#I’m trying to take things step by step and not overwhelm myself with the “Big Picture”™️

[h3r4life]

✧ OVERCOMING THE FEAR OF SHIFTING: IT’S MORE COMMON THAN YOU THINK

✵ UNDERSTANDING THE FEAR. The fear of actually shifting to your DR is such a sneaky block because it’s not something we expect to feel. Like, you’re doing all this work (visualizing, affirming, scripting, etc) and yet deep down, you might be scared of actually getting what you want. It’s wild, but it makes sense when you break it down.

✵ WHY SUCCESS MIGHT FEEL SCARY.

— Even if you’ve visualized your DR a million times or planned your DR down to the last detail, but actually being there is a completely new experience. What’s it actually going to feel like to be there? What if things don’t go how you imagined? That uncertainty can trigger a lowkey (or not so lowkey) fear.

— Success comes with its own pressure. Once you shift, it’s easy to start overthinking. What if I can’t do it again? What if it’s not what I expected? That “what if” spiral can get overwhelming. And that might create a fear of succeeding.

— Even if you don’t love your CR, it’s still comfortable because it’s familiar. Leaving behind parts of it, even if it’s just for a short amount of time, (people, routines, or even just your identity in this reality) can feel heavier than you realize.

— What if your DR doesn’t live up to the dream? What if it’s not perfect? That fear can make success feel risky, and your brain might unconsciously try to avoid it altogether.

✵ HOW THIS FEAR MESSES WITH YOU. This fear doesn’t usually scream “I’m scared to succeed!” It shows up in subtle ways like procrastinating, feeling “stuck,” constantly tweaking your script, overthinking your method, or second-guessing yourself. It’s like your mind is putting up invisible walls without you even realizing it.

✵ WHY PEOPLE DON’T TALK ABOUT IT. This fear gets ignored because it feels backwards, like why would you be scared of getting what you want? Plus, in the shifting community, everyone’s so focused on HOW to shift, they don’t always talk about the emotional side of it. It’s easier to think you’re just “doing it wrong” than to realize you might be holding yourself back.

✵ HOW TO GET PAST IT.

— Acknowledge it. The first step is being honest with yourself. Ask, Am I scared of actually shifting to my DR? Once you see it for what it is, it’s easier to work through.

— Instead of obsessing over the moment you shift, think about how you’re going to feel and thrive once you’re there. Build that excitement so it outweighs the fear.

��� Remind yourself you’ve got this. You’ve done the work, and you’re capable of handling whatever comes up in your DR. Affirmations like “I’m ready for this” or “I trust myself” really help.

— Your DR doesn’t have to be perfect for it to be worth experiencing. Give yourself room to explore and grow. Nothing has to be set in stone.

— Shifting doesn’t have to be some huge, dramatic moment. Every step (big or small) you take is progress, so don’t psych yourself out by making it feel bigger than it is.

✵ FINAL THOUGHTS. So yeah, fear of success is real, but it doesn’t have to stop you. The key is recognizing it for what it is and deciding it’s not going to hold you back. You’ve already done the hard part by getting this far, trust that you’re ready for what’s waiting on the other side.

[hyaciiintho]

🌸｡*ﾟ+. My goals for tonight are to:

Make new pinned post

Add a couple of muses I forgot about

Finish transferring Time’s Headcanons to headcanon doc

Queue an ask or two~ (thank you for those !!)

Hope everyone’s having a lovely day/night ♡

[storiesforallfandoms]

herogasm ~ soldier boy;the boys

word count: 3678

request?: no

description: in which she’s trying to leave the supe orgy, just to stumble into the room of the man who started it

pairing: soldier boy x female!reader

warnings: swearing, smut (fingering, praise, unprotected p in v), mentions of herogasm (the event, not the episode)

masterlist (one, two, three)

I didn’t want to be there. There was a number of reasons why, but the most prominent one was definitely that I did not want to be involved in an orgy full of Supes.

My best friend, Maria, had convinced me to come. I had gone through a pretty hard breakup that left me basically inconsolable for days. I only left the house to go to work, and even then I was very much just operating on autopilot. Maria wanted to get me out of the house, so she came over and told me she had gotten an invite to some big Supe party and intended to take me with her to get my mind off of things.

She didn’t tell me until we showed up that the “party” was the infamous Supe orgy known as “Herogasm”.

Apparently, Maria had hooked up with a Supe who had an in to the party. She got the invite and thought an orgy would be the perfect idea to get me over my breakup. There was just one little flaw in her plan: I was not an orgy person. I was insecure enough about my body that I felt awkward being naked in front of one person, let alone an entire house full of strangers. Supe strangers at that.

Maria abandoned me the minute we walked through the door, taken by the Supe she fucked to get here. I was left, on my own in the corner, while a lot of naked people walked or fucked around me. A couple glanced in my direction, one even tried to proposition me, which I politely declined. I wasn’t sure how long I was stood there before everything became overwhelming. I needed to get away from all those people. I needed to be somewhere with no moaning or screaming or sex noises. Somewhere that I could calm myself down before I left.

I stumbled through the house, feeling my heart pounding harder and harder with every overwhelming second that passed. Behind almost every door I could hear more moaning and squelching. It felt like there was no true escape from it - there was even people fucking outside - until I turned the knob on a door that led to a seemingly empty room. I stumbled in, slamming the door behind me and sliding down it until I was sat on the floor. I brought my knees up to my chest and rested my head against my knees.

“Well, hello there.”

I jumped at the sudden sound of someone’s voice. I looked up to see I had hidden myself away in a bedroom. The main bedroom, I concluded, judging by the huge size of the room, the bed, and the fact there was a mini bar in the corner of the room. A mini bar with a man stood behind it. A very handsome man in nothing but a silk robe.

“Shit,” I sighed. “I’m sorry, I - ”

“No, don’t be sorry,” he said. “Judging by the fact that you still have clothes on, you’re not here for the orgy.”

I shook my head. “One of my friends brought me here. She didn’t even tell me what it was until we pulled up.”

He looked thoughtful for a moment before stepping away from the mini bar. I tensed up as he got closer to me. I was trying to figure out if I’d get out fast enough when he reached me. He reached over me and turned the lock on the knob.

“Stay as long ad you want,” he told me. “Not that anyone usually comes in unannounced anyways. I think you’re the first person to stumble into my room in years.”

My eyes widened as he started walking away. “Y-Your room? So...you’re the host here?”

He turned back and raised an eyebrow at me. “You serious?” I nodded. “I created this whole fuckin’ thing. Herogasm is my baby.”

That’s when it finally clicked. “Holy shit, you’re Soldier Boy!”

He grinned at me before he took a sip of his drink.

I couldn’t believe it. I had stumbled into the room of the most famous Supe in the entire world and I didn’t even recognize him at first! God, this couldn’t get any more embarrassing.

“You don’t have to huddle up by the door like a scared kid,” he said. “I’m not gonna hurt you.”

I wasn’t sure if I could take his word for it. I knew he was a Supe and all, and Supes were supposed to protect people, but he did have me locked in his room, while he was naked no less. Well, besides a robe. I’d be helpless against him if he did decide he wanted to hurt me.

Despite knowing this, I still slowly got to my feet. He was pouring up another glass as I walked further into his giant room. It was like the size of my living room and kitchen combined. I was in awe of it so much that I could hear Soldier Boy chuckling to himself. He extended a glass to me and gestured to the bed. I took the glass, hesitantly, and sat down.

“What is this?” I asked.

“Bourbon,” he responded. “Some of the best shit money can buy.”

I wasn’t much of a drinker. I could smell the strong, alcoholic scent before even raising the glass to my lips. I took a small sip and immediately cringed at the stinging feeling that ran down my throat. Soldier Boy laughed.

“That’s God awful,” I groaned.

“You just don’t appreciate fine alcohol,” he said.

“I appreciate it when it doesn’t taste like battery acid,” I retorted. “What are you doing in here, anyways? If you created this...thing, shouldn’t you be partaking?”

He grunted and took another mouthful of his own drink. I figured that was the best I would be getting from him.

“How did you get in?” he asked. “It’s invite only, and usually the only non-Supes invited are hookers.”

I looked down at my glass again, debating on taking another sip. “My friend hooked up with a Supe who gave her the invite. She lied at the door and told them I had been invited, too.”

“Then she ditched you?”

I nodded. “Probably getting her pussy super-stretched as we speak.”

That made him laugh. I felt some sense of pride at that. The most famous Supe in the world was laughing at my jokes. That had to be bragging rights.

“Sounds like a shit friend, then,” he commented.

“No, she is a good friend. She’s very...sexually liberated. This type of thing is very up her alley. Me, not so much.”

“Then why did she take you here?”

I gazed down at the glass of auburn liquid. The memory of my recent breakup brought back all my negative emotions. With one swift gulp, I finished the contents of the glass. I shuddered as it burned down my throat.

“My boyfriend of four years dumped me,” I said. “Just woke up one day and told me he didn’t feel the same way anymore. After we had just moved in together a few months prior.”

Soldier Boy whistled. “That sounds rough.”

“It was the worst fucking day of my life,” I muttered. “Maria, my friend, I guess she thought a super-sex party would be the best way to get me to move on. The best way to get over someone is to get under someone else, and all that.”

“That never works. Trust me.”

Oh, there was a story there. I could tell. One that was probably connected to the reason he wasn’t participating in his own orgy. Normally, I wouldn’t pry. I didn’t know Soldier Boy. He would probably forget all about me once I left his room. But the bourbon was starting to get to me. I found myself leaning forward, close enough that I could smell his aftershave.

“What happened?” I asked him. “What made you not want to participate in Herogasm?”

He looked at me. I could tell he was debating on telling me. I wasn’t sure if I should push the issue further than those questions, even if my curiosity was getting the best of me.

Finally, he sighed and said, “My girl left me because of one of these things.”

Okay, I wasn’t expecting that. I couldn’t even remember who Soldier Boy’s “girl” was in that moment.

“We used to host together,” he explained. “Once a year, we would allow each other to fuck whoever we wanted at Herogasm. One night, one meaningless orgy, and that was it. Then, a few years back, she comes to me the day after Herogasm and she tells me that she met someone that night. I don’t know, I guess they talked in between the fucking or some shit. She dumped me on the spot for the guy. Took all of her shit and left that same day.”

Okay, definitely a lot worse than my sob story. My ex completely shattered my heart, sure, but he didn’t leave me for someone else. Especially not someone that he fucked in our own house, during a party that we were hosting together. Even if they had an agreement that they could sleep around during Herogasm, that was a huge hit to trust. One that I don’t think I would’ve ever gotten over in his shoes.

“Since then, I haven’t participated,” he continued. “I’ll host, since it’s my creation, but I usually just walk around, make sure everything is going okay and everyone is having a good time, then I hide away in here until everyone gets too tired from the fucking and either leaves or falls asleep.”

“Why keep hosting it if you don’t want to participate anymore?” I asked. “Why not hand it off to someone else?”

“Because it’s my thing. I created it, and it got bigger than I could’ve ever imagined. I thought about cancelling it after Countess left me, but it’s become this huge thing to Supes and their groupies. I don’t want to disappoint anyone by cancelling it, and I wouldn’t want anyone else stealing it from me and making it a shit version of what it used to be.”

Before I could respond, there was a bang against his door. We both jumped and turned towards the door. Judging by the rhythmic beating on the door and the shouts of pleasure, it was just a couple that had decided to use Soldier Boy’s door as another fuck place. I chuckled and turned back to him. My laughter died out, though, once I realized how close we had gotten to one another. My face was mere inches away from his. I could feel the warmth of his breath on my face. The closeness made my heart start pounding a little harder.

The alcohol had definitely kicked in because I did something that was very unlike me in that moment: I leaned forward and kissed him.

He was receptive right away. His free hand moved to hold the back of my head. His lips moved perfectly in time with mine. His tongue slid against my lower lip, asking permission for entrance, and I gave it to him. I let my empty glass fall to the floor, luckily the fall being cushioned by a rug next to his bed, while he placed his on the nightstand next to the bed without breaking our kiss. In one swift movement, he moved me so that I was straddling his lap, not once breaking our kiss.

His hands explored my body, running down the sides of my torso, to my hips, then over my ass. He grabbed the meaty flesh there, rocking my hips forward unintentionally (or maybe it was intentional) against him. His cock was growing hard and I could feel that the tip was starting to peak out from his robe. Suddenly, I felt very overdressed compared to him, and I wanted to change that.

I broke away and Soldier Boy watched with lust filled eye as I pulled my shirt over my head and discarded it onto the floor. I stood from his lap to unbutton my jeans and let them fall to the floor. I stepped out of them and stood in front of him, just in my lingerie. Realizing how naked I was, I felt a little shy suddenly. Like I wanted to cover myself up or make all the light in the room disappear so that he couldn’t see me. But when he pulled me forward again, standing me between his open legs, and leaned forward to start kissing over the exposed skin of my stomach, the insecurities melted away into desire again.

“You’re beautiful,” he said. “Don’t you dare think of hiding this beautiful body away from me.”

I was shocked that he knew what I was thinking, but I didn’t have time to figure out how he knew. His hands were on me again, pulling me down onto his lap and then quickly turning the two of us so that I was laying beneath him on the bed. I could feel him pressing against my inner thigh as he kissed me again, a pool of wetness starting to fill in my panties.

He moved one hand between my legs, opening them up for him, and ran his finger over the clothed material. I gasped and he took the opportunity to slide his tongue into my mouth again.

“You’re already so wet,” he noted. “How long has it been since you were touched?”

The answer was a bit embarrassing. That probably should’ve been the first sign that my relationship was going downhill, but I was too naïve to notice that we hadn’t been having sex. Or maybe just too blind to the downfalls of my relationship.

When I didn’t answer, he pulled my panties to the side and slid a finger into me. The sudden protruding felt painful at first. I dug my nails into his arms hard, but didn’t leave any marks or didn’t seem to hurt him in any way. He slowly started thrusting his finger in an out of me until the pain turned to pleasure, and then he added a second finger.

“You’re so fucking tight,” he commented. “That asshole must not have stretched this pussy out in a long time. Either that, or he had a microdick.”

His fingers gained speed. I could hear them becoming wetter and wetter every time he thrusted them inwards. I was well beyond cloud nine, probably cloud twenty at this rate. Whenever I opened my eyes all I could see was stars, and Soldier Boy’s face watching me as I came undone beneath him. He was an expert in ways I could only dream of, reaching places I didn’t even know could feel so good. He had me on the edge of my orgasm, when suddenly the pleasure was ripped away as he pulled his fingers from me.

I whined, trying to reach for him to get the feeling back. But he pulled away from me, putting the two fingers covered in my slick into his mouth and sucking them dry.

“You taste just as sweet as I thought you would,” he said.

“Please,” was all I could manage. It almost sounded pathetic how desperate I sounded.

He smirked down at me. “I’ll give you what you want. I just want you to cum on my dick instead of on my fingers.”

He sat up and untied his robe, throwing it to the floor along with the other discarded clothes. His cock finally sprang free, standing at attention against his stomach. My eyes widened at how big he was. I should’ve anticipated it, I figured most Supe men were probably well hung, but it a shock none the less. I wondered if I would even be able to take his whole length.

He spit on his hand to lube himself up, moved my panties to the side again, and then lined his tip up with my entrance.

“Ready?” he asked. I nodded and he began to push into me.

My gasps and moans filled the room as he slowly slid into me, inch by inch, almost at a painfully slow rate. I felt so full with him completely inside of me. I could feel the burn of him stretching me out around his girth, but even the burn felt like pleasure. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and pulled him back down to me. I kissed him again, hungrily, desperately, and he got my silent message to start moving.

His thrusts were slow at first, testing the waters. It felt so good to feel him pushing in and out of me. His dick was so long that I could feel it not only poking my g-spot, but absolutely abusing it with every thrust. It sent shockwaves of pleasure through me that I wasn’t even sure I had felt before. My head fell back onto the pillow, letting moans tumble from my lips as they felt the need to.

“F-Fuck,” I breathed. “S-Soldier Boy.”

“Ben,” he said, not breaking his pace. “Call me Ben.”

“Ben,” I moaned instead. Definitely a better name to say in bed. “Fuck, it feels so good.”

“Yeah? I think I can tell.”

I didn’t have to open my eyes to know he had a cocky smirk on his face.

I ran my hands from his shoulders down his toned back to his ass. I gave it a squeeze, urging him to go faster. I could feel my high coming back, and I desperately needed to chase it. He did as I wanted and his thrusts became faster, rougher. The sound of skin slapping against skin filled the room, along with my moans and his grunts. He took hold of my legs and wrapped them around his waist, giving himself a better vantage point for his rough thrusts. I screamed out as his dick pounded against my g-spot, bringing me closer and closer to the edge.

“I can feel you’re close,” he said. “I can feel this fucking pussy getting tighter. Cum all over my cock. You can do it, beautiful, I know you can.”

His words of praise and encouragement sent me toppling over the edge. Stars exploded from my vision as my body trembled and convulsed around him. It was the hardest I could ever remember orgasming in my life, and it was definitely the best orgasm I could remember having. I felt like I was flying off of the bed and high into the sky, never to return to Earth again.

If it weren’t for Ben above me, still thrusting and whispering words of praise into my ear, I probably would’ve thought I had actually floated away.

His release came shortly after my own. I could feel his dick twitching inside of me before he was coating my walls. His arms tightened around me as he rode out his own orgasm, grinding into me until he has squeezed every last drop into me. He pushed himself up so he could look down at me again.

“You look fucking gorgeous after being filled with my cum,” he commented.

I felt myself grow hot at the compliment, but my body felt too heavy to cover myself.

“Are you...are you on the pill or anything?” he asked. “I probably should’ve thought of that before, but I was kind of...busy. I can get you a plan b. We have plenty of those lying around for this day.”

I lazily shook my head. “I’m good. I’ve been on birth control since I was a teenager. Besides, I don’t think Supes can reproduce, can they?”

“We’ve been unsuccessful in that field thus far. Thank God.”

I started to chuckle, but it turned to a gasp as I felt him pulling his soft cock out of me. Even when it was soft, it was big. I could hardly believe all of that fit inside of me.

He took hold of my panties and pulled them down my legs, gazing at the mess he had left between them.

“That’s a fucking beautiful sight,” he commented. I rolled my eyes and tried to close my legs, but he quickly held them open. “No, let me see this for another little bit at least.”

“You’re fucking weird.”

“You just fucked me, what does that say about you?”

He eventually climbed back into his bed next to me. I could still hear the orgy raging on outside of the door. I chuckled to myself, causing Ben to look over at me and arch an eyebrow.

“I fucked a Supe at the Supe orgy,” I explained. “But just one Supe, and it was the guy who created the whole fucking thing. I was planning on leaving when I stumbled into your room.”

“Well, thank God you didn’t.”

He put an arm around me and pulled me into his chest.

“Maybe getting under someone does help you get over someone,” I said. “I don’t even remember my ex’s name now.”

His chest vibrated as he laughed. “That is a good thing. If you find yourself remembering, though, you know where I live. You can always come over and I’ll help you forget again.”

I looked up at him. “Really? This wasn’t a one time thing?”

“I don’t intend for it to be. Did you?” I shook my head. “Okay, good. Since we’re on the same page, my offer still stands. Although, the offer actually extends to any time you want to come over, for any reason. Not just for some rebound sex.”

“That’s a dangerous offer. In a house this big, a bed this big, I might never want to leave. I might just live in this bed, honestly.”

“Is that a threat or a promise?”

We both laughed as he pulled me in to kiss my forehead. I made a mental note to thank Maria for dragging me to the super-fuck party when I finally found her again. Turns out, it wasn’t such a bad time after all.

[lilyprettyremy]

Redefining Femininity: Your Guide to Embracing Grace and Inner Strength

Hey love,

Let me tell you about something that’s completely changed the way I see my day-to-day life: stepping into my Soft Girl Era. It’s not just an aesthetic or a mood, it’s a whole mindset that’s about slowing down, showing yourself love, and finding joy in the tiniest things.

And listen, I get it. Life gets crazy, and sometimes we feel like we need to keep up with everything. But honestly? There’s magic in choosing softness and deciding that you deserve the good things, right now. Let me share how I’m doing it and how you can, too:

Romanticize Your Life

I used to wait for big moments to feel good—birthdays, vacations, those rare “perfect” days. But here’s the thing: life isn’t made up of perfect days. It’s the little ones that count! So now, I’m pouring my coffee into the prettiest mug I own, spritzing on perfume even if I’m just staying home, and playing my favorite music while I do my skincare.

Use your best things every day—your fancy candles, your satin pillowcases, your sparkling water in a wine glass. Why not?

Pick one “special” activity you love and make it part of your routine. Journaling, reading a dreamy book, or even sitting outside to watch the sunset can feel like a treat.

Glow Through Your Style

Soft Girl vibes start with wearing what feels good to you—literally and emotionally. For me, that’s cozy knits, flowy dresses, and the kind of jewelry that makes me feel like the main character. I’ve started thrifting pieces that bring me joy and pairing them with staples I already loved.

Go through your closet and pick the pieces that feel like you. Maybe it’s pastels, maybe it’s neutrals—whatever makes you feel soft and confident.

Accessorize! Add gold hoops, a simple hair bow, or your favorite gloss.

Care for Your Heart and Mind

Let’s get real: being soft doesn’t mean being weak. It means being honest with yourself and letting your emotions flow without shame. Lately, I’ve been journaling almost every day—it’s like having a heart-to-heart with myself. Sometimes I even set a timer for 5 minutes and just write everything I feel. It’s so freeing!

Start or end your day with journaling. It doesn’t have to be deep—write about what made you happy or even what annoyed you.

Try a mini reset when things feel overwhelming: sit in silence for a moment, take a deep breath, or cry if you need to. It’s all okay.

Create a Beautiful Space

I used to think my environment didn’t matter much, but wow, was I wrong. When my space feels cozy and pretty, I feel better. Adding fresh flowers, twinkly lights, or even a soft blanket can completely shift the vibe.

Add one small thing to your space that makes you smile—like a cute photo, a plant, or even a thrifted vase.

Try a mini DIY: create a vision board with quotes, pictures, and colors that inspire you. Tape it to your wall or keep it in your journal as a reminder of what you’re working towards.

Nurture Your Relationships

The best part of my Soft Girl Era? Feeling closer to the people I love. I’ve been making an effort to check in with friends, even if it’s just a quick voice note or a funny meme. It’s not about perfection; it’s about connection.

Send that “I miss you” text you’ve been thinking about. It might just make someone’s day.

Be present in conversations. Put down your phone when you’re with people and really listen.

Make time for the relationships that feel good and let go of the ones that don’t.

Softness Is Strength

Choosing softness doesn’t mean you’re fragile, it means you’re strong enough to prioritize joy and kindness in a world that can be harsh. Every time you choose to take care of yourself, you’re showing the world, and yourself, that you’re worth it.

So, let’s lean into this together. Light that candle, grab your coziest sweater, and step into your Soft Girl Era. You deserve a life that feels gentle, beautiful, and completely yours.

What’s one thing you’re doing for your Soft Girl Era today? Let me know—I’d love to hear! 💕

[blackenedsnow]

Hello! I love your writing and I hope you're having a good day/night! Could you do Sonic dating someone with social anxiety and is also an introvert? I struggle with social anxiety myself and have a hard time speaking up sometimes, especially with new people. Sonic is a comfort character of mine that I'd think would do his best to help their anxious partner in situations where they're overwhelmed. Take your time write this! No pressure at all!❤️

sonic dating a reader with anxiety ; headcanons

WARNING: Anxiety

PAIRING: Sonic the Hedgehog x Reader

NOTE: Thank you so much for trusting me with this request! I poured a lot into Sonic’s support here. Remember, there’s no pressure to be anything other than yourself here. Take care, and know you’re never alone in this! ❤️

Sonic had always been able to talk to anyone without a second thought, so it took him a little while to fully grasp the extent of your social anxiety.

At first, he’d notice that you’d freeze up or look uncomfortable when around new people, or that you’d stay in the background at gatherings.

But once he understood, it clicked for him in a big way.

The idea of his favorite person being scared or overwhelmed really tugged at his heart, and he made a silent promise to help in every way he could.

Whether it’s a small gathering with his friends or a larger event, Sonic keeps you close, always aware of your comfort level.

If he sees you start to withdraw or tense up, he’ll step in smoothly.

Sometimes it’s with a joke to defuse the situation, sometimes with a quick distraction, or just a comforting hand on your shoulder as if to say, “I’ve got you. You’re not alone.”

Sonic is very perceptive of when things start to become too much for you.

If you’re at a crowded place and he notices you’re feeling uneasy, he’ll lean in with a gentle,

“Wanna go somewhere quieter?”

If you nod, he’ll flash you a reassuring smile, and in an instant, he’ll whisk you away to a quieter corner or outside where you can catch your breath.

He’s never pushy, always giving you the option to leave if that’s what you need.

Sonic has a knack for knowing when to use his lighthearted, playful approach to help lift the weight off your shoulders.

Sonic quickly picked up on the times when speaking up felt impossible for you.

If you’re at a restaurant and struggling to order or around others who are dominating the conversation, he’ll step in for you without missing a beat.

“Hey, can we get a little more space here?” or “Mind if we let my amazing partner share their thoughts?”

His casual way of giving you room to express yourself makes things a bit easier, knowing he’s on your side.

Sonic’s always hyper-aware in crowded spaces.

He’s like a human (or, well, hedgehog) shield, positioning himself so you’re buffered from the hustle and bustle.

He’ll keep you close, sometimes holding your hand tightly, or if you’re really nervous, he’ll even wrap his arm around you protectively.

Sonic’s not usually one for PDA, but he’ll make an exception to help you feel safe and grounded.

Sonic celebrates your small victories, knowing how much courage it takes.

Whether it’s speaking up in a group, meeting a new friend, or even just making it through a social outing, he’ll always be there with a proud smile, a high-five, or a quick

“You did awesome, I’m so proud of you!”

It’s never over-the-top or embarrassing—just Sonic’s way of reminding you that every step counts.

Sonic knows that sometimes, you just need to be alone to recharge.

He doesn’t take it personally; in fact, he admires how self-aware you are about your own needs.

If you let him know you need a day to yourself, he’ll give you space without hesitation.

But of course, he’ll check in with a quick text like,

“Hope you’re doing okay! Take all the time you need. Catch you soon, alright?” so you know he’s thinking of you.

When Sonic senses your anxiety building up, he’ll subtly try to get you laughing, often with something silly just to lighten the mood.

He’s not afraid to make a fool of himself if it means you’ll feel a little less tense.

Sonic doesn’t shy away from asking if you’re okay when he notices you’ve been unusually quiet or down.

His usual upbeat tone softens a bit as he gently checks in,

“You seem a little off—wanna talk about it?”

He’s a great listener, and even if you find it hard to talk about your feelings, he’ll give you all the time you need, never rushing or judging.

Even though Sonic will step in when you need it, he also encourages you to find ways to work through your social anxiety at your own pace.

He’ll suggest small steps, always patient and gentle, understanding that it takes time.

“Wanna try saying hi to Knuckles on your own today?” he’ll ask with an encouraging grin.

He’s proud of every little step you take.

Above all, Sonic’s love for you is constant, patient, and kind.

He never makes you feel ashamed or like you’re a burden.

He sees your social anxiety as a part of you, not something that defines you.

To him, you’re amazing just as you are, and he’s always there, ready to support you no matter what.

[goddessinnerglow]

Become Your Best Version Before 2025 - Day 28

How to Keep Yourself Motivated

Hey Goddesses! Today let’s talk about staying motivated, it’s one of those things that sounds simple but can feel so tricky in practice.

Staying motivated is hard sometimes, isn’t it? You start off with this burst of energy, but somewhere along the way, that fire dims. Maybe life gets in the way, or maybe you start questioning if it’s even worth the effort. That’s okay. It happens to all of us.

But motivation isn’t some magical power reserved for “those people” who always seem to have it together. It’s a practice, one that grows stronger when you nurture it in small, intentional ways. So today, I want to walk you through what’s helped me stay motivated, even on the hard days.

First, let’s start with your “why.” Why did you start this journey in the first place? Maybe it’s to feel more fulfilled, to grow into a version of yourself that you’re proud of, or to show up for your dreams in a way you’ve been putting off. Whatever it is, hold onto that reason. Write it down if you need to. Sometimes I even put my “why” on a sticky note and slap it on my bathroom mirror. It’s a gentle reminder that keeps me grounded on days when I’d rather not try.

When motivation starts to fade, breaking things into tiny steps makes a world of difference. Let’s say you’re working on a project, and it feels overwhelming. Instead of thinking, “I need to finish this,” focus on, “I’ll work on it for 10 minutes.” That’s it, just 10 minutes. Starting small makes the task feel less daunting, and once you’re in the groove, it’s amazing how often you keep going.

I remember one day when I was procrastinating on writing. I told myself, “Just write a single paragraph.” And you know what? That one paragraph turned into a page, and then another. Sometimes, getting started is the hardest part, but once you’re in motion, it gets easier.

Another thing that’s helped me is pairing tasks with something I enjoy. When I sit down to work on something, I’ll make it a little ritual, like lighting my favorite candle or putting on a playlist that makes me feel unstoppable. The other day, I found myself dancing around my living room between tasks. It didn’t make the work any less real, but it made it feel lighter.

And let’s talk about celebrating wins. We’re so quick to criticize ourselves for what we haven’t done, but how often do we acknowledge what we have accomplished? Even the small stuff matters. Wrote a sentence? That counts. Made it through a tough day? That counts too. I’m serious, celebrate those moments. A little self-high-five or a favorite snack can go a long way in keeping you going.

Of course, there will be days when motivation feels completely out of reach. On those days, remember this: it’s okay to rest. Motivation isn’t about being “on” all the time; it’s about showing up when you can and being kind to yourself when you can’t.

Imagine this: It’s December 2025. You’re looking back on everything you’ve accomplished, all the times you chose to take a step forward, even when it was hard. That future version of you is proud. They’re looking at you right now, cheering you on.

So here’s my challenge for you: What’s one small thing you can do today to move closer to your goals? It doesn’t have to be big, it just has to be yours. If you feel like sharing, I’d love to hear about it.

See you tomorrow for Day 29! You’re doing amazing, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.

♡ ☆:.｡ Keep glowing, babes! ♡ ☆:.｡ With love, Goddess Inner Glow.

[winchestershiresauce]

Dandelion Wine

Summary: When Halsin joins Gale and Tav in the bedroom for the first time, they all get more than they bargained for. This is a tale of intimacy, multiple orgasms, and trying new things.

Gale x f!Tav x Halsin; Halsin x f!Tav; Gale x Halsin; Gale x f!Tav

7851 words

Warnings: NSFW, Explicit Smut, M/F, M/M, polyamory, oral sex (f and m receiving), squirting, unprotected PIV, processing trauma, insecurity, discomfort interrupting sex, come eating, so much more

A/N: I think I left a piece of my soul in this fic - let me know if you like it! Comments and reblogs always much appreciated.

--

The first time Halsin joins them, Gale insists that he only wants to watch. Despite being intellectually on board with multiple relationships, he’s worried that his body will remain firmly in the monogamous camp. He loves Tav, and he trusts her with every fiber of his being, but it still feels overwhelming and a bit scary to imagine sharing such a vulnerable experience with anyone other than her. Hells, he still finds himself feeling self-conscious in his most intimate moments with her, through no fault of her own.

Before Halsin arrives, Gale paces back and forth through the room. He and Tav have discussed seemingly every aspect of the situation to death and back, but he still feels like he is about to jump from great heights with no backup parachute.

Tav walks into their room at the inn with an armful of water carafes and fruit. When she sees the tension in Gale’s body, his shoulders nearly at his ears, her smile fades to a look of concern. He’s thankful that it’s not a look of pity – he’s not sure he could handle that at this moment – but a loving glance with worry behind her eyes.

“I’m afraid they’ll charge us extra for damages if you wear a hole in the floor with your pacing.” She sets the drinks and snacks down on the table in the corner and strides over to where he’s now frozen in place.

“I’m sorry, my love. I know that we’ve been planning this for weeks but I can’t help but find myself feeling terribly nervous. Granted, I’m also excited. I want to see how everything will go, but the nerves won’t settle.” Tav brushes a strand of hair out of his face and tucks it behind his ear. He melts into her touch.

“My silly wizard, there is nothing to apologize for. It’s perfectly natural to be both excited and nervous about something, especially something that’s so new to you! In fact, I’d be more concerned if you weren’t nervous at all. This is a big step and no matter how it goes, some things will change. However, I need you to remember that your comfort and security are just as important as mine and Halsin’s, so I need to be sure that you’ll speak up if you want anything to stop or slow down.” Gale sighs and takes her hands into his. His thumb strokes over the soft skin of her knuckles as he ponders his reply.

“I will, I promise. I believe that you and I have practiced enough that I can say what needs to be said in the moment. I know how to stop things and I will do so if necessary.” He brings their hands up to his mouth and places the softest of kisses to each individual knuckle on her left hand. “I don’t want to back out of this if you’re worried about that,” he adds.

“And if you did want to back out, that would be more than fine! There are plenty of other things we could do while we’re here that don’t involve potentially opening partially healed wounds in the name of sexual exploration.” There’s a slight tease in her tone, but he knows she’s sincere. He’s always admired the way that she can still use humor in any situation without taking away from the significance.

“I know, and thank you. I want to reiterate that I want this, I merely need a bit more reassurance than I expected to.”

“Good thing I brought extra, then.” She grins. He’s not sure he’ll ever get over the butterflies in his belly when she looks at him with such kindness and love. She’s the first person – unless you count Tara – that he knows loves him for every aspect of himself and not just his intellect or what he can do for her. Somehow, she looks his flaws right in the face and draws them into her heart.

Just then, there's a knock at the door. Tav doesn't move to answer it yet, searching Gale's face for any minute reaction. “Do you want me to tell him to wait? I need to make sure you're in the right headspace before he comes in.”

“I appreciate the sentiment, but I'm okay. I'm ready. I’ll let him in.” Gale places a kiss on Tav’s forehead and glides over to the door. When he opens it and sees the calm and patient smile on the elf’s face, Tav notices how the tension dissolves from his body.

“Gale! You look well!” Halsin claps a hand on Gale’s shoulder and gives him a reassuring squeeze. A grin spreads across the wizard’s face as his body remembers how calm he tends to feel in Halsin’s presence. There's something about the other man that makes Gale feel secure and cared for, which helps many of his worries dissipate.

“As do you, my friend,” Gale greets him and steps aside to let him stride into the room. Halsin approaches Tav, and Gale is surprised that the look of joy and reverence on her face does not spur jealousy but instead spreads warmth through his chest. He adores being on the receiving end of such a look, and he is glad to find that he loves it all the same no matter who brought that look to her face.

Halsin towers over Tav, resting the heel of his hand on her collarbone so that his fingers brush the side of her neck and his thumb can trace the shape of her jaw. “My heart,” he purrs, locking eyes with her as if gazing into her very soul.

She presses her palm against his chest and feels his heart beating strongly beneath her touch. She’s always amazed how he can remain so calm in the face of anything, so in tune with his own body that his control never seems to falter. Her eyes drift closed and he kisses her forehead, unknowingly mirroring the movements of her other lover moments ago.

“My bear.” She melts into him as he caresses the nape of her neck.

Gale watches them from the other side of the room and begins to feel a twinge of something in his gut. They look so happy and he can’t help but notice the way their bodies fit so well together and how natural their every movement looks. He sighs, lost in thought as his mind begins to drift toward the pattern of worry that had plagued him earlier. He’s sure that he wants to do this – wants to give Tav and Halsin a chance to let their intimacy blossom – but he can’t stop the complicated feelings swirling through him like smoke from smoldering embers.

Gale moves past them to make himself comfortable in the overstuffed armchair across from the bed. His arms rest awkwardly at his sides as he watches Halsin’s mouth cover Tav’s. She groans into the kiss, pressing herself firmly into the elf’s hold. Gale’s stirring anxieties and jealousies are interrupted by the slightest twitch of interest from his cock when he sees Halsin’s large hand spread across her ass and press her pelvis into his.

When Tav pulls away from the kiss, eyelids heavy and cheeks flushed, she lets out a deep sigh. The look of longing on Halsin's face is intoxicating and she can't believe that it's for her. She smiles up at him, arousal stirring deep within her. Before she gets lost in him, she knows she must check in with her wizard.

She pats Halsin’s chest once before setting her sights on Gale, biting her lip in an attempt to stop her from overthinking. Crawling into Gale’s lap, she puts her knees on either side of his hips and drapes her arms around his neck. Her eyes bounce back and forth between his before dotting a kiss to the tip of his nose. “Are you sure that you want this?” she asks. She can see him chewing on the inside of his cheek. “There's still time to change your mind.”

The nervousness on his face softens a bit as he does his best to read the look his partner is giving him. “I do want this, Tav. I want you to have fun.” He smiles.

“I want you to enjoy it too, though.” She twirls a strand of his hair around her finger as she scans his face for signs of discomfort.

“I will. I get to watch two of my favorite people get lost in each other in a way they haven't before.” His hands rest against her ribs, his thumbs rubbing against the fabric of her shirt in reassurance.

As she leans in close, her breath tickling the shell of his ear, he can’t resist moving his hands down to settle on her hips.

“Are you sure you just want to watch?” She nips at his earlobe and his fingers reflexively dig into her sides. She grins when she feels him begin to harden against her inner thigh, and Gale swallows heavily but nods.

“For now, yes.” She pulls back just far enough to catch his gaze and strokes her thumb across his cheekbone. He does his best to convey sincerity in his smile, his gaze refusing to waver.

“If at any point you change your mind, don’t hesitate to jump in.” She smirks. Tav scrapes her fingernails along the stubble of his beard on the underside of his jaw as she stands up, reveling in the blown pupils that stare up at her. She feels a hand snake around her waist and warmth envelop her as Halsin steps up behind her. He sets his chin on Tav’s shoulder and gazes down at the other man with a look that Gale can't quite place.

“Yes, please join in the fun if you feel at all inclined.” Halsin’s low, husky tone sends a shiver through Tav and to her core, but Gale feels it too. He can’t deny the way the sensual quality of Halsin’s voice affects him. Gale's eyes shift between their eager faces, and he nods.

“I certainly will, should the desire arise.” His smile is soft and genuine despite the nerves bubbling beneath the surface. Gale places his hand over Halsin’s on Tav’s hip and the two men share an understanding and intimate look.

Halsin pulls Tav back against him and begins peppering open-mouthed kisses all over her neck and shoulder. She strokes her thumb lovingly over the back of Gale’s hand as she feels herself melt into the elf’s hold. Arousal already blooming in her center, she spins in his arms and tangles her fingers into Halsin’s luscious locks. She crashes her lips against his with force. He takes short steps backwards toward the bed, dragging Tav along with him, his long fingers splayed across her lower back. Tav moans as she feels Halsin’s erection growing harder, chasing his pelvis with hers. He plops down onto the bed and pulls her immediately into his lap.

Gale’s eyes flit over the two of them and to each spot where their bodies touch, his mind attempting to process and catalogue all of the thoughts and sensations that run through him. Just moments ago, it had been his lap that she ground herself into. He could still feel the lingering warmth of her where she had pressed herself into him, and his fingers flex in response as if grabbing onto her. Watching Halsin’s mouth latch onto her throat, Gale groans at the sound that escapes her lips. His cock is more insistently calling for his attention, but he wants to wait until his head is on straight before addressing it.

Halsin pulls Tav’s top over her head and growls at the sight of her bare breasts hanging heavily in front of his face. His teeth skate across the skin of her chest and he sucks a nipple into his mouth, causing her to throw her head back in pleasure. Gale’s eyes darken as Halsin kneads her other breast roughly and she drags her clothed core over the large bulge in the front of his pants.

After a few moments of heavy petting, Halsin suddenly stands up, forcing Tav upright with him, and turns them around so that he can push her backwards onto the bed. She lays back and watches him through her lashes as he undoes the laces on her bottoms and pulls them off of her. Gale can’t help but groan as he sees her wetness glistening deliciously in the dim light when her thighs drift apart for the elf.

“My dear magic man, I have no idea how you ever leave that tower of yours when you have a woman this delectable in your bed.” Tav’s breath catches in her throat as Halsin gently caresses her bare thighs with his calloused fingers. He kneads the soft, supple skin there, licking his lips at the sight of her spread out before him. Eager to feel her skin against his, Halsin strips himself bare without much fanfare. Before he does anything more, he turns to address the man across the room: “What do you think, Gale, should I give her my tongue or my fingers first?”

Another groan escapes Gale’s lips and he presses the heel of his hand down into his growing erection, trying to relieve some of the tension and overcome the arousal that threatens to overtake him. “She prefers– t-tongue,” he answers, his voice nearly failing him.

When Halsin suddenly drops to his knees at the end of the bed, pulls Tav to the edge, and slides his tongue through her folds from hole to clit, Gale stops fighting the temptation and shoves his hand in his trousers to wrap around his needy cock. He knows how sweet she tastes and finds he loves getting to watch Halsin finally experience what he's long fantasized about.

Tav gasps at the immense pleasure of her lover’s practiced tongue as Halsin continues to work her over. He presses his face into her cunt like he'll never be able to get enough and sucks her clit into his mouth. It feels so good that she could pen sonnets, if only her brain were able to form words.

Her breaths come shallow and quick as he flicks the tip of his tongue over her sensitive bud, and Gale’s fist tightens painfully around his cock, still resisting the urge to stroke himself. He had expected it to eat him alive to see the love of his life squirming in pleasure on someone else's tongue, but he finds that he relishes taking notice of all of Tav’s subtle, delicious reactions to the way Halsin devours her.

Halsin hums and looks up at Tav from between her legs. Her eyelids are heavy and her mouth hangs open, unable to focus on anything but the delectable onslaught between her thighs. “How’s our wizard doing?” he asks her as his pointer finger teases around her slick entrance. He continues to lap at her wetness with his flattened tongue, but his eyes are watching her face. Her head lolls to the side, she looks over at Gale, and her breath catches at the sight of him.

Gale’s face is flushed, redness spread across his cheekbones, and his jaw is clenched. While one hand is shoved deep into his pants, shaking as he tries to hold back from pleasing himself, the other is balled up tightly against his thigh. He looks like he's halfway to being drunk but still wound so tight that he could easily snap.

“Good,” Gale answers before Tav can, his voice tight. Halsin glances his way and finally notices the way Gale is restraining himself. While holding eye contact with the other man, Halsin thrusts two fingers into Tav in one quick, smooth motion. Gale sees her body tense at the surprise of the pleasant intrusion and a shudder runs through him.

“You like what you see?” the druid asks, cocking an eyebrow. Gale nods and pink flushes up his neck and to his ears. Halsin flashes him a smile. “You don't have to hold back, you know.” Gale looks between them, assessing. “Even if you don't join us physically, we want you to be a part of things.” Gale is so turned on but his skin prickles with self-consciousness as their attention is directed at him. Tav props herself up on her elbows to get a better look while Halsin continues to stretch her open with his thick digits.

“Can I at least see what you're doing over there, my love?” Her mouth is agape from the pleasure coursing through her. Her words paired with the blissed-out, eager look on her face is enough to give Gale the confidence he needs to make himself more comfortable.

Tav watches, enraptured, as he stands from the chair and begins to remove his clothes. Despite his shyness, with two gorgeous sets of eyes on him, he takes his sweet time unbuttoning his shirt. The way neither of them can take their eyes off of every sliver of skin he reveals has him feeling powerful in ways he never expected.

As the fabric of his shirt pools on the floor at his feet, his fingers move to the laces on the front of his trousers. After they're unlaced, he slips his thumbs into the waistband and pauses as if considering his next move. Tav licks her lips in anticipation and Gale shoots her a small smirk before shucking them off in one motion. His aching cock springs free and stands at attention, though he suddenly feels a bit vulnerable and overexposed.

Tav notices the shift in his expression and sits up, ready to go to him, but Halsin speaks first. “Oak Father preserve me…” he sighs. “Aren't you a sight to behold?” Gale blushes at the praise and Tav settles back again, smiling at the way a flush of pink blooms through his chest. “Will you come over here so I can get a better look at you?”

Gale nods shyly and takes a few steps to approach where Halsin is crouched next to the bed. His eyes scan the scene before him: the light sheen of sweat glimmering on Halsin's skin, the slick wetness covering the fingers of his right hand where they pump in and out of Tav, and the thick heavy cock that juts out between Halsin's tree trunk thighs.

Gale's never been with a man before, but he thinks that if he'd met more men like Halsin, that may not have been the case. He salivates wondering what it might taste like to have the druid on his tongue. Would he be sweet and tangy like Tav? Wet and earthy like the forest after a rain shower? He longs to find out but isn't quite sure if he's ready yet. Feeling brave, he reaches out to brush a sweaty piece of hair off Halsin's forehead and the larger man brushes a kiss against the inside of Gale's wrist.

Gale turns his head toward Tav in an attempt to hide his blush from the man who caused it. She gives him a soft, encouraging smile but he's distracted by the continued movement of Halsin's fingers. Gale watches how they curl and rub inside of Tav and he reaches out to draw circles around her clit with his thumb.

“It's awfully difficult to look but not touch,” Gale explains, and Halsin chuckles.

“I know what you mean… Just look at the state of you.” Halsin nods to where Gale's cock twitches in delight, a bead of arousal escaping from the tip.

Gale feels like his brain short-circuits as it floods with images of the elf’s hands all over him. He wants it, wants it so bad he can hardly think of anything else, but the analytical side of his brain is whirring away, trying to figure out what it all means.

“You– you can touch me,” Gale whispers. Tav clenches around Halsin's fingers in anticipation and surprise, and she lets out a breath she didn't realize she was holding.

“Are you sure, Gale? It's only enjoyable if you really want it.” Halsin looks up at the wizard and attempts to read the look on his face. Gale looks nervous and pent up beyond belief, and Halsin knows he has to be prepared for a sudden change of heart. He won't deny the man what he wants, he'll simply make the environment as comfortable and conducive to experimentation as he can.

“I want you to touch me.” Gale pulls his hand away from Tav and sets it on Halsin's shoulder for stability. Halsin nods with a smile.

Halsin scissors his fingers inside Tav to coat them in her slick before he pulls them out of her. Gale watches his every movement and his throat tightens as he sees Halsin's hand, covered in her juices, moving in his direction. His eyes grow wide as he realizes what Halsin is going to do right before Halsin wraps his lubricated hand around Gale's shaft.

The warmth and wetness is overwhelming and Gale goes rigid. It feels so good and yet so foreign to have Halsin's hand on him that he's worried he might explode. His eyes slam closed and his grip on the elf’s shoulder tightens until his fingernails threaten to break skin as Halsin slowly strokes Gale's cock.

But it's too much.

He isn't ready. He wants to backtrack.

Halsin immediately picks up on the shift in Gale's demeanor and pulls his hand away.

“I'm sorry, I–” Gale stammers and Halsin pats his hip in reassurance. Tav sits up and takes one of Gale's hands in hers.

“There is no need for apologies,” Halsin replies, “It was too much too fast.” Gale nods and refuses to look at either of them, his cheeks burning with embarrassment.

“We can stop,” Tav adds, pressing a kiss to Gale's palm. He jerks his head to look at her.

“No! No, don't stop. I merely bit off more than I could chew for a moment, but please continue. I only need a moment, and then I want to watch you unravel for him.” Gale's eyes darken as he looks between the other two and Halsin’s cock throbs at his words.

“Then let's take a moment to ground ourselves and breathe,” Halsin suggests. He rests one hand on Tav’s thigh and the other hangs at his side, wanting to comfort Gale but not wanting to overwhelm him.

Tav’s fingertips delicately trace over the lines traversing Gale's palm. Gale closes his eyes and focuses only on her calming touch and his breathing. His other hand still rests on Halsin's shoulder, giving him a sense of stability. He finds himself wanting a comforting touch from the elf as well, but doesn't trust his body's reaction to the sensation.

As the three of them sit in silence, a tangle of soft intimate touches, Gale's breathing begins to slow. He tunes out the worries and focuses on the connection that he feels between them. Opening his eyes, he catches Tav’s gaze and a soft smile tugs at his lips. His thumb rubs over Halsin's shoulder before he moves it to cradle Tav’s face. Gale presses his forehead to hers and they melt into each other for a moment.

“I love you,” Gale murmurs. His lips find hers for a soft, lingering kiss that manages to communicate a sense of both trust and longing.

“I love you,” Tav replies. Foreheads pressed together, they stare into each other's eyes for a moment and take it all in.

Gale presses his mouth to hers again, gentle and chaste, before he turns back to Halsin. “Show her just what a powerful archdruid is capable of.” He shoots the other man a wink, claps him on the back, and starts to pad over to his chair.

“As you wish,” Halsin growls and presses his face into the junction of Tav’s thighs. She yelps in surprise as his tongue plunges between her folds, and she grabs the elf’s hair for support. Halsin wastes no time shoving three fingers into her tight, dripping pussy and her hips jerk against his face. His assault is relentless and she knows she won't last long as he fills her with his fingers and worships her clit with his tongue.

Gale groans at the delightful sounds that spill from her throat as he watches Tav squirm. A loud squelching fills the room as Halsin fucks her with his thick fingers. She's babbling, hardly able to string coherent sounds together, as the nerves throughout her body thrum with pleasure. As he alternates between open-mouthed kisses to her vulva and his tongue frantically flicking over her aching clit, he curls his fingers back toward himself inside her to rub harshly over the spot that makes her see stars. Her knees nearly give out as the dam suddenly breaks and she's coming.

A broken sob escapes from Tav as her whole body curls inward and her walls spasm around Halsin's fingers. Her juices spill over his chin and his hand and he just can't get enough. She's so wet and so sweet that it may as well be honey that gushes over his tongue as he laps up everything she gives him.

Gale's cock leaks as he watches the larger man nearly drown in the ecstasy that flows from Tav, and he digs his fingertips into the arms of the chair in an attempt to maintain his composure. As much as he wants to touch and be touched, he finds he takes immense pleasure in watching her fall apart. His favorite part of being intimate with Tav is getting to witness the way her composure crumbles when she's reached a certain point. In most areas of her life, she's so put together and eloquent that it's a special privilege to see her in such a raw state when she's hardly more than a babbling mess.

The sounds Halsin makes are animalistic as he works Tav through her climax. He's so engulfed in her that he thinks he'd crawl inside her if he could, just to feel her over every inch of him. When she gets too sensitive to handle his mouth on her anymore, she tugs on his hair to drag him back up to his feet. Immediately, his mouth is on hers as he guides her back toward the bed.

Something in Halsin has snapped and his gentle, loving caresses have been replaced with raw, primal need. Tasting herself on his lips and tongue does something similar to Tav and her hands are everywhere, needing to map every inch of him.

She pants hard, trying to catch her breath from an intense orgasm, as his body covers hers on the bed. His fingers tangle in her hair and he grips tightly, desperate to hold her close. His mouth moves from her lips to her jaw to her neck, kissing and sucking at every spot of skin in his reach. Her fingertips dig into his back, trying impossibly to bring him closer to her. She needs to touch him, taste him, feel him, but it's not enough.

Tav reaches between Halsin's legs and wraps her hand around his aching cock. Halsin growls at the sensation, his face buried in her neck. His hips thrust forward on their own accord, seeking more as she grips him and slides her soft palm over his sensitive shaft.

“Need to be inside you,” Halsin grunts, his careful composure gone for the moment.

“Please,” Tav whines, begging for him to fill her.

Gale spits into his hand, deciding that he'll give in and stroke himself at the moment Halsin's beautiful cock sinks into the tight wetness of Tav’s pussy.

Tav moves to guide Halsin to her center but she doesn't move fast enough for the desperate elf, so he reaches between them to grip himself tightly and line himself up with her hole, coating the head in her slick. He looks into her eyes, about to ask for confirmation, but she nods frantically and wraps her legs around the backs of his thighs, drawing him in.

The world melts around Halsin for a moment as he plunges into the depths of pleasure. Her warm wetness engulfs him and his senses, blocking out any coherent thought. Driven by primal instinct, he begins to thrust into her hard and fast.

Gale grips his desperate cock and imagines that it's Tav’s cunt squeezing him rather than his own spit-soaked hand. He matches his strokes to the rhythm of Halsin's thrusts and it feels like a thunderstorm is brewing under his skin. He watches the giant elf’s broad, sweaty body as his thick cock impales the woman Gale loves. All uncertainty leaves him when he sees the look of ecstasy and desperation on her face – Gale knows what she needs and he revels in the gasps and whimpers she makes as she gets it.

Tav grips Halsin’s hair in a tight fist, digs the fingernails of her left hand into the meat of his tricep, and cries out at the slight sting and immense pleasure of her overfilled cunt taking everything it’s given. She’s chanting fuck , and please , and yes over and over as Halsin pounds into her.

He’s so close, unable to handle much more as his nerves crackle at the energy between them. His heart is pounding so hard he can hear the blood rushing in his ears alongside the sound of flesh striking flesh and the wet suction of Tav’s cunt trying to hold him deep inside.

Between heavy breaths, Halsin groans, “Gonna come – Where?” Gale’s hand is moving frantically up and down his cock, adding his own slapping sounds to the mix, as he hurtles toward his own climax. He can't stop watching the way Halsin's length disappears inside her as her walls grip him.

“Inside me!” Tav cries out and the desperate desire in her voice pushes both Gale and Halsin over the edge. Halsin shoves himself as deep into her depths as he can, and he paints her insides with his seed. At the same moment, Gale’s balls tighten and his hand stills as ropes of come spurt from his cock to paint his abdomen.

The sensation of Halsin’s cock pulsing and filling her sends Tav into her second climax as she spasms dramatically around him. Her cunt squeezes him tight, milking every drop it can get from him. Tav’s thighs quiver and her body shakes under him as the waves of pleasure course through her and come out of her mouth as wanton moans.

Gale's head drops back against the back of the chair as he tries to catch his breath. He holds his slowly-softening manhood and tries not to think about the mess he's made of his lap.

Halsin peppers kisses all over Tav’s face and chest as she comes down from her high, and once she catches her breath, she loosens her grip on his hair and kisses him passionately. They're both sweaty and flushed and a bit sore, but they're lost in each other for a short while. She pushes back the hair plastered to Halsin's forehead and he looks at her with such love and adoration that her heart could burst. After a few long moments drinking each other in, Halsin looks over at Gale before turning back to Tav.

“Let me go check on Gale, my heart.” The druid strokes her cheek and places a quick kiss to the corner of her dopey smile. She nods and allows her limbs to fall to the bed like dead weight, letting the normal sensations slowly return back to her body.

Gale lifts his head and watches as Halsin pulls out of her with a wince and stands. He looks at Gale with softness and a touch of mischief in his eyes as he approaches. Halsin stands over the other man and assesses the scene in front of him: his flushed cheeks, his chest glistening with sweat, the sticky mess clinging to his skin.

Gale's cheeks burn as he mistakes the look in Halsin's eyes for judgment rather than interest. “I seem to have made a bit of a mess of myself,” he tells the elf with a self-conscious chuckle.

“That you have,” Halsin hums. “Is that why you blush, handsome wizard?” Gale looks down at the floor, avoiding Halsin's gaze. There are so many thoughts and feelings going through his head and he can’t quite grasp how to process or articulate them. Halsin puts a finger under Gale's chin and tips his face so that he looks up at him. “Are you embarrassed to have enjoyed yourself?” Gale swallows heavily.

Tav is tempted to listen to their conversation but stays out of it, happily giving them as much privacy as she can without moving. Her eyelids are getting heavy, and she can feel sleep call to her.

“Perhaps.” Gale's voice is quiet and he picks at a loose thread on the arm of the chair.

“Oh, Gale,” Halsin says. “You don't have anything to be embarrassed about.” This gets Gale to look up to him, though he looks incredulous.

“Don't I? Aren't I supposed to feel possessive over my partner? What kind of man am I to get pleasure from watching her be taken and claimed by another? Shouldn't I feel discomfort? Shouldn’t I want to intervene?” His mind is racing and the words are spilling out before he can filter them. Insecurities from his past begin to bubble up and, though he tries, he can’t cast them aside anymore.

Halsin smiles gently. “It would seem that you're the kind of man who enjoys seeing your love be happy and fulfilled. Did you feel discomfort?”

Gale pauses before answering, carefully considering and taking inventory of his mind. “I did feel discomfort at first, when I was thinking about it. I was worried about how I’d react once things started happening. I know that no matter how much you mentally prepare for something, you can never truly know what you’ll do until you’re in the situation. However, once you were here and it was real, I felt much calmer. I couldn’t help but to get aroused and that overrode my thinking, which allowed me to enjoy the experience and lean into the pleasure.” Halsin mulls over Gale’s words, contemplating their meaning. He knows that ultimately, Gale’s philosophies and morals come from very different sources from his own, and he takes that into consideration as he ponders how to frame his response.

“I believe that nature itself gave us the capability to be complex and ever-changing beings, and that includes every facet of our sexuality. Whether we’re monogamous or opposed to it, or somewhere in between, is deeply personal and potentially dynamic. It’s natural to fall anywhere on that spectrum, and it’s natural for your needs and wants to shift based on circumstances. If you enjoyed yourself, and everyone involved both fully consented and enjoyed themselves, why should there be shame? What purpose would that shame serve?”

Gale sits in silence for a moment as he processes. He thinks deeply, his thoughts branching off into a thousand different directions as he tries to break it down like any other intellectual endeavor. Some parts are quick to click into place in his mind, while others are more difficult to understand and internalize. “I can concede that you make some very good points, but I have to wonder about others. In the past, with Mystra, she sought other lovers and I did not enjoy that in the slightest. Why would that be different now? Could the difference be that I somehow love Tav less than I did Mystra? That I feel less afraid to lose her and thus am less emotionally reactive?”

Halsin can’t help but chuckle that someone with such an immense breadth of knowledge can be so disconnected from the inner workings of his own mind. “Oh, Gale. You wizards certainly do enjoy overcomplicating things, don't you? Could it not instead mean that you’re less afraid to lose her because you feel secure in your relationship with Tav, whereas with Mystra you did not?”

Gale ponders that, his mind running through the different instances when Mystra found pleasure in the arms of another and comparing them to the instances when he'd discussed the same with Tav. “With Mystra, it wasn't a conversation or a choice. She told me that was how it was going to be and who was I to argue with my goddess? Her word was final and if I wanted to be with her, I had to find a way to deal with her decisions on my own–”

“I think you know that's not how a partnership is meant to be.” Halsin’s response is curt and leaves little room for argument, which manages to trigger Gale’s deep-seeded reflex to defend Mystra. He stops himself, however, as he recognizes what is happening and it surprises him.

“I suppose intellectually, I do.” Gale sighs and continues, “Things with Mystra were also different in that I was not allowed the same courtesy. While I may not have wanted to be with anyone other than her, the fact of the matter is that I would have never been allowed to be. That is, as you’re well aware, not the case with Tav.”

“Indeed, and I think those differences are enough to make this an entirely different situation. Do you?”

Gale takes in Halsin’s words and the comforting, understanding look in his eyes, and he nods. He respects the druid’s judgment, knowing it comes from many years of experience. The way he’s explained it allows the rational side of Gale’s brain to connect with the emotional side. Halsin knows what he’s talking about.

“Is there someone else you'd like to be with now, Gale?” Halsin asks tentatively.

Gale sucks in a sharp breath and looks back up at Halsin. He’s somehow surprised that the conversation has taken this turn and, despite everything he’s just bared to the other man, he tries to steel himself against the impulse to hide or deflect. He shies away from the feeling of Halsin gazing into his soul and closes his eyes before answering, “I– I’d like to be with you, Halsin. Or at least give it a try.”

The room is silent for a moment and Gale opens his eyes again. A soft smile spreads across the druid’s face in response as he takes in how open and exposed the wizard looks. Not even taking into account the fact that he’s sitting naked in front of him, the look on Gale's face is one of pure vulnerability. It’s clear that it’s not easy for him to put himself out there like this.

“I had hoped you'd say that, Gale Dekarios.” Halsin caresses the stubble on Gale's jawline with his thumb, basking in the way his eyes sparkle as he looks up at the taller man.

“You did?” Gale’s voice sounds surprised.

“Of course I did,” Halsin chuckles. He crouches down to bring himself to Gale’s level, at least physically, and gazes intently into the man's eyes. “I may have to question your wisdom if you claim to be unaware of my attraction to you.”

Gale can’t help but laugh, blushing furiously but thankful that the other man has lightened the moment. His gentle teasing breaks the tension, much like when Tav does the same. “I suppose I can admit that I've noticed some signals from you.” He glances away, feeling exposed in the intensity of Halsin's gaze, before continuing, “In my defense, you are such an open, comfortable, and confident man that it can be difficult to discern what is genuine interest and what is just you being, well, you.”

He reaches out to touch the larger man but hesitates as he isn’t sure where to start. When Halsin grins, Gale brushes the tip of his thumb over his bottom lip, marveling at how it feels to touch him while the broad elf looks at him with adoration and hunger. His lip is soft and plush, and Gale wants to feel it everywhere. Halsin purses his lips and kisses the pad of Gale’s thumb, causing the human’s breath to catch in his throat. “Kiss me,” Gale whispers.

Of course, Halsin immediately obliges. Before the words are fully out of his mouth, Halsin runs his fingers through Gale's soft waves and presses his palm against the back of his head. Halsin gently guides Gale's face toward his, slow enough to give him plenty of chances to change his mind and pull away, and presses his lips against the lips of the younger man.

Gale kisses him back sweetly and then not-so-sweetly, as his mouth drifts open to allow Halsin to deepen the kiss. His tongue slips over Gale's tongue, massaging the strong muscle. Gale tastes Tav’s juices on Halsin's tongue and it stirs something in him. His hands begin scrabbling for purchase, desperate to get a good grip and pull the elf closer, nearly dragging Halsin into his lap. He hungers for him, eager to explore every nook and cranny of Halsin's mouth with his tongue.

Gale's breathing is ragged as the two men get lost in each other. They move to stand to get closer to one another, and Gale shudders at the way Halsin's hand nearly dwarfs his face when it cups his jaw. The smaller man's fingertips dig into the elf's thick biceps as he fails to resist grinding their hips together.

Halsin's pupils are blown wide as he takes in the uncharacteristic neediness of the wizard. He wants so badly to make the less experienced man feel good, so he slides down to his knees and gazes up at Gale.

Gale lets out another shuddering breath as he attempts to process the scene in front of him: he's seen Tav in this position countless times and it never gets old, but the novelty of seeing a powerful archdruid on his knees for him is nearly overwhelming.

“May I?” Halsin asks softly after what feels like ages. Unable to trust his voice, Gale meekly nods.

Halsin runs his hands up Gale's thighs, callused fingers catching on the soft hair there, and places a single kiss on Gale's pelvic crest. He looks up at the brunette to gauge his reaction and the reverent look on his face encourages Halsin to continue. He leaves gentle pecks across Gale's soft belly, undeterred by the partially-dry spendings that coat his skin. Halsin drags his tongue across a particularly bountiful river of Gale’s spend before sucking it into his mouth, delighting in the taste of his essence. He continues to suck at the skin there, leaving a mark on the flesh, just a hair west of where Gale needs his mouth the most. Gale’s wound so tightly that Halsin can feel the tension where he touches him as he continues to place teasing kisses across the wizard’s navel and groin.

“Please,” Gale whines and Halsin’s cock jumps at the sound. The elf’s mouth hovers over the other man’s length, his hot breath caressing Gale’s hardness. The man’s hands rest on Halsin’s shoulders but clench into fists as he tries to resist pulling Halsin’s face closer.

Prolonging the torture, Halsin’s hands dance across Gale’s skin until they settle over his hips. Halsin locks eyes with Gale, smirking, and just as the desperate man is about to beg him to do something, anything , he slips Gale’s aching cock into his mouth in one fluid motion. The tension in Gale’s muscles doubles as his senses are overloaded with pleasure. Halsin’s mouth is hot and wet as he sucks Gale down until his nose is pressed into Gale’s coarse brown curls. The wizard’s legs nearly give out as his body begins to relax in response to the chorus of wondrous sensations.

Gale lets out a stream of curses under his breath as Halsin’s mouth begins to move over him. His tongue slides along the underside of Gale’s cock and the less experienced man can’t help but tangle his fingers into the druid’s long hair. He begins babbling, narrating the sensations he’s feeling and heaping praise onto the kneeling man, when he sees Tav stir out of the corner of his eye. Not wanting to wake her, he digs his front teeth into his lip to keep his voice at bay, but the monologue of nonsense continues to run through his head.

Halsin bobs his head, licking and sucking Gale like a man starved, and Gale’s hips begin moving on their own accord. He takes everything Gale is willing to give him as he works the wizard over, and he doesn’t even flinch when Gale suddenly thrusts forward, tenses, and spurts come down his throat. The elf slows his movements, greedily swallowing every drop that the other man releases and working Gale through his peak.

As Gale becomes to sensitive to handle the sensation anymore, Halsin pulls his mouth off of him but otherwise makes no attempt to move from his position. Gale breathes deeply, grounding himself by running his fingers through the druid’s soft yet tangled hair. Halsin moves to stand, caressing Gale’s sides as he does so. The room quiet around them, they stand in comfortable silence for a few moments and just breathe. Gale’s fingers are still in Halsin’s hair, Halsin’s hands rest on Gale’s hips as if stabilizing him, and they gaze into each other’s eyes. Gale doesn’t know what to say, simultaneously wanting to process everything and not wanting his mind to drift away from the current moment.

“I think it’s time to get some rest,” Halsin suggests.

“But what about you? Do you want me to return the favor?” Gale asks, his mind suddenly trying to fill in his understanding of the expected etiquette of the situation. Halsin chuckles and strokes the wizard’s cheek.

“We can save that for next time. Right now, I think Tav’s got the right idea.” They both glance over to where she lays, nude and sprawled across the bed, only one leg under the covers. An adoring smile creeps over Gale’s face as he watches her shift in her sleep. He turns back to Halsin and his eyes flit over the elf’s face, carefully cataloging every freckle, dimple, and wrinkle.

“Let me get cleaned up and then I’ll join you two,” Gale says, tipping his head in the direction of the bed.

“Will you stay?” Gale’s voice is quiet, but no longer shrouded in uncertainty. Halsin brings his hands up to the wizard’s face and smiles.

“I’d like that.” Halsin presses a gentle kiss to the other man’s lips, and Gale’s surprised at how natural it feels. Gale knows that at some point, likely the next day, his mind will take over and need to analyze every aspect of the situation, but for the moment, he feels safe and desired and loved.

Halsin smiles and caresses Gale's jaw with his thumbs. “Take your time, we’ll make sure there’s room for you.”

[antoncore]

I'm feeling soft so imagine slow dancing with bf!riize :(( like you're in the kitchen doing the dishes after a date night and then there's a soft song and suddenly you're wrapped in his arms, his hands on your waist and yours on his shoulder and you're just dancing and looking at each other. I can see shotaro being playfully leading the dance and giggly, eunseok acting like he hates it even if he tightens his hold when you move from him, sungchan all smiley, wonbin being shy, seunghan playfully pinching you, sohee smiling so hard his teeth are on display and anton with a soft lovestruck expression. They'd all fall all over again for you in this moment.

this is so sweet i’m gonna cry myself to sleep actually… i added some songs i hope you don’t mind anon <3

i feel like shotaro would almost take it seriously, trying to teach you how to slow dance properly in the middle of your kitchen. you’d get it wrong, stepping on his feet bc you’re not a dancer and it all ends with giggles as you go back to what you were doing before.

eunseok would be acting like he didn’t enjoy it, his face all moody. you’d be all enthusiastic, saying, “come on seokie, this is romantic, right?” while he just looks down at you. eventually you got frustrated with how he was being so you decided to pull away, taken by surprise when he holds you closer, giving you a kiss on the head as you continue dancing around.

i feel as if sungchan would be smiling from admiring your beauty. he could see every little detail up close and he didn’t think it was possible but he fell in love with you even more than he had before. he would whisper “so beautiful” as you danced, unable to take his eyes away from your beautiful face.

dancing with wonbin as he looks away shyly, acting as if it’s the start of your relationship all over again. if he did look at you, he’d be looking at you with glossy eyes as he tried to hold back his tears. the love he had for you was so overwhelming and he felt it through his entire body, there was nobody else in the world for him.

you’re all smiley and giggly, looking down as seunghan has his arms around your waist. you still felt so shy being close to seunghan like this and you couldn’t even explain why. he would tell you not to be so shy and just look at him and you did. he would take a moment to squish your cheeks and say softly, “look at you, you’re so adorable y/n, i love you so much.”

sohee loved the song that played in the background, not only did he know all the words, the lyrics reminded him of you. he would be smiling so big, it was so adorable to see :( would also sing along while looking into your eyes, his way of showing you how much you meant to him.

for anton, this would be the moment he would realise that he wanted you to be his forever. everyday could be like this, washing dishes and then dancing around the kitchen. he would be so stuck in his thoughts that he wouldn’t even realise the love struck expression on his face. it was the cutest thing ever, that very moment stuck in your head every single day.

[little-jana]

Mistletoe Series: 🎄David Rossi (4)

"Holiday Wisdom"

Pairing: mentor!David Rossi x reader

Genre: fluff

Warnings: fatherfigure!Rossi, talk of burnout, forehead kiss

Words: 1.5k

Summary: A fatherly kiss under the mistletoe from a certain Italian.

The BAU Christmas party was in full swing, and it was exactly what I expected from Penelope Garcia—a riot of color and glitter. The bullpen was draped in twinkling lights, garlands hung from every corner, and ornaments dangled from desks and cubicles. The crowning touch was the mistletoe—strategically placed in seemingly every doorway and corner of the room.

It was festive, cheerful, and a little overwhelming. I sipped at a mug of cider, lingering by the dessert table, watching my team. Emily and JJ were by the bar, laughing over something Derek had said. Spencer was standing in a corner, deep in conversation with Rossi, no doubt unloading a detailed history of holiday traditions. Hotch was nearby, his rare, faint smile softened by the glow of the lights.

This was my family. My sometimes dysfunctional, always dependable family. And tonight, for once, we weren’t chasing monsters or piecing together the horrors of human behavior. We were just… us.

“Enjoying yourself?”

I turned to see David Rossi standing beside me, a wine glass in hand, his expression equal parts amused and curious.

“Trying to,” I said with a small smile. “It’s a bit much.”

He smirked, gesturing around the room. “That’s Garcia for you. Go big or go home.”

“She definitely went big,” I replied, my smile widening.

Rossi chuckled, his rich, warm laugh cutting through the noise of the party. “You look like you could use something stronger than cider.”

I raised an eyebrow. “What, like your fancy Chianti?”

He held up his glass, swirling the deep red liquid. “Chianti Classico. Pairs beautifully with everything, including over-the-top Christmas parties.”

“Of course,” I said, rolling my eyes. “You’re insufferable.”

“And yet, you keep me around,” he said, smirking.

There was something comforting about Rossi’s presence. He had a way of grounding people, of offering guidance without being overbearing. From the moment I joined the team, he’d taken me under his wing, doling out advice, teasing me when I needed it, and giving me the occasional nudge in the right direction.

“Seriously, though,” he said, his tone softening. “How are you holding up?”

I hesitated, knowing he’d see through any attempt to brush off the question. “I’m okay,” I said finally. “It’s just… a lot. The cases, the travel, the holidays. Sometimes it feels like I don’t know how to stop.”

Rossi nodded, his expression thoughtful. “That’s the thing about this job. It doesn’t leave much room for balance. But you need to find it, Y/N. Burnout doesn’t just happen—it builds. You’ve got to know when to step back.”

I smiled faintly. “You make it sound so simple.”

“It’s not,” he admitted. “But it’s necessary. Trust me, I’ve been where you are. It’s easy to pour everything into the job and forget about yourself in the process. But if you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of anyone else.”

I looked at him, surprised by the earnestness in his voice. “You’re really good at this, you know. The whole dad thing.”

He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “I prefer to think of myself as an older, wiser mentor. But if you want to call me your BAU dad, I won’t argue.”

I laughed, shaking my head. “Thanks, Rossi. I mean it.”

He smiled, the kind of warm, genuine smile that always managed to put me at ease.

“Y/N!”

We both turned as Penelope bounded toward us, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She had a sprig of mistletoe in one hand and a step ladder in the other, and I immediately knew where this was going.

“Oh, no,” I muttered.

“Oh, yes,” Penelope said, grinning. “You two are standing in the *perfect* spot.”

“Garcia,” Rossi said, his voice tinged with exasperation.

“Don’t even try to argue,” she said, cutting him off. “Rules are rules. Mistletoe means you’ve got to kiss.”

I groaned, glancing up to confirm that, yes, we were indeed standing directly under a sprig of mistletoe. “This is ridiculous.”

“It’s tradition!” Penelope said, crossing her arms. “And you know how I feel about tradition.”

Rossi sighed, his expression a mix of amusement and resignation. “Fine. But I’m doing this my way.”

Before I could protest, Rossi turned to me, his gaze soft. He stepped closer, resting a hand lightly on my shoulder.

“Merry Christmas, kid,” he said quietly, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to my forehead.

It wasn’t romantic or awkward—it was warm, reassuring, and full of affection. The kind of gesture that reminded me just how much Rossi cared, even if he rarely said it outright.

I blinked up at him, my heart unexpectedly full. “Merry Christmas, Rossi,” I said softly.

Penelope sighed dramatically. “Okay, fine, that was adorable. Not what I was going for, but I’ll take it.”

Rossi chuckled, shaking his head. “Don’t push your luck, Garcia.”

She flounced off in search of her next mistletoe victims, leaving us standing there.

“Thanks,” I said quietly, looking up at him.

“For what?”

“For… being you,” I said, feeling a little foolish but meaning every word.

Rossi smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling. “Anytime, kid.”

As the party continued around us, I couldn’t help but feel grateful—not just for Rossi, but for all of it. This team, this family.

And in that moment, under the twinkling lights and the ridiculous mistletoe, I realized just how lucky I was to have them.

[bangchansgirlsblog]

Stutter

Warning: hurt/fluff, stutter, insecurity, bullying

Pairing: Chan x reader

Summary: You have a stutter and you’re getting better.

Enjoy! 😆

-🩷

**

"I-I w-would like to-to say thank y-you to the s-stay that stuck w-with us t-through all t-the ups and downs when...when t-things we're hard. T-this is for all of us-of you," I manage to say into the mic. I was clearly nervous, this was the first time speaking in public and an award show was honestly very intimidating.

Everyone cheers and Chan gives his last speech before we all go backstage to prepare for our performance.

"You did so well out there Y/nie!" Changbin boasts. He wraps his hands around me in a hug while everyone else is talking or getting their makeup fixed.

"Y-you really think s-so?" I smile and look up at him. Happy that I was able to make him proud. They had been trying to get me to talk a lot more and be involved in interviews, radio stations or shoes in general and this was the first big step.

"Yes I do! I'm so proud of you!" He exclaims and carries me in a spin. I laugh and yelp trying to fidget out of his grip knowing he wouldn’t let go unless I wrestled him.

Chan walks over to the both of us. A big smile caused by me and Changbin. Once Changbin releases me and gets distracted by Han throwing a ball at him. Chan gives me a kiss before spinning me around like in the movies. I let out a small squeal and giggle at this.

"I'm happy with what you did out there and I’m so proud baby."

"W-well when you asked s-so nicely I had too. Did-did I s-stutter a lot?" I ask him tilting my head. Slightly nervous that no one understood what I was saying. He shakes his head no.

"Nope, you did amazing and do you know what you get?" I look at him confused. Wondering.

"A treat later tonight," he whispers in my ear causing me to turn red and flustered. Butterflies flattering in my stomach.

"O-oh I-I...umph...C-Chan!" I exclaim and smack him. He was towering over me and smirking. He lets out a small chuckle, amused Ofcourse.

“What? You know you-“

"We are on in 10!" A producer yells. I feel myself jump a little due to the loud voice. A normal thing that happens whenever loud sounds came out of no where.

"Hey…are the hiccups still really bad?" He frowns at me but I shake my head no.

“Stop calling them hiccups Chan?” I playfully shove him. "O-only when it's really loud and there's a lot of people b-but now it's n-not as bad." I explain to him while playing with the hand that was in mine.

"Okay my love, just remember whenever you feel overwhelmed tell me okay?" He slightly relaxes.

"Yes I-I will Channie," I smile and give him another kiss.

The venue was really packed and they were a lot of people around us but we seemed to always be in our own little world, drowning all the sounds.

His face smooth and shiny. His hair neatly put together, his ear peace dangling around his neck and eyeshadow put perfectly round his eyes. Looking at him and admiring his beauty.

I let out a gasp suddenly when I remember something that I had to tell him. I was excited and very much filled with so much joy, I had to tell him right there and then.

"C-Chan I-I got us t-tickets t-to a-a s-show a-at- ugh..." I sigh frustrated failing to speak a normal thing when I was extremely happy.

He frowns then rubs my knuckles,

"Hey it's okay take your time and breathe no rush, just breathe." His face turns into a worried look. Making me feel guilty but I nod and take a breath.

"I-I got us t-tickets for a s-how I-in new y-York when we-we got there!" He smile widens.

"You see there you go. Now this show you speak of…. Am I allowed to know what it is? Or is it a suprise? Hm pretty girl?"

"S-suprise! But y-you'll know soon." I smile and he kisses my forehead for the 100th time that day.

"I'm excited I can't wait!" He beams.

"Alright people! Let's go! Let's go!" The producer yells at all of us and we walk towards the stage.

"Good luck everyone!" Chan says,

"G-good luck Chan!" I say back before we make our way on stage hearing thousands of people screaming.

When we go on stage we perform a few songs. Ofcourse I didn't stutter because whenever I did sing it didn't come but it only happened when I was really upset or just talking in general.

The permformace was 15 minutes long until we could get offstage.

Ofcourse everyone said thank you to the dancers and crew then we made it backstage when we changed into more comfy clothes so we could go home.

"I think that today we should celebrate Y/n! For getting on stage and giving her speech!" Han yells excitedly in the car.

"O-oh n-no no n-no, we-we shouldn't!" I cover my face shyly and Chan chuckles.

"We should babe, come on! I'm so proud of you!"

"O-okay but n-no drinking," I wave at all of them and they laugh.

"Okay no drinking!" Seungmin says,

We go to a restaurant near by and the waiter comes over. The place was empty, thanks to Changbin, he was able to find a quiet place.

We all hated loud places after concerts or shows because our bodies are very much drained.

She was blonde and really pretty. Her eyes lit up when she saw everyone.

"Oh my God!" She squeals, "you guys are straykids!" She screams. Quite literally. I see Chan move uncomfortably. The boys too.

"Yeah we are, um can you do us a favor. Don't tell anyone we're here." He asks politely.

"Ofcourse! Ofcourse! Can I please have an autograph?"

"Maybe after we're done with dinner yeah?" Leeknow steps in.

"Thank you so much! And oh my God Y/n! I saw you on tv today! This is the first time we've seen you talking in public! We didn't know you stutter! That’s new…" She says almost in a mocky way.

I look up at her and give her a nervous smile. Trying to forget her tone.

"Y-yeah I-i have a stutter-"

"How come you sing so well tho? Aren't you like damaged good in the entertainment industry?"

"Excuse me?" Chan steps in obviously offended on my behalf.

"Can you do your job instead of making fun of her?" I.N also steps in looking pissed as well.

"I-it's o-okay g-guys. A-and n-no i-I'm...." I trail away frustrated and huffing at the fact that my body and brain can’t even defend myself without going all out of control.

"Can I speak to your manger?" Chan says harshly causing the girl to take a step back.

"O-oh um yes sure!" She leaves looking terrified while everyone looks at me.

"I-it's o-okay g-guys I-its n-normal!" I smile half heartedly and they give me a worried look. Chan’s hand wrapping around me, pulling me closer to his side.

"Ignore her please. She's a bitch for that." Felix says trying to comfort me.

I just nod my head and look down at my hands that were playing with Chan's.

"I love you," he whispers. "We'll talk about it later yeah?" I just nod. Refusing to Speak now.

The manager comes over and they all complain about the lady and Ofcourse since we were idols they fired her straightaway and gave us a new waiter plus our meal was free.

She took our orders one my one and when she came to me she was so nice.

"Hey ma'am, what would you like to eat?" She smiles.

I look over at Chan who just tells her my order and she walks away.

The night consisted everyone having fun and laughing but I couldn't help but feel insecure. So I kept quiet. Letting out a giggle here and there but refusing to speak more than 4 lines.

"Should we head home?" Chan asks everyone and we all agree and get into the cars that were parked outside.

**

When we get to the dorms we all say our good nights and I head to our room. I try and avoid Chan because I just knew he would want to talk about the restaurant incident.

I quickly get into the shower and when I’m out he’s laying on the bed scrolling through his phone. His black sweatpants on and no shirt.

I make my way to my vanity and sit down.

"Hey baby, you good?" Chan asks sitting up our bed.

I just nod and continue removing my makeup. I hear a sigh and instantly feel guilty again.

"Talk to me please, I know you're upset." His voice is low and slow.

"I-I...n-no," I quickly shut down when I see the stuttering getting worse.

"Baby, come here." He says softly. I walk over to him and sit by his side refusing to fight the fact that I need him. I need his touch.

His hands wrap around my waist and I sit between his legs.

"Remember what I told you? That if anyone mentions anything about your stuttering..?"

"T-that I s-should tell them I-it’s cause I-I'm s-special in m-my own way." I softly say looking up at him.

"They are many people looking up at you, many kids that have the same stutter that love you and look at you as a role model. Show them that you are. Show them that if you can do it they can do."

His touch is soft as he carreses my cheek.

"B-but I-I c-Chan I-it's...ugh!" I exclaim frustrated again.

"Take your time my love, breathe and concentrate,"

"I hate it," I softly say and he frowns wiping the tears that fell.

"You shouldn't because at the end of the day it's the way you react to the situation that matters right?"

"Yeah," I sigh,

"So if you decided not to go for that audition because you had a stutter or if you gave up halfway through because of it, would you be here right now?"

"N-no"

"Then a bunch of nobodies shouldn’t affect you okay?"

He was right, I shouldn’t allow a few people to bring me down. I was already learning to be confident.

"Y-yeah, t-thank you Channie. For l-loving me the way I am,"

"You don't need to thank me baby and remember whenever you struggle saying things,"

"Just breathe and concentrate,"

I smile when he kisses my cheek.

[crimsonxcloverr]

70s!dale x fem!reader

content/trigger warning: creeper dale, public sex, cnc, humiliation, fingering, oral (f! receiving), p in v, size kink??, praising

word count: 1726

a/n: i’m taking a break from my fic, and again it’s not finished! also hope it’s not cringe yucky! i will dale kobble myself. i only wrote this to make myself feel better! so enjoy this hehe.

GET IT ON

your throat was sore and raw from all the screaming and singing as you push past people in the crowded arena, marc bolan and t. rex continue the performance as the room began to overwhelm you. you eventually make it outside and adjust your skirt while walking to the concession stands.

“cuckoo.”

you turn around and see a rather tall man with a botched face approaching you, his attire evident that he was enjoying the t.rex concert as well.

“and who’s this pretty little angel?” he giggles trying to catch up to get a better glimpse. “you really are sight for sore eyes, mhmm. what’s your name?”

“none of your business,” you mumble making your way to the stand that seemed further away than usual due to this creep on your ass.

“you were at the concert, right? i saw you walk out,” he says looking you up and down while walking next to you. “you having fun?”

“yes.” you sigh as you wait in line watching the man dig in his jean pocket. he pulls his wallet out and gives you a smile as you look up at him.

"good… that’s good, i like that. i’d hate to see a pretty angel like you not have fun,” he pauses for a moment and giggles, “y’know, i had gigs a few times in this same arena, some people even know me around here. i even have a gig here next week,” he says in a matter-of-fact tone while he nods and smiles.

you look at him and scoff, completely taken off guard watching him hold some cash as he waits next to you. “no kidding.” this guys wasn’t half bad, glamrockers were your thing. “what’s your name, anyways?”

“ah, ah. i asked you first,” he giggles again, booping your nose and watching you crinkle it under his touch.

“y/n.”

“y/n,” he repeats testing your name out on his tongue, his finger now on his chin as if he were in deep thought. “i love it. i’m dale, my precious angel.”

he gives you a rather big smile and you couldn’t help but give him a smile back, his energy comforting in an odd way. you both get to the front of the line and dale kindly pays for your water, the two of you walking to a secluded spot.

“did you need anything?” you ask wondering why he even followed you out in the first place when he could be enjoying the show.

“no, i didn’t need anything. i just wanted to chat with you, that’s all.”

he chugs his beer and throws it out in the trash next to you, walking away down a dark corridor without saying a word. he whistles as he walks with his hands behind his back, but his whistling is loud, a sign he clearly wants you to follow. or so you thought. you let out a sigh and throw your empty cup out before following his lanky frame down the hall.

dale pauses and turns, stunned to see you following. “well what’s this?” he grins and his blue eyes burn through you.

“oh, i thought-“

“you thought what?” he steps closer to you and backs you up against the wall. “you thought i wanted you to follow, didn’t you, you silly goose?”

he clearly fooled you on purpose just to see if you’d follow, his little scheme working. his finger brushes against your cheek and your breathing begins to pick up, someone exiting a side door catches you both off guard. “oh, hey dale!” they say giving him a wave. dale gives them a nod and wave in return watching them as they walk away. he looks back at you and shakes his head.

“you keep following me around like this, someone might think you’re a groupie,” he whispers as his hand travels down to your shirt, his index finger teasingly pulling at the v cut to see what you’re hiding in there. “although, the thought is enticing… my personal groupie, a little stage angel perched up on my speaker, how would that sound?”

you have no words, but your body is doing the talking. you can feel wetness gathering in your panties as he talks. dale can see it in your face that you want this as much as he does, but in a public setting? no way, but you were too stunned to move, too horny not to walk away. his hand slides down your body and towards your skirt, his eyes on yours as he stares at you from under his eyebrows.

“you like this, don’t you?” he whispers in your ear, his fingers wiggling inside the waistbands of your skirt and stockings. he scoffs when he gets to the waistband of your panties. “so many layers hiding that pretty pussy…”

he manages to get past your panties and he lets out a mocking gasp, a soft moan coming from you when his slender fingers play with your wetness.

“you do like this, my angel,” he chuckles while rubbing your clit, his curls dangling in your face as he towers over you. “was it the groupie talk? hm? me wanting you perched up on the speaker really got you going, didn’t it?”

you nod unable to form words as he now starts to finger you. you can’t help but bury your face into his chest to hide your moans as people left the show and pile in the lobby. his scent turns you on even more, the smell of cigarettes, light fabric softener, and patchouli filling your nostrils. you moan louder as his slender fingers play with your sweet spot, dale letting out a chuckle and keeping a look out for prying eyes.

“you always get this wet for strangers? or just knock off versions of marc bolan?” he teases clearly making fun of you for getting fingered by a complete stranger. “turn around.”

you watch as he sucks his fingers before turning and pressing your face against the cold wall, dale crouching behind you and folding your skirt up, tucking the fabric into your waist band to keep it up.

“dale,” you hiss as people walk towards the bathroom fifteen feet away from you both. your attention breaks away from them when he tears your stockings open. “hey!”

“ooo,” he moans as he sees the sight before him. “let’s see what you’ve been hiding under theses…”

you squirm some more as he pulls down your panties and spreads your asscheeks to get a view of your pussy from behind. dale lets out a deep groan and immediately buries his face into you, his nose pressing against your asshole as he laps over your soaked cunt. sloppy wet sounds fill the corridor as he eats you, his tongue making your legs weak.

“please,” you whimper as dale begins tongue fucking you, your eyes still keeping a look out as humiliation bubbles up inside you, but the pleasure was just too good.

he groans and keeps your asscheeks spread, trying to push his tongue deeper into you the best he could. he pulls away and sucks your lips while doing so, giving your clit a few licks.

“as juicy as a peach,” he whispers wiping your juices off his face. he gives your ass a slap and stands, his hard bulge pressing against you. “i have a surprise for you,” he giggles.

you hear him taking off his belt and unzipping his fly, his movements and the sounds coming from him told you all you need to know. you gasp softly as he roughly pulls your hips towards him, dale running the tip of his fat cock up and down your pussy, teasing you and preparing you for the massive stretch. he presses his tip at your entrance and immediately puts his hand over your mouth, the girth of his fat cock making you scream in both pleasure and pain.

“that’s it, my little groupie,” he grunts in your ear, his hand still covering your mouth as he thrusts nice and deep into you. “let me fill you up…”

he grips your hair and makes your back arch more, your moans and groans vibrating against his hand. his cock repeatedly hits your sweet spot and cervix, the feeling making your stomach tighten and your legs want to give out. you felt yourself getting closer, your pussy squeezing around him tightly making him grunt.

“god-fuck! you keep squeezing, i’m gonna fill you up before you can finish,” he growls in your ear as his hips collide against your ass. “relax that pussy…”

you moan and shake your head trying to buck him off as people were in line, still oblivious to what was happening. you wanted him to make you cum so bad, his size was something you never had before. you bounce against him trying to speed up the process and he moves his hand from your hair down to your tit, squeezing it and enjoying how full and squishy it is.

your orgasm gets closer and closer and your moans grow louder as dale pounds into you. you were getting sore from the pounding, but you squeeze even tighter and his cock twitches inside you. he pushes in once more and it triggers you both to cum, your tight throbbing cunt milking him as he pushes his cock deeper. he keeps his hand over your mouth as he pulls out, you still moaning and panting from the aftershock and your legs start to shake.

“you did so well for me,” he praises softly while removing his hand from your mouth, “i think next week you come to my gig at six, except before the show, i eat that pretty pussy while you sit on the speaker, how’s that?” he whispers while pulling your panties up and tearing your torn stockings away from your body.

“okay,” you reply, helping him tear the stockings from your body. you pull your skirt back down and turn to look at him.

“most girls tap out, but you did so well,” he coos while tucking his cock back into his leopard printed underwear and fixing his pants. “i’ll see you again, my little stage angel.”

he gives you a wink and nudges your jaw gently with his fist before walking off into the crowded lobby of fangirls and wanna be rockstars.

[bingbongsupremacy]

Protector

Pairing: John Murphy x Plus Size Reader

Warning: Cursing, reader insecurity, bullying reader about weigh, name calling

Summary: John saved you from some bullies, and now you feel like you owe him.

*Not Proof Read*

□□□□□□□□

The crash is chaos. My ears are still ringing from the impact, and the adrenaline surging through my veins makes every movement feel surreal. I stumble out of the drop ship, my knees shaking, my hands clutching onto the makeshift rail as if it’s the only thing tethering me to the ground.

When I finally make it outside, I’m overwhelmed by the blinding light and the sheer openness of it all. Earth. We’re actually on Earth. My thoughts spiral in a mix of awe and terror. The air smells different—fresh, but sharp, like it’s alive in a way the Ark never was. Around me, others are yelling, cheering, or arguing, the clamor of emotions colliding in the open field we’ve landed in.

That’s when I see him. John Murphy. He’s standing a few feet away, his expression a mix of irritation and disbelief. Our eyes lock for a fleeting moment. His gaze is sharp, piercing, like he’s sizing me up, and I’m suddenly hyper-aware of everything: the way my clothes cling to me awkwardly, the extra weight I carry, and the heat flushing my face. But just as quickly as our eyes meet, he looks away, his lip curling into something that might be a smirk or a sneer—I can’t tell.

I swallow hard and move further into the clearing, trying to shake off the feeling his glance left behind.

The day blurs as we all begin to sort out our roles. Some people, like Clarke and Bellamy, take charge, organizing groups and barking orders. I find myself gravitating toward the quieter tasks: gathering supplies, making myself useful without drawing too much attention. The truth is, blending in feels safer.

But safety doesn’t last long here.

I’m crouched near the edge of the drop ship, sorting through a pile of scrap metal to find anything usable, when it happens. A group of guys—big, loud, and clearly looking for trouble—hover near me, their laughter sharp and mean. My heart sinks.

“Hey, shouldn’t you be looking for food instead?” one of them jeers, his voice dripping with mockery. “You look like you’ve already had your share, though.”

My hands freeze mid-reach, and the words hit like a punch to the gut. I don’t look up, hoping they’ll just get bored and leave, but they don’t. Another one adds, “Careful, we might not have enough supplies if she’s around.”

Laughter erupts, cruel and cutting. My throat tightens, and I force myself to keep breathing, keep focusing on the task in front of me. Don’t cry. Don’t give them the satisfaction.

Their voices grow louder, and I feel my face flush with a mix of anger and humiliation. I’m desperate to think of something, anything to say, but my mind is blank. Their words start to blur together, and I feel like I’m shrinking under the weight of their mockery. Why can’t they just leave me alone?

“Why don’t you guys just back off?” Murphy’s voice cuts through the taunts like a blade. My head snaps up, and there he is, standing a few feet away, arms crossed, his expression a mix of irritation and anger.

The guys turn to him, momentarily surprised, before their laughter resumes. “Aw, look at Murphy, defending porky,” one of them mocks. “Didn’t know you had a soft spot, John.”

“Say that again,” Murphy growls, his voice low and dangerous. There’s a tension in the air now, thick and heavy, and I’m torn between wanting to run and staying to see what happens.

One of the bullies steps closer to Murphy, clearly unfazed. “What, you got a thing for her or something?” he sneers, shoving Murphy’s shoulder.

It happens so fast I barely register it. Murphy’s fist connects with the guy’s face, and the sickening crunch of bone echoes in the air. The bully stumbles back, clutching his nose, blood streaming between his fingers.

“You son of a bitch!” one of the others shouts, lunging at Murphy. The fight erupts in a flurry of fists and shouts, chaos unfolding before my eyes. Murphy holds his own at first, his movements sharp and precise, but the others quickly gang up on him.

My heart races as I watch him take a hit to the side, then another to the stomach. He stumbles but doesn’t go down, his expression defiant even as blood drips from his split lip.

“John!” I shout, panic lacing my voice as I scramble to my feet. The sight of him, already bleeding but still fighting, twists something deep in my chest.

Just when it seems like the fight might spiral out of control, Bellamy’s voice booms from the other side of the clearing. “Cut it out! Now!” His men rush in, pulling Murphy and the others apart. Murphy’s lip is split, his knuckles bloodied, and he’s limping slightly as he steps back, but his glare is unwavering.

“Idiots,” Bellamy mutters, shoving the group apart before turning to address the camp. “We don’t have time for this crap. Get back to work.”

I approach Murphy cautiously as the crowd disperses, my heart still racing. “Are you okay?” I ask, my voice quieter than I intend. He shrugs, wincing slightly.

“I’ve had worse,” he mutters, but there’s a spark in his eyes that makes my stomach flip. I motion for him to follow me, and he does, albeit reluctantly.

We settle near the edge of the clearing, away from prying eyes. I pull a cloth from my bag, dousing it with water from a nearby container, and carefully press it to his split lip. He flinches but doesn’t pull away.

“You didn’t have to do that,” I murmur, focusing on his injuries to avoid meeting his gaze.

“Yeah, I did,” he replies, his tone softer than I expect. “I don’t like seeing pretty girls getting fucked with.”

The words catch me off guard, and I freeze, my cheeks burning. “Pretty?” I echo, barely above a whisper.

He smirks, despite the pain. “Don’t act so surprised.”

I bite my lip, trying to steady the butterflies in my stomach. “Well, you still didn’t have to. I… I would’ve been fine.”

“I wanted to,” he says simply, his eyes locking with mine. They’re softer now, but there’s still that fire, that edge that makes my chest ache in the strangest way.

Later that night, I find him limping back toward his tent. He’s clearly still sore, and I can’t help but feel a pang of guilt. I rush to his side, steadying him without asking, and he doesn’t protest.

“Where are you staying?” he asks as we near his tent.

I hesitate. “I… I don’t know yet. I haven’t figured it out.”

He stops and looks at me, something unreadable in his expression. “If you want… you can stay here with me. At least for the night, until you find something better.”

I blink, caught off guard by the offer. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah,” he says, shrugging like it’s no big deal. “Come on.”

Inside, the tent is modest but functional. He pulls out a few extra tarps and blankets, and for a moment, I think he’s going to hand them to me. Instead, he moves to the side and builds a makeshift nest on the ground.

“You can stay on the bed,” he says, gesturing to a crude structure made of wood and tarp.

“But you… you’re hurt. You should take it,” I protest.

“I’m fine,” he insists, settling into his makeshift spot. “Just take the bed.”

Reluctantly, I do, but the guilt lingers. As I lie there, the space between us feels both too small and impossibly vast. My heart races as I glance at him, his silhouette illuminated faintly by the moonlight seeping through the tarp.

I’ll make this up to him, I think, the thought echoing in my mind as sleep pulls me under. Somehow, I’ll make this up to John Murphy.

----

The next morning, I wake before the sun has fully risen, the soft light filtering through the tent casting everything in a muted glow. My body aches slightly from the unfamiliar bed, but it's nothing compared to the guilt twisting in my stomach. Murphy’s breathing is steady, his figure barely moving in his nest of blankets. For a moment, I just watch him, my thoughts racing.

How do I repay someone like John Murphy? He’s not exactly the type to accept a thank-you note or some grand gesture. And yet, I can’t just let this go. He stood up for me. No one’s ever done that before.

I decide to start by making myself useful. By the time Murphy stirs, I’ve already gathered some extra supplies—scrap wood, pieces of metal, and anything else I could scavenge that might help fortify his tent. It’s not much, but it’s something.

“What are you doing?” his voice startles me as I crouch near the entrance, sorting through the pile of things I’ve collected.

I glance up to find him leaning against the makeshift doorframe, his hair tousled and his bruises more pronounced in the morning light. Despite everything, he still manages to look effortlessly confident, like he owns the space around him.

“I thought I could fix this place up a bit,” I mumble, gesturing to the tarp-covered structure. “You know, to say thanks.”

He snorts, limping over to me. “You don’t have to do that.”

“I know,” I say quickly, standing to face him. “But I want to. You helped me… now let me help you.”

For a moment, he just looks at me, his eyes narrowing slightly like he’s trying to figure me out. Finally, he shrugs. “Suit yourself.”

I spend the day patching holes in the tarp, reinforcing the wooden frame, and even managing to scavenge enough materials to build a small windbreak on one side. Murphy mostly watches, occasionally tossing out sarcastic comments about my handiwork but never outright stopping me. Despite his gruff demeanor, I catch him glancing at me with something that almost looks like amusement—or approval.

That evening, as we sit by the small fire outside his tent, the tension between us feels different. Lighter, maybe.

“Not bad,” he says, nodding toward the newly fortified tent. “For a beginner.”

I roll my eyes but can’t help the small smile tugging at my lips. “Glad it meets your high standards.”

He chuckles, the sound low and warm. “Seriously, though. Thanks.”

I glance at him, surprised by the genuine note in his voice. “You’re welcome,” I say softly, my cheeks heating under his gaze.

The fire crackles between us, and for a moment, the world feels still. Safe. But then Murphy shifts, leaning closer, and the air grows heavy again.

“You didn’t have to do all that,” he says, his voice quieter now. “I’m not exactly… the easiest guy to be around.”

I laugh softly, shaking my head. “Yeah, I’ve noticed.” His smirk returns, and I add, “But you’re not as bad as you think you are.”

He raises an eyebrow, leaning back and stretching his legs out in front of him. “Careful. Keep talking like that, and I might start to believe you.”

Something about the way he says it makes my chest ache. I want to say more, to tell him that he’s more than he lets on, but the words catch in my throat. Instead, I settle for silence, letting the moment speak for itself.

Later that night, as we settle into the tent again, I catch him watching me from his spot on the ground. “You know,” he says, his voice casual, “you don’t have to keep trying to pay me back. We’re even.”

I shake my head, lying back on the makeshift bed. “We’re not even,” I say firmly. “Not yet.”

He smirks, rolling onto his side to face me. “You’re stubborn, you know that?”

“So I’ve been told,” I reply, my heart skipping a beat as his gaze lingers on me.

As the silence stretches between us, I realize something: this—whatever is happening between me and John Murphy—isn’t simple. It’s complicated and messy and far from perfect. But as I close my eyes, the thought that echoes in my mind is clear.

I’m not done making this up to him. Not by a long shot.

-----

Here’s how the story could continue:

It’s been weeks since I first shared Murphy’s tent, and somehow, we’ve fallen into a routine. By now, the camp feels less chaotic, though tensions still run high. Murphy has wormed his way into Bellamy’s inner circle, his sharp tongue and quick fists earning him a reputation as someone not to mess with. Meanwhile, I’ve kept busy scavenging, helping around the camp, and doing my best to stay out of trouble.

Sharing the tent has become oddly… comfortable. Murphy’s sarcasm is as biting as ever, but I’ve started to notice a shift. He flirts now, subtle but deliberate, his words often laced with a teasing edge that leaves me flustered. Sometimes he touches me—just small things, like his hand brushing mine when he hands me something or his shoulder bumping against me as we sit by the fire. Each time, it sends a jolt through me, a warmth that lingers long after the moment has passed.

One evening, Murphy doesn’t meet me by the fire like he usually does. My stomach twists with unease as I make my way back to the tent, a small bundle of supplies in hand. When I step inside, I find him lying on the bed, pale and shivering despite the warm air.

“Murphy?” I set the supplies down, kneeling beside him. His eyes flicker open, glassy with fever, and he groans.

“Don’t feel so great,” he mutters, his voice hoarse.

I touch his forehead and immediately pull my hand back—it’s burning hot. Panic prickles at the edges of my mind. “You’re burning up. What did you eat?”

He grimaces, his head lolling to the side. “Some berries… thought they were fine.”

My heart sinks. I should’ve checked what he was eating.

“Stay here,” I say, though it’s clear he’s not going anywhere. I rush out to grab water, clean cloths, and anything else I can think of to help. When I return, he hasn’t moved, his breathing shallow and uneven.

I soak a cloth in the water and press it to his forehead, my hands trembling. “You’re an idiot, you know that?” I whisper, though my voice wavers with worry. “You scare off those guys like you’re invincible, but you can’t even tell which berries are safe to eat?”

He lets out a weak chuckle, his lips curving into a faint smirk despite his condition. “Can’t help it… I’m a badass.”

“Yeah, sure,” I mutter, but my chest tightens as I dab at his face, trying to cool him down. His eyes flutter open, and the way he looks at me—soft, vulnerable, and so unlike his usual sharpness—makes my heart skip.

“You’re pretty when you’re worried,” he murmurs, his voice barely audible.

I freeze, heat rushing to my face. “You’re delirious,” I say quickly, focusing on wringing out the cloth.

“Maybe,” he says, his smirk faint but present. “Still true.”

The night drags on, and I stay by his side, wiping his forehead, making him sip water when he can manage it. At some point, he reaches for my hand, his grip weak but steady, and I let him hold it, my heart thudding in my chest.

By morning, his fever finally breaks. He’s still pale and weak, but he manages a tired smile as I sit beside him, exhaustion weighing heavy on my shoulders.

“You took care of me,” he says, his voice rough but steadier than before.

“Someone had to,” I reply, brushing a strand of hair from my face.

“You don’t owe me anymore,” he says, his gaze locking with mine. “We’re even now.”

The words catch me off guard, and I falter. “What?”

“You patched me up,” he says simply. “You were there for me when I needed you just like I was there for you when you needed me.. You don’t have to feel guilty or try to make it up to me anymore.”

For a moment, I can’t speak. Then I let out a soft laugh, shaking my head. “Fine. We’re even.”

His smirk returns, stronger this time. “Good. Now I can ask you out without you thinking it’s some kind of debt repayment.”

My breath catches, and I stare at him, stunned. “What?”

“You heard me,” he says, his smirk widening despite the faint flush creeping up his neck. “I like you. So, what do you say? Dinner by the fire tonight? I might even scavenge something decent.”

I blink, my heart pounding. “You’re impossible,” I mutter, but a smile tugs at my lips.

“Is that a yes?”

I bite my lip, unable to stop the warmth spreading through me. “Yeah. It’s a yes.”

His grin is worth every sleepless hour of the night before.

[xclowniex]

This might be a bit random, but I remember you posted about moving into a new apartment a while back. I’m moving next month, and it’ll be my first time living on my own. I’ll be by myself, and honestly, I have no idea how to clean. If you have the time and energy, could you explain where to start? Sorry if this is super random—it’s just feeling a bit overwhelming!

Hey! no need to apologize, we all gotta start somewhere. I would be happy to help.

The first thing you should know is which tasks are monthly, weekly or daily tasks. Some thinsg get dirtier quicker than others so need to be done weekly. Daily usually just help keep things tidy rather than clean and mothly is for the things which get dirty but not quickly.

There is one exception to this which are your walls, which should be wiped down once to twice a year with some general purpose spray.

Monthly tasks: Oven Stovetop Rangehood Microwave Fridge Skirting boards

Shwer curtain (if you have one)

When you move in, depending on the previous tenent, the oven might take a while with that first clean, but after that, it shouldn't take too long to do each month.

What you want to do is remove the racks and let them soak either in the sink or bathrub with some hot water and dishsoap. Get a cleaning product like designated oven cleaner or jif (jif is the best multi purpose thing out there), and put some in your oven. Use a cloth or sponge to spread it around and let it sit for 5 minutes. You an do another task whilst it marinates. Then you want to get something to scrub with. A brush or the green side of a sponge or even a scrub daddy all work well, and scrub the entire oven. Then get a damp cloth and wipe away the cleaning product, rinsing and wringing out the cloth as you go. If the oven has some subborn spots, repeat until you are happy with it. Lastly, return to your oven racks, scrub with a dish brush or tooth brush and if there is still stuff, get some jif and use that.

With the stovetop, you should be wiping it down after every use, but things do get stuck to it, which is normal and okay. So you want to get jif or another similar product, squirt it on and spead it around, let it sit. Then scrub and wipe off similar to the oven.

With the rangehood, there is a filter you need to remove. If you are having trouble, find the brand and try and find the manual online to see how to remove it. Usually there is a clip you press back to unlock it out of place and remove it, with some there is no clip and you just press it into one side to free the other side and remove it. Wash it like you wash dishes, dry and put back in.

With the microwave, like a multi purpose spray bottle cleaner should work. Remove the spinning place and the wheels and wash those like you do the dishes. Spray the microwave and wipe down. Return the innards of the microwave and put it back in place.

With the frisge, remove all your food. The shelves should be removable so you want to remove them and once again clean them like you do the dishes. Whilst those are drying in the drying rack, get your multi purpose spray cleaner and spreay the sides, bottom and cieling of your fridge, and wipe it down. Then replace all the shelves and put your food back. If you have a minifridge with a built in freezer, you will need to defrost the freezer, do this step before putting the shelves back. To do this you want to turn your firdge off, get hot water and pour it in to melt the ice. Then use something like an old ID to leverage the ice off of the surfaces. Repeat till all the ice comes off. Does help to have a big bowl to chuck the ice into before putting it in the sink to melt. Dry off everything and then wipe it down with spray and then put everything back in.

Skirting boards get dusty often. Grab a wet rag or dust sponge from scrub daddy, wet it, and wipe the skirting boards. If they are particularly bad, before doing this, most vaccuums come with a presicion nozzle which you replace the head with. Use this then wipe down with a wet cloth.

Shower curtains are often neglected. Remove the plastic curtain from the rail gently. Remove any hooks or rings, so they don’t get caught in the rinse cycle. Add mild detergent, baking soda, and vinegar to the washing machine. Start a 15-minute cycle in gentle settings. Once done, drain the excess water and let the curtain dry in the fresh air and then put back.

Weekly tasks: Shower Bathroom sink + mirror Toilet Surfaces Floors

The shower is pretty simple. There are two ways to do it. The first is the most basic which is get some shower cleaner and a sponge like a scrub daddy. Spray the shower cleaner on the walls and floor of the shower, and if it has a shower dome, the inside of that too. Let it sit for a few minutes then wipe it down. The second way cleans it much better in my experience. Still do the same as above, but before it, use some dish soap and a cloth and clean it that way. It just helps get rid of the grime whilst the shower cleaner kills the bacteria. The after that, spray the shower head (all sides), the tap, and the outside of your shampoo and wipe with a damp cloth. Mold loves the outside of your shower products so that step is very important. Then remove the drain if possible, bring it to the sink and remove any caught hairs and flush those down the loo. Rinse and then spray with shower cleaner and wipe and then put back. Turn the shower on to rinse off the cleaning product.

If you have a glass door, spray with glass cleaner and wipe. Do also have a squeegee to wipe down after every shower to prevent marks on the door.

If you have a shower curtain, refer to monthly cleaning.

Sinks are pretty easy too. Just spray with bathroom cleaner, just the all purpose spray, wipe and you are done. Make sure to do the taps, the visable part of the drain and around the overflow hole. With the mirror, spray with glass cleaner and wipe with a paper towel to prevent streaks.

Toilet is simple too. all bathroom stuff is simple. Spray both sides of the lid and seat and wipe. Spray the top and outside of the bowl and wipe. Also spray and wipe the back of the bowl which is hard to get to. Get toiley clearner and put it in the bowl. Get a toiley brish and scrub the inside. Once done, hold the brush near where the water comes from and flush to rinse. Then to let the brush dry, hold it over the bowl so the brush is hovering overe the toilet and the handle is sticking out paralell to the ground, then put the toilet seat down to hold it in place. Let it dry for a few minutes before removing and putting it back in its holder.

Surfaces - you gotta dust your surfaces and polish any wood ones. Get a damp duster for featehr duster and sweep it on your surfaces. I reccomend this step before floors so you can vaccum the dust now on the floor. If you have wood surfaces that arent cheap plywood, get some wood polish and a designated microfiber cloth, spray onto your cloth and wipe your wood surfaces with it.

Floors - Vaccuum all floors, including tile, wood, inyl, lino, etc. Then on non carpet floors, get a brush. I personally use the brush attachment on my steam cleaner, but a nail brush is good if you have small areas of non carpet floors as it is very comfortable to hold, or a designated sweeping brush works if you have large areas of non carpet. Get some dishsoap and some warm water, scrub your floors and then get a bucket of water and a mop, and mop up the water on the floor. Please note that if you live in a studio apartment, you may have to vaccuum more than once a week. You track in x amount of dirt each day and have Y amount of space. X amount of dirt will stay the same regardless of how much space (Y) there is. If space (Y) is small, the first is more noticable as there is less room for it to be spreadout.

Daily tasks: Dishes Kitchen surfaces Nightly reset/General surfaces

Try to do your dishes daily. You don't need to do every single dish you use every day, but there is nothing like waking up to no dishes to do. You gotta do them eventually, why not do them each day than be forced to do them when you have no clean dishes left. You should be scraping off your plates over the bin and then rinsing them under the tap before hand washing then or putting them in the dishwasher. This helps keep your sink clean and just makes the plates easier to clean for both you and your dishwasher if you have one.

Kitchen surfaces refers to your bentops, stove AND sink. Wipe alldown after evry use with general purpose kitchen sprace and a cloth. If you do this every day, your kitchen bench and sink never get dirty enough to warrant a weekly clean.

This last bit helps if you are like me and "I forgor" a lot. I often will use something, go "i will put that away once I do this other thing" and forget. Every night, make sure to put things where they belong either on a shelf, in a draw, lined up on a table, in the bin, etc.

Other tips

Moistruize your hands after using cleaning products. They can dry out your hands.

Motivation to clean can be hard. Find a chore you can do like dust, or do your laundry to get you into the cleaning mood aka in the headspace to do related tasks to the task you start with. Even promising yourself that you will just do one small task and stop if you don't want to do anymore can help with motivation. For me, doing the laundry makes me wanna clean the rest of the apartment. And vacuuming takes me like 5m to do as i live in a studio so doing that help me go "well i just vaccuumed so I might as well do the shower. I did the shower so I might as well do the sink, etc". This works for me and might not for you and is fine. Finding something whiuch does helps greatly.

Figure out if you are a split the weekly chore between days person or a do it all in one day person. If you suffer with chronic pain or in general, splitting things up can help. So monday you do the shower, tuesday the sink and toilet, wednesday the vacuuming, etc. I myself am a do it all in one go type of person, so I clean on Sunday as it is the end of the week here and in my mind, starting the week with a clean apartment sounds nice.

Cover your food in the microwave. Not everyone does this, which is weird to me as my mum was anal about this growing up. But put a paper towel over your bowl or plate to catch the splatters your food creates when the liquid gets hot and explodes into steam. That sounds far more intense than what actually happens as it happens on a very small scale, but covering your food helps there not be stuck on food in your microwave.

[lilchibi-chan]

cuddles w channie

With work and school, life was becoming overwhelming. Too much to bare in some moments.

Some days, you felt like you were just floating above your own body and watching the world as it moved around you. Bodies just merging and moving together.

You felt yourself burning out and not knowing how to fix it or make it better.

You tried distracting yourself by hanging out with friends or doing your favorite hobbies, but your focus for even doing those things became less and less.

Tonight, you’re working on some homework when you get a FaceTime call from Chan.

You pick up and he’s smiling his beautiful smile

“Hi,” he says, his big smile flashing at you

“Hey,” you say, sending a smile back his way

“Whatcha dooooin,” he asks causing a small giggle to escape you

“Just trying to get some work done..and sadly failing,” you say, then look down at the keyboard of your computer

“You okay,” he asks while adjusting his posture

“Yeah, it’s just been a bit of an overwhelming time,” you say, your voice getting shaky

“It’s been so hard to focus and I really don’t wanna fail my classes. I don’t want to let my parents down. I don’t want to let myself down, but I’ve been trying so hard to balance everything and fix it and nothing is working. I just…I just don’t know what to do anymore,” you say, tears slowly fall from your eyes

“Hey, it’s okay to feel this way. To feel overwhelmed. To start to feel burnt out. It’s just your body’s way of telling you to take a step back. We all have deadlines and work and all these other things that can take over our lives and ya know even I can feel overwhelmed and I still try and push through it but it can also effect your health really badly. Your health should come first,” he says

“I know…it’s just hard,” you say, wiping tears from your face

“Ya know what, I’m coming over,” he said

“Wh-Chan you really don’t have to, it’s fine…I’ll be okay,” you say, knowing he’s probably tired

“Y/N, I’m fine. I’m coming over and you’re gonna take a break,” he says and hangs up

You look at the computer screen for a moment and let out a small laugh. You go back to doing homework and research until he arrives.

About half an hour later, your door bell rings, removing you from your trance the computer screen has you in.

You unlock the door and Chan has bags of snacks, food and drinks.

“What’s all this,” you ask surprised

“I told you when I got here that you would be taking a break, so I bought all your favorite things,” he says walking into your house and taking off his shoes

You smile and thank him for the stuff. You take everything into the kitchen and put some things away and keep some stuff out.

“So what’s the plan, Chan”

He laughs a little at the rhyming you did with his name.

“Well,” he says placing his hands on the kitchen counter,“we are gonna watch your favorite movies and you have all your favorite snacks here to help you relax.”

You smile and grab the bag of snacks.

“Woah woah woah, where are you taking that,” he says, stopping you in your tracks

“My…room,” you say, slightly confused

“No no, no more bedroom. You have too much going on in there and I don’t want you to be tempted to go back to work,” he says walking closer to you, eventually closing the space

Your breath quickens a bit with him being so close to you.

He takes the bag from your hand and takes it to the living room.

He then takes you by the shoulders and guides you to sit on the couch.

“Don’t move,” he says

“Okay,” you laugh out

A couple minutes later, he returns with blankets and pillows and a huge, warm smile.

You get up to help him set up everything on the couch, the he sets up the table and tv. He pulls out your favorite movies from the tv stand and you decide which one to watch first. He pops the dvd in and joins you on the couch.

He gets comfortable and then holds his arms out.

You look at him and scoot closer to cuddle with him. He closes his arms around you and it feels like what you’ve been needing all along. You felt safe. You felt seen.

He rubbed your arm, up and down, then eventually moved to rubbing small circles on your temple and the side of your head.

The combination of this, listening to his heartbeat and feeling his chest rise and fall was starting to make you feel sleepy.

You snuggle deeper into him and he holds you a bit tighter, further comforting as you adjust. You close your eyes and drift off to sleep without realizing.

Chan kisses the top of your head and rubs small circles where his lips previously were. He waits for you to be fully asleep before turning of the tv, trying not to disturb you too much and joins you in sleeping, still holding you close.

Hope you all enjoyed this and I hope it lifts your spirits if you’ve been feeling a bit down.

CHANNIE IF YOU SEE THIS, NO YOU DIDN’T!!! I KNOW YOU SEE EVERYTHING BUT YOU DID NOT SEE THIS!!! (this is a joke btw, I don’t think he’ll see this ever)

[miss-tc-nova]

With Reckless Choices - Leona Kingscholar x Reader Pt 5

Yes, I'm aware my premise descriptions suck. I don't know how to write these things without giving away the whole damn plot. Sorry.

Premise: Leona exposes some weak points

Words: 1,951

Music Inspirations: Forget You Now - Big Time Rush

~~~The Consequences of Petty~~~

               Fists clench tight enough they might draw blood, not that I care. Right now, the only thing that matters is getting as far as I can away from the royalty. It takes every shred of self-control I have not to fly through the halls and slam my bedroom door behind me, but I manage. Though the lock clicks harshly.

               Immediately, my hands reach beneath the mattress for my phone, his face lighting up the lockscreen. Even as the words blur in my sight, I tap away.

               Instant regret sets in. I shouldn’t have sent those. However, before I have any chance of taking back my tantrum, I see the dots pending a response.

               I really shouldn’t have done that, but it’s too late to take it back now. Pacing the room, I scramble to compose my frustration. But even as I do, another message comes.

               He’s in the midst of typing more, but I do as he asks.

               I know it’s not, yet I still have responsibilities. But I’ve also crossed a line that’s not easy to take back. The tears won’t stop dripping and the anger bubbling in my chest brings about pathetic hiccups.

               Magic easily whisks me far away from my offenders, granting me instant access to the room of my lion. Immediately, I plop onto his bed, trying to focus on his remnant scent rather than the events leading to my impromptu visit.

               Then Leona arrives, door nearly slamming shut and the lock taking hold.

               “What happened?” Straight to the point.

               I groan at the trouble I’ve cause. Wiping my face feels futile but I hate to have him see me like this. “It’s nothing. I just felt a little overwhelmed at the fitting and got put in my place. Honestly, by now one would think I’d be used to how they treat me.”

               In my best efforts, I put on a smile. Leona does not return the sentiment. Instead, anger seethes off him. Reaching out, I let the man pull me back on my feet. He’s suspiciously quiet, but lets me step into his arms to hide my face and quell my resentment.

               The next few hours pass in much better company. I dwell not on what happened but on this moment with Leona and, soon enough we’re up to our usual catty antics.

               A hand lifts to cover my mouth as I laugh. “Active reform isn’t a term I would immediately associate with you. Sorry Leo.”

               “Yeah yeah.”

               His chin rests on my shoulder. Above Sunrise City, Leona and I peer across the night-addled capital of his country. From the balcony of his room, the wondrous city of civilization and wilderness begins to settle as lights set aglow across the land. It’s so vastly different from my own, but perhaps that’s why I find it so intriguing.

               “But hell, Kifaji keeps riding me about making myself useful as a member of the royal family, then immediately shuts down whatever I say.”

               “Well stuff that crochety old bird.” I love that baritone laugh in my ear. “I think you’d make a decent king.”

               “’Decent?’”

               It’s my turn to laugh. “Come now. You know you need someone to temper that ego of yours. Or at the very least convince you to get out of bed.”

               “Oh yeah? And I bet you think that someone’s you, right?”

               I can’t fight the smile on my lips.

               His head bumps against mine. “Now who’s got an ego?”

               “Probably still you.” Reflexively, I lean into his affection. “But I know you could do great things—whether or not you’re king. You could change lives for the better.”

               “I’m not sure my ego is that big.”

               I laugh. “It’s true. You changed mine.”

               There’s a lapse in his response. Suddenly, my heart hitches. Leona’s nose skims my neck, goosebumps creeping across my skin as warm breath whispers against it. My fingers slide into his hair, encouraging his attention. However, at the feel of his fangs, kind fingers turn cruel, pulling him off.

               “Leonaaa,” I warn lowly. A breathy growl retorts. “We talked about this: no marks.”

               Retreat comes with a huff. “One of these days you’re gonna leave here marked head to toe.”

               “Yeah right.” Turning in his grasp, I press a finger to his chest. “You, on the other hand, are free and clear to be marked.” That harlequin gaze closely follows the tongue that traces my lip. “I quite like the sound of that. Great and mighty Leona Kingscholar—marked as mine.”

               “You’re outta yer mind.”

               “Come now.” A line drawn from his collar to his jaw using my tongue causes tension in him. “Wouldn’t it be so lovely on that beautiful skin of yours. Let me show you my desire—just a taste of the things I want to do to you.”

               Our proximity is the only reason I detect the quiver in his exhale. “You could at least fight fair.”

               “Oh you can’t fool me. I bet you’re thrilled. You can’t wait to feel my mouth on you.” It’s his turn to bristle with goosebumps while my lips ghost across his neck. “Because I know you’re dying to know what I would do. Isn’t that right?”

               Surprise and pride fuel my lust when the haughty man has no answer. So I make good on my words.

               The feel of his hands digging into my back as I latch onto his neck is so gratifying. Spiced citrus fills my nose while my tongue presses against the spot I chose. This time, the shudder that escapes comes more noticeably. With each little movement, Leona’s body betrays his cool composure. Even his voice gives away his weakness with each pitiful whimper he fails to contain.

               I could ride this high forever, coasting on the toxic fervor of having this man under my control. His strength, his power, his smarts, cunning, charm—his attention: all of it belongs to me. Everything I’ve ever wanted exists in this moment and I want more.

               I really never had a chance.

               My hold breaks, making way for my tongue to clean up the mess. Another shiver wracks his chest at the feeling. What’s left behind is a beautiful, violet stain against his olive skin. That mark along with his embarrassed expression—I couldn’t be more thrilled.

               “What’s wrong, Leo,” I purr, tracing my work with a finger.

               Ears flat, eyes clenched shut, Leona recomposes himself. When he turns on me again, I’m met with a gaze of burning hunger.  

               The rumble of his voice hits like a shot of adrenaline. “You’re gonna regret that.”

               My lips quirk. “I’d never regret claiming you.”

               His mouth descends on mine, that ravenous mouth devouring everything I offer and more. Lips crash together eagerly, stealing kiss after kiss. His tongue asks for no permission before finding its way into my mouth to claim all it can reach. Space no longer exists between us. That rapid thumping between us is no longer distinguishable and can only be described as our heartbeat. I thought that I wanted more, but Leona is demanding it.

               However, greed breaks softer than it began. It appears that predator’s façade is wavering though that spark of desire holds true. Hot breath mingles together, not a word breaking through. His brows furrow, almost conveying pain. That grip has only gotten tighter, even his tail coiling around my leg.

               I never could’ve prepared for his admission.

               “I love you.”

               My mouth hangs open, struck speechless.

               It’s hard to believe that this is the same man that so coyly convinced me to indulge in this taboo. All that haughty, smug attitude is gone, baring a brutal honesty that I’m sure he’s never shown before. My heart may just burst.

               Finally, some of that elation manages to respond.

               “I love you too.”

               Rather than another kiss, Leona pulls me flush against him in the purest embrace.

               This is where I belong.

               A buzzing sends my stomach lurching. Immediately, a hand flies to my pocket to silence the alarm. Disappointment immediately washes over us. I really don’t want to.

               “I should go…”

               His face nuzzles against my hair. “Or you could stay.”

               “I can’t. I have to attend dinner with some potential trade ambassadors. You know that.”

               His heavy sigh cracks at my heart.

               “Besides, I believe you also have some ambassadorial duties to attend to, right? Something with the Scalding Sands?”

               A groan is muffled in my shoulder.

               “Come on, Leona.” I encourage with an affection head bump.

               Reluctantly, the lion pulls away, his touch lingering against my skin until I’m physically out of reach. I already miss it. Poorly contained woe rolls off him, seeping into my weakened heart. This is always the worst part of our relationship.     

               “I’ll see you soon.”

               Thorough hands straighten my clothes. In some attempt to regain contact I’m sure, Leona reaches out to fix my hair for me. When his hand rests against my cheek, I smile.

               “Good night.”

               With a dip of his head, one last kiss graces my forehead.

               “Night.”

               It takes sheer willpower for me to turn away from the prince. In my usual fashion, I draw a line through the air. Sparks of magic trace my movement, parting space to insert a doorway to somewhere far away. Though my heart yearns to stay, I step through the portal into what is my bedroom.

               I peer back through the magic. Regret sits on his face as he watches. Unfortunately, this isn’t something I can change. Still, I hate to see him like this. With my hopes, I blow a kiss, elated to draw even the smallest simper from my surly lion before the portal closes.

               With that, I hastily strip of my clothes and bustle into the shower where I scrub my skin nearly raw. Wild wind whips across my skin in my haste to dry off and I pull on a new set of clean clothes. Once I’m clean and presentable, I pick up the bottle of perfume gifted to me and proceed to spritz generously.

               Lastly, before I leave the room, I retrieve the velvet box from the nightstand. Inside sits an intricate silver ring twisted with black meant to resemble briar thorns. At the top, a glittering peridot nestles among the strands. On my finger I slip the ring, just as someone knocks on my door.

               The usual guard, Silver, calls through the door. “Your highness, dinner is nearly ready and our guests are here.”

               “Thank you.”

               I follow the royal guard down to the dining hall where chattering can be heard. Introductions give names to faces and nations.

               As we make our way to the dining hall, one of our guests addresses me.

               “That is a lovely perfume you’re wearing,” she compliments.

               I rest a hand against the arm of the man at my side. “Thank you. I’m told it’s made from the briar roses grown in the castle’s very own garden. It was a gift.”

               “No doubt from your wonderful fiancé.”

               How easy it is to wear this comedy mask. “Of course.”

               The dragon speaks. “You’ve been wearing it quite a lot recently.”

               The slightest fear burns in my ears. “Unfortunately, I lost the bottle for some time in my closet and only just found it again.”

               I didn’t lose it.

               “I see.” He glances me up and down just once. “Then no doubt you’ll be needing more soon.”

               “Oh yes, that would be much appreciated.”

~~~~~

Part 6

Nova’s Twisted Wonderland Masterlist

[bloomzone]

I just read your post about discipline and woah -all the answers/solutions I’ve been hiding from myself, to sum it up. But, I’ve really been struggling lately because this year I started off with a lot of missing work because if procrastination and my teachers are still letting me turn it in thank goodness but now I’m always behind because I’m still catching up to what I haven’t done. I’ve also been really lazy with my routines. I guess since it’s already kinda messed up from staying up late doing the missing work I just don’t try. I guess my question is- how to be disciplined when your already behind (even in track I realized I don’t eat enough protein so I can barely do bench presses with just the bar now 😭). Thanks 💕

Hey pookie ! let’s take a deep breath together because it sounds like you’ve been carrying a looooot lately. Missing assignments, late nights, routines slipping—it’s tough.... And I get it, when you’re already behind, it can feel like you’re stuck in quicksand, trying to move but sinking further. First off, I want you to know this: you’re not alone, and you’re not a failure. You’re just in a messy chapter, and messy chapters are where the best stories start.

✒️.. you can turn this around. It’s not going to be perfect, and it won’t happen overnight, but small steps lead to big wins. You’re still here, you’re still trying, and that says so much about your strength. Let’s figure out how to get you back on track without piling more pressure on your shoulders.

Step 1: Forgive Yourself

You’ve made mistakes—we all do. Procrastination got the better of you, and now you’re playing catch-up. That’s okay. Take a moment to forgive yourself because guilt only drains your energy. Say this to yourself: “I messed up, but I’m learning.” That’s growth pookie

Step 2: Prioritize with Purpose

You’re behind, so let’s simplify. Write down everything you need to catch up on, then circle the top three most urgent things. Start with those. The goal isn’t to finish everything in one night—it’s to make progress one step at a time. Progress, no matter how small, is still progress.

Step 3: Set Tiny Wins

Instead of overhauling your entire routine, focus on small, achievable habits. Maybe it’s eating a little more protein at your next meal ?? finishing just one assignment today?? or going to bed 15 minutes earlier. Small wins build momentum, and momentum makes everything feel a little easier.

Step 4: Redefine Discipline

Discipline doesn’t mean being perfect. It means showing up even when things are messy. It’s writing that essay even if you feel unmotivated. It’s eating a snack with protein because your body needs fuel, even if you’re not “in the mood.” Discipline is just you showing up for yourself, one imperfect step at a time.

A Simple Reset Routine

you need to rebuild your days without overwhelming yourself that's the key!

Morning (exemple)

1. Drink a glass of water first thing.

2. Spend 5 minutes writing a short to-do list—no more than three things to focus on today.

3. Move your body for 10 minutes (a walk, light stretches, or just dancing to your favorite song).

4. Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast is IMPORTANT just if u can't eat eat an apple u need energy

Afternoon/Study Time (exemple)

1. Pick one assignment to focus on. Set a timer for 25 minutes and just start. When the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break. Then repeat if needed.

2. Snack on something with protein—nuts, yogurt, or even a boiled egg. Your body needs fuel to keep up with your mind.

Evening (exemple)

1. Spend 10 minutes tidying your space—it’s amazing how a clean desk can clear your mind.

2. Prep for tomorrow: lay out your clothes, pack your bag, and write down one thing you’re grateful for today.

3. Unplug 30 minutes before bed. Read, journal, or listen to music to help you wind down.

(u need to build ur own routine this is just an exemple to give u a push pooks )

Step 5: Be Kind to Yourself

This is a season of growth, not punishment. So when you feel like beating yourself up for being behind, stop. Instead, ask yourself, “What’s one kind thing I can do for myself right now that will help me move forward?” Maybe it’s closing TikTok and starting that assignment. Maybe it’s drinking some water and taking a quick walk to reset. Kindness doesn’t mean letting yourself off the hook—it means giving yourself the tools to succeed.

Step 6: Celebrate Every Effort

Turn every step into a victory. You stayed up late to finish an assignment? You’re working hard. You ate a little extra protein today? You’re fueling your body. You’re trying, and that’s worth celebrating. No effort is too small to count.

Remember your why .. why You’re Doing This ?

You’ve got dreams—big ones. That college, that job, that GPA, that version of you who feels strong and proud. They’re still within reach, but they need you to keep showing up. You don’t have to be perfect to get there—you just have to keep going, even when it’s hard.

I know this season feels heavy, but you’re stronger than you think. The fact that you’re still trying, still showing up, means you haven’t given up. And that’s everything. Be gentle with yourself but stay consistent. You’ve got this. One step at a time, you’re climbing your way back up I'M PROUD OF YOU !

@bloomzone 📇