#at that point his quality of life wouldn’t have been good and we decided to put him to sleep

[whathasangramainyudonewrong]

Wrong #815

Angra and Voyager are riding around on Kijyo Koyo’s back (in her first ascension), and are now running about the facility causing mayhem and distress

[nervoussagittarius]

furniture shopping + night out

matt sturniolo x influencer!reader

summary: your day in the life vlog ft. your boyfriend matt, request

warnings: fluff, maybe language

“good morning vlog” you said taking a sip of your coffee. the sun was just starting to come through your apartment windows as people filled the streets below. “i have a very exciting day planned today so i thought i’d intro the video now and we can chat for a minute.”

you began to get all of the ingredients out to make breakfast for you and matt while you talked to the vlog about your night. your videos tended to feel like a facetime call between you and your fans. everyone loved how personal and friendly they felt. “matt spent the night here yesterday, and i figured i’d be a good girlfriend and make us breakfast. i convinced matt to go to ikea with me this morning because i’ve been in this apartment for about a month now, and i still have no living room furniture. so we’re going to try to fix that.”

as you continued making breakfast matt finally woke up and decided to join you in the kitchen. “okay guys, be honest do these pancakes look good? i hope so. but i’m going to go wake matt up-” matt appeared from around the corner at this statement. “oh nevermind. hi baby! good morning.” matt, not being fully awake yet, gave you a small groan and fell into your arms for a hug. you returned it, holding him for what felt like hours. neither of you complained though. you and matt could be surgically attached and it still wouldn’t be close enough for the two of you.

you turned your head to the side looking at your counter. “me and my friends talked about last night and what we have planned for this morning while i made us breakfast.” “your friends?” matt questioned since he was the only one in your house. “yeah my friends in the vlog” you said with a ‘duh’ tone, earning yourself a poke in the side from matt.

you picked up your camera again about an hour later while you were in the car. focusing the lens on matt, you began to ask him questions. “how do you feel now that i might actually have a couch after a month?” you asked with a laugh. matt’s smile brightened as he took his eyes off the road for a second to look between you and your camera. “i’m happy that we’ll finally have some place to sit other then your kitchen table. i’m excited to go shopping if you’re excited.” he reached over to pat your knee.

“matt’s not the biggest fan of shopping if you couldn’t tell. or if you’ve seen his house you’d know how unfurnished it is.” you said setting the camera on the dash to look at both of you. “listen, i just don’t see the point in worrying about how my house looks when i can be doing fun stuff with my life.” matt said with a chuckle. he grabbed your hand so you knew he was fully just joking to mess with you. “i think furniture shopping is fun. we’ll see you guys again hopefully when i have a couch.”

you were back in the car when you found yourself filming again. you head rested on matt’s ands your intertwined arms as you sat in the parking lot. “bad news guys. we couldn’t find a couch.” you removed yourself from matt as he started backing out of the parking spot. his hand now rested on the back of your neck as he played with your hair. “so sad. i still have to sit on the floor.” matt remarked. you gave him a discouraged laugh catching his attention. he looked over at you while at the red light. “don’t worry sweetheart we’ll figure it out.” he leaned over quickly to kiss you cheek. “thanks matt. we’ll see you guys later.” you said giving your vlog a small smile.

a few hours had past as you and matt spent some quality time together at your apartment. it wasn’t often that you guys got alone time so you cherished it when you did. no meetings, no sibling, and no cameras. but that came to an end when you realized you had a vlog to finish.

matt was the one to pick up your camera this time. you were in your bathroom getting ready for the prada event you were going to tonight. matt thought this would be the perfect time to try and scare you. he quietly walked through your house, making his way to you. unfortunately for him you caught him in this act. his reflection showed up in the corner of your mirror. “what are you doing?” “no i’ve been caught. i was trying to scare you.” he said with a laugh. “next time, baby” he set your camera on your bathroom counter and came around to hug you from behind. “you look really pretty, sweetheart. do you want to tell them where we’re going?” he asked as he gently layed his chin in your shoulder. he didn’t want to mess up what you were doing.

matt’s comment had made you blush, but you’ll quickly pulled yourself back together. “thanks baby. um- matt did a photoshoot with prada recently, and he looked incredible. so they invited us to an event they’re throwing tonight.” “if we make it there.” matt threw out winking at the camera. you looked at him in the mirror quickly as you threw your arm back to jokingly hit him in the shoulder. “matthew!” you exclaimed. “what? im just saying there might be traffic.” he shrugged acting nonchalantly as you rolled your eyes.

“anyway guys i think we’re going to call it a night. i’ll let you know tomorrow how the event went. i love you and i’ll see you soon.” you smiled picking up the camera as matt starts to walk out of the bathroom. “wait, matt! do you have any last words for our friends?” he turned to you with a slight smirk. he quickly screamed in the camera before running off. “i’m so sorry head phone users.” and you ended the video

an: i’m sorry this is so short but i wanted to make this different from chris’s so i hope you enjoy. i also slightly based this off of the vibe of jules leblancs vlogs because i love them 🤍

[writeyouin]

Mirage X Reader - Falling

Description (This was a request but it got sent to my PMs instead of my inbox by accident): When Alison Moyet's song Falling comes on the radio, Mirage is forced to think about you and his feelings towards you.

A/N – Yep, so another Mirage one for all of you desperately waiting for the film to come out on a good pirating site in top quality.

Warnings – None.

Rating – T

You stood at the sink washing dishes, a tune on your lips that you mumbled quietly to yourself, only half singing with your mind on other things like lost loves, failed relationships, and someone new in your life; Mirage.

“She said something like, I’m tired of me,” You sang Alison Moyet’s ‘Falling’, and then transitioned to whistling part more of the tune which had only come out a year prior.

Then, without the radio to follow, you reset to an earlier part of the tune, singing whichever little bits came to mind.

Little did you know, Mirage was spying on you, trying his best to imitate the stealthy way Arcee moved. Alas, subtlety wasn’t Mirage’s strong suit and he had already knocked over a row of garbage cans, and crushed some kid’s bike; he could only hope the bike wouldn’t be missed. Fortunately, among the usual noise and squalor of New York, nobody had cared about the sound or come out to explore.

Mirage wasn’t trying to be a creep by observing you. He just wanted to know more about your life and what you did. It seemed that in your day-to-day routine, you were obsessed with music. Bumblebee had already introduced Mirage to the concept of human music which was vastly different from the stuff that used to exist on Cybertron and Mirage liked it.

It was different from what he was used to for sure, but there were some songs he just couldn’t resist. The Twisted Sister song ‘We’re Not Gonna Take It,’ seemed to be a great Frag You to any Decepticon scum that attempted battle with him. And there was that one Bumblebee had introduced to him, ‘I Can’t Drive 55’, by that Sammy Hager fella. That was great, but Mirage was more than capable of beating that set speed and regularly did so when he wanted to bait the local authorities into a fun chase.

Still, he wasn’t sure he saw the appeal of this song. It sounded happy and sad at the same time, and he couldn’t decide which it was supposed to be with its New Wave vibe. Was it about falling, like it said? Falling for what? Mirage wasn’t sure, but you seemed to enjoy it. You hummed it quite a lot when you were thinking; he wasn’t sure you realised that you did that. It was one of the things he liked about you. It felt like you were letting your guard down when you hummed along to half a tune, and he enjoyed that you could feel so relaxed around him and the other Autobots.

Mirage might have called on you that night to ask you out on a drive; he liked your company. Alas, he got a message from Optimus telling him to return for the evening so they might meet the humans that Noah had been found by. Apparently, the new humans wished to discuss the possibility of an alliance with the Autobots.

Either way, Optimus’ message ended with, “Return to the rendezvous immediately.”

“Mirage, return,” Mirage mocked, impersonating Optimus. “Mirage, meet the humans. Mirage, I choose you.”

“Did I ask for your backtalk?” Optimus’ gravelly voice came through the radio.

“Scrap!” Mirage hurried to end the communication, having not realised that the line was still open when he had been joking around.

He transformed and raced off to the rendezvous point, any thoughts of you temporarily forgotten.

The next night, the Autobots stood in a unified line as they stared at their new base, a fully functional warehouse, with technology that they could use, even if it was primitive Earth tech.

“Optimus, can we trust these humans?” Arcee asked, her optics never leaving the building.

“We must try, Arcee. I see now that we have spent too much time working only for ourselves when we should have been working together.”

“Any way you want it, that’s the way you need it,” Bumblebee played from his speakers, using Journey’s immortalised words to convey his point.

Arcee looked past Optimus to catch a glimpse of Mirage, “You’ve been awfully quiet, Mirage. Thoughts?”

Mirage marched himself in front of the trio, clapping his servos together as he began his speech, “Well, I mean, clearly there’s a lot to think about here. There are the new humans we know, we have to check the place for bugs, and of course, there’s the most important matter of all-” He took a few slow steps backwards, “- who gets the biggest room. I call dibs!”

With that Mirage spun on his heel and pelted towards the base. Bumblebee, unwilling to let Mirage have all the fun joined in the race and chased after his ally, though when he had just about caught up, Mirage jumped backwards, crashing into Bumblebee and knocking him over. Before he could sprint off again, Bumblebee grabbed Mirage’s ankle and the two began brawling on the floor.

Optimus walked past the wrestling bots with dignity befitting his position and a dismayed shake of his head.

Arcee took a few steps closer to her allies, resting her servo on her hip as she took in the show.

‘Scouts will be scouts,’ She thought mirthfully.

Eventually, the competition was over, with Bumblebee the clear victor, and after sitting on top of Mirage for ten minutes, he finally let him get up, but only after Mirage admitted that Bumblebee was the best Autobot and the supreme Earth expert.

After that, they raced through the base, checking out every nook and cranny, and wondering which exits they could exploit and sneak out of, should Optimus try to ground them from the drive-in again.

Eventually, Bumblebee and Mirage settled down, each picking out a portion of the warehouse that was just for them. All rooms had been modified with individual entrances so they could come and go as they pleased. Mirage had even been hooked up with some sweet racing posters. He set about decorating the room to his liking, letting his internal radio play as he did so. After switching channels, he stumbled across the song you liked so much.

Curiously, he let it play, trying to really listen to what the lyrics meant.

She said something like I want to go Down where the river's wild He said take me then I want to drown Deep in your violent eyes

Deep in your violent eyes? Was it a love song? If it was, it was the strangest one he had heard before.

He continued listening.

But I want to be sure of one thing That I'm getting into something peaceful I want to fly in on your wing Way, way up here I don't care for anything It's all in, and I'm not afraid I don't fear Falling

There was no doubt about it. The song was indeed about falling in love.

Mirage felt a sharp prick of indignation. Were you in love with someone? He had to assume so, considering that you didn’t seem to sing anything else. It was always this song. Who were you in love with, and why did he care so much?

He wasn’t sure, but the idea of you with someone else made Mirage’s engines rev and his face contort disgustedly. You were his buddy, his pal, his partner in crime. Why did you need some stupid, boring human, when you could hang out with him? Speaking of which, when was the last time the two of you had hung out of late? You hadn’t been together much since he’d been repaired. Well, with his room claimed and little else to do, Mirage decided that tonight was as good as any to get in some bonding time.

He transformed, revving his engine loudly as he waited for the automatic garage door to open for him. His wheels spun on the spot in a move that would have burned rubber on any ordinary car. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the door opened enough for him to slip through and he sped off, ignoring every speed limit he came across; if Prime gave him the third degree about laying low later, he would claim ignorance and take whatever punishment he was given.

When Mirage got to your house, he honked his horn loudly, waiting for you to open your window and see him. He couldn’t transform into his root-mode while a few seedy humans lingered about, so he had to wait for you to get to him… presuming you weren’t with someone lame, like a crush you hadn’t mentioned.

At the commotion, you poked your head out of the window, grinning when you saw Mirage. You held up two fingers, indicating that you would be two minutes and then hastily got changed from your pyjamas back into your day clothes. Grabbing your keys, you ran outside and climbed into Mirage’s passenger seat, buckling up in case he decided to take off before speaking as he was prone to do; buckling up was indeed a wise choice as Mirage took speedily to the streets.

“So,” You asked casually, “Business or pleasure?”

“Have you ever seen me do business? Business is for the big guy, you know, never smiles, never shows me that underbite, the big OP,” Mirage sassed you.

“I dunno, you seemed pretty business when you fought Scourge for me.”

“For you? No, no, no, I was fighting Scourge just for the sake of being the tri-planet champion.”

“Tri-planet champion?” You repeated incredulously. “You only fought him on Earth.”

“Yeah, but he’s from Galvatron, the living freaking planet. He fought on the Maximals’ planet, and he came here. Count ‘em – One, two, three. So, I digress, Tri-planet Champion.”

“Well, technically Noah was the one to face off with him, so-”

“Yeah, while he was inside me.”

“Okay, but Optimus was the one who took him offline.”

“Look, Optimus is always gonna be the champion of frowning and hard stares, a class I can’t compete in, so this is my thing.”

“All right,” You held up your hands in mock defeat. “You’re the champion.”

“Damn straight.”

“…Is the Champion going to tell me where we’re going?”

“Nowhere. Everywhere, Anywhere the road takes us. Just sit back and relax. We could listen to some music,” Mirage suggested innocently, his hidden agenda on his processor.

“Sure, then I can be the champion of karaoke,” You bragged.

“Against my voice? In your dreams.”

“Oh, so you can fight, race, and sing? Triple threat.”

Mirage laughed and turned on his radio. He let a few songs play, letting you sing along while he distractedly kept his inner workings tuned on finding the Alison Moyet hit. It would likely play soon, considering its popularity.

After a few good tunes, Mirage managed to find the song and he switched channels.

“Oh hey, I’ve heard this one before,” He said nonchalantly, “This is that sappy love song, right?“

“I don’t think it’s that sappy,” You defended with a smile.

“Oh yeah? Why? Does it make you think of someone special or something?”

You imagined how easy it would be to tell Mirage the the ‘someone special’ was him; as it turned out, it wouldn’t be easy at all. You clamped your mouth shut, a blush peppering your cheeks.

“So there is someone!” Mirage said all too accusingly. “You won’t be needing me anymore then, when this new person comes into your life.”

“You sound angry.”

“No I don’t!” Mirage replied huffily, proving your point. “You know what? I don’t think I like this song after all.”

He turned the radio off and the two of you sat in awkward silence. He kept on driving, slamming down on the accelerator. There was a lot of noise from honking cars as he sped in and out of their way.

“Just tell me who it is!” Mirage demanded petulantly when the silence finally got to him. “Is it Noah? He’s probably your type, right?”

“Why do you care?” You asked, annoyed and upset by the turn of events from nice drive to speedy interrogation.

“I don’t.”

“Then why are you asking so many questions?”

“I just feel I deserve to know who it is.”

“NO YOU DON’T!” You yelled back. “THEY’RE MY FEELINGS”

“AND I’M YOUR FRIEND,” Mirage countered as if that ought to give him the right to know everything you thought.

“This is so stupid,” You breathed, shaking your head.

“Come on!” Mirage insisted. “Tell me!”

“No.”

“Tell me!”

“No!”

“Tell me, tell me, tell me-”

Against Mirage’s frustrating onslaught, you finally yelled, “IT’S YOU!”

Mirage slammed hard on the breaks and you lurched forward, hissing as the seatbelt bit painfully into your collar bone. Fortunately, you were in an area with no cars on the road, having got off the interstate some time ago.

“What?” Mirage asked.

“It’s nothing, just… take me home, please,” You begged, scared now that you had said too much.

“You like me? Like romantically? You like me romantically? You romantically like me?”

“You done with the combinations?” You said bitterly.

“But I’m- I’m an alien.”

“Yeah,” You threw your hands up. “That’s why I didn’t tell you. Now will you please take me home?”

Mirage transformed his arm, pulling you out of his chassis as the rest of his body followed suit. From his palm, you looked down to the floor, wondering whether it would be better to jump and get a concussion rather than have the embarrassing conversation that was about to follow.

“I don’t get it,” Mirage said, staring at you as if you were a complicated mathematics problem.

“I know,” You said, wrapping your arms tightly around yourself as if it might protect you from the sorrow you were feeling.

“No, but like, I really don’t get it. I thought you were just a friend, and kind of cool but I think- I think I feel the same way, maybe?”

You watched Mirage guardedly, unsure as to why he was asking you when it was his feelings that were scrambled.

“Look, Mirage, you don’t have to pity me, okay? Please don’t test yourself on me. I know I’m not what you’d look for and-”

Mirage pressed his lips against yours then hastily pulled away. You stared at him, too scared to speak.

He nodded to himself, pecked your lips again, and then vented a quick puff of air from his systems.

“Yeah, yep, yes,” He stammered. “That- That was a feeling. A-ha. Yeah, so I just found out I have a thing for you too.”

“You serious?” You asked, making sure that Mirage was alright as he stumbled through a barrage of new feelings.

“Yeah, I uh- I get the song now. Still don’t love it, but I get it.”

“Seriously? You’re still thinking about the song?”

“Hey, I’m thinking about a lot of things at once here (Y/N), mostly how I’m going to explain this to Prime later, a little bit about how this is going to work, and yeah, the song slipped in there. Frankly, I think we need to get you more into Bon Jovi, but I guess this could be our song or whatever.”

You pinched the bridge of your nose and sighed. “This was not how I pictured any of this going.”

“Yeah,” Mirage nodded, pacing back and forth, the motion rocking you on his palm, “But at least we got a song, right? Most new couples got nothing.”

Despite your tiredness, you couldn’t help smiling at his straightforward manner of thinking, “Sure, Mirage. At least we have a song.”

[corpsebasil]

heyy hope youre feeling ok! unis a bitch lmao, can you do one where y/n is betrothed/married to vasily and maybe shes a secret grisha? idk but shes sneaking around with nikolai but then vasily finds out or nikolai goes off to be sturmhond? something super angsty, you can decide how it ends! have funn

I have an idea but I’m not sure if it’s exactly what you want.

HESR ME OUT OKAY—

Warnings: cheating, smut, angst, etc 18+

^ that’s you getting caught with Vasily

Three years, seven months, eighteen days, three hours, and…six minutes since Vasily married you.

He isn’t abusive at all—not physically. He just likes to avoid you like the plague as if his Queen wasn’t the most important person in his life. If you’d wanted kids now you wouldn’t have them; Vasily had a son from his previous marriage, a union was was annulled after the girl was caught doing interesting things in a closet with her brother.

“I can excuse infidelity,” Vasily had said. “but not raw-dogging your family.”

Touche.

Now, somehow, it’s been a year since you’ve even laid eyes upon the King. He’s cozying up to foreign girls in the Southern cities, you assume. Vasily has never bothered to hide his own infidelities, of course, and you yourself have heard rumors of a bastard or two walking around the continent.

“You’re boring me.” A voice calls out and you glance up from your desk, your hand stilling over the paper’s you’ve been reading. Nikolai, slouched on the sofa in your private study, is barefoot and relaxed as he watches you work. “Entertain me.”

“I’m not a court jester.” You say, raising a brow as you look back to the paper. “Your brother’s son wants me to give him Sun Cast.”

“Sun Cast?” Nikolai snorts, tucking his toned arms behind his head. In a white button-up and rolled sleeves, dark pants perfectly cut against his strong legs, he looks absolutely sinful laid out the way he is. “Doesn’t Sun Cast have a Lord?”

“Yes, Lord Barlow. But your brother’s son—”

“He has a name.”

“—insists that he be given the castle upon his eighteenth name day.”

“A decent request for a future heir.”

“Sun Cast has more brothels and taverns than any city I’ve ever been to. More than any should have a right to have.”

“I know.” Nikolai smirks, wiggling his brows at you. “Excellent quality as well.”

Your annoyed look only makes him smile wider as you force yourself to scan the paper again, reading your brother’s son’s—Zorin’s—request. Finally you sign the document carefully, rolling it back up and pouring a wax seal onto the edge.

“I still don’t know why he couldn’t have just asked his father.” You continue, standing to tuck the paper into drawer. You’ll take it to the Council tomorrow. They can deal with Prince Zorin. “Vasily would’ve said yes without a second thought.”

“Yes but Vasily isn’t here,” Nikolai points out, standing as well to follow you out of the study. He stretches leisurely, a dramatic and slightly erotic sounding groan leaving him as he does so. At your unamused expression he winks. “and you are, my dear. Even if he had to wait a week he still got what he wanted.”

“He knows I can’t stand him.”

“I’m sure the feeling is mutual.” You roll your eyes as Nikolai approaches, lifting your chin up to meet his gaze. His fingers are warm on your jaw as his eyebrows furrow, expression suddenly more intent. “You’re doing a good job, you know. Being Queen. Everyone can see it.”

“All everyone sees are the endless meetings, and the bags under my eyes, and the other morning I snapped at a maid—”

“—and they still love you.” He interrupts smoothly, reaching up to use both his hands to cup your face. You pout, almost comically, and he grins. “Trust me. You are doing a good job. Vasily’s doing whatever he’s doing—”

“I know what he’s doing.”

“—and you’re here, keeping the kingdom together. We all commend you for it.”

You sigh and nod against his palms, peering up at him as he watches you for a moment. Your eyes narrow slightly and you give him a mischievous little smile.

“Why haven’t you ever requested Sun Cast, oh Lord of High-Quality Brothels?”

Nikolai’s answering smirk, followed by his words, make your blood run hot.

“I don’t need a brothel to make love to a beautiful woman, Your Majesty.” He says, cocking his head to the side. Your skin flushes pink as he tucks your hair behind your ears, his fingers lingering. “Or to admire one.”

You pull away, flustered and blushing, and it’s obvious Nikolai is holding back his laughter.

“Get out, you heathen.” You scoff, reaching over to grab the nearest rolled up piece of paper. You hold it like a weapon, armed and ready to defend your honor against visuals of Nikolai inside a brothel and what exactly he was doing in one. “Get out.”

“Hey, hey—hey!” Nikolai gasps dramatically when you whack him on the arm, then shrieks, diving out the door to your study as you give chase.

-

Three months later, Vasily brings his new mistress to court. High-born, of course, and very pretty, but it makes a mockery of not only your marriage, but also the crown.

“He can’t parade his whore around court for everyone to see.” Ser Dominik is ranting, halfway through the bottle of wine he and Nikolai have been sharing that evening. “I don’t care if he has bastards in the cities—we know about them. Bringing some woman from Saints knows where makes Y/N look like a cuck—”

“Easy.” Nikolai interrupts smoothly, raising a blond brow as his vivid eyes, such a startling blue, meet his best friend’s. “Don’t call her what you were about to call her.”

“Sorry.” Dominik mumbles, setting his goblet on the desk. He and Nikolai have been sequestered in the Prince’s rooms since dinner, talking about the red-headed beauty that had sat on the King’s lap all night. She’d fed him grapes and cheese from the platter in front of them, giggling shamelessly as you’d sat, stiff and annoyed, at the opposite end of the banquet table. “It’s just—Y/N…” Dominik trails off and Nikolai gives his friend a half-hearted smile.

“…is going to unleash Hell?” The prince offers. “I thought she was going a send her fork straight into the girl’s jugular when she had the audacity to refer to Y/N as Vasily’s ‘ball and chain’.”

Dominik laughs, then Nikolai does, and soon the two are shaking their heads in both disbelief and amusement.

“God, I hate your brother.” Dominik chuckles, taking a sip of wine. “No offense.”

“None taken.”

“You should check on her.” The knight suggests, raising a brow at Nikolai. “I’m sure she’d like to see you.”

“Me?” Nikolai’s brow raises in return. “Why me?”

“You know why.”

The silence that falls is tense and Nikolai swirls the wine around his glass, staring down at the purple liquid.

“I’m not sure what you’re suggesting.”

But he does.

In the past several months since you’d beaten him within an inch of his life with a piece of paper—his words, not yours—he’d grown closer to you. He spent as much time as he could—going to shows, spending evenings at the taverns you favored, even attending balls in distant cities as your guest.

He was your ‘date’, as some said. ‘Guest’, you’d both insisted.

But then there was the way he always found excuses to touch you. Holding your arm as you walked through the gardens together, teaching himself to braid your hair on cold nights when only books and the fireplace was your company, his hand on the small of your back as he directed you places, your smooth thumb wiping a trace of sugar from the corner of his mouth when you’d shared pastries together, his eyes always lingering on your soft, warm lips and—

“Don’t.” Nikolai blurts, his gaze darting up to Dominik’s open mouth. The poor knight hadn’t even begun to speak, yet.. “Don’t add fuel to the fire.”

The rumors, he means. Rumors of the way Prince Nikolai seems to gaze at you with lovesick adoration every time you look away.

“I’m not.” Dominik says, then blinks. “I won’t.”

“Good.” Nikolai stands abruptly and forces a stiff smile, lifting his brows to his friend. “I suppose I should check on our Queen, then.”

Dominik, watching his brother with a slightly amused smile, nods.

-

It’s a month later when Vasily decides to formally announce his mistress as his official lover. The entire court had been opposed, of course, to the diadem that had been placed upon the ginger’s head. You, seething and humiliated, had fled the throne room.

That night Nikolai arrives in your rooms to, as he refers to it, ‘talk shit’. You’re laughing and in a better mood than you could’ve hoped for soon, but then a knock hits your door.

“Lady Wife,” Vasily drawls, drunk and leaning heavily against the door of your chambers. Nikolai and you had been in the middle of a rather competitive card game. “Come with me.”

You had, to Nikolai’s dismay.

You’d endured it, knowing damn well that his mistress was sleeping in a room not far down the hallway.

You hate him.

Hate him.

-

“Don’t.” You start, almost two weeks later when Nikolai slips into your study, watching you organize your desk. “Don’t say it.”

“I miss you.”

You stiffen and clench the scroll in your hand, effectively crushing it.

“You let him have me.” You snap, then turn away. “I’m sorry. Don’t—”

“What would you have me do?” He breathes, coming up behind you to turn you around. You face him, eyes damp as he grasps your waist. “You have to talk to me, Y/N.”

“I wanted you to do something.”

“Do what?”

“It’s like—” you tuck your hair behind your ears, frustrated. “It’s like no one gives a shit that he’s disrespecting me every day. If anyone were to defend me I thought it would be you—”

“I cant.” He snaps, fingers digging into your skin. “I cant do a thing and I hate myself for it, trust me. Saints, if I could kill him I would—” he stops, noticing your wide-eyed gaze. “Forget that.”

“Nikolai.” You don’t even know what you’re begging for. “Please, just—” Please what? What?

“Y/N..” He groans, low in his throat, and leans into you, brushing your nose with his. “I want to protect you.”

“I know.”

“You shouldn’t be his. You shouldn’t be—you should be—“

“What?” You murmur, lips a fraction away from his. “Should be what?”

He grits his teeth and digs his fingers harder into you, making you gasp.

“Mine.” He finally says, reaching up to cup your neck in his hand. “You should be mine.”

The first kiss is bruising.

Youre both desperate, clinging to one another harshly as he tugs at the laces of your dress.

“Nikolai, you—“ you gasp, your eyebrows raising when he drops to his knees before you. His lips travel along your calf to your thigh, fingers tugging your underwear down in a quick movement: “Nik—” Your eyes roll back when he glides the tip of his tongue through your folds.

Fingers tangled in his hair you jolt, arching against him as he lashes his tongue against you, working you desperately towards your finish.

“Mmm..Nik—” You moan, nails scratching his scalp and he thrusts his tongue in and out of you, the warm muscle searching out the spot that makes you see stars. “Nik, I—”

He doesn’t let up.

You come against his mouth and gasp, his greedy tongue lapping up every inch he can reach. Then he’s lifting you onto your desk, scattering papers to the side.

“Please.” He mumbles against your mouth, hands tugging his pants down. “Please, I—”

Nikolai’s thrust is deep and quick, making you cry out into the skin of his shoulder. He grips you roughly, moving in sure, quick movements, slamming your cervix to Hell. Things on the desk rattle noisily, a several quills rolling off and hitting the floor. Your words are a jumble of moans and incoherent praise as he fucks you, hard and deep, making your head spin.

“Tell me you want me,” he begs, nipping the skin below your ear. “Tell me I’m yours.”

“Mine,” you gasp, walls pulsing around him as you reach a second peak. “fuck, Nikolai, yesyesyes—”

He groans as he finishes inside you, thighs hooked around his waist as his mouth crushes against yours, drawing your whimpers between his lips.

Moments later he sighs, burying his forehead into the crease of your shoulder.

“Still mine?” He questions, rubbing the ache out of your hips as your throat tightens.

“No.” You mumble, and he moves away.

Sorry

[lovehyyuntold]

— Tour De Force 🤎

— An impressive performance or achievement that has been accomplished or managed with great skill.

– also known as, a masterpiece.

Rundown: a sweet telling of an artist falling in love with his muse, where monochrome ruled his world until your hues brought him to life.

Pairing: artist!hyunjin x reader

Word Count: about 800

Genre: contemporary romance / suggestive !

Warnings: very much in the feels, mentions of physical affection: kissing, hugging, teasing.

Date Created: 11/8/2021

A/N: Hello, and thank you for deciding to stop by to give this story, a shot—it'll be the first fic, I post on this account. I wrote this a long time ago for self-indulgence with my own character in mind, very much un-edited, but I had thought that Hyunjin fitted him more, so here we are. I find most of this to be slightly cringe as it was a spontaneous little thing.

— It would be the biggest honor if you could reblog & comment. Share your thoughts, I genuinely love discussion.

Once again, thank you ♡

When Hyunjin gazes at you, all he sees is a masterpiece.

His studio was filled to the brim with art supplies; all scattered into a small space. Paint splatters on the ground, across the walls, even on the windows itself—brushes rolling on the ground, sketchbooks stacked on the table; his pencils were neatly placed together into one container. Crayons, markers, easels; all in one spot on the ground. Yet somehow, everything was everywhere. One would call this place a mess. You wouldn’t blame them, as it seemed to be exceptionally organized…in his own way—which was most definitely a stretch, seeing as things were verbatim, all over the place. His mind worked in wondrous ways, it became a mystery. 

You admired the quality of his passion, the way his eyes crinkled in concentration as he worked on his next artistry. He wouldn’t ever show you his works in progress nor the result, so it made you ponder on the thought; what was he hiding?

Hyunjin closed his eyes, imagining you. Everything about you, he thought of; your smile, your actions, your words, your lingering touches, soft kisses setting him ablaze, sweet profound words you spoke of when you were with him. He was grateful to have met you, gazing towards the empty sidewalk—lost of all inspiration as he clasped onto his empty sketchbook, pencil in his hand. Time seemed to slow down when you walked in. The glimpse of you that he saw, something about the way you lifted your lips—curving it and grinning, made him hungover at the glow you held, the thought of you.

All was black and white till he saw you.

“Hyun, can I see now?” You whined as you sat on his couch, pouting at him as you stared at the back of his easel.

He could only smile as he peeked over because you shouldn’t see it yet. 

His masterpiece, his muse, you.

“Patience, my love.” He giggles, his eyes turning into crescents as he points his paintbrush at you before continuing on, “Good things come to those who wait.”

Furrowing your brows, you rolled your eyes—crossing your arms at his antics. But it immediately softened at the view of him. Sunset-colored hair gleaming with a softness as his lips pursed; mesmerized at his own work. Hand gliding across the easel—trickles of sweat gliding down his forehead. You never understood why he sweated when he painted, it was as if he was too indulged to even realize the heat in the room. Nevertheless, he was beautiful, this man was yours and you were his. 

“Angel, would you be so kind as to-”

He looked up, meeting your gaze. He wasn't expecting your intense look. Once soft eyes that stared at him with pure love and affection had fire ablaze beneath them as if something had ticked inside you. He was intimidated, to say the least. All he wanted was for you to look at him, so he could scan your features properly. But you had different plans.

“Careful, wouldn't want bugs to fly in that mouth of yours.” You smirked, ego blossoming at the sight of his mouth slightly agape. His pupils widened, and he quickly squinted his eyes, a smirk making its way across his lips. You were such a tease and he loved it.

“You want to go there, darling?” His voice deepens, causing you to cover your mouth. Cowering behind the couch, you laughed—hugging the pillow that was beside you. Sometimes he challenged your little tomfoolery, yet it always left you a flustered mess.

After taking a few minutes to process what he did, you peeked over the couch, but you couldn’t see anyone. You gasped, he was gone. Proof of his painted apron sat on the high stool, but his figure wasn’t there. Panicking, you turned your body around—causing your eyes to meet his again.  You could feel your nose brushing gently against his, lips grazing over yours, breath lingering on each other.

You were close, way too close.

He smiled, staring into your brown ones as the light glimmered onto his. Closing the space, he lifted you from your seat—hugging your waist until he crashed onto you with a searing kiss. Butterflies erupted in your stomach as your eyes closed slowly. Placing your arms around his neck, he gently guides your waist towards him, to close the space even further. The moment was sweet and gentle, as if you were a fragile feather, and he was the wind guiding you by.

Art wasn’t about the final result, nor was it about the actual drawing itself; it was a form of communication. The passion that someone held within them, an expression that one holds. A feeling prolonged onto one’s thoughts and mind. To him, you were his inspiration to create his artistry, and he couldn’t ask for anything more. 

A masterpiece amongst the dullest of moments.

© lovehyyuntold 2023

[kitwasheree]

Happy Birthday, Iris !

12/31.

happy 900 and... wait, how old is he again?

(please click on the image to see the details tumblr always crunches all my art into oblivion)

vvv bonus doodles + personal story under cut

malva belongs to @1dont-really-know , thank you princess of briar valley for quality wine

NRC School Newspaper

A Birthday Interview with Iris

Yuu : Hello! Happy birthday to you.

Iris : Well, thank you… I haven't celebrated my birthday in a very long time before coming to Night Raven College, but I suppose it’s nice to hear a greeting.

Iris : I don’t really see the point in making a big celebration over another year of your life passing, but maybe to humans there is much to cherish.

Iris : …Whatever the case, I’ve dawdled enough. Let’s get on with the interview.

Yuu : What are your thoughts on the party?

Iris : It’s not bad, but I think I’d prefer something smaller. I don’t really think that my birthday is worth a lot of fuss, after all, it’s just one year in many years of my life.

Iris : ….Still. It is nice to see Axel and the rest of the dorm having fun. Makes me a little envious, even… But nevermind that.

Iris : I’m grateful for the sheer amount of presents. Really, what am I going to do with all of this…? 

Iris : I’ve even received multiple gifts from the same individuals. Trying to get into my good graces? …Cunning, the lot of you kids nowadays. I suppose this still is Octavinelle, though.

Yuu : What sort of presents do you like to receive?

Iris : Anything will do, really, as long as it isn’t unpleasant. Although, I personally enjoy small food and drink. For example, Ashengrotto gifted me a bottle of cranberry juice. It seems to be rather good quality, too.

Iris : ….I have a feeling his gift has another meaning, though.

Yuu : Another meaning?

Iris : Perhaps it’s his way of gifting me something similar to wine, without actually getting wine. Clever boy. He knows I’m particular about wine, so he chose to play it safe.

Iris : Over the years, the quality of wine has drastically decreased. I’m rather disappointed, I thought humans were supposed to be ‘advanced’? And yet it seems most wine that is sold now is subpar at best.

Iris : At least there are still some businesses that are family-run and are still able to make good-tasting wine from hundreds of years ago.

Yuu : I see. You seem to know a lot about wine…. How old exactly are you?

Iris : I wouldn’t be able to answer that, even if I wanted to. It’s nothing for you to think about, though. I simply know a lot about wine, because it is my favourite.

Yuu : Alright, then. Do you have any hobbies?

Iris : Hobbies… I suppose I used to play the violin, but then I left it to collect dust for quite a while. I only recently picked it up again, because of that Vanrouge.

Iris : He’s been inviting me to join the Pop Music Club for quite some time, but he must be positively mad. Senile, even. He says we could do a duet, but that’s nonsense, I play the violin and what does that man play? The electric bass.

Iris : Perhaps there isn’t a single sane person in this school, his clubmates dabble in entirely different forms of music, too. But maybe…. Just maybe, I’ll consider it. I make no promises, though.

Yuu : I’ll look forward to seeing you perform if you decide to join, then.

Iris : Thank you. I’ll think about it more, the old violin needs a good dusting off. For now, let’s just enjoy the party.

Yuu : Thank you for sharing all of this with us. Once again, happy birthday!

[namujoon9401]

Namgi, sexual tension, office workers, boss nj, worker yg

This meeting was grating on Yoongi’s nerves.

Couldn’t this have been an email?

Namjoon, his new boss, was droning on about how he wanted to go in a “new direction” and “shift marketing channels” to a new demographic.

“Our company needs new life. Our brand image is suffering, and we need to save it. It’s been decided that we will now be marketing primarily to an upper middle class demographic, with an emphasis on high quality goods.”

Jungkook, one of Yoongi’s coworkers, raises a tattooed hand.

“Wouldn’t that mean increasing prices?”

“Excellent question, Jungkook-ssi.” Namjoon smiled.

The bastard.

He was, in fact, unfairly handsome. Tall and well built, with tan skin and dimpled cheeks that made themselves known when he smiled. Paired with perfectly coiffed blond hair and a dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up his forearms, it was an upsettingly attractive picture.

As infuriating as his smile was, (his cute, pretty, attractive, handsome smile) it’s what he said next that really caught Yoongi’s attention.

“So we will be releasing new lines of products over the next few months that will emphasize high quality and, with it, will come a higher price tag.”

Wait.

Yoongi puts his hand up.

“So, these new product lines will be manufactured with higher quality materials?”

“Well, it’s not that simple.”

Yoongi can tell that he’s about to launch into some bullshit corporate spiel, so he gets ahead of it.

“Its a simple question. Should have a simple answer.”

“Well-“ Namjoon hesitates. “No. The answer is no. They won’t actually be made of higher quality materials.”

The room breaks out in murmurs and whispers.

“So we’ll be lying to our customers.” Yoongi can hardly believe his ears.

Namjoon looks uncomfortable. He waves a hand in dismissal, smiling tightly.

“Nobody said anything about lying. Its just a new marketing tactic the company wants to go with-”

“Purposefully misleading our customers is highly unethical.” Someone says.

“So we’ll just be price gouging. Is that what you’re saying?” Someone else asks.

The meeting is unraveling quickly, with everyone murmuring amongst themselves and speaking out of turn.

Namjoon must be able to tell that he can’t quite get them back on track.

“Alright, this meeting is dismissed.”

Everyone stands, leaving the room as they grumble amongst themselves.

Namjoon stops him with a hand on the shoulder.

“Yoongi-ssi? A word, please?”

He does not look happy.

Shit.

“You’re out of line, Min Yoongi.” Namjoon begins, but he’s interrupted.

“I’m out of line? Sorry, i didn’t realize we were suddenly allowed to lie and price gouge.”

“Thats not the point-“ Namjoon sighs, pinches the bridge of his nose.

“These marketing strategies are gonna run this company into the ground. I don’t know who you think you are, but -”

“None of that matters right now, Yoongi!”

Namjoon crosses his arms.

“What matters is you.” His voice is steely, unyielding.

“You openly defied me in front of the whole department. That’s insubordination, and I’m going to have to write you up.”

Yoongi scoffs, rolling his eyes. “Right,” he says, deadpan.

“You need to get off your high horse,” he hisses, jabbing a finger inches away from Yoongi’s nose.

“Oh yeah? Or what? You gonna fire me?”

They’ve been getting closer and closer as they talk, and now their faces are a hair’s breadth apart.

The tension in the room is static, the air crackling between them, neither of them willing to back down.

Yoongi narrows his eyes.

He’s smug, now, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. His voice comes out velvety smooth. “You wanna kiss me so bad, don’t you?”

Namjoon’s eyes narrow in disbelief. “What?”

“Don’t bullshit me. I’ve seen the way you look at me when you think I don’t notice.” His voice drops to a whisper. “You want me.”

Yoongi, in a moment of daring, puts fingers at his jaw, tilts it down towards him.

“Don’t you, Namjoon-ssi?” He purrs.

“I-” Namjoon seems to be at a loss for words. He’s looking anywhere, everywhere, anything to avoid eye contact.

“Th-This is ridiculous.”

“Am I?” Yoongi’s eyes are hooded, glittering.

Namjoon makes to step back, to escape from this empty conference room where anyone could walk in but-

Yoongi grabs the back of his head and kisses him.

Namjoon surges into it, kissing back boldly, lips moving against his in an unseen rhythm. It’s sloppy, fueled by pure desire and lust, mouths open and licking into each other incessantly.

Yoongi would be lying if he said there was no thrill in it, in making out with his boss, hot and heavy in the confines of an empty conference room.

Namjoon breaks the kiss, their breaths hot and heavy, foreheads touching.

“This is.” He pants. “Highly unprofessional.”

“Shut the fuck up-”

He kisses him again.

[mrfancyfoot]

Raphael x Evie (f!OC) | Rating: E/varied | Chapter 1 on AO3

Chapter 7: If Not Friend, Why Friend Shaped?

While the group is making their way towards the Last Light Inn, Astarion and Evie have a discussion about the devil.

Chapter Rating: M-ish / SFW-ish Word Count: ~1550 Tags: Evie POV, Angst Warnings: A couple references to Evie and Astarion’s current and prior relationship. They’ve slept together at this point but have broken that off and pivoted to something more platonic.

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Story Summary: All’s fair in love and war. Things are bustling in Baldur’s Gate as the city rebuilds. Life is looking up for Evie who has ambitions set on her (re-)inventions and business ventures as she juggles a certain vampire’s budding political career, the unwitting godhood bestowed upon her by a clan of fanatical fish people, and the increasing attentions of a devil who she believes woefully has no other friends. . Story Tags: Tags will update with progress, Fluff and Angst, Domestic Fluff, Humor, Manipulation, Eventual Smut, Modern Girl in Baldur's Gate, Canon-Typical Behavior, Varied Chapter Lengths, Not Canon Compliant, Possessive Behavior, Dubious Morality, Dubious Consent, Worldbuilding, Kuo-toa, She's not stuck with him he's stuck with her, Has plot-legs, Slow Burn, Friends to Lovers, Warning: Raphael, Raphael is obsessed, No sleeping with Haarlep, Girl has her shit together and that’s sexy, Neurodivergent OC, Lawful Evil meets Chaotic Neutral, Marriage Contract, Slice of Life, Pop culture references

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Chapter below cut...

“It worries me how often that devil summons you,” Evie heard her tentmate softly say while he stared at the pages of the book in his hand.

After hours of travelling, the group had opted to set up a temporary camp.  Instead of dragging everything out, she and Astarion had decided to simply share a tent for the ‘night.’  Just two bedrolls…and the wall of pillows between them.

Evie watched the motes of dim light floating above them.  “But what do I even do about it?  I think upsetting him wouldn’t exactly be smart.  We don’t want to needlessly make an enemy of him and he has provided us with good info.”

Astarion scoffed and dropped the book aside, turning to look at her fully.  “Does he have nothing better to do, though?” he complained, his face twisting into a sneer.

She could only shrug.  Though they spoke fairly frequently, she couldn’t pretend to know how Raphael spent the rest of his time.  “I do kinda wonder if he may be planning something else.  Like, this is a lot of his time he seems to be putting into us.”

His expression turned dubious.  “You.  That he is putting into you, dearest.  The devil isn’t whisking away anyone else in the dead of night.”

Honestly…it made her feel better that no-one else was in the same position she was.  With Raphael focusing on her, that kept them safer.  Fewer temptations, fewer distractions.  “I tried confronting him a while back about why he’s so keen on me specifically, and all he said was that my soul has more unique qualities that attract devils.  He’s been pushy about the ‘Hero of Baldur’s Gate’ thing.  Maybe it’s an investment thing?  He’s invested in the outcome and so certain that he’ll get my soul eventually that he’s taken it upon himself to micromanage us?”

“Plausible as any other theory at the moment, I suppose,” Astarion sighed, tracing the frayed decorative stitching on one of the pillows.  “You said he’s had one of his…minions spying on us?” 

“Korilla?  Yeah.  She seems okay.  Minus the…spying…part.”  She remembered the time she first met Korilla when she and Lae’zel confronted her near their camp.  She had occasionally seen the warlock since during her time spent with Raphael.

He sat up straighter and looked down his nose at her.  “Evie, darling, just because someone is nice to you, doesn’t mean you should trust them.”  She couldn’t help how her eyes narrowed on him, the weight of his very recent confession to her that he had spent most of the time he’d known her trying to manipulate her still stung. “Yes, I am a phenomenal example!  Oh, don’t give me that look!  I’m no devil, at least.  Trusting me at all was still stupid and you shouldn’t keep making exceptions.”

She knew this and she knew she didn’t always have the best judgment of character or ability to read others.  It meant others did take advantage of her.  But she still preferred to err on the side of seeing the best in people.  After all, Astarion had told her and promised to do better and focus on introspection and growth.  Would he have gotten to that point if she hadn’t shown him that trust and compassion, that not all the world was bleak?  

“He offered to make me a warlock,” she shared.  “I told him I wasn’t interested, but he must have told her to try to convince me.  She said I was dumb if I didn’t accept.”

“Then that goes doubly so!” he hissed, leaning close.  In a blink, though, his face turned imploring. “You’re not considering it, are you?  I hope you aren’t for my sake, dear.  We can find better ways to deal with Cazador than accepting a deal from - honest to Hells - one of the few people who could turn out to be worse.   There’s no telling how he could really be if he ever owns you.  We want our freedom when we are through with this mess, after all.”

“I guess she’s been secretly helping us out quite a bit at his direction.  Maybe we’re just that awful at all this,” she stifled a slightly worried giggle.  Korilla had been saving her hide specifically a lot, as it turned out.  Astarion would have an absolute conniption if he discovered she was leaving out supper portions for the warlock whenever she cooked if she sensed her nearby.

Chewing her lip, her thumb soothed over the tattooed symbol above her opposite wrist.

Astarion shook his head.  “Don’t let them get in your head.  I know I can be critical at times…but you have improved immensely.  It’s only in their interests that you doubt yourself.”

Her eyes drifted around the bare tent.  “It hasn’t been all bad.  Sometimes it’s even…enjoyable.”  It made her feel guilty just how much she enjoyed talking with Raphael at times.  He was prone to dramatics but that was part of his charm - much like the elf sitting across from her.  “Though I’m starting to feel like I’m having routine meetings with my manager, which I think messes with my head more than anything else.”

“See, that is precisely what worries me!” he bristled again.  “He’s just hoping to butter you up so you’ll sign one of his contracts!”

Evie gripped one of the pillows, contemplating throwing it at him.  “I’m not going to!  And I’m well aware that is most likely his goal.”

Astarion shrank back.  He looked like there was something else he wanted to say but he chewed on it for a bit.  When he finally spoke, his words were uncertain and vague, not aided any by the gesture he made before recrossing his arms, “He’s not making you…you know?”

“Making me what?”  She didn’t catch his meaning.

Astarion sighed with his exasperation.  “Fuck him!  He’s not using you for sex, is he?”

She blinked in disbelief.  “No.”  

Sure, the devil used language meant to entice - quite similarly to how Astarion used to speak to her, actually - but he had never propositioned her like that.  To her knowledge.  Maybe Astarion was seeing similarities to their relationship and that was adding to his worries?

He held his hands up defensively.  “I had to be sure.  You did say the time with him was enjoyable.  And with us not…  I’m not sure I could blame you if you were - he has a certain allure to him.  Maybe he likes the whole sexy fox thing.”

The sound she made was a choked mash of a laugh and a scoff.

“So what do you do during these visits?” he asked.

She thought for a moment.  “Aside from all the garbage going on-  Talk about nerdy shit.”

“You’re joking,” he stated dryly.

“Politics, music, art, theater, books, history, food…”  Was that really that weird?  “He’s really knowledgeable and seems to just like the conversation.”

“You’re making friends with the devil, Evie!” he exclaimed, running his hands down his face.

“Is that a bad thing?”  Before he could answer, she added, “Do you remember when we were on the docks and you said that being friends with a vampire was weird?”

“I think there’s a bit of a difference between a vampire and a devil, my dear,” he argued.

“Why?”  Everyone treated the answer like it was super obvious.  It reminded her of the scaretales of her religious upbringing that she had long since abandoned.  ‘Devils are evil’ held no real meaning to her anymore.  Raphael held himself to a rather strict code of conduct - “Hell has its laws,” he was fond of saying - which was more than could be said of many people she knew who claimed to be better.

He tsk’d in disapproval.  “Well, for one, the moment he decides you’re no longer of any use to him - or worse, if he believes you’ve slighted him in some way or broken some rule - he is significantly more capable of harming you.  Devils see everyone as tools to use at their own convenience and nothing else.  I, for one, would prefer we stayed clear of him but…” the energy behind his words died off.  He couldn’t forget that there was something they did need Raphael’s help for.

“Speaking of-” Evie broached softly.  “I think…you should be the one to approach him about your scars, Asta.  If I bring it up, I kinda worry any deal he’d come up with might be weighted differently than if you were the one to ask him.”  She earnestly added, “Not that I don’t wanna help or anything, because I’ll totally talk to him for you if you want me to!”

He pursed his lips and shook his head.  “No, I agree.  You especially should be wary of making any deals with him and this is my burden to bear.  The less you’re involved in that part, the better.”

A companionable silence lulled between them.

But she was no closer to understanding her questions.

Evie flopped down on her back with a yawn and stretched her arms over her head.

“Do you think…I could have a bit of a late night snack?”

She cracked her eyes open to see crimson pleading down at her.  “Toss me a ration pack from my bag?”

He bolted upright and grabbed for her bag, rooting through it until he found what she asked for.  She caught and tore it open, flopping her arm over the pillows between them.

Thank-you for reading!

[bulgariansumo]

Back at it again, editing Episode 1 of Galactiquest. Version 3.0 patch notes:

-Removed all unnecessary epithets (Hopefully. I found one instance of brunet that I thought I deleted the last time around)

-Toned down the amount of exclamation points

-I think I slightly pared down a scene in Chapter 4? But I added a new one over it, so that probably cancels out

-Gave other characters a little more dialogue, especially Leon

-Changed descriptions around to be more concise, less repetitive, and less verbose (For these being Leon's chapters, I got weirdly fancy with some of the prose)

-New scene 1: In Chapter 1, a girl talks to Leon while he's waiting in the spaceport, eventually leading to him realizing he's late. This finally gave me a chance to explain why the Interstellar Forces is called that and set up that it is struggling somewhat. I think this also the first time I've gotten to mention that the IF was banned from having weapons.

-New scene 2: In Chapter 4, Jun questions why the IF would let such an inexperienced group go to Neptune (in nicer wording, but still). It sets the tone for the trip in a way that was lacking before.

As much as it stung to realize those chapters were a little rougher than I thought, I'm glad I did this. It's not a complete overhaul, but it brought the quality a little closer to my current stuff. I'm grateful some people were still able enjoy them despite rough edges.

In the times that I've asked for feedback, a few people mentioned Chapters 3 and 4 being a bit of a slog. I... did not trim them down as much as I intended. Every time I tried, it went something like this:

Hopefully, adding that section to Chapter 4 will help it feel a little more worthwhile. That being said, if I'm compelled to edit again, I know there's a few scenes in Chapter 4 that probably should go.

For people who want to see the new scenes without reading the whole episode again, I'll post them down below. If you do want to read the full thing, here's a link.

---

New Scene 1 [Bon Voyage, Celestion-5] Ch 1. Boarding for Takeoff

A monitor nearby played an informational video about Earth’s one and only moon colony: Lunaria, the city of his dreams. Though so far away, he felt like it lay within his grasp for the first time. What choice did he have but to be captivated by it?

“Are you heading to your first deployment?” The girl a few seats over might as well have appeared from thin air.

“Hm? How’d you know?” He shook his head out of a daze. Only now did he realize his mouth had been hanging open for who knew how long.

“You seemed pretty enthralled by that video for a star ranger.”

“Oh yeah. Some nights, I spent so long looking at the dome through my telescope, I’d dream about it.” He sighed. “Even now, I can almost breathe that artificial air.”

“I’ve heard it’s cool. My aunt’s paying my way. I bet you’re glad you don’t have to pay those ticket prices either, huh?” She had a pretty laugh.

“Gosh, I thought I’d have to spend my life savings just for a visit. Thank goodness for the IF.”

“You know,” she tilted her head, “I’ve always wondered, why’s it called the Interstellar Forces when we haven’t gone past Mars yet?”

“We’re supposed to dream big now and grow into it later. It worked for me, so…!” he ended with a shrug. “And who knows,” he knew, “we might be going past Mars soon.”

“That’s cute. Sorry about the budget cuts, though. No more weapons, I get, but you guys don’t even have your own ships anymore? They’re just deploying you with us civilians?”

“My ship’s kind of a special case.” Out of curiosity he decided to check his phone. “But I guess it wouldn’t hurt to che–”

His eyes widened in horror at what time it displayed. It was 25 minutes past when he should have boarded.

“Is something wrong?” asked the girl.

“Sorry, I gotta go.” He gathered his bags and hurried over to the receptionist. “Excuse me. This is the boarding area for the Celestion ships, right?” Maybe everyone else was just late. “I was supposed to be boarding a ship 25 minutes ago.”

“Oh, no sir. Are you with the Interstellar Forces? All military spacecraft are located on the opposite end.” The receptionist motioned directly behind him.

“Thank you, thank you so much,” He shook the receptionist’s hand vigorously. “Seriously, my career is in your hands. And yours too,” he sped past the girl, “have a nice trip, bye!”

New Scene 2 [Bon Voyage, Celestion-5] Ch 4. Tour's End

“Quick question.” The oddly familiar one smoothed dark, wavy bangs out of her face… or his face? Leon couldn’t tell at this angle. The androgynous voice didn’t help. “The Celestion crews were chosen by chance, yeah?”

“There’s a coupla exceptions as you’re no doubt aware,” Emil winked, “not to mention the captains, but yeah, most of us are random picks.”

“Right, cool. So, like, not to harsh the vibes, but I noticed that none of us except you and the captain are ranked higher than rangers.”

“I almost ascended to corporal~” Allen spoke up.

“I know, Rox.” The familiar one addressed Emil again. “I dunno, I kinda assumed we’d get stationed on each ship based on our experience and ability level.”

That did surprise Leon when he first heard about the opportunity. Described by his old warrant officer as ‘remarkably average in all abilities,’ he never dreamed he’d be offered the chance to go to Neptune. No one from his base deployed to space in years. He hadn’t even earned the star on his uniform yet. No way would he let such good luck pass him by.

“Huh,” Emil pinched one of his curls, “that does make sense.”

A click from the ceiling brought with it Captain Galhardo’s voice. “Randomized crews are a key element of the Celestion Project. Though each captain, including myself, went through a series of tests to ensure our capability.”

“Well, there you have it. Besides, as long as my brother’s piloting, we’ll make it back a-ok. Nothin’ to worry about.” In only a few strides, Emil made his way to the cooking area. “Over here we have a microwave, an oven, dishes, other kitchen-y stuff–Oooh, guys, I gotta show you something!”

He stuck his arm over the stove, to the confusion of Leon and most of the others, and to their horror, turned it on.

[totemsp2blog]

Creating an hour feature (a post-mortem)

I just got done creating (mere seconds shy of) an hour of film from a night I played Halo 3 with some friends. I may have spent a little too much time and effort on it… and may have gone too far in some places.

But to be honest, I had the enthusiasm of my friends backing me the entire time I was working on it. As a result, I was able to produce, with the help of my friends, a work pretty up there in terms of personal video editing projects go.

At this point, it’s important to speak of the talents, and qualities that these people brought to this project. A project which served be simply edited footage of us goofin’ in video games, nevertheless…

NoTengoTortuga, is a 3D artist and Blender Guru, and was responsible for creating the CGI poses of our Spartans for most of the chapter cards between missions (I said Spartans… no that’s not an elite, that’s the actual Master chief!) Tortuga, or Joe as we call him, currently uses said skills professionally, but out of love of the craft, he contributed his skills, and has literally crafted stuff out of dreams I had for the project, Including the amazing Rainbow Six Siege inspired chapter card, and the ‘Warframe tableau inspired’ end scene. It’s more than I ever could’ve asked for, which what I’m saying is everything I did ask for, he delivered on, and more. There wouldn’t have been images for the chapter cards, he just stepped up and started making them.

AstroCorgi, or Goatz_ballz, or SpaceManMike? I’ll just call him Mike like we all do. Mike’s contributions to the project were important for a simple reason: he noticed things that I didn’t. He was the one to spot things in the background of otherwise uninteresting scenes, such as the two’s warthog jumping off a ledge, or a grunt t-posing off their ghost upon getting smashed into… by the two’s warthog. And so, his input and attention to detail added a lot to the project.

So, with the help of the people interested in this funny Halo 3 game film of all of us playing, this undoubtedly turned into a group project. It also emboldened us to add to it, and in turn, take the ambition way up. It was a good thing… but as Strong Bad once said, too much of a good thing is an awesome thing, but too much of an awesome thing is holy crapazoli or something… I’m sure he said that once I dunno…

I would like to explain my state of mind during this project.

I’m about to speak a little bit more seriously about things, I hope you don’t mind.

I am someone currently feeling like a prisoner in my own body. Yes that sounds pretty serious but let me explain. I have dreams and aspirations, and the means and knowledge to carry them out. I could realistically learn everything my associates that worked with me on this know, and as I’ll get into later, out of an apparent need to help their load, I did try to in order to help their load. But, I have a severe, and inconsistent lack of energy to do… a lot more than I want to. I’m in a place right now where… everything feels like a lot, even if there isn’t a lot going on in my life right now.

I ended last year in possibly the worst place I’ve ever been mentally. The details are too personal for this fairly personal blog, and I feel like I’m firmly in the depression stage of grief.

Simply put, I’ve been pretty down, and tired, burnt out.

Where this ties into the project is that I did what was absolutely best for me, and went at my own pace, which was nice and glacial. And I will admit, when I’m in it, It can be pretty comfy trimming film, and when I get an idea for something cool, it’s fun to act on it, and I acted on a lot… but the thing is, I had to act on it, otherwise I don’t know if I’d ever get it done… which has been a thing long before… what happened last year.

And then my cool Blender friend Joe stepped up and decided to pull these rips of the Halo 3 MCC Spartans from The Halo Archive and make poses for the chapters.

So now on top of my (and Mike’s) attention to detail, coupled with my knowledge of what could be possible in video production, we now had access to full 3D CGI assets. Absolutely mental.

But it also meant… I had to call upon people to help get stuff done. My fatal weakness! Something I’ve delt with all my life.

It just comes down to my ability to… social… and I don’t doubt those who have known me have come to understand this. But what I fail to understand and was literally stated to me is Joe loves doing this shit. It would be like somebody coming to me asking for a… uhh…

Uh…

A thing… that… I would like to make? PowerPoint Cartoon? An edit of someone’s funny game footage? Their Dinner? A gman impression?

Anyway, that didn’t stop me from chronically worrying about bothering anyone for anything. But I did rise above that eventually and boy was it worth it. I thought that Rainbow Six Siege inspired image was going to be tough but somehow, he pulled it off to my exact specifications. Huh… like, huh… yeah? Who knew someone good at their shit was going to give me a good fuckin’ result, and not even break a mention of concern at possible difficulty in producing it?

That was one of the things I thought I had to try and put together myself. I was in a manic scramble to bring together some tools I had lesser knowledge on in order to try something, but when I got an early shot showing me how possible it was by his hand, the least I did was play with the pose a little, which is something I had to learn in blender to do, and guess who taught me? The bloke and friend what does Blender professionally, currently making shit for me! It all makes sense, right? and I should stick to what I know and trust willing people to be willing.

What does having access to this kind of talent mean for the overall work load?

Well…

Not much, I was still editing film like I would’ve, and probably would’ve put too much effort into it regardless. Joe was happy to do his thing, and he was knowledgeable enough to produce it with ease. Mike was staying up way past bedtime to hang out and watch me edit and go through footage right up till the final clip, because he wanted to. And all the while I was getting input from the both of them, and it felt pretty normal.

So what’s the problem?

Well…

Corel VideoStudio.

What I can say of Corel is… at least they’re not Adobe. But they are geriatric in the way they do things, especially their business practices, which is good and bad… but compared to Adobe, they’re the lesser of two evils. VideoStudio is cheap in comparison and buy once and keep forever… unless a new version comes out and you have to buy that version… at a discount at least.

That’s not the issue.

I experienced way more technical problems both familiar and new during this project, with the version of VideoStudio I’ve been using.

Slow editor performance

Crashing

Audio track waves not showing after a certain time

Audio track randomly panning

Audio envelopes not working as intended

Let me talk about this one in particular. The scene where the Warthog drives through a tunnel playing the polka from Red vs Blue? That was working as intended, with effects, panning, volume, everything… until it wasn’t randomly. No matter what I did, I couldn’t even get the panning to work, and if that didn’t work then…

I had to put the video into an external program and create a premixed audio clip.

Anyway, the list isn’t over…

Audio would sometimes distort loudly when being previewed or played, scaring the buhjezzus out of me and those watching my stream.

Crashing during the encoding process?

Actually… no! The project before it (another video of me playing Halo with friends) the encoding crashed multiple times, until I tried encoding without GPU acceleration. But This time, the encoding went just fine…

Until, I looked through the video and found it full of problems.

But… luckily, it wasn’t to much of an issue, and is more my fault. You see, I originally wanted to output the projects as a 30 FPS film, but the footage was in 60 FPS, and so the project was set up for that, and I edited the whole film in 60 FPS. So I go to render the film in 30, only to find the film missing cues for the audio envelop changes, and even erroneous black frames and timing issues throughout.

Simply Rendering out 60 FPS fixed everything… as if it was meant to be. Lesson learned.

So in the end…

I can safely say, I probably won’t go as far next time. Sticking with tight edits and maybe some funny sound clips here and there, who knows.

One thing is for sure…

I can’t keep using Corel VideoStudio anymore

I kept using it because it was convenient, and simple and very easy to make things with. And I’ve been using it for over a decade. I’m a slave to it’s ability to make zoom & panning easy.

But… the editor is too slow, and I don’t understand why even after all these years. Maybe due to the ancient code that it probably retains from the years back when it was using X* for the different versions… maybe even back when it was called Ulead VideoStudio.

I must move on to something modern, and it’ll take some learning to do.

Luckily, I’m nowhere near short on Server 9 game footage to edit.

Thanks again to the two great guys I played with, and subsequently took interest and contributed to what I have made… and more importantly, understood my pace.

[thevictoriousone]

I didn’t get a chance to vote but I and my partner attended public school (it’s actually where we met). He was homeschooled through I think 4th or 5th grade and I never was. Our daughter (2nd grade) is homeschooled because we have that option. My partner stays home and teaching and caring for her is his day job. I was a certified high school teacher for a bit and have a Masters in teaching for secondary ed, plus my mom is a certified elementary school teacher with over a decade of experience. We use our state standards to make sure our daughter is progressing the same as her peers, and she gets social time through extracurricular activities (she’s in gymnastics at a local gym) and play at our local park and events at the library, things like that. We’re also looking into joining a homeschool co-op nearby so she can have more varied education and socialization, though of course we have to be careful not to land on one that’s full of religious bullshit.

We picked homeschooling because my partner valued the homeschool part of his education so much and we had the ability to do it and the faith that we could do it well. We live in the district where I grew up and went to school and also taught for a while…and frankly I don’t want my kid to go there. I don’t like the values of the district at all…how they treat their teachers or their students.

I read some of the replies on this post and it’s funny that so many people point out that parents who homeschool to stop their kid learning about things like evolution or sex-ed. Not because that doesn’t happen - it totally does - but because part of my home with homeschooling my own kiddo is to give her a BETTER version of that education. Like I have actively done research into age-appropriate sex ed to make sure she learns about it throughout her entire childhood/adolescence rather than some one-time “talk” we have when she hits puberty like my parents did with me. It’s a good illustration, I think, of how much the quality of any education depends on the beliefs and general quality of whoever is giving the education. We also live in a pretty damn conservative area in the Deep South USA, so there is 0 chance of non-religious sex-ed (or really, harmful indoctrination) happening outside our home.

So far the biggest benefit has been that we get to pay more attention to her interests as we decide what they should cover each day. She gets to pick out her books, for example, and if she develops an interest in a specific topic we can have so much more schooling related to that. She loves reptiles, and we own snakes, so she gets to learn a lot about biology via helping my partner care for our snakes, including their mating practices, how their bodies work, etc. We also raised both monarch butterflies and Luna moths from eggs, so she got to personally experience and watch the life cycle of these creatures and learn how to handle them safely. We go to the zoo or museums nearby for learning experiences, and we’re hoping to do a more formalized “field trip” experience to places further away and invite grandparents or her friends (if we do it on a weekend). It’s just really nice to be so actively involved in her learning and that it can take the form of more than sitting at a desk each day in a way that public school teachers simply cannot do.

Anyway, all this to say that it’s working super well for us. I wouldn’t have wanted it for myself because my home situation was a lot less stable (hello divorced parents) but it’s good for us for now. She’ll probably attend public school at some point later, but we’ll likely move before then so that we can be happier with the district she attends.

Also for those convinced all homeschool kids are antisocial weirdos, my kid could make friends with a rock (indeed she has). Every single time she goes somewhere and meets other kids, she immediately makes at least one new friend. She has no problem being loud and having fun and talking to people, and she’s genuinely well-liked among her peers. I think it entirely depends on the kid in question.

I mean she’s also a big weirdo, but it’s the kind of weirdo all kids should be - joyful and unashamedly herself, unselfconscious and silly. I lost a lot of that in my teen years but have grown back into it myself as an adult, and I’m hoping very much that my daughter can have the confidence to stay weird.

Because of that last post I responded to, and just the general categories I've seen people fall into in these conversations, I'm curious:

Please reblog for sample size, deeply curious the demographics of this one

[dankusner]

‘Golden Girls’ ripoff pushes the jokes too hard

TV REVIEW ‘MID-CENTURY MODERN’ HH½

Nathan Lane, from left, Matt Bomer and Nathan Lee Graham in “Mid-Century Modern.” Chris Haston/Hulu

Homage would be the kinder term, but no matter how you slice it, the Hulu sitcom “Mid-Century Modern” is a “Golden Girls” ripoff.

Three gay best friends sans significant others — played by Nathan Lane, Matthew Bomer and Nathan Lee Graham — decide to become roommates and share a spacious home together.

Instead of Miami, the setting is Palm Springs, which is a distinction without a difference when it comes to a vaguely gestured-at backdrop of palm trees and retirees.

I actually don’t mind the recycled template.

In an era defined by old intellectual property reanimated into its latest zombie form, it was inevitable someone would reimagine this ’80s TV stalwart, which still holds up (boy, does it hold up).

Technically, “Mid-Century Modern” is an original show, not a reboot.

But in spirit?

Rebootapalooza.

Even the general layout of the set is reminiscent of the “Golden Girls” house.

If only the similarities extended to the show’s quality overall.

The series comes from “Will & Grace” creators Max Mutchnick and David Kohan, who understand the mechanics and rhythms of a sitcom.

The cast, however, does not (with one exception), which is perhaps why it feels like everyone is playing to the back row.

It’s so bad in the pilot that I’m curious if people will stick around and keep watching.

I hope so, because the show improves.

Not enough.

But it’s better than the first episode suggests.

The owner of the house is Bunny (Lane), a mostly retired founder of a Victoria’s Secret-esque company.

His snazzy, opinionated mother also lives with him, and zingers aplenty from this one.

She played by Linda Lavin, the only sitcom veteran in the main cast and who instinctually knows what’s required here.

She’s brilliant.

The newcomers to their abode are Jerry, a hunky Mormon flight attendant (Bomer), and Arthur, a haughty fashion doyen recently fired from Vogue (Graham).

As longtime friends, this setup is just what they need at this point in their lives, with everyone feeling somewhat adrift.

All good, in terms of the general framework.

I’m dying — dying — for a traditional-style sitcom, laughtrack and all, that really works.

The great James Burrows directs, and his legacy includes everything from “Cheers” to “Friends.”

What could go wrong?

Quite a bit, actually.

The show keeps getting in its own way, mostly because the characters lack distinct personalities.

Bunny is … a lot?

Arthur is … a lot too, but with a supercilious edge?

Jerry is … blissfully dim?

(He’s the obvious “Golden Girls” corollary, playing a version of Rose).

These barebones traits don’t help you peg who they are in this little world.

What do they want, as individuals?

What is their comedic function within the show?

None of this has been worked out.

The creators go heavy on ribald, sometimes overworked, banter —

“You don’t look sad, you just look like a reluctant bottom” — which in general can be fun (though in lighter doses than we get here), but only if it feels specific to each character, not just a dirty line anyone in the scene would rattle off.

That’s where “The Golden Girls” could have been instructive, because the punchlines on that show are tailored to each person’s nature and temperament and outlook on life.

If “Mid-Century Modern” had a clearer idea of who its central characters were (aside from Lavin, who is perfect), the sweaty need to sell, sell, sell every joke probably wouldn’t weigh on everyone so heavily.

When Bunny becomes flustered in front of an attractive man, the double entendre tumbles out of his mouth as he likens the hot guy’s storytelling skills to a one-man stage show:

“People would definitely come, I’d come every night!”

But Lane’s delivery doesn’t finesse the line so you laugh despite yourself;

the delivery feels focused on ensuring audiences get it.

Yes, we get it.

Stop pushing so hard.

Lane is a wonderfully versatile actor, it’s troubling to see him working to overcompensate for such an amorphously written role.

They all get COVID in one episode and are stuck at home trying to amuse themselves, and I at least appreciate that a TV show — any TV show — is acknowledging that COVID is still an ongoing reality.

Another storyline sees the men taking a trip to Fire Island to recapture their youth, which doesn’t go as planned, and it’s one of the season’s strongest episodes.

Pamela Adlon shows up occasionally as Bunny’s younger sister and she brings a much needed piquant energy to the proceedings.

Bomer is good when Jerry the ding-dong must navigate a moment of real sentiment or complication; the juxtaposition is effective.

But overall the show is missing the kind of scenes that allow the core ensemble to sit around the kitchen table and share absurd stories with one another about their lives.

Lavin died in December at 87, before filming on the season finished.

“I’m thrilled you’re gonna move in here,” she says to her son’s friends,

“it’s gonna be so good for Bunny to not be alone when I’m gone, which won’t be for a long while!”

She yells that last part for emphasis.

It’s a line that leaves a lump in your throat.

Her death is incorporated into the final two episodes, leaving the show with an unfillable hole.

The finale suggests that if the show is renewed, the creators might simply add yet another gay guy to the mix.

But that doesn’t change up the energy the way Lavin’s character did.

Her glamorous and slightly tacky presence served to pour cold water on whatever emotional spiral the men were in the midst of, and that was a source of real comedy.

If there’s a Season 2, here’s hoping the show can conceive of the right kind of person — and the right kind of actor — who can recreate that energy.

[likeumeanit9497]

just like that | m.s. |

matt sturniolo x fem!reader

based on this request :))

summary: after dating for four months without having sex, y/n finally decides that she's ready to take matt for a ride

warnings: smut; established relationship; unprotected p in v; oral (fem receiving); riding; mentions of questionable consent (NOT with matt dw); dirty talk; 18+

notes: damn i completely forgot about this im so sorry:/ i've just been so busy over the past week or so it completely went under the radar. def not my best work (i wrote it all today), but i wanted to get it up because i'm going on a trip through europe for 6 (SIX???!!?!?!) weeks and will probably not be able to post much when im there. anyways i hope u all enjoy!!

p.s. working on one more fic that i would LOVE to post before i leave tomorrow, if not it might be a while before im able to write again :/ it's gonna be a good one for the matt girlies though so keep ur eyes peeled ;)

“Do you want anything from the kitchen baby?” Matt’s soft voice in my ear pulled me from the lull I was in, curled up beside him on the couch watching a movie. My drooping eyes fluttered open and I couldn’t help but smile once I came face-to-face with my beautiful boyfriend. The late-August sun was setting, and it shone through the living room windows in just the way that made Matt’s gorgeous blue eyes almost transparent; a harsh contrast to his dark eyelashes and tidy beard. He was looking at me with such unclouded care, the way he always did, and it never failed to make my heart flutter.

Matt and I had met on social media about six months ago, and started dating just two months after that. Our earliest conversations online had consisted of occasionally discussing our shared interest in pretty embarrassing hobbies — playing Minecraft, journaling, and watching rom-coms to name a few — but those occasional conversations evolved into staying up all night messaging each other, multiple-hour long Facetime calls, and eventually meeting at a restaurant for our first date.

Although it hadn’t been long since we started dating, Matt’s soul was one that I felt like I’ve known all my life. Never before had I felt more at home around another person than I did once I met him, and his presence in my life gave it a new level of stability that didn’t exist before. I had dated a guy in high school for almost two years, but the quality in the time spent with Matt versus him was incomparable. I was sure that Matt was the person that I was meant to be with, and everyday he did something new to prove that to be true without even trying.

Another thing that I loved so much about Matt was that, even after months of dating, he hasn’t once pushed me to have sex with him. In one of our early conversations, I had told him that my ex had always made me feel bad when I would turn down sex with him. While him and I did have sex a few times during our relationship, I had since come to terms with the fact that I really was just doing it to make him happy. Once Matt got over his immediate anger for me, he had sat me down and told me that he could wait forever, but that he won’t have sex with me unless I tell him I’m ready.

That was months ago, and still, he has kept his promise. While we have done plenty of other things in bed, he has always made it a point to stop everything before it gets to the point of sex. At first, I felt riddled with guilt because I felt like I should want to have sex with my boyfriend —especially one so kindhearted as Matt — but over time that guilt has fizzled out from Matt’s reassuring words and actions. He never ever put me in situations that he knew had the potential to make me uncomfortable, and wouldn’t allow me to feel bad about it either.

Lately, though, I had been feeling slightly different. While before, I would squirm at the thought of anything more happening once Matt’s hand would slip out of my panties, now I feel a slight tightening in my stomach at the idea of more. And before, I would feel a certain level of nervousness as I felt the weight of his member in my hand, where now there is a flutter in my core at the thought of that same part of him filling me up.

Never before in my life had I felt any of these feelings, and I didn’t quite know what to do with them. I was afraid of the abundance of dirty thoughts that flooded my own head constantly, and I realized that I was ready for more, but only with Matt. I had been contemplating on telling him this for the past week, but as I watched him walk back over to me on the couch in nothing but baggy grey sweats — the black ink of his tattoos hypnotizing me — my body reacted in such a way that let me know that tonight was the night.

“Here, I know you didn’t say you wanted anything but I grabbed you a water anyways. I haven’t seen you drink any yet today and you-” I cut Matt’s rambling off by climbing on top of his lap as soon as he was back on the couch; wrapping my arms around his neck and planting a deep kiss to his pink lips. He responded with a soft hum against my lips before wrapping his own arms around the small of my back. I opened my mouth slightly before pressing it against his again and moving them in a slow but passionate rhythm. Matt quickly followed suit, slipping his tongue through my parted lips before using it to explore my mouth. I fluttered my eyes open for a brief moment and caught a glimpse of Matt’s most beautiful features up close — lidded eyes, flushed cheeks, straight eyebrows — and released a satisfied sigh against his mouth.

I ran my hands through his soft brown hair, tugging slightly at the ends and eliciting a soft gasp from him as I felt my body flood with arousal. His hands travelled up and down my back, his firm yet somehow delicate touch a comfort that eased my nerves. From my place on his lap, I could feel a growing hardness against my ass. This wasn’t uncommon, obviously, but in the past I usually pretended to ignore it pressing against me. This time however, I rolled my hips up and down, feeling it slide against my aching core. “Baby.” Matt’s voice was barely above a whisper against my lips, but the combination of shock and arousal was still evident in its tone as he grabbed firmly onto my forearms to hold me still.

I detached my mouth from his while still keeping our faces just centimetres apart. His breath was rapid, but so was mine as we stayed like that for a moment; wild eyed and equally uncertain. Finally, I repeated my action by grinding my hips against his clothed shaft; this time watching as his eyes rolled back slightly in pleasure. “Y/n, what are you doing?” He mumbled, clearly wavering between making sure I was okay and wanting desperately for more. I continued grinding my hips against him, my mouth dropping open as I felt his shaft reach my nerves. “I want you Matt.” I whispered, and I watched as his eyes widened in shock; pupils dilated. “What do you mean?” He asked hesitantly, brushing his knuckles softly against my arms.

“I mean, I’m ready. Ready to have sex again.” I blurted out, feeling my face immediately flush in equal parts nervousness and arousal as I waited for him to respond. His face was unreadable as he clearly tried to gauge whether or not I was serious. That was confirmed once he finally spoke. “A-are you sure? I don’t want you to think just because I’m hard we have to do anything, baby.” I felt his dick twitch in between my legs as he spoke, and it shot electricity down my spine. “I know Matt, but I really am sure.” I responded, running my hands up and down his bare chest and leaving a trail of goosebumps in my path.

He continued to stare at me, his eyes travelling wildly across my face; clearly still in a state of uncertainty. I, on the other hand, was growing more and more frustrated by the moment as the heat continued to grow between my legs. “Give me your hand.” I stated, and he obliged; placing his much larger hand in my own. I guided his hand down to the waistband of my sweatpants, inside of the material, and finally slid it against my dripping wet core. Intaking a sharp breath from the contact, I watched his face as it immediately darkened once he felt my arousal coat his fingertips.

“See? I told you I’m ready,” I leaned forward slightly, bringing my lips to his exposed collarbone and kissing it wetly. “So please Matt, can you fuck me?” The room stayed silent for a beat, the only sounds being our ragged breathing, and I felt fear begin to trickle down my spine; worried that Matt might reject me. Just as I was about to retract everything I had just said, Matt’s hand snaked to the back of my head, guiding it up from his chest before crashing his lips onto mine.

I deepened the kiss immediately, feeling a mutual level of desperation like a surge of electricity between our lips that had never been there before. Matt’s hands began traveling all across my writhing body — taking his time on the curves of my ass — before planting firmly on my hips where he helped them grind against his rock hard member. Breathy, almost silent moans fell from both of our lips as our bodies slid against each other, and the deep-rooted sensation was taunting.

Matt’s hands slithered from my hips up to the bottom of my t-shirt, where he toyed with the material for a moment before detaching his lips from mine. “Can I take this off?” He asked, glazed eyes staring longingly into my own. I nodded, and without a moment’s hesitation my vision was blocked for a brief second by Matt peeling the fabric over my head and tossing it to the side. Once my vision returned, my view was of Matt’s hungry eyes glued to my bare chest.

Matt had seen my tits countless times before throughout our relationship, but at this moment it was like he was seeing them for the very first time. Mouth slightly parted, his breathing was ragged as he brought both hands to my chest and cupped my tits delicately between them; pushing them together slightly and brushing a thumb along each nipple. I hissed at the feeling, and that seemed to pull him from his trance, as his eyes immediately shot up to mine. “This okay baby?” He asked, and I nodded my head wildly.

A smirk toyed at the corners of his mouth before he attached it to my left nipple. I released short moans as he sucked and nibbled it gently, still pressing my core against his throbbing shaft. I felt myself falling deeper and deeper into a trance that I had never experienced before, and it was like my body and mind had completely separated as I mindlessly tugged desperately at the waistband of his sweats. Catching on to my gesture, Matt shifted slightly below me before using one of his hands to haphazardly pull his sweats down slightly; allowing his cock to spring up in between my legs.

I gasped at the sight before me, only now realizing its true size with it between my legs and feeling just a tinge of excited fear trying to figure out just how it was going to fit inside of me. Shaking the thought from my mind, I collected a pool of saliva in my mouth before spitting it in my hand and bringing it down to his shaft.

Running my thumb along his slit, I felt his whole body shudder below me from the contact. I began pumping my hand up and down his length; spending extra time twisting my wrist around his sensitive tip, and watched as his mouth went slack on my tits. “Mmm, keep doing it just like that baby.” He muttered against my plump skin, and I continued to work his cock in my hand while simultaneously grinding my core against its base. Just knowing that I was making him feel good was making me feel good, and my eyes rolled to the back of my head in pleasure.

After a few short moments, I felt Matt’s hands snake to the waist band of my own sweats. My eyes found his again, and I watched as they searched my face. “You’re sure you want this, Y/n?” He asked, his voice gentle but laced with a huskiness that could only be explained as pure desire. I nodded desperately once again, feeling so pathetic but not capable of giving a shit. “I’m sure baby, please.” My voice had a slight whine to it, making my frantic need even more evident.

Planting a soft kiss to my lips, he grabbed firmly onto my sweats and began peeling them off of my body. I lifted my hips up slightly to assist him in this, and once I dropped them back down, I hissed from the feeling of my bare core against his cock. “Matty, I need you right now.” I practically cried out, leaning my body forward and planting nibbles and kisses along his exposed neck. The suspense was torturous, my body only just now recognizing how badly it was craving his.

His hands cupped my ass, and he used his grip to lift me just a couple inches off of him. I felt him spread me open slightly before dragging a finger once again against my aching folds. “Mmm, so wet for me baby.” I released a breathy moan at the combination of his touch and words, and squirmed in his grasp. “I’ll help you get it in, but I want you on top. That way you can take it as slow as you need to, okay?” His voice softened as he spoke, and his hands massaged me gently causing me to physically relax. “O-okay.” I muttered, so turned on that I was willing to do just about anything he wanted me to.

Just then, he placed a soft kiss to my lips before I felt the very tip of his cock brush against my opening; causing me to gasp. “Shh, it’s okay baby. I’ll go slow.” He whispered in my ear, and I pressed my forehead into the crook of his neck in anticipation. Finally, I felt my walls begin to expand as he pressed the first few inches into me. Moaning at the sensation, I felt my whole body flush in immediate lust. As if they had a mind of their own, my hips subconsciously began lowering onto his shaft; taking more and more of him as I sunk down.

A moan fell from his lips as my walls enveloped him inch by inch, and I slowly lifted my head from his neck and straightened my body up to allow more of him to fill me up. Even though he was big and I hadn’t had a dick in me in a long time, my slick arousal allowed him to bottom out without causing me to feel any pain; only indescribable pleasure. Once every inch of him was in me, I stayed still for a moment looking down at him. His desire was plastered across every inch of his face, and it made him look impossibly beautiful. There was no fear in me in that moment, only want, and so I began riding him.

As soon as I propelled my body up and down his shaft just once, I felt a pit of arousal begin to grow in my stomach. Groaning in pleasure, I continued with my moments; holding onto his shoulders to keep my trembling body stable. “Mmm you feel so good baby.” Matt moaned out, his eyes never leaving my pinched face. After a while, my body adjusted completely to his size and I was able to increase my speed. As I slid my walls up and down his shaft, Matt gripped onto my ass with all his might, using his hands to help me maintain my speed.

Moans fell from my lips as his cock ruthlessly hit my g-spot, and I felt my lower stomach build in pressure. “Fuck.” I muttered under my breath, feeling my skin go flush from the heat of the moment. The room filled with the echo of our wet skin slapping against each other, adding to the erotic air around us. Prolonged strings of moans fell aimlessly from my lips, and as I came closer and closer to my impending climax I began struggling to maintain my movements.

Matt seemed to pick up on this, as he adjusted his hips and began pounding into me from below; his hands holding me in place where I just clung onto him for dear life. “F-fuck Matty, like that. S-so good.” I cried out, my voice choppy from his rapid movements. My brain melted into a pool of liquid as all I could think about was reaching my high that was just out of reach. “You’re taking me so good baby.” Matt groaned out as he continued driving his length into me, staring deeply into my eyes with a fogged over expression.

“I-I think I’m gonna — oh god, think I’m g-gonna cum Matt.” My eyes rolled to the back of my head and I dug my nails into his shoulder blades, struggling to give into this new overwhelming sensation bubbling up inside of me. At this, a guttural moan fell from his lips and he somehow increased the speed of his thrusts even more. “Want you to cum around me baby, please.” There was a desperate whine to his voice as he spoke through his shortness of breath, and it was enough for me to reach my climax. Legs shaking, I released a plethora of moans and curses as my body was hit with multiple waves of indescribable pleasure. “Good girl, feels so good honey.” Matt’s voice was soft in my ear, and it helped to bring me back to earth as my hurricane of an orgasm left my body in shambles.

I continued to bounce on Matt’s dick slowly as I attempted to regain what little composure I had before my orgasm stole it from me, but I quickly learned that all of my energy had been stripped away. My body was trembling uncontrollably, and my head was filled with a fog that made it difficult for me to stay upright. Matt caught on to this, as he planted his hands firmly on my hips, keeping me still, before reaching forward and kissing me deeply. “You tired, baby?” He asked gently, rubbing circles on my sensitive skin. Sheepishly, I nodded, and Matt didn’t hesitate before guiding me off of his lap and helping me lay down on the couch.

As soon as my head hit the soft material, I felt my body immediately begin to relax again. I watched from my place on the couch as Matt began to slowly crawl over to me, before leaning above me. “You did so good baby,” He brought his lips to my chest and began dropping soft kisses against my skin, “Now,” His mouth travelled from my chest down to my stomach, “I want you to just lay here and relax,” He continued to move his lips down my stomach to my hips, “Let me make you feel good, okay?” His face was now hovering above my swollen heat, and I couldn’t help but nod frantically, feeling a sudden need to have his mouth on me.

Matt situated his body so that he could lay down with his face still just above my core. He brought both of his hands to my folds and I flinched as he used his thumbs to spread them apart slightly; exposing my bundle of nerves to the air. My vision partially skewed by his hair flopping in front of his eyes, I watched in awe as he brought his mouth closer and closer to where I needed it the most; before immediately gasping in pleasure once I felt his warm tongue make contact with my clit.

Immediately, Matt got to work in swirling his tongue in expert circles on my overstimulated nerves. This sensation in combination with his rough beard against my inner thighs was so intense it was almost painful in the best way possible, and I was incapable of controlling the throaty moans that fell from my lips as I watched him devour me entirely. Matt then used his mouth to suck on my nerves, bringing forward yet another new sensation that drove me crazy. It felt so unbelievably good, my hands flew to his hair where I held firmly; doing everything in my power to keep him in place. “Oh yeah baby, please, just like that.” I struggled to get the words out through my constant gasps of pleasure, but it was clear that they didn’t fall on deaf ears as Matt moaned in pleasured acknowledgement against my heat and kept his rhythm and pressure the exact same.

Feeling another orgasm begin to bear its teeth in my stomach, it was like my hips grew a mind of their own because as soon as Matt brought his hands under my ass to lift me slightly up on the couch; I began grinding my heat against his eager mouth. “Fuck.” He moaned against my clit as he continued to greedily suck and lick my nerves. I squeezed my eyes shut as a whine escaped my lips from an approaching orgasm, the pleasure that his mouth was giving me was too much. “S-stop baby.” I said suddenly, to which he immediately detached his mouth from me and I watched as his eyes scanned my fucked out face. “What’s wrong? You want to stop?” He seemed so concerned, clearly worried that he had somehow crossed a boundary, and it caused my chest to flutter. “N-no. It’s just, I was gonna cum again.” He raised a quizzical eyebrow, clearly confused by how that might be a problem. “I…I want to cum with you.” I finally said, and watched as his facial expression changed from one of concern back to one filled with lust.

He smiled quickly before dragging his body up my own, planting occasional kisses along my body on his way. Once he reached my head, he immediately began kissing me passionately, slipping his tongue through my parted lips and allowing me to taste myself on his mouth. Pulling away, I noticed my arousal laced throughout his beard, and that along with his pink swollen lips fresh off of my heat was enough to make my head spin. Just then, I felt him line his shaft up with my entrance, and immediately gasped out when he slid it in completely. Before moving at all, Matt took a moment to gaze down at my destroyed face before grabbing my legs and wrapping them around his waist. He then leaned forward and propped himself on his forearms on either side of my head; slipping a hand through my hair and grabbing onto it gently.

After noticing my body relax, he finally began thrusting into me. Starting off slow and deep, he gradually increased his speed until he was pounding his inches deep into me at a rapid pace. Already being close to cumming, I struggled to get a grip on my thoughts as the pleasure of the moment pulled me deeper and deeper into a world of euphoria. “You’re so tight sweetheart.” He muttered through his grunts, and I felt my eyes roll to the back of my head at his words. “F-feels so good Matty.” I managed to reply, tightening my legs around his waist as I tried everything I could to hold off my orgasm.

Matt’s hand snaked through my hair before he grabbed onto my cheek, brushing it gently with his thumb as he stared at me with a gaze so intense that it was almost intimidating. “I-I’m close Y/n.” He nearly whispered, and I felt his pace begin to slow slightly as he began to be overtaken by his own orgasm. My eyebrows knitted together as I felt my walls began to break. “M-me too.” I replied, wrapping my hands tightly around his biceps to keep me grounded. “Ah fuck, I’m cumming baby.” His erotic words were followed by a string of animalistic grunts as he drove his cock in and out of me — slow but hard — and it was like my body was waiting to hear those words as my second orgasm immediately ran through me like a freight train.

My breathy moans harmonized with his deep ones, and I felt my walls contract around his shaft; milking his dick as it painted them white. My legs were wrapped so tightly around his waist, he was barely able to move them as we both rode the waves of our intense pleasure. As my orgasm continued to tear through me, my back arched off of the couch and my body trembled. From above me, Matt watched me writhe in bliss as his movements completely stopped. As I finally began coming down from my high, I felt his hand brush through my hair affectionately, and watched as his face turned up in a smile before he placed a deep kiss to my lips.

He gently pulled his cock out of me, causing me to wince from the raw pain, before laying beside me on the couch and pulling me into him. Face to face, we stared lovingly at each other for a moment; my mind still spinning from how good he had made me feel, and in that moment I was worried that my heart might explode. His blissed expression told me that he was feeling the same, and his hand delicately rubbing the small of my back confirmed it. “Are you okay?” He finally asked, minor concern visible on his beautiful face. “I’m more than okay.” I answered honestly with a chuckle, causing him to laugh in relief as well. “I think I actually love sex.” I continued, causing him to really laugh this time before planting a kiss on my sweat-beaded forehead. “Well I think I actually love you.”

─ ⊹ ⊱ ☆ ⊰ ⊹ ─

[electricbluebutterflies]

Joel/Tess + fake marriage for undercover mission AU

Worked this one within canon'verse, go me. PG-ish and also on ao3.

One meets the most interesting people as a freelance smuggler, apparently. Some sets of life choices just attract an inexplicably varied cross-section of humanity, and sometimes…

Tess is nothing if not adaptable, and better at talking her way out of situations than she ever thought possible when her life may be on the line, and sometimes she has to get creative to get taken seriously. She’ll apologize later. Maybe.

There are, unfortunately, some reliable contacts who do not take well to dealing with single women. Her default strategy in such situations is to merely bring her partner along for the ride; Joel is just physically intimidating enough to get results without doing anything beyond making eye contact and making it very clear he’s hers. On occasion, however…

“So remind me, why exactly do we-“

“Sexist assholes don’t like me,” Tess replies like it’s that simple. She suspects there are reasons beyond her femininity that she didn’t make a great impression, but she’ll focus on what she can reasonably fix and remind herself that she can deal with jerks as long as they follow through. “And I may have told them I was married because that’s what it took to keep them talking.”

It had seemed like a good idea at the time, in the way that everything seems like a good idea when the self-preservation instinct is a little too dominant, and at least the kind of thing that would be hard to prove one way or another. Tess’s reputation has been tied to her partner’s ever since she got him into this business with her, and objectively they’re at a point of having couple friends and-

“Married,” Joel repeats like that’s a status he never aspired to. “Anything else you told them?”

“No. I don’t complicate, you know that. Different label not different dynamic.”

Not that they do labels, she’d point out if she wanted to pick a petty fight, not that they’re even capable of having that kind of conversation. It’s a constant burden for her, the lack of definition, but she’s tried to accept that they’re one of those couples who just doesn’t need such things and-

“So keep a hand on you at all times as possible.”

“I wouldn’t ask, but-“

And that there is the problem, Tess thinks as her partner slips his fingers into hers as they get within sight of the meeting spot, as she reminds herself that their size difference has a lot of different uses depending on the day. She doesn’t ask, most of the time. She just does things, and he goes with it, and she can’t even remember the last time they had a fight because of one of her improvisations, and-

Sometimes she wonders what would’ve happened to that man if she hadn’t thought he looked pretty enough to take home with her that one night. It’s probably better not to know.

The thing about dealing with useful jackasses who refuse to take her seriously for bullshit reasons is, well… they refuse to take her seriously, and she figures out real quick that reputations be damned, these people do not think she’s the brains of her dynamic. It’s been a hot moment since she’s been this underestimated, and she decides that’s enough reason to find a way to mildly screw them over, petty revenge in her line of work is definitely a risky maneuver but she will not be treated like this, and she probably should’ve discussed her plan on the walk over here – she probably should’ve had a plan to discuss, Joel isn’t useless and won’t talk them into a hole but he doesn’t wing quite like she does and it does worry her a little – and-

She spaces out at one point, as one does when in decorative-object mode, and she’s pretty sure he makes a comment about her being infertile, which… probably accurate, given a few combined life choices, but why the fuck-

It doesn’t matter. Nothing they do today matters. They’ll get this deal done, get paid well for what won’t be as quality ammo as these jerks think they’re getting, and then never take one of their contracts again. To the extent that Tess keeps a no-fly list, this is how to get on it.

The terms she hears are good enough to keep her quiet – again, not ideal but not out of range and honestly better than she expected, not that she’ll admit it – and they get out of there without anyone drawing weapons, which counts as a good day. Being a relatively neutral faction does have its advantages sometimes, and-

“I didn’t know you could shut up that long,” Joel murmurs once they’re well out of range, once they shift comfortably into processing mode.

“I’m not sure I did either,” she replies, almost a laugh despite or because of the ridiculousness of the situation. “And I would’ve been fine with never knowing that, but-“

“Wonder how many people turned them down to make that offer so good.”

“Better not to know. We’re not…”

“You blacked out in there.”

Not quite the words she’d use, but not wrong either. “They wouldn’t have listened to me. And I do trust your judgment.”

“We’ll get this done and just not respond next time, okay?”

He takes care of her too, she reminds herself as she lets it all fade. Maybe not how she’d like all the time, but enough to live on, enough to feel safe with. Between the two of them, they might have all the pieces of a functional person, and-

“You told them I can’t have kids?” she asks after a little quiet, just to make sure she heard right.

“They were asking. Seemed like the easiest way out. And you haven’t…”

“Not so much as a scare since I started screwing you. Maybe we’re just not compatible that way, or-“

Certainly isn’t caution, she thinks, and that feels more bitter than she expects. Environmental factors don’t help, maybe, and she’s never been the maternal type, and she’d never do that to him anyways, and-

“Didn’t mean anything, okay?”

“I know, it just…”

He gets his arm around her shoulders, and damn if physical closeness doesn’t make her more forgiving. “Don’t do that again. Understood.”

“I’m not putting us in situations where we’d need to do that. Don’t worry. Never again.”

It won’t be that simple – that’s not the way their lives go – but she’ll try. All she can ever do.

[gxilds]

chishiya <3 i have brain worms

SPOILERS FOR SEASON 2

so i’ve been thinking a lot about what he said in his little monologue about how he resented and envied people for having the things he lacked. a heart? morals? belief in the inherent value of life, justice and selflessness? all the above? i’ve been thinking a lot if this is the kind of person he’s drawn to? what if someone who fights to stay soft and kind and idealistic? how infuriating it would be for him. just some thoughts, because as you can see i’m very normal about him

If I am being honest I have not finished s2 but I am an avid manga reader and I know exactly what you mean and it’s almost 12 am and I am brain rotted.

I imagine he unintentionally gravitates to people who fight to stay hopeful (for example, Arisu) and to him that’s infuriating not because it can be obnoxious for him but because he is jealous.

Chishiya doesn’t have a light in his life and he’s dealt with a lot of issues with the people he thought should be caring for him just not doing that. Despite not wanting to admit this, or at least tell other people about it, he constantly is subconsciously compensating by being around people that can depend on him and provide him with care. I imagine he really needs a friend (or more, you decide) who grew up with similar familial issues and had that same dynamic of being neglected but instead takes that energy and turns it into helping others and being kind which is something he isn’t particularly good at. while this said person might be one of the most kind and caring people on the planet with an ambitious career, this man is a skilled yet absolutely terrible doctor because he really just doesn’t give a fuck about who he is taking care of.

as for how he responds? not well. it makes him want to rip out his hair and claw at his skin because how can someone who’s been through the exact same thing and been put through the ringer have such an optimistic outlook, be so kind, lovely, respectful and full of life? why can’t he have that? why can’t he have the will to see another day? why can’t he care about his and other peoples qualities of life? Why can’t he be them? he wants everything that they have, even if under all those layers of care is the exact same situation he’s been through.

I think in the end it could change his “if no one cared for me, why should I care about them?” mindset even more. I know he has a change of heart again but I believe someone like that, especially one who wouldn’t give up on him, would be such a huge catalyst to that change. Not only would be leaving the borderlands rejuvenated but also ecstatic to be alive and with a deeper understanding of people.

we see this already too with Arisu (mind you the long analysis I have about Chishiya representing indifference from trauma and Arisu representing leniency from the same is stocked up on my acc somewhere probably) Arisu is a main catalyst in Chishiya’s change in heart because of what Arisu represents so I have a feeling someone who is like cracked out Arisu would not only change Chishiya, despite the jealousy, but in the end would make him happier as a person.

Please I need to desperately write more Chishiya stuff cause I have so many ideas about how this could go LORDDDDD HAVE MERCY

I am also not sure if I should finish s2 because of some changes I heard about and I am so not normal about chishiya to the point I would stop watching over it… not to be dramatic or whatever

[ventingfanfics]

Angst story where reader makes Shuri mad cause I seen a lot talking abt reader being mad

Angst one-shot

Nakia joined Shuri on the sand. They shared soft smiles. 

“Now is the time that you tell me why you’re really here, aside from seeing your nephew,” the older of the two spoke.

Shuri looked slighted. “There’s gotta be another reason?” She received a knowing expression in response. “I can’t just be a good aunt?”

Nakia chuckled. Shuri had in fact been spoiling Touissant with gifts and quality time. There was an unmistakable bond between them that grew each week.

“It’s not about your aunt duties. It’s about you not mentioning Y/N. I haven’t heard you say anything about her all day.”

“It’s only been a day…” Shuri backed down, however, when Nakia gave her a smirk that said she wasn’t buying any of it. “Okay, fine. We had a fight—not a physical one, you can relax. But the short of it is, she thinks I don’t want her to have a life.”

“Hmm?” Nakia was wildly confused. That didn’t sound right at all. 

“Yeah,” Shuri said, sighing. “She calls herself paying me back for working long hours by going out every weekend. All I said was you can’t cancel this one thing just to have dinner with me? Do I need to start scheduling dates with you in advance? Because you’re always booked!” 

Flashback to Yesterday

“Now, you know you have a lot of nerve, Shuri. You are the one who is always booked in that damned lab! On the weekends I want to do more than cuddle. I want to go out! I want to have a good time with my friends, meet people, and be outside! You never want any parts of it, so I made it easier for both of us. But the one time you do want to go out, I’m supposed to drop everything?” 

Shuri could hardly believe what she was hearing. “I didn’t know wanting to take my girlfriend out would be such an inconvenience for you. Have you not been going to the club and parties for weeks straight? Every time I asked you if wanted to do something, what did you say? You already had plans. Damn, you can’t fit me in for one Saturday?”

“No, what about all the Saturdays you had me thinking we were going out only to flake! The Saturday you just so happened to finally want to be social with your girlfriend, I said my friends were having their housewarming…-“

“Which thanks for asking me if I wanted to come!”

“Shuri, how many times did I invite you to things and you never wanted to go? Unless if it’s your event or something, you’re never interested. At the end of the day, all you care about is that stupid lab.”

You could see that you had now struck a nerve in Shuri. She stood from her chair with so much force that it railed against the wall. “Take that back.”

You shook your head with a scornful laugh. “That’s my entire point, it’s all you care about!”

“No, the lab is all you care about. You can’t keep it out your mouth and you are letting it ruin us!” She pointed angrily. 

“You don’t get to put this on me! If you knew you wouldn’t have time or wanna have time for a relationship, you should have never entered into one.”

“No, maybe, I should have never entered into one with you.” 

That almost knocked you over but you refused to crumble before her. Instead you decide to hit her back. “You may find someone else, but they too will eventually see that dating the Queen of Wakanda is not all it’s cracked to be.”

End flashback

Nakia gasped. “She said that?”

Shuri put on a smile as she sniffled and quickly wiped her eyes. 

“You know she didn’t mean that,” Nakia tried to assure. “She’s only ever spoken highly of your relationship, and happiness doesn’t lie. That was the hurt talking. I mean, you did suggest that you shouldn’t have gotten with her.” 

“I…I think I really messed up, Nakia.” 

Toussaint took a break from his friends, staring at his aunt who was clearly emotional and being consoled by his mother. 

He raced over there. “Aunt Shuri, who did this to you?” 

Nakia smiled at her son. “She got some sand in her eye…” she answered when Shuri took a beat.

“Don’t insult my nephew’s intelligence like that,” Shuri found her voice. 

“Yeah, mama, I can tell that it’s something serious,” Touissant agreed. “I ask again, who.did.this.to.you?" His stare was unwavering on the princess while she gazed at him in awe.

“Your father would be so proud of you.”  She smiled as he embraced her tightly, huffing out a laugh when he pointed out that she and Nakia tell him this daily. She patted for him to sit down. “Don’t give us any reasons not to. But, little man, sometimes couples get into disagreements, and I am in one now.” 

“With Y/N? Tomorrow is not promised, so try to make it right today.”

Shuri and Nakia exchanged looks.

“Please don’t cry again,” Touissant groaned. 

“We won’t cry, we will listen,” Nakia replied, casting a look at Shuri and holding her hand. 

A tearful Shuri nodded with a smile that held promise. The three family members went indoors and Shuri excused herself to the room she’d been staying in. Her leg bobbed up and down as she considered how she wanted to approach this conversation. You had made her so angry. But more than anything, you made her sad. And this wasn’t normally so. Typically, you brought an unrivaled joy to her life. 

You were the reason that the love songs she’d been singing along to for years were now her reality. You were the partner she wanted to build with, grow old with, and possibly have a Touissant of your own with. It wasn’t always Wakanda that motivated her. You also were her boost.

When Shuri felt a little more at ease about having this conversation, she called you. She was bit surprised when you answered off the first ring. “Hi Y/N.”

“Hi Shuri. Are you well?”

“I am okay, I am still with Nakia and Touissant.”

“I know you know this already, but I’m home.”

“I thought you’d be at your friend’s mother’s birthday party.”

“I didn’t feel up to it.”

Shuri didn’t have to guess why. This was confirmation that you were just as affected by this mess between you. “Baby, I’m sorry. I did one of the things I hate, which is to speak so freely when I am frustrated, but the truth is, you are the only one I want to be with. I can’t even entertain the thought of being with another.”

You smiled to yourself at her heartfelt admission. “I knew you didn’t mean those things, however, it still hurt to hear you say them. But I think that was both our intention in that moment, to hurt each other. I want to apologize too. I should’ve never called your lab stupid. I know your lab and the work you do overall is important to you. It’s important to me too. And honestly, it’s one of the reasons I fell for you. Not necessarily because you’re Queen—an amazing one at that, but I love being with someone who values their country. It’s beautiful to see. And I want you to feel supported by me, not stressed. When I was going crazy over not seeing you as much, it’s only because that’s how much I like having you around, that’s how special you are to me…”

Your words soothed Shuri, calming her, making her feel you in her bones. “Y/N, you are so precious, and yes, I am passionate about my duties and leadership, but that does not mean that I should take you for granted. You are so good to me, and I need to do a better job of appreciating you. I know you are just as much as a prize, but no one can have you but me.”

“You know I love it when you get territorial,” you said, amusing her. 

“I love it when you tell me what you love about me.” Her voice was a touch lower but closer. 

“Are you flirting with me Shuri Udaku?”

She laughed. “Is it working? Because I want to take you out on a date. And then I want to have fun afterwards, at any place of your choosing.”

“Just tell me what time I should be ready.”

Shuri smiled like she did the first time you held conversation. She could not make it home to you soon enough.