#Host is a cryptic boy

[f14fun]

pages and podiums (!author x op81) - chapter 2

synopsis: in which case y/n, an author hosts a signing and a read-out-loud of the final installment of her book series in new york city. oscar, lost in the big city, stumbles by the bookstore and is immediately intrigued by her (and her books).

prose (5.1K words) ✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩ profile | masterlist | prev ⋆.˚✮🎧✮˚.⋆

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Oscar had told me to dress nice.

That's all his text message contained. "Dress nice."

To this day, I cannot fathom why men simply lack the need to provide detail into the dress code of the night. It's as if they assume we can read their minds or that 'dress nice' is universally understood. Men seem to operate on a different wavelength when it comes to these things. While we're left deciphering cryptic messages like "dress nice," they seem content with the vague directive.

Maybe it's a test of our fashion intuition or perhaps they genuinely believe that 'nice' is a universally understood standard.

Either way, I found myself standing in front of the mirror, debating between outfits that ranged from elegant to casual, all while wondering if 'nice' meant dinner-date chic or something more formal.

Texting him a series of, "???" and a "Could you please be a little bit more specific, I'm (slightly) freaking out in my apartment right now 😭", he responded in a mere matter of minutes, while I was sitting on the stool of my makeup vanity, painting on my eyeliner to utmost precision.

Taking an absentminded glance at my cellphone while I haphazardly used a q-tip to wipe off excess mascara, he responded with, "Don't worry, you don't have to dress to the nines, just something that you are comfortable with."

His prompt reply brought a mix of relief and amusement, contrasting sharply with my frantic preparations.

As I smoothed out the edges of my makeup, I couldn't help but smile at the irony of the situation—here I was, meticulously applying makeup to look effortlessly 'chic and nice,' while he nonchalantly reassured me with a casual text.

It was a reminder of the different approaches we often had towards such occasions, him opting for simplicity and me, in a flurry of brushes and cosmetics, seeking clarity down to the finest detail.

But what can I say, isn't there a famous saying that goes, opposites attract?

Settling on a silky white dress with black trim around the neckline, I draped a white blazer on my shoulders. The wide neckline beautifully emphasized my collarbones, adding a touch of elegance to the ensemble. It was a choice that balanced professionalism with a hint of chicness, perfect for the occasion I was preparing for.

The silky fabric cascaded down in gentle folds, skimming over my figure with a graceful flow. Paired with the structured lines of the blazer, the outfit exuded confidence and sophistication. The contrast of white against black trim created a striking visual impact, drawing attention to the neckline and framing my face in a flattering way.

As I stood in front of the mirror, enjoying a rare moment of tranquility and lost in my thoughts—as I often am—a sudden ring shattered the silence. Startled, I couldn't help but chuckle inwardly, joking to myself that authors must have a knack for interrupting serene moments.

Curious to hear Oscar's voice after our earlier exchange, I answered the call with a smile, ready to continue our conversation.

"Hey Y/N," he answered in a low voice. There was just something about his greeting that exuded a newfound sense of confidence from the nerdy and dorky brown-haired boy.

"Hi Oscar," I replied, suddenly shy at the seemingly flirty intonation of his voice. I gulped. This was going to be a long night if I kept blushing like a school-girl every time Oscar spoke.

Not that I was complaining though.

I would love a long night with Oscar. (Dear reader, if you know, you know)

"I'm at the front of your apartment building," He replied.

"Already?!" I shockingly replied. He had told me that he would be here at 6:30 PM. It was 6:15 PM. Over the call, I could here his faint laughed at my surprise.

"Wow, you are here so early," I said, "Kudos to your promptness, I'm impressed," I joked.

"Well, you know me," Oscar replied smoothly. "When there's a chance to see you, I'm always ahead of schedule."

His confident response made me smile. "I'll be down in a minute then. Just don't let all this early arrival go to your head, Mr. Punctual."

"I'll try not to," he chuckled. "But no promises. See you soon, Y/N."

"See you soon, Oscar," I replied, hanging up the phone with a grin. This night was definitely starting off on an unexpectedly fun note. I just hoped it would end with the same amount of vigor and flirtiness.

I hastily tucked my makeup pouch and phone into my purse, swiftly crossing the hallway of my apartment complex to reach the elevator. Tapping my foot nervously—and with a touch of impatience—I looked forward to seeing Oscar as I descended thirty-seven floors. This felt like the longest elevator ride of my life, each floor passing with excruciating slowness as anticipation built in my chest.

Finally, the doors slid open on the ground floor. Stepping out, I scanned the lobby, my heart skipping a beat when I spotted Oscar standing near the entrance. His eyes widened, his mouth slightly agape as he took in my appearance. I couldn't help but grin mischievously at his stunned reaction.

"Well, someone looks like they've seen a ghost," I teased playfully, walking towards him with a confident stride.

Oscar blinked rapidly, a faint blush creeping up his cheeks. "I... uh... I mean... wow," he stammered, clearly at a loss for words.

I laughed lightly, enjoying the rare moment of leaving Oscar speechless. "Cat got your tongue, Mr. Piastri?" I quipped, standing before him now, reveling in the flustered expression on his face.

He managed a sheepish smile. "You just... you look amazing," he finally managed to say, his eyes still wide with admiration.

"Well, thank you," I replied with a pleased smile. "You're not quite too shabby yourself, Mr. Piastri," I added, giving him a playful once-over.

Oscar chuckled nervously, adjusting his collar. "I... uh... well, thank you," he said, his cheeks turning an even deeper shade of red.

As we stood in the lobby, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation and a hint of nervous energy. People passed by, casting curious glances our way, but we were lost in our own little bubble of playful banter and mutual admiration.

"You know," Oscar began, his voice a touch more confident now, "I've been looking forward to tonight."

"Oh?" I raised an eyebrow, feigning nonchalance. "And why's that?"

He grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Because I get to spend it with someone as charming as you," he replied smoothly.

I couldn't help but chuckle at his unabashed flattery. "Smooth talker," I teased, leaning casually against the wall.

"Only for the smoothest writer I know," he quipped back.

"Touche, touche, I'll give you credit for that remark," I responded, my eyebrows raised at his quick response.

"I have a surprise for you," Oscar said with a mischievous glint in his eye as we walked towards his car.

"A surprise? I love surprises!" I exclaimed, curiosity piqued.

He chuckled softly. "Guess where we're going for dinner," he prompted, his tone playful.

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Oh no, not this again. You know I'm terrible at guessing," I replied with a smirk, remembering the countless times I'd failed miserably at guessing his job earlier that day.

Oscar laughed, a warm sound that filled the air. "Come on, give it a shot," he encouraged, nudging me gently as we reached the car.

I sighed dramatically, pretending to ponder. "Hmm... Thai food? Sushi? Maybe a cozy café with gourmet burgers?" I guessed, each suggestion more outlandish than the last.

He shook his head, still smiling. "Nope, nope, and nope," he replied, enjoying my playful attempts.

"Fine, fine," I conceded with a grin. "Just tell me already."

Oscar paused for a moment, relishing the suspense. "We're going to an Italian restaurant," he finally revealed, watching my reaction carefully.

"Italian?" I repeated, surprised yet pleased. "That sounds wonderful," I admitted, feeling a surge of excitement at the thought of pasta and candlelit ambiance.

He nodded, his satisfaction evident in his expression. "I thought you might like it," he said softly, opening the car door for me.

The ride to the restaurant was quite smooth, albeit we were stuck in traffic for around forty minutes but the drive was still pleasant nonetheless. Oscar distracted me from my imminent road rage as a New Yorker, and the fact that sometimes, I still felt overwhelmed by all of the bright lights and glamor that New York City had.

As we finally arrived at the Italian restaurant, Oscar found a convenient parking spot near the entrance. He held the car door open for me again, and I stepped out onto the bustling sidewalk, feeling a mixture of excitement and hunger.

The restaurant's exterior exuded a cozy charm, with warm lighting and inviting aromas wafting through the air. We walked inside, greeted by the soft hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses. A hostess welcomed us with a smile and led us to a corner table with a view of the twinkling city lights through large windows.

"This is perfect," I commented, settling into my chair and taking in the ambiance.

Oscar smiled, pulling out my chair for me before seating himself opposite. "I'm glad you think so," he replied warmly, picking up the menu and handing one to me.

"Are you hungry?" He gave me a cheeky grin. Before I could respond, my stomach growled loudly. Betrayed by my body at the worst possible moment, of course.

Turning a bright beet red, Oscar let out a laugh.

"Well, my stomach answered before I could so, enough said," I rolled my eyes, still embarrassed, the red heat on my face expanding to my neck.

Oscar chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I guess that settles it," he said teasingly. "Let's make sure we order enough to satisfy both of us and your hungry stomach."

"How nice of you to include my big back in the discussion," I joked.

"Always a gentleman," he rolled his eyes.

Taking a look at the menu, my eyes widened at the relatively expensive prices. I still had some debt accumulated from my four years spent at NYU. My job as an author didn't even cover all of that.

Oscar noticed my hesitation and leaned closer, his voice gentle. "Don't worry about it. Dinner's on me tonight," he reassured me with a warm smile.

I shook my head, a playful glint in my eyes. "Oh no, I couldn't let you do that," I protested lightly, though secretly touched by his gesture.

He chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling. "It's not a problem, really. Just promise me one thing," he said, his tone turning teasing.

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? What's that?"

"Promise me a signed copy of your next book series," Oscar replied with a grin. "That's more than enough payment."

"Don't tell me you would betray me by selling those books on eBay," I say, mocking him.

Oscar gasped dramatically, placing a hand over his heart. "I would never! Your autograph is priceless to me," he replied, his expression mock-serious.

"Yeah, you definitely couldn't sell it if I wrote a heartfelt message on the front flap of the book," I replied. Immediately coming up with a way to embarrass him.

"Oh please, enlighten me with your plan," he responded, making direct eye contact with me as if to challenge me. Staring at him back, I responded.

"In the front flap, I could probably write, Dear my little Pookie-Bear Oscar Cutie-Pie,-" I say, and before I can even finish Oscar choked on the water he was sipping. Both of us burst out laughing at the ridiculous statement I just said.

"Yup, I am never, saying that ever again in my life," I shook my head in mock disbelief.

"But what if I wanted you to call me that," Oscar said slyly.

"Oscar, are you seriously into that," I said, raising an eyebrow as I tried to keep a straight face (hint, I was failing), the sides of my lips quirking up as I tried to restrain my gummy smile.

"Ocassionally," Oscar said, surprising me that night once more.

"Oscar!" I whisper yelled.

"Only with you, Y/N, only with you I promise," he smirked. Rolling my eyes and blushing, I replied.

"So you would be fine if I called you Oscar my Pookie Bear," I teased, fiddling with the golden ring on my index finger.

"Only if I got to call you Y/N my Cutie Pie," he responded, emulating the same vibe.

"Deal," I challenged him.

"Shake on it?" he asked.

"Shake on it," I responded.

He reached out for a handshake, and his hand fully enveloped mine. Despite his profession as a Formula One driver and his regular workouts, his palm had a surprising smoothness that contrasted with the slight roughness of his fingertips. It was a sensation that immediately caught my attention—a tactile reminder of his strength and determination, yet with a gentleness that made me feel oddly comforted.

As our hands met, a subtle warmth spread through me, and I couldn't help but notice the way our fingers interlocked naturally, as if they had found their perfect fit. We both blushed slightly, caught off guard by the intimacy of the gesture in such a public setting. His touch felt reassuring and strangely familiar, like coming home after a long journey.

Though extremely cliche (as an author, nonetheless), for a brief moment, time seemed to slow down around us, the noise of the restaurant fading into the background. It was just us, connected by this simple yet significant gesture. I stole a glance at Oscar and found him already looking at me with a softness in his eyes that mirrored my own feelings.

"Sorry," Oscar murmured, a hint of bashfulness in his voice as he withdrew his hand, but his eyes held a softness that mirrored my own feelings.

"No, it's okay," I replied softly, feeling a rush of gratitude for this unexpected connection. "I... I liked it."

Oscar smiled shyly, his cheeks tinged with a faint blush. "Me too," he admitted, his gaze lingering on mine for a moment longer than necessary.

The waiter returned to our table with a warm smile. "Are you ready to order?" he asked politely, holding his notepad at the ready.

I glanced at Oscar, a playful twinkle in my eye. "I think we're finally ready," I replied, turning my attention back to the menu. "I'll have the Fettuccine Alfredo, please."

"Excellent choice," the waiter noted, jotting down my order. He then turned to Oscar. "And for you, sir?"

"I'll have the Margherita pizza," Oscar said with a nod, handing back the menu.

The waiter nodded, jotting down the order swiftly. "Anything to drink?"

"I'll have a glass of red wine," I answered.

Oscar looked thoughtful for a moment. "I'll go with a sparkling water, please."

"Of course," the waiter replied, smiling warmly before heading off to place our order.

I turned back to Oscar with a grin. "Pizza and pasta—classic choices," I remarked teasingly.

He chuckled, a lightness returning to his demeanor. "Can't go wrong with Italian cuisine," he replied, his gaze meeting mine. "Especially when enjoyed in good company."

Are you saying I'm good company?" I teased, raising an eyebrow playfully.

Oscar's smile widened, a spark of amusement in his eyes. "I suppose I'll have to wait until after dinner to make that judgment," he quipped, leaning back comfortably in his chair. "But if this pizza is as good as they say, you might just have some stiff competition."

I laughed softly, feeling a pleasant warmth between us. "Oh, I see how it is," I replied with mock indignation. "Pizza versus my sparkling personality—may the best contender win."

Oscar chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mirth. "It's going to be a tough battle," he agreed, lifting his water glass in a mock toast. "But I have faith in both contenders."

"Speaking of pizza," Oscar began, a mischievous grin spreading across his face, "I once had a friend who insisted he could make the best homemade pizza. It turned out to be a disaster." He shook his head, feigning dramatic horror. "I think I nearly choked down every bite, trying not to offend him."

I laughed at the mental image, imagining Oscar's valiant effort to endure the culinary ordeal. "Oh no, that sounds like a true test of friendship," I teased, leaning forward with interest. "How did you manage to survive?"

"Well, let's just say I had plenty of water on hand," Oscar replied, his tone tinged with amusement. "And I made sure to praise his pizza-making skills as convincingly as I could."

"Ah, the sacrifices we make for friendship," I mused with a grin. "But you survived to tell the tale, so that's what counts."

Oscar nodded solemnly, though a playful glint remained in his eyes. "Indeed. And now, I can appreciate good pizza even more," he said, gesturing towards the restaurant's kitchen with a nod of approval.

Curiosity piqued, I leaned in closer. "So, who's this friend of yours? Anyone I might know?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Oscar chuckled softly. "His name's Lando," he said, rolling his eyes good-naturedly. "Also known as my annoying and slightly older but slightly shorter teammate."

I grinned, picturing the dynamic between Oscar and his friend. "Sounds like quite the character," I commented, amused. "Does he still try to impress you with his culinary skills?"

"All the time," Oscar replied with a laugh. "But I've learned my lesson. I stick to letting him handle the driving, and I handle the pizza orders."

"Smart move," I teased, swirling the ice in my water glass. "It's all about knowing each other's strengths and weaknesses, right?"

"Exactly," Oscar agreed with a nod. "And trust me, after that pizza incident, I've become quite adept at steering him away from the kitchen."

I chuckled, imagining the scenes that must unfold between them. "I bet he keeps things interesting though," I remarked, a playful glint in my eye.

"Oh, definitely," Oscar said with a fond smile. "He's the kind of guy who always brings excitement wherever he goes, whether it's on the track or just trying to cook dinner."

Curiosity sparked, I leaned forward slightly. "Speaking of cooking, do you cook?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Oscar's expression turned comically horrified. "God, no," he replied with a laugh, shaking his head emphatically. "I leave that to the professional chefs that travel with us."

"Wait, you have professional chefs traveling with you?" I asked, genuinely surprised. "That's quite the perk."

"Yeah," Oscar nodded, his eyes lighting up with amusement. "It's one of the luxuries of the racing circuit. These chefs are like nomads, following us from race to race, making sure we're well-fed and ready to perform."

I couldn't help but be intrigued. "That's incredible," I admitted, picturing a team of chefs crafting gourmet meals in the midst of the adrenaline-fueled world of Formula One racing. "I guess it takes a lot to keep up with the demands of your schedule."

"Absolutely," Oscar agreed. "They're not just skilled chefs, they're also part of the team dynamics, ensuring we have the right nutrition and energy levels for each race."

As I absorbed this new insight into Oscar's world, I found myself more fascinated by the intricate details behind the scenes of Formula One. "It sounds like a whole different lifestyle," I mused, leaning back in my chair.

"Mhm," he said, looking up at my eyes, then looking down towards my cherry-red lips.

I couldn't help but laugh at his response (or lack thereof), a genuine smile spreading across my face. "Fair enough," I said, amused. "Are you as bad as Lando in the kitchen then?"

Oscar chuckled, his eyes crinkling with amusement. "I'd like to think I'm not that bad," he said, holding up his hands defensively. "But let's just say my skills are better suited to driving a race car than handling a spatula."

"Well, at least you know your strengths," I teased lightly, taking a sip of water. "And you're lucky to have Lando for the culinary adventures."

"Absolutely," Oscar agreed with a grin. "He keeps things entertaining, that's for sure."

"But when I do attempt to cook," Oscar continued, leaning in conspiratorially, "I try my best to learn new recipes." He paused, his expression turning thoughtful. "Key word being 'try'."

I chuckled, imagining Oscar navigating through a kitchen with the same precision he used on the race track. "I can picture it now," I replied playfully. "Oscar Piastri, the daring chef, mastering the art of... well, trying."

Oscar laughed along with me, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Exactly," he said, shaking his head with mock solemnity. "Let's just say, there have been a few... interesting experiments."

"I'm intrigued," I admitted, leaning forward with curiosity. "Any memorable disasters you'd care to share?"

"Well," Oscar began, a grin spreading across his face, "there was this one time I attempted to make pasta from scratch. Let's just say it ended up resembling something closer to sticky dough than pasta."

I couldn't help but laugh at the mental image. "Ah, the joys of culinary exploration," I remarked, shaking my head fondly. "But hey, at least you're willing to give it a shot."

"And that's what counts, right?" Oscar replied with a wink. "Trying new things, even if the results are... questionable."

Our banter continued, punctuated by shared smiles and the occasional playful exchange. As we awaited our meal, the anticipation mingled with the easy comfort of our growing connection, creating a moment that felt both lighthearted and promising.

"So, what about you?" Oscar asked, his eyes curious as he leaned in slightly, genuinely interested in my culinary exploits. "Any culinary adventures or misadventures of your own?"

I chuckled softly, reminiscing about my past kitchen escapades. "Oh, plenty," I confessed with a playful grin. "There was this one time I tried to impress my friends with homemade pasta. Let's just say it turned out more like noodles stuck together in clumps than the elegant strands I envisioned."

Oscar chuckled, his expression amused. "Ah, the classic pasta mishap," he commented with a knowing nod. "It's tricky to get it just right."

"It is," I agreed, smiling at the shared understanding. "But you know, every mishap is a learning experience."

"That's the spirit," Oscar replied, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Did your friends at least appreciate the effort?"

"They did," I confirmed with a laugh. "Although I'm pretty sure they were just being polite."

"Well, that's what friends are for," Oscar remarked, his tone light and teasing. "To eat your culinary experiments with a smile."

Our banter was interrupted as the waiter arrived, balancing a tray laden with steaming plates of pasta and pizza. The enticing aroma filled the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation.

"Ah, here's the moment of truth," Oscar said with a grin, his eyes lighting up as he surveyed the delicious spread before us.

I couldn't help but mirror his excitement. "It looks amazing," I commented, taking in the sight of perfectly cooked pasta and the bubbling cheese on the pizza. "I'm glad we went with Italian tonight."

"Me too," Oscar agreed, reaching for his fork eagerly. "Let's dig in."

We both took our first bites, and the flavors exploded on our palates, confirming our expectations. I savored the rich tomato sauce and the tender pasta, while Oscar seemed equally pleased with his choice of pizza.

"Mmm, this is really good," I said between bites, nodding appreciatively.

Oscar nodded in agreement, his mouth half full. "Definitely hits the spot," he managed to say, swallowing before continuing. "I'm glad you're enjoying it too."

"By the way," Oscar said with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, "if my pasta-making skills ever fail me again, can I count on you to come to the rescue?"

I chuckled, playing along with his playful flirtation. "Well, I can't promise gourmet, but I'll do my best to salvage the situation," I replied with a grin.

"Good to know," Oscar teased, his smile widening. "Maybe we can turn it into a team effort next time."

I laughed, enjoying the easy banter and the hint of flirtation in the air. "Team cooking," I mused aloud. "I think we might just have a winning combination."

"Absolutely," Oscar agreed, leaning in a little closer. "You bring the charm, I'll handle the taste-testing. It's a partnership made in culinary heaven."

I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through me at his playful words. "Sounds like a plan," I replied, meeting his gaze with a playful glint in my eye. "Just don't blame me if we end up ordering takeout."

Oscar laughed, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Fair enough," he said, his voice low and teasing. "As long as we're having fun, that's all that matters."

"You know," I began, setting down my fork thoughtfully, "as much as I love writing, I also really enjoy cooking."

Oscar looked genuinely interested. "Oh? What got you into writing?" he asked curiously, his eyes focused on me.

I smiled, tracing the rim of my water glass with my finger. "It's something I've loved since I was a child," I explained. "Books were my escape, and writing became my way of creating worlds and stories that I could get lost in."

"That's incredible," Oscar replied, his tone sincere. "It must be fulfilling, bringing characters and stories to life."

"It really is," I admitted with a soft smile. "And cooking is another creative outlet for me. There's something about creating a dish from scratch, experimenting with flavors… It's like writing, but with food."

"I'm glad you think so," I replied with a smile, appreciating his interest. "Writing has always been a part of me. One of my favorite pieces that I wrote was actually a poetry anthology for a non-traditional poetry class I accidentally signed up for at NYU."

Oscar's eyebrows lifted in curiosity. "Accidentally signed up for?"

I chuckled softly. "Yes, it was one of those situations where I thought I was enrolling in a different class, but it turned out to be a wonderful surprise," I explained. "The anthology ended up being a collection of stories that my mother and grandmother had told me from a young age, stories infused with cultural ties and traditions."

"That sounds fascinating," Oscar remarked, clearly intrigued.

"It was," I continued, my voice growing more animated. "Each poem was written in different languages, reflecting the diversity of my heritage, and I included drawings and pictures alongside the text to capture the essence of the stories."

Oscar nodded thoughtfully. "So, it was a blend of storytelling and visual art," he summarized, leaning forward with genuine interest.

"Exactly," I confirmed, pleased that he understood. "It was an exploration of my roots and a way to preserve those cherished narratives in a creative and meaningful way."

"Did your family get to see the anthology?" Oscar asked, his eyes reflecting his curiosity.

"Yes, they did," I replied with a warm smile. "It meant a lot to share those stories with them in such a personal and artistic format."

Oscar grinned mischievously. "Well, I guess accidental enrollments can lead to some pretty amazing discoveries. Who knew you were a secret poet?" he teased lightly, his eyes dancing with amusement.

I chuckled, shaking my head playfully. "I certainly didn't see it coming, but I'm glad it happened," I admitted with a smile. "It opened up a whole new creative avenue for me."

Oscar leaned back slightly, his grin widening. "So, does that mean you'll be writing a poetry anthology about racing next?" he quipped, raising an eyebrow in mock seriousness.

I laughed, amused by his playful suggestion. "Poetry and racing? Now there's a unique combination," I replied, feigning thoughtful consideration. "Maybe I'll call it 'Odes to Speed and Asphalt.'"

Oscar chuckled, clearly enjoying our banter. "I can already picture it," he teased, leaning in closer. "Each stanza capturing the thunderous roar of engines and the thrill of the track."

"Exactly," I agreed with a playful wink. "I'll make sure to include a sonnet dedicated to the smell of burning rubber."

His laughter filled the air, blending seamlessly with the relaxed ambiance of the restaurant. "Now that's poetry I can get behind," he admitted with a grin. "You might just start a whole new genre."

"Who knows?" I replied, smiling back at him. "Maybe I'll revolutionize the literary world with my racing-inspired poetry."

"Only if you credit me as your muse in the introduction of your poetry book," he teased.

I chuckled, feigning reluctance. "Hmm, I suppose I could consider it," I teased back, tapping my chin thoughtfully. "But I'll have to warn my readers about your penchant for bad homemade pizza stories."

Oscar laughed, leaning forward with a playful glint in his eye. "Fair enough," he conceded, his smile widening. "But I expect royalties for every copy sold."

"Deal," I replied with a grin, enjoying the easy banter that flowed effortlessly between us. "Just don't be surprised if I dedicate a haiku to your pasta disasters."

"Touché," Oscar replied, his laughter echoing warmly in the cozy restaurant. "I guess every muse has their quirks."

As we settled the bill and made our way out of the restaurant, the city lights glimmered around us, casting a soft glow over our conversation. Oscar walked me to the entrance of my apartment building, where we paused under the night sky.

"So," he began, his voice warm with anticipation, "how about next time we take our creativity to your place? We can read and write poetry, maybe make some pasta if we're feeling adventurous."

I considered his suggestion for a moment, feeling a rush of anticipation at the thought of continuing our connection. "I think that sounds like a wonderful idea," I replied with a smile, meeting his gaze with genuine enthusiasm.

"Great," Oscar said, his eyes brightening. "I'm looking forward to it."

Giving me a kiss on my cheek, not too flirty or scandalous, but just the right thing to end the night, he grabbed my waist and stared into my eyes.

"I'm not sure if I told you this tonight, but you look beautiful Y/N," he whispered. Blushing, I looked into his eyes.

"You did say that earlier," I lightheartedly joked during such a romantic moment (damn it me!)

"And I'll say it over and over again," he said, resting his forehead against mine, as we both stood hugging each other, comfortable in each other's presence.

But soon, it was time to go. I had a day job, and he was still busy with Formula One.

We exchanged goodbyes with promises to text soon, and as I watched him disappear into the night, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the unexpected twist that had brought us together. The evening had been filled with laughter, flirtation, and the promise of new beginnings—a perfect blend of romance and creativity that left me eager for whatever the future held.

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author's note:

ty guys for reading this fic! 😍🫶🏾

(do you guys want a part three?)

[xgumiho]

(You got me) in the palm of your hand

"Fortunes told, futures unfold." The sign at the local ren faire looks tempting. After all, Steve is one year out of high school and has no idea where his life is going. Sometimes he wishes someone could just gaze into the future and figure it out for him. In the fortune teller’s tent, Steve has a run-in with his past. And if he doesn’t turn on his heel and leave, it has absolutely nothing to do with how pretty Eddie Munson looks in his costume, all gleaming jewelry and dark tendrils of hair spilling out from under a patterned headscarf. He lets Eddie read his palm, because why the hell not? It’s all bogus anyway! Except, as the summer goes on, Steve finds that Eddie’s cryptic predictions somehow, inexplicably keep coming true. As they keep running into each other, almost as if orchestrated by an invisible force, Steve can’t help but be intrigued with the other boy. He also can’t seem to forget how pretty Eddie’s eyes look in black liner, or the way his fingers feel on his skin, but that is an entirely different problem. Read the fic here.

Author: @just-my-latest-hyperfixation (tumblr) | just_my_latest_hyperfixation (AO3)

Artist: Yours truly @xgumiho (tumblr) | xgumiho (instagram) | jul2ja (twitter)

The other artist creating for this fic: @peachypurr (tumblr) | peachypurr (linktree)

Thank you @steddiebang for hosting Steddie Bigbang 2023!

Personal note!

I have already talked about this but I'm gonna say it again because I can!

When Steddie Bigbang fic excerpts dropped, I got HOOKED on Hype's fic immediately. I knew I just HAD to draw for this fic because I saw what I wanted to do in my mind's eye the moment I laid my eyes on the excerpt 🖤 I loved every part of this fic and I hope y'all will love it just as much!! Chapter 1 is now available and also make sure to stay tuned for the updates - you're gonna adore each and every chapter. Please don't forget to show lots of love for the author and leave comments under the fic 🖤

[prema2018core]

HIII can you tell me more about your favourite rio ship?? and about that fic you're working on as well perhaps 😙😙

Well hello again my child, I'm glad you decided to ask again and welcome back to

RIO HARYANTO SHIPS SHENANIGANS

And I'm your host for this, prema2018core

Moving along to the first question: My favorite Rio ships that I had gathered are PasRio (Pascal x Rio), ValRio (Valtteri x Rio), StoffRio (Stoffel x Rio), Gutiyanto (Esteban Gutierrez (not the other Esteban) x Rio), and FeliRio (Felipe Nasr x Rio)

With some honorable mentions of JolRio (Jolyon Palmer x Rio), Eriyanto (Marcus Ericsson x Rio), SerRio (Sergey Sirotkin x Rio), RossRio (Alexander Rossi x Rio), PieRio (Pierre x Rio) and TehRio (Esteban Ocon x Rio)

I already explained the first two ships in your first ask so I'm gonna go ahead to slip to StoffRio now (and yes I'll be doing some more MPreg thoughts)

3. StoffRio (Stoffel x Rio)

I got the urge to ship these two when I saw their race winner photos together and boy...

Like... What do you mean this doesn't scream gay? It's literally giving Kimi no Nawa. Like the smile and idkejskdjw I love them your honor. Did you know that Stoffel basically congratulated Rio on his team radio when Rio got his maiden win in Bahrain and the fact that Rio was supposed to be in WEC in 2021 with Peugeot with Stoffel... Rio this is a call for help, please come back to motorsports your husbands need you.

MPreg thoughts: They have three children together, a singleton daughter and a pair of twin boys. Rio started crushing on Stoffel in 2014 and got close to him in 2015, they finally made it official in 2017.

4. Gutiyanto (Esteban Gutierrez x Rio)

The reason for how I got to ship these two are the same as StoffRio (and probably the other ships that I'm going to list here)

HELLO?! WEDDING PHOTOS?! AND THERE'S EVEN A CONTINUATION OF THIS PHOTO IN 2016?!

IT'S GIVING TEEN LOVE TO MARRIAGE KIND OF RELATIONSHIP AND I'M HERE FOR IT. Rio would definitely talk to him in Spanish and always ask Gutierrez if he said the things that he said are correct or not. Gutierrez calling Rio "mi corazon" will be the death for me and I'm fine with it. Their interactions in the junior series were just so cute that it might have given me diabetes.

Mpreg thoughts: Definitely teenage parents situation where they got drunk one night after the last round of GP3 2010 in Monza and they got freaky without protection. But it's a cryptic pregnancy so Rio doesn't even know he's actually pregnant. When the kid was born (it was a girl) they decided to do a shotgun wedding. When Rio got tossed aside by Manor, he went to Gutierrez for comfort and it turned spicy again which made him pregnant again.

5. FeliRio (Felipe Nasr x Rio)

Their interactions since Formula BMW was so natural I can't help myself to not ship this ship. A goofy Brazilian x Too Oblivious Indonesian, what's there more to ask??

Look at them, Felipe and his favorite ball of a sunshine Indonesian. I love em. They basically never leave each other's side during the driver's parade. Poor Rio basically clings to everyone he knows like his life depended on it.

MPreg thoughts: Even though they know each other since Formula BMW, I don't think they would go the teen pregnancy route. Rio is so oblivious to Felipe's pursuit that he just thought he was just doing his usual silly Felipe routine but no, Felipe was trying so hard to flirt with him. Rio got preggo after the 2016 season ended and it resulted in twins.

I'll go back to the ships (the ones in the honorable mention) if you ask for it as usual

For question two, I have two fanfictions cooking up one is an Mpreg fanfic of PasRio/Wehryanto that takes place in an AU where Rio got a seat in Formula E after his Formula 1 journey was a bust. The other one is actually a SeanNyck fanfiction with a touch of StoffRio added to it that takes place in 2015 Formula Renault 3.5 (SeanNyck) and GP2 (StoffRio)

ASK ME MORE SWEETIES!!

[smileymoth]

I have no idea what marble hornets is but the stuff your sharing looks super interesting and makes me wanna get into it. What is it exactly?

i'm letting @theslyvoid9 answer this because he's the reason i watched it and he's literally right next to me rn. so um. listen to him. he's a connoisseur and has been hounding me about this for months <3 . take it away boy

okay hiiii sly here! so um anyway sdkhufsk gonna keep this kinda spoiler free but in short Marble hornets is a 15 year old youtube horror series and one of the first video projects to use the slendermans character for a more detailed story. The full series ran for around 5 years and lasts roughly around 8-9 hours. The story was kinda hosted on two separate youtube channels, with the main marble hornets youtube channel posting the main entries and a side channel that posts more cryptic videos inbetween the actual entries for lore^tm reason. To watch both of the channels videos in order i suggest this playlist as a easy starting point! Link Storywise. it starts off with our main character Jay getting the tapes for an old project from a friend and looking through them a few years later and noticing stuff.....very wrong in some of the tapes and deciding he needs to investigate further and that leads him down a...rather not good path and drags several characters back into the trenches with him in the process. Overall the editing and sound design is the main scare factor in this series with jumpscares being kinda minimal. So if you like horror with a more building and suspenseful atmosphere then this is a must watch! The characters are lovely, the story is really interesting and the mystery in it is really cool to see unfold. Fair warning tho that the editing does involve a lot of glitching aka flashing at points and the story starts of a bit slow but it picks up in a very natural way! ANYWAY yeah....in short its a youtube horror series about slenderman and glitching videos and mental illness :D I personally really recommend it and if you have more questions idk hit me up on my blog! Anyway back to danny o/

YEAH I AGREE W HIM !!!!!!!! very good summary :thumbsup: (he's not holding a gun to my head to say this) i found the story very captivating, the characters are definitely unique in personality and i was just staring at their face shapes all the time....... it hurts you a lot btw the story i mean it hurts SOOO much . watch it. NJEOW if you like angst and pain and interesting video editing and convincing acting

[starshine-hockey-girl]

Summer Lovin' - Never Ever Have I- Chapter Twenty Two

Summary: Sidney and Evie enjoy the rest of the summer offseason

Warnings- public sex, alcohol use, Daddy/Baby Girl dynamic

@pensfan5871 @pattiemac1 @heatherloves87 @penstxgal1968

Thursday- July 4th- Evie’s cottage- Pittsburgh

“When are people getting here, Evie?” Sidney asked as they unloaded the last of the groceries from their Costco run. 

“I told everyone I would be ready at four, but they could come later if they wanted,” she answered. 

“Good, I told Sully to come over at 5 PM,” he said as they divided and conquered their tasks. Occasionally, Evie would look over at him carefully preparing the meat for grilling and grin widely. Sidney looked up with a question in his eye and a head tilt. She came to him and kissed his cheek, “It’s our first party to host together.” 

“First of many, right? Can we start doing parties for the team once the season starts? Football watching and Halloween? Maybe Thanksgiving, too?” he beamed at the possibilities. 

“Would you like that, Beso?” she cooed, “Will you teach me how to be a Captain’s wife?”

He blinked and paused, not sure how to answer given their conversation in Las Vegas. 

“I said no talk about the WEDDING. I think that we should absolutely continue to talk about the future and our expectations for it,” she reasoned. 

“Then yes, I would love that. It would be a dream come true to have a partner to do all of it with. You are going to be so good at it. I can already tell by this party,” he assured her. 

"You'll teach me the rest?" She asked.

"I'll teach you what I know, but I think you should reach out to Nathalie for the rest," he replied.

"That didn't work out so well last time," she reminded him.

"Well, let's see what she says and discuss it," he offered, "You will do it your own way."

"Beso," she smiled, "I am excited. I think we are going to make a great team."

"Yes, we will," he kissed her, "the very best team."

LATER THAT EVENING

Evie circled the beverage table and refilled the punch and adult punch. Sidney topped off the ice in the tub containing the beer and soda. They smiled at each other and both turned at the loud scream of “Evie!!!” coming from the back door. 

Marisol stood at the back door, smiled and ran to Evie. “You made it,” Evie laughed as Marisol hugged her tight. 

The barista laughed, “I wouldn’t miss it for the world, even if you do live in the bougie suburbs”

Sidney called out, “Hey Marisol, good to see you.”

Marisol stopped and did a double-take. She looked back and forth between Evie and Sidney. “What are you doing here?” she said cryptically.

Sidney smiled, “I am in town for a visit. I couldn’t go too long without seeing my girl.”

“You’re in town for a visit? Wait, what?” Marisol stammered, “I thought you broke up.”

Evie grinned nervously, “Marisol, why would you think that?” Sidney’s eyes almost popped out of their sockets. 

“Because you have been moping around the hotel and stress eating chocolate chip cookies,” she replied, “That- and the flower thing”

Evie interjected, “I was moping because I was missing Sidney because he has been in Nova Scotia, not because we broke up!”

Sidney tilted his head, “What flower thing?” He walked over and stood next to Evie, who was thoroughly confused. 

“The flowers haven’t come for the past two weeks,” Marisol answered as if Sidney’s question was entirely nonsensical. 

“Huh?” Evie questioned. 

“Your flowers- the ones that you get from Hockey Boy over there EVERY WEEK?” Marisol said incredulously. Sidney and Evie exchanged a confused look. Marisol continued, “Look, you can set a watch by the delivery of those flowers. They come every Monday morning at 9:30 on the dot. They have been on that schedule for almost 8 months. Then after you get back from your vacation, they stop. I figured you broke up.”

Evie laughed, “We didn’t break up. We didn’t break up at all.”

Sidney laughed and then turned to Evie, “Wait, you didn’t get flowers this week or last week?”

Evie stared at him, “No- she’s right. I have gotten them since we came back from vacation.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked.

“I just figured you took that whole ‘I am at my spoiling limit’ comment seriously,” she joked. 

“Flowers are not spoiling, Evie. They are a necessity,” he stated quietly, “At least for my princess.” 

Evie turned and gave him a firm kiss on the mouth, “You know, you set the bar for being a boyfriend impossibly high.”

“I’m Sidney Crosby,” he kissed her and began.

“You don’t do anything half-assed,” she finished with smile. 

Marisol rolled her eyes, “OH-MY-GOD, you will literally give me a cavity.”

Sidney laughed, “By the way, I think that Eddie was an idiot. Please tell me that you dumped him. Why anyone would choose Roxanne over you is mind-boggling.”

Marisol shrugged, “Eddie who?”

“Good answer,” Sidney smiled, “I’ll let the two of you catch up. I have to investigate the lack of floral delivery to my princess.”

By the time Sidney made his way back to Evie, she was well-hydrated with rum punch and patriotic jello shots. Adriana, Marisol and she had made an impromptu dance floor. Evie screamed when the song “Wobble” came on. “Beso,” she screamed in search of him, “Your song is on.” He joined them on the dance floor to wobble his ass vigorously. When it was time to watch fireworks, they were thoroughly drenched in sweat. 

Adriana winked at Evie as she grabbed Sidney’s hand and pulled him into the house. “Where are we going?” he drunkenly laughed. She guided him up the stairs, through her bedroom and onto the balcony. “Ohhhh,” he uttered in understanding, “We have a private spot to watch the fireworks.” He wrapped his arms around and pulled her lean back against his solid body. “I remember that you were so excited about watching fireworks from here,” he said softly as he kissed her neck.

She smiled and looked back at him. “Happy Fourth of July, Beso.”

He looked up as the fireworks started, “Would you believe that this is my first Fourth of July celebration? I have only had Canada Day until now.”

“How does it compare?” she asked curiously. 

“It’s about the same. I suspect the post-fireworks activities this year will be entirely different,” he answered. 

“Different how?” she raised an eyebrow. 

“Oh, much more explosive on my part,” he teased. 

“Where do you intend to explode, Beso?” she teased back.

“You’ll find out after the party, Mon Etoile,” he kissed her forcefully before turning his attention back to the fireworks. 

Thursday, July 18th- Pittsburgh

Evie walked out to her car with a big grin on her face. Her meeting with the new hotel general manager, Grant, had gone extremely well and she couldn't wait to share the good news with Sidney. She dug out her phone and dialed his number.

Sidney: Evie?

Evie: Beso! 

Sidney stood in the crowded bar and pressed the phone to his ear. Nate and he had been invited to a last minute birthday celebration for a teammate from mini-mites. He could barely hear her voice over the loud music. His eyes searched for a quiet place to move.

Sidney finally reached a spot and tried again.

Sidney: Evie- hi my gorgeous, gorgeous girl

Evie smiled as she heard the slight slur to his speech.

Evie: where are you? Are you drinking?

Sid: It's Mike's birthday. We are at the bar hanging out. Did you need me?

Evie: I was going to tell you about my meeting with Grant.

Sid: Oh yeah, how did it go?

Suddenly the call dropped

Evie: Sidney? Sidney?

Sidney waited for Evie to respond. It was a full minute before he realized the phone call had dropped. He looked at his phone in confusion. The screen was completely blank. Sid slowly blinked.

"Your phone died, Sid," Nate laughed.

"Shit," Sidney groaned.

Evie tried to call Sidney and it went straight to voice-mail. She sent a quick text.

"Sid!" a voice called from across the bar.

Inwardly Sidney groaned. It wasn't that he had any bad feelings toward Amanda. She was a perfectly nice person who spent all of her perfectly nice life in Cole Harbour. While Sidney loved his hometown, he was thankful for the experiences that living in Pittsburgh had afforded. Whatever common interests they had as teenagers had fizzled with time, yet Amanda seemed desperate to cling to them. The fact that Amanda seemed to be a source of insecurity for Evie was just another reason he hoped to limit interaction with her. So far in the four weeks he had been home, he had only seen her once in the grocery store.

His thoughts were interrupted when she touched him on the arm. "Hey Sid, take a picture with me," she asked. Sidney had lost count of the times that he was asked daily to take a photo with someone. He went on autopilot, looked at the camera and smiled. He then gave Nate a "save me" look and Nate obliged him.

"Sid, don't think that you are going to weasel out on our rematch," Nate loudly proclaimed as he wrapped his arm around Sidney’s shoulder and pulled him away from Amanda. When they got to the darts area, "She doesn't get the hint. Does she?"

Sidney looked over at her and frowned, "She means well, I think," Sidney defended her.

"If you say," Nate whistled lowly, "I would tread lightly though for Evie’s sake."

"Evie has nothing to worry about," Sidney balked.

"Yeah, because women are always logical and reasonable," Nate laughed.

"Shut up and play," Sidney smirked, "I am going to kick your ass again."

Evie heard her phone ring and she picked up the facetime call on the second ring.

Evie: Beso! You’re alive.

Sidney with a slight slur: Yeah, sorry about that. My phone died during our call. 

Evie: I figured something happened. How’s Amanda?

Sidney squeaked: Amanda?

Evie: Yeah, Amanda- the blonde first love?

Sidney: Ummmm, fine I guess. I saw her for a second at the bar before Nate saved me. Why do you ask?

Evie: Check your instagram. 

Sidney: I am too drunk to check my instagram. What’s on there?

Evie: She posted a picture of the two of you with the caption “Just a small town girl with her hometown boy- back where he belongs. Away from the clutches of those big city girls”

Sidney: She posted ME on Instagram with that caption? 

Evie: Yep, tagged you and everything

Sidney: Evie….

Evie: Yes…..

Sidney: Don’t get jealous

Evie: Oh, I am not jealous. If I was jealous, I would mark my territory when I saw you tomorrow.

Sidney: Mark me how? With your mouth?

Evie: Yes, in a place that no one else can see. 

Sidney lowered his voice: Fuck…..that’s hot

Evie: Who do you belong to?

Sidney: You 

Evie: Who do I belong to?

Sidney: Me

Evie: Good answer. Now do you need my verbal services for that thing that popped up in your pants?

Sidney looked around the room: Evie- do you have a camera in here?

Evie: I know a “I’ve got a hard-on” look when I see it. Beso, let me take care of you. 

Sidney: You’re killing me, Evie

Evie: Quit complaining and get to stroking.

Friday, July 19th- Halifax airport

Sidney stood with his eyes covered by his Meat and Potatoes hat pushed down low. He was now regretting not insisting that Evie fly on a private jet. They were able to do an airport pick-up in Germany with relative anonymity. There was no way that was going to happen in Nova Scotia. At least, people in general were respectful of his privacy here. 

 In his hand, he held a bouquet of lilac roses and hydrangeas. He glanced up at the screen again. Evie’s flight had been on the ground for at least twenty minutes. He mentally confirmed that this was the exit nearest to the customs line. His eyes darted to the escalator again. He smiled when he saw her legs and feet appear. Then he laughed that he was able to identify her by just her legs and feet. 

Evie saw him before she got off the escalator. She bobbed and weaved through the travelers in a race to get to Sidney. “Beso!” she shrieked as she jumped into his arms, “Sorry, the line at customs was crazy.” He spun her around before setting her down and handed her flowers. “They’re beautiful,” she gushed, “I love the color.” It was then that Sidney noticed that she was only carrying her Penguins backpack and nothing else. 

“Evie, where is your bag?” he asked. He was expecting her to be carrying the black weekend bag that he had given her for her birthday. 

“Oh,I checked my bags. They should be unloading soon,” she responded brightly. 

“Bags?” he asked, “Why did you check bags?”

“I’ll tell you when we get to the cottage,” she hugged him again. 

The buzzer from the baggage claim went off and the belt started to turn. Her first bag came out of the shoot and started on the belt. She pointed it out and Sidney grabbed it. He turned to leave and she pointed out the second bag. After the third bag appeared, he turned to Evie and asked, "How many bags did you bring?"

She shrugged and held up four fingers. "Four bags?" he said in shock, "Why do you need four bags for two and half days?" She smiled and pointed out the fourth and final bag. "You are not going to tell me now?" he laughed, "You are seriously going to make me wait?" She tapped her nose and smiled. "Fine, guard the bags while I get the Tahoe. I can't carry four bags at once," he requested.

She crossed her arms across her chest and shook her head, "Not before I get kisses and I am perfectly capable of getting two bags to the Tahoe if you get two bags." 

He smiled and walked to her before he grabbed her for a kiss. "I apologize for not properly greeting you," he teased, "but no way my Princess is carrying her own language." He moved the luggage outside and went to retrieve the Tahoe. 

Evie gave him the smiley but silent treatment on the drive. She paced in the living room while he unloaded the bags. When he set the last one down, he pointed to the couch. She playfully raced him and plopped down with a giggle. He followed suit and poked her in the ribs. “Spill it, Evie,” he teased, “What is up with the bags? Why are they so heavy?”

“First, I have a question for you. How fast is your internet up here?” she asked. 

“I have fiber. I got it so I can stream games. Why?” he answered with hesitation.

Evie sat up straight and turned to face Sidney, “Do you want the good news, the better news or the BEST news?”

Sidney smiled, “Let’s start with the good news.”

“Adriana got a promotion at work. She will now be senior manager of catering and events,” Evie began.

“Wait, isn't that your job?” Sidney interjected. 

“It WAS my job which brings me to the better news,” Evie answered. 

“Which is?” he prodded.

“I have been promoted to director of catering and events-strategy and analysis,” she answered with a smile, “It came with a raise.”

Sidney tackled her on the couch, “You got PROMOTED??? Seriously? Evita, I am so proud of you!” He covered her face with kisses. “Wait, what’s the best news?” he suddenly remembered and they sat up again. 

“My new position is no longer customer facing. I will have a team, including Adriana, who will report to me. Since I won’t be meeting with customers, my position can be done remotely from home,” she said cheerfully. 

“Remotely from home? Wait, you can work from home? So when you move in with me, you can be there when I get home from practice?” he started to put the pieces together. She nodded her yes. “Wait, that doesn’t explain the bags though,” he added. 

She laughed, “Your brain went straight to when I move in with you?” He blushed and she continued. “Beso, I can work REMOTELY,” He looked on in confusion. “That means that I can work anywhere that has a good internet connection,” she continued. Again, he nodded to indicate that he understood, when he clearly didn’t. 

“That includes the internet in NOVA SCOTIA,” she added. 

“Wait….” his eyes got bigger, “Does that mean that you can work from HERE?” She nodded her head yes. “So what’s in the bags?” he asked. 

“Two bags of clothes and shoes to last me through September, and one bag of  work stuff,” she explained. 

“Through September?” he questioned, “Wait, you are not going back to Pittsburgh on Monday?” She shook head no. “You are staying until September?” he asked, “Here- with me- until September?”

“Yes, Beso. I guess I should have asked before I brought everything with me," she beamed, "I thought you would say yes."

"Yes, yes, yes…. Of course, I want you to stay," he brushed the hair from her eyes, "you have no idea how happy I am right now."

"Me too," she grinned and tilted her head.

"Wait," he said when he suddenly remembered she had brought four bags and only described the contents of three, "what's in the fourth suitcase?"

"See for yourself-  It’s the one with the Penguins tag, " she instructed. He hopped up and ran to the bag. Excitedly he opened the bag and looked up in surprise.

He stuck his hands into the suitcase and pulled out three paddles and a blindfold. "You brought sex toys?" he joked as he examined the rest of the suitcase.

“Well, I prefer to think of them as playroom accessories, but you can use that term,” she laughed. He stared at her incredulously and she walked over to him. “Would you prefer that we wait until we return to Pittsburgh to resume that sort of play?” she questioned. “I am not sure your Princess would survive a play session with two and half months of you built sexual energy unleashed,” she teased, “Mr. Crosby might not be able to control himself.”

Sidney's eyes darkened and he lowered his voice, “You know that I don’t want to wait that long.”

“Then it’s a good thing that I brought the equipment. Do I get some sort of good girl reward for that, Mr. Crosby? Do I get a treat?” she giggled. 

“I’ll give you a treat all right,” he laughed as he swept up and threw her over his shoulder. She bounced up and down as he ran up the stairs. “We have time before we meet my parents for dinner. Just wait until my mom finds out that you are staying.”

“Beso…..” she whined, “You can’t mention your mom right before we fuck. It’s a mood killer.” 

“Oh, I can get you in the mood, Evie- I can get you in the mood,” he replied. 

LATER THAT NIGHT

“Can’t you drive any faster?” Evie said impatiently, “We’re going to be late.”

Sidney laughed, “And who’s fault is that, Mon Etoile?”

“Yours- obviously,” she looked at him and smiled, “You’re a sexy beast and I can’t resist you, especially once we get started. Besides, you're the one who insisted on round three.”

“Fine- I’ll be sure to explain it to my parents. Sorry, we are late but Evie tempted me with her tight little…..” he teased as they pulled up to the valet parking station in front of the restaurant. Evie’s eyes widened as her car door opened. She got out and smoothed her dress. 

“You wouldn’t dare!” she shrieked as she turned around and ran smack into Troy who was walking into the restaurant. “Oh, pardon me,” she muttered until she realized who it was. “Troy!” she exclaimed before she threw herself into his arms. He hugged her tight before setting her down. She turned and ran to Trina, “Trina! Give me a hug. It’s been too long.” Trina and Evie hugged and swayed back and forth. 

“Evie,” Trina smiled, “You are a sight for sore eyes.” Sidney watched from a distance with a grin on his face. Evie looked over her shoulder at Sidney and grinned widely. Sidney nodded and led the group into the restaurant. Once they were seated, Trina and Evie started chatting excitedly about Evie’s trip from Pittsburgh. “Honestly, Evie, you are glowing,” Sidney’s mother remarked. Evie looked at Sidney and blushed, hoping Trina wouldn’t ask the reason for her glow. 

Sidney took notice and decided to stir the pot, “Mom, Dad- Evie has an announcement to make.” 

Troy and Trina’s heads swiveled in Sidney’s direction and then back to Evie. “Evie! Are you pregnant? Is that why you are glowing?” Trina gasped. 

Evie’s jaw dropped in shock.  “Nooooooo,” she said impulsively, “Nothing like that.”

Troy looked at Sidney and shook his head, “I think that Sid is trying to be a troublemaker and get his mother’s hopes up.”

Evie turned her head to Trina, “Your hopes up? Are you hoping for a grandchild?”

Trina blushed, “Yes, I would love to be a grandmother one day.”

Evie teared up, “I hope to make you a grandmother one day.” 

Trina reached over and grabbed her hand, “It will be an honor.”

“Geez,” Sidney groaned, “I didn’t mean to start the waterworks with the two of you.”

“What is your announcement, Evie?” Troy tried to steer the conversation back on track. 

“I got a promotion at work,” she started, “With the promotion, I can work remotely so I will be spending the rest of the summer up here in Nova Scotia.”

Trina let out a squeal of delight, “You’ll be in town until Sid goes back?” Evie nodded. Trina got up and went around the table to squeeze Evie. “This is almost as good as the other news.” 

Evie returned the hug and Trina returned to her seat. “I think that maybe you and I could do a girl’s day soon and include Taylor. Away from Sidney so you can spill ALL of the secrets.”

“Hey,” Sidney chided, “No secret telling from either of you.” 

“Sure,” Evie nodded but winked at Trina, “We won’t spill any secrets.”

Wednesday, July 31st- Sidney’s cottage- Enfield, NS

"Evie!" Sidney called, "If you are going to come, you need to put some pep in your step." She emerged from the bedroom as she put on the diamond key necklace Sidney had given her for Valentine’s Day. She smiled as she walked down the stairs. Evie wore a black.maxi sundress that hit her just above the ankle. She carried a large straw hat in her hand. He pursed his lips and shook his head. "Little dressed up for a work out?" he muttered as she walked up to him.

"Aren't you showing me downtown afterwards and then we're having lunch with Nate?" she asked sweetly. "I can't be seen walking around town with the golden boy of Cole Harbour looking like a schlub. Besides, it is just a sundress and some sandals."

"Who is the golden boy of Cole Harbour?" he teased.

"Isn't that you? Mr. Golden Goal of the 2010 Olympics? You beat my beloved country in overtime," she teased, "I thought I was fucking the Golden boy. Huh, is it Nate?"

Sidney playfully slapped her ass, "I will show you a golden boy." 

"Is that a promise?" She nipped at his jaw, "Now let's go before you're late. You get cranky when you're late to work out."

The Citadel Hill, Nova Scotia 

Sidney parked on the street and smiled at Evie. She gave him a grin as he took her canopy chair out of the back of the Tahoe along with his bag. He grabbed her hand and they began their ascent up the steep hill. Andy O'Brien set up his equipment and glanced over his shoulder at the couple walking up the hill together. Sidney set his bag down near Andy’s stuff and then placed Evie’s chair next to it. “Andy,” he said with pride, “This is my girlfriend, Evie. Evie, this is Andy, my coach.” 

Andy stuck out his hand, “Nice to finally meet you, Evie. You won’t be joining us today?”

Evie tilted her head, “Join you? I didn’t realize that was an option. Beso, why didn’t you tell me that was an option?”

Sidney grinned, “I have enough competition with NateDog. I can’t add you into the mix.”

Evie stuck her tongue out, “What? Are you scared or something?”

Sidney stood up and walked to her. He bent down and whispered into her ear, “Princess, I know that you are trying to get a rise out of me. You asked to come and I have reluctantly agreed. Do not be a distraction for me or there will be consequences. Do you understand?”

Evie took a step back and stared into his eyes. Andy suddenly felt the need to place the cones out to mark the area for Nate and Sidney. Evie smiled sweetly, “So you are saying that you are scared- is that right?”

He took a step toward her and hissed in her ear, “No distractions or there will be a punishment. DO YOU UNDERSTAND, Princess?” Evie’s mind flashed to the past week which had been consumed by setting up her remote office while Sidney set-up the play room. The room had yet to be officially christened and she knew Sidney was chomping at the bit to do so. 

She nodded slowly, “Yes, Sir.” She backed up slowly as Nate approached with a smile. “Nate,” she said with a smile and gave him a hug, “Kick his ass today,’kay?” Sidney rolled his eyes. 

Evie sat in her chair and the guys began their warm-up. She put on her sunglasses and pulled out her phone. She hoped that the sunglasses concealed that her eyes were on Sidney as he stretched. Despite her best efforts, Sidney felt the weight of Evie’s stare as Andy began to put them through their paces. He pushed himself harder and stole glances in her direction.

Eventually Evie crossed her leg to squeeze her thighs together. The familiar ache and throb began as she watched his muscled body perform the exercises with ease. She squeezed her thighs together tighter in a vain attempt to provide any sort of relief. She realized that she had made a grave mistake when she looked up and saw him staring at her, arms crossed his chest. He gave her a smirk before launching into his next exercise. Evie tried to rock her hips to increase the pressure on her sensitive nub. 

When Andy gave Sid and Nate a quick water break, Sidney sauntered over to her chair. Evie felt her heart begin to pound as she watched him move. His shirt was drenched with sweat and his body emitted an intoxicating aroma of testosterone, sweat and Sidney’s aftershave. She bit her lip to keep from whimpering. He squatted in front of her chair and placed a hand on each chair arm. She looked at him with a neutral expression and controlled her breathing as much as possible. “I said no distractions,” he spoke in a low, firm voice. 

Evie’s eyebrows shot up. “How am I distracting you?” she gasped, “I haven’t said a word.” 

“You don’t need to say a word,” he cautioned, “I can read your body language.”

“What is my body language communicating?” she squeaked. 

“Your body is screaming that you are turned on. I see you squirming, trying to ease your clit that is pulsating,” he insisted.

“I don’t know what you're talking about, Beso,” she replied lightheartedly, “I am just enjoying the sunshine and the breeze. I think maybe you are distracting yourself.”

Nate called, “Yo Sid, let’s go!”

Sidney stood up and bent down to kiss her cheek, “I am on to you, Princess. Remember it's not the first time I’ve caught you trying to get yourself off while watching me work out. You are a naughty girl with a workout kink. Keep it up and you will see exactly how naughty I can make you.” 

She turned her head and replied coolly, “Again, I am just fine. Go back to your workout, Sir. Nate needs to kick your ass some more.”

He stood up and backed away slowly, “Careful, Evie, you’re playing a dangerous game.”

“You like it when I play dangerous games,” she shot back. 

An hour later, Evie had no relief from the constant throb between her legs that had moved from pleasurable to uncomfortable to borderline painful. She regretted her decision to wear a dress. Evidence of her arousal had made a mess of her panties and began to coat the tops of her thighs. She checked her watch. They should wrap up in a few minutes. After that she would be able to get Sidney alone and she could sweet talk him into taking care of her needs. 

When Sidney finished, he looked over his shoulder at Evie. "We still on for lunch?" Sidney asked Nate. 

“Fuck,” Evie thought to herself. In her state of arousal, she had forgotten about their lunch plans. Any hope of relief would be delayed. She could only hope that Nate wouldn’t be in a chatty mood. 

"Yeah, but can you give me an hour? I need to drop off some shirts at the dry cleaners and pick something up at the pharmacy.” Nate asked. 

Sidney turned to Evie who struggled to regain her composure as she adjusted her sun hat. He smiled as he noticed her shallow breath pattern. "That works for us," he said smoothly, "It will give us a chance to take a stroll downtown. Evie hasn't seen it yet." Nate nodded his understanding.

Evie looked at Sidney timidly. He casually wiped the sweat from his eyes. "Take your sunglasses off, Princess," he instructed, "I want to see your eyes." She inhaled deeply and did as told. He smirked as he reached over shoulder, grabbed his shirt and pulled it over his head. He maintained eye contact as she bit her lip. His chest glistened as he wiped the sweat with his towel. "Can you please hand me my dry shirt, Evie?" he asked sweetly. 

She broke eye contact and bent down to retrieve the shirt. "Here you go, Beso," she said meekly as she handed the dark colored golf shirt to him. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his bare chest. She bounced off and stood with her mouth inches from his nipple. "Look up, Princess," he ordered. He examined her expression and smiled, "I got you."

She pushed off of his chest, stared into his eyes as she put on her sunglasses and turned around. She walked quickly to her chair, folded it and marched down the hill. "Where are you going, Princess?" he yelled. She turned around and stuck out her tongue.

She stood fuming by the Tahoe as he casually sauntered down the hill, carrying his bag over his shoulder. When he made it to the car, she turned her back to him as they loaded it. Finally, she looked back at him, "Stop teasing me," she said quietly. Her bottom lip jutted out adorably. 

He stepped to her and kissed her head, "Okay." He placed his hands on her shoulders and tilted her chin, "Let me show you downtown," he suggested. He locked the door and held her hand as they strolled down the street. He pulled his hat down low as they began to attract attention.

Evie found her voice, "Was that a typical work out or were you showing off for me?" She thought the conversation would distract from the intense desire she had to kiss his soft, full lips. 

Sidney laughed, “The workout was pretty typical, but I may or may not have found a new level of intensity for your benefit.” 

She poked his ribs with a giggle and he wrapped his arm around her waist. Together they walked slowly down the street. Sidney pointed out the landmarks as they walked down the small streets. When they passed a small boutique, Evie paused to look in the window. “Beso,” she asked, “Do we have time to go inside?” He opened the door and motioned for her to enter. She jumped when he smacked her ass as she passed by him.

After browsing together for a few minutes, they separated with Sidney headed to the men’s area and Evie headed toward the beauty section. Slowly, Evie picked up the assorted bottles of perfume to sniff each one. She paused at the stiletto shoe shaped at the end of the display and smiled as she read the name, Good Girl. Carefully she opened the lid and took a deep inhale. She looked over at Sidney and smiled, “Beso, can you come here?” He looked up from a shirt that he was contemplating buying. 

As he walked over, Evie sprayed the perfume on her wrist and neck. When he stood next to her, she smiled sweetly and held up her wrist. “Tell me if you like the scent,” she asked innocently. He turned his nose and inhaled. She could see his eyes widen slightly and there was an almost imperceptible flare of his nostrils. He turned to look at her face, then went back to her wrist and took a deep inhale. 

He pressed his lips together and nodded, “That’s nice, Evie. I like it.”

She moved her hair from her neck and pointed, “Smell it here and tell me if you still like it.” He leaned forward and sniffed. His breath tickled her skin and she giggled. “What do you think?” she inquired. Sidney’s lips grazed her neck and she caught the whimper as it left her mouth. “Guess what it is called, Beso?” she took a step back and placed her hand on his chest. “Good Girl,” she said softly, “It’s a Good Girl perfume for your good girl.”

Sidney's eyes flashed upward to her face. She batted her eyes and drew a small circle on his chest. "So do you like it? she whispered, "I am going to buy it." She turned around and walked to the cash register, dramatically swaying her hips as she walked. 

Sidney inhaled deeply as he felt the arousal stir within him. If he was honest, it had been a challenge to keep it under control during the workout. However, something about the scent awakened his desire and his mind raced. He checked his watch. They had another fifteen minutes before they needed to meet up with Nate.

Evie stood at the counter and slid across the black AMEX embossed with her name. Sidney smiled as he watched- thankful that she wasn't fighting him about using it. He walked up behind her and whispered into her ear, "Let's go." She grabbed the shopping bag in one hand and Sidney’s hand in the other one. 

He led her out of the store and down the sidewalk. The pace was much faster than before they made their stop. She asked if they were running late. He didn't respond but his head swiveled around in search of something. 

When they passed The Stubborn Goat, she called out, "Wait, isn't that where we're going?  Beso, where are you taking me?" He made a quick left into the alley way. They continued their brisk pace until he stopped suddenly when they passed a garbage dumpster. It provided a shield from one end of the alley while another dumpster provided a shield from the other side 

He backed Evie up against the wall and bent down to take a deep inhale of her perfumed neck. "Fuck," he groaned as his thigh pressed between her thighs. The moist heat radiated out and he felt it through his thin shorts. His mouth connected with the curve of her neck as her hands wrapped around his body and slid into his shorts. She grabbed his ample ass and pressed him into her body. There was no concealing his erection as it pressed between. "Damnit Evie," he moaned, "I could take you right here. I could fuck you in this alley."

Evie’s hands went to the back of his head and pulled him to her mouth for a deep kiss. "Who is stopping you, Sir?" she moaned, "Take me. It is yours to take, Mr. Crosby." The final two words snatched away any remaining control he had. Their hands and limbs worked together to lift her skirt up around her waist, while his shorts shimmied down.

His hands tugged at her panties and they slid down her legs. She hopped up and wrapped her legs around his hips. They both gasped as he thrusted into her dripping folds. "Princess, you are so wet for me. Does watching me get you this turned on?" He said as he nipped at her neck. Evie's head swiveled to make a quick assessment of her surroundings. The alley was deserted and quiet. She arched her back to get a better angle. The move did not provide her the friction she sought. She leaned forward and held onto his shoulders. It put her in the perfect position for maximum g-spot contact. She bit his ear and whispered with a smile, "I got you, Sir. I got you. You lost control first."

He didn't respond, preferring to let his cock speak for him. Evie's moans became louder. Sidney thought for a second that he should silence her but the sounds were intoxicating. He held out until he felt her walls clenched tight around him. Her muscle spasms teased him over the edge. They stood still in the alley. Sidney took deep breaths as Evie kissed his neck. "That may be the hottest sex we have ever had," he kissed gently, "but we will be late if we don't shake a leg."

Diagonally a door opened onto the alley. Amanda's head popped out of her office suite. She turned and saw Sidney's body pressed against Evie with her legs around his bare ass. There was no mistaking what had just occurred in the alley. She slipped back inside and softly closed the door. She left it ajar just enough to continue to watch and listen

Sidney and Evie's heads turned at the noise but the door was closed at that point. Sidney shrugged and set Evie down. After they adjusted their clothing, Sidney pulled Evie in for a kiss. "I love you, Beso," Evie purred.

"Love you more, Mon Etoile," he smiled as they turned to walk back toward the restaurant. Evie took a few steps before she realized she had left her shopping bag on the ground. She ran back while Sidney waited at the end of the alley. 

As she walked toward Sidney, Amanda's door opened suddenly. Evie jumped and shrieked. She turned when Amanda said, "Evie, what are you doing in my alley?" 

Evie stared at Amanda for a moment in disbelief. Then she looked to Sidney for assistance. "Beso," she called to Sidney, "Look, it's your friend, Amanda." 

He turned around and walked back to Evie. He nodded to Amanda as he slipped his arm around Evie's waist. "Hey Amanda, sorry we can't stay to chat. We are late for lunch with Nate. See you around," he called as he guided Evie out of the alley. 

Sidney was relieved when Nate wasn't at the restaurant when they walked in. Sidney sat down at the table. Evie paused and asked directions to the restroom. When he questioned her, she whispered, "Beso, your cum is literally running down my thighs. I need to go clean up." She kissed his cheek and walked away.

When she returned, Nate and Sidney were chirping at each other about the workout. Nate turned to her and asked, "I beat Sid today, right? You were there. What do you think?"

"I think I am going to need a stiff drink if I am going to spend this lunch listening to the two fight about who was better," she quipped as the waitress approached, "The two of you should prepare yourself for the ass whipping I am going to dole out to you both tomorrow."

August 7th-Halifax, Nova Scotia

"Come on Sid," Mike teased, "Everyone is going to sing tonight in honor of your birthday. You have to sing SOMETHING!" Sidney rolled his eyes and shook his head no.

 A group of his friends had joined Sidney and Evie for dinner and headed to a bar for Karaoke. 

It was a loud and lively evening. Although Evie had met some of them in the two weeks she had been in Nova Scotia, the entire group was overwhelming. Evie was unsure how to interpret their relentless chirping of Sidney at first. His wide smile and laughter put her at ease and she began to join in with them. 

For their part, the group took a while to observe and form an assessment of Evie. Sidney had done nothing in the month before she arrived but talk their collective ears off about "Evie says, Evie thinks, Evie loves…." Still, they took a moment to watch their interactions. It only took a few minutes for their deep love and affection for each other to become evident. Sidney’s tenderness and care toward Evie thawed any coldness that may have existed. By the time they arrived at karaoke, she was fully part of the group.

Evie waved over the waitress and ordered another round of drinks. "Beso," she laughed, "You just need some more alcohol. I am going to sing for you soon. Maybe that will inspire you. " 

Sidney leaned forward and kissed, "Can't wait."

"Shit," Mike uttered when he looked up. The group collectively looked up to see Amanda walk in. She looked around and saw the group sitting together. She walked over to the group, "Well, well, the gang's all here. We'll, the gang's all here and the new girl." 

The group turned back to look at Sidney and Evie. She smiled widely at Amanda before turning to look at Sidney. Sidney's reaction was quite the opposite. "Amanda, she has a name. You know it and we all know that you know it. Don't be rude to my girlfriend, especially at my birthday party."

"Oh, I guess EVIE didn't want me invited," Amanda huffed.

"I was in charge of the invitations," Trish replied tersely. The tense stare was exchanged between the two women who had no warm and fuzzy feelings for each other. The feud dated back to junior high. 

Evie shrugged her shoulders, "Grab a chair and join us. We were just trying to.convince Sidney to sing a song." Amanda eyed her cautiously, unsure of Evie's intentions. "What do you want to drink?" Evie asked, "You can tell me all of Sidney's high school antics."

The karaoke host called, "Evie….you're next."

 She jumped up from her seat, gave Sidney a kiss and went up the stage. The host handed her the microphone. She did a shimmy as the music started, "This goes out to the captain of my heart. He missed it the first time in Philly so here is my encore performance." She found Sidney's face in the crowded and sang to him

I feel like I've been locked up tight

For a century of lonely nights

Waiting for someone to release me

You're lickin' your lips

And blowing kisses my way

But that don't mean I'm gonna give it away

Baby, baby, baby (baby, baby, baby)

Oh, oh, oh

My body's sayin' let's go

Oh, oh, oh

But my heart is sayin' no

If you wanna be with me

Baby, there's a price to pay

I'm a genie in a bottle

You gotta rub me the right way

If you wanna be with me

I can make your wish come true

You gotta make a big impression (oh yeah)

Gotta like what you do

I'm a genie in a bottle, baby

Gotta rub me the right way, honey

I'm a genie in a bottle, baby

Come come, come on and let me out

Sidney sat with eyes transfixed on Evie's curves as she sang as seductively as possible. She did small body rolls and moved her hips in circular notions. Amanda sat at the opposite end of the table with her arms crossed. She stared at Sidney as he put his fingers in his mouth to let out a long and loud wolf whistle. Evie winked and Sidney blew her kisses.

Internally, Amanda seethed. What did Evie have that she didn't? "All of his love and affection," she thought bitterly. She remembered the risque situation she caught them in the week before. "Of course she has him- fucking slut. She has probably been fucking for attention since she was fourteen," she told herself. She looked at the group who were clearly as enthralled as Sid by Evie's charm. Didn't they know that he needed a plain and simple Nova Scotia woman. 

Sure, he could enjoy the sights, sounds and indulgences of the big city while he played in the NHL. However, one day he would retire and she would be waiting for him. Amanda was lost in her thoughts when Evie finished her song and returned to the table. 

The brunette smiled as Sidney patted his lap. Evie climbed onto his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. Soon, they were lost in their little bubble where only they existed. They took turns whispering in each other's ears. He smiled and kissed her cheek. She stood up while he got up and approached the karaoke DJ. The group hooped and hollered as he wrote down his selection. Evie raised her hands in victory, "Beso!!!!"

"What did you select?" She asked joyfully when he returned.h

 "A duet," he replied as he kissed her softly.

"A duet with who?" She asked.

"With the love of my life," he answered.

"Ahhhh," she responded, "a love song?"

"Nope" he teased, "a naughty song." 

It was clear that the alcohol was catching up with him. Their interaction had drawn the attention of the group although Sidney and Evie were completely oblivious. Knowing looks were traded among the group. 

Evie held his hand tight when he guided her to the stage. He handed her the microphone and laughed as she read the song title "Promiscuous Girl". She playfully swatted at his chest. Then she gave him a quick kiss before she transformed herself into Nelly Furtado. Sidney's transformation into a Canadian version of Timbaland was not quite as successful, but he put his whole self into it.Promiscuous Girl-Nelly Furtado and Timbaland 

Sidney:

How you doin', young lady?

That feeling that you giving really drives me crazy

You don't, have a player 'bout to choke

I was at a loss for words first time that we spoke

Evie:

You're lookin' for a girl that'll treat you right?

How you're lookin' for her in the daytime with the light?

Sidney:

You might be the type if I play my cards right

I'll find out by the end of the night

Evie

You expect me to just let you hit it?

But will you still respect me if you get it?

Sidney

All I can do is try, gimme one chance (Chance)

What's the problem? I don't see no ring on your hand (Hand)

I'll be the first to admit it

I'm curious about you, you seem so innocent

Evie

You wanna get in my world, get lost in it?

Boy, I'm tired of runnin', let's walk for a minute

Sidney:

Promiscuous girl, wherever you are

I'm all alone, and it's you that I want

Evie:

Promiscuous boy, you already know

That I'm all yours, what you waiting for?

Sidney:

Promiscuous girl, you're teasin' me

You know what I want, and I got what you need

Evie;

Promiscuous boy, let's get to the point

'Cause we're on a roll, you ready?

Sidney stood still and let Evie dance around him. With all eyes on them, no one noticed Amanda pull out her phone and begin to record the performance. The whole club had come to a complete stand still to watch Sidney cut loose and unabashedly flirt with Evie. They ended their performance with a kiss as the entire club stood a cheered, "Sid, Sid, Sid!" He held up his hand in victory as he held Evie with his other arm.

The two lovebirds came back to the table. Sidney bought the table a round of drinks and Evie resumed her position on his lap. When Amanda's name was called, Sidney and Evie cheered. Trish looked over, "Evie, you're a better woman than me."

Evie smiled and stroked Sidney's cheek, "it must be hard to watch Sidney with me. He is the one that got away from her." 

Trish laughed, "Another round of shots. You need some more truth serum."

The opening notes of Amanda's song began. It took a second for Evie's brain to recognize it and she turned. Amanda began to sing "Dontcha" by the Pussycat Dolls. She looked at Sidney who seemed thoroughly confused. "That is an odd pick. Don't you think so, Mon Etoile?" He questioned. Evie took a deep breath. She looked around the table. The group exchanged looks that ranged from confusion to outrage. 

Sidney looked up. Surely she didn't choose this song as a message to him. It was unfathomable to think about. However, when Amanda looked and made direct eye contact, all doubt was erased. He glanced at Evie who had pasted a smile on her face. Sidney could see the tension in her jaw. He slowly rubbed her back and kissed her shoulder. She didn't recoil from the touch but she didn't lean into it either. "Mon Etoile," he whispered, "I want you. I don't know what she is doing. It doesn't make sense." 

Evie shook head as if to dismiss his concern. She felt the rage bubbling in her gut. "That bitch," she thought to herself. She remembered in December when Taylor had mocked her jealousy of Amanda. Even Sidney made light of it before consoling her. In the ensuing months, Evie had grown more secure in her relationship with Sidney, but there still had been something in her gut that told her not to trust Amanda. Evie had tried to push away those feelings. She dismissed them and clung to the knowledge of Sidney's love. 

However, tonight left no doubt that her intuition was correct. Amanda wanted Sidney back and was not even being subtle about it. Evie looked at Sidney. Her heart melted a little at his complete confusion over Amanda's song choice. Just like she had no doubt now about Amanda's motive, she had no doubt that Sidney had no interest in not only Amanda but in other woman. 

He turned to her and she smiled genuinely. Evie leaned forward to kiss Sidney softly. From the stage, Amanda stared at Sidney and Evie. She was one notch below steam coming out of ears. Here she was performing for him, just like Evie, and he couldn’t take his eyes off that whore. He was entirely focused on that fucking slut from Texas, of all.places.

Just as Amanda's song ended, Evie stood up to go to the bathroom. She turned quickly to Amanda and whispered, "in your dreams," before she turned around to go to the restroom. 

Amanda's eyes widened and she looked around at the group. No one would make eye contact and of course, Sidney’s eyes had followed Evie. Amanda stormed off to the restroom. Sidney did a double-take and then looked at Nate. Nate let out a low whistle, "I told you to tread lightly."

Sidney sighed, " What should I do?"

Nate laughed, "I would get off your ass and make sure they don't kill each other."

Evie heard the door open as she was pulling up her pants. She flushed the toilet and opened the stall door. Amanda directly in front of the exit. Evie glanced in her direction before she went to the sink to wash her hands. Amanda studied her closely. After she finished, Evie reached into her purse, pulled out her lipstick and leisurely reapplied it. Then she took a step toward Amanda who did not budge.

 Evie paused and crossed her arms, "Are you going to move?"

Amanda still didn't move. Evie arched her brow, "I don't know how things work here in Nova Scotia, but in Texas, this behavior is asking for an ass whooping." Amanda's mouth dropped and Evie continued, "Now my mother raised me to be a lady, a true southern Belle if you will. She also taught me 'don't start shit, but you can finish it.' Move out of my way."

Amanda scoffed, "Why? You need to take Sid out in the alley and fuck him again?"

Evie took a step back and laughed. "Oh, so the door did open. Did you get a good view, Amanda? What got your attention- his moans or mine? Didn't know that you were into that sort of kink, but you do you, booboo."

Amanda spit out, "You are a fucking whore. You think Sid is serious about you?"

Evie smiled, "Ask him yourself."

Amanda- "He is just confused. He is caught up in the seduction. He doesn't love you."

Evie-"You think I have to seduce that man? For the record, he is the one who pursued me. He is the one that continues to pursue me. He is the one that guided me into the alley, pushed me up against the wall and hiked up my skirt. He wanted it so I gave it to him. I give it to him any time he wants it, Amanda, which is ALL THE DAMN TIME"

Amanda, "How can you look at yourself in the mirror? How can you stand to be such a whore?"

Evie- "According to my research, you are no angel yourself. You had quite the good time while Sidney was away at Shattuck. Does he know that you fucked multiple of his former teammates?" Trish had been chatty after dinner with Nate and a few glasses of wine. She willingly spilled all the tea including the fact that Amanda fucked Trish's then boyfriend.

Amanda's jaw dropped open.

Evie- "See, I would bet good money that your body count is way higher than mine. The problem isn't that Sidney likes to fuck me, but that he doesn't want to fuck you any more. It's not that I am a slut, but that I am HIS slut."

Evie stepped closer, "I refuse to be shamed by a woman who has spent the past fifteen years trying to get the attention of a man that she doesn't even love and never did."

Evie got in her face, "Now move your ass or the country side of me will come out to play."

Amanda moved to the side. Evie walked past her, paused and spoke softly, "Keep my name out of your mouth or I will rain hellfire down on you. You will learn the reason why they say don't mess with Texas."

Evie walked out, closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She took a step towards the bar and ran straight into Sidney's chest. She stepped back and looked him in the eye. The tears started to well up. 

"Evie," he asked, "What did she say to you?"

Evie shook her head, "nothing worth repeating." He wrapped his arms around her and she whispered into his ear, "Daddy, can you take me home?" Sidney stepped back and saw the pain in her eyes that she was trying to get under control. "Please?" she asked softly

Evie only initiates the Daddy role play when she is  in a vulnerable emotional state. His jaw tensed and felt the anger pulsate through his veins. Amanda hurt Evie and he didn't need to know the specifics to know that he needed to address it.  

"Go find Nate," he said softly, "I need to talk to Amanda." 

The door opened up and she walked out. She didn't hesitate when she passed the couple. "Amanda" he called, "Amanda, we need to talk." 

She spun around and crossed her arms, "I am leaving. I am not going to let some fucking Texan speak to me like that."

"Watch your mouth, Amanda," Sidney stated flatly "we do this here or in public but we are doing this," Evie maneuvered herself so she stood behind Sidney. 

Amanda looked down and tried to force tears to form in her eyes to gain his sympathy like she had so many times in the past. When none appeared, she looked up defiantly. At that point, the karaoke DJ had taken a break so the group took the opportunity to hit the bathroom. They came to halt when they came upon Sidney standing with his arms folded and Evie hiding behind him.

"Amanda, you owe Evie an apology," Sidney stated, "You owe her an apology and you owe me an explanation."

"I don't owe her anything,".Amanda spit out, "She threatened me. She should apologize to me."

"How? How did she threaten you? More importantly, why did she feel the need to threaten you?" Sidney chided.

"She wouldn't let me leave the restroom and then she called me a whore," Evie stated. The group gasped and stared at Amanda. 

"Why? Why would you say that Amanda?" Sidney questioned, "What has Evie done to you other than be friendly?"

"She stole you. She stole you when you know damn well where you belong," Amanda spit out in frustration. 

Sidney tilted his head and got close to her face, "Stole me from whom? Where do I belong, Amanda?"

"You belong with me, Sid!" Amanda screamed, "Not with some slut."

"I don't belong with you, Amanda," he screamed, "We broke up fifteen years ago. For fuck's sake, why would you think I belong with you? Are you fucking delusional?" 

Nate and Mike exchanged looks. They had never seen Sid scream at anyone off of the ice, much less a woman. 

Amanda kept digging, "You need a good, decent woman who knows how to behave."

"How to behave? What is that supposed to mean? And what, you are the beacon of how people are supposed to behave?" He spit out.

"At least I have the decency not to fuck someone in a damn alley," she lobbed the verbal grenade. Sidney stood up in shock for a moment. He looked at his friends who shrugged their shoulders.

Nate looked her up and down slowly, "You are either a glutton for punishment or incredibly stupid. Do you think anyone cares what they did or did not do in the alley? Get out of here with that bullshit."

"What does that make me Amanda? What does that make me?" Sidney shook his head. He turned to look at Evie who stared at the floor. He gritted his teeth and turned around. "I will tell you what that makes me. It makes me a man who is passionately in love with the most beautiful woman in the whole world. It makes me the man who is lucky enough to spend my life with her. It's a life where we are there for each other and love each other." He stood in front of Amanda and spoke firmly, "You think she isn't a decent woman? She is sweet and kind. You have been nothing but passive aggressive since the moment you met her. Why? Out of a misguided belief that I was going to come running back to you?" 

"Maybe I am partially to blame. I ignored the comments in the past. I wasn't direct out of fear that I would hurt your feelings. I don't like to hurt people. It is not in my nature. You, on the other hand, seem to be entirely comfortable doing so." He sighed. "Let me be abundantly clear. Listen to these words and let them sink in so I do not have to repeat them. Look up and listen to me." She looked up and made eye contact. Evie held her breath.

"I chose Evie. From the moment I saw her, I wanted her. I did everything possible to win her love and affection. I have changed my whole world to include her in it. I will choose her over EVERYTHING else until my last breath. I thank God every day for the gift of her and her love. You have no idea what it is like to receive her love but it is a gift from heaven," he spoke eloquently. "But make no mistake, even if Evie was not part of my life, I would still not choose you. I don't love you. I don't want you. I haven't wanted you since I saw your true colors in high school. I have tried to be polite. I have tried to be respectful but NO MORE."

"You are making a mistake, Sid," Amanda, "You can do better than her. She only wants what she can get from you." 

Sidney shook his head, "No, that's you Amanda, that's you. There isn't anyone better than Evie. The only thing she wants is me-nothing else. Do me a favor and stay the fuck away from me. Don't talk to me. Don't post about me on Instagram. Just stay away from us."

"Or what?" She laughed.

"I will expose you for who you really are- a bitter bitch who will never aspire to be anything other than the ex-girlfriend of Sidney Crosby" he challenged, "Get a life, Amanda, and stay the fuck out of ours."

He turned to grab Evie and swooped her off of her feet. She nuzzled her tear stained face into his neck. He shouted back to Nate, "Get the bill. I will settle up with you tomorrow."

Nate shouted back, "Go take care of Evie. We got this." The group collected their things. 

Amanda huffed as got her purse "Fucking bitch. She is probably going to get knocked up just to trap him. You know those people. "

"What the hell did you just say?" Nate challenged, "Please tell me that you didn't let that racism roll off your tongue with such ease." The group stared. "You know what? I don't care. Stay away from me." He turned away. Everyone else in the group expressed the same sentiment and walked away, leaving Amanda stunned and friendless.

Evie was silent in the car. She curled up in the seat and faced the window. Sidney eyed her tenderly. "Beso, will you play our music? From the slow list?" she asked quietly. During the season, they created a shared playlist that they curated together. Additions were generally made while they were apart from each other. Sidney hit a few buttons and the music began

Evie reached over the console with her left hand. He removed one hand from the steering wheel and intertwined their fingers. She began to sing the song softly. 

When they arrived at the cottage she bent down and let Sam kiss her face. "Yes, mama was sad, Sammygirl," she spoke calmly.

"Was sad?" Sidney questioned.

"Yeah, I was a little shocked about the way it all went down," she answered as she stood up, "Honestly, I am a little relieved."

"Relieved how?" He asked.

"I suspected by the look on her face that afternoon that she saw something. I wasn't sure what, but something," she began, "I was scared that she would tell people." He arched an eyebrow. "Well, now she has and it's not nearly as humiliating as I thought it would be."

"Oh really?" he quipped.

"Do you feel ashamed, Beso?" she asked, "because I don't. If the worse thing you can say about me is that I enjoy fucking my incredibly hot man, then Beso, I am living right."

"Is that so, Mon Etoile?" He said with a smile.

"That's so. I refuse to be shamed by her. I refuse to be ashamed of my love for you. I refused to be ashamed of how I express that love," she stared into his eyes. "I only have two questions for you."

"Ask away," he brushed her hair from eyes.

"Do you think I am whore or some sort of slut? She asked her first question.

"Hmmmm, no, I don't," he smiled, "Insatiable, irresistible and Idyllic-yes, but not a slut. Next question."

"Still want to marry me?" She tilted her her head.

"Counting down the days," he smiled.

"Oooops, I have a third question," she sighed.

"It'll cost you," he kissed her cheek.

"What will it cost me?" she half-moaned.

"A real kiss," he said as he brushed his lips against her full lips. She leaned forward and kissed him tenderly before the passion kicked in. The kiss deepened as they let the drama of the evening melt away. When Sidney broke the kiss, he asked,"What is the last question?"

She kissed along his jawline, "Will Daddy take of his baby girl? I still need you."

He lifted her up and she wrapped her body around his strong body, "Of course, Baby Girl, of course."

August 20th

Next Chapter:

[fruit-of-infidelity]

✒︎ DiaLovers OC Contest Entry: Sakamaki Ryuuto.

Theme: New Moon.

　✒︎ Character Summary:

　Seemingly only a cousin to the Sakamaki’s, Ryuuto shares a mother with the triplets. He is the assertive type who isn’t afraid to dabble in a Master-Slave relationship with the heroine. He takes pleasure in riddling others with his cryptic remarks and emits an aura of mystery wherever he goes. 

　He always demands to be treated like a Prince, even when relentlessly teasing his prey and manipulating them until they spiral into helplessness. 

Race: Vampire School Year: 3rd Year Senior High School Student, Ryoutei Academy Age: 18 Height: 178cm Weight: 63kg Blood Type: O Favourite Food: Cinnamon Rolls Hobby: Oil Painting

　In-Depth Character Profile: Found Here.

　✒︎ His Purpose (The Plot):

　Cordelia's spite for Karlheinz's second wife, Beatrix, and the announcement of her pregnancy is what bore Ryuuto, from her affair with Richter. Isolated from Karlheinz, his children, and much of the world, Ryuuto was raised almost exclusively by Richter. However, Cordelia's manipulation over Ryuuto saw him become heavily dependant on her as his only female figure in life, using him for her own entertainment.

　After Cordelia's death, Ryuuto's immense distraught saw him swear to revive her, with his father's help. Realising his half-brothers were to blame, he vowed to get revenge, too. Appearing to Yui Komori* - who harbours Cordelia's heart - he intends to steal her away, and initiate the awakening to revive his mother. 

* Ryuuto's story begins during Haunted Dark Bridal, not unlike the other Sakamaki's, and continues on through to the current games.

　However, much like the other Sakamaki sons, Ryuuto is available to be romanced in a route of his own. If not selected, however, he will also appear as a minor antagonist in some of the other boy's routes (in their mini chapters, which are currently still being released).

　His Complete HDB Route: Found Here.

　✒︎ Ryuuto's Haunted Dark Bridal CGs:

* The limit for photos per post is, unfortunately, ten (10). However, there is a total of twenty-five (25) CGs available in Ryuuto’s route.

　✒︎ Drama CDs:

　In addition to his routes, Ryuuto also is featured in numerous Drama CDs - some of which feature full voice-acting. From the "nursing" series, to group drama, below is an example of one such CD: Character Song Vol.7: Sakamaki Ryuuto | Mini Drama: “Bloodstained Canvas”.

　Each Drama CD - in each scenario they present - replicates the canon material and themes through a fresh, unique character. These CDs aim to further incorporate Ryuuto into the DiaLover universe, and help establish better relationships, lore, and romance outside of the routes.

　Full Drama CD Mentioned: Found here.

Contest Hosts: @arleccine & @the-precious-sugar-chan ♥️

[camouflagedlove]

You mentioned wanting to maybe write some blurbs! For Stranger Things, I've seen a lot of fics of Will talking to Steve or Eddie about being gay or different. Do you think that conversation could ever end up happening with Robin?

thanks for this!! I've been wanting to write but have had creative block

here's a short thing of will bonding with Robin over being gay

Will was smart. He was a listener, and an observer and he saw a lot about the people around him.

In campaigns he'd observe Eddie's motions, some of them a dead giveaway that he had a surprise in store. He observed Nancy withdrawing from Jonathan but most of all, lately he'd observed something about Robin Buckley that was distinctly familiar.

Robin was more of a friend of a friend at this point. They're not super close but they know of each other, they cross paths a lot and when they did cross paths something about her made Will wonder.

She felt like him. It was something he couldn't really explain. She always seemed a little unsure of herself, in her wording, in her everything. Just like Will was.

Robin had this air around her like she was hiding something, something she felt was a big part of her. The only time he felt the discomfort emanating from her the least was when she was with Steve. Like perhaps he knew something only a best friend would know.

Will watched her for a bit. Saw the habit she had for staring at girls, mostly Nancy or a girl with short ginger hair that Will didn't know. Everyone looked at girls but Will had a certain way of looking that he'd always felt was different. He saw the way his friends looked at girls; Lucas at Max, Mike at El. It was the same way Robin did.

Something in him suspected, knew that Robin was like him. Not the same as him, but similar in a way that they wore day to day and yet hid from everyone else.

Steve had been hosting a pool party, he invited all of the kids and the teens. It was fun.

Robin seemed...uncomfortable.

She didn't seem comfortable around Nancy in her swimsuit, her eyes staying glued to the girls face. Robin also seemed avoidant of the boys. She barely looked at them like she was afraid someone would misconstrue it. It's a feeling Will was familiar with.

Lately, if he was within 5 feet of a girl they didn't know people would push him, encourage him. Like that was something that really mattered now, like that was something they knew he wanted. But he didn't. At least not with any girls.

"Robin," Will said, getting the girl's attention at the pool's edge.

She looked shocked but answered, "What's up, kid?"

"Could I talk to you?"

Robin shot Steve an anxious look before she ultimately nodded and stood to follow him. Will led them to the kitchen, away from everyone else.

"I don't know how to ask this..." Will started. He hadn't really planned this. Hadn't planned what he wanted to ask her. But he was sure she was like him. The excitement of maybe getting to know one more person stuck in this town pretending like him had made him forget to plan.

"Do you feel...different?" he settled on cryptically.

Robin shuffled uncomfortably. "Different how?"

"Like...like everyone expects you to want something that...you don't want? Like there's a version of you everyone created but it's not you but it's close to you so you don't want to disappoint them."

Tears were gathered at the bottoms of Robin's eyes, like she was holding them back.

"Like there's something inside of you, hiding, and you know it's there but you have to pretend it's not?" Robin asked.

Will nodded.

Tears fell from Robin's eyes and she threw her arms out. "Come here, I'm adopting you now."

Will laughed but went into the offered hug.

"I can be like your gay teacher, tell you all I know, which isn't a lot. Help you navigate, all of it."

"That'd be great!" Will said with a smile. "My brother knows but it's nice to be able to talk to someone who gets it on some level."

"Jonathan knows?" Robin asked, separating from the boy.

"Yeah, he's really supportive," Will said proudly.

"Good to know," she said with a smile.

"So what's the first lesson you want to know?" Robin asked rubbing her hands together conspirationally.

"How to get over your straight best friend," he answered

"God, couldn't have started easy," Robin asked with a laugh. "We'll work on that."

[geeknik]

31 Days of Halloween: Day 19, The Enigmatic Lemp Mansion of St. Louis

On the 19th day of our eerie expedition, we delve into the heart of St. Louis, Missouri, to uncover the mystifying tales enveloping the Lemp Mansion. This grandiose structure, once the epitome of wealth and success, now stands as a somber emblem of tragedy and the supernatural. As we journey through its haunted halls, we'll discover the entangled narrative of the Lemp family's fortune and downfall, intertwined with eerie apparitions and ghostly echoes from a bygone era.

Historical Background

The Lemp Mansion, situated in the Benton Park neighborhood of St. Louis, was once the residence of the affluent Lemp family, whose lineage traced back to Johann Adam Lemp, a German immigrant. The family's fortune burgeoned with the establishment of the Lemp Brewery, which introduced lager beer to St. Louis in the 1840s. Under the stewardship of William J. Lemp, the brewery flourished, and by the 1870s, the Lemp Brewery was a household name, synonymous with quality and tradition.

However, the prosperous epoch was ephemeral. The Lemp family faced an inexorable streak of calamities, beginning with Frederick Lemp's demise in 1901, followed by William J. Lemp's suicide in 1904. The advent of Prohibition in 1919 further plunged the family into despair, leading to the brewery's closure and a string of subsequent tragedies, including more suicides within the family.

Haunting Tales

The murky legacy of the Lemp Mansion is inexorably intertwined with the melancholic narrative of the Lemp family. The mansion is said to be rife with spectral activities, many of which are believed to be the unrestful spirits of the Lemp lineage. Among the most unsettling tales is that of the "Monkey Face Boy," an illegitimate child of William Lemp, who was allegedly concealed in the attic due to his Down Syndrome, and whose spirit is claimed to still lurk within the mansion's haunting halls.

Exploring the Lemp Mansion

For those with a penchant for the paranormal, the Lemp Mansion proffers an array of ghostly expeditions. The "Lemp Experience" is a notable event that allows intrepid souls to delve into the mansion's eerie enigma every other Thursday from December to August, with additional days in the fall months. Moreover, the Lemp Legacy Tour, dubbed "St. Louis’ Most Haunted Ghost Tour," guides guests through the mansion’s spectral spaces on Tuesday nights, revealing the cryptic chronicles encased within its walls.

Other chilling ventures include Halloween night ghost tours accompanied by Brick City Paranormal, offering a spooky exploration of the mansion's haunted halls while sipping on creepy cocktails. The mansion also hosts various paranormal investigations, séances, and ghost hunting equipment for those seeking a deeper encounter with the unknown.

Conclusion

As we conclude our 19th day of spooky sojourns, the Lemp Mansion stands as a poignant emblem of a family’s affluence turned affliction, veiled in an aura of mystery and ghostly whispers. The mansion invites the brave to traverse its haunted halls, to unveil the spectral narratives veiled within, and to experience firsthand the chilling tales that have rendered the Lemp Mansion a legendary haunted haven in St. Louis, MO.

[villainsandvictimsalliance]

(NO BETA) EXCERPT FROM MY SHIGADABI FANTASY AU, UP ON THE CLIFF:

“... Kurogiri told me earlier that you slept through most of the passage to the cliff. Should I trust you found it a peaceful ride?”

Still encased in nighttime dimness, Touya tried to decipher the tone floating down at him from the head of the table. He couldn't see its owner past the glow of the candles, the darkness that rained down on them from the vaults in the high ceiling. To compensate his lack of visual confirmation, he sketched the man there with his mind, faithful to the memory of how his host, the Count up on the cliff, had looked under the morning sunlight.

Touya remembered it all too well, how they had sat there distracted with their food or the noises of their companions. The Count's hair would flow down and sparkle against the raw terrain of his skin, making it all the more hard to not stare at his eyes of red turmoils and secrecy. The Count was fresh snow on an open wound and Touya thought the color was more common the closer he was to the passage, but not by much. On his journey to the valley, he had met barely a few of human refugees with a similar red in his eyes. Yet the Count's matched his cape and its collar, lined in white fur —it matched his hair.

That thought would've made him frown if spoken aloud. After all, he cared nothing if the Count had had the coat over his shoulders made to match him, if his scars made his all the more raw, if his was the name he hasn't known yet. Curious but trivial things did not matter and they shouldn't. Touya was only interested in the sensation of his mind already wandering, getting uncoordinated. It was the same case as before, when any thought of the Count would lead him into slippery slopes and Touya, or anyone else on that matter, would soonly forget why they were thinking about him at all.

“...”

Once more, Touya looked up to face the Count's silence, allowing the company to chitchat as they pleased. The times they talked were enough to be counted with the fingers of a single hand and, rare as they were, they would startle Touya, raising his attention of the ones sitting or resting beside him. The Count had the soft-spoken cadence of a man home taught by the best tutors money could buy, but his words lacked any politeness or fondness and instead came enveloped in direct orders or demands, cryptical than most, that the habitants of the castle would follow to the letter. Touya did call him a petulant child in the past, if he recall the accident shortly after his arrival. It had been easier back then, to insult him, to blame the anger and frustration he felt on the man that demanded his sacrifice. Touya hadn't known him yet and he did not know him still, which left him with the only other option available: to know himself better, his place in that monster town, his role in that castle. He could only decipher his own heart to set apart any alien feeling, any influence, any invasion.

As for now, it was as if they were not there. Touya had disappear alongside the Count to the world.

He risked a glace at Toga and the gecko boy, each by his left, but they were busy reacting to some kind of joke Jin was telling. Mr. Atsuhiro, by his right side, was not even looking at the table or his dessert, too busy gesturing at their butler as if explaining his excitement about what they had had for dinner that night. No one reacted to the conversation he was having with the Count. No one even looked his way o tried to pressure him to answer, not even the butler confirmed what the Count had said. Could it be...

Could it be that the Count was reading his mind?

Touya made to grab his glass, emptying his mind so violently he felt a snap in the back of his head. However, as soon as he extended his left hand the room started spinning, the smiles of the pictures framed by the walls getting more loopsided by the minute, the food balancing left and right over the tablecloth, a waltz of dresses and coats and hats and spiders—

“Calm down.”

Touya tried to blink it away. There was a solid grip on his chest, tugging to get the nod on his lungs undone. He allowed the unknown pulse to had him as he concentrated on keeping his face clean of panic; not thinking, not allowing anyone else to know how altered he wasat the moment. It took him a lifetime, the type that is condensated in a minute, before the room settled and he was able to hear.

“ —ust like that. Good,” Touya blinked again and again towards the direction of the voice, one, two seats past Mr. Atsuhiro, noticing what he thought was a faint smile hovering on the air and a pair of watchful red eyes on him.

Touya heard it again, this time realizing the Count was not moving his lips, not even vacillating on his strange and curious expression:

“Did I spook you, Dabi?” when he only narrowed his eyes in response, he was allowed to appreciate how the Count huffed with amusement, looking down at his plate, “A-ah. Don't be angry. It's not my intention to read your mind, nor am I doing it at the moment.”

Confusion accumulated on his brow, driving him closer to the table as if he could figure out what the Count was talking about by sheer proximity. He was not talking, was he? Touya could see how he lifted a cup to drink of the wine, responding to whatever Spinner had asked him a second ago.

“I am projecting the words to your mind, that is. I asure you it's a one-way road. Unless...”

For the first time since his arrival, Touya saw the mouth of the Count tilt at the corners with what could only be mischief. It was hard to admit, even harder to explain, what the motion did to him and how it activated his competitive instinct. From his time training with his dad, Touya could recognize a challenge with eyes close, hands bind, deaf to any sound. It was in the air, in the gentle swept of the candlelight, the smooth inclination of the host shoulders until his elbows were resting fully on the table, hands intertwined ao he could rest his chin.

He reminded himself of the original question, the one that started this whole conversation. He had slept, sure, but it jad been due the strange magic that had surrounded him that evening. Memories of his family had seized him as their car climbed downhill, images of his childhood on the Himura state, of Sekoto Peak, of his siblings and cousins running in the distance as he chased butterflies in the hidden fields past the family greenhouse. He doesn't know when he transitioned from merely reminiscing to fully dreaming. The distant howls woke him near the butler's tavern, some hours past midnight, maybe.

When Touya glanced at the Count, he was almost bored, playing with the rim of his cup while gecko boy showed him something on his hand. It could have been a spider, but Touya didn't care. He had an hypothesis to prove, a host to impress, a dare to win.

He pictured himself opening his mouth, forming the syllables with his lips, tasted the sounds of every vowel and sent them crashing to his host pretty ears.

Touya thought, “unless I talk back?” and stared satisfied at the Count as his eyes left the gecko's hands to look at him, red so bright he thought the world had caught fire. The Count waited, moving his fingers against his cheeks as if telling Touya that now he had his attention. “I slept on the ride here influenced by your butler's dark magic, but you knew that. You asked him to use his magic and put me to slumber. Your question, it was not politeness nor politics.”

The Count lifted his cup, drinking the last of his wine as Touya organized his thoughts.

“You wanted me to talk to you this way.”

It was the longest conversation he had had with the man since he arrived at that wasteland. The fact dented Touya's pride. That he had allowed the Count to treat him like a prisoner for so long, that he had allowed the Count to ignore him, his existence, if not for his presence every morning during breakfast and more recently on dinners, where he would not address him at all and leave as soon as the meal was over. He did not ached for his company or validation. He didn't want him to treat him like the rest, with similar silence that always ended on a well though inquiry, maybe a few words of encouragement, disguised by his position as the count so they wouldn't sound very vulnerable. The Count had talked to him before, but always through others, or just a phrase, just a nod. He had sent him a trained dog to guide him through the town, so he wouldn't get lost. He had offered to took him back to his village, ordering a car to wait for him every evening by the gates of the castle. He had gave him the key of his room, accepted him as Dabi and only referred to him as that, despite knowing the truth. Had had Dabi's meals made specially for him as to not upset his stomach, gave him a room specially acclimated to accommodate his wronging sickness.

Everything he knew about the Count, he knew it for his actions and never his words. And it had been enough for him for an entire month now. He had found it comfortable enough to walk and talk and act among them without much fuss. Touya only demanded answers or respect when it was either about his mission to unlock the mystery behind the demon sickness that afflicted him or when it was about his freedom to roam around doing whatever the fuck he wanted. He didn't care about the games the Count wanted to play with the rest of them.

He almost missed the moment the Count stood up, the legs of his chair scratching so subtly the wood of the floor. It was their signal. The meal was officially over.

He thanked the gecko boy —Iguchi— for showing him the cards of a new game he was crafting and nodded once, a gesture meant to acknowledge everyone in the room in a brief goodbye, before he walked out the room and left behind only the trail of his coat disappearing around the corner.

Touya followed the rest, his dessert intact on the plate as they took the dishes to the kitchen to be magically cleaned by the staff. Jin invited them to play cards, an offer he denied without explanation and that Iguchi and Toga immediately latched to. Mr. Atsuhiro had only crossed his arms and let out a single sigh, deciding he could play piano to make them company or supervise the progression of the game, in case it got... Complicated.

Dabi sent them to the game room with a shake of shoulders. They could do as they wanted too.

He didn't want to know.

On the hallway up to his room, he stopped along the way once, in front of the window walls. The moon had partially came out, clouds rolling low over the forest and mixing with the fog. The air was chilling, cold kisses on his bandaged wounds. He extended his pointer finger to touch a pale ray of moonlight, admiring the absence of heat and the silver stiches that differentiate it so much from its daylight equivalent. Beneath it, the edges of his burns became a deep purple, his skin taking and unnatural blue glow. Back at home, they had told him several times that his eyes would get the more scary at night, when they would shine even brighter than the moon or any fireplace made by human hands. He would laugh and smile, big, big enough to show all his teeth, and the kids would run and call for help and their mothers would call him a monster, a zombie, a walking grave.

Then came that sensation to his chest and Touya squished it, set it aflame, reduced it to ashes. He stepped back and turned around, not stopping until the door of his room was locked and his body was resting on his bed, curtains close, his clothes changed and wounds freshly bandaged.

He had felt red eyes on him. That sensation. The tug, the weight, his finger touching the glass of the window. Touya didn't want to know. He didn't want to know if what he had said was right or if it was wrong, if the Count left becuase he left or if he left because of him. He didn't want to know if the others were having fun, sitting on the carpet, fingers touching one another as they laid their cards down.

The night had inflicted irreparable damage on him. He shouldn't had allowed the Count to talk to him like that, through his thoughts, direcly to his mind. Touya shouldn't had fallen so easily for the Count's twisted games, craving the excitement of a new discovery, a challenger to beat, a rival to show off to. Something had been taken and given in return that night. The full moon was whispering of trades and Touya sat by the fireplace, burning piece of paper after piece of paper, until his rage had subdued.

« you want me to talk to you like this. »

Touya threw an entire book to the fire.

He didn't want to know.

[panie-wanie-dean-bean]

And ur both totally right my mistake, It is important to be respectful of ur boys' schedules when u wanna pamper them, so why not commission a dark cloak, a plague doctor mask, and put on ur finest gregorian cryptic chants on ur blutooth speaker to hand deliver a letter to ur goth boy. You could cryptically say "9 Days. Prepare Yourself." and drift away.

And in the letter it says 'Pamper day! I luv you :3c' in cutesy pink bubble lettering, bc plague doctor masks r gothic and dom right?? :3c he must think MC is so cool!

I wont say i want it to be canon, but the idea of Nick being adopted months if not years before the others and they each witness something like that and ask Barry whose been here longer than them what it was. Barry also gets his personalized pamper day letter delivery (his is sailor themed bc ducks) but ofc he's a fucker so he only briefly looks up from the newspaper he's reading to think about a lie before delivering it. "Hm once every blue moon Master chooses a hybrid at random as a host for a dark twisted ritual i think"

And the others just nurse a cigarette and a coffee for a week and a half, wondering wat the fuck they got themselves into and planning a prison break, before Nick just casually strolls down the stairs the day after, with brighter skin, shinier/fluffier hair and feathers, and clears the air.

The Hybrids figure out Barry is an asshole and Barry could care less bc he's MC's "special little guy 💕"

Everyone has their quirks and the hybrid bois can do no wrong in her eyes, not even Barry unfucking-fortunately

-🖤 anon

Ok, Nick is in fucking tears from how hard he's laughing after he reads the note. Like you might have to get him his inhaler

Also, Ian was adopted first so he's just all giggles when he sees you dressing up to deliver someone their first spa day note

And dressing up as a sailor for Berry's day? Oh my fucking god, I love your brain dude! Berry's just a silly little guy who can do no wrong

[ladykailolu]

I wanna talk more about Blondie

I feel like she and Mela would get along, they’re both total queens and Blondie also likes to dance, she also loves hot chocolate, ballet, flute music, smooth jazz and classical music, fashion* and fashion design, and afternoon tea parties

*she’d get criticized at her job because instead of wearing a police uniform she’d just walk around in her designer clothes with her badge in her coat or something

(once her name starts to really get out there, she gets quite wealthy, and she usually spends it on clothes or charity stuff, as she does believe in reformative programs preventing crime)

I can see her hanging out with the gang including Godot, cause like, one of them copes with his trauma and sadness by being cryptic and bitter, while she deals with her trauma and sadness by being a little silly

Black Coffee guy and hot chocolate with rainbow sprinkles lady

Home girl and coffee boy are both working in the prosecutor’s office late and as a kind gesture, she makes him a cup of extra dark hot chocolate, cause she thinks he’d like it [she doesn’t know how to make coffee cause she doesn’t drink it, as she’s an insomniac]

“Just something to help get through the night from one late shifter to another”

but I actually ship her with Franziska,

Cause it’s like the sun lesbian* + moon lesbian (*bisexual but whatever)

U know opposites attract

Franziska is this uptight, formal, thin and sharp young woman, who’s secretly cute

Blondie is this bubbly, soft and curvy, quirky slightly older** lady, who’s secretly a badass

** she’s like in her early to mid 30s

And both have near perfect records

Blondie can be Franziska’s pet detective (like got Gumgum is to Edgybaby)

Nah but really they’d be an interesting crime fighting duo, and make great gfs

They both classy hoes (hoes in an endearing way)

What do u think?

I was immediately picturing Blondie making a dirty chai latte or dirty hot chocolate for Godot in that there's coffee in it and she tries to make it dark and bitter to his tasting. And she might even bake him bagels with cream cheese to go with the coffee (or maybe that's just me projecting lol)

She sounds like the generous person who brings in sweets and the like to be enjoyed by the whole detective team, and Gumshoe is just taken by those gestures and has to stop himself from eating the whole thing.

Despite being a dark and bitter cryptid, Godot finds himself smiling more when Blondie's around. The coffee she makes is....well, there's always room for improvement 😊

God just imagine Blondie and Mela getting together over tea and confections, and Mela starts explaining about all the silly, shameful things one of her cousins has been up to. She spills the beans of Gyro's failed love affairs and the mess he's made of them, and Blondie has to stop herself from laughing or she'll get the hiccups. They just roast tf outta him and it is glorious lol!

But how does Blondie react upon seeing Gyro's little bastard girls? I feel like Sadie-Mae might like her. Maggie would like her because she seems fun and nice (much, much nicer than her father, that's for sure), and Paxe is a bit disinterested. As a side note, give Paxe a whip and she'd become a little Frannie lol

I was imagining that Mela would purposefully kick out Caesar and Gyro from the house for a day so she could host a little girls-only get together with Gyro's daughters, her gf Jodie and Blondie. There, Mela dances with Blondie and teaches her this Spanish dance she recently learned. And Blondie makes hot chocolate for the kids.

[inabadancedcrazy]

[Link to previous part]

[Link to next part]

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Surviving was something Ichika often thought about. It was tough for a girl who wanted what she did to be taken seriously in a world like this. Needing to mingle with strangers, engage in “networking” to even have a hope of getting ahead in the world. She didn’t like meeting people. She liked doing her job, and she liked being good at it. She looked away from the conversation she was having yet not paying attention to, and instead she turned her attention to the brown haired boy who had come to this place with her. Masaru laughed at some joke, unaware of her plight.

It didn’t feel like this for Masaru. He didn’t have this horrible gnawing in his gut, this desire to hide himself. He never looked caught off guard, he never let comments about his appearance get to him, even if he only ever got flattering ones. On some level, deep in her soul, Ichika felt this was maliciously unfair. Being a host meant that he was used to high energy, emotional kinds of places. This club was practically baby stuff for him. He could wine and dine with every girl he saw and always charm the pants off of them. Not literally, usually. She knew Masaru was better than that, and she knew that he was never actually serious when he put on his work voice to get them a free seat or a ticket into some movie. It was just how the world worked for him. Play up the role, get what you want.

It wasn’t like that for her. If she had any sort of charms, she had no clue how to weaponize them in the way Masaru utilized every single one he had. And so when she turned back to re-integrate herself in the conversation she had been tuning out, the person she had been talking to had already been replaced by someone else. She was so bad at this whole social thing that she couldn’t even keep one person engaged in conversation without them running off. The replacement, a guy with way too revealing an outfit than she was prepared for, spoke up.

“Hey, you alright there?" He didn't wait for a response before continuing. "Looks like that guy actually ditched you. Man, this really ain’t your scene!”

“I guess, haha...” Confusion won out over indignation in this case. She didn’t feel like it was a laughing matter, but he was still smiling anyways, scrounging through his pocket for something. The last thing she wanted right now was to be chatted up by some strange foreigner.

“Hey, if social anxiety is what’s got you down, try this.” The man took out a notebook and handed it to her. “It’s all tips and tricks on how to beat those pesky nerves. I’m about to go on stage soon, and that book’s the kind of thing that kept me motivated to keep my eyes on the prize.”

“Oh, uh... Thank you?” She looked through the book, seeing that it was indeed full of advice on how to topple her anxiety. The goat on the front was a little freaky, but otherwise it seemed like he just wanted to help. In a weird, obtrusive, kind of aggravating way, but still. She went to thank the man more earnestly, but he was already gone. Just like the last one. That was two for two, Ichika. “Oh, okay.”

“Yo, Ichika.” Masaru left whatever girl he was charming and jogged towards her. “Look at this. Some cryptic blond guy gave me a book of pick-up lines. Can you imagine? Me! Needing advice on how to pick up girls! I don’t know what the scene is like in America, but I’m the best around! And besides, the whole thing is in English! Do I look like I can speak English!? This is like... Unbelievable!”

It took an ungodly amount of strength for Ichika to not roll her eyes. “It’s a horrible insult.”

“Exactly! It's an insult, right? He should- Hey, what’s that you got? Some spooky American give that to you too?” Ichika remembered at that moment that the stranger had handed a book to her as well. Was it just... normal in America to give books to strangers? "Maybe it's a holiday thing? Or maybe they fell in love and thought that books were the best way into our hearts, huh? Hey, let’s see if we can find anybody who knows English! See if this thing actually has anything good in it.”

"I thought you weren't interested in those pick-up lines?" Ichika pointedly ignored most of what he said and focused entirely on the part about actually reading what was inside.

"Hey, it's always a learning process! The ladies'll love if I incorporate a little English into my vocabulary. A little spice, you know?"

"Of course. You'll knock them out."

He was already off before she could even finish speaking, so she just followed along behind him like usual. Honestly, this night couldn't end soon enough.

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[cogentranting]

It’s time for

Favorite Lyrics from every Midnights Song

Lavender Haze I’ve been under scrutiny/ You handle it beautifully

Maroon And I chose you/ the one I was dancing with/ In New York, no shoes

Anti-Hero I’ll stare directly at the sun but never in the mirror but also the entire bridge

Snow on the Beach stars by the pocketful/ you wanting me/ tonight feels impossible

You’re on Your Own Kid I hosted parties and starved my body/ like I’d be saved by a perfect kiss

Midnight Rain Probably just: he was sunshine, I was midnight rain But I also want to shout out: my boy was a montage/ a slow motion, love potion/ jumping off things in the ocean

Question...? ‘cause I don’t remember who I was before/ you painted all my nights/ a color I’ve searched for since

Vigilante Lately, I’ve been dressin’ for revenge or while he was doing lines and crossing all of mine

Bejeweled I made you my world, have you heard?/ I can reclaim the land

Labyrinth  oh no, I’m fallin’ in love again

Karma karma is a cat/ purring in my lap ‘cause it loves me and karma is the thunder/ rattling your ground

Sweet Nothing you say, “what a mind”/ this happens all the time

Mastermind I laid the groundwork, and then/ just like clockwork/ the dominoes cascaded in a line and I swear/ I’m only cryptic and Machiavellian/ ‘cause I care

The Great War my hand was the hand you reached for And soldier down on that icy ground/ looked up at me with honor and truth and the whole song

Bigger than the Whole Sky you were more than just a short time

Paris “Did you see the photos?”/ No, I didn’t, but thanks, though And I’m so in love that I might stop breathing

High Infidelity  put on your records and regret me

Glitch And I'm not even sorry, nights are so starry/ Blood moonlit

Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve Obviously, give me back my girlhood, it was mine first But also: And if I was some paint. did it splatter/ on a promising grown man? 

Dear Reader If you knew where I was walking/ To a house, not a home, all alone 'cause nobody's there/ Where I pace in my pen and my friends found friends who care

[ness-plays-wizards]

Caesar Route Chapter 3 (1-5)

Last time on the Caesar Route, Caesar confesses the truth of his relationship with Zett and literally no one is mad at him, the gang splits up to find Zett and the Star Sapphire, then Hugo shows up and says a bunch of cryptic shit.

The next day or possibly just later that day after the sun rises, the prefect squad + deputy prefects Elias and Yukiya have their own meeting, which Alfonse hosts but Zeus keeps interrupting.

It’s been 5 routes. Let this bullshit superiority complex DIE. 

Despite that, Elias and Yukiya don’t give a shit and everyone agrees that they schooled him. Nice work, writers! For once.

The narrative gives a brief recap of the state of Alfonse, Elias, and Shithead’s relationship from the last route and conveniently leaves out all the reprehensible stuff Shithead did last route. Then, the meeting finally fucking starts and the group splits up to do their work.

Liz, Caesar, Elias, and Yukiya go to the library to find information on the Star Sapphire since this route doesn’t have a convenient pretty boy whose ancestral duty is to guard the doomsday object. Elias and Yukiya start searching the normie shelves while Liz and Caesar head to the restricted section. Liz suggests they search different bookshelves for efficiency, but Caesar is not thinking with his brain at the moment.

Brosky, I don’t think now’s the time for this.

Time passes and they find literally nothing on the Star Sapphire. Elias suggests they try to search the Gedonelune Royal Library. Then, the group decides to split up AGAIN with Elias and Yukiya going to the royal library while Liz and Caesar search the academy for the Star Sapphire. Remy shows up for a progress report and Liz asks him for insight about the Dragonkin, hoping it’ll point them in some kind of direction in their search.

Scheduled for: January 24th

[jonahgarland]

STATS

name: jonah garland age: twenty-six occupation: former journalist / staff @ haus (spa host/receptionist) position: bottom // submissive leaning top kinks: being dominated, roleplay, body worship, daddy kink, praise kink, toys, cum play, roughness, marking, experimenting face claim: nico greetham

BIOGRAPHY

As far as he could remember, Jonah’s life had always been filled with questions, unsolved mysteries he strived to find an answer to. As a child, he was the type to ask questions all day long until his parents would get tired of hearing it. From the mundane (Why can’t I eat ice cream for every meal?) to the weirdly philosophical (Why is there war in the world?), Jonah’s mind questioned everything he saw and experienced, and yet it took him a few years to ask the question that really would be central to his life: The question of who were his biological parents. It had been no secret to him from the start that he had been adopted, but there was little information he had about his genetic origins. His adoptive parents were unable, or unwilling, to share much; supposedly it had been a closed adoption, and nobody actually knew who it was that had given the boy away in the first place. It was a loose end, an unanswered question that would bother Jonah for a long time, much more than he first realized.

Overall, his childhood was happy - sheltered, and a bit quiet maybe, but happy. The town his family lived in was small and sedate, their house modest but at least offering a roof over their heads. In school, Jonah did well, despite showing slightly hyperactive tendencies at times, his curiosity and thirst for knowledge led to decent grades overall. Nonetheless, he lacked a clear destination, missing a goal and purpose in life, and found himself at a loss when it came to applying for college. In the end, it came as a surprise to nobody that he pursued journalism, matching his curious nature and the tendency to ask way too many questions all the time. He did well throughout his studies, eventually settling in a just slightly larger town to work for a local newspaper. A new place to maybe find answers that would make him feel less lost, less incomplete.

However, Jonah never found the answers he truly was looking for - instead, one day they began to find him. He received a letter, unexpected and unannounced - a letter from a lawyer, informing him about his biological father’s passing. Curiously, no name was mentioned in this announcement, just the expression of regret the man had felt over never getting to know his youngest child - a wording that made Jonah take notice. Not only had his unknown father contacted him from beyond the grave, but also left him with one important bit of information, despite how cryptic the latter was: He had a sibling. All of a sudden, the need to find closure on all the unanswered questions about his heritage resurfaced, and Jonah began to do some research.

Trying to keep his own name hidden from whoever he was looking into - assuming his sibling(s) did not know about him yet -, the journalist hired a private investigator to look into the case. It turned out to be surprisingly hard to find the intel on who his biological father actually had been; even after weeks, the PI had not come up with a name, but managed to track some of the money that his father’s lawyer had been sending out for his now deceased client. The most interesting transaction was a fairy impressive sum, sent regularly to a facility calling itself the Haus of Perses - a transaction that was still continuing on, despite his father’s apparent death. Clearly the lawyer was managing the whole family’s account, and it was likely his unknown brother that was sending money to the Haus. The PI followed that lead, reporting to Jonah that the Haus offered men a place to explore their fantasies, a fascinating location that peaked the journalist’s interest even regardless of his own personal connection to one of their clients.

He tasked the investigator with finding a way for him to get invited into the Haus himself; quickly it became clear that becoming a client was a privilege reserved for the rich and famous, and Jonah was neither. So instead, a plan was devised. The PI successfully tracked down one of the Haus’s scouts, and Jonah threw himself head first into a personal mission to be hired. It wasn’t quite an undercover mission, as technically he seeked out the man and the job as himself, though he left out his journalism background or the fact that his brother was connected to the place. Instead, he fully stepped into the world that he was about to enter, trying to let go of inhibitions and embrace the kink. The plan worked; the scout approached him about working for the Haus, and after feigned hesitation, Jonah agreed. He wasn’t quite sure what he was getting into, or how exactly he was going to figure out who his brother was, but the first step had been done, and he was determined to get some answers.

[woagitsasecret]

Wow I'm back did you think that I was gone? I wished upon an axolotl boy what a con! Let's get down to business, the whole reason that I'm here To finish what I started and to make the whole world disappear! I'll control your minds to destroy mankind No matter what I do you all never seem to die!Adam isn't here to save you I've got a name to live up to Let's get spooky now I've got some things to do

You all need a leader so allow me to enslave! Here in my own world, I'm the king, so please behave! Chaos will rain from above and get weird!! I'm a cryptic message of the universe that's feared. Your dimension will be free so that I can do anything, All things are possible when you're hanging out with me! A party that won't end and a host that never dies! This is the time for Rewrite to arise!

Finally on top of your world quite literally Who wouldn't want to live here? It's insanity! No more order, I'm just getting started! We're finally in a place with new waters uncharted.Who cares about the 1st 2nd or the 3rd dimension, When I can bring you 4th 5th and 6th of ascension! Open your eyes peeps and look right into mine Welcome to my world where laws are undefined

You all need a leader so allow me to enslave! Here in my own world, I'm the king, so please behave! Chaos will rain from above and get weird!! I'm a cryptic message of the universe that's feared. Your dimension will be free so that I can do anything, All things are possible when you're hanging out with me! A party that won't end and a host that never dies! This is the time for Rewrite to arise!

This world is my universe everything deranged, Nothing can compare it'll never be the same! Creatures bowing down to me and screaming out my name! Things keep getting weirder meanwhile I am getting meaner, Open up my gates to my heaven and appear! Never bound by laws again and everything is clear

You all need a leader so allow me to enslave! Here in my own world, I'm the king so please behave Chaos will rain from above and get weird!! I'm a cryptic message of the universe that's feared. Your dimension will be free so that I can do anything, All things are possible when you're hanging out with me! A party that won't end and a host that never dies! This is the time for Rewrite to arise!

You all need a leader so allow me to enslave! Here in my own world, I'm the king so please behave Chaos will rain from above and get weird!! I'm a cryptic message of the universe that's feared. Your dimension will be free so that I can do anything, All things are possible when you're hanging out with me! A party that won't end and a host that never dies! This is the time for Rewrite to arise!