#I needed an excuse to finally use that reaction image
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the--blackdahlia · 30 days ago
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Wild Horses (Beetlejuice x Reader)
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Title: Wild Horses
Summary: Lydia keeps summoning Beetlejuice away from (Y/n) right when they get to the good part. He wants to know why.
Warning: Hinted sexual content, body image issues
“Mmm babes, you smell delicious,” Beetlejuice started kissing behind (y/n)’s ear, smirking at the reaction he was getting from her. They were both on her bed, where they had been listening to music and talking, but now, Beetlejuice had other things in mind.
“Beej, the door’s open,” (Y/n) was trying to find an excuse to get him to stop. She wanted to go on, she really liked him, but insecurities had a tendency to get the best of her. Beetlejuice snapped his fingers and the door shut, the loud creaking of the hinges echoing down the hall.
“There, that’s taken care of,” He went back to kissing (Y/n)’s neck.
“Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice!” He heard Lydia summon him. With a loud groan, he left (Y/n)’s side and appeared in the dining room, where Lydia, Barbara, and Adam were set around the table.
“What is so fucking important?!” He snapped.
“We need a fourth for cards. Matilda’s at work.” Beetlejuice stood there for a second, just staring at her. She swore she could see the red spreading across his ashy skin.
“YOU FUCKING SUMMONED ME TO PLAY CARDS?!” He exploded, and the Maitlands could practically see smoke coming out of his ears.
“Yes I did. Now come sit,” Lydia was calm, used to Beetlejuice’s tantrums. She had even set up a little corner in a couple of the rooms for him to throw tantrums in. Matilda had even made signs for them during craft night at the library. Beetlejuice grumbled but took a seat across from Lydia.
“Five card stud? Texas Hold ‘Em? Stripping?” Beetlejuice wiggled his eyebrows.
“We’re playing Spades,” Barbara smiled at him, and Beetlejuice groaned.
“You pulled me away from a fucking sexy woman…to play Spades?”
“Yep. Adam’s dealer first,” Lydia gave Beetlejuice a shit-eating grin. Beetlejuice let out the most annoyed groan before picking up his cards to play the game.
****
That’s how things went over the next few weeks. Every time Beetlejuice started to get intimate, Matilda or Lydia would summon him away from (Y/n). It was really starting to annoy him, especially when he would go back to pick up where he left off and (Y/n) would be asleep or otherwise preoccupied.
Finally, after Lydia pulled him away to go have lunch with Matilda, he just about had enough.
“Why do you keep doing this shit to me Lyds?” He grumbled as the three sat in the parking lot of the Subway close to their house.
“Can’t I just spend time with my friend?” She sounded so innocent, but he knew there was something deeper behind her words.
“You never wanted to do that all the time until I got with (Y/n). So what’s up?” Matilda and Lydia looked at each other.
“Maybe we should tell him,” Matilda took a bite of her Miss Vickie’s.
“Okay, okay,” Lydia took a drink before turning to look at Beetlejuice. “(Y/n) hates the way her body looks. And she’s worried that you’ll find her repulsive.”
“...She does realize I’m a dead guy, right?” Beetlejuice looked at Lydia and Matilda like they had two heads. “I mean, she would legit be fucking a zombie pretty much.”
“Gross,” Matilda commented, making Beetlejuice roll his eyes.
“That’s it. I’ve got to fix this,” Beetlejuice had a look in his eye as ideas came pouring in. He knew what he needed to do.
****
“I’m home!” (Y/n) called out, carrying groceries in. “Hello?” The house was eerily silent. (Y/n) looked at the fridge and saw a note from Lydia.
‘Date night with Matilda. Be back late. -Lydia’
“Hmmm, okay,” She worked on putting groceries away. “Beej, you home?” She called out but didn’t hear him. She sighed and grabbed the drink she had bought herself and headed up the stairs to her room to read and relax.
Upon approaching her door, she could hear what sounded to be the Rolling Stones playing. Pushing open the door, she saw Beetlejuice sitting on her bed, guitar in hand, with dead flowers surrounding him. He was singing, but it sounded more like Mick Jagger than him.
“Wild horses. Couldn't drag me away. Wild, wild horses. Couldn't drag me away,” Beetlejuice sang to (Y/n). She sat her drink on her desk and walked towards him. He stopped playing when she saw by him.
“What’s all this about?” She picked up one of the dying daises and slipped it on top of her ear.
“I thought it’d be…romantic?” He couldn’t stop staring at her. “You’re beautiful.”
“Beej…”
“Nope. No arguing with me. I mean,” The guitar disappeared as he stood up. “I’m literally a dead guy. And you are the most beautiful breather I’ve ever seen.”
“Guess we’ll just have to agree to disagree on this one,” (Y/n) was suddenly taken aback when Beetlejuice took her face in his hands.
“We’re not leaving this room until I prove to you that you are beautiful,” He got a wicked smile on his face. “And babe, I can go all night.”
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yuriisclumsy · 4 months ago
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After I read that Cale x flirty reader!!..I screamed..Like oh my!!.. Can I make a request where is the enemy to lovers?.. Like the reader is a villain who likes to flirt with Cale every time they meet. In addition, this reader is shameless.. Definitely a mess dan chaotic 🤣🤣🤣.. And the reader kisses Cale on the cheek before she leaves saying 'Next time we meet, I'll ask for the size of your ring finger, Bye baby.".. I want to see Cale and the many reactions too..Bye author
Take care of yourself 😘
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Villains Have a Heart Too, Y'know
𝚆𝚘𝚛𝚍 𝙲𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝: 1,355
»»►When I got this request I was surprised many people liked Flirty Reader!
»»►I went off a bit from the request, but what can I do? When a good plot just pops up I have to follow it, no matter if it has little to do with the request. Still, I do try to make it as closely to the asker's request.
»»►I feel like, for this scenario, it would take place in the Whooper Kingdom–you’ll know why once you read.
»»►On another note, [Name] has had encounters with Cale ever since he somehow got transmigrated into the world of Birth of a Hero. The man is tired. But let’s be real, when is he not?
»»►Cale just has to deal with another headache-giving-maniac sadly.
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Metals were crashing.
The clash between steel signified a battle taking place. Brutal forces wrestle against each other for dominion. 
Fighting for power. It has always been like this.
Walls and towers, buildings–whether high or low–cumbled due to the aggressiveness of battle. Many scurried off to safety, finding a safe place to hide until the warfare concluded with its victors.
In the Whopper Kingdom, where mages were deemed to be spans of evil, stood a woman of great talent. She was a genius in her field, with masses tittling her: “The Grand Magician.”
The Grand Magician had been a force not to be reckoned with ever since her ascension through the Magic Tower. Which is why she is the main target for the Rebellion; Toonka's sworn enemy.
“Come back here witch!” a wounded man yelled.
“Awww, is little Toonka unable to land a hit?” the girl said. She giggled at the man’s inability to harm her.
“Why, you little sh-t! AHHH!” The man–Tookan–charged at her with fists fully ready to punch her. He missed by a large margin.
“You missed me!~” the girl taunted Toonka. She had been flying on a broom this whole time, using spells to her advantage, without fully killing the barbaric man. She had the power to eliminate her opponent, but she found more joy from playing with her food.
She laughed at Toonka’s poor excuse of attacks.
“Get down here you demon-incarnate!”
“My my, that insult is far too sophisticated for you! Did you finally grow a brain?”
“I alway had a brain you b-tch!” Toonka leaped in the air in anger, and missed her once again.
“What foul language,” the mage manifested a staff, “I should teach you some manners!” Twirling her staff summoned a ray of spells; casting lighting in the field—all which Toonka managed to avoid. How lucky.
“Damn you woman!” Toonka screamed as he barely missed a bolt.
“Hehehe…HAHAHAHA!” The girl laughed hysterically with tears in her eyes. She loved to see people from above, scramble like ants.
“Hahaha...ahhh. Dear me, I haven’t had this much fun in a while,” she said, wiping away a tear that had formed.
An orb suddenly appeared next to the mage flashing in alert.
“Hmmm…” in amusement she took it into her hands, one hand gracefully waving above it. An image appeared on the sphere; a red haired male was shown through the ball—he seems to be inside the Magic Tower.
“Dear me, if it isn't my sweet love,” she looks at Toonka after making the crystal ball disappear, “sorry, little Toonka, seems our playtime needs to be paused and rescheduled to a later date. Hope you can keep entertaining me. Ta ta~”
Casting a spell, she disappeared slowly to the disgust of the man she bid farewell to.
She had done it on purpose.
“GET BACK HERE YOU WRETCH!”
The twentieth floor, the master of the magic tower’s room.
“I-I thought I was going to die…!!”
A young mouse-dwarf child had almost seen his soul ascending to the heavens above a few seconds prior, when his tiny body was lifted off the ground and flew to the top of the magic tower.
He stepped back trying to ground himself. He bumped into someone, making him turn around apologetically.
“I-I’m sorry,” he turned around only to see a cat.
“Meoow.”
His eyes meet the gaze I casted at him.
“...”
“Ah.”
How awkward.
“There is one more floor in the magic tower,” the kid said, diverting his embarrassing moment. 
“Then is the twenty-first floor the master's room?” I, in all my mercy, went on with my business like nothing happened. This was much appreciated by the boy.
“No, that’s not what we call it.”
“Then what do you call it?” I questioned him.
The real room of the master of the magic tower. A place that even the non-wizard alliance hasn’t found; a room no one knew the existence of.
At Least, that was the only thing that was stated in Birth of a Hero.
“Ground Zero,” a high pitched voice responded.
“We call it Ground Zero.”
It doesn't belong to the child, nor could it have come from him–since he didn’t know the room's actual name–the cats did not speak in this form, they knew better than that.
I can recognize that voice even if I become half deaf…
“[Name]...” I called the name of the intruder, facing her as she appeared from a mist that manifested out of thin air.
“Hello,” She smiled innocently, “it’s been a while…dear Cale.”
I stare at her with a suspicion of a hundred detectives. “What are you doing here?”
The children recoil behind me. The mouse: scared out of his mind; The cats: hissing at the intruder.
She had been causing nothing but wreck since the day I met her.
“Awww… did you not miss me?” She pouted.
“No.” I said bluntly.
In truth, although she is destructive, she’s never killed anyone. She may act like an evil witch, but she’ll alway cast barriers to protect.
The reason she acts like she does is still a mystery, even to me.
“Bo-hoo…” She pouted. She quickly got over it and spoke, “So, Want the treasure of this tower now? You know, if you called for me beforehand, I would have shown you the way.”
“Then take me there.”
“Nope,” She smiled teasingly at me. Honestly…can’t I just have a day without a headache. “If I did, you would just leave right after, leaving me all alone in this empty tower.”
“Then what do you propose?” I inquired.
“Well… I want to join your little fiasco.”
“*HISS*” the cats hissed at her. They really don’t like her.
I narrowed my eyes on her. I can’t deny that she would be really useful if she joined us. But on the contrary, the people of the anti-wizard organization would look at us in a not so good light. Tonka is my main problem. If I let her in, Toonka will follow me until the end of the world for, quote-on-quote, “betraying him.”
I don’t need more problems. But his majesty would kill me if he found out I didn’t recruit her in. Luck isn't on my side this time.
“You can join.”
“Oh, I knew you wouldn't let me—wait, what?” she paused, looking at me incredulously. “What did you say?”
“I said you can join,” I repeated.
“...”
“...”
“...”
“I CAN JOIN?!?!?!?”
We flinched back.
Jeez… Wasn’t it her idea in the first place? Why is she acting like this after I said yes? Honestly… I’ll never understand a woman’s mind.
“..yes,” I said slowly to not ignite another yell.
She jumped up and down while squealing in excitement.
“Oh, I have to go and pack my things!” she summoned her staff, with a swing in the air she started to disappear the same way she appeared. “See you soon love! Next time I’ll ask for your ring size!~”
“Oh, and little Mueller?” she spoke to the boy hiding behind me.
“Yes..!” he shrieked.
“Open up Ground Zero for Cale, will you?” She then fully vanished.
“*sigh…*” I turn to look at Mueller. “Well? Are you going to open ground zero, or not?”
“Ah! Y-yes, right away!” he scurried off to do what he was told.
What have I gotten myself into?
"Human, do you want me to obliviate her?"
"No!"
Fin
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Master-List
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Closed Position: Week 4 (Jive Part 1)
Closed Position Masterlist ||| Main Masterlist Dieter Bravo x OFC (Katarina)
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Series Summary: Dieter Bravo, now sober, was looking to change his bad boy image after hitting rock bottom. His team hoped that having him join the nationally televised family friendly dance competition, Dancing with the Stars, would be a good first step, if they can keep him out of trouble. 
Katarina Stamos expected her last season as a professional dancer on the show to go the same as it had for the past thirteen seasons. That all changed when she was partnered with the infamous Dieter Bravo. 
Dieter and Katarina are reluctantly thrown into their partnership and must learn to work together to succeed in the competition. In the process they form a deeper connection beyond the dance floor that neither anticipated.
Chapter Word Count: 12.1k
👉 Warnings: Themes dealing with intimate partner violence, past alcohol abuse, and past drug abuse. There will be fluff, tears, spicy language, and smut. This will be a slow burn. Read at your own risk. Dieter Bravo comes with his own warnings.
👉 Chapter Warnings: Dieter being Dieter. Gratuitous use of the "f" word and talk about Dieter’s member. Cat and Plant dad Dieter cuteness. Brief mentions of intimate partner violence (more protective Dieter).
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Chapter Quote: "It’s gonna be a real test of your stamina."
Katarina’s POV
I was taken aback by Dieter’s reaction to Alec’s attempted apology. I knew he had been upset about the incident, but I wasn’t expecting an outright dismissal from him. There was, however, a small part of me that was internally cheering over it. No one had ever challenged Alec like this, and he deserved every bit of it after how he had behaved.
I could tell Dieter was upset when he left the staging area, and I wasn’t buying his excuse of not feeling well. I assumed he just didn’t want to be around Alec. Once I was finally able to slip away from Alec to go check on Dieter, I was shocked to find that he was avoiding me. Something told me that he was hiding out in his dressing room. He wouldn’t come to the door, and he wouldn’t answer my calls or texts. After several minutes of asking around if anyone had seen him, Alec found me. He insisted it was time to head home since the show was over because he felt we needed to spend some time together. I was annoyed with his pushy behavior but relented. I knew it was the right thing to do if I wanted to work on our relationship. As I was walking to my car, I could see that Dieter’s was still in its spot, so he definitely hadn’t left.
On my drive home, I tried calling Dieter again. Still no answer. I had a terrible feeling in the pit of my gut that was making me uneasy. I was half tempted to blow Alec off and drive straight to Dieter’s house to wait for him to get home. I glanced in my rear-view mirror as I waited at a red light. I could see Alec in his car behind me. It looked like he was talking to someone on speakerphone. I couldn’t help wondering who he would be talking to right now. The sick feeling I was having seemed to get a little worse with that thought. I suddenly felt like I was making all of the wrong decisions today and didn’t fully understand why.
Once we got to my house, I started making dinner. I had leftovers we could have eaten, but I saw it as an opportunity to avoid Alec for a little longer while he sat on the couch watching TV. I didn’t say much while we ate. He was doing enough talking for the both of us. He made sure to tell me how the “guys” were bugging him about going out tonight, but he would rather spend time with me instead. He also made a point to say he was avoiding them so he wouldn’t be pressured into drinking. If it was actually true, then good for him, but honestly, it sounded rehearsed and disingenuous. It felt like he was trying to say all the right things to placate me. At this point, I felt so jaded by him, I realized that I couldn’t really believe a word he said. Why did I do this to myself? I had an out. I should have taken it. 
When we were finished eating, I did the dishes. Then, without a word, I went to take a shower, locking the bathroom door behind me. The shower lasted way longer than it should have, but the warm water was soothing and worked the tension out of my body. My mind wandered back to Dieter. I couldn’t understand why he was ignoring me like this. It was so unlike him. 
I stood under the shower head, frozen in place as I stared at the wall, thinking back to the previous week. The time that I had spent with Dieter outside of the dance studio had been so refreshing. I quickly realized that I liked being with him while doing mundane things. He always seemed to be in a good mood and genuinely seemed to enjoy his time with me. Even doing something as simple as going to the pet store with him was enjoyable and honestly, had my stomach in a flutter the entire time. 
That feeling only intensified when he asked me over to his place. A little voice in my head told me that going over there might not be a good idea, like it was stepping over some invisible line that had been drawn between us. I entertained the thought for mere seconds before charging over that line without looking back as I agreed to his plans. 
That voice shouted at me once again when I saw the incoming facetime call from him as I was lying in bed that night after leaving the pet store. I wasn’t expecting him to call after sending a text to check in on the new cat food. I hesitated, watching it ring for what seemed like an eternity before finally accepting the call. I forgot my words as I took in his appearance. It looked like he was shirtless, and his hair was more disheveled than normal, like he had been tugging at it with his fingers. I briefly wondered if it would look like that after I ran my hands through it, or would it be worse? We both silently stared at each other through the screen for several seconds before he spoke up and finally snapped me out of my trance.  
As usual, he kept me laughing during our call. Dramatically complaining about the cat tree he was struggling to put together. I offered to help him with it before I even realized what I was saying. He propped his phone up to free his hands and give me a wide view of what he was doing. Who knew that watching a very attractive shirtless actor put together a cat tree could be so captivating? I kept getting distracted by the soft waves of hair hanging down over his eyes as he worked, or the way the muscles in his arms and chest would tighten as he pushed down on and twisted the screwdriver, or the way his gym shorts would ride up his thighs when he would squat down to pick something up. 
Fucking hell Kat, this is not the time to be getting hot and bothered. The guy is avoiding you. I huffed, feeling frustrated with myself for allowing my mind to go down that path right now. It probably didn’t help that I hadn’t actually done anything to scratch that itch in a while. 
Once out of the shower, I got ready for bed. I was still feeling a little worked up, so when Alec crawled into bed behind me and began to suggestively rub my back and kiss down the side of my neck, I gave in. Turning my head to kiss him as his hand roamed my body, eventually slipping down the front of my shorts to rub at my center. I wiggled against him, attempting to guide him to the right spot, but failed. Jesus Christ, this guy needs a fucking map and a compass. How is he still this clueless? Out of frustration, I grabbed his hand and guided him to where it needed to be. He mistook the action for eagerness, pushing my hand away and telling me that I could come when he was ready for me to - that he was going to take care of me. Like that's gonna happen at this rate. It seemed more like a half-assed attempt to please me just so he could get what he wanted. 
The longer he went on doing whatever the fuck it was he was doing, the more my mood soured. I could tell he was getting frustrated that I was taking too long. I could have faked it like I often did for his sake, but instead, I stopped him. Suggesting that we just go to bed, citing that I was too tired from the long day of filming and that it was making it hard for me to fully get into it. He wasn’t happy about it, but agreed, turning over to shut off the lights as he settled in on the opposite side of the bed.  
I wasn’t sure how much longer I could do this with him. His actions didn’t align with his words most of the time and I still couldn’t trust him. Also, he fucking sucked in bed. At one time, I had been willing to overlook that, but now it was beyond frustrating. Especially since it seemed more about his needs rather than both of ours and his unwillingness to try and make it better for me. 
I laid there in silence, listening to Alec’s breathing deepen and eventually turn into soft snores. I couldn’t help letting my mind wander back to Dieter. I really hoped he was OK. The more I thought about it, the more upset he seemed. There was something about the look in his eyes that scared me. Did something else happen that I didn’t know about? I really hoped he hadn’t been triggered by something that was possibly threatening his sobriety. 
My mind began to file through the memories of the last few days. Particularly our evening together at his house. It was now clear to me that he was a very sensitive person. I could tell that from being in his home, among his things, his paintings, and after seeing the way he cared for his plants and Zee. I briefly wondered if perhaps his feelings for me were evolving like mine seemed to be for him. It felt like there had been some serious tension between us that night. I had even caught myself flirting a little, and he was possibly reciprocating it. The way he had looked at me and touched me as he was getting into the cabinet caused my breath to catch in my throat. In that brief moment, I considered what it would be like to grab him and kiss him, but the moment passed as I somehow managed to talk some sense into myself.
There were several things that he had said to me that day that seemed to be flirting, but this was also Dieter Bravo we’re talking about. The man did not have a filter, so it was sometimes hard to tell if he was just being his cocky self. Maybe those two things are one and the same for him?
My mind then drifted to thoughts of his paintings and drawings. They were all so amazing. He really was talented and seeing the transformation his artwork had taken since he became sober really struck a chord with me. I could see the changes in him through his paintings in particular. I was honestly shocked he had allowed me into his art studio and what he called his “sanctuary”. They seemed like very personal spaces, and he gave me free reign to look through them. It was clear that he trusted me, which meant so much to me. 
What I did not expect was to find that he played the guitar. I shocked myself when I moved to share that part of me with him. Alec hadn’t even really seen it. That was a part of me that I locked away after my dad passed, mostly because it just brought up too many memories. They were happy ones, but hard to think about just the same because I didn’t have him here to play and sing with anymore. 
It felt good to pick up that guitar. It felt even better when Dieter did the same and started playing. I didn’t hesitate to join in on the song, singing along as he played. Then eventually joining in on playing too. I was almost dumbfounded when he started singing. Was there anything that beautiful man couldn’t do? He sounded amazing. His voice was smooth like honey, so raw and expressive. I was completely mesmerized by him, staring into his soulful eyes as he belted out a verse. I could feel his voice vibrating throughout my entire body as we connected in a way I had never connected with anyone else. It was this moment that had me reevaluating my entire life. It felt like there was something between us that I couldn’t begin to describe or understand. Then the spell was broken, and he suddenly seemed distant - mentioning how late it was.
I brushed away those new feelings at that point, telling myself that it was nothing. Yet, I found myself feeling oddly protective and jealous when Anika of all people asked him to go out after the show. It wasn’t so much the protectiveness that surprised me, but the jealousy. I realized at that point that this was becoming a problem because I had no right to feel that way. I was technically still with Alec and Dieter was not mine. I got all in my head about it after that, reasoning with myself that it had more to do with protecting his sobriety than anything, but now I’m starting to realize that may not be the case. I care about him, deeply. 
Since the beginning, we had a natural chemistry when dancing together. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced with a partner, including when Alec and I first got together. At the time, I didn’t think it could get any better than that. But with Dieter, it was something else entirely. I couldn’t explain or understand it. Every week it had only gotten more intense, and it didn’t show any signs of slowing. I couldn’t ignore it anymore or deny how it was making me feel. 
It had been obvious to me that I found Dieter to be physically attractive, but it was quickly turning into so much more than that. Every trait that I found lacking in Alec, be it personality wise or emotionally, Dieter had. He was quickly helping me realize what I wanted and what I needed to be happy, and he gave it all so willingly that it was hard not to fall for him. Is that what this was, me falling for him?
I think part of me had known all along, but I was too afraid to admit it. I found myself wondering if he was feeling it too. Surely his subtle flirting wasn’t all in my head. Not that any of it mattered, I still had Alec and I had committed to giving him one last chance. So, there was no reason to even be thinking about any of this. 
I glanced over at the clock, I had been laying here for an hour with my mind swirling with questions and analyzing every interaction Dieter and I ever had. I really needed to get to sleep. I checked my phone one last time, still no response. I sighed, then closed my eyes, finally dozing off. My last thought was of Dieter, hoping he was ok.   
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 Dieter’s POV
When I woke up on Tuesday, I felt like shit after having stayed up half the night painting away my feelings. It was the first time I had painted since training had started for the show. It felt good, even though I really needed sleep. I wasn’t even sure what I was painting until an hour into it. Staring at the curves in brilliant red and light bronze tones surrounded by meshed shades of dark blues, pinks, purples, and white, I realized it was Kat that I was looking at. A view of her from behind, wearing that red dress as she danced with her arms raised. Of course it was. I had declared her to be my new muse after all. Her curves and the way her hips moved had been haunting my thoughts since day one. It was only a matter of time before images like this started pouring out of me onto the canvas. I was honestly shocked it had taken this long. 
The paint slowly transitioned from an abstract mesh of colors to a more realistic dreamy appearance as the image solidified in my mind. It wasn’t my usual style, but I didn’t hate it. I was about to start adding in the finer details when I realized how late it was. I called it a night and made it to bed around 2 AM, but it still took me another hour to fall asleep. The 7 AM alarm was quickly approaching, which only made me more anxious in my attempts to doze off and exacerbated the sleeplessness. Once Zee curled up at my side, her soft purrs and comforting presence eventually eased me into an unrestful slumber.
When the alarm did finally go off, I awoke feeling groggy and discontent. My emotions were all over the place, creating the urge to talk to someone about it before I spiraled into darkness. I could feel those old cravings lingering in the back of my mind, waiting for me to slip up. So, I pulled up Dr. Smith’s contact information and typed out a quick message asking if I could see her sometime today, preferably this morning. My weekly meeting was already scheduled with her for the following day, but I couldn’t wait. I needed to see her today. Sensing my urgency, she was able to schedule me for 10:30 AM, which meant I would have to skip out on my early lunch with Kat. It was probably for the best because I wasn’t sure if I could handle being alone with her and still carry a conversation without turning into a sulking puddle. At least during rehearsals, I would have the dancing to focus on rather than her and how she was still with that asshole. 
I spent a few minutes cuddling Zee, listening to her purrs and quiet mewls of appreciation for the scratches I gave her. With a loud huff, I finally drug myself out of bed and headed for the shower to get ready for our weekly production meeting. I was in no mood for Stacia and Joe’s bullshit this morning. I stood under the hot stream, silently hoping they would keep things professional for once. If they started pushing their “romantic relationship” agenda again, there was a good chance I may snap. I couldn’t handle it today.  
I didn’t even bother to dress nice like I normally would. Really, what was the point? I was going to rehearsals after the meeting anyway. I opted for black sweatpants, a fitted gray t-shirt, hat, and glasses instead of contacts. At least this casual look wasn’t ratty looking with holes and stains for once. It was more on the stylish sportswear side than anything. 
Once I was dressed, I quickly made Zee’s breakfast, grabbed my gym bag, then headed out the door toward Television City Studios. I stopped on the way for my usual cup of coffee. I second guessed getting Kat’s usual order, silently berating myself for acting like a lovesick puppy as I waited in line. As I exited the building with two to-go cups in hand, I noticed paparazzi hanging around and snapping pictures. It’s too fucking early for this shit. Why are they even here? I sighed, trying my best to ignore them as I walked the short distance to my vehicle. 
Minutes later, I entered the lobby of my destination. My eyes immediately scanned the room to find Kat. I didn’t see her. My shoulders dropped at the realization that she wasn’t here yet. She was always early. My mind jumped to the memory of Alec asking Kat to let him come home with her, so he could “show her how sorry” he was. My stomach turned. I felt sick all over again as I moved to sit in one of the cushy chairs and sat the two coffees down on the nearby end table. 
After looking around the room for a few minutes, I pulled out my phone to scroll through Instagram. Several posts from the Dieter and Kat hashtag filled my feed that included pictures and videos from the Latin club. I knew how it felt when we were dancing that night, but I hadn’t considered how it looked. It did not look like two friends hanging out and having fun. Instead, it looked like two people eye-fucking each other while getting a little too up close and personal on the dance floor. Did we always look like that? Is this what Alec saw that had him so angry? I could see why he was upset, but that still didn’t give him any right to treat Kat the way he did.
My scrolling was interrupted by Kat breathlessly rushing in like she was running late. I glanced at the time, our meeting wasn’t scheduled to start for another ten minutes. She sank down in the seat beside me as she blew air out through her cheeks. 
I raised an eyebrow in her direction, “Everything OK?” I asked. 
She rolled her eyes, “Yeah…I just feel frazzled this morning. I overslept and it went downhill from there.”
“Long night?” I bit the inside of my cheek, already regretting my question. 
She sighed, “Not really. I mean, I had to put up with Alec and his snoring, but I also just couldn’t sleep. I had a lot on my mind.” 
I realized she was avoiding my gaze. Her eyes were looking everywhere but in my direction. I leaned forward in my seat, into her line of sight. Her brow furrowed as she looked me over.
“Whatta bout you, are you ok? I was worried after you left last night. What happened?” 
I shrugged. Now it was my turn to avoid her gaze, “I just wasn’t feeling well. I guess it finally hit me after the adrenaline rush wore off.”
She pursed her lips, “Why didn’t you answer any of my calls or texts? I was half tempted to drive over to your place to check on you. Are you sure you’re good?”
Wait. Does she think I relapsed? “I’m sorry, my phone was on silent. I didn’t see your messages until late. I didn’t wanna wake you. I’m fine. I promise. I was just feeling a little nauseous.”
She chewed on her bottom lip as she continued to stare at me for a beat, “You look tired, did you get any rest?” 
The way she was looking at me literally took my breath away. All I could manage was a shake of the head before clearing my throat and reaching for her coffee on the table beside me. I needed to change the subject, “I got you some coffee. Sounds like we both need it.” 
She took it from me as she mumbled a quiet “thanks”. Her eyes focused on the cup in her hands for a time. Her brows knitted together, indicating she was deep in thought. I hated seeing her like this. She seemed conflicted or frustrated about something. I sat back in my seat and sighed, propping my chin on my hand and staring out a nearby window. I could sense a weird tension between us now and I hated it. Or was that all in my head? I wasn’t sure. 
When I turned back toward Kat, she was staring at me. Her lips were slightly pursed, and her brow arched as her eyes took me in.
My brows drew downward as I gave her a nervous smile, “Why are you looking at me like that?”
A smile tugged at her lips, “I’ve never seen you in glasses or a hat. It’s just different…”
My brows now shot up into my hairline, “Is that bad? I know I look like a slob this morning…” 
She shook her head, “No…it’s not bad at all. I actually like the glasses. I prefer the soft and wavy hair look, but I could get behind the hat too. It's growing on me.”
My face heated from her words. I couldn’t tell if she was teasing me or hitting on me. As I gave her a look of what I’m sure was confusion, we were interrupted by a production assistant letting us know Stacia and Joe were ready for us in the conference room.
Stacia and Joe greeted us from their seats behind the large table with their usual sneaky smiles. It never failed to amaze me how they always looked like they were up to something. Once we got through the pleasantries, Joe got down to business, a sly smirk still on his face.
“Since you two are one the favorites this season, we wanted to check in with you about your social media posting. We’d like to see you posting more behind the scenes stuff to create some buzz for the show.” 
I snorted, “So, you want free promotion? Is that what you’re saying?”  
Kat sighed beside me and sunk down in her seat. 
Stacia smiled, “Didn’t you read your contract? You’re obligated to do certain promotional activities. Social media posts are one of them.”
I rolled my eyes, “Yeah, but we’ve made a couple of posts. I’m pretty sure the contract doesn’t say how much or what type of stuff we have to post.” 
Stacia’s smile widened, “You’re right. It doesn’t give specifics. It says it’s at the discretion of the executive producers. Consider this to be our discretion. We want more posts from you two…from rehearsals or if you happen to be hanging out for lunch…or whatever, just snap a pic and post it. It doesn’t have to be a big deal.” 
I glanced over at Kat, her nostrils flared as a crease formed between her brows. It was obvious to both of us. They were still pushing their agenda, though they were being less obvious with their intentions. They knew all they had to do was create the perception that something was going on between us. Even if it was a subtle one, it would still have the intended effect with viewers. 
I could feel the anger rolling off Kat, but she stayed quiet beside me. They had us backed into a corner on this one. 
I sighed, “Alright, fine. More social media posts. Got it.” 
They both smiled smugly at us, having won that argument. Joe tapped on the table, “Alright. Good. So…the next thing is, we’re gonna start shooting some backstage footage during the live show going forward. It will help fill some of the airtime as couples are voted off. We just wanted to give you a heads up on that because there will be cameras in the staging area and maybe even in hair and makeup too.” 
My mind briefly drifted back to how Kat and I had stood together with our arms around each other to watch the other performances during the last show. Then there was our pre-performance ritual too. Stacia and Joe had noticed it, I just knew it. They wanted to get it on camera for the world to see because it played into their agenda. I suddenly felt like there wasn’t anything that we could do that couldn’t be twisted to look how they wanted it to. It was frustrating and pissed me off. We couldn’t even just enjoy our time together and be friends without it being twisted into something else. 
Neither Kat nor I said anything in response to this new development, but I could sense she was feeling the same as I was about it. Her tense body language told me everything I needed to know. Once Stacia realized we didn’t have any comments on that, she started shuffling through her binder, for I assume, the mockups of our costumes. 
“This week we’re doing a 50’s theme…so all of the music and costumes will be inspired by that time period.”
She slid the drawings over to us. They had Kat in some short black high-waisted shorts, a black and white striped shirt, and a 50’s pin-up model hair style. Mine was the typical white t-shirt, jeans, and leather jacket of that era with slicked back hair. 
“We have you guys scheduled to do the Jive to Jailhouse Rock. Do you have any objections?”
Kat again didn’t say anything, she just shook her head. I did the same as I slid the mockups back toward Stacia. 
Not much more was said between us after that. Kat and I soon found ourselves exiting toward the lobby. We were silent most of the way. She finally turned to me when it seemed we were away from everyone, “Do they think we’re that fucking stupid? I know what they’re trying to do.” 
I shrugged, “Yeah, but it is what it is, I guess. Not much we can do about it. They’re gonna do what they do.” 
I hated what they were doing as much as her, but honestly, it wasn’t the thing that was really bothering me at that moment. Seeing Kat so angry about being associated with me romantically felt like another punch to the gut, even though it shouldn’t. She was engaged to someone else for fucks sake. She should be upset about it. It wasn’t like anything had actually changed between us. I was just being delusional. 
I watched as Kat sighed and ran her hand through the top of her hair out of frustration, “I don’t understand why they can’t just let things happen naturally and stop forcing this shit. It’s not fair to us.” 
What the hell does that mean? I stared at her, unblinking and confused by her words. Her eyes widened slightly, “I just mean, they shouldn’t force cast members into situations is all I’m saying. It’s an asshole move.” 
I nodded along, agreeing with her half-heartedly. I felt so confused. 
She chewed on her cheek for a beat, then shook her head, dismissing the conversation all together. “You’re right. It doesn’t matter. It’s not worth our energy to worry about it…” She paused, then sighed before continuing, “So, where do you wanna go for lunch today? There’s a diner…”
I held up my hand to stop her, “I’m sorry…I can’t have lunch with you today.” 
Confusion clouded her features and she looked almost…disappointed? She frowned, “Why not?” 
“I-I…have an appointment with my therapist.” I paused, watching the look on her face change to one of concern. I suddenly felt like I needed an explanation. “It was the only time our schedules lined up this week…I go once a week.” Stop fucking rambling, Bravo. She seemed relieved now that she knew it was a routine visit, even though it really wasn’t.  
“Oh…you didn’t have to tell me all that. It’s good to hear your going though.” 
I forced a smile, “Yeah…so I’ll see you after that. I may be a few minutes late though…because of traffic.” 
She nodded, “That’s fine. No big deal. You want me to pick you up some lunch then?”
I shook my head, “Na, I’m good. Thanks for the offer though.”
The way she was looking at me made me feel almost uneasy. I felt like she could see right through me, like she knew what was going through my head. I’m sure it was just my paranoia about her realizing my feelings toward her, but that thought didn’t make it any better. 
I looked down at my watch, “Oh shit, I need to go. I’ll see you in a bit, yeah?” She gave me a small smile as we said a quick goodbye.
A short time later, I sat down in a chair in front of Dr. Smith as she asked what was going on. I was fidgety, rubbing the tops of my thighs nervously as I thought of the best way to explain it all. I thought it best to start with the events from last week, filling her in about how Kat and I had gone to the club then the subsequent incident that took place with Alec after. She listened intently as I explained how I had been worried about Kat’s safety and what an asshat Alec is. I paused for a beat, trying to decide on the best way to explain everything after that when she interrupted my thoughts with an unexpected question. 
“Did seeing that bring up any feelings or memories related to your parents? Is that why you’re so upset?” 
Honestly, my past family drama hadn’t even crossed my mind. I shook my head, “No…I mean I guess it did in that I know what those types of people are like. It makes me worried for her safety.” 
Dr. Smith stared at me, she looked confused. 
“I’m in love with her,” I blurted out. No sense in sugar coating it at this point. 
Her eyes widened, “Well…that escalated quickly.” 
I shook my head, “No, not really. I’ve had feelings from day one. I only just realized what it was yesterday when she agreed to give that asshole another chance. After our time together last week, I really thought she would tell him to fuck off.” 
“Your time together? What do you mean?”
I realized I hadn’t gotten to that part yet, so I launched into it. Detailing our trip to the pet store, the facetime call, dinner at my place. The vibes between us and how it was making me feel. All of it. 
“I know a relationship isn’t the best idea right now because I need to focus on my sobriety, but I swear this is different. It’s not an urge for a casual hookup…like…I want to be with her, and I don’t mean that in a sexual way. I want all the mundane domesticated stuff too.” 
Dr. Smith sighed, “Can I be honest with you?”
“Of course!”
She leaned forward, “I had a feeling this was coming. I’m a fan of the show, so yes, I’ve been watching. It’s obvious you two have chemistry. That’s why I keep asking about her. The fact that you were avoiding the topic told me that something was going on inside that brain of yours.”
Damn, I knew that would come back to bite me. 
“I am a little shocked to hear all of this has been going on. Her situation is concerning, but she’ll have to make the decision to leave on her own. The best you can do is continue to offer her support and hope she comes around.”
I started rubbing at the back of my neck, “But what am I supposed to do about how I feel? I’ve never felt like this about anyone before and the whole situation is giving me anxiety. I think I almost had a panic attack last night.”
Dr. Smith clasped her hands under her chin as she thought through her next words, “I’m torn about how to approach this…because I do worry about codependency. Especially if she’s currently in an unhealthy relationship and has been for that long. It could cause some unhealthy habits between the two of you.”
I shook my head, “No. It’s not like that with her. I’m confident that’s not an issue. I mean…we tend to look out for each other, and she would totally call me out on my shit. Everything is different with her. I don’t know how to explain it…Her dad was sober after struggling for a while, so she gets what I’m going through with that. She’s been very supportive.”
Dr. Smith nodded and pursed her lips as she took in my words, “Maybe you should tell her how you’re feeling.”
She said it like it was the simplest thing in the world. Like it wouldn’t completely change everything between Kat and me. 
“What if she doesn’t feel the same way though? It will completely ruin our friendship. And…I don’t want to put her in that situation. She’s engaged to someone else…remember?”
She sighed, “Dieter, I’m not really sure what you came here looking for. I can’t tell you what to do about the situation. The only thing I can help you do is to work through your feelings. It’s clear you have strong feelings toward her. My main concern is you and if it’s causing an urge to use again.” 
I puffed air out of my cheeks, “I mean…I had a brief moment this morning where I thought it would be nice to be numb to it all. That was the main thing that prompted me to come in. I just wanted to talk it out with someone. It was the first time I’ve had that thought in weeks…I’m just a fucking pansy who can’t handle any kind of feelings.”
She gave me an admonishing look, not approving of my negativity toward myself. 
“Sorry…but it’s just facts.” I added.
“Dieter, you are perfectly capable of handling it. You just need to learn how. You’ve made so much progress already…I hope you realize that. I would expect you to have a hard time with something like this. It’s new and different. So, don’t be so hard on yourself. This is all part of the human experience and completely normal emotions to be having.”
I nodded. She wasn’t wrong. I had come a long way from where I had been. The old Dieter probably would have relapsed and never even made it to the first rehearsal. Or if he had made it this far, he would have completely gone on a bender last night without a second thought. I did need to give myself some credit. 
I sighed, “You’re right. I have made progress. I’ll do better to think more positively about myself in that respect.” 
She smiled, “Good. Now, how do you plan to deal with this going forward? I can talk you through that.” 
I shrugged, “I guess…I’ll play it by ear and see what happens? Nothing has really changed. I’m just not really sure how to act around her. I don’t feel like I can be as open with her knowing she’s back with that douche bag. I think I just got my hopes up…ya know what I mean?”
Dr. Smith nodded, “I feel like that’s a good way to deal with it. It sounds like you two do have a good friendship, so try not to let this come between you as far as that goes. I do think she’s been good for you in that sense and as long as you’re managing your expectations you can handle it. For now, just focus on being a supportive friend to her. Maybe that will eventually pay off.” 
My time with Dr. Smith was up soon after that. I did feel a little better after having talked it through with someone. It made me feel a little less crazy for the reaction I had - to know that it was actually normal emotions that I was experiencing. At least I had a plan with how to go forward. I just hoped I could stick to it without making an ass of myself or causing issues for Kat. 
After leaving my appointment, I stopped for some fast food and ate in the parking lot. My mind kept wandering to Kat no matter how hard I tried to focus on other things. The thought of her going home with Alec the previous night was eating away at me. They had clearly spent the night together. It was making me feel sick all over again. I ended up trashing half of my greasy ass food before heading over to the studio to get started on this week’s routine. 
Kat had already started working on the routine while she waited for me to arrive. She didn’t make a big deal out of my appointment, which I appreciated. Only asking if I was feeling ok. Somehow, I got the sense that she knew I was completely full of shit about why I suddenly had therapy this morning. I just hoped she hadn’t figured out the reasons for it. 
We started the way we always did, by listening to our music arrangement and discussing what we wanted to convey with our performance. Then Kat moved into teaching me the basics of the dance since it was new.
“So, the Jive is a little different and is one of the more difficult dances because of the quick footwork. In ballroom it’s considered to be a Latin style dance, however, it’s also part of the swing dance family too. It’s known for its upbeat energy and requires high knee lifts and a lot of hip swinging. It’s gonna be a real test of your stamina.”
I raised a brow at her, and she chuckled. Seriously? I was tempted to make a joke but refrained.
“So, we’re gonna be using both open and closed positions for it. We’ll be doing a triple step with downward leg movements. You have to be sort of bouncy with it. On the finish, legs should be straight with an upright posture.”
She did her usual demonstration as she explained it. She wasn’t wrong, it did look a little more complicated. Even more so when she did it at the speed in which the dance required. It took me a bit to get the footwork down, but I finally caught on. We spent the rest of the afternoon planning out the routine, though I wasn't very engaged. I was unusually quiet and unable to focus on anything other than Kat being with that asshole. From the way she kept eyeing me, I knew she could tell something was up. I hoped that she wouldn’t ask, because I couldn’t lie to her if she asked point blank. Thankfully she didn’t. 
The hours seemed to pass by quickly once we finally got into a groove. My sour mood didn’t abate, but at least I was able to focus on the task at hand. Once our studio time was up, I said a quick goodbye to Kat and moved to leave, instead of waiting around to walk out with her. She didn’t give me a chance to get out the door before calling out to me. I took a deep breath before turning to face her as she approached and placed her hand on my arm. 
“I’m not gonna ask how you’re feeling again…but if you need anything…please call me. I don’t care what time it is. OK?”
The worry in her eyes nearly broke me. It was obvious that she truly cared about me. I would never question that. I felt a lump forming in my throat as I considered telling her everything, just so she wouldn’t worry. I looked away, clearing my throat before speaking. 
“I promise, I’m good. I’m just…working through some things.”
She nodded, the sad look still in her eyes as she released my arm. I gave her a small smile and pulled her in for a side hug. I couldn’t leave her looking like that. It seemed to do the trick as she appeared more relaxed when I pulled away. After another quick goodbye, I headed out and went home.
After having leftovers for dinner, I spent some time checking in with my plants. As I was painting the previous night, I noticed that Goldie, one of my large hanging Pothos plants, was looking a little withered. Now that I thought about it, I couldn’t remember the last time I had actually watered her. I had moved her to the art studio away from Zee and sort of forgot about her hanging in the corner. Realizing that I had potentially neglected the viny greenery made me feel like shit. After providing just the right amount of hydration from my rainwater collection barrel, I spent a good hour clipping back the stems and gently dusting each of her leaves. It made me feel better to watch her perk up before my eyes. It also helped me relax and gain a little mental clarity about everything. 
As I had said to Dr. Smith, nothing had really changed about our situation. Kat had never split from Alec. Therefore, there was no reason to try and patch up the wall that was slowly being chipped away between us. There was nothing wrong with us getting closer as friends. Though, I did have to weigh any emotional trauma that might come with that. However, I reasoned it was worth it if that meant keeping Kat in my life long term. Even if it was only as friends.  
After checking in with the rest of the plants in the art studio, I got ready to go to sleep. Zee was already in bed waiting for me when I came out of the bathroom. It had become sort of a nighttime ritual to have some cuddles before we both zonked out. 
Since I had met with Dr. Smith a day earlier, we canceled my Wednesday appointment. That meant I had the entire morning to do nothing until our evening rehearsal time. I took advantage of it and did not set an alarm - allowing myself to sleep in for once. Not that I got to sleep in too much later. Zee was on a schedule that she would not let me forget. It was nearing 9AM when I felt her pounce on top of me and meow loudly in my face. Which was just as good because I was almost positive I was having a dream I shouldn’t have been having about Kat. My morning wood corroborated that thought. 
After groaning and grumbling loudly, I finally got out of bed and made my way downstairs to make Zee’s breakfast. Once she was finished, she hopped up on her cat tree and indulged in her favorite pastime, bird watching. I rolled my eyes and shook my head as I passed by her to go back to bed. After settling back in, I grabbed my phone for some morning social media scrolling. 
Since following the ‘Dieter and Kat’ hashtag, my feed was now populating more and more posts related to us. I ended up going down another rabbit hole, looking at videos of our past two performances and behind the scenes rehearsal clips for the first time. There was no question about it, the chemistry between us was off the charts from the start, and not just while we were dancing. I almost didn’t recognize myself watching the way I interacted with her during the rehearsal clip from last week. I figured this is what people mean when they say you have hearts in your eyes. I looked like a lovesick fool. 
I sighed, “Fucking hell, Bravo. You’re down bad, dude.” 
I let last week's rehearsal clip play again, this time focusing on Kat. It was different seeing things from an outsider’s perspective. Seeing it like this made it obvious that Kat had the same energy toward me. I knew she wasn’t like this with other people, not even with Alec. The way she looked at me sometimes when we were dancing hadn’t gone unnoticed by me. However, to see her body language and the way she looked at me when I wasn’t paying attention was a whole other can of worms. I watched her watching me while I was focused on my foot work. Her eyes were sparkling as they roamed up and down my body, a small smirk playing on her lips. Then she would move in to correct my posture, pushing between my shoulder blades or change the positioning of my arms. Most would probably assume she was just minding my form, but some of her touches were lingering and even unnecessary given that she could provide verbal corrections. 
Seeing this made me realize that Kat was definitely into me. It’s no wonder Alec was so worried. The sparks were there for the world to see even though we were doing our best to keep them from turning into blazing flames. It felt almost inevitable at this point. A part of me felt pretty damn smug about it. The other part made me even more concerned that Alec would do something incredibly stupid. My only hope was that he would have a major fuck up and make Kat realize she needed to dump his ass before anything bad happened to her. 
I continued down my rabbit hole, clicking hashtags for the show to see where they led me. I eventually came to a post with the hashtag ‘Dieterina’. I snorted, busting into laughter over it. We officially had one of those cheesy celebrity couple names. Kat was going to love that. I briefly wondered what she would do if I used it on a post but thought better of it. For now, anyway…
My scrolling activities were briefly interrupted by Zee jumping on the bed and rubbing her face against my hands for pets, nearly knocking the phone out of my grasp. Once I got her situated beside me, I continued scratching her with one hand and scrolling with the other. Her soft purrs filled the silence as I dug further into the ‘Dieterina’ posts. It seemed we had a lot of shippers who enjoyed sharing screenshots of our performances. Shots that were timed just right to look as intimate as possible. I had to admit, we looked amazing together. I now understand why Stacia and Joe were all over it too. It seemed to be a big fucking deal, even with us trying to avoid it. 
I sighed and dropped my phone on the bed beside me, turning to Zee to cuddle her fully. 
“There’s something there, Zee. I fucking know it. I’m just gonna bide my time and wait for that asshole to fuck up again. I know he will. He can’t help himself. When he does, I’m gonna be there for her…and I’ll tell her how I’m feeling when the time's right. For now…I’m just gonna go off her vibes, like I have been.” 
Zee nuzzled into my chin, mewling quietly in response. Her presence helped calm me. It was almost like she knew that I needed it. I was suddenly thankful that this little menace had forced her way into my life. Having her here was a huge positive impact on me mentally. I wondered if she knew? If she could sense it? Is that why she wouldn’t leave? I pondered that thought as I dozed off again.
I woke up a little after noon, shocked at how well I had slept after falling back to sleep. I felt refreshed and ready to deal with whatever the rest of the day brought. After taking a quick shower and throwing on shorts and a t-shirt, I headed to the dance studio for our afternoon rehearsal time. I was surprised to find Alec in our studio space when I entered. It looked like they were just finishing up with a late lunch. I gave Kat a small wave and tight smile as I moved to the empty chairs at the opposite end from where they were. She looked guarded as she returned the wave, her eyes following me as I moved to set my gym bag down. I was completely aware of Alec’s gaze as his eyes shifted between Kat and me with a self-satisfied look on his face. 
I tried to busy myself with looking for nothing in my bag while they told each other goodbye. I just happened to glance over as Alec leaned in to kiss Kat on the cheek. A cocky look overtook his features as he stared me down through it. Like he was asserting his ownership over her and rubbing it in. Fucking asshole. Kat on the other hand seemed tense, not really leaning into his embrace. Why is she doing this to herself? I don’t understand.
Alec made sure to announce rather loudly that he would see her later this evening. He wanted to make sure I heard. Clearly his attitude hadn’t changed any. Kat watched him leave with a stony face before turning to me and smiling. It was so easy for me to tell that it wasn’t a genuine smile. I could read her so well.
I gave her a half-hearted smile in return. I couldn’t fake it like she could. Her smile faltered, she could read me too. 
“Dieter…have I done something to make you mad at me? I just feel like you’ve been a little closed off toward me the last couple of days.” 
I sighed, “Mad…no. I could never be mad at you.” 
Her brow furrowed, “There is something though, right? What is it?”
I gave her another tight smile, “You really wanna talk about this right now? I’m sure I don’t need to tell you.” 
She shook her head, “No, I wanna hear it. Say what you have to.” 
I blew air out through my cheeks, “Fine. I’m not mad, I’m disappointed.” 
Anger briefly flashed in her eyes, “Why?”
I scoffed, “You really have to ask? That asshole physically assaulted you and treats you like shit. I’ve had people like that in my life and I know what they’re capable of. I don’t want that for you. I don’t want you to get hurt…because believe it or not, I do actually care about your well being.” 
Her eyes widened as she placed her hands on her hips, “Is that the only reason?”
What exactly is she asking me? The question took me by surprise, and I didn’t really know how to answer it. No, it’s not, but I can’t say that. I stared at her wide-eyed, “D-Do I really need another reason? Just because we’re friends doesn’t mean I have to like him or approve of it. You’re my only concern in this. He can fuck off.”
Her face softened, she looked conflicted for a moment before finally responding, “I’m sorry, you’re right. You have every reason to feel that way after what you saw. I think I’m taking my frustrations out on you, and I shouldn’t.”
She rubbed her hand through the top of her hair, a nervous habit of hers I noticed. 
“Do you regret your decision?” The question was out of my mouth before I had time to consider it. 
A sad smile tugged at her lips, “Am I that transparent?”
“To me you are…Why did you do it?” 
She chuckled, “Oh…you know me, I believe people can change when given the chance. I’m tired though…all I do is worry and wonder what’s coming next. I think I’m just starting to realize that’s never gonna go away with him…but, I promised him one more chance and I’ll stand by it.” 
“Just promise me you won’t let it get bad…that you'll tell me if you need anything.” 
She reached up to cup my cheek and smiled. This time it reached her eyes, “You’re too good to me. I don’t deserve it, but I’m glad.”
I couldn’t help leaning into her touch for a brief moment. I felt like there was more she wanted to say but couldn’t. I reached to grab her hand from my face and held it between both of mine, “You deserve the world. You shouldn’t be punished for his shortcomings.”
She nodded, agreeing with my words. The moment felt a little too intimate. She chuckled suddenly, turning away and mock wiping sweat from her brow, “Whew, did we just have our first argument? I don’t like it. Let’s never do that again.” 
I laughed loudly and pulled her in for a side hug, burying my face in the top of her hair as I spoke, “I think it was more like a mild disagreement…and I don’t like it either. I’ve missed you.”
I felt her arms snake around my waist and squeeze gently. We sat like that for a beat too long, causing the tension to return between us. She loosened her grip but didn’t let go of me as she raised her head to meet my gaze, “We should probably actually rehearse at some point today.” I chuckled and nodded in agreement. 
We got to work after that. The vibes between us quickly shifted back to where they were before. I was right, nothing had changed. We had picked up where we left off. Although, it did appear that a few more chips had fallen from the imaginary wall that separated us. 
This rehearsal turned out to be rather productive even though we had a bumpy start. We had the choreography completely figured out by the end of it. The routine was fun and full of energy. Kat kept joking about putting my loose hips to good use and opening with some of the signature Elvis gyrations. I finally gave in. It sent us into a fit of laughter as she showed me how to do it properly. That was how we ended the day, and I was thankful for it. I had missed hearing her laugh like that so damn much. You’d have thought it had been years instead of a couple of days since I heard it last. 
As we were gathering our things to leave, Kat paused and turned to me. “What are your plans for dinner?”
I shrugged, “Probably leftovers, why?”
She rolled her eyes, “Well if it’s leftovers you cooked, it’s probably better than what I was about to suggest.”
I gave her a cocky smirk, “Maybe not. What did ya have in mind?”
She returned my smile, “There’s this little mom and pop diner about ten minutes away that I’ve been wanting to try. It’s Greek, but they have typical diner foods too.”
I rubbed my chin, pretending to be in deep thought. “I GUESS I could give it a try…” I said sarcastically. Kat laughed and shoved my shoulder lightly. 
“Jerk.” 
I cleared my throat, “Is that really a good idea though? I don’t want Alec to get pissed about it.” 
She sighed, “He can get mad if he wants. I’ve already told him to get over it. Again, I’m not doing anything with you that I haven’t done with my past dance partners.”
I gave her a cheesy smile, “Yeah, but none of your past dance partners were hot.” 
She snorted, “Valid point. Let’s go hot guy, I’m starving.”
Does that mean she thinks I’m hot? Her response shocked me a little. I expected a snarky come back, not that. I followed behind her toward the parking lot in a daze, opening the doors for her as we went. I ended up following her to the diner since I had no idea where we were going. We were parked outside the place within minutes. She gave me a shy smile after she got out of her car, walking over toward me so we could go inside together. 
We were seated across from each other in a booth near one of the front windows, thumbing through the menu in silence and stealing glances at each other. She pursed her lips, fighting a smile when I caught her staring over the top of her menu at me. 
“So, what are ya gettin?” she finally asked. 
“Hmm, I dunno, this place has a little bit of everything. The pasta is looking pretty good.”
“Would you like an appetizer? I kind of wanna try the Spanakopita, but that looks like a lot.”
I chuckled, “I don’t even know what the hell that is…” 
She laughed, “It’s like a Greek spinach pie in a flaky pastry crust. It’s really good with tzatziki sauce…usually.” 
I wrinkled my nose, “Spinach pie?” 
“It’s not as bad as it sounds…my grandma used to make it all the time.” She had a faraway look in her eyes now, seeing some past memory as a sad smile tugged at her lips. It obviously meant something to her. 
“Well, then…we have to try it.”
Her eyes lit up, “Really?” I nodded. Then she gasped dramatically, clutching her chest. “Oh. My. God. They have baklava too! I’m gonna feel miserable when I leave here.”
I snorted out a laugh, eventually managing to ask what baklava was. 
“It’s a dessert…like a pastry, I guess? Smothered in honey.” 
“Mmm, that sounds good actually. You’re right, I think I’m gonna be miserable too.” 
She smiled up at me then, her eyes sparkling with excitement. 
“Now that I know you like Greek food so much, I’ll have to learn to cook some stuff for you.”  Oof, that might have been too forward. 
Her smile widened. Maybe not.
“Dieter Bravo, I told you, don’t make promises you don’t intend to keep.”
I chuckled, “I told you I’d cook for you anytime and I enjoy learning new dishes. Besides, I’d love to have you back over. Zee says she needs some more girl time anyway.”
Kat squinted at me, like she was trying to figure out a puzzle, but was interrupted by the waitress coming to take our order. After I asked several questions to narrow down my choice, I settled on the Pastitsio pasta bake and Kat got a Gyro with lamb. Of course, we also got the Spanakopita to share for an appetizer. 
As we sat waiting, Kat was distracted by something outside. She stared for a moment before mumbling a low “fuck” under her breath.
My brows furrowed, “What’s wrong?”
She huffed, “I think there are some paparazzi across the street.” 
I turned to look in the direction she had been. Sure enough, there were three standing there using long lenses. 
It was my turn to huff, “What the hell? They aren’t usually hanging out at a place like this.”
“You think they followed us from the studio?” 
I scratched at my chin, “Had to…How else would they know to come here?”
She sighed, “I really hope this doesn’t become a thing. It’s so fucking annoying… can’t even eat in peace.” 
I gave her a tight smile, “I’m sorry, I’m sure it’s because of me. They’re just dying to catch me doing something the old Dieter would have done…waiting for me to fail.” 
I felt her leg nudge against mine under the table, she didn’t pull it away. It made it hard to focus on anything else but the heat of our bare calves touching. 
“Hey, you’re not that person anymore, so fuck them. Just ignore it.” 
I managed a small smile in response before we were interrupted by the waitress bringing our drinks and various condiments. I turned my attention to the waitress, “I don’t want to be a bother, but can we close the shade?”
The woman gave me a puzzled look. “There are paparazzi out there taking pictures.” I added. 
Her eyes widened, perhaps realizing who we were for the first time. “Absolutely, I can. Would you rather move to a booth in the back? We have one that’s away from everything…it’s more private.” 
Kat and I both shook our heads, “Na, I think just closing the shade will be fine…thank you for the offer though.” 
She moved to the empty booth behind me so that she could reach the cord and lowered the window covering. 
“There you go. Let me know if you guys need anything else. Your food should be out soon.” 
She gave us both a warm smile as she walked toward the back. 
I shook my head, “Now, let’s see if a sneaky pic of us shows up on their social media later.”
Kat rolled her eyes, “Geeez, I hope not. We might as well not go anywhere at that rate.” 
I gave her a toothy smile, “All the more reason for me to cook for us instead.”
She nudged my leg again, peering up at me through her lashes in that way that always takes my breath away, “I’m holding you to that.”
I narrowed my eyes and gave her a cocky grin. The look that passed between us was…something else. I’m not even sure how to describe it, but it definitely made my dick twitch. I finally cleared my throat to break whatever was happening between us, then reached to take a drink of my water just to have something to do so that I wouldn’t get lost in her eyes. 
“Speaking of social media…” I finally said as I sat my glass back down. “Have you been paying attention to anything related to the show on there?”
Her eyebrows arched as she shook her head, “No, I try not to get on there too much. Why?”
I chuckled, “Well, we officially have a hashtag now.”
A crease formed between her brows, “What? What do you mean?” 
I had to work to hold in my laugh, “You know, those cheesy celebrity couple names? We have one now.”
She rolled her eyes, “Seriously? You’re joking. What is it?” She moved to take a drink through her straw.
“Dieterina.” 
She nearly choked on her water as she started laughing, “You have got to be fucking kidding me? Really? Surely there’s something better than that? That’s just…no.”
I had to stifle my laugh, she had the exact reaction that I expected from her. 
“I dunno, I mean there are only so many combinations you can do with our names. Kieter? Is it first names only? If not…then Bravos? Stamo? Bramos?” 
Kat was trying to hold in her laughs now, “OK. OK. They’re all cheesy. There’s no win here. I can’t…” She continued to laugh as she tried to catch her breath. It was a glorious sight. 
“I think imma start using that on our Instagram posts…just to be a punk.” 
She shook her head and threw a napkin at my face, “You will not. You might go missing over that one.” 
Our appetizer came out soon after that. Kat wasted no time digging in, groaning at the taste of it, and getting little Bravo’s attention in the process, like always. At this rate, I had a feeling that was an issue I would have to take care of when I got home later. I must have been gawking at her like a perv because she froze as her eyes widened. She moved to cover her full mouth with her hand as she spoke, “Why are you looking at me like that?”
I tried to play it off, laughing slightly and shaking my head. “No reason…just watching you make a fool of yourself. I take it that it’s good?” 
She shoved what was left of her half eaten spinach and cheese filled triangular shaped piece toward my mouth, “Yes. Try it. Now.” 
I laughed, “Geez, so bossy.” I didn’t think twice about what I was doing as I leaned forward and took a bite from the same side she had. She watched me intently, waiting on the edge of her seat for my reaction.
“Well?”
My brows arched upward, “Hmmm. Not bad.” 
She scoffed, “Not bad? Are you kidding me? I mean, it’s not as good as my Yaya's was, but it’ll do.”
She popped the rest of the piece I had bitten off of into her mouth, then gave me a cheesy smile. 
I loved her like this. She seemed so relaxed and carefree. I also loved that she was sharing bits of her life with me. It made me feel more connected to her somehow. 
“How was your Yaya’s different? Maybe I could figure out how to make it like hers.” 
Her eyes rounded, “Gosh, I don’t even know how to explain it. I can’t pick out different flavors. It was a little creamier maybe? Or had another type of cheese in it? And maybe some type of herb? I’m not sure. Maybe my sister might know…” 
“You have a sister? Older or younger?” I asked. 
“Three years older…she lives in North Carolina. I don’t get to see her much.” 
I started munching on my own triangle of spinach pie. “Does she look like you?” 
She nodded, “Very much so.” 
I gave her a sly grin as I arched a brow in her direction, “She single?” 
She scoffed, “You better be fucking joking.” 
I started laughing, “I am. One hundred percent joking.” I only want you. 
She rolled her eyes at me, not amused in the slightest as she pulled out her phone. After tapping at it and scrolling, she showed me a picture of herself hugging a girl who looked very much like her. I took a moment to look at it, mainly focusing on Kat the entire time. She looked genuinely happy in that shot. 
“So, you’re the hotter sister. Noted.” I gave her another sly grin before returning to my appetizer. 
I could feel her eyes on me, but I didn’t dare look her way. I knew I was pushing the boundaries with that line. I was afraid to see how she had taken it. 
Luckily the rest of our food arrived at that moment, breaking whatever tension my comment had caused. After getting our dishes situated on the table that almost wasn’t big enough, we dug in.
“Oh. My. God. You have to try this!” Kat mumbled through a mouth full of food. She held the Gyro over to me for a bite. Clearly, my comment hadn’t bothered her too much. I leaned in for a quick nibble. 
“Damn, that is good. I’m getting that next time.”
I started cutting into my baked pasta dish and took a quick bite of the cheesy goodness. “Mmm, maybe not. That’s pretty damn good too. You wanna try it?” 
“Oh, yes please!”
I slid my plate toward her, she didn’t hesitate to pick up my fork and take a bite. I don’t know why that was such a fucking turn on, but it was. 
She leaned back in her seat, “Fuck. That’s good too. This might be my new favorite place.” 
I snickered, pulling my plate back over in front of me. “So, how come you didn’t bring Alec to try this place with you?”
She sighed, “He’s not a very adventurous eater and doesn’t really care for this kind of food. I figured you might appreciate it more.”
I was a little stunned. What an asshat. “So…let me get this right…he’s engaged to marry someone with a Greek heritage, but he doesn’t want to make an effort to experience it with you?” 
She chewed on the inside of her cheek, now staring down at her food. I don’t think she had actually realized that until now. 
“It’s not something I’ve ever really pushed with him to be honest. I’m sure he would try it if I asked…maybe.” 
It was my turn to nudge her leg with mine, leaving it against hers like she had done to me earlier. 
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.” 
She shook her head, “No…I mean, you’re not wrong. He’s really not. He’s not very supportive in general. That’s something I really should think on.” 
Man, fuck this guy. At least it seemed like she was beginning to see where he was lacking. Hopefully that was a good sign. 
I changed the subject after that, shifting to sharing Zee’s antics instead. That seemed to cheer her up some. That topic carried us through the rest of our meal until the waitress asked if we wanted dessert. Kat groaned, “I’m so stuffed, but I really want some baklava. You wanna split a piece?” 
It was my turn to groan, “Ugh, I guess. You may have to roll me out of here though.” 
Kat laughed before confirming our order with the waitress. After the waitress gathered all our other dishes, she left, but returned quickly with one piece of baklava and two forks on a small plate and placed it between us. I realized this sort of felt like a date. Not that I had been on many dates to compare it to, but I imagined it wasn’t far off. It was a little weird given the situation, but it still made me want this with her, for real, even more.
The dessert was good, unfortunately. Which caused Kat to resort to making her moaning noises again as she ate. When she wasn’t moaning, she was licking the fucking honey off the fork. It was a new form of torture.
As we were finishing up, the waitress brought our bill. I grabbed it off the end of the table to pay. Kat grumbled but finally relented and allowed it. Soon after that, we were getting into our respective vehicles to head home for the evening. The paparazzi were still hanging around, so we opted for a smile and wave to say goodbye. Heaven forbid we get close to each other.
The whole ride home, the evening replayed in my mind. The way she kept looking at me. The way it felt to have her leg touching mine through most of the meal. The way she looked licking that fucking fork before sticking it in her mouth. I felt my dick involuntarily twitch. 
“Fucking hell. Looks like I have something to take care of when I get home.”
Next: Week 4 (Part 2)
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A/N: As you can see, this is only part 1 of week 4. If you haven't figured it out yet, I'm shit at judging the length of chapters based on my outline. 😂 So, yes, you will be getting a part 2 very soon. I'm shooting for posting next week. It's basically done. I just have a little bit left for the ending and proofing...and maybe some fun edits. It will probably end up being around the same word count as this one (maybe a little less). It will also mostly be Kat's POV. Why? Because we will be getting Alec's major fuck up. There may be a little bit from Dieter at the end, we'll see how I end up wrapping it up. Once again, we have a lot going on in week 4. Dieter is going through it after finding out Kat has given Alec another chance. Are we yelling at these two to figure their shit out yet?
We of course had more nonsense from Stacia and Joe. We will get more from them in the second half too. They are pulling all sorts of strings behind the scenes.
We also had some breadcrumbs about Dieter's history. How are we feeling about that? How do you think it could have affected him? How could it affect things going forward?
We also got a little more Cat/Plant Daddy Dieter in this one. Swoon!
Please do share your thoughts and predictions for the second half. You know I love it when you guys yell at me and jump into conspiracy theory mode!
💜Mysty
The video for this chapter is a fun little Jive to Tina Turner’s Rolling On the River. Enjoy!
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misshorrorotaku · 3 months ago
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The more I think of episode 8, the more it kinda annoys me.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the episode, but fuck man, does this finale REEK of one of two things: either the show was cancelled, or the writer couldn't think of any way to satisfyingly tie up all the plot threads they set up. Hence why nearly each one got a very quick, very brief "here you go" before moving on the main shit.
Nori and Khan's reunion? Quick, albeit cute scene where Nori acts bashful and Khan thinks she's hot but doesn't quite know who she is.
V's return? Oh look, V's back and here's some fanservice as she's on a raptor like so many of you did in fanarts. Not gonna address how she survived, or how she got this thing to do what she wanted it to, just here you go, she's, back. Anyway, time for fight scenes.
J's reaction to Tessa being dead, something it was subtly implied she didn't know back in episode 6 when she acted confused as to why Tessa wanted her to stay behind? Not even gonna include this, she just implies she's scared and wants to be on the winning side. We'll even toss in her saying she never needed V and N just so you don't notice we've given this character basically no character development and she exists just as a final barrier before Cyn. Please ignore she attempted to kill N with absolutely no hesitation the second set got the excuse to, making it make absolutely zero fucking sense she cared about either of her teammates.
Doll? You get a quick image of her corpse just before the credits. Please ignore the glaring plothole that SHOULD have meant she survived her wounds, since ya know... Uzi does the exact same with a worse wound, coming back from a fatal error simply cuz her core was placed back on her chest cavity... Which was the case for Doll the ENTIRE time she was injured, as it never left her body. (This is the most egregious one to me. No dialogue or nothing, not even a scene of Lizzy, her best friend, looking sad at her death. This was a MAJOR CHARACTER, and all we get to tie up her story is a flash of her corpse to tell us "yep, she's dead folks.")
Ooo, how about how Uzi is gonna resist the solver? You get a quick scene at the start that implies the necklace her mom gave her somehow gives her resistance... Please ignore this has never been implied at any point before in the story and the solver was VISIBLY shown taking over her body while she still had the fucking necklace on in the previous fucking episode.
They even kinda hand wave Nuzi, and don't even give us the long-awaited kiss. I'm not saying it was 100% necessary, but fuck man could it have helped the episode a lot of we at least got that.
... I enjoyed the episode. I did. There were lots of cute moments, the fight scenes were cool, and I loved Cyn...
But by the fucking GODS did this seem like they were just trying to end it with no regard for the story they'd set up. I am 100% in the camp of "Murder Drones was cancelled, they just don't want the backlash that comes with cancelling a well-loved show." The rushed nature of this finale and the fact it was advertised as the "season finale" up until I think episode 7 makes it glaringly obvious they intended to let these plot points breathe. To do SOMETHING that wasn't a rush-job.
Again, for the third time, I enjoyed the episode. I do love what we got. but I will forever mourn what we could have had. If it even just got room to breathe, longer than 20 fucking minutes, it could have been satisfying. It could have tied up these plot points just fine. But it didn't.
Such wasted potential.
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ender-cloud · 3 months ago
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That new TGS update made me physically ill holy shit! Spoilers under cut
I feel like we all knew that this would happen but I wasn’t actually ready for it, Like god Lanyon you truly were screwed over
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THIS MADE ME LIKE AGAHBAGWGAVEVS!!!
Also after this the “I wanted to be the person you needed me to be” makes me just feel so agshabaggas JEKYLLLL!!! It broke my heart and im still not ok.
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Even after jekyll admitted it was him Lanyon still wanted to find an excuse how it couldn’t be at first and it’s just like, Lanyon! You can’t be doing this to me man!
Also, just, Jekyll saying that Hyde was a mistake is a punch to the gut, because i get how he can think that but Hyde is still like a part of Jekyll he separated from himself! Does he think that part of himself was a mistake? Or does he think that ever separating Hyde from him was a mistake? Because these two things can have very different meanings.
If he thinks that part of himself was a mistake: he hates a part of himself that he cant control which is something a lot of people experience but its still not ideal, But its also Fucked up, Because Hyde has become his own person and Jekyll is acting like he Dosent exist, like Hyde can’t hear all of this
But on the other hand if he thinks it was a mistake separating Hyde from himself might mean that he can see that maybe it would be better if he still had that part with him and this shows his growth from who he used to be. Finally realizing that it still makes him, him, again something some people need to overcome in real life.
Though it is most likely the first option but i can only hope its the second
I know that Lanyon’s reaction is probably the most important but I really want to see Jaspers and Rachels reactions too because we havent even gotten a glimpse of them in the background and it’s just heightening my curiosity, because Rachel was close to both of them so she’s the one im most interested in after Lanyon.
ANYWAY! BACK TO THE PAIN!!!
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Im going to be honest i think Lanyon is valid for this because yes it has been 2 years and He and Jekyll have been friends for long enough to where you would have this trust base relationship.
Also they just got together romantically which would fuck up Lanyons mind even more. Like way to go Jekyll breaking the foundation of trust in a relationship in your first day of being in one. I can see how he might feel like his feelings are being played with, Hyde would avoid him, and ive been mentioning this so often but like if someone you thought was your friend and they had an Alter ego that avoided you wouldnt you be hurt?
I feel like im shitting on Jekyll a lot, and I don’t mean to because I like Jekyll!! Dont get me wrong!!! But you have to admit that it is his fault, he’s not always the victim, its the people around him who’s being affected by his actions. It was Jekyll’s choice to continue to drink the potion, it was Jekyll’s choice not to tell Lanyon, there was no outside force making him do this.
And you can’t say that Hyde was making him continue to drink the potion because for 1; i doubt that in the beginning Hyde would be able to bother him that much only starting out, im sure it was another thing that developed over time with the potions use and 2; as we saw Jekyll could’ve thrown away those potions on his own terms at any time, he didn’t have to make more.
I just wanted to make this known because i feel like it needs to, do i like Jekyll? Yes. Do i feel bad for him? Yes. Do i think he’s the victim in the situation? No, because of the reasons above. But really, I don’t hate Jekyll, and its not like its always his fault, no, but in this situation it was his actions that lead to this.
I got really sidetracked so heres some of the other images i saved because this is getting really long.
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Them both crying Makes this so much worse like, these two almost never show their emotions around people, and now in front of everyone they are about to breakdown, it just makes my chest tight, God dammit Sage this Chapter was painful
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chick-with-wifi · 11 months ago
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The storyline and outfits of Mina Harker (League of Extraordinary Gentlemen)
We are introduced to Mina as a proper Victorian lady, polite and well dressed, who has been widowed for many years. (Please see the image descriptions for more details about her appearance.)
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When the group meets with her former lover Dorian Gray in an attempt to recruit him, Mina learns about his immortality for the first time. This is demonstrated by her surprise when Quartermain corrects her assumption by saying, "Quite the reverse. It was Gray visiting Eton...and I was the boy."
During the fight with the Fantom's men, Mina witnesses his invulnerability when she cries out for him upon seeing him shot, but he is unharmed.
When the fight is over, a survivor threatens Mina with a knife to her neck. Revealing that she is a vampire, she brutally kills him.
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Afterwards, she holds up a compact mirror. Vampires often don't have reflections and, since she is angling the mirror away from herself and Sawyer points out that she missed some blood, it is possible that she isn't looking at herself. She's looking at the others to see how they react to something she's kept so tightly under wraps for so long.
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She puts her hair back up, wipes away the last spots of blood and politely comments, "excuse me", as if trying to return to the image of propriety, despite what they have just seen.
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Although her display shocked the team, their reactions range from impressed (Nemo) to forced nonchalance (Sawyer) and curiosity (Skinner). Dorian claims this discovery is enough to renew his interest in joining the League - or rather, he's pretending it is new information for him since, as far as Mina is aware, he didn't know.
Aboard the Nautilus, Mina's appearance is slightly more relaxed.
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When she and Dorian get some time alone, he tells her about the painting that ages instead of him and she asks when he last saw it. Having finally found someone like herself, and not just anybody but her ex she still has feelings for, she wants to know how long he's been alive.
Dorian offers her a nightcap and, when the glass breaks, she licks the blood off her fingers. For once she doesn't need to hide part of herself and this freedom adds to the eroticism of the moment for her.
When they arrive in Venice, Mina has both literally and metaphorically let her hair down, and is wearing a looser outfit.
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During the chase, she does not hesitate to use the full range of her powers in front of her teammates, including transforming into a swarm of bats and climbing up the side of a building. Also in this scene, Quartermain declares that "the vampire lady has us covered!" which indicates he has moved past both his assumption that she is nothing but a distraction and his disapproval of her unladylike conduct.
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Upon learning Dorian is the mole, Mina is furious and insists on killing him herself. ("Not Gray. He's lived long enough.") It is worth noting that the two of them were the only characters on first-name terms, but now she uses his surname.
Before the team go their separate ways for the final fight, they stack their hands on top of each other. Like Sawyer says in a deleted scene, M may have brought them together under false pretenses, but that was his mistake - bringing them together.
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Mina is pre-emptively in her full vampire form. After keeping her powers secret or only using them for self-defense in the heat of the moment, she arrives ready to use them for premeditated murder. And during this fight, she doesn't hold back. She gives in completely to the vampiric nature she spent so long hiding. She uses all of her speed and agility, aiming for fatal strikes, and even tells Dorian, "Do you realize what you've done? What you've let out of me?"
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Mina kills the one person who understood her experiences, who she wouldn't have outlived. And as he crumbles, she sees a reflection of what might one day happen to her if all the years she's lived, everything she's done, catches up with her.
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At Quartermain's funeral, Mina is once again wearing her hat and veil. But this time, she is surrounded by people who know and accept her true self, even if they can't understand what it's like to be immortal. In response to Nemo saying he's done hiding and they are welcome to see the new century with him, she comments, "We've all been hiding in one form or another," using past tense, and follows him to the Nautilus.
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mysterialistic · 5 months ago
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Over-analyzing the Yingdu Chapter [PART 1]
This is just an analysis and theories based on all the stuff we've seen so far for this chapter. It's a long one so bare with me please!
[also, english isn't my first language. Excuse my bad grammar.]
Ok, first things first: the synopsis. I'll leave the image with the official plot for the Yingdu Chapter because it'll help make things a bit easier to understand.
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To me this synopsis makes two things very clear.
Number one is that we're going to see how Cheng Xiaoshi died, aka, probably starting the season with the whole context of this scene from season 2 (one of my theories is that CXS died during a dive, but that's for another post lol):
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And, of course, this scene right here too:
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We're finally going to discover what's the photo LG uses. Given the fact that the synopsis mentions "back to the begging", it's probably a picture of LG and CXS when they met in high school or when they're in college, which, I must point out, they're still attending during the time they go to Yingdu. For the photo to be from their college years makes more sense if we take this into consideration.
Now, the second thing that the synopsis makes clear, is that this is Lu Guang's first attempt at saving Cheng Xiaoshi. Why? Well, for that we need to get into the recently released teaser.
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The teaser shows us that Lu Guang is having some sort of nightmare. Some believe that this is a real thing, but to me it seems way too abstract (also it makes sense considering all the drowning symbolism they've shown us). The nightmare could possibly start with the flashback of Cheng Xiaoshi's death, leading to Lu Guang falling into the water, sinking as he's surrounded by photos (btw, the pictures have pieces of the postcard with a building that CXS places on the table during the teaser, but we'll discuss that in a minute), then he appears in this weird place with a clock and the word "Bridon" written with red strings (threads of fate?)
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Lu Guang once again falls into the water and then he sees a white light, tries to reach it and Vein appears saying: "you want more punishment?", which aligns with this text on the teaser:
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Lu Guang wakes up scared, extremely nervous, very different from the composed LG that we know. To me this reaction is due to this being his first attempt at saving Cheng Xiaoshi. He doesn't know what to expect, he just broke his rules and someone knows it. Even worse, someone wants to punish him for doing so.
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Now, let's go to another interesting point of the synopsis: "However, a photo with clues about CXS's parents appeared at the photo studio". This right here is tricky.
The "however" to me implies that this is something that has never happened before. A mysterious deviation of the "path of fate" that Lu Guang "retraces" (like the synopsis says). Now, what is this picture that contains clues? Apparently, it's this one:
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It's a building)? And this probably also contains some sort of letter or note with information about Cheng Xiaoshi's parents, specifically his dad who's name is mentioned by Liu Xiao as he interrogates the grown man.
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Another interesting thing to point out is that one of the texts on the teaser says "HE may be in Yingdu!" I'm pretty sure it's CXS talking about his dad.
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Something that caught my attention is that in this section of the teaser, where they show CXS placing the postcard in the table, he and QL are fighting)? Is she maybe suspicious about this sudden clue? Does she have a bad feeling?
Ok, Tumblr doesn't let me put more images, so I'll continue in PART 2
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worldsetfree · 10 months ago
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Diamond is Unbreakable × Reader: Weekends Spent in a Beautiful Duwang
(+ bonus character sprinkled in just for you!)
At last, the weekend! You have survived another horrible week and once more been set free from the confines of societal expectations. You've been feeling a bit too stressed out lately, what with the serial killer and all... But what better way to relax than with some quality time with your beloved?
(I hope y'all enjoy these small slices of life! Feedback is welcome. These broader headcanons are really helping me ease into where I want to go.)
Higashikata Josuke
Great! He has to do some chores first or his mom will kill him, but he's been craving some TLC time with you.
He's kind of a homebody, so expect a day spent playing video games (cute couch co-op is exactly the kind of aesthetic he lives for), watching TV, and having snacks.
Loves physical contact. Will wrap his arms around you, soft kisses on your skin. Wishes you could stay the night and cuddle.
Super shy at school the next week. His friends will tease him about it.
Nijimura Okuyasu
"Oh, let me see if Josuke is free!" "No, no, no, babe. Let's take time for you and I."
When he finally gets the idea, his first suggestion is of course: going to Tonio's. It's up to you if you want to experience *that* with him, but either way a dinner date sounds like a great idea.
Okuyasu wants to be a gentleman this evening. Does his best, in his own way. Dresses up for you. "Oh, you look really hot tonight!" Holds open the door open for you. He'll get the cheque, he's rich now! (Excuse me, what?)
Is going to call Josuke and tell him all about it when he gets home. "Oi Josuke, I think I'm in love!" Josuke lives for it.
Kishibe Rohan
No. He's busy. Wait, you're serious? Oh shit, he feels kinda bad now.
You convince him to go on a cute picnic date in the park under the guise of people-watching for more inspiration.
Rohan's mind is more captivated by experiences than images. He finds himself noticing how the other couples act and decides to do some research. Holding your hand makes his heart flutter like a dove's wings. Kissing you is mental anethestic and fireworks all at once.
The manuscript he sends to his editor that week is notably more optimistic than usual. Pink Dark Boy won't be singing from the rooftops, but at least Rohan understands what's inspired the stupid cliché now. And he wants more and more exposure to this feeling.
Kujo Jotaro
He's tired and stressed out. Please take him away from this town, he actually really needs it. You both do, really. Responds to your request with an indifferent grunt. He's in.
Usually, he'd take you to the beach, but he's hit a snag with his thesis and if he sees those starfish right now he might just pull his hair out. And we wouldn't want anything to happen to his handsome locks.
Surprisingly spontaneous when he wants to be. "Let's go to Tokyo, I want you to meet someone."
The drive is peaceful and quiet. He's a great listener, but still not the best communicator. For example: he won't tell you until you get there that your lunch date will involve meeting his mom for the first time.
Bonus:
Tonio Trussardi
This sweet man takes a day off from his restaurant and invites you to his home. Greets you with flowers and wine.
Very excited to show you his garden. Look at his tomatoes!! Humble but oh so proud of the fruits of his labour.
Thinks the most romantic thing you two can do together is cook. But it's his day off? He doesn't mind! He loves his craft! Wants to hold your hands and teach you how to properly julienne a pepper.
Lives for that reaction when you take that first bite. Might use Pearl Jam to make it that much better for you. Domesticity makes him want a life with you.
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gothghostiie · 1 year ago
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OOOOH BUT COULD YOU IMAGINE
Alejandro and the “cowboy hat rule”
RAHHHHH YES. YOU INSPIRED ME.
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cw: gn!reader, riding, Alejandro being smug, cowboy hat rule™️, bit of exposure?, risky place, creampie, size difference if u squint, bit of humiliation, fingering, spit as lube
also Spanish is mostly used in masculine form simply because it's easier, rest is still gn<3
banner by @alewesker <3
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"Ay, come here for a second little one." The Colonel called out to you. Right now you were on his ranch, hidden away in the mountains of Las Almas, enjoying some well deserved off time with your Colonel and the other Vaqueros. Alejandro was inside the barn, in one of the empty pens to be exact. He always kept talking about how he couldn't wait to have some more animals on his ranch, once he had the proper time for it.
"Coming!" you called back, putting down your drink on a nearby table, excusing yourself from the others as you walked over to the barn. "what do you need Colonel?" you asked, looking around.
"Gimme a hand little one." he asked, motioning to whatever he was doing. With a chuckle you went there, helping him with his task.
"you know, you are also here to relax." you teased, making him chuckle.
"si, si, I know. let me be." he chuckled, shaking his head at you as he wiped some sweat off his forehead, the cowboy hat he was wearing sliding up slightly. You eyed him over with a little grin, shaking your head.
"you really have to learn how to relax and have a good time Colonel." You said in a teasing manner, while quickly stealing his hat off him and putting it on, already turning to walk away when he suddenly wrapped his arm around your waist from behind.
"ah-ah. not so fast pequeño vaquero. what do you think you're doing here, eh?" he asked, his grin wide and smug as he tapped on the rim of the hat, pushing it into your face slightly. You huffed, butterflies going through your stomach as he held you close to him like that - even if you didn't like to admit it, you were absolutely attracted to him.
"what do you mean?" you asked a little snappy, pushing the hat back up and looking at him over your shoulder, his grin giving you goosebumps.
"did no one ever teach you the cowboy hat rule?" he asked, his tone absolutely amused. You shook your head slightly, raising an eyebrow at him.
"what would that rule be, huh?"
"wear the hat, ride the cowboy." he grinned, his voice practically dripping with his goddamn smugness. your cheeks lit up, you couldn't deny that this put images into your head that you probably should be keeping to yourself.
"what are you trying to say Colonel?" you asked, trying to keep your witty tone up but the way you were leaning your back against his chest already gave you away.
"I'm saying that you shouldn't break rules, little one." he hummed lowly, making your cheeks light up even more. the two of you had always had tension from constant banter and flirting but.. this was something else. He eyes your face over, waiting for a reaction, almost getting nervous now.
"...you're right. I shouldn't be breaking rules Colonel.." you mumbled back, making him grin slightly before he finally leaned down to you, closing the gap between you as he pressed his lips onto yours, kissing you passionately. his arm that had been holding you close quickly turned you in his arms to fully face him, his hands now both placed on your hips while yours were placed on his strong chest. Alejandro's hands slowly but sure snaked their way down to your ass, giving it a squeeze without breaking the kiss. you gasped against his lips softly, looking up at him through lidded eyes.
"such a good boy/girl/etc.." he cooed quietly, grinning as his eyes scanned your face over. "come here." he commanded, stepping away from you, just to let himself sink onto a small, wooden bench that was placed in the pen, leaning back against the wall while patting his thigh as if to invite you. "go ahead.. don't be shy little one." he grinned, knowing damn well he had you right where he wanted you.
"I'm not shy.." you grumbled as you walked over to him, making him raise an eyebrow.
"not shy, huh? let's see about that." he simply said, stopping you from sitting down as you stood between his legs.
"what do you-" you cut yourself off with a loud gasp as he suddenly hooked his fingers into your clothes, pulling down your pants and underwear in one go, leaving you completely exposed. you stared at him in disbelief, blushing hard as he just chuckled.
"thought you aren't shy?" he hummed,now pulling you onto his lap, legs on each side of him so he had access to everything he needed. "aw look at you.. so worked up already, no?" he cooed, placing one hand on your hip, with the other he tapped your nose.
"shut up.." you hissed softly, trying your best to act angry towards him - with little success. he just laughed and shook his head at you, pushing 2 fingers into your mouth as you finished speaking.
"yea yea. keep acting like that." he simply said, moving his fingers over your tongue to get them lubed up in your spit. you decided to just follow along, making sure they were nice and wet while looking up at him. "aw, not so hostile now, are you?" he chuckled, pulling the fingers out after a minute. you just grumbled and rolled your eyes, yet quickly got that replaced by a soft moan as he pushed his fingers into your hole without warning.
"fuck.." you muttered, hands wandering to his shoulders to hold onto him, somehow grounding yourself.
"shh, I know.. relax for me little one.." he whispered in a gentle tone, his other hand rubbing your hip soothingly as his big fingers worked your hole open. his cock was twitching at the sight of you and the sweet little moans that escaped you, working him up and making his pants tight. "sound so pretty for me amor.." he whispered, leaning in to kiss you again. you probably could've just came from his fingers, but he refused you sweet release for now as he pulled them out of you.
"no, fuck-" you whined, hole clenching around nothing. Alejandro laughed quietly.
"aw, dont cry now baby. I have something way better for you than my fingers." he said with a grin, winking at you as he quickly opened his pants, getting his boner out. he let out a relieved sigh as the tight fabric slipped down, his tip glistening with precum. "do you want it?" he asked softly, one of his hands slowly jerking himself off as the other went to your cheek.
"God, yes, please.." you said quickly, making him chuckle again.
"so eager..." he hummed, now letting go and putting his hands on your thighs now. "go ahead then." he said, looking up at you expectantly.
"yes sir.." your answer made his cock twitch, but you were way too needy to tease him about it now. instead you carefully positioned yourself, tip gracing at your hole. you gave him one last look, he nodded - now you finally sank down onto him with a loud moan. he groaned softly, grip on your thighs tightening.
"jesus christ.. you feel fucking fantastic.." he muttered, head leaned back and eyes closed. you both took a second to adjust to each other, just enjoying the feeling of finally getting what you wanted since you first laid eyes on each other - then you began moving. your movements were rather slow, still trying to steady yourself as you began riding him, his cock somehow brush all the good spots.
"shit.." you cursed quietly, trying to hold your moans back to not attract more attention from the other Vaqueros than you already had - much to his dislike. he furrowed his eyebrows, grip on your thighs tightening as you sped up a little.
"dont hold back little one.. I want to fucking hear how good my cock makes you feel.." he growled lowly, clearly not pleased.
"b-but... the others.." you huffed, not stopping your movements as you looked at him. Alejandro scoffed quietly.
"I thought you're not shy?" he mocked, hands now sliding over your hips to your ass, where he slapped it firmly. You gasped loudly, looking down at him with a bit of shock.
"I-"
"no. let them fucking hear you, let them hear how god damn good you're feeling." he huffed, hips suddenly slamming up into you, causing you to let a high pitched moan escape your lips. you just nodded quickly, knowing he wasn't playing.
"yes, 'm sorry sir.." you whimpered, gripping him tighter as you stopped holding back, your moans filling the empty barn together with the sound of skin slapping together and Alejandro's low groaning. his calloused hands were placed on your hips, guiding you as you rode him, with him occasionally thrusting and grinding up into you. both of you were just melting into each others touches, sharing passionate and sloppy kisses, mixed with surprisingly soft touches as you both worked towards your high.
"god mi vida.. gonna cum if you keep sounding this pretty.." he mumbled with a chuckled, just getting you closer to the edge. you let out an approving moan, keeping your movements and sounds up as your legs were slightly shaking from how close you were. it didn't take much longer before Alejandro felt himself being on the edge, wanting to carefully push you off.
"nonono, please dont pull out.." you begged softly, his pushing immediately stopped as he looked up at you, face scrunched up in pleasure.
"are you sure little one?"
"fuck, yes, please.. cum inside me.." you begged him, making him get over the edge with your words. his grip tightened significantly, eyes shut tightly as he moaned rather loudly - finally cumming inside you. the hot feeling of his cum mixed with the pleased sight of him, was all you needed, you sped up your movements and made sure his cock was brushing the good spots inside you as you worked towards your own high.
"such a good boy/girl/etc.. go ahead amor, almost there.." Alejandro muttered, spurring you on. his words were the final push, making you cum around his cock with a loud mix of whines and moans, your hips slowing down significantly. "there you go.. good job mi vida.." he whispered as you leaned against him, rubbing your back soothingly with one hand while the other held you in place. you sat there like that for a minute before you finally spoke up.
"we should probably go back.." you whispered, still catching your breath.
"oh yes." he answered, "I cant wait to see the looks on their faces after what they just heard.."
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neuroprincess · 2 years ago
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Peanut - Elle Greenaway/Female Reader
Elle Greenaway/Female Reader
Summary: Elle doesn't show up for another appointment and Y/N is frustrated not having her wife by her side when she needs most, while she's carrying their Peanut.
Classification: Angst, Fluff
Warnings: Swearing, pregnancy, sad talk, discussion
Word count: +1800
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Unrevised
The pregnant girl sighs as the doctor finishes running the gel over her belly, smiling what she knows is a pitying smile. This is already the third appointment she has gone to alone and there have been five so far as she is starting the second trimester. Y/N tried to smile back, but it didn't reach the eyes and she swore she might cry right there, finally managing to swallow tears to continue the procedure. Dr. Mitchell approached again, this time placing the ultrasound stick where the gel was passed and soon an image takes over the screen, it's still small, not like last time when it looked like a big headed bean. Everything seems to become much more real when the bean becomes a miniature human being with tiny little nose and arms.
"And this is your baby, see, they have arms, feet, hands and little fingers, now they are developing respiratory, muscular and hearing functions." the obstetrician says pointing to the baby's little limbs "And as you soon turn 15 weeks we can see the baby's gender."
"Does that mean they will soon start to hear us? And kick?" she asks hopefully and filling herself with excitement at the idea, something she has dreamed of since the positive test.
"I believe so, the baby will definitely hear you, but I can't bet they will kick that soon, if so, get ready because baby Greenaway will be a restless child." the woman jokes and works a few buttons on the machine as she moves the stick around the bulge "I was right, we are lucky, we can already know the gender, do you want it?"
"I..." Y/N starts to speak, automatically agreeing, but doesn't complete the sentence, thinking better of it. When she imagined and planned the pregnancy it was with wife by her side at all times, especially these, she wanted to find out alongside her as they share reactions or bet, that is not happening, at least not this afternoon "No, thank you. I think I'd rather wait."
"Right." Dr. Mitchell smiles and uses a tissue to wipe the gel from her belly, being careful "Now that the nausea has stopped you will experience some energy spikes and excessive hunger, the longer you can stay on the recommended diet the better." she goes over the last recommendations "Now I'm going to take some copies of the ultrasound, you can get ready."
"Okay..."
Less than half an hour later she is home again, taking off the sneakers that however comfortable they were are killing her, swollen feet won't let her wear anything but slippers, against her own body Y/N tried to look decent wearing her favorite pair of sneakers and a set of comfortable clothes, similar to yoga clothes. She takes a deep breath and lies down on the couch, pulling the blankets she leaves there for practicality, when the obstetrician told her about energy spikes she almost laughed when heard this, for the last few months she has been sleeping more than usual, taking random naps during the day and usually on the couch in the living room where the sun beats down creating a warm and calm atmosphere. This calmness is soon interrupted by the front door being opened, she knows who it is, but she doesn't want to see or hear her, not this time. She has already had to listen to many excuses that were accepted when the detective used those cute brown eyes to gain a little sympathy.
"Sweetie..." Elle approaches the couch, voice low and worried, the girl just covers the head with blanket without answering "I swear this time..."
"I don't want to hear you now."
"Don't be childish, the precinct..."
"Childish?" Y/N instantly gets up, throwing the blanket to the ground, eyes filled with anger and her heart aching, to her this doesn't seem fair, to either of them "I went for another fucking ultrasound without you, seriously, even the receptionist looks at me with pity. I'm tired, physically and emotionally. My feet are killing me, I've gained at least 11 pounds, fatigue makes me sleepy all day, I've cried watching Cinderella and I'm not complaining about you not being here to stay with me in these moments, but for you never being there for me in the only moments when I ask, no, beg for your presence."
"Y/N..."
"Be honest, do you really want it?" she shouts pointing to the apparent bulge.
"Please don't call our baby it." the detective's voice doesn't change at any point, she lowers her gaze and stares at where their child grows, it's now apparent, visible, just beautiful and she hadn't realized "Just..." tears gather at the edges and her lips pucker trying to control herself.
"Elle, I just wanted to have you there, with us, for us." now Y/N finds herself in the same state, trying not to cry the tears that have accumulated since the appointment.
"And I wanted to be there, I went to the clinic, but you had already left." the brunette approaches, just a few steps away from her wife, they face each other eye to eye "I swear I wanted to, we had an emergency case, her ex-husband found out where she was and... it was close, we got there in time before he could do something against her and the children."
"I'm sorry, now I sound so foolish, so selfish. I had no idea..." the girl turns away in shame and puts hands to her face as warm tears fall freely "I am really childish, you are right."
"Fuck, no, I'm not." Elle runs to her and hugs from behind, hands protectively wrapped around the belly, face nestled into her neck and suddenly her tears join the moment as well "You shouldn't have to go through this alone, we decided to be moms together and there is no excuse for my absence, I hadn't even realized the baby is already showing."
"Neither did I, until the shower. Geez, they're already here, it's real." she sighs and places her hand over the other woman's "And we have to stop cursing so much, Dr. Mitchell said they'll soon start listening to us if they aren't already."
"Really? Shit, I can't believe maybe the first thing Peanut has heard is our fight." the detective sighs and hugs her tighter, she pauses, thinking carefully about the words "I've been working too hard, even more than necessary, I think I subconsciously let my fear take over." Elle whispers against her wife's ear and tries to control herself, not wanting to cry anymore, failing miserably.
"Fear?"
"Yes, fear, very fear of not being enough or what you need, at the first ultrasound I almost fainted seeing the little human being we made, so small, helpless and dependent on us. So when a call comes in to the police station I am there, I don't know why, maybe trying to prove that I am worthy of you, of the gift you are carrying. Trying to make the world safe for when she arrives."
"She?" Y/N catches the small detail in her wife's speech, just her who swore even before the insemination that they would have a boy, confident of it. She turns around staring into confused chocolate eyes "How..."
"I thought you found out this afternoon, at the second appointment Dr. Mitchell had told us that starting this pregnancy week we might be able to know the gender and her assistant congratulated us." Elle whispers and her mouth opens in realization "Oh, you didn't know.... I don't understand, you were so looking forward to it."
"I told her I wanted to wait."
"I'm sorry, sweetie. I messed up..."
"No, you didn't. I wanted to find out with you, but finding out from you is even better." she wipes away the tears and smiles, a weight being lifted from her chest by this moment "We're having a girl!"
"We're having a girl! Our little girl!" Elle gets excited and cracks a big smile, the fact hitting her like a train, in five months they will have a child in their arms who will be the princess of the Greenaway family, the first daughter and the first granddaughter of her mother, Eva "My mom is going to spoil her so much, damn, me too! I can already picture Mom teaching Peanut spanish, dressing her and doing fancy hairstyles. I didn't see that coming..."
"I know... I just hope she has your smile and dimples, then she could have the world in her hands." Y/N stares at her in awe and hugs her tightly, head against the woman's chest, hearing heart beating fast and feeling fingers stroking through her hair as she hugs her back "You know, I didn't expect it either, you were so confident we would have a boy that I was believing your intuition."
"Hey, it's detective intuition."
"That's why." they break away from the embrace staring at each other.
"I promise, for my life, that I will not miss any more appointments. If I'm late you can punish me, all your right." the brunette squeezes the girl's hands and looks at her tenderly, a depth of pain in her eyes for having done such a thing, she would never forgive herself for missing such important moments of pregnancy and leaving her wife alone when she should have had her by side, giving her all the love, affection and support "And I'll go back to my normal schedule, I'll come home on time, without looking for more cases and I'll be there, always."
"I will believe you. But the first slip-up you sleep on the couch."
"Fair enough!"
"And stop putting yourself in danger, our daughter needs both moms." Y/N touches her face, voice almost breaks mid sentence, being a detective's wife is living in constant fear of a call with bad news and now they are adding a third family member to the mix "I think we need a name for her, we only think of names for boys.... And no, we're not naming Peanut as Roberta."
"It's the female version of my dad's name, our daughter..."
"No."
"You're the boss." Elle smiles and lifts her onto the lap catching her behind the thighs, strong arms holding her tightly, lips close inches apart "I will reward you for every thing, every absence, every teardrop. How can I start?" she asks suggestively.
"Well, I'm hungry, so you can start by preparing dinner because I'm exhausted." the girl smiles knowing she has thwarted her seduction plans.
"And what Dr. Mitchell said about sex?"
"We can, with limitations."
"Perfect." their lips come together in a slow and tender kiss, it's gentle, both feel as if all the pain and frustration of the day left after the conversation is gone for good, keeping only the joys of shared motherhood and the euphoria of knowing they are having a little girl "I'll let you sleep now, how about some beef stew?"
"With potatoes?"
"And carrots."
"Great!" Y/N smiles and kisses her again "Be quick, Peanut is hungry."
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blakeswritingimagines · 2 months ago
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There's No Easy Way Of Knowing
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Summary: Rather than before your new marriage, Sigurd takes his time finding the perfect gift just for you.
Word Count: 3.5k
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Vikings characters nor do I claim to own them. I do not own any of the images used nor do I claim to own them.
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Once upon a time, there was a brave and mighty warrior named Sigurd. He was the leader of the greatest army in all of Scandinavia, with his mighty sword and shield, he conquered many lands and brought forth many victories for his people. He was a mighty warrior who was feared by many, and respected by all.
You, his newly wedded partner, was a strong and independent person who admired Sigurd’s bravery and strength, but also feared his ruthlessness on the battlefield. You knew he was a good man at heart, but you also wondered if he truly valued you as an equal in the relationship. Sigurd had been acting strange as of late, often disappearing for hours on end, always making up vague excuses about matters needing his attention, even going so far as sneaking out late at night when he thought you'd be asleep. You knew he was up to something, and a pang of insecurity began to grow in your stomach. Despite his cold demeanor, Sigurd truly loved you with all his heart. He had been working day and night in secret, forging a gift that was worthy of your beauty and strength. But being the cheeky devil he is, Sigurd has been sneaking around, making sure you haven't noticed. He knew how observant you were, and he had to be careful to keep his gift a surprise.
The gift he had been working on was something he wanted to be absolutely perfect. He didn’t want to merely show you how much he loved you. He wanted to make you remember your wedding day forever. That’s why it was taking so much time and effort, and why he was also spending more time away from home. He wasn't too sure why he felt the need to sneak around, but perhaps he was worried you might find out too soon or he might let it slip without thinking. As the days passed, you have been noticing Sigurd had been gone more often, and the fact, that he would come in after dusk. He would give you a simple hug, and then crawl into bed, falling asleep almost instantly. You tried your best to ask him what he has been doing, yet all he would say is. 'You will find out soon enough'. Sigurd had been on a secret mission, trying to capture a young kitten for you as a gift. He had been sneaking out every night to look for one, and recently he had gotten lucky. One evening, after a few weeks of searching, he finally spotted a small kitten. He quickly and carefully approached it and picked it up. He was unaware that it was a lynx, thinking it was just a normal cat. The little kitty, which looked like a normal kitten, meowed loudly in protest as he held it carefully in his arms.
Sigurd tried to calm down the little kitty, as it was squirming around in his arms, meowing in protest. He whispered quietly to it, "Calm down, little one. I'm not going to hurt you." He held the cat close to his chest and started making his way back home. Sigurd couldn't believe he had actually found a cat, a very feisty one at that. He looked down at the cat, which was now eyeing him with a mix of curiosity and annoyance. As Sigurd quietly approached your shared home, he carefully opened the door, trying not to make any noise. He stepped inside and shut the door behind him, still holding the cat in his arms. He knew you were probably asleep in bed, but it was still quite early, and he didn't want to wake you up just yet. He carefully made his way to the living room, where he slowly placed the cat down on the floor, wondering how you would react to its feisty personality. The cat, a feisty little creature, immediately began to explore its new surroundings. It sniffed and mewled at different objects, its curiosity piqued. Sigurd stood by, watching with a small smirk on his face, anticipating your reaction when you saw the little bundle of fur. The little kitty continued its exploration of the living room, its tiny paws pitter-pattering across the floor. It eventually began to climb onto the couch, its long tail swishing back and forth. Sigurd chuckled quietly, finding it amusing how much energy the little creature had. He decided to go check on you and see if you had awakened from all the noise. He quietly made his way to your bedroom, opening the door silently.
As he entered the room, he saw you still asleep in bed, a peaceful expression on your face. Sigurd smiled as he looked at you, feeling grateful for the wonderful partner he had. He walked over to the bed and sat down beside you, careful not to wake you up. He leaned in and gave you a gentle kiss on the forehead, just watching you sleep for a moment. After a few moments, Sigurd decided it was time to wake you up. He gently touched your shoulder and whispered, "Wake up, my dear. I have a surprise for you." Your eyes fluttered open, and you groggily looked at Sigurd, still half-asleep. Sigurd watched as you slowly woke up, a hint of annoyance on your face for being woken up so suddenly. He suppressed a smirk, knowing that he had successfully woken you up without waking the tiny creature in his arms. He gently continued, "I have something to show you, my love. I think you'll like it." You sat up in bed, rubbing your eyes and trying to wake up properly. You looked at Sigurd, a mixture of curiosity and sleepiness on your face. "What is it?" you asked, still groggy from being woken up.
Sigurd felt a wave of excitement run through him as you sat up in bed, still half-asleep and confused. He could see the curiosity in your tired eyes, and he knew that he had your attention. He replied, "I have something special to show you, my love. Something that I think you’ll be very pleased with." He smiled mischievously, knowing that you were in for quite the surprise. You raised an eyebrow, now fully awake and intrigued. You looked at him with a curious expression on your face. "Alright, I'm listening. What is it?" you asked, now fully awake and interested. You scooted closer to him, waiting for him to reveal his surprise. Sigurd chuckled at your eagerness, enjoying how you had woken up completely from the mention of a surprise. He loved seeing the curiosity in your eyes, knowing that he had your attention. He replied, "I can’t just tell you, my love. You’ll have to come see for yourself." He gestured for you to get out of bed. You chuckled and rolled your eyes, amused by his teasing. You slowly got out of bed, still a bit groggy but filled with curiosity. "Alright, I'm coming. But this better be good," you said, following Sigurd out of the bedroom and into the living room.
Sigurd chuckled again as you got out of the bed, clearly intrigued by the surprise he had in store. He led the way to the living room, with you following behind him, still a bit tired but full of curiosity. He could feel your anticipation growing with every step, and he couldn’t help but feel a bit excited himself. "I assure you, my love, you won’t be disappointed," he said, hiding a smirk as he came to a stop in front of the sofa. You followed Sigurd into the living room, your curiosity growing with every second. You tried to peer around him to see what he had in store, but he was blocking your view. Finally, he came to a halt in front of the sofa, and you tried to peer around him again, still trying to catch a glimpse of the surprise. "Show me already," you said, playfully swatting his arm. Sigurd chuckled as you tried to peer around him, clearly impatient to see the surprise. He could feel your curious gaze boring into him, but he kept his stance firm, preventing you from seeing the surprise. When you playfully swatted his arm, he feigned offense, acting like he had been hurt. "Hey! A little patience, my love," he said, trying to keep his cool. He could feel your impatience growing, but he wanted to tease you a bit more before revealing the surprise. Finally, Sigurd stepped away, revealing the tiny kitten sitting quietly on the sofa. Your eyes widened in surprise and delight as you saw the little ball of fur. The kitten looked up at you, its big, curious eyes studying you. "It's a cat!" you exclaimed, your eyes brightening with excitement. You slowly approached the sofa, reaching out a tentative hand to pet the kitten.
Sigurd watched with a proud smile as your eyes widened in surprise and delight upon seeing the kitten. He knew that you had always wanted a pet, and he had wanted to surprise you with something special. The little ball of fur looked up at you, its big, curious eyes studying you intently. When you exclaimed, "It's a cat!" he chuckled softly and watched as you approached the sofa. He leaned against the wall, arms crossed, as he watched you tentatively reach out a hand to pet the cat. You gently stroked the kitten's soft fur, and it let out a soft mewling sound, nuzzling its head against your hand. You couldn't help but smile as the little creature responded to your touch. "It's so soft!" you exclaimed, looking at Sigurd with excitement. "Where did you find it? It's adorable!" Sigurd observed as you stroked the kitten's soft fur, and it responded with a soft mewling sound, nuzzling its head against your hand as if wanting more from you. He couldn't help but smile at how quickly the little creature had taken a liking to you. As you asked where he had found the cat, he answered, "I found it in the forest near our home." He pushed off the wall and stepped closer to you, watching the interaction between you and the cat with a soft smile. "I knew as soon as I saw it that it would make the perfect gift for you."
You continued to pet the kitten, who was now purring softly in your lap. You looked up at Sigurd, touched by his thoughtfulness. "It's perfect," you said, a soft smile on your face. "But why a cat? I know I've talked about wanting a pet, but I didn't think you were listening." Sigurd chuckled softly as he watched you pet the kitten, which was now purring contently in your lap. He could see the genuine appreciation on your face as you spoke, and he was pleased that his gift had been so well-received. At your question, he replied, "I may act like I'm not listening sometimes, but I do pay attention to what you say. I know you've mentioned wanting a pet before, and I just had to find the right one for you." You looked at him with a mix of gratitude and disbelief. "You're full of surprises," you said a warm smile on your face. "I never would have expected you to remember something like that. But I'm glad you did. This little one is already making me smile." You gently scratched the kitten under its chin, and it responded with a contented mewling sound. Sigurd chuckled, a bit self-satisfied at your surprised reaction. "Well, I do like to keep you on your toes," he said with a cheeky grin. He approached you and placed a warm hand on your shoulder, watching as you gently scratched the kitten under its chin. The little creature mewled in contentment, and he felt a sense of pride at having picked out a gift that had already had such a positive effect on you. "I'm glad you like it. I thought it would be a nice addition to our home."
"I don't just like it, I love it," you said, looking up at Sigurd with a huge smile. "And it's perfect for our home. It's almost like it was meant to be." You leaned back on the sofa, still holding the kitten in your lap. It was now purring loudly and rubbing its head against your shirt, clearly enjoying the attention. As you held the kitten in your lap, it continued to purr loudly and rub its head against your shirt, clearly enjoying the attention. Sigurd sat beside you on the sofa, watching the two of you with a fond smile. "Have you thought of a name for it yet?" he asked, curious to know what you would call your new pet. You looked down at the kitten, which was now batting at your fingers with its tiny paws. You hadn't thought about a name yet, but now that Sigurd had asked, you tried to come up with something. "I haven't decided yet," you replied, thinking aloud. "I want something unique, but also something that suits its personality." You looked down at the kitten, which was still cuddling in your lap. "I got it." Sigurd looked at you curiously, eager to know the name you had chosen. "Well, what is it?" he asked a hint of excitement in his voice. "I'm going to call it Loki," you said, a small smile on your face. Sigurd raised an eyebrow, a bit surprised by the name choice. "Loki? As in the Norse god?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.
You nodded, looking up at him with confidence. "Yes, Loki. It just seems to fit him. He's sneaky and mischievous, just like the god of trickery," you explained with a grin. Sigurd chuckled a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "Well, I suppose that's fitting. But let's just hope he doesn't start causing too much trouble."
A few months had passed since Sigurd had surprised you with the little stray cat known now as Loki. The mischievous growing bigger-than-normal feline was now a part of your life, and you had grown quite fond of its presence. Today, you found yourself spending a lazy day at home with Sigurd, enjoying each other's company. Loki, as usual, was sitting in a patch of sunlight by the window, lazily grooming itself. You both sat together in the warm sunlight, enjoying the peaceful moment when something caught your eye. As you watched Loki grooming itself, you noticed that the feline had grown significantly larger than the average cat. It now resembled a lynx, with its pointed ears and sleek, muscular build. "Say," you said, breaking the comfortable silence, "have we been feeding Loki too much?" Sigurd glanced at Loki too, and his eyes widened a bit as he observed the cat's size and features. "He has grown quite a bit, hasn't he?" he noted, sounding puzzled. He then nodded in agreement as you asked if they had been feeding Loki too much. "Perhaps we have been a bit generous with his treats. But I've never seen a cat grow so big and develop such features." You both continued to watch Loki, who was now blissfully unaware of your observations. The oversized feline continued to groom itself, its pointed ears twitching occasionally as if sensing your stares. You couldn't help but feel a sense of bewilderment at how much Loki had changed in such a short amount of time. "What should we do?" you asked, looking at Sigurd. "Should we cut back on the food?"
Sigurd pondered your question, scratching his chin thoughtfully. "It might be wise to cut back on the food for a while," he said, still observing Loki intently. "We don't want him getting too chubby and unhealthy." He chuckled softly, a hint of amusement in his voice. "If he keeps growing like this, we might have a miniature lynx on our hands instead of a cat." You laughed at Sigurd's remark, imagining the hilarious sight of a miniature lynx in your home instead of a cat. You had to admit, Loki's impressive size and lynx-like features were rather captivating. "You're right," you said. "We can start cutting back on the food and see how he adjusts." You couldn't help but wonder, however, if there was something more to Loki's transformation than just overfeeding. You and Sigurd had implemented the decision to cut back on Loki's food, but the oversized feline didn't seem to show any significant change. In fact, it seemed as if he had continued to grow larger, and his lynx-like features were even more pronounced. His pointed ears were even more prominent, and his body was sleek and muscular, almost eerily resembling that of a young lynx. As you observed Loki one morning, the realization hit you. "Sigurd," you spoke softly, "I think something's a bit strange." Sigurd, who had been nearby, heard your comment and turned to look at you. He followed your gaze to Loki, who was now lounging in his favorite spot of sunshine. He observed the feline for a moment, and his eyes widened as he too realized how much Loki had changed over the past few weeks. "You're right," he said, his voice tinged with concern. "This isn't just normal growth. There's definitely something unusual about Loki."
You both continued to watch Loki, who seemed completely unbothered by your gazes. The oversized feline stretched lazily, showing off its muscular frame, and its pointed ears pricked up as if sensing the change in your demeanor. "What could it be?" you wondered aloud, feeling a hint of unease. "Is it possible that he's not just a regular cat after all?" As Sigurd stood there, intently observing Loki, a realization dawned on him. He remembered the day he had found Loki in the woods, and a pang of guilt washed over him. He had thought he was bringing home a regular stray cat, but now it seemed that he had unknowingly brought home a baby lynx instead. "Ah," he muttered, a hint of embarrassment in his voice. "I think I may have made a slight error when I found Loki in the woods." You looked at him quizzically, curious about the sudden change in his tone. "What do you mean?" you asked, furrowing your brow. Sigurd sheepishly scratched the back of his head, still feeling a bit sheepish. "Well," he said, "It seems that I may have mistook a baby lynx for a stray cat. I had no idea that was what Loki actually was until now."
You stared at him, a mix of surprise and intrigue on your face. "A lynx?" you repeated, your eyebrows raising in disbelief. "How did you not notice that Loki was a lynx? They look quite different from regular cats." Sigurd shrugged sheepishly, clearly feeling a bit embarrassed. "I guess I just wasn't paying close enough attention," he admitted. "I was so focused on finding a cute little cat to bring home to you that I didn't even register that Loki wasn't a regular cat. I should have known better." You couldn't help but laugh softly at Sigurd's confession. "Well, I must say, it's quite a hilarious mistake to make," you teased. "Did you really not notice the distinctive ears and size?" Sigurd chuckled sheepishly, realizing the absurdity of his mistake. "In hindsight, it seems obvious," he admitted. "But at the time, I was just so excited to gift you a pet that I didn't think twice. I guess I was a bit too caught up in the moment to notice the glaring differences between a lynx and a cat." As you laughed together about the amusing mistake, Sigurd couldn't help but smile at your contagious laughter. He stepped closer to you, wrapping his arms around your waist and pulling you into a warm embrace. "Maybe I'm a bit scatterbrained when it comes to finding you a pet," he said, his voice laced with affectionate amusement. "But I guess you can't blame me for being so eager to make you happy. After all, I love seeing you smile."
You chuckled, melting into his embrace. "I suppose I can forgive you for the mix-up," you said, a smile still on your lips. "But I have to admit, having a baby lynx as a pet is pretty unique. No one else can say they have a lynx lounging around their home like a housecat." Sigurd nodded, holding you close. "True," he said, his eyes drifting over to Loki, who was now basking in the sunlight. "And I have to say, Loki is quite the character. He's grown so big and has such unique features. It's a bit surprising, but I think he fits in quite well with our little family." You nodded in agreement, looking over at Loki as well. "I agree," you said, a warm feeling filling your chest. "Loki may be a bit different from a regular cat, but he's become such a part of our lives now. Having a baby lynx as a pet may not have been what we intended, but it's certainly a charming and unexpected addition to our home."
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susie-dreemurr · 12 days ago
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Arcane s2: ep 1 - 3 reaction
After putting it off for so long, finally started season two! Compiling my liveblogs here so I don’t spam my followers lol
Ep1
The counselors piss me off honestly. The only ones I have sympathy for are Mel and MAYBE Jayce (Viktor and Caitlyn aren’t part of the council so they don’t count) mfs attack zaun 1000 times but when zaun fights back suddenly they’re horrible creatures.
Oh thank god Vi didn’t accept the enforcer badge just yet. I know she eventually becomes one due to game osmosis, but I think she needs to change too much for the worse for that to happen. And she doesn’t feel like that yet.
Why does this guy sitting beside vi look so much like Vander…..
Come on Vi do NOT be tempted by one nice girl and Caitlyn’s sweet words. Do not become an enforcer yet. Wait at LEAST until halfway through the season, please please please 😭😭😭
WAIT BO DONT KILL MEL PELASE PLEASW NOT MEL
I think Vi is going to join the enforcers mostly because she might see Caitlyn as the only person she has left, and since they have hextech because she sees it as an answer to her problems. Sigh Vi I will love you even if you become a cop but I will be very disappointed
OMG I FORGOT THIS LADY WAS TRHE MOTHER OF THE KID WHO DIED. Yeah she should be allowed to do as she pleases with Jayce,
Vi nooo don’t use hextech… ought here are no right decisions right now but this marks the beginning of the end
Oh. Omfg. Mel’s mother is with them. She likely got together with them and coordinated an attack so that Piltover would have an excuse to use hextech against Zaun. Vile woman. It makes sense now why that person randomly spared Mel, though— oh wait I nvm I rewatched this part I understood everything wrong. Still… very suspicious. This is now my theory, then.
Oh, man… Vi can certainly relate to that. Vi do not project yourself into Caitlyn too much pease, I want you to spend at least 1/3 of this season Not being a cop
… what the hell are up with these images? Drawings? Caitlyn is looking at…? Interesting. And ugh there goes there fuck ass counselors again
“They must have had help from someone up here” and the camera pans to Mel’s mother. Either I was right or this is a red herring. Either way they’re definitely implying she did it
NOOOOOOO VI NOOOOOOOOO. THSI IS THE WORST DAY EVER. Please quit soon <3 I feel sick.
Edit: can I just say when caitlyn said “I thought you were on our side” and “I understand now how easy it is to hate them” all I could think was fucking. Nick from Zootopia “oh so there’s a THEM now?”
Ep2
Can I just say like. I know this has a lot of symbolism and everything but it’s so funny how basically every episode starts with a fucking amv.
… is the fucking shitty parent abandonment issues cycle hot gonna continue with Jinx and this kid or will the world finally allow me to be happy
Omg it’s werevander isn’t it?!???
She’s not handing Jinx over in an attempt to fulfill Silco’s last wishes, isn’t she?
Can i just say Viktor looks sick as fuck
I fucking forgot Heirmedinger existed godamnit. Now that he’s working with Ekko I can tolerate him ig
…oh fuck either 1) viktor is gonna accidentally corrupt places due to his body being full of hextech now or 2) the cave with shimmer, you know with the mad scientist, has started to contaminate natural resources around it and Ekko’s resistance could be close to it
THE FUCKIGN GUY. THE GUY WITH THE TUMOR IN THE HEAD DUE TO SHIMMER. THTA GUY
Jinx ily but godamnit the first thing you do once you smell somethign that makes you cough up like that is TRY to cover your nose and mouth —- oh fuck no. No. The gauntlet. Jinx is gonna see what Vi became. Nooooo. Fuckkkk
Neither jinx nor I am ready to see enforcer vi. I’m going to ki *remembers suicide jokes are bad for my mental health* I’m going to defeat the king on my own.
Jinx not taking the shot on vi :(((((
Nah bro these mfs are actual dumbasses fr fr, who td just throws a bomb in the ground like that.
Ok eu não terminei ainda mas acho que sei o que que meu primo quis dizer com “ele vai aparecer. Jesus” agora. Viktor REALMENTE parece o Jesus.
Omfg he literally is so Jesus coded. Por que que eu to vendo um episódio da bíblia agora.
Ep3
Ok fucking hell I saw the title this is gonna hurt. Last episode I could withstand it for just the couple seconds but godamnit I’m not ready for enforcer vi.
Throwing myself into the ocean I do not want vi and caitlyn to be cops. I knew cait was kinda one before too but she was fired so. Point is fikfjdkdjdksnnsns NAURRRR
Jesus Christ Caitlyn don’t you fucking turn off the air ventilation system for zaun. That’s evil. Like, she already tried using it against jinx, sure, but that’s an entirely different matter. Vi if this really does happen then you better give her shit when you find out— Nevermind she’s walking with her. Still, hoping Vi (and Caitlyn too, because she is also changing for the worse) snaps out of this soon <- knows she won’t
Fuckkk. At least the villainous song slaps.
Who tf is that mf in the pillar. Might be bait from jinx
…is Vi trying to mediate? If so, it makes sense. Vi has never seen Caitlyn act like the enforcers that put her down for so long and she doesn’t want that to happen, im sure. And despite everything, Vi is still a zaunite. Even if she may not be aware that she’s trying to mediate, this girl very much remembers what it’s like to be on the other side.
“Everyone in my life has changed. Promise me you won’t change” vi :(
NOOO FUCKINF THE VENTILATION SYSTEM. JINX GODAMNIT WAS THIS YOU. Hope I’m interpreting this wrong.
Caitlyn and Vi being concerned for the other’s changing but their own changes stopping them from truly reaching out….
Minha internet cagou justo quando a vi e a jinx tavam lutando mano não é POSSÍVEL
…this whole thing really was Jinx’s elaborate suicide plan. Also Vi protecting the child and trying to keep Cait from shooting her is such a mirror to the scene where she and Jayce fight people with hextech.
It’s just so… there are no winners in war. There are innocents in both Piltover and Zaun. And even those who don’t have their hands clean but are also victims. All this does is create more suffering. But there was no other way it could have gone now was it
“I keep telling myself that you’re different, but you’re not” nick zootopia in the head again.
Motherfucker. Well maybe she didn’t orchestrate the memorial attack (though we don’t know that yet) but she certainly did this.
“You’ve given Zaun opportunity after opportunity to right their wrongs” no you haven’t. Lmao.
Referring to CAITLYN????????? ohhhh my god
Also. Did Vi last like one(1) episode as an enforcer and stop. I don’t think that’s the case obviously but it’d be really fucking funny since we haven’t seen her here yet
YES YES I FUCKING KNEW IT SHE CAUSED THE MEMORIAL ATTACK DIDNT SHE IM RIGHT ARENT I LETS FUCKING GOOOO I DIDNT INTERPRET WRONG ANYTHING FUCKERS
…okay maybe I am a little excited for Caitlyn’s villain arc— godamnit there’s no fucking way that fuck ass doctor from s1 is still alive.
(That was awesome. But seriously though where is Vi)
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ray935sworld · 4 months ago
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VR's academy of supernatural riders (Part 3: The broken image of a hero)
TW: This chapter includes a general talk about a toxic relationship including physical and mental abuse. It's in an educational context to make a character aware, not an actual abusiv relationship
Summary: Vale isn't stupid. He notices his brothers disappearances
Or I couldn't help myself but give a way too detailed description of the Vale - Luca brotherhood
Time passed and the relationship between the two lovers grew. But as every action has it equal opposite reaction, Luca and Vale seemed to drift apart.
Vale was a lot of thing. Caring and kind to those in his favour and ruthless to those against him. He could be silly and childish, making the academy boys forget that he is already in his mid-40s and not somewhere around 30. But he wasn’t stupid.
He was way wilder than his younger brother when he was his age, so he recognized the pattern quickly. The retired rider used to tell his mother that he just needed to attend an unexpected meeting or that his sponsors asked to meet him. He made up every kind of meeting as a reason not to be home. Sometimes he said he’d needed a short break between races to be able to focus again.
In reality he was with whoever and did things with them he could never tell his younger brother. Let alone his mom. The local priest would properly passed out during confession if he mentioned even the half of it.
Not that Luca didn’t know. Just maybe, there had been moments in which he forgot his little brother stayed over or was in a hearing distance which caused Luca to grow up, having a high tolerance for dirty comments and sex. But those moments somehow caused them to grew closer cause Luca got the opportunity to make fun of his silly hero. They laughed about it.
But now Luca used the same excuses and always disappeared at a certain hour at the races. He never did it before. Sure, he snuck away or straight up told Vale with a smirk not to look for him. Now it was different and his guts told him not to like that change. He always trusted his guts.
It wasn’t like Luca to keep secrets like that. He sometimes looked sad when he returned. That was usually enough for Vale to turn the world upside down, but he didn’t know where to start. Maro used to stay with the academy until late in the evening, having dinner, talking about the media or the practice, qualifying, the race or whatever came to their mind. Most of the time, it took a responsible adult, Uccio, to tell the young Italians and Vale, to finally go to bed. During that time, the boss knew that the boys still had regular sleepovers in someone’s motorhome or in one of their rooms at the ranch.
Now Luca was gone before 11pm or kept checking his phone – a habit he previously hated. There were moments in which he texted his older brother, he’d be with one of the others. Normally he’d never questioned that. But sometimes those were with him or he had seen them previously elsewhere. He thought about confronting him. He wanted to ask him until he broke down and told him the truth.
But he didn’t want to pressure his boy. He didn’t want to force him to do something he didn’t want to. And he didn’t want to tell him, yet. Vale knew that. He knew, he lied and he did it without hesitation. Vale couldn’t notice any change. The only logical consequence was that he felt the need to lie, as if he didn’t had another option. That didn’t just caused the older one to worry. It actually scared the living shit out of him.
Things took a turn when Alex and Luca spent a week together in Barcelona, far away from spying eyes and the fear of the spite of a certain Italian. They spent some great days, full of sex and kissed and love. Just like now, Alex was laying in his boyfriends lap, reading an article about something. His hand slowly caressing his hair. He leaned down to him and whispered “You are the most beautiful man in the world and it’s unbelievable that I got so lucky that you let me love you” just because he wanted Alex to know.
He kissed him softly. He placed his lips on his forehead. He felt the thin skin above his skull. It was warm. “Yeah?” he asked and as a response he got another kiss, this time on his cheeks, first on the right, then on the left. HE giggled about the sensation.
“Why don’t you prove me how much you love me?” The Spaniard asked. His intention were clear.
“You’d like that, don’t you?” “Yes. Show me how much you love me and my body, Luci.” Luci. He was the only one that was allowed to calm him Luci. He didn’t accept it with anyone else, not even his closest friends, but Alex could call him anything and he’d thank him. “The thing about you is… That I want to ruin you. I want to see your eyes tear up when you try to catch your breath. I wanna hear you scream my name as if it’s the only word you know.”
The sweetness of his voice was replaced with something dark, almost prying. Like a predator. “I want you to be reduced to a mess of happy crying, moans and desperate curses. I want you to beg for me.” His voice was a little bit raspy and his eyes were fixed on Alex. The older one felt like he was looking right at an animal. His gaze was intense, seemingly never leaving him. He actually saw Alex.
“I want to push you further than you’ve ever been just to build you up again.” “Luca-“ He was so close to a boner. It took all his willpower and a lot of disgusting thoughts to stop the blood rushing in between his legs.
He knew he couldn’t win against his lover’s dirty talk. That’s why he started it. He wanted him to win. He wanted Luca to destroy his mind. It was what he wanted and needed. “Luca, please-“ he whined. “Don’t worry, I’ll take such good care of you. I’ll reward my lovely boy for being such a perfect human” His voice was smooth like the sun and it got stuck in Alex mind like honey.
The older one slowly got impatient. He took the hand of the blue eyed one and slowly moved it over his own chest. “You have to” he said blinking his long darks lashes at him. That would do the deal and with that smirk he was sure to get what he wanted. He felt like a greedy kid. He had his eye on candy and he’d do anything to have him. He wouldn’t stop asking, simply annoying everyone that he could.
Then Luca grinned and it was not sexy. It wasn’t his seductive smile. It was a sarcastic smile as if he couldn’t hold back a bad joke he knew he shouldn’t say. “Later, Tesoro” His body lost the little contact his lover and he shared. “Your brother has just arrived and I don’t think you want to give him a heart attack. You’re not THAT close to him, hopefully.”
He smirked when Alex stared at him in a mix of horror and confusion. He hadn’t heard anything. And Marc said he’d only be there in an hour. Was he coming earlier? Did he text Luca instead of himself? Did they plan this? Why would he- “WAAAH!” His thoughts were interrupted by the scream of his brother that mixed with his and Luca’s laughter.
He sat up, shoulder tense and squeezing Luca’s arm. Without noticing it, he pressed himself closer to him. “Awe, is he your knight in shining armour, protecting you?” his brother laughed before hugging him close. The youngest just smiled, happy to see his brother who gave his boyfriend a cuddle as well. No bad blood between them.
They had a short chat about Marc’s flight and ride to the house while moving to the kitchen to prepare something to drink. Marc was sat at the kitchen counter and watched the younger two. Alex was about to grab something when Luca already handed it to him. He just smiled at him and gave him a fast kiss on the cheek.
Marc smiled about them. “Seriously, you guys are so fucking cute, I need to throw up.” He commented and he didn’t miss the darker shade of red that creeped up his brother’s face. “I think I’ll get diabetes if I see you interact to much” “Thank you” Luca just said while the Marquez brother gave the older one an annoyed look.
“Can’t you shut up for once?” “Awe, is somebody embarrassed?” he teased. “I’m sure your pretty, pretty prince is worst in private. He probably tells you you’re prettier than Aphrodite or whatever gay stuff you’re into” “Hey!” This time it was Luca who interfered.
A little surprised the two looked at him. “Carino, you are into Greek mythology.” Alex reminded his favourite nerd. “Yes. That’s why I would never call you that!” he explained. One look at the others and he knew it wasn’t an explanation.
“What the fuck is your boyfriend talking about?” “I don’t know“ They whispered, loud enough for the other to hear. “What?” His voice got defensive and his face even redder. “Aphrodite destroys everyone’s life who is said to be more beautiful than her. And she was originally a war goddess, so I wouldn’t mess with her. Especially when it’s about you” He blushed but the urge to kiss him once more was overshadowed by his intrusive thoughts. Before Alex could stop himself, he turned around to look at his brother. “Did Rossi ever called you more beautiful than Aphrodite? Would explain a lot” The signature Marquez laugh filled the kitchen and mixed with Marini’s.
The next time, Luca thought about his brother was a few hours later. He was sat in the back seat of Alex car. The two Spaniards in front and their racing stuff right next to him. They were on their way to a local dirt track when he heard his phone buzz.
He checked and saw the name ‘Old guy’ pop up. His brother had texted him. It was a photo. He saw a picture of Marco who was busy chasing Rubik through the kitchen of the ranch. The dog had a whole salami sticking out his mouth which he had apparently just stolen. You could see the happiness in the animals eyes and the frustration in the rider’s eyes. Vale had written a short caption saying ‘And that’s why Rubik and Bez aren’t allowed alone together in the kitchen’. He smiled about it.
For a moment he wanted to snap a picture back. But of what? He looked up and saw the two Spaniards. If he sent Vale a picture of them, the next thing he’d hear about his brother would be Marco yelling at him for giving the old man a heart attack. But he wanted to send him a picture of the scene, show him what he was doing. He wanted him to be part of his life. But he couldn’t and that left a weird feeling in his chest. He felt empty and his head to full, as if he was about to explode. He sighed and tried to get ride of the guilt building up in him.
Apparently that realisation had transferred to his face, because suddenly Alex looked at him worried. His eyes were fixed on him for a few seconds through the back mirror. “Everything okay?” he asked with a concerned look.
“Yes, Vale just texted me, sending a picture of Bez chasing Rubik. I’ve just been thinking how to answer” „Does he know where you are?" „I told him I was with friends." „Well, that shouldn’t be a problem, is it?" Marc asked. „Of course not, it’s just...Vale is worried about me” “What? Why?” “Does he suspect anything?” The two brothers asked. “No. But- well, he does know I’m in a relationship. He just doesn’t know with who.” „He's your brother." Alex emphasized. “He just wants to protect you”
A younger sibling would always stay the baby. Small. Young. In need of protection. Even if they are 20, in the mind of the older they’d be 12 forever. For Vale it was even worse than for Marc. The Marquez had grew up together, barely remembering the other as a kid, but as equals. Their minds were almost equally developed, so the difference wasn't really noticeable.
But Vale was already grown when Luca was born. He was able to recall the first time he saw him, running in the room where his mother was, hugging her tightly and kissing her, telling her how much he loved her and checking that she was okay before seeing the little baby in her arms.
He froze.
He had never seen a newborn before. It was actually just a bundle of baby blankets with a red face. The eyes were still closed and his head was covered with a small hat. It was fascinating. He couldn’t turn his gaze away. The baby was so small. Of course he knew that newborns were tiny, but actually seeing one – knowing that this was his little sibling was completely different.
He looked at the puffy cheeks and lips. He stared at the nose, a little bit too big for his face. He would have to grow into his facial features. It would take years. Actually years. He’d see them grow, learn how to speak and walk. He’d be part of their life. He’d always be by his side. He smiled at that thought.
„Valentino” their mother said. Their. They were siblings. “May I introduce you to your little brother? That's Luca… Your little brother" she said smiling and the 18 year old was shellshocked like never before. „I've got a brother" he whispered. He looked up, tears in his eyes as he met his mother’s eyes. None of his championship made him as happy as seeing the baby that was his brother.
“Do you want to hold him?” she asked and he nodded slowly. He sat down next to her on a chair, barely an inch away from the bed as she handed him the little body. He immediately put his hand behind his little head. He barely weight anything. It felt like carrying a cat in his arms.
“Hey Luca” he said with a wide grin, the world forgotten. “I- I’m Valentino but you can call me Vale…” He spoke slowly and calm, not wanting to risk waking him. “I’m sorry, I look like a mess. If I had known I’d meet you today, I’d be dressed more properly” he joked. He was aware that the baby had no idea what he was talking about or what a joke was, but he wanted him to be happy. He wanted to make him laugh and keep him safe. And he started with joking about making a bad first impression to a baby by meeting him in just a shirt, shorts and converse.
He kept holding him,, whispering to him how he would always take care of him and protect him, that he was lucky to have a little brother like him and that he would always keep bad things away from him. After some time, his mother had fallen asleep but Luca was beginning to wake up. He scrunched his nose and somehow Vale knew he was uncomfortable. But why? Maybe he was hungry? But he didn’t want to wake his mother. So he tested another theory.
He softly put him down which resulted in Luca kicking and getting even more restless. He fast threw his shirt in a corner. It was the beginning of August in Italy. It was hot as hell. So he hold his baby brother against his bare chest, knowing newborns needed the body heat. He had made a switch from 38°C to 20°C in a short time. Maybe the blankets weren’t enough. He smelled the little one and he felt his little head turning.
To this day he swore Luca had gave him a little smile, his eyes still closed. He’d still do anything for little Luca. He was there for him through everything. He tried to be there when he stayed with their mother. He tried to help him with his homework or even called his mechanics to get the answers to a math or physics problem. He kept track of his growth on a wall and even got a stool to measure him after he become taller than his brother. He was there when he turned the first time.
Another thought popped up in Luca’s head while rethinking his relationship with Valentino.
„Luca, do you have a moment?" Luca looked up from his phone. He was scrolling through Tiktok, looking for some new music, watching a few edits and rewatching the funny videos Bez had sent him. But the serious look in his brother's face made him shiver. Valentino wasn't a serious person. He was quite goofy and funny. He was always laughing. Now he was close to tears. Close enough that Luca was convinced he knew about his relationship. He knew everything. He hated him, heartbroken that his younger brother, out of all people, could betray him like that.
That was Lucas worst fear. That Vale didn't got angry, he'd be just disappointed. He thought he was about to be thrown out of the ranch and the academy. His friends, the boys that grew up with him, who he spent every weekend together, would have no other choice but ignore him. They were his brothers. They knew everything about each other. But if it was between himself and their career... They had spent too much of their own and their parents energy, time and money to risk Vale's spite running everything. He couldn't let that happen. So maybe he had just spent his last day with Franky, Bez, Pecco, Cele and Migno as something like a family.
Vale would tell him off. He was convinced that was about to happen. It was the only logical reason. The wall against his back felt colder than usual. Was this the last time he looked at Vale as his older brother? Fear peaked in his chest. He maybe an adult but he didn’t want to not be a younger brother anymore. His legs, spread out in front were frozen when his brother sat down next to him. For a moment he just looked at him. He looked the eyes he knew so well. He thought he was about to lose them.
„Do you trust me, Luca?" he asked slowly. It was out of the question. „Yes. With my life" „And... You know I only want to protect you, right? I don't want to see you get hurt" He nodded. He'd tell him Alex was using him. He had to break up with him before he'd hurt him. „Do you know what a toxic relationship is?" Confused he started at him. „Eh...? Why?" „I need you to be aware of such things." He felt like a child. The helplessness and fear still in his heart, he carefully listened to his brother.
„A toxic relationship is... It's when you're in a relationship with someone that hurts you but you stay with them anyway, because... Maybe you love them or used to love them. But it's unhealthy. They are only hurting you. Maybe they use emotional manipulation, disrespect, control, and a lack of support... Victims often feel... I read that there's a feeling of being unsupported, misunderstood, demeaned, or even attacked. When someone control you or… if you feel like you’re caged and you can’t or shouldn’t let go… It can be physical or psychological and you have to be very careful, okay? I want you to understand that you're not allowed to stay in a relationship that makes you feel unsafe or could be dangerous. I want you to tell me if you ever have that feeling – even if that person wants to silence you. If it that person makes you think you can't talk to me or anybody about or shouldn't because it won't get easier. It'll get worst."
He wasn’t sure how to react. This whole thing sounded different to what he expected. It didn’t sound like he was about to throw him out. „Vale, why are you telling me all of this?" „Because... You're my little brother and I want to protect you, even from things you don't consider dangerous." He swallowed hardly. He felt the ball of saliva running down his throat. It felt like a knife when he realized what Vale did. He understood what he was trying to do.
„What do you know?" he failed to keep the anger out his voice when he stood up. He understood. If Vale knew he’d try to break them up by making Luca believe their relationship was dangerous. He narrowed his brother who's facial expression he failed to read for the first time. He was used to understanding his brothers way of thinking. It took growing up with him, texting with him every day since he bought him his first phone - back then it was an old one from the 90s, barely enough to do anything besides calling and texting - to understand. Yet he failed. And it scared him that he failed at a moment as mandatory as this one. „What?" Vale asked confused.
„Don't play dumb!" Fear turned in anger. „What do you think you know? A- Ah, I can’t believe- He's not abusive!" He had nearly let the name slip „Luca, I know nothing, that's why I'm worried." He sounded so honest and sad, it broke his heart. He froze. He wasn’t sure what to believe or how to react. Was he telling the truth? Maybe he was lying.
„What?" he asked quietly. „You disappear at races. You say you're with one of the boys but you're not." „I-" „Don’t deny it! Last week you said you'd be with Bez. But Bez and Pecco were out annoying Dani. You lie to me. And I don't know why...." He sounded actually hurt and the feeling of guilt crept in, deeper than his anger.
"I'm sorry. I didn't... I didn't mean to worry you" he said, suddenly feeling small and helpless like a child while Vale continued. „I don't expect you to tell me everything. I don't mind you lying to me to have some fun. God you know that. I was way worst. But you do it so frequently and you always look... You look sad when you return. Like something is hurting you or someone. And I don't like that. I can't stand seeing you like that. I just wanna make sure you're okay and I don't know how and that makes me panic."
"I... I'm in a relationship" he started to choose his words carefully. "I love that person and they love me... But... I can't... I'm not ready to tell you who it is or any details. I'm sorry..." „Are they treating you right? They don't pressure you into anything or try taking influence? No manipulation? That's all I want to know" „No. No, they wouldn't do that. They always make sure I'm okay and comfortable, they really do. They are kind and loving and... And they love me very much. I'm sure they'd do anything for me. As I’d do for them." „Okay... Can... Does any one of the academy know?" „Yes." „And they approve of them?" „Yes. They like them as well." „Have they met them as your partner?" „Yes. Franky met them" He considered telling him about Bez and Pecco but he decided that that would be too much.
Vale couldn't hide his smile. Franco maybe more laid back then the rest of them together but he was the most protective of the group, considering he was one of the oldest. He met Luca when he was just a child. And the two had got along great together. Probably because they were the only one in that age range at the time when they sat together afterwards.
Since then they were inseparable, especially because Franky tend to enjoy the company of someone closer to his age over a drunk Vale or Uccio. Franky was protective of Luca and Vale knew that, so when Franky approved, he was sure it couldn't be as bad.
Vale assumed it was someone older. Maybe he was an older mechanic. Probably way too old for a normal relationship, maybe closer in age to Vale or even older. That's why he decided to hide it. Luca must think Vale wouldn't approve as if he hadn't dated above his age group when he was in his 20s. Vale smiled about that thought but he wouldn't pressure his little brother. He wanted him to be comfortable with himself, his lover and his brother. He trusted him and he knew if he had trouble he'd tell him so that he could help.
The chat between the two brothers were still open. His side of the conversation was painfully empty. He wanted to text his brother, snap him a photo, just to show him that he was okay. But if he did, didn’t that imply that there was a reason why he maybe wouldn’t be? And there was none. There was no reason to think he wasn’t anything but safe.
“How does being worried about his little brother look for Rossi?” Marc asked. His voice wasn’t cold or disapproving but there was a clear change in his tone. “He asks where I am more often and if I am okay” “So he think someone is hurting you?”
“Marc-“ Alex tried to interfere. “He…” Luca took a second to think about his answer. The moment was tense. “He has no clue who I am dating. All he sees is that I keep disappearing and refuse to talk to him. If Alex wouldn’t tell you that he’s with me, you’d go crazy as well, wouldn’t you?” “Yes, of course” he averted his eyes.
This time it was Marc who let his feelings take over. He didn’t want to paint Vale as the bad guy and make him look like a control freak who didn’t even trusted his own brother. “Sorry, Luca, I didn’t mean to… I just don’t want you two to get hurt- not that I think Vale will hurt you- It’s just-“ “He hurt you” Luca said and Alex gave the two a short look. His eyes were focused on the road but even if he wasn’t, he had no intention in interrupting their very important conversation.
“I shouldn’t have-“ “No, its okay.” Luca said, before slowly adding „I know he was horrible to you but... He can be kind." „I know." Marc said, his voice lacking spite and hate. "He used to be very kind to me... Then I was at the ranch, bet his record and he doomed me as the downfall of the MotoGP." Marc slowly thought back. He remembered that day clearly even though he didn't like thinking about it.
„Funny enough, he was laughing when I bet him. I returned and he hugged me and even kissed me while pulling me off the bike. He was so close and... I thought he was serious. That’s it. But he wasn’t. He just wanted to fuck me and the screw me over." „Marc, I-" Another apology from someone that didn’t do any wrong wouldn’t fix it. „Your brother is a very good actor" “I am not” he added.
He wasn’t sure why. He just wanted to remind him. Marc laughed about his comment. His smile hide the sadness that was portrait just seconds earlier his features. It was the perfect opportunity to change the subject, talk about something easier while the three were heading towards the dirt track. They still had quite a way to go, a good hour.
Alex was just about to say something when his boyfriend asked again."Did something else happen between you two? Maybe in the evening?" Luca knew about the day. He was there, just like the rest of the academy. Vale had made a point in asking them to attend. They made jokes about Marc being introduced to single parent Vale's bunch of children. Everything was perfect. It was one of his favourite memories. He was surrounded with his best friends and his brother was over the moon to have his lover with him.
Seeing him with Marc was different. He only looked at him – of course, when they were racing, he was more focused on the kids, yelling and screaming about their mistakes and correcting them – but once there was no one he had to look after again, he only ever looked for the Spaniard. This of course gave the academy boys the opportunity to do a hell lot of bullshit.
"No.” Marc broke his thoughts “We cuddled and watched a movie." "It's just... I don't know." He sighed and turned his head to look out the window.
He watched the trees of Spain pass him by. How could Spain look so similar to Italy and be so different at the same time?
“It never made sense to me. He loves you. It-“ “No, Luca. He never did. He didn’t love me, not then and not in the last years. Maybe he loved the idea of me, but he didn’t love me. I was young and stupid. He wanted fun.” “I know what he’s like when he just wants sex. That was different. He asked all of us to be at the ranch. You’ve met the whole academy! That’s everything he stands for. That’s- It’s his legacy”
The words of the young Italian woke a feeling in Marc’s chest that he wanted to get rid of. “He isn’t an idiot, Luca. If you want to sell the picture of forever you have to introduce them to your family. Or in his case the academy”
”You think it was just part of an act” Now he sounded hurt and Marc almost felt bad. He turned around to face the man. “You love Alex. Would you be angry if he beat you at racing?” “No! I’d be proud. Always been” “See? You don’t hurt someone you love like that. He wanted to destroy my life and my whole family because I was better than him.”
“It’s Vale. He isn’t… He isn’t- okay, I know he wasn’t always kind to Stoner or Lorenzo but neither were they! It doesn’t make sense! I know he- Something must have happen” „Luca, I know you want to see Vale as righteous, unable to do any wrong. I did too. He’s your older brother and the one that taught you riding. You have a certain picture of him due to the way he behaves near you… I have a different one. Rossi wants to be the greatest. He wants to be the best. Just like I do. He aims to be the unbeatable legend and the only thing that stopped him, seems to be me. Not the fact he can't get the 10th title. No. I'm the problem. And I'm tired of fighting that narrative. Truth is, I didn't help Lorenzo in 2015 and he failed to win against me." „I know. I never not believed you. It's just... He never said a real reason. He only said you'd be dangerous for the academy... That keeping you around would end with our downfall"
He snorted. „And Luca Marini? Am I your downfall? Am I ruining your life by letting you bang my poor, innocent baby brother" Luca couldn't help but laugh. He smiled and was about to respond when said brother laughed as well. „Innocent? I'm definitely worst than him, by the way" And the older one made a disgusted face. Their sex life and especially Alex part was on the list of things he never wanted to know in the top 10.
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ideallysheets · 8 months ago
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Can we leave ugly spreadsheets behind?
It's 2024, there's no more excuses for spreadsheets that make the eyes water. This especially includes messy, hard-to-read, clutters of data (coworkers read up!). Is some of this over-the-top? No.
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Here's some styling tips for your spreadsheets!
1. Use Custom Colors (Color Palette)
I like to start my spreadsheets off by choosing a color theme to get an overall feel for it, and a color palette is a great way. Take advantage of custom colors, and not just the ones provided for you (they are bland and basic). Custom colors make a beautiful spreadsheet.
2. Text Alignment and Merging
Aligning your text appropriately adds a professional touch and overall a cleaner feeling to your spreadsheet design. Don’t forget you can horizontally (left, center right) and vertically (bottom, center, top) align! Merge cells when needed!
3. Vertical and Rotate Text
An unknown but useful tool. You have the option to rotate text and make it vertical. This opens up many possibilities for your spreadsheet design!
4. Text Fonts (Additional Fonts)
Just like the colors, spreadsheets give limited font options. However, you can add additional fonts very easily.
Take advantage of bolding and italics, which adds depth to our design. For fonts, many people like to use a serif and a sans-serif font to complement each other, but I am not an expert in font design!
5. Adding Borders
Adding borders is an easy thing to add to make your spreadsheet more readable. You have unlimited options, you can add borders to any edge of a cell, customizing the color and line type. Keep in mind, if you select multiple cells it will act like just one cell when you add borders.
6. Alternating Colors
Alternating colors is a great feature that will automatically make each row an alternating color as you create rows. This makes large amounts of data much easier to follow and read!
7. Emojis and Images
Emojis are the easiest way to spice up your spreadsheets with pictures. The best part? It’s a built-in feature for most spreadsheet software.
See? Emojis aren’t just for fun facial reactions. They add a nice and simple touch. They can be used as icons, visual aids, and much more. Furthermore, you can add your custom images.
8. Freeze Rows/Columns and Adjust Cell Sizes
Freezing the header will make it stay on top as you scroll. This can be done by dragging down the thick gray bars on the top left corner. You can also do this with columns.
9. Add Checkboxes and Dropdowns
Both great ways to style your spreadsheet!
10. Final Touches
I like to remove unused columns and rows, this makes the workspace smaller and cleaner.
Additionally, group and hide columns to keep things clean. Also, make sure to take advantage of the spell check feature.
Here's a run through of me taking a basic spreadsheet and making it beautiful! Good luck! Visual person? Watch this short YouTube playlist I made.
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ash-morgensterns · 2 years ago
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Post Chain of Thorns Rant pt.2
[pt.1]
Now that she no longer was busy treating Ari like shit and using women like objects, Anna was a lot more tolerable. I even liked the glimpses of her relationship with Matthew we got. Maybe if she could react like a person whose brother just died in her arms I would like her a lot better. And if we got to see her mourning in her own POV rather than in Ari's buried between paragraphs of her wanting to kiss Anna. 
Jesse came back from the dead, literally everyone and their mother knows it, yet his literal family barely bats an eyelid. The very same folks who had begged him to come live with them when he was a kid. Now to them, he's just 'Jesse the new strange boy'. The whole Jeremy Blackthorn plan was just cheap, I cannot believe it worked for as long as it did. This guy here is the spitting image of his father, yet when he showed up at a party full of people who had known him for years, they just drink up the American relative excuse just because apparently all Blackthorns look the same???? Also wouldn't they know Jesse as well considering he was running around London, possessed by a Prince of Hell and murdering Shadowhunters just yesterday??? Nobody found it even a little suspicious that a new Blackthorn just showed up right after that??? Whatever, the necromancy plot was just an afterthought and it showed. #Jesse and James best brothers-in-law. 
I absolutely loathed how everyone villainized Charles just because he wanted to keep his relationship with Alastair and homosexuality a secret. And then, to make things worse, he was literally forced into coming out by his own brother and his friend, and got treated like shit because he dared prioritize his career over any relationship he might have in the future. God forbid someone doesn't put romance in the first place right??? And don't even get me started on how everyone just dismissed him after he did come out. Because apparently 'nobody cares if he fancies men'!!! Where did Charles get the impression he would get ostracized if the truth ever came out??? That's so silly of him!!! I'm raging.
A few more thoughts about the book/plot in general:
Elias' funeral anyone???
CC totally forgot one of the characters was supposed to end up exiled at the Scholomance.
The Carstairs owe the Herondales because????
Wasn't there supposed to be a surprise baby that needed adoption?
Ariadne changed her name to Ari/Arati but we never get a last name. Does she keep Bridgestock since she made up with her mother?
After four completed series and six (that I can remember) dead siblings, I can safely say that the one who got the most (and better written) amount of mourning is Sebastian, of all the people.
These characters have such a black and white perception of the word and it's just annoying.
How TF did Charlotte manage to get pregnant, she is like 50… And twins.
Bridget coming into the fray last minute and starting to slay demons was insane. I love her for it.
New Belial's pact about him and Herondales staying away from each other is totally tying in either the last TEC's book or TWP.
Anna and Ari already planning to adopt a baby feels incredibly rushed.
Forever be bitter that we never got to see Gideon's reaction to Jesse resurrection and them interact.
Congratulations to Sona for making it out alive when so many people (me included) gave her for dead.
Cordelia's relationship with both Herondale is totally rushed and built around nothingness. I wish CC would stop trying to sell either as "childhood friendships turned into more" because… it's simply not that. It's blatantly obvious that despite writing to each other for years (plus the occasional meeting) Lucie and Cordelia barely know each other, and James doesn't even have that… Am I really supposed to believe that it took him as little as her reading to him when he was nearly comatose with fever to make him fall in love with her?
It was very nice to see all the characters finally come together and interact as a group.
Lucie and Jesse best ship.
If Tessa hadn't been so stubborn about keeping her head under sand about the identity of her father and had acted accordingly (especially when Jem did all the research work for her and clearly warned her that her father was one of the Princes of Hell) all that mess about getting the Institute removed from their custody would have been avoided. Not to mention, she could have had her children learn how to defend themselves, insead of leaving them to fend off alone until the problem became too big to ignore.
The falling out for the necromancy plot was incredibly underwhelming.
I don't think we are ever getting another (accurate) family tree.
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sxmjxkxz · 2 years ago
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— njm. Who Are You, Love | Chapter 2
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na jaemin x reader | english | fluff | angst
a/n: may contain grammatical mistakes | lowercase intended | contains cursing/name calling
t/w: mcd
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🖇️. chat 4: y/n’s pov
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jaemin’s pov
three days have passed, and within those three days, jaemin found himself unknowingly checking his phone in case y/n suddenly messaged him. 
ever since she said she was busy, her messages started to become shorter and shorter. He did understand, given the heavy workload university students have. and he did, initially, not want to further push their interactions.
but overtime, he found himself unknowingly looking forward to the pickup lines she sent, which, he would never admit, did give him a pick-me-up for the day. “you know you can just message her right?” jeno says without looking at him, already sensing his best friend's not-so-subtle feeling of absence.
“i’m not the type to chat first if it’s not important.” jaemin puts his phone face down on the table in front of them. “and besides, she said she was busy.”
“sounds like you miss her.”
“don’t push it lee.”
“but then again, it is project season for us all so it’d be understandable. i hope you get through the drought.” jeno jokes before focusing his attention back at the show he was watching.
‘i hope she isn’t burning herself out….wait, why am i even being this concerned over her….but then again it’d be rude not to be….’
jaemin manages to shock jeno when he drops his head into his hands with an audible ‘slap’. “you okay dude? do you need to go to a hospital?! shit!” jeno suddenly stands in worry, only for jaemin to pull him back down. “calm your ass, it’s just an assignment i forgot to turn in.”
jeno narrows his eyes at his friend’s excuse as he watches him reach for his phone “discreetly”. jaemin was never the type to forget deadlines. never. and so he just nods and watches suspiciously as jaemin excuses himself to go to his room.
it’s been over ten minutes now and jaemin’s been wracking his brain over one message he wanted to send to y/n. he’s been repeatedly typing and erasing his messages, overthinking its meaning and her possible reaction.
in the end, he groans in frustration, finally hitting send on the last message he type, which he immediately regrets in an instant.
“shit!....SHIT!”
his heart drops when he sees the receiver typing bubble appear.
🖇️. chat 5: jaemin’s pov
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y/n’s pov
“and what’s got you smiling while writing a report on….sheesh i don’t even want to read it and i’m a journalism major!” hyuck shudders at the open document on y/n’s screen.
“he…h-he checked up on me hyuckie!” y/n cries into her friend’s shoulder. “congrats girl! now quit punching me!” he whines as he pushes her back into her seat. “and good timing too, you’ve been working on your hell week projects nonstop for the past few days.”
y/n looks at herself and the mirror and sighs at the sight of her oily skin, dry hair, and dark circles under her eyes. definitely not an image she wanted to show to her anon love.
“well, i'm almost done and i’ll finally rest after. i still have morning classes tomorrow.” she stretches before typing away on her laptop.
the next day y/n walks into her classroom to find a starbucks drink on her table. with a confused look, she examines the drink, although its strawberry scent wafted through her nostrils, she was still wary of the suspicious drink on her table. 
“someone dropped it off a few minutes ago, he didn’t give a name, just said give it to the polsci student who likes pickup lines.” renjun, her classmate, chuckles before heading to his seat.
y/n felt her cheeks heat up from the gesture so she pulls out her phone.
🖇️. to be continued . . .
🖇️. previous chapter | next chapter
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