#I need to get a squeaky toy because I was getting the intense urge to bite one and squeak it while recording this

[dogboy-dyke]

i would love to hear a barking audio from a puppy so adorable 💜

barks at you barks at you barks at you

[chewiedon]

REGRET | TSUGIKUNI M.

the rq didn't go exactly how it was written, but I had no idea what they were supposed to talk about, taxes?

REQUEST: Y/N has been married to Michikatsu Tsugikuni for 5 years and has lived a happy life with her 2 children and husband. One day, her husband decides to leave all 3 of them behind to join the Demon Slayers, he deeply loved Y/N however his jealousy was far stronger, and thus 2 years pass. On a cold night Y/N sits at the top a cliff near her home, with her oldest child dead due to a monster that attacked their old home at night. She wonders how her husband is doing and amidst her thinking a demon approaches ready to attack. Michikatsu kills it and reveals that he had gone back just 2 months after to discover the house reeking of blood and both his wife and offspring missing, and that he had been searching for them. He offers Y/N his haori/kimono (??) in fear that she will grow cold and they just talk.

You and your family didn’t have much money, but you were happy nonetheless. Your husband was a hard worker that took care of his and yours child, everything was perfect. Another child was due in a few short months, and both you and your eldest were ecstatic. In your point of view, but there was a growing concern in your stomach that continued to plague you the growing days. Your husband, Michikatsu’s brows seemed more furrowed lately, and his training has been frighteningly more intense. At first you didn’t mind, you were glad he was improving on the things he was passionate about! Things only seemed to go downhill from there, to the point where he’d pass out for hours on end from exhausting himself too much.

The afternoon was surprisingly quiet, your toddler sat behind you while you folded clothes. You couldn’t help but eye your husband that laid on a futon that was in the other room. He ended up passing out again after training under the hot summer sun. Before you realized it, you were staring at his unconscious state. A gaze with increasing concern.

“Okaa-chan!” A squeaky voice interrupted your focus, “I’m hungry! Let’s have lunch soon!” The child that sat behind you tugged on the fabric of the kimono.

“Ah, I’m sorry, Yuki. I’ll get some lunch going for us then, what would you like to eat?” You smiled sweetly to the child, before quickly setting the sheet that was in your hands down onto the ground.

“Rice balls! Rice balls! Rice balls!” Yuki cheered behind you, dancing as she did so.

“Shhh, you don’t want to wake Otou-san do you? Let’s let him rest,” You reminded her with a sweet tone, your smile only grew as she put her hands over her mouth.

Soon, the afternoon had come to an end and the day had gotten darker that was accompanied by an evening chill. Yuki was munching on some leftover rice crackers that she had found, enjoying the evening before it got too cold on the engawa. Heavy but quiet footsteps were heard, turning around you were met with the intense eyes of your husband.

“Michikatsu, I’m glad you���re up now. I’ll get started on dinner soon,” You said, looking up to him with a gentle smile present on your face.

He gave you a small hum of agreement before watching you scurry off into the home, leaving him alone with Yuki. Unbeknownst to you, he had a massive burden on his shoulders that was eating at him. With a soft sigh, he took a look at his daughter who stared back at him with wide eyes.

“Yuki-chan, it’s time to come inside,” Michikatsu requested, his voice monotone and dull.

The girl let out a small hum before standing and dusting off her purple kimono, then heading inside, her father following behind the girl. You could be seen starting a fire on the clay furnace that was in the kitchen. The kitchen was hardly that though, it was a small room filled with wood and sticks and a furnace. You were spaced out while looking at the straw and wood that was burning, waiting for the water set above it to start boiling.

“(Y/N)?” A rough voice took your heads out of the clouds, turning your head to look over your shoulder meeting your husbands’ intense eyes once more. “Can I talk to you?” He added.

You let out a small hum, he squatted down to your height where you were crouched close to the floor. He grabbed your face, his fingers around your jawline which forced you to look at his face. You let out a small yelp of surprise when he yanked your face closer to his, the tips of your noses mere millimeters from touching.

“I have to talk to you, it’s important.” Michikatsu said, his voice strict and filled with reason. You couldn’t do anything but clench your jaw in anticipation.

Putting your hand around his wrist to support your weight, “What is it, is something wrong?”

“No, I’m going to leave soon. Final selection is going to start the day after tomorrow. I need to surpass my brother and join the Demon Slayer Corps.” His voice wasn’t as monotone, but took a more serious approach.

You let out a small hum, your brows furrowed in frustration. “So… You’re going to leave?” It was more of a rhetorical question, because you already knew the answer.

“Yes,” His voice and expression were unwavering as he stared deep into your eyes.

“Tomorrow?” You whispered with caution, you couldn’t deny the frustration that was bubbling inside your stomach.

He nodded, and you hummed back. His grip on your jaw loosened allowing you to move and continue with what you were doing before, your husband was leaving. You didn’t want to try and stop him, you respected his wishes to leave and the last thing you wanted to do was hold him back. But… What about you? You had Yuki to take care of and you lived about an hours’ walk away from the closest village. Not to mention you were 3 months expecting another one of Michikatsu’s children. The extra workload seemed stressful, but you should be able to adjust smoothly. Demon slayers make good money if you can do it right, but money shouldn’t come at the risk of your husband's life. Not that he was doing this for money, he was doing it so he could surpass his brother, you decided to respect his wishes. You kept quiet and served him and Yuki dinner, and Michikatsu told the petite girl while she chewed on her wooden spoon.

“Eh? Go away? Where? How long?” Her eyebrow creased, tears swelling in her eyes. Yuki then started to sniffle and rubbed her eyes before her father could answer her, “I don’t want you to leave! It’s no fair!” She claimed.

“I don’t know how long it will be, but I promise to visit when I can. This is really important to me, Yuki.” He paused and waited until Yuki looked at him, “I need you to take care of your mom for me? Can I count on you?”

“Yeah… Yeah,” She was still a sobbing mess, all you could do was smile at the two.

But, why now? Why not a week prior so he could help prepare for you and your daughter instead of just leaving you high and dry. You knew as his wife it was your duty to support him, but you couldn’t help but feel a little negative.

And you had every right to.

How long ago was that? One, maybe two years ago?

You depended on Michikatsu to protect you if something like this were to happen, even though he had no way of doing so. How would he know this would happen? It’s not his fault… So why when your life flashed before your eyes you held on to your vision of Michikatsu.

There was blood, so much blood. You woke up to the blood curdling scream of your eldest daughter, a demon had sunk its teeth into her neck. You shook, and you ran. You grabbed your youngest who cried in fear from the fresh blood of his sister that was on your face.

“Hah? You think you’re going somewhere?!” It sneered at you, dropping Yuki’s lifeless body on the floor as if she was some kind of dog toy. You had your son tucked into your chest and ran as fast as your legs could manage, this unknown adrenaline kicking into your body. It only lasted so long, tripping over a larger rock and falling on your side. You felt a searing tear of the flesh in your leg, the burning sensation of the skin being ripped open. You screamed, hoping some Godsend creature would come and rescue you. Another rush of adrenaline had kicked in as you kicked the monster away with all your might, and the chase had begun once again. You forced your legs to move, you subsided all pain and resisted the urge to limp. Tears made way to your face as you had begun to cry out of fear that this demon would end up taking you and your sons’ life away. Running through the woods, no shoes or socks, you prayed. You prayed for your husband to come back before you died, you’d do anything to see his intense eyes again.

Michikatsu, why did he have to leave? No, it’s not his fault because he didn’t want to live his life in a small shack that stunk of breastmilk. He wanted to live his life. You can respect that, but not now. Your lungs began to become sore, and every part of your body felt like it was on fire. How long have you been running? Is the demon still behind you? You knew if you slowed down or stopped running you probably wouldn’t be able to start running again, you were finally out of the woods and into a big clearing. Long grass that was up to your hips bathed your figure. Your legs went from a sprint to a walk, then crashing onto the floor. Your child’s cries rang in your ears as you tried to soothe it between heavy breaths, you laid on the ground with him in your arms trying to muffle his cries with your chest. You couldn’t hear anything but the now muffled and softer cries of the child, and your own heavy breaths. Your lungs were still on fire, and your body fell completely limp. Your eyelids were beyond heavy, the stinging in your leg pulsing with more pain by the second. Your entire being was numbed from the exhaustion.

Everything was hopeless at this point, you were going to die here from blood loss or that demon is going to come and kill you both. You couldn’t go and get help, and your son was way too young to do anything like that safely.

“(Y/N)?! (Y/N)!” At this point you refused to believe your ears, you lifted your head above the grass to see a tall figure yelling out your name.

Hope swelled in your chest, as you began to recognize that tone more and more. He came. He came back. Michikatsu came back!

“Michi-” You weren’t able to speak or move as a pulse of pain spread throughout your entire body.

“(Y/N), (Y/N)! Where are you?” You raised your hand, it shook in the air as your husband ran to your limp body.

The first thing he did was hold your face to his, touching his cheeks to yours making sure you were real. He held you tightly, but not enough to hurt you.

“Is he okay? Where’s Yuki?” He lifted his head as if to look around you for the small girl.

Grief swelled in your chest, “Gone, the demon got her… I’m so sorry.” Was all you could manage to say, warm tears made their way freely down your cheeks. You whispered bitter apologies over and over to him.

He hummed, stroking the side of your face, “It’s okay, you’re alright and that’s all we need,”

He wrapped his haori around your shoulders once he noticed your shaking. Burying the remains of your eldest daughter was hard, but the hardest part was cleaning out her room where her blood stained the wooden floors. Michikatsu stayed and soothed you the entire time you were crying as you scrubbed her liquids out of the wood. He didn’t know what to do except pat your back and tell you it was going to be okay.

And that’s all you really needed.

[g4rous]

Yuuji Itadori x Reader general (fluff) headcanons

As a Yuuji kinnie I had a strong urge to write this svssvbsv I hope you bbys enjoy 💕

-This boy right here,,

-Lovable dork wrapped around your finger

-When you first started dating he was just as cheerful and goofy as always, except now he has the permission to be lovey dovey with you

-He isn’t too cheesy, but rather really affectionate and giving in a relationship

-You’re definitely getting an attack of kisses and hugs every time he sees you

-Is literally like a puppy in those moments ahhsh he’ll be giving you all his love and care 24/7

-Is open to pda (he just can’t help but smother you in kisses every so often), but is respectful if you’re somewhat shy with it or just not in the mood

-However don’t expect him to forget about it when you come home, because you’ll get an even more intense loving treatment

-Loves nose kisses, cheek kisses, forehead kisses and just kissing in general

-He can’t help it, your face is just so cute and irresistible to him and he can’t leave it be without planting a few kisses here and there

-Is really good at it too. They’re so loving and warm, you can just feel his love, even from a small peck

-But if you’re in the mood for something more rough and passionate he’s in and enthusiastic about it for sure

-Often whispers/ chuckles simple, but sweet words while he’s doing it

-“Stop being so adorable”

-“Your lips are so soft”

-“I know I kissed you like fifteen times already but can I give you some more?”

-And will definitely be staring at you with those cute ass puppy eyes of his and a goofy grin

-He loves starting the day with you both hanging out and isn’t picky about it at all, whether you’re in front of the school just leaning against each other and chatting, or sitting somewhere and drinking tea/coffee he’ll be overjoyed to have you near him

-But his all time fave way to hang out with you is.. watching movies

-Be it the cinema or at each other’s place, movie nights with you are a special thing to him

-He’d be so enthralled, so much he would cancel any other plans he had with no hesitation

-“Ahh sorry Fushiguro-kun, I won’t make it tonight but I hope you and the others have fun!”

-And he’d give a pretty lame and shady explanation, everybody is sure he’s on a date with you

-However if you’re feeling social enough to go out with him and all his friends, he’ll be blissed!

-Still, you two cuddling together and eating popcorn while watching movies is a must

-Also loves food dates

-Going to new restaurants, fast food places, pizzerias...  you name it, he’ll be hyped

-You always have an awesome time with his silliness and food commentary

-Speaking of which, he’ll be happy to cook for you! He isn’t a picky eater at all, so whatever you’re up for he won’t be complaining at all

-Would love to make you breakfast in bed and overall would always try to make sure you’re eating enough and hydrated (sweetheart,,)

-Really appreciates it if you help him study or study along with him

-But be careful not to get too distracted by his constant goofing off and jokes

-He may even start tickling you out of nowhere just because he wants to hear your cute laughter

-If you’re prone to goofball energy like him (even a little) it’s crackhead vibes almost 24/7

-He could be just doing grocery shopping with you and he’ll see a weird ass looking product and just starts laughing like a dork

-Bonus if you start throwing pads and squeaky toys at each other

-On the rare days where he’s not feeling himself, you’ll notice a slight change in behavior and tone, though only people who know him good would notice it

-Most of the time he would just smile and shrug it off because he doesn’t want to be a bother, but if you gently show him that you would gladly hear out anything he has going on, it will be greatly appreciated

-Don’t hesitate to give him a hug or a kiss and hold his hand softly at such times. It may even give him a push to say what he’s got on his mind that’s bothering him

-Always snuggles close to you and hugs you tight when you try to help him and listen to him

-Your care means so much to him, and he’s feeling lucky to have you by his side

-Also, cuddling with him is heaven

-He’s like a heater and will wrap around you so you don’t even need a blanket

-Loves stroking your hair while planting soft kisses on your head

-Bonus: loves to see you wearing/sleeping in his clothes and hoodies <3

[news-mashable-yahoopartner-blog]

13 household items you definitely shouldn't use to masturbate

May is National Masturbation Month, and we're celebrating with Feeling Yourself, a series exploring the finer points of self-pleasure.

I don't know who needs to hear this, but toothpaste is not a substitute for lube. 

Sometimes, left to our own devices, us humans will do stupid things — especially when horny. After scouring forums on which people described their weirdest masturbating tools (a lot of plastic baggies, a lot of doll parts?), I've put together a handy guide for what not to use when you're horny at home. 

Homebody horndogs, this list is for you. Be careful out there. 

1. Jar of peanut butter 

Guys, don't go chasing jars of Skippy. That's just fucking nuts.

Screw the cap back on and walk away.

Image: Getty Images / Austin Benight / EyeEm

2. Vacuum 

Cleaning equipment isn't the best idea for your equipment. Depending on your vacuum, there's potential for mangling— some have a blade right inside the tube, designed to chop larger bits and pieces so it doesn't clog. According to The British Medical Journal, there have been numerous instances of penis-in-vacuum disasters. Also, the intense suction could leave blisters. Not to mention it's a device used to suck dust and dirt off of your floor. Your Dyson and your Johnson aren't friends.

Pleasure doesn't exist in a vacuum. You can find it almost anywhere, just not here.

Image: Getty Images / Bertrand Demee

3. A knife handle

While the handle of your Mercer Culinary 10-inch Chef's Knife might look fit for insertion, it's not. The last thing you want to do is show up to the ER with bloody hands because you were "trying to masturbate with a knife." Cut it out! 

Perhaps a spatula would be a better option?

Image: Getty Images / mailmyworkdd

4. Anything wooden 

What's worse than a splinter? A splinter in your vagina or butthole. Don't use any wooden items around the house— a baseball bat, a spoon, etc.— unless, of course, it's a wooden dildo, made for the one specific purpose of pleasure. Who says men are the only ones that are allowed to sport wood? Wooden dildo makers, apparently. 

Ah, nature.

Image: Getty Images / ChiccoDodiFC

5. A dog's toy 

I'd imagine that getting off with a brightly colored plastic, possibly squeaky toy would be annoying more than anything. However, in addition to bacteria, you run the risk of your dog trying to reclaim what was once theirs. Fetch yourself a vibrator.

Imagine your dog walking in on you using its toy as a dildo. The shame!

Image: Getty Images / Emilija Manevska

6. A rolled up magazine

Arguably worse than a splinter is a paper cut. Don't risk your bits for an issue of Vanity Fair, even if Beto O'Rourke is on the cover.  

You think a paper cut on your pinky is bad?

Image: Getty Images / aroax 

7. Soap

PSA for anyone with genitals: soap is for cleaning, not creaming. The ingredients in a majority of body soaps aren't intended to be dispatched inside of genitals, especially over a period of time. While you might end up with gleaming genitals, they'll also be burning. 

The face of a man with soap in his urethra.

Image: Getty Images / gilaxia 

8. A toothbrush

Like many orthodontia related items, toothbrushes (especially the bristled side) are no good for achieving orgasm. After all, it's just a stick of plastic that's been sitting in your bathroom. In that aspect, it's not much different from using the handle on a plunger.   

You can tell she's thinking about it. I just hope she doesn't go through with it.

Image: Getty Images / kicsiicsi

9. Toothpaste 

Your sexual organs aren't at risk of getting cavities, so don't let a tube of Crest anywhere near them. That cooling mint sensation? Not so cool down there.

An accurate depiction of where toothpaste is supposed to go: on a toothbrush.

Image: Getty Images  /  Georgijevic

10. The couch

If you live alone, go for it. But most of us don't have a couch we can freely hump. This can be found in the The Code of Roommates Who Don't Jizz On Shared Furniture Handbook under clause #2872. 

Yes, the robot is drinking scotch and enjoying a cigar on the couch, but at least it's not masturbating.

Image: Getty Images / Javier Pierini

11. Peppers

I'm not sure what would compel someone to willfully use a pepper to obtain an orgasm, but if you are compelled, pause. Think about what this could do to your body. You're (hopefully) not an arsonist, so why are you trying to burn it down there?

Don't fall victim to a burning vagina.

Image: Getty Images / Vera Tikhonova

If you are still feeling compelled, here you'll find a story of a 24-year-old Margaret who absentmindedly touched herself after making chili. She barely survived. But the chili was good! So there's that. 

SEE ALSO: 10 different but equally enjoyable kinds of masturbation sessions

12. A pie

We've all seen American Pie, the movie that is aptly named for its iconic scene in which actor Jason Biggs goes to town with an apple pie. No need to recreate that scenario, though. You'll just end up with a big mess and short one perfectly good pie. 

He resisted the urge to violate the pie! And now he's enjoying a slice... on the floor!

Image: Getty Images / dtp

13. Cucumbers

I know, I know, you thought the list would end without a mention of cucumbers, the seemingly innocent phallic vegetable. While it's probably the most tame item on this list, it's not ideal because of the potential germs involved. The risk of bacteria just isn't worth it. If you can get past putting a condom on a cucumber, then all the power to you. 

This cucumber doesn't seem to be in the mood.

Image: Getty Images / VladimirFLoyd

Next time you're looking around the house for something to pleasure yourself with, just use a toy made for sexual play. Or your hand. Just make sure you wash your hands after making anything involving peppers.

WATCH: Usually you shouldn't mix business with pleasure, unless it's with this keyboard waffle iron

[spilledinkscribe-blog]

Almost Broken: Chapter Two

Going back was like a dream. She barely remembered packing or leaving her apartment or getting into the taxi. She barely remembered the drive to the airport or standing at the ticket counter to check in. She was merely floating along, a puppet guided by Alistair’s strings. She sat beside him in the terminal, her eyes downcast, silent. When Alistair slid an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close, she could barely repress her shudder at his touch.

“You’re quiet,” he said. “After half a year apart, don’t you feel like we have a lot of catching up to do?”

She just shrugged. She didn’t want to talk, she didn’t want to be there, with him. She just wanted to be back at her job, taking calls from irritated and complaining customers and sharing stories of the particularly bad ones with her co-workers. With Alistair next to her, it already felt like that had been another life, one that happened a long time ago, to someone else. She could feel his eyes on her, watching her, and she glanced towards him.

He was as handsome then as he’d been the first time she’d seen him in that university lecture hall. He’d been sitting in the back of the room, laughing at something someone had said, and when she caught sight of his smile, she couldn’t help but stare. She’d thought she’d go unnoticed, it was a large, crowded room, after all, but she must have been more obvious than she’d realized, because his blue eyes caught hers and she quickly turned away, her cheeks starting to burn an embarrassed pink. When she dared to glance back again, he was still looking down at her with an intensity that made her shiver. He smiled, then, a small expression that just barely turned up the corners of his mouth, and Phee ducked her head, embarrassed.

She tried to rush out as soon was class was over. Part of her scolded herself, telling her that it was silly to get so flustered over a stranger who happened to catch her checking him out, but the rest of her was saying to run, that she’d made enough of a fool out of herself and it would only get worse if he did end up wanting to talk. She’d made it halfway to the door, stuck in a stream of slow moving students, when she felt someone tap her lightly on the shoulder.

“Excuse me?” Said a deep, rich voice from behind.

It matched him so perfectly that she didn’t have to see him to know it was the guy she’d been staring out. Phee almost couldn’t bring herself to turn and debated whether it would be too inconspicuous to just keep moving and act like she didn’t hear or feel him.

“Hey,” he said, and there was a note of amusement in his voice.

Phee bit her lip and peeked over her shoulder. He was taller than she’d expected, standing easily a full head and shoulders over her, and when he knew he had her attention, his sharp features lit up with a grin.

“Yes?” She asked, trying to keep it nonchalant. She hadn’t stopped moving, hoping that if she could just get out of the class, she could make her escape before he asked her to explain why she’d been ogling at him.

“I don’t think I’ve seen you before. Are you new?” He was keeping step with her, making it awkward for her to hurry ahead.

“Uh, no, well, yes, it’s my first year, but I’ve been in class all semester,” she said. For feeling like her tongue was twisted, she sure was managing to ramble a lot.

“Right. Guess it’s hard to notice everyone right away with how big the class is.”

She nodded and turned around again, praying that that would be the end of it. Phee wasn’t exactly a social butterfly and small talk had never been something she was good at. Even if he hadn’t been so good looking, she’d still have been flustered with this sudden attempt at conversation, but adding his good looks into the mix was a recipe for disaster. She tried unsuccessfully to put some other students between herself and him, but he never seemed more than a step or two behind her.

“What’s your name?” He asked as they finally (and mercifully, she thought) neared the exit.

“Um, Phee,” she answered over her shoulder.

“Is that short for something?”

Why was he being so persistent? Surely he’d caught girls giving him a good once over before. It wasn’t like she’d been doing anything particularly noteworthy, no flood of drool, no beating hearts where her eyes should have been. It was starting to feel a bit like he was toying with her. The more uncomfortable she became, the more delight he took in it, was that it? Phee shouldered her way past a pair of particularly slow walkers and practically burst out into the open air corridor. Fall was fast giving way to winter and she hugged her jacket tightly around herself to ward off a chilly wind.

“Well?”

She winced when she realized he was still behind her.

“Huh?” She said dumbly.

“Your name, is it short for anything?”

“Ophelia,” she said, bustling along down the hall and hoping he’d get the point.

“Oh, like from Hamlet?”

Apparently not.

“I guess?”

The bus stop would be coming up soon, she would have to stop to wait for it. A quick look at her watch told her she’d have about five minutes before the next bus pulled through. He wasn’t just going to stand at the curb with her and wait, was he?

“Alistair,” he did indeed come to a standstill once she’d stepped under the cover of the bus shelter. “That’s my name, in case you were wondering.”

She might actually have been wondering that if her thoughts weren’t already preoccupied with how close he was standing. She could smell his cologne, fresh and clean and masculine, somehow, and she had to resist the conflicting, but equally powerful urges to take a deep, long breath or to run away. Without registering that she was doing it, she had backed herself into the corner of the shelter and was pressed against the glass. Alistair had remained in front of her, coming so near that they were almost touching, and had leaned against the wall, his arms folded over his chest. Suddenly, she found herself feeling quite warm despite the cold.

“Are you ok?” He asked, one brow raising slightly.

“Yeah, fine. Uh, is this your bus, too?” Was her voice always so high pitched and squeaky? She cleared her throat and tried to shuffle off to the side, putting some much needed space between the two of them.

“No,” he chuckled, “I was just following you. I saw you looking at me in class.”

“Oh, sorry, you just looked like someone else,” she hoped it sounded more convincing to him that it did to her.

“No, it’s fine. To be honest, I’m glad I noticed. Like I said, I hadn’t seen you before, which is odd. Usually I’m quick to spot a pretty girl.”

He delivered the line so smoothly that it took Phee a moment to realize what he’d said and, when she did, she had to try and hide her surprised snort in her hand. Ok, now she knew he was just messing with her. While Phee didn’t think of herself as ugly, she also didn’t think she was attractive either. Plain jane, girl next door, that was her aesthetic. Besides, that was so cheesy sounding that it was hard to take him seriously anyway.

He smiled again at her reaction, a touch of self deprecation in the expression.

“Did that come that badly?” He asked, rubbing the back of his neck. “I guess I’m a bit out of practice.”

“No, it’s, um, well, thanks,” she said, unsure of what else to say.

“I promise I’m not always so off,” Alistair said and she didn’t doubt him. Even when he was trying to act self conscious, it was coming off with a touch of confidence, like he knew even if he weren’t saying the exact right thing, it didn’t matter. “Well, when all else fails, it’s best just to be straightforward. So, Ophelia, how about giving me your number?”

Her blush returned in full and she stammered, trying to make herself form actual words instead of just nonsensical noises. Alistair just smiled and waited for her to be done before pulling a scrap of paper and a pen out from his pocket and offering it to her. She stared down at it a moment, hesitant and still wondering if he was just playing around with her, and then took it. She scrawled her number down quickly, before she could second guess herself, and practically threw it back at him as the bus pulled up. She hurried on to it, leaving him standing in the bus shelter, watching her go with her number held in his fist.

The first thing she’d done when she got home was call Cat, who demanded to know every detail about her encounter with Alistair. For Cat, who had married her high school sweetheart as soon as they turned eighteen some months before, this was the closest she was going to get to reliving the excitement of a new potential romance. They’d giggled and discussed the possibilities, even the less than pleasant ones wherein Alistair turned out to an ass who was just having some fun with a dumb freshman, and Phee found herself getting just a tiny bit excited despite all of her reservations.

A gentle shake of her shoulder snapped Phee out of her reverie and she found Alistair standing over her. The airport was busier now, filled with luggage laden people trying to get from one place to another as fast as they could. A line had formed at the attendant’s desk and people were slowly shuffling down the boarding ramp.

“They called out row,” he said, holding out a hand.

She stood up without taking it and stepped around him. His arm snaked around her waist, however, and she was once again tugged against his side.

“Don’t be difficult, Ophelia,” she could feel his warm breath on her ear. “We’ve only just been reunited. Can’t we just enjoy it for a while?”

The way he tightened his hold on her, his fingers digging almost painfully into her waist, was warning enough. She nodded once, stiffly, and allowed him to lead her towards the airline agent, who tore their tickets and welcomed them to first class.

Phee got one final look over her shoulder before she was swallowed up by the ramp and then the plane. One final look at how far she had managed to come before he’d found her. One final look at freedom.