of his mouth, “Because I do– more than anything.” He’d have kept to their exclusivity arrangement forever if that’s what she wanted, but Aslan would be lying if he said he hadn’t been wanting to take it further. There was no denying he was falling for Mickey Maddox and he was powerless to stop it. 

“Honestly, baby, to me, you already were,” he admitted, having figured out that he’d already started seeing her that way a while ago, he’d just been careful not to fixate on it for long just in case she hadn’t wanted to go there with him. “This mean I get to take you on dates now?”

[gvzel]

KEREM BÜRSIN sen çal kapımı ep. 2

[coreyjensen]

"I don't know about 'everyone', but I talked to Mickey around the time and she seemed real horned up over the idea of her man coming to her defense. I'd have done the same. Nobody talks smack about my girl." Corey was paying close attention to the way Aslan talked about Mickey. They knew Mickey didn't need them to step in, that she could more than take care of herself, but it was nice, hearing the way he spoke about her. Corey wanted their friends to be with people who cared about them and celebrated them, who embraced who they were. So far, Aslan seemed to embody that. Mickey had never struck Corey as being the type to settle for anything less. If he had got Mickey to break her no commitment rule, he must've been pretty special.

"You're a big softie, ain't ya?" Corey said with a smile. "Me too." They could come across as a hard-ass, and they could be, given the right circumstances, but when it came to Charlotte, Corey turned into a puddle. "I don't wanna be ignorant white person. Try not to be. What'd you bring? I'm always down to learn about different food." Corey approached the snack table, assessing the plethora of options their friends had brought. It struck them how lucky they were to be surrounded by such an amazing chosen family, especially when their own blood relatives had been so absent, with the exception of their mother. "Hey, any excuse to take the Mrs out on a date. Lemme run it by her, and if she's up for it, we'll be there. She's still kind of protective over things, being in the public eye."

[aslandemirci]

“Haven’t seen red like that in a long time,” Aslan admitted, blowing out a breath. But he supposed if there was ever a good time to do it again– to revive his old instincts– it’d be in defense of the woman he cared about. He was glad at least to know that Corey understood and would’ve reacted the same way. No, Aslan wouldn’t have done a damn thing different that night, but it was nice having that added validation, especially from someone he barely even knew.  He snorted a laugh, shoulders shrugging, “Didn’t think I was, but I guess she brings it out of me.” Aslan hadn’t considered himself a softie in…well, never. Yusuf’s upbringing hadn’t allowed for that, and if it had, then the Turkish Armed Forces would’ve beaten it out of him. Luckily for them though, Aslan had never had the chance to be soft. But now? It seemed like he was finally leaning into it and he had to admit he didn’t mind the way he landed. “Nah, you’re not,” Aslan tried to assure them, “I brought Turkish meatballs– those are Mick’s favorite. Brought my mother’s famous hummus too.” He figured those two things wouldn’t be overdoing it, but just giving enough to hopefully snag Corey’s interest and convince them to come by Şerefe for the full experience. Hearing their reservations, namely Charlie being in the public eye, Aslan was quick to try and soothe that worry, “Not a problem– if it’d make you both more comfortable, I can rope off the speakeasy floor and give you more privacy,” he offered, just trying to be helpful however he could, “No one would bother you down there.”