#(the last pic is from the wedding job)

[yoohyeon]

I’m not having a great time 😭

[5sospenguinqueen]

Pocket Money | Lance Stroll x Reader

Summary: Since the start of the relationship, fans have been convinced you're only with Lance for his money. When he mentions your future in an interview, they accuse you of trying to baby trap him.

Warnings: Swearing. Angst but mostly just for sadness. Hateful fans.

Female reader with various facelaims. Pics found on Pinterest.

A bit different to the other three.

next.

Main Masterlist

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YourUserName just posted

liked by lancestroll, chloestroll and others

YourUserName lovely london was kind enough to be sunny for me this weekend 🇬🇧

2,385 comments

chloestroll i’m still so jealous that you didn’t take me

→ YourUserName yes but if i had, i’d have spent the entire time trying to stop you from running off with a brit. i doubt scotty would appreciate that

→ scottyjames31 do NOT let her run off with a british man

→ YourUserName make sure you behave yourself then

User1 oh, so she’s on yet another holiday funded by her sweet, naive boyfriend who can’t tell he’s with a gold digger

User2 that’s it sweetheart. post pics of your trip that your boyfriend undoubtedly paid for whilst he’s busy racing all weekend without your support

User3 she’s quite possibly the worst wag. give the role to someone who would enjoy being there

→ User4 it’s not a fucking role, sweetheart. being someone’s fiancée is not a role you play, and i think y/n happens to do an amazing “part”

danielricciardo bring me back some crunchies

→ YourUserName no, i got into trouble last time. your trainer told me that you’re not allowed them

→ danielricciardo boo, you whore

User5 so she’s on yet another weekend away in london the same weekend that lance is racing in jeddah? can she make it anymore obvious that she doesn’t support him?

→ User6 her job means she has to travel a lot - just like lance - so unfortunately she cannot follow him around the world

→ User7 you tell ‘em, honey. y/n is a successful businesswoman but everyone seems to forget that? she makes every race when she can but sometimes she can’t get out of work

→ User8 at the end of the day, their relationship is none of our business

astonmartinf1 missing your face in the paddock this weekend

→ YourUserName i miss you too! although i bet nando is enjoying the peace and quiet

→ astonmartinf1 can neither confirm nor deny but he did mention something about yapping

User9 this is so cute. the way his whole face lights up when he’s asked about/talks about her

User10 not lance revealing that y/n would run away and marry him just to call him her husband

→ User11 yes! but he’s so dedicated to giving her the wedding she wanted since she was a child. these two have my whole entire heart 🥰

User12 ugh, where can i get a lance stroll? the way he loves his fiancee 😍 and not him being desperate to have babies with her

User13 so is this confirmation that y/n is pregnant? like, if he wants a baby in a year, then..?

→ User14 wouldn’t surprise me. if they get married, he can still make her sign a prenup and divorce her without a worry, but a baby would tie him to her for life so she can continue to spend his money

→ User15 okay but i’m with you on this. it’s the best way to ensure she can keep him around in some way because let’s be honest, their relationship doesn’t seem the best

→ User9 what the fuck is wrong with you two. where in that entire interview were you getting the impression their relationship is on the rocks? he’s literally planning an entire life with her???

→ User15 yeah and where is she? unbothered in london. she’s only with him for the money and that’s the only reason why they’re engaged.

→ User13 they’re engaged because they love each other! he’s also the one who said he wants her to have his children so he can keep her home????

→ User14 no they’re engaged because for some reason, he’s infatuated with her and she’s only using him, and she’s clearly tricked him into wanting children without realising that’s further entrapment

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YourBrother just posted

liked by danielricciardo, yourbestfriend and others

YourBrother when sprout takes time out of her busy life to visit, Nonna cooks a whole feast (can you tell who the favourite is) tagged: YourUserName

879 comments

YourCousin the only reason we look forward to y/n coming home is because nonna feeds us GOOD

→ YourCousin2 agreed, nothing to do with us missing y/n at all

→ YourUserName this is why i left 😂😭

User1 anyone else find it odd that she’s in a different country again on race weekend? i mean, i know her and lance were still a couple last month but i’m starting to wonder if that’s changed

→ User2 she’s also not been active on socials despite that being part of her job description?

→ User3 can you blame her when everyone constantly hates on her

→ User4 being on media isn’t part of her job, she just liked to share her adventures with us and some of you arseholes ruined that.

User5 oh my gosh, her parents are so cute together. i want to be like that when i’m older

→ User6 and her brother and SIL curled up in the chair together. this family really do produce the cutest couples

→ User7 looks like the only absent spouse is lance :(

→ User8 um because he’s currently in china? he has more important things to be doing??

User9 i love that her brother's first idea to cheer her up is to give her beer

→ User10 well, at least we know she’s not pregnant currently

→ User11 thank god. we know lance is free from her in that aspect

→ User9 seriously? making these comments on twitter wasn't bad enough, you people are actually commenting on her BROTHER’s instagram

(Comments have been disabled for this post)

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astonmartinf1 just posted

liked by estebanocon, YourUserName and others

astonmartinf1 our first race back in shanghai sees a p7 finish for fernando with the fastest lap. lance comes home in p15 after contact earlier in the race

1,443 comments

User12 literally give the seat to anyone other than lance stroll please

User13 can we all stop hating on lance, please? it was an accident, they happen

User14 not him blaming danny ric. sweetie, the car has brakes for a reason

User15 danny ric was fuming but also seemed like he was trying not to be

→ User16 no literally. it was like he was trying not to say something but in one interview slipped up and said that lance has been really distracted due to issues at home

→ User17 i saw that! and the way he ran away after like ‘oo the team is calling me’

→ User18 are we smelling a breakup?

User19 i personally think lance stroll shouldn’t be in f1 but can we take a moment to think that whilst it was really bad driving, he’s not been himself lately? he looks really sad in all the media things

→ User20 literally, like he’s constantly coming under hate for his fiancée, and then she hasn’t been to any races recently and he’s not talked about wedding planning once. this is the man who was telling everyone about his wedding even if they didn’t ask

→ User1 maybe he realised that his girlfriend was a gold digging bitch

→ User2 literally. he talked about having children with her and then realised that meant she’d never leave

→ User3 you people are actually crazy. how do you turn a man talking about wanting children into the woman he loves trying to baby trap him? y/n has never talked about wanting kids

→ User4 this. like i definitely think they’ve broken up but for all we know, it could be that lance was talking about children and y/n realised she wasn’t ready/didn’t want them.

User5 can’t believe people are still running the baby narrative. we know nothing about their relationship because they’re quite a private couple - and after this, we can see why - and yet people have somehow created a whole drama about babies from nothing

User6 i know lance is one of the more private f1 drivers but i really think he needs to comment on this? the amount of hate y/n is getting is insane and shouldn’t be ignored

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YourUserName just posted

liked by estebanocon, danielricciardo and others

YourUserName the view from my office is better than yours. sorry, not sorry

863 comments

BestFriend i’m looking for a woman in finance, trust fund

→ YourUserName you know you’re welcome to my trust fund anytime

→ BestFriend the best sugar mommy i’ve ever had

YourBrother congratulations on your promotion, shithead. one step away from ceo!

User7 wait why did no one tell me she was running a company?

→ User8 babe, we’ve been telling you bitches this from the start! but none of you listened

chloestroll congratulations, business barbie 💕

→ YourUserName thank you, music barbie 🤍

→ User3 so chloe is still here? does that mean we’re still getting a wedding

→ User9 idk. lance isn’t in the likes..?

→ User10 @ chloestroll please tell us what you know. Some of us are rooting for them to end up together

User11 so she goes radio silent for three months just to come back and pretend like she has a job? nothing about the man she supposedly loves?

→ User12 seems shady to me. you got caught out for being a gold digger so now you’re going to act like you actually go to work?

→ User13 i really hate people like you

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Baby Fever Angst Series

Tag list

@lav3nder-haze @minkyungseokie @callsignwidow @luvrrish @fall-bambi @evans-dejong @sadsierra2 @justdreamersdream @spookystitchery @dark-night-sky-99 @elijahslover @gaypoetsblog @luckyladycreator2 @bborra @mrosales16 @reguluscrystals @raizelchrysanderoctavius @tvdtw4ever @alwaysclassyeagle @gigicisneros @spanishcorndogs @dullypully @thecubanator2 @goldenharrysworld @awritingtree @jxnellat @sbrn0905 @leclercsluvs @hc-dutch @mxdi0 @buckybarnessweetheart @ironmaiden1313 @dreamercrowd @yourbane

[jackhues]

...but it's something stronger | oscar piastri

note: here's part 3 <3 this is the FINAL part so i hope you all enjoy it! reminder to read part one and two linked below BEFORE this so you understand

one || two

pairing: oscar piastri x fem!reader, logan x best friend!reader, one sided!enemies to lovers

faceclaim: various, from pinterest

youruser & oscarpiastri

liked by landonorris, pierregasly, mclaren & others

youruser: your favs are back in vegas !!

user: stop the second pic

landonorris: again. photo creds? -> youruser: again. no.

landonorris: party in logan's room- be there by 9 -> youruser: what if i'm asleep at 9? -> landonorris: oscar get off of y/n's account -> logansargeant: well... i guess i'm hosting -> user: stop lando's friends with logan?? ahh i love this

user: awww i love them

user: girlie's trying too hard

user: nice to see she's finally coming to a race smh -> user: what is with y'all? a wag doesn't have a job- she's leeching off the man's money. a wag has a job and responsibilities and can't make it to a lot of races- she's unsupportive. like make up your mind gd

logansargeant: i have to see y'all being cute in person AND on my feed 😒😒 -> youruser: your fault -> oscarpiastri: you chose this life

y/bffsuser: imy bby <3 -> youruser: imym <33

--

Y/N WALKED HAND IN HAND WITH OSCAR, following the hotel signs to Logan's room. She was happier than she'd been in quite a while. She'd joined Oscar in Australia, where she met his family, getting along surprisingly well with them. They were great people, which made it really easy for her.

She turned the corner, seeing Lando and Logan standing outside of their room.

"Finally," Lando grinned, seeing them.

"It's 8:45," Oscar told him. "We're early, if anything."

"Why are you guys outside?" Y/N asked.

"We're going to this bar that Lando found last year during the Grand Prix," Logan explained. "He said they've got hot bartenders."

"I see why you two would be down for that," Oscar rolled his eyes.

"Good answer," Y/N grinned. She turned back to the other two, "Alright then, let's get drunk."

"Not too drunk," Oscar corrected. "I want to be in bed by midnight."

"What are you, Cinderella?" Y/N asked. "Oscar, you're in Vegas once a year. Enjoy it."

"I'd like to enjoy it in bed," he muttered. "Also, you're wearing insanely high heels. You're going to be begging me to take your shoes in like an hour."

"Okay fine," Y/N agreed. "Not too many drinks, and in bed by twelve. We can manage it, no problemo."

--

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Y/N SMILED AT THE SIGHT OF OSCAR IN BED next to her, sleeping soundly. A slip of sunlight streamed through the curtains, covering him in a golden light. His hair was splayed over his forehead in an unruly manner, beckoning Y/N's hand closer.

She twirled one of the strands around her finger, taking a moment to admire him. He looked beautiful, even more every time she looked at him. She was almost blinded by how pretty she was.

It took a minute for her brain to catch up and realize his beauty wasn't blinding her, it was the sunlight glinting off the rock on her finger.

"WHAT THE FUCK?" she sat up, eye on the ring and trying to figure how the hell it got there.

Next to her, Oscar groaned.

"Shhhhhhh," he muttered. "My head hurts."

So did Y/N's. In fact, it was beginning to spin a little. Or maybe that was the room?

She turned back to Oscar, hoping to clear up why the fuck there was a hugeass engagement ring on her finger, but he didn't seem to be in the mood to wake up.

So she stole his blanket.

"Y/N!" Oscar groaned. "Give me my blanket! And turn the light off."

"Oscar, that's the sun," she told him. "Also, why are you in a cheap looking tux?"

"In a...?" He opened his eyes, surprised at the fact that he was actually wearing a tux — or at least parts of one. What he had on wasn't really nice, probably rented. Or secondhand bought? He looked back up at Y/N, tilting his head, "Uh... why are you in a wedding dress?"

"Huh?" Y/N looked down at her clothes, repressing the urge to scream at what she was wearing. It was a white minidress, not near anything she had planned to wear at her own wedding one day. "This isn't... it's not a wedding dress. It's a white mini dress."

"The veil falling out of your hair says otherwise," Oscar noted.

"The veil—" she reached up, pulling out what was indeed a veil. "Oh my God, I'm in a wedding dress. And I have an engagement ring on my finger. And you're in a tux. What the fuck happened?"

"Wait, you— you have an engagement ring... what?" Oscar sat up, his gaze finally falling on the ring she wore.

"Oh crap, I don't even know who it belongs to," she muttered in horror. "Where the hell am I supposed to return this? It must've cost a fortune..." she trailed off, eyes meeting Oscar's. Memories of the night before were coming back to her, or at least some of them were. "Oh my God, the Bahamas. You said you were going to propose then... but I— I was freaking out because there was no ring at the ceremony and you pulled this out."

"I was possibly going to propose at the Bahamas," he corrected. "I had it planned out, but just in case, I also had something for after the season."

"Can't say that wouldn't be a fucking dream," she shrugged.

"So you'd have said yes?" Oscar's eyes widened. "If I asked, I mean?"

"Oscar, I'm like 99% sure I married you while I was drunk out of my mind because of how much I love you," Y/N responded honestly. "I'd have said yes without a second thought."

"Well it's nice to know your response while sober," Oscar responded. "But... did we actually get married?"

"I... oh, I remember Logan began crying because—"

"Because you asked him to be your maid of honour," Oscar remembered. "And Lando appointed himself as my best man."

"And Elvis was standing funny while he was marrying us, and I kept trying to copy his stance, but it made my feet hurt," Y/N continued. "And... and you took my shoes off during the vows and said in your vow that you'd always carry my shoes after I did dumb things like try to copy Elvis."

"And in your vow you said you'll never let my life get boring, no matter how early I wanted to sleep," Oscar added. "You said... you said that you're so in love with me that you'd trust me with your heart."

"And that's when Lando started sobbing," Y/N remembered.

"No, he started crying after I took your shoe off," Oscar furrowed his brows.

"Oh my God, was Elvis crying at our wedding?"

"I gave him the tux jacket to wipe his eyes," Oscar remembered. "And he never gave it back."

"Oh yeah, he stalled the 'you may kiss the bride' part so much, I said it myself," Y/N muttered.

"Wait, so if we're married... where's the marriage certificate?"

AN HOUR LATER, the (probably) newlyweds had turned the room upside down, but still had no sign of the marriage certificate.

"Maybe we didn't actually get married?" Oscar wondered. "Like it was a faux?"

"Does that mean you're still proposing in the Bahamas?"

Before Oscar could answer, a knock sounded on the door, causing the two of them to freeze in their spots. The two of them looked at each other in their wedding clothes, then to the room, with clothes and belongings littered all around.

"Don't say a word," Oscar whispered. "They'll go away."

The two of them stayed silent and frozen for a while longer, but the knocking didn't stop.

"Guys, it's me and Lando," Logan said on the other side of the door. "Open up. We have your marriage certificate."

At that, Oscar ran to the door, dragging the two boys inside, before immediately shutting the door.

"What tornado came through here?" Lando asked, looking around.

"Tornado 'we were looking for our marriage certificate'," Y/N muttered, taking the certificate out of his hands. She read it three times, before silently passing it along to Oscar.

"Wow," he muttered, silently realizing the two of them were officially married.

"Congratulations," Lando grinned, pulling Y/N, Oscar, and Logan in for a group hug. "Oh, I'm so happy. When can I expect to be named the godfather?"

Oscar whipped his head to Y/N, eyes wide, "Was that why we got married? Was it a shotgun Vegas wedding?"

"Oscar, honey, if I was pregnant, I wouldn't have been drinking," she reminded him. "I'm not pregnant, okay? And Lando, quit scaring him like that. I think the wedding is more than enough for us to digest."

"Wait, you guys don't remember the wedding?" Logan looked between Y/N and Oscar.

"We do, but like random parts of it," Y/N explained. "Like I remember most of the ceremony, but why the fuck did we decide to get married?"

"How did the topic even come up?" Oscar added.

"Well, it all started after Y/N downed a shot without flinching," Lando reminded them. "And Oscar fell in love for the millionth time right then and there. Said he could marry her. A couple drinks later, you lightweights were out of it, and Oscar started telling everyone he was going to marry Y/N. Some guy at the bar recommended an Elvis guy, and Y/N was so excited to be married by Elvis that she agreed right then. And then you guys started going looking for 'something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue'."

"That's why I kept the heels on even though my feet were killing," Y/N muttered. "They were my something old."

"The ring was something new," Oscar added.

"What was something borrowed and something blue?" Y/N asked.

"Elvis' jacket," Logan supplied.

"What?"

"Elvis gave you his jacket because you said it'd be nice with the blue and borrowed. You're wearing his jacket in a lot of your wedding pictures," he explained.

"I'm sorry, wedding pictures?" Oscar asked. "Where the fuck did we find a photographer?"

"We're the photographers," Lando explained. "You sent us to buy some cameras while you guys did the something old and new. Logan got the polaroid, and I found a cute digital camera."

"At least you guys have the photos if not the memories," Logan grinned.

--

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youruser & oscarpiastri

liked by logansargeant, landonorris, mclaren & others

youruser: followed the queen of genovia's advice and ended up married to man who made my foot pop

oscarpiastri: i love you forever -> youruser: and ever and ever and ever and ever

oscarpiastri: looking beautiful as always mrs. piastri -> youruser: why thank you mr. piastri. you look lovely as well

user: THEY'RE MARRIED!!!!!!!!!!!

user: MOM AND DAD MOM AND DAD

user: yeah they're a pr relationship 🙄

logansargeant: i love you guys 🤍 -> oscarpiastri: are you still drunk? -> logansargeant: a little. i might cry again -> youruser: check in on hungover lando, he'll make you laugh -> user: LANDO AND LOGAN AT THE Y/NOSCAR WEDDING THIS IS NOT A DRILLLL

landonorris: FINALLY!!! -> user: wdym finally?? they met like 7 months ago this comment thread has been deleted

landonorris: guys it's too early to be this cute, but i love you so i'll let it pass

mclaren: congratulations y/n and oscar!!!

user: logan and lando moh/best man ?? -> youruser: yeah they were -> user: I'M DEAD NO FUCKING WAYYY

user: they're married already?? this ain't lasting -> oscarpiastri: thanks for ur unwanted opinion

user: i love how down bad they are for each other -> user: nah fr tho

f1: congratulations guys!!

charles_leclerc: congratulations! welcome to the family y/n!

user: princess diaries reference i love that movie -> oscarpiastri: she made me watch it with her

user: guys... hear me out... what if they got married in vegas? -> user: homie those pics ain't vegas

yourmomsig: i love you guys i'm gonna cry again -> oscarpiastri: no don't cry mum -> user: MUM

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YOUTUBE: WATCH - OSCAR PIASTRI POST QUALIFICATION INTERVIEW

INTERVIEWER: so first off oscar, congrats on the wedding

OSCAR: *smiles* thank you

I: we heard that the mrs. is actually here for the last race of the season, is that right? she had issues with her schedule, so you went for it all in her break, huh? vegas, a wedding, and now abu dhabi? in what, three weeks?

OP: yeah, she's here for this weekend. she was- well, she just partnered with another lawyer to actually open their law firm together, so she's actually going to have the rest of the year off, which we're both obviously excited about. but *laughs* i mean, once she said yes to marrying me, i didn't want to wait, you know? i'm just... you know, i'm really proud of her because everyone talks about the drivers and the media's always trying to diminish her, and the other partners' accomplishments, but it's absolutely insane all that she's done and all that she will do. it's great that i can stand next to her as her husband while she does all of it. i'm actually a little surprised that she even married me. marrying her's probably my biggest accomplishment.

--

A YEAR LATER

f1, mclaren & oscarpiastri

liked by y/npiastri, logansargeant, landonorris & others

f1: AND HE'S DONE IT! IN THE ENTERTAINMENT CAPITAL OF THE WORLD, OSCAR PIASTRI, HAS BECOME THE WORLD CHAMPION 🏆🎆🎊

user: stop he's so cute

user: i'm crying oscar's a championnnnn

user: did anyone else hear y/n scream while he was on the podium -> user: "that's my husband!" girlie put her whole chest in that

mclaren: OSCAR OUR GUYYY

y/npiastri: THAT'S MY HUSBANDDD -> oscarpiastri: THAT'S MY WIFEEE -> user: iconic

charles_leclerc: congratulations oscar!

maxverstappen1: congrats mate!

logansargeant: congratulations oscar! well deserved win! -> oscarpiastri: thanks mate -> user: GUYS LOOK LOSCAR CRUMBS -> user: nom nom nom

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y/npiastri

liked by logansargeant, landonorris, mclaren & others

y/npiastri: THAT'S MY HUSBANDDD HE'S THE WORLD CHAMPION RAHHHHHH 🦅🦅🇺🇸🇺🇸

user: ain't he australian? -> y/npiastri: now he's american by association

oscarpiastri: THAT'S MY WIFEEEE SHE'S THE BEST HYPE WOMAN AND AN ABSOLUTE BOSS IN EVERYTHING -> y/npiastri: I LOVE YOU SO MUCH -> oscarpiastri: I LOVE YOU MORE -> y/npiastri: I LOVE YOU MORE THAN THAT -> oscarpiastri: I LOVE YOU EVEN MORE THAN THAT -> logansargeant: WHY ARE WE YELLING AT EACH OTHER?? -> landonorris: you're all sitting next to each other you realize that -> user: NOT A DRILL THE GREATEST GRID QUARTET IS TOGETHER IN VEGASSSS

y/bffsuser: RAHH 🇺🇸 REPRESENTTTT -> user: HE'S AUSTRALIAN 😭😭 -> y/npiastri: NOT ON MY INSTAGRAM PAGE TONIGHT 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

yourmomsig: congrats oscar 🤍 i'm so so proud of you! call me soon -> oscarpiastri: calling rn mum 🤍

user: stop the way he looks at her- i can't -> user: are you surprised? this the same man who said his biggest accomplishment is marrying her -> oscarpiastri: and it's still true!

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oscarpiastri & y/npiastri

liked by logansargeant, landonorris, f1 & others

oscarpiastri: maybe vegas is just lucky for us

tagged: y/npiastri

y/npiastri: i love you so much i'd marry you in vegas a million times -> oscarpiastri: i love you so much but please don't expect me to ever drink that much or stay up that late again

y/npiastri: GET READY LOSERSSS BABY PIASTRI ON THE WAYYYY -> y/npiastri: baby piastri's genes boutta clear all your try hard babies' genes -> user: honey you know you shouldn't drink while pregnant right? -> oscarpiastri: she's not drunk, she's just been like this the entire pregnancy -> y/npiastri: AND THERE'S STILL SIX MORE MONTHS TO GOOOOO

user: STFU THAT TWITTER USER WAS TELLING THE TRUTH??? -> user: OSCAR AND Y/N WERE THE ONES IN VEGAS?? I'M GOING TO LOSE MY MIND -> user: can't believe they kept the secret for that long loll -> user: lando almost slipped sm times 😭😭

user: okay but the bahamas wedding thingy afterwards was a smart decoy ngl -> logansargeant: thank you 😊 -> user: YOU KNEW??? -> y/npiastri: ofc he and lando knew, who else would be our moh/best man in vegas?

logansargeant: guys really? i just stopped crying -> landonorris: I HAVEN'T STOPPED YET -> user: stop i love them -> user: need them to be godparents frr -> y/npiastri: one for each twin ye -> user: TWIN????? -> y/npiastri: oops

f1: congrats y/n and oscar!

user: oscar a DILF now -> y/npiastri: homie i been knew. why y'all think i bagged him? -> user: i though he just had such a big crush on you, he didn't really realize you were the weird girl -> y/npiastri: why would you say that to a pregnant woman? -> user: ohmygosh, i'm so sorry! i really hope you're not crying- -> y/npiastri: nah idgaf it's just funny seeing ppl freak out -> user: GIRL YOU HAD ME STRESSED -> oscarpiastri: welcome to my life -> oscarpiastri: i love you wife 🩷 -> y/npiastri: nice save

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THE END!!

i hope you guys enjoyed reading this as much as i enjoyed writing it! this is honestly one of my fav series, and don't forget to show some love and reblog if you enjoyed <3

taglist: @ravisinghs-wife , @urfavsgf , @mxdi0 , @lemon-lav , @lilipiggytails , @stinkyjax , @blckgrl-sunflower , @dreamsarebig , @k-pevensie28 , @themislovesf1 , @hellowgoodbye , @chezmardybum , @5sospenguinqueen , @stylestastic , @sie17136 , @2lsargeant , @softpiastri , @p1astrisgirl , @mavies-stuff , @littlemisssummer , @charlotte1697 , @styl1shl1v <33

[pandora-writes-one-piece]

Sources for images: |Ace| |Kid| |Zoro| |Law| |Sanji|

This is a series focused on five different love interests. Here's how it works: there's five introductory chapters where we get to know the female reader's background and, in each chapter, she meets one of the love interests. Just a first meet-cute.

Then, I will write a different love story for each, as if they're different timelines, continuing from the last chapter of the introductory chapters!

Summary: You had your life in Grand Line City all figured out. A wonderful job, a fiancé and a shared apartment. Until you found out he was cheating. Your father, Shanks, had a horse riding accident and you decided that this was just the right time to return home. You were expecting a peaceful, uneventful life back in the Calm Belt, but, fate had other plans. Think of all the rom/coms that make you feel good because you know the couple will end together. This is it. Enjoy!

|Chapter 1 - Ace| |Chapter 2 - Kid| |Chapter 3 - Zoro| |Chapter 4 - Law| |Chapter 5 - Sanji|

Firestarter - Ace's Story (Complete! 53+k words)

Summary: After moving away from the hustle and bustle of Grand Line City to help your father around the property following a horse-riding accident - and in the hopes of healing your broken heart after your asshole ex-fiancé cheated - you settle into the country calmness of the Calm Belt. You intended to have some alone time, to reflect and heal, but your childhood friend's older brother, Ace, seems to be there just to upset that fragile peace you're striving for. He's a flirt and a womaniser. But why does he also have to be so handsome and perfect? And how long can you resist his charms?

|Chapter 1| |Chapter 2| |Chapter 3| |Chapter 4| |Chapter 5| |Chapter 6| |Chapter 7| |Chapter 7.5🔞| |Chapter 8🔞| |Chapter 9| |Chapter 10| |Epilogue|

The Great Pretender - Law's Story (Complete 83+k words)

Summary: After moving away from the hustle and bustle of Grand Line City to help your father around the property following a horse-riding accident - and in the hopes of healing your broken heart after your asshole ex-fiancé cheated - you settle into the country calmness of the Calm Belt. You and Law (your father's doctor) start to build a flirty friendship because of your father’s procedure. So much so that when he’s invited to Baby 5’s wedding (his cousin), he asks you to be his date. His uncle Doflamingo - who is filthy rich - is very adamant on finding a suitable wife for him. Seeing as he wants to avoid that, he asks you to pretend to be his girlfriend for the weekend.

|Chapter 1| |Chapter 2| |Chapter 3| |Chapter 4| |Chapter 5 🔞| |Chapter 6🔞| |Chapter 7| |Chapter 8| |Chapter 9| |Chapter 10🔞| |Chapter 11| |Chapter 12🔞| |Chapter 13🔞| |Chapter 14🔞| |Chapter 15| |Chapter 16| |Chapter 17| |Epilogue|

Trouble - Zoro's Story

Summary: After moving away from the hustle and bustle of Grand Line City to help your father around the property following a horse-riding accident - and in the hopes of healing your broken heart after your asshole ex-fiancé cheated - you settle into the country calmness of the Calm Belt. You and Zoro are slowly returning to your easy friendship filled with banter and flirting and you actually begin to glimpse a future with the green-haired cop. But then you start to receive weird gifts. They quickly escalate to manipulative texts. And now you're stuck in a spiral of terror and there's no way to get help because the Stalker, whoever he is, is threatening something other than just your life.

|Chapter 1| |Chapter 2| |Chapter 3| |Chapter 4| |Chapter 5| |Chapter 6| |Chapter 7|

Source for pic

Bonus - Lament - A Meet-Cute Spoiler

|Drabble|

[tlouadditc]

to the brim ... <3

dom!abby x fem!sub!reader

!! not my pic !!

warnings: fluff + smut [MDNI and MEN DNI.] modern!au / no apocalypse, established relationship, softdom!abby [?], i couldnt think of good gifts dont mind it, abby is a gamer confirmed bc i said so, breeding [duh], abby has a breeding strap, filthy talk omg :(( ah!! i think thats it

a/n: ever since i read @seattlesellie's ellie breeding fic... i've been a changed woman. so here's my take on abby! p.s.: no desc. of hair, skin color, size, etc. :) this is also kinda long but enjoy my loves!

you and abby had been together for around 3 long, happy years. the happiest years, you could say. it was weird; you never thought you'd end up like this. never.. imagined being happy with someone, especially someone as outgoing and brave as abby. you were complete opposites, you being more introverted and kept to yourself while abby was loud and proud. even the way she asked you out [buying you your favorite flowers, making you dinner, AND two cute little matching rings] was memorable and creative. you've always loved everything about her.

today, in present time, is your anniversary. every year, you attempt to top the last year. always remembering little details and bookmarking whatever she sent you just for this moment. abby's currently at her office job; "busiest day of the year, but i'll be back in time for dinner," she explained earlier that morning. "promise!" you take this as an opportunity to buy her gifts and plan out a romantic dinner for the night.

lately, she's been wanting these lego flower sets [specifically the orchid ones since they reminded her of you.. :,)], so you quickly bought one. that isn't enough, you think, so you also get custom lego keychains of both of you, making them both wear wedding dresses and smile as bright as the sun. while you're at it, you get her favorite cake, chocolate with strawberry sprinkles, and have "happy 3rd anniversary, my love" on the top. you smile as you reach your apartment, already visualizing her surprised face. i'll get her this year, you think as you step inside.

── ⋅⋅⋅ ────꒰ ୨ ♡ ୧ ꒱──────────

hours later, you hear a slight knock knock knock on the door. perfect timing, you think, quickly fixing your hair and looking over your outfit. you're wearing a black maxi dress, tight-fitting over your curves, but simple in style. it's kinda casual, but abby insisted on staying home. "it's for my surprise," she argued, a smirk forming on her face as she said it. she always had some quick trick up her sleeve, but you're even quicker.

well. most of the time.

you peek in the peephole, and there she is. she's wearing her glasses today [her bluelight ones you bought for her your last anniversary since she always complained about her headaches], dressed in all black and her hair flowing down her shoulders. her hands hold onto the handle of a medium sized, deep red giftbag. she probably feels your eyes on her, because flashes a pearly smile up to the small opening. no matter how much she smiles, you never get tired of it. you quickly unlock the door and open it widely.

her pale skin turns a slight dusty shade of pink as she looks you up in down, lovingly taking in your beauty. her mouth opens to say something, but all that comes out is a soft, "hi, baby," before she pulls you into a tight hug, exhaling as she wraps her toned arms around you. she feels like.. like something familiar, but nothing you've ever felt before. something comforting. like home.

she pulls back, placing her hands on either cheek. her eyes move back and forth from one eye to another, almost as if she's trying to read your mind, hear your thoughts. "missed you so much, bun." she leans in, giving you two small pecks on the lips before pulling you into one last hug.

"missed you more abs," you murmur, "more than you'd ever know."

she pulls back, smiling as you mirror her expression. after a couple of seconds, she finally looks around the apartment. "babe?" she questions, clearly in shock. there's big, red heart balloons and her favorite candles are lit all around. she's completely enveloped in the candlelit room, gasping when she looks down and sees rose petals scattered beautifully on the wooden floor. you see her eyes lock onto two red, nicely wrapped gifts on the coffee table. "oh. my god," she looks from the living room back to you, astonished. "no, you didn't."

"oh, yes i did," you giggle as you close and lock the front door. she walks carefully over the fresh rose petals into the living room. she sits on the couch, looking up at you with doe eyes. "babe, if this is what i think it is..." she pauses and exhales. all you can do is smile; your excitement cannot be contained. "open them up!" you cheer, sitting down in the armchair beside the sofa.

she picks up the smaller box, cautiously shaking it. she was always great at guessing your gifts. but this time, she furrows her brows in confusion. she shakes it once more, a little harder this time, deep thought written across her sharp face. the scrunch in her nose makes you laugh a bit. "is it.." she starts, but cuts herself off. "i don't know.. actually."

you shrug, "then open it, babe." she sighs before accepting defeat and opening the small package. as soon as she gets the paper off, she gasps and looks up at you. "oh my god!" she exclaims. "wait, are these-" she looks back at the package, back at you, and holds it up to your face. "oh my god! it's us!"

you smile and laugh while she gushes over the fact they look exactly like you two. "how did they get my hair perfect? and the little dresses! i mean, look at it, oh my god." she admires them silently for a few seconds before uttering, "this is gonna be us, bun. i promise."

the uncontrollable urge to smile takes over your face, making your cheeks hurt a bit. she's muttering a thousand "thank you"s before opening the next one; the one you're the most excited about. she's been talking about this since last year, but she never had the time to get it or start it, matter of fact.

she tears the paper once again, immediately stopping in her tracks. her eyes move up to you once again and her jaw goes slack. "oh my FUCKING god," she yells, ripping the rest of the paper off. it's almost like she's a child again; the way her face lights up makes your entire day worth while. she proceeds to nerd out over the set once again, "this is so... oh my goodness i can't even explain how excited i am. thank you so much babe... wow.. i got so lucky..."

── ⋅⋅⋅ ────꒰ ୨ ♡ ୧ ꒱──────────

you made her favorite dinner that night, having it freshly prepared for her and still warm on the stove. she just rambles about how she's the luckiest woman in the world to have a beautiful girlfriend and how much she loves you. she continues this throughout the entire meal, making sure she can treat you with the same treatment whenever she can; wiping your cheek when anything got on your face, getting you whatever you needed with no questions asked.. anything. basically, your everyday treatment with her.

after dinner, you both sit on the sofa, talking about your days. mid-conversation, abby randomly gasps.

"and then he was li- uhm... abby?"

"oh my god. i almost forgot!"

"what? what's the matter?"

"your gift!!"

she practically jumps out of her seat, striding over to the counter where she left the giftbag. "can't believe i forgot my gift for my special girl." she scoffs at herself and sits while handing you the bag. it's not heavy, but it's also not lightweight. you scan through your memories of things you've mentioned to her: cats, a wedding ring, books... but it didn't seem like any of that stuff was in here.

you give up, opening the top and looking inside. your jaw drops. you see a long, light pink box. there's fancy gold lettering across the front that you can't read. you take the box out, and unwrap the ribbon bow from around it. as you lift the top up, you see plush flowers and.. a small hello kitty stuffed animal in between the flowers. you squeal as you put the bag down and hug abby tightly, muttering thankyouthankyouthankyou!! all she does is smile and whisper "of course, princess." you think that's it before you realize there's a small pink card and a even smaller box inside the bag.

confused, you pick up the card and analyze the cover. it's a baby princess themed card; such an abby thing to do. you glance over at her to crack a smile, but you realize she has on that devilish smirk plastered across her face. uh oh, you think. "why're you smiling like that, babe?"

"like what?" her smirk grows wider.

that's even more 'abby' like than the card.

you roll your eyes jokingly before deciding to open the card up. inside, there's a paragraph written:

"dear y/n,

happy 3rd anniversary, my love! i'm so glad you're in my life, even after all this time. you'll always be special to me and i see that we will grow old together. i know you've been wanting that bouquet for a while, but i noticed you've been obsessed with something more.."

you glance up at abby once again. she's watching your reaction with that same smirk. what is she up to? you continue to read:

"i hope you noticed the cover of the card; of course, you're my princess, and you always will be. but i always see you looking at baby clothes when we're out, gushing over baby videos at home, etc etc. and even though we technically can't make one.. i can still give you the experience. ;) love your [nonofficial] wife, abby"

you feel your face heat up as you close the card. abby's large, warm hand suddenly starts stroking your leg through the dress, jolting you back to reality. she chuckles, whispering, "mm, you want that, right? you want me to knock you up?" she's getting closer, her hot breath hitting your neck, making you shudder. "want me to fill you to the brim, baby? hm?"

she's kissing your neck, small pecks turning into full-on hickeys. she loves the way you whimper and squirm, the way you turn your head to give her more access. "i'll take that as a yes," she breathes, a small laugh leaving her mouth. her hand travels from your leg, up to your neck and chin, making you turn and kiss her.

"so pretty like this," she coos in between kisses. she's lost in your big eyes, your noises; lost in you. she toys with the thin straps of your dress, subtly signaling to take it off. you, of course, rush to peel it off. after you do so, you're almost completely naked while she's completely clothed. the drastic difference makes you feel small under her predatory gaze. she taps her thigh twice and demands, "come here, princess."

you straddle her lap, your clothed cunt slightly gaining friction against her pants, making you whimper. "such pretty noises," she murmurs, mostly to herself. her hands rest nicely on your sides, right above your hips. "so, tell me," she starts. "how you wanna do this, mama?"

the new nickname makes you feel a slight heartbeat in between your legs. "oh, you liked that, huh?" she comments, smirking as she looks up at your pretty little face. "well, if you want me to take control, i'll do it. i'll do whatever you want, mama."

"use me," you blurt out, desperately needing her right at that moment. you move your hips back and forth, grinding against her crotch to relieve the ache in between your thighs. abby lets out a breathy laugh, "oh, you want it that bad? god, you're so cute."

before you can respond, she's wrapping her arm around your waist and standing up. you wrap your legs around her waist and your arms around her neck out of instinct. she's walking you to the bedroom, just like her little princess.

when she gets into the room, she lays you on your back, legs behind held back by her large hands pinning them under your armpits. your breath is shaky, heartbeat practically bulging out of your chest. she leaves a trail of sloppy, wet kisses from your neck alllll the way down to your bellybutton. "f-fuck, abby," you shudder, her face getting closer and closer to your heat. "what's wrong?" she asks, "what you need, baby?"

"need you inside," you beg, not caring how pathetic you sound now. "oh, i know, baby," she coos, "but i wanna make this special for you, okay? no rushing. just us."

you appreciate her genuine care with your intimate experiences with her, but at this point, the ache was growing more and more painful as time went on. you whine, moving one of the hands pinning your leg to your cunt. "please, abs. need it."

"fuck, babe," her voice is low and husky, almost a growl. "okay, okay, i got you, mkay? i'll treat you right, promise."

her pointer finger ghosts over your swollen clit, forcing a small moan out. small little circles stimulate your bud, drenching your already soaked panties. she groans, "always so wet f'me, my god." as if she can't take it anymore, she practically rips off the small cloth off your aching pussy. the cold air meeting the warmth of your core makes you gasp, squeezing your thighs together in response.

abby's warmth comes back and divorces your legs apart, pinning them back to where they were originally. "gonna take such good care of you, mama," she mutters, kissing your inner thighs. after what feels like an eternity of teasing, she finally lays small, short kitten licks on your cunt. the small feeling of her warm muscle against your clit relieves the burning ache in your core, but only for a second. she lays a flat tongue, collecting your slick as she moves up. your small "oh"s egg her on, fueling her ego as she spreads your lips apart and latches onto your bud. your moans grow louder and louder, legs slightly trembling from how good it felt. little did you know, she's getting off on your pretty little reactions; she's moaning against your bud, vibrations making your legs shake even more.

"ffffuck-," you cry out, gripping the sheets from pleasure. the vibrations send you over the edge, the familiar tingly feeling in your abdomen unraveling. "m'cumming- oh my god," you wail, attempting to close your legs to get away from abby's tongue. her hands grip your thighs, forcing them apart once again. she continues to suck on your clit, overstimulating you. "t-too much - fuck!"

your juices and her saliva mix, coating the bottom of her chin. she finally unlatches from your sensitive, swollen bud and wipes her chin. "sorry, bun," she says, heavily breathing, "you just taste so goddamn sweet, i had to!"

as abby starts to walk away [you assume it's to help you clean up so you guys can sleep], you slowly drift away into a deep sleep..

"nuh uh, 'm not done with you, mama."

your eyes force open, eyes immediately landing on abby's bare chest. she was almost never topless around you - except when you two showered together - but it wasn't a norm in the house. you unintentionally whisper, "you're so beautiful," causing a wide smile to go across abby's kind face. "thank you, baby," she replied, "c'mere." she patted the edge of the bed. her usual black strap was buckled on, intimidating you from the end of the bed.

you crawl to the edge, sitting on your feet when you reach abby. she giggles, "get on your back, babe. you know the drill." you follow her orders, slightly chuckling at your mistake. as she lines herself up with your slit, she caresses your face, just telling you how much she loves you; "love you so much, bun. i'm so lucky to have you, y'know that, right?" she peppers small pecks along your face in between, smiling at your perfect face.

"'m gonna go all in, okay? jus' let me know when i can move," she warns. you nod, slightly nervous. the strap seemed bigger than usual; a bit wider too. it made you think she'd rip you apart with this thing! but as she bottomed out, the sharp painful sensation was short lived and replaced with a more pleasant sensation, the feeling of being full. and not just full, but full of her.

you start to slightly grind on her cock, trying to get any pleasure. the desperate motion making abby smirk and slam into you again, this time earning a loud, pathetic yelp from you. she continues to slam into you, holding your hips for leverage. "yea, keep makin' those pretty sounds for me," she groans, almost in an animalistic way. all you can do is tell her how good you feel, hands gripping onto her toned biceps.

she brings a hand down, right over your abdomen, pressing slightly. "you feel me right there, yea?" there's a slight bulge where her strap is; the sight makes you drool slightly. you nod feverishly, focusing on her voice and her dick pounding into you. her hips snap back and forth, squishing sounds filling the dimly lit room.

she, on the other hand, is hyper-focused on watching the black silicone disappear inside your gushing cunt, a vague white ring forming around the base of her cock. the sight alone has her pussydrunk and practically forming a pool in between her thighs. "such a messy fucking cunt," she murmurs. "wish i could fucking - shit - fill that little pussy up."

your moans become louder, your grip tightening on the meat of her muscles. your head goes back, putting the hickeys she gave you on full display. "oh, you fucking like that, huh?" she places both hands on either side of your head, still fucking you at a relentless pace. every thrust she does, her tits bounce slightly in front of you. her hair frames her face perfectly, the sweat beads racing down her skin as she pounds into you.

"holy fuck," you whimper. her cock, buried deep inside your greedy little cunt, hits that spongy spot inside of you, making you go insane. she smirks, she knows what she's doing. "what? speak up, princess," she speaks, a mocking tone laced in her words.

"s-so good," a choked moan cuts you short.

"you like the way 'm fucking you? like the way that dick got you going crazy, huh?"

a string of yesyesyes's is all you can get out, too lost in your own pleasure.

"wan' me to fuck my baby into you?" she's out of breath, start to whimper, but she doesn't slow down or stop. she just keeps. on. pounding. she's chasing her orgasm, clit bumping against the base of the strap. you're just a wailing, helpless mess under her, begging for her to cum into you. "i need it, p-please, abs!"

she moans loudly as her thrusts get sloppier, slowing down slightly. you feel a thick liquid unleash into your hole, filling you up. the new feeling causing you to gasp, looking down at where you two met. abby fully pulls out after a few seconds, when a gush of white liquid slowly drips out of your stuffed cunt. she whispers, "fuck, that's a pretty sight to see." using one hand, she spreads you open, your fucked-out hole on display, just for her.

you're still trying to steady your breathing, getting more tired by the second. abby sits on the bed next to you, pulling you into her lap. she caresses your face once again, "did so good f'me, baby. happy anniversary." she kisses your forehead, cuddling you close to her body. before you fully fall asleep, she picks you up, bridal style.

"wh- what are you doing?" you question, half asleep.

"gotta clean you up, babe." she giggles at your sleepy voice.

── ⋅⋅⋅ ────꒰ ୨ ♡ ୧ ꒱──────────

after a long, warm bubble bath together and a small cleaning session, you and abby finally lay back on the couch to watch a movie and cuddle.

"y'know what, babe?" she asks, shoveling chocolate cake into her mouth.

"what?"

"i wish i could actually get you pregnant."

you slightly giggle at that, "me too."

"i also want to marry you. really badly." she's looking at your face now, reading into your soul.

"we should get married," you speak, thoughtfully. what's the point of her bringing this u-

she gets up unexpectedly, walking over to your giftbag. confused, you ask, "what's up?" she pulls out that small box you saw earlier. "oh, nothing.." she walks in front of you, then dips down onto one knee.

you gasp. is this really happening? right here right now?? someone pinch me.

"y/n, you've made me the happiest woman on earth for the past 3 years we've been together. not to mention the first 4 of us being friends. now, i'm not gonna give a long, sappy speech during this amazing moment," she slightly chuckles, "but i want to ask you.. will you be my wife?" she opens the box, a shiny ring glistening in the light.

you can't see it that well since tears well up in your eyes. you could've never asked for anyone better than abby. she's made you a better person overall. she's been there for you, even in your darkest times. you nod, wiping your tears.

she's slightly chuckling, which you don't realize until your eyes clear. it's.. a minecraft ring. specifically a minecraft rose on a thick band of gold. you laugh and let her slide it on your ring finger.

"i'm sorry," she's still giggling as she gets up from the floor, "i saw this while i was out and i was like 'this is perfect.'" you're also giggling, "it is perfect. thank you, baby."

── ⋅⋅⋅ ────꒰ ୨ ♡ ୧ ꒱──────────

a/n: abby's such a jokester! anyway hope u guys enjoyed this took forever!

taglist: @unicycl @xnoviee @aouiaa @akenosimp167 @njplatesruler [if you're striked out, i can't tag u!! :(]

[inevitably-johnlocked]

Hi Steph!!! 💜💜💜 I was hoping you could help me find some fics with John as an active medical doctor or E.R. nurse?? Ideally when (or how) he meets Sherlock? *eyebrow wiggle*

Not sure where the urge comes from, but just have a hankering for some hospital shenanigans, haha.

Ty babes!!! 🫶 - Liri

JOHN IS CURRENTLY A DOCTOR

Hey Liri!!!!

Oooo good question!! First off, of course I will rec these probably-John-related-medical-themed fics:

John at the Surgery

Doctor / Caretaker John

Doctor / Caretaker John Pt. 2

Doctor / Caretaker John Pt. 3

Doctor / Caretaker John Pt. 4

Doctor / Caretaker John Pt. 5

Quarantine / Lockdown / Pandemic (MFL’s)

Coronavirus / CoVID-19 (MFLs)

Then, I have a few where he meets Sherlock as a doctor, though I haven't read them I don't believe... from a tag search and quickly skimming the descriptions. I know I've probably missed a tonne or effed up somewhere, but I'd love to make another list, so if anyone has more for Liri, let me know <3

BOOKMARKS

Non-Toxic by NinjaNina2 (M, 1,713 w., 1 Ch. || Post S4, Parentlock with Rosie, Established Relationship, Oneshot, Stubborn Sherlock, Worried John, Doctor John, Fluff and Humour, Misunderstandings)  – Based on previous experiences, John has every right to be worried when gone for a medical conference, but what is the extent of damage This time…?!?

Q 1 HR by stillwaters01 (G, 1,795 w., 1 Ch. || New Year's Eve, Hurt/Comfort, BAMF John, Friendship, Doctor John) – On New Year’s Eve, Sherlock discovers that sometimes it’s the seemingly innocuous, rather than life-threatening, conditions that can keep John from The Work. And John is reminded just how deeply their friendship runs.

Excerpts from Purgatory by reapersun, what_alchemy (E, 5,829 w., 1 Ch. || Post-TRF, Doctor John, Reunion Fic, Rough Sex, Angry Sex, Bottomlock, Fic with Pics)  – John serves community service in homeless shelters for chinning the superintendent. Unbeknownst to him, the Homeless Network has his back.

And A Doctor by stillwaters01 (T, 24,962 w., 6 Ch. || Five and One, BAMF John, Hurt/Comfort, Doctor John, Friendship, Character Study) – It was only when people actually saw John working as a physician that they began to understand: that it wasn’t just about bullets and IEDs and trauma care under fire. That “doctor” actually covered a pretty wide field. And that John was bloody good at covering ground. 5 times Dr. Watson treated others and 1 time he treated himself.

Turn Left at the Park by Glenmore (NR (E), 37,409 w., 28 Ch. || Alternate First Meeting / ASiP Divergence, Case Fic, Depression, Suicidal Ideation, Loneliness, No Mary, Possessive Sherlock, Fluff & Angst, Nightmares/PTSD, Sherlock Saves John, Sherlock Whump-ish, Doctor John) – So what would have happened if John hadn't walked through the park and met Stamford? What if, instead, he walked around the park and just went home?

Points by lifeonmars (E, 53,791 w., 42 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || HLV Rewrite / Canon Divergence, Married Life, Pregnancy / Baby Watson, Drinking to Cope, Boxing / Fisticuffs, Clueless John, Angst, Minor Medical Drama, Tattoos, Christmas, First Kiss/Time, Eventual Happy Ending, Love Confessions, Doctor John, Sexuality Crisis, Slow Burn, Case Fic, Drugging, Blow/Hand Job, Emotional Love Making, Parenthood, Passage of Time) – What if His Last Vow never happened? This fic picks up a few months after John and Mary's wedding, in an alternate universe where Magnussen doesn't exist, but Mary is still pregnant. Life continues -- just in a different direction. And slowly, Sherlock and John find their way to each other.

Realigning Gravity Series by Raina_at (E, 69,159+ w. across 2 works || Series WiP || Sci-Fi / 24th Century Future AU || Post TRF, Cybernetic John, Estrangement, Reconciliation, Developing Relationship, Anniversary, Case Fic, Happy Endings, Doctor John) – Two years ago, Sherlock Holmes jumped off the roof of New London Hospital. Two months ago, he walked into John's clinic as if no time had passed at all. John hasn't seen him since. But then Sherlock knocks on John's door with a case he can't say no to, and while figuring out why the biggest manufacturer or synthetic limbs in the System is going after veterans, they also need to find out whether there's a way to fix what's broken between them.

A Further Sea by i_ship_an_armada & ShinySherlock (E, 125,492 w., 23 Ch. || Historical Pirates AU || Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Doctor John / Pirate Captain Sherlock, Sailing, UST / RST, Masturbation, Action / Adventure, Mild Angst & Peril, Romance, Shaving, Molly/Janine, Bottomlock, Hand / Blow Jobs, Past Drug Use, Slow Burn, Mild Violence, Facial Shaving, Happy Ending) – Here be a tale of adventure for both body and soul, but beware if ye be not of stout heart, for this be piratelock, ya savvy? Luckless ship's surgeon John Watson takes a chance, and finds himself eye to eye with The Ghost, the scourge of the seven seas and a definite thorn in the side of the blaggard, James Moriarty. But when John finds there's more to this most cunning pirate than be meetin' the eye, he has to choose... is it a pirate's life for him?

Proving A Point by elldotsee & J_Baillier (E, 186,270 w., 28 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || Me Before You Fusion || Medical Realism, Insecure John, Depression, Romance, Angst, POV John, Sherlock Whump, Serious Illness, Doctor John, Injury Recovery, Assisted Suicide, Sherlock’s Violin, Awkward Sexual Situations, Alcoholism, Drugs, Idiots in Love, Slow Burn, Body Image, Friends to Lovers, Hurt / Comfort, Pain, Big Brother Mycroft, Intimacy, Anxiety, PTSD, Family Issues, Psychological Trauma, John Whump, Case Fics, Loneliness, Pain) – Invalided home from Afghanistan, running out of funds and convinced that his surgical career is over, John Watson accepts a mysterious job offer to provide care and companionship for a disabled person. Little does he know how much hangs in the balance of his performance as he settles into his new life at Musgrave Court. Part 1 of the Care And Companionship series

MARKED FOR LATER

Take me to Baker Street by MorganeUK (G, 2,087 w., 1 Ch. || Adult Ballet AU || Ballet Dancer Sherlock, Doctor John, Song Fic, Pre-Slash) – I always loved Sergei Polunin interpretation of Take me to the church so I decided to write a version where Sherlock is a ballet dancer in serious need of a doctor…

A Doctor's Touch by my_dear_man (E, 3,275 w., 1 Ch. || ACD Canon || First Time, Taking Care, Sick Sherlock, Hand Jobs, Fluff and Angst, Blow Jobs, Love Confessions, Hallucinations, Guilt, Emotional Hurt / Comfort, Unresolved Emotional Tension, Angst with a Happy Ending) – "I will be there, you may be sure. "I was ill at that time but not on the brink of my death bed, a nasty flu was the case, and yet, he came by to our old rooms, like the good doctor that he is and ever will be.

Fugue (n.) by reyiosa (NR [G], 3,281 w., 1 Ch. || Alternate Universe || Post-TRF, Hospital, Hallucinations, Coma, Hurt/Comfort, Angst, It Was All A Dream) – A Sherlock AU were it turns out Sherlock has made up his whole life with John as a consulting detective while stuck in a coma caused by an overdose. The real John is just a kind doctor at the hospital that sits by Sherlock’s bed and reads him detective stories.

John Hamish Watson Lestrade by MidnightMonster (G, 4,731 w., 1 Ch. || John is Lestrade's Son || ASiP, Alternate First Meeting, Older Sherlock, Younger John, POV Sherlock, Protective John) – John is Lestrade's son and is 23 years old training to be a doctor and planning to be an army-doctor. Greg's concern about John being a soldier however is pushed into the background when a new problem presents itself. Sherlock Holmes. He is worried that Sherlock will hurt John or get hurt because of him in some way. But despite his concerns and efforts of keeping them apart it seems that they can't be kept away from each other.

Wretched and Divine by meet_me_in_samarra (M, 5,130 w., 1 Ch. || Punk AU || Pining John, Seductive Sherlock, Slow Burn, Sherlock is a Doctor, Implied / Referenced Drug Use) – Dr. John Watson is on call at the A&E when he attempts to treat a very special patient. Instead he finds himself a very special treat. Part 1 of the Wretched and Divine series

Practically Perfect by vitruvianwatson (E, 6,303 w., 1 Ch. || Sugar Daddy AU || Age Difference, Younger Sherlock, Older John, Finger Fucking, Anal Sex, Hand Jobs, Office Sex, Emotionally Insecure Sherlock, Barista Sherlock, Doctor John, PWP) – There was a knock on the door, and then it opened. John shook the thoughts out of his head and looked up with his fake “I’m your kindly doctor” smile plastered on his face, but a second later his jaw dropped because his “patient” wasn’t a patient at all. It was none other than Sherlock bloody Holmes. Not only that, but he was dressed in one of his more indecent outfits—skin tight jeans that looked like they’d been bloody painted on, and a purple button-down that was straining, to say the least, to remain buttoned. John wondered if he’d worked at the coffee shop in that outfit today. He shut the door and leaned back against it with a wicked smile, and John heard the click of the lock.

The Curious Incident of the Detective, the Doctor and the Dogs in the Night by mydogwatson (T, 7,652 w., 1 Ch. || Alternate First Meeting AU || Dogs, First Kiss, Honeymoon) – A meet-cute. Dogs and cases and romance. [TRANSLATION: Русский]

Not Your Doctor, Not Your Captain by weneedtotalkaboutsherlock (E, 8,645 w., 1 Ch. || AU || Daddy John, Barista Sherlock, Legal Age Difference, First Kiss/Time, Blow Jobs, Texting/Phone Sex, Anal, Rimming, Felching, Praise Kink, Hurt/Comfort, Pet Names, Doctor John) – "Coffee for John Watson," a voice calls, a low, deep rumble that sends a shiver down John's spine. The thought is pushed aside, his shoulders sagging at the sight of his long-awaited coffee. "Thank God." His eyes lock with long, elegant fingers around the rim of the cup, dimpling the carton in a way that John can only describe as sensual. It shouldn't be. It's seven-thirty in the bloody morning. "I'm afraid that God had not much to do in making your coffee this morning," the barista replies. "I, on the other hand…"

The Full Package by Kalimyre (E, 9,675 w., 3 Ch. || Omegaverse || First Time, Sex Toys, Virginity, Doctor John) – Kinkmeme fill. The clinic where John works caters specifically to Omegas experiencing their first heat. They provide top of the line service, and do anything necessary to ease their patients' discomfort. Omega!Sherlock is his latest patient.

Quid Pro Quo by J_Baillier (T, 10,035 w., 3 Ch. || Alternate Professions ||  Doctor John, Medical Conditions, Developing Relationship, Bisexual John, Sherlock’s Violin, Minor Injuries) – John Watson is a sports surgeon who thought he was at peace with his career choices but this morning, he's meeting a new patient who might just break the brittle life balance John has constructed.

Iris by Leloi (E, 11,302 w., 1 Ch. || Omegaverse || Time Travel, Mpreg, Infertility, Virgin Sherlock, Friends to Lovers, Established Relationship, Omega Sherlock, Jealous Sherlock) –John Watson was quickly learning to hate the Victorian Era. It wasn’t just the lack of proper medical care… Although that was a rather large component. It was the filth. It was the misery and the lack of regard for human life. Ok… So maybe the lack of proper medical care was a major component. It was difficult being a 21st century medical doctor stuck with 19th century technology. There was some sort of time travel involved. The really strange part is that there was a past version of himself living with a past version of Sherlock Holmes. Ok… So maybe that wasn’t the strangest part either. He seemed to be stuck in an alternate universe.

Assistance Required by Soft_Light (E, 12,162 w., 4 Ch. || PWP, Viagra, Sleepy Sherlock, Sleepy Cuddle, Doctor John, Hurt Sherlock, Developing Relationship, Bisexual John, Demisexual Sherlock, Virgin Sherlock, Hair Playing, What Boundaries, It’s an Experiment) – Sherlock takes Viagra for an experiment. You can probably guess a lot of what happens next.

Transference by Jean Elizabeth (E, 16,846 w., 6 Ch. || Mental Hospital AU || Schizophrenic Sherlock, Psychologist John, Paranoia, Affairs, Friendship, Sexual Tension, Forbidden Love, Pining John, Sherlock’s Feelings, Sick Sherlock, Blow Jobs, Anal Sex, Angst and Humour, Sherlock/Victor, Dev. Rel. Johnlock) – Sherlock Holmes has been admitted to a mental institution for paranoid schizophrenia. He is assigned to psychologist Doctor John Watson who he inevitably begins a love affair with. John must wrestle with his guilt in putting not only his job, but Sherlock's mental well-being, in danger. Sherlock struggles with his mental disorder while living in a confining and controlling environment. So much angst and pain that can only be dulled one night a week.

keywords: Gay, Loving, Boyfriends by lookupkate (E, 17,771 w., 17 Ch. || Doctor John AU || Alternate First Meeting, Hospitals, John Writes Smut, Sherlock Reads Smut Fanfiction) – John starts writing gay romance while holed up in hospital. Sherlock reads the first fic on accident, and it sticks with him for days. He can't help but read more from the unknown writer. Little does he know, the writer isn't exactly unknown to him. The writer happens to be the A&E Doctor he's feuding with. Christ, can you imagine what he'll think once he finds out? 

Hello, Hamish by Norma_de_Plume (M, 23,833 w., 18 Ch. || John/OMC and Johnlock || Pre-TRF, Fluff, Idiots in Love, Confused John, Mild Knife Violence, First Kiss/Time, Friends to Lovers, Jealous Sherlock, Doctor John, Mutual Pining, Scheming Sherlock, Possessive Sherlock, BAMF John, Hurt / Comfort) – John and Sherlock never imagined that their relationship could ever be more than flatmates and best friends. Hoped, perhaps...but... *ahem* Could one person change that? What if someone else had their eye on Dr. Watson? What if it wasn't a woman?

The Scientist's Method by spacemutineer (T, 26,607 w., 7 Ch. || ACD / Granada Holmes Canon || Angst with Happy Ending, Hurt / Comfort, Time Loop, Blood / Injury, Doctor John, Developing Relationship, BAMF John, Temporary Character Death, Guilt, Drug Use / Addiction, Grief / Mourning, Friendship / Love) – Sherlock Holmes has always known the world through the straightforward lenses of evidence, logic, and reasoning. But when Watson is caught in a tragic preventable disaster, his trusted clear lines of reality start to shift and blur, and the scientist detective begins to piece together a grand discovery far beyond even his exceptional imagination. Detection is a way of learning and science is a way of knowing, but as Sherlock Holmes is about to realise, love is a way of understanding.

When We Were Young by Calais_Reno (T, 27,230 w., 10 Ch. || Alternate First Meeting AU || First Love, Nostalgia, Pre and Post TRF, Doctor John, Angst with Happy Ending) – John and Sherlock met at school, and were a bit more than friends. But they didn't stay in touch afterwards. Life goes on, and when John returns from Afghanistan, he takes a position at Barts as a trauma specialist, working in the Emergency Department. As he reports for work one day, a man jumps off the roof of the hospital. John's world tilts on its axis.

We'll Meet Again by isitandwonder (E, 29,306 w., 7 Ch. || 1940′s WWII AU || Semi-Public Sex, Blow / Hand Jobs, Anal Sex, Period-Typical Homophobia, Love Letters, Prolonged Separation, Implied/Referenced Rape, Epistolary, War Crimes, Infidelity, Reunion Sex, Magical Realism, Ghosts, Suicide, Sad with Happy Ending) – London during WW II: Doctor John Watson has a hot, anonymous brief encounter with a beautiful stranger during blackout. But they get interrupted. Will they ever meet again? Bittersweet Johnlock WWII AU with a twist to the present day in the end.

No Power of Mind by ab_initio (M, 29,436 w., 12 Ch. || Mental Hospital AU || Sherlock Sees Dead People, Mystrade) – On Monday, it's the Woman. Tuesday brings Henry Knight. Wednesday is Magnussen. Greg is Thursday followed by Moriarty on Friday. Sherlock see dead people in his palace of white. When Mycroft hires Doctor John Watson to take care of Sherlock, Sherlock wonders how long this doctor will last. As time passes, the doctor-patient relationship drifts away and Sherlock's visions begin to take control. As his sanity slips away, John tries to hold on and bring Sherlock back from the depths of his mind.

A Doctor in the House by KittenKin (T, 32,394 w., 24 Ch. || TEH Fix It, Hurt/Comfort, Doctor John, Love Confessions, Slow Burn, First Kiss) – A replacement for Series 3 Episode 1 of BBC's "Sherlock", because my John would never. Part 1 of the A Doctor in the House series

To Help Another by DrFish (E, 38,898 w., 20 Ch. || Omegaverse || Rape/Non-Con, Omega Sherlock, Alpha John, BAMF John, Hurt/Comfort, Medical Procedures, Mating Cycles, Bonding, Non-Con Drugs, Violence, Knotting, Oral Sex, Past Sexual Abuse, Illness, Doctor John, Case Fic, Come Inflation, Porn With Plot, Vulnerable Sherlock, Pillows and Blanket Forts, Nightmares, Kidnapping, Grief/Mourning, First Time, Virgin Sherlock, Dirty Talk, Discipline) – Dr. John Watson has been invalided out of the Army and he is struggling to come to terms with what's left of his life. When he agrees to help out with a difficult case at the hospital where he works as an emergency room physician, he not only saves this particular abused omega and others like him, but he discovers a new and better life for himself in the process.

The Montague Street Doctor by The_Circus (T, 61,488 w., 13 Ch. || Post-TRF, ACD Canon-Feeling Relationship, Gen/No Slash, Montague Street, Doctor John, Care in the Community, Reunion) – Just because Sherlock stopped, doesn't mean the Work has to. London is John's city now and he will keep it together with stitching, string, his healing, the food off his table, and sometimes the clothes off his back. John Watson keeps going. He's good at that.

A Telling Touch by MiyakoToudaiji (E, 91,656 w., 28 Ch. || Post-TRF Divergence, Reunion, Hurt/Comfort, Drama, Soldier John, Friends to Lovers, BAMF John, Doctor John, War, Syria, Violence, Blood, Injury, Fighting, Soulmates, True Love, First Kiss / Time, Slow Build, Romance, Christmas, Family, Holmes Manor, Childhood Memories, Sherlock’s Violin, Case Fic) – After Sherlock’s death, John manages to get himself re-enlisted and is sent back to war. But when two series of gruesome murders link home and outland together, John is suddenly faced with more battles than he could have imagined.  

You Go To My Head Series by 7PercentSolution and J_Baillier (E, 987,192 w. across 23 Works || Surgeon AU || Medical Realism, Autism Spectrum, Anaesthetist John / Neurosurgeon Sherlock, Friends to Lovers, Pining, Addiction, Angst, Slow Burn, PTSD, Pining, Insecurity, Additional Tags Under Link) – This series is an alternate universe one, featuring the exciting medical and romantic adventures of doctors Watson and Holmes.

WORKS IN PROGRESS

How They Move In Silence by Breath4Soul (M, 5,186 w., 4/? Ch. || WiP || Doctor John, Doctor/Patient, Voiceless Sherlock, Sick Sherlock, Texting) – Sherlock loses his voice and has to communicate through texts which leads to love confessions.

we are more than the footnotes my love by poechild (T, 17,874+ w., 1 of 2 Ch. || Alternate First Meeting, Unilock, Drug Addict Sherlock, Caring / Doctor John, Protective John, Hurt/Comfort, Pre-ASiP, Pining John, Massage, Shaving, Hurt Sherlock, Concussions, Drug Withdrawal) – A druggie kisses John on the street then steals his wallet. John, of course, takes him home.

20,000 leagues under the sea: A Victorian Sherlock AU by MorganeUK (G, 30,544+ w., 15/? Ch || Victorian Steampunk AU || WiP || Scientist Sherlock, Submarines) – The Holmes Brothers are living under the sea, protected from the world violence and general stupidity… Alone, with only a small crew, they explore the world inside their submersible. Perfectly satisfied and unaware of their loneliness, until they meet Captain Lestrade and Doctor Watson from the Royal Navy.

Only Yesterday by Berty (T, 47,530+ w., 18/20 Ch. || WiP || Alternate Timelines / 'Yesterday' AU || Post-TRF, POV John, Grief, Mental Instability, Angst, Unrequited Love, Suspense, Scotland, Hurt John, Developing Relationship, Doctor John, John is a Mess) – Sherlock has been gone for two years and John Watson is doing okay. He goes to work. He sleeps (sometimes). He eats. He has colleagues, some of whom are even friends. He has purpose. If it's not a life as others might view it, it's a fair approximation. It's fine. He's fine. One night the lights go out and when they come back on everything is the same except for one important thing. For John it's the most important thing. And suddenly John is not fine at all.

Vampires In London Series by Madam_Fandom (E, 148,590+ w. across 4 works || Series WiP || Vampire AU || Vampire Sherlock, Psychic/Empath John, Mutual Pining, Blood Drinking, Feeding, Jealousy, Angst, Implied / Referenced Rape/Non Con, Graphic Violence, Past Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Physical /Emotional / Psychological Abuse, Vampire Sex, First Time, Doctor John, Bisexual John) – John is a doctor and nothing ever happens to him, and then it does. He meets two fascinating men at a fundraiser...he soon finds out vampires are real and they are in London.

Care And Companionship Series by elldotsee and J_Baillier (E, 209,820+ w. across 5 works || Series WiP || Me Before You Fusion || Angst, Romance, Depression, Medical Ethics, Insecure Sherlock, Serious Illness, Permanent Injury, Sherlock Whump, BAMF John, Doctor John, Injury Recovery, Physical Rehabilitation, Medical Realism, Assisted Suicide, Awkward Sex, Friends to Lovers, Alcoholism, John Whump, PTSD, Anxiety, Family Drama, Caretaker John, Alternating POVs) – Invalided home from Afghanistan, running out of funds and convinced that his surgical career is over, John Watson accepts a mysterious job offer to provide care and companionship for a disabled person. Little does he know how much hangs in the balance of his performance as he settles into his new life at Musgrave Court.

UNEXPECTED OCCURENCE by Victoria557 (M, 295,878+ w., 124/? Ch. || WiP || Post-TRF Divergence, Unexpected Parenthood, PTSD, Trauma, Child Abandonment, Slow Burn, Heavy Angst with Happy Ending, Blood and Gore, Self-Harm, Intrusive Thoughts, Doctor John, Self-Esteem Issues, Anxiety Disorder, Misunderstandings, No Mary) – Barely five months after Sherlock's death, John was slowly yet so ever damn surely falling apart. Every day since then, he had just been surviving not living. When Lestrade phone him, with nervousness and uncertainty in his voice, asking for some help with a case since Anderson who usually did the forensic stuff, and another worker who examined the body had been unfortunately unavailable and with the downfall of Lestrade's record recently, he couldn't afford to risk another scolding from his supervisor, John agreed, despite the forming of the painful twist in his stomach at the thought of being at a crime scene without a certain arrogant high-functioning sociopath. Never did he expect to encounter such a surreal event and never did he expect to find out Sherlock having a secret - well secret would be unfitting as the man himself didn't realize this.

[pensbridge]

Master Post Bridgerton Live Event Season 3

Let me just say so much of what they said leans into exactly how I pictured it.

○ Some words to describe the season: Shonda-"intimate" / Jess B-"confidence" / Luke Newts-"unexpected" / Nicola-"romantic" / Luke Thom-"zoom in"

○ They talk about Colin's words last season and say it was a good place to start in the story/journey; confirm apology will come

○ Pen has 1 main suitor besides Colin who takes a real interest in her (Spoiler: it's Lord Debling)

○ Julia Quinn said it is a good friends to lovers story. She sounded so excited!

○ Someone (either Shonda, Julia or Jess) said they have some good awkward banter.

○ Julia Quinn really confirmed the Colin-Pen hand scene (1st real emotional and physically intimate scene for them)

○ How Jess B talks about Colin (again) gives me hope for his personal journey-mentioned about the 3rd son "not knowing his place in the world" & more

○ Protective El of Colin confirmed (we get El and Colin scenes), but she still loves Pen; Luke N. called it a non-romantic love triangle between the 3

○ Benedict takes roles of Anthony; he can fall into different roles very well, but who is he and what does he want?

○ Will and Alice acquire a new title this season; Martins talked about how they are "drawn out of the shadows"

○ Adjoa talked about how Lord Ledger affected her; called that romance "life-changing"; QCABS enriched Lady Danbury story coming into season 3

○ Lady D. personal journey-she's "shook" at an arrival that happens 👀

○ Golda-How do you do private intimacy in the view of the public (George and QC)? / she loves the Brimsley relationship

○ When talking about QC picking the diamond of the season said she's bored of what's going on and is "searching for something different"

○ [Other tidbit-they're hosting a Bridgerton wedding for a lucky real-life couple.]

○ Shonda quote about Bridgerton always "finding a way to give female characters agency" and Pen has a good way of coming into this in this season

○ Nicola-"so much happens" in their story

○ They talked about how the show has changed their lives-Claudia said she always walks away proud of what she's done and essentially there's not one part of the job she's unsatisfied with. aww; Adjoa said "a space for everyone"

○ Season 3 is "for the wallflowers"- Adjoa [they mentioned this a lot; the interaction on this between Adjoa and Nicola just made it seem like there is Lady Danbury-Pen relationship]

○ Nic and Newts recreated the pic in the mirror with candle stick!! what?! / They also watch fan edits and send them to each other

○ Easter egg in almost every episode according to Jess B. and they are "raising the bar on visuals"- "even brighter and more spectacular than ever"

○ Superlatives: most like character-Luke Newton; least-Golda; most bloopers-Johnny Bailey or Claudia (and I think she was offended at first, lol)

○ Chaos in Featherington fam because Pen steps out (Portia doesn't like when Pen changes from her citrus dresses)

○ Nicola "didn't expect to be as emotional as it was" from the first 2 episode screening

○ Adjoa said things will make you laugh then quickly after cry

○ Claudia said people make mistakes and people fall..., etc.

○ Theme: "Find your light." -Jess B.

○ The line in QCABS "We are untold stories" is what this season is about

[allwaswell16]

[4 pics, 4 quotes, 4 iconic 1D fics]

Iconic Fics by...

- taggiecb -

[1]

“So, you like it when people tell you what to do?” Louis asks, more cheeky than he feels. Louis is nervous. Nervous because this is going to be a thing, or nervous because this is a thing that Louis has never done before, he doesn’t know.

“Not everyone.” Harry replies, and it’s rough, like he hasn’t spoken in days.

“Just me again?” Louis leans in, and Harry’s breath hitches.

“Yeah.” He replies, mostly whispers.

[2]

“Oh you oblivious walnut,” she says. He lifts his head to see her shaking her head with her arms crossed over her chest.

“Excuse me?” He asks.

“You truly don’t see it?” She snorts.

“See what?”

“H, I love you. And I respect your decisions, but please let me just give you a nugget of advice?” She leans in and reaches for one of his hands.

He nods, wanting her to just fix his life and be done with it.

“Take away the gay/straight/bi aspect that you think this is about. Take away you being a man, and Louis being a man, and Keith being a man. Take that all out for a second. Take yourself out of it for a moment.” She smiles at him although it looks a bit sympathetic. “I don’t think that you are bothered by the idea of two men being intimate. I think you are bothered by Louis being intimate with someone that isn’t you.”

[3]

“You didn’t have to do this.”

“I didn’t say I did, did I? It’s my honour,” Louis says. The words sound foreign on his tongue, as if he was talking to a stranger, not Harry.

A corner of Harry’s lips twitch up, picking up on Louis’ own nerves. “Honour?”

“Privilege?” Louis tries instead. Harry contemplates a bit and shakes his head, rejecting that word as well. “How about pleasure?”

“I can get on board with pleasure,” Harry says, his dimples giving away his fierce attempt not to smile. Louis doesn’t have such restraint and practically laughs and giggles his way through the rest of the song.

The song is unfamiliar to him, and it’s impossible to know how long it lasted, but it felt like a lifetime and less than a second all at the same time. As soon as the last notes play, Harry releases him and steps away. The spell is broken, but at the same time, Louis feels like something has just begun.

[4]

Moving on, Harry is moving on. He isn’t too proud a person to admit that Louis’ rejection stung. That moment at the wedding, his mother's wedding, Harry thinks with a chill running down his spine, was everything that Harry had imagined it would be. Louis was so willing and just took what Harry wanted to offer.  But that didn't seem to change anything when he looked  into Louis’ eyes and all Harry could see was disappointment.  

At least now he knows. Even if he can't have Louis now, he won't have to wonder what his skin tastes like or the look of passion on his face while Harry is inside him. He just has to now convince himself that it was enough.

He thinks he's doing an alright job of it. His main focus has always been his career. He just throws himself into his next client and tells himself that Louis Tomlinson isn't the be all end all of beautiful faces and beautiful bodies. He can most definitely move on.

Or at least that's what he thought until he saw the Daily Mail Article pop up in his news feed.

- answers below -

1. Reduce Me To A Pleading Cry (Break The Skin and Tantalize) 

As the CEO of Styles & Styles, Harry Styles cuts a brooding and handsome figure at the helm of a very successful business. His reputation for intensity is well known, but you would be intense, too, if you had to work numbers all day, give countless orders, and conduct endless meetings. When all you really want to do at night--ache to do--is give away the reins, let someone else make the decisions, be ordered around for once, just--let go. Harry has reached his breaking point when one touch from a man whose very stance commands attention leads him back to a place he thought he’d never return.

Or Harry is a broody submissive boss, Louis is a natural dom who works in the mail room at Styles & Styles, Niall is a matchmaking oracle, and a slender, dark haired man stands mute at the coffee stand encouraging others to spill their secrets.

2. Saw It In Your Eyes

Harry Styles counts himself extremely lucky that he has landed such a great roommate. It doesn’t bother him at all that his new roommate is gay. In fact, they get along so well that they have formed an extremely close friendship that takes up pretty much all his free time. When Louis starts bringing a new guy home with him, Harry is surprised by how much it bothers him. Is he not as okay as he thought he was with Louis’ sexuality?

Or the one where Harry is an oblivious walnut.

3. That's What I'm Here For

Louis Tomlinson is a dairy farmer on a tiny farm in eastern Canada. His wife of nearly thirty years has left him and his children are all grown up and out of the house. Louis needs help running his business but has no idea where to even start looking. Luckily for him his children know just the man for the job.

4. Why Can't It Be Like That

Louis Tomlinson, head of his local hospital's charity fund, suddenly finds himself in the heart of the Royal family when his mother marries the third son of the reigning monarch. Such an upset in lifestyle brings a lot of changes for Louis, one of them being the need for a stylist.

Enter Harry Styles, a cutting edge fashion stylist who loves his job and prides himself on his passion. The first time he sees Louis Tomlinson on the cover of a tabloid he wants to dress him, style him, make him as beautiful as Harry knows he could be. When he's hired to do just that, he knows this will be a perfect partnership. That is, until he actually meets the man.

A fashion AU with a royal twist, where Louis doesn't need a stylist, Harry's thrilled to have a real life Barbie doll, and they're both very wrong about each other.

[dnpanimationstudioclone]

I remember awhile back from those Hazbin/Helluva insta accounts that Millie didn't have a lot going on for hers, especially compared to the others, just two personal pics. Was there anything you think could've been added into hers?

Yeah I remeber, loved those Voxtagram accounts(especially Angel’s) but yeah, Millie’s did not have a lot.

Blitz had tons of horse stuff(even a whole ghost horse arc), Moxxie had fun food & drink stuff, Loona had tons of sick fashion.

Compared to the rest of I.M.P Millie’s had only two posts.

Vaggie & Charlie had a similar account, I think it was more like an offical account for the hotel. I think this is run by fans since the old one isn’t around anymore.

Granted there were a lot of accounts to do and there were atleast plenty of female accounts with content such as Loona, Octavia Cherri Bomb, Niffty, Velvette(surprisingly tho despite being the social media overlord Vox & Val had more posts) but it was bit of a bummer more wasn’t done with Millie. Would’ve also been fun if Vaggie & Charlie had their own personal accounts(would’ve loved to see stuff like casual fashion and dates)

What I’d add.

Some of the couple stuff that was on Moxxies account. Granted it’d be the same thing but it’d make sense for her to have those same pictures and for some of them we could see her p.o.v through em. Would love what she’d have to say when Blitz is “third wheeling”. LOVE to see their wedding pics! 💒

Stuff of her just by herself or with others that weren’t Moxxie! Like her hanging with Blitz, maybe friends outside of work she has, or even just personal stuff of her hanging having Me-time, see what she gets up to just by herself.

Weaponry! Be cool for her to show off some of her weapons, like a new one she just bought, old ones she relies on, her favs like her axe, etc. I imagine it’d be a lot of melee weaponry🗡️🔪🪓

Remains of her victims. Shes def someone who enjoys killing, I can def see her have some pics of her carnage(like when Blitz did a selfie with that decaptitated agent head in ep 6).

Stuff she enjoys outside of killing. I can see her be into stuff like wrestling 🤼‍♀️, action films💥, horror genre like slasher films ☠️ martial arts genre, def see her love Kill Bill🥋, country & rock music🎸, theatre plays she likes(perhaps Annie got a gun), fitness, spicy foods, dancing etc. Could’ve been a fun way to show other sides to her outside of her bloodlust!

FASHION!!! The rest of I.M.P had tons of cool drip, she deserves that too. I can see her really rock athleisure. Could’ve done a cute post of her showing off her look for Ozzie’s. Could’ve also shown some cute country wear, allude to her origins from Wrath!

Workout/fitness/exercise stuff 🏋️‍♀️🏃🏿‍♀️. Let’s be honest she’s def gotta be hitting the gym a lot or doing home gym stuff in order to keep as fit as she is for the job! Could have stuff like showing us a homemade protein shake she made, smoothie orders, healthy food, as mentioned above athleisure, showing us working at the gym! Plus it show something a personal thing she’s into not just for the job but likes staying fit and healthy.

Stuff at work! Talking with the gang, potential office drama with Loona, frustrations during the job. Way to see how works for her and maybe shed light on her relationships with Blitz & Loona more.

Family photos! Stuff back from the ranch with her folks & siblings! Loved to have seen old stuff with her & Sally May, maybe even some stuff of her before her transitioning! Could’ve had some cute family photos from Loo Loo Land since they went there when she was younger. Could’ve had some present pics of when she went back in ep 2 for the job!

Stuff back at Wrath. Scenery, places she enjoyed, old Harvest Moon festivals(could’ve seen a bit of what she did last time in the Harvest Games that got her banned), stuff in the ranch like the hogs, etc🏜️🌵🌋. Be nice to show how proud she is of her roots!

Highlights & Story! She’s also the only one without any insta highlights or stories. One of the highlights could’ve been her & Moxxies wedding vows as her marriage is very important to her, wedding photo of her & Moxxie, maybe even one about her first kill! She’d def wanna share that.

More of just a personal idea, nothing against her account name it’s cute, but another thing I think could work if it was called “🔪Silly_Millie666🔪” play on “silly Billy”. could also have some knives to decorate!

In her profile could’ve also shared her work email like Moxxies! Perhaps like how Moxxie specified his expertise in guns, she’d specify her skill with melee weaponry & physical combat! Show how her skill differs from his, what she brings to the team!

What do u guys think? What kinda stuff do u think been good to have on Millie or any of the others accounts? I’d love to know💖. I would definitely have a lot of this stuff for my 🐂Millie🪓 if she was to have a Voxta!

[altraviolet]

Thank you @spicedrobot for the template! (template HERE)

My stats are kinda wonky because Echo Garden took 4 years to write but since it ended in 2024, all its stats go towards 2024's totals.

Other than TEG, I only wrote 2* other fics and I love them all equally tbh so I chose Nucleus Memory simply because it isn't TEG and was a really fun big bang with Sync :)

The numbers for the fics at the bottom are total comments and total bookmarks (AO3 distinguishes between comment threads vs total comments and public bookmarks vs total (public + private) bookmarks so I went with total for both).

*I also wrote my secret solenoid fic but it won't be published until tomorrow which means it'll count towards 2025's stats!

Long post!

This was a challenging year for many people, for sure! Personally, there were a lot of things that took away the energy/time I need to write. Family things (2 funerals and a wedding) and my day job (which is killing me, sometimes fast, sometimes slow). TEG ate my brain completely and so even though it ended in February, I haven't written very much since then. But I've decided to try to take a healthy view of this and not be mad that it's taking so long to recover xD but I do hope it hurries up! I had an initial goal to move on to original writing after TEG, but I think I'll try one more Really Big Fic as practice before doing so.

Since I only wrote 3 fics in 2024, I'll do a lil list of my thoughts:

The Echo Garden: massive fic! thanks so much to all the new readers and to everyone who's drawn art or left comments or rec'd it to new folks. it's astonishing to me that it's still drawing new readers :u I'm very happy overall with the fic. it was hard to write, sometimes, but I'll keep it positive here! there are so so so SO SO many posts about this fic, and comments, and the whole last chapter of it is a giant author's note with even more info. honestly I don't know what else to say about it that wouldn't either be a repeat of information or extremely long. it's very probable that if you're reading this post, it's because of TEG, so thank you for reading! :)

Nucleus Memory: reverse mini bang project with sync! they drew a pic and had a pitch, and I and another writer each wrote a fic about it! sync had some awesome ideas, I'm really happy I was selected to do their prompt. they did some beautiful art!! be sure to check it out if you haven't!

Bismuth: this fic was done for a Soundwave-centric zine! in Jan 2024 I read The Locked Tomb series and it had a big effect on my brain. this fic was an attempt to write something in an inspired style: disjointed, parallel timelines. scenes out of order. purposeful confusion to make the ending reveal rewarding. plus I got to jam another rarepair into the TF mire

In 2025 I hope to plan and post another big Rodimus/Soundwave fic, as well as any little idea that comes along, and also maybe participate in the TF big bang and secret solenoid events again! I'll probably abstain from zine events, but, I say that every time and then apply anyway xD

2020-2024 will always be the TEG years for me, and it's honestly strange to leave it behind. the 5 year anniversary of posting chapter 1 is in a couple months (holy moly :u) and that's wonderful and humbling. I don't think anything else I ever do will resonate so much with people, which is good in that I'm glad it gained such a happy audience and helped so many people. But it does make the idea of working on future fics to less reception a little less appealing.

There's nothing to do but keep going, though. I mean, the alternative is to not do anything? Nah. I do think unless another TF One style canon production drags a bunch more young people into the fandom, there probably will be a slow decline of new readers throughout 2025. Eventually it'll become less of a daily reminder for me, and it'll become more of a Past Thing and less of a Now Thing. If that doesn't make any sense, don't worry. It's like... idk. I get a lot of reminders of its existence every day. Which is fine! I think it'll peter off, though. And I'll work very hard again to make something to share, and I hope people will love it just as much =)

Anyway!!!!

Thanks for reading! I hope 2025 will be a very fun and productive year for all writers! 🎉✍️✨ That will mean so much good stuff for readers! Be sure to encourage your favs with comments!

Wishing you all the best in 2025!

[darkmatternova]

Unfinished work of 2023

I think I’m gonna start doing this every year now, opening up the years with WIP that never got finished. I had a lot of ideas that I really loved and either the story changed or I kinda moved on from the piece cause I didn’t know where to go with it. But to be honest I may continue on with some of these in the future!

I didn’t post much last year due to my wedding in January, that and a job that has been sucking me dry ( in the process of looking for a new one), but here a bits and pieces of what was going on in my head during 2023

Top left: the name for this one was “Big Brother Sunday” and pretty much was inspired by Warp taking the boys out one last time before Estrella was born, Percy (the bigger kid) is telling orion (The little kid) how Warp did this for him too right before Orion was born.

Top right: this is actually a scene from a comic I had doodled and most likely this scene is gonna go a little differently. It was to kinda open up and explain how they worked together on the mission in private while still being “enemies” in front of everyone else (other than buzz and commander, they are part of the mission too), it was a sweet moment to kinda show the audience there was feelings going on between them >.>

Middle left: This one was actually supposed to be the cover to my story/ and also another song challenge, the song being Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer”.

Middle right: a re draw from a pic I started back in 2020

Bottom left: another Song challenge! This time for the song “Clean” by Taylor Swift. This one was to kinda dive into the topic of Warp’s relationship with his Ex Venus, who was abusive, and the feeling of him finally being able to move on from her, I still may continue on this one, I would love to make a animatic if I ever had the time energy.

Bottom right: Warp with Orion as a baby Lol

[rocksinmuffin]

ginyu force break up hcs?

Whshdbwjnshe this is such a funny request thank you anon for my life

Ginyu is crying screaming throwing up. He was so sure you were The One™️, ya know? He had your future wedding planned out perfectly in his head, every last detail all the way down to the table centerpieces. This man is spending his off hours lounging in a bathrobe and eating directly out of the ice cream carton while watching sad movies just so he has the excuse to cry. His heart is broken and he will NEVER love again!!!! (He’s back on a dating app within a week)

Recoome takes it pretty well. The two of you were showing signs of needing different things in the relationship than what the other could provide and you break up on amiable terms. He’s one of those guys that stays good friends with all of his exes. You used to think it was weird when the two of you were dating but now that you’re one of his exes you totally get it. He’s a nice dude. He helped one of your friends move into their apartment and he agreed to be one of your references on your job resume.

Jeice pretends like he doesn’t care and immediately gets someone on the rebound but he also keeps drunk texting you in the middle of the night begging for you to take him back. If you block his phone number he will contact you one by one on every social media platform you have. He never even talked to you this much when you were still in a relationship. It’s the first time someone has broken up with him instead of the other way around and he cannot take the hit to his ego.

Burter is the guy who wants to stay friends but only because he’s always hoping to rekindle a relationship with you. He’s always pulling that “I’m always here for you” bullshit and holding your hands for way longer than is appropriate no matter how many times you tell him you just don’t feel that way about him. Every time you try to tell him you think the two of you should probably not hang out anymore he always denies still having feelings and makes you feel guilty for trying to set boundaries but then he shows up at your work with flowers the next day and you are so embarrassed holy shit.

Guldo tells everyone that he’s the one that broke up with you but nobody believes him. He spends a lot of his time on incel boards saying the most misogynistic shit because he is so clearly butthurt from the break up. If you don’t block him he will stalk your social media pages obsessively, looking at all your posts and pics but never interacting with them so you don’t know. He throws out anything he has that reminds him of you.

[cruesuffix]

Here we are again folks, back for another….ranking Crüe fits!!

I know it’s been a long while, I’ve been a bit busy posting wayyyy too much Mick, but we’re here now! Today, we’ll be reviewing the teaser pics of theatre of pain!

Vince

- I will say, the dress shirt definitely fits him well

-THE GLOVES thank you whoever forced Vince to wear those gloves they fit so well, especially with those gold bracelet things (idk what those are tbh)

- the jacket looks a bit big on him ngl…still it’s a serve I fear

- the way he’s posing in both photos, ok cuntatron lets werk!!

- sorry guys I just wanna simp over Vince real quick, let he’s so pretty I’m not sorry for this intermission…

anyways, personally I would like to see Vince in a suit more often, it works for him. he’ll get a nice 8.5/10 good job Vince!

Next up,

Tommy

- a tall man in a suit? Always going to eat

- love the flower on his suit, love that stance in that second pic

- sorry the first pic doesn’t really do him justice (wtf is that face Tom?)

- not much to say here, can’t see the dress shirt and vest, it’s just big giant with suit on

- it makes his head look a bit small (you didn’t hear it from me tho)

all in all? Solid 6/10 sorry Tommy…it’s better than nothing!

Nikki

- ok while I love this I can’t help but laugh

- he looks so silly in the second pic i can’t

- being serious, he looks great in the suit

- I have no idea why they gave Vince and Tommy jackets and not Nikki and Mick…interesting

- Nikki also has a flower and it’s cute

- THE LACE GLOVES AHHHAHHHAHAH

- love it love it love it!!

- makes him look classy (last word you’d ever use to describe this man)

- sorry I know I’m supposed to be a hater but he looks good here love it

- also his shoes in the solo pic looks really nice I love it

good job Nikki, I’ll give you a 7.9/10

Mick

- …I’m so sorry for what I’m about to say

- that shirt does NOT fit my mans

- also he’s not wearing a flower…would it kill you to wear a flower??

- if they were a K-pop band there would have been mad theories being made about his flowerless ass

- the vest and the pants work, but that shirt looks like it’s hanging off him.

- would have also loved to see him wear more suits

- he looked the best at Tommy’s wedding

- pls someone help my mans he’s drowning in that shirt!!

I hate to do this to my guy but 5/10 pls try again sir

ok, that was all…this was pretty short, so lemme give y’all their individual teaser pics (because they look so cool).

don’t these photos make them look cooler than they actually are? need a mystery thriller movie about a gang made starring these guys.

[youcouldmakealife]

LBTE: Jared (111-114)

New arc, and things get serious quick

If you want to read along, the series page is here. All previous parts under the 'liveblogging the end' tag.

111 - Change of Scenery

A new arc! One I believe I thought was the last. Spoiler alert: it was not.

And he knows that’s probably the most ungrateful attitude in the world, that every single hockey prospect in the entire province probably just felt a chill down their spine and went ‘someone isn’t appreciating the fact he’s in the fucking NHL’.

AND he’s defiled The Battle of Alberta.

“If you’re trying to make it harder to leave, it’s working,” Jared tells Bryce. Honesty is very important in a marriage.

“I don’t even want you to stay,” Bryce says, in possibly the worst acting job ever. The fact his arms tighten around Jared doesn’t help.

These two.

“Yeah,” Jared says, blows out a breath, gets one last kiss that doesn’t last long enough, then grabs his bags, Bryce hovering in the doorway when he walks down the hall like Jared’s going to trip and die on the way to the elevator, or maybe like —

“Quit looking at my ass,” Jared says without slowing.

“Training did you nice,” Bryce says in like, the sleaziest voice of all time, and Jared’s still laughing when the elevator doors close behind him.

THESE TWO.

“Okay, Halla,” Jared says, when it doesn’t abate as he heads to the front hall.

“Dinner,” Julius says when Jared opens the door.

“Hi, Julius, good to see you after months, I missed you too,” Jared says.

“Dinner,” Julius insists.

“Yeah, okay, I could eat,” Jared says, and Julius impatiently hovers while Jared puts his shoes on, grabs his wallet and his keys.

Jared's stray cat came back.

“Go be social with your team,” Jared says.

Bryce scoffs.

Still so far for Bryce to go! From this to slutty butterfly.

go b social go to bed ur so bossy, Bryce texts.

Bryce like ‘is he going to be even bossier now that we’re married? …that’s so hot’

112 - Stumbling Block

“I’ve been wondering if it’s too early to propose to my girlfriend,” Morris says.

Jared almost says ‘aren’t you a little young?’ before he realises that sounds patently ridiculous, considering Morris is at least a year older than him, and Jared’s currently wearing a wedding band.

20 years old, the AUDACITY of this boy. (Ben won’t propose for awhile, actually, but Vicki will, of course, say yes, and years down the line comes Liam’s godbaby/Luke’s fave niece Sadie)

“Just, you know, do it when it feels right?” Jared says uncomfortably. He’s not good at advice. Advice isn’t his thing. Does this ring mean he’s going to have to keep doing it? Not that he’ll take it off even if it does mean that, but it’ll suck.

Every single opportunity Jared has to mentor someone results in horrified backpedaling. Do not make this his responsibility.

“Got any pics from your wedding?” Johnson asks. He’s new to the team, picked up in free-agency, so Jared doesn’t know why he’d even care.

Jared: How dare he try to get to know me better upon meeting me, what the fuck is the matter with this guy?

“Not on my phone,” Jared says, and then Johnson, who apparently got married that summer himself, starts showing Jared picture after picture after picture of his own wedding, which is boring, but at least means he drops the subject. Jared’s pretty sure he just asked for an excuse to show all of his pictures, actually.

Trying to bond with a new teammate through a shared experience, what a fucking weirdo, right Jared?

His wife looks very pretty in her wedding gown, and Jared gets slugged hard in the arm for saying so, which he thinks is meant to be affectionate thanks? It hurts.

Jared sulkily rubbed his arm at least three times after that.

Rogers asked if he got married around Calgary, which is an easy question, and Morris asks why they haven’t ever met Jared’s spouse, which he can kind of side-step with a ‘it’s long-distance right now, they’ve got a job they love in Calgary’, and Jacobi asks him his wife’s name, which is — not one that’s easy to side-step. For a couple obvious reasons.

Jared shrugs. “It’s a secret,” he says, trying again to sound bored, probably failing.

Jared Matheson you made it a mystery. Never make it a mystery.

Jacobi waves a dismissive hand. “I’m just saying, the rookie’s fucking with y’all.”

Jared bites back an indignant ‘I’m not a rookie anymore’. It’s not worth it, and Julius will just roll his eyes again.

Jared living in fear of Julius’ disdain.

“Oh yeah?” Jacobi asks. “What’s his wife’s name?”

“It’s a secret,” Julius says without batting an eye, and Jared half wants to hug him, half wants to strangle him.

All hugs from me.

“Let the kid have some privacy if he wants it,” Rogers says, which Jared appreciates.

Whoooole lot of alarm bells ringing in Darryl’s head at this point — it ain’t his first rodeo.

He thinks Julius is smirking beside him, but he doesn’t check, because then he’d be obligated to elbow him.

TERRIFIED of Julius’ disdain. It doesn’t feel nice, does it Jared?

Jared takes back every single bad thing he’s thought or said about Darryl Rogers in his entire life. And it’s a long list, because he’s a good D-man and he’s been the enemy for like, a decade. All scratched. Good dude.

I cannot overstate how viscerally Jared has hated Rogers at points. Like, this guy’s been on the Enemy since Jared was a kid. He’s won games for the Oilers and made plays that lost the game for the Flames. And while he’s managed to let go of (most) of his Oilers angst, that one’s been around for a long time, and it’s one of the last things to go. But clean slate. Good dude. Rogers is a bro.

The Flames still apparently haven’t noticed Bryce is wearing a wedding ring. It’s hit pathetic level of obliviousness. Or maybe they have noticed, they just don’t care enough to ask Bryce about it.

Yeah it’s the second one, Jared.

Jared’s convinced Julius to actually start helping him in the kitchen, decided to tackle some of the more ambitious recipes provided by the team nutritionist, and sometimes the recipes fail and they suffer through it or order delivery, but sometimes him and Julius are sharing a silent, proud nod before shovelling greatness into their mouths.

The friend Jared deserves <3 The next generation of Mathesons will eat well.

The first indication there’s something officially rotten between Jared and Oilers management is, well — it’s not subtle.

Just a general all-round ugh for everything to do with Deslauriers.

His parents always warned him about the hazards of being a gay pro athlete, about the homophobia in the league, and it’s not that he didn’t believe them, he absolutely believed them, but he just — he doesn’t know. Figured he’d be the exception? Hoped, at least.

Again, he’d argue, but he’s an optimist at heart.

112 - Succor

Jared has to call Greg now, he guesses. His parents are probably both working, Bryce he needs to save for last, and Greg’s job is literally Jared. Among other players, obviously, but still. He should call Greg.

Greg doesn’t pick up, so Jared leaves him a message that it’s important and finishes his Gatorade, staring at the blank TV. He’s poured himself a glass of water — hydration’s important or whatever — is halfway through it when Greg calls him back.

Just including the end of this sequence, but the entire start of this part Jared’s gone so hard into repressing his anger he’s hit full on dissociation.

“Greg?” Jared asks. “You still there?”

“You know what this is, right?” Greg asks.

“Deslauriers being a fucking asshole?” Jared asks.

“Well,” Greg says. “Yes. But he’s targeting you professionally for your personal life.”

“I mean, I figured that out, yeah,” Jared says.

Greg, ten minutes into the call: WAIT, THIS IS HOMOPHOBIA. Jared: Yes please keep up.

Poor Greg, he’s so out of his depth.

“And Halla excepted, the ones who know are punishing you for it,” Greg says. “Jared, you don’t have to play for a front office that is personally targeting you. If you want — I can’t necessarily make anything happen, but if you want to request a trade, or I can contact the NHLPA and file a—”

I know this sounds like it’s stating the obvious (and it is), but Greg is just straight up having the realization now because he really didn’t think any of this would fall out the way it did, like, it’s the 21st century, who cares anymore, right?

(Dave knew.)

Greg sighs. “I know you do,” he says, like it isn’t news to him. It’s news to Jared, how much he wants to stay. “Keep me updated, okay? On anything. If he so even walks through a door you’re holding open without saying thank you, I want to know.”

This is a serious crime in Canada.

His dad calls him back within a minute. “On my way to one,” his dad says, with faint distance like he’s driving, using the hands-free. “What’s up, bud? Is Julius coming for dinner? Obviously he’s welcome, I just need to know so I know how much food to make, you guys pack it away.”

Julius is already so welcome in the Matheson household, which is going to serve him well in the future. Don accepted an Oilers player into his household before he was even dating his daughter! (Well. Two Oilers players. One was his son, so he didn't have much of a choice, even as an avid Battler of Alberta)

“Sorry,” Jared says.

“Don’t be sorry,” his dad says. “Deslauriers should be fucking sorry. If I got him in a room he’d be—”

Jared bites down a smile, what feels like his first real one of the day.

Don and Jared are so often at cross purposes in the narrative that it’s always nice when Don is 100% on Jared’s side.

“They can do whatever the fuck they want,” Jared snaps. “I’m not you, Bryce, if the Flames scratched you the entire city would be speculating about what the fuck got their star player scratched. They can do whatever they want to me, doesn’t matter if it makes sense, doesn’t matter if it’s just out of spite, and I can’t do shit, and they know it, and they’re making sure I know it. This is just—”

It’s a message. They can do whatever the fuck they want, they can make Jared sit out a game against his husband, they can make Jared sit out a game in front of his family, they can make Jared sit out a game in his hometown. They can do whatever the fuck they want, and they have.

Message received.

Jared has no interest in bullshit power games, it’s not a tongue he speaks, but he can read it fluently.

“I can’t believe you’re on his side right now,” Jared says.

“I’m on your side,” his mom says. “I’m always on your side. But I know you, Jared, as much as you like to think you’re unknowable, so I’m asking you, right now — when you’ve been meeting with Deslauriers, have you been rude?”

“Well, apparently polite’s rude now, so probably,” Jared says.

“Defensive,” she says. “Combative. Distant. Unwilling to listen.”

Not that Jared has no right to be, he obviously does, but — yeah, Susan has her finger on it. There has been a chill.

(Also 'as much as you like to think you're unknowable' is as absolutely savage as it is accurate)

“In any other industry your front office would be opening themselves up to a lawsuit with this, because this is textbook retaliatory practice. I’m furious for you. But Jared, you need to pay attention to how you come off. You’re not Bryce, you can’t antagonise your management.” Jared doesn’t know if she means that he’s not as good as Bryce, which is accurate, or that she’s implying Bryce has antagonised Flames management, which is — also accurate, but either way he’s pissed.

“Sorry,” Jared says. “I’m so terribly sorry my marriage has been mildly inconvenient for my management, of course they’re right to scratch me, because otherwise how else could I learn—”

“This is exactly what I’m talking about, Jared,” she interrupts. “You’re still young, and I don’t think you realise—”

Susan’s seen a lot of people’s attitudes sink them, and she doesn’t want it happening to Jared This… may not be the ideal time for her to state this. None of the Mathesons are good at holding their tongues when they’re upset. Susan’s typically the best of the bunch, but then, she's quite upset.

Julius has the same protest as everyone else, that he’s playing well, and Jared still appreciates it, maybe extra from Julius, who’s protesting like he’s annoyed his line is getting worse. Not that Greg, his dad, Bryce didn’t mean it about Jared’s play, not that they wouldn’t know what good play looks like either, not just in general, but good play for Jared in particular. But with Julius it’s less ‘why are they scratching you, then?’ and more ‘how dare they take my linemate away? You being scratched personally inconveniences me and I am not here for it’.

I love that Julius being upset for selfish reasons makes Jared happy.

“I could—��� Julius says.

“Don’t,” Jared says, before he finishes whatever he was about to offer. Jared’s pretty sure the best thing for him, for this stupid fucking situation, is to grit his teeth and smile and bear it, that Julius protesting, or talking to Deslauriers, anything like that, would just set Deslauriers against him more.

Jared is correct.

114 - Rejection

The Oilers go to Calgary. And like, Jared’s not excluding himself in that. He’s on the flight, obviously, because scratched players travel with the team — the whole point of having more dudes on your roster than on the bench is so they’re there if someone gets hurt or sick last minute, or like, married a Flame and is subsequently getting punished for it.

All common occurrences.

It’s not a long walk to his apartment, and he feels this fundamental sense of relief as soon as he walks in the door, gives the concierge a smile and a wave as he heads for the elevator. Home.

Hi James! (Add him to the name twin pile with all the Mikes and Not-Mikes, Matthews (given and surname), and multiple unrelated Bradleys)

Jared barely hears Bryce’s key in the lock before Bryce is behind him in the kitchen, chin on his shoulder and hands curling around his hips. He must’ve like, sprinted it.

He didn't walk, I'll tell you that.

“If you want to eat you can’t distract me,” Jared says, and Bryce digs his chin in harder before he kisses Jared’s neck, making it very clear where lunch lies on his priority list.

“No lunch?” Jared asks.

There’s a hint of teeth in the next kiss.

Bryce has priorities. Lunch is not on the list.

“We are not having sex in the kitchen,” Jared mumbles against Bryce’s mouth as he fights Bryce’s shirt buttons, and Bryce makes a disagreeable noise in response, but starts steering them towards their room, so that’s good.

Jared has sacrificed his safety for shower sex, but he draws the line at health. No kitchen sex. They make food there. Okay, he makes food there.

Every time he thinks Bryce has reached the plateau of being the best at blow jobs, he figures out how to make it even better. It’s like. There’s probably a hockey metaphor in there, applying himself to his game, getting on the scoresheet, something, but Jared’s too come dumb to think of one.

I admire Bryce's dedication to be the best at all his passions: hockey, marriage, sucking dick.

Hmm,” Bryce says, and kisses Jared’s shoulder in a blatant violation of the no-touching policy. Jared will allow it.

Well that edict lasted ten seconds.

He cuts it close: less than a minute after curfew there’s a curt knock on the door. Jared exchanges a glance with Julius, a silent ‘who’s stuck getting up?’, but considering Jared’s probably the reason it’s happening — they periodically check in on at least the ELC guys to keep them honest, but Jared suspects this is not a random spot check — he gets up and goes to the door.

“Good kid,” Mulligan says, then turns on his heel and walks away.

Mulligan hates everything about this situation.

Mulligan didn’t even check if Julius was there. He could have been out partying.

lol, okay Jared.

Julius is bobbing his head to whatever Finnish death metal band he’s obsessed with at the moment — they all sound the same to Jared, and he bets they would even if they were singing — screaming? — in English — while peeling an orange with his teeth like a total weirdo.

I love him.

He shoots the nauseated face Julius’ way.

Julius looks down at his phone when it buzzes, then pushes his headphones down, scowling at Jared. “What?” he asks.

“Peel the orange with your hands,” Jared says.

He really should have expected the half-peeled orange that comes flying his way.

“Go back to your husband,” Julius mutters.

“Would if I could,” Jared says.

Brothers <3

Jared works very hard on keeping his face completely stoic when the goal goes in. It helps that Bryce just scored on Jared’s goalie, which tempers the flare of vicious satisfaction he feels, thinking of Deslauriers’ face right now. Jared doesn’t like it when people score on his goalies, and that includes his husband. It’s rude.

Poor etiquette to score on your husband's goalie.

They’re wheels up in nine hours. Less than ninety minutes until curfew, and maybe this was a bad idea, maybe he should have gone back to the hotel to stew instead of getting not enough of Bryce again, the time so short he’s just going to feel worse when he leaves, feel cheated. He would have seen even less of Bryce if he was playing, so it’s not the scratch, except it is, it’s the scratch, and the distance, and he puts his fucking ass on the line every single time he steps on the ice, worked so fucking hard to get there, and —

Jared’s so tired.

Oh Jared.

“They gave you first star, right?” Jared asks into Bryce’s chest.

“Yeah,” Bryce says.

“Good,” Jared says. “You deserved it.”

"Thanks,” Bryce says, then, “Sorry,” and Jared closes his eyes when he feels Bryce’s lips brush his hair.

Oh buds.

[echantedtoon]

Demon Bride Ch60 The Truth And Holy Matrimony

(WARNINGS!!!:Douma, Karaku, and Enmu ARE their own warnings. Possibly some innuendos. Mentioning of death. Mentioning of Douma being poisoned.

Let's Just say Y/n is wearing a dress similar to the one above to make it easier to picture what she's wearing. Pic found on Pinterest.)

-THIS TAKES PLACE ONE WEEK AFTER CH59-

There was truly something about a wedding ceremony that was able to make even the coldest of demons truly melt... Douma's words.  Not his own. 

"*sigh* There is truly something about a wedding ceremony that's able to make even my cold heart skip a beat.~ Hmph! It's such a tragedy that I'm banned from attending-"

"You're still recovering from being poisoned you idiot!! And you would embarrass the poor bride!"

He stayed where he stood eyes closed and patiently waiting for Y/n to return from the room a few ladies in waiting were dressing her up for the wedding she was invited to. However he (annoyingly) was not the only one waiting for her. These two were eager to see her off, and even they weren't the only ones. Two others had shown up in the meantime-

"DDDOOOOUUUMMMAAAA!!!"

Daki and Gyutaro had arrived upon being released from their old assignments for Douma and instantly headed here in order to get a look at the now cured Upper Moon Two. Well Gyutaro stood by and just looked embarrassed as his sniffling sister just hugged Douma and sobbed her eyes out.

"I thought you were gonna dddddiiieeee!!! Ahahaaaaa!!!"

Douma patted her head to comfort her. "Oh my poor, Daki. I'm perfectly fine. I'll be even more fine once I get another kiss from my fiance!"

Gyutaro groaned rolling his eyes. He would have to agree with his reaction considering others decided to arrive now.

"Hey!! What's up with all the upper moons getting together? You having fun without us?"

"Nah! They're just discussing who's the better looking brother. Which is me by the way -"

"Urogi! Karaku! SHUT. UP. PLEASE!!! IVE HAD A DAM HEADACHE FOR THREE DAYS BECAUSE OF YOU TWO!!"

"*sigh* So sad to barge in like this but we've caught the third demon who's been killing the human women. We delivered him to Hairou but we thought it'd be best to report our capture to you directly, Lord Kokushibo."

Ah. The four brothers have arriv-

"What's this? Hmm. Did someone get killed? Oh my. Do I get to witness his execution?~"

"What are YOU doing here, Enmu?!," Akaza demanded. 

The much smaller demon chuckled. "I came to deliver my begonia some more medicine for her youngling, she mentioned that she needed more in her letter to me."

"I'll take it since I'll be responsible for him for a while."

"Oh. Is Akaza taking over the castle again?"

"Give him the medicine....and be silent all of you." He finally opened his eyes to all of them at last. "After today..all of you return to your normal work ..Aside from Akaza whom shall take my place... until I arrive back."

Enmu hummed in interest. "Oh? Where might you be off to at this this time?"

"That is none of..your business. You are to just...follow orders and do your job."

Enmu cooed in interest but didn't push him on the issue. Wise choice. With a sigh he settled back against the wall where he stood and tried to calculate the fastest route they could take to get there and get back ... He'd tried to get this done in less than a month's time but there wasn't any guarantee that it would be as quick as he would hope. A slide of a door opening quickly caught his attention as he turned his head towards the opening of the Dwell...And quickly all six eyes widened. A few heads turned as two handmaidens stepped out of the house.

"Right this way, My Lady." "Careful. Don't trip now."

A few more heads turned, and all fell silent. Eyes went wide. You stepped out of the Dwell carefully and with the assistance of the two ladies. The flowing kimono sat snug against you and flowed down to the floor. The beautiful light pink graduating to a pretty cherry red at the hem and the end of the long sleeves. A beautiful pattern of cherry blossoms and bright green leaves adorned your dress. Your face was decorated expertly in makeup that didn't take away from your natural face but enhanced your features.  Hair pulled up into a styled hairstyle and pinned there with a beautiful hairpin.  You thanked the girls before looking up, and pausing at ALL the stares pointed at you. It made you feel sheepish and your hands clasped together in shyness. 

"Um...H-Hi." You shuffled a little bit nervously. "So..how do I look?"

THUD!!

There was an instant reaction as Douma, who was the closest to you, fell to his knees and held out his arms to you like you were a goddess. "MARRY ME!~"

"WOULD YOU LEAVE HER ALONE!?" And was instantly yanked back by the collar by Akaza whom growled at him angrily. Douma only smiled at him. "Dam pervert."

Behind him there was an overwhelming reaction-

CHIRP!!  Urogi's face went red as he gave out a flustered sparrow squawk and his feathers puffed up. Next to him, Sekido just ..stared. He couldn't take his red eyes off of you, but his grip on his staff increased. Aizetsu's face went red, red, RED in blush- Karaku yelped as Aizetsu leaned to the side in an almost faint and he caught him, but still Karaku might faint too with how much he was blushing. Akaza even was almost as pink as his hair stealing glances at you between holding back Douma whom was still proclaiming his love for you as desperate as a starving man begging for food. Behind them Daki lit up smiling and gushing about.

"I knew my makeup lessons paid off!!" Her hand grabbed her brother's arm and shook him. "Isn't she beautiful, Brother?! Don't just stand there! Compliment her!"

Gyutaro just flusteredly stared. "hmmm...P-...P-Pretty...." Was all he managed to stutter out slack jawed.

Enmu was the only one standing there seeming to be able to speak normally as he giggled like a child getting a new toy and blushed but was still able to think. "Begonia.~ Hold me in your arms.~"

He held out his arms and attempted to approach you but Akaza also pulled him back. "YOU TWO PERVERTS KEEP YOUR HANDS TO YOURSELF!!"

You giggled at the sight before you all. But fell silent as someone much taller suddenly stepped in front of you and you blinked seeing a purple and black coat. Purple eyes looked up at Kokushibo and stopped at the half lidded stares staring down at you. You both remained silent..Until a strong hand reached up to your face. A single stray strand of hair was pushed aside, a palm resting on your cheek.

"....You are...truly radiant."  His hand ran along under your chin and his rumbled with a few deep chuckles as your face flushed a red. Taking a step back, he offered you his arm. "Come... Nakime will take us." You still heavily red cheeked, sheepishly grabbed onto his arm and he began to pull you along. Serious demeanor returning as he faced the others now. "Obey Akaza as if he were me... until I return. Do your own duties...and Akaza...think with a rational mind... without fighting first." He then looked at Akaza straight in the eyes. "Execute the murderers."

STRUM!!

With a strum of a biwa instrument you both disappeared into thin air leaving the gathering of demons behind.  You blinked as a moment later you found yourself in a familiar scenery..and your eyes widened as you took in what you saw. You both were in the middle of the woods in front of a beautiful giant mansion. A VERY familiar mansion.

"The Tsuzumi Mansion!" You lit up and turned to Kokushibo who tilted his head to you. "This is where Kyogai is!" He nodded and you excitedly tugged on him. "C'mon! I haven't seen everyone in forever!!'

He obliged walking in a faster pace compared to your movements. Your movements were hindered a bit from the fancy dress but that didn't stop you from moving excitedly to the door not caring if you dragged the more powerful demon behind you. You didn't even bother to knock instead just throwing the sliding door open shocking everyone on the other side. Many women servants stopped and stared... before one yelled out almost in horror.

"L-L-LORD KOKUSHIBO!!!"

Almost immediately everyone bowed nearly dropping everything in their arms you didn't care. You just continued to walk on through the mansion swiveling your head around looking for someone you wanted to see. There wasn't any signs of Kyogai or Kaigaku anywhere however you rounded a corner just as two people exited a room up the hallway. A lady in a pure white wedding kimono and next to her was a man in similar ceremony robes. Behind them was a very tall figure and all three stopped as you squealed happily and turned to you.

"ERI!!" You yelled out happily throwing out your arms and quickly approached the obviously dressed Bride. 

The bride turned revealing her four arms and four eyes on her prettily decorated face. All four widened at you before she also threw out her hands. "Y/N!!" She met you first running towards you and soon you were engulfed in a tight hug. "I HAVEN'T SEEN YOU IN MONTHS!! OH MY GODS!! I WAS SO WORRIED ABOUT YOU WHEN YOU WERE KIDNAPPED!!!" She then forced you out of the hug holding you out for her four eyes to scan you over. "Are you Alright?! You're not hurt are you?!"

You chuckled at her. "No. I'm perfectly fine. But enough about me. Look at you!" You gestured to her. "You look so beautiful!"

"Me? Look at you! Your dress is beautiful. It's like you're the one getting married and I'm the guest."

You chuckled before looking behind her as a man approached and blinked. "Komoki. Is that you?" You vaguely remembered Eri's merdemon fiance but he was walking around on two legs and dressed as handsomely as Eri was beautiful. "Wow. I almost didn't recognize you. You look so handsome!"

Komoki chuckled bashfully before holding up a hand. "It's the legs isn't it? I'm so happy you could make it for the ceremony. Are you here alone?"

You shook your head and looked at Kokushibo whom approached you. "I brought along a guest since you mentioned that I could bring someone."

Both looked behind you. Both froze and went pale. "L-LORD KOKUSHIBO?!"

"Don't bow.." his deep voice stopped the other two demons in the middle of bowing. "We can not stay long....we are only here for the ceremony... and then we are leaving...right after.."

"So soon?" A new but raspy voice spoke up and it was then that you finally noticed the third figure behind the couple.

"Kyogai!" You lit up seeing the taller blue and red eyed demon. Practically running around Eri just to make him freeze up as you hugged him tightly and smiled. "I haven't seen you since that meeting! I missed you so much!!" You looked back up to him. "Are you alright? Did you get the ink stones I sent you!?"

"Uuuuhh..." He stared at the sight of you in a beautiful dress and so pretty looking-

"It is...rude to stare, Lower Moon Six."

"Huh?! OH! Y-YES!! *ahem*" Kyogai cleared his throat and straightening up quickly but with a deep red face. "W-Welcome both of you. Yes. I-I am fine. The repairs to my home are finished as you can see. You also look ... v-v-very beautiful."

You chuckled at him. "Thank you. I hope we're not late."

"N-Not at all. We were just about to begin. The ceremony is taking place in the garden now that it's repaired. Please. Come join us." He jumped into a deeper red as you grabbed his arm. 

"Please do! I'm so excited to see it all!"

You were lead to the garden area by a very red Kyogai followed by the confused couple and Kokushibo silently following behind. He decided not to be offended by your excitement at seeing others as they were still fairly courting you and he'd have plenty of time to have you to himself. You all were brought to the garden and it was just as beautiful as you remembered, only there was a few more people there who were dressed up as guests for the ceremony, however they all froze as Kokushibo walked in right behind you all. But he had enough sense to just grab you and take you to the shaded area of the garden to just sit down and hopefully avoid anymore stares and allow Kyogai to direct the attention of the wedding back onto Eri and Komoki. The ceremony lasted for almost two hours as you all just silently watched and listened. Smiling all the while watching Eri try not to cry. She was such a beautiful bride. You were so happy for her. However when the ceremony ended and you were clapping...you were confused when a lady handed Eri a bouquet of flowers and one of her four hands motioned at the crowd. 

"All single men and women stand up! I've always wanted to try this!," she gushed happily at Komoki one arm holding onto him.

You confused leaned towards Kokushibo as a flurry of excited women and a few men gathered in front of the door you came in through to get in the garden. "What's going on?"

"It's a western... wedding custom. The bride ..turns her back on the unmarried guests...and throws her flowers...They say whomever catches the...flowers will be the ones whom marry next."

"How do you know this?"

"Lord Muzan's wife...had the same custom at their own wedding...I was the one whom accidentally...caught her flowers."

You snickered at the thought of Kokushibo catching a  bouquet of flowers but stopped when Eri turned around and got ready to throw the flowers. Seeing as you weren't technically single, you opted to just watch and see who the lucky person was. ERI readied herself as her arms reached forward just as the door slid open. Quickly her arms shot backwards and released. The crowd cheered and a few fell over in their reaching and scramble to catch it as it soared just above their reach and towards the open door. 

A figure in black stepped out. "What the hell is with a the no-"

SMACK!!

With an exact smack to the middle of his face, the figure was sent stumbling backwards and with a thud collapsed back into the mansion with a sputtering of curses. Everyone watching as he took off. Wait...you knew that cursing voice.

"Kaigaku!" You quickly stood up and hurried for the doorway. Stopping and looking inside. "Are you alright?!"

There was a few seconds of him just cursing and leaning up. A pretty bouquet of white roses  fell from his chest to his lap as he sat up but stopped when he saw you standing there looking over him. Blue eyes widened as he looked you slowly up and down. And stared at your face- THUD, THUD, THUD, THUD-  You both looked down...and you giggled seeing that his tail was wagging thudding against the floor-

"What the-?!" He growled and grabbed his tail picking it back up off the floo- Smack, smack, smack- His tail still wagged hitting his face s few times before he growled louder and gripped it with both hands. You giggled harder and he snapped back to you. "Oh shut up! I won't be laughed at by my woman!!"

There was a sudden uproar of cheers behind you and both of you looked behind you at a happily clapping crowd smiling at you both. You turned an embarrassed red and Kaigaku rose a brow. 

"What the hell happened while I was gone this time?"

"I'll... explain it to you later."

You did. After Kokushibo materialized out of nowhere scaring Kaigaku and giving your good byes to Eri and Komoki, and letting you bid good bye to Kyogai and promising to return soon. The both of you were then accompanied by Kaigaku whom INSISTED he'd walk with you to the forest's border he guarded where you explained to him the marriage custom Eri had tried out. He expectedly changed a deep red color as well. Sputtering a few words that sounded like 'be quiet' when you giggled at his obviously flustered face.

"K-Knock it off! W-What are you doing heading towards the border anyways?", he questioned raising a brow at you.

"I'm leaving for a little while." His brows shot up in shock. "I need to take of a few things back home and then I'm returning."

"WHAT?! YOU'RE JUST LEAVING!? WHAT IF SOME MAN TRIED SNATCHING YOU UP AGAIN?! YOU CAN'T LEAVE!!"

"Kaigaku.." Kokushibo stopped walking and he instantly stopped as his sensai turned his head to him. "You have your orders...to stay here at your post and guard...the border....I will be accompanying her myself to her.... village and back...Do you doubt my abilities?"

"No."

"Then you will not question it....You may accompany us as far as the border...but that is as far as you travel with us ... Understood?"

He scowled off but nodded...but looked up at you when you grabbed his hand. "It's going to be ok. I promise I'll come back and I never break my promises." You then pulled his along with you. "Come on. Walk with me."

He said nothing as you three walked along the giant trees giving Kokushibo comforting shade to be able to walk in until you all reached an end to the treeline. You recognized this place immediately and turned to Kokushibo.

"This is where I first entered." His head tilted as you pointed down the hill to your left. "I came up from the mountain in that direction."

"Then that is where we will start."

You then looked at him. "How though? You can't walk in the sun. We'll have to wait until nightfall then-"

He silenced you as you looked up at him and noticed he wore one of those giant weaved hats you sometimes saw travelers wear. It casted a long shade over his entire head and neck. His long sleeves covering his hands. But what surprised you the most was his face ..It was no longer a face of a demon.

HE LOOKED HUMAN!!

A human looking Kokushibo was staring down at you with two calm half lidded eyes and smiling at you. "I will...be fine. It only burns exposed skin so as long as I am careful...I will have nothing to fear. Let us go now." 

You turned to Kaigaku whom remained silent and gave his hand another squeeze, before you let him go and followed Kokushibo out into the sun light and down towards the way you first came. Kaigaku stood there between two trees watching you both walk across the field of tall grass and down on the long abandoned pathway.Even as you two turned into nothing but two specks again the horizon. His hands clenched up into fists and for the second time ever in Kaigaku's life...he shed tears.

The first day of travel had begun. You were surprised when Kokushibo didn't let you change into a less fancy dress but you supposed he really did just want this to be over with although you were grateful that the dress didn't have a hem that trailed behind you. You had to hang onto his arm to keep up. By first nightfall you started to grow worried.

"It's getting late. We should stop and camp for the ni- EEP!?"

Your face went red as you were literally picked up by the man and held to his chest as he continued to walk but this time much faster and with longer strides when you were walking with him. "We will get there...faster ifI carry you through the night...Rest."

Your face went redder as he walked with you in his arms... before hiding your face in your sleeves and hearing him chuckle. It was like Akaza all over again. You fell asleep and woke up the next day to Kokushibo nearing a town. Upon noticing you were awake, he placed you down and both of you continued on your way. You recognized this town as the last one you encountered before you first stumbled into the forest. Kokushibo stopped and bargained with a nearby farmer for food before you also continued on your way. The next few days were the same as you both got closer and closer to where you came from. After a few more days, you passed by the second town you encountered on your way through, and bargained with a few more people with more supplies before again continuing your decent down the mountain. The more you recognized, the more anxious and nervous you felt. Eventually coming to a most familiar sight indeed. A stream running across the land and you stared at it long enough to get Kokushibo to stop.

"This is the stream I would've waited at." You continued to stare at the clear pretty running water as is softly continued along on its journey.

He stared at you before at the stream again. "For your future husband?" You nodded. "I see..." You squealed again as he lifted you up and crossed across the small stream in two steps. "It is a good thing...I have then."

"K-Kokushibo!! P-P-Put me down before we get to my village!!"

He did with a small smile and you continued to stare red faced as you all continued past the stream and down, down, down the mountain...until you saw it. From high above on the mountain you saw the same familiar sight of your village. After all these months, it still looked the same. Kokushibo must've sensed your reluctance  because hr grabbed you by the hand but continued to pull you along with him down the rest of the way. Your stomach dropped and your nerves flared but still you forced yourself to walk onwards.  You both approached the town. You both got to the entrance of the town. And you both walked in. Almost immediately you were getting stares from people whom stopped and stared at you both walking through, no doubt due to your strange fancy dress and Kokushibo's impressive presence. Eventually he stopped in the middle of the town and you finally had the guts to look around. The sounds of farm animals and people going about their daily lives were familiar to you but the stares you were getting was wide eyed awe or surprise or curiosity. Eventually Kokushibo looked at you.

"Where... should we start? Your supposed...parents and grandmothers graves?"

You snapped out of it and you looked up at him before you shook your head. "Uh..N-No. Their graves mean they're dead, and the dead can't help us."

"Your old home then?"

You again shook your head. "It was crumbling to the ground and I had nothing there. If there was something I would've already seen it after so many years."

"Then perhaps...your village elders know something ...you do not?"

You paused.. before looking up at him wide eyed. "Elder Kagaya! He's been here for longer than I have, and he's pretty wise. Even if he doesn't know anything about where I came from, he might know something that might help me." You quickly looked around before tugged on him towards the right. "Come! His home is this way!"

He allowed you to tug him in the direction you pointed out and you quickly tugged him along. House after house and people after people you passed earning a few looks but you still pulled him along until you pointed out one big building to him that was just slightly bigger than the others.

"That's his home! We should be able to see him there." He usually stayed there with his children and wife anyways. 

He didn't say anything but allowed you to pull him up to the building and knock on the door hard. The knocking reverberated off the inside and there was silence for a long moment until footsteps approached and the door slid open to reveal a child. Not just any child, one of the Elders children. You didn't know which one as they all looked alike other than their one brother but she stared up at you both with a smile.

"Do you have a meeting?", she asked you.

"No. But it's very important for me to see him anyways. Please tell him that Y/n is here to see him." The girls eyes widened in surprise.. before the door quickly closed and footsteps hurried away from you both. "We'll have to wait a moment." 

"I don't suppose... you'll tell me if you're alright?...You seemed anxious the moment we got close."

You sighed before reaching a hand up to rub your head. "Let's just say that I might've left with a bad taste in everyone's mouth when I ran away. I did some bad things."

He didn't get a chance to respond when the door quickly opened again and the girl was back. "Please follow me. He'll see you now."

You both looked at each other..but followed the girl inside one by one. She lead you down a hallway and then to a room at the end of the hallway to the right. She glanced over you both again before just opening the door and bowing.

"They're here, Father."

"Ah. Excellent. Please allow them to come in," a calm man's voice said. You looked at Kokushibo again... before looking forward and walked forward. Slowly coming to the doorway and stopping there. Inside was a very familiar looking blind man looking your way with a calm smile. "Y/n. It is so good to hear from you again. I thought we had seen the last of you." He gestured for you to come over. "Please come in. You and your friend."

You slowly did so. Walking in and noticing that he was with two more of his children who also stared at you. You slowly sat down across from him with Kokushibo following behind calmly. You felt guilty and ashamed under his blind stare although he still smiled at you.

"I admit this is quite a surprise. We haven't seen you in nearly a year. What brings you back to us?"

...You inhaled and exhaled slowly before steeling your gaze. "Firstly I'd like to apologize to you and everyone else for the mess I made when I left. I'm sorry I caused such a fuss, but I don't regret doing it because I how my life turned out. So.." you bowed your head. "I apologize for that."

He didn't change his look but tilted his gaze at you. "Hm. I doubt you came all the way back after so long just to apologize. Tell me, who is the person next to you?"

"Her husband." 

You jumped as Kokushibo suddenly spoke with such a blunt and deep tone. It almost sounded threatening. "N-No. He's my fiance!"

"Not much.. difference."

You shot him a look but Kagaya only chuckled. "My, my. An unexpected surprise but a welcome one. I was not expecting such a thing to transpire. "

"Was it not your intention...for her to marry in the first place? Perhaps your people should...take better consideration of your women...in the future."

"Hm. I will take your words to heart. Now what do I owe you two the pleasure?"

Be blunt. Straight to the point. "When I left here, I found out some things about where Im from." Your fists gripped your hands. "I was never actually related to anyone who lived in this village. My grandmother was never really my grandmother..And my parents were none of the ones that passed away. So I ask you...Where did I come from and where is the family Tamayo?''

There was silence as the girls looked at one another. Kokushibo and you silently looked at the Elder. And Kagaya hummed after a moment and frowned.

"Ah...I knew this time would come. I was hoping to discuss it sometime with you during your wedding ceremony, but it seems like I was wrong."

"YOU KNEW THIS ENTIRE TIME?!" You gawked at him in shock as he sighed.

"Forgive me for not telling you sooner. I wanted too..but your guardian did not deem it a good time. ...But I suppose you deserve the truth." He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "A little over twenty years ago there was a woman whom traveled through here with a man she claimed was her partner. She went by the name Tamayo yes." You lit up and looked at Kokushibo whom only calmly stared back at him. "She came to treat the sickened ones in our village but unfortunately it was too late for a few. The children of your Grandmother being two of them. For whatever reason unknown to me Ms. Tamayo wouldn't accept any money for her deeds. Instead she requested that we raise her child in exchange for her services...She never disclosed the reasons why, only that she wanted a safer environment for you and that we never tell you until you were old enough to understand. Your grandmother was the only one whom agreed to take you in at the time and so it was done. She left a few days after we buried the dead."

You still stared at him half in shock...but he didn't speak again. Eventually you pushed him for more. "And?! There has to be more to that?! Didn't she ever send you a letter or anything?!''

He shook his head no slowly. "No. Nothing. She left rather quickly. The last that I heard she had passed away in the town of Asakusa a little more than Twenty years ago. I'm so sorry."

You continued to stare at him..but he said no more so you deflated. Even Enmu mentioned she had passed away.. maybe she actually did and this was fruitless. "...Thanks..One other thing. What happened to Sanemi? I didn't see him when I came in." He usually was the one guarding the Elders home.

He slowly smiled with a chuckle. " I'm afraid Mr. Sanemi no longer resides here. He and his new wife are living with her family. Ms. Kanae didn't want to leave her home."

You lit up. So Kanae was married to Sanemi after all. At least you're plan had something good come from it. 

"I see..." You bowed again to him and stood up. "Thank you for clearing so much of this up for me. I won't be staying here, and we're leaving now. But do me one favor. Please tell Mitsuri I'm very sorry for everything."

He only nodded with that smile. "I will. I wish both of you luck wherever fate takes you. Hinata will see you out."

The same girl stood up as did Kokushibo whom turned and followed you out of the door and out of the building entirely until you both were standing outside once again in silence. Listening to the sounds of people just walking around going about their lives and the farm animals before he turned to you.

"Have you... gotten the answers that satisfy you?"

You still stared taking everything in before inhaling. "I need to go to Asakusa." You looked back to Kokushibo. "I need to know what happened. And if she is really dead...then I would at least like to visit her grave at least once."

He didn't say anything at first before looking forward and began walking making you blink. "Asakusa is many a days journey....from here. I wish...to get this entire thing done...under a month's time... Come. We will..leave immediately...and return soon."

[exitrowiron]

Our Son Got Married!

Part 1

We gained a DIL last weekend at a lovely wedding in South Paris, Maine.

Brady and Cloe did almost all the wedding planning themselves, starting with the selection of a quaint venue in rural Maine, about an hour away from Portland. The rehearsal was on Friday; as the parents of the groom we hosted the rehearsal dinner (Beth did a great job selecting the venue, planning the menu, etc.). The pics below are from that evening.

On Saturday, anyone who had arrived was invited to join a casual welcome dinner on site. This was almost a mini-reception in light of the fact that essentially everyone had to travel to attend the wedding. Brady and Cloe met while attending Indiana University, as did Beth and I as well as my sister and her husband and my cousin and her husband. Many of the attendees also went to IU so we took a picture of all the IU grads; a few more showed up on Sunday.

I don't have many pictures from the actual wedding day but, everyone looked beautiful - the bride and groom of course, but Beth also looked great in her dramatic purple gown. Our daughter Katy was a female groomsman and looked lovely in her dress as well. The picture below is my sister and I.