#and people always act like there’s something wrong with me because I don’t like christmas!

[mint-mumbles]

Me When Christmas Rolls Around:

*“Sun” should be “son”

true story! a few years ago i was working at both ol*ve g*rden and tj m*xx, and both of the following happened within the same several weeks:

at ol*ve g*rden, they'd put up a christmas tree in the lobby and had the employees each decorate a snowflake ornament to hang on it. i asked the general manager (mostly as a joke tbh) if i could bring in a menorah to display for chanukkah

and the gm is like, "well we're not allowed to display any religious imagery in the restaurant. it's a rule from corporate."

to which i said, "you are standing in front of a christmas tree as we speak."

and i shit you not, she goes "oh, but that's not really religious! that's just festive, you know, for the holidays." and would not hear another word about it

then a few weeks later at tj, probably once we were firmly into december but idr for sure, they start breaking out the "holiday" aprons for the employees to wear (all red, of course), and santa hats, and these fucking elf ear and reindeer antler headbands.

and one of my managers sees that i'm not wearing anything except the apron, and she asks me to put one on. and i was like "i'm not really comfortable with wearing any of those, since i don't celebrate christmas." (also i just really didn't want to wear one bc they looked stupid and they made my ears and head hurt, but still)

and she ALSO says, "oh, it's not christmas, it's just festive for winter. also corporate wants every sales associate to wear one"

which actually just made me more uncomfortable bc now she's trying to MAKE me wear one anyway

i was like "yeah, no that's definitely all christmas stuff and i'm really not comfortable with that"

so she let it go with a lot of huffing and eye-rolling, and then goes on the walkie to tell the entire staff "oh by the way guys, i forgot to tell you, but corporate FINALLY said we're allowed to say merry christmas to the customers this year!" and everyone up at the registers w me was like NICE! YES!

and i was just

so like, that's what we mean when we say that xtianity is so pervasive in our culture that a lot of people genuinely believe xmas things are secular, even though they AREN'T

[classypauli]

She’s the Man

Pairing: Jenna Ortega x fem Reader Summary: With the new university Y/N meets new opportunities, plays on the football team, meets new people, makes new friendships, and maybe finds something she didn’t think would find.... But being dressed as her brother can create little problems in the future. She’s the Man AU A/N: So this fic will be based on the movie She´s the Man, it won´t follow every step of the story, I had it in mind some time now and have been thinking about if it is a good idea or not but well, here goes nothing… Not forcing anyone to read this, idk just wanted to try something new. Warning: first time writing, bad grammar and punctuation in complex sentences, spelling errors, boring and awkward Word count: 5k I DON’T OWN THE MOVIE THIS STORY IS BASED ON OR ANY OF THE CHARACTERS THAT ARE IN THERE. IT’S ONLY FICTION AND NONE OF THIS IS REAL.

Chapter 1

Y/N is sitting in her brother´s room, eyes wide open  „You can´t be serious! How am I supposed to do that?!“ she shouted at him. „I´ll be thankful to you till the end of my life.“ well, that won´t be for long if she decides to kill him right now. „Charlie-“

„Please Y/N you are my only hope, you know I´ve been wanting to go to this festival for so long, you know what it means to me, please.“ he puts his hands in a praying position, and now his puppy eyes are the only thing his sister can see. „Ew get away from me.“ she pushed him into the chest as he stumbled back.

Charlie, Y/N´s twin brother, wants her to impersonate him. Yeah, you heard it right, he wants his sister to go to his school and act like him this whole time that he will be on tour. He is in the band, their parents aren´t really happy about it, they say that music won´t get him anywhere and he should concentrate on the more important stuff. Y/N´s sad because she was always like if something makes you happy, that´s all that matters, right? But he isn´t giving up, he still hopes that he can convince them about being serious with music.

And don´t get her wrong, she´d do anything and everything for him, he is her brother, her twin, but this... She´s not so sure, it´s just too much, what if they find out? What if she isn´t good enough and mess up? What would their parents say? Oh God too much pressure on her shoulders and she didn´t even say yes.

But his sad and disappointed eyes are her last straw. „Gosh.... m'kay.“ Y/N whispered under her breath almost unnoticed. Charlie´s eyes lit up like Christmas lights and started running to his sister yelling „Thank you thank you thank you! I promise I´ll do anything for you!“ He almost suffocated her when they hugged. „Careful with your words and now get off I can´t breathe!“ he immediately pushed himself off and started his little winning dance.

She rolled her eyes at him „So how we are going to do that? I mean, I need to look exactly like you, act like you, talk like you, and EVEN SMELL like you? Well now I´m not so sure if I can do this I mean-“ she looked at him and scrunched up her nose. „Oh, you didn´t you f-“ he hit Y/N with the pillow in the head. She started laughing at her brother's offended face. „Just kidding stop being a baby.“

He stood up and started thinking „Well we look alike, like a lot, so there won´t be much work in the face-“ „What?!“ „-but you need to learn how to walk like me and dress like me. Stand up we are having our first lesson.“

They were practicing her walk, or more like his walk, and she got it pretty right. Clothes won´t be a big problem cause they wear uniforms and wearing baggy clothes is one of the most comfortable things for her. She doesn´t know how she will do it but for her brother, she needs to at least try.

A couple of days passed and now Y/N is sitting in the passenger seat, Charlie is behind the wheel. Sun is shining through the windows of their parent's car. She is wearing her school uniform and her leg is bouncing up and down in black uncomfortable shoes.

„Stop Y/N it will be okay-„ she turned to him „Well it´s easy for you to say! You aren´t the one dressed as me!“. Okay maybe she´s a little dramatic but she´s shitting her uniform pants right now, oh God please let this be over already.

Y/N didn´t even notice and they were already in front of the school. Students were walking back and forth, laughing and greeting each other after the holidays. The girl wasn´t a social kid growing up. I mean she doesn´t have a problem with talking to others, the problem is in the start of conversations. She can try as hard as she can but she never knows how to begin. Her mind suddenly stops working and becomes quiet. She´s not shy, at least she doesn´t think she is. For the longest time of her life, she thought that she was an introvert but as she was getting older she realized maybe she´s just a quiet extrovert. Y/N likes to listen to people more than talk to them. She likes to be by herself but also enjoys the company of the right people.

„Okay we are here, “ Charlie said „Just try to enjoy it, it will be fun“. Yeah, his twin is boiling with excitement.

They got out of the car, her brother went to get her bags from the back and she just stood there. Just like a kid for the first time going to school, doesn´t know what's waiting for them. She just realized that this is real and that what is she going to do is a crazy idea.

„Ch-Charlie I think I changed my mind I can´t do this-“

„Y/N STOP-“

Walking to her dorm room is the next thing, bags in hands trying to find her room. Finally, she sees the right numbers and she can´t wait to put these heavy bags in there. She unlocked the door and walked straight to the room.

„Oh hi!“ Y/N heard from the other side, looked up and her eyes met with the unknown boy.

„I´m Percy.“ he walked up to her and offered his hand „I´m guessing you are my roommate?“ He was a little taller than her and had long brown hair.

„Yeah, nice to meet you my name´s Y-Ch-Charlie, my name´s Charlie.“ she said as she shook his hand. Damn! She needs to concentrate more.

„Well Charlie pleasure to meet you“ he smiled „I´d like to sit and talk with you but I have to go now, you can put your clothes right there, and on the left side of the door is the bathroom, thankfully every room has one so not all students have to share the same one.“  Well, at least it would be easier for her to shower. Y/N thanked him as he walked away. With a sigh, she fell right into her new bed. She started unpacking and soon walked out of the dorm. She doesn´t know where is she going but she will find out. Silently cursed at her new roommate for rushing away even though he knew she was new. Y/N was in her world passing around the corner of the hallway until someone smashed into her.

“Oh shit I’m so sorry!”

The girl moved her gaze to the voice and there was a guy, he was taller than her and looked like he was in a rush, he was holding some clothes which were probably PE uniform.

“I didn’t mean to do it I swear I didn’t see y-“

��Hey it’s okay nothing happened but damn you are in quite a rush”. she laughed and he started to rub his neck.

“Yeah, I’m heading into football practice and I’m late again, oh God my coach is going to kill me, last time he said if this happens one more time he will kick me out of the team.” he kept rumbling but the only word Y/N could catch in his sentence was “football”.

“But hey at least you are okay, I’m glad nothing serious happened-“ she cut him off.

“Wait you play football?”

“Uhm yeah, doesn’t it look like it?”. He asked in a small voice as if he was sad about it. What? He definitely looks like someone who does some sport, he is big and tall with his big arms wide shoulders, and athletic legs.

“No I didn’t mean it like that-” he kept watching her with curious eyes “-I just used to play football too and yeah, I don’t even know why I react-“ his face lit up.

“You can go with me! We have enough space in our team!”

“Thank you but am not sure if-“

“No! Please! I’m not going to force you but you can at least come and look, please-“ he was giving her puppy eyes now “-if you come with me then the coach would forgive me maybe if I said I was bringing you-“

“So that’s what it is about!”

“No! Well- maybe- but it would be cool to have someone new on our team! And we are missing a midfielder because of his injury, so you could fill up his place”. Well maybe it wouldn’t be the worst idea, she can at least try. Y/N looked up at him and nodded.

“YES! Come with me- wait my name’s Mason”

“Charlie” she introduced herself with her brother's name.

They shook hands and started to walk into a field.

„You are new here, right? I don´t think I saw you before.“-

Y/N was now standing inside the cafeteria, she was looking around for a spot when suddenly she saw Percy, he was sitting in one of the middle tables with some of his friends. Before she could do anything he looked up and saw her.

„Charlie!“ he waved his hand for her to come over to the table, his friends already looking at her. Well, there´s no way to go back now.

„Hey, I wanted you to introduce me to my friends.“ he said smiling „This is Hunter and Georgie.“ Y/N shook their hands and took a seat.

„Nice to meet you, Charlie, “ Hunter said, „so how´s the first day goin´?“

„Well I´m just warming myself in here but so far I don´t have any negative words.“

Georgie took a sip of something he had in his cup and looked at her „That´s good, if you have a problem with something just ask.“

Hunter laughed at Georgie „Yeah but I don´t recommend asking Georgie for help with a class, he is the one who should seek help with that.“

„I´m not!“ he said offended. Y/N could only laugh at their bickering. „Don´t mind them-“ Percy wanted to continue with his sentence but his eyes caught something more interesting. She followed his gaze until she was met with three girls who walked into the cafeteria. They sat opposite their table and were discussing something that Y/N´s ears couldn´t hear because of the loud noise of other students in the room. She knew that Percy knew them or at least one of them, she would be an idiot to not catch that stare he was giving them but she was fighting with inner thoughts if she should ask or not. Before she could even decide Hunter saw that and turned around to look.

„Oh, “ he said, and soon Georgie followed Hunter's action and started laughing. „you may wonder why is Percy stuck. “ he said to Y/N. „Well Charlie, the one girl in the middle is Jenna, and Percy here has been trying to get with her forever but with no answer “. Oh, so he was looking at her. Yeah no wonder, she caught Y/N´s attention pretty quickly. She was really attractive even from this far. „He tried everything.“ Georgie continued „from writing her letter and getting it into her locker, drawing her portrait and leaving it on the seat she used to sit at to ask her in person but nothing!“ he laughed and Percy punched him into his shoulder. „This is not funny! I don´t know what to do anymore!“.

„Have you thought about that maybe she didn´t see you in that way?“ Hunter asked as he turned back to him.

„Of course you idiot but at least she could give me a chance“ 

„Well, I don´t know I mean... it´s a little strange I can´t even remember if I have ever seen her with someone. There are lots of guys who wanted to get with her but she turned them down, maybe she doesn´t want a relationship now-“ Hunter still kept looking at him with a serious face „-Or maybe she just thinks you are a creep.“ Georgie said and started laughing again. Percy groaned and put his head in his hands. Y/N could only smile at this boy, he was hilarious.

They were sitting there and talking mostly about classes and professors in school. She learned that Percy is in an art club and loves to paint. That would answer the question of why he has so many paintings on the walls of his side of the room, Y/N must admit he is talented and has a unique style. Hunter and Georgie, the two boys she just met, were friendly, they always tried to keep her in a conversation and asked her questions about her last school, hobbies, and family. The girl may don´t know them for too long but she can already say that she feels comfortable with them.

Y/N was speed walking out of her last class, she had a long day and couldn´t wait for it to end. Tomorrow she´s going to have her first training and she wanted to get herself some sleep. She was thinking about things to do when suddenly her body crushed into someone. Yeah, again.  She heard a small ugh and the sound of books falling on the floor. Well only her luck. She picked herself up and looked at who was the other person. She didn’t know if her eyes were making some magic on her or not. She realized what happened and started picking up her books from the ground.

“I’m so sorry- I didn’t mean to!“

“No no, it was my fault.” Y/N looked at her and was met with big doe eyes. Her brain couldn’t process what was happening. In front of her was Jenna, the girl from the cafeteria, she was wearing a school uniform and stood shorter than Y/N, her dark brown eyes, which she couldn´t see a couple of minutes ago clearly, matched her long hair.

Suddenly the door from a principal’s office opened and he walked out. „What is-?“ he started but as he looked at the scene in front of him he smirked. „Getting to know the opposite sex, are we? Male-female dynamics. All that sexual tension. It's all part of the high school experience. So continue. Please. But keep it clean, though. OK. Abstinence is key. Abstinence is... the best way to not is to not... yes.“ he slowly took back steps and closed his door.

„Well“ Y/N sighed and looked and the other girl „That was awkward... is he always like this? Friendly?“ she asked her. Jenna softly laughed „Are you kidding? That´s him being rude“.

„Okey... ehm... I´ll continue with my way.“ She didn´t know why she was acting like this. „Here are your books.“ She handed her them and shot her apology for eyes „Sorry again I didn´t mean to.“

Jenna only looked up at her with wide eyes „It´s okay, nothing happened “ she smiled „Hope to see you again“.  Y/N quickly walked away leaving the other girl behind her. Damn, she needs to put herself together.

The next day Y/N felt a lot more relaxed, she spent almost all afternoon with Mason and she decided that he just become her favourite person. He was so kind. Keeping an eye on her and always asking if she needed anything. He was outgoing and even though her new friend was the polar opposite of her social life, Y/N couldn´t help but feel comfortable with Mason.

The whistle was heard from the football field and Y/N was trying to find her way of getting the ball into the net. God, she missed it so much. Her legs were running like there was no tomorrow, others got in her way to stop her but they never succeded, Y/N was too good. She knew that. In the past, when she used to play, she was one of the best, if not the best, in her team. She truly enjoyed it and now that she finally had the football ball on her foot there was no way to stop her. Y/N shot the ball into a net and it flew straight to the right top corner of the goal.

„What? Charlie! How are you this good man?“ Mason ran to her and grabbed her shoulders smiling. „And here you wanted to decline my offer!“

„Well I got a little lost.“ They started walking slowly to get their water as they got a quick pause from the coach.

Some people were sitting on the tribune but she didn´t mind. This wasn´t only a football field, there were a lot of sports grounds and right now there were a lot of athletes too. She scanned the chairs when suddenly she caught the girl. The same girl she saw for the first time in the cafeteria and the second time ran into. She had books on her knees and a bag beside her, her hair was waiving in soft wind. But there is no way that she came to look at the football training, right? She was waiting for someone, maybe her friend. But as she kept looking, their eyes met and Y/N quickly looked the other way. This was embarrassing. Luckily she was saved by the whistle and that made her jog her way to the coach.

At the end of her training coach called the girl on the side „Good job today Y/L/N, I would be glad if you come next practice.“ he said as he waited for her answer.

„Yes, you will see me, thank you for having me.“ He only nodded his head and walked away. Mason came to her side and was smiling widely „You impressed him today, I wouldn´t be surprised if he let you play in our next game.“ his eyebrows went up and down.

She was glad that she let herself be talked into this, Y/N hadn´t felt this alive since she could remember. It was for sure a good idea and couldn´t wait for the next practice. As she was walking back she shot one last glance at the tribune only to find the spot Jenna sat in empty.

Y/N was leaning on a table, they were waiting for their professor to start a class. She´s standing beside Percy, Hunter, and Georgie. They are talking about plans for the weekend. Y/N doesn´t really listen she just looks like she is listening.

She was thinking about her brother and how she would call him when her class was over. He already texted her, asking how it was going and if she had any troubles. She misses him, but she won´t tell him that of course, and how could she not, he is her twin, her other half.

The teacher walked to their group with a bucket in her hand. „Everyone, please take a slip and read off the name of your lab partner.“ Percy was the first one who grab the folded paper, he got Emma Myers. Emma was one of the group of girls they saw in the cafeteria. „Oh you are lucky, she´s cool.“ Georgie says and Hunter nods at his words.

Y/N unfolded her paper “Jenna Ortega” she says out loud and Jenna immediately looks at her with a smile. “You know each other?” Percy hissed at her. “No, not really” quickly turned away with a slight hint of red cheeks. “Switch up with me please” he went to grab the paper with the girl´s name on it. “I can’t! She already heard me, what would she think?” the girl grabbed her things and went to her new lab partner.

“Hi.. so you are my lab partner?” “Yeah,” she said smiling.

„I don´t think we introduced each other the other day.“ she was hitting on the day they both ran to each other. „No we didn´t, I´m Jenna.“ she grinned. „I´m Charlie.“ She almost forgot about her brother. Y/N felt Percy´s gaze but didn´t mind him. It´s not her fault that she got lucky to get her as a lab partner, right? It happened because of something she can´t control.

“You know ehm... the whole dissecting thing kind of freaks me out. So, think you may have to take the reins on this one.” she said slowly.

Jenna leaned into the table with her eyes still on the other girl.“Wow, no guy would ever admire that” Oh f- Y/N quickly realized her mistake. What is she even saying? “Shit, you are right” Her hands started to sweat but before the inner thoughts and anxiety could grow even more the brown-haired girl grabbed her hands. “No! It’s okay you don’t have to be embarrassed, it’s cute”

Y/N moved her eyes from their hands and looked at her. God her doe eyes, they were beautiful, so innocent and pure. She lowered her gaze at her smiling lips and then her dimples, at that action Jenna smiled even wider. “So today we are going to-“ she quickly pushed her own hands away and looked at the professor acting like she wasn’t just drooling over her classmate. This will be long.

“So how it went?” Percy asked.

“What do you mean?”

“The talk with Jenna, how it went? What were you talking about?” Y/N turned to him placing books on her table. They were in their dorm right now since their classes were over. “Nothing, just school work” Well she wasn’t lying. They were just talking. He was silent for a minute, looking out of the window.  “What are you thinking about?” the girl questioned him but his eyes were telling that his thoughts were elsewhere.

“Charlie I need you to do something for me” Well this doesn’t start well. “ Can you convince her to go out with me?” “Who?” He turned to her. 

“Jenna of course! It’s just I’ve been into her-“ yeah she had noticed “-for so long and this is like a perfect opportunity for me that she will finally say yes to me.” he sat on her bed and looked up at her. In this position, it seemed like he was giving her an ultimatum like there was no other answer than the one he wanted. And like dude, there may be a reason if she didn’t say yes to you yet. He keeps looking at her waiting for the girl's answer and to be honest, for some reason, she doesn’t really like the idea of him with Jenna together but on the other hand, she can���t just say no to him. Why is she always the one who needs to please someone's needs?

“Well, I’ll see what I can do”. Y/N nodded her head and Percy instantly got up.

“Thank you Char you are a lifesaver!” he smiled wide at her and went to his bed as she just stood there looking at the ground.

At night Y/N couldn´t sleep, she was thinking about what Percy said and she didn´t feel good about it. Because of something, it felt a little disrespectful towards Jenna, almost unfair. But she already agreed. She will just say something nice about him and see where it will go, she can´t influence Jenna´s decision after that and Percy can´t be mad at her if this doesn´t work.

She picked herself up and went to the bathroom, silently thanking God above that this wasn´t a public bathroom, and could shower without being scared that someone could see her. She doesn´t even know what she would say if someone finds out the twin´s secret. But she doesn´t want to think about that option.

A couple of days passed. The classes were good but the football practices were her favourite. Coach wants her to play in the upcoming game and she just can´t wait. Mason is her right hand and he is always supporting her, now when she doesn´t have her brother near, the boy is playing the role of her twin. Today she and Jenna have class again. They are talking a lot more. Y/N liked her, she was sweet and always smiling, she also found out that Jenna likes to listen to music and loves acting. She even recommended some of her favorite movies which Y/N didn´t see yet. They spend a lot of time together, besides being together in class, they also sometimes hang out in the cafeteria and walk together to classes, and sometimes she even sees Jenna watching her practice. Y/N doesn´t know how she found out about her being in the team but she isn´t even sure if the brown-eyed girl is sitting there every practice for her.

„What?“ Jenna was shocked „How come you have never seen that?“ they were talking about films, the movie Scream to be exact. They were sitting under the tree on some bench. Students were walking around chatting, birds were singing in the trees and the sun was shining through the holes of the leaves. Y/N was walking out of class when suddenly she saw the other girl. Jenna asked her if she wanted to grab coffee since they had some free time. So now they were sitting next to each other, talking about everything.

„I have heard about it but didn´t see that, don´t know why.“ Y/N shrugs her shoulders. Jenna only shook her head at the girl.

„That´s a mistake, it´s so cool, the actors, plot, cinematography, blood-“ she started to mumble about the movie when suddenly an amazing idea crossed her mind „we can watch it together sometime!“ she let out and looked at Y/N for an answer. She only kept her gaze on her if she heard it right. She wanted to say yes but there was something in her telling her that it would be unfair for Percy.

„Yeah sure, that would be awesome“ Y/N said smiling. Jenna shot her smile back.

„Okay, so this friday?“ she asked the other girl. Y/N looked at Jenna, she didn´t know this girl would be so fast, she thought they were just talking about the possibility, not that they were already making plans.

„Yes, I should be free.“

„Great, can you give me your phone?“ Y/N gave her phone to Jenna „Here, you better text me football player.��� she said smiling as she stood up from the bench and started to walk away. Y/N laughed softly.

„Of course.“ she whispered under her breath and kept staring at her back until she couldn´t see her anymore. She picked up her phone and looked at the new contact. Jenna xx.

It was already the end of the week Y/N was getting ready to hang out with Jenna, and she texted her about the details. They are going to watch the film in the other girl´s room since her roommate is going to a party. She walked out of the bathroom and saw Percy, she didn´t tell him about her going out. It´s not like she has to say it to him, right?

„Hey you planning to go somewhere?“ he asked.

„Uhm... yeah, some boys from the football team asked me about hanging out with them.“ she said. Y/N hated lying but what would he say if she told him she was hanging out with the girl he had a crush on? It´s not her fault that Jenna invited her, or is it?

„Oh okay, we are going to the party some students are throwing, wanted to ask you if you want to come but it´s good.“ he only smiled at her. She thanked him and he soon left the room. It was already time to go so she picked up some snacks she bought and left the dorm.

“So? Your rating?” Jenna turned to face the other girl. They just finished watching Scream and all Y/N can say, it got her. They were sitting on the small couch, snacks around them, she faced Jenna and only the light from the TV made her see her. The girl´s hair was loose on both sides of her face, she was not wearing any makeup and her bare face only made the girl’s heart skip a beat. It was refreshing seeing her like this and also Y/N felt proud because this meant that Jenna felt comfortable around her.

“It was pretty good, not bad not good.” Y/N acted unbothered.

“Oh yeah? That’s why you didn’t blink the whole movie?” she smirked at Y/N, she squinted her eyes at her “Be honest.”

“Okay! I enjoyed it so much and actually liked the plot, that’s what you wanted to hear?”

Jenna tilted her head “That’s what I thought. What can I say… I have a good taste.”

They kept silence between them, it wasn’t embarrassing or tense silence. It was comforting. They were looking at each other.

“Tell me about your family.” the brown-eyed girl said softly, holding gaze with the other girl.

“Well, I live with my parents and my twin sister” Jenna raised her eyebrows.

“You have a twin?” Y/N nodded at her question.

“What is she like?”

“Well…“ she didn’t know what to say, it felt weird talking about herself as if she was talking about someone else “She is cool, likes to keep things to herself most of the time, likes reading and writing poems…”

“She sounds interesting, you could introduce us to each other sometime.” she smirked at her.

“Yeah, I think she would like you”

“You think?” Jenna straightened her back “I’m amazing! Of course, she will!”

Y/N throws her head back with a laugh.

“How can you be so sure that you will meet her?”

“Oh believe me” Jenna smiled at Y/N “I know.”

Y/N felt the vibe of the room change. When she was with Jenna she almost forgot about everything and everybody, her brother, her parents, school, her and Percy´s deal, her impersonating her twin…

But only almost.

next chapter

[crushpunky]

rafe cameron x girlfriend!reader thoughts !!!

met during the events of season three, and grew closer following ward’s death. y/n really inspired him to be a better person and see the best in himself.

at the beginning of their relationship, rafe was very hesitant to show any type of vulnerability or emotion, worried he would come off as “weak” or “overbearing” and scare y/n off. slowly but surely, y/n showed him that he doesn’t have to hide and can express himself however he needs to when he’s with her.

rafe’s love languages are definitely physical touch and gift giving… and he loves to shower y/n in both

y/n’s love languages are definitely quality time and words of affirmation. she loves spending time with rafe doing anything or nothing, as long as they’re together she’s fine with that.

y/n wasn’t nervous about introducing rafe to her family. she loved him so much and was well aware of his own familial issues, but she also knew her family would care for him as much as she did.

on the other hand, she was very nervous about introducing rafe to her cat, kit kat:

“why are you sweating so much? do you need some water?” rafe asked as they pulled into y/n’s driveway. “no, it’s fine. i’m fine.” y/n trailed off. “you’re acting weird, baby," rafe reached across the console, taking y/n’s hand. “i’ve already met your parents, and they’re wonderful people. i don’t—” “no i’m just nervous about you meeting kit kat.” y/n mumbled, avoiding the small smirk that crept on rafe’s lips. “the cat?” rafe stifled a laugh. “don’t laugh, cameron! this is very serious!” y/n groaned, running a hand through her hair nervously. “what if he doesn’t like you, then what?” “you’ll just have to get rid of it i guess.” rafe said with a shrug, causing y/n to gasp. “that is not funny, rafe. and don’t call him ‘it’.” y/n scowled.

while kit kat did in fact like rafe, rafe held some sort of one-sided beef with the small, fluffy gray cat. he was fine with cats, but what he didn’t appreciate was how the cat always stole y/n’s attention…

rafe picks her up every saturday at exactly 9 am (even though he despises getting up anytime before noon on the weekend) to get coffee and stop at her favorite flower shop. the look of “surprise” on her face when he gets her a bouquet always makes his heart melt. because of this, he always made sure the vase in y/n’s windowsill was always filled with fresh flowers.

when rafe made it to 100 days clean, y/n woke him up with a cake she had spent the whole night making and a new lingerie set she had seen him eyeing the last time the two of them went shopping on the mainland. he wasn’t used to this sort of celebration or attention on his accomplishments, but needless to say he was very happy with the surprise.

y/n pushed rafe to reconcile with his sisters, encouraging him to make an effort to apologize to them and tell them about how much he’s changed from this violent, drug addicted young man he used to be.

for christmas, y/n convinced rafe to wear matching sweaters with her to their friends’ christmas get together. never in his life would rafe cameron ever thought to find himself doing something as cheesy as that, but with y/n, it just felt natural. not even topper and kelce’s teasing could shake his commitment to seeing y/n smile at their identical sweaters:

“no fucking way.” topper scoffed. “what’s your problem, thornton?” rafe quirked an eyebrow, wrapping an arm around y/n’s torso. “dude you are so pussy-whipped.” kelce shook his head, taking a sip from his mug. “yeah, yeah, i love my girlfriend, what’s so fuckin wrong about that? hm?” rafe pulled y/n in to kiss the top of her head. “you should see kit kat’s sweater too.” y/n said, going to pull out her phone. “woah, woah, woah. you did not tell me we were matching with the cat—”

rafe was so head over heels for y/n it was crazy. he found himself thinking about her all the time, picturing a future for the two of them together. he had never thought about having a family before, after knowing how fucked up his own was, but with y/n he wanted that. he wanted everything, as long as it was with her.

[starluvsx]

★𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬

𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨 𝐱 𝐟𝐞𝐦!𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

Word count:1015

Proofread:yup

WARNINGS: insecure reader,kissing,kinda angst and fluff

A/N: this took embarrassingly long to finish😭

𖦹 𖦹

"Okay so the next question is 'who was your first kiss' and what's the story behind it" Nick shouted over Chris and Matt trying to explain why fairies are and aren't real to each other.Everyone in the car immediately had their own separate reaction to this question.

Nick was smiling ear to ear, most likely because of the embarrassment that came with answering the question.matts head was down with a cringed face.me and Chris both looked at each other knowingly before my cheeks flushed and he looked away.

Once everyone had their stories in their heads we looked around for who should go first. "y/n i think you should go first" chris said with a cocky smile.

5 years ago

"ok so what do you wanna watch?" chris said as he sat down next to me on the bed.a good amount of distance between us for friends so it's too bad i wanted to be more than that.i played the lack of romance off by just ignoring it,refusing to look over at his side profile while he flicked through an assortment of movies.

"no clue, what are my options?" I asked while staring at the tv.

“Uhm maze runner ‘Nah’ nightmare before Christmas ‘ehh’ hairspray ‘YES OMG YES’ ”was how the interaction went before he clicked on the movie I wanted.

𝐌𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐞

While watching the movie we had gradually moved closer together.not on top of each other but definitely closer than before.now I was slouched down slightly with our shoulders touching, nothing crazy i know but I’ll take what I can get.

Once we got about an hour into the movie I began to zone out.letting myself to wander in my own thoughts.watching the romance movie only made these thoughts worse. “Jesus” I muttered under my breath.

“What, what’s wrong?”he asked, looking down at me.

“It’s nothing, just movies like this always make me sad.” I replied truthfully.I knew what I was about to say but I was ok with it.he was one of the few people I didn’t mind sharing these thoughts with.

“Why?” He asked with a puzzled look on his face.just one word for him but years of insecurities,self hatred and yearn for love for me.

“Cause I know I’ll never have anything like that, nobody will ever love me like that, ya know”I answered hesitantly while still staring at the tv.I had now sat up a little from the previous position I was in.being at the same level as him made me nervous especially since the topic of conversation but I had to,my back was killing me.

“Why do you think that?”Chris said with a slight laugh,as if he couldn’t believe I thought like that.now although the thought he was shook I found myself unloveable was comforting,I knew he was only being nice.

I looked at him for a second before saying what I had been thinking my whole life. “Dude I’m like the ugliest girl at school.” I answered honestly. “I mean it’s whatever, I know everyone thinks that.”I continued with a shrug at the end of my sentence.it felt weird talking about this but also for some reason, reliving.

The look he gave me after I said that wasn’t one I could describe or replicate.he looked shocked and confused at the same time almost. “I don’t think that…”he mumbled.if I hadn’t tuned out the movie long ago I wouldn’t have even heard him to be honest

“What” was all I could say.had i misheard him?I must've, right?

"I don't think you're the ugliest girl in the school, you're...you're beautiful ''he said, making me feel like I was in a scene from a movie.although i wanted to keep up my nonchalant act of not caring about what others thought,i simply couldn't.

i was shocked he had said this.my lips were slightly parted due to me knowing i wanted to say something but not really knowing what to say.i mean how does one respond to that.his eyes flicked down to my lips before the one thing i never thought would happen, happened

Before I could realize what he was about to do, the boy in front of me who I had been crushing on for like forever grabbed my jaw and connected our lips passionately.I was shocked at first but slowly melted into the kiss I had been longing to have for most of my life.

our mouths moved in sync while both of our eyes were closed.it felt like we were the only two people on the planet.once we pulled away i took a moment to look at the boy in front of me.his disheveled hair,piercing blue eyes, pinkish lips, he was perfect.i then said words i don't think i will ever forget saying. "i-i think your beautiful too"

my face heated up as i finished the story. "You guys are too cute, it makes me wanna throw up."Nick said jokingly. Normally I would respond with something snarky but if I opened my mouth i think I would burst out laughing out of embarrassment and nervousness.chris's head was just down, most likely with the same expression as me.

"We were so corny" he said, laughing as he picked his head up.although i thought the moment was really cute,it was pretty cringe when i think back on it.

"We were like 15,"I said in my own defense.

"yea and you wouldn't even get with me till like 2 years later!" my boyfriend responded.

"ok ok next story"i started with a huge smile on my face still.

[xztloux]

hey pookie butt 😈 got a bill request for you

okay so like im thinking reader comes from a family that isn't too wealthy so she refrains from buying expensive things for herself. but like adores gift giving so she won't hesitate to spend money on anyone else or will make them something by hand.

So one day Bill comes home with a pretty pricey gift he spent so long picking out for her and gives her a card and flowers along with it. and she's all "omg did I get our anniversary wrong?" and starts panicking and apologizes and asks him what the special occasion is. So when he tells her it's not a special occasion she's like, "But why?" and he's like "...just because....i felt like it? Do I really need a reason?"🧍 and she's so touched and starts crying cause no one had ever done something like that for her. and like basically just fluff after that yk? thats all, THANK YOU SO MUCH IF YOU DO THIS RAHHH

-smoopsy poops! ☝️😻

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿

▸ content warnings: none I don’t think?

▸ summary: bill surprises you and you get a little emotional

▸ A/N: who ever sent this in one, I love your energy 😭, two, THIS IS SO CUTE.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿

Today was a friends of yours birthday tomorrow and you loved giving people gifts so it was like Christmas came early for you. You had made these beautiful pink paper roses with “happy birthday” written on the petals since your friend loves flowers you thought it was be a nice thoughtful surprise. Honestly making gifts by hand or getting little thoughtful gifts for people was your specialty, you came from a family that didn’t have the biggest bank account and when you were younger you couldn’t afford to buy your friends “proper” (there is no proper gift in my opinion) presents for birthdays, Christmas etc.

So here you are now at your dining table finishing up the last petal before putting it into a gift bag ready to give it to them tomorrow. As you were you heard the front door open and bill walk into the kitchen. “I’m back love.” He said sounding excited and happy. “Hey.” You shouted back, before you felt a pair of hands over your eyes. “Bill, babe, what are you doing?” You giggled smiling at his little act.

“Nothing, just need you to stand up close your eyes and follow me.” He smiled grabbing your hands gently pulling you up from the dining room table. “Oh no..” you giggled in a teasing way. “Oh shut up and close your eyes.” Bill chuckled softly pulling you towards the kitchen. “Okay okay eyes closed.” You smiled closing your eyes as you felt bill lead you to kitchen, placing you at the kitchen island. “Okay wait there.” He said you could practically hear the excitement in his voice. You heard the sound of something being pulled out of a bag. “Okay okay open!” He says sounding very happy.

You open your eyes looking down at the kitchen island seeing a small bouquet of all your favorite flowers and a big white expensive looking box sat next to it. You were gobsmacked and hesitated. “Go on, open it.” Bill said with the biggest grin on his face as he handed you the box. You opened the box to find a three piece set of jewellery. A beautiful sliver diamond necklace along with a matching ring and bracelet, before you could say anything bill jumped in not being able to contain his excitement. “Do you like it? It’s the same one I saw you looking at the other night.” He smiled very happily. It’s true this was the set you’d been wanting forever but the price always put you off, it was to expensive.. and bill brought it for you.

“I..I..” you didn’t know what to say, you were at a loss for words, all you felt was tears forming in your eyes. Bill saw this and his fave a immediately dropped. “What’s wrong? Do you not like it?” He asked frantically. “..no no I love it.” You said softly tears running down your cheeks. “Then why are you crying my love?” He asked whipping your tears. “Because.. nobody’s done this for me before..” you said a small smile on your face. “Well…” Bill giggles softly. “You better get used to it now that you’re with me.” He grinned wrapping his arms around your waist. You laughed gently smiling up at him, before he kissed you.

[joocomics]

back into my head

from ─ ⋆ dinna’s holiday special 2023 *ੈ✩

pairings: gunil x virgin fem!reader

genre: smut wc: 4k

summary: your brother decides to invite his best friend who studies abroad over for christmas - the one that ruined your 19th birthday, and has gotten only hotter since you last saw each other

contains: sub!reader, virgin!reader, brother’s best friend trope, enemies to lovers trope, banter, nipple play (f!rec), oral sex (f!rec), pet names, praise kink, gunil acts like a sneaky perv a little, dirty talk, sex toys (use of vibrator)

You pull your brother into the bathroom, making sure no one has seen or followed you. The pure terror that glows in your eyes pierce right through his own, as you lean back on the door not letting him escape.

“What is he doing here?”

“What, you can invite your friend over for Christmas, but I can’t?” He raises a brow suspiciously.

“My friend is not a rude, inconsiderate asshole that goes through people’s stuff behind their back!”

“Are you still not over that shit? It was a joke.”

He attempts to push you away, but you do your best to stay still.

“He embarrassed me in front of all my friends! On my birthday!”

“Jesus Christ, I’m surprised you still have any friends left.”

“You should’ve at least told me he was coming!” You shout in a whisper, while your brother’s already pushing the door handle, only rolling his eyes at you.

“Hey,” Gunil follows your body movements, as you take your seat.

He sat next to you. Of course.

“Long time no see.”

“You’re back,” you’re just able to note through a crooked smile.

“Yeah, you don’t seem very excited about it.”

“I’m… surprised.”

“And even more beautiful than the last time I saw you.“

Although giving constant compliments to girls is a pretty known fact for your brother’s best friend, this still catches you off guard, and you feel your insides twist.

“Don’t even mention that day.”

“Why not?” His surprise almost feels sincere, forcing you turn to him.

As you remember the contours of his face, that still feel so familiar even after four years, you realise your memory is wrong. The last time you saw each other was actually when you went with your brother to drop him off at the airport for his second semester at university. You were successfully blocking out this day from your mind, as it was spent in you soaking your pillows with tears till you fell asleep. After that you decided to stop tagging along.

“You turned my nineteenth birthday into a total nightmare, remember?” You try to play it off, not expecting him to catch a thing.

“That wasn’t the last time I saw you though.” His lips slid up for a slight moment, but fall down quickly.

“Maybe it’s not, but it’s the one that’s engraved in my brain forever.”

“We made a pretty fun show, don’t you think?” He grins, turning half of his body at you.

“What are you talking about over there?” Your brother asks from across the table.

You look at Gunil challengelly giving him the opportunity to answer.

“I was just asking her about…” His lips slid upwards, as you shoot him a more warning look. ”How’s uni going.”

“Booooring.” Your brother whistles, piling his plate with food.

“I would be more than happy to drop out of the conversation, so please continue with whatever topic you like.”

“Me and your brother talk every day, but you on the other hand…” Gunil stops mid sentence, looking in another direction for a change. “You haven’t called or texted me once since I left the country.”

With eyes down in your still empty plate, because your appetite was long gone, you pray for your brother to speak up, and change the subject. But just at that exact moment you watch how one of your cousins decides to pull him by the sleeve, stealing his attention.

It starts to weigh heavy on you - the realisation that you’ll always have feelings for him. Your first crush, that started as a silly innocent possibility, but grew to be something out of control, that he’d never take seriously.

You’ll forever be his friend’s silly sister that’s so fun to mess around in hours of boredom.

“Aren’t you gonna ask how long I’m staying?” Gunil plays with his glass cup in one hand, deciding that maybe it’s time to change the direction of your poor conversation. “Your room hasn’t changed at all. Still very… pink.”

“You were in my room?!”

“Can you blame me?” He leans back in his chair, locking eyes with you. “It’s been years since I last saw you. I want to know what’s new.”

“Yes, I can blame you actually for a lot of things.”

“Such as?” His brow raises provocatively. “Wait, I know… for being too fucking handsome.”

“Oh, please just…” You turn around, trying to ignore him.

“Your neighbour told me I had a glow up.”

You scoff, pretending you just heard the biggest lie in your life.

“Got a boyfriend?”

“None of your business.”

“So still a virgin?”

Your fork falls down from your grip loudly. When did you even pick it up to hold it so intensely?

“For god’s sake… You haven’t changed at all, huh?” You glare at him and seeing his amusement makes you even more pissed. You continue your tirade, trying to speak as quietly as you can. “Still the same pervert who read my diary for fun in front of everyone. You disgust me.”

You take a sip of water, as your throat becomes dry in seconds. A sudden touch on top of your thigh makes you almost spit it out.

“Is this the only thing I make you feel?” Gunil leans close to your ear, so you’re the only one that hears him. “Are you not forgetting something?”

His fingers squeeze playfully when he catches you looking down in your lap. You immediately return your attention to the table, secretly looking around in case someone is watching. What is he thinking?

“I’m sure I’m not.” You try your best to sound cool and collected, but fail at it miserably.

You expect to hear another joke about one of the many passages you dedicated to him in your old diary, but he only removes his palm in silence.

It makes you regret for not doing it earlier yourself, but you couldn’t find a way to move a bone.

“I left you a present,” he speaks out after clearing his throat. “That’s why I was up in your room.”

“Why didn’t you just leave it under the tree like normal people do?”

“Cause it’s just for your eyes only.”

What kind of a sick joke does he have for you now?

You feel your chest and face flaming hot, as you excuse yourself.

“I have to go to the bathroom.”

Gunil watches you leaving the dinner table barely hiding his satisfied smirk.

He finds your small figure sitting on the big bed, and softly lit by the yellow string lights hanging from your window.

When you look at his direction your face looks scandalized.

“What is this?” You hold back to urge to cuss at him, as you close the box. You can’t look at this in his presence.

“Do you like it?”

“I can’t believe you’re still mocking me.”

“I’m not mocking you,” his brows shift in a confused gaze. “This is what you wanted and I got it for you. We both know you’re too scared to do it yourself.”

“Well, you’re wrong, I don’t want it and I never did. Thank you for thinking of me though.”

Still at the same spot in the middle of the bed, you reach at him with one hand, waiting to get rid of the pink box as quickly as possible.

“I doubt those small fingers do the job.” He says bluntly, not missing a single flinch of your stunned face.

Your eyes widen, as your cheeks begin to burn. His audacity to come here and entertain himself by making fun of you leaves you speechless.

“I know it’s probably a shock to you, but I go out with boys,” you speak the words slowly one after another, so they can slide in clearly in his brain. ”I’m actually currently seeing one, so this… you can return it or gift it to some of your hook ups. I’m sure you have many to choose from.” You force a smile.

Gunil chuckles, processing everything you just told him, before speaking in a more suggestive tone.

“Who is he?”

“Just… a guy I share a few classes with,” you reply, avoiding his gaze.

“Is he any good?”

You shake your head, feeling almost exhausted from his attitude. Just when you think it can’t get any worse he spits out another question.

“How many times has he made you cum so far?” You blink at him rapidly in disbelief, while he steps closer, sitting at the edge of the bed.

He doesn’t need to look at you to know you’re making this up.

“H-he is… good.” you stutter, thinking of a response. “That’s all I’m going to say, cause anything else is none of your business.”

He grins, feeling your flustered gaze roaming all over his back. Your voice began to tremble, leading him to think that you’re either seeing someone you’ve done nothing with yet, or you’re not seeing anyone at all.

“There’s no need to lie to me, sweetheart.” Gunil turns to fixate his eyes on your flushed cheeks. Your skin is warmly colored from the fairy lights, but he could still see that you’re blushing. “Do you want me to show you how to use it?” He rests on his side, crossing fingers in anticipation, but you just roll your eyes, dismissing him.

Before you have time to react his hands remove the lid of the box, letting everything fall down on the mattress. The pink toy appears where you did not want to see it the most - between you and Gunil.

Blood rises to your face once again, as you watch his fingers wrap around the handle, pressing a button. You almost jump when you hear its sound. The fear of someone passing by your room and hearing it causes you to instantly steal the vibrator from him, but his grip is stronger.

“Relax,” he cackles at your startled expression. “It’s not that loud, see? People think about those things.” His eyes quickly glance at your hand on top of his. The fact it took you some time to pull it away even after he silenced the toy felt like a little reward to him.

“You didn’t give me an answer.” Gunil runs his heavy palm over your knee.

Your lips part, as you want to say something, but you’ve run out of words the moment he came to lay beside you. You really don’t want to just stay silent and so obviously embarrassed - it’s humiliating how every little thing he does has such a big and vivid effect on you. But the only thing you could do right now is go number under his touch.

“I-I…” You stutter under your breath. The higher his hand goes, the harder it becomes to pretend. You want this. You want him. You’ve always had. “Yes… you can show me.”

“Show you what?”

He chuckles when you look away frightened at the thought of having to say the full sentence.

You watch him moving the box and the wrapping paper aside not expecting him to come on top of you straight away. The weight of his body falls on top of yours, as his mouth instantly finds your neck. The texture of his tongue burns your skin, leaving warm and wet traces up to your ear, causing goosebumps. Before you realise, your fingers are lost in his soft hair, pulling him closer.

“You took so long to answer, sweetheart, I forgot what my question was.” His lips follow along the line of your jaw, moving to your parted mouth. “You have to refresh my memory before I go any further.”

His hot breath sticks all over you, as he speaks through his signature cocky smile.

“I want you t-to teach me… how to use it.”

“Why are you so shy?” He swipes his tongue along your bottom lip. “I’ve read your little fantasies about me there’s nothing to hide anymore.”

You’ve always wondered what Gunil’s mouth feels like. You’ve written in your diary all of the possibble ways he kisses so many times you’ve lost count. However, this doesn’t come close to any of them. He is gentle and rough; erotic and soft at the same time. The way he guides your lips radiates confidence and lust you’ve never felt before from any of the few guys you’ve been on dates with.

He takes your chin with his thumb and index finger, so he can make you open your lips wider for his tongue. The astonishing feeling of your tongues meeting makes your spine arch, begging to feel more of his body as possible.

He doesn’t break the kiss while the fingers of his right hand swiftly unbutton your cardigan.

You put a cardigan tonight, because you hated wearing bras at home, but if you had even the slightest idea that something like this was going to happen, you would’ve worn one - a pretty one that would match your panties. You gasp for air when he breaks the kiss for the first time so he can take a look of what was underneath it.

“Is this what you wear at home every day?” He asks and you swoon over how deep and intense his voice has become.

“Pretty much, yeah,” you breath out, as he keeps staring at your thin revealing top. One strip is hanging loose from your shoulder, while your nipples are poking lightly through the fabric.

He takes one boob in his hand and goes over its nipple with his thumb. The slow circles around it turn into a squeeze when he attaches his mouth against yours for a long wet kiss which he takes down your neckline.

Your lips part in awe from being suddenly struck with lost for words from how aroused you feel already.

Unconsciosly you humm in bliss when he runs his tongue over your top. Sucking harshly on your breast, he forces your sensitive nipple to perk up, which he takes as a sign to put even more pressure through more licks and bites, soaking the fabric with his spit. You grip on the cushion, as he holds your boob and quickly circles the tip of his tongue around the clothed bud.

The cute squirming of your body forces his cock to twitch eagerly every second.

“You’re so sensitive, princess,” he whispers, letting his spit drop down over your nipple before taking it between his lips again. A long muffled groan escapes his throat when you grab a handful of his hair, as he still holds it between his teeth. “Feel like you can cum just from having your nipples sucked.” He pinches the bud and you whimper, feeling the rush of it coloring your face.

Gunil pulls back to take off your pants, tossing them to the floor. He smirks approvingly when you sit up to remove your cardigan.

“Good girl.”

His hand caresses your cheek, sliding down your shoulder, before pulling away to find the vibrator.

When you hear the toy turning on, your body tenses again from the overwhelming excitement and nerves clouding up your mind. The buzzing sound fills the thick air, as the head moves towards your intimate place, making your heartbeat race. You won’t be surprised if he could hear that too.

You instantly respond to the unfamiliar thrill the moment it sneaks through your panties. The sensation lands on your clit, shooting waves of pleasure, as Gunil holds the vibrator steady in one place. The sudden contact makes you gasp vocally while clenching your tummy.

“Mmmm,” Gunil wets his lips at the pretty view of your bare plush thighs spread apart for him. The sight of your expressions changing rapidly from how good you feel turns him on even more. “Feels nice, doesn’t it?” He leaves it over your clit for a while, waiting for the feeling to take you over. His fingertips are travelling on your left inner thigh, scratching and wishing they could feel more of you already.

You shut your eyes only humming in agreement. As the vibrations sink into your pussy your legs begin to slightly move around from excitement, your toes rubbing against the fabric of Gunil’s pants. You can feel yourself get wetter from how your underwear is now sticking to your folds, and your hole is starting to clench. It feels warm, energising, and like nothing you’ve ever felt from playing alone with your fingers.

Gunil removes the vibrator without saying a word and that makes you yap from surprise, but also from desperation. You swallow down the urge to plead to put it back exactly where it was, but that doesn’t seem to matter much when he grins at your hazy eyes and pouting mouth.

“What, do you start to like your new toy?”

You rub your thighs together cause you couldn’t stand the high temperature down there anymore.

Gunil catches that in time, immediately seperating them again.

“P-please…” you mutter, going over your panties with your hand, hoping it’s going to make him put the toy back sooner.

“Fuck, you’re so gorgeous.” He pushes your thighs towards your chest, as you’re still in a sitting position just holding yourself on your palms. “Show me your tits, princess.”

You pull the straps of your top down your shoulders, leaving it around your stomach to expose your breasts for him.

He cusses quietly under his breath, placing back the vibrator on your clit, but this time pressing harder.

“O-oh… G-Gunil…” You moan towards the ceiling, as the rush floods back through your body, but ten times harder.

“You’ll learn to love it even more, sweetheart.” He says, while slowly moving the vibrations in circles, stealing even more delicate sounds from you. Watching you chew your lips almost violently in attempts to keep your pretty voice down grows his erection, making it difficult to keep it in his pants.

He brings the vibrator down to your wet hole, then brings it up again, leaving it to sit on the sensitive place. Meanwhile, the fingers of his other hand grips your leg, so his lips can travel freely on it. He starts placing wet hungry kisses all over your skin, unable to resist you.

You throw your head back with your face all scrunched up from the ecstatic delight. Every time Gunil shifts the vibrating head a scream creeps up in your throat from how amazing it feels, but you fight it back. As you tug on the sheets for support, you begin rolling your hips against the toy, reaching for your peak. That instantly pulls his attention away from your leg.

“Fuck, you’re so hot, Y/N…” He groans, running his hand over your lower abdomen, imagining the way his dick would touch your cervix. “Wanna give you my cock so fuckin’ bad, you’ll take it so well, sweetheart..”

“G-Gunil, I…” You fall on your back, as you feel like breaking down any second now.

“Princess… need you to cum for me…” Gunil pants, holding your thighs apart.

As if his words were a charm, the second they sank into your mind, your figure begins to shake, forcing him to get a hold of you in a way the vibrations won’t escape your clit.

“Yeah, baby, let it out. Good girl.”

Your hands fly to cover your mouth, but as the orgasm gradually fades out, you hide your burning face too. You can hear Gunil’s chuckles, teasing you for not being able to comprehend what just happened.

He provokes you to peek through your fingers by kissing around your bellybutton just so he can reach lower, biting on the waistband of your underwear. The sudden slap of the fabric against your skin after he drops it from between his teeth makes you flinch.

“Fuck, what do we have here?” He grins amused after he settles between your thighs.

You could feel his warm breaths coming at your leaking pussy. Subtle, yet so effective in waking up a new wave of arousal in your body, that maybe just never went away. Instead it just keeps growing stronger.

“You’ve made a big mess, princess.”

Feeling his index finger slide down between your lips, pressing into your tiny hole has you break a whimper.

“Gunil, I…” You stutter around your words, still regaining control of your breathing. “I’ve never done it before.” It would’ve took you a lot longer to admit it if you had to look at him, so you stay with your eyes squeezed shut.

“I know, sweetheart.” You sense a smile that doesn’t have the usual perky ring to it. It actually feels comforting. “It’s okay. I’ll teach you everything you need to know.”

He sucks the soaked patch of your panties into his mouth, savouring the sweet taste. The muscled tip of his tongue sends a strong rush through your core after it moves between your folds.

How is it possible to feel so intense even through the fabric?

“I’m afraid we have to return downstairs soon. People will start looking for us.”

You look at his hair, that was so neat and put together when he got here, and now is a mess; his eyelids dropping heavy like he’s intoxicated; how are you supposed to leave the room pretending like nothing has changed?

Your chest that just calmed down minutes ago begins to rise quicker again, as his palm rubs you gently while he speaks.

“I want to give you my cock nice and slow when it’s only the two of us, sweetheart.”

You shiver, but your body burns from his voice, as if you’re having a fever. Chilly air brushes at your entrance when he pulls your panties aside, exposing the view he’s been craving.

“I want to listen to your pretty moans…” his sentence stops from the way he concentrates on sliding a finger through your tight dripping hole. He sighs from relieving pleasure when it goes in, and continues his thought. “How they rise higher and higher as I fuck your silly brains out.”

Your head rises up to see his mouth going into your cunt, making its first laps at your slickness. The sudden contact makes your bones tremble, and your eyes roll back at your skull. When he suddenly moves his head left to right, teasing your clit with his tongue, you let out a deep groan, that you realised was dangerously loud way too late.

You hiss at the stimulating combination he creates between fingering and swiftly playing with your clit. His tongue caresses the nerves with strong forceful moves that at one point make you shift your hips up for even more friction.

“Ahh, s’good…”

His lips suck loudly on your clit one last time while looking into your eyes. His attractiveness in that small moment almost blurs your vision.

“Princess, you have no idea how sweet you taste…” He spreads your pussy nicely with both hands, giving it a nice look as if he wants to memorise every little detail about it. “Just like candy,” he adds, feeling his erection throbbing painfully at your tiny cunt pulsing from cute sensitivity; from needing to be filled up; needing to be stretched out.

You don’t even realise until you hear it, but the vibrator is back into his hand.

“Here, try it yourself now.”

When you take it from him without saying a word, Gunil quickly moves you in another position with ease. He guides your hand that’s holding the buzzing toy between your legs, as you’re standing on your knees. He presses your head into the mattress, then lifts your butt up in the air.

“Good girl, you look so pretty spread out like this for me.” He strokes your spine, your hair, your ass cheeks, while his hips push his huge boner into your behind. “F-fuck…” he pants, as you start to whimper in sync with his thrusts. “This is how I’ll fuck you, baby… This is how I’ll ruin that sweet pussy of yours.”

He teases your clenched hole, as you already struggle enough to hold the vibrations on your clit from being close to orgasm again. You repress your noises into the sheets when two of his fingers manage to insert your tight entrance. Slowly, but steadily they begin to stretch it out, massaging your gummy walls.

“Let me strech you out a little, sweetheart. You cannot fit even half of me in there.”

Your thighs begin to jiggle from not only the sensations that go through your core, but now from his curled up fingertips too, while the rest of your body moves back and forth from his lower body humping you.

The feeling of his rough clothed bulge pressing into your flesh makes something inside your chest flutter. He moves exactly how he would if he was gliding his dick in and out of you. Airy moans escape his mouth, echoing into your mind, as the sound of them is one of the most hypnotising sounds you’ve ever heard. You wish you could see this intimate, but filthy image of him using you as if you’re a pillow, but you can’t.

“Damn, princess.. so fuckin’ tight around me, fuck…” He cusses behind your shoulder, forcing you to melt on the mattress with his groans. “You barely let me move, baby.”

His sounds alone can make you come undone, and with the strong buzzing coating your pussy, it doesn’t take you long to whine his name over and over again.

His wrist begins to slam into your ass, as you squeeze his fingers tightly, soaking them with so much moisture.

“Cum on my fingers like the good girl you are for me, princess, come on…”

You suffocate from digging your face into the sheets, meanwhile your legs gradually collapse with your toes curled from pleasure. After you roll over on your back, feeling completely washed out, Gunil cannot resist. He spreads the sticky wetness all over your skin, watching it glisten everywhere under the yellow lights coming from the window. He swipes one finger once between your messy lips, chuckling at your legs instantly closing.

You both stay in silence for a while. If the noise of every single person of your family over talking the others counts as silence.

“So…” You whisper, glancing at him. “How long are you staying?”

! please do not repost, copy or translate my works

! please keep in mind that english is not my first language. i apologise in advance for any mistakes i’ve might missed

[reluctantjoe]

‘Baddies are my new type’: Mathew Baynton on Ghosts, Wonka and wicked villains

He is about to say goodbye to his role in beloved spectral sitcom Ghosts. But dastardly turns in Wonka and the a festive Agatha Christie drama suggest the actor’s future is bright – if somewhat nefarious

“I feel like I’m moving into really wanky territory now,” says Mathew Baynton, looking a little anxious. We are talking about Ghosts, the much-loved comedy about a gaggle of spirits consigned to spend the afterlife in a crumbling country mansion, which Baynton co-writes and in which he plays a deceased Regency poet. After a triumphant five seasons, Ghosts officially breathed its last in October – except there’s now a Christmas episode on its way. (Last year’s Christmas special drew 5.9 million viewers, making it the BBC’s biggest comedy of 2022.)

When I ask Baynton what it is about Ghosts that struck a chord with viewers, he worries he might sound pretentious. “But here goes,” he says. “I have learned that, as a writer, you don’t always know what you’re writing. There are the quite boring times where you have an idea and it comes out as you imagined, and there’s no mystery in that process. But when it’s exciting, you have an idea and it leads you to places you don’t expect.”

With Ghosts, he and his co-writers initially imagined hundreds of spirits haunting Button House, which would have allowed them to tell different stories with a new set of characters each week. “But when we looked at the taster tape we made, we all went: ‘Hang on, there’s something much richer here,’” Baynton continues. “We realised it was a show about people being stuck together, potentially in eternity, and how they find ways to get along. All of which is to say that I’m enamoured with Ghosts too because, right from the get-go, we had absolutely no idea what it would become.”

Baynton, who is 43, is talking from his study at home in north London where he lives with his partner, the film historian and film-maker Kelly Robinson, and their two children. He is self-effacing and thoughtful, choosing his words carefully and, at intervals, wondering if he could be expressing himself better. “I think it’s partly the writer in me,” he says, “but I do come away from conversations thinking how I’d like to rewrite things I’ve said.”

As an actor, Baynton has cornered the market in ultra-sensitive men who walk a fine line between pathos and silliness. Along with his lovelorn poet in Ghosts, there was his turn as a Victorian psychiatrist in 2017’s Quacks, who masterminds a new treatment for patients called “talking”; his lute-playing bard in the 2015 film Bill, about the early life of Shakespeare (“London is not going to know what hit it!”); and good Samaritan Sam in The Wrong Mans (2013-14), which he co-wrote and starred in alongside James Corden.

But this winter heralds a new set of projects that Baynton has dubbed “my Christmas of villainy”. In Murder Is Easy, based on the Agatha Christie novel about a spate of killings in a sleepy English village, he plays a doctor who, he says, “is an awful person with some very awful views”. Next year brings A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, based on Holly Jackson’s bestselling YA novel, in which a young true-crime enthusiast investigates a five-year-old murder case; Baynton can’t reveal too much, although he confirms his character is a far cry from the puppy-eyed romantics for which he is known. And in the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory prequel, Wonka, released in cinemas earlier this month, he plays the devious Fickelgruber, Wonka’s Brylcreemed rival in the confectionery business.

Baynton can’t account for this sudden pivot into treachery beyond the fact that “a few [casting directors] had the same idea at the same time … Acting is strange like that. You do one notable thing early on and you are put on a track that for 10 years that can be hard to get off. Perhaps baddies are my new type.”

Wonka was co-written by his friend and Ghosts compadre Simon Farnaby (who also co-wrote Paddington 2) and was filmed at Warner Bros Studios in Hertfordshire. For Baynton, it “felt like you were with the same kids but in a plush playground … Even though you’re working with this huge Hollywood star [Timothée Chalamet, who plays Wonka] and you’re on a set that probably cost the same as an entire series of Ghosts, it’s still a comedy with a big heart, so for me it felt like home.”

Baynton and Farnaby first came together on the set of Horrible Histories, the anarchic children’s sketch show that recreated history’s most ludicrous and bloodthirsty moments, alongside Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard and Ben Willbond. Shortly after it finished its decade-long run, the six of them wrote the madcap puppet comedy Yonderland, largely because “we couldn’t bear that we weren’t going to get together for more mucking about in front of the camera”. This was followed by Bill, and, four years later, Ghosts. They have even given themselves the collective name Them There, mostly for production credits, though “no one actually calls us that”. Aren’t they more Britcom’s answer to the Brat Pack? “I don’t know about that,” Baynton says, bashfully, “though it depends on which of them you think I am.”

The youngest of three children, Baynton grew up in Southend on a diet of sea air and his dad’s Monty Python cassettes. He reckons being lowest in the pecking order at home contributed to his desire to perform and be noticed. In his teens, he went through a morose period during which he was overtaken by self-consciousness, but then he discovered theatre via a production of Bruno Schulz’s The Street of Crocodiles by Theatre de Complicité “which moved me to tears in ways I couldn’t understand and ignited something in me. I knew I wanted to be in that world in some way.”

Baynton went on to drama school, where he studied directing, but when he got there he realised acting was his calling. He spent a summer as assistant to Cal McCrystal, then director of the physical theatre group Peepolykus, who pushed him to join in with improv games. Later he went to Paris to study under the renowned clown Philippe Gaulier, which cemented his love of slapstick. Upon returning home, McCrystal gave him his first break on the stage in a production of Joe Orton’s Loot.

But it was Horrible Histories that really opened doors for Baynton, both as an actor and writer. On being offered the job, he nearly turned it down, fearing that he might get stuck doing nothing but children’s TV, but his agent persuaded him to take the job by telling him: “No one will see it.” In a talk last year at the Oxford Union, Baynton remarked how, were they making it today, they would do certain things differently, such as not using white actors in tanning makeup to portray Egyptians.

“I think it’s important that we examine where the line is [around portrayals of other cultures],” he says now. “It’s a murky area where intention sometimes doesn’t match reception. Certainly, no one had bad intentions making Horrible Histories and none of us at that time, in the culture as it was, hesitated and thought: ‘Hang on, maybe I shouldn’t play an Egyptian.’ But times have changed and I would hesitate now.”

If the odd Horrible Histories sketch hasn’t aged well, it is worth observing the sensitivity and inclusivity that runs through Ghosts. Baynton notes how throwing together characters from different historical periods allowed them to “highlight wrongful attitudes and interrogate how they had arrived at them. At one point, there’s a gay wedding at Button House and [the ghost of] Lady Button is appalled and goes on this journey in which she faces her own homophobia. When we were writing that story, it felt like I was having a conversation with my homophobic nan.”

Baynton is content moving between acting and writing, not least because “if I’m between acting jobs, it means I get to dream up new projects for myself and my friends”. Keen to avoid any signs of egotism as his career soars, Baynton keeps his feet on the ground by recalling the “pure dystopian hell” of his time as a school leaver working in a call centre. There, every second of the day was monitored and he was once upbraided by a manager for taking too many toilet breaks. “So when I’m on set in a scratchy costume or I’m feeling a bit tired and thinking what a terrible time I’m having,” he says, “I remember that time, and what a privilege it is do what I do.”

[plussizefantasia]

Hallow's Eve

Flufftober Day 24: Ghost AU

Matt Murdock x ghost!reader

Word Count: 1.5k

AN: This one really isn't my favorite but I think that's just because I'm not very good at writing Matt. Anyway... Reblogs and Feedback are always appreciated and I'll see y'all tomorrow.

divider credit @royallaesthetics

Matt didn’t celebrate Halloween, he doesn’t really remember when he stopped just that Stick thought it was childish, and there wasn’t time for silly little traditions when he had much more important things to do. 

“You’re telling me that all other 364 days a year, you roam around the neighborhood in a red devil costume but, you don’t celebrate Halloween.” Foggy had asked incredulously when he asked Matt if he wanted to go out and pretend to be younger than they were for the one night a year it was socially acceptable.

“That is exactly what I’m telling you. Besides Foggy, I’m busy, we’ve got a case to present on Monday and we don’t have a solid argument yet. I will be here, doing my job until my job is done.”

“You’re an enigma man. Sometimes it’s like I don’t even know you.”

“Not funny Foggy, I’ll see you on Monday.”

It was pure luck that Halloween fell on a Friday this week, it meant that Foggy who no longer had the metabolism that he did in college would have two days of recovery time. And he would be able to actually do his job on Monday, which was important given that his name was on the front door.

Matt continued working through the sounds of drunken cheers that floated from down the street. He worked until the moon had risen, and risen and risen a little further until it was a little ways past the middle.

That's when you showed up. People weren’t wrong when they said that there was a stronger connection to the spirit world on Halloween. You’d been watching this man work all night, but you couldn’t understand why exactly he had all the lights off. It hadn’t been recently that you died, but when you did you were pretty sure that most humans couldn’t read in the dark.

When the clock struck three though, the witching hour began and you could feel yourself beginning to take shape. Still in the clothes you were in when you died, your silhouette began to fade into existence. 

Had Matt actually been able to really see he would instantly clock the faint glow that surrounded your body. The way that he could sort of see the other side of his office through your body. He would’ve been able to see that you weren’t really alive.

“Do you normally work in the dark?” You cautioned a question. The man hadn’t freaked out which from your understanding was usually the first thing the living did when they were presented with something they didn’t understand. They tried to kill it which in your case had already been done, or they ran away in fear. This man hadn’t done either and you were far too curious to let it go.

Matt, at hearing your words practically jumped three feet in the air. His heart started racing and it was all he could hear. The blood rushed in his ears as he spun around to try and locate the random person who had actually managed to sneak up on him.

He didn’t think it was possible for someone to really sneak up on him, but perhaps he was so entranced in his work that he didn’t hear you come in. Nevertheless, he had an act to upkeep so he mustered up enough breath to send you back a shaky reply.

“Um.. yes, yes I do it saves money on the energy bill and I don’t really need them.” He gestured to the glasses on his face and the cane was leaning against his desk.

‘Oh! Oh. That makes much more sense. I thought you were just really weird.”

“Well that hasn’t actually been ruled out yet.” Matt Shrugged. “So why are you here at…” he felt the numbers displayed on the braille clock Karen had given him for Christmas the past year “3:05 in the morning on Halloween of all nights.”

“I think I should be asking you that question.” You shot back, not wanting to explain that you had died in this building and were stuck in a perpetual state of haunting until you “finished your unfinished business” or some crap like that.

“I have a big case on Monday and I need to work on my argument, although I’ve been working for hours and haven’t really gotten much closer.”

“You’re a lawyer?” You asked.

“Um, Yeah? Nelson and Murdock, it’s on the door.” Matt pointed toward the front door. And after a brief look of your own, you realized he was right. There it was Nelson and Murdock, attorneys at law. “If you don’t mind me asking, why are you here? If you don’t need a lawyer.”

“Do you believe in ghosts?” You asked the man.

Matt was taken aback by the question, it was an abrupt change in topic but one that he figured was pretty on brand given the holiday.

“No. No, I believe in heaven and hell and that everyone goes to one or the other.” He succinctly summarized.

“Well, what about the people who don’t go anywhere? What about the spirits stuck in between?”

“I’m not sure there are any.”

“There are.” Your conviction was surprising to Matt. What was more surprising to him though, was that you didn't have a heartbeat. He didn’t really catch onto it first, with his own heartbeat strong in his ears at first he wouldn’t have been able to hear yours if he tried. But now that he had tried and failed he was struggling with coming up with an explanation.

You were seeing in real time the struggle Matt was having within himself. 

“Why don’t you have a heartbeat?”

“What?”

“I can hear everyone’s heartbeat, I’ve been able to hear every heartbeat of everyone I’ve met for a very long time but I can’t hear yours. Why?” 

“Dead people don’t usually have heartbeats.”

“You can’t be dead you’re talking.” Matt shot back, beginning to sound slightly out of breath.

“Well, that’s just not true. Because I am dead, and I am talking and you can hear me so…”

“I’m going crazy. Or I fell asleep at my desk. Or…” You heard Matt begin to mumble to himself.

“What is your favorite color?”

‘Can’t see color.”

“Really? That must be terribly dull.”

“It can be”

“Well then what is your favorite animal?” You questioned.

“Why?” He asked, still slightly out of breath.

“Humor me.”

“Umm, a dog.”

Matt’s breath slowly evened out. He wasn’t actively panicking which was good, the last thing you wanted was for him to fall and hit his head and for people to think he was crazy when he woke up speaking about ghosts. 

“I didn’t mean to freak you out. But whether you like it or not, I am stuck here for the next,” You looked around the room for a clock, finding one hanging on the wall of a closed-off room surrounded by glass “Thirty-five minutes.”

“What do you mean stuck here?” 

“I can’t leave this building, and I get a little more faded the further I walk from this room at all.”

“Why?”

“I’m not sure you want to know.”

“I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

“I was killed in this room, didn’t see who did it, didn’t know it happened until it was already over. I can’t leave because my spirit is tied here. Believe me, I would if I could. Who wants to spend the rest of eternity tied to an old office building?” You let out a self-deprecating laugh.

‘I’m sorry” Matt had whispered. 

“Don’t be. It was a long time ago, I’ve come to terms with it all.”

“Is there anything I can do? Or?”

“I’m not sure, Supposedly if I finish my unfinished business I’ll be able to move on but I’m not sure what that would be. Or how I would be able to finish it when I only become really formed for an hour every year.”

You two existed in silence for several moments. You, contemplating what it was that got you stuck here in the first place, and Matt thinking he was crazy for offering his help to an actual ghost.

“I could look into your story if you want.” He cut the silence.

“Really? You’d do that?”

“Yeah, why not? I’d just need your name.”

‘Y/N, Y/N L/N.” you smiled.

You two spent the next twenty minutes talking about the last day that you could remember, anything that might help Matt in his search for more information about you. And when you could feel yourself beginning to fade as the hour expired you were feeling a lot lighter than you had any Hallow’s Eve before.

“Thank you, Matt.”

[jokertrap-ran]

[Gakuen K] Kusanagi Izumo Route: My feelings are real Translation

*Translator’s note : MC’s name shall remain as my normal (水嶋ラン) *Gakuen K Masterlist / Gakuen K Mobile Masterlist *Spoiler FREE : Translations under cut !

Red Club: MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Misaki: Hey, Kamamoto! How’d you like my special Christmas fried rice?!

Kamamoto: It’s delicious! But isn’t there way too much paprika and bell peppers in this?

Misaki: Don’t fret the small things, dumbass! It’s Christmas! Garnishing stuff with red or green is the norm!

Izumo: There's plenty of food here, Mikoto. Eat up before you head home.

Mikoto: Just eating doesn't make it any different from any other day…

Izumo: Oh? Wanna sing Jingle Bells then?

Mikoto: No thanks.

Ran: (Kusanagi-san’s going on with life as if nothing's happened…)

Ran: (What should I have done back then?)

Ran: (Do I really have to give up on my love for him…?)

Totsuka: You seem down. What's up? Food not to your taste?

Ran: Oh, no… I think it's plenty delicious.

Totsuka: Really? Then what’s with the glum look? Santa's gonna run and happiness is gonna flee if you keep that up.

Ran: Sorry…

Totsuka: Is it because of Kusanagi-san, by chance?

Ran: Wha-

Totsuka: Ahaha, bullseye.

Totsuka: I love you, you know.

Totsuka: Not just you. King, Kusanagi-san, Yata, and Kamamoto too. I love the members of the Red Club.

Totsuka: That's why I was happy for you two when I learned that you were both dating. Because the people I love have found love in each other, sharing in happiness and joy.

Totsuka: But, the truth in reality isn't as sweet. I can see that you're both hurting.

Totsuka: You guys got together because you loved each other, so what happened?

Ran: I… don't know. Kusanagi-san never told me the reason behind his decision.

Totsuka: And you're fine with that?

Ran: …

Totsuka: See, I'm the type of person who delves deep into things that have my attention. Once I jump, it's all in or nothing, and I won't leave till I'm satisfied and have all the cards.

Totsuka: I'd hate to have things that I'm being kept in the dark about remain out of reach forever.

Totsuka: The world is full of mysteries and wonders. And not even I or the Gods can unravel them all, but—

Totsuka: I believe that we can always reach out and unravel those closest to us.

Totsuka: If there's something you don't know, make it so that you are in the know. Don't give up on it till you do. Because giving up is equivalent to throwing away the future it presents.

Ran: (If there's something I don't know, make it so that I do, and don't give up on it…)

Ran: (But what would I even do once all the cards are laid out before me?)

Ran: (If I learn the reason why he hates me now…)

»» ━━━━━━━ ∘◦♔◦∘ ━━━━━━━ ««

Izumo: Ahh~ I'm beat… Really wasn't expectin’ clean up to take this long…

Ran: Kusanagi-san.

Izumo: Hmm? Oh, hey. It's you. What are you still doin’ here this late?

Ran: I was… waiting for you.

Izumo: Me?

Ran: You broke up with me when we went shopping last time. I'd like to know the reason why.

Ran: Because I still love you, and I can't accept it.

Ran: If it was something about me, or something I did wrong, then I'll try my best to change.

Ran: So, please. Tell me. Did I do something wrong?

Izumo: …

Izumo: You didn't do anythin’, it's me.

Izumo: I realized that I was startin’ to get too involved in the relationship.

Ran: !!!

Izumo: Despite me bein’ the one who said that I'd stick around because I wanted you to gain some self-confidence.

Izumo: I was casual ‘bout it at first, wantin’ to just stick around till the fledgling chick became a swan. Although, now that I think about it that was quite uncouth of me.

Izumo: I'd intended to let you go once you found someone you loved.

Izumo: But you were so cute, only growin’ more lovable as time passed. And the way you acted… seemed as if you really did love me.

Izumo: Before I realized it myself, you were all that I could think about.

Izumo: But, these are all just my selfish thoughts. You don't have to concern yourself with them.

Ran: Kusanagi-san… But, I—

Izumo: I'm sure you grew attached to me ‘cause I was always around you.

Izumo: Don't worry ‘bout it. You're cute, and with an illustrious personality to boot. I'm sure you'll be able to find a guy much better than me in no time.

Ran: I—

»» ━━━━━━━ ∘◦♔◦∘ ━━━━━━━ ««

Ran: I'm not settling for anyone else other than you, Kusanagi-san!!!

Izumo: Ran-chan…

Ran: And I'm serious about it. I really do love you. It isn't just puppy love or anything like that!

Ran: Because I already loved you before you even brought up dating!

Izumo: Wha…

Ran: That's when I realized that you didn't really see me as a girl.

Ran: But that was fine with me, as long as we got to spend time together…

Ran: But, surely, you do see me as a girl now, right?

»» ━━━━━━━ ∘◦♔◦∘ ━━━━━━━ ««

Izumo: …Yeah. That's right.

Izumo: No more. I won't let you go. Not for anyone; not for anythin’.

Ran: Kusanagi-san…

Izumo: I can be serious about you now?

Ran: Of course!

Izumo: I see. I won't hold back anymore then. I've given up on gettin’ over you.

Izumo: I have my own faults, but if you're willin’ to accept me… then I'll gladly reciprocate. After all, these feelings of mine— Well, they're as real as they can get.

»» ━━━━━━━ ∘◦♔◦∘ ���━━━━━━ ««

Next Scene: Late Christmas Present

[fayestardust]

Miscellaneous Tag game

Tagged by bestie @almost-a-class-act

Favorite place in the world you’ve visited?

Probably California, because accessibility is so great there. I actually loved LA, but I would guess I wouldn't like it so much if I had to live there. It's the visiting that is cool.

Something you’re proud of yourself for?

Honestly, for still being here? I know that seems like a dark thing to say, and it kind of is, but I've been through a lot of shit, and life continues to be hard. So I'm proud that I'm trudging through it.

On a more recent scale, I am really proud of myself for walking through the Bois Jacques and Trou de Loup forest the other day with my BoB family. It was the most I've walked in probably the last ten years and while I was completely out of breath, it felt great to have done it.

Favorite books?

I don't know anymore. Maybe the Housekeeper and the Professor. But recently, Wool by Hugh Howey.

Something that makes your heart happy when thinking about it?

The last time @almost-a-class-act came to visit, and also any of my BoB trips. Something about found family. Squeee.

Favorite thing about your culture?

Probably that we pull no punches. And I'm not sure if it's part of our culture but growing up, everyone was always welcome in our house. To stay for dinner, to sleep over, just about anything. I love that I was taught that.

When did you join the HBO War fandom? What was the first show you watched?

Band of Brothers way back when it came out when I was in high school. Our history teacher was cool like that. Then I watched it with my dad (now 84) and I got into the Pacific slightly after it came out. Fun fact is that I initially did not like it. Too violent and a bit scattered, I thought, but now I like it about just as much as Band. Covid launched me back into the series harder than ever before, and I watched both plenty of times with @almost-a-class-act. Then the whole art thing started and the rest is history.

Have you read any of Easy Company’s books? If so, which ones were your favorite?

I've read Band of Brothers, Easy Company Soldier and Parachute Infantry. Easy Company Soldier is my favourite out of those. I've also read Bob Leckie's book Helmet for My Pillow, which might be better.

Favorite HBO War character and your favorite moment with them?

I can't pick a favourite, it changes all the time. My favourite scene is Doc and Babe in their foxhole, though.

Do you make content for any fandoms, if so; what sort of content?

I make art and, on rare occasions, write fic and sometimes poetry. Not enough, though.

Favorite actor/actress and your favorite film of theirs?

Andrew Garfield can do no wrong. Give me him in just about anything. Under the Banner of Heaven was impactful. Reminds me that I have to finish watching Silence. I started watching it over Christmas with my family, but we decided it was too heavy for Christmas. Paul Mescal has been one of my recent faves.

Favorite quote/s that you wish to share with others?

I have one but my brain is broken and I can't think of it right now.

Random fact your mutuals/followers don’t know about you?

Hm, maybe I used to sing a lot and once recorded an album. Or that I wasn't always in a wheelchair.

If you’re a writer, do you need a beta reader (say yes so I can be your beta reader 🤭)?

Yes, but I have @almost-a-class-act. She never lets me down.

Three things that make you smile?

My cats. My signed art. My camera (nerd!)

Any nicknames you like?

Faye, K-Maart (begrudgingly)

List some people you love to see around on tumblr!

@mutantmanifesto @almost-a-class-act @derry-rain @cody-helix02 And loads of you who I just don't remember because my brain is overloaded.

What would you do during a zombie apocalypse?

Die.

Favorite movie?

I don't know, don't make me pick.

Do you like horror movies?

I do not. Though I guess it kind of depends on how suspenseful they are and if they have jumpscares.

Tagging: @derry-rain @mutantmanifesto @cody-helix02 @wordsluts

[toa-secretsanta]

'til the coffee gets cold

From Eleven to Tches-- Merry Christmas!

“Raymond-- I know you don’t appreciate it when I tell you how to do your job, but--” he is quickly met with a scowl, though it doesn’t fully deter Lucius from continuing his critique, “would it truly kill you to smile when talking to the customers…?” He returns Raven’s scowl with a look of disappointment, acting more like a mother reprimanding her child than a long time friend sharing his concerns. 

It was the norm for Raven to get a bit of an earful once the shop was empty. He never had the heart to say a single negative thing if there was even the slightest chance of someone overhearing, no matter how mild his “anger” was. Why he was so worried…well, he could only assume he didn’t want to embarrass Raven in front of any patrons-- not that it mattered in the end. Considering they were discussing his lack of proper customer service again, Raven knew damn well that he was already as unpopular with the customers as he could possibly be. “No, it wouldn’t kill me. I’m able to smile when I want to.”

“I…I know you are, Raymond-- I'm asking if you could smile. At the very least…wish them a good day once you’ve given them their order?” It was hard for someone like Lucius to give Raven all people orders. It was a complete reversal of roles, going from someone who worked under the Cornwells to now employing the man he had once called his boss-- even after all this time he wasn’t used to barking out orders. “I’m asking both as your friend and your boss…so please? You can do that much…can’t you?”

“Fine.” So long as he didn’t happen to get any of the more irritating customers it would be easy enough. While he knows that Lucius wouldn’t fire him for anything, especially not what others were saying about him…he didn’t want to make either of their lives harder than it had to be because of his own attitude.

---

The doorbell chimes as the last of the customers leave, giving the two men a chance to breathe. It wasn’t uncommon for a rush during the final hour, but something about tonight felt especially unforgiving. They manage, though-- they always do. “Ah, Raymond…you can take your break now if you’d like. I’m sorry it ended up being so late-- ah!” Once more the bell chimes as two new customers walk through the door. 

“Welcome!” Lucius is quick on the draw, a welcoming smile on his lips-- not overly obnoxious, something kind…genuine. “We’ll be with you in just a moment! Raymond-- do you mind taking their order before you go on your break, actually? I don’t mind preparing it…then you can relax until it’s time to clean.” 

It…was a bit of an odd request. While it made sense, Lucius would have normally taken it all on himself without hesitation. Raven raises a brow, but he doesn’t find it worth arguing over. He nods, walking over to the register where a man and a woman stand. As they give their orders he can’t help but stare at the woman for just a moment too long, finding her to be…familiar in some way. He couldn’t quite put his finger on why at first… “What’s the name?” The café was empty, so it didn’t really matter…but he could feel Lucius’ gaze bore into the back of his neck as he waited for him to ask. 

“Oh…just put them both under Priscilla, please…” She smiles, completely unaware of how that name shakes Raven to his very core. Even if he doesn’t let it show, his expression never falters past the widening of his eyes, his eyes follow her as she moves to the side to wait for their drinks. 

“Raymond…? Raymond!” Lucius snaps him out of his thoughts, two drinks in hand. “Your break…? I doubt we’ll have to serve anyone else, but I’m sure I can manage on my own for a moment.” 

“If you’re certain, then. I won’t be long--”

“Ah…Erk?” She’s apprehensive at first, her voice soft, though just loud enough for Raven to hear her from where he stands. “I think you may have grabbed the wrong order…none of this is right,” she laughs nervously, waving her hand as if asking her complaint to be dismissed, “but it’s alright! I don’t mind-- it still looks delicious!”

Erk, however, was having none of that. “What? Really-- I am sorry, Priscilla. I will bring it back and make sure they make it correctly this time.” He wastes not a single moment, her drink and food in hand as he walks back towards where Lucius was working away…leaving Priscilla all alone. It’s as if his body moves all on its own towards her table. He didn’t even know what he was planning on saying, or how he could even begin, but--

“You…can I help you?” Priscilla speaks first despite it all. She doesn’t seem bothered at all by his presence, her eyes moving to stare at the chair in front of her-- an invitation that Raven doesn’t dare to ignore. She scans his person, taking in every single detail once he’s sat. “Your name is…Raven?”

He raises his brow, confused on how she knew-- only to realize it was written on his nametag as such. “Oh, that. No…I just don’t care for strangers knowing my name. So I use a fake one on my nametag…” If only it were that simple, but it’s a good enough excuse for such a strange meeting. “It’s Raymond.”

Her eyes light up in an instant, bright enough to blind the poor man staring into them helplessly, leaning forward against the table in her excitement. Even like this…she is as delicate as they come. “Raymond-- you don’t…happen to have a sister, do you?"

"I-- Priscilla?" It's something out of a dream. If he had been in shock at simply hearing her name this felt like lightning striking him down where he sat. "Is it really...?"

"Yes...brother," there is only a moment of hesitance, as if the word is foreign on her tongue after so long, "it's funny-- I thought of searching for you for so long...only to stumble upon you completely by chance. Who would have thought my long lost brother was the handsome face so many of my classmates warned me about?"

He can feel his cheeks grow slightly warm at the comment, doing all he can to brush it off. "Classmates? So that man you're here with is...?" There's the slightest bit of relief at the realization, like a weight lifted off of his shoulders-- it felt too soon to play the role of the protective older brother, but he had no idea what type of people she had surrounded herself with in his absence. 

"Oh-- yes...well, sort of... Erk and I do study together, but he's been hired by the family who took me in. My health has improved since I was a child, but there are times where I still need help...so they've decided it's best for me to not be left alone when I leave the house." 

It...was bittersweet, listening to his sister speak of things that should have been common knowledge to a brother. She had been a little girl when she left and now she was a grown woman. Her life had moved on, and so had his own... "I'm glad you were well taken care of," it was unlike anything he could have provided for her, "I really should--"

"Raymond-- brother. Don't...now that I've finally found you again I can't stand the thought of losing you again. So...don't go, not yet...at least let me give you this..." Priscilla doesn't take her eyes off of him for a second as she digs through her purse, quickly pulling out and sliding an envelope across the table. "...It's...an invitation. We're having a Holiday party and, well...I would really like it if you came."

"Priscilla...I've really never been the type to care for parties." His hand twitches against the table, inching towards the invitation. "...I'll think about it, but no promises." The feeling of paper against his fingertips is strangely defined, as if the contents of the envelope itself weighed heavy. "...There's much about our family that I must tell you about, but..." A peek over his shoulder confirms his suspicions as Lucius hands Erk the replacement order. Their private time together would be cut much shorter than he would have hoped. "I wouldn't want to interrupt."

The smile she gives him could melt Winter snow, filling even Raven with a strange warmth he hadn't felt since they were children. "Brother! I look forward to seeing you there...don't work too hard, alright?"

Though she speaks with those very same expectations he had warned her not to have Raven can't find it in himself to argue or to remind her of the fact that he may not show up...both of them knew that that wouldn't be the case. 

He leaves before Erk returns, not wanting to have to answer anymore questions than necessary. There was a lot of new information trying to settle in his head...but organizing them would have to wait until he was done work at the very least.

---

“...You knew, didn’t you?” Raven is the first to speak as they close. He continues wiping the bar down as Lucius pauses in his moping, a chuckle under his breath. “About Priscilla. You can’t hide it, Lucius-- since when do you make a mistake like giving someone the entirely wrong order? It was on purpose.”

“Ah…you think so? That girl…she’s only come by once or twice before, but…” A pause, “she looks an awful lot like that sister of yours you talk about so much, doesn’t she…? I wonder…”

 "You aren't very good at hiding it, Lucius." Still...it was nice. Even if they could only see each other for a little while, Raven was thankful that from now on he wouldn't have to sit and wonder where his sister was, or if she was okay...she was now only a stone's throw away. "Thank you, Lucius. I mean it."

He laughs just a tad louder at that, turning to face Raven with a smile. "No need to thank me, Raymond-- I'm just happy to see that you really can smile!"

"That's...enough from you. Just finish mopping so we can get out of here before the sun comes up."

[tellthemeerkatsitsfine]

For Christmas this year, I treated myself to a new external hard drive. It's 5 TB, which is pretty much the most storage space I can get before the hard drive gets too physically big to fit on the back of my laptop where it lives like a parasite. It's great, I am so pleased with the purchase. I was able to consolidate so much stuff from other, smaller hard drives. And I left the stuff on those other hard drives too, so now those act as backups in case something goes wrong with one hard drive. I have a few of the most important things backed up in the cloud as well, but I like having a physical media collection with physical backups.

Instead of having my comedy stuff spread across several different places, I now have one big comedy folder (currently 1.54 TB) with lots of sub-folders for different comedians, where I have their stand-up and TV shows they've made and radio shows and audiobooks and ebooks and whatever else I have downloaded by that person, all in one place. It's so convenient. There's a whole system for things like mixed-bill gigs where I have the same file copied to the folders of each individual person on the bill. Or if it's not just one file but a big folder, I use shortcuts. My folder with every No More Jockeys episode is in the Mark Watson sub-folder but a shortcut is in the Tim Key one. I have a lot of systems for that sort of thing.

So I can generally - not always as a perfect measurement, but generally - tell how big a fan I am of a comedian by how much stuff is in their comedy sub-folder. It's especially telling if their folder starts getting its own sub-folders. If there's so much in there that I have to separate it into stand-up shows, TV shows, books, etc.

I know I'm really going too far down a comedian rabbit hole if they get a sub-folder just for their guest appearances on other things. Mainly I use their folder for their own stuff - things where they were the writer, presenter, and/or star actor. But in some rare cases, I'll collate episodes of a variety of shows that are hosted by other people, in which this comedian was a guest. I don't do that often, there are a lot of comedians whom I'd count among my favourites who do not have sub-folders like that. So if someone does have one, it's a major sign that I've been rabbit hole digging.

I've updated one particular folder in the last few days, and:

It's fine. I happened, today, to be going through my posts from a year ago because someone asked for a link to one. While doing this, I happened to find a post I made almost exactly a year ago, from which I'd like to copy-paste an excerpt:

John Robins is dangerous. Not in general or anything - just to me, right now. It is, as I’ve said, the fastest I’ve ever turned around on liking something like this. My opinion on him for quite a while was… “Well I don’t have a really good reason to dislike him, but he’s just sort of annoying, right? Every time he’s a guest on something I wish he weren’t. I don’t even know how to explain it, he just reminds me a little of Phil from The Thick of It?” Then I watched The Darkness of Robins and listened to A Robin Amongst the Pigeons, and learned that not only was I wrong, I was the exact opposite of right. He perfectly appeals to everything I like best in a comedian, I just judged him on that one Mock the Week appearance even though Sara Pascoe was also being a dick in that episode, and I didn’t hold it against her because I already liked her. Anyway, he’s become dangerous now because any time I hear him do anything, I’m reminded more of how much he appeals to every single thing I like in a comedian, and I want to hear more of him. Which is bad, because there’s large rabbit hole that I could fall down, but I have shit to do. It isn’t the lockdowns of 2021 anymore, so unlike back then, I can’t just sit down and listen to over a hundred hours of a radio show featuring some guy who spent 2006 in one particular house in Bristol. I’m sorry Robins, I only have so much capacity to do that, and I spent it all on Jon Richardson and Russell Howard. No, I didn’t know at that time that Russell Howard was going to turn into a Jordan Peterson advocate; if I’d known that, maybe I’d have given you more of a chance. But we can’t go back now, can we?

I was right, it was dangerous. I'm pleased to say I managed to hold out for almost a whole year before taking a hard fall down the rabbit hole.

[unhingedhearties]

The Most First of First World Problems

You know who did have a surprisingly mature reaction to the Season 11 poster? TeamE83Liz/UnlovedHeartie.

Just kidding, she chimped out. Without looking ahead, take a guess what her opinion of Elizabeth’s shorter hair was.

Chris McNally literally has genetic evidence that he slept with someone outside of marriage*, but Liz only has these freak outs at 4 specific cast members simply because they travel and hang out and aren’t married. How dare people experience life with someone they aren't married to. They spend a quarter of the year EVERY YEAR working together. I would hope some of the cast would become friends and have fun.

*And to make it perfectly clear, I don’t care who Chris has a family with or how. NO. ONE. should care. Anyone who attacks him is subhuman trash. I just want to point out how Liz still puts Chris on this weird pedestal but acts like a serial killer everytime Erin does something she doesn’t approve of, whether it’s wearing hoop earrings with short hair or dating and traveling with friends.

Yeah Erin and Kevin really look like themselves on that poster. Erin’s always running around in pastel skirts in her free time and Kevin is never not wearing suspenders when at home.

“Bullied online” People telling you to act like a respectable adult is not bullying.

I do not understand how or why Lucabeth fans thought the next poster would cater to them. This show is not solely about you. Elizabeth and Lucas are not a couple anymore. Life goes on.

“I hate Erin at the moment” Then why are you always on Erin-senpai’s Instagram screaming at her to notice you and say “hi”?

“Where the f_ck is his uniform!?!” It’s still swearing even if you censor a vowel. I’m sure Jesus is proud of you. And his uniform is in the same place Jack’s was for the Season 3, 4 and 5 posters. Remember the pre-Lucas era?

“That’s mental abuse towards Lucabeth fans!”

HA HA HA HA HA

“I never got the chance to decide for myself who I wanted her to be with!”

You can literally decide that right now. You don’t need other people to make up your mind for you. You can even change your mind. What a crazy concept.

“I was then talked into how bad & not right for Elizabeth, Nathan was!”

Oh my God! She fell in with the wrong crowd 🙄How embarrassing to (probably) be a middle aged adult and be this easily influenced.

“My life’s ruined FOREVER because I was talked into hating an actor I don’t know. There’s literally no way to fix this situation”

Someone call TPTB. The main character of the universe is mad and doesn’t want there to be a Season 12 or a Christmas movie. Her wants outweigh the millions of fans that do.

…of course it’s real. Maybe it’s not the finished product, but it’s real. What, you think Erin and Kevin dress like that in their free time? Where do you think the photos came from?

Again with the “I was talked into not liking Nathan”. “Please, I bring nothing to a relationship and I only take, but I need someone to drop what they’re doing and tell me my hateful outbursts are justified.”

“Edit-Me” 

No shit

God I hope Elizabeth’s hair only gets shorter. I hope she goes full Josephine Baker and gels it flat onto her head.

Okay, I think that’s going to be it for poster reactions. There’s just been too many from disgruntled Hearties to keep track of everything. If anyone finds a good one, show me and if it’s funny I might share it.

[mysterycharacterflowers]

Plastic/fake strawberry flowers

Why this flower was chosen: Because he is very germaphobic and also phobic of the things that are in flowers and thus hates nature because it’s dirty (his friends even said that he would be would be a plastic flower if he were one) and strawberry because that’s the smell of the shampoo his wife used and that he can still smell on the pillow she slept on that he keeps (in a plastic case) and hugs when he’s sad

Description: He’s a detective.

His wife was murdered and for three years after that he didn’t leave the house because his phobias that he had before got exponentially worse. He slowly did start coming out of his house and getting better trying to figure out why his wife was murdered while solving other crimes. He has 312 phobias with the top being in order:

Germs

Needles

Dentists

Milk

Death

Snakes

Lightening

Mushrooms

Heights

Crowds

Elevators

He has impeccable memory, doesn’t like people and will 100% put his phobias and needs over manners. He can clean his house in his sleep, literally. At the end of the day he is a very nice friend but annoys the crap outa his friends and often doesn’t realise that they even care for him as much as they do/ doesn’t realise they consider him a friend. He always says “here’s the thing” before saying he can’t do something very particular. He also says “Unless I’m wrong, which you know, I’m not”. He always has his assistant carry wipes around and wipes his hands every time he shakes someone’s hand. He is very tight (as in with money) which is very relatable for me and probably other people and its hilarious when he hasn’t paid his assistant because he doesn’t have money (while still buying copious amounts of cleaning supplies) and because he’s so non confrontational he doesn’t want to ask for a raise even tho it’s a totally legit ask (which is also hilarious in and of itself) he ends up just avoiding the subject in any way possible.

He once was forced to decorate for Christmas (which he doesn’t do since his wife died) and he used not a fake tree but a paper cut out of a tree. He doesn’t at all know what would insult someone and rarely knows how to make someone feel better (often failing miserably but occasionally actually helping and being super wholesome). He hates/is scared of nakedness (and doesn’t even “look” when he wees) and there was a whole thing where he had to investigate a nudist and was just finding every possible way to find him guilty and it was hilarious (he was in the end more accepting of it but still freaked out) He also wears the same clothes every day and buys shirts checked by a specific checker in a factory that he actually sent a fan letter to (and helped prove her son not guilty).

Anyway he is very relatable for just introverted people or awkward people in general because he expresses the way we feel and does things we wish we could do or want to do and says thing we just think in the most hilarious ways, and if that doesn’t make any sense then he just acts and says things that we all kinda do on the inside. Apart from just mostly normal people, he is relatable for the people who share his mental conditions like my dad who is a germaphobe and even tho people still don’t understand germaphobia really, he knows that he gets it and he relates to him a lot. And he has a lot of other things like anxiety, and little things like not being able to deal with change and other stuff that just make him super relatable to neurodevergent people like me. When people first look at people with mental problems they say they are weak that so little sets them off but in reality, they are dealing with so so much that you can’t see and you don’t need to deal with and they- and he is (are) so incredibly strong. I love him so much and I would say more but I don’t want to reveal who he is.

(The picture was taken from this site!)

[danganronpasurvivoraskblog]

Order #4: Kisaragi Clients.

Welcome to Canzanilla Cafe, can I take your ooooorder~?

Huh?

Oh!

Ah!

Oop! I detect controversy! What’s going on?

N-No problem Maya. Just a little surprised to see our guests here today.

Yes, I’m equally as surprised to see you, Mr Kurafto. Of all people I expected to be taking our order today, I didn’t expect it would be you.

But it’s certainly not an unwelcome surprise. Good to see you pardner!

Good to see you too Otori. Still grateful for what you did for us back during the Fugitive incident.

Yeah...about that...Sorry if it’s insensitive o’ me to ask, but...How have you and Makoto Naegi been since then?

I’m fine...relatively...Boss still hasn’t really recovered but...we’re doing what we can for him?

Something tells me that I shouldn’t pry, but I REALLY want to.

It’s personal...I’ll tell you later.

Ok, well...Who might the two of you be? I don’t think I’ve seen you around the place. Do you work in a special department or something?

No, that’s not it. This is Teruya Otori, and this is Rei Mekaru. They work for the Kisaragi Foundation.

Kisaragi...?

The Kisaragi Foundation are their own separate organization, but they do similar work to the Future Foundation that involves them hunting down criminals and rescuing people in danger.

The main difference between our two groups is that the Kisaragi Foundation are a little more...heavy handed. They don’t have the same code of honor as the Future Foundation, and they’ll achieve their goals through whatever means they deem necessary.

Huh...So, Future Foundation is like Martin Luther King, while the Kisaragi Foundation are like Malcom X?

Good analogy, but there is more to it than that.

Huh...

What’s wrong?

Just thinking Kuripa.

You’ve always besmirched the Future Foundation’s policy, but the Kisaragi’s sound like they’d let you get away with that. Why don’t you work for them instead?

Well, there is a few reasons. Even if my methods are deemed necessary and allowed, there’s a limit to what I they can do for me.

Also, the chairman of the Kisaragi Foundation, Tsurugi Kinjo...He and I get along like two wankers who support different football clubs.

Plus...Kisaragi Foundation doesn’t have Makoto Naegi.

Aaaww.

That’s not important right now. Sorry for our rudeness, I just wasn’t expecting to see you two here today.

The feeling is mutual. We came here for a meeting with the chairwoman. I wasn’t expecting we would encounter you, or a place like this.

Hey! What do you mean “a place like this?” It’s a café, have you never seen one before?

I know what a café is...

Come on Rei, don’t act like that. It’s disrespectful to the bartender.

With that said, sorry, no pressure or anything, but these drinks had BETTER be good.

No pressure indeed. What’s got you so uptight?

Ah...It’s just...can you imagine how difficult it was for me to keep Rei from running back to her desk!?

We come all the way out here, and as soon as we finish our consultation, she wants to jump right back to working.

What? But it’s Christmas! You deserve a break!

Exactly! And look at her! We’ve only been here for a couple of minutes and worry is already written all over her face!

*sigh* Teruya...

Well, Future Foundation have told me that they’re relatively busy around this time of year. The reason Kuripa’s working at this place with me is because there are minimal competent people they can spare. I’d imagine the Kisaragi Foundation also have a lot to handle.

Yeah. Plus, given that Rei here is second in command of the whole establishment, it’s only natural that she has a lot on her plate.

Still, I agree with Otori. You deserve a holiday just as much as anyone.

And you’re already here anyway, so why don’t you let us mix a couple of drinks for you? It’ll make you feel a lot better.

Think of it as a way to unwind.

Thanks...Seriously though, Rei is probably the only person I know who needs to LEARN how to relax.

Anywho, if we’re orderin’ whip me up a large latte with extra cream and extra sugar please!

Why am I not surprised?

Don’t judge me~

And how about you Ms Mekaru? What are you in the mood for?

Coffee please. No milk, no sugar, medium please.

Well that’s...mundane.

Yeah, can’t you have a little more creativity?

You drink that boring old coffee all the time as well. Wouldn’t you at least TRY something else?

Tch...You three should start a band called Green Hair and Bad Attitude.

Well sorry for looking out for you!

I know, I appreciate it, really. But I really do just want a regular coffee. I need a boost of caffeine tonight.

Fine, I’ll get right on that for the both of you. 

*A few minutes pass and Maya brews both Teruya’s latte and Rei’s coffee. She brings the tray back to them and places it down on the table.

Here you go. Boring coffee and diabetes latte, at your service.

Those can be our stage names for Green Hair and Bad Attitude.

Are you actually going to start that band!?

*Rei takes a careful sip of her coffee, while Teruya takes a big gulp of his latte. The latter licks the cream off his lips and smiles.

Aah! The perfect amount of sweetness. You have my seal of approval.

Arf Arf Arf!

Oh for goodness sake, you’re SO LAME!

I have to agree. This is a well made coffee. Strong, rich and bitter at the same time, all of them balancing just right.

I’m glad you both liked your drinks.

...Yeah...Thanks...

Something wrong ma’am?

No, it’s fine. I’ve just...been giving what you said to me earlier some thought.

Oh?

I’ve been...reflecting on my weaknesses lately. There’s still a lot of areas that I can improve upon.

It’s been stressing me out and...I’m worried that stress has been rubbing onto the rest of you as well. For that, I am sorry.

All: Uuuuuuuuuggggh...

Wh-What!?

Sorry Rei. It’s just...I STILL don’t think you understand what Teruya meant.

Huh?

See? He gets it~

Rei. It’s Christmas, and you’ve been working yourself down to the bone these last couple of months. You’ve even been sleeping in the office lately!

In a way, you’re right. Your stress is getting to me, but it’s not rubbin’ off on me. I’m just WORRIED about you, so I thought I’d take you out for some drinks after today’s meeting.

But even though we’re here, yer STILL thinkin’ about work! My feelin’s are gon’ go from concern to panic in a sec!

I think we’re already there. Your dialect is going nuts dude.

Oh! Sorry...

*Teruya composes himself.

My POINT is...If you’re constantly under stress like this, it’s only a matter of time before you burn out and collapse. Then what the hell are we gonna do?

Exactly. You clearly know just how much the Kisaragi Foundation relies on you. Tsurugi may be the chief, but I don’t think he could truly run the organization by himself. If you go down, what’s gonna happen to everyone else?

I...didn’t think of it like that...

You know, I was raised by my grandparents in Italy. They were old farts but...I knew they still cared about me.

I was a pretty hyperactive kid, and I was always leaping into problems without a plan...To be honest, I still do that. But, mi nonna had a saying she would always repeat to me when things got rough.

“Disconnettersi per riconnettersi”

Disconnect...to reconnect...?

Exactly.

I’m not one to sit around and do nothing, but if you work hard and play hard, you gotta rest just as hard. And YOU lady, need more rest than you think you do.

I...I see...

You get it now?

Yes, I understand. And on that note, I must apologize.

It was...Maya, right? I apologize if it seemed like I was disrespecting your establishment earlier.

I didn’t really understand the appeal of places like cafe’s or bars before now. Now I know better. You’ve created a place that serves as a refreshment for both the body and the mind. Thank you for opening my eyes.

Aw, you’re making me blush.

Heh...The thought of the Ultimate Professor needing to be taught something is funny to think about.

I have always had a habit of putting work above everything else, so I never really understood why it was that people would go out to bars during weekends or after work. So this is why you and Setsuka enjoy such places?

Well, yeah...and nah. It really comes down to who’s behind the counter.

Speakin’ o’ which, I gotta give you guys my thanks. Wouldn’t’ve been able to change Rei’s mind without ya’ll. Here, I’ll leave you a tip.

Don’t mention it.

Buon Natale Kisaragi Foundation!

*Teruya leaves a big tip, as he and Rei make their exit.

[alittlebitgoofy]

Loveless - (dakota/starlet)

Hi remember me saying I’d post on Christmas? I didn’t lie for once. Big Aromantic vibes in this one or I’m just projecting idk

Ao3 link

Fil coming back to the flat with a grin on his face and lipstick on their neck said all it needed to and Danny launched into an all out assault asking for the details.

Why did the topic of romance make her so uncomfortable? Why couldn’t she just be normal and feel like everyone else did. What could a partner do that a friend couldn’t? It made no sense and just reminded her of being an outsider as she always had been.

“You’re trying to live through me because you can’t get any” Fil laughed, Dakota glancing up to see Danny staring back in shock.

“Excuse you! I’m irresistible!” Danny barked back, the loud scouse accent making Dakota jump slightly.

“You sure are,” Cheddar nodded

Their relationship always confused them, they’d known each other for a long time being from two close by cities and being queer. Dakota had seen them kiss many times, sure, but figuring out what it meant was beyond her.

“You’re also cocky,”

“That is also true.”

Snickering at Cheddar's comment was a bad idea in hindsight as Danny’s eyes narrowed on Dakota, a sly smile growing on their lips as her heart leapt into her throat.

“Oh Dakota, what about you? You’re always very quiet on the topic of relationships. Are you secretly dating someone?”

The attention turning to them made the blonde want to bolt out of the room then and there but that would be too suspicious. What the hell could get them off her back but not clue them in on their inner turmoil.

“Uh, I’m just not very interested in dating. It’s too complicated. I'd rather use my energy on other things.” She put on her best uncaring act, not making Cheddar give her the look. It must have been a success even if they were fooled.

“Like rocks?”

“…Maybe.” Honestly geography was easier to understand than romance. At least there were textbooks and essays on it.

“Wait, you and Starlet aren’t dating?”

“No, why would you think that?” The geniune confusion in her voice took everyone aback, staring at her with the most how the fuck look she’d ever seen.

“What?”

“Okay one of you two tell her because I don’t think I can answer this without exploding.”

“How did you not realise you two act like a couple?”

“Oh Dakota, dear.”

Dakota could feel herself close to tears at the looks she was being given, everything was overwhelming why couldn’t they leave this topic alone.

But what was she doing wrong to give them that impression? Her and Starlet were close, sure but romance wasn’t on her mind; she was just their best friend.

“Okay, for one she always calls you darling and honey, no one else just you. The way you look at her like she’s the only person in the world, you’re always holding hands and cuddling when we have movie nights. The fact she’s here half the time sleeping in your room. It does kinda give relationship I can’t lie.” Fil spoke up, weary as Dakota stared back in wide eyed shock.

“We’re just friends, you can do all that stuff with your friends.”

“You can, sorry for assuming that.” Cheddar spoke softly, noticing the defensive tone in the blonde's voice. Dakota could feel herself about to crack, giving an unconvincing “it’s okay” before shooting up and leaving the flat with only the cardigan on her and her keys.

She needed space, focusing on keeping her breaths slow and steady as she sped down the stairs and out of the building, walking aimlessly around campus and cursing herself for not grabbing something warmer as the autumn air crept around her. At least the sunset was pretty, sight calming them enough to text Starlet and ask her to meet them on the bench that overlooked the whole of their campus.

Sitting there and people watching was one of Dakota’s favourite things. Staring as people came back from studying but feeling that same sinking feeling in her stomach as people kissed and held hands.

What was wrong with her? Why was this so foreign? Was she broken?

Starlet arrived just in time to stop her spiralling, putting a supportive hand on their shoulder and pulling Dakota into a warm embrace.

“Are you okay?”

“They asked me about romance and I panicked.”

“Oh god, I got that too.” She sat down next to Dakota, keeping their hands intertwined as she turned to face her.

“Am I broken?” Her voice cracked, the feelings she’d been holding back breaking out as tears clouded her vision.

“No, you’re just different than them. You’re not the only one. Everything you’ve said, I feel it too. Relationships are so complicated why do they have so many unwritten rules that make you a couple? Why can’t people just be friends?”

“I know right! I can get everything I’d get out of a partner from a friend.”

“You can! It’s so stupid how everyone is so focused on only one type of love.” None of if made sense to Starlet, that was one of the things her and Dakota had bonded over. Romance was so confused what was the point?

She then noticed how Dakota shivered as a strong gust of wind blew by, quickly plucking the hoodie out of her bag and passing it to the taller girl.

“I’m fine.” Her words were hollow as her body continued to tremble as the wind picked up again.

“You’re shivering, put it on.”

“But-“

“Dakota.” Starlets voice was sharp, making her shrink back and slide the hoodie on, thankful for the warmth even if it was hard to accept help sometimes.

“Hey, when it’s cold you become Dakota Shiver,” Starlet grinned, laughing as Dakota shoved her side lightly.

“You’re so stupid,” Dakota smiled at her fondly, a sight that always made Starlets smile grow wider. Her face just exuded joy sometimes and it was her favourite thing to see.

Dakota leant into her, letting Starlet wrap her arms around her torso to keep them close. She appriciated the silence, nestled up against the one person who understood her. Her mind wandered, wondering how she got so lucky to find someone on the exact same wavelength. Maybe that was what drew her in at first, a magnetic force of being kindred spirits and deep down knowing they were exceptionally compatible.

Her eyes fell on the smaller blonde, noticing the small smile on her lips as she gazed off, her thumb gently caressing the spot it rested on her thigh.

Dakota’s thoughts lingered on her earlier point, getting everything she could want from a friend, soemone who wouldn’t assume that her affection was flirting and not just a platonic display of love.

Someone like Starlet. Who got it.

Dakota kept her eyes trained on her, unconsciously smiling when her gaze flicked down to meet her stare.

Starlet raised an eyebrow, half expecting Dakota to say something though they stayed silent, contemplative or something.

She sat up, only then realising how close their faces were, Dakota’s desire for touch won out as she leant forward and planted a kiss onto Starlet’s cheek.

Starlet felt her whole body warm at the act, returning the gesture to a smiling, giggling Dakota who wrapped their arms back around and returned to the spot nestled against her chest.

“Don’t need a partner, I’ve got you.” She murmured, staring up at Starlet with a warm gaze.

“And I have you too.”