#a.k.a glitter

[glittergroovy]

Smarty ~ Lana Del Rey

[rhysdarbinizedarby]

‘Our Flag Means Death’: How Blackbeard & Stede’s Fantastical Underwater Reunion Came Together

[Warning: The below contains MAJOR spoilers for Our Flag Means Death, Season 2, Episodes 1-3.]

It doesn’t take more than a single second to recognize Kate Bush‘s haunting and heartbreaking tune “This Woman’s Work,” as Blackbeard, a.k.a. Ed (Taika Waititi), is pushed from a clifftop to plunge into the ocean’s depths below in Our Flag Means Death‘s Season 2 installment, “The Innkeeper.” But how did the pirate heartbroken over Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby) wind up in this position? It’s a delicate and winding path that starts with the infamous pirate’s unraveling over the course of the latest season’s first two episodes.

Believing Stede intentionally abandoned him after planning to run away together at the end of Season 1, Blackbeard embraces the version of himself so many have conjured up in their minds as he leads the Revenge’s “new” crew to pillage and plunder on the high seas. His unhinged behavior eventually forces Jim (Vico Ortiz), Izzy (Con O’Neill), Frenchie (Joel Fry), Archie (Madeleine Sami), and Fang (David Fane) to violently take control of the ship and neutralize Blackbeard — or so they think — after he steers them directly into a storm.

When Zheng Yi Sao’s (Ruibo Qian) Red Flag happens across an eerie-looking Revenge on the ocean, Stede dives overboard in his excitement over the possibility of seeing Ed, only to be told various excuses for his absence by the crew aboard. When Stede directly addresses Izzy regarding Blackbeard’s lack of presence, the now peg-legged pirate claims the Revenge crew dropped Ed on a beach.

This seems to ring true as we see Blackbeard wash ashore and cared for by his own former captain Hornigold (Mark Mitchinson). While together, Blackbeard and Hornigold discuss the mutiny that took place and Blackbeard’s hopes for the future. When a role-playing scenario testing Blackbeard’s ability to be an Innkeeper, a profession he’s interested in, goes awry, he attacks Hornigold, killing the tarp-clad pirate. But when Hornigold rises again, Blackbeard realizes something is off.

Aboard the Revenge, Ed’s body is uncovered below deck. Believing him dead, Zheng Yi Sao is forced to consider killing the Revenge crew for mutiny after initially welcoming them aboard the Red Flag. And Stede has to cope with the idea that his love may be gone forever.

After hatching an escape plan for the Revenge team, Stede and pals return to their former ship, leaving Zheng stranded without a wheel. Going to sit with Ed’s body, Stede wonders why he had to go and get himself killed. Meanwhile, Blackbeard begins to realize he’s stuck somewhere between life and death, a place this Hornigold manifestation calls a “gravy basket.”

As the two men banter about the pros and cons of choosing life over death, Hornigold ties a boulder around Ed’s waist and throws it from the cliff they’re standing on, pushing Blackbeard into the ocean. Just as it seems as though he’ll succumb to the waves, Blackbeard proves Bush’s song right: Perhaps there’s a little life in him yet. When Stede lifts the cloth from his face on the Revenge, underwater Ed reacts to the change. Peering into the water, he sees a light from which a fantastical mermaid version of Stede emerges.

In the real world, Stede reacts to Blackbeard’s twitching hand, taking it in his and pleading for him to live as a montage of their moments together rolls alongside Bush’s still-playing song. The final seconds of the episode see Ed’s eyes open, giving Stede hope.

So, how did this moving turn of events come to pass? A team full of creatives was responsible for bringing the captivating and satisfying reunion.

Stede’s Mermaid Tail

“It’s a huge process,” putting together Stede’s practical mermaid look, according to costume designer Gypsy Taylor. She says “it started with me begging everybody” to avoid visual FX and make a tail for the sequence. The orange and glittering look could have followed several different styles, but ultimately, Taylor notes, “I thought if Stede is going to turn into a mermaid, and it’s in Blackbeard’s dream, it’s sort of his vision of a mermaid.”

Considering this, in Taylor’s mind, Blackbeard wouldn’t envision some epic fantastical creature; instead, Stede would “just be like a goldfish. He’d just be like a sweet harmless goldfish.” In putting sketches together of the ensemble, Taylor acknowledges the symbolism of the goldfish motif: “There’s a huge Chinese element that we have coming through, and goldfish in Chinese culture is considered lucky.” As this vision of Stede was responsible for helping bring Ed back to life, that luck was certainly there.

“I thought that was a pretty beautiful thing, that they meet each other under the ocean and then they find each other,” Taylor gushes. “And so I went a little deep on that, but really he’s just a goldfish.” In order to achieve the goldfish mermaid look, Taylor teamed up with props master Hayley Egan, who’s based out of Australia. “She happens to excel at making mermaid tails,” Taylor shares.

After securing Egan’s involvement, Taylor says, “We fit Rhys in a jumbo stretch long skirt and made sure it was really tight so he could still sort of do this dolphin [swimming] action. And then we bought these mono fins, which you can purchase online and put your feet in.” Safety was key, though. “He had to swim really deep and for a really far distance, and he’d never done anything like that before,” Taylor explains. “So it had to be really safe and doable.”

Once that was figured out, Taylor says Egan “cast something like 3,000 hand-sculpted silicon scales. There’s something like five kilograms of glitter in the whole thing. And then we hand-dyed pleated chiffon for all the fins, so that when he was swimming through the water, it would have this magic feel.”

While the scene may play as emotional and romantic, the story behind getting Stede’s mermaid look from Australia to New Zealand was actually quite comical. “[Egan] sliced two suitcases in half, filled [them with the mermaid tail], and then when it went through customs, the customs guy said to her, ‘Are you bringing fish into this country?’ And she’s like, ‘Yes, yes I am.'”

In total, there were four tails, including “a practice tail, a stunt tail, because Rhys had to do quite a few lessons before we got the real one on. And the real one was super precious, and chlorine’s very strong, it eats fabrics away, so we wanted to save the hero one for the hero shot,” Taylor reveals. When it came time to film, “We put him in [the tail], and it was just amazing.” In order to get Darby into the pool, Taylor says a ramp had to be built and the actor was placed in a wheelchair while costumed “and pushed in.” As unglamorous as it sounds, she adds, “it was like Rhys’s dream come true.”

How Kate Bush Entered the Music Mix

It’s safe to say Kate Bush has been having a moment on TV since last year’s “Running Up That Hill” needle drop on Stranger Things, but music supervisor Maggie Phillips says, “This Woman’s Work” was selected before Netflix‘s hit made headlines with their use of the aforementioned song. “When we were placing [the song in the season lineup],” Phillips says, “it was maybe weeks after Stranger Things, and I was worried that we would look like copycats.”

Phillips maintains that the song was in the mix before, but it ultimately “doesn’t matter because really what matters is that Kate Bush is a queen and more and more people need to know her music.”

She says, “From what I heard from David [Jenkins], it was a song that Taika was attached to.” At first, Phillips was reluctant to go with the song due to its prior uses, but “David told me not to worry about [that], that people have short-term memory when it comes to music.”

While she debated with the team over cutting it, “[David] has the visuals in his mind. I don’t. I’m just hearing it with a script and I had no clue how it was going to work until I saw the first cut, and it was beautiful and they picked a part of the song that worked really well with the visuals, so they sort of made it their own,” Phillips explains. “They added a different context to the song that I wouldn’t have been able to imagine myself. So they proved me wrong for sure.”

It’s hard to imagine the scene without Bush’s song. “It changes the way you listen to the song,” Phillips notes. “I got chills watching it and I know that song so well and haven’t gotten chills like that in a long time.” With all of the buildup, “You’re waiting for them to have their romantic moment. You’re waiting for three episodes for that to happen. And so it’s so cathartic when that song comes on, and you see them come together in this fantasy world under the sea. It’s just perfect.” This led her to email Jenkins. “I was like, ‘You were right. I was wrong. But this was beautiful, and thank you so much.'”

Blackbeard’s Wet Wig Woes

Anyone watching the scene unfold would have to notice Blackbeard’s silver tresses weaving through the water, a feat much more difficult behind the scenes than the seemingly simple sequence onscreen. “We filmed that quite late in the season, and so we were really planning and thinking about that all the way through [filming]. I was a bit nervous,” hair and makeup designer Nancy Hennah admits. “I knew that he was going to have to be under the water with his wig on for quite a long time.”

Even with high-quality wig glue, Hennah says, “You can do everything you can to make that wig stay on, but there’s a limited amount of time that the glue will last. So we had to use different products than we would normally use to get the wig down.” Because the product Hennah normally uses to keep hair back in a wig is water soluble, “it melts, and the hair starts coming out from the lace, and it can ruin the whole look of the wig.” She had to come up with a creative fix.

“I glued his own hair back, and then we glued the lace on top of that, and wildly, it lasted right until the very last shot when they were dragging him through the water by the ankles,” Hennah reveals. “The wig just came off completely after they’d finished shooting. And so he came up out of the water, and the wig was off to the side, [and he goes], ‘I think my wig came off.'” She calls the success of the wig “incredible” and “just a fluke really.”

When it came to capturing Darby’s underwater look, it was all about blending the mermaid tail with his skin. “With Stede, Gypsy had a beautiful mermaid tail made, and we did a whole lot of practice with different types of silicon and things that we had to blend that piece between his skin and the tail. We made these pieces of silicon with glitter and things in them that we individually stuck over the top of the mermaid tail,” Hennah details.

Again, there were concerns about getting “things to stick underwater,” but watching the scene come together from behind the camera eased those. “[When] we were standing there on the set that day and watching the monitor, it just was so beautiful that we were all blown away by it, and that tank that they were filming in was a couple of stories deep, and to be out there in that water, it was challenging, and they both did so well. It just went off without a hitch. It was one of those great days where it just worked for everybody.”

Don’t miss what else is in store for the season. Stay tuned for additional interviews and content as the second season of Our Flag Means Death unfolds.

Our Flag Means Death, New Episodes, Thursdays, Max

Source: TV Insider

[honeyedmiller]

Mask | Joel Miller

pairing: joel miller x f!neighbor!reader

warnings: alcohol consumption, partying, mutual pining, neighbor!reader, no outbreak, Joel’s anxious for a tiny bit, reader has a slight mask kink, porn with a plot lol. 18+, minors dni.

word count: 5.6k

synopsis: Joel throws his annual Halloween party and you’re both determined to settle your aching need for each other.

simply in honor of kinktober & inspired by @nostalxgic’s joel x ghostface edit

not revised, per usual (what’s new tbh) sorry for any mistakes.

divider by @ saradika 🖤

“So I’ll see you this weekend then, right darlin’?” Joel Miller, a.k.a. the neighborhood dilf, asks you. You were going for a run when he stopped you right in front of the sidewalk of his house, inviting you to his annual Halloween party he throws every year.

You absolutely loved Halloween, so you couldn’t pass up his offer.

“Of course you will. Can’t wait.” You toss him a smile, and he nods before you’re on your way back to your house, which was only two doors down from his.

It was Monday, so you had to figure out what you were going to be for the party this weekend. You wanted to be something that would catch the older Miller brother’s eye. You’ve been trying for a while now to express your interest in him, and either he’s just very oblivious, or he just doesn’t want you.

You’re hoping it’s moreso not the latter.

Unbeknownst to you, Joel’s younger brother Tommy had pointed it out to him several times. Joel always thought you were so beautiful. He was just apprehensive about asking you out, mainly because he hadn’t been out in the dating scene for awhile. He was rusty when it came to impressing women.

Little did he know, all the neighborhood women would gawk over him every time he even stepped outside of his house.

Joel’s daughter, Sarah, hated the way these women talked about her dad. It was weird to her that these married women would talk about someone other than their husbands in such a vulgar manner.

Funnily enough, you were the only single woman in this neighborhood. The only one with no kids and no husband.

Sarah’s taken a liking to you, as you’ve watched after her a few times Joel and Tommy would be home late from work. You were close to her dad’s age, beautiful, smart, and most definitely Joel’s type.

There was always this weird tension between you and Joel. It wasn’t awkward. It was moreso full of desire and neediness for the other, but again, Joel just didn’t know how to go about expressing that he wants you in such a way.

You ended up settling on letting him take the reigns, because if he wanted to ask you out then he’d have full control.

The week went by, and you finally decided on what you were going to be: an angel. A little cliché, you must admit, but you already had most of the costume in your wardrobe. You just needed wings and a halo, which you picked up from the Halloween shop earlier in the afternoon. The party started at eight, so it gave you a couple of hours to get ready.

You started off with your hair, giving it a dream-like appearance before diving into your makeup. You were going for a bombshell look to give a mixed element of sultry and sweet.

Once you were sure Joel would at least do a double take on you, you slipped on the parts of your costume one by one. You went for a white lace corset top with a short white skirt, angel wings, the halo, and a pair of silver sparkly strappy heels.

You dusted diamond bomb body glitter across your collar bones and gave yourself one last look in the mirror. Your pink lipstick gave you the perfect innocent pout you were going for while your eyeshadow and lashes accentuated the color and shape of your eyes.

You grab your little clutch and tossed your phone, lipstick, lash glue and keys inside before grabbing the six pack of beer you bought and locking up, heading two houses down. The music was already blaring and the laughter and chatter of people from all over the neighborhood was prevalent as it echoed through the chilly night.

You stopped on the Miller’s porch, wondering if they’d even hear if you rang the doorbell. You thought it’d be rude if you just let yourself in. You decided to ring the doorbell anyway, and not even a minute later, Tommy opened the door.

“Hey you! You look real pretty.” He grinned, and you smiled politely.

“Thanks Tommy, so do you.” You joke, admiring the Greek God costume he was sporting. That costume choice was very fitting for Tommy Miller’s ego.

“Thanks sweets,” He chuckled, eyeing the six pack in your hand. “Let me take that, and c’mon in.” He nods his head toward the loud house, and you stepped in as he followed suit.

It was nice seeing all of your neighbors so dressed up and having a fun time. It was a side you rarely got to see from any of them.

“Drinks are in the kitchen and there’s a variety of food and snacks in there as well if you’re hungry.” Tommy shouts over the thumping music, and you nod.

“Thanks Tommy.”

You headed to the kitchen to mix yourself a drink, nerves easily seeping in as you weren’t the best in social situations. Your anxiety often got the best of you, and some liquid courage would definitely help your case.

You were pouring yourself some Malibu rum mixed with cranberry juice when a voice called from behind.

“Well I’ll be damned, you sure do look good darlin’.” That Southern drawl that had your core aching constantly rung through your ears, and you bit your lip to try and fight off a smile.

You turned on your heel to face the older Miller brother, adorned in a black long sleeve, black jeans, black boots, and black leather gloves. He held a ghostface mask in his hand, and your eyes trailed back up to his gaze before giving him a more seemingly collected smile.

“Hey Joel,” You say, taking a sip from your drink. “Nice costume.” You smirk, eyes averting back down to the mask in his hand.

“Sarah forced me to actually dress up. Said I couldn’t be a lumberjack again this year.” He chuckled, and you smiled and shook your head. Sounded exactly like something she’d do.

“Where’s your, uh, dress?” You tease, noticing he wasn’t wearing the exact full getup.

“Got too damn hot so I took it off.”

“Mm. Well, you look real good, Joel.” You toss a sweet smile his way, sipping on your fruity drink in the infamous red solo cup.

Even in the fairly dim-lit kitchen, you could see the sprinkle of pink dust his cheeks.

“Thanks, darlin’.”

“‘M sure all the moms of the neighborhood are drooling just looking at ya.” You tease, a hint of playfulness in your tone.

“Even if they are, I only got my sights set on one person.” He shrugs, taking a step closer to you. Your breath catches in your throat and you back up against the counter as he stands right in front of you, so close that you can feel his breath fanning your face.

He reached behind you on the counter, eyes never leaving yours. He smirked slightly at your reaction to the proximity between you two as he grabbed the bottle opener that was laying on the counter, retracting his hand.

“C’mon, let’s go enjoy the party.” He smiles softly at you, holding out his leather-bound hand. You take his hand as he leads you out of the kitchen, weaving between the neighbors. You stop here and there to greet them before you eventually make your way to the living room.

You see people playing beer pong in the backyard, chatting with other neighbors, and playing cornhole. Early 2000’s throwbacks were bumping over the speakers, and you assumed Tommy was in charge of being DJ for the night.

Joel sat down on the leather couch, patting the spot next to him. You sat down, wiggling your hips so your legs could get comfortable against the somewhat sticky leather. Joel draped his arm across the back of the couch, and Tommy made his way up to his brother so he could take the bottle opener from Joel.

The opener clinked against the top of the bottle, a release of pressure sounding as the cap was taken off.

“Thanks Tommy.” Joel semi-shouts, leaning back into the couch even further. His arm slides down, now wrapping itself around your shoulder. Tommy raises an eyebrow at his brother.

“Finally manned up and got the balls to ask her out?” Tommy’s words are a bit slurred now, and you can tell he’s teetering from being heavily buzzed to completely drunk.

“Tommy, don’t you have some other people to patronize?” Joel rolls his eyes, grip tightening on your shoulder.

Even the slightest touch from Joel sent an electric shock down your spine and into your core, which was already aching and throbbing with pure need and desire.

Tommy holds his hands up in surrender, chuckling.

“I’ll leave ya alone, but for the love of god, just do it already.”

Joel gives the younger brother a warning glare, pointing the neck of his beer at him, then to the back sliding door.

“Out.” Joel grits, and Tommy’s sporting a shit-eating grin as he walks away from you two.

“So what was that about?” You lean into Joel so he can hear you better. The look on your face conveys pure amusement.

Joel knew he couldn’t beat around the bush with this one, so he simply confessed. “Been wantin’ to ask you out on a date for awhile now.” His lips form into a thin line after he takes a nervous swig of his beer.

You raise an eyebrow at him, feeling rather bold yourself so you place a hand on his lower left thigh as you lean in even closer.

“Yeah? And when were you going to? I’ve been waiting.” You grin, eyes averting down to his lips before moving back up to his gaze. The action doesn’t go unnoticed, and it finally feels like he’s able to grasp something that had been slipping out of his hands for months.

“I was plannin’ on it, but I kept puttin’ it off cus I didn’t think you felt the same way.” He shrugs, taking another sip of the half-full bottle of beer that was now balanced on his lap.

That was half the truth.

The other half was him just simply being petrified, anxiety taking over his whole being at the thought of going on an actual enjoyable date after, god, fourteen years? Nonetheless with a brilliant, gorgeous woman like yourself?

He’d been so accustomed to taking care of Sarah (hell, Tommy too), making sure she was always his first priority. Sure, he’s had hookups here and there down the line, but none of them ever meant anything at all. It was always just a rendezvous in passing. Never anything serious.

But, when he first laid his eyes on you, he knew he wanted a real connection. He wanted something real with you, a relationship of his own that he could be proud of as you two built from the foundation up together.

“Joel.” You whisper, eyes darting back and forth between his. The once beautiful dark brown eyes seemed to turn black with lust, but remained soft as they scanned your features.

“Darlin’ I think it’s about time we do somethin’ about… this.” He gestures between you both, and a saccharine smile curls onto your lips.

“I couldn’t agree more.”

His eyes flitted to your lips this time, and the tension was insanely hot and heavy. You could barely even hear the thumping music anymore as your heart nearly leaped out of your chest from how hard it was pounding.

You two just stared at each other, quite literally enthralled with one another. You wanted to kiss him so bad, but in front of all these neighbors? They were good people, but were nosey as hell. Loved to gossip.

You didn’t need them in your business and you’re sure as hell Joel didn’t want them in his either.

You opened your mouth to say something, but were cut short by Tommy yelling into the living room.

“Shots in the kitchen everybody, c’mon!” He pointed at the two of you, and you laughed at his utter display of just not giving a fuck.

You tap Joel’s thigh with your hand. “C’mon cowboy, let’s go appease your brother before he calls us both out for not joining him.”

You stand up from the couch slowly, well aware of the fact that the back of your thighs were sticking to the leather at this point. You held your hand out to Joel once you were up, and he gladly took it. You both maneuvered your way into the kitchen, a small crowd of your neighbors already gathered around the island in the middle.

Tommy poured tequila shots into miniature red solo cups, passing them out to each individual around him. He put the plated cut up limes on the counter and two salt shakers on each side of the plate.

You lick a spot on your free hand and grab the salt, tapping it onto your hand before grabbing a lime. Tommy waits for everyone to be settled before raising his shot glass to the crowd before him.

“To my brother Joel for agreeing to throw this party yet another year. And to, y’know, Halloween.” Tommy chuckles, and everyone cheers to Joel. You look up at Joel as you lick the salt off your hand, toss back the shot, and stick the lime in your mouth.

Something in the way you looked at him when you moved to fluidly made his cock ache. The hungry look in your eyes, and the sweet smile you offered after you took the lime out of your mouth.

“Joel!” A voice squeaked, breaking your eye contact with him. You both turn to look at your neighbor, Tiffany, who was dressed as a sexy police officer.

“Hey, Tiffany.” Joel greeted, curtly nodding at her.

“Great party. I think it’s nice you invited the whole neighborhood.” She giggled, twirling her pin-straight brunette hair around a manicured finger.

“‘S all Tommy, really.” He shrugs, looking back down at you. You watch the two of them in amusement, noticing that Tiffany was getting closer to Joel. She eventually wrapped her arm around his bicep, to which he stiffened at her touch.

“Well, it’s sooo fun. You like my costume?” She inquires, bringing her bottom lip between her teeth. She looks up at him, feigning innocence, but he’s truthfully not paying attention to her. She seems to notice that he’s more focused on you, and she rolls her eyes.

She’s always been pretty rude to you since you moved into the neighborhood, and you didn’t know why. Now you had an inkling. You could’ve sworn she was married, so a devilish smile curled onto your lips as you tilt your head to the side.

“How’s your husband, Tiffany?” You ask, and she shoots you a glare.

“Fine, thanks.” She scoffs, and Joel shakes her hand off of his bicep.

“Let’s take another shot, darlin’.” Joel suggests to you, and you grin up at him.

An idea popped into your head, and you were hoping he’d go along with it.

“Wanna do a moonlick shot with me, Miller?”

He looked down at you in shock, abruptly pausing his movements.

“Mhm.” Was all he could muster up. Most of the crowd still lingered in the kitchen, so you knew you were about to put on a show.

And, well, licking salt off of Joel’s neck seemed extremely gratifying for the both of you.

You poured another shot of tequila into your little shot glass, grabbed the lime and salt, and stood in front of Joel again.

Tiffany watched you both closely, realization suddenly dawning on her.

She thought there was no way you two would actually do a moonshot in front of all the neighbors gathered in here, but with how heavy the tension was between you and Joel, you both didn’t care at all at this point.

Your eyes scanned the room swiftly, thanking the universe that Mrs. Adler was nowhere to be found. You’d never hear the end of it from her if she saw you and Joel like this.

You wrapped a hand around the back of Joel’s neck, standing on your tippy toes as you brought your face into the crook of his neck.

The warmth of his body sent chills down your spine. He smelled like an earthly musk. It was heavenly.

He gripped your waist as you moved your lips closer to his neck, finally poking your tongue out to slowly lick up the side of his warm flesh. You leaned back down to sprinkle some salt into your hand, pressing it into the wet spot on his neck. You grabbed your like and tequila shot, holding the backside of the lime up to his mouth. He graciously bit into it, and you smirked at him as you went to move your face back into the crook of his neck.

You licked the salt off of Joel’s neck, eliciting a groan from deep within his chest. His arm wrapped completely around your waist as you threw the shot back, taking the lime from his mouth with your own. You put the lime into the small shot glass before looking back up at Joel.

The fire behind his eyes was inevitable, and he finally closed the gap between you two. He enveloped his plush lips to yours, and you tossed both hands over his shoulders and let them dangle as both arms securely wrapped around your waist.

A few of the neighbors in the kitchen whistled, a “finally” thrown into the mix, and Tommy being utterly obnoxious by cheering his brother on.

Joel’s chest swelled with a bit of pride knowing he made his little brother proud.

Your lips moved in perfect sync, your core suddenly throbbing terrible as you felt your slick completely coat your panties. You moaned softly into the kiss, having barely any willpower to break apart from him.

Joel knew you wanted him as much as he wanted you, especially physically in this moment. He wasn’t going to waste another opportunity to finally let himself indulge in something he’s wanted for so long.

“My room?” He asks breathlessly, and you nod. You briefly noticed that Tiffany wasn’t standing in the kitchen anymore, and you smirked to yourself in a little victory.

Joel grabbed your hand and started to lead you out of the kitchen, but Tommy stopped you both.

“Hey, where ya goin’?” Tommy was completely unaware of how much of a cockblock he was being at the moment.

Joel faced his brother and pursed his lips into a thin line.

“Upstairs. Cover for me, yeah?” Joel says, and Tommy’s shit-eating grin returns.

“Oh hell yeah, big brother. Have fun.” He wiggles his eyebrows, and Joel rolls his eyes and shakes his head. He slips his ghostface mask back on to try and blend in a bit more with the crowd, both of you slipping upstairs seemingly unnoticed.

Once you were in Joel’s bedroom, he locked the door and took the mask back off, setting it on his bedside table.

Joel mentally thanked himself for making his bed this morning. The man was notorious for leaving the duvet completely crumpled.

You took in your surroundings. His room was cozy and simple, but felt like home. You smiled up at him, shimmying your wings off before hanging them on the bedpost. Joel took the halo gently off of your head.

“Reckon you definitely don’t need’ta be wearin’ this.” He chuckles, putting it to the side.

“Mm, I think you’re right.” You step forward, hands landing on his solid chest as you move them up to the sides of his neck. You can feel the vein in his neck, pulse racing under your touch.

“Listen, darlin’,” Joel starts, gently grabbing your wrists. “I haven’t done… this… in awhile. I really like you, too, and I really don’t want this to just be a one-time thing.” He confesses, and your heart melts at his words.

“I really like you too, Joel. I don’t want this to be a one-time thing, either.”

“Good.” He breathes, cupping your face into his hands before smashing his lips to yours. You moan into the kiss as he leads you back toward his bed. The back of your knees hit his mattress and you sink down onto it. Joel lays you down before parting your legs with his knee, putting pressure onto your throbbing cunt.

You find yourself unintentionally grinding your hips so your core is rocking against his leg, desperate for friction by any means. Joel feels how hot and wet you are, even through the fabric of your panties and his jeans.

“Christ, doll. Y’this fuckin’ soaked for me already?” Joel tsks, and you can’t help but let out a lewd moan.

“Yes, Joel,” You pant. “Wanted you for so long, can’t—fuck,—can’t wait any longer.”

“Baby, you don’t know how much that fuckin’ turns me on. You touch yourself thinkin’ about me?” He questions, slowly bringing a hand underneath your skirt to rub your soaked core over your panties.

“God, fuck, yes. All the time.” You admit, eyes squeezing shut as your breath begins to increase rapidly.

Joel groans at your confession, cock constricted by his jeans just begging for release.

“‘M gonna ruin every single man for you, baby.”

“Ruin me, Joel.”

That’s all he needed to hear before hastily sliding your panties off of your legs. He spread your legs as he got down on his knees, admiring how your pussy glistened in the low light of his room.

“Fuckin’ perfect little pussy.” He murmurs, lifting your skirt up all the way. You gasp as Joel kisses your inner thighs, dragging his tongue up your tender flesh, littering kisses along the way before he finally places a soft kiss to your core.

Joel wastes no more time teasing you and delves his tongue right into your folds, not wanting to hold out any longer on tasting you.

And, good god, you tasted heavenly. Ironic for being dressed up as an angel, but you really played the part.

You moaned loudly as he drank you up like a glass of water in the middle of the night. He was relentless with his tongue, the muscle swirling around your folds, flicking onto your clit, then moving down to your entrance to prod in and out of you.

His mouth felt divine. You truly don’t think any man has ever eaten your pussy this good, and you’d be damned if another man besides Joel ever did again.

“Joel, holy fuck.” You cry, and he moans praisingly into you. The vibrations sent a shock up your spine, causing you to arch your back off of the bed.

All of your senses ignited with just Joel. His mouth, his touch, his scent, everything about him was surrounding you all at once. You genuinely don’t know how you went about not doing this any sooner.

Joel moved his tongue back up to your clit, flicking over it expertly as he inserted his ring and middle fingers into you. You cry out once more, instinctively grasping onto his hair as you slightly tugged on it. He switched from flicking his tongue over your clit to sucking on it instead, fingers driving in and out of you at such an enchanting pace.

His fingers were so much longer and thicker than yours, so the feeling of it was becoming all too consuming. He hit that sweet spot inside of you once he started to curl his fingers upward, and you nearly choked on a gasp.

“Fuck, yes, right there right there right there—” You chant, feeling your orgasm rapidly approaching as it bloomed quickly within the deepest depths of your core, clawing its way out to the surface. “‘M gonna—”

“Let go, sweet girl. I’ve got you.” Joel praises, and your orgasm comes crumbling down, washing in electric waves through your body. You moan loudly, crying out Joel’s name as you gripped his duvet.

Joel admires how you writhe beneath him, riding out your intense orgasm. You’re nearly breathless, panting rapidly as you lay on his bed completely dazed. Once you finally composed yourself enough, your eyes fall on his face. Half of it was covered in your slick, and you whine at the sight.

“How was that?” He asks, standing up.

“I’m convinced you’re a fucking wizard or some shit.” You breathe, and he gutturally laughs. You love the sound of it, tucking it away in your memory to keep.

“Nope, just regular ol’ me, baby.” His smile is soft as he gazes down at you, and you lean up on your elbows, shaking your head.

“Nothing about you is regular. You, Joel Miller, are extraordinary.” You slowly get up from his bed on shaky legs, but he grips you for support. You switch spots with him, turning him around to softly push him onto his bed. He sits down and watches you closely, admiring how you look at him. It makes his stomach do a flip, and a blush tinges his cheeks ever so slightly.

“My turn to take care of you.” You whisper, sinking to your knees before him. You undo his belt buckle, pop the button of his jeans, and slide his zipper down. He lifts his hips for you as you pull down his jeans and boxers simultaneously.

Joel’s cock easily hits the shirt over his stomach, weeping and dribbling with pre cum. Your mouth watered as you took in the sight, appreciating the pink and tan silky flesh before pumping it a few times, causing Joel to suck in a breath and squeeze his eyes shut.

He lets out a low groan as you tug back to the top slowly, lowering your head to swirl your tongue around the tip. The salty taste of pre cum coats your tongue, and you hum in praise before licking a warm stripe over the vein of his cock. He curses, head lolling back as he tries hard not to cum right then and there.

It’s been far too long since someone’s touched him like this, and now that he has the woman he’s been fantasizing about daily at his discretion, he knows he won’t be able to contain himself for long.

His cock was heavy on your tongue as you slid more of him into your mouth slowly, trying to keep yourself from gagging. Your throat constricted slightly as the tip of his cock met the back of your throat, nose nearly buried in coarse, curly hair at the base.

“Fuuuck, sweet thing, ‘m not gonna last long if you keep doin’ that.” He moans, loving the feeling of your soft lips wrapped around his cock.

You flatten your tongue against him and start to bob your head up and down, setting a rhythm you could easily keep up with. Hearing him moan your name while you pleasure him shot straight to your core, aching for more of him.

You moan against him as your nails lightly scratch what’s exposed of his tan thighs, and you open your eyes to look right into Joel’s.

The nearly sinister look in his eyes when you look up at him makes you want to touch yourself while you made him feel good.

“Such a good girl, takin’ my cock in your mouth so well. Look so fuckin’ gorgeous like this.” He praises, cupping your cheek gently. He was refraining from touching your hair and face because he didn’t want to ruin your hairdo or your makeup, despite how badly his fingers were nearly itching to either cup your face harshly or thread his thick fingers through your hair.

You took him all the way into your mouth once more, swallowing around the tip of him before moving up to the tip to focus on just that. You swirled your tongue again, licking the slit on his head before Joel’s breath caught in his throat.

“Shit, baby, don’t stop, ‘m close.” He feels like he’s floating when his orgasm shoots down his spine not even seconds later, and you moan around him as you swallow everything he gives you.

He pulls you up gently but hastily from the ground, kissing you before pushing you onto the bed again. He had to be buried inside you now. He gave his cock a couple of strokes to harden himself again as he stood over you, a feral look in his eye.

Your eyes glanced over at the ghostface mask sitting on his bedside table, and his eyes followed yours. He quirks an eyebrow up at the mask, looking back at you.

“Want me to put it on?” He asks, and you felt your cheeks get hot.

“You don’t have to.” You’re suddenly shy, but the thought of Joel fucking you with a ghostface mask on turned you on immensely.

“I’m asking you.” A hint of questioning demand was behind his tone.

“Yes. Put it on. Please.”

“Kinky little thing, aren’t ya? Gotta mask kink?” He teases before grabbing the mask, slipping it on before towering back over you.

Seeing his tall, broad frame hovering over you like this with the mask on makes your pussy clench, a delicious lick of satisfaction shoving its way into your mind.

“Gonna fuckin’ ruin this pussy.” Joel’s voice is slightly muffled, but somehow the mask makes it sound deeper. You bite your lip and look up at him as he spreads your legs apart, coating the tip of his cock with your slick.

He pauses abruptly, as if remembering something.

“Should I get a condom?”

“Only if you want. I’m on birth control.” You give him a reassuring nod, and he visibly relaxes.

He continues where he left of, sliding his tip between your folds a couple of times more before slowly pushing into your entrance.

You both moan loudly at the sensation, feeling so warm and full and whole. Joel pushes into you until his hips are flush against yours before pulling out slightly. He grabs your legs and tosses them over his shoulders, a new feeling of deeper pleasure rippling through every fiber of your being.

“Fuck, feel s’good.” You toss your head back against his bed, reveling in the feeling of being stretched out.

“So do you, baby. Pussy’s so perfect. Was made f’me.” Joel starts to snap his hips against yours, the sound of skin slapping on skin echoing off the four walls of the master bedroom.

Joel’s hands snake around your ankles on his shoulders as he drives himself deeper into you, pounding his hips into the back of your thighs.

The way you clench around him nearly has him choking, wanting to come undone right then and there.

You gazed up at Joel—well, ghostface—with your eyebrows threaded and jaw slack. There was something so deliciously fucking hot about the way his head was tilted to the side as he looked down at you, fucking you into oblivion.

He bent down ever so slightly to wrap his leather-bound hand around your neck, squeezing the sides. Your eyes rolled to the back of your head as all of your sensations suddenly became so full of him again.

You were seeing stars, silent screams escaping your mouth as you tried to move up onto the bed. Joel gripped your thighs harshly and tugged you back down, pulling out of you swiftly to smack your pussy before completely filling you once more.

“Joel, fuck, oh god, oh god, JoelJoelJoel—”

“Yeah, that’s it. Fuckin’ pretty slut likes when I pound into her sweet pussy, hm? Likes getting choked?” Joel’s words drip with venom. You couldn’t even form a coherent word, leaving you to nod frantically.

“Fuck, baby girl, I need you to cum for me.” His voice is strained and desperate, needing to feel you pulse around him again. He brings a hand down to your clit to rub tight, deft circles around it.

You couldn’t even process one more thought before that same blooming, clawing sensation nearly paralyzed your body as you stiffened, orgasm completely washing over your body. You jolted up, crying out Joel’s name.

“I know baby, I know. Fuck, ‘m close, where d’ya want me?” He rips off the mask and tosses it aside, eyes meeting yours once more.

“In me, need to feel you.” Your words are slurred, starting to sound just like Tommy. But you two were very, very different types of drunk.

Joel spills into you, hips stuttering as he groans, jaw clenched. He leans down to kiss you fervently, moaning into your mouth as his orgasm finally rides out. He slowly pulls out of you, hissing at the sensation. You softly whine at the loss of such fullness.

He tucks himself back into his boxers and jeans, pulling them up, re-buttoning his jeans and re-buckling his belt. He sits beside you on the bed, warm leather landing on your thigh as he traces circles into your skin.

“Fuck, baby, that was just,” He pauses, trying to catch his breath. “Unreal.” He huffs, falling next to you so he’s laying down on the bed beside you.

“It was. Thank you.” You shudder at one last aftershock of your orgasm, and Joel chuckles.

“Anything for you, baby.” Your heart skips a beat at his words, and you roll onto your side to face him.

“Kinda don’t wanna go back downstairs. They’re all gonna see this angel really isn’t such an angel.” You huff a laugh, shaking your head.

Joel kisses your forehead before standing up, reaching for your hands to help pull you up from his bed.

“Gotta show Tiffany how good you got fucked somehow, right?” Joel grins, and your jaw drops.

“Joel Miller, you petty man!” You laugh, slipping on your wings and halo once more.

But, he was right—

You totally wanted to show everyone just how good ghostface really fucked you.

tags: @nostalxgic ; @ilovepedro ; @party-hearses ; @tinygarbage ; @cool-iguana ; @bastardmandennis

[alphabetboyluvr]

bad decisions | jjk - series masterlist

title credit: bad decisions - bts

pairing: bartender!jungkook x female reader | strangers-friends-lovers, fwb

synopsis

it's simple: write your deepest darkest fears on origami birds and string them up on jungkook's ceiling. when they fall—which they inevitably will, thanks to his cheap daiso washi tape—you have to face the fear. set it free. the issue? you've a fear of intimacy. jungkook, a fear of rejection. and you've both got the capacity to make some incredibly bad decisions.

genre / tropes: smut, fluff, a lil angst, bartender!jk, student!jk, strangers-to-friends-to-lovers (?), fwb, deal arrangement, undefined relationship (they're just friends! just besties!!), miscommunication, idiots in love, emotional slow burn, bucket list (a.k.a. the birds) - see read more for warnings & authors note

wordcount: 450k babbbbyyyy (on-going)

soundtrack: official | reader suggestions

start date: 2022.08.06

minors dni // originally posted to wattpad

warnings: reader has a fear of emotional intimacy and uses physical intimacy as a substitute, jungkook has a deep-rooted fear of rejection. lots of drinking, lots of cursing, lots of bad decisions (every chapter includes at least (1)), jk and the oc have different styles of communication (woo miscommunication!!), a lot of past relationship trauma on both sides, jungkook is the sweetest angel baby ever, jin is kinda evil, jimin is a shit shag (and you have to experience it not once but twice!)

smut warnings: oc is a lil bratty, both switchy but jaykay definitely leads <3, fingering, oral (m & f), ass play, a looooot of titty sucking, cock warming, vaginal sex, sex toys (m & f), every position ever created, jaykay has a huge cawk <3, filming, lots of showering together, thigh riding, 69, squirting, panty sniffing (and sucking !), mutual masturbation, motel sex, endless orgasms, like, idek what else to add but there's more!! they just fuck a lot!! not my fault!! blame the birds!!

note from holly: i heard bad decisions once, ONCE, and knew i had to write about whiney jaykay and how fucking him would be a bad decision, but then it spiralled and now im 370k words deep into a fic about origami birds, glitter, and the way jungkook thinks he'll die every time he gets horny. of everything I've ever written it's hands down my favourite set of characters. jungkook is good in a way that he isn't in literally any of my other fics. i think it's my most well-received fic over on wp and it's just v v special to me. i hope u enjoy it!

BAD DECISIONS

key: smut 💖 | holly's fave ✨ | reader fave* 🪩 | bird 🕊 | club 🍇 *as per my wp stats all chapters listed below are available on wp, and will eventually be linked here too.

BD #1 - Purple Starfuckers - 3.5k

🍇 | a disco ball walks into a bar...

BD #2 - Park Jimin - 3.2k

💖 | does it count if you don't finish?

BD #3 - Coffee - 2k

message request from justjk

BD #4 - The Gym - 4.1K

just wanted an excuse to write about gym rat jk tbh

BD #5 - The Bet - 6.6k

🍇🪩 | songs that remind you of the past, blissfully unaware you're laying the foundations of your future

BD #6 - Wishing - 6k

🍇| summer goes by in a technicolour haze

BD #7 - Sex With An Ex - 6k

✨| kim seokjin looks like an angel, loves like lucifer

BD #8 - Washi Tape - 8k

enter stage left: origami birds

BD #9 - White - 6k

✨🕊 | old, leering men at waterparks are gross. jungkook is not.

BD #10 - Blonde - 3.5k

in the wise words of maisie peters, there's nothing more frightening than a woman scorned and a box of bleach

BD #11 - Perry - 5.9k

🕊 | it's totally normal to shower with your friends

BD #12 - An Agreement -7.4k

💖🕊 | jungkook has to leave the room cause he gets way too hard (in a platonic way)

BD #13 - Work of Art - 11.8k

💖 🪩🕊 | you discover mirrors. jungkook discovers tits. learning is fun!

BD #14 - New Rules - 8k

💖 🪩🕊 | jungkook's got nice hands and he knows how to use them

TO BE UPLOADED

BD #15 - Paper Planes

BD #16 - Overindulging

BD #17 - Jeon Jungkook

BD #18 - Cake

BD #19 - Send To All

BD #20 - Park Jimin... Again

BD #21 - Doing The 'Right' Thing

BD #22 - Listening To Jimin

BD #23 - Cherry Picking

BD #24 - Resolutions

BD #25 - January

BD #26 - January, Still

BD #27 - Keeping Quiet

BD #28 - Avoidance

BD #29 - 'Daddy'

BD #30 - Evaluating The Meaning of 'Home'

BD #31 - The Photo Booth

BD #32 - Question...?

BD #33 - Boundaries (Or Lack Thereof)

BD #34 - Speed Dating

BD #35 - Saying 'Please'

BD #36 - Denial

BD #37 - Faking It

BD #38 - Delaying The Inevitable

BD #39 - Rooms

BD #40 - Spinning Bottles

BD #41 - Locked Doors

BD #42 - Hitting Where It Hurts

Wattpad | AO3

[luimagines]

Ooh! I remembered the idea that fell out of my head!

A sequel to the “boys lost a bet” one where Reader figured them out after watching their attempts at flirting. Reader then decides to attempt to fluster them until they confess (even if it takes weeks) or in poor Sky’s case until they decide they’ve messed with him enough since he accidentally confessed during his attempt.

- Glitter, slowly recovering from surprise and having fun spamming your inbox in between bits of homework ✨

OOoooooo!! Cute idea! I'm on it!

I’m also... going to take a few creative liberties here and just say that it’s after the event. Mostly because it’s not going to be that way for a few boys. A.k.a I already had it written before I reread your request and realized that it didn’t quite fit in.

Masterlist

You can read the first part right here.

Content under the cut!

Sky

When you left to finish up your patch work, Sky made his way back to the game. He seemed to sway on his feet somewhat with a bright, if dim witted, smile on his face.

Sky collapsed on the ground next to Wild and sits criss cross apple sauce. His jaw lands in his hands without opening his eyes. “So... I did it.”

“We saw.” Hyrule blinks owlishly. “I didn’t think that would happen.”

“You weren’t the only one.” Warrior rubs his jaw and stares at the number he’s just rolled. “Not where I thought the odd would lie to be honest.”

Sky giggles, too happy and giddy to be of much help to anyone. “Is it my turn again?”

“Uhhhh...” Wild picks up the dice. “I think it’s mine? We all stopped to watch you fall on face. But you didn’t do that.”

“I didn’t do that.” Sky agree happily.

Wild looks around for anyone who is willing to stop him from taking his turn but no one does. “I’m betting fifteen rupees for anything higher than a eight.”

“Twenty for anything lower than eight!” Four leans forward already back in the game.”

Wind cackles just under his breath. “Forty for anything lower than four.” 

The blacksmith gives him a dirty look.

Time says nothing, not willing to bet anything this round. He was glad on two accounts that Sky lost the previous roll. For one, it obviously went very well for the young lad and Time is glad that it worked out in the end. But the second reason speaks a little louder in the back of his head. Time had bet just one above Sky. It saved him from losing the bet and taking the punishment.

The Old Man nudges Sky with his elbow and gestures with his head away from the group. 

Sky smiles back easily and gets up without complaint. Which is more than what Time’s joints can say.

“You wanted to talk?”

Time leans against a tree and raises an eyebrow. “And what were expecting to come out of that when you went?”

Sky’s face lights up in a blush again. A hand comes up to scratch the back of his head but he can still save if. He can play dumb. “What do you mean?”

“You know what I mean.”

Ok, maybe not. Sky grins awkwardly. “I was thinking I would trip over myself , look like an idiot and then they’d laugh and wave me away.”

“And what happened?” Time asks, as if he wasn’t watching with one hundred percent of his attention like the rest of the group was.

Sky’s blush darkens and he toes the dirt beneath his boot. “I got a kiss out of it.”

Time smiles like a proud father. “What else?”

“I may have... told them that I like them... and they said they liked me too.” Sky admits quietly.

“Good. I was wonder when you two were going to catch on and do something about it.”

Sky’s head snaps up to face Time head on, embarrassment completely foregone to make room for the shock that followed. “...What?...”

Time gets off of the tree and reaches forward, patting Sky on the head and ruffles his hair for good measure. “You’re good kids. I’m happy for you.”

“...What?...”

“Just don’t do anything to get the both of you in trouble at the end of the day.”

“Wait, Time you KNEW?!?”

Twilight

Twilight waited just as you told him to. He didn’t even think of moving. He couldn’t think. Period.

You had somehow managed to put his entire thought process on halt.

He couldn’t hear that you were saying to the others guys but when you returned, you had a blinding smile and you clapped in delight. Twilight couldn’t help but feel happy on your behalf. “Did it all go well?”

“I oh so happened to clear your schedule for tomorrow in the process.” You inform him, looking rather proud of yourself.

“Did you now?” He raises an eyebrow. Now Twilight knows that feels better. Because the words comes easy and the conversation isn’t that different than it would have been that morning or the day before.

“Yes.” You sit down next to him and unhesitatingly put your head on his shoulder. “I would very much like to occupy that time slot if you’d let me.”

Twilight freezes. He’s been chosen. He can not so much as move a muscle or else if would throw you off. Like being a cat’s chosen spot for a nap, you mustn’t move. It’s illegal. 

“Do you have something in mind?” Twilight speaks on baited breath. He might be able to think of something to fill the time. If you’re asking to spend time with just him, then there’s many things that Twilight can think of to entertain you. There’s no corner of his heart that he wouldn’t turn over just to make you smile for a fraction of a second.

“Not really.” You admit and turn your head to look over at him. “Do you have any ideas? I’m not picky.”

Twilight hums, slowly wrapping his arm around you. Is this ok? Would you push him off? Well, you put yourself there, surely this isn’t crossing any boundaries.

“I have a few.” He admits, not wanting to jump on the chance like the excited puppy he feels himself becoming. If he had his tail it would be wagging like crazy. 

Sometimes he hates the traits the wolf had brought out of him and then he realize that if anything, the wolf itself was brought out first.

You poke his cheek and grin, startling him from his thoughts. “I mean, you’ve been thinking of stuff for a while now.”

“Well yes, but I was never sure if you wanted-” Twilight pauses and looks over to you. “....Yes. I like spending time with you.”

“Mhm.” You smirk, running your hand over the one that holds you. “Is that all?”

Twilight clears his throat, already feeling his bravado slipping. “What do you mean?”

“So all those little things you’ve done were... oh I don’t know... because you were the hero to save the day?” You looks away. It was possible...But at the same time, if he correct in guessing what you’re talking about... It’s not true.

“I see...” Twilight bite his lip. “And what made you suspect my feelings?” 

You seem to relax further into him and sigh. “It had to do with Wolfie. Now I love the dog, he’s a sweetheart and a good boy, but every time you came back and someone mentioned him, you would look at me. Like you were jealous.”

Twilgiht chokes on his spit.

“I couldn’t help but begin to ask myself if it was too good to be true.” You smiles shyly. “And then I asked Warrior and he said it was a clear as day. I didn’t want to take his word for it so I asked Time... who said almost the exact same things.”

“Last time I tell the Old Man anything.” Twilight mutters under his breath.

You laugh. ”So I was just waiting to see if you would do anything about it.”

“And if I never did?” He asks, afraid of the answer. Is it selfish of him? Yes. The right to do would be to move on, no matter if it hurts to hear or not.

“Hey, who just cleared your schedule, you or me?” You push him lightly. 

Twilight smiles. “Alright. Then let me show you around tomorrow then.”

“You better.”

Legend

Given his very open and shy way of trying to flirt with you, you didn’t think it was that much of a guess that there was some genuine feeling within it. So you got a bit more liberal with how you interacted with the Hero of Legend.

This did not help him in any way or form.

You had taken to walking closer to him, trying to ease your way into being beside him. When he seemed to be calm enough with your presence you tried talking to him.

That took longer than you thought it would.

It seems that Legend was more self conscious than you thought. Every time it came to you, he would clam up and try to avoid eye contact. Something about the way he flushed bright red each and every time told you that he was still thinking about the bet he lost.

It was cute. If annoying.

But you weren’t about to give up just yet!

When he was able to hold a conversation with you once more, you got a little bit closer.

Until one day you just bit the bullet and grabbed his hand.

Legend jerked it back as if you had burned him and hid it away from you. All conversation had died in that moment. And he was once again avoiding you. It was a miracle that he didn’t straight up run away.

You pout. Well that was disappointing. “Legend... did I do something wrong?”

“N-no.” Legend bites his lip. “Don’t worry about it.”

You worry about it anyway. You look at your hand, trying to figure out why he rejected it. “Was there something wrong with my hand?”

“Of course not.” Legend shakes his head, still looking down. “It was very soft.”

“Well you coulda fooled me. You certainly didn’t react that way.” You mutter.

You hadn’t intended for him to hear you, but he flinches. “Sorry.”

Slowly, he pulls his hands back from where they were. “I’m sorry.” He repeats himself. “It was pure reflex.”

“It’s fine.” You sigh, feeling like you might have ruined everything. You keep walking, but this time with your hands kept firmly by your sides.

You both walk in silence for the a few more moments. You’re lamenting internally about your ruined chances and how you might have been wrong this entire time about him. 

Legend was also busy kicking himself. Every now and then he would look over your way. He was nervous and feeling dumb. The answer was so simple and so genuine but he was afraid. But of what, he couldn’t tell you.

He knew that there was only one way to really fix this.

He huffed and puffed but managed to bring himself to do it.

Legend reaches over and pinches your sleeve. You hum and look down.

Legend moves his hand and slips his grip over your wrist before it shifts to hold your hand. You hold his back and look over to him with a grin.

He still can’t meet your eyes. “Just warn me next time.”

“Aww~! You do like me.” You swings your hands back and forth with a blinding smile.

“I do.” Legend smiles softly even if he still struggles to meet your eyes. “Just don’t tell anyone else.”

“Right, right.” You giggle. “Your secret is safe with me, Mr. Tough Guy.” 

Wind

Wind had been avoiding you a bit after the bet he lost. You didn’t know why. You thought everything was fine but he wasn’t even able to look you in the eye anymore. It was a bitter pill to swallow.

You missed your best friend.... Well your best friend was actually waiting for you to return home but within the group, Wind was your best friend and you missed him.

“Wind won’t talk to me.” You pout as you walk next to Warrior for the day. “I don’t know why.... Is it because I kissed his cheek?”

“Yes.” Warrior replies without missing a beat. “But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, you know.”

“It’s not?”

“Nope.” Warrior smiles easily. “He just needs to think some stuff through. But if continues bothering you, you should talk about it.”

You nod, falling silent once more. That made sense.

“Can’t he think faster?” You mutter, not expecting a response for that particular question.

Warrior hears it anyway and laughs. “We’re about to stop for lunch soon. Why not just talk to him then?”

You nod again and wait.

True to his word, Warrior was right to guess that you would get a break soon. You caught up to the ones at the front of the group and waited for those at the back to catch up.

When Wind finally made his way to the group, you b-lines toward him. His somewhat concerned gaze made you slow your step and your confidence tanked.

“Um...” You rubbed your arm, ignoring the stares of the entire group. They seemed incredibly invested in this for some reason. “Link... Can we talk?”

Wind also seemed nervous but he nods, ready to follow where ever you lead him.

When you get far enough from the group, you take in a deep breath hoping that no one followed you. You looked at him and take in the way he fidgets and avoids looking at you head on. He’s already flustered if the pink on his cheeks is anything to go by.

Warrior said to talk to him, but maybe you should have thought about what you wanted to say first. How do you started this?”

“I’m sorry.”

Wind snaps his face to meet your eyes head on. He looks shocked.

“I didn’t mean... Did I make things awkward?” You bite you lip. “Is it my fault?”

“Oh... Um...No...” Wind looks down again and scratches the back of his neck. “You didn’t make things awkward.”

“Well I feel awkward.” You admit. “You don’t talk to me. You run away from me. And I think it’s because I kissed your cheek... So... I’m sorry.”

“That’s not-!” Wind chokes on his spit. He jumped to correct you but had breathed down the wrong pipe in the process. He starts coughing up a storm and you pat his back to try and soothe the pain that no doubt forms. “That’s not it.”

You frown. All the signs point to that you made him uncomfortable. Shouldn’t you apologize for it? It’s technically your fault that you’re here. You tell him as such.

“No, no...” Wind flusters further. “I was trying to not make you feel uncomfortable.”

You don’t understand what he’s trying to get at. ”...What?”

Wind bite his lips. his eyes dart back and forth and you see he’s two seconds from pacing back and forth. “I just-! It was.... cute.. and nice... and soft..” His voice tapers off into a whisper the more he speaks. “I liked it more than I thought I would... and I didn’t want to make things weird by wanting to do it myself.”

You think you understand less. “...What?”

Wind groans and kisses your cheek without asking. “There. I did it. That’s what.”

You freeze- feeling your own blush form. Your finger tips go to touch the spot before you explode into giggles. “Oh... that’s not so bad.”

Wind acts like he just got smacked. “...It’s not?”

“Warrior was right.”

“... don’t say that. Ever again.”

You laugh louder and take his hand. “You’re silly.”

“I know.”

“But it was nice.” You grin and begin to lead him back to the group. “Now stop avoiding me, ok? I miss you.”

“I think I can do that.”

Warrior

“Warrior, calm down.” Four puts his hands out to placate the other boy. “What did they even say?”

“For me to know and you to never find out.” Warrior grins, tossing a solid red rupee on the growing pile of bets. “Take my cut. I bet a seven.”

“What does that have to do with-”

“Thank you! Be back soon!” He hollers, doing his best to run back to you now that he knows you’re waiting for him.

When he returns, you waiting with your hands on your hips and a unknown gleam in your eye. You seem to know what you’re doing. Warrior feels drawn to your gaze and he forces himself to slow down. “Ok, what is it?”

You grin and turn on your heel, not giving him a verbal response. You gesture your fingers in a come hither motion and Warrior follows like the sap he is.

You lead him away form the group, further into the tree line and away from both prying eyes and sensitive ears.

You turn to Warrior and wiggle your eyebrows.

Not sure how to take this change in developments, Warrior finds himself flustered but eager. Still, your change in demeanor is intriguing and hot. He blushes deeply.

“I’m sure you’re wondering what I have planned.” You say calmly, steeping into his personal space.

He gulps. “Yes.”

“And I’m sure you’re wondering if this has anything to do with what you very bravely decided to say to my face not too long ago.” You grin putting your hands on his forearms.

“Maybe.” He licks his lip unthinkingly. You’ve pinned his arms to his side. He’s willing trapped himself to you. Warrior has no idea where you’re going with this, but you have his full attention.

“And I’m also sure that you’ve been watching me a for a while now.” Your hands travel up his his arms and over chest. You’re being very brave yourself if you had to be honest. 

You’re purposefully going slow. Warrior assumes it’s just to be even more tantalizing than you already are and it’s making him inpatient. But you’re really just testing the waters of how far he’ll let you go.

“Was I that obvious?” Warrior places his hand on your hips now that you’ve freed them. He pulls you flush against him. 

“Maybe.” You’re eyes go wide with desire. Perhaps you’re the one he’s been waiting for this whole time. 

Your hands travel up his chest and rest on his shoulders. Warrior leans into your face. Your noses brush together in an hesitant dance. 

You can find it in yourself to grow bashful as Warrior has. You lean into it as well, running your hands even higher, cradling his head as you go. He hums in satisfaction. “...Admittedly I’m less certain about this.”

“About what?” He says quietly, slowly swaying with you in his arms.

“This. Us.” You reply in the same quiet tone.

“...And why’s that?” He’s calm even as he trouble looking you in the eye.

You have to think about it. This feels right. This feels good. Why is that you feel like something is missing?

“I can wait.” Warrior says after a moment of your silence. “I’ll always wait for you.”

You hum for a moment longer. You don’t want that.

You kiss him.

Hyrule

“Oh Hyruule~” You called, borderline skipping to his side.

You needn’t say anything else. Hyrule is already blushing before a single words leaves your lips.

The image seems to make you giggle and come close. “Hello.”

“Hi.” Hyrule smiles back at you but he struggles to meet your eyes. He hates how flustered he’s gotten around you. As if he couldn’t be more obvious.

“How are you today?” You take his arm and start walking with him.

Hyrule doesn’t know how exactly to deal with this turn of events. He’s already starting to lose his nerve, “I’m fine.”

You both walk in comfortable silence after that. At least, he’s sure that you think it’s comfortable since you smile never left your face. Hyrule can feel his nerves jump all over his skin and he’s not sure how he’s going make a fool out of himself this time.

“I’ve bene thinking.” You say and Hyrule gives you his attention without questions.

“About what?”

“A while ago you came to me and called me angle.” You smile up at him. “Remember that?”

As if he’s allowed himself to forget about it. Although he felt his insides curl up and die from the embarrassment, you had kissed his cheek. Even if he still cringes at the thought of his awkwardness, he had to admit, it was worth it.

“I do.” He admits. He remembers the entire thing beat for beat. It’s the only thing he can think of as of late.

“I still think you were very sweet.” You lean you head against him.

Hyrule’s heart starts to beat faster. He hopes you don’t notice. “Than you? I think?”

“Can I tell you something in return?” You give him a dazzling smile in return. Hyrule nods, unable to form words any longer. You poke his cheek. “I think that you’re a very good person. I want you to know that you’re very important to me. And that I like you very much.”

Hyrule nods, biting his lip harshly. Does he say he likes you back? Isn’t that just confessing? But you said you liked him. As friends, he’s sure.

“You’re overthinking.” You pout. “I just said that I like you and you’re not going to say anything.”

“Uh... I like you to.” Hyrule strangles out. “You’re important to me too. I treasure you.”

You pause and grin. “In that case, would you be willing to go with me to town tonight? I heard that had a great place to get some food at and I wanted to try it.”

His heart melts. You’re so precious. “Of course. I’d love to go with you.”

You jump in place excitedly and move in to kiss his cheek again. “Great! It’s a date!”

You dash away with wink and a throw of your hips. Hyrule watches you move away from him. He’s vaguely ware that his jaw is open and that he pays a little to much attention to the way you move, but you’ve once again mamabged to catch him off guard.

He thinks he loves you.

A sigh leaves his lips before he can stop himself. How can he deny you of anything? If you wanted him to go with you to into town he would have done so in a heart beat- wait-

Date?!

Time

Something changed between you and Time after that day.

At first you didn’t want to think too much about it. Your crush on the man wasn’t going to get in the way of being peaceable with him So what if he called you pretty and lovely. It have to mean anything. And you’re sure that it was because of that dumb game the boys were playing anyway.

But he’s taken to... being a little more physical with you.

It’s subtle but you’re almost certain that you’re almost always within arms reach of the man.

When you’re walking, he’s there ever so slightly brushing your hand with his as you walk.  If you eating, you’re next to him- almost thigh to thigh. You think you’re even sleeping closer to him nowadays.

The thought makes your mouth go dry.

To make matters worse you think that your crush is only growing more and more obvious. Does he know? Is that why he’s doing this? Or are you doing this? That’s a mortifying thought.

“Wait.” Time stops you from going forward.

You freeze in place and looks up at him. “Yes?”

He smiles and leans downwards, reaching just a bit top pluck a wayward leaf from your shirt. The gently tug by your side causes you to hold your breath. Time doesn’t seem to notice the way you hitch your breath. “You had a straggler.” 

“Thank you.” You take the leaf, brushing you fingertips with his. He tilts his head, tucking a bit of your hair behind your ear. “You’re welcome.”

Time smiles and turns to leave.

You can’t take much more of this tip toe game. You need to get to the bottom of it. Either he takes further or he ceases entirely. You’re heart is going to combust if nothing changes.

“Link.” You grab his hand. “Can I ask you something?”

Now it’s his turn to freeze. “Of course.”

“You once called me pretty.”

“I did.”

“Did you mean it?”

“I did.”

“You once called me lovely.”

“I did.”

“Did you mean it?”

I did.”

You stomp your foot and pull him towards you. You’re entirely sure why you did it. “Why?” You ask him. “You’ve never said that to me before.”

That seems to throw time for a loop. you think you catch his eyeline dip to where your lips ear instead of looking you in the eye. “Because it’s true.”

“And the boys didn’t tell you to do that?” You raise an eyebrow.

“That would be cruel.” Time says. “I may have lost the game that day but I have been tell you that for a while now.”

“Do you mean that?” You lean into his space.

He looks away. You can see the way his jaw clenches.

“Link.” You press. “Would you have told me that?”

He doesn’t answer as quickly as you’d like.

You let him go and sigh- ignoring the hurt you didn’t know it would cause. “Alright.”

You start to walk away but he pulls you back. It’s rougher than he intends and you crash against his chest. “Please.” He says. “I’m not one to speak easily. I...wanted to... But I don’t know if I ever would without the push.”

You hum and rap your arms around his neck. “In that case...Is this ok?”

He nods and chances a kiss to your forehead. “Is this ok?”

“Absolutely.” 

Four

Four was walking on clouds for the rest of the week.

The memory of you kissing his cheek was on replay the entire time. The spot still tingled with the sensation whenever he thought about it. Because of it, he was having harder times concentrating and found himself staring at you from a distance with soft features and smitten gazes.

It was beginning to get on the nerves of those in the know.

“Is anyone going to do something about this?” Hyrule asks quietly, away from ear shot. “He’s been all smiles for days. Was this supposed to happen?”

“Well...” Warrior scratches the back of his head. “Yes and no. Did anyone see up close what they said to him?”

“Nope.”

“I didn’t.”

“Not a clue.”

“I got a picture.” Wild speaks up with an ear to ear grin. “I was hoping someone would notice. I’ve been holding onto this.”

The boy instantly crowd around the boy. “Show us! Show us!” They cry. “We want to know.”

With a smirk, Wild pulls up the photo taken at just the right moment. Your eyes are closed where as Four’s are wide open. Your lips are placed delicately on his cheek. Shock covers the entirety of Four’s face but you couldn’t seem to care less about your actions.

“Oh.” Hyrule clears his throat a bit. “That explains a lot actually.”

Warrior whistles. “No wonder his head has been up in the clouds. I didn’t know the boy scored.”

Wild shuts it off before anyone can get near to see his blackmail treasure. “You’re welcome.”

You jumped next to the boy, startling them all. “Whatcha looking at?”

“AH!” Wild manly screams. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”

Hyrule snickers at the timing.

“Wild showed us a picture of The Lord of the Mountain, he calls it.” Warrior shrugs, seemingly nonplused by the interruption. “I’ve never seen a creature like it. I wouldn’t be able to tell what it is truly, except a once in a lifetime creature.”

Wild nods in haste. While it was a lie, Wild had shown Warrior a picture of the same creature earlier that week. He licks his lips in an subconscious tell. “Did I show you? I don’t remember.”

You shake your head and lean over to see it.

Wild panics a bit, hoping that you don’t see the picture in the icons in the sides. He pulls it up and you ‘ooo’ and ‘aaa’. “Pretty.”

“Not as much as you.” Four speaks as he passes, not missing a beat.

You jump, not dissimilar to how Wild did moment prior and your attention snaps to the blacksmith as he walks away. “Hey!” You call out, a flushed look to your cheeks. “That’s not fair!”

“But it’s completely true!” He calls back.

“Oh my goodness...” You huff but don’t seem to mind it too much. “He’s been doing this more often even since you all played the stupid game. I have to catch up with him. Very nice, Wild. Thank you for showing me.”

You leave quickly, attempting to catch up with Four. “I can’t believe you, cheater! Didn’t you say that it was only when Legend was nearby-”

“I couldn’t keep myself from being honest.” Four reaches for your hand and laces your fingers together.

The other boys stare in astonishment, watching them get further and further away.

“Oh that’s our fault.” Warrior blinks.

Hyrule and Wild nod in tandem. 

“But they look happy at least.”

Wild

You and Wild walk away for a while. Neither of you say anything until you both find a nice clearing amongst the forest flowers.

“Ooh, pretty.” You beam and let go of Wild to pick some of them up.

Wild watches you blissfully, happy that he hadn’t made a total fool of himself. “We can press them in a book, if you’d like?”

You snap your head back to him and nod. “I used to do that back home with my mother. But I had to stop when she got sick.”

“Yeah?” Wild sits down next to you. “Well we can save the flower in my sheikah slate if you’d like. They’d last longer until we can find a good book to use.”

“You’d let me.” You turn to him and lean in close. “Are you sure?”

Wild narrows in on the distance that remains and nods, swallowing hard. “Of course.”

“You’re very kind.” You smile, watching his every reaction. “And you know... I wanted to ask you something.”

You lean away. Wild breathes as if he hadn’t been able to do that the entire time. “What is it?”

“I wanted to know why the boys told you to flirt with me.” You back your smirk.

Wild pales and finds himself falling backwards. Luckily, he was already on the ground. He manages to catch himself before he lose himself. “Um... I don’t know either.”

“I believe you do.” You answer simply. You don’t look at him, too enthralled with the flowers in front of you. “If only you wouldn’t react that way if you were clueless.”

Wild gulps again. “...They... you know how they can be.” He laughs, trying to play it off. “I think they were trying to pull our legs.”

You hum, and begin to braid the flowers together. “And that has nothing to do with you staring at me more and more?”

Wild pales even further, if it was possible. “I’m sorry.”

You laugh. “It’s not necessarily a bad thing. I’m just asking.”

Wild looks away. His blush slowly begins to consume his face. “I can’t help it. You’re just... very pretty... and your skin looks soft... And you are very nice to look at...”

“You’re very nice to look at as well.” You say with a smile, not looking at him.

“I didn’t mean to be obvious.” Wild admits as he scratches the back of his head. “I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable.”

“On the contrary.” You pick up another flower and braid it into your chain. “I quite liked your attention.”

Wild freezes and shifts his vision towards you. “Oh really?”

“Yes.” You say with a smile on your face. “If you haven’t noticed I was trying to look extra pretty whenever you looked my way.”

“Were you now?” Wild leans a little closer to you.

You close the distance and flop backwards. Your head lands in his lap and look up to him with a wide smile. “Absolutely.”

Wild freezes again and slowly- every so slowly, places his hand in you hair, petting you gently. “What else did you notice that I failed to do subtly?”

“You always seemed to want to hold my hand and be near me.” You say confidently. You’re rewarded when Wild loses his nerve to look at you. You’re correct in your statement.

“Anything else?” He tries again.

“You’re very sweet to me.” You continue, placing your finished flower crown at the top of his head. “And I’d very much like to kiss you.”

Wild short circuits. 

You lean up close to his face and grin. “May I?”

“Yes. Don’t even ask.”

[jade-green-butterfly]

💚🦋~TFA Jadebutterfly REVAMPED~🦋💚

Okay, some of you may know from my yearly convention weekend, some of you may not, but I am actually a big Transformers fan - especially of the Animated series!😁✨ I did watch Beast Machines on Fox Kids when I was a kid, but it was the Animated series that REALLY got me into the Transformers franchise, around late 2008 and I never looked back - still a big fan to this day~✊🏻😊 I've recently gotten back into RPing TFA with my fellow TF bestie, KaitlinEXE a.k.a @kaitlinexe, which has inspired me to draw and revamp my main TFA OC - Jadebutterfly (Jady for short) who I created back in 2008. And...voila~!🪄Here she is for 2024!🦋 Here are also some examples of her from over the years:

(June 2010)

(August 2018, Cybertron Mode)

(July 2013, featuring Bumblebee headshot~💛🐝)

Wow!😮Comparing my revamped piece to the previous others, I have to say how much I've improved over the years with my skills, TFA style!🤩And Jady 2024 came out just as imagined, with the back view I chose and wanted to try out for her~👏🏻😍 I'm so proud of how it all turned out, that I had the idea of making her wing blades transparent so you could all still see what Jady fully looked like from the back😚👍🏻Also, huge kudos to Kaitlin too, for suggesting the glitter and sparkle effect for her wings~💖🤗 And yes, I do ship Jadebutterfly with my most favourite bot of all time...Bumblebee~!💛🐝💘🦋💚🥰 Hope you all like too, my dears!🫂💞If you have any questions about Jady, please feel free to ask~✌🏻😉Aaah, it feels so good to draw her again after all this time!💗xoxo.

*~Reblogs are also deeply appreciated as well, so please do reblog as well as like! Thank-you kindly!~*

Autobot Jadebutterfly/Jady (c) @jade-green-butterfly (Me~!)

Transformers Animated (c) Derrick J. Wyatt (Passed away in 2021, but never forgotten~💕🙏🏻🪽) & Hasbro

[lilimalia]

ROSE HIP TEA // multiple characters

SPECIAL EVENT // POST !

MALE CHARACTERS [batch I]

SYNOPSIS... Valentine's Deals you say? Well... We do have a special tea brew just for the occasion!

CHARACTERS... diluc, zhongli, ayato, alhaitham (al-haitham), childe, xiao, kazuha,

DISCLAIMERS... fem/afab reader, valentine's special! This is the batch, and batch II will be genshin's most popular females. Xiao's part has a bathing scene, and Kazuha's has a flute playing reader.

BARISTA'S INTEL... I went after the most popular characters so I apologize if your favorite isn't on here... blame google statistics... And also, I may have chosen a song that sounded 100% like Diluc singing it, am I simp? Yes.

CAFE TUNE... Sway // Michael Buble

DILUC RAGNVINDR

The manor shines like jewels across the grassy plains of Mondstadt. Sunrise rays reflecting off it's clear windows. A beautiful morning, only right for such a sweet day.

Waking up, you shift towards your left, the bed creaks under your body, as you search lazily for your husband. Mind still groggy from the morning rising.

"Diluc?..." you call, finding that your side has been left by your husband. Startled, you rise, searching frantically for your lover.

"Diluc?... Did you leave for work again?", disappointment laces your face, your eyes furrowing as you begin to rise. It seems that even on the day of love, your own lover holds no bias.

Throughout the day, the glistening hope you had held that Diluc would come home, began to fade. The day goes by slowly, as you drag your burdens on your shoulders through the city of Monstadt, watching as lovers and friends a like smile and jump for joy as they receive flowers. But, Valentine's Day doesn't have to be lonely... Right? You don't have to depend on Diluc. You've got Klee! The sweetest girl in the world!

Except that Klee is with the Dragonspine Alchemist that Kaeya speaks fondly of...

The day seems to pass slowly, sun to moon, your mind is preoccupied... Your legs carrying you like feathers, threatening to snap at any moment. Sadness carries your body like a leash, leading you through out the day, gloomy under the lack of your lover. Perhaps it had been to much to hope he would put aside work for you... Arriving at the Manor, you open the door,

"Adeline... Could you please prepare a salt bath? It's been a rough day..."

"The maids of all left to celebrate the occasion dove... Are you alright?" Warm hands wrap around your waist, grasping at it slowly as your lifted off your feet. Oh, your wide awake now.

You look down to see Diluc, a soft smile fading onto his lips as he holds you up, large hands firmly gripping at your body as he speaks.

"Happy Valentine's, now, I believe we are due for a 5 star homecooked meal my love."

And a saccharine smile blooms across your face, face lining with wrinkles from your joy, as you grasp his face within your hands. <3

ZHONGLI A.K.A MORAX

The consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor walks across the bustling city of Liyue. Left free from his tasks, his eyes gaze upon the sales of the day.

It seems that many of the shops have opened sales, tempting, and appropriate for that of Valentine's Day. Who was he to deny the offer?

"Greetings Mr. Shitou, if you don't mind, I would like to see the wares you have for today..."

"Ah! Mr. Zhongli, what a pleasure to see you here again! Yes, yes, we do have some lovely jewelry for the day of love sir!"

Shitou opens a case, glittering black it shines in the afternoon sunlight; setting out three pieces of jewelry that shine across the table. Eye-catching to any and every that passes. Studying his selection of choices, Zhongli examines the cut of each jewel, from swiss to dahlia, before his eyes lay upon a particular necklace. Refined it is, a green jade glistening in the rays of sunlight, the gold around it embracing it like a newbord.

"This necklace... The quality is indeed impeccable... I will take it!"

"Lovely choice sir! Would you also like our special packaging just for this Valentines? It'll only cost another 10 mora!"

Of course... Only the finest material for his lover. How could he refuse. Zhongli returns that night, presenting his gift, towards his lover, who only deserves the best of the best.

AYATO KAMISATO

Kamisato Ayato craves nothing more but to be within the soft comforting touch of your body. To find his solace in your own, to wrap his arms around your waist and curl you up into his own body.

But... The duties of a Commissioner do not cease.

His eyes wear tiredly, drained and dragged downwards by the extent of his work.

"Sir Kamisato, your wife has registered a room within the Komore Teahouse and has put it on your tab. She had told the staff to personally deliver this purchase to you..." his right-hand calls calls, poise and proper as a small awkward chuckle lifts from his lips.

Ayato is no fool. He knows your games, and like a fish to bait, he plays along.

"Thank you Thoma, I will... Deal with the message accordingly." The Commisioner chuckles, his eyes darting playfully towards his servant as he watches the blonde fidget from the clear daring intent of the message.

Excusing the poor victim, Ayato lifts from his seat. Body crackling as his bones unstiffen. Free from it's bonds of constriction.

Poise and elegant, the Kamisato greets Taroumarou at the front, closing the door behind him to avoid the gazes of the public.

"Why hello there Taroumarou... Would you happen to know which room [Y/n] ordered herself?"

"Woof woof! Woof!"

"Room 7? Why thank you kind sir." Ayato teases. How he understands the animal, is out of his understanding...

Walking down the hallway, he knocks on the door, before entering in, pleasantly surprised to be greeted by your smile, cheerfully lit in the yellow light of the sectioned off tea room.

"Ayato! Ayato! Come sit, I knew you would come to find me. Lay down, allow me to massage your back and relax. You've been working to hard..." you call, patting your lap with your hand, motioning -also- to the warm cup of tea that sits freshly prepared right in front of you.

Kamisato Ayato smiles sweetly. How lucky he is to have a wife so endearing. And so, on the night of White day, Kamisato Ayato breathes freedom, and he is grateful for your gift of comfort.

ALHAITHAM / AL-HAITHAM

The humid sweet air of Sumeru makes its presence known throughout the tavern. The scent of sweet muddled berries and alcohol combined entices the men and women alike. Like sticky honey, the people swarm like bees.

Sitting across, you gaze lovingly towards the man. The -newly recruited- Acting Grand Sage. Who glares back at you unwavering as the drinks are poured beside you both.

"What is it that you find so peculiar about my face that entices you to constantly glare at me?" Alhaitham speaks, his slim hands grasping over the drinks to pass over to you.

"I'm not glaring! I just think you have very... Distinguished facial features. Frankly, it's quite the worthy trait!" You argue, smiling at the gesture of the drink as you sip on it. The spicy and sweet taste of alcohol rushing over your senses.

"There is nothing interesting about my face... It is simply fresh from constant morning washes."

"Only you would brag so carelessly about clear skin dear Alhaitham..." you mutter, now glaring playfully at the Sage.

Maybe it was the trick of the light, but from your seat, you swore you saw the faintest hue of rosy pink against the tip of his cheeks.

"Tch... If that's all you have to argue about my facial features... Then perhaps I have won this debate by default." He grins, twirling the frosted glass of alcohol in his hand; defined by veins that just barely crawl towards the tips of his fingers. His other hand, placed boredly against his cheek.

Perhaps he was fishing for compliments...

"Well fine! To start, you have beautiful emerald eyes! Perhaps it is an acquired taste... But I find them quite the attractive feature. Furthermore, you also have the coolest gaze, like a fox from the lands of Inazuma... Not only that, but you have the softest looking cheeks!"

Alhaitham pauses.

"...Softest?..."

"Of course! Your cheeks are adorable! Like a little child, I just want to squish them!" You giggle, taking another sip of your beverage.

"[Y/n]... Perhaps the alcohol has gotten to your head..." he states, his voice meekly hinting concern.

"No... I think I'm alright... It's only been an hour..."

"No... I think that's enough for the night. The Akademiya does not heed its progress because of one drunken student..." He responses, pulling your now empty glass away from you as he sets out the mora for the bill. Sliding his body towards yours as he lifts your now weakened state up.

"Come on... I'll walk you home."

"When did you become such a gentlemen?! Are you sure you don't plan to just walk yourself home and leave me stranded?"

The Sage does not respond. Already supporting your body against his own as he steadies himself. Had you not been so drunk... You may have been able to witness the pink hue on the Grand Sage's soft cheeks.

What a shame...

CHILDE / TARTAGLIA / AJAX

The smell of baked apples blossoms out of your mud oven. It's aromatic scent spreading like fire across your home. The cold Sneznhayan air clouded over, protecting your home like a blanket.

The sound of the door creaking draws your attention away, like a bird call.

"Ajax! Is that you?" You call, hastily throwing your mittens to the table as you run towards your husband.

"Hey girlie, what's got you so excited? Miss your great and formidable husband already?" He chuckles, throwing his bow and sword which bounce nimbly of the wooden floors.

You glare at him playfully, nudging his shoulder as you pull him away from the door.

"The house smells good... What did you make? I also got you some fish personally lined in by yours only!" He grins, roughed up hands tugging at a course bag that drags heavy by weight.

You can't see him, back turned to him as you pull out the apple pie but...

You know, he has those sweet Azul eyes, gazing at you like a puppy. Endearment practically pooling out of them... Has he trenches into your shared home. Bag over shoulder, work clothes stained red.

But it doesn't matter. He is with you, by your side, and alive, and that is all that matters to you.

XIAO / ALATUS

The translucent colors of rainbow are etched out in front of him, their life beginning and ending; he thinks.

The night is young, the calls of the wind usher him, but he is unable to answer.

"Xiao... Are you alright? Bubble baths are supposed to be fun... Not a way for you to test your death stare..." You inquire, melodic voice lacing with concern.

His back is too you, and for this he is grateful... Xiao does not know why, but his face burns, not a sharp pain, but a fleeting burn, one that spreads like wildfire across the whole of his complexion.

"I am not "death staring" anything mortal... Dare you accuse the Adepti of such trivial things?!"

"I am no mortal Xiao... And even you know it..." You hum, your voice gaining closer to him, until it is right at his ear...

He does not reply. Scared that his own voice may waver in the heat of the moment. He feels your soft hands rubbing against his body, massaging all his aches and wounds he never knew were there.

For a while... No one says a word, not the trees, not him, and not you.

He likes it better this way, he thinks. The way your body is so close to his, as he watches the bubbles in front of him fade away slowly, popping every second.

He likes it this way, he knows. How you stay your distance, but soothe him, nonetheless. How you begin to hum your signature tranquilizing tune, slowly eases the aches of his Adeptal body out of him.

Xiao does not know love. And he does know humans.

But you aren't human... You are a divinity.

And he will forever love you for it.

KAZUHA KAEDEHARA

 Kazuha lays comfortably beside you, back supported against the dark tree trunk.

He listens to the winds, that hum to your tune, as he watches you play the flute. Watching as your nimble fingers flick upwards and back down, sending forth the sound of the hollow wooden instrument.

Your eyes are closed, entranced by the music that you play. Soul and body devoted to your craft. When, unfortunately, the song comes to it's ending.

"So? Any thoughts dear Ronin?"

"None at all my dove... Your music is as enchanting as ever..." He murmurs sweetly, reaching out to pull your hand into his own, curling the tips of his fingers around yours.

"You flatter me to much Kazuha... Surely there was some sort of noticeable mistake?" You mutter, glancing at him and then your captured hand.

"None at all... None at all." He says, reaching out.

His hands clasps against your cheeks, the fresh spring Sakura petals falling around you and him. He smiles, like nothing else matters.

As if you are his world. And him, yours.

And perhaps that is true... As you nuzzle yourself into his grasp, laying your face against his rough hands, scattered with scars, but still your home.

And your forever world.

SPECIAL BREWS...

Room 7 // a reference to Japan's beliefs of the lucky number 7, which is tied to prosperity and Buddhist tales

Apple Pie // snow white reference, and a symbolic way to represent the red color commonly seen for Valentine's day and love

White Day // the more commonly celebrated holiday in Japan instead of Valentines. the day traditionally is a holiday towards the female partners of the relationship gifting their lovers a present and appreciating them (like [Y/n's] gift of comfort to Ayato)

BARISTA'S INQUIREMENT... Late Valentine's Day post because I was out on a date but!! Hope you enjoyed, have constructive criticism? Please do tell! I haven't written fluff in a long while... Also I may or may have not been biased towards Al-haitham's part...

word count. varying

Tag List Form !

©-FUTURIST... Please do not plagiarize, themes are edited by me, reblogs allowed, do not repost on any other platform!!

Banner credits: @ERIIMYON

[sailormoonandme]

The Last Sailor Senshi a.k.a. A HAPPY ENDING FOR SAILOR COSMOS

Ao3 Collection: Sailor Moon Cosmos Epilogue

Summary: The fighting is done. The war has been won…but not for Sailor Cosmos. She is, as she has been for so very long, utterly, and eternally…alone…Or is she...?

Excerpt: Sailor Cosmos gripped her staff. Her breath caught in her chest before she finally focussed herself. It was inadvisable to be distracted by the past given the great debt she owed to the future.

Still…one last look. One last walk down memory lane. One final, fond farewell to the universe as she had known it before she let it all go and helped build the new one.

Planting her staff into the craggy ground, she took a knee and cast her gaze down. The nine coloured stripes stood out stark against her mostly white uniform. Although, now she was really paying attention to them…they seemed far less stark than she remembered.

She frowned, and glanced at the rest of her uniform. Exhausted though she was, her uniform had by now restored itself. Her fatigue must be causing her to imagine things. Nevertheless, something compelled her to take a second look at…the...nine stripes…?

The blue stripe. It had practically disappeared. A moment later it had vanished completely. She was so shocked by this that she almost missed the gold stripe following suit.

Cosmos went so far as to squeeze her eyes shut for a few seconds before re-opening them. By the time she had the navy and turquoise stripes were gone too. The green and purple stripes meanwhile had faded and were rapidly giving way to pure white.

Trembling, she raised her head and looked out across the dark and empty void.

Only…it wasn't so dark or empty anymore.

Far, far off she could see two tiny pinpricks of light. Spinning around she found two more. She shot her head back down and saw an almost completely white skirt.

Hastily, all dignity forgotten she swiveled her head all around, spotting another, noticeably bigger, pinprick of light pop into existence in the distance. An even larger, crimson dot did the same only a moment later.

Her breath caught again. Slowing her movements down, she spun all the way around. As she turned, more and more pinpricks of light began dotting the black void. Finally, she stopped moving and distinctly saw a bright golden orb ignite into existence far beyond the first two points of light she had first spotted.

Its light was blinding but that was not why she turned away. She took one final look at her skirt and saw the last stripe dissipate completely. The pink stripe. Tentatively, her bottom lip starting to tremble, she raised her head and beheld the dead space immediately before the Moon.

What looked to be a veil of glittering silver and gold dust was swirling around and around, gathering in size and speed. As it finally coalesced into a massive, beautiful, blue planet, the Moon itself lit up.

The same glittering dust rained down upon the barren surface and, almost out of thin air, ornate buildings of crystal and silver-white marble began to spring up. Immediately behind her a palace, topped with a crescent Moon, materialised into being, water gushing forth to flank the promenade.

"Well done, Usagi."

As if in a trance she looked to the left. Within the arms of a blunette woman, a black furry face smiled at her with utter pride.

Ao3 Collection: Sailor Moon Cosmos Epilogue

[b1ackgh0st]

What if--?

What if the Trolls's music hadn't been restored after Poppy destroyed the strings? (A.K.A, a rewrite of Band Together)

DISCLAIMER: !MAY CONTAIN: SELF HARM MENTIONS, TROLLS "GOING GRAY", JOHN DORY IN GENERAL!

Barb screamed, holding the fading strings in her paws. Tears began to flow. Everything was silent.

And then everyone began to leave.

...♡

Branch knew what being gray was like, but seeing everyone gray? A month had gone by since the strings were broken. There was no music. Pop Village was quiet. No parties were held, hug time was ignored, and no one sang or danced.

He had seen the Pop Trolls be gray, but that had been for around two minutes. Seeing Tiny and other young trollings growing up with this grayness was unsettling.

"Branch! Branch... Daddy isn't singin'! Nobody is!" Tiny yelled, running up to Branch and hugging the feral troll's leg.

Branch picked him up carefully, hugging the small trolling tightly. "It's going to be okay, Tiny.. we can fix this, okay?" He assured Tiny, lightly swiping a tear off the glitter trolling's cheek.

...♡

They ventured out together, taking only one bag with the essentials: Some rations, water, and a few pairs of extra other for Branch. And a scarf for Tiny incase he got cold.

"We just need a little bit of help. I think I know some trolls... we just need to find them!" Branch smiled at Tiny who was sitting on his shoulder.

Out in the middle of Lonesome Flats was some kind of large bug... bus? Someone stepped out of it's door, walking over to the river next it to. John Dory.

Tiny hid in Branch's hair as the feral troll approached his older brother. The one who had left him.

"John Dory." He grumbled, standing right behind John. His tail lashed, his deep blue eyes narrowed as Branch's older brother turned to see him.

"B-Bitty B..?" He asked in bewilderment.

"Don't call me that. It's Branch, John." Branch snapped, crossing his arms. "I need your help."

John was gray, too. Of course, he lost his music when the strings broke, just like everyone else.

"Music across every tribe is gone. We need to get it back, and for that..." He sighed. "We'll need to find Spruce, Clay, and Floyd again.. and attempt the perfect family harmony."

John Dory stood, smiling. He cocked his thumb at the door of the bug/bus thing. "Well then, since it seems I have no choice. Let's get goin!"

Branch climbed in, Tiny popping out and onto his shoulder again.

Maybe this would work.

Maybe.

Just...

Maybe...

"I'll save you... all of you."

(1/?)

[Next]

[trekmupf]

a.k.a. Superpowers with free disco eyes 🪩🪩

Pro:

Kirk and Spock playing chess and being friends!

Kirk as a huge nerd (and not the modern pop culture womanizer) confirmed!

Defines Kirk as a captain, leading with logic / intelligence and humanity (he knows he has to stop Mitchell- logic, but waits until the last possible moment to give him a chance- passion, empathy)

also Kirk making sure both of their service records are pristine despite what happened between them

to be honest Mitchell wasn't a great friend – he manipulated Kirk, makes fun of him. Also he's also not professional on the job & disrespects Dehner? (which is an intersting contrast to Kirks friends now, Spock & McCoy)

Nice special effects (the eyes glittering that way makes them both less human and devoid of emotion)

great sci-fi plot with a moral dilemma for Kirk

First time Kirk / the crew would have lost if not for the one-time female character saving the day

even good people can and will be corrupted by power and start to see their own friends as lesser (if we ignore Mitchell just..not being that great a person even before he transforms)

This is underlined by Mitchell becoming worse the more power he gets

Cons:

Inconsistencies (Worse than in other episodes as this was filmed first and a while ahead of the others. See Clothes, characters roles and behaviour, some strange interactions and Kirk lore)

the turtlenecksweaters are my nemesis

once they beam down on the planet the episode drags until the end of the fight

no Bones :(

Counter

Kirk's first shirt rip! (and unique unshaved Shatner chest!)

Red alert during the intro

Quote: "I'm sorry. You can't know what it's like to be almost a god" - Dr. Dehner Moment: Dr. Dehners Deathscene and last words Summary: Episode about a personal struggle for Kirk as well as the corruption of people by power Previous Episode - Next Episode - All TOS Reviews

[stargazer-sims]

She dressed him up and took him somewhere ♥

...and there's not a speck of glitter in sight. I think it's obvious who's in charge in this relationship when it comes to wardrobe choices for public events.

_____

Milena is an immigration lawyer with a very successful practice, and Stan is a figure skating coach and former competitive skater. Stan and Milena have one daughter and two grandsons. They share their home with a dog and a cat, and their doors are always open to all their "adopted children" (a.k.a. Stan's current and former students who may need a helping hand or a hot meal and some comfort).

[glittergroovy]

[3-2-whump]

Doctor of Nonpersons

<prev next>

A.K.A., the author takes inspiration from their own tonsillectomy! Fortunately, for the author's procedure, the doctors were legitimate and used anesthesia, so a lot of this was extensively researched and imagined instead of being experienced first hand (thankfully!) Special thanks goes out once again to @whumped-by-glitter for beta reading.

Read this chapter before hand, or you will not understand the references made to the Key Game

TW/CW: nsfwhump, medical whump, multiple whumpers, institutionalized slavery, noncon drugging (injection), blood, graphic description of tonsillectomy, restraints

It took Khaled only half the time to find the key nowadays, with Nico’s assistance. Even if they didn’t see each other for lunch anymore, Nico would always text him late at night as soon as he knew who had the key. It was a gesture Khaled deeply appreciated from his friend, and he thanked Nico generously each time, but all Nico wanted in return was the truth, and he had yet to give it to him.

Of course, knowing where the key was didn’t change the fact that Khaled still had to degrade himself to get the key, and now there was the added element of waiting until a reasonable amount of time had passed before presenting the key to his master, lest the man become suspicious. Don Thomas Costa was a smart man, he would find out eventually, and Khaled found himself dreading the day the key game would have to be forcefully put to an end. But it didn’t end the way he had thought it would.

-

“Is your dancer okay? He looks kinda sick.”

Khaled’s head swam as he reluctantly detached himself from his master’s arm and straightened his posture. The boss had dragged him out to one of those parties again, forcing him to wear that same red outfit that revealed everything. He didn’t want to go; he never felt up for being stripped and dolled up and displayed like this, but especially not tonight. His throat was so sore he could barely talk, drink, or eat for the past few days, so he didn’t. The lack of food and water made him weak, his head throbbing with an underlying current of nausea throughout. And it was hot, so hot, and yet he couldn’t stop shivering. Even the simple act of standing hurt. He wanted to go home.

Thomas covered for him. “He’s fine, he’s just a bit tired, right? Go on, boy,” he implored, his tone on the knife-edge of civility. “Tell him you’re fine.”

All that came out of Khaled’s inflamed throat was a pathetic wheeze. Understandably deterred, the guest who checked on him immediately retreated, side-eyeing Thomas all the while. As soon as he could confirm no one was paying attention to them, Thomas grabbed Khaled’s wrist and dragged him to the nearest private place.

He took refuge behind a large potted palm tree. “What’s wrong with you?” he whisper-hissed. He forcefully gripped Khaled’s face in his hand and craned his head up to meet his eyes. “You’re burning up, are you sick or something?”

Khaled tried his best to nod with his head in such an awkward positon.

Thomas huffed. “Why didn’t you tell me? Why did you have to wait until we were in public? Are you trying to make me look bad?”

“I’m sorry, Master…my throat… it…” The words ground abrasively out of Khaled’s sore throat.

His master’s gray eyes widened in realization. He let go of his face and reached into his pocket to retrieve his phone. “Open,” he commanded.

The young man’s jaw dropped with a practiced ease. His master turned on the light to his phone and shone it straight into his mouth. If the silently whispered “oh my god” was anything to go by, then it must have looked as bad in there as it felt. Twisted as it was, he was almost glad Thomas deemed him sick, too, if only to validate his suffering. “Okay, close.”

Khaled reflexively closed his mouth. The older man scrolled through his phone, muttering all the while. “This isn’t some common cold, this is far beyond what I could do treating you at home. I’d really rather not take you to the hospital; I have a fake ID and a convincing backstory for you, but I’d have a tough time explaining away all your disciplinary marks-” Thomas cut himself off with a groan. Then, in a move Khaled had never seen before, the boss heaved a reluctant, almost defeated sigh.

“Master?” he rasped.

“It’s decided then,” he said bitterly, “I’ll have to take you to her.”

Thomas had only heard secretive whispers and unsubstantiated rumors about this clinic, and those whispers and rumors yielded mixed reviews, to put it nicely. However, Khaled was sick enough for him to drive across state lines in the dead of night to find one obscure little shop front in an unfamiliar city, to put his pride aside and ask for the help of someone who might not even help him anyway.

A short, waif-like, collared redhead answered the door. She took one look at him and Khaled with her tired blue eyes before opening the door wider and silently ushering them in. Thomas noticed a neat vertical scar running down the front of her neck. Looks like I’ve found the right place.

The mute slave girl led them past a harshly-lit waiting room, through a maze of narrow corridors decorated with unobjectionable photography, and into a tiny room with two plastic chairs and the typical examination table in the middle. Thomas was impressed that it was almost like any other medical clinic, but perturbed by the distant screams and weak sobbing sounds coming from the neighboring rooms. The redhead closed the door behind her as she left. A faint clicking noise as she left indicated that they were locked inside.

A warm weighted pressure on his right redirected Thomas’ feelings of dread and regret. Khaled was clinging to his arm, looking up at him with terrified eyes. He was trembling, whether it was because of the fear, the fever, or because he was still in that damn dancer outfit, Thomas wasn’t sure. “I’m sorry, boy. I don’t like it either, but this was our only option,” he sighed.

The door unlocked and opened with a faint click as the doctor came in to their room. She was a woman in her early forties, wearing a white lab coat over business casual clothes, who nearly dropped her tablet as she noticed them standing in the exam room. She blinked once, twice, and adjusted the glasses on her face. “I don’t believe this,” she gasped. “Is that you, Thomas?”

“Lennie Sal…”

The woman frowned –something she seemed to have done quite often in the intermittent years since he’d seen her. “You know damn well you’ve lost the right to call me that,” she replied, her tone turning frosty.

Thomas groaned. This bitch. He remembered why he’d never kept in touch with her. “Lenore,” he sighed through gritted teeth, “I need to call in a favor.”

The woman squinted at the feverish slave leaning on his shoulder. “That one yours?”

“Who’s else would he be?” Thomas guided Khaled to the raised examination table and lifted him onto it. It took everything in the boy to keep himself in an upright seated position; he started leaning to one side as soon as Thomas took his hands away.

“I’d heard rumors, but never actually thought you would acquire a nonperson,” she shrugged. She gave Khaled a quick once over before going to the sink to wash her hands. “Though, from the looks of him, I can see why you bought him. You certainly did have a type after Afghanistan,” she commented with a wry side-eye.

Thomas deliberately ignored that comment. “He’s got a fever, and a sore throat. When I shone my phone light down his throat, it was all red and irritated. And his tonsils looked, I don’t know, pitted?”

Lenore had just pulled on a new pair of gloves. “That so?” Turning to her patient now, the doctor adopted a completely different demeanor. “Open.” Khaled’s jaw dropped on reflex as he stretched his mouth wide and stuck out his tongue invitingly. “A little further out, like that –yeah, just like that, good boy,” she praised, much like a veterinarian to a pet. Taking out her penlight, she peered down the young man’s throat and confirmed what Thomas had suspected. “Yup, they’re infected. They’re basically nuclear.” She withdrew her instrument and directed Khaled to close his mouth. “I won’t bother asking why you didn’t come to me sooner,” Lenore began, “but the point is you’ve come to me now.” She gently but firmly pushed Khaled down onto the examination table and reached underneath for a set of straps. “Has he taken any of the following meds in the past ten days?” she asked, following up her question with a rapid-fire list of OTCs.

Thomas shook his head. “No, don’t think so,” he replied.

“Has he eaten or drunk anything in the past several hours?” Lenore restrained Khaled’s wrists and upper torso snugly to the table with the straps.

“Nothing we can’t just make him throw up, right?” The flat, unimpressed stare Lenore gave him made Thomas cringe. “No, he hasn’t eaten since lunch, about ten hours ago, and I don’t think he even ate that much.”

She had just finished securing the young man’s legs and ankles. “Hold his head in place,” she directed with an offhanded wave. There was a clatter of a compartment opening under the examination table. “Intimate types seem to do well with the physical contact they get from their masters during procedures. The touch grounds them, I think,” she explained, fishing around the compartment until she found the tool she needed.

Khaled recognized it right away, shaking his head and whispering a hoarse “please, no, Master, please-” Thomas locked both hands on each side of the boy’s head, just as he’d been directed, to keep him from turning away as the doctor worked the open-mouthed gag in between his teeth.

“There, that wasn’t so bad, was it?” Lenore asked as she buckled it tight behind the boy’s head. She gave his distended cheeks a condescending pat before addressing the man above him. “So, do you want me to give him something for the pain, or should I just get in there and…” She made crude snipping motions with her index and middle fingers.

Thomas scoffed, unbelieving that such a sweet girl like her could’ve become so cold. “God yes, woman! Of course, I don’t want him to feel it!”

“Hey, hey, doesn’t hurt to ask,” she defended. She lowered her head to address her patient again. “You’ve got such a considerate master, pretty boy. Looks like he ‘doesn’t want you to feel it,’ isn’t that nice?” she said with a smile.

Khaled let out a pitiful whine.

The doctor turned toward a mysterious rack of vials and tinctures as she procured a sterile needle from a drawer under her desk. “You’re going to have the best twenty minutes of your life,” she promised as she siphoned out an esoteric blend of medicines from the bottles.

Thomas frowned skeptically at the rack as his former lover hummed a song they once danced to under her breath. “Wait, what exactly are you giving him?”

“Oh, just a custom cocktail of sedatives and psychotropic drugs,” Lenore explained. She inserted the needle into a vein of one of Khaled’s restrained hands –though not without difficulty, considering how much he squirmed. She emptied the contents of the syringe completely into the boy’s bloodstream. “It won’t knock him out completely, but it should dull the pain, as well as the rest of his senses.” She sat back with a smug smile as she withdrew the needle. “It’s relatively quick too, just like hospital-grade anesthetics. Look at him.”

Thomas looked down. The young man lay motionless on the examination table, his body slack against the restraints. His eyes were hazed over, distant, and half-lidded. Thomas waved a hand over those blank eyes. The only indication he was still in the world of the living was the steady rise and fall of his chest as he breathed. “Wow, out already?” he asked incredulously.

“Not out,” Lenore gently corrected, “just too sluggish to put up a fight. Now hold his head straight for me, please.”

Thomas repositioned Khaled’s head between his hands. He tried not to think of how close in proximity Lenore was to him as she bent over the boy’s mouth. Her hair now had thin threads of silver running through its thick chestnut brown ponytail. He resisted every urge to reach out and touch it. He knew he’d lost that right years ago.

“So…” he began, punctuating the silence, “what have you been up to?”

“Oh cut the crap, and hold his tongue out for me,” she instructed brusquely. Thomas carefully reached into Khaled’s mouth to pinch his tongue between his thumb and index finger and extended it gently. It was hard to get a grip on the slippery little thing, which prompted Lenore to hand him a gauze pad to place between his fingers and Khaled’s tongue, giving him a much better grip.

“What I guess I’m trying to say, Len-Lenore…” It wouldn’t do to piss off the lady holding surgical tools down his slave boy’s throat. “-is do you ever wonder why it didn’t work out between us?” Thomas asked.

“Not really,” his ex-fiancée shrugged.

The motion of her shoulders jiggled the forceps and electrocauterizing pen in a way that made a cold bead of sweat run down Thomas’ back. He blinked, just to give his body something to do while his brain formulated his next words carefully. “Look, if it was because of the family business that made you change your mind, you could’ve just told me-”

“It wasn’t,” Lenore interrupted. She gently pulled away the irritated tissue with her forceps as the pen severed its connection to the wall like butter. “You know, I wouldn’t have even minded –hold his tongue further out,” she instructed, resuming her thoughts as soon as Thomas had done as she asked. “I didn’t mind the killing, the extortion, the cheating, but I just didn’t like that you lied to me about it!”

“Well, what was I supposed to do-”

“Tell me the truth, Tom! That’s all I ever wanted, the truth!” The wet splotchy sound of freshly excised tissue hitting the bottom of a stainless-steel bowl punctuated her argument.

“Wait, is this about you walking in on me blowing the priest?” Thomas guessed.

“No, no, it’s because it was hot that day, and –of course it’s because of you blowing the fucking priest on the day of our fucking wedding!” she screamed. “It’s because of all those times your smile didn’t meet your eyes, those times you’d pull your hand away from mine as soon as we were truly alone, those times when your head would turn as soon as you saw a-” The second tonsil soon joined its twin in the bowl, its own sound no less wet and splotchy. “-without even giving me a second glance! You and your fucking family who saw me as nothing more than a jewel to your crown, so just admit it –you never loved me!”

“Renée Lenore Salvatore!” Thomas hissed, ignoring the bleeding gashes her barbed words left on his heart. She looked up at him in equal mixtures of shock and anger that he dared to use her full name. “Never assume that what I felt for you wasn’t real!” Thomas cried. “Maybe you’re right in that I never loved you like I should have, but never say I never loved you.”

A small moan rose from below him. He glanced down at the examination table, and Khaled’s glassy, unfocused eyes stared back. “At any rate, let’s not argue in front of him, okay? All this shouting is probably stressing him out.” He leaned forward to give Khaled’s forehead a reassuring kiss.

Lenore gently removed her tools from Khaled’s mouth, setting them aside the metal tray with the severed tonsils. “Fortunately, we’re basically done with the procedure now,” she said as she swatted him away. She leaned over Khaled’s head again, unbuckling the gag before pulling it out of his mouth.

Khaled remained slack-jawed. Thomas had to close his mouth for him. “You don’t need to stitch anything up?” he asked curiously.

“No. The pen cauterizes the flesh as it cuts, sealing off any blood vessels along the way,” Lenore explained. She moved on to undoing the straps on the table next. Thomas joined her unprompted as he undid the other side.

“I gotta ask, though,” Lenore piped up, seemingly out of nowhere. “Is his primary role what I think it is?” The devious smirk on her face as she threw away her bloodied gloves filled in the blanks.

Thomas nodded, averting her knowing eyes. She (understandably) didn’t take it too well when she caught him in the act with a priest twice their age. He could only imagine how painful this must be for his ex-fiancée, to see the man she had loved strolling in with a pleasure slave half her age.

Whatever she must have felt was kept perfectly masked behind her ‘good doctor’ act. “And are you sharing him, or is he exclusively yours?”

“Mine, for the most part…” Thomas trailed off, remembering the devious Key Game he’d invented. The woman waited for him to finish. “I mean, at least his ass is all mine,” Thomas explained, though not without going red from embarrassment.

“Ah.” Wordlessly, though not without a heavy air of judgment, she typed something into her tablet. Thomas swallowed down the embarrassment and the morbid curiosity to see what she wrote in the post-op notes.

“The next part involves monitoring him for any complications within the next twelve hours,” Lenore told him. “Now, nobody expects you to stay here for twelve hours, so drive home, get this poor thing some actual clothes, and come back in the morning.”

“But-”

“It’s fine,” she reassured. She flashed him a familiar smile, though far less warm and happy than he remembered. “I know how people get around certain pets, and I can see you’re one of them. Your boy will be fine, I promise.”

With her peace said, she tucked the tablet under her arm and walked toward the door.

“Lenore,” Thomas implored. The woman of his dreams turned around, hand gripping the door knob, resting bitch face back as she stared blankly through him. “I’m sorry I hurt you,” he said truthfully.

A melancholy darkening of her dull brown eyes lasted for only a second as she dropped her gaze to the linoleum floor. “Yeah, well… I’m sorry I let you.” Her white lab coat swished lightly as she walked through the open door. “You may pick your pet up after the twelve-hour observation period, where I will have a detailed post-op care sheet for you to follow to the letter. Bella will see you out now.” And with a final swish of her coat, she was gone.

-

POST-OP CARE SHEET FOR THOMAS J. COSTA

Nonperson: Khaled

Procedure: Tonsillectomy

Stitches: No

General Comfort: Keep him at home for one to two weeks, avoid exposure to sick people during these one to two weeks. He will likely be tired and still have a sore throat for the first week; that is normal. He may also feel pain in the ears, neck or jaw, nausea, and like something is stuck in the back of his throat; that too is normal. Please contact this clinic if Khaled shows any excessive bleeding, a fever exceeding 102° F, difficulty swallowing or breathing, signs of dehydration, and/or if he is not responding to pain medication.

Exercise: No strenuous physical activity for two weeks after surgery.

Feeding: Keep him hydrated, plenty of fluids, nothing too acidic. Soft foods are recommended, nothing too acidic, nor spicy, nor crunchy so as not to irritate the throat.

Medication: Antibiotics and pain medications as directed.

Sexual Activity: falls under strenuous activity, also see note below.

Any Additional Notes: STOP PIMPING HIM OUT TO OTHER PEOPLE, YOU ARE SO LUCKY HE ONLY GOT INFECTED TONSILS THIS TIME!

Khaled may return to his duties when he can eat a normal diet, sleep throughout the night, and no longer need pain medication.

Schedule a post-op assessment: xx/xx/20xx

Le Tag List: @kabie-whump @rainydaywhump @whumped-by-glitter @skittles-the-whumpee @generic-whumperz @bamber344

[idontknowreallywhy]

I was just trying to get a grip on my WIPs folder and had a teeny headdesk moment about how many there are and did I really just start another… so I made this list then because I’ve seen other people do it and it seems amusing I figured, hey, why not make a “what should I update next?” poll cos polls are fun…

Disclaimer… there is likely to be very little correlation between what wins and what I actually produce because brain does not work to demand but as I have plans for all of these stories and have toyed with them all over the last few weeks… who knows how it might go.

[the-inverted-painter]

Introduction as a young fellow traveler from the other side

Hello Hello! I'm the Inverted Painter, a painter from the other side of the universe! I can invert them to my place and show what they might look like inverted!

I use any pronouns but mainly She/Her, You can call me Ivory btw

I also have a design!

Tags!

Inverted Traveler - General stuff

Sent to the other side - Posts that I have Inverted

Asked from the other side - Answered Asks from Me

Back to the normal realm - Non-Inverted related stuff

Specials from the other side - Art posts about meee!!

Greetings from the other side - With Other Painters

Other buddies from the normal world!

@the-bazzow-painter

@the-redpainter

@painting-red

@the-orange-painter

@the-yellow-painter

@the-green-painter

@the-blue-painter

@the-purple-painter

@the-pink-painter

@the-mystery-painter

@the-rainbow-painter

@the-void-painter

@the-gray-painter

@the-white-painter

@the-pixel-painter

@the-glitter-painter

@the-pastel-painter

@the-pride-painter

@happy-little-painter

@the-doodle-painter

@the-scribbles-painter

@the-bird-painter

@the-mew-painter

@the-not-painter

@the-weezer-painter

@the-sus-painter

@the-deep-fry-painter

@the-aroace-painter

@thecroissantpainter

@the-pan-painter

@the-trans-painter

@the-lesbian-painter

@the-icy-painter

@the-omori-painter

@the-sad-painter

@raidpainter

@the-howling-painter

@the-pixel-painter

@the-not-painter

@the-collage-painter

@the-high-saturation-painter

@the-gray-painter

@the-firey-painter

@the-duck-painter

@the-scaly-painter

@the-gumball-painter

@the-chaotic-doodle-painter

@the-anomaly-painter

and ofc @the-inverted-painter a.k.a meeeee!!!

THIS ACC IS BEING RUN BY @coneysdayattumblinghell AND IS PART OF HER SERIES OF OTHER ACCOUNTS

[positivexcellence]

towwn: score a perfect 10 with these natural + nontoxic nail polishes for fall. clean formulas nix harmful chemicals, while offering vibrant, lasting color. we rounded up our favs and asked simcha whitehill, a.k.a. @misspopnails, the go-to nail artist for @elleusa, @marieclairemag + more to spill the polish on her fav autumn trends. 💅

@zoyanailpolish toxin-free + vegan, this leading formula has a chip-resistant finish, but doesn’t have chemicals like parabens or formaldehyde. miss pop says wine is a timeless fall tone, and the anabelle shade is a “standout for its warmth and festive, iridescent sparkle.”

@mooncat mooncat’s eco-packaging & ethical production make it a green fav. (10% of sales help rescue cats!) miss pop says mixed metals are big for fall; we like witch hazel from the fallen collection. “you just can’t go wrong with a metallic mani. it matches every outfit and turns nails into jewelry.” 

@nailtopiabeauty nailtopia’s superfood infused–formulas are leaping bunny approved + chip-free for weeks. Per miss pop, the brand’s opaque shades are great for nail art. the color main squeeze is perfect to create hand-painted pumpkin designs.

@cotebeautyofficial cote dries fast + has a gel-like, glossy finish that lasts ~2 weeks. “back from the ‘90s,” miss pop says bright red nails in shades like stiletto are on point for fall. “you can’t go wrong with a classic red nail.” 

@habitcosmetics a standout black-owned brand, habit offers shades for all skin tones. using 100% post-consumer plastic packaging + recycled jars, 40% of sales help women + communities of color. “coffee nails are hot,” says miss pop. “all shades, from cream to taupe to caramel, even chocolate french tips and tortoise shell designs.”

@dazzle_dry this nail lacquer system air dries in 5 mins without uv lights and lasts a week+. ingredients are ethically sourced + chemical-free with a low carbon footprint. “fall’s the perfect time for a rich midnight blue,” says miss pop. 

@tenoverten tenoverten formulas feature safer solvents, essential oils, vitamin e + aloe to strengthen nails. “light-catching shimmer is a fun layer to add to any color mani,” says miss pop on flashy micro-glitter trend.