florxdexcerezos

[florxdexcerezos]

As Ben's words turned serious, so did Maly. She listened carefully, but found herself only wanting to stay longer. Closer. She did not want to return to her quarters - to go back to her mundane life and broken systems. "Ben~" She sighed softly, looking away for a brief moment. "What if I don't want to go?" She whispered, soft angelic eyes focused on the man towering in front of her. "I want to stay with you."

"Don't call me Sir please," Ben whispered towering near her but in almost a whisper. He felt weak on the knees when Maly was near--he would blame it on the pain in his arm but it was all because of those brown eyes full of life. "You should call me Kylo when we are alone. Or--- or Ben." No one except for Padme would be allowed to call him that but Maly was special--too special for both of their sakes.

Her lack of understanding of how little workers mattered for the likes of Hux wasn't really surprising and he didnt want to hurt her feelings. "They managed to bomb a peace summit. There is absolutely no doubt that they could discreetly dispose of you I'm afraid," he breathed out, his calm unreadable face tensing for a moment. His non-injured hand reached to her shoulder against his better judgement. "As... As lovely as this is. As lovely as you are I'm--This isn't safe for you. I'm not safe for you. I can't keep you safe at all times. I'm poison," he breathed out hating himself--he always hated himself but more so even now when he wanted nothing more than to kiss her and hold her against his chest and he was going to do the exact opposite, just to keep her safe.

"You should probably leave Maly," he whispered, unable to move away from her.

[florxdexcerezos]

"I feel so honoured., baby" She cooed excitedly, clutching onto the envelope tightly. "I'm sure you had somethin' to do with it." Even if he did, it would only make her love him more.

Once she was lifted onto the counter, she put the envelope down her shirt so she could place her arms onto Chase. "Hmm-" She paused to compose her great vision. "Gosh, American buttercream would be so timeless. But I think Italian Meringue, what I use for the bakery, it'd be better. If only because if they have it outside, or somewhere hot, it won't melt on me. God, I'd make it the prettiest gradient of blue and pink. I'd clear appropriate flavours with them first, but I want to make them a set of their own cupcakes to go alongside it. I know Maly likes Mango, and I could make a bunch of those, but I need Jae to confirm his flavour otherwise he'll obviously perish." He was skinny, but not that skinny, he'd live.

"And of course I'll make some cupcakes for you, so you don't get too jealous, hmm?"

He knew that she would react this way. Smiling, he took her chin in one hand and kissed her softly before handing over the envelope. "They know you will or else they wouldn't have trusted you with this."

Then his hands glided down her sides, pulling her so she was sitting on the counter now. Him standing between her legs. "What flavor will you make it? And will you use the buttercream you used for my birthday cake or that really addictive one you use at the bakery?"

[florxdexcerezos]

Nikki had spent all week preparing for her exhibition. Collecting her favourite unsold artworks, arranging the layout, the theme she wanted for each room. It was her favourite thing about it all. On each night, she could stand in the middle of the room with a glass of champagne, and observe peoples' reactions to her paintings. All the time she poured into them.

While she spent plenty of time in her corners, she did flitter around the room to connect with other artists, or sellers, or people in the network who were good to get to know. She had been finishing up one of these conversations when someone had bumped into her - "ohp!" She got knocked a step out of place, a hand reaching out to steady herself.

"Oh-" She was ready to respond, turning to face the man who dared knock the starling from her perch. "No worries, love." Nikki shook her head, caramel curls bouncing. "You're a little far from home, no?"

It was one of those nights were Ronan was beginning to regret moving to New York. That he should have listened to his father and just had moved to Dublin instead if he wanted a change of scenery. Or even over to Edinburgh.

But to him Greenwich Village was the place to be. New York was where the art scene was. It was where he needed to be in order to meet other creatives in the art space and hopefully be recognized. He didn't even want to be rich, he just wanted to be remembered. For his time on this spinning rock to have meant something!

For the first couple of weeks it was hard, until he found a part time job doing from secretarial work at a detective agency. It helped him keep afloat while he figured shite out and thankfully freed up his nights to visit galleries and art galas.

Where he had found himself with a yet another vapid art student, for some reason it was just his luck. As she made an excuse to use the restroom, he felt himself untense and turned around to look at another piece, he found himself bumping into someone. "Oh, sorry." True to his roots, he had yet to master saying excuse me instead of sorry. "Sorry for being in your way."

@florxdexcerezos

[florxdexcerezos]

"No fucking way-" Meeka knew what envelopes meant. They were either invitations to places with delicious food, or presents. Even the idea of what it could be had Meeka climbing over surfaces to get to Chase, and up in his space to sniff the envelopes as if it would tell her its secrets. Feral. "Oh my god, yes. yes! Gib! I need to create the best cake New York City has ever seen!" She gestured to grab at the invitation in his hands wildly. "I'm gonna make it beautiful! And delicious! It will speak the gospel of Heavenly Made!"

"Guess what I have here," Chase smirked waving the envelope in front of his girlfriend. Though he couldn't contain his excitement and decided to just be out with it. "Jae and Maly are having a gender reveal get together and not only are we invited." He held out a separate envelope and placed it on the counter before handing her the initial one he showed her. "They want you to do the cake. Results are in the envelop but they do not know what the baby is yet. Whatya say ? Up for the task? You know you can't let me know either, I'd spoil it. "

@florxdexcerezos

[florxdexcerezos]

ALAN RITCHSON as Jack Reacher Reacher (2022) Season 2 Episode 2: "What Happens in Atlantic City"

[florxdexcerezos]

"I know, but I think it's disrespectful to get wasted while you're sober." Mal was raised with manners, don't you know. It was why she was every parent's favourite. At the suggestion of the jacuzzi, Maly set her phone down and leaned forward to rest her arms on the balcony ledge. The racerback shirt cut off the Polish eagle tattoo that sat prettily on her left shoulder. Hopefully Ben didn't think about the tattoo that covered Maly's thigh. "Maybe after the city tour? Probably need to relax our feet from all that walking." "Because people are lazy, and they think the rules don't apply to them. You see videos of it all the time on the internet. I refuse to be that sort of person." God forbid she make a scene over something so small.

"I bet the same people who got kicked out of the restaurant yesterday will try to come back again tonight."

"You are not buying me clothes Im not 12," he said, sounding like a 12 year old. They had been together all the time--well most of it. He had watched her play volleyball and he had done a couple of basket games with some of the springbreakers (kicking their asses, it was nice) but other than that they've been together all the time. Big Ben had asked if they were finally together when he mentioned the holidays and he hsd also said it was a pretty romantic place--that helpless romantic ass, no wonder he had hooked Padme all those years ago.

"You know you can drink in front of me right? I won't fall off the wagon, I promise," he added sounding far more serious than he wanted to be here. "We should go to that cool jacuzzi someday," he commented looking down to where the pools--and the jacuzzi were. Hopefully he'd be able to hide the boner with the bubbles.

"Snorkel, got it,". It was a little disappointing. He wanted to visit the city snd take pictures but seeing cute fish was probably also nice--maybe they had some sunk ruins. He would even take fake sunk ruins at this point. "Well i think theyre used to to tourists soaking wet everywhere, though i do like that all the restaurants in the hotel have to clarify that men need ti have their shirts on and at least flip flops. Honestly why are people so rude."

[florxdexcerezos]

She knew Tomas better than that. "It's alright, we can always put his picture on a dartboard. Hell, we can practice drawing it first before we throw darts at it. We'd look really cultured while we sip on some agua fresca, mango and honeydew of course. Or I can make some Brazilian Lemonade and you can run through some of your lines with me. So you can show me all the range."

@florxdexcerezos inceptioned me into this

"I appreciate the moral support, I really do but I'm fine," defintely not fine. "I'm gonna get the next lead. I just lost it to this asshole again but hey, I get to play the cool artistic and closeted baby brother so i guess that's somrthing? It shows range. Unlike that ass."

[florxdexcerezos]

"Then perhaps once we are back home, I'll take you shopping and treat you." She chuckled, slipping her bookmark back into place and closing it entirely.

"I mean maybe, we've hardly been apart from each other." Maybe when she went to go play volleyball on the beach or to the gym. "When I go up to the bar for our drinks though, the bartender's usually trying to give me one that someone else has sent for me, and it's usually something fruity with plenty of alcohol in it." That she was abstaining from while with Ben out of respect. "it is, let me see." She reached for her phone beside her and pulled up her itinerary. "Snorkelling, and the city tour the day after. I didn't want to book the days up too much. We should probably take dry clothes to change into once we get back from the snorkelling. I don't think we'll make a good impression if we wonder around soaking wet for an hour before we bake under the sun."

"Oh I get it now," Ben nodded hearing her whole speech on sports clothes and imagining her in hers. Maybe that alone would be motivation enough to join a gym again: to see her in those outfits.

"I can't afford the fancy stores, i've spent ny savings on this trip. Totally worth it though," he added with a smile. The amount of pictures and moments he had with her and how her hands felt over his skin when she forced him (yeah right) to get sunscreen on were going ti be fabtasy material for years to come. He did feel bad about it though, like an inc.el creep (almost) having ulterior motives for their friendship.

He was also extremely proud of himself that no matter how many times the pool bar people offered him beers and booze in many shapes and forms he said no each and every time. It was a huge temotation and probanly not the brughtest idea to come here, but whenever he thought of faltering all he had to do was lok at her from a distance and remember what was at stake.

"I can't believe I"m not fighting off more dudes off you honestly. They're blind. Maybe they think we are together?" He asked casually looking away from her and to the sea--there had been one tiny minor incident with one spring breaker but that hardly counted. "This place is beautiful isn't it?" Not as beautiful as she was though. "What are we doing tomorrow again? Is it snorkeling or the city tour?"

[florxdexcerezos]

Test again bc ima silly

[florxdexcerezos]

"Compression shirts are like what the athletes or like the gymbros wear. It's meant to keep you warm and help you avoid muscle soreness. But it doubles up as a way to show athleticism and to show off your body...It's like what I wear to go do my cycling in the gym." Matching fitted sets from Lululemon that hugged her body perfectly, and her silly Spainish flag lace clips on her shoes. if she had ulterior motives, they didn't show in her sweet expression.

"I think you need to aim higher than the dollar store." She chuckled. "You don't have to buy anything, but I think you should at least try things on in the sports stores. Like, under armour, adidas, those sorts of places. And sure, if you want me to try things on, that'll be fine as well. Maybe I can always find someone in the gym."

Though, she didn't want anyone else. She wanted him. But he'd never see her that way.

"A size kink, wow, I had never heard of that one before," Ben admitted a little surprised. He was sure Maly meant because of his height and not the size of his... feet. Not that she'd know the size of his feet, they were all tease and friendship and no feet sizing. He was pretty sure she had absolutely no interest in him that way and she had seen him at his absolute worst so why would she? He was barely tolerable sober now, and drunk he had been less than stellar.

"Compr--okay you lost me there. You mean like a tight t-shirt? I don't think a top is my style really," not that he was a Cobra Kai macho man of any kind but playing dress up never really called his attention. "Like Henleys 2 size too small? That I could do."

"Well next time we have a matching day off we should definitely go to the dollar store and have an afternoon of outfit trying montage, like the 90s movies but you know, in real life. Only if you try on some stuff too, like cargo boots and shorts, you'd kill it with that." Not that he had fantasized about her dressed up in a Misato Katsuragi costume.

[florxdexcerezos]

Alan Ritchson as Jack Reacher for Reacher (2022)

[florxdexcerezos]

A foreign import of beauty and brains, Violeta did not give her chance of being the diamond of the season much consideration. Though she favoured her chances of landing a marriage. With her sister by her side, though, she supposed anything was possible. At the declaration of her success, a demure smile crossed her expression, humble and grateful for the recognition.

It was all so fast that she found herself in front of an eligible bachelor decided by the queen. Tall, chiselled with sharp features so elegantly crafted, he was a fine picture of a man. Lady Kenobi had pointed him out to her previously, Viscount Bridgerton, he would be a fine catch.

"Of course, the pleasure would be all mine." She placed her gloved hand in his delicately. "Thank you, Your Majesty." Bowing her head, she returned her gaze to Adam only when the Queen's attention was drawn elsewhere. "Shall we, Viscount?" Her eyes twinkled under the light of the crystal chandeliers, dark as the night only highlighted by the dainty blush colour of her dress.

Adam made a retort about how she thought his smile was pleasing but it reached absolute nowhere since she stormed off and back into the Ball. It made sense, this was hardly proper or becoming of either of them--whomever she was, she was of class and was not meant to be unchaperoned with anyone, let alone speaking so freely.

He did not see her anymore during that evening and made it back home--skipped going back to his lodgings or someone else's bed, he had bigger matters to discuss and a long list of potential wives to strike down. There was simply none worthy of the viscountess title and he would have only the best. Hopefully the Queen would name her diamond during the next ball and he'd have his wife. Almost no one could compete with his title and family--maybe Benjamin but he was still abroad.

"I worry about you," Violet muttered the next morning, bringing him back from thoughts of the mistery lady and how plum her lips looked when mad. "Oh worry not mother. I will be needing your ring soon enough. I will find the perfect viscountess, it's only proving trickier than expected. Most mamas aren't as thoughtful as you with their daughters," there was an insult in there somewhere but also praise so Violet took it and left to visit her friend Lady Kenobi and discuss the hunt of the season.

~~~

'You've got your diamond brother," Cristobal muttered to Adam, patting his back before the eldest rushed to be front and center. The Queen, meddler as ever introduced him to his future bride. "I am most grateful for the introduction, Your Majesty. I only hope I shall be afforded the pleasure of a dance," he said to Maly with the most charming of tones and smile, extending his right hand to her.

[florxdexcerezos]

Few things thrilled Olivier more than Teddy's reactions to him. His grin widened into something almost blinding before he pushed the door open. "Of course, *bienvenue dans mon château*." He walked back into his apartment, one filled with fine comfortable furniture and shed silk clothes.

"Don't mind the mess, I found my inspiration." He reached his arms above his head and stretched, the muscles on his back contorting beautifully. "What can I do for you, cher? How can I help?"

Teddy was enjoying his time away from home tremendously. He was enjoying Olivier's company most of all and his friends. They were all so... unlike anything he had ever known. He wondered if Cris had this much fun when he travelled. He wasn't sure what exactly had drove him to visit Olivier's place on his own, specially knowing just how badly he had it for the other man. He had no idea what to do, what would be safe but considering the few parties he had been to, well, he thought Meeka's friend was a safe--or as safe as he'll ever be.

And he was tired of playing it safe.

Still, he was still himself and when Olivier opened the door shirtless and with paint all over him, words failed him for more than a few moment. "Ehhhh-hi," he managed in the most stupid of ways. "Uhm, hello. Can I come in?"

[florxdexcerezos]

"Miss Prue, please, allow me to assist. I would not forgive myself if I left and something happened to you or Mr Phillip. I can get into places you can not. Stand down." His voice was gentle and firm, unrelenting. She would not push him away so easily.

Prue was not having a good week and she was tired and exhausted--she was mostly tired of men, all the men in her family and life were tools or idiots or both. She could get things done much effective, she had seen her mother and Lady Kenobi do it with a flick of their wrist or a particular stare and she could master that art too, it wasn't that difficult.

But the boys of her family were all fools, for different reasons. Adam was stuck between a rock and a hard place of his own creation, Cristobal was trying to be Adam, Phillip was... Phillip and Teddy... Teddy reminded her of that tower of a man who thought could tell her what to do. The Audacity of that man her mother had gotten.

In Hampshire's defense, he was very good at getting Teddy out of trouble. He was also very sweet. And handsome. But he drove her a little crazy and that made her mother smile a little and that in turn, drove Prue mad, as if Violet knew something she didn't.

But she was not here dressed with her lady maid's clothes to be thinking about her mother or the boys or Mr. Hampshire. She was here to find proof that that horrible man that had offered Phillip a deal too good to be true was in fact full of lies.

She had snuck into the place where they held fights--Adam would never approve of her being here and was startled by Brett's voice. "What are y--you know what? Please leave, you're going to blow my--Someone is trying to trick Phillip, please leave. I can handle this."

[florxdexcerezos]

Brett wasn't sure what he did, but he was scared. He had heard of the Dowager Viscountess, not anything bad about her, by all accounts she was a lovely lady! But that did not ease his concern that he had been plucked from the fields and brought up to the big house. Before entering, he made sure to clean his hands and his face and use his shirt to dry with.

He followed the butler up to the famed tea room with timid steps. Hyperaware of his height, and broad shoulders, he was careful to duck and turn sideways to fit through the doorways safely. He stood awkwardly in the room, clutching his little summer hat in his fist. "Yes, please, Viscountess." He stepped further into the room daintily, careful not to dirty anything.

@florxdexcerezos the m.ilf to end all mi.lfs

Violet was on a mission. Adam had found his diamond and even though she did not agree with his methods or his choice for wife she had other problems, bigger problems in a way. A spinster daughter with ideas, a son that couldn't find his place, a second son that tried his hardest to be Adam's shadow and the baby of the family who had... other inclinations, closer to her own heart but it was certainly different and more difficult for men, specially a young one like teddy.

Adam could hold the fort in london for a week without her or Prue while she headed back to their home, the one she liked best. Prue could be Prue and she could find a fine man for her--and to look after Teddy from the viper tongues of the ton.

She asked around for candidates: strong, single, good hearted, with a sense of duty and respect for the family. She needed someone she could trust the safety of her children (and hopefully some grandchildren if Prue was inclined).

Finally she saw him--a tower of a man working the fields. He looked not much younger than her older boys, probably the same age as ben (Ben was her boy too, even if Padme had done some of the raising). He looked strong, determined and very, very attractive if she were younger and looking he'd make a fine and fun addition to her bed.

She asked him to go by the house in a few hours to discuss a matter related to his employment and waited for him, the picture of poise at her drawing room, tea and cookies set.

"Mr. Hampshire for you ma'am," the butler announced and she got up. "Thank you for coming. Tea?"

[florxdexcerezos]

@amomentxofhappiness asked for the Alves sisters

"You certainly enjoyed yourself at the modiste." Meeka teased upon exiting the carriage, extending her hand for her younger sister.

A pale hand came out from the carriage to grab Meeka's before out stepped Maly. "Can you blame me? English fashion has its own charm, I was quite fascinated with all the fabrics and colour options they had. Even the materials for the wedding dresses were inspiring."

They linked arms before starting their walk up to the front door. "Most of it is French, sister, though, did you see the way she looked at you when you spoke French? Her eyes were as wide as dinner plates."

"is that why you reminded me to speak English?" Their conversation was softly spoken, as they were brought up to the tea room.

"Aside from being proper manners in good company, yes."

"The dishonesty." "The audacity."

They fell silent as they were brought into the room after being introduced.

"Ladies Mekayla and Violeta Alves."

[florxdexcerezos]

@amomentxofhappiness wanted a bite of this man too

It had been a long day of doing....nothing. He ate, mused, breakfasted. He was a man of leisure. Blessed enough to be able to pursue his wants and not his duties, Olivier took advantage of every moment. Clothes were for the socially confined. His body was one to be looked at, adored, immortalised in the finest oil paints one could buy. People deserved to observe the view so why bother with billowing shirts that bared so little? Pitiful pieces of fabric.

He was in the middle of painting when there was a knock on the door to his apartment. Setting down his palette, he stepped over the sheet and other various supplies before answering. He poked his head around the door and broke into a grin before opening the door wider to reveal his paint splattered chest.

"Hello, Teddy~ Looking for me?"