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[woso-dreamzzz]

Master Builder

Lauren Hemp x Reader

Summary: You work at Legoland

You spent most of your time tucked away in your workshop, isolated from the rest of the world.

Your work was repetitive most of the time, forcing Lego bricks together and gluing them in place, but you loved it. You had done a lot to become the head Master Builder of the Legoland Windsor Resort and sitting in your little room with your earphones in and nothing but Lego bricks was soothing.

You got to do what you loved day-in, day-out and watch as your creations got displayed around the theme park.

You weren't used to having people in your workspace (all of your coworkers knew not to interrupt you while you were building) so you didn't expect the thunder of feet on the stairs as you worked on your life size model of a leopard.

You paid no mind to it though. Sometimes the park booked schools to come look at the workshops and as the head Master Builder, they always ended up in your one last.

Sure, little kids were a bit annoying and always tried to touch your models but you could tolerate them for the ten minutes they spent in your room.

So, you didn't even turn around as you dug through your drawer of black bricks.

Arms wrapped around your shoulders and a familiar wet kiss was placed on your cheek.

You wiped it off in disgust and tore off your headphones, whipping your head around to glare at the offender.

Chloe Kelly grinned back at you.

"Must you do that?"

"Course I do!" She said," Only the best for Mrs Hemp!"

"The fact that you think you're the best is very arrogant," You replied, hunching back over your model with the black brick you had fished out.

"y/n's our head master builder," The tour guide said," It seems that she knows a few of you already..."

"You can leave them here," You said," I can take them from here."

"Are you sure? You're-"

"I'm nearly done. Can you call the site team and get them to move this outside the gift shop?"

"Of course."

You glued on your last piece and took your usual photo of the model before turning around to face the rest of the Lionesses. You hadn't met many of them in person apart from the City girls, whom you each greeted, but your eyes were immediately drawn to your wife.

Like whenever she ended up at your work, she was digging through the drawers of your mini models.

"If you're going to take some of them," You said," Then I'm going to need some of my other ones back. You're robbing me blind, Lauren."

She smiled at you. "You can make more. What's yours is mine, right?"

You rolled your eyes. "You're so lucky we're married."

She pressed a little kiss to your lips. "I know."

You picked out a few little parrots and a wolf for Lauren to put in her bag. "I didn't know you were coming today."

"It was meant to be a surprise. We've got the next few days off before we fly out."

You kissed her cheek. "It's nice that you came to see me." You slipped your hand into hers, swinging it for a moment before sending her an ear-splitting smile.

She shrugged. "I just came for the Lego."

You pulled your hand away. "In that case, I'm sure that Chloe can take your place."

"You're a catch!" Chloe crowed from the other side of your workshop," I'll fill Lauren's space if you're asking!"

"Hey!" Lauren grabbed your hand again. "Get your own wife!" She squeezed your hand and pouted in a way that had you kissing it off her face.

"Come on, pouty," You said," You've only got a few more hours before you have to go to your hotel. Don't waste them being grumpy."

Lauren sighed. "Only if you take me to see Miniland. It's very mean that you guys keep updating it while I'm in Manchester."

You laughed, already pulling her out of your workshop by the big double doors that led into the park. "The work doesn't stop just because Lauren Hemp isn't here."

"It should," Lauren said as you led her and the group over to Miniland," You know how much I love coming here."

"You love coming here because you get in for free," You reminded her with a soft smile," Always take advantage of me, you are."

"Only when it's about Lego."

From behind you, you could hear one of the girls say in amusement," Of course, Hempo's wife works at Legoland. I don't know what I expected."

"There's a bit of a surprise for you now," You said as you wandered through Miniland (with the same amount of pride you always got from looking at your work)," And I want you to be very happy because I had to fight tooth and nail for this."

Lauren's brow furrowed as she frowned. "Huh? But you didn't know we were coming."

"I didn't," You confirmed," But you haven't been here for a while now. I did want to show you on our anniversary but," You shrugged," You're here now and you would have found out anyway."

You covered her eyes with your hands and guided her over to the model of Wembley.

"Okay," You said, feeling an anxious kind of excitement filling your body," Are you ready?"

"Ready."

You took your hands away from her to reveal the final of the Euros made out of Lego figures.

It had taken you a while to get permission to change what was going on in the model and even longer to get speciality minifigures made to represent everybody.

Lauren looked wildly between you and the model even as all of her teammates crowed out and exclaimed their excitement.

"Do you like it?" You asked.

"Baby," She said," I love it!" Her hands wrapped around your waist and she spun you around. "You're so brilliant! Look! That's me!"

"Good god," Chloe muttered behind you," She's more excited about a bloody Lego figure than having her shirts sold."

[daydreamtofiction]

The Feature XXVI // Benedict Cumberbatch x Reader

Series Overview | Previous Part | Next Part

Chapter Summary: (Female Reader) LDN -> LA

Chapter Word Count: 5.5K

Chapter Warnings: Strong language, adult and sexual themes. Readers must be 18+

Join the Tag List Here*

“You might want to put this on,” said Ben, pulling a surgical mask from the back pocket of his jeans and handing it to you.

You took it from him with a raised brow. “Is this so you don’t get recognised?” 

“That, and germs.” He slipped on his own mask, adjusting it to sit comfortably over his nose and mouth. “Press tours are draining enough without being sick on top of it.” 

You put on your mask and slid on a pair of sunglasses - brand new, more money than you’d usually be willing to spend on something so superfluous. But you’d been pressed for time, caught up in the excitement of last minute holiday shopping.

The driver was taking your bags from the boot of the car, placing them on the ground one by one. The early morning was bright and crisp, making you shiver as you stepped out, teeth clenching with every brush of cold air across your bare arms. You’d dressed for California; soft, comfy trousers, a little white baby tee, stupidly forgetting the unpredictable British weather that would come first.  

A man was waiting near the airport entrance, his short greying hair and casual clothes making him indistinguishable from any other person around him. But Ben seemed to know him, acknowledging him with a nod and a quick wave as he grabbed your luggage and began walking towards him.

You turned to the driver and gave a quick smile; your numerous awkward moments alone in the back of his car making you feel like you somewhat knew him now. He nodded at you in response, before closing the boot with a heavy thud and making his way back to the driver’s side door. 

The man with the greying hair walked you briskly through the airport. It was emptier than you’d expected; short queues, no crowds, the sound of muted footsteps and hushed murmurs filling the vast, open space. Your suitcase rolled smoothly over the tiled floor as you dragged it behind you, while Ben was somehow managing to haul everything else on his own; his suitcase, his backpack, your large carry-on slugged over his shoulder. You’d offered to take it from him, but he simply shook his head, grabbing it before you even had the chance to protest. 

You were guided through check-in and security, following Ben’s lead as he followed his escort’s. The smell hit you first; the overwhelming blend of expensive perfumes and colognes, burnt coffee, food wafting from restaurants and cafés. It was such a familiar scent, nostalgic, exciting, no matter how long it had been since your last flight.

People were slumped in stiff chairs, some curled up like they’d been waiting forever. The cry of a baby echoed somewhere in the distance, while a muffled, metallic voice spoke over the tannoy. You continued past it all, past the people with their neck pillows and coffee cups, duffel bags tucked between their knees, past the shoppers with their duty free bags and a group of young women in matching hen party t-shirts. Yet here you were, drifting along in a surreal, peaceful current, bypassing the chaos.

Eventually, you were brought to a quiet corner of the terminal where a small welcome desk stood in front of a sleek glass door, a subtle, shiny plaque on the wall beside it that read: The Windsor Suite. There was a man standing at the desk in a shirt and gold coloured tie, a name tag across the breast of his long black tailcoat. He was wearing a bowler hat, and it took everything in you not to laugh at the absurdity of it all as you watched him reach out his leather-gloved hand and take your boarding passes from Ben.

Your escort seemed to disappear, making himself scarce without a word, or maybe you were just too focused on the man in front of you to notice.  

“The Windsor Suite?” you whispered to Ben with a raised eyebrow. 

He nodded towards the doors as the man pulled them open for you, gesturing for you to go inside.

And you did, your mouth falling open in shock as you wandered further in. The place looked like a luxury hotel penthouse; polished wooden floors and buttery leather chairs, fresh flowers in tall metallic vases. Everything was soft, neutral, warmly lit and beautifully decorated. A long, open bar extended the length of one wall, another wall filled with books and a large mounted TV. There was artwork everywhere, plush sofas and armchairs in textures of velvet, leather and chenille, a discreet butler standing near a serving cart.

You pulled down your mask as you looked around in awe. “This is… Insane.” 

Ben set down your bags, taking off his own mask to reveal a slight smile. “How else are we supposed to wait for our flight?” he asked, clearly joking. 

You turned in a slow circle, taking it all in. “I usually just sit on the floor near a plug socket somewhere with an overpriced sandwich.”

He laughed, dropping into an armchair with a sigh. “Trust me, if I could still get away with doing that, I would.” 

“Oh, I’m not complaining.” You flopped into the armchair beside him, your body sinking into the soft cushions like a warm embrace. “Definitely not complaining.” 

He laughed again and checked his watch, before settling back into his chair and closing his eyes. 

You watched him for a moment before turning your attention to the rest of the room, eyeing the glossy sheen of the bar, the precisely placed books on the shelves and bottle of champagne chilling in a bucket of ice. There was a large, frameless window, providing an uninterrupted view of the runway outside, a private jet waiting on the tarmac, baggage handlers lugging suitcases onto the conveyor of a commercial plane. 

If you weren’t so tired, you were certain you’d be exploring; walking the entire length of the suite and back, touching every surface, peering into cabinets and smelling the flowers. It was probably a good job you were exhausted, saving Ben the embarrassment of his ‘commoner’ girlfriend acting like she’d never seen a coffee table before.

“Would either of you like a glass of champagne?” the butler asked in a soft, posh voice.

You hadn’t even heard him approach you, startling slightly when you saw him standing at your side.

“It’s half past six in the morning,” you said with a quiet laugh, before pausing for a brief moment. “Yeah, okay. Can you put a bit of Chambord in it as well?” 

He subdued his amusement, but the smile still managed to reach his eyes. He nodded and turned his attention to Ben. 

“No I’m alright, thank you. But could I possibly get some water?” 

“Of course, sir,” he replied, before quickly walking away. 

You leaned in towards Ben, speaking quietly. “You’re making me look bad.” 

“You said yourself it’s only half six,” he chuckled.

“Mm, well, I’d feel like we wasted this place if I didn’t at least do one extravagant thing. How much is this even costing you- actually, no, don’t tell me.” 

He laughed again, a deep, tired laugh in the base of his throat. 

The butler handed you a tall, thin champagne flute, the rosy liquid fizzing gently, tickling your nose as you brought it to your lips. It was sweet, slightly bitter, scratchy as it slid down your throat and cold as it hit your empty stomach. But it was undeniably satisfying, making your cheeks flush and your muscles relax as you curled your feet underneath yourself and settled back further.

You talked quietly for a while, the conversation drifting aimlessly from work schedules to bucket lists, stories, jokes, favourite things. The sun was getting brighter as the morning progressed, but the lighting inside the suite stayed soft and ambient, keeping you suspended in your relaxed, comfortable bubble. 

Your phone buzzed in your pocket and you took it out to see a message from your mother.

Did you get to the airport ok? How long til your flight? x

“Everything okay?” Ben asked.

“Yeah,” you laughed. “Just my mum worrying about me as always.” 

You leaned towards him, holding your phone up to take a selfie together. He tilted his head towards you, pulling a stupid face at the camera. 

“I’m sending this to my mum,” you said. 

“Oh.” He quickly adjusted his expression, smiling warmly and waiting for you to snap the photo. 

But before you could, your phone began to ring, an unknown number popping up on the screen. You looked at it with confusion for a moment before finally answering it with a dubious ‘hello?’ 

“May I speak with Quinn Armitage?” said a smooth, intimidating voice.

You knew immediately who it was, sitting up straighter in your seat and clearing your throat. “Yes, this is- speaking…” 

“Quinn, hello, this is Ellen Ford.” 

Ben was watching you with curious eyes, analysing your face. 

“Hi, Ms Ford, how are you?” you replied, locking eyes with him and watching his brows raise in surprise. 

“I understand you’re taking some personal leave so I wanted to catch you first,” she began, her voice calm, unbothered, a complete juxtaposition to your shaking hands and swirling stomach. “A piece came across my desk recently that I understand you wrote; ‘Still, They Watch’...?”

It felt surreal to hear the title of something you’d written come from her. “Y-yes that’s mine, I… i brought it to Julia a while back but she-”

“It’s very good,” she interrupted simply, as though she hadn’t even registered that you were speaking.

“Thank you.” 

“With some minor edits, I’d like to run it in the next issue.” 

Your hand instinctively lunged for Ben’s thigh, fingers gripping him like a vice. 

“However, with you being out of office for the foreseeable-”

“No, I’m,” you interjected, too excited to care about cutting her off. “I am out of office but I’m still working. If you send it, I can make the changes and get it right back to you.” 

“Excellent. I’d like to talk more with you about the piece when you get back.”

“I- Yes, definitely. Thank you so much. I can’t tell you how-”

She’d already hung up. You looked down at your phone in stunned silence, the camera reflecting your awestruck face back at you. 

“What was that about?” asked Ben. 

“My op-ed. She wants to publish my op-ed.” 

He breathed out a single, quick laugh, smiling as he reached over and placed a hand on the back of your head, shaking you with restrained excitement. “That’s amazing!”

“I don’t even know how she got hold of it-” You paused, before looking up at him suspiciously. “Did you have something to do with this?” 

“What? No! I swear to god, no.”

You narrowed your eyes at him before quickly realising he was telling the truth, your mouth swiftly curling into a smile. “I wish I could see the look on Julia’s face when she finds out.”

“Maybe she’s the one who showed it to her?” 

“Definitely not. Maybe Nick snuck it into her office. I need to text him.”

“Text your mum first.” 

“Oh, yeah.” You lifted the phone, leaning into him and finally snapping the photo.   

You couldn’t stop giggling. Not as you were driven across the tarmac, or as you climbed the steps to the plane, not even when you finally got onboard. The whole thing just seemed so ridiculous to you; the special treatment and constant fast tracking, the flight attendants calling you ‘madam’ as they led you to your seat.

You’d stared out of the window during takeoff like a wonderstruck child, the reality of what you were doing finally starting to sink in - you were on a plane, tucked cosily inside your own personal business class cubicle as you soared towards the atlantic, your famous boyfriend sat directly behind you. Was this your life now? Would there come a day when trips like this no longer felt special? When boarding a plane and sitting in business class felt as mundane as catching the tube?

You’d been in the air for almost eight hours, and you were growing restless. You’d tried to sleep, took out your laptop and tried to write, you’d flicked through films on the TV, even resorted to playing word games on your phone.

You huffed and stood up, kneeling on your seat and resting your arms on top of the partition separating your cubicle from Ben’s. 

He glanced up at you before taking off his headphones. “Hi,” he greeted with a smile.

“Hi. What’re you watching?” 

“Hm? Oh, nothing, I’m listening to music.” He looked up at you for a moment. “Are you bored?” 

“Mhm.” You looked around the quiet cabin, then over to the toilets, then back to him, lowering your voice to a whisper. “Do you want to go and join the mile high club?” 

“Quinn,” he said, his voice low and steady, like a warning. 

“I’m only joking. I’m too loud to ever get away with that.”

“I know.” 

You rested your chin on your arms as you looked down at him, smirking slightly. “Well if you won’t meet me in the toilets, will you at least play scrabble with me for a bit?”

He rolled his eyes, giving in to a smile and reaching for his phone. “Fine, but you can’t get pissed off with me like you did last time.”

“No promises,” you replied, turning around and sinking back down into your seat.

It was noon when you landed in LA, but your bodyclock was still stuck on London time. The evening would be closing in there now, the temperature dropping, sun beginning to sink towards the horizon. Yet here, it was bright and busy, with air conditioning blasting from the ceilings and deafeningly loud crowds at every turn. You were exhausted as you followed another escort through the airport, your eyelids gritty, limbs heavy, wondering why your mind hadn’t let you sleep on the plane when your body so desperately needed it. 

Ben took you by the hand as you walked, while his other hand pushed a large luggage trolley. “You okay?” he asked, his voice muffled by the mask covering his mouth. 

You nodded, giving him a slight squeeze. 

It was strange how different everything felt already, like the atmosphere itself was unfamiliar; the current moved faster here, more erratic, pulling everyone along in sharp, errant bursts. There was a restlessness, a sense that no one had time to walk slowly or speak quietly, not even inside the airport.

Ben kept hold of your hand as you were ushered towards a private exit, and as the doors slid open, you were hit by a wall of sudden, intense heat. It was thick yet dry, like stepping into a cloud of dust. You’d visited hot countries before, but none that had taken your breath away quite like this. It was exciting, to feel so far removed from home.

A black SUV was waiting outside, the windows tinted so dark they looked opaque. The driver stood beside it holding up a discreet sign; Ben’s initials and a string of numbers you didn’t understand. The escort handed you both off to him, like children who couldn’t be left unsupervised for even a moment. 

You climbed into the backseat as they piled your bags into the boot, breathing a sigh of relief to find the aircon blasting through the car. You leaned your head against the window and closed your eyes, listening as the door opened and Ben shuffled in beside you, his voice hoarse from tiredness and the recycled plane air as he spoke to the driver. 

His hand found your thigh, thumb stroking gently back and forth in a silently soothing gesture. You appreciated it, turning to look at him with a sleepy smile.

“How long until we get there?” you asked as the car began to move.

“About an hour.” 

You rolled your eyes and he laughed. 

“You just survived an eleven hour flight,” he said. “You’ll cope.” 

The car rolled to a stop, but you weren’t there yet. You peered into the front, watching the driver roll down his window next to a small wood-paneled outbuilding. Ben leaned over, handing him a small plastic card. The engine rumbled quietly as you waited, and after a moment, you saw a barrier rise to let you through. You flashed Ben a curious glance but he didn’t seem to notice, too busy directing the driver on where to go. 

You moved steadily along wide, winding roads, and even in your tired haze, your eyes stayed wide open. Huge gates stood before endless driveways, leading to grand entrances set into ivy-covered walls. Tall palms framed perfectly manicured lawns that stretched across hillsides, spanish villas with clay tile roofs, modern houses of glass and steel set like art installations against the dusty gold backdrop of hills and valleys. It was surreal, so perfect it almost seemed fake. 

You kept going further up the winding road, the houses growing larger and further apart like they needed room to breathe. When you finally turned a corner, you’d almost forgotten why you were there, finally snapping back into reality when Ben handed the driver another keycard.

He used it to open a gate, rolling slowly up a long private road lined with neat grass and pruned hedges, wild bushes, trees and shrubbery providing a sense of seclusion as you ventured further in. The car finally stopped in the middle of a large, paved driveway, the house surrounding it making your mouth fall open. 

You climbed out of the car, shielding your eyes from the sun as you stared up at the building before you. Lime Washed walls and terracotta roofs, arches and walkways, windows with wooden shutters and stone paths leading to standalone structures. The front entrance was like its own private courtyard; plants and pillars, another magnificent arch framing a glass front door. You stood gawping at it as Ben lifted your luggage out of the boot. And by the time the car had begun to drive away, you still hadn’t uttered a word. 

“Quinn, can you come and get your suitcase?” he called out. 

“When you said you had a house you stayed in whenever you came to LA, you failed to mention it was a fucking mansion,” you said, whipping around to face him. 

He shrugged at you, brow furrowed like he didn’t understand.

“Is this yours?” you pressed. “Like… You own it? You’re not renting it out, it- this is your house?” 

“Yes, this is my house.” He began, talking sarcastically slow, like he was explaining the concept to a child. “This is my California home. So when I am in California, I live here.” 

 You sneered at him and grabbed the handle of your suitcase. “Well go on then, lead the way.” 

“Why are you annoyed with me for having a nice house?” he laughed. 

“I’m not annoyed, I’m just- I keep forgetting you’re… you. Then suddenly it’s like boom, vip lounge, business class, sprawling fucking mansion in the hills.” 

The corner of his mouth twitched, threatening a smirk he knew better than to let spread. Instead he kissed the side of your head and hoisted your bags onto his shoulders, dragging his suitcase behind him. You followed, eyeing more details of the house as you went; the architecture and the greenery, the steps leading up to the front door framed with lanterns, how everything seemed so thought out and deliberate. 

He unlocked the door and let you inside, your footsteps echoing against the polished tile floor as you wandered in. You bit the inside of your cheek as you gazed around, knowing you couldn’t keep harping on at him about it, no matter how much you wanted to. The walls were smooth and rounded, the staircase curving perfectly up to the second floor. Everything was neutral and clean, earth tones and natural textures, tall ceilings and minimal clutter. There were more archways, providing small glimpses into other parts of the house, and you wondered how one man could possibly make use of so much space, if there were places he rarely ever saw. 

“Go on, lay into me,” he said with a joking sigh.

“This is… beautiful,” you replied sincerely. 

“Oh. Thank you. Do you want a quick tour?” 

“Quick?” 

He glared at you. 

“Sorry,” you said, biting back a smirk. “Couldn’t help myself.” 

The house echoed as you walked through it, the tall ceilings and generous windows making the place feel airy and open. Walls and archways seemed sculpted into the space, tones of clay and earth accented with black iron banisters, tiled floors and carved mahogany finishes. It was a far cry from his home back in London. There, his wealth was hidden in the foundations, in the pricey location and quiet luxuries. But here, it was impossible to miss. 

The kitchen alone was bigger than your entire flat, bordered with pale oak cabinets and shiny industrial-sized appliances. Dim, warm spotlights lined the exposed beams in the ceiling, casting a glow over the huge island in the middle of the room. You ran your hand along the polished marble top as you passed it, catching a glimpse of what looked like a small orchard beyond the window.

“This is the kitchen,” said Ben.

There were a bunch of flowers sitting in a vase on the island. You reached out and touched the petals, surprised to discover they were real. “How are these not dead?” 

“Hm? Oh, well I have people who come once or twice a week to look after the house when I’m not staying here. Y’know, gardeners, housekeepers, pool maintenance…”

You nodded, slowly learning to take this new reality in your stride.

He showed you to the first of many living rooms, where framed art and floating bookshelves decorated the pristine white walls. Curved couches sat low to the ground, angled towards the windows and sliding glass door on the back wall. He slid it open and gestured for you to follow him outside, a slight smile on his face, like he was excited for you to see what lay beyond it.

There was a fire pit on the patio, outdoor furniture still wrapped in its waterproof covering. You stood there for a moment in the dry, california heat, looking out at the well-kept grass that seemed to blend into the hills in the distance. Across the lawn was a swimming pool, a tennis court, statues and water features, flowers and citrus trees.

“It’s not like you to be this quiet,” he said. “Where’s the snarky comments? The criticism telling me this is all too much?” 

You shrugged and shook your head. “I think you’ve finally managed to make me speechless.” 

The tour continued with Ben doing most of the talking. He showed you rooms you wouldn’t have even known were there; a bar, a study, a sun room, all tucked away down curved passageways and across small courtyards connecting one part of the building to the other. There was a cinema room, with velvet recliners and a huge projector screen, a sleek home gym with accompanying sauna, and a cellar stocked full of whiskeys and gins, wines and bottles with labels you couldn’t even make out. 

He lugged your bags upstairs and you followed behind in awe, staring up at the skylight above the landing, natural light flooding another vast, minimal space. You peered into passing guest rooms and bathrooms, verandas and more stairs leading back down to places you weren’t sure you’d even seen yet. 

“And this is our room,” said Ben breathlessly, pushing open a set of double doors and dropping  the luggage on the ground with a huff. 

You stepped into the master bedroom and let out a soft, quiet sigh, too overwhelmed to muster anything more. It was huge, with smooth, curving walls and a glass door leading out onto a private balcony. The bed was perfectly made, all soft linens and neutral tones, the large wooden headboard built into the back wall. There was a sitting area, a fireplace, a television, and yet still, the room somehow felt sparse.

“What’s through there?” you asked, pointing to another door facing the bed. 

“That’s the wardrobe- Well, closet,” he said in an American accent, making you giggle. “And if you come through it, I’ll show you the master bathroom.”

You watched him open the door and disappear into the walk-in closet space, refraining from making a Narnia joke as you began to follow him. 

You could have slapped him for calling it a wardrobe. It was more like a hallway, each side lined with shelves and cupboards, glass cabinets filled with watches and cufflinks, shoes neatly organised on racks beneath them. There was an archway on the other end, leading through to a bathroom of marble and tile, glass and stainless steel. The deep clawfoot tub stood in the centre of the room, behind it a large window looking out on another stunning landscape. 

“Toilet’s through there,” said Ben. “And the shower’s in that bit over there.”

You shook your head in disbelief. “I’m so embarrassed that I ever let you set foot in my flat.” 

He furrowed his brow and laughed. “What?”

“This. This is how you live, and then you come and stay with me where you need to punch the shower just to get it to turn on.” 

He laughed again, more heartily this time. “I did offer to get that fixed for you.” 

You rolled your eyes and made your way back through to the bedroom, your eyes immediately falling on the glass door. You walked across the room and slid it open, stepping out onto the balcony and resting your elbows on the railing. 

You closed your eyes and tilted your head back to let the sun warm your face, and after a moment, Ben was behind you, pressing up against your back and wrapping his arms around your waist. 

“I get why you want to live here full time,” you said softly. “It’s beautiful.”

“Who said I wanted to live here full time?” 

“Faye.”

He inhaled deeply, letting it out in a low groan. “I thought we’d learned not to listen to anything that woman says…” 

“Yeah but, I wouldn’t blame you if this one was true. Why on earth would you ever go back to London when you have the ability to wake up to this every morning?” 

He hummed in thought. “Well, I might not appreciate it as much if I was here all the time.” He kissed the side of your head. “I like it here, but… London’s my home.”

You let your head fall back against his chest, eyes scanning the hills in the distance, the afternoon light pouring over them like honey. A gentle breeze rolled in, taking the edge off the heat, and for a while neither of you spoke.

His chest rose and fell slowly as you rested against him, the quiet strength of his arms snug around your waist. Every time you thought you were finally getting used to it all, to the odd reality he existed in, something always came to throw you off kilter again. 

“You okay?” he asked, his voice low and gentle against your ear.

“Mhm.” You nodded, leaning back further into him. “Readjusting.” 

He exhaled a laugh. “It’s been a long day. You’ll feel better tomorrow.” 

You turned your head slightly, intending to speak, but stopped yourself with a gentle sigh. The old Quinn would have corrected him, reminded him how far removed from normal his life was. But you no longer felt the need; understanding now that this wasn’t normal, but it was his normal. And, if you were going to stay with him, it would inevitably become yours too. 

For a short while, you stood there wrapped in the quiet, basking in the warmth and the soft brush of his thumbs over your hips. Until eventually you felt him shift, his hands moving to your waist to guide you back inside. 

“Shall we get a shower?” he asked.

His voice was low and casual, the same tone he might use when talking about dinner or the weather. There was no sly smile, no teasing edge, just an easy, simple offer.

It still surprised you how natural it felt; the idea of sharing something so intimate without expectation. Before him, you’d never have believed an invitation like that could be about comfort rather than sex. You wouldn’t have wanted it to be. 

*Yeah, that sounds nice,” you replied with a sleepy smile, letting him take your hand and lead you back towards the bathroom. 

You undressed together, throwing your clothes into a heap on the tiled floor. He opened the glass door of the shower and turned it on, holding his hand under the stream to test the temperature. And when it was ready, he gestured for you to step in.

He’d kept the water cool; a soothing relief from the California heat. You closed your eyes as you stood directly beneath the shower head, washing away the sweat and grime of your long journey. He got in behind you, pressing himself up close against your back and reaching over you for a bottle of shampoo.  

He washed your hair, his fingertips massaging your scalp with a firm pressure, making you relax into him with a grateful sigh. And when he was done, you turned to face him, tilting your head back to rinse away the suds before lathering him with shower gel. Your palms glided over his shoulders and down his arms, curving around his waist and trailing down his back. He leaned down to kiss you, his lips pressing against yours, just once, before returning his attention to your hair. 

You weren’t sure how much time had passed, lost in the scent of his soap and the sound of running water. Neither of you had spoken, moving with ease around the small space, taking turns under the stream and tending to each other carefully.

When you stepped out, your muscles felt looser, your skin fresh and clean, your mind pleasantly quiet. You wrapped yourself in a towel and wandered back into the bedroom, crouching at your suitcase and opening it to find the crumpled, disorganised mess of clothes you’d carelessly shoved inside.

Ben was sitting on the edge of the bed, a towel wrapped low around his waist, watching you as you rummaged for something to wear. His eyes followed you as you stood up and began to move around the room, drying yourself and peering at your reflection in the mirror.

“What?” you asked with a suspicious smirk.

He shook his head, leaning back on his elbows. “I just think you’re so beautiful.” 

You paused for a moment, pressing your lips together to hide a smile before continuing to dry yourself. “Well, that’s lucky. I imagine you’d find it quite challenging to sleep with me if you didn’t.” 

“I’m a man, darling. I’d manage.” 

You snorted. “Charming.” 

You slipped into your underwear and sat down to pull on a pair of leggings, your eyes flitting over to him every few moments as he began to get dressed too. Water stuck to his shoulders and chest like beads, his arms flexing as he unfolded a t-shirt, bottom lip sucked gently into his mouth. He was divine, mouthwatering, and there was a bed right there. Yet somehow, you were perfectly content on the other side of the room. 

"Oh no," you began dryly. "We've already hit the 'boring' stage, haven’t we." 

"What do you mean?" he asked with a laugh. 

"Beautiful place, huge bed, and we’re just… Getting dressed." 

His mouth curled in amusement as he realised what you were implying. Then his gaze drifted over you, his voice turning low and calm when he finally spoke.

“I’m letting you rest today.” 

He didn’t elaborate, didn’t punctuate his words with a wink or a smirk. Instead, he simply reached for his t-shirt and pulled it over his head.

“You’re letting me rest…?” you asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Mhm,” he replied as he rolled the material down over his torso. “Because I’m working all day tomorrow. And by the time I get home, I’ll need somewhere to put my frustration.”

You glanced up at him, your fingers paused with your leggings halfway up your thighs. 

He met your gaze, the weight of his meaning settling in the space between you. “And you’ll be right here,” he said simply. “Won’t you.”

The air seemed to thin, your throat tightening, heat blooming deep in your stomach. “I’ll be here,” you finally replied.

His eyes flitted to your fingers as they clutched the waistband of your leggings, still half-forgotten at your thighs. The sight seemed to amuse him, a soft, brief smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

*Tag List: @blondekel77 @bakerstreethound @annesthaeticc @aephereal @sharp-cheekbones-locked @sherlux @veryladyqueen @graciebear47 @allurenia @jamerlynn @cottagecore-cat @aysamuka @thegardenerofeden @cumbercatchmebaby @inspirationalandrandom @turkisherlockian @swds @weepingdreamerpanda @elzabethann @childofgod215 @briecantopme @lovecleastrange @paola-carter @greatburger @azu21 @xourownsidee @hunterofshadows04 @asgardianprincess1050 @teddycrimson @sherlocksgirl91 @oliveoilthoughts @hai-kbai @shjl15 @bloodyxsaint @charleighsblog @stephenstrangeaddictions @omgstarks @sleutherclaw @bisciwri @theevilsupreme @gwoods123 @classickook @coffee-d0t @strangeobsessed @januarycolor @strangeions @lonadane @downtownshabby

[zin-fan-del]

Holdin' Out for a Hero

~5.000 word story featuring gay lizards and blueberry inflation. Also available for reading here on my main website!

"I've been holding out on this until I found someone like you." Windsor's words filled the quiet, dimly-rit room so suddenly it made the scales on Mehji's back momentarily crawl. Beneath the idyll autumn sceneries at the ranch house, he had been led to a room packed with machinery and chemical equipment. The crisp air and warm-hued leaves gave way to a well-camouflaged den of metallic greens and blues.

"Don't say cryptic things," the perturbed lizard just over half his height rebuked, keeping up pace behind his tour guide. His hands dug deep into the pockets of his sweatpants, despite the warmth radiating from the machines all over. As they walked, Mehji snuck several glances away from the curiosities all around to try and read Windsor's face. All he could make out was a confident, smug grin.

"So," the pale dragon's march stopped as the two approached an unusual display glowing with minty green light, "this is my magnum opus." He turned on a heel to face his guest, wearing the same baffling smirk… Next to this stellar contraption, though, a sparkle danced in his eyes.

Mehji's gaze broke with Windsor as he sized up the machine. Inside, like a sample floating in an enormous test tube, a full-body jumpsuit, boots, gloves and a mask were suspended. Looking at it, even up close, it was difficult to tell whether they were actually submerged in liquid or resin. The glass container appeared ethereal, draped in fluorescent viridian shining from lamps below. The tube was embedded in a steel base platform decorated by flickering control panel buttons.

The torso of the bodysuit was decorated with interweaving stripes that diverge and trace the outer arms and legs. A slim black belt featuring an elliptical metal buckle outlined in studs divided it in half vertically. The gloves and boots had cuffs shaped into wide spikes splayed outward. The lurid crimson fabric patterned with bold gray details appeared well-made, albeit strangely large and baggy.

"Is… is this your Halloween costume?" Mehji surmised, scratching the back of his head and forcing a smile. "It's, uh, cool. Which superhero was this again?"

Reacting to the lukewarm response, Windsor's face dropped into a disappointed frown. Unsure what he could have said wrong, Mehji chuckled nervously.

"This is not some measly costume. This… is Wrath." As the white dragon spoke of his creation, he turned to cast a prideful gaze thereupon, a smile creeping back onto his face.

"Isn't that one of those cardinal sins, mister…?" Mehji prodded jokingly. But Windsor simply sighed and faced him, speaking up with a serious tone.

"Mehji, do you remember the day we met?" Windsor's serious, seemingly off-the-cuff question was startling, though easily answered.

"Of course, though I barely believe it. We rolled people the size of zeppelins out of a restaurant…" Giving a brief nod, Windsor carried on.

"Aster City has been ravaged by that same incident happening again and again. People all over the place, in small groups, uncontrollably blowing up. It's a rapid growth that turns your body blue and fills you with juice." As he recounted the events of the past weeks, Windsor's eyes closed tight and he tapped between his brows with an index finger.

"The… the blueberries…" Mehji pulled a hand out of his pocket to insinctively carress his stomach, casting his mind back to the situation in question. His face must have contorted slightly as he spoke, because the taller reptilian's smug grin returned. A nervous feeling raging through Mehji spawned beads of sweat on his forehead.

"You were of great help that day. In fact, I don't think I've seen anyone else quite so excited to do heavy lifting." A gentle blush rose to Mehji's cheeks and his eyes forced themselves away.

"I- I just like being a helpful lil' guy, is all," the embarrassed green lizard attempted to clarify. "Was just following your instructions, really…"

"Then you won't mind putting this suit on for me." With a fluid motion, Windsor reached out and pressed a large eject button on the container's control panel. Immediately, the tube's glass walls slid down to the base, flooding the room in glowing seafoam hues. The garments gently fluttered down to the platformbeneath them, landing at Windsor's waist height.

"Right now? You want a superhero strip show?" Mehji jabbed into Windsor's side playfully with an elbow. "Ya gooner."

"W-what?!" Now, it was the alabaster reptile's turn to blush, which he poorly hid by turning his chin up and away. "To make fast-changing possible, it's designed to fit around any kind of dresswear. You don't even need to take your shoes… off…"

His spiel was abruptly interrupted upon reopening his eyes. Mehji's lower half was already stripped down to just boxers, and his arms were raised over his head to remove the white wifebeater formerly obscured by a large jersey. As he casually tossed the shirt into a pile of his other discarded clothes, their eyes locked. This time, it was Mehji's turn to meet a stunned, flushed face with a cocky smirk.

"What? Are you gay?" He teased, flexing his right bicep playfully. Windsor's jaw dropped but his brain had yet to catch upto speed.

"Well, but… It's not like… Y-you just don't have to, um, undress if you don't want to," the words raced each other out of his gaping maw, but Windsor's composure wasn't regained whatsoever.

"Enough yapping, you dork. You wanna see these guns in a tight suit?" Windsor's diamond eyes shot back and forth from the nearly-nude hunk actively teasing him, unable to conjure up words. "I wanna see more of that look on your face."

As he spoke, Mehji took hold of the suit and unfolded it before him. It unfurled all the way out onto the floor, despite being suspended in his hands over his head. Expeditiously, he unzipped the flashy suit from the top down to the tail-hole, and stepped inside with one leg.

"It's huge," he noted aloud while dressing himself. "You couldn't have secretly taken my measurements better?"

"… You'll see how it works," Windsor retorted, cheeks still rosy. Mehji raised a brow, uncertain what that could mean, but continued, trusting the dragon's guidance to be benign. As he slid his arms down the sleeves of the costume, he turned around.

"Help me out," Mehji instructed, gesturing with one hand at the zipper running down his back. Windsor stepped forward and, with a single decisive tug, closed it all the way up to his neck.

"Excellent. A perfect fit!" Windsor exclaimed with glee as Mehji slowly turned around. The suit was, contrarily, extremely loose and tall, despite being sealed quite firmly around his wrists, ankles, the base of his tail and the top of his neck. As he slid on the boots and gloves, Mehji felt the accessories snap into place like magnets. Despite the unflattering fit, there was a remarkable degree of care put into every piece.

"So, this is what you're into…?" Mehji probed, his tone landing between serious and jokingly pejorative. Most of the fabric was exaggeratedly draped around him like a blanket. He waved his arms slightly up and down, expectedly uncomfortable. "I think some, uh, adjustments might be necessary." From behind, Windsor raised the bandana-like mask up to the smaller reptile's eyes, fastening it into a secure knot below the spikes on his head. Despite their stark-white eyecaps, the mask conferred surprisingly unimpeded visibility.

"Quiet, now… Just follow my lead. You know which arm is your right one?"

"I'm not completely helpless, mister." Mehji smirked, and gestured with the according arm.

"Good. Snap your fingers with that hand."

"Like this?"

Upon triggering the click between his index finger and thumb, a small but distinct beep from the suit's chest area rang out. Before he could react, with the light sound of a vaccuum sealer, the entire garment restricted against his body.

"Guh--" Mehji gasped, puffing out his chest as he felt the soft fabric grow quickly tense. A sense of surprise stunned his jaw open as he held out both arms, contorting around to survey his body with wide eyes. "Holy… That scared me shitless." But as he continued to twist around, the initial shock gradually settling, an emphatic grin spread onto his face. "Hah… haha! Wow. How the fuck did you pull this off?"

The garment was fitted, in the blink of an eye, to perfection. Every curve of his body appeared sculpted beneath the unbelievably smooth fabric. With awe illuminating his visage, the green lizard was stunned into staring at himself in the reflection of a tall machine. This comfort level in such a tight garment was unthinkable to him. It would take hours of meticulous stitching to achieve anything similar.

"You look incredible." Windsor spoke up after letting his newly-dressed partner look himself over. He walked up behind the distracted man and planted both hands on his shoulders. Mehji, who had been on-edge just moments before, didn't react at all. "What you're looking at… What you're wearing… is how I'll fix the blueberries. This is Wrath."

"Your answer is to become a superhero?" Mehji curied, still transfixed on his own reflection. "I thought they caught the guy behind the breakouts already."

"Not quite." Windsor's hands began to explore his guest's figure. "I'm no hero. All I have is this flashy suit…" His palms follow the lines down Mehji's arms before gripping the sides of his chest and sliding down to his waist. "The blueberries just keep popping up, no matter how many culprits get arrested." His words kept Mehji from melting into the gentle massage. "You might now know, but some even remain afflicted long-term, expanding repeatedly…"

Mehji's body, mostly cool beneath the breathable bodysuit, couldn't resist warming up with big hands prodding at it. With an audible gulp, he stared into Windsor's calm eyes and spoke, "I thought permaberries were mythical."

"On the contrary, there are many. And twenty-ton life isn't easy in the city. You just don't fit in anywhere." Winsdor lifted his hands away from Mehji's hips and turned on a heel to take a few steps away. Windsor grew unxpectedly quiet as his brow shaded his downturned eyes. An indiscernable but painful emotion rose with him, expressed clearly through his self-assured facade.

"What're you going to do then? Find out whodunnit? Or run around, juicing everyone in your path?" Mehji brainstormed lightheartedly but his lanky suitor's demeanor refused to lighten.

"Nah." Click. Turning to face Windsor, Mehji heard the distinctive click priming the raygun pointed in his face, which began glowing with electric vigor. "I'm gonna make the problem so bad someone else solves it." Shivers rocketed up Mehji's spine and a sweat drop fell from his chin. "How about it? Just one beam and you'll get your dream body. It's like magic." Windsor responded, staring down his quaking partner deviously.

"W… wait…" the man sizing up a gun pointed his way sputtered. "What…? Dream body? It'll make me ripped if I want?" Mehji couldn't contain his questions, startled by the sudden attack. In his racing mind, the short lizard pictured himself bulging with muscles in the stunning red suit.

"Only if you truly dream of that." Windsor assured as the gun's charging light grew ever vibrant. Mehji groaned quietly, uncertain. Never in his dreams had he imagined himself so rich in brawn. But if this was a chance to quickly grow, he'd kick himself for declining.

So, with a face stiff as steel, he consented concisely.

"Hit me."

A bright ray blinded him as it collided with his midsection, disspating into him as a warm light. Windsor blew on the red-hot tip of the raygun forcefully, breaking up a steam cloud pouring off of it. As his eyes reopened, Mehji looked down to survey his body again, but nothing had visibly changed about it. He patted himself down with gloved hands, unable to sense any dramatic alterations to his figure as Windsor placed the raygun on a nearby counter.

"It didn't work…?" Mehji pumped an arm in the air, flexing it as dramatically as possible. "I haven't gained a pound."

Windsor laughed snidely. "It takes a while so you can really savor the change," He watched the suited-up lizard hastily squeeze at his own muscles, testing for any identifiable growth. "But it looks like it's working just fine to me."

Several questions rose to mind but were beaten to Mehji's lips by a loud belch. He raised a fist to cover it as best as possible, embarrassed. With his other hand, he rubbed at his belly just above his belt. Paying close attention, he could sense bubbles rising in his stomach before they rose sharply in volume. But still, his midsection was no flatter than normal. His brows furrowed in confusion.

"Surely this isn't a gun that just makes you gassy, mister?" Mehji joked. But as he pulled away the hand covering his mouth, he noticed a strange effect creeping its way down his arm. "Wait, huh…?" A deep cornflower color had sneakily appeared around his upper torso. On closer inspection, however, the splotchy effect was spreading like airbrushed paint toward his wrists. He leaned over, watching it race down his front, traveling past his groin and knees down his legs.

As the realization sank in, his breath paused momentarily, then picked back up into a rapid rhythm. As he turned his head back up, the sight of Windsor's euphoric grin made butterflies go wild in his stomach. Blood rushed to his face with such speed enough to nearly knock Mehji out. Embarassed to beet-red, he span around to the mirrored surface from just moments ago…

But the face that greeted him was a deep, rich indigo. In fact, in just seconds, blue hues swallowed his entire body, as though he was dipped in a vat of dye.

"I think I know where this is going," Windsor ominously murmured through a giddy sneer. Mehji's panicked eyes shot back up as his arms dropped to his side. "And that means I chose correctly with you," the taller lizard's tail grew erect as he watched on, struggling to contain elated laughter.

"No way," Inside his mind, Mehji was torn between fear and excitement. But his stomach was churning like an ice-cream machine, kicking up a racket even as he doubled over, pressing into it with both hands. "In my dreams, it doesn't… start this fast…" He was overcome with the sensation of having ravenously eaten past his limit. Through the thin fabric of his suit, he could feel his belly protruding scantly. Between the clamoring of his strained stomach and the soft gut where defined abs just were, the grumbling lizard began bloating up like he went overboard on soda.

The tall dragon released a deep belly-laugh he had kept bottled in for a while. Across the cool tiles he strode, placing a pair of fingers beneath Mehji's chin and lifting it to meet his gaze directly. He spoke warmly as he stroked it gently, ogling his helpless victim's face cloaked in the vivid hues of spirulina. "I'll keep you safe. I promise." Mehji swallowed dramatically as the gurgling from his gut continued, embarrassed to have his upset stomach heard by Windsor. But the white dragon stood close in front of him, their bodies separated by less than an inch. "Just enjoy the ride."

"Urk-!" Mehji, captured in the moment, momentarily forgot what situation he was in. He looked down in disbelief, his jaw slightly unhinged. "It's… really happening!" The juice filling him up spilled over. His belly, once meticulously slim, puffed up into a growing mass approaching the size of a basketball. In and out, the short lizard panted, trying to rationalize his situation. With a single curious hand, he pressed into the dramatically swelling paunch, leaving behind a dark handprint-shaped stain. He moaned as his gut kept duly stretching outward, pursing out over the tight belt cradling it from below.

Windsor pressed his waist into the ballooning lizard's girth, wrapping an explorative arm around his waist. "How's it feel…?" His voice dipped into deep tones as he uttered the question, eyes meticulously soaking in every inch of his subject.

"I can't stop filling up…" Mehji spat out between breaths, his body overtaken by a flurry of senses. "You're going to fucking pop me!" He ballooned so quickly and with such force that a natural sense of alarm rang out. But as Windsor's weight leaned into the sensitive, swollen pillow forming on his front, a rapturous pleasure overtook him. Its forceful growth continued unabated, blocking his view below his own midriff, before juice began to trickle out into the rest of his body.

"You'll be alright," Windsor spoke with a genuine tone that betrayed his devious expression. "Just relax, berry boy. Your fantasies are coming true."

At once, both of his breasts swelled up, spurning another gutteral noise from Mehji. His chest pressed against his chin as it grew, deepening the ecstasy gradually welling up in him. As he stared into Windsor's calm eyes his anxious trembling from before dissolved into a ravishing calm. With a smooth motion, Windsor's fingers cupped around his partner's asscheek, giving it a firm squeeze.

As if choreographed, Mehji's cheeks surged with juice. First, his ass ballooned outward, the pressure of Windsor's squeeze growing as it pressed into it. A rush of delight soared in Mehji, to whom the sensation of a hand on his taut skin felt electric, only intensifying as billows of juice pumping into him.

Moments later, desperate for room, the juice worked its way up past his chest. His lips pursed, pressed together by his face swelling as though with millions of calories at once. Mehji's eyes rolled back uncontrollably, unable to be kept in control as the tide of sweet liquid sqeezed itself inside of him. The emotions ripping through him, spurred on by the pressure of Windsor's sensual grip, overloaded his thoughts.

"Now this is what I'm into…" Windsor grumbled, his face twisted in a nefarious, turned-on smirk. As Mehji ballooned up in his arms, staggering at the sheer heft of his burgeoning frame, he was forced to step back. Gripping the sides of the swollen lizard's waist, he admired his handiwork with delight. With each deep breath, his nostrils were filled with the scent of fresh blueberry. He bit his lower lip to hold in an unhinged moan.

"You gotta help me, man…!" Mehji shouted as his limbs fattened up with ease, forcing him to extend them into a pose like a starfish. The gurgling, creaking bedlam from inside of him overwhelmed his ears as he gushed with fluid. His skintight suit squeezed against his inflating body, stubbornly refusing to break at even a single seam. The dark juice handprints staining his apparel had spread to encompass him entirely. Traces of the saccharine violet fluid were pressed out of Mehji's every pore, stickying the floor with a puddle beneath his feet.

"How am I… supposed to live… as a blueberry?" Words eked out of the stout reptile's mouth between heavy breaths. He waddled about, desperately redistributing his ballooning weight. At first, most of his girth localized around his waist. But the unrelenting pressure mounting within him forced its way outward, rounding his frame out smoothly. Rapidly transforming in such a revealing costume was embarassing, no matter how well it contained his bulging form.

"Well, for starters, I hope you like the flavor." Windsor joked, stepping back again. "But besides that, you don't have to do much of anything. Kick back and go with the flow." Then, with a swift but gentle tackle, he shoved into the massive lizard. With a yelp, Mehji stumbled back before his balance gave out and his gargantuan rear collided with the ground. "Not that you have much of a choice at this point."

Mehji flapped his limbs with all the force he could muster, but they resisted, steadily growing bulkier with each passing second. All he could do was wiggle his hands and feet, reveling in the sensation of being blown up into the spitting image of a blueberry.

His legs had grown so wide that they seemed to melt into the girth of his waist. His feet wriggled, vainly struggling against the force of his round groin gradually swallowing them up. The bubbling juice roared as it surged up his body to fill out his torso similarly, trapping his hands. As he swelled into a near-perfect sphere, losing complete control of his distended body, his suit miraculously stretched to encompass it seamlessly. The growing lizard moaned and groaned, eyes darting around to observe his impossibly huge body progressively expanding. Forced apart by his torso, he helplessly watched his hands disappear over the sides of his own burgeoning figure.

Windsor, with ever-curious hands, felt at the seams of the suit running flush down Mehji's spherical body. Despite showing obvious signs of tension, it remained unbroken, even around the areas that had fattened up the most. The thin belt wrapped snugly around the blueberry's midsection caused his flesh to purse gently around it. Like an artist surveying their own masterpiece, he radiated with joy, staring on at Mehji with a serene smile.

But Mehji continued to inflate. As he fattened beyond his own range of reach, his feet were ungrounded by the swelling fat between them. His body balloned outward, rising up like a nearly-full beach ball being topped off with air. Back and forth his globular body rocked, skin and suit creaking as though reaching their limits. Mehji's limbs stretched as far as they could, but his body swallowed them up as it swelled even wider.

"Mmph! Mmmm…" While being sucked into his swelling body, Mehji's plump cheeks sealed his mouth shut. All he could manage to vocalize were quiet grunts. He could hardly turn his head, let alone see over the rising girth encompassing it. Even his most mobile parts were similarly trapped, leaving his hands and feet incapable of more than gentle wiggling. "Helpff…" Raised up by his round backside, staring at the metallic ceiling, a single weak word rose to his lips.

"You're so ripe, I could just take a big, fat bite…" Windsor walked back up to the blueberry and embraced it again, pressing his face into the smooth, taut surface. "Or bake the world's biggest pie."

Rounding out, Mehji felt his inflation start to ease for the first time. As his creaking frame finally blew past Windsor's height, it rocked around its center point. The blueberry lizard's weight rocketed exponentially as the final traces of juice surged into him in a quick, steady burst. With that, Mehji moaned loudly, his face too swollen to vocalize anything more complex. As the final wave poured into him, slowing his expansion to a trickle, all that could be heard in the dark room was the raucous sloshing of fluid settling inside him.

Mehji was desparate to shout if it would relieve even a tiny fraction of the pressure to which he had been filled. Despite being painless, his turgid body was in an extreme excess of pressure beyond that which any person could reasonably reach. His face was still hot with feverish embarrassment, stressed largely by the immobility that so immediately overtook him.

"In fact, I have many plans for you," Windsor continued. While talking, he shifted his weight down, rolling the taut round balloon toward himself. It took a few tugs to position him correctly, but eventually, Mehji's puffy face appeared over the top of the round mass. The two watched each other intently as Mehji continued rolling, only coming to a halt as his face pointed down to meet Windsor's head-on. "You're the biggest berry I've ever seen, and that's saying something." Just like before, Windsor stuck a single hand beneath Mehji's bloated chin, caressing it with passion-filled eyes.

But this time, he leaned in to plant a kiss on Mehji's lips. The two closed their eyes and the moment froze for just a second before the lanky dragon pulled back.

"Thank you," he murmured, staring the blueberry straight in the eyes. "Now, go ahead and snap again. Right hand."

It took a moment before Mehji processed what he had been told. The sensation of being trapped in his own engorged body was frankly stunning. Moments later, though, he weakly forced his fingers together, accomplishing a single quiet snap. Instinctively, Windsor raised a single arm to cover his eyes and held his breath.

Incomprehensibly speedily, Mehji felt high tension envelop his entire body, pressing inward in all directions. "Holy--!" Before he could make sense of it, the fat distorting his face disappeared, allowing him to emit half of a startled interjection. Like a water balloon being popped, he deflated, a surge of juice spraying out and covering the room in all directions. As though his transformation played out in reverse, he was pressed completely free of juice in just seconds. In fact, it occurred so quickly that his belly was lifted away from the ground, leaving the short lizard momentarily suspended in mid-air.

But such conditions did not last, as he came tumbling down to the ground, landing on what remained of his cushy paunch before it quickly reverted to its original flat shape. As the wave of juice freed from him landed, raining from the ceiling, he clambered to his feet with a hand on his pounding head.

"I… I popped. I thought you said…" Mehji grumbled, patting at his midsection grumpily. At first, his perceived betrayal by Windsor sparked in him a flash of anger. But as he patted himself down top to bottom with both hands, looking over his decidedly normal-looking body, it fizzled out. "What kind of wizardry is this?"

"Hahahaha," Windsor laughed heartily before scooping Mehji up into a bear hug. Oddly, the former was drenched in deep blue juice, while the latter had reverted to his typical coloration. It ere as though it never changed. "It worked! What a success!"

"Whoa, whoa, what do ya mean?!" Mehji, held up by a pair of arms around his midsection, continued to survey his own hands. "How did you get all that out of me so fast?"

"Alright, I'll explain," the tall dragon set Mehji back down on his feet gently. "This was all a test for that suit. It didn't break and the compression mechanism worked flawlessly." Mehji gave a baffled look, so he continued. "It can basically squeeze you back to shape. See, look! That was all in you!"

Windsor spun around with his hands extended wide, smiling more than anyone witnessing so much property damage ever should. There was a thin pool of juice beneath their feet and not a single centimeter of wall space wasn't coated in the substance. Mehji patted his belly, cogs turning in his head, as he examined the damage.

Did any of that even really happen? He thought pensively. Is this… a dream right now?

"Do you… wanna give these suits out to people?" Mehji inquired, trying to imagine what could have motivated such a mystical invention. "That's your plan to solve the blueberry epidemic?"

"No," Windsor replied directly, still surprisingly cheerful. "Like I said, this world isn't built to accomodate for berries to exist." While speaking, he strolled over to the table upon which the raygun from earlier was set. Mehji recoiled instinctively as he picked it up but relaxed upon seeing it resting on its side in his open palms.

"I must admit I lied about this," Windsor gingerly raised the weapon in the air. "This gun just makes blueberries out of everyone it hits. The only thing here that can read your dreams… is me."

Struck at the understanding that he had been deceived, Mehji's mouth fell agape. What he had just experienced was a snowstorm of emotions hardly able to be captured by words.

"My plan? Simply fill the world with blueberries until it changes." Windsor laid out his intentions plainly.

"Are you the one who started all this, then?" Mehji probed with a gravely serious tone, still unmoving from where he originally stood up.

"No," answered Windsor, his eyes fixed upon his partner to convey his words with identical gravity. "I have my suspicions as to who did but am uncertain." For a moment, in the sickly-sweet subterranean study, the two tensely stared each other down. "So, with all that said…" Windsor stepped forward, still suspending the gun in outstretched arms. "I would like to ask you to be my partner in crime."

Mehji could not have predicted what transpired in the past few minutes. As he looked down at the firearm being given to him, he reached up with a single gloved hand to accept it but froze just inches away. With unsteady eyes, he sought for comfort in Windsor's warm, intent smile. Then, returning his focus, he picked it up by the handle, resting a careful finger on the trigger guard.

The weapon entered his grip comfortably, weighing subtantially less than he anticipated. Windsor relaxed his arms at his sides, glowing with pride at the sight of Mehji in his suit.

"I suppose that does sound a little fun," Mehji smirked as he posed with the gun pointed toward the porcelain-white dragon. He held it for a moment before angling his aim to just narrowly miss to the right. "Who know what else you have stashed down here, too?"

For the first time since he began swelling, Mehji soaked in the room in close detail as he lowered his weapon. All around him were workstations, machinery, tools and clothing. The scene was almost fantastical, decorated with active monitors and branding painted across the walls. A rather simplistic emblem in the shape of a W appeared in more places around the laboratory than he originally noticed.

"Well, in that case, welcome to Wrath HQ… rookie." Windsor's frigidly serious demeanor defroze as he offered a playful handshake. With his empty hand, Mehji reached out and accepted it. "So, how's about we get to cleaning u--?!"

Rambling made Windsor visibly inattentive, so Mehji gave him a swift tug on the arm, pulling the two men into a firm embrace. Before his eyes could flutter open, the short lizard delivered a passionate kiss unto the lips of the other. With one of Mehji's arms around his waist, Windsor let himself slide into the liplock.

Suddenly, the room flashed white. A warm sensation disspiated into Windsor from his back. As though unbothered, he pulled away from kissing the man that just shot him with a toothy, satisfied grin.

"Before that…" Mehji looked directly into Windsor's eyes as he tossed away the still-warm raygun. "I wanna see if your dream body is the same as mine…" He gripped behind Windsor's ass firmly on both sides as the two reptiles pressed into each other, exchanging loving, menacing grins. "…And I wonder if juice tastes sweeter when harvested with revenge." Windsor took in a deep breath as he rested his arms on Mehji's broad shoulders. "Don't hold out on me, now…"

But across the happy face he gazed into longingly, a vivid blue had already begun to spread.

[vshiftsss]

🍞 for the ask game :D

HOGWARTS UNI DR MOODBOARD - (MEREDITH WINDSOR)

thanks for the ask!

🍞 - create a mood board of some of your closest friendships in your desired reality. you could include their face claim, favorite color, clothing style, what your friendship with them all looks like, etc.

alright…i’m gonna be honest. i don’t usually script my friends. ever. unless i’m shifting to a place with an established friend group. so, basically, i had to make this mood-board while also thinking of things meredith would be into and what we would do together. this is what i decided on. and if it doesn’t match well…i tried my best.

pics in order: hobby, us together, something that represents us, favorite color, faceclaim (of course i had to script sabrina in somehow), hobby, clothing style, us together, friendship tradition

hobby… one of the things meredith and i instantly bonded over was our shared love for creating music. i play the piano while she plays the guitar, and sometimes we’ll put our brains together to create some song that will never see the light of day again. meredith is a lot better than me at songwriting, but she claims i’m ‘just as good as her’. at least she’s being nice about it!

friendship dynamic… i met meredith while i was moving into my dorm in the ravenclaw house. she had moved in earlier than me, and she had her door ajar, soft pop music flowing out from her bedroom. my room is across the hall, so every time i passed by, i glanced over to see what she was doing. eventually, she caught me, and instead of calling me nosy, she gave me a radiant smile and offered to help me settle in. that night, we both went on an adventure touring the campus, and it really solidified our bond. we’re attached at the hip, two peas in a pod. best friends forever :)

favorite color… judging by the theme of this post and the pic of oranges in the mood board, it’s pretty clear meredith’s favorite color is orange. she tries to incorporate it into everything she owns, too, whether it’s a few orange tulips in a vase, or some stickers on her water bottle.

clothing style… i honestly don’t know the names of the specific style she wears, but it’s kind of similar to mine. imagine blouses, lace, stockings, mary janes, dainty jewelry, sundresses…that kind of vibe. though she also wears sweaters and simple tees if it’s just a night in, or a study session. truly depends on the occasion.

friendship tradition… we always eat breakfast together. doesn’t matter if we have schedule conflicts, if someone’s sick, or if we’re completely swamped with work. sometimes we eat in the dining hall, sometimes we find a small café to eat and study in. if one of us can’t make it, we bring food to them. or we facetime. no matter what, we’ll always eat together. it’s our dedicated time to each other, even if it’s just twenty minutes.

overview… guys i love her. absolutely adore her. i’m so excited to see her. UGHH making mood boards is now my new favorite pastime. expect more! love you guys, happy shifting!

ask game :)

[world-of-wales]

─ •✧ WILLIAM'S YEAR IN REVIEW : 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 ✧• ─

𝟐 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : A personal tweet by William was released offering condolences on the passing of Bob Burrow.

𝟒 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William held an Investiture.

𝟓 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : The Prince of Wales, The King & The Queen attended the National Commemorative Event to mark the Eightieth Anniversary of the D-Day Landings. They were received by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire (Mr. Nigel Atkinson), Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. Rishi Sunak) and Defence Services Secretary (Major General Eldon Millar). Later, they met Veterans of D-Day and their families.

𝟔 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William was received Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy in Paris (Mr. Theophilus Rycroft) in Normandy, France for D-Day Commemorations. He attended the Canadian Ceremony of Remembrance to commemorate their role in the D-Day Landings at Juno Beach Centre. Afterwards, he met veterans at Arromanches. Finally, The Prince of Wales attended the International Commemorative Ceremony at Omaha Beach.

𝟕 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William and Catherine marked the 80th Anniversary of D-Day Landings. The Earl of Chester attended the Wedding Ceremony of the Duke of Westminster & Miss Olivia Henson.

𝟏𝟎 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : He visited the England Men's European Football Championship Team at St. George's Park.

𝟏𝟏 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : Kensington Palace released a photograph of William on route to Cardiff. He was received by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan (Mrs. Morfudd Meredith) as he met representatives of the United Kingdom and Australian seaweed industry at Cardiff Metropolitan University. He subsequently visited the Zero2Five Food Industry Centre.

𝟏𝟑 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : The Prince of Wales visited the Secret Intelligence Service.

𝟏𝟒 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William attended the Senior Colonels' Conference at Clarence House as Colonel of the Welsh Guards.

𝟏𝟓 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William took part in The King's Birthday Parade on Horse Guards Parade. Later, he appeared on the Balcony along with Catherine and their children for the RAF fly-past.

𝟏𝟔 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : A photograph of William with George, Charlotte and Louis (taken by Catherine) was released to mark Father's Day. Additionally, a photograph from 1985 of William with King Charles was released by Kensington Palace accompanied by a personal tweet from Wills.

𝟏𝟕 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William attended a Chapter of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in the Throne Room at Windsor Castle. Afterwards, he was present at the Luncheon Party for the Companions of the Garter. Subsequently, he attended the Order of the Garter Installation Service at St George's Chapel.

𝟏𝟖 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : He held a Meeting at Windsor Castle

𝟏𝟗 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William attended the second day of the Ascot Races and presented trophies for the Prince of Wales Stakes.

𝟐𝟎 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : Kensington Palace released William's photograph with King Frederick & Princess Josephine of Denmark as he attended the UEFA 2024 Group Game between England and Denmark at Frankfurt Arena.

𝟐𝟏 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William celebrated his 42nd Birthday. Buckingham Palace released a Birthday Portrait featuring William with King Charles was released to mark the occasion. Additionally, Kensington Palace released a Birthday Photograph of William with their three children taken by Catherine. He was spotted at Windsor Castle arriving for a Meeting. In the evening, William along with George and Charlotte attended London Night 1 of Taylor's Swift Eras Tour at Wembley Stadium.

𝟐𝟐 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William and Catherine marked Windrush Day. Kensington Palace released a photograph with Taylor Swift featuring William, George and Charlotte. A selfie by Taylor Swift was also shared on her socials from the meeting.

𝟐𝟑 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William marked World Female Rangers Week.

𝟐𝟒 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : He chaired a Meeting of The Prince's Council.

𝟐𝟓 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William took part in the Japanese State Visit. He welcomed Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan at their Hotel. He then accompanied the couple to Horse Guards for the Ceremonial Welcome. Afterwards, they viewed an Exhibition of the Royal Collection items relating to Japan and attended the luncheon reception. Finally, The Prince of Wales attended the State Dinner at Buckingham Palace. He also appeared in a video message during the Zero Suicide International Summit.

𝟐𝟔 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : He attended tthe Groundswell Regenerative Agriculture Festival in Herefordshire. He also visited Yeo Valley Organic at the event. A tweet from William and Catherine was released congratulating England's Qualification in the next stage of the UEFA Euros. An unseen photo of WillCat from 2006 was released by Pat Tigrett.

𝟐𝟕 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : He attended the Earthshot "Stories of Impact" discussion at their Innovation Camp. Afterwards William attended the Breakthrough Energy Summit as part of the London Climate Action Week.

𝟐𝟗 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : William and Catherine marked Armed Forces Day.

𝟑𝟎 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 : He released a personal tweet congratulating the Three Lions on their Euros Quarter Final Qualification.

[nordleuchten]

On the Road, June 27 and 28

The 27th and 28th of June were travel days for La Fayette where he covered some distance – solely because time was not on his side. There were many places where he wanted to visit or stay longer, and many places wanted to be visited by him but even such a spectacular Tour such as La Fayette’s could not go on forever. Levasseur summarizes the flurry as follows:

From Portland, the general would have been well pleased to continue his route to the extremity of the state of Maine, but time was wanting; he therefore retraced his steps towards Burlington, passing through Windsor, Woodstock, Montpelier, &c. Although Vermont is very mountainous, which rendered the road more difficult, we travelled with extreme rapidity, advancing almost all the time more than nine miles an hour, relays of horses having been well dis posed by the inhabitants, in order that the general might not be retarded in his progress to New York.

Auguste Levasseur, Lafayette in America in 1824 and 1825; or Journal of Travels in the United States, Translated from the French, Volume 2, New-York, 1829, p. 213.

While reading this paragraph, I was struck by how the perception of certain things changes with time. Nine miles per hour or roughly 14.5 kilometres per hour is today not any longer considered travelling “with extreme rapidity”. Most bikers are probably fast on average and Levasseur also mentions, that a considerable effort went into maintaining such a speed for a length of time. Truly, how times have changed.

While in Windsor, the group around La Fayette also picked up Governor Van Ness, who would accompany them for some time during their travels through Vermont. On they went to Burlington.

[princesscatherinemiddleton]

The Princess of Wales’ Year in Review: June

June 1st - The Prince and Princess of Wales were present at the Marriage of The Crown Prince of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan with Miss Rajwa Al Saif which took place at the Zahran Palace. They then attended the wedding reception June 6th - The Princess of Wales visited Windsor Family Hub. That afternoon, she received Mrs. Alice Webb (Trustee of The Royal Foundation) at Windsor Castle June 7th - The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron of the Royal Foundation and Patron of the Rugby Football Union, visited Maidenhead Rugby Football Club June 8th - The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron of the Royal Foundation, held an Early Years Meeting June 14th - The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron of the Royal Foundation, held an Early Years Meeting June 15th - The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron of the Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, visited Riversley Park Children's Centre. Later, she received Professor Eamon McCrory (Board Member of the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood Advisory Group) at Windsor Castle June 16th - A film was released highlighting the vital role that health visitors play in the community, which includes footage of The Princess of Wales shadowing health visiting teams at Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. That evening, the Prince of Wales, Colonel of the Welsh Guards, and The Princess of Wales, Colonel of the Irish Guards, attended the Senior Colonels' Conference and Dinner at Clarence House June 17th - The Wales family joined the extended members of the British Royal Family at The King's Birthday Parade, also known as Trooping the Colour June 19th - The Princess of Wales was present when the King, accompanied by The Queen, The Prince of Wales, and others, held a Chapter of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in the Throne Room, Windsor Castle. The King later gave a Luncheon Party for the Companions of the Most Noble Order of the Garter at which The Queen, The Prince and Princess of Wales, and others were present June 20th - The Princess of Wales, Patron of the National Portrait Gallery, officially reopened the newly renovated National Portrait Gallery June 22nd - Prince George was spotted touring Eton alongside his parents June 23rd - The Prince and Princess of Wales honoured Royal Ascot with their presence June 24th - The Princess of Wales joined Roger Federer in a video for Wimbledon, focusing on the ball boys and girls June 27th - The Princess of Wales officially opened Hope Street June 28th - The Princess of Wales, Patron of the Victoria and Albert Museum, officially reopened the newly renovated Young Victoria and Albert Museum June 29th - The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron of the Royal Foundation, held an Early Years Meeting. Afterwards, she held further meetings. The Country Life cover photographed by the then-Duchess of Cambridge won the Cover of the Year title at the PPA Awards, the ‘Oscars’ of the magazine world June 30th - The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron of the Royal Foundation, received Professor Eamon McCrory (Board Member of the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood Advisory Group) at Windsor Castle

[scotianostra]

On 8th August 1825 Angus Mòr MacAskill from Berneray, frequently referred to as Giant MacAskill, was known as the world's largest "true" giant, died.

Angus MacAskill stood at 7ft 9ins tall and toured the world during the 19th Century to show off his physical might and impress with his deeds of his strength.

MacAskill, born in 1825, was so small as a baby it was feared he might not survive but he rapidly grew during his teenage years. The span of his hand measured a foot wide with his shoulders stretching some 80 inches.

In 1981, he was named as the world’s largest true giant by the Guinness Book of World Records. Tales of his physical abilities are plentiful with it claimed he could pull a fishing boat in two and carry barrels of pork weighing over 20 stone under each arm with ease.

Frequently challenged to fights and physical tests, he was injured by an anchor after lifting it to please a group of French sailors.

When he was six, the MacAskills were cleared from Berneray with the family setting up a new life in Nova Scotia in the mid 1830s. MacAskill later became known as the Cape Breton Giant or simply Big Boy by those who knew him.

Despite his incredible physical presence, he is also remembered for his gentle nature and soft voice.

In 1850, MacAskill was asked by a captain who visited his home town of Englishtown to travel to America with him and perform some shows with the move opening up a lucrative showbusiness career for the Hebridean, whose stage name became Giant MacAskill.

He joined PT Barnum’s Circus and was regularly performing alongside Tom Thumb, who was just 3ft tall. It is said the Scot could hold his sidekick in the palm of his hand with the double act often appearing on circus flyers together.

During his travels across Europe, MacAskill was invited to Windsor Castle by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert where the monarch declared him “the tallest, stoutest and strongest man to ever enter the palace”, He was presented with two gold rings as a show of appreciation.

MacAskill returned home a wealthy man to his home community where he purchased a mill and a general store. He died suddenly at the age of 38 from brain fever and is buried on Cape Breton Island

The Halifax Acadian Recorder of August 15th, 1863, reported that “the well-known giant... was by far the tallest man in Nova Scotia, perhaps in British America” and that “his mild and gentle manner endeared him to all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance”.

There are two museums to MacAskill - the Giant MacAskill Heirs Association in Englishtown, Nova Scotia and the Giant Angus MacAskill Museum in Dunvegan, Skye. There, models of his giant bed and chair are on display, with the originals held by the Canadian museum. A memorial stands in his name at Berneray.

[iboatedhere]

Thank you for the tag @kiwiana-writes!

From my beloved Roman Holiday AU that I'm finally able to write.

Tags below the cut.

--

“I fold.”

Alex is met with a chorus of boos and a mumbled “wuss” from June. 

“Same as last time,” Marco tsk’s from across the table.

“And the time before that,” Mattia adds.

“Exactly how much money do you guys expect me to lose tonight?” Alex asks helplessly. “Because this—.” He pulls the fifty piece out of his pocket. “Is all I have left.”

“On you,” June says. “We all know you’ve got more in the bank.”

“I’m not tapping into it for a poker game.”

“Suit yourself,” June says as she lays down her cards and the guys groan. “Royal flush.”

“Alexander,” Dante says, “you didn’t warn us that your sister was a ringer when you brought her.”

“I didn’t know,” Alex says in wonder as June collects her winnings. There must be nearly four hundred euros in the pile. “Where’d you learn to play like this?”

“A good journalist never reveals their sources,” she says simply. “You should know that.”

“Your beat is style and travel….what sources would you need to protect?”

“That is for me to know and for you to fork over your money.”

Alex shakes his head and pushes himself away from the table. “No, I’m out for real.”

There’s another round of jeers but Alex doesn’t give in.

“I couldn’t stay if I wanted to,” he explains, “I have an early appointment with His Royal Highness Henry George Edward James Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor.”

“Early,” June scoffs. “My official invitation says ten thirty.”

“Yeah, well…” Alex starts as June raises an eyebrow. “My questions are a little more in-depth than who are you wearing.”

Alex winces as June rolls her eyes.

“Dick,” June says as she reshuffles the cards.

“This prince is a big deal?” Marco asks and Alex shakes his head.

“Not really. I mean, he’s like fourth in line to the throne so he’s never even going to pretend to have any real power. The only reason we’re covering him at all is because he hasn’t been out in public at any official royal events since his dad died four years ago.”

“James Bond,” Dante remembers with a solemn nod. 

“That’s right,” Alex says. “Now the prince is on a comeback tour of Europe and we’re all supposed to act like he’s special.”

Mattia snorts. “You sound like you have a personal problem with this prince.”

Alex scoffs. “No, it’s not personal. I’m just not a fan of the monarchy. Think of all the money they’ve wasted parading this guy around. Think of all the things it could’ve funded instead. Now we all have to flock to the embassy like he’s someone important because our livelihoods depend on it when in reality he’s just some spoiled rich kid who has never had to work a day in his life.”

“Are you on blood pressure medication, Alex?” Mattia asks and Alex flips him off while the group laughs.

“I’ll see you guys around,” he tells them. “June, are you coming?”

“No way,” she says as she starts to deal. “I have more money to win.” 

“You gonna be okay to get home?”

She nods and looks meaningfully across the table at Luca, who is shy and quiet and beautiful with his olive skin and dark eyes. 

He blushes but doesn’t look away and Alex doesn’t need to know.

“All right,” Alex says as he grabs his jacket off the back of his chair. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

“Doesn’t leave much,” June sing-songs as Alex makes his way to the door.

Tagging: @cha-melodius @lemonlyman-dotcom @lightningboltreade @liminalmemories21 @rmd-writes @welcometololaland

[tejastravels1]

Cruise Into Forever: Top 5 Wedding Rides Bangalore Couples Are Booking in 2025 🚗💍

Why Your Arrival Beats Even the Décor in Bengaluru Traffic 😱

Namma Bengaluru’s gridlocks can turn a dream entry into a delay. That is why couples here spend extra on premium wheels. India’s overall car-rental market has seen a massive boom, with luxury rentals rising steadily due to demand from urban weddings. Within Bengaluru alone, high-end wedding vehicle bookings have jumped by nearly 40% over the past year, thanks to millennial couples focused on Instagram moments and guest experience.

Rolls-Royce Ghost: Royal Wheels for Bangalore Palace Entrances 👑

Nothing shouts “maharaja moment” louder than a Ghost gliding past the Palace gates. Local operators quote ₹2.5–3.5 lakh for a six-hour bridal run, inclusive of a liveried chauffeur and flower décor. Couples who tied the knot at venues like ITC Windsor or The Leela Palace often select this vehicle for its grandeur and timeless appeal. Many wedding photographers claim this car alone increases engagement on wedding reels and portraits.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Timeless Luxury Without the Eye-Watering Bill ✨

The S-Class brings understated elegance, ideal for church weddings on MG Road or upscale banquets in Indiranagar. Rental rates range from ₹45,000 to ₹60,000 for a full-day hire. Brides appreciate the cabin's LED ambient lighting that complements pastel lehengas, while decorators love how easily the car adapts to floral themes.

BMW 7-Series: Sporty Statement for a Baraat That Turns Heads 🕺

For grooms who want flair with functionality, the 7-Series checks every box. From St. Mark’s Road to Palace Grounds, it turns heads. Its sun-roof makes it perfect for baraat dance entries, while dual-tone interiors deliver a luxe feel for post-wedding rides. Tejas Travels—one of Bangalore’s leading Tour and Travels Companies—offers this model as part of custom baraat packages.

Vintage Ambassador Convertible: Retro Charm for Insta-Worthy Shots 📸

Classic Ambassadors and Morris Oxfords are back in style. Popular for pre-wedding shoots in Cubbon Park or KR Market, these vintage icons rent at ₹18,000–₹22,000 for three-hour sessions. Floral decorators and planners often style them with marigolds or roses to match old-school wedding themes. These rides are especially loved by couples hosting weddings at heritage properties like Tamarind Tree or Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple.

Tempo Traveller & Wedding Bus Hire: Keep the Whole Baraat Rolling Smoothly 🚌

Family logistics matter just as much as the bride’s entry. Tempo Travellers and mini coaches solve the challenge of group movement across venues like Whitefield, Yelahanka, or Electronic City. Tejas Travels provides top-rated bus rental service, offering everything from a 12-seater executive van to 35-seater coach rental. Their wedding bus hire packages include décor options, AC comfort, and trained drivers who navigate city traffic without delay. This kind of bus transportation ensures your entire baraat or guest group stays on time and together.

What It Really Costs in 2025: Numbers Before Romance 💸

Here’s the reality: floral décor adds ₹3,000–₹15,000 depending on materials. Chauffeur night halt can cost ₹1,500 extra. Karnataka’s Motor Vehicles rules require a temporary permit (around ₹300) if the car crosses into another state. Rentals also attract 5% GST, while luxury décor may incur 18%. Knowing these hidden costs upfront helps avoid last-minute budget surprises.

Book Seamlessly With Tejas Travels 🌟

Tejas Travels has over 25 years of experience offering reliable wedding vehicle services in Karnataka. They maintain a real-time fleet tracker, provide on-demand replacements in case of breakdowns, and even help with custom décor. Whether you're booking a sedan, vintage car, or need bus rental for guests, their team ensures a smooth, well-coordinated experience. Advance booking with 50% payment is all it takes to secure your ride of choice.

90-Day Countdown: Lock Your Dream Wheels Before Someone Else Does ⏰

Industry trends show that wedding car rentals in Bengaluru spike by up to 25% if booked less than two weeks before the event. The best time to finalise your wedding vehicle is 2–3 months before the ceremony, especially for premium models like the Ghost or S-Class. For weekends falling under peak wedding season (March, November, December), earlier is better.

FAQs Bengaluru Couples Ask ❓

❓ Can I self-drive a rented Rolls-Royce? ✅ No. Karnataka mandates commercial license and chauffeur-driven operations for luxury cars under rental services.

❓ Is a special permit required for decorated vehicles? ✅ Yes, a temporary permit is needed under local transport rules. Most rental services, including Tejas Travels, handle this for you.

❓ Can I book a wedding bus for an outstation guest pickup? ✅ Absolutely. Bus rental companies like Tejas Travels offer outstation guest transport with air-conditioned coaches, perfect for Mysore or Coorg routes.

Roll Out in Style and On Time 🎉

Your wedding vehicle is more than transport—it’s the first impression, the grand arrival, and your red carpet moment. From Rolls-Royce royalty to travel bus rental for guests, Bangalore offers the best of class, comfort, and coordination. With expert providers like Tejas Travels managing your ride, all you need to do is step in, smile, and cruise into forever. 💖

[hecticlife]

introducing: @windsorbay resident

leon amos

hiii i’m tj (29 / she/her / gmt-4) and this is leon and i love him so much so please extend the love lmao

stats

full name : leon aaron amos nickname(s) : none blondie, by his ex birthplace : seattle, washington date of birth : 2 / 09 / 1995 zodiac sign: virgo sibling(s) : n / a ! relationship status : single gender identity : cis man ( he/his ) sexual orientation : heterosexual faceclaim : luke hemmings

personality (tw: vices addictions such as drugs, alcohol and sex)

along with being charming and a good friend, leon struggles with anxiety and dramatic tendencies to be impulsive. this can lead to self-destructive tendencies like being a stoner, a chain-smoker, a drinker and a sex addict. and yet, the man has a very alluring vibe. he's flirty and doesn't take himself too seriously, he actively works on it. we love a therapy fan and a feminist dude.

summary

leon's from seattle and his father abandoned him when he was seven years old. he's always been a musician type, needing to express his feelings that his mother couldn't validate at all, and he developed bpd during his teen years. he went to berklee, started an indie rock band called artists from teddy. after graduating he went on tour with the band, dated a stripper for four months and started his rock n' roll lifestyle. it was hard. after several panic attacks, he found out he was also bipolar, which led him to a depressive period of time. this is a common thing for leon. the ups and downs are heightened and he's his worst critic. went to valpo (chile) with the love of his life, pretty much a chaotic and on-and-off relationship. he kept working through the highs and lows. turning the joy and heartbreak into singles and albums and live shows. this time, he wants to take a break from moving too much. so he chose windsor bay. he's been staying downtown for about two weeks, and because he's such a workaholic, leon already rented a studio space next to the radio station. he produces new artists and bands and also plans to host songwriting workshops weekly.

bio (tw: alzheimer, death, mental illness, bpd, suicidal thoughts)

born and raised in seattle, leon is an only child. his parents went through a pretty nasty divorce when he was seven. his father disappeared from the map and even though he was supposed to pay child support, he hardly ever did. leon’s mother did everything in her power to give her son the best education. anna paid for guitar and piano lessons. she even sent him to berklee because that’s how talented leon had always been in her eyes.

he was in bands in high school, but it wasn’t until college that he learned how to work collaboratively with other musicians and songwriters. the indie rock band artists from teddy was formed in 2022 and the group graduated in 2023. they did a mini tour around the us (where leon managed to date a stripper for four months. angelica) and then went on a much-needed break. leon asked his godmother who lives in chile if he could spend time in her beach house, writing songs for his solo project. she said yes.

so he went there after a call with his band, it was time for it to end. it made him sad. he finished his solo record, released it and went on a tour through south america and then the us. it was great to have that distraction, especially because the music did well and the shows were critically acclaimed too. after it ended, he decided he needed to stay in one place, and he chose brooklyn. after his second album was released and toured around north america, leon decided he wanted a break from the hectic life. he chose windsor bay to stay still for a while.

(tw: mental illness, suicide attempt mention) leon was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder when he was nineteen, after a particularly traumatic accident with pills and booze. he was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder when he was twenty-seven. it's taken time for him to adjust to the meds and the emotional dysregulation. but he's better now. so much better than he was a few years ago when he was suicidal. still, sometimes his internal dialogue can get rotten, infecting everything in his life. mostly his relationships. the depressive episodes have gone down to once a month, which is impressive and relieving.

headcanons

plays guitar, piano, bass and sings

goes to therapy

such a party animal, it’s another coping mechanism

absurdly obsessed with music

doesn’t want to have children

stoner

chain-smoker

wanted connections

one-night stands, fwb, friends, party buddies, gym buddies, friends in the music/entertaining industry

angelica: ex-girlfriend. stripper. dated for four months. 3 friends from artists from teddy: former band

[jkexecutive00]

Royal Ascot Chauffeur | VIP Travel with Luxury Cars

Royal Ascot Chauffeur Services: Luxury, Class, and Unmatched VIP Travel

The Royal Ascot is one of Britain’s most prestigious events, celebrated not just for world-class horse racing but also for its royal heritage, high fashion, and elite social scene. Attending such a grand event demands an equally elegant mode of transportation—and nothing defines sophistication better than a Royal Ascot chauffeur service.

A luxury chauffeur to Royal Ascot isn't just about arriving on time—it's about arriving in style. Whether you're attending with business clients, friends, or loved ones, a professional chauffeur adds an unmistakable touch of class to your entire experience. From the moment you’re picked up in a sleek Mercedes, Rolls-Royce, or Bentley, you’re not just commuting—you’re indulging in the height of luxury.

With Royal Ascot chauffeur services, clients enjoy:

Stress-free travel from anywhere in London or across the UK.

Immaculately presented chauffeurs, trained in etiquette and discretion.

Luxury vehicle choices, including top-tier sedans and limousines.

On-time arrivals and optimized route planning for maximum comfort.

Complimentary amenities, like bottled water, Wi-Fi, newspapers, and more.

What truly sets these services apart is their deep understanding of what Royal Ascot demands. With complex logistics like race-day schedules, VIP drop-offs, and premium parking access, only the best chauffeur companies can ensure a flawless experience. Clients are treated with utmost professionalism, and every detail—from pick-up location to itinerary management—is handled with precision.

Whether you're heading to the Queen Anne Enclosure, Royal Enclosure, or Windsor Enclosure, your chauffeur ensures a smooth and timely arrival. These services are often tailored for:

High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs)

Celebrities and media professionals

Luxury tour groups

Corporate hospitality clients

And unlike generic taxi or ride-share services, a Royal Ascot chauffeur ensures VIP privacy, door-to-door service, and an unforgettable impression from beginning to end.

As a bonus, many chauffeur services offer flexible packages—including hourly hire, full-day bookings, and even extended arrangements for multi-day race attendance.

Whether you're seeking luxury, reliability, competitive pricing, or simply the best way to make your Royal Ascot visit extraordinary, investing in a professional chauffeur service is the smartest and most stylish decision you can make. https://www.jkexecutivechauffeurs.com/chauffeur-service-london/ https://www.jkexecutivechauffeurs.com/

[viceroybahamas]

New Luxury Listings By Viceroy In Real Estate Bahamas

Viceroy Luxury Real Estate Group is proud to unveil its New Luxury Listings by Viceroy In Real Estate Bahamas, showcasing some of the most exclusive properties now available across the islands. These remarkable listings redefine island living with exceptional design, panoramic ocean views, and direct access to some of the world's most pristine beaches.

Whether you're searching for the perfect vacation retreat or a long-term investment, Viceroy offers a wide range of Bahamas property for sale that caters to the most discerning buyers. The new collection features modern beachfront estates, private villas, and premium condominiums in high-demand areas including Nassau, Paradise Island, and Eleuthera.

"We’re seeing a surge in demand for high-end island homes," said a spokesperson from Viceroy Luxury Real Estate Group. "Our new listings offer world-class amenities, breathtaking surroundings, and the level of privacy and comfort that international buyers are actively seeking in Real Estate Bahamas."

For those looking to develop their own dream residence, the firm also offers exceptional opportunities in Bahamas land for sale. These prime parcels range from secluded waterfront lots to expansive tracts ideal for bespoke estates or commercial development.

All listings are carefully selected to align with Viceroy’s reputation for quality and value. Each property not only provides luxury, but also a solid investment opportunity in one of the world’s most desirable real estate markets. Viceroy’s expert team guides clients through the entire buying process, from property selection and legal due diligence to closing and post-sale support.

Buyers, investors, and real estate enthusiasts are encouraged to explore the full portfolio of Bahamas property for sale and Bahamas land for sale directly on the official website: viceroybahamas.com. The site offers a seamless browsing experience with detailed listings, high-resolution imagery, and virtual tours of exclusive properties in Real Estate Bahamas.

About Viceroy Luxury Real Estate Group:

Viceroy Luxury Real Estate Group is a premier real estate agency based in the Bahamas, specializing in high-end residential and commercial properties. With a proven track record of excellence, Viceroy connects buyers from around the world to the finest real estate opportunities in the islands. Committed to transparency, professionalism, and personalized service, Viceroy continues to set the standard for Real Estate Bahamas.

Media Contact:

Viceroy Luxury Real Estate Group B2 Windsor Business Park, Windsor Field Road, Nassau, Bahamas Phone: 242-605-3400 Email: info@viceroybahamas.com

[vedicvoyages]

Explore the Majesty of Britain with Vedic Voyages' United Kingdom Tour Packages

From the royal charm of Buckingham Palace to the mystical beauty of the Scottish Highlands, the United Kingdom is a destination that offers history, culture, and elegance at every turn. At Vedic Voyages, we bring you meticulously designed United Kingdom tour packages that let you experience the best of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—while keeping your cultural preferences at the heart of your journey.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a family on vacation, or a group of friends looking for a memorable European escape, Vedic Voyages offers thoughtfully curated UK tour packages tailored for Indian travelers.

Why Visit the United Kingdom?

The UK is a blend of ancient traditions and modern wonders. With thousands of years of history, iconic monuments, vibrant cities, serene countryside, and an unmatched cultural richness, it’s no wonder the UK is among the most visited destinations in Europe.

Top Reasons to Choose a UK Tour Package:

✅ Visit historical landmarks like Stonehenge, Big Ben, and Edinburgh Castle

✅ Enjoy scenic drives through the Lake District and Scottish Highlands

✅ Explore world-famous universities like Oxford and Cambridge

✅ Discover vibrant urban culture in London, Manchester, and Glasgow

✅ Relish Indian food, diaspora communities, and familiar comforts

Vedic Voyages: Your Ideal Travel Partner for the UK

At Vedic Voyages, we don’t just sell travel—we craft experiences. Recognized among the best Indian tour operators in the USA, we specialize in international holidays that are rooted in comfort, trust, and cultural sensitivity.

Our United Kingdom tour packages are designed for:

Indian families living in the USA or UK

NRIs planning group vacations

Honeymooners looking for romantic European experiences

Seniors interested in heritage and scenic tours

Students and professionals looking for weekend breaks

What’s Included in Our UK Tour Packages?

With Vedic Voyages, you can expect a seamless, all-inclusive travel experience. Our typical packages include:

✅ International & internal flights (optional)

✅ Airport transfers & daily transportation

✅ 3-star, 4-star, or luxury hotel stays

✅ Guided sightseeing with English & Hindi-speaking experts

✅ Indian/vegetarian meals or meal allowance

✅ Entry to all major attractions

✅ Travel insurance (optional)

✅ 24/7 on-tour support

Sample 10-Day United Kingdom Tour Itinerary

Here’s a glimpse of our most popular 10-day UK itinerary:

Day 1–2: Arrival in London

Heathrow airport pickup

City tour: Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, London Eye

Thames River Cruise

Optional: West End theatre show

Day 3: Windsor Castle & Oxford

Visit Windsor Castle

Drive to Oxford University

Punting on River Cherwell

Day 4: Stratford-upon-Avon & Coventry

Birthplace of Shakespeare

Visit ancient cathedrals & countryside villages

Day 5–6: Manchester & Liverpool

Football stadium tours

Beatles Story Museum

Indian dinner in Rusholme (Curry Mile)

Day 7–8: Edinburgh, Scotland

Train ride to Edinburgh

Royal Mile walk, Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat

Traditional Scottish evening

Day 9: Lake District & Windermere

Scenic train ride or drive

Boat cruise on Lake Windermere

Relaxed evening in countryside hotel

Day 10: Return to London & Departure

Customizations are available for honeymoon couples, families with kids, and spiritual travelers.

What Makes Our UK Packages Different?

✅ Indian-Friendly Itinerary

We ensure temple visits, Indian meals, and time for shopping at places like Harrods, Bicester Village, and local South Asian markets.

✅ Senior & Family Comfort

From hotel elevators to slow-paced walking tours, we accommodate families with children and senior citizens with ease.

✅ Group & Festival Tours

Join our UK tours during Diwali, Christmas, or summer breaks, along with like-minded travelers. Make memories, not just photos.

✅ Visa & Documentation Support

We assist with UK visa application, documentation, and interview preparation.

✅ Flexible Payment Plans

Book your UK trip with easy EMI options and transparent pricing—no hidden costs.

What Our Customers Say

“We booked a 12-day UK tour with Vedic Voyages and it was flawless. My parents loved the comfort, and I appreciated the balance between sightseeing and relaxation.” – Ankur Malhotra, California

“We celebrated our 25th anniversary in the UK with Vedic Voyages. The team arranged everything—from champagne in the hotel to a private tour of London. Highly recommended!” – Sunita & Rajiv Patel, New Jersey

Book Your United Kingdom Tour Package Today!

Whether you're visiting the UK for the first time or returning to explore more, Vedic Voyages ensures you experience its charm like never before. Let us take care of everything—from flights to food—so you can focus on enjoying every moment.

🌍 Visit us at www.vedicvoyages.com to browse current United Kingdom tour packages, view testimonials, or speak to a travel expert.

[lux-properties]

Discover British Themed Elegance at Sobha Windsor Apartments in Whitefield, Bangalore

Experience the Charm of Ultra-Luxury Living in the Heart of Whitefield Sobha Windsor Apartments in Whitefield, Bangalore, is a prestigious residential project by the renowned Sobha Group. Crafted with a British architectural flair, this luxurious township sprawls across 14 acres, offering a tranquil lifestyle amidst lush landscapes. With top-tier amenities, expansive green spaces, and sophisticated design, Sobha Windsor epitomizes premium urban living in East Bangalore.

Landmark:Nagondanahalli, Whitefield, Bengaluru – A prime destination within one of the city’s most well-developed and fast-growing residential and IT hubs.

Key Project Details

Project Name: Sobha Windsor

Developer: Sobha Group

Property Type: Luxury Apartments

Configuration: 3 & 4 BHK Apartments

Starting Price: ₹1.35 Cr* onwards

Project Status: Under Construction

Total Units: 739

Project Area: 14 Acres

RERA Registered: Yes

Why Choose Sobha Windsor Apartments in Whitefield, Bangalore?

British Themed Architecture – A unique concept reflecting timeless elegance.

Spacious Residences – 3 & 4 BHK units ranging from 1,580 to 2,207 sq. ft.

Green Living – Vast landscaped gardens and dedicated space for organic farming.

Trusted Developer – Delivered by Sobha Group, a leader in luxury real estate in Bangalore.

High-Quality Construction – Earthquake-resistant RCC structure with premium finishes.

Location Highlights

Sobha Windsor is strategically located to offer excellent connectivity and access to essential infrastructure:

Columbia Asia Hospital – 2.5 Km

Sigma Tech Park – 2.7 Km

Whitefield Global School – 2.1 Km

Kempegowda International Airport – 38 Km

Phoenix Marketcity – 10.5 Km

RMZ NXT Tech Park – 7.8 Km

Exceptional Features

Central Landscaped Courtyards

Clubhouse & Dining Hall

Outdoor Gym, Amphitheatre, and Pet Park

Multi-Sport Playgrounds & Tennis Courts

Co-working Spaces & Organic Farming

Kids Pool & Senior Citizen Cove

24/7 Security with Controlled Access

Sewage Treatment Plant, STP, and OWC

Unique Highlights

British-Themed Elevation and Interiors

Vitrified Tiling and Anti-Skid Bathrooms

8-Foot Doors with Wooden Frames

Power Backup & Energy-Efficient Design

Premium Fittings in Kitchen and Bathrooms

Dedicated Pedestrian Pathways & Drop-Off Porches

A Smart Investment Opportunity

With its unmatched location, elite design, and growing demand for luxury housing, Sobha Windsor offers both lifestyle and investment benefits. Backed by Sobha Groups in Bangalore, it stands out among ultra luxury apartments in Whitefield, Bangalore making it a future-ready asset in the city’s real estate landscape.

Conclusion

If you're looking for luxury apartments in Bangalore with timeless appeal and world-class comfort, Sobha Windsor Apartments in Whitefield, Bangalore, is your destination. Whether for living or investing, this project delivers unmatched quality and elegance. Book your site visit or virtual tour today and step into a world of refined living with Sobha Apartments in Bangalore.