#but I would prefer if eventually was like

[jungwnies]

sfw alphabet | lando norris

୨ৎ : synopsis : sfw a-z alphabet for lando norris ୨ৎ : word count : 993

୨ৎ : requested : @catherine4631610

(a/n) : don't forget to like & reblog !! my requests are open!

a ⤖ affection (how affectionate is he? how often does he show affection?)

probably quite affectionate, but in a playful, teasing way.

lots of nudges, silly faces, and casual touches rather than constant grand gestures.

b ⤖ beginning (what would he be like as a bsf; how would the friendship start?)

friendship would likely start with some shared interest - gaming, maybe?

he seems like someone who values genuine connection and shared humor. you'd probably roast each other constantly.

c ⤖ cuddles (does he like to cuddle; how would he cuddle?)

enjoys cuddling but might get a bit restless.

he'd probably prefer being the little spoon surprisingly, or a tangled mess of limbs.

d ⤖ domestic (does he want to settle down; how good is he at cooking and cleaning?)

seems like he'd be open to settling down eventually, but not in a rush.

cooking and cleaning? he'd try his best, but might need some "encouragement" (aka, you taking the lead).

e ⤖ ending (if he had to break up with you; how would he do it?)

he'd try to be honest and kind, but might struggle with direct communication.

there's a chance he'd overthink it and make things a bit awkward.

f ⤖ fiance (how does he feel about commitment; would he want to get married quick?)

commitment might take time, but once he's in, he's all in.

he wouldn't rush into marriage, but wouldn't shy away from it either when the time is right.

g ⤖ gentle (how gentle is he; emotionally + physically?)

generally gentle, both physically and emotionally.

he seems to have a good heart and wouldn't intentionally hurt someone he cares about.

h ⤖ hugs (does he likes hugs; how often does he hug you; what are his hugs like?)

hugs are probably a regular occurrence.

playful squeezes, side hugs, and maybe the occasional bear hug when he's feeling extra affectionate.

i ⤖ i love you (how fast does he say he loves you?)

he might take a while to say it, wanting to be sure of his feelings first.

but once he does, he'd mean it wholeheartedly.

j ⤖ jealousy (how jealous does he get; what does he do when he is jealous?)

probably not overly jealous, but might get a bit competitive if he feels threatened.

he'd likely express jealousy through playful teasing rather than anger.

k ⤖ kisses (what are his kisses like; where does he like to kiss you; where does he like to be kissed?)

kisses would be a mix of sweet and playful.

forehead kisses, quick pecks, and longer, more passionate kisses when the moment is right.

he might have a thing for kissing your nose.

l ⤖ little ones (how is he around children?)

seems like he'd be great with kids, patient and playful. (i mean we've all seen him with penelope and how much she loves seeing him)

he'd probably make silly faces and get involved in imaginative games.

m ⤖ morning (how are mornings spent with him?)

mornings would be relaxed and playful.

lots of sleepy cuddles and maybe some friendly banter before getting the day started.

n ⤖ night (how are nights spend with him?)

evenings would be a mix of chilling out and having fun.

gaming sessions, movie nights, or just chatting and laughing together.

n ⤖ open (when would he open up; does he say everything at once or does he wait to reveal himself?)

he might take a while to fully open up, but once he trusts you, he'd be honest and vulnerable.

he'd likely reveal himself gradually over time.

p ⤖ patience (how easily angered is he?)

seems fairly patient, but can be competitive and might get frustrated during intense moments.

he'd likely try to manage his anger constructively.

q ⤖ quizzes (how much would he remember about you; does he remember every little detail; or is he forgetful?)

he'd probably remember the important things about you, but might miss some of the smaller details.

he'd make an effort to pay attention, though.

r ⤖ remember (what is his favorite moment in the relationship?)

his favorite memory would likely be a shared adventure or a moment of genuine connection and laughter.

something unique to your relationship, like an inside joke or something.

s ⤖ security (how protective is he; how does he protect you; how would he like to be protected?)

protective in a subtle way, making sure you feel safe and comfortable.

he'd appreciate someone who can be both independent and supportive.

t ⤖ try (how much effort does he put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, everyday tasks?)

he'd put effort into the things that matter to you, but might not always be the most traditional romantic.

expect thoughtful gestures and quality time over grand displays.

y ⤖ ugly (what are some of his bad habits?)

might be a bit messy and prone to leaving things lying around.

he could also get overly competitive at times.

v ⤖ vanity (how concerned is he with his looks?)

he probably cares about his appearance to some extent, as most people in the public eye do.

but it wouldn't be his defining trait.

w ⤖ whole (would he feel incomplete without you?)

he'd definitely value your relationship and see you as an important part of his life.

but he also seems like someone who values his independence.

x ⤖ xtra (random headcanon for him)

he probably has a secret stash of silly socks and loves to wear them when no one's looking.

y ⤖ yuck (what are some things he wouldn't like; in general or in a partner?)

dishonesty and negativity would be major turn-offs.

he'd also likely dislike drama and people who take themselves too seriously.

he always needs a good laugh so he would hate someone who didn't match his energy tbh.

z ⤖ zzz (what are his sleeping habits?)

he's probably a restless sleeper, tossing and turning throughout the night.

might even talk in his sleep occasionally!

2021-2024 © jungwnies on tumblr | All rights reserved. Do not repost, plagiarize, or translate.

[flowersforthemachines]

Some facts about Neve (and Tevinter) gathered from the banters

I went through all companion banters on DanaDuchy's channel after playing the game to write down all facts about companions/the world that I haven't seen brought up anywhere in the game as a writing reference (and for funsies).

Note: This list may not be exhaustive. I might have missed some something or didn't write it down because I considered it common knowledge. If you have anything to add, please DM me or send an ask! (do specify what banter the information is coming from, though)

Note 2: Posts from this series (mostly) don't include information from banters specific to quests or between companions and faction members. I plan to do another playthrough to capture more of those and will add any relevant info to the character posts.

Other characters' posts: Bellara, Davrin, Harding, Lucanis, Emmrich, Taash to be added tomorrow (or on Monday Jan 5th)

About Neve:

General:

Neve isn’t rich, and her best coat is a gift from a grateful tailor after she saved his warehouse from an arsonist

Neve’s coat is woven with enchantments to resist fire and lighting 

Neve has never done blood magic. She is against it on principle and judges those who use it 

Neve doesn’t seem to like entertaining extreme hypotheticals since she reacts to Harding’s questions like “What would you take with you to a deserted island?” with asking why she would end up in such situations in the first place 

Neve wouldn’t want gems on her leg, because she thinks they would get stolen within a day of working in Minrathous, and she generally prefers to keep a low profile while on the job

However, she still considers saving up for a new, fancier leg to have more fashion choices. She likes Taash’s idea of getting a ruby inlay for it

Neve never visited Rivain before joining the Veilguard, though she now finds its beaches charming

Ever since she was a baby, Neve was stubborn and asked too many questions (and hated unanswered questions as well)

Neve likes Qunari food but thinks it’s very spicy

Neve likes seafood 

Neve doesn't drink tea

Neve isn’t really close with her family

Neve once tried to use a wisp-repelling artefact the Veil Jumpers found to get rid of the wisps in her room, but it only attracted wisps from the entire Lighthouse

Neve isn’t interested in exploring the mysteries of the Lighthouse because she has enough mysteries on this side of the Veil

(If Rook chooses to save Minrathous) Neve sends civil engineers to assist in Treviso 

On work: 

Neve didn’t want to be a detective when she was a child (not as if in she didn’t like the idea, she just didn’t consider it), though she didn’t have any dream career either 

Neve got into detective work by picking up odd jobs and building a reputation of being good at finding things. Eventually, she was hired to find someone’s brother, a case nobody else wanted to pick up, and her career took off 

Neve agrees that she is cynical and married to her job, but doesn’t consider herself ‘serious’  

Neve allegedly has a system for sorting her papers (Emmrich and Rana are sceptical about its existence) 

(If Neve becomes Dock Town's protector) Elek is implied to visit the Lighthouse again multiple times. Taash mentions seeing him poking around the library. Neve explained that he thought he could grab some fade-touched items to sell, and told him to run the plan by the Caretaker (one would think they did not approve)

On life in Minrathous: 

Neve was born and raised in Minrathous

Neve has never been inside the Archon’s Palace

(If Neve chooses to become Dock Town’s inspiration) Neve doesn’t regret letting Aelia live because she got information on Venatori out of her, and her death wouldn’t change the past

(If Neve chooses to become Dock Town’s inspiration) Neve gets to take a break for once in her life because Rana keeping an eye on the Dock Town actually helps

(If Neve chooses to become Dock Town’s inspiration) People gossip about Neve and Rana after they start their agency :)

Neve describes the rain of Minrathous as "cold fingers down your neck", but she misses it now that she's away from the city. The sound helps her fall asleep 

Neve’s entire apartment could fit inside villa Dellamorte’s dining room 

One of Tevinter papers referred to Neve as "Dock Town dirt-chaser," and to Emmrich as "sinister foreign necromancer”

A Tevinter paper called The Minrathous Herald once wrote that Neve should be exiled. The same paper called Shadow Dragons “traitors to the Empire” 

Neve never runs out of ink because she's on good terms with Minrathous ink sellers 

There is however one banter where she runs out of ink (I think it was with Davrin). Make of that what you will. 

On the Shadow Dragons: 

Neve didn't know Dorian personally until she joined the Shadow Dragons

Neve figured out the Viper's identity even before joining the Dragons. Her not revealing it to the public is one of the reasons he recruited her

Tarquin calls Neve a pain in the ass 

Relationships with companions: 

Neve calls Manfred ‘Fred’ (he seems to like that)

Manfred learns to say Neve's name (likely only happens if you revive him at the Necropolis, though I am not sure)

Neve introduces Lucanis to a spice shop in Dock Town

Harding describes Neve’s tastes in coffee as “made of gutter water filtered through an old sock”

Lucanis once showed Neve’s coffee to Viago. He found it “unsettling” 

Davrin thinks drinking Neve's coffee is worse than the Joining

Neve spoils Assan (but denies that accusation)

Neve is rather quick to consider questioning corpses with Emmrich’s help for her cases 

Neve is very apprehensive about lichdom and the perspective of Emmrich eventually turning evil (just like Emmrich isn't thrilled about her taking over the Threads for similar reasons)

Lucanis is concerned about Neve taking over the Threads. Mainly, about how much they are paying her

Neve has multiple banters with Taash discussing her relationship with Lucanis. Taash initially thinks of it as some sort of predator-prey dynamic, but Neve says she is not into that and explains that they are taking it slow and cautious. They both went through a lot of pain in their lines, which they tend not to show for different reasons

Neve's relationship with Lucanis is also more than she usually looks for with people

Neve takes Taash to Hal’s fish fry stand. Taash loved it :)

Taash offers Neve help on ladders in case she may need it/it gets stuck on steps due to being hook-shaped, mentioning they knew a Lord of Fortune who lost a hand and whose shoulders hurt while climbing because of it. Neve seems to appreciate the gesture, even though she can handle herself

Neve thinks Taash is nice to work with, offering help without being overbearing like some people are

Neve asks Taash to teach her Gold Thief (a Lord of Fortune dice game), so she can play it with the Shadow Dragons, and then subsequently gets beaten by the Viper

On Tevinter: 

Fashion is important in Tevinter because a good outfit lets people know you are under the protection of someone powerful

There aren’t many mages in Docktown, which is one of the reasons the government doesn’t care about it 

The big red cat near Halos’s stand is named Ferdinand

Stains on clothes can be cleaned with magic

You can get pineapples anywhere in Minrathous 

Neve calls the magic used for the lights in Minrathous a party trick, but Emmrich considers it a high-level enchantment because of its quality and duration

Tevinter doesn’t regulate the charms sold in the market (which is why there are a lot of scammers who sell fakes) 

[vcaart]

Don’t even think about making any robophobic comments!!!

(sorry for taking so long with this they were honestly so difficult for me to design for NO REASON)

(More info on H0-P3 below cut :3)

H0-P3, or Hopeful Hoof/Hope as they prefer to go by, is one of the most technologically advanced creations Equestria has ever seen! Despite being a magic powered robot, they can learn and feel emotions just like any other pony can!

Hope was created by Bright Mind, a renowned scientist, inventor, and professor and is his best creation yet. But even though Hope is a robot, Screw took upon himself to raise them like his own, seeing as Hope could mature and learn ever since the accident.

The accident in question was when Hope malfunctioned, causing an accident that severely injured Professor Bright. Hope, who hadn't been able to feel emotions until that moment, felt absolutely guilty and distraught. They reset completely after this, their memory being wiped and being "reborn" with the mentality of a foul.

Bright Mind had to raise and teach Hope like any other foul, and they developed a familial bond over the years.

Eventually, though, Bright Mind saw that Hope needed to go out and learn one of the most important things of all: Friendship. So he sent them off along with his apprentice to the School of Friendship, hoping that the two would make friends and hoping that Hope would learn they aren't as different as they make themselves out to be.

But when the academy gets put on a mysterious lock down and a strange bear studdenly shows up, they're faced with the horrifying choice between stealing the Elements of Harmony, or losing their cutie marks. Forever.

It's unfortunate when half the class decides to steal the elements, while Hope and the others want to stop them.

...

AHHHHH

Lineup so far ;)

Hope is one of the tallest characters, which wasn't intentional but eh they've given me enough trouble as is

OH and it you couldn't tell I have drawn two other characters already, but I want to reveal them as you guys vote for them so yknow 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

And sorry if the lines are more shaky on this one, I couldn't be bothered to make them straighter lol

[writingwisterias]

hope this isnt off limits but how would eras leon react to their partner being into ddlg?

Hi!

I have no problem doing this for you! I hope you like it 💕 I'm churning these out as fast as I can lmao...I'm dead from work but almost to my holiday 🥺

Warnings: NSFW, Ddlg, Fluff, MDNI

AFAB!Reader

RE2:

I actually think he would settle into this role easily, like it sort of makes a routine in his life

He would be embarrassed at first just with the idea and worried if anyone saw but eventually he would settle pretty quickly

I think he would lean more towards getting you the thing you would want like teddies

Less likely to punish you even if you break the rules he's given you because he caves easily

In terms of the use of daddy I think he would freak out a bit at first, never letting you see it because it would almost feel like you are aging him and the world is already doing that so he might be a bit reluctant

He's never thought he would be into something like this but he ends up actually liking it and it fit really well with the both of you

RE4R:

He would love the idea of being able to take care of you and provide for you in a safe place

I think he would also enjoy coming home and seeing what you have done whenever it's colouring or just being cosy on the couch

He would also shower you in love and affection very quickly. All the money he earns goes to bills, food and you.

I think he's more of a quiet observer, so he just enjoys being in the living room watching a film as you sit next to the coffee table drawing etc

He prefers watching your favorite films and shows. He will say they are bad but secretly he loves them

Huge on praise Kink, all you have to do is bat your eyes at him and he's dragging you to the bedroom with a raging hard on

At first the use of Daddy would shock him and take a while to get used to but then he would fall into the role naturally and actually refer to himself as Daddy

Infinite Darkness:

LOVES IT

Like he's all in straight away no need for further questions

He loves spoiling you but becomes firm if you break his rules

Has raging hard on's all the time with your innocence.

Often Feels guilty about it but you always seem up to pleasing him so eventually he doesn't get guilty anymore

Doesn't let you in his office because you always end up distracting him but somehow you always end up in there

When you do enter let's just say you will be shooed out with the promise of a red ass if you don't do it quickly

He will tease you as you cuddle and watch films or TV shows. Playing with your clit under the fluffy blanket you insisted on laying over the top of the both of you

Enjoys your whines of protest and how they eventually turns into begs for daddy's touch

Damnation:

Definitely becomes more strict in terms of you following the rules he puts in place but always makes it up when he does have to punish you

Your little doe eyes always help you get your way with him

Lazy at sex, prefers if you are so needy and do most of the work. Until you get all whiny and upset that you can't cum he'll step in then

He's away a lot more, but always at random times so he'll make sure to have meals prepared for you and labeled in the fridge. Trusting that you use them and don't forget

He will call you if he's away but if he can't he'll always make sure to send you a text

RE6:

Neither of you actually have a conversation about exploring this dynamic between the two of you it just happens naturally

It works though and Leon enjoys it as it gives him something else to focus on

Especially so after the events of the game, he pretty much lives through the events of raccoon City again and doesn't even seem phased

Until he gets back

You notice the change in his attitude and see his sad eyes. Deciding in your little brain to try and help him out

He finds it cute how you bring him your favourite teddy and cosy up to him, allowing him to thread his fingers through your hair

You'll try your best to not be needy but that only upsets him further because that's his favorite part

Your constant need for his attention

Vendetta:

Since he's not in the right frame of mind I don't think he would be as interested in the idea

He can barely take care of himself

I think the dynamic would only work during sex

It would come out to play before, during and after sex but beyond that it would have to be hidden if he's having a bad day

Sometimes when he's drunk he'll play into it a bit more, he's looser and forgotten whatever was bothering him

He would be gentle still during these times, probably loosely refers to himself as Daddy just for your sake

Feels bad that it's been washed away and he's not doing a good job at providing for you in this manner

Still spoils you rotten though

Death Island:

Doesn't like the idea of having children he's too old for that now

But you? He loves taking care of you

He wouldn't even let you work, he's got more than enough savings to last you living this life style comfortably

Prefers it if you didn't spend his money lavishly but then you are just his cheeky little girl so who's he kidding

Sex is great because you are just so willing for it

He doesn't have to worry about erectile dysfunction for a while that's for sure

Accidentally refers to himself as Daddy in public if you are meeting friends one too many times

It's just become a natural habit now, he doesn't mind though. You seem to get more embarrassed than he does

[plumeria1]

A surprise for her birthday

A happy new year everyone, I wish you the best for 2025 😊❤️

Note : A morning with Vi passed the 200 likes I don't know what to say, thank you so much ❤️

Pairing : Caitlyn Kiramman x Fem Reader

Content : Modern!AU, Lawyer Caitlyn (no one can tell me that she wouldn't be a lawyer in an UA), suggestive, etablished relationship, Caitlyn wears a pantsuit, wlw

Warnig : A bit suggestive

Summary : You prepared a surprise for your girlfriend's birthday

Normally, Caitlyn loved her job, but working on her birthday gave the day a bitter taste.

Yet she couldn't wait to get home to see you; this morning you woke her up a little earlier to bring her breakfast in bed, which she had gladly shared with you.

Caitlyn was rushing home because even though you hadn't said anything, she knew you were going to prepare a surprise for her. Every year since you met, you gave her a lovely gift or took her to a place she didn't know.

She had confessed her feelings to you three years ago on her birthday. Caught up in your many commitments, you hadn’t been able to prepare anything, which left you feeling sad. She said that you didn't need a gift, that you were her gift, and you couldn't resist her sweet words and gladly accepted her kiss.

Two years later, you moved in together in an apartment in the city center. It was close to both of your jobs and had a large terrace where you spent every Saturday lounging in the sun together.

The journey back had seemed endless to her. As soon as she stepped into the elevator, she took off her heels and let her hair down, she always did that when she came back from work.

You would constantly see her coming back with her shoes in hand and her hair tie around her wrist.

For several weeks, you had only crossed paths, barely seeing each other in the mornings because you had to hurry to work, and in the evenings, you only met for dinner, both of you eventually falling asleep very early due to your long days.

Caitlyn hadn't said anything to you because she didn't want to seem like she was pushing you, but she missed touching you so much. If only she knew that on your side, you felt the same way

When she finally passed through the door, she was greeted by the darkness of the living room, the only sources of light were the candles placed here and there and the glow of the fireplace.

-"I'm home !"

Caitlyn slowly advanced into the living room, and with a small smile, she ran her hand over the table where a bouquet of lilies was arranged, which hadn't been there when she left that morning.

The muffled sound of your footsteps echoed behind her, and when she began to turn around, you gently stopped her.

-"Don't turn around. Stay where you are."

Your voice filled with love sounded like music to her ears; when you spoke, she could feel everything you felt for her.

You slowly approached her from behind, and Caitlyn felt a white ribbon descend over her eyes and felt you tie it behind her head and place a gentle kiss on her cheek.

-"Good evening, my love." You whisper softly in her ear.

-"Tonight, you have two choices. First choice: Dinner, bath, wine with candles and dessert."

You took off his jacket and untied her tie.

-"Second choice: You start with dessert, and if you still have energy afterwards, we'll also do the first choice. So, what decision are you going to make ?"

It wasn't fair. she knew you were having fun teasing her. She felt your hands unbuttoning the top of her shirt so she could breathe better.

Caitlyn thought about your two proposals and preferred to choose the mystery of that famous dessert.

-"I can't resist a good dessert, so I choose the second option."

She wondered how she managed to respond so calmly when all she wanted was to remove that cursed headband, take you in her arms and kiss you.

-"Excellent choice." She heard you smile and felt your breath on her lips. She began to lean towards you when you pulled back before taking her hand. "Come with me."

You took her hand and led her through the room until you reached what she guessed to be the bedroom. She felt your hand gently leave hers. Hearing your footsteps fade, she brought her hand to her face to lift the fabric slightly and see what surrounded her.

-"Don't take it off."

How did you know ? It wasn't important. She lowered her hand and heard the rustling of fabric and a door, surely the bathroom door, close.

-"You can take it off."

Caitlyn untied the ribbon and let her eyes adjust to the dim light. You stood before her wearing a white silk robe.

You removed the robe, letting it fall gracefully at your feet to reveal a magnificent short dark blue nightgown. Caitlyn was left speechless at the sight before her.

You were wearing a sheer midnight blue nightgown, the neckline adorned with white lace, and the flowing fabric of the dress swayed gently every time you took a step towards her. You also put on a bit of makeup for the occasion and left your long hair down, which had been slightly curled.

Caitlyn was captivated by what you offered her, she was a bit surprised to see that you had chosen to wear a nightgown with underwire because you had told her several times that, due to your generous bust, you rarely wore bras because you always ended up with back pain and that anyway you were more comfortable without one.

She appreciated that you made this effort for her, even though she didn't plan on letting you wear that nightgown for very long.

She couldn't believe that you had bought the nightgown she had seen in the lingerie store some time ago.

She appreciated that you made this effort for her, even though she didn't plan on letting you wear it for long.

She couldn't hold back any longer and kissed you passionately, holding your face in her hands, her thumbs caressing your cheeks, as yours traced her back.

Breathless, you were forced to part.

-"Happy birthday, love. I have another game for you."

-"I'm listening."

"One: You choose if you blind or are you the one blinding or two: We go to bed and let things happen."

-"Can I make a suggestion ?"

She clearly had something up her sleeve. And you couldn't wait to find out.

-"Of course."

A silence fell between you, and she spoke softly.

-"What if we do both of them ?"

A smile lift up your face.

-"That's an excellent idea."

For the second time, you took her hand but this time to guide her to the bed. The evening was starting off well, and you didn't plan on letting her leave soon.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The poll has spoken, and what the readers want, the readers will get. Part 2 here

[treacheryinblue]

「 ON DISPLAY 」 noah sebastian ⨯ f!reader

▷ chapter two

noah is your neighbor and your new favorite view thanks to his lack of curtains. you're pretty sure he prefers it this way. but the man you've created in your imagination is nothing like reality and you soon find yourself falling prey to a past lifestyle you had been desperately on the run from. trigger warnings : language, eventual smut, violence, mention/flashbacks of abuse, alcohol and drug use, sexual harassment/assault (nongraphic). word count : 7.1k a / n : we're really setting the scene and the vibes with this one. more noah time will come in the next chapter, both in person and through the infamous window. do not fret.

masterlist

FLASHBACK - READER

“Why are you looking at her? Huh? You look at me.” 

The guttural tone of Vane’s voice that only reared its ugly head when he was angry made your skin crawl. It didn't matter that you were tucked away in his SUV because the response it coaxed from your body was nothing short of fearful. You had been on the receiving end of it many times before but not this time. No, this time it was one of his business friends, colleagues, whatever they were to be called. The man in question had been eying you from the open trunk of his own vehicle while showing the new merchandise to Vane. He obviously hadn’t been very subtle about it. This didn't stop your heart from racing nor did it prevent your palms from clamming up. You were still very much aware of what sort of hell Vane would rain down when pushed. 

“Why did you bring her along, Vane?” The man spoke through clenched teeth as if you were a threat. Between everyone currently present at this business exchange, you were the last one to worry about. You had no weapons. No phone. No way of tattling on any of these unsavory men even if you wanted to. Who would you tell anyway? The only person who had the means to protect you was your father and he was already in the know of your whereabouts. He and Vane had probably discussed it over a nice glass of bourbon earlier in the day. 

“Don't fucking question what I do. You got a problem? Just say so and we can handle it right here.” 

You heavily sighed at Vane’s overly dramatic show of dominance while leaning further back in the passenger seat. He was such a joke when he put in hours - always so over the top and a show off - and the one time you confessed this to him had landed you on the floor with a busted lip. Vodka made you mouthy and gave you a hefty set of balls apparently. That wasn't a mistake you made again. 

Vane may have been a son of a bitch but he was willing to act, typically before thinking. He didn't hesitate to reach for the gun tucked in the back of his pants, though he didn't pull it out. The shift of his arm was enough to set the man straight and return the conversation to what was important: Vane’s merchandise. 

“Pack this shit up,” he commanded after a few beats, his annoyance towards the man evident. The seller stammered over his words but Vane was quick to cut him off. “Stop your goddamn blabbering, Diego. I'm taking it but that look you stole of my girl is gonna cost you two grand off the price.” 

And there it was. The real reason why he dragged you along to these deals. Honestly, Vane wasn't very smart most of the time but he knew who he could shove around and who he needed to back down from. Diego was not the latter. Shit, you probably could've gone out there and gotten him to knock even more off the price just by flashing him a smile. You had no desire to get in the middle of Vane’s dealings, though, and he was also far too possessive to allow anyone beneath him to live if he caught them staring your way. He was a menace in a knock off suit. 

“Load it all up.” Vane further demanded while he was tossing his cigarette out and stomping his way back to the SUV you occupied. You forced a smile onto your face because you knew better than to let him see your true feelings towards all of this. Drugs. Weapons. All of it was a one way ticket to jail or possibly even the grave. Neither outcome was one you had any interest in living out. He made you an accomplice simply by having you witness the deals. Just another way to keep you under his thumb. 

As he slammed the car door, he immediately reached across the center console to roughly grab the back of your neck. Although the dig of his fingers was painful, you kept your expression neutral. His mouth was soon on yours, one hand squeezing your nape as the other firmly grasped your chin to keep you in his hold. Vane tasted like smoke and shitty beer – both of which you hated. Unfortunately, that didn't stop you from kissing him back. Not like you had any other choice. You really put on the performance of your life when you were with him. 

“I've got a good thing going here for you, baby,” he muttered against your swollen lips. “Don't fuck it up by getting that annoying self righteous look in your eyes.” 

Okay, maybe you weren't ready for your Oscar win just yet. 

PRESENT - NOAH

There was the lingering threat of cutting himself every time he fidgeted with his knife, the swift back and forth motion of opening and closing the blade making those around him nervous. That's what he enjoyed about it though – keeping people on edge. Noah couldn't even remember the last time he accidentally drew his own blood and the pain would be fleeting even if he did happen to nick himself. 

That wasn't stopping Jolly from shifting uncomfortably in his seat. It took a lot to make the boss squirm, but Noah sure was a pro at it. He attributed this to his years of practice in the field. 

“Everything is on time?” Jolly cleared his throat, his eyes shifting back and forth between the glint of the freshly sharpened blade and Noah’s relaxed face. 

“Aye, sir,” Noah mocked just as the knife clicked shut for a final time. “Truck hit the last checkpoint around midnight, so the shipment should be arriving within the hour.” 

No one knew that Jolly had recently taken over for his father. The older Karlsson made a point for the shift of power to be kept hush with only the inner circle being made aware. Everyone knew that a transitioning empire would have a moment of turmoil before everything went calm again, but they weren't currently in an area of peace where their empire in particular could handle the shakeup. If it wasn't for Jolly’s father being a little worse for wear, then they would've still had at least a decade to prepare for this. It was a good thing that Noah could remain calm amongst chaos. 

Jolly released a sound of irritation while shuffling the mouse of his computer to wake the screen. “Don't fucking call me ‘sir’,” he grumbled. His face was then illuminated in a wash of blue from the multiple feeds of their security cameras before a few additional clicks threw the images to the large television screen mounted on the wall. They both watched in a momentary silence, Jolly’s eyes shifting between each feed while Noah focused in on one specifically. 

You were balancing a tray of drinks, hips swaying in a natural motion before bending at the knees to pass a table of business men their order. Noah could tell that you were trying your best to smile but he had been watching you enough to know when it was genuine versus forced. He felt a pull to swoop down and rescue you from the hustle and bustle of the long Nocturnal nights but he had a job to do and being your knight in shining armor was not one of them. 

“Are the girls getting along better?” 

“In the Garden or in main?” 

“You know they're too preoccupied in the Garden to give a shit about petty drama.”

Noah did know this because there was rarely an issue with the dancers. The servers on the other hand…they were as catty as could be. He shrugged, his tattooed hands intertwining to tuck behind his head. “It's improving by the day.” 

“Are you sure about that?” 

Another click of the mouse and the squares of different security footage became only one – the feed that was directed at you. There was no audio but Noah didn't need sound to know that you were having a heated exchange with another waitress that he knew as Charlotte. Your jaw was clenched, grip tight on the edges of your serving tray that the bartender was currently filling with an order. Noah had to give you props for fulfilling your duties in a timely manner once the final drink was passed along with the bleach blonde still shrieking. 

Nevertheless, whatever the argument was about, it needed to end. Nocturnal was not going to become one of those clubs, not on his watch. He had helped build this place to what it was today and he would rather die than see its crumbled remains. 

Before Noah could get a word out, the scene that unfurled next played out in slow motion. You were unloading your tray when Charlotte walked by, her hip pointedly jutting into your backside to send not only your tray, but also the remaining drinks crashing down to the table. You fumbled from the impact in an attempt to right yourself but it was too late. You didn't stand a chance against the sneak attack. 

“Goddammit.” Noah groaned, Jolly exhaling one of his own in tandem. 

“Go fucking handle it! Bring them both up!” He hollered.

Noah wanted to argue that this immature nonsense was way beneath his pay grade but he wasn't going to pass up the chance of seeing you up close again. He was still trying to get the color of your eyes just right in his memory. 

READER 

Everything was soaked in a mixture of different alcohols. You, the table, the highly irritated men now hurling a combination of insults and complaints at you. You were frantically trying to clean things up by reaching for toppled over glasses and promising a drink on the house – if you could even do that – but nothing was helping with lessening their anger. 

“Fucking amateur.”

“Can't even serve a drink.”

“Shitty fucking help.”

There was a part of you that was plopped right back down to a year ago when everything you did was heavily critiqued by your ex boyfriend. He always had something to say about the way you held yourself, the foods you liked, your choice of makeup style. Nothing was ever to his standards unless he was the one to choose it. You fucking hated feeling like that helpless girl again, and by a group of strangers no less. 

“I'm so sorry, gentlemen!” you repeated again and again. “I must've slipped.”

You hadn't slipped. You had felt the way Charlotte shoved into you and if you didn't need this job then you would've been whacking her across the head with your now empty tray right this very second. The men continued to rant and you continued to ignore them for all of your sakes. 

Squatting down in the most ladylike way you could, you carried on with cleaning the area. Your hands were shaking, your nerves beginning to get the best of you. Anxiety had only recently become a problem for you and being the center of attention in this regard worsened the effects. You kept telling yourself to suck it up, that these guys weren't Vane, but your brain refused to follow through with the order. There was never a moment that you weren't expecting to look up and see his face staring back at you. 

A hand lightly touching your shoulder caused you to jump and nearly fall over to the now sticky floor. Thankfully you caught yourself at the last second. Your head whipped around, breath catching, just to see hot neighbor towering over you. Fuck. Your fight or flight had just almost kicked in. That really would've been embarrassing.  

“Boss would like a word.” He retracted his hand when he noticed the bewildered look in your eyes, a curious yet concerned gleam flashing within his own at the sight. 

“But, I - uh…I'm cleaning up –” 

“It'll be taken care of. Head for the back stairs and Shauna will show you to his office.” 

Slowly you stood back to your full height, nodding at his instructions. Your hands smoothed down over your skirt to straighten it out, followed by a slight tug at the hem as if that would help further cover the view of your legs from the angry men now narrowed in on you. 

“She looked better on her knees,” one of the men murmured to his pal at his side, both of them erupting into laughter. It was like you were up in VIP again with Marcus taunting you. Why were all men such assholes? 

You bit your tongue to prevent yourself from saying something you may regret. Choosing between your livelihood and your pride was difficult but you knew you would be no good to anyone, not even yourself, if you landed back on hard times. Taking in a deep breath, your eyes cut over to hot neighbor who now appeared to be rather…angry? The lights of Nocturnal encompassed him in red, but something told you that his skin would still be the same shade even under horrid fluorescent bulbs. 

“Now.” He demanded in a deep voice, his head nodding in the direction you were meant to go. The tone he used was frightening, this being more than enough to light the fire beneath your ass that had you quickly scampering across the club to the opposite side where the stairs sat. Just as he had said, Shauna was waiting at the base to guide you up. 

“What did you do to get King all in a tizzy?” Shauna laughed during your journey up the narrow staircase that would've been otherwise hidden had your new tour guide not been waiting. 

“I didn't do anything,” you shrugged. “Who is he, by the way? King?” 

A glance was taken back at you, the same amused expression you were used to seeing whenever you asked a question present across Shauna’s darkly painted lips. “He's the head of security…technically.”

“Technically?”

“He wears a lot of hats around here,” she sighed. “Security, second in command, amongst many other things, and now apparently a waitress wrangler.” 

The small jab made at your expense wasn't lost on you, but it was just one more thing you preferred to stay silent on. You were already stirring the pot a bit too much to have only been employed at Nocturnal for a week and you didn't need to further add to it. This must've been a new record since Shauna had mentioned in passing once that the turn over rate wasn't high. The workers loved it here, yet of course you were the only one having issues. 

Shauna’s pace slowed the further she led you down a dimly lit hallway. You had come to the conclusion that they didn't like light around here. Abruptly stopping in front of a door at the very end of the hallway, she turned to look at you, her eyes immediately sinking into yours. It appeared as if there was something she wanted to say by the way her lips faintly twitched, but she decidedly covered it with another smile. 

An arm extended off to the side to plant three firm knocks on the door, the sound of the lock electronically unlatching following seconds later. “Don't ask too many questions,” Shauna lowly added before she was sidestepping you and strutting back down the endless hallway, but only after she had twisted the doorknob and pushed the thick barrier open a couple of inches. 

X X X

You felt small standing in front of the boss. He was finely dressed in a black suit, a cross earring dangling from his ear, and his long hair secured back into a bun that sat low on his neck, while you were…well, you currently resembled a wet dog after having an entire tray of drinks find their way onto you. 

His face was emotionless as he stared at you, silently sizing you up, but you refused to be intimidated. So, you held his gaze despite the way your trembling fingers were anxiously fidgeting with each other. He must've noticed because he only chuckled and shook his head before releasing a deep breath you hadn't realized he had been holding. 

Well, fuck. Had that been some sort of test? 

“Genevieve…” he slowly spoke, sounding out each syllable to himself. 

“That's not my name. I mean, not really, that's just what I chose to go –”

A hand was lifted to motion for you to stop and his head turned in a single shake. “I know that's not your real name. Everyone here has a chosen alias. Some for fun and others for safety precautions. Doesn't matter to me what you choose to call yourself.”

There was an accent attached to his words, though it was one you couldn't quite place. 

“What does matter to me is how you choose to conduct yourself in my club. And what I saw tonight doesn't reflect too well on my business.” 

There wasn't yet a chance for you to defend yourself and tell your side of the story because the door opened and your conversation was immediately overtaken by Charlotte’s nails-on-a-chalkboard voice. You didn't miss the way the boss let a cringe briefly overtake his otherwise stoic demeanor. 

“I didn't even do anything! She was standing too far out and I accidentally ran into her! It's not my fault she likes to stick her ass out like some feral cat in heat!” 

King was right behind her, the same annoyed expression plastered across his own face. He didn't say a word as he crossed the office to take his place beside where the boss sat at his desk, leaving both you and Charlotte standing on trial before them. 

Your arms crossed over your chest to hug yourself, a chill setting in from all the different beverages soaking into your clothes. Maybe if you let Charlotte keep talking then she would dig her own grave deeper and deeper until there was no way for her to get out. She was already doing a pretty bang up job of it. At least that meant you could get out of there faster. 

Charlotte stepped up beside you with her hands on her hips, one leg extended out a bit further. As if on instinct you shifted a bit to your left, purposely placing a little more space between you and the loud blonde. When you looked up, hot neighbor was watching you, the same curious gleam in his eyes as it had been moments prior. It seemed as if he was always watching you, even when you weren't fully aware of it. You would never forget the way it felt to have his eyes raking across your skin whether it be from a security camera, in person, or from your open window. 

“What happened?” Boss asked, his fingertips lightly planting against the top of his desk. Charlotte immediately raced to recite a scenario you were sure wouldn't be the actual truth, but she was stopped within the first word by the boss holding his hand up to her. “Genevieve.” 

You looked back and forth between the two men watching you. You were expecting to feel uncomfortable beneath their gazes but the only thing bringing you discomfort in that moment was your wet bra. Maybe your naive brain wasn’t scared of them, your intuition telling you that they were not your enemy, or maybe you just hadn't yet clocked them as a source of fear. 

“I was serving my table and she purposely ran into me which caused me to drop my entire tray.” Simple. What more was there to be said on the matter? 

“What prompted the argument you two were seen having beforehand?” 

You could sense Charlotte tensing beside you, the toe of her shoe beginning to lightly tap against the floor in quick succession. She knew this was where she was going to go down for what happened because she couldn't explain it away as an “accident”. That is, if they believed you. Charlotte was a seasoned veteran at Nocturnal, whereas you had only just started. They were already more likely to take her side based on that alone. 

“She…um…she was accusing me of flirting with someone she was interested in.” Your eyes did a quick glance to King since he was the someone in question. “I wasn't, of course, because I've only had one conversation with the guy and she just…assumed.” 

Charlotte witnessed the little run in you had with hot neighbor on your first shift after he had escorted you down from VIP. She found joy in riling you up about it ever since during every one of your shifts, and typically you ignored her, but tonight you had been fed up and finally started trying to defend yourself head on. People, Charlotte specifically, thought you were weak merely because you were quiet. You wanted them to know that it was best not to underestimate you. You just knew how to pick your battles. 

“You made her drop her drinks because of a guy?” The boss was now looking at Charlotte. His tone read as calm but you could tell by the widening of his eyes and the way his hand flattened on the desk that he was growing more and more irritated by the second. “This isn't high school, Charlotte, so why are you acting like an immature child?” 

Charlotte opened her mouth to speak but King’s heavy sigh of boredom put a halt to her attempt. “We don't have time for this,” he exclaimed after taking a glance at his watch. Boss looked his way and hot neighbor raised his brows, both of them partaking in some sort of private silent conversation that you weren't privy to. 

“Your tips are paying for those lost drinks.” The boss concluded after a few beats. “As well as their replacement ones.” 

“What?! Nothing happens to her?!” Charlotte scoffed, her voice again piercing your ears and making you lean back a bit. 

“It's not up for debate! Now out! Get back to work!”  

You were quick to head for the door behind Charlotte, who was grumbling angrily to herself, despite having an eerie feeling that the blonde was going to make the rest of your shift a living hell. Maybe even all of your shifts for the foreseeable future. You had one foot out the door when a hand secured around your bicep, firmly stopping your motions forward. “Not you,” his low voice sounded in your ear, a chill immediately radiating down your spine. 

King was gentle as he pulled you back a step and used his free hand to close the door. He was so close that you could feel his breath fanning your hair and making it tickle your neck. The slightest tilt backwards and you knew his chest would connect with your back, and honestly, you were very tempted to do just that. You had been imagining the way his body would feel against yours for over a month at this point, never once thinking it would actually come to fruition, but now here you were. The only reason why you resisted was because you weren't alone in the room and you didn't need your boss witnessing you becoming a complete puddle for his right hand man. 

“Jolly just wants a few more minutes of your time.”

X X X 

King. Jolly. You felt like you were in some dark fucked up version of Candyland with those names, but instead of the Lollipop Woods and princesses, it was nothing but tattooed men and their load of secrets. Not nearly as tasty as the candy would've been. Well, at least not until you'd become knowledgeable of these secrets. 

You strolled into your apartment a little after 2am, your new boss - Jolly - allowing you to leave early since the entirety of the last bit of your visit with him had consisted of you sitting in front of his desk and shivering. King passed you a Nocturnal t-shirt at some point in an attempt to help warm you but it didn't do nearly as much as either of you were hoping. You swore you saw him briefly contemplating giving you the jacket he wore, though he did a quick glance at Jolly before ultimately deciding against it. You couldn't say you blamed him. 

The quiet of your apartment was welcoming, this finally giving you a chance to hear your own thoughts and actually process the night. Jolly merely wanted to chat with you, your new hire file laid out in front of him, since he hadn't been given the chance to formally introduce himself as he usually would when new employees began. He explained that his father had been the original owner of Nocturnal but he now did the majority of all the work that went along with the club since his dad had his hand in other things. You politely smiled and nodded, unsure as to why he was choosing to tell you this. All in all, he was nice. There was a kindness to him that wasn’t overtly obvious but you could sense it. 

Hot neighbor only spoke up a few times, instead opting to remain seated back in the dark corner with his feet propped up versus at Jolly’s side. This probably meant that you weren't deemed as a threat. He held the same knife from VIP the entire time, and you knew this because the blade would occasionally catch the light and shine on you. Each time it would and you'd glance his way, he would greet you with a barely-there sideways smirk. Fifteen minutes later, he was looking at his phone and then springing to his feet with a reminder to Jolly that they had a shipment to receive. And that was that. End of meeting. 

It was all so normal, the interaction, but you couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. What? You had no idea. 

After your entirely too long and too hot shower, you took solace in front of your open window. His was open as well, as it always was, but there were no signs of movement. This wasn't unusual since you knew he had business to tend to when you left, though you were still curious as to how late he was usually at the club. Was that where he always was when he wasn't home? That's what you were going to tell yourself was true. 

You remained awake for an hour longer, occasionally glancing at his window, but everything remained still. 

X X X 

“Come out with us! Pleaseeeee! Please please!” Mel begged via FaceTime, a dramatic pout pulling at her lips. You could see the usual crowd behind her as she walked down the street, the group headed towards their normal haunt for a few drinks before eventually finding a club. It was the same weekend routine every time. Normally you would attend but you weren't feeling it that night. It was your first day off, as well as night, in awhile, so you were going to take some much needed alone time. 

Your nose scrunched and you shook your head at the phone camera. “I'm really just not feeling up to it,” you explained in a playful whiny voice of your own. “The club has been kicking my ass and I have to be at Red’s bright and early tomorrow.”

“Ugh! Just tell me you're actually having a steamy affair with hot neighbor! Tell me you're going to his place to let him absolutely ravish you!” 

“Yeah, that's totally what's happening,” you joked. “He's getting the whips and ropes ready for me right now.” 

This was even funnier to you because you hadn't yet revealed to Mel that you worked with hot neighbor now. There was no real reason for keeping it from her. Just that it tended to slip your mind when the two of you were around each other. 

“That sounds so sexy! The fuck!” Your best friend squealed, the loud noise causing you to pull the phone back a bit. 

“Okay, you go enjoy yourself! I promise I'll come next time.” 

“Fineee! Love you!” 

The FaceTime call ended with Melinda then laughing at something someone around her said before it all went dark. You sighed softly to yourself, your gaze remaining on the blank screen for a long moment. You were tempted to say ‘fuck it’ and go out but the exhaustion was really starting to hit. You would be no fun. 

As the silence set in, that's when you found yourself wondering about King. All day you had managed to avoid looking at his window because you weren't going to let this random guy be a defining moment in your life. Plus, he was your boss. Kind of. Second in command definitely made him your boss in a way, right? But now that the sun was setting and your loneliness was creeping in, you couldn't stop yourself from glancing over. 

A big part of you was hoping he wouldn't be there. After all, it was the weekend. Okay, it was Sunday, but you knew that was still a busy day for clubs when it came to the city. Nevertheless, you couldn't get involved with him. It wasn't smart for so many reasons and you were really working on trying to be smarter these days. Why did that have to be so hard? 

Taking in a breath, your eyes danced along the other windows of different apartments before ultimately landing on his. No curtains still - go figure - but the space wasn't empty as it had been the night before. There he sat, drink in hand, his focus on the large screen television mounted on his wall. You could barely make out the images but you did know it was some sort of cartoon. Your chin propped comfortably in your hand the further you sat up until you were on your knees leaning over the back. Very similar to how you were positioned the first time you saw him. 

The only difference was that now you didn't care if you got caught watching him. 

When he didn't look your way within the first few seconds, you shifted your focus to the darkening sky. Deep pinks and oranges swirled around, fading into the blue that would soon fully overtake the sky. You couldn't see too much because of the position of the apartment building, but it would have to do for now. You could remember staring at the sky for hours on end in your previous life. It was all you could do when Vane was working and you had no choice but to tag along. You weren't allowed to have a phone to keep you entertained back then. Not even just to play Candy Crush or some nonsense like that. Look at you now, still staring at the same sky, thinking the same wonder-filled thoughts. Old habits truly did die hard. 

It was the slight motion in the corner of your eye that brought you back down to the present. King was looking at you, his hand waving to help draw your attention. When he noticed you looking he offered a friendly smile, one you returned without hesitation. The fact that he seemed much nicer outside of the club confused you, but you were going to continue to believe that he was wearing a mask at Nocturnal. You at least hoped that was the mask and this version of him wasn't. Not that you cared…since you were being smarter and all that…

King raised his hand to his head, his fingers shifting so that his thumb was at his ear and his pinky at his mouth. The universal symbol for ‘phone’. Was he asking for your number? Your brows furrowed slightly, your thoughts running rampant. This was not something you had seen coming. At least he was asking instead of simply taking it from your file, though. 

Nodding, you brushed your hair away from your shoulder to ready yourself for the task of using your hands to communicate your phone number. You slowly tossed up each number, hot neighbor looking from you to his phone every time until he had all the information he needed. Seconds later, your phone vibrated, a message from an unknown number popping up. You immediately saved it under ‘hot neighbor', naturally. 

HOT NEIGHBOR: Hello, neighbor. 

You arched an eyebrow at the simple greeting, your eyes briefly glancing back up to where he still stood across the walkway. He was looking at you, phone in hand, patiently waiting for your response. 

YOU: Caught you staring. 

HOT NEIGHBOR: I decided to take a play from your book. 

HOT NEIGHBOR: Seems like it worked. 

You couldn't fight the smile that spread across your lips. Your teeth sunk down into the lower tier while you simultaneously shifted so you were sitting down on your couch again. Your back to the window to keep the view of your face hidden. The last thing you needed was hot neighbor seeing you smile as you made the mistake of getting closer to him. 

YOU: Are you watching cartoons? 

HOT NEIGHBOR: I'm an adult, Genevieve. It's anime. 

The use of your work name made your lips twist in distaste. You were already pretending to be a different person in your day to day life. You didn't need to mix things up even more with the addition of your Nocturnal alias. Something about it just didn't sit right with you. 

YOU: You can call me by my actual name when we're not at work. 

Funny, since even that also wasn't your actual name.

HOT NEIGHBOR: I guess that means I should extend the same courtesy to you. 

YOU: Is King not your name? 

HOT NEIGHBOR: It's a nickname from when Jolly and I were younger. 

The gray typing bubbles continued to pop up and disappear, as if he was unsure of what to say. You watched them do the same dance a few times, your curiosity rising by the second. What could he possibly be typing? 

HOT NEIGHBOR: My name is Noah. 

X X X

Three hours. That's how long you spent texting with Noah the previous night and you were definitely feeling it. Two Red Bulls, a cup of black coffee, and a couple of pieces of some weird energy gum Mel had told you about wasn't even enough to keep you from yawning every few minutes. Yes, you were exhausted, but you didn't regret a minute of it. Maybe you would one day when you were forced to remember why getting close to people was a bad idea, but you were going to live in ignorant bliss until then. 

“I told you not to run yourself into the ground.” Red wagged his finger at you like a stereotypical grandfather would. “It was going to come back and bite you in the ass.” 

You laughed, shaking your head at him. You continued to go through the motions of folding his linens as he hobbled into the room with the help of his solid wooden cane. Red was a kind man, at least from what you could tell. He enjoyed reciting stories to you from his heyday and introducing you to new foods that his personal chef would whip up. You disliked a lot of them because of how picky you were but Red got a kick out of listening to your outlandish comparisons. 

“I know, I know,” you heavily sighed. “I was off from the club yesterday, but I still stayed up too late.” 

Red released a breath as he lowered himself down into his favorite sitting chair. His eyes remained on you, a knowing smile occupying his lived-in face. “You're too young to get caught up in the headache of boys. Or girls. Or whoever you're interested in. You need to live a little first.”

You both laughed as you set the neatly folded sheets aside and began working on the basket of towels. If only Red knew that you had ‘lived’ enough for multiple lifetimes. None of which you had any desire to relive. So why were you going down the same path with Noah? Of course you didn't want to believe that's what was happening because it felt so good in the beginning stages like this, but you knew better than anyone how it could abruptly turn and crash. You had the scars to prove it. 

“I'm not getting caught up. I promise. I'm just…making friends.”

“Friends,” Red snorted. “That's how I ended up with five kids, by making friends.” 

“Red!” You lightly smacked his arm with the towel in your grasp, your lighthearted laughter continuing. It felt good to be able to have a relaxing conversation like this, even if it was with an older man pushing eighty. In your opinion this only meant he was better at giving advice than anyone else in your life. 

Still grinning, he reached for the remote on the side table by his chair and turned the TV on. Before you knew it, a CSI rerun was on and Red was leaned back, lightly snoring. 

X X X 

HOT NEIGHBOR: What are you doing? 

You used one hand to retrieve your phone from your back pocket as the other placed a small pile of washcloths in the hall linen closet. Your heart began to race when you saw who the message was from, cheeks instantly reddening. Well…fuck. That wasn't a good sign for your mental well being. 

YOU: Folding an old man’s laundry at my day job. Yes, it's just as exciting as it sounds. 

HOT NEIGHBOR: Drop a pin and I'll bring you coffee. 

You had to give it to him, he surely was straight to the point. You did as he said because what harm could come from a quick coffee visit? Plus, you desperately needed more caffeine. You would take an IV of it straight into the vein if it was offered to you. 

Half an hour later you received a message from Noah saying that he was outside. You took a glance at Red’s still sleeping form as you tip toed out of the house, carefully maneuvering your way down the narrow stone path that led to a small black wrought iron gate. It was only waist high, but it was a nice little touch in front of his city mansion. Typically flowers would be lining the path as well, but the frigid air kept them at bay for now. 

Arms crossed over your chest, your eyes zeroed in on Noah who was standing on the sidewalk. He was once again wearing his usual black on black attire, black gloves, and a black coat to finish off the look. How was he so effortlessly attractive? You could assume he was heading for the club based on his outfit alone. Not only that, but he appeared perplexed. His brows were furrowed, his eyes constantly looking up and down the sidewalk like he was on the search for someone. 

“Hey,” you breathed out into the cold as you stepped closer after latching the small gate behind you. Noah extended the second coffee to you which you graciously took and immediately sipped from. You didn't even want to know how he knew your coffee order. Sure, it was simple, but how did he get it so perfect? 

“This is where you work?” He motioned to the large brick building behind you. You glanced back at the house along with him, nodding. 

“Yeah, it's pretty easy. I'm basically a glorified errand runner slash housekeeper.” 

Noah slowly nodded, though his puzzled look refused to break. You weren't at the point yet where you could call him out for it, at least not in the way you would've wanted by just being straight forward. 

“Everything okay?” You eventually asked, to which Noah relaxed his shoulders and smiled at you. 

“Sorry, yeah. I was just remembering something I needed to do at the club.” 

“Oh, okay. Well, how much do I owe you for the coffee?” 

“What? No, you don't owe me anything.” He was now peering at you as if you had two heads. “Consider it an apology for keeping you up so late.” 

“No apology needed.” You wanted to tell Noah that you actually enjoyed talking to him. He made you feel comfortable, as odd as that may have sounded since he was still practically a stranger. But you didn't. You skirted the topic completely. “Did you want to come inside? I didn't mean to leave you standing out here in the cold.” 

“I've really got to get to the club. I just wanted to see you for a minute”. 

“Well…you've seen me.” You laughed, your hip dipping a bit and your free hand motioning towards yourself. Fuck, that was so lame. Hopefully it wasn't too obvious to him that you were completely out of your comfort zone. You weren't good at this sort of thing. You couldn't even remember the last time you had tried genuinely flirting with someone. 

Noah's dark eyes focused on yours, his look intense. You felt bared beneath his gaze, vulnerable, but something about it kept you hanging on. 

“That I have.” 

NOAH

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. 

He tried not to seem too flustered as he said his goodbyes to you and headed down the street. The further he walked from your eyesight, the faster his steps became. Noah hated leaving you like that because he could sense your confusion but it was for the best. There was no telling who within that house was watching you with him and he didn't want to put your well being in danger anymore than he probably already had. 

As he turned the corner, he quickly pulled his phone from his pocket and dialed Jolly. It only took two rings for him to pick up because Jolly knew better than anyone that he didn't call people. He actually despised talking on the phone. He would only do it for Jolly and now maybe you too, if that's what you wanted. 

“We have a problem,” he breathed out the moment the call connected. Dark eyes continued to dart about, every nerve in his body on edge. 

“What kind of problem?” 

“Our lovely little Genevieve is working for the enemy.” 

There was a long moment of silence and then Jolly sighed. “Which enemy?” 

“The worst one.” Noah didn't need to give any further explanation. His best friend knew how hard it was for him to think about the past, let alone talk about it. After all, it wasn't everyday he was plunged back into the memories of the night his parents were killed. 

▷ tag list

@collisionofyourkissmakesitsohard

@koffemilk

@oobleoob

@respectfulrebel

@missduffsblog

let me know if you'd like to be added to the tag list!

[elvearryn]

König + Horangi Headcanons

Regrettably, the brainrot has taken hold of me properly, so this was always going to be an inevitable post

(This is also a chance for me to compile and work out my characterization of these two, as a sort of warm-up exercise for writing them).

All SFW! Trigger warning for mention of scars, alcohol, gambling, violence (military), you know Call of Duty typical stuff

All the headcanons for each are separate for each character, a few mentions of Horangi in König’s list but that’s it

That being said, here are my headcanons for König and Horangi 🙏

Horangi bites the inside of his cheek when he’s thinking really hard or having an internal emotional tug of war about something, he actually developed this habit because he used to instinctively press his tongue against the inside area of his cheek that had been scarred (if you’ve seen the popular design where he has a scar from about the corner of his lip up to his cheekbone, and yeah. I like that concept a lot)

Horangi used to drink and smoke heavily, as part of his gambling days. He dropped that habit when he joined the military, and to this day absolutely resents heavy alcohol of any kind, but doesn’t actively avoid milder alcohol as much as he does the stronger stuff, he just doesn’t see the appeal in it anymore

Speaking of which, Horangi sucks at gambling, in fact he’s so terrible at it it’s a wonder he stayed in the business so long. He actually wound up so far in debt because he kept telling himself “it’s not statistically possible that I can never win.” So he kept trying to prove he was capable of winning (he wasn’t.) Eventually, he did quit, escaping debt by fleeing normal civilian life in the process

Horangi hasn’t touched gambling since, he’s wary of even simple card games (glances judgmentally at uno). Even if he still gets that itch sometimes, he curbs it by playing games that don’t involve luck at all

By that I mean Horangi loves strategy games. A downright freak about them even, this way he’s not risking any money on card games that might be rigged… (Horangi chess menace, anyone..? Not promising that he won’t try to cheat in checkers) and he swears like a sailor whenever he loses

Any rush Horangi used to get from gambling is gone anyway, nothing can compare to the adrenaline spike from being on missions. In comparison, gambling feels like a watered down high and a desaturated painting, it wasn’t anything like the vivid colors of the battle field experience… and even that could get boring sometimes…

(That is not encouragement to throw yourself into combat 💧)

Horangi loves silver jewelry, especially rings. But never wears anything gold or with gems on it, he prefers the sheen of silver, and thicker jewelry too, heavy banded rings and he actually considers his dog tags as something of a fashion statement… there was a point in his life where he had his ears pierced, and only ever wore silver or black for those, however the piercings have since closed up as they would have been a hindrance in his military work

When Horangi was a kid, he wanted to be able to skateboard, the kind of kid who thought kick flips and riding rails down the stairs was the coolest thing, unfortunately he was never really all that good on wheels, and didn’t have the time to master the hobby

(He sure as hell can snowboard though. Don’t ask me; it came to me in a vision)

Horangi was actually planning to get full tattoo sleeves on his arms, but discovered that he was somewhat unnerved by the constant jabbing of the ink needle when he got his wrists and forearms done the first time around, since then he’s been a little wary about getting more. It’s not that his pain tolerance is low, or that he’s scared of the process, he’s just kind of annoyed by the way it’s done and the time it takes since it leaves him with nothing to really do while he waits with the incessant jabbing of the needle… yeah, he’s not a fan

Horangi has scars on his back (tiger scars!!!) from his youth, they’re not pretty or nice to look at, all ridged flesh and awkward lines, he couldn’t sleep on his back for weeks while they healed; and even after that there was phantom pain.

Because of these scars, Horangi dislikes having his back to anyone even more than the usual soldier. Not because he got the scars in that way, but simply because he’s subconsciously aware of them being there and he doesn’t like the idea of having them out in the open (even though he knows they can’t be seen when he’s dressed)

Horangi likes to doodle, no he’s not a good artist, he just likes to scribble on things, drawing in the dirt with a stick when he was a kid kind of thing, always carries a pen with him and doodles when he’s bored

Horangi is a great swimmer, like athlete level good at it. Do not try to race him, he will win

Is an avid language enjoyer, Horangi actually likes exploring different languages and how they work phonetically as well as alphabetically. His English is remarkably good, even with his thick accent

On that note, Horangi’s penmanship is… less than perfect. Maybe a small case of doctor’s handwriting if you know what I mean. He tends to slant his words a bit, and it looks a little like chicken scratch, but it’s charming in its own right

Horangi likes rock and rap, I think when he was a teen he would have really liked No Brain, especially the song “내 가죽잠바 My Leather Jacket” as well as western heavy metal, though he likes rap and hip hop too, anything fast paced or with a heavy beat (guilty pleasure listening might be lighter r&b) if you saw Gangnam style in his playlist, no you didn’t

If Horangi played an instrument it would be electric guitar, but only as an excuse to shred until the callouses on his fingers split and he had to wait for new ones to develop

Horangi is selfless to a fault, he likes to think he wouldn’t go through hell and back for just about anyone when he knows deep down he would in a heartbeat, he’s always cared deeply about others, he just struggles a little to express it, very much more of a subdued affection kind of guy, shown through little actions instead of straightforward declarations which are a rarity, but do happen

Horangi likes the military because it gave him purpose and direction. And best of all- an outlet. What else was he supposed to do with his somewhat short fuse and need to release pent up energy? Bashing up enemy forces seemed a good enough way as any

Horangi takes his coffee black, americano. (Shamelessly stole this headcanon from his voice actor…)

Bonus :

(His words not mine, do with this information what you will)

Now… König is somewhat of a difficulty for me to work through, he’s a bit of a silly bastard I can say that much. Still working on disemboweling him to understand how he works so his list might be a bit shorter, but I’ll try my damndest

König is clumsy, not in a “whoops I fell down the stairs silly me…” way but in a “where the hell did I leave my keys..?” kind of way, which is funny because he always struck me as someone who pays attention to detail while also having situational blindness, like “holy shit there was a car right there” even when you could ask him what the arrangement of crates were in a cargo shipment and he could tell you exactly without needing to think hard about it

König is absolutely incapable of keeping himself still, one of the reasons he was denied the position of a sniper… whether it be literally twiddling his thumbs, or bouncing his leg, he is always moving one part of his body at any given time

Two words, bad liar… König is a terrible liar even, not even consciously he just isn’t good at not giving an honest answer, especially if it’s to people he’s comfortable being around. Shifting eyes, clenched jaw, kicked puppy sort of demeanor if he’s actively trying to withhold the truth, he’s bad at covering it up unless he’s annoyed, then he can evade giving a straight answer but otherwise he can be read like an open book

In terms of social interaction, König is not some sort of inept stuttering dork, rather I would simply describe him as a little out of his element in mundane social settings. He’s a menace on the field, and he’s comfortable with that, when he isn’t occupied with something physically or mentally demanding however… he’s a tad socially awkward. But he’s still brazen and a little cocky, albeit easily annoyed or flustered (not blushing wreck flustered, just at a loss for words and maybe a few confused blinks if anything)

König is also competitive and a bit of a grump honestly, he takes things personally and tends to overthink, maybe a bit of a bad habit that involves twisting things in his mind until they’re warped from what they initially were, but yeah he’s gonna take things as a challenge or a jab at his abilities (inferiority complex coming back with a vengeance in the form of feeling like he needs to prove himself constantly)

That’s not to say König isn’t a “gentle giant” he does have a soft spot and isn’t prone to picking fights himself, but he’s also… bipolar for lack of a better word, he would definitely treat something with the most tenderness his large hands can allow, but then turn around and obliterate an entire unit with a blind sort of unhinged arrogance that doesn’t take kindly to being rivaled

König is like a barely domesticated guard dog with self worth issues that present themselves through mild narcissism and social insecurity. Again, he’s a madman, just listen to his voicelines, Horangi may look insane on the outside but he’s actually relatively stable, König on the other hand is like a carefully constructed bridge made of entirely weak points that are holding themselves together by faint pressure and the whole thing is covered in tape that mask wounds instead of bandaids

If König played an instrument it would be drums, he needs to be able to bash on things, I think he would get frustrated with something like guitar or bass

König is a bit demanding with things he wants, and likes to think he can get what he wants with relatively little struggle, not that he’s a spoiled brat by any means, just that he sees something and goes “I want that.” And isn’t afraid to say that he wants it, and that’s basically saying “I intend to get it” but he also does have manners, and isn’t exactly extroverted, but he has an obvious sort of intensity about him that really shines on the field, he likes a good fight

(Que “Finally some worthy adversaries!” line)

König knows he’s strong and is confident in his abilities, but despite knowing this he still doesn’t take praise well. Or compliments, he’s all sure of his abilities until someone points out he did a good job and suddenly he has no idea what to say, similarly if he thinks he can handle something and voices that, and someone replies “yeah you’re right, you’ve got this” he’d be like “???” because he’s not used to the positive reciprocation, he’s used to only having himself and the physical proof that he can do things and do them well, so when someone points it out he’s at a loss

König is more likely to let German slip into his speaking than Horangi is to let Korean slip into his, König’s English also isn’t as good as Horangi’s

König is a little possessive and can get defensive too. Stems from his childhood, being picked on a bit he learned to keep his stuff close to him and be careful who he shares with if at all, and is not trusting even if on the outside he appears relatively open despite his social awkwardness

However, König likes having instructions and knowing what exactly needs to be done, he’s organized and likes not always having to make a lot of complex decisions— the structure of the military gives him a way to keep himself occupied in this manner. And he likes feeling like he has a use, even if it’s not exactly what he wanted

(He’s still bitter about not being a sniper).

König’s handwriting is surprisingly nice, it’s neat and simple, but he doesn’t write paper and pencil often, in fact he usually records numbers and data if anything, and types everything else. He likes using digital tablets

König takes his coffee sweet, and doesn’t care about the temperature, he’ll drink coffee that started out warm and sat out long enough to get cold.

Rammstein fan? König is guilty. Also loves Slipknot and Korn. Orange Sector fan to the end too. His guilty pleasure is instrumental music. (Sometimes he and Horangi share their music with one another)

König wears his hair long (not super long, just a little unkempt and about jaw length), and he has stubble. He keeps his hair tied in a low bun for missions, on leave and for downtime he’ll tie the bun higher

König is shockingly loyal, like makes a conscious effort to be loyal to people, and is surprisingly thoughtful about little things that others wouldn’t really pay much mind too. It’s sort of a subconscious thing actually, he remembers a lot of insignificant stuff for no real reason, it just sticks

In König’s mind, he has a few jokes he came up with that he thinks are hilarious but has never had a chance to say them and is also a little doubtful other people would be as amused as him, so he keeps them to himself.

(Horangi might luck out one day)

Cough… and that’s all!! I’ll update this if I ever think of any more. But yeah, that’s all I got. Hope you enjoyed

[raphsmuneca]

Smooches

♥*♡∞:｡.｡ 💋 ｡.｡:∞♡*♥

⚠️18+ • soft smut • inappropriate behavior • dirty lingo • short-shorts • Tmnt bayverse⚠️ Tmnt Bay Leo x reader (aged 30+) <- my preference 🫶🏼

@thelaundrybitch this quickie is for you 😉 😎 😜

💖A pre-valentine treat 💖

You’ve been teasing him for far too long. Is he afraid? Fuck no. If you thought so then you were sorely mistaken. He’s not the prude you believe him to be. He’s a gentleman, that’s all. NOT! He may have been the respectable soldier, but beneath the surface, he was every bit a man.

He decided it was time to put an end to your facade. It was shortly after you waved your goodbyes. You navigated through the tunnels for a whole of two minutes then you felt a sudden tug.

He swiftly pulled you in, spun you around and pinned you, face first, against the stone cold wall. He covered your mouth with one large left hand before you yelped. Your face was turned to the right of you where he met you, snout to nose. His labored breathing and tense muscles were obvious indicators that he was rapidly reconsidering his impulsive action. You felt his warm plastron through the thin fabric against your back.

You were freaking out, but held your composure. You’ve been aching for his nearness for a long time, but you never expected this! Did he think you a traitor? You had to let him know you were very much his friend and would never do anything to jeopardize…wait. What’s this? His cock (which was the length and width of your forearm) pressed against your buttocks. Your mind experienced a nuclear explosion. It suddenly became empty. Your ghost sought refuge in the high heavens. What in the holy fuck is going on right now?!

His hands were tracing a path up and down your thighs, extending to the contours of your hips and the indentation of your exposed navel. You let out a whimper. His touch generated a burning sensation on your skin, wherever he touched, you felt yourself sinking deeper.

“You thought you had me all figured out, huh?” He nuzzled against your nose and face. “Mmm…What if I tell you I wish to steal a kiss from you?” He released his left hand so that you may speak. You would have replied, except that you were momentarily breathless and feared you’d collapse right then. Instead, you licked your lips.

Your thoughts vanished the instant he bit your lower lip. The way your pussy pulsed just then. Ohmygahh. Fksksjdbsyhsbs!!!! The sensation of the thick annuli encircling his scutes against the small of your back was a potent reminder of how real the moment was. He took another bite. And another. He then proceeded to leave trails of saliva up and down your neck, eventually taking advantage of your open mouth to thrust his tongue deep into your throat. His lips enveloped yours, tongues rhythmically entwining in a fervent quest.

He stopped and pivoted you to face him. The massive terrapin rose high above you. You felt unusually tiny all of a sudden. He gently lifted your chin upward with the tip of his index finger. You became captivated by the depth of his sapphire eyes. You could easily become lost in their beauty. What a fantastical creature. Your knees weakened and you began to lose balance, but he quickly caught you and positioned you over his massive frame. You let out a huff once you settled into place, straddling him.

He lowered his head and you could feel the warmth of his breath on your burning cheeks. “Open your mouth for me again.” (Yes daddy!) In comparison his mouth and tongue were wide, yet he managed to work around your smaller mouth to artfully deliver delectable kisses. The moment was raw, your womanhood was ablaze, but his broad arms kept you in place. The feel of his rugged skin against your smooth one was bewitching.

To have Leo all over you like this was enthralling. What prompted his shift from a stern, inflexible leader to this ravenous turtle man? Regardless of the answer, the less you were concerned as he tenderly kissed your mouth and down your neck and slightly into the hollow of your bosom and back up again. Your hips began a slow, rhythmic motion. You hadn’t acknowledged it until he cupped your waist in his hold and brought you nearer, allowing you to feel his firmness against your inner thighs. Breaking away from his fervent kiss, a hasty "Oh!" escaped your mouth. You hid your face in his chest, attempting to mask your embarrassment.

“Don’t be shy, baby. You know you like it.”

At that you punched him in the chest.

“That tickles you know?”

His chuckle was soft, but you were too proud and feigned annoyance.

He too was skilled in this game. His smile disappeared. He looked even hungrier than before. His stare grew more intense. His mouth started to water. He licked his lips and launched a more ferocious attack on your mouth this time. This kiss was distinct. It possessed greater passion. Something you said or did must have triggered him. This kiss wasn't driven by lust like the previous one. It was more profound. It was ardent and all-consuming.

You were once again enveloped in his affectionate grasp. Your hips began to sway at a more rapid pace. In a short time, your body was seized by a powerful physical response, induced by the erotic pleasure of the intimate bodily contact. He knew what he was doing. He was aware of his actions. He took pleasure in witnessing your vulnerability around him. It turned him on when you challenged him, but he needed to set the record straight.

“Next time you tease me, just know I’ll be waiting for you.”

OMFG! You got gotten!

With a wink, he left you in your disheveled state, mouth agape.

“Damn you, Leo.”

A residual string of words escaped his mouth before he vanished quickly.

“Tonight I stole a kiss. Tomorrow I steal your heart.”

You looked in the direction from which the reverberated words echoed. There was no discernible shape, only whispers. You were uncertain whether to be grateful for the intense heat you both shared, however brief, or shocked by this new revelation. Was he in love with you?

“You’ve already done that…”

You spoke the words, aware that there was no one nearby to hear them. Leo had already departed. He was that quick. You collected your thoughts and smoothed your hair with your fingers. Following a brief moment to compose yourself, you turned and headed back towards your home.

Except you were mistaken. He was present throughout, observing from the shadows. His heartbeat was irregular. Your words left him astonished. He was satisfied with himself. He had claimed you as his own from the beginning, even if you didn't reciprocate his emotions. The act of stealing your kiss was merely his attempt to confirm whether his suspicions were correct and that you shared his feelings.

He promptly returned to his quarters. He hadn’t quite finished his task when he released you. He engaged in self-pleasuring in your name. In the aftermath of said sweet release, he reflected on his next move.

♥*♡∞:｡.｡ 💋 ｡.｡:∞♡*♥

@the-cauldron-witch @ninnosaurus @iridescentflamingo @ferox-imagines @sophiacloud28 @milykins @adebauchedsloth @justalotoffanfiction @thepinkpanther83 @dilucsflame33 @foxflamewarrior @m1dnyt3-w0lf @eveandtheturtles @inspiredwriter @replicasey @akari180 @iheartchv @leosgirl82 @fyreball66 @moonlightflower21 @happymoonangel @imthegreenfairy86

・𝓲𝓯 𝔂𝓸𝓾'𝓭 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓽𝓪𝓰𝓰𝓮𝓭/𝓾𝓷𝓽𝓪𝓰𝓰𝓮𝓭 𝓹𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮 𝓵𝓶𝓴! ・

𝓡𝓮𝓫𝓵𝓸𝓰𝓼 𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓪𝓹𝓹𝓻𝓮𝓬𝓲𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓭!

[baphometsss]

it's 3am and I have to be up early in the morning so of course I'm writing meta oops

Anyway I'm thinking about the balcony scene in dai again and what solas's dialogue implies. He says, 'it would be kinder in the long run' (to end things before either of them get in too deep) only to add 'but losing you would...'

Would what? Solas doesn't trail off like that usually. I think it's so telling that he does here; the urge to kiss Lavellan overwhelms his 'wiser' faculties. I personally think he's about to say 'losing you would be unbearable' or something like it. He realises there what he's been denying to himself: that he's in love. He says as much, as we know, but I think this is the moment it becomes too clear for him to deny any longer.

He knows its selfish, but he can't help himself. He's canonically never been in love before. He's seen others go through it, but he's never experienced it first hand. To be in the moment where he has the one he loves in front of him, ready and eager to pursue a relationship with him, is overwhelming. It hits him quite suddenly that falling in love and having to end it eventually (bc at that point I don't think he's fully committed to abandoning his plans like he was going to) is a preferable outcome to never having Lavellan at all.

It makes his conversation with Cole where he tries to convince him to let go of the past even more poignant. He knows its an option, and he desperately wants to take it. It's the healthiest thing for him, which is why Cole advises him to do it. In the context of the romance it's even more significant because Cole is telling him to lean into it. He's weighing it up in his head at that point and if romanced you can tell that this is the point where he begins to consider leaving the past behind him as he later decides to do before Crestwood. He resists Cole's attempts to heal it further , because he can't risk his cover being blown, but I have to wonder how that conversation would've gone down.

This man was on a crazy seesaw for the entire romance huh

[peterparkouryo]

lies between us² | *ੈ✩‧₊˚

*ੈ✩‧₊˚

prompt: You and Peter have been frenemies for as long as you can remember.

warnings: fluff, arguement(s), and banter

word count: 2.2k

part one

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ taglist

Two months. Two months since Peter confessed he had feelings for you and two months since your first date, since you last talked to him. To start with, the tryst went absolutely amazing, for the most part. Peter certainly surprised you. You had not expected someone nearly as incompetent (in your opinion) and naïve as him to be so strong matched about your preferences.

The minute the boy showed up at your door, he thankfully did not bring flowers because you mentioned at one point during your many conversations how cliché the boutonniere is. He, of course respected your thoughts and instead arrived with a bouquet of sticks, which you did not find funny, but Peter swore it was a comical idea he believed would make you smile (it didn't). 

You recommended your first date to be somewhere luxuriated, like a movie date to which he told you happened to be even more maxim than bringing you flowers and woefully you agreed.

So, you two decide on a sandwich from Delmar's second establishment and a walk through Central Park. The first thirty to thirty five minutes of your time was filled with conversations you missed, how hard and pointless school was, and the fact that Peter was Spider-Man. Something you still can't quite believe.

You didn't know the exact way to ask him about his alter ego, nervous to offend him, but thankfully you gathered up the courage and he was more than happy to tell you.

He told you about how he was bit by a radioactive spider on your grade nine field trip to the science centre, and how for the past three years he had been trying to impress the Tony Stark. Peter then told you he never really had an internship with the billionaire, it was just a cover up for his vigilante side. 

You asked questions, he answered and to you, at least for the most part the date was unexceptionally good, until he decided to be more dense than he already was.

'Oh, crap." Peter pulls out his phone from his pocket and glances down at it. You blink in confusion as he turns up the volume and listens to police officers from what you can only assume is a 911 dispatcher app.

"What?" You glance from the phone and narrow your eyes at him, sensing what you already know.

"There's a robbery on sixty fourth avenue.."

You stare at him in confusion, not really understanding if what he was suggesting was actually about to happen, so you sigh and place your hands on your hips.

"And that's your problem because?"

"I mean, I am Spider-Man, so."

You huff and roll your eyes at his stupidity.

"The police can handle it." You suggest and Peter frowns as if you just recommended the boy donate his blood.

"They won't come fast enough." He insists and tucks his phone back into his pocket.

The boy cropped up this dogmatic counsel to ditch you on your first ever rendezvous to stop a bank robbery that can easily be terminated by the police, given it was their job to do, not his. You sensed a common amount of fury climb through your body.

"So, you're suggesting that I let you leave while we're on a date that you asked me on?" You tilt your head in confusion and watch Peter press his lips into a thin line, a greater than sum of thoughts dispute through his eyes.

He contemplated your question for some time before he nods slowly.

"I'll come back, it'll take ten minutes or less. Bank robberies are my speciality." The boy offers you a smile and you roll your eyes, in spite of your inner torment, you sigh.

"Fine, ten minutes or less. If it eleven minutes or more I will consider this the worst first date ever." You point to him and Peter smiles as you agree to let him escape to his mission.

"I'll be back in ten, promise."

You nod silently and observe him turning away from you and exiting the park.

You had no idea why you believed him, because eleven minutes, twelve and eventually an hour had past. You gave up the hope he was coming back. Embarrassed by your reliance, you walk of shame your way back home.

What was even more disappointing was the fact he had not reached out to you that entire night after his failed promise, so you swore to yourself to declare the date with him the worst one you have ever experienced, no matter how terrible future ones may be.

-

"Boys are idiots, that's why I date girls." MJ shrugs and pops a chip into her mouth, the noisy cafeteria being a familiar background to your ears.

You told Michelle a sugarcoated version of Peter standing you up on your first date, still being respectful about his secret identity even if you hated everything about him in the moment.

"I should have never agreed on that date." You cross your arms as the girl raises her eyebrow.

"It's not the end of the world." Michelle reassures.

You start to wonder which side she was even on.

"Yes it is." You argue.

The brown haired girl sighs and sits up. "Okay, so what if Peter stood you up on your first date—"

"Ever." You interrupt to add.

She narrows her eyes. "On your first date ever." You nod at the correction.

"The best part of this whole conflict is you got a free sandwich."

You furrow your eyebrows at her insensible words, despite it being true, was not the wisdom you were searching for.

"Whatever, it's very humiliating to have a like slash dislike relationship with someone and agree to go on a date with him, only for the boy to turn around and stand me up. He didn't even apologize." You explain, your anger bubbling up at the memories.

"It's been two months and you're now just telling me this." She points out and you glare at her.

"I was still in disbelief and that isn't the point."

"You're right." Michelle nods. "The point is that you need to stop avoiding him and talk to him. I'm sure he has done everything in his power to apologize."

MJ is absolutely right. For the past two months, Peter went out his way to talk to you, apologize, and get your attention. Being the stubborn person you are, you ignore his attempts and steer clear of the spider boy the best you can. In your eyes, it was justified (maybe slightly unfair), because you were not the kind of individual to easily forgive. Especially when the reason for your obstinacy only started due to the certainty Peter stood you up to cease a misdeed that could've been done by the police department. Not only did he leave you longer than he promised, he made no effort that same night to explain why it took him more than an hour.

Instead he waited seventy two hours later to approach you, and you knew you were worth more than a three day later apology. 

As the weeks passed, he never sought to give up his efforts which may have been just a tiny bit admirably but also terribly annoying.

"No." You shake your head, Michelle sighs as she glances behind you.

"Well, better find a hiding place quick, your knight in shining armour is coming this way." 

You quickly turn around to see what she was talking about and you see Peter with a weary determined look, coming your way and you stand up as swiftly as you can, unfortunately not fast enough to escape him as he catches your arm with a gentle grip, but still firm enough to make sure you can't run away.

You look at MJ for help and she pretends to not see you.

"Wait." Peter pleads and you shake your head at your so called best friend and side eye the boy, not in the right headspace to officially face him after two months of avoidance.

"Can I talk to you, please?" You feel Peter's hand withdraw from your arm, examining you carefully.

Notwithstanding your urge to say no, and to leave you alone, you narrow your eyes and huff out a flatten sigh. 

"Fine," You cross your arms as Peter looks around nervously before clearing his throat. 

"Not...not here." He shakes his head.

You glance around the cafeteria, the bustling noise of students undeniably obnoxious. Certainly, you sensed Peter's hesitation to want to converse with you in such a wildly known public place that tends to shape commotion. 

Sharing one last look at MJ, you gesture for the boy to lead the way.

Peter guides to the hallway outside the cafeteria, placing his hands into his pocket. It's not lost on you how nervous he is. You could not understand why the boy was practically shaking in nerves considering when it came to you, he always seemed so sure and somewhat, maybe slightly confident. There was banter, teasing and harmless insults through the time you've known him.

However, recently, Peter's endurance struggled.

"I haven't seen you in two months." Is the first thing he says to you and it takes you a minute to fall back down to earth.

"I wonder why." You raise an eyebrow in defence.

"I didn't ditch you on purpose."

"You didn't explain why either."

Peter immediately presses his lips together, his hand running through his hair in frustration. 

A few seconds of silence goes by and he sighs. You can see the wheels turning in his brain as he tries to come up with an answer, an explanation even.

"I know and I'm sorry. I got distracted and its not like I forgot or anything. May found out and it got really messy--" You hold up your hand and immediately he snaps his mouth shut.

"What do you mean she "found out?" You blink in confusion as he raises his eyebrow at your question.

"That I'm," Peter glances around, presumably to make sure no one hears before looking back at you. "Y'know, that I'm Spider-Man."

Your eyes widen in surprise at his admission, the sudden guilt overwhelming your thoughts. Had you known your every so often 'friend' was going through such a thorny conflict, you probably wouldn't be half as mad as you've been the last few months.

If only he had told you.

"Why couldn't you tell me that? I might've like, supported you through it or something." 

You're not really sure if there was anything you could've done, but what you are sure about is Peter coming to you for any sort of comfort might he needed.

"I'm sure." Peter nods and steps closer to you. "You have to believe me, that I didn't mean to ditch you and I realize I probably should've tried a little harder to talk to you after our date." He admits and you can't help but smile slightly at his words.

A part of you (mostly your head) tells you to hold him a bit more accountable, to expand his defence. Your heart however, remembered Peter Parker has always been the sweet, remorseful, boy next door friend(ish) you've known for years. 

And if you've learned anything from your on and off again friendship, you know when he's sorry, he really means it.

After much debate, positives and negatives, you were willing to forgive him, one last time.

"Alright, you've convinced me." You say as you cross your arms.

"Convinced you to what?" Peter furrows his eyebrows at your albeit, vague submit. 

"Forgive you. Obviously you suck at excuses, so I'm willing to forgive you one last time." You explain, watching Peter nod with hesitation. 

Yet another beat of silence occupies the air and you press your lips together, having nothing else to say. You've done your part of forgiven, now it's his turn to accept it.

"Perfect." Peter smiles at your mercy, quickly hugging you.

You flutter somewhat and your arms instinctively hug him back. The new, yet familiar warmth evades a gloomy outlook and you find yourself wanting to embrace him no matter the circumstance.

Atlas, reality returns as Peter pulls away from you slowly.

"Does this mean we're friends again? Like again for a long time?" He gazes at you with the most puppy eyed stare you've ever seen and you have to look down in fear you might not have much control left.

"Yeah, I guess we can be friends without the enemies part." You reassure, glancing at Peter as he smiles.

"That's good to know. Maybe down the road you can..." He pauses for a moment and you notice he bites the inside of his cheek.

"Be my girlfriend."

Your heart jumps at his words and your eyes might seem as if they're about to jump out of your socket. 

"What?"

"Huh? I'm kidding." Peter laughs and you frown before glaring at him.

You didn't find pulling at your heartstrings humorous.

"We can start very slow, no rush. I'm just glad we're friends again."

The lunch bell rings, a flock of students rush out of the cafeteria, chattering and what not overtakes the comfortable atmosphere as you stare at him.

"I thought you liked me?" You blurt as you tilt your head.

Peter blinks before nodding, "I mean, I do, but it's been two months since we last spoke, so it would be kind of weird to...jump into something."

You sigh, not wanting to verbally agree with his statement.

"Friends." You hold out your hand.

"Friends, for now." Peter shakes your hand with a smile.

The familiar comfort returns and Peter offers to walk you to class, which you of course accept.

taglist: @victoriousskylar @ietss @astrogirl0666 @hahehhwjavaja @superlegend216 @b4tm4nn @imawhoreforu @sunsettee @myfangirlinessononeblog

[woobiedoovo]

ford and bill fighting over stan... droolingg

Sorry about not posting this when I said I would, it seems like whenever I promise to post something at a specific time I suddenly lose all motivation to write. Anyways, this is for these two Anon’s!! Here’s the some Ford and Bill fighting over Stan ! 💕💕

In this scenario It’s been about a year since weirdmaggedeon. Stan and Ford are back in Gravity Falls to spend to spend the summer with Dipper and Mabel, and for some spice let’s say these old men haven’t confessed their feelings to each other yet.

There was… moments, of course, that have been less brotherly and more sensual when they were on the boat together. Roaming eyes, curious hands, post-nightmare cuddles that boarded just a bit too touchy. But nothing concrete. Both of them too nervous to make the first step and potentially fracture their already fragile relationship.

And now they were in Oregon for another summer of adventures. Hopefully ones that would cause another apocalypse, but in Gravity Falls anything could happen.

Anything.

Even their arch-nemesis that they had definitely killed showing up on their doorstep with a giant axolotl.

“Apart of his therapy” the creature explained, “Is showing Bill that the people he hurt have moved on to happier, healthier lives without him there.”

It was weird for Stan to be housing the demon who tortured his brother, tormented his kids, and almost destroyed the world.

It was even weirder that the thing wouldn’t stop watching him. Stan thought the demon would focus on Ford. But instead the triangle seemed determined to talk to him. Or, if he was being more realistic, flirt with him.

“Heya Bruiser, is it just me or are your teeth not rotting out of your skull like usual?”

Or trying to flirt with him. In his weird, disgusting Bill way. Stan found it funny, in a weird twisted way, especially with how the demon was currently powerless.

No fire, deals, or flying, the pink amphibian had told them. So Bill walked around at his very unimpressive height of, if Stan was feeling generous, two feet tall. And Stan wasn’t feeling generous, so even if the yellow demon insisted he was closer to three feet, Stan chose to ignore the thing and go on with his day.

But the flirting continued. Escalated, even. Bill had moved on from morbid pickup lines to decaying flowers, poisoned chocolates, and once even gave Stan a rabbits heart.

That was a bad day. Lots of screaming and crying, mostly from Mabel, who they had to physically pull away from Bill after she threw a few punches. Stan had wanted to let her keep going. The boxing lessons had been paying off, but when he saw Ford’s panicked expression he decided that maybe his great-niece trying to fistfight a demon on a Saturday morning wasn’t the best idea.

Honestly, Stan was unsure if the demon was flirting with him or threatening him. Both didn’t sit right with him, but from the way Bill eyed Stan when he walked around without a shirt, or wolf-whistled at him the one and only time he bent forward in front of him, he had to come to the unfortunate conclusion that it was still flirting.

He probably would have preferred the death threats.

Ford had been by his side since the moment Bill had appeared at their door, trigger finger desperately itching to just shot the dammed thing. It was like Ford had a second sense of whenever Bill even looked in Stan’s direction. One minute Stan is going through some of the most awkward flirting in his life, and the next he’s face first in Ford’s red turtleneck, feeling the grumble of his voice as he told Bill to back off.

It shouldn’t have been as attractive as it was. Stan could protect himself. He’d done it his entire life, before and after he was kicked out. He protected himself from their Pa, bullies, and eventually even from the very demon himself.

He was always the protector. Not just for himself, but for Ford as well. Being on the other side of it was… nice.

“Awh Sixer, no need to be jealous that I’m moving on.” His brother spluttered, his hold on Stan tightening. “Jealous? I’m not jealous, Cipher.” Ford’s voice was incredulous and Stan didn’t even have to imagine what his face looked like because his twin pulled away from him, taking his face into his hands to stare at him.

“Are you alright Stanley? He didn’t do anything to you?” The twins ignored the scoff behind them, Stan only rolling his eyes as Ford continued to fret over him. “I’m fine, Ford.”

“Yeah, Sixer, he’s fine. We were having a pleasent conversation before you came around.” Bill’s squeaky voice cut in, the small demon standing behind the two, tapping his foot impatiently on the wooden floor.

If Stan wasn’t so caught up in the way Ford was looking at him, maybe he would have laughed at his Bill looked like a petulant child. “It didn’t seem like Stanley was enjoying it very much, Bill. I think it would be best you stopped with this little game of yours.”

Suddenly Ford was in front of him, and Stan had to hold back a groan at his brother’s posturing. “Ugh, Ford, it’s fine. It’s not like the thing can do anything to me anyways.”

“I think you’re just mad he likes my flirting, Sixer.” Stan’s words went ignored as Ford and Bill glared at each other. “Mad? Why would I be mad?” Ford’s voice suddenly had a nervous edge, and Bill seemed to laugh as he came to a realization.

“It’s not him you’re jealous of, it’s me!”

Now Stan was interested. He snuck a glance at Ford, his face taking on a deer in headlights look. His brither started to stumble over his words, his eyes darting over to Stan as he struggled to refute Bill’s words.

“You want to fuck your brother, don’t you Sixer! But you know he’s into me! That’s the funniest thing I’ve seen in thousands of years!” The demon taunted, and Stan decided he was thoroughly done with the little shits big nonexistent mouth.

Grabbing onto the back of Bill’s shirt, Stan ignored the weak call of his name from Ford as he marched out of the room. “Oh, moving fast, Stanley? I knew you couldn’t resist my charm. Sooner or later you would’ve realized I’m the best thing that could ever happen to you! Maybe I’ll even be kind enough to let you be my little pet when I-“

Throwing the demon into the pantry, the locked the door, walking away from the muffled yells of Bill, demanding for him to come back and release him. Behind him was Ford, who froze when Stan’s eyes landed on him.

“Stanley, I can explain. What Bill said-“ Grabbing onto the collar of Ford’s turtleneck, he kissed his idiot of a genius brother.

Pulling back, he only said two words “Bedroom, now.”

[lunarmoonanons]

Mother's Love

🌕 🌖 🌗 🌘 🌑 🌒 🌓 🌔 🌕

Tyrell Reader misses her mother, she's so young giving birth. A child has a child.

🌕 🌖 🌗 🌘 🌑 🌒 🌓 🌔 🌕

Masterlist

9 Years Ago

YN missed her mother. She missed all of her family but being six months into her first ever pregnancy at fifteen. She was terrified and felt all alone in the Red Keep. Alys Harroway was rude and spiteful, constantly wondering aloud why Maegor would wed a child rather than remain faithful to her only. Cerys was kind to her, but since her death YN felt she had no friends in the Keep. Tyanna frightened her and she kept her away from herself and her pregnancy. Her stomach was larger than she noticed her sister’s was at six months of pregnancy. She feared labor and feared birth, just a few months ago she was excited to get a new doll from her Aunt, just a year ago she was just old enough to stay up for the festivities at Highgarden. 

Now she was carrying a child or many in her stomach, dressed in Tyrell fineries and jewelry. He didn’t listen when she said she preferred pearls over stones, decking her out in rubies and diamonds. Even the Tyrell dresses she wore were decked out in Targaryen fineries.  Everything was dripping in Targaryen lust. She wished she could have her simply gowns back from Highgarden. Though in an effort to please his newly pregnant wife, Maegor transported flowers from Highgarden and littered them around the gardens. Specifically her favorite: Lilies. So there was some respite when she went to the gardens. Away from the jealous glare of Alys and the intimidating glance of Tyanna. 

It was night now, and her rose petal bath was drained by the maids who were too frightened to talk to her. She was wrapped in a nightgown and a robe and was sitting in front of her desk with a paper and pen in front of her. She was thinking of what to write to her mother. She missed and needed her. She couldn’t write to her beloved, Addam, knowing her letters were being read. Probably by Tyanna, most likely by Maegor. 

YN tapped the feather end of her pen on the desk, wondering what to say. She only wrote one letter to her family before and the action of doing so made her cry. YN played with the end of her hair and looked around her room. Staring at the doll her Aunt made for her, making her tear up at the sight. She was still mourning her Aunt, having no one to talk to about her grief. Eventually she turned away from the doll and back to the paper on her desk. She held to pen tighter and began writing from her heart. 

“I am six months with child. I am frightened. But please do not come to Kingslanding, I don’t want him to have control over you. Mommy please write back, I am frightened.” 

She signed it with her uncertain hand and stood from her position. Making her way to the entrance of her room, she caught the attention of her guards and held out the letter to them. Commanding them to deliver this letter to her mother in Highgarden. They nodded and she knew they were going to take it to Maegor first. Just like they did with her first letter. She theorized that he was spending the night with Alys. Or talking with his mother. 

Visenya. 

That woman frightened YN. She was beautiful but with her beauty came a harshness and a frightening personality. She held a tight grip on the court and watched the youngest bride with vulture-like eyes. Making her feel small and frightened as she did when she was a younger girl. YN avoided her at every turn, which was harder now that she was the only bride who was pregnant. Maegor couldn’t keep his hands off her and Visenya watched her more intensely. Everything she did was scrutinized and watched. 

YN grabbed her doll and laid down in the soft bed. Holding the doll close and tearing up at the thought of her mother reading her letter. She wiped her tears when she heard her door opening. Sitting up and hiding the doll under the pillow, looking at who entered her room. Of course it was Maegor. He looked troubled and walked toward her bed. YN lifted her blanket to get up but he held out his hand to stop her. Coming to the bed and sitting on the side edge a few inches from her curled up legs.

Maegor sighed and brought a hand to her hair, stroking the side of her head. YN remained frozen, staring at him in fear. Wondering what in her letter made him come to her room. She wanted to cover her face, hide under the covers like she did when she was younger. He brought her hand to the end of her hair and twirled a lock in his fingers. 

“I am not a good man.” Maegor broke the silence. YN swallowed and when he brought his hand to her cheek she flinched. “I know what I am, there’s no changing me. But I want you to know, I am not heartless.”

“I never said-” She tried to explain, but he cut her off. 

“I know you think I have no heart. Since I cut down your aunt, since I took you to bride. But I am not without a heart.” He sighed and put his hand down. “I know you miss your family.”

YN wanted him to leave. Thinking he was going to bring her family to Kingslanding and keep them here. Something she dreaded. She in no way wanted her family to be under the control of Maegor. Her brothers would do something rash and honorable. Her mother would never leave and she was frightened Maegor would bed her against her will. 

“You need not torment yourself. I can bring your mother here. I can make you happy.” Maegor suggested. 

YN shook her head and brought her knees up to her torso. “No my lord. I want them to be free in Highgarden. I don’t want my brothers and their families to do something rash. Please leave them alone.” She begged. 

Maegor sighed and stood from her bed. Pushing down her knees so he could touch her stomach. His large hand remained on the top of her belly, he smiled when he felt the baby kick. But the soft encounter ended when he grabbed her chin and made her look at him. His harsh gaze made the breath catch in her throat. 

“I hope this child is a boy. I know you won’t disappoint me.” Maegor said with laden threats in his tone. 

YN’s eyes were wide as she nodded in fear. Holding her breath as she watched him let her go and walk out of the room. She grabbed her doll when he left and held it close in one hand as she rubbed her stomach with the other. Begging the gods for a healthy baby, someone she could give her doll to. 

~~~

4 Months Later

YN finished her letter to her mother, talking about her babies and how much it hurt. That’s what she remembered from the labor, the pain. She didn’t know what else she could say. Everything hurt, and the memory of the pain stayed with her a month later. She stood from her desk and walked to the cribs that she demanded remain in her room. Smiling at the babies she grabbed one of the boys and placed him on her bed. Then bringing the other two to the bed she laid them down in front of her. Smiling at the helpless little things in front of her. 

She reached for her doll and held it in front of her babies. “This is my doll. She’s very dear to me. I think one day one of you will have her.” 

The babies did nothing but coo, making the young girl smile and lean down to kiss their silver haired heads. She smiled at their helpless little bodies. They were so little and so sweet. YN didn’t think there could’ve been any sweeter babies born. 

“I think you three are so perfect. My oldest sister has three children, and they are very sweet.” YN felt sad when talking about her sister. Missing her dearly, missing her nephews and nieces as well. 

“I hope one day you could meet them.”

@gulnarsultan

[rylem33]

High Riser

Claire never imagined she’d end up living in a swanky high-rise apartment, perched in the heart of the city’s most exclusive neighborhood. The sleek, modern space was nothing like the warm, cozy homes she preferred. Gray walls, chrome accents, and floor-to-ceiling windows made it feel more like a magazine spread than a place to live. But it was her boyfriend Matt’s dream apartment, and Claire had agreed to move in, even if it wasn’t really her style.

Matt adored the city’s glitz and glamor, thriving in his high-paying tech job. Claire, on the other hand, prided herself on her humility. She worked at a nonprofit, feeding underserved families, a job she cherished despite the modest salary. She liked to think of herself as the opposite of the vain influencers she mocked.  The irony didn’t escape her that they would feel probably feel more at home in this apartment than she did.

At first, it was easy to overlook the unease she felt. The apartment was just a place, after all. But that didn’t explain the way her reflection sometimes seemed… different. She noticed it in the polished surfaces of the kitchen, the glossy marble counters in the bathroom. Then Matt surprised her with a gift to “make the place feel more her”. It was a sleek, full-length mirror with a modern frame that fit perfectly with the decor.

“You’ve been working so hard,” he said with a wink. “You deserve something nice.”

Claire smiled, thanking him, but she barely used the mirror. Vanity wasn’t her thing. That was the kind of indulgence she scoffed at, wasn’t it?

Then the whispers started.

They were quiet at first, a faint hum in the back of her mind whenever she stood before the mirror. The voice grew bolder over time, urging her to tweak her hair, try on a different dress, or stand just so. And Claire listened, not realizing how easily she was falling into its rhythm. Her reflection began to change even more, her skin glowing, her features sharpening into something undeniably stunning. People started to notice. First Matt, then their friends, eventually even strangers on the street. For the first time, she felt the magnetic pull of being admired.

The changes didn’t stop with her appearance. Thoughts she’d once dismissed as shallow crept into her mind, louder and harder to ignore. The job she used to love felt burdensome, the struggling families a drain on her energy. The rooftop parties Matt took her to now felt exhilarating. She loved the way eyes lingered on her, the way conversations stopped when she walked into a room.

The woman in the mirror watched it all with a knowing smirk.

It wasn’t long before Claire barely recognized herself. She quit her nonprofit job without a second thought. Her days became filled with shopping trips and photoshoots in the apartment’s perfect lighting. She downloaded Instagram, creating an account that quickly amassed followers, each post filled with images of her flawless face and designer outfits.

Claire told herself she could stop whenever she wanted. That she wasn’t like those people. Those vapid, shallow influencers. But she knew she was lying to herself. She was changing and she didn’t like it.

Tonight, Claire was determined to break free. She stood before the mirror, trembling with anger and fear. Her reflection stared back, serene and mocking, every bit as beautiful as Claire had become.

“You’re wasting your strength,” it purred, tilting its head. “Look at your life. You’re better now. You love who you’ve become.”

“I never wanted this!” Claire shouted, tears streaking her perfect cheeks. “I’m not like you!”

The reflection’s laughter filled the room, sharp and cutting. “Oh, Claire. Sweet, naive Claire. You already are me. Look at what you’ve done. You quit your job. You love the attention. You thrive on it.”

Claire’s hands balled into fists. “No,” she whispered, shaking her head. But the whispers in her mind were louder now, echoing every cruel thought she’d buried. You liked it. You wanted it.

With a scream, she lunged at the mirror, slamming her fist into the glass. Cracks splintered across the surface, glowing faintly as her reflection’s smirk widened.

“You can’t destroy me,” it said, stepping closer to the surface. “Because I’m you.”

The cracks rippled like water as the reflection stepped through, fully formed and impossibly radiant. It towered over Claire, perfect and cold, a cruel parody of everything she’d despised.

“Stop fighting,” the reflection whispered, cupping Claire’s face. Its hands were cold, yet they burned. “When this is over, you won’t even remember who you were. And that’s a blessing.”

Claire tried to pull away, but her body felt heavy, her thoughts sluggish. The reflection leaned closer, and Claire felt herself slipping away. Her anger, her resistance, her very self dissolving into the void.

The last thing she saw was her reflection’s flawless smile.

The woman who rose from the floor looked flawless, every movement smooth and deliberate. She turned to the mirror, now whole and unblemished, and adjusted her hair with a satisfied smirk.

Grabbing her phone, she snapped a selfie against the glittering skyline, captioning it with ease.

“Chasing perfection ✨ #blessed #citylife”

In the depths of the mirror, a faint outline of Claire’s old self remained, hands pressed against the glass, her mouth open in a silent scream.

But the new Claire didn’t notice.

And she didn’t care.

[bots-and-cons]

Can Imake a platonic request for the tfp decepticons with a reader that was experimented by shockwave and now they are like Tfa Waspinator? they also have a rivalry with Bumblebe, and they can put themselves back together when they are blown to bits.

A/N: I know zero about TFA and zero about Waspinator, so I had to do some googling. Idk if this is very accurate, so I mostly went with the “can put themselves back together” thing. I didn’t do all of the cons, just most. Also this isn’t particularly platonic, because I wrote the reader as a bit of a loner

•You were an autobot originally, but you were declared a traitor and when you eventually escaped the prison you were held in, you joined the decepticons for real

•You weren’t exactly a volunteer for Shockwave’s experiments, but the whole thing was complicated and you don’t really remember much about it, nor do you like to recall it

•Anyway you have a huge grudge against Bumblebee, because he was the one that originally turned you in for being a traitor

•Your relationship with Shockwave especially is strained, because of the experiments and the stuff that happened during them

•You don’t really get along with many of your fellow decepticons, and even those you do get along with, you’re not close to

•Knockout and Breakdown are probably the ones you get along with the most

•You and Knockout both have a rivalry with Bumblebee, so you have that in common, though you’re much more murderous about it

•Breakdown and Knockout are also seen as different from the other decepticons, because their alt-modes are not capable of flight

•You’re able to fly, but you’re still very different from the other cons, because you’re basically an insecticon

•Airachnid and you don’t particularly get along, even though she’s sort of similar to you with the whole spider thing

•Megatron was just fine with the experiments, because it doesn’t really matter what happens, as long as he gets something useful out of it

•And you’re quite useful indeed, a strong fighter and a survivor

•He thinks your ability to be broken into pieces and put yourself back together is especially useful and he would like to see if it can be implemented onto others too

•So that kicks off more experiments for Shockwave

•You prefer to be on your own, because of the betrayal you suffered before, so you won’t screwed over again

•Still you prefer to stay with the cons, because you know you have a better chance of getting your revenge against Bumblebee

[k1ng-ej]

You don't have to make them childhood friends, but can you make a fem reader having an anathor super close friend who approached Thomas with the reader first. Because the reader was super shy/emotional back then and just couldn't approach anyone for the fear of being bullied or vulnerable. But what Thomas didn't know was that the reader's close and technically only friend was very toxic. She's kind and all. But a HUGE liar. Sometimes, making the reader take the blame for everything or just make her look bad, but because the reader was afraid to be alone, not to mention loving this friend very much. She just couldn't leave them.

And when they are a bit older, she did fall for Thomas, but because they were used to being the second option and since the friend was just so perfect in every way (even though they weren't). The reader assumes Thomas would always pick them over her, and because of that, she never said anything.

Hi! Thank you for the request! I hope I've written this to your liking! :)

Thomas Hewitt x reader

Summary: Reader has a toxic friend who lies and makes her look bad a lot, they both befriend Thomas, Eventually reader develops feelings for Thomas, but doesn't say anything because she assumes Thomas would choose her friend over her. Warnings: none Notes: Lowkey was kicking my feet writing the last bit

During your childhood, your shyness led you to be quite reserved, which resulted in difficulties when it came to forming meaningful friendships. This left you with just one close companion, Emily, who, on the surface, seemed like an outgoing and friendly individual who treated everyone with kindness. However, beneath this cheerful facade, your relationship with her was quite toxic, as she persistently engaged in reckless behavior and cleverly shifted the blame onto you, placing you in extremely challenging situations. Despite the emotional betrayal and the unfair consequences you faced, you were never able to muster the courage to confront her about her actions, fearing that you might lose the only friendship you had.

One sunny afternoon after school, she took the initiative to introduce you to a boy named Thomas, who was frequently subjected to bullying due to his appearance. As you spent time together, you discovered that Thomas was quite introverted and preferred to keep to himself, never speaking a word. Despite the silence, you found that you genuinely enjoyed his company; he had a kind nature that shone through, and it became evident to you that he didn't deserve the treatment he received from others.

Unfortunately for you, Emily also liked hanging out with Thomas, often making you an outcast in your small group of three. 

Throughout your teenage years, your friendship with Tommy deepened, and you found yourself developing a crush on him. You felt a unique connection with him, understanding his body language and recognizing his unspoken thoughts through the expression in his eyes, something Emily didn't seem to grasp as well. You contemplated confessing your feelings, but the thought quickly vanished as you glanced at Emily. If Tommy were to have feelings for anyone, it would surely be her. With her stunning blonde curls, rosy cheeks, and vibrant personality she seemed like the perfect match. Plus, Emily spent significantly more time with Tommy, giving him the opportunity to know her better than he knew you.

However, as more time went by, the intensity of your feelings for Thomas only deepened, becoming a constant presence in your heart and mind. Butterflies would flit and flutter around in your stomach every single time you spent time together, filling you with a mix of excitement and anxiety as you hoped he didn't notice how nervous you were when he was around. You found yourself fidgeting with your hands, a nervous habit that seemed impossible to shake as you talked to him, and you often avoided making direct eye contact, only allowing yourself to look at him when you were sure he wasn't watching you back.

You found yourself daydreaming about the moments you spent together, wondering if he would ever notice you in that way. Each shared glance and accidental touch only intensified the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside you.

It wasn't until two years after you developed a crush on Thomas that you finally decided to confess your feelings.

The intensity of your emotions was overwhelming, leading you into a spiral of self-doubt as you constantly compared yourself to Emily. Ultimately, you resolved to take the plunge and tell him, reassuring yourself that the worst he could do was reject you.

Now, you find yourself seated beside him on a quaint bench near your old elementary school, your heart racing and hands trembling. You ve rehearsed countless times how to express your feelings, yet with him so close, your mind has gone completely blank. All you yearn for is to leave your emotions behind and learn to move on.

"Thomas.." you finally uttered, taking a deep breath and straightening your posture. He turned his gaze toward you, worry etched across his features as his eyes searched your face. You couldn't bring yourself to look him in the eye, opting instead to observe him through your periphery.

"I've been wanting to share something with you for quite some time, but I've never found the courage to do so." Your voice trembled as you spoke, and warmth crept into your cheeks. "For the past couple of years, l've had a crush on you, but i never expressed it because I feared rejection and worried that you would always choose Emily over me."

A tremendous weight has been lifted off your shoulders.

After all this time, you finally found the courage to express your feelings to Tommy. The relentless anxiety that consumed you whenever he was around had taken a toll both mentally and physically, and now, you felt a sense of relief in voicing your emotions. As you anxiously picked at the skin around your nails, you braced yourself for Thomas' reaction, fully expecting him to either walk away or give you that unmistakable look that would signal your feelings weren't mutual.

What you didn't anticipate was the sensation of a rough, calloused hand intertwining with yours, jolting you from your thoughts. When you turned to Thomas, he initially fixed his gaze on the bench, but when he finally met your eyes, everything changed. His eyes, always beautiful and one of his most noteworthy features, now appeared even more captivating. With his pupils dilated and an unspoken message of 'I like you too' reflected in them, you felt a warmth spread inside you, melting your heart just a little.

[aita-blorbos]

AITA for ghosting my friends for a few years unprompted?

I, Sh (at the time 12F) and my friends Sa, H, and Ic (all 12F) have known each other since we were in elementary school. Really young, we've trusted each other with deep secrets and everything. We're now 15.

Problem is, at the start of middle school, one of my friends, Sa, was sent to the hospital. She got really sick out of nowhere, chronically, and as a result, none of us could see her for a long time-- Ic visited sometimes, but the hospital was so far away that the visits couldn't be frequent.

I'm not all that proud to admit it, but I didn't visit Sa. At all. Which might be a bit of a.. rude thing to do, especially with such a close friend as her.

While Sa was away, people in my school started giving me unwanted attention. I'm not the most social person, I'll be the first to say it, and I'm not very expressive either. To be honest, I prefer being alone a lot of the time instead of hanging out with my peers. Exceptions for my childhood friends of course.

Anyway, that year I didn't know anyone in my class. All my friends had been split up-- and, to top it off, my classmates started saying I was rude and stuck-up because I kept declining their invitations to hang out. They also started saying things about my friends, as if anyone that hung out with someone so rude was also rude too. "Birds of a feather flock together" or something, and things like "she thinks she's so much better than everyone, too".

I couldn't stand these people targetting Ic and H. I don't care what people think about me, I really don't, but I know how they can get, and I didn't want them to have any more stress than necessary. Sa's situation had taken a toll on everyone.

So, I started avoiding them. One day, I just did it. I stopped talking to them, I stopped hanging out. Stopped even glancing in their direction for too long. I know it wasn't the right thing to do, probably, and it still hurts remembering the look Ic gave me when I first started doing this. It was just me for a while, and my sister Sz.

But I just wanted to protect them. If I'd have told them what was going on, they'd have just worried about me instead! And then they'd keep talking to me at school, which would keep making those people talk badly about them.. I don't know.

I've wondered if this was the right decision to make for a while now. I still kind of regret it, but.. H did the same thing too, didn't she? She quit our group too.

Luckily, I was able to get back together with them. We're all in high school now, and out of nowhere, Sa came back! She was healthy enough to, and, well.. she wanted to form a band with the four of us. Like the old days.

I didn't accept at first, but eventually, we all agreed to join. I've already told all of them why I started avoiding everyone, but I still feel a bit bad. Also, I was.. well, kind of lonely.

So AITA?