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[fruitzcake]

“ you’re definitely the first person to give me free rein to ramble on about mark lannigan’s thesis. ” he stared at him, incredulous but fascinated. “ it’s just that it’s absurdly interesting to debate, ‘america after the end of history: hegel & nietzsche’s philosophies of liberal decay in the trump era’, it opens up so many perspectives. of course, a few muppets use it to push some far-right hateful rhetoric, but fuck them, right? ” his eyes devoured callum’s facial features like he was a masterpiece. the bony knuckles of his fingers grazed his cheek before tracing the outline of his nostril. his other hand drifted down his back, gently scratching the skin in a soft caress. “ i know you’re a lazy little lion, love lounging in this bed, but i’ve got the keys to the rooftop, and i brought that wine you like… i can talk about other things. ” he kissed his forehead, his eyebrows, then nipped at his nostril. “ like how gorgeous you are when you smile at me like that. ”

"No don't shut up keep talkin' I love yer voice. I like when ya get all passionate about shit and it makes ya all the more-" divine? Sexy for sure. Callum hummed as he was kissed and his mouth chased for a second one. "I love hearin' those kinda sounds from ya too yeah." he said with a little chuckle as he moved to wrap his arms around the other's mid section nuzzling his face against his chest before pulling back. He was like a big lazy snuggling lion. "Yeah I got all the time in the world for ya."

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eammon could tell from her expression that he’d crossed a line or two, and though it wasn’t intentional, his lips twisted into a lopsided smirk, a rough laugh spilling out between them like a thunderclap. a mix of things had him in good spirits, but her reaction was neck-and-neck with the idiot who’d legged it. it was a fact, few dared to take him on in a fight, which was partly a blessing—it let him channel all that fiery temper into underground fights where he could earn a decent wad for the month.

it wasn’t until they were left alone that he really let himself take her in fully, noticing the tension in her body and the discomfort written all over her face. " anyone with half a brain and a bit of sense would’ve done the same. come on, i might be a giant, but i’d love for some woman to come to my rescue if the female version of that tosser started giving me grief, " he admitted with a chuckle. his eyes followed hers to her twisted fingers. glancing at the drinks on the bar, he apologised to the couple next to him as he dunked his hand into a glass of water, fishing out a few ice cubes. then, he took her hands in his, first rubbing the cubes over the backs before letting her hold them. " this’ll help. "

eammon found her flustered words amusing, thinking she was adorable, like a burst of violet in the dim glow of the place. " i’m here on my own. let’s just say my mates stood me up, and i needed a drink. not that i need you to buy me a round or anything, i think i’d rather just enjoy the company. " he leaned an elbow on the bar, watching her closely before lifting his whiskey and taking a long sip. " so, what brings you here? no offence, but this doesn’t seem like your kind of place... and i reckon you’d be having more fun on the dancefloor than sitting here. girls alone at the bar tend to attract nutters. "

Essie could always feel eyes on her, leering and expectant like this man's were. There was always someone weak who couldn't resist the magnetism she'd inherited from the mother she'd never known. They thought that they were pursuing her. None of them ever realized that they were falling prey to something. The man who wouldn't stop looking or talking to her like she was a piece of meat had no idea that he was falling into a trap, one she desperately wished she didn't set just by existing. She didn't need more confirmation that this had been a bad idea. She didn't need more reason to not do it again. No, she already knew. Resolved to go home, she looked up for the bartender to close out her tab.

She didn't get a chance before another voice cut through the one that was making her skin crawl. Turning towards it on instinct, her eyes widened as they fell on the rather imposing figure addressing her with such familiarity. Essie swallowed hard. No, no, he was worse. Upon first glance, he was just shy of terrifying. Her stomach dropped at the brush of his touch on her neck and the kiss pressed into her hair. The idea of having to fight her way past two of them, especially past this much larger and bolder man, had her pulse jumping in a panic. She was suddenly all too aware of how alone she was, of how small she was, of how much of a fighter she wasn't.

It wasn't until the newcomer barked at the man who'd been harassing her and sent him running with his tail between his legs before actually giving her space that she realized he was...helping her. Even then, it took a few seconds for that to sink in. Essie just gaped up at him instead of answering. "I- yeah," she finally said. "I'm alright. I, um, I'm sorry. You didn't have to do th-" she stopped herself and looked down at her hands again. They were still folded tightly together. Her fingers ached a little. "Thank you. I really appreciate it. Can I, um," she didn't want him to leave. Nobody was going to bother her with him at her side. "Can I get your next round? As a thank you? Unless you- are you actually here with- I'm sorry, you don't have to."

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viktor found himself utterly captivated by lyra's doe-like blue eyes, baffled as to how he’d managed to survive the last two years without seeing her. it was agony being there without being able to touch her; it took all his strength not to raise his hands and trace her face, not to dare wrap his arms around her waist and pull her close, because, god, he had missed her. he had felt, in his very soul, what it was like to be heathcliff, tormented by her, seeing her everywhere like his own private ghost. and even though he knew he’d hurt her, even though he was aware of the pain he’d caused, in his mind, things would be different. she would be different. there would be warmth, and their love would still be there, vivid, frozen in amber, waiting for them to live it as it was meant to be. “ i... i wanted to do it right this time. ” she had stayed, and the friends that were once theirs were now hers, the town had picked a side, and it wasn’t his, because he’d been the asshole. but, god, he hoped... he hoped for anything but this. “ lyra, please. ” it was almost a plea. “ two years isn’t two days... i know you might be angry with me, i know you might not want to talk to me, but... i’m here, i’ve come back. and i know it’s not at the right time, i know i’m two years late, but... ” he suddenly stopped, pulling a hand out of his jacket pocket and running it through his hair. “ i know you’re not going to forgive me, not now, but if one day you find you can, if one day you feel like you can let it go, i’ll be here, waiting for you. i’ll be your friend or whatever you want me to be. ”

lyra stood frozen in her doorway, glad to have the door to grip onto. when viktor had first left she had often imagined his return, had pictured him showing up unexpectedly at her door, offering the apologies she had so longed to hear. for too long she had clung to the hope that he might realise his mistake and come back for her. as more and more time passed, those fantasies faded. the pain dulled, and her life moved on. seeing him here, now, on her doorstep was surreal, like seeing a ghost. she had long since made peace with the fact that his career had been more important to him that she had. or she thought she had, at least. looking at him now, she wasn't so sure. her eyes remained cool as they met his, eyebrows arching ever so slightly as he spoke. "how thoughtful of you." her tone was flat. she didn't ask hm to clarify whether he was back for good or if this was just a fleeting visit, didn't want him to think that she cared enough to find out. "a text would have been more than enough though, you could have saved yourself a journey." she ignored his question because he didn't get to waltz back into her life after years and get to know anything about her life. he had lost that right when had chosen a job over her. "was there anything else, or?"

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[fruitzcake]

sebastian couldn’t hold back his laughter. she didn’t need to ask for anything. it was barb, his barb, and he loved her enough to go along with these culinary escapades, even though, " onion and chives cream cheese doesn’t go, love. " his eyes squinted as he laughed. " hot honey with veggies? that’s gonna be so sickly! " he groaned, even though he knew he’d cook whatever she fancied, which, at this point, made him question his own sanity and wonder how many culinary crimes and blasphemies would be committed in that kitchen. he leaned into her touch, his eyelids growing heavy with her caress. " i don’t know, i mean, honestly, i’d be gobsmacked at the birth, and… well, i might either laugh nervously or just pass out from the tension. " his large, calloused hands rested on her hips, fingers gently grazing her belly before he placed his chin on her lap, gazing up at her with wide eyes. " there’s a support group for coffee addicts, i can get you their number, " he teased with a low chuckle, but then his expression turned serious. " of all the traumatic things, can we talk about the birth? i was thinking of something more natural, maybe a water birth? i hear it keeps the mums calmer, and the babies too. unless you’d rather be in the hospital with meds and… god, just letting you know, all those birth videos made me think i’d pass out, so… how bad would it be if i did?"

barbara pouts at him , logically able to understand why that wasn't an ideal combination but pregnancy brain said something else entirely . she supposed they both needed to get used to it , he was lucky she wasn't asking him to copy every single recipe or odd dietary habit she was forced to pick up in the newfound stages of expecting . " they absolutely could , it could be so much worse . i could've said onion and chives cream cheese , i'm thinking plain . veggie might contrast too much but i do love veggie or oh ! when they have like those hot honey kind of ones that would be great . " they had plenty of time to try stuff and she'd feel horrible to admit , he might've given her ideas that he did not want to deal with or see in the kitchen . running her fingers through his hair momentarily , barbara snorts out a laugh a wide smile painted across her lips . " i'm glad you'd still love me if i was toothless and still love them if it was there fault but i think we need to be hopeful here ! i really like my teeth where they are currently at . " and it got a whole lot worse but for now , barbara would spare him all the crazy details . " i'll really take what i can get . it has been my greatest lost but i needed to learn how to thrive without several cups a day at some point . "

[fruitzcake]

[fruitzcake]

“ a rare treat, eh? i could be a good boy just to have that. a very, very good boy. ” tristan moaned hoarsely against his mouth, his lips brushing against collin's mouth, while the hairs on the back of his neck stood up at the touch of the strands, feeling the pulls that only made him harder. “ i'd use your ass a lot, leave it worn, red and used. a nice anus dripping with my cum. ” he whispered against his ear, his tongue flicking the lobe of his ear, before nibbling and sucking, releasing in a 'pop'.

“ i don't know, what if someone wanted to put a plug in me while you watched? ” tristan moaned into his mouth, cupping his chin and bringing him to himself as he sucked on his lower lip. “ and what would happen if i said no? ” he nibbled on his lower lip, his eyes mischievous.

but before he could give way to sadistic thoughts that would involve tristan taking collin in his ass without any preparation, just saliva, the blond turned around and reached for the lube on the bedside table, lifting it next to the plug and leaving it in the older man's hand. his hands went down his pants, working on the buttons as he pushed the fabric down, getting on his back and revealing his peachy ass. “ should i bend over and stick my ass out? ”

Collin was aroused that the other had that sort of intellectual upper ground on him, it was hot to think while he might be able to dominate the other in sports and physicality that Tristan was far smarter than he would ever be. It made him drawn to the other like a man who thirsted for water bent at a spring to drink. Each kiss was a quenching soul nourishing act. His hand moved to comb through Tristan's hair, grabbing a soft handful and tugging on it harshly.

Collin growled softly in want, one arm circling around Tristan's waist lifting him with ease and leaning back to have the other against him as much as he could as they kissed. "Oh you dream about my ass huh? Maybe if you are a very good boy this summer I will let you have it at least once. It is a rare treat I can't just be giving it away all the time." though had he lost the bet he was sure he would be giving it up left and right for Tristan. And even now, he was sure that if the other asked him sweetly enough he might give it up.

"Did you think that I would let anyone besides me put a plug in my perfect precious boy? You're mine all summer darling." Collin said with a little smirk as he nipped the other's bottom lip gently. "Now I am going to enjoy my winnings. Here on your bed. You have lube?"

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nour near let a sharp sigh of relief escape her, biting the inside of her cheeks as she glanced sideways, watching as all departed. she allowed herself to breathe deeply, expelling the air from her lungs, lifting the child until her nose brushed his tiny head, inhaling the fragrance of her son. her hazel eyes rose to meet the king’s face, smiling in contentment, knowing she had brought him joy, her eyelids growing heavy as he pressed a gentle kiss upon her skin. " i know not if i desire tapestries made of me… yet i shall gladly accept prayers for the child, and celebrations for his strength and health, with wishes of a long and prosperous life. " her knuckles softly danced against the rosy cheek of the child, who seemed so keenly attuned to their conversation that, for a fleeting moment, nour feared he might understand. " cassian fitzroy seems to me a fitting name, strong and noble, as he is. " she smiled in cordiality. " i hope he takes after my disposition, then he truly shall be. come, my lord, hold your son. " she lifted the little one, wrapped carefully in cloth, and passed him gently into the arms of the king.

there were more people in the room than he cared for and cassian looked around, incredulous. "what are you all doing here?" he snapped. "a lady's birthing chamber is a place of sanctity, not a show to be watched," he said, causing a handful of onlookers to flee. once the crowd was more manageable he came over to ethel in the bed. she confirmed that the child was a boy and cassian let out a hearty chuckle. "you are a gem," he murmured, leaning forward to kiss her sweaty brow. "a gift from god. prayers shall be said in your name, tapestries sewn with your likeness, the whole country will rejoice," because, although the child had not been born by his queen, cassian had every intention of recognising the child. he ignored ethel's first, more troubling, question, and answered the second. "he shall be cassian fitzroy, of course," he beamed, peeking at the tiny baby in her arms. "he seems to be a wonderful fellow."

[fruitzcake]

seren could barely meet her eyes, and it was almost heartbreaking to know they’d be the one to shatter the euphoric happiness the woman had been living in these past few days. It wasn’t planned or premeditated. they just didn’t want to end things without talking it through. partly because they knew about blaire’s traumas, and partly because they’d always believed that with a bit of dialogue, anything could be sorted. " i get that you want to believe in this, that you do believe it. but deep down, you know it’s a bit naive. there won’t be time for you to call me all the time, and i won’t always be able to come and see you, nor will you always be around. " their hand held hers, placing a slow, gentle kiss on the back of it, lips brushing lightly over her skin. " we want different things, cara mia. and i want you to get what you want, for this to be your rise to fame, but fame means living a different life… i reckon i want simple things, a lovely wife, a couple of kids, i’m happy here. and when you realise the world’s at your feet, you won’t want this, you get me? this’ll feel like not enough, like there’s no time for it. " they whispered softly against her hand, the words tearing them apart, from heart to soul, and through their whole body. " i’d rather leave now, before there’s any hate or resentment, yeah? "

seren was silent, and that was a problem. when something upset them to the core, they became non-verbal, retreating into their own introspection to find a resolution, dissecting whatever had upset them. " blaire, " they called out to her in such a gentle, soft tone that it was almost painful. " i’m not asking, nor do i want you to give up the tour and stay here. that wouldn’t make either of us happy. " and that wasn’t the issue—they were proud of their girl, had been supporting her since they first met, cheering for her as she rose to success. but now that this—the tour—was something real, it wasn’t how they had imagined it. there were nights of shows and rehearsals, and they barely got to see each other, growing distant, and that worried them. sometimes, they felt like they barely knew the woman beside them. and the fact that they were an astronomer kept them tied to the city, unable to simply follow her on her route. " what happens to us, babe? am i supposed to just sit and wait? trust that the distance won’t destroy what we have? long-distance relationships don’t work—they’re merely illusions. and it’s awful that i want you to go because i’m proud and happy for you, but my heart, this ugly, insecure part, isn’t so happy. "

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a hiccup slipped from her lips, her eyes desolate and her shoulders slumped. “ i’m not hitting you, am i? ” her eyes narrowed as she was pulled inside, a cheeky grin spreading across her face, cutting through the tears. “ uh, do you fancy having a bit of fun? i knew you hadn’t forgotten about it. can we mess about in your room? ” she pouted, giving him puppy eyes along with a slow, drunken giggle. she flopped onto the sofa with his help, struggling to get her boots off, which now felt like they were strangling her feet. “ babe, help me! i can’t get these off! ” she grumbled when she saw him back, sliding down against the arm of the sofa until she was nearly lying down, legs stretched out for him. “ come on, love. you’re my boyfriend, and i’ve been crashing here most nights for months now. your place is my place, remember? ” she asked, tired, rubbing her tear-stained eyes, not understanding why all of a sudden he seemed to forget everything. she grabbed the bottle and took a hefty swig. “ you don’t love me anymore? you want to break up? just go to bed; tomorrow’s a new day. we’re not breaking up, ever, ‘cause i love you and you love me, don’t remember?”

oh she was drunk drunk. rafael tried to not let out too much of a groan at dohee's antics, instead ran a hand over his face as she continued in her slurred speech. "stop! stop hitting me!" he hissed, firmly taking her wrist and pulling her into his apartment. the last thing he needed was his nosey neighbor complaining about loud noise this early in the morning. he shut the door and secured the lock with a sigh, fatigue was fighting for him to go back to bed but he knew better than to leave dohee in this state. "you're drunk, dohee, i need you to sit down while i get you water." he guided her to sit on his couch before turning and getting a water bottle from his fridge. "you cannot just show up at my apartment like this, DRUNK OR NOT." he scolded, coming back over and putting the water in her hands. "drink this, please."

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alek's lips stretched into a lazy grin, his train of thought cut off as the compliment caught him off guard. the one-sided twist of his mouth in a smug smile, his long, slender fingers ran through golden strands while debating a political science thesis. " i've got my doubts about that, you can always shut me up if you like. " his thumb hooked under callum's chin, lifting his face until their lips collided in a quick kiss. " sometimes, you might love hearing other sounds from me, but i'm just saying. " he raised his hands mid-laugh, the chuckle low and soft. " got some time? i want to show you something. "

@fruitzcake

Callum stared at the other batting his eyes, listening to him talk he had no idea what the other was saying, most of it all going well over his pretty blonde head but it didn't stop him from staring and enjoying the view. Stretching out and lounging he nodded with a dopey smile.

"Yer are like really smart, I love hearin' ya talk." Even if he didn't now what the other was talking about he love to hear him speak. Call it a crush. A school boy infatuation.

[fruitzcake]

dorian took the words like a slap to the face. he’d rushed over to seojung’s place after a sleepless night, unable to quiet his thoughts. it was his fault, right? maybe dorian hadn’t been clear enough, maybe the bloke hadn’t picked up on the signs. but, hell, hearing him question something so obvious made him pull back. " how can it be a joke when i’ve memorised your favourite coffee order and know exactly how many spoons of sugar you need for it to be perfect? or how i know every single thing you like and… well, i mean, i’ve always said i liked you and i thought your smiles were… i don’t know, shyness? " he nervously ran his hands through his dark hair. " i have feelings for you, seojung. i like you. no jokes. " his hands pressed flat against the counter. " if you don’t feel the same, that’s alright. i… i think i’d best be off, sorry for bothering you so early. " he stood up to leave, feeling so dazed he looked completely lost.

seojung  is  at  a  loss  for  how  to  respond  to  the  unexpected  confession—though  can  it  truly  be  called  unexpected  when  a  part  of  him  has  perhaps  known  all  along?  turning  around,  he  looks  at  the  other  man,  his  brows  furrowing  into  a  frown  as  if  trying  to  decipher  a  riddle.  “feelings?”  he  repeats,  tilting  his  head  in  disbelief  before  his  gaze  drifts  back  to  the  coffee  steeping  in  the  pot,  the  rich  aroma  filling  the  air.  “stop  it  —  it’s  too  early  for  joking  around.  i  haven’t  even  had  my  first  coffee  yet.” / @fruitzcake

[fruitzcake]

matija was a teacher, they read about love, gave lectures, and led debates on it. of course, they didn’t have a rose-tinted view of the whole thing, but even so, they couldn’t quite grasp how they could love elijah and still fall apart. like they were destined for pain and misery. " that’s called a vicious cycle. you’ve gotten used to it and can’t let it go. but you have to. you deserve to be happy, and i need to accept that it won’t be with me. i’ve got to be happy for you. " matija was dying inside saying that, because it hurt to picture elijah with someone else, living a dream that didn’t include them.

Of    course,    he    didn't    understand.    It    was    clear    and    understandable    to    him,    but    apparently,    it    wasn't    to    the    other    person.    Was    he    seeing    things    too    simply    and    making    things    more    complicated?    Elijah    knew    that    they    didn't    really    work    together.    But    they    couldn't    do    without    each    other    either.    "And    what    do    you    think    I    want?    Or    who    I    want?    If    I    didn't    like    you    or    want    you,    I    wouldn't    be    here."

[fruitzcake]

noa’s lips parted in silent protest at the sight of colt coming towards them, but any words died on their tongue when his fingers dug into their hip, and their hands found refuge on his chest. one palm rested over his heart, focusing on its beats as they tried to gather his words. " alright… you really should have done that… but was it that bad? " they asked softly, their voice a shaky whisper from anxiety. " some people like a bit of punishment; maybe you’re after a spanking or two, who knows, you don’t have to be a bloody runaway criminal, there are clubs for that. " they tried to make a joke, but their face twisted in a nervous grimace, and noa genuinely seemed to be considering it. then their gaze met his, and they took a deep breath. " you could’ve at least kept in touch, colt. a message on my voicemail saying you’re alive would’ve made me happy. nabbing my car seemed like a bit of a rubbish way to start a conversation. "

Colt sighed as he watched the anxiety make its way to the pit of Noa's stomach. He let them talk, get their water and try to process what was happening. Yet once they finished he stepped forward, resting a hand on their hip, knowing he was likely overstepping. "Some guy was fucking with my sister. I hit him. I ran. Stupid, you're right. It was stupid, but...I still think I had to do it." he said, his usually boisterous voice getting quiet as he found himself trying to comfort Noa. He tilted his head in thought for a moment. "You know it might be a kink thing actually. One day I'll get a therapist and talk about it maybe, alright? I'm sorry I took your car." he said, blue eyes searching theirs for some sort of reaction.

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hey beloved, it’s ethel here. sorry for going off the radar, but had a bit of a mishap at work (swear i’m all good though), getting discharged this arvo. promise i’ll be back at it by the weekend, no worries! 🩷🫰

[fruitzcake]

darlin', don't you, join in, you're supposed to drag me away from it.

[fruitzcake]

sebastian's eyelashes fluttered in quick, frantic blinks, utterly gobsmacked by what he was hearing. right then, when did pregnancy go from a dreamland to a kitchen nightmare? " i love you to bits, but i might love you a tad less if apple and cream cheese show up here. those two just don't mix! " retorted with a chuckle. even though he was terrified by all the little things, he was utterly chuffed with everything—the nursery furniture, the baby bits his pretty lady had already told him weren't necessary, but he was adamant about buying them since the other mums at the antenatal class had been nattering to him about it. he'd bought a pair of woolly booties with matching mittens and hat for the baby, left them in a lovely box hidden away in his studio, planning to surprise barb at just the right moment. sebs watched her savour the spoonful as if it were the most delicious thing in the world, making his heart ache. " … well, i'd still love you if you were toothless, and i'd definitely look after your dentures, but … " he leaned forward, his fingers digging into her hip as he gazed intently at her belly, as if he could see the little one. " please, mate, don't make your mum lose her teeth—it'd be a right trauma, and i really want your birth to be something… not so chaotic. " sebastian bit his tongue to stop himself from saying that decaf coffee and nothing were pretty much the same, but he just smiled and nodded. " i could get one of those electric gizmos, and in the mornings we'll have a cuppa together. so, what d'you reckon? "

inhaling deeply , barbara could moan at how nice it smelled . she knew realistically she was allowed a single , normal sized cup . decaf was even better but barbara had always been so particular and needed to do a little more research before she opted for her restricted treat every so often . " the mayo sounds gross but now that we're talking about it apple slices and cream cheese doesn't sound so bad . " barbara trails off , knowing there would be weirder things . " don't worry i won't make you eat anything weird and i'm not about to eat clay . " she would consider the ice cubes though , especially if they were the small nugget shaped pieces of ice . taking the spoon into her own hand , there's not much left on it but nonetheless barbara gives it a lick enjoying the warmth and sweet flavor of the coffee . " i'm traumatized about far worse , i could lose my teeth . i'll be real upset with baby if that happens . the restrictions though allow decaf , just a cup but i can have it . still like tea but i feel like it's in the same realm . preferably decaf and not to much . "