#after the visit he told seba to come with him for a moment; since he had to check something 'suspicious'

[malkaviian]

thinking about how seba learned about the truth about his birthing, and im pretty sure it was golden himself who told him hes his father

[nafeary]

Napoleon, Theo, Dazai, and Jean reacting to College Student!MC Stressed by Deadlines

Requested by @hqissodelicate:

hey toni boo, sara/delicateikemenmemes here ❤ i've been Going Through It with school 😔 so i was thinking of how my boos napoleon, theo, dazai & jean would react to MC who's a (stressed, exhausted) student who got yeeted to the mansion in the midst of a bunch of deadlines? thank you boo & i hope you're drinking your water 💙😤

✧✎ A/N: I’m sorry it took me this long to finish... but this was super fun to write and it helped me get back into writing after such a long break due to school bs. I’m not too satisfied with Dazai’a and the haphazard scenario/headcanons mush, but I still quite like this I think. Thank you for the request dear! Take care and drink water, everyone!

Warnings: Stress and mild mentions of anxiety, and like one mention of sexual intercourse

Napoleon Bonaparte

“You’re just a chore, after all.”

You whirled around. “Don’t act like your job is going to be that hard,” you could only scoff in annoyance, “I’m going to be inside my room all day, anyway.”

At first, Napoleon was slightly confused by your statement. Wouldn’t you want to explore this new world at all? But according to code, he’d just smirk and go (sleep) do smth

And true to your statement, you did stay inside your room for the most part

It’s not like your quadrillion essays would write themselves

It’s not like your college would just excuse your tardiness

It’s not like—

“Nunuche, you sure you don’t need a break from... whatever you’re doing?”

Napoleon was quite suddenly standing besides you, trying to read the mess that you’ve created.

“And who gave you permission to enter?”

“Me, obviously. I did have the impression that you were in danger, judging from the amount of curses I perceived.”

You could have died from embarrassment. Of course he had to hear your yells of frustration, stemming from the fact that your laptop was out of order, that you had no idea how to use ink properly, and—

“Have you realised that you regularly zone out?”

“I suppose? But if you wouldn’t mind, I really need to finish...” you trailed off, gesturing to the papers in front of you.

However, at his inquisitive gaze, you decided to explain that these were essays that could very well decide how you’d pass university, and, upon further inquiry, elaborated how a modern student’s life looked like

He never interrupted you unnecessarily, only to ask questions when a concept was too modern for him to comprehend

Your cursed assignments certainly made your life in the past harder to enjoy, but it also brought you and the emperor closer than ever

Unable to access the internet—or visit the college library—you had no proper sources for you references (considering that Comte’s library had no modern content, naturally)

You also didn’t want to bother Sebastian, especially since him and Comte had shown so much understanding for your peril that they practically forbid you from helping him out around the mansion

Their reasoning didn’t make you feel less bad though

Hence, you only had one option left that could complete your last essay

Which oh-so conveniently encompasses the Napoleonic Wars, something you truly did not want to burden him with

“Napoleon? Remember those essays that I have to finish for my university courses?”

“Of course.”

You were twiddling your thumbs, contemplating whether your grades are worth revisiting unpleasant memories, aka the taboo of the mansion

Abruptly, he grabbed your cheeks with just enough force to turn you away from looking at your feet, but not enough to inflict pain. “If there is anything I can help you with, I’d never shy away from it.”

Begrudgingly, you inquired him about his reign with as little focus on the gruesome details as possible your professor be damned

And holy shit, he’s amazing at writing? And Not just cringey love letters? Panty Sniffer Napoleon brrrrr

As you grew closer, he’s spoil you with vitamin-rich snacks (going as far as asking Arthur and Sebastian for medical advice)

He enjoys carving cute shapes out of fruits and eggs because he knows that their and his adorable presence will prompt the perfect amount of distraction to allow a small moment of rest

Says that it’s his duty as your guard and boyfriend to take care of your overworking habits

Expect frequent complaints from your beau, ranging from “how could they assign so many essays? Aren’t students just humans, too?” to “‘Reasons Why Edison Is Better Than Newton’? Do they even know what they’re talking about? Tch!”

Theodorus Van Gogh

You gleefully indulged in his charades for the first few days. They were a welcome distraction from your college work, after all

But the procrastination was accompanied by guilt, your anxiety building up every second you spent helping Sebastian with the chores, and gallivanting around town with Theo

A week passed before your sense of responsibility finally kicked in. So when Sebas came to wake you up just as the sun peaked past the horizon, you were already scribbling away on some sheets you’d found in your drawers

“Ah, good morning, Sebastian-san.”

“Good morning... what are you writing, if I may ask?”

“Just some essays for my college courses...” you said, glancing dejectedly at your notes.

Now that you didn’t have access to the internet, and your laptop’s battery was all used up, it made your work all the more tedious, but you had to set your teeth and do this.

“Give me 10 minutes, and I’ll join you in the kitchen.”

He had wanted to argue, but you didn’t let him. And when he saw you leaving the house with Theo later in the afternoon, he could only shake his head.

You felt like you owed the art dealer, especially since you blurted out his secret the literal next moment, so you committed to helping him while also keeping up with your work

Although, him calling you dog wasn’t nice either—even though, according to Sebas’ explanation, Hondje wasn’t exactly the equivalent to mutt

That cycle continued for days. Helping out around the mansion, getting pulled around by Theo, and writing your essays deep into the night

Not to mention all the worries that pressured your shoulders further and further into the ground

You were missing so many group project deadlines, disappointing people that relied on you... it was safe to say that sleep did not come easy, if barely

Just before you arrived at your room after a late night art exhibit did your body decide to fail you, tripping over nothing multiple times.

It prompted Theo to call you out before you could even think of rushing past the door, steadying you with a hand more gentle than you had ever experienced it to be.

“Sebas informed me that you’ve been working yourself to death.”

You silently cursed the butler. “I haven’t—“

“Give me your laptop.”

Perplexion ran across your mien, wondering how he could possibly have remembered such a modern detail from your countless rambles. “It’s batt— it doesn’t work right now, so it’s not like it would stop me from working.”

Arguing with the devil was a mistake.

He snaked his arms around you, holding the door handle in place with one hand while the other still kept you upright. “I don’t care whether you work or not, I’m not your mother. And regardless of its abilities, hand it over, knabbletje.”

What other choice did you have but to comply?

He ordered—yes, ordered—you to go to bed right that instant

If you hesistanly ask him to do the same (we all know what a hard worker he is), he’ll just press a guileless kiss to your forehand, telling you not to worry about him

The next morning, you were already worrying for your baby’s safety within the sadist’s hands when the devil invited himself into your room

“Ever heard of knocking?”

“Morning to you, too, Hondje.” He sent you an overly handsome smirk, handing you the laptop tucked underneath his arms. “You won’t be able to use that spider web Sebas told me about, but writing should work.”

You stared at Theo in disbelief, all the while internally laughing at him misinterpreting the World Wide Web. Deciding to trust in him, you clicked the power button. And sure enough, it sprang to life. “What... how in the world did you...”

Leo overheard you and Sebas talking about solar energy sometime… hush, just run with it

He fell into the seat next to you, propping his chin upon his fist. “I didn’t do anything. Just asked Sebas whether there was a way for you to use this. Leonardo took notice and tinkered around with it. Don’t ask—ah!”

You threw your arms around his shoulders, pressing your face into the crook of his neck. “Thank you for taking care of me, Theo.”

Would you have lifted your face, then you’d have caught a glimpse of the vermillion shading his cheeks. “I didn’t do it to help you. I simply can’t risk having you become a liability at work. That’s all.”

Anyway, tsundere tendencies aside, you know what another big factor of dating Theo is?

King if you’re not allergic, understandably, if so, he’ll change his clothes before even thinking of visiting you

On days that you decide to be especially stubborn, he pulls you outside, all the whilst whistling for the jolly golden retriever

And as soon as he comes running, your mind goes brrrrr cute dog

Although, he’ll try his best not to distract you from work. He knows from personal experience that it’s a much bigger annoyance than help

Thus, he’ll certainly use his connections and amiable rip Shakes relationships with the residents to help you out with the research process

Also, with his superior memory, he knows what generally makes you happy and relaxed, so he’ll be his usual observant self to decipher just what would help you perfectly relax/finish your work

Hardworking boi, please love him

Dazai Osamu

Dazai is the type of person that doesn’t mind upsetting people and risking someone’s disdain if it supports that person in the long run

And he’s able to read people like books, so it shouldn’t be surprising that he knows you’re overwhelmed before you even realize it

You’ve been going to sleep too late and waking up too early? He’ll gently force you (if you’re 100% against it, he won’t do it ofc) to sleep beside him, making sure that you won’t rise with the sun for once

You’ve been exposing your wrist to heavy sprain? He’ll teach you some handy-dandy 5 Min Crafts techniques that are guaranteed to send your hands on a vacation

You've been suffering from writer’s block? Time to go on a lovely stroll through nature with your boo

Your shoulders and neck are hurting beyond sanity? He swears by hot springs, so the thermae is his go-to for when you need to relive some muscle kinks

He never fails to procure the perfect amount of bubbles and temperature. And depending on how comfortable you are with it, he’ll offer to wash your hair.

And since dude got Disney princess hands, you most probably fall asleep, but our man is there to hold you above the water

His bare thighs are an added bonus, sending your mind into spirals faaaar away from college work

After you’re done bathing, he’ll ask you whether you’d like him to braid your hair (if it’s long enough), and his Disney princess hands will not disappoint

In the beginning, it was incredibly vexing to have a security cam in the form of a handsome man always on the qui vive

But at some point, you started embracing Dazai’s overwhelmingly passive—you knew exactly what he was doing whenever he’d do something random—protectiveness

Especially since it didn’t only help you complete your work; on the contrary, you were always excited to spend time with the Japanese writer

But that didn’t curb your confusion at the whole debacle. Why was he this focused on your well-being?

So, you decided to confront him

“Dazai?” Once again, you were relaxing in his arms, his fingers threading through your hair lulling you into a dreamlike state.

He ticked his head to the side, pulling your entwined hands closer towards his heart. The sun streamed into the run at just the right angle, yet the golden light was not as bright as his vivid citrine orbs.

You sighed, unable to look at his stupid handsome face for too long. ”Why is it that you insist on taking care of me?”

“Someone has to, Toshiko-san.”

You’d have blurted out your feelings if it wasn’t for the sudden embrace you found yourself in. As guileless as it appeared, you knew he was trying to stop you from acting on your thoughts.

Deciding that you didn’t want to pressure him further (after all, you knew that he had a hellish first life), you accepted the unclarity of his feelings—even though his actions spoke loud enough for you to understand.

It was that day that you decided to repay him for all he’s done for you

And you wouldn’t let him yeet himself through a window in an attempt to evade the love sent his way this time

Even if it took decades, you wanted him to feel just as safe and loved as you did in his company

You were glad to have such a caring man by your side who helps you with managing you self care

You could only hope that he’d allow himself to be treated the same way

Please just take our love, boo. We love you

Jean d’Arc

Well fuck, how could he possibly help someone who’s stressed when he himself is a 24/7 McDonalds that only sells Chicken McStress?

Anywho, I feel like he’d be the complete opposite of Dazai when confronted with a stressed MC

He’d care just as much, of course, but he thinks that it would be better to give her space, since he himself understands the desire for solitude well

So yeah, I can see him not going out of his way to check up on you if you weren’t super duper close friends/lovers IF it wasn’t for his friend Napoleon

After all, it was him who gave your boyfriend a lil talk, convincing him that, perhaps even if someone needs space, they probably still need someone to look after them

Living with Jean is basically Ted Talks everyday

Anyway, he embarked on his journey to hopefully help you and and to relieve some stress that was wearing you down (according to the statement of several residents)

And, finding himself halting abruptly, our pessimistic little bean realised that he’s got zero idea what did help you attain bliss

So he opted for the next best option���things he knew that made his friends relax

Plan A

Hearing a few oddly reluctant raps on your door, you went to open it. As soon as you did, the beautiful man who’d captured your heart entered your vision, your eyes finding his amethyst ones immediately.

You two stayed like that for a moments, only breaking eye contact when he sighed and simultaneously thrusted a mug into your hand, already in the process striding back to his own room.

“Uhm… Jean? I’m a bit busy right now, but would you like to come in?”

His eyebrows furrowed. “Don’t you find it inappropriate for a man to enter your room, mademoiselle?”

“Jean,” you giggled at his archaic mindset, gently rubbing your thumb between his brows to even out the crease. “We’ve had sex before, you know. Of course you ca—“

Wrong thing to say. He stormed past you, vermillion cheeks practically leaving a trail.

Chuckling to yourself, you turned to the mug’s contents. “Hm? Hot chocolate?”

Plan B:

“If this doesn’t harbor your discomfort…” Your boyfriend reluctantly stood in your room’s corner, standing straighter than a rod.

Frankly, your essays have kept you entirely too busy, and you longed for the warmth of the French man’s feather-like embrace.

“On the contrary, I enjoy your presence.” And you went right back to scribbling away.

Jean frowned. “Haven’t you been writing stories since this morning?”

“They’re not stories… and, yeah? I believe so.”

Stepping towards your seated form, he extended his hand; you grabbed it without thinking twice. “Is everything alrig—whoa!”

With the ease of a seasoned soldier, he picked you up before haphazardly tugging you into bed with bewilderment maring your features. “You should sleep.”

“—what?”

He stared at you blankly, as if expecting you to fall into the land of dreams right that instant.

“Did something prompt,” you slipped your arms out from underneath the duvets, gesturing wildly, “this?”

It was hard to be upset with Jean, his clueless but genuine persona the reason why you fell for him, yet you couldn’t disguise the irritation coursing through your veins—you had work to return to, after all.

“I think you need to rest, mademoiselle.”

Your blinking made him avert his eyes, explaining quietly, “I am uncertain what supports your release of tension, so I thought that perhaps sleeping could help since it certainly does show affect with Napoleon.”

“Ah, and you made me hot chocolate since that’s what calms Mozart.”

After internally simping for his soft and wholesome dumbass energy, you pulled him to bed beside you, claiming that it would help you relax (but only after telling him that it was okay for him to ask for your preferences)

And falling asleep to the heartbeat underneath his broad chest is definitely a 5-star-resort vacation

He’d eventually ask his relationship advisor Napoleon whether it is okay to have you help them out with his reading/writing lessons (you

You, alongside Napoleon, steadily agreed, despite knowing that it was a ploy to keep you away from overworking

Please also love this boy, thanks

Tag List of the most wonderful sweethearts (just message me if you’d like to be added <3): @juminly @kisara-16 @sweetlittlemouse @thesirenwashere @nad-zeta @delicateikemenmemes

[ikeromantic]

A Little Victory

An Ikemen Vampire fanfic written for @nad-zeta featuring her MC Zeta and Theo. This is part of my 300 follower Thank you!

Approx 2100 words, fluff and spiciness!

Zeta snuggled into the soft silk sheets of the bed she shared with Theo. Her cold feet sought out her lover’s warmth, but his side of the bed was empty. She sat up, realizing she was alone. “Theo?”

It was so early the room was still lost in shadows, dawn a mere grey glimmer beneath thick curtains. 

“Theo?” Zeta slid out of bed and padded across the thick carpet, footsteps almost silent. 

The man in question was sitting at his desk in the next room, head bent over sales receipts and letters. He didn’t look up. 

Zeta came up behind him and settled her chin on his shoulder. “It’s too early for work, love.” 

He turned his head to kiss her cheek. “Go back to bed, hondje. I’ll come warm you up in a moment. I just . . . had a thought.”

“Mmm, well if you’re going to be up, I’ll go put on some coffee.” 

“And pancakes?” Theo’s lips curved up in a teasing smile. 

Zeta laughed softly, earning another kiss before Theo turned back to his papers.

An hour later they were both sitting to breakfast. With just the two of them, the dining room was quiet. Not that it would last. Sebastian would begin breakfast service soon and with him the whole household would wake. 

Zeta wasn’t a morning person, but she cherished these moments with Theo. Quiet hours with just the two of them, where she could appreciate the way he smiled. The happy expression on his face as he ate pancakes heavy with syrup.  

“Hondje, you’re staring at me again.”

She blushed and looked down at her coffee. “I was just thinking.”

Theo grinned. “Oh?”

Sebastian coughed politely from the doorway, saving Zeta from admitting to anything. 

“Sebas! Is it time to make breakfast?”

Sebastian gave her a brief smile. “I think you already started. But yes.”

Zeta started to stand, but Sebastian motioned for her to stay put. 

“No need for that. Besides,” he glanced at Theo, “I think you’ve got other work today.”

“Right, Sebas. Come on hondje. Enough dawdling.”

“What?” Zeta blinked. “But it’s still so early!” 

“No rest for the wicked,” Sebastian smiled. “Or the weary.”

Zeta stuck her tongue out at Sebas as she left with Theo. He looked entirely too pleased seeing her hustled out by the art dealer. That could only mean one thing. A long day. A really long day. 

“So, where are we going,” she ventured.

“Le Chat Noire. We should be just in time, as long as the carriage isn’t delayed.” Theo grabbed a leather art tube and slung it over his shoulder. Then he smiled down at her and realized she was still confused. “Want to know what that is? Le Chat Noire?”

“Eh, a black cat?” 

He reached over and ruffled her hair, laughing. “Good guess, hondje. That’s what it’s named for. It’s a popular cabaret.” He continued on the carriage ride, explaining that he thought it would be the perfect place to display a few of his more risque artists.

Zeta felt pretty confident she understood their mission by the time the carriage pulled up in Montmartre. By that time, the sun was well over the horizon and the city was beginning to wake up. But it looked like the evening hadn’t slowed down for the celebrants at the cabaret.

Theo helped her step over a young man, passed out, and lying between the carriage and the door. “Les Hydropathes,” he tsked. “They have no sense of moderation. I’m surprised Arthur hasn’t joined them yet.”

Then they were going in, in to a dim lit space full of smoke and laughter. Zeta’s eyes took a moment to adjust but when they did, she had to stop for a moment and stare. While the outside had not particularly impressed - it looked like any inn or decent tavern - the inside was gorgeous. There were still a few guests at this hour, with rumpled clothes and red eyes that had not slept since the last time the sun crept over the horizon. A bar sat on the other side, and there was a stage - now empty - at the far end of the cabaret.

Theo held tight to her hand as he guided her back to the bar and took a seat on a stool. “Salis around?” 

The bartender nodded. “Hasn’t gone to bed yet. What do you want?” 

He patted the tube. “I’ve got something to show him.”

“More starving artists?” The bartender chuckled. When it looked like Theo might respond, he held up a hand. “No, no, I’ll take you back to him. Salis is always looking for something new. Come on then.”

Theo stood and Zeta stood with him, but the bartender shook his head. “Nope, not the gal. Salis doesn’t allow women in the back. Unless they’re performers.” He leaned forward, too close and too intense for comfort, inspecting Zeta from the ground up with a smirk. “You dance, hon? Or sing?”

“She’s my assistant.” Theo moved to stand between them, his shoulders rigid. 

“Well, she can wait out here.” 

Zeta tugged at Theo’s sleeve. “It’s fine. I’ll wait for you here.” She was disappointed, but this happened sometimes. And the art was more important than feeling appreciated by some tavern owner or whatever. She sat back down.

Theo turned to look at her and then nodded. “Alright. Be a good ho- girl, and wait for me right here. I’ll be back in a moment.” He hurried off after the bartender, leaving Zeta on her own.

She turned to look around the cabaret again. It was nothing like the cafes and restaurants they sometimes visited, or even like the tavern Arthur and Theo drank at when they went out. This place had a sense of wildness to it - a decadence. She had to admit, she was pretty curious about what went on here in the late hours when Le Chat Noire was in full swing.

“Hello beautiful.” 

Zeta nearly fell off her stool. She whipped her head around to see who was speaking and her elbow collided with a young man’s shoulder. He was bent down to talk to her, his face stretched into comical surprise.

“Ouch! You didn’t need to knock me one for saying hello!” He straightened, rubbing his arm where she’d hit him. 

She frowned up at him. “You didn’t need to stand close enough for me to smell your breath either.”  

“Don’t worry about it. Women hit me all the time. Especially the feisty ones.” He grinned widely, his smile infectious. Then he held out his hand. “I’m Henri. A pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

Zeta took his hand, expecting him to shake it but he drew it to his lips and placed a kiss on her palm. She tried to pull her hand back, blushing furiously, but he didn’t let go. 

Henri laughed. “I have to say, you’re a long way off the usual ladies that frequent Le Chat.” 

Someone at one of the tables overheard and laughed hard at that, snorting, “Ladies? We’ve never had a lady in here, Henri!”

He ignored them, gaze fixed on Zeta. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”

“It’s fine,” she mumbled, wishing Theo would come back quickly. 

Henri raised an eyebrow. “Let me make it up to you.” He looked back over his shoulder and shouted, “Maestro! Time for dancing!” There were some groans but a woman stood up and went to the piano on the stage. She was an odd looking one - her limbs thin and awkward, her gown made up of frayed lace and mismatched fabric. 

The woman sat down at the piano and began to play.

“Hey, wait! What are you doing?” Zeta protested as Henri pulled her up out of her seat and spun her around. She tried to pull away from him, but this only set them both off balance. They fell in a heap on the floor, Henri’s heavy weight pinning her down.

The piano music died off in the midst of uproarious laughter. Zeta was fairly certain she was embarrassed enough to sink into the floor now, but then it got worse.

“Hondje.” 

She looked up to see Theo’s blue eyes narrowed, mouth set in a grimace. 

“Can’t leave you alone for a minute.” He grabbed Henri’s shoulders and pulled him up. “That’s mine,” he told the artist, pointing at Zeta. “You saw us come in together.” 

Henri shrugged. “Shouldn’t leave your valuables unattended.” His smile was completely unapologetic. “Besides, she looked like she needed to dance.” 

Theo didn’t reply. Instead he knelt, carefully helping Zeta to her feet. He straightened her dress and adjusted her hair. Inspecting her as if she was one of his paintings. 

“I - I can do that myself.” Not that it was unpleasant, she just couldn’t help but notice the way everyone was watching them and it made her feel really self conscious. 

“Mhmm.” Theo tucked a bit of hair behind her ear and then looked her in the eyes. 

Zeta thought he might want to ask her something. His expression was intense. Possessive. 

He leaned closer and then swept her up in a passionate kiss. One arm went around her waist, pulling her hips against his. His other hand slipped to the back of her neck, fingers cupping the back of her head, tangling in her hair. And his kiss was all passion and hunger. His tongue forced her lips apart, devouring her mouth with his own.

All Zeta could do was gasp into that sudden firestorm, melting against his chest. Any protest she might have had died in the wash of pleasure that cascaded from lips to belly to the soles of her feet. She even forgot they had an audience. At least, until they started clapping.

Theo finally broke the kiss, his mouth curving up in a satisfied smirk. He took her hand and looked at Henri. “Mine.”

The artist gave a little bow with a flourish. “I concede defeat to Monsieur. For now.” He winked at Zeta.

Not that she noticed. Her eyes only saw Theo. 

They left the cabaret, she with trembling legs and he with a cocky step. 

“I think,” he said, looking down at her, “That you need a treat.”

“A treat?” 

“Of course. Something to tell you what a good girl you are.”

Zeta smacked his arm. “I’m not your puppy. You do know that, right?”

He laughed. 

“So . . . what kind of treat do I get?”

Theo shook his head. “You’re not my little hondje but you still want your treat, hm?” He grinned at the way her cheeks flushed, and her wide eyes. “Can’t say no when you look at me like that,” he huffed.

Zeta giggled as she noticed his cheeks were pink too, a light flush of color that gave away his own feelings no matter how he tried to act. 

They stopped at a bonbonierre’s. A tiny shop with a window full of fancy boxes in al kinds of whimsical shapes. The inside was even better, smelling of warm chocolate and sugar. Theo had clearly been here before. He didn’t even need to place an order. The shopkeep just pulled out a little box, already wrapped in red silk and tied off with a white cord. 

“Is that my treat,” she asked as they left the shop.

Theo poked her cheek. “Down, hondje. Or you won’t get anything.”

Zeta pouted. “But you said -”

“I know what I said.” He leaned close, lips brushing her ear. “Good girls wait for their reward.” He nipped her earlobe. 

She felt fairly sure she wanted that treat right now. And it had nothing to do with whatever was in the package. Zeta swallowed. 

Her thoughts must have been plain on her face though. Theo gave a wicked smile. “It’s a long walk home. Think you can be patient?” His teeth found the sensitive skin of her neck as he nibbled and then kissed the spot. 

“Maybe?” Zeta took a breath. She was absolutely not going to let him win this one. She slid her hand up under his shirt and scraped her nails lightly down his side. 

Theo gave a muted groan, burying his face against her shoulder. “Not fair, hondje. You play dirty.”

“I learned from the best,” she quipped. 

“Arthur?” Theo laughed. 

“Mmm . . . nope.” Zeta slid her hand down to his belt, tracing the skin just above it. 

“Vincent?”

“Now I’m almost offended. He’s too sweet to do this.” Her fingers tread lightly down to the button, lower, feeling the heat of him under the thin fabric. 

Theo pressed into her hand, gasping. “I - I think I should call a carriage. Get home faster.”

It was Zeta’s turn to laugh; this little victory felt good.

“Enjoy triumph while you can, Zeta. Because when we get home . . .” Theo pushed her against a nearby brick wall, eyes glowing with a hungry light. He didn’t need to say anything else. His body said it all.

[until-theend-oftheline]

Failure

Pairing: Sebastian x Reader

Warnings: Relationship hard patch, teething baby, being a parent is not always easy  

Word Count: 1900ish

A/N: This can be a read as a one-shot but to give a deeper look into Seb’s state of mind before this I recommend you read Extended Family first

It’s part of my LLL verse and it’s late summer 2014. Sebastian and Y/N have 8 months old Isabella, but they aren’t currently living together as their relationship hit a rough patch.  

Betaed by: Thanks to my Jules for betaing this one for me @jewels2876

***My fics are not to be saved nor posted on any other sites without my express written permission.***

Your head was spinning. Isabella had been crying non-stop for the past two days. She had gone through bad days teething before when she was younger but nothing like this. She had a low fever and barely slept, which in return meant you didn’t sleep. You had offered her biting toys but she just screamed and shook her head violently. She barely ate anything and she had just now started vomiting too.

You were tired and just wanted the crying to stop. You were at your wit's end and felt like the world’s worst mom. You were in a fragile headspace as it was and not being able to calm your daughter wore you down fast.

“Isa. Honey please try and eat something,” you offered the crying baby a spoonful of cold strawberry porridge only to have a screech in return as she hit the spoon sending the porridge flying across the kitchen. Isabella continued to cry as you let the spoon fall onto the table covering your face in your hands as tears fell from your eyes.

Rachel had been for a visit this morning which had let you relax for a few moments, but the crying prevented you from sleeping. You couldn’t fall asleep when your daughter was in pain like this. You had no idea what to do. You just wanted Isabella to eat and for both of you to sleep for like a week.

You barely heard the knock on the door over Isabella’s screaming. You raised yourself up, drying your eyes, frowning a little wondering if Rach had returned so soon. Whoever it was had the code to the building since you hadn’t buzzed them in.

You picked up your daughter, flinching a little as the screaming got closer to your eardrum, but gently rocked her on your arm hoping it would soothe her a little.

When you reached the door, you looked through the spy to see who was on the other side of the door and your heart skipped a beat before you felt your entire body relax. You had been too stubborn to admit it to yourself but the person waiting on the other side of the door had been the one person you had needed to be here through all of this. Not only was he the one person that would understand just how much Isabella’s crying hurt you, he was also the one person, despite everything, you wanted to be able to lean on when things were rough.

You instantly opened the door and Sebastian’s smiling face fell when he saw how tired you and his crying daughter both looked.

“Hi sweetheart,” Sebastian spoke softly, reaching out to Isabella and you instantly handed her over to him.

“She has been like this for two days. I was at Dr. McKnight’s office yesterday. She is just teething but she won’t eat or sleep and she has been crying like this non-stop,” you felt the tears build behind your eyes as you explained the situation.

Without skipping a beat, Sebastian put the bag he had been carrying down on the table and pushed the door closed with his foot before pulling you tightly against his chest with his now free arm. You wrapped your arms around his waist and buried your face against him, letting your tears flow freely.

“Shhh. It’s okay,” Sebastian soothed. You weren’t sure if he was speaking to you or Isabella but it didn’t matter. All that mattered was that he was here now.

“Come on. Let’s get you two something to eat,” Sebastian gave you a small squeeze, causing you to look up into his eyes. You could see the pain in them. You weren’t sure if it was yours or Isa’s tears that caused it or just how things were between you and him.

“She won’t. I just tried,” you pulled back a little, drying your eyes on your sleeve. You wanted to put on a brave face for him. He was hurting too and you didn’t want to make things worse.

“I might have a trick,” Sebastian winked at you, gently rocking his screaming daughter. She was now clinging to him for dear life as he carried her into the kitchen along with the bag he had brought.

You followed after him, too tired to argue and honestly not wanting too either. You just hoped whatever he was going to try would work.

“Rach stopped by the gym today,” Sebastian looked over at you sheepishly as he gently guided a disgruntled Isabella back into her high chair.

“She told me Isa was teething,” Sebastian explained as you sat down.

He rubbed your daughter’s belly trying to calm her a little as he kept talking, “So I asked mom for a few tricks. Apparently, I did a lot of screaming too around her age.”

“So you’re the one to blame,” you rubbed your templates, forcing out a small smile when Sebastian looked over at you to let him know you weren’t really serious.

“Sorry?” he grinned, as he began pulling supplies out of the bag. “I knew you don’t really eat when you’re tired. So I brought you soup.”

Sebastian pushed the box across the table and laying a spoon next to it. You were just about to protest when your eyes met his and you stopped when you saw the concern there.

“Please?” he begged and you sighed.

“Get her to eat something and I will too,” you challenged, making Sebastian smile.

“Oh that’s how it is?” he chuckled, pulling another box out of the bag. “Challenge accepted.”

You rolled your eyes at him, but couldn’t help but smile as Sebastian sat down across from his daughter.

“Okay. You’ve got to be hungry too right?” Sebastian cooed, digging a spoon into the green substance he brought, making you frown and wonder what it was. You didn’t say anything though, you just let him try.

The first spoonful was sent flying through the kitchen and you felt yourself tear up again. Sebastian, on the other hand, wasn’t so easily discouraged.

“Prințesă. I promise I didn’t make this. No reason to throw it,” Sebastian playfully poked her belly and the screaming turned into sobs.

“That’s it. How about you try and taste it huh?” Sebastian tried with a new spoonful only to get a violent head shake in return. “You don’t trust me huh?”

Sebastian guided the spoon into his own mouth. “Hmmmm so good,” he exclaimed to the little girl and you couldn’t help but smile. Sebastian was such an amazing patient dad. Isabella’s eyes never left him, but she didn’t stop her sobbing either.

“How about we try it like this?” Sebastian dug a finger into the cup and offered it to his daughter. She looked a little suspicious but this time she didn’t slap his hand away. Instead, she let him guide his finger into her mouth and she fell quiet as she began sucking on it.

“That’s it. Good girl,” Sebastian praised, feeding her a few more chunks with his finger before trying with the spoon again. This time she took it and you looked on in awe.

“How’s that soup coming? Want me to feed you too?” Sebastian looked over his shoulder with a playful glimmer in his eyes.

“What in the world are you feeding her?” you asked, still trying to comprehend that your baby was finally eating something.

“Frozen pistachio yogurt,” Sebastian grinned to you before returning his attention to the baby.

“Mom’s idea. Well, the yogurt was. Pistachio was mine cause our little prințesă has a sweet tooth doesn’t she?” Sebastian cooed as he kept feeding the little girl.

Sebastian made sure you both ate before he pulled another trick from his bag. Apparently, Georgeta was full of them and almond extract really did seem to soothe the little girl’s pain. Enough for you and Sebastian to give her a bath before he shooed you out of the room to get some rest as he tried to tuck her in.

Half an hour later Sebastian emerged and you were fast asleep sitting in your favorite chair in the living room. You barely felt him lift you out of it and carry you to bed. Nor did you register him helping you change or even the multiple times during the evening and night your daughter woke up crying. Sebastian who had stayed on the couch did however and every time she woke up for a few hours Sebastian was up with her. Changing, feeding, soothing and rubbing almond extract on her sore gums.

You, on the other hand, didn’t wake up until the late next morning after having slept for almost sixteen hours. You jumped from the bed rushing into the living room to find Sebastian dead asleep on the couch with Isabella in her transportable crib next to him. She rarely used it but Sebastian hadn’t wanted her to use the one in your bedroom out of fear of waking you.

You smiled, tearing up a little at the sight. Yesterday you had felt like a failure as a mom, but at this moment you felt like you were failing you and Sebastian. You loved him and you wanted a life with him. You just weren’t sure how to get back to where you were before all the fighting had begun.

You took a deep breath, tearing yourself from looking at the two people you loved more than anything and walked into the kitchen to cook breakfast.

Once the pancakes were done, Sebastian and Isabella were still asleep. You smiled as you placed the plates on the coffee table before sitting down on the couch next to him. You gently ran your fingers through his hair and over his jawline, and his eyes slowly fluttered open.

“Hi,” he smiled pushing himself up on his elbows, looking down at Isabella, “I think she is starting to feel a bit better. The last few times she woke up, she was more fussy than full on crying.”

“I love you, Seba,” you blurted out, causing Sebastian to freeze for a second before sitting up straight to look at you. You didn’t say anything else or take back the words. You didn’t want to. You had never stopped loving him. You just hadn’t said it for a long time.

Sebastian reached out, gently tugging a wayward strand of hair behind your ear, smiling softly at you. “I love you too, Y/N/N. I always have.”

“Me too,” you leaned into his touch, closing your eyes.

“I want us to talk to someone. I want to find a way to work things out between us,” you slowly opened your eyes, surprised to see the tears in Sebastian’s eyes as you did.

“Oh God, Y/N, you have no idea how happy it makes me to hear you say that,” he took your hand, gently tugging you towards him. “I miss you so much.”

You wrapped your arms around his neck, feeling as a stone had been lifted from your heart when he wrapped his arms around you. You knew this didn’t fix anything, but it was the start and you knew the two of you could make it through this. You loved each other too much not to find a way back to each other.

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Sebastian Stan Tag Team

@feelmyroarrrr @sleepretreat @thejourneyneverendsx @roxyspearing @jewels2876  @hellaqueerangelofthelord @danijimenezv @cd1242 @mizzzpink @rumoured-whispers @becs-bunker @janeyboo @smoothdogsgirl @blacktithe7 @ifyougetkilled-walk-it-off @jae-sch @grace-for-sale @scarletlingeries @mizzezm @readitandweepfics @averyrogers83 @captainsamwlsn @sebs-potato @sorenmarie87 @docharleythegeekqueen @erosbellarke @the-wayward-robot @super100012 @myfanficlibrarium @lucifersbird @achishisha @hp-hogwartsexpress @winchesters-favorite-girl @awkwardfangirl2014 @igotkatiepowers

LLL Tag Team

 @ishipmybed

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

6th January >> Mass Readings for 

The Epiphany of the Lord (Ireland etc)

    or

Monday after Epiphany Sunday (USA etc).

The Epiphany of the Lord (Ireland etc)

(Liturgical Colour: White)

(These readings are for the day of the feast itself)

First Reading

Isaiah 60:1-6

Above you the glory of the Lord appears

Arise, shine out, Jerusalem, for your light has come,

the glory of the Lord is rising on you,

though night still covers the earth

and darkness the peoples.

Above you the Lord now rises

and above you his glory appears.

The nations come to your light

and kings to your dawning brightness.

Lift up your eyes and look round:

all are assembling and coming towards you,

your sons from far away

and your daughters being tenderly carried.

At this sight you will grow radiant,

your heart throbbing and full;

since the riches of the sea will flow to you,

the wealth of the nations come to you;

camels in throngs will cover you,

and dromedaries of Midian and Ephah;

everyone in Sheba will come,

bringing gold and incense

and singing the praise of the Lord.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 71(72):1-2,7-8,10-13

R/ All nations shall fall prostrate before you, O Lord.

O God, give your judgement to the king,

to a king’s son your justice,

that he may judge your people in justice

and your poor in right judgement.

R/ All nations shall fall prostrate before you, O Lord.

In his days justice shall flourish

and peace till the moon fails.

He shall rule from sea to sea,

from the Great River to earth’s bounds.

R/ All nations shall fall prostrate before you, O Lord.

The kings of Tarshish and the sea coasts

shall pay him tribute.

The kings of Sheba and Seba

shall bring him gifts.

Before him all kings shall fall prostrate,

all nations shall serve him.

R/ All nations shall fall prostrate before you, O Lord.

For he shall save the poor when they cry

and the needy who are helpless.

He will have pity on the weak

and save the lives of the poor.

R/ All nations shall fall prostrate before you, O Lord.

Second Reading

Ephesians 3:2-3,5-6

It has now been revealed that pagans share the same inheritance

You have probably heard how I have been entrusted by God with the grace he meant for you, and that it was by a revelation that I was given the knowledge of the mystery. This mystery that has now been revealed through the Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets was unknown to any men in past generations; it means that pagans now share the same inheritance, that they are parts of the same body, and that the same promise has been made to them, in Jesus Christ, through the gospel.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation

Matthew 2:2

Alleluia, alleluia!

We saw his star as it rose

and have come to do the Lord homage.

Alleluia!

Gospel

Matthew 2:1-12

The visit of the Magi

After Jesus had been born at Bethlehem in Judaea during the reign of King Herod, some wise men came to Jerusalem from the east. ‘Where is the infant king of the Jews?’ they asked. ‘We saw his star as it rose and have come to do him homage.’ When King Herod heard this he was perturbed, and so was the whole of Jerusalem. He called together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, and enquired of them where the Christ was to be born. ‘At Bethlehem in Judaea,’ they told him ‘for this is what the prophet wrote:

And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

you are by no means least among the leaders of Judah,

for out of you will come a leader

who will shepherd my people Israel.’

Then Herod summoned the wise men to see him privately. He asked them the exact date on which the star had appeared, and sent them on to Bethlehem. ‘Go and find out all about the child,’ he said ‘and when you have found him, let me know, so that I too may go and do him homage.’ Having listened to what the king had to say, they set out. And there in front of them was the star they had seen rising; it went forward, and halted over the place where the child was. The sight of the star filled them with delight, and going into the house they saw the child with his mother Mary, and falling to their knees they did him homage. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. But they were warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, and returned to their own country by a different way.

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

————————

Monday after Epiphany Sunday 

(Liturgical Colour: White)

First Reading

1 John 3:22-4:6

The Son of God has come and given us the power to know the true God

Whatever we ask God,

we shall receive,

because we keep his commandments

and live the kind of life that he wants.

His commandments are these:

that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ

and that we love one another

as he told us to.

Whoever keeps his commandments

lives in God and God lives in him.

We know that he lives in us

by the Spirit that he has given us.

It is not every spirit, my dear people, that you can trust;

test them, to see if they come from God,

there are many false prophets, now, in the world.

You can tell the spirits that come from God by this:

every spirit which acknowledges that Jesus the Christ has come in the flesh

is from God;

but any spirit which will not say this of Jesus

is not from God,

but is the spirit of Antichrist,

whose coming you were warned about.

Well, now he is here, in the world.

Children,

you have already overcome these false prophets,

because you are from God and you have in you

one who is greater than anyone in this world;

as for them, they are of the world,

and so they speak the language of the world

and the world listens to them.

But we are children of God,

and those who know God listen to us;

those who are not of God refuse to listen to us.

This is how we can tell

the spirit of truth from the spirit of falsehood.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 2:7-8,10-11

R/ I will give you the nations for your heritage.

The Lord said to me: ‘You are my Son.

It is I who have begotten you this day.

Ask and I shall bequeath you the nations,

put the ends of the earth in your possession.’

R/ I will give you the nations for your heritage.

Now, O kings, understand,

take warning, rulers of the earth;

serve the Lord with awe

and trembling, pay him your homage.

R/ I will give you the nations for your heritage.

Gospel Acclamation

Matthew 4:16

Alleluia, alleluia!

The people that lived in darkness

has seen a great light;

on those who dwell in the land and shadow of death

a light has dawned.

Alleluia!

Or:

cf. Matthew 4:23

Alleluia, alleluia!

Jesus proclaimed the Good News of the kingdom

and cured all kinds of diseases among the people.

Alleluia!

Or:

Luke 4:17

Alleluia, alleluia!

The Lord has sent me to bring the good news to the poor,

to proclaim liberty to captives.

Alleluia!

Or:

Luke 7:16

Alleluia, alleluia!

A great prophet has appeared among us;

God has visited his people.

Alleluia!

Or:

cf. 1 Timothy 3:16

Alleluia, alleluia!

Glory to you, O Christ,

proclaimed to the pagans;

glory to you, O Christ,

believed in by the world.

Alleluia!

Gospel

Matthew 4:12-17,23-25

The people that lived in darkness have seen a great light

Hearing that John had been arrested, Jesus went back to Galilee, and leaving Nazareth he went and settled in Capernaum, a lakeside town on the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali. In this way the prophecy of Isaiah was to be fulfilled:

‘Land of Zebulun! Land of Naphtali!

Way of the sea on the far side of Jordan,

Galilee of the nations!

The people that lived in darkness has seen a great light;

on those who dwell in the land and shadow of death

a light has dawned.’

From that moment Jesus began his preaching with the message, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.’

He went round the whole of Galilee teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom and curing all kinds of diseases and sickness among the people. His fame spread throughout Syria, and those who were suffering from diseases and painful complaints of one kind or another, the possessed, epileptics, the paralysed, were all brought to him, and he cured them. Large crowds followed him, coming from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judaea and Transjordania.

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[maniacollisionarchive-blog]

"Please, fight this. You have to fight it. You have to live." [@Jamie]

he knew he shouldn’t have accepted the job -- the delivery seemed a bit too sketchy, the details a little too off. his gut had screamed at him to say no, but he hadn’t accepted one in awhile and it felt like the right time to do one again, and the contract was short anyway, he was there and back in just a week. that was the mistake though. their plan. he’d been so foolish to think that, after all these years, he’d been forgotten. that they’d leave him alone. of course not. they were just waiting. 

it’d been like any other return -- coffee, a shower, some meditation. he’d sent a message to sebastian, since he’d been gone for a bit and wanted to catch up. see how things had been in the days he had disappeared (he hadn’t said he was leaving, hadn’t told anyone, that was how the job worked, couldn’t let anyone know in case things went sour). he was just going to go over some books he’d grabbed on the way back until sebastian showed up; it was supposed to be an easy night.

the door had opened -- it was too soon for sebastian to arrive, so jamie had turned to tell whoever it was that he wasn’t open at the moment and met the coldest eyes in his memory, his veins ice, his breath stopping in his lungs. there was that grin that haunted his nightmares, the face that he’d hallucinated plenty of times. books dropped, hand finding his neck before he could stop it.

remember me?

it was deja vu, the whole affair. perhaps it was meant to be. benjy could’ve shot him if he’d really wanted, could’ve caught him again and dragged him back to victor once more, could’ve done a number of things but he didn’t. trapped in his shop, frozen in shock at the resurfacing of an old enemy, jamie was hardly a difficult target to pin down. escaping into his head was his solace as pain engulfed him as a knife pierce his skin, the way it had years before.

suddenly jamie was twenty-one again, transported back into a warm summer day in a country he hadn’t visited in years. the faint scent of smoke after house fires, of burnt cloth and melted plastic and destroyed lives swirled in his nose and twisted in his stomach. he could almost feel the dirt beneath his fingers, muddied with blood and rain and fear. and the voice -- the voice... 

you have to live.

the light was warm as it surrounded him. he hadn’t heard him speak in years. it was beautiful -- jamie reached for him. it’d been so long, if could only touch him, if he could only see him just once then he could apologize for everything. maybe.... maybe he could be forgiven. please.. if he could only move... he just needed a brush of skin, or fabric, or something, he could feel the man’s presence why couldn’t he move, why couldn’t he see him, he just needed to see him...

a flash of reality broke through, as if an unknown force were trying to keep him from giving in, from letting go. gasping for air, the crushing weight of death lingering above him, he blinked up through a haze to find a welcome face peering down. maybe, if jamie were in better states, he would’ve read the worry but he didn’t. he just lifted a bloody hand (blood? from where? his?) and attempted to brush fingers across the man’s cheek, but his muscles failed, and instead he let his hand fall into his lap.

“hah, sebas--’tin...” eyes closed, feeling the pain begin to fade into emptiness. “wish.. you came.. sooner.” he couldn’t feel his fingers, could only tell he was still alive by the pain in his chest where the blade had dug. how nice of benjy not to just slice his throat again. probably wanted to make sure jamie actually died this time. too bad he hadn’t stuck around to see. or maybe he had. maybe sebastian had killed him. jamie would never know.

jamie could feel the end coming, knew well by now what it felt like, and knew it was unlikely there was something to pull him back this time. a small smile found his lips in the last of his energy. “shoulda.. tol’ you,” for a moment, he couldn’t remember, breath stopping for a few seconds before he took another shuddering inhale, determined to finish his thoughts. he couldn’t leave this unfinished. “i shoulda tol’ you that... that i loved you.” 

the darkness ebbed in, his consciousness easing out again, the warm light fading back in. how comforting. someone reached out, offered to help him up. he wanted to turn them down, to return to life because he had a reason now when he never had before, but with his last breath a word tumbled out, “sorry.”

and he took nikolai’s hand.

[ilovethings-somuch]

Get It Right (14/?)

Sebastian Stan/Reader

A/N: So this is like pure fluff. Some good stuff is coming! I mean, maybe, actually I don’t really know. I will let you guys know right now though. I’ve been experiencing major writers block for this story. I’m doing my best to work through it but updates may slow down significantly. I’m really sorry! I hope I can figure it out soon because I really like this couple but I’m just not sure. If you guys have any suggestions or requests of something you want to see with this couple I would love to hear it! Also just, thank you so much for reading, I’m feeling very sappy at the moment and I’m just very thankful that you guys are so supportive! Anyways I’m going to shut up now, I hope you like it!

(last part)

“G’morning babe” Seb mumbles when I stretch out next to him.

“Good morning” I sigh “What time is it?”

“Like 10:30. Why?”

“Seb, I have something to tell you” I say while rolling to face him

“That sounds ominous, what’s up?” He rubs my arms soothingly.

“So, um I have this song coming out today and it’s about you, I mean what else is new. But I thought we could announce our relationship around the time the song is released. I want people to know that the song’s for you” His smile grows as I talk to him and as soon as I’m finished he presses his lips to mine.

“I’m so glad you’re ready to announce this” he says when he pulls away. “Do you have a plan for how? Like social media? Are we doing a random exclusive interview? A papwalk?”

“I was thinking instagram, we could use those pictures we took the other day”

“Sounds perfect, and I know just the caption” he says before pecking my lips.

“What is it?”

“It’s a surprise” he tells me with a wink.

“Sebbb” I whine. “Please, I need to approve”

“As if I’d do anything you didn’t approve of” he clutches his chest in mock offense.

“Oh I know you would. Pleasssse?”

“I’ll show you before I post it, but I’m gonna make you suffer for a few hours”

“Seb that’s so rude!” I yell throwing a pillow at him “If you’re going to tell me anyways why not just tell me now?”

“‘Cause you’re so damn cute when you’re upset” he boops my nose to prove his point. I quickly push his hand away and get out of bed with the groan, mumbling curses at him as I make my way to the bathroom. I decide to take a quick shower since my hair is sticking in all directions. When I get out and make my way to the kitchen I find that Sebastian made breakfast.

“Do I smell bacon?” I ask excitedly while wrapping my arms around him while he cooks.

“Yes ma’am” he points his spatula towards the plate covered by a paper towel. I quickly unwrap myself from him and bounce over to the plate to grab a couple peices. “You’re supposed to wait until everything’s done” he says with an eyeroll

“Okay, grumpy” I recover the plate before hopping up to sit on the counter.

“I’m not grumpy” he turns to face me after turning the stove off.

“You sound grumpy” I reply with a smirk.

“I’m not” he runs him hands up the sides of my legs while stepping to stand in between them.

“Oh, I get it. You’re not grumpy, you’re horny” I tease while moving to rest my arms on his shoulders. He quickly slaps my lower back/butt with his right hand. “Um, ow?”

“Stop being mouthy” he says seriously.

“Oh honey, mouthy is what I do best” I raise my eyebrows testingly. This earns me another slap in the same spot. I expect this one so I’m able to control myself enough to not wince or jump.

“Are you done”

“Sebby I’m just getting started” I flash a smile and pull at his hair gently before pulling his lips down to mine. It’s a hungry kiss, all teeth and tongues and roaming hands. That is until my stomach decides that it’s too hungry for this and lets out an angry grumple. I immediately throw my head back in laughter and Sebastian rests his forehead on my shoulder while giggling. “To be continued” I promise him with a quick peck before moving to grab another piece of bacon.

Sebastian made, what I call, garbage eggs. Which means that you take whatever you can find in the fridge and mix it in with your scrambled eggs. His mostly contained peppers, onions, cheese, mushrooms and hash browns.

“This is really good, Seb. It reminds me of camping”

“Really?”

“Yeah, I used to go camping with my mom family all the time and this is always what we had for breakfast”

“That’s sounds fun, and delicious”

“It was” I’m suddenly nostalgic for my home and I end up chugging half of my orange juice to avoid any tears.

“Hey, are you okay?” Seb asks, noticing my change in mood.

“Yeah, yeah I’m good. I guess it just kinda hit me that I’m moving here and I’m not going to be able to see my family as much as I’m used to”

“I know, it’s hard. But it’s going to be okay. There’s always facetime and phone calls and you can go home and visit whenever you have time off” he reassures me while rubbing his arm along my arm.

“Right, it’ll be good” I say, reassuring myself more than anything. We finish breakfast in a comfortable silence before Sebastian takes the dishes to the kitchen. I stick by the table a few extra minutes to check my phone for any important updates. My manager sent me an email to confirm that the release time hadn’t changed and asking if I told Sebastian yet. I quickly typed my response before seeing a text from my mom.

Momma!: How’s NYC treating you?

Shit, hey remember when I said I left out the whole Sebastian thing when I told my family about going to New York. Yeah, welp, this is gonna be great.

Me: It’s good! I really like it here. There’s something I need to talk to you about can you call me when you have a chance?

Within a couple minutes my phone lights up with an incoming call

“Hey, Mom”

“Hey honey, what’s up?”

“So uh well I really like New York so I think I’m going to move here. I actually found a place that is really nice and I went and saw it and everything. So, yeah I guess that’s happening” I shake my head at myself, frustrated that I can’t just speak my mind.

“That’s, wow, I’m happy for you. I can’t believe you decided so quick”

“Yeah, I guess it’s just one of those things that you know. And you know I need 4 seasons, LA would be too much sun”

“Right, is that all you needed to tell me? I was expecting something more urgent”

“Um, no that’s not all-” and that’s the moment Sebastian decides to yell from the kitchen, definitely loud enough for my Mom to hear

“Hey, babe, do you want to help me dry?”

“Hold on a second” I call back before tuning back into my mom asking who that was. “Yeah, okay that’s what I wanted to talk to you about. So remember when I went on Ellen and she surprised me by bringing Sebastian Stan on the show?”

“He’s the captain america guy right?”

“He’s Bucky, yeah sure. Anyways, um, we kind of started dating shortly after that” I stumble over my words, unsure of what her reaction will be.

“(y/f/n y/m/n)! And you’re just now telling me, your mother, this?”

“Yes” I say weakly “I just, I wasn’t sure how you would take it and I didn’t really know how this was going to turn out so I just wanted to wait until I knew for sure”

“And now you do?”

“Yeah, Mom, I really love him”

“Well then I guess there’s nothing for me to say. I’m happy for you, I can’t wait to meet him”

“Thanks Mom, I should go, I love you”

“Love you too”

I sigh once I hang up the phone, surprisingly happy with how that conversation went. Maybe she’s finally realizing that I’m growing up. I make my way into the kitchen to find Seb putting the last couple dishes away. I sneak up and hug him from behind, rocking us slightly.

“Hey, there. Sorry I interrupted your call, I didn’t realize you were on the phone”

“Nah it’s fine. I was just talking to my mom. I, uh, told her about us” he quickly turns in my arms to face me and rests his forehead against mine.

“Really?”

“Yeah, I realized that I should probably tell her before she just finds out from social media”

“Yeah she probably wouldn’t like that”

“Have you talked to your mom?”

“Yeah, I told her the other day when you said I could”

“Look at you, being on top of things” I tease, lightly brushing my lips against his

“I just can’t wait for you to meet her, she’s going to love you”

“God, I hope so” the thought of meeting Seb’s mom is terrifying.

“She will, I’m sure”

“Are we continuing now?” I ask, drawing a line along his cheek with my nose. I don’t get an answer, but Seb is quick to push my tight against the nearest wall.

“God, okay now I have to shower again” I say, trying to push Seb off me

“Noooo” he whines while hugging me tighter. “Stay”

“You could join me in the shower” I suggest with the hopes it will make him get up.

He pulls his head back to look me in the eye before speaking, “that’s a compelling argument, but I want to stay here” he tells me before laying his head back down by my neck. I simply sigh in defeat before wrapping my arms around his waist.

“Can we at least roll over? I can’t breathe”

“No” he mumbles into my skin.

“Seba, I can’t breathe” I try to emphasize.

“Yes you can”

“How do you know what I can and can’t do?”

“Because if you couldn’t breathe you wouldn’t be able to talk right now and I can feel you breathing”

“Okay, let me rephrase. It is hard to breathe”

“But you’re managing, and if I roll over you’re just going to run away”

“I won’t, scouts honor” I say with a mock salute

“You weren’t a scout” he says assuredly

“How would you know”

“I just have a feeling, am I right?”

“Yes” I grumble, “But seriously Seb, I won’t run away I promise. Please can we roll over?”

He groans before shifting his weight to roll onto his back, keeping his arms around me and pulling me with him. I can’t help but laugh at his awkward effort. I try to wiggle out of his hold but he keeps his arms tight around my waist. “You said you wouldn’t run away” he whines when he loses his hold on me.

“I’m not running away you dummy” I insist before I slide off his chest to curl into his side. His arm quickly wraps around my back to hold me closer. “See? This is better”

“Debatable” he shrugs

“Okay, well at least this way you won’t kill me”

“Yeah I guess that’s a plus” he tells me with a kiss to my forehead. He rubs small circles on my back while I trace imaginary designs on his stomach. We stay in a comfortable silence for awhile until I almost fall asleep.

“Okay, I need to get up” I say while sitting up from his grasp. He moans in protest and I see that his eyes are closed. “Sebby wake up” I coax with small kisses up his chest.

“I don’t wanna” he mumbles back.

“Come on, we need to shower” I straddle his hips while I kiss up and down his jaw

“Why?”

“Well you don’t have to if you don’t want to, but I’m going to. And I thought you’d like to join me”

He slowly peeks one eye open to look at me before fully opening his eyes. I quirk my eyebrows at him in question before rolling off him and making my way to the bathroom, consciously swaying my hips extra. I make it into the shower and am halfway through washing my hair before I hear the curtain shift and Seb steps in. I turn to face him wrapping my arms around his neck before placing a chaste kiss on his lips. “You made it”

“How could I refuse?” he smirks.

(next part)

Tags: @amistillmyself

[suximaxini-blog]

The Tiring Day 1 – LOST IN SEOUL

I planned on writing about our -my sister, Nadya, and I- trip to South Korea since we were back from February. It was merely us two, in a strange nation where we barely talk in our mother tongue (except for the time we spent with one of our friend, whom being very nice as our local tour guide and treated us with delicious food). But, I got very lazy to write. Haha, so me.

So, we went there unexpectedly. One day, my sister asked my mom whether she can go to Seoul, my mom was in the happy and easy going mood to be that easy to agree. Like, seriously…we booked our ticket, made our visa (I needed to go twice since I did not complete something the first time, totally forgot what was it), booked our hostel…mom only gave accommodation expenses, so besides that, it was our money. For 4 days and 3 nights, our budget was so tight that we cannot afford to enter any restaurant since we were too afraid of the price. HAHAHA. Therefore, we were so grateful of our friend who had treated us delicious courses.  

Suddenly tonight, after a hectic Eid day, I spent my leisure time watching one of my favorite TV Program; it is Japanese one called “Why Did You Come to Japan”. It usually broadcasts you some tourists’ stories who visit Japan for some special purposes. One time, they recorded a story of Seba-chan who visited Japan to explore their Ramen, as he spent about 3 months to eat ramen in Japan. First, he used his bike to cut the transport expenses. However, by the time goes, it is hard to maintain its function, I guess, so Seba-chan continued his journey by hitching some random strangers, who happened to know him already throughout the program. Or the story about the Sasebo guy, an Australian man whose main visit to Japan was only to eat Sasebo Burger. The mayor of Sasebo city even making him a special t-shirt with its mascot and make sure he can eat any Sasebo burger for free.

Tonight’s story was about two brother in their first time visiting Tokyo and the older one happened to lost his wallet. His younger only has a debit card but it cannot be withdrawn. They looked so lost and pale. THERE! I saw the resemblance of me and Nadya with that story. HAHAHA. Just the two of us, where we needed (desperately needed) to work together to make the rest of our stay pleasant for both of us. First thing when we arrived in the airport, we thought, or I thought, we still have plenty of time to wait for our luggage after the immigration.

I checked on the screen, to where should we go to get out baggage. I was so sure regarding our gate and told my sister that we need to wait. We called our parents to notify them that we have safely landed. After waiting for approx. 10 mins, I got bored and asked my sister to wash our face and put on a little make up just to lighten up the face (we just woke up and face was definitely inhumane).

We, or I as the eldest, was so clueless…I sensed something was  not right when I saw no one from our flight in front of the moving belt (whatever you call it). Hehehehe, we went to the wrong side. I did not panic because I saw my sister was already in the mode. We walked back and forth to ask someone. We asked several people but nobody can answer us. I was so confident regarding the information I have to find our luggage. I had all the details, but nobody was actually helping. Was it too early? Is 9am-ish early to you? I take note that the airport crew are not that capable of using English language and not (really) helpful. I even asked several times to lost and found counter. Nah, nothing.

Lucky for us, we found our luggage just being thrown outside the belt. The, supposed to be, right belt since long time ago. Just like that. Abandoned. THANK GOD! They were saved.

After that, we followed the itinerary we made and proceeded to ask the direction to buy the temporary SIM card and bus ticket. At the bus counter, the lady who was in charge told me that rather than buying only the bus ticket, I could buy T-money and got a discount for bus fare, also made it easier for us to use public transportation. It cost us, 100.000 Won for 2 cards. Right choice! Buy T-money everyone, at the airport, to make it simpler.

We departed for Anguk. And it was safe until we got off the bus. But, since it is my experience that you read, we lost again. My sense of direction IS BAD. We went back and forth with our luggage and the problem was not that the humidity came from heat; it was the cold we could not bear. I asked several people again with the simple, “Jogiyo? Heoksi, Yellow Brick arayo? Yellow Brick Hostel eodisoyo?”. So sorry, my mind was cloudy and I cannot think of whether it was polite enough. Nadya then took the initiative to ask a grandpa with broken English and showed him the website with picture and address, HE WAS SO NICE, he did not hesitate to take us there. To the front of the hostel, where we need to walk through an alley. We thanked him a lot by bowing with our might, if it was not for him; I supposed we would spend our time just going back and forth with no end.

We stayed at the Yellow Brick Hostel 1. We booked through Traveloka and chose the hostel because its rating and comments, they even served breakfast (sadly, although we paid for it, we’d rather buy onigiri for breakfast because we were always in hurry) and A ROOFTOP! Yep, rooftop was also the reason, although, once again, we went there only twice, the arrival and departure, and you will hardly see mountain. I recommend you this hostel because for the price they give an excellent service in a very good location. It is very easy to reach by subway, like super easy, after I get to know the area. HA!

On the first day, we arrived by Friday actually, I booked a flower arrangement course at Florinn, a flower shop I found in IG. Jenny ssaem, the owner, was a petite young lady whom very passionate with her job. It was very nice of her to guide to her flower shop nearby Ewha University…the uni I once dreamt about. Then again, we were lost, HA! I was just not accustomed to the blocks. We rode a bus, based on what Jenny ssaem and google maps suggested. We found the nearest bus stop and hopped the bus. You know the google maps give several suggestions right? Well, we could have taken the subway, but Nadya was afraid since we saw no station within our sight. Shortly, we rode the wrong direction. We should have taken the other direction with the same bus number and struggling to find the place when we arrived. Nadya was so patient to keep up with the clumsy me. HAHAHA, thank you adek!

I would tell you in details regarding the course later on. Since this post is about ‘LOST’.

We went shopping around Ewha before decided to try subway, aimed for Hongdae. Hongdae (Hongik Daehak) station in Friday night is super packed with people. After a short walk, we wanted to conclude and have a good sleep for tomorrow’s agenda. It was 8-9 pm ish when we took a bus, one we were sure was the correct one. We followed what the google maps said and arrived at, the supposed to be nearest bus stop from our hostel.

I was so confident with my maps, we even dropped by a Nature Republic store to buy wet tissues. We walked and walked and walked and walked, back and forth again…then I was scared to say that maps decieved me. I tried to calm Nadya and changed it into Waze. It was already 10 pm-ish. Food stalls were crowded with people chattering and drinking. I started to panic too, however, it was not the main concern, as we just wish to go to bed. I tried to set my mind straight and followed Waze. BUT! As you know, Waze gives you alleys suggestion, where it directed us to a dark and quiet neighborhood. Nadya was trying hard to object but I insisted that was the way to reach our hostel. I knew it well, she nearly cried, since it was her first time experience abroad to have a vacation and I gave her a bad situation.

Merely with her clumsy sister, she lost. I wanted to cry for different reason, I blamed my self for putting my sister in the situation. In the end, Waze could not give us the direction too, or it could, but we were afraid to follow since homeless men are drunk already.

My phone was nearly died even after an emergency charging. We found a small shop in an alley. Nadya asked me to stop by. I was planning to ask direction since maps could not help me. It was around -5 celcius and we could not think clearly, all we wished was only to reach the bed and tucked ourselves inside the warm blanket.

The owner was an old couple. The grandma greeted us with worries. She cannot speak English, my Korean is limited as I told her that I needed to call the hostel, if only they can pick us up, or at least giving the right direction. She said, seeing two freezing girls asking for help is so pitiful that she agreed to even talk to them! However, nobody was answering our call. Then I asked her to draw us a direction to reach our hostel, she was not sure and asked her husband about it. The husband, I guess, he did not really like us because he raised his tone and giving the body language of letting us be after mumbling the direction.  

The grandma, was an angel sent to us, she was really kind. Despite her husband disagreement, she drew as the easy map, repeated the key store and even took us to the main road. Nadya and I bowed to show our gratitude and even kept the paper she gave to us. The map was so clear, we could easily found our hostel. Well, after several asking again, since Nadya was so scared we would lost again, so she wanted to make sure, we took the right direction.

We finally arrived in our room at 11 pm-ish. The first thing to do, CRYING! We cried and hugged each other as we were so afraid that we would make a headline about being lost here. HAHAHA, then the next thing I do, tell Nadya not to call our parents at the moment, since it could make them worry, we’d better keep it for ourselves, at least until we got home.

Hehehehehehe

The experience, nonetheless, did not make me give up. I even wanted to explore more, to avoid getting lost again. At least, not to our hostel.

((To be continued))