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formulauno98 · 8 months ago

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A Birthday to Remember - Part Two - Toto Wolff x Reader

Originally written as an OC, inspired by an amazing request from @latte-luxe, I have rewritten this to a Reader POV, no descriptions and no use of your name. The only brief description is of a butt (you can probably guess why).

Word Count: 2k

Warnings: Caution may contain spice. 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Author’s Notes: Disclaimer, purely fiction, no-one is married in this alt-universe.

Waking up, you rubbed the sleep from your eyes. Last night had taken an interesting turn and you couldn’t quite believe how it had panned out. As you came to and reached out to find your companion you were disappointed to find the other side of the bed cold and empty. A rush of emotions hit you as you came to the realisation that last night was only ever going to be a one-off. Of course, the tall dark and handsome billionaire was not going to settle for a tourist.

Bittersweet you eased up out of bed, your body aching from last night’s activities. Glancing around, the room was a mess so you set about tidying before reuniting with your friends who had so graciously vacated for the evening. Picking up your clothes that were strewn around the room you then heard water running from the bathroom. Somebody was in the shower.

A glimmer of hope flashed, maybe it wasn’t such a one-time thing after all. Hoping it was Toto and not one of your friends you held your breath and knocked on the door gently.

“Coming!” called out a deep, most definitely male voice. It was Toto and you broke into a grin. Appeased that Toto had not fled, you wrapped herself in a fluffy white dressing gown and made your way out onto the sun-soaked balcony. As you leant on the balcony and enjoyed the view, you could hear the shower turning off and footsteps approaching.

“Good morning, birthday girl.” murmured a husky, heavily accented voice from behind you. Before you even had the chance to turn around, a pair of muscular arms swooped around from behind before coming to rest on your hips, gently squeezing your curves.

“Good morning to you too,” you said, turning around and leaning up to kiss the tall towel-clad Austrian, resting your hand on his bare chest as he pressed himself tightly against you.

“I hope you don’t mind, I took a shower.” his voice rumbled.

“Oh not at all, how was it?” you said, giddy with happiness.

“Good, I needed it, I was a little sore from last night,” Toto said, blushing.

“You and me both,” you said, your thighs still burning.

Toto grinned down at you, obviously smug that he’d worn you out before he suddenly turned his head sharply. Dropping his voice, he leant down “Are your friends in the room next door?”

Curious why he would suddenly ask that you quirked an eyebrow before nodding, “Yes, why?”

Pressing a long finger to his lips, Toto tilted his head to the left, to the wall that separated your balcony from the room next door. “They’re out there, I can hear them giggling.”

Catching on, you smirked, if your friends were eavesdropping you decided it was time to put on a show.

“Well Toto, maybe it’s time for an encore, right on his balcony?”

Toto looked a little taken aback before he swiftly realised your game. Playing along, he stretched his arms around you, pushing his hips into yours, already half-hard at the slightest suggestion.

“Hmm what did you have in mind?” he said, a dark look in his eyes.

“Take me right here, right now,” you said, extra loudly.

At that, the giggling from the balcony next door erupted into full-on laughter, followed by hushed “Oh my God, get inside!!” and chairs scraping.

“It’s okay ladies, we’re just messing with you!” you called out, Toto laughing.

“What you do on your balcony is none of our business,” called out Olivia, “And Happy Birthday!”

“Happy Birthday!” called two more voices in unison.

“Thank you, girls,” you said, laughing as you pulled Toto in by the waist, guiding him back inside your room, “I’ll be with you shortly.”

“It’s your birthday, you should be with your friends,” said Toto, looking torn.

“I’m sure they’ll survive for ten more minutes without me,” you replied, stretching up to kiss Toto once more.

“Ten minutes?” Toto quirked an eyebrow, “I can do better than that.”

“Well show me then,” you said, yelping as Toto picked you up in his arms and threw you backwards onto the bed, leaning down to press you into the mattress with his hips.

“I intend to,” he said, before silencing you with his lips. Desperately trying to wrap your arms around his broad back, you met his kiss with equal enthusiasm, passionately embracing the man you had only ever seen on television not twelve hours ago.

“I’m already wet, just fuck me, Toto,” you said breathily.

Dipping a hand down to test, Toto smiled as he found you to be telling the truth, “Mmm, but there’s no rush, let’s take our time.”

Continuing to grind his hips into yours, he was driving you crazy with need. “C’mon, you’re such a tease.”

“I know,” he said, before leaning up, bringing you up with him and flipping you over so you were now face down on the bed. Lifting your hips flush to his, you could feel him ghosting over the spot where you needed him the most, his hands grabbing enthusiastically at your breasts before reaching for a condom to slip on.

“Are you going to make me beg for it?” you asked, turning around with a pout.

“No, I’m not that cruel, and besides, it’s your birthday,” he said before roughly thrusting in, all in one hit, making you gasp with sudden pleasure.

“Mmm,” was all you managed to say as Toto began to loosely thrust, one of his hands dropping to rub circles on your clit.

“You like that?” he asked, slowing down, teasing once more.

“Yes but faster,” you gasped.

SIlently obliging, Toto began to speed up, setting a faster but still sensual pace, making you moan as you pushed your hips back to meet his.

“I have to say, you have the most fantastic ass I’ve ever seen,” said Toto, suddenly squeezing you roughly.

Still speechless, you turned your head once again, meeting him with a smile, “I might have heard it a couple of times last night.”

Groaning, Toto doubled down on his thrusts, starting to feel you fluttering around him, on the brink. “Fuck Toto, I’m coming,” you said, collapsing face down onto the messed up sheets, Toto just behind you as he throbbed, thrusting and moaning a few more times before he too reached ecstasy.

Pulling out, he flipped onto his side, pulling you close into his chest.

“Happy Birthday,” he said, pressing a kiss to your temple.

The two of you lay there in bliss, in comfortable silence, for what felt like a lifetime before Toto finally broke the silence, clutching you tightly to his chest. “What are your plans for the rest of the day?”

Snuggling in closer, not wanting to get up, you replied, “We’re going to head to the beach club at Larvotto and then out for dinner at Elsa, some fancy restaurant, and then out for the night at Jimmyz. How about you?”

“You’re really going for it. I know Elsa, I know the owner, it’s good. Jimmyz is an experience…” he said grinning, “I’m not doing anything nearly as exciting.”

Tempted to invite him along, you forced yourself to be rational. This would be a one-off and as you kept repeating to yourself, chicks before dicks. You paused, choosing your words carefully, “Well you only have so many big birthdays.”

“I suppose that’s true.” Toto said with a smile, “And when do you leave again?”

“Tomorrow.” you said with a sad smile, “It was just a weekend trip and my friends need to be back by Sunday evening. It’s a little annoying as I took Monday off work.”

“What time is your flight?” Toto asked.

Not sure where this was going, you replied, “Midday, but I’ll need to leave here around nine or ten to get to the airport.”

You could see Toto’s mind whirring into action, “Are there any later flights?”

“Maybe, why do you ask?”

“Well, why don’t you stay longer?” he said.

You laughed, “Toto, I’m not like you, two nights at this hotel has wiped my entire vacation budget for the year.”

“Hmm, well if that’s the only issue, I can help.” he said smiling, “And if it costs extra to change your flight, I can cover that?”

“I’m not taking your money oh my gosh!” you said, flattered by his offer but not wanting to take advantage.

“Well, then, if this is too forward forgive me…” started Toto.

“Toto, we are lying here naked in bed, forward went out of the window about fourteen hours ago,” you said laughing.

“If you wanted, you could stay at my place? No expectations, I have two guest rooms. I know you would still need to change your flight but you’d get almost two extra days here? I could take you out on Sunday and show you the hidden beaches.”

Surprised by his offer, your mouth fell open. This was not where you thought your weekend trip would go. “Well, that would be amazing, are you sure? I will need to discuss it with my friends but yes I would love to!”

Smiling and dipping his head into the crevice of your shoulder, Toto replied, “Then it’s settled.”

“If the girls are cool with it,” you said firmly.

“Yes, if the girls are cool with it,” repeated Toto, his eyes hopeful.

---

Later that afternoon you found yourself lying on a sunlounger at La Note Bleue, a chilled-out beach club in Larvotto, your friends either side of you as you discussed Toto’s offer.

“It’s up to you, it’s your life.” said Olivia pragmatically, “But I think he might be after one thing.”

“I agree.” said Laura, “You barely know this guy and he’s asked you to stay at his house. That’s kind of weird no? How many other girls has he done this with? It’s a bit too slick. Sending the drinks, staying over.”

“I don’t know, I think it’s romantic.” said Becca, ever the optimist, “If he was after one thing he would have left this morning before you woke up.”

You pondered both sides, “I know what you mean, it’s all a little forward. He did offer to extend my hotel stay though.”

“It’s giving Pretty Woman,” said Laura.

Laughing you replied, “I did say no way!”

“Hmm but doesn’t that prove that he wasn’t just inviting you to his house straight off the bat?” countered Becca.

“True.” you agreed, “I guess at least with him being semi in the public eye means he can’t be a creepy murderer.”

“Hmm, tell that to OJ Simpson’s ex,” said Olivia, in a more serious tone.

“I don’t think he’s on that level Olivia,” said Laura, “But he could still be a playboy, he could do this every weekend for all we know.”

“Well, we know that most weekends he’s at a racetrack so maybe only on the weekends off,” you countered.

“A woman in every city, it’s the perfect life for a womaniser,” said Laura.

“Hmm you guys do not seem convinced,” you said.

“It’s not that we don’t want you to have fun, we just don’t want you to get hurt,” said Olivia.

“I appreciate that, maybe I could just change my flight to the evening and see him in the day, no more sex.”

“That’s not a bad idea actually,” said Olivia, “Then you can determine his intentions.”

“You could also stay at his and not have sex,” suggested Laura.

“Have you seen the guy?” said Becca, “He’s hot, that’s not happening.”

“Ooh, Becca.” Olivia’s eyes widened, turning to you “Watch out, you have competition!”

“Maybe I will if you don’t” said Becca laughing, “Joking aside, think about how narrow the chances were that we’d be here for your birthday weekend and you’d run into someone you know from the TV, who then sends drinks over because he fancies you, spend the night with you and then ask if you want to stay with him for two extra days. It’s like some romance novel.”

“You have a valid point.” said Laura, “It seems the stars aligned on this one.”

You smiled, “Do you know what, maybe I will stay the extra night, and like you said, I don’t have to sleep with him. He also said that he has a guest room so I’m sure I can stay there if it’s awkward.”

The girls squealed with excitement, “Then it’s settled. You’re staying here for two extra days with your billionaire loverboy.”

#toto wolff fanfic #toto wolff x reader #toto wolff x you #toto wolff #f1 #formula 1 #formula one #f1 x reader #formula one x reader #toto wolff x y/n #formula 1 x reader #formula 1 x you #abirthdaytoremember

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jadeshifting · 2 months ago

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🫀 SHIFTMAS

day 12. WHAT’S YOUR DR WINTER DRINK OF CHOICE? are you sipping on rich hot chocolate with whipped cream? mulled cider or wine? or something unexpected, like a peppermint mocha or a chai latte?

˚　　　　✦　　　.　　. 　 ˚　.　　　　　 . ✦　　　　˚　　　　 . ★⋆. ࿐࿔

— RECIPE FOR JADE GRIMM’S LUXE PEPPERMINT & DARK CHOCOLATE ELIXIR.

this drink isn’t just a beverage, it’s an experience—rich, indulgent, and just a little bit wicked. it’s the liquid embodiment of winter glam, served with a smirk and a swirl of magic

INGREDIENTS

— 2 cups whole milk (none of that watered-down nonsense, thank you)

— 1/2 cup heavy cream (because opulence)

— 1/2 cup finely chopped dark chocolate (70% cocoa or darker—go bold or go home)

— 1 tbsp cocoa powder

— 1 tbsp sugar (just enough to sweeten the deal)

— 1/4 tsp pure peppermint extract (minty fresh but never overpowering)

— 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (a touch of sophistication)

— crushed peppermint candies for garnish (i insist on artisanal ones)

— whipped cream (homemade or charmed into existence, but piled high)

— dark chocolate shavings and a sprig of fresh mint

INSTRUCTIONS

— in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the milk and cream over low heat. stir gently until it’s warm but not boiling—no one likes scorched milk

— add the dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and sugar, whisking until it melts into a glossy, velvety potions. the kitchen should smell beyond dreamy at this point

— remove from heat and stir in the peppermint and vanilla extracts. i give it a taste test here, just to make sure it’s perfect

— pour into your most extravagant mug—preferably something ornate with gold detailing—and top with an obnoxious swirl of whipped cream

— sprinkle crushed peppermint candies and dark chocolate shavings on top. add a sprig of fresh mint for that extra drama

HOW TO ENJOY

sip while draped in silk robes by a roaring fire, or share it sparingly with your inner circle (if they’re worthy). this drink is for people who are too fancy for eggnog :)

˚　　　　✦　　　.　　. 　 ˚　.　　　　　 . ✦　　　　˚　　　　 . ★⋆. ࿐࿔

#hogwarts dr #shifting to hogwarts #hogwarts scripting #shifting motivation #reality shifting #shiftblr #shifting antis dni #shifting script #shifting blog #shifters #emma’s shiftmas #shift #shifting consciousness #shifting realities #shifting #shifting community #shifting to harry potter #shifting diary #hogwarts desired reality

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scepticalbby · 19 days ago

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✨ The Haute Life CAS Challenge ✨

Welcome to The Haute Life CAS Challenge! 🌟 This 30-day challenge celebrates timeless style, modern luxury, and everyday glamour. Each week has a cohesive theme to inspire your Sims’ wardrobe. Are you ready to live la haute life? 💼💎 (inspired by emmzonn paintings on pinterest)

Let’s dive into the prompts:

🌸 Week 1: Everyday Sophistication

Timeless, versatile styles for everyday activities.

1. Signature Look – 💼 The outfit that defines your Sim’s personal style: polished, unique, and versatile.

2. City Café Chic – ☕ Trendy yet relaxed, ideal for sipping lattes and people-watching

3. Client Meeting – 🖊️ Sleek, professional attire that balances style with confidence.

4. Window Shopping – 🛍️ Casual yet elevated looks for strolling through your favorite shops.

5. Rainy Day Stroll – 🌧️ Think trench coats, boots, and cozy layers with a touch of glam.

6. Vintage Elegance – ✨ Channel old-Hollywood sophistication with timeless silhouettes.

💃 Week 2: Socialite Soirées

Glamorous and bold looks for high-profile events.

7. Cocktail Soirée – 🍸 Dazzle in bold colors, statement heels, and dramatic makeup.

8. Gala Night – 🏆 Elegant gowns and sparkling accessories perfect for a prestigious event.

9. Black Tie Affair – 🎩 Over-the-top sophistication with luxurious fabrics and daring designs.

10. Art Gallery Ready – 🎨 A creative look featuring bold patterns, sleek shapes, or unique accessories.

11. Seaside Brunch – 🌴 Breezy elegance with flowing dresses, sandals, and natural tones.

12. Wedding Guest – 💐 Perfectly polished: soft pastels, tailored fits, or floral motifs.

☀️ Week 3: Leisure & Lifestyle

Inspired by downtime, relaxation, and simple pleasures with style.

13. Self-Care Sunday – 🛁 Luxurious loungewear for a day of pampering and relaxation.

14. Yoga or Pilates – 🧘 Sleek activewear, matching sets, and breathable fabrics for a workout in style.

15. Family Garden Party – 🌺 Romantic florals, airy dresses, and soft accessories for a sunny afternoon.

16. Farmer’s Market Run – 🥕 Natural fabrics, earthy tones, and a tote bag for fresh produce shopping.

17. Afternoon Tea – 🍰 Soft pastels, lace accents, and dainty jewelry for a sophisticated gathering.

18. Picnic – 🧺 Relaxed and romantic with gingham prints, sandals, and straw accessories.

🌹 Week 4: Romantic & Travel Escapes

For romantic evenings and adventures to faraway places.

19. Sultry Date Night – ❤️ Radiate confidence with bold cuts, rich fabrics, and sleek accessories.

20. Fashionable Traveller – ✈️ Chic airport looks with oversized sunglasses, tailored jackets, and carry-ons.

21. Beach Party – 🏖️ Vibrant swimsuits, breezy cover-ups, and statement sunglasses.

22. Nature’s Palette – 🌿 Earthy tones, flowing skirts, and floral accents for a nature-inspired outing.

23. Autumn Layers – 🍂 Cozy knitwear, scarves, and boots in warm, rich tones for a fall day.

24. Birthday Morning in Paris – 🥐 Silky robes, tousled hair, and delicate touches for effortless luxury.

🎀 Week 5: Luxe Seasonal Glamour

A celebration of opulence and timeless seasonal charm.

25. Cozy Day Indoors – 🔥 Warm loungewear with soft knits, fuzzy socks, and oversized cardigans.

26. Breakfast at a Penthouse – 🌇 Glamorous yet relaxed, with luxurious fabrics and chic accessories.

27. Equestrian Glam – 🐎 Preppy riding boots, tailored blazers, and structured silhouettes.

28. Luxe Lingerie – 💕 Delicate fabrics like silk, lace, or satin, paired with understated elegance.

29. Holiday Glam – 🎄 Sparkling sequins, rich jewel tones, and festive designs, wheter its love day, new years or your birthday!

30. Timeless Sophistication – 👑 Switch up the eras with an ultimate look that showcases wealth, style, and individuality.

💎 How to Participate:

1. 👗 Create a new Sim (or use an existing one or two).

2. 🎨 Dress them up according to the daily prompts.

3. 📸 Share your creations with the tag #TheHauteLifeCASChallenge so others and I can see your fabulous designssss.

#my first challenge ahhh #been obsessed with cas lately sooo i wanted to make a cas challenge #then i saw emmzon’s paintings and i was like wow my sims need this aesthetic #goodbye streetwear hello glam #excited to see other people sims toooo #ts4 cas challenge #my challenges #ill be using my new sims vivienne and selene for this challenge #chatgpt helped elevate my prompts and it was so much fun sorting things into categories #ts4 #ts4 cas #TheHauteLifeCASChallenge

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72mylove · 7 months ago

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Girlhood is glossy hair, long lashes, doe eyes, lipgloss, face masks, lana del rey, lip balm, ice cold water, girl interrupted, lace dainty underwear, cola, delicate skin, sylvia plath, academic validation, working out everyday, ride and cool girl monologue, long perfect nails, soft hands, intellectual smart girl, overly obsessive, astrology, 2013 victoria secret, iced lattes with no sugar, books, gilmore girls, mitski, the colour pink, the virgin suicides, pinterest and spotify addiction, black swan, constant need to be perfect, jennifer check, lux lisbon, lily rose depp, wannabe cool girl.

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latte-luxe · 2 years ago

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#photography #Latte-luxe #haute couture #london #british museum #arquitectura #art #architecture #current mood #travel #Londres #Museo #Museum

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nunlucky-novel · 7 months ago

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Chapter 1 - The Visitor

October 25th - Madison Hills, Main St

The telltale arrival of Halloween rode into Madison Hills on the scent of amber and cinnamon, black candles in windowsills, and intricately carved pumpkins by storefronts. BèBè always loved the sound of crunching leaves under her boots this time of year on her walk to the Temple, warmed by the festive buzz about the town despite the autumn chill.

The Western Temple of Collybus ran through her family history like an arrow- straight back to the very founding roots of Madison Hills. It had such a subtle elegance, her temple, her sanctuary, directly facing the town hall’s more ornate front like two siblings with a cobblestone well between them.

The town itself was built as a safe haven from the ancient war between demons and angels- as well as their followers. Steadily, over the years, it shifted from a symbol of resistance to a bustling oddity of tourist fame. But, it put food on the table, so ever-pragmatic, BèBè couldn’t much complain.

It wasn’t until BèBè arrived at her favorite coffee shop just before the temple, hoping to pick up morning treats for herself and her two lifelong friends and fellow Lux, Lolo and Amber, that the most garishly dressed man she had ever seen disrupted the peace of her morning, dressed in furs and gold, and attempting to overpay for a latte by a startling amount.

‘Oh God...’ BèBè groaned internally ‘Not him.’

“Sir, I don’t have change for $300!” the poor barista cried. They had been fighting with this man for several minutes now. “I don’t even have change for $100! We just opened! Don’t you have a card or something?”

The man huffed, frustrated. “Jeez Louise, you people need to do better with your money management!”

BèBè scoffed. The one man she didn’t want to see. Koda Dorado, the Mayor’s very strange and annoying (at least to her) adult nephew. He had no idea how the normal world worked. While he didn’t exactly flaunt his wealth in your face, he would remind you that the gap was there. Rumor has it that he was actually quite generous with his money! Almost to the point where people were concerned that he’d be taken advantage of.

But that’s not reason BèBè disliked him. It was annoying attempts to get her attention. All summer long Koda had been, in her opinion, bothering her. Trying to shower her with gifts, or requesting her to take his confessions as an attempt to strike up a conversation. It started out simple with him just visiting the Temple for service on Sundays or him offering to buy her a small coffee. It was cute at first, then he started to become somewhat overbearing. She tried to let him off gently, saying that while she appreciates all that he’s given her, he’s going overboard. That did get him to back off, but not completely.

It wasn’t that she wasn’t interested in dating, it’s just not what she’s focused on right now. He did stop trying to buy her attention, but he would still come by the Temple for confessions. Her friends said he was trying to wear her down, but she wasn’t going to let him.

After what seemed like an eternity , BèBè finally stepped up to the register and offered her card to the cashier. “I’ll pay for the drink, Marte. And could you get me the usual? Thank you.” She said waving her card over the card reader. BèBè gave a side eyed glance at the other. “Isn’t it a bit too early to be causing trouble, Mr. Dorado?”

“Dollface~!” Koda exclaimed. He immediately perked up, completely forgetting about his order now that his favorite person was in front of him. “I ain’t causing no trouble! Not my fault these guys don’t know how to make change!”

Marte the barista glared at Koda but said nothing. They went about fixing BèBè’s order while silently cursing Koda.

“Well this isn’t like the coffee shops in St. Fortuna where they have money to break $300 first thing upon opening.” BèBè said. She sidestepped past Koda towards the other side of the counter. He followed behind her. He leaned against the counter, trying to look cool in front of her. She thought he looked uncomfortable leaning on that short counter.

“So, uh, where ya heading this early in the morning, hm?” Koda asked.

“You should know since you’ve been stalking me since June.” BèBè said sarcastically. Koda put on a offended expression, placing a hand over his chest as if he just heard the most shocking piece of gossip.

“Stalking? Me? Oh I’m hurt, Dollface.” Koda said, wiping away a non existent tear. “Just hurt, boo-hoo!”

It wasn’t untrue. His previous behavior could be categorized as stalking. Knowing her schedule, her daily route to work, the excessive gift giving. He had no idea why that would get this girl’s attention. He’s lucky he didn’t get a restraining order! That would have definitely put a pin in his plans. Lucky for him, BèBè was nice enough to give him another chance. A fresh start as he put it. This was much more work Koda had ever done to catch anyone’s attention.

Marte the barista walked to the end of the counter and set down four drinks along with a medium sized brown with the shops logo printed on it. The scent of something sweet wafted through the air.

“I’m sorry to interrupt but here are your orders.” Marte said, not sorry at all “A pumpkin spiced latte with whipped cream and extra espresso and pumpkin sprinkles. And two blonde lattes and one decaf caramel macchiato along with three breakfast sandwiches. Thank you and come again.”

BèBè grabbed her drinks, and the bag then strode past Koda without so much as a goodbye. She knew this was rude, but she needed to get to work. She would mind her manners next time. It took the other a moment to realize that he had just been snubbed. He turned around frantically as he tried to catch up with her.

“Hey wait up, Dollface!” he called out. He quickly went back for the coffee he left behind unaware that the lid wasn’t secure. He spilled some of the drink on the counter in his frenzy.

Koda chased after her, running into the door. His head bounced off the glass making the little jingle bells that hung above rattle like maracas. Some of his drink splashed on his gaudy fur coat, but it seemed to magically drip off without so much as leaving a stain. He ignored all this however as he jogged up to BèBè. She was very fast despite all the things she was carrying.

“Hey, Doll, let me help you with that! It’s the least I could do since you bought me breakfast.” Koda said. He reached out to take one of the items. BèBè refuse as she could carry it just fine. She’s done this since high school. But it was nice of him to offer.

“No thank you.” She said “Its not that heavy.”

“Well at least let me give you a ride?”

“But we’re already here.”

Koda looked up. They had arrived at the front entrance of the Temple. He looked between it and the coffee shop, surprised at how close they actually were. Then again this town wasn’t very big to begin with, so he didn’t know why he was surprised. It was weathered brick building that had been around since at least the early 1910s. The windows had iron bars over them, keeping out intruders. The building was simple, and much smaller than the giant glass monstrosity that was the Eastern Temple of Collybus in St. Fortuna.

The building next to it, the old Town Hall, stood next to it’s twin fully decorated in spooky bats, pumpkins and such. The Temple had a few pumpkins near the big stain glass doors at the entrance, but was devoid of any Halloween whimsy.

“Can you get the door please?” BèBè asked, tilting her head towards it. She let out a small sigh a second later. “If you are here to confess then please wait in the lobby. Please do not touch anything or sneak around, ok?”

“Whatever you say, Dollface! I’ll be the perfect little gentleman~!” Koda grabbed the old brass handle, and pressed down in the little switch to unlock the door. He ignored the stinging sensation he felt as he held the knob. The holy power surrounding the building was strong. Strong enough that he could feel it through his human disguise.

“Ladies first!” Koda said with his best movie star smile. He did a gentlemanly bow. BèBè rolled her eyes and stepped in. Koda merrily skipped behind her.

★★★★★★

“So I saw you walking around with your little boyfriend this morning.”

“He is not my boyfriend! Stop saying that!”

BèBè glared at her friend as she giggled to herself. Her eyes narrowed angrily in her direction while the other looked away with faux innocence. It was late into the afternoon, and BèBè was already irritated. Koda had made his 45th? Maybe 46th confession? She wasn’t sure, but she knew he had been there enough times for her to count on both hands and then some. BèBè huffed as she ungracefully flopped in the wore leather chair in her father’s office. It was a decent sized room, filled with cardboard boxes full of old papers, photos, with a big oak desk that has seen better days. The computer was the only modern thing inside the room.

A woman, tall with tan skin, green eyes and blonde hair pulled into a braided bun, leaned over against the desk. She was grinning mischievously as she watched her friend type away on the computer in front of her. BèBè ignored her, keeping her eyes glued to the screen. She was busy going through today’s schedule. It wasn’t a very busy one but occasionally the Temple would host short tours around the grounds. It wasn’t a big place, but people liked taking pictures in front of the decorative statues near the altars. There was also an old graveyard a few feet behind both the Temple and Town Hall.

BèBè skimmed through the scheduling app. There was a meeting later that evening, and a retirement party for the financial advisor on Saturday. Nothing else was booked for the week, which offered some relief. Noe she could just focus on preparing for the retirement party. “Lolo, did you order the banner yet? Brother Franklin’s party is coming up soon. Bastian took care of food, and drinks. So we just need to get the daycare cleaned out, and..”

The blonde woman, Lolo, pouted, “You can’t ignore him forever, you know. Sooner or later, he’s gonna wear you down.”

“Never! I told him that I’m not interested right now.”

“And yet you gave him another chance!”

“I believe in second chances. Besides I think he’s more of an idiot than a murderous stalker.”

Lolo pulled out a foldable chair from the corner and sat it in front of the desk. She twirled a loose braid between her fingers. The silence between them was broken with the clicks and clacks of the mouse and keyboard. “I think you should give him a chance! I mean, he seems like a good guy! Not to mention that he's the Mayor’s nephew so that’s an advantage! Oh! Maybe we could hire him to replace Brother Franklin!”

BèBè let out an airy laugh. Koda? The financial advisor? Just this morning he tried to pay for a $2 coffee with $300 dollars cash! Just from that alone she felt that he could run her family’s legacy into the ground within days of employment. Maybe in seconds! No, he wasn’t suited to do financial work. Never.

“Father already said he has someone in mind so I’m letting him handle it. We just need to handle the party planning. By the way, where’s Amber?”

Lolo’s expression soured a bit. Amber, the third member of BèBè’s friend group, was always off somewhere or worse, running late for work. Both ladies loved her very much, but neither could deny that she wasn’t really suited to be working at the Temple. It was a miracle of the Goddess that she barely graduated high school.

“I saw her trying to flirt with Koda before he left. I don’t know where she went after that.” Lolo scoffed. She pretended to examine her nails. Her sparkly fuchsia nail polish was chipping and her manicure was ruined from her picking the nails into uneven ridges. She peeked out the corner of her eye watching her reaction.

Anger flashed across BèBè’s face. She was always short tempered. Even back in high school, when an angry outburst got her banned from the varsity tennis team for two months. Poor dude need stitches. Now, even as an adult with a temper having been cooled with maturity, you could see that she was close to exploding. Amber had been ditching her job, the job BèBè painstakingly fought for her to do who knows what. It gave her a headache.

“I wouldn’t put it past her if she went to go see Koda. He’s always hanging around Main Street or at the Countryside Club.” Lolo said, leaning back in the chair. “When is she gonna get the hint that he’s taken?”

“Lolo, I don’t want to talk about them right now. Please just help me plan this damn party.”

———-

Prologue -— > Chapter 2

#nunlucky #webnovel #original story

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audikatia · 1 month ago

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2024 Reading Review

Overall notes:

Anna Karenina truly is one of the best novels ever. It really, honestly, truly is a classic. I know a lot of people shit on classics, but goddamn. It really deserves all the hype.

With the exception of a few truly amazing stand outs, I felt like it was a poor year of reading. I want more 4-5 starred

That being said, some really amazing books. I am never going to stop thinking about Henry, Henry.

One of my goals this year was to read more sapphic fiction, which I definitely accomplished. As per usual, it was a lot of queer reading and I'm thinking maybe I should start including more breakdowns on that.

Next year's reading goals:

I want to read all of Shakespeare's plays in order of publication. I have read most of them, but it's been a while since I've read some of them and I've neglected some of the histories. Plus, I think it'll be really cool to see the evolution of his craft playwright by reading them in order.

I am hoping to raise my average rating within the 4-5 star range.

Am I really gonna read War and Peace this year since I liked Anna Karenina so much? Yeah, I think I am

Idk, man, I'm just trying to make my way through my never ending list. I'm just gonna keep tearing my way through the waitlist at the library

Full 2024 reading list and rankings under the cut

The City We Became by N. K. Jemisin ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake ⭐️⭐️

Cleat Cute by Meryl Wilsner ⭐️⭐️

Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Persephone Station by Stina Leicht ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Pathogenesis: A History of the World in Eight Plagues by Jonathan Kennedy ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Divine Might: Goddesses in Greek Myth by Natalie Haynes ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree ⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Fury by Alex Michaelides ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Only If You’re Lucky by Stacy Willingham ⭐️⭐️

Everyone Who Can Forgive Me is Dead by Jenny Hollander ⭐️⭐️

My Murder by Katie Williams ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A House with Good Bones by T. Kingfisher ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In Memoriam by Alice Winn ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Big Swiss by Jen Beagin ⭐️⭐️

If This Gets Out by Sophie Gonzales ⭐️⭐️

Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímíde ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Caught in a Bad Fauxmance by Elle Gonzalez Rose ⭐️⭐️

A Restless Truth by Freya Marske ⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Power Unbound by Freya Marske ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sadie by Courtney Summers ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sign Here by Claudia Lux ⭐️⭐️⭐️

See You Yesterday by Rachel Lynn Solomon ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Dead Silence by S.A. Barnes ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Foxhole Court by Nora Sakavic ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Raven King by Nora Sakavic ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

All the King’s Men by Nora Sakavic ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger ⭐️⭐️

Listen for the Lie by Amy Tinters ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Murder Road by Simone St. James ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Sunshine Court by Nora Sakavic ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Princess of Las Vegas by Chris Bohjalian ⭐️⭐️

The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson ⭐️⭐️

The Lighthouse Witches by C. J. Cooke ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Watchmaker of Filigree Street by Natasha Pulley ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rouge by Mona Awad ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Do Your Worst by Rosie Danan ⭐️⭐️

The One That Got Away with Murder by Trish Lundy ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Late Bloomer by Mazey Eddings ⭐️⭐️

You Should Be So Lucky by Cat Sebastian ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Everyone on This Train is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Henry Henry by Allen Britton ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Home is Where the Bodies Are by Jeneva Rose ⭐️⭐️

The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Mercury by Amy Jo Burns ⭐️⭐️

Time to Shine by Rachel Reid⭐️⭐️

The Drowning Kind by Jennifer McMahon ⭐️⭐️

Swiped by L. M. Chilton ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Dayspring by Anthony Oliveira ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

You Know What You Did by K. T. Nguyen ⭐️⭐️

UNSUB by Meg Gardiner ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Into the Black Nowhere by Meg Gardiner ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Unclaimed: Abandonment and Hope in the City of Angels ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Rome of One’s Own: The Forgotten Women of the Roman Empire by Emma Southon ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

She Left by Stacie Grey ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Four Eids and a Funeral by Faridah Àbíke-Íyímídé and Adina Jaigirdar ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Everyone I Kissed Since You Got Famous by Mae Marvel ⭐️⭐️

The Dark Corners of the Night by Meg Gardiner ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Middle of the Night by Riley Sager ⭐️⭐️⭐️

My Darling Dreadful Thing by Johanna van Veen ⭐️⭐️

The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley ⭐️⭐️⭐️

People Love Dead Jews by Dara Horn ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Fatal Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum by Emma Southon ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Shadow Heart by Meg Gardiner ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Breaking the Dark by Lisa Jewell ⭐️⭐️

The Pairing by Casey McQuiston ⭐️⭐️

Summer Sons by Lee Mandelo ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Butter: A Novel of Food and Murder by Asako Yuzuki ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Kill for Me, Kill for You by Steve Cavanagh ⭐️⭐️⭐️

What You Are Getting Wrong About Apalachia by Elizabeth Catte ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Anyone’s Ghost by August Thompson ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Honey by Isabel Banta ⭐️⭐️⭐️

When Haru was Here by Dustin Thao ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Love Letters to a Serial Killer by Tasha Coryell ⭐️⭐️

Better Left Buried by Mary E. Roach ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Murder on a Moon Trek by Diane Vallere ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Murder in the Master by Judy L. Murray ⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Collingswood Christmas by Gail Priest ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Clues from the Canines by Darlene Dziomba ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Quiet Tenant by Clémence Michallon ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Trouble in Queenstown by Delia Pitts ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Up Close and Pawsonal by Darlene Dziomba ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Fire and Dalmatian by Darlene Dziomba ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Help Wanted by Adelle Waldman ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Blue Lily Lily Blue by Maggie Stiefvater ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Opal by Maggie Stiefvater ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Everyone is Watching by Heather Gudenkauf ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Piglet by Lottie Hazel ⭐️⭐️

A Misfortune of Lake Monster by Nicole M. Wolverton ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Black Sheep by Rachel Harrison ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Any Way the Wind Blows by Rainbow Rowell ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Mystery Writer by Sulari Gentill ⭐️⭐️

Don’t Let the Forest In by C. G. Drews ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Agrippina: Empress, Exile, Hustler, Whore: A Biography of the Most Extraordinary Woman in the Roman World by Emma Southon ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Royal Art of Poison: Filthy Palaces, Fatal Cosmetics, Deadly Medicine, and Murder Most Foul by Eleanor Herman ⭐️⭐️��️⭐️

I’m Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom by Jason Pargin ⭐️⭐️

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#personal #books #New Years

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lesbiansloveseokjin · 2 years ago

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day 130/547 of seokjin’s military service x

this selca was posted on 140919, the day of the Puma x Kasina Disk Lux Launching Party, with the caption:

@/2AMCHANGMIN Sunbaenim we ate really well hehe. I really like the cafe latte~

(trans cr: Nika @ bts-trans)

~bonus pics under the cut~

Kya~~~~ Everyone, isn't the weather lately so nice!! As of lately, I've been feeling so good~~ In celebration of this nice weather, I ended my day today at THE MIN'S~ @2AMCHANGMIN senior, we ate well! @-@/

(trans cr: wonnie @ bts-trans)

#seokjin #yoongi #yoonjin #jin military countdown #140919 #ot7 #trackofthesoul

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d3zydration · 8 months ago

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Digital Sketchbook (06.20.2024)

I'm about to make a big update post for my main website, but I didn't feel like using up storage on some preview shots. At the top, we've got progress on my 2d model for my YouTube channel, along with the many outfits I've made for her. Once I'm done with all the shading, I can break down the pieces and start the rigging process. I've probably got more outfits than I need, and there are some side characters I may make that I've had bouncing around in my head and on my channel for a long time that I'll probably also make, but once the bulk of it is done, I can focus on rigging while that happens.

On the bottom left, we've got a new Hesiodos (Hesiod) piece I'm working on. I wasn't happy with how the first one turned out, and honestly, I need to get back into the flow of more realistic works. Painting pieces directly from photo reference is easy enough, but it's a bit more difficult using a marble statue, as I did with my first piece, and more difficult still drawing from the mind while trying to translate those references as accurately as possible. I'm also using a more gouache-inspired brush set for this one. I've been super fascinated with acrylic gouache lately and am planning to start doing traditional pieces again in marker, watercolor, and acrylic gouache. I've been really into the work of Amina Illustration and I'm A Wonder.

My YCH (Your Character Here) commission piece "Little Witch" still has 5 available slots left on my Etsy shop (which is discounted from what you would pay for a custom commission with those specifications) - but I had also started on a number of other ones back in autumn of last year: A little graveyard chibi pin-up, a chibi girl holding a pumpkin spice latte, a woman kissing the cheek of a scarecrow, and a vampiric take on Klimt's The Kiss. I also started on a few general ones: one inspired by the style of Bratz, one inspired by the style of Monster High, and one inspired by the lo-fi girl. I'll still be wrapping them up and making them available whenever they're complete, but they aren't at the forefront of my workload at the moment - especially since I'm planning on moving away from Etsy.

Along that line, I also have plans to work on a couple of emote, clip art, and marketing packs, some stickers (including sticker sheets for my planners), a magickally-accurate Sailor Moon chibi series, and a couple of fan oracle decks. First on my to-do list, however, is a ton of website graphics for my new websites, the next batch of designs and styles for the Luxe Gothique Boutique, and a rework of my Khthonic Wiccan art series, as it's something else I just wasn't satisfied with.

And that's just artwork! I have a lot of writing in the works now, as well. I've got two books, my Mythos Reimagined series, and my webcomic, A Little Town Called Lorauvial, in the works, as well. This is a lot, I know, but I'm making progress each day. I just want to make so many things. I can't possibly keep it all locked away forever. 👻💚

Anyway, stay tuned for my update article. I'm going to be getting on that shortly with info on my other goings-on. Be there or be square.

#my art #my wips #updates #dezy speaks #art #digital sketchbook

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moderarato · 2 years ago

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🤎 moderarato’s interactive fiction OC list 🤎

(full character breakdown under the cut!)

Celeste “Este” Davies | she/her | bi

oil paintings / iced coffee / rocky beaches / pastels / arching an eyebrow / fields of long grass / pink peppercorn / home-cooked meals / balling hands into fists / heart-shaped sunglasses

Lux Laveau | she/her | pan

lace / perfume / popping bubble-gum / fashion / cottage-core / fairy tales / magic / spritzers / heels / cakes / holidays / dinner parties / twirling hair / winking / lip gloss / fresh bouquets

Paloma Sloane | she/her | bi

worn-in denim / noirs / night drives / coding / pine trees / alchemy / newspapers / cheap whiskey / organized mess / glasses on chains / reading under moonlight / pens in hair

Selma {No Set Surname} | she/they | bi

black and tuxedo cats / absurdism / stick & poke tattoos / junk food / heavy rain / silent nods / platform boots / thrillers / ivy / polaroids / taking the train to the end of the line / 90s goth

Iah Moritz | they/he | pan

disco balls / nail polish / playful eye-rolls / dancing / vintage couture / sour candy / skateboards / cigarettes / early 2000s tech / leaning on surfaces / classic comics / talking with hands

Dorothea “Dot” Eames | she/her | bi/demi

neutrals / folding hands / heirlooms / cashmere / handwritten letters / marble / minimalism / museums / matte lipstick / foxes / earl grey tea / autumn / strong eye-contact / trench coats

Arturo “Art” Belmonte | he/him | gay

historical fiction / layered clothing / piercings / hands in pockets / thrifting / old cities / mythology / over-ear headphones / sitting by windows / awkward laughs / scones & coffee

Cewê Cizîrî | she/they | pan

night skies / scrapbooking / dandelions / pleased smiles / saffron / pushing hair back / gentle breezes / long dresses / tea sets / gardens / birdsong / people-watching / quiet confidence

Delphine Moon | she/her | lesbian

vanilla / swans / pearls / late-night studying / chess / heavy snow / horseback riding / silently judging / white wine / perfect posture / perfume bottles / armoires with mirrors

Reina “Rei” {No Set Surname} | she/they | bi

art galleries / baggy blazers and clothes / 80s anime / tote bags / sarcasm / aimless walks / matcha lattes / eyeliner / film scores / dining out alone / charcoal sketches

Sorn Ly | any pronouns | pan

road trips / faded scars / banana leaves / biting nails / pottery / surfing / olives / sunsets / rolling shoulders back / hair ties on wrists / scoffing / long afternoons / humidity / walking barefoot

Frances Wiseman | she/him | demi/lesbian

cowboy boots / fruits / picking flowers / running / french new wave / messy hair / sun-kissed skin / oversized jackets / late summer / bass playing / crossing arms

#housekeeping 🤎#as I've been replaying and revisiting my love for IFs I just really wanted to see all my loves all together on a roll call sheet lol #I'm also in the midst of sims hyperfix so the rest was history #it’s been fun to see after time away how my perception of certain OCs changed #ofc there's more than this but these one's are just the clearest in my mind #hence the ~vibes~ under the cut #but I'll edit as time goes on!#rr: oc list #rr: edit #I purposefully kept ROs off bc I feel like thats a whole other ordeal #like the amt of people I ship Este with??? unholy

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formulauno98 · 8 months ago

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A Birthday to Remember - Part Four - Toto Wolff x Reader

Word Count: 2.3k

Warnings: Caution may contain fluff.

Author’s Notes: Disclaimer, purely fiction, no-one is married in this alt-universe.

The sun was high in the sky as you and Toto finished brunch together on his terrace, Toto having laid out an impressive spread of pastries and mimosas for your final meal together. The peaceful morning a surprisingly domestic contrast from the frenzied night of passion that you had just shared. It was the perfect end to your birthday weekend.

“Thank you for this,” you said, savouring a bite of a buttery croissant. “You didn’t have to go to so much trouble.”

Toto smiled, watching you with a look of satisfaction. “It was no trouble at all. I wanted to make this weekend special for you.”

“You succeeded,” you replied, raising your glass. “To an unforgettable birthday.”

“To unforgettable moments,” Toto echoed, clinking his glass with yours.

Packing your things back into your weekend bag, you felt mixed emotions. Your unexpected, whirlwind romance was over as quickly as it had begun and you knew deep down that this was a one-off, no matter what Toto said. Your lives were too different, it would never work.

——

As you sped along the scenic coastal road back towards the airport, once again in Toto’s classic 300SL, you were both lost in your thoughts. The morning had passed all too quickly and you both knew that their weekend was almost over.

Reaching over, Toto took your hand gently in his, his large hand easily covering yours. "I don't want you to leave yet," he said softly, his eyes never leaving the road.

"Neither do I," you replied, your voice tinged with sadness. "But reality calls."

You shared a quiet moment, Toto holding your hand until he had to shift down a gear, the picturesque scenery blurring into a backdrop to your fragile emotions.

——

At Nice airport, you checked in all too quickly and turned to Toto, heart heavy with the impending goodbye. It was silly really, you’d known this man all of two days but had gotten swept up in a wave of emotions and been offered a glimpse into a glamorous world that you would never be a part of.

As you stood in front of the departure gate, the bustling airport crowd around was a stark contrast to the intimate weekend you had just shared. A tourist had even approached Toto for a selfie, something he had reluctantly but politely obliged while you stood there awkwardly. It was yet another reminder of the two vastly different universes that you existed in.

"I know it’s stupid to say but I'm going to miss you," Toto said, pulling you into a tight embrace, his eyes filled with sadness.

"I'll miss you too," you whispered, holding on to him tightly, enjoying the strength and warmth of his arms around you for one last time.

You shared a lingering kiss, the world around fading away. Pulling back, you smiled, "Thank you for the best birthday I could have ever imagined."

"The pleasure was all mine," Toto replied, his dark eyes sincere, "Please call me when you are home safe, if you can."

"I will," you said, standing on tippy toes and giving him a final peck on the cheek before turning towards the security checkpoint.

As you walked away, you glanced back to see Toto standing watching you, his arms folded, his expression unreadable. Noticing you he smiled and waved, a little goofily. At first sight, he may have seemed intimidating but having now spent time getting to know him, you could see beyond the icy facade and found him truly endearing.

Waving back, you were thankful you had almost rounded the corner as you could feel tears welling up. You willed yourself to stop and be thankful that you had had such a brilliant birthday, both with your friends and with Toto. It truly had been a birthday to remember.

——

The first few weeks after your return were filled with frequent messages and calls from your handsome paramour. Toto would share snippets of his hectic life, sending blurry pictures from various tracks, while you shared your daily life and the joys and challenges of your busy job. You may have been worlds apart but the spark remained.

Despite the distance, the connection felt strong and you made plans to meet up again, discussing the logistics of possible weekends and holidays. But as time went on, the frequency of your communication began to wane, Toto's demanding schedule and constant travel across time zones making it difficult to pin down dates and maintain regular contact. You, too, found yourself buried in work, your days now filled with meetings and endless reports.

Your conversations became sporadic and eventually, the messages stopped altogether. You knew that maintaining a relationship with someone living such a different life was always going to be a challenge, but you cherished the memories of your wild birthday weekend and tried not to get too sad about it. Life carried on as normal and you had to smile when you were sat at home watching the Monaco Grand Prix and Toto flashed up on the screen, frowning at the camera as his team struggled around the punishing circuit. He really was a handsome man and as much as you hated to admit it, the best sex of your life.

You resolved that you were never going to hear from Toto again, he was likely busy with work and had probably met some thirty-something-year-old who had taken his fancy. Knowing that you too had to move on, you allowed your friends to set you up on a few dates and tried your best to forget all about Toto.

——

But try as you might, unfortunately, that one weekend with Toto had somewhat ruined other men for you. Sure enough, you had met some perfectly nice and objectively handsome guys but they were missing the charm and the spark that you had felt with Toto.

It was a rainy Thursday evening late in June when your phone buzzed unexpectedly. It was almost the Summer and you were counting down the days until you could escape work for a few weeks, even if you hadn’t made any travel plans. Glancing at your phone absentmindedly, expecting it to be one of your friends checking in, your heart skipped a beat when you saw Toto's name flash up on the screen. With a mixture of excitement and nervousness, you opened the message.

"Hello my love, I know that it’s been a while and for that I am sorry. I hope you’re doing well? I can’t get you out of my head and was wondering if you’d like to join me on my boat for the summer? Let me know. All my best, Toto."

You stared at the message, your mind racing. You had truly resigned yourself to the idea that you would never hear from this man ever again, yet here he was, inviting you on another adventure. Your initial reaction was scepticism, having been burned by fleeting romances before. But as you re-read the message, you felt a familiar warmth. The memories of your short time together came rushing back and you couldn't help but smile.

After a few moments of reflection, you decided to respond.

"Hey, I‘ve been thinking about you too. That sounds amazing, I’d love to join you. When and where should I meet you?"

Toto’s reply was almost immediate.

"Fantastic. I’m currently docked in Antibes, in the South of France. When are you around? Let me know and I’ll arrange everything. Can’t wait to see you again."

Touched by the fact that he was prepared to arrange everything, you hastily replied, leading to you spending the evening hashing out the finer details via Facetime. It had been months since you had properly spoken to one another but it oddly felt like no time had passed and the hours flew by as they finally set your plans to reunite in stone. You would fly to Nice and join Toto on his boat for a week.

——

The days leading up to your trip were a whirlwind of preparation and anticipation. You could hardly focus on your work, your mind drifting to thoughts of sunny days on the water and starry nights with Toto. You confided in your friends, who were both excited and slightly cautious. They’d already been with you through the highs and lows of whatever this situationship was and were still weary that Toto was some kind of billionaire playboy with ulterior motives.

As the plane touched down in Nice, the sky as blue as you remembered, you felt a flutter of nerves. What if things had changed? What if you didn’t click the way they had before? You pushed those thoughts aside, reminding yourself that you were here for an adventure.

Stepping into the arrivals lounge, you were greeted by a smartly dressed driver holding a discreet sign with your name. Guiding you through the airport, he quickly whisked you away in an elegant black Mercedes saloon.

The ride to Antibes was short but filled with stunning views of the Mediterranean coastline and as the miles ticked down, you felt the butterflies in your stomach building with anticipation.

As the car pulled up into the marina drop-off area, you spotted Toto waiting at the dock. He looked as handsome as ever, dressed casually in a white linen shirt, navy shorts and smart espadrilles. His face lit up when he saw you stepping out of the car and he rushed to pull you into a warm embrace, keeping things considerably more PG than he had the last time you’d been together.

"Welcome back," he said, his voice filled with genuine happiness. "I’m so glad you’re here."

"Me too," you replied, your smile matching his. "This place is beautiful."

“I know,” said Toto, proudly, taking your luggage from the driver, and thanking him for his service.

“Oh you don’t have to do that,” you said, surprised that Toto would carry luggage.

“Nonsense, and besides it weighs nothing,” he said, effortlessly swinging your large duffle over his shoulder before taking your hand in his, “I hope it means you packed only bikinis.”

You shook your head laughing, chastising him but secretly relieved that the spark was still there.

As you boarded the boat, a sleek and luxurious yacht, you couldn’t help but be impressed. The teak deck was immaculate, home to elegant cream sunloungers and an expertly laid dining table, already laden with brunch.

“Welcome,” said Toto, setting your luggage down before a deckhand scurried to collect it, “I took the liberty of ordering brunch as I thought you might be hungry but let me show you around first.”

——

The next few days passed in a blissful blur and you quickly realised that things were just as easy as they had been the first time around. You spent their mornings lounging on the deck, sipping coffee and chatting non-stop. By day, you explored hidden coves and swam in crystal-clear waters and by night you dined under the stars, sharing considerable amounts of wine-fuelled laughter before retreating to Toto’s luxurious master suite, passionately rediscovering each other into the early hours.

One such evening, you were still reeling from the surreal feeling of your reunion with Toto as you lounged together on the deck. The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden glow over the two of you as you sipped champagne contently, leaning your head into Toto’s broad chest, his arm wrapped around your waist, pulling you flush.

"I still can't believe I'm here," you said, breaking the comfortable silence. You looked up at Toto, who was gazing at you with a mixture of amusement and affection.

"I’m glad you decided to come," Toto replied, his eyes twinkling. "I was worried you might say no."

"Why would I say no to an adventure with you?" you asked, your tone light but words sincere.

"Well, I was worried you might have moved on," Toto admitted. "I wouldn’t have blamed you. I know I haven’t been the best at keeping in touch."

You smiled, reaching out to stroke his hand. "Life gets in the way. But I’m here now, and that’s what matters."

"Do you remember the last time we were together?" Toto asked, his voice soft. "The airport, the way you looked at me when you walked away?"

"How could I forget?" you replied, your voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't want to leave."

"I didn't want you to either," Toto confessed. "I felt so stupid, I know that it was only one weekend but you knocked me sideways.”

You looked at him, your heart aching with the memory. "For real?”

"For real," Toto repeated back, his eyes intense, "I know it’s a lot to consider, and I don’t expect an answer right away, but I want you to know that I want to see where this can go."

Your breath caught in your throat. You hadn’t expected such a declaration, but it warmed your heart. "Toto, I…"

He held up a hand, stopping you. "You don’t have to say anything now. Just think about it. Enjoy the Summer with me, stay longer. We can figure out the rest as we go."

You nodded, feeling a mixture of relief and excitement. "Okay. Let’s see where this takes us."

——

Spending an extended amount of time together, it became more apparent that there was a connection beyond the wild weekend you had shared all of those months ago. Your week-long trip extended to two, giving you and Toto time to explore more secluded beaches where you could be alone and away from prying eyes. Each day bringing you closer, and your bond growing stronger.

For the first time in a long time, you felt truly happy, ready to embrace whatever came next. You were grateful Toto had come into your life and wanted to stick around.

Your fateful birthday weekend had truly been one to remember.

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