#One would think it would mean your life is romantic

[capquinn]

thinking about how bf!quinn would be the kind of guy who gets so caught up in the sweetness of a moment he'd propose on a whim 😭

Quinn had been thinking about it for weeks. Brainstorming. Worrying. Overanalysing. He wanted to make it perfect — the kind of moment that felt special, like it could only belong to the two of you. He’d imagined romantic dinners, candlelight, maybe even something elaborate on the ice, but none of it had felt right. It wasn’t you. It wasn’t him. It wasn’t... this.

And standing there in the doorway, watching you potter around the kitchen like you belonged there, like the space wasn’t just a room but an extension of you, it hit him. The way your shoulders swayed slightly as you hummed along to the playlist over the speaker, the way your focus flitted from the stove to the counter and back again — completely at ease, lost in your little world.

This. This was the special moment he’d been trying so hard to plan.

Because it wasn’t about grand gestures. It wasn’t about anything more than this — you, him, and the life you’d built together in the quiet, everyday spaces that no one else saw. It wasn’t just that he loved you — that was a given. He’d been head over heels for years. It was the sharp, grounding awareness that this was what he wanted forever.

This. You. Always you.

“Hey,” you said softly when you finally noticed him, your voice warm and sweet, your smile so bright it knocked the air right out of him. “How was practice?”

You turned back to the pot on the stove, stirring casually, humming a little under your breath again like his arrival was simply a piece of the rhythm you’d settled into. So natural, so easy, so you.

He opened his mouth to answer you, but all the words slipped through his fingers like water. He stepped closer instead, his arms wrapping around your waist, pulling you against him. You melted into him instantly, the way you always did, and that was it for him. His chest ached, his heart thudding too loudly in his chest and before he could stop himself, the words just spilled out.

“Marry me.”

You froze, your hands stilling as you whipped around to face him, turning in his hold, eyes wide with surprise. “What?”

Quinn didn’t backpedal. Didn’t stammer or try to explain it away. Instead, his hands settled more firmly on your waist, grounding himself in the warmth of you, his thumbs brushing over the fabric of your shirt. His gaze held yours, steady but so full of tenderness it made your breath catch.

“I mean it,” he said, his voice steadier than he thought it would be, his hands tightening on your waist like you might vanish if he didn’t hold on tight enough. His lips quirked into a nervous, lovesick smile. “I want this forever. You, me, all of it. Marry me.”

You stared at him for a second, like you were trying to process the words, and then a laugh bubbled out of you — half disbelief, half pure joy.

“I—I…” You trailed off, the shock slowly giving way to something softer, your hands coming up to rest against his chest. “Quinn, are you serious right now?”

“As serious as I’ve ever been,” he murmured, leaning closer until his forehead rested gently against yours. His breath was warm, his voice softer than you’d ever heard it. “I just love you. Just want you. This — for my whole life.”

Your heart did something impossible — flipping, twisting, and soaring all at once. Tears pricked at the corners of your eyes, your chest tightening with the weight of everything you felt.

You nodded, your lips tugging into a smile so wide it ached, your voice trembling as you whispered, “I love you too.” You kissed him, your hands skimming up to his shoulders, arms looping around his neck. Pulling him close, holding him there.

And suddenly, it clicked for you too. The spontaneity, the simplicity, the way he was looking at you like you were the only thing in the world that mattered. It was so him. So perfectly him. Your heart said yes before your lips could catch up.

When you finally whispered it out loud, the word tumbling from your mouth against his, his entire body seemed to relax, his arms tightening around you as though he couldn’t bear to let go. A quiet laugh of relief escaped him, warm and low, and he kissed you again, his grin so wide against your lips it crinkled the corners of his eyes.

It was a moment so simple, so unassuming, and yet it carried the weight of everything you’d built together. This. The way his hands fit against your waist, the warmth of his smile, the way your heart seemed to hum in time with his — it was all this. The love you’d fallen into, the life you were building, the certainty that there was nowhere else in the world you’d rather be.

This was it.

This was forever.

[shoukokus]

How would the door leaders (Housewardens) react to an extremely flirty reader (if the housewardens flirts back the reader would double down with even more flirt)?

I love this. Where my fellow don't know when they're flirting people at?

Riddle Rosehearts

You'll have to give him the most obvious flirtatious comment for him to realize that's what you're doing. But once he gets it, oh boy.

Turns ridiculously red, whether you're together or not

If you aren't, he says with a huge stutter that you need to watch what you say

If you are, he tries to be smoother with it

"Ah, yes, thank you..." He clears his throat. "You look lovely as well."

Please just don't do it in front of people, he'll clam up and be very uncomfortable

Leona Kingscholar

Bold little thing aren't you?

Don't you know what flirting with a prince means? Are you prepared to spend life by his side, saying things like that in public to him...

He'll flirt back whether you're together or not

It kind of becomes a competition of who can fluster the other one more, but I warn you he's a tough rival, he's got plenty to say about you

I'll give you a little hint though, get really genuine with it. Say how intelligent he is, how his country is lucky to have him, give him all the praise!

The two of you can go back and forth for hours, while everyone around you has died of embarrassment awhile ago

Azul Ashengrotto

Are you trying to kill him?

You know that cliche anime glasses crack? That's him the first time you flirt with him

He doesn't even know how to be suave in response (especially if he really likes you) he's just too flustered

Flirting with him is fun and all, but the thing that's really gonna make him melt is genuine praise. His intelligence, his business sense, his dedication.

I mean you can turn that into flirts.... just saying..

Won't flirt back unless you're in a relationship, and even then it's very awkward. He doesn't know how to do it, but an experienced flirt like yourself can teach him

Kalim Al-Asim

He honestly just thinks you're being friendly

You could straight up say the most romantic pick up line on the planet, and he'd just smile and say it back. Then walk along like nothing happened

If you're serious about him, you'll have to grab him by the shoulders and say that you've been flirting because you're romantically interested

If not, then yall will just have fun!

He can effortlessly make your heart pitter patter, you know he means everything he says

In a relationship or not, you can have a really fun back and forth with him

Vil Schoenheit

He hears basic flirting all the time, you're going to have to get creative

Perhaps compliment his skill, get personal with it! Say that no one else could play the roles he's getting

Once you get there, that's when he starts responding and genuinely enjoying the flirting you do

It's nice to be appreciated in such a genuine manner, and not just someone after his fame or looks.

Occasionally flirts back, but frankly he's not the best at it! You may think he's smooth and a natural flirt, but honestly he's never felt the need to respond back before. He likes learning what makes you blush though <3

Just make sure he's the only one you're flirting with now, okay?

Idia Shroud

Spontaneously combusts. Good job, you killed him

He's fun to tease, he has the best reactions to even the simplest of compliments

However he's not going to do anything in response until you get real with him. So unless you're in an established relationship, don't expect much back

MIGHT tell you not to do it in public, that stuff is too cringe to say out loud!!

But he also gets a sense of pride from it

Can't flirt back to save his life. Tried once, hated it, never did it again. He's fine with you being the flirty one

Malleus Draconia

Is so old school about it, to him flirting means courting

The second you flirt with him, he's giving you hand written notes about how lovely you are.

Honestly? He's better at this than you are and he doesn't even know it

That probably makes you want to up your game though, right? He just likes having all your attention and praise, it makes him a very happy dragon

You'd need to actually explain flirting/pick up lines to him. That you do it when you're interested in the person for a variety of reasons (romantic or otherwise), and want to see what it takes to fluster them.

Maybe gets a little down after that, thinking it was just for fun and not serious. Please tell him it was serious and then swear he's the only one you're interested in <3

Requests are open!

[theconcealedweapon]

He was shocked because you reprimanded him when he wasn't doing anything wrong. That's a great way to make sure someone never trusts you. You seem like the kind of person who interprets everything a child says in the worst possible way so you can belittle them and feel powerful at their expense while pretending you're being virtuous.

If he said "she's playing hard to get, I'll change her mind eventually", then your response would be justified. But you can't accurately make that kind of assumption from just the words "keep trying". He could have easily meant "move on and keep trying to find someone".

Also, he doesn't have to leave her alone. He only has to stop the specific action that was rejected. If they're friends and she turns him down as a romantic partner, he can still continue being her friend. If they've flirted consensually and she turns him down for sex, he can still flirt with her in ways she consents to. But thanks to you reprimanding him, he won't know that. He'll think he has to just drop her from his life entirely. He'll avoid her whenever he sees her. She'll wonder why he's avoiding her. She'll probably get the impression that he's throwing away a friendship because it won't lead to sex. She'll tell her friends that, and many people will think he's a creep, all because some adult asshole decided that feeling powerful for a few seconds is more important than anything else.

It could have gone like this.

Teenager: "I know. Keep trying."

Adult: "Correct. Keep trying to find someone. She turned you down, but that doesn't mean everyone will. It doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you, and it doesn't mean there's anything wrong with her. It only means you aren't compatible with this one person. But if you keep trying to find someone, you eventually will."

You can still get the point across while assuming the best.

[pinkiebieberpie]

just think about calm life with sergei... this man is insane, i mean he is a hunter, but he has a soft spot for you; you two are living in his cabin in the middle of the woods, just the two of you and wilderness... it was weird at first, you grew up in a city, but it was so easy to get used to: fresh air, sunsets... and your fantastic boyfriend next to you ♡ he is so soft and sweet with you, he would carry you everywhere if he could, he is so bad at cooking but he wants to impress you so he's trying his best 🥺 dates at the lake, long walks in the middle of the night, but also romantic dinner dates (you are the one making them, he just looks good in the kitchen); he is so "i love you, darling" but also would make you forget your name in the middle of the night cause he is an animal...

[zepskies]

Thank you sooo much, my lovely!! 😘💕

Now diving into the rest of your amazing review! 😍

firstly I wanna say i love the phrase thicc thirty lol 😭 secondly I loved how each character was written, it felt true to their nature for sure 🙂‍↕️🫶🏽 as per usual of course :p💞

Hhaha right?! I borrowed that from Lizzo. 😝 And aw thank you!! you know I try to do my best to keep these guys in character.

deans made me so softt🥺 i’m always a sucker for person a noticing person b is off and then comforting them <333 it fills my heart with warmth every time I read it 💗 and the reassurance was lovely!

Girl SAME. I love me some sweet hurt/comfort, so I'm very glad you liked it here too. 💗

oh I felt this 😕 comparison is the thief of joy indeed, but it’s haaard sometimes :’) I mean i’m glad that by now adult me has accepted and acknowledged metabolism differences...for the most part lmao. but it’s definitely taken a lot or time 🫠

Ooh I've missed hearing that turn of phrase! Such an elegant one, and appropriate here loll. I mean yes, I've accepted the metabolism thing too, but it doesn't stop me from envying the perpetually thin. 🤪

oh beau ❤️‍🩹 as wonderful as these all are I think beau’s was my favorite this time around 🫶🏽 it’s so easy to fall into routine and let time slip by :/

I thought this one would fit with Beau especially because he has so much responsibility on his shoulders, and more that which he puts on himself. ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹 Honestly I think Beau was my favorite this time too to write. Maybe because I've been rewatching Big Sky season 3. 😝

it’s breaking mine too beau, fix it!😭 i wanted to give her a hug so bad lol. completely understandable where she’s coming from :(

Ooh he will! 😏 I'm honestly thinking of creating a full one-shot fic out of this one because I feel like I could've explored more with it.

girl same, call me olaf the way i’d melt for him 🤠 now where can I acquire a man like this 🫠 also that analogy, loveee love 🙂‍↕️🫶🏽

omg right?? I'd melt for this cowboy sheriff on sight. 🫠🫠

(and also thank you!! I struggled on the "breath of life" analogy, thinking it might be too cliche lol)

(I realized as i’m writing out this review, I may be a little biased because beau’s hc reminds me of the comforts of home 😅 I guess I have a thing for person a neglects person b non maliciously but has to make up for it too lolll <3)

Ooh yeah that's a super interesting parallel you noticed! Maybe I just have a thing for writing that trope? Non-malicious being the key word there. Oh, Sam (and oh Beau). 😩

meanwhile ben makes me laugh, he’s so direct lmfaoooo

YUP loll Ben doesn't mess around. (He doesn't have the patience.) 😂

like ben pleaseeee you did not have to add that ‘now’ 🤣

IKR? Like SIR. Pls. 😂��🏽

and he’s so serious too 😭 such a romantic :p

loveeeee this, not just for the spice lol but how he didn’t go all stubborn macho man mode — while he’s not familiar with the new trends and he doesn’t think she needs to change anything, it’s sweet to see he’d be supportive of her regardless of what she chooses to do to make herself feel better — and I only say that due to his outdated mindset 😅💞

Oh yeah, I kind of surprised myself by writing that for his HC. I wondered if it verged on out of character, but I felt like he'd be like, "idc, do what you want, but I don't think you needa do a damn thing" -- type of deal. 😂💚

these headcanons were so wonderful <33 plus sized girly myself, I definitely understand the struggle with those negative thoughts & feelings that can really just take over randomly :/ soft and steamy reassurances sound like an absolute dream 💕🫠 these were so good lovely!🤍🫂

Aww my fellow plus-sized queen, thank you so much!! It's definitely hitting more lately for me. Since I've had some ongoing medical issues, I haven't been able to workout like I used to, so I've gained a bit more from what I'd lost. 🫠 But it's ok! Soon I'll be 100% and able to resume my routine while also not "starving myself" lmao. I'm so glad you enjoyed these admittedly self-indulgent HCs. 😘💕

Headcanon: Body Insecurity/Appreciation

Pairings: Dean Winchester x Reader, Beau Arlen x Reader, Soldier Boy/Ben x Reader

AN: This one was requested by one of my lovely Patreon members, @roseblue373. 💜 It's a special one to me personally, being plus-sized myself and having gone through my share of insecurities. Wish I had one of these guys to make it better lol!~

Prompt/Request: Great job with the latest Dean/Beau/Ben reacts vignettes! I'd love to see one where reader has put on weight and isn't happy with their body, and how each would make her feel better!! IF the muse agrees, of course! ❤️

HC: How Dean Winchester, Beau Arlen and Soldier Boy (Ben) would react to your body insecurity.

Tags/Warnings: 18+ only! Established relationship, body insecurity (but also body appreciation), thicc thirty, angst, hurt/comfort, fluff, spiciness/smuttishness.

Dean Winchester

You've started breezing past mirrors when you get out of the shower.

Because if you catch sight of your own reflection, you can't help but utter a sigh, your lips dipping into a frown.

In the privacy of the room you share with Dean in the bunker, you take a risk in unwrapping the towel from your body in front of the mirror.

You inspect yourself with growing dejection, noting all the places that are rounder, heavier, less firm than they used to be.

Looks like no amount of running down leads and killing monsters has been enough to keep you in shape.

Too much shitty fast food, too many times you indulged yourself with snacks and dessert alongside your foodie boyfriend.

"What'cha doin', sweetheart?" Dean asks. He steps into the room while wiping donut icing from the corner of his mouth.

Speak of the devil.

When Dean finally catches you frowning at yourself in the mirror, you inhale sharply and close the towel back up.

"Nothing. Just need to get dressed," you reply quickly. "Shower's open."

You try to offer him a smile, despite the pang of jealousy when you eye him.

He gave you the first chance at the shower after the latest case wrapped up, so he's still wearing most of his FBI suit, sans jacket. The white dress shirt is rolled up to his elbows, a few days of scruff neatly trimmed across his cheeks.

The man can cram an entire pizza down his gullet and wash it down with three slices of apple pie, not to mention countless beers. And still, Dean stays looking downright edible.

By comparison, you feel...fat. Like you've let yourself go.

You turn away from him to grab your well-worn sweatpants and an oversized shirt; you plan to change alone in the bathroom, but Dean grabs your arm.

"Who says you need to get dressed?" he says, popping his brows with a suggestive grin. He slips his arms around your waist, but your instinct is to shy away from his hold. You chuckle awkwardly and avoid his now curious gaze.

"Sorry, babe. Um...I'm wiped. I just want to get to bed," you say.

But Dean isn't fooled. His spidey sense is tingling, and his gut is almost never wrong.

His hand slides down your arm and grasps your hand, tugging you back into his arms. You utter a little gasp, but you ultimately smile at his familiar grin. There's a perceptive gleam in his eyes though.

"You know, seems like you've been pretty wiped lately," he says, raising a brow. "It's been a while since we, uh..."

He waggles his brows playfully, squeezing your hips. You want to smile, but you can't let yourself. You can't quite look at him either.

For Dean, it's another glaring red flag. His lips form a frown, and he dips his chin to find your eyes.

"Hey," he says. "What's goin' on? Talk to me."

His tone is so sincere, you have to blink against the sting of tears. Your lower lip wobbles, and Dean frowns in earnest. He presses a hand to your cheek and gets you to look at him with your watery eyes.

"Sweetheart, you gotta tell me what's wrong," he says, more gently, but serious.

Eventually, you're able to get it out. You can't bear the thought of him touching you, because lately, you can't even bear looking at yourself.

"I know I've been gaining weight, I just..." your voice breaks, and you gesture haphazardly at your body. "I'd get it if you're not really into this right now."

Dean's heart clenches. He's downright shocked at your confession, and more than a little disheartened. He presses a hand to your cheek and guides you to look at him.

"All right, hold up just one damn minute."

His calloused fingers gently brush away your tears, but his hands keep moving, slowly traveling down your body. They slide down your bare arms, skimming the sides of your breasts.

Your breath hitches. Your hand is still fisted over your beating heart, keeping your towel closed. His hands continue to move, molding to the curve of your waist over the fuzzy fabric.

"I'll admit, we've been pretty busy lately with everything we've got going on. But if you think that means I'm ever not into this delectable, sexy, voluptuous, goddess body you got rockin' the house?" he says, grinning that utterly Dean grin of his.

You bite your lip against a bubble of laughter. He's too fucking much sometimes.

Dean tugs you closer, until your hips fit snugly against his through his slacks. His tall, broad frame crowds you. His lips skim your cheek, then over your lips in a tease.

He squeezes the flesh of your hips, tender and sensuous.

Your heart flutters at the feeling.

"Mmm, I like you nice and soft," he murmurs against your cheek, close to your ear. "Feels that much better when I fuck you."

A small gasp gets trapped in your throat, while the gravel depths in his voice go straight to your pussy in a pulsing throb of warmth.

By the time he claims your lips in a devouring kiss, you're all too willing to let him peel your towel open, drop it to the floor, and guide you backwards onto the bed.

There he'll take his time, forging yet another mental map of every plush square inch of you.

Beau Arlen

Beau is a busy man. You understand that.

As Sheriff, his job demands a lot from him. He's also a father and has an ex-wife to contend with. (You knew that going in, and you've come to love Emily too.)

However, you can't help but start to take it personally when your sex life begins to suffer. He's often claimed being tired...but there's another suspicion that's been taking root in your mind, feeding your doubts and insecurities about how your boyfriend sees you, and about how you see yourself.

When you slip into bed at night, a kiss goodnight is all he gives you lately, before he's sighing deeply and closing his eyes, his soft snores soon filling the room.

One night, you try touching his shoulder, leaning in to kiss his bearded cheek. He hums at the pleasant feeling.

"You wanna...?" You trail the question in his ear, pressing more sweet kisses down his neck.

"Aw, sweetheart," he groans. "I'd like to, but I think I'd just smother you. I'm about to pass out."

You huff a laugh. You teasingly walk two fingers across his chest. "What if I make it easy for you?"

You shift onto your side. Resting a hand on his chest, you lean down to kiss him. He hums at the softness of it, but the more passion you try to imbue into each new kiss, Beau isn't as responsive as you would like. Eventually, you stop all together.

You frown, becoming disheartened. "You're not into this, I guess."

He opens his tired eyes, gazes up at you in apology. He opens his mouth to reply, but you beat him to it.

"You know it's been a month since we've had sex," you say.

Beau frowns, sliding a hand up your back. Only now does he notice, with appreciation, the familiar silky négligée you're wearing.

"Nah, that doesn't sound right," he says.

"Well, it is," you say. "I know you say you're tired, but I mean, you've had this job for as long as I've known you, Beau." Your eyes fall away from him. "So is the job, or...is it me?"

Beau's brows furrow. "Now wait a minute."

The mere thought dredges up what's been plaguing your mind recently, and it has your throat tightening. Tears of embarrassment and upset well up in your eyes, no matter how much you try to push it down.

You push away from him and turn away, crossing your arms. You try not to look at yourself in what used to be your favorite lingerie.

You can't stand the extra weight you've put on, mostly in your hips and ass, but in your middle and arms too.

You've gone through your own stress at work this year, with less and less time to try and take care of yourself, along with making sure Emily gets to and from school, cooking for the three of you, going to PTA meetings when Carla can't make it (since Beau often can't), and every other proverbial hat you wear.

Beau follows you, sitting up and laying a hand on your back. "Sweetheart--"

"I know I've put on a few. Hell, more than a few," you admit, hastily wiping under your eyes. "God, I can't even look at myself right now, let alone have you--"

"Hey. You stop right there," Beau says, more firmly. He gets you to turn around with his hand on your shoulder. He doesn't like the way you're curled in on yourself, as if hiding your body from his gaze.

That, and the sight of your tears damn well break his heart.

He cups the side of your face gently and presses a tender kiss to your forehead, followed closely by your lips.

You don't want to melt, but you just can't help it. You cling to the front of his shirt and lean into his kiss, like you've been lost in the desert, and his lips hold the breath of life.

You almost don't realize it when his arms slip around your waist. He earns a surprised yelp from you when he gathers you close against his chest and rolls you underneath him.

You land against the pillows in a huff. You stare up at his playful smile, his green eyes glinting with amusement, with fondness, and also with desire as they roam over your breasts, barely contained by dark green satin and lace.

"I've been neglecting you, haven't I?" he says. His voice is a low, earthy drawl as his gaze rakes over you. His big hand runs down your side and over your hip, then down your bare thigh, squeezing soft, tender flesh. He slips that hand under the satin night gown.

His hand can't span your entire thigh, but it's not for lack of trying. Your heart beats a staccato rhythm at the way he looks at you, your breath hitching when his thumb dips between your legs, brushing against the damp, silky fabric of your panties.

"It's not because I don't find you sexy as hell. Believe me, darlin', I do," he says. "You're so fuckin' beautiful, especially when you're all laid out for me here."

And he means what he says. You know it by the hardness you feel pressing against your hip. You slip your fingers into his hair with a sigh.

He bows his head to press kisses along your neck; down and down, he noses at the thin strap of your night gown. His path of kisses continue, and he indulges himself by dipping his tongue between the valley of your breasts.

"Filling out this lacy little thing so nice," he murmurs into your skin.

Your upset has turned to abject relief, but you still have to blink away the remaining urge to cry.

You let out a slightly tremulous breath.

"Oh, yeah?" you ask.

Beau pauses. He pulls away, just so he can look up and meet your eyes. He still finds insecurity in yours, so he meets you with a kiss filled with heat and intent.

He's now wide awake. He plans to take his sweet time taking you apart, inch by inch.

In fact, in the back of his mind, he also plans to do better about letting his deputies help him out more at the precint so he can have a better work-life balance.

(Because going a whole damn month without the taste of you is "no bueno," in his words.)

Soldier Boy (Ben)

The man may not be very patient, or particularly perceptive, but he's not an idiot.

At least, not about sex.

He knows that you've been feigning tiredness, and generally avoiding his touch.

What's strange is that you haven't been avoiding him. You still cook for him, still share conversation with him, still insist on having him spoon you on the couch while catching him up on the past four decades of TV shows and movies.

But when he begins to sneak a hand under your oversized shirt (an old one of Ben's), caressing your hip, then dipping down to your softer stomach on the way to your panties, breaking your concentration from the movie as unease laces down your spine.

You grab his wrist on reflex, instead lacing your fingers together.

"What's the matter now?" he asks.

You look over your shoulder at him and find him frowning at you, a divot between his brows. You don't manage to hold his gaze for long.

"Sorry," you say quietly. "I'm just, um, tired."

Ben doesn't believe you, and he's direct when he calls you out on it.

Reluctant to put what you've been feeling into words, you pause the movie and leave the couch (and him) behind.

Ben is annoyed enough to follow you (and underneath, he hides an edge of concern). The conflict leads into the bedroom, where you're still unwilling to open up.

He finally stops you from walking away from him, pinning you against the dresser by your hips. He practically looms over you as he demands an answer. He knows you're hiding something — something that's had you reluctant to let him touch you.

"Is there something you wanna tell me?" he says, a raw edge of warning in his tone. "What, are you fucking somebody else?"

Shock flashes in your eyes, making you angry. "What? No!"

"Well, you seem to be getting your fill somewhere, and it hasn't been from me--"

"Are you fucking serious? I'm not..." Your lips purse. You're actually hurt that he would hurl that accusation your way--and it couldn't be farther from the truth.

You tug your long shirt downwards and cross your arms, but it's more like you're hugging yourself, shielding your body away.

Ben's brows furrow a little bit more.

Eventually you get it out; you haven't been feeling up to being intimate because you're having a hard time even looking at yourself lately.

"I know I need to, um, get back in shape," you say, taking in a shaky breath to try and steady yourself. Your throat constricts, the beginnings of tears stinging your eyes. You want to look at anywhere but at Ben. "I just haven't had much time, with everything going on. But Annie gave me this guide on some different diets, like intermittent fasting, Keto--"

"Fasting," Ben intones. "What, you wanna fucking starve yourself? What the fuck is Keto?"

You sigh, barely resisting the urge to roll your eyes.

"No, not starve myself. And Keto's just..." The idea of trying to explain the new diet craze to your boyfriend is too daunting a task to consider. "Never mind. The point is, I have a plan. My hips, my thighs, my ass--"

Ben squeezes your hips at the mention of them. He happens to like the softness.

"Yeah, you've got a little extra. So fucking what?" he says, his voice deep and exacting as his gaze roams over your body. "Just gives me more to hold onto when I'm fucking you."

You utter a shocked laugh. "Ben!"

He grins lazily, and he turns you this way and that, admiring you from all angles. In his eyes, he doesn't find a side he doesn't like. You can't help but blush hotly under his gaze.

"Sweetheart, do whatever you want if it makes you feel good. But you don't need to starve yourself." His hands move to your ass, squeezing a bit harder on the plush flesh.

A yelp escapes you; he's pressing into you from the front as well, and you feel him heavy and already half-hard against you. You grab onto his arms for stability as your breaths quicken.

His attitude kind of surprises you, even though it soothes the frayed, insecure part of your soul that wants to be as beautiful and attractive in his eyes as he is in yours.

Ben is literally a super soldier. You're actually kind of jealous. The man can drug and booze hard and eat whatever the hell he wants, but his super metabolism just seems to absorb it into his washboard abs.

(The more you think about it, the more you want to smack him.)

Nothing about him isn't hard and lean, muscle and strength.

Only his hands have a measure of gentleless when they're holding you like this.

"I've just got so many stretch marks now," you begin to complain, in an emotional whisper.

He snorts. "And? You think it's anything I haven't seen? I'm not afraid of a little cellulite either."

At that, your head tilts in consideration. Butcher's Granny Fucker remark comes to mind. You bite your lip against a smirk.

Ben crooks a curled finger under your chin. He guides you to meet his eyes, before he lures you into a lusty kiss.

It's somewhat rough because of his beard, but you still smile afterwards, leaning against him now.

"Ain't nothing about you that I can't handle," he adds, all smirking and cocky. To prove his point, he hooks those strong hands behind your thighs and lifts you onto the dresser.

You gasp and cling to his shoulders. From there, he makes quick work of ridding the oversized shirt from your body, revealing you to the cool air and his hot gaze.

You take his face in your hands and bring him in for an even steamier kiss, your heart lighter and trembling with anticipation.

You've held yourself from him long enough, Ben thinks, and he has every intention of devouring you right on your old dresser -- before you two even get to the bed.

AN: 😮‍💨 I feel like each of these could've been even longer with their own one-shot loll. I wrote the Midnight Espresso-verse for Dean, partially to explore what his relationship would be like with a plus-sized reader. 💖💖

Let me know which one you liked most this time!

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[agentrouka-blog]

I try not to rely too much on the hope that they will be made canon (ultimately i will ship them even if the books don't go that route, and will then just marvel at how GRRM accidentally created the perfect solution he didnt see/want to see) but since this is a Book!Jonsa theory blog can I just say that I really appreciate how you're one of the few Jonsa speculation blogs who is hopeful about them getting a happy ending? I know it's not the most realistic ending (GRRM saying he finds lovers NOT ending up happy together more romantic and fulfilling than an ending where they live happily ever after) and there's a huge chance that if (big if) they do become canon it'll end with them separated but it makes me so sad to think about Jon being punished for existing/the romantic notions him and Sansa have not being fulfilled.

It's nice that among a sea of people constantly theorising about the most tragic way for them to end up, there's your blog offering some hope that maybe a bittersweet ending DOESNT mean (in case of them having kids) Sansa raising a bastard child who will never know their father like Jon never knew his mother/Jon never being allowed to be part of his kids life etc. Maybe the bittersweet aspect of this all is the "big romance" ending up being about two kids who thought they were siblings. And the bittersweet ending is already being fulfilled by the overall narrative (fire and ice threat over but at what cost, tragic villains, reluctant kinslaying, the "heroes" getting what they wanted but not how they thought ...).

Hi there! Glad to see my optimism is appreciated. :)

And the bittersweet ending is already being fulfilled by the overall narrative (fire and ice threat over but at what cost, tragic villains, reluctant kinslaying, the "heroes" getting what they wanted but not how they thought ...).

That there is where I think a lot of people get lured into expecting a much darker ending that GRRM has in mind. Because it's the overall balance that is bittersweet. Not a strict ratio of bitterness and sweetness for every single character, which let's be honest, usually errs on the side of bitterness in people's expectations.

(Also what would be sweet about Dany's ending? Is Tyrion going to wipe a tear thinking about that prostitute he violated, about murdering Shae, as he stares into a melancholy sunset with no discernible consequences? No. Some people just have grim stuff coming, and what happens to the ratio then? It doesn't exist, is what.)

A bittersweet ending contains pain within it. It is an ending that doesn't fix everything that went wrong. It's an ending that - much like the whole book series - gives its due to the importance of grief. Horrific things happen in the book series and they leave scars. The world is forever changed. But. There is a future, too!

In order to have an ending that is not simply bitter, you will need actual sweetness. The spring, the rebirth, the renewal of it all.

Couples separated and children growing up fatherless is not that. Because it's just piling more grief on grieving people. Only for the sake of preventing them being happy, essentially. We already know that these characters will sacrifice personal happiness for the sake of duty/doing the right thing/safety/justice. Nothing significant would be revealed by that. So what would be the point? Some dogmatic allergy to happiness?

No. Sansa did not rebuild that castle from snow that tastes like lover's kisses to find no true joy in the future. Bran did not feel the strength in the deep roots and the stones, in order to preside over a world of regret. Jon did not love his family so deeply in order to spend his days forever banished over some arbitrary pretext.

It's illogical to me. Nope, sorry, they are going to be happy.

[tgmsunmontue]

Season to Taste - 35/42 WIP

Explicit Hangster - Celebrity Chef Bradley and Naval Aviator Jake Seresin who have a relationship spanning the globe before they realize how tightly bound they are to one another.

PROLOGUE/ONE TWO THREE FOUR FIVE SIX SEVEN EIGHT NINE TEN (interlude) ELEVEN TWELVE THIRTEEN FORTEEN FIFTEEN SIXTEEN SEVENTEEN EIGHTEEN NINETEEN TWENTY (interlude) TWENTYONE TWENTYTWO TWENTYTHREE TWENTYFOUR TWENTYFIVE TWENTYSIX TWENTYSEVEN TWENTYEIGHT TWENTYNINE THIRTY (interlude) THIRTYONE THIRTYTWO THRTYTHREE THIRTYFOUR

Family tree if you need/want it.

(No new warnings apply if you've been reading along, but explicit sex, very mild (soft?) D/s, little bit of praise kink raising its head and some pins put in conversation points...)

CHAPTER THIRTYFIVE

                “Do you ever want to get married?”

                “One day. Why? You asking?”

                “You’ll know when I’m asking,” Jake says, poking Bradley in the side and making him squirm away from probing tickling fingers.

                “Yeah? You going to ask me huh? What about if I ask you first?”

                “Not really particular about how it happens to be honest… can’t imagine marrying anyone else. Can’t imagine my life without you in it…”

                “Jake…” He’s pretty sure Jake hadn’t said any of that to be overly romantic, just his natural sweet nature coming out and Bradley loves how soft he is with him. “I can’t imagine my life without you either. Don’t want to.”

                “Good. Glad we agree on that.”

                “Would you wear a wedding ring? Or engagement ring?”

                “Of course. Might be with my tags rather than on my finger though. You okay with that?”

                “Yeah. Of course I am.”

…            …            …

                Maria has been very fucking smug, tugging or patting his dog tags and the newly acquired ring that now hangs around his neck every time she gets within touching distance. She’s definitely not let him forget that she suspected Leo had a ring ready for him as well. He’s hugging everyone goodbye, and it’s odd flying out of Corpus Christi with so many of his family there, Leo and the Gallos as well, because usually he flies to New York to see him for a brief twenty-four hours before heading to his new station. But he’s going further inland for once, back to Fallon and he’s looking forward to it.

                He kisses Leo goodbye, ignores the catcalling and wolf-whistles his assembled sisters give. He’s newly engaged and he’s allowed to be very glad it’s only three months and that Leo already has plans to come and visit in only six weeks. For three whole nights, an entire weekend. Jake’s already looking forward to it, suspects he won’t step outside his base accommodation for the duration of Leo’s stay, given how his previous shore and liberty leave has panned out when Leo is there. He can’t wait.

…            …            …

                “You know… we could open a third Tartaruga in California. Now that you’re, you know, talking to your godfather…”

                “Don’t say godfather like that, we’re not part of the Mafia…”

                “I don't know, the family drama of it all, there being one man who holds all the power and everyone follows their orders or fears the repercussion? Sounds very Mafia like to me.”

                “Vi…”

                “Bradley…”

                “It’s… I don’t know if I’m ready to spread myself so thin again. Not with Ice’s health the way it is, and then the whole family thing. And now a wedding to plan…”

                “If you think you’re getting any say on the wedding with Jake’s sisters in the picture coupled with Silvia? I mean… I’d tell you to elope if I didn’t think they’d kill you both.”

                “Ugh. I know… and we don’t care about the wedding you know? We both care about the marriage, and having that little piece of paper to show just how committed we are. But…”

                “But it’s going to be a massive fucking family reunion of epic proportions and you better be prepared for your wedding ceremony to simply be one of the highlights.”

                “We’re both okay with that. It’ll be kind of nice. But I’m glad I’m not going to be around while they fight out where the wedding should be.”

                “I still think you should have two…”

                “Can you imagine trying to organize two?” Bradley groans, banging his head against her shoulder in an attempt to elicit some sympathy but she pushes him off.

                “You aren’t going to be doing any organizing anyway… Nonna’s olive grove would be nice. For a small and quiet ceremony anyway.”

                “Huh. Yeah… it would be. Civil ceremony anyway.”

                “Yep. And that will be the ace in Jake’s sisters’ hands…” Bradley snorts, rubs at his face and eyes, feeling very tired all of a sudden. “So. New restaurant?”

                “Ugh. How, why, is that an easier topic of conversation than my wedding?”

                “Because we don’t actually have to follow through on the restaurant,” Violet says with a laugh and Bradley groans, but she has a point. “And I was thinking, staying on theme but without using russo or arancione. How do you feel about Scheggia?”

                “Fuck no… that sounds awful. No-one will be able to pronounce it. And Splinter? Really?”

                “Thought it was fitting with the whole old-mentors living there… and how your relationship with them was for so long…”

                “Splintered. Haha. Very clever… Not like that now though.”

                “I know. How did Jake take it anyway, when you told him?”

                “Fuck. I completely forgot.”

                “Forgot? Or too busy fucking?”

                “Uh… both?”

                “Well, at least you’re honest.”

                “Yeah… I don’t know how to tell him. But I really need to.”

                “Well, you said you wanted to do it person, but you keep either conveniently forgetting or getting distracted…”

                “Sue me. My boyfriend is hot.”

                “Fidanzato,” Vi corrects and Bradley can’t help the fact that his grin gets wider.

                “Yeah. Fidanzato.”

                “Ugh. You’re sickening.”

…            …            …

                “I’m a promised man Phoenix.”

                “Yeah? Your Rooster finally propose huh?”

                “I asked him. Beat him to it.”

                “Of course you did. Well, I admit I have ulterior motives, but I’m happy for you Bagman…”

                “You’ll actually have to meet him now. Probably at the wedding if you’re on leave…”

                He wonders if he should try and introduce them when Leo comes to stay, except those are precious moments and he knows he doesn’t like sharing when he’s not on proper leave.

                “You don’t need to invite me to the wedding Bagman…”

                “With how much food there’s probably going to be, I need people that know how to eat…”

                “What are you implying?”

                “That you have a healthy appetite and you’ll appreciate the food, if nothing else.”

                “Hmm. I guess I can come. If I’m available.”

                “Glad to hear it. Date is still… undecided. Turns out my ancestors and Leo’s are all like, related.”

                “Uh… okay?” Phoenix says, and she’s grimacing and Jake runs through the words and realizes his mistake and laughs, shakes his head.

                “Oh. He’s not… he’d be like my fourth cousin once removed I think? But he’s adopted pretty much so… we’re not actually related. Fiancés now though.”

                “Yeah… what has that got to do with the date being undecided?”

                “Oh. Our wedding is going to be a massive family reunion I guess. I just left my sisters in charge with Leo’s parents, told them they can hash it out because as long as I’m married to Leo at the end of the day I don’t care what else happens…”

                “You don’t want to look good?”

                “Trace, I always look good.”

                She rolls her eyes at that and Jake just laughs, because nothing can bring him down.

…            …            …

                Six weeks fly by, and he flies out to California to visit Ice. Vi has insisted on coming with him, both to finally meet Ice and Maverick, and then to Fallon, saying she’s more than happy to get her own hotel room and entertain herself. It’s a little out-of-character but he doesn’t want to pry, because she’ll tell him if he needs to know. They don’t get as much time just the two of them any more so he’s happy to go along with it. He gets the taxi to drop her off at the hotel first before settling back for the drive to the base. He remembers vaguely coming here once as a kid, visiting Ice he thinks and he still has to figure out exactly how to break the existence of that relationship to Jake. Not that he expects Jake to be upset or angry, or even really surprised. Jake knows Slider and a couple of others that Bradley is more friendly with. None of them are as highly ranked as Ice though. None of them have quite the same reputation that Mav does.

                He hitches his bag over his shoulder, knocks on the door for the address Jake gave him and waits. Then the door opens, he’s being pulled inside by the strap of his bag, then it’s being taken from him and thrown toward the sofa and Jake’s mouth is on his for the briefest of moments before Jake is then kissing along his jaw. His fingers are on Bradley’s fly, pulling the zipper down and unhooking his belt with practiced fingers and he groans, wiggles a bit to help them fall down.

                “Fuck Jake…”

                “Mmm… missed you.”

                “Yeah? Never would have guessed…” Bradley says with a laugh, his head hitting the wall behind him as Jake palms his cock through his underwear. He’s been half-hard for the last twelve hours, since this morning when he’d fingered himself and slicked up the plug Jake has deemed his favorite. He’s rapidly shifting to full hardness with the attention and he wonders exactly what Jake has planned.

                “First time we’ve been apart since we got engaged…” Jake murmurs into the shell of his ear and he’s reminded just how sweet and sappy Jake can be. “I’m going to make you come so hard and so fast. Then I’m going to spend all day tomorrow keeping you right on the edge… see if we can make a new record.”

                “Fuck…” Bradley breathes, because sweet and sappy Jake is also hot and possessive Jake. Bradley lets himself melt and relax under his fingers and lips. “Yes please…”

                “Mmm. Thought you’d like that idea. Come on, let me take you to bed.”

…            …            …

                He learnt early on in their relationship that Leo really likes it when Jake marks him up, which is good because Jake has come to really enjoy leaving the marks. Learnt that he can make Leo come even harder if he presses on some marks a little. So he’s started leaving a couple the first time the have sex after they’ve been apart; has caught Leo looking at his reflection and running fingers over the marks with a soft smile on his face. Seeing that had made Jake finally feel like Leo liked the pain, wasn’t just saying words he thought Jake wanted to hear.

                “Did you do what I asked?” Jake asks, and he knows Leo will have, he’s never not followed Jake’s suggestions or instructions. But it’s how Leo responds to the question that Jake waits for, to judge just what kind of mood Leo is in. Jake will let it guide him, trusts Leo now to also say what he needs or wants.

                “Why don’t you check and find out…”

                Little bit bratty it is then, and he’s never spanked Leo, but sometimes he wonders. When he’s slapped his ass in passing, Jake’s definitely noted the sharp inhale, and if he’s looking for it the widening of Leo’s pupils with arousal. Of course, it’s not exactly conclusive evidence but maybe something worth exploring. To talk about when they have more time. Right now though he wants to simply gather him in his arms and sink his cock into him. Leo is so relaxed and trusting, it turns him on more and more each time.

                Their clothes get shoved off without any ceremony and he loves that they’re still like this even after three years. He runs a curious finger between Leo’s ass cheeks, feels the flare of the plug, the slickness of lube. Captures Leo’s lips in another kiss, bites at his bottom lip and lets his fingers dig in hard on his hip, savors the prickle of Leo’s moustache against his lip and the jerk of his body toward Jake, savors the way his body jitters a little before he settles under Jake’s hands.

                He thinks of the times when he’s tied Leo’s hands with his apron strings, stopping him from touching himself, even though he won’t if Jake tells him not to. Remembers seeing the faint red marks the strings had left afterwards, not deep or cutting, but pressed into Leo’s skin and yeah, he really wants to talk about that as well, when they don’t barely have longer than forty-eight hours together. Right now Leo is shuffling up the bed on his back like an awkward looking crab, trying to push off the blankets with one foot while he reaches for Jake at the same time. Everything they need is already at hand and he follows Leo up the bed, presses him down and licks over a nipple before sinking his teeth in just to the side.

                Leo’s body arches off the bed but Jake is used to it now, was already pressing him back and digging his teeth a little harder, feels Leo’s cock jerk against his thigh where he’s grinding against him. Hard and fast. That’s what he promised. He reaches for the pump bottle of lube, gets his hand slick and then wraps it around both their cocks, slotting them together as he shifts and grinds, not letting go from where he’s sucking what will be a purpling bruise on Leo’s chest. One he can suck and press later and make Leo see stars.

                “Jake…”

                “Uh uh uh… hands above your head baby.”

                Leo squirms but does exactly what he asks, there’s no headboard with convenient slats for Leo to slip his fingers around. Instead Jake watches as he grips a pillow tightly, muscles in his arms flexing and he hums his approval, goes back to sucking at the same spot. He pulls back and sits up, stops stroking their cocks and lets go completely, looks down at the flushed splotches all over Leo’s body, mouth slack, eyelids flickering and Jake grips Leo’s hip and digs his fingers in hard before letting go and reaching up to slide two fingers into Leo’s mouth.

                “Make them nice and wet for me…”

                While Leo sucks on his fingers Jake taps on the base of the plug, a little meanly because he knows it’s resting on Leo’s prostate. Leo’s cock jerks and dribbles a little and Jake knows Leo probably hasn’t gotten himself off for two days; Jake just asked him to try. He’s pretty confident he has maybe done very well.

                “You been waiting for this a while?”

                Leo nods around his fingers, doesn’t stop sucking and Jake presses a quick kiss to the middle of his chest.

                “You’re so good for me…”

                Unlike Leo, Jake has come recently, but he’s hard, thinking about what he wants to do. Wants to fuck him until Leo comes. Twice. Hard and fast and then Jake can just lie behind him and grind away, take his time, really drag it out until Leo is almost crying from the overstimulation. He’d promised hard and fast. But he’d kept this up his sleeve, wants to surprise Leo with it because it’s something he’d mentioned in one of their phone calls. They’ve gotten very good at phone sex, but also talking when they’re apart is good too. Let’s them really dig into things sometimes. What they want to do to each other when they’re next together is usually a favorite, especially after they’ve already gotten each other off.

                He slides the plug out, gets more lube. Leo was clearly generous but Jake has plans so he uses more than usual and then wipes his hand in the towel. Looks back at Leo to find him being watched under hooded eyes and he slips his fingers out of his mouth and bends down to kiss him, wiping his fingers on the bedsheet. Leo is shifting, getting impatient and he slaps a hand on his hip to still him and Leo’s entire body shudders.

                Okay. Definitely talking about that then. Later though.

                He urges Leo over onto all fours, urges him to the edge so Jake can stand, knows this is going to be best for leverage and fuck he’s a gorgeous sight, body all flushed, ass in the air, hole slick with lube, shoulders pressed into the bed like he’s already bracing himself and yeah, Jake isn’t going to make him wait. Quickly wipes himself and reaches for a condom when he hears Leo mumble and he pauses.

                “I… you don’t… uh… we should talk about that…”

                “What?”

                “Condoms. I’m… uh.”

                Oh.

                Jake thinks he gets what Leo is trying to say, but yeah, they should apparently have several more conversations when they aren’t naked and in the middle of sex. He can talk about it though, pretend he is, watch Leo fall apart thinking about it. Knows he can’t see what Jake is doing so tries to be quiet as he tears the foil and slides the condom on.

                “You think about me fucking you bare?” Jake asks as he pushes in, and the little high-pitched whine Leo makes telling him more than enough. “So hot and tight around me baby. Feel so good. Always do…”

                “Jake…”

                “Yeah baby, I’ve got you…” He let’s his fingers grip as hard as he needs to, pulling and holding Leo’s ass and hips as he fucks into him, setting a brutal pace. “You want to feel me come inside you huh? You jerk off thinking about that?”

                “Yes.”

                Jake groans, thinks about it, thinks about just letting himself come and then going soft while still inside Leo’s body.

                “Fuck. Touch yourself… don’t hold back Leo, want you to come as soon as you’re ready. Come on…”

                He pulls out every little trick he knows, lets his pace pick up and shifts his angle to ensure the head of his cock is pressing into Leo’s prostate with every inward thrust, his fingers on his hips pulling and holding Leo to him, reaches around and scrapes his nails over one of Leo’s nipples before letting his hand travel around and scrape down the long line of his back, watches the skin turn white from the pressure as he watches Leo’s arm jacking himself off.

                “Come on baby… want you to come for me… be good for me now…”

                Leo comes with a sob and Jake runs soothing hands down his back and over his hips, lets himself just enjoy the closeness and the feeling of a job well done, a little smug that he knows Leo so well. He pulls out carefully, encourages Leo onto his side and further up the bed, makes a half-assed attempt at wiping away Leo’s come from the bed sheet. His hands are gentle now that he’s left plenty of marks to make Leo happy and for him to pay attention to later.

                Now is for him, and as he settles behind Leo and he thinks about the next time he does this, maybe even an early morning, not having to worry about fishing out a condom. Just sliding into Leo’s body and he groans as he pushes back in, rocking his hips in a slower longer drawn-out pace, because he’s going to keep doing this until Leo gets hard again and then, and only then will Jake let himself come.

…            …            …

                “Back with me…?” Jake asks, pressing soft kisses along his hairline and Bradley feels woozy, his blood still far too occupied elsewhere in his body to assist his brain with coherent thought.

                “Mmm. If that’s engaged sex I cannot wait for married sex…”

                “Baby, we’re like fine wine. We’re only going to get better as we age.”

                “You don’t like wine…” Bradley mumbles and feels Jake laugh rather than hears him.

                “God I love you.”

                “Mmm. Love you too…”

                He lies there in the quiet, lets Jake hold him close, obligingly takes sips of water when offered the bottle, can’t help the smile on his face. He’s just so profoundly happy, can’t imagine life getting better than it is right in the moment. His stomach rumbles and he feels Jake laugh again and it’s one of his favorite feelings, Jake holding him and happy.

                “I am planning on feeding you. I was hoping to take you out to dinner and introduce you to one of my friends, but she apparently has better things to do. She passes on her thanks and gratitude though, apparently I’m always in a much better mood when I come back from seeing you…”

                “Hmm. I wonder why that is.”

                “Sounds like something we should look into…”

                “Yeah? Do some research?” Bradley asks

                “Yeah. Definitely. Come up with a scientific method. Test it over and over…”

                “Yeah, okay. Let’s do that.”

THIRTY-SIX

[goo34ter]

As I dive deeper and deeper into the Jaivik lore and shipping of arcane, I realize I simply cannot hold my thoughts in any longer. pt2

This contrast is what balances them so greatly, while Viktor is the voice of reason Jayce is there to provide words of the heart. In season two we can see that even in Jayces absence Viktor gets caught up in his mind and applies to much reason to the world (though im sure the Hex core/ anomaly had a part in this too) wich is what leads him to dreeming his own imperfection just that, imperfections, something to be fixed and perfected rather than something that makes him him, and helled lead him to success. When jayce goes through the anomaly and essentially goes apeshit, I think one of the reasons is because Viktors ability to apply reason and make him stop, think, and asses isn't present, leading him to be consumed by his emotions because there is no regulator. 

This immense co- dependency is mostly likely stemmed from the vast amount of time they have spent together through development of Hextech. Why do they need to exercise these weaker parts of themselves if the other is able to take them over when needed. They play into eachothers strong suits. If you've ever met someone whose able to do that math to your music , or art to your ideas you know how quickly a bond can form even if its not inherently romantic. You are able to work seamlessly because you possess abilities that work well with each other but also because you know where the other lacks and know how frustrating it can be to get your visions int fruition because of those lacks. I Have had had a bond similar in the way that is so much more familial, they are usually a one time thing never really recreatable, not only because its a product of years of development but because of an inherent awareness of the other. When I lost this relationship there was genuinely a part of me that felt missing, wich is why i understand how devastated both Viktor andJayce became in the absence of one another. There's no one to connect with, no one to share revelations or hear your though and answer your questions, to question you, to push your limits to just understand you for you.

This is where I think things get murky, because unless you've truly had a similar relationship that Viktor and Jayce have it could be hard to understand the level of care they have for one another without it being romantic at all. When you are able to form a bond like this, its a product of years of dedication, and development. A slow but steady exposure into eachothers lives. This alone is extremely intimate, which is why their relationship can be seen as both romantic and brotherly love.

Their romantic love can be seen through small acts of “devotions”, like jayce signaling to viktor he doesn't have to get up when they are facing the council, or Viktor allowing Jayce to support him with a hand on his back when walking off the bridge, even after saying people from the undercity are dangerous. These are all a lot more personal and intimate actions that stem from years spent together. Small things that don't seem like alot but to each other mean a lot more, because they understand each other and see each other. Knows what the other needs to keep moving forward because that is what they themselves want to do, move forward.

I think there may have been a point however, between victor's death and his resuscitation where Jayce began to place more importance on their relationship, deeming it something beyond that of just brothers. In the first episode (i think) of season two Jayce is literally cradling viktor’s cane like a sad victorian widow. And although I too would be devastated if i lost the only person who so passionately shared my dream i think the time jayce had simply to think about viktor and look at him, brought him to develop their relationship beyond just that of brothers. Hes using Viktors notes to brink him back to life, everything hes using is reminding him of the person hes trying to save, at what point does his desperation to save a friend become devotion? Although initially Jayce goes to Mell for his worries about viktor health he later brings himself to viktor, sleeping and spending almost all his time in the lab while viktor is comatosed, Mell has to bring herself to Jayce, because he's no longer seeking her out.

[vasito-de-leche]

;R1999 JOE - "highest of highs, lowest of lows" (1/2)

Joe x Reader 3.6k words hurt/comfort Being part of Joe's gang has its ups and downs, chaos being the closest thing you have to a stable routine, every single day full of adventures. Your friends pulled you from the rubble and into the light, you've been with them through thick and thin─and yet, as the years pass, it all grows stale. Repetitive, even. Tiring. A new era approaches. You're not strong enough to hold on and withstand the whirlwind of change, and neither is he. Even so, your faith in the dream Joe has given to all of Haight Street never wavers. You'll find a way out, together. But only if he's willing to move on.

long time no see! I've been struggling with writing and got very busy, but I also missed writing reader inserts sooooo much and got a little carried away with this one, hehehoho

it's the first half of joe's sleepy time fic, since I'm still editing the second half o7 I'll post that one as soon as I'm done with it. this also means that the comfort part isn't quite here yet LMFAO

as usual, this is written to be read as platonic or romantic, whatever floats your boat!

Just one more revision, and then I’ll take a break … 

The words repeat in your mind like a mantra. This is your only way to keep your eyelids from closing shut, so heavy with sleep and exhaustion. 

Numbers and letters blur together as you scan through the documents laid in front of you; there are bills and more bills, everything necessary to keep supplies coming and utilities working. It’s gotten harder to manage the business lately with the influence of the Chamber of Commerce still lingering over the neighbourhood, and every time you go outside, you notice all the stores that were forced to close, either bought or chased out of town. You think of all the people you used to know and who watched you and the rest of your friends grow up, now lost somewhere in the country, with no means to reach out to them. 

Your entire life reduced to nothing but empty streets and dusty displays. 

But the world keeps on moving, not waiting for you to catch up. And the atmosphere at Tang’s is the same as always─even at this hour, there are people walking in and out, with small groups scattered about in the booths, but also outside, standing under the neon lights, as if this humble diner were the hottest disco in the entirety of San Francisco. Only a small portion were paying customers, but each and every one of them was a familiar face, the friend of a friend, a soon-to-be-acquaintance. 

You have your boss to thank for this sense of community, the man who united all of Haight Street under the hopeful glimmer of his metal badges, a symbol of his friendship and protection. Of course, you also have him to blame for your current situation, forced to crunch numbers and make ends meet out in the open by the bar. 

Tang’s restaurant is an ancient relic with only a single office where the walls are thick and study enough to pass for an office. That is where you usually fill in all the paperwork and where Becket often goes to take a nap, it’s the perfect place to hide for a much needed break and to hold important meetings─today, similar to last week, it is being used for the latter, with Joe stepping up to the plate and dealing with every single investor interested in “supporting the local businesses.” You can’t be mad at him, even with this subtle sense of urgency and nervousness lingering in the back of your mind, you trust in the dream Joe has given to all of you. If there is a way forward, he would be the one to find it after weeding out all potential dangers.

The sudden, pulsating pain of an incoming headache makes itself known right behind your eyeballs, causing you to cover your eyes. As you apply a gentle pressure and rub soothing circles in slow motions, you allow your mind to rest from the constant stream of red on the documents. You trust Joe, you believe in him. You have to, even if reality continues to knock on your door in an attempt to wake you up from this fleeting dream. 

But how long can this dream last? You all need the sort of help that cannot be gained through camaraderie: money, an investor to keep things afloat, a stable income. 

Everyone knows better than to approach you tonight. That little corner by the bar is your territory, your own personal battlefield; with your disheveled and exhausted appearance, nothing but an empty cup and those piles of documents to keep you company, they all know better than to interrupt. Even so, you still manage to give a friendly wave or a nod whenever someone new calls out your name in greeting. The sound of someone pouring you a drink pulls you away from the chaos of your mind; Sputnik refills your cup with a batch of hot, fresh coffee─the scent reaches you and you thank her with a smile, one she timidly brushes off before delighting you with one of her signature, happy, little spins. And just like that, she floats away to attend the other customers. Of course, her presence doesn’t go unnoticed. Her shift ended hours ago, with no way to pay her for the extra hours or longer shifts, and yet, she remains by her own volition. 

Your eyes drift to the documents and the ocean of red greets you. You wish you could offer her more than a misery of a salary. While you have friends like Pioneer who can offer good insight every once in a while, he is much too idealistic. And the rest are doers, not thinkers. The only other person who would’ve easily tackled the issue from the root … 

Paulina, the little genius of Haight Street. She would’ve known what to do if she were here. 

But she isn’t here anymore, and this isn’t the right way to miss someone. You need to get her out of your head. 

The pleasant heat of your coffee helps drown any unwanted feelings, it burns your insides with a rejuvenating spark, the warm hits your nose and cheeks. Things might be bad now, but you are currently surrounded by the constant sound of lively chatter and the occasional round of laughter. In the crowd, you spot all of your friends; Becket and Hollick, Mercuria and Pioneer. Maich the Peddler catches your eye and raises her glass, a toast in the name of this small community and a small gesture to cheer you on. Bianca sits nearby too, perched on one of the many stools. 

Seeing everyone like this is enough to set your heart at ease from these anxieties. You have all made it this far, supporting everyone in need and feeding as many hungry mouths as possible and if things go well, you won’t have to worry about living paycheck to paycheck.

What follows, however, is not a relaxing night but a series of interruptions, each worse than the last. 

Just as you’re about to take another sip, the office door slams open and you feel someone rushing past the diner and towards the door. Turning around, you recognize that sharply dressed man struggling with the broken door handle as the latest investor Joe promised to take care of, the one he was supposed to make a deal with. He promised. He promised you that this man would walk out of here with a smile on his face and one less suitcase full of money in his possession, but your eyes lock onto it, that hefty suitcase dangling around in his grip as he fumbles about. In your impulsive attempt to stop him and mediate, all you manage to do is get into Joe’s way; he blazes past as well, oblivious to your presence, and knocks over the cup in your hands. 

It falls unceremoniously on the bar, spilling its contents all over your clothes and, most importantly, your hard work. The papers quickly turn an ugly shade of brown, soaking in the warm drink dripping from the counter. And this goes unnoticed in favour of the screaming match between your boss and the business partner that never was, the people in the diner joining the commotion in support of their leader. You don’t even process Sputnik’s attempts at salvaging the documents, eyes glued on your best friend’s back. 

“─And you know where you can shove all those fat stacks of money?!” Joe barks out, that typical and endearing cockiness turning into the bane of your existence as he severs that last thread of hope for the diner. He doesn’t need to finish, of course, the investor has left─you can hear the roaring engine of his car outside, speeding away.  Your heart drops at this.

“Tch, serves ‘em right!” Someone comments, you don’t care to know who. A different person adds, “Hey, boss! You’re slacking off, took you 2 hours to scare off this one. That’s 20 minutes more than the last one.” 

“... J, Is that what you’ve been doing all this time?” Even though your avoid raising your voice, shaking with something you can’t quite place amidst the tight, claustrophobic pressure in your chest, everyone hears this and the diner grows quiet.

“Hey, gimme some credit, would you? These damn suits keep gettin’ more and more annoying, this one wouldn’t shut up about─” Joe stops as soon as he takes in your sorry state. His expression softens, hands hovering over your coffee-stained clothes. “Shit. That was you I hit on the way out? … Here, let me help.” 

Out of the corner of your eye, you spot movement; Pioneer and Mercuria have stood up, intent on helping you out of this sticky mess. But you gently shake your head at them, fearing that more people in your personal space would only serve in pushing you further to the edge. It is already overwhelming enough to have Joe pat awkwardly ─uselessly, even─at your shirt with a napkin, it is hard enough to keep yourself from lashing out at him after such careless display. Still, you manage to rest your shaking hands over his own, gripping onto the leather of his gloves like a plea for help. 

“You promised me the deal would go smoothly.” Voice dropping to a whisper, you force this out without choking in your own grief. It feels silly to feel like this when Joe is looking at you like nothing is wrong. “You─You should’ve taken the deal, J.” 

“We’re not charity cases, we can manage without them, just like we’ve always done, yeah? It ain’t nothing new.” The reply is firm, and yet you can tell he’s trying to find a middle ground with you, anything to keep this from escalating. 

At least he knows he’s in trouble with you. Thus begins the same old song and dance. 

“Maybe improvising worked the first few times, but it’s not going to work forever.” You push forward, still attempting to regulate your breathe. Joe pulls his hand away from yours and continues to dutifully rub the stains of coffee away, a feat both of you know is futile. “We need the plan B before shit hits the fan, not after.” 

He pushes forward as well, brows furrowing and avoiding your gaze. “C’mon, and let those rich suits look into our lives so they can feel better about themselves? To brag about how they help the poor and needy? Let them try to change the way we’ve always done things?” A scoff. “As if. Tsk. This damn stain won’t go away─!” 

“They can pretend to be Mother Teresa for all I care, as long as we get to keep the diner and pay the bills.We’re not doing well, it can’t be any worse than what will happen if we keep things as they are, Joe.” 

Joe, not J. This detail causes him to momentarily flinch, and he finally gives up on this useless task of cleaning you up. It’s only when he slams that used napkin on the counter that he notices the rest of the mess. Joe searches for something in your eyes, he doesn’t find it─or you won’t allow him to─and only then you gain the upper and the right to truly escalate the fight. Unbeknownst to you,  the rest of your friends have begun to clear out of the building─they know better than to get involved. One had to match Joe’s own temper if they wanted to be truly acknowledged by the blacksmith. He might’ve learned how to bend the metals to his will but those close to him learned how to fight fire with fire rather than walk around eggshells around him. 

“You’ve rejected every single person who offered to help. Sooner or later, there’s gonna be no one left to give a shit about us, and we’re already in the negatives!”

“If shit hits the fan, we ask help from others.” Before you can deliver the perfect rebuttal at his hypocrisy, he interrupts as if seeing your intentions from a mile away. “Help from our friends─not the government, those gangs, those rich assholes or the Foundation. People we know we can trust.” 

“Fine. Then what happens when no one else can spare a single bag of groceries or a single dollar for us? What happens when none of them can put their livelihoods on the line anymore because we all have damn bills to pay?” You extend a hand towards the papers, already dissipating. “How many more favors can you cash in before we run out of changes? We’re not getting by just for us five or six anymore, there’s a whole damn group that depends on us now! You heard the sheriff! Everyone carrying these little things? The people they don’t like seeing out in broad daylight? They’re our responsibility now, you’re not a rebellious kid playing around in the streets anymore!” 

You tap on the metal badge pinned to his chest with a little more strength that you intended, this small act gets under his skin because the next time he speaks, he’s screaming. “You think I don’t know that? That I need you to remind me?!” 

“Someone has to with the way you’re acting.” 

“Look, I’m sorry that I bumped into you and ruined the whole thing, but if you’re mad about that, then just say it. Don’t bring up other shit just to pick a fight with me.” 

“You’re trying to pick a fight to get out of the fight I’m trying to have with you right now, what are you, five?!” 

“Funny you say that! ‘Cause I sure wasn’t the one who decided to have this argument out in the open!” 

“You’re being stupidly stubborn.” 

“And you’re being stupidly paranoid. When have I ever failed us, huh? Name one time.” 

One? You can name more than one, you could name as many as the wounds and bruises he’s earned in the name of protecting this community. All the days he’s spent in jail, all the beatings he’s taken, all the meals he skipped so that someone else could eat, all the dangerous stunts done in the name of pride─to you, someone forced to look on as the entire weight of the world is placed on his shoulders, these are all shortcomings. Things that could’ve been easily avoided if he simply listened. But here he is, looking down on you, playing the role of hero because it’s all he’s ever known. But he can’t keep doing this, not to himself, not to you or the rest. 

If she’s not here to stop him, then you will. 

“The day you let Paulina go.” 

It takes everything in your body not to cry the moment those words leave your mouth, hitting their target with a hint of resentment you didn’t think you had in you. 

Joe staggers backwards, his expression shifts; he’s no longer the savior of Haight Street, but your bright-eyed and impulsive neighbour, the tallest kid in the block bragging about his latest feats, the kid in trouble failing to jump over the tall, metal fences, the nosy teenager getting involved with the wrong crowds. An arcanist born in the wrong place at the wrong time. Vulnerability paints his features in a way you recognize, the same pain you’ve experienced throughout your life. The subtle quiver of his bottom lip, although imperceptible to the rest of the world, claws at your chest and knocks the air out of you. 

It hurts more than any punch, any insult, any slice of the knife. It feels cruel to steel your gaze after dropping something like this out of the blue, with Paulina’s departure still fresh in everyone’s minds. But you tell yourself that you have to, if only to prevent anyone else from disappearing on you like that. You can’t handle it, not knowing when will be next. One more business closed, one more child abandoned, one more friend missing. Doesn’t he get tired, too? Isn’t he tired of this happening over and over? 

“That’s unfair. No, that’s … that’s messed up. What is wrong with you tonight?!”

“Did you even listen to her? Or did you just decide that she was wrong from the beginning and ignored everything she had to say? Isn’t that why she refuses to even pick up the phone? Or even answer any of our letters?”  

 “She has nothing to do with us anymore, there’s no damn point in bringing her up when she’s left us for a bunch of stuck up─”

“This isn’t about how you feel about her new life.” When you stand your ground, taking a step forward towards him, he does the same. 

“Then what the hell is it?! Why would you even bring her up in the first place?!” When he pounds his fist on the counter, you do the same.

“Because it’s the only way to get you to fucking listen, J. It’s about the way you act, how you keep throwing away every chance we get at making things better because it always has to be your way! You go on and on about asking each other for help, but when was the last time you actually listened to me, to Hollick, to Pioneer, to any of us?! If we can’t even feed ourselves, then how the hell are we going to feed everyone else? You told me to run the numbers, I ran the damn numbers and this is the shitty hand we’ve been dealt.” 

Suddenly, Joe’s shoulders begin to shake as half a smile, half a grimace settles on his face. He laughs at you, bitterly, mockingly. The type of laugh that can only carry a single message─I know better than you. 

“Those investors, they’re only here because they smell the blood in the water! Can you guarantee that they won’t pull the plug once they see an opening to take everything from us? When you sign those damn contracts, it’s over. That’s how they get trap you. That’s how they take advantage of good people like us. I’ve spent the past few weeks doing nothing but talk to these assholes, and not a single one of them gives a shit about this restaurant or the people here. Wanna know what they all wanted to talk about? Bulldozing the entire thing down. Getting me to convince all our friends to give up their homes and businesses, just so these fancy jerks have all the space in the world to play with.”

You know he’s right, it’s an awful truth you have to acknowledge in the midst of the argument─the Tung Ch’ing Chamber of Commerce did the exact same before, it’s stupid to think that others wouldn’t follow the same pattern as well. And yet… 

“Then throw Pioneer into the damn room when someone else comes to do business with us! Let me, Becket and Hollick be there with you too, damnit J! You have the entire fucking street cheering for you and all you want to do is fix everything on your own! If you weren’t so stubborn, maybe we could even call Paulina and ask her for help, but you’d rather sit here and argue with us about the same damn issue! You’d rather look at us in the face and say that Paulina looks down on us, when you don’t even have the balls to call her! Is that how you want things to be? When I can’t keep paying rent, when I have to hop on a bus and end up who fucking knows where, is that all you will say about me?” 

Silence settles. The hesitation lingering in the air hurts more than anything he could’ve said to you. 

Is that all you are to him? Another naive mind, a nagging voice devoid of any worth? He would rather say goodbye to you and allow the distance to slowly chip away at your friendship, than listen or consider any of your suggestions and ideas. Your arms drop to your sides, suddenly losing every ounce of strength in your body at this sudden realization. The shock on your face must’ve been something if it causes Joe to flinch in surprise. 

You’re tired, so very tired of living in uncertainty; never knowing when you will have the chance to eat, never knowing when your friends will disappear off to greener pastures or silently deported. So tired of fighting for scraps, of living in shadows, of being so close to making a change for the better but having it all ripped out of your hands by a government that doesn’t care. You’re tired of fighting the world and your friends. 

You’re so very tired of being so insignificant in a world that refuses to make space for you, no matter how hard you try to claw your way out of the rubble and poverty. 

And so, you retreat. 

Maybe it’s the last remnants of pride keeping you together, maybe it’s the debilitating exhaustion permeating your bones, but you manage not to stumble and fall over as you brush past him and make your way outside. 

The pair of siblings which you had grown to love so much used to share a dingy room within the diner as children, back when Tang ran the place. And then, one day, you moved right across the street. Throughout all of your childhood, you believed this to be a gift, being able to rush over to play with them as soon as you woke up, and to wave at them from the balcony of your apartment at night. Your best friends, your new family, your new home, all within reach. 

Now, you cross the street knowing very well that there is no place for you to hide from those piercing blue eyes of his. You don’t want him to look at you, not like this. Not as an obstacle and a burden. 

If only you could run far, far away. Just like Paulina did.

[starzfield]

“Ah, I see, an experiment then.”

It was obvious from his voice and expression that he didn’t mind.

“Well then, feel free to tell me your order, I’ll transmit it.” Really, she was quite thinkfull, minding other’s feelings and potential consequences, it seemed.

“You really don’t have to worry so much. I would bluntly tell you if something bothers me, and ‘no’ is quite an easy word for me to use. As for the menu… We are free to add whatever we want to it, as long as it respects decency. What is on the menu is what we'd be comfortable doing with any customer, but past that, it is up to us.”

There was actually quite a complex contract behind his job, to make sure both the café and him wouldn’t be in trouble.

“It’s clear to me you would respect boundaries, no need to tell me. There’s no hurt in asking, furthermore if it’s a thing I already did before.”

Why, again, this unusual woman came here…? Right, curiosity. He could understand, but it kept surprising him.

Of course he was still unaware of all her thoughts and hesitations about vampires and his nature. Unknowingly of all this, he smiled at her, amused by her pausing mid sentence. “Yes, it’s my job. Being cute and pretty so people come to admire me… And order drinks and food !”

Gabriel had no shame about it, his job was pretty fun to his eyes. Plus, he liked to be admired, even if some unpleasant customers couldn’t be avoided sometimes.

At least, thanks to his secret nature, he had nothing to fear from them.

The question made him think. Flirting and courting were separate things to him, even if he knew they could happen together.

“Like you said. Flirting is a part of courting. Which means it can be… Removed from the rest of it, if needed, right ?”

His index came up as he explained his point of view.

“Particularly in my job. A lot of things I say are flirting, or flirty, but I’m absolutely not courting my customers. I guess you could say, it’s courting when your goal is to date the other. At least it’s how I see it.”

The blond shrugged then, palms up.

“If you want to know, I flirt at my job, I flirt with potential partners. But I rarely date. It’s not really for me.”

Even before he became a vampire, a fact that entirely put an end to dating all together, he wasn’t dating that much. 

Someone he really liked, uh ? She was pretty romantic, which wasn’t a surprise.

“Not all people enjoy dating. Maybe I did never meet the ‘right’ person, if it’s a thing that exists. But I’m fine on my own, with my life the way it is.”

Of course, he could help but laugh when she backpedaled, hiding his mouth - and fangs - behind the back of his hand.

“Now now. You can’t be all hopeful about my lovelife and suddenly retreat like that !”

He was incredibly amused, smile wide as his hand came back down to the table.

“If that’s any comfort, I probably have as much experience as you in ‘love’.”

His eyes had a mischievous glint again. “Well, the feeling part of it… Physical love is another matter entirely.”

And in this, being a vampire brought more help than handicap.

Gabriel still looked like he had fun with the conversation - and it wasn’t pretend, he was.

Which made him a little surprised to hear her next work. It was one thing that she thought of herself as not fun, but it was surely obvious he was enjoying himself, wasn’t it ?

“It’s up to me to be the judge of that, isn’t it ? And so far I’m having fun. Well, half of it is from teasing you, I admit- “

Mischievous sparkles could be seen again, before he listened to her words with attention, calming down. His finger tapped his bottom lip as he thought.

“No, you’re right. I respect work’s rules, and I have some few things to follow, like anyone…”

And added to that, a few things to be cautious about, thanks to his nature.

“But I live a rather free life. Else, it’d be quite annoying, and trust me I wouldn’t be enjoyable company if I was frustrated with my life.”

Among his bad habits, Gabriel had the one of making his bad mood a problem for everyone else around him.

“So no, you’re not wrong. I live the life I choose.”

The words were pleasing to hear, even if Gabriel knew his own worth, it was still nice to hear people’s appreciation.

Furthermore from a kind, honest and pretty person.

“...I believe so too. What about meeting here a few times to chat, and if we get along, we could plan that friend date ? I don’t make a habit of handing out anything too personal with people I barely know, and hopefully you don't either.” 

Which was true, though a little subjective.

“I…I don’t know…I was just wondering…It’s better to explore things, if you’re not sure…?” – yes, Gabriel was right. Why would a second kiss on her hand feel different? And it wasn’t even that Nunnally had never had her hand kissed. Just not without a reason. And not in such a friendly and casual way. Though she smiled and nodded in agreement: --

“Sure, I can get us some more snacks. And…you…you don’t have to kiss me, if that’s not on your menu… I would like to respect your boundaries.” – she just wanted to be open and honest with him. And she didn’t mind sharing more than she originally intended. And moreover, Nunnally didn’t want to do, what she originally intended. She didn’t want to spy on him. To find out how it was possible for the Vampire not to know about their kingdom. About the king. Her Royal Father. She just wanted to befriend him. This felt so good. And so bad at the same time – “And please don’t worry. I’ll get snacks for us anyway. I mean I understand it your…” – a pause – “…work to make people buy things here…”

“H-how is that different?” – Nunnally curiously asked – “I mean flirting is a part of courting… Though courting of course may end up with something more serious…” – she was trying to explain her position on it to Gabriel. And it was a bit sad, when he explained his on that matter. Just flirting without thinking of being serious at all? But perhaps living a free life was exactly like that…? Nunnally’s blue eyes narrowed as she was looking at Gabriel.

“I think you’ll change your mind when you’ll meet someone you really like.” – she was slightly blushing again; it was not that she was the best person to talk (or teach him) about things such as 'love'. Nunnally could easily imagine that she was actually the worst one – “Or at least they say so. Not that I truly know much about it.” – yes, Nunnally was quick to withdraw; waiting for the reactions’ of others to know if she was pleasing enough. She probably needn’t have done it with Gabriel, but years of training couldn’t be easily forgotten. Her behaviour couldn't be easily altered.

“I am just not much fun.” – Nunnally already gave up the idea of teasing Gabriel; whatever she had done, it had always turned against her – “I guess I’d always be a bother for you. Please excuse that I’d say, but despite…despite the difficulties in your work you shared with me…” – and here she meant the not-so-nice clients he had to deal with – “…your life seems pretty carefree… I mean…there’s not too many rules you are to obey…”

A small pause. Perhaps she went too far.

“But I apologize if I severely misjudged you…”

“…but…’ – she suddenly added – “I think we could be pretty neat friends…”

It was so nice chatting with Gabriel; she knew she could stay here as long as she wanted (provided she’d pay for foods and drinks and his services), but she also knew she needed to get home at reasonable time. That meant the time she would usually come back. In order not to rise any suspicious. But she could still spare some time here with Gabriel.

“…friends having fun together…I’d like that.”

[freebooter4ever]

"if you say miss edwina is the one for you. If you say she is the one in whose presence you cannot properly think or even breathe. If you say you feel that feeling. The one that makes it impossible for you to look away from them at any given moment. When your body and soul feel as if they could burst into flames whenever the two of you are near. When all you are able to do in their presence is to fight the urge to lean forward and touch their lips with yours. If that is the feeling you have..."

Switched back to bridgerton LOL

[undead-moth]

I know I've been on about this for a while now and I'm being a hater but you're telling me SydCarmy was "always meant to be platonic" even though there are two seasons of writing making use of tried-and-true explicitly romantic tropes, themes and writing signals, and SydLuca is going to be romantic because...he was nice to her on screen for a few minutes?

I don't even care if people ship SydLuca, or if they just prefer it, but you can't honestly tell me that you believe Carmy was always meant to be a friend but Luca is an obvious love interest.

Just because Syd and Carmy haven't kissed or confessed their love to each other doesn't mean that isn't very obviously the direction this show is going. The Bear has already shown you who is endgame. It has shown you every episode of the show so far.

Honestly I really don't think The Bear fanbase understands this show or cares about these characters or the story being told here, which is unfortunate because this show is shockingly well-written in comparison to most shows right now, and we should be so grateful for it but all we're doing is complaining that the writers led us on by not making a ship canon fast enough. It's just. Sad.

[wolfsong-the-bloody-beast]

They believe you’re the Herald because they need to. Without that hope, all that’s left is despair. We’re both bound by duty. Our lives aren’t ours to live. Don’t make this harder than it has to be.

[plugrick]

Huh. Funny how even Mike followed along and sunk his diamond engagement knife into the surface of the table, metaphorically throwing his hat in the ring, albeit without all of the over the top flair. Rick guessed the action had more significance than he previously knew. He’d have to ask more about the whole thing later on.

It was kind of romantic, though, how the sparkling blade between them signified them both… An example of their unity…

Kenneth Scrimblo listened attentively to what the traitor in the room had to say, steepling his graspers in thought and consideration. He didn’t seem to notice that his counterparts were narrowing their eyes as Mike spoke, deeply offended that he was given a platform at such a prestigious gathering space. He certainly didn’t acknowledge it.

“Yes, I agree. What we have seen thus far is indicative of a sickness. A spreading disease caused by bite wounds.”

Each and every one of the Berserkers they had fought off had been heavily inflicted, gaping holes in chitin gruesome enough to leave a lasting afterimage on the minds eye. It would be impossible not to take notice.

“The fatality rate of this sickness is high, but not one hundred percent. There have been soldiers that have survived, if only barely. Although they seem far from unscathed, plagued by… fits of spasms.” He informed. “Often manifesting in a limb that acts without their control.”

Rick’s head whirled as he sent a sharp look over at Mike, remembering with a start that one of his arms had been doing just that. Did that mean…? Was the bite he got—?!

His panicked thoughts were cut off by another gromflomite seated at the table speaking up, some old war dog who wore a dramatic scar encompassing the right side of his jaw.

“These creatures, born from flesh. Why do they speak the name of the human?”

Ohhh boy. All eyes were on him again. Usually Rick adored being the center of attention in a packed room, but this situation was a far cry from any rager party he’d been the star of.

“W-why do you think, numb nuts?!” The foolish man snapped back at the highly decorated Commander in away that would get any lowly backhanded, as spitfire as ever. “B-because, Lizardperson is a-and has always been obsessed with me, a-aaaand these things are clearly a product of him.”

“Him?”

“It.” Rick corrected, flustering subtly. Perhaps he should be more careful with his choice of words, lest they catch on that he was on more than familiar terms with Lizardperson.

The commander sneered, his distinct facial scar pulling at his mouth flappies grotesquely. “Grand Leader. If I may suggest a proposal.”

Kenneth nodded in approval. “Granted. Say your piece.”

“We should make good use of the human,” he growled, his voice worn and ugly from a lifetime of breathing harsh gun smoke. And probably from those damned cigars, too. “Utilize the attraction the creatures have to him. His scent will lure out the remaining beasts, allowing us to gather them into one area and slaughter them effectively.”

Rick froze up in his seat as hums of approval circulated, eyes widening as a hot bolt of terror shot through him. Use him as bait?! The last thing he wanted was to be dangled in front of the lizards like a carrot! He reached over and gripped onto Mike like a vice, stuttering like he was on a bad come down. “M-M-M-Mike! D-d-don’t let them—“

“Absolutely not.” Ken spoke sharply, his eyes narrowing to angered slits. “We need the human. He holds the answers for us. We cannot risk his life for a short term goal.”

The commander slammed a fist on the table hard enough to make Rick jump, snarling in contempt. “It is a decent proposal! A call to action! A NECESSITY!”

Continued from (X)

[strawberryfaced]

thinking about what parent and child relationships are really about and I’m going to rant in the tags!

[junietuesday]

pisses me off so bad when people reduce gale’s “obsession” w mystra w “shut up abt your ex, off to the sofa w you”. 😭😭😭 like if its a joke, i guess i cant stop you even if it isnt that funny, but when theyre serious abt hating gale/his romance arc bc he mentions mystra too often… like bro, mystra was his entire life for anywhere from 13-30+ years of his existence. gale’s whole value as a person became defined by his skill in magic. his relationship w mystra dominated every aspect of his life, his career, his romantic/sexual life, literally everything. his whole purpose was to serve mystra. he had literally less than a handful of other deep real relationships that were with anyone Other than mystra. his whole self-worth was so shaped by only having being archwizard, a chosen of mystra, to offer, that when mystra tells him to kill himself, he has to be talked out of it over the course of a whole act of the game. bc hes never known how to be a worthwhile person outside of his relationship w mystra. so like, can you blame him for talking abt mystra a lot???? theres no way to avoid how deeply mystra sculpted gale’s whole psyche. it would be flat out dishonesty for gale to pretend otherwise. everyone is shaped by their past, gale was shaped by his relationship w mystra, that’s just how people work and theres no point in trying to escape it