#the single dramatic tear emoji is one of my favorites

[thefandomenchantress]

🐊🥲

tag game!

Your last emojis are your gender

🇺🇲👍

Uh

@erikaskblog @fymo-blogs

[brokskar]

Hetalia Emoji Asks:

🌻 - If you could change a single thing about Hetalia as a whole, what would you change? This can be as drastic or as insignificant of a change as you'd like!

💥 - If you could take a character, tear them down, and rebuild them to your liking, who would you choose?

🏛 - If you could pick one historical event to be adapted into Hetalia, what would it be?

🌻 this might be bold of me (or completely unoriginal, no in between), but i think i'd make hetalia darker. don't get me wrong, i love how silly it is, but i feel like it could be so good if it was just sad and dramatic every once and a while.

i'd also like it if human names were canon and used in the anime--just a missed opportunity to be honest.

💥 ugh, all of them. norway, because he's my favorite and hima doesn't know what he's doing. iceland, because he's my favorite and hima doesn't know what he's doing. russia, because he deserves better and hima doesn't know what he's doing.

🏛 anything with norway/denmark/iceland during wwii. i wrote a forty-page thesis about the norwegian and danish resistance movements last year, so i guess that's kinda like, my thing, and i think that'd be cool to see. i really just want more nordics 💔 seriously they deserve their own spinoff

-

thanks for the asks!!

Hetalia Emoji Asks

[leetotters]

sassy quips

note: this was so much fun writing. credits to the funny tiktok audios and instagram videos i saw to write this short fic! the writing in italics is the 'youtube video'. i need a better title for this

warnings: tom and reader are together ofc, cursing, sassy/funny!reader? lmao

tom holland x reader, tom holland and co x reader(platonic lol)

summary: harrison stumbles upon a youtube video containing funny/sassy moments between y/n and the holland brothers(including harrison)

Tom and Harrison's loud laughs could be heard from the living room, the boys were currently doing an Instagram live, claiming it was the perfect time to do one since they were bored and Tom hadn't interacted with his fans in the longest while.

You yawned walking into the room finding Tom's phone propped up on the blue fruit bowl, showing his screen the lasagna Sam made earlier. "Hey guys" You spoke, jumping over Harrison's giggly body on the carpeted floor to seat yourself on Tom's awaiting lap.

"Hey love, sleep well?" Tom asked, brushing the loose hair that rested on your forehead before pecking the space between your brows. "Yes" You sighed, turning your attention to Tom's live.

You skimmed through the comments, laughing at some funny ones and awing at the ones stating you were pretty and all boosting your confidence, "Someone asked why is Harrison laughing" You read aloud gaining the blonde's attention.

"I found a video on YouTube and it's hilarious" He grinned pushing his phone so it was in front of your face. You twitched your brows up when you saw the title.

'Y/N and the Holland Brothers funny/sassy moments'

"Oh my, no way" You grabbed his phone, clicking the video. "Wait" Harry took the phone, connecting the YouTube video to the television before handing it back to you. "Now everyone can see" He explained, plopping down on the sofa with a bowl of pretzels.

"Ready?" You inquired, pressing the play button on the phone when the boys replied with an amused 'yes'. Tom flipped the camera so the live could also see the video being displayed on the flat screen.

The music of the YouTube channels intro played, the classic aesthetic sound and the accounts name saying to subscribe before the title finally showed up. 'Y/N and the Holland brothers funny/sassy moments part.1'

-

"I am single" You wistfully spoke, your lips forming into a pout taking a sip of your orange juice before continuing. "And you're single" You pointed at Tom making him get a sense of hope that you're finally catching on that he likes you. "And well that can only mean one thing" You closed the cap of your juice, Tom smiled waiting excitedly for your answer.

"Nobody fucking wants us yo what the fuck" You dropped your head dramatically on the marble counter. Tom rolled his eyes, resuming the task he was doing before you barged in.

"Why you do him like that Y/N" Harrison voiced, his words stuttering from his loud laughs. "Tom was practically waiting for you to ask him out" Harry added bursting out into laughter as well. Tom and you just chuckled remembering that was days before he actually choked up the courage to ask you out.

-

At that moment you wanted to rip Tom's head off, who gave this foolish boy the idea of buying chickens? you questioned yourself while trying to stealthily grab the egg that rested under the hen. The boys were right behind you, outside of the coop cheering you on whilst you collected the eggs. "You can do it" Harrison clapped, swaying his head side to side. "You can do it" Sam danced along bumping his hip with Tom. "You can do it" Harry encouraged. "You can do this" Paddy sang, grinning when he heard you let out a loud huff. "You can do thi-"

"Shut the fuck up" You yelled glaring at Tom. "We're just encouraging you" They defended. "No! You almost made me drop the egg"  You whispered yelled hearing the hen starting to cluck.

Tears welled in all of your eyes, chortling at short clip, "You all are so annoying" You playfully rolled your eyes, earning a light pinch from Tom. "Oh please we were encouraging you!" They spoke simultaneously making everyone erupt in another fit of laughter.

-

Paddy ran up the staircase, trying his best to conceal his giggles as he ran into your and Tom's shared bedroom. "Y/N get out of the house, it's on fire" Paddy exclaimed, dropping down on the floor and rolling his way towards you to make his so called prank more believable. "Well tell the fire hold up, because I'm doing some important shit here" You replied not even caring that the younger boy was crazily rolling on the floor. You gave Paddy a weird look before clicking the resume button on your phone vibing to the song once more.

"Paddy really started rolling" Tom wheezed through laughs, genuinely finding it funny that his brother really thought he could prank you, he knew nothing came between you and your music vibing time.

-

"Hey did you call our neighbor Mrs. Johnson a bitch?" Harrison inquired, seeing the scene earlier where you flipped off the old lady for some odd reason. You looked up at Harrison from your spot between Tom's clingy arms, "Yeah! She changed her Wi-Fi password" You huffed, cuddling Tom again because you were pissed off. "Yo you can't be- that bitch changed the Wi-Fi password?!" Harrison gasped. "Guys Mrs. Johnson changed her Wi-Fi pass" Sam groaned walking into the room. "Y'know we have our own Wi-Fi right?" Tom chuckled honestly finding the situation rather stupid. "Her Wi-Fi is faster Tommy, no offense" You patted his chest.

"I'm so happy we got it back" You spoke up, the boys agreeing by nodding their heads. "Please you all are so dramatic" Tom uttered scrolling through the incoming comments and hearts on his live. "We shouldn't have given him the password" Harry grumbled softly only for you and Harrison to hear.

-

It was Saturday, and on this day it only meant one thing in the Holland household, dance night! The legendary sound of 'Watch Me' filled the neon colored living room, you skipped over to Sam knowing the song was one of his favorites. And well what happened next was uncalled for, when you were about to 'whip' you accidentally punched Paddy in the face.

"Okay so explain to me what happened" Tom asked holding the pack of peas against Paddy's swollen face. "Y/N punched me in the face" The teenager whined, his words muffled. "Bitch? No I didn't, I tried to whip and he was in my way" You held your hands up, stepping back, grinning when Sam voiced 'She's right, he was in her way Tom'

-

The screen blanked off, the channels end card appearing, the same aesthetic sound played but was drowned due to the laughter emanating from the room. "I told you'll it was hilarious" Harrison held his chest trying to calm down. "Wait there's a part two" Harry pointed to the video next up.

'Y/N and the Holland Brothers funny/sassy moments part 2'

"More?!" Tom and you shouted not wasting a minute later to click on the YouTube video. "The live is officially chaotic" You glanced at the phone screen, seeing the comments full with laughing emojis and other ones portraying the way you 'punched' Paddy. Boy it's going to be an eventful evening you thought, stealing a pretzel from Harry and leaning back on Tom's chest getting comfortable.

"Hey people, we're back" Sam and Paddy called out from the kitchen. Oh yes an eventful evening indeed.

[mashep23]

Traffic Jam Session

Pairing: Natasha Romanoff x Female!Reader

Word Count: +1.5K

Warnings: Nat being ridiculously confident and flirtatious? I think that deserves a warning. This is just pure self-indulgent fluff.

Summary: Stuck in a traffic jam, another commuter requests that you turn your music up

Inspired by this meet-cute prompt:

We are caught in an extreme traffic jam and have been sitting next to each other, parked, for the last five minutes. Your radio is playing my absolute favorite song so I ask you to turn it up. We spend the rest of the slow traffic aggressively singing along to the music at each other.

Prompt list found here

A/N: I tweaked the prompt just a little, hope it's still enjoyable. This was so much fun to write!

Thank you to @river-soul for her incredible beta skills and endless patience 😭❤️ and @whisperlullaby for workshopping with me 💗

Disclaimer: gif not mine

It's a decently warm day, sunny and clear, and the azure blue sky is dotted sparsely with clouds. A breeze blows through the car windows, playing with the feathers on your dreamcatcher hanging from the rearview mirror while you're stuck in traffic. You had been creeping along for the better part of 20 minutes, but you've been at a standstill now for almost five.

Typically one to drive home in silence to decompress, today the stillness and lack of road noise makes you want to turn on some music instead. Since nothing playing on the local stations feels right, you sync your car Bluetooth with your phone and scroll through your music streaming apps. A playlist you made simply entitled "Happy" seems to fit your mood and the gorgeous weather so you press Shuffle All and settle back in your seat.

The soothing, light-hearted Put Your Records On filters through the speakers and you can't help the smile that curves your lips as you close your eyes. Propping your arm on the window, head on your hand, you bask in the sun's warmth. You periodically crack open an eye to check on the car in front of you but there's no change. Everyone on the road has parked and resigned themselves to the long wait.

Your playlist contains a wide variety of genres, cherry-picked songs that unfailingly lift your mood. They're radio hits, usually well-known songs, and easy to sing along with. You happily bop your way through your playlist, getting a little more energetic, singing along to each song.

Walking on Sunshine just finishes and the next song is cueing when you hear a sweet voice ask lowly, "Do you mind turning it up a little?" You grin and twist the volume knob so I'm Gonna Be (500 miles) plays louder before looking to the eavesdropper that's enjoying your tunes.

Holy shit. How did you not notice the car next to you? There is no way they were there the whole time. They're all beautiful. Two men, two women - blondie is driving, two brunettes are in the back seat, and a redhead is in the passenger seat. She was the one that spoke and she grins gratefully, leaning closer, head tilted out the window. You turn it up a little more as she starts singing along.

You grin widely and start singing with her. Her companions in the car laugh and join in good naturedly, cheering as the two of you belt the call-and-answer part of the song.

When the song ends, you're both breathlessly laughing, smiles wide. You turn your stereo volume down even as the next song starts to play and stretch out for a high five. She gives your hand a satisfying slap as she laughs joyfully.

"That was so fun! Thank you so much, I love that song."

"I do too! You're a great partner! And the back-ups were awesome!" You playfully finger-gun point at the driver and backseat passengers. They cheerfully laugh and thank you. You don't remember the last time you smiled this hard.

"I'm glad you didn't mind - I could barely hear it. I had Steve try to get closer but that didn't really help much, so I just decided to ask you." She gives you a sheepish but pleased smile and you return it.

"Oh no I don't mind! I haven't had this much fun in ages!" You can't seem to stop smiling but maybe it's okay because she's smiling at you, too.

"I'm Nat," she says suddenly, and you don't hesitate to tell her your name. She repeats it quietly, still smiling softly at you.

There's a stretch of silence, you're both just looking at each other and one of her friends clear their throat, causing you both to blink. You think maybe you should be embarrassed but she doesn't appear fazed in the slightest.

"In the spirit of introductions, hello beautiful. I'm Sam." The male brunette sitting behind Nat says smoothly after his light cough. "This is Wanda, up there is Steve." He gestures to the woman beside him and to the driver, respectively.

Your gaze never leaves Nat. You can't tear your eyes from her even as Sam speaks, catching the quick tightness around the edges of her mouth before it relaxes again as you smile and respond to her rather than Sam.

"It's nice to meet you," you say sincerely to Nat. Her answering pleased expression as she returns the sentiment warms you. A pleasant tightness fills your chest as her lips quirk at something Sam mutters under his breath. The woman next to him, Wanda, laughs quietly.

"So, you know, we're gonna be here for a while. Let's see what else you got to listen to." Nat grins expectantly at you with a raised brow and you mirror her expression as you turn the knob.

You're pretty sure you've found your soulmate when her eyes spark in delight and she belts along effortlessly to Sweet Caroline, arms spreading dramatically as she almost nails the driver, Steve, in his face with the back of her hand. Sam and Wanda cackle as he shoves her arm away in mock affront and she sticks her tongue out at him.

You can't help but laugh at their antics, watching her perform, directing her friends' involvement ("bah, bah, bahh") before she turns to you ("so good, so good, so good!"). This is quickly becoming one of the best times you've ever had.

The song continues, both of you sharing the lead, absolutely ridiculous and uncaring of the scene you're making. If anyone in the surrounding cars felt disgruntled at the impromptu concert, you'd never know it. The girl in the car next to you has your undivided attention.

You're not sure how long it's been, how many songs you've played and sang along to, but after a while, traffic slowly creeps to life. Steve taps Nat on the arm during a lull between songs and you lower the volume as she turns to him. He gestures at the line of cars ahead, the ones directly in front still unmoving but in the distance you see brake lights releasing, vehicles rolling forward.

She turns back to you, chewing the inside of her lip as she looks at you thoughtfully. She seems to make a decision and reaches her hand out to you.

"Here, let me see your phone real quick." She makes a single gimme motion, fingers flicking closed then open as you hand the device over. Your lips spread into a wide smile at the triumphant look that crosses her face.

She beams at you before dropping her gaze to the phone, fingers moving quickly across the screen. You hear an unfamiliar notification tone and she pulls a phone from her lap, holding it up to show you.

"I text myself from your phone. Now we have each other's numbers. I wanna be able to call you later." She's unabashedly smug as she hands your phone back and you wonder if your face shows just how pleased you are.

You look down at the message thread she left open for you, the unsaved number displayed at the top.

"Traffic Jam Hottie 😍"

The single line of text and emoji sent from your phone to the number makes you bite your lip and shyly cover your smile with your fingertips. You look at her with raised eyebrows and she correctly interprets your unasked question and shrugs.

"That's your contact name. I'll probably never change it, not even after we get married."

It's sly and nonchalant, how she slips that in there, smooth as you please. Your jaw drops and her friends all seem to choke on air but her gaze, locked on you, is unwavering. The flirtatious expression on her face is simultaneously sincere and mischievous as she watches for your reaction.

Butterflies erupt in your stomach, your chest feels tight and pleasantly warm. Your smile stretches so wide your cheeks hurt as she winks and you're so giddy, you don't care how eager you look in this moment.

You quickly save her contact information and smirk, wiggling your phone at her.

"I'd hope not. I think having matching contact info is pretty cute and kinda romantic. A fun story for the wedding toasts." You grin cheekily.

Her expression shifts, full of mischief, a quirk of her eyebrow that makes your breath hitch and sets your heart racing as her friends whoop with glee at your banter. Her lips spread in a sly smile and you can't help but return it. You're positive you've never smiled this much in your life.

Too soon, the gridlock lets up and you both start moving with traffic. The cars in front of you begin to roll, the lane speeds varying enough to cause you to separate. She's still grinning at you as they get further ahead. You can faintly hear their teasing and you catch a glimpse of her profile, smiling and laughing, before she's no longer visible.

They take an exit as you continue on and you barely have a moment to mourn that they're out of view before your phone vibrates in your lap. Picking it up, you grin madly at the screen, the contact "Traffic Jam Hottie 😍" scrolling across the top.

Accepting the call, you hear it connect through you car speakers, her friends still audible in the background. Your heart stutters when she purrs her greeting.

"Hey hottie."

-----------------------

Tagging some of my amazing discord family: @buckyownsmylife @sweetkingdomstarlight-blog

[marvelousstevetony]

Okay but those ways to say I love you prompts are all so cute 🥺 what about on a post-it note for Steve and tony if you’re feeling inspired? Thank you! 💖

Ahh, they are! Thank you for this prompt, friend, it is so sweet. I hope you enjoy this small thing 💖

~ ~ ~

“Please don’t leave me in this hellhole.”

Steve bites the inside of his cheeks to stop the laughter from bubbling out of him as he lets his eyes wander over to the bed where Tony lies, face smushed into his pillow.

His arm hangs limply over the edge of the bed, the blanket pulled up so it covers most of his naked back, apart from his shoulders. His skin has that sleep-warm glow to it, and judging by the soft, relaxed expression on his face, Tony is only about fifty percent awake as he lets out a small whine.

Now Steve is unable to keep the smile from gliding over his lips. “You’ll do great, Tony. And you know I’d much rather get back into bed,” Steve responds as he zips his bag and places it by the door.

“There’s nobody stopping you…”

“There kinda is, though,” Steve says, walking towards the bed, then sits down after nudging Tony’s leg to make space on the edge of the bed. “Besides, I’ll be back tonight. You won’t even have time to miss me.”

He threads his fingers through the mess of dark curls, softly untangling the knots that always come as a result of Tony nuzzling his head against Steve’s shoulder, chest or back, depending on whose turn it is to be the small spoon. It looks a little like a bird’s nest, Steve notes, all disheveled and mussed, but definitely the most adorable bird’s nest Steve has ever seen.

“’s not true,” Tony mumbles into the pillow. “I always miss you when you’re not here.”

Steve knows the hoarseness to Tony’s voice is probably from sleeping, but he can’t help but feel like it’s from emotion, too, and just the thought of Tony missing him even when they don’t see each other for mere hours makes something in his chest catch. Because Steve feels it, too; the constant want and need to be with Tony, as if Tony’s presence is the oxygen Steve breathes to keep him alive.

Steve clears his throat to prevent an emotional voice crack. “I won’t be away for long, okay? I love you, sweetheart,” he murmurs, smiling even though Tony can’t see it with his eyes closed.

Tony hums, leaning into the palm Steve rests on his cheek. It’s only for a quick second though, because then he sighs heavily and feigns a pout. “Apparently not enough, since you’re leaving me to go to a stupid meeting. In D.C.”

Steve chuckles softly as he brushes his thumb over Tony’s cheekbone. “I’ll make it up to,” Steve promises and leans down to press a gentle kiss the corner of Tony’s lips. “You’re going to smash that presentation like you always do, and those investors are going to be every bit as smitten by you as I am.”

“I know,” Tony says, smirking even in his sleep-hazy state. “Still don’t wanna do it, though.”

“You’re gonna be great.” Steve gives his cheek another quick kiss before he stands and heads for the door, grabbing his bag on his way. “I’ll see you tonight. Love you.”

“Mm, love you too,” Tony mumbles, already falling back into the warmth of the blankets and the comfortable unconsciousness.

***

Tony curses under his breath as he woken up by the ear-splitting sound of his alarm going off, and for a few seconds he wonders who he is going to have to sue for making such a vile, atrocious sound. It doesn’t take much longer for his sleep fogged brain to register that he isn’t woken up by the ticklish feeling of Steve’s breath behind his ear that he’s used to.

Steve usually comes to rouse him from his slumber with that low, fond voice whispering good morning in his ear, and a steaming mug of coffee. Today, he gets neither, and it feels like a bad start to what Tony can only imagine is going to be a bad day overall.

He stretches out on the bed, joints clicking, and gives a jaw-crackling yawn that’s followed by an equally dramatic sigh. He lets himself revel in the softness of the mattress and warmth of the blanket before draping one hand over his eyes and reaching for his phone with the other.

He frowns when his hand identifies a piece of paper on the screen of his phone, then rubs at his tired eyes with a fist to clear away the blurry vision. He has to narrow his eyes to make out the words on the post-it, and god he feels old doing so, but the feeling is quickly replaced by the affection that pools in his chest when he reads the note.

Good morning, my love. Hope you slept well.

- S ♡

Steve might not physically be in the Tower, but Tony knows that he left his heart right here.

His heart is apparently not the only thing Steve has left in New York, because throughout the routine of showering, brushing his teeth and getting dressed, Tony finds another few colorful notes with small, sweet messages and cute little drawings on them.

Wish I could join you, the one on the shower cabinet had said, and, well… Tony definitely agrees.

When Tony had showered, sadly all by himself, and finished up in the bathroom, he’d gone to choose what to wear for the meeting with the investors. What screams genius, billionaire, philanthropist and a damn good businessman? he had thought, staring into a closet full of suits.

That’s when he’d noticed another post-it, a red one that said: You look amazing in all of these. Those investors are so lucky. Love you. Steve had added a small smiley face with hearts as eyes. Tony rolled his eyes fondly before settling on a dark grey suit and the maroon-colored tie Steve had bought him.

Now, as he enters he kitchen, he feels a little better, a little less like this day is pure agony.

Because he is Tony Stark, a caffeine-addict, he heads straight for the coffeemaker, his most treasured item, and he can almost hear the birds chirping and angels singing the closer he gets. His focus quickly switches to the piece of paper that’s stuck to it though, and the fact that he reads the note before starting the machine is truly a testament to how much he loves Steve.

Please drink a glass of water and eat something too. Coffee is not a real breakfast!

Tony laughs out loud. He can imagine the look on Steve’s face and the sound of his voice so clearly in his mind as he reads it. Normally he’d argue this point, just because he can and because coffee deserves to be acknowledged as a necessity in his diet, but he doesn’t have it in himself to disregard Steve’s request, so he fills a glass with water and puts a bagel in the toaster while the coffee brews.

When it’s done, Tony goes to grab his favorite mug from the cupboard and is not surprised to find another post-it stuck on it.

From the day I realized I love you, it says and Steve has drawn a tiny ferris wheel on there, too.

Tony smiles reminiscently, thinking back to the day Steve had gotten him the mug. He had bought it in the gift shop in Coney Island when the team had gone there on a day off. Steve had told him how he and Bucky used to go there, he even told him about the time he had thrown up after Bucky made him ride the Cyclone. Neither of them had been able to stop blushing and smiling that day.

He snaps out of his absorption of memories when the toaster chimes, fills his mug and takes a seat a the breakfast bar, scrolling through his phone as he eats. He contemplates calling Steve but remembers that he and Sam are going to be in and out of meetings all day, so he settles on texting him a single red heart emoji.

For the next hour, as he gets ready for the investor meeting, Tony finds several other post-its. Some are messages saying stuff like I love you more than Nat loves knives, others are small drawings with cute texts like the one of them with grey hair and wrinkles that reads Growing old together. Tony may or may not have teared up at a few of them, and if he does, no one will know.

He imagines this is what it would’ve been like if he had ever been hunting for easter-eggs as a child. However, notes from Steve are a lot more rewarding than those cheap, poor quality chocolates.

With each one he finds, Tony’s chest tightens and his heart squeezes. Most people believe Tony is the one who’s always super over the top when is comes to romantic gestures, which, to be completely honest, is true. He does the grand, romantic gestures because he likes to spoil Steve whenever he gets the chance to. He likes watching Steve’s cheeks turn pink and that shy smile that crosses his face when Tony’s done something outrageously extravagant.

But… Steve has always been good at the small details. Things that seem insignificant but really aren’t, because they’re intimate and heartfelt and the most Steve things to do. Like leaving a million post-its around the penthouse to make up for being away.

As the collection of vibrant-colored paper notes grows, Tony finds a small box to gather the messages and drawings. The last one he finds is inside the elevator as he goes to meet Pepper before the meeting with the investors.

Good luck, baby. I love you.

***

Tony can’t recall when the last time a presentation went this well; everything went smoothly and the investors were immensely impressed.

He’s still tired as he stands in the elevator though, head tipped back against the wall, and he can’t wait to drop himself onto the couch and wait for Steve to come home.

He frowns when the elevator door opens and something seems… different, is the only way to describe it. The light are dimmed and instead, the room it lit up by candles. The Netflix logo is big and bright on the tv screen in front of the couch, which has been turned into a nest of blankets and pillows, and on the coffee table, there are two pizza boxes that give off a comforting smell that Tony can detect all the way across the room. In the middle of the whole affair is Steve, wearing his favorite pair of sweats and his old cable-knit, smiling widely at Tony.

Tears of happiness well up in Tony’s eyes as he walks towards the couch, shedding his shoes, jacket and shirt until he’s just in his undershirt, and drops himself directly onto Steve, burying his face in his neck. Steve holds him closer, chuckling a bit at Tony’s excited welcome home hug.

“Hi.”

“Hi,” Tony echoes, the sound muffled into the fabric of Steve’s sweater.

“Did you have a good day? Good. I’m glad,” Steve says, smile growing impossibly wider when Tony hums and gives a small nod.

They lie there for a while, breathing in the scent of each other, feeling their muscles relax the longer their bodies are pressed this close, fitting together like a perfect puzzle. Tony’s head is the perfect size to fit into the crook of Steve’s neck, and Steve arms makes the best embrace around Tony’s smaller frame.

After a few minutes though, Tony catches a whiff of the Italian spices and lifts his head to look into Steve’s sparkling, blue eyes. “Pizza?” he asks hopefully, and Steve’s smile is answer enough.

Tony sits up to open the box and on it, there’s a post-it. It’s short and simple and it might be Tony’s favorite.

I love you, Tony Stark ♡

“You still think I don’t love you enough?”

Tony swallows hard around the lump that has suddenly appeared in his throat. “I never doubted that you do,” he says soberly. The words feel heavy as they leave his mouth, because it’s true; Steve has never given Tony any reason to question his love for him. Tony knows that Steve loves him.

He knows it by the way Steve runs his hand through his bird’s nest of a bedhead even though it’s greasy and it has gotten too long because he doesn’t want to go the the hair dresser. He knows it in the way he makes sure Tony doesn’t kill himself by only consuming coffee. He knows it by the way they can tell each other embarrassing stories about throwing up after riding a rollercoaster and buy ugly mugs from gift shops. He knows it in the way Steve writes hearts above the i’s and j’s, in the small curves of his handwriting and in the drawings and texts that tell Tony that he wants to grow old with him. He knows it by the way Steve looks at him with his blue eyes and long lashes and by the sincere smile that plays on his lips when he says his name.

They’re silent for a moment, but then Steve leans in, his lips ghosting over Tony’s as he whispers, “I love you, Tony.”

“I love you,” Tony says, closing the final gap between them, sealing their lips in a gentle, sweet, perfect kiss.

[sun-critrole]

Hi! C3 prediction: Ashley will be a Bard, someone will be a true Paladin, someone will be a druid. I really want one of them to be a Warforged since the events of C2 brought them back to Exandria, but this will also give us more lore and Age of Arcanum reference that everyone wants. Since there are more races added to 5e since the start of C2, there are more small races for Sam, but I think he will be a large character this time.

Favorite C2 moment: Jester casts modify memory because of the delicious cupcake. Also, Caduceus’ green bean analogy when the boys role play fish and chips. I watch those scenes all the time.

TLOVM moment I am most looking forward to is the dead bodies on the Sun Tree. I remember that being the most shocking and horrifying and dramatic moments of the entire campaign. Seeing dinosaur Scanlan completely obliterate that house single handedly would also make such a great scene.

My D&D class: 🖤🌱🦄👀🤷🏽‍♂️ (gosh I use weird emojis)

That's a good point about the age of arcanum lore possibly being referenced wrt: warforged! I would Love to see that. I also want Ashley to play a Bard. I think it's a crying shame Yasha couldn't multiclass. I also think Sam might be playing something bigger this time! Liam chose his lineage and class as far back as like, ep 120-ish of C2? I think? It was mentioned in a Talks episode.

That modify memory is so iconic, I can't even think about it sometimes. I need to lay down.

SCANBO!! And yes that horrific scene. The first time I watched it I cried real tears of horror. It was so heart wrenching.

Ranger!

[softbiker]

Bucky Barnes Oneshot

Warnings: 18+ only - smut (fingering), some cursing

Word count: 3.6k

A/N: I can’t believe I wrote 3.6k words of what basically amounts to Netflix and fingering, but this is what Bucky Barnes does to people (you’re welcome Kris). Anyways, here is my first-ever smut - in which Bucky’s girl has a bad day at work and he does his best to make the night a good one. Bonus points if you can guess which show they’re watching ;) As always, feedback is appreciated! Since I’ve never written smut, please tell me if it’s bad lol. Thanks for reading!

A fuzzy vibration in his pocket alerts him to a text. 

Kill me. 

Unable to hold back a snort, he bites his lip and swipes at the screen. His thumbs flutter over the keyboard. 

No can do, babydoll. Not an assassin anymore, remember?

Merely a few seconds pass, little dots floating in the conversation bubble, before her reply buzzes back.

I’m sure you’ve retained some of your skills…or maybe I should ask Natasha?

Please, I taught Nat everything she knows. And I’d still take her out before I’d let her kill you - your butt is too cute. 

So is yours, Handsome ;)

The muscles in his cheeks hurt from the silly grin stretching up the corners of his mouth, but he can’t help himself with her, it’s just too easy. Too fun. 

Well, if you’re NOT going to put me out of my misery…then you at least owe me a good night tonight. 

Done and done. The whole team knows - and teases him frequently - that he spoils her, worships her, bends over backwards at her every request. It’s not his fault; she wrapped him around her finger the day they met, and it’s such a sweet place to be, he’s never bothered untangling himself. And she always gives as good as she gets, every time. 

What did you have in mind, sweetheart?

Pizza and Netflix. Preferably with your hand down my pants. 

Oh and there it is - that lovely little tingle down his spine, warmth in his belly, ever-present between them. His funny girl, always teasing. Teeth tug at his bottom lip as he deliberates over his response, thumbs poised over the screen.

It’s a date. 

He tacks on that little emoji with the winking kiss face and hits send. Glances at his watch - a little past 3 in the afternoon; she’ll be off work at 5, probably straight out the door if she’s having such a bad day, but if the traffic is bad or she gets stuck at her desk, it’ll probably be closer to 6 when she gets home. 

Slipping his phone in his back pocket, he looks around at the apartment, a quick survey of the last 5 days’ damage - a few dishes in the sink and on the stove, dirty socks peeled off in the hallway, a basket of clean clothes waiting to be folded. He nods to himself, prioritizes his task list, and tackles the kitchen first. After loading the dishwasher, he goes back to the bedroom, digging in the side pocket of his backpack for his headphones; he slips them in and turns on the next episode of that conspiracy theory podcast he’s become obsessed with (not that he’ll admit it, but she thinks it’s hysterical) and gets back to work, giving their home as deep a clean as he can in the couple of hours he has. On an afterthought, he lights a couple of scented candles - her favorites, the ones that smell like roasting marshmallows - throughout the place, letting the rooms fill with a warm scent. 

A few minutes past 5, he stands in the living room, hands on his hips, and surveys his work, feeling pretty pleased with himself. Their home looks and smells deliciously clean and inviting, a warm embrace for her to fall into when she walks in the door. He glances at his watch and decides he should go ahead and order the pizza, and as he swipes at the app on his phone, he double checks the champagne chilling in the fridge. Check and check. 

Perfect. He smiles to himself, the smirk turning a bit wicked as he walks down the hall to light candles in the bedroom. 

A perfect night for his perfect girl. 

 **********                                                  

Her feet drag as she climbs the stairs up to their apartment, cursing herself all the way for moving into a building with no elevator. As if she weren’t tired enough from the absolutely hellish day she just had - even thinking about work has her massaging her temples with a groan. And she absolutely, positively, has to get new shoes for work, her feet hurt so fucking bad it’s insane-

Nope. Nope! Completely done, she stops on the second flight of stairs with a huff, removing her heels one at a time and shoving them into her work bag. Files and various loose papers wrinkle in the process, but she doesn’t care at all; so what if the little blue fleck of gum on the bottom of her pumps gets stuck on the official copy of a contract? At this point, she’s practically daring someone to say something about it. Biting someone else’s head off for a change would be just delightful. 

She continues up that flight of stairs and the next, barefoot, her bag heavy and awkward on her right shoulder with the addition of her shoes, toes pressing into the worn and dated green carpet covering the steps. In her head, she’s counting them, counting down - 10 steps to Bucky, 9 steps, 8 steps, 7, 6…

When she unlocks the door and pushes it open, he’s waiting there, sweet smile curling up his soft lips. Of course, he must have heard her coming up the stairs - and she sags in relief, practically falling into his arms without even closing the door. He chuckles, tugging her closer while shuffling their positions in the hallway so that he - ever responsible and paranoid - can close and deadbolt their door. 

“Hi,” she mumbles into his chest. 

“Hi, baby,” he whispers back, lips against her temple. “Rough day?” 

She groans, shaking her head with her face still pressed against him.��

“You’ve got no idea, Buck, it was just the worst-”

“Shh, shh,” he hushes her, rubbing her back with firm strokes. “You don’t have to talk about it. You can just relax, honey. I’m here.”

A heavy sigh puffs against his shirt, the heat of her breath felt through the fabric, and her shoulders drop a little further, the tension slowly melting as he softly sways her from side to side. They stand like that for a while, just breathing each other in, letting go of the day, coming home to each other. Though she’s never said it aloud, she lives for moments like this, when there’s nothing that matters outside the circle of his arms. Nothing else at all. 

The insistent growl of her stomach interrupts them - loud and gurgling, and he chuckles in spite of himself. He pulls back a bit from their embrace, looking down with a fond smirk tilting up his mouth. 

“Hungry?”

“Starving, Buck,” she pouts, a little dramatic, a playful whine coloring her tone. “Did you make dinner?” 

“Even better.” A light press of his lips to the tip of her nose, his voice continuing in a whisper. “I ordered out.”

A soft gasp. 

“Gusano’s?” Her eyes are sparkling and he wonders if she gets as excited for him as she does for pizza. 

“Mhm. Got all the toppings you like, too.” 

Touched, and sensitive from such a long day, her smile is so big it makes her tired eyes tear up just a bit. Sometimes, it just hits her - how lucky she is, how one-in-a-million her sweet super-soldier boyfriend manages to be every single day. It swells her heart full to bursting every time.

He doesn’t say anything else, just kisses her forehead and turns, keeping an arm wrapped around her shoulders and steering her to the bedroom. 

“C’mon, babydoll - you go change,” he urges gently, stroking her arm. “Get in your comfy clothes, take your makeup off, all that jazz - I’ll grab the pizza and then we’ll see what we wanna watch, yeah?”

Her answering sigh is dreamy as she drops her head back to his shoulder. 

“Where have you been all my life, Bucky Barnes?” 

“Mm. Mostly in cryogenic storage,” he whispers, eyebrows wiggling as he leans in for a kiss. With a roll of her eyes she dodges his lips, letting them land on the side of her head as she smacks his chest and walks off to the bedroom. Chuckling, he lands a playful swat on her ass before skipping to the kitchen. 

What a man, she thinks, shaking her head as she digs through her dresser for a pair of soft college sweatpants. One-in-a-million.

  **********                                                   

Pizza box on the edge of the bed, bottle of champagne on the left nightstand. She’s settled between his legs, feeling full and pleasantly soft from the bubbly drink in her hand. 

“We’re gonna keep watching this, right?” she hums as the credits roll on the first episode, button in the bottom corner counting down until the next one plays. 

“Sure - as long as you don’t spend the whole night ogling that guy’s ass,” he huffs, pinching her hip. 

“Hey! It’s not my fault he’s got a great ass - but I never said it was better than yours,” she offers, sweet and apologetic, reaching up to pat his cheek. Even with her head only half turned, she can see the pouty scowl on his face, her hardened assassin looking more like a frustrated two-year-old. Adorable. What a man. 

“Whatever,” he grumbles, shifting a little on the bed and tightening his arms around her, as though that might keep his girl in his lap rather than jumping through the screen and into the arms of the wig-wearing hunk whose strapping biceps currently have her attention. 

The second episode plays, she relaxes a little further, finishing her second glass of bubbly. When he murmurs in her ear, she lets him take the glass and set it on the nightstand, out of the way. He shifts forward and grabs the pizza box, too, moving it to the other nightstand - both of them have eaten their fill and all that’s left in the box is a scrap of crust, nibbled all the way up till there’s nothing left but seasoned bread. 

There’s a little shifting, a little wiggling, as he settles them both back against the headboard. In true “Princess and the Pea” fashion, Bucky’s got no less than three pillows fluffed behind his back, cushioning him against the hard wooden headboard. When he’s finished shuffling around, he strokes her sides for a moment, pulling her back flush against him and wraps his arms around her waist, sighing in contentment. 

“Comfortable?” she giggles. His only reply is a low hum and a squeeze of his arms. 

They go back to watching episode two, trying to follow the separate timelines and magical rules that have yet to be explained in the story world. She’s got her eyebrows drawn together, puzzling out where the hunchbacked mage might fit in to all of this; while the women on screen test their magic powers, she feels warm lips travel to her neck. 

At first, she tries to ignore him, intent on watching the show; but the warm, wet kisses trailing up and down the side of her neck have her tilting her head, silently asking for more…

“Watch your show, baby,” he whispers, husky voice sending a delicate shiver down her spine. The tip of his tongue traces over the shell of her ear. “Don’t want you to miss your man.” 

She intends to make a derisive snort, but it comes out as more of a hiccuped gasp when one of his hands slips just under the hem of her t-shirt, fingers spider-walking up the skin of her stomach. Her mouth is dry when she tries to swallow and bring her hazy eyes back to the TV. 

It works for a few moments, maybe minutes, as he softly strokes the warm skin of her belly, his other hand tracing the waistband of her sweats. His mouth never leaves her neck and shoulders, switching from one side to the other, gently letting his teeth scrape over her sweet spot and her earlobe. All tender, unhurried caresses, and she sinks further into him, into the warmth of them both in their room, their world. 

She chokes on her gasp when his hand slides up to cup her breast. 

“You still watching, honey?” he hums, a smile pressed against her jaw. 

“Uh-huh,” she manages when his finger circles her nipple. 

“Good.” He nuzzles her cheek a little bit, stubble scratching along her smooth skin as his hand continues to massage her breast - his fingers still soft, barely squeezing, just enough to tease. 

His other hand finally wiggles past her waistband - but stops at the seam of her underwear, just a few inches in. She’s watching, she is, she is; her eyes are on the screen, on the very handsome monster hunter with a jaw that could cut glass, her hand gripping Bucky’s thigh. She’s absolutely paying attention to the show, and not at all frustrated with the light strokes of his fingers across her hips and mound, still outside of her panties. Fingers stretch a little further, so he’s massaging her inner thigh in time with the squeezes to her breast. It’s getting a little hot in here - maybe she shouldn’t have worn such thick sweats and fuzzy socks…

This time, she can’t help herself as she digs her nails in his thigh, his index finger lightly tracing her folds over her underwear. It almost tickles. She almost whines. Bites her lip instead to hold it back, her breath hitching in her chest. 

“Bucky,” she huffs. 

“Hm?” He licks her neck. 

“Are you going to do something?” It comes out weaker than she meant it to, more desperate than demanding. 

“I thought you wanted to watch your show?” he suggests, feigning innocence. “Don’t you wanna watch Netflix with my hand down your pants? You can have both, honey.” 

Her thighs twitch when his fingers press a little firmer, just an ounce more pressure - still barely anything, still not enough. She does whine this time, trying to wiggle her hips closer to his hand. 

“Go on, admire his ass some more, sweetheart,” he chuckles. “I know you think it’s cute.” 

The hand in her shirt switches to the other breast and tweaks her nipple, just on the pleasant side of painful. She licks her lips, blinking to regain focus on the screen, feeling way too hot. Bucky seems unbothered, though, continuing his ministrations and ignoring the TV altogether. 

Her teeth sink into her lower lip when his hand slides around to grab a handful of her ass, gripping tight then playfully popping the seam of her panties with his finger. 

“You’ve got a pretty cute ass, too,” he teases, his hand gliding back to its place between her thighs. 

She huffs again, unable to stop herself from arching into the hand that’s attentively playing with her breasts. Alright then. Two can play at this game - she releases her death grip from one of his thighs and slides her hand back, just behind her, letting her nails drag over the prominent bulge in his sweats. 

He hisses through his teeth, releasing her breast to grab her wrist. His other hand slips out of her pants to snatch her hand that remains clasped to his thigh

“Nuh-uh, sweetheart,” he nips at her shoulder. With a firm grip, he moves her hands up behind his neck, letting her fingers tangle in the sweaty strands at his nape. “You keep those right here and enjoy your show, alright? I ain’t done with you yet.”

Satisfied that she would stay put, he lets his hands glide back down - over the length of her arms and down her sides, before gripping the hem of her shirt and hiking it up above her breasts, both hands immediately giving them a firm squeeze. Lower lip trapped between her teeth, she barely holds back the low moan in her throat and fights to refocus her eyes on the screen again, a herculean task with his fingers plucking at her nipples like that. 

The heat between her legs continues to build, despite both his hands occupied with her chest, and she can’t help but lift her hips a little, a blind, desperate search for friction, attention, anything. A particularly hard tweak of her nipples had her whining loud, a jolt of electricity going straight between her thighs. She tries to rub her thighs together to get some relief, but Bucky’s too quick - he hooks his own feet on the inside of her ankles and keeps both their legs spread open wide. 

She moans his name, heady and desperate, arching into his hands. 

“S’alright, I gotcha,” he hushes her, his lips still fastened to her neck. Always wants to take care of his girl. He’ll always give her what she wants…eventually.

Achingly slow, he drags a hand down from her breasts, tracing over her stomach and into her sweats again. He snaps the waistband of her underwear again - once, twice, what an asshole - before sliding down further to rub her core through her panties. Her breath hitches at the feel, the friction, her thigh muscles tightening as he uses his knuckles to firmly stroke her up and down. Wetness pools in her underwear, more and more as he rubs little circles around her clit with his thumb. 

“Can feel you gettin’ so wet, honey,” he rasps, breath hot on her ear. “This all for me? Huh?”

All she can give is a nod and an “uh huh” as his fingers press her clit and pinch her nipple at the same time. A tiny whine escapes her lips, sweat breaking out along her back where they’re pressed together, his erection impossible to ignore as she wiggles against him. 

Panties soaked now, ruined, when he finally, finally slips inside, cupping her pussy with his warm hand. With his thumb and pinky, he parts her swollen folds and traces his index and middle fingers up her slit.

“Fuck, you’re fucking soaked, sweetheart,” he moans, his fingers running through her folds, circling her entrance before bringing the wetness back up to rub her clit. His fingers spread her a little further, tugging back the hood, and he draws firm circles around her bud, just the way he knows she likes. 

“Oh, oh fuck, Bucky-” she pants and whines, hips rolling into his hand, his other fingers still working over her breasts. Her head feels light, almost dizzy, and a tight feeling grips her low in her belly, her toes starting to curl and twitch. Fingers yank hard at his silky soft hair, the strands wrapped in her fists. “Bucky, please.”

“Don’t gotta beg me, honey - don’t gotta beg for anything,” he coos against her sweaty cheek. With his hand now soaked, he slips two fingers inside, curling them against her upper wall into that spot that makes her-

“Oh my god, oh god, right there-”

“I know, baby, I know.”

His hands working her over like an instrument, there’s no more pretense of even glancing at the TV screen - her eyes flutter as he rhythmically strokes her higher, gushing wet sounds as he drives his fingers in and out, dragging the heel of his palm against her clit. All the while, his other hand plucks and circles her nipples, palms her breasts, his tongue and teeth attached to the sensitive little place on her neck. Her mouth hangs open, gasps and moans that sound vaguely like his name, fingernails raking down his scalp and the back of his neck.

“Come on, honey, come for me - come for me.” He pulls his fingers from her and goes back to circling her clit at a frenetic pace.

It’s enough - the coil in her belly snaps and she arches back with a cry, her legs shaking and hips rocking up against his fingers, head falling back against his shoulder. His fingers don’t stop as he works her through it, holding on to her high, his lips pressed against her temple as he murmurs sweet words into her skin. 

“Good girl, oh good girl - there’s my sweet girl, huh?” He presses little kisses down her temple to her cheekbone, following the path of the sweet-tasting sweat beading on her forehead. 

He lets his fingers slow against her, and finally removes them when she starts to twitch away from him, sensitive and sated. Letting his hand fall from her breasts to her stomach, he rubs softly over her skin, feeling her ribs expand under his palm as she catches her breath. His other fingers go straight to his mouth, sucking obscenely, not letting a drop of her wetness go to waste. She peels an eye open at his appreciative groan, the corner of her mouth tilting up in a tired smile. 

“You perv,” she laughs, her voice low, content. She pats his cheek with one hand at the indignant look on his face, but he merely shrugs and dips his finger back down for a second helping, licking off his fingers with a loud smack. 

“Can’t help it. You’re too damn sweet,” he grins, smug and lusty, loving the way she’s still a bit breathless and soft in his arms. 

She rolls her eyes and catches a glimpse of the TV screen, where the credits are rolling on their show. 

“Whoops…I think I barely caught any of that,” she giggles, slapping his leg. “Which would be your fault, by the way.” 

“Eh, we can just rewatch it if you want to-”

“Later,” she interrupts, sitting forward and turning around on the bed. Her limbs still feel shaky from her orgasm, but she plants her palms on his chest and straddles his lap, landing firmly on his still straining erection. Bucky moans low and grips her hips, his eyes blown dark with need. She leans in close, her lips brushing lightly over his.

“I think it’s your turn,” she whispers, tongue tracing his lower lip. He dives in with a growl, devouring her mouth.

Netflix entirely forgotten. 

[vennilavee]

The Countdown

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Summary: you and bucky have a small fight before a mission during the holidays and you’re both irked at each other.

Warnings: cursing, alcohol

Word Count: 2791

A/N: inspired by s1e14 of the oc titled ‘the countdown’. i only watched the first season, but i always thought the new year’s kiss moment was beautiful. i listened to dice by finley quaye a lot while writing this (also found this song on the same episode of the oc)

_______________________________________________________________________

“You were supposed to be home for the holidays! And for the new year!” You say, irritation stewing in your belly. You cross your arms and shift your weight to your right side.

“I was home for Christmas! Doesn’t that count for something?” Bucky retorts.

“Neither of us even celebrate Christmas like that…”

“So? I was still here!”

“We were supposed to ring in the new decade together!”

“So what would you have me do? Tell the world to pause just because you want a New Year’s kiss?”

“Well, excuse me for wanting to start the new year and the new decade with my boyfriend! I guess I’m asking for too much from you, huh?”

“I guess you are!”

You roll your eyes so far to the back of your head that you are certain you can see the whites of your skull. You look away from him, so he can’t see the hurt in your chest. Why is he so nonchalant about it? Doesn’t it mean as much to him as it does to you?

Evidently not.

“Whatever. Have fun. Be safe I guess. Don’t get too injured. I won’t help you with anything more than bruised knuckles.”

I love you, you stupid idiot.

Bucky lets out a chuckle despite himself. He’s already dressed in his tactical suit, buckles and velcro done and all. You knew he had to go, but damn, would it kill him to look a little sad about leaving you for over a week and missing New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with you?

You can hear Sam calling for him out in the kitchen of your apartment.

“Well, I guess you’ve gotta go,” You shrug, “Have fun on your trip. You guys are going to Bali, right?”

“Don’t be like that,” Bucky murmurs, a faint cloud forming in his normally clear eyes.

“Enjoy your beers and your Mai-Tais, Samuel,” You call out, narrowing your eyes at Bucky.

“Leave me outta it, baby girl,” Sam replies.

You hand Bucky his black duffel, trying to thrust it at him and failing because of how heavy it was. He quirks his lips in amusement but falters when you send him a searing glare.

“I’ll see ya when I see ya,” Bucky says. You’re about ready to bite his head off. Why can’t he see it? Why can’t he feel it the way you do?

“Yeah. See ya when I see ya,” You echo, trying to swallow the lump in your throat.

***

“‘See ya when I see ya?’ That was the saddest string of words in the English language I’ve ever heard,” Sam says, thumping Bucky on the back of his head. 

“Oh really? Thanks for your opinion,” Bucky snarks, “She knew I had to go!”

“So? She’s allowed to not be happy about it.”

Bucky silences him with a glare and Sam rolls his eyes.

“Y’all are both some idiots.”

***

Bucky hadn’t even kissed you goodbye or told you he was going to miss you. The thought that he wouldn’t miss you leaves you motionless and in tears.

Does he still love you? Does he even like you? How could he look at you like that, like you were annoying him? As if he didn’t love you more than life itself, as if he didn’t spend every night falling asleep to your soft, rhythmic breaths? As if his crevices didn’t match yours, as if his stormy blue didn’t seek your brown warmth?

Had he even looked at you like that? As if you were an annoyance to quell? 

He hadn’t kissed you. He hadn’t said goodbye to you.

You can’t help but wonder- is he thinking about you?

***

You haven’t sent Bucky a single text, emoji, meme or photo. It’s been four days since Bucky said ‘he’d see ya when he sees ya’, and the words (or lack thereof) rattle in his mind mercilessly.

They could replace Hydra’s trigger words, he thinks darkly.

But you hadn’t even kissed him goodbye or told him you would miss him. He can’t get your sad, brown eyes out of his mind or the way you had folded in on yourself with your arms twisted together like vines after you had handed him your duffle bag.

He’s half expecting you to dump his stuff out in front of your apartment, indicating that you’re through with him and the darkness and the missions and the waiting and just… all of it.

You deserve better, he tells Sam grimly as they are staking out a Hydra base in the middle of Mount Batur in Bali. Bucky can’t help but think that Hydra is incredibly stupid for building a new base in such a heavy tourist location. But maybe they needed a change in scenery.

Sam had sent Bucky a glare, as if to say ‘is this really the best time?’

Bucky sighs, “Why was that so dramatic? ‘I’ll see you when I see you? Seriously? God, I want to electrocute myself every time I remember that I said that.”

“Tell Zemo that. He’ll be more than happy to fulfill that wish of yours,” Sam snorts.

“I miss her,” Bucky whines, “I’m so stupid, Sam.”

“So tell her,” Sam says simply with a small smile, “Including that last part. Multiple times.”

“I can’t believe I didn’t even kiss her or say goodbye. I’m the worst. But I wouldn’t blame her. If she wanted to go, I mean. I feel like I’m too much and not enough at the same time,” Bucky confesses softly, anxiety filling his voice.

“Sounds like you both need to sit down and talk. But before that, just call her-”

Bucky’s already calling you, eyes automatically searching for your name and the star emoji next to it. International fees be damned.

“I didn’t mean right now!”

***

You’re absent-mindedly scrolling on your phone, the blue light from the screen keeping your mind stimulated despite the fatigue behind your eyes. It’s 3:12 AM, you’re sleeping on Bucky’s side of the bed and you miss him. You wonder what he’s doing- is he safe? Is Sam safe? Is he protected? Does he know that you love him?

You can’t believe you let him go without saying goodbye, without a kiss, without telling him you loved him. You just said ‘you’d see him when you see him’. Well, in your defense, he said it first.

Hovering over his name, you contemplate calling him. Nah. He’s probably busy.

But he always told you he’d never be too busy for you. And that was true- you had called him a few times in the middle of anxiety attacks, or during a bout of insomnia- just to name a few instances. Despite the fact that he had been in the crux of a mission, fighting people off, dodging bullets left and right… He had tucked his cell phone in the crook of his neck and ear to calm you down in his low, comforting voice. You had been able to hear the rhythmic beats of his footsteps, with the occasional yell as he told you about his day, told you to follow his breaths, and listed the things he liked and loved about you. His voice was your favorite melody, a melody that fills you up with warmth and familiarity. 

You sigh and stare at the ceiling before feeling the buzz of a phone call in the palm of your hand.

Bucky’s name with a yellow heart emoji, along with a photo of both of you pops up on your phone and you accept the call quickly, butterflies strumming in your belly.

“Hi,” You say breathlessly.

“Hi,” Bucky says, sounding equally as breathless. You can hear Sam yelling at him for being distracted, you can hear commotion, glass breaking and doors slamming. But it’s all background noise.

“Are you okay?” You ask, “It’s like… 8 AM over there. Early morning Hydra base break in?” 

“Yeah. I haven’t even had a coffee yet, can you believe it?”

“Those Hydra guys won’t know what hit ‘em,” You chuckle.

There’s a beat of silence between both of you. 

“Hey… I’m sorry I left things so weird before I left. I’ll see ya when I see ya? Who the fuck says that,” Bucky mutters and smiles when you laugh, “I miss you, I’m sorry I won’t be there to start the new year with you, sweetheart. I’m such an idiot. And I’m sorry I made you feel so small.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t say goodbye to you,” You whisper, “I miss you, I always do.”

“I know, honey. I always do, too,” Bucky murmurs, closely evading a punch to the stomach and a kick to the shins, “Save a kiss for me, will ya?” 

Bucky groans when he gets punched in the nose and you wince at the cracking sound.

“Ouch, that didn’t sound so good,” You remark, “Come back to me in one piece, will ya?” 

“I will,” Bucky promises, “I gotta bring you out here someday. You’d love it.”

“I think I would, too. Bali looks beautiful. We’d both get nice and tan on those pretty beaches.”

“You’re already tan,” Bucky snorts, “You’d get that nice, bronzed glow.”

“And don’t you forget it,” You yawn widely.

“Get some rest, honey,” Bucky murmurs. You hear a muffled explosion in the background and somehow you still yawn.

“Be careful out there, sweetheart,” You reply mildly and then after a second, “I’ll see ya when I see ya.”

“Stop making fun of me,” Bucky whines and you laugh.

“Goodnight, honey.”

***

Specks of gold sit on the walls of your friend’s apartment, glittering at every turn of your head. It’s simple, paired with a large balloon of a bottle of Moet champagne, with smaller balloons coming out of the opening of the bottle. Strings of pale yellow fairy lights line the ceilings of the apartment, casting a slight glow on everyone in attendance.

Your friends have outdone themselves this year. They had asked for your recommendations on decorations, which had been your duty. So truly, you had outdone yourself this year. There is a station for champagne bottles chilling in buckets of ice and champagne flutes. And another station of liquor, mixers and solo cups to drink out of, as well as finger foods and snacks. It had been a potluck style party and everyone brought different entrees to have for dinner.

You had objected to the red solo cups- “We can afford to drink out of something nicer than red solo cups!”

And the subsequent retort- “And who’s going to wash all the glasses, huh?”

So the red solo cups stayed and you tried your best to not think about how out of place they looked with all of the gold and glitter. Everyone was wearing a mix of black, silver, gold or burgundy. And you? You were wearing a silk, olive green camisole, black pants and a black blazer with a glittery finish to it. Golden teardrops hang on your earlobes, swishing with every turn of your head and a necklace that Bucky had bought you sits along on the column of your throat. You had left your chunky heels at the door- of course you wanted to show off your New Year’s manicure and pedicure to your friends.

Several rounds of games go by- Cards Against Humanity, What do you Meme, and of course, beer pong and flip cup and then more food and drink. It’s about thirty minutes to midnight and you haven’t heard from Bucky in a few hours. You had sent him photos of yourself getting ready, selfies with your friends and of the decorations. All of the texts say that they’ve been delivered. But maybe he’s busy.

You’re starting to feel the sting a little bit when couples start to get cozy with one another, some cuddling subtly and some cuddling not so subtly. You check your phone once more, wondering where in the world Bucky could be. At least you have the solace that he’s safe- he had told you that everything was okay, they had gotten the information they needed. Him and Sam were safe.

Sticking your phone in the back pocket of your pants and fixing yourself a mixed drink, you rally everyone together for toasts to end the decade off. With Bucky burning brightly in the back of your mind.

***

You call Bucky at 11:56 PM. You’re not sure where he is, if he’ll even have cell reception, but you do it anyway. He doesn’t answer and you go straight to voicemail. It’s 11:58 PM by the time you decide to leave him a voicemail.

“Hi,” You begin, “Um… It’s probably already next year where you are, right? Happy new year, honey. To many more new years, new adventures and new… everything. I’ll text you in the morning, miss you, love you.”

With your heart feeling a little lighter, you join your friends in the living room to watch the countdown live. You don’t notice that one of your friends has disappeared and another one has a sly look on her face when she glances over to you.

***

Bucky is sweating bullets. He’s been running around the city for the last hour, from one edge to another. Sam and Bucky had finished up their mission late on the day before New Year’s Eve and Bucky thought it would be cute to surprise you before midnight on New Year’s day.

But of course, their quinjet had had a few technical difficulties, they had run into some trouble, and it had taken them behind schedule a few hours. 

So now, Bucky is currently sprinting to Williamsburg from the subway station because the subway car going to Brooklyn is currently out of service for the next forty-five minutes.

Just his luck. This is the most stressed Bucky has probably ever been.

***

It’s 11:56 PM when Bucky feels his phone vibrating. He quickly checks who it is, silencing it when he sees that it’s you calling. Bucky is currently running up twelve flights of stairs to get to your friend’s apartment building. The elevator was taking far too long, and Bucky was far too impatient to wait.

To the twelfth floor he goes.

Bucky hears his phone buzzing again, but just for a second. It’s a voicemail and he’s certain it’s from you. His heart sputters for a moment at the thought of you missing him. As it always does.

Just two more floors to go. Sam would mock him for how long it’s taking him to get to the twelfth floor.

With wide eyes and his chest heaving, he sprints down the corridor to apartment number 12-303. He has to make it, he has to get to you before…

Ten!

Apartment 12-295 is on his right.

Nine!

Apartment 12-299…

Eight!

Apartment 12-301…

Much to his relief, the door to apartment 12-303 is unlocked. He had texted your friends hours ago, asking them to please leave the door unlocked. At least that had gone according to plan.

Your friends peek over to see him at the doorway and each give him a smug smile. Your back is facing away from him as you’re watching the countdown on the television screen. You turn your head a fraction, looking over your shoulder to call out for everyone to come watch the countdown, and then you see him.

You gasp loudly, hands over your mouth in complete surprise. Your heart is singing for him, begging you to to join him. You’re tethered to him, feet moving of their own accord.  Time stops for a moment, the faint sounds of the seconds counting down were nothing but static in your ears. All you can see is Bucky. Bucky who had done who knows what to make this special for you.

Bucky’s right in front of you with a small smile. He pulls you to him, not wasting a second before pressing his lips to yours just as the raucous cheers of happy new year go off around them. It’s just Bucky and you standing there with his hands cupping your cheeks and your hands light on his wrists. Glitter and confetti gently falls on his shoulders and your dark hair, giving you a crown of sparkles. Your soul is aflame, and you’re unable to keep yourself from smiling into the kiss.

He pulls away with bitten lips and rests his forehead against yours. He pulls a speck of confetti from your nose and kisses you once more.

“Happy new year’s, honey,” Bucky murmurs.

“Happy new year’s, baby,” You say, kissing his chin, “Thank you for doin’ this for me.”

“I told ya,” Bucky grins, lopsided and your favorite, “Told ya I’d see ya when I see ya.”

***

tags: @coal000 @hootyhoobuckaroo @buckyforbreakfast @lesqui @amethyst-dreams-and-candy-canes @sergeantbarnescaptainrogers @whothehellisbucky

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june - july fic rec: month(s) in review

hello & welcome back to the june - july edition of fic rec: month(s) in review! we have a L O T to unpack this time, so let’s dive right in! throughout june & july, we have been blessed with the majority of @larryabroad, as well as the bulk of @hlsummerexchange2019, all of @wordplayfics, wanker’s day fic fest, and many more that i’m probably forgetting. summer was a great time to be a fic reader for sure, thank you to every author who contributed!! 

**disclaimer: not all of these fics were written in june/july, it is simply when i read them. however, a lot of them were. ***note: as always, if you do take my recommendation and read any of these works, please bookmark, comment, and leave kudos for these authors!! it is so important that we support the creators in our community. as an author, i know a sweet comment will often spur me to keep writing when i’m stuck. but, without further ado, here’s my recs below the cut!

J U N E : :

You Were Made To Be Mine by lovelarry10 (@chloehl10)

Louis Tomlinson takes his 6 year old son Jacob to see Harry Styles in concert. Jacob has been a huge fan of Harry's for as long as he can remember, so it's a dream come true when Harry notices him in the pit. But Jacob isn't all that Harry has his eye on...

Louis is a bit embarrassed when Harry picks on him from the stage, but when he's invited backstage after the show, he wonders what Harry Styles could possibly want with a single dad and his kid from Manchester...

This was such a cute read! At a whopping 580k, there is a LOT to sink your teeth into. Though I started it at the beginning of June, I haven’t even nearly finished yet, but it’s so good that it’s made it onto my rec list!

Get Off and Vote by haztobegood (@haztobegood)

Niall lets out a loud laugh, “Hey, listen to this. You know how elections are Tuesday? It says the Babeland on the edge of campus is giving out free toys to the first 100 people that show their ‘I Voted’ sticker.”

“How patriotic.” Louis laughs. “Maybe I should go.”

Haha! This one was great. At 3k, it’s a perfect quick read for some sexy, patriotic fun. 

Surprise Me, Space Boy by jacaranda_bloom (@jacaranda-bloom)

Louis is a solo officer on Space Station Zeta and the isolation can present many challenges, not least of which is that it’s really bloody hard to date. He’s pinning his hopes on that changing with a fellow solo officer, Harry, from a neigbouring station who gives great banter and has a gorgeous smile. Maybe online dating has its benefits after all?

OR The Space Wank Fic.

Oh, this one was so good!!! The thing I love about literally anything Dee writes is that she just thinks completely outside the box. I feel like I never quite know what’s going to happen (in the best way!) and her originality totally made this fic amazing. (7k)

rivers ‘til i reach you by embodied (@crossnecklace)

Louis can’t begin to understand how he’s always this close and still can’t manage to make Harry his. He stands up and gets another beer. AU. Louis studies astronomy; Harry studies Louis. They spend their summers on the water and it shouldn't be complicated (spoiler: it is).

This was such a good read! It’s written in such a way that you’re utterly sucked into the verse so much that you’re a bit sappy when the fic is over. Kinda makes you feel a bit lovedrunk just from reading it. (29k)

Found My Hallelujah by crimsontheory (@ireallysawanangel)

As an engagement gift from his parents, Harry and his fiance receive an all expenses paid cruise trip for two. But one week before they're set to sail, Harry walks in on his fiance cheating on him. Newly single, with the cruise tickets in hand, and his bags already packed, Harry brings along his sister instead. And maybe the cute bartender on the ship might just be the person Harry needs to help him put back together all of his broken pieces.

I have so much to say about this one! I had the absolute honor of beta’ing this 35k work (which im pretty sure i just cheerlead you bc nicole you know grammar isn’t my strong suit...lmfao) and honestly it has become a fic that i love so much! nicole is such a talented writer; everything she writes just brings out so much emotion from her audience, and she has such a great sense of characterization! if you liked this one, check out its sequel, Now I’m Moving Up because it’s great too!!!!

J U L Y : :

Whisk me off my feet by allwaswell16 (@allwaswell16)

When Louis locks himself out of his apartment in just a pair of novelty underwear, he hopes his new neighbor can come to his rescue.

Haha! This one was so cute! What a darling fic! (5k)

The Charles Compass Trilogy by SadaVeniren (@sadaveniren)

Louis Tomlinson is a successful writer who rents a beach house on the Cape to try and finish the final book in his successful Charles Compass trilogy.

So I’m convinced that any rec list I make will not be complete if Sada isn’t on it. Here’s the thing - I fell in love with this story before she was revealed as the author, and honestly I had no clue. She’s got this amazing way of being able to change her style to fit the kind of story she’s trying to tell. This is such a good look at the writing process, highly recommend! (9k)

From The Heart series by jacaranda_bloom (@jacaranda-bloom)

Every Tuesday, Louis spends his day off holed up in his favorite coffee-come-bookshop, writing his little stories as part of the WordPlay challenge while daydreaming about the resident barista, Harry. Each week a new word prompt is revealed and Louis adds to his series of short stories about Henry, the owner of a B&B in the Cotswolds who has curly hair and dimples, Lewis, his long term guest who just happens to be a writer, and Tigger, Henry’s cat.

As Louis and Harry’s friendship develops, could his fantasy world spill out into real life? And how does that reader who leaves the lovely comments with the teacup emoji seem to be able to read Louis’ mind?

Okay, Dee really killed the game this time. Because I was OBSESSED. I mean honestly checking my phone at work to see what the newest installment was. This series is so fulfilling and so so hot to think about as an author! (25k)

blue eyes, black jeans, lighters, candy by delsicle (@emperorstyles)

Harry is in Madrid and Louis had a hard week.

So, the whole dom on tour series is really good, but this is my favorite work of the two. I love basically anything Delaney writes but this was extremely hot! (4k)

Could you love me anyway by SadaVeniren (@sadaveniren)

Dear Mistress Lorin: I’ve been reading your blog for a couple weeks now and was hoping you’d give me some advice for something that happened with me and my boyfriend. I’m really worried that I hurt him.

aka Harry and Louis begin playing ping pong during the X-Factor Tour. It quickly gets out of hand.

Okay. If you know me at all, you know that the way to my heart is either spanking, kink negotiation, or both. This just delivers on it all, and it catches on some main parts of BDSM-for-newbies and kink-gone-wrong that people often pretend never happens. I could gush so much about this, but go ahead and just read it yourself because it’s too good to miss!! (13k)

you are half of me (and I am all for you) by angelichl (@angelichl)

One Direction, an obscure indie rock band, is about to embark on their first cross-country tour, living out of Louis' beloved van named Patricia.

Harry is in love, and Louis is oblivious. Or is he?

Featuring skinny-dipping in Texas waterfalls, getting lost in the desert, stargazing under the New Mexico sky, performing in front of crowds that grow in size each night, and falling in love on the road during the greatest summer of their lives.

Okay WOW. I have so much to say about this one!!! So first off, the biggest thank you to adri for writing this fic for me for HL Summer Exchange!!! Honestly I feel like you spied through all my hopes and dreams and loves (including parenthesis in fic titles??? love it) and squished it all into this fic. it’s just the best fic, and it feels like warm summer air and tracing constellations in the stars and falling in love. if you haven’t read this already, please do!!!! It was so good I teared up when I first read it! (25k)

Heading for Limbo by kingsofeverything (fullonlarrie) (@kingsofeverything)

Childhood best friends who’ve fallen in and out of touch with each other since Louis’ family moved away when they were thirteen, Harry and Louis find their paths crossing again and again. Each time, no matter how many miles apart or how many years it’s been, it’s as if no time has passed. They fall back into their easy friendship, until life intervenes and sends them on their separate ways once more.

When Harry discovers some life-changing things about himself, Louis is there for him, however he needs. But it’s all temporary because Louis has plans that will move his life from New York all the way to L.A. and the distance isn’t the only thing between them.

The pieces of their twice broken hearts are scattered from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

Okay. Okay. This fic literally is one I will remember for the rest of my life, and i’m not even being dramatic about it! So, I really do enjoy leaving authors detailed comments about their fics, but that just wasn’t enough... I really had to message Lauren this whole essay about how Heading for Limbo helped me deal with a lot of emotions I was feeling in my own personal life, and it helped me fully realize that i’m bisexual. (did i just come out?? yikes) it was nice to see a fic where things weren’t perfect over a long stretch of time. It was amazing to see Harry realize his sexuality later in life, because that was one of my main struggles. this fic is one of the best things that’s ever happened to me. Literally, Lauren, thanks for changing my whole life!!! (101k)

Tell Me This Is Paradise by QuickedWeen (@becomeawendybird)

Harry Styles has been lucky in love but unlucky in the bedroom with all of her previous boyfriends. When her best friend Niall finds out that she's never had an orgasm, she knows just what Harry needs: Louis Tomlinson. Niall sets Harry up to get sorted out.

Okay, if you’re new around here, this fic was also on one of my previous rec lists, but then Molly had to ruin my life and write another chapter of it. Jesus Christ!!!! I literally could read this fic every single day and die happily. It’s so hot, and the characterization is so good. So, I guess this rec is specifically for chaper 2, but you’ve gotta read chapter 1 also! For the betterment of your life, of course. (9k)

Abstract by Star55 (@star55)

After Zayn draws a naked Harry for her art class, she finds that she can't stop drawing Harry and Louis' naked bodies, usually engaged in some form of sexual activity.

Literally - this was hot as balls. Loved it! (8k)

alright guys, that’s it! if you read all the way to the bottom, you deserve a sticker. i hope you guys enjoy some of my favorite fics i’ve read! don’t forget to go bookmark, comment, and give kudos! and just remember: we are all human. if you read a work, and loved it, and didn’t comment, it’s never too late! give your author some loooooooove. my life has been super busy and i really haven’t been in the place to leave the thought-out comments i like to, so most of these authors can expect comments from me soon. thank you to all the authors listed above, have a nice day everyone! also, feel free to send your favorite fics into my ask - maybe they’ll end up on my next list!!!

[barbika1508]

Under the weather (Park Jimin x Reader /Fluff)

Word Count: 5,5k

Genre: Fluff, Angst a bit, Heavy feels, Romance

Pairing: Park Jimin x Reader

Warnings: Cursing

Summary: ‘’Why am I the only one always caring for everyone else and nobody bats and eye when it comes to me? Its selfish isn’t it?!?!’’

 Jimin P.O.V.

I stare defeatedly at the lock and back at my key. Then I try again to slide it into the lock, but it slides away. My arm arches with the single movement, but grabbing onto the knob using unnecessary force the key finally slides in, and twists unlocking the doors finally letting me pass through.

‘’Honeyyyyyy I’m home!!!!!’’ I call out jokingly this line never getting old despite it being over used and most importantly cheesy. But Y/N has never shied away from it, or scolded me too bad for it so reason more to use it as long as I can. I glance around the dark room, quick to turn on the light. I simply kick of the sneakers I have on as I’ll be putting the same ones on tomorrow morning so I shouldn’t get to badly scolded for leaving them out in the open, meanwhile her own shoes are nowhere in sight meaning they have been put into the bureau properly. Even her coat is properly hung up, so I make effort to put my own there as well, along with the scarf she actually knitted for me a year ago. I smile at the mismatched patterns clear on the orange color, but it’s endearing. She did swear never to knit anything ever but I’m sure I can persuade her otherwise because the scarf works, its actually so soft and warm and smells good from when she washed it a week ago.

Only now as I pause for a moment, I notice the silence ‘’Jagiya?’’ I call out not getting back a reply. I don’t ever hear anything indicating that she’s watching a show, or listening to music. Uh oh bad sign. She always has something turned on in the background, always. I skip over the slippers she got me ready to put on, and rush through the hallway past the empty but clean-living room. How do I know? I can smell the apple scented cleaner that was used to wipe the floor. Kitchen is empty, dining room too and then I’m dropping my bag in front of the bathroom, but stopping before our bedroom, the door half opened. It’s still dark so peeking inside I make sure not to scare her. She has her back turned to me, and is lying on her side of the bed. But that’s it she’s just lying there covered by a blanket meaning she has been in that state for a while.

Getting my phone out of the sweats I have on, I quickly open up our chat reading through to see any indication for how truly upset she is. Oh, how didn’t I notice this before her lack of enthusiasm, the lack of emojis and the simple plain answers. The I love you I know isn’t fake in the end but the other stuff makes me worried, because I’ve been the one ranting to her mostly and of course she listened and replied supporting me, but she hasn’t even said one thing about her day except…oh.

<3 My everything <3 – Just feeling…I don’t know…it’s probably nothing maybe the weather.

And I replied with an overly cheerful encouragement not even asking her further on, I brushed it off as the next bubble had me exclaiming about a puppy, I passed on the way to the dorms to join the boys before manager hyung came to pick us up. I’m an asshole. I know we have…do we…I pad away quietly to the kitchen noticing the teapot on the stove, but approaching it the teabags weren’t placed in. Okay so tea check, bread check, her favorite…yes that check, ice cream, check. Okay.

Rolling up my sleeves I’m quick to put on the flashlight on my phone and place it on the counter, leaning my phone against the toaster. I make the sandwiches like I’ve made them a millionth times before, but I make them more delicately cutting the salami, the cheese and basically everything that she likes I put in and place it even aesthetically so leaving the finished sandwiches (even for myself because I’m hungry but she comes first) on the counter, and make quick work of squeezing some oranges into juice by hand, because the machine is to loud.

Finishing that up, I make my way back to the door of our bedroom. She hasn’t switched position, but she does have her hand outstretched upwards, bending and unbending her fingers.

So, I take my phone in hand and back away, writing up a message.

PJM – My love I’m home please don’t be spooked, I’m going to enter through the door alright?

And send. I wait for a moment happy that she has sound on, on her phone unlike having it off like most of the time. But nothing changes, she doesn’t say anything or shifts because the mattress would creak. It’s why she has the perfect excuse to cuddle up to me and hog my space as my side of the bed is fine. Putting my phone away I knock gently on the door, and peek inside putting on a smile hoping she’ll cheer up at least a bit by seeing me.

‘’Hey there.’’ I try cheerfully but keep my tone even ‘’What are you up to? Hiding away from the world?’’ I push the door open as she turns around looking at me with an emotionless expression, but she moved which I’m taking as a win.

‘’Sorta.’’ She mumbles and lies back down onto her back now, as I walk over to the end of the bed.

‘’Can I join in??’’ I ask receiving a shrug in return. But I eagerly and with a slight bounce rush over towards her intentionally falling face first, head hitting the mattress next to her hip so I don’t hurt her. Peeking up she has her head turned towards the windows instead, so I raise up and plop myself next to her side, propping my head up on my left arm, while with my right I wait for a moment ‘’Jagiya?’’ I ask now getting more worried with her lack of response.

‘’Sorry.’’ She apologizes out of the blue making me instantly worry that something bad has happened, and my body tenses up I’m ready to murder someone if I have to but, in the end, I freeze as she shifts properly, turning around onto her side and goes in for a tight hug. She slides her right arm expertly under and past my face not touching it, wrapping it around the back of my head, the other just getting thrown over me as she pulls us both flush.

‘’Whoa…’’ I let out mesmerized but quickly wrap my arms around her and drop my head, resting my chin over her head ‘’Hey. You’re okay.’’ I speak softly caressing her back gently but luckily no sob follows like I’ve half expected it to. If there’s one thing I can’t stand it’s her tears and crying, I absolutely find it heartbreaking.

‘’It’s just…’’ she starts and then sighs her breath slightly tickling me over my neck, but I only readjust and pull her closer to reassure her even more.

‘’You don’t have to tell me anything if you don’t want to, jagiya. I can just keep holding you, and will never ever, ever let you go.’’ I demonstrate it by squeezing her tightly with each and every word. She actually chuckles which melts my heart instantly. Her laughter is one of my favorite sounds in the world. (Besides her moans.)

‘’Eventually…’’

‘’Nope!’’ I exclaim in protests just holding her tight not letting her move away an inch ‘’EVER!’’ I go on dramatically, rising and wrapping my right leg around her which has her grunting but ending up in giggles instantly making me grin, and the worry to fall a bit from my shoulders.

‘’Jiminieee…’’ he protests half-heartedly but wraps her arms tighter around me.

‘’Neverrrrr.’’ I sing to her instead as the chuckles continue. I simply grin and lessen a bit of my hold, to lean back and cup her face to take a proper look at her. Gorgeous as ever even if her face is slightly swollen, I’m noticing now, which means she took a nap earlier ‘’Hi.’’ I greet once her eyes flutter up meting my own. At this angle that she is looking at me she looks so innocent, and pure despite me knowing she’s anything but that. Gods she’s so gorgeous, I’m so lucky that she stuck at my side despite knowing all the pros and many cons if she ended up dating me.

She remained stubborn, even when I didn’t love myself and when I was the darkest with my thoughts. It all piled up, stress and the pressure, and my own need to be perfect at what I do. It all ended failing, it felt to me like I was the biggest failure and undeserving to be where I am, but she was there even when I said horrible, horrible words and pushed her away. Even if she did have her own demons since I met her its why when I asked her to be with me it was a loud ‘NO’ in the beginning and disbelief because she though she wasn’t worth being with me.

I remember laughing at her because it was so surreal. This perfect girl, that was trying her best and actually was a good person and didn’t pretend around us from the start she thought she didn’t deserve to be even in our presence. But she did call out Taehyung when he tried flirting with her and almost left the party, we were at which I took the opportunity to steal her for myself. It was the third time we met, the first one was in the lobby of the company. I was laughing so hard at Jeongguk I threw my head back and she just so happened to be passing by and I almost knocked her out.

She was so loud about it, and even if she’s younger she scolded me properly in front of the three employees working there at that time. Jeongguk of course hasn’t let it go ever since then.

‘’Hi.’’ She greets smiling back but ends up huffing her breath smelling of strawberries ‘’How was your day?’’ my lips stretch out again, as she has relaxed and is now acting like herself. The magic of cuddles.

‘’You know how it was I’ve texted a whole novel over texts. You tell me how your day was I wanna know. Did you get my note?’’

For a moment she glances away my heart clenching thinking she missed it but then she nods and leans in pressing a quick kiss to my lips ‘’You are the best boyfriend ever and I truly don’t deserve you!’’ she replies tone light but the choice of words has me looking at her closely. I bring my hand back to her cheek to look at her properly.

‘’Y/N-ah...my love, what’s wrong?’’ I ask getting serious hating myself for wiping the smile from her face, her features faltering due to my question. She averts her eyes, hand tightening its hold onto the back of my shirt that she’s gripping ‘’Tell me what are you thinking or feeling. It’s okay if you don’t know it yourself what you’re feeling or where your thoughts are going, it can be confusing and frustrating…’’

‘’So frustrating.’’ She agrees with a whisper bringing her head closer to hide her face from me. As much as I want to watch her expressions, I let her be, understanding what’s going on with her. I’ve found myself in this kind of state more times than I can count, but she always is patient with me, and understanding and does so much more, goes above and beyond to make me feel safe, and eventually myself and feeling happy again. Once she argued with manager hyung, I think she’d beat him up if it wasn’t for the other members interfering. She got banned from coming to the company till the end of promotions last year but, she says she still doesn’t regret it. Because due to her outrage we got another much-needed free day to rest, which turned out being the best decision made.

‘’I just…’’ she huffs out again sounding annoyed properly ‘’I feel like…like I’m…’’ I simply lie still and caress her back, running my hands up and down hoping it’s soothing her enough ‘’It’s stupid.’’

‘’It’s not stupid.’’ I quickly reply frowning ‘’How can it be stupid if it’s overwhelming you like this? Or making you feel numb?’’ I try glancing down at her but she’s unmoving so I simply press a kiss to her head as she mumbles back a ‘’ ‘S both.’’ Quietly into my chest ‘’It’s not stupid jagiya, it’s what you are feeling.’’

‘’Feelings are stupid.’’ Comes back a grumpy reply which makes me chuckle.

‘’Won’t disagree on that but can’t agree either. I like the feeling of love, which gets intense-er the more time I spend in your presence and with you or whenever I even look at you.’’ I admit ‘’Wouldn’t trade that for the world.’’

But silence follows and I have a feeling I’ve hit a nerve ‘’I don’t deserve you.’’ Comes back a whisper her voice cracking mid-sentence ‘’I don’t…ah…’’

‘’Jagiya…’’

‘’No just…I feel as if I’m annoying, like annoying you on so many levels but it’s not only you to be honest it’s with everyone that I feel like it! Like I’m annoying them with the way I speak, the way I behave, and have my opinions, even the way I text! Annoying, annoying, annoying, and it’s just that you’re all so nice and don’t want to say anything to me that’s what’s bothering me! Like the others my best friend didn’t even figure out I’m not okay, she just brushed it off and that’s alright I’m being selfish again but it’s like we’ve been friends for so long I know when she’s off and it’s not fair. Why am I the only one always caring for everyone else and nobody bats and eye when it comes to me? Its selfish isn’t it?!?!’’

I have my mouth pressed shut, glaring at the corner of the nightstand as I listen to her rant, words cutting deep because I know what she’s feeling ‘’They are the selfish ones and you know it.’’ I manage to whisper it out.

‘’They are, aren’t they?! I mean I understand it completely that they have their own problems I do, because I’m the one listening to whatever is troubling them, I’m fine with it even giving advice, or helping out no problem, I don’t want them being sad or upset or anything but me?! I haven’t talked to my friends for 2 days, like none of them even said hi, why do I have to always be the one to initiate the conversations?! Even over text; nothing. Did anyone call me? No of course not. Am I exaggerating because it’s only been 2 days? No, I’m not. I call for example F/N Unnie by the end of the day if she isn’t replying or blow up her phone and now from her? Nothing. I’m done, I’m so done with them.’’ she lets out a shaky breath in the end clearly emotions overwhelming her.

‘’But all of this doesn’t make you selfish Y/N-ah. You just want a bit of attention that’s all, doesn’t make you selfish. Compared to me it’s nothing, compared how greedy I am for valuation, for approval, for even the slightest compliment, how nasty I am how…’’ she shuts me up using the most fool proof method of them all. She raises her head up and leans in kissing me.

The kiss is awkward as I was mid-speech and her lips press against my lower one brushing over my lower teeth, but my brain is quick to jumpstart and properly kiss her in return, feeling this need this want to just kiss her better. It ends too fast for my liking, but it’s for the better so it doesn’t get heated too quickly. She needs to get things off her chest that’s what important for now.

‘’Jiminie.’’ She speaks clearly tugging her hands back, which has me tightening my hold onto her instead as fear strikes through me thinking she’s going to get up and leave, but she brings her hands up to cup my cheeks and to make me look at her ‘’Stop.’’ The word is simple and clear but it confuses me ‘’I love you being greedy for my attention, and I love complimenting you because you are amazing through and through and with whatever you do!’’ my heart starts pounding in my chest ‘’You are too critical to yourself and you know it and I know it even more, because…’’

‘’It hurts you like it hurts me seeing you say that you’re selfish and annoying.’’ I interrupt her staring at her slightly stunned expression ‘’It hurts me Y/N-ah. Because you know how utterly obsessed, I’m with you, and that I could never find you even remotely annoying. Or selfish. Heck I want you to be more selfish, way more! I want you to let me spoil you properly, I want to get you so many things I want to cook for you more, I want to stay at home more, I want you to come with me wherever I have to go, I do I don’t think it would be too much. I just want you, all the time 24/8!’’ at the last words she does manage a smile, but accepts me leaning my forehead against her own, her hands lowering down over my chest. She can probably feel how my heart is pounding.

‘’It is why I don’t deser…’’

‘’Don’t you dare finish that sentence.’’ My voice turns deep in warning, frustration raising ‘’Don’t you dare.’’ I repeat myself as she stares at me with wide eyes ‘’It hurts me so much, that you still after all this time after the shit I made you go through that you still don’t appreciate yourself as much as I do. What does it even mean that you don’t deserve me? Y/N-ah if it wasn’t for you I wouldn’t’ be here at all! I would be probably properly depressed, and would neglect everything, but you were there and kept repeatedly picking up my broken pieces and the ones I kept breaking myself, and glued them perfectly together so now I am who I am thanks to you! It’s true yeah, I’m critical I want to be perfect I do strive for that, but I’m not so hard on myself as I used to be. So, what if my voice cracks during a concert it happens, or I don’t perform my choreography completely perfect like I want to, it doesn’t matter.’’ I end up whispering the last part ‘’Do you like me for who I am?’’ I find myself feeling suddenly very insecure even though I can assume safely her answer is going to be yes.

‘’I love you. I absolutely love every and each piece of you.’’ She states back sounding almost offended for me asking her something like this.

‘’I’m satisfied with that.’’ her eyes widen as I smile due to her words, something inside me clicking even more with gratefulness, and this sort of fluffiness ‘’The thing is, this has been a while now how I’ve been feeling, and the truth; if you are happy I’m happy.’’

She scoffs at that ‘’Talk about cheesy.’’

‘’But it’s true. If you deem my performance good then it’s good. If it’s perfect then I was perfect. If it was bad I’m sure you’d tell me…’’ she chuckles shying away suddenly which does bring a small smile to my lips the tension lifting finally.

‘’You do realize that’s more pressure on me, right?’’

‘’Don’t look at it that way. Have faith in yourself.’’ I quickly reply as she lets out a shaky breath her fingers curling up and hands rest over my chest instead.

‘’It’s not…it is, I’m trying. It just sucks when I go above and beyond for everyone like I said and I don’t get anything in return.’’ she mumbles in the end to which I hum my agreement.

‘’I understand you completely my love.’’ I agree regretfully so. I’m an idol being taken advantage of is nothing new, and I’ve gotten used to not be as personally invested into things as I used to. Because its less pain for me when in the end the things turn into a flop. I’m hating that things like these are happening to her because she doesn’t deserve it.

‘’Ah well, fuck ‘em.’’ She suddenly states and then pulls back surprising me completely as she sits up rising both arms in the air to show off her ‘muscles’ ‘’I’m strong!’’ she declares but catches herself before she can fall back as the angle she lifted herself was awkward ‘’I don’t need them!’’ she goes on and shifts so that she’s facing me ‘’I have you!!!’’ I only blink at her at the confidence and the grin she’s offering ‘’I don’t need all those fake assholes! Not the first time I’ve been ignored or left alone. But the difference is I have you, so who cares about them!!! Right?!’’

‘’Right!’’ I cheer with her ‘’Plus you do have my members you know they adore you, and some are probably forming plans how to steal you away.’’ I glance around the room for affect putting on a cautious expression which makes her laugh but move again, as she goes to straddle me. As I want to ask what she’s doing she leans in, hands finding my own while her soft lips touch mine, the kiss easy and it says a million things.

‘’They can try all they want, I’ll never be the one even remotely close to even wanting or thinking of leaving you.’’ Her words are genuine and make my heart soar ‘’So fuck them all!!’’ she raises her tone and sits up tugging onto my hands to do the same, but ends up sighing as I manage to sit up with her in my lap still, my arms wrapping around her waist so I can hold onto her. I stare up at her worried at the sudden dip in her mood ‘’I’m selfish.’’ She states to which I immediately shake my head.

‘’You’re not…’’ I want to argue but she gently reaches up with her hands, cupping my cheeks and shushes me gently.

‘’I’m not being fair to you.’’ She states which I only blink in confusion at her ‘’Here I am talking about being ignored, and wanting attention when I have you. You’re like perfection, there hasn’t been a more perfect boyfriend and man in this world than you. Honestly what was I even thinking?’’ she goes to grab her hair as she stares at me in disbelief.

‘’Don’t say nonsense, jagi.’’

‘’I’m not!’’ her tone goes higher and he cups my face again, squishing them practically ‘’Honestly, I’m so blind and…’’

‘’Okay I’m going to stop you right there!’’ I raise my tone getting her attention before she can drift off into her own world and feel even worse ‘’My love I’m gone most of the time. I’m not perfect not even close. We’re not even in a normal relationship!’’ at this she cocks her head to the side eyebrows furrowed as she turns to glare at me but lets me continue ‘’When I’m away I can’t even answer your phone calls or texts if you need me. We can’t talk much, when I’m traveling there’s the time zones which fucks up your sleeping schedule, if someone is perfect it’s you because you do everything to accommodate to me and that is not selfish at all you’re talking absolute nonsense.’’ My heart is pounding in my chest as I stare at her seriously. I want her to see and feel what I do. She does so much for me but the things she does I know she doesn’t consider as something special or much because that’s just how kind and nice and gracious and gorgeous she is as a person.

‘’I’m the one who doesn’t deserve you, how can’t you see that?! Idol aside I’m not…much…’’ and I didn’t think my insecurities would resurface so suddenly out of the blue. I feel tears prickle behind my eyelids and this isn’t about me damnit. I glance towards the ceiling, as she leans in close but doesn’t kiss me.

‘’Are we really both so dumb?’’ she asks surprising me ‘’But maybe that’s why we are right for one another. You don’t see my flaws and I don’t see your flaws because they don’t exist…’’

‘’Jagiya.’’’

‘’’Okay, okay, my point is that…oh gods how cheesy. We’re meant to be.’’ She states and then squeals hiding her face in her palms while I beam instead, despite the cheesiness the words feel so right and so fitting.

‘’I’d like to think so, yeah.’’ I agree while she groans sounding annoyed but I know she’s not, the cheesiness is what is making her embarrassed but not about us two ‘’So it’s okay if you feel, like you do. I receive so much love day to day, it can get overwhelming and I love Army, I adore them but am I…(doing enough)? Ah on some days…well you know.’’ the trickle of guilt and neediness crawls up my spine as well, and I just want to be reassured if I’m doing a good job in general. I feel like I’m lacking in showing back my love, towards Army, my members and specially towards her given that she feels left out, because she isn’t. If I could I would be with her all the time and also if she wasn’t so stubborn, she’d come with us everywhere! I’d make it work no matter what.

But it’s her wish to remain here so I respect it. I want to give her so much, but she’s the selfless one she doesn’t need much to be strong, and independent. She’s always been better than me in that regard like an iron pillar, unbendable and unbreakable. And yet its days like this when the foundations crack. But we’re only human it’s normal.

‘’Jiminie.’’ She speaks out from under her hands and looks at me lovingly leaning in to press a soft kiss against my left cheek ‘’You’re amazing in everything you do.’’ she starts the words quickly igniting the butterflies in my stomach while she goes to press anther kiss on my other cheek ‘’In dancing nobody can rival you…’’ another kiss ‘’In looks, you’re so fucking hot, and gorgeous and sexy, and my mochi…’’ I can’t help but to giggle at the words she uses her kisses getting more frequent over my face ‘’Your voice is so smooth, and soothing and it’s my favorite sound, even if you are snorting…’’ at that I give her a ‘oh-really’ look that has her giggling, but she leans in and presses a kiss to my lips as I watch her expectantly wanting more of her compliments and praise ‘’I’m in love with you, with all my soul and being, it’s crazy how fucking much I care and adore you and love you, and how the fuck do you even like me back?!’’ she ends up looking at me incredulously.

‘’Oh, you really want to go down that road?’’ I ask getting ready to fire back all the reasons of why she is amazing and better than me in everything, but she shakes her head and leans in giving me Eskimo kisses, just melting my heart even more at how cute she is.

‘’I’m good!!’’ she replies back childishly almost making me scrunch up my nose as I smile back at her ‘’I just…I’m sorry.’’ She suddenly flips which makes me completely serious as I look at her, my hands around her tightening.

‘’You have nothing to be sorry for.’’ I’m quick to say hurting because she does this every time. I can reveal everything to her and don’t feel guilty about it because she made it comfortable enough for me to do that. And yet she still feels guilty whenever she speaks her mind like this, and I hate it. I want her to be open to me and not feel remorse or anything along those lines.

‘’I…I…’’ she ends up huffing but her expression is relaxed almost goofy as she looks at me, hand reaching up again to run her fingers through my hair pushing it back but she ends up playing with it as I focus onto her features; the way her eyes are looking at me, her soft lips, nose making me want to kiss it ‘’I love you.’’ She ends up stating eyes shifting down onto me finally, determination written in them. I know this look, I always look at her like this; lovestruck. That’s what I can describe the look as ‘’And you’re enough. Even if you are away so much. I rather have you than everyone else. I’d rather be alone and only have you.’’

‘’You don’t have to.’’ I reply worriedly that she’s going to isolate herself from others. I did it once, and I have to thank her for her stubbornness as she got me back from my dark thoughts. Yet again.

‘’I mean…I’m not going to, but I just want you to know I’ve made up my mind.’’ Her hands raise to my shoulders as she keeps me away from her ‘’You are the only one I need in my life, could ever want and are the only one I will want forever…’’ my cheeks flush with heat at the words because of the amount of her serious demander and the way she speaks to me ‘’Deal with it.’’ I blink at her the words completely different which prompts her to start laughing out loud, while I stare at her incredulously.

I’m in love with her there’s no doubt about it and I know she knows that, but to hear her say and confess her love for me that is genuine and not fan driven is still…I still feel like I’m dreaming. But I keep it to myself and shake my head, staring in wonder as she shakes in my hold giggling face scrunched up adorably, hands patting my chest gently ‘’I love you!’’ she sings totally having switched into a playful mood. Good. Because the unresponsive one she was in broke my heart.

‘’Lie! I love you more!’’ I exclaim which has her gasping.

‘’Impossible!!!’’ she goes on playfully as I shake my head and reach up to push my hair back but she’s quicker ‘’Let me!’’ she rushes pushing her fingers again like before gently through my hair as is stare at her.

‘’I love you.’’ I say more seriously her eyes darting down, startled a bit. She looks like she’s in sort of a trance for a moment but then ends up grinning genuinely, her cheeks colouring into a nice shade of pink. Its dark yes but I don’t miss anything when it comes to her.

‘’I love you too Park Jimin.’’ I roll my eyes immediately at her using my full name.

‘’You’re adding more cheese on.’’ I mumble as she leans in for a hug while I start shifting us towards the end of the bed.

‘’It’s all your fault.’’ She sings instead holding on ‘’Where are you moving us?’’

‘’Kitchen.’’ I reply planting my feet on the ground the plan I thought of before still in motion ‘’I made us sandwiches, and I know you finished downloading that movie you wanted me to watch so; Food and movies. Would you L/N Y/N like to join me on a movie night date and give me the pleasure of your company and many unrequired comments during the movie?’’

She has leaned back long before my question, and now she gasps offendedly but can’t stop grinning as she stares at me ‘’You’re so mean to me I don’t know if I should!’’

‘’Too late.’’ I sing and stand up with her in my arms readjusting my grip under her thighs as she wraps herself around me like a koala. She surprises me with another gentle kiss on my cheek.

‘’You’re the best in the whole world and I’m really glad I’ve met you.’’ The words catch me off guard making me stop in the middle of the room, to look at her. She looks shy all out of the suddenly making my heart pound at the way she’s looking at me like a puppy practically while my cheeks flare up. I’m going to engrave her words in my mind, and into my brain for forever. I feel like I could fucking fly right now.

‘’You’re my blessing and my saviour jagiya. I’m really happy I met you too.’’

Copyright 2019© by barbika1508. All rights reserved.

[franeridan]

@mysteriouslypinkconnoisseur​ tagged me in the “Answer these 85 statements about yourself” thing (thank youuuuuu) which had me realize it’s been literally years since I’ve last done any of these?? So, you know, why not, as I try to decide if I wanna be highly original and draw some krbk fluff or not have some random facts about yours truly

not tagging anyone tho, you know how it goes

last

1. drink - coffeeee

2. phone call - my best friend, I think? That was literal months ago tho

3. text message - if the tumblr chat thing counts then my other best friend~

4. song you listened to - I’m listening to Don’t Wish by Tonight Alive right now!

5. time you cried - I feel like I read lately a fic that had me in tears

ever

6. dated someone twice? - somewhat

7. kissed someone and regretted it - yep

8. been cheated on - think so

9. lost someone special - yeah

10. been depressed - not diagnosed

11. gotten drunk and thrown up - never

fave colours

12. Green!

13. Yellow!

14. And any shade between them!!

in the last year have you…

15. made new friends - Yeah!

16. fallen out of love - I haven’t been in love in years

17. laughed until you cried - Heck yeah

18. found out someone was talking about you - in the positive!

19. met someone who changed you - any new meeting changes you one way or another, is what I think

20. found out who your friends are - lmao my life isn’t that dramatic, no

21. kissed someone on your facebook friends list - I don’t have a facebook !!! but anyway I haven’t kissed anyone in years so~

general

22. how many of your facebook friends do you know irl - Again, no facebook

23. do you have any pets - YAS two cats!

24. do you want to change your name - Nah I love my name!

25. what did you do for your last birthday - I... drew. That one glasses!Bakugou, seems like

26. what time did you wake up today - ~6am, and then lazed in bed for like three hours

27. what were you doing at midnight last night - Uh, reading fics

28. what is something you can’t wait for - OHHHHH MYLES’ ALBUM! Comes out next month!!

30. what are you listening to right now - Temple by Tonight Alive~

31. have you ever talked to a person named tom - I don’t think so?

32. something that’s getting on your nerves - Uhm, some comments I’ve been getting on my art posts lately, but I’ll get over it?

33. most visited website - Tumblr, Spotify and AO3 are probably equals here

34. hair colour - Dark brown

35. long or short hair - shortish!

36. do you have a crush on someone - only fictional crushes

37. what do you like about yourself - lotsa things! My hands help me do all my favorite things tho, so maybe they’re my favs

38. want any piercings? - I’ve got a lip one and three ear ones on my left ear and on on my right? I used to have on on top of my right ear but it closed, I’ve been wanting to have that one done again for ages

39. blood type - 0+

40. nicknames - Fran, Francy, Fra and Chicca are the ones I hear the most often

41. relationship status - single, whoever wrote this question list thing sure cared about romance didn’t they

42. zodiac - Scorpio!

43. pronouns - she/her

44. fave tv shows - can I go with anime I’ll go with anime Kyousougiga’s my anime-only fav!

45. tattoos - none, sadly ;^; maybe one day

46. right or left handed - right-handed

47. ever had surgery - Yep!

48. piercings - Yusss

49. sport - uh, no?

50. vacation - What. Does this mean. Like, if I want one? Yes please. If I’m going on one soon? Not really. My ideal one? Anywhere with the sea and the scent of salt in the air

51. trainers - *crying* I don’t understand these questions

more general

52. eating - WHAT like right now??? no, I’m not eating

53. drinking - Nothing, I just had coffee

54. i’m about to watch - uh a canvas as I draw on it, probably

55. waiting for - didn’t you already ask this - another oneeeeeee next canon in-manga on-panel KrBk interaction

56. want - BNHA MERCH PLEASE

57. get married - Uh, if I ever find someone I wanna do that with?

58. career - today I found out Professional Cat Petter is a thing and now I wanna do that

which is better

59. hugs or kisses - hugs I’m more easily comfortable with, but I remember romantic kissing and I loved it

60. lips or eyes - I’m more comfortable with a person having no eyes than having no lips, I’ll admit

61. shorter or taller - I prefer hugging people shorter than me but aside from that I don’t really care

62. older or younger - I don’t exactly care? Someone around my age would be nice

63. nice arms or stomach - uHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH *thinks about baku and kiri* *sweats*

64. hookup or relationship - relationship

65. troublemaker or hesitant - how about a good average of both

have you ever

66. kissed a stranger - sorta

67. drank hard liquor - yes

68. lost glasses - thankfully not??

69. turned someone down - yep

70. sex on first date - uh

71. broken someones heart - yeah

72. had your heart broken - y e a h

73. been arrested - not yet *eyes emoji*

74. cried when someone died - no? yes? I can’t remember honestly

75. fallen for a friend - Y u p

do you believe in

76. yourself - I t r y

77. miracles - why THE HECK not

78. love at first sight - well, love is deeper than that isn’t it - deep attraction at first sight tho, yes

79. santa claus - if he exists he doing a poor job of bringing gifts this way

80. kiss on a first date - Yeah why not, it’s just a kiss

81. angels - WHY the heck N O T

other

82. best friend’s name - Giù the one physically closer, Q the one emotionally closer 

83. eye color - you know there was this chart that gave you all the specific right names for eyes colors like caramel chocolate or whatever and it turns out I have. Brown. Eyes. gdi

84. fave movie - I’m not sure...? The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, maybe

85. fave actor - Dunnnnnn have one any longer

[nikaharper]

Unrelated Happenings in a Big Apartment Building

It was considered a regular Tuesday.

James had a productive evening, catching a quick drink with a coworker who was stuck completing a project he had moved on from a month ago. It was still as fucked as ever, and James grinned inwardly as he got the leftover fried rice out of the fridge. Time for some Hulu.

Alex had a sinus infection, again, and was resigned to laying on the patched couch full of bleary-eyeing cold medicine. He fell asleep while flipping channels and woke with memories of a strange dream about the American Revolutionary War. No more napping to the History channel.

Marielue always felt awkward in the evening, the transition between day and night, and this particular walk home had perturbed her. A discarded brown sweatshirt in the gutter had, at a glance, appeared to be a dead dog, and after a double-take she couldn't shake it from her mind. Everything became an abandoned animal corpse. She saw three more "dead dogs" and one that looked like a slain kitten, but was actually a gnarled tree root poking out of a lawn. She closed her eyes as she closed the door of her apartment, took a few deep breaths. But the rest of the night didn't fare much better. Every bit of discarded laundry was a lifeless form; she saw a skull in a bar of soap.

Naseem was cooking up a stew for dinner, and he checked his phone for texts from his girlfriend. There was a flash of pain on his forearm; he had rested it against the stew pot on the stove. He washed it under cold tap water, but it glowed a livid red. He remembered thinking it would blister, and considered taking a picture for his girl. 'This is what I go through for you!"'

Charles was out of the apartment, watching the basketball game on Ian's couch and talking too loudly about a girl he'd met that weekend. He didn't know it was too loud, though.

Amelia was plucking her eyebrows in the bathroom mirror. One, two stray hairs, grooming to the perfect shape of arched but still natural. The phone rang as she gave one last look in the mirror. Odd, that one had bled, and left a smudge of red on her dark skin. That never happens.

Caleb was doing laundry in the basement, full of coin-op machines and scuffed linoleum. He sorted the wet items into dryer-ready heaps, except one of them... That wasn't his. Maybe it was leftover from another tenant? A cotton pair of too-small boxer briefs, he was about to discard it before he remembered what happened last week. Best to put them in the trash. He bit his lip too hard as the garbage can top swung and creaked.

Jackie just woke up. Her head pounded, and she always swore Monday night drinking was the most abrasive of them all, because you'd be around people who may have no jobs or may have nothing left in life, and keeping up drink-by-drink was a hazard. She remembered some names... Michael or Mike or maybe something unusual like Makivar. One look at her phone said she was right. Skyla was asking how she felt, punctuated by emoji of which she could only see half and the rest were rectangular blocks. Then there was two missed calls from "Makkovar." She must have really liked him. She wondered if he had a job.

Kevin removed his headset. The raid wasn't going well. Wiped five times on a boss that they considered farm-status. He rubbed his eyes and didn't notice the shadow passing by his fifth-story window.

Thomas and Stephanie lay on sweaty bedsheets, panting in the glaze of newfound love. Three times that night! It wasn't even midnight. "Need anything from the bathroom?" he asked. "A towel." Stephanie turned over and smiled into the pillow, feeling the stickiness between her thighs. But it wasn't all just passion. "Um, maybe I'll... get it myself," she called, carefully rolling on her back and edging out of the bed, trying to hide the blood on her fingers. "Fuck," said Thomas from the bathroom, the lights on, "Are you okay? I mean there's—" "It's fine, I got my period, sorry sorry." Stephanie hadn't had a period in two years.

Ed was home early. It was bullshit. He pulled off his hat and cheap, dark wig, slamming himself down into his favorite lounge chair, the same chair his dad used before he died. The costume party was an annoyance at best, a disaster at worst. "IT'S FROM TRIGUN," he finally yelled out over the keg at a dumbstruck partygoer dressed as Finn. He didn't mean to scream, but Ed had never been good at environments where music was blaring and everyone was drunk by the time you arrived. He really cared about his outfit, it was good shit. A bottle of shochu washed the taste of cheap beer out of his mouth, and the remote flicked through his library to find Trigun, the episodes with Rai-Dei. He pressed 'Play.' Ed looked awesome. Fuck anyone who didn't get it.

Brandon took out the trash and found himself face-to-face with an oppossum. He hadn't recognized before how much their face looked like a skull.

Alejandro let the faucet run for a bit, waiting for hot water to make some rice. His nose was in a book, so he didn't notice that for a moment, the water ran blood red.

Makayla wasn't into that witchy shit, it seemed like stuff for dispossessed white girls. But on the websites, as fucking footnotes, there was a mention of Marie Laveau, and voodoo, and the things that called to her. She had more power here than she thought, without the fuckin' salt lamps and quartz crystals that cost nine dollars each. Nah, there was good shit in here, and it called to her. She held half a dead cigar in one hand and grabbed an oily eel filet, the best she could find at the Asian market, in the other. It jolted through her like a seizure. Something was very wrong, and very near. Makayla gasped and dropped her reagents. Nah, fuck this. She'll fry that damn eel and not fuck around with this shit anymore.

John's business worked at night. So he didn't recognize the flickering lights in the hallways, excited squawks and yelps from other apartments doors as he passed. This was all normal. Eyes followed him from the underside of dark doors, squinted through the keyholes of post boxes as he went to get his mail that evening. He paid no mind. Why should he?

Renee had the worst night. Newly single, full of glass-shard memories that hurt to remember but they were everywhere.... It was easy to exist, to do normal things in a normal life because there was a repetition that was comforting. Coming home was the awful part. Moments to rest were the awful part. She felt unloved. Worse, she knew she wasn't loved anymore. Things had ended that badly. An hour passed sitting on her bed, thinking about a bottle of wine. Any bottle. It didn't matter right now. Then it was an hour and a half. Mentally taking note of all the things in her space which SHE had touched, the candles they had lit on romantic evenings, the way the pillow still smelled like her, the dress and leggings still piled into a corner from the last time they... It was three days ago. That they touched, that they felt each other's heat and Renee felt the heartbeat of her as she lay her head on that chest, that perfect chest that held the most golden heart, the person she loved. It all seemed to be going so well.... Or well enough. Good enough. Enough to go on, to continue, to keep being in love as they were, as they had been for over a year now. Maybe Renee hadn't seen the signs. She must not have, because it all felt so sudden. Two days ago. Three days ago they had been twisting limbs in a galaxy of jersey bedsheets, and one day afterward, nothing. She wanted to wash the sheets. But she didn't dare. There was no wine, so that... couldn't have been the problem. Renee didn't take any pills, she had always been a rather healthy person but admittedly she hadn't eaten much that day and didn't plan on putting together a dinner. Her friends didn't know yet, so they couldn't provide survival comforts. It was just her, on a bed, in a tiny apartment, alone. So it wasn't wine or pills or attributed to anything particularly chemical, but it just so happens that on that night, Renee got a nosebleed. In the midst of her tears, a dark stain spread on her palms and she realized she was bleeding. It felt so dramatic, she walked to the bathroom pinching her nose and looked for the nearest towel to wipe on her face. As she removed the washcloth, a threadbare thing she would probably throw away after this incident of staining, she realized it had changed color. It was a yellow handcloth, she had wiped her hands on it for years, probably too long without replacement, but it was yellow. It was a bit blanched with wear and wash. But it was yellow. Not now. The cloth in her hands was a deep red. Renee's eyes snapped to the mirror, inspecting her face and nose—maybe she had bled a lot more than she thought— but her face was clean. The cloth stayed red. A single tear snuck from the corner of her eye... she followed its path in the bathroom reflection... and it was dark, moody, red. Like wine. She felt wet, like having walked out of a steamy shower, the air was warm and full of vapor and she could barely breathe. A drop of blood splattered the hexagonal tiled floor, but her nose felt dry. Dropping the towel, Renee watched as her fingernails pooled with thick burgundy liquid and spilled to the ground. This time the mirror showed her looking clean, and pale, and scared. The floor was splattered art, white tile and grey grout, artful splashes of deep red. Her sandals stood in pools of crimson, a steady flow easing out of the peep-toe opening. This wasn't just grief, it was worse than that. Renee knew she wasn't losing her mind. The world, like many other things, was here to blindside her, and she had no control over it.

Maybe the other tenants could have seen the sloshing red liquid in the other washing machine. The mysterious stains on the stairs. The pupils of their eyes that looked red and luminous in the mirror's reflection. The metallic tang from a bitten lip.

But it was a regular Tuesday night. Easy enough to forget, anyway.

[couldnt-think-of-a-funny-name]

okay I’m STILL not done the book yet because #life(tm) but some follow up reactions

The entire scene where Calypso and Apollo were trying to escape on the slow kiddy train at the Zoo had me in stitches holy shit

Apollo frantically hitting the gas and Calypso is just leisurely walking next to it while glaring at him??? And the guards? omfg I was dying

Meg’s entrance was dramatic and awesome good for her

Why the fuck is this 12 year old so good at sword fighting she can keep up with one of the deadliest swordfighters of the ancient world(tm)

When Lit threatened Leo and Calypso essentially morphed into the knife emoji on spot. A plus.

I mean I’m just saying: I feel like a pregnant griffin isn’t more important than helping a tortured seven year old girl. But I still love Britomartis so I guess it’s whatever

I love how Lit was going on like he has a score to settle with Leo because ‘he and his friends’ fucked him up in Oklahoma but like....Leo didn’t contribute to that at all like Jason literally did everything during that fight??? That was kinda like important to Jason’s development and shit??? Leo and Piper were golden statues and Hedge was outside eating grass??? Shouldn’t Lit’s anger be focused on Jason??? lol

Idk I just found it funny (I want to see Jason Grace again)

Calypso managing to shove out some magic yeah girl!!!!

MEG AND APOLLO HUGGING EACH OTHER FOR DEAR LIFE WHILE SOBBING: MY ENTIRE AESTHETIC

Leo meeting Meg was way too fucking funny omfg “so I understand you can like...control him?” and when Apollo tried denying it she makes him slap himself??? 😂

How did we fucking segue from lighthearted banter directly into Apollo having a vivid flashback of the time he had to murder the love of his life with his bare hands

Like I??? Was sobbing??? So hard???? Because a batshit insane Roman empire was getting killed by someone who loved him bc it was necessary for the world and the lover couldn’t stand to see anyone else hurt him??? Fuck me???? Rick Riordan ain’t real

“I couldn’t bare to look into the water without seeing my beloved’s betrayed face starring back” or whatever the fuck the line was but FUCK

Jo was a teenage girl crossdressing to fuck around with gangsters in the 1920′s before Artemis found her and honestly??? Goals

Also the scene where she was helping Apollo after his flashback was very sweet

Can’t believe the nerd spent like six hours playing soothing music just to get a griffin to lay an egg

Leo and Calypso better be whispering amongst themselves what I think they’re whispering

Leo seems a lot more...subdued than usual in this book? I don’t know if that’s just because we aren’t reading from his POV, or if it’s like a “I literally died and came back and then spent six months getting attacked every single day while trying to find home and now I’m stuck on another dangerous quest I’m fucking stressed” type thing, or if it could be from the relationship problems he’s having with Calypso, but either way he seems a little off and I’m worried about him

The Dread Pirate Valdez...leave.

How was that joke never made once on the Argo tho??? lol

The speed at which Leo seems to have emotionally adopted Meg is astounding and also #relatable

Meg’s far from my favorite character tbh but like??? I will probably punch everyone who’s ever frowned in her general direction in the face. Holy shit give this kid a break

She thinks Nero is scared of the mystery third emperor on the West Coast??? So....Caligula, probably? Laying my bets down on him now

“I triggered the First Law of Percy Jackson” I had to put the book down bc I was laughing so hard I think that lines gonna end up on my gravestone or as the afterword in my autobiography omfg

“I’ve always had a phobia of snakes, especially if you included my step-mother Hera. BOOM!” I choked.

I like that half the time Apollo is able to figure out what to do to win because he has a general understanding of science

Like he knew his burst of godly voice power would only help so much, but he also knew if he stood in the right spot and yelled in the right frequency it would reverberate and knock over the bricks and shit??? NICE

How long were these kids wadding through a sewer how do none of them have hypothermia

Leo: *sets himself on fire* “Gather round, children.”

Like first off someone saying ‘gather round children’ is always going to make me laugh for some reason that’s just a fact but human torching it up really added to the effect lmao

Like okay I understand the set up of the room so that no one would look in the canal and see them but like...how the fuck did no one realize they were there that just felt too easy I’m sorry

Chia Girl

When they found the prisoners was horrifying omfg???

The two fucked up boys on a hunger strike???

“...Hunter the Hunter?” “Yeah, I’ve never heard that before.”

Tall, Dark and Jamie.

Apollo babe you’re on a rescue mission with a time crunch please you can check out Jamie later holy shit

Georgie made me wanna cry get her back to her Combat Moms immediately

The entire sequence of Apollo getting the door open: S C I E N C E  B I T C H

“Lemme just fill up some syringes with ammonia just in case”

Alright I’ll admit when Meg started insisting she had a feeling they needed to go through the door: I was really worried she was about to double cross him.

Glad I was wrong but tbh that whole arena dress rehearsal bullshit was STRESSFULL

S T R E S S F U L L

First of all: Apollo’s out here constantly complaining about his puny mortal body but manages to fight and climb and run with a heavy ass chair strapped to his back: okay,

Second of all: why did no one warn me about Livia the elephant I was on the verge of tears every time he mentioned her

Third of all: Monsters, ostriches, race cars, basketballs, football, human mercenaries, animals, like...what even the fuck else SO MUCH WAS GOING ON I would’ve died in ten seconds flat???

Fourth of all: let’s just SET THE FUCKING GRAIN SPIRIT ON FIRE WHY THE FUCK NOT. HOW DID MEG EVEN MANAGE TO GET HIM DOWN. HOW DID APOLLO AND LIVIA MANAGE TO CRASH COMMODUS’ CAR TO THAT DEGREE AND HE NOT ONLY SURVIVED BUT THREW THE WRECKAGE AWAY FROM HIM

Fifth of all: THE FUCKING HUNTERS SHOW UP AND CAUSE EVEN M O R E CHAOS. Truly I don’t know how any of the main heroes survived that there was just too much.

The entire time I was reading it I was like “This feels like a giant fight at the climax of the book how the fuck are there more pages left what else is going to happen???” AND IM STILL WONDERING THAT LIKE

Thalia Grace has been returned to me.

Apollo’s strong urge to save Lit??? Okay I guess. It’s nice to see him being compassionate and shit but. I was kinda with Leo on that one lol

“Thalia Grace slid behind me on the elephant, which fulfilled one of the fantasies I’d had about the Hunter, although I never quite imagined it playing out like this” M E

What was his elephant-involved fantasy with Thalia I need a complete play by play lmao

Also the scene where Commodus dropped his composure for a sec and had a full-blown Angry Ex moment (which...he’s definitely entitled to). That was good and also I was highkey worried he might just try to kill my nerd then and there

Also that he’s not just mad that Apollo killed him but like. All their fucking history together. Shit’s intense.

Apollo loves this elephant so much after only like 15 minutes the first thing he’s gonna do when he’s immortal again is bless her or some shit

Also I’m glad they got that awful chainmail off her

The Hunters apparently just have a magical energy drink with mercury in it okay

Honestly??? I’m a little mad Artemis has been ordered not to contact him THE BOY JUST WANTS TO SEE HIS SISTER HOLY SHIT

Aaaaaand that’s about where I left off. Hoping to finish it all together the next time I get a chance. Hoping all the losers are alright. LOVING this book so far. Waiting to see an official reunion between Georgie and her Combat Moms. The Headless Ghost’s cryptic warning has me worried. Until next time...

[skeletorific]

all of the usual skelebros (that is, ut, uf, us, and sf) reactions to their S/O making pie or ice cream sundaes or whatever, and they "accidentally" squirt a lil bit of whipped cream on their boyfriend's face and try to kiss and/or lick it off. not in, like, a dirty sexual way tho. S/O is just rlly rlly shy and wants an excuse to smooch their cute skeleton man ;;

(I don’t have emojis on PC, sooo….)

THIS *clap* CUTE *clap* SHIT *clap* IS  *clap* MY *clap* JAM. Also this might be toeing a lil closer to nsfw than usual but then again, its me.

Also also, this got kinda long because I was in a mood for fluff, so some under the cut. A lot under the cut. 

UT!Sans: “sweet of you to cook.” He grinned from his spot leaning on the counter.

You roll your eyes.”That was barely a pun, dude.”

The grin widened and he came up behind you. “come on, I’m pie-ing here.”

That one gets a small smile out of you and you turn back to the pastry. He reaches from behind you. “hang on, think it needs a test-”

You smack him away. “Phalanges off, its not done.” You gesture the can in your hand. “I abjectly refuse to let you eat pie without whipped cream, I’m a good person. So just sit tight.”

He smirked, holding his hands up and backing away. “alright, alright. normally i’d argue but you’ve got me whipped, babe.”

Your dramatic sigh draws out a full laugh from him, and you can’t help but grin. Stars he was cute. You still weren’t totally adjusted to the idea that he was yours. You started filling that familiar urge to kiss him, but as usual you had no idea how to initiate it. Good night kisses were easy (well, getting easier), but stuff like spontaneous affection didn’t exactly come naturally to you. Suddenly you became aware of the can in your hand. A bit cheesy, maybe, but….

You started shaking the can, presumably to get it ready, when your finger “slipped” and sprayed it back directly at his face. He spluttered slightly, some having fallen directly  into his laughing mouth. “oh, shit, sorry, let me get that off. “You step closer, helping him wipe away what’s on his sweatshirt. Then, your eyes zero in on the glob by his cheekbone and you lean in, kissing it away.

When you pull away, his cheeks are flushed BRIGHT blue and his eyelights have vanished. For a brief moment you’re worried you overstepped your boundaries. “Uh…got it.” You turn back to your work. Half a seond you feel a par of arms wrapping around your waist and a small skelekiss on your cheek.

“heh. didn’t need to make an excuse. already know you’re sweet on me.”

UT!Papyrus: “DATEMATE! RELINQUISH THE WHIPPED CREAM!”

“Not a chance” you say, stubbornly holding the can behind you to keep it away from your boyfriend’s impossibly long arms. “Whipped cream can not go on spaghetti, this where I draw the line.”

“Come on, kid, dessert pasta is the way of the future!” Undyne said. “You humans already have dessert pizza, this is just the next step!”

“No.”

“DATEMATE!” Papyrus stomped his foot, looking put out. “YOU ARE BEING EXTREMELY DIFFICULT!”

You grin. You couldn’t help it. For as much as you loved your boyfriend’s general positivity, he was oddly adorable when he was frustrated. Still, you wanted a quick way to cheer him back up. Impulsively, you say “Alright, want the whipped cream?” You squirt some on his face. Undyne, despite wanting it back as much as he did, cackled with laughter at the sight of a miffed skeleton covered in dessert topping. He wipes it off, looking more annoyed than ever. But he missed one single glob in the corner of his mandible. 

Still running on impulse, you lean over and kiss him, catching it in your mouth.

Undyne laughs harder while Papyrus grows startled. He stares at you for a full minute before a huge smile spreads across his face. “AH, I SEE WHAT’S HAPPENING HERE!” He put a hand on top of your head. “OBVIOUSLY I HAVE BEEN NEGLECTING MY DUTIES AS YOUR GREAT BOYFRIEND AND YOU FELT THE NEED TO RESORT TO CHILDISH JAPES IN ORDER TO GET AFFECTION!”

“Um,” you blush slightly at his sweet but somewhat embarrassing conclusion. “Well, that wasn’t exactly what I-”

“WORRY NOT, HUMAN! ALL YOU WOULD HAVE TO DO WAS ASK, BUT I HAVE CLEVERLY DEDUCED THE CAUSE OF YOUR BEHAVIOR! NOW, PREPARE TO BE SMOOCHED BY THE GREAT PAPYRUS!”

All told, its a good kiss, only slightly marred by Undyne making exaggerated gagging noises in the background. You still don’t give them the whipped cream after though.

UF!Sans: A door slam and a low trail of mutters signal your boyfriend’s arrival long before he storms into the kitchen and plops himself down at the counter. You look up from the sundae you were making yourself. “Hey.”

He grumbles something by way of greeting and lets his head collapse into his arms. 

“They kept you late?” You start spreading whipped cream on the top of the ice cream.

“i don’t know why the fuck frisk keeps dragging me to this ambassador’s shit. buncha stuffed shirt assholes talkin for hours about nothin in particular. almost fired a damn blaster off in the room just to break the fuckin monotony.”

“Well, that would’ve done wonders for monster-human relationships.” You say, taking a spoonful in your mouth.

He mumbles something unintelligible, not raising his head. 

You sigh internally. On the one hand his mood is pretty justifiable, but on the other he’s not much fun like this and you suck at just basic comfort. You need a quick fix, but you’re not sure what……

This is either going to go really well or 100% blow up in your face, but dating Red was never for the faint of heart anyways. You walk over to him. “Hey, could you look up for a second?” 

He groans and doesn’t move.

“Come on, just for a second.”

A long pause and he reluctantly turns to look at you….only to be greeted by a faceful of whipped cream. He splutters, shaking most of it off. “what the hell?!”

You lean in and lick off whatever hasn’t been shook free. 

He stares for a bit, cheekbones faintly tinted red. Finally he sighed and pulled you into his lap. “you’re lucky you’re cute.”

You grin and kiss his cheekbone. “Aren’t I just.”

UF!Papyrus: You know, for someone reputed (at least by himself) to be one of the sharpest minds of the Underground, Pyrus could be remarkably oblivious. 

You’d finally done it. After almost a year of unending nagging, pleading, and cooking together, you’d gotten him to trust you with full control of his precious kitchen. You were planning on making this something of a special night, getting dressed in a cute outfit and sauntering around cooking like the kitchen gods/goddesses of commercials. You were hoping that this might get one of the rare breaks in your boyfriend’s formal front to show.

And he was doing the stars-damned paperwork!

“Dessert will be ready soon!” You said, hoping to draw his eyes up. 

“OKAY” he said distractedly, eyes buried in his work. 

“I made apple pie. Your favorite.”

“THAT’S NICE.” He says, not even glancing up.

You sigh as you start putting on the whipped cream. You’re not a particular needy person about affection, generally. Its pretty much a requirement for dating Pyrus. But even your meter had been feeling a little low lately. The problem was initiating it though. Edge was usually a little repelled by obvious attempts at cuddles. He preferred to be led into it a little more naturally. Unfortunately, it seems like subtle isn’t exactly cutting it right now. 

The idea comes to you as you’re walking over to deliver the pie, and you smile uncontrollably. You pass the plate dangerously close to his cheekbone before setting it down on the table in front of him “Here~”

Finally, finally  he looks you in the eyes. ‘THANK YOU.” 

“No problem. Oh, whoops.”  you put a hand to the side of his face, just under the glob. “Got a bit of whipped cream on your cheekbone.” His hand moves to wipe it off, but your mouth got there first, and you kissed it off. “Got it.”

He turns bright red. Its as you walk away that he notices what you’re wearing and chases after you to give you the affection you’ve been looking for. 

US!Sans: “I think we’ve covered this sundae.” You say, backing away.

“NONSENSE, WE DON’T HAVE NEARLY ENOUGH!” Sans took the can from your hand and kept squirted higher and higher mounds.

You smile and shake your head, throwing more and more sprinkles on. “Your brother’s gonna kill us for using this much of his sweets stash.” 

There was a mischievious glint in his blue eyes as he grinned. “PAPY DOESN’T HAVE TO KNOW EVERYTHING. BESIDES,” he giggled and dabbed some topping on your nose. “THE MAGNIFICENT SANS ONLY MAKES THE BEST SUNDAES”

You blush faintly and laugh. As you keep working you can’t really tear your eyes off of him. His mischievious side is something Sans has only recently started showing to you, and you can’t help but be entranced by it. This short little bundle of joy, normally so responsible and so concerned with following the rules, has a pranking streak to rival his brother’s and a grin that nears a smirk. Its thrilling, in a way, and throw you off blanace in the best way possible.

Yet it also has you feeling uncharateristically.shy around him. You’ve been dating for a few months, but this side him feels….oddly out of your league. Like you’re not quite fast enough on your mental feet for him. You’re oddly blushy and praying he doesn’t notice. Still, you need to do something to take back a little control. Fortunately, he’s justgiven you the perfect idea. 

You manage to flick some whipped cream onto his cheek, and as he’s turning to ask why you lean over and suck it off.

He grins. “DATEMATE, IF YOU WANTED A KISS, YOU COULD’VE JUST ASKED.” He kisses you sweetly on the mouth and gets back to work.

So much for getting control of the blush.

US!Papyrus: “Spider pie should really not be this good to me.”

“heh, don’t let Muffet here you saying that.” Pap took a swig from his honey bottle. “but yeah, she’s the best.”

“Seriously, this is a little unnerving.” You soaked another bite in melting whipped ream and ate it. “Maybe I’ve just had a secret taste for spider carcasses this entire time.”

He grinned. “can I pick a date spot or can i?”

You duck into your food to hide your oncoming blush. You had almost forgotten this was a date. Officialy. Of course, the two of you had been seeing each other for months now, with some definite chemistry underneath, but this was teh first time he had proposed hanging out by saying “wanna go out on a date?” Nothing external had really been different, but somehow that rhetoric shift had completely thrown you off. 

And you wanted to do something, something that set this apart, showed him you were ready for this relationship to mean more than two friends with some kind of  undefined slow burn between you. Finally, something occurred to you. “Here, try a bit of this.”

He shook his head. “Nah, pie’s not really my thing.”

“Come on.” You shove the bite on your fork against his teeth, the whipped cream squishing out around it. 

He rolled his eyes and opened his mouth to accept the food. He swallowed it and shrugged. “its aight.”

You leaned in and licked off the whipped cream.

He looked surprised when you pulled back and you looked to the side, blushing. “Uh….had some on your…

“come here for a sec”

You turn your face slightly and his teeth crash against you, pulling you into a deep kiss. You’re startled, but relax into it, enjoying the moment.

Finally, he breaks off, smirking faintly. “i was right.”

You raise an eyebrow. “About what?”

He grinned. “it does taste better in your mouth.”

You blush and shove his shoulder. 

SF!Sans: “YOU CANNOT BE DOING THAT RIGHT.” 

You sighed. “Look, I’m following the recipe to the letter, okay?”

Sans looked unconvinced. “IF I KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT COOKING, WHICH I DO, SOMETHING SHOULD DEFINITELY BE ON FIRE.”

“Well, maybe this pie is different.” You say, handing him two slices. “Make yourself useful and put some topping on this.”

“I’M ALWAYS USEFUL.” Still, he started applying some. 

You can’t help but grin at his intense focus. It didn’t matter what it was, Sans always gave his 110% to it. He seemed to be trying to spell your names on your separate slices, but kept having to start over beause he made the letters too big. He was getting frustrated, but it was kind of cute. 

You felt an overwhelming urge to kiss him, but Sans didn’t really like you initiating PDA. Technically this was the house, but Papyrus was still around. You would need a good cover story. Fortunately, opportunity presented itself momentarily.

“THIS CAN’S OUT.” He said. 

“Hang on, I’ll get another one. “ You pulled out a new can and brought it to him, your finger pressing on the top a split second before he grabbed it. He shrieked slightly in annoyance.

“Oh, sorry, sweetie, my finger slipped.” You set the can aside and kissed it off. “There.”

His cheekbones flushed and glared at you for a minute. Just as you’re about to chalk it up as a failure and turn aside he suddenly shoves some whipped cream in your face. 

“MY FINGER SLIPPED. I HAVE TO CLEAN YOU OFF WITH MY MOUTH NOW.”

SF!Papyrus: A hand on your collar dragged you away from the table. “hands off.”

“I’m telling you, you’ll love it.” You say, brandishing the whipped cream can.

“i gotta tie you down?” Papyrus tossed you on the couch before returning to his food.

“But its good on pancakes!”

“certain things are sacred, kid. don’t mess with a perfectly good plate of pancakes.”

You roll your eyes, waiting a few minutes before attempting to sneak up on him, slowly reaching your hand around his head, poised to squirt-

His hand catches your wrist and he tugs you into his laps, using one arm to pin your arms to your sides He chuckled and leaned by your ear. “sorry about the confinement, but its the one way i know you’ll behave.” He then resumed eating one-handed.

You huff impatiently, but you’re blushing. You and Papyrus hadn’t been dating that long, you still weren’t really used to him touching you like this. Not to say that you were complaining. In fact, you wanted more, but you weren’t quite bold enough to take it for yourself. At least, not just by kissing him. Blushing furiously, you pressed down on the can top, shooting whipped cream up into his face.

He paused, then sighed, deeply, wiping at his face “seriously, wha-”

You lean over abruptly and kiss off some small globs. When you leaned back he was frozen in place. 

“Uh….I’m gonna get some water. “ You jumped off his lap and move to run out when the hand still on your wrist tightens. You feel yourself being tugged back again and his arms wrap around  you.  One hand tilts your chin up toward his face and he smiles.

“on second thought maybe i will have a taste of that…”

[mccullytech]

Make Experience Your Business

I’m about to tell you something that won’t shock you: We’re smack in the middle of a major disruption. You know it, because it impacts you every day. Digital is changing everything about business, and that probably includes your job, too. Marketing isn’t about brand awareness anymore — it’s about something higher, a brand purpose that creates a deep connection between a company and its customers. Instead of telling our customers what we think they want, they now tell us exactly what they want, and how, when, and where they want it. The challenge for everyone, from marketers to data scientists, architects, and CEOs, is to figure out how to close the gap between people and the things they want to do and experience, and to make customers feel a little special along the way.

This is the heart of what we call Experience Business. And since the current shift in what it means to interact with customers is pretty massive, I want to tell you about where we, at Adobe, think customer experiences are headed, show you some companies that are leading the way, and talk about tools that will help you fuel your own digital transformation. It might seem overwhelming, but it’s also the biggest and most exciting transformation I’ve ever seen.

What do customers want?

Think about all of us just a decade ago. As consumers, we had some pretty basic needs. We needed food. Today, we need pre-measured, pre-chopped, farm-to-table, non-GMO ingredients delivered fresh to our doors with step-by-step instructions for preparing a nutritious meal. We used to need clothing. Now, we need a personal shopper to create our ideal wardrobe and deliver it to our doorstep, with the option to return it if we don’t love it. We used to need shelter. Now we want a last-minute deal on a four-star hotel close to downtown with a pool.

As consumers, we’ve become quite demanding. And the theme that ties this all together isn’t the things we want, it’s the experiences we demand — the sum total of all of a customer’s interactions with a brand, from awareness to purchase to consumption, are now critical. And the experiences that leading brands are building today don’t just maximize the time consumers spend engaging with the brand, they make the process all about each individual consumer, so at each touch point, consumers feel uniquely understood and important. To do this right, brands need a holistic understanding of their customers, so they can wow them at every single interaction. This is where we’re all competing for the foreseeable future.

Research shows that it pays to focus on experience:

By the year 2020 customer experience will overtake price and product as the key brand differentiator.

Gartner predicts that by 2018, more than 50 percent of organizations will redirect their investments to customer experience innovations.

Accenture found that 89 percent of customers get frustrated because they need to repeat their issues to multiple representatives.

Eighty-seven percent of customers think brands need to put more effort into providing a consistent experience, Kampyle claims.

According to PricewaterhouseCoopers, by 2020 the demand for an omni-channel customer experience will be amplified by the need for near perfect execution.

So what, exactly, makes an Experience Business?

To figure out how to become an Experience Business, first you have to consider what an amazing experience looks and feels like for a customer. At Adobe, we’ve honed in on what customers expect: They want brands to know and respect them, and predict and deliver what they want before they ask for it, all while respecting privacy. They expect brands to speak in one voice, no matter what the point of contact is. They demand transparent technology so they can set the terms of a transaction. And they hope to be delighted at every turn — and the thing that wowed them yesterday is disappointing today, so brands must constantly elevate.

Who’s ahead of the pack, and getting it right?

These desires probably ring true to you — after all, they’re likely what you want, too, when you’re the consumer. But who’s really nailing it, and how have they taken these tenets and turned them into a relevant, delightful experience for their customers? Let me share a few of my favorite examples.

The automotive industry. There is a ton of disruption in the automotive industry right now, from ride sharing to autonomous cars and phone connectivity. Pretty soon, driving will be the least interesting thing you can do with your car! As the car becomes the ultimate experience pod, Mercedes is leading the pack. They’re an iconic brand known for their engineering and design, but they’re also focused on the experience they can wrap around that steel and leather. They’re building an ecosystem of connectivity with infotainment, big data, and machine learning to deliver a more connected, personalized experience — it’s all about getting to know and respect each driver. And they’re investing in autonomous vehicles. In the future, autonomous driving assistants will handle up to 80 percent of the driving tasks for us, creating an amazing experience that keeps getting better.

The retail industry. We’ve started to move from comparison shopping and easy ordering to same-day delivery, and even instant 3D printing. As consumers get used to these conveniences, retailers can’t compete with just quality and efficiency alone anymore. Now it’s not only about the product; it’s about selling an experience. A case study I love here is Domino’s Pizza. It used to be that a phone call that brought you pizza was amazing, but that excitement has worn off. Now you can order through the Domino’s app, keep tabs on exactly when your pizza went in the oven, track its route to your house, and even send little messages to the team making your pizza (“You’re awesome — thanks for the extra cheese!”). Domino’s sees 60 percent of its total orders via the app or website. And they’re not done disrupting yet. They now have 12 ways to place an order, including Amazon Alexa and Google Home, Facebook Messenger, a smart watch, Ford SYNC, or even just texting or tweeting them a pizza emoji.

The financial services industry: With all of these transformations in mind and as financial conversations have moved out of physical meeting rooms and into digital and social channels, UBS has changed how they deliver experiences. Whether customers view a banner ad, engage with the brand on a social channel, or sit down with a client advisor, UBS leverages an internally synced organization and customer-intelligence platform to deliver the right experience during every step of the customer journey, not matter how non-linear it is. The result is a seamless experience that meets consumers’ financial need for relevant and informative content wherever and whenever they choose to engage.

What’s the recipe for a great experience business?

When you consider the businesses that are mastering the customer experience, you may be wondering where a digital transformation starts, and how to follow it through to something that amazes your customers. Based on our research and partnerships with some masterful Experience Businesses, here’s the recipe that we know works:

Start with context. It’s something humans do naturally — I’ll have a different conversation with you in a boardroom than I will at a block party. You and I haven’t changed, but the context is dramatically different. For customer experiences, technology can help you develop context at scale.

Design for speed and scale. Context is the cue, but then you must deliver the right experience fast, and not just to one person, but to a million people, worldwide. We call this content velocity, and to get there, you need to engineer for speed and scale.

Milliseconds are the measure. Relationships aren’t about single interactions — they’re about a series of interactions, based on decisions people make in just milliseconds, often across multiple devices, channels, and departments. If you’re the customer, it seems like this should be simple and easy, but managing these chains of decisions and preferences is a massive task from the enterprise side, especially when you’re bound to legacy systems that weren’t designed with milliseconds in mind. You have to find solutions that master the milliseconds so customers can enjoy the journey.

Integrate to innovate. This is an all-hands-on-deck situation — customer relationships don’t just belong to marketing anymore. Technology is the secret to tearing down walls between departments, and unifying data and workflows to unleash innovation across your enterprise.

How do you put together all the pieces to build an Experience Business?

The deeper we went into researching these questions about building an Experience Business, the more we realized that fractured and disparate technology is a giant stumbling block for businesses. That’s what motivated us to develop Adobe Experience Cloud. It brings together all of Adobe’s capabilities across all of our clouds, to give businesses all the power they need to create the customer experiences we all want. Experience Cloud is the first purpose-built system for the Experience Business. And we’re all in — in the last year, we’ve tackled over one hundred trillion digital touch points, including all the myriad ways that customers interact with your brand.

Adobe Experience Cloud is your enterprise destination for everything about being an Experience Business, all unified through a common login and single sign on. Our powerful core services provide access to shared consumer profiles, centralized assets, and all of the tools you need to design, deliver, orchestrate, and optimize customer experiences. Here’s what comes together through the Experience Cloud:

The Adobe Analytics Cloud. This is the brains of the operation. The Analytics Cloud lets you bring context to offline and digital data so you can know your customers as people. It helps you build loyal relationships with customers you know, and learn more about the folks you’ve just met. And meaningful measurement and precision audience creation let you put real-time insights into action.

The Adobe Advertising Cloud. This is how we make it simple to deliver video, display, search, social, and television advertising across any screen and format. It’s the world’s largest independent cross-channel ad platform, so you can identify and engage customers with consistent and relevant advertising, and integrate all of your media planning and buying.

The Adobe Marketing Cloud. This is the foundation. You can personalize the experiences that make customers want to visit, download, engage, and keep coming back because they always find exactly what they’re looking for.

The Adobe Creative Cloud and Document Cloud. This is where great content is made. You have to power great experiences with great content, and be able to manage workflows digitally, so we’ve integrated everything in Experience Cloud with the world’s best and most comprehensive creative and document applications and services. You can go quickly and fluidly from idea, to creation, to execution.

All of this starts with, and is built upon, the Adobe Cloud Platform so that you can centralize and standardize customer data and content from any source — and that means that you can create powerfully cohesive, actionable insights and profiles. This is our biggest product investment this year, because it’s the Cloud Platform that lets you integrate your tech and bring together disparate data so you can get to Experience Business faster and easier. We want you to be able to do better what you do now, and do new, exciting, unforeseen things that will delight your customers at every turn.

Seize the disruption.

Making experience your business is a big commitment, and it won’t happen overnight. But we’re here as you start your journey, or take the next step. We’re committed to helping our customers build amazing customer experiences because this is a moment worth seizing. We think the companies that embrace experiences are the ones that will succeed, and we know they’re the ones who’ll innovate what we haven’t even imagined yet. We just can’t wait to help you build what’s next.

Hear more stories from top brands who know the power of putting great customer experiences first in their organizations.

The post Make Experience Your Business appeared first on Digital Marketing Blog by Adobe.

from Digital Marketing Blog by Adobe https://blogs.adobe.com/digitalmarketing/customer-experience/make-experience-business/

[euro3plast-fr]

Make Experience Your Business

I’m about to tell you something that won’t shock you: We’re smack in the middle of a major disruption. You know it, because it impacts you every day. Digital is changing everything about business, and that probably includes your job, too. Marketing isn’t about brand awareness anymore — it’s about something higher, a brand purpose that creates a deep connection between a company and its customers. Instead of telling our customers what we think they want, they now tell us exactly what they want, and how, when, and where they want it. The challenge for everyone, from marketers to data scientists, architects, and CEOs, is to figure out how to close the gap between people and the things they want to do and experience, and to make customers feel a little special along the way.

This is the heart of what we call Experience Business. And since the current shift in what it means to interact with customers is pretty massive, I want to tell you about where we, at Adobe, think customer experiences are headed, show you some companies that are leading the way, and talk about tools that will help you fuel your own digital transformation. It might seem overwhelming, but it’s also the biggest and most exciting transformation I’ve ever seen.

What do customers want?

Think about all of us just a decade ago. As consumers, we had some pretty basic needs. We needed food. Today, we need pre-measured, pre-chopped, farm-to-table, non-GMO ingredients delivered fresh to our doors with step-by-step instructions for preparing a nutritious meal. We used to need clothing. Now, we need a personal shopper to create our ideal wardrobe and deliver it to our doorstep, with the option to return it if we don’t love it. We used to need shelter. Now we want a last-minute deal on a four-star hotel close to downtown with a pool.

As consumers, we’ve become quite demanding. And the theme that ties this all together isn’t the things we want, it’s the experiences we demand — the sum total of all of a customer’s interactions with a brand, from awareness to purchase to consumption, are now critical. And the experiences that leading brands are building today don’t just maximize the time consumers spend engaging with the brand, they make the process all about each individual consumer, so at each touch point, consumers feel uniquely understood and important. To do this right, brands need a holistic understanding of their customers, so they can wow them at every single interaction. This is where we’re all competing for the foreseeable future.

Research shows that it pays to focus on experience:

By the year 2020 customer experience will overtake price and product as the key brand differentiator.

Gartner predicts that by 2018, more than 50 percent of organizations will redirect their investments to customer experience innovations.

Accenture found that 89 percent of customers get frustrated because they need to repeat their issues to multiple representatives.

Eighty-seven percent of customers think brands need to put more effort into providing a consistent experience, Kampyle claims.

According to PricewaterhouseCoopers, by 2020 the demand for an omni-channel customer experience will be amplified by the need for near perfect execution.

So what, exactly, makes an Experience Business?

To figure out how to become an Experience Business, first you have to consider what an amazing experience looks and feels like for a customer. At Adobe, we’ve honed in on what customers expect: They want brands to know and respect them, and predict and deliver what they want before they ask for it, all while respecting privacy. They expect brands to speak in one voice, no matter what the point of contact is. They demand transparent technology so they can set the terms of a transaction. And they hope to be delighted at every turn — and the thing that wowed them yesterday is disappointing today, so brands must constantly elevate.

Who’s ahead of the pack, and getting it right?

These desires probably ring true to you — after all, they’re likely what you want, too, when you’re the consumer. But who’s really nailing it, and how have they taken these tenets and turned them into a relevant, delightful experience for their customers? Let me share a few of my favorite examples.

The automotive industry. There is a ton of disruption in the automotive industry right now, from ride sharing to autonomous cars and phone connectivity. Pretty soon, driving will be the least interesting thing you can do with your car! As the car becomes the ultimate experience pod, Mercedes is leading the pack. They’re an iconic brand known for their engineering and design, but they’re also focused on the experience they can wrap around that steel and leather. They’re building an ecosystem of connectivity with infotainment, big data, and machine learning to deliver a more connected, personalized experience — it’s all about getting to know and respect each driver. And they’re investing in autonomous vehicles. In the future, autonomous driving assistants will handle up to 80 percent of the driving tasks for us, creating an amazing experience that keeps getting better.

The retail industry. We’ve started to move from comparison shopping and easy ordering to same-day delivery, and even instant 3D printing. As consumers get used to these conveniences, retailers can’t compete with just quality and efficiency alone anymore. Now it’s not only about the product; it’s about selling an experience. A case study I love here is Domino’s Pizza. It used to be that a phone call that brought you pizza was amazing, but that excitement has worn off. Now you can order through the Domino’s app, keep tabs on exactly when your pizza went in the oven, track its route to your house, and even send little messages to the team making your pizza (“You’re awesome — thanks for the extra cheese!”). Domino’s sees 60 percent of its total orders via the app or website. And they’re not done disrupting yet. They now have 12 ways to place an order, including Amazon Alexa and Google Home, Facebook Messenger, a smart watch, Ford SYNC, or even just texting or tweeting them a pizza emoji.

The financial services industry: With all of these transformations in mind and as financial conversations have moved out of physical meeting rooms and into digital and social channels, UBS has changed how they deliver experiences. Whether customers view a banner ad, engage with the brand on a social channel, or sit down with a client advisor, UBS leverages an internally synced organization and customer-intelligence platform to deliver the right experience during every step of the customer journey, not matter how non-linear it is. The result is a seamless experience that meets consumers’ financial need for relevant and informative content wherever and whenever they choose to engage.

What’s the recipe for a great experience business?

When you consider the businesses that are mastering the customer experience, you may be wondering where a digital transformation starts, and how to follow it through to something that amazes your customers. Based on our research and partnerships with some masterful Experience Businesses, here’s the recipe that we know works:

Start with context. It’s something humans do naturally — I’ll have a different conversation with you in a boardroom than I will at a block party. You and I haven’t changed, but the context is dramatically different. For customer experiences, technology can help you develop context at scale.

Design for speed and scale. Context is the cue, but then you must deliver the right experience fast, and not just to one person, but to a million people, worldwide. We call this content velocity, and to get there, you need to engineer for speed and scale.

Milliseconds are the measure. Relationships aren’t about single interactions — they’re about a series of interactions, based on decisions people make in just milliseconds, often across multiple devices, channels, and departments. If you’re the customer, it seems like this should be simple and easy, but managing these chains of decisions and preferences is a massive task from the enterprise side, especially when you’re bound to legacy systems that weren’t designed with milliseconds in mind. You have to find solutions that master the milliseconds so customers can enjoy the journey.

Integrate to innovate. This is an all-hands-on-deck situation — customer relationships don’t just belong to marketing anymore. Technology is the secret to tearing down walls between departments, and unifying data and workflows to unleash innovation across your enterprise.

How do you put together all the pieces to build an Experience Business?

The deeper we went into researching these questions about building an Experience Business, the more we realized that fractured and disparate technology is a giant stumbling block for businesses. That’s what motivated us to develop Adobe Experience Cloud. It brings together all of Adobe’s capabilities across all of our clouds, to give businesses all the power they need to create the customer experiences we all want. Experience Cloud is the first purpose-built system for the Experience Business. And we’re all in — in the last year, we’ve tackled over one hundred trillion digital touch points, including all the myriad ways that customers interact with your brand.

Adobe Experience Cloud is your enterprise destination for everything about being an Experience Business, all unified through a common login and single sign on. Our powerful core services provide access to shared consumer profiles, centralized assets, and all of the tools you need to design, deliver, orchestrate, and optimize customer experiences. Here’s what comes together through the Experience Cloud:

The Adobe Analytics Cloud. This is the brains of the operation. The Analytics Cloud lets you bring context to offline and digital data so you can know your customers as people. It helps you build loyal relationships with customers you know, and learn more about the folks you’ve just met. And meaningful measurement and precision audience creation let you put real-time insights into action.

The Adobe Advertising Cloud. This is how we make it simple to deliver video, display, search, social, and television advertising across any screen and format. It’s the world’s largest independent cross-channel ad platform, so you can identify and engage customers with consistent and relevant advertising, and integrate all of your media planning and buying.

The Adobe Marketing Cloud. This is the foundation. You can personalize the experiences that make customers want to visit, download, engage, and keep coming back because they always find exactly what they’re looking for.

The Adobe Creative Cloud and Document Cloud. This is where great content is made. You have to power great experiences with great content, and be able to manage workflows digitally, so we’ve integrated everything in Experience Cloud with the world’s best and most comprehensive creative and document applications and services. You can go quickly and fluidly from idea, to creation, to execution.

All of this starts with, and is built upon, the Adobe Cloud Platform so that you can centralize and standardize customer data and content from any source — and that means that you can create powerfully cohesive, actionable insights and profiles. This is our biggest product investment this year, because it’s the Cloud Platform that lets you integrate your tech and bring together disparate data so you can get to Experience Business faster and easier. We want you to be able to do better what you do now, and do new, exciting, unforeseen things that will delight your customers at every turn.

Seize the disruption.

Making experience your business is a big commitment, and it won’t happen overnight. But we’re here as you start your journey, or take the next step. We’re committed to helping our customers build amazing customer experiences because this is a moment worth seizing. We think the companies that embrace experiences are the ones that will succeed, and we know they’re the ones who’ll innovate what we haven’t even imagined yet. We just can’t wait to help you build what’s next.

Hear more stories from top brands who know the power of putting great customer experiences first in their organizations.

The post Make Experience Your Business appeared first on Digital Marketing Blog by Adobe.

from Digital Marketing Blog by Adobe https://blogs.adobe.com/digitalmarketing/customer-experience/make-experience-business/