#This took me about 5 hours over all most of it was spent figuring out modern guy fashion

[kakusu-shipping]

The Ideal polycule in Work, Around the House, and Date outfits

[todomochi-uwu]

Who (6/?) J. Y & S. M

Pairing: Poly! Jeong Yunho x reader x Song Mingi

Genre: Angst, Smut

Warnings: This content is for a mature audience

Synopsis: You can't remember when was the last time you spent time with them, the last "I love you", the last time any of them kissed you.

Author's notes: It's been such a long time, and I'm sorry for that. Life hasn't been quite easy, but as an apology here's some smut. Hope you enjoy.

Other chapters: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

If you enjoy my work, please consider buying me a coffee ☕

It had been a couple of weeks since that night, and getting used to being back wasn’t quite as easy as you thought it would be. At first feeling like a stranger to the place you had once called home, and while your lovers may try to help with that, you fear they may seem to be overcompensating a bit.

You woke up because of the ungodly amount of sound that came from the kitchen.

“Yunho?” Your eyes could barely focus on the things in front of you, besides, what the hell was he doing at home at this hour? Wiping the floor?

“Good morning, my love.” He sighed and got up, “I’m sorry did I wake you up? I dropped some pans and spilt milk. I’m sorry I’m a bit of a mess right now.” He kissed your forehead before going back to cooking, “I’m making breakfast, are pancakes, okay? We also have cereal, or I can make you some eggs or…”

“Pancakes are okay, but what are you doing here so late in the morning? Shouldn’t you be at the hospital?” You took a seat on the kitchen bar.

“I’m taking some time off, they asked me to. Just to get my head back on my shoulders.” He flipped a pancake, “Mingi will be back in a second he went to get some orange juice, we ran out yesterday and we know how much you like it and…” He kept on going, but you couldn’t make sense of what he was saying.

You looked at him without saying anything. His hands trembled with every move he made; he kept on rambling, not stopping to take a breath, afraid to let any uncomfortable silences come through. He couldn’t stay put, moving things around, not able to focus on one thing.

Mingi came through the door. His hands were full of grocery bags that threatened to snap and spill what was inside of them. “I’m back!” He set everything on the countertop, bags of snacks spilling out, hygiene products you were missing, and a bunch of things you don’t even remember mentioning you needed. “I bought everything you ask for, my love.”

“Mingi, you didn’t have to buy this all at once. I have most of this stuff back at my place.”

“Oh well, now you have them here.”

After everything that you had gone through you felt like you needed a bit of time alone, to take a step back and process. Having to come to terms with the idea of being single, actually trying to move on, Bang Chan, the club, Yunho and Mingi. All that in such a short period was messing with your head. But your lovers seemed to differ.

“Babe, I will come back earlier from work to take you on a date, okay?”

“Mingi, we went out yesterday, I’m sure Jongho needs your help back at the office.”

“Don’t worry about it, I’ll take care of everything.”

Yunho wasn’t any different.

“My love, how about we go for a walk? Or would you rather watch a movie? We can go for some ice cream.”

“Yun, don’t you have to study? I saw your calendar and you have an upcoming test.”

“Don’t worry about it, I’ll figure it out.”

You missed them, and not having them around had been a nightmare, but this might be over the top. Not neglecting you didn’t have to mean neglecting everything else. So, a list of all the things you had to do began to form in the back of your head.

First, figure out a way to tell them (in a way that won’t destroy Mingi) that you need some space to understand what’s going on in your head and heart. Second, get some actual work done; bills still need to get paid. Third and last of all (and the one you have been dreading the most) talk to Chan. You weren’t even sure if he would be willing to. Jisung said he hasn’t seen him come out of his apartment, and he doesn’t even answer the door; every single time Minho tried contacting him it goes straight to voice mail. Your friend assures you he only needs a bit of time, but you are not quite sure, this might be it for your friendship, and you won’t lie, it breaks your heart.

­____________________________________________

Going back to the first task. You rehearsed over and over again the things you want to say, in your head and front of the mirror, it makes you cringe, but it’s better than to see Mingi drown in tears and sobs.

“I appreciate all the effort you are putting in, but that doesn’t mean you have to neglect everything else in your life...”

“We have to learn how to balance work, our individuality and this relationship...”

“All this will take time, trust is gained slowly, and I’m sure…”

And you swore those would be the words that would come out of your mouth the second dinner was over. It wasn’t easy to explain how you ended up in this position…

Mingi between your legs, lapping at your pussy like a starved man, his mouth alternating between your entrance and your clit, not knowing which one to pleasure first. Meanwhile, Yunho was sucking at your neck, leaving bruises all over the sensitive skin; his fingers pinched and pulled on your nipples, and the sins that came out of his mouth made you tremble.

“Haven’t you missed this, my love?” He said pulling on your earlobe, “Have you missed Mingi eating your sweet, little cunt, mm?”

Mingi let your skin go with a pop, before pushing two of his long, thick fingers inside you without warning, finding a rhythm immediately, kitten licking your clit at the same time.

You couldn’t form any coherent thoughts; pleasure had completely taken over your brain; you could only feel the warmth of Mingi’s tongue and Yunho’s hard cock on your back.

“Please, please, please.” You didn’t even know what you were begging for.

“What do you need, baby? Tell us and we’ll give it to you.”

“I need you.” You whimpered.

“But baby, you have us.” Fucking Yunho, always a tease.

“Please, please Yuyu.”

“You need to tell me, love.”

Mingi’s mouth abandoned your core, leaving you aching and in need of more. “Come on, baby. You have to tell us what you want.” He urged, mocking you. “Use your words.” His fingers kept you on the edge, but not giving you any more.

Your mind is clouded by the overwhelming sensations coursing through your body. "I need..." you began, your voice barely above a whisper, "...both of you."

Yunho's fingers continued their torturous assault on your sensitive buds, while his teeth nipped your skin, "And you will have us."

Mingi resumed his ministrations with renewed fervour. His fingers delved deeper, stroking that sweet spot inside you that sent sparks of pleasure shooting through your veins, while his tongue resumed its teasing assault on your throbbing clit.

“I need to cum, please.”

"Then cum, my love, cum for us.”

With a strangled cry, you let yourself go, surrendering yourself to the overwhelming sea of sensations your lovers were providing. Heavy breaths escaped your chest, a constant ring in your ears, you could barely tell where you were, but one thing was clear, your lovers were not done with you.

You could feel them moving around you. This time Mingi was the one behind you, holding your knees against your chest, placing small kisses and whispering sweet nothings in your ear, his hands massaged your thighs gently.

“You did so good for us, sweetheart.” His fingers traced patterns in your bruised skin.

The familiar sound of the lubricant’s cap opening made you whimper; you had been conditioned to know what would happen next. Yunho and Mingi would always make sure to prepare you to take them, making you cum a couple of times before even trying anything, but tonight you just couldn’t wait, and neither could they.

“Are you ready, my love?” Yunho’s words made you tremble. You felt both their tips in your entrance, ready to claim you at the same time. Mingi kept his hands on your hips while the man in front of you caressed your legs, waiting for your permission to go on. Both of them slightly shaking with excitement and desperation.

“Yes.”

The sensation of being filled by them was overwhelming, but made you feel complete, whole, something you hadn’t felt in a long time. Their movements were slow and hesitant, not wanting to hurt you. Mingi’s moans and whines filled your ears, his hands pinched your skin and his head was thrown back in ecstasy.

“Oh my god, yes, god yes!” He wasn’t concerned by the sounds that left his mouth, too busy enjoying the feeling of your warmth enveloping him.

Yunho wasn’t doing any better, groans constantly leaving his mouth, driving himself deeper inch by inch. His eyebrows furrowed and mouth slightly opened, his eyes could only focus on the place where your bodies met and became one. The image of his and Mingi’s cock splitting you open wasn’t new, but goddamn was it the most erotic thing he had ever seen.

You closed your eyes, trying to control yourself. Pain and pleasure danced inside you, intertwining themselves and covering your entire being. Each thrust consumed you entirely, making your moans turn into screams, you could feel yourself teetering over the edge. The blonde´s fingers pushed on the small bud of nerves at your core making tears spill out of your eyes, while Yunho’s lips sucked your nipples raw.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck.” He moaned, his hips never relenting their hellish pace. And a single moment of clarity, his eyes met Mingi’s. The same look of need and lust covered his face, red cheeks and dazed eyes, cries escaping his mouth, a small I love you between them. With what little sanity he had left, he took the younger man’s head and pushed their heads in a kiss. their teeth clashing and tongues sucking on each other in ardour, both of them moaning because of the new stimulation.

“I’m going to cum!” You cried. An explosion of pleasure filled your system, as your body convulsed in ecstasy, making you almost pass out. Yunho and Mingi couldn’t hold back any longer, the tight knot snapped, joining you and spilling their seed inside you. Their essence and yours running down your thighs, ending up in the couch’s leather.

The three of you lay breathless, boneless, but complete. You had for once and for all found your way back to each other, and after what felt like an eternity, everything felt right.

____________________________________________

Taglist:

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[corruptedcaps]

You’ll Do

Amy’s boss Mia was as cruel as she was beautiful & made Amy nervous whenever she was around. Despite this somehow Amy found the courage to interview as her replacement. For some reason Mia was leaving the company & hiring her own successor. Needless to say the interview went awful.

Adding insult to injury, Amy had to ride the elevator with Mia directly after the interview and Mia didn’t hold back on her comments.

“You see Amy you lack what I need in a successor, you don’t have the killer attitude needed to succeed. On top of that you have a terrible dress sense and are a 5 at best. Yes I could ‘improve’ you but why put lipstick on a pig when I could pick someone who needs little work at all.” Mia said with a sharpness to every word that plunged Amy into a deeper depression than she already was.

“That’s why I’m giving the job to Kali, she’s so perfect for the role I didn’t even interview her. Im going to meet her right now and by tomorrow she’ll be your new boss, although I’m sure she’ll remind you of me.” Mia continued with a knowingly smile.

Amy knew Kali and was dreading her promotion. She was no where near as bad as Mia but she was certainly only a few steps away. Knowing she would be taking over made Amy want to call in sick for the rest of the year.

However just as they were nearing their floor the elevator suddenly shunted to a halt, stopping dead. Amy just stood there, knowing she couldn’t do anything while Mia rolled her eyes.

“I’ll have the maintenance team hung for this.” Mia snarled as she took out her phone and contacted the elevator technician.

“2 hours? No this is unacceptable! I need to get to my meeting! I’ve already waited too long!” Mia screamed down the phone.

Amy had never seen Mia so agitated, she figured Mia had some sort of fear of tight spaces. Amy let herself have a brief smile knowing that Mia was human like the rest of them.

However as an hour passed without much progress, Amy started to get worried about Mia. She was sweating and pacing like crazy and even seemed to be twitching now and again.

“M-Mia it’s alright, we’ll be out of here soon. Just breathe.” Amy said calmly to her boss.

“Oh shut up you twit, this is beyond your understanding, this body is expiring and I need a new one!” Mia snapped back. She looked at her watch and fear etched her face.

“Oh fucking screw it, you’ll do.” Mia said and surely lunged at Amy who was too quick to react. Mia grabbed Amy’s face in her hands and planted her lips on her lowly employee’s.

Amy’s eyes went wide as she felt something slither from Mia’s mouth to her own and down her throat. Mia’s body went limp and collapsed to the ground. As it hit the ground it immediately turned to dust, leaving Amy to wonder what the hell just happened.

“Ugh I can’t believe I had to take your pathetic body.” Said a voice that sounded like it was coming from inside Amy’s head. It was a deep ethereal voice that sent shivers down her spine.

“W-who said that?” Amy nervously asked.

“Not that it matters but I have gone by many names. Abyzou, Hecate, Morrigan, and most recently, as you can see, Mia but you can call me Lilith, all others will call us Aimee, once I improve you of course.” The voice said with a cackle.

Before Amy could ask a follow up question, she doubled over in pain. Putting her hands on the glass mirrors of the elevator to steady herself, she watched as her nails grew long and sharp, like wicked talons.

Radiating down from there her pale skin turned sun kissed, as if she never spent a day in the office. The tan ran up her arms, making them tingle in pleasure in the process. Her body began to change as the tan ran down her figure. Every inch that it touched she felt a warm sensation that came also with a tightening of skin or modification of fat. Her boobs for instance once a meagre B cup ballooned out into an impressive pair of double d’s.

“Mmmm yesss this never gets old. This feels so fucking good doesn’t it Amy?” Lilith purred in Amy’s head. Amy wanted to plead with her to stop whatever magic she was doing but to her shame she found her pussy getting increasingly wet. It helped that it too changed, becoming tighter and more sensitive.

Staring at her shifting face, she watched as her lips grew into a bitchy pout, her hair became incredibly sleek and straight, and smoky makeup appeared on her eyes. It was now a face that commanded authority, a stern but sexy facade that would have others eating out of the palm of her hand either out of fear or of lust.

“I was going to take Kali’s body but now I’m glad I took yours. It’s been decades since I transformed Mia from the worthless house wife she was into a bitchy and powerful CEO, I forgot how much pleasure it gives me to turn a goodie goodie nobody into a wicked whore. Kali was too like me already but now I can’t wait to make that split bow down and lick our pussy.” Lilith said but this time the voice was starting to change. It was starting to sound eerily like Amy’s.

Amy for her part was feeling increasingly calm about the apparent devouring of her soul and merge with Lilith. As the seconds ticked by her mind was filled with wicked memories of Lilith through the centuries. She had been a witch, a queen, a faux goddess, a homewrecker, a trophy wife, a queenpin, and everything in between. The one constant was she was always in charge. For Amy, as someone who always took a backseat the idea of being on top scratched an itch she never knew she had.

“Oh god! Yessss! Kali will be our little simping slut! Change us more! Make us a hawt fucking bitch! Merge us into one!” Amy moaned loudly as she felt her new bigger tits with her perfectly manicured hands as the magic worked its way to her ass flairing it out. Her stomach crunched as it became slimmer and body toned all over to give her a delightfully flexible and athletic body.

Finally her demure gray work clothes became darker, tighter, and more revealing as they clung to her new body. Her pants hugged her legs as they became intimating leather and 6 inch heels sprang out of her flats lifting her to new heights. As the changes reached their apex, her eyes rolled back into her head as the two minds merged into one new evil persona.

“Mmmm much better. It was about time there was for a change in management.” Amy smirked to herself. As if on cue the elevator shunted to life again and finished its descent to the bottom. Amy picked up Mia’s left over purse and phone beside the pile of dust and took out lipstick from the bag.

Amy just finished applying a shade when the door dinger open and two sweaty maintenance workers stood there. Amy enjoyed their lingering looks at her ass as she capped the lipstick and put it back into her bag. She brushed past their stunned looks.

“Sorry miss but where is the CEO? She called us in a panic.” One blurted out. Stopping in her tracks Amy turned her head back to them.

“That’s me. I’m Aimee, the CEO of this company and if you so if you don’t want to lose your job I suggest you clean up that pile of first that’s in there immediately.” Aimee snarled back at them. The two men quickly jumped to attention.

Aimee however had already forgotten about them, she had her sights on a gorgeous woman sitting in the lobby looking anxiously around. Approaching Kali with all the menace of a predatory lioness, Aimee snuck up on her new lowly employee.

“Kali, what time do you call this?” Aimee said angrily. Kali looked up at was stunned to see who the voice belonged to.

“Amy? You look… wow. I’m waiting for Mia, she wanted to discuss something with me.” Kali said somewhat flabbergasted.

“Mia is no longer your concern. She has put me in charge and my first order of business is to hire you as my assistant. Follow me.” Aimee said strutting off back to the elevator where the men were finishing up. Aimee stood at the elevator door and beckoned Kali in.

“I- I don’t understand, I thought I was getting a promotion or something.” Kali said but Aimee just stared at her without saying a word. Kali felt the new bitch’s eyes burrow deep into her soul and she felt compelled to get into the elevator.

Aimee pressed the button for the executive suite and the doors shut sealing them in. Only once they were alone did Aimee finally speak again.

“This is a promotion, you get to taste the pussy of a goddess from now on. You’re going to be the executive simp. So kneel down like a good little slut.” Aimee said as she towered over Kali.

[vaporwavedoggie]

Amethyst

A Peri x Irep short story

So help me Jesus I got back into writing fanfiction

"Hey.. are you willing to meet up and talk?"

The text from his oh so wonderful on and off again boyfriend lit up the screen. Peri sighed and rolled over in his bed. It was 2am, Dev had been asleep for hours at this point. They had been on a break for a few months at this point, and he was actively avoiding every text he's gotten from him. He already knew why he tried to take his god kid, as some way to get back at him for ignoring him. Peri didn't know whether or not he wanted to continue with this relationship. So much fighting. It seemed like they were on opposite sides of the universe considering.. they were opposites.

"Peri? I know you probably won't respond but.."

The notification popped up at the top of his phone. He knew it was most likely going to be some long-winded rant he's sending him at the dead of night because he can't sleep and he's on his mind. But to be honest.. he was on Peri's mind too. He thought to himself 'eh.. no harm in looking I guess' and tapped on the notification.

"Peri? I know you probably won't respond but.. it's been awhile. I miss you and I want to catch up. So much has happened since we've been apart and I want to see how you're doing. Sorry I'm rambling, I probably sound stupid, but I promise you I'm not trying to get back with you I'd just like to catch up."

Peri sat up and ran a hand through his hair, playing with one of his curls. He was debating whether or not to take Irep up on his offer. Whether or not it'd be worth it to have all the pain from their break come up again, whether or not it would just lead to another fight.. he sat there staring at the wall for a good 5 minutes, deep in thought before he picked his phone back up.

"Alright, we can meet up, but it'll have to be now since the kiddo's asleep and I don't have any free time when he's not."

He tapped the message quickly, sent it, then shut off the screen. He flipped his phone over in his hand a few times, then less than a minute later, he got a response.

"That works :) I kind of figured, which is why I texted you now. You've always been a late sleeper.. anyways, meet up at our usual place?"

'Always been a late sleeper? Ha! As if he doesn't stay up until 6am..' Peri thought to himself. He quickly tapped out another message.

"Sure. Give me a few to get ready and I'll be there :P"

Peri got up out of bed and stretched, popping his back. He grabbed his wand off his bedside table and poofed out of his pajamas and into his usual outfit. Figuring he was going to be up the rest of the night, he also poofed himself up an energy drink and chugged it. His stomach hurt a bit from it, but he was too anxious to really care. Lifting up his wand, he then went off to their usual meet up space, which was a small park somewhere in Fairy World. One where they spent the most time at as kids.

Once he got there, he shot Irep a quick text saying he was there, and went to sit on the swings. No one was around since it was so late, so he decided to swing for a bit. Despite being in his 20's, he still very much enjoyed it but couldn't do it around the other fairies without being stared at. He then heard some laughter behind him.

"God, you're such a child!" He immediately recognized Irep's voice and slowly came to a stop. Without even turning to look at him he said "You're one to talk!! I know for a fact you do this too!"

Irep took the swing next to him and chuckled to himself as he sat down. "Well yeah, reminds me of when we were kids.. when things were a lot more uh.. hopeful."

Peri looked at him and smiled. "Eh, I'd say things are still pretty hopeful now. I'm a god parent now! Never thought I'd get my license, haha.."

"Yeah.. I wanted to talk to you about that. I thought you didn't want any god kids?" Irep raised an eyebrow.

"Well.. it's a job, and I figured why not. It seems to be fulfilling, well at least, it was to my parents. And hell, we even exist because of one of my parents god kids!"

"Yeah.. though I worry. He seems a bit.. tough. And from what I've heard, you two argue about as much as we did in high school."

Peri smirked. "Heh.. yeah. He's a little tough, has a lot of daddy issues. But you seemed to get through to him fine. It's just.. I don't know what I'm doing wrong man. I'm trying my best with this kid and it's like.. nothing I ever do is good enough for him."

"Eh.. honestly I could do the thing where I over analyze everything but I know you hate that so I'll save it."

"Actually, it might be useful right now, so shoot."

"Hm.." Irep kicked his feet in the woodchips underneath him, thinking for a moment. "You seem to expect everything to come to you so easily, and have little patience for when it doesn't."

Peri crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. "Go on."

"Ever since I've met you, if you can't do it right the first time, you either.. burn out or give up. You also get.. really angry at yourself, turn inward, and become bitter. You lose patience very easily when this happens."

"Why do you think that could be?"

"Well, a number of reasons.. we've talked about the issues we've had with our parents before. How yours nearly suffocate you with praise and affection to the point where you avoid them and wouldn't even tell them you got a god kid until they found out themselves. You were the first fairy baby born in a millenia, and I hate to say it but because of that you were spoiled rotten. Your parents were over protective of you because of their own mommy and daddy issues, so they tried to make up for what they didn't have by giving it to you, but.. they did too much. And because of that you burn out very easily and it drives you up the wall when it even looks like you're slightly failing. You're an overachiever and expect only good things to happen to you when.. that's just not how life works."

"Hm.. guess you're right.."

"Life is a constant rollercoaster of emotions. You can't just expect only the good to happen to you, you also have to expect the bad as well. Not saying to prepare for the bad or get yourself too anxious by trying to fix things before they're broken, but you know.. accept that good things don't happen all the time. Life has its struggles. That's part of it. And from what I gathered, being a god parent requires a LOT of patience, which is something you don't have a lot of, and self forgiveness, which is something you barely do. I mean, you still hold on to mistakes you made way back in spellementary school!"

"Eh, true. How are you able to gather this much from me?"

Irep chuckled a bit. "You act as if I hadn't been by your side since we were babies. As if I hadn't noticed every small detail about you, like.. how your eyes sparkle just right in the moonlight. It looks like amethyst."

Peri shoved Irep. "Quit being mushy! We're still on break. Plus.. you act as if you don't have the exact same eyes as me."

"What can I say? We're both egotistical little shits, are you really surprised we fell in love in the first place?"

"Hah.. nah.. god, remember how pissed our parents were when they found out we were hooking up behind their back? They tried so hard to keep us apart. 'Anti fairies and fairies should never be together, especially when they are exact opposites of each other, da rules, blah blah blah'."

"Yeah! And then your mom walked in on us and threw anything she could get her hands on at me? Good times."

"Psh, yeah.. we were dumb teenagers, what can I say. And I guess the only difference is a few years. Now we're dumb adults."

They both laughed a bit, and Peri looked down at his feet.

"..I still love you, you know. Even if you decide to break things off with me permanently, I always will."

"Oh, you're always such the romantic! I'm swooning." Peri chuckled and Irep looked into his eyes.

"No, but.. I'm being serious. My biggest regret in our relationship is.. smothering you like your parents did. I didn't realize I was doing it, I.. you're the only one that's ever showed me love. You know how my folks are, wasn't raised in the most loving family so.. I tried to overcompensate by trying to return all the love you made me feel."

"I know, Irep, I know. But.. I don't know, im just so confused. I don't know what I want to do, who I want to be, so I'm trying to figure that all out now."

"Heh, is that why you got a license and took on a god kid?"

"Eh, part of it.. I wanted to see if it would suit me. Besides maybe I'll learn how to be patient from this. Maybe the kid will give me challenges I'm not used to and help.. balance me out. I don't know. I know I shouldn't expect other people to fix me, let alone a kid, but how do I even begin to fix myself when I don't know where to start?"

"Take baby steps. Try different things and see how it works. You're doing good by getting out of your comfort zone now, but you need to remember to be patient and forgive yourself for any mistakes you've made."

"Yeah but.. that's a lot easier said than done. How do I even begin to learn patience and self forgiveness? Where do I even start?"

"Hm.. that's something you'll have to figure out on your own. I know the best way to do it is experiencing hardship period, and I can already see with Dev you will. Biggest thing to remember is he's a kid. He will fuck up. He will make mistakes. There are times where he'll be mean to you, say hurtful things, and get under your skin. But you CAN NOT take it personally. You have to keep in mind he's still a growing human. You've seen how messed up the human world is, imagine going through what they go through with absolutely no magic at all. Sure we had puberty and all that shit but at least the magic made it a bit easier and a hell of a lot more fun."

"True.. I just end up getting so frustrated with him I want to rip my hair out! And you know how much I love my hair! But, I don't know.. I don't know what the hell I'm doing, I'm going into this blind aside from what I was taught in the classes. I'm too afraid to go to my parents for advice because they'll just be like 'oh you're doing great just keep doing what you're doing'! I swear, I've always appreciated how you can be blunt and honest about things, it's something I really look up to about you. As annoying as it gets when I don't ask for it.. it is helpful. So thank you."

"Always."

Peri got up and stretched. "You know, Irep. I do miss spending time with you like this.. like our late night talks."

Irep's eyes lit up. "We can do them more often, if you'd like!"

"Hm, maybe. I just have some.. personal feelings to work through before I'm ready for us to see each other regularly again."

"..Yeah. I get that. But until then, I'll be here when you are ready."

"Hah, yeah.. it's getting late. Or I guess I should say, early. The kid will be up in a few hours and I gotta go be a parent.. but before I go.." Peri stood in front of Irep and held his hand out to him. He took Peri's hand, and he pulled Irep up, close to his chest.

"Oh and hey.. didn't get a chance to tell you this, but I love you too. I don't wanna give up on us yet, I just need.."

"Time?"

"Yeah. But before I go, I want to give you something." And before Irep could answer, Peri pressed his lips against his, then broke away from him and put his head on Irep's chest.

"You know, your eyes do a sparkly thing too when I kiss you but I don't have any other purple shiny things to compare them to."

"Hah.. you're a goof. But look at you being all romantic. And you called me mushy!"

"Shhhh." Peri pulled out of the embrace. "Anyways.. I'm going to spend the next few hours scrolling through my phone. Uh.. I'll try to text you when my brain isn't acting stupid."

Irep smiled. "Of course. Take your time, don't push yourself, and again.. I love you."

Peri smiled back. "I love you too." And with that, he lifted his wand and poofed back home.

He flopped down in bed, immediately poofing back into his pajamas and pulling up his phone. He was compelled to look back at old photos of the two before he went back to scrolling mindlessly on social media.

God he wish he could figure his shit out quicker, but like Irep said, he needs to learn to be patient. So maybe this is a good test for him.

[naomihatake]

In search of freedom (Ch. 4)

4. One step forward

Chapter 3 ; Chapter 4 ; Chapter 5

⠀⠀⠀⠀She's been searching for freedom her entire life and everytime she thought it was laying right in front of her eyes, she was mistaken. She was running around the East Blue, seeking herself and her dreams, meeting people she never forgot. No matter how much she traveled, she could only catch a glimpse of peace before realizing everything would crumble at her feet.

⠀⠀⠀⠀Maybe it was destiny that brought her on that ship with three strangers — foolishly, that's what she tried to believe when the moon shined beautifully and hope settled in her chest, squeezed by the same ribcage where feelings were blooming.

Pairing: female!reader x OPLA Zoro Roronoa

Warnings for this chapter: fluff, some angst, alcohol

Word count: 3.8k

Theme song: fic spotify playlist (click on the link)

A/N: Tons of interactions between Zoro and reader. Not a long chapter, but I wanted to offer more insight about the reader's past and the relationship she has with her crewmates. I know they travel from Syrup village to Baratie in a day, but I wanted this exact scenario, so let's say it took a half a day longer ;) Not proofread yet.

The reader is referred to as "Witch" because I have no intentions of using "Y/N".

I'm open for comments and opinions! <3

They spent the rest of the day buying supplies for the journey. With no previous discussions, they all came to the conclusion that Nami would handle the berries, with some opinions from the witch who was used to always saving up money. 

The witch has loads of information and experience about the map of the stars above, so she decided to save Nami from a sleepless night. She already took a nap after they set sail a few hours before dawn, falling asleep after she laid down on the sofa in the cabin. She completely forgot about her wound, too tired to mind the pain at that time, as if she's got hit in the head again. 

Now, she was purposely ignoring the ache. She analyzed the stars for long enough to figure out where they were heading. From Zoro's perspective, the way she counted the stars and figured out the cardinal points was witchy. Realistically, he knew that Nami must've had the same way of figuring out how to sail during the night and not only her, but other sailors as well. 

The witch sat on the deck, her back resting against the mast, her head tilted back to gaze up at the stars. The wound stung and it was uncomfortable, but she didn't want to bother herself with cleaning it up. Also, she had no clue where some bandages might be, and she didn't have the energy to go around and ask about it. 

Meanwhile, Zoro knocked two times at Nami's door, opening it after receiving a sign he could enter. The navigator was sitting on one of the hanging beds in the room with some notes and maps in her lap. 

"Do you know where's some first aid kit?" Zoro asked. 

"Hm?" she raised her head at him, frowning. "Did you trip after drinking too much booze and got hurt?" 

He rolled his eyes with a sigh. 

"I didn't even drink today. Just tell me where it is." 

"Should note it down in the calendar," she scoffed with a smile. "There should be one in the chest over there," she pointed at it by tilting her head. 

In the corner of the room, under a small desk, was the chest she mentioned. He opened it and found what he was searching for. 

"Oh," he heard Nami whispering. 

When he looked at her from where he was crouching, she had a shit-eating grin on her face. 

"What?" 

He was absolutely clueless. The most oblivious man Nami has ever seen and, for the record, they were all oblivious as fuck. 

"Nothing," she smiled innocently. 

What is she up to? Zoro wondered. 

With the first aid kit box in his hand, he got out of the room and walked back to the deck, where the same woman stargazed. His hand was still resting on the hilt of his sword while he stomped on the wooden planks. She hasn't moved one inch, except for the gentle smile that tugged at her lips. 

The only source of light was a gas lamp on a barrel close to her and she glowed. He stopped in his tracks to gaze at her the same way she looked up at the sky and he realized quickly that his lungs stopped  functioning. 

I'll need some booze after this. 

He let the kit fall in her lap and he was surprised by the lack of discomfort she showed at his sudden appearance. Each time someone came from behind, he saw her step away or react in some kind of way, be it a grimace on her face or a sharp inhale. 

"What's this for?" 

"Take a guess," he shook his head. 

She was impossible. Did she do it intentionally? 

"Shit, I completely forgot about the bandana," her eyes widened in surprise. 

She undid the knot of said material as fast as she could, inhaling through her teeth at the sharp pain. 

Only then he noticed an unopened bottle of something — he hoped it would sting his throat — sitting to her other side. He sat cross legged and leaned in over her legs to wrap his fingers around the bottle, tugging with his teeth at the cork. 

"That was mine," he heard a faint voice complaining. 

"It was."

He hid the smirk threatening to show on his face by placing the bottle at his lips, taking some long gulps. The alcohol stung so pleasantly against his tongue and he anticipated a sense of calm once he'd drink enough. 

A restrained hiss got his attention. The witch's lips were knitted together and she tried to clean her wound with a wet cotton ball — it was alcohol, he guessed. After swallowing hard, she continued to tap the skin lightly. Her other hand was digging into her thigh, distracting her with another kind of ache. She was obviously concentrating, the reason why she didn't spit out smart remarks at him. 

Zoro sighed heavily and let the bottle down with a low thud. 

"Will you need stitches?"

"No," she muttered. 

If she wouldn't have been hurt, her face would've looked almost cute. 

Since when did he start thinking that way about people? It must be the booze. 

She seemed relieved when she finished. The next step was to apply some ointment, which was less troubling. 

Then, came the impossible task: wrapping her wound with one hand. Since her other upper arm was hurt, she couldn't do it any other way. The wheels before her eyes worked well enough — certainly, there were a few ways she could do that. 

It couldn't be that hard, right? 

The swordsman by her side achieved inhuman abilities, because telepathy wasn't something that happened naturally. She needed help dressing the wound. 

The real issue was will she ask for help? 

He didn't know exactly why he wanted to hear her say something. Anything. The smallest word leaving her lips would sound like a yes in his head and he would act accordingly with the alcohol swimming through his veins. 

It wasn't in his nature to be so calculated. Nonetheless, exceptions always existed. 

He didn't need to be proud about helping her. No, it was far from that. He had another kind of pride and it settled in the scabbards still holding his swords at his hip. Zoro wanted to see how far she'd go until she realized that asking for help wasn't a sin. 

"Um," her lips parted. 

"Give me the bandages."

He opened his hand for her to place the white material in it. 

"I wanted to say that you owe me a bottle of booze," she blinked up at him confused. 

He didn't wait for her to give him the bandages, instead, he took them by himself and positioned himself a bit closer. Suddenly, the alcohol seeping in his bones helped more than he guessed the first time he saw the bottle. 

Was he holding back his usual strength at that moment? There were no coherent thoughts in his head while he wrapped the white material around her upper arm as gentle as he was capable of. Zoro avoided grazing his fingertips over her skin, but it was impossible any other way, so he found himself in a weird stance: his hand would hold her arm still from time to time while he rolled the bandages. 

A cruel mistake was to look into her eyes, which he unfortunately did. The witch was also looking at him. Probably, he should be more grateful about the way her intense gaze didn't falter when it met his own, even if it made his stomach tingle. 

He drank too much. Or too little. 

There was one way to find out and that would be taking another bottle to drown down his throat. 

He was never the one to look away first, be it an enemy or a friendly staring contest. However, he failed that time. 

There must've been some potion in that bottle. Otherwise, there was no explanation. 

"Thank you." 

It was the second time she thanked him in a day. The swordsman didn't see much in these things, but he was genuinely intrigued about the nature of his own gestures. As someone used to actions, questions sounded pointless in between his thoughts. Then, why did he suddenly ask instead of straight up finding out the answer? 

Why did he do these things without being asked to? 

"Sure," he let out softer than it was meant to be. 

He got up and headed to the galley to grab two more bottles of alcohol. 

There was a different feeling than the usual duty he felt about people. She didn't need his protection or help, she could perfectly do it all on her own. She skillfully tossed knives through the air and was awfully proud about her abilities, a confident smile on her face. 

Zoro never asked, but he guessed she was part of that world long before they appeared in her life. It wasn't possible to follow the rules of the sea unless you sailed before and she conquered the power of water itself. 

And the strength of his heart on top of that. 

"Zoro!" Luffy's enthusiastic voice beamed. "Let's learn the stars."

"What?" 

Wasn't that the reason why Nami and the witch were on that ship? They already knew a lot. 

"It's fun! I didn't know there were bears in the night sky!" 

"Of course there aren't bears in the sky!" Usopp commented. 

"They're just constellations, Luffy," the woman chuckled. 

Both of them came to her like curious owls with big eyes, begging her to show them some stars; now, all of them sat on the deck. Of course their supposed captain would learn about anything only to forget half of it the next minute, but the intention mattered, right? 

She didn't expect the swordsman to accept Luffy's invitation, but he did so, sitting in the same place he did a minute ago. Only the booze would determine whether or not he'd have enough patience to concentrate. 

"Why is it called Ursa Major? Is there another one?" Usopp turned his head. 

"Yes: Ursa Minor," she pointed her index finger at the sky above. "The Ursa Major  is there, right? They look the same, but the other one is smaller."

The sky was filled with stars and there were so many of them, it was almost impossible to spot a specific one. They sparkled beautifully, as if they smiled back at the pirates eager to learn their names. 

"Where, where?" Luffy looked up, confused. 

The witch moved her hand to the side and pointed at another constellation. 

"Search for the same figure, but in smaller form."

"Fount it!" Luffy and Usopp exclaimed in unison. 

She let out another soft chuckle and the swordsman paid more attention to that lovely sound than the stars she mentioned. 

"See the tip of the bear's tail? That is its brightest star and it's called the North Star. Whenever you point towards the spot on the horizon directly below it, it means you're pointing north." 

Luffy's lips were opened in surprise while he looked at the sky. 

"So you're also a navigator!"

"Just because I'm better than Zoro at directions doesn't mean I'm a navigator," she joked lightly. 

"I think you're overdoing it," the swordsman huffed.

"That's why you were so late?!" 

Usopp was already cackling. 

"The mansion was in front of your eyes and you still decided to go the other way," she nudged at him. 

"I was just checking around," he muttered between gritted teeth. 

"You're so bad at lying, Zoro," Luffy teased him. 

Their captain and the sniper were laughing colorfully, until tears gathered on top of their lashes. The sound was accompanied by the same reaction coming from the witch, who was unaware of the palm she placed on Zoro's shoulder, while the other hand was holding onto her stomach. 

However, the swordsman was hyper aware about it. It warmed him up almost as pleasantly as the booze, but it was a foreign sensation settling into his stomach. Those gentle fingers that wielded knives and had been dirtied by blood touched him and he didn't have an ounce of will within to push her away. 

It's just a touch, what am I getting so worked up for? 

"We just need to find a musician and the crew is complete!" Luffy smiled brightly. 

The witch's hand dropped from Zoro's shoulder, gripping at one of the bottles he brought with him. 

"I can sing," she whispered as if it was meant to be only for herself. 

"I can dance!" Usopp grinned. "Guys, you have no idea how I was the star of countless parties! Captain, you have everyone you need right here." 

Before the Straw Hat could say anything, the witch opened her bottle. 

"With a guitar, Luffy, otherwise I won't start disturbing the fish in the sea," she let out a short sigh. 

"If we find a guitar at our next destination, do you promise to play the guitar?" 

The puppy eyes boring holes into her forehead couldn't be ignored so easily. Defeated, she nodded and took a long gulp from the bottle. 

"Great!" 

And with that, Luffy got to his feet, his chin tilted down to look at his friends. 

"Good luck with the night watch."

"I'll come to watch over you, Luffy," Usopp solemnly touched his heart. "Who knows when an enemy will sneak in. I need to be prepared and protect my friends!"

"So tonight we find out about your snoring habits," the swordsman arched his eyebrow. 

"I don't snore!" he frowned while he walked side by side with Luffy. 

"Good night, you two," the witch smiled in their direction. 

Zoro continued drinking from the bottle in his hand, the first one he picked up already empty, sitting by his side. The witch had far less resistance than him and none of them got some well deserved sleep in the last two days. He acknowledged the proximity between him and the woman sitting at his right, but annoyance crawled up his throat — why he wanted to be near her was beyond him. 

"For how long have you been on a ship?" he wondered out loud.

"Is it obvious it's not my first time?" 

They turned towards each other at the same time, locking gazes the same way they did when he bandaged her wound. At least that time there was a plausible and logical reason — one he created on the spot. The second time it happened, he was just pulled towards her like a magnet. 

And maybe they were not exactly opposites nor each other's mirror, but they always found themselves in the presence of the other. 

"This can't be your first journey on the sea," he shrugged. "You're not scared at all."

"Did you just imply that I'm scared of water?" she cocked an eyebrow at him. 

"Then are you scared of land? You were damn anxious back in Syrup Village." 

The witch crossed her arms under her chest in a defensive manner. 

"It was my intuition." 

"You were losing your shit."

His teasing comment received a wide-eyed stare from her. 

"That's not true." 

Her lips were pulled in a thin line right after and she averted her eyes, looking back at the stars. She was searching for the right words to tell him lame stories she was fond of. 

"I'm used to sailing, yeah. Was part of a crew for almost two years and then left because I couldn't find my place there. It was my father's crew."

"So it runs in the family."

"Kind of," a sour smile creeped on her lips. "My mother hated pirates. How come she married one? He didn't become a pirate until years later." 

After another long glance towards a constellation she just noticed, she brought the bottle to her lips and gulped down until half of the bottle was gone. The memories flowing back always left a bad taste in her mouth, a sensation she wanted to fight against with some more alcohol. 

"And you are a pirate."

The conclusion was obvious. 

"I don't think I have to say it out loud, do I?" 

The sad smile on her lips didn't falter. The spoken admission that her mother hated her guts for choosing the same life as her father would've hurt more than the silence that spoke for itself. Memories sucked her into the past like a water vortex in the middle of the sea. 

"What do you mean by 'I'm leaving in the morning?" her mother had furrowed her eyebrows at her. 

The tension could've been cut through with the knife resting against the young girl's hip. She resembled her father too well: they walked the same, they had the same gaze and far too similar weapons. 

Before her mother's eyes wasn't standing a daughter anymore, but a pirate, monsters she hated from the bottom of her heart. Cruel, ruthless, merciless monsters with no hearts. People with egos bigger than their bounties and strength that could wipe away entire islands. 

Demons. 

Her daughter has become a demon. 

"You're talking after your monster of a father," her mother spat out after slapping the table with her palm. 

"We both know he was more humane than you."

"Where did you learn such words from, girl?!"

"You."

The witch was still standing in front of the door with a bag hung over her right shoulder. A merely sixteen years old with fire burning in her irises. 

"He's a criminal and a thief on top of it! A liar! A betrayer!" the woman's voice rose higher, threatening to break glass. 

"Maybe you didn't agree with his living style, but he's never done anything to us! The sea is a battlefield, it's kill or get—"

"I've heard that excuse coming from him countless times, I don't need you to quote that man!"

"If he is just 'a man' for you, just know that he was always more of a father for me than you were a mother."

A sharp sound bounced off the walls and the young witch's cheek stung after the woman's hand flew across her face. Her head turned to the side, but no whimper left her lips. 

"I dare you to say that again. As if you didn't live under my rooftop ever since he became a pirate — a monster." 

The young girl used to be bold even at that time. Her left cheek ached painfully, but it didn't stop the fire from burning. No, it was like pouring gasoline over it, thinking it would stop. 

She turned her head towards her mother and rolled her shoulders back, eyes boring holes into her forehead. 

"He was a better father than you were a mother." 

A stable voice and clear words filled with venom to the brim. She didn't falter, nails digging into her palms as she tried to contain her anger — her hatred. 

"Is that what you wanted to hear? You lack self awareness, mom. You seem to forget about the times when you'd tell me I'll become a failure just like him. You intentionally brush aside the speeches you gave me about how no matter what I wish for, I have to just suck it up and accept the fact that all I will ever be is an obedient girl. I'm not obedient and I'm not a girl — I'm a pirate. No one on the sea cares whether or not I'm a woman."

"These are fairy tales for children! You won't be able to survive for longer than a day. You will come back crawling at me and I'll remind you who was right!" 

"See? Exactly what I was saying. You're just proving my points and yet you cease to realize. Everytime you hit me, everytime you degrade me, every single time when you want to show me you have power over me — all of these are pointless."

A reckless teenager grasping for the first time at the notion of freedom after mourning her deceased father for five days. A flame learning how to burn. 

She made one step closer, the furrow between her eyebrows deepening. 

"Kill me. You've always craved seeing my father dead, didn't you? Why don't you kill me too? Wouldn't that make you happy? I bet it would, since you always acted like it."

Words could hurt and she learnt it from her mother, it seemed like. She's never heard someone use words like she wielded knives better than that woman and that time it backfired. 

Before she even realized it, the bottle her fingers gripped at was almost empty, making it easier for tears to gather in the corners of her eyes. She's been silent for so long and Zoro glanced at her from his peripheral. 

"And him?"

"Been dead for three years. I became a part of his crew right after. It didn't make any sense to continue living in my hometown any longer. They're like a shadow ship — they refused to give the title of Captain to someone else, even if technically the one in command now is the Vice Captain. Whenever they need to make a decision, they think of what their deceased Captain would've done."

The swordsman by her side crossed his arm over his chest and grinned. 

"That's one hell of a loyal crew."

They were my family, even if they would drink late in the night and have awful cooking skills. They would laugh and offer me advice, they taught me what a pirate's pride is about. 

"You still seem regretful."

The witch turned her head towards Zoro and he swore he'd never seen so many emotions flowing in those beautiful eyes of hers. They glowed with golden sparkles hence the gas lamp. There laid honesty and fierceness, a human who turned against its nature and decided to go further. 

"I never regretted leaving. I don't regret any of it. Maybe there were things I shouldn't have said or done. I could've been kinder, less revengeful. If I am to be honest, despite being aware of the consequences and effects of my actions, I don't regret it. It can't be undone and there's no place for apologies when I meant what I said." 

"The crew scolded you."

It wasn't a question, but a statement. Obviously, the crew was formed by men and a few women past twenty. They had more life experience than her. 

"A little bit. They were, indeed, more mature than me," her head turned towards the horizon again. 

Vague and cryptic answers, harder to decipher than Poneglyphs. However, Zoro wasn't an archeologist and he didn't ask for more than she was able to share, which made her shoulder relax. The witch didn't even notice when she tensed up. 

He stretched out his legs from their crossed position and leaned better against the barrel. It seemed like the pirate hunter didn't have any intention of leaving the deck. 

Their shoulders remained close and none of them moved closer or farther away. Both of them were content with burning a little more before admitting the truth even to themselves. 

Tag list: @emelia07 @dimplewonie @tfamidoingwithmylife @murnsondock @the-skys-musical-echo @conspiracy-crows @hallow33nz @ramae17 @gaslysainz @bunntsu @katt58 @katiemrty @hopefulrascalstatesmantoad @freyademartel @boofy1998 @ponyboys-sunsets @melsunshine @loveyluv7 @waddlingwanderer

[breadstyx]

I'm working on a website for a comic (those who know, know) and it gives me a good opportunity to talk about the modern web innovation that's #1 most reviled on here: webp.

I was working on image quality. See, the author made the pictures high-quality, and since they're hand-drawn it's absolutely worth it — but it means we're talking ~2500x1100px PNGs. Which means ~2-3MB per picture.

Since on the actual website they'll be displayed at 1000px width, smart old me figured a pretty quick fix to save on readers' bandwidth would be to reduce the image size to 1000px width (after all, that's over 5x smaller than the original!).

The issue though: quality surprisingly suffered. Specifically there was a notable impact to the text (but also the colours and texture, if you look closely).

So I started wondering how exactly one could get a cleaner output from my image downsizing.

Which I spent the next 5 hours trying to crack. Turns out it's not easy.

On the other hand, there is another approach: simply finding a better way to store the image. On JPEGs and PNGs you can play with various compression settings which might help you reduce that file size without compromising quality (I tried a bunch, no dice!), but you could also switch to another format. For example, you might consider webp.

Here's what it brings to the table.

"-original" files are the HD originals, "-large" files are the blurry resized ones, "-optimized" are the webp ones.

They are 13-15 times lighter at the same size. This makes them even lighter than the 1000px-wide ones. (2 to 3 times lighter! despite being 5x bigger! that's insane!)

And the output:

I couldn't tell you which capture I took from which version.

And like, damn, that's p cool.

[brownsugarwrites]

Can't get enough.

continuation of superstar (read first!) ❥ warnings: smut. fluff. angst. slow burn. spanking as a use of punishment. crying. hair pulling. oral (m receiving). alcohol. reader is tipsy but is still consenting. sub!reader. yearner johnny.

❥ wc: 3.9k (😵‍💫)

❥ an: wow. this is a doozy. took me about a week and a half to write this but I can say this is best thing I’ve written in my hobby as a writer. special shoutouts to @lxnarphase & @dejwrld this is also dedicated to them. enjoy 🤍

Groaning softly as the sun poured into his eyes waking him up before turning over to see you not by his side. It was only 7:30 am when did you leave?

“Maybe she just downstairs,” he thought hoping you were there

Putting on a pair of pants he swiftly went downstairs to the living room to see you were there. Starting to break a sweat he checked every part of his house to see if there were any signs of you.

There wasn't.

You had left in the early hours without even leaving a note. Taking out his phone he quickly dialed your number to contact you. 

Your sweet voice rang in his ear as your voicemail message played

Calling you 5 times over you kept sending him straight to voicemail obviously not wanting to talk. Rolling his eyes he texted you back to back asking why you were ignoring him, and why you left. He was worried he had done something wrong. Maybe he was too rough or mean during sex or just maybe you didn't want this as much as he did.

Sitting on your L-shaped couch you looked out our balcony window to see the waves crashing into the shore as your TV played in the background. Hearing your phone ping constantly you saw a stream of messages coming from Johnny himself asking why you left and why you weren't answering the phone.

Putting his notifications mute you threw your phone to the other side of the couch and put your head face first into the decorative pillow.

“And she left without any notice? Wow, she pulled a you on you” Kenshi said before sipping his whisky.

“Now is not the time for jokes. I've been blowing up her phone for the past two weeks” he exclaimed pacing around his front room

His best friend watched as he continued to mumble to himself and tap on his phone to see if there was any trace of you on social media.

“Honestly Johnny, why do you think she's ignoring you right now?” Kenshi asked curiously

“I dont know! That's what I'm trying to figure out jackass.” he grunted plopping down on the loveseat “I took her out for drinks to celebrate and then we came back and had sex. She was ok with all of it. At least I think”

“Maybe she's just overwhelmed that she had sex with her cast mate. I just think she needs time to come around.” 

“I gave her two weeks-”

“Two weeks of blowing up her phone. I'm surprised she didn't block you” Kenshi responded rolling his eyes before setting his glass down. “Look… give her space. She's not gonna talk to you if you keep pestering her.” 

Sighing deeply Johnny ran his hand over his face defeated before giving a small “ok” 

Later that night E! News poured out of his surround sound speakers as he mindlessly scrolled on his phone getting ready for his first round of interviews for the upcoming movie. But, he was stopped in his scrolling when he saw you pop up on his screen.

Your bronze skin was illuminated by an artificial light as you smiled getting your hair combed and set by your hairstylist. 

Even though you spent most of your life in front of the camera you can't help but be a little shy sometimes, especially for social media. He thinks it's the cutest thing when you give that side smile before giggling a bit.

Watching you on a loop he quickly snapped out of his neverending gaze and shut his phone off before running his hands through his hair cursing to himself.

“So yeah, after that whole ordeal, I got up and left,” you told your nail tech who happened to be your best friend as well

“So, you fuck your costar get scared then leave”

“I wouldn't say I got scared but-”

“But what? Girl, you literally have this man on his hands and knees and you're not taking advantage of that,” she responded taking a break from filing your nails

Chewing the inside of your cheek you were annoyed to admit that she was right.

“I just feel like we crossed a very thin line between coworkers” you contested

Rolling her eyes she let your hand go and set down all of her materials.

“You know what I think? He always liked you and finally got his chance once you two were working on that movie. That thin line was gone as soon as you stepped into that board room. And I think you like him too.” she responded

Silence filled the air as ‘Go Gina’ by Sza softly played through the speakers. Your mind went blank as she admitted the truth you secretly lived in.

Maybe you did like him. Maybe you were scared of the next steps in the relationship the two of you created. 

There was no maybe. This was definite. You hated to admit your best friend was right. 

Moving your hair out of your face your nails clicked away as you scrolled on Twitter to see all the red carpet looks for the night.

Like always, you were late. You sat in the back of the blacked-out truck on the way to the theater where the award show was being held. You hoped that you were still able to catch the red carpet and have a chance to take pictures.

Looking up from your phone you realized you were close to the venue and prepared to exit the car. Coming to a halt, your door was quickly opened by security and you were met with a quick flash. 

Stepping out of the vehicle with the help of security you raised your head moving your hair out of your face before waving to the fans in the crowd. Reminding yourself to give quick autographs before making your way to the main red carpet area.

As you posed many calls of your name of your name could be heard throughout. As the sound of your name filled the room his ears perked up and quickly turned to the other end of the carpet.

Standing stunned on the other end Johnny stared at your angelic state. The champagne dewdrop dress adorned your body perfectly as you posed for the cameras.

Your bronze skin glowed under the lights as the body waves draped over your shoulder graced by a diamond headpiece. 

As you walked forward he watched as you mingled amongst the other actors and gave out hugs with your dazzling smile. 

“Are you gonna talk to her or sit here and drool all over the floor?” Kenshi said snapping him out of his mind

“No, she's busy right now I would hate to interrupt her” 

Side eyeing his friend he was astonished at who stood beside him. Thee Johnny Cage who is flamboyant in anything that he does. The one who doesn't care if he stops in the middle of an interview to talk to a friend. He was whipped for you and didn't realize it. 

Still staring at you he felt as if time slowed as the two of you locked eyes with each other. He watched as your eyes widened slightly revealing your brown irises before sending a teasing wink. Your head quickly snapped back to the group of ladies you were talking to currently.

Before he could walk over he felt a tap on his shoulder.

“It's time to go over the details for you announcing tonight's winner Mr.Cage,” one of the production assistants said before guiding him to the production area

“I curious to know who will announce this award with me tonight?” he inquired

“Hmmm as of now no one Mr.Cage.” 

“Is it possible for me to request a partner?” 

As you walked towards your seat you saw someone approach you rather quickly 

“I'm so sorry this is last minute but we need you to present an award tonight.” 

You felt your nose scrunch up in confusion. You weren't notified of this months ago when people started finding out they were chosen to present. 

“I think this is a mistake. I wasn't notified of this” You smiled gently but were still confused about what the change was about

“I know and I apologize but you will just read off the teleprompter then the envelope. It is rather easy” She assured you eyes shining with enthusiasm 

Reluctantly agreeing to this you were escorted to your seat as the show began. 

You watched as the nominees won their awards and the few musical guests who were there for the night. 

Soon you were called backstage to prepare to present the award. As you waited patiently you heard two voices come backstage. Your head tilted slightly because you were under the impression you were presenting alone. Soon the voice started to become familiar. Feeling like a deer in headlights the two of you soon locked eyes before Johnny waved to you.

“Haven't seen you around sweetheart. You look stunning tonight” 

This was his plan all this time. He was getting annoyed with the cat-and-mouse game you were playing with him. It seemed like this was the only way to get to you without you running away

“This has to be a fucking joke,” you whispered to yourself 

“This was last minute as you may know. Is this ok?” the backstage crew asked.

As you nodded your head the PA disappeared just before the cameras went back live. 

“Why are you ignoring me pretty girl?” he asked

Taking a deep breath you felt your stomach flip at the pet name. 

“We’re not talking about this right now.” 

“When will we be able to? I'm tired of chasing after you sweetheart.” 

Feeling your face heat in embarrassment you quickly turned towards the stage to prepare to walk on the stage

Before words could fall out of his mouth the production assistant told you two that the show was coming back on as he placed the envelope in your hand. You heard Johnny tell you to take hold of his arm as you walked on stage. But before you could rebuttal you heard your names being called and quickly held onto his arm as you made your way to the mic.

Letting go of his arm Johnny began to speak from the teleprompter introducing the category being presented

“...Here are this year’s nominees” he finished before the lights fell for the video presenting all of the nominees played 

Once the video ended you leaned into the mic to announce the winner. As their name tumbled out of your mouth the crowd erupted into cheers as the two of you left the mic to stand on the left side of the stage.

Feeling a hand on your lower back you took a glance at Johnny with a confused face before turning back to stand in the assigned spot. 

As you watched the winner give their acceptance speech you felt Johhny’s hand move from your back to wrap around your waist 

“I'm serious we need to talk after this” he whispered in your ear

You tried to ignore the way your body went into flames at feeling him so close to you as you got a whiff of his cologne. Remaining resilient you gave a stern look before scoffing quietly and turned your attention back to the awardee. 

As the speech finished up you began to clap giving a small smile before getting escorted off stage.

Your heels furiously clacked on the floor as your name could be heard from down the hall. You went as fast as your heels could take you as you wanted to avoid all interaction with Johnny

“Slow down sweetheart please-” he started

“No! Stop following me” you spat

Lightly jogging toward you he caught up quickly before grabbing your arm 

“What do you want?” you asked 

“I want you to stop playing games with me. Not only did you get up and leave after what we did but you ignored me for weeks on end. I am tired of playing these childish games with you.”

You stood quietly trying to formulate your words to the best of your ability. He had a point. You couldn't rebuttal anything he was saying. You felt queasy. You didn't know he felt so strongly about this. You felt your nails dig into your palms as you looked up at him with no words

“Say something. Please” he whispered pushing you against the wall.

Closing your eyes you let out a shaky breath as his breath fanned over your neck placing soft but teasing kisses there causing a weak whine to escape from your mouth. 

“I know you feel the same angel just say something” he begged.

Your mind started to get hazy as you got overwhelmed feeling more kisses being placed on your neck eventually going down to your collarbone,

Becoming frustrated with your silence he swiftly grabbed the back of your neck and kissed you deeply. His free arm wrapped around you and pulled you closer to him. As he pulled away he watched as the small string of saliva connected to the two of you. 

Not getting the chance to look in your eyes you pulled away hastily and rushed down the hall to leave. Letting you leave he ran a hand over his face in frustration before going back to the award show.

On your ride home, you couldn't help but think about what he was saying. He did deserve an explanation. You hated you shut down the way that you did. 

But it was so hard for you to say what you wanted in fear of things not working out. Putting in all that effort just to end up heartbroken did make sense to you. It wasn't worth it. 

You got a text from a friend sending an address of where the after-party was being hosted. 

You swiftly changed your clothes and refreshed your perfume and makeup before heading to your car to leave for the night.

As you pulled up to the valet lane of the nightclub you exited the car and gave your keys to the valet driver.

The bass of the music blared through your ears as you tried to find your friend. Seeing a hand wave at you from the crowd you smiled as you made your way to the section she brought. Opening your arms to give out hugs you mingled amongst the crowd before being handed a shot. 

As the liquor flowed through your body you felt your body sway to the music holding your dress down as it threatened to rise. Hearing a “let's go dance!” from your friend before being dragged to the dance floor. 

Singing along to the Rihanna song that blasted through the speakers you grinded on your friend sensually enjoying the way the liquor made you feel loose.

Not caring about anything you didn't notice the way your friend's body was replaced with a firm build as they wrapped around your abdomen.

“Keep moving like that and I'm taking you home” a deep voice ringing in your ear

Freezing at the sound of Johnny’s voice you stopped your movements and tried to pull away. Holding you tighter he kissed your neck gently as you mewled softly 

"I'm not letting you go this time"

“I have to go to the bathroom” you quickly said before walking away feeling Johnny’s hand capture yours before you could get off the dance floor.

Standing outside of the women's bathroom door he waited patiently for you to come out. 

You stood against the door conflicted about what you wanted to do. Part of you wanted to leave again and the other wanted to hear him out and actually talk.

You were petrified. The liquor didn't help either. Taking a deep breath you peeked your head out and told him to come in. Making sure no one was looking he came in before you locked the door. 

“What's wrong?” 

“I wanna apologize. Ignoring you was wrong I was just…scared about what would happen between us.” you started before you got to rambling

Watching you blabber about your feelings made him smile slightly. Who knew drinking got you all sensitive like this?

Coming closer to you he cupped your face gently before kissing you passionately shutting you up.

Kissing him back you threw your arms around his neck and pushed yourself further into him. You felt him grab your waist as he set you on the sink counter before pulling away seeing a tear roll down your face

“‘M sorry” you whispered

“‘S ok pretty girl no need to cry. You didn't do anything wrong” he reassured you 

Kissing you again you moaned softly into his mouth scooting yourself closer off the sink gripping on his shirt. Feeling your body heat up at the way he rubbed soft circles on your hips you felt your panties start to stick to you 

“Please I need you bad” you whispered almost embarrassedly.

Hearing those words fall from your mouth he watched as you looked at him with soft but pleading eyes. He felt his pants get tighter at your declaration restraining himself from taking you in the nightclub bathroom.

Saying nothing he helped you down fixed your dress and pulled you out of the bathroom.

Luckily his apartment wasn't too far from where the nightclub was so it didn't take long to get to his place.

The air was tense on the ride up the elevator. As yall mouths moved with each other with each floor yall went up.

“God you’re so perfect” he admitted before kissing you again. 

He didn't expect his night to go like this but god was he grateful to have you in his arms.

Hearing the ding of the elevator the two of you stepped off before entering his apartment and holding you against the door.

Your hands found their way to his belt buckle as you started to rub up and down on his bulge. Groaning at your touch he aided you in rubbing his semi-hard on before pulling away. 

Guiding you to the couch he sat down spreading his legs before watching you drop down on your knees.

“You dont have to do this if you don't want to sweetheart” he assured you rubbing his hand over your hair and face

Telling him that it's fine you smile a little before pulling his pants down and watching as his dick popped out and tapped his abdomen slightly

You started to get intimidated by his size. Even though you’ve seen it before and it had been inside of you it was a little different trying to fit it in your mouth. 

Nonetheless, you took a deep breath before sighing and kissing along his tip hearing the way he grunted quietly as you continued kissing down his shaft before leaving a longer kiss at the base of his dick.

You gave it kitten licks before swallowing it and bobbing your head up and down. You knew your limits and you knew you couldn't take him fully but this seemed to be no problem for him as his toes curled feeling the way your cheeks hollowed to apply more pressure as he gripped your hair slightly trying not to mess it up too much. 

Mindlessly your hand drifted down between your legs to relieve yourself through your underwear as your moans sent vibrations down his shaft.

Becoming breathless he quickly pulled you off of him watching as a thin line of spit connected between your lips and his dick. Not missing the way you continued to pleasure yourself. Cursing under his breath he pulled you up on his lap before kissing you deeply. 

He was already becoming overwhelmed with you whining in his ear and grinding on top of his dick. 

Pulling down the straps of your dress he watched as your breast fell before taking your pierced nipple into his mouth and pinching the other one

Your eyes squeezed shut at the ministrations your hips moving hastily against him as your cries became louder. 

You were already becoming undone and it took nothing but a few long hard kisses, sucking him off, and playing with yourself. It was a sight to see.

“Can you play with your little clit again princess? I want you to cum just like this” he asked watching you nod slowly

Doing what he asked your hips faltered a bit as you began to give yourself long languid circles through your panties

“Fuck just like that princess. You’re so good with following directions” he praised kissing you on your temple.

“‘M so close, please can I cum?” you asked sweetly 

Giving you the green light you moaned loudly feeling your hips stutter as you came on top of him. Laying on his chest you tried your best to catch yourself not wanting to over-exert yourself. Feeling him pull your dress over your head you sat completely naked on top of him eyes fluttering.

Turning you on your stomach as you lay against his lap your eyes threatened to shut until you felt a harsh slap go across your ass cheek. Yelping from the sudden pain you cried in pain feeling tears prick in your eyes.

“I want you to count to 5 f’me ok?” He asked sweetly rubbing your stinging ass cheek

Giving a weak “ok” another harsh slap came down onto you as your sniffles became greater squeaking out a “2”

You felt yourself get wetter with every hit he gave as small tears ran down your face. As you counted the last slap your sniffles were uncontrollable as you lay limp against his lap

“That's for ignoring me for so long” he smiled repositioning you so that you laid your head on the expensive armrest with your ass up. All you heard was him undressing behind you as your crying decreased.

Coming behind you he kissed along your spine admiring the way the moonlight enhanced your skin and glowed like you were a goddess as he entered inside you watching you wither under him hearing you cry out his name

Giving you long and intentional strokes he pulled your hair gently bringing his lips to your neck and sucking on it feeling the way your throat hummed in satisfaction.

He watched your long pretty eyelashes flutter with every stroke he gave you as the tears ruined your gorgeous makeup. Your once glossed lips swollen from the consistent biting of them.

“Fuck you're so beautiful my superstar. I want you to be mine forever. Does that sound good t’you baby? I'll give you the sun the moon and the stars if you want. Anything to see you like this every night” he grunted close to releasing 

“‘S too much, s’close baby please” you whine, hands coming to your nipples to pinch and squeeze them.

“Don't have to ask sweet girl just cum for me I'm right here I got you”

At the proclamation of his words, you came undone as he felt you cream around his dick causing him to cum as well

“Shit, that's it. Thats my pretty girl keep cummin f’me superstar” he encouraged giving two more pumps before he turning you over littering kisses all over your face 

“M-my car,” you said hoarsely a little dazed trying to keep your eyes opened

“What about it baby?” He cooed watching you try to gather your thoughts

Telling him that you left it he assured you he would have someone pick it up and bring it here.

Silence fell upon the room as your ragged breaths became controlled as he continued to hold you in his arms.

“I meant what I said. I'd buy you the world knowing I have you right here by my side” 

Kissing him weakly you smiled 

“I'd like that.”

[prince-liest]

Wooo, the past two days have reminded me that I really enjoy medicine! It's just the emergency department that isn't for me, almost as if I chose family medicine for a reason, haha. (Also apparently our local ED is a shitshow. I wouldn't really know, as it's my only point of reference, and as far as I know most EDs in underserved areas are shitshows. At any rate, I lost a patient for 3 hours the other day because someone moved them without telling me and updated the chart incorrectly, and I hunted for them all around THRICE without finding them, and signed them out as Left During Treatment until someone finally called me like, "Heyyy... so did you send X to the pharmacy...?" and I was like, "They're STILL HERE???"... ANYWAY.......)

No matter what rotation we're currently on, the family medicine residents do 1.5 days of clinic a week, and half a day of didactics. ED shifts can't be interrupted, so mine are all lined up so that I have all of Tuesday in clinic, and Wednesday split between clinic/didactic. I've basically gotten only half a day off so far in the past two weeks due to the night shift schedule, but this litte two-day family medicine interlude has felt like a break in its own way, haha. Now that I'm getting a better hang of the EMR, clinic just feels very nice, and it's exactly what I want to be doing. And as part of our didactic, we spent a couple of hours today doing sports physicals for the nearby college, which was neat! Got free pizza after, too, eyy.

One small thing I really wish was standardized is that anybody on inpatient service and emergency medicine rotations had an official break, at least 30 minutes per shift (which is not a lot considering shifts are 8-10 hours for ED and 12 hours for inpatient service). Most other rotations (including even inpatient pediatrics) have an hour designated for lunch, but two of the most grueling ones don't, and what ends up happening is that even if my seniors have told me not to worry and to take a 30 minute lunch in the ED, I feel guilty doing it because everybody else is scarfing down a 10 minute sandwich at their computers while staring at the patient charts and I feel bad taking even 15 whole minutes because it's noticably 5 minutes longer than the EM resident took! And it's the same thing for my coresident that's currently on inpatient service. It's just a long time to go without a dedicated break and it's part of what makes those services exhausting.

Anyway, today and yesterday were both good and I have some things I'm sooo excited for! I got into contact with the new endocrinologist that works with our program because she does trans health care and we're going to start a trans health clinic together. The only real question, which my program director is going to be talking over with her, is figuring out how I can participate in that longitudinally, because unfortunately it doesn't count for my family medicine continuity clinic, and there are some rotations where the hour requirements apparently don't allow me so much as to take a half-day per month for a different service (lookin' at you, inpatient service - which is 6a-6p, 6 days a week, so they'd also be breaking duty hour restrictions if they put the clinic half day on one of my single weekly days off lol).

Regardless, we'll figure something out! I really, really want to do this and my PD is excited about it, so I think they will try to make something work. I'm kinda crossing my fingers that they do allow me to take one half-day per month for this even on inpatient service.

[natashaslesbian]

Best Friend Crush

Summary:

Word count: 835

Parings: (Kate Bishop x Reader)

Warnings: none :))

————

You met Kate when you were just 5 years old. You spent every second together, you walked everywhere together. If Kate was at the park, then you were too. If you were eating ice cream, Kate was too. You spent your childhood alongside each other, you experienced all the highs and lows together. You held her hand the day of her fathers funeral, and she held yours in return when you came out to your family. Kate cried for hours the day you left for college, for the first time ever you were going to be apart. Those few years went by in a flash and before you knew it, the pair of you were running havoc in the avengers compound. You were thrilled that not only had Kate managed to meet her hero but she now fought beside Clint, with you not too far behind. You have Yelena to thank for your entry into S.H.I.E.L.D, she found you outside the compound tackling photographers. Yelena managed to convince Natasha that the team needed you and after 2 years of training, you and Kate were finally official members of the team.

Tonight you were celebrating a successful mission, Tony decided that a big party was well overdue and went completely overboard inviting everyone he could think of. You had spent most of the evening attached to Kate’s hip but when an agent from S.H.I.E.L.D HQ asked to buy you a drink you scurried away with excitement at a possible new relationship. You had been single for almost a year now after your ex girlfriend cheated on you at college. Although you were heartbroken, you were excited that you would have more time to spend with Kate. Every time she was around you got butterflies, but you pushed them to one side as Kate defiantly didn’t feel the same way. You danced freely for most of the night with Amanda, she was fun and great at making you laugh. Her golden hair fell delicately across her shoulders, but your mind couldn’t help but think of Kate. How much you wished to be dancing with her, holding her.

On the other side of the room, Kate was close to crushing the glass in her hand. Watching someone throw their hands all over you, the way she was looking at you like you were hers. The archer had been wanting to tell you how she feels for weeks now but she just couldn’t pull the words together, now she was watching you dance with someone who wasn’t her. She figured she should be sad, sad that you were interested in someone else but instead her blood was boiling. This blonde didn’t deserve you, she didn’t know how you liked your coffee or what your favourite season was. Kate couldn’t watch this anymore, she wouldn’t. “Y/n I need you” you heard as you were pulled away from Amanda, you missed the daggers Kate had shot at her “Kate I’m dancing with Amanda” you said “well why aren’t you dancing with me?” Kate said, her mouth moving to quick for her brain “what?” Kate wanted you to dance with her? “I, um” she stumbled over her words as she realised her mistake, this wasn’t how she wanted to tell you. Kate pulled away and headed towards the exit. Looking back for Amanda, you found her already eyeing up another agent, holding her the way she had been holding you just a moment ago. ‘Such a flirt’ you thought

“Kate!” You called out into the empty bedroom. You had been searching for her since she ran from the party. You fell to your final idea and pulled out your phone, a small buzzing noise took your feet to the kitchen. “Kate” you said as you hung up the call “are you okay?” You asked “y/n I’m sorry” She said, her back still facing you “sorry for what?” She pulled her focus towards you followed by her shoulders and the rest of her body “I wanted it to be special, I didn’t mean to just blurt something out” Kate sniffled “what are you talking about?” You walked towards your best friend, silent wishing this was going the way you were hoping it would “I like you y/n” she said “in fact I love you” she paused again “as more than a friend” your heart felt full, she felt the same way, there was a chance this could happen. “Kate I-“ you stumbled over your words, making the archer extremely nervous “I love you too” she pulled you into her arms and the pair of you shared the most loving embrace. When she pulled back, Kates gaze met your lips, you nodded your consent. Her soft warm lips collided with yours and you could taste the lasting layer of her strawberry lipgloss. The need for air soon came and you pulled back with Kates face still in your hands. “Can I take you on a date?” She asked “tomorrow?” You suggested “tomorrow.” She confirmed.

[lavenderchqn]

Hello!! If reqs are still open may I ask for an enamel cup of rooibos tea :'). If you're taking fic suggestions too, I've been thinking about office workers au.. or where you're both forced to go to an office party and wind up drunk!!

"AIRÉN"

synopsis — after finishing your first big project at your current workplace, you as well as your secret partner are forced to attend a party full of alcohol... and well, chaos ensues pairing — alhaitham x gn!reader warnings — mentions of alcohol, being drunk, people forcing others to drink for their own amusement notes — thank you for the request! I really enjoyed adding a secretive

Keeping a secret can be gruelling, not to mention keeping a relationship undercover when it is clearly against the rules of the workplace. 

You sigh, dotting the last sentence of the report you had been writing to finish the biggest project you’d ever taken since starting to work at this job. You can barely keep your eyes open, having spent over four hours just on the damned thing. 

Your fingers ache from typing, and your brain feels like mush, but at least it’s done. You lean back in your chair, stretching your arms above your head as you glance at the clock on your desk — 1:47 p.m. Everyone else had long gone to have lunch, leaving the office in eerie silence, save for the faint hum of the fluorescent lights.

You’re muttering to yourself, trying to figure out what’s the next thing you ought to do. Well, sending the report would be the wisest thing to do, followed by having some food. And yet, despite having opened the platform, for some reason you seem to hesitate to forward the files. 

This project had been something of a breakthrough of yours. You’ve grown quite attached to the idea of it, as well as to all the people involved with it. Letting it go like that… makes you feel like you’ve lost a part of yourself. 

“Done.” Out of nowhere, Alhaitham comes over to send the report to your place, causing you quite the scare. The bloody man, who not only was the one you’ve been in a relationship with for the past few months but also the complete opposite in terms of work ethics. 

Ever since you could remember, you had always put so much effort into everything you did — school, work, hobbies… Staying to work overtime was basically second nature to you by this point. How on earth did you end up with a guy who’s out of the office the second clock strikes 5 o’clock. 

A notification ping is what gets your focus back in order, your partner still hunched over your chair. Everyone in the office has now been notified of your accomplishment. 

“Good job on that, [Y/N],” Alhaitham says, putting your laptop in sleep mode. “Time for lunch.” He says, straightening his back and offering his hand to help you stand. 

You blink up at him, still a little stunned by his sudden appearance and the swiftness with which he took over. He has a knack for stepping in at the most unexpected times, and his calm, composed demeanour always leaves you slightly off balance. 

“Could you not sneak up on me like that?” You say, placing a hand on your chest to steady your racing heart. Oh how glad you are, that the office takes the small gestures the two of you share as just being friends. You have been keeping it very lowkey, but with a person of Alhaitham’s personality, any sudden behaviour change would be noticeable. 

He raises an eyebrow, his expression unreadable but with a hint of amusement tugging at the corner of his lips. “You were so deep in thought I figured knocking would be redundant.” 

“You figured wrong,” you mutter, but a small smile betrays your annoyance. Despite yourself, you’re grateful for his presence. Even if his approach is less conventional than yours, he has a way of lightening your workload — and your mood. 

When you hesitate to take his hand, still thinking about the report and the massive effort behind it, he leans down slightly, his voice growing softer. “You’ve done enough for today. Give yourself a break. You deserve it.”

His words strike like a chord. You exhale a deep breath, finally taking his hand. As he helps you to your feet, you can’t help but notice how effortlessly he anchors you, both physically and emotionally. 

“I can’t believe you sent it without giving me a chance to go over it one last time,” you grumble as the two of you walk towards the elevator. 

Alhaitham gives you a nonchalant shrug. “If you went over it, we’d miss lunch. Besides, I know how thorough you are. There’s no way that report has a single flaw.” 

You glance at him, half-suspecting him of sarcasm, but his tone is genuine. A faint warmth spreads through your chest at the single inkling of a compliment from him, and you finally allow yourself to relax for the first time in hours. 

As the elevator doors slide open, you glance around to make sure no one’s nearby before stepping inside together. Although there’s not much risk in being caught at a place like this, having the security of nobody joining you is lovely. 

“We ought to be back at 3 p.m.,” Alhaitham says, picking the ground floor and casually leaning against the wall, his arms crossed. “Silence your phone.” 

“Where are we going?” You ask as the elevator begins its descent. 

“There’s a café down the street I’ve been meaning to try. Quiet, good food, not too crowded. Since we’re thirty minutes late to lunch there’s going to be even fewer people.” 

You arch an eyebrow. “Since when do you scout out lunch spots?” 

His lips quick into a faint smirk. “Since I started dating someone who forgets to eat whenever working on a big project.” 

Your cheeks warm at his remark, but you roll your eyes to cover it. “Well, I hope it’s as good as you say.” 

After a short while, you’ve reached your destination — the ground floor. The elevator dings and the doors open. 

The two of you barely leave the elevator when all you can hear is the hurried steps of somebody getting close to you. 

“[Y/N],” Your manager comes up to you, a cheerful smile across his face. “Congratulations on finishing the project!”

Your heart skips a beat, caught off guard by his sudden appearance. Out of instinct, you step slightly away from Alhaitham, creating a safe distance between the two of you. It’s a subtle movement, but you know your partner doesn’t miss it. It’s almost as if his perception of your behaviour doubles in power whenever at work. 

“Thank you,” You reply, managing a polite despite the knot of anxiety tightening in your chest. “It was a team effort.” 

“Nonsense!” Your manager exclaims, clapping you lightly on the shoulder. “You’d led this project beautifully. I’ve already forwarded your report to the higher-ups. They are going to be very impressed with your work.” 

“That’s great to hear.” You say though you feel like you’re barely holding onto your professional facade. Out of the corner of your eye, you see Alhaitham’s lips twitch, as though he’s holding back a smirk at your discomfort. 

Your manager continues, oblivious to the underlying tension. “From what I’ve heard, a party is going to be held to celebrate the accomplishment. Be sure to attend it, you had played the first fiddle, after all.” 

At the single mention of a work event, your chest tightens. You’re probably the second to last person who would show up to one of those — only being after Alhaitham. 

“It’s going to be mandatory.” The manager says, already predicting your decline of the offer. “The official note will probably be sent out by the end of the day. The same goes for you, Alhaitham.” The male looks at your partner with a sharp eye. Alhaitham, on the other hand, only rolls his eyes already tired at what’s about to come. 

With that, you’re left to your devices. Food first, complaining about a mandatory “team-bonding” party second… After all, you both know it’s only a means for the higher-ups to gather costs for tax returns and get drunk, nothing more, nothing less. 

You haven’t even entered the venue yet and you already feel lightheaded at the overwhelming stench of alcohol in the air. It’s far too for your liking, and you barely got here.

“The lady of the hour!~” Nilou, the only sane human resources lady as well as the person you would’ve considered your second work bestie at the company, greets you the second you enter the room with a cheerful smile on her face. “Congratulations on your project, dearie.” 

She envelops you in a warm hug, her genuine excitement so infectious that it momentarily dissipates your dread about the evening. Despite the suffocating air of the venue, her cheerful presence feels like a breath of fresh air. 

“Thanks, Nilou,” You say, managing a small smile. “I didn’t really have a choice but to show up, though.” 

She chuckles, pulling back to look at you. “I figured as much. But hey, at least there’s free food and a chance to celebrate your hard work. You deserve it.” 

You glance over her shoulder, scanning the room for familiar faces. Sure enough, there’s your manager already drunk off his mind and in a discussion with some other department head, as well as a few clusters of employees milling about, drinks in hand. Thankfully, there’s no sign of Alhaitham just yet. He’ll likely be just on time because he doesn’t get paid to show up earlier. 

Unfortunately, you manage to lock eyes with somebody near the bar and they’re already headed your way to offer you a welcome drink. 

“Bottoms up, [Y/N].” The person says, showing a glass into your palm and getting everyone present to look at you. Speak about being put on the spot… and a health code violation. You just hope Nilou has taken note of the person who offered you the drink. 

There’s a slight hesitation in your hand. From what you can gauge, what you’ve been given is an entire glass of rectified spirit — arguably the strongest alcoholic beverage out there. You just hope they won’t be idiotic enough to force-feed you these after this one.

With some drunkards posing as your coworkers egging you on, you drown the glass in one go, feeling nauseous as it goes down your throat. You will absolutely be regretting that the second you get home. You almost take a stumble, but Nilou is right there to help you steady your body and lead you to have a seat. 

“Please—“ You hiccup, getting tipsy off the singular glass already. “Give that person a stern talk…”   

Nilou’s face twists into a mix of concern and irritation. She helps you settle onto a nearby chair, patting your back gently. “I’ve got you covered.” She says, her voice firm. “Don’t worry about them. That was unacceptable and completely uncalled for.” 

Your head feels like it’s spinning, the potent alcohol hitting your system much faster than you anticipated. You try to focus on breathing, hoping to steady yourself before things get worse. Out of the corner of your eye, you catch Nilou storming off toward the offender, steps strict and purposeful and her expression unreadable. 

A few moments later, a familiar voice breaks through the haze. “It’s only six p.m. and you’re already drunk?” 

You glance to see Alhaitham standing over you, his hands crossed and an almost imperceptible crease of concern on his otherwise stoic face. For once in his life, he decided to push his hair back and dress in a grey suit. Oh fuck, he’s hot. 

“You’re late.” You mumble, your words slurring slightly as you rest your head on your hand. “Wasn’t there to save me…” 

He quirks an eyebrow, crouching down to your level. “What happened?” He says, his tone unexpectedly soft. You just hope your tipsy state is not misreading his actions. 

“Someone thought it’d be hilarious to offer her a glass of a strong spirit,” Nilou interjects as she returns, her irritation still simmering. She gestures towards the culprit, who now looks sheepish under the sharp glare of Nilou’s superiors. “Is there any possibility you’d be able to look after [Y/N] tonight, Alhaitham?” Nilou asks, taking a pause before adding. “I’m going to be on the lookout for that comedian in specific.” 

Alhaitham sighs, nodding. “Leave it to me, I suppose.” He says curtly.

“Thank you so much!” Nilou smiles at his sacrifice, promising in her mind to stand behind the male tremendously in case HR is ever on his case. 

Not leaving immediately after finding out you were drunk was the biggest mistake Alhaitham had made today. Somewhere along the way he also got tipsy… despite being the designated driver of tonight’s escapade, resulting in him having to witness your drunken antics with a mild headache. The way he had to stoop that low as to message Kaveh to get over to pick the two of you up, was unbelievable. 

“You knoww…” You start, leaning against him. “You’re so mean to everyone but me…” Archons above, you are going at this again? It was around the third time you decided to take pride in being the sole worker who Alhaitham didn’t actively despise. 

Alhaitham groans inwardly, his tipsy state making your slurred words seem both endearing and annoying. He supports you as you cling to his arm, your weight pressing against him, making it impossible to avoid your proximity. 

“You’re exaggerating,” he mutters, his voice low and almost monotone despite the slight flush on his cheeks. “I’m mean to you too, silly.” 

“You aren’t!” You insist, poking his chest weakly. “You’re all stoic and scary… but with me, you’re… kinda sweet. Not to mention… you look fucking hot in grey.” 

His lips twitch, almost forming a smirk, but he quickly composes himself. “Maybe you’re half annoying, ever thought about that?” 

You gasp, your drunken eyes widening as if he’d just confessed the world’s greatest secret. “Oh my god, you do like me more than anyone else!” 

The volume of your declaration turns a few heads, and Alhaitham instinctively glances around, his hand gently gripping your waist to steady you and keep you from attracting further attention. “Lower your voice,” He says, his tone firm despite being full of worry. 

By some sheer miracle, he makes eye contact with Nilou, who smiles awkwardly. She is fully aware you’re less than in your fullest brain space. Although, from Alhaitham’s point of view, she is not aware of your relationship… he trusts her in not reporting whatever you’re doing to the higher-ups.

Tilting her head in confusion, the redhead joins the two of you, worried for your state.

“Maybe it’s best you take her home now?” She asks, crouching slightly to check your face. “I’m worried she’ll get even more unhinged.” 

Alhaitham nods, his hand steady on your waist. “That’s the wisest decision. I appreciate the help, Nilou.” He shifts his weight, ready to guide you out of the venue. 

“Good luck,” Nilou says with a knowing smile. “If you need any help, just call me.” 

Once outside, the crisp night air hits you like a splash of cold water, slightly sobering you up but not enough to stop your drunken musings. Alhaitham leads you to the car he definitely shouldn’t be driving tonight, opening the passenger door for you. 

“Get in,” He orders gently.

You hesitate, squinting up at him. “But you drank too. Who’s driving? You can’t drive. That’s dangerous.” 

He sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Give it a minute. Just get in the car, alright?” 

Satisfied with his answer, you slump into the seat, leaning your head back and mumbling something unintelligible about being betrayed by other coworkers. You barely even notice when your words begin to slur together, not due to alcohol in your body, but from sheer exhaustion. 

“—cking hell,” A curse is what ultimately wakes you up from the lovely nap you were having. “This is the last time that group of pillocks gets me out to go anywhere.” 

“Pillock?” A higher voice questions. “Can’t believe some alcohol turns you into an old man!… Well, you do have the hair for it.” 

“Kaveh.” 

“So-Sorry!” 

Ah. So the driver must’ve been Kaveh — Alhaitham’s unrecognised best friend as well as an architect you’ve grown to become friends yourself. You decide against saying anything, your brain is far too foggy to even make coherent sentences. You’re pretty certain you’re already having the first symptoms of a hangover. 

And tomorrow? Well, you will be joined by your partner in groaning about a massive headache, luckily aided by Kaveh’s good heart… and multiple glasses of water. 

date of posting — december 27th 2024

[pbandjesse]

I did feel a lot better today. That's not to say I felt all better. But I did feel better. I was functional. And I had a pretty nice day overall.

I did not sleep well though. I literally slept with a hairbrush because I was so incredibly itchy. And my ribs hurt every time I moved. So it was not a good sleep at all. When James woke up for the day I was also a little awake. But would try and keep sleeping. It was not easy at all.

When I woke up at 9 I was pretty miserable. It was very dark outside. It was sleeting and raining and foggy for most of the day. But I was trying very hard to be positive even if I felt very bad.

I went and turned the shower on. I made the bed. And brushed my teeth. And googled my symptoms. I don't like to trust that in general but with everything I felt like I needed to see if I could find a direction. And with the itchy and the enzymes in my liver I may have found something. I sent an email to the OB office about am what I found and within the hour they were telling me to go get more blood work. I did not mind getting checked out more. I just want everything to be okay.

The shower helped. I had gotten a new body wash and it's moisturizing so I was hoping it would help the itchy. And it didn't really but maybe a little bit. I felt a little better once I was clean.

I loved my outfit. I love this sweat dress and this black sweater is my favorite. I wore my new maternity leggings and they are pretty comfortable. I felt cute and that helped my brain feel better.

I had cereal. I made it special with dried strawberries. I spent some time going through my hospital bag. Decided that it was still solid after spending the night in the hospital.

I finally got the order from the doctor's to go to the LabCorp to get my blood drawn. I was anxious about going because I hadn't been there before. It was an unknown parking situation. But it would be fine.

When I got over there I did struggle to park because of trucks double parking. And then I wasn't 100% sure where the entrance was. But I figured it out.

I didn't have a print out of the order so I had to email it which took some time for the to get. But I wasn't in a rush. A woman had her baby and he couldn't walk yet but was crawling around all over and was being so cute. She didn't speak English and was taking a while to check in so she didn't notice that baby was in my purse. Taking my wallet! It was really funny. I was just letting it happen. I was like. Baby, I need that. And I kept putting it back in and he would take it again. It was very silly.

When I finally got taken back the phelbotomist was very nice. I told them all about the drama of my blood draws this week. So they tried a tiny needle above my elbow and that went poorly! Not only did it like fall out, it made an air sound when it did that sounded like a bike tire, and I started bleeding all over everything. The tech was so nice and we were laughing but man was is ridiculous. I was fine but they were so apologetic.

They would have better luck in my hand. And I got two vials taken. I invited them to the museum. They were really sweet. I thanked them for taking my blood. And headed out.

I was in a good mood honestly. And decided I could attempt to find that last gift for James.

This ended up not working as well as I hoped. I went to the value village in Glen Burnie.

And I had fun. I'm on a show tunes kick and was enjoying listening to Chicago and looking at stuff. I found a print case for $5. A handmade baby sack jacket. A training mug from 1987. I bought a cape. And an option for a gift for James but it's not ideal ideal. I may try another place tomorrow. But I was still having fun looking.

It was really gross outside. Cold and wet. I decided to go get a sandwich. I went to Jimmy John's. But I even after eating it was a bit to early to go to the museum. So I went home.

When I got back here I just rested for a while. Played animal crossing. Fixed my eyeliner. I think I was able to get all of my earned vacation time from camp so I will be able to meet my savings goal! That made me happy.

I did get an email from Paula at the museum though that I accidentally didn't get paid for my last two events. Oops. I checked and my paycheck was $35. She apologized and my next check will have everything. So between camp and that I will be in a pretty excellent place as I go into a very slow month.

I left here at 4 so I could see James before they came home. Traffic was bad but it was fine. I got to the museum by 430. And was really happy to see my husband.

I was also just excited to work with Meril. Love working with Meril. But there was some catering drama so she was a little distracted at times. It would still be a really fun evening.

I went and made a chase for the couple. And they were such a sweet couple and were so excited to see the print. And their guests really liked it too!

The museum felt very full and busy, because of the weather they had so many people waiting inside. And everything was a bit chaotic. But it was still nice. I wish I had gotten more deviled eggs from the caterers but because the wedding started a half hour late everything was a bit thrown off. But that's alright.

I enjoyed my time printing. And handsome lovely conversations with guests. And with my coworkers. It was really nice having all the galleries open. And the couple gave us $50 tips each! That is so nice.

Because the timing was all off the dinner wasn't going to be available to staff until 830. I didn't want any of it anyway so when we were done we just chilled at the front desk talking for a while. I was telling them about how much I enjoy half birthdays. And we were all just chatting and it was nice. But when Meril said we could chose to leave now if we didn't want to wait for food I was like. Oh perfect. I will go home.

And that was perfect timing because I was getting a pain in my side. Which thankfully now has gone away after sitting on the couch for a while. Thankfully my back never started hurting but I won't lie, I was getting nervous in the car with my side hurting so bad.

Traffic was still bad. And it was tough to find a parking space when I got home. But someone left once I circled the block. And James had a quesadilla for me when I got inside.

We laid on the couch together for a while. And now I am just very ready to get in bed. I feel itchy again. But hopefully it's not as bad tonight.

I hope tomorrow is a calm down. I hope you all have a lovely day. Take care of yourselves. Goodnight!

[hb-writes]

Ch. 6 - I Win

I win. That's what I do.

Charlie laid awake in bed listening to the sound of her brother moving through their apartment. She rolled over, glancing briefly at the clock on her nightstand. It was barely 5:30, but Harvey had forced Charlie out of bed even earlier the previous Saturday to accompany him on a run so she was surprised he hadn't barged in to wake her yet.

Maybe he was growing soft now that the dust had settled. It had settled…for the most part. The tension had eased between them, and Charlie had shifted towards accepting her fate. Even if things were still a mess for Harvey at the office, some semblance of peace had settled back into their lives.

Two knocks sounded on Charlie's bedroom door. Harvey's muffled voice filtered in from the hallway.

"Time to get up."

Charlie nestled in the covers as Harvey's footsteps receded. She was in that in-between space, the one where if she closed her eyes, she could easily drift back there, could easily pick up right where she'd left off.

It would've been nice, staying in bed for a few more hours. Even without her laptop or cell phone to keep her occupied. School had been grueling this week, and she had spent her afternoons and several late evenings holed up at Harvey's office waiting to go home. She was feeling spent. She didn't know how Harvey wasn't.

The latch clicked a few minutes later as Harvey pushed her door open. Charlie pretended not to hear it, pretended to still be asleep.

"Get up, Charlie."

Charlie groaned. It was still dark in the room, still dark outside, too, she figured since Harvey had the lights on out in the hall, a sliver of it spilling across the floor and hitting Charlie's face.

"Leave me alone."

Charlie turned away from the light, away from her brother.

"I'll leave you alone when you're done being grounded," he offered, flicking on the lights.

Charlie groaned again, pulling the blankets over her head to keep out the light. "Go without me. I'll just slow you down."

Harvey ignored that. She complained about working out with him, made excuses like that to try to get out of it, but he knew it was more a complaint on the early hour than anything else. And Harvey liked having his sister come along, regardless of the pace it set for his run. "Come on. I want to be in the office by 8."

She shushed him, letting the sound persevere even as Harvey walked into her room, nearing her bed.

"We're heading out in ten minutes."

The lump under the covers was unresponsive now. Harvey watched her for a moment before setting his coffee cup down.

Charlie had heard it, the click of the ceramic against her nightstand, and she shifted, unsure exactly what she needed to protect herself from, but preparing all the same.

Harvey knew his sister. He knew he needed to make eye contact or she'd just roll back over until he barged in again, so Harvey grasped the blankets and pulled them from Charlie's grasp.

Charlie let out a quick protest, some mix between and groan, a whine, and Harvey's name coming out of her mouth before she swiftly pulled one of the pillows over her head to save her sleepy eyes from the blinding light. Harvey took that, too, rolling Charlie on her back so he could see her face.

"Charlotte, come on. Let's—"

Charlie pushed her brother's hand away, baring her teeth. "Get your stinking paws off me, you damned dirty ape!"

Harvey's face broke into a smile and he dropped his hand from her. "Planet of the Apes, nice one," he chuckled, tossing the pillow at her. "We leave in ten minutes."

Charlie hummed, already falling back against the pillows and pulling the blankets over her again, ready to snuggle back in their warmth.

"I mean it. Ten minutes, alright?" Harvey repeated.

"Yeah, alright," Charlie answered from her cocoon of bed covers, satisfying Harvey well enough as he left, closing the door behind him as he went.

Harvey had taken his coffee cup with him, but the nutty scent had already gotten in her, a small bit of encouragement that finally had her shaking free from the covers a few minutes later. Charlie lifted her arms above her head as she stepped out onto the small balcony outside her bedroom, a slight chill in the damp morning air. She leaned over the balcony edge, looking down at the empty street below. They were up before the sun once again—the sun probably wouldn't be coming up until they were on their way back, maybe even later than that if Harvey let them cut it short.

She doubted it though.

Charlie receded to her bedroom to find something to wear on her run—leggings and an old long sleeve t-shirt. Her drawers—and her room, in general— were so well organized after a week of grounding and she smiled to herself. It had taken her hours to clean her room, but she was rather proud of it now. It just felt better being organized, everything in its proper place.

Charlie figured that was probably why Harvey liked everything in the apartment 'just so.' She figured that was why he was always telling her to clean her room and respect her stuff—the stuff he bought her.

Charlie knew she should have respected it more. Appreciated it more. She lived a privileged life under her brother's care. It hadn't always been that way and Charlie remembered that. She was thankful to Harvey even if she sometimes forgot to tell him. Even when she forgot to act like it. She was grateful that Harvey always took good care of her, providing for her in ways that most people could only dream of—even when he was mad at her. Even when she didn't feel she deserved it.

The apartment was dark aside from the hallway and the light above the table. Harvey had only lit the spaces he needed—to read his weekend paper and to wake his sister. Charlie settled into the chair beside him, rubbing the sleep from her eyes as she yawned.

Harvey set down his mug and Charlie slid it to her, cradling the warm ceramic as she took a sip and stared out the window. Harvey glanced at her over the paper.

Charlie smiled behind the mug as she turned back to find him still watching. "What?"

Harvey shook his head. "Nothing," he said as he looked back to his paper.

Charlie stole a strawberry from her brother's half-empty plate and he lowered the paper to look at her once again.

"You know that you can get your own." Harvey nodded towards the kitchen. "I make enough money to support both of us eating a well-balanced breakfast."

Charlie shrugged. "Yours is closer."

If she had woken up early enough, Harvey would have offered to make her a breakfast of her own—an omelet and berries and toast. Not that Charlotte was usually hungry at this hour. Her stomach was about as awake as the rest of her.

She took a singular bite of toast, setting the remainder back on Harvey's plate. "Do I have any text messages?"

Harvey set the newspaper down and tilted his head as he looked at her. "Excuse me?"

"You took my phone like a week ago. I just wondered if I had any messages." Charlie focused intently on sipping her coffee—Harvey's coffee.

Harvey grunted in amusement as he folded up the paper and set it aside without answering. He pried the coffee mug from her hands, taking it with him as he stood, pushing his sparsely filled plate towards her. "Finish that and let's go."

"Aw, c'mon," Charlie groaned as she picked up the plate, trailing behind him as he walked toward the sink. "I just want to know if I have a social life once you're done keeping me prisoner."

Charlie hadn't asked him about her phone at all until now, either too scared of how he'd react to her asking or realizing it would be a lost cause. Either way, Harvey had no idea whether or not his sister had any text messages. He'd shut the thing off the moment he took it and had stashed it away, barely thinking about it.

Harvey leaned against the counter, looking at her as he took a sip of the coffee. She was still looking at him though, waiting for an answer, and Harvey's eyes slid from her to the food on the plate.

Charlie picked up the toast and took a dutiful bite, Harvey's point well-enough made as he put his empty mug in the sink and went to wait for her by the door.

Charlie jogged a few paces behind Harvey as he looked back to her, the pace so casual that he barely seemed affected by it though Charlie was breathing hard, her side starting to sting a little with each inhale.

She didn't like running—hated it a bit, actually. She wasn't entirely sure why people put themselves through it, but Harvey had run for as long as she could remember. And she liked spending time with her brother, so she came with him from time to time. Not usually at this ungodly hour, mind you, but if he happened to be going at a reasonable time, Charlie sometimes joined him.

But since she was grounded, Charlie didn't have a choice in the matter. She felt as though she'd been attached to his hip whenever she hadn't been at school over the past week. She'd been on more runs in that time than she had been in the month before, all of them in the dark, in the early morning hours before the sidewalks had an opportunity to become overtaken by tourists.

"Keep up, Char," Harvey said, the words someplace between encouragement and directive.

"I thought you weren't mad at me anymore." Charlie huffed as she sped up to meet him at an intersection. Harvey was still jogging in place, but Charlie had stopped moving altogether, holding onto her side as a particularly sharp pain hit her.

"I'm not mad," answered, his gaze shifting to the short line of traffic.

"Then can we slow down a little?" she asked, even though they had slowed considerably from the pace Harvey had started her out on.

"It's not supposed to be easy. And you need to stretch. Before and after," he said. "You're out of practice."

"Thanks, Harv," she scoffed, eyeing the street. The traffic had all passed. They were safe to cross even though they didn't have the walking sign, but Harvey hadn't moved. "You really know how to make a girl feel good about herself, you know that?"

Harvey stopped jogging, half a frown playing on his lips. "I didn't mean it like that, Charlie."

"Road to hell. Good intentions. You know the rest," Charlie said, waving him off though she had sensed an opportunity in his sudden concern and understanding. "Can we go home?"

Harvey snorted. "We're not nearly done."

"What if we sprint? We can race back. Make it interesting," Charlie asked, just wanting it to be over, desperate for a glass of water and a shower, and maybe even some of that stretching Harvey suggested she should be doing.

Harvey didn't answer right away, but Charlie didn't bother waiting for an answer, quickly checking for traffic before sprinting away from him in the direction of their building.

She knew she was unlikely to win a race against her brother—not a fair one, at least. Where Charlie was short, Harvey was tall. Where she was slow, her brother was quick. Harvey was athletic, always had been. But Charlie was clever, and she explored the ins and outs of their neighborhood more than Harvey did, more than Harvey knew.

Not bothering to look behind her to note his progress, Charlie took a quick left toward the housing complex. She knew it was faster than taking the main streets. Faster than going around the perimeter even if she had to move through the little playground at the center. Charlie pumped her limbs harder than she believed herself able, pushing herself despite the searing burn in her lungs at each breath and the pinching in her side.

She was close. So close. Just a few blocks and an avenue away as she came out the other side of the complex, and she was suddenly grateful for the hour. Grateful for the empty sidewalks and the minimal traffic that stood between her and the apartment.

The front of their building was vacant as it came into view and Charlie slowed to a walk, nursing the stitch in her side as she moved towards the revolving door. She smiled at Victor as she came into the lobby.

"You're grounded?" he asked as she paused briefly at the front desk to say hello.

There were three people who regularly staffed the front door of the building. Victor had the most variable hours, regularly taking the overnights and filling in for any other odd shifts that needed to be covered, whatever fit around his class schedule.

It had taken Charlotte months to establish any type of relationship other than a professional one with the door man, but they were now what Charlie considered to be friendly. Most people were friendly with her simply based off of her association with Harvey, but her relationship with Victor seemed different. She liked to believe that it wasn't just because of her brother that Victor humored her when she stopped by. It wasn't Harvey who sometimes ordered a coffee and two pastries while stopping at the coffee shop on the way home from school, one for Victor. It wasn't Harvey who was asking him questions about his life, about the city from his point of view, keenly aware that he experienced it differently than she did. It wasn't Harvey who was genuinely interested in the answers.

He planned to be a math teacher when he finished up his degree, and when he saw her toting a calculus book to and from school at the start of the semester, he'd told her to stop by if she ever needed help. She'd taken him up on it twice.

And Charlie knew Harvey tipped him well for it. He tipped everyone well, but he liked Victor, too. Liked the kid's work ethic. Liked that he looked after Charlie in a way, even though he'd never explicitly asked that he do it.

Charlie narrowed her eyes. "Harvey told you?"

Victor shook his head and pulled a paper coffee cup to his lips. Charlie could smell it, knew the brew and the logo of the cup from the shop down the street.

"I never see you at this time on Saturday mornings."

"And you hopefully never will again, but I should go," Charlie said as she stepped toward the elevator, groaning when she realized that she didn't have the key card to let her up into the apartment. "Can you let me up? Harvey has the key."

Victor didn't answer, but she heard a buzzer and the elevator doors closed as she leaned back inside. Charlie propped her foot against the wall, diligently stretching out her calf muscles.

When she looked up, the elevator had arrived at their apartment.

And she could see Harvey smirking from behind the kitchen island. He chuckled as she dropped her foot to the floor, her lips quite distinctly forming the word 'goddamnit' as she waited for the doors to open.

"That damn Victor," she huffed as she stepped into the room. "He let me prattle on down there, didn't even tell me you were already here."

"I swore him to secrecy," Harvey answered. "And bribed him with coffee."

Charlie's mouth fell open in surprise. So Charlie wasn't the only one who bought the man coffee sometimes…

"How?" she asked, mystified by the fact that her brother had had enough time to buy a coffee and negotiate with Victor all before she made it to the building. "How is this even possible? I ran so fast."

It had certainly felt like it to Charlie, anyway.

"I win. That's what I do."

"No, I win. That's what I do," she corrected, more wishful thinking and trash talk than anything else. Charlie crossed the room and put her head down on the counter.

Harvey pushed a tall glass of water in her direction.

"Maybe you win with other people. But remember, everything you've learned, you learned from the master." Harvey tapped himself on the chest.

"Well, master, I hope you're proud of yourself." She shifted her head so she could look at him, not bothering to lift her head. "You beat an out of shape sixteen-year-old with short, chubby legs in a race."

Harvey frowned at her description. Kids could be so unsure of themselves, especially at Charlie's age, and his sister had always been quick to point out her self-perceived flaws before someone else ever got the chance.

"Don't do that to yourself."

"Do what?" she asked, finally lifting herself off the counter to sip innocently from the glass of water.

"You know what."

Charlie waved him off again. "We can't all be Harveys and Donnas in this life. Most of us are just common peasants."

"You're not a common peasant, Charlie," Harvey argued, though he couldn't stop himself from laughing as he said it. "But you are partially right." Harvey gave her a grin, his face tilting as if he was trying to catch the best light across the handsome lines of his face. "I am rather good looking, aren't I?"

Charlie snorted. "If you find that pretentious 'I spent $500 on this haircut and need more time in the mirror than my teenage sister' type good looking, then sure."

"Excuse me?"

Charlie shrugged, stifling her laughter.

As much as he worried about his sister's issues with body image, Harvey cared about his appearance too. He just wasn't self-conscious about the fact that he cared. He knew how the game of life worked. Looking good mattered. It determined how you were to be treated, whether he agreed with it or not.

"You know, everyone who meets you proceeds to tell me how much you look and act just like me, so I'd be careful with your insults if I were you."

"I don't look a thing like you," she answered with a simple shake of the head. "You and Marc both look just like Dad. And luckily for me, that means there is no way I look like you."

Charlie smiled, quirking her eyebrows in a jest, but the amusement didn't reach her eyes. Harvey and Marcus weren't her full brothers. Gordon Specter wasn't her father, not where biology was concerned. She wasn't a Specter by birth, only through adoption. Only because her mother had used her married name on Charlie's birth certificate.

Harvey set down his glass of water, feeling the slight shift in the tension of the room. The topic didn't come up often, but each time it did, Harvey realized that his sister was still processing. Maybe she always would be processing.

Charlie noted the shift too. Saw the look Harvey was giving her, the one she knew usually precipitated a more serious conversation.

"I'm going to shower," she said, not even making it two steps before Harvey came around the counter to stop her.

Charlie held up a hand to cut him off. "It's okay, really. I shouldn't have even said it."

Harvey's hands settled on her shoulders anyway, disregarding her attempts to dismiss him. "Charlie, listen to me. He is your father. And I am for damn sure your brother. I don't give a shit what the DNA says. You're more Specter than you are anything else."

The deep breath Charlie took hurt her chest, more than any of the running had. She often questioned how she had gotten so lucky with her father, with Harvey and Marcus. Charlie supposed that she had her mother to thank for them. Lily had been the one to drop her off at Gordon's house with little more than the clothes on her back. She had been the one to sign away her parental rights as if they were nothing. Lily had been the one who thought Charlie would be better off with her ex-husband, the father of her then-grown boys.

There were moments when Charlie thought about how she'd come to be where she was. How she'd come into their lives. And she often couldn't help but be surprised that the Specter men didn't hate her. She didn't understand how Gordon had had it in him to care for her. How Harvey and Marcus could tolerate her presence. After all, Charlie's conception was essentially the thing that broke up their family for good. She wouldn't have blamed them for not wanting anything to do with her.

Charlie started when Harvey's hand forced her chin upwards. He knew where his sister's mind went in quiet moments like these. The bullshit she contemplated and wondered about.

"Kiddo," he prompted, his voice carrying such gentle kindness that Charlie choked back at the profound tightness making her throat feel raw.

Charlie didn't want to cry. She didn't want to break. It had only been a joke. It had been lighthearted. But still, she didn't say a word, unsure if there was anything she could say without losing her resolve.

Harvey shifted his hand to Charlie's shoulder and he pulled her into his chest. "Dad loved you best of all. You know that."

Harvey felt Charlie's body start to shake at that and part of him regretted saying the words even if it was a truth she had needed.

Harvey had always had a special bond with his father. He had never once doubted the man's love or support. And he knew that Gordon was like that with each of them. He had expressed it best with his sister, though. Harvey thought it was because she was a girl, and it came a little easier. Charlie had needed more reassurance, more attention. By the time Gordon adopted her, he was in a better position to give those things than when he had been raising the boys. He was a different man than the one who had raised him and Marcus. With his work life winding down, and Marcus and Harvey were pretty much grown and on their own, Charlie had arrived at the perfect time.

Harvey settled his chin on top of Charlie's head. She was still in his arms, other than the feel of her steadying breaths, but out of some unspoken principle, he never let her go until she initiated. Until she pulled away.

Charlie knew not to always expect the same type of response from her brother in public that he might offer in the privacy of their own home. And she knew that he didn't share his own emotions unless it was for her benefit. Everything else stayed locked up inside. While her father had come to a point in his life where he was emotionally available to her, Harvey struggled with that level of openness about his feelings. Still, he tried. He tried to be more like his father, more present, if only for Charlie's sake.

Harvey's hand rubbed up and down her back, each stroke settling her breathing. "I know you miss Dad. I miss him too," he said, the words quiet.

Charlie took a big breath as she pulled away, pushing herself onto the stool beside her as she ran a sleeve of her shirt across her face.

"I do miss him sometimes," she confirmed with a gentle nod of her head. A weak smile. Charlie thought about their father most days, often reminded of him by the most mundane things, the most fleeting thoughts. There was a time when it had been nearly unbearable—the hurt. The loss. There were moments when it still was, but more often than not she was okay. Time was funny in that way.

She rubbed her eyes again before looking to her brother once more. "Thank you, Harvey.

"For what?"

"You know what."

Harvey nodded, leaning forward to place a kiss on her forehead.

"Anything for you, kid."

LTLB Masterlist (Everything)

LTLB Masterlist (Chapters)

Chapter 7

[akwolfgrl]

Of fur and fangs part 5

John watched as his mate walked away, his scent lingering in the air. A heady addicting mix, John could smell - his dry cleaned clothes, his shampoo, his soap. He could smell the chemicals he had been working with. The scent of cold parchment and blood that marked him as a vampire. But most importantly, he could smell sandalwood, smoke, and cinnamon. He smelled like danger and adventure. It lingered and swirled about in the air. Mike's scent of Sunday roast faded in his mind. The wolf was pleased with the mate he chose. The vampire Sherlock was smart, interesting, and his eyes spoke of danger, of fire, of the thrill of the hunt, of blood and pain. He would make for a very fine mate for them. His wolf whined, desperate to chase after the tall vampire.

“Yeah, he’s always like that.” Something about the tone in Mike’s voice told him Mike planned for this. Mike always had enjoyed playing cupid, John just never figured out how Mike was so good at it, that wasn't the only odd thing about his old friend; but to John's knowledge Mike was human.

“You knew, didn’t you?” John asked, knowing the answer already.

Mike chuckled. “Of course. You two need each other. Now you’re hooked and won’t be cutting off your nose because of spite.”

John looked back at Mike, tempted to argue for a moment, but Mike had a good point. After all, werewolves only had one mate. It would be stupid to ignore this opportunity.

“I owe you one, Mike," John told his old friend, finally seeing a brighter future for himself.

Mike just grinned. “Just invite me to the wedding.”

John felt lighter than he had in quite a while. His wolf was feeling quite content. They had to head back for the last time to the small bedsit to pack before starting their new life. It took all of half an hour to pack all of his things, save for the laptop. It all fits in a duffel bag and a single box. His gun and RAMC mug carefully wrapped up in an old pair of socks. John would be sleeping as a wolf once again, as usual. It kept the nightmares at bay. The wolf was about here and now. The wolf cared little for the past unless it affected the present. The rest of the afternoon and evening were spent trying to find out anything and everything about his mate.

“The science of deduction. Interesting title," John spoke aloud to the empty room.

What the vampire had said back at Bart’s was beginning to make a bit more sense. John still had no idea how Sherlock did what he did. John shut his laptop down and packed it away. Taking off his clothes , they didn’t like the feel of the collar while they slept - and put the dirty clothes in a plastic bag before he shifted. His bones cracked and popped, his skin tore as his body forced itself into a new form. Fur erupted from his skin, covering his body. They shook the remaining pain away. He was used to the pain that came with a shift. On average, a born werewolf like himself takes about ten to fifteen minutes to shift. A werewolf that had been turned took longer since they had a tendency to resist the change and the pain that came with it. John and his wolf had both agreed to practice shifting over and over again until they were able to do it between five and seven minutes. They hated the way Harry had stared at them while they shifted. The ability had come in handy when they went to war. It didn't do them much good to be fast healers if they left themselves open and vulnerable for too long

[dreamerwriternstargazer]

Study Day

So I’ve been studying non stop today, for about… okay well I actually studied as in wrote notes for about 4-5 hours I think, a lot of the time I spent doing a mixture of reading and thinking, and self soothing when a panic attack started to crop up (note; hitting or drumming my fingers over my heart helps in a similar manner to drumming my fingers on my temples)

Have I been as productive as I would like to and remember being in the past with A-levels or even last year with uni? No, I really needed to go slow and take these notes because this is A LOT of content and it took me a while to comprehend it since it’s a lot of new concepts all at once. I spent yesterday oscillating between soothing and reading because the work was quite new and complex, and then today making notes slowly

However I’m getting a grasp on it, I’m fascinated by how this course is approaching the idea of landscapes and environment (and it’s helping me understand fully some video essays I’ve watched on Studio Ghibli films, in fact it’s giving me more ideas to expand on those essays with)

I’m going slow at first because this feels like foundation knowledge that I’ll come back to a lot later so I want to be sure I’m synthesising information correctly.

I spent most of today going over how environmental transformation in Holland was connected with national identity and therefore Netherlands’ art in the 1700s and looking at the different facets of “landscape”, landscape as art (representation), landscape as an action (to landscape the environment) and landscape as a political entity (a boundary around a certain area of land)

Now I’ve moved onto Landscapes as sacred places, how they symbolise different ideas of divinity for different religions

As I was studying I figured out a good way to save myself some money and avoid a goodnotes subscription; export my notebooks to my iCloud Drive once I’m done and then I can still make my 2 free notebooks on the app. Yes I could pay a one off price of £26 but I can’t justify it yet.

I also figured out how to use the tape feature (it looks like tape in your notebook!) and the sticky notes feature, which you can leave on the page or collapse sort of like a pop up thing in your own notebook which is so fun ^_^

So, productivity. Not as great as it used to be, but I’m getting there. Between a new topic of study and the low thrum of anxiety and easing back into studying? I am probably not doing terribly. (I’m trying to be nice to myself here)

I’m using the half term just to catch up on studying, I’ve only 2 outings planned so Insha’Allah I’ll have caught up and set a good study schedule in place for term time.

It feels like I’ve been studying all day, I mean I have I’ve been sitting here fixated on it all day but I don’t have as much as I wished I would to show for it.

*bites lip*

Being nice to myself. Yes.

I also made sure to eat breakfast and lunch but after my work flow got interrupted to help clean up an hour ago, meh I don’t feel interested in cooking or eating dinner, or getting back to work (hence my wandering on tumblr)

But this is still better self care than A-levels, I’m going to finish some apple slices and then shower and go to bed since I want to wake up early to continue studying Insha’Allah

[fallenstuffstuff]

I decided to mix two promts in one chapter, so I spent two days writing it. I hope it't fine with the rules TwT

Here we go!

⁰ fandom: Bungou Stray Dogs

⁰ 5. "it's a new day, let's go" & 6. "I'm not giving up,"

Part 5.1

They spent the rest of that day wandering around and checking out what was where. By the end of the day they already knew how to get to the hotel, from the hotel to St. Mark's Square or to the port from which you could get to the mainland in Italy. In the evening they managed to exchange a few words with the receptionist, who changed their room for the rest of their stay. Tachihara was very happy about it, he didn't have to sleep on the floor anymore, they got two separate rooms. Finally a normal night...

The next day Tachihara was still asleep when someone knocked on his room door. He blinked. Was it the hotel staff? No, then they would have knocked on the main door and not from his room. He slowly sat up in bed. The sun was barely shining through the curtains, so it was morning already... Someone knocked again. He got up quickly, rubbing his eyes, went to the door, and opened it.

"It's a new day, let's go!"

Gin said, standing in front of him. She looked like she was ready to go. Even though she had a mask on her face, you could see that she was smiling.

"What-"

Tachihara quickly ran his hand through his hair, shaking the last of the sleep from it.

"Okay, give me a moment..."

He said and went to grab some clothes. Then, he headed to the bathroom to change and brush his teeth. He probably had never seen Gin rush him in his life - Is she the same with Akutagawa?

He made it in less than ten minutes. And in less than ten minutes, they were on the street. There were a lot of people on the streets. Some dressed normally, like tourists. Others, mostly along the canals, in masks. They were lavishly dressed, in dresses or tailcoats, representing some historical figure or not. They looked quite... mysterious. Like criminals. But they knew that in this case they shouldn't be criminals. It's a kind of local tradition. They headed to St. Mark's Square. There were a lot of people there!

Part 5.2

Sometimes, you had to squeeze through them to get through. Most of them stopped to take pictures. Is that how tourists behave? So as not to arouse suspicion, Tachihara also took a few pictures. But he had to keep an eye on Gin the whole time. While there was no problem with the actors, because each of them occupied their own piece of land to present their fancy costumes, the tourists walked everywhere. But thanks to that, it was easier to pretend that he wasn't looking for the necessary information at all. Tachihara kept an eye on Gin the whole time, who was also closely observing the tourists and other people. A few times, it seemed to them that they were passing someone they knew on their trip, but maybe it was just a false intuition. The truth is that it was interesting despite everything. After a few hours of walking, they stopped on the side. They were slightly tired.

"Wait a moment..."

Tachihara said, looking at Gin. However, she showed no signs of tiredness. Maybe because she was eating breakfast and he didn't make it. Dinner too.

"Did you notice that too?"

The redhead asked, leaning against the wall and crossing her arms. The black-haired girl looked at him, waiting for him to say what he meant.

"These people... no, something's wrong. Even in Yokohama, tourists aren't so... fake... do you think it could be a cover?"

Gin shrugged. It was obvious that she was thinking about it as well. There was something to it... but what...? They didn't know exactly. He ran his eyes over the two people who had just passed them. No... They seemed... normal to them...? Maybe not all of them, but still...

"Okay, come on. I'm not giving up. We'll walk until noon, and then let's head back home and discuss what we know, 'kay?"

Tachihara finally said, stopping leaning against the wall. This time, he went in the opposite direction to St. Mark's Square. And Gin followed him

[aajjks]

TC!dad!JK

you’re trying to not get upset, you really are but there’s this itch you so desperately want to scratch and it has everything to do with your husband. he’s been through a lot in his life and you know that what he saw pushed him to the edge that day. but if it weren’t for this miracle, he wouldn’t be holding you right now.

he would be in a coffin buried with his son and you would be all alone trying to ‘figure it out’ and prepare your daughter for something neither you or her know much about.

even if he didn’t push through for you, he didn’t try to for the sake of his own children and that’s what hurt you the most. you don’t know what he’s seen in his life or what he’s been through. remember, you STILL know only little of his mother despite you both being married for over 5 years.

when you finish fighting against your husband, you just stand there in his embrace listening to all that he has to say: he’s sorry, he didn’t mean it, he was selfish, he loves you, and it all comes from the bottom of his heart. he’s pleading for you to stay because he needs you; you need each other.

“you don’t need me” you say and to avoid looking jungkook in the eye, your eyes look in another direction to keep from crying or screaming in his face. you won’t blame him for what happened because he was at his lowest and felt as though the only way to atone for his sins was to take his own life.

everything you knew and spent time building with him fell apart, crumbling you with it. how can you sit here and act like ‘oh, everything’s okay’ when neither of you are? nothing is okay anymore including you two.

you sigh “okay, i’ll stay”

and you do. you stay until jungkook falls asleep which took him awhile because he would jump in and out of his sleep; nightmares we call them. but when he seemed to be in a deep sleep, you left the room, shut the door behind you, and head to the physicians office to check on jinseoul who is sound asleep in bed.

your next stop is ae-cha’s room then areum’s, jawon’s, the twins, and last, jaehan. you don’t sleep much nowadays and that’s because your anxiety is at an all-time high. instead of going back to bed with jungkook, you sit outside at the royal garden and watch the flowers move with the cold gusts of wind.

you pull your knees up to your chest, lean your head down on your knees, and sit out there until—

~🫧

When he wakes up the next day, he’s all alone in your old bedroom you’re not there, so the king is disappointed, depressed and ashamed. He reluctantly gets up from the bed and leaves for his own chamber.

But the thing that he’s so relieved about is that the fact his children are all safe, he almost jeopardized your relationship, this empires future because he couldn’t deal with the fact that one of you might actually be dead, he cannot live without any of you, and that’s really selfish of him, but it is the truth.

You guys are his driving force and you are what keeps him going, how will you ever see that? What would have you done if you saw him like that? If you had seen jinseoul like that, he was sure your heart would’ve failed on the spot.

And yes, he wasn’t strong enough to even pull through for the children or your sake, Not when you feel like that, you’re the reason that one of your children died. Not when everyone you love ends up dying.

He was Just doing the world a favor, but now he’s glad that you actually saved him, and that his son is alive and he was able to avenge him.

All Because of you

It is a cold day in goryeo, Jungkook still insists on taking a cold bath, he’s washing himself away so roughly like everything that he’s done will wash away too.

But he knows that is not the truth. He can’t undone what he did to you, you have every right to be upset with him because you cannot take so much, if jinseoul is his son, he’s yours too, you gave birth to him.

After sitting in the tub filled with water for hours he finally comes out of it & dresses up to head to check up on his children, especially jinseoul.

And now the king is smiling, like nothing is wrong, pretending to be happy in front of his children, acting like he never did anything to give their mother trauma.

“Hi children.” Jinseoul tries to get up from the bed and pay respect to his king and bow, but jungkook doesn’t want him to do that because at the end of the day, he’s just his father, who is here to see his recovering son.

All the children lineup and they bow to their king. “Jinseoul… how have you been feeling? I talked to Dr. Lee and he said that you’ll be able to shift into your own room in a few days and then we can start doing some exercises to get you to walk again.” Jungkook smiles, giving the good news to his children, who are really excited to hear that your brother is going to be all fine.

Jungkook then looks over to the large room to see if you’re there, but you’re not, “Ae-Cha… where is your mother?”