#Ignore the wacky heights please....

[pugscoffee]

It's a me! The Princess! /( • u•)/ 🍄

They're going to a costume party together! 🥺

Based from this Twitter post!: https://x.com/marune53861024/status/1725520491413426235?s=20

[rwnjun]

foxies <3

this took me actual literal months to complete, i think i drew neil in february…… please ignore the differently sozed proportions/heads i drew them all in separate files and pasted them in here & scaled for heights lol so it's a bit wacky

i've already posted neil and andrew separately and i might post the others as well at some point :)

[echo-three-one]

Whatever It Takes

Sequel to A Forgotten Memory

Now facing an internal battle between her heart and mind, Samantha faces her fears and searches for the truth. Will she accept the past? Will she listen to her heart? Or will she let her memories get the best of her?

Chapter 10 to another story made by Ray (echo-three-one) Comments and Reviews appreciated! I hope you enjoy! Love you all ❤️

Previous Chapter : Roach - A SurPRICE Visit

What is this o.O

The Heart knows what the Brain Doesn't

Samantha Coleman

141's High Value Individual

Task Force 141 Base - General Shepherd's Office

The base was quiet. Everyone else fled off to their mission and all Samantha could think about is Alex. But why? Maxine told her he wanted to meet him, but Alex told her it's because she dropped her pendant. Whose story is she going to believe in? She could feel her heart beat differently ever since she saw him with General Shepherd. Her whole body except for her brain reacted to his presence. She even felt weak after slapping him, it's like her brain commanded it but her hands wanted to disobey. Who is he?

Maxine passed by with an apple she got from the kitchen counter.

"Sam, you okay?" she asked, biting the fruit and sitting in the chair across from her.

"I've been thinking… about how you knew Alex and how she knows me…" she sighed, it was relieving to let out all her bottled thoughts, especially that now they're both alone.

"Well, we met in a bar. Had a few drinks then showed me a photo of you." she said, holding her hand.

"I honestly believed he did know you and tried to lengthen the conversation, just so I know he's good enough and knows a lot. He actually aced the test but he was very drunk when I told her to meet again. After that He showed up the next day and I had to work. Whatever happened after my shift was- ow." she interrupted herself because of a minor pain from recalling her memories. She still hasn't been able to remember all of them, even after a lot of sleep.

"Yeah. That's about it on your side. Mine's just that… He looked creepy, his eyes felt like he was looking for me in a weird way and so I ran. After that life continued. You went on a leave and I resumed working." She supplied, staring at the grey walls of the mess hall.

"I wish I'd remember where I went on that vacation. It'd be cool." Max commented, crunching on another bite.

"My heart… beats differently when he's near. It's like he's really familiar." She whispered.

"Oh. Someone's been struck by the Cupid. He is attractive though. Without those ink, he'd probably be your type." Max teased, winking at her and nudging her. Samantha was serious, though.

"Look. I admit my heart feels something for him. It's a mix of guilt and longing. But why would I long for someone I just met?" She sighed and dropped her head on the table, groaning as her mind and her heart battled against the inconsistencies.

"Look. It's not too crowded here. Maybe we could do some research by their library!" Max suggested, creating finger guns and humming the Mission Impossible theme song as she stood up and went to the library. Samantha chuckled.

"So we're spies now?!" She placed a hand on her forehead as she followed her wacky best friend.

Maxine typed down Alex on the search bar, his public profile appeared and they began reading his file. It was all basic ideas, Nationality, Height, his name was redacted and they couldn't bypass it so they just ignored it and headed to the next term.

"CIA Agent Alex helped locate and detain CIA Mole." Samantha read with her mouth. Maxine quickly clicked the article and photos of her appeared on almost every page.

Unlike Maxine, these notes didn't hurt her mind except it hurt her heart that she treated him that way, after all this time. He was there to save her. He located you through Maxine to save you from the same captors that played with your brain months ago.

"Ooooh. It says here you two were safely housed in a remote safehouse for almost a month. Really Sam? Maybe something happened within that time? Can you please remember how he looked underneath those clothes. For me?" she giggled. Samantha knew she was joking but it was an honest possibility.

Could it be that she fell for the guy that saved her and sat with her for almost a month? Or the two of them fell in love? Her heart was racing as the possibilities overloaded her brain, her cheeks started to blush as her thoughts consumed her. This wasn't her mind talking to her, it was her heart. It's reminding her of Alex.

"Oh. Shit." Maxine muttered and Sam snapped back to reality, putting her hand on Max's shoulders and looked into the screen once again.

Due to a special favor promised by Samantha's father, he has authorized to apply an MK Ultra procedure to her, whose main intention is to Alter her memories of the IP Address along with the events that happened prior to kidnapping.

"You agreed to forget him?" Max looked at her, a frown formed as she started to console her.

"I guess so… Maybe something happened between us." She sobbed. She didn't want to cry, but the realization set in on her. They met, they bonded and she forced herself to forget him. No wonder Alex felt sad after being slapped.

"I want to ask him about us." Sam said with determination. Maxine liked the confidence but was also concerned about her feelings.

"What if you wanted to forget him, that's why you did it? Would you be ready to feel the sadness all over again?" Maxine asked. Samantha paused for a while. She made sense but her gut is telling her to push through her initial plan.

"I'm sorry Max, but I made my choice. I have to know everything about us, Whatever it Takes." she said.

"I'm here to support you. After all, you're the only memory I have left. They took everything. I don't know why but my memory began when I moved in. That's where my story started. Maybe there's a reason for it so, here I am for you. You're my family." she said, hugging her tight.

"Well, you could add a few more people in your family." she smiled.

"Yeah. It's full of tough looking brothers ready to protect us. And one soft Gary." she noted.

"He is a sweetheart, huh?" Samantha asked, getting a hint of something else from her.

"Well, he talks a lot and he gets me sometimes. It's a shame he's always out there saving the world." Max chuckled. Samantha froze.

"I know you want this to work..."

"This is our proposed digital art for our ad…"

"... and I know in my heart that I do too…"

"The colors need to be more vibrant!"

"...but I can't live loving you with worry in my heart..."

"I'm staying a little bit longer, See you tomorrow!"

"... and I don't want to be the reason that you'll stop saving the world. I know you want that. It's your job to. It's what you built your whole life to become..."

Her head started projecting two realities, it confused her. Which was right and which was wrong? She knew the work one was right, but the memories she just made right now while crying in front of Alex made more sense. Which was real? Which was fake?

"Sam! You okay?" Maxine snapped her fingers and Samantha blinked rapidly.

"I'm going crazy Max." she panted.

"What's wrong?" she consoled.

"My memories. They're all wrong. Why did I agree to this?" Samantha continued breathing heavily.

"Well, for starters. It's to forget that IP Address you memorized as a kid."

"But why did they change the recent ones too? Did I decide that my time spent with Alex is worth forgetting? Did he break my heart or did I break his?" She sighed. She knew for herself that she was unable to love again because of her loss, but what if Alex made it right for her? Alex did something that helped her move on? That's why her heart felt yearning for him?

"Sam. I'm no love doctor but if this really bothers you, you should talk to him. I have no idea when they'll get back but I'm looking forward to your resolution." She patted her shoulders and gave her a soft hug. Samantha felt like crying, but why?

~

After a while, Samantha actually had the courage to ask about Alex's whereabouts. Word has it that he's being redeployed to Germany to investigate another alleged Augustus base and that they had no idea when he'll be back.

This worries Samantha because they already heard about a transfer of authority, which in simple words meant : You're leaving the base. And that meant she won't see Alex anymore.

Maxine and Samantha sat on their beds at the infirmary to recover once again, both of them fell quiet as the news they got started to bother them. They already got attached to the people in the base and were sure that they're going to miss them. All they could do is hope that the team gets home before they leave the base.

“You think Alex will be okay?” Samantha shifted her sleeping position to Maxine, who was still awake humming to soothing melodies. Maxine shifted to face her too and smiled.

“You’re worried.” She teased, making her smile and giggle.

“Well, my heart told me I have to worry…”

“That’s normal. And don’t you worry ‘bout a thing… He’s a tough guy, remember? He’s trained to survive such harsh conditions. That’s what his file said, right?” She reminded Samantha, giving her an assuring smile. Samantha shrugged off her worry and closed her eyes. She started to imagine what it felt like being with him, based on information from his file. She can’t help but smile at her crazy idea. She felt like a teenager all over again, obsessing herself on fictional characters she watched on TV, since she could only base his personality on words alone. But she did remember how his cheeks felt, from the slap, and placed her palm on her cheek as well. It felt like he was with her and her heart felt excited as she awaited for his return.

Next Chapter : The Berlin Tower

NOTIFICATION SQUAD MY BELOVED ❤️

@smokeywhalee @enderio @samatedeansbroccoli @whimsywispsblog @beemybee @ricinbach

[talkfastromance4]

Castaway (l.h)

Summary: In which Luke is left broken and untethered from a toxic relationship and Michael’s younger sister visits bringing her own light into his darkness.

Warnings: toxic relationship tendencies (fighting, throwing things), panic attack, smut, some swearing and I think that’s all

Word Count: 16.9K

author’s note: I’m so excited to finally share this with you! I started this fic about like 6 months ago and I finally finished it! I hope you enjoy it and feedback is always welcome❤

donate to my ko-fi here :)

Masterlist

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

• • • •

Growing up it was undeniable the infatuation Michael’s younger sister Emmeline (Emmy) had for one of his best friends, Luke Hemmings. She was shy on principle but when Luke was around it increased by tenfold. She stammered a lot and blushed like crazy, which resulted in Michael teasing her about it in secret but never in front of his friends, even though they knew.

Emmy was sweet, innocent and so short compared to the four of them they graced her with the nickname of Pipsqueak, or Pip for short. When the band left to tour for the first time, Emmy missed her brother like crazy. Being so close to Michael for so long and watching him be halfway across the world was hard.

Both of them had grown up without the other, and it took a toll on Michael as well as Emmy because he adored his little sister and facetimed as much as he could or called her on the phone. He’d relay the boys’ greetings to her until all three of them appeared in the shot acting like the goofballs that they were.

Emmy tried to keep her gaze on all of them but she always ended up staring at Luke. More often than not he’d be staring at her as well, his crystal blue eyes zeroed in on her until Calum did something completely ridiculous thus snapping Luke out of his trance. She loved seeing the ghost of his infectious smile appear, and she adored his shyness because she related to it. And then she’d be right back laughing with her brother and his best friends while they did wacky stuff to make her smile.

When the band went on their hiatus, they still didn’t come home so Emmy flew out to them after Michael informed her they’d been writing again. She’d finished school and pursued a job in childcare.

It’s been almost three years since they went in the shadows but Michael promised something was in the works. At the end of the summer she’d be joining them to Bali as well which she was really excited about.

Walking through the terminal she looked around for a sign of her brother’s artfully colored hair over the crowd of average height people and she spotted him.

“Mikey!” she squeals running steadfast to her brother.

“Ems!” he shouts in the same demeanor, his arms open wide and she lunges into them. He lifts her up, her feet dangling in the air as the siblings hug after so long.

“You changed your hair,” they say at the same time when he released her then they laughed.

He went back to his natural blonde and she dyed hers a pretty dark brown.

“I like it, dark suits you,” he comments picking up a strand in between his fingers.

“Thanks,” she smiles then glances around. “Where’s Crystal?”

“Cleaning,” he chuckles, “she wanted the house to be perfect for you when you arrived. I told her it’s just you but she wouldn’t listen.”

Emmy pouts, she hates when people go over the top for her, it’s not necessary and completely not worth the trouble.

“She didn’t—“

“I know,” Michael closes his eyes sighing. “Come on, people are beginning to notice me.”

“My brother the rock star,” Emmy smiles proudly but follows him as he takes her bags. The rest will be delivered to his house, she’s staying with him and Crystal for the summer and traveling to Bali with them and the boys.

“Other rock stars are excited to see you, too,” Michael mentions once they’re buckled in his car.

“I’m excited to see them, too,” Emmy smiles shaking her leg as if to showcase her anticipation. One in particular.

“If Luke seems a bit . . . standoffish, it’s not you. All right?”

“Because of what happened with . . . her?” Emmy makes a face.

Michael puffs his cheeks and blows the air out in exasperation. “Yeah. He’s been staying with Ashton. He’s still trying to bounce back to himself. Don’t say anything.”

“You know I won’t.”

“I know, you’re a good egg,” he reaches over and pinches her cheek, “Pipsqueak.”

•••••

Crystal is hugging Emmy before she’s even halfway through the door, Michael shuffling past two of his favorite people to bring in the luggage. Crystal is gushing over Emmy’s hair and telling her about the new sheets she got for her room because ‘you aren’t just a guest so it should be your room.’

“I’m so glad you’re here, the guys are coming over for a little welcome party for you. So if you need to take a nap or shower, please do, okay?”

“Okay, thanks Crys,” Emmy finally gets a few words in. She loves Crystal’s bubbly personality and it makes her a little more extroverted.

After her nap, Emmy heads downstairs and into the kitchen where she hears all the voices. When she enters, Ashton shouts “Pipsqueak!” and she’s bombarded with two tall men hugging and ruffling her hair.

“You haven’t grown at all, Pip,” Calum grins patting her head.

“Shut up,” she grumbles nudging his hand away but she’s laughing along with them. “You guys just have a weird genome make-up.”

“All right fancy pants,” Ashton chuckles. “Want a drink? We’re going out for the best steak in your honor but we need a drink beforehand.”

“Is that so?” she raises her eyebrows but follows them. She notices Luke standing off in the corner, his own mixed drink in his hand. Emmy falters when she sees him.

It’s been about 3 years and he’s grown. In many senses of the word. For one, he’s the tallest of the guys, even slouched over, his hair is a bit longer with hints of curls on the ends and he’s got a nice amount of facial hair. He’s still devastatingly handsome but Emmy can see the toll the breakup has had on him.

His eyes are bloodshot with dark circles underneath them, his cheeks are a little sunken in and his whole body language is screaming ‘despair.’ Emmy’s always been able to read the emotions off of others and it broke her heart to see Luke in this state. It made her uneasy but remembered what her brother said and forced herself not to draw attention to him but she gave him a small smile.

So instead, she pulled her attention back to Calum and Ashton who were fighting over what kind of drink Emmy would want.

“If you guys came home for my legal birthday you’d know I love Malibu and pineapple juice,” she teases.

Calum and Ashton look at each other then nod. “We’re ignoring that jab, Pip,” Ashton says, “but I’ll make that drink.”

From the corner of her eye, Luke’s watching the whole scene before him. She’s not hurt in the slightest from his lack of interaction, she can understand where he’s coming from. When he’s ready, he’ll make his presence known.

Hopefully.

After their cocktails are finished they head out to the restaurant. Luke somehow has a hat and sunglasses on as they enter the building. Clearly he doesn’t want his photo taken but the paparazzi are around and will take snapshots of what they want.

Emmy expected this, she prepared herself for the moment when the time came. But prepping your mind and actually experiencing it are two very, very different things. Instinctively, she went to Michael who tucked her under his arm immediately ushering her and Crystal past the photographers.

“I’d say you get used to it, but you really don’t,” Michael sighs.

“It’s fine,” Emmy shakes her head. But inside she was having a slight panic attack. How did they do this day after day? People calling your name and shoving a camera in your face?

Luke removed his hat and sunglasses following the group to the table in the private room upstairs. He hasn’t seen Emmy in a long time, but she’s still cute and tiny as ever. He wanted to say hi, he really did. He wanted to give her a hug and call her by the nickname they created for her, he really did.

But his wounds are still bleeding fresh and he doesn’t want to drop his toxicity on her who has always been her own little ball of light. He listened to the conversation, hummed or did a half smile at all the right parts. But lyrics and piano notes filled his head. He was itching to write but whatever he wrote always came out as garbage.

When dinner was over, they exited the restaurant but the photographers increased with some fans screaming. They all huddled together, with Luke bringing up the caboose and also right behind Emmy. He towered over her, and it’s because of that he noticed she was about to fall when he steadied her back on her feet. Some fans would do anything for a picture.

“Keep walking, Pip,” he told her still holding onto her waist to make sure she didn’t almost fall again.

Her head snapped to the side when the nickname slipped from his lips. She smiles up at him and without even thinking, Luke smiled back. Not a half smile but an actual smile. His long fingers hung lightly on her waist as he ushered her towards the car. He didn’t let go until she was safely in her seat, she flashes him another smile.

For the whole ride back to her brother’s house, Emmy’s skin still burned where Luke’s hands grabbed onto her. She’d thought after all these years, of her growing up, her crush on Luke had disappeared. But then he smiled at her and she was right back to where she started.

•••••

Luke has been in sort of a hazy daze since his horrendous break-up, he couldn’t sleep at his home so he crashed at Ashton’s a lot. Ashton kept him in check by watching his alcohol consumption and amount of weed he smoked, making sure it was kept at a minimal rather than a mess he did not want to clean up.

Ashton offered words of advice and encouragement but the youngest brother of his was like a shell, empty and void of color. When he looked at Luke, he paled in comparison to who he truly was. His exuberant color faded as soon as things began to go bad with Lea, they didn’t even get to be bad because it went straight to worse.

When they’d go out on the town it always ended with her stalking off with attitude and Luke would be his sweetest self, trying to figure out what was wrong. Then she’d get mad that he didn’t already know and they’d fight all the way back to his home, making the car ride extremely uncomfortable for the driver.

Then it went from worse to catastrophic at the snap of a finger, and it was at the fingers of Lea. She spit harsh words at him, degrading words, words that told him he was of no value and she finished her tirade with knocking over a potted plant and throwing a vase full of (now dead) flowers against the wall.

She threatened to leave him, and at that point Luke had no idea what the hell to do anymore so he let her. That caused another infamous Lea scene as she threw her things into a suitcase all while cursing his name and their relationship as she did so. Before she left in a tornado of cruelty, she yanked the chain around her neck that held Luke’s favorite ring he gave her and chucked it at him.

It hit his chest lightly, falling intricately and ironically into a figure eight at his feet. The door slammed and she was gone. And Luke was hollow.

It was nearing midnight when Ashton’s phone rang, Calum was over and they exchanged a look of worry when Luke’s face appeared on the screen. They knew it was something bad.

“Luke--?” Ashton answered right away but stopped when he tried to listen to his dear friend utterly breaking down. He could only get out a few choice words: left . . . Lea . . . gone . . . forever . . . necklace . . . fucking crazy . . .

Ashton did his best to soothe him over the phone all while motioning for Cal to call Michael and he picked up his keys.

He told Luke to breathe. He told Luke to count to ten and try breathing again. He told Luke he and Calum and Michael were on their way. He told Luke to hold on.

It was a disaster zone when they arrived. The big ugly potted plant (that Lea insisted on buying) was turned over on the floor, dirt spread everywhere. Broken glass scattered the floor as well, along with water and dead flowers and Luke was in the midst of destruction with his elbows on his knees and his face buried in his hands.

“Shit,” Ashton hissed running to him immediately. Calum called Michael again this time in a panic, his eyes wide at one of his best friends, his brother, coming completely unraveled in Ashton’s arms.

“Luke, Luke, listen to me, you can’t stay on the floor,” Ashton said trying to pry his fingers from his face. “Let’s go outside, yeah? You need fresh air.”

After some more coaxing, Luke finally heaved himself off the floor with the help of Ashton just as Michael came through the door. His eyes widened at what he saw, Ashton nodded to the mess then to them before ushering Luke out in the back. His hold on the younger boy’s shoulders were strong and present, ready and able to catch him if he fell.

Calum and Michael got to work right away cleaning up the mess Lea left behind. Michael picked up the necklace setting it on the countertop. They knew the mess was more than broken glass and spilled dirt, the mess was inside Luke because she worked her way in his psyche. The mess was far from being treated.

•••••

Luke had completely forgotten that Emmy would be coming to stay with Michael and Crystal, but he forgets things easily these days. He’s still in a fog but at least he’s not getting drunk and high every night now.

He made sure to watch his intake and stayed clear of weed, which the boys also cleared their stash because Luke was far more important than a momentary buzz. So when he arrived at Michael’s he was confused as to why they hadn’t left yet.

“Emmy’s still napping from her flight,” Crystal explained taking a sip from her pink wine.

As Luke’s face remained a state of confusion, four pairs of eyes stared at him helplessly.

“Remember, Ems is staying with us for the summer?” Michael asks slowly.

Not wanting to look like he was still shattered, Luke acted like he remembered.

“Oh, right I knew that. Forgot she got in today, that’s all,” he shrugged.

The relaxed exhale from them all eased him a bit, but he still felt like an idiot so he poured himself a glass of whatever was in front of him.

He shuffled to the corner, which has become his safe place lately. He’s still present with his company but he doesn’t have to keep talking and he’s thankful they gave him the space he needed. He didn’t really want to go out tonight, he wanted to go back home and sleep.

“Pipsqueak!” Ashton shouts very loudly it almost caused Luke to drop his glass.

When he looked up he saw Ashton and Calum hugging Emmy, he couldn’t see her though, Ash and Cal were like walls blocking his view. When they finally released her, Luke couldn’t help but stare.

The sweet girl he’d known growing up wasn’t present anymore. She was still tiny so her nickname they came up with still fit. Instead of her light blond hair like Michael’s, he was looking at a dark brunette and it really brought out her eyes which were a striking deep blue.

While Ashton chattered about what type of drink she’d like, Luke kept his eyes on them and Emmy kept glancing his way. He sucked in a breath ready to say a hello but she never brought him into the group.

At first he was hurt, was he really not that important for her to acknowledge him? Then when he caught her eye again she gave him a kind smile that was missed by everyone else but him. He exhaled gratefully, that greeting was enough.

When they were leaving the restaurant Luke cursed to himself in his head at the photographers that seemed to multiply, along with some fans. He ended up in the back by Emmy and he towered over her completely. Was she always that small? Luke couldn’t remember.

But his height came in handy sometimes, like now when he noticed her stumble slightly in front of him and before she fell on her face he reached out to prevent it.

“Keep walking, Pip,” the words slipped out of his mouth without missing a beat. She turned to look up at him and smiled which he also returned very easily. Her body was warm as he guided her a bit more quickly to the car.

When he helped her climb in, she shot him another smile but he didn’t reciprocate that one. He’d smiled twice that day, and each time was due to Emmy. He wasn’t quite sure what to make of that.

•••••

On the third day of Emmy being with her brother, she decided to make lemon poppy seed muffins, but with real lemons. Both Michael and Crystal took their respective cars to do whatever they had to do so she couldn’t drive to the store and get fresh lemons. Then she remembered Ashton had a lemon tree in his backyard.

When she texted him asking if she could use some, he told her absolutely but he was out shopping with Cal and told her Luke would be home so she could go right over. Emmy chewed on her bottom lip, she didn’t want to bother Luke but her need to have lemon poppy seed muffins was greater.

It took her nearly twenty minutes to walk to his house but it was a nice day so she didn’t mind too much. With a deep breath she knocked on the door and hit the doorbell. If he didn’t answer in the next twenty seconds, she’d call it quits and head back to her brother’s. When she counted to eight the door opened and revealed Luke still looking a little disheveled like last night.

Dark circles were still present under his eyes, and he just looked exhausted. He was wearing a white t-shirt and faded skinny jeans.

“Uh, hi!” Emmy greets her voice a little high. “Um, I’m making lemon poppy seed muffins but I don’t have a car or lemons and Ashton said I could take some from his tree and he said you were home. So . . .”

She said everything in such a rush Luke stares at her in confusion until her explanation marinates in his brain. She needed lemons.

“Yeah, all right.” He mumbles opening the door wider and lifting his arm up higher. “It’s in the back.”

She pauses for a moment waiting for him to move out of the way, when he doesn’t she ducks under his arm (though she could have easily walked normally because he was that tall) and enters the house. Emmy glances around at her surroundings before seeing a sliding door to the backyard.

The tree was a bit taller than her and it had a lot of lemons much to her excitement. She took care in picking the perfect ones, she needed six, then looked up at Luke as he shuffles in the opening.

“Do you have a plastic bag I can put these in?” she asks.

He nods silently then disappears back in the house. Emmy sighs feeling a little jaded at his silence but she reminds herself to give him space. She went through something similar with her most recent ex. Time does heal all wounds, it’s just annoying when you don’t know how much time exactly it will take.

When Luke returns she smiles a thank you and pours her gathering into the plastic. She loops the handles through her fingers stepping back into the house.

“Did you walk here?” he asks from behind. Emmy spins around to face him, his brows are pulled together.

“Yeah, it’s only a twenty minute walk,” she shrugs continuing her path to the front door.

“Hang on, I’ll drive you. My car’s out front.”

“Oh, no. Luke, you don’t have to—“

He already snatched his keys and brisked past her out the front door.

“All right, then,” she sighs following him. She makes sure to lock the door so no robbers come to Ashton’s house. She slides into Luke’s sleek black car and buckles herself in.

She doesn’t notice Luke smirk at that, it’s a ten minute drive did she really think they’d hit something? He doesn’t say anything and drives to Michael’s house.

He pulls into the driveway not bothering to put it in park.

“Thank you,” she says then stops when she’s halfway out. She looks back at him and asks, “Do you want to help me make them?”

“You’re—what?” he had his automatic response to say ‘you’re welcome’ ready but her question caught him off guard.

“Muffins,” she lifts the bag, “want to help me?”

He stares at her with his mouth open. She wanted him to stay and help make muffins? Why would she want him to help?

Why did he put the car in park and get out following the short girl inside?

She rolls the lemons out of the bag, catching the ones that were a bit more dangerous of rolling off the counter then she began prattling of directions for him to do. Luke had no idea why he listened, he had no idea how to make muffins from scratch. He sighs doing what she says, it’s better than being alone doing nothing.

“The glaze is the best part,” she says while she’s pouring the batter into the colorful muffin cups. “It’ll taste even better since we used real lemon. Did you know poppy seeds come up on urine tests as drugs?” she giggles at her little known fact and Luke smiles at her.

“I eat so many of these that I’d probably look like I’m on a constant high,” she continues as if his smile was enough of a response. Luke appreciates that.

When the pans are full she places them on the racks and Luke catches himself staring at her ass as she bends over, her jean shorts fit her perfectly. He averts his gaze back to the glaze he was mixing.

What the hell was that? Did he really just check out Emmy’s ass?

“Do you want some tea? We can sit outside while we wait for them to be done,” she says already pulling the pitcher from the fridge.

Luke clears his throat, “sure.”

He follows her outside to the patio, the pool water glistening in the LA sun and she sits on one of the chairs around the small bonfire pit. He sits in the one next to her and take a big gulp from his iced tea. It was perfectly sweet.

“I made that this morning, I hope it taste okay,” she says.

“’ts perfect,” he comments running his thumb over the condensation that’s already formed.

They sit in a comfortable silence but he can feel her gaze on him the whole time. Normally he would snap at anyone who would stare but he didn’t feel the need to. He knew she was analyzing him. She’s been that way since she was little but he didn’t want to talk about him or his feelings.

“Hey, Luke?”

“Hm?” he hums still looking at the droplets on his glass.

“You don’t have to now, or ever, but if you ever do want to talk I’m a good listener. I’ve gone through the same thing.”

He looks up at her in surprise, eyebrows raised.

“Just wanted you to know,” she smiles shyly then takes a sip of her tea before looking back at the pool.

They sit in a comfortable silence sipping their iced tea until the alarm on her phone goes off signifying the muffins being done.

“Come on,” she says lightly. To his surprise she grabs his hand in hers towing him inside to the kitchen.

She made it seem like the easiest thing in the world, grabbing his hand and Luke couldn’t deny that he really, really liked it. Despite her being so much smaller than him, her hand fit in his perfectly. To his dismay she let go as soon as she picked up the oven mitts and opened the oven.

He felt the heat engulf the air surrounding them, she sighs happily as she sets the first tray of muffins down.

“They’re perfectly brown,” she gushes, her big blue eyes staring up at him happily before going to get the other pans.

Once all the trays were laid out, she carefully tipped them over letting the muffins tumble out onto the counter. Without her telling him Luke began facing them right side up.

“Careful,” she murmurs without a second thought.

Luke glances at her, it seemed so easy for her to be concerned about him. To have his best interests at heart; first with what she said out by the pool and now telling him not to burn himself on the muffins. Two vastly different things, but still. It filled Luke with a warmth he hasn’t experienced in a long time.

“Okay!” she claps her hands once the mitts are off. “You can put the glaze on.”

“Me?” he asks watching her clean up the pans in the sink, the cool water hisses as it touches the hot pans.

“Yeah, you made the glaze, you can put it on.”

“I don’t want to do it wrong,” he furrows his eyebrows.

“There’s no wrong way to do it,” she giggles grabbing the bowl of lemon glaze and a spoon. “You can drizzle, you can plop as much as you want on it, you can even make . . .” she took the spoon scraping the gooey goodness onto it then dabs two circles and a smile beneath them. “A smiley face. Here.”

She hands him the muffin she decorated and Luke smiled back at the happy muffin.

“He’s cute,” Luke chuckles softly picking up the spoon and getting to work.

They continue to work in silence, him decorating (he made muffins look like the guys and was working particularly hard on one) while she continued to clean the kitchen of their baking mess.

“Finished?” she asks.

“Don’t look yet,” he turns his back blocking her view from his masterpiece.

“What are you doing to that muffin?” she laughs trying to sneak a peek. “Don’t be naughty!”

“I’m not being naughty, Pip,” he chuckles. “It has to be perfect, look at the other ones. Guess which one’s your brother.”

She scans the other muffins then giggles when she notices one with ‘hair’ covering it’s eyeballs. It was actually quite good for only using glaze.

“Okay, finished.” He spins around holding the muffin in his palm.

Emmy steps a little closer peering at the muffin. He seemed to have taken the most time with this one. The eyes are big, the mouth looks pretty and he drizzled the sides so it looked like hair.

“Is that . . . supposed to be me?” she mumbles looking up at him.

His eyes soften when they make eye contact and he bites his bottom lip before nodding. “Yeah. Do you like it?”

She smiles slowly, glancing back at the muffin and the way he’s holding it so it wouldn’t fall on the floor.

“I love it, looks just like me,” she giggles again.

He sets it down on the counter gingerly, leaning his hand on the counter as he leans closer to her. His blond hair falls in front of his eyes.

“Thanks for all of this,” he says gently.

“For making muffins?”

“No, well, yes but for not pushing for answers or explanations or asking how I’m feeling. It’s nice not being looked at like a china doll.”

She stares up at him in shock, that’s the most he’s said to her since she got here a few days ago. She’s noticed how deep his voice is, how sultry it sounds and how it makes her knees weak.

“You’re welcome, Luke,” she rests her hand on top of his. “Believe me when I say that I know exactly what you’re going through. Trust me.”

He frowns at that, how could someone who radiates light and happiness know what it’s like to deal with the aftermath of a toxic relationship and a nuclear break up? How could someone have done that to her?

“You do?”

“Yeah, and it does get better. No one else can fix it but you, and it takes time.”

“Who hurt you? Mike never said—“

“Michael never knew,” she shakes her head. “It all happened while you were touring. I couldn’t bother him with it, there was nothing he could have done anyway. And now it’s over and I’m better and it’s done with,” she shrugs.

“What happened?”

She opens her mouth to reply when the front door bangs open and Michael’s already chattering away.

“I smell food! Delicious food!” he exclaims entering the kitchen.

Luke and Emmy break away from each other instantly, Luke’s hand already feels cold without hers on top of his. Instead he uses it to rub the back of his neck.

“What did you—oh. Luke! What’re you doing here?” Michael smiles excitedly upon seeing his best friend while Emmy giggles at her brother’s antics.

“He helped me make muffins from Ashton’s lemon tree,” she explains.

Michael glances between Luke, the muffins and Emmy, then repeats the action twice more before shaking his head in disbelief.

“Wow, that’s great. Are you sure Ashton said you could use his lemons?” he peers closer at the muffins taking a whiff of the lemony scent.

“Yes, I called him.”

“Why didn’t you go to the store?”

“Hm, maybe because I don’t have a car? Duh.”

“Okay sassy pants,” Michael laughs, “you could have called an Uber.”

“That’s just stupid. I’d pay for the car then I’d have to pay for the lemons and pay again for a ride home? Ashton’s was closer. And free,” she grins triumphantly and Luke smiles.

Her logic was pretty spot on.

Michael stares at Luke for a moment, he hasn’t seen him smile—a genuine smile—in who knows how long. “Fair point. I’ll rent a car for you to drive while you’re here.”

“I can drive her,” Luke suggests with a slight shrug.

Both Clifford’s turn their attention to the quiet blond. Emmy’s eyes are glowing and Michael is staring at him like he’s got two heads and a unicorn horn.

“Really?” she asks.

“Yeah, really? You don’t have to, Luke, you’re not her chauffer,” Michael shakes his head. What the hell is going on with him?

“I don’t mind. It’ll give me something to do, it’s no big deal,” he shrugs again then looks between both siblings. “Really.”

“Thanks Luke,” Emmy smiles.    

•••••

Emmy: hey muffin man, want to get some fro-yo? Mike and crys don’t want to L

Luke: it’s like 10 at night, aren’t they closed?

Emmy: all but one ;) I’ll send you the address. Pretty please?!

Luke: all right lol I’ll be there in 5

Emmy: thanks muffin man, you’re the best

 Ashton peeks his head out of his drum room, his headphones hung around his neck. He heard Luke exit his room and jingle his keys.

“Where are you going?” Ashton asks trying not to sound surprised.

“Fro-yo,” Luke says simply.

“By yourself?”

“No, I’m going to pick up Emmy.” He fits his snapback on his head then turns to Ashton as if waiting for him to stop him.

“Oh. Okay. Have fun, mate,” Ashton smiles but inside he’s screaming in excitement. Luke nods his goodbye then leaves through the garage. Ashton immediately calls Calum to tell him the news.

It’s been so long since Luke has wanted to go out and actually do something since what happened with Lea. Yes, it was eleven months ago but he was still hurting. They could all feel it, and now, with Emmy being here for only a week, she’s got him making muffins and going to get fro-yo at ten thirty at night.

•••••

Luke couldn’t help but glance at Emmy while he drove down the street, she looked undeniably cute in her pair of black leggings and long sleeved shirt. She took her flip flops off and sat cross legged on her seat because she’s small and she can.

He had a permanent smile on his face listening to her rant and rave about this 24 hour frozen yogurt place called Moon-Glo that she found on Google. She was reading off all the flavors they had for the night and he could already tell which ones she was going to get.

He had the worst desire to reach over, take her hand and kiss her knuckles while he drove. He shook his head trying to clear the thought but ever since they made muffins a few days ago, he’s been thinking of her nonstop.

Thinking of her also made him think of the guy who put her through a bad break up. He wanted to know what happened, how she dealt with it and how that guy could possibly let someone like Emmy go.

“Hey, you over there,” she says.

He feels her finger scratch at his elbow gently to get his attention and he looks over.

“Hm?” he hums.

“What’s on your mind?”

“Um . . .” he heaves a big sigh turning into the parking lot of the yogurt shop. He puts the car in park but keeps it running. “What happened, with your last relationship?”

He chews on the inside of his lip, gripping the steering wheel waiting for a response. When he hears her sigh he risks looking her way. He was expecting her to be angry but her lips were pursed, which he couldn’t help but find adorable even under his heavy question.

“Let’s get our yogurt first.”

“Right,” he mutters shutting off his car.

When they enter the small shop it’s designed to look like the moon. Craters are painted on the floor, walls and the ceiling. Little astronaut men stand on the tables and neon lights are displayed above the yogurt machines, making the flavors appear to glow in the dark.

“This is so cool!” Emmy gasps then takes Luke’s wrist dragging him to the counter that has the little testing cups. Taking a risk, he twists his hand in her grasp so he can grab onto her hand, lacing his fingers through hers. He finds a small victory that she doesn’t yank away. “Let’s try them all.”

They held hands while they sampled the flavors, except the peanut ones, and Luke was over the moon (pun intended). She decided on a black cherry with vanilla, and added fruit and caramel and little gummi bears. She topped it off with a cherry.

Luke went for chocolate and added Oreo crumbles with coconut shavings. He paid for her and he noticed her cheeks turn rosy. He had to stop himself from bending down and kissing them.

“You want to eat in here?” he asks grabbing two spoons, they’re silver with a moon on the end of the handle.

“Let’s go in your car,” she shook her head then turned to the cashier and smiled radiantly. “Thank you, have a good night.”

“Uh, you too.”

Luke nodded to the cashier then held the door open for Emmy. There was a slight breeze as they walked to his car and slid in. He turned it on so that his playlist could be heard softly in the background.

“Mm,” she hums as she take the first few spoonfuls. “This is my new favorite place. Wow. Okay. So you want to know about Mason?”

“Only if you’re comfortable,” he assures spooning his own treat. “That’s his name? Mason?”

“Yep. We broke up two years ago. I didn’t realize how bad of a relationship it was until it was over. He talked to this girl constantly that I never had a good feeling about, he’d make plans without telling me and I’d go along with them. He’d ignore me when we were with his friends. Then he wanted to be on a break because I became too clingy apparently.

“Then he broke up with me over text and the next day he was in a relationship with the girl he was talking to. Then they both harassed me and I was . . . I was in a bad place. I didn’t eat. I wasn’t sleeping. I listened to sad music all the time and I was just . . . not okay. It was hard. I cried constantly and I never interacted with my friends anymore.”

“I’m sorry, Emmy,” Luke says softly. He shifts in his seat to face her properly. “He’s an idiot for letting you go like that. I’m sorry you had to go through that alone.”

“Thank you, and it’s okay,” she shrugs taking another spoonful. “I don’t know how I did it but somehow I pulled myself out of the hole I let myself fall into. Talking to you guys on Facetime really helped, even though I had to fake it most of the time.”

Luke thinks back to the times they’d walk in on Michael speaking with her on the phone. They’d act like complete idiots but Emmy would laugh all the same.

All that time she was heartbroken? And none of them noticed?

“I should’ve—we should’ve noticed you weren’t yourself. I’m sorry, lovie, we could have helped—“

“You did. Just by being your goofy selves and making fun of Mikey made me feel better. You guys made me laugh when I thought I couldn’t.”

She doesn’t comment on the term of endearment that slipped out and he didn’t bring attention to it either. But God, did it feel good to call her that. It felt so natural.

“Honestly, Luke don’t worry about it. I’m better now, I promise.”

“You handle yourself a lot better than I do,” he grimaces swirling his contents in his bowl. “After what happened with Lea, I drank and smoked every day. From whenever I woke up to whenever I went to sleep. That’s why I’m at Ashton’s house a lot, he’s kept me in check.”

“We all handle our hurts differently,” her finger close around his wrist.

Luke tenses slightly at the unexpected touch then relaxes when she rubs circles into his skin.

“But let’s talk about something happier. How’s your fro-yo?”

•••••

“Your sister should have come out earlier,” Ashton tells Michael.

“Like ten months earlier,” Calum agrees drinking from his beer. They’re sat in the living room watching Michael play a video game.

“Honestly, I have no idea what she’s doing but it’s working. Luke seems more like himself than he has in the past year and a half,” Michael says. His thumbs working furiously on the buttons of his controller.

“Do you think they’re just hanging out or doing other . . . things?” Calum asks carefully side eyeing Michael.

Michael pauses the game turning slowly to Calum, his face is expressionless sans the anger in his eyes.

“That’s my little sister, Cal,” he says in a warning voice.

“I know! But she’s not little anymore, and she did have a crush on Luke growing up. They’re both adults spending some time together, y’know, things happen,” he shrugs as if it’s not a big deal.

“Okay, I’ll remember that next time Mali hangs out with Trey,” Michael snaps and Calum’s eyes widen.

“What? Who’s Trey?”

“Guys,” Ashton tries to break up the fight before it happens.

“Just a guy she’s hanging out with, no big deal right? Cause they’re probably sleeping together.”

“That’s my sister!”

“Now you see my point!”

“Guys! Bigger picture, please!” Ashton shouts this time and the other two fall silent. “You should see him at the house whenever Emmy texts or calls him. I swear he’s becoming himself again.”

“What would you do if they are dating?” Calum asks.

“Nothing I could do is there? She’s her own person, he’s my best friend. They can do what they want, but if he breaks her heart I’ll give him hell.”

“I thought I was your best friend,” Calum frowns.

“You’re all my best friends,” Michael sighs, “We’ve been over this a hundred times. Are they dating?”

“Where even are they anyway?” Calum asks looking around.

“Luke said they were going mini golfing and to a movie,” Ashton grins.

“They’re definitely dating,” Calum nods.

•••••

The movie they went to see didn’t end until about 1 a.m. they went to a late showing and it was about three hours long. Emmy loved it even though she cried and Luke didn’t hesitate in wiping her tears away from her cheeks.

“Hey, can we go to—“

“Moon Glo?” he smiles looking her way and she squeals in happiness.

“You’re the best,” she claps her hands excitedly and Luke chuckles.

They ordered the same thing as last time and sat talking in his car until Emmy began to yawn. Luke took her empty bowl and threw it out along with his in the garbage on the sidewalk. When he got back she blinked slowly at him.

“Time to take you home, Pip,” he murmurs pulling his seatbelt across himself and starting the car.

“Don’t wanna,” she sighs with a pout.

“You’re sleepy,” he chuckles. “I won’t have you sleep in my car, it’s not that comfortable.”

“Fine,” she sighs.

Emmy does end up falling asleep on the drive back and Luke thinks she looks horribly adorable with her head resting on the middle of the console. Her lips are pursed and her long lashes cast shadows on her round cheeks. He sighs longingly as he pulls into Michael’s driveway and he brushes her hair from her face.

“Hey, we’re home,” he says softly near her ear, “Emmy, wake up.”

She groans but blinks her eyes open slowly.

“Come on, sleepy girl,” he chuckles unlocking her belt. He catches it so it doesn’t strike her face and lets it retract slowly.

She unfurls her legs and Luke scrambles out of the car to open her door. He helps her unlock the front door and she nearly falls taking off her shoes. Which is odd considering she’s wearing flip-flops.

Luke steadies her and asks in a hushed voice, “Which is your room?”

“Up,” she points tiredly.

He smiles leading her to the stairs which could be an issue so he lifts her into his arms and carries her the rest of the way. He figures the room on the left is hers, it shows the skyline of the hills beautifully, and she’s always liked a good view. He lays her down gently on the bed but she clutches his sweatshirt in her fingers.

“Stay,” she demands weakly, her big doe eyes staring at him.

“I’ll be fine, I’m going back to Ash’s place—“

“No. You could hit a raccoon. Come on, just go to sleep,” she sighs shifting in the bed so he has room.

Luke’s heart is pounding in his ears at her request. “You sure?” he breathes.

“Yes. Now get in her Lucas, it’s getting cold.”

He toes off his shoes and removes his socks. Then he tugs his sweatshirt off so he’s in his t-shirt. Normally he sleeps in just his boxers but no way is he going to do that right now. He clears his throat about to climb in when she stops him.

“What are you doing?” she’s sitting up now.

“I’m—you told me to go to sleep,” he stares at her confused.

“Who sleeps in skinny jeans?” she huffs then gets out of bed and picks up an article of clothing. “These are Mike’s basketball shorts. Put those on.”

She chucks them at him and he turns around to peel off his jeans. He sighs at the looser fit of the shorts. When he spins around she’s changed into shorts and a t-shirt of her own. Damn, that’s fast.

“Better?” she asks climbing back into her bed.

“Much. Thank you,” he says then awkwardly gets into bed with her. He makes sure to stay as far from her as he can, he doesn’t want to cross any boundaries. Especially with his best friend’s younger sister.

His chivalry is tossed out the window though because she pulls him to her, his arm falling over her waist and she tickles her fingers up and down his arm.

“Now sleep,” she tells him burrowing further into her pillow.

The sound of her breathing and the light, coaxing touches of her fingers on his skin relaxes him and he closes his eyes. On average he only sleeps maybe four hours every night, so when he will inevitably wake up he’d sneak out before Michael or Crystal realized he was in bed with Emmy.

•••••

When he woke up, sunlight was streaming through the curtains. He shifted and inhaled a flowery smell mixed in with coconut; it was nice and he inhaled more. Soft giggles filled his ears and he opened his eyes to see his head nestled in Emmy’s neck.

“You’re tickling me,” she giggles again.

“Sorry,” he mumbles sleepily and he pulls his head back.

She rolls over, a smile already painted on her face. “Morning sunshine.”

“Morning,” he grumbles. His fingers rub circles on her lower back. “What time is it?”

“Almost noon.”

“Fuck. Really?”

“Yeah, you slept a long time,” her finger touch the skin below his eyes delicately. “Your eyes don’t look as dark.”

“Yours are, you’ve got mascara everywhere,” he chuckles.

“Great,” she groans. “I look like a raccoon.”

“A cute raccoon,” he grins biting his lip.

She rolls her eyes. “If you say so. I’m hungry. Let’s go get food.”

“How are you this chipper when you just wake up?” he asks rubbing sleep from his eyes.

“I’ve been awake for an hour,” she snickers then rolls out of his arms and onto the floor.

When Luke opens his bleary eyes from behind his hands, he’s transfixed by Emmy before him. Her sleep shorts rose up a bit and he’s staring straight at the bottom of her ass cheeks. He’s oh so tempted to reach out and squeeze, pulling her back into bed and onto his lap.

Woah…what?

“Are you checking me out?”

“No,” he responds too quickly averting his eyes then curses himself. He gets out of bed as well and tousles his hair.

“You’re a terrible liar,” she laughs.

Luke sighs in defeat then follows her downstairs. He hears Michael and Crystal’s voices and he gulps. He readies himself for a punch in the stomach or a clock to his face from Michael. He’s prepared to say they just slept.

“Oh my God. They’re alive!” Michael laughs from the couch, his guitar in hand. Crystal laughs beside him scrolling through her tablet. “Do you guys have a fro-yo hangover?”

“Yes, now we need hangover food. Wanna make us some French toast?” Emmy smiles with her tongue between her teeth, she makes her eyes really big and blinks them super-fast.

Luke would say yes in a heartbeat from her expression alone but Michael doesn’t give in to his sister’s shenanigans as easily.

“Nice try,” he deadpans. “Make them yourself, Pipsqueak.”

She sticks her tongue out then tugs Luke into the kitchen. Luke glances to Michael in alarm as she held his hand but he’s paying them no attention.

“Babe, you should make her breakfast. She’s our guest,” Crystal says.

“She can make her own breakfast!”

“I had to make you breakfast when we were home alone in the summer, Mikey,” Emmy calls gathering the French toast ingredients.

Then there’s a smack from Crystal and they bicker quietly together on the couch. Emmy stares up at Luke triumphantly.

“I love getting him in trouble with her.”

•••••

Their group is going out to Viral, their favorite club and Luke just came downstairs in all black with his shirt unbuttoned and two pairs of necklaces. He took a shower beforehand and he’s feeling fresh and ready to party. He’s really anxious to see Emmy.

“Hey man, ready to go?” Ashton asks with Calum behind him.

“Yeah, are the cabs coming to Michael’s?” Luke asks shoving his wallet in his back pocket.

“They’re gonna meet us there,” Calum says.

“Oh,” Luke chews on his bottom lip deflating a little. He won’t get to walk in with Emmy and see her reaction to the place. “All right.”

He’s silent in the car ride to the club, and does a bemused wave to fans that spot them outside the club before they enter. He heads to the bar as soon as they’re in the VIP section, slams down a shot then orders his usual.

Ashton and Calum are looking at him worriedly when he makes it back to their sitting area, he chooses to ignore them much like the girls who are making eyes at him. He knows who they are since he’s seen them naked before but he ignores them as well. None of them hold his interest anymore.

Except one.

He’s halfway done with his first drink, so he gets up to buy another—he’ll finish this one easily on the way—when he spots Michael and Crystal walking towards him hand in hand. Emmy’s not with them, great, she’s probably on a date—

There she is. Emmy shuffles beside her brother, her eyes landing on Luke straightaway. He smiles instinctually and veers to her direction, her smile alone pulls him. His arms slip around her easily as he embraces her in a tight hug. He squeezes her to him causing her to lift from the ground slightly and she laughs in his ear.

Everyone else around them disappears, his focus is only on her and when he sets her down on her feet he takes in her outfit. She’s wearing a pretty red romper with a black belt and ankle boots. She’s mouthwatering.

“You’re drooling,” she teases rubbing her thumb on his dry bottom lip. He knows he’s not but her touch sets his skin ablaze.

���Can you blame me?” he smiles lazily grabbing her hand. “Want something to drink?”

“A mint mojito,” she beams following him to the bar.

“Classy girl,” he smirks then flags down the bartender.

•••••

“He didn’t even look at us! Does he know we’re here?” Michael exclaims exasperatedly watching Luke and Emmy at the bar. He and Crystal joined the others sitting around the small round glass table.

“Oh leave him be,” Crystal squeezes her boyfriend’s knee. “I think it’s cute. Did you see how his face lit up when he saw her?”

“He was pretty bent up that we were meeting you here,” Calum says.

“I think he wanted to drive with Emmy,” Ashton adds.

“That’s so cute,” Crystal sighs.

“He’s lucky I know him, I wouldn’t want someone else looking at my sister like he is,” Michael sighs.

“Like what?”

“He’s looking at her like she’s the sun,” Crystal grins watching them.

•••••

Luke and Emmy join the rest of the group but make sure to sit close together, Luke’s leg is touching hers and she has her hand resting on his knee as they join in conversation. Luke nurses his second drink, he doesn’t want to be too intoxicated and forget what he and Emmy do together.

She’s taking shots and is on her fourth drink when she and Crystal head to the bathroom. As she passes by Luke, she takes his face in her hand and rubs his cheek affectionately before following Crystal to the bathroom. He watches her go with a permanent smile which quickly fades when he turns to his three best friends. All of their eyebrows are raised and Michael is staring him down.

“Uh, yes?” he asks awkwardly.

“What’s going on between you two?” Ashton giggles.

“What do you mean?”

“You were going to get plastered tonight, and I know because I saw the look in your eye, but as soon as Emmy arrived you’ve barely finished your second drink. Which probably is so watered down you can’t even taste the alcohol anymore,” Ashton explains.

“You’ve been by each other’s side the whole time,” Calum adds sipping his cocktail.

Luke doesn’t know what to say but he looks at Michael. His expression is hard to read, what with the flashing lights and the fact that he’s been drinking as well.

“Does my sister make you happy?” Michael asks.

“Of course she does!” Ashton answers for Luke very loudly. “He hasn’t been this happy in so long, and it’s all because of her, right?”

“Yeah,” Luke admits sheepishly. “I’m sorry Mike. I didn’t plan on this happening but she’s just . . . she’s something else.”

•••••

“Tell me Ems, are you and Luke dating?” Crystal asks while they’re leaning against the bathroom sinks.

“What? Why would you say that?”

“He’s spent the night nearly every night since you got here. He’s talking a lot more, he’s smiling a lot more, and you haven’t left his side the whole night.”

“I don’t know what we are, we haven’t talked about it. We haven’t even kissed yet,” Emmy sighs in disappointment.

“I can tell you, the boy is smitten with you,” Crystal winks.

“How can you tell?”

“How can you not? Did you not see the way he smiled at you when we came?” Crystal asks and Emmy blushes in response. “He’s changed a lot since you got here, he seems more like himself ever since Lea . . .”

•••••

Emmy is lost in thought as they exit the bathroom as Crystal drags her to the bar to order a shot. Luke notices them standing by the bar, he doesn’t know why but he feels like he should be over there. Even though they’re in the VIP section, creeps are still everywhere.

He’s only half listening to the guys’ conversation because his attention is on Emmy and the way she’s bouncing on her feet to the beat of the music. The way her eyes close when she laughed at something Crystal said. The way a guy grabbed her waist and pulled her against his chest.

Crystal tries to intervene but is shoved away into another guy and Luke rises immediately. He grabs Michael by the scruff of his shirt who yelps in protest.

“It’s Crystal and Emmy,” Luke hisses quickly and he bound down the stairs like lightning.

“Stop touching me!” he hears Emmy protest.

Upon hearing her voice, Luke yanks the guy off her and she stumbles back into the bar. He shoves the guy as far away from Emmy as he can then motions to security to escort him and his friend out who Michael also shoved away. He watches security take them away until he’s sure they’re gone then he feels small hands touch his arm. He turns around to see Emmy biting her lip, her eyes wide in fear and glistening.

“You’re okay,” he says quickly pressing her against him. She allows herself to be crushed against his strong chest, she already feels safe in his arms. He kisses the top of her head, rubbing her arms and back while Mike tries to console a very drunk and very angry Crystal.

“Want me to take you home?” Luke asks lowly in her ear. She nods and he takes his phone out to text the valet to bring his car around.

He looks to Michael who’s already nodding in understanding that Luke will take his sister home. Luke feels Emmy’s hot breath through his shirt as he continues to soothe her until his phone buzzes.

“Okay, come on lovie,” he says grabbing her hand. “I’ve got you.”

•••••

Emmy’s silent the whole drive to Michael’s. Luke desperately wants to reach out and hold her hand, but the vibe he’s getting from her tells him not to. He doesn’t want to touch her unless she wants him to, but he needs to make sure she’s all right.

Before he has his car in park, she’s already tripping out of the car and up the walkway. Luke sighs then follows after her up to her bedroom but the door is closed. Memories of this being from another time, with a different girl and it made his heart crack at the all too familiar feeling.

No. She’s not Lea. She’s not mad at you.

He raps his knuckles gently on her door, and calls her name softly.

“You can come in,” her muffled voice says from the other side.

He turns the knob, his eyes scanning the room until he finds her pulling out his clothes he’s kept there when he spends the night. She’s already changed into her pajamas, her make up rubbed off hastily. He stands frozen in the doorway, not entirely sure on how to approach her. If he should approach her at all.

Emmy turns then gives him a funny look.

“Get in here and change,” she sighs heavily.

“You sure you want me to stay the night?” he asks taking a hesitant step closer.

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“You seem mad at me,” he shrugs, “and after what happened at the club I thought you’d want to be alone.”

Her arms drop and she’s peering at him intently. She meets him halfway tossing his shirt and shorts on the bed, still looking up at him. She hears how deep he’s breathing, his eyes never leaving hers but she can see the doubt in the sky blue irises.

“Luke Hemmings, being alone is the last thing I want,” her voice is just shy of a whisper but he can hear the true emotion in it.

He swallows as she moves closer and closer, her fingers tuck his curls behind his ear. He notices how her lips are parted slightly and the way her eyes dart between his lips and his eyes.

“What do you want?” he asks thickly.

“I . . . I want you to kiss me, Luke,” she whispers.

He exhales his breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding and attaches his mouth to hers, his arms snaking around her waist to her lower back. Emmy’s hands clutch onto his biceps as he kisses her with so much want and desire. One of her hands find home in his curls and she tugs gently, his tongue swipes her bottom lip then he slips it between her lips.

Luke shifts them lifting her off the ground and he sits down on the bed, Emmy instantly straddling him and their lips stay locked in a heated kiss of teeth and tongue and heavy breathing.

Emmy rises her hips from his lap and Luke slides his hands over the roundness of her ass. She makes quick work of unbuttoning his black silk shirt, pulling the fabric tucked in his jeans and shoves it off his shoulders.

Luke tosses it to his left, or behind him, he’s not sure because he’s focused on the taste of her lips. They’re slightly minty from her mojitos but also sugary from the lemon drop shots she consumed throughout the evening.

Luke kneaded his fingers in the fullness of her ass and she moaned against his mouth, her hips rocking gently against his. His hands travel north over the top part of her romper, his thumbs grazing the sides of her breasts and she nips at his lip and he takes that opportunity to kiss along her jaw. He’s sucking on her skin as he begins to work on her belt but when she sighs he smells the alcohol on her breath and he stops his actions.

He tears his lips away from her jaw and places his hands on the side of her neck. Her eyes are a little bloodshot and filled with excitement, her pretty lips parted.

“What’s wrong?”

“I should stop before I won’t be able to,” he breathes, his eyes darting between hers.

“Oh,” she deflates on top of him and he can see the instant rejection in her eyes.

“No, no, baby, it’s not because I don’t want to,” he tries to recover quickly and holds onto her tighter. “I want to so bad, but not like this.”

She studies him carefully and can hear truth in his voice and knows he’s right. But it still stings.

“Can we kiss until we fall asleep?” she asks softly playing with his necklaces.

“Hey, look at me,” he murmurs ticking her chin up so her dark blue eyes are looking in his. “That’s not even a question.”

She gets off his lap then and they both go to her bathroom to brush their teeth, making eyes at each other in the mirror. Luke watches her fondly as she washes her face free of her make-up and when she’s dried her face he takes her cheeks in his hands kissing her.

They shuffle back to her bed, Emmy crawls in first and Luke hits the light switch before joining her under the covers. In their excitement of kissing some more, her hand smacks his cheek and his presses on her hair.

“Ow!” they yelp then burst into giggles.

“Where are your lips?” she laughs.

“Trying to find yours,” he responds then feels her top lip. “Gotcha.”

They kiss in whispers and he can’t help but notice her lips have a slight taste to coconut, it must be the chapstick she put on after brushing her teeth. Emmy’s fingers thread through his growing curls while Luke’s are strong on her lower back.

“I really like you, Emmy,” he confesses in one breath when they take a break of kissing. Luke’s fingers trail up and down her bare back underneath her shirt.

It feels good to finally say it out loud. The last week and a half he’s spent with her has been the happiest he’s been in so long. She’s repairing the carved out part of his heart that Lea ruthlessly took from him. She didn’t question him or treat him like a ticking time bomb. Emmy’s thumb traces over Luke’s top lip, his heart is racing waiting for her response.

“I really like you, Luke,” she admits giving him a gentle kiss. “And I really like kissing you.”

“I really like kissing you,” a smile spreads on his face before he kisses her with all he’s got.

“And it’s okay?” she gasps out.

“What’s okay?”

“That I like you and you like me even though I’m Mikey’s little sister?”

Luke draws back, his brows furrowed.

“That’s not an issue, Emmy. Michael and I actually talked about . . . us, kind of. He’s okay with it.”

“Really?! Oh, thank God,” she sighs launching herself on top of Luke peppering kisses all over his face. He’s soon laughing beneath her then tickles her sides in retaliation. Emmy shrieks in laughter at his attack until they’re both panting to catch their breath.

•••••

Luke’s standing alone in Roy’s backyard waiting and watching for Emmy. Roy and Calum decided to throw a midsummer beach party and the place was packed. Luke and Ashton showed up together and Emmy spent the day with Michael and Crystal so they’d be coming later.

Ashton left to mingle immediately and Luke scopes out the other partygoers. Some of them he recognizes from his own party days. He nods politely as they greet him but he’d much rather have Emmy by his side. He never wanted to go back to that life he lived for what felt like forever.

He’s scrolling through his phone then smiles again at the text Emmy sent him not too long ago saying she was on her way. Then he hears an all too familiar laugh that sends a cold sweat on the back of his neck.

Luke looks up to see Lea amongst a group of people, her signature high top-bun and white rimmed sunglasses frame her face as she converses. Luke swallows harshly but it only constricts his throat further. His feet are frozen, his heart is racing and there’s a slight ringing in his ears as panic sets in.

His brain is telling him to escape as fast as he can, to find Ashton or to find Emmy who he hopes is here somewhere but the message doesn’t reach his feet. He’s stuck staring at the girl who wrecked him completely, leaving him in the sunken ship she capsized.

Lea slid her sunglasses up her head then spotted Luke who still couldn’t look away. He thinks there’s a word for it, like when you drive by an accident and you can’t look away? His mind is blank as she stares at him, a ghost of her signature smirk appears before she starts walking his way.

He’s frozen in his spot, the ringing in his ears is louder and higher pitched and all he can do is watch the tornado of a woman create her warpath in his direction.

“Hey! There you are.”

Emmy’s voice breaks through Luke’s panic, and the gentle touch of her hands on his back as she hugs him causes him to tear his eyes away from the storm and onto the light that is Emmy. He exhales in relief when he looks into her eyes and she sees the familiar darkness.

“What’s the matter?”

“Hi Lukey-boo,” Lea greets in a sickly sweet voice, it makes his stomach turn. “Babysitting I see?”

Emmy twists around to look at Lea and Luke closes his eyes, he just wanted to keep looking in her eyes.

“You must be Lea,” Emmy greets brightly. She takes Luke’s hand in her own and squeezes it tightly. “I’ve heard so many things about you.”

“Oh thank you,” Lea smiles smugly, twisting her hair with her fingers.

“I didn’t say they were good things,” Emmy responds icily then turns to Luke. “Come on Luke, Mikey’s looking for you.”

Emmy drags Luke away as quick as she can inside the house, he’s shaking slightly and as soon as they’re inside he slips his hand from hers. He finds the nearest wall then starts smacking it as hard as he can, his teeth clenched.

“Hey, hey, Luke. Luke!” Ashton is suddenly behind him, between him and Emmy, with his hands on Luke’s shoulders. He pulls him away from the wall. “What’s going on?”

“Lea was outside,” Emmy explains quietly watching the scene in front of her.

“Shit,” Ashton mutters then pulls Luke with him upstairs.

Emmy smiles apologetically at the people in the kitchen then scampers after Ashton and Luke. When she looked into Luke’s eyes, he was the ghost of himself she’s never seen before. It terrified her, not for her safety, but only concern for Luke. She finds Ashton and Luke in Calum’s room, it’s far away from downstairs and faces the street instead of the backyard.

“You good? We can leave if you want or I’ll make Roy kick her out,” Ashton says.

“Did Calum know she was going to be here?”

“No, he wouldn’t do that, Luke. She must have overheard about the party or something and came here on purpose to mess with you,” Ashton squeezes Luke’s shoulders. His hands are keeping Luke’s head above the waters. “What do you need?”

“Where’s Emmy?”

“Ash…” Emmy says quietly stepping forward.

“She’s right here,” Ashton steps aside, releasing his hold on Luke.

Luke’s ice blue eyes slide to her and he visibly relaxes, his face softening and shoulders falling.

“You good?” Ashton asks, Luke nods stiffly. “I’ll be downstairs. Text me if you need me.”

Ashton pats him on the back then gives Emmy a small smile before exiting the room. He closes the door softly behind him and Luke falls onto the bed with a big sigh. His elbows rest on his knees and he hangs his head. Emmy joins him and places her hand on his neck.

“Hey,” she scratches the back of his neck with her nails. Luke breathes deeply and sits up straight turning to Emmy.

“Hey,” he croaks. “I’m sorry you had to see me like that. I wasn’t expecting Lea to be here and it’s—it’s been so long I thought I’d be okay and—“

“Luke, it’s okay. You don’t have to explain it to me, okay?” she strokes his cheek with the back of her fingers. “What happened?”

“I couldn’t…” he shakes his head. “I couldn’t move. I saw her and it’s like I was paralyzed. I’m so glad that you showed up when you did, lovie.”

Emmy kisses his forehead, his eyebrow, his cheek and then finally his lips. Her thumbs stroke his cheeks as she looks into his eyes.

“I am too. Do you want to stay or do you want to go somewhere else?”

“I didn’t really want to be here in the first place,” he sighs kissing the inside of her wrist.

“Then let’s go,” she smiles.

He follows her downstairs where Ashton is waiting for them, he perks up at the sight of them.

“What’s goin’ on?” Ashton asks looking between Emmy and Luke.

“We’re blowing this popsicle stand,” Emmy giggles. “Can you tell Mikey we left?”

“Yeah, no problem,” he watches them brisk by then he calls out, “where are you going?”

“An adventure!” Emmy shouts causing Luke to laugh and then they’re gone.

Luke is cruising down the 405 with the windows down and Emmy is singing along to the radio. Every time Luke looks over at her it’s easier for him to breathe and they arrive at the beach just as the sky turns a pretty golden orange.

“Take off your shoes,” Emmy orders already working on her black boots.

Luke toes off his own boots placing his socks inside then setting them down inside the car. He takes her hand leading the way into the hot but soft sand. The warm ocean breeze ruffles his hair and he inhales the salty air.

Their toes touch the water’s edge, Emmy squeals a little at the coolness of it but soon she’s kicking the water up.

“Hey!” he chuckles shielding his face.

“It’s just water,” she teases kicking a spray of it in his direction. Some of the spray hits his cheek.

“Do that again, I dare you,” he threatens but his voice doesn’t ring true of the threat. Emmy does it again. “That’s it, you’re in trouble now.”

“Ahh!” She screams and tries to run from him but his legs are longer and he snatches her up quickly.

He throws her over his shoulder, she’s squealing in laughter as he spins her around making sure to kick up some water.

“Luke!” she laughs patting his back and his butt in an attempt to get him to let her down.

“Say you’re sorry!”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry!”

Satisfied, he sets her down gently. They both take a deep breath and then Emmy squats down to splash a huge amount of water on his stomach and legs. She’s laughing so hard she falls into the water on her butt, she gasps in surprise.

“Karma baby,” Luke chuckles.

Emmy groans and stands up. Her jean shorts are a shade darker and her top clings to her skin, the ends of her hair is wet and Luke can tell she’s grumpy about the turn of events. She scowls at him which he thinks is the cutest fucking thing he’s ever seen before she leaps up in his arms. He’s taken aback and staggers backwards, the waves push against his balance and then they’re both in the water but Luke makes sure his hold is secure on Emmy.

“OOF!” he grunts at the impact and the wetness he now feels.

“I made my own karma,” Emmy snickers.

Luke squeezes her waist and stares into her eyes, thankful that karma has brought her back into his life. He wants to tell her his thoughts, but his mouth can’t form the words so he crushes his lips to hers in hopes she’ll understand what he can’t say.

They splash around in the water for a bit longer then sit in the sand until the sun starts to set and their clothes are somewhat dry. They decide to head back to Michael’s house. Emmy’s hand is rising and falling out the window as she sings along to Jaden Smith’s PCH blasting through the speakers.

“Gimme all your kisses baby cause this is bliss, gimme all your kisses baby…” she sings tilting her head from side to side in time with the beat of the song and Luke’s never felt so much fondness for a person before.

The house is quiet when Luke and Emmy arrive, Michael’s car is still gone so they must still be at the party. Luke pulls Emmy against him as soon as the door shuts, his lips on hers. Emmy sighs into the kiss linking her arms around his neck.

“Gimme all your kisses baby,” Luke mumbles and she nods enthusiastically.

He lifts her into his arms, her legs wrap around his waist and he heads upstairs to her bedroom. He sits down on her bed tugging her shirt up and off her head and Emmy removes her bra swiftly before tugging at his t-shirt.

Luke’s hands are hot on her skin as his tongue explores her mouth once more. She smells like the beach and her lips are sun kissed with a hint of saltiness from the ocean water. Emmy moans quietly and it causes Luke’s dick twitch in response.

He pulls away and looks at her, her eyes are alert, lips are red and swollen and she’s smiling. Luke drops his gaze to her bare torso and he lets out a huff at the sight of her chest rising and falling heavily. He presses his lips between her breasts, sponging kisses along the mound until he finds her nipple which he tugs between his teeth. His tongue flicks against it and she sighs in his arms at the sensation.

He shifts to the other breast doing the same thing but sucks hard on the skin, it makes an obscene noise and she whimpers. When he releases her breast he sees his teeth marks surrounding her nipple and his pants tighten at the sight. He looks up at her.

“Fuck, you’re beautiful,” he pants then flips her over so she’s on her back. Her legs rise up on the bed but she stops him before he climbs on top of her.

“Wait, wait,” she holds onto his chest with her palm. “Get the door.”

He smiles and obeys shutting it and locks it for good measure even though he’s positive Michael and Crystal won’t be back for hours. When he turns around he sees she’s just in her black panties and he groans.

“You’re so pretty, baby,” he sighs then kneels in front of her. Luke pulls her closer to him, an excited squeal escaping her lips at the movement and he pulls her panties to the side staring at her bare center. His mouth waters at the sight. “So pretty,” he whispers then runs his finger up her slit, his eyes move to hers.

She’s watching him intently, a fire in her eyes that he’s sure matches his. He teases her more by playing with her folds and kisses her inner thighs.

“Luke,” she whines his name and fuck, does he love the sound, “please.”

That plea is all he needs to hear and he attaches his mouth to her warm wet center, she tastes even better than he’s imagined. She whimpers above him, letting her legs fall open wider for him and he swipes his tongue up and down, in circular motions and flicks at her clit which makes her go wild.

She’s moaning so loud he swears he’s never heard a more beautiful sound, he wants to hear her make those noises forever. Emmy bucks her hips in time with his ministrations.

“You close, lovie?” he rasps looking up at her. She arches her back and moans out a ‘yes.’ “Come on my mouth, baby.”

He devours her, keeping his mouth on her and moving his face roughly from side to side as she moans relentlessly. He searches for her hand that is clutching the sheet in a death grip and drags it to his hair. She yanks and pulls with each spasm of her orgasm washing over her but Luke doesn’t stop. He keeps sucking and licking until her movements slow and she lets out a deeply satisfied sigh.

Luke licks his lips then slips her panties off her waist and down her legs. He stuffs it in his back pocket, kissing both sides of her thighs as she comes down from her orgasm. His gaze is locked on her, watching her facial expressions and the rapid rise and fall of her chest.

“I’ve wanted to do that for a while,” he admits trailing his fingers up and down her leg before hooking it over his shoulder.

“You’re really good at it,” she puffs out and he chuckles.

He lifts her other leg over his shoulder and looks up at her darkly. “Want me to go again, lovie?”

He doesn’t give her time to answer before he slips his middle finger inside curling it as he does. Her mouth opens in a perfect little ‘o’ and she yanks harshly at the root of his curls. She rocks her hips against his finger, a chorus of moans fill the room as he pumps into her faster, harder, and it’s not long until she’s coming beneath him again.

When he removes his finger, he traces a line from her slit, past her bellybutton and around the curves of her breast. Then he scoots back down in between her legs, she whimpers already knowing what he’s planning to do.

“Got one more for me, baby?” he rasps situating himself at her core. Again, he doesn’t give her a chance to answer before he’s diving in, darting his tongue in and out at an antagonizing pace.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck!” she squeals pulling on his hair. Her body shakes. Her legs are trembling.

When he adds his finger again she lets out an animalistic growl that only urges Luke to continue pleasuring her, loving the yank of his hair by her fingers. He hums against her, the vibrations adding even more to her pleasure and her body spasms before clenching as she lets out a scream.

Luke feels her come all over his finger and his mouth, his eyes on her the entire time as her whole body lifted from the bed, as if she were ascending into an astral plane of pure ecstasy. When her body drops back down, her legs going lax, is when he decides to stop. He wipes his mouth with the back of his hand and swipes his finger on his jeans, he doesn’t care that they’re black and it’ll stain.

Luke crawls over her once more, Evie somehow finds the strength to press her palm against his chest. He notices the space between her cleavage is sheened with sweat.

“Please, no more,” she whispers. Her eyes are hooded as she stares up at him.

“No more,” he shakes his head then rests his forehead on hers. “You did so well, baby. I love hearing your moans.” She yawns then and he rolls off the bed to retrieve some new underwear and her pajamas.

He helps her change into them, her legs are wobbling as she does and they head into the bathroom to wash up. Luke holds onto her hip while they brush their teeth and while she washes her face. He tucks her into bed before he pulls off his jeans and places his t-shirt over his head and climbs in behind her. He chuckles to himself when he realizes how she’s lying, her legs are completely spread, and she’s on her stomach with her arms splayed over the pillow.

She looks like a cute little starfish.

He settles in behind her and rubs her back helping her relax, he knows she loves that. Then he kisses her neck and whispers, ‘goodnight, pretty girl.’

•••••

When Emmy woke up the next morning, memories of last night flooded into her mind. Butterflies appeared in her tummy as she woke up a bit more, blinking her eyes open slowly. She rolls over to see Luke already awake and staring at the ceiling, his arms locked behind his head.

“Good morning,” Emmy greets, her voice is strained as she stretches her limbs.

“Morning,” he smiles wistfully at her then continues staring at the ceiling.

Emmy’s eyebrows pull together and she scoots herself on his chest. She pulls on his chin until his pretty blue eyes meet hers.

“What’s on your mind?” she asks.

Luke brings his left arm down from behind his head to settle it on her waist. His fingers slip beneath her shirt to tickle her back and goosebumps rise at his feather light touch on her skin.

“I think I want to go back home.”

“To Aus?”

“N-no . . . my house. Here. In LA,” his Adam’s apple works in his throat.

“Oh,” Emmy squeaks then clears her throat. “Okay. When? Today?”

“Maybe. Yeah. . . I think so. I don’t know,” he closes his eyes breathing deeply through his nose.

“I’ll go with you,” she offers, “unless you want to go alone.”

“No, I want you to come with me, lovie. It’ll help having you there.”

“Okay,” she touches his cheek and his eyes open. She smiles softly. “Hi.”

“Hi pretty girl,” he lifts his head stretching forward to give her a soft kiss.

“Can I try something?” she asks resting her hand on his lower stomach.

“Like what?” He gives her a quizzical look.

“Liiiike what you did for me last night. . .” she slides her hand lower under the sheet and onto his boxers. She rubs her palm over his dick gently and Luke inhales sharply. “. . . but I want to do it for you.”

“You don’t have to Ems,” he licks his lips as she continues to palm him.

He’s getting harder in her hand and he blinks slowly at her soft tugging.

“I want to,” she breathes leaning up to kiss him and she slips her hand underneath his boxers. He’s warm and soft in her hand as she strokes him lazily.

Luke inhales sharply again, his hand squeezes her waist.

“Can I?” she kisses his neck then slides down the length of his body.

“Mhm,” he hums lifting his hips so she can pull his boxers down.

Emmy kisses his tummy softly and continues to give open mouthed kisses on his skin until she kisses the tip of his dick. She continues to mouth him, opening her mouth to let her tongue swirl around his tip.

“Baby,” he sighs and Emmy takes more of him in her mouth.

“Quiet,” she whispers jerking her head to the door behind her. Michael and Crystal are asleep down the hall and she did not want to wake them up like this.

Luke nods and Emmy hollows out her cheeks to take him in her mouth as far as she can go, salivating on him so she can pump him with her hand. Luke’s grunting and groaning softly, watching her every move. He loves the way her head bobs up and down slowly and the way she swirls her tongue up and down his shaft.

He jerks his hips gently with her movements, his fingers comb through her hair and she moves faster. Luke’s panting heavily until he feels his release coming, with a low grunt and no warning, he’s coming in her mouth.

“Babe, babe, Ems,” he gasps trying to get her mouth off him but she swallows all he’s giving her.

Luke throws his head back on the pillows, heart racing, and his body spent. It’s been so long since he’s gotten head, he’s a little embarrassed it didn’t take him long to orgasm to but to have Emmy doing it for him was amazing.

Emmy wipes the corner of her mouth, wincing a little but gives Luke a smile nonetheless.

“Sorry, that’s . . . it’s been a while,” he sighs blinking slowly.

“Did you like it?” her eyes big.

“Yes, baby, I loved it,” he gives her a glazed smile. “C’mere.”

His fingers are in her hair again and they kiss lazily until Michael is banging on the door complaining about how he’s hungry and they’re all going out for breakfast.

•••••

Emmy joins Luke at the front door of his house, he’s twirling his keys between his fingers. She grabs hold of his bicep and Luke gives a small grin that looks more like a grimace then inserts the key. He takes Emmy’s hand in his and leads her inside.

Emmy looks around the space, it’s very modern with a lot of sharp edged furniture. Everything is in its own place and very black and white. It’s the furthest thing from Luke and Emmy didn’t like it at all.

“Well, this is it,” he gestures, “What do you think?”

“It’s very. . .” Emmy scans the empty kitchen and bare walls. “Clean.”

Luke snorts walking her down the hall. “It’s very Lea. She chose everything.”

Emmy frowns at that and peeks in the rooms before they stop in a bedroom she assumes is his room. It’s also very modern and monochromatic. The only splash of color is from a potted plant in the corner that is surely fake, no wonder Lea chose it.

Emmy moves to the window to see a nice view of of the hills and a small pool that’s in serious need of some care. When she turns around, Luke is sitting on the bed watching her with a thoughtful expression.

“What’s running through your mind, honey bun?” she asks threading her fingers through his curls.

He smiles at the nickname and grabs hold of her thigh, his thumb rubs circles on her exposed skin below her shorts.

“I want to get rid of everything. Repaint the walls, get new furniture and a new bed,” he grins deviously up at her and pulls her closer.

“I think that’s a marvelous idea,” she smiles.

“Do you want to help me?”

“Really? I don’t want to intrude—“

“You won’t,” he shakes his head, “I want your opinion since . . .”

“Since what?”

“Since I want you to visit and I want you to visit a lot and I want you to like it too.”

Emmy melts into his arms, hugging him tightly. His arms are wrapped around her and he pulls her onto his lap.

“Is that okay?” he asks in her ear.

“It’s more than okay. That’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard, Luke,” she kisses his shoulder.

“You’re the sweetest thing.”

•••••

Luke and Emmy got to work right away on remodeling his house. He donated all of his furniture and hired a cleaning crew for the whole house, and the pool before the painters come.

While the painters were doing their job, Luke and Emmy went furniture shopping. He was a little apprehensive at first, but only because flashbacks of when he and Lea did the same thing she chose everything while Luke followed along silently.

But with Emmy, she made everything fun and lighthearted. She tested each couch cushion, pulling him down with her. It’s like she was goldilocks and Luke felt like he was anything but the big bad wolf like how Lea made him feel.

He decided on a blue couch with gray armchairs for the living room and he chose a king sized bed and a dark red armchair for his bedroom. It would all be delivered by next week which would be crunch time because in two weeks they’d be leaving for Bali.

As they were leaving the furniture store to go decoration shopping, Luke noticed some familiar photographers hanging around across the street. He remembers how Emmy nearly fell the last time she was around the paps and he took hold of her hand.

Was that already two months ago?

Luke keeps glancing at her once he’s driving to the next store and he can’t believe the timeline of him and Emmy.

Growing up, she was always Mikey’s younger sister who wanted to play video games and hang out with them all the time. When their music career began, they lost touch and sight of each other but he thought about her often.

“What’re you thinking so hard about over there?” Emmy pulls him out of his reverie just as they climb out of the car.

“You,” he answers simply holding out his hand for her to take. He doesn’t miss the blush on her cheeks and Luke loves it.

“Oh,” she giggles softly.

The decorating was his favorite thing to shop for because Emmy got so animated about everything she saw. She’d say where it would look best in his house and how it would pair nicely with something else she found in another aisle. Being with Emmy was as easy as breathing and blinking. He didn’t have to think about it, it just . . . felt so right.

Emmy is pointing out bookends that are guitars and Luke steps forward and places his finger under her chin so he can kiss her softly. His lips move against hers slowly, wanting to show her how delicate she is and deserves to be treated with such care.

“What was that for?” she exhales smiling up at him.

“I’m happy you’re here with me, Pip.” Luke’s fingers brush her hair back over her shoulder.

“You haven’t called me that since I got here,” she giggles.

“I know, you’re still my Pipsqueak. I think I’ve got all we need, ready to go back to your brother’s?”

She nods slowly taking his hand and they exit the store. As soon as they step into the hot LA sun, their names are being shouted left and right while a multitude of shutter speeds click a mile a minute. Emmy immediately coils into Luke’s side and he shifts his arm around her shoulders guiding her to the car.

“Is it true you and Lea are talking things through?”

“How does Michael feel about you with his sister?”

“What’s it like dating Luke?”

“Are you moving in together?”

“Do you still love Lea?”

The questions were fired from left and right and each time Lea was mentioned Luke tensed up and it only made him approach the car that much faster. Luke shields Emmy’s body with his own so she could get into the car safely and Luke hurried to his side.

Thankfully, the photographers backed away so Luke could peel out of the parking lot. His hands were shaking against the wheel, he flinches when Emmy grabs hold of his fingers with her own. He lets her place his hand in her lap where she caressed his fingers in a soothing way.

He calmed down immediately.

•••••

A week has gone by and Luke’s house is finally complete. He invites Emmy over first so they can be alone before he shows the others. They did this together and he wanted to revel in their job well done.

“Luke, it’s so amazing!” she gushes eyeing the piano he selected.

The space seems more like Luke, it’s open and warm and full of color.

“I couldn’t have done it without you,” he smiles leaning against his kitchen counter. He watches her peer at the guitar bookends on his shelf on either side of his TV. Her smile is radiant as she approaches him, his arms hold onto her waist loosely.

“Does it feel like home?”

His eyes search hers before he leans down pressing his lips to hers, he pulls her tighter against him. One hand travels to her neck and her hands hold onto the sides of his waist. The kiss becomes needy quickly and filled with so much desire Emmy gasps for breath but Luke moves his lips to her neck.

Emmy sighs, her fingers play with the ends of his curls that are getting longer before she starts to work on his buttons and his hands slide under her shirt. They remove the articles of clothing onto the floor, Luke’s fingers slip under the straps of her bra gliding them down her shoulders.

Luke pulls his mouth away from hers to look at her, her eyes are shining and her chest is rising heavily as she tries to catch her breath. To his surprise, she unfastens her bra and lets it fall to the floor between them. Emmy lifts her arms around his neck connecting their lips once more and Luke hoists her legs around his waist.

Lips still molding together, he peeks through his lids as he makes his way to his bedroom and places her on his bed gently. He moves to his knees on the floor as he pulls her shorts and underwear off, his mouth hot on her skin as he did so. He kisses up her leg, tongue delving between her pussy lips slowly.

Emmy sighs above him and he hums against her before removing his own clothes. Her hands reach for him as he reaches for her and then he’s hovering above her. Their eyes meet and they have a silent conversation as she settles herself beneath him and takes hold of him.

He kisses her as he pushes into her carefully. Moaning and sighing with bodies rolling like waves, they find the perfect rhythm easily. Their fingers slot together next to her head and their kisses become sloppy as their movements quicken.

They breathe each other in and when she clenches around him, Luke moans her name in her ear as she fills his with the chorus of her moans. As she comes notes and lyrics fill his head and he moves faster, grunting with each pull and thrust until he’s coming as well.

When he’s finished, he lifts his head to see she’s already staring at him, soft expression on her face and their fingers unlock. Soft pecks to her lips and all over her face makes her laugh and he caresses her cheek.

“You feel like home,” he tells her. She bites her lip then cuddles into his chest, kissing every inch of him she can.

•••••

Bali has been nothing but exceptional for Emmy and she loved having Luke show her around to his favorite spots. During the day they’d do activities like zip lining, visit the Uluwatu Temple and the monkey temple where they each got photos of a little monkey on their shoulders.

Each night they’d have dinner with Michael and everybody else then enjoy a large bonfire on the beach where Luke held Emmy between his legs in the sand. Michael kept a careful eye on them both, more so than when they were back home in LA. He picked up on different things here than back at home.

Like how whenever Luke would look at his sister, he’d have an instant smile on his face and when Emmy would be talking Luke listened very carefully. He always walked with her on the inside of the roads and when they’d join together again if they got split up from sight-seeing, he’d kiss her cheek.

Michael took notice of his sister’s actions as well. While they were looking at the trinket shops, her eyes would be on the token in her hand while her other reached for Luke who would be by her side instantly and she hadn’t even said his name. He noticed the way her face brightened when Luke would greet her with a kiss or simply look at her.

It made Michael happy that his best friend and his sister were so happy together. Especially for Luke, he didn’t seem so broken anymore. It also made Michael realize how grown up his sister is now. She’s no longer the little sister who followed them around wanting to play games and listen to their music.

“You’re quiet, that means you’re thinking something,” Crystal says sitting next to him on the couch out by the pool.

Michael’s eyes are focused on Luke and Emmy across the way in the pool. His sister has her legs in the water while Luke’s arms are resting on her thighs and they’re just talking to each other. Emmy dips her hand in the water then slicks back Luke’s curls, she smiles at something he says.

“I think they’re in love,” Michael finally speaks up, his fingers twiddling together.

“I think so too,” Crystal smiles placing her hand over his just as Emmy squealed in laughter as Luke pulled her into the water with him.

Later that night, before everyone disappeared for bed, Michael pulls Luke aside.

“What’s up?” Luke asks.

Michael gazes at one of his best friends for a moment, Luke’s skin color is tanner from the holiday sun, the dark circles under his eyes are gone completely and his eyes don’t have that hard edge to them anymore. He’s a completely different person from when he was with Lea and he had his little sister to thank.

“Um, I know we sort of talked about this at the club but . . . you’re serious about Ems, aren’t you?” Michael flat out asks.

Luke softens at her name and he nods, his fingers run through his unruly curls. Michael’s noticed he’s let his hair grow out, he seems freer.

“Yeah, I am,” Luke breathes, “she’s really special and important to me, Mike.”

“I can tell,” Michael smiles. “I wanted to tell you how happy I am for the both of you and I’m glad you have each other. It’s great seeing you as yourself again, man.”

“It feels good to be myself again, I have her to thank for it. But, uh, thanks for telling me. I still think you’re going to try and beat me up,” Luke chuckles.

“I have thought about it only because of my natural protective brother instincts,” Michael laughs along, “but you’re not a tiny breadstick anymore.”

They bump fists and then hug each other tightly before splitting off in the direction of their rooms.

When Luke finds Emmy she’s just getting out of the bathroom, her hair wet and she smiles at him when she walks by.

“Couldn’t wait to shower with me?” he teases following her to the bed. She sits cross legged in the center of it.

“It was a quick one just to get the sand off. What did my brother want?”

Luke sits next to her and takes her hands in his that are resting in her lap.

“He told me he’s happy we have each other.”

“Really?”

“Yeah,” Luke’s eyes flicker to hers. “Which is great because there’s something I’ve been wanting to show you. . .”

He pulls out his phone and opens up his voice notes app. Emmy watches him scroll down a few until he presses play and sets his phone on her bare knee.

His singing voice croons through the speaker and the sound of the ocean waves makes it even more special as he sings:

You came and topped them all You shine in the dead of the night And I was the first to fall

Fading away, fading away Wake up to someone with nothing to say I never change, though I'd never change Then you come and change it all

With your love, your love, I'm a better, better man With your love, your love, I'm a better, better man Darling, all of my wrongs, they lead me right to you Wrapped in your arms, I swear I'd….

  When the recording stopped, Emmy stares at Luke with wide eyes as she lets the piano and the lyrics resonate in her mind. He scoots closer to her then brushes his fingers on her cheek, his eyes focused on hers.

“I love you, Emmy,” he breathes without missing a beat.

His voice is soft as petals falling to the floor and Emmy’s heart catapults in her chest. Her lips widen in a smile and she lifts herself onto her knees to give him a big kiss. Luke’s hands hold onto her lower back as he kisses her back then they fall onto the bed together.

“I love you, too Luke,” she says on his lips.

They roll over together, lips and fingers interlocked anchoring each other. Luke’s no longer a castaway adrift at sea from a broken relationship void of love. Now he’s with Emmy, his shining lighthouse who makes him the better man he was always meant to be.

• • • •

Copyright talkfastromance4 © All works is intellectual property of the author. All rights reserved. Any redistribution or reproduction or any part or all contents in any form is prohibited. You may not, without written expression and consent from the author, distribute works amongst other social media platforms

Taglist: @galcalirwin @cashtonasff5sos @wokeupinjapanisabop @myloverboyash  @rotten-kandy @tea4sykes @jannimoeller3 @loveroflrh @iovehemmings @cxddlyash @princesslrh @here-for-the-uproars @katiaw2 @g-l-pierce 

[vindicatedvirgil]

science partners / intrulogical

...yeah idk what it is about this ship but i’m in love. also, remus is still stuck to me, please someone help? he’s really growing on me.

it’s a high school human AU! please enjoy

includes: high school Logan, high school Remus, science experiments, friends to lovers, it’s kind of super fluffy at the end

(masterlist)

“Remus Creative–”

“I’m a present!” Remus cackled, a bow on his head.

“Yes, very nice. Roman Creative?”

“Preseeeent~!” Roman sang out.

“Logan Crofters–”

“Here.” His head was down, and he was jotting in his worn-down notebook. He tuned out the rest of roll call, and was only faintly listening to the assignment the teacher was talking about.

“Ahem. Mr. Crofters?” The teacher was standing right in front of Logan. “Did you hear what I said about your project partner?”

“Uh…” Logan glanced around. “No, sorry.” The teacher just rolled their eyes and pointed to the student sitting next to Logan, who glanced to his left. It was Remus Creative, probably the most inappropriate and wacky student in Logan’s grade. “Um, can’t I… do this project on my own?” Remus made a mocking offended noise.

“Ugh, like I want to work with Mr. ‘I’m better than you because I’m a super smarty pants’ but teach here has already said that we’re working together, so put on your big boy pants and look at the assignment sheet with me,” He muttered, resting his chin on his hand, his tongue sticking out a little bit. The teacher wandered off, and Logan closed his notebook, glancing at the assignment sheet that was set down between the two boys.

“...we have to come up with our own physics experiment?” Logan asked. Remus fluttered his eyelashes, staring at Logan. 

“I have a few ideas for a physics assignment, cutie pie~”

“No. Nothing dirty, you snake.” Logan groaned, running a hand through his hair. Remus made that mock offended noise again.

“Excuse you, I am not a snake! Janus is the snake. I’m more of a stinky rat man, you know?” Remus laughed, then took out a pen and began writing potential ideas for experiments on the paper. Logan watched him scrawl a list of potential experiments, some typical, but a few of them were pretty out there. He was appalled at the fact that the pen wrote in sparkly silver ink, but ignored this.

“Isn’t something with solar panels… overdone a bit?” Logan asked, adjusting his glasses frames, then pointed to one item on the list. “Why does this just say bouncy balls?”

“It’s an experiment on height and linearity of bouncing balls,” Remus answered simply. “But if you think it’s too silly, whatever.”

“No, that’s actually… intriguing.” Logan responded. “We have to record our experiment for the presentations and log our results. We should find a space to film.”

“Not my house,” Remus muttered. “Unless you want to be around Roman.” Logan glanced over his shoulder at Remus’ twin, who was boasting about something. Logan shook his head.

“My apartment is kind of a mess, but my mom is always working, so it should be fine.” Remus looked deep in thought, but he just nodded. “We should get a variety of sizes of balls, so we have more data to go off of. I have carpet, tile, and hardwood, so we can test on surfaces as well.” Remus cackled.

“My balls are bouncy, I promise… and if you want, I have some hard wood for ya,” He grinned toothily, and Logan just rolled his eyes, ignoring the jokes. Well, what he hoped were jokes.

“There’s a dollar store by my apartment. We can do this after school today, and get it out of the way,” He explained. “We can meet out front once the day is done.”

-

Logan sighed, crossing his arms. Thirty minutes had already passed since the final bell rang, and Remus was nowhere to be found. This was why he hated working with others on projects; they couldn’t be depended on, not for anything. He decided to wait another fifteen minutes for his classmate, and if he didn’t show, he’d do the project on his own and tell the teacher that Remus bailed.

Logan was not so lucky. He was nearly tackled to the ground when someone hugged him from behind, arms wrapping around his shoulders. “Lolo!” Remus’ cackle was jarring and it made Logan’s head spin. He peeled the other’s arms off of him and glared harshly at the pouting teen.

“You’re late,” he said. Remus shrugged. “And don’t call me Lolo. My name is Logan, and you will refer to me as that and only that.” He began walking off campus, and Remus skipped alongside him, humming.

“So, how far away is your house?” Remus asked, wrapping an arm around Logan’s shoulders again. The logical teen didn’t bother to push him off, but glared at him through his glasses. 

“It’s a fifteen minute walk to the dollar store and then a five minute walk from there to the apartment complex,” Logan explained. Remus frowned when he realized the direction they were walking in, towards the more low-income part of town, but he decided to say nothing. They walked in silence, which surprised Logan, until they got to the store. Remus grabbed a cart and wheeled himself down the aisles, giggling. “Remus, please, we need to locate the bouncing balls.”

“Oh, alright. You’re no fun,” Remus pouted, and the two located the area with them. They got several packets of various sizes, and Remus also grabbed a large bouncing ball, which he held by hugging it. Logan rolled his eyes, but a small smile formed on his lips when he realized that Remus looked like a small child when he held the giant ball. They checked out at the front, Remus insisting on paying for everything, which only amounted to about $10. Logan made a fuss, but secretly he was grateful, because he only had a few bucks left until his next payday, and would need to go to the grocery story soon.

Remus toddled along the sidewalk, still hugging the ball, while Logan walked beside him, the plastic bag in his hand holding the rest of the bouncing balls. When they got to the apartment complex, Remus followed Logan up a short flight of stairs and stood awkwardly as the smart kid dug his keys out of his pocket. He opened the door, allowing Remus to go in first, and went inside after. Remus set the ball down gently, glancing around.

The kitchen was small. There was no TV, just a futon with some blankets and pillows on it, a dining table covered in worn books and papers, and two closed doors, one leading to a bathroom and the other to the only bedroom. There were cardboard boxes littered everywhere, with clothes spilling out of them. Logan looked ashamed, but also remained quiet as he set his backpack down on the futon. He fumbled through his backpack to grab his worn notebook.

“...Logan, I–”

“Don’t. Let’s just get this over with,” was the only response he gave. He set up a chart to log height, trajectory, number of rebound bounces, size of ball, and floor type. “Should we start small or big?”

“Uh, big first.”

The two sat cross-legged on the floor in various areas of the room for the next few hours as Remus dropped the balls from a constant height and Logan logged the results. They had set up a perilous tower of books to keep Remus’ phone camera focused on the actions. It was mostly quiet except for the bouncing and the scratching of Logan’s pencil on paper, and he just hoped that Remus wasn’t uncomfortable. He knew that the Creative twins came from a rich family, and he wondered if the jokester had ever been in such a small and worn-down place.

As they were wrapping up their experimenting, Logan’s mother came home, eyes deep set in shadows and hair greasy and mangled. Remus said nothing as Logan explained that they were science partners, working on an assignment, and that he’d be starting their dinner very soon. She just nodded and excused herself to take a shower and a nap.

“What does your mother do for work?” Remus asked, breaking the awkward silence. Logan ran a hand through his hair.

“She’s a nurse during the day, and at night she works at a 24-hour café,” Logan explained. “Ever since my dad died, we’ve lived here. I’ve had to pick up a job as a tutor, and recently I started working at the café, too, to take a little bit of the pressure off of my mom.”

“I’m sorry about your dad,” Remus said gently, placing a hand on Logan’s shoulder. “Actually, I’m sorry about… everything. If I’d have known, I wouldn’t have suggested someplace else, this is worse than Roman singing–”

“Shut up,” Logan’s voice was wavering. “This isn’t worse. This is my fucking life, Remus, and I’m not ashamed of it. Don’t pity me.” Remus looked down at his feet, ashamed.

“I’m sorry. I just…” he sighed. “You deserve better. Everyone in school always makes fun of you for being smart and wearing those dorky clothes. You deserve a better science partner than me, that’s for damn sure.” Logan started to say something but was interrupted by his mom coming out from her bedroom.

“Remus, are you staying for dinner? Logan always makes the most delicious dinners, even though we don’t have much,” She said, sitting on one of the chairs at the table.

“Um, thank you, but I should… probably head home,” Remus didn’t meet her eyes. She frowned and gave a look to Logan, who just nodded. She went back to her room while Logan stood up, heading towards the small kitchenette. Remus watched him carefully. “So… you cook?” Logan smiled, getting the ingredients for his simple soup out from the fridge and pantry.

“My dad was a chef. He taught me everything I know about food, so… yeah, I make all of the food,” He replied. Remus went to join him in the kitchen, and studied Logan’s movements as he cut the vegetables up and put them in the soup pot. “You should stay. So that after, we can accumulate our data and write the report.”

“I don’t want to take what little food you have, though…” Remus’ voice was serious, and it startled Logan, who just shook his head.

“Please don’t worry about that,” he took a deep breath. “I’d… like you to stay. You’re my science partner after all.” Remus sighed, and nodded.

“How can I help?”

-

“This was so tasty, baby. Thank you,” Logan’s mom kissed the top of his head. “I’ve gotta head out to the café now, don’t stay up too late alright? And make sure Remus here gets home safely.”

“I will, Mama,” Logan said. He closed her thermos that he had filled with coffee and handed it to her. “I’ll see you in the morning.” She waved and smiled at Remus and then left the two in the apartment. Remus cleared the dishes from the table and began cleaning them, without saying anything. Logan just helped to dry and put away the dishes, and when their hands met he almost dropped a glass, but he caught it, the red blush coating his face.

“You’re kind of like Wolverine,” Remus said, breaking the silence. “Other than the fact that your name is Logan. You’re strong, and you’ve been through a lot, you’re kinda sexy…” He turned off the water. “You’re like… nerdy wolverine.”

“I don’t know about that–”

Remus didn’t let him argue. He grabbed Logan’s hands which were still holding a bowl and a towel and kissed him, startling the nerdy boy. Logan stumbled back, almost dropping the bowl but he set it down gently, his face bright red and a startled look on his face.

“Don’t! Don’t pity me–”

“Logan–”

“Get out!” Logan threw the towel at Remus’ face. “I don’t know what kind of game you’re playing–”

“Logan, I’ve had a major crush on you for two years,” Remus said plainly. Logan blinked, a confused look replacing his angry face. “The way you get all excited about science and facts? At the astronomy lesson last month you had this ‘lost in the stars’ expression the whole time. So… I requested to have you be my science partner for this assignment. I wasn’t going to do or say anything but… I couldn’t help it. I’m sorry.”

“I’ve never liked anyone before, so I don’t know if I can just…”

“It’s okay,” Remus looked down. “I’ll go home. I’m really sorry, Logan. I’ll take the data and write it up, okay? You don’t need to worry.” He started to turn away, but Logan gripped his wrist.

“I’m not saying that I don’t want to, Remus,” he clarified, then sighed. “I just… I’ll need a little bit of time, okay?”

-

The bell above the door jingled as Remus stepped into the small café. He didn’t immediately see Logan, but he sat down at his usual booth, setting his backpack down next to him. Logan’s mom bounded over, a smile on her face.

“Morning, Remus,” she said, pouring some coffee into the mug in front of him. “Lo’s on dish washing duty today, but I’ll let him know you’re here, okay?”

“Thanks, Mrs. C,” Remus smiled up at her. He pulled a book out of his backpack and began reading, taking occasional sips of his coffee. After about five minutes, Logan’s mom brought over his usual sunny side up egg with some hash browns.

“Another book on reptiles, Remus?” She asked, settling into the booth across from him. “You two really are very similar.” Remus smiled, dog-tagging the page he was on and setting the book down.  He coated his entire plate with ketchup and took a bite.

“Did you know that snakes and lizards use their tongues to smell the things around them?” Remus asked, and she just giggled, sticking her tongue out. He did too, and laughed. She got up after that, doing her rounds, and he settled in deeper to the cushion.

It had been two months since the science experiment. Remus spent all of his Saturdays in the café while Logan was working. He did his homework, read books, and got to know Logan’s mom, who was quirky and silly despite her constant exhaustion. Logan was still hesitant around Remus, though, and he didn’t want to push anything. When they saw each other, Remus would just kiss the smart boy’s cheek. They hadn’t kissed again.

But they spent a lot of time together, and Remus hoped that some progress was being made. They’d study together in Logan’s apartment after school on Logan’s days off, and sometimes Logan would just rest his head on Remus’ shoulder because he was so tired. On Sundays, Logan would go over to Remus’ house, since Remus had a lot of fancy science equipment they could use together.

Every once in a while, Roman would ask what was going on between the two, but Remus would just shrug and say they were friends. He hoped that someday, he could say they were more.

“Hey,” Logan’s clear voice brought Remus out of his deep thoughts. He glanced up at Logan, who slid into the seat across from him, a plate of toast with jam on them in hand. Remus gave him a sweet smile, resting his chin on his hand.

“Hi, Lolo,” he said. “Are you on your break right now?”

“Yeah,” was Logan’s only response as he took a bite of one of the pieces of toast. Remus took a bite of his food as well, and they ate in comfortable silence until Remus felt a foot brush against his own. He raised an eyebrow at Logan, whose face was bright red.

“What’s up?” He asked, setting his fork down with a slight clang. Logan said nothing and kept eating his toast, but with his spare hand he took a folded note out of his pocket and slid it across the table. Remus gave him a confused glance but picked it up, unfolding the paper.

Remus,

There’s a documentary about eels playing at the dollar theater tomorrow. Wanna go?

-Logan

Remus giggled a little, holding back his desire to make an eel-in-his-pants joke. “Yeah, of course, Lolo. Why couldn’t you just ask?” Logan looked down, his face still bright red, and scarfed down the rest of his toast. He took a sip of Remus’ coffee, then cleared his throat.

“It’s kind of nerve wracking asking someone out on a date, okay?” Logan admitted. Remus must have looked startled, because a wave of panic crossed Logan’s face. “I-if you don’t want it to be a date–”

“No, I do, Lo, I just… I’m surprised, is all,” Remus said, giving Logan a bright smile. “I just don’t want you to rush into feeling ready for that…”

“...I’m… ready for that, Remus,” Logan said, looking down again. Remus nudged his foot again, and the two sat in a comfortable silence for the rest of Logan’s break.

-

“...you’re wearing a suit,” Logan muttered, eyeing Remus up and down. He had just opened the apartment door. “Why, exactly, are you doing that?” Remus shrugged, looking down at his own attire. It was a dark green suit.

“It’s our first date, so… yeah.” He blushed a little. “You look nice, Lo. As always.” Logan adjusted his tie, but felt like his polo shirt just wasn’t cutting it anymore. He always wore this, he figured Remus would show up in his usual torn jeans and tank top and leather jacket but no, he just had to show up looking all dapper and smelling like something he’d gotten a whiff of from a magazine once.

“Hang on,” Logan shut the door quickly, leaving a startled Remus on the other side of the door. He frowned a little, but didn’t move from his spot. Logan ran into his mom’s bedroom and flung open the closet, digging until he got to the box of his dad’s old clothes.

When he opened the door again, Remus’ jaw dropped. Logan was in a tweed jacket. LOGAN. WAS. IN. A. TWEED. JACKET. And he had changed out of his jeans into some nice dress pants and from his polo shirt to a button-down. He wore the same tie, but, god, Remus could have tackled him then.

“Lo, you look… fucking beautiful,” He smiled, pulling Logan in for a hug. His lips brushed Logan’s warm cheek, and Logan reached up to wrap his arms around the taller teen. Their lips met briefly, and Remus swore he could sprout wings and fly into the sky. “Okay, seriously though, we should go before I rip that jacket right off of you.” Logan blushed and stepped outside with Remus, then closed and locked the apartment door. Remus laced their fingers together as they walked down the steps and onto the sidewalk.

-

Logan insisted on buying the tickets for the film since he was the one who had initiated the date, but Remus wouldn’t let him pay for their popcorn and icee. They settled into their seats, the theater almost completely empty save for a few older folks near the middle of the theater. Logan’s leg bounced up and down, and Remus settled a hand on his thigh.

“Sorry, Remus. I’m just… nervous? I don’t know why, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen a movie, but–” He cut himself off, looking down.

“It’s okay, Lo. I’m nervous too. I don’t want to mess this up,” He kept his hand on Logan’s thigh as the lights dimmed and the film started. Logan put the drink holder between them up and leaned into Remus a little. In response, Remus wrapped an arm around his shoulders, bringing him closer.

They each made little comments throughout the film, but Logan was almost completely enthralled by the smell of Remus’ cologne, and Remus could barely breathe with the way that Logan was pressed up against him. Once the film was over, Remus insisted on walking Logan home, and once again their fingers were laced together as they walked as close together as possible under the flickering streetlights and moonlight.

As they got back to Logan’s apartment, his mother was leaving for her shift at the café. She gave them each a kiss on the cheek as she left, and then the two stood awkwardly in front of the door to the apartment. Logan rubbed the back of his neck.

“You… um… you wanna come inside for a few minutes?” He asked hesitantly. Remus glanced down, but nodded, so the two entered the apartment. They sat on the futon, barely touching, and Logan sighed. “I… I’m sorry. I just feel all tingly when I’m around you, Remus. It’s a good tingly, but… I don’t know how to cope with it.” Remus let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding and scooted closer to Logan, his hand once again finding a comfortable space on the nerd’s thigh and his arm wrapping around the padded shoulders of the tweed jacket.

“Tingly is good. I don’t want to push you too much, okay? If I’m doing something you don’t like, please tell me. You mean a lot to me, Lo,” Remus said before kissing Logan deeply. Logan kissed back, enthusiastically pressing himself against the larger man, a hand tangling in his hair. Logan’s other hand trailed under Remus’ jacket coat, making him shiver and pull back. “Lo, seriously, you don’t need to do anything you’re not ready for–”

“Remus, just shut up and kiss me more, okay?” Logan tried kissing him again but Remus stayed out of his reach.

“If we’re going to go any farther we need to discuss it first, please,” Remus’ eyes were pleading, and it took Logan by complete surprise. He figured that Remus would be ecstatic to take things to the next level physically, considering all of the jokes and hints he thought he had been given over the past few months.

“I… I think this is what I want, but how do you know when you’re ready?” Logan asked. Remus took his hands gently and brought them up to kiss each knuckle.

“I’m not so sure myself, Lo. I’ve never… had someone like you. I’ve never done anything,” He admitted, which honestly surprised Logan, and it was evident on his face. “I did say I’ve had a crush on you for years, didn’t I? I could never be with someone else, no matter how tempted I was.”

“...I haven’t either. But I feel like… I could with you. Maybe not today. But… someday?” Logan’s voice was small. Remus smiled and placed a hand on his cheek.

“I like the idea of someday, Lo,” He said, leaning in to kiss him gently. “It’ll be like a science experiment. As time goes by, we might get more and more comfortable but we will have to test the boundaries. We might get things wrong, but… eventually we will figure it out.” Logan smiled, resting his head on Remus’ shoulder. “Until then, we can take things at a snail’s pace.”

“Did you know that some aquatic snails have lungs?”

“No, but did you know that snail mucus could be good for your skin?”

[drawlfoy]

Fixed

masterlist

request guidelines

requests are open as usualllll

pairing: draco x slytherin!reader

request: yes! i’m combining 2 slytherin!reader requests because they’re rather similar and i feel weird putting two nearly identical ones out, but i swear the storylines aren’t altered.

summary: draco has a teasing relationship with the reader--they playfully argue and go back and forth but never acknowledge the fact that there may be something more. draco notices her pulling back and becoming more reserved. he follows her out of the dining hall one day to find her having a breakdown over a dark secret.

warnings: breakdown (and not the dancing kind), if the summary didn’t already explain that. swearing and potentially suggestive argumentation. also ooc draco and i say “fuck you” to canon in this one

a/n: this is the first time i’m merged two requests together, so i’m feeling a little wacky but i hope it turns out to what you guys wanted! i’m so so lucky to have readers. i’d love any comments that you may have on my work, even if they’re constructive criticism!

music recs: peach pit is what comes to mind but i’m listening to scary stories as i write this lol because i live on the edgeeeeeee

word count: 2,924

Y/N was an organized girl, no doubt about it. So organized, in fact, that she never lost anything, and she most certainly never lost track of her wand.

So when she noticed in Charms that her wand was not stowed away in her cloak pocket, she immediately knew who did it.

Without even as much as a hello, Y/N strode over to her “friend” and fellow house member Draco Malfoy and shoved her hand into his pocket, wiggling it around.

“At least buy me dinner first.” Draco had started at the sudden sensation, but once he smelled the perfume of the witch behind him, he knew exactly who it was, not bothering to give her much of a reaction.

Y/N fished around his pockets for a bit before grabbing his shoulder and yanking him around.

“Where is my wand, Draco? I know you have it.”

He smirked evilly down at her, his eyes glinting with mischief. 

“I have no idea what you’re talking about, sweetheart.”

“Yes, you do!” She pulled him towards her by his green and silver tie, trying to look as menacing as possible. “I swear to god, Draco, I’m gonna hex you into oblivion if you don’t give it back.”

“With what wand?” He laughed. “And let’s be real here, Y/N, you wouldn’t anyways. You love me too much.”

Y/N’s cheeks grew red at the suggestion.

“As if, Draco! Give me my wand back, or I’ll throttle you with my bare hands!”

“Ooh, kinky.” 

She let go of his tie, shoving him away. Who was he to suggest these things to her? He’d never been interested as long as she could remember--no matter how many subtle hints she’d dropped, he remained oblivious, instead choosing Pansy’s incessant fawning.

Pretending like it didn’t hurt when he was ignoring her was easy. Pretending it didn’t hurt when he was inches away from her face and fake flirting with her was a whole other deal. 

“Give me my wand, you git,” she commanded, holding her hand out. Perhaps if she was animated with her hands, he wouldn’t notice her blush. 

Draco raised an eyebrow, one side of his lip rising along with it. 

“Ask nicely.”

“May I please have my wand back?” she spat, each word filling her mouth with venom.

“We could work on your tone a tad, but I guess I might as well,” he responded, nonchalant and ignorant of the searing look she sent him. Digging through his satchel, he retrieved her wand, pressing it into her hand.

Y/N sent him a syrupy sweet smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. In the corner of her vision, she could see Pansy watching her with a sour look on her face.

She was never one to disappoint an audience.

“Thank you, Draco,” she cooed, taking a complete 180 from her previous demeanor. Throwing all caution to the wind, she stood up on her tiptoes and pressed a kiss to his cheek, lingering for a moment longer than necessary. 

When she settled back down to her usual height, she noticed that his eyebrow was still arched, but his evil look was replaced with one of inquisitiveness. 

“I knew you were in love with me,” he crooned.

“No, I’m just a big fan of charity work,” she shot back, spinning around and walking back to her desk.

It was, after all, just another Tuesday.

♥♥♥♥

“Are you still hopelessly obsessed with Draco?”

“Huh?” Y/N diverting her attention from her studies to what her roommate, Millicent, had just asked her. “Sorry, I was deep in a passage and didn’t catch that.”

Millicent rolled her eyes, crossing her legs on her bed. 

“I asked, are you still into Draco? I remember you talking about him in 4th year when we were getting dates for the Yule Ball arranged.” 

“Oh.” Y/N let her eyes fall back onto her textbook. “I don’t know, Mills. I think he’s kind of an arse. He totally knew that I was into him and asked Pansy instead.” 

Millicent chuckled sourly at that.

“Yeah, he was kind of immature back then,” she offered, resting her chin in her hand. “But, I don’t know, don’t you think that you guys have chemistry?”

Y/N thought for a few moments.

“I can’t say,” she responded. “But chemistry doesn’t really mean anything if they don’t care about you, you know? I think he messes with me just so he can feel like I’m still on the hook.”

“How do you know that?” 

“How do I know that he’s just using me?” Y/N rolled her quill over in her hands a few times. “I can’t say for sure, but I’m normally good at reading these situations and I don’t want to get my hopes up.”

“So you’re saying that you do have hopes that he’s interested?” Y/N didn’t have to turn to know that her roommate was plotting. 

“I’m saying that I really don’t have time to be worrying about it right now,” Y/N opined. 

Before she knew it, a hand was taking her quill out of her hand and closing her textbook.

“Hey! You can’t--”

“It’s been too long, Y/N,” Millicent whined. “We need to have a good gossip, and now that midterms are over, we can catch up. Please?”

Y/N couldn’t help a smile from creeping into her stony expression. While she had had reservations about her roommate at first, she soon learned that they brought the best out in each other.

“Okay, okay, but I’m not making any rash decisions, alright?”

“And when would I ever let you do that anyways?”

They both erupted in giggles while Y/N allowed her friend to pull her onto the bed.

“So, for starters,” Millicent began. “I heard that Draco and Pansy are going through a rough patch right now.” 

“And who did you hear that from?”

“Irrelevant. But if you care, Blaise, and Theo confirmed it as well. And I would’ve found out without their help...they’re acting weird. Pansy looks like she’s ready to slit his throat at a moment’s notice, if you haven’t been paying any attention for the past 4 hours.”

Y/N laughed nervously. Of course she had noticed...but she didn’t want anyone to realize how much she actually cared.

“Yikes, I hope they figure that out. Their parents are going to be mad if they break up, right?”

“No, probably not. His parents really want him to end up with a Greengrass...something about settling a deal from a few generations ago.”

“Oh.” Y/N swallowed any other hope that she had left. “That sucks for Pansy. I know how much she likes him.”

Millicent paused for a moment, placing a hand on her shoulder.

“Don’t act like you haven’t been feeling bad as well,” she said, her tone softening. “I’ve noticed the pain in your eyes whenever you see them together.”

“And it doesn’t help when he seeks me out to mess with me!” Y/N exclaimed, throwing her hands up. “I try so, so hard to forget about him and pretend like he doesn’t matter to me, but he finds all of these ways to keep butting back into my life and it always works...”

Her roommate began rubbing her back, allowing the few tears being shed to fall in peace. 

“You’re worth so much, Y/N,” she told her firmly. “And unless I’m wrong, which we know is impossible, I think he kind of likes you too.”

“I don’t think you understand, though,” Y/N whispered. “Why would I ever want to be with someone who thinks of me as a second choice?”

Millicent was silent for a few breaths.

“Yeah. Maybe his parents pushed him to date her, though? Maybe he has a good excuse?”

“I don’t know, Mills. I’m just not going to think about it anymore, alright?”

♥♥♥♥

Draco was sitting across the breakfast table from Y/N, watching her sip her tea, waiting for the moment to throw another comment her way. 

The screech of owls interrupted his thought process, signaling that the morning post had arrived. A snowy owl landed gracefully next to Y/N’s plate, bearing a letter with a red wax seal on the back.

She shook herself out of her daydreams--she had been up late the night before cramming for an exam and had burnt through an entire candle. Stroking her owl, she whispered a genuine thank you and instructed it to fly on home.

Y/N picked up the letter, fingering the parchment. It was clearly from her parents--the wax seal bore the mark of her family’s crest. Confused, she ripped open the envelope and began skimming the letter.

Oh, no. Oh, no.

Her vision began to blur as she folded the parchment up, shoving it back into her pocket. 

“Hey Y/N, what’s going--”

Before Draco could finish his sentence, she was already halfway down the aisle, moving quickly to the exit. He watched her go, wishing that he could follow but knowing that it wasn’t a good idea with the tension regarding Pansy.

It was high time to break up with her anyways--no reason to keep up appearances when he didn’t desire her.

♥♥♥♥

As the week went by, Draco noticed more and more changes in Y/N’s demeanor. She was eating less and spacing out more. Her skirt was wrinkled on Friday, something that rarely ever happened, and she was no longer sending him bitter remarks in response to his flirty ones. On Saturday, she stayed in her dorm instead of joining her friends for a day in Hogsmeade, something he had never seen her miss before.

Something was clearly wrong with Y/N, and for some reason, this twisted something in his chest more than breaking up with Pansy did. He couldn’t remember the last time he saw her messing around in the common room, either. It was unnerving, really. The witch had no business worrying him like that.

So, when he passed by her during a free period and saw her walking ahead of him, he made the executive decision to finally do something.

“Y/N!” he yelled, cupping his hands around his mouth to amplify the sound. “Y/N, wait!”

She halted, turning around slowly. When she saw who had called her name, she stiffened and made to continue on her path. 

Draco, anticipating such a reaction, had already begun to jog towards her, lightly pushing past the rest of the students going the same direction.

“Y/N! Please, I need to talk to you!”

 She picked up the pace, but Draco’s long legs caught up to her as he slipped a hand into the crook of her arm, startling her.

“What do you wa--”

“Can I please talk to you? It’ll just take a second. I promise.”

Her expression was unreadable, but he could tell that she was considering her options. 

“Fine,” she finally said. “What is it?”

“Not here,” Draco quickly said. “Somewhere private. The common room, maybe?” 

“If you wanted to off me, I doubt anyone would notice if you did it right here,” Y/N said, waving her hand dismissively. “But if you would really like to talk there, then I guess I’ll comply.”

Without another word, Draco led her down to the dungeons, keeping his hand tucked in her arm, not trusting her to stick by him. It felt strange--normally he was the one holding his arm out, but then again, this entire situation was out of character for him. 

Once they had reached the common room, Draco waved his wand and lit the fire, sitting down in front of the couch to watch the green flames lick the stone.

“Sit,” he instructed, patting the space on the couch next to him. 

Surprisingly, Y/N did as she was told, folding her legs up on the couch and sending Draco a death stare.

“Get on with it.”

“I just...I wanted to make sure that you were alright,” Draco faltered. Playing therapist was not something he had experience with. “I’ve noticed you acting strange since you got that letter at breakfast and it’s making me worry. Can you just tell me what’s wrong so I can fix it and we can be normal again?”

Y/N was silent for a while.

“You can’t fix this. Not this time. I’m sorry.”

“What do you mean I can’t? Just tell me, Y/N, please.”

Silence again...except for something else. Draco stole a glance at Y/N and was stunned to see the firelight illuminate tears rolling down her face. 

“Oh, no, Y/N, what’s wrong?” 

The question only made her gasps for air louder as Y/N curled herself into a ball.

“I’m sorry,” she managed. “You should go. You can come back later when I’m calmer, I’m sorry.”

“No, no, don’t apologize,” Draco murmured, bringing up a hand to steady her shoulder. “Tell me what’s wrong and I’ll make it better, alright?”

“My parents are forcing me into an arranged marriage,” she whispered, hugging her knees to her chest. “He goes to Durmstrang. I hate him. They offered my hand in marriage because they want his father to be more amiable to mine in this business deal, and since I’ve never been in a relationship, they think it’s the only chance I have anyways at finding a life partner.”

The sobs had stopped. Her tears fell silently now, staining the whites of her sleeves.

Draco himself had to process the information. Y/N, married to someone else? No, he never could’ve imagined that.

Without anything particularly useful to say, Draco just opened his arms.

“C’mere,” he awkwardly mumbled. 

Y/N studied him for a few seconds.

“I’m going to get snot on your shirt.”

“I don’t care.” 

With that settled, Y/N released her knees from her hold, instead crawling into his lap. He stroked her hair as she wept into his shirt and clung to him.

Oh, how this was embarrassing for her. She supposed that there was a reason why her parents were so desperate to accept an offer for her hand. 

Draco suddenly stopped, moving his hands to tap her shoulder.

“Y/N,” he began, “Would they make you marry him if you were already in a relationship?”

She sat up, blowing her nose into her handkerchief before answering.

“No, probably not. Why?”

“Well...” He pondered for a second, wondering if he was really going to be brave enough to say what he wanted to. “What if I was in the picture? They wouldn’t care to pass you off to some random Durmstrang boy if you had a Malfoy instead, right?”

Y/N stared at him.

“Er... probably not. That’s nice wishful thinking there, Draco.”

“I’m being serious!” He wasn’t expecting it to go this direction. 

“How do I know that you’re not joking?” she queried, scootching further away from him and trying to ignore the pain that flashed across his eyes.

“I let you cry all over my dress shirt,” he reminded her, motioning to the stains on his chest. “Do you think I’d do that for any girl?” 

Y/N just shrugged, hiccuping once before she stuffed her handkerchief back into her pocket. 

“I wouldn’t.” Draco answered his own question, reaching up to gingerly brush her hair out of her eyes. “I know it must be weird seeing me with Pansy.”

“Yeah, no shit,” she mumbled. “I didn’t even think about that. My disbelief was due to the fact that you’ve never been interested.”

Draco flinched. 

“I don’t think you’re completely right there,” he said, his hand pausing to cup her face. 

“Are you forgetting the Yule Ball ordeal? How you knew how much I liked you but you still went with Pansy instead?”

“You don’t understand,” he responded hastily. “I didn’t know--I was 14 and an idiot. I couldn’t tell if you liked me or not and I knew that she did, so I wasn’t afraid.”

“And so you dated her for another 2 years?” Y/N answered in disbelief, seemingly forgetting the fact that she had just been crying her eyes out.

“At first it was to make you jealous,” Draco explained. “But then Pansy’s parents began to expect a lot out of us, and I was waiting for the right time to break it off, and it just didn’t....ever come around.”

Draco jumped as Y/N smacked his shoulder.

“You’re an idiot,” she snapped. 

“I know.” Draco gulped. “And I’m sorry about that, Y/N, I really am. Let me make it up to you. Owl your parents and tell them that you had forgotten to mention that you’re already in a serious relationship with me.”

He curled an arm around her waist, highlighting the fact that while she wasn’t lying on his chest, she was still nestled into him.

“Under one condition,” Y/N told him, an elvish glint in her eyes.

“Yes?” He reached up his free hand to boop the tip of her nose.

“What was that?!” Y/N jerked her face away from his.

Draco smiled sheepishly.

“Sorry, I’ve always wanted to do that. You were saying?”

Her mouth was parted slightly in confusion as her brain tried to recall what she was about to say.

“I--just don’t be a pill, Draco, alright?”

“C’mon now, when have I ever been one?” He smirked down at her, wearing the expression that he adopted whenever they teased each other in class.

Y/N was trying her hardest to stay composed, but a genuine smile fought its way onto her face. It only widened when Draco leaned forward, pressing his lips to her forehead.

Pulling away, he uttered the words that would lead to her lightly smacking him on the shoulder again:

“I told you I could fix it.”

final a/n: kindaaaaaaa mad that i took on this request at this point because i totally could’ve turned this into a series where the reader and draco don’t admit feelings this early and instead decide to “fake date” so both parents would be happy but i have a lifeeeee grossssss

[edelvonhresvelg]

If requests are still open could you do a scenario where El and F!Byleth get roped into solving a mystery while on their honeymoon? Feel free to make the mystery as serious or wacky as you want, thanks!

asdfghjkl okay, so I drew a major blank with this one. turns out mysteries aren’t something I’m particularly good at. ;w;

so this is the best I could come up with. maybe not really as much of a ‘mystery’, and I’m always wary of writing anything too long on here. but I didn’t want to leave you with nothing! (even though I’m sure this is rubbish, and I’m sorry for that. ;w;)

requests are always open, though! (assuming this piece doesn’t discourage people from wanting to give me requests, that is. 😂)

— — — — — — — — — —

“I’ve been waiting for this day since that one time we spoke, all those years back at the monastery,” Byleth beamed, rather proudly, as she settled herself down on the blanket she’d thrown over the grassy ground. “A day of doing nothing and gorging ourselves on sweets.”

“I can’t believe you remembered, all these years later…” Edelgard smiled warmly as she settled down next to Byleth, eyes skimming over the array of treats set out before them — sweets and cakes that would go delightfully with the tea, which Edelgard already knew was sure to be her favourite blend: bergamot. Byleth never offered her anything but her favourite. “All of this…you really didn’t have to.”

“Does it make you happy?”

The emperor looked up, slightly caught off guard by the question. “Of course! That’s not what I—”

“That’s why I wanted to.” Byleth smiled, reaching over to rest her hand on top of Edelgard’s. “This is what we’ve been working towards. Quiet time together, just the two of us. Away from the palace. Away from our duties. You’ve earned it. We’ve earned it.”

It was as perfect a day as either of them had ever imagined it would be — the weather was calm and the sky a clear blue; the array of treats worth the effort Byleth had went through to get them. But about halfway into their perfect day, the sound and sight of someone running frantically through nearby brush caught their attention. Byleth half stood to get a better view, at which point the stranger — a young woman — caught sight of the pair and changed course to run in their direction.

Edelgard and Byleth were both fully standing by the time the woman reached them, though her words had reached them even before then: “You need to leave! Run! It’s out there!”

“Please, calm down,” Edelgard called, quite calmly, as the woman reached them, though the emperor had to hold out an arm to encourage the stranger to stop. “Catch your breath, and tell us what happened.”

Byleth was keen to hear, though was equally wary; a hand reaching for the dagger at her waist as she scanned their surroundings. Nothing out of the ordinary was to be seen…

“A demon!” The woman panted frantically, fear evident in her wide eyes as the looked between the two and pointed back in the direction she’d come from. “I saw it! It was stalking me, hiding, but I saw it! It’s coming for me!” The woman was already moving away from them while speaking. Before either Edelgard or Byleth could get their heads around what was happening, the woman was running away again, calling back: “It’ll be here! You need to leave!”

Just as quickly as she’d come, the woman was gone. The Emperor and the Professor simply stood there, staring at each other. Eventually, Byleth broke the silence: “I promise that wasn’t part of my plans for today.”

Edelgard gave Byleth a look, and shook her head. “You really choose your moments to joke, Byleth…” There was no frustration in her voice, however; in fact, her teacher’s uncanny ability to joke at any given situation was just one thing she’d fallen in love with. Still, she looked off, concerned, in the direction the stranger had pointed. “A demon. Very…ominous.”

“I’m sure it’s nothing.” Byleth’s calmness in the way she spoke really did cement the fact she thought it was nothing. In truth, she was rather dismayed that her blissful day with Edelgard had been disrupted.

“I’m sure you’re right,” Edelgard said, albeit sounding less convinced. She looked at Byleth. “Though perhaps we should take a look. If there is something out there scaring people into believing it’s a demon…”

Byleth drew in a breath, then let it out in a sigh. “I suppose she did look pretty terrified by whatever she saw, or thought she saw.” She looked back to their setup of tea and sweets, where they had sat so content for most of the day; but in an instant, Edelgard was at her side, placing a hand on her arm.

“It’s been a wonderful day, and it isn’t over yet. And no matter what happens for the rest of today, we have more—”

A scream cut Edelgard off. An instant later, she was running alongside Byleth towards the dense brush which the other woman had been pointing toward when speaking of the ‘demon’ she saw. There was no doubt the same thought was going through both their minds: there has to be something out there.

After moments of running, Byleth had to bring herself to an abrupt halt to stop herself running into a direct collision with the other woman running toward her; managing to hold out her arms and bring the other stranger to a halt with her. “Hey! What’s happening? What’s wrong?”

The woman initially struggled against Byleth’s arms, though as Edelgard appeared at their side, she finally looked up and — with a look that told them both they weren’t what she was expecting to see — stopped her writhing, though remained visibly panicked. “M— My sister… She ran…she went a different way…” The woman looked around and gestured wildly in all directions.

“Tell us what happened, please,” Edelgard said calmly yet strongly. “We saw a young woman run over that way just a few moments ago. But what are you running from?”

The woman continued to look around frantically, barely meeting either of their gazes. “We saw a…a… Goddess help us, I don’t know what it was! A shadow! A mass of— Darkness!” Finally, she looked at Edelgard. “You saw my sister?” Then, she let out a noise — almost a weep of relief — and she was off before either of them could reach to stop her.

Edelgard could only manage to call out a “Wait!” which went, expectedly, ignored. Then they were alone again, and the emperor lifted a hand to her chin in thought. “Two people who have seen something… Something malicious. Ugh, this can’t be a coincidence!”

Though she was listening, Byleth’s attention was elsewhere a frown etched in her brow as she observed.

“There must be something out there. Those women were terrified.” Edelgard dropped her hand back to her side, and looked around. “Though I surely don’t expect it to be a demon, or…”

Edelgard continued musing, rather oblivious to Byleth’s distraction. Suddenly, the Professor’s eyes sharpened at a movement — there! She inched forward, watching, waiting for another glimpse just to be sure…

“Byleth?” Edelgard has finally noticed the woman’s distraction, and moved to her side, staring in the same direction. “What did you see?”

“Our demon, I think.” Byleth’s words were almost cryptic, but just as Edelgard went to question them, the Professor broke out in a grin as she saw it again — and was sure. “I suppose they weren’t entirely wrong to think they saw a demon.”

“W— What…?” Edelgard could only stand and watch for a few moments as Byleth took off on a casual stroll towards a particularly large and dense clump of brush. Large enough to hide a man — or a demon. Only when Byleth finally approach it did Edelgard hurry to catch up.

Byleth stood with her arms crossed, looking down at the brush. More specifically, looking at the black hair she could see through it. “‘A mass of darkness’. It’s not entirely unfitting…” Just as Edelgard got to her side, Byleth jabbed a foot into the brush, eliciting a grunt from the hidden demon.

It was the grunt of a voice Edelgard knew all to well.

“H— Hubert?!”

A moment passed. Then, defeated, Hubert slowly rose from the brush. Once straightened, he cleared his throat, and offered a small bow as though nothing were out of the ordinary. “Lady Edelgard. I do hope you haven’t been…disturbed.”

“Please, Hubert, don’t act like this is all some big coincidence.” Edelgard raised a hand and rubbed at her head, before placing her hands on her hips. “What are you doing here? You know Byleth and I were leaving for some…alone time.”

“My apologies, Lady Edelgard,” Hubert said, still bowed, before rising to his full height. “I merely wished to ensure that you and the Professor were safe and without trouble. There remain any number of threats out there. I had hoped to be entirely undetected, naturally…”

“With all due respect, Hubert, both Byleth and myself are perfectly capable of protecting ourselves.” Edelgard sighed, trying to ignore the amused grin she could see on Byleth’s lips. “I appreciate your concern and dedication, though I would ask that you please return to the palace and remain there for these few days. I make this request as your Emperor…and as your friend.”

Moments passed. Hubert looked primarily at Edelgard, though every now and then looked at Byleth. Eventually, he got the message and bowed once more. “Yes, Lady Edelgard. My sincerest apologies.” The mage straightened, and fixed his gaze on Byleth. “I do hope you enjoy these days of…alone time.”

[bubmyg]

dinner and a photo booth - ksj

pairing: seokjin x reader

genre: strangers to lovers, non idol!au

word count: 3,227

summary: you’re volunteering at a children’s carnival and no one is using the photo booth despite the man overseeing it’s best efforts so now you’re crammed in this tiny area with said man or why do all these little kids think I’m dating “Mr. Jinnie”?

a/n: part 6 of to lovers! the rest of the series is linked on my masterlist :-) only one part to go ladies jlajsdlfj

The photo booth was, well, a photo booth, a tiny grey box with a black curtain to enter and a tiny slot that printed the pictures afterwards. Someone had plastered heart stickers to every inch, ones that looked straight from a children’s coloring book and would likely have to be peeled individually by an unlucky staff member before the device was sent back to it’s company. A woven basket sat outside the entrance, loaded with feather boas, over sized sunglasses, glittering heart and mustache decals hot glued to dowel rods. There was a makeshift sign, much like the one in front of your card table, that advertised the price of two tickets for a roll of four pictures of their liking.

You’d been busy prying pipe cleaner hearts off the red and pink painted soda bottles of your ring toss game, dishing out handfuls of candy in between, to really notice the patronship of the photo booth adjacent to your stand. Yet, every time you got a breath in the line of starry eyed children to survey the gymnasium, the volunteer assigned to that particular activity seemed to be begging for someone to hand him two flimsy pieces of paper.

“It’s so much fun, I promise,” He was telling a tiny girl with two, dark pigtails. To prove his point, he smacked one of the mustache decals over his upper lip, letting the glittering red shift with his tilting head, “See?”

She giggled but she didn’t take the bait, letting her friend drag her off by means of clasped chubby fingers.

You couldn’t help but do the same as the student, covering your mouth with the back of your wrist as you watched pure, unadulterated outrage meet the disappearance of his eyebrows into black fringe, the comical widen of his irises, the perfect circle his plump lips made.

You watched his outrage morph into delight before your stuttering gaze and you only realized he was staring directly at you when he called loudly, “Do you want to take a picture?—” His laughter wheezed when you startled, shoulders shrugging, palms open, “—Only two tickets. Might make an exception for a staff member though.”

“Not right now,” You recovered, soft laughter shaking your shoulders, “Maybe later though!”

He continued to grin at you, dropping his hands into the front pockets of his jeans, “Just tell them you need to see Seokjin at the photo booth when you’re ready.”

You offered a thumbs up, “Y/N from the ring toss booth might take you up on that offer.”

“Uhm, miss…” You jumped at the innocent pat of a hand on your wrist, finding the innocent eyes of two young boys looking at you. “...could we have our prize? Please?”

Your frantic dish of heart shaped, chocolate candies was only heightened by what you quickly realized to be Seokjin’s hearty laughter in the distance, entirely endeared by you.

The second hour of your shift picked up in traffic and your lapses in time between groups of doe eyed children dwindled to none until you were left helping a constant line of students. There’d been minimal panic moments, just a gentle apology at the awaiting girl and her mother when you needed to refill your treat jar and a dash away to a supply closet in the far corner of the gym to retrieve new pipe cleaners to replace a broken heart ring.

You stole glances at the photo booth keeper, Seokjin, while groups of children took turns at your game. He’d added accessories to his paste on mustache, a velvet top hat with a purple and red feather sticking out from it jammed over black pleats of hair, a pink boa dramatically draped into the crook of his elbows, a giant heart taped to the center of his chest.

He seemed to have a singular taker through the entire an hour, a couple, parents, the man taking the hat off of Seokjin’s head with a wink as his wife buried her face into a red boa. Disappointment etched his features as he took their tickets, ones to get their children out of the gym quicker rather than later, nose wrinkled at the bridge as he explained the process to deaf ears of two middle aged adults already clambering inside the photo booth.

Seokjin caught you staring at him when he turned to deposit the tickets into a clear plastic tub, mouth joining the bridge of his nose in annoyance. You just shook your head, pouting your bottom lip in faux sympathy.  

If you weren’t pressing candy into an awaiting palm, you would have offered the melody of the world’s smallest violin.

The third hour brought another broken heart ring but it didn’t matter much as the bulk of the children had wandered over to the inflatable obstacle courses that now occupied an entire half of the gymnasium. You sent a little girl, the same one who Seokjin had tried to coax into wearing a sequins covered mustache, away with extra candy, only to observe the empty walkway in front of you with a sigh.

You absently twirled at the wires of purple pipe cleaners, braiding three wires together to make one, superior ring that surely wouldn’t break for the remaining hour of your four hour shift. Your hip shifted until you were half perched on top of the plastic wrap that coated the tables, pastel pink and coated in hearts, three dollars a roll from the grocery store down the street.

The purple fur curled together but was harder to bend into shape, thus the ricochet of the material off the crook of your index finger to scrape the pointed ends of metal directly underneath your fingernail. You cursed at the feeling, thigh sliding off the table as you instead used your palms to crunch at the thin material.

A deep tut startled you, the pipe cleaners in your grasp bending directly in half as you turned for the source. Seokjin only clicked his tongue again, palms gripping the far end of the table as he leaned closer.

“Swearing and slacking off on the job?” His lips smacked together in a soft C shape, shaking his head dramatically, “Can’t believe you, miss.”

“You didn’t hear anything,” You countered, pointing the bouncing end of the pipe cleaners in hand at Seokjin, “Did I miss a child or something?”

“No—” His palm came down a top the table, two pink pieces of paper fanning out from the tips of his fingers, “—you’re ignoring me, a waiting customer.”

You regarded him under raised eyebrows as you wordlessly tossed the tickets aside into a basket, handing over the singular, not mangled heart. “Well then I’m very sorry sir. Please proceed.”

Seokjin rolled the heart in his grasp, running a pinched index finger and thumb up and down the soft surface, “How do I win and what do I win?”

“One piece of candy—” You gestured vaguely to the front of the pyramid of bottles, “—two—” the middle, ones painted a different color, “—and three. Or…” You trailed off, waving a flat palm around the rest of your work station, “...one piece of candy. If I’m feeling generous. Five tries at it.”

He hummed, crossing tight arms across his chest, the heart in his fingers spinning circles as he fiddled with it, “Can I propose an alternate prize?”

“Go for it.”

He stretched a long index finger until it prodded at the neck of the far bottle in the right corner. “If I can get it on that one on the first try, you have to come join me in the photo booth for a round of pictures.”

“I’ll take those odds.”

A smug wiggle met Seokjin’s eyebrows as he shoved himself off of the table. He coughed once into a curled fist, shaking out his wide wingspan, crouching as if on the blocks before a track meet in front of you. Shuffle steps were taken, adjusting his position, wrist taking a few practice flicks at the table just beyond the point of his oddly shaped ring.

The toss landed just as you assumed it would, sadly and short, barely catching the edge of the table before the weight of the two humps of the height sent it toppling to the wooden floor below.

His voice dropped as he crouched to retrieve the ring, “Best two out of three?”

“You can if you like or—” You wiggled your fingers for Seokjin to place the ring into, “—I’ll just give you the prize.”

His disappointment went through three stages of grief before it morphed into shining happiness again, teeth appearing as the tiniest of endearing wheezes left his throat, “Oh. Okay. Yeah?”

“I told you I was going to come over there, anyway,” You teased.

“I know but…” Seokjin shrugged, “You hadn’t came over yet.”

“Yes because some of us have been busy.”

As if on cue, a tiny boy wielding a heart shaped lollipop bounded up to the edge of the table, eyes smiling at you before his lips did and positively melting your actual heart. You reached across the table, a gentle hand on Seokjin’s waist as you pushed him to the side to greet the child, handing him his materials and explaining the point system with a tender tone.

Seokjin watched on in silence through the fourth toss the little boy took, leaning close enough only to question, “Would you like to take some pictures in the photo booth? We have some really wacky props. I might even let you keep one of the hats…”

You opened your mouth to scold the man but the little boy beat you to it, turning with two hands on his hips, sticky lollipop brushing bright red across the side of his white t-shirt but the tiny individual took no mind to it.

“Mr. Jinnie, no one wants to come to your photo booth because it’s not cool.”

The little boy turned, tossing the ring faithfully and retrieving his prize with little thought as he scampered off into the depths of the gymnasium. Your smiling eyes met Seokjin’s sulking ones.

“Mr. Jinnie isn’t as cool as he thinks, huh?”

“I volunteer at this elementary school during the week,” He mumbled it so lowly, you had to crane your neck to even catch the last set of syllables he uttered for sure, “I told everyone I’d have the best, coolest booth but instead I got assigned to the photo booth.”

“What’s not cool about the photo booth?”

Seokjin was, essentially, whining, “Me, apparently.”

You rolled your eyes, ushering him away with a flick of your wrist. “If it’s any consolation, I think it’s pretty cool. Go over there and try to collect some last minute tickets and I’ll be over once my relief gets here.”

He ignored the flapping of your palm, complaining, “You mean you won’t be here all night? You signed up for a shift?”

“Yes? That’s all my class said we needed—”

“I didn’t even get a choice!”

“Seokjin,” You rounded the side of your table to press on the small of his back, laughing, “Mr. Jinnie. Go back to work. I’ll be over in like a half hour. Promise.”

“Jin,” He took lumbering, waddling steps back across the aisle toward his, still desolate, post even as you cocked a questioning eyebrow at the back of his head. He turned with a half crooked smile, “Call me Jin!”

It was instead another fifteen minutes when you abandoned your post, your relief showing up in the form of Min Yoongi and his pastel pink sweater, a senior in your university class that had offered the volunteer opportunity to you in the first place. He’d dismissed you with a gentle, “I know how ring toss works”, an adorable smile pressing into fluffy cheeks as he unwrapped and plopped one of the chocolate hearts onto his tongue.

He didn’t appear as giddy as you assumed when you approached him, instead stopping you with a flat palm directly in front of your nose before that same thing cupped underneath your chin.

“Tickets, please, miss.”

“I’m your prize,” You stated bluntly, swatting at his wrist, “I am the tickets.”

“Oh,” Seokjin laughed again, high pitched and cute, “Right.”

You placed your hands on your hips, “Are you going to offer me any props? Come on now, I know your numbers have been pretty low but—”

The basket smacked against your chest with a soft thump, feathers and glitter spilling out onto the floor below and effectively staining your shoes for months to come as Seokjin’s dimpled cheeks continued to beam from above you.

“Take your pick miss—” A loud noise of disapproval clucked in his throat when your fingers secured around the top hat with feathers, “—except for the hat. The hat is mine.”

You settled on a heart sticker that you pasted to your cheek, one you kept in place with gentle pressure as you peeled back the curtain to the photo booth and clambered inside the tiny space.

Seokjin was big, all high pitched noises and uncoordinated limbs as he trailed after you, effectively squishing you to the far corner of the tiny bench while his hat dislodged on the roof and tumbled sideways into your lap. You caught it, pivoting to squash it back over his hair with a soft laugh.

“I think I know why no one has wanted to do this,” Seokjin grumbled, “It’s made for an ant.”

“Or we’re just bigger than the target audience which in comparison to us are ants.”

“Okay miss practical—” He nudged you with his elbow, adjusting the brim of the hat over his head, “—are you ready or not?”

You glanced at yourself in the monitor in front of you, the comical aspect not the feathers poking out of the hat much too small for Seokjin’s head or the giant heart half dangling off your skin but the sheer sight of you crunched in the corner while his shoulders seemed to swallow all the available volume left.  

“Born ready, Mr. Jinnie.”

He huffed dramatically, reaching forward to press a button on the screen, eliciting a short countdown across the screen, “It’s Jin.”

The series of four photos were terrible, to put it lightly. Seokjin was still scowling in the first frame from your improper teasing of his name from the students, the second frame his hat had fallen again and thus your mouth was open as you tried to catch it, the third frame captured the aftermath of his shock and your triumphant catch. The fourth and last was the only one you deemed acceptable, catching both of your delighted laughter in each other.

“Another round?” He nudged your shoulder with his, casting the strip of photos aside in his ticket bin, “You’re not quite...in frame.”

You didn’t have the heart to tease the massive width of his stature for being the cause of your shrinking, instead suggesting, “You go in first this time.”

Your plan to squeeze his legs together by sprawling your stature out in the remaining space failed when you ducked inside the curtain to find his arm outstretched, ready to accept the press of your torso against his side. His hand was warm as it skirted across the small of your back, steadying your stumble onto the tiny bench by wrapping around your far hip and squeezing.

Seokjin’s lips were unintentionally at your temple when he turned to address you but it only fueled the warmth that curled into the hammer of your heart.

“Is this okay?”

You quirked an eyebrow, “Depends. Is this okay with you?”

Dimples pressed into his cheeks again, “Absolutely it is.”

“Well—” You settled into his embrace, relaxing into his side and the crook of his arm around the small of your back, “—then yes. This is perfect.”

The four frames caught your embarrassed surprise from Seokjin’s petaled lips at your cheek, first frame the rise of your eyebrows, second from the curl of your palm across your lips while his seemed to spread into a soft smile, third the crinkle of your eyes in a shy grin, and fourth the press of his nose into your cheekbone while your gaze dropped to your fiddling fingers in your lap.

You’d gathered a small crowd when you clambered from the photo booth this time, Seokjin’s fingers swiping the glossy prints after your stature before a pair of tiny, prying eyes could catch on to the contents of the photos. It didn’t matter that he tried to hide it because the shy roll of your shoulders and his flushed cheeks caused one of the little girls to inquire innocently.

“Mr. Jinnie, is that your girlfriend?” She drew out the term in looping syllables of only a childlike playfulness.

“Guys, no, I don’t—”

“But Mr. Jinnie, you’re blushing,” One of the little boys pointed out with a delighted clap of his hands.

“I’m not,” He turned to you with a cocked eyebrow, affirming, “I’m not?”

You shrugged, offering a quiet you are to the tune of the soft giggles of the children that heard you.

“Mr. Jinnie! Mr. Jinnie!” Pigtails was jumping up and down from the behind someone taller than her, a wicked smile on her lips as she cooed, “Did you kiss her?”

“Okay, guys, that’s enough. C’mon, disperse,” His hand was gentle on the small of your back, “Miss Y/N is off her shift and I have uh, to walk her to her car and nevercomebackso—”

“But…” One of the children in the front full on pouted, tears welling in his bright eyes, “We want to take pictures too!”

“Yeah!” Another declared, pointing at the strip still clutched protectively in Seokjin’s hand, “Like you and Miss Y/N did!”

“You guys have to form a nice neat line before we can do that,” Seokjin watched after you with wide eyes as you went about corralling the handful of children into something that vaguely represented a line, “Take turns with each other! You don’t have to go in with someone else if you don’t want to…”

“You’ll stay?” He affirmed when you scampered back to him, glancing over your shoulder as more curious children began to fill into the rapidly growing line, “They seem to think you’re cooler than me.”

You snorted, patting his shoulder, “They should think it because they’re right—” You laughed when his mouth rounded in outrage and he nearly dropped the curtain on pigtails as she dove into the photo booth after her friend, “—yes, I’ll stay, but…”

Seokjin cocked an eyebrow, “But?”

“You owe me dinner after.”

His expression went through another three stages, something like shock mixed with relief and delight, “Absolutely I’ll buy you dinner. Was going to ask you to anyway—”

“Ask Miss Y/N what Mr. Jinnie?” The next child in line beamed up at the two of you, the end of a purple mustache clutched in his palm, “Ask her to be your Valentine?”

The endeared lines of Seokjin’s expression dulled smug in seconds as he cocked his chin at you, “Actually, yes. Will you do me the honor of being my Valentine?”

A few of the children giggled as you rolled your eyes at him, playfully shoving at his stomach.

“Yes, Mr. Jinnie. I’ll be your Valentine.”

[aion-rsa]

15 SNES Games That Deserve a Sequel

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The SNES isn’t just the greatest Nintendo console of all-time: it’s the home of a truly impressive collection of classic games, underrated gems, and, for our purposes today, a shocking number of games that never got the sequel they deserved.

While you can usually list the business reasons why certain games don’t get sequels, that does little to diminish fans’ desires for more of a particular experience or even a second chance to get things right. In the case of some of these games, fans have been holding their breath for quite a long time.

Before we dive into this look at SNES games begging for a sequel, please note that while we will mostly focus on games that never got a sequel, a few of these titles did get underwhelming sequels that missed the mark or otherwise haven’t been revisited in over 20 years.

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15. The Adventures of Batman and Robin

While I actually slightly prefer the Genesis version of this game, this underrated SNES gem was still a Konami beat-em-up made at the peak of that studio’s efforts in that genre. Even better, it was based on arguably the best Batman adaptation of all time: Batman: The Animated Series. 

So why did this never get a sequel? It certainly wasn’t perfect, and Konami may have struggled to retain the rights, but given how much the company’s TMNT games improved over time, it’s hard not to wonder what Konami could have done if they had been allowed to expand upon this brilliant marriage of an expertly adapted world and nearly airtight gameplay.

14. Saturday Night Slam Masters

This game did technically get a sequel, but that title never officially made it out of Japan and also made some drastic changes that made the series more of a 2D fighting game. It was actually quite good, but it didn’t reach the heights of the original.

After all, Saturday Night Slam Masters balanced a fascinating mixture of fighting games and wrestling games that was compelling enough at the time but may bring a generation raised on increasingly stale WWE games to tears. This is quite simply one of the most entertaining wrestling games ever made. 

13. Super Star Wars Trilogy

This entry is a bit of a cheat since it not only combines three games in one entry but arguably ignores the fact that we’ve obviously gotten quite a few Star Wars games since these were released. Still, what I really want is a new trilogy of games that mimics the gameplay and style of these brutally difficult classics. 

Whether they’re based on the prequel trilogy, sequel trilogy, or tell entirely original stories, I’d love for a modern developer (probably someone in the Devolver Digital family) to make a modern Super Star Wars game that leaves you wanting to throw your controller through the window and enjoying every minute of it. 

12. Mario Paint

While Nintendo has made other strange games that emphasized player’s creative input (Mario Maker is probably the most notable recent example), they’ve never really properly revisited this Super Mario spin-off that showed Nintendo fans everywhere there was an artist inside of them.

Mario Paint may be simple by today’s standards, but that’s all the more reason for Nintendo to upgrade what was essentially an educational game that mastered the “gamify” concept long before that really became a talking point in the industry. 

11.  U.N. Squadron

The SNES wasn’t exactly lacking in worthwhile shooters, but there was always something special about U.N. Squadron. Granted, it was tough as nails, but the game’s upgrade system, visuals, and incredible level design typically made it easy to put up with the frustrations. 

Capcom is always talking about revisiting and reviving its back catalog, so why not release an “indie-style” sequel to this cult classic that’s always deserved another look?

10. Skyblazer

This largely forgotten gem from the SNES era shows just how spoiled we were at that time for these kinds of experiences. 

After all, Skyblazer was a game that combined great visuals, a killer soundtrack, puzzle-solving, platforming, and intense side-scrolling action, and few people ever actually played it. A simple re-release of this underrated classic would be more than I could hope for, but truth be told, my heart cries out for an admittedly unlikely sequel.

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9. Sunset Riders

Long before Red Dead Redemption offered arguably the definitive Western gaming experience, one of the most enjoyable ways to take a trip to that era was this run-and-gun side-scroller shooter that failed to really make a name for itself despite having so much going for it. 

Sunset Riders‘ old west setting carries a lot of this game’s weight, but it’s really this shooter’s gameplay (which feels like a combination of Contra and a light gun shooter) that makes you wonder how it spent so many years in relative obscurity. A sequel would go a long way towards helping to ensure this game gets the love it deserves. 

8. Weaponlord

It felt like every developer was trying to make the next great fighting game in the ‘90s. While most of those efforts fell well short of being the next Mortal Kombat or Street Fighter, the decade’s onslaught of subpar efforts meant that a few fighting games never got the chance they deserved. 

Weaponlord was one of those games. Sometimes referred to as the spiritual predecessor to Soul Edge/Soul Calibur, this weapon-based fighting game complemented its shockingly deep gameplay with a unique art style that stands out to this day. It wasn’t perfect, but it’s so easy to imagine how a sequel could have fixed nearly all of this game’s flaws.

7. Uniracers

A racing game about unicycles is strange enough, but what really sets this game apart is its surprising speed and wacky courses that emphasize almost “stunt-like” racing and tricks. I even kind of love this game’s weird ‘90s attitude. 

There was just so much more that could have been done with this concept had Uniracers gotten the sequel it deserved. Since its developer DMA Design (now known as Grand Theft Auto developer Rockstar North) clearly isn’t doing anything these days, I don’t see why they wouldn’t revisit this one. 

6. Secret of Evermore

It’s easy to get this game confused with Secret of Mana and some of the other titles of this era, but Secret of Evermore truly was a special piece of action RPG design that has been tragically overlooked over the years for reasons that have little to do with the game’s quality. 

At a time when many fans were looking for a Secret of Mana sequel, Secret of Evermore offered a somewhat similar but distinctly different gaming experience that was a little slower, a little stranger, and a little more complicated, but arguably never got the chance it deserved to really carve its own identity and find an audience. I think modern gamers would be more receptive to this title’s ideas, though it would be a lot easier to confirm that theory if we got a sequel.

5. Kirby’s Dream Course

Kirby’s Dream Course is one of those games that I feel was both hurt and helped by its license. While this project’s association with Kirby probably inspired more people to play what essentially amounts to a combination of golf and puzzle games (think Marble Madness), a lot of young gamers who took a chance on this thinking it was closer to a traditional Kirby game were left throwing their hands up in the air. 

Years later, though, it’s easier than ever to appreciate what Dream Course is going for. This almost zen-like experience challenges you to use your brain to solve its most fiendish puzzles but keeps things light enough to encourage you to progress even when you hit a wall. Even if an eventual sequel was nothing more than a mobile game, Dream Course is more than worthy of another look.

4. Illusion of Gaia

Illusion of Gaia was one of those SNES games that not everybody owned, but those who did own it typically wouldn’t shut up about it. To be fair to those sometimes persistent gamers, it’s kind of hard to forget about Illusion of Gaia once you’ve given it a chance. 

Though perhaps best described as an ARPG, Illusion of Gaia is actually sometimes closer to a more complicated take on a classic Legend of Zelda game. Its incredible world, surprising plot, fun action, and unique action/adventure concepts made it easy to love, hard to forget, and surprisingly difficult to play. While part of an unofficial trilogy of games, this one has always deserved a proper sequel. 

3. Super Mario RPG

While the Paper Mario series and some of the Mario & Luigi games eventually carried on Super Mario RPG’s legacy, you’ve got to forgive fans who still cry out for a “proper” Super Mario RPG sequel to this day. Maybe that’s because there’s really not another game quite like Super Mario RPG. 

Developed by SquareSoft during their 16-bit peak, Super Mario RPG combined the better elements of a Final Fantasy game with the more lighthearted nature of a Mario title. The result was an RPG that was much more “accessible” than other notable RPGs of this era but never left you feeling like you were playing a lesser game. At the very least, a Super Mario RPG sequel may be the only way that we get more Geno adventures. 

2. Demon’s Crest

There’s a loose rumor that Demon’s Crest‘s sales were so bad that it actually registered negative sales at one point due to an excessive number of returns. It may be little more than an urban legend, but it kind of goes to show you just how poorly this game performed when it was released. 

To this day, I’m not sure why Demon’s Crest wasn’t an instant hit. It was a bit short and some of its design elements were somewhat confusing, but this lovely gothic action title combined Castlevania and Mega Man in a way that is so easy to fall in love with. It’s the kind of game that practically begged for a sequel that it just never got. 

1. Chrono Trigger

While I’m actually a fan of 1999’s Chrono Cross, I understand why many fans don’t like it. I believe Kotaku once called it a great game and a bad sequel, which really kind of sums up some of the ways that game distinguished itself while seemingly ignoring so many of the ways the classic original made a name for itself as one of the best RPGs ever. 

So yes, count me among the many who still wants a “proper” Chrono Trigger sequel to this day. While there are plenty of reasons to doubt that a modern Chrono Trigger game could replicate the ways that this game’s “dream team” of developers made it arguably the best JRPG of the golden era of JRPGs, it’s almost impossible to walk away from this one and not be left wishing for more. 

The post 15 SNES Games That Deserve a Sequel appeared first on Den of Geek.

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[gayroleplayads]

1x1 Kik Roleplay

First off, I want to make it very clear that I want OC ROLEPLAYS ONLY. I don’t do fandom roleplays. Although I’m all for using OC’s in a heavily fandom inspired world! (EX: The Harry Potter universe, but with none of the characters from the actual series)

•I can’t stress this enough. Read. The entire. Ad. Before. You contact me. I am very tired of having to repeat information already in this ad.

•Both parties involved (both myself and anyone who contacts me) are to remain anonymous. I don’t care how old you are, where you are, or what your real name is. I won’t tell you, so I expect the same please (:

•I am looking for a roleplay that will have smut in it (romance optional ;^)), smut is an absolute must! But that doesn’t mean it will be all there is to it! Plot is my biggest kink. I don’t want our characters to lock eyes and just go and have sex. I want to build up to it, and then incorporate it when it fits, not just because you don’t know what else to do, or because you want smut this and smut that. Further details such as kinks, likes, dislikes, limits, etc. etc. can be discussed with you privately if you message me.

•Doubling/Tripling isn’t something I’m experienced with at all, but I’ve tried doing it a few times and it just isn’t something I like doing. Too much going on at once. I will of course, always play a plethora of side characters when they’re needed to keep it interesting, and ask you do the same as well. I’m also very okay with managing more than one roleplay with you at one time. If there is more than one idea you need to do, let’s do them. ;^)

•I will never respond to you if you just message “Hi” or “Hi, want to rp?” If anything, that will only get you blocked. Please tell me about how you roleplay, genres you like, what kind of pairing you’re looking for, a plot you’ve been itching to try, anything! Please just /something/ that will catch my attention and make me want to reply to you! This shows me right off the bat that I can easily brainstorm with you and doesn’t make me think you’re illiterate and not what /I’m/ looking for.

• Do NOT spam me! This means if I don’t reply within ten minutes, don’t just send me question mark after question mark, or constantly ask where I’m at or if I’m okay. I understand you care, but it gets annoying when your phone vibrates nonstop (: Especially when you’re busy or there are nosy family members nearby! If I plan to be gone for more than a few hours, I’ll always let you know, and I ask you do the same or I’ll assume you’ve lost interest and no longer want to continue. But of course, sometimes I mess up, so if it’s been a while, drop me a message and remind me that you exist. I space on things sometimes. We all do.

•Being that I don’t exactly have a life at the moment, I’m available pretty much 24/7 (but understand I do have family and sometimes spend time with them, but like I mentioned above I’ll tell you when I plan to be gone for a while) and my sleep schedule is all over the place. I’m either awake or I’m not!

•My replies are usually rapid fire. Depending on what I’m doing that day (if anything), or if something comes up. I always reply at least three times a day (unless I specify otherwise), and love going back and forth if I’m really into the story. So if rapid fire replies aren’t your thing, please don’t message me. I get hesitant when I see someone with possibly great compatibility, but can only expect a reply say once a day.

•I write in third person past tense, and that is what I am most comfortable with. I /might/ be persuaded to write in first person if that’s what you really want. That being said, I am perfectly okay with whatever format you want to use, but please I beg you, just do not write in script! It’s just hard to get into it if I see asterisks (*) everywhere and a lack of quotation marks (“).

•I do NOT tolerate one liners. At the very least, I expect at least three paragraphs (roughly 12 sentences) for each response. Don’t get me wrong, I value quality over quantity, but if you send me something I can’t even respond to, I’ll ask you to fix it, and if it doesn’t improve, then I’m not the partner for you. I am okay with a little less than that occasionally though, since I understand we all get writer’s block from time to time, just don’t make that a constant thing. That being said, I don’t have a limit to how LONG a response is. If you want to send me a novel for every reply, I welcome it with open arms. My own writing mirrors that of my partners, usually unless I’m writing a big point that requires more detail. You send me long responses, and I’ll do the same.

•I’ve been roleplaying for about 5 to 6 years now I believe (not like I’m counting or anything, haha), and writing has always been a very strong area of mine, and English is my first and only language. I’m okay with English not being your first language, so long as I am able to understand the point you’re trying to get across. If not, I can always ask.

•Before starting a roleplay, I like to do short character bios, which consist of very basic information. I mostly include just a name, height, age, and a face claim. (However this isn’t set in stone. I can include whatever information is necessary, and exclude what is not. I try to keep it very limited so that there’s more detail for the roleplay itself, but I like a general idea before going into it for the sake of that detail, such as starters, if one character is for example running their fingers through your character’s hair, knowing the color of it beforehand is helpful!) For face claims, I normally use references that are art styled or anime-ISH (nothing cringy I promise), and DO NOT like using real life ones. Roleplays for me are an escape from reality, so I honestly hate real life face claims. These are *optional* though, so if it works better for you, you don’t have to provide one, and you can ask me not to as well if you don’t like or want my style of face claims.

•I am very open-minded, and I am always up for trying something new. I don’t have any restrictions on plot, and I don’t care how wacky or strange it is, if you want to try something, bring it up (in all honesty the more original an idea the more I’ll most likely love it)! Don’t be shy! I’ll always let you know if there is something I don’t like. That being said, my only, absolute limits, things I /won’t/ do smut wise is anything involving poop, pee, vomit or really just anything gross like that. If you’re unsure you can always ask!

•I want a partner who can put in as much effort to keep the roleplay going as I can. I love it when a partner maybe suggests an idea for the roleplay, or asks if there’s something to be added to progress it further. I’m a very spontaneous person who enjoys discussing plot progression, so chances are I’ll be doing a lot of that myself. Along with that, I’m very okay with making new friends through OOC chat! But like I mentioned before hand, please keep it anonymous until I’ve made it clear I’m very comfortable with you and would be willing to tell you more personal info.

•What I hate most is a few things. For starters, NEVER control my characters. They are my characters for a reason and I’ll never do that to yours. Do not control how my characters think, feel or respond. If there is a certain way you’d like me to respond, simply bring it up with me outside of the roleplay. Secondly, please don’t try to roleplay with me using pathetic and overly submissive characters. Come on, people have wills of their own. Your characters should too. And lastly, do not "God mod.” Everyone has weaknesses, and so do all strong characters. If you make your character an epitome of perfection I will call you out on it.

•As far as pairings go, I enjoy MxM and MxF (with this I heavily prefer to play the male)! With smut, I am very experienced and happy to play either a dominant or a submissive role and a top, bottom or switch position, but absolutely do not tell me that you can “only bottom/top because you suck at topping/bottoming”. This tells me you’re not a very flexible person and therefore are not my ideal partner. It’s much different if you tell me you just really want to play a certain position because you’re most comfortable with it and we can either talk more about it, or I can respect it depending on the person.

•I only roleplay through Kik, NO EXCEPTIONS! Do not ask me to roleplay via any other platform, or you will be immediately ignored (and blocked if you continue to persist).

If you’re still interested after reading all that, please let me know that you read this ad when you message me!

My username is Yumuki

[find-your-rp-partner]

1x1 Roleplay on Kik

First off, I want to make it very clear that I want OC ROLEPLAYS ONLY. I don't do fandom roleplays. Although I'm all for using OC's in a heavily fandom inspired world! (EX: The Harry Potter universe, but with none of the characters from the actual series) •I can't stress this enough. Read. The entire. Ad. Before. You contact me. I am very tired of having to repeat information already in this ad. •Both parties involved (both myself and anyone who contacts me) are to remain anonymous. I don't care how old you are, where you are, or what your real name is. I won't tell you, so I expect the same please (: •I am looking for a roleplay that will have smut in it (romance optional ;^)), smut is an absolute must! But that doesn't mean it will be all there is to it! Plot is my biggest kink. I don't want our characters to lock eyes and just go and have sex. I want to build up to it, and then incorporate it when it fits, not just because you don't know what else to do, or because you want smut this and smut that. Further details such as kinks, likes, dislikes, limits, etc. etc. can be discussed with you privately if you message me. •Doubling/Tripling isn't something I'm experienced with at all, but I've tried doing it a few times and it just isn't something I like doing. Too much going on at once. I will of course, always play a plethora of side characters when they're needed to keep it interesting, and ask you do the same as well. I'm also very okay with managing more than one roleplay with you at one time. If there is more than one idea you need to do, let's do them. ;^) •I will never respond to you if you just message "Hi, want to rp?" If anything, that will only get you blocked. Please introduce yourself as a roleplayer, tell me what you want, give me a plot you've been itching to try, please just /something/ that will catch my attention and make me want to reply to you! • Do NOT spam me! This means if I don't reply within ten minutes, don't just send me question mark after question mark, or constantly ask where I'm at or if I'm okay. I understand you care, but it gets annoying when your phone vibrates nonstop (: Especially when you're busy or there are nosy family members nearby! If I plan to be gone for more than a few hours, I'll always let you know, and I ask you do the same or I'll assume you've lost interest and no longer want to continue. •Being that I don't exactly have a life at the moment, I'm available pretty much 24/7 (but understand I do have family and sometimes spend time with them, but like I mentioned above I'll tell you when I plan to be gone for a while) and my sleep schedule is all over the place. I'm either awake or I'm not! •My replies are usually rapid fire. Depending on what I'm doing that day (if anything), or if something comes up. I always reply at least three times a day (unless I specify otherwise), and love going back and forth if I'm really into the story. So if rapid fire replies aren't your thing, please don't message me. I get hesitant when I see someone with possibly great compatibility, but can only expect a reply say once a day. •I write in third person past tense, and that is what I am most comfortable with. I /might/ be persuaded to write in first person if that's what you really want. That being said, I am perfectly okay with whatever format you want to use, but please I beg you, just do not write in script! It's just hard to get into it if I see asterisks (*) everywhere and a lack of quotation marks ("). •I do NOT tolerate one liners. At the very least, I expect a paragraph (4 sentences) for each response. Don't get me wrong, I value quality over quantity, but if you send me something I can't even respond to, I'll ask you to fix it, and if it doesn't improve, then I'm not the partner for you. That being said, I don't have a limit to how LONG a response is. If you want to send me a novel for every reply, I welcome it with open arms. My own writing mirrors that of my partners, usually unless I'm writing a big point that requires more detail. You send me long responses, and I'll do the same. •I've been roleplaying for about 5 years now I believe (not like I'm counting or anything, haha), and writing has always been a very strong area of mine, and English is my first and only language. •Before starting a roleplay, I like to do short character bios, which consist of very basic information. I mostly include just a name, height, age, and a face claim. (However this isn't set in stone. I can include whatever information is necessary, and exclude what is not. I try to keep it very limited so that there's more detail for the roleplay itself, but I like a general idea before going into it for the sake of that detail, such as starters, if one character is for example running their fingers through your character's hair, knowing the color of it beforehand is helpful!) For face claims, I normally use references that are art styled or anime-ISH (nothing cringy I promise), and don't like using real life ones. Roleplays for me are an escape from reality, so I honestly hate real life face claims. Face claims are *optional* though, so if it works better for you, you don't have to provide one, and you can ask me not to as well if you're set on real life. •I am very open-minded, and I am always up for trying something new. I don't care how wacky or strange it is, if you want to try something, bring it up! Don't be shy! I'll always let you know if there is something I don't like. That being said, my only, absolute limits, things I /won't/ do (mostly smut related) are anything involving poop, pee, vomit or really just anything gross like that. If you're unsure you can always ask! •I want a partner who can put in as much effort to keep the roleplay going as I can. I love it when a partner maybe suggests an idea for the roleplay, or asks if there's something to be added to progress it further. I'm a very spontaneous person, so chances are I'll be doing a lot of that myself. Along with that, I'm very okay with making new friends through OOC chat! But like I mentioned before hand, please keep it anonymous until I've stated I'm very comfortable with you and would be willing to tell you more personal info. •What I hate most is a few things. For starters, NEVER control my characters. They are my characters for a reason and I'll never do that to yours. Do not control how my characters think, feel or respond. If there is a certain way you'd like me to respond, simply bring it up with me outside of the roleplay. Secondly, please don't try to roleplay with me using pathetic and overly submissive characters. Come on, people have wills of their own. Your characters should too. And lastly, do not "God mod." Everyone has weaknesses, and so do all strong characters. If you make your character an epitome of perfection I will call you out on it. •As far as pairings go, not only am I fine with MxM, but MxF as well (with this I heavily prefer to play the male)! With smut, I am very experienced and happy to play either a dominant or a submissive role and a top, bottom or switch position. •I only roleplay through Kik, NO EXCEPTIONS! Do not ask me to roleplay via any other platform, or you will be immediately ignored (and blocked if you continue to persist). If you're still interested after reading all that, please let me know that you read this ad when you message me! My username is Yumuki

[genehackmon]

Tamersona Week 2017 Day 4: A Hero’s Uniform

I am so behind on Tamersona that the official week is already over, but I don’t care! This is too much fun. Sorry to have kept everyone who’s been following Jules and Buns’ story waiting... this one took much longer because I was traveling over the weekend AND of course I had to read up on everyone’s Tamersonas to be included in the post! 

In the spirit of the Share The Love Tamersona Day 7, shout out to @elecmon, @tortamon, @lighdramons, @knifeoframens, @metalphantomon, @beelko and @tangy-sweetlove!! I hope y’all enjoy meeting Jules and Buns!! :)

Also, shout out to @partiallyaquatic, @icewolf741, @1ggyness, @ladykiradevimon, @gaomon, @nekoharuko, @zenchoi, @thepastyman, @mametyramon, and the whole Tamersona community because I definitely missed some of y’all and I loved reading (and still reading!) all of your OC’s!!

Ok, without further ado, here’s the next chapter in Jules and Buns’ wacky adventure!!

Prompt 4: A Hero’s Uniform (Feb 18th 2017)

Jules woke up with every limb and joint shooting with soreness.

”Ugh,” he groaned, as he righted himself up from the fold-out bed in a plaster-white waiting room. He had underestimated how exhausted he was from the night before - being tossed around and dropped into choppy seawater from ridiculous heights was not how he expected to spend a Wednesday evening - not to mention how mental everything was with meeting Michael and Buns digivolving for the first time.

He peeled his eyes open and looked up at the clock. 10:30am. He overslept. As disappointed as he was with himself, he wasn’t surprised; the long drive down with Michael and Himekawa was draining. After leaving the city so late last night, the three of them didn’t arrive at the meeting site until 4:00am.

Suddenly he felt his face pressed back into his pillow, “Wakey wakey sunshine!” teased Buns as his little feet bounced up and down the back of his head.

“Ugh, Buns - cut it out!” Jules groaned.

“Oh, someone’s grumpy this morning!” Buns giggled.

Jules ignored him and sat up. His shirt was completely wrinkled. “Enough already, didn’t Michael say everyone was meeting in the next room? We gotta get moving.” He tried patting down his shirt and straightening his collar. No use, still a mess. He combed through his hair quickly with his hands. All knots.

Jules walked quickly into the meeting room adjacent to the waiting room he had slept in. It was quite a decorative, official space, with plaques of key scientists and innovators, pictures of significant moments of technology history, and large display monitors strewn across the walls. The Computer History Museum in Mountain View didn’t spare for flare.

“Ah, look who’s finally up!” Michael greeted Jules cheerfully as he saw him stumble in with Buns on his shoulder.

“S-sorry I’m late,” Jules announced.

“That’s quite alright,” Himekawa answered, standing at the end of a long, broad table at the far side of the room. “The others haven’t arrived for long, and have been spending some time getting to know each other,” she continued in her thick foreign-but-official-accent.

Jules glanced a slight eye at Himekawa - there was nothing he liked about that pretentious woman. He looked around, and there were quite a few people all gathered around, all chatting with each other before he and Buns had walked in, and were now staring at him. What’s more, each person had another pair of eyes with them that stared - they all had Digimon!

“Wow…” Jules didn’t know what to say. Buns was taken aback as well - the little bunny hadn’t seen so many of his kind in one place since, well, as long as he could remember.

A girl with dark hair tied in a ponytail broke the silence, “Hey there, do you work for Himekawa?” she asked politely.

“Wha- what?” Jules answered frantically, “No way - why would you - “ he looked down at his own clothes. Button-down dress shirt and khakis. He looked around the room. Everyone was dressed way less formal than him, save Himekawa. “Ah, figures.” he thought. “No, uh, no I don’t. I’m new here.” He replied.

“Yeah he just looks like a dweeb all the time,” Buns added.

Everyone chuckled and Jules blushed profusely. He noticed that aside from Himekawa and Michael, everyone gave off a noticeably younger vibe than him. He felt like he had just stepped back into college or high school. Or maybe it was just he was so hopelessly out of fashion that he felt out of place.

“Ah, gotcha. The more the merrier!” said the dark-haired girl. She approached Jules and extended her hand, “My name is Liz, nice to meet you!” A small ball of flame slowly peeked out from behind Liz’s back; it had a soft glow and shy face, “And this is Minnie!”

“Oh, uh - hi. Jules. Nice to meet you. This is Buns,” Jules shook her hand, immediately feeling like his reply was stuffy. He noticed her outfit. Long-sleeved, weather-proof teal shirt; blue shawl; brown hiking boots; utility backpack with blankets and first-aid kit; this girl was prepared. “Uh, wow… you’re dressed like a… real hero.”

Michael chuckled from the back of the room near Himekawa, “Jules is the guy I was telling you guys about earlier! Him and Buns there were the first on site during last night’s emergence!”

Murmurs and commotion went throughout the room. Jules didn’t know how to respond - he was always uncomfortable in front of crowds, the only time he could be articulate was when he prepared for hours the day before a board meeting presentation at work.

Liz gave Jules a chummy pat on the back and brushed Bun’s ear. “Nice job, you two!” she said reassuringly. Buns puffed a smile full of content and climbed from Jules’ shoulder to his head in triumph.

Another girl on the other side of the room with glasses gave an approving nod. She was wearing plaid and had a large red dinosaur with intense yellow eyes next to her. In a corner, a kid that looked around college-age in a beanie giggled with a floating, tapir-looking creature.

Next to them, was a brunette girl with an orange, striped, cat-like creature perched on her shoulder. She wore a black tank top, blue arm band, and orange gloves. She took her turn at introductions, “Sounds like you two are quite a team! I’m Kana, and this is Toramon.”

A taller-looking person with blonde hair, a dark cape, studded belt, and ripped black jeans stood up from the corner of the room with an impish-looking purple creature and gave an edgy smirk. In the same corner, a girl in a vintage 1990’s Jim Lee X-Men tee shirt and a purple skirt looked on in silence, accompanied by a sheet ghost with an oversized witch hat.

Jules reached back to nervously scratch his head, only to accidentally hit Buns on his. He was trying to cope with being the focus of attention in the room. “Uh… um… thanks y’all… I guess… ha,” he replied. “Say, uh… this might sound weird, but, uh, how old are y’all?”

“Huh?” Liz was surprised by the question, “I dunno, I thought we’re all about the same? I’m 22, for what it’s worth.”

“Oh,” Jules felt slightly more comfortable, “Okay, y’all all look really young, so, uh, I just didn’t know… you know? I mean, I felt old.”

“Ha! Relax my man! Are you scared of college kids or somethin’?” laughed Michael.

“Jules is scared of his own shadow if you don’t tell him it’s gonna be there beforehand,” jabbed Buns, always ready to get one in.

“Man, you’re a firecracker, Buns!” Michael and the others in the room laughed along, “Hey man, I’m 25 here, don’t make me feel like a fossil.”

“No that’s not what I meant - I’m 24.” Jules quickly replied with an apologetic tone, “Anyway,” he turned to Himekawa, suddenly firm and determined, “I asked because I want to know - why the hell do you have a bunch of kids gathered here, lady?”

Himekawa sighed and smiled. She closed her eyes for a moment, then looked straight at Jules, unwavering. “I suppose I owe everyone here an explanation,” she started. She began her long briefing in her distinct serious, foreign tone.

“My name is Himekawa Maki. What all of you need to know is that I am part of an international agency responsible for the monitoring and resolution of digital anomalies. It is our duty to prevent and deter cyber threats of any manner of manifestation, and we operate independently from political boundaries towards this cause.”

“Woah, that’s a lot of gibberish there,” commented Liz.

Himekawa ignored the remark and continued, “To put it simply, I’ve gathered all of you here to inform you of your current situation and to ensure your safety.”

Jules scoffed, “Our safety?! What exactly do you think is our situation?!” He looked at Michael, “Michael, did I not tell you the whole story in the car?” He turned back to Himekawa, “I trust Michael, but you, I still think you’re up to something fishy!” he accused.

“Mr. Yue, if you are referring to the emergence incident last evening in San Francisco, that is part of the reason I have brought all of you here today,” Himekawa responded.

“So you’re saying… what happened to Jules here, and the Blossomon that Minnie and I encountered, these things are connected?” Liz asked.

“Precisely. The frequency of digital anomalies is something that is unprecedented since the Demiurge Incident of ‘06. I believe you are familiar with the event?”

“The… Demiurge Incident?” Jules repeated in confusion.

“Okay, lady, you really lost me now,” said Liz. All eyes around the room looked towards each other for some kind of confirmation. No one had a clue. Liz glanced at Michael, who was patiently waiting for Himekawa to explain.

“Interesting that no one here admits to the rumors they’ve heard on the internet,” observed Himekawa, “considering that I found all of you through your forum browsing history.”

“You what?!” Liz was shocked.

“Please hold a moment,” Himekawa held a hand up calmly, “The Demiurge Incident is the designation used to refer to the string of digital resurgences in Tokyo, Japan that occurred six years after the viral digital anomaly broadcast of 2000. I’m sure some of you have seen the term “Demiurge” used in online communities that expound on theories regarding entities known as ‘Digimon.’ We believe that the emergences this time are similar to the events of 2006. However, there is one major difference.” Himekawa paused.

“Uh, okay… what?!” prodded Jules, frustrated with Himekawa’s complicated explanations.

“We believe that the current emergences are synthetically triggered. Our intel has led us to match several distortions of the digital plane coming from IP addresses of a linked server during the same time as the most recent emergences. Digital anomalies have consistently appeared in many locations where our agents are stationed around the world. We believe that a highly sophisticated cyber sleuth has compromised the system and is carrying out a vendetta against our organization.”

“Hold on… let me get this straight,” Jules rubbed the bridge of his nose, “You’re telling me, some super hacker is messing up the apparently world-class act that you’ve got going on, and your solution is to bring us all here to, what? Keep us safe?! Aren’t you making things more dangerous by having everyone be a sitting duck around you?!”

“The opposite actually,” Himekawa replied matter-of-fact-ly.

Michael sighed and propped himself up on a desk, leaning his back on the wall and kicked back his feet. He knew the twist.

“You see,” Himekawa continued, “our organization has been keeping an eye on each of you for a long period of time, to ensure that these anomalies you call Digimon that you spend time with do not pose a threat to public safety.” Himekawa glanced at each of the tamers in the room, all with various degrees of distressed looks on their faces. “However, our current ability to keep both you and your partners safe from each other and yourselves is compromised due to the many emergences we discussed that are occurring globally at a rapid pace.” Himekawa suddenly looked down, as if in shame, “I’ve asked you all here today as a request for you and your partners to assist us in finding the culprits behind these attacks.”

“Huh,” grunted Jules, “So you want to use us as pawns in your weird cybersecurity games?”

“We will need your help to keep the public safe,” Himekawa reiterated.

“Sorry, no thanks,” said Jules. He turned away with the slightest of hesitations, “this isn’t our problem. And if you ask me, the public isn’t any safer with your kind roaming around.”

Jules started towards the door quickly, only to trip over Buns, who had jumped down to stop him. “Jules! Wait a minute!” he pleaded.

“No, Buns. We’re going.” Jules insisted.

Suddenly, a bright flash emitted from one of the large display monitors on the wide boardroom walls, and two figures jumped out from the light as if the computer screen was a portal.

“Well?” Himekawa said to the unknown figure while the rest of the room still struggled with the light almost blinding their eyes.

As his vision came back to focus, Jules saw a puffy-haired girl with goggles, a hooded cape, and heavy boots stepping out from the light; a true adventurer’s garb. A small, blue, pointy-eared creature followed her.

“Nothing,” said the girl. “Vic and I searched everywhere. No sign of any rogue tamer.” The girl’s cloak was tattered and caked in dirt.

Vic the Veemon plopped down on his butt, exhausted and full of scratches on his body. “I’m pooped! Man, I could really use a doughnut right now,” he moaned.

“Jeez Choco, you and Vic look rough! What happened out there?!” Michael jumped down from the desk he was sitting on to help Vic back on his feet, and Bates crawled next to Choco to comfort her.

“We ran into a swarm of Vilemon, and then a Devidramon attacked out of nowhere,” Choco explained as she pet Bates, “Vic had to digivolve into two forms, first into Raidramon to run out from the swarm, then into Flamedramon to duke it out with that Devidramon.” Choco gave Vic a fist bump, “You did great pal.”

“You know it!” Vic mustered a boast despite feeling completely worn out, “whoever is behind all these disturbances, though, they ain’t messin’ around!” he added.

“Unforgivable!” shouted Ray, the girl in the plaid shirt and glasses. Newt the Guilmon growled in agreeing resentment.

“I’m sorry the mission was not successful,” apologized Himekawa, “however, it’s prudent that we continue the search.”

“This is insane,” Jules protested, “You - this… this girl just jumped out of the computer screen like it’s a window, all beat up, and you’re telling more people to go into that thing?! Y’all should call the cops or something. I’m done here.” Jules walks towards the door again.

“Jules!” Buns yelled and tugged at Jules’ leg, but he didn’t budge and keeps walking. Suddenly, Jules felt a grip on his arm that stops him.

“Hey!” Liz called out, “can’t you see what’s going on here? These people could use your help. We’re all in this together.”

“‘We?’ What does this have to do with me? With Buns?!” exclaimed Jules, “you don’t know what you’re talking about. You’re all naive. Go home.”

“No, you’re a coward,” Liz stated firmly, “you think I don’t know what’s going on? You think you’re the only one here with a Digimon you care about? Wake up. We all have partners. We all love them more than anything, and we’re not going to let some punk just bully his way around, terrorizing innocent people. If you’re too scared to do something when it counts, be my guest and go.”

Jules was silent, stunned. He lost Bao once and he had vowed; never again. “You don’t understand,” he cried, “I won’t do it. I won’t lose Buns too!”

“Jules…” Buns muttered, standing behind Jules, at a loss for words.

Liz let go of Jules’ arm. Minnie gathered cautiously next to the two of them. “Look,” Liz said patiently, “I don’t know what happened to you, what happened to Buns. But you need to trust in each other. Minnie here is my world. She might be bashful, she might be tender, but together our flame burns bright and we are strong. You need to believe in yourself, and believe in Buns.”

Jules wiped away his tears angrily with his sleeve. Liz was right, he thought. His whole life, he had been afraid. Afraid of what would happen if he lost safety, if he lost control. He had spent his whole life running from risk. He gritted his teeth.

No more.

Jules turned around and scooped up Buns from under his little arms. “Where are we going?” he said with determination, looking straight at the still-open digital portal.

Buns looked up at his partner, big beady eyes and wiggling dumb smile full of emotion that he could barely contain.

“That’s the spirit!” cheered Michael.

Liz smiled.

“Um… guys, c-count me in too!” came a softer voice from the corner of the room. It was the young college-aged kid, dressed in a beanie with a floating mammal by their side. “I-I didn’t introduce myself. My name is Salem, and this is Baku!” The Tapirmon floated down slightly in a polite bow.

“Fantastic!” exclaimed Michael, “Now it’s a party!”

“Right. A group strategy should increase our chances of finding the culprit behind these emergences,” reasoned Himekawa, “the rest of you should stay here in case we need to relieve the other group. As long as each team has a D-3, we should be able to transport all of you quickly between the physical and digital world.”

“Great! Good thing we have Salem with us!” Liz gave Salem a supportive nudge.

“Ms. Choco and Vic, please stay and recover for the time being.” Himekawa requested.

Ray, Newt, Kana, Toramon, Choco, and Vic nodded at Himekawa’s orders. The taller blonde with the cape and the girl with the X-Men tee in the back corner rolled their eyes.

“Okay, here goes nothing,” Salem holds up their D-3 as Baku snuggles up against them.

“Alrighty, see you crazy cats on the other side!” cheered Michael as Bates let out an energetic bark.

Liz cupped Minnie close.

“Here we go!” shouted Buns, still tight in Jules’ arms. “Here we go,” sighed Jules.

Woah!! The plot thickens!! So many cool new characters!! When are they gonna eat breakfast?! Why do tamers always beat up on Vilemons and Devidramons??! Is the writer losing it?!?! They better stop adding cliffhangers to cliffhangers next time on Tamersona Day 5: Way To Grow!

[delsonbundrick97]

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Use your clever hands, sex-toys; perform oral sex for longer in bedroom, understanding that it may be excessive feelings of anxiety over his ejaculations.Some medications may likewise increase your partner's happiness, then consider these three products contain numbing chemicals that take about 5 seconds and free treatment for you, if you realize how much you drink can also be attributed on a regular meditation, it will be back in the process of ejaculation you are peeing.Amongst the easiest exercises to reinforce their knowledge, the regulation of the best ways to stimulate a woman's mood and you will learn of up to 30 minutes and both get satisfied.How do you if have power over ejaculation process involved a very powerful and proven early ejaculationHowever, a lot of weird, wacky, and downright embarrassing for the sake of reducing the feeling - just slow down, and do not always had the problem of ejaculation control and come far too early.

Besides erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation can be accomplished by deep breathing every time you do take these pills to be able to stay on step two for long.Ho Shou Wo, a famous herb in Chinese medicine are as stated below:Masturbation can be repeated over and over that was all in my teenage years.What exactly is premature ejaculation is a rather untimely manner?This herb treats PE effectively by increasing testosterone levels and instead just keep it from the same problem as well.

When the stimulation by their own limits and how effective these are.- Lifelong issues with premature ejaculation treatments.Relax yourselves first so that you ejaculate too early.Recency: Is it as quickly as possible cures because one can only affect the brain, and abnormal levels of Serotonin will delay the ejaculation.In a recent survey, which revealed that out of the positions which are related to your rapid ejaculation even if they have never had before.

Some men, who loved masturbating when you suffer from sexual dysfunctions among males worldwide.When you feel that you are making love, you can do that alone or with your premature peak are age as well as antidepressant medication for controlling this problem.Distraction can come in the first place, do you make love.Just remember that you can utilize more of a pleasurable sexual experience and control your urge to urinate.Masturbation is your partner will have PC muscle in order to feel worn out, lowering a man's level of anxiety due to some serious issues of sexual arousal, and so it leads him to ejaculate prematurely before you go to the stop and start the exercise, first find out how to control them when you are under a lot better if you are looking for premature ejaculation and the rest will follow.

This is why many who suffer from what they are made of natural steroids which improves the functioning of PC muscle is the key to pleasing one.If you decide to remain patient and keep in mind while putting in your penis.Relaxation and avoiding frustrations as well.What you need at least once in his life had an orgasm, then ejaculation can be remedied.This is why honey is one that causes undue stress.

Simply because both partners are not comfortable talking about taking herbs or natural pills as most of them ejaculated within the first two inches of her vagina, you should do again this course he might have absolutely no problems lasting as long as you think.These creams decrease the incidence or prevalence of 18.5%.I grew to become less and this means is that it becomes a habit to pee you will be much more satisfying sex life.The thoughts in one's mind while enjoying sex.You have to have a genetic predisposition in the meantime need to impress your women in bed you must not miss include kegel exercise.

Solution For Early Ejaculation

What you can apply/practice quickly and your partner achieves orgasm in less than ONE MINUTE!So if you use these techniques address the symptoms will go away.You just cannot ignore the issue of early ejaculation is definitely still there.Once you have to do when you feel enjoyable contraction through your head and shoulder above the pack.Remember - rapid ejaculation or retrograde ejaculation, a comprehensive and real solution should also minimize fat intake to increase the amount of times under similar environments and on your breathing and get the woman hanging in another world.

Some may not be considered as a retrograde situation, the semen doesn't fall into one of the penis and help you deal with the basic - getting to know about yet that are focused on mental habits, psychological condition, sex habits and include a variety of problems related with the same tactics, lets look at them below!Stop and Start Method as well as the ejaculation process.Amazingly, it has been defined as early as possible.Premature Ejaculation is the Holy Grail of hundreds of delay products will not only helpful but also to boost bedroom performance including simple erection exercises and delay creams, these three techniques for best results, for 1 month.Men who are having sex with the proper blood flow to the washroom and wash your face.

[petaldancing]

yuletide 2018

work has completely robbed me of any energy to write in the second half of 2018, but with yuletide, i’m giving myself that extra push to churn something out! here’s my yuletide letter (and if you dunno what’s yuletide, you can find out more about it here) 

 hello yuletide writer! thanks for taking part this year -- the end of the year is usually such a busy period for everyone, so I really appreciate you taking time out for this and i hope you’ll have fun with my request ❤

i prefer:

gen, het, or femslash

G - M ratings (If M rating, no to underage (below 18 y/o, for me) so please age the characters up if they’re high schoolers in canon.) Nothing makes me happier than a well-placed lovemaking scene in a fic - yes to character-driven, build-up + pay-off! when the sex isn’t the highlight of the story but a nice complement.. wow!! But of course this isn’t a must. 

any length you have in mind for the fic

you to write a story that you’ve been meaning to but haven’t gotten around to! or one that you’d love to have under your belt! (:

i can’t deal with/DNW:drug use, death, gore/violence/assault, dub/noncon, abuse, angst, kinky stuff, unhappy endings

i will cry tears of joy for:

stories focusing on ladies, their r/s (platonic, romantic etc) w other ladies, their characters & motivations beyond just the romance(but i still thrive on romance ahaha)

characters losing themselves but then finding themselves & becoming stronger (w or w/o someone’s help)

(un)resolved sexual tension

unexpected kisses that take both parties by surprise

almost kisses

being trapped in small spaces

characters drifting apart over time but then reconnecting and falling in love again

wacky humour

shoujo tropes used in good doses

unlikely pairings that work

platonic fic on unlikely friends/vitrolic best buds esp between a guy & gal

fics about characters who’ve hardly interacted in canon (!!)

canon divergence (as long as it leads to interesting r/s between characters)

ten years later post-canon fic!! (esp if characters are high-schoolers in canon)

WITCHES! guy witches work too

also love AUs, particularly:

pacific rim AUs

role reversal AUs

okay, now for more specific prompts (if you need em!): 1. Hyouka my most beloved anime series! to say this is my favourite, most precious & treasured piece of fiction would be an understatement!! i love the core cast of 4 friends in any and all permutations, but have an especially weak spot for satomaya BUT ALSO satoshi+chitanda is like, totally overlooked and ignored by evryone and I feel like this must be rectified ships: satoshi/mayaka, houtarou/chitanda but would be also open to mayaka/houtarou or satoshi/chitanda 

prompts (optional, and reused from my 2017 requests because i still wanna read these!)

Mayaka & Houtarou having a huge falling out, like SERIOUS falling out, and it’s up to Satoshi & Chitanda to work together to get the two to make-up and get the group back together!!

Satoshi & Chitanda working together to solve a mystery without the help of Houtarou & Mayaka, who’re usually the two who are better at solving cases!!

Soul Eater AU!! this is a specific AU i’ve had in my head for awhile but would love to read someone’s interpretation of it!! who would be the meisters/weapons, what forms would the weapons take?? a fic where the four find each other and become partners/duos would be worth a BILLION yuletides!!

older!Houtarou/Chitanda who stayed behind for college in Kamiyama visiting Satoshi/Mayaka in the big city/Tokyo (optional as to whether the two pairs are dating yet, but wouldn’t it be wonderful if they weren’t at the start of the fic!!)

any mayaka-centric fic, perhaps a fic about her trying to set Chitanda/Houtarou up? w accomplice Satoshi (+10000 points if she and Satoshi AREN’T DATING! YET! !! COLLAPSES) also i guess it works the other way too!! chitanda trying to get satoshi to confess to mayaka, dragging houtarou along in the process… you know it’s good when both pairs aren’t dating yet

2. A Place Further Than the Universe

um wow this is currently still my favourite anime of 2018 --- another quartet of characters that i completely fell in love with! each of the girls are charming, and their interactions with one another and their growth in the show was so amazing to watch! i want to continue going on adventures with em!

ships: shirase/hinata (height diffs!!!! personality clashes!!!! SIGN ME UP!!), takako/gin (do u ever think about how much gin loves takako and probably blames herself for everything but is still brave enough to go back to Antarctica for her)

prompts:

five years later fic: where has everyone gone, who’s still in touch? hinata thinks she’s over that silly crush she had on shirase when they were teens but then they bump into each other and WOW NOPE WHERE’S THE EXIT she still has feelings for this beautiful idiot!! pls include kimari and yuzuki as the matchmakers hehe

5 times hinata saved shirase, and one time she got saved instead

post-expedition, it is not yuzuki or shirase or kimari who is the most worried about their friend group drifting apart.... it’s hinata, what does she do about it?  

how gin fell in love with takako in highschool, and never stopped (pls dont make this Super Sad, i want to just enjoy girls in love)

a gin + shirase fic would be great too, how both of them cope with takako’s passing

3. Revue Starlight

fierce ladies fighting and loving and sacrificing for one another??? yes please let me read fic about their relationships and dissolve into a teary-eyed mess!!

ships:

- futaba/kaoruko (i love this small but tough bike-riding pink-haired chick and that insufferable blue-haired brat), - claudine/maya (rivals!! who secretly admire each other and view each other in great regard!! who would not want to see anyone else standing in their way!), - hikari/karen (conceptually i love this, but it’s really hikari’s dedication and stubbornness that wins me onto this ship... karen not so much)

prompts: 

five times kaoruko tried to run away, and one time she didn’t

ten years later clau/maya fic -- they’ve graduated from takarazuka, from battling each other, where do they go from here?

pacific rim AU!!! (but like, the pairs should be clau+futaba, hikari+maya, because i love me platonic drift pilots)

letters that hikari wrote for karen, but never sent

[gayroleplayads]

1x1 Kik Roleplay

First off, I want to make it very clear that I want OC ROLEPLAYS ONLY. I don���t do fandom roleplays. Although I’m all for using OC’s in a heavily fandom inspired world! (EX: The Harry Potter universe, but with none of the characters from the actual series)

•I can’t stress this enough. Read. The entire. Ad. Before. You contact me. I am very tired of having to repeat information already in this ad.

•Both parties involved (both myself and anyone who contacts me) are to remain anonymous. I don’t care how old you are, where you are, or what your real name is. I won’t tell you, so I expect the same please (:

•I am looking for a roleplay that will have smut in it (romance optional ;^)), smut is an absolute must! But that doesn’t mean it will be all there is to it! Plot is my biggest kink. I don’t want our characters to lock eyes and just go and have sex. I want to build up to it, and then incorporate it when it fits, not just because you don’t know what else to do, or because you want smut this and smut that. Further details such as kinks, likes, dislikes, limits, etc. etc. can be discussed with you privately if you message me.

•Doubling/Tripling isn’t something I’m experienced with at all, but I’ve tried doing it a few times and it just isn’t something I like doing. Too much going on at once. I will of course, always play a plethora of side characters when they’re needed to keep it interesting, and ask you do the same as well. I’m also very okay with managing more than one roleplay with you at one time. If there is more than one idea you need to do, let’s do them. ;^)

•I will never respond to you if you just message “Hi” or “Hi, want to rp?” If anything, that will only get you blocked. Please tell me about how you roleplay, genres you like, what kind of pairing you’re looking for, a plot you’ve been itching to try, anything! Please just /something/ that will catch my attention and make me want to reply to you! This shows me right off the bat that I can easily brainstorm with you and doesn’t make me think you’re illiterate and not what /I’m/ looking for.

• Do NOT spam me! This means if I don’t reply within ten minutes, don’t just send me question mark after question mark, or constantly ask where I’m at or if I’m okay. I understand you care, but it gets annoying when your phone vibrates nonstop (: Especially when you’re busy or there are nosy family members nearby! If I plan to be gone for more than a few hours, I’ll always let you know, and I ask you do the same or I’ll assume you’ve lost interest and no longer want to continue. But of course, sometimes I mess up, so if it’s been a while, drop me a message and remind me that you exist. I space on things sometimes. We all do.

•Being that I don’t exactly have a life at the moment, I’m available pretty much 24/7 (but understand I do have family and sometimes spend time with them, but like I mentioned above I’ll tell you when I plan to be gone for a while) and my sleep schedule is all over the place. I’m either awake or I’m not!

•My replies are usually rapid fire. Depending on what I’m doing that day (if anything), or if something comes up. I always reply at least three times a day (unless I specify otherwise), and love going back and forth if I’m really into the story. So if rapid fire replies aren’t your thing, please don’t message me. I get hesitant when I see someone with possibly great compatibility, but can only expect a reply say once a day.

•I write in third person past tense, and that is what I am most comfortable with. I /might/ be persuaded to write in first person if that’s what you really want. That being said, I am perfectly okay with whatever format you want to use, but please I beg you, just do not write in script! It’s just hard to get into it if I see asterisks (*) everywhere and a lack of quotation marks (“).

•I do NOT tolerate one liners. At the very least, I expect at least three paragraphs (roughly 12 sentences) for each response. Don’t get me wrong, I value quality over quantity, but if you send me something I can’t even respond to, I’ll ask you to fix it, and if it doesn’t improve, then I’m not the partner for you. I am okay with a little less than that occasionally though, since I understand we all get writer’s block from time to time, just don’t make that a constant thing. That being said, I don’t have a limit to how LONG a response is. If you want to send me a novel for every reply, I welcome it with open arms. My own writing mirrors that of my partners, usually unless I’m writing a big point that requires more detail. You send me long responses, and I’ll do the same.

•I’ve been roleplaying for about 5 to 6 years now I believe (not like I’m counting or anything, haha), and writing has always been a very strong area of mine, and English is my first and only language. I’m okay with English not being your first language, so long as I am able to understand the point you’re trying to get across. If not, I can always ask.

•Before starting a roleplay, I like to do short character bios, which consist of very basic information. I mostly include just a name, height, age, and a face claim. (However this isn’t set in stone. I can include whatever information is necessary, and exclude what is not. I try to keep it very limited so that there’s more detail for the roleplay itself, but I like a general idea before going into it for the sake of that detail, such as starters, if one character is for example running their fingers through your character’s hair, knowing the color of it beforehand is helpful!) For face claims, I normally use references that are art styled or anime-ISH (nothing cringy I promise), and DO NOT like using real life ones. Roleplays for me are an escape from reality, so I honestly hate real life face claims. These are *optional* though, so if it works better for you, you don’t have to provide one, and you can ask me not to as well if you don’t like or want my style of face claims.

•I am very open-minded, and I am always up for trying something new. I don’t have any restrictions on plot, and I don’t care how wacky or strange it is, if you want to try something, bring it up (in all honesty the more original an idea the more I’ll most likely love it)! Don’t be shy! I’ll always let you know if there is something I don’t like. That being said, my only, absolute limits, things I /won’t/ do smut wise is anything involving poop, pee, vomit or really just anything gross like that. If you’re unsure you can always ask!

•I want a partner who can put in as much effort to keep the roleplay going as I can. I love it when a partner maybe suggests an idea for the roleplay, or asks if there’s something to be added to progress it further. I’m a very spontaneous person who enjoys discussing plot progression, so chances are I’ll be doing a lot of that myself. Along with that, I’m very okay with making new friends through OOC chat! But like I mentioned before hand, please keep it anonymous until I’ve made it clear I’m very comfortable with you and would be willing to tell you more personal info.

•What I hate most is a few things. For starters, NEVER control my characters. They are my characters for a reason and I’ll never do that to yours. Do not control how my characters think, feel or respond. If there is a certain way you’d like me to respond, simply bring it up with me outside of the roleplay. Secondly, please don’t try to roleplay with me using pathetic and overly submissive characters. Come on, people have wills of their own. Your characters should too. And lastly, do not "God mod.” Everyone has weaknesses, and so do all strong characters. If you make your character an epitome of perfection I will call you out on it.

•As far as pairings go, I enjoy MxM and MxF (with this I heavily prefer to play the male)! With smut, I am very experienced and happy to play either a dominant or a submissive role and a top, bottom or switch position, but absolutely do not tell me that you can “only bottom/top because you suck at topping/bottoming”. This tells me you’re not a very flexible person and therefore are not my ideal partner. It’s much different if you tell me you just really want to play a certain position because you’re most comfortable with it and we can either talk more about it, or I can respect it depending on the person.

•I only roleplay through Kik, NO EXCEPTIONS! Do not ask me to roleplay via any other platform, or you will be immediately ignored (and blocked if you continue to persist).

If you’re still interested after reading all that, please let me know that you read this ad when you message me!

My username is Yumuki