#HOWEVER while hits are low the comments are about the same so that's actually my fics doing better really isn't it?

[nostalgia-tblr]

having a vague "why am i writing this horrible story?" crisis about the anglo-saxon au fic that has taken over my mind since *checks* about two days ago. i have approx 2000 words of it written so it is going fairly well in that sense but i have gone a bit niche with my fics recently and am starting to think "nobody wants to read this, people will be annoyed at you if you post this" a bit more often, even though they probably won't because it's a free cake and it's rude to complain about free cake.

[vilnmelling]

NPMD Digital Ticket details!

Since not every can/can afford to/wants to buy the Digital Ticket for Nerdy Prudes Must Die (and the bonus material that comes with the purchase), for your inclusion purposes, here's a list of fun background details, funny moments and comments made in the track commentary, for you to use however you like!

Ruth doesn't actually need to wear her headgear anymore, but she wears it anyway because it makes her feel safe.

Jeff pitched a Nightmare Time episode about the problematic puppy from Steph's verse of High School Is Killing Me, meaning there is a story there.

In the line, "I learned that at the anti bullying assembly last month, fucknugget!" there's a long pause before "Fucknugget!" which really makes it sound like Max forgot to insult Richie and just threw the word out.

All of the little noises Ruth makes, she makes because she has more she wants to say, but she can't say them (presumably due to anxiety).

In the proshot, you can't see fully how low Richie goes while he and Ruth sneak up on Peter, but Jon is fully crouched down. He then uses Pete's pockets and elbows to climb up like he's climbing a mountain (he mimes using a pick or axe to get good hold).

While Steph is talking, Ruth and Richie try their best to hear through the phone by getting as close as they can to it.

The reason Max and Jason were in the Pasqualli's parking lot is that they were practicing their skateboarding. They do that at Pasqualli's instead of at school/at a skatepark because they don't want the smoke club and skater kids to make them look like noobs. (This was a cut bit from the Pasqualli's scene).

The line, "Some big... dumb... sexy... football star" is expanded. In the Digital Ticket, Grace says, "Some big... dumb... sexy... sweaty... hot... well-spoken... beautifully tall football star."

When they're in the boys bathroom, Steph jumps to see over the stalls.

Richie Naruto runs when they're going to Waylon Hall. Pete slaps his hands down, but after they pause to look at the house, Richie looks over his shoulders at Pete a couple of times before darting away from him, once again Naruto running.

Richie stops in the door at the Waylon Place, so Pete pushes him inside.

Ruth and Richie speak at the same time when they say, "I'm allergic to deodorant" and "I have overactive sweat glands."

Ruth goes straight to Richie to complain after the "pus in my pits" exchange with Steph.

When Steph suggests saying there's a party at the Waylon Place, Pete, Ruth and Richie all react negatively (mostly nervously groaning).

While Grace sings the "He's just a nerd in disguise!" line, Richie can be seen practicing the first move of the Bully the Bully dance.

After Ruth says, "We're gonna cut off his nips!" you can see Steph look confused and ask, "What?"

While Pete and Richie talk in the Waylon Place ("Am I reading as ghost or Lin Manuel Miranda" & "She came all the way out here just for you."), Ruth and Steph discuss and practice Ruth's skeleton moves.

Richie gets stuck in the dangling parts of Pete's costume when he says, "You could just hit it and quit it, bro!" He then aggressively detangles himself.

The line "He's just really fucking brave!" comes from Richie being jealous that he's not that brave.

Richie hypes Ruth up a bit after Max says her skeleton bit was really special.

Grace hides behind Ruth while Max is dying.

Richie rolls his eyes when Grace says "It was an act of god!" (Similarly, Shapiro sighs and looks away in disbelief when Grace later says "It was god's plan!")

Pete gags when Grace says "Hack all his limbs off." Richie can also be seen gagging and holding his stomach several times.

Ruth hands Max's nipples over to Grace after cutting them off.

Jeff Blim is the principal of Hatchetfield High. Not a character of Jeff's, just Jeff himself.

Brenda still seems quite judgmental after the two weeks have passed. She makes a lot of not-quite-friendly faces when the football team's talking about Richie smelling bad.

When Richie struggles to remove the Zeke the Fightin' Nighthawk costume, he accidentally removes his jacket as well, leading to Jon having to put it back on (which he also struggles with) (and which creates a funny situation, since Richie was supposed to go shower).

Richie seems to have hurt his leg by the second fall in Nerdy Prudes Must Die (the song).

After Steph tells Grace to "Leave Ruth alone!" in the principal's office, Ruth tries to grab Steph's hand.

The wig Joey wears when he plays Dan Reynolds isn't Dan's real hair. Dan Reynolds wears a toupée.

Trevor and Angela's drama student encourage each other after they finish rehearsing.

Additional line when Grace is lying to Shapiro: "Suddenly, I remembered a crucial detail that made everything make sense. A picture came flashing into my mind, like I was Enola Holmes!"

"My dad sells women shoe! Shoes!"

Angela misses the chair at Beanie's and falls on her ass, leading to her, Joey and Mariah (mostly Mariah) breaking character.

During The Summoning, Tinky focuses ONLY on Pete. The entire time, he looks like he's restricting himself from lunging out and attacking him. At one point, he points at the Bastard's Box while staring at Pete.

90% of the time during The Summoning, Pokey's staring at his own mask.

Steph facepalms after Max says "That's nasty! ... I like it!"

[minniethemoocherda]

Washing Machine Heart

A/N: This is set after my previous Morpherine fic "Can I Lay by Your Side?" but you should be able to read this as a stand alone. Tried something different here by doing Logan's POV instead which was a challenge but I hope you guys liked it! Thank you so much for everyone's likes, reblogs and comments on my last two Morpherine fics! I am so happy I am not the only one craving for more about these two! I don't know if I will have time to upload another Morpherine fic for a while because I am busy with IRL stuff and this other big fic I've got going on rn. But if the inspiration hits again then I will ride it! Xxxxxxx

Ao3

FF.net

Logan hated galas. He hated stuffy rooms full of rich arseholes and stupid social conventions and food that wasn't actually designed to make you full. But since the event was a fundraiser to help support mutant kids, he didn't have a choice in not going to this one.

Logan had tried to argue that his costume counted as a suit, but Jean had threatened to force him change if he didn't do it himself.

So reluctantly he had on an old scratchy black and white suit. He was currently waiting in the hall with the other guys whilst the girls and Morph finished getting ready and if Scott didn't stop telling him how to tie his tie, then he was going to strangle him with it.

"How do I look?"

Focused on trying to not kill Cyclops, Logan hadn't noticed that the other's had arrived until he heard Morph's voice from behind him.

Logan turned around only to find the breath punched out of him.

Ever since Morph had come out a few months ago, (some that Logan had been completely accepting of it because he had been around for over a hundred years and Morph was far from the person he'd met who was like that) they'd said that they wanted to experiment more with their clothing.

However, whilst Logan had seen Morph in a suit, outside when they'd shift into a female mutants costume, he hadn't seen them wearing much feminine clothing yet

Until today.

Leaning against the end of the banister, Morph was wearing a long red dress, pretty similar to the one in that film they'd watched with how it hugged their body before flaring out at the bottom. Their chest was still relativity flat in their usual form, but the low cut of the dress, enhanced what was there. Logan felt that animalistic nature inside of him growl with want.

Which was new.

Logan recognised the feeling of wanting to hang out with Morph, to protect them, to hear them laugh. But that was a different kind of want... right?

Distracted by their thoughts, Logan hadn't realised that he had never actually replied until he heard Morph let out a nervous laugh.

"Don't tell me, my clutch doesn't match?" Morph said, gesturing to the small white bag in their other hand that Logan honestly hadn't even noticed.

"It's fine." Logan replied, not that he was any authority on fashion. "You look good."

"I know." Morph smiled, striking an over the top pose, but with his enhanced senses, Logan could pick out the blush under their friend's grey skin.

"However, I wish I could say the same for you." Morph teased, pointing at the tangled mess of Logan's tie.

Before Logan could grumble a protest, Morph tucked their bag under their arm and leant forward to fix it themselves.

Logan found himself frozen as impossibly smooth hands, brushed against his neck as Morph fixed his tie. Logan was not one for physical touch, he couldn't remember the last time another person had touched somewhere as vulnerable as his neck, one of the few places on his body that if too badly damaged would be an injury he couldn't walk away from. But he found himself completely trusting under Morph's gentle hands.

This close, Logan could feel the overwhelming smell of whatever perfume Morph had doused themselves in. Logan was sure that it objectively smelled nice. But it his over sensitive nose, it just smelt of chemicals. He preferred Morph's normal smell because it mean that he knew that his friend was still alive.

He could also hear the slightly quickened pace of Morph's pulse, that appeared to beat faster with every moment.

"There," Morph smiled as they finally smoothed out his collar over the newly fixed tie. "Now you shouldn't get us kicked out for looking like a savage again."

Morph took a step back, probably to admire their handiwork, but before Logan even realised what he was doing, he had reached out to grab their hand to keep them still touching.

Thankfully, Morph didn't seem offended, just confused by the action.

Logan shook his head. He didn’t know why he'd just done that. The chemicals from that perfume must've messed with his head.

He corrected himself, dropping his hands before offering out an arm like he'd seen them do in that movie.

He watched as Morph blinked for a second, as though not entirely believing what they were seeing, before a devious grin spread across their face.

"Oh my dear Wolverine, I thought you'd never ask!" They cried, a hand clutched dramatically over their heart as though this was all some big joke.

"Are ya gonna take it or what?" Logan grumbled, for some reason feeling suddenly annoyed.

Rolling their eyes, Morph placed their bag in one hand and looped the other through Logan's arm.

"I bet I can down more free drinks than you can." They faux whispered into his ear, their breath sending shivers down his spine.

"You're gonna loose that bet bub." Logan retorted, falling back into their usual banter after whatever the fuck had just happened.

After a few last minute toilet trips and loosing an argument with Jubilee about her dress being too short, they all piled into the limo waiting outside.

It was a cramped fit for all of them. The low ceilings, darkened windows and close quarters reminded Logan of when he was trapped in that damn cage.

Hunched in the back corner, the other's hadn't noticed his agitation, too busy arguing over whether Jubilee could try any of the free champagne.

All except for Morph, who stroked their hand down his arm and kept up a continuous chatter for the car ride, tethering him to this reality.

Thankfully it was a quick drive to Town Hall where the gala was being held.

Unfortunately, word must've spread about the fundraiser, because the Town Hall was swarmed by a bunch of anti-mutant protestors.

Even out of costume, their group was pretty recognisable and suddenly most of the abuse was getting hurled at them.

Security was doing a decent job keeping the crown contained behind barriers, but there wasn't much they could do to contain to hurtful jabs thrown their way.

Morph faltered on the steps, their sudden stop nearly tripping Logan over.

"Do I really look okay?" They asked, clutching onto his arm even tighter.

"You're a knock-out." Logan replied in honesty. "And if anyone says otherwise, I'll stab them."

Morph snorted.

"I don't think Summer's will be impressed if you cause another international incident."

"Then I'll shove my claws up his ass too."

Logan couldn't help the swell of satisfaction at the sound of Morph's signature cackle.

As the others headed inside, Logan paused at the top of the stairs.

He had fought mad scientists, sentinals and Sinister. Going to some fancy party filled with rich people should not feel like going into battle. Yet it did.

Morph squeezed his arm and Logan glanced up to see that familiar determined smile gazing down at him and Logan couldn't help the grin that spread across his face.

Because as always the two of them had each other's back. And whatever battle was waiting for them on the other side of those doors, they would face it together.

[towriteloveontheirarms]

"Misery"- Once in a lifetime chance (Midsommar AU) Chapter 1

part 1 of 4 || series masterlist || next part

pairing: modern!Aemond Targaryen x Reader

summary: As if it isn´t enough that your relationship is drifting apart, tragedy can´t seem to leave you alone. But then again there might be a chance to get away from it for a while.

word count: 1,3k

warnings: mentions of character death and grief, mentions of mental illness, mentions of verbal fighting, afab reader

general HotD taglist: @urmomsgirlfriend1

(As always, if you want to be tagged in this mini-series or any other character/general fandom taglist, send a comment, ask or DM my way.❤️)

Life has never been nice to you or easy. The only thing that ever truly went well for you growing up, was school, but as you got to University, even that began stressing you out to no end after a while. Even more so when you gotten to know and started to date Aemond Targaryen. He was a nice person at first. Your relationship was good. Your parents liked him and you would often accompany him when he would meet up with his brother, Aegon and his nephew, Jacaerys. In the beginning it was kind of a weird dynamic to witness between the three of them, but you soon got used to the banter. Once you gotten to know them a bit better, the two men were nice enough. However, juggling your studies at KLU, trying to keep up with your family and the seemingly quickly burning out relationship with Aemond all threw you for a loop. And you would be lying if it didn´t bring you back into a deep depressive hole bit by bit. You didn't really have any friends of your own, aside from him. Which made things a whole deal worse whenever you did have a fight. Which occurred more often as time went on. Mostly about the relationship with your sister. For as long as you could remember struggling with depression she had struggled with bipolar disorder. Yet while you had tried to get into therapy, which wasn´t always that simple, and taking your meds, she let all that kind of slack off. Now, even so used to her behavior, it still freaked you out majorly when she went into `one of her phases´ as Aemond had called it once. He wasn´t happy, a massive understatement, with the whole dynamic between the two of you. As if you didn´t know how unhealthy it was. You were. Without a place in therapy in sight, you had been leaning onto him more and more. It made you feel bad to no end to rely on him like this. Yet at the same time you didn´t know how to move past it. And when times were good between the two of you, they were great. So you didn´t lose hope that it could be like that all the time again soon.

Then after an especially bad night, where you try to reach your sister and she doesn't answer, you hit your deepest low yet. The whole evening you spend messaging, e-mailing and calling her in hopes she would respond to anything, while venting to your friend about how this was scaring the ever living shit out of you you and how you simply couldn´t tell Aemond about it, as she would always do this. All the while she tried to calm you down. Telling you that that´s what he is there for. Despite her assurance you don´t tell him anything. Instead you ignore the feeling, that this time something was actually wrong, heading out to meet Aemond at Aegon´s place, where all of them had assembled for the evening. Of course, this would come to bite you in the ass. All throughout the night you have to excuse yourself again and again, as to not let them see what you were feeling. When you get ready for bed later that night, in quiet and cold conversation with Aemond, the police from your family’s hometown calls you. You almost miss it and when you pick it up, you wish you hadn´t. The officer on the other end of the line addresses you with a tone that lets you know what happened before he even says it. Your parents had been found dead. Presumedly killed by your sister during an episode, committing the crime before taking her own life. They couldn´t say for sure yet, but she was living with them and nothing pointed to anyone else being the perpetrator.

The news make your throat close up with a large knot. Tears veiling your sight the second you hang up the phone. Heavy sobs shake your whole body and if you would be thinking clearly you´d probably be concerned about disturbing the neighbors with your loud wailing. But you are not and the sounds push their way out. You cry into his lap, curled up in on yourself, until there are no tears left and no sound comes out of you. Until your body is too exhausted to keep you awake.

When you wake up the next morning Aemond lays beside you with his back turned to you. You remember how he had tried to console you to no avail before going to sleep himself. With a dull pain in your head and burning eyes, you turn to your side. Burying yourself in the blanket. Forging a relative safety which you barely flee for you don´t know how long. Only when Aemond forces you to eat or shower you move from your spot. Mostly you either sleep or cry though. Especially at night, when the nightmares come. It further strains your already near broken relationship. You are aware how Aemond pulls away from you. You don´t need to listen in on his conversations with Aegon and Jace about how he wants to break up with you, but can´t because of your families death. Eventually you are able to talk yourself out of bed and into attending life again, though you are aware that it still isn´t like before. You still try, for both your and Aemond´s sake.

Which lands you were you were now. At a party with your boyfriend, Aegon, Jace and a man who Aemond had introduced to you as Cregan a week or so before. Cregan is nice. The genuine kind of nice and empathetic in a way that the others never could be. During the conversation you find out that he had invited the three to attend some festival back at his home in the north. Him mentioning the invitation stunts you a bit, as you couldn´t remember Aemond ever mentioning something like this. For the sake of not provoking another argument, especially in public, you refrain from saying anything of the sorts. Only congratulating them and giving Jace the stage as he almost giddily informs you all that the afformentioned festival only happened once every 90 years and he was so stoked to write his thesis on the customs.

He looked much like a golden retriever in those moments of joy, as Aegon and Cregan jokingly never fail to remind him and in your distracted mind you have to agree.

You hold your tongue all the way until the next day. You didn´t even plan on it coming up again, but when Aemond brings it up again you. And of course it blows up into a full argument ending with you trying to mend things as best as you could. Everything to not drive him away any further.

“I´m sorry. Truly, I´m sorry. I was just surprised is all. You shouldn´t let me hold you back from this chance. It will be great for you.” You take his hands in yours.

“Are you are sure this is all? You will be fine?” He asks suspicion lacing his tone. Eyebrows still laced together tightly.

“I- yeah… It´s only a little while right?” You mutter. Still unnerved by the disagreement.

“No, you know what? You… You should come with us. If you want. Cregan surely would not mind.” The fact that he says it like this stings. The indifferent tone and `Cregan would not mind´ instead of `I want you to come´. It makes the pit in your stomach grow tenfold.

“Y-yeah. It would be nice. It´s probably good to get out of here for a while anyway, right?” The insecurity drips from your words and is met with a coldness that chases a shiver down your back.

“Yes, probably.”

You don´t feel entirely ready for a journey to the north, but you push it down. You didn´t want to pull Aemond down with your bullshit any longer.

[pesky--dust]

Ever since I read an interview where Fuller was upset because a movie wasn’t faithful to the original source material I think no wonder he keeps trying to add in stuff from other Hannibal books and sprinkling Clarice everywhere. It’s disappointing because I think the show is at its best when it’s doing something different and letting its characters stand on their own. Some lines he kept in didn’t even make sense like the Red Dragon thinking Will wasn’t handsome because he’s not in the book but he most definitely is in the tv show.

To be honest, I don't feel "objective" enough on this topic, because my first contact with Lecter's universe was Silence of the Lambs when I was a teenager. Then, in the mood for some crime-psychological series, I decided to give NBC's Hannibal a try. I started reading the books at the very end, so I think that watching the movie and series before the source material changes my perception of it, which is quite common when it comes to adaptations.

When it comes to me though, until recently I believed that the best adaptations were films/series that were fully faithful to the source material. It's only recently that I've started to learn what adaptation actually means and that no, not always being fully faithful to the source material is good.

I understand that Clarice's absence may be disappointing, but in case of Hannibal, I usually try to separate the book and TV series canon. And if I'm honest, while reading the books, I enjoyed recognizing parts I already knew from the series and movies. It gave me a new context of all of that.

Learning that Will mixes with Clarice in the series happened quite quickly after I finished watching the series, so I took it as quite natural that the lines about Clarice in the book/films were used for Will and I think it's good, since he took the role of Hannibal "lover". Changing the context of the conversation about "imago"? This is a moment in Mizumono that still gets me every single time.

However, it makes me chuckle a little bit, when I see how often fans of the series think that the producers came with the most beautiful lines about love, when most of the iconic words from the series (like: "If I saw you everyday forever, I would remember this time", "feel stab of hunger and find nourishment at the very sight of...", etc.), actually come from the books.

I got kinda sad though, when I realised how many of Doctor Bloom's lines the show assigned to Hannibal to make him seem even more amazing and "superhuman", because I feel like it strippes Doctor Bloom of their (in books it's a male, in the series it's a woman, so their) inteligence, making Doctor Bloom mainly a love interest for two seasons.

I know the show's creators didn't get the rights to Clarice, but at the same time, they poured a lot of her into the character of Miriam Lass and sometimes you may wonder why they didn't replace Clarice entirely with her. Does this have to do something with rights as well?

The changes introduced by the series with the usage of the source material fascinate me and I guess that I like most of them.

I have to admit though that the third season really neglects Francis Dolarhyde and I only understood what was actually happening in season 3B after reading the book.

But I disagree that Francis' comment about Will's appearance doesn't fit here! It is known that both in the book and in the adaptations Francis has very low self-esteem. If I remember correctly, in the book he aims the knife at Will's eye but hits him in the face instead, the same in the series. He may comment that Will is ugly, but still, he aimed at his face, as if in jealousy that Will "sees" him but hasn't experienced what he has.

[okkalo]

Hi! I saw you opened requests and thought I would drop one into your box!

I really like what you wrote for the crush + confessions, and was wondering if we could get scenarios for Reo, Shidou, and Kunigami saying "I love you" for the first time

Thanks in advance if you decide to write this!

hello! congrats on being my first request back 🤭 i hope u enjoy these and have a good day!!

characters: reo, shidou, kunigami (i haven’t mentioned this in my rules yet but i will always write pre-wildcard for him unless specified otherwise [it depends on the req too bc i feel like i won’t be able to characterize him right 😔]!!)

reo

- he was down bad since you started dating so he’s been feeling it for awhile

- knows not to say it early though because he doesn’t want you to doubt his feelings

- you’re probably feeling insecure about your relationship once he says it

- he revealed your relationship on social media not too long ago and a lot of the comments were making suggestions of you using him for his money and frankly just not being good enough for him.

- the average reo cliché am i right 🤣🤣

- reo knew you wouldn’t use him so he never worried about the comments

- he didn’t take into consideration the other comments though and just you not being used to hate comments

- he only realized once you had broke down in front of him

- he’s quick to comfort you, holding you in an embrace as you cry while rubbing your back

- once he hears you blubber about truly loving him and not needing his money he immediately gets it and separates from the hug to gently yet firmly hold your face, looking into your eyes as he confesses

“y/n, you know i don’t think any of that.” he started off, tone softening to match your vulnerable state. “and who cares what those losers claim? they’ve probably been single for decades to where they need to talk shit to cope, leave them be.”

“reo!” you gasp at his claim, giving him a light smack on the arm. that didn’t stop you from smiling, however. he only shook his head, continuing with his speech despite your disruption.

“y/n, i love you so so much. at this point even if you were using me for money i would still oblige.” he was quick to place a finger to your lips to stop your complaint. “i know you aren’t, though. but either way i still want to spoil you everyday, so i couldn’t care less about what those shitheads think, i only care about you.” you forgot how much of a sap reo could be, but either way his rambling certainly did comfort you. he sealed it all with a deep and loving kiss, making sure to replicate all of his emotions into his action.

shidou

- i’m actually going to stun everyone for a moment and say it actually takes him a WHILE to finally say the three words

- now stay with me for a minute

- i get that he’s a very say what he feels kinda guy but at the same time he doesn’t really feel love until later on

- and i mean like a year or 8 months

- it hits him so suddenly too

- you’re probably just doing something domestic with him and he realizes how important you’ve become to him

- he was soon to leave for a match abroad, so he had to get the most of your affection now before he was left to his lonesome

- that also meant he had to get some of his rowdiness out as well

“shidou, put me down!” your shout rang through your shared apartment as you thrashed around on his shoulder, which he had thrown you on like you were a stupid sack of potatoes. humiliating. he gave into your wishes shortly after, flinging you aggressively on the bed. he paid no mind to your hiss of pain at the not-so-polite meeting with the mattress. he was quick to climb on top of you. though, you noticed his usually aggressive eyes turn soft once looking down at you.

all at once, the thoughts of not being able to see your face for days on end, let alone hear your real voice hit him. he remembers back to the last time he had to leave you. how off he had felt the whole trip, his mind always thinking about you. wow, has he stooped as low as sendou?

without thinking another thought, he whispered a soft, “i love you.” he must have to be sounding this vulnerable in front of a woman. he figured he didn’t really care, enjoying the feeling of being you all to much to care. he dropped down to collapse on your body, effectively knocking out all of the air from your body while doing so. meanwhile, you were still shocked he showed you his softer set of eyes.

kunigami

- he probably tells you 2-3 months into the relationship

- it honestly depends how fast you guys are going

- he absolutely does it when you are doing something cute in his eyes

- so that can be in public or just the two of you, he doesn’t care, really. if it’s public get ready to blush because the way he says it with total emotion will make you weak.

- for this one you guys were in the comfort of his house, lounging around on the couch on your phones while you rested on his chest

- you got hungry so you got up to go get something to eat from the kitchen

- still on your phone, you gasped so loud once you came across pictures of baby and mama polar bears together, knowing your boyfriend would love the sight

- so, of course, you ran back to his arms, ignoring his worried questions, and shoved your phone in his face.

“rensuke, look!” you exclaimed, eyes wide as you shuffled in to get comfortable in his lap. he gave a confused look to you, wondering what the whole ordeal was about. you sighed, bringing your phone down to give him a pouty expression. “it’s polar bears, you’re favorite.”

realization spread across his face, now understanding you had been excited to show him the pictures of his favorite animal. “that’s what all that was about?” he breathed a sigh of relief. you only nodded, lifting your phone back up so he could look at the pictures of them.

a small smile spread on his face, more at you then the pictures. once you finished scrolling through the different photos of polar bears and looked back at your phone with a content smile he confessed. “i love you,” it was mostly a thought that just happened to slip from his lips, catching him but some surprise too. your eyes widened, looking back up at him. he had a soft pink tint on his cheeks. he figured there was no going back with his sentence, instead leaning in to give you a soft peck on the cheek.

unedited thanks for reading!

[riddles-n-games]

So, I wanted to make this as an appreciation post for the fandom. Looking at all the reveals we've gotten in the last few days and seeing how much the world of TIG has expanded so quickly, I've been getting a bit nostalgic.

When I joined this fandom, it was August of 2022, barely a month out from the release date of The Final Gambit, the finale of The Inheritance Games. I found out about TIG at a random bookstore on a road trip and I had immediate interest (the hot tub scene sold me so quick). I was also still somewhat new to Tumblr back then but I wanted to see what the hype was here.

Back then, we were still in the Averyjameson vs Averygrayson era even though I'd say things were cooling down a bit. But, that's not my point. The community was getting ready for this; there were chapter reveals, theories, and oh, it was awesome. I was so happy to be part of it. And some of the people who made it a lively place back then are still here, but unfortunately, some have gone quiet. @averysjameson, @guppyclato, @lesbianator3000, @margolovescoffeeandbooks, and @cherryschaos, thank you for making my days back then. I know you may have moved on, but I thank you for the contribution you made at the time.

The only thing I will not miss is the toxicity that Averyjameson and Averygrayson fans plagued this fandom with and divided us so much. We had a lot back then to still savor, why did we have to do that to sour the tag when this series had so much more to offer than just the romantic subplot? There was a mystery at large and so many other characters to love. We only seemed to agree on hating Emily and the old man. Moving on, let's never do that again and if there is another love triangle, let's try being more mature about it. I know we can. If Gray, Avery, and Jamie moved on, so can we.

When we were told of The Brothers Hawthorne back in October 2022 and given those first chapters for the new book, I was over the moon. We were going to finally see the POVs of two favorites; Grayson and Jameson. I was so excited to see from Jamie's perspective, to get a mystery set in London and for him to solve it with Avery; it was an Averyjameson dream. However, come the actual release of the book and I was honestly so disappointed. I'm not sure why it didn't hit the levels it should have but I already said my piece on that and while I still have some disdain for that story, I look fondly at the parts I did love. And funny enough, I told myself Grayson's story will just have to do only because I was feeling sour over Jameson's plot. But low and behold, I loved it! It was deep, funny, interesting, and held my attention as if I was in TIG all over again and it hit more high notes than Jameson's. I may attribute that to the familial connections we see displayed there but it felt more rewarding and even if JLB still had more for Grayson's development, that didn't mean Jameson had to suffer for it. However, I'm hoping that this story here was a fluke and I'm putting my best foot forward in believing that maybe reading Averyjameson through Avery's POV again in Games Untold will give back that familiar feeling I've been missing for two years. I never said I wouldn't try again.

Now, we've entered a new era and this is a third for me; The Grandest Game and Games Untold. During this period, I met @hathorneheiress, my fanfic bestie, and a lot of my current supporters have been with me since TBH. I thank you very much for sticking with me by liking, reblogging, and commenting on my posts. You make my day in the same way I assume my content makes yours. I haven't said that enough and I don't think it will ever be. I'm happy that we're all still here now and going into this new unknown with our theories, headcanons, new characters, and plots. I'm sure it will be a blast. Thank you for giving me that feeling again these last few days; it felt like being with Avery and the gang, running through the House, finding another clue, waiting in anticipation what it reveals.

I hope that this next series is everything we hope for it to be, a new start for Gray, a chance to bond with the new characters we met in The Brothers Hawthorne, and an opportunity to make it feel like the hay days of the first book. I hope that Games Untold lets us relish that feeling with the original cast, to relive the good old days, to meet up with some old friends we haven't seen in a while, and to have that final hurrah that leaves us on the highest of highs in the best way possible. Maybe it'll make it easier to say goodbye to the ways it used to be and embrace the new storytellers but of course, with the way JLB leaves us hanging with every story she gives, who is to say that'll be it?

Thank you to everyone who makes theories, headcanons, fanfics, fanart, and so many other things that leave us wanting more. Thank you to everyone who showers that content with support in the form of likes, comments, and reblogs. Thank you to everyone who has been here from the beginning, in the middle, and now. You all made this a special place. Thank you to everyone who made this community that way and continue to do so every day. I'm happy to be a small part of that. See you in the next post.

-Mystery Girl's Red String

[starcrossedxwriter]

Built for Love Part 6 (MBJ x Famous OC)

Warnings: NSFW, mentions of past experience with DV

A/N: I'm really excited about this one because… we are getting some fluff and smut with minimal to no angst lol love that for them! Enjoy!

“So how’s shit with Charlotte going?” Calliet asked, the loud crack of the pool table filling the air as Michael took his first shot.

“You mean, Els, get that shit right nigga,” Stello interjected, snickering lightly as Michael rolled his eyes at him. If there was one thing his friends were always going to do, it was make fun of his romantic side. 

Michael let out a low chuckle, choosing to let his best friend’s comment pass him by without a retort. “We’re good. She’s… she’s good.” 

“You sure? Cause you don’t seem sure.” His friends immediately picked up on the pause in his words.

“Nah, she is good. Great actually. I’m gonna sound crazy sayin’ this but she’s the one.” 

“Nigga, it’s been three months. Relax, my guy.” 

Michael shrugged. “When you know, you know. And I know that shit. It’s just…” Michael scratched his head. He had not told his friends about Charlotte’s past yet. He questioned whether it was his place to do so, to share details of her life she did not offer up herself. It seemed that only her family and closest friends knew the truth and he did not want to spread it around. However, he could not deny that he could use a sounding board as he navigated such murky waters. And he was not a man who was afraid to talk with his boys about his problems and be vulnerable. He decided he would just keep it vague, the details were Charlotte’s story to tell. “Things really are good. It’s just this shit from her past that comes up occasionally. Her ex was abusive.” 

“Oh shit. For real?” 

“Fuck.” 

“He hit her?” 

Michael shook his head. “Yea. The couple things she told me were fuckin’ insane. And I don’t think I’ve heard the worst of it. If I ever see that nigga…” He let out a deep exhale as he clenched his fists. Michael was far from a violent person, he could not even tell you the last time he even had a desire to get into a fight with anyone. Everyone in his orbit, including himself, would describe him as the calming force in a room, he always had the ability to keep his emotions in check. However, if he thought too long or too hard about Shaun Parker, all he could feel was rage. And the only action he could think of was ripping him limb from limb. 

“Damn, that’s tough. How is she doin’?” 

“Most of the time, she’s great. She’s herself. You know she’s shy and reserved in front of other people but once she’s comfortable, she’s so energetic and fun to be around. She’s charming but still has that cute awkward shit goin’ on that keeps her real and honest, fuckin’ hilarious. But the rest… I’ll say or do somethin’ that triggers her and she seems terrified of me but doesn’t know it.” 

“What do you mean?” 

“Like it’s not a conscious thing but I can feel it wafting off of her sometimes. The first time, she broke a wine glass at my place by accident, got red wine on the rug. She’s clumsy as fuck. But I don’t care. It’s actually kinda cute. And shit happens. It’s just a fuckin’ rug. By the time she came over again, I had a new one already. She looked like she had seen a ghost, pale and freaked out. She apologized a hundred times. Her hands were shakin’ so hard, she couldn’t even pick up the glass. A couple weeks ago, she forgot we made dinner plans, same thing. And it wasn’t a big deal at all. I actually preferred it cause I was tired as hell. We ordered in and just talked. But I could feel her whole body tense like she was waiting for me to lash out at her. We were out last week, she was chatting with the waiter while I took a call. She was like an entirely different person when I got back to the table. And I wasn’t thinkin’ twice about who the fuck she talked to. But in her mind, she committed a crime or some shit.” 

“That shit’s heavy,” Calliet offered as he rounded the pool table for his shot. “Seems like small shit to us but to her, it means a whole other thing. How you dealing’ with it? I know that shit bothers you.” 

Michael scoffed, taking a long sip of his drink. “Of course it fuckin’ bothers me. To have the woman I love seem terrified of me, terrified I would even consider hurting her like that? Shit is frustrating. But I dunno. I did all this research on how to be supportive and been slowly tryin’ to add that in. But I dunno. Just worried it isn’t enough.” 

“Want my two cents?” Steelo offered. Michael was usually weary of taking relationship advice from his best friend. Steelo’s longest committed relationship amounted to months. But he also never pretended he wanted anything else, he was more than happy living the single bachelor life. Michael decided to just hear him out. If it was bad, which it was likely to be, he would just ignore it. 

“Hit me.”  

“I know I was anti-Charlotte after everything went down in Philly but this the happiest I’ve ever seen you. I think you gotta just keep showing up and maybe, actually talk to her? Research is great, google is your best friend. And you can do all that. But you also gotta know what she needs and the only person who can tell you that is her. Ask her, give her time to figure out what she needs from you, and then do those things in addition to the other shit. And I know it sounds crazy but maybe she also just has to hear you say that shit. You know… assurances and all that… women love that shit.” 

Michael glanced at Calliet who merely shrugged. “Hey, I agree with him. Broken clock is right twice a day.” 

The men laughed a bit at Michael’s friend’s expense before the only married man in the group added, “Nah but forreal. The kid is right. Talk to her. Ask her how you can make her more comfortable and go from there.” 

“That might be the first solid dating advice you’ve given me.” 

“Check back in another decade, I might have more.” 

***

“Dinner was delicious, babe. You know when you said you could cook, I definitely thought you were lying.” 

Michael chuckled. “My momma taught me a thing or two. Said she wasn’t raisin’ niggas who couldn’t throw down in the kitchen.” 

She nodded. “Well, shout out to your mom. The women of the world, particularly this one,” she pointed at herself. “Thank her.” 

He brought her a plate with a piece of chocolate cake on it, his favorite. He smiled as she did a little happy dance in her seat. His girl most certainly had a sweet tooth. 

“Don’t tell me you made this too? Cause then I might have to marry you,” she joked. 

“Don’t threaten me with a good time, baby,” he winked at her and smirked, causing her to roll her eyes. “But nah, my sister would kill me if I took credit for that. She’s the baker. I’m hopeless with desserts. It’s my favorite thing of hers. ” 

“Then we are a perfect pair. You can cook and I’ll make dessert.”

“Sounds like a plan,” he kissed the top of her head before settling back in his seat. 

He watched her eat for a few minutes, enjoying her facial expressions and small but distinct sounds of delight with every bite. She was clearly in heaven. But tonight had not just been about showing his girl a fun time and cooking for her, it was also about broaching a difficult conversation and putting his friends’ advice into action.

“Hey, Els.” 

“What’s up?” 

He held out his hand for hers, his thumb going to rub the inside of her wrist. He started doing it more often after their dinner date fiasco, realizing that she seemed to respond well to it. It was a small and gentle touch, but every time he did, her body visibly relaxed and seemed more at ease instinctually. 

“What do you need from me to feel more comfortable and safe?”

Charlotte raised an eyebrow in confusion, her spoon gently clattering against the slide of her plate as she sat it down. “What prompted that question, Mr. Jordan?” 

“Well, I just know this is your first relationship since everything. There are triggers and shit that are gonna come up. And that’s ok, I know it all takes time. I just… I want to assure you that I ain’t him. And I would never hurt you. And whatever you need me to do to help you believe that and feel you know, more at ease, I’ll do it.”

Charlotte’s heart melted for a moment before her own guilt set in. She tried not to think much about her triggers. They happened far too often. And each time, she would curse herself for it, profusely remind herself that Michael was not her ex, and swear to herself that it wouldn’t happen again. However, it always did and it felt like by the time she saw it coming, it was too late to stop it. However, what she never wanted to do was make him believe she thought he was like Shaun. She knew that was not the case in her heart, mind, and soul. However, she knew, as the famous book and her therapist constantly reminded her, the body kept a different score, kept a laundry list of every beating, every humiliating and degrading moment. She may have pushed the memories out of her mind but every single one was still etched in her bones. And she could not force that out of herself, it would only take time. 

She clenched her eyes shut for a moment before sighing. “I’m sorry, Bakari. I-I never want you to feel like I think you’d hurt me or something. I know… I know that isn’t you.”

He shook his head. “Hey. Don’t apologize. I didn’t bring it up to blame you. Your past is part of you and I know it ain’t shit you can just turn on and off when it’s convenient. That’s why I want to know how I can help?” 

Charlotte stood up, abandoning her cake to join him across the table, sitting on his lap. Her hand settled against his cheek, her fingers playing with his coarse facial hair. 

“There is nothing you need to change, Michael. A-and I’m not just saying that. You’re everything I could hope for. And you treat me better than I could’ve dreamed for myself. I guess…” She paused. “I didn’t realize how hard it would be trying to be in a relationship again. I’m not afraid of you. But when you live in constant fear for so long, it sort of becomes part of you. It guided every decision, every choice, every action… every second of every day. And I think, sometimes, even though I know in my soul you aren’t him, that fear is still there in my bones. And when it hits, I don’t even realize it until it feels like I’m drowning in it. A-and I’m sorry for that because I know it’s not fair to you. I’m trying really, I promise.” She clenched her eyes shut for a moment, afraid of where this conversation might actually be headed. “B-But if it’s too much for you, I u-understand. I c-can’t expect you to stick around forever while I figure o-out my -”  

“Love, stop. Breathe. That’s not what this is at all. I’m here until you get sick of me, baby girl.” He peppered her face with pecks causing her to laugh. “And don’t apologize to me cause I don’t need it or want it. I just want you to be ok and happy with me, not worried when some other shoe is gonna drop. If there’s nothing, great. But if there is, I just want to know it. We don’t gotta discuss it tonight. I have a whole surprise waiting for you downstairs. Ain’t tryin’ ruin it. But just promise me, if you ever feel like you do need something from me to feel safer o-or I’m doing something that makes you feel unsafe, promise me you’ll tell me.”

She pressed her lips to his. She appreciated that he was not shying away from her reality, that he was jumping in to address the hard things. She would not have blamed him if he wanted to end things but he was still here, still loving her and wanting to work through the kinks of their relationship. If he was willing to have hard conversations, she had to be willing too. She could not just will all of this away, she had to actively work on it. 

“I promise.” 

“Aight, good. Now we got the hard stuff outta the way, wanna follow me to the basement?” 

“Are you gonna tell me what the surprise is? I thought you cooking for me and the food not killing me was the surprise?” 

“Ha. Ha. Ha. And nah, I’m beginning to think you really don’t know what surprise means.” 

“I know what it means, I just like to be in the know.”

“Alright, close your eyes.” 

“Bakari…” she whined. 

“Just do it, Els. Damn, you never listen to a nigga,” he mumbled. 

She winked at him before acquiescing to his wishes and closing her eyes. 

One hand held onto hers while his free hand settled on her hip as he led her downstairs and around a corner to his movie room. 

“Ok, open.” 

She opened her eyes to find the room completely different from the last time she came down there. Giant cozy pillows and blankets draped like a tent covered the floor, a whole set up of popcorn and other snacks and two cocktail glasses waiting for them.

“I know you’re kind of a homebody so a more creative spin on dinner and a movie?” He offered with a shrug. 

“You did all this??” 

“Yea, I remember you mentioned once on set that you and your siblings used to have movie nights and make forts in your basement.” 

She giggled as he led her to the perfectly constructed tent in his basement. He essentially turned his downstairs into a campground, with soft lightening and cushy blankets and pillows littering the floor around his flat screen tv. 

“This is far better than any fort we made.”

It clearly had taken him and perhaps a team of people time to set it all up. It was beautiful. She leaned over and picked up a pack of gummy bears, her favorite. “You didn’t have to do all this for me,” she whispered. “It’s too much.” 

Michael shook his head. “Nothing is ever too much for you. Besides, press tour is in what, two weeks? We’re gonna be busy so we gotta enjoy the time together while we can.”  

Michael went to the bar to pull out a pitcher of mojitos before he got situated in their fort next to her.

“Not gonna lie. I’m kinda looking forward to it. It’ll be my first real press tour.”

“I’m about to be all your work firsts, then?” 

Charlotte nodded as she took a sip of the cocktail Michael made for her. 

“Yea and some personal ones, I’m sure,” she muttered under her breath, thinking back to the conversation with her friends.

“What’s that mean?” 

She let out a nervous laugh and shook her head. “Nothing, nothing at all.” She turned the gummy bears toward him, allowing him to take a handful before she snuggled into his side. 

The pair snuggled and joked as they watched Bad Boys, a movie that made it onto both of their top five movies lists. Their banter carried them through most of the film, the pair analyzing and offering their two cents as if they were experts on thwarting criminals. The pair made their way through an obscene amount of snacks and a pitcher of mojitos as they watched the first movie and its sequel. 

“Those drinks were so good,” she muttered as she examined the now-empty pitcher, a small pout on her features. “If this whole acting thing doesn’t work out, you could be a bartender for sure.” 

Michael laughed and rubbed her thigh. “You wanna just crash here? You shouldn’t drive home after all that. And it’s already late as hell,” he remarked, glancing at his watch to find it was almost 1 am.  

She shrugged and winked at him. “Jokes on you… that was alllllll part of the plan. Your bed is more comfortable than mine.” 

“Damn, you just usin’ a nigga for a comfortable bed??” 

“Not just the bed… Comfortable bed, free meals, cuddly oversized sweatshirts,” she listed on her fingers with a sly smile. 

“You know I’m good for other things too,” he whispered with a smirk on his face, his fingers drawing featherlike patterns on her exposed thigh that sent chills down her spine. She knew exactly what he was suggesting and she did not know if it was the liquor or just the overall effect he had on her body, but she wanted to know what those things were. She wanted more. More of him, more of his touch, more of his love. And she did not want to wait a single moment longer. 

And she did not want the night to end, their last true moment of solitude before life picked up again. They would be traveling and exhausted for a month. Though she was excited to spend her first press run with him, she knew it would not be true alone time. It would be work and since they were not a public couple yet, they would have to exercise some discretion.

She threw caution to the wind and straddled his hips, ignoring his surprised look as she took charge of the moment. She kissed him before nibbling on his ear and whispering, “Why don’t you show me?” 

Usually, those words would have had Michael ripping a woman’s clothes off within milliseconds. However, despite the lust coursing through him, he forced himself to pause and confirm her wishes. Once he knew Charlotte wanted to take it slow, he always made sure to pump the brakes before things got too hot and heavy between them. No matter how hard it was - and it was excruciatingly hard - it was one of his many attempts to show Charlotte that he understood and respected her boundaries and subtly remind her she had agency in their relationship. He never wanted her to feel pressured to do something she did not want to do because she was conditioned never to say no. He wanted her to know she was steering the ship and he was fine with whatever speed she chose. 

Admittedly, this was the longest he ever waited for a woman to sleep with him. They were well into month three and had not progressed past heated make out sessions. However, Michael, honestly, did not mind. He longed to bury himself inside her, to taste her, to show her pleasure she had never known before. But he knew it would be more enjoyable for both of them if she was truly ready for it. 

Michael’s eyes grew wide with surprise as her statement settled in his brain matter. He leaned back over her, his soft hand cupped her cheek and held her eyes to his. 

“You sure? We don’t gotta do anything you aren’t ready for, Els. And we been drinkin’ and shit. I’ll wait as long as you want, love.” 

Charlotte offered him a soft smile. “I know. And it’s very sweet and it makes me love you even more if that’s even fucking possible,” she let out a nervous laugh. “I trust you a-and I want you. That’s all I need. So I am very ready for you to break my back like you promised.” 

Michael chuckled and kissed her on the neck softly. 

“You sure?” 

Charlotte knew she would not find the words to describe how desperately she needed him. It was no longer a want that could be diminished by her anxieties and fears, it was a need. A need that felt as fundamental to her survival as oxygen to her lungs and sustenance to her body. His willingness to take it slow and respect her boundaries, the ways he went out of his way to make her feel safe and desired daily only increased her lust. So she decided to show him through action. 

“Yes…” she reached for the hem of her dress and pulled it over her shoulders, thankful she decided to wear a matching bra and panty set. She had no intention, originally, of their date night taking this specific turn but she was grateful nonetheless. She felt empowered and assured in her decision as she watched his reaction, pure lust and desire taking over his features. 

He licked his lips before he captured hers again. She moaned as his hands enjoyed free reign of her body, softly kneading and gripping her ass and thighs. She could feel the desire pooling between her legs, the movie playing on the tv long forgotten. She did not stop him as he flipped her onto her back, his chest pressed against hers as he sucked on the soft skin of her neck. 

Michael took his time as he kissed her, paying close attention to every moan and groan, his ears perking up when he hit a sweet spot. He wanted to know every intricacy of what she liked and just how she liked it. His path of kisses and gentle nips down her body was deliberate and slow, he savored  how her whimpers became needier as he went. But he did not speed up. He was determined, desired to see her come undone piece by piece, and that was a process he could not rush.

“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered as his lips lingered against one of her scars, knowing they made her insecure about her appearance. 

By the time he reached her lower stomach, her whimpers had turned to pants of need. Charlotte had never experienced foreplay like this before. She did not understand how he was already so attentive, the way he seemed to immediately respond to her body, picking up on cues Charlotte would not have been able to articulate herself. If her body was an instrument, Michael seemed to already be a savant, hitting the right notes with every caress and touch.  It was a slow march and Charlotte was feigning for the main event, feigning for him to fill her. 

Michael finally detached his lips from her body and made quick work of removing her thong. 

“All this for me?” He whispered as he licked his lips as he admired the wetness between her thighs. 

He spread her legs and licked his lips before kissing her inner thighs. Charlotte almost saw God when he added in a gentle bite, sending sparks of pleasure through her. With every passing second, his lips got closer and closer to the treasure between her thighs, a coveted meal Michael had been waiting months to taste. 

However, realizing his intention, Charlotte immediately felt the first wave of anxiety and insecurity hit her, pulling her out of the moment and mind-numbing fog of pleasure. 

“W-what are you doing?” She breathed out, stopping his path toward her core. 

“About to get a taste,” he muttered as he continued kissing her inner thighs. 

Charlotte squirmed for a moment before quietly offering. “Y-You don’t have to do that… if you don’t want to.” 

He raised an eyebrow in confusion. There was literally nothing he wanted more in this world at this moment. “I definitely want to. What’s wrong?” 

“N-Nothing’s wrong. I’ve just never…” She scratched her forehead and kept her eyes trained on the ceiling. It was embarrassing and she did not really want to say it out loud. Similar to her lack of an orgasm, she had also never revealed to anyone that her sexual experience was severely lacking in terms of receiving pleasure. Giving? She was good at it and enjoyed it occasionally. But she had always been the giver and now could not even fathom what receiving felt like. She knew, based on conversations with her girlfriends, that she was missing something spectacular and life changing. But the mental block was there and she found it hard to want it. “Never mind, it’s embarrassing.” 

Michael chuckled. “Aint shit to be embarrassed about with me, baby.” He kissed her softly on the lips. 

“No one’s ever given me…” 

Her words died in her throat but Michael did not need her to finish the sentence. He knew exactly what she was trying to say and shocked was an understatement. He had jerked himself off more times than he would ever admit dreaming of her paradise, what she tasted like, and what sounds she would make when he finally found himself in that promised land. And to think that no one had ever taken the time or care to give her that pleasure angered him more than it should have. He supposed he should be happy he was the first one to give her that experience but he hated that her sex life prior to him had been so lacking.  

“You trust me?” 

She nodded immediately. “Of course.” 

“Ok, then just lay back and relax for me, aight? If you don’t like it, I’ll stop. But I don’t think you’re gonna want me to stop.” He offered her a knowing wink.

Michael was not a man who begrudgingly engaged in foreplay simply because it was required. The build up was his favorite part of the experience, knowing he was giving his partner exactly what they needed and wanted, worshiping her body like the queen she was. He would bask in every moment of proving to her that he wanted to do this task more than anything else.  

“Always so cocky,” she muttered with a smile. 

“And you love that shit,” he shot back as they traded playful jabs. “Now relax… and let me take care of you.” 

Michael’s hands pushed open Charlotte’s legs, her pussy glistening with need. 

Not wanting to waste another second, he leaned in and enveloped her clit into his mouth, sucking gently. 

Charlotte let out a deep moan, a moan so visceral and carnal, she did not even know she could produce such a sound. But she didn't even know her body could feel pleasure like this and he was only just getting started. 

It seemed Michael was right about one thing, she most certainly did not want him to stop. 

Michael poured his whole soul into his ministrations, pulling out every trick he knew to send Charlotte over the edge. He licked and sucked, spelling out all his love and adoration with every caress of his tongue. He savored every moan and groan, every plea for him to go faster. 

“Fuck… B-Bakari… p-please don’t stop.” 

Unnecessary directions, in his opinion, he could do this all night. 

Charlotte’s eyes clenched shut as she grabbed one of the plush pillows on the floor and moaned into it, suddenly remembering that Michael’s parents lived with him. 

“Put the pillow down,” he emerged from her legs to demand. “Room’s soundproof, I promise. I wanna hear you.” 

She immediately tossed it to the side as she rode the waves of pure passion and ecstasy his mouth provided. She was not sure where to concentrate as every pleasure sensor in her body felt like it was on fire. She was overwhelmed and yet, she wanted more. She wanted to drown in it, drown in this feeling that seemed to never end. Every time, she felt as if she must be reaching its peak, he pushed her higher and higher. 

His eyes never left her face as he devoured what would now be classified as his favorite meal. The moment she came, he wanted to see it. Every sound she made only spurred him on as he inched her closer and closer to her mountain top. 

Charlotte felt her world go dark, everything in her snapped as waves of pleasure crashed over her. She felt as if she was in fog, Michael’s voice distant and quiet as she experienced her first orgasm. She felt as if he had just altered the course of her life at that moment. She wondered if this was what rebirth felt like and how she had ever lived without this unfiltered… bliss. She let out a stream of curse words as she rode out her orgasm, Michael offering her praise that she could barely register.

“That’s it, Els. Cum for me.” 

He emerged from between her legs and kissed her, allowing her to taste herself. 

“You taste so good, baby. So sweet,” he offered as he gave her a few moments to settle down. . 

“T-that was…” She struggled to find the words as her already slightly hoarse voice filled the space. 

“You liked that, baby?” He asked, his deep voice sending jolts of pleasure down her body. His finger entered her, immediately curling into her g-spot causing her to gasp. 

This man… was going to be the death of her, she decided. 

“Y-Yes,” she whispered. 

“You want more, Els?” 

She nodded fervently. Michael pushed himself off the floor and quickly stripped down, his manhood standing at attention for the woman he loved. 

Her breath hitched slightly as she took in his length and girth. He settled himself between her legs before starting to push inside her. 

She let out a groan of pain that made him pause, his eyes immediately filling with concern. He started to pull out when she wrapped her legs around his hips to stop him. 

“N-No, don’t. I-it’s just been a couple years. That’s all. I’m good, promise.” 

His forehead fell against hers as he slowly pushed inside her. His eyes did not leave hers, pausing his movements every time he saw an iota of discomfort or pain on her face. He whispered sweet nothings in her ear, professed his love and adoration for her, told her how good she felt around him as he waited for her to adjust.

And once she gave him the ok, he started his slow and steady strokes into her. 

“You feel so fucking good, baby” he muttered as the soft slapping sounds of their hips meeting filled his basement. 

His dick curved right into her g-spot, forcing words of adoration and love from the depths of her soul at the end of every stroke. Her soft pants morphed into moans and screams of pleasure as she felt jolts of pleasure throughout her body.  

“F-fuck, I l-love you,” she panted out. “Harder,” she demanded, Michel more than happy to oblige. 

He increased his pace, relentlessly fucking her. She was thankful this portion of the house was soundproof, his basement soaking up the loud symphony of their collective moans. . 

She could feel all of the love and adoration he held for her in every stroke, every affirmation he whispered into her ear as he sent her soul to another plane. All she could do was pant and cry out in pleasure as he promised to love her until his last day. 

Michael’s physical fitness and stamina meant that they were just getting started. Michael and Charlotte moved around his basement, fucking on any and all surfaces that they saw fit. He transitioned between positions like an experienced dancer and pulled countless orgasms from the depth of her soul. 

“Fuck. Just like that baby. Ride this dick,” he moaned. He let out a low growl as she rode him, he was in heaven as he buried his face in her chest, his mouth enveloping her nipple. He was surprised at how much she responded to it, her head falling back in pleasure, her mouth agape. She cried out in pleasure as he gently bit down on the swell of her breasts. He switched between the two, making sure to give each equal attention. 

“You look so sexy riding my dick,” he praised her, causing her to increase her pace. 

She ignored the burn in her thighs as she continued, her thoughts only focused on giving him the same pleasure he gave her. She loved this position. It made her feel emboldened and in charge. And so she decided to enjoy that feeling and switch it up, giving him another view to enjoy. She slid off of him, both of them groaning lightly at the feeling of emptiness while she repositioned herself in reverse cow girl and slid back onto his dick. 

Michael smirked at the satisfied moan that escaped her lips as he filled her again. He grabbed her hips, thrusting into her rapidly as he enjoyed the view of her ass bouncing against his hips. He had let her control the pace before but now? It was his turn again. She yelped lightly as his hand spanked her. It was unexpected but not too rough, clearly to test the waters. She moaned, letting him know that she enjoyed it, the edge of roughness and small jolts of pain mixed in with his gentle touches. 

“You like that, baby?” He asked as he spanked her again, his strong arms lifting her body up and down as if she weighed nothing. 

“Y-Yes! I love it,” She panted out, breathless and exhausted as he fucked her. “I’m g-gonna cum!” 

Her hands pressed against his stomach to hold herself up as she rode the length of her orgasm, her body barely staying up right. When she calmed down, he lifted her off of him and instructed her to get on all fours. 

He positioned himself behind her and massaged her ass for a moment, admiring the perfect view. 

“Arch your back for me, baby. That’s it, good girl.” 

Charlotte could’ve cum right then, hearing him praise her. 

Good girl, she wanted to hear that every day for the rest of her life. 

She groaned as he entered her again, this position allowing him to get even deeper than before. Charlotte’s screams grew to new heights as he fucked her senseless from behind, taking her directive to break her back extremely serious. She was thankful that the strength of his thrusts naturally buried her face in the pillows of their now destroyed fort; she did not think even a soundproof room could contain her at this point. 

In this moment, she realized exactly what Jazz meant: this was life-changing and fun. For the first time, she was not waiting for it to all be over, she was enjoying it, actively meeting his thrusts to increase her pleasure. And when his fingers dug into her hips to hammer into her at his own pace, like a man possessed, she was more than willing to surrender her entire being to him and let him give her exactly what he believed she needed. Because he actually knew, every action was meticulous and measured, attuned to needs she did not even know she had. But he did and she loved him for it. So she surrendered, surrendered to bliss, knew she would forever happily hand over the reins of her pleasure to him because she desperately wanted what he had to give.

“Why you running, baby?” He asked as he fucked her, her body instinctively shying away from the intense pleasure of another orgasm building too fast. 

“I-I… I-it’s too much���” she breathed out, unable to form coherent sentences.

“You want me to stop?” He asked as he continued fucking relentlessly. 

“N-no,” she whimpered, and it was true. Her body felt as if it may die if he stopped but also that another orgasm might kill her. In a split second decision, dying from pleasure seemed like the better way to go. 

“Good girl. You’re taking me so well, love. Cum for me one more time, baby.”

As he felt her pussy snapping around his dick and her screams grew louder, he knew she was close. He reached around and rubbed her clit to give her the extra push she needed. 

Charlotte let out a breathless scream, her vision going black as the most powerful orgasm of her life ran through her. She didn't even get to feel him cum inside her as he finally reached his own peak. 

When she finally opened her eyes again, Michael was sitting watching her intently. 

“Welcome back, almost had me worried for a minute. You ok?” 

All she could do was nod, not understanding how he looked completely unruffled while she felt as if she had done a triathlon. 

He held out his hand to help her up and slide his robe around her. She was surprised to find him already in a pair of boxers and a t-shirt. 

“H-How long was I out?” 

He laughed, kissing the top of her head. “Just a couple minutes. Come on, I’ll start a bath upstairs.” 

She groaned as she tried to move her legs. “M-My legs don’t work, babe. N-Not gonna make it upstairs.” 

He laughed and swooped her up into his arms. “Good thing you have me then.” 

Charlotte snuggled into his chest as he carried her to his suite. He made quick work of filling the tub with hot water and helping her into the tub, the smell of eucalyptus, her favorite, filling her nose. 

“This is sweet,” she said, her voice raspy from their activities. “T-thank you.” She settled into the bathtub, her head lulling back as her eyes fell closed. The warm water felt like heaven on her aching muscles. 

“You feel ok? Was afraid I was too rough at the end?” 

She let her head fall lazily in his direction, a content smile on her face. “No, it was great. Though I think you might've thought I was a gymnast at one point, really pushed the limits of my flexibility. And I now feel like I need to go to yoga classes so I don’t need to soak my muscles every time we have sex,” she laughed. “But it was perfect. You’re perfect.”

They shared a sweet kiss before silence fell over them. Charlotte did not stay in the tub long, her desire to be in Michael’s arms again overwhelming. Once she was done, Michael gave her clothes to throw on and they climbed into bed. 

Michael’s head rested on her chest, both of them muttering soft I love you’s before they drifted off to sleep.

***

“Charlie!” 

Charlotte's eyes gravitated toward a familiar voice, finally landing on Chris who had commandeered a corner booth toward the back and was waving at her. 

“How are you??” Her voice took on a sing-songy tone as she hugged him before sitting across from him. “It’s been way too fucking long.” 

“I know, I know. It’s tough. I’m rarely out here and you’re never in NYC anymore.” His voice was filled with teasing accusations as he referenced her disappearing act. “But I’m glad you were able to fit me in.” 

The pair spent over a half hour catching up, Chris sharing gossip from the NYC theater scene that Charlotte was no longer in touch with. She considered Chris MacDonald to be one of her closest friends. He had been her mentor when she was at a school, he was a recent graduate working on his musical and worked with students in his free time. He was easily the most talented songwriter she had ever heard, his first musical becoming a staple on Broadway within months. Every song he touched turned to gold and money. They transcended the usual mentor-mentee relationship quickly, becoming good friends. Chris always vowed to make her his leading lady in one of his shows one day. 

“So what are the next few months looking like for you?” 

“We’re starting press for Creed out here next week. Then the premieres here and press and a premiere in Philly. We have a couple of events and things once it hits theaters and then I should get a break right before Christmas. Thankfully, since it is the first one, the press schedule isn’t insane. But it's still a lot.” 

“So I gotta know, do you miss the stage at all?”

“All the time,” Charlotte moaned, her shoulders collapsing a bit. Chris was the type of person who knew the answer to his question before he asked it. So she knew there was no use in lying. “All. The. Time.” She emphasized. “Movies are great, don’t get me wrong. Can’t say anything too bad about them, after all, my first major film led me to Michael. Who you have to meet by the way. But it’s just not the same. It doesn’t… make my soul happy the way theater did? Money’s better,” Chris immediately nodded in agreement. “But that’s about it. Just doesn’t really fulfill me the same way.” 

“Would you want to go back?” 

An antenna in Charlotte’s mind went up as she heard his tone, his voice taking on the tenor of someone who was dipping a toe in to test the waters. 

“Ummm yea, I mean I’d love to go back. But… the practicalities of it. Just don’t think it is in the cards for me.” She shook her head gently and picked up her coffee. The mug hid the sad smile she had on her face, a realization that her choices meant her dreams weren’t a possibility anymore. “Besides, there isn’t a theater director who knows my name who’d give me another chance.” She simply shrugged. “It’s cool though. My life’s out here now, new relationship’s out here, friends, family. It’s better this way.” 

Chris nodded. “What if you were looking at a writer and producer who wanted you to be in their next show?” 

Charlotte laughed, “Very funny, Chris.” She had heard about his next project through the grapevine, which just completed an off-Broadway run in Massachusetts and was picked up to perform on Broadway in the new year. His musical, The Lighthouse, followed the closing shift of a dive bar during a winter’s storm. It was one of those shows where the entire play takes place in a singular room, following four characters, the owner of the bar and his wife, and the main character, Ashley, and her ex, who is a bartender. Charlotte had only read reviews of it but every review praised Chris for his poignant examination of relationships, human connection, and the innate desire to fight for the things and one you love, even when the fight seems foolish and you are outnumbered.

“I’m being dead serious, Charlie. I know you’re about to start promo for the film so you wouldn’t get that break you’re looking forward to. But it premieres on Broadway in March. We are casting new folks since the off broadway cast is transitioning to other roles. And for the lead, I started with your name but didn’t think you’d want to come back. And after scouring my brain for months and chatting with other writers like Lin and all roads lead back to you. You’re perfect for it. Your voice, your skills… you would knock it out of the park.” 

Charlotte shook her head, “Oh Chris… thank you but I can’t. It’s just not for me anymore.” 

“The stage was made for you, girl. Look, I wasn’t trying to come here and beg you but I will if I have to. I want you, Charlie. Not some random girl no one has ever heard of… You, the woman who made me cry the first time I heard her sing, the woman with perfect pitch, a woman who's been through shit and knows how to bring that pain and vulnerability and channel it into a performance. Look, I could get any recent graduate from Juilliard or Yale and throw them in this show and it would be good. But I don’t want ‘good’. I want excellent and you are excellence. Just give me a year. One year. Not even a year,” he corrected himself as she shook her head. “Six months. Six months and you’ll be nominated for a Tony in 2017, maybe even 2016 depending on when they cut off the season. ” 

At the sound of the coveted award Charlotte had dreamed of her entire life, Charlotte perked up. “How do you know it’s Tony worthy?” 

“Because I wouldn’t have flown across the country to grovel at the feet of one of the greatest actresses and singers I’ve ever seen for anything less than a Tony-winning role. Six months to a year, max. Give me six months of your life, Charlie and I swear - you’re Grammy and Tony nominated at worst… two steps closer to an EGOT at best. Come on, don’t tell me you forgot? This was on the vision board you showed me when you were a plucky, annoying freshman. This is it, this is the opportunity to make that vision board come true.”

Just as Charlotte opened her mouth to rebut him, he stopped her. “Look, I gotta jet to another meeting. But don’t say no just yet, please? I promised the team I would have my Ashley by the time I got back home on Monday. I’ll send you the tracks, the video of the workshop, talk it over… pray on it, and get back to me in a few days. Just promise me you’ll think about it, Charlie. Please?”

Charlotte nodded weakly. “Fine… I’ll think about it.” 

She knew logically there was nothing to think about. The mere idea went beyond playing with fire, it was playing with a raging inferno to move back there. For all she knew, Shaun was a mere powder keg waiting for the right spark to explode and she would be handing it to him on a silver platter. However, her soul and her ambition, well those parts of her were thinking… and they were thinking hard.

She said her goodbyes to Chris and paid for her coffee. And before she could even make it outside to her car, she heard the ding of several emails, all from Chris with the music tracks. She slid into her car and hooked it up as she drove to Michael’s. Since they broke through the physical intimacy barrier, she essentially lived at his place. After spending almost every night there, he cleared out a drawer and gave her space in his closet. Now she rarely went to her own spot. 

Since his house was a bit farther out, she made it through Act 1 of the show before she pulled into his driveway. However, she did not immediately turn it off to get out of the car. She was so enthralled that she just sat there in his driveway with her eyes closed, falling deeper in love with the music with every passing chord. 

“That fucking bastard,” she muttered to herself as her head thudded back against the seat. “The great Chris MacDonald strikes again.” 

It was always a running joke among the Broadway community that no one ever said no to Chris. If he wanted you, he would always find a way to convince you to work for him. Whether it was the strength of the piece itself or his persuasive abilities, no was not a word he heard. 

And she hated that it was working on her. This was award worthy. It was more than that, it was a game changer. It would take more than a year to pick up steam but when it did, it would become a household name. She could feel it in her bones. And the main character, Ashley, was perfect for her. Her ballad, which closed out Act I, was giving Defying Gravity levels of emotion. It was climatic and she could just picture herself singing it on stage. And while the show was filled with drama and emotion, it struck the perfect balance of being funny and relatable. It was the type of show you left and talked about for hours with your friends, examining each character and their decisions with a fine tooth comb.

She sat in her car and typed out notes on her phone as she worked her way through Act II, noting things she picked up on and wanted to discuss further with Chris. She did not even realize how long she sat out there until she heard a knock on her car window. 

“Shit!” She jumped almost clean out of her skin as she turned to find Michael staring at her with a quizzical look on his face. She took a deep breath before opening the door. “You scared me.” 

“My bad. I saw you pull up 30 minutes ago. Wanted to make sure you were good. You on the phone or somethin’?” 

“30 minutes?? Sorry, baby. I was just listening to these songs Chris sent me.” 

She pulled herself and her bag out of the car and followed Michael into the house. The house smelled delicious, Michael immediately returning to the oven to check on his Bolognese sauce.  

“How was coffee?” 

“Um… intriguing, that’s for sure.” Charlotte threw her bag down on one of the bar stools and immediately grabbed the loaf of bread and other materials that were sitting out to help Michael finish dinner. 

“Ok, elaborate.” 

Charlotte sighed. “Well, it wasn’t a friendly catch up like I thought. He has a role for me… in his new show.” 

“Ok… and?” 

“It’s really fuckin’ good, Bakari. Like game changing good. Like household name good. He said he just wanted six months out of me, which is more than enough to be nominated this year or next.” 

Michael nodded. “Ok… I’m hearing all the good things… sounds like good shit. But you’re hesitating. What’s stopping you?” 

She turned to face him, leaning against the counter. “Well first, my life is here with you. Not in New York. We’ve only been dating for three months. I don’t want to lose what we have.” Michael glanced at her, waiting for her to say more. “A-and I left New York in such a weird way. I don’t even know how people feel about me now. A-and 8 shows a week??” She ranted, taking her frustration out on the helpless loaf of Italian bread in front of her. “Don’t even know if I can physically do that shit anymore. I’m not that good of a dancer… I mean when would we have time to see each other if I’m doing 8 shows a week? I could kiss my current career goodbye. I feel like I started down this road, don’t know if I should backtrack?”

Michael turned her away from the cutting board and took the knife out of her hands. His arms wrapped tightly around her waist, pulling her closer and closer to him. 

“What’s really wrong, Els? Cause it ain’t any of the dumb shit you just mentioned.” 

Charlotte immediately felt offended, her body attempting and failing to twist out of his firm but still gentle grip. “Excuse me?? Those are legit concerns, thank you very much.” 

“No they aren’t. You’re never gonna lose me cause you’re pursuing a dream. New York is a plane ride away, I’ll come to you when I’m not filming. Long distance relationships work and thrive every day, Els.” He started to list off, dismissing her concerns one by one. “You left to save your life. Fuck anyone who doesn’t understand that or sympathize with that shit. Besides, who even gives a fuck what they think? You got Chris in your corner and more people than you think, that’s enough. You can dance just fine. And you run like 6 miles every single day so physically, you can do anything including sing and dance for 2 hrs 8 times a week. And it’s not backtracking. You started in the theater, took a break and are going back. People do that shit literally all the time. I think you’re scared. And if you want to say no for all those practical reasons to Chris, fine. But at least be honest with me. Why are you really hesitating?” 

She picked at her nails, her teeth chewing on her bottom lip. She hated that she had to consider him, this dark cloud that hung over her head and still indirectly affected her decisions. She hated that he still had this much power 

“I left New York for a reason, Bakari. A-and that reason is still walking and talking and… I don’t think I can ignore that just because Chris dangles a shiny Tony in front of my face.” 

“Do you really think he’d try something?” 

“I… I dunno. But I also don’t know if I want to test that theory. I gave it all up then because I couldn’t stay alive and keep it. I tried that and it didn’t work. All I got was a break in and three days in the ER. How’s this time gonna be any different? Seems dumb to walk right back into the lion’s den.” 

“Are you walking back into the lion’s den or following your dreams? Was he a Broadway enthusiast or somethin?” 

Charlotte let out a humorless laugh. “Hell no. He hated musicals… and joy… and laughter… and me,” she added under her breath with a humorless chuckle. “What does it matter?” 

“It matters because who's to say he will even know you’re there? Even in the most popular shows, the everyday person doesn’t follow news about it. And this is a new show, not like that rap one everyone I know keeps going to see about the dead white people?”

“Hamilton?” Her judgment of his lack of theater knowledge showed in her laughter.. “‘That musical with the dead white people’” she chuckled. “It’s the hottest ticket of the year, babe.” 

“See,” he emphasized, ignoring the tone of shade in her voice. “I’m an actor and still don’t know this shit.”

“Bakari… be serious, please.” 

“I am!” He laughed. “Look, all I’m sayin’ is even the most popular shows, the non-broadway goer doesn’t know whose in them. You’re a rising star and the benefit of a rising star is that you can still keep a low profile when you want. For all that nigga knows, you’re still in LA. Talk to Chris about promo and maybe keeping a lower profile for the first couple months and all that and secure your dream, babe.”

“But I already proved I can’t have both, Bakari,” she repeated. 

He shook his head. “No, you couldn’t have both then. It’s been a couple years, you’re different. And who knows, that nigga could’ve moved to another state or be in a new relationship or anything. A lot can change in two years, right?” 

She scratched her head. The things Michael said made total sense but there was still this wall standing in her way. 

“Els, baby. Look at me.” His finger lifted her chin to look him in the eye. “I think you should do it. It’s six months until you come back here. Ever since I’ve known you, being the lead of a show has been your dream. And you miss it. And now someone is handing you the opportunity on a silver platter. Why miss it a second time? And if it makes you feel safer, I’ll move with you.” 

Charlotte shook her head. “Baby, I can’t ask you to move across the country for me. Your family, your friends… your life is here.” 

He shrugged. “And in six months, my life will still be here. My future is wherever you are. And I told you a couple weeks ago that I’d do whatever you needed to make you feel safe.” 

“Yes, with you. Not out in the world. I can’t ask you to upend your entire life for me. We haven’t been together that long.” 

“Semantics. I told you I’d do whatever you needed. This counts in my book. Don’t think about the length of time we’ve been together or where it is or any of that shit. Would it help and make you feel more comfortable if I went with you? At least for a couple months?” 

Charlotte studied him for a moment, realizing he was truly being sincere. She found it hard to ask for such a thing but she could not deny that it would help her. Even just knowing that she could come home to someone each night and be safe in their arms felt like it would change everything. 

“Y-Yea, it would help a lot. But you really don’t have to, babe.” 

“Ok then it’s settled. If you take it, I’ll go with you. I know we’re jumping ahead and skipping some steps but I’m in if you are.” 

“You don’t want to think about it?” 

He shrugged as he moved to put the garlic bread in the oven. “What’s there to think about? It’s like moving for a role. It doesn’t really change much. When would you have to be there?” 

“Top of January, the show is supposed to premiere on March 1.”

He nodded. “Ok so if you decide to do it, we can move right after Christmas to make sure you’re there in time.” 

Charlotte chuckled.  “Yea while you’re planning our move, I actually need to decide whether to do it.” 

Michael leaned down and kissed her on the lips. “I’m removing obstacles so you can make the best decision for you. Not for me or because of that nigga. For you. If you want this, we’ll do whatever we gotta do to make sure you’re safe while you do it, ok?” 

Her arms went around his shoulders, their bodies flush against each other. “How’d I get so lucky to find you?” 

“I’m the lucky one, honeybee.” 

Charlotte raised an eyebrow, “Honeybee? That’s a new one. Where’d that come from?” 

“Cause you taste sweet, like honey.” 

“‘I taste sweet, what do- ohhhhh,” the memory of him saying that during the first time he gave her head came back to her mind causing her to laugh a bit. “Thought I’d try it out. It has a cute ring to it. You don’t like it?”

“I like any nickname you give me, love. But… let’s make this the only one inspired by our sex life, ok?”

“Deal.” 

The pair ate dinner before retreating to his bedroom. They did not talk about Chris’s offer again until they were settled in bed, Charlotte laying on Michael’s chest. 

“I think… I think I want to do it. You’re right, it’s my dream and I might not get another shot like this again,” she offered in the quiet and darkness. She knew he was not asleep yet. 

Michael did not even take a beat before he responded, “I guess we’re moving to New York then.” 

Charlotte sat up, leaning on his chest. “You knew I was gonna take it the whole evening didn’t you?” 

He shrugged, before shifting so she was laying back down. He placed a kiss on the top of her forehead and merely smiled. “Yea… when are you gonna learn? I’m always right, baby,” he joked. "You gonna call Chris?

She bit down the joke that bubbled to the surface and merely settled back into his arms with a smile. 

“Yes you are, baby. And in the morning, it's after midnight."

"Yea and you said he flew all the way out here for you. That man is probably waiting by the phone for you. Call him, if he's asleep, you can try again in the morning. Besides, knowing you, you'll find some way to talk yourself out of it by morning." He reached over to her side and grabbed her phone. "Call him, babe."

"Touché." She slid out of his bed and paced, one hand fidgeting with the hem of his t-shirt she had on while her feet dragged across his soft plush carpet.

She waited for a few moments with bated breath until she heard his voice fill her ears.

"Hey, Chris! Sorry if this is too late to call? Hope I didn't wake you."

"Oh no, I was just up working and praying your name would cross my phone sometime before the night was over. Please tell me you called me this late with bad news."

Charlotte chuckled and glanced at Michael who gave her an encouraging smile and thumbs up.

"No, no. Just calling to tell you that you can tell the team you found your new Ashley."

She had to hold the phone away from her ear as his screams of delight threatened to bust her ear drums.

"God, I fucking love you, Charlotte Bennett. I could literally kiss you."

"I think my boyfriend would have something to say about that," she chuckled. "But yea I'm in."

"Amazing. I'll send over details to you and your team tomorrow and we can talk more then. Seriously, Charlie, you won't regret it. I promise."

"I know, thank you, Chris. Seriously. Ok, talk tomorrow. Bye."

She hung up the phone and turned to Michael, the realization hitting her.

"I'm gonna be leading a show on Broadway." She ran back to the bed and jumped on it, her previous exhaustion long forgotten as her excitement took over.

Michael enveloped her in a tight hug before they both settled back into bed.

"This is gonna be good, Els. I can feel it."

She placed a quick kiss on his bare chest. "I feel it too. Thank you. I wouldn't feel comfortable doing this without you."

"I gotchu, Els. Always."

Tags: @certifiedlesbianbaddie @bangtanxmegan @reelwriter19 @prettyisasprettydoes1306 @hi888888sworld @msniaimani @destinio1 @lynaye1993 @chaoticevilbakugo @blackerthings

A/N: As always, thanks for reading! We finally got some smut (woohoo). Tbh smut is like really hard for me to write lol so I hope y'all liked it? I really wanted it to be intimate and showcase how close they've gotten in a short time. They could be sexy and honest and vulnerable and playful with each other and it not ruin the moment, it only enhances it for them. Next chapter, we'll get some fluff with their first public outing as a couple and press tour cuteness (think Tom/Zendaya and Corey/India from Queen Charlotte level cuteness). I'm gonna try to get a one-shot out this week too before I'm off on vacation. We'll see if I can actually get it done :)

Leave a comment on what you thought of the chapter and let me know if you want to be tagged!

[jtl07]

jtl07 fics, summer - fall 2024

Heyhey! So it’s been a while since I’ve done one of these recaps - I wasn’t sure how to do it since I’ve only posted a couple things on ao3 since the last one in March but as I thought about it, it could be interesting to look at both stuff posted on ao3 and stuff here on Tumblr. 

General stuff

Fics posted on ao3:

cooking with my (dead) mom - or: youtuber!Ava learns to cook from her (dead) mom’s videos

with this ring (will you, will i) - or: Five times Ava almost proposes

i swear (like a sailor) - or: 5 times Ava learns how to swear in a different language

There’s too many noodles that I’ve posted since July when shenanigans started - 43 by my count, wowzers! - but they should all be under the #writing shenanigans with jt tag 

(Lots more numbers and some thoughts under the cut)

More numbers 

(Pulled today 9/28)

From this "season":

Total words: 41,978

Shortest fic: blushing (129 words)

Longest fic: cooking with my (dead) mom

Average/Median word count: 913 / 601

Most hits: 

ao3: cooking with my (dead) mom - 3,219

Tumblr: cafe au / nametags - 149 notes

Least hits: 

ao3: i swear (like a sailor) - 886 (as of 9/28)

Tumblr: idek lol 

*Looking at all fics: Highest percent change in number of hits since last month:  

i swear (like a sailor) - 21.7%

by any other name - 7.6%

with this ring (will you, will i) - 6.5%

so live it - 5%

cooking with my (dead) mom 3.1% 

(*I’m gonna do the big nerdy analysis next quarter/at the end of the year [here’s what it looked like last year] so more to come then - but also, holy shit how is it almost the end of the year already????)

General thoughts 

Last recap, I looked at interactions to hits (where “interaction” = kudos, comment threads, bookmarks) but that just surfaced my more popular fics so I didn't include it this time because it was pretty much the same lol.

I was, however, curious about whether or not shenanigans may have had an effect on any of my fics, hence why I highlighted the percentage change in hit count (fortuitously, I had started to pull fic stats every month during the summer). It seems like there is some effect: so live it saw a bump this month (likely due to the plug in this noodle) and i see you clearly now (i hold you dearly now) last month had a similar 5% change (likely due to this sort of extended scene noodle). Mind, I'm not looking to like, increase my stats and chase numbers - I'm just curious.

One thing I realized as I was looking at all my fics for this recap was that I write a lot in the 5 (or whatever number) times format. I finally counted and apparently 1/3 of my fics are in this format??? Crazy.

Fic that surprised you

All of the shenanigans lol - as I mentioned when I first announced it, writing has shifted into something new for me, but I realized it's not just because of the type of fics I'm working on (some longer ideas, some more complex), but also because I've been doing a lot more stuff since moving - from aikido to acting to guitar to BJJ, there's been a lot less time to actually write. Which is weird and cool and strange.

So anyway, yeah, it's been a surprise to see what's come out during shenanigans in terms of ideas. Some I had to actively challenge myself to think of a different way to take the prompt; others I was just along for the ride lol. All in all it's been really fun in terms of how unexpected it all has been.

Oh yes, I was also surprised by having some things that I ended up continuing past one post - for example, the one where Ava is a drummer-street performer and Beatrice is a classical guitarist, and the still in progress college theater au. The latter has been a surprise because I had a rough idea of where it could go but ... it's not turning out that way? I don't usually post as I go so that's been new for me and it's nice to try it out in a sort of "low risk" short-form.

Fic that you're proud of / that was the hardest to write

All three of the ones posted to ao3 were difficult in different ways. And actually, now that I think about it, each of them had been abandoned at one point or another. I think part of it was related to what I mentioned above what with life being different post-move; part of it was likely also just that each fic was asking for different things, going to places that I haven't explored before. I guess that makes sense after having written so many ideas - all the "easy" ones (to me) have already been written.

What's next?

To be honest, I'm not sure - I've been picking at a couple different longer fics, plus a couple fics that have me puzzling how to actually execute. There's also a couple noodles from writing shenanigans that would be interesting to clean up and post to ao3, but as strange as it is to say, writing has been a bit on the back burner lately. ("Strange" because writing's always been top priority for me - so it's strange for it to ... not be right now.)

I will say that I might have to change the cadence or format of writing shenanigans as I've had what feels like a flare up of PCS symptoms in the last week or so. I'm not sure what's triggered it but all I know is that thinky thoughts and screentime doesn't help, sadly.

Anyway, if you've read this far, holy cow, you're amazing! Let me know if there's anything you're curious about, otherwise, hope you have a good rest of your weekend!

[karinayun]

Ikesen Fanfic (Just my imaginations)

Hi everyone! So I always been interested writing fanfics for my fav animes/games and I decided to make one today! I decided to write my first fanfic for Ikemen Sengoku. Actually, I’m torned between choosing the Sengoku suitors for this story but I guess I’ll be going for Masamune! So, any Masaaaa staanss heree, lets give it up! XD anway, in this fanfic the Mc posses some sort of ability which are inspired from Zenitsu(Demon Slayer) who becomes incredibly powerful in his sleep and a bit of mix from Haninozuka (Ouran High School) who does martial arts in Karate. Yes, she is still someone who came from the future & currently are engaged to Masamune. The Oda forces are well of her quirky abilities yet they agreed to keep it a secret since women in their time are meant to kept low most of the times. Masamune really like that about her however, he prefers to be the big tiger protecting his beloved. It’s gonna be a bit long & this is my first Ikemen fanfic, I hope everyone enjoys! You are free to leave thoughts and comments for improvement though! 

.......

It was afternoon in the autumn, Masamune and Ieyasu were on their way back to Azuchi after doing some inspection in one of the Oda territory. The One-Eyed Dragon are more enthusiatic than ever to return to his beloved odd ball who is currently waiting at Azuchi along with the others. Sure she is an oddball but his oddball, this is all because of her quirky abilities to fight during her sleep and what’s more, it’s a fist fighting that even with a sword is no match to catch up to her unrealisitic thunder speed like. The 500 years to come differs much to his time now since his fiancee, a female could also learn and master a martial art (she told Masamune that she had been mastering martial arts since she was a kid and even went as Japan’s representative. Although she had quit being a national athlete but she still does them in private to stretch her muscles). It’s a mystery how her mastery level and strength somehow increased the moment she’s asleep....

“That is if she senses danger though..”, Masamune muttered to himself which Ieyasu happens to hear as well.

“Who could you be talking about? Oh right, it couldn’t be anybody else other than Mc”, Ieyasu remarked dully and earning a chuckle from Masamune.

“Can’t help it. We been away for about 2 weeks and she’s the only one I could think of”

“You mentioned something about ‘danger’ though. Say...does this concerning her abilities while being in a dream wonderland?”, Ieyasu asked as Masamune’s grin finally turn into a serious expression. Her abilities is beyond what a normal human could do thus, threatening her peace if it were to be found out outside the Oda’s or more precisely, among the warlords. 

“I don’t think she’s in a complete sleep land. Do you remember that one time she was knocked to faint on her head while the bandits attacked Nobunaga and Hideyoshi?”, just at the mention of the memory had Masamune wincing and gritting his teeth. He may not be there but at the thought that his fiancee was beaten had his heart frozen and burning with anger at the same time. 

“Obviously they were outnumbered by the bandits. We know however that quantity is not an exact problem for Nobunaga with Hideyoshi by his side, however it was thanks to her, unconsciously knocking down those bandits with her bare fist and foot. Hideyoshi said everything was as fast as lightning”, Masamune couldn’t imagine but Hideyoshi said so. Nobunaga was a witness as well.

“Nobunaga was able to catch a tiny glimpse saying she only hit certain weak points that had the bandits fainted in an instant. I wonder if I’ll be able to see her in that state somehow”, Masamune laughed to Ieyasu’s remark and added,

“Haa! Well, I hope not. As remarkable as she is, I prefer her to be safe all of the times. You see, when I say she’s not completely dreaming, it’s because the lass once told me that whenever danger surrounds her, her dreams would immediately shatter and there’s a red thread hanging just right in front of her”, Masamune explained seriously. Remembering the conversation he had with her two years ago when they discovered her abilities.

“Okay, there’s a danger signal or indicator I shall say but how does she even know where her enemies standing or where she should assault them?, just like the other Oda forces, Ieyasu was curious too and this was his chance of asking Masamune

“She pretty much saw everything with eyes closed. And her speed ability? Well, she told me once they had a great grandfather from the Agatsuma clan who is unconfirmed to be a samurai or not, but he wields thunder breathing. Once in every generation, a child will bare the same ability. Well, for her generation, guess it’s her”. 

Masamune continued to explain to Ieyasu how her oldest generational family from her mother’s side seemed to pass down to her. Although, there is no samurai family with the name Agatsuma they known. Masamune could assume that the family may come in another more years. Plus, she also didn’t bare the name Agatsuma herself. Masamune wished he could see for himself how strong his fiancee his but at the thought that only happens when hazard approaches had him vanishing his thoughts instantly. It’s not only Ieyasu who was curios about such a peculiar capability. By the time they finished their stories about MC, they had arrived at Azuchi town. Afar, they heard Keiji and Mitsuhide who rushed to meet them with their horses. Masamune and Ieyasu didn’t like the looks on their faces. The teasing Mitsuhide had a stony expression which indicates nothing good is ever coming from their mouth, 

“There is no time to explain! MC, someone had just took her away. Some townspeople had actually witness that her mouth was covered with cloth”, Masamune heart dropped at Keiji’s words. An hour ago he was just thinking how she should be safe at all times but...

“We had lead. Not to worry but we should rush before they gotten far”, Mitsuhide voice had Masamune back to senses. They nodded together and went along with Keiji and Mitsuhide. Leaving their horses behind since the kidnappers are known not to be far. Nobunaga’s left hand man words were proven to be true though, because the kidnappers along with the unconscious MC was gathered at a lonely and dark alley. There were about 10 of them against four warlords. 

“You’re in our way! This girl is precious to the one-eyed dragon ya see? Having her means wrapping him around our fingers and we could get a large sum for that!”, such a cocky remark from one of the bandits and they were giving evil grins. Masamune who was at the verge of anger stood infront and readied both of his swords.

“Well yeah I’m here and you’re gonna pay for laying a finger on my fiancee”, he growled lowly. Everyone was ready at their stances when suddenly they heard a thud behind one of the bandits. It was MC who was already on her feet though her head hung down and both arms on each side. 

“Hey!! Why is she standing?! You should make sure she is asleep!”, 

one of the bandits shout as another approaches MC. However, he was met with a full blown side kick from MC on his stomach. He was fat but he actually flied and hit the wall from the kick MC had given him. Her feet was still in the air and only back at the ground after the bandit she kicked fell unconscious. 

“She’s not in her dreamland anymore is she, Masamune?”, Ieyasu more likely stated to Masamune. 

“Seems like you sedated her or more likely, your forced her to sleep didn’t you?”, Mitsuhide grinned. “Well, that’s no good...for you of course”, Mitsuhide statement left the bandits curious and alarmed but before they even got a chance to act, MC made her move. Hideyoshi description of MC being the thunder herself was now lie. She simply landed on every bandits in a form of lightning and every single one was on the ground. The very last person she had on was the leader who cockily talks about selling her out. What scares him is that she actually had some lightning auras around her and sure her eyes is closed, she is definitely asleep! With both her arms spread wide to her sides, her right foot landed straight on his face, making him fly like his other comrade to the wall. Her kick was enough to knock him out. Now, MC was standing straight and still asleep while muttering ‘milk’ and her body started to fall on to the ground. Masamune was fast enough and caught her before she hit the hard ground. He cradled her in his arms and his face frown with worries. 

“You really are something...”, Masamune muttered to the sleeping MC, which earned her a sleeping smile. 

“Masamune....home....”

“Yes, I’m home. We had a lot to talk about but maybe you should continue sleeping after all that sleep fighting”, Masamune carried her in bridal style. 

“Hey lad, do check on her for any sprains or injuries back at the castle will you?”, Masamune faced Ieyasu with the sleeping MC and he huffed at his request while eyeing at her. 

“I don’t think she might need them, if anyone who needs treatment it will be those bandits...which won’t be getting one. But, I’ll help though”, the contrarian warlord begin walking away followed by Masamune who simply smiled at him. 

“Goodness! The little mice is not a little mice after all”, Mitsuhide who was awe but chuckled at the sight. 

“They weren’t beaten to pulp but the blow she gave might just do worse than that!”, Keiji said as he was staring at the bandits. The bandits were arrested and Masamune head back with his sleeping fiancee and Ieyasu. Everyone was in shock but no words were able to describe them. 

MC’s Sleep POV: Hmmm..that sweet smell....this warmth...

“You really are something”

I thought I saw I sillihoute that I know so well. I recognized that figure anywhere. His voice and his warmth, I missed them so much! Masamune! I wish I could wake up now and see him for myself...but I can’t...I could only smiled so happily knowing he’s here with me...He is enveloping me with his warmth...I don’t mind sleeping in his arms..but I do hope I get to wake up to see his smile soon. 

“Goodness! The little mice is not a little mice after all“, I heard that Mitsuhide! You should be thanking me!

“They weren’t beaten to pulp but the blow she gave might just do worse than that!”, I only beat them at the right spots you know, Keiji? They would just be unconscious for quite some time though.

“You had a lot of explanation to do and to make up for our time lost, so you better wake up hurry”,  eeeekkk!!! MASAMUNE!! I hope I’m not blushing now because it’s embarassing!! That Masamune had the guts to tease me even in my sleep! He knew I’m half conscious, tho...I can’t wait to make up for our time lost <3

[wynterrolls]

HSR FAQ 𖡻 How much CRIT RATE is enough for your DPS?

Answer

High Investment:

Single-hit DPS or low-hit count DPS = at least 80% to 85% crit rate (achievable if you have lightcone that has crit passive or you have good crit rolls in your relic substats); [more than 85% would be on whale territory or hardcore minmax territory already]

Multi-hit count DPS = 70% crit rate

Good enough Investment:

Single-hit DPS or low-hit DPS = 70% crit rate

Multi-hit count DPS = 60% crit rate

Low Investment:

Single-hit DPS or low-hit DPS = 60% crit rate

Multi-hit count DPS = 50% crit rate

Explanation

To start off, I've always wondered why are the results of my damage calculations tend to be low values when compared to the damage calcs done by other people. As you can see from my previous attempts on rubbing my 2 braincells together and dealing with numbers in my Yukong and Pela TLDR builds, the values are pretty low.

I know I've followed the process done in the sample damage calculations provided in the sources, but I simply can't replicate the same big dmg numbers you see in other calcs.

Then one day, while I'm scrolling around in Dr. Ratio Mains subreddit, I've come across a post asking about the ideal crit% for E0S1 Dr. Ratio, and one of the answers there caught my eye. The answer of u/Bajuu mentioned that Dr. Ratio is a low hit count DPS like Seele so that he should be built with at least 80% crit rate.

However, I don't know what "low hit count DPS" means, so I went ahead and searched around in Google and the official HSR subreddit what it means but to no avail, it didn't gave me any answer nor clue, so as a last resort, I asked in a help channel in official HSR Discord server, in which two people (viasvias and skylow1112) have answered my question at last.

They mentioned that low hit means low attack tick per attack. An example for this is that when it comes to Seele ultimate, it only has 1 attack tick, while Jing Yuan's Lightning Lord deals multiple attack ticks.

(Sample images below showing Seele ult showcase from u/solidus_snake256 and Jing Yuan's LL showcase from Nerf1352.)

I asked as well if the number of attack ticks are specified in the trace multipliers or kit of the character, however, they answered that it wasn't mentioned and that it could only be seen in actual gameplay.

This means there's no way for me to know how many attack ticks each unit have by just reading their kit in the game. I have to use them in trial battle first to know how many attack ticks does their kit have when they deal damage.

-

On the day of writing this post, I saw a similar post asking what is the minimum crit rate for Dr. Ratio, and upon checking the comments, the answer made by u/Minute_Fig_3979 also has similar answer above.

They mentioned that there are two types of damage dealers - single hit or low hit count DPS and multi-hit count DPS. However, their answer mentioned more about the recommended crit rate for each type. Low hit count DPS needs higher crit rate in order to make up for their lack of multi-hit, while multi-hit count DPS could settle with lesser crit rate and further invest more into other stats due to their multi-hit nature.

Think of this scenario.

When dealing damage against a single enemy, if your DPS only deals 1 hit count like Seele, you'd want them to at least deal crit hit on this one chance so that all the efforts of setting up the buffs on them and debuffs applied to enemies won't go to waste. By building higher crit rate, this gives you higher chance so that your low hit count DPS could at least crit.

However, when it comes to multi-hit count DPS like Jing Yuan, even if you have lesser crit rate than the low hit count DPS, his Lightning Lord would have more chances of dealing crit hits at the enemy. So instead of hyper-investing crit rate on your Jing Yuan, that you'd need to do with your Seele, you could allocate the relic substat rolls into getting more ATK% and crit dmg for him.

-

Example of low-hit count:

Seele's Ultimate (1 tick)

Dr. Ratio's Skill, Follow-up Attack (FuA), and Ultimate (1 tick each)

4* Danheng Ultimate (1 tick)

Blade's Ultimate (1 tick)

Jingliu's Ultimate (1 tick)

Blade's Talent (3 ticks)

-

Example of multi-hit count:

Jing Yuan's Lightning Lord

Dan Heng - Imbibitor Lunae's 3EBA and Ultimate

Topaz's Skill and FuA Talent

Jingliu's Enhanced Basic Attack

-

The recommended crit rate varies a lot according to who is answering the question. So I'll just create some kind of simplified categorization for the variety of recommendations.

High Investment:

Single-hit DPS or low-hit count DPS = at least 80% to 85% crit rate, achievable if you have lightcone that has crit passive or you have good crit rolls in your relic substats (more than 85% would be on whale territory or hardcore minmax territory already)

Multi-hit count DPS = 70% crit rate

Good enough Investment:

Single-hit DPS or low-hit DPS = 70% crit rate

Multi-hit count DPS = 60% crit rate

Low Investment:

Single-hit DPS or low-hit DPS = 60% crit rate

Multi-hit count DPS = 50% crit rate

-

With the two sources of answer above, I think I now have an idea as to why my earlier dilemma has those small value results.

Calcs made by other people have considered multiple factors affecting their calculations.

having team mates in the calc

calculating the team dmg output in rotation-based setup

having considered the speed and action value of teammates that would affect the SPD and AV of the character you are calculating

(probably, not sure) considering the number of attack ticks of units in actual gameplay in the calculations.

These are just some of the reasons as to why my calcs from before are on the lower side, but it doesn't mean that my calcs are wrong. I just happened to consider only the most basic dmg conditions compared to them using complex dmg conditions in their theorycrafting, hence the results I got are low values only.

Source

Minimum Crit Rate Question by u/EthansFin

Seele 100k Damage - Simulated Universe by u/solidus_snake256

Jing Yuan Everyday Damage Showcase by Nerf1352

Ideal Crit% for E0S1 Question by u/HaakMilk

2.6m Blade Ultimate DMG Showcase by Kan~

Jingliu Build 4 Set Quantum vs 4 Set Ice Damage Comparison by Areha

Topaz 4pc Grand Duke vs 2P Fire 2P ATK Damage Comparison by Areha

Dan Heng DMG Progress by ☆rui☆

DHIL + 1870% Crit Damage | Swam Disaster by fatty flip

Blade Wind DMG% vs HP% Planar Sphere Damage Comparison by Areha

Dr. Ratio Trial Gameplay by Mr.Nothing Gaming

Uploaded on Patch 1.6

➥ Back to my HSR masterlist.

Update Log

01/15/2024 - Uploaded this post

01/16/2024 - Added a scenario that describes the difference between low-hit count DPS and multi-hit count DPS

[bestcurse]

this spark between them can’t easily be extinguished— not a year apart, nor the downpour they just ran through, is impuissant to wash it away. he can feel it in the fingertips that sit against her lower back, that curl against her there, in the very marrow of his bones. it’s present, too, in the air between them, somehow now thick with desire, as his gaze traces along her lips, as he can feel hers do the same against his own. there was once a time where he wouldn’t hesitate to lean in, to close that distance and press his lips to hers. in fact, they’d been here many times before, his hands not always at her back, but rather at whatever part of her he could reach— same with his mouth, aiming for any part of exposed skin, as he waited patiently to be let inside. has to remind himself that so much has changed since then, that everything was so different now, to prevent him from doing anything stupid, from acting on the thoughts that appear in his head. he wonders, briefly, if she feels it too, that pull back to one another, that’s calling both of their names. the opening of her front door snaps him out of it, however, pulling himself together enough in order to cross the threshold. and it hits him all at once, seemingly, the familiarity of the space, an expanse he once called his own. can't help it, then, the way his gaze falls over the interior, noting anything different from the way he left it, from the pieces of him, of his life, of theirs, intertwined, that was now missing— mere cobwebs in the space that was once called theirs. the gulp he takes is discernible, despite his best efforts to shield it, as another wave of grief washes over him. not just from today's events, but from all that he left behind, all that they had lost. proves to be a lethal combination, either way, as it settles in his gut, mixing with the liquor from earlier, only brought back to reality, really, when the cadence of her voice registers in his ears. " i'll be sure to be on my best behaviour, then, " he teases, gaze finding her once more, as a grin, though one that doesn't quite meet his eyes, stretches across his features. and while he doesn't understand the gravity of her words initially, they hit him as the seconds tick by, as they settle between them both; that there hasn't been anyone else for her, since they parted ways. doesn't doubt that she's had options since then, because nothing else would make sense to him, anyway— not when he knew, first hand, what it was like to love her, to be loved by her, and how there wasn't a greater feeling in the world. won't allow himself to consider it for too long, however, his head shaking politely at the offer of food, even when his stomach grumbles in protest— fuck, he couldn't actually remember the last time he had eaten properly, with all that's transpired recently. either way, he's secretly thankful for the brief moment of space, if only to screw his head on tightly, to rid himself of old habits, to remind himself again, of all that was different between them, now. his arm extends, once she returns with the towels, a soft smile gracing his features as he takes one from her, using it to wipe at his face, his hair. " thank you, " he adds, low chuckle departing his lips at her comment about his shirts. " i'm glad they're still of use to you. i wasn't sure if they— " would be. but he cuts himself off, instead, knowing that it wasn't really any of his business what she did with him, any longer. any questions that circulate around the book he'd left for her circulates, then, but soon lays to rest at the tip of his tongue, knowing that wasn't his place to ask, either— that he shouldn't reveal how the painting she'd packed for him was the only thing that made him feel at home, in those first few months away from her. " i, uh... wouldn't say no to a shower, if that's okay? " tries to ignore, of course, that she would've joined him, once upon a time. " unless that's what you were thinking of for yourself. "

it was a question he could’ve said no to, or at least, she thinks anyone else would have said no, absolutely not, almost immediately. but, it was him, and this was them— back together again, as if the last year never happened. it had, obviously, but it didn’t exactly feel that way, now, returning to one another. in fact, it felt as if no time passed at all, even though, obviously, it had. they couldn’t just forget about an entire year of separation. she could try, though, she could pretend, at least, that nothing ever happened, that they could be close and hold hands and touch each other's knees and not talk about how she wished this was still their reality, every single day. she could do this, just for tonight. and that’s easy, when he looks at her like that, when he wraps his jacket around her shoulders and takes her hand, leading her outside into the elements. can’t ignore how she buzzes, unsure when, in the past year, she’s felt as alive as she does right now, racing through the rain with him as if running toward the ends of the earth. she’d follow him there, she thinks— anywhere he wanted to lead her, she would follow. her clothes are completely soaked through by the time they make it inside her building, but she’s too busy trying to catch her breath through all the laughter for it to actually matter. she's only fully aware of it once she feels him close behind her, his hand pressed against the small of her back, sending a shiver straight down her spine, warmth pooling there— a welcome feeling with wet, cold material sticking to her skin. she’s instantly thrown back in time to all those nights long ago, when they would come home just like this, a little drunk and so fucking happy, unable to keep their hands from one another. “ speak for yourself— i don’t think i’ve ever looked better, ” she teases, laughter following as she runs a hand through her disheveled hair, wiping at mascara splattered across her cheeks. knows she’s most definitely looked better, but it doesn’t really seem to matter much, beneath his gaze. still, her hands shake ever so slightly, now, fumbling with her keys as she realizes just how close he is, that she could so easily kiss him, if she wanted to. and god, does she want to— she thinks she might, breath stuttering in her chest as her gaze falls from his eyes to his lips, distracted by what it would be like to just lean in and close that gap between them, just one more time. she’s ruminating on it, maybe for a little too long, wondering if he felt it, too, as if all the air was slowly but surely growing thicker with the same unresolved desire. she snaps out of it, however, at his question, finally unlocking the door, ushering him inside. “ yeah, of course, ” although, after the moment they just shared, she’s not sure it’s the smartest decision, but it’s seemingly too late, now. “ sorry, it’s kind of a mess— i don’t ever have house guests, ” and maybe that’s her way of relaying to him that there hasn’t been anyone else to take his place since he left, not in her life or in her bed. she wasn’t ready, regardless of how often her friends hounded her about moving on— how could she, when her heart still belonged to him ? it’s why she’s thrown herself into her work, poured out every frustration and ache into her paintings, as if that might fix her, somehow. unfortunately, it hasn’t yet, but she feels a little closer to it, tonight, in his presence. “ are you hungry ? i could make something, or–– fuck, sorry, i should probably get towels first. ” it doesn’t take long, returning with one for both of them, using it to wring out her hair. “ i know you left a pair of sweats here, somewhere, but your shirts… well, i think they might all be dirty. i, uh, i haven’t done laundry yet, this week. ”

[heavyhitterheaux]

Oh, So You Just Wasn't Gon Hit Me?

AN: If Jack were to slide in my DM's I would answer. No questions asked.

Synopsis: Jack has had his eye on you for awhile and is trying to do everything to get your attention. But, do you want to give him the same attention in return?

Pairing: Jack Harlow x Plus Size Model!Reader

Please Do Not Repost My Content Anywhere

Requested by my cutie pie @bsisbsjssjs 😘💕

You were a plus size model that had taken the industry by storm ever since you had stepped on the scene around the year 2017.

Everyone wanted for you to model for them or be an ambassador for their clothing line. The latest offer that you had gotten was from Savage x Fenty. How could you ever say no to Rihanna herself?

With all of the fame and new found attention, there also came a lot of unwanted messages in your DM's. For the most part, you would simply ignore it but the more famous you got the harder it was to do so.

Besides, because of the way your body was built, you weren't sure if these men had some type of fetish or actually wanted to get to know you for who you were.

You had dealt with that as long as you could remember and weren't interested in getting your heart broken again any time soon. So, you simply stayed away and kept to yourself.

However, there was one particular person who wouldn't let up for anything on God's green earth.

Jack Harlow.

He was in your DM's

He was in your comments

He would respond to every tweet, every tik tok, and even every Facebook post

Bottom line is that man was down bad for you.

You admit you did get a smile on your face every time you saw his name pop up on your phone.

You read anything and everything that he would post on your different accounts, but you were still so hesitant.

What if he just turned out to be just like all the others?

The two of you didn't run within the same circles, but did have mutual friends.

One of them being Druski.

Whenever the two of you would cross paths he would jokingly say,

"Give my boy a chance!"

All you did was laugh it off and keep it moving.

If you were going to put yourself out there again, you needed to be sure that you were ready for it.

You were currently talking to one of your best friends Latecia asking her advice on what to do.

"That man is simping for you baby. Just give him a chance. If it doesn't work out, then move on. It won’t be the end of the world.”

"But I want for my next relationship to work out and be for the long run. What if he's just like everyone else?"

"Even though I don't know him, for some strange reason I feel like he is genuine with it and wants you for you."

"I'm just torn about it."

"It won't hurt if you answer you know. Poor baby is getting ignored by you on every single platform." She replied while laughing.

"I'll think about it some more."

"Don't think too long before someone else comes and snatches your man."

"He isn't my man."

"Not yet anyway. If you give him the opportunity he would definitely make you his girl."

"Like I said, I'll think about it."

Liked by jackharlow, druski2funny, lateciathomas, urbanwyatt, amberpriley, and 5,368,920 others

Y/N: I want you to serenade me, but I know you bashful 😉🤭

jackharlow: not you using my lyrics for a caption mamas. come on and stop playin 😒🙄

druski2funny: Y/N!! Yo man wanna talk to you!

jackharlow: talk to me, talk to me, talk to me baybayyyyy

druski2funny: now you playin games! You see this man wants you!

jackharlow: gimme a chance mamas!

druski2funny: jackharlow once I get you two together yo ass better not fumble the bag

jackharlow: druski2funny man she been ignoring me for like 5 years 🤣

druski2funny: jackharlow well shit. We just gotta work on your technique and approach. baby girl a little bougie. might need to just hand her a Givenchy outfit at this point to get her attention.

jackharlow: come on Y/N stop sleeping on ya boy!

"Druski! Set those two up on a date. This is low key embarrassing at this point." Urban said while laughing.

"I'm doing my best! It's a work in progress!"

"You not working fast enough for me. I'm really trying to get to know her."

"Don't give up yet my boy. I have an event coming up and I'm inviting her."

Jack instantly got excited and was nothing but smiles.

"SHIT. Now I'm nervous what if she won't talk to me?"

"Will you relax? She has to say yes to going first."

"She really is a sweet girl. A little shy but I got you. I'm about to put you and her at the same table so the two of you will be near each other."

"Okay, this just might work."

"Your ass is about to turn red as a tomato and cum in your pants as soon as she says hi to you."

"Eww Jack."

"Shut the fuck up. I'm not that bad."

"You are though."

"Wait! I got it. Let's do a blind date however she won't know it's you sitting across from her."

"Then that's like a semi blind date."

"Look, do you want to date her or not? Because I'm all out of ideas. If her ass don't even want you after this then..."

"Damn just shoot me down I guess."

"But it's gonna work."

"We need to put money on this." Urban perked up and said with a smile.

"How much we talking?" Jack was competitive and was always down for a challenge. Either way, he hoped that he ended up going on a date with you at the end of the night.

"I'll give you 500 if you're able to make her your girlfriend in a month?"

"That's all the money you putting out on my future wife? Nah, up that shit to 2,500."

"Damn, my boy feeling cocky aren't we?"

"Even though she's ignored him for five years." Urban snorted while rolling his eyes.

"Hey!"

---

Jack was nervous as all hell when the day finally arrived. Druski had told him that you had agreed to do the blind date even though it took a few weeks to convince you and it would actually take place at Druski's apartment.

Once you got there you were immediately blind folded and Druski led you to sit in the living room across from Jack who looked like a kid on Christmas day who opened his favorite present which he had been longing for for the entire year. Except it wasn’t just an entire year in this case, it was five. 

Your two best friends Latecia and Amber were there along with Urban, Jack, Druski, the rest of PG, and even Neelam.

She was hoping this would be the night that you finally stopped ignoring Jack.

Just like Urban said the other day, this was low key embarrassing at this point. 

Everyone was in on it and wanted to see the two of you go out on a date. Your best friends were tired of you being miserable and Urban was tired of hearing Jack simp over you on a daily basis.

It was go time.

"Ladies and gentlemen welcome to another round of blind dating with Druski. I have two very lovely people here who are going to get to know each other by asking questions and we'll find out at the end if they want to go out on a date or not. Now only one rule, no names will be revealed until the end. We good with that?"

Both of you nodded and you were actually eager to get started. You figured at this point, why not and what did you have to lose?

"Okay, baby girl, you go first."

"Okay. How old are you and where are you from?"

"24 and I grew up in Kentucky."

"Hmm, you're a baby. I'm almost 30."

"I guarantee you won't be saying that once we hit the bedroom."

“Damn, okay. I see my boy over there trying to make moves!” Druski was trying to do his best to hype Jack up and keep him calm. At the moment, the poor baby was blushing something terrible. 

"Hmm, cocky are we?" You responded while giving a small smile.

"Never that, baby. Just confident. Now when was your last relationship and what made it end?"

"3 years ago and I was cheated on with another model that I considered a friend at one point. Him wanting a thick girl was a ploy to get closer to her. I kicked him and her to the curb."

“I’m sorry to hear that. If you were mine, you would never have to worry about that.”

“He said the same thing. You talk a big game, but are you able to back it up? Oh, and what are you looking for in a girlfriend?”

“I’m definitely able to back all of what I say up. As far as what I’m looking for in a girlfriend? You.”

“Alright now, getting a little spicy in here. Baby girl, what do you have to say to that?”

“You know what? Your voice sounds really familiar. I wonder if we’ve met before?”

Jack now had a look of panic across his face as he looked towards Druski who was frantically shaking his head no.

“Nah, mamas we haven’t. If we did, I would never forget an accent as cute as yours. DMV I take it?”

“You’re good. I feel like it’s starting to fade a little bit though. Fuck it is dummy?”

“Ayeee! Baltimore all day!! Me and baby girl in here representing!”

All you could do was laugh before Jack asked you another question.

“What are you looking for in a man?”

“Hmm, 6′3...”

“That is... very specific.....”

“Curly hair, blue eyes that remind me of the ocean, I love a beard too, throw in some freckles and we got the whole package.....”

By now everyone’s eyes were as big as saucers since you were describing Jack perfectly. 

You had figured it out.

“And I mean if he’s a rapper that’s a plus.”

“Oh, um, you like rappers mamas?”

“Yes, but there’s another thing...”

“And what’s that?”

“Not just any rapper. If his name isn’t Jack Harlow I don’t want him.” You replied while taking off your blindfold and was now face to face with the man himself. If Jack had been a light shade of red before, he was now fire engine red now. 

“DAMN! She got it! But you weren’t supposed to take the blindfold off yet!”

“How’d you figure it out mamas?” Jack curiously asked while looking up at you.

“The accent. It’s slight, but I hear it. As soon as you said you were 24 and from Kentucky, I knew. Nice to finally meet you Jack.”

“The pleasure is all mine, baby girl. Been waiting for this for a minute.”

“FIVE YEARS TO BE EXACT!”

“Urban shut the hell up!”

“Just saying!”

Jack rolled his eyes at Urban before looking back at you and smiling. This man had not stop blushing since you first walked into the living room.

"Now mamas, you just gonna act like you ain’t see my DM's!?"

"I admit, I did smile every time I saw your name pop up in my notifications but, I already told you why I’m hesitant. I want someone who wants me for me. I’m not anyone’s fantasy to pursue.”

“I can respect that. But, mamas.... five years? Come on now.”

“Okay, okay fine. To make up for all of that... I’m here until next Sunday so...”

“Say less. Date night.”

“YES! FINALLY! Y/N, this man has been down bad for you forever.” Neelam chimed in as she smiled at you.

“My work here is now done. Jack, what I tell you? Y/N, I knew you would say yes to my mans.”

“You really do blush when I say the smallest thing, huh?” Jack had finally settled down, but hearing that made him go red all over again.

That man was simping and simping hard.

He couldn’t do nothing but smile at you.

“Come on stinkkkk, stoppp....”

“You’re so cute. Now where are you taking me on our date?”

Liked by Y/N, druski2funny, champagnepapi, urbanwyatt, neelamthadhani, and 8,394,521 others

jackharlow: and she's a bad motherfucker, how could we not go together? 😍😍😍

champagnepapi: wait... THIS YOU?

druski2funny: champagnepapi courtesy of me. I told my boy I would set it up. It was looking bleak for awhile but it happened.

jackharlow: champagnepapi all me bro 😏

champagnepapi: damn okay I see you 👀 hey Ms. Y/N!

Y/N: champagnepapi hi honey! 👋🏾

Y/N: jackharlow the bed is cold without you, come back 😔

jackharlowsource: after five years our boy finally got her 😫

jackharlow: you ain't have to say all that 🙄

jackharlow: Y/N say less! on my way baby girl! oh and urbanwyatt run me my money

urbanwyatt: 🙄

Taglist:

@harlowsbby

@babyharleezy

@hoodharlow

@stefansalvatoresgf

@jackiehollanderr

@primadxna-girl

@dessmxsworld

@cockslutslurper3000

@raelorns21

@variety-fangirl

@gbaabyyyy

@kamorsstuff

@harlowthot

@sinsandsuccubus

@curlyhairclub

@bootlegroach

@haylexo10

@thinkingaboutjharlow

@laylasbunbunny

@fluidsentiment

@charli123456789

@moody4world

@yourstrulymayah

@yana4life

@beanbagbitch

@alinadolans

@carma-fanficaddict

@minaxcarter

@arination99

@xjup1t3r

@venusvinc

@jacksmoviestar

@jackharloww

@midnight-star47

@jackharlowsbabe

@minkookie95

@inluvwithladybug

@tynesharandolph8633-blog

[velvetstreets]

Hello, how are you?

So I had an idea for a scenario but feel free to change things up or even ignore it if you don’t like it !!

Basically, Jack is dating an influencer for a while and she gains weight, people notice and start posting negative things about her (including telling Jack that he should be with someone slimmer), so she gets a little insecure. Jack notices and makes an effort to let her know he loves her just the same slim or thicker - while they’re out together he keeps up his extreme pda, when they’re making love, he workships her and her body, and defends her publicly. Basically a scenario of Jack loving his woman 🥹

Again, do whatever you want with this! Much love 💕

A/N: this might be the best fluff request I’ve gotten 🥺🥺🥺🥺 probably cause it hits home but I loveeeee the idea of Jack loving on his girl a lil extra when she’s insecure 🥺😭🫶

None of the people in my writings portray the actual people I write about! It’s all a work of fiction, I have no idea how they are/act irl.

Warnings: smut, oral sex (f!receiving), penetrative sex (f!receiving), swearing,

I also wasn’t sure how to tag this, but there is a mention of reader’s slight struggle with food in relation to weight gain. I don’t go into detail, more of a slight hint towards readers mindset and how Jack helps out. However if this is triggering, please don’t read! ❤️

Also, I just wanna clarify as a writer that reader having insecurities in their weight doesn’t mean that the reader/character necessarily has to have an ED (reader doesn’t in this fic)! Just an FYI :)

———————————————————————

You and Jack had been dating for a while now, about a year and a half. He was everything you could’ve wanted in a partner. Sweet, caring, affectionate, understanding - of course you had your differences like every couple, but this had been one of the healthier relationships you had been in. The two of you kept your relationship on the low for a little over a year; neither of you wanted the hassle of being public just yet, wanting to enjoy the bubble you had created. You liked your privacy, and you also weren’t a fan of how your relationship would be attacked and picked apart once people found out; which is exactly what happened when they did.

You were nervous when Jack and you had agreed to go public; Jack was clearly more enthusiastic than you as he was mainly focused on not having to hide you anymore. You on the other hand were a little hesitant, not because you didn’t love him, but because you weren’t sure you could handle the criticism your way. This always happened to women especially, either your the famous girl and still get picked apart for choosing who to date, or you’re the regular girl who gets slandered for not looking a certain way or being in the industry.

Nevertheless, you went through with it, knowing you were ready for this step in your relationship. You received some love and some hate, which was better than expected to be honest. You were too enthralled in your bubble with Jack anyway. You and put on some happy weight being with him, which you personally didn’t have a big issue with, it was just felt a little more noticeable in your eyes. Your thighs were a little thicker and your tummy was softer, and face just a smidge fuller. It wasn’t until you had been photographed by fans and paparazzi at one point, unbeknownst to you. The pictures went viral, with people dissecting your body with vulgar comments about your weight gain. You really tried to not let them get to you, but they were everywhere. They swarmed your instagram, twitter, TikTok, all comments about your weight and how Jack should be with someone skinnier than you.

Jack saw all the comments, and hated that you were under all this scrutiny because of him. He just wanted to show off his girl, he didn’t think that far ahead that you’d be caught in the shitty mix that came with fame. You tried to play it off as if it didn’t matter, but Jack would catch you look at yourself in the mirror with shame and criticism, he hated it. You were beautiful, and so was your weight gain, he needed you to understand that. He knew you would deflect his comments, so he decided to show you in a way that he knows best.

Jack came up behind you as you were judging, poking and prodding your body. You let out a deep sigh as he wrapped his arms around your waist, fitting his face in the crook of your neck.

“You know I love you and think you’re the hottest woman alive either way right? Slimmer or thicker, I’ll never stop thinking you’re insanely beautiful and sexy.” He purred into your ear, rubbing his hand on your lil belly pouch. You frowned as he rubbed your belly. It was hard to see how Jack saw you, especially when the internet - let alone society’s stupid beauty standards - was hounding you for your size and body. You weren’t gonna disagree with Jack because you knew he wouldn’t let you go until you got it through your head that you were perfect the way you were - all and any versions. As sweet as his words were, you couldn’t shake that ugly feeling of judgement and insecurity. Though you gave him a small smile and a nod, Jack knew his words weren’t enough.

During the next few weeks, Jack was extra affectionate towards you. He always had a hand on some part of you -your sides, ass, thighs, back - caressing and rubbing the skin he settled on. The PDA was turned on high as Jack would start to make out with you, any time and any where he pleased, accidentally (not so accidentally) cutting off conversations at times. He couldn’t shut up about how beautiful you were, the love for you just spilling through his lips, faster than his tongue could keep up with. It was usually you who wasn’t the biggest fan of PDA, but now that you needed it more than ever, Jack was ecstatic to show you how much he loved you. Anytime you sat next to him, he’d pull you onto his lap, loving the weight on his lap as he’d kiss your neck and whisper stupid comments in your ear to try and get you to laugh. He’d litter your entire face with kisses after you’d take your makeup for the day, and softly groped and rubbed at your thighs when he ate you out in the shower. Jack would notice the little things too. He’d encourage you to eat half his meal if you got something healthy, knowing you really wanted something a little greasy. He removed the scale from the bathroom and hid it, and would leave little messages in the steam when you got out the shower - mostly ‘I love you’s and ‘no need to look in the mirror, gorgeous’, and ‘pretty mamas’, - words you needed to hear, no matter how much you tried to reject them.

He was also extra attentive during sex, especially.

“Oh god, Jack-“ you gasped, as he ate you out. He had started out by kissing up your legs, leaving hickeys here and there and moaning about how much he loved your thick thighs. That was until he was face to face with your sex. He let out a devilish chuckle before diving in. He wrapped his arms around your thighs, pulling you closer to him as he made a mess of your pussy with his mouth. You tried to push his head away, the sensation becoming too much, but Jack kept his grip on your thighs, pushing his face against your pussy even harder so his nose would put pressure on your clit - just how you liked it.

“F-fuck, J-Jack-“ you cried out as you came. Jack hummed, the vibration from his mouth making your toes curl and a stray tear slipped from your eye. Jack lifted his head from your thighs, and started to crawl up your body - his beard and jaw slick with your wetness. He kissed up your belly, smushing his face in it a little as he murmured out “I love your lil pooch. So soft and warm, one of my favorite things about you.” He said giving it a final peck before looking up at you. His blue eyes pierced into yours, making you shy your face away into your hands, feeling exposed at how vulnerable you were.

“You can hide all you want angel, s’not gonna make me stop loving on you. Though I’d really like to see your sweet face too.” He told you, gently removing your hands from your face. He smiled at you and you blushed as he leaned in for a kiss.

“I love you. So much y/n. Nothing will make me change my mind about that. I just want you to see yourself how I see you. Beautiful, sweet..” he said before laying kisses across your chest, taking his time with each breast.

“- so pretty, and all for me. Love these curves and the freckles on your face. Love these sweet, soft lil rolls of yours and these sexy stretch marks mamas.” He continued, and you felt your throat start to close up, recognizing the tell tale signs that tears were about to spill from your eyes. You let out a shaky breath as Jack continued his monologue, his cock slowly thrusting into you. You let out a gasp at his size, never truly ever getting used to the euphoric feeling of him stretching you out.

“You’re the most beautiful woman alive baby, and as your man, I should be making you feel like that every single day, I’m sorry I’ve dropped the ball a bit, won’t happen again. I promise sweetheart.” He whispered in your ear as he thrusted into you.

“You always make me feel beautiful Jack-“ you cried out softly, his dick nudging against that spot. “Fuck, just like that baby-“ you moaned softly.

“You’re too good to me.. you and your sweet pussy..” Jack groaned as his thrusts quickened.

“You deserve everything y/n, my good girl..” he moaned as you clenched around him. You came with a loud cry as Jack sneaked a thumb to your clit, sending you on overdrive. You whined and clawed at his back at the overstimulation, which made Jack smile.

You laid there, regaining your breath for a minute or two before Jack flipped the two of you over. He lightly tapped your ass which got him your attention.

“Sit on my face.” He said, guiding your hips over his head.

You furrowed your eyebrows, unsure about complying with Jack’s request as you didn’t want to rest you full weight on his face.

“Jack no, I’m too heavy for that-“ you started before Jack took your wrists in his hands, forcing you to look at him.

“Y/N. I don’t give a fuck, suffocate me for all I care, it’d be a blessing to die like this. I know what I said. Sit. On. My. Face. Now.” he growled, his tone deep and unwavering - you knew he was serious. His arms came to circle around your thighs again, pulling you down so you fully sat on his face. You quickly forgot about your insecurities as Jack’s tongue worked it’s magic in you. His tongue swirled and suckled on your clit, making you grind your hips into his face. Once he started tongue fucking you- you were done for. The way his soft tongue moved through your folds and lapped you up as well as switching up between that and teasing your clit by grazing his teeth along it, you squirted all over Jack with a loud moan of his name, your nails digging into the headboard and Jack holding your hips against him to help you ride out your high.

Jack helped you shuffle down his body and lay on him before giving your forehead a kiss.

“You’re my favorite juice to drink y’know?” Jack said after a moment of silence. You laughed into his chest as he continued.

“I’m serious, I could put this shit in a bottle and drink it every morning with my eggs.” Jack joked, and you looked up at him, giving him a gentle sensual kiss.

“I love you.” You told him.

“I love you more.” He said holding your gaze.

“Impossible.” You whispered as huh pecked his lips.

“Oh really? Want me to keep showing you? Cause you know I will, climb back up mamas-“ Jack challenged you.

“Okay, okay. How about we agree to disagree?” You suggested.

“No, I refuse, I love you more!” Jack said before littering your face with kisses making you laugh h until you couldn’t breathe.

“Okay Jack! I surrender!” You laughed with tears in your eyes.

“Good, there’s no way you’ll ever win that fight.” He said contently as he tightened his hold on you, pulling you in closer to his chest. He gave you another sweet kiss before rubbing your back until you fell asleep.

The next morning you woke up to Jack eating you out again, making you cum twice before told you ‘good morning’. He crawled up and kissed you passionately before separating.

“I’m gonna go get the shower started. You come in when your ready, alright smush?” Jack softly whispered as you were still coming down from your high. You nodded and heard him chuckle before feeling his lips press against your forehead. You felt his weight dip off the bed and heard his footsteps walk to the bathroom and turn the shower on.

After a minute you opened your eyes again. Rolling over, you grabbed your phone, wanting to check a few things before heading to the shower.

You tapped the instagram icon, opening the app, you eyes widening at what you saw.

Jack had posted multiple pictures of you two in a post with a caption that brought back tears to your eyes.

jackharlow: my girl is the baddest to ever do it. thick as hell, homegrown, and all mine. Don’t know what I did to deserve her, but I’m for sure the luckiest man alive. love you, stink. (p.s. fat phobia has never been and will never be the vibe. Fuck outta here with that shit.)

You smiled to yourself. He really fucking loved you. He didn’t have to do any of this, but he did because he did love you. And you loved him. That’s all that really mattered. You locked your phone and walked to the bathroom. You heard Jack humming to himself as you undressed and opened the shower door. You wrapped your arms around his waist and he turned around in your hold, smiling. The two of you held each other like that for a couple minutes. The warm water beating down on both of you as you relaxed into eachother.

“Thank you.” You murmured.

“For what?”

“Everything. The instagram post, for loving me, for putting up with me when I’m spiraling. For being the best boyfriend.” You said looking up into his eyes.

Jack leaned down and captured your lips in a loving kiss. He parted the two of you and leant his forehead against yours.

“You don’t have to thank me. It’s a privilege for me to love you. And me reassuring you that I love you and want you isn’t me ‘putting up with you’. You should feel loved and wanted by me all the time, it’s my boyfriend duties.” He said rubbing his nose against yours.

“Love you so much mamas, my pretty girl.”

“I love you too Jack, so so much.” You whispered as you felt him start to back you into the shower wall, hooking one of your legs around his waist, as he continued to show you how much he needed and craved you - and continued to show you for the rest of the week.

———————————————————————

Tag list: @hoodharlow @moody4world @watercolorskyy @lcandothisallday @harlowthot @triplexdoublex @thinkingaboutjharlow @bbyharlow @jackharlows-world @primadxna-girl @curlyhairclub @dessmxsworld @inluvwithladybug @babyharleezy @thysagclub

[pissjesus]

go on 👁👁

Ok sooooooo I wanted to keep their personalities as close to their actual characterization, obviously, but I was thinking about how they’d get to the same place from a different starting point, if that makes sense. Cuz they’d probably be treated very differently if they acted and looked the way they do but were women instead (or a boy in Noodle’s case)🙃. Unfortunately these can get kinda depressing so fair warning. And these are just my takes so 🤷 unfortunately a lot of them are based on cisheteronormativity because we live in a cisheteronormative society

Also a lot of these ideas came from smashing my last brain cells together with @plastickatz and @alicepalmersnokia

* This all started from me finding out that “Murdina” is the feminine version of the name “Murdoch,” which sounds like what Murdoc would call himself if he put on a wig drunk in his room at 5am. So I’ve been calling them Murdina, Udon, and Rose— 2D stays the same cuz she’s still got 2 dents. But some people (Murdina) call her 2A cuz she still has no boobs 😔

* 2D does modeling on the side cuz her tall, slender, androgynous appearance and pilled-out, blank stare make her a y2k alt it-girl

* Murdina finding a younger, more attractive girl to be the face of her band when she’s in her 30s and considered “ugly” seems like it’d be of greater importance. Murdoc gets to make being ugly and gross his schtick. Not that Murdina would compromise her right to replace a shower with half a bottle of “Truth or Dare” by Madonna, but she’d probably have to work harder to get fame

* She’d be constantly in the tabloids for nip-slips and ass crack, throwing her heels at the paparazzi, and her “foul” comments about eating babies. She’d also post slutty pictures online and be shaking with rage as people comment “omg body positive queen, love your bravery <3”

* 2D is already treated like he’s stupid but I think people would expect girl 2D to roll over and take a lot more bullshit— she would have flipped her lid WAYYYY earlier on

* Don’t worry Rose is still bald she just wears wigs. Hear me out but I feel like Rose would be a lot more femme than Russel (or at least more femme than he’s allowed to be). Russel prides himself on being educated, well-spoken, and fashionable, and I feel like that standard would be higher as a woman (especially being a fat black woman in the early 2000s). So I think she’d be very conscious about her image— she’d probably be everything Russel wishes he could be. However, she’d get very down on herself when she can’t reach that standard of perfectionism when she’s really depressed.

* Russel being put on a pedestal as “the only responsible caretaker” would be cranked to 1000. Though, besides Rose being an über-perfectionist, I think her and Udon’s relationship would ultimately remain unchanged. They’d still be very close even through all the lows

* Rose criticizes Murdina and 2D for their lack of hygiene and sitting with their legs spread— she puts forth that she doesn’t believe in tearing down other women but once in a while she lets it slip that she thinks they’re sluts. She’s also a repressed lesbian but she’ll figure that out eventually

* Murdina, on the other hand, has no qualms with tearing down other women and resents 2D for being considered “the pretty one” (which I fully believe Murdoc already does, but the media doesn’t pit men against each other in terms of looks quite as much, don’t they? 🙃)

* On a darker note, and this might be a hot take I guess, but I feel like Murdina’s MO would be less physical and more psychological. If Murdoc/Murdina wants to hold power over 2D, they’d have to do it in a way where people are going to turn a blind eye. It’s not that big a deal for men to push each other around and hit each other, but it’s considered more unusual for women to physically fight in public. Murdoc still tries to get in 2D’s head and Murdina would still swat her occasionally but I just think Murdina would have had decades of practice in psychological warfare

* In the same vein 2D would have to fight back in the same way. I feel like she’d give her backhanded compliments in interviews— like “I always admired that you don’t give in to the pressure to get a nose job :)”— and Murdina can only sit there fuming because she can’t throw a table.

* 2D would have very little tolerance for men because they expect/want her to go along with anything since they think she’s stupid, but she wouldn’t take it. But I also don’t think she’d be particularly clever on the fly so when some guy is trying to make her look stupid she just throws things at them (which Murdina would kinda respect)

* I also think 2D already cries easily but girl 2D cries at any provocation so not only is she whaling on you with her bony fists but she’s also crying. Category 5 white woman moment

* Udon is a weird one and I don’t have as many thoughts about him, unfortunately. Like he’s still a former child soldier, fighting his way out of hell, killing zombies in his own home, and bearing witness to psychological warfare within his band, but I guess now he doesn’t have interviewers asking him if he’s drawn anatomically correct.

* I guess interestingly, here is where Kat and I had differing opinions. Cuz I think 2D and Udon wouldn’t be as close but they don’t think their relationship would be any different, so I don’t know, I’m not dead-set on my take

* I already think Noodle has a hard time being vulnerable and I think part of it is because she takes after Murdoc in that aspect, partially because she feels like she has to prove herself as the only girl. Udon would likely be the same way but maybe for different reasons? Perhaps seeing the way Murdina gets into peoples heads would make him keep his distance, though Rose and 2D’s influence would keep him from being too cold.

* I’m sure there’d probably be “concern” that he doesn’t have a proper masculine influence in his life when he’s like 14 and wants to paint his nails but idk, when 3 disaster bachelors took in a random little girl and put her to work, no one seemed too concerned

* I can literally name like 4 different pieces of media about 3 disaster bachelors taking care of a baby but I can’t name a single story about 3 disaster women raising a kid together so that’s probably why I have a hard time thinking of what to do with Udon

* Sorry if these are kinda depressing, I do have funnier scenarios if people wanna hear them. Or darker ones if you want to peep the horror

[fadebolt]

Aaaaaalrighty! Second round is starting, with a boatload of same-region polls, seemingly. I'm definitely not complaining, as it makes my job a whole lot easier. This round is going to have mostly interesting, well designed, great looking, and all around memorable rooms, so I imagine there probably wouldn't be too many lowly ranked ones here, under normal circumstances. For this reason, I'm gonna make an attempt to be a lot harsher here. These rooms were deilberately chosen by a good number of people as the best from a set of 10, so being just 'uninteresting, but mostly fine' is no longer gonna cut it. So do bear in mind that if I give a room a low number, that doesn't mean it's terrible, the bar has simply just been raised.

Also, I have received a long list of a bunch of neat rooms I didn't get to cover in the first round. Most of those have made it through, so I'll get to them when they show up here. As for the ones that didn't, I'll cover them in rounds where rooms from that list won't appear. This is mostly to stop myself from potentially commenting on the same room multiple times. But again, if anyone has any questions about specific placements, then feel free to hit me up with 'em.

And now, without further ado, let's begin the round!

Personal Outskirts room rankings:

1 - A43 (8/10) 2 - B01 (8/10) 3 - INTRO01 (7/10) 4 - CAVE02 (7/10) 5 - B14 (6/10) 6 - S05 (6/10) 7 - A31 (5/10) 8 - A35 (4/10) 9 - A12 (3/10) 10 - A63 (2/10)

Extra comment: Well, what do you know, this first round is one of those that didn't get a room from the list. I don't mind that too much, as Outskirts rooms in general are somewhat basic. Most of these do many things well, but I still wouldn't have too much to say about them, really.

As for the request list, we have two Outskirts rooms that dropped out from the first round - A17 and A44.

A17 got fairly close, and I can see why - the room is pretty good at teaching players how to use their platforming, climbing and pipe crossing skills to avoid hungry Lizards. It hits a pretty good balance where it works well for first time visitors, while still not being tedious for veterans (and they also get a Spearmaster broadcast there, in a pretty neat location at that). However, it is placed in an area of Outskirts that is pretty much completely useless, and there are other rooms that do similar things as this one, so I can see why it wasn't high on people's priority lists. I'd probably give this a 7/10, as it is relatively well designed, but it's still not excellent or too unique.

A44 on the other hand, is a tutorial room that nobody voted for. This is kind of funny, because the room absolutely works, it's just extremely basic. And that makes perfect sense - it has one purpose, and once that is done, the players will never visit it again. However, Downpour actually granted players multiple ways that they can easily reach this place (without, you know, cheesy things like starve-backflip-Squidcada-flight), thanks to Spearmaster's start, Outer Expanse, Artificer, Saint and Rarefaction Cell Rivulet. And none of the Slugcats got any changes in this room, despite that, even though there was a clear opportunity for a fun surprise. So yeah, I'm probably giving this a 6/10, as it worked well enough for the tutorial, but there's really not that much more to it.

Pick Your Favorite Rain World Room, Day 182 R2

This is not single elimination! Every room with at least 15.0% vote will move on to the next round.

There is a hidden slugcat in one of the rooms (they can be in any color). If u can see it comment or reblog with where they are and if u are first, u get a cookie!

Credit for game screenshots goes to: Rain World Interactive Map, Rain World Wiki and me