#and...that's fine! If people have fun at it!

[astrolook]

Some Astrology Behind Your Looks

Note: These are just my personal observations over the years, so let me know in the comments if anything hits home! Your Ascendant alone (or just its ruler or the planets sitting in your 1st house) isn’t enough to define your appearance. You gotta look at the aspects to the Ascendant, the planets in the 1st house, the chart ruler, and its aspects too.

The ascendant is like your default character design. Think of it as a "default skin" in a video game. The ASC ruler is like your stylist who works behind the scenes and the mastermind behind your look. The planets in your 1st house, the aspects to your ascendant and to the planets in 1st house is the DLC pack that really customizes your look.

Saturn in 1st/conjunct ASC - Stiff posture. Ages in reverse. Looks 30 at 20 but looks 40 at 60. Deep-set eyes. Wrinkles before 30. Knees, joints, or back always ache even if they are sitting doing nothing. Looks better with age. Ugly duckling as a kid/teen. Sharp defined bone structure as an adult.

Moon in 1st/conjunct ASC - BIG eyes. Puffy cheeks that people want to pinch even when they're grown adults. Pouty lips. Gets sweaty easily. Face constantly changes with emotions so lying here is impossible. Weight fluctuations. Baby face for way too long. Look cute even when crying. Wavy hair but changes with their emotions. Skin is super reactive like blushes easily, bruises easily, sensitive to everything. Round or Moon face.

Pluto in 1st/conjunct ASC - Either scary hot or hot scary. No in-between. A face that barely moves. Either angelic or villainous eyes. Hair is either jet black or deep red or whatever dark shade they wanna color their hair with. Born with a resting face. Unbothered style. Skin either pale as a ghost or deeply striking.

Neptune in 1st/conjunct ASC - Either dreamy or look like they haven't slept in days. Messy at home. Prone to get mysterious acne out of nowhere. Spaced-out eyes. Skin glows weirdly like sometimes as a built-in instagram filter sometimes greasy. Gliding instead of walking. People mistakes them for someone else sometimes.

Uranus in 1st/conjunct ASC - Hair does whatever it wants and never behaves. Either noticeably tall or noticeably short. No in-between. Posture that either as stiff as a board or slouches like a hacker. Randomly winks, raises brow, smirks or stares into nothing.

Sun in 1st/conjunct ASC - Hairline so perfect it looks like CGI. Looks expensive even when broke. Aging slows after 30. Laugh is as contagious as a virus. Neck slightly longer than average. Skin tans fast. Cheekbones pop when smiling. Looks like Greek statue in side angles.

Venus in 1st/conjunct ASC - Dimples, even in weird places. Hips curve like a renaissance painting. Balancing proportions. Gains weight only in right places. Natural symmetrical face. Baby hairs lay perfectly. Doesn't even need nail polish as they can rock without it. Shoulders have a graceful rounded slope. Weight gain makes them hotter. Wide hips, thick thighs and butt. THICC body.

Mars in 1st/conjunct ASC - Forehead vein pops when mad. Prone to random scrapes and scars. Operate at 1.5x speed. Dressing style depends on their mood. Formal when composed, bitchy when annoyed, angelic when warm and boyish when fun. Also hairstyles depend on their mood too. Struggles with hair fall in mid 20's.

Mercury in 1st/conjunct ASC - Mouth is slightly open even when they sleep. Snores. Blinks fast. talk with their hands. Looks younger than they are. Eyes move like they're reading subtitles in real life when talking. Fine or wavy hair sometimes its messy. Nails might be bitten, tapped, or fidgeted with constantly. Short eyelashes. Switchy emotions like smiles one second serious the next.

Jupiter in 1st/conjunct ASC - Gains weight faster than they lose. Rounded or slightly protruding belly if gained even a little weight. Laugh is impossible to ignore. Full wide cheeks like they store snacks there. Broad forehead. Big teeth or an over-exaggerated smile like they are in a tooth paste advertisement. plump lips. Gives "big presence" energy. Large hands and feet.

Sun square ascendant- Face would look slightly irritated even if they don't mean to. Sometimes force their smile or just look like that even when real.

Moon square ASC - Face bloats easily, especially under the eyes. eczema, redness, or dry patches are common. Cheeks puff up randomly.

Venus square ASC - Would think they are not good looking enough. Insecured about their looks. Weirdly pretty. Sometimes looks AI generated. You get me? Lips too big or nose too sharp. Beautiful but off.

Mars opposite ASC - Bad boy/girl vibes. Can look pissed off even when happy.

Sun opposite ASC - Silent but strong type. Can come off either intimidating or bossy.

Uranus square ASC - Unusual eye color, shape, or one bigger than the other. Can't really tell if they are attractive or really unique. It's like features are drawn by different artists.

Neptune square ASC - Can look slightly sleepy or like a fever dream. Soft features but slightly off focus. Look different everytime.

Moon opposite ASC - A living emoji. Puffy under-eyes are permanent.

If you’ve got multiple planets in your 1st house with a ton of aspects, you’re basically ramen noodles - complex, tangled, and impossible to replicate.

DM me for a complete astrology reading! ✨ Check out my pinned post for pricing. 💫

[prlssprfctn]

A fun little headcannon is that everyone believes Jason to prefer paperback and physical paper but he honestly doesn't care. Maybe it stems from his Robin days reading for hours in the manor library. Or how'd he always tell Bruce to write down the details of the case to solve it faster. Or even that they needed to have physical copies of each file in case the Batcomputer got hacked. It just stuck with Bruce and by extension everyone believes it.

But like he would totally love an eReader with how many books you can fit on it. Audio books are even better because he can listen to them anywhere. The man likes the stories people have to tell. How he consumes it isn't a concern. But of course he has a flare for dramatics so he plays into this misconception.

Steph: Jason, I know you'd prefer a physical book but I got a Kindle that you could use more than me.

Jason who already owns the newest model takes it and chucks it at the floor: Disgusting.

Tim at the Batcomputer: Why do we need to write up a report for Condiment King of all people. Its the third one this month!

Jason: Back in my day we would hand write each and every report.

Dick: No we didn't???

Jason magically pulling out a file cabinet with said case files.

Jason: Honestly we should start doing that again let me go ask Bruce.

Bruce: Honestly if you'd wait five more minutes someone would have come in as backup. You don't need to do everything on your own Hood.

Jason completely ignoring him because he's got books downloaded on his helmet.

Damian next to him knowing what Jason is up to because he did the exact same thing with Ra's.

YES, YES!

i think Jason loves paperback when it is his already favourite books, the ones he knows he loves and wants to annotate and explore — otherwise, he prefers to try books in e-version first. or borrow books from the library if he is in the mood. he strikes me as someone who loves supporting local libraries! plus, listens audio-books on missions and during work-outs, yep, yep.

do other family members have a wrong opinion in that in their minds because Bruce is the "heard my kid mentioning something once, now i think their whole personality evolves around this thing" type of parent sometimes? oh, fucking absolutely. does Jason love to play on the stereotype of "boomer" sibling? yeah— lol.

also, he is a type of kid who would remind the teacher about homework (i think he genuinely cared about this as a kid and didn't understand why everyone got mad, but now he knows WHY, and he will do it EVERYONE'S problem) and combined with him, writing reports on papers, i raise you this:

Bruce, tired by the end of the patrol: Had we discussed everything? Hadn't I forgotten something?

literally everyone but Jason, quickly: no, no, we are fine. ha-ha.

Jason, appearing behind them: well. actually. we all now should write our reports.

Bruce: oh, right.

Jason, smirking: here is mine, by the way. i wrote it while you are all was bickering.

Bruce: so competent! thank you, lad.

Other kids, fuming: -_-

also, the image of Jason blasting audio-books through his helmet is frying me. so, get this:

Dick: Jason is so suspiciously calm for the last few days! like, seriously. proud of him.

Tim: right? it is actually hilarious. Bruce was screaming at him yesterday, and Jason was just staring at him silently, no word, no remark... he was so quiet that Bruce instantly felt bad and apologised. like. master-tecnique. lol.

Jason, who was listening to audio-book all this time, and didn't even hear what Bruce said, just nodded when he started randomly hugging him and murmuring "my baby": whatever.

[traveler-at-heart]

Doctor's In - Part 19

Summary: Wanda plans a proposal.

Wanda Maximoff x F!R

It’s hard to believe what you’re hearing.

“I’m sorry, just one more time. I want to make sure I’m getting this right” you plead, trying really hard not to scream.

“I cut my finger in a broken glass” the man explains, calmly. And then he adds the stupidest thing you’ve ever heard. “I cauterized it with a lighter”

Of course! Why would anyone go to the ER when they can just burn their skin off.

“Right. So… let’s try to not do that when medical care is nearby. I’ll apply a bandage and give you a cream”

You work in silence, until he speaks again.

“While I’m here, could I get circumcised?”

With a sigh, you stand up, asking Bucky to finish off for you. Tale as old as time, people thinking that the ER is open for anyone with a strange mole or pain that is not life threatening.

Your phone rings and your shoulders relax immediately.

“Hey, love”

“Hi. Boy, you sound tired” Wanda says, surprised that you’re so defeated after a few hours into your shift. You rarely complain.

“I’ve had the weirdest day, that’s all. People testing my patience, putting nail glue instead of eyedrops”

“Yikes”

“Guys asking if we perform circumcisions”

“Gross. But do you?” she jokes and you laugh.

“Dear God, no. As a lesbian, I’d rather not deal with that area unless it’s truly an emergency”

“Mmhm, and yet you’re so good when you’re wearing the strap” she teases, making you crash against the vending machine. Fortunately, the force knocks a bag of chips and you smile, picking it up.

“Number one, tease. You still owe me over that lap dance. And two, wanna go out tomorrow?”

Wanda’s entire demeanor changes after that, and it’s really hard not to get worried. She’s been like this ever since you mentioned Sokovia.

“I have a lot of work to finish, you know the book release is soon, plus Wendy…”

“Yeah, no. I get it. That’s fine. Maybe I can take the kids out to give you some peace and quiet”

“You know what, my mom loves bowling. Why don’t you all go?”

“Sure” you say, agreeing to anything Wanda suggests. “Alright, I’m getting paged. Hope it’s an actual emergency this time”

“I hope so too” Wanda says, smiling,

“Love you” you say, a bit worried she won’t say it back, but she does and there’s nothing different about the way she replies, adding a soft “my love” before hanging up.

So, maybe it’s all in your head.

Right?

—

Wanda hates lying to you.

The thing is, she still has to figure out a way to propose. It’s technically not hard to get everything ready without you noticing, considering your shifts can take more than a day. If she only knew exactly what to do.

She’s looking around her studio, thinking about the things you like. Her eyes eventually settle on a copy of her latest book. Thankfully, Laura never had the dedication changed, so she could still give it to you.

Or, she could give you a special copy with something entirely different.

As her mind begins to come up with a plan, Wanda smiles to herself.

Finally, she knows where to start.

—

It feels weird to have the entire Maximoff gang, minus your beautiful, stunning, out of this world girlfriend.

Darcy would call you a simp if she could hear all your thoughts.

But you miss Wanda and even if you knew she wasn’t joining you tonight, you’re still following her like a lost puppy.

“You’re absolutely sure?” you say, your hands around her waist.

“Yes, detka. I’m sorry. But we’re going to the wedding tomorrow and that’s going to be fun, right? You’ll have me all to yourself”

“Ok” you sigh dramatically, sinking your face in the crook of her neck. “I just miss you”

“Me too. If I’m not too tired we could watch an episode of The Golden Girls when you’re all back” she promises and you squeeze her waist, kissing behind her ear.

“Maybe I can persuade you with my very charming personality…” you place another kiss in her neck, sucking lightly on the skin. “Or with my very skilled fingers”

Wanda moans your name, melting in your arms and you are about to call victory when her mother opens up the door, shouting that it’s time to leave.

“I may have left out a very important piece of information” Wanda stops you before you go out to the foyer to meet her mother. “She gets very competitive…”

“So that’s where you got it from”

“Hey!”

But Wanda can’t continue the argument as Ekaterina walks in, handing you what looks like bowling uniforms. You’re surprised to see it has your name embroidered, and the Maximoff name on the back.

“How did you get this made so soon?”

“I know a guy” she replies cryptically, and you gulp.

Will she scream at you when she sees you know nothing about bowling?

“Come on, we’re going to be late, girls!”

“Oh, I’m staying. I have work to do” Wanda explains, lowering her voice when her mother gives her a stern look.

“Then the teams will be incomplete!”

“I don’t have to play” you jump, hoping that this can be your out.

“You have hands?”

“Y-yes”

“Then you play. Let’s go. Pietro’s meeting us there”

Billy and Tommy are excited as they follow their grandmother out, and you stall in the kitchen.

“You sure you don’t need someone to clean your brushes? Sharpen your pencils?”

“Detka, go” she says, laughing.

“I’m scared” you whine pathetically. She kisses you, her lips moving against yours. It’s so good it makes you forget the reason for your little meltdown.

“I’ll see you later”

—

Pietro is already waiting for you, knowing that his mother loves to jump right into the game. He’s set two bowling allies, and you split into teams.

You’re pleasantly surprised to see Bucky approaching you.

“Pietro promised me a beer if I joined so you could complete the teams”

Everyone takes a couple of shots to practice and you try to follow their movements. Bucky notices how lost you are, offering his guidance here and there. Your shots are not particularly powerful and the ball leans towards the gutter more often than not.

The point system is beyond your comprehension so you can only nod and cheer when Bucky completes a strike.

Beyond that, the doctor in you is looking at everything in the space (heavy objects, lots of movement, oily floors) and considering the possible injuries.

This is why, when Billy walks past the lane line, you go after him, afraid that he’ll fall. But you’re the only one on your ass as he lets go of the ball a second later, smiling.

“Y/N! That’s not how you play!” Ekaterina admonishes, and you sigh, crawling back to them.

“I’m going to get us more food”

Bucky is right behind you, chuckling as the woman keeps her winning streak.

“Is she a pro?”

“Seems to me” you say, ordering more fries and another soda for you. “Hey, can I ask you about Darcy? Do you have something against her or…”

“I like her”

“See, I told her she was just imagining things and… wait. Like her how?” you realise he’s looking away, a soft blush tinging his cheeks. Your hand flies to his arm and you jump around excited. “You have a crush on Darcy”

“I don’t”

“Nu-uh. You do. Why didn’t you tell me? Or better yet, her”

“I don’t know what to say when she’s around. I mean, I don’t know if you’ve noticed but I don’t speak a lot and she does”

“Right” you nod your head. Truthfully, Bucky is different than the guys Darcy dates (in the best possible way) and it’s been a while. “Well, do you want a wingwoman?”

“Not really” he says, almost looking mortified. “It’s better if she thinks we’re enemies, honestly”

“Sure” you nod, pretending you’ll let the subject go. Bucky’s too naive, though, if he believes you won’t do anything about it.

For a bit, you watch the kids play in silence, while Pietro chats with a woman, obviously flirting while he pretends to correct her posture. Ekaterina, unaware that he’s flirting, comes over and scolds him on his bad technique.

Bucky and you laugh as he comes back to her side, and she forces him to do a couple of exercises.

When you get your orders of fries, you walk back to the group, smirking at him.

“Mama’s boy got cockblocked” you whisper.

“Hey, сука!”

“Pietro!” Ekaterina turns to glare at him, and you poke your tongue out as he gets an earful for the second time in the night.

This is a lot more fun than bowling.

—

Best part of coming back is that the kids are pretty tired, so they head straight to their room. When you go check on them, they’re both fast asleep, and Sparky pushes the door open a bit wider so he can jump on Billy’s bed.

“Better that than you sleeping with my girl” you say, closing the door.

You think it’s strange that Wanda hasn’t shown up to greet you, so you walk up to her study, knocking once. After the second time, you worry and open the door just a tiny bit.

“Wands? You ok in there?”

“Oh, hey! You scared me!” you notice she’s wearing your headphones, and you smile, opening the door wider.

“We just got back, the kids are asleep already”

You try to step inside but Wanda’s quick on her feet, standing right in front of you.

“Good to hear that. Was Mom good? Didn’t yell at you too much?”

“Nah, she was fine. Pietro got the short end of the stick. What you working on?” you smile, trying to get a look at her sketches.

“Nothing. Are you tired?”

“Not really. I could sit around while you keep working if you haven’t finished yet…” you say, approaching the table. One more step, and the surprise will be ruined. So, Wanda does the only thing that comes to mind.

“Why don’t you fuck me, then?”

That makes you turn.

“Say that again”

“If you’re not too tired, why don’t you fuck me?” Wanda smiles, amused at how easy it was to get your attention.

“Well, I definitely can do that” you walk back to her, carrying her bridal style. “Since you asked so nicely”

—

The big day is finally here.

One of the brides is not.

Or so Darcy says when you walk into the venue, hours before the ceremony. You’re wearing jeans and a t-shirt, looking as people finish decorating and setting up everything.

Your friend shows up, wearing one of those radio earpieces.

“Nice one, Britney”

“Bitch” she snaps, but then closes her eyes, breathing in and out. “I need you to go get Carol”

“Sure, is she in the dressing room?”

“No. She is at the hospital. Working”

“What? The wedding’s in four hours, she should be getting her hair and makeup done” you look at your phone, thinkig maybe there was an emergency and you had to be at work too.

“Just bring her, please. Abduct her if necessary” Darcy changes into the earpiece, shouting. “No, I requested mauve. Mauve!”

You wished Darcy had told you to get Carol before you even got here. Now you’ll have to drive all the way back to the city, as the wedding is happening at a small inn close to the mountains.

Racing against time, you walk in to ask around for her.

“She’s in OR 3” one of the nurses tells you, with a loaded look. “Doing a carpal thunnel decompression”

“Thanks”

You scrub in as fast as you can, pushing the door to the OR. Everyone stares at you, clearly on edge over Carol’s presence. She’s acting like it’s just another day, and like she’s not two hours behind on Darcy’s very detailed, strict schedule.

“Hey, bride to be” you greet, hoping she stops what she’s doing. With a sigh, you stand up next to her, smiling. “Are you excited?”

“Nope, it’s just another day”

“Well, I call bullshit”

One of the nurses laughs and the rest of the surgical team visibly relaxes.

“You’re getting married today. We still need to do your hair and makeup and a shower wouldn’t hurt either”

“Hey!”

“As maid of honor it is my duty to tell it like it is. Now, let someone else close up, and let’s go”

“I was supposed to do an arthroscopy after this”

“Darcy’s waiting in the car” you lie, knowing fear will be the only driving force to make Carol change her mind.

Sure enough, her eyes widen and she gives instructions to the rest of the team. When she’s washing her hands and scrubbing out, you join her, smiling.

“You ok?”

“I… it’s all so real. For months, we were planning and picking cake and decorations but it’s happening today and it feels like… a part of me is excited, another part of me is scared. Like really, truly terrified. And I don’t know what to make of it”

“It means you have something to lose” you say softly. “But a lot more to gain. It’s gonna be fine. You’ll forget all about it when you see Maria, I promise”

Finally, you get her to leave the hospital. A couple of people wave as you walk back to the parking lot, some of them saying they’ll see you at the party. Carol rolls her eyes when she realises you lied about Darcy, but you just shrug your shoulders.

“I guess I deserve it for being difficult”

“Yeah, you do” you laugh, driving back.

Of course, Darcy ushers you to the room to get hair and makeup, glaring at Carol and asking you to not leave her alone.

“I feel guilty for making Darcy help with everything” Carol says, and you let out a laugh. “What?”

“Did you actually ask her to do anything? She loves bossing everyone around. Should be taking Fury’s job at this point”

“Why are you still here? Makeup, go, go!” Darcy appears behind you a second later, making you yelp.

“Tyrant”

“Lazy ass”

Of course you do as she says, mainly out of fear.

Wanda arrives a little early, checking in as you had decided to stay at the inn instead of driving back home when the party was over.

“Finally, someone who understands the importance of punctuality!” Darcy says as she runs into your girlfriend. “I barely finished and I have to get my makeup and hair done”

“Would you like some help?”

“It’s fine, I’m low maintenance” Darcy declines, but Wanda’s not having it.

“I actually have something I want to ask you… so we could talk while I help”

“Mmm, I do love an efficient approach. Come on then” Darcy says, ushering Wanda into her own room.

She’s wearing a low cut burgundy dress that displays her very generous assets.

“Eyes are up here, Maximoff” Darcy jokes when Wanda’s stare travels a bit lower.

“Right. Let’s begin”

Wanda tells Darcy everything. How she found the ring, but decided to keep it to herself instead of putting pressure on you.

Your casual mentions of a wedding, the trip to Sokovia.

“Finally, she told you. She was terrified you’d be mad” Darcy comments.

“Well, that’s when I realised. Maybe it’s my turn to take the lead. Ask her to marry me” Wanda says, and she can see Darcy’s a bit shocked.

“Interesting. So why do you want to talk to me?”

Wanda smiles, telling her the proposal idea she came up with it. It’s simple, it’s unique, but she has a feeling that it’s something you’ll love.

“Honestly, Wanda? You could get down on one knee while she’s in the toilet and she’d be giddy about it” Darcy says, making Wanda laugh. “But I do think it’s cute and she’ll never ever shut up about it. Was that all?” she says after Wanda stays silent.

The woman sits in front of your friend, checking her makeup one last time, and with a sigh, asks the final question.

“I need your blessing”

“What am I? The Pope?”

“Darcy!”

“The lesbian godmother. First Carol and Maria with their wedding planning and now you…” she rambles, clearly amused.

“Darcy!” Wanda interrupts her, trying to keep it serious. “We both know her mother is the worst person. She’s starting to connect with her siblings. You’re her real family. The one person who’s stood by her through everything. So, it would mean the world to me, to at least know you’ll think of me as worthy of Y/N”

Darcy leans back, eyeing Wanda up and down. It’s hard not to feel intimidated, but the woman holds her ground, staring back.

“Fine, the Lord be with you or whatever it is you want me to say”

“Thank you” Wanda hugs her, excited.

“If you hurt her…”

“I know” Wanda says.

“As long as we agree. Now, let’s get out and see who’s already here so they can get seated”

Wanda helps out as much as she can with incoming guests, showing them where they can grab some refreshments while the ceremony begins.

She’s so focused that she misses an arm around her waist, until she hears your voice, happy as always when you greet her.

“Hey, love”

“Detka, hi…” she turns, but whatever she was about to say next is forgotten when she takes in your beautiful appearance.

Unlike most of the time, your hair is flowing down your shoulders and back in waves, framing your face perfectly. You’re not wearing a lot of makeup, but it’s enough to make your beautiful eyes stand out in contrast to the pink dress you’re wearing.

Don’t even get Wanda started on the dress. There’s a slit on the side that shows your leg everytime you take a step.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you wear a dress”

“Not my style, but I’ll take one for the bride” you joke, adjusting the straps. “Heels too, I’m in agony”

“You look stunning” Wanda says, unable to look away.

The way you blush makes her bite her lip.

“Thank you, baby. Though I can’t wait to take it off”

You mean you’re eager to go back to wearing comfortable clothes, but Wanda’s eyes darken.

“Yeah, I can’t wait either” she says with a playful look, which makes you blush again.

“Hey, quit flirting and get on your spot. Music is about to start” Darcy says, nudging you at the begining of the aisle.

“Damn, Lewis, you’re taking the girls for a walk” you point at her rack, and she flips you off.

“Sorry, I'm late!” someone says behind you and you turn at the familiar voice.

“Belova!”

“Hey, you!” she pulls you for a hug that is much too strong for someone so little. “Missed ya”

“Missed you too. Go, find your seat before Darcy goes insane” you point at Kate, who’s looking around, impatient.

You’re supposed to walk down the aisle with Carol’s older brother, and he joins you a second later, bossed around by Darcy.

“She’s a firecracker” he comments. You nod, standing still and waiting for the music to begin. He leans forward, smiling. “I hear weddings are a great place to meet people”

“Really? I wouldn’t know. I met my girlfriend when I crossed the street to check on her son” you joke, sparing him from taking the flirting any further.

“Right”

“Maybe a lesbian wedding isn’t going to be for you, mate. Well, the firecracker over there is definitely straight, but I’m trying to set her up with someone else”

“Shall we?” we offers his arm, and you accept it with a nod.

Both brides look stunning, and though it’s a very short ceremony, everyone’s crying or at the very least, moved by their vows.

Wanda can’t keep her eyes from you, though. She can’t help but imagine you in a white dress, probably sneaking a very corny joke as you promise to love her for the rest of your lives.

It isn’t long before the drinks start to pour, the food served and the brides take their place at a special table, chatting and laughing.

By the time they have their first dance as a married couple, you’re at the edge of the dance floor, clapping when some fireworks and confetti are set off. The light glow reflects in your eyes and once again, Wanda is enthralled by the view.

Which is why, when more people begin to dance, she approaches you, offering her hand.

“A dance, m’lady?”

“Why, I couldn’t possibly say no” you smile, allowing her to lead.

“Have I mentioned you look beautiful, detka?”

“Yes, but I don’t mind hearing it again” you blush, your hands going around her waist. “Now, I don’t mean to ruin the moment, but have you given any thought to that trip to Sokovia?”

“Well, I… I’m not sure yet” Wanda lies, but almost gives in when she catches the disappointment in your face. But if she tells you the answer, it will ruin the surprise. Instead, she does something that will surely distract you.

Bumping her nose against yours, Wanda leans forward to kiss you. You smile against her lips, pulling her closer. The both of you are so caught up in your own little world that you don’t notice the bouquet that is flying in the air and crashes against your heads.

“Aww” Wanda laughs.

“What the fuck?” you turn around, noticing everyone’s clapping as Wanda takes it in her hands, admiring the flowers.

“Looks like we have two future brides” Carol says, smiling as she waves at you. “Now move so Maria can toss her flowers”

“Wait! I need to get Darcy! Be right back”

To your surprise, she’s still wearing her earpiece, arguing with catering about things no one really cares about.

“Hey. You’re not enjoying the party” you say, trying to take the earpiece away from her.

“I’m working”

“You’re a surgeon, not a party planner. And I don’t see anyone needing a limb removed, or anything of the sort. Come on” you take her hand, leading her to a table. You tap on Bucky’s shoulder, and he pales when he sees Darcy right behind you.

“Please tell me you didn’t”

“Darcy, why don’t you and Bucky dance?” you cut him off, smiling innocently.

“Pass” Darcy says, but you shove her right into his arms, stealing her earpiece. “Hey!”

But you walk away before she can chase you, going back to Wanda. She waves the bouquet and you accept it. Your girlfriend has taken it as a sign to set a date for her plan.

“Hey, there’s a private party for the book release next Friday. Are you free to go?”

“Absolutely, anything for you, my love” you pull her close, kissing the tip of her nose.

You keep talking and drinking, catching up with Yelena and you also notice that Darcy is still dancing with Bucky. They’re actually talking, and you hope that Darcy can at least let go of the idea that they are enemies.

Most people leave to drive back to the city, but you hang around until Carol and Maria are ready to leave for their very short honeymoon in Cabo.

“Wear lots of sunscreen and drink margaritas” you say goodbye to them. “And don’t think about work. We’ll be just fine”

“Oh, trust me, our phones will be off” Maria says, smiling as you hug her. “Thanks for everything. Have you seen Darcy? We want to say goodbye to her”

“She’s… huh” you turn around, looking as she’s chatting with Bucky in the bar. “Busy, I guess?”

“Someone just lost five dollars” Carol makes fun of Maria.

“I won’t pay until we settle that other one”

“What other one?” you ask, curious.

“If your wedding will be the next one we attend” Carol laughs.

“Well… yeah, no comment. Come on, leave before you miss your flight”

Luckily, you have a room at the inn because you absolutely don’t feel like driving back to the city.

“Did you hear from your mom? Are the kids doing ok?” you ask Wanda, sittig on the bed and removing your shoes with a sigh. “I am never wearing heels again”

“Yes, detka. Relax, everything’s fine” she says, coming back to the room wearing a bathroom robe that looks beyond comfy.

“Help me with the zipper, please?” you say, pushing your hair out of the way. She pulls the zipper down, releasing you from the fabric until the dress is pooling at your feet.

“Not so fast” she says, hands around your waist.

You laugh when she kisses the spot between your neck and shoulder, tickling the skin.

“Had fun?” you sigh, melting in her arms.

“Yes. I drew us a bath, come on”

When you’re finally in the bathtub, Wanda goes in, relaxing against your front.

“I like weddings” she says suddenly, and you chuckle.

“Yeah? Were you dreaming about your wedding when you were little?”

“Oh, I used to do this ceremony with my teddy bear. He was real handsome. We got married a couple of times” Wanda says, smiling at the memory.

“Guess I’ll have to fight Mr. Bear to set the record straight” you mumble, struggling to keep your eyes open. Between Wanda’s warmth, the water and the candles she lit, you could pass out any minute now.

“What about you?”

“What about me?”

“Did you ever think about your wedding? As a kid, I mean”

“Not really. My parents weren’t married, so I guess I only thought that people had kids. Learning what being married meant came later. But I like it. As a concept, I mean. Having someone to be your partner, through everything… it doesn’t sound bad”

“Right” Wanda agrees, smiling as she imagines what the future holds for you two.

“Surgeons are terrible spouses, though” you warn her, which makes her laugh.

“I don’t believe that. Not from you, at least”

“Mmm, time will tell” you yawn, making Wanda turn. “Sorry. Just tired”

“Come on. Let’s get to bed”

Just as Wanda thought, you’re asleep the minute you settle in bed. As she watches you dream peacefully, her heart beats faster at the prospect of the future.

She can’t wait to propose.

[justjeansmain]

Closest explanation I've come to have is that it's a form of sexualisation, objectification and heteronormative control.

See I had this fwb ages ago and he was so into the idea of a threesome as something he really wanted to try. Yet somehow he was GROSSED OUT and kinda offended at the idea that I am poly and might at some point have several lovers. Why?

Apparently for a lot of people sex is less of a treason when cheating than love would be. Mind you, this wasn't even a relationship so that tells you a thing or two about certain men. No feelings attached (except their feelings of ownership over you lol). Anyway. Basically if it's only about their pleasure it's fun and fine. If it's about feelings it's somehow bad because the people thinking this feel like, in a committed relationship, they're OWED all your affection and love. If there's another person getting some of it? Competition. Bad for them. It also sometimes has that stank of purity to it too... somehow a threesome is less disgusting or shameful cause it's just sexual need, if you involve feelings you're committing the 'pure' part of the relationship to several people. Much bigger sin apparently.

So yeah it's about gender and relationship roles and heteronormativity and the forced established idea of what a 'healthy' and 'normal' relationship is from that heteronormative lense. Which I think is how it happens that a LOT of poly people are queer. You fall outside those boxes, you question these roles and norms and are open to challenging them? Might find out that love is not a solid, define shaped object to clutch or give away after all. It takes all kinds of forms, expands and flows as it pleases as long as you allow it its freedoms, to your benefit I must add.

It's a shame that some people will never stop to think outside of those boxes or accept those who do, but there's an entire society-wide machine at work here to prevent it.

the hate of polyamorous people feels so arbitrary to me. like i know bigotry is irrational but like. you understand the appeal of threesomes and foursomes but you can't respect when people love multiple people. even though you have multiple friends. there's gunk in your brain

[wbbpls]

Platonic Plus One

Chapter 11

Word count: 4300 another day of them hopelessly falling in love and being dumb about it. Only 2 more days before the wedding day...will they figure it out?

After getting massages, Azzi met up with the wedding party to finish planning the party tomorrow night. Then, the girls spent the rest of the day by the pool. The wedding is in three days, so they’re enjoying the calm while they can before going back to school. Azzi was floating on an inflatable, quietly enjoying herself—almost too quietly. As soon as Azzi started considering why it was quiet and where Paige might be, she was suddenly flipped over into the water. 

When she came back for air, she immediately recognized Paige’s laugh mixed with her brother's. 

“What the hell?!”

“Sorry, baby, we just had to. You looked too peaceful.”

“It was Paige’s idea!” Jon and Jose say in unison. 

“What?! Bro, it was deadass not my idea.” 

“Really, Paige?” Azzi gave her a stern look, trying not to crack a smile. 

“No, no, it was Tim’s idea! I swear on my knee.” Jose and Jon can’t stop laughing, and they can hear Tim cackling in the background. 

“It doesn’t matter who’s idea it was. You still did it. Plus, you got me all wet.” Azzi crosses her arms.

As soon as Paige smirked, Azzi realized the words had left her mouth. “Oh yeah, did I?”

Azzi starts blushing profusely. “You know that’s not what I meant.”

“You sure bout that, mama?” Paige puts her hands on Azzi’s waist, pulling her in. 

“Ew, dude, that’s my sister.” Jose splashes water at Paige, getting Azzi even more wet. 

“Okay, that’s it! I’m done here.” 

“Ugh, see what you did?” Paige splashes him back. 

“Nah, just go be your simp self, and she’ll be fine.” Paige rolled her eyes and went to the edge of the pool, watching Azzi walk and sit down on the lounge chair. 

“P, stop staring.” Paige put her head down on the palm of her hands, smiling back at Azzi. 

“Nah, I’m good.”

Azzi couldn’t stop herself from smiling at the flirting and attention she’d been receiving from Paige since their massage. “Alright, Paige, c’mon. Come join me.”

“Gladly, pretty girl.” Paige pushes off the side of the pull, showing off the muscles in her arm, then the tightening of her abs. Azzi couldn't look away even if she tried. As Paige stands up, she notices Azzi looking down her body and smirks. 

“Enjoying the view?”

“W-what, no! Ugh you’re so cocky.” 

“Mhm, sure.” 

Paige grabs a towel, half-dries off, and sits next to Azzi. 

“Paige, you’re getting me all wet again. And don’t be a smart ass.” Azzi throws another towel at her while Paige bends over laughing. 

When she catches her breath, she shrugs and says, “Hey, I guess I just have that effect on you.”

“Not another word, Bueckers.”

“Alright, alright.” 

Azzi picked up her book to continue reading. She got through one whole page before Paige started bothering her again. 

“Hey, Azzzzziiiiiii.”

“Yes, Paige?”

“Wanna do somethin’ fun tonight?”

“Hm, like what?”

“I don’t know. Maybe there’s an arcade or somethin’ nearby. I have felt lost without competition these past few days. I could really use beating you at something.”

“Okat first, rude. But also, that sounds fun, so fine.”

“Aye, that’s wassup.” Paige excitedly stands to gather their stuff and, sadly for Azzi, puts her clothes back on. 

“Yo, Jose and Jon! We goin’ to an arcade tonight. Wanna come so I can beat your asses?”

Azzi mutters under her breath, “Oh god, what did I just sign up for?”

“Nah, baby, it’s gonna be fun. Wanna invite some of the wedding party and make it a thing?”

“Sure, Paigey, I’ll text Jake, and he’ll probably get everything together,” Azzi replies softly, enjoying the term of endearment. 

“Bet.” 

================================================

The girls, Azzi’s brothers, Jake and his girlfriend, and a few other people from the wedding party joined them at a local arcade. This isn’t typically Azzi’s scene, but Paige turns into a happy little kid at arcades, and who is she to deprive her of that?

“Oh, shit they got laser tag!” 

“I call dibs on shooting Paige and Azzi!” 

“Damn Jon, you were a lil too ready go there,” Paige says as she fills out her waiver. 

They all start to put on the vests as they listen to the instructions. Paige leaned over to whisper in Azzi’s ear, “Don’t worry, Princess, I’ll protect you.” 

It’s like Paige has been determined to get Azzi to blush this entire day, and each time Azzi gets flustered, it gives her more and more confidence. Might be time to humble her a little bit.

“Oh yeah? You gonna be my night in shining armour?” 

“As long as you’re my princess.” Okay, yeah, Paige won that one. 

The teams split up, starting on the respective sides of the room. Once the buzzer sounds, telling them to go, Paige screams at the top of her lungs “LETS FUCKIN GOOOOOOOO!”

It's moments like these that Azzi finds herself falling for Paige. Moments like this tell her that Paige isn’t just a best friend. Paige is sprinting, jumping, and rolling as she dodges and shoots everyone. Azzi will never tell her, but she’s surprisingly good at this. Azzi got both of her brothers out twice, so now they were on the hunt for her. They started to sneak up on Azzi, and then suddenly Paige dove in front of her, shooting both of her brothers and getting shot herself. Azzi runs to kneel down next to Paige.

“Paige! Are you okay? I can’t believe you just dove like that to stop them from shooting me. You could have gotten hurt!” 

“Anything for my princess.” 

Their eyes are locked in as everything around them fades away. Paige’s eyes dropped down to Azzi’s lips. “Do I get that true love’s kiss for saving you?”

“I think that can be arranged.”

Azzi closes the gap, softly kissing her. Paige moves her hand to go behind Azzi’s neck. Before either girl could deepen the kiss, their vests light up red, and they hear a loud beep. When they break apart, Jon and Jose are standing over them with evil smiles. 

“That’s what you get for bein’ a simp!” 

“That’s it. Y’all better run.” Paige books it towards them, and Azzi adds this moment to her list of reasons why it's so easy to be in love with Paige. Azzi froze, realizing the thought she had. She just admitted to herself that she’s in love with her best friend. And for the first time, that didn’t scare her. 

The lights turn back on, signaling the end of their game. Their team won by a landslide, thanks to Paige, giving her an ego boost no one needed. They all split up, playing games until Jose comes up to them.

“Guys, there’s basketball! Bet I can beat you both.”

Azzi laughs, “That’s actually comical. Let’s go beat these idiots.” The girls high-five and make their way over. 

Jose pushed Jon out of the way, “I call takin' down Paige. You can deal with Azzi.” 

“Bro, you know that’s not even equal.”

“I’m literally right here.” 

Azzi couldn't help but laugh at their banter and rub Paige’s back. Azzi grabs Paige’s chin, turning her head to kiss her. “You got this, baby.”

Now flustered, Paige scans her player card to start the game with a dopey smile on her face. She’s still smiling at Azzi and doesn’t even notice the timer started. 

“Distracted over there, Bueckers?” Jon laughs at her.

“Oh shit.” Paige focuses in and starts draining shots, catching up to Jose. In the last second, Paige lost by one point. 

“I BEAT PAIGE BUECKERS AT BASKETBALL!”

“What, no?! You cheated.”

“How did I cheat?”

“I was distracted when we started.”

“It’s not my fault you’re whipped for my sister.”

“Nah, rematch. Right now.” 

“Whatever, fine. Azzi, maybe you should leave so she can actually shoot.”

 “My girl ain’t no problem,” Paige winks as she wraps her arm around Azzi’s waist. “How about another kiss for good luck?”

Although caught off guard momentarily, Azzi got excited by the idea. “I don’t know...that last one wasn’t too helpful.” 

“And?”

Fair point. Azzi leans in to close the gap. As Paige went to move, thinking it would just be a peck, she grabbed her face and pulled her in for a longer kiss. 

“Now that’s lucky.”

“Can you guys stop making out so we can play, jeez.” Paige kisses Azzi’s temple and moves to scan her player card again. They both zone in, and without any distractions, Paige beats Jose by a landslide. When the buzzer goes off, Paige jumps up and down and then runs over to Azzi, picking her up and spinning her around. Giggles take over as Paige trash-talks Jose and leans against the table behind them after she puts Azzi down. 

“Okay, okay, Azzi, you’re up. Get ready to lose.” Jon says as he trades places with Jose. Paige leans against the table behind them after she puts Azzi down. 

“Real confident for someone who misses every other shot.” Azzi starts to walk over but then feels hands wrap around her wrist, pulling her in. She spun into Paige, settling between her legs. 

“Kiss for good luck, mama?”

Azzi beams and kisses Paige again. If you could even call it that, considering she can’t stop smiling. She pulls back and kisses Paige on the tip of her nose. “Thanks, cutie.”

Paige couldn't take her eyes off Azzi, mesmerized by her smile and confidence. She didn’t miss a single shot, and each one was all net. 

Standing next to Paige, Jose is smiling in disbelief. “Damn, that was—”

“Hot.” Something about hearing Paige so openly call her hot made her mouth go dry. 

“Dude, that’s still my sister.” 

Without taking her eyes off of Azzi, Paige responds, “The truth is the truth, Jose.”

“Okay, we can’t do this anymore. You guys are gross.” 

After a few more games, the group makes their way back to the property. Most of Azzi’s family is chatting in the lobby and drinking wine. The girls each pour a glass and join in. Azzi sits next to Katie, and Paige joins Tim on the other side of the room. 

“Hey, sweetie. How was the arcade?”

“Really good. We beat the hell out of Jon and Jose.”

“Real shocker there.” 

“Hey, Mom, can I, uh, talk to you about something?”

“Sure, wanna go for a walk?” 

“Yeah, that would be good.” 

Kaite and Azzi stood with wine glasses while walking around the large lobby. On their way out, Paige caught Azzi’s eye, offering her a smile as if to say, “I’m here.” 

“I really need to tell you something, and I don’t know how to, so now I’m just so confused.”

“Just say what you need to say, Azzi.”

“I’m in love with Paige.” 

“Okay...? I’m sorry, but what’s the problem here?”

“Paige and I aren’t actually together.” Katie looked at Azzi as if she had two heads. Azzi started babbling off an explanation as fast as she could, “I know, I know, I can explain. I just was so tired of the whole family constantly hounding me about my dating life and everything thought we were dating anyway so I went along with it, and now we’ve been pretending to be together all week, and nothing about it feels fake, and I don’t know what to do.” Azzi lets out a deep breath once she finishes explaining everything. 

“Wow, alright. That’s a lot to take in.”

“I’m really sorry for lying to you, Mom.”

“It’s okay, Az. Our family, especially your aunt, can be annoying, so I can’t even blame you. Look, I get all of this can be confusing, but honestly, I’ve been waiting years for you guys to finally get your act together and admit to being in love with each other.”

“Wait, really?”

Katie laughs at Azzi’s shock. “You guys have always just clicked. There’s something special there, so of course, once you guys cross that line, it opens up even more feelings.” 

“What if she doesn’t feel the same way and I ruin everything?”

“Azzi, I love you, but if you really think that girl isn’t head over heels for you, then you’re not as smart as I thought you were.”

“Gee, thanks, Mom.”

“You never noticed that any girl Paige started to date got jealous of the two of you, and the second they weren’t nice to you, she dumped them?”

“Okay, well, they objectively sucked.” 

“Fine, what about how many flowers and little gifts she buys you?”

“She’s a giver. She gives to everyone.” 

“Where are my flowers then?” 

“Ugh, if she really wanted this, she would have said so. She’s so much more experienced with this stuff than I am and always so confident. She would have made a move by now.” 

“Azzi, you and I both know that’s not true. You’re just using it to validate insecurities.” 

“Well, you don’t hold back, do you?”

“You’re everything to her, Azzi. What if she’s scared of ruining everything, too? You’re her constant. You’re what keeps her safe. You’re one of the only people she lets see her, really see her. Sure, Paige is all confidence, but how much of that is protection?”

“I guess I never thought of it that way. I know I’ve always seen her differently and Caroline has been on my ass about it since forever, but like, everyone saw this but us?”

“Dumb and in love, I guess.” Katie smiled at her daughter and pulled her in for a hug. 

“Thanks, Mom.”

“Of course, kiddo. Let’s get back to that crazy blonde. She’s probably hit her limit on time away from you.”

When they returned to the main area, Tim and Paige sang loudly as they poured another glass. 

“How long were we gone, and how many drinks have they had?”

“AZZIIIIIIIIIIII!”

Azzi giggles and walks up to Paige. “Hi, drunkie.”

“Hey, babygrl, I missed you.” Paige kissed the side of her head and pulled her onto her lap. 

“We’ve been together all day, P.”

“Okay, and? You didn’t miss me?” She says with a pout. Azzi’s heart melts, and she brushes her hair out of Paige’s face. 

“Yeah, I missed you.” 

“I had a lot of fun tonight.” 

“Me too, P.” Azzi traces her fingers down Paige’s arm and plays with the hair at the nape of Paige’s neck. The feeling of Azzi all over her sends Paige deep into the clouds. Maybe it wouldn’t be like this next week, but she would take advantage of it while she could. 

“Mm, that feels good, Az.” Seeing Paige’s eyes flutter closed as she relaxed into her made Azzi think about what her mom had said. They’ve always been each other’s safe space. Why should this be any different? Azzi leans in to kiss Paige. She very quickly kisses Azzi back. They’re still aware that Azzi’s whole family is around them, so they break apart and lean their foreheads on each other. 

“You’re really good at that.”

“You’re not so bad yourself, P.”

“Yeah, but I think I’m gonna need some more practice.” 

“Oh, yeah? That could be arranged.”

“It’s a date.”

“A date, huh?”

“How about dinner tomorrow night?”

“The dinner provided by my cousin?”

“Hey, it’s food.” Azzi rolled her eyes and went to stand up, teasing Paige, but she was quick to pull her back down. 

“Wait, I promise to buy you a legit dinner, just us, after the wedding, okay?”

“After the wedding?”

“Yeah, Az, after.”

“I’d like that.” The girls smile at each other and then return to the conversations around them. Once Paige finished her fourth glass of wine, Azzi stood up, grabbed Paige’s wine glass, and pulled her by her hand. “Alright, I think that’s enough for you. Goodnight, everyone!”

“Hey, I was drinking that!”

Azzi ignored her and kept pulling her towards the elevator. Once she pressed the button, Paige wrapped around her from behind and whispered in her ear, “You coulda just said you wanted alone time, mama.”

The elevator doors opened, and Paige wouldn’t detach herself from the younger girl. Once the door closed, Paige started to give Azzi open-mouth kisses on her neck, causing Azzi's breath to hitch.

“You’re so fuckin pretty, Az”

“Mm, P.” 

Azzi turned around, connecting their lips, taking her time kissing Paige. Paige pushed her forward, letting Azzi’s back hit the wall. Their kiss becomes deeper as their breaths become heavier. Paige bit Azzi’s bottom lip and sucked, causing a loud moan to come out. Azzi grabbed Paige’s hips and quickly changed their positions, pushing Paige up against the wall. She immediately attached her lips to Paige’s neck.

“Fuck, that feels so good.”

Azzi kisses under her ear and whispers, “You like that?”

“So fuckin’ much.” Paige moans out breathlessly. 

“Mm, good to know,” Azzi says smugly. She goes back to kiss her neck, but then the elevator dings. The girls start laughing, and Paige grabs her hand. “Let’s go, beautiful.” 

There’s a thick tension between them as they walk down the hallway. While Azzi unlocks the door, Paige’s phone starts going off. Suddenly, Paige’s entire demeanor changed. 

Paige’s whole body tensed, seeing all the headlines about her. Will she be able to bring home a national championship? Does she really deserve to hold the #1 draft slot? The past month, the pressures of everything have been crashing down on her, crushing her underneath endless expectations. She’s been so good at pushing it all aside, but those glasses of wine certainly didn’t help. This past week, being with Azzi, she forgot about it all. She finally felt like a normal person again. 

“You okay, Paigey?”

Paige snapped out of her thoughts, remembering how much she enjoyed Azzi. 

“Y-yeah, for sure.”

Azzi looks at her phone, reading the same headlines Paige read. 

“Paige, you know all that stuff is just outside noise, right?”

“I mean, is it? They have a point. How can I be #1 pick with no natty? Like, even saying that out loud sounds crazy.”

“Because you’re amazing, Paige. You’ve earned that spot, with or without the championship.” 

“Yeah, whatever.”

“No, not whatever, P. C’mon, talk to me.” 

Paige knew she should just talk to Azzi about it all. But telling her how she’s felt makes it all too real. Azzi has been nothing but supportive to her; she doesn’t deserve to hear all of Paige’s ungrateful complaints. Paige starts to feel heavy in the silence between them, so she does the one thing that’s worked all week. She kisses Azzi. 

Azzi was caught off guard, but then kissed her back. She could not resist Paige, but she could feel the frustration, anger, and sadness in Paige’s kiss. She pulls back, “Paigey, talk to me.” 

Paige shakes her head no while focusing on Azzi’s lips with dilated dark blue eyes. She’s so tired of feeling like this, like she has no control over her life. She just wants to not feel like this for one minute. She pulled Azzi back in for a rough kiss, pouring any emotion she had left into the kiss. 

“Pai—”

“Azzi, it’s fine. I’m fine.” Paige pushed back, grabbing at the back of Azzi’s neck to kiss her again. Azzi has no idea what to do. She’d never seen this side of Paige before. If she doesn’t want to talk, she takes it out on exercise and finds her way back to Azzi by the end of the day. Azzi kisses her back because it’s evident that’s what Paige needs right now. But the voice in the back of her head knows this isn’t how it’s supposed to go.

Azzi pulls back harder this time, sternly saying her name, “Paige.”

“Please, Azzi baby, I need you right now.” Something about the vulnerability takes over the logical voices in Azzi’s head, and she kisses Paige back. Paige smiled under Azzi’s initiative and pushed her against the wall, kissing down her neck. She stops right under Azzi’s ear, biting and soothing the sting over with her tongue. 

“P-paige, fuck.” This just spurs Paige on, and she shoves her leg in between Azzi’s and starts grinding into her. 

“You’re so fuckin’ hot, mama.” Paige displayed her strength by picking Azzi up and walking her over to the bed. Azzi grips at her shoulders, taking in the feeling of Paige all over her. Their kisses turn sloppy as their tongues fight for dominance. This is all Azzi has wanted, but something feels wrong. When her back hits the bed, the voices warning her to stop this come front and center.

Azzi moves her lips off of Paige, which Paige takes as an opportunity to kiss her neck again. Paige is lost in her head, desperately trying to push back all her negative feelings. But any insecurity and doubt she’s ever had is fighting back full force. Azzi is the only thing she’s ever had that is good and pure. She needs all of Azzi. Paige starts to move her hand down to the top of Azzi’s jeans when Azzi’s brain finally catches up with her. 

“Paige, stop.”

Paige freezes, her dark blue eyes now looking so lost. “You don’t want this, do you?”

“W-what no, Paige, hold on.”

“Fuck, I’m so stupid,” Paige says with tears ready to fall at any moment and removes herself from Azzi, to sit at the edge of the bed. Of course the one thing Paige thought would always be good in her life, she fucked up too.

“Paige, stop, that’s not it I jus—” 

“Azzi, it’s fine. I messed up; no need for you to fix this, too. Just drop it.” Paige feels guilt more than anything now for putting Azzi in this position. She was so desperate to run from her feelings that now she was just hurting herself and her best friend in the process. 

“P...”

Azzi isn’t even sure what the right thing to say right now is. She wants to admit her feelings for Paige. Let her know that she’s all she wants, but there’s obviously something going on that she can’t understand. 

“I’m sorry for fucking this all up, Azzi,” Paige whispers and drops her head into her hands, resting on her knees. 

“Paige, you didn’t fuck anyhting up. Please, just listen to me, baby.”

Paige’s tense shoulders relaxed at the term of endearment as Azzi rubbed her back. Maybe she didn’t totally push her away.

“Look at me, P.” Paige hesitates but finally turns to look at Azzi, feeling some sense of relief and fear at the look in Azzi’s eyes. She’s not sure she can handle any more rejection. 

“Paige, please, just talk to me. You’ve been on and off reacting like this all month, overdoing workouts and spending all night in the gym. I want to be here for you, Paigey, but I can’t if you don’t let me in. 

Paige lets that sit, really sit. She knows Azzi is right and feels like she's ripping at the seams and trying to hold it all in. 

Azzi almost didn’t hear Paige respond with her tear-filled whisper, “I’m not good enough.”

“Oh, Paige, come here.” Azzi opened her arms, and her best friend fell into her, sobbing. “I wish you could see yourself like I do. You’re more than enough, P; you’re everything. People will always have something to say, and half the time, they’re not even right. You constantly have so much pressure on you, so please let me take it off you.”

Azzi lets the older girl sob in her arms. “Let it all out, baby, I’ve got you.” 

“I-I’m s-so scared to f-fail.” Paige grips onto Azzi’s shirt like it's her lifeline, desperately trying to catch her breath between her tears. 

“It’s okay to fail sometimes, Paige. It’s what makes you stronger. It’s what makes you the Paige we all fell in love with.” The Paige I fell in love with is on the tip of Azzi’s tongue. 

“I’m so scared of letting everyone down.” Paige finally looks up at her, with her beautiful bright blue eyes filled with tears streaming down her face. 

“I know, love, it’s a lot to hold onto by yourself. Let me hold onto it with you. If you let fear take over your life, you’ll find yourself at the bottom of a hole you dug yourself. We need to find your drive and passion again, and I promise you that the rest will come naturally. You’re never alone as long as I’m here.”

Paige lets her words settle, really taking them in before whispering, “Okay.”

“Okay,” Azzi says softly, cradling Paige’s face. Something about it felt like a promise. 

“C’mon, P, let’s get you to bed.”

The girls get in their PJs and slip under the covers. 

“Az?” Paige turned to face her best friend.

“Yeah?”

“Can you, uh, c-can you hold me?” This isn’t the confident Paige everyone is used to seeing. This is the Paige only Azzi has the privilege to see. 

“Of course, P.” Azzi opened her arms, and Paige immediately shuffled her way into Azzi, grabbing her shirt again for comfort. 

“I’m sorry, Az.”

“Don’t be. You’re always my best friend before anything. I’ll always be here for you.” Azzi squeezed her tighter, emphasizing her words. 

“Yeah, best friends.” Paige shoved her head further into Azzi’s neck, holding back more tears. Azzi runs her fingers through Paige’s hair and kisses her temple. 

“It’s gonna be okay, P.” 

Azzi isn’t sure who she's trying to reassure more, Paige or herself. 

[rafesbuzzcutseason]

wicked game

chapter 2 - kappa tau

synopsis: y/n is sarah’s roommate and the embodiment of sunshine. rafe, on the other hand, is her complete opposite. when the boys place a bet that he can't win her over, rafe takes the challenge without hesitation. after all, he never backs down from a dare. the closer rafe gets to y/n, he finds himself drawn to her warmth in a way he never expected, and for the first time, he wants to be more than just the guy with a bad reputation.

but secrets don’t stay hidden for long, and when y/n finds out the truth, rafe is left to face the consequences. now, he has to prove that somewhere along the way, the bet stopped mattering, because losing her was never part of the plan.

masterlist

cw: mentions of drugs and alcohol, language

"how are you feeling?" sarah asked as you were doing the finishing touches of your makeup.

"nervous." you replied.

sarah smiled, leaning against the doorframe as she watched you. “totally normal. first frat party jitters. it’s a rite of passage.”

you set your lip gloss down, exhaling. “it’s just… not really my scene, you know? loud music, drunk people, chaos.”

sarah grinned. “oh, it’s definitely all of those things. but that’s the fun of it! you don’t have to be the life of the party, just survive it. and hey, i’ll be right there with you. and i'll introduce you to cleo and kie who you will love.

you met her eyes in the mirror, appreciating how quickly she had taken you under her wing. “thanks, sarah.”

she smiled. “anytime. now, come on, let’s go. you look beautiful.”

with one last deep breath, you grabbed your phone and followed her out the door, the bass of the party already faintly thumping in the distance.

sarah linked her arm with yours as you walked. “okay, quick rundown. frat parties can be a lot. idiotic men, screaming girls, a lot of drunk conversations. but as long as you stick with me, you’ll be fine.”

you nodded, nerves still fluttering. “and cleo and kie? they’re your friends?”

sarah beamed. “yep! they’re the best. i knew them from home. you’re gonna love them. cleo takes no shit, and kie’s the most chill person ever. they’ll have your back.”

that made you feel better. you weren’t exactly shy, but stepping into a house full of strangers, loud music, and whatever else frat parties entailed? that was way out of your comfort zone.

as you approached the kappa tau house, the scene was exactly what you’d expected. just like the movies. people spilling onto the lawn, red solo cups in nearly everyone’s hands, music so loud you could feel the beat in your chest. the air smelled like beer, cologne, and the faintest hint of weed.

sarah squeezed your arm. “welcome to kappa tau y/n.” she then waved dramatically. “there they are!”

two girls turned and grinned when they saw sarah. “about damn time. we were starting to think you bailed.”

“as if i'd miss this,” sarah scoffed before turning to you. "guys, this is y/n, my roommate and our new favourite person.”

“hey, it's so nice to meet you! i'm kie." she said, pulling you into a welcoming hug.

"and i'm cleo." she smiled, "so first frat party?"

you sighed. “that obvious?”

“oh, yeah,” she teased. “but don’t worry, we’ll keep you alive.”

before you could say anything else, a loud voice cut through the crowd.

“ladies!”

you turned just in time to see two guys approaching. one was tall and tan with a cocky grin. the other, a blonde with wild hair and an even wilder energy, practically vibrating with excitement.

“finally!” the blonde boy threw an arm around sarah's shoulder. “we were wondering when you’d grace us with your presence.”

the first boy gave you a curious look before glancing at sarah. “new roommate?”

sarah beamed. “yep. y/n, meet john b and jj.”

“nice to meet you,” john b said with a friendly smile.

jj, however, wiggled his eyebrows. “very nice to meet you.”

kie smacked his arm. “behave.”

jj put a hand over his heart, feigning innocence. “i am always on my best behaviour.”

cleo snorted. “that’s the biggest lie i've ever heard.”

sarah rolled her eyes, then turned back to you. “okay, now that the introductions are done, can we please go inside?"

you hesitated for half a second before nodding. “let’s do it.”

kie grinned. “that’s the spirit.”

you piled in together, letting the party swallow you whole. you took a deep breath, scanning the room. it was overwhelming, but there was an undeniable energy to it. you let yourself feel excited.

cleo nudged you playfully. “come on, let’s get drinks. it’s, like, step one of surviving a night like this.”

you nodded, "alright. let's get started.

a/n: i promise rafe will come in soon...

🏷️: @heartzshiftamy @hoefordrewstarkey @luvrclub @yesterdaysproblemm @leleee3 @yktayy9669 @miumiuestmoi @anacamofficial @cokewithcameron @bloodofadoll @shorttandsweett @mysticbby2009 @emmiesummers @wintercrows @drewrry @starkeyxcameron @xxbirkindoll2 @stoned-writer @drewstarkeyslover @hannieskzzz @verycherryblossomhideout @letstryagaintomorrow @@jjsbbg7 @mariamadison6-blog @laniirackssss @xeneasworld @countryclubwhore @drewsphswife @mattyskies @moonywhisp3rs @starkeygirls @lmaolmaos @thereallifebambi @emeloyy @vcnillafairy @rafecameronswhoore @st8rkey @angeldiaryy @therealfairybatman @drewsephrry @vanessa-rafesgirl @dreamybabbyy @pogueprincesa @happy-mushrooms @hannaa20002000 

[lazyscience]

I hate to tell you this, but even "civilized" countries that have a military consider revealing details of classified files punishable by jail time (for example, Argentina, where your bio lists you from, has a penalty for this offense of 2 months to 2 years and if they're public officials, barred from office for 1-4 years). If it had been a Yemeni official accidentally adding a journalist to a group chat, he and the journalist would probably both be dead.

The people who were in that chat SHOULD be subject to jail time or fines for violating our laws against leaking classified data to people not cleared to recieve it, but Trump is protecting them because like all dictators he wants people loyal to HIM, not to the country. it has nothing to do with "how" they talked about what they did in the group chat, or whether they are good at their jobs or not (although they are indeed shit at them and also claimed that anyone leaking information should be jailed, and accused many other people of it without evidence, and are now saying "oh but not us, that doesn't apply to us.") It's corruption and hypocrisy, not decorum or racism, that is making people angry.

On social media, people are making fun of them like they would someone who accidentally sent their grandma their nudes - not because they think all they did was be crass or because they're concerned Trump won't achieve his unlawful goals, but because these people are pompous assholes who would rather be considered Dangerous than simply stupid stooges to a criminal, and because our law enforcement is also corrupt shits the only way we can punish them is to humiliate them. Sad but true.

Everybody is shocked that US journalist was invited to a top secret chat discussing military strikes and then just left (honestly that's the funniest thing) while refusing to reveal sensitive information but that's about what I expected. You can read on his article, he doesn't care about the fact that the US military is striking one of the poorest countries in the world. In fact, he probably even supports it.

What he is outraged about is how dare Trump be so incompetent, how dare him compromise the effectiveness of the US military, which is doing its job to 'protect this country'. You will see this in media from other countries, there's little to no mention about WHERE the airstrikes were directed to, WHY and WHO they killed. It's all "oh Trump let a random journalist on his chat, how embarrassing!" If it had been Obama or Biden or whoever, the journalist probably wouldn't even had published anything, because after all I imagine (ha!) that they talk about bombing third world countries with propriety and decorum, not unlike these guys who are so, so cringe.

this is why I tell you that the US has a level of military worship seldom seen and completely naturalized

[piastrisun]

the grand reveal.

pairings: franco colapinto + actress female character.

summary: the cameras have always loved you, but tonight, for the first time, you let them capture the truth—franco, by your side, no longer just a best friend.

genre: fluff.⠀word count: 2k.⠀ warning: none.

request: franco x actress!reader at the oscars or at some premiere of a movie she's been part of? 💕

notes: inspired by mary and tanner from cobra kai because i find them so endearing. and currently considering making a smau about this story as well. thank you for the req, i hope you like it!!!

the hotel suite is bathed in the soft glow of the golden hour, the warm light filtering through the tall windows, casting long shadows on the polished floor. the city skyline stretches out beyond the glass, the world outside buzzing with anticipation for the premiere of your movie—the one that has your name on billboards, the one people have been waiting for.

inside, it’s quieter, but the air is thick with something else—excitement, nerves, maybe even a touch of nostalgia. you stand in front of a massive vanity mirror, dressed in a stunning gown, the fabric hugging your form perfectly. it’s elegant, timeless, with just the right amount of sparkle to catch the light as you move. the dress makes you feel powerful, like you belong on that carpet, like this is your night.

and yet, as much as the premiere is about you, your thoughts are fixated on the man behind you.

franco stands near the edge of the room, adjusting the cuffs of his shirt. he’s already dressed—black suit, perfectly tailored, crisp white shirt underneath, a picture of effortless charm. but even as he focuses on the small details, his attention keeps drifting back to you.

you’re breathtaking. he’s seen you in a thousand different ways—barefaced in the morning, bundled up in sweats on lazy afternoons, laughing so hard you can barely breathe—but there’s something about this moment that feels different. maybe it’s the way the dress moves when you shift, or how the anticipation makes your eyes shine just a little brighter. maybe it’s the fact that tonight, for the first time, you might actually let the world see what he already knows.

his fiancée. his best friend. the love of his life.

you meet his gaze in the mirror, and a small smile tugs at the corner of your lips. he’s caught staring, but he doesn’t even try to look away.

“so,” you say, breaking the silence, voice teasing as you turn slightly toward him. “i was thinking about what you said.”

franco tilts his head slightly, a playful glint in his eyes. “which part exactly?” his voice has that casual tone, the one you know all too well. “i remind you that i’m good at talking.”

you smirk and glance over your shoulder. “haven’t forgotten. you’re a great talker. you just gave a whole talk about that superhero movie you watched last night.”

franco groans dramatically, moving to lean against the vanity beside you. “oh, come on! it was a great movie. maybe the plot was predictable and the effects were… questionable, but it was still good.”

you arch an eyebrow, your expression skeptical. “really? you think it was good?”

he huffs and crosses his arms. “okay, fine. it was barely decent. happy now?”

you laugh, the sound light and easy, shaking your head as you take a seat in the makeup chair. the artist starts working on the final touches, but your attention remains on franco as he watches you, eyes filled with something unreadable.

“so, getting back to it,” you continue, your voice softer now, more serious. “i was considering we could walk the red carpet together. properly this time. you said it would be fun.”

he stills for a moment, caught off guard by the suggestion. you see his throat bob as he swallows. you don’t usually hesitate to bring things up with him, but this is different. this isn’t just another premiere where he’s there as your best friend, the way people have always assumed. this would mean something else. this would mean stepping into the spotlight together, not as longtime friends, but as the couple you’ve been behind closed doors for the last three years.

his brows knit slightly as he watches you through the mirror, but you don’t let the pause deter you.

“we’ve been together for a while now,” you say, eyes focused on the buttons, your voice steady. “and we’ve been discreet about it. or at least, we’ve tried.”

he takes a step closer, eyes narrowing in thought. “but… that way, people would actually know we’re together, right?” his voice lowers, lacing with a thoughtful tone. “we don’t have to do this, you know. i was just messing around.”

you turn your head slightly, catching his eyes through the mirror again, your tone soft but certain. “i know that. but… it must be nice, though, to have people know we’re a couple. a very much in-love one.”

franco watches you carefully, his jaw tensing just slightly. he’s always been protective of your privacy, of keeping your love out of the chaos of the public eye, but there’s something in the way you say it that makes his heart stutter.

“are you sure?” he asks, and there’s something vulnerable in the way he says it.

you smirk, tilting your head. “what? getting scared now, colapinto?”

“no, no,” he says quickly, his voice slightly more urgent now, the hint of a smile tugging at his lips. “i want this. i want people to know we’re together, that i love you. i just… i just want you to be sure about it.”

you feel your heart swell at his words, your gaze softening as you meet his eyes. “i’m sure,” you say, and the conviction in your voice is clear. “i want this. i want everyone to know you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

his lips part slightly, as if your words take him by surprise. then, slowly, he reaches for your hand, his fingers grazing the ring he gave you. the diamond catches the light, subtle yet undeniable.

“so what?” he teases, the corner of his mouth twitching upward. “you’re gonna show off that ring i got you?”

you smile, your hand instinctively touching the ring, its simple elegance, the diamond catching the light. you shrug lightly, your eyes mischievous. “maybe.”

franco laughs softly, the sound of it filling the space between you. “is that so?”

you nod, a wink in your eye. “why not? let’s tell the world.”

for a moment, he just looks at you—really looks at you, as if he’s memorising every detail of this moment. and then, he exhales a soft laugh, shaking his head in that way he does when he’s completely, hopelessly in love.

he steps closer, hands resting on either side of your arms, his touch light but grounding. “then let’s do it,” he murmurs, voice just for you. “let the world see how much i love you.”

your heart flutters, a slow, warm smile spreading across your face. the final touches of your makeup are done, and as you stand, your heels clicking against the floor, you turn to face him fully.

reaching out, you adjust his tie slightly before smoothing your hands over his lapels. he watches you the whole time, his eyes filled with something indescribable.

with a playful tilt of your head, you extend your hand. “shall we go make our debut?”

franco grins, taking your hand in his, squeezing it just slightly. “let’s show them. together.”

and as you step out of the hotel suite, hand in hand, it’s no longer just another premiere. it’s the start of something new. something real. and for the first time, you’re ready for it.

the air outside the hotel is electric. the streets are lined with fans, their voices blending into a constant hum of excitement, the flashing of cameras already starting before you’ve even stepped onto the carpet.

as soon as you step onto the red carpet, the world erupts around you. the photographers call out, their voices overlapping in a chorus of eager requests. the evening arrives, and you stand at the entrance of the venue, the red carpet stretching out before you like an endless sea of flashing lights and eager faces. the sound of photographers shouting, “over here!” “please, a smile, miss!” fills the air as you step onto the carpet, your heart racing despite all the experience you’ve accumulated over the years.

the flashing lights are blinding, but you navigate through them with practiced ease. even after years in the spotlight, it still makes your pulse race. you’ve done this before, so many times, but somehow, the attention always makes your cheeks warm. not out of discomfort—just a lingering sense of disbelief that this is your life now, that people care this much about a movie you’ve poured your heart into.

still, you smile, giving the photographers what they want, offering small waves and graceful nods. you make your way down the carpet, pausing at the right moments, your dress shimmering under the flashing lights. you hear the way the photographers compliment you between their calls—little things like, “stunning as always!” and “you look incredible tonight!”—and despite yourself, your face heats up. you can’t help it.

as you walk down the carpet, your eyes seek out franco. he’s standing a few steps behind, looking as handsome as ever, watching you with something soft in his expression. he’s been in this position before, always lingering nearby, the best friend at your side. but tonight, it’s different.

his eyes meet yours, and a wave of comfort washes over you. this is your moment to share with him, and you can’t help but feel a thrill of excitement at the idea of walking this path, not as “just friends” but as a couple.

you gesture toward him, the subtle motion barely noticeable to the crowd but clear to him. his expression shifts from calm to a soft grin as he picks up the pace, closing the gap between you two. you meet him halfway, your hand reaching out for his as he steps to your side. the cameras react instantly, the shutters clicking even faster, a fresh wave of voices calling out.

“franco! look this way!”

“side by side, please!”

“one with the two of you together!”

franco leans in slightly, his arm instinctively wraps an arm around your waist. the photographers shouting for more smiles, more affection, their flashes still blinding in their intensity.

you look up at him, your voice soft, but still carrying a playful edge. “you ready?”

franco lets out a small laugh, his eyes gleaming with affection as he glances at you, his hand tightening around yours. “yeah, as ready as i could be.”

and then, with deliberate ease, you lift your left hand—the one with the engagement ring. the one the world has never seen before.

the cameras catch it instantly. the flashing intensifies, and a fresh wave of excitement ripples through the photographers.

“wait—is that—?”

“miss! the ring!”

“are you engaged?!”

you don’t say anything—not yet. you just smile, subtly adjusting your fingers so the diamond catches the light, making sure there’s no mistaking it. beside you, franco chuckles under his breath, barely containing his amusement at how effortlessly you’ve just dropped this revelation on the world.

“well,” he murmurs, voice full of teasing warmth, “i guess that’s one way to tell them.”

you glance up at him, eyes dancing. “go big or go home, right?”

he laughs, his grip around your waist tightening just slightly in silent affection. “remind me never to underestimate you.”

and as the noise around you swells—the shouts, the cameras, the realisation spreading like wildfire—you know there’s no turning back now. the world knows.

and you couldn’t be happier.

you smile, a mix of joy and nervousness bubbling in your chest as the weight of the moment settles in. it’s not just a simple red carpet stroll anymore. you and franco are no longer hiding in plain sight. this is you, standing proudly together, side by side, sharing your love with the world.

franco leans closer, his breath warm against your ear as he whispers, “so, what now? more pictures?”

you laugh, the sound light and free, as you glance back at him with a playful grin. “now we own the spotlight, i think.” you squeeze his hand, feeling the weight of everything—the love, the excitement, the fact that this is no longer a secret.

©⠀piastrisun original work. please don’t translate, claim or repost any of my writing, 25’.

[bradleysass]

point - @into-the-jeggyverse - wc: 414

James Potter had a lot of great ideas. Most of them were fun. Some of them were borderline reckless. A handful of them were absolute financial disasters waiting to happen.

Like the one he was proposing right now.

"James," Regulus began, voice carefully measured as he stared at his boyfriend sprawled across their couch, legs kicked over the armrest, an open laptop resting on his stomach. "We can't afford this."

James groaned theatrically, flopping one arm over his face. "You haven't even let me finish."

"Oh, I let you finish," Regulus said dryly, scrolling through their shared bank account on his phone. "You want to rent out an entire rooftop bar for your birthday."

"Not just any rooftop bar—"

"The one that costs more than our rent."

James had the decency to wince but powered through anyway. "I mean, yeah, but think about it, Reggie. City skyline. Good music. Everyone dressed up real nice. Me, standing in the center of it all, basking in the love and appreciation of my friends—"

Regulus pinched the bridge of his nose. "James. We can't even afford a full grocery trip right now without using coupons."

"Okay, you do make a point there," James admitted, closing his laptop. "But what's a birthday without a little extravagance?"

"A financially responsible day?" Regulus suggested, unimpressed. "You know, the kind where we don't drain our entire savings and then have to live off instant ramen for the rest of the month."

James groaned again, dramatically rolling off the couch and onto the floor. "So what do you suggest then? A quiet night in? Just us and some sad cake?"

Regulus pursed his lips, considering. "I was thinking we could do something at home. We can invite people over, make some food, play music—"

"Lame."

"Affordable."

James sighed, tilting his head back against the carpet. "Alright, fine. But only if you promise there’ll still be a cake. A real cake."

Regulus rolled his eyes. "I’ll even bake it myself."

That got James to perk up. "You baking? Now that's a rare treat. Alright, I’ll take it. But I want those ridiculous candles that make it impossible to blow out."

Regulus smirked. "Done."

James grinned, reaching for Regulus' hand and tugging him down onto the floor beside him. "You know, for someone who's constantly shooting down my plans, you always end up making them better."

Regulus huffed, pressing his palm against James' face to push him away. "That’s because your plans are ridiculous."

[wisteria-lodge]

I was rereading Chamber of Secrets and something interesting is that this is one of the few years that Draco stays at Hogwarts during the holidays. At the end of the book, it’s revealed that Lucius has been threatening and blackmailing people into agreeing to make Dumbledore leave Hogwarts. Do you think it’s possible that Draco was asked to stay at school while his father was “Busy”?

Oh that's fun. Because the Doylist reason he stays behind is so the Polyjuice Potion scene can happen, but the Watonsian reason... not only does Draco usually go home for Christmas, he usually gives Harry a hard time for not going home for Christmas.

During Book 2, Lucius is dealing with Ministry raids on his house (also dumping his contraband on Borgin and trying to sabotage Arthur Weasley, who seems to be a main driving force behind these raids.) He's also trying to bully/bribe/blackmail the other Hogwarts governors into getting rid of Dumbledore. Justin Finch-Fletchley and Nearly Headless Nick are both attacked right before the break, so everyone is getting really panicky.

I think Lucius is absolutely in Situation mode. He probably expects more raids (and we know he expects Borgin to come to the house and pick stuff up.) He's pulling out all the stops to sway the governors, something he probably wants a secure *base* for. I do think that's he's protecting Draco from anything nasty that might potentially go down.

Which actually says interesting things about Lucius. Because he's happy to bring Draco with him to Borgin & Burkes,' and let him watch while he makes an unsavory deal. That scene actually has a kind of bring-your-kid-to-work vibe. Lucius wants Draco to watch him navigate this power play, it's exactly the sort of thing Draco will need to do one day.

But Lucius is also very protective of Draco. There's of course the whole PTA Mom Buckbeak affair of Book 3, but even in this scene he does not let Borgin flatter/manipulate his kid:

“Ah, the Hand of Glory!” said Mr. Borgin, abandoning Mr. Malfoy’s list and scurrying over to Draco. “Insert a candle and it gives light only to the holder! Best friend of thieves and plunderers! Your son has fine taste, sir.” “I hope my son will amount to more than a thief or a plunderer, Borgin,” said Mr. Malfoy coldly, and Mr. Borgin said quickly, “No offense, sir, no offense meant —”

Which does make me think he would have kept Draco away from the house during Christmas, if he thought things had the potential to get dangerous.

[5targh0st]

NUMBER ONE GIRL

107. you'll never be alone

prev // m.list // next

“Bunch of assholes,” Beomgyu mutters after half an hour waiting for his friends to barge in his room to wish him a happy birthday.

Not even you remembered? Really? Worst birthday ever. This sucks. Feeling like an afterthought is humiliating and devastating.

He’s been there for you through thick and thin, and it’s not as if he’s done so expecting something in return. He, however, expected those moments to mean as much to you as they do to him. Is he really such a forgettable friend? He feels stupid, but he wants to cry. Suddenly, he’s 5 again, waiting for his ‘friends’ to show up and being met with utter loneliness.

As pathetic as it sounds, he’s used to being the forgotten friend, the one who always seems out of place. He knows people find him weird at best, insufferable at worst, but you’re different. He can be himself around you. It’s not like he can move freely around his friends, but it’s different with them. He’s known them for years; of course, they care about him. You’re the first friend he’s made outside of them that has shown to care for him regardless of anything. Then why didn’t you remember?

With everything going on, he’s not exactly surprised that all of his friends seem to have forgotten. It’s just a birthday, he tries to tell himself. Surely, there’ll be more. But he can’t convince himself. 

━─━────༺༻────━─━

It’s already 8:00 and Beomgyu still feels like shit. Everyone is busy, some with their own school projects, others are just having fun with someone else. Even Sunoo was busy. No one showed up for him. 

“We’re going out for food,” Hessung peeks into his room. “Wanna come with us?”

He looks a little too dressed up for Beomgyu’s taste, but Heesung has always been a little vain. He and Yeonjun have a lot in common, after all.

“Why not?” Beomgyu sighs before getting out of bed.

He takes a quick glance at his reflection in the mirror before following Heesung. His clothes are fine; he made sure to look good today, thinking he’d be celebrating with his friends. His hair, though, is a mess. He tries to brush a few strands in place with his fingers but gives up easily. There’s no point. 

He walks lazily to the living room. He feels like being petty; he really wants to sulk and whine, but that’s not gonna change anything. The day is almost over, and everyone has forgotten about his birthday. Not a single text wishing happy birthday, not even from Yeonjun. He gets a pass, though; he’s been dealing with a lot. You’ve been in a similar position, but Beongyu can’t get himself to forgive you and move on. You’re the thoughtful one who always writes things down and sets reminders for even the simplest of things. Why couldn't you do that for him? 

━─━────༺༻────━─━

“This is not the way to the mall,” Beomgyu complains when he notices that Heesung is going in the complete opposite direction.

“We’re going to a new Italian place we discovered recently,” Soobin explains without looking back at him.

“Whatever,” Beomgyu retorts. 

He doesn’t even like Italian food that much. He wants a burger. He keeps sulking in his head. It’s his birthday, and he can’t even have the food he likes. Everything sucks.

“We’re here!” Hessung announces once they’re outside some fancy-looking place that seems more like one of those pretentious contemporary art museums than a restaurant. 

“We’re eating here?”

“Yeah,” Soobin confirms. “It’s supposed to be good.”

“We’re gonna get mugged here.”

“Just come inside,” Heesung rolls his eyes.

Beomgyu has no option but to follow them inside that weird-looking place. It’s not exactly in the middle of nowhere, but he’s not a fan of this brutalist building. Definitely not the best place for a restaurant; it would make a great location for a club or something, though.

Soon, he finds himself alone, standing outside of that place. He takes a deep breath before following his friends, who are now long gone. 

There’s a suspicious tunnel followed by some stairs, and LED lights light everything up. “I’m definitely getting kidnapped,” he mumbles.

He takes cautious steps, trying to calculate how long would it take him to get to the surface if this turns out to be some organ trafficking facility. He can’t even hear a noise, and his paranoia is slowly being replaced by a feeling of pure dread. Those fuckers must be trying to pull some stupid prank on him. There’s no other explanation. He’s gonna kill them once he gets a hold of them. 

When he reaches the end, everything is dark. He can’t see shit and he’s about to call for his friends when the light turns on.

“Happy birthday!” Everyone screams in unison. 

You walk up to him holding a cake with his name on it. He’s still in shock and his eyes stig a little because of the sudden explosion of light. 

“What the fuck is this?” He asks, unable to believe this is for him.

“Chocolate cake, of course,” you playfully answer. 

━─━────༺༻────━─━

The music blasts through the speakers and the drinks keep pouring, everyone is having fun. Yet, Beomyu remains latched onto you like some annoying koala. You’re the only ones eating cake in a corner while he keeps sulking.

“I really thought you forgot!” He says again.

“I already told you we wanted to surprise you.” You roll your eyes at him. 

“You could’ve said ‘happy birthday’ and still surprise me.”

“You know that’s not true.”

“But why making me feel like shit for literal hours?” He eats another spoonful of cake.

“That was collateral,” you explain. “But we did have the best intentions when we started planning everything. I’m sorry you felt like that; we just wanted to surprise you. We’ll try to be more considerate next time.”

There will be a next time. That last bit makes his mind spin. You want to be there for his next birthday, you want to keep being friends. Then, everything settles in. His friends made the effort of planning a surprise for him. They did something special for him. They didn’t forget about him. He feels all warm and fuzzy. 

“I’m fine with just some drinks at home,” he tries to sound nonchalant.

You know he is. However, you just want to repay his kindness. You want to prove to him that all of his love and care are reciprocated. He’s your other half, after all. You don’t exactly believe in soulmates, but if they exist, Beomgyu is yours. Sure, you have a lot of friends and best friends, and you love them with all your heart. But Beomgyu is different, he’s the friend you never planned to have and the last person you expected to show up when you were down. He did, though.

You would do anything for every single one of your friends, but you admit that you’d go the extra mile for the one that held you through all of the nights you cried yourself to sleep. In a way, he’s one of the best things that Yeonjun gave you. 

“Whatever the princess wants,” you joke. 

Messing with him and joking around is easier than trying to put anything into words. He knows what it means, though. He’s attentive like that.

━─━────༺༻────━─━

Everything looks great. Beomgyu is happy and dancing around. He’s even doing shots with Taehyun. All good fun, except that he’s nowhere near Tae’s level of alcohol tolerance, so he’s definitely gonna be wasted in a little while. You even get a glimpse of Heesung and Sunoo making out in a corner; you’re not sure of where they stand, but Sunoo has been telling you everything about their dates, so maybe it’s going somewhere. Yeonjun would die if he were here.

“Having fun?” Sobbin offers you a drink.

“Sure,” you answer before downing the cup. 

“Where’s the boyfriend?” He tries to sound nonchalant, but that’s not his forte at all.

“He’s coming a little later.” You’re not even sure if Minho’s coming, though. “He had practice so…”

Soobin just nods. He’s that kind of person; quiet until he opens his mouth, and then he’s yapping about everything that crosses his mind.

“What about…” You don’t wanna say his name. “You know who. Is he coming?” 

He smirks. “We’re not sure.” Soobin has always been honest with you. “He never exactly gave us an answer, so we’re just hoping for the best here.”

“That makes sense.”

“Were you hoping to see him?” He doesn’t look at you. His eyes are lost in the crowd.

The dizziness that clouds your mind right now might not be caused by the alcohol. “I don’t know.” You answer honestly.

“That’s okay.” He smiles at you. “You don’t have to be sure of everything. Sometimes it’s fine to just go with the flow; see where the wind takes you.”

“You think so?”

“I think Minho is here, and he looks like he wants to kill me, so I’m gonna go look for Chaer.” Soobin laughs a little and gives you a little pat on the head.

“You do that.” You smile at him. He knows what that smile means, so he just looks away, trying to hide his embarrassment. 

Soon enough, Minho is walking towards you, looking as good as ever but a little out of place. He definitely just took a shower and ran to the venue. You appreciate that, especially considering the debate about his invitation in the first place. In the end, Soobin and Kai turned out to be your greatest supporters besides Beomgyu. 

“What is a beauty like you doing all alone in a place like this?” He jokes as he drapes his arm around your shoulders, bringing you closer to his side.

“Looking for someone to warm my bed tonight,” you bite back. “Know anyone that might be interested?”

“I’m gonna kill myself if you don’t take me home tonight,” he quips.

You can’t help but laugh. After everything you’ve gone through, you’ve grown to appreciate his sense of humor, his dry remarks, his frowns, his silences. You wouldn’t say you know him like the back of your hand or that you can read him like an open book, but you’ve gained a sense of understanding that you didn’t think possible. 

You have fun with Minho; he makes you laugh and keeps your mind distracted. You even think that this could lead to something great. But then, against your better judgment, you end up thinking about Yeonjun. You don’t mean to compare them or put them on a scale; they’re two completely different people, after all. But that’s exactly why you can’t help but try to find some parallels and examine the contrasts. 

Everything with Yeonjun felt natural, and there was a sense of belonging that you’re afraid you’ll never get to experience with anyone; it was as if you belonged together, not to each other but together. Home was wherever you were together. With Minho, though, it’s more like a magnetic field making you orbit each other; no matter the time or place, there’s this weird feeling of predestination that makes you feel restless. And, at the end of the day, you always reach the same conclusion…

━─━────༺༻────━─━

A couple of hours have passed, and you’re starting to feel a little drunk. Minho is somewhere trying to have a dance-off with a very wasted Felix while some other guys cheer them on and, for whatever reason, throw straws at them. You stopped questioning what the fuck os ging on a while ago. Now, you’re just resting at the bar, trying to drink yet another shot when you see him walk in.

Fuck. 

Beomgyu is the first one to see him and, as expected, runs straight to Yeonjun, almost tackling him. 

“I knew you would come!” Beomgyu’s excitement almost makes you forget about the heaviness in your chest.

Yeonjun says something only Beomgyu gets to hear, and they hug as if they haven’t seen each other in years. The rest of the guys notice his arrival and run to join the hug. It’s nice seeing them together after all this time. You don’t notice the smile that has made its way to your lips, but he does. He always does. 

You notice him walking towards you, and you can’t help but feel a little antsy. And, because of course, something like this would happen to you, you feel like you’re about to faint when you notice Minho also making his way to you. 

“You’re not gonna believe this-!” Minho’s voice loses enthusiasm when he notices Yeonjun’s presence a few meters away. “Wow.”

“I didn’t-” You want to explain to him, you just don’t know what. 

“Hey,” he reaches for your hand.” It’s okay. I know you probably have a few things to talk about, so I’m just gonna get super wasted with Felix and pray that I don’t do anything stupid.”

Even in a moment like this, he’s trying to make you laugh.

“Thanks.” It’s all you get to mumble before he walks away without even looking at Yeonjun.

“Hi,” Yeonjun mutters once he’s close enough to talk to you; he keeps a decent distance, though.

“I-” 

You can’t even speak. He’s the same Yeonjun you know, the same person you could talk for hours with. And yet, he’s like a complete stranger now. Funny how life works. A part of you wants to scream at him and ask for an explanation, but the other part, the one that will always have a soft spot for him, notices how his cheeks look a little fuller now. The bags under his eyes, always so prominent, have faded to nothing. He definitely looks healthier. At first sight, you can tell he needed that break. He needed that alone time to work on himself and try to cope with all of the overwhelming feelings he had ignored for so long. 

He’s not yours to hold, not anymore, but he’s here. And, as much as it pains you to admit it and as much as you wish that he could’ve let you help him, maybe he’s right. Maybe love alone can’t solve everything. Maybe it’s not enough. 

“I’m glad you’re here,” you say after gathering all of your courage.

You try to smile, fighting the heaviness in your heart, but you’re no longer sure of the reason behind the tears that threaten to spill from your eyes.

“Me too,” he mumbles before closing the distance and holding you tight against his chest.

That’s all it takes. The tears run down your face, and you’re sure your eyeliner must look all smudged, but this is nice. Maybe it’s the alcohol or the wave of emotions that has suddenly crashed the shores of your aching heart, but you find yourself holding onto him as if he was your lifeline. If you say that you’ve missed him, he must not hear it, and if he does, he doesn’t say anything.

This is definitely the end, isn't it?

━─━────༺༻────━─━

It takes all of your might and an incredible amount of vodka to try and act as if nothing has happened. You dance around with Sunoo and Beomgyu until the latter is pulled aside by Kai, who is yelling something you can’t quite decipher.

“He’s definitely enjoying the party,” Sunoo mocks. 

You’ve grown very fond of him. He’s one of those friends that don’t ask uncomfortable questions nor put pressure of any kind on people. He’s there for you, but he’s never gonna overstep. You like him.

You nod. “Who’s the girl he keeps eyeing, though?”

Throughout the night, you’ve seen Beomgyu always trying to get close to a certain girl. She’s pretty. 

“Naoi Rei,” Sunoo answers, smirking. “One of my classmates.”

“And why hasn’t he made a move?” You just don’t understand.

“No idea.” He shrugs. “Maybe he’s a little nervous 'cause they don’t know each other that well.”

You ponder his answer. It makes sense for the average person, but Beomgyu is everything but. Usually, he just goes for whatever he wants; he leaves the thinking and planning for later. 

“Maybe…” You mumble, deciding to keep your worries to yourself, at least for now.

━─━────༺༻────━─━

Unbeknownst to you, Minho and Yeonjun have decided to finish a long pending conversation. It’s time to put an end to that issue.

“So you haven’t heard from her again?” Minho asks, fidgeting with the cigarette in between his fingers.

“No,” Yeonjun sounds weirdly relieved. “I don’t think I will. She already got what she wanted.”

“Maybe.”

“I’m thankful for that, though,” Minho looks at him skeptically. “This has been a rather positive outcome in the long run.”

“For whom?” 

“For everyone.”

Minho scoffs. “Not sure about that one.”

“You’re taking care of her, are you not?” Yeonjun’s voice trembles slightly.

“That’s not what I mean, and you know it.” Minho reaches for his drink. “You have to tell her.”

“That would be cruel,” Yeonjun answers honestly.

Minho can’t believe what the idiot in front of him is saying. “And what you did wasn’t?”

“I told you. It was only fair,” Yeonjun argues. “I had to make things right.”

“No,” Minho retorts. “You just had to go and be stupid. Yes, I did break up with Yuna so you could have a chance with her. I gave up the girl I liked for my best friend, and look where that got us. She is a bitch. In the end, she was the one playing us both. That doesn’t mean that you have to come with your annoying victim complex and break someone else’s heart just so you can feel like we’re even. You don’t owe me anything; you never did.”

“I did,” Yeonjun sighs. “Yuna and I started seeing each other way before you broke up with her. She played us, but I knew. The whole time, I knew she was messing with us and lying to you. And I’m sorry, but I was so in love with her that I was willing to risk everything. You acted out of concern for our friendship, but I was lying to you the whole time. And when I left, I felt as if I didn’t deserve happiness. I still feel like that sometimes. However, above everything else, I want Yn to be happy. Even if I’m not part of that happiness, I want her to keep smiling.”

“And you think I can make her happy?”

“I sure hope so…”

“That’s a great thing to ask from someone.”

Yeonjun knows it. He wishes it could be him, and he even feels guilty for not being completely honest with you, but he wants to make things right. He owes it to an old friend. And he’s still far from being the best version of himself. So, as long as you seem content and happy with Minho, he's stepping aside.

━─━────༺༻────━─━

Shot after shot, Heesung’s mind becomes blurrier by the minute. He can’t even tell what he’s thinking, but he approaches the DJ and murmurs something no one can hear. 

The music pauses, and people turn around. Sunno, who hasn’t left your side since you both noticed Minho and Yeonjun talking at the opposite end of the room, looks to the improvised stage where the DJ is now holding a mic.

“Hope everyone’s having fun!” The guy receives a chant of cheers and drunken laughs in response. “So, we have someone here who planned a little something for someone special, and you know I love love, so what do we say? Shall we let him have the stage for a few minutes?”

You don’t even notice Beomgyu is right there beside you until he speaks.

“What the fuck is he doing?” He asks, amused.

“No fucking idea,” Sunoo answers while following Hessung’s every move with his eyes. “Something very stupid, maybe.”

After moving some things around, Hessung stands in front of the mic and looks a little fidgety. To be honest, you’ve never seen him like this. Hessung is always someone calm and collected; of course, he can be chaotic and loud, but you wouldn’t associate him with nervousness. However, that’s all you can see right now. 

“Hello, everyone,” he keeps pacing around. “I didn’t think this through, and I’m starting to have second thoughts, so I’ll just get it done. This is for the first person that’s made me feel like love is not so scary after all.”

“Oh, my God, he’s doing what I think he’s doing?” Beomgyu is having the time of his life right now.

Sunoo looks distraught. Part of him thinks Heesung is talking about someone else, but, above everything else, he’s standing there hoping he’s talking about him. He likes Heesung in a way that he’s never liked anybody else. He wants this to be something, but he always thought Heesung was just not into relationships. He was okay with the occasional hookups, but now he wants more. He wants everything.

“I wrote this thinking about that rainy night we spent at your apartment. I don’t know if this is gonna work or not, but I want more moments like that with you. I want to keep tracing the moles in your back over and over again until they’re engraved in my memory…”

“That fucker,” Sunoo mumbles with a smile that could blind even the sun.

The lights dim a little, and suddenly it’s as if Heesung and Sunoo were the only ones there. You’re happy for them; you feel a little jealous, though. 

Not tryna be indie Not tryna be cool Just tryna be in this Tell me how you choose Can you feel where the wind is Can you feel it through All of the windows Inside this room

Sunoo is beyond happy. If you look closely, you can even notice the tears starting to pool in his eyes. You know that happiness. Beomgyu must sense something is not exactly right cause he wraps his arm around your shoulders. You wanna complain, but you have to admit this is nice.

'Cause I wanna touch you, baby And I wanna feel you, too I wanna see the sunrise and your sins Just me and you Light it up, on the run Let's make love, tonight Make it up, fall in love, try

When Heesung starts making his way to Sunoo, your mind goes back to the night Yeonjun said, if something ever happened between those two, Sunoo would be the first one to make a move. He thought that Heesung was too emotionally constipated to admit how much he liked Sunoo. You, on the other hand, had faith in Heesung. You told him his friend would definitely step up when the right moment came. You won. A bittersweet victory, but a victory nonetheless. 

But you'll never be alone I'll be with you from dusk till dawn I'll be with you from dusk till dawn Baby, I'm right here I'll hold you when things go wrong I'll be with you from dusk till dawn I'll be with you from dusk till dawn Baby, I'm right here I'll be with you from dusk till dawn Baby, I'm right here

If you weren’t so lost in your thoughts, maybe you’d notice the pair of eyes that have been looking at you since Heesung started singing. You don’t, though. But Beomgyu does. He always notices those kinds of things. He can’t help but smirk a little; he’s sure the days of boredom are over.

We were shut like a jacket So do your zip We will roll down the rapids To find a wave that fits Can you feel where the wind is Can you feel it through All of the windows Inside this room

Heeung’s voice echoes through the walls. No one dares to make a sound, too busy trying to guess who he’s singing to. You notice some girls smiling hopefully, thinking his whole speech was just some dramatic device and it didn’t mean anything. You want to laugh at them. 

'Cause I wanna touch you, baby I wanna feel you, too I wanna see the sunrise and your sins Just me and you Light it up, on the run Let's make love tonight Make it up, fall in love, try

You scan the room and end up looking at Minho; he smiles when he notices your stare. Maybe that’s all it takes: trying. You’ve always thought love is a choice you make every day, so why wouldn’t you choose Minho? You said goodbye to the past, so of course you can wake up and choose to love Minho, and do it every day until it comes naturally. He’s easy to like; maybe he can be easy to love, too. 

You almost miss Heesung making his way to where you’re standing next to Sunoo. It’s definitely happening. You’re so happy for them.

“Baby, I'm right here.” Heesung sings, taking Sunoo’s hand and bringing him closer to his own body.

Even if they don’t know it yet, that’s definitely love.

notes:

I was so excited for this one 😭

Gyu deserves the world

Heesung is officially in his lover era and we love that for him

he who shall not be named made an appearance and I'm ugly crying

taglist: CLOSED! (I'll try to tag any additional people interested in the comments though)

@estella-novella @poetryforthesad @angelzforu @ihrtlix @domfikeluva @conwunder @miniature-tragedy @jeonginplsholdmyhand @sh0dor1 @yourenzoo @tkshairband @realrintaro @castingjinx @amara-mars @hwangrfrnd @nujeskz @jisungs-iced-americano @zeizeisjy @va1entinaa @beomgyusluver @to-toad @akindaflora @hoefororeo @mandydxndy @nyanamii @delulu4-life @starsunoo @4lndr17 @nbjch05 @borahae-reads @mrsstayfox @beomieeeeeeeeeeees @mrsminseochoi @velvetmoonlght @night-storm7 @lilbrorufr @hyunjinstolemyheart @mangojellyyy @ihrtantn @lausnotverybright @hwangism143 @wa1kinggh0st @skz-ot8-stay @athens-09xx @eridanuswave @sirroma @hanniesbubuwife @scentedpuppyfox @mimimiloomeelomi @shuuporanglinos

[orikixx]

cw: 2.2k words, fem!reader, eventual smut, not proofread

bodyguard!Toji who's a cold, dangerous, untouchable man. his whole entire life he's only seen bullcrap, and he's so done dealing with it. he decided to take matters into his own hands, making himself feel better about his shitty life by protecting others' lives.

bodyguard!Toji is used to working with every type of people. spoiled nepo baby who clearly has a crush on him? check, and you can be sure he'd flirt back. some clueless airheads almost getting themselves killed, obviously. stubborn ceos' kids, even government assets.

bodyguard!Toji who's taken aback when his handler, shiu, shows him a picture of you. for the first time in his entire life, he considers turning down a job offer. he's seen plenty of women, sure, but he's never seen someone as captivating, genuinely stunning as you. his reaction earns him a snicker from shiu, as the man sighs. toji knows he needs the money. never choosing the right boat to bet on, he could definitely use it.

bodyguard!Toji reluctantly accepts the offer, yet he's in his own head as shiu gives him the details. he knows he shouldn't have accepted it. why would he knowingly risk your life like that, when he's aware he won't be able to resist you? hell, he can't even focus on shiu's explanation, your stunning face lingring in his mind, suffocating every other thought. sure, he's been with plenty of women before, and heaven knows that if he wants to, he can have multiple ladies a night. he still does sometimes, but its never anyone he’s attached to. he makes sure they have fun too, ever the gentleman, but thats it for him, pretty much a pump and dump.

bodyguard!Toji who sees you the next day, and thinks he might have to quit. maybe he hasn't truly worked with all kinds of people. the man stands still as you open the door to your house, inviting him in. no client has ever extanded him the opportunity to enter their home, the one safe space a bodyguard usually won't be in. he walks in, keeping his cool as he eyes you up and down. your figure shows behind your flimsy pjs, and he's eating it up as you try introducing yourself to him.

"um, is everything okay mr fushiguro? you look distracted.."

"all good doll. what were ya saying?"

bodyguard!Toji continues ogling you as you keep on rambling, your voice eventually dying when you notice where he holds his gaze.

"oh gosh, I'm so sorry! let me go change, I'll be back in a second!"

he hears the panic in your voice and smirks, watching you run off to your room. he uses the free time to wander around your apartment, his gaze skimming over every little detail he can take in. fuck, as if your cute pjs weren't enough, your place is filled with scented candles, decorated polaroids and an insane amount of pastel colored throw pillows.

bodyguard!Toji mentally curses himself when you return in an oversized hoodie and jeans, reminding himself he's got a job to do, one that he's paid very well for. he manages to somewhat focus this time, listening as you tell him about how your dad thought you needed a bodyguard since his own dangerous job, so here you guys are.

bodyguard!Toji manages to pass the first few week just fine. he usually guards you from mornings to late afternoons, so he spends the majority of his days with you. not that he minds having a beautiful woman to stare at, but there's something else he finds interesting about you. despite your dad's buisness, you seem far too delicate and somewhat unserious. he's not calling you dumb, you certeinly are a clever woman, it simply took him by surprise. toji's eventually grown accostumed to you, and dare he say, even started enjoying your company.

bodyguard!Toji can't wait for the day to end already. you didn't give him too hard of a challange, you guys merely wandered throughout the mall for some hours, yet he can barely hold himself back when you enter a lingerie shop, pleading him to stay outside. toji almost flushes, before shaking his head.

"ya know I can't do that, promise I won't peep."

you sigh and dramatically stop inside, the tall man walking with some distance, as sadly he's got enough self control to try respecting your privacy. he's standing there, feeling like some kind of pervert. honestly, he might be one, since he's currently using all his willpower to not follow you towards the fitting rooms.

bodyguard!Toji is a simple man, so when you leave the shopping bag outside of the fitting rooms, he can't help himself but peep into it, making a mental note of the cute bras you took, of course all of them had bows and gems, and a crotchless thong you tried burying under the pile. toji can feel himself going mad at the thought of you wearing them, his pants already growing tighter. who are you even buying them for? you never mentioned anything about a boyfriend, and that made him happy among the weird feelings it brought up.

bodyguard!Toji who acts all nonchallant when you come out of the fitting room, hastily shoving a few more items into your bag before running off to pay. he hopes he managed to play it off well enough that you won't notice the tent in his pants, as he tries thinking of anything else to calm himself down.

bodyguard!Toji who's rushing to your place one night, as your dad alerted him of a potential threat to you, following some unsuccessful buisness meeting. he knows he should be somewhat nervous, you're his client, after all, but sweat lingers at his brow, he feels his guts knotting with fear, and its all too much. he knocks on your door once, twice, louder when you won't answer. his emotions quickly get the best of him and he forces his way into your apartment, immediately assuming the worst has happened.

bodyguard!Toji doesn't spot you anywhere as he quickly scans the kitchen and living room, getting more and more nervous by the second. what if he's lost a client? the dreaded occasion has only occured once, with no intention of repeat, especially if it was you who he was losing. toji hears the faintest noise, so he proceeds deeper into your small apartment, the noise only getting stronger.

bodyguard!Toji eventually spots the source- your bedroom. he sighs with relief, before realizing he's hearing groans and whimpers. what if someone's in there with you? what if they caught you in the bedroom, and are torturing you for information? toji bursts inside without a second thought, knocking the door wide open with his strong shoulder.

"f-fuck, so close, toji please!"

and toji knows he's screwed.

bodyguard!Toji simply stands there, dumbfounded for a short moment as he watches you scramble up the bed, covering yourself with the fluffy blanket. you're breathing heavily, cheeks flushed, and, well... fingers sticky.

"fuck doll, didn't know you had it in ya."

"get out toji! what the hell are you doing here?"

"there was a threat alert from your father, but now I see we have crucial business to attand to."

bodyguard!Toji smirks as he watches your expression go blank, all thoughts disappearing from your mind.

"do you... what?"

it's barely a whisper, and he can see a glimer of hope in your eyes, making him falter. he slowly inches closer, sitting down on the edge of your bed.

"I'm serious ma, with the way you were moaning my name I bet you wouldn't mind some help."

you bury your face in your hands, groaning loudly, yet nodding.

"gonna need you to say it, ma."

and with a sigh, you do.

"could you... help me, toji? please?"

bodyguard!Toji pounces on you as if he's never touched a woman before, pulling your hands off your face before finally kissing you. it's hungry and needy, something you wouldn't have expected from toji, your own guard. he greedily bites on your lower lip, forcing your mouth open as he hovers on top of you. you're moaning into the kiss, feeling his hands travel down to your bare legs, skilled fingers getting closer and closer to your core.

bodyguard!Toji who gently forces your thighs open, rough fingers almost tickling your soft skin. he breaks off the kiss, panting, before crawling down the bed, now eye to eye with your gooey cunt.

"don't just stare, it's emba-"

"keep it down doll, wanna appreciate her."

you flush, too weirded out by the situation that you fantasized about countless times to even look toji in the eye as his mouth latches onto your clit. toji takes the neglected bud into his mouth, sucking harshly as your thighs squeeze his head. he groans, relishing in your taste as he feels himself getting harder by the second. he continues sucking on the sensitive bundle of nerves, flicking it with his hot tongue as your fingerss grab his fine, black strands. your moans fill the small room, only fueling toji on.

bodyguard!Toji quickly slips a finger inside of you, groaning at the feeling of your velvety, slick walls around him. you're so tight, and he's only one finger in, fuck how small are your fingers? will you even be able to handle his dick? toji pushes these thoughts aside, focusing on the way you squirm, eyes squeezed shut as his finger pumps faster inside of you. the man almost chuckles, pushing a second thick, experienced finger inside you, scissoring them both and thrusting into your g spot.

You almost scream his name, thighs quivering, and he’s abusing your spot until you're gushing all over him, creamy liquid clinging onto his fingers as he pulls them out of your already sore cunt.

bodyguard!Toji experately licks his fingers clean, closing his eyes and savoring the taste of your sweet nectar, letting you catch your breath for a second. once he's had enough, he looks back at your fucked up face.

"youv'e had enough, doll?"

your stare trails down to his erection, the sheer size of the tent in his pants frightening you. you shake your head, and toji follows your gaze, chuckling to himself.

"you know you gotta say it for me, ma."

"can you just fuck me toji? for the love of god I might die if you don't.."

you almost mumble that, but it's more than enough for the embarrassingly desperate man.

bodyguard!Toji quickly gets rid of his jeans and boxers, which are already decorated with a small spot of precum. he spits once onto his hard shaft, strechy globes landing on his bright pink tip. he strokes up and down, shivering as he looks at you. you're all spread out on the bed, cum still leaking out of your cunt, yet you look up at him with so much adoration. he leans in, landing a soft kiss onto your forehead, surprising you. you smile, only momentarily, because the moment he pushes his fat tip into your tight cunt you feel the worst stretch of your life.

"go slower, fuck it hurts so bad already!"

toji hums, thumb coming up to circle your clit in an attempt to calm you down.

"it's gonna be okay ma, just relax and let me do all the work."

bodyguard!Toji eventually manages to push his entire length into you, mushroom tip bullying your cervix as he pumps in and out, hips snapping onto yours in god-like speed. your nails rake down his back, pushing him closer, deeper into you, and he moans at the feeling. one of his hands comes down to trace your cheek, and he studies your face, mouth wide open, drooling, and eyes squeezed shut with pleasure. "such a good girl for me, can feel you clenching baby." toji decides to be a good man for once, bringing his hand back to your clit, rubbing tight circles onto it. you clench so hard around him, and toji thinks he wont be able to pull out with the grip you've got him in.

"inside.. p-please? ah!"

yeah, he's so fucking screwed.

bodyguard!Toji cums so hard, the hardest he ever has, leaning down to capture your lips in a kiss. feeling his sticky load filling you up even more is enough to tip you off the edge once again, slick walls clenching around his dick. you breath heavily, wrapping your arms around toji's neck as he almost collapses on top of you.

"that was... that was insane, toji."

"yeah? you liked it ma?"

toji knows it was a pointless question, you nod as he scans the mess you two have left all over your soft sheets. he gently pulls out, almost smirking when you whine at the loss of his warmth. he helps you clean up, gently trailing his hands all over your soft body. you simply lay there, too exahusted to move as your own bodyguard cleans you off. you look up, your mind wondering with a small pout.

bodyguard!Toji notices, of course, he's learnt to notice everything about you since you've met.

"everything okay, doll?"

"tomorrow, will we just be.. in business settings again?"

toji hears the undertone of hurt in your voice, already expecting the worst outcome.

"well.. it's gonna be complicated, but if you're willing to try anything more, count me the fuck in. especially with this tight pu-"

"toji!"

bodyguard!Toji is helping you get in bed, tucking the blanket for you.

"I'll see you tomorrow, y/n."

"cya tomorrow, mr fushiguro!"

you're definitely the weirdest client he's ever had, but he loves it.

a/n: OH MY GOSH😭 ugh ik this is super rushed but I wanted to use my day off to at least try writing something, so here it is lol. Hope it’s not too bad and you guys like it💕

[pseudophan]

i forget how much twitter is fun of pick me fans until stuff like this photo happens. i’m sorry no matter how much you tweet about everyone being boundary ignoring weirdos for drawing on the photo to show phil’s arm, dan and phil are never going to personally thank you so please give it up. the amount of people i’ve seen be like ‘some of you missed the message of terrible influence!!’ or ‘this will stop them doing another phan twitter video!!’ is honestly staggering like actually NO i don’t think they will stop interacting with their fanbase cause someone increased the brightness on a public photo jesus christ

it feels like some people think this is the exact same as us doing this in like 2015 when it's just... not? no one here is trying to prove that "phan is real" or that they're gay or whatever like i think we have those covered actually 😭 now it's just for fun! and obviously there are boundaries, i don't think anyone should be doing this with photos that were very obviously never intended to be seen by us, but these kinds of posts that they obviously know we'll see are like.. it's just a picture guys. it's fine. i promise. i'm sure they find us annoying at times but it really is not the end of the world

[dollsahoy]

Oh, yeah, quilting cotton makes fun shirts! People just need to be aware that it does not always make a soft and drapy shirt XD

A "menswear style" button-up shirt will probably work out fine in even the sturdiest quilting cottons. If the shirt's goal is to be soft and flowing, then the weight of the fabric becomes more important.

"Button up shirt made from quilting cotton = fabulous" versus "Button up shirt that, If I had made it in quilting cotton, probably would have looked--and felt--like a tent"

Of course, if "shirt that is a tent" is your goal, that's fine! It's all about being aware of all the things beyond print/color that the fabric contributes to the finished item.

I cannot stress enough that all those things in sewing pattern instructions that seem pointless are actually very important

Yes, how you fold your fabric before putting down the pattern pieces and cutting matters, because it influences how the fabric drapes, and ignoring that can cause fit issues in ways you wouldn't expect

Yes, cutting an entire separate piece to sew to the edge to finish it is going to be better than turning the edge and stitching it on its own, because there are geometry issues in play that make it actually harder to just fold a curve to the inside.

Yes, cutting clips or notches into the seam allowance around curves should always be done, because those geometry issues will work on the seam allowances and keep the curve from laying flat (remember, clip when the curve goes in, notch when the curve goes out)

Yes, interfacing may seem completely superfluous and frustrating and an extra step to work with, but it adds rigidity and stability to areas that need it (especially under buttons)

Yes, using a fun quilting cotton print for lining looks nice, but the point of lining isn't to make the inside pretty as much as it is to make the inside slip smoothly over the layer under it, and quilting cotton is going to instead be prone to grabbing everything under it, so you really should use those annoyingly slippery lining fabrics

Yes, in general, you should use the kind of fabric the pattern tells you to use, because there have been centuries, if not millennia, of people throughout the entire world figuring out what fabric best suits what kind of garment, for reasons beyond aesthetics

I know that a lot of people new to sewing see these things and feel like they're things that just aren't necessary, because they skip them when they sew and the item ends up just fine. And if you don't mind the idea of your clothes looking homemade, then it is fine. But...if you're consistently skipping these things and end up unhappy with how homemade your items look, please consider that that result is at least partly because you're not following the entire directions

"Sewing" involves so much more than just the stitches

[melancholygypsophila]

midsummer kiss

synopsis: a sleepover, hidden admiration, and a small white lie. what happens when you suddenly reconnect with friends from early college life with your so-called “ex-boyfriend”?

➺ tags: fluff, childhood friends, sleepover, implied three other friends, college graduation, fluff everywhere, use of pipsqueak, teasing, small gestures, first kiss with caleb, fluff to heal from myth cards, cuteness, slightly shy caleb, tooth-rotting fluff, canon caleb has dry lips yes, considerate caleb

➺ a/n: likes, comments, and reblogs are appreciated! have fun reading. ;)

➺ ao3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/64238170

The sound of giggles and squealing filled the cushioned space. It was the summer break of your first year in college. Despite the cacophony of cicadas waning as the sun went down, the topic of secrets and crushes came about.

Sitting in a circle, your friends took turns talking about their secret crushes and their code names. Some were silly while others diabolical. Soon, they’ll ask you about your secret romance (to which you had none).

“Okay, okay,” Your friend next to you began, “do you remember that one senior…?” Before she could continue, she excitedly kneaded the pillow on her lap. 

Your other friend raised an eyebrow and asked, “We had so many good looking seniors.” You nod absentmindedly at the statement. “Which one are you talking about?” 

She leans forward. “You know!” Her mind is working to remember the name of the boy. When she reached her conclusion, she clapped her hands and pointed. “The brown-haired guy that seemed attached to you!” Your eyes followed where her finger was pointing, acknowledging it was in your direction.

Wait. Your direction?

You spit out your water like in one of those sit-down comedy shows. Your friends erupt in laughter. You try to recover after choking on your water. What was Caleb doing in this conversation?

You grab a handful of tissues and distribute them to your friends. “I’m so sorry- I didn’t mean to spit on you guys!” Worry tones your voice. As the laughter subsides, you realize the space has gotten quiet. “Is everyone-”

“Wait. Did you and that senior…” Your friend wiggles her eyebrows and grins, leaning in closer. Her intense gaze causes you to avert your eyes. Quickly, you bring your hands to create a shield from her upcoming questions. 

“Ah ha, I knew it!” Your friend blurted. “So you did have something with him!” She backs down, giving you space to (somewhat) relax. Her arms cross before she continues. “Those tiny glances from afar and the way he’d pat your head before he left! Those are tall-tale signs of a secret rendezvous!”

Baffled, you straightened yourself up. Before you were about to oppose her comments, you suddenly realized something. Hearing from your friend now, she made all his little actions seem so significant. Of course you had gotten used to his touches because you’ve known him almost your whole life. However, you didn’t realize that his simple gestures were viewed as romantic gestures from an outsider’s perspective. 

You retort. “There’s no way, we’re just childhood friends. Sure, we’re close, but that’s it.” 

“Just childhood friends?” Your friend pitches in. You sigh at their harmony in this manner. Teaming up to tease you. “That’s it?” Your friends look at each other, communicating with glances. 

They’re not going to give up until I give them an answer. An answer they want. Maybe I should make up something… Caleb wouldn’t mind it! At least I don’t think he would… 

Clearing your throat, you pretend to reminisce about your “romantic” past with him. “Fine, we did have something, but it was fleeting.” Your friends lean in to hear your story. “He was…” You think of traits that made people’s hearts clench, “considerate, made daily chores fun, offered me snacks even when he was fatigued, braided my hair…” 

Your mind recalls a time where you argued with one of your friends. Caleb gave you the support you needed. His care was cautious yet accurate. A simple arch in your eyebrows and he could tell you were frustrated. Unbeknownst to you, Caleb made it a goal to cheer you up when you were upset about anything, even if that meant taking money out of his own pocket. 

You stare at the water in your cup. Your friends take a hint and hug you. “He took good care of you, hm?” Your friend asked. Nodding, you take another sip of water to ease your aching soul. The mingling voices of your friends blurred in the background as you stared at the bottom of the plastic cup. 

We’re just friends. Childhood friends. That’s all.

But even that confirmation didn’t settle the uneasiness in your heart.

A school year passes and you go without seeing Caleb for some time. Becoming a student at the DAA and making occasional rounds meant time was preoccupied. Your short week breaks that were usually spent catching up with him were now replaced with calls and a regretful Caleb calling to say, “Sorry pipsqueak, can’t make it. Maybe next time.” Before you knew it, daily contact with Caleb turned into bi-monthly calls. 

Eventually, graduation came around. It was a sunny day, fit for graduating students. From your seat, countless caps cover the surface of the field. A few move as they look for their loved ones from the stadium. Thinking of Caleb, your eyes turn towards the bleachers.  

“Hey! You’re supposed to go now!” A voice whisper-yells, pointing at the increasingly large gap between you and the students lining up to walk across the stage.

After the ceremony, graduation caps were thrown in the air. A rouse of yelling, crying, and laughing filled the air. The rush of students waiting to take pictures with their loved ones. As you gather your things, your tassel moves in your vision. Before you could move it, a shadow loomed over, quickly adjusting the tassel.

Your heart leaps in joy.

You turn around, it really is him. His brown hair and genuine smile greets you in the warm sunshine. “Caleb!” Your arms wrap around his neck. 

“Woah,” he takes a step back to balance you in his arms. “You’ve gotten taller.” As you let go, his eyes have a twinge of frustration and guilt. At the moment, you’re not sure why he wears that expression, but you shake your head to get rid of any negative thoughts.

“You really came…” Tears threatened to spill out. A goofy expression appears upon your face as you try to contain the tears. He bends down and pats your head gently. It took him so long to get here. His face distorts to pain as you pinch his waist. 

“Ow.” He lets out a weak sigh. “That wasn’t very nice.”

You grin. “I’m really glad you were able to make it today.”

“Me too, pipsqueak.” Caleb reciprocates your smile with a nod. “Although, your manners need some work. Who knew you would still be childish as an adult?” He removes your cap, brushing back the strands of hair clinging to your forehead. Caleb mysteriously pulls out a water bottle and opens the cap for you. “Do you feel hot? Should I tie your hair?”

Before you respond, you hear a group of familiar voices. “Oh my god, we finally found you! This place is so-”

“Is that Caleb?!” One of your friends exclaims. Caleb looks at you and uses his chin to point towards your friends. 

Uh oh.

“Ah- he-” Your brain malfunctions. Crap, you didn’t tell Caleb about that one sleepover thing. How you used his name to get you out of a situation. “Uh, yes, this is Caleb.”

You don’t see it, but Caleb raises an eyebrow before putting up his perfect smile.

“Hello, you must be her friend.” Caleb greets. “Congratulations for graduating.”

Sweat pools at your neck. Not even Caleb’s shadow, which is blocking the sun, is helping it disappear. 

Your friend smiles. “Thank you! It’s good to see you here. They tell us a lot about you!” 

Caleb’s interest appears. He makes a teasing smile at you and looks back at your friends. “I wonder what they’ve said about me. Hopefully it’s good, right?” 

Your friend, unaware of the elephant in the room, chimes in. “Yes! Aren’t you their ex-boyfriend?” 

Who says anything good about their ex-boyfriend? You silently cursed yourself.

Caught off guard, Caleb laughs. That’s not what he was expecting to hear, but he had to keep the conversation going. He places his hand on your waist and pulls you closer to him. “I just couldn’t leave them. I got too attached and now I find myself clinging back to them.”

Your friends are in awe at his response. All you could do was pinch his waist. 

He grunts before awkwardly laughing it off. “Sorry, did you need them for something?”

A lightbulb clicks in your friend’s head. “Oh, we wanted to take a group picture with them! Do you mind taking the picture for us?”

“Sure, why not.” Caleb shrugs, gently pushing your back and placing the cap on your head. Your friend hands him their phone and runs back to where the rest of you are. As you and your friends figure out your spots, Caleb quickly takes a quick snapshot of you before adjusting the lens of your friend’s phone. “Ready? Three, two, one.” 

Your friend reviews the pictures and smiles. “Um, do you want me to take a picture of the two of you?” You quickly mouth “no”, but Caleb’s verbal “yes” overwrites your reply.

You adjust the flowers (your friends rushed to give you) and stiffly stand beside Caleb. 

“Hey! Why do you look so stiff!” Your friend yells. Embarrassed, you move a smidge closer to Caleb before he pulls you in by the waist again. 

He leans down to your ear. The proximity between the two of you closes. 

“Smile.” He whispers, and you could hear the camera click from afar.

After the ceremony, you and Caleb decide to walk back home instead of getting on the train to make up for all the time lost. 

“Ex-boyfriend, huh?” Caleb suddenly says. You pause in your path and look at him. Upon seeing your distraught expression, he laughs again. 

“Caleb…” You mumble. “I didn’t mean to use your name in that way. My friends-”

“Right, right, I understand.” Caleb interrupts, poking your cheek and steps in front of you. “Good job on graduating.”

His considerate words warm your heart. “Thanks, Caleb.” You pause. “Also, sorry for using your name again.” 

Caleb grabs your hand and pulls you along to a nearby playground. Your feet skid across the concrete and then woodchips. You settle down on the swings as he holds the chain steady. 

“I’m not bothered that you used my name.” Caleb acknowledges. “However, I wasn’t expecting to be a previous lover of yours.” 

“The situation just called for it.” You rolled your eyes and looked up at him. His shoulders move as he suppresses a laugh. 

“Then, you’ll give me another chance, right?” Caleb asks. Your eyes widen. Another chance?

You raised an eyebrow. “Another chance? You didn’t do anything wrong though.” 

Caleb smiles. “No, another chance to redeem myself as your boyfriend.” Oh.

His hand moves under your chin, tilting your head up. Before you realize what’s happening, he leans in and pauses right before he makes contact with your lips. The silence is loud. He’s waiting for your signal yet his actions are betraying him. As you close your eyes, the distance between you closes. You can hear the swing screech as you move in the plastic seat. 

“Caleb-” Your exclamation is interrupted by another kiss on the corner of your lips. 

The humid weather breezing past manages to cool you down as Caleb’s kiss warms you up. When Caleb moves away, his eyes look down at you. They're vulnerable and innocent. 

“Wait.” Caleb covers his eyes and laughs. “Don’t look at me like that.”

You’re equally flushed. “What… What do you mean?!” Caleb removes his arm that’s covering his face, grabs the sides of your face, and reels you into another sweet kiss.

The roaring cicadas are the only things your senses can grapple on. Eventually, you and Caleb situate feelings and you walk home again together, hand in hand. Your time with him might be fleeting, but you’re determined to make the most of it. Especially when Caleb is by your side. 

[satellite-evans]

lovesick

Pairing: Lando Norris x reader

Summary: Lando takes care of you when you're sick <3

Word count: 1.1k+ ( something cute and sweet)

Warnings: nothing but tooth aching fluff

A/N:

I have noticed that I always write how reader takes care of people so I decided to do the oppossite, hope you guys will like it!

Also, I think I am shadowbanned, so if you guys could please send me feedback and show some support, that would be really helpful and would mean so much to me xx

English is not my first language, so I apologize if I made any (grammar) mistakes. Feedback, requests, talks, vents, recommendations or just simple questions are always welcome.

Happy reading xxx

I do NOT give permission for my work to be translated or reposted on here or any other site.

You were curled up in bed, cocooned in a mountain of blankets, sniffling miserably as the sound of rain tapped against the window. Your head felt like it was stuffed with cotton, your throat burned, and every muscle in your body ached. Being sick was never fun, but it was even worse when Lando was supposed to be home for the weekend, and all your plans had gone out the window.

Lando peeked his head into the bedroom, a small frown on his face as he took in the sight of you buried under the covers.

“How’s my patient doing?” he asked gently, stepping into the room with a tray in his hands.

You eyed the tray warily, voice hoarse as you spoke. “Please tell me you didn’t make that.”

Lando scoffed dramatically, placing a hand over his heart as he set the tray down on the nightstand. “Wow, the lack of faith in me is honestly offensive.”

You arched an eyebrow. “Lando.”

He let out a sheepish chuckle. “Alright, alright. No, I didn’t make it. I have no intention of killing you with my cooking.”

You sighed in relief. “Smart choice.”

“Hey, I could’ve at least tried.”

“Exactly. And that’s what I’m afraid of.”

Lando let out a playful huff as he settled onto the edge of the bed. “Not even a little credit?”

You gave him a weak smile. “Fine. Thank you for your excellent decision-making skills in ordering food instead of poisoning me.”

“Much better,” he said smugly, grabbing the spoon and stirring the soup. “Now, Nurse Norris is here to make sure you eat, drink, and get back to being my energetic, non-sick girlfriend.”

You chuckled weakly, your throat scratchy from the effort. “Nurse Norris?”

“Yep. On call 24/7,” he said with a wink. “Now, open up.”

You rolled your eyes but obeyed, letting him feed you a spoonful of warm broth. The heat was soothing against your sore throat, and you sighed contentedly.

“See?” he said smugly. “Taking care of you isn’t so bad, right?”

“I guess,” you admitted, swallowing another bite. “But if you start wearing a nurse’s outfit, we’re gonna have a problem.”

Lando gasped in mock offense. “Excuse me? I would rock that look.”

You let out a small laugh, shaking your head. “I don’t doubt that, honestly.”

He grinned, brushing a few strands of hair from your forehead. His touch was warm against your clammy skin, and you instinctively leaned into it. His expression softened. “You’re burning up,” he murmured, concern flashing in his blue eyes. “Did you take any medicine?”

You nodded. “Yeah, but it hasn’t really kicked in yet.”

Lando hummed thoughtfully before tucking the blankets around you a little tighter. “Alright, let’s get some more food in you, then. Maybe it’ll help.”

You stared at the bowl of soup he handed you, not feeling hungry but knowing you needed to eat. You took a small spoonful, but your mind kept drifting back to how everything had changed.

“This was supposed to be our weekend,” you murmured, your voice hoarse as you glanced up at him, a sad smile on your face. “I was so excited for it.”

Lando frowned, his brow furrowing as he noticed the change in your tone. He gently placed the spoon back into the bowl, his focus now entirely on you. “Hey, I know. I was looking forward to it too.”

“I know,” you said, your voice quieter. “It was the first time in so long we had the weekend off together. I planned everything—movie nights, dinner, maybe even a little walk in the park. All of it. And now… I’m stuck in bed, and you’re taking care of me.”

Lando’s expression softened with empathy as he sat down next to you, brushing his hand over your hair. “You didn’t plan this, babe. You didn’t want to get sick.”

You let out a soft sigh, your eyes closing as you leaned into his touch. “I know, but it just feels like bad timing. I’ve missed you so much, Lando. The last few weeks have been crazy, and I was really looking forward to this. Just us. And now... I’m ruining it.”

“You’re not ruining anything,” he said firmly, his voice gentle but insistent. “You’re sick. It happens. And you know what? We’ll make up for it. I promise. We’ve got all the time in the world.”

You opened your eyes to meet his gaze, seeing nothing but care and reassurance in his blue eyes. He smiled softly, brushing a few strands of hair away from your face. “Plus, this way, I get to take care of you. That’s better than any of the other plans anyway.”

You sniffed, a sad smile tugging at your lips. “I just wanted to make the most of it. We don’t always get this much time together.”

“I know, I know,” Lando said, his thumb gently rubbing over the back of your hand. “I hate that this is happening when we had so many things we wanted to do. But we’ll have other weekends, I promise. And we’ll make them just as special.”

A tear slipped from the corner of your eye, and you quickly wiped it away, embarrassed. “Sorry, I’m being dramatic.”

Lando shook his head, his voice soft as he spoke. “No, it’s okay. It’s okay to feel disappointed. But you don’t have to go through this alone. I’m here. And we’ll get through this weekend together, even if it’s not what we planned.”

You let out a small laugh, though it was tinged with sadness. “I guess this weekend is just me, you, and a mountain of blankets.”

“Exactly,” he said, squeezing your hand gently. “And some soup, and tea, and maybe some Netflix marathons.”

“Even though you hate Netflix?” You asked with a smirk.

“Even though I hate Netflix.”

You smiled at that, grateful for his efforts to make you feel better. “You really do know how to make the best of things, don’t you?”

Lando grinned, his eyes brightening. “What can I say? I’m an expert at turning around bad situations. And right now, all I care about is making sure you feel better.”

You leaned back into the pillows, your heart swelling with affection as he continued to fuss over you, making sure you were comfortable. Even though things hadn’t gone as planned, having Lando by your side, taking care of you, was all you really needed.

“Alright,” he said, adjusting the blankets around you again. “Let’s get some rest. I’ll stay right here and keep you company. We’ll make the best of this weekend, even if it’s just us hanging out in bed.”

You gave him a small, grateful smile, the sadness in your heart slowly melting away as you realized that even though things hadn’t gone according to plan, you still had each other. “Thanks, Lando. Really.”

He kissed your forehead softly, his voice low and sincere. “Anytime, sweetheart. Anytime.”