#I understood that reference 😊

[coffeeandjuice]

I will never get over some of Steve Rogers’ lines in the MCU because he’s not written to be an inherently funny character or comedic relief, but there’s just something about the way Chris Evans delivers the lines that make me giggle

[kuronarnze]

Hello i was the anon who asked bllk boys with horrible chef reader and i loved it ❤️

May i request bllk boys of your decision with a reader who was their childhood friend and she used to be child actress but now she is singer and performs a song on stage but it’s confession song for boys secretly 😊

a/n: hihiii omg your requests are always super duper creative + cute, TYSM FOR REQUESTINGA AGAIN, im so happy you enjoyed the other headcannons i madee, enjoyy!

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When you confess your feelings into a song for the bluelock boys !

ft. Isagi yoichi, Itoshi sae, Itoshi rin, Shidou ryusei, Michael kaiser, Mikage reo

‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

You were once a famous child actress, but now you're a talented singer. Your latest performance? A beautifully written love song, secretly meant for the boy you grew up with.

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Isagi Yoichi

- He’s so proud just being in the audience. He’s been your #1 fan since the start.

- When you step on stage, he smiles fondly, whispering, “She made it…” under his breath.

- The moment your lyrics start describing a boy with kind blue eyes who always believed in you—he freezes.

- Realization hits hard. Wait… is this about him?

- By the second chorus, he’s 100% sure. The memories you reference—the soccer field, childhood promises, warm bento boxes—it's all him.

- Stares in shock, hand over his mouth like he’s processing a whole anime plot twist.

- After the show:

“...Was that song... for me?”

And when you nod, he just pulls you into a tight hug, heart racing.

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Itoshi Sae

- He doesn’t show it, but he’s genuinely curious to see how you’ve changed since your actress days.

- When you step out, confident and graceful, he raises an eyebrow, surprised by how much you've grown.

- Then your lyrics start:

- “You never smiled much, but your silence said everything.”

- His heart stutters. He knows that version of him. You’re singing about his 12-year-old self.

- The lines about "watching from the shadows, waiting for a dream to catch fire" hit too close to home.

- He sits quietly, stunned. His fingers clench on his seat.

- Sae.exe has stopped working.

- Afterward:

“...You wrote that for me, didn’t you.”

When you smile and nod, his ears go pink. He mumbles: “Took you long enough.”

‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Itoshi Rin

- He acts like he doesn’t care when you invite him. “Tch. Whatever. Do what you want.”

- But he shows up in a hoodie and cap, standing near the back of the venue. Watching.

- The lyrics talk about a boy who “hid his heart behind shadows and thorns, but never once hurt me.” “hard on the outside, soft in the inside.”

- Rin’s breath catches.

- It’s him. You’re singing about the younger him, the one he thought no one ever understood.

- You sing about the day he cried and thought no one noticed—but you did.

- Rin looks away, blinking hard.

- After the show:

“...You remembered all that?”

And when you nod, he looks down.

“Then I hope you’re ready… 'cause I’m not letting you go again.”

‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Shidou Ryusei

- He’s annoyingly loud in the audience. “WOOO!! THAT’S MY GIRL!!!”

- But the second you start singing, he quiets down—because this is different.

- The song is raw, honest, vulnerable. Lyrics about “a boy too wild for the world, but never too wild for me.”

- Shidou goes still.

- His mind goes back to your childhood—when he got into fights and you always stood by him.

- His smirk fades. There’s a softness in his gaze no one ever sees.

- After the show, he corners you backstage:

“That song was about me, huh?”

You blink. He grins, wild but… warm.

“Finally caught me, huh, superstar?”

‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Michael Kaiser

- He shows up in VIP, smug and sparkly. “Of course I came. It’s me, after all.”

- But when you take the mic, and the spotlight hits you, he leans forward. You look like magic.

- Your song speaks of “a golden boy who demanded the world but only ever wanted to be loved.”

- His cocky grin falters.

- The lyrics are too specific. The snow in Germany. The time he almost gave up but you called him your star.

- You sang about how the two would eat bread crust rusk, sometimes adore the stray dogs, and you would talk for hours and Kaiser would always listen.

- Kaiser is speechless for once. Literally no one has ever written something that… real about him.

- After the concert:

“You sang about me... and I can’t even outshine that.”

He pulls you into a half-joking bow.

“I surrender, meine Königin. Take my heart. You already stole the spotlight.”

‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Mikage Reo

- Reo’s practically glowing when he arrives. “My best girl’s gonna perform? Front row seats, obviously.”

- He's clapping, recording—supportive energy even before the confession.

- The lyrics mention “a boy born with everything but looked at me like I was the treasure.”

- Reo chokes. Literally.

- The memories you paint—playgrounds, sweets he bought you, how he promised to build you a castle if you became famous.

- He’s tearing up by the bridge.

- After the performance:

“Tell me that was about me.”

You giggle and confirm it.

He hugs you so tight you nearly drop your mic.

“Then I’m building you that castle. And putting a studio inside.”

‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

TYSM FOR READINGG plsplspls feel free to requesttt, i was kinda having a hard time writing for shidou's cause we don't really know much about his childhood (WE NEED SHIDOU BACKSTORY !!)

have a nice day (⁠≧⁠▽⁠≦⁠)/

[lamentationsofalonelypotato]

It's Not A Wet T-Shirt Contest

Pairing: Russell Shaw x f!reader, Reader POV

Prompt: “Is that supposed to be leaking?”

Requested by: @luci-in-trenchcoats

Summary:  When your boyfriend comes into town to surprise you one weekend, you thought that you’d spend it together, turns out he has other plans. Reader is a single mom and is the niece of Teddi and Velma. Reader is described as curvy. (Technically takes place in my Long As I Can See The Light Universe, but can be read as a stand-alone.)

Tropes: Established Relationship

Word Count: 2.1K

Warnings: I'm going to label this 18+ because I made it more spicy than I meant it to, References to Sex, Sexual innuendo, Little bit of self-deprecating thought (reader), Cursing, Kissing, Idiots who love each other lots. I think that's everything?

Note: This is told from Reader's perspective. Any references to the reader is made using you or your. There is minimal use of y/n if any. I tried my best to proofread, but nobody's perfect. If you don’t like, don’t read, but if you do like, you’re my favorite!

Internal monologue is in italics and is in first person.

Main Masterlist

Tracker Masterlist

A/N: Alright, y'all this is my first fic written for my prompt celebration requested by the wonderful @luci-in-trenchcoats 😊 ENJOY!

You took another long sip of coffee from your favorite hand-painted "World's Best Mom Mug" and tried to block out the symphony of the colorful curse words and banging coming from your upstairs master bathroom.

When your boyfriend showed up this morning out of the blue to surprise you, this was not what you expected to be doing. Well, his appearance was a surprise to you, but you had a sneaking suspicion that your Aunt Teddi and her wife Velma had gotten a heads up that Russell was coming. They'd shown up about an hour before Russell had to take your son and daughter for a movie and a sleepover at their house.

But the bigger surprise was your current dilemma.

You'd expected to be tangled up with Russell in bed for hours trying to convince him to never leave you again, not be waiting downstairs while he tried to install a new shower head in your master bathroom.

You only blamed yourself.

You'd let it slip that the water pressure wasn't quite right and something that you'd thought would take a plumber twenty minutes had turned into an all day affair for Russell. 

Instead of taking you to bed, Russell had dragged you out to his car and to the nearest hardware store where he let you pick out a new shower head and where he got supplies, all the while you told him that he didn't need to, and Russell only kissed away the frown on your lips leaving you wanting more.

You always wanted more.

Russell and you had been together for five and a half months, and each time he left you found yourself wanting more. 

More of him and more time.

It was frustrating to be with a man who had a job that would pull him out of your arms as quickly as he’d appeared and leave your bed cold once more. 

It had been cold before and you didn’t want to go back to that. Didn’t want to be reminded of the cold bed over the final years of your marriage when your husband’s favorite phrases echoed through your bedroom after you put your children to bed:

“I’m tired” and “Not tonight baby, I have to work.”

Those last few years of your marriage were frustrating and did little to boost your self-esteem. Especially when your husband made you think you were annoying him and made you feel stupid for wanting more. 

With Russell there was no such thing.

When the two of you started dating and Russell realized exactly what your husband had done to you, he'd spent every waking moment making you feel more beautiful than you ever had. He listened to you, understood you, and did more for you than your husband had done in all the years that you'd been married.

But each time he left, Russell always took a little bit of yourself with him. You didn't sleep well when he was gone doing God knows what, God knows where, only that when he finally called or showed up to tell you he was okay, you didn't let go of him for hours.

There's another loud bang followed by a string of curses that make you sigh into your mug.

For fucks sake, that stupid showerhead is getting more action than I am.

You loved your boyfriend to bits, but you hated how stubborn he was sometimes.

You straighten up from where you lounged against the countertop in your kitchen, taking one more sip of coffee, before you make the trek through your living room and up the stairs towards your bedroom. 

This wasn't the first time that Russell fixed something in your home. He liked it when you made him a list of things to do when he visited, things like cleaning the gutters, nailing down the front step that always caught underfoot, mowing the lawn, etc. Things that Russell wanted to do for you because he knew how busy you got at work and with your children.

It made you love him more, because you’d never met someone so selfless before. 

When you enter the bathroom, Russell is standing in your shower, just inside the large glass double doors, soaking wet, and holding a wrench.

His usual easy smile has slipped into a frustrated frown while he stares at the bright silver shower head hanging on the wall. 

“I see things are going well.” You snort out a laugh, admiring the scene before you. 

Russell’s dark hair drips forward in lazy strands against his cheeks, his t-shirt clings to his chest like a second skin, catching in the dips and curves of your boyfriend’s muscular torso, and his usual blue jeans are stained a dark navy. The edge of his t-shirt pulls up from the top of his jeans with the stretch of his arms, giving you a view of the delicious stripe of skin just below his belly button.

For the love of french toast, the guy could win a wet t-shirt contest without batting one of those ridiculously perfect eyelashes of his.

At this point you were still trying to figure out how the hell you landed this man and why the hell he kept coming back for more of you.

“Smooth as silk.” Russell gives you a lazy smile that makes you feel like butter on a pile of buttermilk biscuits. “I just finished.”

 “Really?” 

“Mhmm.”

“Huh.” You take a step closer to admire his handiwork, so close that you can feel the warmth of his breath ghost along the side of your face, making goosebumps trail over your skin. All it does is remind you of what the two of you could be doing instead of standing inside of your walk-in shower fully clothed and the things the two of you had done in this very shower the last time he was in town.  

"Is that supposed to be leaking?" You ask, pointing to the place where the plate of the shower head fastens to the wall and where there is a trickle of water dancing down the white subway tile backsplash.

"Oh shit." Russell sighs, his shoulders drooping when he notices the stream. “I can fix that."

You note his sheepish smile. “Rus, please let me call a plumber. You’ve been up here for two hours!” 

“No way! They overcharge you and it’s what I’m here for!” He argues.

Maybe I should try a different approach.

“Rus.” You say sweetly, putting both of your hands on his stomach. Russell’s familiar green eyes flick to your hands as you begin to move them up the wet t-shirt. “When you showed up today I thought we’d be doing something a little different with our time.” 

Russell swallows. “Baby-”

“And the longer you stay in here-” You breathe taking a step forward as you continue to move your hands up, tracing the hardened muscles beneath your palms. “The less time we have together.” You gently press a kiss to the space where his shirt meets the base of his neck and you can feel the bob of his throat as he swallows again. 

“I-” He tries again, but you feel his hands come down to the curve of your hips to ground himself there. 

“Don’t you want to spend time with me?” You murmur into his skin, pressing your chest against his as your hands work up to the back of his neck. The water from his clothes soaks into yours, but you’re not cold. 

“You’re fighting dirty.” He half groans, but you don’t feel bad. Judging by the way his hands have begun to squeeze your hips and pull you tighter against him, Russell was enjoying this as much as you were. 

“But it always works.” You purr against his throat with a smirk. 

“Fuck, baby I-“ 

“Yeah?” 

Your smirk grows the more you tease him. By now you could feel your own heartbeat thudding in your chest calling out to his and despite how cold Russell’s wet clothes are, heat was dancing along your skin. 

“I really want-“ There’s a grit along Russell’s voice, as if he’s trying to hold on to some shred of self-control.

You loved that you were able to do this to him, it made you feel powerful and sexy. Two things that you hadn’t felt in a long time. 

“Hmm?” You moan softly, playing with the hair at the nape of his neck while your lips continue their path along his skin.

He groans. “I really want to do this for you, but you’re making it kinda hard-“ 

“Really?” You mutter nipping along his jaw. “That’s what I’m making hard?”

Russell pulls back from you, holding your wrists in his large hands. But he looks far from angry. His green eyes flash a darkened pine, and dance with mischief. “Baby, trust me. There is nothing more that I want to do than show you how much I missed you.” 

“Then why-" You begin to say.

“Because I know that the second I do that, we’re not going to do anything else the rest of the time I’m here. And I want to do this for you.” Russell’s eyes shift a little lighter. He releases your wrists and cups your cheek with his large hand. You can see the love you have for Russell reflected back at you in his gaze

You sigh again a little disappointed. Today really wasn’t going the way you wanted it to.  “But I missed you.” 

“I could tell.” He smirks. “Maybe your shower head would last a little longer if you didn't wear it out." Russell sends you a salacious wink that makes you blush bright red.

“Shut up!” You slap him on the shoulder, cheeks flaming. 

Russell only smirks wider at you. “You know… I’ve got a solution for that.”

“Oh do you?” You ask innocently. 

Finally, we’re getting somewhere.

Russell hesitates, his hand still stroking your cheek softly. "I could move in."

It was the last thing that you were expecting him to say.

“See I've been thinking about this for a bit." Russell  clears his throat. “I know you can’t move because of the kids but... I want to be here in your life. I hate leaving you and each time I get done with a job I always find myself driving back to you. I don't want to be anywhere else.”

Your mouth is still open in shock, eyes wide. You couldn’t find the ability to speak.

In the months that followed your divorce you’d been on a couple of dates before you met Russell, where the mere mention of your kids sent your dates scuttling into the shadows or back to whatever swamp they crawled out of, but here, standing in front of you was a man who didn’t just want you, he wanted you, and he wanted your children. 

It was a combination that you thought you’d never find, and then you’d met Russell. A man who not only loved you, he made you feel beautiful, alive, happy, and seen in a way that you hadn’t been in years. 

Not to mention that both of your children absolutely loved Russell, and he did a good job of scaring off your skeevy ex who refused to come around whenever Russell was in town because the last time Russell had broken his nose and threatened other bodily harm.

Russell’s soft smile drops a little the longer you remain silent. “But if you think that’s a bad idea or if you think it’s too fast-”

You pull him down to you for the searing kiss that you’d wanted all day long, feeling the drag of his beard against your soft skin, and the warm pillow of his lips moving in tandem with yours. 

His hands run along the curves of your body, trailing fire in their wake, the same curves that you’d hidden under long cardigans and oversized clothes, the ones that you cursed each time you caught a glimpse of yourself in the mirror. But not since you’d met Russell. 

Not when he’d taught you that each blemish or curve you once cursed was something that could make him lose his last shred of self control and in turn, make Russell lose himself in everything you were. 

“It’s not too fast! I hate when you leave. I hate waking up in my bed each morning and not having you there holding me. ” You breathe before you kiss him again, soaking in everything that is Russell as you do. The roughness of his hands pushing up the shirt hung low on your hips, the smell of mint and gunmetal, the taste of the coffee he had this morning, and gentle drag of his wet hair against your cheeks that dip between the two of your faces when you kiss. “I want you here with me all the time.”

“Then I’ll stay.” Russell smiles so wide you can feel the click of his teeth against yours when he pulls you back in for a kiss. 

“Wait.” You smirk, leaning your forehead against his, your hands gently cupping his bearded cheeks. "If I say yes, I have one condition."

"Anything."

"Please let me call a plumber."

Russell rolls his eyes at you, but squeezes you tighter against him, green eyes flashing with mischief. “Not a chance baby.”

A/N: It was so fun to write this prompt and also to come back to these two! Thank you so much @luci-in-trenchcoats for requesting this one 🥰 If anyone else would like to ask me a prompt for my prompt celebration, here is the post:

Prompt Celebration

As always, thank you so much for reading! Reblogs, comments, and likes are not required, but are always appreciated 😊

Taglist:

@roseblue373 @livya99 @mrsjenniferwinchester @zepskies @louisanalady

@yvonneeeee

[icycoldninja]

Hi and welcome back! Can i request MGR Raiden x Autistic Fem Reader: Where the reader gives Raiden affection (like kissing him on the cheek or lips, and gives him a hug) everytime he comes back from missions before spending the rest of the day together, as for Raiden, he enjoys them and appreciate it as the reader accepted him of who he is.

A few days went by, everything between Raiden and the reader was going fine. Until he starts noticing Jake The Ripper has been restless (like feeling him clawing to get out) and doesn't understand why. But he managed to keep his alter-ego at bay. However, it eventually became more difficult for Raiden while hiding his inner struggle from the reader and keeping his distance (fearing of what Jake might do to her).

When the reader noticed Raiden has not been himself, she gets concerned and went to see him (wonder of what's wrong). Instead, she gets an unexpected visit from Jack The Ripper and his appearance made her nervous at first until it turned out that he was jealous of Raiden getting affection from the reader.

After the reader and Jack talked it out, he gives Raiden back control and gets concerned (and apologies to her). The reader reassures him before explaining to him of what happened? And is it okay if you can add a fluff ending?

Side Note: Hopefully you had a good new year's eve, and when i was writing this request, i'm curious of how Jack The Ripper interacts with an autistic reader. So i won't mind of how you'll write this, and this is my first time requesting on here. Have a good day or night 😊

Thank you, I know this is really late and I apologize, but I've been doing great and hope you are too! Enjoy!

Kisses (MGR!Raiden x Fem!Autistic!Reader)

If there was one thing Raiden could say his life previously lacked and that he wished he had more of it, it was love.

From a painfully early age, he'd been introduced to the dark arts of quiet murder and forced onto the battlefield to fight for causes he couldn't even understand, taking the lives of people he didn't know, all without a moral purpose, being driven on only by the jolts to his brain's pleasure center that his superiors would give him as a sick reward every time he made a kill.

That was the way he lived for a long time, clawing, scrambling, stabbing and choking all so he could experience that fleeting moment of ecstasy. No child, teenager, or full grown adult should have ever been treated that way, but Raiden was, and it took its toll on him. He developed an alter ego to control his murderous tendencies that had engraved themselves into his very soul over the years, and even gave him a name: Jack, after him. People added "the Ripper" part later on and it just stuck.

Jack the Ripper hadn't come out since you walked into his life. You gave him everything he wished he had in his life, and more. You gave him love, you gave him affection, you gave him attention, you made him feel safe, and most of all, you made him look forward to coming home.

Before, his house was just that; a house. A cold, soulless building he could take shelter in for a night. He would never get too attached to it since there was nothing worth attaching himself to—it could have burned down while he was away and he wouldn't have even cared. Now it was someplace warm, usually filled with the smell of waffles, freshly made coffee, or baked bread, somewhere he could relax in; a place where he could be him. He would defend this place and all that was in it with his life, or die trying.

Every little "Jackie!!" that greeted him when he set foot through the door sent his electric heart into overdrive. He never understood why you called him that, but he found it adorable when you did, even if the name "Jackie" made him think you were referring to a lady whose full name was Jacqueline.

He lived for the way you'd throw yourself into his arms and squeeze him like he was a stress ball, (in a way he was) and felt like melting into a puddle of metallic goo every time you kissed him. You seemed to like kissing him because you would kiss him all over; on his cheeks, his nose, his forehead, his lips—or what remained of them—and his jaw, completely disregarding the sharpness of the metal. You loved him unconditionally, it was clear, and he loved you for that, more than you would ever know.

You would always cling to his side after he got home, and he never objected. Raiden would cherish each and every one of these moments—they brought him joy like nothing else ever could and anything he might have enjoyed in the past paled in comparison. Yes, even his childhood "reward".

You could have said that your relationship was as smooth and sweet as a bar of high quality milk chocolate, but that would have been an understatement. Besides, things didn't stay that peaceful for long; a few days had gone by and Raiden was acting more unusual than usual, which could be pretty unusual. You normally wouldn't have paid it much mind, since Raiden's behavior changed from time to time and he tended to do very bizarre things, such as attempting to channel electrolytes into the toaster, but this time, he was talking to himself—and he wasn't absently making remarks like "oh, I should buy vegetables" or something of that sort. He was having full on, very serious conversations with himself, usually directed at the palm of his right hand. Whatever he was arguing with himself about must have been very grim indeed, as it eventually drove him to lock himself in the bedroom and stay there for hours, refusing to come out for any reason or even crack open the door to talk.

What he wasn't telling you was that his alter ego, the very same one he'd named, was trying to get out. He'd kept Jack the Ripper's existence a secret from you up until this point, and was hoping to keep it that way. Jack the Ripper was far too violent, far too psychotic, far too much of a piece of shit to be near you, but at the rate his control over him was declining, he might not have any say in the matter.

Meanwhile, you were getting frustrated. Raiden could do some pretty weird things, and you didn't mind that much, but his behavior indicated something was seriously wrong, and in a healthy relationship like this one, when something is this wrong, you need to discuss it. So, you retrieved a spare key to your bedroom that Raiden ironically asked you to keep in the kitchen in case you locked yourself out of your own room, and used it to get in. You weren't sure what to expect from him once you got there, but it sure wasn't this.

"Jackie?" You asked, of the quivering, convulsing mass writhing on the floor. "Are you okay?"

"Okay?" Repeated the mass angrily. "Do I look okay?" Raiden—or at least what you thought was Raiden—heaved himself up off the floor and approached you predatorily. This convinced you that the person before you wasn't who you thought it was.

"Who are you? What did you do to him?" You demanded. You weren't exactly in a place to make demands, since the approaching menace had you cornered between himself and the door, but you demanded anyway.

"I didn't do anything," He answered. "Why would I anyway? I need his body to live. If anyone did anything to him, it was you."

"Me?!"

"You."

"What'd I do?!" You couldn't believe this new person inhibiting Raiden's body was accusing you of all people of having done something to him. You liked to think you were doing a good job as his girlfriend.

"You made him all mushy inside," The thing that was and yet was not Raiden sneered. "With all your food, and your squealing, and your kissing." He paused a moment and narrowed his one eye, which was a frightening shade of red, shoulders heaving dramatically, as if he were fighting back the urge to grab you by the throat and strangle you. Trembling, you placed your hand on the doorknob and gripped it tightly, fearing you might have to make a break for it very soon.

In a few moments, "Raiden" spoke again.

"Oh God, the kissing! Why do you have to kiss him so much?!"

"What?!"

"That's right, girlie! You and all your sappy, lovey-dovey garbage has had him mentally doing cartwheels—head over heels in love, as they say."

"Well...isn't that a good thing?" You challenged. "If you...live inside him, shouldn't you be happy that he's happy?"

"No!" The being exploded. "I sure as hell ain't happy!"

"Why not?"

"Because I want kisses too!"

Silence fell upon the room. Cold and tense, it had the effect of stiffening every single one of your muscles, preventing you from throwing the door open and bolting down the hall, as you originally planned. Frozen with fear and confusion, you stared at him with wide, trembling eyes, trying desperately to understand what he just said.

"Could...you repeat that...please?" You said these words in a barely audible whimper, worried that he would attack you for speaking too loudly. Judging from how he took deep, shivering breaths while raking his claws up and down his metal legs to produce a horrible screeching noise, he probably would.

"Never mind." He grumbled, turning away and walking over to the nearby window.

"Uh, wait," You began, still flattened against the door. "You still...umm...haven't answered my question."

"Oh yeah?" Growled he, fixing his red eyeball on you. "And what was that again?"

"Who are you?" When he sharply turned away again, you feared he was preparing to attack. Thankfully, he only sighed, ran his claws up and down his legs again and answered,

"Name's Jack. Jack the Ripper. I'm kinda like your lover boy's other self. A more...violent self."

"But you are him, right?"

"No. Well...kinda. It's complicated. We share the same body and some memories. But one thing's for sure," The way his voice dipped suddenly made you jump slightly and turn the doorknob just a little bit in anticipation.

"Yeah," Jack the Ripper resumed. "One thing's for sure. We can't feel what the other one's feeling. So when you kiss him, I DON'T GET SHIT!"

His sudden proclamation echoed throughout the room for a solid six seconds, and had the same freezing effect as his silence. The good news was that this clarified a lot of things for you—this whole time, Jack the Ripper was just jealous. Poor guy. He must have been through more stuff than Raiden had, with absolutely no one to hold him or keep him company, or kiss him, like he so desperately desired.

"I'm sorry," You ventured, journeying away from the door and up to him. He was now staring angrily at the window, not looking through it, but rather glaring at it, as if he was trying to slice the glass with his gaze. "Honestly, I didn't know you even existed."

"Yeah, real typical of ol' "Jackie" to keep me hidden," Jack the Ripper mumbled bitterly.

"Well, I'm apologizing on his behalf, ok?" You said, taking one of his balled up fists in yours. "Can't say what he wanted, but I sure didn't mean to make you jealous, it's just, I only thought there was one of you in there."

"Well now you know." Huffed the Ripper.

"I do know. And...well...I wouldn't mind giving you that kiss now."

"There's no point," The cyborg sighed. "It'd feel like you're pitying me, and I hate being pitied."

"But I'm not—"

"Save it for Raiden," He cut you off, yanking his hand out of yours. "Thanks for hearing me out, I guess."

With that, he sat on the bed, put his head in his hands, and went immobile for the next minute or so. When he looked up again, Raiden—the real Raiden—was back in control, and upon seeing your wide-eyed expression, let out a long, suffering groan, and slowly stood up.

"Are you...back to yourself?" You almost hesitated to ask.

"Yes," Raiden exhaled, standing up. "Sorry you had to see that. That was Jack the Ripper, he—"

"He introduced himself, don't worry," You interjected softly. "I also found out he's very jealous. Of us."

"He demanded kisses from you," Raiden nodded. "I know, I heard." He blew out a sigh before continuing, "I'm sorry for keeping him a secret. I should've known he was gonna come out sooner or later, but I didn't think it'd be this soon. I just couldn't control him anymore. Sorry."

"It's fine, it's fine!" You insisted, a big grin breaking out onto your face. "He seems fun. I kinda like him."

"Do ya now?" Raiden let out an unconvinced series of dry chuckles. "Really? That's rare—he's got his name for a reason."

"I don't think so," You shrugged. "I think he's misunderstood. All he really seems to want is kisses."

"He must get that from me." Raiden said simply, insinuating his desires. Without missing a beat, you leaned over and planted a kiss on his lips, then pulled back and did it again.

"That one's for 'the Ripper'," You told him playfully, able to see the confusion in his eyes.

From that moment forwards, every time you hugged, kissed, or gave Raiden any kind of affection in general, you did it twice, one for him, and one for Jack the Ripper. It has so far kept both of them very happy.

[hgfictionwriter]

Maybe This Time - Part Four

Jessie Fleming x Reader

Summary: Confessions finally come to light and Jessie has the chance to ask you what she should've asked you years ago.

Warnings: Mild language. Outside of that - none. Just fluff, fluff, fluff.

A/N: I'm ignoring the most recent Thorns results in this story, btw lol. They're gonna rebound - I know it! Previous parts for this series can be found on my masterlist.

"Nice playing tonight. Congrats on the win." 

Jessie smiled to herself as she sat on the twin-sized bed of her hotel room and laid back, resting her head on the pillow.  

A few team members were still downstairs in the hotel restaurant, but she was beat and needed some downtime. She knew Janine would stay down with the group for a while, so this was her chance to get some solitude.  

"Thank you! I'm super happy with how the team was playing together today. And away games can be tough, but I'm stoked. Anyway, enough football talk lol how was your dinner?" 

"Well, you play Utah next – I'm no expert analyst, but as far as I can tell, your chances for 3 points are good lol. And dinner was delicious – thank you for asking. [Y/friend] and [Y/other friend] went out for drinks after but I called it a night. I'm exhausted after this week." 

"Lol I don't want to jinx anything, but yeah, you may be right about those 3 points. Sorry to hear you're so tired. You had a super stressful week though – I know work was crazy for you and then your brother showing up out of the blue. Yeah. That's a rough week. I'm sorry I'm not there to help more." 

"What are you talking about? You were so helpful. I bet you thought you were done hearing about my family drama, but here we are again lol. It's just a lot less common now – thank God. And anyway, what about you – what are you up to? Don't feel like you have to text me. I know you're with the team." 

"It's not a problem – seriously. Call me anytime. And it's all good – I've retreated to my room early. It's been a long day." 

"Okay, still, don't feel like you have to respond. I know you need your me-time; take it if you can get it." 

"It's alright. Really.-" 

Jessie stared at her phone for a few seconds as she contemplated continuing her thought. Screw it.  

"-I'm happy talking with you."  

She hit send and subconsciously held her breath for a second before remembering to breathe. She worked to dismiss any mounting anxieties, but had a hard time denying the way her pulse had quickened. It only got faster when she saw you starting to type. Her eyes remained fixed onto the screen until your reply came through.  

"Well that makes two of us." 

"As in I'm happy talking with you." 

Jessie chuckled, relief going through her body. She lifted a finger to her mouth and mindlessly chewed at her skin. Her brow creased as she contemplated her next move. Thoughts ping-ponged inside her mind before she threw caution to the wind – very intently so – and started texting. 

"Lol I understood." 

"Hey, are you busy next weekend? There's this pop-up exhibit in town for a few days. Maybe we could go and grab a late dinner together after?" 

"Are you talking about the CityScape exhibit? I wanted to go to that! Yes, that sounds amazing." 

Jessie beamed from ear to ear. 

"Okay, awesome. I'll get tickets." 

"Thanks, just tell me what I owe you." 

"Nothing at all 😊" 

"Stop it. Tell me what I owe you. Or I can just buy dinner, then. Whatever works." 

Jessie huffed. She was conjuring up a rebuttal when another message came in from you. 

"Okay, I have to confess something. It's been weighing on me for years and this just totally made me think of it again." 

Jessie frowned as she wracked her mind for any possibility of what you may be referring to.  

"Okay. What is it? Whatever it is, I'm sure it's okay." 

"Lol you say that now." 

"K. Remember when we went to that underground art show and then dinner and drinks in WeHo a few months after we first met? Or more specifically, remember when you asked me if I wanted to go to that?" 

Of course she did. You looked amazing that night. She was grateful that Teagan and Mia were there to distract her because if it had just been the two of you, she wasn't sure if she'd have been able to function.  

"Yeah, I remember. Why?" 

"So, full disclosure, I legitimately thought you were asking me on a date to that. When you showed up with Mia and Teags? DEAD. Let's just say it was a very humbling experience hahaha. So embarrassing! Enough time has passed that I can admit to it lol. It cracks me up now." 

Jessie didn't even realize her mouth was agape. Her mind was absolutely foggy and turned upside down as she reread your message again and again. She felt like she was having an out of body experience. Her mouth was dry and she started stammering even though there was no one to hear it.  

She needed to talk to Janine.

Before she even knew what she was doing, she found herself hauling open the hotel door and started padding down the hall until she realized she didn't have shoes on. She whipped around in a flurry to go back into the room and grab her shoes.  

"Shit!" She exclaimed as she more or less faceplanted into the door when it didn't open as she turned the handle. In her fluster she forgot she needed a key to open it. She stared down blankly at the lock for a few seconds before belatedly realizing she'd left the hotel key in the room. "Oh my god," she growled under breath. She spun on her heel and looked down the hall as she contemplated what to do.  

She looked back down at her phone and called up Janine. She let out another frustrated growl when the call went to voicemail. She texted her. "CALL ME. NOW." 

She paced back and forth in the hallway for a few seconds before looking back at the message you sent. Now anxiety around not replying to you was setting in. She didn't want you to think she was put off by what you said, but she also didn't know what the heck to say. This was too precarious a situation.  

She stood there motionless for a moment as she weighed her options and before she could start to overthink things she took off down the hall to the elevators.  

Once inside, she hit the 'M' button and the button to close the doors repeatedly in a vain attempt to move this journey along faster. She groaned when the elevator slowed at one of the floors along the way. She offered the joining guest a stiff smile and felt heat rush to her face when they glanced down at her sock feet.  

Once at the main floor, she took long, brisk steps towards the restaurant where she'd left the team and searched the remaining crowd for Janine. She spotted the blonde at a table towards the back and took a few steps into the restaurant – hoping not to get caught by the host. Thankfully, she caught Janine's eye. She waved the blonde over with uncharacteristically exaggerated movements and the blonde just frowned at her. Jessie's shoulders slumped in momentary defeat and frustration before she gave the girl another pointed look and gave a sharp wave. The blonde held up her hands in concession and got up. Jessie caught the curious looks the rest of her team gave her and offered a mere wave of 'hello' before grabbing Janine by the arm when she approached and dragging her out into the lobby.  

"I need your help." 

"What the heck!" Janine complained as she jerked her arm out of Jessie's grasp and shook it out for show. "What is going on? And why are you in your socks," she went on as she gave Jessie a disapproving look.  

Jessie bit back a sardonic, tense reply and instead just held up her phone to Janine's face. The blonde winced at the sudden movement and frowned as she read the message, before her jaw, too, fell like Jessie's had earlier.  

"Oh my gosh," Janine said in bewilderment. Jessie nodded repeatedly. "Oh. My. Gosh! Okay. So – what the heck – you left her on read?" 

"I didn't know what to say!" Jessie responded with a harsh whisper, gaze flitting about as she tried to not draw further attention to them.  

"Oh my gosh, Jessie. You're the worst," she said with an eye roll as she began to usher the smaller girl towards the elevators. Before Jessie could protest, Janine held up her hand in declaration, "Okay. We need a game plan..."

Jessie's mind was still racing as she stared vacantly at the elevator floor deep in thought as she pieced things together. Suddenly, she inhaled sharply, eyes growing wide as she lifted her head to look at Janine.

"She went on her first date with [an ex] like a month after that night! Wa-" She stopped herself momentarily, thoughts resetting before she started again, "Wait - do you think if we'd actually had a date that night that she wouldn't have dated her?"

Janine gave her a long stare that tapered into a look that was half sympathetic, half pointed. "Jess."

"Oh my God," Jessie groaned as she rubbed her face.

"Sorry - that was probably really awkward. That was a long time ago. And obviously it was all good in the end. Anyway, now I can die with an unburdened soul lol.”

“What do I say!” Jessie said, her voice rising while her heart beat out of her chest.

The elevator dinged as they reached their floor and the two looked at each other before exiting and heading to their room.

“Well, this could be your opportunity. Why not just tell her that you liked her? I know you aren’t comfortable telling her you like her now. But you can admit to it for the past,” Janine suggested.

Jessie’s eyes scanned around as she processed the different scenarios and outcomes that could arise. Her instinct was to say “no”, but she really couldn’t find a logical reason to deny it. She huffed.

“Okay. Well. What - I just say ‘Oh hey - speaking of funny stories, I had a crush on you for years. And I’m glad your exes hated me, cause guess what, I hated them because I was jealous’?” Jessie said moodily as she crossed her arms.

“Maybe not that,” Janine said with a sidelong glance.

The girls talked hurriedly, debating back and forth about what to say until Janine threw her hands up in relinquishment.

“I told you what I think. It’s your call. This is your relationship. Or - would-be relationship,” she relayed.

Jessie sighed heavily once more and sat down on the edge of her bed. She had to chill out. She reminded herself that this time things were supposed to be different. And that she was different, and not so scared.

“Sooo does that mean you would’ve said “yes” to a date? Wish I had known. I would’ve gladly taken you on a date.”

Jessie exhaled slowly as the message sent. She looked up to Janine and ignored how her ears were ringing.

She glanced back down and immediately saw bubbles come up.

“Lol! I’m sure.”

“I’m serious.”

“Jessie! Come on.”

“What? I’m dead serious. Question is if you would’ve actually said ‘yes’.”

“I wore my nicest dress and actually put in the time to do my hair and make-up properly. So I’ll leave that up to you to interpret.”

“Janine,” Jessie complained, her pitch rising as she rubbed her face in aggravation before bringing the hand down to slap against her leg. “I’m such an idiot.”

“Well I could’ve told you that,” Janine rebutted without hesitation before pausing and giving a small shrug. “For this situation anyway.”

Jessie exhaled in frustration again as she readjusted position on the bed, eyes still transfixed on your text. You know what? She might as well own it.

“Well, I’m an idiot. I truly thought I didn’t have a chance with you. For the record, you looked stunning that night. But also for the record, I liked you just as much in your everyday clothes and makeup or when you didn’t try at all.”

By now Janine was kneeling on the bed behind Jessie, hands on Jessie’s shoulders as she watched everything unfold. She was started to make a remark when she let out a loud gasp as Jessie’s screen lit up with a call from you.

“Oh my gosh!” Janine exclaimed.

“Shit!” Jessie said as panic began to rush through her. She was about to accept when she noted Janine’s head right next to her and she shook the blonde off of her. “Go!”

“Oh now you want me to leave,” Janine protested.

Jessie waved her off and took a steadying breath before answering and holding the phone up to her ear.

“Hello?”

“Jessie Fleming. You start off by giving me a heart attack - just leaving me hanging after I share my deeply embarrassing and humbling story. And now you come out of left field with - I think - a confession of your own? Are you fucking with me right now?”

Jessie choked and coughed at your wording. You didn’t sound mad at all. Bewildered? Yes.

“No. No I’m not,” she said much more tentatively than she’d intended.

The line was silent for a few seconds and Jessie was about to check if the call dropped when you spoke up again. This time you were the one who sounded tentative.

“Okay. Wait. Let’s recap. So-” Jessie could practically hear you thinking. “-you’re saying you would’ve wanted to go on a date together?”

Jessie pushed her hair back unnecessarily. “Um, yeah.” She shook her head out and spoke more confidently. “Yes. I would’ve.”

She heard you give a disbelieving chuckle. “But you didn’t,” you said slowly, but matter of fact. “I’m sorry. I’m just kind of shocked,” you laughed further. “You felt like you didn’t have a chance with me? Are you serious?”

Jessie exhaled, eyes set on the floor as she gave a shrug of her shoulders. “Dead serious.”

“Come on. The great, unattainable, Jessie Fleming, liked me? Impossible. I mean, yeah, we were close, but you never really showed any indication of it being more. I mean, at most it must’ve been short lived.”

Jessie tried to process your words that were coming at her a mile a minute. You gave her an out. She could say it was a fleeting thing. A curiosity. But, Janine was right, this really was the chance.

“Uh,” Jessie rubbed her face distractedly, feeling heat rushing to her cheeks, “if ‘short lived’ means all through uni, then sure.”

The call was silent again and Jessie could hear her pulse throbbing inside of her head until you finally spoke again.

“Now you’re really fucking with me."

Jessie's body continued to heat up and she tugged subconsciously at the collar of her shirt.

"I've said too much already. I mean, it was obviously short lived on your end - which is totally fine."

"Why do you say that?" You questioned.

Jessie frowned, making a face and ignoring how Janine was attempting to look occupied with her own thing, but clearly eavesdropping.

"What do you mean?" Jessie asked, careful not to sound argumentative. "You dated a lot of girls in university. Well, not a lot. You know what I mean."

She heard you give a short laugh on the other end of the call before speaking wryly.

"Well, maybe - no, never mind." You exhaled lightly. "Anyway - it's all in the past, but, consider me stunned." You gave a bit of a chuckle. "I hope you're more forward with girls now than you were then. I really didn't know you had any interest."

"I was shy," Jessie offered as she scratched her temple. "Like painfully shy. And you were so pretty, and smart, and charming - I just didn't know what to do."

A glare crossed Jessie's face as Janine hopped down in front of her and mouthed 'Tell her you like her!" as she gestured wildly in the air.

"Well, now I'm extra confused about why we didn't stay in contact after university. If you liked me that much," you stated without challenge.

Jessie sighed. She'd told you enough. She didn't need to get into how desperately in love she was that she needed to cut herself off from you altogether to even have a hope of moving on.

"I mean, we don't need to rehash it all. Anyway, recap, I liked you, you were open to a date, but I stupidly didn't ask you out." Jessie chuckled, trying to keep things light. She cleared her throat and the heat that had started to fade from her face came raging back and she began to fidget. "And, um," - she glanced to Janine for reassurance - "I don't know. If you're open to it, maybe we could finally have that date. When I pick you up next time, it could be a date - for real."

She heard you hum before speaking.

"That sounds really nice. Yes. I'd like that a lot."

Jessie's eyes lit up and her posture straightened immediately as she looked to Janine excitedly. The blonde gave a boisterous, but silent celebration.

"Okay," Jessie said, her voice growing tight momentarily as she tried to remain composed. She cleared her throat and relaxed her shoulders. "Sounds like a plan, then."

A/N: Part Five is available here.

[pagan-stitches]

A new diagnosis, self help, and ritual cleansing

Recently organized and ritually cleansed bookshelves.

I was recently diagnosed with ADHD. Which was a huge eye opener for me. A lot of behaviors which I had for years negatively labeled, and not really understood, really affected my self esteem.

Realizing that my brain isn’t neurotypical and researching ways to adapt my focus, and just basically help myself function like everyone else, has been resulting in some big changes over the last couple of weeks.

One of the biggest helpers for me has been utilizing a “to do” app and calendar. I’ve programmed it to remind me throughout the day to do very basic tasks (it’s really embarrassing how basic some of these tasks are) and do things like text my mom and sister once a day, so a month doesn’t go by when they haven’t heard from me and start to assume I’m spiraling again. One of the worse things about ADHD has been the toll it has taken on my personal relationships because of the lack of appropriate prioritization on my part.

Which leads into what any of that has to do with this blog. 😊

With the end of my February Holy Week I’ve been going into a big ritual/folk magic cleansing of the household (which in itself will be spiritual cleansing of my psyche) leading into my devotional new year at the spring equinox.

During this time period I plan on researching and utilizing traditional folk cleansing rituals. So far I’ve sprinkled a lot of hátová salt and water.

Organized sewing boxes

If you saw my post last week about organizing my sewing boxes you might recognize the beginning of this project. I cannot and will not put up “before” pictures (I have carefully curated my blog photos over the years to not show physical evidence of the disaster that is my life).

Organized makeup, cleansers and creams, and jewelry.

Earlier this week I started with the bathroom, the smallest room in the house, untangling messes in drawers, jewelry boxes and cabinets. Yesterday I continued with the bookshelf in my bedroom. I discarded books that hadn’t been touched in years and whittled my collection down to what I consider necessary reference material for my folk practice. I interspersed baskets which will hold seasonal altar items.

I’m really excited about this massive ritual and feeling the most positive I have in over a year. Part of my hope with this cleansing ritual is that it will kickstart other necessary changes in my life.

Do any of you have go to folk cleansing rituals? I’d love to hear from you.

[twomiddlefingersforthehaters]

@klaribel Hi! 😊

『あ〜い!こっちこっちイ!! 』 大好きな人と待ち合わせ｡笑顔の先は友達? 彼女? 一体、だあれ?

“a〜i ! kotchi kotchii !!” daisukina hito to machiawase. egao no saki wa tomodachi ? kanojo ? itai, daare?

“He〜y, Over here!!” (He) meets with his favorite/special person. Is he smiling at a friend? or a girlfriend? Who could that (person) be?

❉ こっちこっち (Kotchi kotchi) - means over here; come on

❉ 待ち合わせ (machiawase) - means meet up with~

❉ 大好きな (daisukina) - (something), which (someone) likes very much/loves. 大好きな is used to emphasis, how much you like it. You can say "大好きな", when you want to describe something as your favorite in Japanese.

e.g:

大好きな本 (Daisukina hon) : very favorite book

大好きな歌 (daisukina uta): favorite song

私の(大)好きな俳優 watashi no (dai) sukina haiyū : My favorite actor

大好きなんだ〜 (daisukina nda 〜) : I'm lovin’ (you / it / him /her etc)

(大)好きな猫は？[ (dai)sukina neko wa?] : What’s your favorite cat? / What kind of cat do you like?

❉ 大好きな人 (daisukina hito) : a person whom someone likes very much". "like very much" can also be expressed as "love".

❉ 笑顔の先 (egao no Saki)- "beyond the smile", In here it refers to the outcome of a meeting or what happens after that.

❉ 彼女 (kanojo) - she/her/woman Or girlfriend

In a conversation, when you are talking about a woman and refer to her as 彼女 、you mean she.

If you say something like, ``Next time I'll introduce you to my 彼女", you're referring to your girlfriend.

Whether the word means She, her, or girlfriend depends on the context.

e. g:

1. 彼女の目を見たら、彼女の本心がわかった。

kanojo no me wo mitara, kanojo no honshin ga wakatta.

When I looked into her eyes, I understood her true feelings.

2. 彼女 / 彼氏 とデートする。

kanojo/ kareshi to de-tosuru.

Going on a date with my girlfriend/boyfriend.

3. 次回、彼女に会った時は彼女の笑顔が見られますように。

Jikai, kanojo ni atta toki wa kanojo no egao ga miraremasu yōni

Next time when I meet her, I hope I can see her smile.

4. 彼女います。

kanojo imasu.

I have a girlfriend.

4. 彼女は私が本当に会いたかった人です。だから彼女と知り合えて本当に幸せです

kanojo wa watashi ga hontōni aitakatta hito desu. da kara kanojo to shiriaete hontōni shiawase desu.

She’s the person I really wanted to meet. That’s why I’m really happy to get to know her.

5. 彼女はいますか

kanojo wa imasu ka?

Do you have a girlfriend?

But actually, in everyday conversation, Japanese people do not use pronouns [ 「彼」 (he) or 「彼女」 (she)] very often. This is because people often call other people by their real names, nicknames, or job titles.

Before Meiji era (1868-1912), 彼 was unisex and Japanese people used it for both male and female.

彼女(girlfriend) and デート(dating) are usually associated even in Japanese narratives.

❉ 大好きな人と待ち合わせ (daisukina hito to machiawase) - This literally refers to making an appointment to meet someone you really like.

This expression has the following meanings:

1) 大好きな人 refers to someone you have romantic feelings for.

2) "Michiawase" refers to waiting to meet at a predetermined place or time.

3) When meeting someone, you feel so happy to have met them that you want to run over to them with a smile on your face and say hi to them.

Overall this expression expresses that the state of looking forward to meeting someone you love alone. As your meeting time approaches, you'll probably feel excited, nervous and thrilled to meet that person.

If you just look at the smile, you won't know if it's a friend or a lover, but because of the smile, it seems like he's meeting up with his lover. There is nothing that cannot be interpreted.

[melanieph321]

Can you make a pedri/ Barcelona x hollywood actress fic? Where the actress and her castmates come to Barcelona to promote the show worldwide and they go to barcelona and have to do like those challenges the players do , on YouTube or an fun interview, or both of them mixed?

This one was a little bit difficult for me. I've never heard of the show Worldwide and doing the research would be too much for a one shot. However, you inspired me to write something else for Pedri instead.

I hope you still enjoy! ❤️

10 DAYS OF REQUESTS

(DAY 3)

Pedri Gonzalez - Between Two Brothers Part 1/2

PART 2

Summary - Pedri and his little brother, Hugo, has a crush on the same person.

Enjoy! 😊

There's nothing Pedri wouldn't do for his little brother Hugo. He was his flesh and blood. His partner in crime, and if everything went well for Hugo in the Barça Youth Academy, he could be Pedri's future teammate one day.

It would be an honor playing football alongside his younger brother. Hugo was skilled both off and on the pitch, with a left foot that threatened to put a hole in the back of the net. His brain sharper than any eleven year old Pedri has ever met.

Perhaps that's why it seemed a bit out of character for Hugo to be so forgetful these days. Misplacing training gear, cleats, waterbottles, you name it. Or this morning, when Hugo claimed to have forgotten to pack the sandwiches that had been prepared for him by their mother.

"Why are we doing this again?" Pedri asked, in the mids of their local supermarket.

"I need a snack between training sessions." Hugo explained and thoroughly scanned the grocery shelves for something edible.

"Donuts are not a snack." Pedri objected, skeptically peering into the grocery basket that his brother was carrying.

"They can be." Hugo insisted.

"Nah. I'm pretty sure they count as a dessert, or a sweet treat."

"No, it's a snack." Hugo said resolute.

Pedri chuckled. "Whatever you say."

After paying for his brother's items at the supermarket, Pedri and Hugo made the journey towards Ciutat Esportiva, the official training ground for FC Barcelona. The brothers made the journey by foot, perhaps to resemble the days of old when Pedri would walk his little brother to school, that neither of them attended anymore.

Walking to training added a sense of normality. Although, the brothers were well aware that they were living a life far from normal for other boys their age. Hugo, who was still adjusting to this fact, while in awe of his brother Pedri, who never seemed to be startled or annoyed at people who stopped and stared at them in the street. Some people, mostly girls, would even cross the busiest roads with Barça jerseys and banners in hand, begging for Pedri to sign them. This wasn't normal to Hugo, who understood that playing for the Barça U11 squad wasn't as prestigious as playing for the first team like his brother.

Nonetheless, what girls saw in his older brother, Hugo, couldn't seem to fathom. Pedri neither had the looks or the charm, and once he grew older and maybe a few inches taller, Hugo would finally be able to say that his brother neither had the skills or the stamina compared to himself, at least on the football pitch.

"Won't your coach be angry seeing you eat those?" Pedri was referring to the donuts, and no, Coach Menendez wouldn't mind. Hugo was betting his pride on it.

"No, she won't." He replied. "My coach likes jam donuts, she even said so herself."

"She?" Pedri arched his brows.

"Erm, yeah." Hugo felt how his face turned red under the Barcelona sun. And it didn't help that his brother kept looking at him as if Hugo should have more to say about the matter.

"So the Donuts is for your coach, not you?"

"Dammit." Hugo muttered to himself. Now he had to unravel his lies. He did so without raising his eyes from the street. "Erm....no, not really. Their for me....as a snack."

"But...?"

Without meeting his eyes Hugo could sense the grin on his brother's lips.

"No buts." He shirped. "I just thought it would be kind of me to share them with her, that's all."

"Very kind indeed." Pedri muttered. "She must be a very special coach."

"You have no idea."

PART 2

DON'T MISS - 10 DAYS OF REQUESTS

(DAY 1)

(DAY 2)

[theyluvlyss]

𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝'𝐯𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐥 𝐭𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐢'𝐯𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐭 "𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭" 𝐥𝐨𝐥...

do y'all ever think - in the safe haven, after all is said and done, after ample time has passed and whatnot - that when new and young arrivals show up, gally just yk… has his moments😃?

like, yes, bro has definitely learned, worked on, and grown himself as a person, but there's definitely times where younger kids/teens test what little patience he still has left, and he'll trickle back into his old persona a bit. Glade Gally™ lmao.

and I think the best way to describe that is using that one tiktok audio from the croods movie lmfao (stfu, ik everything I say is followed by “...tHaT oNe tIkToK aUdi0!!”, I can't help being chronically online)...

───────── 《 .°•♡•°. 》 ──────────

gally, welcoming newcomers to the safe haven: here…! right here…! all your needs will be met-

one kid, who's already asked one too many questions: i'm hungry-

gally: -IN A MINUTE!!!

newcomers: 😀…

thomas, fry, newt, and minho, who all saw this coming: 😔…

gally, continuing: 🙄 … 😊all your needs will be met, and…!

───────── 《 .°•♡•°. 》 ──────────

LIKE LMAO😭. tell me he wouldn't have several little bursts like that where anyone that knew him pre-scorch and death cure events just has to laugh at because YUP, there's the gally we're used to.

alternatively, the vice versa lol…

thomas, minho, frypan, and newt still trying to adjust to Mature Gally™, completely flabbergasted when maybe a young newcomer is particularly aggravating or clumsy or whatever, and gally is just ever so patient and calm (for the most part, he's trying lmao💀✋🏽)...

“It's okay, you got it. No one carves a perfectly sharp stake their first try.” “No, not like that. You shave it towards you, and next thing you know, you'll be missing a thumb.” “Hey…! Your voice… lower it by several notches, please? Awesome, thanks.”

cue the boys just genuinely stunned because had it been them back in the glade, they never would've heard the end of his loud mouth and neverending string of demands.

ANOTHER AUDIO COMES TO MIND WITH THIS LMAO!!!...

that stupid ass clip from smiling friends lmaooo but in this context, it'd be like…

───────── 《 .°•♡•°. 》 ──────────

minho, finishing an important conversation with gally, ending it with a dumbass joke he definitely should not have told lmao: *flinching*

gally, totally oblivious and amused: lol you're stupid, dude, I'll catch you later.

thomas & fry, having watched the entire interaction: ???

minho: dude, when he moved his arm, I thought he was gonna hit me😃. I thought he was gonna fucking punch me when he-

thomas: -I actually thought the same thing, I really did😔.

minho: yeah.

fry: I saw you flinch😆.

minho: he was fidgeting, he was, like- he was moving around a lot, and I thought he was gonna hit me😔.

fry: I just remember how he was in the glade, and like😓…

thomas: yeah, a lot of bad stuff happened there😞.

minho: yeah, I didn't know what he😶-... yeah😞.

───────── 《 .°•♡•°. 》 ──────────

just a collective stun of how mellowed out he is now, which imo, I don't think would last too long, and it doesn't come from a place of like, “oh, we hate him.”

more of a genuine suprise at the 180° of his personality, like, be honest with yourself,,, if one of your closest friends suddenly became nearly the complete opposite of how you last knew and encountered them, you wouldn't be a little on edge? come on lol. I think over time, they'd get used to it and would probably rebond with one another - a "matter of time" type of deal.

anyways, just one of a million thoughts I have in my head, complete with references that will probably not be understood💀✋🏽.

so yeah, that's all, bye /ᐠ-˕-マ♡.

[thevoicefromanotherworld]

"YOU HAVE TO GO NOW, SWEETHEART"

I WROTE ANOTHER FIC WITH TIG (this one is an angst one)

I hope you like it! 😊🖤

You were organizing the new delivery of bottles of alcohol that had arrived that morning when you felt a powerful presence behind you.

You didn't need to turn around to know who it was, although when you did, you confirmed it was him.

Tig's blue eyes met your gaze for a moment, while he smiled crookedly.

"Tig," you greeted. "Is everything okay?"

"Everything's going perfectly, doll," he whispered, winking at you, causing your smile to widen. "Hey, Clay asked me to check something out on the Wahewa lands, and I was thinking we could stop in town on the way back and walk around, if you want," he added.

"That would be…" You cleared your throat nervously, making him smile. "I'd love to."

"Okay, let's go then," he said, nodding for you to follow.

You surreptitiously fixed your hair a bit, which Tig didn't notice, as he thought you didn't need any touch-ups to look gorgeous.

Even if you wrapped a garbage bag around your body and bathed in cow dung, you'd still be the prettiest girl he'd ever seen.

He hopped on his Harley and handed you his helmet to put on.

You climbed behind him and wrapped your hands around his waist to keep from falling off.

He could feel your hands shaking against his body due to your nervousness.

He drove for about ten minutes until you saw the sign for the entrance to the Wahewa home.

But he didn't turn there; he kept going. You frowned in surprise.

"Weren't we supposed to stop there?"

He didn't answer, and you started to get nervous.

You trusted Tig; he was one of the few people who had earned that trust.

Just when you were at the point of thinking about jumping off the bike and running away, he stopped it in the middle of a barren, dry field that had seen better days.

He put his foot down on the bike and took off his sunglasses.

"Tig, what are we doing…?"

"Get off the bike," he interrupted curtly, though you noticed a kind note toward the end of the command.

"What…?"

"Don't make this any harder, baby," he said, standing up and pointing his gun at you. "Get off. Off. The. Bike."

You raised your hands, not understanding what was happening, and did what he asked.

You stood in front of him with your hands up, while he stared at you intently, trying to appear confident.

"I didn't do anything," you murmured, feeling tears threatening to start welling up in your eyes. "I don't know what happened, but whatever it is, we can fix it together, Tig."

"No, we can't," he placed his finger on the trigger. "You have information that, if the others found out, would mean the destruction of the club."

As soon as he said that, you realized what this was all about.

"Are you referring to JT's letters?" "You asked. He didn't answer, proof enough that that was exactly what he meant. "Maureen put them in my backpack when we got back from Belfast. I didn't find out she had them until a week after we got back. You have to believe me."

"I believe you," he nodded. "But that doesn't matter. What matters is that you've read them, and the truth he wrote can't get out."

"Clay ordered you to kill me," you finally understood, your eyes wide open. "He doesn't want it to get out that he killed Jax's father. He doesn't want it to get out that John Teller didn't die in a car accident like his autopsy report says." You shrugged. "If you're sure this is the right thing to do, then go ahead and shoot," you blurted out. "But you and I both know Clay is the cancer of this club." My death won't fix anything, it'll only make it worse, and you know it," you murmured. "Jax and I have been friends since we were in diapers," you reminded him. "What do you think he'll think when you tell him I'm dead? What do you think he'll think?"

"I have to do this, Y/N," he said, his voice breaking. It was the first time you saw him like this, as vulnerable as a newborn lamb. “If I don’t, I’ll be the one who dies, and I don’t want to die yet.”

“Let’s run away, together,” you blurted out. “Let’s leave all this shit behind and start over somewhere new.” Tears welled up in your eyes and began to trickle down your cheeks.

“If I run away, it’ll make me look like a coward,” he said, still pointing the gun at you. “I can’t run away,” he clicked his tongue as he slowly lowered the gun. “But I can’t kill you either. You… mean too much to me, and the fact that Clay asked me to shows that he knows it, too.” His beautiful blue eyes bore into yours. You could see his pain reflected in them. “You have to go,” he whispered. “Get out of Charming, get away from here, and don’t come back.”

“I can’t…” you swallowed hard, stifling a sob. “I can’t do that… you.”

“I’ll be okay, doll” he murmured, giving a sad smile. “Go and live a good life for both of us,” he whispered. “Promise me you will.”

You didn’t know who moved first, but he tangled you up.

His arms wrapped around your waist and his lips rested on yours.

He devoured you as if it were the last time he'd ever see you, and it probably was.

Tig tasted your tears on his mouth as the two of you kissed until you were breathless.

"I know I've been a complete asshole up until now, but I'm just not that good at expressing my feelings, as you've seen," he laughed, making you cry a little more. "I love you, Y/N. I always have. I…" he whispered. "I wish we had met under different circumstances, in another life."

"In another life," you repeated as you kissed him again. "I love you too, you fucking idiot," you blurted out. He laughed.

He took a wad of bills out of his pants pocket and gave them to you. "This is 100,000 grand," he said. "You'll have enough to get by for the first few months," he murmured, gesturing toward the road. "Keep straight until you see a tree-lined road about 100 meters on the right," he indicated. "I left a car there, no license plate so they can't identify you," he explained. "You need to go now, sweetheart"

"Tig… I…" You swallowed hard. "Thanks, for everything."

He nodded, unable to speak, and hopped on his bike as he watched you race off in the direction he'd indicated.

He gasped until you reached the garage, unable to stand watching you walk on by.

When he entered the chapel, he saw Clay flipping through some papers.

He looked up when he saw him enter and took off the reading glasses he was wearing.

"Is it done?" "He asked, his tone cold and distant."

"Yes," he lied, though he said it firmly.

"Good," the president murmured. "I'm proud of you." Tig nodded slowly. "You can go."

And that's what he did

He left the chapel with a broken heart and a confused mind, but preserving his life and yours, which was what mattered most to him.

[hellfire-state-of-mind]

Clandestine

pairing: Mr. Ben x fem! reader

rating: Mature (things get a lil heated 👀)

word count: 4.5k

summary: Mr. Ben is daddy, Ms. Jenny is mommy and they’re all a happy family at St. Lawrence High School, no crumbs left. But what happens when the cool aunt moves to town?

warnings: i did my best to leave out specific descriptions of reader except that she does have breasts and wear feminine clothing, infidelity, swearing, alcohol consumption, some heavy making out and implied smut, Ben has a daddy kink (as always, please message me if i missed anything)

a/n: my second submission for @beskarandblasters's Taylor Swift writing challenge! this one is based on "illicit affairs" from her album, folklore. being one of my top 3 albums of hers, i was excited for this prompt but i laughed so hard when Kel paired it with Mr. Ben 🤣 i had a ton of fun sprinkling in references (as well as a few extra swiftie ones too, if you look closely). this is also probably the longest fic i've ever written since i started writing years ago but this story really just took on a life of its own. i hope you all enjoy reading as much as i did writing and PS happy birthday, Pedro 😊

Teaching European History to a bunch of 10th graders is definitely not for the faint of heart, but the aftermath of the pandemic on the public education system only made the calling harder for you to ignore.

That’s why it meant so much to you when you discovered your students making fancams and claiming you as the “cool aunt.” You knew it was just their way of connecting with you and if it helped them pay attention in class and actually enjoy learning, what’s the harm? Some of the other teachers didn’t share your sentiment, but you were never one to much care about others’ opinions.

Until you met him.

Mr. Ben.

He and Ms. Jenny were the students’ absolute favorite teachers at the school, earning them the coveted titles of Mommy and Daddy. Their classrooms were both on the other side of the school in the math hall, so you never really saw them except at the monthly after-school faculty meetings. But one morning a piece of mail intended for Mr. Ben had been left in your mailbox in the front office by mistake, so you made the journey into uncharted territory.

Reading the plaques on each door, you almost thought you were in the wrong hallway when his name finally appeared on the last one at the end. It was slightly cracked so you could hear the scratching of chalk as he wrote on the board. Knocking lightly to announce your presence, you waited to hear him acknowledge you before walking in. His classroom was decorated to feel bright and cozy and welcoming, soft music emanating from the area near his desk. And the man standing in front of the chalkboard certainly fit the vibe. Soft but sturdy, carefully styled curls threatening to break free. You immediately understood why he was your students’ beloved and had them in a chokehold. You felt your cheeks heat for a moment when he cleared his throat to catch your attention, having been staring in silence for a bit too long.

“Can I help you with something?” Even his voice was so father.

“Um, yes. Sorry. I think some of your mail ended up in my box on accident.” You approached him, holding out the thin envelope. “It’s right underneath yours so it’s an easy mistake to make if you’re not careful.”

His thick fingers brushed yours as he took it from you, and you tried to steady your breath as you felt their brief warmth radiate up your arm. “Oh, good catch. Thank you.” He turned to place them on his desk and you were prepared for that to be the end of it, but he focused his attention back on you. “You’re new this year, right? I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Ben.” Extending his hand back out to you, you swallowed hard before taking it and replying with your own name. He repeated it back to you in understanding and you nearly melted at the way it effortlessly rolled off his tongue. The bell indicating the beginning of first period interrupted you before the conversation could continue any further. Bidding him a rushed farewell, you hurried back to the sanctuary of your own classroom across campus.

That was months ago. By the end of the year, the passing gestures became more frequent so that you were thankful for summer break to give yourself some time away from the man who had no idea his foot was always on your neck. Finally, you could breathe.

--

The weeks passed quickly and now you’re hauling boxes of school supplies across the parking lot. It’s the week before classes start anew and all of the teachers are trickling back in to ready their classrooms. You’ve just deposited the cardboard box on your desk when your phone chimes with a reminder about the faculty meeting in 5 minutes. You grab your lanyard, weighed down with your ID and keys, and head for the library.

When you arrive, everyone has already taken their seats so the only one available is next to him. Mr. Ben. Steeling yourself, you try to appear casual as you take your place. Feeling your movement, Ben looks over at you and flashes a captivating smile that you return without a second thought.

“Welcome back, kid. Have a good summer?” He launches into the usual teacher small talk but it’s not at all uncomfortable.

“I did. And yours?”

“Not bad. Nothing special, really.”

You hum in acknowledgement before Principal Owens steps up to the front, signaling the start of the meeting. In that moment, you come to a realization that you can’t shake. Nudging Ben’s elbow with yours, you lean closer and keep your voice low.

“I haven’t seen Jenny around, is she feeling okay?”

He chuckles before picking up on your sincerity. “Oh, you didn’t hear? She transferred over to St. Augustine.”

Your eyes widen in surprise. “Really? Can’t wait to break that to the students.”

“Yeah, you and me both.” He chuckles a little harder, earning a couple of sideways glances from others around you. You shrink into your seat a little as Ben attempts to cover with a cough.

You try to ignore the flutter in your heart, but you just have to know. “So are the two of you still…?” you trail off, hoping he picks up on your meaning so you don’t have to say it out loud.

“Yeah. Yeah, we’re still together. One less heartbreak for the kids,” he jokes.

“Oh, good. That’s good.”

And you mean it. If he’s happy, you’re happy. But a pit has formed in your stomach and you lose yourself in thought until Principal Owens makes his final announcement.

“There has been yet another surge of fancams created over the summer so as part of the first-day assembly, we will be including a segment on responsible technology usage. Ben, since you ate up the last one, would you mind handling it? After all, it was nom nom delish and had them gagged.” A burst of laughter ripples through the room as Ben runs a hand through his hair, amused.

“Yeah, sure. What could possibly go wrong this time?”

“Thank you. And if it’s not too trouble, I’d like to pair you with our newest target,” Owens gestures to you, conveniently sitting in the same vicinity, “so dubbed the ‘cool aunt.’”

You feel the heat begin to creep up your neck as you realize the implications of the proposal. You look over to see Ben nod and shrug as if to say “why not.” Looking back to the front of the room, you smile and nod in acceptance of the project. Inside, you’re trying not to scream. You don’t notice Ben holding his gaze on your profile for the rest of the meeting.

You retreat to your classroom after you’re all dismissed, willingly losing yourself in paperwork and organizing when there’s an all-too-familiar knock on your door. You look up just as Ben steps over the threshold. And closes the door. And crosses to perch on the edge of your desk, giving you an optimal view of the way his jeans stretch over his sculpted thigh and ass.

“So, how are you feeling about this assembly next week?” He leans forward, propping himself up on one arm. You force yourself to not look at the veins winding and disappearing under his shirt sleeve and maintain eye contact, which isn’t much easier.

“Good. I mean, is it supposed to be scary? What happened last time?” You remember the way everyone reacted when Ben received the assignment.

He smiles and huffs a laugh at the memory. “Let’s just say I was in your shoes now. I was just so confused about the whole concept. But it gave Jenny and I the opportunity to officially come out as a couple, so I guess it wasn’t all bad.”

The pit in your stomach widened at the mention of Jenny again. “Well, I’m glad I’m working with someone so experienced then.” You mentally kick yourself at your choice of words. What the hell is that supposed to mean? You try to recover. “Honestly, I’m a little flattered. It means the kids are engaged.”

Ben doesn’t seem to notice. “Yeah, it is kinda nice that they look up to us like that. Even if it is a little…”

“Unorthodox?”

“Right. It took me forever to figure out what it meant to have rizz and be a skinny legend.” He almost can’t get through his sentence as he’s interrupted by his own wheezing laugh. He fights it off long enough to finish his thought. “But it looks like you’re in your assembly era now, so what do you say we meet up here tomorrow and put this presentation together?”

You quickly agree, both in excitement and eagerness to get him out so you can get ahold of yourself. Satisfied, he rises but stops before he fully walks away. “By the way, I really like that perfume you’re wearing. Vanilla?”

“A-and cherry,” you manage to choke out.

“My favorite.” He smirks before raising his hand in goodbye and exiting the room, closing the door behind him.

--

The next week is a blur. You meet the next day to organize the presentation, as promised, but one conversation topic leads to another and before you realize what’s happening, Ben is putting his number into your phone. Then you’re giving him yours.

You keep telling yourself you’re just friends, like a mantra, but you can’t help but feel a sense of pride at the way he thinks you don’t notice how he inhales a little deeper when you lean into his personal space, taking in your scent. His favorite.

Even the assembly goes off without a hitch. Naturally, the students are disgruntled yet again at being reminded that fancams of their biases are banned, no matter how much they munch on it. But they seem to pick up on the friendship between their daddy and cool aunt and that’s enough to appease the juvenile masses.

You’re both dreading and looking forward to your free period. When comparing schedules, you and Ben discovered you had the same block open, so you agreed to make that a regular coffee break together. He’s already there when you walk in, bursting into his signature smile as you approach.

He stands and pulls your chair out to sit at the small table. “So, how’s the first day been?”

Accepting the gesture and trying not to read too much into it, you breathe out, “Pretty good. I can already tell that covering the Bubonic Plague is going to be interesting, but we will cross that bridge when we get to it.”

Once more, the two of you fall into an easy conversation when an ill-timed joke has you spilling your coffee. All over Ben’s tie. You immediately jump up, dashing to wet some paper towels. Ben rises to stop you, laughing at your mortification.

“It’s fine, don’t worry about it. Hey,” he grasps your wrists, forcing you to turn and face him.

“I-I think I have a Tide pen in my room, I can go run and get it.”

“No need. I started keeping a spare in my desk years ago. You wouldn’t believe how often I spill coffee on myself.”

With that, you follow him back to his classroom. He closes the door behind you, crossing to his desk to rifle through the drawers, but you hang back. It’s only when he finally pulls out the replacement tie that you allow yourself to breathe and walk over.

Ben holds it up in jest. “See? Problem solved.” You hope he doesn’t hear the way you swallow hard as you watch him skillfully unwind his soiled tie from around his neck with one hand.

However, he struggles to knot the new tie and you speak up, “Need a hand with that?” You don’t know where the confidence came from.

He looks up at you, eyes a couple shades darker. “Would you?”

You round the desk and try to stop your hands from shaking as you reach up towards his chest. Your knuckles brush his soft button-up but before you can grip the decorative length of fabric, you feel Ben’s hands cradling your elbows. You slowly lock eyes with him, and the rest happens too fast for your brain to process.

Ben swiftly maneuvers you against the edge of his desk and leans in close, his nose to your temple, breathing you in. “You wear this just for me?”

You can’t lie to him. “Yes.”

He travels down to your pulse point where the perfume is applied, ghosting over the delicate skin there. “Good.”

He darts the tip of his tongue over the spot before moving to look you in the eyes once more, his hands journeying experimentally down to your waist. You’re fully trapped now. But you don’t want to escape.

He rests his forehead on yours as your eyes flit down to his mouth and back up. “Ben?”

“That’s not my name.”

You’re taken aback by his response for a moment before he leans in the tiniest bit more so you can feel the tickle of his mustache as he whispers, “What’s my name, baby?”

“Daddy,” you breathe out.

His lips twitch into a smirk before crashing against yours, sealing you to him.

--

Your escapades go on that way for months, innocently meeting in the teachers’ lounge to make your coffees and carrying them back to his classroom where they’re quickly abandoned. You easily get lost in each other, you perched on his desk as he stands between your thighs. You’ve discovered he likes it when you tangle your fingers in his curls, but you have to be careful not to muss them too much lest anyone catch onto your illicit activities.

You know it’s wrong. He and Jenny are still together, despite the different schools. Your mind is a constant whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. What if she finds out? Does she already know about you? Where do you stand?

But Ben is quick to make you forget your inner turmoil. You’re in your usual seat upon your throne of his desk, your blouse unbuttoned halfway to grant him access to your chest. His lips are latched to your collarbone, one hand cupping a breast and the other holding the knee you draped over his hip. You feel his hardness against your clothed core, knowing it must be painful for him. But you can’t cross that line. Not here.

As if rehearsed, Ben slows his movements to a halt, trailing his tongue back up your neck and jaw before reaching his final destination and molding your lips together. Wordlessly, you peel apart and put yourselves back together. You dare to break the silence.

“Ben?”

He looks back at you with those adorable baby browns that everyone at the school loves. “What’s wrong, baby?”

“Nothing, exactly. I just-” you cut yourself off, taking a deep breath. “At the risk of sounding like a cliché, what about us?”

“I don’t understand,” he says with a furrowed brow.

“I mean. We’ve been doing…this for a while now. And I can’t deny that I’ve grown to love the thrill of sneaking around with you.” You slide off his desk to plant yourself firmly in front of him. “But…you and Jenny...I guess what I’m trying to figure out is-”

“What do we do?”

“Yeah.”

Ben lets out a sigh and adjusts his watch. Noticing the time, he reaches for your arm and the two of you walk to the door. But he puts his hand on the handle before you have the chance to turn it.

“I promise we’ll talk about this. Tonight? I’ll call you?”

You press your lips into a tight smile. “Yeah. Tonight.”

Ben removes his hand and you exit the room. As if on cue, the bell rings to signal the change of classes and you pick up your pace to make it through the sea of students back to your room in time for your next lesson.

--

He does call. And you do talk. But ultimately you agree not to change anything for now. He needs time to figure out where he and Jenny stand but neither of you can bear to let the other go in the meantime. You try to hide your growing disillusionment at your arrangement, but you can’t tell if you’re truly that good at pretending or if Ben actively ignores it.

It all comes to a head the morning you sleep through your alarm, recovering from your hushed over-the-phone activities the night before, and you forget to wear your perfume. His perfume.

You’ve assumed your position when Ben suddenly recoils.

“Where is it?”

“Where is what?” You wrack your brain trying to interpret the question.

He slowly leans back in, inhaling deeply to make sure he didn’t just miss it. “Vanilla and cherry.”

The realization hits you like a ton of bricks. “Oh, B- Daddy, I’m so sorry.”

He nearly whines in disappointment. “Where is it?”

“I slept through my alarm. I must have been moving so fast this morning that I forgot it.” You twirl your fingers through the curls at the base of his neck. “I’ll wear it tomorrow, I promise.” Ben still doesn’t look at you. You tug a little harder, forcing his attention. “Hey. It was an honest mistake, I-”

“Did I do something wrong?”

The question jars you even more than the first. You want to reassure him but you can’t form the words and your hesitation speaks volumes.

“Baby, why didn’t you say something?” Ben pulls away completely now, leaning up against the chalkboard.

“What could I say, Ben?” You’re emboldened now, matching his stance. “That I’m tired of sneaking around? That I hate being the other woman but I feel this crushing guilt about coming between the two of you?” You pause to think carefully about your next words before just throwing caution to the wind. “That I love you and I want people to know it. Don’t you?”

You can see the hurt bloom in Ben’s eyes. “Kid, I…I don’t know what I want.”

But that hurts worse. “Really?” You reach to fix the few buttons he had managed to undo and walk towards the door but he steps in front of you.

“Hey, hey, don’t- baby, just- just hear me out kid, please, let’s talk-”

“Don’t call me that.” Your voice is tinged with cold.

“Call…call you what?”

“Don’t call me ‘kid.’ Don’t call me ‘baby.’ In fact, don’t call me anything until you figure out what it is you do want.” You swerve past him and yank the door open. “Maybe I’ll still be waiting for you.”

It takes everything in you not to slam the door out of respect for the ongoing classes around you.

--

You’ve mastered the separation of your personal and professional lives so no one can see through your façade for the rest of the day. But the last bell couldn’t ring soon enough. You pack your bag and leave just as quickly as any of your students and book it out to your car. You know you’re going to get stuck in the after-school traffic but it’s better than waiting it out in your classroom where he could find you. You’ve just unlocked your door when you hear your name. You don’t recognize the voice over the din of cars and school buses, so you search for the owner and immediately regret it.

Ben raises his hand at a car that stopped to let him pass and jogs across the pavement. You want nothing more than to scream at him but for the sake of keeping up appearances, you smile and let him approach. Your voice betrays your true feelings.

“I told you, Ben, I’m-”

“I know you’re pissed and you have every right to be. But I have something I need to say and I really don’t want you to misunderstand me, so could I please just get through to the end and then you can say your piece?” He sounds out of breath. “Please?”

You simply nod and lean back against your car, waving at passing students.

“Okay. I’ve thought about what you said. And truth be told, I have not been fully honest with you. But I want to change that. I want to talk about this. About us.” He takes a long pause, collecting himself, and you almost think he’s finished before he launches into it again. “Can I come see you tonight? At your place? Or mine, whichever you’re more comfortable with. I’ll cook and we can really talk. Face to face.”

“What about Jenny? She’s not going to wonder where you are?”

“Don’t worry about that. I’m taking care of it.”

You take in his words. It’s not exactly what you hoped when he said he had something to say but you’re also standing in the middle of the high school parking lot. It’s neither the time nor the place to hash out your relationship problems.

“Fine. My place. 7:00. But you’re not staying too late, it’s a school night.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Ben lets himself smirk for a moment before switching back into teacher mode and bids you good afternoon, taking off back towards the school.

--

It’s 6:57 and you’re starting to curse yourself for agreeing to let Ben come over. But in a way, this is like a first date. Your first meeting outside of campus. And you can’t lie that the prospect of what could come after intrigues you.

7:00 on the dot and your doorbell rings, so you steel your nerves and open the door. Ben looks almost relieved that you actually answered and you step aside to let him in. In one hand, he holds an insulated bag of what you can only assume is ingredients for the dinner he promised to cook and in the other, a small bouquet of your favorite flowers. You accept those with a small smile and lead him into the kitchen. He begins unpacking the bag to start cooking while you dig through drawers to find a pair of scissors.

“Do you want some wine? You didn’t say what you were planning to cook so I pulled out a red and I also have a white already in the fridge,” you offer as you cut the flower stems at an angle and untie the bundle to arrange them in the vase on the coffee table.

���White sounds perfect, thank you,” Ben accepts as he rolls up his sleeves. You pull out the bottle and pour a little into two glasses, handing him one. You go to take a sip before he holds his out to you. “Cheers.” You clink and then drink, resisting the urge to down half the glass in one go.

You stand off to the side most of the time while Ben takes over your kitchen, falling back into your easy conversations without even realizing it. You have to admit you love watching him, the way his hands grip the knife and the vegetables he’s cutting, the sweat glistening on his forehead and the back of his neck from the hot stove.

The rest of the night feels…natural. Effortless. You almost forget why he came over in the first place.

You’re lounging on the couch with him, dishes washed and kitchen cleaned, wine glasses in hand when you finally cut to the chase.

“So what did you want to say to me?”

Ben’s eyes widen slightly and he leans over to rest his glass on the coffee table. “Say what?”

You need him to get to the point before you lose your nerve again. “In the parking lot, you said you wanted to talk. About us. So let’s talk.”

He lets out a nervous sigh and turns to better face you. “Right.”

You hold eye contact, expecting him to say more, but nothing comes. You sit up, putting your glass down next to his, losing your patience. “Ben, if you’re not going to-”

“I love you, too.”

The four words you’ve been waiting for him to say since the first time you kissed. But followed by more silence.

“That’s it?”

Ben opens and closes his mouth, searching for the words, but you cut him off.

“That’s not enough, Ben. The sneaking around, the stolen stares across the room, it was fun but it’s not enough anymore. You’ve made a fool out of me, but more than that you’ve…I’ve ruined myself for you.”

“You…what do you mean?” He leans in, careful not to intrude too far into your personal space.

“What we have is- is different. I’ve never had something like this and I don’t think I ever will again. You’ve shown me things, taught me things that I can’t ever share with anyone else. But this isn’t going anywhere and I’m not sure you even want it to.”

“I do!”

“And Jenny? You can’t have us both, Ben.”

“I told her.” The only sounds in the room are your individual heavy breaths. “We talked and apparently, she’d been feeling pretty distant, too. She was trying to work up the courage to talk me into counseling but when I told her about you…she let me go.” He curls his hand into a fist, stopping himself from reaching out and touching you. “I am yours and only yours. And I don’t care who knows it anymore.”

“Then prove it.” You feel as if your heart is going to burst from how fast it’s racing.

“I will.”

Ben practically launches himself across the couch, yanking you into his arms and smashing his lips to yours, as if pulled by an invisible string. You react immediately, curling your limbs around him, desperate to hold him closer. You gasp for breath when he breaks apart just enough to mumble against your lips. “Where?”

“Down the hall, last door on the left.”

In a flash, you find yourself deposited on your bed, dress crumpled on the floor, fingers flying to undo the buttons on Ben’s dress shirt. You shift your focus to his slacks, his rock-hard bulge ever prominent as you unzip. You move to pull them down his thighs along with his briefs, but he stops you. His shirt now gone, he nudges you to fall backwards onto your pillows and he follows.

His weight on top of you is intoxicating, finally able to feel all of him. The broadness of his shoulders, the contracting muscles in his back, the softness of his tummy pressed to yours. His mouth finds its home in your cleavage, nipping and sucking at the sensitive flesh, the scratch of his patchy beard bordering on overstimulating.

“Ben-”

“That’s not my name.” He looks up at you with a devilish grin and emphasizes his point with a hard grind of his hips into yours. “What’s my name?”

“Daddy!”

His tongue soothes each bite as he finally journeys up your chest to your neck. Taking in a deep breath, he releases it with a sinful groan from deep in his chest.

“You wear this just for me?”

“Yes.”

“Good.”

[cit-warriorscat]

Sometimes I have characters whom’s names I don’t like for one reason or another so if I were to rewrite/reboot warrior cats…

Names I would change for one reason or another (Part 1/?)

Crookedstar -> Stormstar

For him to take back the name that was stolen from him by Rainflower and Hailstar would be satisfying for me. I don’t believe that cats would just sit around and start calling him Crookedkit/paw/jaw because of how cruel it was, and he would still be referred as as Storm by the closest people around him. When he becomes leader and receives his nine lives, he dawns on his true name: “Stormstar.” He can finally put the past to rest and look forward, in a way.

Deadfoot -> Vulturefoot

Can 👏 We 👏 Stop 👏 Naming 👏 Kids 👏 After 👏 Their 👏 Disabilities 👏 PLEASE 🙏 (LOOKING AT YOU HEATHERSTAR)

I actually used to really like Deadfoot’s name back as a kid, before I understood the implications of it. It had this really nice edge to the name that really spoke to me. Because of this, I wanted to give Deadfoot a new name that still reflected the vibes he already had. Vultures are birds that are commonly associated with death and I don’t think any warriors cats in canon have this prefix so it still is unique to him. Plus, Vultures are actually really sweet birds, so it suits his personality too!

Whitethroat -> Warblerthroat

Minor character in TPB that I liked and was sad that he died! This change is rooted in me not understand how his name could ever have been “Whitekit” and developing lore around ShadowClan so I can change it. ShadowClan has a lot of superstitions surrounding birth in the clan and one of them is that you never name your kit with the prefix “White” or other prefixes that are colored white because it is said to bring bad luck on the kit. Because ShadowClan relies on dense forest and marshlands for their way of life, they adapted to become one with the moving shadows across their territory. White or otherwise bright colored pelts stand out, and thus you can’t be as sneaky. Bright pelt colors already bring difficulties for a kit born in ShadowClan, and naming your kit as such would be bringing down a curse that will follow that kit throughout their life.

So Whitethroat, the predominantly black cat, is now named Warblerthroat after the bird because I like birds 😊

[jeannereames]

Hello, Dr. Reames!

I absolutely love your work—it’s such a beautiful academic space, AND the fact that you’re so passionate about not Alexander the Great but also Hephaestion adds a special touch. Reading some of your posts and, of course, your duology (which I adore—I’m eagerly awaiting the third installment!), a question came to mind:

I remember there’s a source that describes Hephaestion’s beauty (though I can’t recall which historian mentions this. I have a vague suspicion it was Quintus Curtius Rufus or maybe Diodorus Siculus, but my memory is falling me). It recounts how Alexander praises Hephaestion’s youth and beauty, even when a younger man is presente to him; I think it was during their time at the Persian court (the young man wasn’t Bagoas but had a different name). Alexander compares two, but despite this, Hephaestion Stands out even more than the younger man.

I wanted to ask if you’re familiar with this passage and, if so, did it inspire any of the descriptions of Hephaestion in your work? I ask because your portrayals are exquisite, and I’ve always imagined Hephaestion as a strikingly handsome young man, pretty boy. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this—sending you a warm hug! 😊

Hephaistion and Euxenippos

Thank you! And I think you’re referring to the comparison between Hephaistion and a young officer named Euxenippos, although it’s not Alexander who makes it. Here’s the passage from Curtius (7.9.19). It involves receiving the submission of the Sacae Scythians who he’d just defeated.

So [Alexander] received the Sacae delegation courteously and gave them Euxenippus as their companion for the return journey. Euxenippus was still very young and a favorite of Alexander’s because he was in the prime of his youth, but though he rivaled Hephaistion in good looks he could not match him in charm, since his was rather effeminate. (Yardley, trans.)

I should note that the Latin used there for favorite has strong sexual overtones. But while this passage would appear to be flattering for Hephaistion, it’s actually not. It’s part of the “slide” down into Evil Eastern Debauchery that Curtius paints for Alexander. Romans had mixed feelings about “Greek love.” Here, by comparing Hephaistion to the king’s current “pretty young thing,” he gives a wink-wink-nudge-nudge about Hephaistion’s former status, with a sly insinuation that it might still be going on (horrors!). The latter would be an out-and-out insult to a man in his late 20s/early 30s and a top-ranked officer.

So, figuring out what Curtius means to imply here is easy enough. The real question is what—if anything—lay behind it, and how might the Macedonians have understood it? While some historians may prefer not to tackle that, as we lack anything remotely like good evidence, I’m a little more inclined to play ball. Yet there is a very limited amount that we can say. I do consider it part of my reasoning for why I think Alexander and Hephaistion were lovers, at least at some point. This could still be true even if Curtius employs it to throw negative aspersions on Hephaistion (and Alexander). Also, I think it’s potential evidence that Alexander, like other Macedonian kings, pursued romantic entanglements with his Pages, which suggests that, yes, he was comfortably bisexual and expressed that in what would have been, for ancient Greece and Macedonia, culturally appropriate ways. When Curtius (and Kleitarchos?) say “very young,” they don’t mean a boy, but someone in late teens/early 20s. In fact, this assignment might have been a “farewell” gift from the king: a nice little promotion assignment to mark the close of the affair as he’d probably be gone a while. So he may have been a highborn Macedonian just “graduating” out of the Pages to junior officer status.

Now, as for did this passage contribute to my description of Hephaistion in the novels…sorta. It’s part of a larger tradition (although much lifted out of Curtius) that Hephaistion was attractive.

But in Dancing with the Lion, wanted to do something else with it. So if you’re curious, go here:

Hephaistion, Virtue, and Beauty

(all the way back from 2019)

[lxmelle]

Flowers - referring to Chapter 236 again

I might be late to realise this, but I’m going to write about it anyway 😊

Whoever Gojo regarded as flowers, whether they were his students or even Sukuna, he didn’t think they could understand him. And to be fair maybe he didn’t want / let / try (⬅️Geto was also guilty of this).

But he was saying this to Geto. So we can deduce that the fact he was asking to be understood by Geto means that Geto was standing on the other side of the line with him.

Geto was not a flower to him. He was a fellow creature like Gojo. Or at least he regarded him as one. Maybe it was evident in how they were each other’s “only best friend”. I hypothesised this in a previous post but it just dawned on me that it seems very fitting now. I’m quite satisfied with my conclusion.

Further, when he felt that Nanami and Haibara’s words could be disputed, he didn’t try to defend himself. He just let them be and Geto joined in the banter.

Gojo and Geto both seemed to be of the opinion that they “didn’t need everyone to understand” - just as Geto said it himself in HI. Despite surrounding themselves with people.

When Gojo tried to reach Sukuna, he also realised that, if Sukuna was a flower too (which is a hypothesis I also explored in another long post some time ago [just search 236 in my profile if you’re possibly interested 😳 but tbh nobody is really gonna be bothered with my word vomit 😅]) , Sukuna wouldn’t understand either because he didn’t regard love as important like Gojo did. So, the depth of understanding was disappointingly(?) limited to an all-out good battle that was (as of recent chapters) arguably more satisfying for Gojo , who was more human than monster. Maybe Sukuna needs more as a greater monster 😳 I have no idea...

Anyway. But it didn’t hit me until today 😅 so I might be late to the party in realising this.

Just sharing my thoughts 💭

[lazyalani]

Hello, I hope you're well! I hope I'm not bothering you, but if I understood correctly then you currently have requests open for Black Butler?

If I'm wrong, please feel free to delete this ask. I appreciate you taking the time to read it regardless!

If I'm not, then may I please request for Black Butler? I have all kinds of ideas myself about a situation where Ciel brings in another member of staff to help Mey-Rin out with cleaning since she can be clumsy quite often. That being said, the person (Mc, reader, whoever you wish to refer to them as) isn't strong or spiritual or really that special of a person. Borderline Mary Sue with how normal their life seems, but maybe they could have something more to them than just being a normal human. How would some of the characters react to/interact with them? (Preferably romantic headcanons if that's okay, if not then feel free to change it however you wish!) My favorite characters at the manor are Snake and Sebastian, but if you want to add someone different feel free! If you only take one character per request, then can it please be Sebastian?

No pressure, no rush, you don't have to accept this. Thank you for reading my request anyway! I hope you have a lovely rest of your day, please take care of yourself and stay safe! 😊

| Black Butler [Phantomhive Estate]

| When Ciel brings in an assassin as a servant

| i was a little bit confused to what you meant as 'more than a normal human' but i assumed they aren't supernatural but not a normal civilian either, i hope this is okay, gosh im so nervous about this, but i love this request, i got this when i was in rites rehearsal in school lol, only a few dialogues, oc is gender neutral, i wasnt sure if i should put reader or oc but ig oc would fit more i hope its okay, this could also be read as reader cuz its gn anyway, i wanted to write this is fic form but i figured it would be too long, im sorry i couldn't do snake because im not really that familiar with him, this is my frist time taking up this kind of request, mixing up an assassin and romance is a bit confusing so sorry if i dont live up to your expectations, mc is referred to as 'they/them'

Ft. Ciel, Sebastian, Mey-Rin

| Kuroshitsuji Masterlist

| Main Masterlist

Extra Note: I was a lot more motivated to write this cuz you're so sweet :') lots of thanks and hugs for you

CIEL [Platonic]

Ciel encountered them during a mission as the guard dog. An assassin sent to kill him, who ofcourse, failed due to his demonic butler. After suffering an utter defeat on Sebastian's hands, Ciel had a risky idea of bringing them back with him to add to his army servants. He has seen great potential. Although Sebastian had not been fully pleased as it was risky because they were literally sent to kill them, he had respected his master's wishes but kept an eye on them. Waking up to an unknown bedroom and then suddenly being offered a chance to work for someone you were assigned to kill before was definitely surprising for them, but after observing how the 'job' works, they reluctantly accepted.

They weren't good at doing the housework, but they weren't bad either for someone who had just started to work. Still confused, they kept observing Ciel, wondering why they were even offered the job despite almost assassinating him.

"Young Master, may I ask a question?" They asked during dinner time, dusting shelves near the dining table.

"Because you're useful."

"Pardon me?"

"The answer to your question. You were going to ask why I had offered this to you, were you not?" He calmly sipped his tea, then lowering the cup to let Sebastian fill it. "Failed, but not helpless. Surely you understand why I have 'servants' like you, don't you? You'd prove to be a good ally against those pests."

".... Thank you, young master."

"You have yet to prove your full loyalty, show me your devotion, servant."

"Gladly, Earl Phantomhive."

And so they brought back the heads of their former client and their agency employer. With a few days of Sebastian still keeping an eye on them, they had slowly but surely earned the whole manor's trust.

They had soon gotten used to how their job works. Although still a bit clumsy, they had done their best to serve the Earl, gaining fondness for the child. Despite what others think, it was quite easy to have affections for the young master, whether it's out of sympathy or slowly just getting to know him. They understand what draws the other servants to their master. The Earl was cunning and ruthless, but he was still infact a child and in need of support. So they had grown to get used to taking care of him by doing simple actions and words, serving him with gentleness and fondness.

"Young Master, is the blood yours?"

"Young Master, please let me tend to your bruises."

"Young Master, it is time to eat."

"Young Master, what should I tell Sebastian to prepare?"

"Young Master, Bard has made something explode again, please civer your nose from the smoke."

"Young Master, I heard this tea is good for soothing headaches."

"Young Master, I believe it is time to rest."

As an assassin, they understand what it's like to kill. To have a shitty and frustrating background. To have to kill to survive and get what you want. To have to be cautious everytime. To not affording to let your guard down knowing the dangers of your world.

And so they are cautious and wary of anyone getting close to him. A visitor or anyone that's not originally a part of his life before. They always keep them, hence why they requested to have a slight change on their uniform to hide it.

They had heard his story from the other servants and came to an understanding of what Ciel really wants to do, to achieve. Revenge, and if it means protecting the boy and letting him live as much as he can, they will help him towards that goal.

It's only when they are in a mission and they are involved that Ciel is reminded that they are a professional assassin still.

It does make him more confident that while Sebastian is out fighting the main enemy or hunting someone, they can protect him, not letting any other enemy near him and killing them all before they can even take a step forward. It gives him chills, the same ones he feels when Sebastian shows his true abilities. It terrifies him that a human could kill so easily like a demon, and relieves him that he took them in.

Eventually, Ciel has gotten used to their subtle (not really) smothering and protectiveness. He was bothered at first, but he just let it be until he does get used to it, it's a great balance to Sebastian's sarcastic and teasing nature at times. And althought he would never admit it, he does look forward to getting pampered after a long day or mission and not get teased for it (Sebby srlsy).

SEBASTIAN [Romantic]

When he doesn't trust them yet, he sees them as a potential formidable enemy. They may not have defeated him, but they still put up quite the fight for a few minutes. Although defeated, not completely. They might not be a danger for him but they are great danger to his master, being inside the estate and meddling with other servants. He does find them a bit interesting. Normal people may not see it, the assassin's face is neutral, but their eyes are readable, atleast to him. It interests him how their eyes keep on changing emotions, curiosity, observant, interested, empathetic, understanding, sympathetic, pleased, distressed, frustrated, disagreeing, surprised. It interests him how much a human could keep on changing through so many emotions in a short time, and manage to keep it hidden under a neutral mask. And it interests him how they could keep such a calm manner while suspecting something about him.

Sebastian could see it in their eyes whenever they see or interact with him. Cautious, observing, curious. He knows they suspect he isn't human. Ofcourse, what human could do those things he did during their fight. But still, they had kept quiet about it and never asked questions, atleast not verbally. Sebastian could see so many questions hidden in their eyes, and it amuses him to see how they try to keep those questions in. It amuses him how they could really reign their own thoughts and questions despite seeing and interacting with him everyday.

When they had gained his trust, he lets his guard down just a little bit more. He admits, he finds it comforting to finally have someone competent enough in the household to help him. It's not that he really needs help, it's just that he finds it quite a bother and annoying to do every chore while doing his tasks as the Guard Dog's 'assistant' or something.

It's not really a secret that Sebastian finds it easier to be around them than the others. The way his stiffness is nowhere to be found around them, and his voice seems to be less strict. He knows and he doesn't really care when even the Earl points it out. He claims it should serve as a motivation for the others to start working harder if they don't want him to always nag them. Ofcourse he and Ciel knows there's more to it but they don't care (though Ciel definitely would save his thoughts about it for future purposes).

After a while, their curiousty does fade into just being neutral and not giving a shit about who he is or what he is. Despite having suspicions, they let it be because knowing he keeps their master safe is enough. Although they are a bit wary to how he is connected to the young master, they decide to push it down.

Sebastian and them act like normal co-workers as time passes.

"Goodmorning, Sebastian."

"Goodmorning. Has the utensil shelf been polished upstairs?"

"I did that yesterday, shall I do it again?"

"No need. Have the pests been taken care of? There were quite a few crawling around yesterday night."

"They have, I laid them in the 'garden' and let the others clean up. I will check on it again later to make sure the job is done perfectly."

"Good job. Make sure everything is fine while the young master and I take care if everything outside for later."

"Yes. Is the young master still asleep? He didn't overwork himself again, didn't he?"

"It seems that he quite did, seeing as he is still asleep right now and not calling for me. I shall get him ready for the day, I'll leave you to do the rest."

"Yes."

Sebastian does prefer interacting with them than anybody else. Okay, maybe not normal co-workers, but the most normal talk murderers pretending to be servants could do. He prefers talking to them more than any servant because they understand how he talks about the things that aren't meant to be said around anyone else. They have the intelligence Sebastian wants a subordinate to have and he's quite greatful for it. It pleases him that he can now take a little bit more time outside the manor without worrying about it burning down or the young master's safety.

Afterall, their new servant is very skilled in doing their job.

But the main reason it that because he could show sides of himself that aren't meant to be seen even by the other servants. While he may not show his true nature, he does show a little bit of non-human capabilities. Not needing to worry about it makes things easier for him, also because they can cover for him at tines. Their neutral and usual they don't care nature puts him at ease. And them being an assassin definitely adds more ease. Knowing how to kill, and anything that involves it makes it easier for him to slip out and ask a bit help.

It reaches to the point where interacting with them puts him at ease after a long day or after an annoying event. Sebastian is definitely more comfortable around them than anyone else.

He does know what it means. He knows what the little tingle feeling he feels when he hears their voice. He knows what the ease on his back means when he sees them. And he doesn't mind at all. It feels good so why would he deny it? Although it could propose a few problems in the future, but he'll worry about it when it gets there.

When he realizes it, he gets a little more softer on them.

"Job well done as usual."

"After dusting that, you may take a rest."

"Have you eaten? The food I made a while ago is still fresh."

"Ah, do be careful dealing with those pests, they might be quite a handful."

"I imagine you might be tired from dealing with those cockroaches, the tea is still hot, it is good for body pains."

And yes, other people do notice. And yes, Ciel does know, and he doesn't give a shit as long as it doesn't interfere with their missions and tasks. Plus, it gives him opportunities to tease his butler back.

It also adds that whatever is going on will not have to interfere with his tasks to his master because he knows full well that they can protect theirself, the household, and the young master. They are a professional assassin and does not need protection and direct orders and intructions to kill and hunt.

In any case, Sebastian and them would deal with their growing affections slowly and quietly, letting it grow further while letting the each other savor it.

As times passes by, Sebastian does get a little bit more bold with his words and actions. He grows quite more confident when they reciprocate his advances.

All in all, Sebastian was drawn to them because he can show a little more if his true self around them. Because despite disgusing as a servant, they don't exactly differ from when they act as an assassin or a servant. They don't lose their personality and turn into a normal person when changing roles. They are competent in any role they take and know what needs to be done, how to talk about house chores and how to talk about other things, when to meddle, what to do, what needs to be left unasked, how to deal with their emotions efficiently, and does not get distracted by the slights of things.

MEY-RIN [Platonic]

Mey-rin sees them as an older sibling.

Sure they might be monotone and apathetic at most times, but their caring nature makes her think otherwise.

"Mey-rin, be careful, you might fall down."

"Please don't move too much, you might get injured."

"Ah, use this instead of that, this is more effective."

"Oh, don't do that, it will make blood flow out more."

They definitely scare her when they are at the battlefield. Those emotionless eyes and monotone voice are more terryfing than everything when they hold their katana and slash through the enemies. The thought of them being their ally when they keep enemies from coming at her makes her calm.

Merciless, definitely. But she sees them a bit different inside the manor. Those scary eyes are replaced by a neutral face. They rarely smile but she can see their caring actions towards everyone, especially towards their young master.

She was definitely more than happy to know that they can live up to Sebastian's standards in doing house chores because they definitely need help. Although she is ashamed and embarassed to be outdone and to ask for help from a new servant, she can't help but do it and admire them. She can't help but ask them to teach her, and she was happy to know that they agreed.

"I see, instead of doing that, I think you should do it sideways so the duster can cover everything."

"Try cleaning in a more staright posture so you don't fall down."

"How about starting at the top so you don't fall down bending when you start at the bottom of the stairs?"

"I am glad to be of help."

She does look up to them so much. She is very glad that they are as competent in the house chores as they are in the battlefield.

When she observes then, she can quite see the similarities of when they are outside. They still have that stealth when they are walking, that swiftness and speed when doing chores, the effiency when doing tasks, and the quality when doing everything.

It honestly terrifies her how they can just kill so easily without any trace of emotion and pretend to be a normal servant as though nothing happens at night.

Despite obviously having a crush on their resident visual butler, he also does intimidate her in a way the new servant does.

The new servant does make her a little bit more scared, but it brushes of everytime she sees and hears them taking care of everyone. It makes her happy that under that apathetic face they wear, they truly care for all of them. And it makes her relieved that they aren't an enemy.

Ofcourse, she was wary of her before, all of them were. But they did see their improvement. From doing chores improvement to socializing improvement.

When they kind of 'nag' her to be careful on standing in chairs to dust the shelves and clean the stairs, she feels warm. It feels like having an older sibling nag at you to take care of yourself.

They also have the room next to Mey-rin, and when she has her nightmares about her past, they come comforting her. Despite the usual monotone of their voice, she can feel their concern. They may not be much of a talker, their comfort is quiet, but it's enough for her that they listen to her thoughts and worries and understand her.

They also remind her to change her glasses when it's near breaking. Or when she falls and breaks her glasses, they always offer to buy a new one and let her rest and tend to her small bruises.

All in all, she's glad to have someone who can be there for when she's sniper Mey-rin, maid Mey-rin, and sad Mey-rin.

[deke-rivers-1957]

I came across this old review of Double Trouble while browsing through some stuff. What do you think of this? (I also never knew E liked the Beatles' song "I Saw Her Standing There.")

https://www.elvis.com.au/presley/the-trouble-with-double-trouble.shtml

The inspirations that were mentioned are new to me. I always understood the story was that British actress Julie Christie was slated for the movie. However, actual head of MGM wanted Elvis to have the lead role. They had to completely rewrite the script so it would fit a male lead.

As for the movie being based on Help! I personally don’t see a connection. The ring has a completely different purpose than the diamonds. Even though there was a bit of a mystery in that movie, the focus is more on the comedy. In DT, they wanted to do a bit of everything. The European stuff is likely a hold over from the original script since that aspect didn’t really need to change.

I can’t speak for the references to Peter Sellers since I’m not that familiar with his work. If anything the Wiere Brothers gave me Belgian 3 Stooges vibes. Especially with the phone booth scenes since that strikes me as something they did.

It goes without saying that the 17 going on 18 plot was cringe and I have no idea why that was a choice made. The actual actress was 19 so you can just have the conflict be “oh Guy thinks she’s underage but really she’s not.” The issue isn’t that I’m applying modern ideology to a 60s movie but that given the real life situation this is just too on the nose. I have no idea how Elvis was comfortable doing this role. Especially when you consider that in previous movies they made it perfectly clear that his character never returns the affections from a minor. So having him do that here now that he clearly can’t be in a gray area of early 20s just feels so bizarre and incredibly out of touch.

Thanks for sharing this with me 😊